In these unprecedented times, we are called to be flexible, creative, and driven to succeed. Working as a team, CSF administrators, teachers, and staff are up for the challenge. As there are no state mandates to guide our school year, we have been in consultation with local doctors as the Fairbanks/North Pole COVID-19 situation evolves. Our goal is to provide quality, holistic education in a safe and intentional manner.

A few weeks ago, we introduced our initial return to school plan. It included all students and staff returning to the school building. As a Catholic, Jesuit-Endorsed school, we believe interpersonal relationships to be integral in education. Since then, COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in our community. We understand many of you may be feeling that 100% in-person is not the right fit for your family. As a private school, we believe it important that we remain flexible and provide safe and comfortable options that work for the unique situations of both our families and our educators. 

As a reminder, earlier this month we identified three possible Return To School  scenarios:

1. 100% in-person attendance
2. Hybrid scenario
3. 100% online

Given our community situation, we have moved toward providing a hybrid scenario. 

This “Hybrid Scenario” means CSF will be offering both in-person and online options for school this fall. These options will look different depending on whether your student is enrolled at ICS or Monroe. While all of the details have not been finalized yet, below is a preview.

IMPORTANT: For all grade levels, PK-12, CSF will incorporate social distancing whenever possible. Masks will be required of students, teachers, and staff members. Regulations outlining what type of masks will be acceptable are forthcoming. If you have immediate questions, please contact our Safety Liaison/COVID-19 Mitigation Coordinator, Lorna Illingworth, at safety@catholic-schools.org.  
ICS Grade School Hybrid Scenario:

Ultimately, there are 4 School Options under the ICS Hybrid Scenario: A. Attend Core Subjects and Specialized Classes (full day, in person), B. Attend Core Classes only (partial day), C. Online for core w/ some in person Specialized Focus Classes, D. Online only. 

EXAMPLE ICS Hybrid Schedule: (As of 7/24/2020, times are approximate)

• 7:30-8:00 a.m. - Staggered student arrival (multi-student families will be
• allowed to come together regardless of grades)
• 8:30-11:30 a.m. – Instruction of core subjects to include math, literacy,  history, science
• 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. – Lunch and recess. Partial day students can leave at   either 11:30 a.m. or can stay through lunch and recess for social time and  leave at 1 p.m.
• 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Specialized Focus (will include music, art, religion, PE, 
• Second Step, study hall/free choice, outdoor play, and other options)
• 2:30-3 p.m. – Staggered departure 
• Core Subject/Classroom Teachers will focus on their online lessons in the afternoon (1-3 p.m.) and will hold office hours with online students.
• Social-emotional support will be integrated into a student’s week regardless  of whether he or she is attending class in-person or online.
• Depending on the needs of “online only” families, CSF would like to explore helping coordinate “home study teams” to help with socialization and study. More information to come.

Please take a moment to complete the questionnaire about your Return to School Preferences. This continues to help us iron out details for this coming year.

We’re working diligently to ensure this is a successful year for all. Thank you for your patience as we continue to move forward into the unknown. While our plans may need to change, our goal to provide the best education possible for your child(ren), be that in-person or online, remains the same. If you have further questions or concerns, please reach out to info@catholic-schools.org.

*If you have children attending ICS, please also refer to the ICS plan. 

As what we know about COVID-19 keeps changing, the following is an initial plan for Fall 2020. Our plan and regulations may change as we near the start of school, August 17.  CSF will do our best to communicate clearly and consistently over the course of the next month.

When drafting our initial school plan, the administrative team consulted local doctors, evaluated numerous school re-opening scenarios across the country and the world, and took the time to process your feedback and comments in the Fall 2020 survey. We found the following resources especially helpful in our planning: COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry from the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC's reports and resources.

Our overall plan for fall includes the following three scenarios: 

• 100% of teachers and students back in the school building
• 50% in-person, 50% distance-delivery (known as A/B) for all students and faculty
• 100% distance-delivery 

At this time, we intend to welcome all students and faculty back into the school building on August 17 with the following COVID-19 mitigation measures.

Masks
Students and staff will be required to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible. Masks will be provided by the school but students and staff can bring and wear their own if they’d like.  We are continuing to look into opportunities for students and staff to have breaks from wearing masks throughout the day while maintaining social distancing.

Extension of the School Day to Allow for Flex Time
The school day will be extended from 2:20 to 3 p.m. The extra time will allow for flex time and movement during the day (bathroom breaks, travel between classes, and more). More details to follow.

4X4 Class Model
Students will take four classes per quarter, and eight per semester. Each class period is 90 minutes. Longer classes, and fewer content areas over the course of a semester, have been shown to decrease stress for both students and teachers. In addition, longer classes will help us increase opportunities for social distancing.

