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NOLA-PS To Provide Update on TS Laura in Coming Days
NEW ORLEANS – (Aug. 23, 2020) – NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is announcing school closures and cancellation of all school-based activities for Monday and Tuesday of this week due to Tropical Storm Marco. With this announcement, all public school buildings will be closed until Wednesday. Though classes district-wide are currently being done through distance learning, some school buildings have been open to school staff and teachers for use. As of right now, all classes, though virtual, will be suspended for Monday and Tuesday.
These closures will also affect the prepared meals being offered to families for pick-up. Announcements will be made when they resume.
The District will continue to monitor the two storms over the next few days and will reassess needs for additional closures due to Tropical Storm Laura as we continue to learn more on the potential impacts to our area.
NOLA-PS reminds everyone to remain vigilant and to monitor the City’s announcements for updates regarding the storm. NOLA-PS will post all storm related announcements on its social media as well.
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ABOUT NOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish, which includes the district’s elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board and the district’s administration led by NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 78 public schools. For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.
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Hynes to Expand A-rated School Program To Third Campus
NEW ORLEANS – (Aug. 12, 2020) – On Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) notified Mary D. Coghill Charter School faculty, staff and families, of the siting of the school to Hynes Charter School Corporation. Hynes Charter School Corporation will be responsible for the school’s operation and management beginning in the 2021-2022 school year. Currently, the school is being direct operated by NOLA-PS. The school serves Kindergarten through 8th grade and is located in the Gentilly Woods area at 4617 Mirabeau Ave.
“Late last year, as part of our regular reviews of charter contracts, it became apparent that Coghill was not progressing and maintaining standards set by the District. Therefore we made the tough decision that new leadership was needed to better serve the students and families of the Mary D. Coghill School,” said NOLA-PS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “I’m pleased to make this announcement today that Hynes will be taking over operations at Coghill starting for the 2021-2022 school year. Hynes has been one of most sought after school operators and we look forward to seeing them expand their reach and impact to more students in our city.”
In December of 2019, NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. recommended to the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) that the charter contract with Better Choice Foundation not be renewed due to its failure to meet renewal standards for the school per district policy. NOLA-PS has spent the past several months conducting an open siting process to determine a new operator for Mary D. Coghill. There were three eligible operators that applied to operate Mary D. Coghill. These applicants submitted required information to NOLA-PS. The District held two engagement sessions for families and two for staff to learn more about the interested operators.
In considering the applicants’ required submissions, feedback provided at engagement events, and portfolio analysis, NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis has approved the siting of Mary D. Coghill to Hynes Charter School Corporation.
“Hynes is thankful and honored to have been chosen by NOLA-PS as the 2021-2022 operator of Coghill,” says Hynes CEO Dr. Michelle Douglas. “We look forward to partnering with the District during this transition year and providing Coghill families with the same high quality education that Hynes is known for at its other two campuses. Hynes has intentionally planned for replication and expansion of our successful program into other neighborhoods, and we feel this is the perfect opportunity to fulfill our goal of teaching more students. We are eager to get to know our Coghill family and transition into our newest home at the Parkview Campus in Gentilly Woods over the next year.”
The new school will replicate the Hynes curriculum, core values, and framework, as well as be focused on a well-rounded education for students. Hynes currently operates two schools including their A-rated Lakeview Campus (PK3 – 8th grade) and their UNO-based campus which currently serves children in Kindergarten –1st grade, eventually growing into a full Kindergarten - 8th grade campus. Hynes Charter Schools are some of the highest demand, non-selective admissions elementary schools in Orleans Parish. The original Hynes-Lakeview campus is a “Top Gains Honoree” for student progress and has a SACS/CASI accreditation. Hynes -UNO students in their first year exceeded their math and reading targets from the third quarter prior to school being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
NOLA-PS will work closely with Mary D. Coghill and Hynes Charter School administration and staff throughout this year to ensure a smooth transition of management of the school.
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ABOUT NOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish, which includes the district’s elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board and the district’s administration led by NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 78 public schools. For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.
ABOUT HYNES CHARTER SCHOOLS: Hynes offers a challenging academic curriculum that includes a progressive literacy program; gifted and talented courses, classes in art, instrumental music, vocal music, library, theater and physical education. Art and social-emotional learning are integrated throughout the curriculum. In addition, Hynes offers a French Immersion program. Hynes is proud of the collaborative culture that it fosters with distributed leadership and shared decision-making. Hynes has identified five core elements that drive its success: 1.) student centered instruction, 2.) an inclusive and positive school culture, 3.) tailored enrichment opportunities for students, 4.) an invested and committed community and 5.) having a sustainable organization. For more information, please call 504-324-7160, or visit the school website at www.hynesschool.com.
