Strong Start 2020 Iberia

Frequently Asked Questions

Reopening Plan

• Block Scheduling
  • Have you considered letting high schools go back to block scheduling one more year?
    • We did think about this. However, with all the lost learning and potential for total distance learning, one semester course would not provide enough time for making up lost learning and keeping up with current content.  Even though the classes would be 90 minutes per day, it is not enough time to complete course content. 
       
• Class Sizes and Configuration
  • How many children will there be per class?
    • Classes will have the least amount of students possible, but always less than the allowable 25 including the teacher/adult(s) in the classroom during Phase 2. 
       
  • Will the desks be the recommended 6 feet apart?
    • In elementary, all nonessential furniture will be removed to allow for distancing at the maximum extent possible.
    • Since students in middle and high school will attend at 50%, desks will be used at 6-foot distancing and sanitized between classes.
       
• Chromebook Information
  • I have a high school student and a middle school student.  Would they need computers for the three days that they will be doing school work from home?
    • All students will be given a Chromebook for use in the classroom or virtually at home.
    • A technology fee of $20 will be charged per student or $40 per family in order to cover the costs for repairing or replacing broken devices.
       
• Enrolling New Students
  • I have just moved to Iberia Parish or my child(ren) was at a parochial school and I need to enroll them into Iberia Parish School District or I moved within the parish and I need to transfer/register my child(ren) for a different school.  How do I accomplish this?
    • Welcome to Iberia Parish.  Principals and secretaries return to work on Wednesday, July 22, 2020.  You may call the school for an appointment to register your child(ren).  They can provide you with information on what documents you will need to bring with you for registration.  Another newly opened registration option is available on our website.
       
  • Is the deadline to enroll students in face-to-face or virtual learning truly July 17, 2020?
    • It is very helpful for us to complete the reopening plans if we know all of the students’ enrollment choices.  The Enrollment Intent Form and change forms are posted on our website. The final deadline to make the educational choice for your children is Monday, July 27, 2020.
       
  • Do I have to do anything else besides filling out the Enrollment Intent Form for my child(ren) to start school?
    • Choices are finalized with the Enrollment Form and can be changed until Monday, July 27, 2020 or after the first 9-week grading period.
       
  • What happens if I change my mind prior to the start of school about whether or not I want to send my child(ren) to school through the Virtual Learning Program or Face-to-Face?
    • Link to Change Enrollment Form
    • You may also call the Educational Center at 337-364-7641 to change that choice.
    • Once school starts, students will only be able to change their learning option at the end of a 9-week grading period.
       
• Explain guidelines for phases
• ​Phase I:  All students will have distance learning with teacher facilitation.
• Phases 2 & 3: Elementary students will attend face-to-face or full virtual and middle and high school students will attend either full virtual or hybrid model of two days face-to-face and three days distance learning.     
                             

• Extra-Curricular Activities
  • If I choose the virtual option for my child(ren), will my child(ren) be allowed to play sports?
    • Yes, students in full virtual can participate in all school activities as allowed by the LDOE and BESE.
       
  • If a high school student does the university view curriculum at home will they be able to take part in extracurricular activities in their school zone?
    • Students will not be able to participate in school activities if they are not enrolled in the IPSD Virtual or Face-to-Face Program and they will not have access to the Grab and Go Lunch or Breakfast meals.
       
• Extra Lessons
  • Last school year, a packet was offered to teach our child(ren) at home.  Will that still be offered?
    • Now that all students will have access to electronic devices, no hardcopy packets will be distributed.
       
• Face-to-Face Lessons
  • How will you determine which students will go on which days?
    • We are using a geocoding program to help divide students into two equal groups according to addresses.  This method will also help us follow the bus capacity guideline of only 50%.
       
  • Will middle school and high school students go to school twice a week face-to-face with teachers and the other three days work on Chromebook at home?
    • Yes, that is correct. That is how our face-to-face lessons will work.
       
• French Immersion Classes
  • Can my child(ren) still begin his/her first year of French Immersion through the virtual learning program?
    • Unfortunately, students will not be able to enroll in French Immersion on the Full Virtual Option in any grade level.
       
• Home Schooling
  • What is the process to homeschool my child(ren)?
    • You may enroll through the State Department of Education.  However, students who choose that option in lieu of the IPSD Virtual Option will not be eligible for Chromebooks, extra-curricular activities or sports, or breakfasts/lunches.
       
