HOUSTON – The Houston Independent School District will start the 2020-2021 school year on Sept. 8 with all students learning in a virtual classroom.
Face-to-face instruction is scheduled to begin on Oct. 19, but that date is subject to change depending on the status of the coronavirus pandemic.
Parents will have the option to choose online-only classes through the end of January or through the end of the school year.
Parents will receive a phone call from the district on Aug. 24 to choose whether they would like either on-campus or virtual learning for their students. That choice can be changed after each six-week grading period.
Once in-person learning begins, all employees and students will be screened each day before entering any HISD building. They will also be required to wear masks, wash their hands and observe social-distancing.
More information can be found at houstonisd.org/reopening. The document that outlines the reopening plan can be viewed below, and we’ve also outlined the major parts of the plan here.
What about sports?
According to the reopening plan document, games are being tentatively scheduled for the fall while district leaders await guidance from the state about sports in the University Scholastic League.
When games are played, coaches and student-athletes will undergo entry screenings. The screenings will also happen at practices.
Fans may be limited or prohibited from the games depending on conditions of the coronavirus pandemic. When fans are allowed back, they will be encouraged to purchase tickets online and will undergo screenings at the venue.
Watch a replay of the district’s press conference below: