UPDATED
JUNE 25, 2020
SCHOOL REOPENING
GUIDELINES & RESOURCES
CONTENTS
Message from State Superintendent ........................................3
Louisiana Department of Health Reopening Guidelines
for Louisiana Public and Nonpublic Schools ............................ 4
Best Practices for Reopening
Louisiana School Facilities in 2020-2021 ............................... 6
Teaching and Learning School Reopening Best Practices ......... 12
2020-2021 Reopening Checklist .......................................... 15
School System Reopening Planning Template ......................... 17
Office of Public Health Regional Contacts ............................. 19
SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM 3
MESSAGE FROM STATE SUPERINTENDENT
Friends,
We’re at a critical juncture for public education in our state and nation. COVID-19 closed our school
buildings 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 health
ocials—and experts on what this guidance looks like when put into practice—school leaders and
educators. 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 also
find 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 dierences between schools, systems,
and communities across the state. It’s our responsibility to develop guidance in conjunction with
public health ocials, then allow local leadership to make decisions based on the unique needs
in 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 dierent in Phase 1, Phase
2, 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 and
state 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 eorts to reopen and operate schools. I know this school year will look
dierent 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
4 SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REOPENING GUIDELINES
FOR 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 is
relative 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 shared
surfaces 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 sta 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 some
students 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 and
that those students will possibly expose other students/sta 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 have
been 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 Oce
of 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 sta 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/sta who are quarantined or isolated
Prepare plans for school closures (3-5 days) if the school environment is determined to be a source of
ongoing COVID-19 spread
4. The decision to close schools is an individual, case-by-case process. That decision will ultimately be made by
school 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 aected and risk of spread at the school.
SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM 5
GUIDELINES: REQUIREMENTS FOR REOPENING SCHOOLS
PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3
Maximum group
size
10, including adults 25, including adults 50, including adults
Younger students Maintain static groups, understanding individuals may come into close contact and may not be
wearing face coverings
Older students If students are able to maintain physical distance, the groups composition may change.
Students maintain physical distance of six feet in classroom/indoor settings to the maximum
extent possible.
Physical standards Groups convene indoors in rooms enclosed by walls or partitions
High-touch surfaces (e.g., desks, doorknobs) are cleaned before and after each groups use
Groups are separated outdoors but do not require a physical barrier
Limit crowding at entry and exit points: maintain maximum group sizes and physical distance
recommendations to the maximum extent possible
Athletics Refrain from contact and high-risk sports Contact/high-risk sports
allowable within defined
groups
Symptom
monitoring
Assess students on arrival and throughout the day, including conducting an initial temperature
check
Establish an area that can be used to isolate sick students
Clean and disinfect surfaces in the isolation area after the sick student has gone home
Environmental
Cleaning and
Personal Hygiene
High-touch surfaces are cleaned multiple times throughout the day, including bathrooms
Handwashing at arrival, at least every two hours, before and after eating, before and after
using outdoor play equipment and at exit
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 diculties should not wear face coverings.
Transportation Maximum school bus capacity, including adults
25 percent 50 percent 75 percent
School bus passengers ride
one per seat with every
other seat empty
Members of the same
household may sit in the
same seat or adjacent
seats, with an empty seat
between household groups
Take the number of seats and multiply by the % of the
manufacturer’s capacity. This is the maximum number of
people allowed on the bus at any given time.
Space and disburse passengers to the maximum extent
possible
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.
6 SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM
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 the
resumption of instruction in public and nonpublic school facilities.
Louisiana’s plan for statewide reopening of schools outlines phases that are initiated once certain public health
criteria 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 in
place. These restrictions are outlined by the Louisiana Department of Health.
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), in consultation with the Louisiana Department of Health, oers
the following best practices in order to assist schools in planning as it relates to public health guidelines, as well
as limiting the spread of COVID-19.
NOTE: Best practices may change in accordance with updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and
Louisiana’s Oce of Public Health. Best practices are 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 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 SOCIAL
DISTANCING
WASH YOUR HANDS AND
COVER YOUR COUGH
TAKE CAUTION WITH
LOUISIANANS WHO ARE AT RISK
In public, keep at least
six feet distance from
others. Avoid unnecessary
appointments.
Cover your cough and
sneezes. Use your elbow or
a tissue. Avoid touching your
eyes, nose and mouth.
Take special caution to avoid exposing
the elderly and people with underlying
health conditions. Avoid visiting those
most at risk, and call instead.
SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM 7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The following sections contain both Department of Health guidelines and best practices for keeping children and
sta healthy and safe at school and in extracurricular activities.
CATEGORY ACTION ITEM
Group Size, Spacing
Requirements and
Physical Standards
Implement social and physical distancing strategies
Change student drop-o 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 sta
Screen students for sickness upon arrival
Implement isolation measures if a student becomes sick, and follow with a cleaning
and disinfecting processes
Address vulnerable individuals
Environmental
Cleaning and
Personal Hygiene
Ensure healthy personal hygiene
Intensify cleaning and disinfecting eorts
Additional
Operating
Considerations
Ensure safety and hygiene protocols are in place in shared communal areas
Ensure healthy food preparation and meal service
Ensure transportation sta are following safety and hygiene protocols
8 SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM
GROUP SIZE, SPACING REQUIREMENTS AND PHYSICAL STANDARDS
IMPLEMENT 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 physical distancing
in Phases 2 and 3.
Teachers maintain social distancing guidelines and teach from one location in the classroom if possible.
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.
Plan staggered class changes (e.g., by hall, odd/even room numbers, grade/discipline) to decrease number of
students in hallways at one time.
CHANGE STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP PROCESSES TO LIMIT CONTACT
Ask students to enter and exit in single-file lines to enable physical distance.
Establish one or two entry and egress points that enable the flow of students to move in a single direction.
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 to the facility so students can clean their hands before they
enter. If a sink with soap and water is not available, 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 physical distance, maintain static groups.
All attendees should wear a face covering.
Students and teachers should wash hands before and after events.
Discontinue field trips as students may engage with vulnerable populations.
Afterschool programs may continue but must adhere to maximum group sizes and physical distance
protocols. For younger students unable to maintain physical distance, maintain static groups.
ATHLETICS, BAND AND VOCAL MUSIC
Athletic activities are allowed to resume with the recommendations put forth in the Louisiana High School
Athletic Association’s Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities.
Band and vocal music may resume in Phase 3, with physical distance recommendations in eect.
SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM 9
SYMPTOM MONITORING
DEVELOP AND COMMUNICATE WELLNESS
POLICY FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF
School systems should develop and communicate
a wellness policy for both students and sta that
requires sick students and sta to stay home.
Individuals who have a fever of 100.4°F or above, or
other signs of illness, should not be admitted to the
facility.
Communicate to parents the importance of
keeping children home when they are sick, the
steps being taken to ensure the health and safety
of their children and other important information
related to limiting COVID-19 exposure.
See this sample letter to families. The letter
to families should outline all health and safety
precautions taken by your facility.
Another sample can be found from Child Care
Aware of America.
SCREEN CHILDREN FOR ILLNESS UPON
ARRIVAL
Whenever possible, schools should ensure a school
nurse or health care professional is available to
support screening and isolation procedures.
Individuals who have a fever of 100.4°F or above or
other signs of illness must not be admitted to the
facility.
Ask the student or parent/guardian to confirm the
student has not taken fever-reducing medication
in the last 24 hours and does not have shortness of
breath, 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 a
second time 5 to 10 minutes later.
Examples of how to conduct temperature screenings
are found here.
IMPLEMENT ISOLATION MEASURES IF A
STUDENT BECOMES SICK, FOLLOW WITH
CLEANING AND DISINFECTING PROCESSES
AND CONSULT PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS
It is important to establish a space to isolate students
who become sick, and to be prepared with a cleaning
and disinfecting process.
Create an area that can be used to isolate a sick
student. Ensure proper adult supervision of an
isolated child as needed and based on age.
If a sick child has been isolated in the facility, clean
and disinfect surfaces in the isolation room or area
after the sick child has gone home.
In the event that a student, sta member or
visitor to the school is or is presumed to be positive
for COVID-19, contact regional or local public
health ocials to determine any additional steps
related to communication, quarantining practices,
enhanced cleaning or disinfection processes, or
school facility closure. State of Louisiana contact
tracers will conduct contact tracing activities,
including school-based contacts.
Example of an assurance school systems can use
to ensure parents are aware of their obligation to
immediately pick up sick students from campus.
ADDRESS VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS
Pursuant to current school reopening CDC guidelines
limit any nonessential visitors, volunteers, and
activities involving external groups or organizations as
possible – especially with individuals who are not from
the local geographic area (e.g., community, town, city,
county). There is no validated data on how much risk
these individuals incur by attending school in person
and individuals will need to make the decision to
attend in close consultation with their health care
provider and school administrator. Furthermore,
OSHA statutes on employer responsibilities during a
pandemic 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 a
workplace safe from health threats, the definition of
that 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 the
months ahead.
