List of 31 frequently asked questions.

• May 29, 2020 | Optional Return to Athletic Activities Begins June 8, 2020

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  Bishop Lynch High School will begin the first phase of its return to athletic activities June 8 in accordance with the Diocese of Dallas and the Catholic Schools Office policy for secondary schools, as well as local, state and national guidelines.

   

  Bishop Lynch’s return to athletic activities is OPTIONAL for both student-athletes and coaches and no indoor workouts will be allowed.

   

  This initial return to play only affects those student-athletes participating in cross country, football and volleyball. Future practice plans are under consideration for other BL organizations and athletic teams, according to guidelines established by all applicable health, government and diocesan officials.

   

  Bishop Lynch’s detailed return-to-play plan meets or exceeds the University Interscholastic League (UIL), which is the governing body of all athletic, academic and musical competitions for public schools in the state of Texas. Additionally, it has been reviewed and approved by BL’s athletic trainers and school nurse. The following precautions highlight BL’s extensive safety protocol:

   

  • Only outdoor workouts will be allowed.
  • Students must wear masks during arrival and check-in process.
  • Students must bring personal pre-filled water containers.
  • All students and staff must use hand sanitizer upon entry to the facility and when exiting after practice. Multiple hand-sanitizing stations will be made available.
  • Limited restroom facilities will be available. These facilities will be cleaned daily by maintenance staff using the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended cleaning agents.
  • Physical distancing markers will be utilized and enforced.
  • An electronic Mandatory Health Declaration and Screening will be signed by the coach and parent/guardian of each student-athlete (will be available before June 8 start).
  • A liability waiver will be signed by the parent/guardian of a participating student-athlete (will be available before June 8 start). 

  Please click here to read the complete details on BL’s return to athletic activities. Bishop Lynch will develop a series of frequently asked questions/answers about this return plan over the coming days.

   

  Looking Ahead

  Student-athletes in fall sports with scheduled summer workouts will receive communication directly from their coaching staff regarding optional practices.

   

  By June 15, the Diocese of Dallas and the Catholic Schools Office will revisit their policy regarding indoor workouts with a review of the current COVID-19 case counts.

   

  We understand that athletic activities are an important part of student formation for many Friars, and we look forward to their engagement in exercise, teamwork and the overall BL tradition of sports excellence again. Above all, the health and safety of BL students remain our top priority.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Greg Price

  Men’s Athletic Director and Head Football Coach

   

   

  Allison Tennyson

  Women’s Athletic Director and Head Women’s Soccer Coach

• 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

• May 19, 2020 | Weekly eLearning Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  As we wind down the spring semester, we turn our sights to the summer and earnest preparations for a safe return to campus in the fall. Please note that the Bishop Lynch High School campus will remain closed during June. Even though the campus is closed, our dedicated staffulty remains connected and more focused than ever in their work on the school’s mission.

   

  Our summer school programming will follow our eLearning protocol, and summer enrichment has been postponed to July. This information has already been communicated in detail to those registered families.

   

  Task Force Appointed

  To ensure the safest and most seamless return to school in August, we have appointed a task force made up of BL senior leaders and school facilities and medical personnel to evaluate all options and determine important on-campus procedures. With the collaboration of this experienced group, we will formalize our campus reopening plans over the coming weeks.

   

  Information will be shared this summer as the task force shapes its plans adhering to the latest guidance from government and health authorities and the Catholic Schools Office.

   

  Mobile Food Drive Totals

  Thank you to everyone who donated food to the Bishop Lynch mobile food drive held last week in partnership with Catholic Charities Dallas. During the five-day charitable event, we had hundreds of BL families and friends of our school community drive through campus to drop off non-perishable food items to benefit the North Texas Food Bank.

   

  Thanks to your generosity, we filled more than six huge pallet boxes with canned and boxed food, diapers and baby wipes to help our neighbors in need. In all, we collected 2,310 pounds of donations and that equals 1,925 meals!

   

  Please check out this video that highlights our community’s amazing impact.

   

  Moving Forward

  We pray that you and your family stay safe and healthy this summer. We pray that you enjoy this summer respite and make time to grow in your faith and develop even deeper family connections. We pray we see you back on campus in August ready to live the Bishop Lynch High School mission in community with your fellow Friars.  

   

  This will be the last update of our weekly eLearning series. Thank you for your attention each week and thank you for choosing Bishop Lynch High School.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• May 17, 2020 | Video Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

  
  Bishop Lynch High School is starting the final week of formal classes for the school year. Watch as BL President Chris Rebuck and BL Principal Dr. Chad Riley reflect on the entire past year and share their gratitude to students, parents and staffulty for their work to uphold the school’s mission of formation.

   

  As we look ahead to the coming weeks and months, Bishop Lynch leaders will prepare for a safe return to school through a perspective of faith instead of fear while also adhering to all government directives. We are rooted in our faith, and we know that God is with us.
  
  Check out the final installment of the Sunday video series for this school year. Stay safe, Friars!

   

  Click the video or here to play.

   

• May 15, 2020 | Summer Enrichment Update

  Dear Friar Families,

   

  Congratulations on your eighth-grade graduation! Your next stop is Bishop Lynch High School, and I am so excited to welcome you to campus as soon as we can resume normal operations.

   

  Bishop Lynch is conforming to all state and local guidelines to keep our community safe and healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic. As such, our on-campus summer enrichment program has been postponed until July. We believe in-person summer enrichment is critical for your student’s high school success, and we have no plans to move it online.

   

  If we are indeed allowed to be back on campus in July, please note the following compressed summer enrichment schedule:

   

  July 6-9

  July 13-16

  July 20-23

   

  Students will attend summer enrichment sessions in July based on the previously requested time slots (7:30-10 a.m. and/or 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.).  

   

  Bishop Lynch looks forward to partnering with you to achieve the best academic and formational growth for your student this summer and during the four-year Friar journey.

   

  Please contact me at 214-324-3607, Ext. 4105 or randy.becker@bishoplynch.org for any questions regarding BL’s summer enrichment program.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Randy Becker

  Summer School Principal

• May 15, 2020 | Important Summer School Updates

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  The end of the school year is quickly approaching. We do hope that you are all staying healthy and safe. The staff and students have done an excellent job using the eLearning platform to complete the school year. With summer school on the horizon, we are announcing the decision to continue using the eLearning platform for our summer school program. All summer school classes will go on as planned in an online format. The summer school session will begin on June 2 and conclude on June 25. In the next couple of weeks, students can expect to receive communication from their summer school teacher that will provide details of how the class will be structured in the eLearning platform.

   

  Teachers will be given the flexibility to structure the class in a way that will maximize learning while providing students the opportunity to complete the work with a limited amount of screen time. The summer school classes scheduled to be held on campus normally meet for three hours and 45 minutes. However, in this eLearning environment, teachers will be using a combination of live teaching through a platform such as Zoom and pre-posted assignments in Blackboard with detailed instructions. Please be prepared for some of the learning to be synchronous – during this time the student will need to be present and online during the time of instruction. 

   

  Students enrolled in the classes that were advertised as an online class should not expect the same type of synchronous instructional format as the classes that were scheduled to be held on campus. These teachers have structured the classes like a traditional online class, where students work on a self-paced schedule through posted instructions and interaction with the teacher through Blackboard and email.

   

  Please note the following summer school specifics:

   

  CLASS MATERIALS/COMPUTERS: Materials and books for the summer school classes are the same materials used during the school year. Summer school textbook information is located on the BL website under the Student Life tab and then BL Virtual Bookstore, which should open on May 18. Computers may be needed for the course. Please look for an email from the instructor.

   

  GRADE REPORTING:  Grades will be available during the summer on FriarNet, so be sure that your account is active. Any questions should be directed to friarnet@bishoplynch.org. Parents are encouraged to contact the instructor if they have any concerns. A final report card will be mailed home at the conclusion of the summer school session.

   

  Thank you for your support and participation in our summer school program. The mission of Bishop Lynch High School is just as relevant today as it has been in the past and will be in the future. We will continue to “strive for excellence, seek truth, and work for justice in the world” in the midst of this challenging circumstance.

   

  Please contact me at 214-324-3607, Ext. 4105 or randy.becker@bishoplynch.org for any questions regarding summer school.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Randy Becker

  Summer School Principal

   

• May 12, 2020 | Weekly eLearning Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  We are now in our eighth week of eLearning, and we want to thank our students, parents, faculty, and staff for their adaptability and resilience in completely moving our rigorous college preparatory curriculum to an entirely virtual format. We are now in the home stretch for the spring semester, and we are very pleased with our overall transition to a virtual campus. However, the very best online programming does not account for the personal face-to-face experience. We are anxious to resume our on-campus connections as soon as it is safe to do so.

   

  Mobile Food Drive May 11-15

  Now through Friday, May 15, Bishop Lynch High School is partnering with Catholic Charities Dallas to host a mobile food drive on the BL campus. From 1-5 p.m. each day, you can bring non-perishable food to the circle drive on campus (by the flagpole).

   

  Simply drive through, and members of the Friar athletics department will safely unload your donation from the trunk or backseat of your vehicle.

   

  Bishop Lynch is honored to join the charitable effort by donating food from the BL Bistro, the Friar Feeder and concessions. All donations will be given to the North Texas Food Bank to help our neighbors in need.

   

  Teacher of the Year Nominee

  Congratulations to Paul Gardner, the HALO Educator of the Year nominee from Bishop Lynch. Tomorrow is the Diocese of Dallas Catholic Schools Office virtual Educator of the Year Awards Ceremony where he will be recognized along with other diocesan educators. Mr. Gardner truly exemplifies Bishop Lynch High School’s core values of being a faithful, caring and dedicated teacher, and we congratulate him on this honor.

   

  You are invited to the virtual awards ceremony to be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 at www.csodallas.org/educatoroftheyear. To learn more about Mr. Gardner, you can read his online bio here.

   

  We hope you can swing by the school with your food drive donation later this week! We know it has been some time since you’ve seen the campus.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• May 10, 2020 | Video Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

  
  Happy Mother’s Day! Listen as Bishop Lynch High School President Chris Rebuck and BL Principal Dr. Chad Riley reflect on our seniors’ final week of high school and the celebratory drive-through cap and gown pickup parade last week.

