VVISD Opening Guidance
While our preferred method of instructional delivery is a traditional educational environment, we anticipate that continued public health restrictions will be in place when school resumes in the fall. Our objective is to provide in-person instruction while also taking steps to protect our students, staff, and community. PLEASE NOTE: The information in this document is subject to change with guidance from TEA, public health officials, and other governing authorities.
Student and Staff Safety Protocols
All students and staff should pre-screen for COVID-19 symptoms regularly and individuals who present with symptoms that are not typical for them will be separated and sent home.
Screening Protocols
● Staff will be required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to reporting to work each day.
● Parents/guardians are expected to screen their students for COVID-19 symptoms each day prior to sending their students to school. Symptoms include: ○ Fever or chills ○ Cough ○ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing ○ Fatigue ○ Muscle or body aches ○ Headache ○ New loss of taste or smell ○ Sore throat ○ Congestion or runny nose ○ Nausea or vomiting ○ Diarrhea
● Teachers will monitor students and refer them to the nurse if symptoms are present.
Isolation Protocols
● When a student displays symptoms of COVID-19, the school nurse will provide a clinical assessment to determine if and when a student needs to be sent home.
● Students who are ill will be separated from their peers and should be picked up within 30 minutes and no later than 1 hour from the time the campus contacted the student’s parent/guardian.
● District communication will be provided to parents in the event that their student has been exposed to a positive case of COVID-19. (There will be no whole district notification).
● Staff members displaying COVID-19 symptoms will follow district protocols including isolation from students and other staff members.
Updated August 16, 2021
● Parents of students who are determined to be close contacts of an individual with COVID-19 may opt to keep their students at home during the recommended stay-at-home period which is 10 days from contact.
● The CDC defines close contact to include anyone who came within 6 feet of an infected individual for at least 15 minutes starting from 48 hours before illness onset until the time the patient is isolated.
● Vaccinated individuals who have been exposed to a positive COVID-19 case do NOT need to quarantine if they are not exhibiting symptoms.
● Students or staff who tested positive and have been symptom-free for 24 hours after the 10 day quarantine period will be allowed to return.
Protocols for Face Coverings
Face coverings/face masks will be optional for all students and staff. All face coverings/face masks will need to be school-appropriate and follow the same guidelines as clothing in the student handbook. Masks cannot be derogatory, disrespectful, discriminatory, vulgar, obscene, indecent, violent, and/or represent or advertise gangs, groups or school prohibited subjects or products such as drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products. Protective measures, including the use of face coverings, will be determined by the level of disease activity of COVID-19 and recommendations from local and state governing authorities
Protocols for Campus Visitors
General
The campuses will utilize virtual meeting options to limit campus visitors when possible. Campus visitors will be limited to essential business. Individuals who proceed beyond the reception area will follow specific guidelines for visitors.
Visitor Screening/PPE Requirements
● Individuals proceeding beyond the reception area will be subject to the following guidelines:
○ All visitors will be asked to self-screen before coming on campus.
○ Virtual meetings will be available when possible.
○ Visitors and staff will maintain physical distancing, as much as possible, for ARD and other meetings in smaller conference areas.
Protocols for Disinfecting and Hand Sanitizing
General
Frequent disinfection and hand sanitization will promote the health and wellness of students and staff.
Hand Washing Hygiene/Sanitizing Expectations
● Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be available at the main entrance to the campus, in classrooms, in the cafeteria, and in common areas throughout the campus.
● Staff will be expected to regularly wash or sanitize their hands.
● Provide hand sanitizer upon entry to the classroom and periodic teacher reminders during the instructional day
● Thorough hand washing upon return from outdoors, before eating, following restroom breaks.
● Students will be encouraged to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow. Students will be encouraged to wash and/or sanitize their hands after sneezing/coughing. Disinfecting Expectations
● Staff will have access to handheld disinfectant sprayers to sanitize working surfaces and shared objects after each use and during breaks in instruction.
● Electrostatic sprayers will be used in common areas, restrooms, hallways, etc.
● Students and staff will limit the sharing of supplies, utensils, devices, books, and learning aids.
Protocols for Campus Cleaning and Disinfecting
General
Frequent cleaning and disinfecting will promote a healthy learning and work environment for students and staff.
Daily Campus Cleaning
● Each classroom will be disinfected daily.
● Restrooms will be disinfected daily. Additional sanitization will be added at lunchtime.
● All high-touch areas will be disinfected daily.
● The cafeteria will be disinfected after every lunch period.
● Buses will be sanitized after each route.
● Water bottle fillers will be available. Students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
Additional Cleaning Measures for Covid-19 Positive Cases on Campus
● If a classroom or facility is closed due to COVID-19 spread, quaternary disinfectant, which is recommended for use on the virus that causes COVID-19, will be used to disinfect.
● Custodial staff will disinfect classrooms, restrooms, weight room, and all additional areas in the entire building.
