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Saint Olaf Catholic School
Responsibly Intellectually Spiritually Emotionally

Covid-19 Response Plan

2021-2022 School Year COVID-19 Response Plan

COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Quarter 1, 2021-2022 School Year
 
It is the hope that these policies will safeguard students and staff from contracting the COVID-19 virus, especially, in light of the rising case counts. Additionally, preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities will allow our schools to maintain in-person instruction throughout the year.
 
Schools (PreK-8 and Stand-Alone Middle Schools):
 
High vaccination rates for students under 12 cannot currently be achieved because there are currently no approved vaccines. These recommendations come after consultation with the Health Department, recommendations from the CDC and the American Pediatric Association, and input from the Catholic School principals.
 
General Overview
  • We will continue to practice deep cleaning and handwashing protocols
  • We will continue to practice distancing guidelines
  • All students will be required to wear a mask indoors.
  • When students are outdoors masks are not required unless the students are in prolonged close
    contact.
All volunteers in the building will be required to wear a mask. Visitors to the building will be limited and will be required to wear a mask.
 
Guidelines related to COVID-19 will remain in effect for the start of the 2021-2022 School Year.
  1. Students and employees who are unvaccinated and have not been wearing a mask and have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will have to quarantine for 10 days.
  2. Students or employees who have been exposed to COVID-19 and are vaccinated may be required to quarantine.
  3. Unvaccinated individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and are not vaccinated are still considered “vulnerable” by the health department and will follow the unvaccinated guidelines.
  4. For the 2021-2022 Utah Catholic Schools will not provide a remote instruction option for students.
Any school where 2% of the population tests positive for COVID-19 will have to close for 10 calendar days. If individual students or entire classes are quarantined, schools will provide individuals with makeup work and provide classes with online instruction. In the event of a temporary 10-day school closure, schools will shift temporarily to online instruction. Again, the purpose of these protocols is twofold. First, they are intended to keep our students and those with whom they come in contact with free from COVID-19, Second, they are meant to maximize the chances that in-person instruction may be sustained for the entire year. These policies will be reviewed on a regular basis and may change at any time depending on guidance from the State Office of Education, State and local health departments, and the Center for Disease Control.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following to stop the spread of germs:
  • Practice physical distancing (ideally 6+ feet)
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands
  • When in public, wear a face shield/mask covering your nose and mouth
  • Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Clean/Disinfect frequently touched objects
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical attention
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer if water is unavailable
The Diocese of Salt Lake City Requires the use of Face Masks and Social Distancing where possible in their schools and other organizations that are under the Diocese.

For the 2021-2022 School Year, Saint Olaf Catholic School will have a 12:30 pm dismissal on the first Friday of every month and at 2:00 PM every other day. This will be necessary to allow for enhanced cleaning, for faculty professional development/student achievement/data analysis meetings, for parent/teacher meetings and to plan for rituals/traditions that will need to be translated to new formats to maintain our Saint Olaf Catholic School community.

Saint Olaf Catholic School is focused on the growth and well-being of all our students and will assess all students at the beginning of the school year to identify where each student is in August and intentionally plan a strategic/differentiated approach to optimize each student's growth for the 2021-2022 academic school year. As we move forward with hope and love in our hearts, we remember that nothing is impossible with God.

Given the present challenges that we face, can worrying about this add a moment of life? Yet I continue to worry. Lord, forgive my weakness when I worry, for this challenges my trust in you. Help me to recklessly surrender myself to You and boldly trust in Your everlasting care. Amen. (Andrew M. Greeley)
 
Simon R. H. McFall, Principal Saint Olaf Catholic School