Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh Schools Prepare Reopening Plan

A team from Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh is working with focus groups of parents and teachers, as well as with diocesan officials, to create a responsible COVID-19 reopening plan for the 2020-2021 school year.  First day for elementary schools is set for Thursday, August 27. High schools have staggered start dates.
 
The goal is to prioritize a healthy learning environment in which students will continue to grow closer to Jesus and expand their minds through Catholic education. 
 
 “As a faith community committed to our mission, we will respond to the fluid nature of this public health emergency with recommendations that reflect science, consultation with experts and consistency with Catholic social teaching,” said Michelle Peduto, Director of Catholic Schools.
 
“Our top priority is the safe return of our students to their classrooms.  In that spirit, we will be following the guidance and requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Office of the Governor and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.”
 
The COVID-19 Educational Planning Team began work on June 4, immediately following the final online classes of the 2019-20 school year. The initial team includes principals, regional administrators and representatives of the diocesan schools office. They meet online two to three times a week.
 
The team has reviewed volumes of research from multiple experts and surveyed parents and teachers.  Team members have also studied plans emerging from other dioceses. The initial draft of comprehensive, detailed guidelines will be presented to parent/teacher focus groups, expert consultants and diocesan officials for review and feedback.
 
The attached flyer outlines the tenets on which the plan will be based.
 
“We are continuing to update parents.  Our families, teachers, and administrators are reaching out to us with questions and comments as we all try to navigate these uncharted waters together.  I know that we are surrounded by prayer. We are full of hope for our new school year,” Peduto said.