Boylan is closely monitoring the status of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in our region. Check back every Friday for the latest updates and a weekly message from our president, Mrs. Amy M. Ott.
Weekly Message from Boylan's President
May 15, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It's hard to believe there are only two weeks left of the 2019-2020 school year. Today was the last day of classes for our seniors. While their academic careers at Boylan are over, our plans to celebrate them continue. At 5 p.m. next Friday, May 22 - the day our graduation was originally scheduled to take place - we will be sharing a virtual senior awards and recognition ceremony that will honor each of our graduates. Plans are still in place for an in-person ceremony to be held in July, but we don't want the day to pass without recognizing our students and their many accomplishments. Stay tuned for details on how you can watch.
Dates have been scheduled for students to return materials to school and pick-up personal items (see below). On these days we will also be collecting donations for our annual Used Uniform Sale. If your student is no longer in need of their current school uniform, please consider donating. The sale, which benefits the Boylan Tuition Assistance Fund, will be held this summer (date TBD). Additional details below.
To our seniors on their last day of classes - congratulations! You made it.
Amy M. Ott
President
Boylan Catholic High School
May 8, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Every May our school community celebrates two very important groups - our teachers and our seniors. Monday kicked-off Teacher Appreciation Week and I can't think of a more deserving group to be recognized right now than our faculty. During the time our school has been closed due to COVID-19 they have gone above and beyond to make sure our students are not only learning, but are supported mentally and emotionally. As a way to show their appreciation, our students came together and created a video to thank their teachers (thanks to Patrick Hand '20 for coordinating!) If you haven't already, we encourage you to take a minute to say thank you to the teachers in your lives.
Another way to recognize our outstanding teachers is to nominate them, or another deserving member of our community, for one of our alumni awards. There are categories for both Boylan grads and non-grads. Nominations are due next Friday, May 15.
In addition to recognizing our teachers, we also began our month-long celebration of the Class of 2020. Each day we are profiling 10 members of our senior class on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
If you've been watching our social media pages, you'll see we also posted about the underclassmen who were named finalists in the Rockford Woman's Club creative writing contest. Boylan students were selected as seven of the 12 finalists this year and we couldn't be more proud. Literary achievements like these are usually celebrated each year at our Fine Arts Fair, originally scheduled to take place last Sunday, May 3. Sadly, our annual event showcasing the literary, musical, and visual arts talents of our students had to be canceled. But stay tuned for details about a virtual fair to be announced soon.
I hope you all have a nice weekend and, to all the moms in our community, happy Mother's Day!
Amy M. Ott
President
Boylan Catholic High School
Announcements
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATES
Continue referring to the CDC and Winnebago County Health Department websites for the latest updates on COVID-19 in our community.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
This is a difficult time for our community. Not only are we navigating distance learning and shelter-in-place restrictions, many families are also facing unemployment or loss of income, disruptions to child care, and other challenges. Please know that we are here to help. Our Counseling Department is an ongoing resource to help students navigate challenges inside and outside of the (virtual) classroom, as is our Dean of Students, and all our faculty and staff.
The United Way of Rock River Valley has also compiled a list of resources for those facing instability due to COVID-19, including loss of income and food insecurity.
UPCOMING E-LEARNING SCHEDULE
- Now-May 29: E-classes will be held every Wednesday and Friday; regular e-learning on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
- May 29: Last day of e-learning for freshmen-juniors
STUDENT MATERIALS DROP-OFF/PICK-UP
We are coordinating logistics for students to return textbooks and retrieve personal items from our building. Dates are tentatively scheduled for May 18 for seniors and June 2-4 for underclassmen. Additional details will be provided soon.
REVIEW STUDENT GRADES
Continue to check Skyward with your student. Investigate each course and make sure that each assignment has a grade. An asterisk (*) may indicate that your student has not completed an assignment. Contact individual teachers for details.
GRADE POLICY CHANGES
- The fourth quarter grade will be calculated as 50% daily work and 50% tests.
