Overview

Board Announces Return to Face-to-Face Instruction Date 

During a special called meeting on Monday, Aug. 3, the BISD Board voted to continue with the plan to begin school for all students with online learning on Monday, Aug. 24, with the exception of special education. (Select special education students will be able to begin face-to-face on Aug. 24.) They also decided to begin face-to-face instruction on Tuesday, Sept. 8 for families that chose that option during the registration process.  

Families that selected face-to-face instruction during registration will transition on Tuesday, Sept. 8 to their campus for class. For families that selected online learning, classes will continue online. After registering their child(ren), parents wishing to change their selection between face-to-face or online must contact their child’s campus. Principals need to know if parents are wanting to make a change so they can develop their on-campus classes. 

BISD is finalizing a plan for distributing technology to  students at their campus before school begins on Aug. 24. More information on the plan will be shared through the various communications channels once available. 

In his comments to the Board, BISD Superintendent Dr. Darrell G. Brown said, “The Board and Administration are responsible for considering all aspects of this situation. In addition to students, we must consider the staff who put their personal well-being on the line every day. This is not easy and will not be right for everyone.” 

Due to the constantly evolving situation with COVID-19, and the regularly changing guidance from state education and health officials, BISD’s Plan will be reviewed and updated as needed to reflect new requirements from the CDC; federal, state, or county orders; or the Texas Education Agency. 

Meetings with the Commissioner of Education, Mike Morath, have been occurring for several months. These meetings have provided districts with all the requirements that must be followed to safely reopen schools and meet all requirements for receiving funding for those students who will opt to learn online. Birdville ISD has spent weeks developing a comprehensive plan for the reopening of schools using two models: 

1. Traditional Face-to-Face Instruction with Strict Safety Protocols
    
2. Online Asynchronous Learning    

According to TEA requirements, Birdville ISD has submitted a Letter of Intent to the TEA to inform them that we will provide an Online Learning – Asynchronous Model in addition to the traditional Face-to-Face inside the building instructional model.
 

Currently, we are finalizing the Instructional Plan that must be submitted to TEA for final approval on October 1, 2020. The District will continue to monitor and respond appropriately to guidelines and recommendations provided by a number of governing agencies including the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the University Interscholastic League (UIL), the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Tarrant County Health Department.  This information will be updated as we learn more.

General Information

Mandated School Closure Due to COVID-19:  Remote Instruction

• In the event that the Governor or Tarrant County Public Health Department closes all public school campuses during the 2020–2021 school year, students participating in face-to-face instruction inside physical school District facilities will move to online asynchronous instruction.
  
  
• Students will be issued technology devices and hotspots based on student need.
  
  
• Students enrolled in online asynchronous learning will experience no disruption or change to their instruction.
  
  
• Students may not request a transfer between the Face-to-Face and Online Asynchronous options during a mandated school closure.

Outdoor Spaces & Playgrounds

• Outdoor spaces will be used, but playgrounds will be closed until further notice.
  
  
• When appropriate, students will gather outside (for instance, during physical education class), rather than inside, because of the likely reduced risk of virus spread outdoors.
  
  

Visitors

• Birdville ISD facilities will be closed to outside visitors, except by appointment. Parents may schedule conferences with teachers or an administrator virtually. Parents will not be able to walk students to the classroom, visit classrooms, or join students for meals.
  
  
• Approved outside visitors and essential school volunteers will be required to wear a mask prior to entering a District facility. Per the Texas Education Agency Public Health Planning Guidance dated July 17, 2020, before visitors/volunteers are allowed onto campuses, school office personnel will pre-screen each visitor/volunteer using the doorbell intercom to determine if they have COVID-19 symptoms or are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, they must remain off campus until they meet the criteria for entry.
  
  
• Additionally, campuses will not be able to host events such as open houses, carnivals, dances, class parties or any event that brings additional people onto campus.
  
  

Communication Plan

• Birdville ISD will continue to inform key stakeholders regularly.
  
  
• The District and campuses will communicate official news using Blackboard, websites, E-news and social media accounts.
  
  
• Texts will be sent directing all individuals to an important email.
  
  
• The entire plan will be on the Birdville ISD website with hyperlinks to each heading throughout the plan.

(New 8/31/20) Can parents walk their student to class the first day/week? Lunch with my elementary child? 

As schools reopen, Birdville ISD facilities will be closed to outside visitors, except by appointment. Parents may schedule conferences with teachers or an administrator virtually. Parents will not be able to walk students to the classroom, visit classrooms, or join students for meals.

 

(New 7-31-20) Face-to-Face or Online Instruction: We Hear You 

BISD hears the frustration of parents and staff over the ever-changing plan to start school. The District understands your frustration because we are frustrated too. The changes being made are a direct result of constantly changing guidelines from state and local agencies. These agencies want the best for the children and staff, and that is why the guidance provided to school districts across the state continues to evolve, and we anticipate changes will continue to come as more is learned about COVID-19. 

Regardless of your feelings concerning COVID-19, it has completely disrupted all our lives. 

Here is where we are as of Friday, July 31 

On Tuesday, July 28, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued legal guidance on school opening for the upcoming school year. This guidance allows the District to reevaluate its plan for the start of face-to-face instruction. BISD’s board of trustees will decide on this matter in early August.

What does BISD need from parents?

BISD is asking parents to go ahead and register their child(ren) for the 2020–21 school year by Monday, Aug. 10. When you register, please indicate your preference between face-to-face and online instruction for your child(ren). Your selection does not permanently lock you into that choice. By indicating your preference, it allows the District to begin developing plans for classes on the campuses. Again, parents will have the opportunity to change their choice between the two platforms. 

As BISD finalizes procedures for changing between face-to-face and online, the District will post the details through our various communications channels. 

Is there a learning system such as Canvas that will be available to all grade levels?

Yes, we will use Canvas, AWARE for assessments, and Edgenuity for courses offered in grades 6–12, eDynamics for CTE courses, and for those courses not in Edgenuity and eDynamics, teachers will build courses in Canvas.
  

I previously submitted an application for open enrollment. How is open enrollment going to work with online learning? Should I have him stay at his home school? Do I have an option still? 

If a student was approved for Open Enrollment, then the student will remain at the approved campus regardless of the instructional delivery model the parents choose.

Who will be accountable if the teacher does not live up to their part in the online learning plan?

The principal is still responsible for monitoring teacher performance. The parents’ responsibility is to notify the principal if there is an instructional problem that goes unresolved by the teacher.

Will five classes still be required at the high school level?

Yes. Students will need to continue to take a full load of courses to remain on track for graduation and meet the TEA requirement for being taught all the TEKS.  

Based upon a student’s endorsement and UIL requirements, a student must be enrolled in a minimum number of 5 classes.

Terms Every Parent Needs to Know

BISD is adopting the use of some new terms that may be unfamiliar to students, parents and staff. These are terms used by the Texas Education Agency as they relate to the type of instruction students may receive. These terms relate to online learning only.

• Synchronous - Requires all participants to be present at the same time, virtually, for the entire day. Examples: Live interactive classes with students and teachers participating real-time, teacher supported work time on video conference calls, scheduled and timed online tests.
  
  
• Asynchronous - Does not require all participants to be virtually present at the same time. Examples: Self-paced online courses with intermittent teacher instruction, pre-assigned work with formative assessments on paper or in LMS, watching pre-recorded videos of instruction with guided support.
  
  
• Remote Asynchronous Learning - During remote learning, students are not physically present in a traditional classroom environment and instead receive lessons in a digital environment. Remote learning allows students and teachers to connect as a class in multiple ways, including discussion boards, interactive assignments, lesson videos, video conferences, and more.
  
  
• Face-to-Face Learning - This is in-person instruction on the physical campus.

Due to the constantly evolving situation with COVID-19, and the regularly changing guidance from state education and health officials, this plan will be reviewed and updated as needed to reflect new requirements from the CDC; federal, state, or county orders; or the Texas Education Agency.

(Updated 09/16/20) BISD Launches COVID-19 Dashboard 

With the return of students to face-to-face instruction, BISD has created a dashboard (“the Dashboard”) to provide BISD families information about active COVID-19 cases in the District. An “active case” is defined as an individual who has been in a school and test-confirmed to have COVID-19. Individuals who test positive are excluded from participation in any in-person/on-campus activity until the campus nurse verifies that the individual meets the return criteria set by state and local health authorities. Once the individual is cleared to return, they are no longer considered an active case and the case is removed from the Dashboard count.  

This data will be updated weekly. 

> Click to view COVID-19 Dashboard 

(Updated 09/16/20) How will BISD notify families of test-confirmed COVID-19 cases? 

Birdville ISD officials understand that many families want to know how they'll be notified when someone from their child's campus has a test-confirmed case of COVID-19.  

