During this uncertain start to the school year, the Austin High PTSA is here to help families STAY CONNECTED and get through this TOGETHER!
Principal Taylor sent an important email with a link to an AHS specific survey on Friday, August 7 to all parents. Please read her email (also included at the bottom of this Q&A) and complete the survey by Wednesday, August 12.
We know parents have a lot of questions so we have compiled the list below to help give you some additional information as you make your choice between on-site virtual learning versus at-home virtual learning for the start of the school year. The answers, formulated in collaboration with Principal Taylor, are based on information as we know it at this point in time and are subject to change. Most importantly, ALL learning beginning September 8 will be virtual.
Is the first day of school now Tuesday, September 8? Does the option of on-site virtual learning start on this day?
The Board of Trustees adopted a new calendar with a start date of Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Both options of on-site virtual learning and at-home virtual learning beginning on Tuesday, September 8 through Friday, October 2. AISD is applying for a waiver from TEA to continue virtual learning through November 4 and would use this additional four weeks to transition smaller groups of students back to campus in phases if Covid-19 numbers continue to decrease. Teachers first day on contract is August 18. Teachers will focus on building robust, challenging virtual lessons and creative ways to keep students actively engaged.
If I choose on-site virtual learning, what will my child’s day on campus look like?
When a student arrives to campus, they will be required to wear masks on campus. They will complete a basic health screening with a staff member at designated kiosks and check in using the district app (coming soon). The student will then go directly to their assigned classroom or “monitored pod.” In the classroom, there will be no more than 12 student desks spaced at least 6 feet apart with one staff member supervising. Students will sit at their assigned desk, put on their headphones/earbuds, and start their first class via BLEND on their laptops. They will remain in that classroom doing their virtual lessons the same as they would do if they were at home. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be eaten in the classroom at their assigned desk. They will need to bring a refillable water bottle. Water fountains will be disabled but there will be water bottle refilling stations. The goal is to find ways for students to have regular breaks to stretch their legs and possibly go outside with a staff member. Otherwise, there will not be any passing periods and students will not be moving classrooms at any point. *Middle school and elementary school on-site virtual learning may look different from high school. Look for more information from each school principal for details.*
What is the role of the teacher when students are on campus for on-site virtual learning?
There will be an adult in each room where we have students. This adult may or may not be your child’s teacher and will be conducting their own classes virtually in the monitored pod. They are there to keep track if a student asks to leave the room (to go to the restroom or nurse) and make sure students stay on task while safely socially distancing with masks.
Who should send their student to on-site virtual learning on campus?
Let us make it very clear…we support and welcome anyone who chooses on-site virtual learning on our campus. But we also want to make it clear that students who have reliable WiFi/technology at home and have the support they need should consider staying home. Students working on-site and at-home will be doing the same online curriculum via BLEND and following the same block day schedule. The on-site monitored pods are available so students can have access to the Internet, technology, meals, mental health support, other needed support services, and supervision. Keep in mind if a large majority of students do come to campus, we will not have the staff or physical space to implement CDC guidelines. If you choose an on-site monitored pod, the on-site pod will be assigned and available by the first day of school on September 8. Here are some reasons you may choose to send your student to school for on-site virtual learning:
Can I switch my choice once school begins?
The choice you are making in this AHS survey is only for September 8 through October 2. If you choose on-site virtual learning and want to change to at-home virtual learning that will work. In general, it will not work to change from at-home learning to on-site learning because of all the logistical planning involved with creating safe monitored pods. There will always be unique circumstances that allow for exceptions so please bring those to the attention of the school.
What can a student do if there is an interruption in their Internet access in the middle of a synchronous class? Will the classes be recorded so that students can go back and watch them in case this happens?
Sometimes classes will be recorded. As we work through all these legal issues, our teachers are committed to working with students who have connectivity issues. We are all maintaining flexibility right now and understand that things like this happen. Our teachers are amazing and will work with your family to make up whatever is missed. Please be sure to have your student communicate with their teacher (via email or Remind) to let them know this situation occurred.
Should we choose on-site or at-home because my child is signed up for a class like art or culinary?
Both on-site and at-home will be virtual learning so attending school in person will not give your child an advantage over at-home learning. ALL classes will be taught virtually.
What will accommodations/modification for 504 or Sped students look like for on-site learners? Will you be able to offer accommodations? Would my child be placed in a classroom with a TA?
Accommodations for 504/sped students will be provided whether a student is on-site or at-home. Both settings will provide virtual instruction via BLEND. Students who need our resources at the school site will be placed in a monitored pod with a staff member, unless the IEP for sped students states otherwise. Instruction will take place through BLEND, not by the monitor in the pod.
