MIQ School is committed to preparing our students to be active members in today's technology centered world. Grade levels K-8 receive instruction in a technology enhanced classroom. Lessons are integrated and enhanced using interactive white boards, responders, internet and multi-media that is textbook based. In addition, monthly STEM challenges encourage creativity and "out of the box" thinking, while making learning fun. Grades K to 8th have access to Chromebooks for lessons and enrichment.
In addition to formal instruction in the classroom, the religion program provides opportunities for the students to live the faith through prayer services, participation in liturgies and reception of sacraments. Our students strive to see the sacredness in the depths of everything and to be inspirations for their families and community. At M.I.Q., Catholic Identity is the top priority, as we find that faith filled activities are more powerful than a stand alone religion class.
The after school sports program is an extra-curricular activity, and is open to students grades 5th to 8th. Students in 4th grade can participate on D teams when needed. Athletic teams offered include basketball, volleyball and track. Students who participate in the after school sports program are subject to the responsibilities set forth in the MIQ Sports Contract.
The purpose of Student Council is to promote good citizenship, help students develop leadership and responsibility, to demonstrate the practical application of democracy, to encourage a high standard of scholarship, to stimulate school spirit, and to advance the welfare of the school and its students in every possible manner. Students in grades 5 - 8 may serve as student council officers or representatives
There are many opportunities for students to develop special talents. A variety of extracurricular activities are offered for both boys and girls. These include MIQ Choir, field trips, drama, gardening, leadership, as well as vocal music. Students are also involved in community activities and service projects. Examples include: Food Drive, Winter Coat Drive, Nursing Home Visits, and Volunteering at the local Animal Shelter.
Before and after school care from 7am to 6 pm is available to MIQ School students on days when school is in session. The Extended Care Program (ECP) provides playtime, snacks and homework time for students.
PRIOR TO OPENING
Supplies:
· Hand sanitizer (allergy and fragrance free)
· Disposable face masks (one for each employee for each day worked and/or cloth masks enough for each employee that at the end of the workday can be properly washed)
· Disposable face masks - one per student per day; who may come to school without one
· Disinfectant to clean all classrooms, offices, and work areas
· Disposable gloves for custodial and office staff
· Thermo thermometer (no contact thermometers)
· Printed questionnaires for each employee regarding daily COVID-19-exposures
· Eye protection for custodial employees
· For those with trouble breathing, provide face shields which include a cloth drape attached across the bottom and tucked into shirt
· Check sub-list for availability and share guidelines
Physical Space:
· X Marks the Spot – use tape to mark where students stand in line to enter classrooms, restrooms (when capacity is reached inside), at entrances to the school, and at other crowded areas to help students with social distancing requirements
· Arrange desks 6 feet apart in all instructional spaces– w/o students facing each other
· Remove all shared tables from classroom
· Designate and layout all spaces being used for instruction to meet social distancing
· Thoroughly clean all areas of the school building with approved sanitation products and devices
· Develop a walking “circulation flow” so students are not crossing paths while moving in hallways
· Prep all technology services and have ready to use quickly if another shut down occurs
· Prepare a secure area for sick children maintaining social distancing (6 feet)
· Determine processes and location for safe deliveries to campus
· Ensure all signage is properly placed (exterior and interior)
· Remove all cloth toys, upholstered furniture and bean bag chairs from classroom
Communication of Changes:
· Teachers must sign form agreeing to calendar change for 2020-2021 school year
· Parents must receive, sign and return agreement form for all safety protocols
· Online offerings must be communicated to all parents as an option with specifics for how to participate in classes virtually
· All school meetings, other than faculty meetings, should continue using ZOOM or WebEx virtual platforms
· All gatherings of large groups are prohibited, including whole school Masses (over 100 maximum) and assemblies
· All student field trips will be virtual until further notice
· Outline drop-off and pick-up instructions for parents/guardians
Training:
· All employees including substitutes must be trained on safety protocols
· All employees will be trained on proper use, removal and washing of cloth face coverings
· All employees
Other Diocesan Re-Opening Guides to Read before Opening:
· Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno Guidelines for Church Re-Opening
· Diocese of Fresno Office of Catholic Education Guidelines for Preschool Re-Opening
IN SESSION DAILY REQUIREMENTS
· Hand sanitizer at all entrances must be filled at end of each day
· Enrollment must be capped so that 6 feet of social distancing can be maintained in all classrooms and student contact areas.
· Restrooms must be sanitized after lunch and at end of day
· Classrooms and all office space must be disinfected
· For disinfection, diluted or 70% isopropanol (according to CDC guidelines), and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants must be used
· All children entering campus will have their temperature taken. For any child with a temperature greater than 100.4, have them sit quietly for 15-20 minutes and then take their temperature again. If the temperature is still greater than 100.4, they will be sent home
· Conference rooms, teacher breakrooms, and offices will be monitored for social distancing compliance and access may be limited
· Bringing or sharing refreshments during meetings is prohibited in order to limit the risk of contamination. Snack items, candy, and drinks will not be provided until further notice
· Playgrounds and gyms should only be used by one group at a time and cleaned after each use. Limit free play to ensure safe distancing.
· Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
· Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
· Clean all thermometers before storing for the night.
ALL EMPLOYEES – ADMINISTRATION, TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF
· Custodial staff should wear single use gloves and eye protection while cleaning. Hands should be washed at least 20 seconds immediately after gloves are removed.
· All employees will be screened before entering the building. Temperatures must be recorded on a log sheet. Anyone who displays any symptoms (fever over 100.4) should be sent home and not allowed to enter.
