The mission of Trinity Catholic School is to teach the Catholic faith within a challenging academic curriculum, laying the foundation for all students to grow in Christian maturity, integrity and knowledge.
- Trinity Catholic School
- Updates
COVID-19 Response
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We have created our Back-to-School Plan to aid in navigating the reestablishment of our school community where employees, students, and families feel safe. Every attempt has been made to reduce the impact of COVID-19 conditions upon returning to our school. The guidelines referenced in this plan are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), and our Diocese. We continue to look at best practices in education while listening to the recommendations being made by the Department of Education (DOE), Office of Early Learning (OEL), the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), the Florida Catholic Conference (FCC). Regular updates will be made to this plan based on information provided by all the organizations mentioned above and applicable federal, state, and local agencies.
Our priorities are:- Safety: Mitigating and slowing the growth of COVID-19 in the context of a return to
work and schools. Understanding that there is inherent risk in returning from social
distancing while in a pandemic, we also understand that we are part of a societal decision
that accepts balancing COVID-19 risk against the need for life to continue.
a. Hygiene Within Classrooms - we will emphasize strong hygienic practice.
b. Distance Options - We will offer the option of Distance Learning, using live synchronous teaching. - Presence: Keeping school open daily. We do not want to burden parents with
challenging schedules that require them to stay home and out of work - we want our
students at school, in their cohorts, for the full day. This is good for the children’s mental
health and social growth. - Growth: Despite limitations, we want our children to continue their academic progress
at grade level in their faith and in all core academic standards.
- Safety: Mitigating and slowing the growth of COVID-19 in the context of a return to
Back-to-School Videos
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Back-to-School - General Information
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Back-to-School Information - Early Childhood
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Back-to-School - Special Areas
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Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Covid-19 Safety Protocols
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Social Distancing
Most of our classrooms are large enough to ideally socially distance students 6 feet, no
less than 3 feet, while students are seated, facing front. Clear plexiglass dividers (desk
barriers) are also being provided in order to protect students and staff.When social distancing is not feasible, masks will be required (transitions, Mass, small
group work.)The goal is to socially distance as much as possible.
Each grade level will be a cohort or group of people treated as a group. Grades will not
mix with other grades during the school day. -
Use of Masks
In general, masks will be worn when:
• Students are inside and
• Social Distancing is compromised.Masks are required for Grades 1-8 (those children age 6 and over); masks for Pre-K and
Kindergarten students may be used at the discretion of the parent.Masks will be worn during transitions (in hallways, going to lunch, recess, specials, etc.)
Each student will be given a safety lanyard to which his/her mask will be attached. This
will allow masks to stay safe and clean while students are transitioning between inside
and outside.Masks can be Trinity logo (offered through Lands End), Trinity colors, or whatever mask
makes your child comfortable. Masks with language that may be disruptive to the leanring process are not allowed. (Including but not limited to: political language) -
Cleaning and Safety Protocols
Trinity has put in place many protocols in order to protect students, teachers, and staff
while on our campus. They include:● Plexiglass partitions for students and office. These will be supplied by the
school.
● Lanyards (tear-away) for students to hang masks on when not in use.
These will be supplied by the school.
● Touchless soap dispensers, sinks, and paper towel holders in restrooms
and classrooms.
● Touchless hand sanitizers in hallways.
● Touchless water bottle fillers in buildings.
● Touchless water fountains outside.
● Upgraded filters in the air conditioning system.
● Infrared thermometers.
● Additional janitorial staff with additional sanitizing responsibilities.
● Janitorial staff using a vaporizing disinfectant machine to rapidly sanitize
certain areas.
● Teachers sanitizing between classes using common areas.
● Thoroughly cleaning after hours.
● Use of an isolation room if students are exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19.
New Rule - Students/Staff must be fever-free for 72 hours without
fever reducing medication. If the student feels well enough, he/she
may participate in Distance Learning. -
Distance Learning Option
Distance Learning will be offered for Grades 1-8. Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 will not have the
Distance Learning option. Kindergarten will use a different model.Trinity will offer our parents two options:
1. On Campus - regular learning. In the event of illness or changes in the family
situation, students may move from ̈brick and mortar ̈ to Distance Learning
immediately.
2. Distance Learning - Live streamed synchronous learning. Students will sign-in
live to their classes and receive the class instruction from their teachers. They
will be able to interact with teachers and classmates. -
After-School and Extracurricular Activities
● Beyond-the-Bell
We will continue to offer our After School Program. Students will be grouped in small
cohorts based on grade/age. Protocols will be followed.
● Athletics
Our Athletic Director and the Florida High School Athletic Association/FHSAA, of
which we are a member, will follow rules and directions for our Middle School athletic
activities.
● Other Extracurriculars
Other extracurriculars will be analyzed and evaluated to determine the feasibility of the
activities.
● Events will be evaluated monthly to determine if they can be offered.
● Field Trips are not allowed until further notice. -
Visitors
During this time, visitors will be very restricted. Visitation by appointment only via the
main office will be allowed until further notice.
Parent Volunteers during the day are not allowed at this point in time.
Visitors on campus will report to the Front Office, have their temperature checked, and
answer COVID-19 potential exposure questions. They may be asked to sign a waiver
and will wear a face mask while being escorted.
Parents checking students in or out must wait until called into the Front Office, wear a
mask, and observe social distancing rules.
Student Decision Tree
Resources for Parents
- CDC Symptom Checker
- Florida Department of Education
- American School Counselor Association
- Comcast offering free 'Internet Essentials'
- Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource (Disponible en Español)
- Working and Learning from Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak
- Conversation Tips about Covid-19 for Each Grade Level
- A Workbook to Help Kids Cope During the Coronavirus Pandemic
- Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus