COVID-19 Updates

Good Afternoon Lexington Catholic Families,

 

As of yesterday, at 4:46 PM the Incident Rate Map, located on the KY Covid Website, shows Fayette County is no longer in the red. Tomorrow, March 3, Lexington Catholic will begin optional masking for everyone in our school.  We appreciate the support, patience, and cooperation from all our families as our school has navigated through these difficult times.  It is this community that gives us hope and makes Lexington Catholic such a remarkable school.  We thank each of you for your role in helping us through what has been an unprecedented two years.  We will continue to pray for the safety of everyone in our school.  

 

Best,

Sandra

 

Sandra R. Young, M.Ed.
 Lexington Catholic High School

Dear Lexington Catholic Families,

 

This email is to communicate the adoption and implementation of the new (January 10, 2022) guidance from Kentucky Public Health (Team Kentucky) and the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD). These revised guidelines for school operations and in-person learning will apply to our preschool through 12^th grades and will be followed at all Lexington-area Catholic schools.

 

Below you will find a link to the January 10^th Revised guidance* from Kentucky Public Health (Team Kentucky) and the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD): 

 

https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/covid19/K-12Guidance.pdf

 

While all the content of the detailed Team Kentucky revised guideline document is important to reference, please note the changes beginning on page 3, sections 7 and 8, which describes reduced isolation and quarantining guidelines for both COVID positive and exposed students and staff. LCHS employs universal masking as it applies to the revised guidance.

 

As always, we appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we implement the new guidelines designed to safely reduce quarantine and isolation in order to provide less disruption to our in-person learning. There are no broad-sweeping generalizations that can be made in managing the virus as we strive to provide safe in-person learning environments for all students, teachers and support staff. Even with these revised guidelines, it still requires a daily assessment of every positive case and corresponding condition that is reported to the school by families and the various health departments we work with. 

 

As a Catholic school within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, we are expected to continue to follow the guidance of our state and local health departments as we have tried to do consistently since summer/fall 2020. We are grateful to our school community, students, faculty, and staff who continue to show flexibility and resilience as we work together to work, learn and live within this changing environment.

 

In His Name,

 

Mrs. Sandra R. Young, President

Mr. Mathew P. George, Principal

Dear Lexington Catholic Community,

 

Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv. has rescinded mask-optional that was to begin on Monday, January 10, for all students and staff at Lexington Catholic. All 9th through 12th-grade students, school personnel, and visitors, whether they are vaccinated or not, is to continue wearing a mask while indoors on school property.  

 

The situation will be monitored closely and changes to the diocesan policies will be made accordingly. We continue to pray for the health and safety of everyone involved in our Catholic schools, parishes, diocese, and beyond. 

 

Best,

Sandra R. Young, President

Beginning January 10, 2022, Lexington Catholic High School will switch to mask “optional” for all students and staff at the high school.

In accordance with current protocols and procedures enacted by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv. has extended the mask mandate through January 7, 2022.  All students and staff in schools within the diocese, whether vaccinated or not, are to be masked while indoors on school property.  

The situation will be monitored closely and changes to the Diocesan Policies and Emergency Orders will be made accordingly.  Lexington Catholic will closely monitor the health and safety of everyone in our building and throughout our community. Optional masking may be suspended at any time if the need arises and return to mandatory masking.

We continue to pray for the health and safety of everyone in our Catholic schools, parishes, diocese and beyond.

Dear Lexington Catholic Community,

 

In accordance with current protocols and procedures enacted by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv. has extended the mask mandate until Fall Break, October 6-8, for all students and staff in schools within the diocese. All Kindergarten through 12th-grade students and school personnel, whether they are vaccinated or not, are to be masked while indoors on school property.  

 

This situation will be monitored closely and changes to the diocesan policies will be made accordingly. We continue to pray for the health and safety of everyone involved in our Catholic schools, parishes, diocese, and beyond. 

