CLICK HERE to see our current COVID-19 statistics for the Regis Catholic Schools PreK-12 system.
(Week of May 22-28, 2022)
The situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change quickly. All policies, procedures, and information are subject to change based on the advice of our local health department and/or the Diocese of La Crosse. Any and all changes are and will be effective immediately. It is important to keep in contact with your school and read all communications.
2021-22 School Year Updates
COVID-19 Test-to-Stay Program (March 15, 2022)
Beginning on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, Regis Catholic Schools will be participating in the Test-to-Stay program for teachers and students who are close contacts of an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. Because fewer than 1% of students who have been quarantined this school year have tested positive for COVID-19 during their quarantine period, this alternative option to quarantining is a viable way to keep more students learning in-person for the remainder of the school year.
How does Test-to-Stay work?
When a teacher or student is identified as a close contact who would otherwise need to quarantine, they may continue to attend school as long as they:
- Wear a well-fitted mask in school at all times (with the exception of eating or drinking) for ten days after the last day of exposure.
- Are and remain asymptomatic.
- Test negative for COVID-19 on days 3 and 5.
Is testing available onsite?
Yes! In order to participate in Test-to-Stay, Regis Catholic Schools partnered with COVID Clinic to set up a testing site within our schools. Testing will be available Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in room 133 on the Regis campus. This testing site may be used not only for Test-to-Stay, but also for staff and students who are experiencing symptoms or who require a negative test for other personal reasons.
What are the types of testing available?
- Rapid Testing: Results within 15-30 minutes (required for Test-to-Stay participants)
- PCR Testing: Results within 2-3 days
How do I get my student tested?
- Complete the attached consent form and return it to your school building
- Complete the registration at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/en-US/; this will be valid for, one time use within 7 days from registration
- Bring the QR code that is emailed to you to the testing clinic
How will I receive my results?
Rapid test results will be available within 15-30 minutes of testing and will be provided at the time of testing. PCR test results will be available within 2-3 days and will be sent to the email that is on file.
What if I am a close contact who has to quarantine but I don’t want to participate in the Test-to-Stay program?
If a student or staff member does not want to participate in Test-to-Stay, they are still able to follow the 5+5 quarantine requirement: quarantine for five days and, as long as they remain asymptomatic, they may return to school on day six while wearing a well-fitted mask through day ten.
How can I be sure that my child’s information will be protected?
Sharing of information about your child will only be done for public health purposes and in accordance with applicable laws and policies protecting student’s privacy and the security of your student’s data.
If you have any specific questions, please reach out to your building’s administrator.
Regis Catholic Schools Consent Form (COVID-19 Test-to-Stay)
Updated COVID-19 Quarantine Guidelines (January 28, 2022)
This week, the Eau Claire City-County Health Department shared updated COVID-19 quarantine guidelines for schools.
While much of the guidance regarding quarantines remains the same as shared in early January, there is one major update we want to make sure you are aware of that impacts many of our students.
Beginning immediately, children who are age 12+ and received the Pfizer/Moderna vaccine more than 5 months ago and are not boosted must quarantine if exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19. Children who are age 12+ and have received a COVID-19 booster shot (or who received their Pfizer/Moderna vaccine more than 2 weeks and less than 5 months ago) do not need to be quarantined unless they show symptoms.
(Previously, a COVID-19 booster was not required for children age 12+ to avoid being quarantined. It is now being required.)
We have updated our 2021-22 PreK-12 COVID-19 Information & Policies guide to reflect the new guidelines.
New COVID-19 Quarantine Guidelines (January 2022)
On December 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its COVID-19 guidelines in regards to a positive COVID-19 test or exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The CDC has shortened the standard quarantine period to 5 days for those able to wear a well-fitting mask from days 6 to 10. If an individual is COVID-19 positive, he or she can return to school and other activities after a quarantine period of 5 days if there is no fever, symptoms have improved, and he or she wears a well-fitting mask from days 6 to 10. The Eau Claire City-County Health Department recommends a 10-day quarantine for those who cannot mask (children ages 2 and under) or will not mask reliably.
We have updated our 2021-22 PreK-12 COVID-19 Information & Policies guide to reflect the new guidelines.
2021-22 PreK-12 COVID-19 Information & Policies (Updated January 2022)
If you have any questions, please contact your school’s administrator. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
COVID-19 Vaccine Availability | Eau Claire City-County Health Department Information (November 15, 2021)
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and is now available for kids ages 5-11. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect them from getting and spreading the virus. Children who are fully vaccinated (2 weeks after getting second dose) also don't need to quarantine if they are a close contact. As we approach the holiday season, the best way to keep your child safe and healthy is by getting them the COVID-19 vaccine. Call your child's doctor to talk through any questions you may have and to schedule an appointment. You can also search vaccines.gov for an appointment near you.
Important Update (September 20, 2021)
As of last week, the Wisconsin Department of Health has approved the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guideline for reducing COVID-19 quarantine time within our schools.
