Communication from Diocese of Las Vegas Catholic Schools

July 22, 2020

Dear Elementary School Parents,

As you are likely aware, the Clark County School District has announced that they will begin fall instruction with full-time distance education. A few of you have reached out today asking, "What does this mean for our Catholic schools?"

We have stated from the very beginning that the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and families will be our top priority when re-opening our campuses. Our administrators, faculty, and staff have been working extraordinarily hard planning for in-person instruction while focusing on making our campuses safe for everyone.

In constructing our reopening plans, we have closely studied the recommendations from federal and state authorities, as well as medical professionals who have provided guidance as members of our Diocesan Restoration Advisory Council. We remain confident that our schools are ready and well prepared to meet the challenges of our ever-changing public health conditions as the first day of the school year approaches.

All schools in the State of Nevada, both public and private, including the Diocese of Las Vegas, are required to develop their own re-opening plans, including in-person instruction, with the approval of their governing bodies. Due to the fact that our schools have much smaller student populations, we are able to implement essential precautions with greater ease while remaining vigilant, consistent, and flexible:

 Daily screenings and temperature checks for all students and staff prior to entry each day. Those registering a fever of 100.4 will be quarantined and sent home. If exhibiting any of the other COVID-19 symptoms such as a sore throat, coughing, or nausea, all are asked to remain at home.

 Social distancing is an effective way to prevent potential infection. To this end:
              o Employees, students, parents, and visitors will follow the CDC                                   recommended 6 feet of distance from others and eliminate contact with                   others whenever possible.
              o Traffic Flow Maps will be established with taped lines/signage marking                   the walking direction throughout the campus in order to maintain the                     social distancing requirements.
              o Students will receive training on the required social distancing protocols                   and health/hygiene practices. Students will not share supplies or work                     together in small groups (distancing will remain throughout the day).
 All extracurricular clubs/events/activities/sports, including informal meetings, will be postponed or limited to begin the school year.
 Classrooms have been configured to maintain the necessary distancing with students grouped by class in order to limit contact between classes during the school day and minimize the potential spread of anyillness from group to group. Teachers and specialists will be rotating from class to class and classrooms and parish/ school meeting rooms have been reassigned to accommodate the number of students at each grade level.
 Lunch and recess will be staggered by grade levels to ensure social distancing.
 Frequent sanitation of classrooms will occur throughout the school day using products recommended for use during the COVID-19 outbreak.
 Cleaning and sanitizing all classrooms and work areas at the end of each day.
 We will follow the State mandate as it applies to face coverings. In addition, the current guidance from “The American Academy of Pediatrics” indicates the need for all children to wear face coverings “when harms (eg. increasing hand-mouth/nose contact) do not outweigh benefits (potential COVID-19 risk reduction).” For those who will struggle with this, we will permit the use of face shields.
 Arrival/Dismissal: We will use various entrances and exits to minimize contact between student groups. Parents are asked to refrain from gathering in close proximity/near school doors (following social distancing protocols).

Every tool available will be used to ensure that our students are in school - learning and growing - in the safest environment possible. Though some protocols may be inconvenient, they are absolutely necessary in order to maintain this safety. We will all work cooperatively to support a healthy learning environment under these new conditions.

Should you have any questions regarding the configuration of your child’s classroom, procedures for re-opening, or specific needs pertaining to your family, please contact your school’s Principal directly. We understand that some of our families may not be ready to return to school, therefore, a virtual learning option will be available. For your convenience, FAQ sheets are attached to this correspondence in order to answer those most commonly asked questions.

On behalf of Bishop Thomas, the Diocesan Restoration Advisory Council, our administrators, faculty, and staff, thank you for your partnership and commitment to Catholic education. We hope this information gives you the confidence that we are approaching our Catholic school re-openings both cautiously and responsibly. Be assured that we are here to support you and your children – we remain in this together.

Respectfully,
Catherine Thompson
Superintendent

Dear Elementary School Parents,

I pray this correspondence finds you and your families safe and well. As our planning for the next school year continues, the following will provide an update on the steps we are taking to re-open our schools safely.

