Sept. 9 Hurricane Ida updates for Ascension Parish: Schools reopen

The Donaldsonville Chief and Gonzales Weekly Citizen have been compiling daily updates for Ascension Parish citizens pertaining to Hurricane Ida recovery efforts. This article may be updated multiple times throughout the day.

Ascension Parish Public Schools reopen

Ascension Parish Public Schools welcomed back students for instructional services after time off due to Hurricane Ida.

All schools and programs returned except for Donaldsonville High, East Ascension High, Gonzales Middle, Lowery Elementary and Middle, and Sorrento Primary. These schools had either power issues or needed mold remediation (Sorrento Primary).

A relaxed dress code and one-hour delayed start will be in effect both Sept. 9 and Sept. 10. Schools will dismiss at normal times.

East Ascension High to reopen Sept. 10

East Ascension High School in Gonzales will open for in-person learning Sept. 10, Superintendent David Alexander announced in a news release.

Donaldsonville High, Gonzales Middle, Lowery Elementary, and Lowery Middle schools will continue offering remote learning opportunities, and are targeting a return for students on Sept. 13.

Sorrento Primary School will continue to offer remote learning at this time.

"We are still working with experts to address moisture and mold issues on that campus, and we want to be certain all issues have been properly mitigated before bringing students back for in-person learning," Alexander stated.

Drive-thru pickup of hot meals for children ages 0-18 will continue to be offered Sept. 10, 2021, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Donaldsonville Primary and Sorrento Primary schools.

"We are so thankful for the many dedicated teachers and staff who successfully re-engaged students in learning today, both in person and remotely. We had a 90 percent student attendance rate, and we are working with those who could not participate due to prolonged impacts from Hurricane Ida," Alexander stated.

The school district plans to return to normal operating hours and regular dress code requirements Sept. 13.

"We will continue to work with families who have challenges and obstacles due to Hurricane Ida. If you have not done so already, please contact your principal for details about how we will work with you. Also, you can expect another message from us on Friday afternoon with the latest updates," Alexander said.

City of Gonzales collecting essentials for sheltered residents

The City of Gonzales has established a dedicated drop-off location and list of specific items needed by shelter residents.

If citizens would like to donate any of the items below, bring to Gonzales City Hall and drop in the labeled boxes. Note, due to health concerns, only unopened and new items will be accepted.

Items needed includes: towels, pillows, socks, underwear, and T-shirts (large and extra large).

Anyone with a large donation to make can contact Nancy Wakeman directly at the Lamar Dixon Center (510) 703-9319.

Waterways closed

All Ascension Parish waterways remain closed to recreational boats.