COVID-19 Updates

Subject: March 8, 2022 COVID Mask, Quarantine Update

Hello Siena families,

We are now one week into optional masking at our schools and it has been wonderful seeing the smiling faces of students and staff for the first time in a long time. There are a handful of additional updates we’d like to share as the pandemic progresses and guidelines change:

1. The quarantine period for anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 is now five days. If symptoms have resolved, students and employees alike are able to return to school/work after a five-day quarantine. We will require returning students/employees to wear a mask for an additional five days as a precaution.
   
2. Close contact tracing will no longer take place. However, families will still receive a letter in the event of a positive case in the school.
3. Cleaning protocols will continue. We cannot stress enough the importance of washing hands frequently and staying home when sick.
4. Social distancing protocols will loosen, allowing for buddies programs and group work to resume. Plexiglas shields will be removed in many locations.
5. Principals will still limit volunteers and visitors at schools for the remainder of 2021-22. Please contact your principal directly for guidance.

Thank you all for your continued support! 

Blessings in Christ,
Brenda White
President
Siena Catholic Schools of Racine

Subject: February 24, 2022 COVID Mask Update

Dear Siena families,

City of Racine Mayor Cory Mason has lifted the enforcement of Racine’s mask mandate, effective today, February 24. In consultation with the City of Racine Public Health Department, Siena Catholic Schools will lift our mask mandate effective tomorrow, Friday, February 25. Masks will now be OPTIONAL for all students, faculty, staff, and employees.

While we are thrilled that the number of positive COVID cases has dramatically declined, we ask everyone to continue to monitor for symptoms and stay at home if you or your child do not feel well. 

Again, thank you for your continued patience and prayers for our school communities.

Blessings in Christ,
Brenda White
President
Siena Catholic Schools of Racine

Subject: January 26, 2022 COVID Update

Hello Siena families,

As we promised in our previous communication home in January, we continue to seek updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, the City of Racine Public Health Department (CRPHD), and the Central Racine County Health Department (CRCHD). Language and guidance are updated daily, so we expect additional changes. Feedback has been gathered from Siena leadership and principals and we would like to clarify the following:

1. Masks are RECOMMENDED for anyone over the age of two (2) per the CRPHD and CDC. Masks are required for all students ages five and up, in addition to all faculty and staff.

2. The 10-day quarantine is still in place for all Siena students who test positive for COVID. Students may return on Day 11 if their symptoms have resolved and are fever-free for 24 hours without medication. (Note: if a student is symptom-free they may take a test on Day 6 or Day 7 and return on Day 7 or Day 8 if they test negative.)

3. Laboratory tests (not at-home tests) are required to determine if someone is negative. Proof of a negative test via an official health app such as myChart is required to return.

4. If someone had COVID in the last 90 days, they are considered exempt from quarantine for 90 days. If your student is vaccinated and exposed to COVID you must provide the student’s vaccination record to their school’s main office. Quarantine is required until vaccination records have been received.

While we saw a significant rise in our COVID number in early January, we are happy to see our numbers decline as the month goes on. All COVID communications and resources are available at www.sienacatholicschools.org/coronavirus. We appreciate your continued efforts to monitor for symptoms and keep your children home when they are sick. Thank you for your ongoing patience and support in order to keep everyone safe.

Sincerely,