Big Red Community: Belton ISD teachers and staff are excited to welcome our students back to the classroom on August 18. While we are preparing for an exceptional school year, COVID-19 remains a public health concern that we are monitoring closely.
One of the many things last year showed us was how powerful the partnership between schools and families is. Together we implemented prevention and mitigation measures that were responsive to an evolving health crisis and proved to be effective in keeping schools open for face-to-face learning.
A few days ago we asked for your input through a ThoughtExchange to answer what district leaders should keep in mind when planning for the new school year. The top responses included the importance of treating each other with kindness despite differing opinions along with ensuring we implement prevention and mitigation strategies that we can control.
Taking these thoughts into account along with guidance from the Texas Education Agency, the CDC and local health organizations, we have revised our COVID-19 Response Plan for the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.
The district will begin the school year in Scenario 3 which includes enhanced safety precautions such as increased hand washing, cleaning and sanitizing, distancing when practical and reinforcing that those who are sick should stay home. You can read the full details about prevention and mitigation measures in Scenario 3 at www.bisd.net/responseplan. Below are highlights:
Masks
Wearing masks is highly recommended but not required. As a district, we encourage families to make informed decisions in consultation with their healthcare provider. We expect students and staff to respect the individual choices on this decision.
Contact Tracing & Notifications
Belton ISD will contact trace and provide notifications to any identified close contacts. In addition, the district will again provide campus notifications and an online Active Case Dashboard beginning on the first day of school.
Virtual Learning
We do not have a virtual learning option available at this time. We will continue to look for ways to address the operational and fiscal challenges of offering this as a choice for our families.
We will continue to monitor conditions, communicate updates and look forward to seeing students Wednesday morning.
