Keeping in mind the health and safety of students and teachers, St. Mary’s Catholic School has announced that students will return to school on Friday, August 7, 2020, following the state’s Traditional Plan.

Under the state’s Traditional Plan, students can attend school and receive face-to-face instruction as well as an all virtual model (real-time instruction with St. Mary’s instructors) for students whose families do not feel comfortable with students returning to campus.

“The school’s top priority is the health and safety of our students and school personnel,” said Andrea Harrell, St. Mary’s principal. “Our return to campus will be guided by information from public health officials, Governor John Bel Edwards; Dr. Cade Brumley, superintendent of education for the State of Louisiana; Tommy Roque, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Alexandria; and a school advisory committee.”

Harrell said she believes that St. Mary’s is in a unique situation that can provide the best education for students even through this pandemic:

• Students will be taught every day on a schedule whether the state is in Phase I, Phase 2, or Phase 3.

• Teachers are being extensively trained in order to offer better virtual experiences for our students in the upcoming year.

• Smaller class sizes will allow students to be able to stay in school for most phases unless the governor decides that all students must go home.

• If parents or students are concerned about the health and safety of their student(s), they can continue to attend St. Mary’s virtually and be taught by the same classroom teacher that would be teaching them if they attended school.

Harrell said the school will also be following the guidelines required by the Louisiana Department of Health when reopening schools including washing hands often, wearing a face mask for the older students, and practicing social distancing. In addition, St. Mary’s will administer temperature checks to all students and faculty when entering the building.

“The administration at St. Mary’s School recognizes and accepts the challenge and responsibility of finding ways to continue serving students, both spiritually and academically,” said Harrell, “even during these times of disruption. Our goal is to offer on-going quality educational opportunities for our children throughout the entire year.”

For more information about the opening of school at St. Mary’s, call 318-352-8394 or go to smstigers.org to see the complete school reopening plan.