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NOLA-PS Announces First Day of School to Start with Distance Learning
To help New Orleans get back on track and help keep students and teachers healthy amid the current rate of community spread, schools will start with distance learning for August.
New Orleans – (July 21, 2020) — With COVID-19 cases rising across New Orleans, NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) announced today, with the support of Mayor Cantrell and public health officials, that students will start the school year with distance learning, with the goal of returning students to in-person learning after Labor Day.
“While returning students to the classroom is absolutely critical, the latest data is unfortunately going in the wrong direction and we just can’t do that at this time,” said NOLA-PS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “Our top priority has always been the health and well-being of our students, teachers, faculty and staff and given the current levels of community spread, we have made the difficult decision to delay in-person learning at least until after Labor Day. Now, what happens next is up to all of us; that’s why I am asking everyone to mask up, wash your hands, socially distance when possible, and stay home if you are feeling sick. There are over 45,000 students in New Orleans that depend on all of us to do our part.”
The decision to pivot to distance learning for the start of school was made based upon a review of the City’s health data trends and the advice of medical experts. Moving forward, the District will continue to monitor key indicators including the number of new cases, testing capacity, and indications of community spread. The district will assess data at the end of August to determine if in-person instruction can resume starting after Labor Day.
Families can expect to hear additional details on start of schools from their individual schools starting July 22nd. NOLA-PS, along with charter school leaders, are committed to helping New Orleans get back on track and to help keep students and teachers healthy given the current rate of community spread.
“This is a difficult decision, yet not so difficult considering the existing conditions in our city," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "These decisions will have a significant, cascading effect on our city because our children won't be able to attend school with direct instruction. Prior to the 4th of July, I pleaded to the community that if we wanted our children to return to school, in the environment that they are used to and that they need to thrive, that it depended on the actions of adults. We need to turn this around and we can do it, but let's make sure that our children remain our top priority and that we don't lose them in the midst of distanced learning."
“Our level of community transmission is too high to support immediate return to in-person school,” said City Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno. “And while we have seen that kids are not as susceptible to severe illness, we do know that they can transmit the virus to those who are. I want to be clear: in an ideal world, we all agree that the best place for kids to be is in the classroom. So let this be a motivator for all of us. Every single thing each and every one of us does in the next few weeks should be with the goal of supporting the children of New Orleans.”
While students will start learning remotely this year, school buildings will remain open so that staff may access the building to support distance learning and offer critical services and supports to families as needed, such as school meals, while following the established health and safety protocols.
“While this is a very tough decision, it is the right one that we must make at this time for the health and safety of our students, teachers, families and community. As we move forward, we can’t do this alone,” said Board President Ethan Ashley. “We need the help of our entire community to take the necessary precautions and mask up. The actions that we take today, have a direct impact on what our children can do in the future.”
Throughout the month of August, NOLA-PS will continue to host weekly briefings alongside public health advisors, to provide regular updates on a return to in-person learning and steps the District is taking to ensure students and teachers are supported throughout this time.
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ABOUT NOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish, which includes the district’s elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board and the district’s administration led by NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 78 public schools. For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.
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NOLA-PS LAUNCHES ‘MASK UP FOR OUR KIDS’ CAMPAIGN
Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Mayor LaToya Cantrell Urge NOLA Community to Mask Up Now to Save Lives & Help Get Kids Back in the Classroom
Click here for Mask Up imagery for media use
NEW ORLEANS – (July 24, 2020) - As COVID-19 cases rise across throughout the New Orleans region, NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is prioritizing health and safety by working with schools, teachers, parents and students to prepare for a distance-learning start to the school year. With a goal of getting students back to in-person learning in September, NOLA-PS is urging residents to take steps today that will limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community and make in-person learning possible. That’s why NOLA-PS, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, iHeart Radio and Cumulus radio stations, and WBOK-FM are partnering to launch the “Mask Up For Our Kids” campaign to encourage all members of the NOLA community wear a mask or face covering and practice social distancing whenever possible.