- All students will be exempt from second semester exams.
- The final second semester grade will be calculated as 50% quarter three grade and 50% quarter four grade.
- The previously scheduled semester exam days will either be regular instruction days at Boylan (assuming the stay-at-home order is lifted) or e-learning days.
- The last day for seniors will be May 15 and the last day for underclassmen will be May 29.
CLASS OF 2020 EXIT SURVEY AND SCHOLARSHIP DECLARATION
Parents of seniors: make sure your student completes the Exit Plan Survey in Naviance and fills out the scholarship declaration form via Canvas. Detailed directions for each can be found on the Canvas page of our college counselor, Mrs. Bridget McMinn. Questions? Contact Mrs. McMinn.
TECHNOLOGY REMINDERS
- Don't forget that parents have the ability to log into Canvas as an observer in their student's classes. Observers have access to see the online assignments, assessments, and resources.
- Remind your students that for best results when joining Google Meets, wear headphones to reduce echo and connect from Chromebooks (not mobile devices).
- Visit boylan.org/tech for information on where to purchase a replacement stylus if your student has lost or damaged the one that came with their Chromebook.
ADOLESCENT HEALTH SURVEY
As part of her PhD dissertation study, Becky Parizek, a Boylan parent, will be surveying our students as part of her research to explore relationships between adolescents’ health literacy and their alcohol-related behaviors. Families that allow their student to participate must forward the survey link and password to their child. You can find the survey link in the attached letter (click here), which also explains the research in detail and provides contact information for Becky should you have questions.
ALUMNI AWARDS
Nominations are now open for the 2020 Alumni Recognition Awards, which honor members of the Boylan community who reflect our school's mission.
Visit boylan.org/awards to nominate an exemplary graduate, honorary alumnus, or outstanding teacher today. Nominations are due May 31, 2020.
ROSECRANCE IN NEED OF DIY FACE MASKS FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS
Rosecrance’s residential facilities continue to operate 24/7 treating hundreds of men, women, and youth who struggle with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders, and they continue to provide outpatient therapy and crisis services in our community.
Health agencies are now recommending the use of cloth or homemade face masks as a precautionary measure for direct care staff and clients. Individuals or groups who may be interested in making or supplying masks can reach out by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Emily Lipinsky at 815-519-3568. Donations are being accepted at Rosecrance's main administrative office 1021 N. Mulford Rd, Rockford. Click here for CDC recommendations for making cloth masks.
AP EXAM UPDATES
For the latest information on AP exams click here.
CHEER TRY-OUTS
Students interested in trying out for cheer should email Coach Jeannine Ferger This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to join a mailing list to be kept up to date on next steps:
FALL DANCE TEAM TRY-OUTS
Dance team try-outs for the fall season will be held virtually this year. Interested students must submit a recorded video of 4-5 8-counts of original, creative choreography. This is a chance to show your strengths and any additional elements in which you are skilled. Please also send a recording of the following technical elements:
- Required Elements: High Kicks, Double Pirouette, Leg Hold, Grand Jete Leap, Toe Touch, Capezio
- Optional Elements (required for varsity): Triple Pirouette, Turns in Second, Turning Toe
Videos must be submitted by 6 p.m. on Friday, May 15 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Once the try-out video is received, Coach Barba will schedule a Google meet video session with the student and Coach Spain to discuss the try-out and requirements for the team. Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
SPRING SPORTS
The IHSA has canceled spring state tournaments for 2020. If state government and medical leaders indicate such gatherings are safe, some limited spring sport games may be allowed. For additional details, visit the IHSA website.
Downlaod the latest communications from the Rockford Diocese Catholic Education Office
Download an update on e-learning and grading guidelines from the Rockford Diocese Catholic Education Office
View
A MESSAGE OF THANKS FROM BISHOP MALLOY
As the stay at home order to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the state of Illinois continues through the month of May, our churches remain closed to public worship. However, their ministries, and the Catholic faith that compels them, go on and remain strong. Bishop David Malloy released this video message (Español) to send encouragement and thanks to the people in the entire diocese for their patience, prayer and good work.