  
  This week we have an opportunity to help our neighbors in need. Bishop Lynch has partnered with Catholic Charities Dallas to host a mobile food drive on the BL campus May 11-15. From 1-5 p.m. each day, you can swing by the circle drive on campus and members of the Friar athletics department will unload your non-perishable food donations from the trunk or back of your vehicle.

  
  Also, special thanks to everyone who participated in North Texas Giving Tuesday Now on May 5. Your generosity and support will provide much-needed tuition assistance to current and incoming Friars. Time and time again, the BL community steps up to serve, and we know this week will be no different.

  
  God Bless!
  
  

  Click the video or here to play.

   

• May 6, 2020 | Weekly eLearning Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  As you may know, yesterday was Bishop Lynch High School’s Day of Caring in conjunction with North Texas Giving Tuesday Now. Current and former parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the Bishop Lynch community showed just how much they care by contributing $201,424 for immediate tuition assistance.

   

  These emergency funds will be vital in helping current and incoming Friars continue their education at Bishop Lynch, especially in the current economic climate due to COVID-19. Thank you for your incredible generosity and support.

   

  Class of 2020 Celebrations

  We continue to celebrate the Class of 2020. This afternoon, the senior class and their families enjoyed a special cap and gown pickup parade outside Bishop Lynch High School. The drive-through celebration provided a fantastic on-campus send-off for our graduating seniors.

   

  We will host a virtual Honors Convocation at 1 p.m. Friday, May 15 in place of the regularly scheduled in-person one. This ceremony gives us the chance to honor the academic, extracurricular and leadership achievements in the senior class. The GoToWebinar meeting instructions will be sent to seniors and their parents soon.

   

  As the senior class is already aware, Bishop Lynch has rescheduled prom (for seniors and their guests) and graduation to July 24-25 at their original locations. It will be an epic celebratory weekend for the Class of 2020 given the shelter-in-place orders and social distancing guidelines have lifted by then.

   

  Mobile Food Drive on Campus May 11-15

  Bishop Lynch is partnering with Catholic Charities Dallas to host a mobile food drive on the BL campus all next week. From 1-5 p.m. May 11-15, BL families and friends of our community can drive through campus to donate nonperishable food items, diapers and baby wipes to benefit the North Texas Food Bank.

   

  If you’d like to participate in the BL/Catholic Charities Dallas charitable effort, please put your donations in the trunk or back of your vehicle and pull up to the school’s circle drive by the flagpole. Simply stay in your vehicle, and members of the BL athletics department will unload your donation. Many thanks in advance for your philanthropic work to help our neighbors in need.

   

  Finally, this week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Please join us in thanking our fabulous Bishop Lynch faculty. They are a faithful, caring and dedicated group of committed educators who truly shine both on campus and in this remote learning environment.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,
  
  

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• May 3, 2020 | Video Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,
  
  Happy Sunday! Bishop Lynch High School truly lives its mission to work for justice in the world. Listen as BL President Chris Rebuck and BL Principal Dr. Chad Riley detail two important giving opportunities this month.
  
  BL will partner with Catholic Charities Dallas to host a mobile food drive on our campus to safely allow our community to help North Texans in need.
  
  Also, our BL Day of Caring will be held Tuesday, May 5 in conjunction with North Texas Giving Tuesday Now to raise funds for immediate tuition assistance for current and incoming Friars. COVID-19 has had a devastating financial impact on many families, and we invite you to prayerfully consider a contribution on our annual giving day.
  
  Please note that due to the BL Day of Caring, the weekly eLearning update email will be moved to Wednesday, May 6.
  
  We are looking forward to having our community back on campus in the fall!
  
  

  Click the video or here to play.

   

• April 28, 2020 | Weekly eLearning Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  There is so much to celebrate this week. Our virtual Senior Week kicked off over the weekend as Bishop Lynch High School leaders personally delivered senior yard signs to the Class of 2020. From DeSoto and Grand Prairie to McKinney and Terrell – and nearly every metro city in between – our dedicated staffulty visited 232 seniors in more than 70 ZIP codes. It was great to greet our seniors and recognize their achievements from a safe social distance.

   

  Stay tuned to BL social media this week as we honor the senior class with various themed days. Today is Thankful Tuesday, and the seniors are sharing one of their senior photos next to the photo of someone who has inspired them.

   

  Partnership with CCD

  Bishop Lynch is pleased to announce a new partnership with Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) to help those in need during this unprecedented time. Very soon, we will announce various mobile food drives that will be held on the BL campus. Our Friar families will be able to drive through campus, and a volunteer will safely remove the donations (non-perishable food, diapers, wipes, etc.) from the vehicle trunk or backseat.

   

  Donations through the BL/CCD partnership will benefit the North Texas Food Bank. The mobile food drive dates and more information will be released shortly.

   

  Parent Training Video - Blackboard

  If you are interested in some of the software our Friar students use for both on-campus and eLearning work, check out this Blackboard training video. Blackboard is BL’s learning management system, and this helpful video covers student assignment submission and grading on the platform.

   

  Two Online Masses This Thursday

  During these tumultuous days and weeks, prayer and the support of our faith community are needed more than ever. This Thursday, April 30, we have TWO opportunities for our parents, staffulty and students to come together for Mass via live streaming.

