2021-22 School Year Health and Safety Policy
A Message from Michelle A. Peduto, Director of Catholic Schools
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Last year we came together as a school community and went to heroic lengths to educate, develop, and support our students through a year that was unlike any other since Central Catholic opened its doors in 1927. Nonetheless, the Brotherhood that is Central Catholic is at its very essence about relationships. Our plan is to be fully in and return to as normal of a routine as possible, while adhering to the Diocesan guidelines and Allegheny County Health Department. We will resume celebrating Mass as a community and holding assemblies. Guest speakers will be welcomed.
One phrase that we repeatedly used when describing COVID-19 is “ever-changing,” and this year is no different. This year, we are confronted by the COVID-19 Delta variant, which is more contagious than what we faced last year and, in some cases, can infect those who have already been vaccinated; however, the risk of hospitalization or death is extremely low for the vaccinated. If your student has not been vaccinated and does not have underlying health conditions that would prevent him from being vaccinated, I encourage you to get him vaccinated as soon as possible.
Please read the updated Message from Michelle A. Peduto, Director of Catholic Schools, regarding the start of the 2021-22 school year, which includes information about the Diocesan-wide masking policy.
The following is a list of health and safety practices, many outlined in the Diocesan-wide protocols linked above, and others that pertain specifically to Central Catholic, that we will implement starting this Sunday, August 22, 2021. These will be updated as new information becomes available from the Diocese and the Allegheny County Health Department.
Social Distancing: Classrooms will be arranged to seat students at least 3 feet apart to the greatest extent possible. We will have two dining halls like last year to provide additional distance.
Mask Wearing: Mask wearing will be mandatory for everyone indoors except when eating in the dining hall.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Disposable masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes will be available in all classrooms and common spaces.
Health Screening and Temperature Checks: Students should self-monitor, stay home and get tested if they are showing symptoms. Parents, please err on the side of caution and keep your student home if he is not feeling well.
Contact Tracing and Quarantining: We will follow the COVID-19 Quarantine Guidance Flowchart provided by the Allegheny County Health Department.
Online Class Attendance while in Quarantine: If a student is quarantined due to a positive test or being a close contact, he will be able to Zoom in to his classes. This also applies to long-term health issues where the student will be out of school and a doctor’s note is provided.
Dress Code: The previously announced Dress Code Policy will remain in effect, with the exception of shaving.
Fully Online: Central Catholic will not offer a fully online option unless the entire school is required to temporarily close for in-person learning.
These policies will take effect this Sunday, August 22, 2021.
We will update and post our fully revised Health and Safety Plan on our website by this Friday.
If you have questions or concerns, I encourage you to email me directly at abaginski@centralcatholichs.com.
I understand that there are still many unknowns and questions, and I am dedicated to having 1-on-1 conversations to address them.
Fraternally,
Brother Tony Baginski, FSC
Principal