 

Blessings,

 

Sandra R. Young, President

Mathew George, Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 Just like many of you, we were surprised and saddened by the Executive Order issued by Governor Beshear mandating all public and private schools must suspend in-person instruction and move to an all-virtual (NTI) format on Monday, November 23. Bishop John Stowe, Superintendent Tom Brown, Pastors, and administrators from each of the Catholic schools in central Kentucky met yesterday and this afternoon to discuss the Governor's mandates. We as a school, and as an entire diocese, have worked hard to create a safe environment for in-person instruction during the pandemic. Our teachers, staff, and students should be commended for their hard work and dedication as we continue to educate the “mind, spirit, and body” of all students in our school. 

 

We will move to NTI on Monday, November 23 as mandated by the Governor’s Executive Order. Bishop John, as stated in his attached letter, is "committed to the resumption of in-person instruction as soon as possible." Bishop John and Superintendent Brown have given us their support and guidance during the past three (3) months and now it is our turn to support them in their decision to follow the Governor’s Executive Order.

 

Know that you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as we enter the holiday season.

 

Sandra R. Young, President

Mathew George, Principal

Click Below to Fill Out Form

April 20, 2020

 

Dear Lexington Catholic Families,

 

Earlier this evening, Governor Andy Beshear recommended that all schools continue distance learning until the end of the school year. In accordance with this directive, all schools in the Catholic Diocese of Lexington will not resume in-person classes and continue virtual instruction for the remainder of the academic year.

 

This recommendation, while anticipated, is still difficult for us as a school community. We will continue the high academic standards you are accustomed to and continue to deliver them to the best of our ability in a virtual format.

 

Our last day of scheduled virtual instruction is as follows:

• Seniors:                                   May 14, 2020
• All Underclassmen:                May 29, 2020

With this announcement, comes many questions about how we will conclude the academic year. Over the next few days and weeks, we will inform you of the protocols and procedures that will be implemented to complete the school year. These will not only include information about events but also textbook return, locker cleanout, etc. Our plans are subject to change due to the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation. All procedures and changes will be communicated to students and families as soon as possible.

No final decision about future school events such as Honors Assembly, Prom, and Graduation, have been made. We will update the status of individual events as the diocese and state government provides additional directives. Recognizing the importance of key milestones in the high school experience, we remain committed to hosting as many of these events as possible when we can safely gather as a school community.

 

In these unprecedented times, we ask for your continued prayer and support for one another, the LCHS family, and the entire Lexington community. Please continue to monitor our communication center at www.lexingtoncatholic.com/apps/pages/COVID19 .

 

In His Name,

 

 

Mr. Mathew George, Ed.S.

Principal

Mr. Mathew George, Ed.S.

Principal 

Lexington Catholic High School

2250 Clays Mill Road

Lexington, KY 40503

859.277.7183

April 17, 2020

Dear LCHS Knights,

The entire faculty, staff, and administration of LCHS are thinking about each of you and your families as we continue to navigate through these uncertain times. Each of you has shown LCHS spirit as we continue virtual classes and remain a united school community. We understand many of you are juggling your schoolwork and helping at home, caring for siblings, and more. You have risen to the occasion, which makes us proud to be a part of your lives.

We have consulted with our faculty and gained input from our students to revise our virtual learning protocols. These revisions will help meet the needs of our student body as we continue with the stay-in-place order and closure of schools. Effective immediately, here are the following procedures and changes:

Expectations for Attendance of Virtual Classes:

Beginning April 20, 2020, teachers may request mandatory attendance for class meeting times. Teachers will inform students which course times each week will require mandatory attendance online. This change will allow us to continue real-time instruction as we await instructions from the state government and Catholic Diocese of Lexington.

Teachers will inform students by 8:00 pm on Sunday of the scheduled class times for the week. We will continue utilizing the schedule below. Teachers will take attendance and contact parents and school officials with absences. It is the student's responsibility to contact the teacher before class if he/she cannot attend. Classes will continue to be recorded for future use. We understand that there may be an extenuating circumstance in some instances for attendance; please work with your teachers and your school counselor to address these. Teachers will continue to have live instruction, office hours, conferencing, tutoring, etc.

