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Coronavirus/COVID-19 updates (updated 3-27-2020)

La Salle continues digital learning through April 28

In response to Gov. Kate Brown's order to close all school campuses to stem the spread of COVID-19, La Salle Prep will continue to instruct students via digital learning through April 28. All athletics, activities, practices, retreats, gatherings, parent conferences, and meetings are canceled throughout this period. 
 
This page includes details about digital learning as well as La Salle's attendance policy during digital learning days. In addition, you'll find mental health resources, college search information, and links to official channels such as the World Health Organization. The Faith section has links to prayers and a video featuring Archbishop Sample.
 
While we all try to maintain our social distancing, we will track the COVID-19 outbreak, updating families as need be via this page, email, Schoology, Facebook, and the home page of lsprep.org. We'll also post news and happenings via Instagram and Twitter.
 
Questions? Send them to the contacts listed in the "Stay in Touch" section below.
 
Thank you for your patience as we adjust to these unprecedented circumstances.
 

Communications to families

Dear La Salle Community,

As we approach the end of Spring Break, I would like to commend our teachers, students, and families who have approached this challenging situation with creativity, grit, and a true sense of collaboration and solidarity. We need to support one other and find creative ways to be together; thank you for the many ways you have already done so.

I also wanted to discuss communication and the future as well as share some of the feedback we received on our survey about digital learning.

First, a few results of the survey (43 parents and 203 students responded):
-65% of parents and 75% of students reported the daily workload has been within the 3-6 hour timeframe expected for digital learning
-84% of students reported they are completing the work and meeting due dates
-Parents appreciated the continuity of education La Salle is providing
-Parents and students appreciated community-building opportunities such as daily prayer and March Madness polls
-Parents asked for additional communication and support for students challenged in online environments
-Parents asked for more mental health support to help students cope with what is happening in the world
-Students appreciated teachers and support staff making extra efforts to check in with them
-Students appreciated lessons that included the teacher’s voice
-Students asked for more coordination surrounding workload and due dates
-Students really miss their teachers, classmates, and being in the school itself
 
Thank you for participating in the survey. We are considering all of the feedback as we seek ways to improve our supports, systems, and processes. We will survey the community again in a few weeks, adjusting as needed after that.

Because communication is so critical at this time, we have created and regularly update this resource page on our website. Please look to this page for information about digital learning, college searches, and supporting your student. The page also includes links to mental health resources, such as how to talk to your child about COVID-19, and outbreak information from authorities such as the World Health Organization. In addition, the page spells out our digital learning attendance policy, which is, in a nutshell: If your child cannot participate in online learning on any given day, you must reach out to Ms. Judi Powell. (Yes, even during a pandemic we answer to Ms. Powell).

Our program directors are reviewing how and when to reschedule events such as athletics, the spring musical, the Journey retreat, and prom should we be allowed to return to campus after April 28. If we cannot return to school after that, we will inform you of our new plans as soon as we can. We appreciate your patience as we find ways to navigate these uncharted waters and respond to the directives given to us by government and health authorities.

I want to assure you that, though our campus is closed, La Salle is here for you and your children during these uncertain times. No matter what the future brings, the faculty and staff will remain focused on our primary mission -- to serve the students entrusted to our care.

Before I sign off, I want to share a portion of a prayer that Brother Visitor Donald Johanson, FSC, who leads our Lasallian district, shared with me:

"I am an optimist because I believe the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of creation. To those who welcome the Spirit, the Spirit gives, each day, fresh liberty and renewed joy and trust. The long history of the Church is filled with the wonders of the Holy Spirit. Think only of the prophets and saints who, in times of darkness, have discovered a spring of grace, and shed beams of light on our path. I believe in the surprises of the Holy Spirit. To hope is a duty, not a luxury. To hope is not to dream, but to turn dreams into reality."

Live, Jesus, in our hearts,
Andrew Kuffner
President/Principal
Dear La Salle Families,
 
Late this afternoon, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced that school closures will extend through April 28. Our response to this is the same as before: We will continue to provide a relevant and meaningful education to our students through our online platforms.
 
We are blessed to have this digital learning program in place and will continue expanding how we deliver it over the next 6 weeks. We also will focus on our students and how we can best support them during these uncertain times.
 
More than ever, our faith must guide us toward what is true, what is loving, and what is necessary to serve each other and those most in need. As always, please reach out if you have questions. You'll also find many answers on our website's resource page.
 
