School Bells Will Be Ringing in Shreveport Today

It's back to the books for Caddo Parish students today. It is a return to some sense of normalcy with classes five days a week. But students will be required to wear masks. This includes even those in kindergarten.

Virtual schooling is an option for parents who are not comfortable sending students back in person. But you have to make a special request for that at this point because the deadline to apply for virtual learning was back in May. Superintendent Dr. Lamar Goree says they will try to accommodate students, but staffing might become an issue if too many children opt for virtual school. Earlier this month, Dr. Goree told KEEL News only 5% of students chose virtual. But he admits the situation with Covid-19 has changed substantially since then with the explosion of the Delta variant across the state.

Vaccinations are highly encouraged for students and staff. Vaccinated staff that test positive for COVID-19 will be eligible for paid leave. Unvaccinated staff will not be eligible.

Caddo Parish has hired more than 200 new teachers for this school year, but still need more. School districts across the country are facing a shortage of teachers and other school personnel.

Drivers are also advised to be extra cautious around school zones as youngsters return to class.