List of 17 frequently asked questions.

• OCTOBER 13, 2020 | WEEKLY SCHOOL REOPENING UPDATE

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  Happy Homecoming Week to our Friar family! While this week’s activities do not look like previous Bishop Lynch High School homecoming celebrations, it is heartening to see so much school spirit in the students’ participation and excitement for our themed dress-up days. Stay tuned to BL social media this week for the fun costumed photos.

   

  Homecoming Movie Night Postponed Until Further Notice

  While we remained hopeful we could safely hold our homecoming movie night this weekend, current conditions are not conducive for a large-scale event. Any movie night tickets that were already purchased will be reimbursed. Homecoming T-shirts will still be sold for only $7 each.

   

  If we can host the Oct. 30 home football game for Senior Night, the 2020 Homecoming Court will be announced during halftime and family members of the top five homecoming queen candidates may attend. If we are unable to host the Oct. 30 football game, then the homecoming queen will be crowned in a virtual ceremony.

   

  We want to caution all students against attending off-campus social events this weekend in lieu of BL’s homecoming festivities. Maintaining social distance, avoiding crowds and wearing masks is what allows Bishop Lynch High School to remain open for in-person instruction. Please adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols to keep our entire community safe and our campus open.

   

  Enhanced Phase 2 Underway

  Beginning with last week’s second quarter start, Bishop Lynch rolled out enhanced Phase 2 afternoon opportunities, including faculty office hours, small group tutoring sessions, science labs, club and organization meeting times, and more. Clubs are starting to schedule either virtual or in-person meetings, the Writing Center has opened afternoon hours by appointment and the BL House System is planning additional ways to build community.

   

  While Bishop Lynch High School has always been a college preparatory school, the enhanced Phase 2 afternoon period now resembles a college campus culture as well. Please note that the afternoon enhancements are optional for students and all school safety protocols are being enforced.

   

  Parent-Teacher Conferences

  Thank you to the hundreds of parents who took time to visit with their student’s teachers during virtual parent-teacher conferences yesterday. The Bishop Lynch High School experience is truly a partnership between our families and the school, and these open dialogues are a great place to foster this formational collaboration.

   

  As always, students are encouraged to submit comments about their experience using our online feedback form. We wish our freshman, sophomore and junior students a successful National Testing Day tomorrow!

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

   

• OCTOBER 6, 2020 | WEEKLY SCHOOL REOPENING UPDATE

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  The start of the second quarter on Wednesday, Oct. 7 kicks off afternoon educational enhancement opportunities for our student body as we continue with Phase 2’s modified schedule. Much like a college environment, this enhanced schedule allows for small group and AP study sessions on campus, as well as appointment availability with the Math Success Center, the Writing Center, guidance counselors, and science labs.   

   

  More Afternoon Educational Enhancements

  Bishop Lynch faculty will have open office hours for both in-person and remote learners from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday afternoons will be reserved for department, faculty, leadership, and house system meetings, and club and organization meetings will be held on Friday afternoons.

   

  Students who choose to stay on campus for these enhancement hours will be allowed to eat their grab-and-go lunch on campus using our safety protocols. There will be after-school supervision, and students should check-in with the after-school supervisor in the atrium by 1:05 p.m.

   

  The late bus departs Bishop Lynch at 4:15 p.m. each school day. Please watch for specific scheduling information from faculty, staff and moderators in the coming days.

   

  Extracurricular Update

  Over the past several weeks, hundreds of Friars have participated in athletics and other extracurricular activities embracing the opportunity to return to a fuller formational experience while enjoying all the team camaraderie, skill-building and personal growth that competition provides.

   

  Despite our early successes, the Bishop Lynch football program is currently on pause for two weeks due to COVID-related issues after the most recent competitions, and these student-athletes are quarantining as close contacts per Dallas County Health and Human Services directives. The homecoming football game will not be played Friday, Oct. 16, but the homecoming outdoor movie night for students is still scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17 (if conditions allow).

   

  We remain committed to allowing our student-athletes the opportunity to compete while adhering to the strictest safety protocols to protect our entire community. The current pause in the football program allows us to recommit ourselves to the protocols set forth in our return to play plan.

   

  Off-Campus Behaviors

  While our students are on the Bishop Lynch campus, they are in a controlled environment with stringent masking and the diligent use of other non-pharmaceutical interventions that have so far prevented the spread of COVID-19 at BL. However, we are very concerned about reports of some students engaging in large non-masked gatherings during non-school hours.

   

  These behaviors put our entire school community at risk. We implore our students, staffulty and families to limit their interactions, wear masks when around others, maintain social distancing, and frequently sanitize hands. The continued safety of our school community and our ability to keep the campus open for in-person learning depend upon it.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

    

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 | WEEKLY SCHOOL REOPENING UPDATE

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  This week marks the fourth full week of school since Bishop Lynch High School resumed on-campus learning. We continue to be impressed with the high level of safety protocol compliance among our Friar students and staffulty, and we are truly grateful for our community’s diligence.

   

  Second Quarter Begins Oct. 7

  Wednesday, Oct. 7 marks the first day of the second quarter. This is the time when remote learners may elect to return to in-person learning. If your remote learner plans to return to campus Oct. 7, please notify his/her counselor of the change. Counselor contact information can be found here. As a reminder, in-person learners can select the remote learning option at any time.

   

  Please note that the school’s senior leadership team and the COVID Response Task Force are weighing several factors as we approach the scheduled start of Phase 3. BL leaders are reviewing plans surrounding lunch and what is best for the overall health and wellness of our school community.

   

  We will send an email communication no later than Friday, Oct. 2 regarding scheduling plans for the second quarter.

   

  Friday’s Home Football Game Open to Seniors

  Last Friday’s football home opening game was limited to four immediate family members per student participant (football, band, brigade, and cheer). Since the event was well organized, attendees followed safety protocols and the attendance was well under capacity limits, Bishop Lynch Athletics is inviting the BL senior class to attend the Friday, Oct. 2 home game against John Paul II High School.

   

  An email will be sent to the seniors detailing the ticketing process and safety protocols. We are thrilled to open this opportunity to the Class of 2021. We hope to be able to offer additional social/school spirit opportunities to even more students in the coming weeks and months as conditions allow.

   

  First House Day Tomorrow

  Wednesday, Sept. 30 is the first quarterly house day of the school year. We are unable to participate in our normal on- and off-campus house activities due to COVID-19 restrictions, but we will celebrate the BL House System by wearing our house T-shirts, jeans and athletic shoes. Students may wear their BL uniform if they don’t want to wear the house T-shirt.

   

  Tomorrow’s house day will adhere to the modified schedule that we have been following in Phase 2.

   

  We remain filled with gratitude for our entire Bishop Lynch High School community. We are so thankful to partner with you in the overall formation of our Friars.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 | WEEKLY SCHOOL REOPENING UPDATE

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,
  
  Thank you to our entire Bishop Lynch High School community for helping us establish a culture of safety on campus. We continue to be impressed with our Friars’ adherence to safety protocols and proper mask-wearing compliance.
  
  Notification of Positive Cases
  If your student tests positive for COVID-19 or is identified as a close contact by a source outside our school community, please notify BL School Nurse Patty Barton immediately at patty.barton@bishoplynch.org. Nurse Barton is a certified contact tracer and will work to determine any additional potential exposure on campus.
  
  Each family’s forthright communication with Bishop Lynch is imperative to maintaining as safe a campus community as possible.
  
  Social Behavior Outside School Hours
  While students’ on-campus safety compliance is commendable, we must also remain vigilant during our time away from school. We respectfully ask students and their families, as well as faculty and staff, to properly mask, avoid crowds and sanitize hands frequently so we can ensure our school campus stays open and healthy.
  
  Feedback Requested
  Please continue to submit student feedback here via our online form and send any school reopening-related questions to covidresponse@bishoplynch.org.
  
  We are encouraged by the continued formation of our on-campus and remote learners. Our mission is more relevant than ever during these trying times, and seeing student growth in academics, extracurriculars, social, and spiritual life is very gratifying indeed.
  
  Sincerely yours in Christ, 

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 | WEEKLY SCHOOL REOPENING UPDATE

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  Thank you to our students, parents and staffulty for their diligence in adhering to Bishop Lynch High School’s campus safety protocols. We are in our third week of in-person instruction and have been very pleased with our school community’s commitment to doing their part to keep our campus open and as safe as possible.

   

  We recently reintroduced athletics and other extracurricular activities to campus life. At the direction of Dr. Bob Hendler, chief medical consultant for the Catholic Schools Office, all diocesan student-athletes must wear masks during practice and competition. Even with this stringent masking protocol and other social distancing and sanitation measures in place, we are evaluating extracurricular activity impact on our community-at-large.

   

  Click here to review our athletics return to play plan.

   

  Phase 3 Start Delayed Until Oct. 7

  To give Bishop Lynch time to evaluate the impact this more expanded extracurricular activity has on the entire school community, we have decided to extend the Phase 2 schedule through the end of the first quarter.

   

  That means the full-day regular schedule will not begin until Oct. 7. Students will continue to follow the same modified half-day schedule with a grab-and-go lunch for the next three weeks.

   

  The decision to delay the Phase 3 start date is in line with our overarching goals to keep our campus as safe as possible and to remain open for in-person learning. We want to preserve our pathway to stay in school, and we believe this schedule adjustment is currently our best course of action.

   

  Student Feedback Form

  The eLearning feedback form has now been expanded to accept feedback from all students, regardless of whether you are an on-campus or remote learner. Let us know how in-class and blended synchronous learning is working for you by submitting comments via this student feedback form.