Live, Jesus, in our hearts,
 
Andrew Kuffner
President/Principal

Dear La Salle Community,

 

Tomorrow begins online digital learning for the students entrusted to our care. We are ready to deploy resources, lessons, and opportunities for Lasallians to explore, learn, and engage with each other to maintain a sense of continuity, community, and solidarity during this time away from school.

 

La Salle is uniquely positioned to offer this high-quality continuing education to our students. Our teachers are practiced and trained do deliver it, and we have ensured that all of our students have the access and chance to continue learning uninterrupted.

 

Our learning management system known as Schoology will be our primary mode of delivering the full complement of academic and community opportunities to students. On Schoology you can see daily assignments, prayers, announcements, birthdays, service opportunities, and much more. (All parents have access to Schoology. If you have not set up your account, or need help setting it up, contact Sue Pinto at spinto@lsprep.org)

 

In addition to communicating via Schoology, we have created a comprehensive web page explaining how La Salle is navigating these times. On this page you will find:

 

-A link to a Digital Learning Parent Guide that addresses issues such as: What can I expect academically for my child? What do I do if my child is ill or can’t participate in the learning for the day? How do I get help for my child who needs it?

-A link to a Digital Learning Student Guide that addresses questions such as "What should I expect?"

-La Salle’s response to COVID-19

-Mental health resources recommended by La Salle counselors

-FAQs and more

 

Though our campus is closed, we are still available to assist you. Below is a list of primary contacts and areas of support:

 

 

We are blessed to be able to continue educating students at this time, and are grateful to everyone in the community for coming together. When in doubt, reach out. When in need, with speed. Please do not hesitate to ask for answers or assistance. We are ready to support our Lasallian families; it is our mission to serve.

 

Live, Jesus, in our hearts,

 

Andrew Kuffner

President/Principal

Dear La Salle Families,
 
We are grateful for your continued partnership and recognize the unprecedented moment we are in surrounding the coronavirus. We want to assure you that as of now, we have no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in the La Salle community.
 
In response to the need to limit exposure, La Salle is shifting to Digital Learning the weeks of March 17-20 and March 30-April 3. We will still have Spring Break as scheduled. We are taking these steps to limit exposure to COVID-19, which the World Health Organization has declared a pandemic.
 
Our staff is ready to support students throughout this shift to online learning, including teachers, counselors and administrators. Our online platforms are robust and our teachers are practiced at the effective use of digital tools. I am always humbled by how this community responds in times of need. We recognize we are all brothers and sisters in the Lasallian tradition and so we take care of each other. We will continue to keep all those negatively impacted by this in the front of our minds and prayers.
 
Live, Jesus, in our hearts,
 
Andrew Kuffner
President/Principal

Why is La Salle’s campus closing to students and families?

Health officials say social distancing is key to slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. Though there are no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in the La Salle community, we are closing campus to students and families through April 28 in order to keep our students, staff, and families as safe as possible.

How is La Salle making its decisions?

School administrators are following the advice and best practices guidelines shared by the Oregon Health Authority, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Governor Kate Brown, who called for the cancellation of events drawing more than 250 people in the next four weeks. This necessary action is an effective way to disrupt widespread infection.

How will students learn while school is closed?

La Salle will shift to Digital Learning the weeks of March 16-20 and March 30-April 3. Monday, March 16 will be a no school day for students to allow teachers to prepare for Digital Learning. Digital Learning means teachers will educate students online through our Schoology platform. Following the regular school schedule, teachers will post lessons on Schoology. Students submit work and questions to teachers online.

In 2017, La Salle was the first school in Oregon to implement Digital Learning. Digital Learning has been a focal point of professional development at La Salle for three years. Our teachers are prepared to teach lessons through our digital learning platforms.

Will students have to do schoolwork during Spring Break?

No. We will have Spring Break as scheduled (March 23-27).

How will my student contact his or her teachers during Digital Learning?

Students will be able to communicate with teachers via Schoology. Teachers will post “office hours” and ways to access them via Schoology.

Will teams, clubs, and student groups be able to gather during Digital Learning weeks?

No. Beginning Friday, March 13, all sports, trips, retreats, service, parent/teacher conferences, and extracurricular activities are canceled through April 28.

Students will not gather in teams or groups on campus or elsewhere for team workouts, practices or competitions. Athletes will receive instructions from coaches regarding ways they can continue to train as individuals or in small groups, however these groups shall be organized at the discretion of the athletes and their families. For example,  players gather to play catch, play a round of golf in a foursome, jogging in small groups, etc. 