• Internet and Hot Spots
  • How will IPSD get internet access to families that either cannot get internet or cannot afford internet at their home residence?
    • Help will be provided for families that do not have a method for obtaining internet access at home.  One hotspot per household will be provided if necessary.
       
• Library
  • Will the students have access to library books?  If so, how will this be accomplished?
    • Books will be circulated on a rotating basis to prevent germs from spreading between student use.
       
• Orientations
  • Face to Face Orientations
    • Schools will be conducting small group orientations following all CDC Guidelines and social distancing.  TBA
  • Pre-K and K Orientations
    • Teachers will contact students individually to set up an orientation time.
  • Virtual Orientations
    • Instructions will be provided virtually.  However, Chromebooks will have to be picked up at the school site on a designated date and time.  TBA
       
• P.E.
  • Will elementary school children be physically active?
    • Final decisions on P.E. have not been made and will probably look differently than what we are used to.  Materials and equipment used will have to be cleaned as per state guidelines or may not be used at all.  However, students will be given breaks to go outside.
       
• Recess
  • Will elementary school children be physically active and have recess?  If so, and it is held outside, are the children still required to wear a mask with a heat index of 100 degrees +?
    • Final decisions on recess have not been made and will probably look differently than what we are used to.  Materials and equipment used will have to be cleaned as per state guidelines or may not be used at all.
    • When outside and 6 feet apart, students will be able to remove masks temporarily.
       
• School Supplies
  • Where can I get a list of the supplies needed for my child(ren)?
    • Most schools have webpages or Facebook pages where lists are posted.  School offices reopen on July 22, 2020 for more information.
       
• School Zones
  • I just moved here, how can I find which school zone I live in?
    • Use the link provided below to find your school zone.  You will be required to put your address, as well as grade level for your child(ren).  If you need any other information, please call Student Services at 337-365-2341.
      • Link to School Zones
         
• Special Education
  • How will my child’s IEP accommodations be addressed and serviced?
    • The implementation of the student’s IEP will be addressed at school or virtually, dependent upon which school plan the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) chooses. Accommodations will be addressed virtually if applicable. The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may request that their child’s IEP meeting be reconvened to address any concerns.
       
  • Will those children who have gifted and talented classes still be given those services/classes?  How will this work?
    • Gifted services will be provided at school or virtually (gifted enrichment services) dependent upon which school plan the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) choose. When the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of elementary students choose the face-to-face plan, talent services will be provided at school during the school day. Any full virtual or hybrid student will receive talent services virtually, to the extent possible. The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may request that their child’s IEP meeting be reconvened to address any concerns.
       
  • If I choose the Virtual Learning Program for my child(ren) that is in the IPSD Gifted Program, will they still get work at the GT levels or will it be at their normal grade level?
    • The full virtual model is an online curriculum, Edgenuity, which provides on grade level lessons. In addition, full virtual students in the Iberia Parish Gifted program, will be provided gifted (enrichment) services virtually by Iberia Parish School District teachers of the gifted. The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may request that their child’s IEP meeting be reconvened to address any concerns.
       
• Static Groups
  • What are static groups?
    • Static Groups are groups of students that remain constant without mixing with other students.
       
• Uniform Statement
  • Will students be required to wear uniforms this year?
    • We do recognize that many families will be facing some financial challenges.  However, not having uniforms has not been considered at this time.  Vendors have all expressed to us that their stock is plentiful, and that they will make all accommodations for returns and refunds if needed.  In addition, many schools have gently used uniforms for families that need them.
       
  • Will there be “uniform” restrictions on masks?
    • Masks/coverings must not contain wording, emblems and/or insignias that promote profanity, obscenity, political messages, drug/alcohol/tobacco use, or gang/hate-related slogans. Also, masks/coverings cannot contain images of faces. Bandannas will not be allowed.
      • ​Recent research reveals that neck gaiters do not provide protection and should only be worn until coth face coverings can be obtained.
    • The principal/administrator has the discretionary power to determine the appropriateness of face masks/coverings to ensure the safety of the school learning environment.
       
  • What if parents cannot afford masks?
    • We have been offered masks by members of the community for students who are not able to obtain them.  Please let your child’s school know at orientation.  Masks will be available while supplies last.

Before and After Student Care

• Will schools have student care?
  • We are planning to have before and after school care at schools that had it in the past. However, all safety precautions must be met, which may limit the number of students.  We have to ensure that all CDC Guidelines are being met, as well as adhering to the maximum group size requirements for cafeterias and classrooms.
     
