While Aldine ISD is still unsure what the 2020-2021 school year might look like for its students, the district has announced the year will begin with students participating in at-home learning for the first three weeks.
Here’s what to know so far for the upcoming school year:
Calendar
The first day of school is scheduled for August 17, 2020. The district extended at-home learning through Sept. 11.
Click here to view the 2020-2021 school calendar.
Measures underway or being considered
PPE
- Masks are required for all students and staff while inside the building unless medically exempt. Staff members will use see-through face shields in situations where facial recognition and cues are essential, especially for younger children and those students who may have special needs.
- Extra hand sanitizer will also be available at all Aldine ISD campuses.
- All schools will also have additional masks and gloves for students and staff who request them.
Temperature checks
- Aldine ISD will not take students’ temperature upon entry. According to the district, temperature checks of asymptomatic students at school are not recommended. Medical experts have determined temperature checks as ineffective in identifying those who may have the virus.
Social Distancing
- Each Aldine ISD campus has its own unique floor plan and needs. As such, each school is designing and developing a plan to address social distancing throughout the buildings and in each classroom. The plans are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of each school and will be based on the building’s layout and the number of students who choose to attend in-person learning.
- All employees and students will be expected to maintain social distancing, six-foot physical distance, to the greatest extent possible.
- Aldine ISD custodial services will routinely clean and disinfect all district facilities, including cleaning frequently touched objects and surfaces with hospital-grade cleaner, which is effective against multiple disease-causing viruses and bacteria.
Cleaning and disinfection
- Aldine’s custodial staff will thoroughly clean all school buildings and district facilities multiple times throughout the day and again after school has concluded.
- High-touch and high-traffic areas will be monitored closely.
- AISD will encourage all students and staff members to use hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes available throughout each building.
Meal service
- All staff will use face shields, facial coverings, and gloves when performing job responsibilities and are trained to practice health and hygiene regulations.
- All kitchens and cafeterias are cleaned and sanitized daily.
- All cafeterias, serving and dining areas are cleaned between uses.
- Social distancing is practiced by all Child Nutrition staff when performing job responsibilities.
- Mobile Breakfast – mobile carts will be stationed throughout each school to practice social distancing and speed service. Students will choose their breakfast items and then travel to the classroom or designated location.
- Limited Dining Room Seating – a limited number of students may dine in the cafeteria at specific tables that will be marked utilizing social distancing.
- Cafeteria to Classroom – students will enter the cafeteria using social distancing floor markers and make their lunch selection then travel back to the classroom transporting their food in closed containers.
Transportation
district’s transportation team is working on a seating chart and schedule to enable buses to operate as safely as possible.
Buses will be thoroughly cleaned after each bus trip, focusing on high-touch surfaces such as bus seats, steering wheels, knobs, and door handles.
Instruction methods offered
Aldine ISD plans to offer both learning on campus (face-to-face) and learning at home (virtual) instruction for the upcoming school year.
All students will begin the school year participating in at-home virtual learning and it will be extended through Sept. 11.
As a part of the district’s preliminary “Return to Learn” plan, here is an outline of the instruction methods:
Learning At Home: This option is entirely virtual, requiring students to have a consistent online presence and daily log-in requirements. Students who enroll in the virtual option will remain virtual for the first nine weeks of the semester, with the option to continue virtually for the entire school year.
- Manage Your Schedule: Core Courses + Predetermined List of Electives
- Daily, specific feedback via Schoology activities and chats
- Will follow the same standard grading policy (minimum of one grade/week/course)
- Students will take all district assessments online
- Students will need access to the internet
- Students will have the opportunity to request a loaner device (laptop/Chromebook)
- Students who require support and interventions will receive those via video conferencing based on the Aldine ISD recommendations.
Learning On Campus: This option will consist of in-person instruction, which includes face-to-face, in-classroom learning using safety protocols to protect our students and staff. The in-person instruction will be held Monday through Friday.
- Traditional Schedule: Core Courses + Electives
- Daily, specific feedback in-person plus activities completed via Schoology
- Will follow the same standard grading policy (minimum of one grade/week/course)
- Students will take all district assessments online
- Students who require support and interventions will receive them in person
Survey
Parents and staff were invited to complete a “crisis preparedness” survey online in May.
AISD will share the results of that survey later this summer.
Recent updates
Do you have questions about Aldine ISD’s plan?
Fill out the form below and we’ll work to find the answer to your question.
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