The 10 Catholic schools under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Burlington along with the two independent Catholic schools in Vermont are planning for in-person instruction for the upcoming school year. These schools are United in Faith, Returning with C.A.R.E. and are planning to effectively reimagine their communities and academics in order to meet the needs of their students, families, faculties and staffs.

The principals, in collaboration with the Office of Catholic Schools, spent several weeks drafting guidelines for in-person instruction: vermontcatholic.org/schools/catholic-schools/updates-20-21-school-year.

The development of these guidelines was enlightened by information provided from various recognized public health and/or educational authorities:

+ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Considerations for Schools

+ American Academy of Pediatrics COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry

+ Vermont Agency of Education and Department of Health: A Strong and Healthy Start: Safety and Health Guidance for Reopening Schools, Fall 2020.

We realize that no plan will mitigate every possible exposure to the virus that causes the Covid-19 illness. We believe, however, that with proper planning and dedicated adherence to that plan, we can provide a spiritually rich, academically sound learning environment that is infused with practical and sustainable health and safety measures.

To that end, each school is utilizing the guidelines as a foundational tool for the development of local health and safety measures. Each school is developing a schedule and instructional plan that best meets the needs of the individual school’s community while ensuring, to the greatest extent possible, compliance with guidelines from local, state and/or national public health authorities. Each Catholic school will post its plan on its website.

For a list of schools and contact information, visit vermontcatholic.org/schools/catholic-schools

For regular updates, visit vermontcatholic.org/schools/catholic-schools/updates-20-21-school-year.