|
Dear Alief ISD Parents and Staff,
I trust that each of you are healthy and doing well. I wanted to provide you with a couple of updates and information relevant to the upcoming 2021-22 school year. The first issue is related to safety protocols and the second issue is related to virtual school planning for 2021-22.
Safety Protocols
There is increasing evidence our country and community are continuing to turn the corner in this fight against COVID-19. As more and more staff members receive the vaccine and now that our students 12-years and older may also get vaccinated, I wanted to take this moment to outline some preliminary changes to protocols we can all look forward to as we approach the 2021-22 school year.
As we have during the past year and a half, Alief ISD is committed to following the guidance of our local health officials and CDC recommendations. Through our partnership with local health officials, we have been able to ensure safe learning and working environments for our staff and students. With the presence of positive COVID-19 cases steeply declining, vaccinations widely available for adults and students and our schools proven not to be a source of super spreader areas, we feel confident that we are able to make some adjustments to assist in the journey of returning to “normal”.
Beginning July 5, 2021, the wearing of masks will be optional for students and staff while in Alief ISD schools and district facilities, participating in after-school and outdoor activities, and while riding school buses. UIL, athletic events and performances will return to normal participation in the fall. I respectfully request that we all consider our colleagues and respect their decision to either wear a mask or not wear a mask.
Although masks will not be required next school year, we encourage all individuals who qualify to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to ensure individual protection. To assist our community in reaching a 70% vaccination rate, Alief ISD will continue to partner with health organizations to bring the vaccine to our community at various locations.
Alief ISD will discontinue daily staff wellness screenings. However, we encourage you to continue to self-screen in the event you are not feeling well and not come to work and risk exposing your co-workers or students to any illness. To continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, district contact tracing and quarantine policies will remain in place. In addition, deep cleaning efforts with hospital grade products will continue across the district indefinitely.
Virtual Learning for 2021-22
I would hope each of us agree that if we are to have any realistic hope of helping our most vulnerable students recover from the academic losses most students suffered during the pandemic, it will begin by having each student return to school for in-person instruction. While I am aware that there are some older students that might benefit from a virtual school option, the data is clear that in-person instruction and social and emotional development are accomplished only when a teacher can work with a student in an in-person environment.
As we move towards the 2021-22 school year, Alief ISD is planning on having almost all students, particularly Pre-K through 8 students, return to in person learning this fall. At the same time we will be offering a small virtual school pilot for some high school students who qualify for the 2021-22 school year. The Alief Virtual Academy will be designed specifically for those students in grades 9 through 12 that have demonstrated success (or potential success) while taking courses in a virtual school environment. **Please note that due to the Texas Legislature considering bills that would significantly impact virtual learning, our plans may change based upon any action taken by the Legislature**
Please be assured that we are prepared to make adjustments on any issues we may face should they be necessary by our local health authorities and/or the Texas legislature.
Thank you once again for all of your support through these trying times. Hope is definitely around the corner!
Sincerely,
|
Leave A Comment