Frequently Asked Questions

East Feliciana Public Schools 

Frequently Asked Questions 

for Families  

Most Recent Update: July 27, 2020 

 

Based on your responses to our family feedback survey, we understand that you have many questions and concerns regarding the upcoming school year. Understanding that conditions may change and that we will always prioritize student and staff safety, this document is designed to answer as many of these questions as we have answers to at this time. As we receive more guidance from the Louisiana Department of Education and public health officials, we will update this FAQ document. 

 

Will East Feliciana Public Schools open for students as scheduled on Monday, August 10? 

At this time, we plan to open for students on Monday, August 17. We are preparing for three different scenarios:  

-all students returning to school in person for face-to-face instruction 

-a blended approach where students alternate days of attending school in person and completing work at home in order to reduce the number of students in the building 

-all students participating in 100% virtual instruction 

The scenario we use will depend on guidance from public health officials and the health needs of our community. Additional details on each scenario are available in our Strong Start 2020 Plan. At this time, we anticipate that students in our Traditional Program will begin the year using the Blended model.

 

I am not comfortable with my child attending school in person at this time. What should I do? 

Even if we return to face-to-face instruction, we will offer a 100% Virtual Program for those families who are interested. The application for this program was open from July 15 to July 22. If your family is new to the district or has extenuating circumstances, please email questions@efschools.net or call 225.719.6430 for more information about enrollment in the 100% Virtual Program.

 

How will I access technology for virtual learning? 

Regardless of which return scenario we use, we will check out a device to every student in the district. Families who received a device during the spring will keep this device for continued use; we will provide a virtual update of all tools necessary for this device for the upcoming school year. Additionally, we plan to provide MiFi hotspots to families who indicated during our spring family technology survey that they do not have reliable internet access. More information regarding distribution of these devices will be provided soon. Every student will be able to access all programs necessary for virtual learning through their Clever portal login. We also plan to provide additional technology training for families and students. 

 

How will my child make up any learning missed during the 2019-2020 school year? 

All students will complete diagnostic assessments at the beginning of the school year to identify key grade level content for which they may need continuing support. Each school will include extra time in their schedules for small group interventions to address students’ unfinished learning needs. 

 

How will my child receive the additional support outlined in their IEP or 504 plan? 

Students will receive all services outlined in their IEP or 504 plan, including inclusion, resource, self-contained, gifted/talented, related services, occupational and physical therapy, speech and language services, and counseling. We will work with families to determine whether these services will be provided in-person or virtually on a child-by-child basis. 

 

What should I do if my child becomes ill? 

Students, faculty, and staff entering campus should monitor their symptoms every day before arriving. Individuals who have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or demonstrate other signs of illness will not be admitted on campus. Children and staff who become ill while at school will be placed in isolation and sent home as soon as possible. With permission from a parent or guardian, RKM’s school-based clinics will be able to conduct COVID-19 screening for anyone who becomes ill. 

 

Will students and staff wear masks? 

In accordance with regulations from the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and best practices of public health, all students and staff members will wear face coverings when they are in a shared space.


·      Face masks MUST be solid color Black or Navy Blue and worn upon entering school buses, school buildings, classrooms, and during transitions throughout the school day. 

·      Students are allowed to bring their own masks.

·      Masks should fit properly on the face to fully cover the nose and mouth.

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 We will provide students and staff with two reusable, washable navy blue masks. Early elementary teachers, special education teachers, and other necessary staff members will receive masks with a clear opening to facilitate clearer communication both for phonics instruction and to meet the needs of students who are Deaf or hard of hearing. 

 

How will safety on school buses be maintained? 

East Feliciana Public Schools will follow guidance from the Louisiana Department of Education to ensure safety on school buses. Please review page 17 of our Strong Start plan for more information. Please note that bus routes may change in order to follow these guidelines and ensure your child’s safety. 

 

How will safety in the classroom be maintained? 

We will enhance our cleaning protocols for high-risk and high-touch areas (door handles, light switches, handrails, interior doors, door push plates, flat surfaces. All classrooms will have disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer. 

 

How will safety in school offices be maintained? 

No more than one person will be allowed in the school office unless the required six feet of distance can be consistently maintained. If more than one person is in a room, masks will be worn at all times. Secretary desk areas will be protected by a transparent shield. We will limit nonessential visitors on campus, and shared resources like community pen holders and magazines will be removed. 

 

How will safety in hallways and other common areas be maintained? 

Students will maintain social distancing while on campus, walking and facing in one direction. Visual cues such as floor decals and directional signs will be placed throughout campus. Class changes will be scheduled to limit students in the hallway. Increased cleaning in restrooms will occur. Hand sanitizer dispensers will be placed at entrance and exit points for buildings on campus, as well as near elevators. 

 

What will happen if we return to school for face-to-face instruction or in a blended approach and health conditions in our community worsen? 

District and school administrators will be in consistent communication with public health officials and will be monitoring health in our community at large and in our specific school communities. Should it be necessary for a limited period of time to shift from face-to-face instruction to the blended approach or 100% virtual instruction or from the blended approach to 100% virtual instruction, we will notify all families via this web page, via Facebook and Twitter​​​​​​​, and via our automated call and text system. 

 

What if I have a question that is not answered here? 

We are in the process of answering many questions that are not addressed in this document. If you would like to provide feedback or have additional questions you would like answered in future Frequently Asked Questions, please email questions@efschools.net or call 225.719.6430.