   

  After these early weeks of on-campus instruction, we can confidently say that our safety protocol is working. While we have had some positive cases in our community, there has been no identified spread on campus.

   

  As a final reminder, please remember that masks featuring political parties, candidates or ideologies are not allowed to be worn on campus.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 | WEEKLY SCHOOL REOPENING UPDATE

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  Thank you to our entire Bishop Lynch High School community for a strong start to Phase 2. We see our students’ excitement and engagement whether they are physically on campus or joining class as remote learners.

   

  Approximately 83 percent of our students are in-person learners and we were very pleased with the diligence these Friars showed regarding mask-wearing, frequent hand sanitation and continuous movement in the hallways during passing periods. Our goal is to keep the BL campus safe and open, and it is evident that our students have the same objective as demonstrated by their overall adherence to our safety protocols.

   

  Continued Adjustments

  Focus on Not Congregating

  We need the students to remember not to congregate following breakfast and at dismissal. After breakfast is consumed in either the BL Bistro or the atrium, we have the McGonigle Theater, the commons, the library, and hallway space reserved for students to maintain social distance from one another before first period begins. BL staff members are providing supervision across campus and will continue to remind students about the need for social distance.

   

  This video on campus safety protocol highlights best practices for all students, faculty and staff to follow.

   

  Food Service

  SAGE Dining has done an incredible job in pre-packaging their delicious and nutritious food for our students, faculty and staff. We currently have up to three pickup lines to streamline the food distribution process. Our partners at SAGE will continue to work through any issues in advance of Phase 3.

   

  Increased Fresh Air Intake in Hallways

  Bishop Lynch continues to monitor the latest safety recommendations and emerging science for the health of our community. To that end, we have increased the fresh air intake to 75 percent in the hallways.

   

  Notification of Positive Cases

  As a reminder, Bishop Lynch High School will update the school community of any positive cases via the weekly Friar Facts e-newsletter on Thursday afternoons. Look for the special health section underneath news.

   

  Remote Learner Communication Coming Tomorrow

  Our remote learner families should stay tuned for an email tomorrow with several notices specific for remote learners.

   

  Your Feedback Requested

  As always, we depend on your constructive comments to improve both the in-person and remote learning student experience. Submit eLearning feedback here and email covidresponse@bishoplynch.org if you have questions regarding campus safety initiatives.

   

  Virtual All-School Mass This Thursday

  We invite the entire BL school community to our virtual all-school Mass at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10. Father Edwin Leonard, BL’s campus chaplain, will celebrate Mass from the Siena Chapel. It will be livestreamed on BL’s Facebook page beginning at the end of 2A. Please join us in prayer for our Friar family.
  
  

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 | WEEKLY SCHOOL REOPENING UPDATE 

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  After all the planning and campus preparations, Bishop Lynch High School will begin Phase 2 on Thursday, Sept. 3 with the on-campus learning option. Our two main goals for our return to campus are to keep our Bishop Lynch school community safe and enable campus to remain open for in-person learning and formation. By having every member of our Friar family comply with our safety best practices, we have the best shot of achieving our goals.

   

  Please read this email in its entirety for complete safety compliance instructions for Phase 2.

   

  Safe Practices – Daily Routine

  Before Leaving for School

  *Supervised by a parent, take your temperature and review the daily self-screening assessment. If you answer “no” to all questions and your temperature is below 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit, you may come to campus.

   

  Arrival on Campus

  *Breakfast will be available starting at 7 a.m. and first period starts at 8:15 a.m. Students may enter the building through the Main Entrance, the circle drive, the Leyden courtyard, and the bus barn.

   

  *Masks must be on (completely covering nose and mouth) before exiting a vehicle and must remain on throughout the school day (except while eating). For bus riders, masks must be worn while you wait to board the bus and during the ride to school.

   

  *Upon entry to the school building, use the touchless sanitizer stations to sanitize your hands. Hands must also be sanitized each time you enter a classroom and before eating.

   

  *A grab-and-go breakfast will be served from stations in the BL Bistro and the atrium. The BL Bistro has plexiglass dividers with white dots to indicate socially distanced spots where students should sit. Other meal seating is available in the atrium.  

   

  *Only remove your mask to eat once seated at a safe distance from others. Put your mask back on before you get up from your seat to dispose of your trash. Please refrain from conversation until your mask is back in place.

   

  *After breakfast has been eaten and before it is time for first period to begin, students must put their masks back on and then may sit and study at a social distance in the McGonigle Theater, the library, the student commons, or the hallways.

   

  *Proceed directly to your first-period class. Be sure to check your schedule on FriarNET in advance for any classroom location changes, specifically mentor group and study hall rooms.  

  *Congregating will not be allowed on campus. Please keep moving in the hallways and maintain a social distance of six feet whenever possible.

