text: McMullen County ISD - 2020-2021 MCISD School Year Information
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  2020-2021 MCISD School Year Information
  Dear Parents, (FFA Banquet/Ceremony)
  The number of COVID-19 lab confirmed cases in our area remains low and continues to decline. While we still need to be watchful and vigilant, we would like to start taking strides to get things closer to normal as we approach the end of our school year. It is our intent at MCISD to allow parents whenever possible to be a part of their child's education.
  Tomorrow, May 19, 2021, the school has scheduled an FFA banquet/ceremony at 4:00 for MCISD students who are a member of our FFA program. Due to concerns related to the number of students who will be attending the event and the uncertainty of our local COVID-19 situation, we had the event a live-streamed only event. At the time, I am pleased to announce that we are extending an invitation to each student to invite 2 people to attend the event in person.
  Parents will not need to check into the office, simply enter the gym through the back entrance (East side of the gym). Parents will be asked to wear a facemask into the gym but you will be allowed to remove the facemask once you are seated. Each family is asked to have one chair between each family. If you or a family member are showing a symptom of COVID-19 such as fever or chills, a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, sore throat, or diarrhea, please do not enter the gym.
  We know that this announcement is short notice, but we are excited that current COVID-19 active case numbers have allowed us to make this change in our scheduled programing.
  Principal McMullen County ISD
  Dear Parents, (UIL Banquet/Ceremony)
  Tomorrow, May 19, 2021, the school has scheduled a UIL banquet/ceremony at 1:00 for MCISD students who have competed in a UIL event this year. UIL events include all athletic competitions, One Act Play, UIL Congress, and Academic UIL. Due to concerns related to the number of students who will be attending the event and the uncertainty of our local COVID-19 situation, we had the event a live-streamed only event. At the time, I am pleased to announce that we are extending an invitation to each student to invite 2 people to attend the event in person.
  Dear Parents, (8th Grad Graduation)
  This Thursday we will have our 8th grade graduation for the current 8th grade students and the 9th grade students who missed out on the ceremony their 8th grade year. The ceremony is scheduled for approximately 9:00 am on Thursday, May 20th and it will last for about 20 minutes. The event will begin at the conclusion of the Pre-K graduation. The event will be live streamed.
  To make this event even more special for our students and to start taking strides toward a more normal educational environment we are deviating from our original plan of making this event a live-streamed only event, and are now allowing our 8th grade and 9th grade students the opportunity to invite 2 guests. No tickets will be issued, instead the school will operate on the honor system.
  Parents who would like to attend the 8th grade graduation should report to the East entrance of the New Gym. When all parents have excited the venue after the Pre-K graduation we will allow parents into the New Gym for the 8th grade graduation. Please do not come into the gym until an administrator has gone to the door and given the "all clear" for the next group to enter.
  Parents will be asked to wear a facemask into the gym but you will be allowed to remove the facemask once you are seated. If you or a family member is showing a symptom of COVID-19 such as fever or chills, a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, sore throat, or diarrhea, please do not enter the gym.
  Dear Parents, (High School Graduation)
  This Friday we will have our McMullen County ISD Graduation/Commencement exercises honoring our seniors, the Class of 2021. Graduation ceremonies will begin at 5:00 pm and be followed by a parade led by our local police department and emergency services.
  To make this event even more special for our seniors and to start taking strides toward a more normal educational environment, we are deviating from our original plan of allowing seniors only six tickets and are now allowing each senior to invite 10 people. Tickets will be needed for people who are sitting in "prime seating" areas but the honor system will be used for the additional four guests.
  Parents will need to enter the gym through the back entrance (East side of the gym). Parents will be asked to wear a facemask into the gym but you will be allowed to remove the facemask once you are seated. If you or a family member are showing a symptom of COVID-19 such as fever or chills, a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, sore throat, or diarrhea, please do not enter the gym.
  On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, MCISD will host our annual Field Day for students in PK-6th grade classes. Field day for all grades will be at the track and will begin at 8:30 am with an expected conclusion at 11:00am.
  Parents and guests are invited to field day. We are asking our parents and guests to wear masks. Parents and guests may come onto the field and watch and observe your student compete. If you would like to check out your child after they participate, please sign-out your student with their classroom teacher.
  Field Day is an outside event and early weather forecasts are indicating a chance for rain. If it is raining or not appropriate to go to the track, we will cancel the event. If the ground is just muddy, we will cancel the field event portion and just do running events. If weather forces us to cancel the event, we will send out notice to parents on our school messaging software either Tuesday afternoon or early Wednesday morning.
  Joe Timms,
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that one elementary student was lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. The student was last on campus Friday, May 7, 2021.
  All students and faculty members that have met the definition of close contact with the individuals have been contacted and asked to self-quarantine in accordance with the McMullen County ISD 2020-2021 Reentry Plan found on the district website, www.mcisd.us.
  I would ask all parents and stakeholders to read the reentry plan carefully. The plan will change frequently as new guidance and recommendations are communicated from state and local health care leaders. The plan describes the processes being used by the staff and students to control the spread of the disease. To this point, staff and students have done a good job at adhering to the COVID-19 protocols across campus. COVID-19 is prevalent throughout our world and it would be an unrealistic expectation to say that COVID-19 will never have a presence in the school building. The plan is designed to limit the amount of the virus on campus by:
  Having staff and students self-screen themselves every day,
  Aggressively sending people home who have been in close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive or in close contact with the individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19.
  And by limiting visitors to campus.
  On the occasions where the COVID-19 virus comes into the building, the plan is designated to limit the spread of the virus to other students by:
  Students and staff wearing face coverings
  Frequent hand sanitizing and washing
  Educating students about proper safety procedures
  Cleaning of seats, desks, tables, and equipment of each use
  Thorough and drastic cleaning of the building and classrooms
  Aggressively self-isolating students and staff
  Compartmentalizing grade levels and secondary and elementary campuses
  While we do not have reason to believe that those who were not in close contact with the infected individual have reason to be concerned, we ask that you, as always, watch for symptoms of COVID-19. The school will monitor students on campus closely.
  New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (or, for students with a
  chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline);
  If you or any member of the McMullen County ISD community begins experiencing any of these symptoms in a way that is not typical, we encourage you to contact your physician. We encourage anyone in the McMullen County ISD community who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 to please notify our school by contacting Jason Jones, Superintendent, McMullen County ISD at (361) 274-2000 or by email at admin@mcisd.us
  If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to administration at admin@mcisd.us or visit our website at www.mcisd.us.
  Superintendent, McMullen County ISD
  Throughout the year, our elementary and junior high students have been working hard preparing for Academic UIL contests. Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in our surrounding areas, the original Academic UIL meet scheduled for December was postponed. While waiting for a new date to be set for Academic UIL, our students have continued to practice and prepare.
  In honor of these students' hard work, May 14, 2021 is being changed on our calendar and will become a student holiday. On this day, MCISD will host a small Academic UIL meet for our elementary and junior high students. Only elementary and junior high students who are competing in Academic UIL will be on campus that day.
  Buses will run on May 14th, but will only pick up students who are competing in, or working at, the Academic UIL meet. The school calendar has been updated to reflect this change in schedule.
  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at (361) 274-2000, or email me at jtimms@mcisd.us.
  Tomorrow, February 23, 2021, our boy's basketball team will be traveling to Moulton, Texas, to battle Calvert in a basketball playoff game. The game will be at 6:00pm. In order to allow our students, parents, and faculty to travel to the game safely, MCISD will dismiss school at 3:00.
  Please make arrangements to pick up your child at school or at the bus stop 40 minutes earlier than the normal time.
  McMullen County ISD will close our building Wednesday, February 17, 2021 through Friday, February 19, 2021 due to bad weather and expected rolling blackouts by Karnes Electric. After today there will be no attempt at remote instruction for Wednesday through Friday. Please stay warm and safe.
  McMullen County ISD will close our building Tuesday, February 16, 2021 due to bad weather and expected rolling blackouts by Karnes Electric. Our teachers will put instructional material online for students on Tuesday but they will work with students and families who are experiencing power outages.
  Please have your child log onto their learning management system (Google Classroom or SeeSaw) to get your assignments for Tuesday.
  If you are experiencing power outages, please just try and get your assignment done, sometime during the school day.
  If our school closure extends to Wednesday and possibly Thursday, teachers will attempt to have virtual classes at their regular designated times. Once again, assignments will be posted on Google Classroom or SeeSaw.
  If you experience technical difficulties please email your teacher and let them know what problem you are having.
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that one secondary student was lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 and was last present at McMullen County ISD on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that two elementary students were lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 and were last present at McMullen County ISD on Friday, February 5, 2021.
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that an elementary student was lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 and was last present at McMullen County ISD on Thursday, January 28, 2021.
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that a secondary student was lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 and was last present at McMullen County ISD on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that one secondary student was lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. The student was last on campus Thursday, 12/17/2020.
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that two elementary students were lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. One student was last on campus Tuesday, December 15, 2020, and the other student was last on campus Thursday, 12/17/2020.
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that two secondary students were lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. One student was last on campus Tuesday, December 15, 2020, and the other student was last on campus 12/17/2020.
  As we enter our Christmas break, we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the beginning of a New Year. The Thanksgiving Break brought the COVID-19 virus back to our community and we would ask that each of you do all that you can to minimize risks to yourselves, to your family, and the children. We are looking forward to a strong and productive spring semester and we would like every student participating from inside the school building.
  Over the break should your child or anyone in your family test positive for COVID-19, or your child have direct contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive, please contact the school to let us know so that we may begin an accurate timeline for your student's return. You may contact the school at admin@mcisd.us. We will check our email regularly to most accurately monitor the situation.
  If you or any member of the McMullen County ISD community begins experiencing any of these symptoms in a way that is not typical, we encourage you to contact your physician. We encourage anyone in the McMullen County ISD community who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 to please notify our school by contacting Jason Jones, Superintendent, McMullen County ISD by email at admin@mcisd.us
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that two students (one secondary and one elementary) were lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. The students were last on campus Friday, December 4, 2020. The elementary student was last on campus Wednesday, December 9th.
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that two faculty members were lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 and were present at McMullen County ISD on Thursday, December 3, 2020.
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that a faculty member was lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 and was present at McMullen County ISD on Wednesday, December 2, 2020.
  All students and faculty members that have met the definition of close contact with the individual have been contacted and asked to self-quarantine in accordance with the McMullen County ISD 2020-2021 Reentry Plan found on the district website, www.mcisd.us.
  The school building has been cleaned and we will have school as normal beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, December 8, 2020. School will start at 7:59am and end at the normal time, 3:40pm. Due to an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in our surrounding area, teachers and students will wear face coverings during class and throughout the day except when eating and when outside.
  If you or any member of the McMullen County ISD community begins experiencing any of these symptoms in a way that is not typical, we encourage you to contact your physician.
  We encourage anyone in the McMullen County ISD community who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 to please notify our school by contacting Jason Jones, Superintendent, McMullen County ISD at (361) 274-2000 or by email at admin@mcisd.us
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 today. One staff member was last on campus on 12/2/2020 and the other staff member was last on campus on 11/20/2020.
  Due to staffing issues and out of an abundance of caution, McMullen County ISD will close the main building on Friday December 4, 2020 and again on Monday December 7, 2020. The building is being closed so that we can thoroughly clean all surfaces and to monitor the situation for further developments.
  The closure is primarily due to staffing concerns and a need to make sure that due diligence is applied in making sure that we have cleaned all surfaces thoroughly and completely. Students in Dual Credit classes, agriculture classes, and athletics may come up to the building to test,practice, and compete once their respective teachers and/or coaches have contacted them that their areas have been cleaned and sanitized.
  Because of the short notice and our inability to get needed materials to our students, there will be no online instruction during this cleaning period. School will be scheduled to resume on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at our regular time.
  While we have no reason to believe anyone else associated with MCISD has been exposed to COVID-19, we ask that you, as always, watch for symptoms of COVID-19. Please contact the school via email at admin@mcisd.us, if you or anyone in your family shows any symptoms during this short break. McMullen County ISD will continue to follow all COVID-19 safety Procedures.
  If you or any member of the McMullen County ISD community begins experiencing any of these symptoms in a way that is not typical, we encourage you to contact your physician. We encourage anyone in the McMullen County ISD community who is lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive to please notify our school by contacting Jason Jones, Superintendent, McMullen County ISD at (361) 274-2000 or by email at admin@mcisd.us.