   

  At 11 a.m., Bishop Edward J. Burns and Bishop Greg Kelly will celebrate a bilingual Mass dedicated to all parents, students and educators during this time of distance learning. The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) invites all diocesan school families and employees to participate. The Mass will be available to watch online at www.csodallas.org/mass, or you can watch on Facebook Live by liking the CSO Facebook page at www.facebook.com/csodallas.

   

  At noon, BL Chaplain Father Edwin Leonard will celebrate Mass for our school community as well. To watch on Facebook Live, be sure to like the Bishop Lynch High School (Official) Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BishopLynchHighSchool.

   

  Please choose the time that works best for you and join us in prayer and virtual fellowship. As always, please use our online feedback form if you have any suggestions regarding eLearning.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

   

   

• April 26, 2020 | Video Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

  
  On this third Sunday of Easter, we hope the entire Bishop Lynch High School community is dedicating time to spiritual life so we can all stay strong in the faith.

  
  Watch BL President Chris Rebuck and BL Principal Dr. Chad Riley as they reflect on today’s gospel reading about the disciples’ journey on the road to Emmaus and how it relates to our current circumstances.

  
  It is also the start of a new virtual Senior Week! Join Mr. Rebuck and Dr. Riley as they celebrate the Class of 2020 and the students’ last steps as BL Friar seniors. Tune in to check out their senior year photos as well.

  
  Have a great week!
  
  

  Click the video or here to play.

   

• April 21, 2020 | Weekly eLearning Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  This has certainly been a semester for the record books. None of us have ever attended school during such a significant far-reaching global crisis like this before, and we pray for good health and calmer waters ahead.

   

  We commend all our Friars’ hard work in tackling Bishop Lynch High School’s robust educational curriculum during this eLearning time. You have quickly adapted and risen to the eLearning challenge, and we applaud your efforts.

   

  Now that we know the Bishop Lynch campus will remain closed for the remainder of this school year due to Gov. Greg Abbott’s order, we are adopting the following policies:

   

  Final Exams Exemption Process

  In acknowledgement of these unprecedented times, Bishop Lynch will initiate a final exam exemption process for students in any grade level who are passing their fourth quarter and semester courses and are in good standing with the business office.

   

  This change is not an easing of academic standards, but an understanding that we are learning and growing together through these challenging times.

   

  No Pass/Fail

  As many of you know, several Independent School Districts in our area are temporarily shifting to Pass/Fail grades. It will be our policy not to adopt Pass/Fail grading. To do so would compromise your investment in a college preparatory education while diminishing the students’ hard work. Due to our unusual circumstances along with the decision not to adopt a Pass/Fail only grading process, new Academic Mastery Days were established to provide the necessary learning support to any student who needs assistance in mastering learning objectives.

   

  Please read this detailed letter for specifics on last days of school, Academic Mastery Days, and more.

   

  We know many of our families are facing hardships due to COVID-19 circumstances. If you are experiencing financial challenges, please contact Ilia Preza at ilia.preza@bishoplynch.org so that we can work with you to resolve your outstanding balance.

   

  In closing, our faith has been a great comfort to us during these stressful weeks. Bishop Greg Kelly recorded a special Easter message for students in the Diocese of Dallas. Please take time to watch Bishop Kelly’s video here as we continue to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• April 21, 2020 | Final Exam Exemption Process Letter

  Dear Bishop Lynch Students and Parents,

   

  In acknowledgement of these unprecedented times, Bishop Lynch will initiate a final exam exemption process for students in any grade level who are passing their fourth quarter and semester courses and are in good standing with the business office. Students who are not cleared in the business office will receive a zero for the final exam grade until the account is clear. After the account is clear, the zero will be changed to exempt status (EX).

   

  If students (grades 9-11) meet the criteria to be exempt from final exams, then their last day of school for the fourth quarter will be Tuesday, May 19. If seniors meet the criteria to be exempt from final exams, then their last day of school for the fourth quarter will be Friday, May 8. The two review days and finals week will become Academic Mastery Days (from 8:15 a.m.-12 p.m.) for those students who are not passing their fourth quarter and/or semester courses. 

   

  If Eastfield or Cedar Valley requires a final exam as part of a dual credit class, then the exam will be given during the scheduled BL class time, not during Academic Mastery Days. As such, AP Exams will occur as scheduled by the College Board. 

   

  In lieu of final exams, each quarter grade will weigh 50 percent toward the semester grade.

   

  This change is not an easing of academic standards, but an understanding that we are learning and growing together through these challenging times.

   

  Academic Mastery Days

  Academic Mastery Days will be held on the following dates for students to receive help in learning content that they found difficult and/or to make up any assignments missed due to disruptions related to COVID-19 and the shelter-in-place order:

   

  Grades 9-11

  May 20-22 

  May 26-28 

   

  Grade 12

  May 11-15

  May 18-22

  May 26-28

   

  No Pass/Fail

  As many of you know, several Independent School Districts in our area are temporarily shifting to Pass/Fail grades. It will be our policy not to adopt Pass/Fail grading. To do so would compromise your investment in a college preparatory education while diminishing the students’ hard work. Due to our unusual circumstances along with the decision not to adopt a Pass/Fail only grading process, the Academic Mastery Days (dates listed above) were established to provide the necessary learning support to any student who needs assistance in mastering learning objectives.

