School Reopening Plans/COVID-19

Bishop Lynch High School is committed to planning a safe return to campus. The BL school reopening task force is utilizing all applicable local, state and federal guidelines in their planning process. Please check this webpage for updates. 
Bishop Lynch High School has released its extensive plan for a safe return to campus. Click here for the full guide. 

Returning Safely to Campus - Spring





Returning Safely to Athletics 2020-2021

BL COVID-19 FORMS/INFORMATION

Health & Safety FAQs

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. What measures will Bishop Lynch take to prevent the spread of illness?

    We have always been mindful of and exercised preventive measures regarding controlling the spread of illnesses on campus, and we have implemented enhanced non-pharmaceutical interventions as well, including, but not limited to:
    • Reinforce handwashing/hand sanitizing during key times, including: arrival and dismissal; before and after eating; after using the restroom; after blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing; after touching objects with bare hands that have been handled by other people.
    • Signage in and near the restrooms with reminders about healthy hygiene habits.
    • Communications from the campus nurse to teach effective handwashing and preventive practices.
    • Educating our faculty and staff on the signs and symptoms of illness among our school community.
    • Emphasize safe distancing whenever possible on all areas of campus. Student procedural and facility modifications as necessary to maximize safe distancing.
    • Heightened monitoring in the School Clinc for COVID-19 symptoms and influenza-like illnesses.
    • Additional hand sanitizing dispensers stationed throughout the school and on school busses.
    • Increased cleaning and disinfection of high-traffic areas, deep cleaning of restrooms, and special attention to high-touch surfaces, fixtures, and equipment in school buildings and athletic facilities.
    • Increased cleaning and disinfection of school busses.
    • Cleaning and disinfecting of desktops, keyboards, and touch screen devices before and after each use.
    • Increased cleaning and disinfecting in the BL Bistro and common areas.
    • A disinfectant fogging system to increase the efficiency of cleaning our classrooms and shared areas.
    • Upgrading of HVAC parts and equipment to meet new industry standards and recommendations for fresh air/room air circulation. Regular maintenance schedule for sanitization of HVAC parts and equipment.
    • Each afternoon and evening, Facilities staff work diligently to prepare our school for the following day.
    • Reducing the number of common gathering spaces where students tend to congregate.

  • Q. Will face masks be required? Will the school provide masks?

    Students, faculty, and staff will be expected to wear masks or gaiter-style face coverings in the buildings of Bishop Lynch, when moving about the campus facilities, and when traveling on Bishop Lynch buses. Students, faculty, and staff will provide their own face coverings. Branded face coverings will be available for purchase in The Locker. The campus nurse will have a limited supply of supplemental reusable and disposable masks available. Note that masks with valves or ventilation holes are not allowed.

  • Q. What steps will Bishop Lynch take if a student or staff member shows symptoms of COVID-19 on campus?

    A student, faculty or staff member showing symptoms of COVID-19 while on campus will be immediately isolated from others, sent home as soon as possible, and referred to their health care provider for evaluation.

  • Q. How is Bishop Lynch High School monitoring COVID-19?

    Bishop Lynch has a COVID-19 Task Force in place led by our president and principal. The Task Force is monitoring and evaluating the latest information from local, state, and national agencies surrounding COVID-19 to help inform the decisions of Bishop Lynch High School and our communications related to the virus.

  • Q. If my child has a compromised immune system or is otherwise considered high-risk for COVID-19, should I keep them at home?

    You should follow the advice of your primary care physician. If your primary care physician recommends that your child should shelter at home, please contact the campus nurse and your child’s guidance counselor.

  • Q. How will students, faculty and staff be Screened for COVID-19?

    Daily self-screening, symptom and temperature checks are to be completed by students, faculty, and staff at home each morning prior to coming to campus. Any individual experiencing symptoms must remain at home. Families will receive a COVID-19 screening form prior to the start of school. See COVID-19 Screening Forms: 
    Only essential visitors will be allowed on campus and will have screening and temperature performed by designated staff member upon arrival.  All essential visitors must wear a mask when on campus. 

  • Q. How will Bishop Lynch respond if a student or staff member is confirmed positive for COVID-19?

