FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Community Questions and Answers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


GENERAL INFORMATION

What is Coronavirus (COVID19)?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, Hubel Province China. It is being closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


Are there any confirmed cases of COVID 19 in SJS?

SJS currently has no confirmed cases of COVID-19. However, acting out of an abundance of caution, Diocesan schools will be identified if cases are confirmed, as recommended by health officials.


What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath


How is the virus spread? Is there a vaccine?

COVID-19 is spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet) through coughing and sneezing. The virus also may be transmitted by touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19.


What can I do to prevent the spread of the virus?

  • Wash hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds

  • Use alcohol-based sanitizers when soap and water are not available

  • Use disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of them carefully and promptly

  • If tissues are not available, direct your cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm/sleeve

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

  • Clean and disinfect “high-touch” objects and surfaces

  • Stay home when you are sick, and remain home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication

  • Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms

  • Maintain healthy habits that support your immune system


How long will SJS be closed due ot COVID-19?

Please note we are committed to keeping you updated and providing you with information as soon as we have it. Please know that the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority and all decisions are being made with that in mind. We are continuing to closely monitor the situation and staying in contact with city, state, and national health and education officials.

Governor Newsom announced that closing California schools for the remainder of the academic year “is the right thing to do.” While this is not a mandate to close schools, it is likely that public schools across the state will remain closed. As people of faith, we remain hopeful that our students will be able to return to campus before the end of the school year. We will continue to make final decisions and announcements regarding campus closures in a timely manner as guided by the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, the Orange County Department of Education, and the Orange County Health Care Agency.

While we would love to return to our beautiful school campuses in May, we expect campuses to remain closed through the remainder of the school year. The health and safety of our students and teachers are of paramount importance. If, however, our public health officers deem it safe to return sooner we will adjust as needed. As we implement distance learning for the remainder of the school year, know that we are committed to ensuring that your children continue to achieve academically and grow in their faith.

How are we keeping schools clean?

SJS is enhancing standard procedures for cleaning and disinfection of schools. We are using guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) regarding approved sanitizers to use for COVID-19.


Communication

Questions will be addressed through a direct message or compiled into a frequently asked question (FAQ) list on our website. We appreciate your patience and support during this unprecedented time.


Distance Learning Survey

As we continue to monitor the potential impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SJS is taking immediate, proactive measures to mitigate the impact on the SJS community, establish an alternative instructional program (if needed) and keep our students and staff safe.

Survey #1


AT HOME LEARNING GUIDELINES

As SJS responds to the challenges of COVID-19, we are prepared to support you and your children through this time by providing academic and nutritional outreach.

SJS is launching a Distance Learning Platform for all students PK-8 enrolled in St. Joseph Catholic school. This is an opportunity for students to receive grade-level instruction from the comfort of their home until it is feasible to return to SJS classrooms. Our goal is to create a sense of normalcy and routine until we can return to campus.

Our administration and teaching staff value and need your continued support and flexibility as we launch this program to support our students. We ask that you partner with SJS as your child’s Learning Coach.

Our teachers will provide instructional resources weekly for your children. As a Learning Coach, we are asking you to coach and support students with completing assignments, common questions, and logistics of our virtual program.


ADMINISTRATION ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Monitor COVID-19 Updates and Adjust Program As Necessary

  • Communicate with SJS Family current validated information

  • Coordinate and Oversee Distance Learning Plan

  • Respond to incoming questions

  • Post daily/weekly updates on social media, website, and newsletters

  • Attest to instruction is continuing during school closure


TEACHER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Supply and Support daily instruction to all students

  • Respond to student and parents in a timely fashion on instructional questions

  • Support Diocesan efforts for communicating program updates and changes

  • Deliver instruction via packets, internet, and other means

  • Grade and monitor student progress


LEARNING COACH/ PARENT OR CAREGIVER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Review emails, social media, and website postings daily for updates on the situation

  • Support students at home with understanding instructions for school on assignments and work packets/projects.

  • Ensure a timely return of any materials provided for in-home use

  • Communicate with teachers and staff as needed to support learning

  • Create daily routines for students working from home

  • Offer encouragement for students as they process the situation

COMMUNITY MEMBERS ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Review emails, social media, and website postings daily for updates on the situation

  • Support efforts to flatten the curve

  • Maintain social distancing and cancel events

  • Continue implementing recommendations from local, state, and national government recommendations for handwashing and hygiene

Teacher Live Lessons VIA ZOOM

ZOOM is a video conferencing tool. The teachers are going live every day to teach a lesson

and assist students in home-based lessons.