Consistent with school notification requirements for other communicable diseases, and consistent with legal confidentiality requirements, BISD will notify all teachers, staff, and families of all students in a school if a test-confirmed COVID-19 case is identified among students, teachers or staff who participate in any on-campus activities.

BISD will use a two-tiered notification process as outlined below: 

General Contact 

Upon confirmation of a test-confirmed COVID-19 case, a letter will be sent to all teachers, staff, and families of students who are assigned to that specific campus. Those receiving this letter will be required to monitor themselves and if they begin to have any COVID-19 symptoms, they will need to quarantine and contact their campus. Everyone on campus receives a letter if a letter has not already been sent in the previous 14 days. 

Close Contact 

Upon confirmation of a test-confirmed COVID-19 case, the Campus COVID-19 Contact Team will begin an investigation. If the results of their investigation determine that close contact was confirmed with any teachers, staff, or students, those specific individuals will receive a letter notifying them that they are required to quarantine. Students and staff who are considered to have close contact receive a phone call and a letter.  

(Updated 09/10/20) Health Safety 2020: Quarantine and Isolation

View >Quarantine and Isolation video

(Updated 08/11/20) Masks Required for All Staff and Students 

On Friday afternoon, Aug. 7, Tarrant County Public Health joined the CDC in recommending the use of masks (cloth or paper) instead of face shields in all school buildings and buses. Therefore, BISD is requiring masks to be worn by all staff and students while on District property, including buses.

(Updated 08/18/20) Mask Exemptions for Students with Special Needs

The CDC recommends wearing a face mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but recognizes that wearing a mask presents challenges for certain students, particularly younger students and those with special healthcare or educational needs.

The CDC provides specific examples of groups of students for whom wearing a mask may not be feasible and/or safe:

• People who are deaf or hard of hearing, if they rely on lipreading to communicate.

• People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions or other sensory sensitivities.

• Younger children (e.g., preschool or early elementary aged) may be unable to wear a mask properly, particularly for an extended period of time.

Students in the following special education program settings will be exempt from wearing a mask for extended periods of time while on school property. All students should arrive at school with an appropriate face covering and will be encouraged by staff to wear it during appropriate times (i.e., in common areas, when social distancing is not possible). Staff will provide children with frequent reminders and education on the importance of masks and frequent hand washing. Staff will regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

• Structured Environment to Enhance Communication (SEEC), an early intervention environment designed to meet the needs of K–8th grade students with multiple learning and language acquisition barriers.

• Academic and Adaptive Behavior Learning Environment (AABLE) serves students in elementary and middle school with significant deficits in cognitive and adaptive behaviors who demonstrate needs in functional and developmental areas.

• Outcome-Based Measures Educating Growing Adults (OMEGA) generally serves high school students with intellectual disabilities or autism.

• Alternative Curriculum Centered for Exceptional Student Success (ACCESS) serves students with severe physical and/or mental impairments. Students are often not independently mobile, require assistance to care for daily needs and may be considered medically fragile.

• Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD) serves students who are deaf/hard of hearing.

• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) serves students ages 3–5.

Recommended PPE for staff working with students who have received an exemption from wearing a mask is as follows:

• Mask (required for all staff);

• Gloves, as needed (disposable);

• Face shield,worn in conjunction with a mask*

*   Primarily used for eye protection for the person wearing it. Face shields that wrap around the sides of the wearer's face and extend below the chin and preferred.

• Wearers should wash their hands before and after removing the face shield and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth when removing it.

• Reusable face shields should be cleaned and disinfected after each use according to manufacturer instructions or by following CDC face shield cleaning instructions (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/eye-protection.html)

Due to the constantly evolving situation with COVID-19, and the regularly changing guidance from state education and health officials, BISD's Plan will be reviewed and updated as needed to reflect new requirements from the CDC; federal, state, or county orders; or the Texas Education Agency. 

(Updated 08/11/20) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The District has purchased large quantities of PPE for staff and students. In addition, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has also provided PPE. PPE for staff and students includes the following:

• Masks for all staff and students.
  
  
• Table dividers for students developmentally unable to wear face masks.
  
  
• Hand sanitizer dispensers mounted inside entrances, along hallways, and inside other common areas.
  
  
• Hand sanitizer bottles in each classroom for staff and student use.
  
  
• Water bottle fillers on all campuses to reduce the use of water fountains.
  
  
• Plexiglass sneeze guards for each campus reception area.
  
  
• Large containers of sanitizing wipes for each classroom.
  
  
• Hand wipes for classroom use.
  
  
• Adult- and student-size disposable masks (for each campus) for those instances where needed for students and staff.
  
  
• Hand soap dispensers at each restroom sink rather than one per restroom.

Personal Hygiene

Students, staff members and visitors will be encouraged to sanitize and/or wash their hands frequently.

Students will be encouraged to wash hands after using the restroom and before eating.

Handwashing techniques will be taught by the classroom teacher on the first day of school and reinforced throughout the school year. 

Handwashing signage will be strategically placed around the campus.

(Updated 09/04/20) Health Screening

Students, staff, or visitors who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, are ill, or have had contact with a COVID-19 positive person in the last 14 days, should stay home and not enter any District facility.

COVID-19 Symptoms include:

• Fever (temperature of 100.0 or greater)
• Chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell

Parents/guardians must ensure when sending their child to school on campus, the child is free from COVID-19 symptoms, not normal for them. If symptoms are present, the parent/guardian should contact the campus nurse for further guidance on return to school.

All staff members entering a school campus must self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms each day. When staff members report to work, they are acknowledging they have taken their temperature and are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, not normal for them.

Any staff member, student or visitor who experiences symptoms while on campus will immediately report to the school clinic. If the forehead temperature is 100.0 or greater, a second temperature will be taken after five minutes. If the second reading reflects a temperature of 100.0 or greater, the staff member, student or visitor will be sent home immediately.

Any individuals–including teachers, staff, students, or other campus visitors–who either are test-confirmed to have COVID-19 or experience the symptoms of COVID-19 (listed above) must stay at home throughout the infection period, and cannot return to campus until the conditions for campus re-entry have been met:

• In the case of an individual who was diagnosed with COVID-19, the individual may return to school when all three of the CDC symptom-based criteria are met:
  

• must be 10 days since the start of symptoms;
  
  
• 24 hours fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications; and
  
• symptoms have improved.

In the case of an individual who has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and who is not evaluated by a medical professional or tested for COVID-19, such individual is assumed to have COVID-19, and the individual may not return to the campus until the individual has completed the same return to school criteria listed above.

If the individual has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and wants to return to school before completing the above stay-at-home period, the individual must either obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return or receive a clearance certificate to return to work from Tarrant County Public Health.

(Updated 09/02/20) Close Contact

Close Contact with another person is defined as:

• Being directly exposed to infectious secretions (e.g., being coughed on); or
  
  
• Being within six feet of another person for a cumulative duration of 15 minutes;
  
  
• with either occurring at any time in the last 14 days at the same time the infected individual was infectious.
  
  

Individuals are presumed infectious at least two days prior to symptom onset or, in the case of asymptomatic individuals who are test-confirmed with COVID-19, two days prior to the confirming lab test.

It is important to remember that anyone who has close contact with someone with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after exposure based on the time it takes to develop illness.

Students will move to online asynchronous learning during their quarantine.

 
Responding to Possible COVID-19 Cases on Campus

> View Accessible version of the Employee/Workplace Process Map COVID-19 (PDF)

Campuses must immediately separate any staff member, student or visitor who shows COVID-19 symptoms while at school until the staff member or visitor can leave or the student can be picked up by a parent or guardian.

District staff should clean the areas used by the individual who shows COVID-19 symptoms while at school as soon as is feasible.

Students who report feeling feverish should be given an immediate temperature check to determine if they are symptomatic for COVID-19.

Required Actions if Individuals with Test-Confirmed Cases Have Been in a District Facility

If an individual who has been in a school is test-confirmed to have COVID-19, the District will notify the local health department in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The District will ensure that the non-porous surface areas used by the individual have been disinfected. See Cleaning and Sanitation.

The District will notify all teachers, staff and families of all students in a school if a test-confirmed COVID-19 case is identified among students, teachers or staff who participate in any on-campus activities.

Quarantine

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent the spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick, or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.

Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 is required to stay home for 14 days after their last contact and notify their campus nurse or supervisor.

Watch for fever of 100.0 or higher, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19.

If you had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 and will not have further contact or interactions with the person while they are sick (e.g., co-worker, neighbor, or friend), your last day of quarantine is 14 days from the date you had close contact.

If you live with someone who has COVID-19 (e.g., roommate, partner, family member), and that person has isolated by staying in a separate bedroom and you have had no close contact with the person since they isolated, your last day of quarantine is 14 days from when the person with COVID-19 began home isolation.

