Return to School 2020-2021

OCS will begin school in person on August 26, 2020! The in-person experience of an Owensboro Catholic education is the best way to guide your child’s faith development as well as their academic and emotional well-being, and we are so happy to be able to have them back in the buildings.

This new start date will NOT impact the remainder of the school calendar – Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, and Spring Break will remain the same. The last day of school will remain the same as well, May 21. Obviously, some dates will be subject to change due to inclement weather or other reasons. The extra 2 weeks will provide us additional time to educate and train teachers and staff for whatever new protocols and requirements will be in place to create the safest environment possible for your child and everyone else involved.

Each week we meet to discuss the many different scenarios and potential issues that we are likely to face when we re-open, and we will begin to share more about these as we get closer to the start of school. But as of today, this is the plan, and it may have to change, but we wanted to share with you what we are planning. Rest assured that we will keep you “In the Loop” every step of the way.

May God continue to bless you and our school system!

-Keith Osborne, CAO

 

OCS Return to School Plans

K-3 Campus Return to School Plans

4-6 Campus Return to School Plans

OCMS Return to School Plans

OCHS Return to School Plans

Campus Arrival and Dismissal Times:

K-3: Doors open at 7:00 a.m. and dismissal begins at 2:20 p.m. Please be in the lot to pick up by 2:45 p.m.
4-6: Doors open at 7:00 a.m. and dismissal begins at 2:25 p.m. If you have both a 4-6 and K-3 student, please pick up your 4-6 student first.
OCMS: Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and car dismissal will begin promptly at 3:10 pm for students in both grades 7 and 8, with the last names A-G. Car dismissal for students in both grades, H-Z will not take place until 3:18 pm. Parents/Guardians of students in H-Z may start entering the parking lot at 3:15 pm.
OCHS: Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and dismissal begins at 3:10 p.m.
 

Click HERE to view a message from Superintendent David Kessler.

Click HERE to view a message from President Tom Lilly.

Click HERE to view a message from Tom Lilly and Keith Osborne.

Click HERE to view a message from Father Jason McClure.

Click HERE to view a message from K-3 Principal Jim Tinius.

Click HERE to view a message from 4-6 Principal Tracy Conkright.

Click HERE to view a message from OCMS Principal Olivia Schilke and OCHS Principal Gates Settle.

Please read the following article provided by the CDC: The Importance of Reopening America’s Schools this Fall

 

Guidelines for Face Masks for OCS Students

When schools begin in the fall, all students in grades 1st through 12th and every employee will be required to wear a mask. With this requirement to be masked when in movement or when 6 feet of distancing is not possible during a school day, we are not requiring a specific uniform mask for students. In fact, we are open to students creative designs and creations provided they do not promote or wear any bias related apparel, sign or symbol which reasonably appears to offend, victimize or intimidate another based on race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability and/or which disrupts or interferes with the educational setting and/or process. This act includes the wearing of gang clothing or paraphernalia and the use of gang signs and signals. Students also cannot promote any political agenda or make any political statement via their apparel, signs or symbols.
 

Diocese of Owensboro School Re-Opening Plan for Fall 2020 in Response to COVID-19

The Catholic Schools Office in collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Education, Catholic Conference of Kentucky, local health officials, administrators, and other Diocesan staff, has worked diligently to develop a school re-opening plan that allows students to return to campus in a manner that reduces health-related risks while maintaining an environment in which we focus on the education of the whole child.

Our schools will provide virtual and on-campus learning with the necessary campus and classroom modifications needed to support students’ safe return to school this fall. This plan may be updated regularly based on the guidance of local and state health officials. School principals will share updated information through all communication channels that are provided by the school.

Temperature Screening

Students, teachers, and staff will be required to get temperature checks daily upon arrival. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4F or above will be sent home. A doctor’s note will be required prior to going back to school. Random temperature checks may be done throughout the school day. Anyone with a temperature or feeling ill should stay home to maintain a healthy school campus.

Cleaning & Disinfecting

Enhanced cleaning protocols have been established to disinfect the campuses daily. High touch surfaces will be regularly disinfected throughout the school day. Teachers and staff will be provided the necessary cleaning and disinfecting materials.

Strategic Social Distancing

Students, teachers and staff are expected to wear masks. Classroom seating will be arranged to maximize strategic social distancing and to limit face-to-face contact, which will allow for some opportunity for masks to be removed. Classes will alternate use of the cafeteria and other campus areas such as outdoor spaces to maintain reduced capacity and strategic social distancing protocols.

Visitors & Volunteers Protocol

At this time, it is our recommendation that for the 2020-2021 school year, we forgo the use of campus volunteers when possible. Schools will provide alternative means of serving our communities. Visitors will not be permitted on the campus during the school day other than the front office. This recommendation is made based on the need to limit the exposure of our students, faculty and staff.

Mass, Large Gatherings & Sporting Events

School Masses will follow the protocols in place by the diocese. All athletic sporting events must adhere to state and local guidelines. Strategic social distancing for all large gatherings on campus, inside and outside of the schools’ facilities, will be observed, as well as state guidelines.

Academics & Virtual Learning

Students will begin the 2020-2021 academic year on campus with the expectation that specific health and safety procedures will be required. In the event that a student needs to stay healthy at home, schools will work with families on a continuing education plan. Parents should contact schools as soon as possible so schools can plan accordingly.

Download the Diocese of Owensboro School Re-Opening Plan

We plan to provide updates as the situation evolves and do our very best to address questions and concerns that are raised by parents, students and teachers alike. To that end, we will work to include all information and resources related to the effort in this central area on our website. 

Stay “In The Loop”

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to OCS Text Alerts and OCS Emails to make certain you receive important notices.

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Bookmark this page and check back frequently.

2020-2021 School Supply Lists 

K-3 Campus: 2020-2021 Supply List

4-6 Campus: 2020-2021 Supply List

OCMS: 2020-2021 Supply List

OCHS: 2020-2021 Supply List

Ask a Question, Share a Concern

Ask questions or share concerns you have about making the School at Home effort a success.

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