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Top Story: Phase-in Learning Starts Oct. 5

This week, we released details regarding how our phased-in approach to on-campus learning will work in Austin ISD. Below please find a recap of that information: 

First of all, it is important to note that Austin ISD will continue to offer a 100% virtual learning option for as long as the Texas Education Agency (TEA) allows us to do so. As a public education entity, we must provide on-campus learning to anyone who desires to return in-person. At Austin ISD, we are committed to doing this in the safest way possible for our students, staff and families following the guidance of Austin Public Health. 

Therefore, beginning October 5, our campuses will begin this phase-in process with 25% capacity on all of our campuses. This means that if the amount of students who want to return is less than or equal to 25% of building capacity, then all students who wish to return, may do so. However, if the amount of students who want to return to campus exceeds the 25% building capacity, students who wish to return will be prioritized in the following ways:

Week 5: Oct. 5-9 (Facility capacity 25%)
The following groups of students will be invited to participate in on-campus instruction:

  • Elementary: Pre-K3, Pre-K4, Kindergarten.
  • Middle: 6th grade.
  • High: 9th grade.
  • Students receiving the following specialized services: life skills, social behavior skills, SCORES, early childhood special education, and/or auditory/deaf education.
  • Children of staff, with the children returning to the school at which they are enrolled.
  • Those born outside of the United States who are in their first year of enrollment in U.S. schools.
  • Siblings of students in prioritized groups for this week.

Week 6: Oct. 12-16 (Facility Capacity 25%)

  • Elementary: 1st and 2nd grades.
  • Middle: 7th grade.
  • High: 10th grade.
  • Students receiving the following specialized services: resource, dyslexia, 504, speech.
  • Siblings of students in prioritized groups for this week.

Week 7 - Oct. 21-25 (Facility Capacity 50%)

  • Elementary: 3rd and 4th grade.
  • Middle: 8th grade.
  • High: 11th grade.
  • Those born outside of the United States who are in their second or third year of enrollment in U.S. schools.
  • Siblings of students in prioritized groups for this week.

Week 8 - Oct 26-Oct 30 (Facility Capacity 50%)

  • Elementary: 5th grade (6th when applicable).
  • High: 12th.
  • Siblings of students in prioritized groups for this week.

If you have questions, please contact your campus or reach out to us via Let’s Talk!

A Day in the Life Video

In order to demonstrate the safety practices we have implemented as we prepare to phase-in face-to-face instruction, we’ve released a video to walk families through many of these procedures that will be on all of our campuses from day one. As we navigate this unprecedented time, the safety of our entire Austin ISD community is at the forefront of our planning.

Austin ISD Facility Capacity Limits

Are you wondering what the capacity is at your school for this phase-in plan? Austin ISD has published the facility capacity limits for each school, including the 25%, 50% and 75% caps that will be implemented at various points in the phase-in period. 

View the capacity limits

Cyber Security With Online Instruction

Austin ISD is proud to have distributed thousands of devices across the district for a successful kickoff of remote instruction for the 2020-21 school year. We want to assure families we’ve taken every precaution possible to prevent strangers from intruding on classes, a practice often referred to as “zoom bombing” including:

  • Increasing management and security settings on zoom.
  • Installing Gaggle security software on student devices.
  • Offering digital training for staff.

Families can help ensure student safety by talking to their students about the importance of never sharing passwords to zoom classes. Doing so will help ensure only AISD teachers and students are in our remote classes to keep our virtual classrooms as a safe and distraction-free zone.

More Information

Additional links and important information from our website that you may have missed:

The Central Texas Dyslexia Conference will be held virtually as a two-week event beginning Sept. 18 to support families, educators and individuals with dyslexia.

Superintendent Elizalde’s letter regarding the district’s application for a waiver from the Texas Education Agency

We are pleased to announce that all Austin ISD students will receive free school meals until December 2020!

Reminder to take our survey regarding if you prefer on-campus instruction or remote learning for your students.

Friendly Reminders

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