Jeff Davis Parish students are the first to return to classrooms in Acadiana amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
School officials worked tirelessly to make sure they met all the CDC guidelines before school started on Monday, August 17.
On GMA, Abby Breidenbach spoke with Superintendent Kirk Credeur about what students can expect this school year.
One important change this year is the requirement that students in grades three and above wear a mask while on campus.
Superintendent Credeur says masks will be worn to ensure that students and faculty are safe.
"This is what the medical experts are telling us and so we're going to follow that," he said. "We want to be flexible though however on the mask itself. We're not asking our parents in Jeff Davis Parish to have a specific mask."
Upon arriving to campus, students will have their temperatures taken. Those with a fever will be isolated and sent home.
Students will also practice social distancing while on campus.
This year, students in Pre-K through 5th grades will go to school 5 days a week where they be will maintained in static groups to the maximum extent possible.
Students in grades 6th through 12th will adhere to an AB-AB schedule. Group A will attend class on Monday and Wednesdays while Group B attends class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays are designated as distance learning days.
While students aren't at school, they will have assignments that must be completed.
Parents also had the option to enroll their children in the Jeff Davis Parish Virtual Program.
Any parent whose child is enrolled in the virtual program where Carnegie units are provided will have to complete the semester before they will be allowed to return to the regular campus. Non Carnegie unit course enrollees can return to the regular campus at the end of a grading period. Students in the virtual program will not participate in any co or extra-curricular activities on 3 school campus. The enforcement of this rule will occur no matter which Phase the district toggles to.
In terms of transportation, buses will run at 50% capacity, with students required to wear a mask while on the bus. Students will get hand sanitizer upon boarding and will not be able to share seats unless they live in the same household. Windows will be kept down and buses will be cleaned in between routes.
Students enrolled in virtual learning as well as those on the A-B schedule will be given breakfast and lunch for the days they will be learning at home. That schedule won't be released until September, Credeur said.
The plan also outlines how school will continue if the state is pushed backwards or forwards to different phases.
Phase 1
- School operations are limited to virtual learning only
- Facilities are closed to the public
- All Jefferson Davis Parish School District employees are classified as essential and may be required to report to their assigned locations.
- All employees will be required to utilize face protection to the maximum degree possible.
- Strict cleanliness guidelines will also be followed.
Phase 2
- Schools may offer limited on-site activities following strict hygiene protocols.
- Students in grades Pre-K through 5th will attend school 5 days a week and be contained in static groups to the maximum extent possible.
- Students in grades 6th through 12 will attend school on an AB-AB rotation, and Fridays will be dedicated to distance learning, and until we are 100 percent able to go online, this will include some physical transference of student work.
- Both employees and students in the third grade and above will wear masks to the maximum degree possible.
- Maintaining a six foot distance will be enforced to the maximum extent possible.
- Strict cleanliness guidelines will also be followed.
Phase 3
- Schools will open for all students Monday through Friday based on recommendations and data from LDOE, CDC, Governor’s office, and applicable local and state agencies.
- School operations will resume with restrictions or guidelines.
- Distancing, cleanliness and masking recommendations will be followed.
READ MORE: Getting Answers: What can Jeff Davis teachers and students expect returning back to school?
The full plan can be viewed here
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