When will I hear from the Special Education department regarding my child’s IEP and how that will be implemented this school year?
Our special education staff is back on contract starting August 18. Once a case manager has been assigned to your child, we will be able to hold an ARD to review the IEP and make any adjustments/amendments.
We are so glad you are offering some extracurricular activities before and after school whether you choose on-site virtual learning or at-home virtual learning. What if our student does a different sport in the fall than in the spring? Should I mark only the one that is usually in the fall or mark them both?
Mark both. We want our athletes to stay involved! The athletic department will communicate the dates and times of practices for each sport.
My child is taking a dual credit class on another campus and would need to be released early to attend these classes. How will this work now?
We would allow your child to leave early should you choose to send your child to school for on-site virtual learning. Please work with the assigned academy counselor to work out an arrangement for leaving school in enough time to travel to the ACC class. However, if your family has reliable Internet and technology in the home setting, we recommend at-home virtual learning because it will provide the greatest amount of flexibility.
What if I already completed the AHS survey on Friday but want to change my choice?
You are welcome to resubmit the survey with your updated choice by Wednesday, August 12.
What if I have more questions?
Feel free to submit them here and someone from our AHS team will respond.
What if I missed the email and survey?
See below.
We know parents have a lot of questions so we have compiled the list below to help give you some additional information as you make your choice between on-site virtual learning versus at-home virtual learning for the start of the school year. The answers, formulated in collaboration with Principal Taylor, are based on information as we know it at this point in time and are subject to change. Most importantly, ALL learning beginning September 8 will be virtual.
Is the first day of school now Tuesday, September 8? Does the option of on-site virtual learning start on this day?
The Board of Trustees adopted a new calendar with a start date of Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Both options of on-site virtual learning and at-home virtual learning beginning on Tuesday, September 8 through Friday, October 2. AISD is applying for a waiver from TEA to continue virtual learning through November 4 and would use this additional four weeks to transition smaller groups of students back to campus in phases if Covid-19 numbers continue to decrease. Teachers first day on contract is August 18. Teachers will focus on building robust, challenging virtual lessons and creative ways to keep students actively engaged.
If I choose on-site virtual learning, what will my child’s day on campus look like?
When a student arrives to campus, they will be required to wear masks on campus. They will complete a basic health screening with a staff member at designated kiosks and check in using the district app (coming soon). The student will then go directly to their assigned classroom or “monitored pod.” In the classroom, there will be no more than 12 student desks spaced at least 6 feet apart with one staff member supervising. Students will sit at their assigned desk, put on their headphones/earbuds, and start their first class via BLEND on their laptops. They will remain in that classroom doing their virtual lessons the same as they would do if they were at home. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be eaten in the classroom at their assigned desk. They will need to bring a refillable water bottle. Water fountains will be disabled but there will be water bottle refilling stations. The goal is to find ways for students to have regular breaks to stretch their legs and possibly go outside with a staff member. Otherwise, there will not be any passing periods and students will not be moving classrooms at any point. *Middle school and elementary school on-site virtual learning may look different from high school. Look for more information from each school principal for details.*
What is the role of the teacher when students are on campus for on-site virtual learning?
There will be an adult in each room where we have students. This adult may or may not be your child’s teacher and will be conducting their own classes virtually in the monitored pod. They are there to keep track if a student asks to leave the room (to go to the restroom or nurse) and make sure students stay on task while safely socially distancing with masks.
Who should send their student to on-site virtual learning on campus?
Let us make it very clear…we support and welcome anyone who chooses on-site virtual learning on our campus. But we also want to make it clear that students who have reliable WiFi/technology at home and have the support they need should consider staying home. Students working on-site and at-home will be doing the same online curriculum via BLEND and following the same block day schedule. The on-site monitored pods are available so students can have access to the Internet, technology, meals, mental health support, other needed support services, and supervision. Keep in mind if a large majority of students do come to campus, we will not have the staff or physical space to implement CDC guidelines. If you choose an on-site monitored pod, the on-site pod will be assigned and available by the first day of school on September 8. Here are some reasons you may choose to send your student to school for on-site virtual learning:
- Unreliable Internet – Students will be online most of the day with teachers teaching synchronously during the assigned class time. Students are expected to be available and online during each real-time two-way class session. If your Internet is inconsistent or spotty, then being on campus with regular Internet makes sense.
- Lack of Technology– Students whose device breaks or who must share a device with other family members are going to find virtual learning via BLEND difficult. It might be in their best interest to come to campus and use one of our devices.
- Breakfast and Lunch – AISD Food Service will provide meals so long as students have filled out and submitted free/reduced lunch applications and/or deposited money in their respective www.SchoolCafe.com account.
