Questions From Parents

NOCCA COVID Questions & Answers

We will keep you informed, but here is a Q & A section from topics we have heard from parents. Share your voice by emailing frontdesk@nocca.com.

Will NOCCA return to normal after Labor Day?

NOCCA does not have an exact date of when it can return to typical instructional schedules. For example, the hybrid instructional model will be implemented, but the reality facing the campus is to begin a complete distance learning delivery for all NOCCA students. Families will be alerted of any changes or moves to hybrid options at least two weeks prior to implementation and launch. Students begin virtual instruction on August 24, Monday-Friday, with normal planned holidays.

My student is a senior. Will they be able to perform publicly this year?

At this time, NOCCA is unable to guarantee any type of public performance. We know this school year will look different for all of our students. For NOCCA, training has always been of the utmost importance. Our creative faculty will design opportunities for all of their students to prepare them as professionals in their field, even though they will look differently due to the current pandemic.

What are the rules for student absences? Any differences in online or on-campus absences?

As a public school operated by the State of Louisiana, rules on absences, tardies and instructional time are mandated by BESE and the Department of Education. Students are expected to report to class each day in-person or online as NOCCA’s schedule dictates. As a student is absent or sick, those instances should be reported to frontdesk@nocca.com, upon return a parent or doctor’s note is required as set by the State of Louisiana.

How does my student prepare for college auditions if they are not on-campus full-time?

Even during this pandemic and the new scheduling planned or in place for students, NOCCA’s faculty and college counselor are ready to provide guidance to each one of our senior students. Families must realize that colleges are changing their audition procedures and processes and NOCCA will continue to evolve its guidance to students to help them successfully navigate college choice and how college works for that student in this new reality. Having a student in a distance learning environment includes preparing that student for college as NOCCA will work to provide online access to colleges and their recruiters.

When do students enrolled in Intro, Middle School, Dance Prep begin?

Visual Arts & Media Arts Intro Classes begin on Monday, August 24 (Monday/Wednesdays) and Tuesday, August 25 (Tuesday/Thursday). Dance Preparatory (this is a middle school program meeting after school) begins September 9. Classical Instrumental Middle School & Intro begin Monday, August 24 (Monday/Wednesday) and Tuesday, August 25 (Tuesday/Thursday).

When NOCCA transitions to a hybrid model or when students return to campus, may my student choose to do 100% online learning? How does this happen in the arts?

We understand that for some of our students, parents/guardians may prefer they participate in virtual training because of medical conditions or the risk their public exposure brings to their home and family. We ask for that family to make NOCCA aware of this request so we can provide every accommodation available. Please email frontdesk@nocca.com or call 504.940.2787.

All arts classes are elective credits; any differences in credits received will be assessed based on what components can be achieved solely online versus the hybrid model including on-campus instruction.

For some active art disciplines, in-person instruction with ensemble, lends itself to a richer experience. Through dialogue with the Director of the Arts and the Arts Department Chair each student will be given an option of an individual plan for credit.

My student needs to complete a physical?

Yes, the State of Louisiana requires that all high school students who attend a public school must complete a physical. This would include students in a virtual environment. Also, NOCCA hopes to pivot to hybrid instruction as soon as factors allow, so having a physical on file for each student is important. We understand many families have concerns about going to the doctor’s office during the pandemic. Some recommendations include, call your doctor to ensure your child’s visit follows all protocols (many doctors are only seeing one patient at a time even in the waiting room); contact your health insurance providers to see if a virtual/ telemedicine is possible; local urgent cares are also a great option.

Where can I find a general resource of NOCCA Faculty/Staff emails?

Here is a great link: Click Here!

At what time do Academic Studio students check-in online?

Students should report to their online classes at the following times tomorrow and check with their email and google classrooms for further information. Here are the start times for the online start time schedule for the coming weeks:

Monday-Thursday

• 9th Grade: 9:00 am start time

• 10th Grade: 9:00 am start time

• 11th Grade: 9:30 am start time

• 12th Grade: 9:00 am start time

Friday

• 9:00 am start time - mentor groups