July 27, 2021

Dear Trojan Family:

I hope this letter finds you enjoying the final moments of summer. I am excited about the promise of the upcoming school year and the opportunities that lie ahead.  

I am pleased to inform you that at this time we are going to open the school year with full, in-person instruction beginning on August 5. Below are a few important points concerning COVID-19 protocols.  

• For the 2021-2022 school year at Bishop Chatard, masks will be optional. Masks are recommended for unvaccinated students and staff, vulnerable individuals who may be at increased risk of illness, and anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask. This policy could be modified based on updated guidance from the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD). Should anything change concerning mask mandates we will immediately update our staff, students and stakeholders. 
• Students will be seated three feet apart in the classroom and contact tracing will still be required. If a student tests positive, he/she will need to be isolated. Parents of students that meet close contact criteria will be notified that their child has been potentially exposed to COVID-19. Options for what a close contact student can do will be explained to parents to include quarantining, returning to school, or monitoring for symptoms. We will continue to be transparent and send out weekly updates of positive cases in our community, as needed. 
• There is no opt-out for full-time, virtual instruction as we believe it is important for our entire school to return to the normalcy of full, in-person instruction.    
• Similar to last year, a daily self-screen will still be required of students and staff. Students and staff who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 without being otherwise explained are prohibited from coming to school. Please see our website for updated COVID-19 symptoms.  
• The Holy See and U.S. Bishops have determined that the reception of the vaccines is morally acceptable and responsible. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as The Office of Catholic Schools (OCS) recommends that all eligible parties should be encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Bishop Chatard will not require vaccinations of students and staff. We believe that getting vaccinated is a personal family decision. Vaccinated students and staff members will not have to quarantine due to close contact exposure.

Additional, more comprehensive COVID-19 plans will be made available once the Marion County Public Health Department releases their guidance and recommendations. 

If any additional questions remain, please feel free to contact me at 317-251-1451, ext. 1900 or via email at jhansen@bishopchatard.org. Specific COVID-19 questions can be directed to medical@bishopchatard.org.

I am excited about returning to school and the promise that 2021-2022 holds. Please continue to pray for the success of Bishop Chatard High School.  

Sincerely,