Past Messages From Boylan's President
May 8, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Every May our school community celebrates two very important groups - our teachers and our seniors. Monday kicked-off Teacher Appreciation Week and I can't think of a more deserving group to be recognized right now than our faculty. During the time our school has been closed due to COVID-19 they have gone above and beyond to make sure our students are not only learning, but are supported mentally and emotionally. As a way to show their appreciation, our students came together and created a video to thank their teachers (thanks to Patrick Hand '20 for coordinating!) If you haven't already, we encourage you to take a minute to say thank you to the teachers in your lives.
Another way to recognize our outstanding teachers is to nominate them, or another deserving member of our community, for one of our alumni awards. There are categories for both Boylan grads and non-grads. Nominations are due next Friday, May 15.
In addition to recognizing our teachers, we also began our month-long celebration of the Class of 2020. Each day we are profiling 10 members of our senior class on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
If you've been watching our social media pages, you'll see we also posted about the underclassmen who were named finalists in the Rockford Woman's Club creative writing contest. Boylan students were selected as seven of the 12 finalists this year and we couldn't be more proud. Literary achievements like these are usually celebrated each year at our Fine Arts Fair, originally scheduled to take place last Sunday, May 3. Sadly, our annual event showcasing the literary, musical, and visual arts talents of our students had to be canceled. But stay tuned for details about a virtual fair to be announced soon.
I hope you all have a nice weekend and, to all the moms in our community, happy Mother's Day!
Amy M. Ott
President
Boylan Catholic High School
May 1, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Since hearing the announcement that in-person classes would not resume for the rest of the school year, our administration has been working hard to answer questions and adjust plans for end-of-year activities. This includes reworking events for our seniors and coordinating logistics for our students to return school materials and retrieve personal items. While exact details are to be determined, seniors should save the date to exchange items on May 18 and underclassmen June 2-4.
We know this has been an especially tough time for our seniors. One small way we're showing our support is by flooding Facebook with a message of encouragement for them. To join us, click here to find out how you can update your Facebook profile picture with a message of support for the Class of 2020.
As we close out our week, don't forget that there will be no e-learning on Monday. We're giving our faculty some extra time to catch up and we're giving our students a little brain break.
If you have some free time this weekend, I encourage you to nominate a deserving member of our community for one of our alumni awards. Grads, non-grads, and Boylan teachers are all eligible. Nominations are due May 15.
Below are some additional updates.
Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.
Amy M. Ott
President
Boylan Catholic High School
April 24, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Today marks the end of our sixth week of e-learning. I know the announcement about the cancellation of in-person classes through the end of the school year was difficult for our students to hear. Although these are challenging times, I continue to be impressed by the resiliency of our student body and the dedication of our faculty to continue providing engaging, high quality learning opportunities.
I also know that the changes to our school routine are hitting our seniors the hardest. The current social restrictions mean that we will be unable to hold our graduation activities the way we traditionally do. This has not been an easy pill for any of us to swallow. But please know, we will be celebrating our seniors. The pomp and circumstance may look a little different this year, but the Class of 2020 will have their time to shine. The specific details are being worked out now and we expect to share an update with you next week. Please note, some of the celebrations we have planned are dependent on the information we receive in the exit information that Mrs. Bridget McMinn has instructed your student to provide no later than this Monday, April 27 (details below). Make sure your student completes this information so they don't miss out.
We are also working on some fun ways for our entire school community to connect and stay engaged during the remaining weeks of school. Just today we released a special message to our students from Boylan grad and Green Bay Packers defensive end Dean Lowry '12. Dean shared an inside look at his life as a professional athlete during the coronavirus pandemic and discussed how he stays connected to his family in Rockford.
As always, I ask you to keep our school community in your prayers. You remain in mine.
Amy M. Ott
President
Boylan Catholic High School
April 17, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As you may have heard, Governor Pritzker announced this afternoon that all Illinois schools will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. This means that e-learning will continue at Boylan through the end of the school year.
