I hope this message finds you safe and in good spirits. The events of the last few weeks have been extremely challenging for so many. We know that the impact of Hurricane Ida has affected many of you in a variety ways. On behalf of the Young Audiences Charter School Leadership team, we would like to extend our thoughts and prayers for your families during this difficult time. It seems like the last few years have been nothing short of challenging, based on the scope and scale of current events, medical needs, and natural disasters. Our goal is to try to provide a quality education for our students, so that we can alleviate some of the already existing burdens by providing opportunity and access.
Despite the challenges, what grounds our team is the hope in knowing that although we can't foresee the next obstacle or roadblock that could be placed in our path , we know that our commitment to serving the students of New Orleans is unwavering. Our strength and love for our Creative Learners is what continues to propel us forward.
So we will continue pushing forward toward a successful 2021-2022 school year. To continue in doing this important work this school year, we know that it most definitely takes a team/family/shared vision. We understand and acknowledge that it will take some time for much of our family (our staff and creative learner families) to recover from the impact of Hurricane Ida. So the YACS family is committed to working alongside you as we navigate recovery in the upcoming weeks and months.
We are looking forward to getting back to teaching and learning and seeing our students' faces again. Staff members will report back to work on September 13 and our students are expected to return on September 16. If you have any specific circumstances that will prevent your Creative Learner from returning to school on Thursday, September 16th, please reach out to office.crocker@yacs.orgto let us know. As we begin moving forward in this school year, we will continue grounding ourselves as always in our mission: To educate the whole child through arts integration and to equip them to flourish in life and learning.
Stay safe, Take Care and remember: as always, YACS shines B.R.I.G.H.T.!
Key Dates
Back To School Sept 16, 2021
After School Program
More information about the After-school program will be forthcoming. Our goal is to provide this service as soon as possible, once we are able to assess staffing and city-wide after-school program needs.
2. Ochsner Health is offering a free tele-mental health session through Ochsner Anywhere Care. You can log on online or through the app anytime and use the code “IDATherapy” –www.ochsner.org/ochsner-anywhere-care
3. Louisiana Healthcare Connections has a 24-hour toll free crisis hotline you can call to speak to a licensed clinician.– www.louisianahealthconnect.com
4. Disaster Distress Helpline – This is a free, confidential 24-hour helpline for anyone affected by a natural disaster, including Hurricane IDA. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to get connected with a mental health professional.
General Resources:
1. FEMA: Applying for Natural Disaster Assistance, from Hurricane IDA. FEMA will help determine your eligibility for different assistance offerings. Remember to document any property damage and save receipts for repairs, equipment and hotel stays.
2. NOLA Ready: Hurricane Ida Response Information (Shelter Info, Cooling Centers, Meals/Water/Ice distribution). ready.nola.gov/incidents/hurricane-ida/assistance or Text: NOLAREADY to 77295 on your phone for regular emergency notices/updates
3. Louisiana Department of Transportation: For mapping your route in and out of NOLA area, provides real-time updates on road conditions/closures.www.511la.org
4. Free Roof Tarping Assistance: Provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Blueroof.us
6. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): In addition to providing 24/7 confidential counseling services to help those dealing with the emotional aftermath of a disaster, they also have specialists standing by to help connect you with finding shelter, emergency programs, the Red Cross, and other national/local resources. www.FOH4You.com or Call, 1-800-222-0364
Health & Wellness
Counseling Department Message
We hope this message finds you and your family well during this difficult time. Please check out these resources on NOLA Public Schools regarding Hurricane Ida. Also, check out our Counseling Department website for more support.
