Students who attend in-person learning (come into the school building) will participate in a traditional academic, extracurricular, and co-curricular schedule following the bell schedule for that campus. Students will be expected to follow all health and safety protocols in place at the campus.

Per standard attendance requirements, students must be present for 90% of the required days of learning to be promoted to the next grade level or receive credit towards graduation, if in high school. The truancy process will be followed in accordance with state law (TEC, §25.092) if a student is not present for 90% of the days. Students are expected to engage each day and participate in the learning.  It is required by the state that the district follow the curriculum (TEC, §28.002) and district grading policies will be enforced.

Students who begin learning in person but want to switch to remote learning must wait until the end of the grading period to make the transition.

Table of Contents

• Identifying Possible COVID-19 Cases on Campus
• Individuals Confirmed or Suspected with COVID-19
• Required Actions if Individuals with Lab-Confirmed Cases Have Been in a School

Identifying Possible COVID-19 Cases on Campus

• Schools must immediately separate any student who shows COVID-19 symptoms while at school until the student can be picked up by a parent or guardian.  The parent or guardian is expected to come pick up the student immediately.
• Schools will clean and sanitize the areas used by the individual who shows COVID-19 symptoms while at school (student, teacher, or staff) as soon as is feasible.
• Students who report feeling feverish will be given an immediate temperature check to determine if they are symptomatic for COVID-19.

Individuals Confirmed or Suspected with COVID-19

Any individuals who themselves either: (a) are lab-confirmed to have COVID-19; or (b) experience the symptoms of COVID-19 must stay at home throughout the infection period and cannot return to campus until the school system screens the individual to determine any of the below conditions for campus re-entry have been met:

• In the case of an individual who was diagnosed with COVID-19, the individual may return to school when all three of the following criteria are met:
  1. at least one day (24 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
  2. the individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and,
  3. at least ten (10) days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

• If a student exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 while on campus, the parent or guardian must pick up their student immediately and should contact their family physician.
• In the case of an individual who has symptoms that could be COVID-19, and who is not evaluated by a medical professional or tested for COVID-19, such individual is assumed to have COVID-19, and the individual may not return to the campus until the individual has completed the same three-step set of criteria listed above.
• If the individual has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and wants to return to school before completing the above stay at home period, the individual must either (a) obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis or (b) receive two separate confirmations at least 24 hours apart that they are free of COVID via acute infection tests at an approved COVID-19 testing location found at https://tdem.texas.gov/covid-19/.

Required Actions if Individuals with Lab-Confirmed Cases Have Been in a School

• If an individual who has been in a school is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19, EMS ISD must notify its local health department, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including confidentiality requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Schools must close off areas that are heavily used by the individual with the lab-confirmed case (student, teacher, or staff) until the non-porous surfaces in those areas can be disinfected, unless more than seven (7) days have already passed since that person was on campus.
• Consistent with school notification requirements for other communicable diseases, and consistent with legal confidentiality requirements, EMS ISD must notify all teachers, staff, and families of all students in a school if a lab-confirmed COVID-19 case is identified among students, teachers or staff who participate on any on-campus activities.
• For any day the school system closes a campus as a result of a confirmed COVID-19 case on campus, remote instruction will be provided; however, campuses may remain closed to on campus instruction for up to five consecutive days (including the original closure) day for all students to participate in remote instruction.

Table of Contents

• Staff
• Parent Reminders
• Screening Parents and Students
• Visitors
• Symptoms
• Close Contact
• Screening Questionnaire Information

Staff
EMS ISD will require teachers and staff to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before coming onto campus each day. The self-screening will include teachers and staff taking their own temperatures. Teachers and staff must report to the school system if they themselves have COVID-19 symptoms or are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, they must remain off campus until they meet the criteria for re-entry. Additionally, they must report to the school system if they have had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, must remain off campus until the 14-day incubation period has passed.

Parent Reminders
Parents must ensure they do not send a child to school on campus if the child has COVID-19 symptoms or is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and instead should opt to receive remote instruction until the conditions for re-entry are met. Parents may also opt to have their students receive remote instruction if their child has had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19 until the 14-day incubation period has passed. Parents may contact their child’s administration or counselor to request this change.

Screening Parents and Students
EMS ISD may screen students and parents. Screening is accomplished by asking questions by phone or other electronic methods and/or in person. The screening questions should also be asked of a student’s parent/guardian if that parent/guardian will be dropping off or picking up their child from inside the school. Regularly performing a forehead temperature check of otherwise asymptomatic students in school is not recommended, but the practice is also not prohibited by TEA guidance.

Visitors
EMS ISD must screen all visitors before they are allowed onto campuses to determine if the visitors have COVID-19 symptoms or are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, the visitor must remain off campus until they meet the criteria for re-entry.

Additionally, EMS ISD must screen to determine if visitors have had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, the visitor must remain off campus until the 14-day incubation period has passed. When practical, screening questions could be supplemented with temperature checks of adults.

Parents and students' guests will not be allowed in the building for non-academic purposes (e.g., lunch, walking students to class, etc.)

Symptoms

• Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit 
• Loss of taste or smell 
• Cough 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Shortness of breath 
• Fatigue o Headache 
• Chills 
• Sore throat 
• Congestion or runny nose 
• Shaking or exaggerated shivering 
• Significant muscle pain or ache 
• Diarrhea 
• Nausea or vomiting 

Close Contact
This document refers to “close contact” with an individual who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. The definition of close contact is evolving with our understanding of COVID-19, and individual 9 scenarios should be determined by an appropriate public health agency. In general, close contact is defined as: a. being directly exposed to infectious secretions (e.g., being coughed on); or b. being within 6 feet for a cumulative duration of 15 minutes; however, additional factors like case/contact masking (i.e., both the infectious individual and the potential close contact have been consistently and properly masked), ventilation, presence of dividers, and case symptomology may affect this determination. 

Screening Questionnaire Information
1. When asking individuals if they have symptoms for COVID-19, school systems must only require the individual to provide a “Yes” or “No” to the overall statement that they are symptomatic for COVID-19, as opposed to asking the individual for specific symptom confirmation. School systems are not entitled to collect information during screening on the specific health information of an individual beyond that they are symptomatic. 

 Table of Contents

• Health and Hygiene
• Campus Cleaning
• Masks
• Student-Teacher Groupings
• Use of Non-Classroom Spaces
• Cafeteria
• Playgrounds, Outdoor Spaces, Athletic Facilities
• Visitors to Schools

Health and Hygiene

• Hand sanitizer dispensers will be installed at all main entrances at all district facilities. Portable, stand-alone dispenser stations also will be delivered to each facility for use wherever campus administration deems necessary. Specific locations will be defined in each campus’ Safe Return to School Operational Procedures Plan.
• Students, teachers, staff, and campus visitors will be encouraged to sanitize and/or wash hands frequently.
• Schools will encourage students to engage in handwashing for at least 20 seconds at least two times each day, in addition to being encouraged to wash hands after using the restroom and before eating.
• Schools will teach students good handwashing techniques.
• Students, teachers, staff, and campus visitors will be encouraged to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and if not available, covered in their elbows. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash, hands should be washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or hand sanitizer should be used.
• On the first day a student attends school on campus, EMS ISD will provide instruction to students on appropriate hygiene and other health safety practices adopted in the local school system.
• Sneeze shields/guards will be installed to all locations for use in reception areas and/or other administrative areas as determined by campus leadership. Specific locations will be defined in each campus’ Safe Return to School Operational Procedures Plan.

