March 5, 2021

Dear Parents and Students:

Please give this letter your careful attention. It contains very important information on five topics.  Some of this information requires your response and is time sensitive.

• Move to 75% hybrid schedule
• How to opt-in or opt-out
• Return to school after Easter break
• Sports and extracurriculars during and after Easter break
• Travel protocols

MOVE TO 75% HYBRID SCHEDULE

Last week, we surveyed parents about their interest in having students come to school daily.  We received responses for 1,180 students. What did we learn? In short, parents would like more on-campus days.

Effective the first day of the 4^th quarter, Monday, March 22, 2021, we are adopting a new 75% hybrid model.  Under this model, students will attend in person for 6 out of 8 days in a typical cycle. Students are assigned by last name. 

We make this decision based on a number of factors:

• Demand – the overwhelming majority of parents want more on-campus days.
• Success – during our almost five months with a 50% hybrid model, we have had zero cases of spread of COVID-19 within the GC community.
• Metrics – since the January high, in Montgomery County, the case rate per 100,000 has dropped to 11.0 and the test positivity rate is down to 2.9%.
• Vaccine – more than 80% of teachers have already received a first shot.
• Mental health – our concern about reports of increased stress and anxiety among teens confined to home.
• Capacity – our building allows us to expand the number of students in classrooms and at lunch while maintaining all COVID-19 health and safety protocols previously established.

HOW TO OPT-IN or OPT-OUT

Please log into Magnus and complete the attendance choice preference for EACH child. A response is required for EVERY student no later than Friday,  March 12th at 5:00 p.m. Failure to respond by this deadline will result in being opted out for the remainder of the year.

All students who are currently opted out and plan to return to campus on March 22, 2021 are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test. Please submit your PCR test to Marianne Kusbit, School Nurse, prior to returning to campus. When submitting your PCR test via email, please include Return To Campus PCR Test in the subject line.

Students opted in for in-person learning are expected to be in the building and attend class in-person on ALL assigned days. 

RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER EASTER BREAK

As we did following Thanksgiving and Christmas break, we will have a week of virtual synchronous instruction prior to any return to campus. This decision is driven less by the precedent and more by the inevitability that large numbers will travel.

We strongly recommend that families choosing to travel return home by Sunday, April 11, 2021.  Virtual classes start on Monday, April 12, 2021 and a week at home before a return to campus is a prudent measure to safeguard the health of all members of our community. In-person classes on the 75% hybrid model will resume on Monday, April 19, 2021.

SPORTS and EXTRACURRICULARS DURING and AFTER EASTER BREAK

Interscholastic sports were not underway at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Since then, we have completed a winter season and a “fall” season is already up and running.  We have observed the beneficial effect for students of being outdoors and engaged in healthy competition.

Our fall teams may have practices and contests during the week of our Easter break, April 1-11, 2021 excluding the period from Holy Thursday through Easter Monday. Practices for the spring season begin during our week of all-virtual instruction, from April 12-18, 2021.

Students who travel beyond MD, VA, PA, DE, WV and DC during the Easter break may not participate in Good Counsel athletics or other extracurricular activities until they have satisfied the testing protocols described below.

In addition, students who wish to participate in sports and extracurricular activities must attend school in-person each assigned day in order to participate and not just the days when an extracurricular activity is scheduled. 

TRAVEL PROTOCOLS

After more than a year of COVID, better public health metrics, vaccinations for some, and an 11-day Easter break, we know many people are eager to travel.

The following revision of our travel protocols draws upon information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the State of Maryland Department of Health (DoH).  All protocols are subject to change.

Travel outside of MD, VA, PA, DE, WV, DC

If a Good Counsel faculty or staff member or student travels to a state other than Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia:

• upon return to Maryland, the individual must self-quarantine for a minimum of 72 hours BEFORE having a PCR COVID-19 test AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel;
• if the test is negative, the individual is to stay home and self quarantine for the full 7 days;
• if the test is positive, the individual is to isolate for 10 days and until they are symptom-free;
• if the individual doesn’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

International travel

• All international travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must get tested 3–5 days after travel and stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel, even if their test is negative. 
• Travelers who don’t get tested should stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel. 
• Travelers who test positive or develop symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate and follow public health recommendations.

If vaccinated, do I still need to abide by testing and self-quarantining requirements described above?

• Yes. 

EXEMPTION 1: a previously COVID-19 positive person within 90 days of diagnosis.

EXEMPTION 2: for domestic travel only, a fully vaccinated person who is two weeks past the 2-dose series of the Pifzer or Moderna vaccine or the single-dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, within 90 days of first shot, and is asymptomatic.  

Since we departed campus in March 2020, our consistent goal has been to be mindful, purposeful, and focused on how to achieve our mission in a way that promotes the health and wellness of our students, faculty, and staff.  Throughout the year, the context has evolved and changed many times.  We hope this change to the schedule will be both the last one for this year and a welcome step on the journey back to “normal.”

We find ourselves in a good place because of our fidelity to our health and safety protocols.  Let’s be as watchful as ever, not let our guard down, and finish the year Falcon Strong.

Wishing you spiritual renewal in this Lenten season.

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.

President

Dear Good Counsel Parents and Students,

In the spirit of the traditional New Year’s resolution, I write with a reminder regarding an important aspect of school life; attendance. The start of the New Year and anticipated start of the second semester offer a perfect opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the routines of the school day.  

It is extremely important for the administration to know who is in the building each day due to Covid-19 health and safety protocols, contact tracing efforts and any emergency situation that may take place on campus. In addition, teachers need to know who will be in class for academic planning purposes.

• If you are opted in for in-person learning, we expect that you are in the building and you attend class in-person on ALL assigned days. 
• Students who have opted in are not allowed to alternate between in-person and virtual learning during any given week, it is one or the other. 
• Students who participate in extracurricular activities must attend school in-person each assigned day in order to participate and not just the days where an extracurricular activity is scheduled. 

If your child is unable to attend an in-person learning day, parents are required to call the school's 24-hour attendance line (240-283-3233) before 8:30 am each day of a student's absence. If no call is received, the student will be regarded as truant and normal truancy procedures will be initiated which may include loss of credit and/or detention.

When you are calling your student out from school, please state your student’s name and grade and provide the following information regarding their absence:

• Reason for absence (sore throat, nausea, vomiting, migraine, doctor appt.)
• Does your student have a fever?
• Does your student have a confirmed Flu or COVID-19 diagnosis?
• Have you spoken with or seen your student’s physician?
• You may receive a phone call from one of the nurses for further clarification.
• Medical and dental appointments are to be made so the student will not miss class. If, however, a student MUST miss a class during the day, the parent must call the Attendance Office before 8:30 am. The message must include the date, reason for and time of dismissal, time of anticipated return if applicable, and parent work/cell/home telephone number. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Patti Perfetto, Principal’s Assistant. I thank you for your attention to this essential aspect of school operation. Please be assured of my prayers for your families. May Mary, Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us.

Sincerely,

Thomas Campbell ‘93
Principal

Dear Good Counsel Community,

This email is intended for those of you who are currently “opted out” and now wish to return to campus for in-person 50% hybrid learning.

