SCHOOL REOPENINGGUIDELINES & RESOURCESUPDATEDMARCH 3, 2021

CONTENTS
Message from State Superintendent.........................................3
Louisiana Department of Health Reopening Guidelines
for Louisiana Public and Nonpublic Schools............................. 4Best Practices for Reopening
Louisiana School Facilities in 2020-2021.................................7
Teaching and Learning School Reopening Best Practices.......... 13
2020-2021 Reopening Checklist........................................... 16
School System Reopening Planning Template.......................... 18
Office of Public Health Regional Contacts............................. 20

MESSAGE FROM STATE SUPERINTENDENT
Friends,
We’re at a critical juncture for public education in our state and nation. COVID-19 closed our schoolbuildings last spring and forced our systems, schools, educators and families into uncharted territory.
Systems across Louisiana responded by stepping into gaps for children. With a new school year
approaching, we are providing you with guidance and support for a Strong Start for every student.
These resources were developed through collaboration with experts on the virus—public healthofficials—and experts on what this guidance looks like when put into practice—school leaders andeducators. Health guidelines are outlined by the Louisiana Department of Health to ensure student
safety. Beyond those, we’ve included best practices to be considered as schools reopen. You’ll alsofind a checklist and other helpful resources as you plan for 2020-2021.
This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We know there are vast differences between schools, systems,
and communities across the state. It’s our responsibility to develop guidance in conjunction withpublic health officials, then allow local leadership to make decisions based on the unique needsin their community. We need strong leadership at the local level that creatively and passionately
ensures every child gets educated no matter what.
Our guidance is structured on the three phases. The guidelines will look different in Phase 1, Phase2, and Phase 3. We also must prepare for phase changes that could occur during the school year.
At this time, current laws and policies relative to compulsory attendance, instructional minutes andstate assessments will remain in place. We will continually monitor the pandemic and address any
necessary regulatory flexibilities at the appropriate time.
Like states across the country, we’ve created a plan to support our schools based on the best
information available. Our top focus is the health and safety of students and employees as we
support systems in their efforts to reopen and operate schools. I know this school year will lookdifferent 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.

Dr. Cade Brumley

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LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REOPENING GUIDELINESFOR LOUISIANA PUBLIC AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS
In light of the Governor’s Roadmap to Restarting Louisiana, the Department is issuing guidance pertaining to
opening public and nonpublic school facilities to serve students in the 2020-2021 school year. This guidance isrelative to operating schools in Phases 1, 2, and Phase 3 of reopening.
This guidance is based on current medical knowledge of how COVID-19 is transmitted, primarily through close
physical contact, vocal and musical activities during which aerosol particles might be emitted, and touching sharedsurfaces or objects.
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; and• Practicing frequent environmental cleaning and handwashing.

Please review federal guidelines for information pertaining to vulnerable individuals.
School Planning for COVID-19 Cases
1.

Given the levels of COVID-19 currently in our communities, schools should plan for and expect that somestudents will get COVID-19 during the school year.

2. As part of their planning to reopen, schools should expect that there will be students who get COVID-19 andthat those students will possibly expose other students/staff in the school setting.

• Students who are sick should stay home (regardless of illness).
• Students who have COVID-19 should stay home and remain isolated until they have recovered and havebeen determined to no longer be infectious by their doctor.

• Individuals who were in close contact of the student may be identified and contacted as part of the Officeof Public Health (OPH) contact tracing process.

• Close contact of a case is a person who was less than six feet away from the student for more than 15
minutes, determined by the OPH contact tracing process.

• Close contacts will be asked to stay home and monitor symptoms for 14 days.
• Not every student/faculty member in a school will need to stay home for 14 days, just those who are
identified as close contacts to a case.

3. There are steps that schools can take when a student or staff member has been identified as having
COVID-19.

••••

Communication plan to faculty, students and parents
Plans for both routine and “deep” cleaning
Ensure continuity of education for students/staff who are quarantined or isolated
Prepare plans for school closures (3-5 days) if the school environment is determined to be a source ofongoing COVID-19 spread

4. The decision to close schools is an individual, case-by-case process. That decision will ultimately be made byschool leadership, with guidance and expertise from their Regional Medical Director.

• All decisions about implementing school-based strategies (e.g., dismissals, event cancellations, other social

distancing measures) will be made locally, in collaboration with the superintendent/principal and Regional
Medical Director.

• Factors that will be considered in closing a school or classroom will be the level of community transmission,
number of students/faculty affected and risk of spread at the school.