Lunch Time Precautions
Lunch will be closed campus and students will be socially distanced.

Sick Policy 
Students or staff exhibiting fever or symptoms not associated with allergies or other pre-existing conditions will not be able to attend in-person school until they are cleared by a medical provider. Distance-delivery of education will be available. 

Visitors 
As recommended by the CDC and American Association of Pediatrics, visitors will be restricted from entering the building. 

Classroom Mitigation Measures
To include sanitizing, hand-washing, and social distancing whenever possible. Enhanced cleaning procedures will be in place throughout the building.

Travel
Anyone who is traveling is asked to wear eye protection (goggles or a face shield) in addition to a face mask while traveling by plane, train, or bus. This will reduce the risk of COVID-19 being contracted while traveling. Upon returning to Alaska, travelers must follow current state mandates for interstate travel.  See https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/ for details.  Please contact Lorna Illingworth at 907-388-9696 if you need a face shield. 

PE, Band & Orchestra
Given our large gymnasium and access to outdoor spaces, we will continue to provide opportunities for physical education. Information about band and orchestra to come.

As a Catholic school, we are dedicated to educating the whole child. Interpersonal interactions are an integral part of our educational philosophy. That said, as more information becomes available in regards to COVID-19, the regulations above may evolve and our plans may need to change. We ask that you, our families, join us in being flexible and open to change. It's not an easy task for any of us, but given current times, it's necessary. 

These regulations and expectations are a work in progress. Your feedback is welcome as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.

*If you have a child attending Monroe, please also review the Monroe plan. 

As what we know about COVID-19 keeps changing, the following is an initial plan for Fall 2020.  Our plan and regulations shared today may change as we near the start of school, August 17. CSF will do our best to communicate clearly and consistently over the course of the next month.

When drafting our initial school plan, the administrative team consulted local doctors, evaluated numerous school re-opening scenarios across the country and the world, and took the time to process your feedback and comments in the Fall 2020 survey. We found the following resources especially helpful in our planning: COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry from the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC's reports and resources.

Our overall plan for fall includes the following three scenarios: 

1. 100% of teachers and students back in the school building
2. 50% in-person, 50% distance-delivery (known as A/B) for all students and faculty
3. 100% distance-delivery 

At this time, we intend to go with option 1: welcome all students and faculty back into the school building on August 17 with the following COVID-19 mitigation measures.  

Masks 
Students and staff will be required to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible. Masks will be provided by the school but students and staff can bring and wear their own if they’d like.  We are continuing to look into opportunities for students and staff to have breaks from wearing masks throughout the day while maintaining social distancing. 

Staggered Arrival and Departure Times
This will involve an extension of the school day from 2:20 to 3 p.m. This does not mean your child needs to be present until 3 p.m., but the extra time will allow for staggered arrival and departure times. Most academic content will be delivered during the morning hours when students are more focused. More details to follow.

Recess/Lunch Time Precautions
This will include socially distanced lunches and staggered recess times.

Sick Policy 
Students or staff exhibiting fever or symptoms not associated with allergies or other pre-existing conditions will not be able to attend in-person school until they are cleared by a medical provider. Distance-delivery of education will be available. 

Visitors 
As recommended by the CDC and American Association of Pediatrics, visitors will be restricted from entering the building. 

Classroom Mitigation Measures
To include sanitizing, hand-washing, and social distancing whenever possible. Enhanced cleaning procedures will be in place throughout the building.

Travel
Anyone who is traveling is asked to wear eye protection (goggles or a face shield) in addition to a face mask while traveling by plane, train or bus. This will reduce the risk of COVID-19 being contracted while traveling. Upon returning to Alaska, travelers must follow current state mandates for interstate travel. See https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/ for details.  Please contact Lorna Illingworth at 907-388-9696 if you need a face shield. 

Specials
Given our large gymnasium and outdoor space, we will continue to provide opportunities for physical education for all children at ICS. Information specific to choir, band, orchestra, and general music will follow at a later time.
​
After School Program
We intend to hold our After School Program this year. Program structuring and procedures will be based on COVID-19 Mitigation recommendations and best practices for child care. 

As a Catholic school, we are dedicated to educating the whole child. Interpersonal interactions and play are integral parts of our educational philosophy. That said, as more information becomes available in regards to COVID-19, the regulations above may evolve and our plans may need to change. We ask that you, our families, join us in being flexible and open to change. It is  not an easy task for any of us, but given current times, it's necessary. 

These expectations and regulations are a work in progress. Your feedback is welcome as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.