If you live with someone who has COVID-19 and started your 14-day quarantine period because you had close contact with the person who is sick during your quarantine, you will have to restart your quarantine from the last day you had close contact with anyone in your house who has COVID-19. Any time a new household member gets sick with COVID-19 and you had close contact, you will need to restart your quarantine.

Students will move to online asynchronous learning during their quarantine.

Cleaning and Sanitation

(Updated 09/09/20) COVID-19 Cleaning Schedules

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed our communities to uncertainty and fear. The Birdville ISD custodial staff must remain flexible and adaptable in an effort to provide stability and security for the District’s students and staff. To meet these new challenges, the custodial staff must adapt in order to provide the service needed during this pandemic. The following custodial procedures will be implemented when in-person teaching begins.

First, all second shift personnel will remain on modified summer hours until further notice. This change will provide staff for the increased cleaning and sanitization responsibilities that must occur during the day (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The new schedule will be as follows:

Housekeepers:                   7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Head Custodian:                8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All other Custodial Staff:   9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This schedule places the head custodians, with their knowledge, experience, and leadership, and their staff in the optimal time frame for assuring that the critical operations of cleaning and sanitizing occur.

Classrooms, offices, and other spaces will now be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day during scheduled times when rooms are not occupied. The head custodian will need the assistance of the campus administration in obtaining classroom and office schedules. Custodial supervisors will assist each head custodian in setting up a cleaning schedule based on this information. Rooms will be cleaned and sanitized each day. Additional sanitization will be provided when possible. Head custodians will incorporate into this cleaning schedule the frequent cleaning of high touch areas located in the common spaces, along with checking and filling all dispensers (hand sanitizer, hand soap, paper products). Additionally, we will be temporarily reassigning certain personnel to ensure each campus (excluding Administration, BCTAL, the FAAC, or the Coliseum) has no less than four custodial employees at their service to ensure the following expectations are met.

Expectations

• Using the schedule the head custodian creates with the input of the campus administration, custodians will enter unoccupied classroom/office areas and sweep the floor, spot mop as necessary, empty the trash, and clean restrooms and sinks. The area will also be sprayed with sanitizer using the electrostatic sprayer during this time.
• Large student restrooms will be cleaned and disinfected by utilizing the Kaivac system three times daily as follows: mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and early evening. Restrooms will need to be closed for approximately 15–20 minutes for this process. The head custodian will coordinate these cleaning times with the campus administration.
• In addition to the Kaivac cleaning process (three times a day), high-touch areas such as toilet/urinal handles, sink faucets, soap/paper dispensers, handles, latches, and stall doors in the restrooms will also be sprayed down every hour with a hospital grade disinfectant and left to dry.
• Where possible and without disrupting teaching/learning, other high-touch areas such as door handles and light switches will also be wiped down every hour with disinfectant and a microfiber rag.
• All soap, paper towel, and hand sanitizer dispensers will be checked frequently and filled as needed, so products are always available to protect students and staff.
• Staff bucket wipes, state-issued RUBZAN hand sanitizer, and Sani-Q² spray bottles will be refilled by the custodial staff when requested. We request that all of these dispensers be saved so they can be used for refills. Cleaning and sanitizing products must be in a container with a proper label. All other PPE can be requested through the District warehouse via their work order system by the administration.
• Custodial lunch and break times will be staggered so custodial staff are available when called. It is the expectation that custodial staff will always have the campus radio(s) with them. Radios should be turned on, set on the proper channel and answered when a call comes in. Radio calls should be top priority. Radio calls for custodial assistance should be considered a safety/health concern where action must be taken immediately to remove the safety/health risk.
• Additional classroom cleaning and sanitization may occur during the latter part of the day (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) if rooms are available.

Disinfecting procedures for an area occupied by a student or staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19 are as follows:

1.  The room must be vacated immediately after following these steps:

a.  Students and staff must remove all personal items, since disinfecting times may range from two hours to 24 hours.

b.  Exposed food items must be removed from the room or discarded.

c.  All papers must be removed from the tops of tables and other surfaces to ensure the sanitization process properly cleans all surfaces.

2.  After vacating the room, the door should be locked, and a sign posted on the door that reads "This room is closed, DO NOT ENTER”. Each campus should make laminated, resusable signs.

3.  For PPE, custodians must wear a properly fitted mask that covers both the mouth and nose, along with gloves. A face shield over the mask is recommended for the best protection, if available.

4. While wearing proper PPE, the custodian will spray the room with the electrostatic sprayer using a disinfectant. The custodian will begin at the back of the room spraying a disinfectant mist in the air while working towards the door. They will then close and lock the door and wait for a minimum of 10 minutes before proceeding to the next step.

5.  After 10 minutes, they will reenter the room and again spray a disinfectant on all flat and high-touch areas such as desk tops, counter tops, table tops, chairs, cabinet doors, lockers, cubbies, light switches, doors, door knobs, and if applicable, sinks, water faucets, toilets, soap and paper dispensers.

6.  After steps four and five above, the custodian will close and lock the door and when feasible, let the room sit until the next day. When not feasible, the room should sit as long as possible but must sit at least 10 minutes.

7.  After the room has set for at least 10 minutes, all flat surfaces such as desk and table tops where students might have food/drink items must be wiped down with Sani-Q2 and a micro-fiber rag to remove any disinfectant. This step is important because disinfectants by nature cannot be food safe, so flat surfaces must be wiped down to remove any residual disinfectant before allowing children to re-enter the room.

Scenario #1:  Students will eat in the cafeteria, auditorium, and or library

In small- to medium-sized schools, where it is feasible, only one person should be needed in these areas (larger schools will need more) to sanitize tabletops. Students should take their trays, liquids, and leftovers to the closest trash/liquid receptacles. There will be several of these stations set up around the area selected to avoid crowding situations. The head custodian needs to schedule someone to check in every 20 to 30 minutes to help the cafeteria custodian by changing receptacles out and/or removing trash. The remaining manpower should concentrate on the sanitization of the rest of the building, cleaning/sanitizing empty rooms, high touch areas, and restrooms. When lunch ends, as much manpower as can be spared should be in these areas to concentrate on completing the meal time duties. It would be helpful if the campus administrators received input from the custodial staff and take into consideration manpower and expectations when developing a lunch schedule that would enhance and expedite cleaning efforts.

(Updated 08/11/20) Basic Information

As we plan for campus cleaning during the COVID-19 pandemic, the District will move to a proactive focus rather than the traditional reactive focus. Custodians will be focused more on duties during the school day rather than evening cleaning to ensure the safety of staff and students. Procedure development will be modified as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

All custodial staff will be required to wear a mask while on campus.

The District is currently installing 3,000 hand sanitizer dispensers throughout District facilities. A hand soap dispenser will be located next to each sink on the campus.

Custodial schedule realignment considerations are underway to ensure the District can meet the TEA recommended cleaning processes throughout the day. The District plans to provide additional cleaning and disinfecting of common surfaces such as door handles, common tables/desks and other high touch areas. In addition, special procedures will be performed to clean areas impacted by a positive COVID-19 individual.

Restrooms

Restrooms will be fully cleaned and stocked at predetermined points during the day.

The District has purchased Kaivac machines to assist with the cleaning. The Kaivac machine cleans, disinfects, and dries the restroom in a way far surpassing the traditional methods in both speed and quality. The speed of the process will allow more opportunities for cleaning during the school day. The following YouTube video demonstrates the equipment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5eblDsTZ3E

Classrooms

Classroom cleaning during the day will require good communication between the campus administration and the custodial staff to ensure the learning environment is not negatively impacted.

Campus schedules will be provided to the custodial staff to ensure proper planning. Rooms may be cleaned during lunch or other breaks during the day.

Cleaning will involve trash collection and dry mopping as discussed in the “floors” section below. In addition, classrooms will be sanitized using a Victory Electrostatic sprayer. The sprayer emits a fine mist of sanitizer. The mist is electrostatically charged which allows it to spread over every surface ensuring the entire room is sanitized. Custodians can sanitize a room in 10 minutes or less. Teachers and students will be asked to clear paper from desks and other surfaces to ensure each surface is sanitized. The attached link includes a YouTube video for the Victory Electrostatic sprayer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOhXaBHT3Ho

Classroom rugs will be removed from classrooms and stored during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cloth surfaces are difficult to clean and sanitize.

Other classroom cleaning will involve sanitizing wipes and/or a soap and water solution.

Classrooms will also be provided sanitizing wipes for cleaning during class when needed.

Hand sanitizer bottles will be provided for each classroom as well as hand sanitizing wipes.

Floors

Floors are cleaned with a microfiber dust mop followed by an auto scrubber. Auto scrubbers use a soap/detergent chemical solution which destroys the virus.

In areas not appropriate for the auto scrubber, floors will be cleaned with a mop using the same chemical solution.

