COVID-19 PLANS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR

• Read the English version of the Diocese of Des Moines' reopening plan or view the infographic.
• Read the Spanish version of our reopening plan or view the infographic.
• Read the latest letter from Superintendent Donna Bishop (view the Spanish version).

Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools Announce Reopening Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year

DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 7, 2020 — The Diocese of Des Moines released a comprehensive plan to reopen its 16 schools this fall. All diocesan PK-8th grade schools plan to reopen for in-person instruction in August, and parents will have choices regarding learning options to meet their child’s needs, including in-person instruction five days a week or a fully remote learning option.

"It remains our goal to open our school doors for onsite learning the first day of school,” said Donna Bishop, Superintendent of Schools. “However, for some families, the remote learning option may be necessary for medical or other reasons. Our schools are prepared to partner with any family that would like to explore the remote learning option for their child.”

Key components of the reopening plan address the health and safety of students, teachers and staff while at school. These key components include health and safety measures, academic quality, learning options for families, continuity of education, social-emotional health, and school-home communications. Mitigation strategies outlined in the plan were developed in collaboration with local public health officials and health professionals to solidify decisions related to best practices surrounding infectious disease control.

Bishop added, “We recognize that this is a fluid situation, and we will continue to revise protocols and update parents as we approach the opening of school.”

Parents were notified of the diocesan-wide reopening plan earlier this week and individual school return-to-learn plans approved by the Iowa Department of Education are posted on each school’s website. In the event that schools are directed to close again, all students will be able to quickly pivot to remote learning and continue their rigorous and personalized education.

"We understand the importance of establishing a positive, safe and supportive learning environment as our students navigate the unprecedented challenges due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic," shared Bishop. "We want to ensure student learning continues. Schools are working with families to meet their individual needs. No student will miss out on a high-quality education because of this virus."

Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools includes 16 schools in 23 counties in Central and Southwest Iowa. Catholic schools in the Des Moines Diocese build Christ-centered, collaborative, inclusive partnerships with parents, students and parishes to provide innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation for students.