Work and Learning Environments Classroom Configurations and Procedures
● Each classroom will be outfitted with the following:
● Refillable alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations
● Access to disinfectant wipes to sanitize working surfaces
● Desks or tables will be socially distanced as much as instructionally possible.
● Students will have access to hand sanitizer upon entering the classroom.
● Student materials and supplies will be placed in close proximity to students to reduce movement in the classroom.
● When possible, eliminate communal supplies.
● Reduce the use of large table seating in classrooms and replace with desks when possible. If tables are used, limit the number of students per table.
● The gymnasiums may be repurposed for instructional space for teaching and/or virtual learning to increase the teaching capacity of the building.
● Recommended procedures will be applied to all classroom settings, including special education programs when possible and appropriate. Students’ individual needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Physical Education Classroom Protocols
● Whenever possible, physical education classes will be held outside to allow for maximum physical distance between students.
● Any activities bringing students into close physical contact will be avoided.
● Procedures will be implemented in the locker rooms to promote social distancing.
● Equipment will be disinfected after each use.
● Activities requiring multiple students to touch or handle the same equipment will be avoided as much as possible.
● Sanitizing areas and access to handwashing will be provided.
Collaborative Work and Projects
● Group or pair work can be implemented while maintaining physical distancing.
● It is recommended that students who work in pairs or groups wear a face covering.
Common Areas
● Common areas include spaces that are used for meetings and collaboration. This includes computer labs, flexible spaces, campus library, gym, music, art, conference rooms, and other meeting rooms.
● Campuses will develop schedules and protocols for the use of common areas, including how to sanitize space between use. When needed, students will bring personal supplies from the classroom. All students and staff will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting common areas.
● The use of virtual meetings will be considered when possible.
● In-person meetings will maintain social distancing, as possible.
● There will be procedures for students to sanitize their spaces before and after usage.
Restrooms
● At elementary and middle school, the scheduling of whole class restroom breaks is recommended to eliminate co-mingling of students across various classes and to ensure teacher monitoring of social distancing guidelines.
● After a restroom break, students will be reminded to use hand sanitizer when reentering the classroom.
● Each campus will comply with health agency recommendations and social distancing.
Cafeteria/Breakfast/Lunch
● Physical distance will be provided as space is available.
● Signage and staff will reinforce physical distance and traffic patterns in the cafeteria.
● Microwaves will not be provided in the cafeteria due to the opportunity for cross-contamination with a high-touch device.
● Hand sanitizer stations will be available at entrances and exits of the cafeterias.
Library
● Visual reminders will be added, and furniture rearranged to help students maintain social distancing while in the library.
● Students and staff will have access to hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting the library.
● High touch areas (i.e., tabletops, chairs, door handles) will be disinfected regularly.
Transitions
● Walking pathways throughout the building will be designated “stay to the right.” This includes the entrance and exit doors.
Transportation
● Family groups will be seated together unless otherwise specified by the driver. Special requests for students must be made to campus administration.
● Students will be given one warning for behavior issues/bus referrals. Further misbehavior may result in a bus suspension.
● Please provide transportation to and from school for your child as much as possible to avoid high occupancy on bus routes.
Arrival
● Doors open at 7:30 am. Early arrivals are strongly discouraged. Any students dropped off before the building is open will not be allowed inside the building.
● Separate entrances will be utilized for car riders & walkers and bus riders & daycare.
● Parents will not be allowed to walk students to classrooms. Elementary parents will be allowed to walk students to class on the first two days of the school year.
● There will be bus procedures, based on campus-specific needs.
Dismissal
● Sibling connections will be done outside the building.
● Separate entrances will be utilized for car riders, bus riders, walkers, and daycares.
● There will be bus procedures, based on campus-specific needs
Recess
• The campus will consider limiting the number of students per recess group. Staggered schedules can be utilized when needed.
• All students and staff will be required to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before entering the playground and upon exiting the playground.
Specials
• PE classes will be conducted outdoors whenever possible. Appropriate social distancing measures will be followed.
• Music, PE, and Art equipment will be sanitized regularly.
• Technology equipment will be cleaned regularly.
Elementary Campus Events
• No in-person assemblies will be held in the fall.
• Meet the teacher, open house, parent conferences, etc. will be held as come-and-go events.
• A limited number of parents will be allowed to attend class parties and performances.
• Facility use by outside organizations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Consideration will be given to organizations that are able to commit to guidelines for limiting exposure to the virus. Additional cleaning fees may be required.
Outdoor & Off-Campus Student Activities
● Campuses will limit students from leaving campus after school prior to travel or the start of extra-curricular or co-curricular activities if needed.
On-Campus Activities
● Any school-wide events that are approved to be held on campus need to adhere to social distancing requirements outlined by VVISD, TEA, and UIL. (Examples: grade level pep rallies, assemblies, performances, etc.)
● To limit larger gatherings, campus club meetings should be held virtually when possible. If meeting in person is required, groups should utilize larger meeting spaces or multiple meeting opportunities will be provided.
