COVID-19 INFORMATION CENTER – COVID-19 – Bandera Independent School District

We are grateful and excited for the opportunity to return to face-to-face teaching and learning. Working together, we can all do our part to keep our loved ones safe and our schools open.

Providing high-quality instruction while protecting the health and safety of students and staff are priorities in Bandera Independent School District. While many of us hoped that school would begin as normal in August, the reality is that the COVID-19 pandemic may be with us for some time, and that we will need to be flexible in our approach to daily routines, and diligent in adopting health and safety protocols into our normal activities to keep our students and staff safe and our schools open.

Our COVID-19 Task Force has designed a comprehensive plan to significantly reduce the risks of the spread of COVID-19 by incorporating guidelines provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and local health officials. The plan will be updated as further guidance is provided by those agencies.

PLAYGROUND REOPENING PROTOCOLS

On October 13, 2020 BISD reopened our elementary school playground equipment for student use.

- Campus custodial staff must ensure the playgrounds are closed at 5:30 each school day for sanitizing, and remain closed until the next school day (If the campus has an evening event, access to playground areas is to be closed off).

- BISD custodial staff will disinfect the playground equipment at the close of each school day, utilizing the appropriate disinfectant cleaners

- Campus administration will communicate the COVID-19 safety expectations to all staff and will coordinate usage of the playground equipment.

- Campus administration will ensure constant staff supervision while students are utilizing playground equipment.

- Campus staff will stress the importance of student hand washing & sanitizing after usage of the playground equipment.

- Boys & Girls Club Executive Director has assured BISD that the BGC will be off the playground equipment at HCE and AES by 5:30 PM each day so that it may be disinfected.

*** It is important to note that during the school day, the playground equipment will not be sanitized in between use. Sanitizing will take place once daily starting at 5:30 PM.

HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

In addition to providing high-quality instruction, the health and safety of students and staff is a priority in returning to campus for in-person instruction. Plans will be adjusted to accommodate the most up-to-date guidance released by the Texas Education Agency. Plans will include the following:

A common message to convey healthy hygiene practices to our students
Access to hand sanitizer and opportunities for frequent hand washing
Increased cleaning of classrooms and common areas
Changes to campus protocols to allow for social distancing
Protocols for handling situations in which a teacher or student becomes ill.

Bandera ISD will offer enhanced sanitization measures, daily health screenings, access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for students and staff, as well as identify workplace/classroom safety protocols, promote personal hygiene, and encourage social-distancing.

Staff Screening

Each staff member will perform a self-screen prior to reporting for duty each day that will include daily temperature checks and a health questionnaire
Staff will complete a form to log their screening results each day and their supervisor will maintain the daily screening records
Any staff member displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to immediately notify his/her supervisor and stay home
Any staff member who begins to display symptoms during the school day will immediately report to the campus nurse for a health screening

Student Screening

Parents are expected to screen their child daily for COVID-19 symptoms before sending him/her to school
Parents should not send a child to a campus if the child has COVID-19 symptoms, is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, or has been exposed in close contact with someone with lab-confirmed COVID-19.
Bus riders will be screened at the campus drop-off location as they enter the building
Car riders will be screened in car line before exiting the vehicle
All students will use hand sanitizer before entering the bus and the school building
Any student displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be immediately screened by the campus nurse and parents will be contacted to take the student home
Any student who begins to display symptoms during the school day will immediately report to the campus nurse for a health screening

COVID-19 Symptoms

Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees
Loss of taste and smell
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Shortness of breath
Headache
Chills
Shaking or exaggerated shivering
Sore throat
Significant muscle pain or ache
Diarrhea

Once all students have been screened for COVID-19 symptoms, the following practices will be in place:

Use hand sanitizer as they enter the campus and frequently throughout the day
Increase airflow from the outdoors as weather permits and when feasible
Procedures regarding masks:

Students will wear masks when moving in the hallways or in common areas with larger numbers of students
All students will wear masks, particularly when students are working in small groups and in close proximity with one another. When reasonable social distancing is possible and students are seated in their assigned seats, they may have the option of not wearing a mask at the direction of school personnel.

Increase hygiene awareness and hand washing during the school day
Limit sharing of school supplies (when feasible)
Follow social distancing guidelines (when feasible)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Teachers will be provided with PPE including surgical face masks, cloth face masks, face shields, sanitizing cleaning solution, etc.
Some face masks will be available for students, but parents are encouraged to provide their student with a personal face mask that fits comfortably

Promoting Healthy Hygiene

Safety and hygiene reminders will be posted throughout the campuses
Teachers will lead classes in age-appropriate discussions regarding personal hygiene, frequent and proper hand washing techniques, and campus safety practices
At age-appropriate grade levels, supervised hand washing or use of hand sanitizer will be conducted

Enhanced Cleaning

Custodial staff will:

Use disinfectants that are proven to kill viruses and are certified safe for schools and public spaces
Frequently wipe down high-traffic surfaces including handrails, door handles, counter tops and other horizontal surfaces over the course of the day
Increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting restrooms and common areas throughout the day
Use a disinfectant fogger to complement the regular cleaning process at the end of each day
Make available hand sanitizer dispensers throughout campuses including at main entrances and in each classroom.

Response to Positive Cases of COVID-19 on Campus

Impact to On-Campus Instruction

In the event of a temporary closure (for example, by order from the governor), all on-campus students and educators will pivot to online learning and teaching.

Impact to Remote Learners

If your child is already in remote instruction, BISD does not anticipate that your child's schedule or learning will be impacted by a temporary closure due to COVID-19.

Will BISD close an entire campus due to COVID-19?

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is not recommending entire campus closures due to positive cases. Bandera ISD will await further guidance from the state and make local decisions about what is best for students and staff.

BISD may make the decision to temporarily pivot from in-person instruction to remote instruction in an individual classroom based on a concentration of positive COVID-19 cases
If more than one campus has a high concentration of active positive COVID-19 cases, the entire district may temporarily pivot from on-campus instruction to remote instruction

CAMPUS & CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

Student Arrival

Please allow more time for student drop off; parent drop-off lines may take longer due to the screening process
Parents will not be permitted to walk students to class
Follow the campus-specific guidelines for locations for student drop off
Watch for on-campus signage for additional guidelines

Student Dismissal

Parents should not exit their vehicles when picking up their child
Follow the campus-specific guidelines for locations for student pick up

Family Engagement

Our families are our partners in learning; BISD welcomes parents, but campus visitation will be restricted while these guidelines are in effect
For the safety of students and staff, all visitors with scheduled appointments (i.e. parent/teacher conferences) will be screened at the front office
Parents will not be able to eat breakfast or lunch with their children
Unless otherwise approved through the Central Office, there will be no guest speakers on campuses
Campuses will use both virtual and modified in-person events to keep families engaged

Pre-registration on a first come, first served basis may be required for on-campus events
Health screening will be required prior to attending on-campus events; masks will be required

Recess, Physical Education & Assemblies

Bandera ISD will continue important activities related to recess, physical education (PE), and other electives with some modifications:

Staff will make modifications to activities (when feasible) to increase distancing between students
Safety measures specific to elective classes will be provided after school begins
Staff on duty during recess will enhance monitoring of social distancing
Students are expected to wear face coverings when entering and exiting facilities and practice areas, and when not actively exercising. BISD will continue to work with state and local officials to determine potential modifications.
Campuses will limit school-wide/grade-level assemblies and large gatherings of students

INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL OPTIONS

Bandera ISD is pleased to offer families the flexibility to choose an instructional model that best fits their student’s academic, physical, and social & emotional needs. Although we look forward to the return of every student to in-person, on-campus learning experiences, we recognize this may be impractical for some families.Parents will have the option to choose traditional, on-campus instruction or remote instruction. Remote instruction will be different from what students experienced during our district closure in the spring.