• What will be the protocol for students that attend? Will they be required to wear masks the whole time, sit 6 feet apart, etc.?
  • Students will stay in their static groups 6 feet apart.  When students are outside and 6 feet apart, masks may be removed.

Changes to 2020-2021 Calendar

• Explain Changes: 
  • The start of school has been changed to September 8.  The start date is in effect for both virtual and face-to-face classes.
• Link to School Board Calendar PDF
  • School Board Calendar
• Link to Year-at-a-Glance PDF
  • Year-at-a-Glance Calendar

Employee and Student Safety

• COVID Testing
  • Are teachers going to be tested for COVID-19 before school starts?
    • The CDC does not recommend that all employees must be tested before returning to work.  The IPSD will follow all CDC recommendations for employees, including temperature checks for staff members.
       
  • Will students be tested for COVID-19 by the school system?
    • No, students will not be tested by the school system. Temperature checks will be conducted and staff will contact parents when a student is exhibiting COVID symptoms.
       
  • If you are not going to be testing every student and staff personnel weekly for COVID-19, how are you going to identify and isolate the almost 40% who are asymptomatic and spreading the virus?
    • Although students or employees are not required to take COVID-19 tests, all safety guidelines will be followed to protect students and staff members, including temperature checks for staff members and students.
       
  • How will each student and parent be reassured of their child’s safety upon the arrival of the new school year?  Will there be a COVID-19 Disclaimer Form?
    • See the Enhanced Safety Measures Section on our website for additional information.
       
• Employee or Student Exposure Protocols
  • If one child or teacher is diagnosed with COVID-19, will the whole class and teacher be quarantined for 14 days?
    • All students in a classroom may not have to all quarantine if one student or the teacher tests positive for COVID-19.  We will be following CDC Guidelines for students who test positive.  As of today, if a student/teacher tests positive they will have to self-isolate for at least 10 after their first symptoms appear and have to be symptom free for 24 hours, without taking any fever reducing medication.  Additionally, as per CDC Guidelines, only students who were less than 6 feet apart for over 15 minutes without a mask would have to quarantine for 14 days.
       
• Faculty/Student Temp Checks and Screening
  • Who will be taking temperature checks of the faculty at school and how often?
    • School staff will take temperature checks at the beginning of every school day for all staff and students and during the day as needed.

Enhanced Safety and Sanitation Measures

• Cleaning and Disinfecting
  • What will be done regarding the use and cleaning/disinfecting of water fountains?
    • Students are asked to bring their own water.  However, water fountains will be disinfected every hour for monitored use.
       
• Face Coverings
  • Are masks required for K-12 students?
    • Masks are required for students in Grades 3 - 12.
    • Pre-K-2 students may wear masks, but they are not mandatory for those students.
       
  • Will masks be provided and enforced in schools?
    • We are asking parents to provide cloth masks for their child(ren).  However, some masks will be available from generous business owners for students who are unable to obtain them.  Mask wearing will be enforced according to the guidelines set forth by the Louisiana Department of Education.  
       
  • Will masks be required all day?
    • The guidance from medical professionals strongly advises the use of masks as a way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and BESE says that students must wear masks.  However, adjustments to face masks may have to be made as determined by the teacher and the school administrator.  
       
  • Will masks be required at recess?
    • Masks may be removed outdoors when students are 6-feet away from one another.
       
  • If another student in my child’s class refuses to wear a mask, will they be allowed to stay in class? Can I as a parent expect that non-mask wearing students will be moved as far away as possible from those students who are wearing their masks?
    • The BESE Guideline for mask wearing will be followed and action will be taken for students who refuse to comply. 
       
  • Can I get a doctor’s excuse stating my child cannot wear a mask?
    • Yes, a physician’s note/excuse will be required for any 3rd-12th Grader who cannot wear a mask.
       
• Social Distancing
  • If the children go back to school, will they be put in cubicles?
    • All non-essential furniture will be removed from the classrooms to allow the tables/desks to be spread out as far as possible.  Students with medical issues/concerns will be separated as much as possible.
       
  • My child has a medical condition (i.e. asthma) and is in lower elementary, is he required to attend school physically?
    • Parents may choose the full virtual option for young children.  However, face-to-face teacher interaction would provide the best learning environment for young children.
       
  • Will social distancing be enforced at recess?
    • Yes, to the maximum extent possible.
       
