Letter To The Community 8-18-21.pdf

Dear Catholic School Families,

I hope you had a chance to enjoy time with your family and recharge after a challenging 2021-22 school year. As we prepare to welcome students back, please review the update below.

COVID-19 Protocols:
- Masking is required on public transportation, including school buses.
- Schools must report COVID-19 cases in school buildings and at school events.
- Each school will make decisions on COVID protocols based on local conditions, following local health department orders, and supporting contact tracing and quarantine/isolation efforts.
- Masks are welcome but not required for students, parents, guests, staff, and faculty.
- Information on vaccines will be shared, especially for those under 12.

Catholic Social Teaching and Critical Race Theory:
- Our Catholic schools use the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching to form and inform students.
- The United States Council of Catholic Bishops issued a pastoral letter against racism, and resources are available to combat racism.
- Promoting the value and sanctity of all life is at the center of our schools, making other frameworks unnecessary.

Faith-Based Professional Development:
- Staff and faculty will participate in spiritual development and growth opportunities.
- A partnership with Ruah Woods will support staff and faculty in addressing questions about same-sex attraction, gender dysphoria, and LGBTQ topics.
- Breakout sessions will be led by Ruah Woods, focusing on the Theology of the Body approach.

Emergency Aid for Non-Public Schools (EANS):
- Eligible schools can apply for a second distribution of funding, with nearly two million dollars available.
- The state of Michigan is working to facilitate reimbursement for approved expenses.

Staffing Challenges:
- Finding candidates to fill openings has been challenging due to retirements and a decline in teacher preparation programs.
- Principals are working to identify and secure excellent teachers and staff, and some schools may start the year with substitute teachers.

Catholic Advocacy Network:
- The network provides updates on state policy issues and allows Catholics to contact lawmakers.
- Participation is critical to supporting or opposing policies that impact Catholic schools.