Pope Francis Preparatory School (PFPS) will reopen for the 2021-2022 school year with full-time in-person classes. On a daily basis, the school will review the health and assess the safety of all students and personnel and will make adjustments to the reopening plan as needed.
As of August 4, 2021, PFPS is planning to reopen school under the GREEN status.
OPEN (GREEN): Under this status, the school is open full time, with in-person learning only. This status will follow an alternating ABCD and EFGH schedule with periods rotating and class times of 80-85 minutes in length. See GREEN in-person, on-campus safety protocols in our Reopening Plan for details.
Has your student been vaccinated?
The fourth item on page ten of the Reopening Plan outlines the process to submit proof of vaccination to the school nurse.
Thank you to all families that have submitted copies of their child’s proof of vaccination!
PFPS Reopening FAQs (currently being updated)
Will I need to wear a mask/face covering in school? (updated 9.5.21)
For the safety of everyone at PFPS, we will require all students and staff to wear a mask/face covering indoors.
A solid color or PFPS Logo mask or face covering will be required of all students.
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
- Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
- Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be a solid color or include Pope Francis Prep branding/logos
- Be secured with ties or ear loops to remain hands-free at school
At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.
How can I keep up with my studies if I am out for COVID related reasons? (updated 9.5.21)
The COVID Continuity of instruction via Zoom or Google Meet will be afforded to students that have been given permission by PFPS because of their specific COVID status. Each morning a list of approved students will be generated by the main office and sent to teachers. Only students on this list will be allowed to enter the classroom via Zoom/Google Meet, and will be marked as present. Students must have their video camera turned on. Students on the approved list that do not access the class will be marked absent. Between the use of Google Classroom and Zoom/Google Meet, we believe students will be able to keep up with their studies for continuity of instruction. Zoom/Google Meet links will be shared by teachers with their students. Any assessments missed will be made up upon the student’s return to school.
Is the COVID vaccine required? (updated 9.5.21)
The COVID vaccine is not required. However, there are circumstances where proof of vaccination could make a difference for a close contact. If you are fully vaccinated, having proof on file with the school nurse will expedite the process.
We will continue to follow the CDC/DESE/MA-DPH guidance for close contacts as it pertains to a vaccinated vs unvaccinated individual. Specifically, “asymptomatic, fully vaccinated close contacts: Individuals who are asymptomatic and fully vaccinated are exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols.”
Are there any COVID restrictions for sports teams? (updated 9.5.21)
The MIAA has instituted a mask requirement for indoor fall sports. Although we do not have fall sports teams that regularly practice indoors, masks will be required when a sport must be indoors (i.e. the weather forces an indoor practice or the team is using the weightroom).
What is the return to school process if I am out for a COVID related reason? (Updated 9.5.21)
The student and family should be communicating with Nurse Jackson to determine the reason for absence (i.e. positive for COVID, a close contact for COVID, etc) and she will indicate the return to school instructions for your situation. A student may not return to school until they have fulfilled the instructions from the nurse and completed the REENTRY Form and received confirmation it was received by the nurse. If COVID testing is required, it must be a PCR type test performed in a lab. Non-PCR and at-home tests are not acceptable.
What type of COVID test is acceptable?
If COVID testing is required, it must be a PCR type test performed in a lab. Non-PCR and at-home tests are not acceptable.