Superintendent's Update: September 14
Dear JP Schools Family,
If there’s anything we learned last year, it’s that working together will always see us through challenging times. That same sense of unity and collaboration will allow us to overcome the journey ahead. We’re just two weeks out from Hurricane Ida. Since then, we’ve shown up for our students, families, and one another. We’ve partnered with organizations to provide hot meals and supplies. We’ve reached out to each other to conduct well-being checks, and schools are continuing to reach out to their families to assess their needs. We’ve also launched a Confidential Emotional Support and Resource Line for our employees in order to provide emotional support and recovery resources.
With our 11 tier one schools starting on Monday, we are doing everything we can to ensure we are prepared for a strong return. For more information about our tiered reopening, please see jpschools.org/ida. We’re also working with our three schools in Grand Isle and Lafitte to ensure those students are provided a clear path forward for learning. We’re working on that plan and will share more details soon.
Updated Academic Calendar Timeline
Yesterday, we shared an online survey to gather feedback from all of our stakeholders. It will provide insight into how employees, families, and the community prefer to make up time missed due to Hurricane Ida. Please take time to share your opinion if you have not already. After the survey closes at noon tomorrow, September 15, we will use the data to develop multiple calendar options. An additional survey will be made public later this week asking stakeholders to vote among the available calendar options. Our goal is to present this information to the School Board for consideration at the September 20 meeting, so that they may then vote on the amended calendar.
We are still in the midst of recovery from Hurricane Ida, and hurricane season continues through the end of November. Our team is keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Nicholas. Please monitor the weather and make needed preparations for your home and family.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students. Together, I know we can overcome anything.
Dr. James Gray