• Secondary campuses will develop a plan that minimizes overcrowding during dismissal and transition periods on their campuses.
  
  
• Dismissals will be in staggered intervals to help with the movement of students in the hallways (e.g., seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshman). 

[Updated 9/17/2021]

• Athletics/PE equipment are sanitized daily with an electrostatic sprayer.
• Students are encouraged to use hand sanitizer before and after PE.
  
• Students who are sick must isolate.
• Quarantine for close contact is optional.
• Vaccination is not required to participate.

PE – Elementary
All PE equipment will be utilized. Equipment will be cleaned at regular intervals.

Playgrounds

• Plexiglass is used in each cafeteria point-of-sale location and office areas as a visual/physical reminder for social distancing.
  
  
• Cafeteria staff will enter the ID number for each elementary student.
  
  
• Secondary students will swipe their badges when eating breakfast/lunch so as to minimize touchpoints in the cafeteria.
  
  
• Teachers have the option of using table dividers at guided reading tables.
  
  

• Bus drivers are encouraged to crack windows during routes to increase ventilation.
• Masks for students are available on each bus.
• The maximum number of employees in District work vehicles is as follows:
• Single cab trucks – one employee;
• Double cab trucks – two employees.

Updated 9/17/2021

• Custodial schedules are being adjusted to provide support for late evening activities, etc.
  
  
• Teachers/staff are using Sani-Q spray on classroom surfaces and high touch areas.
  

  ---

  Birdville ISD’s Facilities Management team will continue to focus on high-touch surfaces and deep cleaning any areas of concern, including using electrostatic applicators to sanitize classrooms no less than once per day and daily power washing of restrooms.

Click here to view the Covid-19 Dashboard

[UPDATED: Sept. 23, 2021] 

Asynchronous Learning Plan 2021–2022
Temporary Virtual Learning Academy (TVLA)

Time Period

• August 13 – October 29, 2021
• Students will return to face-to-face instruction on November 1, 2021
  

Eligible Students

• Kindergarten through sixth-grade students
• Application for admission for up to 350 students
• Enrolled in Birdville ISD

Virtual Instruction Methodology

• A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • Remote Synchronous Instruction: Two-way, real-time/live, virtual instruction between teachers and students when students are not on campus.
  • Remote Asynchronous Instruction: Instruction that does not require having the instructor and student engaged at the same time. In this method, students learn from instruction that is not necessarily being delivered in-person or in real time. This type of instruction may include various forms of digital and online learning, such as prerecorded video lessons or game-based learning tasks that students complete on their own, and pre-assigned work and formative assessments made available to students.

Grade Level Instructional Schedule (Minimum of 240 instructional minutes daily)

Daily Attendance

• Daily attendance will be taken at 10:00 a.m.
• Daily measurement options for attendance include:
  • Daily check-in via teacher–student interaction that confirms student accessed instruction, as defined by the LEA.
• A student will be considered absent if the student does not have documented engagement with daily contact with the teacher, and/or documentation of completion/turn-in of daily assignments within the school day.
  
  

Expectations for Progress Monitoring

• Students will take all universal screeners, including mCLASS, Istation, and/or Renaissance Star.
• Teachers will utilize pre-assessments, student work products, observations during conferences, and unit assessment to assess progress and design instruction to meet student needs.
• Qualifying students for Accelerated Instruction (HB 4545) who did not take the STAAR test during the spring of 2021 will take the TEA Beginning-of-Year (BOY) Assessment in person to determine appropriate placement.
• Students will take any state assessments in the same manner as face-to-face students.
  
  

Expectations for Teacher Support, Roles, and Responsibilities

• Develop lessons in Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) that focus on and meet the academic requirement of the TEKS standards.
• Follow the District’s curriculum, scope and sequence, and grading guidelines.
• Design and deliver regular live lessons delivered in a synchronous Zoom meeting each morning.
• Design and implement rigorous, relevant, and engaging online learning lessons.
• Include assignments that require active learning and creation.
• Implement regular formative assessments and use data to inform instruction.
• Provide timely feedback to students and use District grading guidelines on all assignments.
• Personalize learning opportunities based on the need of each student (enrichment, intervention, and accommodations).
• Incorporate choice boards, playlists, video lessons, and group/partner projects.
• Create content learning and activities to ensure each student receives their full instructional minutes.
• Uphold high academic standards that emulate those of the regular classroom.
• Document student attendance and grades.
• Communicate with parents/guardians on a regular basis and as needed.
• Adhere to all copyright laws and regulations.
• Use District-approved and recommended digital resources.
  
  

Student Roles and Responsibilities

• Expect to complete 100% of the course, including, but not limited to, graded submissions, with a 70% or higher.
• Participate in instruction based on regular campus hours for elementary, middle school, and high school.
• Be ready to learn each day in a designated workspace in the home.
• Take local district assessments.
• Take all required state assessments based upon a schedule for location and time.
• Participate and be visible on-screen (following the BISD dress code) during live online instruction scheduled by the teacher.
• Complete daily assignments and submissions to show proof of participation and demonstrate evidence of student engagement/learning (e.g., video, picture, or activities submitted as lessons and/or completing assignments). Please note, not all lessons must have an assignment. There will be teacher discretion on the number of assignments, following BISD grading guidelines.
• Communicate with the teacher when needing additional assistance, tutoring, etc.
• Work ethically and adhere to responsible use guidelines.
• Follow secure proctoring for major assessments.
• Follow and adhere to District guidelines for the use of technology devices.
  