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REQUIRED MINIMUM HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS FOR REOPENING SCHOOLSPHASE 1
Group Sizes

PHASE 2

PHASE 3The maximum group size that may convene indoors in a single room, irrespective of room size,or outdoors at any given time
10 Individuals

25 individuals

50 individuals

GROUP COMPOSITION• Younger students who are unable to wear face coverings or maintain a physical distance fromother students or adults should be assigned static groups. This must include, at a minimum,
students in grade 2 or lower. The static group composition should be maintained for as long as
possible over the course of the 2020-2021 school year.
• The composition of a group may change if students are able to maintain a physical distanceof at least six feet from other students and adults in a classroom or indoor setting, to thegreatest extent possible.
• Students with disabilities must continue to receive special education and related services
in the least restrictive environment. School systems must factor in any additional service
providers who may need to enter the classroom, students who receive services outside
the classroom (e.g. resource, APE), and/or students who receive services through alternate
instructional methods.
Physical Standards
for use of School
Facilities• If a group convenes indoors, it must convene in a room enclosed by a wall or partition. This
includes large rooms, such as a gymnasium or auditorium, which may include more than one
group if each group is separated by a wall or partition.
• If groups convene outdoors, a physical barrier is not required, but each group must remain
separated.
• To the greatest extent possible, schools must limit crowding at entry and exit points andmaintain maximum group sizes and physical distance recommendations.
• If a room is used by more than one group in a single day, high-touch surfaces contained inthat room must be cleaned before and after use by each group.

Monitoring
Students andAdults for
Symptoms of
COVID-19
Environmental
Cleaning and
Personal Hygiene• Each school must establish an area used to isolate anyone showing signs of being sick. The
isolation area must be cleaned after it is occupied by any sick student or adult.
• Upon arriving at the school facility, each adult and student must be assessed for symptoms of
COVID-19, as defined by the CDC. This includes an initial temperature check.
• High-touch surfaces must be cleaned multiple times per day, including bathrooms.
• Students must wash or sanitize hands upon arrival at the school, at least every two hours,
before and after eating, before and after using outdoor play equipment, and before exiting
the school facility.
• While inside the school facility, all adults and students in grades 3 through 12 must wear a facecovering to the greatest extent possible and practical within the local community context.
• While inside the school facility, students in grades prekindergarten through 2 may wear a facecovering.
• While inside the school facility, children under two years old and individuals with breathingdifficulties should not wear a face covering.

Hygienic Supplies• School employees must be provided adequate access to hygienic supplies, including soap,
hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfectant wipes or spray, paper towels, andtissues. Face coverings should also be provided when needed.
• The quantity of hygienic supplies must be appropriately provided to the school employee,
according to the role and the number and age of students or adults served by that employee.

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PHASE 1
Transportation

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

School buses used to transport students must not exceed the following
maximum capacity requirements
25 percent, including
adults, of the school bus
manufacturer capacity

50 percent, including
adults, of the school bus
manufacturer capacity

75 percent, including
adults, of the school bus
manufacturer capacity

Passengers on a school bus must be spaced to the greatest extent possible as follows
Passengers must ride one perseat. Every other seat mustremain empty. Members of
the same household may sit
in the same seat or adjacentseats.

Passengers must be dispersed throughout the bus to thegreatest extent possible

Student
Programming
Determinations• Student placement determinations in a distance or in-person education program should bemade in consultation with the parent or custodian.

Essential Visitors
to School Facilities

Essential visitors are individuals who must enter schools or early learning centers in order to
conduct visits in accordance with Louisiana law or policy. Essential visitors include, but are notlimited to, individuals who:

• Student placement determinations should take into consideration a student’s uniqueacademic, social, emotional, familial, and medical needs of a student, as identified by thestudent’s parent or custodian.

• conduct CLASS® observations• observe teacher candidates as part of the teacher preparation quality rating system• provide essential supports and services including, but not limited to, early intervention
services, special education services, or mental health consultation• Medical or disability impact exceptions to any standard in this Chapter should be addressed on an individual basis by
the LEA in accordance with local policies.
• Prior to the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, each local school board must adopt policies in accordance withthe standards outlined in this Chapter.

DEFINITIONS
Face Covering: A piece of material used to cover both the nose and mouth for the purpose of forming a barrier
to droplets or airborne particles that are coughed, sneezed, or exhaled when talking. Face coverings are meant
to protect both the wearer of the face covering and surrounding individuals.
High-Touch Surface: Surfaces that are touched frequently, including but not limited to door handles, bathroom
fixtures, drinking fountains, railings, desks, and other surfaces in school facilities or on school buses.
Static Group: A group whose composition of students does not change.

For information regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019/COVID-19, please visit the LDH website and CDC website:
https://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html, and follow
the below general guidelines.

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BEST PRACTICES FOR REOPENING
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FACILITIES IN 2020-2021
FOR PUBLIC AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS
Additional Considerations for Reopening
The State of Louisiana is following the guidelines of public health experts when making decisions regarding theresumption of instruction in public and nonpublic school facilities.
Louisiana’s plan for statewide reopening of schools outlines phases that are initiated once certain public healthcriteria are met. Throughout these phases, restrictions will be gradually relaxed as the public health situation
improves, allowing greater flexibility, including the potential of resuming school building-based instruction.
Should the public health situation decline, restrictions may also be gradually tightened. School systems should be
prepared for either situation to occur during the course of the year.
In Phases 1, 2, and 3, school facilities may open to students for in-person instruction with certain restrictions inplace. These restrictions are outlined by the Louisiana Department of Health.
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), in consultation with the Louisiana Department of Health, offers
the following best practices in order to assist schools in planning as it relates to public health guidelines, as wellas limiting the spread of COVID-19.
NOTE: Best practices may change in accordance with updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) andLouisiana’s Office of Public Health. Best practices are based on current medical knowledge of how COVID-19 istransmitted, primarily through close physical contact, vocal and musical activities during which aerosol particles
might be emitted, and touching shared surfaces or objects.
For information regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019/COVID-19, please visit the LDH website and CDC website:
https://www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.htm, and follow
the below general best practices.

