The Ascension Parish school system announced Thursday that face coverings will not be mandatory for students when they return to campuses this fall.

Guidelines released by the school system Thursday said children in grades K-12 will not be required to wear masks at school, though they will mandated while riding buses. Read the statement from Ascension Public Schools below.

"Face coverings are optional for all PreK through 12 students and employees except while traveling on a bus. Ascension Public Schools encourages all students (parents/guardians), employees, and others to consult with their personal physicians or health care providers for further guidance on the necessity of a face covering as it pertains to their individual condition and health care needs. "