If there is anything that we have learned in the last week, it is that protocols for testing, treating and containing the coronavirus (COVID-19) are evolving. We’ve seen that although all local efforts are coordinated nationally with the CDC, different measures have been taken in different cities and states. Of course, this is a matter of assessing different circumstances, no two of which are the same. The Diocese of Providence Catholic School Office has been in regular contact with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), its director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, and her team of health experts. With St. Raphael Academy at the center of coronavirus in Rhode Island, I spoke personally with the Director early Sunday evening, the day the initial cases were confirmed by RIDOH, and later I was on the conference call with educators across the state hosted by Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green. We are taking seriously and acting on every word of direction that comes from RIDOH, the CDC, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE).
The tireless and highly professional work of RIDOH has been impressive. The communication is constant. It has allowed us to push out information regularly to the principals of all 38 Catholic schools in Rhode Island, which is in addition to what they are receiving directly from RIDOH and RIDE. It’s a highly coordinated and collaborative approach, even as it seems the ground is shifting under us. RIDOH is in frequent communication with St. Ray’s Principal Dan Richard, and he and I are on the phone continuously throughout the day.
Principal Richard and his team have been managing this situation around the clock. He spent years in the military before he moved into education and that background is serving him well. He knows how to gather information, prudently work through the details, set a course of action with the direction of the experts, and act decisively. He has one goal and he’ll see it to the end: Ensure the safety of the St. Ray’s students and his faculty.
What is remarkable, too, is that St. Ray’s developed and implemented its virtual learning day protocol three years ago. When faculty have professional days, instruction continues virtually for St. Ray’s students at home. The students treat a virtual day like any other in-school day — of course without their uniforms. They know what’s expected and how they will be assessed. Virtual days are nothing new, and they have enabled the students to isolate out of school indefinitely. But let’s hope not.
We keep praying. I know the parents and students in our Catholic schools are praying. Many others have told us they are praying. We’re praying for the students and our colleagues at First Achievement. We’ll get through this. We’ll be cautious, calm and confident, and adapt to the direction of the RIDOH and CDC as they perfect the best measures and protocols for containing this devastating virus.
Daniel J. Ferris is the Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic School Office of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence
