Catholic Schools In Arlington Heights Will Reopen In Fall: Cupich

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — As the 344 churches in the Archdiocese of Chicago gradually begin reopening preparation in Phase 3 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan, Cardinal Blase Cupich announced Monday students will be returning to school in the fall. The Roman Catholic school system, covering Cook and Lake counties, closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Archdiocese of Chicago schools in Arlington Heights include:

• St. Viator High School (grades 9-12)
• St. James School (preK-8)
• Our Lady of the Wayside School (preK-8)

"We have every intention of our students returning to the classroom when our school year begins in the fall," Cupich said in a video to parents. "Have no doubt that we will employ measures that keep the safety of your children the priority."

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Cupich said the Archdiocese of Chicago is working with experts on COVID-19, as well as state and local public health officials.

The schools, consisting of more than 70,000 students, closed for in-person instruction on March 13 and transitioned to remote learning, which Cupich admits has presented some challenges.

"We take pride that our educators quickly responded when I made the decision to close school buildings due to the COVID-19 pandemic," Cupich said. "They established remote learning within days of the closure."

Cupich said no instructional days were missed and the school year has closed for most schools.

Among the safety measures Archdiocese of Chicago schools will be practicing in the fall include:

• Enhanced regular cleaning and disinfecting of high contact areas
• Use of Plexiglas barriers in common spaces such as main offices
• Availability of adequate supplies of sanitizer and personal protective equipment
• Temperature checks on anyone showing coronavirus symptoms

Cupich also announced remote learning will continue in the fall for parents who prefer or need to keep their children home.

"Our decision to aggressively plan for reopening our schools this year is based on the value we place on face-to-face instruction and the community learning environment that distinguishes Catholic school education over the years," Cupich said.

• Archdiocese of Chicago Ready To Gradually Reopen Churches in Arlington Heights