Yesterday, Superintendent Dr. Mary Beth Bowling shared information with school leaders about the reopening of in-person instruction in our elementary schools that I would like to summarize for you. The complete document, “Archdiocese of Louisville Elementary Catholic Schools Re-Entry Plan for 2021-22” can be found here.
This guidance is for archdiocesan elementary schools. Each local high school prepared its own plan.
The ability to offer in-person instruction for most of the 2020-2021 school emerged from weekly consultation with public health officials and regular communication and consultation with local school leaders. Dr. Bowling and her colleagues continued to pursue these strategies as they prepared guidance that protects the safety and health of all during the 2021-2022 school year.
As I am sure you can guess from the public commentary, one of the biggest questions was masking, especially for children in elementary schools not yet eligible for vaccines. The archdiocesan guidance cited the recommendation from the Kentucky Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control that masks should be worn by those individuals who are not yet vaccinated. Since this is not a mandate, however, the guidance states that parents of students may decide what is most appropriate given this recommendation.
The guidance also includes other measures such as physical distancing of three feet, careful hygiene, attention to ventilation, and measures that must be taken to assist continued contact tracing.
This information will be updated if local or statewide conditions warrant changes. Please continue to pray for progress as we combat this terrible disease.
I am proud of the care that our schools have taken to protect students and staff while offering in-person instruction. Please join me in thanking our archdiocesan Office of Catholic schools, our pastors and principals, and all of the faculty and staff who have shown such courage and leadership for our children and youth.
You are in my prayers.
