Butler Catholic and St. Wendelin Move to Remote Learning Due to COVID-19 Spread in Butler County

It is in an abundance of caution that Butler Catholic and St. Wendelin Elementary Schools (Butler, PA) will be moving to total remote learning beginning Monday, November 16, 2020. 
 
School administrators made the decision in collaboration with appropriate health agencies and in consultation with the Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools Office.
 
In a note to inform parents, JoLynn Clouse, St. Wendelin School Principal, and Sr. John Ann Mulhern, Butler Catholic Elementary School Principal said, “We are committed to keeping our students, faculty and staff safe.  Although we have no cases of COVID in school, with the increase in the number of cases in the community, we feel this approach is in the best interest of all.  Hopefully we will be able to resume in-person instruction on December 1, 2020, unless circumstances require other measures.”
 
As the COVID-19 situation continues to be very fluid, school administrators will monitor data on a weekly basis and share updates with school families through their regular channels of communication. 
 
“We face many challenges in the days ahead as the COVID infection rate continues to rise.  It is our goal and intent to keep our schools open five days a week for in-person instruction, but we recognize that we may need to pivot quickly as our schools examine their specific circumstances.  I would suggest that everyone develop an emergency childcare plan just in case.  To be clear, it is our intent to navigate this COVID uptick with our school doors open for in-person instruction, but we must be prepared for the challenges ahead. Your support and collaboration are critical to our ability to make this possible,” said Michelle Peduto, director of Catholic Schools, in a letter to school families.