   

  Students who are still failing the semester at the end of the Academic Mastery Days will be required to attend credit recovery summer school.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• April 19, 2020 | Special Video Message from BL Leaders

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,
  
  

  We continue to celebrate the Risen Christ during this joyful Easter season. We remain a people of hope in our Lord God and in one another.
  
  

  While we hoped we could return to the Bishop Lynch High School campus at some point this spring, we now know that Texas school facilities will stay closed through the end of the semester.
  
  

  Listen as BL President Chris Rebuck and BL Principal Dr. Chad Riley share their thoughts on this week’s developments, encourage families to provide feedback on our eLearning platform and invite students to stay involved in the life of the school.
  
  

  Let’s continue to take on these challenges as opportunities. That’s what BL Friars do! 

   

  Click the video or here to play.

• April 14, 2020 | Weekly eLearning Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  We hope you had a wonderful Easter celebration with your family and are entering Week Four of eLearning refreshed and full of spirit! We have lots of school spirit for Bishop Lynch High School’s first virtual Spirit Week, and we hope you do too.

   

  Spirit Week Fun

  It will be hard to fully replicate Bishop Lynch’s on-campus dynamics, but we are going to give it a good Friar try. Join us all week as we dress up for Team Tuesday, Wear Your House Colors Wednesday, Twin Thursday, and Friday’s focus on faith and our favorite flashback photos. Be sure to submit your pictures by 3 p.m. each day for a chance to win gift cards. Last Thursday’s Friar Facts and BL social media have all the details.

   

  Welcoming the Class of 2024

  Bishop Lynch is excited to welcome our incoming freshman class with a virtual Freshman Rally to be held Sunday, April 19. The Class of 2024 is full of amazingly smart, talented and diverse students from 45 different middle schools.

   

  This is an exceptionally strong group of students and our BL community can’t wait to welcome them to campus – both virtually and in-person as soon as the health crisis passes.

   

  Continued Feedback Request

  Thank you to everyone who has submitted feedback regarding BL’s eLearning platform and procedures. We take your comments seriously and will adjust our processes due to constructive feedback. Look for more consistency regarding daily check-ins, posted agendas, homework deadlines, etc. among all classes. Flexibility will also be stressed as we all adjust to our new routines.

   

  If you’d like to share your thoughts, please visit our eLearning feedback form here.

   

  Campus Closure

  At this time, we have not received any further guidance as to a potential return-to-school date. We will continue to provide weekly email and video updates and will share any news when it becomes available.

   

  Our Friar families remain in our prayers as we navigate life during this isolating health crisis.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

• April 13, 2020 | Special Video Message from BL Leaders

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,
  
  We want to wish all of our Bishop Lynch High School Friar families a very happy Easter! In this evening’s Easter Monday video message, BL President Chris Rebuck and BL Principal Dr. Chad Riley remind us that we are an Easter people and a people of hope. They share their hopes that you had time for family, faith, recreation, and reflection during the Holy Week and Easter break.
  
  As we move forward into our fourth week of eLearning, listen to Mr. Rebuck and Dr. Riley share plans for Spirit Week. We are going to celebrate our Friar spirit virtually with themed days and photo contests. Please join in on the fun to keep our BL virtual campus connection vibrant this spring.
  
  Alleluia! Alleluia!
  
  

  Click the video or here to play. 

• April 7, 2020 | Weekly eLearning Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  As we celebrate Holy Week, we want to remind our school community that Bishop Lynch High School will still observe our regularly scheduled holidays this month. School will not be held on Holy Thursday, Good Friday or Easter Monday as originally stated in the 2019-2020 calendar. BL’s eLearning will resume on Tuesday, April 14.

   

  Continued Campus Closure

  At this time, we have not received any updated guidance regarding campus closure due to COVID-19 concerns. The campus will remain closed through May 1 or until we get further notice from the Catholic Schools Office or government officials.

   

  eLearning Feedback

  Thank you to everyone who submitted eLearning feedback via our online form. We sincerely appreciate the valuable comments. The feedback has been shared with administrators and department chairs so we can continue to adjust our distance learning curriculum and protocol. If you would like to provide feedback on BL’s eLearning platform, please complete the online form here.

   

  Upcoming Communications

  Please note that due to the Easter holiday, our next video message will be sent Monday, April 13 in preparation for our fourth week of eLearning. For archived copies of all our video and email messages, as well as updated FAQs, visit our website at www.bishoplynch.org/COVID19.

   

  Establishing Routines for Self-Care

  Some faculty members have noted that many students are especially sleepy on Zoom meetings, and the students have stated that they stayed up all night. Even though our normal routines have been interrupted, getting adequate sleep is still imperative for student success. Please make sleep, time away from computer and phone screens, fresh air, and exercise all priorities now more than ever.

   

  The BL guidance department staff is available for any student who needs assistance. Please reach out to your specific counselor or email guidanceoffice@bishoplynch.org.

