Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:5-7

Christ’s eternal grace and peace to you and yours, Saints!

Jesus Christ calls us to be united through His Word and through the promise of eternal life we have in Him. At this divisive and contentious time, and at all times, we are bettered by inviting Him into our lives and conversations. As you review this letter, join me in recalling Paul's words in Ephesians 4 and King David’s words in Psalm 133. We must be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Saints, thank you for your patience. On Friday, July 31, Crean Lutheran’s leadership team met with the Board of Directors to discuss plans for the fall. Together, we heard from legal counsel and discussed a plan for reopening that considers not only the health and safety of students, families, faculty, and staff members, but also recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics. On August 18, rather than having the students who chose the on-ground option begin school in-person, we will instead conduct the first two weeks of the academic year entirely online, utilizing synchronous instruction. This two-week period of online instruction is imperative, as it is our hope, and more importantly our prayer, that ongoing conversations Crean Lutheran’s leadership team is having with local, county, and state representatives, legal counsel, and health care agency representatives, will result in our ability to implement a safe and effective return to school in the following weeks.

Our proposed return to campus, currently designated for August 31, involves grade level groups of students being instructed on-campus while all other students learn from home in a synchronous modality. This design presents an opportunity for teachers and staff members to educate smaller groups of students in person, students who have not been able to socialize in a school setting for several months and are likely not familiar with current health and safety expectations. 

Based on this plan, the elements of student-training involved, and our ongoing efforts to partner with local, county, and state representatives, our intention is to have all students who chose the on-ground option attending school on-ground beginning Monday, September 28. Parents will have an opportunity to (re)select their preferred learning modality in the near future. Previously, 591 out of 875 (68%) students selected on-ground for the first six weeks of school. Please lift this plan up in prayer, as well as the students, families, faculty, and staff of Crean Lutheran. To God be the glory!

In Christ,

Dr. Daniel Moyer
Principal

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33
Note: Please contact Dr. Adam Sheppard (949-387-1199 ext. 2302 ), Campus Dean, with questions.

Face Coverings (Students)

Students are required to wear a facial covering (face mask or face shield). The continued use of face coverings will be reviewed at two week increments.

• This expectation includes time spent in classrooms, passing periods, walking about campus, arrival, and departure.

• Athletic and Performing Arts will follow local guidance regarding the use of facial covering during practices and performances, which currently involves students not wearing masks during such strenuous activities.

• Students are permitted to remove facial coverings during their lunch break, while seated and eating.

Figure 1: Crean Lutheran parent reflections regarding the use of student face coverings.

Face Coverings (Faculty and Staff)

Faculty and staff members are required to wear a facial covering (face mask or face shield). The continued use of face coverings will be reviewed at two week increments.

• Faculty and staff will be wearing a facial covering (mask or shield) when teaching from the front of the classroom and when within six feet of students.

• Staff members, when within six feet of students, will wear either a face mask or face shield.

Screening

Prior to a student coming to school each day, a parent/guardian must complete a screening for signs and symptoms as listed by the Center of Disease and Prevention Control.

• Students with a fever of 100.4 or above are required to stay home for 24 hours or until fever free. 

Arrival

Students may not arrive at school prior to 7:30 a.m., unless required to by a teacher or coach.

• Upon arrival, students must wear their face coverings, remain physically distanced, and not congregate in the plaza, the lobby, or another location.

• Parents will not be permitted to exit their vehicle unless they have a pre-arranged appointment.

Departure

Students must leave campus at the end of the day (2:35 p.m.) unless attending an after school study hall, writing lab, math lab, required practice, or pre-arranged meeting.

• Parents picking students up by car are asked to be present in order to pick up their children by 3:00 p.m. or immediately following the activities described above.

Classroom

Various safety measures exist in and for each classroom.

• Teachers will wipe door handles with disinfecting wipes prior to the start of the first block and in between periods.

• All classrooms have hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes available.

