The following was shared with the GCISD community on July 3, 2020.
GCISD Community,
I hope you have had the opportunity to rest after what was an eventful Spring semester. Campus and District leaders have continued to work throughout the month of June on a comprehensive plan for what Fall 2020 will look like in GCISD.
In June, GCISD conducted a Fall 2020 planning survey with staff and parents that asked for your preference of three possible instructional models. To view the summary of survey results from parents and staff, please click here. After reviewing the results of the survey, we analyzed District resources available to support the possible instructional models that were presented. To maximize efficiency for staffing, safety protocols and logistics, the District has made the decision at this time to offer two options: in-person and remote learning.
I want to thank those that participated in the survey, as this data was reviewed in addition to guidance from Governor Abbott, the Texas Education Agency and local, state and national health officials.
As of July 3, we have not received detailed in-school safety protocols from TEA. We know that they are working to develop protocols that take into account the safety of the 5.4 million students and staff across the State. In GCISD, we are working on general safety guidelines for what school could look like in August; however we have not finalized several items because we anticipate future guidance and recommendations from the state and/or local level. When we receive that guidance, we will be sure to share the information with parents and staff, but we do not know when that information will be available.
What we will be able to share with parents on July 15 is a draft plan for Fall 2020. A few things the draft plan includes:
- 2020-2021 Instructional Models: For the 2020-2021 school year, GCISD will offer options of in-person and remote learning. Regardless of the selection that you make, your student will be able to participate in campus extracurricular activities. Please begin thinking about whether Remote Learning or In-Person Learning will be best for you and your student(s).
- Health Guidelines and Precautions: Information will be shared regarding regular pre-screening for students and staff, protocols for individuals who are confirmed, suspected or exposed to COVID-19, and District plans for cleaning and sanitation of facilities.
- Protocols for visitors, social distancing protocols and large gatherings: As we work to practice social distancing and reduce the amount of people in our facilities, campuses will modify protocols for visitors and large gatherings.
Information will also be shared on attendance and enrollment, extracurricular participation, possible hybrid opportunities for specialized courses that might require hands-on experience, transportation, personal protective equipment and masks and communication. The District will include a form in the Skyward registration process where we ask parents to select a learning model for their child(ren) to begin the 2020-2021 school year. Per TEA guidance, you will have an opportunity to modify your selection up to two weeks prior to the first day of school if you so choose. More specific information about how to change your selection will be forthcoming.
It is important to note, this plan is subject to change based on the guidance from Governor Abbott, TEA and other local, state and federal agencies. As more guidance is released and decisions are made, the District will update its start-of-school website www.GCISD.net/Fall2020, in addition to providing details in the GCISD Update and on social media.
Thank you for your patience as we have worked through these tedious but very important details. Please be looking for an email on July 15 with more information on Fall 2020 plans for GCISD.
Dr. Robin Ryan
GCISD Superintendent