Elementary gym floors will be coated with a product called Clarion 25 with Microban technology. Microban technology continuously fights the growth of microbes. It penetrates the microbes and stops their ability to reproduce, make food, and eliminate waste.

Cafeteria

Cafeteria tables will be cleaned and sanitized between each use. Floors will be cleaned as discussed above.

Building Air Quality

District HVAC systems are designed to pull in outside air. The District conducts air quality testing biannually. Any issues identified are corrected as soon as possible.

Most District facilities do not have windows that open. For those that do, the District does not support opening building windows to increase ventilation due to outside air quality and thermal comfort issues. The outside air is much dirtier with pollens and pollutants than inside buildings.

(Updated 09/16/20)

If my child is considered a close contact of the person who tested positive for COVID-19, how many letters will I receive?

If your child was determined to have been in close contact with the individual who tested positive, you would receive two letters: the General Contact letter sent to all families at that school and the Close Contact letter for those determined to be in close contact with the individual.

How much information will we receive about the person who tested positive?

Due to privacy laws, BISD cannot release the name of the individual or details that may identify him or her. What we can tell you is:

• whether it's an employee or student; and
• if it is a student, the student's grade level.

When will my child be asked to quarantine?

Based on the current recommendations from health officials, only students who had close contact with a test-confirmed COVID-19 individual will be required to quarantine.

(Updated 08/31/20) Can parents walk their student to class the first day/week? Lunch with my elementary child? 

As schools reopen, Birdville ISD facilities will be closed to outside visitors, except by appointment. Parents may schedule conferences with teachers or an administrator virtually. Parents will not be able to walk students to the classroom, visit classrooms, or join students for meals. 

(Updated 08/11/20) Will students and teachers be required to wear masks at all times? 

Yes, the District has ordered masks for each staff member and student in the District. At this time, staff will be required to wear a mask at all times. Students will be required to wear a mask as long as it is developmentally appropriate.

What does medical screening weekly look like? 

The District will not be conducting weekly medical screening. Teachers and staff are required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before coming to campus each day. Parents are expected to keep their child at home if they have COVID-19 symptoms or have had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19 until the 14-day incubation period has passed.

Will you be taking temperatures as they come into school? 

The District will not be performing temperature checks of teachers, staff or students as they come into the school building. This practice has not been proven to be effective because of variable accuracy due to technique and equipment. Students who report feeling feverish will be given an immediate temperature check. 

(Updated 8/11/20) What social distancing measures will be put in place? 

The District has purchased a mask for every student in the District. Classrooms and other instructional spaces will be arranged to provide as much social distancing as possible. If a mask is not developmentally appropriate for certain individuals/classrooms and social distancing is not possible, table dividers will be available. Campuses will be creating procedures to ensure that students can socially distance as much as possible as they move around the campus.

What will the illness exclusion policy look like? Will this policy be the same for students and staff? 

A principal shall exclude from attendance any child having, or suspected of having, a communicable disease designated by the commissioner of health as cause for exclusion. Any child excluded for reason of communicable disease may be readmitted, as determined by the health authority, by:

• Submitting a certificate of the attending physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant attesting that the child does not currently have signs or symptoms of a communicable disease or to the disease’s non-communicability in a school setting;

• Submitting a permit for readmission issued by a local health authority; or

• Meeting readmission criteria as established by the commissioner. (25 TAC 97.7(b)–(c))
  

Teachers and staff who identify as possibly having a communicable disease will be excluded per DSHS and CDC guidelines for communicable diseases.
 

In the event someone becomes ill, either with COVID-19 or with something else such as the flu, how will the District handle multiple day absences from staff or students? Will make up work be provided?
 

Students will be supported by their teachers through online asynchronous learning in order for students to continue to learn course material. This will allow students to be counted in attendance and for the District to receive state funding, provided that all requirements for student engagement are met. Students assigned face-to-face teachers will support the online asynchronous learning for a maximum of three weeks. At the end of the three-week period, if students are still unable to return to school, students will be transferred from face-to-face instruction to the District remote asynchronous learning model. 
   

Teachers who are sick and cannot perform their teaching assignments will follow District policy for reporting absences and the District will assign a qualified substitute teacher.
 

What is the plan/policy for if someone becomes ill while at school? 

A student who becomes ill at school will be separated in the nurse’s office, will have a mask placed on them if not already in place and will be positioned behind a physical barrier (curtain or room divider) until the student can be picked up by a parent or guardian.
 

Teachers and staff who become ill at school will be released from duty and if medically stable, will leave campus immediately. If unable to leave campus immediately, teachers and staff will be relocated to an appropriate space with minimal exposure risk until they are able to leave campus.

What if someone becomes ill and they attempt to come to school anyway? 

Teachers and staff are required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before coming to campus each day. Parents are expected to keep their child at home if they have COVID-19 symptoms or close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19 until the 14-day incubation period has passed.

If the school has to be temporarily closed like the TEA says, how will the transition be implemented with no disruption to the students? 

If a campus needs to be temporarily closed, we will work to provide a transition that is seamless as possible. We understand that there will be some level of disruption moving from face-to-face to online learning, however, our campuses will work to ensure that students’ needs are met.
 

If the TEA announces that schools have to follow a social distance of six feet apart, how many students will be allowed in each classroom? Classrooms are already overcrowded, so some kids will need to be turned away from face-to-face instruction if social distancing is needed. How will the District pick which students get face-to-face instruction and who has to do online learning? 

Parents choose the option of instructional delivery they feel is best for their child.  Once the secondary campuses have the final number of students who will participate in online learning, then class sizes will be balanced to reduce the number of students in each class.  

Elementary campuses will similarly balance classes based on the number of students who are in each instructional model. We will plan for students to also be able to return to face-to-face instruction from remote instruction. The classes will be somewhat fluid to accommodate for movement.

Who can students go to within the district to report the school for not following guidelines? 

The first step when needing to report a concern is speak to the campus principal.

At the end of the school day, will all students be released at one time? 

The campuses will organize a release at the end of the day that will take into account social distancing requirements.

Will there be touchless hand sanitizers available throughout the school? 

The District has purchased 3,000 hand sanitizer dispensers that will be mounted on walls liberally around each campus. These dispensers are not touchless. Hand sanitizer bottles will also be available in each classroom and other places around the campuses.

General Information

(UPDATED 09/09/20) Important Dates for Parents to Notify Campus of Change in Preferred Instructional Option

A parent/guardian requesting to change their student(s) from face-to-face to online learning or from online learning to face-to-face learning may do so no later than the Friday of the fifth week of each six weeks grading period. This will give campuses five school days plus four weekend days to change formats and make scheduling changes if needed. Call your student's campus no later than the date listed below for each six weeks period. Campuses only need to be notified if parents/guardians want to change instructional methods. 

Deadlines for submitting change requests:

• Monday, Aug. 31 to Friday, Sept. 4 for the first six weeks (Classes begin 8)
• Monday, Sept. 14 to Friday, Sept. 18 for the second six weeks (Classes begin Sept. 28)
• Monday, Oct. 26 to Friday, Oct. 30 for the third six weeks (Classes begin Nov. 9)
• Monday, Dec. 7 to Friday, Dec. 11 for the fourth six weeks (Classes begin Jan. 5)
• Monday, Feb. 1 to Friday, Feb. 5 for the fifth six weeks (Classes begin b. 16)
• Monday, March 22 to Friday, March 26 for the sixth six weeks (Classes begin April 5)

For Shannon High School only

A parent/guardian requesting to change their Shannon HS student(s) from face-to-face to online learning or from online learning to face-to-face learning may do so no later than the Friday of the eighth week of each nine weeks grading period. This will give the campus five school days plus four weekend days to change formats and make scheduling changes if needed. Call the campus no later than the date listed below for each nine weeks period. The campus only needs to be notified if parents/guardians want to change instructional methods. 

Deadlines for submitting change requests are:

• Monday, Oct. 5 to Friday, Oct. 9 for the second nine weeks (Classes begin Oct. 19)
• Monday, Dec. 7 to Friday, Dec. 11 for the third nine weeks (Classes begin Jan. 5)
• Monday, March 1 to Friday, March 5 for the fourth nine weeks (Classes begin March 22)

Commitment to Asynchronous Remote Learning

Students who commit to asynchronous remote learning will remain for at least a full grading period. Expectations for learning and procedures for implementing a TEA-approved rigorous learning option will be delineated in a Commitment Letter, signed by parents/guardians. The District will provide:

• A certified teacher
• A device/connectivity if unavailable to the student
• Support to the student and parent/guardian
• Regular communication
• Progress monitoring

Students who attend face-to-face, but must begin asynchronous remote learning for a limited time [less than three weeks]

• Students will remain with their current schedules and assigned teachers.
  
  
• Current teachers will provide asynchronous assignments and support given through the online learning management system (CANVAS).
  
  
• Daily engagement is required for the student to be counted present.