Making a Commitment to an Instructional Model

We will ask each individual student to make a commitment to one of these instructional models (on-campus or remote) to start the year; however, students will have opportunities to transition between these models at the end of each six-week grading period. For example, if a student begins the school year in remote instruction but finds the model is not suitable, the student can request to transition to on-campus instruction at the end of the first six-week grading period. A student who begins the year on campus can choose to transition to remote instruction at the end of the first six-week grading period. Changing instructional models at the end of grading periods requires campuses and the district to make staffing adjustments, so please pay close attention to the change request deadlines listed

In Both Options:

All courses will be taught by highly qualified, certified Bandera ISD teachers .
All students will participate in district/state assessments to document learning and growth.
Students will have the option of changing from-or-to either option during the year at the end of the six-weeks grading period.

On-Campus Instruction:

On-campus learning will involve learning in a traditional classroom with enhanced health and safety protocols. Protocols are being developed that will allow students to make a smooth transition from on-campus instruction one day to remote instruction the next if student becomes ill or if the campus must temporarily close.

Remote Instruction:

Remote Instruction is an asynchronous learning experience where students engage in the learning materials on their own time, interacting intermittently with the teacher via the computer or other electronic devices or over the phone. It requires daily engagement in learning activities by turning in assignments, student/teacher interactions, or progress in the Learning Management System.

This option is available to students in grades PK-12.
The teacher will communicate daily learning expectations via Google Classroom. In addition, teachers will provide opportunities for direct as well as individual assistance.
Daily progress will be verified based on the degree to which the student meets the expectations of the learning plan that the teacher presents.
Teachers will provide feedback to students and use district grading guidelines on all assignments.
Students will participate in district/state assessments to document learning and growth.

Remote Instruction Technology Considerations

Bandera ISD will provide a device to each student through our 1:1 program. Remote instruction requires reliable internet connectivity. Since some areas of our attendance zone do not have access to reliable internet, wireless internet is available in the parking lot of all BISD campuses, as well as along Main Street in Bandera and in the parking lots of the county libraries.

Changing Instructional Models

In order to maintain a consistent classroom environment, if a parent wants to move a student from remote instruction to on-campus, or from on-campus to remote instruction, after Monday, August 3, 2020, he/she will have to wait until the end of a six-week grading period.

To change to a different instructional model, please fill out THIS FORM no later than two weeks prior to the end of the grading period.

Alkek Elementary, Dixie Moseley: (830)460-3900, dmoseley@banderaisd.net

Hill Country Elementary, Laura Klein: (830)460-3901, lklein@banderaisd.net

Bandera Middle School, Patrick Sizemore: (830)460-3899, psizemore@banderaisd.net

Bandera High School, Ken Vogel: (830)460-3898, kvogel@banderaisd.net

First six weeks: Fill out THIS FORM by September 11, 2020

Second six weeks: Contact the principal by October 23, 2020

Third six weeks: Contact the principal by December 4, 2020

Fourth six weeks: Contact the principal by February 5, 2021

Fifth six weeks: Contact the principal by March 26, 2021

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

SPECIAL EDUCATION & 504 SERVICES

Bandera ISD ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities during on-campus or remote instruction
Special Services personnel will make every effort to ensure all Bandera ISD special education and 504 students are provided the necessary supports to be successful in the event of a closure in which a campus or the district pivots to remote instruction only
Other mitigations may occur in Functional Living Unit (FLU) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classrooms based on student needs
Some students with significant physical health/cognitive needs may not be required to wear facial coverings (such situations should be discussed with the child’s teacher)
School personnel will work closely with families of students who are immunocompromised regarding specific needs when returning to school
ARD committee/504 meetings will continue to occur via conference call or virtual meeting.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) meetings will be held virtually
All testing for identification and reclassification will be conducted on campus, regardless of whether the student is in on-campus or remote instruction

GIFTED & TALENTED

Bandera ISD ensures that GT students will receive appropriate instruction, regardless of the model of instruction they choose
All testing for identification for Gifted and Talented services will be conducted on campus, regardless of whether the student is in on-campus or remote instruction

TRANSPORTATION & NUTRITION SERVICES

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES:

For students riding BISD buses, strict compliance to the following guidelines is required to maintain bus riding privileges:

All bus riders will use hand sanitizer as they enter the bus
Students are required to sit in their assigned seat and use seatbelts, if available
Students are expected to keep their masks or face coverings on at all times; if a student does not have a facemask available, a disposable mask will be provided
Only students riding a special education bus will be screened as they board the bus; all other students will be screened on campus

