UPDATES:
- Siena’s senior leadership team, principals, Board of Directors, and I have recommitted ourselves to the belief that students learn best in person, in community, with teachers. As such, I have made the decision that all students will return to in-person learning on April 12, 2021, immediately following our Easter break. Read the full letter here.
- Keys to a successful return: we have a responsibility to each other to follow our safety guidelines inside and outside of school. This is the only way we can maintain the option of in-person learning and help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Our commitment to each other must include:
- Wearing a mask
- Practicing good hygiene and washing hands often
- Avoiding large gatherings
- Staying home when sick
- As a reminder, here is the link to at-home screening.
- Here are some tips when it comes to sanitizing your tablets and phones.
- Is it okay to use a disinfectant on my Chromebook/iPad/cell phone? Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your device, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces. Don’t use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any opening, and don’t submerge your device in any cleaning agents. Don’t use on fabric or leather surfaces.
Back To School FAQ
What is COVID-19?
On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
What are the symptoms?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
Is there a vaccine?
No, not at this time.
Who is Siena using for guidance on COVID-19?
CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, City of Racine Health Department, Central Racine County Health Department.
Will you be screening for temperatures upon entry to school?
UPDATE 8/11/2020: Per the recommendations of the City of Racine Health Department, when feasible all students will be screened for temperature upon entry. All families are still expected to screen for temperature and signs of infectious illness on a daily basis. School staff will screen students who appear symptomatic. Teachers who observe ill students will send them to the main office. School staff will screen students who appear symptomatic. Teachers who observe ill students will send them to the main office.
What happens if my child gets sick at school?
Students who present with symptoms of influenza like illness or COVID-19 during the school day will safely rest in each school’s identified isolation room while waiting for the arrival of a parent or guardian. The school principal or designee will contact the student’s parent or guardian to pick up the student as soon as possible. A pre-identified staff person, wearing personal protective equipment, will stay with the student while awaiting the parent or guardian’s arrival.
When should I keep my child at home?
If someone in your home has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or exhibits symptoms, your child should be quarantined for 10 days. A child should never be sent to school if they have a fever of over 100.4, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. Additionally, students should never come to school if they have an itchy rash, eye infection with discharge, and active lice or nits. Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
What if my child is diagnosed with COVID-19?
If your child or an immediate family member is diagnosed, please let your principal know so that we can investigate contact, disinfect appropriately, communicate clearly, and help your family in any way. Your child will be excluded from school (including sports/activities) and would be quarantined by the health department until at least 10 days have passed since symptoms began and at least 24 hours symptom free including fever free without the use of medication.
What if my child or an immediate family member is exposed?
If your child was exposed to someone who tested positive, was exposed to someone who is awaiting testing results, and was within 6 feet of that person for 15 minutes or more, your child will be excluded from school (including sports/activities) and would be quarantined by the health department until at least 10 days have passed since symptoms began and at least 24 hours symptom-free including fever free without the use of medication. If your child is exposed, please let your principal know so that we can investigate direct contact, continue instruction at home, disinfect appropriately, communicate clearly, and help your family in any way.
What if my child's teacher or other school staff are diagnosed or are presenting with COVID symptoms?
If your child’s teacher is diagnosed, you will receive a communication directly from your school, including information on continued instruction, cleaning procedures, etc. The teacher will be excluded from school and would be quarantined by the health department until at least 10 days have passed since symptoms began and at least 24 hours symptom free including fever free without the use of medication.
Will everyone in the class need to quarantine if someone tests positive?
Parents will be notified if their child has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This notification will contain guidance and information about the need to quarantine. Decisions about quarantine will be made in consultation with local health departments. Quarantine and closure decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
What would cause a school(s) to close?
Decisions about the closing of a school or multiple schools/buildings will be made in consultation with local health departments. Quarantine and closure decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Can all students choose between LFS/LFH?
If a child is not experiencing success in the LFH option, parents will be contacted by an administrator or school counselor to discuss individual needs and a plan for success.
How often can I choose to switch between LFH and LFS?
We asked families to commit to LFS/LFH on July 31, 2020. Families will be given two weeks from the first date of instruction to switch your initial commitment. This will allow two weeks of school to make your final decision. This will allow two weeks of school to make your final decision. Siena will make a decision about whether conditions warrant a continued LFH option for second quarter.
Can I change my mind about LFS/LFH?
Families will be given two weeks from the first date of instruction to switch your initial commitment. This will allow two weeks of school to make your final decision.
What about LFH options beyond the first quarter?
Siena will make a decision about whether conditions warrant a continued LFH option for the second quarter.
Why can't my child switch back and forth when I want them to?
To maximize learning, minimize disruption, and provide appropriate staffing levels, we are requiring families to commit to LFS/LFH for one quarter (nine weeks).
If my child is LFS but needs to be quarantined due to exposure, will they be allowed to switch to LFH?
Yes. The only allowable switch from LFS to LFH is due to exposure without symptoms.
If my child is LFS but gets COVID, will they be allowed to switch to LFH?
If a child is sick they should not be in class, regardless of LFS/LFH. After 10 days have passed since symptoms began and after being symptom-free for at least for 24 hours without the use of medication, the student should return to school.Note: per our family handbooks, a student that is out for longer than two days need doc note and documentation of medical treatment.
If my child is LFS but gets sick (cold, flu, strep throat, etc.), will they be allowed to switch to LFH?
No. If a child is sick they should not be in class, regardless of LFS/LFH. Note: per our family handbooks, a student that is out for longer than two days need doc note and documentation of medical treatment.
What is synchronous learning?
Students in the classroom and students at home learn from the same teacher at the same time. Webcams allow teachers to engage with students at home. Learning is done during designated class times and attendance will be taken. This will give students a chance to interact with teachers and classmates in the same way they would in school.
I have more than one child in my family attending a Siena school. Do I need to choose a learning option for every child?
Yes.
I have more than one child in my family attending a Siena school. Do I need to choose the same learning option for all children?
No.
What is LFS?
Learning from school, meaning face-to-face in school in the classroom.
What precautions are being taken?
- SCREENING: Schools will use single-point entry for students, where a designated staff member(s) will screen students. Isolation rooms will be set up for students who register a temperature of 100.4 or higher.
- MASKS: Any person over the age of five must wear a mask.
- SOCIAL DISTANCING: Signage will be posted throughout each building, encouraging proper social distancing and handwashing, as well as general COVID-19 information. Floor decals will be placed in hallways to indicate traffic flow and social distance. In classrooms, communal tables will be replaced with individual desks and desks will be spaced as far apart as physically possible. Sneeze guards will be available for any remaining communal tables.
- CLEANING: Increased cleaning protocols will be followed: custodial staff will have increased cleaning duties in high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces (i.e., bathrooms, handrails, doors, etc.).each classroom will have hand sanitizer and be equipped with disinfectant that teachers will use to spray down surfaces when students leave room; hand sanitizer stations will be located in every room; equipment will be used daily by custodial staff to spray down every room, restroom, and all other areas to disinfectant; if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 the room(s) will be cleaned with an electrostatic machine; documentation will be required in restrooms for frequent sanitizing and checks.
Will students have to wear masks?
Yes. Any person over the age of five must wear a mask. It is recommended that children between the ages of two and five wear masks.
Do faculty/staff have to wear masks?
Yes. Any person over the age of five must wear a mask. Note: teachers can unmask while presenting/speaking when they are within their teacher area (the designated area near their desk that is at least 6 feet away from student desks).
How will classrooms look; will there be changes to classroom layouts?
Student desks will be spread out as much as physically possible (ideally, 6 feet apart, but this will not be possible in every room), and the number of desks in each room will be based on enrollment numbers. The first row of desks will remain 6 feet from the teacher’s instructing area. Each classroom will be equipped with a hand sanitizer pump and disinfectant supplies, which teachers will use to disinfect desks in between class periods.
Can I move back and forth between in-person and at home?
The only allowable switch from LFS to LFH is due to exposure without symptoms.
How will school supplies be handled?
To the best of our ability, we will limit the number of contacts children will have and limit the sharing of supplies and materials. Please purchase your school supplies and label with your child’s name. We are aware that supplies such as sanitizing wipes are not available for purchase at this time and are supplementing with disinfecting spray. Any classroom equipment such as microscopes would be disinfected between uses.
How will specials (art, music, Spanish, physical education) be handled?
Whenever possible we will bring classes outside and socially distance for mask breaks. Music and physical education will be held outside when possible. Elementary art and Spanish will be held inside and teachers will go to classrooms vs. students moving. Masks will be required unless running/conditioning.
Will junior high students move from classroom to classroom?
No. Teachers will move to limit exposure.
What is LFH?
Learning from home, meaning synchronous instruction with your child’s teacher(s) via webcam.
Will my child be given an iPad/Chromebook?
Yes. Every child (K5-12) who learns from home will be provided a device; we cannot guarantee devices for K3-K4 at this time.
I have more than one child. Does each child need a device?
Yes. Every child (K5-12) who learns from home will be provided a device; we cannot guarantee devices for K3-K4 at this time.
What if I don't have WiFi?
WiFi is required for LFH; families who do not have WiFi will need to notify their principal immediately so that arrangements can be made.
How will at-home learning be different than it was in the spring?