IMPORTANT NEXT STEPS:

• The next “on ramp” day is Tuesday, January 19, 2021.  
• So we have an accurate roster of students who will be attending school in-person beginning January 19, 2021, we are asking the following:
  • ALL families who are currently opted out are to complete the January 19, 2021 In-Person Hybrid Learning Decision Form located in Magnus. You will be asked to select YES for 50% hybrid in-person learning or NO for virtual learning only. This step is mandatory for students wishing to return to campus for in-person learning. Failure to respond to this request will automatically default your child to virtual learning. 
  • This form needs to be completed by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2021. Due to the complex coding required to monitor student attendance this must be a firm deadline.
  • Your decision is binding through the next on-ramp date of Monday, March 22, 2021.

TESTING AND REQUIRED FORMS: 

All students who are returning to campus on January 19, 2021 are required to take a PCR test and complete mandatory paperwork. 

• Good Counsel will not pay for the PCR test. 
• All PCR test results are to be submitted to Marianne Kusbit, School Nurse prior to returning to campus.
• The only test that will be accepted is the PCR test. 
• Please contact your local health department for a list of COVID-19 testing sites. 
• In addition, the “Community Pledge” and the “Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability” must be completed; both documents can be found in the Magnus portal.

SWITCHING FROM IN-PERSON LEARNING TO DISTANCE LEARNING:

For those students who have come to campus at 50%, and wish to switch to 100% distance learning:

• Email Patti Perfetto, Principal’s Assistant.
• Students choosing 100% distance learning may not participate in in-person extra-curricular activities.
• The next “on ramp” date is Monday, March 22, 2021.

Warm regards,

Thomas Campbell ‘93
Principal

Dear Faculty, Staff, Students and Parents:

As a school community, we have realized a good amount of success in mitigating the risk of transmitting COVID on campus. To date, the cases that have been reported have not been tied to spread within Good Counsel. Your cooperation with the Good Counsel Community Pledge has been excellent and we have seen positive results. 

As we look to resume on-campus instruction in the New Year, it is essential that we remain mindful of our actions outside of school and their potential impact on our community. Your continued support and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we navigate the current COVID-19 surge.

Our plan is to start the New Year on January 4, 2021 in all-virtual mode and we will resume in-person classes in 50%-hybrid mode on January 11, 2021. 

The Christmas break represents a vulnerability for all of us and we encourage everyone to avoid high risk activities. The safest way to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve is to stay at home with the people who live with you.  

Over the break:

• If you host or attend gatherings with members outside of your immediate family or have other reasons to get tested, do not show up at school until you get a negative test result.   We strongly recommend that you limit holiday celebrations to contacts with people who live with you.
• If you travel outside of Maryland, Virginia or DC to a state with a COVID-19 test positivity rate above 10% (“high risk”), upon return, you are required to get tested, self-quarantine at home, and not return to campus until you are able to submit a negative test result. 
• If individuals travel to your home (including students returning from college) from a “high risk” state, you are required to get tested, self-quarantine at home, and not return to campus until you are able to submit a negative test result. 
• If you need to be tested, note that we require a negative PCR test result, and the test should not be taken earlier than Tuesday, January 5, 2021.  All test results should be sent to School Nurse Marianne Kusbit prior to returning to campus.

Peace and health to all,

Paul  G. Barker, Ed.D.
President

Thomas R. Campbell ‘93
Principal

Dear Good Counsel Families, 

Travel over the Thanksgiving break

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has advised against nonessential travel, particularly to states with elevated positivity and case rates.  Given the increased risk from Thanksgiving travel, we believe some adjustments are in line with our long-term goal of mitigating risk and promoting the health and well-being of all members of our community and will support our ability to continue to provide in-person on-campus learning for our students as safely as possible. 

Over the Thanksgiving break:

1. If you travel outside of Maryland, Virginia or DC to a state with a COVID-19 test positivity rate above 10% (“high risk”) upon return, you are required to get tested, self-quarantine at home, and not return to campus until you are able to submit a negative test result. 

2.  If individuals travel to your home (including students returning from college) from a “high risk” state, you are required to get tested, self-quarantine at home, and not return to campus until you are able to submit a negative test result. 

3.  If your status under # 1 or #2 above requires testing, note that we require a negative PCR test result, and the test should not be taken earlier than Tuesday, December 1, 2020.  All test results should be sent to School Nurse Marianne Kusbit prior to returning to campus. 

Delayed return to campus after Thanksgiving 

We worry about what happens away from school.  The Thanksgiving break represents a vulnerability for all of us.  We encourage everyone to avoid high risk activities.  

For the week after Thanksgiving, we will be in synchronous virtual learning mode and no extracurricular activities will take place. Hybrid learning will resume on Monday, December 7, 2020.

We choose this “abundance of caution” approach because we recognize that many families will travel or host over the break.  While Good Counsel’s protocols have been working, the data beyond campus has been less encouraging.  Taking the week of November 30 – December 4 for 100% synchronous virtual instruction is intended to keep our community safe.  

Why we want to resume in-person instruction

We have always believed that in-person instruction is optimal.  Our experience since students came back has been positive.  The students are glad to be here.  Their learning, social-emotional health, and sense of community are all bolstered by being on campus. 

Since campus reopened on October 13, 2020, we have no evidence of community spread originating from Good Counsel.  Daily screening, mask wearing, social distancing, hand hygiene, and overall acceptance by our community members of necessary constraints have been successful.  Our experience is consistent with reports that, because protocols are monitored, compliance is enforced daily, and people are attentive to one another’s safety, schools have made a relatively low contribution to the spread of the virus. 

Among the medical experts we have consulted with on multiple occasions is Dr. Helen Boucher, chief of the Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.  Dr. Boucher is Assistant Principal Mrs. Kate Walsh’s sister.  Since the pandemic began, Dr. Boucher has appeared regularly on TV and in The New York Times, and The Washington Post.  Last Thursday, she co-authored an opinion piece in The Boston Globe.  The article referenced Massachusetts.  Our experience suggests Maryland is similar.  Three things to note: 1) the vast majority of traceable transmission clusters are occurring in small household gatherings; 2) schools are doing remarkably well with the data suggesting that integrated mitigation measures are working when utilized outside the home; and 3) it’s not clear that shutting schools down would stop or even control the current spread: “careful daytime socialization in schools and communities can help deter the riskier gatherings that might otherwise ensue.”

If in-person instruction is to continue into the New Year, we must all act in good faith.  Late last week, local TV stations reported on a party hosted by students from a DC private school that drew more than 75 people and infected more than a dozen with COVID-19.  That school had to shut down its in-person program.  This is what we must avoid.  Staying open depends on honest self-reporting and consistent compliance with safety protocols.  In a time where we are all attentive to how to stay well, we have an opportunity to live out what it means to be a community, trusting one another and being trustworthy ourselves.

Thank you for your continued support during this challenging year. 

Sincerely,

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.
President

Dear Good Counsel Community, 

I am writing today to follow up with you regarding the email notification that was sent on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 regarding a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Good Counsel. Since then, the following information has been verified by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services:

• The person diagnosed is in isolation until no longer infectious.
• Close contacts of the person with COVID-19 have been identified and notified by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.
• Individuals related to this case are currently in quarantine.
• The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has concluded that all mitigation strategies and health and safety protocols at Good Counsel were followed. 

