As we navigate through the challenges of the start of the school year, I’ve spent considerable time praying for God to grace our Archdiocesan leaders, Fr. Oswaldo, and myself with understanding and clarity. Last year, we were faced with whether or not our children were going to be able to attend school in person. This year presents us with the decision of whether or not to wear masks.
We all can agree that we want our kids in school, learning and loving together. We learned from last year that in-person learning was the best learning environment and crucial for academic success. Although there are varying opinions on the topic of masks, there is one constant -- we are all followers and believers in Christ and we place our trust in Him. It is important our support of one another must remain focused on Christ, He is in control. Reminding ourselves that He is in control will help us start the school year as a united community to protect our children and their learning environment.
On August 5, 2021, Johnson County Commissioners passed a mandate that requires specific aged students to wear masks while inside the school building. We are following the guidance of the Archdiocese and collaboration with Johnson County Archdiocesan Catholic Elementary Schools to guide us in our commitment to educating the whole child and the health and safety of our community members. The direction of the Archdiocesan School Office is to follow the mask mandate. The Johnson County Catholic School Principals are committed to meeting each week to review our current situation. We are committed to keeping our schools open and teaching our students in person. Following the mask mandate put in place by the Johnson County Health Department protects our children who have no opportunity to be vaccinated. The health well-being of our students and faculty is our top priority.
Per current direction from the Archdiocese School Office and the county mandate, all students staff, and all visitors will be required to wear masks while they are in the school building. Masks will not be required outdoors, and while eating/drinking. Please contact our school nurses for information regarding any mask exemption request that must be approved, a medical doctor. Their email addresses are pmandl@holycrosscatholicschool.com and nhaverkamp@holycrosscatholicschool.com. Please see our Holy Cross Reopening Plans here.
Quarantining- Students and staff who test positive for Covid 19 will follow quarantine protocols that will be communicated by our school nurse. The school will continue to notify families if their child has been exposed to the Covid virus. We plan on providing SMA Covid Data within the first few weeks of school starting.
We plan on having as normal of a school experience as possible this year. We plan on having assemblies, All-School Masses, and community events. We do not plan on offering any Google Meet/Streaming options for students, even for those who may be required to isolate or quarantine.
We are going to keep moving forward! Our students and staff did an amazing job last year and I know we can do it again! Our focus for the year is to Be Holy Cross through the Bee-Attitudes! Our school is buzzing with excitement to welcome our students with open arms as we are blessed to spend another year together!