Synchronous learning means that students will be taught by their teacher(s) in real time. Students will need to log in, attendance will be taken, and students will be required to participate in class during class time. Additionally, faculty will all have office hours in order to answer questions any students might have.
Will my child have the same teacher they would have had in-person?
Yes. Learning support coordinators and teacher aides will also assist.
Can I see an example of LFH for K3-grade 3?
Synchronous learning begins
8:00-8:15: Welcome, attendance, pledge of allegiance, prayer
8:15–8:35: Religion and Faith-Building Activities
8:35–8:45: Read Aloud
8:45–9:45: Literacy-Based Activities
9:45–10:00: Recess/Play-Based Activities
10:00–11:00: Math-Based Activities
11:00–11:30: Exploration/Specials
Synchronous learning ends
11:30–2:30: Lunch, recess, working from home
8:00-8:15: Welcome, attendance, pledge of allegiance, prayer
8:15–8:35: Religion and Faith-Building Activities
8:35–8:45: Read Aloud
8:45–9:45: Literacy-Based Activities
9:45–10:00: Recess/Play-Based Activities
10:00–11:00: Math-Based Activities
11:00–11:30: Exploration/Specials
Synchronous learning ends
11:30–2:30: Lunch, recess, working from home
Can I see an example of a high school class?
High School: 45-min class; 15-20 minutes of instruction/questions,10-20 minutes of work time, 5-10 minutes of wrap-up/closing.
What other kind of support can my student expect if LFH?
Technology support will be available via email; social-emotional support will be available through school counselors and learning support coordinators; spiritual support is available by reaching out to your principal and/or pastor. Communication is key: we have to know if you or your child(ren) are struggling.
Will there be guidelines for behavior, uniforms, and expectations for online participation?
If Learning from Home, students must log in during class time and are expected to participate in an appropriate manner. Students must have a webcam turned on and must have audio activated and participate. Uniforms from home are at the discretion of the parent; students must follow the out of uniform policy of your school (i.e. no hoodies, hats, etc.).
Where will students enter the building?
Each school will have a designated single-point entry (to be determined by the principal). Signs will be placed outside of the building to indicate the point of student entry. Signs will also indicate drop-off zones.
How will social distancing work in small classrooms?
The placement of student desks and tables along with in class instructional groupings of students will be evaluated by classroom teachers in order to maintain physical distance among students to the greatest extent possible. Some furniture may be removed to accommodate for greater physical distancing. Alternative learning spaces may also be used for larger classes depending upon the number of students who are learning from school.
Will all students be socially distanced 6’ apart in the classrooms?
We will socially distance to the best extent when possible. The physical makeup of our classrooms and the number of students per class will not allow for every student to be 6-feet apart from each other at all times. We will focus our efforts on universal precautions like having students contained to group cohorts, scheduled surface cleaning, hand washing and using face coverings when in close contact with others.
What about school supplies, specifically sharing supplies?
To the best of our ability we will limit the number of contacts children will have and limit the sharing of supplies and materials. Please purchase your school supplies and label with your child’s name. We are aware that supplies such as sanitizing wipes are not available for purchase at this time and are supplementing with disinfecting spray. Any classroom equipment such as microscopes would be disinfected between uses.
Hand washing is important. How will this be encouraged?
Specific hand washing protocols will be explicitly taught at elementary schools. Bathrooms will be equipped with illustrations/posters that explain proper handwashing techniques.
Will my child have the same teacher they would have had in-person?
Yes. Learning support coordinators and teacher aides will also assist.
Will bubblers/water fountains be available for use?
Bottle-filling stations will be available at every school. Students should bring their own water bottle from home, which they will be able to refill at no-touch bottle filling stations. Students will not be allowed to drink directly from bubblers.
What will school visitor policies be?
Only students and school employees are allowed in buildings at this time for safety reasons. No parents/guardians, volunteers, or outside visitors will be allowed in the buildings with the exception of contracted workers. Any approved visitor must set an appointment with administration prior to arriving. All visitors must wear masks.
What about school Masses?
There will be no in-person Mass for nine weeks in order to limit exposure; Masses will be live-streamed. Faith formation will still be provided via religion classes and daily prayers.
What will school cleaning/sanitizing procedures look like?
Increased cleaning protocols will be followed: custodial staff will have increased cleaning duties in high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces (i.e., bathrooms, handrails, doors, etc.).each classroom will have hand sanitizer and be equipped with disinfectant that teachers will use to spray down surfaces when students leave room; hand sanitizer stations will be located in every room; equipment will be used daily by custodial staff to spray down every room, restroom, and all other areas to disinfectant; if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 the room(s) will be cleaned with an electrostatic machine; documentation will be required in restrooms for frequent sanitizing and checks.