• Students will be asked to utilize provided hand sanitizer (or their own) at the beginning of each class period.

• Students will be asked to wipe down their desks with the provided disinfecting wipe (or their own)  at the end of each period.

• Instructions on how to properly wash hands are posted in each classroom.

• Desks and chairs shall be arranged to maximize the distance between students as practical and as recommended by state (e.g. Stronger Together) and national sources (e.g. American Academy of Pediatrics)

• Acrylic partitions have been ordered to place on tables where students may be within six feet of each other. Students are encouraged not to touch the partition and they will be disinfected each evening.

Lunch

We have created a schedule that allows for a split lunch. This schedule does not (a) increase the length of the school day, (b) decrease instructional minutes, or (c) decrease the length of lunch.

• Students are not permitted to order food for delivery.

• Parents may not drop off forgotten lunches.  

Campus Measures

Various safety measures have been incorporated for the campus and throughout the campus.

• Each day, evening janitors will wipe all desks, handrails, elevator buttons, floors, toilets and frequently touched surfaces with an approved EPA disinfectant.

• Pandemic Education and Health-related Signage will be present around campus. 

• Students will be asked to follow entrance and exit directions in an effort to minimize crowding within the hallways.

• Temperature kiosk scanners have been ordered and will arrive prior to September.  These kiosks will be placed in various locations around campus. Temperature screening will be conducted for students who show symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

• A number of partitions have been provided for teacher and staff desks and workstations.

• Crean Lutheran’s campus is closed to all visitors, except those with appointments. If you have an appointment, please check in at the front desk, where your temperature will be taken.  Visitors will be required to wear a face covering.

• Parents may drive in to drop off students at the designated drop off area and must leave campus without getting out of their car.  

Testing

Student(s) or immediate family members of students who have tested positive for COVID-19 must notify our Campus Dean, Dr. Adam Sheppard.

Travel Monitoring

Travel of Crean Lutheran students will continue being monitored.

• Students returning to Orange County will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days;

Social and Emotional Concerns

The transition back to a traditional classroom setting may be difficult for some students and families, given ongoing concerns related to health, safety, and other matters. Counselors, in partnership with the Vice Principal of Student Services, Campus Dean, and Director of Health and Safety, are present to support students during the transition back to campus.

Pandemic Response Team

Crean Lutheran’s Pandemic Response Team will continue to collaborate with local, state, and national agencies in implementing appropriate procedures.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Christ’s eternal grace and peace to you and yours, Saints!

On Friday, July 17, Governor Newsom announced a plan for reopening schools that was quite disappointing to faculty and staff members, Saints families, and especially students who were excited at the prospect of coming back to school in person. As we listened to the announcement, our hearts broke as Orange County is currently on the state-wide watch list and likely needs to be off that list for 14 days in order for Crean Lutheran to begin instruction in-person. I used the word “likely” intentionally, as we are pursuing a number of avenues in order to conduct in-person instruction as planned, beginning the week of August 17.

Crean Lutheran acknowledges your desire, and your student’s desire, to have the option for daily in-person instruction. As educators, and as parents ourselves, we understand the strain and stress online education may put on students and their families. We understand the desire to have your kids at school -- learning, socializing, building relationships, and most importantly, learning about our Savior, Jesus Christ, through face-to-face instruction and Christian worldview integration. On Friday July 17, Governor Newsom referenced a waiver plan; however, that waiver plan only referenced elementary schools. Regardless, and with a focus on equity, we are applying for a waiver. In an effort to investigate all options and to provide an in-person education in line with our mission of Proclaiming Jesus Christ through Excellence in Education, we have also submitted two letters to Governor Newsom, local representatives, and the California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO) (one, two). We have also reached out to both legal counsel and school leaders at local private schools, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of reopening in-person classes independently of public schools -- with appropriate health and safety measures in place -- regardless of the county being on a watch list and recognizing that a waiver process does not currently exist for high schools. In addition to our own efforts, CAPSO is advocating on behalf of Crean Lutheran and all private schools. As we approach the start of the academic year, we will continue to update you.

Below, we have included information related to various areas of campus life, including academics, student and senior-specific activities, tuition and financial aid, and athletics and training sessions. If you would like to review our planned health and safety protocols for in-person instruction, please visit this link. Finally, if you have questions, please reach out.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

In Christ,
Dr. Daniel Moyer, Principal

ACADEMICS

Teaching online classes may be new to the majority of public schools, as well as many private schools; however, it is not new to Crean Lutheran or our faculty members. Since Crean Lutheran High School opened in 2007, every class has benefited from a teacher-developed course-specific webpage, and students have had the option to take select courses online. All teachers are well-trained in the use of Canvas, our current course manage system (CMS), as well as a number of technological tools. Furthermore, our teachers’ successful use of Canvas, and flexibility in teaching in various instructional modalities, aided in Crean Lutheran receiving the highest accreditation possible from both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges as well as being recognized as an Exemplary School by the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation Commission. The following bullet points emphasize some of the positives associated with the coming year.

• Synchronous Instruction: Last year, when students were forced to learn remotely from home, Crean Lutheran primarily used tools for asynchronous instruction. In contrast, we have made preparations for synchronous instruction for the coming year, utilizing technological tools that allow for increased student-teacher interaction. Attendance will be taken daily.

• Average Class Size: We have hired an additional six full-time faculty members, thereby further reducing our already competitive average class size to 19:1.

• Ongoing Rigor: Crean Lutheran students took myriad Advanced Placement tests in the spring of 2020 and in nine subjects tested, Crean Lutheran’s students had a 100% pass rate. In 15 subjects tested, Crean Lutheran’s students had over a 90% pass rate. And, in 23 subjects tested, Crean Lutheran’s students had over an 80% pass rate.

If you have questions regarding academic offerings or Crean Lutheran’s approach to online instruction, please contact Mrs. Eun Chu Kim, Vice Principal of Academics, at kim@creanlutheran.org or extension 4100.

STUDENT & SENIOR-SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES

Crean Lutheran Student Services is preparing a number of in-person experiences for our students. Several examples are provided below and more information will be forthcoming.

• College Application Bootcamp: Boot Camp will be offered in both an on-ground and an online format. The learning modality that you selected for the Fall 2020 semester will be the same modality used for your College Application Boot Camp attendance (eg. on-ground or online). Established health and safety protocols will be followed for student safety.

• Senior Sunrise Service: We will be hosting a Senior Sunrise Service on Friday, August 14, from 5:45-7:00 a.m. at Saints Stadium. This gathering will provide time for Class of 2021 to come together to worship, see the sunrise, enjoy a light breakfast, pick-up their senior t-shirt, and hear a devotion.

• Returning Saints Day: Friday, August 14 is Returning Saints Day (1:00 - 4:00 p.m.) This will be a drive-thru event. We have designated times (by grade level and last name) for each student to pick up Spirit Packs, ID Cards, Schedules, and Parking Permits. 

If you have questions regarding student and senior-specific activities, please contact Mrs. Christine Cosenza, Vice Principal of Student Services, at cosenza@creanlutheran.org or extension 2405.

TUITION & FINANCIAL AID

The tuition for each academic year is determined by Crean Lutheran’s Board of Directors in the month of May, 15 months prior to the start of that year. Tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year was set in May of 2019. In May of 2020, in acknowledging the uncertainty associated with this pandemic, the Board of Directors voted to delay a tuition decision regarding the 2021-2022 year until the fall of 2021. An announcement concerning tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year will be released soon after the Board of Directors makes their decision in the coming months.