  

Parent/Guardian Roles and Responsibilities

• Serve as a learning coach, but not the teacher.
• Designate an at-home workspace for each learner.
• Implement and monitor student’s daily schedule.
• Ensure student submits daily work and meets all attendance guidelines.
• Actively monitor the child’s progress.
• Support student’s independent learning, when appropriate.
• Assist with active learning assignments as needed.
• Support student throughout learning based on age and as developmentally appropriate.
• Communicate with the teacher when needing additional assistance, tutoring, etc.
• Follow and adhere to District guidelines for the use of technology devices.
• Provide transportation to and from designated locations for major assessments.
• Participate in required and requested meetings.
• Complete and submit all required forms and paperwork.
  
  

Expectations for Special Program Support

• SPED: Students who qualify for Special Education support will receive asynchronous instruction from a certified special education teacher. Students will have assignments on Canvas Learning Management System, Seesaw or Vizzle based on their Individualized Education Plan.
• 504: Section 504 plans will be shared with TVLA teachers to ensure continuity of accommodations and other supports.
• GT: Identified GT students will be furloughed from Level 2 GT pull-out; however, virtual students will be provided with Level 1 enrichment services and differentiated instruction.
• Dyslexia: Students whose educational plans specify standard protocol dyslexia instruction will receive MTA instruction via AmplioSpeech.
• Accelerated Instruction: Students who qualify for accelerated instruction under HB 4545 will receive tutoring from the remote learning teacher.

Teacher Professional Learning

• TVLA teachers worked in face-to-face sessions for three weeks with the Birdville ISD Digital Learning Team and Multilingual Services to design remote lessons using best practices. Just-in-time professional learning was provided by the Digital Learning Team to support teacher learning and mastery of Canvas (LMS), Seesaw, Edgenuity, and Skyward as tools used in the delivery of virtual instruction.
  
  

Transition Plan Back to Face-to-Face Learning

• Send letter to the parents informing them of the date to return to home campus in a face-to-face instructional model.
• Conduct an induction meeting with home campus principal, counselor.
• Review academic progress with campus team.
• Inform Director of Counseling regarding the logistical transferring from TVLA entity to assigned campus entity.
• Prepare list of students for PEIMS and data enterprise director.
  
  

Elementary Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)

• Elementary Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) is continuing as scheduled with the following list of mitigation procedures:
  
  • Frequent handwashing and/or use of hand sanitizers,
  • Cleaning of tables and high touch points with Sani-Q spray,
  • Social distancing to the extent possible,
  • Limiting the use of shared materials,
  • Limiting access to other parts of the campus(es) to the extent possible,
  • Posting health and safety protocol signage within the classroom, and
  • If the student’s home campus has a classroom or a cluster that could put the student at risk of being exposed and/or exposing other students within the GATE program, GT students are not allowed to attend GATE at another campus.
  • The GT Department will work with the Transportation Department to ensure the busses are following cleaning protocols.
    
    
• Limit sharing of supplies when possible.
  
  
• Access to cleaning supplies is provided to outside tutors (wipes, sanitizer, Sani-Q spray and optional masks).

August 20, 2021

The District is returning to face-to-face instruction for all students beginning Aug. 18, 2021. However, the Delta variant increase, local virus spread and with no vaccine available for students 11 years of age and younger, some parents may be seeking a temporary online learning environment. Our answer for this group of parents is to provide a temporary virtual learning academy for students in grades K-6 for 12 weeks.

If COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, some events may be:

• -reformatted when possible;
  
  
• -held outside (e.g., choir/band concerts, Donuts with Dad, etc.);
  
  
• -socially distanced when possible, and
  
  
• -held as virtual gatherings or performances (for booster club meetings, choir, etc.) in place of holding them in cafeterias.

• Outdoor field trips are preferred.
  
  
• Camps: Each camp will be evaluated based on current COVID-19 case numbers.

Staff and students will take regular handwashing/hand sanitizer breaks.

The importance of handwashing and sanitizing is emphasized in frequent conversations with/between staff and students.

Hand sanitizers are in each classroom and throughout the campus.

Respiratory Etiquette

• -A link to Tarrant County’s COVID testing and vaccine sites is available on our website.
  
  
• -Masks are not required per Governor Abbott’s executive order GA-38, but are Strongly Supported by BISD. Masks are available to all students and staff.
  
  
• -Updated Health & Safety signs have been distributed to all BISD campuses/facilities.
  
  
• -Staff members are encouraged to wear a mask.
  
  
• -Use of water bottle fillers is encouraged on each campus. However, water fountains are still available.

Contract Tracing

Contact tracing is not required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Fever While at School

Plexiglass for Cashiers

Cafeteria staff will enter the ID number for each elementary student to minimize touchpoints.

