DONALDSONVILLE - Ascension Public Schools are set to reopen in two phases as the surrounding community continues to recover from catastrophic flooding.

All APS employees are to report to work on Wednesday, Aug. 24. Students attending schools in Donaldsonville will also return on that day. All other students in the parish will resume classes on Monday, Aug. 29. The district is working to finalize a plan to accommodate more than 5,000 students displaced from five affected campuses.

Galvez Middle, Galvez Primary, Lake Elementary, St. Amant Primary, St. Amant High and Central Office’s Sorrento Distribution Center are all currently undergoing restoration, according to school officials. St. Amant Middle also sustained “partial impacts,” but the main campus remains intact.

A recent employee survey indicated that more than 450 Ascension Public Schools employees’ homes were impacted by the flood. The affected employees came from every school and department in the district.

"We are working very methodically to find the best short-term solutions to provide a quality education for all students as we work to restore the schools impacted by flood waters. Our plan is to give every student an opportunity to attend school with the teacher and classmates they began the school year with, although at an alternate site. We will release details of the plan as soon as possible on our website. Your patience is appreciated as we continue our recovery," said Superintendent David Alexander.

Employees who were affected but cannot report to work on Wednesday, Aug. 24 are urged to contact their immediate supervisor as soon as possible. Employees of affected campuses will be contacted by their principals with directions on where to report on Wednesday.