COVID-19 RESPONSE

Summary of Recommendations

Guiding Principles:

1. Music and the arts support social-emotional learning, providing schools with research-based, effective approaches to address critical student needs in response to COVID-19.

2. In New Orleans, music and the arts provide vital connections to community and culture during times of stress and isolation.

3. Access to music and arts education is an equity issue.

4. Expectations for excellence in music and arts education must move forward during the pandemic.

5. Safety and care for our community is the highest priority.

Scheduling:

• Access and Equity – continue to provide opportunity in music and the arts for all students.

• Each arts discipline has different considerations – lean on expertise of music/arts educators in developing schedules.

• Account for extra time needed in schedule (cleaning protocols, delivering and assessing virtual instruction, recording and editing virtual performances, etc.).

Space for Instruction:

• Hold performing arts classes in the largest possible spaces in the building or outside.

• Develop site-based protocols for effective ventilation, which could include opening windows, using air purifiers, fans, AC units, etc.

• Assign seats, areas to move, and separate digital workstations.

• Clearly mark student spaces ( stickers, tape, or dots), building in enough room for the teacher to move between students to facilitate.

• Establish clear classroom procedures.

• Consider remote learning within the school building (not visiting every class in person).

• Limit number of students in a music or arts space for a time period (quarter, semester), then rotate 

Support for Students & Educators:

• Manage expectations regarding performances – focus on process over product; explore artistic processes and celebrate alternative ways of sharing student learning.

• Be mindful of requirements for virtual performances (equipment, software, licensing, time to edit).

• Allocate budget and explore funding possibilities for additional materials needed (individual art or music kits, instruments, PPE, recording equipment, software, etc.). ESSA allowances exist for music and arts education funding under Title I, Title II, and Title IV. 

• Provide professional development in music & arts content (coaching, PLCs, webinars).

• Continue vital partnerships with arts and cultural organizations, teaching artists and culture bearers.

Safety

• Mask Up! Everyone, at all times, including outside – with bell covers for wind instruments.

• Distance – CDC guidelines (6 x 6 ft) with additional space for trombones (6 x 9 ft).

• Time – Classes may need to be shortened to provide time for all cleaning protocols, and to allow time for air change in the room.

• Air Flow – Outdoor activity remains the best place for air flow. HEPA filters help indoors.

• Hygiene – CDC guidelines with site-base protocols for cleaning/disinfecting all instruments, materials, equipment and shared spaces aligned with CDC and NAfME guidance. Wash hands, use sanitizers, and prevent uncontrolled spit valve release.

Band and Choir: At this time, NOLA-PS allows Band (playing wind instruments) and Choir (singing) outdoors as long as physical distancing and group maximums are followed. These activities are NOT allowed indoors at this time.

• Masks for all players and singers and bell covers for wind instruments.

• Students should be in straight lines facing the same direction, with staggered placement. Choir students should sing forward-facing, not in a circle or facing each other.