We understand that this decision brings with it many questions from our students, parents, and faculty. Our administrative team is working to reassess our plans for the remainder of the school year, and we will update you as soon as we can.
As always, you can reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns. These are challenging circumstances but we will get through it together.
Amy M. Ott
President
Boylan Catholic High School
April 17, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I pray that you had a blessed Easter and enjoyed time with your family. Although it was not the holiday any of us envisioned, I hope you were able to connect with your faith community through online resources offered by our local parishes and perhaps create some new family traditions.
This week of e-learning offers another chance for our teachers and students to connect via e-classrooms. In addition to today's e-classes, we'll be running e-classroom days every Wednesday and Friday for the remainder of the time we are e-learning. Specific dates are listed below.
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 18, is the day we were supposed to host our senior prom. Sadly, due to the COVID-19 crisis and current social restrictions, we are unable to hold the event this weekend. We know this is deeply disappointing for our seniors who have been looking forward to this event for many years. Our hope is that we will be able to hold our prom after restrictions are lifted and our administrative team has been exploring options for a rescheduled event. We know how important these senior year milestones are and we are doing everything we can to maintain our traditions.
As we head into another weekend under stay-at-home orders, I pray that you and your family remain healthy - both physically and mentally - and take comfort in knowing we are all in this together.
Amy M. Ott
President
Boylan Catholic High School
April 3, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As another week of e-learning comes to a close, I am continually grateful for our faculty, students, and parents who have remained flexible during this unprecedented time.
This week we launched a new component of our e-learning program: e-classrooms. Today teachers had the option to meet with their students virtually during designated class periods. Our hope is that through e-classrooms, our teachers and students have the opportunity for the real-time connection that they're used to during a regular school day. As with all new initiatives, we expect both successes and challenges and we welcome your feedback on how the first day went.
This week we also celebrated Virtual Spirit Week. I loved getting a sneak peak into the home lives of our students and teachers. If you haven't yet, check out the great photos on our Facebook and Instagram.
I've included additional updates below. As we head into the weekend, please continue to pray for those most affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Know that I keep you and your family in my daily prayers.
Amy Ott
President
Boylan Catholic High School
March 20, 2020: E-learning Extended through April 7
As our week comes to a close we’d like to provide a few updates as we continue to navigate this unprecedented health crisis.
As you may have heard, the governor announced this afternoon a shelter in place order for the state of Illinois through April 7, 2020. This order also extends school closures. Following next week’s spring break (March 23-27), Boylan students should plan to resume e-learning March 30-April 7.
We sincerely appreciate the flexibility and understanding demonstrated by our students, faculty, and families as we implemented e-learning this week. We continue to be impressed by the resourcefulness and creativity of our school community as they embrace new ways of learning and find ways to stay connected. As always, if our students or parents have questions about e-learning, please reach out directly to our faculty.
We know this hasn’t been easy. We hope our students can take a much needed break and unplug next week. If additional updates need to be communicated over spring break, watch for messages via email, Skyward, robocall, and social media.
March 17, 2020: COVID-19 Update
Thank you for your support and understanding over these last few days as we navigate the response to COVID-19 in our community.
As we communicated on Friday, e-learning will begin for all students tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18 according to the guidelines outlined in our student handbook (pg. 40). While we previously stated that e-learning would continue until March 30, we've since been directed by the state that school buildings will be closed through at least March 30. Students should plan on e-learning on Monday, March 30. If dates change again, we will communicate as needed. As it currently stands, our e-learning program will be implemented as follows:
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March 18-20: E-learning
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March 23-27: Spring break (no classes)
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March 30: E-learning
Please note: this week the governor and the Illinois State Board of Education issued statements noting that e-learning assignments during school closures related to COVID-19 do not need to be graded. While the state is not requiring grading, Boylan will be implementing it's e-learning program as outlined in the handbook. Assessments will be graded according to each teacher's learning plan. Each day, teachers will communicate with students about expectations including assignments, projects, and deadlines. If you, or your student, has any questions about academic expectations at this time, please reach out to your student's teachers.