   

  School Departure

  *There will be a staggered dismissal beginning at 12:45 p.m. to accommodate students picking up their to-go lunches. All students should be dismissed no later than 12:55 p.m. each day during Phase 2.

   

  *Students will be assigned a grab-and-go lunch pick-up station (either in the BL Bistro, the atrium or by the concession stand in between the gyms). Assignments will be communicated on Thursday. Once you have your lunch bag in hand, please proceed immediately to your vehicle. No congregating will be allowed in the parking lots.

   

  Campus Signage and Staffulty Presence

  Safety signage has been posted across campus to remind students of the safety protocols. In addition, faculty and staff will be present throughout the day to encourage compliance.

   

  Safety Video Now Available

  Check out our campus safety video to see and hear these instructions too!

   

  Notification of Positive Cases

  To be transparent and inform our entire school community of any positive cases on campus, Bishop Lynch High School will provide notification of positive cases in our weekly Friar Facts e-newsletter. Any close contacts (close contact is defined as being within six feet or less of a confirmed COVID-19 case for a cumulative duration of at least 15 minutes or more while contagious, without a mask) will receive a personal notification from one of Bishop Lynch High School’s certified contact tracers.  

   

  Open Campus Times for Freshman and Transfer Students

  Freshman and transfer students/parents have two more chances to visit campus to locate classrooms and get acclimated to the school building prior to Thursday’s opening day of in-person instruction. Campus will be open this evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

   

  While these aren’t open house events, the campus will be open for new students and parents to explore the building. Please refer to last Thursday’s new family email or the most recent Friar Facts for more information and to access visitor requirements.

   

  In Closing

  There are a lot of new procedures for our on-campus learners to follow. However, with a diligent commitment to these best practices, we can help ensure a safe and open campus environment for our Friar family. We look forward to seeing many of our students in person this Thursday.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

    

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

   

• AUGUST 25, 2020 | WEEKLY SCHOOL REOPENING UPDATE

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  Phase 2 of Bishop Lynch High School’s safe return to campus plan begins next Thursday, Sept. 3 with on-campus instruction for those families who chose a return to campus. We eagerly anticipate our students’ return as we make final preparations to welcome them back safely.

   

  Commitment to Campus Safety Measures

  In order for our school community to have a successful return to campus – and to maintain our on-campus presence for the long term – every member of our Friar family must be dedicated to complete compliance with our safety measures. A safety compliance video will be released before the start of school and safety signage will be posted throughout our buildings. In addition, faculty and staff will be stationed across campus before, during and after the school day to ensure students comply with proper mask wearing, social distancing and hand hygiene.

   

  Please review pages 14-15 in the school reopening guide related to the daily requirements, including the self-screening of students and employees at home each morning. We encourage you to have a family discussion about the necessary commitment to Bishop Lynch’s school safety measures before the first day of on-campus instruction. It will take all of us doing our part to keep our Friar community as safe as possible and get back to a normal routine.

   

  New Student Invitation to Visit Campus

  We want to orient our new freshman and transfer students to the campus before the start of school. As such, Bishop Lynch High School will have the following three open campus dates/times early next week to let new Friar families explore the campus to locate classes prior to our Sept. 3 start date:

   

  Monday, Aug. 31 - 1:30-3:30 p.m.

  Tuesday, Sept. 1 - 5:30-7:30 p.m.

  Wednesday, Sept. 2 - 1:30-3:30 p.m.

   

  All students and parents must wear masks and check-in through the school’s Main Entrance for a forehead temperature check and health screening. House student leaders and senior school administrators will be available to provide directions and answer questions.

   

  This week’s issue of Friar Facts will include more information.

   

  Notification of Positive Cases

  Bishop Lynch High School is committed to providing transparency regarding any positive cases we may have in our school community. Bishop Lynch will notify the entire school community each week of any positive cases on campus while maintaining the privacy of impacted individuals.

   

  Parents are required to notify BL if their student or an immediate family member tests positive for COVID-19. Specifically, the school nurse should be notified of the diagnosis and the attendance office should be notified of the absence. Bishop Lynch has certified contact tracers on campus who will quickly work to determine any close contacts of the positive individual. A member of BL’s COVID-19 response team will then individually notify those close contacts.

   

  New Essential Visitor Policy

  Bishop Lynch is limiting campus visits during the school day to essential visitors only. These essential visitors must wear masks and they will be subject to a health screening and forehead temperature check upon arrival, as well as having very limited access to the campus. Please view the new visitor policy here.

   

  In the week leading up to the return of on-campus instruction, we encourage you to thoroughly review www.bishoplynch.org/reopening and the full school reopening guide found there. If you have any questions regarding our return to campus, please email covidresponse@bishoplynch.org.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 | WEEKLY SCHOOL REOPENING UPDATE 

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  Thank you to our entire Bishop Lynch High School community for a strong start to Phase 2. We see our students’ excitement and engagement whether they are physically on campus or joining class as remote learners.

