DIOCESE—Catholic schools in the Rockford Diocese are making final preparations to welcome students in person this month. Full plans and guidelines during this time of pandemic have been posted both on the Catholic Education website and linked on the Diocese of Rockford website.

 

Masks, alternate lunch times, cohort “families” will all be part of the new normal which schools are putting in place to give Catholic students a safe and academically rich school year.

 

In addition to the original guidelines posted in June and July, individual schools are being asked to develop an e-learning plan for parents who request it.

 

“We have asked all of our principals to, at the minimum, consider offering an e-learning option to parents who request it,” said Michael Kagan, Superintendent of diocesan schools. “We know that some schools have more resources than others when it comes to personnel and technology, but we emphasized the importance of responding positively to the needs of their school communities. 

 

“Although all of our schools are planning to open for in person, on site instruction in late August or early September,” he continued, “they are all expected to consider how they might deliver instruction to those students whose parents choose to keep them home.” 

 

Each school is responsible for developing its own plan, Kagan said, because “The method by which our schools deliver e-learning to those who choose to remain at home may vary, with some schools having the ability to livestream instruction while others post lessons on-line after the school day ends.”

 

Parents wanting to discuss the guidelines and e-learning should contact their individual Catholic school.

 

Meanwhile all diocesan Catholic schools are putting physical distance and disinfecting plans and routines in place. Parents should check with their individual schools regarding supply lists, masks and any personal sanitation items needed. These supply lists could vary from school to school.

 

Kagan said at this time all fall sports and other extracurricular activities are following Illinois High School Association (IHSA) guidelines published in late July.

 

“Our focus and main priority at this time is on safely reopening our schools and preparing our academic program for in-class instruction,” Kagan said. Information on sports for Fall, Winter and Spring will be updated on the diocesan and individual school websites and through School Speak.