PROTECTING YOURSELF AND OTHERS IN LOUISIANA
PRACTICE PHYSICAL AND
SOCIAL DISTANCING
In public, keep at least
six feet distance fromothers. Avoid unnecessary
appointments.

WASH YOUR HANDS AND
COVER YOUR COUGH

TAKE CAUTION WITHLOUISIANANS WHO ARE AT RISK

Cover your cough andsneezes. Use your elbow ora tissue. Avoid touching youreyes, nose and mouth.

Take special caution to avoid exposing
the elderly and people with underlying
health conditions. Avoid visiting thosemost at risk, and call instead.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The following sections contain both Department of Health guidelines and best practices for keeping children andstaff healthy and safe at school and in extracurricular activities.

CATEGORY
Group Size, Spacing
Requirements andPhysical Standards

ACTION ITEM
Implement social and physical distancing strategies
Change student drop-off and pick-up processes to limit contact
Ensure extracurricular and athletic activities follow established safety and hygiene
protocols

Symptom
Monitoring

Develop and communicate wellness policy for students and staff
Screen students for sickness upon arrival
Implement isolation measures if a student becomes sick, and follow with a cleaningand disinfecting processes
Address vulnerable individuals

Environmental
Cleaning and
Personal Hygiene

Ensure healthy personal hygiene
Intensify cleaning and disinfecting efforts

Additional
OperatingConsiderations

Ensure safety and hygiene protocols are in place in shared communal areas
Ensure healthy food preparation and meal service
Ensure transportation staff are following safety and hygiene protocols

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GROUP SIZE, SPACING REQUIREMENTS AND PHYSICAL STANDARDSIMPLEMENT SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES
School Facility Use Considerations• Remove unused desks and furniture in classrooms
to maximize physical distance and minimize
objects that must be cleaned.
• Establish distance between the teacher’s desk/board and students’ desks.

• Identify and utilize large spaces (e.g., gymnasiums,
auditoriums, outside spaces) to enable physicaldistancing in Phases 2 and 3.

• Teachers maintain social distancing guidelines andteach from one location in the classroom if possible.

they enter. If a sink with soap and water is notavailable, provide hand sanitizer with at least 60
percent alcohol and supervise its use.

• Encourage families to drive their children to school if
possible. This will reduce student numbers on buses.

LARGE GATHERINGS AND
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES• Assemblies are limited to maximum group sizes
and with appropriate physical distancing in place.
For younger students unable to maintain physicaldistance, maintain static groups.
• All attendees should wear a face covering.

• Students and teachers should wash hands before
and after events.

School Transition Considerations• Provide additional time for transitions.

• Designate areas of the hallway (i.e., lanes) as flow
paths to keep students separated and to minimize
congregation of students.

• Discontinue field trips as students may engage withvulnerable populations.

CHANGE STUDENT DROP-OFF AND
PICK-UP PROCESSES TO LIMIT CONTACT

ATHLETICS, BAND AND VOCAL MUSIC• Establish one or two entry and exit points that enable
the flow of students to move in a single direction.

• Band and vocal music must follow the updated
outlined guidance below.

• Plan staggered class changes (e.g., by hall, odd/
even room numbers, grade/discipline) to decrease
number of students in hallways at one time.

• Ask students to enter and exit in single-file lines toenable physical distance.

• Do not allow visitors in the school building except under
extenuating circumstances; adults entering the building
should wash or sanitize hands prior to entering.

• Establish hand hygiene stations at the entrance tothe facility so students can clean their hands before

PHASE 1
Limitations:• No indoor activity thatinvolves playing wind
instruments (to include
all woodwind & brass
instruments as well as
recorders or any other
instrument where the sound is
produced by blowing into the
instrument)• No vocal singing indoors• Outdoor activity shouldhave appropriate physicaldistancing measures taken• Afterschool programs may continue but must
adhere to maximum group sizes and physicaldistance protocols. For younger students unable tomaintain physical distance, maintain static groups.

• Athletic activities are allowed to resume with therecommendations put forth in the Louisiana HighSchool Athletic Association’s Guidance for Opening
Up High School Athletics and Activities.

• Outdoor and indoor spectator capacity for LHSAAsanctioned athletics shall be set in accordance with theLouisiana State Fire Marshal’s guidelines developed inconjunction with the Office of the Governor and theLouisiana Department of Health at opensafely.la.gov.

