Message from Superintendent Irma D. Trosclair September 2020

Dear LPSS School Community:

For many years, I have composed letters to welcome staff and families back to a new and exciting school year, and although we are excited to have started a new school year, this start is like no other. Last week, we welcomed students and staff back to campuses. We have had an outstanding start, and are hopeful that things will continue to run smoothly. Our goals are to keep students and staff safe, provide the best possible education, and be able to remain in classes and school. Throughout this pandemic we will continue to work closely with the Louisiana Department of Health and Louisiana Department of Education in monitoring COVID-19 cases in our district to help us make decisions in the best interest of our students and staff.

The start of school looks different in many ways: mask-wearing, social distancing, and online learning for many of our students. I know that these changes can feel overwhelming. I also recognize that the many uncertainties that the pandemic presents for families and schools are challenging. I am proud of our teachers and staff who worked and prepared to receive and support students when our doors opened on September 8th. As I visit schools, it is evident that school leaders and staff worked together to put protocols and processes in place to create safe learning environments.

Although a great deal of our work has been rooted in health and safety measures, please know that we have remained committed to our traditional academic work and moving the district forward. We’ve staffed schools with high quality educators, provided numerous professional development opportunities focused on academics and best practices, ways to support our online learners, as well as on social/emotional and trauma needs of students. Academic and instructional improvements will continue as we strive to close achievement gaps and help students reach their full potential. We remain committed to moving our district forward.

As a reminder:

Monitor Your Children Daily

If your child has any of the following symptoms, this indicates a possible illness that may decrease the student's ability to learn, and also put them at risk for spreading illness to others. Students exhibiting any of these symptoms are to stay home:

• Fever or chills

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Cough

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

If your child has had close contact with a COVID-19 case, has tested positive for COVID-19, or is waiting on COVID-19 test results, they should stay home.

I know that we are entering unfamiliar territory in many ways, but I also know that we are fortunate to have so many talented and creative educators working to make this year a success. Staff have shown time after time how committed and capable they are, and I know that will continue to be the case this year. Our educators are the backbone of our school system, and our school community should work together to show our appreciation and support.

Thank you to our families and community members for partnering with us, and for your patience and support as we go back to school during an incredibly challenging time. Together we will make good things happen for the boys and girls we serve.

With respect and appreciation,

Irma D. Trosclair, Superintendent