Students who attend face-to-face, but must begin asynchronous remote learning for an extended period of time [more than three weeks]

• Students who are unable to attend face-to-face for a period longer than 3 weeks will be assigned to asynchronous remote learning.
  
  
• Student may have different teachers for some/all courses.
  
  
• Campus counselors will determine the best schedule for the student, so the student remains on track to be promoted to the next grade level or to graduate.
  
  
• Student schedule may change due to limited course availability or requirements for face-to-face instruction.
  
  
• Asynchronous assignments will be given through the Canvas Learning Management System.
  
  
• Students must remain in remote learning for at least one full grading period.
  
  
• Daily engagement is required for the student to be counted present.

Students who begin the school year in asynchronous remote learning, but wish to return to face-to-face

(Updated 08/28/20) Important Dates for Parents to Notify Campus of Change in Preferred Instructional Option  

A parent/guardian requesting to change from face-to-face to online learning or from online learning to face-to-face learning may do so no later than the Friday of the fifth week of each six weeks grading period. This will give campuses five school days plus four weekend days to change formats and make scheduling changes if needed. Call your student’s campus no later than the date listed below for each six weeks period. Campuses need to be notified only if parents/guardians want to change instructional methods.   

Deadlines for submitting change requests: 

• Monday, Aug. 31 to noon on Wednesday, Sept. 2 for the first six weeks (Begins Sept. 8) 
• Monday, Sept. 14 to Friday, Sept. 18 for the second six weeks (Begins Sept. 28) 
• Monday, Oct. 26 to Friday, Oct. 30 for the third six weeks (Begins Nov. 9) 
• Monday, Dec. 7 to Friday, Dec. 11 for the fourth six weeks (Begins Jan. 5) 
• Monday, Feb. 1 to Friday, Feb. 5 for the fifth six weeks (Begins Feb. 16) 
• Monday, March 22 to Friday, March 26 for the sixth six weeks (Begins April 5) 

Grading and Reporting

The Birdville ISD grading guidelines and policies will be followed for asynchronous remote learning and will be consistent with the grading policies for on-campus assignments. Students will receive numeric grades and all reporting grades will be used to determine promotion to the next grade level and, for high school courses, will count towards a student’s grade point average (GPA). High school courses and numeric grades will be reflected on a student’s transcript.

Course Delivery and Schedule Options

Each teacher will host a weekly schedule in Canvas that will delineate specific times for direct instruction and availability for instructional support, progress monitoring, and/or student and parent conferences. Any teacher supporting students in a remote environment will use Skyward to mark that the student has met the daily engagement requirement for attendance.

 Sample Elementary Schedule:

Secondary Schedule

Using the Cardonex software, each campus will develop a master schedule based upon face-to-face and online enrollment. Teachers will be assigned sections of face-to-face and/or online as required to meet enrollment numbers. In grades 6–12, students receive asynchronous instruction and demonstrate engagement equivalent to 240 instructional minutes by following their daily schedule. Sample Schedules below indicate the number of sections per day, lunch, and times when online teachers will be available for virtual instruction, student conferences, and student support.

Sample Middle School Bell Schedule:

Sample High School Bell Schedule:

Secondary Course List

(Sept. 10, 2020) > View details and course lists

Teacher Assignment

Teacher assignment will be determined by enrollment. Registration information will be utilized to create a master schedule of students in face-to-face and online sections. Teachers may have enough students to serve as face-to-face, fully remote, or a combination of the two delivery systems. Example scenarios:

• On a single elementary campus: Three sections of third grade, one class may be fully remote and two face-to-face.
  
  
• Cross-district elementary: A single campus may not have enough remote third grade students to make a class, therefore, combining remote third grade students from multiple campuses will create a class for a designated teacher.
  
  
• Secondary: Number of sections will designate fully remote or fully face-to-face. Teachers who serve as the single teacher for a subject may have three periods of remote and three periods face-to-face. If a teacher teaches a single period of a course, that teacher will support both remote and face-to-face students during that period.

Each Birdville ISD teacher must be prepared to support learning in a variety of settings and delivery models due to the dynamic nature of these times. To that end, each Birdville ISD teacher will utilize the Canvas LMS for blended instruction in the face-to-face setting and to support students who must receive short-term (three weeks or less) remote instruction. Each teacher should be prepared to transition to full asynchronous remote instruction if school closure is reinstated.

Online Teacher Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop lessons in the 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 implement rigorous, relevant, and engaging online learning lessons.
  
  
• Include assignments that require active learning and creation.
  
  
• Design and deliver regular virtual (Zoom) lessons, student conferences, and small group sessions.
  
  
• Implement regular formative assessments and use data to inform instruction.
  
  
• Provide timely feedback to students and use District grading guidelines on all assignments. TEA requires a minimum of in-depth feedback to students weekly.
  
  
• 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 daily.
• 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.
  
  
• Work from a District facility or an alternate location as designated by their supervisor.
  
  
• Record attendance following the guidelines for asynchronous remote learning.
  
  
• Proctor face-to-face assessments at a designated District location as needed.
  
  
• Conduct face-to-face instruction as required for certain courses at designated locations and times following all health and safety protocols.
  
  
• Participate in ongoing professional learning designed to provide support for high-quality remote instruction.

Attendance Requirements

Students will attend and engage in learning for each assigned class/course each day of the week (Monday–Friday) during normal school hours. Daily attendance will be taken, and compulsory attendance will be followed. If a student is not present in the building or engaged online each day for each class/course, the normal truancy process will be followed (TEC, §25.092). Students must be present for 90% of the required days of learning to be promoted to the next grade level or receive credit towards graduation, if in high school. Notes for absences will still be required if a student is in remote learning.

To be counted present, students must be engaged daily in the lessons, complete and turn in assignments on time, interact with the teacher, and show progress in the learning. A student will be considered absent if the student does not have documented daily engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities for Online Asynchronous Learning

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 an established online campus schedule that meets TEA requirements for number of hours of instruction 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 learning (e.g., video, picture, or activities submitted as lessons and/or completing assignments). Please note, not all lessons must be graded. There will be teacher discretion on the number of assignments, following Birdville ISD 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 the District guidelines for the use of technology devices.
  

Parents/Guardians (At-Home Learning Coaches) Roles and Responsibilities

• Serve as learning coach(es), but not the teacher.
  
  
• Designate an at-home workspace for each learner.
  
  
• Implement and monitor a student’s daily schedule.
  
  
• Ensure that the student submits daily work and meets all attendance guidelines.
  
  
• Actively monitor the student’s progress.
  
  
• Support student’s independent learning, when appropriate.
  
  
• Assist with active learning assignments as needed.
  
  
• Support the student throughout learning based on age and as developmentally appropriate.
  
  
• Communicate with the teacher when needing additional assistance, tutoring, etc.
  
  
• Follow and adhere to the 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.

(Updated 7/24/20): If I register my child in online learning, do I still purchase the list of school supplies?

Yes, students engaged in face-to-face and online learning should purchase supplies posted online at birdvilleschools.net/Page/37735. The list is the same for both face-to-face and online learning.

Will students be able to ask questions during class to the instructor(s) if they are taking classes online?

Yes. There will be designated times that teachers will be available to answer questions. Students may ask questions during synchronous class meetings/virtual conferences (Zoom meetings) or any time through the discussion platforms within the Canvas Learning Management System.

Since the students are required to meet daily, is this with their online teacher, or are they "zooming" in while the in person class is being conducted, or are they meeting with only those students who are online? 

Birdville ISD will provide an asynchronous online model which will require students to follow a prescribed schedule and time for Zoom meetings, assessments, conferences and progress monitoring. All assignments will be done throughout the week to satisfy TEA requirements for attendance and grading purposes, and will be performed based on the amount of time the students need in order to satisfactorily complete the work.

Will the teachers teaching virtually have the experience in the particular grade level they are teaching (I understand certifications can cover a range of grades but actual experience teaching those grade levels particularly)?

Teachers will be required to teach in (1) subjects/grade level they are currently assigned to; (2) areas that they are certified to teach, and (3) any area that they can provide instructional assistance.

What will it (Online Learning) mean to GPA and class rank?

The Texas Education Agency has stipulated that regardless of the instructional delivery model, the same grading standards must be applied uniformly. Students who choose to participate in online learning will receive a numerical grade and not a Pass/Fail.  

(UPDATED 09/09/20) Important Dates for Parents to Notify Campus of Change in Preferred Instructional Option

A parent/guardian requesting to change their student(s) from face-to-face to online learning or from online learning to face-to-face learning may do so no later than the Friday of the fifth week of each six weeks grading period. This will give campuses five school days plus four weekend days to change formats and make scheduling changes if needed. Call your student's campus no later than the date listed below for each six weeks period. Campuses only need to be notified if parents/guardians want to change instructional methods. 