BAND, VOCAL AND MUSIC
PHASE 2
Limitations:• No indoor activity thatinvolves playing wind
instruments (to include
all woodwind & brass
instruments as well as
recorders or any other
instrument where the sound is
produced by blowing into the
instrument)• No vocal singing indoors• Outdoor activity shouldhave appropriate physicaldistancing measures taken

PHASE 3

Limitations:• Public health officials recommend that band and vocal
music activities be practiced outdoors to the greatest extent
possible. When band and vocal music classes are unable topractice outdoors during Phase 3, class can be held indoorsin accordance with National Federation of State HighSchool Associations and the National Association for Music
Education Guidance which has physical distancing, masking
and instrument covering provisions.
• String and percussion instruments without singing andwith social distancing between band members andaudience is permitted.
• Outdoor activities including singing and the use of wind
instruments is allowable as long as physical distancing
measures and maximum group sizes are followed.

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SYMPTOM MONITORINGDEVELOP AND COMMUNICATE WELLNESSPOLICY FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF
School systems should develop and communicate
a wellness policy for both students and staff that
requires sick students and staff to stay home.
Individuals who have a fever of 100.4°F or above, or othersigns of illness, should not be admitted to the facility.
• Communicate to parents the importance of
keeping children home when they are sick, thesteps being taken to ensure the health and safetyof their children and other important information
related to limiting COVID-19 exposure.

• See this sample letter to families. The letterto families should outline all health and safety
precautions taken by your facility.

• Another sample can be found from Child Care
Aware of America.

• Immediately separate staff and children with
COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, cough or
shortness of breath) at school. Individuals who aresick should go home or to a healthcare facility,
depending on how severe their symptoms are, andfollow CDC guidance for caring for oneself andothers who are sick.
• Work with school administrators, nurses and other
healthcare providers to identify an isolation roomor area to separate anyone who has COVID-19
symptoms or tests positive but does not havesymptoms. School nurses and other healthcare
providers should use Standard and TransmissionBased Precautions when caring for sick people.
See: What Healthcare Personnel Should Know
About Caring for Patients with Confirmed or
Possible COVID-19 Infection.

• Establish procedures for safely transporting anyone
who is sick to their home or to a healthcare
facility. If you are calling an ambulance or bringing
someone to the hospital, try to call first to alert
them that the person may have COVID-19.

SCREEN CHILDREN FOR ILLNESS UPONARRIVAL• Example of an assurance school systems can use
to ensure parents are aware of their obligation to
immediately pick up sick students from campus.

Whenever possible, schools should ensure a school
nurse or health care professional is available tosupport screening and isolation procedures.

ADDRESS VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALSConsistent with the CDC's recommendation, individuals
who have a fever of 100.4°F or above or exhibit othersigns of illness must not be admitted to the facility.
• Ask the student or parent/guardian to confirm thestudent has not taken fever-reducing medicationin the last 24 hours and does not have shortness ofbreath, sore throat or a cough.
• Make a visual inspection of the child for signs of
illness, particularly shortness of breath or cough.

• If a student registers a temperature of 100.4

or higher, their temperature should be taken asecond time 5 to 10 minutes later.

IMPLEMENT ISOLATION MEASURES IF A
STUDENT BECOMES SICK, FOLLOW WITH
CLEANING AND DISINFECTING PROCESSESAND CONSULT PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS
Isolate and Transport Those Who are Sick

• Make sure that staff and families know that they(staff) or their children (families) should not come toschool, and that they should notify school officials(e.g., the designated COVID-19 point of contact) if
they (staff) or their child (families) become sick with
COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for COVID-19 or
have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
symptoms or a confirmed or suspected case.

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Pursuant to current school reopening CDC guidelines
limit any nonessential visitors, volunteers, andactivities involving external groups or organizations as
possible – especially with individuals who are not fromthe local geographic area (e.g., community, town, city,
county). There is no validated data on how much riskthese individuals incur by attending school in person
and individuals will need to make the decision toattend in close consultation with their health careprovider and school administrator. Furthermore,
OSHA statutes on employer responsibilities during apandemic remain unclear.
School workers are defined as being at “medium risk”
of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and while schools are
required to provide reasonable accommodation for aworkplace safe from health threats, the definition ofthat accommodation in this setting has not yet been
adjudicated. Schools and employees should continue
to work closely with legal counsel to determine rights
and responsibilities as this area becomes clearer in themonths ahead.
In the event that a significant proportion of staff
members are unable to return to the school facility,
consider developing an innovative staffing plan.
Individuals need to make the decision to attend inclose consultation with their health care provider andschool administrators.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING AND PERSONAL HYGIENE
ENSURE HEALTHY PERSONAL HYGIENE• While inside the school facility, all adults andstudents in grades 3 through 12 must wear a facecovering to the greatest extent possible andpractical within the local community context.
While inside the school facility, students in grades
prekindergarten through 2 may wear a facecovering. While inside the school facility, children
under two years old and individuals with breathingdifficulties should not wear a face covering.

• Students and teachers should have scheduled
handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitizer
every two hours as well as at the following times asfound in CDC guidance including at arrival, before
and after eating, before and after using outdoor
play equipment, and at exit.
• Students should wash their hands or use handsanitizer after changing any classroom; teachers
in the classroom should wash their hands or use
sanitizer every time a new group of students enterstheir room.
• Gloves are not necessary except for custodial staff
or teachers cleaning their classrooms.