The development of our reopening plans has been guided by the Diocesan Restoration Advisory Council that was established by Bishop Thomas (under the medical guidance of Dr. Jeffrey Davidson and Ms. Sandy Young, Registered Nurse), the Nevada Department of Education, and state and government officials.

As a result of this guidance, we have defined the necessary modifications to facilitate in-person instruction at each of our elementary schools and will resume full-day instruction, five days per week, on-campus beginning Monday, August 17, 2020.

Our strategies for a return to on-campus instruction center on two principles: health and safety. Our classrooms will be configured to maintain the necessary distancing of students and limiting contact between classes during the school day in order to minimize the potential spread of any illness from group to group. Specific modifications to anticipate include: physical distancing; facial coverings; frequent hand washing; class-level groupings; the expanded use of campus/parish spaces for instruction; and temperature checks upon entry. Some of our schools may see changes to their daily arrival and dismissal procedures, the set-up of classroom desks and furniture, as well as additional approaches to accommodate these new protocols. The layout for every school campus is unique; therefore, specific plans pertaining to these modifications will be communicated by each individual school.

Due to the unpredictability of public health conditions, our schools will prepare distance learning plans should they become necessary. Over the past months we have come to appreciate how vital Catholic schools are to our students; serving as centers of faith, academic excellence, community, and growth.

When we return to on-campus instruction, our goal is to minimize any health risks to our students, educators, and community. We will reduce the risk of COVID-19 by remaining vigilant, consistent, and flexible. Every tool available will be used to ensure that our students are in school - learning and growing in the safest environment possible. Though some protocols may be inconvenient, they are absolutely necessary in order to maintain this safety. We must all work cooperatively to support a healthy learning environment under these new conditions.

To ensure the highest standards of health and safety, we have obtained the essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), hand sanitizers, no-touch thermometers, water stations, and sanitizing materials, etc. We will also continue to mandate strong hygiene practices with additional cleaning and appropriate sanitizing measures added throughout the school day.

While these last several months have been unprecedented, the mission of our schools has always remained the same. We stand for excellence, but more importantly, we cultivate faith and values, we model community, and we are grateful to be sharing this journey with you.

This coming school year will require the same faith and dedication. On behalf of Bishop Thomas, our administrators, faculty and staff, thank you for your partnership and commitment to Catholic education.

Open enrollment for the next school year is continuing at each of our seven elementary schools. Should you have friends and family members seeking a Catholic education, please visit our website at lasvegascatholicschools.org for links to each of our campuses.

Hopefully, this brief overview has provided helpful information. As always, should you have specific questions, please contact your school or this office directly. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in August. Be assured that our Catholic schools are here to support you and your children – we remain in this together.

Respectfully,
Catherine Thompson
Superintendent

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In light of recent information from our Governor and Nevada’s public health authorities, and based on directives for releasing the “Stay at Home” orders, I want to provide you with an update from the Diocese regarding the status of our school year. From the start of this crisis, we have taken every precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, and staff.  Social distancing and “Stay at Home” orders have been effective, and we continue to hear encouraging news pertaining to the slowing of the virus.  This success also means that we must continue with these practices.

Therefore, our campuses will remain physically closed and Distance Learning programs will continue for the remainder of the current school year. 

Although our campuses are closed, school is still in session and faculty and principals continue to work daily to ensure our students are receiving a quality, Catholic education.  Just as when this journey began, our administrators, faculty and staff remain faithful to our Catholic identity, our academic standards, and keeping our students engaged, learning, and connected.   In the days to come, we will share details pertaining to summer opportunities and plans for major events, including graduations and Baccalaureate Masses.

We recognize the difficulties and disruptions that these unprecedented times have created for  everyone.  Thank you for your patience and solidarity as we continue to work together.  Please pray for our nation, our communities, our families, and our Church.   Our Catholic schools are here to support you and your children – we are in this together. 
 
Respectfully,
 
Catherine Thompson
Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Following today’s directive from Governor Sisolak, which extends the social distancing and Stay Home For Nevada order, all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Las Vegas will abide by this mandate and remain closed until April 30, 2020. Beyond the announced date, the specific timeline for all Diocesan Catholic
Schools going forward will be determined by the State Chief Medical Office, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and the Southern Nevada Health District. The safety and well-being of our students will always remain the top priority.

