Teachers Welcome Students Back in Caddo Parish

Caddo students returned to class today for the first day. South Highlands Elementary Magnet school principal Mary Harris says it has been an exciting day.

Harris tells KEEL News the vast majority of her students have opted to return to in person classes and her staff is thrilled to have the youngsters back. Classes start for elementary start at 7:25.

Harris tells us the temperature of every student will be checked before they ever get out of the car. They will get a sack breakfast and then go immediately to wash their hands. They will eat their breakfast in class.

She says class sizes will be limited to no more than 24, but because of virtual learning, some of the classes will have only 17 or 18 students. She tells us 110 students at South Highlands have opted for virtual learning. She says that's about 21% of her total enrollment.

We asked Harris what will happen if a student or teacher tests positive. She says it will be handled on a case by case basis but all decisions will be made based on science.

The school nurse will also help determine if the whole class will need to be quarantined or if the whole school needs to be quarantined.