Snyder ISD will open schools to students on August 12 with plans to keep students safe and offer families class options.
Families will be allowed to choose between in-school learning and virtual learning for the 2020-2021 school year.
Both in-school and virtual learning options will follow the same curriculum and students will be held to the same grading standards, Superintendent Dr. Eddie Bland said.
“We believe that having students in classrooms is the best way to teach and we are excited to have students back in the building for the start of school on Aug. 12,” he said. “Understandably, parents have concerns, and extensive planning is underway to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to keep the school as sanitized and as safe as possible. These plans will be shaped locally by surveying our families, staff and healthcare experts in addition to guidance from Governor Greg Abbott and TEA Commissioner Mike Morath. We will provide more details on these plans as soon as they are available.”
To better understand the needs of local families, the district has conducted a survey to determine the preferred schooling option and what health and safety protocols parents and students would like to see upon returning to school. Surveys were also sent to teachers to learn about their needs and concerns.
Students who are enrolled in virtual learning can expect a robust platform and the same rigorous grading guidelines as in-person school. All virtual learners will be assigned a teacher and will follow the Snyder ISD school calendar. Although the school will provide students with a school-issued iPad or laptop computer, families will need to provide reliable internet or access to the wi-fi hotspots to connect to the virtual classroom.
Students who are struggling, have questions or need support will be able to meet with their teacher virtually through the teacher help desk.
Families will designate their choice between in-school learning and virtual learning when they register. If they have already registered and did not make a selection, they will be contacted. New student registration opens Monday and online registration for returning students begins on July 15.
Virtual learning details:
Pre-K-2nd grade: flexible classes will be offered. In the flexible format, lessons will be recorded and completed anytime during the day. Families will need to set aside at least 3 hours per day for school. To be counted present for the day, students must be engaged for the assigned time during the 24- hour time period.
As of June 30, the TEA stated that flexible learning is required in the virtual format for students in pre-K through second grade. Snyder ISD will provide virtual interaction with teachers in a real-time format to support student learning.
Grades 3-12: real-time (synchronous) or flexible (asynchronous) classes will be offered. Real-time classes will be held at scheduled times each school day. Flexible class lessons will be recorded and are to be completed anytime during the day. For students in third through fifth grade, families will need to set aside at least three hours per day for school.
Junior high school and high school students will need to set aside at least four hours per day for school. To be counted present for the day, students must be engaged for the assigned time during the 24-hour time period.
“Should there be a need to close campuses again due to COVID-19, we will be prepared to switch immediately to a fully virtual format. Our staff demonstrated flexibility, perseverance and commitment to launching an online format in a matter of days. I know they are committed to helping all students succeed in whatever format they choose,” Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Innovation Dr. Rachael McClain said.