Campus Cleaning

• Campuses will institute more frequent cleaning practices, including additional cleaning and sanitization by custodial staff, as well as provide the opportunity for children to clean their own spaces before and after they are used, in ways that are safe and developmentally appropriate.
• Schools will arrange for cleaning and disinfecting of commonly touched surfaces in classrooms between different class groups, if the same room will be used by multiple class groups. This could include objects such as shared tables/desks, shared supplies such as art supplies, and at high school, touch-powered devices such as shared laptops or tablets.

District custodial staff will implement the following measures within district facilities:

• Access to, and regular use of, additional disinfectant resources including electrostatic sprayers.
• More frequent cleaning and disinfecting of common areas and high-touch surfaces during the day and at the end of each day. This includes doorknobs, handrails, etc.
• Disinfect all locations nightly utilizing cleaners approved by the EPA for use in treating COVID-19. The disinfectant meets or exceeds guidelines set by the CDC.
• Adjust custodial schedules so more staff can be onsite during the day to provide timely cleaning and disinfecting when students and employees are present.
• Per standard practice, ensure cleaning products are stored safely, including storing harmful products where children cannot access them, and ensuring that harmful cleaning products are not used near children.
• EMS ISD custodial staff will be trained in best practices for sanitization on campuses and throughout district buildings. Custodial supervisors will monitor CDC guidelines to ensure district procedures align with the most current recommendations. Trainings will be documented, signed, and dated by each employee.

Masks

For the purposes of this learning plan, masks include non-medical grade disposable face masks, cloth face coverings, or full-face shields to protect eyes, nose, and mouth. We are continuing to review and provide updates based on CDC and Texas Education Agency guidance. 

• Schools are required to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order regarding the wearing of masks.
• In addition to the executive order, EMS ISD may require the use of masks or face shields for adults or students for whom it is developmentally appropriate.
• It may be impractical for students to wear masks or face shields while participating in some athletic or other extracurricular activities. When it is impractical for students to wear masks or face shields during those activities, schools must require students, teachers, staff, and visitors to wear masks or face shields when entering and exiting facilities and practice areas, and when not actively engaging in those activities. Schools may, for example, allow students who are actively exercising to remove masks or face shields, as long as they maintain at least six feet of distance from other students, teachers, and staff who are not wearing masks or face shields. However, schools must require students, teachers, and staff to wear masks or face shields as they arrange themselves in positions that will allow them to maintain safe distancing.

Student-Teacher Groupings

Where feasible without disrupting the educational experience, schools will encourage students to practice social distancing of six feet or more.

• In classrooms where students are regularly within six feet of one another, schools should plan for more frequent hand washing and/or hand sanitizing.
• Where social distancing is not feasible, EMS ISD may require the use of masks or face shields for adults or students for whom it is developmentally appropriate.     

Use of Non-Classroom Spaces

As is the case in typical years, school systems with policies that allow it may open facilities to the public. Operation of the facilities should be done consistent with the governor’s executive orders for similar activities.

• When feasible and appropriate (for example, in physical education classes as weather permits), it is preferable for students to gather outside, rather than inside, because of likely reduced risk of virus spread outdoors.
• Campuses will develop building-specific plans for entry, exit, and transition procedures (such as passing periods) that reduce large group gatherings of students and/or adults in close proximity.
• Depending on local conditions, schools will reduce or eliminate assemblies and other activities that bring large groupings of students and/or teachers and staff together.
• Restrooms will be monitored throughout the day to ensure they are clean and disinfected, and are supplied with soap and other necessary supplies.
• Campuses will encourage students to practice social distancing of six feet or more when using common spaces such as cafeterias, libraries, etc. Masks will be required in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order except when eating or where feasible and developmentally appropriate. Enhanced cleaning and sanitization of common areas will be conducted more frequently as feasible.

Cafeteria

Cafeteria meal services will continue at both elementary and secondary levels with additional safety and sanitization practices implemented:

• Serving lines will be sanitized between each class or table, depending on how campus administration manages the release of students to the serving lines.
• All Child Nutrition staff will continue to wear gloves and face masks.
• Shields will be placed at cash register stations to provide added protection for students and staff.
• Sneeze guards will be in place and students will have no contact with food that is not theirs in the serving line.
• All breakfast will be “grab-and-go” in a bag to reduce congregating.
• Salad bars will not be open while enhanced health safety measures are in place.
• “Grab-and-go” a la carte items will continue to be individually wrapped and all condiments will be prepackaged.
• Service times will be adjusted as needed to meet the needs of each campus.
• Meal service will move to a cashless system to limit handling of cash payments. Parents are requested to utilize the MySchoolBucks system to purchase meals for students. No change will be given; all cash or check payments will be deposited on student accounts. Refunds will be provided via check (no cash) upon request through the Child Nutrition office.
• All Child Nutrition staff will participate in training in additional health safety protocols for meal service.

Visitors to Schools

Parents and other adults can visit schools, as permitted by local school system policies, if it is critical to the academic success of the student and essential to school operations. During these visits, parents and other visitors must follow virus prevention and mitigation requirements of the school. Parents and students’ guests will not be allowed in the building for non-academic purposes (e.g., lunch, walking students to class, etc.). 

Table of Contents

• Difference between Spring 2020 Distance Learning and 2020-2021 Choice Remote Learning
  
• Choice to Continue Remote Learning
• Application for Remote Learning
• Learner, Parent, Teacher, Campus Commitments
• Student Code of Conduct
• Students who Receive Special Services (504, dyslexia, special education, GT, ESL)
• Social/Emotional Well-being
• Instructional Technologist Supports
• Interventionists Supports
• Curriculum
• Sample Schedules

Difference between Spring 2020 Distance Learning and 2020-2021 Choice Remote Learning

EMS ISD developed the Spring 2020 Distance Learning plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a crisis response that had to be implemented quickly and efficiently. The district determined it was critical to continue providing the best learning opportunity for every student.  Teachers followed the standard curriculum so that students did not lose their learning from the year and were prepared for the 2020-2021 school year with little deficit. Due to trying to provide equity for all students with technology, devices, and access to internet, a Pass (PL)/Fail (FL) option was implemented and the Spring 2020 semester did not count towards a student’s grade point average (GPA).

The 2020-2021 Remote Learning plan will not be the same model as the spring distance learning. EMS ISD will follow a defined asynchronous instructional model, which is far more self-guided student instruction. Asynchronous instruction is a curricular experience where students engage daily in the learning materials, interacting intermittently with the teacher via the computer or other electronic devices or over the phone. Asynchronous instruction does not require having the teacher/instructor and student engaged at the same time every day, all day; however, students will be expected to engage in their coursework during regular school hours so they may participate at a specific date and time for instruction if required by the teacher. In this method, students learn from instruction that may be delivered in real time, as well as through various forms of digital and online learning such as prerecorded video lessons or learning tasks that students complete on their own, and pre-assigned work and formative assessments.  Per state requirements, districts must follow the TEKS-based curriculum (TEC, §28.002) and school grading policies for remote student work must be consistent with on campus assignments. 

Under Texas Education Agency regulations, homeschool or private school students who were not enrolled in a Texas public school in 2019-2020 and enroll in EMS ISD for 2020-2021 will only be allowed to participate in on-campus instruction. This limitation does not apply to: (a) students who transition from early education programs, where no entitlement to enroll in the public school existed, to public school; (b) students who transfer in from outside the state; (c) students whose prior year private school does not offer the appropriate grade level (e.g., a private school ends at 6th grade so students moving on to 7th grade would no longer be able to attend the private school); (d) students whose private schools are either no longer in operation or are not offering remote instruction for the 2020–2021 school year; (e) students who were enrolled in a public school in Texas for a portion of the 2019-20 school year, even though they were also enrolled in a private school, including a home school, for a portion of the 2019-20 school year; or (f) students who receive remote instruction for a portion of the 2020-21 school year, but not the entire year. 

Choice to Continue Remote Learning

Parents who wish for their child(ren) to continue remote learning for the 2020-2021 school year must virtually attend an orientation, commit to their child’s engagement daily with the teacher and/or the learning platform (TEAMS for elementary and CANVAS for secondary), and to complete all assignments and timelines for grading. Parents will submit the form online. Parents are not required to make this commitment more than two weeks prior to the beginning of any grading period. Remote Learning will be a more self-guided format with guidance from a remote learning teacher.

Application for Remote Learning

Parents who wish for their child(ren) to attend remote learning for the 2020-2021 school year must virtually attend an orientation, commit to their child’s engagement daily with the teacher and/or the learning platform (TEAMS for elementary and CANVAS for secondary), and to complete all assignments and timelines for grading. Parents will submit the application online. Once received, it will be reviewed by an EMS ISD placement committee. Once the approval is finalized, the campus will contact the parent and students of the admission status.

Learner, Parent, Teacher, Campus Commitments

To support their child in remote learning, the parent will commit to:

• The child engaging each day with the teacher and/or the learning platform (TEAMS for elementary and CANVAS for secondary).
• Ensuring that the student completes all assignments and turns them in on time for grading.
• Staying in contact with the teacher to understand how to assist their child with learning.
• Ensuring the student is participating during regular campus school hours.

 To be a remote learner, the student will commit to:

• Participating and engaging each day through both teacher-guided and student-driven learning time.
• Completing each assignment and submitting to teacher by due dates.
• Completing each day’s assignments within the learning platform of TEAMS/CANVAS.
• Participating in each class during regular school hours each day.
• Following the EMS ISD Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.

 To teach remote learning, the teacher will commit to:

• Understanding their content, learning pedagogy, being highly qualified, technologically skilled, and attending social/emotional and remote learning training.
• Providing instruction through TEAMS/CANVAS following the EMS ISD curriculum and scope and sequence (TEC, §28.002).
• Following the EMS ISD Grading and Reporting Handbook.
• Partnering with the parent and student to provide additional supports through tutoring and intervention during regular school hours.

To support remote learning students and teachers, the campus will commit to:

• Providing a device for instruction, if needed, which will have the software required to complete all lessons. Usage of the device will go through the district server and may be monitored by the EMS ISD Technology Department.
• Providing ongoing support for the student, parent, and teacher.

Student Code of Conduct

Students in both in-person and choice remote learning will follow the EMS ISD Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. 

Students who Receive Special Services (504, dyslexia, special education, GT, ESL)

Students will continue to receive special services or participate in specialized programming. Students may be expected to participate during specific dates and times to receive services remotely.

• For any students who have an IEP for whom the schedule of services may need to be reviewed, the Admission, Review, Dismissal (ARD) committee will convene to determine the student’s educational needs and schedule of services.
• For students who receive 504 accommodations, a 504 committee may convene to determine any revision to the current Section 504 plan.
• For students currently receiving dyslexia services, therapy will continue through both in-person and remote learning.

Social/Emotional Well-being

Students in need of counseling supports will have virtual access to their home campus counselor, social worker, and intervention counselor. Parents may work with their home campus counseling team to determine the best needs of supports and resources. 

Instructional Technologist Supports

Students, parents, and remote learning teachers will have access to our technology and instructional technology supports. For assistance with device care and software understanding, please call the Help Desk at 817-847-2990. Teachers in need of remote learning support will have direct access to the campus instructional technical specialist and can contact the IT department throughout the day for instructional assistance.

Interventionist Supports

Students who have been identified for academic intervention support will be contacted by a campus interventionist to determine the specific times to receive the additional instruction during normal school hours. Remote learners who will receive their supports with other students will be expected to participate virtually at a time designated by the campus.

Curriculum

Choice remote learning will follow the state curriculum per TEC, §28.002. Students in-person and in remote learning will follow the same scope and sequence. More information is available in the Choice Remote Learning Curriculum section of this page.

Sample Schedules

Remote Learning for Prekindergarten 

Prekindergarten teachers will work with parents to establish play-based, child centered learning that goes beyond learning with a device. Parents and teachers will utilize TEAMS along with preprinted curriculum packets that will foster learning at home. We will provide scheduled times for whole group teacher directed instruction in addition to virtual small group instruction of three to five students.  

Half-Day Bell Schedule

• 7:45-10:45 AM Session
• 12:15-3:15 PM Session (possible time adjustment because of early release days)
• 90 Instructional Minutes per day 

Sample Half Day Schedule  

Remote Learners access teacher direct instruction via TEAMS 
Remote Learners work in play-based activity supported by preprinted activity sheets 

7:45/12:15 - Morning Message 

8:00/12:30 - Literacy Circle 

8:15/12:45 - Motor skills/Movement (Recess) 

8:45/1:15 - Snack/Social Skills  

9:15/1:45 - Library/Counselor/STEM Discovery  

9:30/2:00 - Math Circle  

9:45/2:15 - Independent Work Centers /Small Group direct teach 

Remote learners may engage in play-based centers created at home or may return for assistance from a teacher or paraprofessional. Teachers will also use this time to meet with small groups for skill development.   

Full Day Bell Schedule

7:45-3:10 

(Teacher lunch and conference is 11:00-12:15 daily) 

180 Instructional Minutes per day 

Sample Schedule

Remote Learners access teacher direct instruction via TEAMS 
Remote Learners work in play-based activity supported by preprinted activity sheets 

7:45 - Morning Message 

8:15 - Literacy Circle 

8:30 - Motor skills/Movement (Recess) 

9:00 - Snack/Social Skills  

9:30 - Read Aloud  

9:45 -  Writing Lesson 

10:00 – 11:00 Independent Work Centers /Small Group direct teach 

Remote learners may engage in play-based centers created at home or may return for assistance from a teacher or paraprofessional. Teachers will also use this time to meet with small groups for skill development.   

11:00  Lunch 

11:30  Rest Time 

12:15 - Read Aloud 

12:30 - Math/Science Circle 

1:00 - Motor skills/Movement (Recess) 

1:30 - Snack/Social Skills  

1:45 - Library/Counselor/STEM Discovery  

2:00 - Math Circle  

2:15 – 3:15 Independent Work Centers /Small Group direct teach 

Remote learners may engage in play-based centers created at home or may return for assistance from a teacher or paraprofessional. Teachers will also use this time to meet with small groups for skill development.   

Kindergarten - Fifth-Grade

K-2 grades - Assignment to one remote learning teacher* who will provide lessons, assignments, and assessments. This could be a districtwide teacher who teaches remote learning students from multiple campuses.

3-5 grades - A remote learning teacher* for ELA/Social Studies and a teacher* for Science/Math who will provide lessons, assignments, and assessments. This could be a districtwide teacher who teaches remote learning students from multiple campuses.

*If students return to in-person instruction, the assigned teacher(s) may change.

Sample Elementary Schedule for Remote Learners

In this sample schedule, remote learners utilize TEAMS for asynchronous remote learning with scheduled designated times for large-group and small-group teacher direct instruction.

• Remote Learners access remote learning teacher direct instruction via TEAMS
• Remote Learners work on assignments independently

7:45 am – Morning meeting

8:00 am – Language arts mini-lesson

8:15 – 9:15 am – Reading groups and independent reading work

Remote learners may return at designated time and designated days for small group guided reading

9:15 am – Recess break

9:30 am – Shared reading

9:45 am – Writing mini-lesson

10:00 am – Writing workshop with independent writing work

Teacher is available for student writing conferences and support

10:45 am – Writing wrap up and share

11:10 am – Lunch break

11:45 am – Math direct teach/Number Corner

12:15 pm - Independent math work from TEAMS assignment

Remote learners may return at designated time and designated days for small group guided math

2:00 pm – Science lesson/demo/work or Social Studies lesson/demo/work

2:30 – 3:15 pm – Teacher available for reteach, intervention, questions

*Please note: this is a sample schedule only. The student’s remote learning teacher(s) will set the schedule each week for direct teach, small group,  and independent work

A remote learning teacher for each content/subject area is assigned to remote learning students and will provide lessons, assignments, and assessments. Teachers may have a combination of in-person and remote learning classes, but they would be assigned at different periods of the day when feasible. Students in remote learning may be in a remote course with students from other campuses. If a student returns to in-person learning, the schedule and teacher(s) may change.

Secondary Schedule

The student’s remote learning teachers will set the schedule each week for virtual participation and independent work. Daily check-ins for each period are required either through virtual CANVAS, TEAMS, assignment submission, or teacher/student communication.

Middle School Bell Schedule is 8:20 am -3:30 pm.

High School Bell Schedule is 9:05 am  -4:20 pm.

The two-step application process allows us to prepare for a successful remote learning experience and allows you to better understand expectations for remote learning. 

1. Watch the Remote Learning Orientation 2020-2021 video: English Version Spanish Version

2. Complete and submit the remote learning application for each child through Family Access by logging in to the Family Access website and completing the Remote Learning Application - Part A (2020-21) form listed under the Online Forms tab by choosing the Fill Out Form link for each child. 

3. For campus planning purposes, please complete the application by 11:59 pm on August 11. 

Please know that as we continue to work class schedules and receive more information from our governing bodies, we will update this website with information about both remote and in-person learning. 

If you have additional questions, please contact your child’s school principal. You also are welcome to reach out using the Let's Talk! online messaging system.

Expected student progress in remote asynchronous learning is planned in advance, defined by day, and ties to the overall course coverage in the course syllabus by the remote learning teacher.

• Daily, trackable student engagement exists to ensure curricular progress is occurring in asynchronous remote learning. Curricular progress will be measured through the following means:
  • Data from CANVAS and/or TEAMS showing progress made that day;
  • Daily progress evidenced from teacher/student interactions made that day; or
  • Completion and turn-in of assignments planned for that day.
  • EMS ISD teachers will measure academic progress of all students to inform instructional practice in an asynchronous remote environment following the district-approved curriculum.
  • Progress monitoring includes all students and can be done in any proposed at-home scenario (digital or print). Teachers will follow the progress monitoring schedule as outlined in the district curriculum documents. If there is a concern, the teacher will receive supports from an interventionist and follow our Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS intervention supports).
  • Student feedback is provided from the remote learning teacher at least three times per week, including next steps or necessary academic remediation to improve performance.
  • School grading policies for remote student work are consistent with those used before COVID for on-campus assignments. All teachers will follow the EMS ISD Grading and Reporting Handbook.

Students Not Successful in Remote Learning

If a student is not being successful in remote learning, the student may be asked to return to the brick-and-mortar building for face-to-face, in-person instruction.

• Teacher interaction with students will be predictable and sufficient to support the remote learner. Teachers will provide instructional support to the remote learner to ensure understanding, learning, and that progression through the curriculum is occurring. Except for some specialty courses and specific situations, teachers will be able to focus on remote learners outside of the in-person instruction.
• Each secondary and elementary remote learning teacher will provide each student a course syllabus that describes the teacher weekly tutorial schedule, course requirements, grading and reporting guidelines, teacher contact information, and access to the Learning Management System (CANVAS and/or Microsoft TEAMS) so both student and parent have the steps to access the learning materials. Each week, a student will receive specific instructions regarding online expectations and lesson and assessment schedules.
• Students can access instructional support from teachers when needed during school hours, direct instruction will also be delivered by teachers if needed, and students will know how and when they can interact with their teachers. Teachers will include the specific times each week a student is required to attend a particular lesson, lab, tutorial, intervention, reading small group, etc.
• Students are provided clear means to engage with academic material on a daily basis. Lessons will be provided in CANVAS for secondary and Microsoft TEAMS for elementary; no other learning management system platforms will be used for academic material. Any additional resources will be built into and accessible through CANVAS/TEAMS.  Lessons will be uploaded each week with daily requirements for the student to complete to show progression in the curriculum.  Assignments will not be given for the full week.  Students must participate each day to be counted present.
• In addition to CANVAS and Microsoft TEAMS, teachers may also use district email or Remind to communicate with students and parents.
• Student IEPs are followed regardless of the learning environment such that students with disabilities receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Specific needs for the individual student will be determined by the ARD, 504, MTSS, and/or the LPAC committee.  Parents may contact the home campus administration or counselor to receive additional assistance.
• Remote learning will follow the same scope and sequence as the in-person learning. Daily requirements of engagement will be expected for both platforms. This direct work with academic content matches or exceeds the following average daily minute minimums across all subjects:
  • Half day PreK – 90 instructional minutes
  • Full day PreK – 180 instructional minutes
  • K through 5th grade – 180 instructional minutes minimum
  • 6th through 12th grade – 240 instructional minutes minimum
• Parents will receive virtual training, if needed, on how to use the learning platforms (CANVAS/TEAMS). A technology help desk is also available for personal assistance during each school day during school hours. 

Remote Courses

Pre-K- 8^th grade
For Pre-K- 8^th grade, all coursework is available to remote learners online. Remote learners are unable to attend campus during school hours unless they are participating in athletics or a performing fine arts class. The student must work with his/her coach/director to determine attendance.

Grades 9-12
For grades 9-12, most courses are offered for remote learners. There are a limited number of Career and Technology Education (CTE) courses that require in-person attendance and instruction and, if the remote learner is unable to attend the CTE course in-person, the home campus counselor will assist with a schedule change. Transportation must be provided by the student or parent. More information is available under the CTE icon.

Remote learners who are enrolled in athletics and performing fine arts must work with their coach/director to determine attendance. Transportation must be provided by the student or parent. More information is available under the Athletics and Performing Fine Arts icon.

CTE courses designated as in-person only must be completed in-person, on-campus during the school day. This is due to the specialized equipment, direct supervision of hands-on activities, and/or specific materials and technology needed for these courses. Additionally, many of these classes serve as the capstone to a program of study, centered on a specific field, that spans at least three courses and are needed for certification, licensure, or dual credit. Transportation must be provided by the parent or student. 

EMS ISD CTE In-Person Only Course Offerings (Remote Learners must attend courses in-person)

Courses will be listed by course name, course number, and location.

Agriculture

• Vet Med Applications, 5241, HCTC
• Advanced Animal Science, 5242, HCTC
• Practicum of Ag, 5243, HCTC
• Horticulture Science, 5261, TCC NW
• Advanced Plant and Soil, 5262, TCC NW
• Greenhouse Operations, 5263, TCC NW

Architecture and Construction

• Principles of Construction, 5564, HS – Ag Shop

Arts, Audio Video Technology, and Communication

• Video Production 1, 5081/DC, HCTC
• Video Production 2, 5082/DC, HCTC
• Practicum of Video Production, 5093V, HCTC
• Digital Audio Tech 1, 5083/DC, HCTC
• Digital Audio Tech 2, 5084/DC, HCTC
• Practicum of Audio Production, 5093A/DC, HCTC
• Animation 1, 5085, HCTC
• Animation 2, 5086, HCTC
• Graphic Design 1, 5087, HCTC
• Graphic Design 2, 5094, HCTC

Education and Training

• Instructional Practices, 5332, HCTC
• Practicum of Ed and Training 1, 5333, HCTC
• Practicum of Ed and Training 2, 5334, HCTC

Health Science

• World Health Theory, 5873, HCTC
• World Health Research, 5874, HCTC
• Sports Medicine, 5872/5866, HCTC
• Patient Care Tech, 5868/5863, HCTC
• EMT, 5869/5864, HCTC
• Pharmacy Tech, 5870/5865, HCTC
• EKG/Phlebotomy, 5871/5867, HCTC

Hospitality

• Culinary Arts, 5374, HCTC
• Advanced Culinary Arts, 5376, HCTC
• Practicum in Culinary Arts, 5377, HCTC

Human Services

• Introduction to Cosmetology, 5618, HCTC
• Cosmetology 1, 5619, HCTC
• Cosmetology 2, 5621, HCTC

Information Technology

• Computer Maintenance, 5091, HCTC
• Network Security, 5092, HCTC
• Practicum of Info Tech, 5191, HCTC

Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

• Law Enforcement 2, 5914/L, HCTC
• Forensic Science / Accelerated, 5912/5911, HCTC

Manufacturing

• Introduction to Welding, 5528, HS – Ag Shop
• Precision Metal Engineering 1, 5522, HCTC
• Precision Metal Engineering 2, 5521, HCTC
• Welding 1, 5524, HCTC
• Welding 2, 5525, HCTC

STEM

• Robotics 1, 5554A, HCTC
• Robotics 2, 5554B, HCTC
• Aero Science 1, 5922, HCTC
• Aero Science 2, 5921, HCTC
• Practicum in STEM, 5923, HCTC

Transportation

• Automotive Tech 1, 5633, HCTC
• Automotive Tech 2, 5634, HCTC
• Aircraft Airframe Tech, 5635, TCC Alliance
• Aircraft Powerplant Tech, 5636, TCC Alliance
• Practicum in Automotive Tech, 5637, HCTC

Athletics
Students enrolled in Remote Learning will be allowed to participate in person, on campus in athletics and cheerleading. This could be during the school day and/or before or after school. The student must work with his/her coach/director when the remote learner attends in-person class, practices, games or events. Transportation must be provided by the parent or student.

Performing Fine Arts
Students enrolled in Remote Learning may participate in a performing fine arts course (Band, Choir, Dance, & Theatre Arts).This could be during the school day and/or before or after school. The student must work with his/her teacher/director when the remote learner attends in-person class, practices, games or events.Transportation must be provided by the parent or student.

Non-performing arts (Visual Arts courses in middle school and high school) will be conducted all remotely for the remote learner.

Students enrolled in Remote Learning may participate in student clubs or organizations virtually and may attend before/after-school meetings and events in person. The student must work with his/her sponsor to determine times for attendance and must provide their own transportation.

Students or parents in need of assistance may contact the following EMS ISD resources: 

• COVID and Health Concerns – Director of Nursing, Hollie Smith, at 817-306-0864 ext. 6203 or hsmith01@ems-isd.net.
• Assignments/Grades/Instruction – student’s home campus to speak to the teacher.
• Academic/Behavior/Student Handbook/Code of Conduct – student’s home campus to speak to an administrator.
• Social Emotional Well Being – student’s home campus to speak to a counselor.
• Technology/Device/Internet Support and Needs – Technology Help Desk, 817-847-2990.
• Safety and Security Concerns – Director of Safety and Security, Dr. Barry Baker, 817-847-7793 or bbaker@ems-isd.net.
• Transportation/Bus Questions – Gold Star Transit/Reola Bealer Moore, 817-306-0684 or rbealermoore@ridegst.com.

Students in-person and in remote learning will be required to complete all mandated district and state assessments. Students in the remote learning platform may be asked to complete an assessment on a specific date and time.

Students will participate in either an in-person, face to face instruction model or a remote asynchronous learning model.  Both platforms will require a student to attend and engage in learning for each assigned class/course each day of the week (Monday-Friday) during normal school hours. Daily attendance will be taken, and compulsory attendance will be followed. If a student is not present in the building or engaged online each day for each class/course, the normal truancy process will be followed (TEC, §25.092). Students must be present for 90% of the required days of learning to be promoted to the next grade level or receive credit towards graduation, if in high school. Notes for absences will still be required if a student is in remote learning.

To be counted present, students in the in-person and remote learning must be engaged daily in the lessons, complete and turn assignments in on time, interact with the teacher, and show progress in the learning.  A student will be considered absent if the student does not have documented engagement listed above. A student must participate in the learning platform (CANVAS/TEAMS) for EACH class period each day to be counted present per class (90% rule).  Students who are receiving remote asynchronous instruction are considered enrolled on the first day the student participates through one of the engagement methods listed in this document.

CTE Courses Which Require In-Person Instruction

Some Career and Technology Education (CTE) courses may require in-person learning only.  Further guidance will be provided at a later date.

In-Person Courses
In-person students will be able to attend each class provided on the class schedule. If there is a concern with any of the classes or a scheduling issue, the campus counselor may assist. Please contact the home campus the student attends to speak to your student’s counselor.

NEW INFORMATION Remote Courses

Pre-K- 8^th grade
For Pre-K- 8^th grade, all coursework is available to remote learners online. Remote learners are unable to attend campus during school hours unless they are participating in athletics or a performing fine arts class. The student must work with his/her coach/director to determine attendance.

Grades 9-12
For grades 9-12, most courses are offered for remote learners. There are a limited number of CTE courses that require in-person attendance and instruction and, if the remote learner is unable to attend the course in-person, the home campus counselor will assist with a schedule change. Remote learners who are enrolled in athletics and performing fine arts must work with their coach/director to determine attendance. Transportation must be provided by the student or parent. More information regarding participation in athletic, performing fine arts, student clubs and organizations, and CTE courses is available under the Choice Remote Learning section.

EMS ISD has adopted a full, TEKS-aligned curriculum that will be executed in an asynchronous remote learning environment. It is the same curriculum that is used in the in-person classroom. This includes:

• Assessments that ensure continued information on student progress remotely. Remote learners will take the same assessments as the in-person learner. Teachers have the discretion to adapt the assessment to best meet the needs of the student in either setting that follows the EMS ISD Grading and Reporting Handbook. Remote learning students may be asked to complete assignments and assessments during specific dates and times.
• Instructional materials that support a coherent, logical course sequence that ensures continuity of learning remotely.
• Instructional materials consistently reinforce concepts at appropriate times to ensure retention of knowledge in asynchronous environments. Teachers will utilize pretests, screeners, and informal/formal knowledge assessments to continually loop learning standards so that students are able to show progress with the curriculum.
• Instructional materials include specifically designed resources and/or accommodations and modifications to support students with disabilities and English Language Learners in an asynchronous environment.
• Remote learning teachers will ensure district-adopted instructional materials are used during instruction and in the hands of students. If a student needs classroom textbook resources, technology, or devices, the student and/or parent may make the request and the resources will be provided so that there is no interruption in the student’s learning.

Staffing

Employees of school systems, like employees of any organization, must continue to meet the work expectations set by their employers, subject to any applicable employment contract terms.

• Remote learning teachers may be asked to teach from an assigned classroom so that all district resources and supports are available.
• School teachers and staff will be trained specifically on the protocols outlined in this document and the practices adopted by EMS ISD.
• EMS ISD will attempt to reduce in-person staff meetings or other opportunities for adults to congregate in close settings. When those meetings are necessary and cannot be conducted via electronic means, everyone must follow the mask protocols in this guidance, remain at least six feet apart where feasible, and consider whether increased airflow from the outdoors is possible in those settings.
• If a staff member has a concern of any kind, they are asked to speak to their direct supervisor, and if needed, may contact EMS ISD Human Resources Department @ 817-232-0880 (ask for HR).

Substitute Teacher Support

Substitutes will be trained in both in-person and remote learning. If needed, a trained substitute may be used if a teacher, in either in-person or remote learning, is unable to attend class. 

