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KYW Newsradio was rebuffed by the Office of Catholic Education in an attempt to get a copy of the two-page memo that was sent July 15 to some 500 teachers in the archdiocesan system.
However, in pursuing several avenues and sources, KYW Newsradio was able to obtain a copy.
In the tentative plan, eight key broad elements are spelled out, including dividing classes up with half the students in school for a day and the remaining students connected to online instruction.
The students would reverse roles under a day-by-day program.
The archdiocese is installing cameras in classrooms and buying a new learning management system, which includes Zoom capability. Teachers, staff and administrators also will be provided PPE — a mask or face shield.
Each of the 17 high schools must devise their own “return to school plan” and submit it for approval by the Office of Catholic Education before they can open.
Rita Schwartz, president of the Association of Catholic Teachers representing the teachers, said that’s a huge concern.
“What we need to see are the individual school plans,” Schwartz said. “Then, we’re going to be able to see exactly what each school has planned to do to bring the kids back and teachers back safely.”
KYW Newsradio has learned the contents of the memo have not been widely shared with parents. That lack of transparency, Schwartz said, is not helpful.
“The parents have to be comfortable sending the children back,” she said. “Part of their week is going to be home.”
Schwartz told KYW Newsradio some veteran teachers are uncomfortable with the hybrid plan, and many acknowledged they are weighing retirement.
The plan does not cover Catholic elementary schools, which are operated separately by the parishes throughout the archdiocese.