Reopening Updates
The John Carroll School is committed to keeping our Patriot community informed as we plan for a variety of possible scenarios for reopening school for the 2020-2021 school year.
This page will be updated as new information is released.
Important Announcement From President DiBiagio
(8/3/20) President Steve DiBiagio shares an announcement of John Carroll's reopening of the 2020-2021 school year.
Click Here for Full Transcript
Latest News
(7/15/20) Principal Tom Durkin shares a summary of John Carroll's planning regarding Academic Instruction for the reopening of the 2020-2021 school year.
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(7/23/20) Director of Facilities Joe McGrain shares a summary of John Carroll's planning regarding Facilities & Transportation.
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(7/29/20) School Nurse Michelle Webster, RN, BSN '81 and Dean of Student Services and Director of Counseling Larry Hensley explain steps John Carroll is taking to support the physical and mental health of students.
Click Here for Full Transcript - Physical Health
Decision Tree: Maryland Department of Health and MSDE Guidelines on Returning to School*
*Please note, John Carroll will use criteria of 100 degrees or higher for a fever.
Click Here for Full Transcript - Mental Health
About the Reopening Task Force
In May of 2020, John Carroll appointed a special Reopening Task Force to oversee planning for reopening school for the 2020-2021 school year. Co-chaired by Director of Athletics Mr. Seth Goldberg and Principal Tom Durkin, the current task force meets weekly and also includes School Nurse Mrs. Michelle Webster RN, BSN '81 and representatives from Academics and Counseling, Athletics, Facilities and Food Service. Outside experts on specific topics have also participated in select meetings as appropriate to lend information on best practices. Areas of focus for the Task Force include Academics, Athletics & Extracurriculars, Facilities & Transportation and Physical & Emotional Health. Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff.
While we are all eager to finalize plans for the upcoming school year, the landscape of this pandemic is constantly changing. We have already seen many regions and institutions that saw an uptick in cases following the easing of restrictions. Therefore, we are planning for a variety of scenarios to ensure we will be prepared to support our students in the most efficient way, regardless of the format.
Our final decision, which we expect to release in early August, will be based on data, guidelines and recommendations from a variety of sources including:
- The Centers for Disease Control guidelines for schools
- Any executive orders in place at the start of the school year
- Recommendations from the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools
- Guidelines from the Archdiocese of Baltimore
- A survey of current faculty to assess their comfort level and risks in returning to campus
- Submissions to our online reopening feedback form
At this time, what we can confirm is that school will begin in some capacity as scheduled on August 31 for new students and September 1 for all students. This timing is necessary to ensure our teachers and students have adequate time to prepare for AP exams currently scheduled for May.
We encourage you to refer to the School Communications section below for detailed updates on each area of focus of our reopening task force.
School Communications
School Reopening Task Force: Important Announcement from President DiBiagio (sent 8/3/20)
School Reopening Task Force: Physical & Mental Health Update (sent 7/30/20)
School Reopening Task Force: Facilities & Transportation Update (sent 7/23/20)
School Reopening Task Force: Academics Update (sent 7/15/20)
School Reopening Task Force Update (sent 6/14/20)
School Reopening Task Force Update (sent 5/28/20)
Current Parent & Student Feedback
On May 28, a message was sent to all current parents and students with a link to a form that could be completed to submit ideas, concerns or questions regarding school reopening. Thanks to all those who took the time to share feedback with the task force; all of your ideas and concerns have been considered and will be addressed to the best of our ability.
SUBMIT FEEDBACK ON REOPENING PLANS
Page created: July 13, 2020 | Last update: August 3, 2020