Red tier is here - let the countdown to hybrid transition begin!
Finding God in All Things
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Dear O’Dowd Families,
We are pleased to share that Alameda County reached Red tier status today. For those who have opted for hybrid, we look forward to seeing you back on campus for classes soon!
We are also pleased to share that vaccinations began to roll out for educators, and many of our faculty and staff have already received their first round of vaccinations. Even with vaccinations rolling out, it is imperative that our community closely follow all health and safety protocols in our Safe Return Plan, including masking, social distancing, and the agreements in our Social Contract. We are very grateful for the peace of mind the vaccine is providing for many.
Hybrid is our path to a full reopening of campus - at this time approximately half of our student body has opted for hybrid. Students, we can't wait to welcome you back to campus (and welcome many of you for the first time, Class of 2024!).
AND we want to note the necessity for and importance of a smooth, successful transition to campus for faculty, staff, and students, with a week to ramp up socially-emotionally, operationally, and be best set for success as we kick off the first week of hybrid prior to Easter break.
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HYBRID LAUNCH PLAN
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Mon 3/15 - 3/19 Transition to Campus Week
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Asynchronous (independent) learning for all students (both remote and hybrid). Students will receive asynchronous assignments from teachers for this transition week. Students will not log into regularly scheduled Zoom classes, but will have coursework to be completed during this week.
- Five days of intensive hybrid transition with faculty and staff on campus for finishing touches to campus and classrooms to ensure safety, tech prep, and smooth operations. All on-campus faculty and staff will receive COVID-19 tests weekly starting during this transition week.
- Students are invited and encouraged to take advantage of optional on-campus COVIID-19 testing. See details below.
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Wed 3/17 Campus Connect: Classes of 2021, 2022, 2023 Required for all hybrid students (on campus event - details below)
- 9:00-10:30am Class of 2023
- 11:00am-12:30pm Class of 2022
- 1:00-2:30pm Class of 2021
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Thur 3/18, 9:00-11:00am Campus Connect: Class of 2024 (A-L last names) Required for all hybrid students (on-campus event - details below)
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Thur 3/18, 12:30-2:30pm Campus Connect: Class of 2024 (M-Z last names) Required for all hybrid students (on-campus event - details below)
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Mon 3/22 Hybrid Launch!
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COVID TESTING INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS - STARTING MON 3/8
O'Dowd strongly encourages students to take advantage of optional weekly COVID-19 testing. All faculty and staff on campus will be tested weekly. Regular testing helps to mitigate risk of transmission for the whole O'Dowd community.
Testing Instructions/Information
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What Testing is being administered through PMH Laboratory, Inc., a gold standard in COVID-19 testing. The test is a PCR/nasal swab. O'Dowd's COVID-19 Coordinator Sandria Bolden of Joffe Emergency Services will be administering the tests. If demand is high, PMH will provide trained nurses to support the testing.
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Where The Dominican Lounge, Dominican conference room and bathroom and Dominican Courtyard will serve as the Health Room, Sandria’s office and testing site. It will be off limits to all other personnel. Testing will take place in the Courtyard. Access will be through the outside stairs behind the Dominican Building garages.
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When Preliminary testing schedule, subject to change, is as follows:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:00pm – 4:00pm: faculty/staff/students
- Wednesdays: 2:00pm – 6:00pm: coaches/student athletes only
- How/Schedule test
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Reservations are required for testing. Make your reservation today
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Fill out in advance and bring new printed copy of PMH Consent Form to each appointment (includes insurance information)
- Government ID
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If needed, fill out and bring printed copy of PMH Uninsured Form
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Results Please see these instructions about how to get results; results are generally uploaded within 48 hours after testing.
Questions: Please reach out to O'Dowd's COVID-19 Coordinator Sandria Bolden.
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CAMPUS CONNECT EVENTS - 3/17, 3/18
Prior to Coming to Campus
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Watch the Safe Return Protocols Video before coming onto campus.
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The day you return, before you come onto campus, download the self-screening app and complete your self-screening to show your “green/all clear” screen to security at the entrance.
- Bring water bottles/snacks and be sure you can carry everything in your backpack (no locker access due to COVID safety protocols)
- Dress code required for Campus Connect events - get your Dragon wear ready!
Parking/Transportation
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Cars/Dropoff: Parents will drop off at the 98th Street and Stearns entrances.
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On-campus parking: Those eligible for on-campus parking have received details for on-campus parking. Lower lot parking is first come, first serve.
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BART Shuttle: We will have pick-ups from San Leandro BART. Each student must be registered as space is limited. Parents/guardians, please register each student here.
Classes of 2021, 2022, 2023 Meet and be seated in distanced groupings in the Quad. Deans of Students Ms. Donahue and Mr. Mason will provide an overview and walk-through of campus with new navigation norms to ensure social distancing for health and safety. They will also review key protocols to protect community health and safety.
Class of 2024 In addition to the safety program presented by Deans of Students described above, we want our Class of 2024 to get acquainted with YOUR campus! Bring your course schedule and campus map with you! You will use these to locate your classrooms and navigate campus to find them (with the new twist of the COVID routes) with student leaders posted on campus to assist you/answer questions! You’ll also be welcomed by your Principal Dr. Smart and meet your Associate Principals Mr. Judd, Dr. Susoev, and Mr. Dineen. We will also have a Q&A for you all to answers your questions. WELCOME!
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PSA - VACCINATION IS CARING
The Diocese of Oakland highly encourages but does not require O'Dowd employees to be vaccinated. Vaccination shows care for self and others by helping to promote herd immunity, protecting the most vulnerable among us. We encourage our adult community of faculty, staff, and families to get vaccinated when eligible/able. Visit MyTurn.ca.gov to get notified about your eligibility and to make an appointment.
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