   

  Online and Broadcast Options for Holy Week and Easter

  The Catholic Diocese of Dallas has a list of online and broadcast Mass times for Holy Week and Easter, plus spiritual resources like the Stations of the Cross. Please visit their website here for more information.  

   

  May we all reflect on the path of Jesus and find hope in the Resurrection!

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,

   

  Chris Rebuck

  President

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal

   

• April 5, 2020 | Special Video Message from BL Leaders

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,
  
  As we begin Holy Week, please listen to Bishop Lynch High School leaders’ Palm Sunday reflection. BL President Chris Rebuck and BL Principal Dr. Chad Riley offer their prayers for a blessed Easter Triduum and encourage our Friar families to care for themselves and others during this unprecedented time.
  
  You’ll get a glimpse into both Mr. Rebuck and Dr. Riley’s new home office digs and hear about life with their new co-workers. They also share news about a newly appointed task force to review senior recognition and provisional planning for Class of 2020 celebrations.
  
  God Bless!
  
  

  

  
  Click the video or here to play.

• March 31, 2020 | Weekly eLearning Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community, 

   

  This afternoon Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered all Texas schools to remain closed through at least May 1. We anticipated a school closure extension and our eLearning platform will stay in effect during this time. Please read the latest communication from Superintendent Matt Vereecke with the Catholic Schools Office here. 

   

  As we continue our eLearning journey together, Week Two offers us additional ways to virtually connect with our Bishop Lynch High School community. Each school day, you’ll see a video post to BL social media or Instagram Live featuring the arts, athletics, campus ministry, and guidance departments. The houses and mentor groups are providing connection points as well. Our hope is to replicate our vibrant on-campus community on the virtual level as much as possible. 

   

  Feedback Request 

  We want to hear from you how the eLearning process is going and if you have suggestions on how it can be improved. Now that our eLearning protocol will remain in place for at least the next five weeks, your constructive feedback is more important than ever. Please click here to access the online feedback form regarding eLearning. We want to make this process as effective as possible for students.  

   

  Frequently Asked Questions 

  To help you find answers to your questions about previously scheduled events and programs, please check out the new FAQ section on www.bishoplynch.org/COVID19. In this website section, you’ll also find archived messages on the school’s COVID-19 response and our eLearning program. We will continue to add FAQs as new questions arise. 

   

  The health and safety of our entire Bishop Lynch community remains our primary concern. We pray our Friar family remains healthy.  

   

  Our thoughts are also with the Class of 2020. This is not the spring they expected to round out their high school career at Bishop Lynch. While we still do not know the timeline of May closures due to the pandemic, we know many senior milestones may be impacted. To that end, we are forming a special task force consisting of selected senior students and parents, faculty and administration to share their ideas regarding senior recognition and provisional planning for events.  

   

  We hope you and your families are observing the shelter-in-place order and are finding solace in extra family time, the normalcy of an eLearning routine and the beautiful spring weather.  

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ, 

   

  Chris Rebuck 

  President 

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.  

  Principal 

   

• March 29, 2020 | Special Video Message from BL Leaders

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,
  
  Thank you for a great first week of eLearning! We learned that Friars learn anywhere, and we are so thankful we can continue our rigorous college preparatory academic environment -- even if we are meeting in a virtual space. 
  
  Check out this week's video from BL President Chris Rebuck and BL Principal Dr. Chad Riley for their take on Week One and what's coming up for our Friar family.
  
  

   
  Click the video or here to play.

• March 25, 2020 | View Father Edwin's Special Retreat Message

  In lieu of today's regularly scheduled sophomore and junior retreats, Father Edwin Leonard, Bishop Lynch High School's campus chaplain, has created a virtual retreat for our entire school community.
  
  

  Please join Father Edwin in prayer and reflection.
  
  

  Going forward in our eLearning environment, Father Edwin will host The Word Wednesdays and Fridays with Father from 12:40-1 p.m. each week.

  We are all in this together, and all things are possible with God! 
  
  

  

   

  Click here or the above to view!

• March 24, 2020 | Weekly eLearning Update

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community, 

   

  Welcome to the first week of Bishop Lynch High School’s new eLearning protocol! We are all on this temporary virtual school journey together. As a Friar family, we know we will make the best of it and take advantage of the continuation of our college preparatory academic curriculum until the health crisis passes. 

   

  eLearning Update/Schedule 

  Yesterday and today are E-Days. Wednesday, March 25 was a regularly scheduled retreat (non-academic) day. In lieu of our traditional retreats, please watch for a special video message from Father Edwin Leonard tomorrow. While the retreat was scheduled for sophomores and juniors, the entire BL community is invited to participate. 

   

  Thursday, March 26 begins Bishop Lynch’s robust eLearning protocol. Please note that Bishop Lynch will continue to monitor attendance to satisfy the requirements of our accrediting agency (TCCBED). Attendance will be based on the completion of a check-in assignment or activity determined by the teacher.  

   

  The eLearning guidelines have been updated to reflect the attendance requirement. Bookmark this page for the half-day schedule and the roles for both students and parents.  

   

  Prom Postponement 

  The senior class was emailed yesterday regarding the postponement of the BL prom, initially scheduled for April 25. We sincerely hope the COVID-19 health threat passes quickly so we can reschedule the junior/senior prom for later in the spring. 

