Schools across Acadiana are announcing their plans for school operations as severe winter weather moves through the area.
Most schools were closed on Monday as officials braced for potentially hazardous road conditions and single-digit wind chills.
Districts made announcements Monday about their operational plans for Tuesday.
Check school websites for more information.
LAFAYETTE PARISH
Lafayette Parish schools will reopen Tuesday because temperatures are expected to rise above freezing at about 10 a.m. and winds are expected to decrease in speed, district spokesperson Tracy Wirtz said in a news release.
“Our teams have been checking conditions at schools, and all buildings are ready for students. Water, electricity, and heating systems are fully operational, and schools will be warm,” she wrote. “Bus drivers will make sure buses are warmed up before students board.”
Wirtz encouraged families to stay with their student in their vehicle while waiting for the bus if possible. If a student walks to a bus stop, families are encouraged to keep the child inside for as long as possible. Once students arrive on campus, they will immediately go inside and no outdoor activities will take place while temperatures are below freezing.
Students are encouraged to dress in layers. Students may continue to wear sweatpants the remainder of the week, Wirtz said. Coats, knit caps, and gloves of any color are allowed under the LPSS Uniform Policy.
IBERIA PARISH
Iberia Parish schools will resume normal operations Tuesday. School officials inspected campuses and determined there are no issues with plumbing, water pressure or heating systems.
Students will be allowed to wear joggers, sweaters and other cold-weather attire, even if it does not fully align with the district’s standard dress code as long as they are school appropriate, according to an announcement made on social media.
Recess periods and outdoor activities will be held indoors while the extreme cold continues.
ST. LANDRY PARISH
St. Landry Parish schools and offices will remain closed on Tuesday.
ST. MARTIN PARISH
St. Martin Parish schools will reopen on Tuesday.
The district is amending its dress code through Jan. 30 to help students dress warmer.
Pre-K through fifth grade:
Sixth through 12th grade:
Coats/jackets must be solid black, navy, red, gray or white, or school-specific colors
No long coats such as dusters or trench coats
All students:
Hoods are allowed on coats but must be removed inside buildings
Jeans without rips or tears and sweat pants can be worn
Knit hats, knit gloves and scarves can be worn on buses and outside
VERMILION PARISH
Vermilion Parish schools will reopen Tuesday. Wednesday is a full day for both teachers and students.
The cold-weather dress code is in place for all students and teachers through the remainder of the week. Students will be brought inside as soon as they arrive on campus and outdoor activities will suspended until temperatures are well above freezing.