In addition, at the end of the week, we learned of a new positive case. 

• The person diagnosed is in isolation until no longer infectious.
• No close contacts of the person with COVID-19 were identified.
• The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has concluded that all mitigation strategies and health and safety protocols at Good Counsel were followed. 

IMPORTANT COVID-19 INFORMATION:

• Accurately and honestly complete the daily symptom form. This step is a key mitigation strategy to keeping our community safe and must be done properly.
• Masks need to be worn and worn properly at all times. 
• Remain socially distant even when you are outside the building.
• If you are tested for COVID-19 do not come to school until you have received a negative test result. 
• If you are contacted by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services for contact tracing purposes, we expect our families to fully cooperate. 
• Beyond school, there is evidence that transmission of the virus may be made easier by engaging in travel (often with sports teams) and social gatherings. These are personal decisions. We encourage our families to seriously consider curtailing such activities.

We are conscious of the volume of email you receive from the school. Moving forward, Good Counsel will provide a weekly update each Friday regarding COVID-19 cases in our community.  Since we returned to campus a month ago, we have not had a case of Good Counsel community transmission. In the event that we do, we will notify you promptly.  

Thanks to all in our community for your understanding, compliance, and support.

Sincerely,

Paul Barker
President

Dear Good Counsel Community,

Recently, we learned that a member of our community has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The last time the individual was on campus was Monday, November 2, 2020.    

Upon learning of the positive diagnosis, our health staff followed internal protocols and immediately consulted with the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services. Each case of COVID-19 is managed by local public health authorities and the investigation included the following:

• The person diagnosed is in isolation until they are no longer infectious.
• The person’s activities when they could have spread COVID-19 have been investigated.
• No close contacts of the person with COVID-19 were identified.
• The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has concluded that all mitigation strategies and health and safety protocols at Good Counsel were followed and there is no need for additional action. 

In addition, within the past 24 hours we were informed of a second individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.

• The last time this individual was on campus was Friday, November 6, 2020. 
• This individual is in isolation until they are no longer infectious. 
• Our school nurses are in close contact with the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services.
• We will provide timely updates regarding this case as soon as we receive additional information from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.

It is vital that all of us protect the privacy of the individuals involved. Our health and safety protocols allow individuals to return to active campus life only when fully healthy. 

We continue to be committed to our efforts and adhere to the health and safety of our community including:

• Daily symptom and monitoring of all faculty, staff and students prior to entering the building.
• Mandatory masks at all times inside and outside the building.
• Following strict social distancing measures in classrooms, lunches and study halls. 
• Frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces throughout the day. 
• Electrostatic disinfecting of all hard surfaces in the building each night. 

Thank you for your support and understanding. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us, the School Nurse Marianne Kusbit or your local public health agency.

Sincerely,

Paul Barker
President

Thomas Campbell ‘93
Principal

Dear Good Counsel Community,

This email is intended for those who are currently “opted out” and now wish to return to campus for in-person 50% hybrid learning.

IMPORTANT NEXT STEPS:

• The next “on ramp” day is Monday, November 30, 2020.  
• So we have an accurate roster of students who will be attending school in-person beginning November 30, 2020, we are asking the following:
  • ALL families who are currently opted out are to complete the November 30 In-Person Hybrid Learning Decision Form located in Magnus. You will be asked to select YES for in-person learning or NO for virtual learning only. This step is mandatory to return to in-person learning. Failure to respond to this request will automatically default your child to virtual learning. 
  • This form needs to be completed by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2020. Due to the complex coding required to monitor student attendance and Thanksgiving break, this must be a firm deadline.
  • Your decision is binding through the next on-ramp date of Tuesday, January 19, 2021. 
    • Note: Good Counsel will offer only two more “on ramp” dates: Tuesday, January 19, 2021 and Monday, March 22, 2021.

TESTING AND REQUIRED FORMS: 

Students who are returning to campus for the first time are required to take a PCR test and complete mandatory paperwork. 

• Good Counsel will not pay for the PCR test. 
• All PCR test results are to be submitted to Marianne Kusbit, School Nurse by 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2020.
• The only test that will be accepted is the PCR test. 
• Please contact your local health department for a list of COVID-19 testing sites. 
• In addition, the “Community Pledge” and the “Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability” must be completed; both documents can be found in the Magnus portal.

SWITCHING FROM IN-PERSON LEARNING TO DISTANCE LEARNING:

For those students who have come to campus at 50%, and wish to switch to 100% distance learning:

• Email Patti Perfetto, Principal's Assistant.
• Students choosing 100% distance learning may not participate in in-person extra-curricular activities.
• The next “on ramp” date is Tuesday, January 19, 2021. 

Thanks to everyone in the Good Counsel community for keeping our school safe.  

Warm regards,

Paul Barker
President

Tom Campbell
Principal

Dear Good Counsel Community:

On the Presidential Election

We live in challenging times. COVID-19 has pushed us all to work, learn, and simply exist in new and different ways. 

Courtesy of the pandemic, some are struggling with food, housing, and job insecurity.  Others are feeling acute effects of social isolation. And, of course, hundreds of thousands of families are dealing with illness and loss. In addition, events early in the summer sparked protests that continue as Americans respond to the call for racial equity and justice.  

Amidst all of this, we are in the final days of the process of voting for President of the United States. Our right to participate in a free and fair election is a cornerstone of our democracy.

Millions of Americans have already been to the polls and news reports indicate voter turnout is trending exceptionally high.

Faculty and counselors are reporting that the political climate is stress-inducing. We are aware of mounting anxiety among students as they wonder what will happen to our country in the aftermath of the election results. Among the proactive steps taken to help our students: 

• Faculty and staff participated in a workshop on civil discourse and civic engagement in the classroom. Veteran Government teacher Mr. Dick Burns and Social Studies Chair Ms. Leslie Young guided us in ways to help our Falcons as they process the outcome of the election.  
• Through our advisory program we will engage students in post-election dialogue focused on promoting unity and understanding.

We cannot control voting outcomes. We can control how we respond as a community of faith.  Whether the election leaves us elated or despondent, we must proceed from the stance that every person is made in the image of God and that every human is worthy of dignity and respect, no matter their political beliefs. In the traditions of our founders, the Xaverian Brothers, we value diversity of thought and opinion. We believe that encountering multiple viewpoints invites us to reflection and engenders personal growth. 

As a Catholic school, we are non-partisan, but we are not neutral. We align ourselves not with any political party, but with the teachings of the Church and Catholic social teaching. In doing so, our focus on equity and justice is unwavering. We are called on to welcome the stranger, to reconcile with one another when we have caused harm, and to be loving and kind toward all. We are called on to reject hatred and bigotry in all forms. 

Regardless of who becomes the next President, our work at Good Counsel will be to move forward together, as one community. We believe that none of us win if we are divided. Our goal is to make sure that all of our Falcons feel seen, safe and supported. We ask for your compassion, trust and patience as we navigate these challenging times.

God bless Good Counsel and God bless America.

Sincerely,

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.
President

Dear Parents and Students,

Recently, we learned that two members of our community have been diagnosed with COVID-19. 