How will buildings be disinfected in the event that a student tests positive for COVID-19?
In the event of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, Siena is contracting with a company to disinfect any areas/schools with an electrostatic disinfectant sprayer.
How will traffic flow be controlled?
Hallways will have floor stickers indicating the direction of traffic flow. Bathrooms will be limited to 50% capacity. Signs will be posted in each bathroom, indicating the capacity limit. Floor decals will indicate 6 feet of space where waiting in line is required (i.e., near bathrooms and bubblers).
How will air flow/ventilation be optimized in classrooms?
Classroom unit ventilators will run 24/7 to ensure continuous fresh air intake and air flow. For rooms that do not have unit ventilators, fans and window A/C units will be used. Windows can also remain open. When fans and/or window A/C units are used, they must be placed in areas of the room that do not allow air to be blown directly from one person to another.
Where will students eat lunch?
All students in school will have access to foodservice. Students will be eating lunch in designated spaces. Eating surfaces will be sanitized prior to, between, and after student use, by building staff. Sanitizing solutions and supplies will be provided by the Food Services Department. Logistics for serving and eating lunch will be specific to each school; the primary focus of lunch plans will be on physical distancing measures, keeping students with their primary cohort, and insuring students remain in their assigned lunch location seats. These practices will assist with reducing transmission of illness and any potential contact tracing.
What kind of food service will/will not be available?
Breakfast will be grab-and-go and eaten in the classroom. One hot lunch option will be available; no ala carte items will be available.
What about bussing?
All students will be required to wear a mask while on the bus. Students will have assigned seats in alternating rows. Bus pick up locations will follow social distancing and have limited number of students. Busses will be filled from back to front as students enter.
Will technology be made available? When will I pick up the device(s)?
Yes. Technology will be issued to all LFH students during your school’s designated Back To School date/time. Families will drive up, sign any necessary paperwork, and leave with the appropriate device(s).
Will students still be able to participate in athletics?
High school athletics will follow the requirements of the WIAA and the health department. Grade school athletics have been cancelled for Fall in accordance with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Will students still participate in field trips?
Field trips are restricted until further notice.
How will grade schools handle recess?
Elementary school students will still participate in recess as a homeroom/cohort; times will vary.
How will the high school handle study hall?
Students will have access to study hall teacher for support per their schedule.
What about birthday treats, shared food, holiday parties, etc.?
All treats, shared food, gifts, etc. are restricted until further notice.
Will my school give my child a mask?
Yes. All students Learning from School and all staff will be issued one (1) cloth face mask. Families are asked to provide additional cloth face masks for their child(ren) as part of the dress code.
What kind of masks are acceptable?
Masks should be clean and made of cloth. Note: cloth masks should be washed daily, so please keep this in mind when purchasing. Masks must be appropriate for school and may not contain foul language, inappropriate images, controversial patterns/sayings. Vented/filtered masks are not acceptable. Bandanas are not allowed. If a mask is deemed inappropriate, a disposable mask will be provided to the student. Students under the age of 5 are not required to wear a mask, but it is recommended if they choose. It is recommended to have your child’s initials on the mask.
How will you enforce wearing masks?
All students will be provided specific directions regarding the expectations for wearing the mask. If a student refuses to wear a mask as directed, he/she will be considered to not be following school rules. This will be handled just like any other non-compliant behavior within the school setting.
Will masks be required all day?
Masks may be removed when eating, drinking, exercising, and while outdoors when social distancing is possible. Restrictions are subject to change per state and local ordinances.
What if someone comes to school without a mask?
A disposable mask will be issued to students or staff who come to school without a mask.
If parents choose to withdraw their student(s), will their child(ren) be guaranteed enrollment in 2021-22?
No. Siena Catholic Schools of Racine cannot guarantee enrollment once a family withdraws.
If parents choose to withdraw their student(s), do they lose their Choice eligibility?
Yes. If a Choice family chooses to withdraw their student(s), that family is forfeiting their Choice eligibility at any Siena Catholic School for the remainder of the academic year.
How will we be communicated with?
K-8 schools will use PowerSchool and Class Dojo; SCHS will use PowerSchool.
What technology platforms will be used for Learning from Home?
Zoom. K-8 schools will use Google Classroom; SCHS will use Schoology.
Siena Catholic Schools of Racine ignites a spirit of excellence in faith, knowledge, and service, inspiring students to be who God created them to be.
- Service: We serve God’s children through Catholic education.
- Education: We educate the whole child in mind, body, and spirit.
- Tradition: We honor our Dominican roots through prayer, study, service, and community.
- Collaboration: We work with families, parishes, and partners to build and strengthen communities.
- Innovation: We develop innovative thinkers and problem solvers.
- Excellence: We strive for excellence in all we do.