  Due to our current restrictions, we will be looking at moving JH/Elem. UIL academics to a date in early February. The exact date will be decided soon.
  Since we are moving that event, we are altering our scheduled December date. The calendar change is as follows:
  Wednesday, December 9th will no longer be a student holiday/Teacher work day. It will be a regular school day.
  Thursday, December 17th will now become an early release day at noon. Mr. Timms will be releasing an exam schedule that reflects this change.
  Friday, December 18th will now become a staff workday and student holiday.
  McMullen County ISD will reopen the elementary campus on Monday, August 31, 2020 for all grades, PK-6. At this time, we believe it is safe for all grade levels to return to campus to resume in-person instruction.
  While the elementary side of the building has been closed this week, the school has thoroughly cleaned all classrooms and common areas. MCISD has also reviewed our COVID-19 Re-Entry Plan and made adjustments to further reduce opportunities for exposure to students and staff. Adjustments to the MCISD COVID-19 Re-Entry plan will be made continuously throughout the year as we gain in experience and face new situations. The CDC has also changed guidance related to students being out for self-isolation. You are highly encouraged to read the MCISD COVID-19 Re-Entry plan found on our website at www.mcisd.us. Simply click the blue "Here" in the pop-up window that appears.
  MCISD continues to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 exposure by students and staff. We are in direct conversation with students and staff who are sick or exposed to the COVID-19 virus. McMullen County administration will continue to notify parents when we have a confirmed COVID-19 person on campus and we will be quick to make decisions that protect the safety of our students and staff. Decisions regarding closing a campus or self-isolating a group of students will be made on a case-by-case basis based on the level of concern of direct exposure.
  We all need to have a healthy fear of COVID-19 and its impact on our students, staff, and families. MCISD also has a real concern for the educational gaps created by long lasting remote-learning and its impact on our students and their futures. As a district, we will continue to be aggressive and proactive in preventing or limiting the spread of the virus on campus, but we will remain firm on making sure our students have a top quality education that prepares them for their future.
  We ask all parents to be vigilante in making sure that your child or children are self-checked every day for signs of the virus. We ask all parents to please contact the school if you have any concerns, especially concerns about symptoms your child (or a family member) is exhibiting. We are all battling this virus and for the benefit of your child's education and opportunities, it is important that we battle this virus with solidarity. Unsubstantiated rumors and social media speculation can create undue fear amongst our students and parents and could potentially harm children and families. It also poses a risk to our investigative process by slowing it down or causing people to be less forthcoming with vital information.
  Please know that unless you hear from Mr. Jones, Mr. Timms, or Mr. Trudeau any rumor is merely speculation. We contact all people who are found to be in direct contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed to be COVID-19 positive. There are a lot of factors that will determine the level of risk or exposure. With the safety measures being taken in the building by the custodians, the teachers, and the students, the risk of peer-to-peer transmission is greatly reduced in most situations.
  We encourage parents to have an open line of communication with the school regarding COVID-19 symptoms and concerns related to instruction. We also encourage parents to please be prompt in reporting confirmed cases.
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that a student in the elementary was test-confirmed to have COVID-19 and was present at McMullen County ISD on Friday, 8/21/2020.
  While we do not have reason to believe that those who were not in close contact with the infected individual have reason to be concerned, we ask that you, as always, watch for symptoms of COVID-19. The school will monitor students on campus closely. McMullen County ISd will continue to follow all COVID-19 safety procedures. If your child has any of the following symptoms please contact the school.
  O Temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when taken by mouth;
  If you or any member of the McMullen County ISD community begins experiencing any of these symptoms in a way that is not typical, we encourage you to contact your physician. We encourage anyone in the McMullen County ISD community who is test-confirmed to have COVID-19 to please notify our school by contacting Jason Jones, Superintendent, McMullen County ISD at (361) 274-2000 or by email at admin@mcisd.us
  Updates to Re-Entry Plan (as of Aug. 26)
  All staff should wear a face mask while walking around students' desks or anytime they are elevated over students and not at an appropriate distance from the students.
  Teachers who are sitting at the same level (elevation of students) of students may wear a face shield.
  Students or staff who have prolonged exposure with a COVID-19 positive individual or with someone who has symptoms associated with COVID-19 and has not been tested will be sent home if they are at school and will be expected to self-isolate:
  allows individuals who may have been infected with COVID-19 to recover while trying not to infect others. Based on medical professionals' understanding of how long an individual is infectious after fever and other symptoms disappear,
  self-isolation can end when a symptomatic or lab-confirmed individual meets all three of the following conditions for return to school:
  At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery, which is defined as no longer having a fever (measured when you are not taking fever-reducing medicine like Advil, Tylenol, or aspirin) And,
  They have significant improvement of their other symptoms (such as cough or shortness of breath) And,
  Additions to self isolation protocols:
  If a student or staff member receives a negative test but there is a person living in the house who has received a positive COVID-19 test, the person who tested negative would remain in self-isolation for the duration of 14 days beginning on the date the lab confirmed case of COVID-19 was tested.
  It is highly encouraged that the student or staff member who is sent home for direct contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 be tested:
  When they first begin self-isolation to determine possible exposure to other people while in the school.
  On day 8 of self-isolation to ensure that the virus was not contracted while in self-isolation.
  Note: Testing on day 8 would allow time for the test results to be revealed before ending the 10 day self isolation period.
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that an elementary faculty member was lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 and was present at McMullen County ISD on Thursday, August 20, 2020.
  Aggressively sending people home who have been in close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive or in close contact the individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19.
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that three students in the elementary were lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 and were present at McMullen County ISD on Friday, 8/21/2020.
  Out of an abundance of caution, McMullen County ISD will close the building to elementary students Pre-K through 6th grade for the week of 8/24/20 through 8/28/20. Students in grades Pre-K through 6th grade will begin remote instruction beginning Monday morning and will do remote lessons through Friday. Teachers will have lessons available to students Monday, 8/24/20, and will work with families if they need to retrieve devices or textbooks from school from which to do their school work. Teachers will reach out to the families of students on Monday morning to answer questions and navigate instruction for the week.
  While we have no reason to believe anyone else was in close contact with these individuals we ask that you, as always, watch for symptoms of COVID-19. The school will monitor students on campus closely. McMullen County ISD will continue to follow all COVID-19 safety procedures. If your child has any of the following symptoms please contact the school.
  If you or any member of the McMullen County ISD community begins experiencing any of these symptoms in a way that is not typical, we encourage you to contact your physician. We encourage anyone in the McMullen County ISD community who is lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive to please notify our school by contacting Jason Jones, Superintendent, McMullen County ISD at (361) 274-2000 or by email at admin@mcisd.us
  Jason Jones, Superintendent, McMullen County ISD
  McMullen County ISD COVID-19 Parent Resource
  A student or staff member may be sent home and asked to self-isolate from the school if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or when a student has been identified as being in direct contact with an individual who has already been diagnosed as COVID-19 positive or someone who has COVID-19 symptoms.
  Being put in quarantine by the school is a precautionary measure meant to stop the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
  Note: Online instruction begins when a student is sent home for the above reasons.
  When can a person who is self-isolating return to school?
  A student in self-isolation must meet all of the following conditions for return to school:
  24 hours with no fever and no fever reducing medication.
  14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared
  The duration of the 14 day quarantine is complete whereby the person never exhibited symptoms.
  Obtain an acute infection test at an approved testing location (https://tdem.texas.gov/covid-19/) that comes back negative for COVID-19. A description of approved tests and local locations that administer approved tests are listed below.
  It is highly encouraged that the the person who is sent home for direct contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 be tested:
  When the person first begins self-isolation to determine possible exposure to other people while in the school.
  On day 10 of self-isolation to ensure that the virus was not contracted while in self-isolation.
  Note: Testing on day 10 would allow time for the test results to be revealed before ending the 14 day self isolation period.
  Blood tests will not be accepted as valid test results for the purpose of returning to school.
  Acute tests are tests that use a nasal swab and target Molecular testing which is deemed much more accurate.
  Only Acute tests are acceptable for returning back to school. The acute test, however, could take more than one day.
  Types of Acute tests:
  Any acute test that is a molecular test no matter if it is a rapid read test or a test that may take a couple of hours or even days for a result. The provider will determine which test is right for you by following a specific algorithm and determine which molecular test is appropriate for each individual. Remember to make sure they are using a MOLECULAR test and not an antigen test.
  Testing Sites: The following is a list of testing sites within 45 miles of Tilden that are using a Molecular test.
  Atascosa Health Center 803-567-2527
  McMullen County Health Center 361-274-2860
  Live Oak Health Center
  Medina Regional
  Karnes Community Hospital
  Centro Med - San Antonio 210-223-5970
  CVS - 2801 Nogalitos
  103 SW Military
  Alamo City Urgent Care 210-941-282
  Please make sure you ask if it is a MOLECULAR test so that we can accept the results.
  How long after direct exposure must a person wait to be tested?
  A person should wait 72 hours or 3 days before being tested after direct exposure.
  Education Rights – COVID 19
  In keeping with McMullen County ISD's practices to respond to COVID-19, we are notifying all student families that two students in their teens were lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 and were present at McMullen County ISD on Friday, 8/14/2020.
  While we do not have reason to believe that those who were not in close contact with the infected individuals have reason to be concerned, we ask that you, as always, watch for symptoms of COVID-19. The school will monitor students on campus closely. McMullen County ISd will continue to follow all COVID-19 safety procedures. If your child has any of the following symptoms please contact the school.
  Parents/Guardians of McMullen County ISD Students:
  I would like to invite you to attend our virtual welcome back meeting set for Monday August 10, 2020 at 4 pm. The Administration will take a few minutes to expand on a few key details in relation to school start-up. Our start-up plan is on this page for you to view. Please take a minute to read through each page if you haven't done so. This plan will continue to grow and change as more information is received from local and state officials, so please continue to review each day as it pertains to your child.
  Below is the meeting information. The link below is available on our website or you can type it in on your computer.
  MCISD Superintendent is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
  Topic: McMullen County ISD 2020-2021 School Start Information
  Time: Aug 10, 2020 04:00 PM Central Time
  https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74673793261?pwd=V1FRb2UxdGt1SU11RkF1MytFMUhUdz09
  Meeting ID: 746 7379 3261
  Passcode: FsdTa8
  In an effort to address questions you may have, please submit them to admin@mcisd.us. We ask that you submit those to us by noon on Monday August 10th. We will do our best to have answers to each question prepared for the 4 pm virtual meeting.
  I want to personally welcome each of you to the 2020-2021 school year at McMullen County ISD. The rich tradition of excellence at McMullen County ISD carries forward as we welcome our students back into the building to begin the new school year.
  To begin the new school year, COVID-19 continues to be a factor across the nation and the state. McMullen County ISD administration has closely followed updates from state and local leaders and health professionals throughout the summer and will continue to do so during the year. Based on the mountains of information that we have gathered, it is our belief that our students and staff can return to the school building while still experiencing a safe environment from which to learn.
  MCISD prides itself on being a nurturing environment that works diligently to develop leaders who are successful in the competitive world after high school. The data indicates that being in school with in-person instruction leads to the best social, emotional, and educational outcomes for students. The American Academy of Pediatrics has made a statement supporting on-campus instruction for students in the coming year. Students need to be in school. With the safety measures being implemented, we believe students can still move forward with their education in an environment that stimulates growth while minimizing risks associated with COVID-19.
  Safety of our staff and students is our number one priority. As such, there will be a number of procedural and systemic changes to how we operate. A detailed account of the MCISD Re-Entry Plan can be accessed from our school web-page at www.mcisd.us. Please remember that the Re-Entry Plan is an ever-evolving document. As new information is made available, or as we learn more about what works and what doesn't, we will adjust the plan to maximize safety and efficiency. We ask that all parents to partner with the school to help us keep our students safe and our building open.
  Some of the most notable changes to start the new school year.
  The new school time will be 7:59 - 3:40
  No parent or outside person will be allowed in the building. We must keep our students and staff safe.
  Parents/Guardians should deliver and receive their child from their car at the circle.
  Parents/Guardians should not get out of their vehicle during pickup and drop off.
  Parents are highly encouraged to drive their child to school.
  Students need to come to school with a face covering.
  Parents need to do a wellness health screening of their child every day.
  If your child misses school, parents should pick up technology and assignments within 24 hours of the first absence.
