COVID-19 Ongoing Evaluation

Sacred Heart Academy is engaged in researching, evaluating and re-writing the school’s response to COVID-19. The school’s plan aligns with the guidance issued but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Pennsylvania Department of Public Health (PDPH), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the National Business Officers Association (NBOA) and the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS).

The school continues to monitor and adhere to current and updated regulatory guidelines and recommendations, our plans and arrangements may change.

ADDENDUM 

Covid Communications

February 16, 2022
December 31, 2021

Mask Optional Announcement

As previously announced, we will begin a mask-optional phase at SHA on Monday, February 28. Students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus will have the option whether or not to wear a mask. Students who ride the bus or van are required to wear masks on board vehicles per federal regulation. As a reminder, if your daughter is sick, please keep her home from school until symptoms improve and she is at least 24-hours fever free. All students, faculty and staff who are sick or test positive for COVID-19 are required to adhere to the following updated protocols set by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. 

• Isolate: For at least 5 days. You can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and other symptoms have improved. (Loss of taste/smell may persist for weeks after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation.) Day 0 is your first day of symptoms. You can also use a test-based strategy to end isolation.
• If you test positive for COVID-19 and never develop symptoms, isolate for at least 5 days and wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public for an additional 5 days. Day 0 is the day the sample was collected for a positive test result.
• Wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public for 5 additional days after the end of your 5-day isolation period. Take additional precautions on days 6-10, such as avoiding travel and situations where you will come in contact with individuals at high risk for severe disease. If you are unable to wear a mask around others, continue to isolate for 10 days.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for isolation.
• Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you are more likely to get very sick because of age or underlying medical conditions.

Health and Safety Reminder

As per DCIU guidance, home rapid tests are not acceptable for returning to school after illness or a COVID exposure. Testing at this time must be performed at a testing center or doctor’s office. Your daughter’s name must be visible on the testing results.

The Pennsylvania mandatory mask policy for schools is still in effect. Please remember to wear your mask at all times when inside the buildings. This mandate includes sporting events and all other after school activities. 

Additional Resources

Latest from the CDC

Latest from the Pennsylvania Department of Health

PA Department of Education