Crean Lutheran High School is a non-profit organization. All income, including tuition, serves the needs of the students and our mission of Proclaiming Jesus Christ through Excellence in Education. In order to better serve our students and provide for their needs during this pandemic, Crean Lutheran has spent nearly $750,000 in COVID-19 related expenses. From technological tools and expanded opportunities for teacher training to sanitizer, temperature kiosks, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Crean Lutheran is working to ensure that students are able to return to school in person, and until such a return becomes a reality, that they have the best educational experience possible in a remote setting. The largest component of these expenditures is the addition of eight new classrooms, which allow for smaller class sizes and increased physical distancing.

In an effort to further support our families who are in need, Crean Lutheran has increased its budget for financial aid by 25%, from $1.2 million to $1.5 million. In addition, understanding that families have been impacted to varying degrees by COVID-19, Crean Lutheran’s Advancement Department has reached out to families and community members on behalf of families in need, providing the opportunity for those who feel led to support Crean Lutheran’s tuition assistance program.

• If you have questions regarding tuition or financial aid, please contact Mrs. Pam Pindroh, Finance Director, at pindroh@creanlutheran.org or extension 2419.

• If you are able, and if you feel called to support those families in need of tuition assistance, please contact Mrs. Jacquie Antoun, Senior Director of Advancement, at antoun@creanlutheran.org or extension 2413.

ATHLETICS & TRAINING SESSIONS

On Monday, July 20, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the organization which governs high school athletics in California, announced an alternate schedule for 2020-2021 sports. All fall sports are to be postponed until December and spring sports will start in March. 

With the county preventing summer sports and students staying at home, it is increasingly important for us to be creative in providing healthy and safe opportunities for physical activity and training. Beginning the week of July 27, Crean Lutheran’s Strength and Conditioning Center, which opens on to a large agility field, will open to pilot a voluntary physical activity and training sessions open to all students.

Participants and Strength and Conditioning staff members will follow CLHS Strength and Conditioning Center Safety Protocols and all participants will be temperature screened upon arrival. Furthermore, all participants must be cleared for participation through an online clearance process in order to participate. Details related to these training sessions are included below:

• One hour sessions;

• Groups of 10 student-athletes or less and one staff member;

• Staggered start times (every 25 minutes) with no overlapping groups;

• Clean Equipment (disinfected immediately after each session completion);

• Students will have disinfectant wipes and spray available at all times;

• Participants must wear a face covering during arrival, screening, departure, and workouts; however, face coverings may be temporarily removed while completing an exercise or drill deemed strenuous by a staff member.

Initial enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. Once enrolled for a specific session, students are required to attend the same session moving forward. Session selections may be re-evaluated and adjusted after August 14, 2020. Students may sign up for a specific session using this link.

If you have questions regarding athletics, please contact Mr. Eric Olson, Athletic Director, at olson@creanlutheran.org or extension 2407.

If you have questions regarding Strength and Conditioning sessions, please contact Mr. Colin Shumate, Director of Strength and Conditioning, at shumate@creanlutheran.org or extension 3109.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Christ’s eternal grace and peace to you and yours, Saints!

On Friday, May 29, we emailed our Saints families with a plan for the coming academic year, a plan involving welcoming our Saints back to campus for regular school hours and the implementation of myriad health and safety measures. Since that time, we have received a series of updates from local, state, and national agencies. We have also gathered feedback from our Saints families. With this email, our goal is to provide you with an overview of our intentions for the fall as well as with the reasoning behind those intentions. Please take a few minutes to carefully and prayerfully review the contents, remembering first that this situation is fluid and therefore it may be necessary to alter our plans, and remembering second that strong beliefs exist on all sides of this topic. Divided opinions in and of themselves are not bad things; however, as a Christian community, we must stand united to prevent divisiveness. While each of our voices is distinct and should be heard, it is our bond in Christ that unifies us, not our sameness on contentious issues. Recall Paul's words in Ephesians 4, or of Psalm 133. We must be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The best thing we can do is stand together as brothers and sisters in Christ.

