PCHS Response To Coronavirus

Current Status as of 5/30/20 @ 7:00 P M

Providence Catholic High School is committed to the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends. We want to provide thorough and timely information about any changes in response to Coronavirus at PCHS, as well as update you on our efforts to keep those in our community safe. Please continue to check this site for the most up-to-date information.

Jump to: E-Learning Info | Mass & Prayers | Calendar & Events | Counseling Dept | AP Testing | Other Info |

Latest Updates

Message from Fr. Merk (5/23/20)

Dear Providence Catholic family,

John 1:5 says: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

There are many beacons of light in darkness. Jesus’ love is one. The healthcare and frontline workers are another. And you, our Providence Catholic students, families, alumni and friends are yet another.

In the midst of everything happening around us, I would like for you to remember that you are a light in the darkness; that the darkness will not overcome you. Serve as leaders and examples for others and keep the joy in your heart.

As you set forth upon the new week, know that you are a light for others as well. Continue with your prayers, your love, and your random acts of kindness in a world that is in much need of all of those.

Thank you for joining us weekly for Mass. I am thankful for each of you and look forward to the day we can celebrate together again.

We pray for you every day!

You have made us for Yourself, O Lord,
and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

Be well and God Bless!

Fr. Merk

PCHS Augustinians Celebrate Mass

We are a vibrant community of believers! To help maintain our spirit of faith and unity, the Augustinians will celebrate Mass and post the recording online.  We invite you to “go to Mass” as we follow the recommended health and safety measures.

Mass for 5/30-31

Prayer Intentions

We invite you to submit prayer intentions for those affected by the Covid-19 Virus. All intentions will be placed on the altar for our weekly Masses.

E-Learning

On Mondays & Wednesday, teachers may opt to conference online with students and/or assign work to students enrolled in periods 1, 2, 3 and 4. On Tuesdays & Thursdays, teachers will do the same with students enrolled in periods 5, 6, 7 and zero hour. Friday will be an E-Learning Work & Review Day. This is time for students to complete previously assigned work and to correspond with teachers.

The timetable for each day is published below and the daily schedule has been posted to our website calendar.

As stated earlier in a message from Dr. Harper and posted on this page, we will continue E-Learning through April 7.  The first day of Easter break is now Wed. April 8.  All E-Learning schedules and other events are updated on the calendar.

Please email your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

Grading: The Illinois State Board of Education has published information suggesting grades cannot be assigned during E-Learning. As a private, Catholic high school we are not obligated to follow this suggestion, and we will assign grades throughout these e-learning days.

Expectations for Students:

  • Email: Students are expected to check their email – and respond – minimally at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM each E-Learning day.
  • Please be sure to read and follow expectations in our E-Learning Days Protocol, including the FAQs.

Expectations for Parents:

  • Attendance: Parents should call our attendance line at 815.717.3130 if their child is ill and cannot complete assignments or participate in online conferencing that day.  Teachers will grant a 1-day extension for students reported absent.
  • As always, parents, we partner with you!  Please be sure that your students are checking their email and digital platforms for communications from their teachers, participating in all online meetings and staying current with their assignments.  Teachers are available by email and will respond quickly should you have any questions.

Tech Support: Our E-Learning Tech Support Page is live and will be updated as needed. Included is Tech Staff contact information for students and teachers.  Emails to TechHelp@ProvidenceCatholic.org that are received between 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM are generally returned within 15 minutes. Please stay online and watch for the return email!

E-Learning Day Schedules

E-Learning Periods 1-4

  • 9:00 AM- Students check email and online platforms for info from teachers
  • Period 1 @ 9:00 AM
  • Period 2 @ 10:00 AM
  • Period 3 @ 11:00 AM
  • Period 4 @ 12:00 PM
  • Students contact teachers with any questions by 1:00 PM
  • 2:00 PM – Students check email and online platforms for updates from teachers

E-Learning Periods 5-7 & 0

  • 9:00 AM – Students check email and online platforms for info from teachers
  • Period 5 @ 9:00 AM
  • Period 6 @ 10:00 AM
  • Period 7 @ 11:00 AM
  • Zero Hour @ 12:00 PM
  • Students contact teachers with any questions by 1:00 PM
  • 2:00 PM – Students check email and online platforms for updates from teachers

E-Learning Work & Review Day

  • 9:00 AM – Students check email and online platforms for info from teachers
  • Students work on assignments throughout the day; teachers will be available online for questions
  • 2:00 PM – Students check email and online platforms for updates from teachers.

Calendar & Events

Read Dr. Harper’s  entire letter regarding the remaining school year and the adjusted calendar here.

We have updated our website calendar for all events through the end of May and the 19-20 school year.  We have also added the new dates for Senior events such as Senior breakfast, dinner dance, and graduation.   Below is the calendar for the next 7 days. Click on any of the linked events for details.

Events for the next 7 Days

Go to full school calendar.

From the Counseling Department

Important checklist for Seniors:

College Admission Status Update
The NACAC has posted a live list of all the colleges that have updated their admission timeline for seniors due to all the university closings. Go there now.

ACT Test – New Date!
Providence will be hosting the ACT test on July 18.  Please log into your ACT account if you would like to register for the test. Remember, that as a graduation requirement, a student must take the ACT test at least one time.

Message from Mr. Luke Senffner & the Counseling Staff

Other Information

Campus Closed

Due to Governor Pritzker’s shelter-at-home order, all PCHS offices are closed and employees are working from home. If you need to reach an employee, please utilize email (Personnel Directory). Voicemail messages left on our main phone line will be checked daily, but it may take up to 24 hours for us to return your call. Thank you for your understanding.

From Fr. Merkelis

Read Fr. Merk’s letter on how PCHS is facing the challenge of the extended school closure (4/7/20).

AP Tests

4/29/20: Important info regarding testing was emailed to AP students.  Read it here.

4/8/20: College Board has published the test dates and times.  Read the letter from Mr. Thompson for the dates and full explanation.

Previously, information about AP testing was e-mailed to all students (and parents) currently enrolled in an AP class. Read that information here.

Cleaning

The reports of the spread of COVID-19 are concerning, and everyone is becoming familiar with simple health procedures that decrease the risk of spreading any disease, including the common cold. Here is what we are doing at Providence Catholic during the time the school is closed. We are deeply grateful to all our employees who are working to sanitize our building.
  • Our Maintenance Department is deep-cleaning and sanitizing all classrooms, offices, bathrooms, locker rooms, hallways and other public spaces. This includes furniture and all surfaces as well as the filters in the HVAC systems.
  • Our Food Service staff is doing the same in the kitchen, commons and food storage areas.
  • The Transportation Department is deep cleaning each of our school buses.
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