Communications Update #4 - sent 3/12/2020, 2:45 p.m.

We are monitoring the situation with COVID-19. We will continue to exercise prudence and caution, prioritizing the health and safety of our students and staff. Based on current information, please review our latest updates:

Each afternoon, students should take home all iPads, chargers and other belongings needed in the event of an extended school closure. The link to our E-Learning protocol is here.

The IHSA Sectional basketball game vs. Evanston Township High School on Friday night, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. will be played; however, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has limited the number of fans to 60 per side. Therefore, no tickets are available for this competition. You can stream the game here.

As of this communication, the following school-related activities have been canceled: Tulip Trot Dance, Parents Night Out, field trips through April 19, Arrupe Service, Service Learning Community Partnerships, College Fair, students serving as Election Judges, Kairos Retreats, Family Mass and Day of Service.

Any changes to activities, clubs, events and athletics are communicated via email, posted to this web page and noted on our school calendar. Check these resources for the latest information and updates.

As mentioned in yesterday's Parent eNews, we changed our Sick Day Policy. Absences due to illness, including fever-related absences, will be recorded as an Excused Absence without a doctor's note. Teachers will work with students to create a plan to make up missed work. Do not send your student to school if he or she is sick.

Effective yesterday, March 11, Loyola Academy began limiting visits to campus from nonessential community members. This includes, but is not limited to, visiting alumni, parents and volunteers without an appointment; vendors; and family members of employees.

Presently, all school-related air travel is postponed or cancelled. We will continue to monitor CDC recommendations for travel, making decisions that prioritize student health and safety and will communicate updates with families enrolled on these trips and outings. Group travel by bus or van will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If changes are deemed necessary, updates will be sent to those affected by the decision.

Students and employees who plan to travel internationally or domestically during spring break should use caution and evaluate travel plans at this time.

For more information and updates, please visit our Coronavirus Information web page.

Thank you for working with us as we navigate this evolving situation that impacts all facets of life and our entire community.  As we move forward, we pray for perspective and calm, reminding ourselves that God is with us. Informed by our faith, we strive to be thoughtful discerners, sifting through the noise and fears of our times, always leading with love and compassion.