WOODSTOCK—Marian Central Catholic High School here notified its parents and staff on Aug. 31 that the school would put its e-learning plan in place from Sept. 2-14. The plan is being activated due to new positive cases of COVID-19 and a large number of others at the school exposed to those who tested positive for the virus.

 

In a letter posted to School Speak and social media, Marian Central informed parents that 25 students were already quarantined at home and utilizing e-learning and the school was notified that two additional students tested positive for the virus along with two staff members. 

 

“As a result of these positive test confirmations and our contact tracing protocols, we find it necessary to quarantine more than 100 people due to contact with those testing positive,” the letter said.

 

The school will follow diocesan COVID policies and report to the local County Board of Health, have the entire facility cleaned and disinfected beyond the usual sanitation for COVID prevention, require all students and staff to stay home during disinfection, send notification to parents and follow any further direction from the local health department on contact tracing.

 

“Marian Central Catholic High School will continue to monitor this situation in concert with local health authorities and the Diocese of Rockford. Every effort is being made to keep our campus sanitary, minimize contact and maintain social distancing so that our students and staff can benefit from in-person academic interaction. 

 

“We encourage our families to be actively sharing our vigilance in limiting interactions in large non-familial groups at home and on weekends or whenever students are not present on campus,” the letter said.

 

At press time, Marian Central Catholic High School was one of two diocesan schools currently on an e-learning plan. 

 

The action taken by Marian Central was exactly why principals and the diocesan administration worked so hard on pandemic planning and protocols according to Michael Kagan, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools. 

 

“Our schools are following strict protocols and we pray our students and families practice those same precautions at home and in their activities away from home so we can minimize any contact with those that may carry the coronavirus both in our schools and communities,” he added.