With two tiers of students already on campus, an additional group of students will be welcomed today. All students who selected “in person” learning will return to THE NEST on a hybrid schedule to ensure social distancing. Additional protocols and guidelines will be in place, including mandatory mask usage and daily health screenings. These are all meant to keep a safe and healthy environment for staff and students.
NISD has taken guidance from the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Center of Disease Control and created a playbook. The playbook, which is available on the NISD website, includes rules and regulations for buildings and schools in NISD.
“As we prepare for the 2020-2021 school year, guidelines are provided to help ensure a safe and healthy teaching and learning environment,” NISD Superintendent Brian Woods said.
Students began phasing in groups since starting September 8th. These groups go by specialized learners, early childhood learners, and then all other learners who chose in-person learning.
“I choose in person learning not really knowing how it would be like, but I am excited to go back into the classroom soon,” sophomore Sofia Brewster said.
As an example masks will be required to be worn by students and staff at all times. If a student does not have a mask available some will be provided. Masks on buses to and from the school building will be mandatory as well.
“I have already bought a couple of new masks for the year and I look forward to wearing them. Not only are they to keep everyone safe but they can be fashionable,” Brewster said.
In addition to masks, students will be expected to socially distance during classes, passing periods and all three lunch shifts. Everyday schedules will be hybrids meaning some students will be in the class and some online. Students with last names A-L will go in person Monday,Wednesday, and Friday. Students with the last name M-Z will go Tuesday and Thursday. This will result in half of students being present on campus and allow for social distancing in classrooms. Three lunch periods (4th, 5th and 6th) will allow for social distancing during lunch. This means fewer students during each period and only limited gatherings between students while eating.
“I am curious to see how the actual class will be with all these new protocols but I do feel extra secure knowing that we will follow them,” Brewster said.
Hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the campus. Students will be heavily encouraged to sanitize and wash hands as much as possible to help prevent the spread of any viral elements.
“I look forward to this year and all that is coming with it even if it is a little different,” Brewster said.