As most Blanco parents are ready for their kids to return to the classroom, the school district is racing to ensure the safety of kids who soon will be on its campuses.
Around three-quarters of parents who responded to a Blanco Independent School District survey said they are ready to send their kids back to school.
If all goes according to plan, children could be in the classrooms--or for remote learners, at their computers--in less than a month.
But if COVID-19 has taught folks anything, it’s patience, so don’t get hopping quite yet. BISD Superintendent Clay Rosenbaum said he is going to request that the board of trustees move the start date back a week, from Aug. 17 to Aug. 24. That decision was approved at a Tuesday school board meeting.
“That will give us plenty of time for staff to get trained on all the safety protocols and to get ready to offer both in-person and remote instruction,” Rosenbaum said. “It’s a challenge, but we’re up to it.”
Making adjustments
The usual coronavirus prevention measures will be taken: masks, temperature screenings for both students and staff and self-screening questionnaires.
“We’ll do this for as long as we need to,” Rosenbaum said.
Rosenbaum also anticipates adding ten minutes to the school day. The extra minutes would allow for adjustments in other areas.
“We may have to extend our passing periods (as students move between classes) so we don’t have as many kids in the hallway at the same time,” Rosenbaum said.
The district also is considering staggered drop-off and pick-up times--anything to prevent groups of kids from being in the same place at the same time.
Zoom meetings have been in plentiful supply as administrators discuss endless scenarios that could unfold as the coronavirus continues to linger.
“There are so, so many pieces that we’ve talked and worked through,” Rosenbaum said. “Every time we have a meeting, a new scenario comes up that we need to plan for. What if a student gets on the bus and we find that they have a fever, but the parents have left for work already? We have to make sure we cover all our bases.”
Of course, not every Texas teacher is ready to hit the ground running. The American Federation of Teachers, including the Texas chapter, is opposed to school districts being mandated to reopen.
Rosenbaum said some employees have health conditions that might make them more susceptible to COVID-19 complications.
“It’s a concern, and I understand why a teacher might have some concerns,” Rosenbaum said. “I’ve let staff members know that if they’re not comfortable coming back to reach out to their supervisor and we’ll work with those people based on each individual situation.”
Remote learning
Parents will be able to choose remote learning for their children but it will be different than what students saw in March.
“It’s going to be more organized, with kids at home being expected to turn in the same assignments as kids in the classroom, and attendance will be required,” Rosenbaum said. “We’re required (by the state) to make sure that kids are engaged every day, for a certain number of minutes, which varies by grade level. Overall, it will be a higher quality remote instruction than in the spring.”
The district has made an investment in remote learning.
“We just got a shipment in yesterday of 500 Chromebooks and we’ve ordered more hot spots,” Rosenbaum said. “We’re going to do everything we can to help families. We’re responsible for the education of every student.”
COVID-19 has been challenging...but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
“As difficult as this situation has been, we’re stronger because we’re learning how to be flexible, how to change, and to do it quickly,” Rosenbaum said. “We have great staff members who are willing to do what’s right for our kids.”
Parents can expect to see the district’s COVID-19 plan this week. The superintendent said that during the first week in August, he is planning to hold a town hall-style meeting via Zoom to give parents a chance to listen in or ask questions.