This is an unprecedented time for all of us; in the midst of such uncertainty I wish to thank our students, parents, staff, teachers, and administrators for working together. Over these last two weeks we have climbed a steep learning curve, minimizing disruptions in student learning and developing remote learning plans to mirror the content and rigor of our classrooms. Partnering with our parents, we
continue to sustain learning and to build community through prayer, encouragement, and support.

I ask that you continue to pray, especially for the sick, health care providers, public health officials, and all community leaders.

You remain in my daily prayers,

Catherine Thompson
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Diocese of Las Vegas

March 30, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this correspondence finds all of our families healthy and safe as we move into this second full week of Distance Learning. We recognize these unprecedented times are asking a lot of each of us and the toll it can take emotionally, financially and socially given the uncertainty of our lives.

This Lent is calling us to make great social sacrifices by remaining safely at home. I wish to assure you of our continued commitment to providing a quality Catholic education for all of our students during these trying times. Although we are socially distanced, our schools and staff have been going to great lengths to implement Distance Learning protocols to ensure continuity of learning for our students at a level that meets our high standards. This will allow our students to stay on track with all the State of Nevada’s requirements which will prevent the necessity for any extended summer classes.

We have a strong network of teachers who have done so much, with little time to prepare, while also taking care of their families and loved ones. Their dedication to forging ahead with their job duties despite the distance; to develop lesson plans and to provide daily online instruction will keep our students on track to complete this school year successfully. I would encourage each of you to continue reaching out to your school’s principal or your student’s teacher with any questions.
We also recognize that the question of tuition will be a real challenge for some of our families. Tuition is an absolutely essential budget item for our Catholic Schools to sustain ongoing operations and salaries for our teachers and our staff, as they continue to provide quality academic programming for our students. This cannot be made available without your continued tuition commitment.

However, if the financial challenges facing so many today become too much, please contact your school’s administrator to work out what options may be available for us to support each other during this time. Our Catholic schools are here to support you and your children - we are in this together. Please know that you remain in my daily prayers.

Respectfully,

Catherine Thompson
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Diocese of Las Vegas

March 19, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It came to the attention of Our Lady of Las Vegas late yesterday, through another school parent, that one of the school’s parents was confirmed as positive with COVID-19 (Coronavirus). That parent had come to the school on Tuesday, March 17th to retrieve materials for their student’s distance learning and briefly came in contact with a member of the staff. Diocesan officials have been in contact with the Southern Nevada Health District (“SNHD”) and have taken the necessary steps with respect to notification of the staff member with guidance and instruction from SNHD.

Even though the SNHD felt the risk of exposure/transference to other students, parents, and staff to be low, out of an abundance of caution, we are providing this information to our school community as your health and safety is of the utmost importance to us and we want everyone to be able to make informed health decisions. As always, we remind everyone to follow protocols that are in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), as well as other local, state, and federal agencies.

Respectfully,
Catherine Thompson
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Diocese of Las Vegas

March 15, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians, 
 
As you know, for the past several days the Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Las Vegas has monitored and prepared for the anticipated closure of our schools.  On a daily basis we have been meeting and discussing these rapidly unfolding events and made the decision that all Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Las Vegas will be closed effective tomorrow, March 16^th.  As it turned out, this decision was in line with Governor Sisolak’s update on the State’s response which included the closing of all K-12 schools in Nevada beginning March 16^th and continuing through April 6^th.  The specific timeline for all Diocesan Catholic Schools going forward will be determined by the State Chief Medical Office, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and the Southern Nevada Health District. 
 
This has been a trying time for all of us as we confront Coronavirus/COVID-19. The quickly evolving news surrounding this pandemic has undoubtedly caused some concern.  It is important for you to know that our schools will continue the work we have begun in order to prepare for such an event. To keep our students engaged, learning, and in community with each other during a trying time, we will continue to provide our schools with Distance Learning resources. Distance Learning will permit our schools to move forward with curriculum, instruction, and assessment for the duration of the school closures. Principals will be communicating specifics about your school’s plan for Distance Learning over the next several days.  There are obviously many factors to be considered as we continue our planning and implementation.  Presently, we are waiting to hear from the State Superintendent of Public Schools on several issues and we will continue to keep everyone advised as information becomes available. 
 