  I know many of the procedural changes above are inconvenient and for that I am truly sorry. To me, the short term inconveniences will allow us to continue to move forward and give our children the best opportunities for success. It is my hope that one day soon we will get back to normal, but in the meantime please know that we will do all that we can to give your child the best and safest education possible.
  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at jtimms@mcisd.us or call the office at (361) 274-2000.
  2020-21 Food Service Parent Notification
  On behalf of the Food Service Department, I would like to welcome your child to the 2020-21 school year! As we start the new school year, there will be a few procedural changes to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
  First and foremost, it has always been the utmost priority for us to provide your children with the safest meal service possible and we will continue to do so!
  Due to Covid-19 the following are changes will be implemented to start the year:
  There will be a zero contact policy implemented (Examples: Elementary students need to bring water bottles with them, if they want water to drink for breakfast or lunch. We will be removing our water jug. JH/HS students may use fountains with our disposable cups but no refills)
  If your child brings a lunch from home, you will need to include everything the child will need in that lunchbox/bag. This will include the meal, a drink, condiments, utensils, napkins, and straws. These items will not be provided due to our no contact policy.
  If your child eats off our menu, we will be placing each item on plates/ trays for each student that moves through the lunch line. Students will receive their tray with zero contact!
  At this time, students will not be allowed to use a microwave at school. Please do not send any food items that need to be heated! We would like to encourage meals that do not need to be heated or send already heated food in a thermos that helps hold temperature.
  Parents are highly encouraged to deposit money into your child's account using the "Lunch Money Now" portal found on the district's website, www.mcisd.us. If you have your child pay for meals with cash or check then money needs to be in a zip lock bag with the students name. The money needs to be delivered to the cafeteria during breakfast or before school.
  Please trust that we only have your child's safety and best interests in mind. Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to a healthy and safe year! Please feel free to contact us with any questions
  Jason Jones, Superintendent
  Tracie Villalobos, Food Service Director
  COVID Symptom Letter
  We have all been through a rough five months. Some say we have a "new normal." I hope and pray this is not our reality. Honestly, I dislike that phrase very much. I want our students and our children to return to our "normal" here in McMullen County. We are privileged to have such an incredible foundation for our children's future.
  As you are aware, the symptoms for COVID-19 consist of a long list of very common symptoms that are consistent with many other illnesses. Please see the attached Wellness Survey for School Attendance. This survey outlines the TEA listed symptoms for COVID-19. This survey is to be completed by a parent or guardian for each student in the household. If these symptoms are present, please contact the school and do not send your child to school that day.
  If any of these symptoms develop throughout the school day, your child will be sent to the Nurse's Office for further evaluation. The student will be assessed for possible exclusion from class.
  Additional screening could be conducted for additional symptoms. This may include:
  Rash on back, chest and/or abdomen
  Swelling and redness in hands and feet
  Irritation and swelling of the mouth, lips and throat
  Any combination of any of the symptoms and the parent will be notified that the student needs to be picked up from school for further evaluation by a physician.
  We are asking that every parent have a plan for a quick pick up for your child from school in the event they need to be excused. Please make sure that you have a personal plan that you are willing to share that will include alternate contacts and accurate phone numbers.
  April S. Smith, R.N.
  Wellness Survey for School Attendance
  Re-Entry Plan Updates (Aug. 5, 2020)
  Screening of Students:
  A student that is feeling feverish or has a measured temperature of 100 or higher should not go to a school site. Students and adults should also screen themselves for symptoms such as Loss of taste or smell, Cough, Difficulty breathing, Shortness of breath, Fatigue, Headache, Chills, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Shaking and exaggerated shivering, Significant muscle pain or ache, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting
  Staff and students must wear face coverings.
  Protocols for Face Coverings:
  Students: All students are required to wear masks when riding the bus, entering school during arrival, when leaving the school during dismissal, when transitioning during hallways (going to library, restroom, office or any other location than the classroom they came from).
  Group or pair work must be safely implemented while maintaining physical distancing. Facial coverings will be worn in grades PK-12 when appropriate.
  Re-Entry Plan Updates (July 29, 2020)
  Students or staff who have prolonged exposure with a COVID-19 positive individual will self-isolate:
  self-isolation can end when a symptomatic or lab-confirmed individual: Meets all three of the following conditions for return to school:
  24 hours with no fever;
  2020-2021 Vaccination Requirement
  The Department of State Health Services has given notices that all vaccines will be required for the 2020-2021 school year. Please see the School Health Page for a copy of the required vaccines. This applies to all students. Please pay special attention to students entering Pre-K,
  kindergarten, and 7th Grade.
  Re-Entry Plan - Fall 2020
  TEA Requirement: Provide Notice
  McMullen County ISD is providing notice to parents, families, and the community regarding back-to-school plans and instruction through this initial document. As further required, one week prior to the start of school, a plan to mitigate COVID-19 will be disseminated to all families and posted on the district and school websites. Preliminary information is posted in this guidance and is subject to change based on state and local decisions.
  COVID-19 Response Team – McMullen County ISD has developed a COVID-19 Response Team to respond to concerns and communicate district decisions. Members of the team and email addresses are noted below:
  Jason Jones jjones@mcisd.us Superintendent
  Joe Timms jtimms@mcisd.us Principal
  Joel Trudeau jtrudeau@mcisd.us Assistant Principal
  Shannon Taylor staylor@mcisd.us Athletic Director.
  April Smith asmith@mcisd.us District Nurse
  Tammy Taylor tataylor@mcisd.us Athletic Nurse
  Kelly James kjames@mcisd.us School Counselor
  The Start of the 2020-2021 School Year
  McMullen County ISD will begin the 2020-2021 school year with students in the building. The school start date will remain August 12, 2020. To begin the school year, students will be expected to report to school and go through our daily schedule, with no remote learning offered. Numerous safety precautions have been implemented to ensure the safety of our students and staff. It is our intention at MCISD to continue to provide the absolute best educational environment for our students during the COVID-19 crisis. We sincerely believe that we can mitigate risk factors associated with the COVID-19 virus while still preparing our students for their future.
  The plan below details procedures that we will use inside the building to mitigate risks. The plan also talks about contingencies that may arise during the fall semester that may require us to switch to partial or full remote learning options. The plan is meant to be detailed enough to describe basic precautions and expectations yet general enough to allow for flexibility in handling unforeseen circumstances.