• The first individual was exposed after leaving campus on Friday, October 16, 2020 and has been in quarantine and has not had any contact with the Good Counsel community since. 
• The second individual was tested on Sunday, October 25, 2020 and the last time the individual was on campus was Saturday, October 24, 2020.  

Upon learning of the positive diagnosis of the second individual yesterday afternoon, our staff followed internal protocols and immediately consulted with the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services. Each case of COVID-19 is managed by local public health authorities and the investigation included the following:

• The person diagnosed is in isolation until they are no longer infectious.
• The person’s activities when they could have spread COVID-19 have been investigated.
• No close contacts of the person with COVID-19 were identified.
• The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services have concluded that all mitigation strategies and health and safety protocols at Good Counsel were followed and there is no need for additional action.  

It is vital that all of us protect the privacy of the individuals involved and our goal is to fully support the individuals and our community during this time. Frequently, individuals are exposed to the virus through no fault of their own. Our health and safety protocols allow individuals to return to active campus life only when fully healthy. It is important that these individuals are supported in every stage of their illness consistent with our mission to excel, serve, and love.

These are the first cases of COVID-19 within the Good Counsel community since we have resumed in-person instruction and it is a reminder for all of us to be vigilant. It is important that that we abide by the principles of our Community Pledge:

• Accurately and honestly complete the daily symptom check
• Wear a mask and wear it properly at all times on campus
• Wash hands regularly
• Help sanitize desks
• Maintain 6 feet of social distancing at all times
• Stay home if you are not feeling well

We have been and continue to be committed to advancing efforts to promote the health and well-being of our community. Our Facilities Team will continue the practice daily electrostatic disinfecting of all hard surfaces as part of our maintenance and environmental protocols. We will continue to wear masks and socially distance from one another. 

Thank you for your support and understanding. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us, the School Nurse Marianne Kusbit or your local public health agency.

We ask for your continued prayers for the health and safety of all of the Good Counsel family.   

Sincerely,

Paul Barker
President

Tom Campbell
Principal

Dear Families,

We are looking forward to tomorrow and a first day of 50% hybrid instruction.

As always, there are details. Please review the following information carefully.

IMPORTANT NEXT STEPS:
For those students who opted out at 25%, and now wish to return at 50%:

• Your first “on ramp” day remains Tuesday, October 27, 2020. 
• So we have an accurate roster of students who will be attending school in-person beginning October 27, 2020, we are asking the following:
  • ALL families who originally opted out are to complete the October 27 In-Person Hybrid Learning Decision Form located in Magnus. You will be asked to select YES for in-person learning or NO for virtual learning only. This step is mandatory to return to in-person learning. Failure to respond to this request will automatically default your child to virtual learning.
  • This form needs to be completed by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Due to the complex coding required to monitor student attendance, this must be a firm deadline.
  • Your survey decisions are binding through the next on-ramp date of Monday, November 30, 2020.

TESTING AND REQUIRED FORMS:
Students who are returning to campus for the first time are required to take a PCR test and complete mandatory paperwork.

• Good Counsel will not pay for the PCR test.
• All PCR test results are to be submitted to Marianne Kusbit, School Nurse by 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2020.
• The only test that will be accepted is the PCR test.
• Please contact your local health department for a list of COVID-19 testing sites.
• In addition, the “Community Pledge” and the “Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability” must be completed; both documents can be found in the Magnus portal.

SWITCHING FROM IN-PERSON LEARNING TO DISTANCE LEARNING:
For those students who have come to campus at 25%, and wish to switch to 100% distance learning:

• Email Cindy Miller, Attendance Moderator.
• Students choosing 100% distance learning may not participate in on-campus extra-curricular activities.
• The next “on ramp” date is Monday, November 30, 2020.

Thank you for your continuing partnership and support during this unusual school year. Please be assured that you and your family remain in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Thomas Campbell ‘93
Principal

Dear Families:

Moving to 50% hybrid

Freshman Orientation, the SAT for seniors, and now a third day of 25% hybrid. All has gone very smoothly. The students have been terrific. Our colleagues have worked through the occasional challenges with the technology. Our mitigation protocols have proved sound. There is clear agreement about how good it is to see one another in the flesh.  

Instruction under a 25% hybrid model is, as we expected, a different experience. With some families opting out, the reality has been that a number of classes have had few if any students in the room. That is not optimal. From what we have observed of the logistics of running the school with actual people in it, we see no reason to dwell at 25% hybrid any longer than necessary.

Accordingly, we will transition to 50% hybrid beginning this Wednesday, October 21, 2020.

• Last names A through K attend Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 22, 2020 
• Last names L through Z attend Friday, October 23 and Tuesday, October 27, 2020

FAMILY DECISIONS ALREADY MADE TO PARTICIPATE IN DISTANCE LEARNING 
REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL OCTOBER 27, 2020. 

There will be an additional email communication sent tomorrow outlining the action steps needed for those students who are interested in returning to in-person learning on October, 27, 2020. 

We remind you that the October calendar is complex. 

• Monday, October 26, 2020 is a professional day for teachers and a day off for students. 
• Thursday, October 29, 2020 is the PSAT/NMSQT for juniors only and an asynchronous day for all other students. 

We know this shift to 50% may be disruptive to your plans. Having invested in the testing and made such a solid start, we want to get the most benefit from in-person learning. 

Once we are into November, we look forward to a more settled and predictable run to Thanksgiving. Here’s what the calendar will look like through the week before Thanksgiving.

The pandemic has taught us all just how much is beyond our control. Conditions can change abruptly. Thanks to everyone in the Good Counsel community for the serious way, together, we are working to keep our school safe.  

Let’s continue to hold one another in prayer.

Warm regards,

Paul Barker
President

Tom Campbell
Principal

Dear Families, Faculty, and Staff:

Over two days, last Friday and Tuesday, a total of 1,259 PCR tests were taken on campus for the detection of COVID-19.

Among all these students, faculty, staff, administration and coaches, two individuals tested positive.

We have been in contact with these individuals and with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. (HHS). Neither individual will be on campus until completion of their isolation period and approval by HHS. Families and close contacts will undergo quarantine.

We see the fact that we have been able to prevent two individuals from coming to campus as an affirmation of our strategy of conducting baseline testing before the return to campus.

We appreciate everyone’s patience. The testing volume on Friday was huge and resulted in delays in some individuals receiving results. COVID-19 testing went much more smoothly on Tuesday and the results were processed overnight.

Now that we are back in school, the work of developing the habits that will keep us safe is underway. As a reminder, to promote the health and wellbeing of Good Counsel, it is important that all members of our community abide by the Community Pledge. In particular, we need everyone to:

●  Accurately and honestly complete the daily self-screening
●  Wear a mask at all times on campus
●  Wash hands regularly
●  Assist with cleaning practices
●  Maintain 6 feet of social distancing
●  Stay home when not feeling well

Thank you for your support. We will continue to review protocols and work with the community to ensure we are taking necessary precautions to mitigate risk and to promote health and wellbeing.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Let us join together in prayer for all those impacted by COVID-19, especially those in the Falcon family who are serving our world on the frontlines of healthcare and those in our community who have experienced illness and loss.

Warm regards,

Paul Barker                              Tom Campbell
President                                 Principal

Dear Good Counsel Families,

We are getting closer to our first day of welcoming students back in the building. On Tuesday, October 13, the Class of 2024 will be on campus in-person for orientation. We are excited to see our new Falcons! 

