FAQs for Families

We apologize for the changing regulations from the State of Oregon, the inherent uncertainty that results from the pandemic, and the resulting inability for all members of our community to be able to plan with certainty moving forward. Many Catholic high schools have been in and out of remote and hybrid learning throughout the school year.

We are grateful for the patience and flexibility that all of the Jesuit family have been displaying throughout this pandemic and appreciate a continuation of this grace as numerous uncontrollable factors continue to contribute to the uncertainty of our schedule moving forward.

The newest guidelines from the ODE and OHA, Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL), were published on Tuesday, January 19.

The ODE is now relying on metrics based on Harvard Global Health Institute guidelines:

• If over 350 cases per 100,000 (during the previous two-week period): No in-person instruction for any schools.
• If 200 - 350 cases per 100,000 (during the previous two-week period): Elementary schools may return to in-person hybrid instruction.
• If 50 - 199 cases per 100,000 (during the previous two-week period): In-person hybrid instruction may take place in elementary, middle and high schools.
• If under 50 cases per 100,000 (during the previous two-week period): In-person instruction may take place for all schools.

Here is more information from the ODE about these metrics: Metrics Explainer.

Of note is that the RSSL guidelines direct us to track the experience of our local Catholic K-8 schools as they bring younger students back to campus.

Our back-to-school plan needs to be reviewed by our local public health authority (LPHA), which relies on the guidelines for approving school plans. The health metrics promulgated by the ODE, although now advisory, have been designed by public health and education experts and, according to ODE, are based on scientific evidence and research-based best practices that help reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 in schools. Additionally, according to outside legal counsel, Jesuit does need to comply with the state guidelines, even if they are "advisory."

The metrics are considerably different for elementary schools than for middle schools and high schools. Elementary schools can begin to offer in-person instruction if their county case counts are in the range of 200 - 350 cases per 100,000 (during the previous two-week period), whereas the guidance for high schools is that the region be under 200. This difference in metrics is based on evidence showing that younger children contract and transmit COVID-19 at significantly lower rates than high schoolers. 

Here is more information from the ODE about these metrics: Metrics Explainer.

Understandably, some parents are frustrated when they see other school districts around the country open to full in-person instruction when Jesuit is not. It is important to recognize that Oregon has more stringent safety protocols in place than do other states.

Given the new guidelines from the ODE, Jesuit will begin hybrid learning one week after the three counties (Washington, Clackamas and Multnomah) each report an infection rate below 200 cases per 100,000 for the prior two-week period. Jesuit will keep students and families apprised of developments and plans. Email will be the primary communication method.

No. Jesuit can remain in hybrid learning mode once initiated if case counts exceed 200 per 100,000. However, if the COVID cases for the tri-county area return to exceed 350, Jesuit would be required to return to remote learning.

Jesuit would be compelled to return to fully remote learning if the case counts in Washington, Multnomah or Clackamas Counties exceed 350 per 100,000. Additionally, if there is a significant outbreak of COVID-19 at the school, Jesuit would likely be required to return to fully remote learning for a period of time per the direction of the Local Public Health Authority (LPHA). In that situation, Jesuit would work closely with the LPHA to determine when it is safe to resume hybrid learning again.

It should be noted that many schools across the country have had to move back and forth from remote learning to hybrid learning due to outbreaks of COVID.

Families were asked to complete an “opt-out” survey earlier this week to indicate if their student(s) would be remaining in fully remote learning after we transition to hybrid learning. If families wish to change their preference, please contact your student’s Vice Principal as the first step in this process. We are working to keep cohorts balanced, so this process may take some time.

• Emily Hagelgans:  Students with last names A-G + Spanish-speaking families
• Khalid Maxie:  Students with last names H-N
• Scott Powers:  Students with last names O-Z

Jesuit has implemented a number of safety precautions and measures over the last many months to keep campus as safe as possible for students, faculty and staff.

These measures include the following:

• COVID-19 testing for all students and staff prior to start of hybrid instruction. Anyone testing positive will be quarantined and will not be allowed on campus per CDC guidelines.
• Students or staff may not come to campus if they have symptoms, have traveled out of state, or have not been following CDC guidelines re masks, distancing, hygiene, or quarantining. 
• Screening for symptoms and temperature at CapScann kiosks before entering campus.
• Any student or staff member showing symptoms will be sent immediately to the school nurse, then home.
• No non-essential visitors or volunteers on campus.
• Improved ventilation, Plexiglas, PPE for students and staff.
• Hand-washing stations and signage throughout campus.
• Other hygiene protocols in place, especially regarding restroom use and outdoor lunch.

Yes. We intend to share our full hybrid learning health and safety protocols with families next week.

As a reminder, next week we begin Monday with a Tuesday remote bell schedule—ie, period 1 begins at 8 am, period 2 at 9:30 am, etc.

On Tuesday, January 26, instead of classes, freshmen have Reorientation, sophomores have Christian Service Orientation, juniors have PSAT, and seniors who are not helping with one of the above have a chance to catch up on schoolwork, exercise, sleep, and college planning.

Mass will be livestreamed at 11 am on Friday, as usual.