    If a confirmed case of COVID-19 occurs on our campus, we will immediately notify the Dallas County health officials and the Catholic Schools Office. Based on the specific circumstances of the case, we will work together to determine the proper course of action. Our response will include, but is not limited to:
    • Closure of a specific area of campus or a temporary closure of the entire campus to allow for cleaning and disinfection of affected areas.
    • Identification of close contacts with directives for quarantine, monitoring, and follow-up care. Bishop Lynch will have a Certified Contact Tracer on staff to aid local health authorities with COVID-19 investigations on campus.
    • At home isolation for any infected individual with directives for isolation timeline, monitoring, and follow-up care.
    • Appropriate notification of parents and school employees.
    • Confidentiality of all affected individuals will be strictly maintained.
    • Investigation to determine if an extended dismissal duration is needed to stop or slow further spread of the virus.

  • Q. Am I required to notify the school if my child is suspected or confirmed COVID-19 positive?

    Faculty, staff, and families must self-report to the school if they or their student have symptoms of COVID-19, a positive test for COVID-19, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
    Our Campus Nurse, Patty Barton, will be the point of contact and will help coordinate with local health authorities on positive COVID-19 cases and contact tracing. Our nurse will ensure that necessary information is communicated on isolation and quarantine timelines, symptom monitoring and follow-up care. Contact Nurse Barton by phone: 214-324-3607 ext. 4141 or email: patty.barton@bishoplynch.org

  • Q. If a faculty or staff member is diagnosed positive for COVID-19; or is a close contact of an individual diagnosed positive for COVID-19, will they be expected to use sick or vacation days to cover time away from school?

    The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. To comply, beginning April 1, 2020 and continuing through December 31, 2020, leave benefits are modified to add a new category of leave called “COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave” and “COVID-19 Family and Medical Leave”. Full Time and Part Time Employees are eligible upon hire for up to two (2) weeks (80 hours for full-time employees or a part-time employee’s two-week hourly equivalent) of COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave. Posters that list qualifying reasons for leave related to COVID-19 will be placed in faculty and staff common areas on campus.

  • Q. What will BL do if there is a positive COVID case on campus?

    If there is a positive test result with a student or employee, our school will immediately notify Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) and the Catholic Schools Office. The individual directly impacted will be placed on home isolation per current guidance from DCHHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    In conjunction with DCHHS, a contact tracing investigation will be conducted with subsequent notification of any identified close contacts to the positive case. We will implement the specific protocols set forth from DCHHS and the CDC regarding quarantine for any identified close contacts who may have been exposed to a person testing positive, as well as procedures for the cleaning and disinfection of facilities.

    We will then notify you that there was a positive case and we have followed these protocols.

Reopening Videos

COVID-19 resources

RESOURCES

REPORTING ATTENDANCE

If you need to report a student absence and you think it may be COVID-19 related, please indicate that in your message and the school nurse will follow up.

Questions?

Please contact covidresponse@bishoplynch.org for general school reopening plan questions.
 
For matters regarding an individual student's health, please contact our school nurse at patty.barton@bishoplynch.org. 
 

Academic FAQs

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. Will there be changes to the passing period procedures?

    Passing periods will remain the same, with heightened supervision to maintain a continuous two-way traffic flow in each hall. As previously noted, masks or gaiter-style face coverings are required on the Bishop Lynch campus.

  • Q. Will there be any changes to the school calendar and/or the daily academic schedule?

    Our current plan is to begin school as scheduled on August 10 and maintain our academic calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. We are prepared to implement our enhanced E-Learning protocol at any time should circumstances warrant that decision. We will communicate more specific information related to orientation events as well as any daily schedule adjustments (if warranted) as we near our opening date.

  • Q. Will eLearning be available for any student experiencing an extended absence related to isolation or quarantine for COVID-19?

    Yes. We are prepared to deliver eLearning, to ensure that a student who is not physically present in the classroom can keep on pace with their classmates. If your child will be absent from school, you should still follow the same protocol for notifying the Bishop Lynch Attendance Office. For extended absences, parents/guardians should also notify their child’s guidance counselor.