With that said, there is still work to be done to get ready for in-person learning. There have been several communications sent in preparation for students returning next week. Please take the time to read this email carefully regarding daily symptom monitoring and tracking information. 

DAILY SELF-SCREENING 

Every day that students come to campus, they must complete a self-screening online questionnaire. This includes taking the person’s temperature at home prior to leaving for school. If the responses meet our criteria for safe attendance, the student will receive an email notification and a certificate that invites them to come to campus. If an answer does not meet our criteria, the student will receive a notification not to come to campus.  

Good Counsel will be checking each individual’s certificate of completion prior to entering the building. No completion, no entry!

It is important that the student is logged in with their GC Google account when filling out the daily COVID-19 Questionnaire as that is where the certificate of completion will be emailed each morning and monitoring will be driven by the student email that is signed in. Students can show the certificate upon entry to the building using their personal phone or their school issued iPad. 

Where can I find the Daily COVID-19 questionnaire link for students? 

• Click here for the student daily COVID-19 Questionnaire link 
• On MyBackPack under My Documents > Medical  Information & Forms
• On the COVID-19 Updates and Resources website
• This link will be included in the Weekly News and Daily Bulletin beginning this week. 
• This link has been uploaded to each student's iPad - look for this symbol. 

Sincerely,
Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.
President

This is a reminder to register for COVID-19 testing if you have not done so. 

Please follow the details outlined in this email. All students must be tested per the schedule below, no exceptions. If you had technical difficulties scheduling an appointment for Friday, that issue has been resolved and time slots are now available. 

• A parent or guardian must be present to confirm the identity of the student when no valid state-issued photo ID is available (i.e: drivers license).

• If a parent is not present, the student must be able to present a valid state-issued photo ID (i.e: drivers license). 

•  If a student has a state-issued photo ID and the testing waiver has been completed, parents do not need to be present at the time of testing. 

For more information on COVID-19 testing at Good Counsel please read the frequently asked questions in the FAQ document. 

COVID-19 TESTING SCHEDULE DAY 1
(Who is testing on Day 1?)
All Freshmen (regardless of last name)
Senior Class SAT test takers on October 14, 2020  (regardless of last name)
Students with the last name A-G (Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Drive through testing site on the Dining Hall side of campus
Register for your COVID-19 test by clicking this LINK. 

COVID-19 TESTING SCHEDULE DAY 2
(Who is testing on Day 2?)
Students with the last name H-L, M-R and S-Z (Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors)
(NOTE: Seniors who were tested on Day one do NOT have to take the COVID-19 test again)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Drive through testing site on the Dining Hall side of campus
Register for your COVID-19 test by clicking this LINK. 

Registration Tips
When you are registering your child for COVID-19 testing please enter your student’s information in all fields except email address. The email address that you enter when registering is where test results will be sent. We want to make sure that parents receive this information. 

If you have any questions please contact Marianne Kusbit, School Nurse at 240-283-3229.

The following information is important, please read it carefully! 

As we have previously communicated, Good Counsel is requiring COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff prior to return for in-person instruction. Testing will take place on campus and will be at the school’s expense. Our intent is to proceed with an abundance of caution and establish a baseline for safe and sustained re-opening. If testing helps us keep even one person with COVID-19 away from campus, we will deem it a success. Details about how the testing will work is outlined below.

COVID-19 TESTING SCHEDULE DAY 1
(Who is testing on Day 1?)
All Freshmen (regardless of last name)
Senior Class SAT test takers on October 14, 2020  (regardless of last name)
Students with the last name A-G (Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Drive through testing site on the Dining Hall side of campus
Register for your COVID-19 test by clicking this LINK. 

COVID-19 TESTING SCHEDULE DAY 2
(Who is testing on Day 2?)
Students with the last name H-L, M-R and S-Z (Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors)
(NOTE: Seniors who were tested on Day one do NOT have to take the COVID-19 test again)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Drive through testing site on the Dining Hall side of campus
Register for your COVID-19 test by clicking this LINK. 

Registration Tips
When you are registering your child for COVID-19 testing please enter your student’s information in all fields except email address. The email address that you enter when registering is where test results will be sent. We want to make sure that parents receive this information. 

For more information on COVID-19 testing at Good Counsel please read the frequently asked questions in the FAQ document. 

If you have any questions please contact Marianne Kusbit, School Nurse at 240-283-3229.

Sincerely,
Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.
President

Dear Families,

We are gearing up for our return to in-person learning beginning next week. There will be several communications sent this week in preparation for a safe return to school. Please take the time to read this information carefully. 

• As a reminder, please respond to this one-question survey if you plan to stay in all virtual, 100% distance learning. This survey closes Wednesday, October 7 at 5:00 p.m. 
• IMPORTANT NOTE:  Students who choose to remain on distance learning will not be allowed to participate in on-campus extracurricular activities.   
• If you already chose to opt-out and would like to change your mind, please send an email indicating your intention to Jeanette McCarthy, Executive Assistant to the President at jmccarthy@olgchs.org. 
• The Health and Safety Training for all students has been scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. This training is mandatory for all students returning to in-person learning. More information will be sent to students soon.
• Thank you to those who were able to join me and Principal, Tom Campbell for Good Counsel’s virtual Parent Town Hall on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. I was pleased to see over 400 families were able to participate and we look forward to seeing students back in the building for in-person learning soon. For those of you who were not able to join, please visit the “My Documents” section of MyBackpack to view the recorded version of the Parent Town Hall. 

We received well over 150 questions in advance and during the Parent Town Hall. We have consolidated and categorized them below. Good Counsel’s response to frequently asked questions for the September Parent Town Hall can be found here:

• Virtual Health and Safety 
• Teaching and Learning

Sincerely,
Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.
President

Dear Families:

Please respond to this one-question survey if you plan to stay in all virtual, 100% distance learning.

A couple of things to note:

1)  The decision to stay in 100% distance learning is NOT binding for the whole semester.  However, out of fairness  to our teachers and their need to plan instruction, it cannot be offered on a day-to-day basis.  Students may transition from all virtual, 100% distance learning to hybrid learning on the following dates: 

• Tuesday, October 27, 2020
• Monday, November 30, 2020
• Monday, January 4, 2021

2)  A student who starts hybrid instruction and decides to return to an all-virtual, 100% distance learning only format may make that transition at any time.

3)  This survey will remain open until next Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 5:00pm.

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.
President

Friday, September 25, 2020

Dear Families:

Return to campus

Our goal in starting virtual was to provide stability, getting classes underway with predictability and without interruption.  That goal has been achieved.

We are now ready to take our first steps towards a return to in-person instruction.  The slow, steady process of returning to campus begins after Columbus Day weekend:

• Tuesday, October 13, 2020 - Freshman class to school for a retreat and orientation.  Because we will need faculty to assist with our large freshman class, this will be an asynchronous instruction day.
• Wednesday, October 14, 2020 -  Seniors take the SAT.  Because we will need faculty to proctor the exam, this will be an asynchronous instruction day.
• Thursday, October 15, 2020 - First day of classes for 25% of the students (last names A-G) for in-person instruction.
• Friday, October 16, 2020 - First day of classes for 25% of the students (last names H-L) for in-person instruction.
• Monday, October 19, 2020 - First day of classes for 25% of the students (last names M-R) for in-person instruction.
• Tuesday, October 20, 2020 - First day of classes for 25% of the students (last names S-Z) for in-person instruction.

