Updated on August 5, 2020

Message from Mr. Fox

As we prepare for the beginning of school while confronting the threat of COVID-19, I want to call your attention to two important government statements as we prepare for in-person education at St. Bart’s Catholic School.

First, on July 24, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that returning to in-person instruction is in the best interest of students and families, and this return to in-person instruction can be accomplished in a way that mitigates the spread of COVID-19. (Statement found here.)

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Guidance from the CDC provides the basis for public health decisions in the United States. Local public health departments help craft additional guidance that is intended to help keep communities healthy. Schools, businesses and other organizations work to prudentially integrate the recommendations of those public health authorities responsible for helping us better understand the steps we can take to mitigate the spread of disease. 

Second, less than a week after the CDC’s guidance, Governor Walz and his team announced a learning plan for all public and charter schools for the 2020-2021 school year.  The staff and parents of St. Bart’s are certainly mindful that St. Bart’s is a nonpublic school and that we are responsible for making our own prudent decisions for the good of the children and families we serve.

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The importance of in-person instruction for students is underscored by both the recent guidance of the CDC and the statements from the Governor’s Administration. 

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St. Bart’s goal is to serve our school families through in-person instruction through the implementation of a set of required health and safety protocols that promote a safe and healthy return to school.

Throughout this pandemic, we have learned of the need to remain flexible.  St. Bart’s will be prepared to deliver student learning if there is a need to shift from in-person instruction to eLearning instruction should the need arise. 

The challenges related to COVID-19 have been significant, particularly for parents, students and teachers. Yet over the last five months, we have learned that with a careful approach to health and safety, the St. Bart’s Community can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

By moving forward with our plan to provide in-person learning at the start of the 2020-21 school year, St. Bart’s will continue to partner with parents, teachers and health experts to educate students in a way that promotes health and safety for the children and our community.

Along with all Catholic schools, St. Bart’s is implementing Archdiocesan-wide requirements in order to

1. continue providing a quality Catholic education for all students

2. mitigate the risk of the spread of disease and

3. build a culture of health and safety.

St. Bart’s Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan was created in collaboration with parents and staff.  Our plan allows for careful consideration of the latest public health recommendations.  We will respond to these recommendations with flexibility and efficiency as we adjust to the needs of students, families, and the wider community.

St. Bart’s will help families by providing resources and reminding all that keeping our school healthy requires every family do its part through careful attention to the vigilance that the CDC is encouraging for all Americans.

Working together, families and schools can meet the goals of health and safety as we continue to provide an excellent Catholic faith-based education for our St. Bart’s students.

Sincerely,

Patrick Fox

Principal

Our Commitment to Families: