Helpful Information

List of 25 items.

• Hybrid, Remote, or In Person? How is Xaverian starting the year?

  
  Xaverian will reopen with a hybrid model. With COVID-19 resulting in an ever-changing landscape for each of us, at this time we believe a hybrid model represents our best approach. This model allows us to maximize in-person learning while simultaneously reducing the population density on our campus. This will allow us to safely operate Xaverian as we navigate the changing nature of this pandemic. 

  
  

  Under this model, the school population will be divided into two groups (blue and gold) by alphabetical order, resulting in approximately 50% of our student population on campus and the remaining 50% engaged in their studies remotely. This will de-densify our campus and aid in social distancing and other protective measures. 

  
  

  Those students who are engaging in their studies remotely will have real-time access to all that is occurring in their Xaverian classroom. Xaverian is presently outfitting each learning space with cameras and voice capabilities so that those students at home will maintain the ability to log in to their classes in real-time. They will also have the ability to hear and see their teacher, the white board, any projections onto the board, instructional diagrams/visual tools, and some of their classmates. They will also be able to verbally communicate with their teacher, again in real-time.

  
  

  As detailed on the Reopening Xaverian homepage, under the hybrid model the student population will be divided into the “Blue Group” and the “Gold Group” and they will rotate between in-person learning at Xaverian and remote learning on a weekly basis. 
  
  

• What kind of mask can I wear?

  
  

  Masks or face coverings are among the most critical components to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, all faculty, staff, students, parents, and other guests are required to supply their own masks and wear them at all times while on the Xaverian campus. Please note the following regulations for masks at Xaverian:

  • Masks must be at least two-ply cotton and tight-fitting. Surgical masks are also permitted. 
  • Masks may not contain images or symbols of an offensive nature and should not include any text or advertisements for products, political causes, or other images that may be inappropriate or cause a disruption to the educational environment of the school. 
  • Gaiters, bandanas, single-ply masks, masks with removable filters, or masks with exhalation valves are not allowed.
  • Masks should be cleaned and washed on a regular basis.

• What are the health and safety expectations of me?

  
  Please see the Health and Safety section of the reopening website for detailed information about expectations of students, parents, faculty, and staff.
  
  

• Do I need a Flu Shot?

  
  We received word from the State of Massachusetts that it is now a requirement for the 2020-2021 school year that all students in K-12 must get an influenza vaccine. Students will be expected to have received the influenza vaccine by December 31, 2020 unless they have a medical or religious exemption. Documentation of receiving the vaccine or an exemption note must be submitted to the nurse by this date.
  
  

• When is the first day of school?

  
  The first day of classes/hybrid instruction will be Wednesday, September 16. The school year will begin with the GOLD group on campus and the BLUE group remote. Classes begin at 8:30 a.m.
  
  

• Will there be student orientations?

  
  Given the unique circumstances of this year, we will offer grade-specific, on-campus student orientations to review necessary protocols and procedures pertaining to our modified learning environment and campus changes. While more information will be forthcoming, the orientations will take place on the following dates on Xaverian’s campus:

  
  

  • Thursday, September 10 - Student Orientation (BLUE Grades 7 & 9; 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) 
  • Friday, September 11 - Student Orientation (GOLD Grades 7 & 9; 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
  • Monday, September 14 - Student Orientation (BLUE Grades 8 & 10, 8:30 -11:00 a.m.; Grades 11 & 12, 12:00-2:30 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, September 15 - Student Orientation (GOLD Grades 8 & 10 8:30-11:00 a.m.; Grades 11 & 12, 12:00-2:30 p.m.)
    
    

• What is the REAL/X 2.0 academic day schedule?

  
  We developed this schedule because we believe quite strongly that one schedule helps provide continuity and consistency for our students, families, and faculty, regardless of which model (hybrid, remote, or fully in-person) is being utilized. Having one academic day schedule will also help provide some sense of predictability and control, which is a highly beneficial aspect to the education of any student. 

  
  

  Based on current guidelines that encourage the return of as many students as possible, we have created an eight-day rotating schedule consisting of six 50-min blocks each day with 10-minute passing times. This schedule utilizes two cycles (A and B), and a "pick up where you left off" rotation. This schedule also preserves familiar lunch drops, and the long standing Xaverian tradition of senior early dismissal (now at 1:20 p.m.).

   
  
  
  

• How do I know if I am in the BLUE or GOLD group?

  
  BLUE and GOLD designations are done by alphabetical order per grade. Please consult the following chart, which breaks down who is in what group by the first initial of a student's last name.
  

• What are the academic expectations of students for this year of REAL/X 2.0?

  
  Detailed information for students is available on the Academic Expectations page of the reopening website.
  
  

• What has Xaverian done to implement additional safety measure to make campus more safe in light of COVID-19?

  
  Campus enhancements and cleaning protocols are shared in detail on the Facility Enhancements page of the reopening website.
  
  

• I want to be fully remote, how do I do that?

  
  Though Xaverian is opening with a hybrid model, the school is structured to allow any student to opt for a remote educational model instead of being on campus. If after reading through all of the reopening materials a student chooses to pursue remote education at Xaverian, his family should contact Ms. Lauren Hill, Assistant Principal for Academics, to make arrangements.
  
  

• Are any changes being made to the restrooms in response to COVID-19?

  
  Bathroom capacity will be capped in order to de-densify our campus. Certain stalls and urinals will be closed to accommodate social distancing. Signage will be present in each bathroom to help ensure that guidelines, expectations, and responsibilities are honored, for the safety of all.

  
  

  Restrooms will be monitored throughout the day to ensure that they are fully stocked with soap and the necessary supplies. Students are expected to engage in proper hand washing and personal hygiene throughout the day, but especially when utilizing restroom facilities.  

  
  

  There should be no congregating anywhere on campus, including lavatories. Proper hand hygiene is expected with every use of a restroom. 

   

• Is there hand sanitizer available on campus?

  
  Yes. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout campus. However, every student is encouraged to have his own supply that he carries with him in his backpack. Additionally, proper hand hygiene (including washing hands before and after eating and after using the restroom), is expected of all on campus.
  
  

• Are guests/visitors allowed on campus this year?

  
  One of our overarching goals is to limit individuals on campus to those people who are essential to the education of our students. People who help create this environment include our students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

  
  

  Therefore, other guests, visitors, vendors, parents, volunteers, etc. will have their ability to visit Xaverian significantly limited. This will allow us to maximize our attempt to de-densify our campus. As a result, all nonessential guests must be approved by an administrator. Approved visitors and guests are required to wear a face mask and follow all COVID-19 related health and safety protocols.

  
  

  That said, we will continue to use virtual meetings and events whenever possible. 

   

• Do I have to wear a mask on the bus?

  
  Just as you have to wear a mask while at Xaverian, masks must be worn at all times while commuting on buses/trains. Additionally, there will be no congregating in the parking lots when students are dropped off or picked up. Xaverian’s contracted bus provider will ensure that all buses adhere to the school transportation guidelines published by the state. 
  
  

• How will I know which direction to go in the hallways and stairwells?

  
  When students arrive on campus for orientation, they will be fully informed of the uni-directional (one-way) traffic flow that will exist at Xaverian this fall. One-way traffic will allow for appropriate social distancing. Certain hallways and staircases are designated one-way only.
  
  

• How will Xaverian use outdoor space to maximize social distancing?

  
  When students return to Xaverian this fall there will be several noticeable changes. Following recommendations from the CDC and our own medical consultants, Xaverian will utilize outdoor spaces at times to accomodate groups of students. Places such as the back fields, the Brother Daniel Skala Plaza, varsity field bleachers, and courtyards may be used at times for lunches, unstructured periods, and mask break areas. Additionally, spaces such as the cafeteria and FXD gym are being repurposed to serve as additional locations for the safe accommodation of students.

   

• I'm a parent. How will Xaverian address my questions?

  
  We understand there may be additional questions about our return to school in the fall. While we hope the information provided in our reopening plan is helpful, please take note of the following three items:
  
  

  1. Submitting a Question: Parents may submit a question online before Friday, August 14. These questions will be reviewed at our upcoming parent town halls and orientations this year.
  2. Virtual Parent Town Halls: As a direct follow-up to the release of Reopening Xaverian, members of the administration will host two virtual town hall sessions on Tuesday, August 18 at 8:30 a.m. for families with sons in grades 7, 8, and 9, and Wednesday, August 19 at 10:00 a.m. for families with sons in grades 10, 11, and 12. Please note that the information at both sessions will be the same. If you have sons in multiple grades, please choose the date and time most appropriate for your family. Invitations to these sessions will be emailed to you the evening before the event.

  Virtual Parent Orientations: Prior to the start of the school year, we will host virtual parent orientations.
  The orientation dates are as follows:
  

  • Tuesday, September 1 (Grades 7 & 8), 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 2 (Grades 9 & 10), 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, September 3 (Grades 11 & 12), 6:00 p.m.
    
    

• If students aren't on campus full time, are you discounting tuition?

  
  At Xaverian, the vast majority of our costs are fixed. As a result there are no present plans to reduce or adjust tuition. Moreover, as we prepare for the three possible scenarios described in this document, Xaverian has incurred additional unforeseen expenses. We have happily assumed these costs because we are committed to doing whatever we can for our students. Yet, such an incursion makes a reduction in tuition untenable. As a result, we do not anticipate changing the 2020-2021 tuition here at Xaverian.  

   

• It's my remote week. Do I have to follow dress code?

  
  The short answer is, yes. 
  
  

  Students are expected to adhere to all traditional dress code and personal grooming requirements, as stipulated in the Parent and Student Handbook, whether they are participating in classes via remote or on campus.

   

• What about lunch? Will I get to eat in the cafeteria?

  
  Students will be assigned to eat lunch in the cafeteria or another designated area, such as a classroom, the FXD gym, or outside. When eating, a minimum of six feet of separation will be maintained at all times. Students are reminded to wash hands before and after eating. While bringing lunch is encouraged, students will still have the option to purchase prepackaged meals through our food service provider.
  
  

• Will there be daily COVID-19 screenings?

  
  All students, faculty, staff, and administrators will be required to complete a daily screening prior to their arrival at Xaverian. We are in the final stages of selecting the appropriate application for Xaverian. Once the selection is finalized, instructions will be distributed to all impacted parties.  
  
  

• I've been exposed to someone who is COVID positive. Now what?

  
  Please see the COVID Exposure page of the reopening site for detailed information for how to proceed if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, are showing symptoms yourself, or have tested positive yourself. 
  
  

• What about sports? Clubs?

  
  Every effort will be made to ensure the full breadth of the Xaverian experience within the confines of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) COVID-19 related restrictions, as well as adhering to guidelines established by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. Most non-athletic extracurricular activities and clubs will continue to run this year, with both in-person and remote components. 

  
  

  As such, formal guidance from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) regarding sports has not been formally announced. Once a state-wide announcement is made, Xaverian will offer further guidance regarding athletics for the 2020-2021 school year.

   

• Will I have a locker this year?

  
  Xaverian will not be utilizing lockers to start this school year. Students will carry their backpacks throughout the day. This will mitigate the need to visit high-touch locker areas. Therefore, it is extremely important that students have all of the necessary materials and supplies in their backpacks. Students are prohibited from sharing any items with fellow students. These items include, but are not limited to food, drinks, cups, utensils, dishes, towels, school supplies, laptops, pens, pencils, notebook paper, etc.