Schools reopen after a precautionary closing

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake Valley Department of Health, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control, cleared Judge Memorial Catholic High School and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, adjacent to each other in Salt Lake City to reopen May 6.

This information was released in a statement by Marianne K. Bartman, director of Communications at Judge Memorial Catholic High School in conjunction with the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

The Salt Lake Valley Department of Health, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control, had confirmed that one student from Judge Memorial Catholic High School had beem tested for the H1N1 virus. The CDC was originally hopeful that test results on this student would have been available by late on Monday, May 4. Due to the latest influx of tests into the CDC, the CDC reports that the test result was not available by the time the Intermountain Catholic went to press May 5.

Rick Bartman, principal of Judge Memorial, and Louise Herman, principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School, announced that classes at both schools would reopen May 5. Faculty and staff from either school who were ill or feeling under the weather were urged to remain home, seek medical attention if deemed necessary, and keep in touch with administrators. Parents with sick children were urged to follow the same guidelines. Due to the diligence of all Judge Memorial and Our Layd of Lourdes families, this illness did not spread.

"We ask that all members of our community continue to be vigilant," said the principals.

Additionally, the Salt Lake Valley Department of Health has selectively cleared the Judge Memorial boys soccer team only to participate in athletic events effectively immediately.

Judge Memorial played Deseret Hills High School May 5, in a UHSAA 3A soccer playoff game.

All other high school academic and extra-curricular activities resumed effective the morning of May 6.

To clarify, while the soccer team was cleared to play May 5, all other athletics and activities were not to schedule practice or events until May 6.

Advance Placement exams missed on May 4, or May 5, will follow the previously announced make-up days. More information on this will be available at the school. All other AP exams will be held as scheduled. Students who are scheduled to take AP exams from May 6, forward should come to school prepared to do so.

The days we have been closed due to the recommendations of the CDC and the health department will not need to be made up. The school will have met the state and federal hourly requirement by the end of the 2008-09 school year, so no make-up days are necessary.

The 2009 Prom, Belle Notte, will take place as scheduled on Saturday, May 9.

On behalf of the administration and faculty of both schools, Bartman and Herman extend their appreciation to their students and parents for their understanding and cooperation.

While this has been a trying few days, our community has exhibited resilience and grace. We are grateful for the health and well being of our families and we look forward to getting back together as a community.