SCHOOL REOPENING PLANS – The Caddo Parish School System in Northwest Louisiana announced Monday that the coming school year reopening will be delayed a bit. During a press conference yesterday, School Superintendent Lamar Goree said the district plans are to push back the start date from August 10th to August 24th. It’s all due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Goree explained this effort is to get kids back to school safely.
"There is no perfect plan however we do believe and we're very excited that we have a plan that we think will get children back in school ," Goree said "but at the same time make sure that we're maintaining the very safest environment that we can and that's very important."
Goree said the models used to allow reopening will be in place for 30 days after the start of school and then re-evaluated. Goree said a recent poll given to parents revealed a concern for student’s safety while at school.
Dr. Martha Whyte, Director for Region 7 Office of Public Health weighed in on those concerns as well as the desire of parents to have their kids attend classes in person.
"They need the socialization, they need the in-person teaching, we know that," Whyte explained. "But we're going to do what we can to keep them the safest and get them the best education that we feel is possible."
The plans are for Kindergarten through fifth-grade students to attend using the traditional model which is for students to receive face-to-face instruction five days a week. Middle and high school students will attend using a hybrid model having students attend on alternate days. Fridays will be all virtual instruction. Students from third grade through 12th grade will be required to wear masks as will adults, to the maximum extent possible.
Temperatures will be taken daily of students and staff. Staggered transition times will be used for changing classes. Caddo Schools will provide technology for all those in need. No large assemblies of students will be allowed.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided through the district's "grab-and-go'' system.
If parents do not feel comfortable sending their children physically to school, they have the option to enroll in an all virtual instruction model. Caddo Parish Schools serve approximately 5500 students and employs 3700 including teachers, administrators and support staff.