Extra-Curricular Programming
Cheer
● Practices and performances will be conducted following safety protocols provided by guidance from VVISD, UIL, and TEA. This will include COVID screening, group sizes, sharing and sanitizing of equipment, locker room usage, etc.
Athletics
● Athletic practices and contests will be conducted following safety protocol provided by guidance from VVISD, UIL, and TEA. This will include COVID screening, group sizes, sharing and sanitizing of equipment, locker room usage, etc.
● Hand sanitizing stations will be in gym facilities and equipment will be sanitized on a regular basis.
● Locker room use will be determined by TEA/UIL. If locker rooms can be accessed, all locker room space will be utilized to follow social distancing guidelines.
● Bus travel will follow transportation guidelines provided by VVISD and TEA.
● Spectator attendance at games and contests may be limited based on TEA and UIL guidelines. Ticketing for events may be utilized to control the capacity of facilities.
● Postgame sign-out procedures for athletes will be communicated to parents prior to the beginning of each season.
● Event procedures will be in place to minimize face-to-face interactions.
● Separate entrances and exits may be utilized and event doors may be propped open to minimize physical contact with handles.
● Spectator seats may be marked and/or configured in a way to enforce social distancing.
● Concessions and/or concession sales may be limited to encourage social distancing and to follow health and safety guidelines.
Fine Arts
● Large group practice sessions, sectionals, and rehearsals will adhere to social distancing guidelines provided by an authorized entity (e.g., VVISD, TEA, UIL, etc.)
● Off-campus fine arts performances will only be conducted if specific guidance is provided by an authorized entity (e.g., VVISD, TEA, UIL, etc.)
● Concerts/performances may be adjusted based on health and safety guidelines provided by an authorized entity (e.g., VVISD, TEA, UIL, etc.) including but not limited to transportation procedures, number of attendees, and the orientation of concerts.
● Booster club meetings should be held virtually to minimize outside exposure to campuses.
Remote Instruction Information
Remote instruction will be available only for students who are in quarantine. Families who are interested in remote instruction options for students in grades 3-12 are encouraged to visit https://tea.texas.gov/academics/learning-support-and-programs/texas-virtual-school-network
Remote instruction may be virtual or may consist of work sent home/communicated with the student/family. The format will be based on the particular course. An administrator will communicate with the family regarding the format of instruction during quarantine periods
Role of Families with Quarantined Students
Student
● Follow the designated schedule communicated by their teacher to complete asynchronous activities assigned
● Participate in learning through video of class time if available
● Students should take responsibility for advocating for themselves and communicate with the teacher when needing additional assistance, tutoring, etc.
● Turn in schoolwork at the direction of the assigned teacher
● Responsible for participation in the lesson
● Complete asynchronous activities assigned each day
● Students show proof of participation in daily remote learning by satisfactorily completing assignments to demonstrate evidence of student learning i.e., video, picture, or activities submitted as lessons and/or completing assignments.
Parent
● Facilitate academic support and encouragement as a learning partner to motivate and guide your child throughout the school year in your role as a learning coach
● Ensure your child is on track with assignments and coursework
● Provide your child with assistance on their day-to-day activities except for designated independent work
● Assist in supporting your child’s needs by establishing and managing the daily schedule communicated by the teacher
● Consider creating a designated learning space for your child at home to learn comfortably
● Maintain communication with your child’s teacher by phone, email messages, and/or online meetings to create a learning partnership
● Help your child own with their learning. Provide support and encouragement and expect your children to do their part. Struggling is allowed and encouraged! Don’t help too much. Becoming independent takes lots of practice.
● Helping a child stay involved in learning while quarantined will help his/her transition back to the regular school day and improve the chances he/she is on track with learning
Instructional Delivery
The goal for virtual learning is to allow for continued instruction during quarantine while acknowledging the additional challenges that come without traditional, face-to-face classroom learning. Valley View ISD is aware of and understands the difficulties faced by students and families and assures families that educational decisions are built to support all populations of students.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will we use Remote Learning?
Remote learning will be used when school is closed due to COVID, a student is quarantined due to COVID, or inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. Remote learning days may be added to the regular school calendar in an effort to prepare students and staff for longer school closures.
What procedures will be used to determine if school is closed due to COVID-19?
Valley View ISD will work with the State and County Department of Health officials, State Department of Education, and CDC to determine the need for school closure.
How can you help?
● Donations of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, masks, spray bottles, no-touch thermometers, and additional school supplies would be helpful at each site.
● Taking your child’s temperature daily prior to them leaving the house.
● Keeping students home if they exhibit any symptoms of any illness.
● Keeping students quarantined for 10 days if they have had any exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID.
● Preparing your home and child with supplies and devices for remote learning if possible and feasible.
● Letting your child’s teacher or school know if you need assistance with internet access, devices, or meals.
● Provide transportation to and from school for your child to allow for more space on buses.
● Be supportive of your child’s teachers and the school