While the start of the 2020-21 year might look different from past openings, Tangipahoa Parish School Superintendent Melissa Stilley said her team is working harder than ever before to make this the best yet.
Stilley said the Aug. 12 opening date will mark a period of approximately eight “soft start” dates when a limited number of students will come on campus to become acclimated to their school’s new routines in response to COVID-19. The soft start days will be used to teach students procedures and protocols that will keep them safe Stilley said, and it will also be a time when students will receive their Chromebooks and be taught how to used them in the virtual classroom. Depending on grade level and in some cases, based on the first letter of a student’s last name, students will attend a staggered schedule those first few days of classes. During the soft start, transportation is available for all students on their assigned attendance days, and a free healthy breakfast and lunch will be available for all students. CDC and state health officials strongly recommend that schools limit the number of visitors on campus. Under the current guidelines, families are encouraged to send only their students to campus right now.
While the first day of school is just around the corner, Stilley said it is not too late for parents to register their children for the virtual option that the district will offer this year. Registration for the virtual learning program is as simple as clicking on the TangiSchools.org website and signing up, Stilley said. Stilley said schools are taking ample precautions to help students stay safe during the pandemic. In addition to rigorous cleaning and disinfecting practices, each campus is also establishing a designated “sick room” for any child exhibiting symptoms during the school day.
While the district has prioritized student and staff safety, Stilley said employees recognize there is always room for improvement. She encourages families to share their suggestions and concerns by emailing CovidConcerns@TangiSchools.org.