Monday/Wednesday:                                        Tuesday/Thursday:

9:00-9:45         Period 1                                   9:00-9:45         Period 5

10:00-10:45     Period 2                                   10:00-10:45     Period 6

11:00-11:45     Lunch                                      11:00-11:45     Lunch

11:45-12:30     Period 3                                   11:45-12:30     Period 7

12:45-1:30       Period 4                                   12:45-1:30       Period 8

 

 

Tentative Calendar Changes:

Additional changes to our schedule have been made due to the extended Spring Break/Easter Holiday implemented by the diocese. In accordance with the state requirement of instructional days, the tentative last day of scheduled classes are:

 

Seniors:                                    May 14, 2020

All Underclassmen:                  May 29, 2020

 

If there are any additional changes to the master calendar, those changes will be communicated as soon as possible.

 

Advanced Placement Courses (AP):

Per the guidelines in our student handbook and the course requirements, all students enrolled in an AP course must take the exam. All exams will be May 11-22, 2020. Please check the AP link below for the date and time of your exam. Additional information will be sent by your AP teacher and/or the guidance department. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/exam-dates-and-fees

Seniors:

With the extension of Spring Break and the Easter Holiday, seniors' last day of instruction will be May 14, 2020. There will be no formal senior final exams, however, there will be a culminating assessment or project. Teachers will provide additional information as to how they will complete the academic year, whether it is in-person in the building or through virtual instruction.

Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen:

The final day of classes will be Friday, May 29, 2020. There will be no formal underclassmen final exams, however, there will be a culminating assessment or project. Teachers will provide additional information as to how they will complete the academic year, whether it is in-person, in the building, or through virtual instruction.

Upcoming Events:

No final decision about future school events such as Honors Assembly, Prom, and Graduation, have been made. We will update the status of individual events as the diocese and state government provides additional directives. Recognizing the importance of key milestones in the high school experience, we remain committed to hosting as many of these events as possible when we can safely gather as a school community.

In these unprecedented times, we ask for your continued prayer and support for one another. We are navigating this pandemic with great care, and we will continue to do so until the time is safe for us to resume normal school activities. Please continue to monitor our communication center at www.lexingtoncatholic.com/apps/pages/COVID19 .

In His Name,

 

 

Mrs. Sandra R. Young, M.Ed.                           Mr. Mathew George, Ed.S.

President                                                          Principal

 

 

Dear LCHS Community,

 

Each day I receive emails and calls from families in our community that have been burdened financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies are furloughing and laying off employees as a necessity to try and ensure the future sustainability of their businesses. If you are fortunate enough to be able to assist our families in need, both tuition and basic necessities, please consider making a donation to our COVID-19 Relief Fund. 

https://www.lexingtoncatholic.com/apps/pages/COVID19

 

Support is provided in many ways, not only monetarily, prayer is powerful and healing. Please share your prayer requests with us by visiting our website at https://www.lexingtoncatholic.com/apps/form/form.LEXCHS.rV0NEPE.2hQ

 

As you may already be aware Governor Beshear announced this evening, during his daily briefing, that all Kentucky schools will remain closed until Friday, May 1. We have created a COVID-19 page on our website with all communications, by date, for your reference. Please see a message from our Principal, Mathew George, pertaining to the Governor’s announcement today.

 

If you need anything or you know of someone in need please email me at [email protected]. I will continue to respond to each email I receive.

My husband, Barry, and I continue to pray for our community and all those affected by this pandemic.

 

God bless,

Sandra R. Young

President

Dear Lexington Catholic Students and Families,

As was stated in the Diocesan Epidemic Response Plan, released by the Catholic Diocese of Lexington, when closures occur, our Catholic schools will follow the recommendation of the Governor, health department, and local school districts.

Due to the continuing COVID-19 situation, the Governor has announced that all schools in Kentucky will remain closed until May 1, 2020. We are TENTATIVELY planning on returning to in-person classes on May 4, 2020. Lexington Catholic will continue to utilize Virtual Learning days between April 13, 2020-May 1, 2020. 

