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3/11
2020

An Update on Coronavirus Preparedness from Brother Tony

Dear Parents and Guardians,
 
Central Catholic High School is continuing to work in partnership with the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), the PA Department of Health (PDH), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as we monitor the ever-changing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. As of today, there are no confirmed cases in Pittsburgh or Allegheny County.
 
The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Central Catholic will continue to follow the advice of the ACHD. Should the ACHD advise a short-term closure of the school, Central Catholic will switch to an online learning model. Our goal is to make the educational process as least disruptive as we possibly can.
 
This morning, we conducted an email test with all of our students. Our faculty were provided with training to expand their use of Moodle, our online learning platform, to provide the best online experience for our students.
 
Should Central Catholic need to switch to an online learning model for the health and safety of our community, we will do the following:

  • The first day will be used as a “prep day” for our faculty to prepare their coursework.
  • After the first prep day, students will be advised to access their coursework via Moodle.
  • Coursework will continue online until otherwise noted.
  • Faculty will be available online to assist with schoolwork during regular school hours.
  • School counselors will be available to assist students online during regular school hours. 

More information and detailed guidelines will be available to students and parents should we need to switch to an online classroom. Coursework will vary from class to class.  
 
If you do not have Wi-Fi at your home, or have other technological concerns, please contact Mr. Kevin Sheridan, Assistant Principal of Faculty and Curriculum Development at ksheridan@centralcatholichs.com or 412.802.4153.

Per CDC recommendations, the most critical action that can be taken is to use disciplined hygiene practices. Recommendations include:

  • Washing hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, especially after bathroom use, before eating, and after blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
  • Staying home when sick.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

 

Central Catholic is taking the precautionary measures below:
 

School Cleaning

  • Starting last week, our cleaning staff has conducted nightly deep cleaning, using EPA certified and registered disinfectants. Commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and tables, are disinfected each night.
  • Classrooms and common areas are supplied with anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitizers.
  • All bathrooms are fully stocked with soap and hand-towels to encourage proper hand-washing techniques.
  • As per the CDC, our nurse’s office is stocked with face masks to be used if a student or staff member exhibits symptoms. Students and faculty/staff with symptoms will be kept in a separate area, away from the general student body, until they can safely return home.

Travel

  • If students are traveling out of the country, or to an area of the U.S. that is known to have coronavirus, parents/guardians should notify me. This request will remain in effect until the end of the school year.
  • Schools cannot support parental requests for educational trips to areas affected by coronavirus. We discourage families from taking trips to affected areas and may prohibit students from returning to school before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-suggested quarantine period. Central Catholic may request medical clearance to return to school.
  • Central Catholic is monitoring local and regional travel restrictions and recommendations. Moderators will communicate with students and parents if a previously planned trip is canceled. 

Events

  • Previously scheduled events at Central Catholic will continue as scheduled until further notice.
  • Previously scheduled events at facilities other than Central Catholic, for example, the Senior Mixer at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, will continue as scheduled until further notice. 

Athletics

  • Previously scheduled games and tournaments will continue as scheduled, unless otherwise communicated from your coach.
  • Please ensure that your coach or moderator has your most up to date information, including phone number and email address on file in case of a cancellation.

Attendance

  • Students are encouraged to stay home if they feel sick.
    • Refer to page 18 of the Student/Parent Handbook for attendance policies. 
  • If a student feels sick at school, and is showing symptoms, he will be asked to wear a face mask as a precaution. Students or faculty/staff with symptoms will be kept in a separate area, away from the general student body, until they can safely return home.

In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Central Catholic

  • All decisions on school closures will be based on Allegheny County Health Department recommendations.
  • In the event that the ACHD recommends a need for an investigation or closure, parents, students and staff will be notified immediately.

Ongoing Informational Resources

We appreciate your ongoing support in keeping our students, faculty and staff safe and healthy. As parents, please continue to practice discretion when it comes to your son’s health and wellness. We will continue to keep you informed as this situation progresses.
 
Fraternally,
 
Brother Tony Baginski, FSC
 Principal