As I've been thinking about how things will play out this Fall, I've come to the conclusion that "in person" teaching will be impossible. We share educating space with our school. We have an afternoon program for the K-5 and an evening program for our 6th-10th graders on Wednesdays. There is no way to be able to sanitize everything after the school day ends and when I start my program, let alone sanitizing between the afternoon and evening programs and after the evening program. The social distancing and wearing of masks are also problematic.
So are others running into the same problem? If so, what resources have you found to make at home learning doable.
We also share the school building on Sundays mornings and Wednesday evening. We will be following the same parodical as the parish elementary school. I have been in contact with the Panhandle Public Health Department as to our plans to open in September/October. Naturally, we will be following any mandates from the diocese and the current DHM.
As of today:
As Catholic Christians we are called to care for others, therefore, the learners/catechists will be wearing masks as the rooms we use do not allow a full 6' between learners. (This is also the plan for the elementary school at our parish) I have purchased masks for the learners that come without a mask
limit one set of restrooms to be used during the formation sessions - this way the custodian will know which set of restrooms to clean prior to the next school day
the cohorts will be by grades with no mixing of grades, we have different doors to enter/exit the building - so certain grades will use certain doors to enter/exit the building - thus limiting the amount of traffic through only one door - I have purchased non-contact thermometers so each learner can be scanned prior to entering the building - this will also serve as a means for taking attendance
no shared materials
each learner will have a drawstring bag that the text book, activity book, and pen will be kept in and all bags will be stored by cohort (grade)
after the formation session the catechist will spray the chair the learner has been sitting in with a disinfectant and the learner will wipe the chair with a paper towel
I have prepared a tote bags (from Hobby Lobby 1.99 each) that will contain paper towels, gloves, and hand sanitizer for each grade - see attached photo
As I stated, this is the plan as of today.... the local school districts have not release a plan as of yet for beginning the school year. I assume they are waiting for the latest DHM.
I have not released anything to the parents as to the plan as of yet, but plan to the beginning of August as I understand the Governor will be releasing updated DHM the end of this month.
I have been in contact with the catechists as to the possibility of using zoom to facilitate the weekly formation sessions if we are called to not meet face-to-face and have received a very positive response. The curriculum we are using for 1-8 is the Faith & Life Series published by Ignatius Press and they offer the lessons on-line that can be shared to facilitate a zoom session. We use Midwest Theological Forum and YOU for 9th -10th and Decision Point for 11th - again, sessions are available on-line that can be shared over zoom.
I am prepared to offer "homeschooling" for any families that are uncomfortable with their child attending face-to-face sessions.
I am sharing this on July 23rd - September /October seems like a long time from now ... I guess I would rather be over prepared and able to let up if the DHM allows than to be scrambling at the last minute :-)
Thanks for sharing, Terri. Our principal is not in the school yet, so everything that I'll do will hinge on what is required sharing the classrooms. I'm praying that we can do in classroom instruction. You have given me hope!
Armondo, is there anything that your office will offer regarding support for resources for home? I teach in a public school and am personally very nervous about going back. I truly cannot see how I can make religious education work in a face to face platform, especially since we would be bringing families and students from different areas and school systems. Additionally, the space we have isn't feasible to distance appropriately. I have several ideas mulling around in my mind, but wanted to get some additional thoughts as well.
Armando, can we discuss this in our Go To Meeting tomorrow?
Armondo - your thoughts on running Christian Initiation for Adults this year. Anything other than the social distancing and masks that we should be aware of?