• Display COVID-19 informational signs in highly
visible locations (e.g., school entrances, restrooms)
that promote everyday protective measures anddescribe how to stop the spread of germs, such asby properly washing hands and properly wearing acloth face covering.
Signs and Messages• Post signs in highly visible locations (e.g., school
entrances, restrooms) that promote everyday
protective measures and describe how to stop
the spread of germs (such as by properly washinghands and properly wearing a cloth face covering).
• Broadcast regular announcements on reducing the
spread of COVID-19 on PA systems.

• Include messages (for example, videos) about
behaviors that prevent the spread of COVID-19
when communicating with staff and families (suchas on school websites, in email and on school social
media accounts).
• Find free CDC print and digital resources on CDC’s
communications resources main page.

INTENSIFY CLEANING AND DISINFECTING
EFFORTS
Evaluate school facilities to determine what kinds ofsurfaces and materials comprise each area. Consult
the CDC for guidance on establishing cleaning anddisinfecting protocol for various surface types andmaterials. Considerations include outdoor areas andareas unoccupied for more than 7 days.
Ventilation
Ensure ventilation systems operate properly andincrease circulation of outdoor air as much as possible,
for example, by opening windows and doors. Do notopen windows and doors if doing so poses a safetyor health risk (e.g., risk of falling, triggering asthma
symptoms) to children using the facility. If a school's
ventilation system fails, consult with local healthofficials about the possible need for school closure.
Water Systems
To minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease andother diseases associated with water, take steps
to ensure all water systems and features (e.g., sinkfaucets, drinking fountains, decorative fountains)are safe to use after a prolonged facility shutdown.
Drinking fountains should be cleaned and sanitized.
Encourage staff and students to bring their own water
to minimize use and touching of water fountains or
consider closing shared water fountains.
Routine Cleaning Schedule• Frequently touched surfaces should undergo
cleaning with a commercially available cleaning
solution, including EPA-approved disinfectants ora dilute bleach solution, multiple times throughout
the day. This includes:• Light switches, doors, benches, bannisters andbathroom fixtures• Surfaces and objects in libraries, labs andother settings where “hands-on” materials andequipment are used

• Student desks, which should be cleaned before
and after each student’s use• Minimize sharing of materials between students.

• Playground equipment and athletic equipment
should be cleaned daily or as necessary, depending
on frequency of use.
• To protect their skin, cleaning staff should wear
gloves when performing cleaning activities.

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ADDITIONAL OPERATING CONSIDERATIONSENSURE SAFETY AND HYGIENE
PROTOCOLS ARE ESTABLISHED FOR
SHARED COMMUNAL SPACES• Limit use of indoor shared spaces, such as cafeterias
and gymnasiums, to maximum group sizes, ensure
physical distance and face covering use and clean
between each group’s use.

• Close shared water fountains. Encourage students
and staff to bring bottled water from home.
• Install protective barriers in shared areas, such as
front office, reception areas and libraries.

ENSURE HEALTHY FOOD PREPARATION
AND MEAL SERVICE• Students, teachers and cafeteria staff should wash
hands before and after every meal.

• If possible, classrooms should be utilized for eatingin place.
• Students may bring food from home.

• School-supplied meals should be delivered toclassrooms with disposable utensils.

• If cafeterias must be used, stagger meal times for eachgroup, adhere to maximum group size and ensure six
feet of distance between students to the maximum
extent possible. Disposable utensils should be used.
• Mark spaced lines to enter the cafeteria and servinglines; designate entrances and exit flow paths;
ensure single-file lines for food lines and disposal.

• Utilize outdoor seating as practical and appropriate.
• Students can eat a breakfast/lunch in their classroom
instead of the cafeteria and will be reimbursed from
USDA. “Congregating” waivers are not needed.
• A non-congregate waiver and meal time
separation waiver are needed to eat off site fromthe school campus. LDOE is submitting a written
waiver extension request to USDA.
Food and Nutrition staff should:• Clean frequently touched surfaces such as kitchencountertops, cafeteria and service tables, door
handles, carts and trays throughout the day. Follow
the directions on the cleaning product’s label andclean hands afterwards.

• Practice proper hand hygiene. This is an important
infection control measure. With appropriate handhygiene, gloves are not necessary for workers who
are not involved in food preparation. Wash hands
regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
An alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing atleast 60 percent alcohol can be used, but not as a
substitute for cleaning hands with soap and water.

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ENSURE TRANSPORTATION STAFF FOLLOWSAFETY AND HYGIENE PROTOCOLSThe risks associated with student transportation inbuses have not been studied to date. As a result, theserecommendations are derived from school operatingprocedures and the best “reasonable standard” given
feasibility constraints.
Seating and Social Distancing
Buses should operate at 25 percent of their normal
capacity in Phase 1, 50 percent of their normal
capacity during Phase 2, and 75 percent of theirnormal capacity during Phase 3, with appropriate
spacing.
Symptom Monitoring and Personal Hygiene• All passengers should engage in hand hygiene
upon entering the bus. Hand sanitizer should notexceed 80 percent alcohol concentration andcontainers should be securely closed, secured
against shifting and protected from damage.