We are ready.  Why now?  What has changed?  Many factors contribute to our decision that the time is right:  

• Our plans align with the recently published guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education.
• The most studied metrics continue to be monitored daily; most recently we have seen a decline in test positivity and case rate in Maryland and Montgomery County.  
• Our health and safety plans have been approved and our building inspected by the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services.  
• The activities that have brought students to campus in small groups since June have been successful.
• A number of our peer XBSS schools in other parts of the country have had students in school and have shared information that affirms our plans.  
• Our teachers have been oriented to our health and safety protocols.  
• Faculty have also received training on our Zoom Room technology.  
• We are finalizing necessary teach-from-home accommodations for a few of our colleagues.  
• We have sought advice from experts in the field of epidemiology and public health.   These experts work at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Tufts Medical Center, Ohio State Medical School, University of Maryland Medical School, and the Association of Public Health Laboratories.  
• Our food service partners, SAGE Dining, are prepared to serve lunches. 
• Our bus service partner, Coughlin Transportation, is ready to bring students to school. 

Again, we are ready.  For more information, read Good Counsel’s Learning Through COVID-19 Parent and Student Guide where we outline our plans (including protocols for travel, staggered schedule, physical distancing, signage, visitors, cleaning and disinfecting, and more).

There are many details that need to be communicated and paperwork finalized before students attend in-person. We would like to start this process with a Parent Town Hall.  

PARENT TOWN HALL
We invite all parents to a Zoom gathering on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. We will talk about our health and safety plan and how school will operate with students in the building.  As we have done for similar meetings, we invite you to forward any questions in advance to pbarker@olgchs.org.  The Zoom link will be posted in MyBackPack the morning of the event.

TESTING
We are requiring COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff prior to return for in-person  instruction.  Testing will take place on campus and will be at the school’s expense.  Our intent is to proceed with an abundance of caution and establish a baseline for safe and sustained re-opening.  We know that teens can be asymptomatic carriers of the virus. If testing helps us keep even one person away from campus, we will deem it a success.  Details about how the testing will work will be forthcoming next week.

OPTION TO REMAIN IN ALL-VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION
We will send out a survey after next Wednesday’s Parent Town Hall.  Please note that choosing to stay all-virtual does not mean your child(ren) cannot begin coming to campus at a later date. Students will have the opportunity to transition from all-virtual instruction on three dates: Tuesday, October 27, 2020; Monday, November 30, 2020; and Monday, January 4, 2021. 

COMMUNITY PLEDGE
We have developed a Community Pledge.  It is not a binding legal document.  Rather, it is a statement of commitment to the core values of Good Counsel and our care for one another.  All students, faculty, staff, and administrators are asked to sign the pledge located in Magnus.  Our ability to start safely and then stay safe will require consistent attention to doing the right thing. 

MASKS
All students are required to wear face coverings inside and outside the building.  Neck gaiters and bandanas are not to be worn as a substitute for face coverings. Only two-ply, solid color, or Good Counsel branded, or Maryland pride masks are allowed; masks may not have logos, slogans, or other writing or messages on them.

COVID-19 ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY
On the advice of our legal counsel, we are requiring all families choosing for their child(ren) to attend on-campus instruction, to complete an Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability.  This document is located in Magnus.

DAILY SELF-SCREENING 
Every day that students or employees come to campus, they must complete a self-screening online questionnaire located in MyBackPack before arriving at Good Counsel.  This would include taking the person’s temperature.  If the responses meet our criteria for safe attendance, the student or employee will receive an email notification and a certificate that invites them to come to campus.  If an answer does not meet our criteria, the student or employee will receive a notification not to come to campus.  Good Counsel will be checking each individual’s certificate of completion prior to entering the building. No completion, no entry.

BUS SERVICE

This year most routes will be serviced by Coughlin Transportation, our long-time bus provider.  Rubirelief will service the Upper Marlboro and Urbana routes.  Information about routes is available on the school website.  Look for more details about bus service next week.  If you have questions, please email Transportation Coordinator John Poulos.

ATHLETICS 
At present, the WCAC is not sanctioning contests until the New Year.  Member schools may train, condition, or practice as local jurisdictions allow and school leadership deems safe.  Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon announced yesterday that Maryland public schools may commence practices on October 7.  In light of this announcement, WCAC member schools have begun to explore options for revision of the timelines for the resumption of interscholastic sports.

The 25% hybrid model will bring a theoretical maximum of 320 students to campus with +/- 5 students in most classrooms.  Montgomery County remains in Phase 2 of Re-opening and that means our largest gathering spaces (the gyms, dining hall, media center) will be capped at 50.  The 25% model is not optimal.  It is, however, a necessary intermediate step that will allow us to scrutinize all the moving parts that come with having more than 400 people in the building.  If our processes hold up and our students are faithful in masking, distancing, and other safety measures, and if we do not experience any major setbacks, we may be able to make a smooth and prompt transition to a more desirable 50% hybrid model.  

Virtual instruction has been demanding, even exhausting.  In these unprecedented days, we draw inspiration from our founders, the Xaverian Brothers, who remind us to count our blessings and appreciate the growth that can take place when we allow ourselves “to be formed by God through the common, ordinary, unspectacular flow of everyday life.”  We appreciate the many words of support from parents, the positive attitude of students, and the inspiring care, creativity and commitment of our faculty.  We are grateful for all of you.

We look forward to seeing students soon. For COVID-19 updates, resources and reopening school information, visit www.olgchs.org/virusinfogccommunity.

Sincerely,

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.

President

Thomas R. Campbell

Principal

• A representative of the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services visited campus last Friday to review our compliance with County Executive Orders for the prevention of the spread of COVID. We were rated Satisfactory, the highest rating, in all categories.
• You will get two weeks’ notice of any move to hybrid instruction.
• We attend bi-weekly meetings for private schools hosted by Dr. Gayles and Dr. Stoddard from the Montgomery County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
• You will have the option for your child(ren) to stay in 100% distance learning.
• We will begin at 25%, with students on campus for a designated day each week. It is not optimal. However, one day a week is a necessary step that will allow us to observe our safety protocols in practice before we can move to 50% of students on campus.
• Our planning has been informed and endorsed by the advice of a number of doctors with expertise in the study of viruses, pandemic management, infectious disease, and public health.
• Our legal counsel has advised us to require all families choosing to return to campus to sign an Assumption of Risk and Waiver document.
• Once a decision has been made to reopen we will clearly communicate the new health and safety protocols to the community before students arrive on campus. The students can count on us being strict about their role in creating a safe environment. Responsible behavior and care for the health and safety of oneself and others need to be standard operating procedure now, even before we return to campus. Following the rules is going to be critical.

We will be in touch soon about next steps. In the meantime, we are pleased with the way things have begun. We offer a prayer for everyone’s stamina.

I hope to see you all, virtually, at tomorrow’s Back to School Night.

