The following was sent out January 19 from Dr. RaeNell Houston, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New Orleans:
Dear Catholic School Parent(s),
The staggering statistics related to COVID-19 in our community paint a concerning picture. The Louisiana Department of Health warns that our COVID-19 infections are higher than they have ever been. Given this alarming information, I wanted to send a personal message to remind everyone to be vigilant.
Please join our school leaders, faculty, and staff memebers as we double down on efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. In an effort to protect the health and well-being of all members of our school communities and to preserve our ability to provide in-person learning for our children, I respectfully request that you use prudent judgement in your family's personal upcoming events outside of school and in your normal home routines.
Together, we can continue to make school a safe place. We know that mitigation measures like wearing masks, social distancing, regularly washing/sanitizing hands, staying home when sick, testing and quarintining when necessary, will provide the best protection for not only your family, but for our collective Catholic school community. With shared responsibility and a strong commitment to the common good, we will get through this.
I urge you to engage in thoughtful decision-making in support of achieving our goals- to keep our community safe and to prevent mandated school closures. Thank you for your partnership in this effort. Be assured of my prayers for you, your family, and your school community.