New School Structure Planned for March 15

February 24, 2021

On March 15, all Cretin-Derham Hall students will have the opportunity to return to school full-time,  almost one year to the date after shifting to distance learning due to the pandemic.

The current hybrid model, with half of the students on campus each day, has been in place since the start of the 2020-21 school year, allowing for in-person learning while providing social distancing, among other important mitigation measures.

Under this new model, all students will have the opportunity to be on campus. This structure maintains the recommended six feet of social distancing by providing overflow space once the recommended classroom capacity is reached. A rotating, small number of students who are not in the classroom will Zoom into class - while on campus. Students and staff will wear masks, and the school will continue to contact trace and quarantine as necessary, which has been critical to the success so far this year.

Families have the option to choose full-time distance learning for their students. Under this new structure, distance learners are welcome to participate in co-curriculars on campus with administrative approval.

"The time for this shift is right," explained Frank Miley, President. "We work very closely with the Minnesota Department of Health to monitor the impact of the virus on our local community. With the reduced case rates in the state and the fact many of our teachers will have had the opportunity to receive the vaccine by mid-March, we believe we are ready for this next step."

He notes that the school will adjust this model to address concerning COVID-19 trends or resume a more 'regular' model when warranted.

The current block schedule, in which students have half their classes each day for a longer period of time, will continue. This schedule gives students and teachers time to engage in deeper learning, diving into topics and projects for 75 minutes at a time.

In addition, Student Support Wednesdays, which give all CDH students, especially the distance learners, the chance to personally connect with their teachers and get the support they need, will continue.

This new model is an important step that will allow CDH students to enjoy the exceptional community that is integral to a quality education at CDH.