February 25, 2022
Dear students and families,
We are writing to provide you an update regarding our school’s health precautions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since August 18, 2021, all schools in the city and county of Denver have been under a public health order by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) requiring the use of face coverings in school buildings. These measures have helped minimize the spread of more contagious variants of the virus and have allowed us to maintain in-person learning throughout the school year.
The DDPHE announced earlier this month (link here) that the public health order from last August will be lifted for Denver schools after today. This comes with a shift by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to allow for more routine disease control strategies in schools (link here), and this will go into effect on Monday, February 28, 2022. The rationale offered for these decisions refers to high vaccination rates and diminishing positive cases across the Denver Metro area. We have seen the same trends in our school community, so we are confident we will be able to follow their updated public health guidance.
Beginning Monday, February 28, 2022, face masks will be strongly recommended (not required) throughout the school building for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This means that, generally speaking, individuals at school will be able to choose whether or not to wear a face mask. Please note:
- Anyone who desires the extra layer of protection that a mask provides may continue to wear a mask. For those who choose to do so, masks must be worn properly (i.e., covering both the nose and mouth). Masks may not be worn for the purpose of covering facial piercings or concealing other dress code infractions.
- Disposable masks and KN-95 masks will remain available in the Main Office.
- Masks will be strongly recommended (not required) at athletic events and other student activities, in accordance with health protocols set forth by CHSAA.
- In certain circumstances, students may be asked to wear a mask out of respect for specific health needs of a member of our school community.
- Masks may still be required by our partner organizations (e.g., CWSP partners, retreat centers, parishes, universities, transportation, etc.) Students will be required to adhere to these organizations’ policies and health protocols.
- For the time being, face masks will still be required on CWSP transportation. Given some unique considerations for van and bus transportation, we need to evaluate the proper health protocols moving forward. Students should bring a mask to CWSP check-in and wear them properly while on CWSP buses/vans.
As the CDPHE and DDPHE noted, immunization remains highly recommended by health authorities, and high rates of immunity are a significant factor in reducing health restrictions in our daily life. Now is an important time to check if your student is eligible to receive the booster shot after the second dose of the vaccine. We need all students to update their medical record once boosted, so please ensure that your student does so using the Google Form on Arrupemail (link here). We strongly encourage every member of our community to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Please consult with your medical provider if you have any questions or concerns.
We will continue to require students who have not provided complete COVID-19 vaccine records to submit test results weekly. Families can use COVID Check Colorado (link here) as a cost-free method of arranging for this ongoing testing. Any families that require additional support with these routines are encouraged to contact the Main Office (ext. 251).
As we have emphasized throughout the school year, one of the best ways to keep our community healthy is by remaining home when you are not feeling well or have been exposed to COVID-19. Please ensure that your student does not come to school when he or she is sick or might expose others to illness. Students should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms (link here) as well as symptoms of other common illnesses. If your student will be absent, a parent or guardian must contact the Main Office (ext. 251) to notify the school of the absence.
We have worked hard as a school community to prioritize health concerns and remain fully in-person this year. Thank you for all the ways you have supported these efforts! We as a school will continue working to keep the building safe, clean and healthy. As we anticipate these changes, please note that the school reserves the right to increase health precautions if needed. Finally, please join us in praying that our good and loving Lord will continue to preserve us and bring a swift end to this pandemic that has had such a profound effect on our society.
