As the 2020-21 school year nears, questions loom about education amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. HCISD revealed its reopening plan for the upcoming school year at a July 16 meeting, but district officials have said plans are subject to change due to the evolving nature of the pandemic.

The school year will begin Sept. 8.

HCISD board of trustees amended the previously approved academic calendar for the 2020-21 school year during a July 17 meeting. The district altered its start date to Sept. 8. The last day of instruction will be June 15.

In-person classes will be suspended until at least Sept. 28.

In-person instruction will be suspended until at least Sept. 28 in accordance with orders from Hays County following a surge in coronavirus cases.

Enrollment

HCISD encourages parents to register their students as soon as possible to ensure the district is able to plan accordingly for the upcoming school year. To register a student, click here.

Parents will choose between 100% in-person instruction or 100% virtual instruction following the first three weeks of school.

At this time, HCISD plans to offer both full-time, in-person learning and remote learning options following the first three weeks of remote learning.

Parents will have the option to select either 100% virtual instruction or 100% in-person instruction and will have two weeks prior to the first day of school to change their minds, according to the Texas Education Agency.

School hours will remain unchanged.

HCISD students will abide by a traditional schedule whether they select remote or in-person instruction for the 2020-21 school year.

Elementary school students will be in class from 7:35 a.m.-2:55 p.m., middle school from 8:05 a.m.-3:35 p.m. and high school students from 8:45 a.m.-4:10 p.m.

Masks will be required in school.

Students and teachers will be required to wear a face covering when maintaining 6 feet of distance is not possible. Masks approved by the district include nonmedical grade disposable face masks, cloth masks or full-face shields. In addition, each individual will be responsible for providing their own face covering.

The remote learning model will differ from what students utilized in the spring.

HCISD will provide a more robust, aligned and academically appropriate virtual platform than the spring, according to district officials.

The remote learning models will include a virtual class schedule and live instruction during each school day. Students will also be expected to engage in learning materials on their own time.

All plans are subject to change.

Due to the evolving nature of the coronavirus pandemic, HCISD has reiterated all plans are subject to change at any point to comply with outside agencies or adjust to public health conditions.