Also, we will be reviewing and determining the next course of action concerning events between now and our return to campus. If necessary, plans will be made for events through May as well. Based on the Governor’s recommendations at that time, we will provide additional information.

As stated earlier, there will be no Virtual Day Instruction held during our Spring Break (March 30, 2020-April 10, 2020.) If there are any changes to this timeframe, we will communicate that to our school community as soon as possible. 

During the closure, there will be no athletic practices, games, extracurricular activities, events etc. There is still no access to Lexington Catholic High School facilities during the closure. 

Please continue to pray for our school community and those affected by this situation.

In His Name,
Mathew George, Principal 

The Chrism Mass will be at 10 am April 7. It will be live streamed via the Cathedral of Christ the King Facebook page, as well as all the Masses and services. Viewers do not have to have a FB account to watch.

Good Friday will be 3 pm/English and 4:30 pm/Spanish.

Easter Vigil starts at 9 pm and Easter Sunday will be 11 am with Fr. Paul and noon (English) with the Bishop, with Spanish following that.

All services will be posted for later viewing at the CTK Facebook page under Videos (listed to the left of the "wall."

Message from Diocesan Food Service

During this time of uncertainty, the Catholic Diocese Food Service Program would like to do its part in helping those in need.  We encourage all families in our Catholic Diocese school and parish communities, who are in need of assistance, to take part in this no-cost meal service program for children 18 years of age and younger.   But because this is a pandemic, all children 18 and younger qualify to eat for free.

 The Catholic Diocese Foodservice program is committed to doing all that we can to meet the needs of our school and parish community during this unprecedented time. This free meal service will help to ensure the well-being of our children by meeting their nutritional needs, while easing some of the financial burden to families.

Beginning Monday, March 30th, we will start serving a FREE Breakfast and Lunch to children 18 years of age and younger.  It will be served in three of our school/parish parking lots in a meal pick-up service.  Children must be present to claim a meal.  Breakfast service will be served from 8:00-9:00 am and Lunch 11:00-12:00 noon.  Multiple days may be picked up at one time.  The locations of service are Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary School, Lexington, Good Shepherd School, Frankfort, and St Leo Catholic School, Versailles. 

 May this mission to empower those in need and bring a community closer together in God.  Please pray for my staff and volunteers as we begin this challenge.  As St Patrick once said, “May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us. Be always ours this day and evermore.”

 Blessings to All

 

Char Banta

 

Durante este tiempo de incertidumbre, el programa Catholic Diocese Foodservice quiere hacer su parte para ayudar a los necesitados.  Invitamos a todas las familias en nuestra diócesis (la escuela o la parroquia) que necesitan ayuda participar en este programa para proveer (sin costo alguno) comidas para niños que tienen 18 años de edad o menos.  Por razón de la pandemia, todos los niños de 18 años o menos califican para comida gratis.

 El programa Catholic Diocese Foodservice está comprometido con hacer todo lo que podemos para satisfacer las necesidades de nuestra comunidad escolar y parroquial durante esta época sin precedentes.  Este servicio de comidas gratis asegurará el bienestar de nuestro niños cumpliendo con sus necesidades nutritivas y aliviando algo de la carga financiera de sus familias.

 Empezando el lunes, 30 de marzo,  servimos un desayuno y almuerzo GRATIS a los niños de 18 años o menos.  Se servirá en tres de nuestras escuelas:  Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary School, Lexington, Good Shepherd School, Frankfort, and St. Leo School, Versailles.  Las comidas son para llevar; Ud. puede recoger las comidas en los estacionamientos de las escuelas.  Es posible recoger comidas para más de un día.  Los niños tienen que estar presentes para recibir las comidas.

 Ojalá que podamos fortalecer a los necesitados y unir más la comunidad en dios.  Favor de rezar para el personal y los voluntarios.  Como dijo el San Patricio, "que la fuerza de dios nos guíe, que la sabiduría de dios nos instruya, que la mano de dios nos proteja y que la palabra de dios nos dirija.  Sé siempre nuestro este día y para siempre"

 ¡Qué dios les bendiga!

