COVID creates new learning environment

COVID+creates+new+learning+environment

Abby Freeman and Caraline Otte

Chapel Hill ISD implemented extra safety precautions to start off the 2020-2021 school year. The goal is to keep staff, students, and their families as safe as possible. Parents who are uncomfortable sending their child to school are able to take advantage of a Remote Learning platform. Students will utilize the Edgenuity and iCEV curriculums through their individually issued laptops.

All students and staff will be screening for COVID-19 symptoms regularly. Individuals who present symptoms will be separated and sent home. The Screening Protocol will involve staff who are required to self-screen for symptoms prior to reporting to work each day. Parents and guardians are expected to screen their students for symptoms at home. Teachers will monitor students and refer to the nurse if COVID-19 symptoms are present. All students and staff will be required to wear face masks and sanitize their hands throughout the day. Faculty and Staff will sanitize the building throughout the day as well.

“Lots of changes. We are excited to welcome everyone back to the 2020 – 2021 school year,” said Principal Jason Caldwell. “Great things are happening at Chapel Hill High school.”

Teachers will ensure that at least two daily assignments are entered in the gradebook each week that are comparable between face-to-face students and remote learners. They will also have at least two assessments entered in the gradebook, for each six weeks, that are comparable between face-to-face students and remote learners. Parents and Guardians will ensure his or her student(s) will complete daily assignments to meet student engagement requirements as defined by T.E.A. (the Texas Education Agency). They will maintain communication with their child’s teachers by phone, email, and/or online meetings to create a learning partnership between the student and the school.

“Our curriculum team has provided instruction for those who want to change learning platforms at the end of the Six Weeks,” said Superintendent Lamond Dean. “You can find the link to our CHISD commitment form on our district website.”

Students will complete assignments that are due daily and/or at teacher discretion just like the face-to-face classroom. They will engage with schoolwork for an amount equivalent to the requirement of face-to-face students which will count as their daily attendance.

Students will remain in one or the other instructional models until the end of each six-week grading period. If students wish to switch learning platforms for the next six weeks, they must fill out the commitment form by Friday, Sept. 18th.