Latest on JP Schools Reopening Plans for 2020-21
JP Schools Family,
We’re less than two months away from the start of a new school year. While it’s our intention to begin classes in-person August 6, we’re preparing for a number of scenarios depending on the status of the health pandemic. Regardless of what August 6 looks like, we will be ready to educate kids on day one. That’s our commitment.
Another commitment we’ve made is to keep our families informed throughout this process. We’d like to share with you some of the plans we have in place for reopening schools. It was developed following the most recent CDC Guidance for Reopening Schools.
Any scenario that involves students attending school in-person will include the following safety precautions:
- Students and staff will be required to wear face coverings
- Social distancing protocols established and communicated with all stakeholders
- Temperature checks for all students, employees, and visitors
- Teachers and staff members ensure students follow all COVID-19 safety measures
- Students follow altered routines for lunch, restroom breaks, bus un/loading, and other travel patterns
- Bus capacity will be limited when necessary to ensure all students can arrive at school safely, on time, and following CDC guidance
We’re preparing for three possible scenarios to open the year: traditional, hybrid/blended, and 100% virtual. The district will be prepared to immediately shift to virtual instruction should school closure become necessary during the school year. Some of the details of our three reopening scenarios include:
Traditional Setting
- Students attend school five days a week using additional safety precautions
- Staff report to school daily
Hybrid/Blended Setting
- Student attend school 2-3 days of the week and receive virtual instruction the other days of the week
- District will support families to meet their technology needs
- Staff report to school daily and provide in-person and virtual instruction and support
Virtual Setting
- Students do not report to school and receive instruction 100% virtual
- District will support families to meet their technology needs
- Staff report to school on predetermined days
- Staff provide support and synchronous instruction via Google Meet and asynchronous instruction via Google Classroom
These plans only pertain to opening schools. We will continue to provide guidance throughout the summer regarding:
- Updated safety measures
- Attendance requirements
- Student recovery for unfinished learning
- Preparing students and teachers for various learning methods
- Social/emotional learning
- Staff and student policies and procedures
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Our school-based plans will be fluid and routinely adjusted to reflect updated national, state, and local guidance. We know our families and employees have many questions about what the new school year will look like. As we get answers, we will share that information. The district will also begin surveying families about their individual needs in the coming weeks. This will help us make better decisions as we move forward.
We are excited to continue working together to ensure we provide students with the education they deserve to succeed in life and make the world a better place. Jefferson Parish Schools is committed to doing whatever it takes to Start Strong in 2020 and ensure a great 20-21 school year!
Jefferson Parish Schools