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miami-archdiocesan-schools-to-start-aug-19-with-virtual-learning

Press Release | Friday, July 31, 2020

Archdiocesan schools to start Aug. 19 with virtual learning

Archdiocese will 'reassess the situation' Sept. 18; Pre-K on hold for now

MIAMI | Archdiocesan schools in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties will begin the 2020-2021 school year on Aug. 19, 2020 with virtual learning through Sept. 18 for grades K-12.

In a letter to parents, the Office of Catholic Schools stated, “The decision to begin the 2020-2021 school year with only livestreamed classes or online instruction for grades K-12 was arrived at after considerable consultation with the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Catholic Conference, local health officials and “feedback” solicited from parents themselves.

“The Office of Catholic Schools will reassess the situation to determine when schools can resume instruction with children present in the classroom. And, even when “in classroom” instruction resumes with social distancing, facial masks and frequent handwashing, the virtual format will continue to be available to those who might prefer or require it.”

Protocols from both the Centers for Disease Control and Early Learning Coalition are being examined for Pre-K classes. An announcement as to when classes will resume may come as early as next week.

The Archdiocese of Miami
www.miamiarch.org
Facebook: /ArchdioceseofMiami
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Follow our hashtags: #miamiarchnews #miamiarchcommunications 

Media contact: Mary Ross Agosta, Director of Communications, at (305)762-1043 [email protected], or
Maria Alejandra Rivas, Media Coordinator, at (305)762-1046 [email protected].                                                                        

Comments from readers

Katie - 08/14/2020 10:41 AM
As a parent of a child set to start kindergarten this year, I'm very disappointed in the lack of communication we've received from the school. We have yet to receive ANY type of paperwork, "welcome packet," iPad, or schedule, and school is supposed to start in 5 days. As a working parent, I dont know how we're expected to make plans when we have no idea what the daily schedule will look like. When we enrolled we were told there would be a parents night to go over information, but that never happened. We're less than a week out from the start of the year and we have no idea what we're doing.
Yurika and Gary Penichet - 08/13/2020 01:35 PM
Thank you !
Ana Rodriguez-Soto - Florida Catholic - 08/07/2020 12:13 PM
In response to the question about the Basilica school re-opening, that is due to the fact that Monroe County has moved to Phase 2. Miami-Dade and Broward counties remain in Phase 1. That's according to the state of Florida: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/plan-for-floridas-recovery/ - Here's the pertinent quote from that site: "Phase 2 of the Plan for Florida’s Recovery took effect June 5, 2020 for all Florida counties except Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach."
Jose Luis - 08/06/2020 12:01 PM
I have relatives who live in Key West and their children attend St Mary's School. They have been notified by principal that they are opening with regular classroom attendance for all grades. Why is Monroe Co allowed to have face to face instruction?
Michealee Garcia - 08/05/2020 03:07 PM
As long as we have a high percentage of the virus, I think it is smart to only have virtual learning the first month. Where my concerns are when they do go back to in person learning, will there be in place a check point on screening the students everyday. It only takes one person to spread the virus. What adults have to remember, we do have children who have secondary conditions like diabetes, or cancer, or other immune diseases who would be vulnerable.
Katie - 08/05/2020 01:59 PM
I understand that this is a difficult time for all involved; however, we made the move to private school because they were promising on-campus classes. Kids can do virtual for free through public schools. Not to mention that every other private school in our area is still offering an on-campus option - Saint Mark's, Christ Church, Calvery Chapel, and Westminister.
Alejandra Kelly - 08/05/2020 11:01 AM
Good morning. Are there any updates as to whether PK3 and PK4 will begin virtual classes along with the other grades on Aug. 19th? We are only 2 weeks away and we need to know to prepare for either situation. Thank you!
Irena - 08/04/2020 05:49 PM
This is a difficult choice for the ADOM, parents and all involved. Tuition reduction? The Catholic School teachers are still working remotely, which is more difficult in so many ways , trying to keep keep Students scholastically engaged on screen. I realize many Parents have lost jobs, and have had pay reductions. Most K-8 Catholic school teachers receive thousands of dollars less salary than public school teachers. Our teachers have a vocation and dedication that should be applauded, and salaries should not Be reduced . I lost my Catholic School position in Fine Arts in 2009 when Archbishop Favalora closed schools and parishes. Many of us never were able to continue in the archdiocese and found work elsewhere. The atmosphere is not the same “elsewhere”.
Carie - 08/03/2020 05:33 PM
As parents, we understand this is a very difficult time for everyone. Just to share with the person who mentioned the percentage of children transferring the virus to others is only 1% well , I have news for you. My neighbor and her daughter, both contracted the virus from a 2 year old at a daycare, where they both work. In large 7 people total got the virus from that little baby. Another neighbor just found her 20 years dead after attending a dinner outing with other friends. He Just had a cough, but it was too late for him. Cases you don’t hear about in the news. Jobs will remain, but lives are lost forever. For the sake of everyone, I believe this is the Best choice for now. We opened too soon, look at where we are now. We didn’t progress, instead we Are Regressing. Stay prayerful, together God’s Mercy will see us through. Thank you, for all the school officials who are making wiser decision for our children’s safety. God bless all of you!!! Be safe!!!🙏😇
Kelley Karasik - 08/03/2020 12:41 PM
Unless the ADOM cuts the cost of tuition to help offset the parents who are working and can't just leave their jobs, then this will be a mass Exodus of families withdrawing. I have to try to find a tutor or nanny to sit with my daughter and help. No options for us, no hybrid, nothing, but you'll keep debiting my account.
Rafael Paz - 08/02/2020 08:36 AM
Why pay a private school if you you have to teach your child at home? Who is going to stay with this child? My grandson is with my wife, because their parents need to work, but the grandma doesn’t speak English, how are you going to solve that?
Ana Rodriguez-Soto - Florida Catholic editor - 08/01/2020 01:59 PM
Just to clarify: All archdiocesan schools, including Cardinal Gibbons, will begin classes virtually/online Aug. 19.
Robert Shelly - 08/01/2020 10:17 AM
The August 1st Sun-Sentinel says that Cardinal Gibbons is opening in-person. Is that an error?
Gustavo - 07/31/2020 11:14 PM
The percentage of children getting infected by the China virus worldwide is less than 1%. What are parents supposed to do? Quit their jobs? European schools have all opened with safety measures in place and have had success. Once again, this shows a lack of supernatural faith on the part of the Church. So sad.

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