METAIRIE, La. — Jefferson Parish schools are cancelling in-person parent-teacher conferences scheduled for March 16 and postponing all school field trips and assemblies for the present time.
The new procedures are being put in place immediately, according to a news release sent out by email Tuesday.
"We want to do everything we can as a preventative measure now so that if something were to happen in one of our schools we would be prepared," said Jefferson Parish Schools spokesman Ted Beasley. "And to try to prevent something from happening in one of our schools. We’re taking every precaution we can because we do intend to keep schools open.”
Parent-teacher conferences had been scheduled for March 16 - an otherwise off-day for students. Parents are now urged to communicate with their child's teacher via email or phone. Teacher emails are available at jpschools.org/schools, according to the school system.
The change to large-scale assemblies such as pep rallies or general student assemblies comes as the U.S. government has shared guidance with schools about considering re-arranging those types of meetings.