Revised ICS Fall 2020 Plans (7/24)

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.