NOLA-PS Provides Update on COVID Testing Availability and Schools Reopening after Hurricane Ida

Reopening window: Sept. 15-22

(New Orleans - Sept. 10, 2021) – As conditions in New Orleans continue to improve from Hurricane Ida, NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is committed to keeping its school community updated on its progress towards reopening buildings and returning students to class as safely as possible, amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Given ongoing power restoration and the resumption of critical services in the City, public schools in New Orleans plan to resume in-person instruction for students between Sept. 15 and Sept. 22. School reopening continues to depend on a variety of factors, including building conditions, power supply, internet capabilities, adequate staffing, transportation, and restocked food supplies.

Some schools may be ready to open sooner than Sept. 15, while others may need to open after the 22^nd, given the impacts of Hurricane Ida. All schools will update their students' families on school reopening timelines by Friday, Sept. 10.

"I am grateful that very few of our schools suffered serious damage, and I am thankful that the majority of NOLA-PS schools will welcome students back between the 15th and 22^nd," NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. said. "Our educators continue to lead the way in supporting our community and we will work tirelessly with them to ensure all students return to school buildings as quickly as possible."

As schools reopen, COVID-19 safety remains a top priority across the school system. The District has been working directly to restart school based COVID-19 testing before schools reopen. NOLA-PS has confirmed that 91 schools will have school-based testing starting next week, as well as 3 school community testing sites that are open to all students and staff within our school community.

Families and school staff are highly encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 prior to returning to school, regardless of their vaccination status. Families and staff should reach out directly to their schools for the date school-based COVID-19 testing will be available. Anyone in our school community can take advantage of the testing sites listed below, as well as any testing site provided by the City of New Orleans which can be found here. It is critical that staff and students are tested for COVID-19 prior to returning to school, regardless of vaccination status, to help us minimize quarantines and continue to successfully keep the pandemic outside our school buildings.

NOLA PS School Community Testing provided by CORE:

• Wednesday, 9/15 - Hynes Lakeview @ 990 Harrison Ave. - Testing from 8:30-3:30pm

• Thursday, 9/16 - Landry High School @ 1200 LB Landry Ave. - Testing from 8:30-3:30pm

• Friday, 9/17 - Abramson Sci Academy @ 5552 Read Blvd.- Testing from 8:30-3:30pm

"We encourage everyone to take advantage of COVID testing that will be available starting next week at individual school campuses for students and staff," Dr. Lewis said. "By getting tested, we can help keep our schools and families safe."

NOLA-PS will also restart its vaccination programs as part of the reopening effort. It's also important for families to have access to behavioral and mental health services during these challenging times. Families can find links to resources at www.nolapublicschools.com/hurricane-ida-resources.

### 

About NOLA Public Schools: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish. It includes the district's administration and elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 76 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr.

For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.