Table of Contents

• Health and Safety
  • How will campuses support student and staff health at school?
  • How will the district screen students, staff, and visitors?
  • Can I visit my child's school?
  • What is the district's mask policy?
  • How will students eat on campus?
  • What happens if someone infected with COVID-19 is on campus?
  • I'm concerned about my student being in close proximity to others. Will social distancing be encouraged?
  • I don't want to send my child to school because he is at high risk for catching COVID-19. What are his options?
  • What happens if campuses need to close again? 
  • Do I need to buy a mask for my child if she attends school in-person?
• Learning
  • My child must begin as a choice remote learner but does not want to remain that way. What are his options?
  • What's the difference between Spring 2020 Distance Learning and 2020-2021 Remote Learning?
  • Is there an application?
  • Will my student receive the same services as an in-person learner?
  • Will the traditional attendance policy be followed this year?
  • We are choosing in-person learning for my student(s). What can we expect?
  • My child will participate in remote learning. Will she still be able to participate in clubs or organizations?
• Communication
  • How often will the district communicate with families and staff?
  • I want to express my opinion to the district. How do I do that? 
  • I submitted answers to a recent parent and staff survey. What are the results?

How will campuses support student and staff health at school?

• Hand sanitizer dispensers will be installed at all main entrances at all district facilities. Portable, stand-alone dispenser stations also will be delivered to each facility for use wherever campus administration deems necessary. 
• Students, teachers, staff, and campus visitors will be encouraged to sanitize and/or wash hands frequently.
• Schools will encourage students to engage in handwashing for at least 20 seconds at least two times each day, in addition to being encouraged to wash hands after using the restroom and before eating.
• Schools will teach students good handwashing techniques.
• Students, teachers, staff, and campus visitors will be encouraged to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and if not available, covered in their elbows. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash, hands should be washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or hand sanitizer should be used.
• On the first day a student attends school on campus, EMS ISD will provide instruction to students on appropriate hygiene and other health safety practices adopted in the local school system.
• Sneeze shields/guards will be installed to all locations for use in reception areas and/or other administrative areas as determined by campus leadership. Specific locations will be defined in each campus’ Safe Return to School Operational Procedures Plan.

Campus Cleaning

• Campuses will institute more frequent cleaning practices, including additional cleaning and sanitization by custodial staff, as well as provide the opportunity for children to clean their own spaces before and after they are used, in ways that are safe and developmentally appropriate.
• Schools will arrange for cleaning and disinfecting of commonly touched surfaces in classrooms between different class groups, if the same room will be used by multiple class groups. This could include objects such as shared tables/desks, shared supplies such as art supplies, and at high school, touch-powered devices such as shared laptops or tablets.

District custodial staff will implement the following measures within district facilities:

• Access to, and regular use of, additional disinfectant resources including electrostatic sprayers.
• More frequent cleaning and disinfecting of common areas and high-touch surfaces during the day and at the end of each day. This includes doorknobs, handrails, etc.
• Disinfect all locations nightly utilizing cleaners approved by the EPA for use in treating COVID-19. The disinfectant meets or exceeds guidelines set by the CDC.
• Adjust custodial schedules so more staff can be onsite during the day to provide timely cleaning and disinfecting when students and employees are present.
• Per standard practice, ensure cleaning products are stored safely, including storing harmful products where children cannot access them, and ensuring that harmful cleaning products are not used near children.
• EMS ISD custodial staff will be trained in best practices for sanitization on campuses and throughout district buildings. Custodial supervisors will monitor CDC guidelines to ensure district procedures align with the most current recommendations. Trainings will be documented, signed, and dated by each employee.

How will the district screen students, staff, and visitors?

Staff
EMS ISD will require teachers and staff to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before coming onto campus each day. The self-screening will include teachers and staff taking their own temperature. Teachers and staff must report to the school system if they themselves have COVID-19 symptoms or are lab confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, they must remain off campus until they meet the criteria for re-entry. Additionally, they must report to the school system if they have had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, must remain off campus until the 14-day incubation period has passed.

Screening Parents and Students
EMS ISD may screen students and parents. Screening is accomplished by asking questions by phone or other electronic methods and/or in person. The screening questions should also be asked of a student’s parent/guardian if that parent/guardian will be dropping off or picking up their child from inside the school. Regularly performing a forehead temperature check of otherwise asymptomatic students in school is not recommended, but the practice is also not prohibited by TEA guidance.

Visitors
EMS ISD must screen all visitors before they are allowed onto campuses to determine if the visitors have COVID-19 symptoms or are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, the visitor must remain off campus until they meet the criteria for re-entry.

Additionally, EMS ISD must screen to determine if visitors have had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, the visitor must remain off campus until the 14-day incubation period has passed. When practical, screening questions could be supplemented with temperature checks of adults.

Symptoms
In evaluating whether an individual has symptoms consistent with COVID-19, consider the following question: Have they recently begun experiencing any of the following in a way that is not normal for them? 

• Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit 
• Loss of taste or smell 
• Cough 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Shortness of breath 
• Fatigue o Headache 
• Chills 
• Sore throat 
• Congestion or runny nose 
• Shaking or exaggerated shivering 
• Significant muscle pain or ache 
• Diarrhea 
• Nausea or vomiting 

Close Contact
This document refers to “close contact” with an individual who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. The definition of close contact is evolving with our understanding of COVID-19, and individual 9 scenarios should be determined by an appropriate public health agency. In general, close contact is defined as: a. being directly exposed to infectious secretions (e.g., being coughed on); or b. being within 6 feet for a cumulative duration of 15 minutes; however, additional factors like case/contact masking (i.e., both the infectious individual and the potential close contact have been consistently and properly masked), ventilation, presence of dividers, and case symptomology may affect this determination. 

Screening Questionnaire Information
1. When asking individuals if they have symptoms for COVID-19, school systems must only require the individual to provide a “Yes” or “No” to the overall statement that they are symptomatic for COVID-19, as opposed to asking the individual for specific symptom confirmation. School systems are not entitled to collect information during screening on the specific health information of an individual beyond that they are symptomatic. 

2. Once it is determined that individuals who responded “Yes” to either of these questions have met the criteria for re-entry, school systems must destroy those individuals’ responses.

Can I visit my child's school?

Parents and other adults can visit schools, as permitted by local school system policies, if it is critical to the academic success of the student and essential to school operations. During these visits, parents and other visitors must follow virus prevention and mitigation requirements of the school. Parents and students’ guests will not be allowed in the building for non-academic purposes (e.g., lunch, walking students to class, etc.). 

What is the district's mask policy?

Masks include non-medical grade disposable face masks, cloth face coverings, or full-face shields to protect eyes, nose, and mouth. We are continuing to review and provide updates based on CDC and Texas Education Agency guidance.

• Schools are required to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order regarding the wearing of masks.
• In addition to the executive order, EMS ISD may require the use of masks or face shields for adults or students for whom it is developmentally appropriate.
• It may be impractical for students to wear masks or face shields while participating in some athletic or other extracurricular activities. When it is impractical for students to wear masks or face shields during those activities, schools must require students, teachers, staff, and visitors to wear masks or face shields when entering and exiting facilities and practice areas, and when not actively engaging in those activities. Schools may, for example, allow students who are actively exercising to remove masks or face shields, as long as they maintain at least six feet of distance from other students, teachers, and staff who are not wearing masks or face shields. However, schools must require students, teachers, and staff to wear masks or face shields as they arrange themselves in positions that will allow them to maintain safe distancing.

How will students eat on campus?