· If someone is known to be caring for someone with the symptoms of COVID-19, he or she may not be on campus until such care is completed and they have quarantined for 14 days
· All faculty and staff will self-screen at home (COVID-19 Self-Monitoring Checklist). Employees may continue to work if they can honestly say NO to all the questions on the checklist.
· All employees must wash hands/sanitize when entering campus
· All employees, while on campus, will wear face mask. A face shield is permitted for teaching language arts, but a mask is required when helping students 1:1.
· Office staff must wear masks and gloves during high volume contact times.
· Employees preparing and serving food must wear gloves and masks at all times.
TEACHERS
· Junior high teachers will rotate to the different classrooms; students stay in room.
· High school teachers take temperature before each class due to co-mingling of students.
· Open windows and doors (depending on weather) to increase fresh air quantities and filtration. Fans are permitted on hot days for ventilation.
· Maintain 6 feet of distance between desks – this includes teacher desks.
· Teachers will provide initial and routine instruction in social distancing and health practices to their students. Remind students to keep masks on except while eating their lunch.
· Classroom instruction will be delivered respecting social distancing, 1:1 with student devices, whole group, etc.
· Teach students to use a tissue and cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or use the inside of their elbow.
· Teach students to wash their hands often for a minimum of 20 seconds or for students in grades TK-12 to use hand sanitizer when soap is not available.
· If an employee or other person becomes ill at work or while on campus, he or she will be instructed to go home or to the nearest health center.
· If diagnosed with COVID-19, employee will be required to self-quarantine at home for 14 days until the person has recovered/cleared by the Public Health Department.
· At the end of every day, sanitize all desks, doorknobs, light switches, shared surfaces, etc. with approved disinfectant and/or wipes.
· Limit the sharing of all educational materials; if materials are shared, they must be disinfected (wiped clean) prior to another student handling them.
· Maintain social distancing guidelines across grades and groups. No comingling of grades and/or groups except in high schools.
· There should be no physical contact games for PE or recess.
STUDENTS
· All students must wash hands/sanitize when entering campus.
· Students in grades 2-12 will be required to wear a mask while on campus.
· Students will always remain with their classmates, including structured recess.
· All teachers and students are not to visit another classroom outside of their grade level.
· Any student showing signs of illness will have his or her temperature taken in the office. Students with a temperature above 100.4 degrees or showing any symptoms of illness will be isolated and sent home.
· Students will cooperate with the social distancing and masking in which they are instructed, or they will not be allowed on campus.
· Students will use the restroom at designated times, and the numbers of students will be limited to the number of sinks available in the restroom.
· Students will each eat lunch in designated area and/or with class.
· Lunch is brought to students; students do not go to cafeteria to get their lunches.
· Students will be required to have their own supplies (pencils, crayons, scissors, etc.); sharing of supplies will be prohibited.
PARENTS/GUARDIANS
· All parents/guardians will always wear a mask while on school property for meetings.
· All adults will observe proper “Social Distancing,” of six feet at all times.
· Adults will follow all instructions given by school administration.
· Parents will not be admitted on campus or into classrooms prior to or during the school day.
· Students will be dropped off at a pre-designated area for proper screening and temperature checks, while maintaining proper social distancing (six feet).
· Any student who arrives after the 1stbell has rung, will be dropped off at the school office for screening and temperature check (the gate will be locked with the start of school).
· No volunteers will be on campus until further notice.
APPENDICES – See below
Appendix A: COVID-19 Screening Checklist for Non-Medical Employees
Appendix B. Diocese of Fresno Re-Opening Disclaimer
Appendix C: Bussing Guidelines
Refer to Additional Resources as Needed before Opening:
COVID-19 Self-Monitoring Checklist Check and Record Every Day or
Staff and Visitor Log Due to COVID-19(Download free template)
COVID-19 Free Printable Signs & Posters
Safety Guidelines Training Stop the Spread of Germs and Symptoms of COVID-19 Video
Training Guidelines on proper use as well as removal and washing of cloth face coverings
Using Personal Protective Equipment and Use of Cloth Coverings
Stronger Together, California Public School Guide for Re-Opening
During these unsettling times, one thing is certain, our community's unwavering commitment to Catholic education. Our families have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have been laid off, furloughed, or had significant reductions in salaries. Families who are small business owners are struggling to make ends meet, and some of our students are wondering if their families will be able to continue to provide them with an MIQ education.
Please continue to pray for our MIQ family, and if you can, please consider a contribution to the Knight Relief Fund. The fund will provide additional tuition assistance for our students and help make up the difference in anticipated financial losses to the school due to the postponement of our fundraising efforts. These fundraising efforts historically generate over $100,000 and have a direct impact on student programs and tuition support to our families.
To make your gift, contribute by check, please send your donation to:
Mary Immaculate Queen School
Attn: Knight Relief Fund
884 N. Lemoore Ave
Lemoore, Ca 93245
Mary Immaculate Queen School Federal Tax ID#941-47-028
Current data from other Catholic schools around the country are seeing families currently receiving aid needing an additional 20%-40%, as well as an increase in families, who under normal circumstances would be able to pay full tuition, requesting tuition assistance. Since we really have no idea how many families will need assistance this school year, our appeal will remain active through the end of July!
On behalf of our families in need, thank you for your generosity and willingness to help at this critical time. May God continue to keep you and your family safe and healthy and may God continue to bless Mary Immaculate Queen School.