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Education for Life

MACS COVID-19 Resources

August 3
On August 31, 2020, McDonell Area Catholic Schools will open its doors to students from grades K to 12, in person. MACS will also provide a virtual option for students with high-risk health concerns. 

MACS has released its 2020-21 Back to School “Brick to Click” Parent & Student Guide, which has been approved by the Chippewa County Department of Public Health and the MACS Education Commission. Parent and teacher survey responses were an important part of the plan’s development, with parents and teachers also serving on the MACS pandemic team.

“Brick to Click” means that MACS will begin school in person but will be prepared, if necessary, to transition seamlessly to virtual learning. MACS’ virtual learning preparation plan includes 1:1 devices for all students K-12, streamlining its virtual learning platforms, and professional development for teachers to improve the overall experience of virtual learning for students and families. Digital learning and citizenship skills for students are also being incorporated into the curriculum.  

The MACS guide includes several strategies to keep staff and students healthy and in school, including: (1) hand washing/sanitizing; (2) facility cleaning/disinfection; (3) screening at entry; (4) class/cohort grouping; (5) physical distancing; and (6) use of face coverings/masks (following current state order), which will be provided to all staff and students.

MACS President Mrs. Molly Bushman expressed her gratitude to the MACS’ pandemic team and emphasized MACS’ commitment to serve students and families throughout this pandemic. 

“Our goal is not merely to start the year in school, but to stay in school. We hope to balance necessary precautions with the need for kids to be kids, through time with friends, staying active, praying, or just enjoying a meal together,” stated Mrs. Bushman, “While anxiety and a fear of the unknown is normal in these strange times, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement as we gear up to be ready for fall. With faith, hope, courage, and solidarity, our MACS family will emerge from these challenging times stronger than ever. ‘For God, all things are possible’. (Mt. 19:26)” 

     Back to School: "Brick to Click" Parent and Student Guide

On July 30 Governor Evers issued Emergency Order #1, which is a statewide mandatory face mask/covering order going into effect on Saturday, August 1. 
    Read the entire emergency order.

Generally, the order requires face coverings for everyone age 5 and older when in enclosed spaces, with some exceptions, including while eating and drinking. However, at this time, there is no exception for indoor physical activity/exercise. 

What does this mean for summer activities at MACS? Effective Saturday, August 1:

  • Mackademia summer school will continue as planned; however, all staff and students age 5 and older will be required to wear face coverings. 
  • Camp Macks early childhood program will continue as planned; however, all staff and students age 5 and older will be required to wear face coverings. 
  • MackFit strength and conditioning program will continue, but will be limited to outdoor activities.

All other outdoor athletic activities may continue, but indoor athletic activities are suspended until Monday, August 10. Additional information will be released next week. 

Reusable/cotton face masks will be available for all participants in Mackademia and Camp Macks if they do not have a mask they can wear from home.     

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
     COVID-19: Checklist to Guide Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers back to school planning

Mental Health
     Student: Want to know how to help a friend?

     Support a loved one going through a tough time.

Potential Exposure
Any potential exposure alerts from the Chippewa County Department of Public Health will be posted here. 

The View on Lake Wissota (Chippewa Falls): August 7 from 9 PM-2 AM
Badger Hole (Bloomer): August 5 from 2:30-5:30 PM; August 8
Happy Hour (Bloomer): August 8 from 7:30-10:00 PM
Junior’s Bar (Bloomer): August 8 from 9:00-11:30 PM
Car Show at Bloomer Fairgrounds (Bloomer): August 9 from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM

Exposure Definition: When someone who may have been sick with the virus was in contact with people for more than 15 minutes at a distance of less than 6 feet, and those contacts can't be identified/followed up with. Exposures are an indication of risk, not of widespread illness.

  • Symptoms may develop 2-14 days after exposure, so please continue monitoring yourself/family.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Symptoms information:

     Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Exposure information:

     Chippewa County Public Health

https://www.co.chippewa.wi.us/government/public-health/covid-19-coronavirus-disease-2019/exposures-and-public-health-investigations/-fsiteid-1

 

As we continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with our school buildings closure, we want you to know we are 100% committed to continuing our mission in mind, body, spirit, and community. 

Thank you! To our parents, teachers, staff, and students, we are so thankful for you always. God bless you! May the gifts of the Holy Spirit shower upon you and bear fruit that will last unto eternal life.

     Infinite Campus Parent and Student Portal

     Faculty and Staff Directory

Fall planning is underway for the 2020-21 school year. 
 

Technology Help Desk 
     Please contact our IT Department at this email.

Faith Resources

     MACS K-12 Campus Ministry Google site 

     Chaplain Father Ethan Hokamp's YouTube Channel

     Very Rev. Justin Kizewski's Collar Commentary YouTube Channel

     Bishop Callahan gives his congratulations to the graduating class of 2020

Final week episode for Kids
     E10 for Kids Phineas and Ferb and Pentecost - Father will let you know how many days of summer vacation you have!

Meals Available
See this link for location of summer meals:
      https:www.fnd.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks

Thank you to Deacon Rider, food service staff, and the many volunteers who helped with the preparation and distribution of take-out sack lunches and breakfasts during our last quarter of school. 

Food Pantry Locations
      Chippewa County Food Pantry times and days revised April 2020 (pdf)

Stay Active & Healthy
     MackFit Resources Google site for all MACS families and athletes. 

     Advice to protect your family's health during this pandemic.

     MACS in Motion Video thank you students and families for submitting your MACS moments of staying health!

McDonell summer athletic events and activities are temporarily on hold until July 1. If you have any sport specific questions, please contact our Athletic Director Emily Mallek 

Community Connected 

     WI Outdoor Recreation Guidelines - May 11, 2020 (pdf)
This guide for businesses will help you understand what they will be asking of customers as we move into summer months with both indoor and outdoor activities, such as camp sites. 

Cloth Masks
HSHS St Joseph's, Sacred Heart Hospitals, and Fire/EMS will accept cloth face masks during the COVID-19 outbreak. If you sew, consider sewing face masks.

  • These masks will be used in accordance with CDC guidelines.
  • The following criteria must be followed:

Festival Foods: 2717 Birch St., Eau Claire
Festival Foods: 3007 Mall Dr., Eau Claire
Festival Foods: 2615 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire
Family Fare: 212 E. Bay St., Chippewa Falls
Family Fare: 17158 County Highway J, Chippewa Falls
Chippewa Falls Fire/EMS Station: 1301 Chippewa Crossing Blvd

Food Pantry Locations
      Chippewa County Food Pantry times and days as of April 2020 (pdf)

Follow MACS on Social Media

    Facebook @McDonellAreaCatholicSchools

    Instagram #TheMackWay

    Twitter McDonell_HS

    McDonellAreaCatholicSchools.org

    MACS TV

Our prayers continue for the intentions of our MACS community during this challenging time.