Secondary students will continue to swipe their badges to minimize touchpoints.

Where possible, increased outdoor seating for lunches has been added.

Meals

• All meeting attendees should be socially distanced, when possible.
  
  
• When social distancing between attendees is not possible, hold needed meetings via Zoom (ARDs, 504, PLCs, etc.) rather than in person.
  
  
• Every effort will be made for award assemblies to be held by class or grade level.

Schools will notify all teachers, staff, and families of all students in a classroom or extracurricular or after-school program cohort if a test-confirmed COVID-19 case is identified among students, teachers or staff who participated in those classrooms or cohorts. 

ATTENTION ALL VISITORS!

Before entering any BISD facility, you are expected to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms. If you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, meaning symptoms not normal for you, please do not request to enter the building. Instead, we ask that you call the office for assistance.

COVID-19 Symptoms Include:

Temperature: 100 degrees or greater
Chills
Cough
Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing
Loss of Taste or Smell

Other Symptoms Include:

Muscle Aches
Headaches
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Sore Throat

Requested Daily

Students and employees should perform a self-check for COVID-19-related symptoms prior to boarding a bus or entering a Birdville ISD facility. Please do not come to school if you are sick or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

Social distancing reminders/visuals will be utilized.

Encourage socially-distanced greetings (e.g., elbow bumps, fist bumps, etc.).

Keep students on right/left sides of halls and try to keep them from mixing when traveling through the building.

Where possible, one-way stairwells will be implemented.

ENCOURAGED, where possible

When space and circumstances allow, students and employees are encouraged to maintain distance from others. 

Can we change the policy on unexcused absences?

• Absences: An absence for any student that remains home due to testing positive for COVID-19, or because of their exposure to a positive case, will be considered an excused absence. Families are encouraged to communicate with their student’s school by providing documentation in the form of a parent or doctor's note indicating that the student is absent for COVID-related reasons.
  
  Birdville ISD schools will work with families to make sure the student has schoolwork to help continue learning while at home, and when the student returns we will help the student close any learning gaps that occur as a result of missing instructional time. Additionally, at the high school level, we have removed attendance requirements for semester exam exemptions.

Free COVID-19 Testing Offered by Tarrant County Public Health

Tarrant County Public Health has begun offering free COVID-19 testing at locations across the County to help identify cases and help patients receive early care to reduce the growing community spread threat.

The free COVID-19 testing sites will operate on a rotating schedule throughout Tarrant County.

If a Tarrant County resident feels they have been exposed to COVID-19 or feels sick, it is important to get tested.

“Testing remains an important tool in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley. “The County’s testing is free and easily accessible, so there is no reason not to get tested if you suspect you may have COVID-19.”

Tarrant County is currently at the High Community Spread Level, meaning that more than 100 cases per 100,000 have been found in the past seven days.

Previously the Texas Division of Emergency Management had operated testing sites across Tarrant County, but reduced their operations due to slowing demand, then closed their last sites in June.

These COVID-19 testing sites will remain open as needed going forward. Additional sites and times may be added. COVID-19 testing information is updated on covidtesting.tarrantcounty.com.

COVID-19 causes respiratory illness with cough, fever and shortness of breath and may lead to bronchitis and severe pneumonia. For more information go to Tarrant County website or call the Tarrant County Public Health information line, 817-248-6299, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday–Sunday.

COVID-19 Testing 

> Visit Walgreens for COVID-19 Testing 

> Visit CVS for COVID-19 Testing 

> Visit TDHS for Covid-19 Testing 

> Visit Quest Diagnostics for COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Vaccine 

Visit Tarrant County Vaccine Finder to find a vaccine location near you.

Nation Vaccine Hotline - 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489) or https://www.vaccines.gov/   

> Visit CVS Pharmacy to register for a vaccine.

> Visit Kroger Pharmacy to register for a vaccine.

> Visit Tom Thumb Pharmacy to register for a vaccine.

> Visit Walgreens to register for a vaccine.

> Find more COVID vaccines near you here.

THR Vaccines

Everyone 12 years and above are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Children will need proof of their age - birth certificate or shot card. Parents will also need an ID to show their relationship with the child. 

>  Visit http://www.tarrantcounty.com/vaccinefinder to schedule an appointment. 

Walk-ins are welcome at all sites, though registering in advance saves time. 

COVID-19 Vaccinations
Not required, but Encouraged

The COVID vaccine is not required for staff or students. Please consult with your own health care provider for guidance. BISD supports all choices.

• ATTENTION ALL VISITORS!

  Before entering any BISD facility, you are expected to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms. If you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, meaning symptoms not normal for you, please do not request to enter the building. Instead, we ask that you call the office for assistance.

  COVID-19 Symptoms Include:

  Temperature: 100 degrees or greater
  Chills
  Cough
  Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing
  Loss of Taste or Smell

  Other Symptoms Include:

  Muscle Aches
  Headaches
  Diarrhea
  Vomiting
  Sore Throat

   

  

Visitors
Visitors will be allowed on campuses, including parents or guardians who want to visit their student for lunch. (See Face Masks above.) Please follow each campus’ procedures related to welcoming visitors back to campus.