   

  Approximately 83 percent of our students are in-person learners and we were very pleased with the diligence these Friars showed regarding mask-wearing, frequent hand sanitation and continuous movement in the hallways during passing periods. Our goal is to keep the BL campus safe and open, and it is evident that our students have the same objective as demonstrated by their overall adherence to our safety protocols.

   

  Continued Adjustments

  Focus on Not Congregating

  We need the students to remember not to congregate following breakfast and at dismissal. After breakfast is consumed in either the BL Bistro or the atrium, we have the McGonigle Theater, the commons, the library, and hallway space reserved for students to maintain social distance from one another before first period begins. BL staff members are providing supervision across campus and will continue to remind students about the need for social distance.

   

  This video on campus safety protocol highlights best practices for all students, faculty and staff to follow.

   

  Food Service

  SAGE Dining has done an incredible job in pre-packaging their delicious and nutritious food for our students, faculty and staff. We currently have up to three pickup lines to streamline the food distribution process. Our partners at SAGE will continue to work through any issues in advance of Phase 3.

   

  Increased Fresh Air Intake in Hallways

  Bishop Lynch continues to monitor the latest safety recommendations and emerging science for the health of our community. To that end, we have increased the fresh air intake to 75 percent in the hallways.

   

  Notification of Positive Cases

  As a reminder, Bishop Lynch High School will update the school community of any positive cases via the weekly Friar Facts e-newsletter on Thursday afternoons. Look for the special health section underneath news.

   

  Remote Learner Communication Coming Tomorrow

  Our remote learner families should stay tuned for an email tomorrow with several notices specific for remote learners.

   

  Your Feedback Requested

  As always, we depend on your constructive comments to improve both the in-person and remote learning student experience. Submit eLearning feedback here and email covidresponse@bishoplynch.org if you have questions regarding campus safety initiatives.

   

  Virtual All-School Mass This Thursday

  We invite the entire BL school community to our virtual all-school Mass at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10. Father Edwin Leonard, BL’s campus chaplain, will celebrate Mass from the Siena Chapel. It will be livestreamed on BL’s Facebook page beginning at the end of 2A. Please join us in prayer for our Friar family.
  
  

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• AUGUST 18, 2020 | WEEKLY SCHOOL REOPENING UPDATE

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  Thank you to all our Bishop Lynch High School students, faculty and staff for a great first week of school. We saw dynamic virtual engagement and robust synchronous learning happening across our digital platforms. It was heartwarming to see our teachers back in their element and our students getting settled for the new academic year.

   

  Family Choice Commitment Form

  We still have many families who have not yet completed their online family choice commitment form. We must know our final in-person numbers to plan as completely as possible. Please indicate here if your student(s) will continue with eLearning for the first nine weeks or will return to campus for in-person instruction.

   

  eLearning Feedback Form

  Your feedback is important to us. We want to hear from you as we navigate these early weeks of eLearning. Please send us your comments via the online feedback form.

   

  Preparing for a Safe Return to Campus

  Bishop Lynch High School continues to work with Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) and the Catholic Schools Office on a safe return to campus. Bishop Lynch is in compliance with all recent DCHHS recommendations that apply to us.

   

  Air Quality

  We know that improving ventilation and air quality is one way that schools can reduce COVID-19 transmission. Air filters are rated based on their filtration effectiveness or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Bishop Lynch High School has invested in MERV-13 filters, which are recommended by Harvard researchers and the type used in hospitals. Bishop Lynch has also installed ultraviolet light devices in the HVAC units for additional disinfection and elimination of germs and contaminants.

   

  Please review the school reopening guide and www.bishoplynch.org/reopening for Bishop Lynch’s complete plans for a safe return to campus. If you have any questions after reviewing these resources, email covidresponse@bishoplynch.org.

   

  Your family’s educational formation at Bishop Lynch High School is a true partnership between you and the school. We are thankful for the trust you place in us.

    

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• AUGUST 11, 2020 | WEEKLY SCHOOL REOPENING UPDATE

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  Welcome to the first week of school! Our Friar family may be teaching, learning and working in different locations during our Phase 1 reopening plan, but our commitment to the Bishop Lynch High School mission unites us and fuels our purpose. We felt that positive first day of school energy flowing from all around the Dallas metro area, and we are looking forward to a successful academic year.

   

  eLearning, School Email Notice and Feedback Form

  As virtual classes get underway this week, you will notice the prevalence of synchronous learning. Our faithful, caring and dedicated faculty are offering this live, interactive instruction for at least a portion of every class. Based on feedback from the spring semester, Bishop Lynch made several adjustments to our eLearning procedures to provide the most robust remote learning experience for our students.

   

  With eLearning, teachers and students rely heavily on email communication. The most common reason students don’t “see” emails from the school is that they still have their Focused Inbox turned on and it needs to be OFF. The Office.com videos on the Technology Orientation webpage walk students through the process or they can follow these instructions.

   

  Your feedback is always important to us. Please complete this online form if you would like to share your eLearning experience with Bishop Lynch administrators.

   

  On-Campus Preparations Continue

  Our on-campus health and safety preparations are continuing throughout the month of August as we look to welcome students back to campus Sept. 3. Please review Bishop Lynch’s plans for a safe return to campus at www.bishoplynch.org/reopening. For your convenience, you can access the downloadable guide here.

   

  If you have any questions that are not addressed in the reopening plan, please email covidresponse@bishoplynch.org and a member of the School Reopening Task Force will respond.

   

  Family Choice Commitment Form

  Some families have not yet completed the family choice commitment form. Please complete this online form here as soon as possible to indicate whether your student(s) will attend school in-person starting Sept. 3 or continue with virtual instruction. You may also resubmit your choice if your plans have changed.

   

  Virtual All-School Mass This Thursday

  What better way to kick off the first week of school than to celebrate an all-school Mass? Father Edwin Leonard, BL’s campus chaplain, will celebrate Mass from the Siena Chapel on the BL campus at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13 and our entire Bishop Lynch community is invited to watch the live stream on Facebook at Bishop Lynch High School (Official). This is in place of Thursday’s mentor group meeting.

   

  Please join us in praying for our students, families, faculty, and staff as we begin the 2020-2021 school year. May God bless the academic, spiritual, extracurricular, and social formation of our Friar students.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

   

• August 5, 2020 | Weekly School Reopening Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  Bishop Lynch High School’s virtual start to the 2020-21 academic year is Monday, Aug. 10, and we could not be more excited to welcome back our Friar family. Teacher in-service training is taking place on campus this week for our faithful, caring and dedicated faculty members. Even with all the necessary precautions like social distancing and mask-wearing in place, you can feel the palpable excitement for a new school year.

   

  Full School Reopening Plan Now Available Online

  Bishop Lynch has compiled all the school’s safe return to campus plans, schedules and precautionary measures in one handy downloadable document. You can read the full plan here, and it is also posted on www.bishoplynch.org/reopening, along with the webpage’s full slate of FAQs, screening forms and resource links. Please email covidresponse@bishoplynch.org if you have a question that is not specifically addressed in the plan.

   

  Virtual Orientation Videos

  As mentioned in an email sent last week, this year’s grade-level orientations will be videos that can be viewed at any time before the first day of school. Please be on the lookout for an email this Thursday with your orientation video link. If you have any questions after viewing the orientation video, please contact your guidance counselor. Click here to view guidance counselor photos, bios, student assignments, and their contact information.

   

  Class of 2021 Ring Ceremony

  Bishop Lynch has a long-standing tradition of welcoming students to their senior year with a special ceremony where class rings or other jewelry are blessed. This year’s ring ceremony video will be available on www.bishoplynch.org/RingCeremony at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8. Congratulations to the Class of 2021 and best wishes for a successful, memorable and meaningful senior year!

   

  Releasing the Class of 2021 Ring Ceremony video on Aug. 8 is especially significant because that is the feast day of St. Dominic, our Dominican school’s patron saint. As we begin a new school year – and an unprecedented and uniquely challenging one at that – we pray to St. Dominic for special guidance and grace as we learn, teach and live out the Bishop Lynch mission together as a faith-filled school community.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,
  
  

  Chris Rebuck

  President
  
  

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• July 28, 2020 | Weekly School Reopening Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  As we near the Aug. 10 start of remote learning to kick off Bishop Lynch High School’s reopening plan, we are welcoming new teachers to the Friar family and conducting in-service training for all our faithful, caring and dedicated faculty. Teachers have been and will continue to participate in professional development opportunities related to blended synchronous learning, exceptional learners, planning for on campus and remote learning simultaneously, instructional technology, Blackboard organization, and how to provide additional support to students with learning differences.

   

  Our committed faculty members are being called to carry out their educational ministry in remarkable ways now more than ever under these extraordinary circumstances. Please pray for our teachers as they prepare in earnest for an unprecedented semester. We will e-introduce our newest Friar faculty in the Aug. 6 edition of Friar Facts.

   

  Family Choice Commitment Form Due July 31

  During Phase 1 of BL’s school reopening plan, all students will take part in remote learning from Aug. 10-Sept. 2. Beginning Sept. 3, students may participate in on-campus learning or continue with the eLearning option. Please refer to the phased reopening plan and schedule for the timeline.

   

  Bishop Lynch is asking families to commit to either the on-campus or remote learning instructional model. Families that commit to the remote synchronous at-home option must commit for a minimum of one nine-week grading period at a time. Families that commit to in-person instruction may change their commitment to remote synchronous learning at any point until the end of that current nine-week grading period.

   

  Click here to complete the family choice commitment form by July 31.

