Here's what Evansville Diocese families can expect when Catholic schools reopen Wednesday
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – On Wednesday, students from the Catholic Diocese of Evansville will be some of the first in Vanderburgh County to return to in-person instruction.
Despite other districts delaying their reopening dates due to COVID-19, the Diocese has stuck with its Aug. 5 start date. The district plans to go forward with traditional instruction, while working to safeguard students and staff.
After declining a phone interview, Diocese Superintendent Daryl Hagan wrote in an email that he looks forward to students' return to classes but acknowledges caution about the risks surrounding the novel coronavirus.
"I have mixed feelings of excitement and caution," Hagan said. "Excited for our students and families to return to their parish Catholic school while understanding the caution that comes from preparing for a new school year in light of a pandemic environment."
The return to classrooms comes as COVID-19 cases have surged in Vanderburgh County. According to the Indiana State Department of Health dashboard, the county has accumulated 1,726 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since March 19, a number that's swelled largely in the last two months. Since June 24, Vanderburgh has added 1,367 confirmed case.
To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Hagan said the district will follow the safety guidelines outlined by the ISDH, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations.
Each school will spread out student desks, place students in small groups, provide hand sanitizing stations and require the use of masks and face coverings.
Hagan is urging families to monitor their children for any signs of the disease before sending them to school. If they have any of the symptoms listed by the CDC, Hagan said parents should keep them home.
Concerning virtual learning options, the Diocese doesn't have any available for families opting to learn from home. Instead, Hagan said schools will continue to prioritize in-person instruction. However, for students that test positive for COVID-19, teachers are prepared to extend the curriculum outside the classroom, he said.
"Catholic schools are focusing their efforts and expertise on in-person instruction," Hagan said. "We also understand that a need for short-term virtual instruction will exist and our classroom teachers are ready to extend the classrooms to those students during a time of quarantine."
In the event that students test positive for COVID-19, Hagan said the school will communicate to all families within that grade level and ensure all close contacts have been notified.
In following ISHD guidelines, Hagan said there won't be a set number of positive cases that will result in the closing of schools. However, the Diocese will be in close contact with local health department officials and follow their direction.