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Fall Planning Update from Superintendent Washburn
June 25, 2020
Dear Parents,
I wanted to touch base with our families before the July 4th week to share an update on our fall planning. Last week I shared with you that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) had planned to provide school districts with public health guidance regarding the opening of schools. Unfortunately, TEA delayed releasing this guidance, which hinders our ability to finalize our plans. Our instructional leaders are not slowing down as we continue to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. We plan to offer both in-person and remote learning opportunities that are rigorous and robust.
TEA did provide guidance regarding remote learning for the fall, including the expectation for daily interaction and student engagement.TEA also offered some insight into attendance and state funding. This guidance aligns with the curriculum planning and development our leadership team has been working on since the end of the school year.
As I had indicated earlier, remote learning will look different than it did in the spring. Remote Learning "2.0" will include structured schedules, daily engagement expectations, direct instruction by teachers, and aligned content. Our expectations for in-person and remote learning will be aligned. There are many logistical issues to navigate, but we are confident that we will create a quality educational experience for all of our students in both learning formats.
I want to thank you all for your partnership and the feedback you have provided to us as we navigate through these times. Your input through surveys and Thought Exchange activities have truly helped shape our improvements to remote learning and our plans for the fall. If parents have not participated in our recent Thought Exchange, you still have time.
I know our families and staff are anxious to hear more about what the fall will look like specific to health and safety protocols. As that information becomes available to us, we will adjust our plans and share detailed plans with our families in mid-July. At that time, we will also require all families to provide us with your instructional delivery model choice for the fall. Your selections will enable us to finalize and communicate our schedules for the 2020-21 school year. Be assured that we will reach out to you as soon as it is feasible to share this information.
Stay safe and take care,
Todd Washburn
Superintendent of Schools