“Our message to the NOLA community is clear – we need everyone to mask up for our kids,” said NOLA-PS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “Now is the time for all members of our community to do our part to stop the spread and create an environment where kids can go back into classrooms. We all know what to do and we can do it together, so let’s mask up, wash our hands, and social distance. Together, we’ll save lives and get students back to a learning environment that’s best for them; the classroom. I’d like to thank Mayor Cantrell for her leadership on this issue, and our radio partners for helping us to get this critical message out to the NOLA community.”
NOLA-PS’ Roadmap to Reopening originally planned for all schools to offer both in-person and distance learning in August. However, due to the rise in COVID-19 cases NOLA-PS has have announced the decision to delay in-person learning until after Labor Day. The message of this campaign is clear – we need NOLA-PS community members to mask up today in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 to help save lives and get kids back into classrooms in September.
NOLA-PS will continue to work with Mayor Cantrell as well as local, state and federal health authorities to monitor the number of cases, testing capacity and indications of community spread. The District will assess data at the end of August to determine if in-person instruction can resume starting after Labor Day.
With support from iHeart Radio and Cumulus stations, as well as WBOK-FM, this campaign will launch with a 30-second public service campaign featuring Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis to air on local radio stations beginning on Saturday, July 25. Additionally, Mayor Cantrell and NOLA-PS social media channels will be sharing information on their social media channels as well.
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ABOUT NOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish, which includes the district’s elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board and the district’s administration led by NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 78 public schools. For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.
- Details
- Category: Press Releases
NOLA-PS Announces First Day of School to Start with Distance Learning
To help New Orleans get back on track and help keep students and teachers healthy amid the current rate of community spread, schools will start with distance learning for August.
New Orleans – (July 21, 2020) — With COVID-19 cases rising across New Orleans, NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) announced today, with the support of Mayor Cantrell and public health officials, that students will start the school year with distance learning, with the goal of returning students to in-person learning after Labor Day.
“While returning students to the classroom is absolutely critical, the latest data is unfortunately going in the wrong direction and we just can’t do that at this time,” said NOLA-PS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “Our top priority has always been the health and well-being of our students, teachers, faculty and staff and given the current levels of community spread, we have made the difficult decision to delay in-person learning at least until after Labor Day. Now, what happens next is up to all of us; that’s why I am asking everyone to mask up, wash your hands, socially distance when possible, and stay home if you are feeling sick. There are over 45,000 students in New Orleans that depend on all of us to do our part.”
The decision to pivot to distance learning for the start of school was made based upon a review of the City’s health data trends and the advice of medical experts. Moving forward, the District will continue to monitor key indicators including the number of new cases, testing capacity, and indications of community spread. The district will assess data at the end of August to determine if in-person instruction can resume starting after Labor Day.
Families can expect to hear additional details on start of schools from their individual schools starting July 22nd. NOLA-PS, along with charter school leaders, are committed to helping New Orleans get back on track and to help keep students and teachers healthy given the current rate of community spread.
“This is a difficult decision, yet not so difficult considering the existing conditions in our city," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "These decisions will have a significant, cascading effect on our city because our children won't be able to attend school with direct instruction. Prior to the 4th of July, I pleaded to the community that if we wanted our children to return to school, in the environment that they are used to and that they need to thrive, that it depended on the actions of adults. We need to turn this around and we can do it, but let's make sure that our children remain our top priority and that we don't lose them in the midst of distanced learning."
“Our level of community transmission is too high to support immediate return to in-person school,” said City Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno. “And while we have seen that kids are not as susceptible to severe illness, we do know that they can transmit the virus to those who are. I want to be clear: in an ideal world, we all agree that the best place for kids to be is in the classroom. So let this be a motivator for all of us. Every single thing each and every one of us does in the next few weeks should be with the goal of supporting the children of New Orleans.”
While students will start learning remotely this year, school buildings will remain open so that staff may access the building to support distance learning and offer critical services and supports to families as needed, such as school meals, while following the established health and safety protocols.
“While this is a very tough decision, it is the right one that we must make at this time for the health and safety of our students, teachers, families and community. As we move forward, we can’t do this alone,” said Board President Ethan Ashley. “We need the help of our entire community to take the necessary precautions and mask up. The actions that we take today, have a direct impact on what our children can do in the future.”
Throughout the month of August, NOLA-PS will continue to host weekly briefings alongside public health advisors, to provide regular updates on a return to in-person learning and steps the District is taking to ensure students and teachers are supported throughout this time.
###
ABOUT NOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish, which includes the district’s elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board and the district’s administration led by NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 78 public schools. For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.
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