In the event that a significant proportion of sta
members are unable to return to the school facility,
consider developing an innovative stang plan.
Individuals need to make the decision to attend in
close consultation with their health care provider and
school administrators.
10 SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING AND PERSONAL HYGIENE
ENSURE HEALTHY PERSONAL HYGIENE
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 diculties should not
wear face coverings.
Students and teachers should have scheduled handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitizer every two
hours as well as at the following times as found 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 hand sanitizer after changing any classroom; teachers in the
classroom should wash their hands or use sanitizer every time a new group of students enters their room.
Gloves are not necessary except for custodial sta or teachers cleaning their classrooms.
Display COVID-19 informational 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
washing hands and properly wearing a cloth face covering.
INTENSIFY CLEANING AND DISINFECTING EFFORTS
Evaluate school facilities to determine what kinds of surfaces and materials comprise each area. Consult the
CDC for guidance on establishing cleaning and disinfecting protocol for various surface types and materials.
Considerations include outdoor areas and areas unoccupied for more than 7 days.
Ventilation
Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible, for
example, by opening windows and doors. Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or 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 health ocials about the possible need for school closure.
Water Systems
To minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water, take steps to ensure all
water systems and features (e.g., sink faucets, drinking fountains, decorative fountains) are safe to use after a
prolonged facility shutdown. Drinking fountains should be cleaned and sanitized. Encourage sta 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 or a dilute bleach solution, multiple times throughout the day. This
includes:
Light switches, doors, benches, bannisters and bathroom fixtures
Surfaces and objects in libraries, labs and other settings where “hands-on” materials and equipment 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 sta should wear gloves when performing cleaning activities.
SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM 11
ADDITIONAL OPERATING CONSIDERATIONS
ENSURE 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 sta to bring bottled water from home.
Install protective barriers in shared areas, such as
front oce, reception areas and libraries.
ENSURE HEALTHY FOOD PREPARATION
AND MEAL SERVICE
Students, teachers and cafeteria sta should wash
hands before and after every meal.
If possible, classrooms should be utilized for eating
in place.
Students may bring food from home.
School-supplied meals should be delivered to
classrooms with disposable utensils.
If cafeterias must be used, stagger meal times for each
group, 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 serving
lines; 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 o site from
the school campus. LDOE is submitting a written
waiver extension request to USDA.
Food and Nutrition sta should:
Clean frequently touched surfaces such as kitchen
countertops, cafeteria and service tables, door
handles, carts and trays throughout the day. Follow
the directions on the cleaning product’s label and
clean hands afterwards.
Practice proper hand hygiene. This is an important
infection control measure. With appropriate hand
hygiene, 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 at
least 60 percent alcohol can be used, but not as a
substitute for cleaning hands with soap and water.
ENSURE TRANSPORTATION STAFF FOLLOW
SAFETY AND HYGIENE PROTOCOLS
The risks associated with student transportation in
buses have not been studied to date. As a result, these
recommendations are derived from school operating
procedures 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 their
normal 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 not
exceed 80 percent alcohol concentration and
containers should be securely closed, secured
against shifting and protected from damage.
Facial coverings should be worn by all sta and
students (3rd grade and up) at all times. Any child
over age two may wear a face covering.
For bus stops, consider developing a communication
plan to encourage parents and students to
maintain 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 to
allow six feet of distance while entering.
Clean high-touch surfaces, including seats and
handrails, 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 specific
seats for these children. These seats would not be
used for other students during the day, with special
precautions for disinfecting. Alternately, arrange for
separate transportation for that student.
12 SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM
TEACHING AND LEARNING
SCHOOL REOPENING BEST PRACTICES
School 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 sta and
students.
TRADITIONAL HYBRID VIRTUAL
Instruction in a traditional school
setting with mitigation eorts in place
Instruction via a combination of face-
to-face and virtual models
Instruction via a 100% virtual model
with either synchronous and/or
asynchronous learning
CORE ACADEMICS
School System Priority Resources
The school system will assess students’ academic needs through the use of
high-quality screeners for students in grades K-3 and high-quality ELA and
math diagnostics in grades 3 to high school. The school system will create
an individual plan for students with the most significant learning gaps.
Diagnostic and Screener Guidance
Addressing Unfinished Learning Gaps
The school system will have a plan for the continuous use of aligned
curricular materials during periods of modified operations.
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 through
December 2020.