Cafeteria meal services will continue at both elementary and secondary levels with additional safety and sanitization practices implemented:

• Serving lines will be sanitized between each class or table, depending on how campus administration manages the release of students to the serving lines.
• All staff will continue to wear gloves and face masks.
• Shields will be placed at cash register stations to provide added protection for students and staff.
• Sneeze guards will be in place and students will have no contact with food that is not theirs in the serving line.
• All breakfast will be “grab-and-go” in a bag to reduce congregating.
• Salad bars will not be open while enhanced health safety measures are in place.
• “Grab-and-go” a la carte items will continue to be individually wrapped and all condiments will be prepackaged.
• Service times will be adjusted as needed to meet the needs of each campus.
• Meal service will move to a cashless system to limit handling of cash payments. Parents are requested to utilize the MySchoolBucks system to purchase meals for students. No change will be given; all cash or check payments will be deposited on student accounts. Refunds will be provided via check (no cash) upon request through the Child Nutrition office.
• All Child Nutrition staff will participate in training in additional health safety protocols for meal service.

What happens if someone infected with COVID-19 is on campus?

• Schools must immediately separate any student who shows COVID-19 symptoms while at school until the student can be picked up by a parent or guardian.  The parent or guardian is expected to come pick up the student immediately.
• Schools will clean and sanitize the areas used by the individual who shows COVID-19 symptoms while at school (student, teacher, or staff) as soon as is feasible.
• Students who report feeling feverish will be given an immediate temperature check to determine if they are symptomatic for COVID-19.

Required Actions if Individuals with Lab-Confirmed Cases Have Been in a School

• If an individual who has been in a school is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19, EMS ISD must notify its local health department, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including confidentiality requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Schools must close off areas that are heavily used by the individual with the lab-confirmed case (student, teacher, or staff) until the non-porous surfaces in those areas can be disinfected, unless more than seven (7) days have already passed since that person was on campus.
• Consistent with school notification requirements for other communicable diseases, and consistent with legal confidentiality requirements, EMS ISD must notify all teachers, staff, and families of all students in a school if a lab-confirmed COVID-19 case is identified among students, teachers or staff who participate on any on-campus activities.

I'm concerned about my student being in close proximity to others. Will social distancing be encouraged?

Where feasible without disrupting the educational experience, schools will encourage students to practice social distancing of six feet or more.

• In classrooms where students are regularly within six feet of one another, schools should plan for more frequent hand washing and/or hand sanitizing.
• Where social distancing is not feasible, EMS ISD may require the use of masks or face shields for adults or students for whom it is developmentally appropriate.     
• When feasible and appropriate (for example, in physical education classes as weather permits), it is preferable for students to gather outside, rather than inside, because of likely reduced risk of virus spread outdoors.
• Campuses will develop building-specific plans for entry, exit, and transition procedures (such as passing periods) that reduce large group gatherings of students and/or adults in close proximity.
• Depending on local conditions, schools will reduce or eliminate assemblies and other activities that bring large groupings of students and/or teachers and staff together.
• Restrooms will be monitored throughout the day to ensure they are clean and disinfected, and are supplied with soap and other necessary supplies.
• Campuses will encourage students to practice social distancing of six feet or more when using common spaces such as cafeterias, libraries, etc. Masks will be required in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order except when eating or where feasible and developmentally appropriate. Enhanced cleaning and sanitization of common areas will be conducted more frequently as feasible.

I don’t want to send my child to school because he is at high risk for catching COVID-19. What are my options? 

While more details are still to come, the TEA commissioner declared that all Texas public school students have the option to attend school in person or learn remotely. If you choose remote learning for your child, here is what to expect: 

• All learning and activities will occur online. 
• Students will not come to campus for any instruction. 
• Students will be asked to remain in remote learning for a full grading period. 
• Students can return to on-campus learning after one full grading period. 
• Courses will be taught by highly qualified, certified teachers. 
• Resources supporting students’ social and emotional needs will be available. 

What happens if campuses need to close again? 

If campuses are required to close again for any reason, all students would transition to remote learning. 

Do I need to buy a mask for my child if she attends school in-person?

It is recommended that students bring a face mask or gaiter AND one latex-free face shield for use in school.  If students cannot bring these items, they will be provided by the school. 

My child must begin as a choice remote learner but does not want to remain that way. What are his options?

Students who attend in-person but must begin Choice Remote Learning for a limited time (less than three weeks)

Students will remain with their current schedule and assigned teachers. Assignments will be provided through the online platform (TEAMS/CANVAS). Daily engagement is required for the student to be counted present. 

Students who attend in-person but must begin Choice Remote Learning for an extended time (more than three weeks)

Students will be assigned to a remote learning teacher and may possibly change their schedule if they are attending any courses that must be done in-person. Campus counselors will determine the best schedule for the student in partnership with the student and parent, so the student remains on track to be promoted to the next grade level or to graduate. Assignments will be given through the online platform (TEAMS/CANVAS).  Daily engagement is required for the student to be counted present.

What's the difference between Spring 2020 Distance Learning and 2020-2021 Remote Learning?

EMS ISD developed the Spring 2020 Distance Learning plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a crisis response that had to be implemented quickly and efficiently. The district determined it was critical to continue providing the best learning opportunity for every student.  Teachers followed the standard curriculum so that students did not lose their learning from the year and were prepared for the 2020-2021 school year with little deficit. Due to trying to provide equity for all students with technology, devices, and access to internet, a Pass (PL)/Fail (FL) option was implemented and the Spring 2020 semester did not count towards a student’s grade point average (GPA).

The 2020-2021 Remote Learning plan will not be the same model as the spring distance learning. EMS ISD will follow a defined asynchronous instructional model, which is far more self-guided student instruction. Asynchronous instruction is a curricular experience where students engage daily in the learning materials, interacting intermittently with the teacher via the computer or other electronic devices or over the phone. Asynchronous instruction does not require having the teacher/instructor and student engaged at the same time every day, all day; however, students will be expected to engage in their coursework during regular school hours. In this method, students learn from instruction that may be delivered in-person or in real time, as well as through various forms of digital and online learning such as prerecorded video lessons or learning tasks that students complete on their own, and pre-assigned work and formative assessments made available to students on paper. Per state requirements, districts must follow the TEKS-based curriculum (TEC, §28.002) and school grading policies for remote student work must be consistent with on campus assignments. 

Under Texas Education Agency regulations, homeschool or private school students who were not enrolled in a Texas public school in 2019-2020 and enroll in EMS ISD for 2020-2021 will only be allowed to participate in on-campus instruction.

Is there an application?

Parents who wish for their child(ren) to attend remote learning for the 2020-2021 school year must virtually attend an orientation, commit to their child’s engagement daily with the teacher and/or the learning platform (TEAMS for elementary and CANVAS for secondary), and to complete all assignments and timelines for grading. Parents will submit the application online. Once received, it will be reviewed by an EMS ISD placement committee. Once the approval is finalized, the campus will contact the parent and students of the admission status. Click on the Application icon under Choice Remote Learning on this page.

Will my student receive the same services as an in-person learner?

Social/Emotional Well-being

Students in need of counseling supports will have virtual access to their home campus counselor, social worker, and intervention counselor. Parents may work with their home campus counseling team to determine the best needs of supports and resources. 

Instructional Technologist Supports

Students, parents, and remote learning teachers will have access to our technology and instructional technology supports. For assistance with device care and software understanding, please call the Help Desk at 817-847-2990. Teachers in need of remote learning support will have direct access to the campus instructional technical specialist and can contact the IT department throughout the day for instructional assistance.

Interventionists Supports

Students who have been identified for academic intervention support will be contacted by a campus interventionist to determine the specific times to receive the additional instruction during normal school hours. Remote learners who will receive their supports with other students will be expected to participate virtually at a time designated by the campus. 

Will the traditional attendance policy be followed this year?