Boylan’s policy on e-learning during COVID-19 closures is aligned with the Rockford Catholic Education Office guidelines, which ask that e-learning assignments be graded.
As a result of our 1:1 initiative and the responsive e-learning program we developed last year, we are well-positioned to continue providing the excellent education that our students, parents, and teachers expect from Boylan. While we understand that there will be challenges over the coming weeks, we are confident in the ability of our students and faculty to adapt to these unique circumstances.
All of Boylan's facilities are currently closed. We have started to deep clean and disinfect our buildings according to CDC guidelines. We thank our maintenance staff for their dedication and effort during this time.
Expect additional updates from us in the coming days in regards to upcoming events and end of year activities.
March 13, 2020: High Priority Coronavirus/COVID-19 Update
In response to the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the Diocese of Rockford issued a directive today that, beginning on Monday, March 16, classes at all Diocesan elementary and high school facilities are to be suspended until at least March 30. This also includes all athletic, extra-curricular, and co-curricular activities both on and off-site.
During this time, Boylan will implement its e-learning program which will allow limited disruption to our students' education. Please refer to pg. 40 of our Student Handbook for our e-learning policy.
E-learning will begin on Wednesday, March 18. Our faculty will have in-service days on March 16-17 in order to finalize third quarter grades and prepare for e-learning. Students will have these days off.
The schedule for the next two weeks is:
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March 16-17: Faculty in-service (no classes)
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March 18-20: E-learning
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March 23-27: Spring break (no classes)
As stated in our e-learning policy, students are responsible for checking Canvas and school email regularly for updates from their teachers.
Prior to dismissal today, students were instructed to take home all school materials (Chromebooks, books, notes, etc.) they will need to complete class assignments. Students who were absent on Friday and need to pick up materials, may do so on Monday, March 16 between 10 am-noon. Students must enter through the main entrance (Door A). If this time frame does not work, email our principal, Mr. Christopher Rozanski. No one outside of students who forgot materials will be allowed access to the building. If students experience technical issues during e-learning, please refer to A 1:1 Learning Environment.
Throughout the next two weeks, this situation will be re-evaluated and students and parents will be notified prior to Monday, March 30 as to whether or not classes will resume inside our building. If classes at our facility continue to be suspended, we will resume with our e-learning program after spring break. Please be sure to watch for messages from Boylan over the next few weeks. We will communicate via email, Skyward, Robocall, social media, and on our website.
An Important Note About Spring Break Travel
If you are planning to travel outside the continental United States during the next few weeks, you must inform Dean of Students Mr. Christopher Lindstedt and place yourself on a 14-day self-quarantine when you return. Students and staff will not be allowed to return to Boylan until that period of time has elapsed. If additional travel restrictions are put in place by governing bodies, students and staff will be expected to follow them.
As this is an evolving situation there may be more information, restrictions, or directives that will be communicated to you over the next few weeks. As always the health and safety of our Boylan community is our number one priority. This is a unique situation and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding.
March 11, 2020: Coronavirus Health Update
The health and safety of our school community is always our primary concern. We are in daily communication with the Winnebago County Health Department and are following CDC recommendations for prevention.
Download English version here View
Download Spanish version here View .
As you prepare for spring break travel, we encourage you to follow these same CDC guidelines and to use caution when making travel plans.
As always, if your child is sick - whatever the reason - please do not send them to school. If you have questions or concerns about our attendance policy, please reach out to our Dean of Students Mr. Christopher Lindstedt
In the event that local agencies direct us to close school, our plan is to follow e-learning procedures to ensure there is no disruption to our students’ education (refer to pg. 40 of our Student Handbook for our e-learning policy).
While there are no known cases of coronavirus in our area, we will continue to monitor the situation in order to ensure a swift response if needed. We will provide updated information should circumstances change.