Serra Catholic High School to resume in-person classes, athletics suspended

Serra Catholic High School in McKeesport will resume in-person instruction on Wednesday, according to Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh officials.

However, all athletic and extracurricular activities are suspended due to possible covid-19 exposure.

Spokesman Bob DeWitt said the school has also taken other student action out of an abundance of caution.

“A number of students will quarantine for 14 days or until otherwise instructed,” DeWitt said via press release. “Impacted families have been contacted. The students involved will participate in remote learning.”

Serra Catholic moved to remote learning a few weeks ago after it had three covid-19 cases in as many days.

“Throughout this pandemic, it has been the goal of our school to have direct instruction taking place within

the building as much as it is safe to do so,” Principal Tim Chirdon said. “The faith-based nature of Serra and our academic program comes first. Following the latest directives of our local health departments and authorities, we plan to remain in full (in-person) session at the present time.”

Chirdon said the temporary suspension of winter sports will still allow the school’s basketball, swimming and bowling teams to participate in practices prescribed by the PIAA before regular games begin.

Serra Catholic continues to meet and exceed all diocesan, local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines including mask-wearing, social distancing, and cleaning and sanitizing protocols.