An email shared with parents by Round Rock ISD Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez on Dec. 16 states that spring semester COVID-19 safety protocols will be amended to allow for a "more traditional school environment" on Jan. 19, two weeks after students return from their winter break.

Under these amended protocols, parents will be able to visit their children on campus, and the district will transition from requiring mask-wearing on campuses to strongly recommending them for its staff, students and visitors.

"Round Rock ISD will continue to work hard to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect our community," Azaiez wrote in the email. "Whether you are a student, parent or staff member, please do your part by getting vaccinated or a booster, if eligible. I know if we all stay vigilant, we will have another successful in-person semester this spring."

The email shared with parents addressed concerns around the latest iteration of COVID-19, the omicron variant, stating the district's test site at the Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center will remain open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. over the holiday break as well as mentioning other testing sites in the community. The letter also recommends vaccination as the "most effective way" to keep campuses and students safe from the spread of the coronavirus.