With recent concerns about the spread of coronavirus, please be aware that West Catholic and diocesan administrators are in close contact with our local (county), state and federal (CDC) public health organizations and we are following their recommendations carefully. Please continue to monitor this page for the latest information.
Reminders
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Use hand sanitizer as a supplement to hand washing.
- Cover your mouth with your elbow when you cough. If you use your hand, please wash hands immediately.
- This is also a good time to make sure you are current with vaccines.
Diocesan Response to MDE Memorandum
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) issued a memorandum (link is external) on March 20, 2020, regarding hours and days of instruction for public schools during this closure. Since the 31 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are not public schools or public charter schools (also known as public school academies or PSAs), we follow the Michigan Association of Non-public Schools (MANS) guidelines and diocesan calendar standards rather than MDE requirements.
The instruction which Catholic school students are currently receiving through remote learning will be counted, and Catholic schools in the diocese will continue to deliver instruction. We believe it is in the best interest of our students to continue their Catholic education during this unprecedented time.
We are grateful to the teachers, school leaders, boards, and pastors throughout our alliance of Catholic schools whose tireless efforts enable this instruction and maintain a sense of school community. We are grateful also to families for their commitment to Catholic education.
As people of faith, let us pray for all affected by this virus, especially those who have died and for all health care workers who are working diligently to protect us during this time.
Online Learning
Courses have been moved online to Canvas until further notice. **All dual enrollment students must adhere to the plans and policies of the college/university to which they are enrolled.**
Looking to get connected? Here are some Internet Access Resources.
Online Learning FAQs
We have posted a list of frequently asked questions of students and parents along with answers to those questions. We will continue to update this list as new questions arise.
Other Updates
Testing Information:
College:
- As a service to students and families, NACAC is providing this online tool as a central resource for information about changes in college admission events, deposit dates, and more as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Course Registration (2020-2021 School Year):
- Course request sheets and AP contracts that were signed by a parent/guardian can be scanned and emailed to Mrs. Ford at lauriford@grwestcatholic.org.
What to do if you struggle over break:
- Resources can be found on the Personal/Social Resources page on our website.
- School Counselors will continue to check email regularly. We are here for all of you!
- Coronavirus Resources:
- Coping with Coronavirus Anxiety (link is external) (link is external) (Harvard Medical School)
- 7 Science-Based Strategies to Cope with Coronavirus Anxiety (link is external) (link is external) (The Conversation)
- What You Need to Know About COVID-19 (CDC)
- Complete Mental Health Guide During COVID-19 Pandemic (link is external) (link is external) (Peak Resilience)
- Manage Anxiety and Stress (link is external) (link is external) (CDC)
- Coronavirus: 8 Ways to Look After Your Mental Health (MHE)
Campus Ministry Weekly Schedule:
Monday
9:30 a.m. - Lectio Divina
1 p.m. - Bible Study/Fellowship
Tuesday
9:30 a.m. - Rosary
12:50 p.m. - Religious Themes in Film
Wednesday
9 p.m. - Liturgy of the Hours
Thursday
12:45 p.m. - Divine Mercy Chaplet
Friday
1 p.m. - Praise and Worship
*All events take place on Google Meet*
Students may attend office hours or schedule an appointment with one of our chaplains or our campus minister for additional spiritual guidance and support:
- Mr. Dolci - Thursday 9:15-10 a.m.
- Fr. Andrew - Tuesday-Friday 1-2 p.m.
- Fr. Rob - Tuesday 9:15-10:00 a.m.
Questions? Contact Mr. Dolci at phildolci@grwestcatholic.org.
Current decisions regarding programming changes are listed below. We will continue to update this information as final decisions regarding each event are made. Please check back regularly to stay up to date.
Spring Break - April 6-10, 2020
Public schools in Kent County are not shifting spring break, which is the week of April 6-10. Catholic schools within Kent County will also keep spring break as planned. (Keep in mind that we are in unprecedented territory and anything can change.)
TRAVEL DISCLAIMER: We strongly recommend that you follow CDC guidelines (link is external) regarding travel. This information is frequently changing, so please reference the CDC's website regularly for more information. Please be aware that self-quarantine requirements could be added for people who have traveled to certain regions where the virus is more widespread. Upon returning from spring break, the school is taking its lead from local, state and national health organizations, as well as the governor’s orders. Should West Catholic need to take additional measures after spring break regarding students re-entering the school, these will be communicated to families as quickly as possible.
Celebrate West! Auction - April 17, 2020
The Celebrate West! Auction has been rescheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Please contact our development team with any questions.
Athletics
All practices and games have been canceled until further notice. For updates from the MHSAA, please visit mhsaa.com/coronavirus (link is external).
School-Related Activities & Field Trips
All meetings, trips, etc. have been canceled until further notice.
GR Promise Zone Info Sessions
All Grand Rapids Promise Zone events have been postponed. Rescheduling information will be shared when it becomes available. Online videos and written content regarding the Promise Zone Scholarship will be sent out in the coming weeks by the Promise Zone team. Please contact promisezone@grcc.edu or 616-234-4321 with any questions.
West Catholic is working in collaboration with All Saints Academy, Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity and St. Anthony of Padua to offer free meals to ALL students under the age of 18 during this extended break. We are currently providing breakfast and lunch to be picked up at the front of the gymnasium entrance at West Catholic High School. We will be distributing meals each day from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Vegetarian, gluten-free and peanut-free items will also be available. Parents may stop by to pick up food for their child(ren).
This week's lunch menu:
Monday - Chili and Cornbread
Tuesday - Chicken Tenders and French Fries
Wednesday - Turkey and Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Thursday - Hot Dogs and Coleslaw
Friday - Tomato Bisque Soup and Cheese Sandwiches