Bishop Hendricken announces reopening plans for 2020-2021
For further information, contact: Michele King, Director of Communications, mking@hendricken.com, 401.739.3450, ext. 131.
WARWICK, RI (August 3, 2020) – Bishop Hendricken High School recently unveiled “Reopening Bishop Hendricken,” a 35 page plan for a return to school for the 2020-2021 academic year. In accordance with guidelines from the Rhode Island Department of Education and the Catholic Schools Office, administration and three strategic reopening committees, assembled to formulate the return-to-school plan, has prepared policies and protocols for several reopening scenarios.
Led by Hendricken president, Fr. Robert L. Marciano, KHS ’75, and principal, Mark DeCiccio ’03, the committees conducted months of extensive research on everything from health and safety guidance, cleaning, personal protective equipment, a myriad of educational models, public health recommendations, and more.
“With faith and vision, Hendricken leads. Such is our motto for the 2020-2021 school year, and no greater example of this can be found than in our Reopening Bishop Hendricken plan,” added an enthusiastic Fr. Marciano.
The school took into consideration the results of a survey sent to parents and students who overwhelmingly chose the full return model, with 90% of parents and 85% of students preferring some type of in-person return. The current goal is to utilize the Full Model of reopening for the 2020-2021 Academic Year set to begin at the end of August.
The detailed plan, released to the Hendricken community, has received high praise for its thorough approach offering several proposed models based on current safety mandates, while continuing to offer a high quality educational experience. Each model’s descriptions include an overview, health & safety modifications for each, as well as a summary of its major features. Additionally, the plan includes extensive guidelines and protocol for various areas of concern for the school community, including symptom screening, cleaning, extracurricular activities, transportation, and more.
The main guiding principles for the plan include safety, normalcy, adaptability, and patience. Guidance is expected to change as more is learned about the virus and how to best manage it, and the school is actively committed to learning, problem-solving, and making appropriate decisions.
Bishop Hendricken’s reopening plans are subject to adjustments based on updated guidance from state, education, and public health officials. Mr. DeCiccio shared, “We know that changes to our reopening plans are not only possible, but highly expected. In fact, they are nearly guaranteed. However, Bishop Hendricken has a proven record of preparedness and leadership. We will continue to do the same under any and every circumstance.”
The plan was reviewed and enthusiastically endorsed by Bishop Hendricken’s Board of Advisors, which is comprised of alumni, legal, and business leaders in the community, as well as officials from the Diocese of Providence.
The full plan is available on the school’s website at www.hendricken.com/reopening.
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