   

  Importance of Mental Health

  Bishop Lynch High School is committed to the development of the whole child, and we know that spiritual and social connections and mental health resources are needed now more than ever. These vital formational aspects will be in place as much as possible even during remote learning.

   

  BL’s guidance department has experienced counselors trained and ready to assist our teen students during this pandemic and the back-to-school process. Our guidance counselors are committed to check in on all students and provide tools and strategies for healthy self-care and emotional self-management that support overall mental health.

   

  Please check out the guidance department’s student commitment and compilation of community resources for your family here.

   

  We continue to pray for the health and safety of our school community, and we look forward to reconvening soon.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   
  
  

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

   

• July 21, 2020 | School Reopening Timeline

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  Since March, Bishop Lynch High School has consulted health experts; sought guidance from local, state and national authorities; undertaken a stringent planning process for a safe campus reopening; and prayerfully considered the best course of action for our entire school community as we continue to contend with COVID-19.

   

  Throughout this public health crisis, Bishop Lynch’s goal has been to get our students safely back to school to nurture the development of their academic, mental wellness, social, and spiritual needs. Everyone desires a return to normalcy, and we are taking steps – in a controlled and safety-oriented action plan – to get there.

   

  Fall Semester to Start with Remote Instruction

  As you may know, this last week brought a local order by Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) and a follow-up response by the Texas Attorney General. BL will voluntarily comply with the DCHHS order to public schools to delay in-person instruction. BL will begin the school year with remote instruction for all students on Aug. 10 through Sept. 2. As a college preparatory school, it is important that we begin the school year early enough to allow for the school year to end in plenty of time for college-bound seniors to begin summer classes.

   

  Campus to Open with Modified Schedule in September

  Our planning for the reopening of the school campus has considered analysis from a medical consultant to the Diocese of Dallas Catholic Schools Office. With this health expert’s feedback, we have made the decision to begin the process of bringing students back to campus for in-person instruction on Sept. 3, following a modified schedule. The purpose of this modified schedule is to allow students, faculty and staff adequate time to practice a new routine in a more restricted health-conscious environment with a special emphasis on daily screening, arrival/dismissal, passing periods, meal service (breakfast only), and social distancing in the classroom. As previously noted, masks will be required at all times (except while eating/drinking) for everyone on the BL campus and remote instruction will remain an option for those families who choose to continue with virtual learning.

   

  At this time, Bishop Lynch will reopen school in three phases according to the schedule below. Please understand that a changing COVID-19 situation may necessitate adjustments to this plan.

   

  Phase 1:  Remote learning only for all students

  Dates:  Aug. 10-Sept. 2

  Updates and modifications to our extended eLearning, based on feedback and school improvement processes, will include:

  • Attendance will be taken daily at the beginning of each class period
  • Student and parent technology orientation training available
  • Designated time for mentor group between 2nd and 3rd periods on Mondays and Thursdays
  • Continuous communication commitment from faculty via email and phone calls
  • Real-time (synchronous) lessons will occur each class period
  • Instructional design based on considerations from Leading with Hope: A Reflective Guide for Catholic Schools in a New Reality
  • Estimated duration for learning activities on class agendas
  • Preview of course content communicated to families every two weeks
  • Posting of notes or recorded lessons on Blackboard for students to review
  • Dedicated professional development for faculty related to blended synchronous learning, exceptional learners, planning for on-campus and remote learning simultaneously, instructional technology, Blackboard organization, etc.

   

  Phase 2:  On campus in-person learning using a special modified schedule (remote instruction remains an option for families who choose it)

  Dates:  Scheduled to be held Sept. 3-Sept. 16

  • Multiple campus disinfecting and sanitizing upgrades and increased cleaning regimens have been installed/instituted over the summer break, including new air conditioning systems with upgraded filtration and UVC lights to disinfect and eliminate germs and contaminates. Please view the new FAQ posted to www.bishoplynch.org/reopening for a full listing of campus disinfecting/sanitizing/cleaning upgrades and protocols.
  • Breakfast will be served on campus utilizing distancing strategies to practice for a future reinstatement of lunch on campus
  • Lunch will be grab and go, to be eaten off campus
  • For more extensive information about BL’s safe school reopening plans, please visit the FAQ section at www.bishoplynch.org/reopening. This online reopening hub will continue to be updated over the next few weeks. Please bookmark it for future reference.

   

  Phase 3:  On campus in-person learning using the regular full-day schedule (remote instruction remains an option for families who choose it)

  Dates:  Scheduled to begin Sept. 17

  • A school closure may be used at any time during the school year to address an outbreak.

   

  Please read this letter from Superintendent Dr. Matt Vereecke with the Catholic Schools Office about safe school reopening plans across the Diocese of Dallas.

   

  Also, stay tuned for upcoming virtual parent meetings organized by house to hear information from us about our school reopening plans. The online meetings (via GoToWebinar) will be held next week and you will receive more information soon. 

