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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

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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

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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.

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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 group’s 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 group’s 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.

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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 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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

1450 Poydras St., Ste. 1202 New Orleans, LA 70112 504-599-0100

Joseph Kanter,

MD/Admin.

504-599-0105

628 North 4th St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225-342-6933

Dawn Marcelle,

MD/Admin.

225-342-3266

1434 Tiger Dr. Thibodaux, LA 70301 985-447-0916

William "Chip" Riggins,

MD/Admin.

985-447-0916 ext. 332

825 Kaliste Saloom Rd Lafayette, LA 70508 337-262-5311

Juliette "Tina"

Stefanski, MD/Admin.

337-262-5619

707-A E. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles, LA 70615 337-475-3200

Lacey Cavanaugh,

MD/Admin.

337-475-3200

5604-B Coliseum Blvd. Alexandria, LA 71303 318-487-5262

David Holcombe,

MD/Admin.

318-487-5261

1525 Fairﬁeld Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101 318-676-7489

Martha Whyte,

MD/Admin.

318-676-7489

1650 DeSiard St. Monroe, LA 71201 318-361-7201 Je Toms, Admin. 318-361-7227

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?

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.

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.

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.

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