Magnolia ISD detailed how it will hold in-person classes for the 2020-21 school year in a plan released July 15.
The district plan details how the school year will look and outlines changes that will be implemented to accommodate social distancing and safety guidelines.
According to the plan, if a student or staff member tests positive for the coronavirus, a notification will be sent to all parents and staff, as well as the local health department. Additionally, students enrolled in the traditional learning option will also be able to switch to the remote option, if they have been in close contact with a confirmed coronavirus case.
Arrival and transportation
According to the plan, the district will ask temperature and health screenings to be performed by parents prior to their children's arrival at school. Staff will also be socially distant as they help parents who drop their children off at school.
“Upon arrival, temperatures will not be taken,” the plan reads. “Elementary students will report to their classroom and secondary students will go to their first-period class.”
While on the school bus, secondary students will be required to wear masks, while masks are only recommended for elementary students, the district plan reads. Hand sanitizer will also be available on all buses, drivers will be required to wear masks and windows and roof hatches will be adjusted to provide better air circulation.
“Buses will be cleaned/disinfected between each transportation run and at the end of each day,” the plan reads.
Cleaning and disinfecting
MISD stated classrooms will be regularly disinfected and cleaned between classes and overnight. Touchpoints, which include door handles, tables and shared laptops, will be cleaned regularly throughout the day, the plan reads.
“Students will not be allowed to use the water fountains for drinking but can use the water fountains to fill their water bottles,” the plan reads.
Hand sanitizer will be provided in each classroom, and students will be required to sanitize their hands before entering each class. Additionally, desks and tables will be physically distanced when possible and teachers will limit movement within the classroom.
Cafeteria
In the upcoming school year, elementary students will be allowed to eat in non-traditional settings like classrooms in order to help with social distancing requirements. Intermediate, junior high and high schools will have more lunches to spread out students as well.
“Food will be pre-packaged to expedite the serving process and help limit the amount of students in the food service lines at one time,” the plan reads. .
Physical education and extracurricular activities
Physical education, recess and extracurricular activities in MISD will still take place, but might look a little different in the upcoming school year, according to district officials.
“All students and staff will be required to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before entering the playground and upon exiting the playground,” the plan reads.
Recess may also need to be staggered to follow social distancing guidelines when needed.
Extracurricular activity participation will vary by grade level and whether a student is enrolled in the traditional or remote learning option, according to district information. While all traditional learning students will be able to participate in extracurricular activities, remote students in elementary and intermediate schools will not.
“If your family chooses virtual learning as an option, attendance at all face-to-face opportunities will not be allowed,” the plan reads. “Of course, each family will have the chance to decide the mode of school attendance again at the end of the nine weeks.”
However, junior high and high school students enrolled in the remote learning option will be able to participate in extracurricular activities.
“This information is subject to change as we receive additional guidance from [Texas Education Agency], the governor, or state and local officials,” the plan reads.
More information can be found on the district’s website here.
