One week ago, we announced the closure of our Catholic school system due to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) through our region. Since the closure started on Monday, the Office of Catholic Schools has worked closely with each of our schools to deliver high-quality electronic learning (e-learning) or alternative learning to our students. I have been amazed by the creativity and ingenuity of many of our educators as they have implemented their e-learning/alternative learning plans. Our students are keeping busy!
As a Catholic school parent myself, I know that this has been a time of anxiety and stress. Know that I am extremely grateful for your patience and trust. Our Catholic schools depend upon the partnership between our parents/guardians and our Catholic schools. I deeply appreciate your efforts in supporting your child’s e-learning/alternative learning during this unprecedented time.
As of now, it is unclear how long our system-wide closure will last. You may have heard that Chicago Public Schools recently announced that they will remain closed until April 20. We are not yet setting a specific date to re-open the Catholic school system, although we are intending to resume school once it is deemed safe to do so. We will continue to be in close communication with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local and state health departments, and other agencies as we consider our options.
Regardless of the length of our closure, know that we remain committed to delivering the very best faith-based education possible through e-learning/alternative learning. If you have questions or needs during this closure, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school or the Office of Catholic Schools.
To assist you during this time, we have prepared a frequently asked questions (“FAQ”) document that offers basic information about e-learning/alternative learning, tuition, registration, and other important issues. I encourage you to read this document carefully. Likewise, here are some resources to assist you in supporting your child’s e-learning/alternative learning.
I know that God is blessing our efforts during this time of uncertainty. May God continue to watch over you and your family and bless our precious ministry of Catholic education.
Yours in Christ,
Jim Rigg, Ph.D. Superintendent of Catholic Schools Archdiocese of Chicago