Christian Brothers High School understands that COVID-19 continues to impact our community and as such is committed to supporting safe, in-person learning. Please read the information below carefully to understand the role of the school and of families in working together to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) strongly recommends that all persons eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines obtain them at the first opportunity. Though we are not mandating vaccination for students currently, it is the surest way to decrease infection rates and minimize missed school days due to infection and/or quarantine. More vaccine information can be found here. The county will reassess this policy in July 2023.
Current safety protocols: In line with CDPH guidance, Christian Brothers High School has the following protocols in place:
- Masking: Effective September 23, CDPH guidelines call for the use of CDC Community Levels to help inform masking recommendations. We support students who choose to wear masks and supplies will continue to be available in the front office. Additionally, students released from 5-day isolation are encouraged to wear masks following a positive diagnosis.
- Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitization: All classrooms and shared campus spaces are supplied with hand sanitizer and approved cleaning solutions along with safety protocols regarding frequency of use by all individuals. Frequent hand washing is encouraged. Common areas will be cleaned throughout the day. All buildings on campus are equipped with high-level filtration filters which are changed every quarter.
- Testing: CDPH recommends that antigen tests be considered the primary option for detecting COVID-19 in schools. A plentiful supply of tests is available to students at the front office. Additionally, we will continue to offer PCR testing (optional for students and staff) through Simple Health Kit on Mondays and Wednesdays on a bi-weekly basis.
- Campus Modifications: We have acquired high-efficiency level filtration for our AC units. These filters provide much better filtration of air as it passes through our AC system. Plexiglass shields have been set up in office reception areas and Athletics to add another layer of protection. Touchless towel dispensers have been installed in all bathrooms. There is a dedicated recovery room for students who fall sick, exhibit symptoms while on campus, or otherwise need to isolate themselves from other students while on campus.
- Support for Students/Faculty When Sick: Students, teachers, and staff who have symptoms of infectious illness, such as influenza (flu) or COVID-19, should stay home and be referred to their healthcare provider for testing and care, regardless of vaccination status. Staying home when sick with COVID-19 is essential to keeping COVID-19 infections out of schools and preventing spread to others. Students or family should reach out to the school (Assistant Principal, Counselor and Front Office) for next steps to support remote learning.
Regular screening and testing: CB follows county guidelines regarding safety and screening.
All community members are required to self-screen for symptoms before arriving at school. The Safely Back to School App served us well, however, beginning Fall 2022, we are no longer requiring any community members to use the app.
In accordance with guidance from the CDPH, “Although schools are not required to maintain a testing program, CDPH strongly recommends that schools facilitate access to testing, particularly for vulnerable populations within their communities. Testing, especially of symptomatic individuals and those exposed to a positive COVID-19 case, remains important for minimizing transmission and keeping students in the classroom for in-person instruction.”
A ready supply of antigen tests is available in the front office. Additionally, we will continue to offer PCR testing through Simple Health Kit bi-weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays. This testing is voluntary. Interested test-takers need to create an account in advance of testing. Click here to get started.
Frequently asked questions:
- Is masking required indoors or outdoors? Per state and county guidelines, masks are strongly recommended, but not required, for K-12 students at this time. These regulations are subject to change.
- Are vaccines required for any members of the community? Currently, vaccines are only required for faculty and staff. The county does not anticipate making any decisions on mandating vaccines for students until July 2023.
- How can I communicate with the school that my student tested positive? Complete the Self-Reporting form and email the Assistant Principal. The COVID-19 Student Self-Reporting Form is a confidential form that will support the school in tracking COVID-19 cases and exposures within the student body. Families should complete this form as soon as they become aware of a COVID-19 exposure or positive diagnosis for their student(s).
- What steps should be taken when a student needs to quarantine? Please follow the steps below:
- Call the front office and let them know of your student’s absence.
- Send any information you can about the cause for quarantine to your grade level counselor and Assistant Principal Julian Elorduy ‘03.
- Contact your student’s teachers to arrange academic support for remote learning while your student is in isolation.
- What should parents expect if their child needs to be isolated? As an in-person school, CB is not offering dual-instruction this year. Each teacher’s curriculum is unique and varies in ways that require different academic support in each class. Please contact your student’s teachers who will let you know how they can support you with their subject matter.
- What is the protocol for safely returning to school following a positive diagnosis? Follow the Sacramento County Decision Tree for Schools. In order to be readmitted to school following a positive diagnosis, families must complete this attestation form after completing an at-home rapid test.
- What are some considerations regarding COVID-19, cardiac testing and Athletics?
There are some special considerations for athletes who experience severe illness related to COVID-19. For these students, “a comprehensive medical evaluation and cardiology consultation is recommended.” Please see this resource and contact Athletic Director, Melissa Flowers at mflowers@cbhs-sacramento.org for more information.
Please email AP Julian Elorduy ’03 with any questions or concerns.