   

  Campus Closure 

  In accordance with Dallas County’s shelter-in-place order that went into effect at midnight, the Bishop Lynch High School campus is now closed to all personnel. The school campus had been closed to students and parents since before spring break. 

   

  New Website Section for COVID-19/eLearning Updates 

  All of Bishop Lynch High School’s communications regarding our COVID-19 response and eLearning information is now available at www.bishoplynch.org/COVID19. We are working on a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions and answers that we hope to have online soon. We will continue to send these email updates each Tuesday until we return to our regular on-campus routine. In addition, Friar Facts will continue to be emailed each Thursday.  

   

  We are Bishop Lynch Friars 

  Thanks to our already established E-Day plans and blended learning environment, Bishop Lynch was able to quickly transition to a full eLearning platform. Now we are working to virtually bring the BL community that we know and love to everyone’s homes. Watch for interactive, supportive and FUN connection points starting next week.  

   

  The entire Bishop Lynch community remains in our thoughts and prayers. St. Dominic, pray for us! 

   

  Go Friars! 

   

  Chris Rebuck 

  President 

   

   

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.  

  Principal  

• March 21, 2020 | Special Video Message from BL Leaders

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,
  
  As Bishop Lynch High School embarks on its eLearning protocol this week, watch a special message from BL President Chris Rebuck and BL Principal Dr. Chad Riley. We may not be in one another's physical presence on campus, but the Bishop Lynch Friar family remains strong.
  
  We will continue to live our mission to "strive for excellence, seek truth, and work for justice in the world" each day.

   

  
  
  Click the video or here to play. 

• March 20, 2020 | Diocese Letter to Parents

  Please see letter from the Office of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

• March 19, 2020 | eLearning Schedule for Next Week and Other Information

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,   

     

  In these uncharted times, our Catholic faith comforts us and provides hope. We frequently refer to our Bishop Lynch High School community as a family, and we truly believe our Friar family will support one another through these trying days. Even in the absence of one another’s physical presence, we are Bishop Lynch Friars and our strong spirit can be a beacon of light to one another and to the wider community. To that end, we are looking at ways our new BL House System, upcoming scheduled class retreats, and other aspects of ordinary life at Bishop Lynch can remain relevant in a remote environment.  

   

  eLearning 

  Because Bishop Lynch already had an E-Day protocol in place and has been making use of a blended learning environment on a daily basis for several years, students and faculty are prepared to make a transition to eLearning on an extended basis. As Bishop Lynch’s leaders, we are committed to providing continuity in our college preparatory academic experience. BL faculty and staff, especially the I-Team, will continue to modify our school’s eLearning protocol for extended use.  

   

  Monday, March 23 (B Day) and Tuesday, March 24 (A Day) will be traditional E-Days. Wednesday, March 25 is a retreat day (non-academic day) and Ms. Candice Barbosa, director of student formation, and Father Edwin Leonard, campus chaplain, are planning a spiritual formation activity for our community that day. Starting Thursday, March 26 (B Day), we will begin our dynamic eLearning platform while adhering to the half day schedule. 

   

  Please thoroughly read the eLearning schedule and guidelines here and bookmark this page for future reference.   

   

  Consistent with the executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott issued on March 19 concerning school closures, BL’s eLearning protocol will remain in effect at least until April 3. Please be aware that this date could be extended. Students will only be allowed to return to the school when government and health authorities and the Catholic Schools Office at the Diocese of Dallas give the all-clear for students to return to campus. 

   

  All School Activities Suspended  

  All school activities remain suspended, including practices, rehearsals and games. Bishop Lynch continues to follow TAPPS guidelines as they are made available by the leadership of TAPPS. All member schools are to be upholding Dead Week protocol; meaning no practices, competitions or organized (team) workouts can be held on or off campus. This protocol will remain in place until TAPPS has made a decision on a Return to Play option. The BL campus will be closed to students indefinitely.  

     

  Future Communications Regarding Campus Closure and Ongoing Updates  

  Bishop Lynch High School will send an email by 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 detailing any updates to the plan that might impact the following week. BLHS will continue to send a weekly school-wide email update each Tuesday until we can return to campus.  

     

  The mission of Bishop Lynch High School is just as relevant today as it has been in the past and will be in the future. We will continue to “strive for excellence, seek truth, and work for justice in the world” in the midst of this challenging circumstance. Please join us in praying for all those affected by COVID-19. May God’s peace be with you and your family in the coming weeks.  

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ, 

  
  

  Christopher Rebuck

  President
  
  
  Chad Riley, Ph.D.    
  Principal      

• March 16, 2020 | Message from our Campus Chaplain

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  I know that we in the Bishop Lynch community find strength from being a part of a family. I realize that today’s headlines can make us all anxious and uncertain about the future and I am also aware of the need for answers in these challenging times. I, like you, struggle to find those answers in the daily swirling of activities. I do know that this can become a time of reflection; a time to display compassion for others and a time to slow down to focus on what really matters. Today is a good day as a community to reflect on psalm 23, that “the Lord is our Shepherd and we fear not because he is with us.”