Warm regards,

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D. President

Dear Families:

I expect by now that you are aware of Governor Hogan’s press conference yesterday in which he authorized all counties in the state to reopen schools for in-person classes.  He cited two metrics to monitor, test positivity rate and new case rate.  In the case of the former, Montgomery County rates are below the recommended benchmark of 5%.  In the case of the latter, County rates are above the recommended 5 cases per 100,000.

Also yesterday, the Maryland Department of Health issued COVID-19 Guidance for Maryland Schools.

In addition, earlier this afternoon, members of our leadership team were able to attend a virtual meeting with Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles.

In short, we are encouraged.  The on-ramp to a return to on-campus instruction is looking shorter than it did three weeks ago.  We have plenty to think about and we will communicate more next week.  

We start virtual classes on Monday.  Say a prayer for students and teachers as they step into the new!

Warm regards,

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.
President

A part-time employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19. This case of COVID-19 has been reported to local public health authorities. A public health investigation has begun and includes: 

• The person diagnosed is being kept home from work until they are no longer infectious according to CDC guidelines.
• Assessment of the person’s activities when they could have spread COVID-19.
• The people who were in close contact with the person diagnosed with COVID-19 have been contacted and been instructed to stay home from work for 14 days after the exposure. This is called quarantine.

The person was last on campus on Thursday, August 20, 2020 and had close contact with only a small number of Good Counsel employees working the late afternoon/early evening shift.  No students or faculty on campus were in close contact with the staff member.  The building will not be closing.

This first case of COVID-19 within the Good Counsel community is a reminder for all of us to be vigilant. 

All Good Counsel parents, students, faculty and staff who, at any time, develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are asked to:

• stay home;
• avoid activities around other people;
• notify School Nurse Marianne Kusbit (mkusbit@olgchs.org);
• seek medical care and testing for COVID-19, calling your doctor before you show up.

If you have further questions, please contact School Nurse Marianne Kusbit (mkusbit@olgchs.org) or your local public health agency.

Sincerely,

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.
President

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The administrative leadership team met with the Board of Directors on Tuesday and again last evening to review plans and preparations for opening campus for the 2020-21 school year.

We write to inform you that the Good Counsel administration, with the support of the Board of Directors, is choosing to start the school year with academic instruction taking place via distance learning.

We understand the frustration and disappointment some of you will feel.  We know, too, that many others will be relieved.  We miss our students.  We want to be back.  When it is safe. 

Getting the upper hand with COVID-19 has been challenging. The numbers were dire in mid-May, looked better in mid-June, and have trended upward since we communicated with families in mid-July. Back in June, we believed that a 50% hybrid model was something we could deliver safely. We wanted to restore some level of in-person teaching and learning along with all the social and emotional benefits that come with being on campus.

To support a return to in-person instruction we developed a plan for a healthy and safe return to campus. We believe the plan to be a sound one. It has been vetted by senior medical staff from Medstar Montgomery Medical Center.

We note that the past week has seen orders and counter orders in a dispute between Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles and Governor Larry Hogan. As a faith-based school we do not welcome directives from state or local government. We value our independence and the ability to make decisions that we believe are best for our school. We continue to work with Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools and the Archdiocese of Washington to explore our options for ensuring our independence. We know the legal wrangling is not over yet. The to and fro has certainly not made it easier for us to make our decision.

The way forward for Good Counsel is to focus on stability. We have just over a week to faculty orientation, two weeks to freshman orientation, and three weeks to the first day of classes for all. We have waited as long as we can to provide our teachers and families a clear path for the start of school. 

When, then, will we transition to a hybrid scenario?  When nonpublic schools are permitted to do so and when health indicators in our county and surrounding feeder counties are more favorable. Our focus is to safeguard the health and safety of our students and colleagues. I make no claim to be an epidemiologist or public health expert.  We have many friends of Good Counsel who have such expertise.  We are convening a panel of advisors. We will rely on guidance from them, the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools, the Archdiocese of Washington, and information from various governmental and medical sources to make our best judgment. All our work this summer has us confident in our ability to pivot to hybrid efficiently when that time comes.

We delivered well for our families in the spring. Our revised Distance Learning Plan will be even better. Our teachers know that they will have to be exceptional. More information will be shared at this evening’s State of the School Address.

In the meantime, I encourage all members of the Good Counsel community to do their part in helping to get COVID-19 under control in our region. Doing so will hasten the arrival of the conditions for a sustainable, long-lasting return to in-person instruction.

We pray to our patron, Our Lady of Good Counsel, for her intercession on behalf all students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of our school community.

Sincerely,

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.
President

Philip J. Mantua ‘76
Chairman of the Board of Directors

Thomas R. Campbell ‘93
Principal

Dear Families,

Last evening, Friday, July 31, Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles issued a “HEALTH OFFICER DIRECTIVE AND ORDER REGARDING PRIVATE AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS.”  The order, which is effective at 6:00 a.m. on Monday morning, is simple:

Nonpublic schools located within Montgomery County, Maryland are prohibited from physically reopening for in-person instruction through October 1, 2020.

Consistent with this order, all on-campus activities are suspended effective 6:00 a.m. Monday morning.  There are many aspects of school life that fall into a gray area (senior pictures, SAT administration, athletic workouts, and so on). First thing on Monday morning, we will seek clarification from the Department of Health and Human Services about any activities that may be permitted under the order.  We will communicate as soon as we have answers.

As justification for the directive and order, Dr. Gayles cites “a review of the surveillance and epidemiological data” showing increases in COVID-19 transmission rates in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the State of Maryland.

We have seen this outcome as a real possibility since Montgomery County Public Schools issued their announcement of virtual instruction eleven days ago. In that letter, Dr. Gayles was quoted: “I would not recommend in-person instruction for students inside school buildings at this time.” Then, just three days ago, Dr. Gayles conducted a virtual meeting for private schools in Montgomery County. Dr. Gayles stated again that “from a public health perspective I do not think that it is safe to reopen schooling at this point.” 

We have confidence in the thoroughness of our plans to re-open in a hybrid model. We will be ready when the prohibition expires and if progress in prevention and control of COVID-19 means it is safe to do so. We have developed a comprehensive health and safety plan for reopening which we will share when we have clarity about the timeline for resumption of in-person instruction.

And so, we will begin the school year under a virtual-only instructional model.  In our planning throughout the summer we have prepared for this possibility. Back in March, we were able to pivot to distance learning over a weekend. Our students did not miss a single day of instruction. We delivered a robust educational experience. Now, with the benefit of time, we will offer an even better experience, one that reflects the lessons learned in the spring.

I would like to invite parents and guardians to join me, Principal Tom Campbell, and Chief Financial Officer Stefanie Morgan-Davis for a State of the School Address on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Members of the community will learn more about how we will successfully launch the school year, foster community, and deliver high-quality virtual instruction. I ask that if you wish to submit a question, you do so in advance by emailing me directly at pbarker@olgchs.org. 

Here’s how you can gain access to the State of The School Address:

• The secure Zoom meeting link and password will be available on Thursday morning on MyBackpack > My documents under time sensitive information.

I remain grateful for your support and encouragement. 

Stay safe. Be well.

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.
President

Dear Families:

This past Saturday, Montgomery County Public Schools shared a draft plan for how the County’s schools will reopen in the fall.