Student Promotion and Planning
Supports
SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM 13
STUDENTS WITH DIVERSE NEEDS
School System Priority Resources
The school system should consider providing social and mental health
supports, including mental health screening upon return to school.
Guide to Supporting the Well-Being of
Students and Sta
Student Engagement and Success
Partner Guide (coming soon)
The school system will ensure that English Learners have access to
curriculum, intervention and assessment and service delivery, including
language support services during periods of modified operations.
Supporting ELs During School Closures/
Distance Learning
The school system will ensure all students with disabilities receive
instruction and related services and have access to devices that meet their
unique needs.
Partnerships for Success Guide
Continuous Education for Students with
Disabilities: Direct Services
Virtual Small Group Instruction for
Students with Disabilities: Privacy
Guidance
The school system will conduct compensatory education reviews of
all students with disabilities and will provide compensatory services
accordingly.
Timelines and Documentation During
Extended School Closures for Students
with Disabilities
WORKFORCE TALENT
School System Priority Resources
The school system has a comprehensive professional development
plan that provides professional learning for sta regardless of modified
operations, including training for all teachers on distance learning
protocols and methods. This plan will be updated by as appropriate.
Strong Start 2020: Professional
Development Plan Template
Professional Development Vendor Guide
The school system will ensure all Mentor Teachers and new ELA, math and
science Content Leaders are trained, either virtually or in-person.
Strong Start 2020: Professional
Development Vendor Guidance
Mentor Teacher and Content Leader
Approved Vendor List
The school system will develop an adaptive stang plan to be used during
periods of modified operations.
Expanding Learning Time Guidance
14 SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM
LEA SYSTEMS
School System Priority Resources
The school system will develop a plan to reopen school facilities and, when
necessary, close school facilities in line with forthcoming public health
guidance.
Current Document
The school system will adopt flexible and opportunistic calendars and
school schedules that maximize learning opportunities throughout the
year, as well as ensure continuous learning during periods of modified
operations.
Expanding Learning Time Guidance
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.
Guidance for Stang 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 of
four-year-old seats filled in the 2019-2020 school year.
Guidance for Early Learning at Home
SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM 15
2020-2021 REOPENING CHECKLIST
FACILITY AND OPERATIONS PROTOCOLS
PRE-OPENING TASKS RESOURCES
Identify School COVID-19 Health and Safety Coordinator/s School Nurse
Establish Partnership with Local Public Health Agency
Oce of Public Health Regional
Contacts
Regulatory Awareness
State Executive and Public Health Orders
Local Executive and Public Health Orders
Oce of Public Health Initial
Guidance Memo
Obtain PPE and Cleaning and Disinfecting
Supplies and Equipment
Consult with local Oce of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Regional Oce 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
Oce of Homeland Security and
Emergency Preparedness Regional
Contacts
EPA List of Disinfectants for use
against COVID19
Clean and Sanitize Facilities
Develop facility cleaning schedule
Train custodial sta on appropriate sanitation measures
CDC: Reopening Buildings Post-
Shutdown
CDC Guidance for Cleaning and
Disinfecting 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/sta 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 trac areas (school entrances, restrooms, etc.) that promote
everyday 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 trac areas
High trac 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 SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM
STAFFING NEEDS
PRE-OPENING TASKS RESOURCES
Develop COVID-19 training for Employees and Sta
Assess Sta for Vulnerability and Needs
Estimate number of sta 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 Stang
Develop Screening Protocols for Students and Employees
Develop and implement procedures to check daily for signs and symptoms of
students and employees upon arrival, as feasible
Symptom Monitoring Guidance
COMMUNITY NEEDS
PRE-OPENING TASKS RESOURCES
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
School
Develop 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 the
Community 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 Guidance
Develop a communications plan for parents/community on reopening
procedures, practices, expectations
ACADEMIC PLANNING
PRE-OPENING TASKS RESOURCES
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
SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM 17
SCHOOL SYSTEM REOPENING
PLANNING TEMPLATE
The following template can be used by school systems as they develop plans for reopening schools in fall 2020 in
concert 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 PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3
What is the school
system’s plan for
student learning?
O All in-person
O All virtual
O Combination of in-person
and virtual
O All in-person
O All virtual
O Combination of in-person
and virtual
O All in-person
O All virtual
O Combination of in-person
and virtual
Details:
What is the school
system’s plan for
alternate scheduling?
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
Details:
If the school system
plans to use alternate
scheduling, what will
be the basis?
O Geography
O Grade level
O Other
O NA
O Geography
O Grade level
O Other
O NA
O Geography
O Grade level
O Other
O NA
Details:
Detail your system's
plan for virtual
learning.
Detail your system's
plan for hybrid
learning.
Detail your system's
plan for taking
staff and student
attendance should
you utilize hybrid or
virtual learning.
18 SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM
PLANNING QUESTION PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3
How will the school
system provide
transportation?
How and where will
the school system
provide meals to
students?
O Cafeteria
O Classrooms
O Other common space
O Other
O Cafeteria
O Classrooms
O Other common space
O Other
O Cafeteria
O Classrooms
O Other common space
O Other
Details:
Who is responsible
for developing and
overseeing cleaning
and personal hygiene?
Details:
How will the school
system communicate
with families?
Point of contact:
Hotline or phone number:
Dedicated email address:
Dedicated web address:
Other:
SCHOOL REOPENING GUIDELINES & RESOURCES | LEARN MORE AT LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM 19
OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH
REGIONAL CONTACTS
REGION 1:
Orleans, Plaquemines, Jeerson, St. Bernard
REGION 2:
Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana,
Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge,
West Feliciana
REGION 3:
Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St.
James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary,
Terrebonne
REGION 4:
Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St.
Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion
REGION 5:
Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron,
Jeerson Davis
REGION 6:
Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant,
LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, Winn
REGION 7:
Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto,
Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Webster
REGION 8:
Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson,
Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita,
Richland, Tensas, Union, West Carroll
REGION 9:
Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany,
Tangipahoa, Washington
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP
PHONE
NUMBER
REGIONAL MDs/
ADMINISTRATORS
OFFICE PHONE
1
1450 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
3
1434 Tiger Dr. Thibodaux, LA 70301 985-447-0916
William "Chip" Riggins,
MD/Admin.
985-447-0916 ext. 332
4
825 Kaliste Saloom Rd Lafayette, LA 70508 337-262-5311
Juliette "Tina"
Stefanski, MD/Admin.
337-262-5619
5
707-A E. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles, LA 70615 337-475-3200
Lacey Cavanaugh,
MD/Admin.
337-475-3200
6
5604-B Coliseum Blvd. Alexandria, LA 71303 318-487-5262
David Holcombe,
MD/Admin.
318-487-5261
7
1525 Fairfield Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101 318-676-7489
Martha Whyte,
MD/Admin.
318-676-7489
8
1650 DeSiard St. Monroe, LA 71201 318-361-7201 Je Toms, Admin. 318-361-7227
9
15481 Club Deluxe Rd. Hammond, LA 70403 985-871-1300
Gina Lagarde,
MD/Admin.
985-543-4880
CADDO
DE SOTO
WINN
RED
RIVER
NATCHITOCHES
SABINE
VERNON
RAPIDES
AVOYELLES
ST. LANDRY
EVANGELINE
ALLEN
POINTE
COUPEE
WEST
FELICIANA
EAST
FELICIANA
BEAUREGARD
CALCASIEU
CAMERON
VERMILION
IBERIA
LAFAYETTE
ST. MARTIN
IBERVILLE
TERREBONNE
LAFOURCHE
ST. MARY
ASCENSION
ST. JAMES
ASSUMPTION
EAST
BATON
ROUGE
ST. JOHN
ST.
CHARLES
PLAQUEMINES
ST. BERNARD
ORLEANS
JEFFERSON
LIVINGSTON
ST.
HELENA
WASHINGTON
ST. TAMMANY
TANGIPAHOA
W BATON
ROUGE
JEFFERSON
DAVIS
ACADIA
GRANT
LA SALLE
CATAHOULA
CONCORDIA
BOSSIER
WEBSTER
CLAIBORNE
UNION
OUACHITA
CALDWELL
JACKSON
BIENVILLE
MOREHOUSE
EAST
CARROLL
MADISON
RICHLAND
FRANKLIN
TENSAS
WEST
CARROLL
LINCOLN
THREE KEY PRINCIPLES
Wash
Hands Often
Practice
Social Distancing
6ft
Wear a
Face Covering
2 31
WHAT ARE THE STEPS WHEN A STUDENT
IN SCHOOL TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?
1
If a school becomes aware of a presumptive positive or positive case of COVID-19, the child
should not attend school until determined to be non-infectious by their doctor.
2
Parents may be notified by the Oce of Public Health if their child may have been exposed
to the case of COVID-19, along with any next steps.
3
If it is determined that a school was the focus of infection for COVID-19, the school
superintendent, in consultation with the Oce 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 not
necessarily warrant classroom or school closure.