• All adults and students in grades 3 through 12
must wear a face covering to the greatest extent
possible and practical within the local community
context. Students in grades prekindergarten
through 2 may wear a face covering. Children
under two years old and individuals with breathingdifficulties should not wear a face covering.

• For bus stops, consider developing a communication
plan to encourage parents and students tomaintain social distance at bus stops and to avoid
congregating in groups while waiting for the bus.
Operational Standards• Windows should be open at all times to facilitate
air flow as weather conditions permit.

• Stagger unloading of buses at school to minimize
student group size as they enter school and toallow six feet of distance while entering.
• Clean high-touch surfaces, including seats andhandrails, after each group’s use. The bus should
be cleaned at least once per day. See additional
cleaning and disinfection guidance.
Transportation Standards for Students with
Special Needs
If a school system provides transportation for
medically fragile children, consider reserving specificseats for these children. These seats would not be
used for other students during the day, with special
precautions for disinfecting. Alternately, arrange forseparate transportation for that student.

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TEACHING AND LEARNINGSCHOOL REOPENING BEST PRACTICESSchool systems should have an academic plan for high-quality curriculum, instruction, assessment and teacher
professional development across grade levels and content areas. School systems should prepare for at least
three possible scenarios: traditional, hybrid and virtual. All scenarios should include daily attendance for staff andstudents.

TRADITIONALHYBRIDVIRTUAL

Instruction in a traditional school
setting with mitigation efforts in place

Instruction via a combination of faceto-face and virtual models

Instruction via a 100% virtual modelwith either synchronous and/or
asynchronous learning

CORE ACADEMICS

School System Priority
The school system will assess students’ academic needs through the use ofhigh-quality screeners for students in grades K-3 and high-quality ELA andmath diagnostics in grades 3 to high school. The school system will create
an individual plan for students with the most significant learning gaps.

The school system will have a plan for the continuous use of aligned
curricular materials during periods of modified operations, exclusive toadaptations produced by instructional materials providers.

Resources
Diagnostic and Screener Guidance
Addressing Unfinished Learning Gaps

Strong Start 2020: Instructional
Materials Guidance
Addressing Unfinished Learning Gaps

The school system will provide continuous instruction in non-core subjects,
including CTE courses, during periods of school facility closure or modified
operations.

Non-Core CTE Curriculum and Course
Materials Guidance

The school system will ensure high school students continue on their paths
to graduation and a successful post-secondary transition. The school
system ensures each student has an updated IGP that reflects any changes
needed due to interruption of instruction and that Class of 2020 graduates
receive additional college and career support and mentoring throughDecember 2020.

Student Promotion and Planning
Supports

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STUDENTS WITH DIVERSE NEEDS

School System Priority
The school system will ensure the wellbeing of all students and educatorsby providing social and mental health supports, including mental healthscreening upon return to school.

The school system will ensure that English Learners have access tocurriculum and service delivery, including language support services during
periods of modified operations.

Resources
Guide to Supporting the Well-Being ofStudents and Staff
Student Engagement and Success
Partner Guide (coming soon)
Supporting ELs During School Closures/
Distance Learning
Partnerships for Success Guide

The school system will ensure all students with disabilities receive
instruction and related services and have access to devices that meet theirunique needs regardless of modified operations.

The school system will conduct compensatory education reviews of
all students with disabilities and will provide compensatory services
accordingly.

Continuous Education for Students with
Disabilities: Direct Services
Virtual Small Group Instruction forStudents with Disabilities: Privacy
Guidance
Timelines and Documentation During
Extended School Closures for Students
with Disabilities
Strong Start Compensatory Services forStudents with Disabilities

WORKFORCE TALENT

School System Priority
The school system has a comprehensive professional development
plan that provides professional learning for staff regardless of modified
operations, including training for all teachers on distance learning
protocols and methods. This plan will be updated by June 30.

The school system will ensure all Mentor Teachers and new ELA, math andscience Content Leaders are trained, either virtually or in-person.

The school system will develop an adaptive staffing plan to be used during
periods of modified operations.

14

Resources
Strong Start 2020: Professional
Development Plan Template
Professional Development Vendor Guide
Strong Start 2020: Professional
Development Vendor Guidance
Mentor Teacher and Content Leader
Approved Vendor List

Expanding Learning Time Guidance

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LEA SYSTEMS

School System Priority

Resources

The school system will develop a plan to reopen school facilities and, whennecessary, close school facilities in line with forthcoming public healthguidance.

Current Document

The school system will adopt flexible and opportunistic calendars andschool schedules that maximize learning opportunities throughout theyear, as well as ensure continuous learning during periods of modified
operations.
The school system will implement a strategic communications plan to:• connect with every student daily;• provide feedback on student work at least weekly; and• help families understand their role in supporting their child’s continuous
learning.

Expanding Learning Time Guidance

Guidance for Staffing and Student
Monitoring
Guidance on Communicating During
School Interruptions

The school system will have a 1:1 student ratio for devices (laptop or tablet)and internet connectivity for every student grades pre-K–12 and a plan
to issue these devices to students for use at home, if necessary. If Internet
access is unavailable, the school system will ensure students have a reliable
phone line.