Deadlines for submitting change requests:

• Monday, Aug. 31 to Friday, Sept. 4 for the first six weeks (Classes begin Sept. 8)
• Monday, Sept. 14 to Friday, Sept. 18 for the second six weeks (Classes begin Sept. 28)
• Monday, Oct. 26 to Friday, Oct. 30 for the third six weeks (Classes begin Nov. 9)
• Monday, Dec. 7 to Friday, Dec. 11 for the fourth six weeks (Classes begin Jan. 5)
• Monday, Feb. 1 to Friday, Feb. 5 for the fifth six weeks (Classes begin b. 16)
• Monday, March 22 to Friday, March 26 for the sixth six weeks (Classes begin April 5)

For Shannon High School only

A parent/guardian requesting to change their Shannon HS student(s) from face-to-face to online learning or from online learning to face-to-face learning may do so no later than the Friday of the eighth week of each nine weeks grading period. This will give the campus five school days plus four weekend days to change formats and make scheduling changes if needed. Call the campus no later than the date listed below for each nine weeks period. The campus only needs to be notified if parents/guardians want to change instructional methods. 

Deadlines for submitting change requests are:

• Monday, Oct. 5 to Friday, Oct. 9 for the second nine weeks (Classes begin Oct. 19)
• Monday, Dec. 7 to Friday, Dec. 11 for the third nine weeks (Classes begin Jan. 5)
• Monday, March 1 to Friday, March 5 for the fourth nine weeks (Classes begin March 22)

(Updated 08/12/20) Traditional Face-to-Face Instruction Inside Buildings

Students who elect to return to school inside the building to receive instruction will be required to adhere to strict District protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 inside our school facilities.
 

Social Distancing

• Birdville ISD will follow social distancing protocols to the maximum extent possible in all classrooms, hallways, and common areas. It may not be possible to observe the six foot distancing recommendations based on class size and classroom configurations. However, students will be seated as far apart as possible and student-to-student interaction will be limited.
  
  
• All staff and students will be provided face masks by the District. Plastic table dividers will be provided to help facilitate social distancing in classrooms inhabited by students who developmentally cannot wear masks.
  
  
• Classrooms will be arranged to maintain the six feet social distancing recommendation to the maximum extent possible. Desks will be arranged so that students are facing the same direction. Teachers will be asked to remove any personal furniture to allow more space for social distancing. Rugs will also be removed from the classrooms since the fabric cannot be sanitized.
  
  
• Students will be spread out in the cafeteria for meals. Some campuses will use additional spaces for students to eat in to ensure that social distancing occurs during meal time. Lunch periods will be adjusted as needed to reduce the number of students in the cafeteria to allow for social distancing.
  
  
• Until COVID-19 conditions dramatically improve, there will be no large gatherings or assemblies on campuses. Congregating in any area will not be allowed.
  
  
• All staff will be trained on COVID-19 safety protocols.
  
  
• All students will be trained on COVID-19 safety protocols.

Arrival and Dismissal

Arrival and dismissal procedures will be in place to reduce the opportunity for students to congregate before or after school.

Campus AM student arrival times will be posted to ensure the buildings are open and staff is ready to receive students. Parents will be asked not to drop off students early.

Upon arrival at school, students must immediately report to their designated area for their grade level (for elementary), or to their first period class (for secondary).

Upon dismissal, all students must leave the campus immediately. Students will be expected to wear their face masks as they are being dismissed.

Students involved in after-school activities must report to their designated areas within ten minutes of dismissal.

ELEMENTARY

(Updated 8/31/20) Can parents walk their student to class the first day/week? Lunch with my elementary child? 

As schools reopen, Birdville ISD facilities will be closed to outside visitors, except by appointment. Parents may schedule conferences with teachers or an administrator virtually. Parents will not be able to walk students to the classroom, visit classrooms, or join students for meals. 

Will elementary students be switching classrooms throughout the day? If so, how will the rooms be sanitized in between groups? 

There will be limited class rotations at elementary schools. When needed, teachers will rotate classes.

Will they continue to have specials such as art, music, and PE? What will that look like in terms of mixing groups of children, etc.? 

We are still discussing how best to have specials while following social distancing recommendations.

Will there still be recess outside? If so, will it be one class at a time or will there be mixed groups on the playground?

Recess time will be closely monitored and procedures will be in place to ensure limited contact. This will be achieved by limited classes at one time. Ideally, only one class would be out at a time.

Will elementary children not have access to blocks, Chromebooks, iPads, learning cards, markers, crayons, books and other community items? 

There will not be community items in classrooms. Students will have their own supplies. For any materials that need to be shared, there will be a process to clean in between uses.

Will there be field trips still? 

Current guidance from TEA does not allow for field trips to be conducted unless a minimum distance at the field trip site of 12 feet can be maintained.
  

Field trips will not happen at elementary and secondary campuses for the first six weeks until we can determine safe practices. This may be extended depending on recommendations from the CDC, Tarrant County Public Health or the Texas Education Agency.

Will there still be events by PTA and other events like field day, fun run, fine arts day, book fairs, science night, literacy night and such? 

At this time, we will not hold large gatherings such as fun runs and field days. Book fairs could possibly operate by appointment much like stores do.

Will students still meet with reading buddies? 

Student interactions will be limited, however, virtual reading buddies will be a possible solution. 

SECONDARY

For high school students, how will changing classes be addressed? Staggered times to lessen hallway traffic?

For all secondary campuses, options that are being considered are to lengthen the time of the passing period, team students together with a team of grade level teachers so that the students only have to leave a classroom for electives, and to have a scheduled release of classes in order to minimize the number of students in the halls.  

We will utilize disinfectant wipes between using shared items.

How will lunch work? Will students eat lunch in the cafeteria together? 

Each secondary campus has identified another location on campus in addition to their cafeteria for students to eat lunch in order to meet current social distancing guidelines. 

Similarly, elementary will use the cafeteria and other available space on campus to meet social distancing. Some students may also eat in their classrooms.

What measures are being taken regarding pep rallies, choir or areas where people are typically in close contact? 

Current guidance from the Texas Education Agency does not allow for secondary campuses to conduct pep rallies or assemblies unless the campus can guarantee students are social distancing 12 feet apart. This is not feasible due to the size constraints of the gyms and auditoriums. Measures are being considered for fine arts programs and other areas in order to practice social distancing.

Fine arts classes are assessing usable square footage in teaching spaces to determine maximum distancing possible. Use of personal protective equipment, including face masks and plexiglass guards, is being implemented. Class leveling through non-traditional scheduling is being reviewed to lower traditionally larger groupings commonly found in band, choir, and theatre.

Will there still be events by PTA and booster clubs? 

At this time, we will not hold large gatherings such as PTA or booster clubs.

What about classes at the BCTAL, will those classes be offered online too, if they are still offered?

CTE and BCTAL courses can be provided through face-to-face instruction, remote instruction or a combination of remote and on-campus instruction. The CTE director and the BCTAL principal are formulating plans to address the guidance from the Texas Education Agency that will take into account certain programs that must allow some face-to-face instruction in order for the student to obtain their certification or licensure.

If students are unable to return to school in person, how will they complete the necessary in-person learning required to get their license and experience for CTE courses?

CTE and BCTAL courses can be provided through face-to-face instruction, remote instruction or a combination of remote and on-campus instruction. The CTE director and the BCTAL principal are formulating plans to address the guidance from the Texas Education Agency that will take into account certain programs that must allow some face-to-face instruction in order for the student to obtain their certification or licensure.

2020-21 Online Registration

> Complete Online Registration for New and Returning Students

Online Learning: Instructional Plan 

Students enrolled in BISD’s online courses will be provided personalized learning options.  

> Read BISD’s Online Learning Instructional Plan

Assessment

Students in face-to-face and asynchronous remote learning will be required to complete all District and state assessments.  https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/2020-2021_testing_calendar_updated_june_2020.pdf

• RtI Screeners
• District Curriculum-Based Assessments
• TEA Beginning-of-Year Assessments (TBD–sending options to principals)
• Interims
• STAAR/EOC
• STAAR Alternate 2
• TELPAS/TELPAS Alternate

Each online teacher will be required to provide weekly student feedback in an asynchronous environment including next steps or necessary academic remediation to improve performance.

Online students will take state assessments at designated times and locations. Students in grades 5 and 8 must meet the Student Success Initiative requirements for promotion. Is this the STAAR test? Does that mean that 3rd grade no longer has the STAAR test requirement?

The STAAR test will still be given to 3rd–5th grade students at the elementary level. Only 5th and 8th grades are impacted by the Student Success Initiative requirements. That means a student must pass the STAAR exams at those grade levels to be promoted.

Special Education Services

• All students with disabilities will have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and that, to the greatest extent possible, each student can be provided the instructional and related services identified in their individualized education program (IEP).
  
