Students at Sacred Heart School in Salisbury spent their mornings last May learning to read with the Super Kids Reading Program, a core literacy curriculum for kindergarten to second-grade classes. (Photo via Facebook)CHARLOTTE — Enrollment at the Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic schools is increasing, as more parents recognize the value of in-person learning for their children.
The diocese will welcome students back starting Aug. 18, when 17 of the 19 schools will open. Asheville Catholic School will open Aug. 23, and Immaculata School in Hendersonville will open Aug. 24.
Last year all 19 Catholic schools in western North Carolina adapted to challenges caused by the pandemic and were able to successfully conduct in-person instruction.
The Catholic Schools Office’s COVID-19 task force closely monitored data and public health guidance, shifting students to hybrid or virtual learning when infections and quarantines reached certain levels. Schools were not a source of COVID-19 outbreaks even after health protocols were relaxed last spring, and summer camps involving hundreds of children saw no positive cases.
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This fall, school leaders are taking what they learned last year and over the summer to continue providing a safe in-person learning environment that is as normal as possible.
“This past year allowed us to work together to reorient on our mission and be a light on the hill and leaders in education,” said Dr. Gregory Monroe, superintendent of schools. “We continue that momentum this year by providing a faith-based education that looks as normal as possible for the good of our students.”
This year face coverings will be optional for students and staff, and social distancing will be reduced to 3 feet or eliminated as appropriate. Plexiglass barriers, one-way traffic patterns and reduced activities are a thing of the past.
However, a few keys to success last year will continue to be emphasized, including attentiveness to hygiene, cleaning protocols, symptom recognition and awareness, and adaptability to make adjustments and changes based on internal and worldwide health research and data.
Parents say they are happy with the results, and enrollment numbers show it.
As of press time, 7,570 students are enrolled for the fall – a 7.7 percent jump compared to last fall – and 185 more applications are in the pipeline.
Catherine and Joe Lordi have four children attending Asheville Catholic School this fall. The family enrolled their eldest child at ACS in 2017, and their youngest starts pre-kindergarten this month.
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“We are firm believers in the power of Catholic education,” Catherine Lordi said. “I don’t think a school could have done a better job than ACS. The school had a plan and executed it with fidelity, and our teachers made sacrifices that you can’t quantify.”
“I was constantly reassured by the staff every day, and by what my children shared with me, when they came home from school, that they were safe and happy,” she added.
Steve DeRose and his wife Kim were among hundreds of parents who enrolled their children midway through last school year, after hearing about the Catholic schools. Nolan and Meghan went into St. Patrick School in Charlotte last February, and both are back this fall.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience,” Steve DeRose told the Catholic News Herald.
The kids’ move in the middle of the school year was no problem, he said. “They didn’t skip a beat. It would not have been possible if not for the welcoming staff and teachers, as well as the families. They fit right in and quickly became part of the St. Pat’s family.”
DeRose said they chose Catholic schools based on two factors: “marked deficiencies” they noticed in their previous school’s curriculum when the kids were put on virtual instruction, and an increased emphasis on what they saw there as “politically progressive and divisive agendas.”
Shawn Flynn has two children who attend Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools and he serves as president of the MACS School Board. He said he has been pleased with the growth in enrollment and the work of Catholic schools’ staffs in safeguarding students’ health and well-being during the pandemic.
“The real heroes are the teachers and the staff in our schools. Despite extraordinary circumstances, these heroes battled their own uncertainties and fears to show up and provide the absolute best educational experience possible for our children,” Flynn said.
“I hope all of the teachers know how much parents really appreciate them and all they do for our children,” he said.
“We now know our children really benefited from being in the classroom learning with their peers.”
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
Frequently Asked Questions
Will face coverings be required?
Most schools are following diocesan guidance to make face coverings optional for students, staff and visitors at school campuses and on buses. However, this may be subject to change based on local pandemic conditions and guidance from the Catholic Schools Office’s COVID-19 task force.
Schools’ athletic activities will follow the guidelines on face coverings as set by their respective athletic association.
What health measures are schools following this year to keep students and staff safe?
BUSES: Buses will continue to have increased cleaning measures, and there will be assigned seating with siblings paired together. Face coverings are optional for bus riders and drivers.
HANDWASHING: Handwashing opportunities for all students and staff will be provided throughout the school day.
QUARANTINE PROTOCOL: Anyone with a confirmed positive COVID-19 test will be required to quarantine for 10 days after onset of symptoms. Anyone not fully vaccinated who has a confirmed exposure will be required to quarantine 7-10 days following the identified exposure.
CONTACT TRACING: Where a positive case or exposure is identified, the local health department will be notified and, if needed, contact tracing will be conducted. Contact tracing will encompass siblings, carpool members and those identified as a direct contact (within 3 feet for 15 minutes or longer).
These and other health protocols are subject to change depending on changing pandemic conditions and guidance from the Catholic Schools Office’s COVID-19 task force.
Are students and employees required to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Students and staff are not required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, as the diocese recognizes this is a personal choice for each individual.
Federal and state public health officials recommend the vaccine for everyone aged 12 and older. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
“COVID-19 vaccination can help protect your child from getting COVID-19. Although fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others. Getting your child vaccinated helps to protect your child and your family. Vaccination is now recommended for everyone 12 years and older. Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is the only one available to children 12 years and older.”
What happens if a COVID-19 outbreak or quarantine forces a school to close?
Schools will be ready to temporarily shift to hybrid or virtual instruction based on the COVID-19 metrics determined by the task force. Sustained virtual learning options for individual families may be available at some schools.