Good Counsel leadership has reviewed the MCPS plan.

We write this letter to inform you of our current thinking and to point out some of the ways we expect our approach to differ from the public schools’ draft plan.

Our two main goals align with MCPS: 1) to ensure the safety and wellness of students and staff; and 2) to deliver high-quality instruction to students, regardless of delivery model.

The first day of school for freshmen is Monday, August 24. The first day for all other students will be Tuesday, August 25.

We plan to begin the year under a 50% hybrid model: two days in school, two days in distance learning, on a continuing rotation. Both the number of students in the building and class sizes will be approximately half the size of “normal.” We will divide the student body alphabetically. Our approach will be subject to change based on what happens with the virus in our region and also our assessment of the effectiveness of the hybrid schedule once we have seen it in operation.

Students will have four classes each day. Those students scheduled to be at home will be expected to attend virtually via Zoom. A combination of classroom technology upgrades and the iPad will allow students to participate in class remotely.

No one can guarantee complete protection from exposure to coronavirus. We understand that many families will have serious reservations about sending their child(ren) to campus. All families will have the option to choose a distance learning-only format. We will be in touch soon to gather the names of students who want to begin the year in this mode.

We have taken several steps to mitigate against COVID-19 infection, including:

• installation of 200 hand sanitizing stations;
• daily disinfecting of the entire building using atomized spraying equipment;
• required mask wearing;
• restricted access to the building;
• symptom monitoring and tracking;
• classroom cleaning protocols after each lesson;
• signage that reinforces social distancing.

Our strategy for those who travel by bus will be one student per seat, masks on at all times, and routine disinfecting after each trip.

In dialogue with our food service provider, SAGE Dining, we are considering a number of options for lunch. More information will be provided in our next letter.

Please note that this letter is not the formal rollout of our plan. You can expect a more comprehensive and definitive communication near the end of this month and after the State of Maryland has released its reopening update.

We are just under six weeks out from the first day of school. Public health conditions can change dramatically in that amount of time. Good Counsel will be prepared to pivot to distance-only teaching and learning based on State or County decisions about closure in response to an increase in local COVID-19 spread.

Many thanks for your sustained encouragement and support.

Sincerely,

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.
President

Thomas R. Campbell
Principal

Dear Families:

After more than 100 days with no students on campus, we have encouraging signs of life at school. Last week small groups of students began voluntary summer workouts. Today, Ryken Summer School begins. It feels good to say the journey on the road back to school is underway.

Our final plan and details for resumption of school in August remain a work in progress.

You can help us be better prepared by responding to this brief, anonymous survey about the impact of COVID-19 and your plans for the fall.

Stay safe. Be well.

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.

President

Dear Members of the Good Counsel Community:

We finished school three weeks ago today. With more than two months until the first formal event on the 2020-21 school calendar, Freshman Convocation on Monday, August 24, everyone is eager to know, “What will schooling at Good Counsel look like in the fall?” As I write this letter, the answer remains, as it has for some months: “We don’t precisely know.”

Let me share what we have in mind. My leadership team colleagues continue planning for several scenarios, from 100% distance learning to 100% on-campus. We think the most likely outcome for the fall is a hybrid scenario. The demands of physical distancing will mean that some percentage of students (25%, 50%, other) will be on-campus on a given day while the others join the classroom virtually via Zoom.

Here are some of the most common questions we are asked and our current thinking about them.

Does Good Counsel plan to open independently of Montgomery County Public Schools?

Good Counsel’s campus will be open to the fullest extent that regulations and safe practices will allow.

When will a decision be made about what instruction will look like?

Any decision about the particular model we adopt is going to be driven largely by what is allowable under State and County restrictions. We are modeling a number of hybrid scenarios. We expect to make our decision public in early August.

What protective measures will be in place?

We have a comprehensive mitigation plan. Highlights include:

• Disinfecting every night. Good Counsel has secured five units to spray all areas of the building with micro-atomized disinfectants that meet the EPA requirements for killing bacteria and viruses. We will hire new staff to do this work.
• The building has been and will continue to be cleaned in accordance with CDC guidelines, focusing on high-touch public areas such as restrooms, hallways, classrooms, the dining hall and offices. High-touch surfaces (desks and chairs) will be cleaned after each class.
• 200 wall-mounted hand sanitizing stations will be in place throughout the school.
• Masks will be required in and out of the classroom for all persons.
• Lockers will not be available.
• Symptom monitoring requirements and a tracking process will be in place.
• Physical distancing protocols will be observed. A program developed at Caltech has helped us determine the maximum capacity of every instructional space.

We will communicate at a later date about safe procedures for such things as: arrival to and departure from campus; entering and exiting the building; bus seating; visitor access; cleaning between classes; and, of course, basic good hygiene practices.

What will a hybrid classroom look like?

In the closing weeks of the school year, we tested a hybrid classroom concept intended to unite students at home with students on campus. What you see in the pictures below:

• The teacher and some students, physically distanced, are in the room.
• Two large screens flank the whiteboard at the front of the room.
• A large screen at the back of the room has a webcam mounted above it.
• There is a microphone in the ceiling.
• The students who have Zoomed in are visible on the screen.
• Once the lesson starts, whoever is speaking is visible.
• The teacher can also share his/her iPad screen, as can each student.

We have purchased the hardware and software and will outfit all classrooms to be ready for the fall. This is both a practical and innovative solution and represents a major upgrade from our teaching and learning model from the spring. This sort of technology is commonly used and proven in higher education settings.

What about large gatherings?

Large gatherings like Convocation, Opening Mass, assemblies, and pep rallies are integral to the Good Counsel experience and our sense of being a community. So long as physical distancing requirements are part of daily life, these large gatherings are likely to be virtual events. Other activities like service trips and retreats also present challenges. We have a planning group focused on exploring ways to maintain our sense of connection to one another.

What will extracurricular activities look like (athletics, theater, music, etc.)?

We understand how important athletics and the arts are to students and parents. They are a big part of what makes high school fun. They serve to bring us together.

We are getting ready to start summer workouts. Student athletes will need to sign a waiver and follow strict protocols. Individual workouts and small group drills are one thing, interscholastic competition another. We are in weekly communication with our peer schools in the WCAC. Right now, we do not have clarity about the viability of the fall athletic season.

Similarly, how we will manage the performing arts is uncertain. Clearly, there will be opportunities for soloists. We are seeking creative solutions for collaborative performances in music, drama, dance, speech and debate.

In summary, we hope that this letter provides reassurance that Good Counsel has made a significant investment both to mitigate against the virus and to adopt an innovative classroom solution that, despite the unavoidable need for distancing, will optimize the connectedness of students to the classroom and one another.

As you can imagine, there are many, many other questions – what about field trips? college visits? eating lunch? We are working on solutions for all of them.

We appreciate the thoughtful feedback we have received from families about how to “do school” since we transitioned to distance learning in March. By the way, it’s 100 days ago tomorrow since students were last on campus. In this letter, I have noted that we do not have clarity or answers for everything. If you come across an intriguing solution or if you have a suggestion of your own, please feel free to contact me or Mr. Campbell.

You will hear from us again after the July 4th holiday weekend. In the meantime, stay safe and be well.

Sincerely,

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.

President