 Char Banta

Sunday Masses With Bishop Will Stream in English and Spanish via Facebook Live

LEXINGTON — Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., will celebrate Sunday Masses broadcast via Facebook Live beginning this Sunday, March 22, at 11 a.m. (in English) and 12 noon (in Spanish). The Masses will be accessible via the Facebook page of Lexington’s Cathedral of Christ the King: www.facebook.com/pg/ctklexky/videos

“As we seek to protect our community, especially the most vulnerable, from the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholics have suffered an almost unprecedented loss of access to the Sacraments and to gathering together,” Bishop Stowe said. “My hope is that by utilizing this platform, our people can experience the grace of praying as one, for one another and for our world during this difficult time.”

The Catholic Diocese of Lexington suspended all public Masses on March 16. All religious education classes in the diocese are also cancelled, and Catholic schools have followed public schools in their statewide closure. The diocese covers 50 counties in central and eastern Kentucky, serves some 40,000 Catholics and has 58 parishes and missions and 15 schools.

For more information on the diocese’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit: www.cdlex.org/diocese-of-lexington-epidemic-response

 

Misas Dominicales Con el Obispo se Transmitirán en Inglés y Español a través de Facebook Live 

LEXINGTON — El obispo John Stowe, OFM Conv., celebrará las Misas Dominicales que se transmitirán a través de Facebook Live a partir de este domingo 22 de marzo a las 11 a.m. (en inglés) y a las 12 del día (en español). Se podrá acceder a las Misas a través de la página de Facebook de la Catedral de Cristo Rey (Christ the King Cathedral) de Lexington: www.facebook.com/pg/ctklexky/videos

“Mientras buscamos proteger a nuestra comunidad, especialmente a los más vulnerables, de la pandemia del COVID-19, los católicos han sufrido una pérdida casi sin precedentes de acceso a los sacramentos y a reunirse", dijo el Obispo Stowe. "Mi esperanza es que al utilizar esta plataforma, nuestra gente pueda experimentar la gracia de orar como una (una Iglesia), el uno para el otro y para nuestro mundo durante este difícil tiempo". 

La Diócesis Católica de Lexington suspendió todas las Misas públicas el 16 de marzo. Todas las clases de educación religiosa en la diócesis también fueron canceladas, y las escuelas católicas han seguido a las escuelas públicas en su cierre estatal. La diócesis cubre 50 condados en el centro y este de Kentucky, sirve a unos 40,000 católicos, tiene 58 parroquias y misiones; y 15 escuelas. Para obtener más información sobre la respuesta de la diócesis a la pandemia del COVID-19, visite: www.cdlex.org/diocese-of-lexington-epidemic-response

 

Effective immediately, all sports and sport-activities, regardless of season, are declared to be in a dead period, congruent with the provisions of Bylaw 24. This prohibition extends through Sunday, April 12. Prior to April 11, and in consultation with the Governor, Public Health Officials and the Kentucky Department of Education, an evaluation will be made for the period going forward.

• Students shall not participate in any organized team activity, or organized or semi-organized team competition in any sport or sport-activity in any format at any location in any state where school personnel (paid or unpaid) are involved, in attendance, or receiving reports of performance.
• Prior approval for sanctioned events through the NFHS sanctioning system, both in and out of state, is hereby rescinded for this period. Member schools should note that without appropriate NFHS sanctioning, provisions of the KHSAA Catastrophic Insurance policy are not in place.
• Students may not participate in activities such as weight training, skill development, individual camps (with per team limits on participation), team camps, or open gym or field activities even if no inter-school competition is involved.
• Students may not receive coaching or training from school personnel (either salaried or non-salaried) in any KHSAA sanctioned sport or sport-activity;
• School facilities, uniforms, nicknames, transportation or equipment, may not be used in any KHSAA-sanctioned sport or sport-activity;
• School funds may not be expended in support of interscholastic athletics in any KHSAA-sanctioned sport or sport-activity;
• This restricted period does not preclude communication between school, athletic department and coaching representatives to team members and/or families of players on the current roster;
• Postseason wrap-up activities, celebrations and recognition events relating to a sport or sport-activity team at a school may not be held.