  • Q. Is Bishop Lynch High School committed to offering a remote learning (blended synchronous learning) option for those who are not comfortable attending school on-campus?

    Yes, families will have the option as to which learning model they feel is best for their student(s). The two learning options that will be offered to families are: (1) full-time, in-person instruction (on-campus) or (2) full-time, blended synchronous learning (remote learning). Families that commit to the blended synchronous learning option must commit for a minimum of one 9-week grading period at a time. Families that commit to in-person instruction may change their commitment to blended synchronous learning at any point until the end of that current 9-week grading period.

  • Q. Will class sizes be reduced?

    We do not plan to reduce class sizes. Rather, we will emphasize safe practices/distancing, masks/face coverings will be worn by all, and modifications to facilities as necessary to maximize safe distancing.

  • Q. What is the definition of eLearning? What is the definition of blended synchronous learning?

    eLearning Model
    During mandated school-wide campus closure, students will continue their courses by participating in meaningful online synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences (eLearning). The new eLearning model has been modified based on feedback received from the spring 2020 eLearning model. eLearning will follow Bishop Lynch’s A/B rotation on the school calendar. School holidays and closures will be honored as stated on the 2020 – 2021 school calendar. The new eLearning guidelines with be shared with families before the start of school and will specifically state expectations of families and faculty.

    Blended Synchronous Learning Model
    At home instructional school model, where students attend classes virtually as outlined on their A and B-Day schedule. The school calendar and bell schedule will run as usual.
     
    • Student expectations virtually
      • Synchronous learning will occur; live interactive classes with students and teachers participating in real-time
      • Teachers will take attendance daily on a designated schedule by course and absences will be documented
      • Students will commit to attending virtual class (both A and B-Day) at a designated schedule and actively participate in learning activities as if they were attending class in-person
      • Students are required to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct just as they would during in-person attendance
      • In-person grading, and GPA policies will be in effect
      • Students will commit to Blended Synchronous Learning for one quarter, the commitment can be reversed after the completion of a 9-week grading period

    • Athletics
      • All students who participate in athletics will be required to meet TAPPS requirements, be enrolled and attend the athletic class and after school practices in person. Remote students will need to furnish their own transportation to and from athletic class and after school practices.

    • Visual and Performing Arts
      • Virtual learning for visual and performing arts courses may be synchronous. Students who attend blended synchronous learning may participate in extracurricular activities (before and/or after school rehearsals, practices, performances, and competitions) if they meet all TAPPS requirements, are enrolled in the applicable course section, and are able to attend designated rehearsals, practices, performances, and competitions. Remote students must have their own transportation to and from practices, rehearsals, and performances.

  • Q. How will teachers engage students that are attending class remotely?

    Students who opt for the blended synchronous learning option will attend live classes remotely. The Instructional Technology Team (I-Team) will work closely with teachers during in-service to prepare them to engage students remotely while simultaneously engaging students in-person. All students will have the opportunity to be successful academically. Students attending in person and those remotely engaged will have opportunities to collaborate with classmates in real-time.

  • Q. Requirements for Zoomers - Phase 2 & 3

    •  Must zoom in and be visible the entire class to be counted as present
    •  Must be on time 
    •  Must have appropriate attire - BL spirit wear is encouraged, but not mandatory. 
    •  Must be seated at a table (not in bed, couch or poolside)
    •  Must be in a quiet room (no tv or music on)

Operation FAQs

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Q.
    Will we receive a refund for the cafeteria food if we choose to stay home for remote study?

    Cafeteria food is not a separate charge but rather part of the overall operational annual budget; therefore, there isn’t anything to refund. In addition, the school is going to be spending unbudgeted operational expenses due to increased packaging/distribution costs of the food plus additional expenses related to remote dining areas needed for social distancing throughout the school.

  • Q. What is being done to increase the disinfecting and cleaning of school facilities?

    Bishop Lynch High School has made significant investments in facility upgrades over the summer to facilitate increased health and safety measures for our community. The new upgrades include the following:

    75 Touchless Sanitizing Stations – Gel Dispensers
    A station is located in each academic classroom on the inside wall of the doorway.