  TEA Requirement: Continuity of Instruction
  This fall, McMullen County ISD will be implementing instructional practices to provide consistency across learning environments and ensure the safety of students and staff.
  Regardless of the learning environment, McMullen County ISD is committed to ensuring that students have an equitable experience and access to high quality instruction.
  Students will interact with instruction in two different environments (face-to-face and virtual/remote) making it necessary for teachers to plan instruction that is content-consistent, yet environment-specific to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students.
  Students will only be eligible for virtual/remote learning should the student be in quarantine, there is an underlying health issue that necessitates the student be away from other students, or the school building has been shut down.
  McMullen County ISD will utilize the strategies and best practices associated with blended learning to design learning activities for all students.
  Students regardless of learning environment, will engage in high quality learning experiences aligned to McMullen County ISD curriculum and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.
  Both the remote and face-to-face experience will utilize Google Classroom, provide similar expectations around coursework and follow the same grading guidelines.
  With all of the uncertainties related to COVID-19 and its effect on students, teachers, and community, McMullen County ISD teachers will implement changes to their instructional delivery and methods of assessment to ensure a high level of continuity regardless of variables that may arise.
  Teachers will utilize Google Classroom as a method of instructional delivery and assessment as a standard model in class throughout the year.
  Teachers will train the students at the beginning of the year on all aspects of google classroom, emails, e-curriculum resources, and methods of assessment.
  Teachers will provide training for parents to familiarize them with all expectations associated with online instruction.
  Teachers will utilize a flipped classroom approach for delivery of instruction for both in person and remote learning. In this model teachers will deliver lectures and introduction to materials as homework and utilize classroom time for guided and independent practice.
  For students who are quarantined due to COVID-19 staff will be assigned as online truancy monitors and will work with students and parents to ensure compliance with engagement expectations.
  Students and teachers will attend class in-person, five days a week, with additional safety measures in alignment with state and federal guidelines and recommendations.
  In this setting, teachers will provide face-to-face instruction, learning resources and support utilizing Google Classroom.
  District-directed safety procedures will be implemented.
  Grade 7-12 students will be assigned schedules based on their course selections made last spring.
  Remote learning will only be available should the student be in quarantine, there is an underlying health issue that necessitates the student be away from other students, or the school building has been shut down. tMcMullen County ISD Online school is a remote learning environment that will allow students to engage in high quality learning experiences, utilize McMullen County ISD instructional resources and meaningfully connect with their teachers and other students. Activities will be designed to meet the needs of the student in the online environment through differentiated instruction.
  Parents will support students as a "learning coach" and ensure they have access to a device, a place to work, and are engaged in virtual learning activities.
  We will ensure open lines of communication between teachers, students, and parents as we work to ensure each student is academically and socially-emotionally future ready.
  Teachers will utilize the same curriculum as students who attend face-to-face instruction.
  There will be elements of remote instruction that will be synchronous learning as well as components that will be considered asynchronous.
  Students in MCISD remote instruction will be assigned a virtual class schedule and must be available for live, synchronous instruction during each school day.
  McMullen County ISD student expectations for Remote learning:
  Students will follow McMullen County ISD dress code
  Students will participate in the class activities, discussions, and assignments.
  Students will participate in online classes and be responsible for asynchronous activities assigned each day.
  Technical difficulties during Remote Learning
  McMullen County ISD realizes that there are sometimes errors and issues in an online learning environment that are outside your control. Below are the expectations that should be followed should you have a technical difficulty during Remote learning.
  If you are having a problem with your internet, a zoom session, or accessing your chromebook/iPad you should:
  Email the teacher as soon as you are able and describe your issue.
  If you can not email, then call the school so that the teacher can be notified.
  Chromebook or iPad issue
  Notify the teacher as soon as you identify a problem
  If the issue is with your Chromebook or iPad then you can access google classroom via a cell phone.
  If you are having internet issues, try using a cell phones data plan to access the material on google classroom.
  Utilize the parking lot by the school playground for wifi access.
  Once you have notified your teacher of the problem, access the lecture or content from the missed class using google classroom.
  You will access the missed class at your next open time slot.
  You must watch your lecture and complete your work on the day it is assigned to be counted present for the day.
  While in a remote learning environment, time management is critical to success. Students and teachers must remain in communication regarding daily schedules and assignments. As with any traditional course, there is a risk of receiving a lower grade if a student falls behind. If students are struggling with time management, then the parent or student should contact the teacher for additional assistance. Remote learning schedules will be distributed before school starts should they be needed at any point during the year.
  Students who login to the McMullen County ISD learning environment each day and engage in teacher-assigned learning apps (including but not limited to google classroom) are considered "present" and will not be marked absent. Students who have not logged in by 9:30 am each school day will be marked absent. This attendance can be resolved if the student engages in dailying learning assigned by their teachers via google classroom by 11:59 pm that same day.
  Any absences recorded, but resolved by the student before 11:59 pm on the same day, will be reconciled based on login records of the school online learning platform.
  If a student is engaged in asynchronous learning and completes the entire week's worth of learning activities on Monday and does not log in for the remainder of the week, he/she will be marked "present" on Monday only and counted "absent" for Tuesday-Friday
  It is important that students understand the Remote Learning attendance is based on daily engagement, not solely the completion of assignments. State Law TEC 25.092 still requires students to attend 90% of their classes to receive credit and be promoted. Remote attendance will count in the same manner as an on-campus (face-to-face) attendance in satisfying this requirement.
  McMullen County Design for Remote Learning Grades PK-6
  Teachers will structure the instructional day to ensure there are enough minutes devoted to each subject area, chunked into some synchronous (live) times and some asynchronous times.
  Daily synchronous time may include activities such as:
  Interactive Read a Louds
  Community Circles/Check ins
  Direct Instruction by teacher (mini-lesson)
  Daily asynchronous assignments are to be completed independently. These may include activities such as:
  Student self-selected reading and writing
  Independent practice (home work)
  McMullen County Design for Remote Learning Grades 6-12
  Classes within this environment will follow the Jr. High/High School master schedule. McMullen County ISD will structure the students' schedule to require students to participate in synchronous and asynchronous learning.
  Teachers will structure the instructional day to follow their campus bell schedule.
