COVID-19 Update: November 15, 2020
Dear Catholic School Families, Faculty, and Friends,
I hope this letter finds your family well as we approach Thanksgiving. I'm writing to follow up on our dialogue about how we may continue to serve our students this fall semester safely.
The Archdiocese of Detroit is aware of today’s order issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). As part of this order, MDHHS ordered all public and private high schools to close starting Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, December 8.
Our Catholic high schools are prepared and are ready to implement detailed, methodical, and effective distance learning plans for as long as necessary. While we must be socially distanced at this time, please know we will keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 12:1) as we heed Archbishop Vigneron’s call to remain spiritually and academically close.
Regarding our Catholic elementary schools, they will remain open and will continue to follow our current Catholic School Preparedness Plans. As a reminder, these plans were developed in conjunction with expert advice from the local medical community in partnership with our Return to School Task Force.
If a Catholic elementary school must temporarily suspend in person instruction and transition to distance education due to community health concerns, those decisions will be made on a case by case basis in conjunction with the Department of Catholic Schools and medical experts. Further, any such decisions will be guided by the best understanding and evidence for what will protect and best serve our students.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our schools. Our successful return to in-person learning these last few months stands as compelling evidence that our mitigation efforts are largely working. We are confident that with your help, we will continue to welcome students back into our schools.
Sincerely,
Kevin D. Kijewski, J.D. Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Cc: The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron The Very Reverend Jeffrey Day, V.G.
