COVID-19 Protocols
Marian Catholic High School is excited to welcome new and returning students back to campus this fall. Full-time, in-person learning is essential for our students to stay engaged, learn effectively, and maintain social-emotional wellness. In order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone, we will continue to follow COVID-19 protocols as recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education. As the school year progresses, we will continue to closely monitor public health conditions and make adjustments as necessary based on guidance from the CDC, IDPH, and ISBE.
Protocols
Health Monitoring and Screening
Marian Catholic promotes self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms by students, faculty, and staff prior to arriving at school. Those who are sick, or have a suspected or known exposure to COVID-19, should stay home as recommended. Suspected or known cases should be reported to the school. Students who develop COVID-19 symptoms while at school are isolated and parental contact is made immediately.
Area Testing Sites
Midwest Express Clinic |
Advocate Health Care |
University of Chicago Ingalls Memorial |
Family Christian Health Center |
Aunt Martha's |
Family First Medical Group |
Walmart |
NAS Testing Center |
Prairie State College |
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Masks
Effective March 3, 2022, Marian Catholic is mask-optional for students and staff. However, everyone is asked to carry a mask with them at all times while on campus. Although our policy has shifted, we will not shift how we treat and respect others who have differing opinions. If students or staff work closely with others and ask you to wear a mask, you must comply with their request. As we have from the beginning of the pandemic, we are continuing to follow the guidelines of the CDC, IDPH, ISBE, and City of Chicago Heights regarding COVID-19 safety measures.
Masks are not required in outdoor settings. However, masks are still encouraged when other safety measures are not easily accessible. Staff and students who are not fully vaccinated should wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings or during activities that involve sustained close contact with other individuals.
Students are advised to have two masks available to them while at school in case a replacement is needed.
Sanitizing and Disinfecting
The importance of handwashing and respiratory etiquette is reinforced within the school. Hand sanitizer is available in hallways and in each classroom.
Marian Catholic’s maintenance staff will continue to clean and disinfect all areas of the school on a daily basis following the recommendations of the CDC, IDPH, and local health departments.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing is no longer mandated at this time. However, we do recommend that when you are not feeling well, please be considerate of your physical distance with others.
Vaccinations
The CDC states that “vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic". Vaccinations are strongly encouraged for faculty, staff, students, and volunteers. Vaccinated individuals should submit proof of vaccination to the main office.
Athletics
Marian Catholic Athletics will comply with the latest Sports Safety Guidance as issued by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), IDPH, and ISBE.