Update from the Superintendent
Families,
It is my sincere hope that you were able to enjoy the summer and remain safe and well. We are looking forward to a more traditional school year where our community can once again focus on the importance of being a true community — united in purpose, passion, and compassion.
Just like last year, we are prepared to quickly pivot based on the changing nature of the virus. As many of you are aware, the Governor made a formal recommendation strongly encouraging facial coverings. Last spring, we provided an opportunity for all of our staff to get vaccinated. Those efforts, alongside individuals who had previously been vaccinated, resulted in over 70% of our staff receiving the vaccine. As we prepare to welcome students back to on-campus learning for the 2021-2022 school year, I stand with the Governor’s recommendation to get vaccinated.
The health and well-being of our students and staff remain my and our School Board Members’ number one concern. With the mitigation efforts in place at each of our schools, and the continued emphasis on social distancing, we believe our schools remain a safe place for our students and staff. We will continue to monitor the data and work closely with local health officials and the Louisiana Department of Health to make any necessary adjustments as the situation evolves.
We are providing information on what to anticipate for the opening of school on Friday, August 6. The 2021-2022 Return to School Guidance provides an overview of COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place throughout St. Bernard Parish Public Schools. This guidance will be evaluated and adjusted as the situation evolves and as new guidance from health and government officials is received.
You can access our 2021-2022 Return to School Guidance by visiting our 2021-2022 Reopening Plan webpage. More specific school information can be found on individual school websites. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Students benefit from in-person learning, and safely returning to in-person instruction is a priority.
- Based upon the current guidelines provided, the St. Bernard Parish Public School System will begin the school year in the traditional school setting as safely as possible.
- Schools will no longer be required to screen students at the beginning of each school day. It is important that all students and staff properly monitor their own symptoms and conduct screenings prior to attending school or work for the safety of themselves and others.
- At this time, face coverings are optional for all pre-K through grade 12 students and employees except while traveling on a bus. Face coverings are strongly recommended and strongly encouraged for anyone who is unvaccinated, has an underlying health condition, or wants to continue wearing a face covering.
- All passengers on a school bus must wear a facial covering while using transportation, regardless of the capacity on the bus per Presidential Executive Order No. 13998 for Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel.
- St. Bernard Parish Public Schools will continue its efforts toward daily cleaning and disinfecting.
- Schools will continue to establish controlled routines for entrance, exit, and class exchanges to maximize distancing to the greatest extent possible during student transitional routines during the school day.
- Students should anticipate a return to the rigorous academic coursework they have come to expect from St. Bernard Parish Public Schools. Students will be held accountable for attendance and grades for the upcoming school year regardless of instructional model.
- Our school and district websites provide families the most up-to-date information regarding school operations, school and district policies, upcoming events, and announcements.
As always, stay well, stay informed, and stay connected.
Sincerely,
Doris Voitier
Superintendent of St. Bernard Parish Public Schools