How long will this campus closure last?

As of now, La Salle will re-open on April 29. 

What is La Salle doing to clean and sanitize the school?

Earlier this month, we instructed our janitorial, kitchen, and teaching staff to increase their attention to disinfecting surfaces that students come into regular contact with, such as desks, tables, and door handles. Routine janitorial service will continue during the closure, focusing on deep cleaning and sanitation. 

Will this mean that the school year be extended into the summer?

As of now, the academic year will remain the same because students will still be learning and doing schoolwork during the campus closure.

How often can I expect to receive updated information related to the school closure?

Updates are posted as often as conditions change on this page.

Where can I turn for more information?

We will post updates as often as conditions change to lsprep.org and Schoology.

Academics

While La Salle is closed to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19, students will learn from teachers through online lessons assigned and taught via our digital platforms starting Tuesday, March 17.
 
How it works: Teachers post assignments and instructions on Schoology; students submit their work via Schoology. Students can communicate with their instructors via email throughout the day.
 
The goal for digital learning is to ensure our students continue moving forward in their education, recognizing that we have the professional teaching staff, technological tools, and resources needed to maintain our high standards for effective learning strategies and student progress.  We encourage our students to be responsible for their learning and to communicate with teachers when needed.
La Salle Prep teachers will post lessons / assignments no later than 10 a.m. on the days each class typically meets.

-Mondays (periods 1-7)
-Tuesdays and Thursdays (periods 1-4)
-Wednesdays and Fridays (periods 5-7)
 
La Salle's first digital learning day is Tuesday, March 17. Students should check Schoology for lessons and assignments for periods 1-4. Teachers will post all lessons and assignments on the class Schoology page. 

Teachers will also communicate to their students how and when to contact them for support. 

Many teachers will be caring for their own families, so we asked teachers to designate “office hours” when they will be available to help students. Office hours can be found on each Teacher’s Schoology Course Page.

When in doubt, students should reach out to teachers through Schoology’s message system.

Parent Guide to Digital Learning
 
Teachers will post all lessons and assignments on the class Schoology page. Parents with Schoology accounts should be able to view this work through their parent account. Parents who need help with their Schoology account or password should contact Sue Pinto at spinto@lsprep.org for support.
 
Schoology guides:
 
  • Make sure your student has a productive place to work.
  • We recognize that students can be distracted as they complete assignments with technology.  Social media, gaming, and other digital media can cause your student to lose focus.
  • Aim to set “school hours” with your student so that they separate school time from “free time.”
  • When possible, and if needed, have your student work in a common space in your house.
  • Encourage your child to turn off notifications during academic time.
  • Have your child take breaks and encourage fresh air and exercise.
  • Have your child check all their classes before making a plan for the day.  Here is a link to a planner.
  • If your child is having a hard time completing the work, have them reach out to the teacher BEFORE the work is due.
  • Communicate with your student’s counselor if needed. La Salle's counselors include:
 
  • Talk to students about how this kind of learning is going for them.  What’s working?  What isn’t?  The administration will send surveys after our first week of digital learning to see what feedback parents and students have for us. 
  • All students are expected to be attending to the activities and assignments that are scheduled for that school day 
  • If a student is sick or unable to participate in that day’s digital learning, parents will need to email jpowell@lsprep.org or call our Attendance Line by 9 am to leave a voice message at 503-353-1434
  • Please indicate in your email/voicemail the specific reason the student is not able to participate or the nature of their illness.
  • If Mrs. Powell does not hear from a parent indicating that a student is sick or unable to participate, our teachers’ expectations are that a student will be engaged in learning that day
  • Mrs. Powell will be checking email and voice messages each day and responding with an email which will include a brief follow-up health survey as needed.
  • Parents – if you receive the health survey, please respond to the email from Mrs. Powell by the end of the day
  • If your student or anyone in your family tests positive for COVID-19, we request that you notify our Attendance Officer by phone or email (jpowell@lsprep.org) immediately so that we can monitor and respond to any exposure within our community.
Forecasting, the process of selecting and signing up for classes for the coming academic year, will be postponed due to COVID-19-related scheduled changes.
Details on the new timeline will be released once they are established. In the meantime, students can get ready for forecasting by checking out the Forecasting page.
Dear Students and Parents,
We know that many of you had plans to visit colleges during Spring Break. Though most colleges and universities are closed for tours because of the outbreak, you can still “see” many of them from the comfort of your own homes!
Virtual Tours
Here is a document (compiled by Rebecca Chabrow, MA), that includes a list of more than 900 colleges and universities including links to virtual tours and to additional college and university information housed in Big Future on the College Board website. It also highlights Unique Facilities on each of the campuses. 
College Deposit Dates and College Admissions Events
As a service to students and families, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is providing this online tool as a central resource for information about changes in college admission events, deposit dates, and more as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Scholarships
The break is a great time to work on scholarship applications! You can find more information and links to scholarships on the La Salle website here.
SAT and ACT Updates
Some test dates have been cancelled and/or rescheduled. You can find more information here for the SAT, and here for the ACT. You can find information about test prep including Khan Academy (free & online) here.
Oregon Goes to College
The Oregon Goes to College Organization has encouraged us to share this blog post with students and families. They are updating it daily with information students need as they make their enrollment decisions: updates about testing, links to virtual tours and information sessions, updated deposit deadlines, and advice from Oregon’s admissions deans and directors about making it through these difficult months.
 