At this point, there are no plans to cancel state championship play in the spring sports and sport-activities of baseball, softball, tennis, track & field, archery, bass fishing or esports season 2, but that obviously merits consideration, even with potentially abbreviated seasons. There is also no current consideration to seeking alternate locations or dates for sports state championship play beyond the currently scheduled dates.

The information related to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) is ever-evolving, and changes happen quickly. We will inform all stakeholders if there are any changes in circumstances. We are hopeful that with all of the collaborative efforts of the citizens of our Commonwealth, we see this situation subside very quickly, and we have to be leaders in that journey. We also encourage all Kentucky citizens to pay close attention to the CDC and Kentucky health information at kycovid19.ky.gov and strictly adhere to those CDC guidelines, which are always subject to revision as we learn more about the virus.

 

This information is archived on the KHSAA website at https://khsaa.org/athletic-dead-period-instituted-for-athletic-programs-in-all-sports-and-sport-activities/

Dear Lexington Catholic Community,

Thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate through the recent issues dealing with COVID-19. Our prayers and thoughts are with those throughout the world who have been affected by this situation.

We are monitoring the situation receiving updates from the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department and the Catholic Diocese of Lexington. We continue to follow the guidelines established by them to help ensure the wellbeing and safety of our students. As reported by the media, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department does not recommend school closures at this time. 

Effective today, at the directive of the Diocese of Lexington, we have suspended all Lexington Catholic High School sponsored events which require travel outside of Kentucky. In addition, we will not travel to any county in Kentucky, where schools are closed. 

If we must suspend in-person classroom instruction, our teachers are preparing for Virtual Day instruction. We will maintain the rigorous and challenging coursework for our students. Please remind your students to bring home their textbooks, laptops and all course material at the end of each school day. These items will be needed if we must begin Virtual Day instruction. We continue to remind students of this daily. We will make every effort to inform families in a timely manner if the need to cancel classes occur.  

We continue to clean common areas such as the cafeteria, hallways, restrooms, etc. throughout the day. Classroom desks are wiped down, and faculty and staff have been provided additional cleaning supplies to use throughout the day as well. 

A few reminders as we prepare for the end of another week:

• Students should continue to practice proper hygiene including washing their hands frequently, covering their mouths when coughing, etc.  
• Students that are suffering from any illness--cold, flu, etc.--are expected to remain home and symptom-free for 48 hours before returning to school.
• Students should take textbooks, laptops, etc. home nightly.
• In the event classes are cancelled, we will move to a Virtual Day format. All after school activities, evening events, athletic practices, and games, etc. will be suspended.

Lexington Catholic High School’s first priority is the health and wellbeing of our students. We will do everything possible to fulfill this commitment while continuing to provide quality education for our students.

Please continue to pray for our entire school community and those throughout the world. 

In His Name,

Mr. Mathew George, Ed.S. 
Principal

Virtual Days Beginning March 16, 2020

 

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR THE FOLLOWING

 

 

 

 

3/11/2020

Diocese Epidemic Response
LEXINGTON — Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., has approved a diocesan epidemic response, which has been made available to all parishes, missions, schools and the central administration of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington, in the event of a public health emergency. A March 4 memorandum outlines the response.

“The Catholic Church has people of all ages and backgrounds in our care. It’s especially critical in the event of a public health emergency that we strive to be good neighbors and institute responsible measures that protect our faith communities, schools, the personnel who serve in our institutions and the people served by them,” said Bishop Stowe regarding the adoption of the response measures.

The diocese’s response includes preventive measures currently recommended, as well as various operational responses in the event of a state of emergency. The former include hygiene practices and adherence to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) specific to a viral or bacterial outbreak. The operational responses address closures, restrictions on professional travel and liturgical recommendations.

The full text of the memorandum of the diocesan epidemic response can be found online at www.cdlex.org.

The Catholic Diocese of Lexington covers 50 counties in central and eastern Kentucky and has 58 parishes and missions and 15 Catholic schools.