On Friday, June 26, we surveyed parents, asking them to describe their thoughts regarding resuming on-ground, in-person education in the fall. Over 40% of parents indicated a desire to have students back on campus as soon as possible. Another 29% shared optimism, but also noted they have some concerns. Just over 27% of parents expressed feelings of either hesitancy or doubt.

While the results above are encouraging based on our reopening plan, we cannot and did not base our reopening plan solely on the desires of parents; rather, the reopening plan is based on guidelines from local (e.g. OCHCA, state (e.g. Stronger Together), and national sources (e.g. American Academy of Pediatrics). For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school.” With an understanding of the need for safety and options during an uncertain time, Crean Lutheran families are being offered two choices to consider for the first six weeks of the academic year.

• Families may choose to have their students attend school every day, in a traditional high school setting that incorporates myriad precautionary measures and protocols.

• Families may choose to have their students stay home and be taught entirely online, in a synchronous online setting.

You will note the absence of what is being called a “hybrid” model, which involves students rotating attendance (Note: This use of “hybrid” should not be confused with Crean Lutheran’s Hybrid Program, which is used each year by a few of our homeschool families and involves a reduced course load). Based on anticipated enrollment for the 2020-2021 academic year, if every student chose to come to school in the fall each and every day, we would have an average class size of 19:1. In comparison, public schools, and even many private schools, have much higher class size averages. For example, a local public high school had class size averages ranging from 30 to 33  in the 2018-2019 academic year as reported on their School Report Card.

Based on the results from our parent surveys, we expect between 20% and 30% of our families to choose the online option. If this expectation becomes a reality, it would serve to reduce our average class size to 13 to 15 students. In comparison, a school utilizing a hybrid model, with an average class size similar to the local public school referenced in the previous paragraph, would have an average class size between 15 and 17.

One of the many advantages for Crean Lutheran’s families, who most often choose to send their children to Crean Lutheran for (1) Christian culture and identity, (2) positive relationships with faculty and staff persons, (3) and academics, is that our plan involves students being here every day. Daily attendance serves to aid Christian worldview integration, relationships, and academic progress. Additionally, we will be able to follow current recommendations from local (e.g. OCHCA, state (e.g. Stronger Together), and national sources (e.g. American Academy of Pediatrics) while incorporating such a model.

Each family will be asked to make a choice regarding an instructional modality. Families may either choose to have instruction delivered via (a) Daily Attendance at School or (b) Remote Learning from Home (in a predominantly synchronous format). Based on your own personal beliefs regarding online education, COVID-19, safety recommendations, and our implementation of safety protocols, you may have concerns related to one or both options; therefore, it is important that you select the option that best meets your student’s needs, understanding that your selection will carry your student through the first six weeks of school. A few important definitions and details regarding option selection:

• Synchronous: Synchronous learning happens in real time. This means that you, your classmates, and your instructor interact in a specific virtual place, through a specific online medium, at a specific time;

• Asynchronous: Asynchronous learning involves students learning the same material at different times and in different locations;

• On Monday, July 13, families will be emailed instructions regarding how to select either option “a” or “b” through the Aeries Parent Portal;

• The deadline to choose your preference on which modality best suits your family will be Friday, July 17;

• Students/Families who do not select either option “a” or “b” by the end of the day on July 17 will be assigned option “b,” thereby allowing us sufficient time to analyze choices, class sizes of our on-ground classes, etc.

• Families who choose option “b” will not have the option to transition to an on-ground setting until the first progress reporting period has ended on September 25.

Information related to each of the two options is included below.

Option A: Daily Attendance at School

These are our current plans; however, expectations, guidelines, and recommendations continue to change. We may adjust these plans according to recommendations from local, state, and/or national agencies.