Technology for Continuous Learning

The school system will ensure that, at minimum, it maintains the number offour-year-old seats filled in the 2019-2020 school year.

Guidance for Early Learning at HomeSCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM

15

2020-2021 REOPENING CHECKLISTFACILITY AND OPERATIONS PROTOCOLS
PRE-OPENING TASKS
Identify School COVID-19 Health and Safety Coordinator/s
Establish Partnership with Local Public Health Agency
Regulatory Awareness• State Executive and Public Health Orders• Local Executive and Public Health Orders
Obtain PPE and Cleaning and Disinfecting
Supplies and Equipment
Consult with local Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Regional Office regarding procurement of PPE• Non-latex gloves• Thermometers• Face coverings• Soap• Temporary Hand Sink Stations (May be considered in classrooms or areas where
sinks are not available)• Hand Sanitizer• Tissues
Clean and Sanitize Facilities• Develop facility cleaning schedule• Train custodial staff on appropriate sanitation measuresRESOURCES
School Nurse
Office of Public Health Regional
Contacts
Office of Public Health Initial
Guidance Memo

Office of Homeland Security andEmergency Preparedness Regional
Contacts
EPA List of Disinfectants for use
against COVID19

CDC: Reopening Buildings PostShutdown
CDC Guidance for Cleaning andDisinfecting Facilities

Establish Locations for Hand Sanitizer or Hand Washing Stations

Hand Hygiene Guidance

Identify Isolated Health Room/Areas• Designate space to care for students with routine needs• Designate a separate space to care for students/staff who are ill• Individuals with a fever should be isolated

CDC Guidance for Students who are
Sick

Display COVID-19 Informational Signs• Post signage in high traffic areas (school entrances, restrooms, etc.) that promoteeveryday protective measures and describe how to stop the spread of germs(washing hands, wearing a face covering, social distancing)• Use consistent messaging

CDC COVID-19
Free Printable Resources

Ventilation• Ensure ventilation systems operate properly

CDC Considerations for Schools

Develop and Implement Facility Usage Policy for Social Distancing
Implement Social Distancing Measures• Install protective barriers in high traffic areas• High traffic areas within school facility• Single point entry/exits marked with signage• Close shared water fountains

CDC Guidance for Maintaining
Healthy Operations

Develop and Implement a Food Service Plan
• Consult state and local social distancing requirements

CDC Food Service Considerations

Develop and Implement a Transportation Plan
• Consult state and local social distancing requirements

16

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STAFFING NEEDS
PRE-OPENING TASKSRESOURCES

Develop COVID-19 training for Employees and Staff
Assess Staff for Vulnerability and Needs• Estimate number of staff that will report in person vs. telework

CDC Guidance Regarding Vulnerable
Individuals

Monitor Employee Absences• Flexible leave policies and practices• Increase the number of available substitutes

CDC Guidance Regarding Staffing

Develop Screening Protocols for Students and Employees• Develop and implement procedures to check daily for signs and symptoms ofstudents and employees upon arrival, as feasible

Symptom Monitoring Guidance

COMMUNITY NEEDS
PRE-OPENING TASKSRESOURCES

Create and Communicate Consistent Messaging for Families• Transportation plans• Wellness policies to encourage students to stay home when sick

Sample Letter to Send Home

Modify Resources to Reduce Potential Transmission Opportunities• Eliminate shared supplies among students

CDC Guidance on Considerations for
SchoolDevelop Social Distancing Policies for Large Group Gatherings• Assemblies, Back to School Nights, Open House

CDC Guidance for Community
Gatherings

Develop and Communicate Instructional Plans and School Schedules to theCommunity for the 2020-2021 School Year

Guidance on Communicating During
School Interruptions

Review Guidance on Louisiana High School Athletics• Implement updated health and safety protocols for athletics and events

LHSAA GuidanceDevelop a communications plan for parents/community on reopening
procedures, practices, expectations

ACADEMIC PLANNING
PRE-OPENING TASKSRESOURCES

Develop a plan for implementing a hybrid instructional model

https://www.sreb.org/k12playbook

Develop a plan for implementing a virtual instructional model

https://www.sreb.org/k12playbook

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17

SCHOOL SYSTEM REOPENING
PLANNING TEMPLATEThe following template can be used by school systems as they develop plans for reopening schools in fall 2020 inconcert with the other resources being released by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). The questions
reflect the information that the LDOE will collect from school systems via a survey to be released in July. School
systems should select all answers that apply for each Phase of reopening when responding to the survey.

PLANNING QUESTION

What is the school
system’s plan forstudent learning?

PHASE 1PHASE 2

PHASE 3O All in-person
O All virtualO Combination of in-person
and virtual

O All in-person
O All virtualO Combination of in-person
and virtual

O All in-person
O All virtualO Combination of in-person
and virtual

O No alternate scheduling
O Morning/Afternoon(Platooning)
O Alternating days
O Parent choice

O No alternate scheduling
O Morning/Afternoon(Platooning)
O Alternating days
O Parent choice

O No alternate scheduling
O Morning/Afternoon(Platooning)
O Alternating days
O Parent choice

O Geography
O Grade level
O OtherO NA

O Geography
O Grade level
O OtherO NA

O Geography
O Grade level
O Other
O NA

Details:

What is the school
system’s plan foralternate scheduling?

