Governor Reynolds has determined that it is in the public health interest of the state for Iowa schools to remain closed through April 30, 2020. All schools in Iowa received additional guidance from the Iowa Department of Education on school closures and continuous learning.  We have updated our learning plans to help accommodate student and family needs to the greatest extent possible at this time. As a reminder, we are taking the following into consideration:

• Keeping students engaged for their mental, social and academic health.
• Keeping students learning knowing that multiple consecutive months without learning is very challenging. 
• Balancing home life. This may entail helping with siblings, or other responsibilities at home. This may also include the potential for illness (COVID-19 related or otherwise).
• Balancing for those who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

NEW LEARNING PLAN WILL BE EFFECTIVE MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2020.

Faculty, Staff and Administration recognize that during this time the physical and mental health and safety of students and their families is most important at this time.  

Our goal is to provide continuous learning opportunities, support and high school credit to Xavier students which accommodate student and family needs to the greatest extent possible. 

• All 2019-2020 second semester courses will be available

• School is considered in session. All learning will be done remotely with teachers.

• An amended drop policy is in place - students can drop and end the class.  For students with a passing third quarter grade, they would receive 2.5 credits and their third quarter grade.

NEW LEARNING PLAN WILL BE EFFECTIVE MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2020.

Students may elect to drop any class if they do not wish to continue during the fourth quarter.  Parents are asked to complete an Intent to Learn form by Noon Thursday April 9. If a student wishes to drop a class after April 13, students or parents should contact Dave Schemmel at dave.schemmel@xaviersaints.org or Liz Donner at liz.donner@xaviersaints.org.

New Requirements from the Department of Education

Are we returning to school or not?  
The Department of Education has indicated the goal is to have two weeks notice of any planning for future closure into May.

Will school go into summer?  
The three weeks of school closure from Spring Break to Easter do not need to be made up.  Starting April 13, students will continue their second semester classes from home. School is considered open and we intend to end the year in May as planned.

Why would Xavier select required edcuational services instead of voluntary enrichment opportunities?  
Xavier will be offering required educational services so that students have the opportunity to earn a grade and credit for their work.  The Department of Education has clearly stated that schools must select between one of three options.   

1. Schools can choose to not provide any instruction and make up missed time during regular school later this year.
2. Voluntary enrichment activities.  School time does not need to be made up later.
3. Required educational services.  School time does not need to be made up later.

What is the difference between voluntary enrichment opportunities and the option to drop a class?
While we will offer all of the second semester classes for continuous learning under the required learning guidelines from the Department of Education, not all students are required to continue in these classes.  An amended drop policy is in place: Students can drop and end the class.  For students with a passing third quarter grade, they would receive 2.5 credits and their third quarter grade.

Are graduation requirements waived for freshmen, sophomores and juniors?  
The Department of Education has not waived requirements (such as four years of high school English).  If possible, students are encouraged to take the recommended classes as detailed above to complete their semester course and earn credit.  Rigor and course load will be balanced to best fit the needs of student learning from home.

What are the Department of Education state requirements for graduation?

• English - four years
• Social Studies - World Civilization, US History, Government and Economics
• Science - three years, including Conceptual Science, Biology and Chemistry
• Math - three years, including Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II
• Fitness/Wellness - two years

No state requirements.  Xavier requirements include:

• Fine Arts -  one semester 
• Theology - four years for Catholic students, two for non-Catholic
• World Language - none
• Business - none

**Xavier High School requirements for a full year or semester will be waived.  Any Xavier graduation requirements not fulfilled during fourth quarter of Spring 2020 will be waived.

If I drop classes for the fourth quarter, will this be problematic for my transcript?
Transcripts will reflect either one quarter or one semester of work completed.  It is important to note that high school transcripts across the country will reflect this and we know that high schools and colleges have indicated they will take COVID-19 school closure during spring of 2020 into consideration.  We feel any opportunity to gain fourth quarter credit will be beyond the expectations during this time.
  

Class and Learning Expectations

What if someone in our family is sick and unable to complete the work?
If a student experiences illness or has a family member become ill and not able to continue the class, families should contact Dave Schemmel at dave.schemmel@xaviersaints.org or Liz Donner at liz.donner@xaviersaints.org.

What if my student struggles and is unable to maintain regular grades when learning at home?  
If the student earned a passing grade in the third quarter, the lowest grade the student will earn will be that third quarter grade. Students are given the option to drop and end the class.  For students with a passing third quarter grade, they would receive 2.5 credits and their third-quarter grade.

Does my student need to keep taking French or Spanish? 
Any students intending to advance to the next level are highly encouraged to continue the fourth quarter if they are able. Students not continuing to the next level would benefit in completing the coursework for college admissions planning but it is not a Xavier requirement.

Will my student have enough credits to graduate if I drop classes during fourth quarter?
The total amount of credits required for graduation are 260. Students who maintain a normal class schedule earn well above 260 credits during their four of high school.  

What about dual credit courses?
This new update does not change any plans for dual credit courses.  Students should continue as they have been since returning from Spring Break in accordance with their respective dual credit program(s).

What classes does my student need to take to participate in spring or summer sports?

If spring and/or summer sports are able to take place, freshmen, sophomores and juniors would need to continue in at least four classes.  Seniors, under Xavier’s continuous learning plan for Spring 2020, are receiving credits in all classes and are therefore eligible to participate.  This applies whether seniors conclude or continue their Xavier classes for the fourth quarter. The eligibility information can be found in 281-36.15(2) of the IHSAA and IGHSAU bylaws.

Seniors

Can I drop all my classes and still graduate?
We would love for seniors to keep taking all of their classes, but this is not required.  Seniors in dual credit classes will need to continue their current coursework. Seniors are highly encouraged to continue classes that prepare them for their college courses and the rigor of the upcoming college work.  Seniors that choose to not continue their coursework after March 13 will receive a “passing” grade on a pass/fail scale and five semester credits.
 

While the updated learning plan is highly recommended for students, we want to work with any families that need alternative plans. Please contact our Student Support team members: