Lincoln Prep moves to online classes
GRAMBLING — In response to state-mandated school closure, Lincoln Preparatory School has transitioned to online classes for students, the school announced Wednesday.
Families who don’t have internet access will be able to pick up work packets at the school. The school is also loaning laptops and other devices to students.
Before making this move, faculty and staff contacted each Lincoln Prep family by phone, surveying families regarding childcare ar-rangements, technology availability and nutritional needs.
“Our leadership team felt that an inperson call was important, to let families know that we are here for them during these difficult times,” Executive Director Gordan Ford said.
All Louisiana schools, includingcharter schools like Lincoln Prep, will be closed until April 13 in order to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, by proclamation of Gov. John Bel Edwards last week. Lincoln Prep is also providing meals from 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. According to guidance from the state’s Department of Education, meals are available to all children 18 and under, regardless of where they go to school, and any high school student up to 22 years old.
The school will also deliver meals to Lincoln Prep students who do not have an adult available during that pickup window
“The health and welfare of our students is our highest priority,” Ford said.
“We worked hard to make sure that meals would be immediately available for our students.”
By March 23, the school plans to estab-lish an afternoon pickup time so that working parents can pick up breakfast and lunch for the following day after work. The school is also having conversations with the local Boys and Girls Club about providing afternoon meal services in the Grambling community
Faculty and staff are continuing to work during the closure, many from home. Like public schools, Lincoln Prep will not receive a School Performance Score for the 2019-20 school year.
“Nevertheless, they will be tested in future years, so we want to provide as many educational opportunities as possible for our students,” Ford said.
Special education services are being provided by telephone and video conference.
Students are also still able to receive speech and occupa-tional therapy services.
All information regarding online coursework is available on the school website at www lincolnprep.school or on the school’s Facebook Page. Parents who have questions or have not yet been contacted should call the school office at 318-274-6153.