- Safety at Home – If all the adults in the household leave for work and you do not feel like your student is safe at home alone, then please send them to campus.
- Support Services – If students need assistance from our support service and professional staff at our physical site, then please send them to campus.
Can I switch my choice once school begins?
The choice you are making in this AHS survey is only for September 8 through October 2. If you choose on-site virtual learning and want to change to at-home virtual learning that will work. In general, it will not work to change from at-home learning to on-site learning because of all the logistical planning involved with creating safe monitored pods. There will always be unique circumstances that allow for exceptions so please bring those to the attention of the school.
What can a student do if there is an interruption in their Internet access in the middle of a synchronous class? Will the classes be recorded so that students can go back and watch them in case this happens?
Sometimes classes will be recorded. As we work through all these legal issues, our teachers are committed to working with students who have connectivity issues. We are all maintaining flexibility right now and understand that things like this happen. Our teachers are amazing and will work with your family to make up whatever is missed. Please be sure to have your student communicate with their teacher (via email or Remind) to let them know this situation occurred.
Should we choose on-site or at-home because my child is signed up for a class like art or culinary?
Both on-site and at-home will be virtual learning so attending school in person will not give your child an advantage over at-home learning. ALL classes will be taught virtually.
What will accommodations/modification for 504 or Sped students look like for on-site learners? Will you be able to offer accommodations? Would my child be placed in a classroom with a TA?
Accommodations for 504/sped students will be provided whether a student is on-site or at-home. Both settings will provide virtual instruction via BLEND. Students who need our resources at the school site will be placed in a monitored pod with a staff member, unless the IEP for sped students states otherwise. Instruction will take place through BLEND, not by the monitor in the pod.
When will I hear from the Special Education department regarding my child’s IEP and how that will be implemented this school year?
Our special education staff is back on contract starting August 18. Once a case manager has been assigned to your child, we will be able to hold an ARD to review the IEP and make any adjustments/amendments.
We are so glad you are offering some extracurricular activities before and after school whether you choose on-site virtual learning or at-home virtual learning. What if our student does a different sport in the fall than in the spring? Should I mark only the one that is usually in the fall or mark them both?
Mark both. We want our athletes to stay involved! The athletic department will communicate the dates and times of practices for each sport.
My child is taking a dual credit class on another campus and would need to be released early to attend these classes. How will this work now?
We would allow your child to leave early should you choose to send your child to school for on-site virtual learning. Please work with the assigned academy counselor to work out an arrangement for leaving school in enough time to travel to the ACC class. However, if your family has reliable Internet and technology in the home setting, we recommend at-home virtual learning because it will provide the greatest amount of flexibility.
What if I already completed the AHS survey on Friday but want to change my choice?
You are welcome to resubmit the survey with your updated choice by Wednesday, August 12.
What if I have more questions?
Feel free to submit them here and someone from our AHS team will respond.
What if I missed the email and survey?
See below.
August 7, 2020
Dear Austin High Families,
We know these are challenging times for your family. We value education and desire normalcy to the start of the 2020-21 school year. However, COVID remains a safety concern in our local community and as a result, we are forced to think differently about school. Last night, the AISD Board of Trustees approved a delay to the start of school until September 8 with the first four weeks designated as “virtual learning” and added minutes to each instructional day. Austin High School has created a plan that provides well-designed virtual learning for all students.
In order to plan accordingly and comply with TEA and UIL guidelines, we are asking families to select one option that will allow our staff to plan for on-site virtual learning while also meeting the safety guidelines set out by our local health authorities. For the on-site virtual learning option, students will stay in one assigned classroom or “monitored pod” from 9:00 am - 4:35 pm with no more than 12 students per classroom. Per TEA guidelines, our school will remain welcoming to students who do not have access to reliable wifi and technology. Whether a family selects on-site or at-home virtual learning, we have created a plan that also allows for optional participation in extracurricular activities before or after school.
Please select one option for schooling during the dates of Sept 8 – Oct 2 by completing this survey by August 12. Parents will be asked to complete a similar survey in the coming weeks so that we may plan accordingly, based on health guidelines outlined by local authorities, TEA, UIL, and AISD.
Safety protocols by TEA and AISD have been established. While on campus, masks will be required at all times except for eating/drinking and when a student has a disability that prevents the mask from being worn. Social distancing of 6 feet will be required except for situations in which a student with a disability requires adult services at closer range. Hand sanitizing stations, arrival check-in procedures, safety pexiglass in offices, and disinfection protocols will be followed. Visitors will be limited unless essential. Students will eat breakfast and lunch in their assigned classroom and may take stretch/brain breaks as needed throughout the day with the assigned classroom monitor. Please note that classroom and extra-curricular social distancing guidelines will be followed at all times. Attendance will also be taken, according to TEA attendance guidelines and AISD protocols.