   

  Wherever you are in this journey, please know that you as a BL family member are in our prayers and that those characteristics that helped forge the Bishop Lynch community for more than two generations are more evident today than ever. I, and everyone associated with BL, am blessed to call you family and wish you God’s graces.

   

  Blessings,

   

  Father Edwin Leonard

  Campus Chaplain

• March 13, 2020 | eLearning Protocol in Effect March 23-27

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,  

    

  To provide educational continuity after Spring Break in the context of a rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, Bishop Lynch High School will move to its eLearning protocol starting Monday, March 23. BLHS will be in eLearning mode the entire week of March 23-27 and students are not to come to the school campus. 

   

  eLearning Guidelines 

  Bishop Lynch educators have modified the school’s existing eLearning procedures for extended use. Please thoroughly read the eLearning guidelines here and bookmark this page for future reference.  

    

  All School Activities Suspended 

  All school activities are currently suspended, including practices, rehearsals and games. The BL campus will be closed to students through March 27.  

    

  Future Communications Regarding Campus Closure 

  Bishop Lynch High School will send an email by 5 p.m. Thursday, March 26 detailing the plan for the following week. BLHS will continue to send a weekly email update each Thursday until we are able to return to campus. 

    

  We appreciate your patience as we navigate these trying times. The health, safety and educational growth of the entire Friar student body remains our top priority.  

    

  Have a restful Spring Break! 
  
  

  Christopher Rebuck

  President
  
  
  Chad Riley, Ph.D.    
  Principal      

  
  

     

• March 13, 2020 | E-Day March 13

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,
  
  

  Due to last night's announcement declaring Dallas a local disaster area, Bishop Lynch High School will move to an E-Day today, March 13.
  
  

  The campus will be open for students and faculty/staff to pick up books and materials. However, we ask everyone to practice social distancing as referenced in the disaster declaration.

  There will be no foodservice today.
  
  

  In light of current events, all school activities are canceled immediately, including any that were scheduled over Spring Break.
  
  

  Please continue to check your email for BLHS updates next week.
  
  

  Thank you.

• March 12, 2020 | COVID-19: Looking Ahead
  

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community, 

   

  During this time of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, Bishop Lynch High School remains committed to the health and safety of our community. We will continue to follow current CDC guidelines and administrators remain in daily contact with Dallas County Health and Human Services. While the current circumstances are unsettling and disruptive, the strength of our community will be a source of normalcy and support for all members of the Bishop Lynch community and, true to our mission, even to the wider community.   

   

  Spring Break Travel 

  Spring Break is upon us, and we have asked that you inform us of any BL student/family travel plans by completing this online travel reporting form. If you have previously completed the form but have since changed your plans and will not be traveling, please complete the form again using the dates of Spring Break and indicate in the ‘destinations’ box that you will no longer be traveling. 

   

  Students, faculty or staff (or immediate close contacts) who are traveling to an area designated as a Level 2 (Alert) or Level 3 (Warning) by the CDC will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days upon return from travel. For the most current list of affected countries, visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.  

   

  School Communication 

  Bishop Lynch High School’s primary method for student and parent communication is email sent from Bishop Lynch High School via FriarNET. Please check your inbox over Spring Break for updates and pertinent information regarding school operations following the break.      

   

  Bishop Lynch has a text messaging program in place to send alerts regarding important school information. You must opt-in to receive text messages. To do so, log on to www.bishoplynch.org and click the black FriarNET landing page tile off the Resources tab. Scroll down and you will see the Alert Contacts link on the left-hand side. There, you can enter the appropriate phone numbers and email addresses. Note: you must enter your cell phone number in the new SMS option fields at the bottom. 

   

  Continuity of Learning  

  If an extended school closure is warranted after Spring Break, you will be notified from Bishop Lynch High School via email, telephone voice message, and, if you have opted in, a text alert. To prepare for this possibility, students must take all books and materials home on Friday, March 13. 

   

  If an extended closure is announced, e-learning protocols will be initiated to ensure students’ continuity of learning. These protocols have been modified to cover an extended absence from campus, and the modifications will be included in the email announcing the extended closure. 

   

  We understand that these are challenging times. Working together as a community of faith and learning, we will be able to journey through these upcoming days and weeks in a spirit of openness and cooperation. Please join us in praying for all those affected by this health crisis. 

   

  St. Dominic, pray for us! 

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ, 
  
  

  Christopher Rebuck

  President
  
  
  Chad Riley, Ph.D.    
  Principal    

• March 11, 2020 | Update on School Response to COVID-19

  Dear Bishop Lynch Community,

   

  Bishop Lynch High School continues to closely monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation. Bishop Lynch administrators are in daily contact with Dallas County Health and Human Services and the school is following all CDC guidelines. Based on guidance from these health professionals, Bishop Lynch will conduct normal school days on campus both Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13.

   

  We understand there are schools that have closed for the remainder of the week as a precaution against possible exposure to COVID-19. After careful consideration and consultation with local health officials, at this time there is no reason to close our campus.

   

  We will continue to provide updated information as it is available. A more detailed email about how you and your students can best prepare for the days and weeks ahead will be sent before Spring Break.

   

  Thank you.

   

  Sincerely yours in Christ,
  
  

  Chad Riley, Ph.D.

  Principal