EBRPSS Announces Updated Phase Three Student Return Schedule

Communications Sep. 11 2020

For Immediate Release September 11, 2020

EBRPSS Announces Updated Phase Three Student Return Schedule

BATON ROUGE, La. – Governor John Bel Edwards signed a proclamation on Friday, September 11, 2020, that moves Louisiana into Phase Three of the reopening plan. This announcement allows the East Baton Rouge Parish School System to begin transitioning students back to in-person learning.

In accordance with the Louisiana Department of Education phase three guidance, group sizes increase from 25 to 50, and bus capacity moves from 50% to 75%. EBRPSS will continue to adhere to all safety measures including the following: social distancing to the greatest extent possible; wearing face coverings; monitoring symptoms; notifying close contacts; maintaining static groups whenever possible.

Currently, students in grades PreK-5 are scheduled to start hybrid learning on Monday, September 14, 2020. The district will maintain this plan with the following schedule updates:

PreK-5th Grade Students

9/14 – 10/2

• Students with last names beginning with A-K will attend in person on Monday and Tuesday. This group will learn virtually Wednesday – Friday. Students with last names beginning with L-Z will attend in person on Thursday and Friday. This group will learn virtually Monday –
• Children of EBRPSS employees in grades PreK – 5 may attend the student’s school of record four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and
• All students will learn virtually on

10/5

• Students will begin attending in-person classes five days a week (Monday through Friday) at their assigned school
• Students who wish to continue learning in the all-virtual environment will still be able to do so. Please complete the v irtual opt-in form to remain in the all-virtual learning model. If a family would like to opt back into in-person learning at a later date, please communicate with the student’s assigned school so that school level adjustments may be made in a timely

6th-12th Grade Students

9/28 – 10/16

• Students with last names beginning with A-K will attend in person on Monday and Tuesday. This group will learn virtually Wednesday – Friday. Students with last names beginning with L-Z will attend in person on Thursday and Friday. This group will learn virtually Monday –
• Children of EBRPSS employees in grades 6-12 may attend the student’s school of record four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and
• All students will learn virtually on

10/19

• Students in grades 6-12 will begin attending in-person classes five days a week (Monday through Friday) at their assigned school
• Students who wish to continue learning in the all-virtual environment will still be able to do so. Please complete the v irtual opt-in form to remain in the all-virtual learning model. If a family would like to opt back into in-person learning at a later date, please communicate with the student’s assigned school so that school level adjustments may be made in a timely

ESS Students in low-incident, self-contained classes

 9/14: Students in grades PreK-5 in low-incidence, self-contained classes will be able to attend in person four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

9/17: Students in grades 6-12 in low-incidence, self-contained classes will be able to attend in person four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

10/5: Students in grades PreK-5 in low-incidence, self-contained classes will also be able to attend in person five days a week: Monday – Friday.

10/19: Students in grades 6-12 in low-incidence, self-contained classes will be able to attend in person five days a week: Monday – Friday.

Transition Dates

*Based on the latest COVID-19 data, these dates are subject to change.*

“Through our continued conversations with the Health Advisory Committee, we are encouraged by the continued decline in COVID-19 cases. The declining trends, coupled with the governor’s announcement, indicates that a gradual return to in-person learning can be safe and successful for all,” said Superintendent Leslie M. Brown. “We have worked with our principals, administrators, medical experts and union leaders to determine the strongest and most effective transition strategy for our students, staff and families.”

EBRPSS Health Advisory Committee members, Dr. Catherine O’Neal and Dr. Michael Bolton, continue to evaluate the latest local COVID-19 data and the impact on the Baton Rouge area. “We will remain flexible in our future decisions and look forward to providing students the benefits of in-person school and quality education,” said Dr. Bolton, Program Co-Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases at OLOL Children’s Hospital.

“We have not only monitored our regional and parish data, but also the safe reopening of schools within our region,” said Dr. O’Neal, Chief Medical Officer at OLOL Hospital and Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases at LSU. “We are encouraged by the results of this early reopening and look forward to seeing continued success in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.”

The district will continue to consult with medical experts; adhere to national, state and local guidance; and make adjustments to this approach as needed. Health data for transitions will be reviewed frequently. More detailed information will be released over the coming days and weeks.

“Through your continued support and understanding, we have been able to focus on ensuring that students and staff are provided with school environments that allow them to feel safe, supported and productive. We will work together, arm in arm, as we take this exciting next step,” said Superintendent Brown.

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 Additional resources:

To view the EBRPSS Reopening Blueprint, please click here. To view child nutrition updates, please visit our website.

To learn more about Our Lady of the Lake and Health Centers in Schools COVID Case Reporting and Management Tools, click here.

For additional information about athletics, please visit LHSAA.

Phase Three Announcement 9.11.2020