Once again, thank you for your continued support, patience, and understanding at this time.  Please know that the safety and well-being of your children remains our top priority.
 
May Christ continue to bless you and your families,

Catherine Thompson
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Diocese of Las Vegas

Office of Catholic Schools
Las Vegas Diocese of Las Vegas COVID-19 Update
 
March 14, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,
 
The Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Las Vegas is continuing to monitor developments relating to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Presently, our Catholic schools plan to remain open and operational.   Should information become available that would dictate closures, the Diocese of Las Vegas has a plan in place, should the need arise. We will continue to provide ongoing communication with our families, teachers, and students as to plans relating to our Catholic schools as quickly and accurately as possible. Please know that senior leadership in the Diocese is meeting on a daily basis to assess this situation.
 
In order to allow teachers time to prepare for remote instruction should school closures be required, all schools in the Diocese of Las Vegas will be observing teacher inservice days on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17, 2020. This will allow our teachers two full days of training and planning to ensure continuity of instruction during any required closures.
 
As the Diocese of Las Vegas continues to monitor updates on COVID-19, we will notify all schools, students, and parents of academic plans moving forward by noon on Tuesday, March 17^th. 
 
We will remain vigilant about taking appropriate actions and precautions to safeguard the health and welfare of our students.  All members of our school communities will to continue the best practices of hygiene and handwashing as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, the Southern Nevada Health District, and as outlined in the Diocesan notification of March 6^th.    
 
Thank you for your continued support, patience, and understanding at this time.  Our students’ health and well-being will remain our top priority.
 
Respectfully, 
 
Catherine Thompson
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Diocese of Las Vegas

Catholic Elementary Schools in conjunction with the Diocese of Las Vegas continue to monitor the develpments related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Daily, we review the updates provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD). As of today, Nevada is still considered "low-risk" by SNHD. However, we wanted to update you with additional information regarding steps being taken, out of an abundance of caution, to mitigate risk and prepare for future developments. Currently, each of our Elementary Schools will continue to remain open and provide instruction. If more information becomes available that would dictate a closure, each school has a plan in place, should the need arise. 

Extracurricular/Co-curricular Activities

• Following the announcement of the Clark County School District, all Catholic Schools are suspending all athletics, extra-curricular activities, assemblies, practices, and events, effective immediately, until further notice.
• This means all travel and field trips, both within and out of the state, are also suspended, effective immediately, until further notice.

• 8^th Grade Class Trips, graduation events and graduation activities scheduled for later in the school year will be evaluated and monitored on an ongoing basis.

• Should a school closure be necessary, we expect students to remain actively engaged in their learning through a variety of educational applications.
• Each school has developed distance learning guidelines to meet the needs of all students.    Please complete the attached survey in order for schools to determine student/parent access to technology at home should there be a possible school closure due to COVID-19. Our schools are taking this proactive approach in order to plan for all scenarios.

• Proper hygiene and handwashing is still of paramount importance to mitigate the spread of numerous infections, including COVID-19. Specifically, wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Students (and employees) who display any of the following symptoms should stay home from school:
  • Fever, or feeling feverish/chills *
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Cough
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue

• Those who get flu-like symptoms at school will be sent home and will be required to stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
• Our schools will address, on a case-by-case basis, student attendance issues related to illness.

• Janitorial and cleaning staff continue to follow recommendations for cleaning and sanitizing the school. In addition, our janitorial service has considerably increased their disinfecting process to address the current concern and are utilizing all the resources available to mitigate exposure of infection.
• The staff is also ensuring that hand sanitizer, soap and paper towels are properly stocked in all areas of each school.   
• Teachers have access to disinfecting wipes in all classrooms for use on hard surfaces as needed.
• Hand sanitizers are provided in classrooms and in common areas of the school as an additional protective measure.

 
All schools in the Diocese of Las Vegas will remain open and operational while we continue to monitor ongoing developments related to COVID-19. Each school and the Diocese will continue to work in close collaboration with public health officials and government agencies to address ongoing concerns with Coronavirus.
 
We will keep you apprised any developments emerging from our schools and the Diocese of Las Vegas related to COVID-19.