While the nation continues to see a high number of COVID-19 cases, they also are preparing for the new school year. The Calcasieu parish school year will begin on August 24, 2020, announced the Calcasieu Parish School Board (CPSB). Last week during a meeting held by the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), additional regulations and mandates were shared for school districts to follow for the 2020-2021 school year. The Governor notified families that some changes had been implemented, as detailed in the state’s Return to School Plan.
While many families have opted for homeschooling, some will be sending their children back to the brick and mortar schooling. For the first time in American history, there will be a much small number of students and faculty in traditional schools and more learning via facetime apps, virtual assignments, and more. Although each school has provided the current supply list, sales for school supplies for 2020 -2021, are significantly lower than sales from previous years.
Two different trips to a popular retailer stored show that although the stores remain full of shoppers, not many are purchasing school supplies.
Little girl sits alone in a classroom, looking out of the window.
The questions about the safety of the students returning to school and the quality of education for those staying home are still and remain under debate until after the school year begins. Smaller classrooms, with more distance between each student, as well as the mask mandate is only part of the plan to the reopening. Sports programs have also changed and will include only the players and necessary coaching and faculty present during scheduled games.
“One of the biggest challenges for the 2020-2021 school year will be ensuring that all students receive an equitable, not just equal education during a pandemic. This has been and will continue to be a super challenging time for educators trying to ensure that all students receive the all-around education due them to become successful, sustain citizens while keeping themselves and those deserving students safe. More than ever before all stakeholders must work together for all our future,” said retired educator of over twenty years, Ms. Patricia Clarence.
As the global confirmed COVID-19 cases reach a staggering 17,852,451, 4,646,691, one of those cases are in the U.S., while as of July 31, 2020, Calcasieu has reported 443 new cases and five new deaths.
Calcasieu Parish officials will closely monitor any outbreaks, once schools have reconvened, on August 24, 2020, making sure to make any necessary changes if and when the need arises
TEA Firm 