Lafayette High trip to Indiana canceled due to potential cases of COVID-19

Potential cases of the novel coronavirus in Indiana have prompted Lafayette Parish School System administration to cancel an upcoming trip of Lafayette High's Symphonic Winds and Percussion Ensemble to a music festival in Indianapolis.

The decision was made "after much consideration" to prevent exposure to students from states facing COVID-19 and prevent the health risk to the Lafayette High group and the school district upon their return, according to an LPSS release Tuesday.

"Our school district represents a diverse group of students and staff — some of which have health concerns — and we have a responsibility to consider all individuals in our district when making these decisions," reads the release. "Consideration was given that our students would be exposed to students from many other states, and this poses an additional health risk."

Administration learned Tuesday morning that Avon Community Schools, which is about 13 miles from where the 2020 Music For All, National Concert Band Festival and the Sandy Feldstein National Percussion Festival is to take place, has closed schools due to potential COVID-19 cases and concerns.

"I want students to enjoy as many opportunities as possible," interim Superintendent Irma Trosclair said. "However, I also take very seriously the responsibility of making decisions that impact the overall well-being of all students and employees. We know that we can't prevent the spread of coronavirus, but feel strongly that we should do our part to help minimize the impact to students, staff, families, schools and our community."

Related:UL Lafayette cancels summer Study Abroad semester in Italy over coronavirus concerns

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Future decisions regarding upcoming travel for each school are being reviewed, and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, according to the district.

"As always, the health and safety of our students is paramount when making these touch decisions," reads the release. "LPSS will continue to gather information from locak, state and federal officials."

There will be a concert to showcase Lafayette High School Band students Saturday at the Heymann Perfoming Arts Center.

The concert will feature their national program and begin with the Percussion Ensemble at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Symphonic Winds. It is free and open to the public.