  Within each course/subject teachers will plan for students to participate in synchronous and asynchronous learning.
  Some elective and dual credit courses may require the student to complete assignments or projects at the campus if the course requires assignments that cannot be reasonably completed remotely, e.g., welding, yearbook, ag leadership
  Students in grades 7-12 may be able to participate in on-campus classes for extra-curricular activities (in accordance with UIL requirements.)
  Role of Stakeholders within Virtual School Model
  Follows principles of McMullen County ISD's learner profile
  Intervention and Enrichment time will be scheduled daily for students to best meet their academic needs. During this time, students may engage in assigned group activities, project learning activities, small group instruction and digital platforms. Teachers will communicate with students their plan for the designated time.
  MCISD will distribute online instructional schedules at the beginning of the year, should it be needed during the school year.
  TEA Requirement: Instructional Minutes
  Instructional Minutes at McMullen County ISD 2020-2021
  McMullen County ISD will adjust the school day and increase the time students are on campus by 11 minutes per day. The new operating hours for MCISD students will be 7:59 - 3:40 every day. This increase of 11 minutes will reduce the likelihood the district will need to adjust the school calendar or lengthen the school year should the district need to shut down as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak on campus.
  For our parents, teachers, and students, the COVID-19 crisis presents a unique set of challenges for schools, students, and families. This is a nation wide crisis, As such, please remember that the safety of our students and staff is at the forefront of the plans detailed in this plan. As we set new policies and procedures to minimize risks to our students and staff, there may be differences between expectations listed in this plan and the general expectations and procedures described in the Student Handbook and beyond the general procedures that are typically implemented on campus. During the COVID-19 crisis the rules, regulations, and procedures detailed in the Re-Entry Plan will override the general expectations described in the Student Handbook should there be a conflict or difference in language or process.
  The COVID-19 crisis remains a dynamic event where the needs of our students, stakeholders, and community may change as we find out new information and adjust to new variables that arise. This plan is therefore meant to be an ever changing document that allows the district maximum flexibility to care for the health and wellbeing of our students and staff while ensuring that our students get the absolute best education possible.
  McMullen County ISD must identify and implement practices to prevent the virus from entering the school and mitigate or reduce the likely spread inside the school; therefore, district practices and guidelines have been established for various areas noted below:
  Per Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, initial monitoring of symptoms begins at home. Individuals who are feeling ill, including symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, abdominal pain, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, or loss of taste or smell should stay at home and consult with a medical professional regarding school participation.
  Screening of Staff:
  Staff will be required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms when reporting to work each day using a screening protocol that must be accessed when entering the building.
  Staff should check their temperatures daily at home before coming to work. Any temperature 100 degrees or higher the staff member should not go to school.
  Teachers and staff must report to the school system if they themselves have COVID-19 symptoms, are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, or if they have had prolonged exposure with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19.
  "Parents must ensure they do not send a child to school on campus if the child has COVID-19 symptoms (as listed in this document) or is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and instead should opt to receive remote instruction until the below conditions for re-entry are met. Parents may also opt to have their students receive remote instruction if their child has had prolonged exposure with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19 until the 14-day incubation period has passed. 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 if that parent will be dropping off or picking up their child from inside the school.
  Families are recommended to take temperatures daily before going to school. A student that is feeling feverish or has a measured temperature of 100 or higher should not go to a school site.
  Students and adults should also screen themselves for symptoms such as Loss of taste or smell, Cough, Difficulty breathing, Shortness of breath, Fatigue, Headache, Chills, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Shaking and exaggerated shivering, Significant muscle pain or ache, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting. prior to coming to school each day. Students and adults experiencing those symptoms should not attend school.
  Staff and students wear face coverings.
  Parents and visitors may have limited access to the school campus.
  Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to drive your own students to school each day.
  Staff should check their temperatures daily at home before coming to work. Anyone feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees or higher the staff member should not go to school.
  Parents and families know their child's health needs. While we are taking all measures to ensure each student's safety, parents must place their child's health needs first. Remote learning options are discussed later.
  Visitors are required to complete health screening to determine if they have any COVID-19 symptoms or have come into close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19 upon entry into the building.
  Protective measures, including the use of face coverings, will be determined by the level of disease activity of COVID-19.
  The District will rely on data from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and McMullen County Public Health to determine the disease activity level and utilize the appropriate protective measures for students and staff.
  Schools are expected to comply with the Governor's Executive Order for wearing masks/face coverings or face shields, where this is most developmentally appropriate.
  Face coverings include cloth masks, gaiters, face shields or anything else that provides covering over the nose and mouth.
  Students and staff are encouraged to provide their own personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE will be provided as needed to staff and students.
  All face coverings will fall under the student code of conduct and dress code.
  Face coverings should not have any messages on them
  Face coverings may be plain, solid colors, sports related, non offensive patterns, or school related.
  Absolutely no face covering should be worn that advertises drug or alcohol consumption.
  Face coverings should not be a distraction to the class or to the school.
  Administration will make final determination on the appropriateness of a face covering at school.
  If your child is told not to wear a certain face covering in school, they should put it away and a disposable face covering will be provided for that day.
  Adults: All adults are required to wear masks when in the building, classroom (unless doing instruction more than 6 feet away from students), and/or office with others.
  Exceptions to this requirement include lunch breaks with appropriate social distancing.
  Classroom teachers may use face shields and social distancing when providing direct instruction in the classroom. During classroom monitoring and circulations, masks are required.
  Teachers who are sitting at the same level (elevation of students) of students may wear a face shield
  Paraprofessionals, special education staff, and all personnel who travel to multiple rooms a day to deliver support or instruction should wear their masks when working with children.
  Exceptions to this requirement include during meals and other activities.
  Individual needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Requests for accommodations should be submitted to campus administration.
  Nurses will wear personal protective protective equipment (ppe) as the situation dictates.
  All visitors who enter the building will be required to wear a face covering.
  Individuals who proceed beyond the reception area will follow specific guidelines for visitors.
  All visitors will be subject to screening by way of a symptom screening form to determine if the visitors have COVID-19 symptoms or if the visitors are lab-confirmed with COVID-19 and to determine if visitors have had prolonged exposure with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19.
  Visitors and staff will maintain physical distancing for ARD and other meetings in smaller conference areas. Masks are required in all meetings. Following these meetings, the room will be cleaned.