  
• ARD meetings will be held remotely and within required timelines.
  
  
• Evaluations will be held on individual campuses within required timelines. Evaluation staff will follow safety and sanitizing protocols.
  
  
• Specialized programs: Each specialized program will have a specific plan which addresses the unique needs of each program's students.
  
  
• Instructional and related services: Based on student IEP, services will be offered to students at the campus or virtually when possible.
  
  
• Progress monitoring on student goals and objectives will be used to assess academic progress and to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction.

Mask Exemptions for Students with Special Needs

The CDC recommends wearing a face mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but recognizes that wearing a mask presents challenges for certain students, particularly younger students and those with special healthcare or educational needs.

The CDC provides specific examples of groups of students for whom wearing a mask may not be feasible and/or safe:

• People who are deaf or hard of hearing, if they rely on lipreading to communicate.

• People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions or other sensory sensitivities.

• Younger children (e.g., preschool or early elementary aged) may be unable to wear a mask properly, particularly for an extended period of time.

Students in the following special education program settings will be exempt from wearing a mask for extended periods of time while on school property. All students should arrive at school with an appropriate face covering and will be encouraged by staff to wear it during appropriate times (i.e., in common areas, when social distancing is not possible). Staff will provide children with frequent reminders and education on the importance of masks and frequent hand washing. Staff will regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

• Structured Environment to Enhance Communication (SEEC), an early intervention environment designed to meet the needs of K–8th grade students with multiple learning and language acquisition barriers.

• Academic and Adaptive Behavior Learning Environment (AABLE) serves students in elementary and middle school with significant deficits in cognitive and adaptive behaviors who demonstrate needs in functional and developmental areas.

• Outcome-Based Measures Educating Growing Adults (OMEGA) generally serves high school students with intellectual disabilities or autism.

• Alternative Curriculum Centered for Exceptional Student Success (ACCESS) serves students with severe physical and/or mental impairments. Students are often not independently mobile, require assistance to care for daily needs and may be considered medically fragile.

• Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD) serves students who are deaf/hard of hearing.

• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) serves students ages 3–5.

Recommended PPE for staff working with students who have received an exemption from wearing a mask is as follows:

• Mask (required for all staff);

• Gloves, as needed (disposable);

• Face shield, worn in conjunction with a mask*

*   Primarily used for eye protection for the person wearing it. Face shields that wrap around the sides of the wearer's face and extend below the chin and preferred.

• Wearers should wash their hands before and after removing the face shield and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth when removing it.

• Reusable face shields should be cleaned and disinfected after each use according to manufacturer instructions or by following CDC face shield cleaning instructions (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/eye-protection.html)

Dyslexia

The District has been collaborating with current curriculum publishing vendors on ways to continue providing services using their products. Adhering to their guidelines, the District is doing the following: 

• Use District-developed videos for asynchronous delivery of service.
   
• Maintain unit instruction and pacing based upon the Specialized Program Instructional Framework.
   

• Deliver lessons to meet student goals and objectives.
     
• Meet synchronously with identified students daily in either a small group and/or individually.
      
• Keep Instructional Support Logs for all students receiving dyslexia services during any virtual learning.
     
• Enter logs in Success Ed each Friday.
   
• Schedule interventions to work directly with students who demonstrate a need for assistance or additional modifications beyond online tools.
   

• Provide Learning Ally, an online audiobook library to support reading.
    
• Provide Lexia, an adaptive and self-paced reading software for intervention and progress monitoring of students.

Section 504

All instructional services necessary for students to make progress in the general curriculum and services necessary for a free appropriate public education (FAPE) will be provided remotely, and in some circumstances, in a condensed manner. Section 504 meetings will be held remotely, including access to electronic signatures for parents and staff.

English Language Learners

Students identified as English Learners will receive continued instructional support through their parent-approved Dual Language or English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Teachers providing remote learning will be equipped with various online resources to facilitate the development of English Learners’ cognitive, affective and linguistic skills. When appropriate, teachers will provide reading material in the students’ primary language through District-approved online resources. Students identified as potential reclassification from English Learner status will have to be tested in person during the first 30 days of school.

Math/Reading Intervention Support

A student who does not make adequate progress will be assigned to intervention which could extend the school day. Reading and Math Intervention will be delivered through Lexia, Education Galaxy, Edgenuity MyPath, and Edgenuity (intervention for Tier 1 gaps), depending upon which online resource is best for the student. Additionally, students may be required to participate in virtual conferences with interventionists for direct instruction and progress monitoring.

Elementary GT Services

• GATE services will be offered remotely during the first semester of the 2020–21 school year (and potentially the entire school year based on the health and safety of students and staff in response to COVID pandemic).
  
  
• GT interventionists will offer remote synchronous instruction from 8:30–10:30 a.m. and 1:15–3:15 p.m. daily. Additional lessons and activities will be available in Canvas for GATE students to access asynchronously throughout the week.
  
  
• A different grade level will be offered synchronous GATE services each day of the week. Students/campuses can choose which of those times they would like to join the synchronous instruction.

How will the online learning apply to our child that is in all Pre-AP classes in middle school as well as AVID and band?  Will they still get the same credits/classes?

Yes. Students will follow their required schedule.  Pre-AP classes in middle school as well as AVID will be provided online.

GATE

Will GATE for elementary be traveling to the other school for learning? 

At this time, Level II GATE for elementary students will be conducted virtually at the home campus.  GATE students will not be transported to another campus to receive services.

Social-Emotional Support/Mental Wellness

• Birdville ISD will provide to all students a District approved social-emotional curriculum for both face-to-face and/or asynchronous learners.
  
  
• Counselors will be trained to use Canvas to deliver SEL lessons to asynchronous learners.
  
  
• Counselors will be trained in COVID-19 safety protocols.
  
  
• Counselors will develop strategies and support for students, families, and staff members for each phase of recovery (before reopening, immediately after reopening and long-term support).
  
  
• Counselors will follow District procedures to refer individual students who need targeted academic and/or SEL support which includes providing access to school-employed and community mental health professionals.
  
  

Counselors will follow District procedures to help identify and provide support to students or staff who are at higher risk for significant stress or trauma from COVID-19. This should involve conducting psychological triage to determine who needs crisis intervention support through a review of data about students and staff that they received during the closure.

• Students in need of social-emotional support will be provided tiered interventions which may involve referral for additional school-based services or referral for outside mental health support.

(Updated 08/31/20) Web Conferencing with Zoom in Birdville ISD

>ViewZoom Web Conferencing Information

(Updated 08/17/20)

Technology Devices

>View Technology Update 2020: What You Need to Know to Get Started! Video

>View Chromebook Distribution Video

BISD will check out a Chromebook to any student that does not have access to a computer, laptop, or Chromebook at home. To provide Chromebooks to as many students as possible, the District is encouraging families to only check out Chromebooks for their child(ren) if they do not already have access to a device at home for learning.

Starting the week of August 17, Chromebooks will be distributed to families at their student’s home campus. Each campus will send specific details about pickup days, times, and locations.

Parents are required to complete the Parent & Student Equipment Use Agreement prior to arriving for device pickup. The completed Agreement will be retained at the campus. Anyone showing up without a completed Agreement on file will be required to complete one upon arrival at the campus. The Agreement is available in Skyward Family Access and needs to be completed for each student needing to check out a device. Instructions on how to access the Agreement can be found on the Technology Knowledge Base: BISD Parent & Student Equipment Use Agreement in Skyward.

Internet Access

>View Hotspot Distribution Video

Before requesting a Wi-Fi hotspot, BISD Technology recommends consulting the communications companies below that are offering internet access during this global pandemic:

• AT&T: Offering open hotspots, unlimited data to existing companies, and $10/month plans to low-income families.
• Charter: Free internet offer for two months.
• Comcast: Offering free Wi-Fi for two months to low-income families, plus all Xfinity hotspots are free to the public during this time.
• Spectrum: Offering 60 days of free internet service to new customers. Call 844-488-8395.
• Sprint: Providing unlimited data to existing customers and allowing all handsets to enable hotspots for 60 days at no extra charge.
• T-Mobile: Providing unlimited data to existing customers and allowing all handsets to enable hotspots for 60 days at no extra charge.

• Verizon: No special offers but following FCC agreements waiving late fees and not disconnecting existing service.
• A limited number of Wi-Fi hotspots are available through BISD for families that do not have internet access at home and who are unable to utilize one of the above service providers. Parents/guardians can request a review from their child(ren)'s campus principal for an internet hotspot. With a limited number of hotspots available, the District is focusing on meeting needs vs. wants, and filling the needs first.

Technology Support

• A Helpdesk Support system has been established for parents and students when needing help troubleshooting issues. Parents and students can contact the Helpdesk directly by clicking on the BISD Technology Help button in the birdvilleschools.net portal, or by browsing to helpdesk.birdvilleschools.net. They can also contact the District support line directly if they are having trouble accessing either of these resources online at 817-547-5888.

