Hybrid Model FAQ

August 28, 2020

This guide was last updated on August 28, 2020.

1. How long will CDH be in a Hybrid Model?

Unfortunately, we do not know how long the pandemic will continue. We will carefully monitor the infection rate in our local area as well as within our school community. The data will be the most important thing driving the decision to either return to ‘normal’ or transition to Distance Learning.

2. How are the ‘at-home’ days in the Hybrid Model different than Online School last Spring?

This will depend on the Phase we are in.  

In Phase 1, students will rotate between on-campus classes and at-home independent workdays. The learning days at home will be similar to this spring’s Online School experience - students can still connect with teachers for support but will be able to complete most of their work on their own.

In Phase 2, students will continue to rotate between on-campus and at-home work days, but this scenario is much different than Online School. We call this "synchronous learning.” Students will participate remotely, and in real-time, in whatever is happening in the classroom. They will follow their schedule at home through live-streaming and will need to participate in each class period. This is possible through technology that has been ordered, but won’t be delivered until September. 

3. How early and late may students stay in the building for dropping off and picking up? Is there a location where they need to go when they are in the building before and after school? 

The school building will be open between the hours of 7:30 am and 4 pm. Students must report to the cafeteria upon arrival and after school where they will social distance and be supervised. First hour classrooms will be open for students by 8 am. Students may not congregate in the halls for health and safety reasons. Students who are in co-curricular and athletic activities must follow the instructions of their coach or advisor.  

4. Where should students enter the building?  

Students should be dropped off at either the Lentsch Forum entrance on Albert St. or the Hamline turn-around and enter the doors immediately in those areas. Students who drive, walk or bike should enter through any of the other doors.

5.  What health checks and screenings will be required?

Health and safety begins at home. It is imperative that all families follow the MDH guidelines so that CDH may remain open for hybrid or in-person learning. All parents must screen their students for COVID symptoms before they leave the house each day. If a student is presenting with COVID-19 symptoms or must quarantine because of exposure to an infected individual, they must remain at home.

In addition, students will complete a health screening at the start of their first hour class each day. Students who answer “yes” to any of these questions will be sent to the COVID isolation room for screening. Parents will be called to immediately pick up their student.   

6. With students coming from across the metro, what county is the basis for CDH’s review of the positive infection rate as decisions are made for our school model?

CDH is considering the most geographically relevant information from Ramsey County, but we are also aware of the metro-wide information.

7. Can students still buy lunch on campus?

Yes. Prepackaged lunches will be available for purchase through Taher. They will also provide some supplemental items. Students may also bring their own lunches from home. 

8. May we decide to switch from a hybrid model to full distance learning for our child?  

Yes. Students may move to a full distance learning if a parent requests it. Since each family has different circumstances, we want families to feel and be safe. Once a student selects distance learning, they will remain in that model for half a trimester. We will survey parents again at the mid-trimester and trimester breaks.

9. What are the options if we want our student to be on campus with full-time in-person learning on all days (with no learning at home)?

Due to social distancing measures, we cannot accommodate students to be on campus full-time. In order to ensure the safest environment for all, our student body must be divided in half. We are hoping we can return to an all-school on-campus structure in the near future.

10. What face masks can students use?

Masks will be required indoors, other than a few exceptions. CDH will provide one reusable cloth face mask. Disposable masks will be available in an emergency. Students and teachers/staff can also wear their own mask if they prefer as long as it is clean and covers the nose and mouth. No bandanas, gaiters or masks with vents will be allowed. There can be no controversial wording or graphics on the mask. We suggest placing the owner’s name on the mask to avoid confusion. Those with medical conditions who need special considerations should contact our school nurse, Tara Kaup, at tkaup@c-dh.org.

11. What if our family carpools with another family and the students are not in the same alpha group: A-L or M-Z? Are there options to put them together so transportation is not an issue? 

No. Due to the size of our student body, we must be strict about how the study body is divided in order to best ensure safer numbers on campus. We will assist with connecting families within their communities to find carpool options.

12. My student receives academic support from the Learning Lab. How much support can he/she receive in this Hybrid Model?   

Students who are registered for the Learning Lab will meet as scheduled on their in-person learning day. The Learning Lab staff is providing additional in person support for students. Please contact Joe Miley at jmiley@c-dh.org if you have questions.

13. Are there plans for creating opportunities for the whole grade to come together, even if they cannot be on campus together during the day?

We cannot bring an entire grade together because of social distancing restrictions. Staff and student groups are considering various online options. 

14. What are the rules about participating in sports under the Hybrid model?

Students may participate in athletics on their at home learning days, provided they follow the athletic protocol.  

15. Who do I contact if our financial situation has changed due to COVID-related job loss or furlough?

If your family’s financial situation has changed due to the impact of COVID-19, please contact Lisa Williams, Business Manager, at 651-696-3316. CDH does not want to lose any students due to COVID-19 and will work with families to see if temporary tuition assistance is available.

16. Will there be an All-School Mass to begin the school year?

CDH is very committed to continuing our long tradition of worship together. This year certainly will challenge that ideal, but be assured that we will celebrate Mass or prayer on some level.Our student body, even with only half on campus, is still too large to worship together. The Campus Ministry Team is committed to providing a relevant prayer, worship and retreat experience.  

17. Why are we not launching the school year with block scheduling as was announced last spring?

In order to maximize student and teacher relationships to begin the year on the strongest foundation, CDH will delay block scheduling until we move to Phase 2 - Synchronous Learning. More information on how this will work will be sent at that time.

18. Will students be able to gather outside for socializing?

Students will have the opportunity to walk outside between classes, or even sit outside in designated areas for lunch. Before and after school, we are asking students to go home immediately, unless involved in sports or other activities. Gathering in groups to socialize can present numerous problems. Anyone on campus should wear their mask and maintain social distancing.

19. Is my student considered absent if they have to be quarantined at home?

We are required by MDH to track student absences related to COVID-19. Students who are able to connect and fully participate in distance learning during will be marked absent for health data tracking purposes only. It will not count against their class absences. 

20. How is CDH working to keep our teachers safe?

The safety of everyone on campus is our top priority. Teachers and staff will be wearing face masks and following the same guidelines as students do for infection prevention. In addition, teachers who are quarantined at home may teach remotely if they are feeling well enough. We are following the legal personnel guidelines provided to employees during the pandemic. 

21. How will students know what day to come as it changes every week?

The days were published in our Back to School letter and will be on the school calendar. We will publish the dates a month at a time because of the changing circumstances.