Details:
If the school system
plans to use alternate
scheduling, what willbe the basis?
Details:
Detail your system'splan for virtual
learning.
Detail your system'splan for hybrid
learning.
Detail your system'splan for taking
staff and student
attendance should
you utilize hybrid or
virtual learning.
18

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PLANNING QUESTIONPHASE 1PHASE 2

PHASE 3

How will the school
system provide
transportation?

How and where will
the school systemprovide meals tostudents?

O Cafeteria
O Classrooms
O Other common space
O Off-site feeding and/or
curbside pick up
O Other

O Cafeteria
O Classrooms
O Other common space
O Off-site feeding and/or
curbside pick up
O Other

O Cafeteria
O Classrooms
O Other common space
O Off-site feeding and/or
curbside pick up
O Other

Details:

Who is responsiblefor developing andoverseeing cleaningand personal hygiene?

Details:

Point of contact:

How will the school
system communicate
with families?

Hotline or phone number:
Dedicated email address:
Dedicated web address:
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19

OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTHREGIONAL CONTACTS
UNION

CLAIBORNE
BOSSIER

MOREHOUSEOUACHITACADDOBIENVILLERICHLAND

Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge,West Feliciana

MADISONREGION 3: Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St.

JACKSONRED
RIVER

DE SOTOREGION 2: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana,

EAST
CARROLL

LINCOLN

WEBSTERREGION 1: Orleans, Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. Bernard

WEST
CARROLLJames, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary,
Terrebonne

FRANKLINCALDWELLTENSASWINN
NATCHITOCHESREGION 4: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St.

CATAHOULA

Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion

LA SALLEREGION 5: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron,

CONCORDIAGRANT

SABINE

Jefferson Davis

REGION 6: Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant,

RAPIDESVERNON

LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, Winn

AVOYELLES

ST. LANDRYCAMERONEAST
W BATON BATON
ROUGE ROUGE LIVINGSTONREGION 7: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto,
Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Webster

WASHINGTONREGION 8: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson,

Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita,
Richland, Tensas, Union, West Carroll

ST. TAMMANYACADIA
ST. MARTINLAFAYETTE

VERMILIONIBERVILLE

ASCENSIONIBERIAST. JAMES

ST. MARYREGION 9: Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany,

ST. JOHNST.
CHARLESLAFOURCHE

Tangipahoa, Washington

ORLEANSJEFFERSONJEFFERSONDAVISPOINTE
COUPEEASSUMPTIONCALCASIEU

EVANGELINEALLEN

BEAUREGARDST.
HELENATANGIPAHOA

WEST
EAST
FELICIANA FELICIANA

ST. BERNARDPLAQUEMINESTERREBONNE

System level support for medical, isolation, quarantine issues can be directed to Regional Medical Directors. Outreach to
Regional Medical Directors should come from Superintendent level leadership or equivalent.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

20

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP

PHONE
NUMBERREGIONAL MDs/
ADMINISTRATORSOFFICE PHONE

11450 Poydras St., Ste. 1202

New Orleans, LA 70112

504-599-0100

Joseph Kanter,
MD/Admin.

504-599-0105

2

628 North 4th St.

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

225-342-6933

Dawn Marcelle,
MD/Admin.

225-342-3266

31434 Tiger Dr.

Thibodaux, LA 70301

985-447-0916

William "Chip" Riggins,
MD/Admin.

985-447-0916 ext. 332

4825 Kaliste Saloom Rd

Lafayette, LA 70508

337-262-5311

Juliette "Tina"
Stefanski, MD/Admin.

337-262-5619

5707-A E. Prien Lake Rd.

Lake Charles, LA 70615

337-475-3200

Lacey Cavanaugh,
MD/Admin.

337-475-3200

65604-B Coliseum Blvd.

Alexandria, LA 71303

318-487-5262

David Holcombe,
MD/Admin.

318-487-5261

71525 Fairfield Ave.

Shreveport, LA 71101

318-676-7489

Martha Whyte,
MD/Admin.

318-676-7489

81650 DeSiard St.

Monroe, LA 71201

318-361-7201

Jeff Toms, Admin.

318-361-7227

915481 Club Deluxe Rd.

Hammond, LA 70403

985-871-1300

Gina Lagarde,
MD/Admin.

985-543-4880

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THREE KEY PRINCIPLES
6ft

1 WashHands Often

2 Wear a
3 PracticeFace Covering Social Distancing

WHAT ARE THE STEPS WHEN A STUDENTIN SCHOOL TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?

1
2
3

If a school becomes aware of a presumptive positive or positive case of COVID-19, the childshould not attend school until determined to be non-infectious by their doctor.

Parents may be notified by the Office of Public Health if their child may have been exposedto the case of COVID-19, along with any next steps.

If it is determined that a school was the focus of infection for COVID-19, the school
superintendent, in consultation with the Office of Public Health, will determine if the school
should remain open or close for a period of time. A positive case of COVID-19 does notnecessarily warrant classroom or school closure.