• Technology devices and equipment are also being provided to teachers that will allow them to deliver instruction online.

Will Chromebooks be issued to each student in the house?

In recent surveys sent out by the District, many families indicated that they have devices available for student use at home. For online learning, the District’s Technology Department will issue a Chromebook to families that do not have devices available at home. If there are multiple students in the home, each student may be issued a Chromebook.

What if I still have a Chromebook that was issued in the spring? 

Chromebooks that are still checked out to families from the spring, used for summer school or part of a summer program, have been allocated to the oldest student in the household in our inventory system. An additional Chromebook will NOT be checked out as one is already assigned. If there are other students in the home, families may check out additional Chromebooks for them to use. 

(Updated 08/11/20) Child Nutrition

• Meal distribution processes are dictated by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). The District has not received final information on these processes.
  
  
• Social distancing will be practiced in each cafeteria. Eating schedules may be adjusted to accommodate social distancing. Other areas of each campus may be used for meals to provide additional opportunities for social distancing.

• Cafeteria employees will be required to wear a mask along with gloves during serving and production of food.
  
  
• Plexiglass shields will be in place at most cashier stations when logistically possible.
  
  
• Self-serve condiment stations will be replaced with individually portioned condiments for students.
  
  
• Student ID badges will be used rather than pin pads for meal purchase when possible.
  
  
• Additional procedures will be shared once information is received from TDA.

(Updated 08/13/20) If we decide to do online learning, how will free and reduced meals be handled? How will my kids get their breakfast and lunch?

During the school year, BISD will serve meals to school-aged students enrolled in the District. The cost of the meals for both face-to-face and online learners will be determined by a student’s eligibility based on Free, Reduced, or Paid.  

For students participating in online learning, meals will be available for curbside pickup weekdays at the student’s home campus from 11 a.m. to noon. At that time, the individual picking up the meal(s) will have the option of picking up lunch, breakfast, or both. Parents, legal guardians, or the student may pick up meals. However, students will not be allowed to eat their meal on campus.  

Those who qualify for reduced or paid meals can pay with cash, but we recommend putting money into your student’s meal account via www.mypaymentsplus.com. (All students can participate in curbside pickup from Aug. 24 to Sept. 4. Beginning Sept. 8, curbside pickup is only available for students enrolled in online learning.)  

For students on campus for face-to-face instruction, meals will be served on disposable trays along with plasticware. During breakfast and lunch, appropriate social distancing will be followed as much as possible in the serving lines and while eating.  

Note: Meals are only available for students enrolled in Birdville ISD and will not be served when the District is closed for holidays. 

(Updated 08/19/20)

Bus Safety 2020: What you need to know!

>View "Bus Safety 2020: What You Need To Know" video

Transportation

• Birdville ISD will be providing transportation for qualified students; however, parents are encouraged to personally transport their students when possible.
  
  
• Bus drivers will be required to wear a mask.
  
  
• Students must wear a mask to board a bus and continue wearing that mask while on the bus.
  
  
• Every bus will be equipped with a hand sanitizer dispenser. Students will be required to use hand sanitizer as they board the bus.
  
  
• Bus windows will be opened to allow air circulation during the route.
  
  
• Each bus driver will sanitize the bus between routes.
  
  
• Additional bus routes will be established when possible to reduce the number of students on each bus. Family members will be encouraged to sit together. Social distancing will be practiced as much as possible.
  
  

Why isn’t the District providing a shield behind the bus drivers? 

There has been much discussion recently regarding the installation of driver shields/enclosures to help protect bus drivers against the spread of COVID-19 on Texas school buses. 

Due to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that apply specifically to school buses, the installation of a driver shield/enclosure, barrier or any other type of material that could be used to separate the driver from the students and students from each other is prohibited. 

Please note that while the above mentioned installations are not unusual on transit and/or shuttle type buses, there are many FMVSS which are solely applicable to school buses, so even if a shield/enclosure, barrier or any other type of material can be used on transit and/or shuttle type buses and comply with FMVSS, school buses must be evaluated based on their unique function. The TEXAS SCHOOL BUS SPECIFICATIONS does state in Section A-3, that "All public school buses (bodies and chassis) purchased or acquired after the effective date of this document which are owned, operated, rented, leased, and/or contracted for by any public school board (including open enrollment charter school) and private school in Texas, to transport children to and from school or school-related events" shall "meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards." 

Extracurricular Participation

Before- and after-school activities may be possible if current health and safety guidelines can be followed. The District will adhere to federal, state and local requirements that affect extracurricular activities. We will try to engage students in whatever fashion staff, parents and administration feel is appropriate.

> View 2020-21 Calendar <

> Visit the BISD Corona Virus website for additional information.

(Updated 08/05/20):  Secondary Fine Arts (6-12) 

Middle School & High School Athletics, Art, Band, Cheer, Choir, Dance, and Theatre 

Virtual/Remote Learner: 

Remote Learners (MS/HS) will be provided instruction through daily asynchronous (not in real time) lessons. Athletics, Band, Choir, and Dance remote learners will also have the opportunity to participate in synchronous learning by attending their fine arts class in real time each day through video link. 
 

A Remote Learner may alternately elect to come to school to participate with their MS or HS Fine Arts class and then return home to complete their remote learning day. This is not required and is dependent on the student providing their own transportation to and from school. 
 

A Remote Learner may participate in virtual learning at home and attend practices, rehearsals, and performances outside of the regular school day as long as it is for a UIL activity. 

Remote Learners Participating in UIL activities:  

Statement from the University Interscholastic League: 

Students participating in remote learning offered by their school district, whether synchronous or asynchronous (as defined by TEA), may participate in UIL activities if they meet all other UIL eligibility requirements. Students must be enrolled in remote learning options through the school the student will represent. Schools may develop local policies with additional requirements for participation. You can find more information related to the full-time student rule in the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules. 

On July 21, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) released modifications to the 2020–21 UIL calendar and updated its COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines. BISD will update this site as additional information comes available.  

> View UIL Announcement 

July 21, 2020 | Tarrant County Public Health Joint Control Order

>View Tarrant County Public Health Order 

 June 4, 2020 | Summer Camps 2020 Re-Entry Plan

>View Summer Camps 2020 Re-Entry Plan

(Updated 08/05/20):  Secondary Fine Arts (6–12) 

Middle School & High School Athletics, Art, Band, Cheer, Choir, Dance, and Theatre 
 

Virtual/Remote Learner: 

Remote Learners (MS/HS) will be provided instruction through daily asynchronous (not in real time) lessons. Athletics, Band, Choir, and Dance remote learners will also have the opportunity to participate in synchronous learning by attending their fine arts class in real time each day through video link. 
 

A Remote Learner may alternately elect to come to school to participate with their MS or HS Fine Arts class and then return home to complete their remote learning day. This is not required and is dependent on the student providing their own transportation to and from school. 
 

A Remote Learner may participate in virtual learning at home and attend practices, rehearsals, and performances outside of the regular school day as long as it is for a UIL activity. 

Remote Learners Participating in UIL Activities:  

Statement from the University Interscholastic League: 

Students participating in remote learning offered by their school district, whether synchronous or asynchronous (as defined by TEA), may participate in UIL activities if they meet all other UIL eligibility requirements. Students must be enrolled in remote learning options through the school the student will represent. Schools may develop local policies with additional requirements for participation. You can find more information related to the full-time student rule in the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules. 

On July 21, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) released modifications to the 2020–21 UIL calendar and updated its COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines. BISD will update this site as additional information comes available.  

> View UIL Announcement 

Will band be different this year? 

Absolutely. Due to COVID-19 everything that students do will be different this year. Our Fine Arts director is reviewing protocols and collaborating with fine arts professionals inside and outside of our district to evaluate what we can and cannot do during this pandemic.

Depending on current conditions, band instruction will be much more small-group oriented and large or whole-group activities avoided.

Will there be band/choir competitions this year? 

That is undetermined at this time. It is likely that extracurricular activities that require large gatherings or travel will be avoided until health conditions improve. The district has decided to not pursue competitive marching band activities in the fall. We are still exploring how to participate in football games.

Will there be before or after school practice, rehearsals?

Before and after school practices are possible depending on the number of students involved and if safety protocols can be followed.

Will our high school student still be able to get his letter jacket if doing the online learning for band?

Plans are in place for students to participate in activities related to earning a letter jacket. Students should refer to their band handbook to review those criteria.

For someone who does cheer where practice is held during class time, if the student selected online learning, would they still be able to come to practice? 

Although BISD will require selecting either in-person or online learning, some specific secondary courses will require students to come to school to complete activities/skills performance mandated by the TEKS. The released course list will indicate which courses contain this requirement. Cheer is being considered for this course list.