    Portable Sanitizing Stations will be located at common entry points around the BL campus.

    New air conditioning systems were installed during the summer break that feature upgraded filtering systems and increased filtration of contaminates. UVC lights in use in each HVAC unit to disinfect and eliminate germs and contaminates.

    Outside air intake systems have been updated to increase the amount of outside (fresh) air being dispersed inside the building.

    Four Electrostatic Sanitizers are available

    Disposable masks will be made available to visitors at common entry points.

    Drinking fountain stations
    Removal of hand bars that might result in continuous contact
    Autofill stations only
    Students will be encouraged to bring filled water bottles from home.

    Ozone Machines
    Will be used after hours and on weekends.

    We are investigating the installation of motion detection points for doors leading to the courtyard.

    Increased Frequency of Sanitization Protocols 
    Restrooms will be professionally cleaned three times each day with surfaces and touch locations receiving primary focus.  
     
    Teachers will sanitize classroom surfaces between each class. Teachers will be supplied with a spray-on disinfectant that has a one-minute dwell time. No wiping or contact is required. Teachers will also be responsible for cleaning their personal areas such as their computer monitor and keyboard.  
     
    Daily room cleaning by maintenance staff includes: 
    Dusting 
    Wipe down and disinfection of touch points (doorknobs, desktops, light switches, etc.) 
    Wipe down flat surfaces such as commonly used shelves and work areas 
    Floor cleaning 
    Trash and debris removal 
      
    Nightly disinfecting of hallways and walk areas, including locker areas. Disinfectant fogging of hallways to occur either before school, immediately after school or overnight.  
     
    The BL Bistro and all common areas will be disinfected after each use. 
     
    The school clinic will be cleaned after the report of an incident/exposure. There will be an isolation area installed within the clinic.  

  • Q. Will water fountains be available for use?

    Water fountains will not be in operation. Students should bring a full, reusable water bottle to school each day. Hydroboost touchless water filling stations will be in operation for students to refill water bottles as needed.

  • Q. What steps is Sage Dining taking related to COVID-19?

    Sage Dining has provided regular updates to for safely reopening the BL Bistro, based on based on many discussions internally as well as external research.  Follow this link to access a booklet detailing their food service plans. The password (if needed) to open the booklet is SAGEreopening (with SAGE in all caps).

Formation FAQs

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. What is the status of athletics and other extra-curricular activities?

    Our plan as of mid-July is that athletic programs and extra-curricular activities will resume with protocols that address appropriate physical distancing, hygiene, and safety measures for each sport/activity. We will follow guidance and directives from the Texas Association for Private and Parochial Schools, UIL, the Texas Education Agency, and the Catholic Schools Office. If our athletics and extra-curricular activities are disrupted by the pandemic, we will make every effort to find creative ways to continue; virtually, with additional safety measures, or a combination of both.

  • Q. Will we be able to celebrate Mass as a community?

    Celebrating Mass as a faith community will occur virtually on scheduled all-school Mass days and Holy Days of Obligation. We are excited to welcome Ms. Lysette Flores to Bishop Lynch as Campus Minister. In conjunction with our Theology faculty, Ms. Flores will work closely with our Campus Chaplain, Fr. Edwin Leonard, to provide meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth for our students.  Students will also have the opportunity to safely receive the sacrament of Reconciliation.   

  • Q. Will there be any changes to the House System?

    After a highly successful inaugural year, we are looking forward to the start of our second year in the House System and the addition of our freshmen and transfer student Friars. House Deans and Student Leaders are making plans for House and Mentor Group activities for the upcoming year, factoring in enhanced safety protocols to prevent the spread of illnesses. Welcome Home, Friars!

Bishop Lynch High School

9750 Ferguson Road, Dallas, TX 75228
Tel: 214.324.3607 | Fax: 214.324.3600
Faithful to Catholic Tradition and to our Dominican heritage of scholarship and service, Bishop Lynch High School promotes the development of the total person by bringing together a diverse community in a rigorous, college preparatory environment where students are taught to strive for excellence, seek truth, and work for justice in the world. - Founded in 1963