July 2020-21 School Year Planning Update

Dear School Communities:

We are quickly approaching August and the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. This summer has been filled with much planning as well as many unknowns. As you are aware, our office, in conjunction with your local school, has been working tirelessly this summer to be able to safely welcome students back into our classrooms this fall. We are working hard to ensure that we will be providing the Catholic education each of you has come to know and expect from our Catholic schools. 

In our last communication, we mentioned that all of our schools were busy putting their finalized plans into place based on Governor Whitmer's release of the "MI Safe Schools: Michigan's 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap". These completed plans are being submitted to our office for final review and then will be given to the State as required in the upcoming weeks. All school plans will be posted on the Diocesan Catholic School website as well as each individual school's website. 
 
There have been questions and concerns as to whether or not we, as non-public schools, have to follow the directives of the governor. After consultation with our lawyers, as well as others well-versed in these issues, we have been told that as of now we must follow these executive orders and directives. 

We do want to assure you that our schools can hold school liturgies following the Diocese of Kalamazoo guidelines for Mass. Our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program will continue, although some aspects may be modified to ensure safety, but faith-formation is the root of Catholic education and we will continue to help our students to grow closer to Jesus through our practices and provide the foundation of a solid Catholic education. 

Our Office continues to work collaboratively with our administrators to discuss best practices and policies in the event that we are directed to return to remote learning at any point this year. We will be addressing such areas as: assignments, grading, attendance, and ways to ensure that we are able to assist students to continue to grow in faith, knowledge, and service no matter the situation presented to us.

Thank you for your continued faith in our Catholic schools. We value our partnership with you in educating your children. We will continue to work in collaboration with you and our 21 schools to ensure that our students, teachers, and staff can all return to school this year in a safe and secure environment and in accordance with their local health officials.

Sincerely,

 

Margaret Erich
Superintendent of Schools - Diocese of Kalamazoo