Dear Catholic School Community,

Please see the brief update below regarding our continued efforts to prepare for the upcoming school year. Much of our work is based on Executive Order No. 2020-142 and the Return to School Roadmap.

Executive Order No. 2020-142

• “This executive order provides a structure to support all schools in Michigan as they plan for a return of preK-12 education in the fall.”
• “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution… Districts will retain flexibility to tailor their instruction to their particular needs and to the disease conditions present in their regions.”
• “Every school district and nonpublic school must develop and adopt a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan…”
• The document contains requirements regarding face coverings/masks when a school is operating in phase 4 (pg.4). More specific information on this topic can be found on page 22 of the Return to School Roadmap.

Return to School Roadmap
The 63-page roadmap includes requirements that all schools must implement as well as strongly recommended and recommended actions under various phases of the MI Safe Start Plan. If your region is in phase 1 – 3, schools will be closed, instruction will continue online. It is also possible that schools may be closed, in consultation with local and county health officials, based on local conditions. Phase 4-6 allow for in-person instruction with varying safety protocols.

Diocese Back to School Task Force/Preparedness Plan
The task force has completed a review of the Return to School Roadmap. The additional requirements and recommendations established by the task force were recently shared with principals to review on the individual school level. Given the range in enrollment and building layout across the diocese, when appropriate, it is possible that some modifications will have to be made. Each school will submit an individual preparedness plan to the diocese for approval. Once approved, the plan will be posted on the school websites and sent to the state, as required by the executive order.

How the requirements established in the roadmap, as well as by the task force, will impact the school environment will be shared with you in more detail by your principal once the preparedness plan has been approved for your school.

Online Learning Option
As part of our preparation for the 2020-2021 academic year, we are continuing to explore the possibility of an online educational platform to serve our Catholic school families. If you are interested in a long term (semester or longer) online option, please complete this brief survey. Your response will be essential to determining the feasibility and sustainability of an online program.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we strive to create the best possible learning environment possible under the current (and potential future) conditions. Please feel welcome to contact the Office of Catholic Schools if we can be of any service to you.

Respectfully,