   

  These are unprecedented and challenging times, and we appreciate your patience and prayers as we continue to prepare for the start of the fall semester. If you have any questions after reviewing this plan and the information online at www.bishoplynch.org/reopening, please email covidresponse@bishoplynch.org and a member of BL’s school reopening task force will respond.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

  
  

  Chris Rebuck

  President

  
  

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

   

• July 14, 2020 | Tuesday Leadership Email Reinstatement

  Friar Families:
  
  We are better together. We have been working diligently over these summer months to find the best possible path to returning to in-person instruction and a safe return to the full formation potential of being on campus together for the coming school year. We anticipate receiving guidance from state and local authorities in the coming days that will allow us to shape the final phases of our re-opening plan and communicate it with you. We have assembled our current thinking in the School Re-Opening page on the school’s website for your reference. You are invited to return to this page often to read updates:  www.bishoplynch.org/reopening
  
  We are always learning. In humility, we recognize that the public health situation may change rapidly between now and the start of school, just as it has since we last gathered in person in March. We also recognize that scientists are learning more about the virus and its spread, and the precautions we take will reflect both our learning and the current public health situation. Starting today, we will communicate with you every week with the reinstatement of the Tuesday email series–more frequently if necessary–to ensure you are aware of our most current plans and any changes we make. We are always learning – about the virus, its transmission, and our community’s vulnerability–and we will adjust our plans as needed to ensure every member of our community flourishes.
  
  We believe in the education of the whole person. During these times of planning and regrouping for the journey ahead, we have welcomed three new professionals to join the guidance department with years of collective experience in embracing the mental and social-emotional well-being of young people. The effects of the pandemic and social isolation are real, and we stand ready to embrace your students on their continued journey to their best selves. In addition to our continued commitment to supporting our students in the guidance department, we welcome a new campus minister to provide a source of spiritual support and to continue our path of developing leaders who will be mission in the world.
  
  Please know that these beliefs and our core values of faithfulness, care and dedication are the driving forces behind our planning and decision making.
  
  We have created a dedicated email address (covidresponse@bishoplynch.org) that goes to the division chiefs on the School Reopening Task Force to facilitate your continued feedback.
  
  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

  
  
  

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• June 25, 2020 | School Reopening Update

  Thank you for your continued support as we plan for the reopening of the 2020-2021 school year. Our reopening task force is making necessary plans and recommendations to successfully open our doors to students in August. The task force is relying on several resources for guidance in the decision-making process: the CDC, Dallas County Health and Human Services, Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department, and the Catholic Schools Office.  

   

  Please be assured that we are closely monitoring the steady increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 both locally and nationally, and we are maintaining regular communications with local health authorities. Because this is a very fluid situation, we ask that you continue to follow communications from Bishop Lynch High School for updates related to reopening our school amid the COVID-19 pandemic.    

   

  As we move forward to plan for reopening, Bishop Lynch High School is considering offering two learning options for the 2020-2021 school year. To plan thoroughly and effectively, we are asking our families to provide feedback as to the preferred option they may be considering. Please note: This is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that BL will offer both options. If you have more than one student enrolled, you may choose a different option for each of them: 

   

  Option 1: Full-time in-person on campus learning, with heightened hygiene and disinfection protocols  

   

  Option 2: Full-time blended synchronous learning (at-home instruction that requires virtual attendance in classes as scheduled on a normal A/B school day)  

   

  If a family is considering Option 2, there are other parameters that need to be communicated: families will provide the technology needs necessary for the student to be academically successful from home (laptop and internet connection); families will commit to blended synchronous learning for the entire semester and can re-evaluate attending in-person after the end of a semester; and students participating in Option 2 will only be allowed to participate in virtual extra-curricular activities. 

   

  Click here to provide feedback on which option your family is considering.   

    

  Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we continue to plan and provide opportunities for all our students to be safe and successful at Bishop Lynch High School. 

• May 22, 2020 | Update: School Reopening Plan for August

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  As we enter the summer months, all efforts will be focused on a safe return to school in August. Bishop Lynch High School’s newly appointed task force is undertaking a robust and prudent planning process to determine a safe school reopening for multiple scenarios.

   

  We do not yet know what the landscape will look like this fall, but rest assured that Bishop Lynch is employing a multi-layered decision-making process based on guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dallas County Health and Human Services and the Diocese of Dallas.

   

  We invite you to review Bishop Lynch’s Accountability Chart here so you can see how our organization is primed for strategic collaboration and detailed planning at every level.

   

  Bishop Lynch High School continues to work closely with the Catholic Schools Office. Please read Superintendent Dr. Matthew Vereecke’s letter for the latest on the diocese’s school reopening response.

   

  Bishop Lynch will continue to provide email updates this summer as reopening plans are developed. In the meantime, we wish you a healthy and restful summer!

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  
  
  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal