St. Robert School in Shorewood will resume in-person classes on Wednesday, Sept. 2, with students and staff required to wear masks and socially distance themselves.

“As expected, some people are very concerned; but overall, parents are supportive of our decision to open school for in-person instruction based on the comprehensive School Reopening Plan we've developed,” Kristi Felber, director of Marketing and Engagement, told the Wisconsin Catholic Tribune. “And they believe that for the overall well-being of children, they should be in school. We are extremely hopeful and confident that our plan will allow us to accomplish.”

St. Robert School set the primary goal for its reopening plan as minimizing the risk of infection. This will be done by reducing time and exposure of students and staff with each other. The staff will batch student groups, monitor students and staff, and inform administration of any exposure or indications of illness. The second goal prioritizes students’ academic, emotional and social needs.

Students must bring a freshly laundered face mask marked with the day of the week and a separate plastic bag to keep their mask in when not in use, such as during lunch; the 2020 School Reopening Plan, posted on the school’s website, said. They also must bring their own unscented hand sanitizer and a stadium seat. Additionally, each student must bring a water bottle daily. Teachers will turn on water fountains at specific times to refill the bottles.

Except for 4K through first-grade teachers, all instructors will wear masks. Teachers of those younger children will wear face shields when animated expression or articulation are critical to teaching and learning, the reopening plan said.

Parents must track their children’s temperature and keep note of everyone with whom they come in contact. Teachers also will track any contact outside of cohort groups, the plan stated.

St. Robert will stagger times of different cohort groups at the school for changing classes and going to lunch.

Students will be required to stay at least three feet apart. In situations where that is not possible, plastic shields may be installed for safety.