  • My child(ren) has asthma and small children love to hug and socialize.  How will you keep my child(ren) safe from COVID-19 in the classroom if we decide to send them? How will this work? Please outline how the children will be protected.  Additionally, will the teachers take precautions as well?
    • Teachers will monitor student interactions as much as possible.  Students will have to be taught about social distancing.  Students in elementary school will remain in static groups throughout the day.  Both students in Grades 3-12 and employees will be wearing face coverings.  Please see the link called Enhanced Safety Measures on the website for more safety precautions.

Food Services Information

• Will lunches take place in the cafeteria or in the classrooms?
  • For the most part, lunches will be consumed in the classroom.  One exception includes very young children in small groups socially distanced 6 feet apart in the cafeteria.
     
• Will lunches be provided?
  • Lunches will be provided to all students enrolled in IPSD’s face-to-face and virtual programs.  Virtual students will be able to pick up meals at designated schools.  Please see our Cafeteria Procedures and Protocols on our website for more information.

Transportation

• Will the buses run this year as usual?
  • Bus transportation will be operating at 50% capacity during Phase 2 and 75% capacity during Phase 3. Buses will be disinfected after each group of students between routes.  We are asking parents who can provide transportation to do so.  Multiple routes will have to be made to accommodate the current number of students, which could impact the time of arrival and departure.  Please see our Transportation Information on our website for more information.
     
• Are the children’s temperatures going to be checked before getting on the bus?
  • No, temperature checks will be made at the school sites.
     
• For those parents who drop off and pick up their child(ren), how will the drop off and pick up of the students work?
  • Administrators are working on procedures for drop off and pick up.  Students in Grades 3 - 12 will be wearing masks at those times (pick up and drop off).

Virtual School Option

• Explain Virtual
  •  When will enrollment start for Iberia Parish Virtual Learning?
    • The enrollment intent form was sent out in a robo text on Friday, July 10, 2020.  It is also available on our website under Strong Start 2020 Iberia in the Superintendent’s Message.
       
  • How many hours a day will our children have to spend on a computer for virtual learning if that is what we choose?
    • It is recommended that an elementary student is actively engaged in learning on the computer for a minimum of 5-6 hours per day five days per week (25 - 30 hours per week).  For middle and high school students, it is recommended that the student is actively engaged for 6-7 hours per day five days per week (30 - 35 hours per week).  The total number of hours per week may be accomplished using Saturdays and Sundays.
       
  • What are the times for the Virtual Learning Program?  Does it have to be within school hours, after hours?  Is there a certain time they will have to start their lessons or finish by a certain time each day or will they be able to work at their own pace?
    • Since the Full Virtual Model uses the Edgenuity Platform, it is accessible anytime during the day, night or weekend.
    • There are no certain times students will have to start or finish their lessons.
    • They will be able to work at their own pace.
    • Students can have access to the lessons at any time or any day.  It gives flexibility to parents about when their children engage in lessons because the lessons are recorded.
       
  • What schedule will the students using the Virtual Learning Program have to follow?  Will they keep the same schedule as the children choosing the face-to-face option?
    • Students may not follow the classroom lessons exactly on the same schedule.  However, a calendar of progress will be provided.
       
  • If parents decide to do the virtual option for their child(ren), will all children in the same grade in Iberia Parish have the same teacher and assignments or will this be done school by school?
    • The Full Virtual Model uses a program called Edgenuity.  All of the lessons are pre-recorded and assessments are also part of the program.  Students can have access to the lessons at any time or any day of the week.  It gives flexibility to parents about when their children engage in lessons. However, the lessons are not taught by Iberia Parish Teachers.
       
  • If I choose the Virtual Learning Program for my child(ren) when will I receive information regarding the program?
    • There will be an orientation for parents who select the Full Virtual Learning Option.  This information will be provided closer to the face-to-face start of school, which is set to begin on August 17, 2020.
       
  • Will the Virtual Learning Program begin in August?
    • Yes, it will begin when face-to-face learning begins, which is set to begin on August 17, 2020.
       
  • Will the students in the Virtual Learning Program be assigned teachers to help them if needed?
    • Teachers will be assigned to monitor students and answer questions that students may have.
       
  • Will my child(ren) still receive the same services and accommodations they would if they were attending school face-to-face (i.e. Gifted, Talented, Resource, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, APE, etc.)?
    • When indicated by the IEP, related services (i.e. speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc.), resource services, talented and gifted (enrichment) services, and accommodations (if applicable) will be provided virtually, to the extent possible. The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may request that their child’s IEP meeting be reconvened to address any concerns.
       
