On August 18, LPSS updated their return to school plans regarding face-to-face instruction.See more here.
The date for students to return to school has not changed.
Teachers Return to School
Teachers return to campus on Monday, August 31, 2020, for Safe Start days to allow for the following:
- Training on safety protocols and distance learning.
- Preparing classrooms based on phased guidance. ·
- Preparing for implementation of new classroom/school procedures.
Students Return to School
Beginning Tuesday, September 8
- Students in grades 1-12 will attend school on alternating days which will be determined by the student’s home address currently on file.
- Students with an odd-numbered address will attend school in person on A days (Mondays, Wednesdays, and alternating Fridays).
- Students with an even-numbered address will attend school in person on B days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and alternating Fridays).
- Students who live in an apartment, duplex, or unit will use the actual number of the dwelling to determine the day for attendance. For example, Apartment #4 will attend with the even address students (A days), while Apartment #21 will attend with the odd address students (B days).
- Students whose home address uses only letters will use the following to determine days of school attendance: A=1, B=2, C=3, etc.
Beginning Monday, September 14
- PreK & kindergarten students will attend school face to face on the alternating A day/B day schedule using the same criteria as students in grades 6-12.
- Students in grades 1-5 will attend school face to face daily.
- Students in grades 6-12 will remain on the alternating A day/B day schedule.
Beginning Monday, September 21
- Students in grades PreK-5 will attend school face to face daily.
- Students in grades 6-12 will remain on the alternating A day/B day schedule.
Families who are enrolled in the Lafayette Online Academy and want their kids to return to school will have until September 3rd to change that registration.
Parents with questions not addressed in the new school plan can send questions to the school system via their website, here.
LPSS says a new a FAQ document will be posted to a newly created LPSS Learn Lafayette website that will launch on Tuesday, August 18. The website will serve as a district resource for new information regarding a safe return to school.
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The Lafayette Parish School System will delay the start of the school year and are giving the option for students to enroll in 100 percent virtual learning.
In their guidance on reopening schools in Lafayette Parish, LPSS says that they have delayed the start of school to ensure that employees have time to be trained, practice safety protocols, and to prepare for an effective start to the 2020-2021 school year. The academic year will begin on September 8, 2020.
“For weeks, our district and school leaders have been working on detailed plans for reopening schools in a safe manner using the Louisiana Department of Education's Strong Start guidelines,” said Superintendent Irma Trosclair. “Now that the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has met, and we know the LPSS plans align with the standards set forth by BESE, we are ready to share our plans with our community. These plans were developed to be student-centered and also ensure our educators are well equipped to do what they do best: engaging with our students and inspiring a commitment to lifelong learning, in a safe manner.”
Families had an option to choose a 100% virtual learning model. The deadline to apply to Lafayette Online Academy was Monday, August 3, 2020.
"Based on the COVID-19 status of our state, it may be necessary for the district or particular schools to switch to a 100% distance-learning scenario. Parents are urged to consider contingency plans for childcare, meal pickup, etc. in the event we transition to a Phase 1 learning model. Beginning in August, all learning will be required and grades recorded; therefore, it is important that families have Internet/Wi-Fi service. Information about low-cost internet options for qualifying families can be found here."
The guidelines follow a phase approach similar to the state. In phase one, students in grades K-12 will follow a distance model where learning occurs through distance/virtual learning models, outside of the school setting, with ongoing teacher guidance. Phase two will be a blended model where students will report to school on A/B days, alternating between in school and distance/virtual learning models. In phase three, students will return to a traditional model of learning where all students will attend school daily with some precautions still put in place.
In the guidelines, transportation will continue through all phases with increased sanitation and social distancing. LPSS states that buses will be disinfected between each route and students will sanitize hands when boarding the bus. Seating charts will be created and maintained and students will only be allowed to ride their assigned bus. Face coverings must be worn on buses according to the plan.
Face coverings are required to be worn by staff and students (3rd grade and up) during phase two. Face coverings for students in grades PK-2 are recommended but not required. After entering phase three, the need for masks will be determined by the school system.
See the full plan for schools below: (Can't see the pdf, click here for access)
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