  Protocols for Hand Sanitizing and Disinfecting/Cleaning
  Students and staff are required to use hand sanitizer when entering a bus, building, classroom, and/or office.
  Secondary students will be expected to clean their own desk and seating area every time they enter a new classroom.
  Students will have instruction on effective hand-washing and effective use of hand sanitizer.
  Frequent handwashing and sanitizing will also be incorporated in the daily schedules.
  Each classroom will be provided with sanitation kits that will be used during transitions.
  Buses, classrooms, and other common areas within the school will be thoroughly disinfected daily and deep cleaning schedules will be regularly conducted.
  Students, staff, and 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.
  Daily Campus Disinfecting/Cleaning Expectations
  Each classroom and high touch areas will be disinfected daily.
  Restrooms, door handles and other high touch areas will be disinfected more than once a day.
  Preparing for Safe Work and Learning Environments
  Students and staff will leave light switches on, so light switches are not touched in the rooms that do not detect movement.
  Interior doors will remain in a fully-open position.
  McMullen County ISD will arrange student learning spaces six feet apart, as feasible. In some instances, common areas may be used for instruction with similar distancing.
  Teachers will consider assigning cohorts of students specific supplies in order to reduce the possibility of exposure.
  Classroom groups working outside will maintain at least 12 feet of social distance from other classroom groups. These groups, when possible, will remain a group of 10 or less.
  Supplemental services will be grouped by grade level when possible.
  Students' individual needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
  Students will be expected to use their own materials and supplies which will be kept in individually-assigned boxes.
  Sharing of materials will not be allowed.
  In instances where technology, books, calculators, etc., are used with multiple students, proper sanitation protocols will be executed.
  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.
  Students will clean areas they use (such as computer keyboard, mouse, and surrounding areas before they leave a computer lab.
  Water fountains will not be able to be used but students may fill up their water bottles they bring from home at a water station.
  Proper handwashing technique will be taught to all students and consistently practiced.
  Restrooms are limited to only 3 occupants at a time. (less if it is a smaller bathroom)
  Grade levels 3rd-6th grade will remain in one classroom for math and reading instruction and the teachers will transition to them.
  Students will wear face coverings while in the hallway during transitions.
  Parents are not to get out of their car, but instead go through the dropoff line where school personnel will let your child out of the vehicle.
  Students will be assigned a specific point of entry into the building to reduce the number of students entering from one location.
  Parents will not be allowed to walk students to classrooms or the cafeteria.
  Students will be assigned a specific point of exit out of the building to reduce the number of students exiting from one location with designated staggered dismissal groups, when appropriate..
  Parents will not be allowed to get out of their car at dismissal but instead need to receive their child via the drop off and pick up area.
  Staggering the groups of walkers, car riders, bus riders will help manage student movement in the building and decrease the risk of potential crowding outside at dismissal time.
  There will be bus procedures, based on bus specific needs.
  More time will be allotted in between student group eating times to allow for cleaning between groups.
  Students will only eat with their grade level.
  Students will be spaced out during lunch to reduce exposure.
  In an effort to decrease the amount of exposure to individuals who our students are exposed to, there will not be any outside visitors allowed for breakfast or lunch.
  Campuses will limit the number of students per recess group.
  Staggered schedules will be utilized.
  All students and staff will be required to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer upon exiting the playground.
  Brain breaks and fresh air breaks will be implemented as needed, at the discretion of the teacher/administrator.
  Music – Students will be spaced out during lecturing time. All instruments will be cleaned after their use.
  P.E. – Details are being developed for P.E. programs to align with the TEKS course expectations and U.I.L. COVID guidelines for athletics.
  CTE Courses – CTE courses include hands-on experiences. Social distancing and sanitation requirements will be further defined and communicated prior to the beginning of school. Students enrolled in advanced, hands-on CTE courses must enroll in a face-to-face instructional model. Remote/virtual learning is only available for "principles" courses in CTE.
  Other Electives: Art, Cheer, Robotics, etc. – Each course will be reviewed individually to ensure that social distancing and sanitation requirements are established and communicated prior to the beginning of school.
  Evaluations and Testing – District protocols are being developed to evaluate students who have been referred for special programs. Social distancing and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) will be used, as appropriate.
  Extracurricular Programs Campus Events
  Each program will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine implementation guidelines. Program sponsors will provide information to students and parents/families as information is available.
  If in-person instruction is being offered, a student not taking classes in-person will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular practice or events.
  No in-person assemblies or field trips will be held in the fall, except for extracurricular activities that will follow guidelines set forth by UIL and FFA.
  Parents will be encouraged to transport their children to school daily as it is the safest means of transportation due to COVID-19.
  All buses will have hand sanitizer dispensers placed in the stairwells for use when loading/unloading. Students are expected to use it before boarding the bus and as they are exiting the bus.
  All buses will be sanitized and wiped down daily, between bus runs.
  Bus windows will be partially open (at minimum) during routes to provide for additional ventilation where appropriate.
  McMullen County ISD must identify and implement responsive actions to address the situation if there are lab-confirmed cases in a school.
  Required Action 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, the school 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-firmed case (students, teacher, or staff) until the non-porous surfaces in those areas can be disinfected, unless more than 3 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, schools 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.
  Isolation Protocols When a Student or Staff Member Display COVID-19 Symptoms or are in Direct Contact with someone who is COVID-19 Positive or Someone who Exhibits Possible COVID-19 Symptoms
  Students who are ill will be separated from their peers and their parent/guardian will be notified for prompt pick up. Parents need to ensure that they have a way to pick up their children quickly if they are notified their child is being sent home.
  Staff members or students displaying COVID-19 symptoms will follow district protocols including isolation from students and other staff members. Refer to MCISD COVID-19 Process Map.
  If a student or staff member receives a negative test but there is a person living in the house who has received a positive COVID-19 test, the person who tested negative would remain in self-isolation for the duration of 10 days beginning on the date the lab confirmed case of COVID-19 was tested.
  Staff and students who test positive and/or were directly exposed will not be permitted to return to school until they are cleared by a medical professional. While this may cause an added burden on families, our goal is health and safety for all students.
  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, indoor athletic areas (gyms, weight room, locker rooms, etc) and all additional areas in the entire buildings daily.