Safety Measures

Student and Staff COVID-19 Safety Information

Updated March 15, 2022

Student and staff safety is a priority at InspireNOLA Charter Schools. We are following the guidance and procedures for COVID-19 safety measures as set forth by NOLA Public Schools in their COVID Guidance for the 2021-2022 School Year, as well as CDC, city, state, and federal guidelines. We will continue monitoring the situation and adjust our safety requirements and procedures as necessary. Please see below for the latest information.

VACCINATIONS

click to play video

 

InspireNOLA Charter Schools requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the U. S. Food & Drug Administration OR submit evidence of a negative PCR test weekly with an approved exemption or accommodation.  Read The Vaccination Memo from the CEO

NOLA Public Schools announced in December  2021 that the Louisiana Office of Public Health has approved its request to add COVID-19 immunizations to the immunization schedule for all Orleans Parish students, effective February 1, 2022. READ NOLA-PS VACCINE MANDATE NOTICE

Families may claim an exemption to this requirement for philosophical, religious, or medical needs. Families may use this form to claim an exemption and submit to their students' school. (Spanish translation here/ Vietnamese translation here.)

Everyone 5 years of age or older is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. Visit NOLA ReadyLouisiana Department of Health website or Vaccines.gov to find a list of vaccine locations and events.

InspireNOLA Charter Schools, following the direction of New Orleans city officials, has mandated as of August 16, 2021, that any person in attendance at any InspireNOLA athletic or school-sponsored event must be either fully vaccinated or provide evidence of a negative PCR test administered within the previous 72 hours of the event. 

To prove vaccination status, individuals can use the LA Wallet app; an original, digital photograph, or photocopy of CDC vaccination cards (both sides); or an official vaccine record issued by another state, foreign nation or the World Health Organization.

COVID TESTING

Experiencing COVID-like symptoms or have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus? Schedule a test today. Visit NOLA Ready for a list of local testing providers as well as the updated schedule for the City of New Orleans Mobile Testing.

MASKS

Through March 18, 2022, all students, staff, and anyone entering a school building must wear a mask at all times. Masks must also be worn at all times on school busses. If community spread remains medium to low, as defined by the CDC, the masking recommendation will be lifted as of March 21, 2022. As of March 21, anyone who would like to continue to wear a mask in schools is encouraged to do so.

VISITORS

As of March 14, visitor restrictions have been lifted at InspireNOLA schools.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES UPDATES

  • Restrictions put in place due to the omicron variant have been lifted, including:
  • restricted use of assembly spaces and cafeterias,
  • increased social distancing,
  • additional extracurricular restrictions for band, choir, and athletics. 
  • The self-Isolation timeline has been reduced from 10 to 5 days. 
  • Introducing a “Test to Stay” option for unvaccinated close contacts of those with the virus.

WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME

If your child OR anyone in your household exhibits any of the following symptoms, your child should NOT come to school:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or breathing difficulty
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Muscle pain
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If a family member and/or someone living in the same household has tested positive for COVID-19 or believes they may have contracted the virus, do NOT send your child to school until they have tested negative for the virus.

COVID-19 Health Eligibility Form

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has identified several groups with certain underlying medical conditions as those at increased high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Families, along with their physician, can apply for distance learning via an eligibility form ONLY IF your child needs accommodations due to medical issues as a result of COVID-19 as outlined by the CDC