  • Are there any Full Virtual Learning Options available for Special Education Students whose parents are not comfortable with sending their child(ren) back to school yet?
    • There are full Virtual Learning Options available for Special Education Students whose parents are not comfortable sending their child(ren) back to school.  Self-contained students will access the Unique Learning System virtually.  Resource, gifted, and related services will be provided in addition to Edgenuity.
       
  • Will the Virtual Facilitator be an “actual” teacher?  Will the student be able to physically “see” the instructor and be able to interact with them in real time?
    • The lessons for the Full Virtual Learning Option uses a program called Edgenuity.  Edgenuity uses lessons and assessments which are pre-recorded. Teachers will be assigned to a virtual student group to monitor progress and be available to answer questions that students may have.
       
  • Do Pre-K and Kindergarten students have the option for the Full Virtual Learning Program?  If not, how will the classroom run?
    • Kindergarten does have the option of a virtual option using the Edgenuity Program.  However, Edgenuity does not offer this option to Pre-K.  The district is looking for a virtual Pre-K option.
       
  • If a student chooses to do 100% Full Virtual Learning Option, will he/she lose his/her honor graduate status and be out of the running for valedictorian?  Do they have the ability to take Advanced Placement Classes through the Full Virtual Learning Program?
    • Currently, students must complete at least 2 grading periods in a face-to-face classroom in order to receive Honors Credit.  If the state of the current pandemic has not been resolved by the spring, the district will create expanded assignments for full virtual students to receive Honors Credit.
    • Dual Enrollment classes will not be available as a virtual option.
       
  • For the Full Virtual Learning Program Curriculum, will all elementary grades be parent led?  Or only specific lower grades?
    • Full Virtual students will be using a pre-recorded lesson program called Edgenuity.  Parents will certainly be able to assist their children beyond the lesson content.  Lower grade students will need parent support.
       
  • Will the Full Virtual Learning Program be in a Google Classroom Format?
    • It is a web based program and not in a Google Classroom Format.
    • Please see the narrated PowerPoint on our website.
       
• If the Full Virtual Learning Program is chosen, will the lessons coincide with the Face-to-Face Learning? (asking in the event I would later choose to send my child(ren) from virtual to face-to-face, I would want them to be able to move from the virtual classroom to the face-to-face classroom with ease).
  • The lessons may not follow the face-to-face classroom lessons exactly on the same schedule.  However, the curriculum supervisors are working to align the scope and sequence of the content as closely as possible. Students can keep up at their own pace.  However, the calendar of progress must be used to keep students closely aligned with face-to-face students.  When your child(ren) returns to the face-to-face classroom, their teachers will reconnect them to the same lessons/schedule of the face-to-face students.
• Chromebook Info
  •  Will students who enroll in the Virtual Learning Program receive a Chromebook?
    • Chromebooks will be distributed to all students who are enrolled in the Full 100% IPSD Virtual Learning Option.
       
  • When and how will virtual students receive their Chromebook?
    • Orientations will be scheduled for virtual students to receive instructions and Chromebooks.
       
  • If a student already has a laptop at home, will they still receive a Chromebook for school related lessons and will they be required to use the Chromebook for school related lessons when choosing the Full Virtual Learning Option?
    • Yes, all students will receive a personal Chromebook to be used for their schooling.
       
  • Will there be 2 groups of teachers, one for the virtual students and one for the face-to-face students?  Or will the teacher just record their face-to-face lessons for the virtual students?
    • The Full Virtual Model uses a program called Edgenuity.  All of the lessons and assessments are pre-recorded. 
       
  • What is the link for the Virtual Learning Program?
    • The link is on the Iberia Parish Website.
    • The deadline to change a selection is Monday, July 27, 2020.

Miscellaneous

• How will students that were enrolled in the First Responders Class at the base be handled as they were not able to complete the class in order to be certified?  Classes this year were chosen according to that field, how will that be handled as they are seniors this year? 
  • We will offer a different course for students who were in that situation.  It will allow them to complete the First Responder Certification and to receive 2 additional credits in that field.  
     
• If teachers have to be at school earlier than normal, how are they going to get their child(ren) to school?
  • Principals will work with teachers who have problems getting to school early.   
     
• Is there a reason why there is not an option for middle and high school students to go face-to-face everyday?
  • The reason middle and high school students are not coming every day is that the guideline requires 6-foot distancing for groups of students that change during the day.  The classrooms are not large enough to accommodate the 6-foot distancing guideline if 100% of students come on the same day.