• Traditional classes will be taught in our traditional block format;

• Blended classes will continue to be taught in our standard blended format;

• Online classes (typically listed as a period 9 course on the student’s schedule) will continue to be taught online in an asynchronous format;

• Students shall be on campus five days per week and attendance shall be taken at the start of each block;

• Comprehensive details related to the measures Crean Lutheran is taking to reduce risk and increase safety may be found here: Health and Safety Procedures for On-Ground Instruction

Option B: Remote Learning from Home

• Instruction will be provided in a predominantly synchronous format;

• Traditional block classes will be taught in a synchronous format;

  • Students are required to attend each class block for the full 80-minute duration, via Zoom, with a camera on;

  • Daily attendance will be taken;

• Blended classes will be taught in a combined synchronous/asynchronous format;

  • Students are required to attend each synchronous session for the full 80-minute duration, via Zoom, with a camera on;

  • Attendance will be taken during synchronous sessions;

• Online classes (typically listed as a period 9 course on the student’s schedule) will be taught in an asynchronous format;

• Crean Lutheran has ordered Swivl robots for each classroom. The Swivl rotates to follow the teacher automatically. It uses a tethered iPad for live streaming, allowing students at home to view and participate in classes synchronously;

• Preparing for this instructional modality prepares Crean Lutheran faculty, staff, and students with tools, should there be a need for a quarantine;

As you know, this situation is fluid. We have seen guidelines both loosen and tighten. It may become necessary to adjust our plans based on new mandates, protocols, and recommendations from local, state, and national agencies.  At this uncertain time, I am reminded that our Lord is unchanging and that His love for us is a certainty. As you and yours continue to rejuvenate over these weeks of summer, I pray that you go to God, that you embrace His truth, which is the only truth. Also, I pray that you may find courage in and through scripture. We are each blessed to know the Lord and our confidence comes in and through Him.

In Christ,

Dr. Daniel Moyer
Principal

Families may either choose to have instruction delivered via (a) Daily Attendance at School or (b) Remote Learning from Home (in a predominantly synchronous format).  Based on your own personal beliefs regarding a preferred educational modality, COVID-19, safety recommendations, and our implementation of safety protocols, you may have concerns related to one or both options; therefore, it is important that you select the option that best meets your student’s needs.  The deadline for submitting this selection is this Friday, July 17, 2020. 

The Counseling Department will be posting a handful of resources and updates for students on the Counseling Services Canvas page. Resources and updates include; time management videos, stress & anxiety management videos, COVID-19 updates from the CDC, AP, SAT and ACT updates from the College Board, and more! Counselors are also staying in touch with students via Instagram and Tik Tok posts that encourage student engagement, as well as texting using the Remind 101 app.

Temporary loaner laptops are available for students and are to be used for academic-related activities while the student’s laptop is repaired or replaced. The program shall not be used for the permanent replacement of a device.  Upon the request for a loaner laptop, an electronic signature form will be sent out to the student, and then the parent. This form must be electronically signed by both the student and parent before the loaner laptop is checked out. Students may check out loaner equipment twice per academic year and loaner equipment must be returned within 14 days after receiving the loaner equipment.

Should your student need a loaner laptop, please reach out to Mr. Rutherford.

Notify the attendance office (949-398-6563) if your student is sick during online instruction.  We realize that while work may be able to be completed at home when sick, we would like to partner with students, providing them time to rest and recover. In addition, many absences may be considered excused, including those for illness, medical/dental appointments, bereavement, court appearances, pre-approved college visits. When emailing the attendance office, include the following:

• Parent/Guardian name and relationship to the student
• Student's name and grade

• Parent or guardian’s phone number

• Reason

For planned absences, please submit an email (from parent). Emails should be directed to the attendance office. If and when the request is approved by the student’s counselor, the student will be asked to contact their teachers prior to the absences.

If your student or someone who has contact with your student will be traveling outside the United States in the coming days, weeks, or months, please complete this travel form.