BEFORE MAKING ANY TRANSPORTATION CHANGES, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM

NUTRITION SERVICES

The Bandera ISD nutrition services management company, SFE, is equipped to follow all of the safety protocols of food service for our students. The Texas Department of Agriculture has issued specific guidelines to ensure safe food services delivery in our schools. Some safety protocols include:

All nutrition services staff will wear protective equipment when preparing and serving food
Students will maintain social distancing to greatest degree possible when in line for breakfast and/or lunch
Student will be allowed to bring meals from home
Cafeteria meals will be individually packaged

All preparation and serving surfaces will be sanitized regularly
Plans are in place to implement mobile ordering by students to further decrease time standing in line

No self service will be allowed; the complete meal will be prepared by staff

Remote instruction Student Meals

Students who do not wish to come to on-campus instruction will be able to pick up breakfast and/or lunch at designated drive-thru locations
Drive-thru meals will be provided after in-school breakfast has been completed and after the last lunch period has ended
Students do not have to be present at pick up, but a student ID or ID number is required.
Drive-thru meals will only be available for enrolled Bandera ISD students during the regular school year

TO FILL OUT THE MEAL APPLICATION, CLICK HERE.

TO REFILL YOUR STUDENT'S LUNCH MONEY ACCOUNT, CLICK HERE.

COVID-19 RETURN TO SCHOOL/WORK PROTOCOLS

Bandera ISD will follow specific guidance from the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Governor’s Report to Open Texas for students and staff testing positive for COVID-19 or who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19.

Each situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

BISD's COVID-19 quarantine protocols can be found HERE.

RESOURCES

What qualifies as an appropriate mask?

What qualifies as a BISD-approved mask for students?

Cloth face mask (double-layered fabric is highly recommended)
Neck Gaiter
Single-use surgical mask
N95 mask or N95 respirator

What does NOT qualify as a BISD-approved mask for students?

Bandana
Face shields (Face Shields are approved when they are worn in conjunction with face masks; however, a face shield will not take the place of a required face mask.
Mesh face masks
Military gas masks

There is no way that younger children will be able to keep a mask on during the day. How will teachers handle that?

We realize that wearing a mask is more challenging for younger students. That’s why our teachers and staff are looking for additional ways to allow students to be able to do their work without one. Just as they handle a wide variety of challenges in working with groups of our youngest students, our teachers will handle this task with love, kindness, and common sense.

We do suggest that families may want to get a lanyard or a clip for their children to make keeping track of their masks easier.

Are athletes expected to wear a mask during workouts?

No, they are not. Our student athletes are expected to have their masks available during workouts. When they are moving to and from the gym or field, they will wear their masks. When they are receiving instruction from the coach, they will wear their masks. When students are working out, engaged in exercise, or are in recovery after a workout, they will not.

Are students going to be able to share supplies?

To the greatest extent possible, we will ask students to use their own supplies. When that is not possible, sanitizing hands before and after use will be the most common method used when supplies are shared. Additionally, our staff will work to sanitize the supplies more frequently (such as between activities or classes).

Will students be able to check out library books?

Yes, they will. Our librarians are working on procedures that will allow students to access the library and check out books. For example, students may be asked to sanitize their hands more frequently in the library, wear gloves when selecting their books, and our librarians will clean surfaces and books more frequently.

Will students have to wear masks during lunch?

Students will not have to wear a mask while actively eating lunch. At the secondary level, we will provide more opportunities for students to eat lunches outside. At BHS, junior and senior students will have the opportunity to have off-campus lunch (with parent permission).

How will I know if I’m making the right decision for my child?

The decisions you’re making are personal and unique to your family situation and your individual child. There is not a right or wrong choice. Please know that we are committed to educating each child to reach his or her full potential, regardless of the mode of instruction you choose. Additionally, remember that, if you choose a mode that does not work well for your family, there will be several opportunities to change--one at the end of each six-week grading period.

To change to a different instructional model, please contact the campus principal by phone or email no later than two weeks prior to the end of the grading period.