Per standard attendance requirements, students must be present for 90% of the required days of learning to be promoted to the next grade level or receive credit towards graduation, if in high school. The truancy process will be followed in accordance with state law (TEC, §25.092) if a student is not present for 90% of the days. Students are expected to engage each day and participate in the learning.  It is required by the state that the district follow the curriculum (TEC, §28.002) and district grading policies will be enforced.

We are choosing in-person learning for my student(s). What can we expect?

Students who attend in-person learning (come into the school building) will participate in a traditional academic, extracurricular, and co-curricular schedule following the bell schedule for that campus. Students will be expected to follow all health and safety protocols in place at the campus.

My child will participate in remote learning. Will she still be able to participate in clubs or organizations?

Students enrolled in Remote Learning may participate in student clubs or organizations virtually and may attend before/after-school meetings and events in person. The student must work with his/her sponsor to determine times for attendance and must provide their own transportation.

How often will the district communicate with families and staff?

The district aims to provide relevant and accurate information to the EMS community as often as possible. We are in a season where we are overwhelmed with new and sometimes conflicting information. It's our responsibility to make informed, deliberate decisions in the best interest of our students, familes, and staff. 

I want to express my opinion to the district. How do I do that? 

We want to hear from you! Submit a response on the district's Let's Talk page.

I submitted answers to a recent parent and staff survey. What are the results?

Survey highlights include:

• 53% of participating parents said their child’s experience with distance learning was successful or somewhat successful. Additionally, 53% of participating staff members said their experience with distance learning was successful or somewhat successful.
• 31% of participating parents said the biggest obstacle for their child with distance learning was lack of motivation/focus. While 22% of participating staff members said there was no obstacle for them with distance learning, 27% of staff selected ‘other’. The main response associated with ‘other’ was lack of student participation and/or trouble contacting students.
• Three-quarters (75%) of participating parents said they had enough support from their child’s teacher(s) and 81% said they had enough educational resources. Additionally, 94% of participating staff members said they had enough support from their instructional leaders and 86% said they had enough educational resources.
• 73% of participating parents strongly agreed or agreed that their child is prepared for the next grade level following EMS ISD distance learning.
• 83% of parents and 85% of staff members said the district’s response and communication surrounding the COVID-19 crisis was excellent or good.
• Half of all participating parents, 50%, said they are planning to send their child(ren) back to EMS ISD for the fall semester and 37% are still deciding. Additionally, 69% of parents said they plan to return their child to EMS ISD, as normal with enhanced health and safety measures and 29% said they plan for their child(ren) to learn at home/online with EMS ISD.
• 89% of instructional staff are interested or somewhat interested in teaching in-person only for the fall semester, 62% are interested or somewhat interested in teaching in-person and online, and 70% are interested or somewhat interested in teaching online only.

We want to hear from you! Please visit the Let's Talk page to submit your feedback.

The EMS ISD Grading and Reporting Handbook and policies will be followed for EMS ISD remote learning and will be consistent with the grading policies for on-campus assignments.Students in grades PreK-1 will receive standards-based report cards. Students in grades 2-12 will receive numeric grades and all reporting grades will be used to determine promotion to the next grade level and, for high school courses, will count towards a student’s grade point average (GPA). High school courses and numeric grades will be reflected on a student’s transcript.

Table of Contents

• Special Education - IEPs
  • In-Person Learning
  • Choice Remote Learning
• Section 504
  • In-Person Learning
  • Choice Remote Learning
  • Dyslexia Services

Special Education - IEPs

Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) will be provided a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) by receiving the special education instructional and related services documented in the IEP. These instructional and related services will be made available to students through both In-Person and Choice Remote Learning, consistent with district guidelines found on this website.

In-Person Learning

In addition to receiving face-to-face instruction, speech therapy and all related services, accommodations, and modifications will be provided to the student consistent with their individual IEP.

For students with a documented medical condition that prevents them from accessing in-person learning, the ARD committee shall convene to consider the need for homebound services.    

Choice Remote Learning

All learning and activities will occur online.  Instructional periods and the daily schedule for the student will be determined by the campus master schedule, in collaboration with the general and special education teachers.

Students who receive speech therapy and other services or therapies as part of the IEP may either receive remote services through the online platform (Teams), or may schedule face-to-face, walk-in services with the service provider on campus.

Section 504

Students with a Section 504 Plan will be provided a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) by receiving the accommodations, supports and services document in the 504 plan.  The accommodations, supports and services will be made available to students through both In-Person and Choice Remote Learning, consistent with district guidelines: Return to School Plan.

In-Person Learning

In addition to receiving face-to-face instruction, instructional accommodations, supports and services outlined in the student’s individual 504 plan will be provided.

For students with a documented medical condition that prevents them from accessing in-person learning, the Section 504 committee shall convene to consider the need for general education homebound services.    

Choice Remote Learning

All learning and activities will occur online.  Instructional accommodations, supports and services outlined in the student’s individual 504 plan will be provided remotely.

Dyslexia Services

For eligible students, dyslexia services will be made available through both In-Person and Choice Remote Learning.  Students may receive dyslexia services through the online platform (Teams), or may schedule face-to-face, walk-in services with the dyslexia therapist assigned the child’s campus.  The dyslexia therapist determines the daily schedule and group, in collaboration with the child’s classroom teacher and campus master schedule.  

EMS ISD plans to continue transportation services to families through all regular bus routes and shuttles, with enhanced health safety protocols in place.

• All buses will be sanitized using an electrostatic sprayer after each use, with focus on high-touch surfaces such as bus seats, steering wheels, knobs, and door handles. During cleaning, windows will be opened to allow for additional ventilation and air flow.
• Hand sanitizer dispensers will be installed on every bus immediately inside the entry doors above the handrail. Drivers will remind each student and staff member to use hand sanitizer upon boarding the bus.
• All bus drivers, monitors, and students will wear face coverings as feasible, especially when the ability for social distancing is greatly diminished. Individual needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
• Bus drivers and monitors will be trained in best practices and protocols for transportation and student health.

Table of Contents

• Full Report
• Survey Highlights

The district's goal for the Distance Learning and Planning for Next Year Feedback Survey for Parents and Staff Members was to collect feedback on experiences with distance learning in the spring 2020 semester, and to better understand thoughts for the opening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year. Survey questions addressed experiences with distance learning, access to technology, crisis response, cleaning protocols, and alternative educational plans. The survey was conducted June 24-July 7, 2020, and yielded 2,885 parent responses and 877 staff responses.

Survey highlights include:

• 53% of participating parents said their child’s experience with distance learning was successful or somewhat successful. Additionally, 53% of participating staff members said their experience with distance learning was successful or somewhat successful.
• 31% of participating parents said the biggest obstacle for their child with distance learning was lack of motivation/focus. While 22% of participating staff members said there was no obstacle for them with distance learning, 27% of staff selected ‘other’. The main response associated with ‘other’ was lack of student participation and/or trouble contacting students.
• Three-quarters (75%) of participating parents said they had enough support from their child’s teacher(s) and 81% said they had enough educational resources. Additionally, 94% of participating staff members said they had enough support from their instructional leaders and 86% said they had enough educational resources.
• 73% of participating parents strongly agreed or agreed that their child is prepared for the next grade level following EMS ISD distance learning.
• 83% of parents and 85% of staff members said the district’s response and communication surrounding the COVID-19 crisis was excellent or good.
• Half of all participating parents, 50%, said they are planning to send their child(ren) back to EMS ISD for the fall semester and 37% are still deciding. Additionally, 69% of parents said they plan to return their child to EMS ISD, as normal with enhanced health and safety measures and 29% said they plan for their child(ren) to learn at home/online with EMS ISD.
• 89% of instructional staff are interested or somewhat interested in teaching in-person only for the fall semester, 62% are interested or somewhat interested in teaching in-person and online, and 70% are interested or somewhat interested in teaching online only.