Austin ISD issued the following announcement.
Dear Team Austin ISD,
The safety and well being of all students and staff are a priority for Austin ISD. The goal is to collaboratively ensure that all students and employees feel safe and secure to effectively navigate the complexities of a new “normal.” Now, more than ever, the need for everyone to work together is critical in serving our students through this challenging time.
Rest assured, Austin ISD is committed to honoring as many accommodations as possible through the end of the fall semester as stated in our Weekly Teacher Roundtable Newsletter. Updated information regarding accommodation requests for our staff members for January 2021 will be communicated no later than November 9, 2020.
Dr. Anthony Mays, Chief of Schools, has held meetings with principal supervisors to provide direction with how to structure the school day and week (including outdoor classrooms) so that there is adherence to TEA requirements and provide time for teachers to engage in one-on-one student support, progress monitoring, and PLC work in a healthy and safe environment.
In compliance with the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) funding requirements as stated on their website in the FAQ’s on pages 6 and 7, questions 4 and 6 respectively (here), school districts are required to provide on campus instruction, which we know is the best method of instruction for many students. In order to better understand who will return, a survey is currently open to our families who are interested in sending their children back for on-campus learning beginning Nov. 2. In order for our scholars to learn in a safe environment, we need our educators to support their academic, social and emotional needs on-campus in a safe and socially distant setting.
Additionally, through a collaboration of our Operations team, School Leadership, and campus principals, plans have been made to order and install Plexiglas barriers in some elementary classrooms and cafeterias to provide a layering of protection based on capacity, number of students in each classroom, number of staff on accommodations and leave. The required masking with Plexiglas along with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that student desks be 3 to 6 ft apart will allow for continued health and safety in our schools.
We are committed to providing clear, and consistent information and communicating it out. Every student and every employee is precious and essential. Working together, and following safety protocols, we will get through this crisis.
Sincerely,
Stephanie S. Elizalde
Original source can be found here.
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