Our teachers are preparing to teach in a virtual setting and deliver quality learning through BLEND. While we can’t offer the exact replica of in-person learning we provided prior to COVID, we are striving to create engaged virtual instruction that is centered on the whole-child, providing opportunities for relationship building and social interactions as well as rigorous academic lessons for mastery of course objectives. In addition to the regular morning and afternoon AISD bus routes starting September 8, we are asking families if they would be interested in a late bus if AISD can provide this resource. If approved, the late bus times and routes will be determined by AISD. The safety guidelines for buses will also be established by AISD.
Thank you for being a partner with us as we work through the fall re-opening plan of virtual learning. By completing the survey, your input will allow us to plan while we also work with AISD on safety and transportation needs. The before and after school extracurricular offerings are listed in the survey. This list may expand once all teachers have the opportunity to provide input on clubs/activities for the 2020-21 school year. We will update the list on our website as more details become available.
We miss our Maroons and can’t wait for the day when COVID is behind us. Until that time, know we are in this together. Although we would like to provide certainty for your family, we are becoming more accustomed to change as we navigate through these uncertain times. As such, the information outlined in this letter is subject to change. We appreciate your patience with our district and staff and value your feedback. Should you have questions regarding any of the options above, feel free to submit them here and someone from our team will respond.
Loyal Forever,
Amy Taylor
Amy Taylor, Austin High School Principal
Dear Austin High Families,
We know these are challenging times for your family. We value education and desire normalcy to the start of the 2020-21 school year. However, COVID remains a safety concern in our local community and as a result, we are forced to think differently about school. Last night, the AISD Board of Trustees approved a delay to the start of school until September 8 with the first four weeks designated as “virtual learning” and added minutes to each instructional day. Austin High School has created a plan that provides well-designed virtual learning for all students.
In order to plan accordingly and comply with TEA and UIL guidelines, we are asking families to select one option that will allow our staff to plan for on-site virtual learning while also meeting the safety guidelines set out by our local health authorities. For the on-site virtual learning option, students will stay in one assigned classroom or “monitored pod” from 9:00 am - 4:35 pm with no more than 12 students per classroom. Per TEA guidelines, our school will remain welcoming to students who do not have access to reliable wifi and technology. Whether a family selects on-site or at-home virtual learning, we have created a plan that also allows for optional participation in extracurricular activities before or after school.
Please select one option for schooling during the dates of Sept 8 – Oct 2 by completing this survey by August 12. Parents will be asked to complete a similar survey in the coming weeks so that we may plan accordingly, based on health guidelines outlined by local authorities, TEA, UIL, and AISD.
Safety protocols by TEA and AISD have been established. While on campus, masks will be required at all times except for eating/drinking and when a student has a disability that prevents the mask from being worn. Social distancing of 6 feet will be required except for situations in which a student with a disability requires adult services at closer range. Hand sanitizing stations, arrival check-in procedures, safety pexiglass in offices, and disinfection protocols will be followed. Visitors will be limited unless essential. Students will eat breakfast and lunch in their assigned classroom and may take stretch/brain breaks as needed throughout the day with the assigned classroom monitor. Please note that classroom and extra-curricular social distancing guidelines will be followed at all times. Attendance will also be taken, according to TEA attendance guidelines and AISD protocols.
Our teachers are preparing to teach in a virtual setting and deliver quality learning through BLEND. While we can’t offer the exact replica of in-person learning we provided prior to COVID, we are striving to create engaged virtual instruction that is centered on the whole-child, providing opportunities for relationship building and social interactions as well as rigorous academic lessons for mastery of course objectives. In addition to the regular morning and afternoon AISD bus routes starting September 8, we are asking families if they would be interested in a late bus if AISD can provide this resource. If approved, the late bus times and routes will be determined by AISD. The safety guidelines for buses will also be established by AISD.
Thank you for being a partner with us as we work through the fall re-opening plan of virtual learning. By completing the survey, your input will allow us to plan while we also work with AISD on safety and transportation needs. The before and after school extracurricular offerings are listed in the survey. This list may expand once all teachers have the opportunity to provide input on clubs/activities for the 2020-21 school year. We will update the list on our website as more details become available.
We miss our Maroons and can’t wait for the day when COVID is behind us. Until that time, know we are in this together. Although we would like to provide certainty for your family, we are becoming more accustomed to change as we navigate through these uncertain times. As such, the information outlined in this letter is subject to change. We appreciate your patience with our district and staff and value your feedback. Should you have questions regarding any of the options above, feel free to submit them here and someone from our team will respond.
Loyal Forever,
Amy Taylor
Amy Taylor, Austin High School Principal