When Bossier Parish schools begin their new scholastic year in less than a month, students, teachers and parents alike will notice some differences and few similarities to last year's COVID rules.

The biggest announcement that came Wednesday Bossier Parish Schools Superintendent Mitch Downey was that masks indoors for students are encouraged, but not required,

Though Downey said thought it's a good idea for students to wear masks, he underlined that the final decision should be made by parents, not by school officials. At least not yet.

Masks for students will once again be required on Bossier buses as specified by the Louisiana Department of Education guidelines and Presidential order. It was also announced that buses for Bossier Parish will run at 100% capacity to start the new school year.

More of the parish's plans for the upcoming school year can be seen on the Bossier Schools Ready to Achieve website. The most notable include face to face instruction, virtual learning will be offered as an option for grades K-12. Students transitions will be staggered and lunch will be served grab-and-go style. Water fountains will once again be closed, but students will be allowed to bring their own water bottles to school. Also, like last year, frequently trafficked and touched areas and surfaces will be cleaned regularly.

The Bossier site also emphasizes that vaccinations will not be required for staff or students. Those who are vaccinated and come in contact with those who have tested positive will not be required to quarantine.

Unlike last school year, there will be no temperature checks, but, parents are again warned not to send kids to school if they have fever or other symptoms, no matter how minor.

To see all of the Bossier Parish Schools COVID guidelines for the upcoming school year, JUST CLICK HERE!

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