Your counseling team is here to help support you. Reach out when you have questions.
The La Salle Counseling Department
Seth Altshuler saltshuler@lsprep.org: Serves students with S-Z last names
Renee Giesemann rgiesemann@lsprep.org: Serves students with C-F last names
Kerri Kelvin kkelvin@lsprep.org: Serves students with G-L last names
Maritza Mendez mmendez@lsprep.org: Serves students with A-B last names and all San Miguel scholars
Nancy Orr norr@lsprep.org: Serves students with M-R last names
Liz Staggs lstaggs@lsprep.org: AP/PSAT Testing Coordinator/College Counseling Resources
 

Health and Wellness

  • We have instructed our janitorial, kitchen, and teaching staff to increase their attention to disinfecting surfaces that students come into regular contact with, such as desks, tables, and door handles.
  • We are implementing an internal survey protocol for all students who stay or go home sick, gathering relevant data and information about the symptoms, the onset of the symptoms, and if students have been seen by their doctor. This survey will be administered by our attendance secretary, Ms. Powell, and is intended for the exclusive use of La Salle Prep.
  • The most important and effective safety response is within the individual control of every person: practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly, covering coughs, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and limiting contact with sick individuals.
  • When school is in session, students should remain home for the following reasons:
    • For a temperature higher than 100 degrees. Students should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school and not taking fever-reducing medication to control symptoms.
    • If diagnosed with a strep infection. Students need to be on an antibiotic for a minimum of 24 hours, fever-free and feeling well before returning to school.
    • If your child has vomited during the night or in the morning before school.
    • If your child has pinkeye (conjunctivitis). Students need to have completed 24 hours of medication and have no visible redness or discharge before returning to school.
    • In general, sick students should be kept home until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours.
Resources suggested by La Salle's Counseling Team:
 
Catholic resources:
Faith is being expressed online in many ways, including:
Archbishop Sample
 
Live Masses
The Oregon School Activities Association has suspended interscholastic practices and contests for sports and activities for all member schools effective March 13 through March 31. Read more.
 
The OSAA will work with each venue to communicate with fans about ticket refunds.
All official communications surrounding La Salle's digital learning and COVID-19 response will be communicated via posts to lsprep.org and Schoology. We'll also post news and happenings via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
 
If you need answers or assistance, please contact the following Lasallians:
 
coronavirus

About COVID-19

What it is
How it spreads
Protecting yourself
Handwashing video
What are symptoms
What if you're sick
Myths & Truths

Overview

Global Map
Situation Summary
Video explanation

Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Oregon Department of Education
Oregon Health Authority
World Health Organization

Food resources

La Salle Prep
Families or students experiencing food insecurity can contact Kim McCarthy at kmccarthy@lsprep.org
 

Portland

Breakfast and lunch will be provided to children ages 1-18. Pick up food 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 30-31 at 15 schools in Portland.

Milwaukie

Food boxes based on family size will be given out via drive-thru 10 am-4 pm March 16-20 and March 30-31 from the Wichita Center, 6031 SE King Road, Milwaukie. 

Oregon Food Bank

Find food pantries and assistance sites throughout the metro area by typing in your ZIP code here. You also can seek information by  sending an email, or by calling (503) 505-7061 (phone hours are 9 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday).

Additional resources:
Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon
211info.org
PDX Covid-19 Mutual Aid Network
Meals on Wheels People (outside Clackamas County)