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 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.

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:
  
  
  • Face shields for all staff and students.
    
    
  • Table dividers for students developmentally unable to wear face shields.
    
    
  • 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.
  
  

Health Screening

• Students, staff, or visitors who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, are ill, have traveled internationally in the last 14 days, 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 lab-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 7/31/20) 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 lab-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

• 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 Lab-Confirmed Cases Have Been in a District Facility

• If an individual who has been in a school is lab-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 lab-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

• 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 face shield or 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.
    
    

Will students and teachers be required to wear masks at all times? 

Yes, the District has ordered face shields for each staff member and student in the District. At this time, staff will be required to wear either a face shield or a mask at all times. Students will be required to wear either a face shield or 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. 

What social distancing measures will be put in place? 

The District has purchased a face shield for every student in the District. Classrooms and other instructional spaces will be arranged to provide as much social distancing as possible. If a face shield or 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:

1. 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;
2. Submitting a permit for readmission issued by a local health authority; or
3. 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

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

• Request a transfer to face-to-face instruction through your assigned campus principal.
  
  
• Contact campus counselor to establish a face-to-face schedule.
  
  
• Complete the current grading period.
  
  
• Follow all health and safety protocols upon return.
  
  
• Prepare to have different teachers for some/all courses.

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

(Coming Soon)

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.  

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 feet 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 plastic face shields by the District. Plastic table dividers will be provided to help facilitate social distancing in classrooms inhabited by students who developmentally cannot wear masks or face shields.
  
  
• 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 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 shields or masks as they are being dismissed.

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

ELEMENTARY

Can parents walk their kindergarteners to class the first day/week? Lunch with my elementary child?

Parents will not be allowed to walk their child(ren) to their class on the first day of school. However, we are looking into having a staggered start time for the first day so parents can walk their child to the cafeteria and drop them off.

Parents will not be allowed to eat with their child(ren) in order to provide adequate social distancing requirements in the cafeteria.

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 parents/families be able to come eat lunch with their children? 

At this time, in the interest of reducing the potential spread of germs, parents/families will not be allowed to come eat with their children.

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 shields 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.

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.

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.

Technology Support

• Technology devices and internet hotspots will be provided for students, as needed.
  
  
• 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 tech support in the my.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.
  
  
• 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.

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 either a face shield or 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.

If we decide to do online learning, how will free and reduced meals be handled? How will my kids get their breakfast and lunch?

The Texas Department of Agriculture provided initial guidance on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The District is currently creating guidelines based on that initial information that will be shared to parents in the next few weeks.

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 face shield or mask.
  
  
• Students must wear a face shield or mask to board a bus and continue wearing that shield or 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.