• Tips for Protecting Your Mental Wellness

• Pacific Southwest District LCMS Coronavirus Resources

• LCMS Resources for Coronavirus Pandemic

• LCMS Church Worker Wellness Resources

• LCMS Coffee Hour: Mental Health Mondays

• National Association of School Psychologists (Parent Resource): Talking to Children About COVID-19

• CDC Guidelines for Managing Anxiety and Stress

• SAMHSA:Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

• Young Adult and Family Center Self-care Toolkit

• Coping Strategies

Workout Disclaimer

As with all exercise programs, when using these workouts, you need to use common sense. To reduce and avoid injury, you will want to check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program. By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Crean Lutheran High School will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of our workout programs, online fitness videos, or information shared on our website. This includes emails, videos, and text. Thank you for your understanding.

Prevention Strategies

• Clean your hands often.
• Avoid close contact.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wear a facemask if you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect.

ATHLETICS & TRAINING SESSIONS

On Monday, July 20, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the organization which governs high school athletics in California, announced an alternate schedule for 2020-2021 sports. All fall sports are to be postponed until December and spring sports will start in March. 

With the county preventing summer sports and students staying at home, it is increasingly important for us to be creative in providing healthy and safe opportunities for physical activity and training. Beginning the week of July 27, Crean Lutheran’s Strength and Conditioning Center, which opens on to a large agility field, will open to pilot a voluntary physical activity and training sessions open to all students.

Participants and Strength and Conditioning staff members will follow CLHS Strength and Conditioning Center Safety Protocols and all participants will be temperature screened upon arrival. Furthermore, all participants must be cleared for participation through an online clearance process in order to participate. Details related to these training sessions are included below:

• One hour sessions;

• Groups of 10 student-athletes or less and one staff member;

• Staggered start times (every 25 minutes) with no overlapping groups;

• Clean Equipment (disinfected immediately after each session completion);

• Students will have disinfectant wipes and spray available at all times;

• Participants must wear a face covering during arrival, screening, departure, and workouts; however, face coverings may be temporarily removed while completing an exercise or drill deemed strenuous by a staff member.

Initial enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. Once enrolled for a specific session, students are required to attend the same session moving forward. Session selections may be re-evaluated and adjusted after August 14, 2020. Students may sign up for a specific session using this link.

If you have questions regarding athletics, please contact Mr. Eric Olson, Athletic Director, at olson@creanlutheran.org or extension 2407.

If you have questions regarding Strength and Conditioning sessions, please contact Mr. Colin Shumate, Director of Strength and Conditioning, at shumate@creanlutheran.org or extension 3109.

Blessings and peace, Saints Student-Athletes and Families!

As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately we are once again being advised to pause athletic activities. On Monday, the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) recommended athletic activities be suspended by public school districts until information from the California Department of Public Health becomes available. That same day, we were in contact with the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) regarding our current programming and protocols for direct and indirect exposure. During that call, they affirmed our decision to suspend our Girls Soccer program for one week; however, no concerns were expressed related to our overall athletic programming and daily practices. Yesterday, we further reviewed the position of the OCDE and their updates, as well as the practices of our local public and private high schools. Out of an abundance of caution, and following the guidance of local experts, we will be temporarily suspending athletic practices beginning tomorrow, July 9.

At this time, we are unsure how long this suspension will last; however, CIF has stated that they will announce the 2020-2021 Season of Sports Calendar on Monday, July 20. At that time, we will be informed of the CIF-SS plans for the Fall sports season. This information will aid us in further planning; however, more information and recommendations may come from other agencies, such as the OCHCA, prior to July 20.

Beginning tomorrow, coaches will provide sport-specific training regimens to their athletes to increase athlete preparedness. As questions arise, please do not hesitate to reach out to me personally or directly to your athlete’s coach. Also, please join me in looking forward to Friday, July 10, when Crean Lutheran’s administrative team will announce plans for the fall, which include offering a traditional on-ground experience as well as a synchronous online option. Continue to go to God in prayer and remain united both as Saints and as Christians in the body of Christ!

In Christ,

Eric Olson, Athletic Director