Louisiana education leaders today released the plan to reopen public and non-public schools in the fall. The state superintendent sent the information to school officials across the state.
"With a new school year approaching, we are providing you with guidance and support for a Strong Start for every student," Dr. Cade Brumley said. "These resources were developed through collaboration with experts on the virus-public health officials-and experts on what this guidance looks like when put into practice-school leaders and educators."
Most students and staff will be wearing masks:
- Adults and students (3rd grade and up) should wear face coverings, as able, to the maximum extent possible. Any child over age two may wear a face covering.
- Face coverings should be worn in all areas of the school. This includes classrooms. Most importantly, face coverings should be worn during arrival, dismissal, and any other transition within the school building.
- Individuals with severe breathing difficulties should not wear face coverings.
In Phase 2, class sizes and maximum groups in any single room will be limited to 25 including adults in the classroom. That would go to 50 under Phase 3.
Under the plan, there will be no "contact and high-risk sports" under Phase 2. If the state goes to Phase 3, contact and high-risk sports would be "allowable within defined groups."
Other protective measures in school settings include:
- Social distancing, achieved by establishing and, for the maximum number of days possible, maintaining small groups of individuals that minimally interact with other groups or individuals, including in shared indoor spaces
- Monitoring students and staff for symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat
- Practicing frequent environmental cleaning and handwashing
"Our top focus is the health and safety of students and employees as we support systems in their efforts to reopen and operate schools," Brumley said. "I know this school year will look different and we will have to make adjustments. I’m also confident that we will get this done, together. As a Louisiana native, I want nothing more than to help our state improve student outcomes. You must help me by always finding a way."