Your child's quarantine may be shortened to seven (7) days, returning to school on day eight (8), or the next school day thereafter, if the following statements are true:
- They have not experienced any COVID-19 symptoms AND
- They have had a negative COVID-19 test (collected on or after day 6), with the results being shared with the school prior to the student’s return AND
- They maintain physical distancing at school as much as possible AND
- They wear a well-fitted mask for the entirety of the school day for the full 14 days AND
- Symptoms are monitored for the full 14 days.
There are two options available to meet the negative testing requirements: an antigen test or a PCR test. Antigen testing may be obtained at UW-Eau Claire. PCR tests are available at several locations throughout Eau Claire County (More information about testing sites can be found online at https://coronavirus-and-covid-19-information-hub-eccounty.hub.arcgis.com/pages/symptoms-and-testing). **Home-based testing kit results are not accepted.
Utilizing this 7-day quarantine option will require your child to follow all additional COVID-19 precautions for 14 days. This includes consistent mask use, physical distancing, and avoiding gatherings. If your child is unable or unwilling to follow these requirements, they will need to remain home for the duration of the 14 day quarantine.
We appreciate that the decision of whether or not to test your child is a parental decision. If you choose not to have your child tested, we will continue to support their virtual education for the remainder of their 14 day quarantine.
Important Mask Policy Update (September 10, 2021)
Our Regis Catholic Schools leadership team met this week to discuss our COVID-19 policies and strategies as we continue through the 2021-22 school year.
Please read the letter linked below for more information on the parameters we will use to guide our masking policy as we move forward.
COVID-19 Mask Policy Update Letter (September 10, 2021)
At this time, mask wearing is a parental decision and remains optional for students and staff at our schools. The letter linked above explains when and if that policy could change for a short time at any of our school buildings.
We continue to thank you for your support and prayers.
2021-22 PreK-12 COVID-19 Information & Policies (August 23, 2021)
Final preparations are underway for the start of the 2021-22 school year, including the release of our 2021-22 PreK-12 COVID-19 Information & Policies guide. (Linked under "Helpful Resources".) We also invite you to read an important letter from President Kelly K. Mechelke.
President Kelly K. Mechelke Letter (August 2021)
We look forward to welcoming our students back into the classroom and thank you for your support and prayers.
COVID-19 Vaccinations Encouraged (August 2, 2021)
With the beginning of the 2021-22 school year just weeks away, we encourage all individuals who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. We are working to get back to a "normal" school year and the best way to accomplish this is to increase vaccination rates.
The Eau Claire City-County Health Department indicates the transmission of COVID-19 is increasing in our area. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and readily available. Getting one will help keep you and those around you as safe as possible during this pandemic.
We invite you to CLICK HERE to learn more about COVID-19 vaccine availability in our area or follow the link below for more information on getting your child(ren) vaccinated.
NEWS RELEASE | Health Department & Healthcare Prioritizing Vaccinations for 12- to 24-Year Olds
2021-22 RCS Mask Policy + Information (July 26, 2021)
With the start of the 2021-22 school year quickly approaching, our school administrators are working diligently to put plans in place as we again offer in-person learning five days a week for our students. We were grateful to be able to offer this same level of education during the past school year and find it so very important to have our students in the classroom.
We will be sharing more building-specific information in our back-to-school mailings (early August) and all system-level COVID-19 policies in our Student + Parent Handbook (late August). Please watch your mail and email closely and read all communications thoroughly.
At this time, we can pass along that mask wearing will be optional at all of our schools (for students and staff) during the 2021-22 school year.
We strongly encourage those individuals who choose not to be vaccinated or cannot be vaccinated to wear a mask. Anyone is welcome to wear a mask at any time.
It is important to note that Regis Catholic Schools reserves the right to change this mask policy at any time during the 2021-22 school year. Local, state, or federal mandates could warrant a change, as could a significant increase in positive COVID-19 rates in specific schools and/or grade levels.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) requires face coverings while using all public transportation, which applies to school buses. This means that at this time, students must wear a face covering for all situations when they are using a school bus.
Rest assured our custodians will continue to thoroughly clean our schools after each day and will conduct specialized cleaning if COVID-19 outbreaks occur. We will continue to offer and encourage the use of hand sanitizer and will also promote good hand hygiene.
Regis Catholic Schools will not offer COVID-19 testing on-site at our schools during the coming school year and we encourage you to get tested at an off-site location if/when requested. We appreciate your partnership in keeping our schools safe by getting tested and sharing the results with us when symptoms warrant. As always, we encourage COVID-19 testing when symptoms are present.
Our Regis Catholic Schools athletics and activities will return to their regular schedules and seasons, beginning with the fall athletic season. Please be sure to get your student tested anytime he or she is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
As mentioned above, more information will be shared with you in the coming weeks as we prepare for the start of the new school year. If you have any questions, please contact your school’s administrator. We look forward to welcoming our students back into the classroom and thank you for your support and prayers.
Thank you for your support during the 2020-21 school year!
