Return to Learn FAQ

Xavier consistently takes the following into consideration in determining the learning model to start the school year and as the year progresses:  Governor Reynolds, Linn County Public Health, and the needs and capacity of the school.  At the time of selecting the hybrid model, the rate of positive tests in Linn County were and continue to trend upwards, raising a level of concern.  By reducing the number of students in the building, we are able to allow for more distancing in hallways and classrooms.  Students will be seated in a classroom with physical distance of six feet apart.  This adds constraints to the number of students who can fit in a classroom.

In the survey results shared in the Xavier Return to Learn plan, parents expressed their comfort and preference of all models. Teachers expressed concern in starting the school year with all students in the building.  While we all desire to be fully in-person, Xavier’s decision was based on what is best for everyone balancing academics and health and safety.  As guidance changes and the school year progresses, we will continue to evaluate what model provides the best learning environment while adequately meeting health and safety needs.

After being online in the spring of last year, we learned it is important that students do not spend a full day online.  We also know it is important for students to interact with their teachers and their peers.  The half-day model allows all students to be in the building on a daily basis and not online for a full day. This is important from a health and safety standpoint and from a functional standpoint in that it mitigates potential exposure/potential of having "close contact" as it relates to COVID-19.

Students fully online at Xavier will be enrolled in the same classes and follow the same schedule as their classmates who are in school.   There are no alternative classes.  Students at home will log in via Zoom to connect to the classroom, will use Xavier’s online Learning Management System (Canvas), and be encouraged to communicate regularly via email or Zoom with teachers.

Our Navy and Silver cohort groupings have been determined so as not to split up students who belong to a same XHS school “community” in our new Community System we are launching this school year. A great amount of intention and effort has been committed over the summer regarding the placement of students in their respective communities -- therefore students will not be able to change their cohort to preserve our ability to successfully implement our new communities initiative. 

Students will learn which community they are in before the school year begins. There are a total of five student communities. 

Siblings are also kept together in a cohort for transportation and health/safety purposes. If a student rides to/from school with a student not in his/her cohort, parents should indicate that on the Parent Survey (scheduled to send on August 7th).

Teachers will be teaching students both in-person and live on Zoom during each class period. There will be an iPad set up in each classroom for the live stream.  

Online learning will not be the same as last spring.  We commend both teachers and students for moving online without preparation or training.  We are able to begin the school year with time to plan and prepare.

During the school year, attendance will be taken, work graded and credit earned in all classes.  Teachers will live stream classes via Zoom for those working from home.  In some cases, teachers will include all direct instruction at the start of the class followed by a project or work to be done for the rest of the class block without needing to be online for the full class time.  Teachers continue to plan creative ways to best engage students in two synchronous learning environments.

No, students are not required to be in dress code.  Appropriate dress is expected and the Xavier casual day expectations provide appropriate guidelines.

As stated in the Return to Learn plan: Students are to be visible in their device camera during their online class session.

While each department has unique needs, here are some examples of how Xavier teachers are planning to adapt to online and hybrid learning 

• Instrumental and Vocal Music - Classes will be held outside, weather permitting.  Students have face shields, masks, and bell covers (instruments) to prevent spread. 
• Science - teachers are working creatively to ensure all students are able to participate in labs
• Art - additional supplies have been purchased to allow students to work from home when necessary. Logitech pens have been purchased to allow students to use their own iPads instead of laptops.
• Fitness/Wellness - class time from home will not be spent on Zoom. Students will be given workouts or physical activity to complete.

Yes, students are expected to attend first block, second block, and Xcel or House time if they are at Xavier in the morning.  Morning onsite class time would be 7:50 to 11:05 am.  Students onsite in the afternoon are expected to attend Xcel or House time, third block, and fourth block.  Afternoon onsite class time is 11:35 to 2:45 pm

House time is on Mondays and Fridays. Xcel Hour is on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 30 minutes each.

This year the original Xavier schedule included a 1:45 pm dismissal for teacher in-service time.  It is important for teachers to continue this planned professional development. In order to maintain consistency for student transportation, teachers will meet between morning and afternoon sessions in the hybrid model. Students will not have Xcel or House but may use the time to schedule makeup tests in the LMC or for lunch.

We understand that all students have specific needs and online learning provides challenges for all students.  Xcel hour will be a weekly opportunity for teacher support.  Some students will need accommodations that make it important for them to be in school all day and the Xavier Student Support Team will screen these requests in balancing the numbers we are able to maintain in the building.  Contact Mr. Svare at mr.svare@xaviersaints.org

Due to the need for students to travel from home for after school activities, practice start time is delayed to 3:25 this year. Students coming from home are asked to be prepared for practices to minimize the use of locker rooms when possible.

Students have one hour of time to transition between school and home if they do not stay for lunch.  Lunch is available as a grab and go.  Students who do stay for lunch have 30 minutes between school and home.  We will be analyzing individual needs based on survey results sent to parents on August 6.  Individual requests can be sent to Mr. Svare at mr.svare@xaviersaints.org

Please contact Mrs. Marshall with any technology support needs. mrs.marshall@xaviersaints.org.

Parents should seek out an accredited institution that aligns with the Iowa Department of Education and Xavier High School requirements. A school counselor will review a returning student's transcript to evaluate completed coursework and credit.

• UV air filters will be installed in the school’s HVAC system.  All air being circulated in the building will pass through the UV filter to inactivate airborne pathogens and microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.  In addition, ventilation will be increased to ACH at three times per hour as recommended by the CDC. 
• Drinking fountains will be available for use as a water bottle filler only. Drinking directly from the fountain will not be permitted. Students and staff should provide their own refillable water bottle for hydration during the school day. 
• Xavier uses an electrostatic sprayer to disinfect and sanitize large areas. Classrooms, offices, and other spaces will be cleaned nightly.  
• Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed in every classroom and office area.  Students and staff will be expected to “gel in and gel out” using hand sanitizer as they enter and exit a room.

During lunch, student seating will include the cafeteria, senior patio, and the gym.  Students will be expected to maintain distancing when in line and while eating. Students will remove their masks when seated for lunch.  Students have three options for lunch.  They may choose to eat at school, leave with a boxed lunch, or leave to eat off-campus/at home.  The use of lunch cards will be strictly enforced to keep food lines flowing and help maintain physical distancing.

On Thursday, July 30, the Iowa Department of Public Health released guidance for exposure and close contact. At this time, Linn County Public Health is currently working on its updated guidance.  Xavier will follow guidance of Linn County Public Health as it relates to school and activities.  This information will be shared once it becomes available.

Students should be screened (temperature and symptoms) by parents prior to coming into school.  Those that develop any symptoms during the day will be evaluated by the nurse.

Xavier will not be screening students unless requested and ask Mrs. Naeve, School Nurse.  Families who have traveled out of state are encouraged to be responsible when choosing to come to school or stay at home. Families can use https://www.testiowa.com/en to screen at home.

Face masks are required to be worn by all staff and students in all areas of the building. 

Face shields are strongly encouraged anytime. A face shield does not replace a face mask, but it may be worn in addition to a face mask.

Kris Naeve, School Nurse, will work individually with students concerning medical waivers for masks.

Medications (over the counter and prescription) will be given during the school day. Parents will need to provide any prescription medications, in the original bottle, and consent form found on the Xavier website. Over the counter medications that Xavier provides can continue to be given as long as parent consent has been given through the e-registration permissions tab.