Dear Wonderful Lovejoy Community:
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change daily, our goal is to provide our Lovejoy families with consistent communication based on official information provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and state and local health officials.
While there are still many unanswered questions, we have heard the concerns of our parents, staff, and students. As we continue to work and plan for the upcoming school year, our students, staff, and community's safety is paramount.
Our update today will focus on information and guidance provided by TEA on July 7, so our Lovejoy families may begin to make plans for the Fall semester. Please understand that this information and guidance may be adjusted as health information changes in our community and throughout our state.
Regardless of the changes we may experience in the coming weeks, we remain unwavering in our commitment and dedication to excellence for ALL our kids, teachers, staff, and community. We are looking forward to learning with our Leopards on
August 17, 2020
, whether on-campus or virtually!
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Student Learning Environments
To receive state funding, TEA requires that districts offer an on-campus learning environment and has permitted districts the ability to also provide a virtual learning environment option for our families.
Lovejoy ISD parents will have the opportunity to choose the learning environment that works best for their student(s) and their family.
Options for 2020-2021
Option 1 - On-Campus Learning (Typical Daily Bell Schedule)
:
Students and teachers will attend class in-person five days a week while following public health guidance and safety measures from state, federal, and local health guidelines and recommendations.
Option 2 - Leopard Virtual Learning:
Students will participate from home in virtual learning consisting of both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (independent learning) curriculum comparable to that of On-Campus learning. Daily student participation will be required, and structured schedules will be provided to students
- PK - 2nd Grade - Students will receive a learning schedule that will allow for teacher-led instruction, independent work, and small group / individual teacher-led learning opportunities. Families should anticipate a grade-level appropriate schedule with a blend of time online and off-line with teacher interaction daily.
- 3rd – 12th Grade - Students will follow a schedule similar to On-Campus learning with a blend of both live instruction and independent learning. Families should anticipate approximately 3-4 hours (not including breaks, transitions, or lunch), depending on the grade level of daily instructional requirements.
As you consider your choices for the upcoming school year, we want to share the most current information
regarding each learning environment
.
Please Note: Details are subject to change as directives from governing authorities, health officials, or environmental conditions may determine.
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Option 1 - On-Campus Learning
The On-Campus Learning model will look like a typical school day for students and teachers while following state mandates, executive orders as well as federal and state health guidelines. Information is subject to change.
What we know as of
July 7,
regarding On-Campus requirements:
- Lovejoy ISD must post one week prior to the start of campus activities a summary of how campuses will mitigate COVID-19 and provide entrance/exit plans for each campus and transition procedures that reduce large group gatherings (of students and/or adults) in close proximity. These plans are currently being developed and will be communicated to parents/staff/students in August before the start of school.
- Schools are required to comply with the governor’s executive order regarding the wearing of face coverings for whom it is developmentally appropriate. Schools MUST require students, teachers, and staff to wear face coverings (masks or face shields) as they arrange themselves in positions to maintain at least six feet of distance from others (i.e. entering/exiting buildings, walking to/from classrooms in the hallway, etc.). Students will be responsible for providing their own face coverings. On July 2, Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA 29, relating to the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Governor Abbott’s current guidelines, every person 10 years of age or older is required to wear a face covering while inside a public building whenever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distance from another person not in the same household, with limited exceptions.
- The District will adhere to required guidelines and consider recommendations provided by several governing agencies including the Texas Education Agency (TEA), University Interscholastic League (UIL), Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Collin County Health Department and the executive orders of Governor Greg Abbott.
The District will implement safety measures such as:
- Require the use of masks in accordance with executive orders
- Daily deep sanitization of campuses and buses, especially high touch areas
- Hand sanitizer stations
- Signage encouraging social distancing
- Regular hand washing procedures
- Mandatory training for all staff on coronavirus preventative strategies
- Mandatory training for students on proper hygiene practices
- Pre-plated lunches which will likely include lunches in the classroom
- Campuses will consider implementing practices, as needed, to limit the likelihood of students in close contact by staggering schedules and avoiding congregating in the hallways.
- Parents must ensure they do not send a child to school on campus if the child has COVID-19 symptoms, is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and instead should opt to receive remote instruction until the below conditions for re-entry are met. Additionally, they must report to the school system if they have had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19 and remain off campus until the 14-day incubation period has passed.
- Students or staff who test positive for COVID-19 will be sent home to recover. When notification of a possible exposure occurs, in coordination with local health authorities. Based on the results, a determination will be made as to whether an entire classroom or multiple classrooms are required to quarantine. In the event students are required to temporarily quarantine, the education of these students will continue through Leopard Virtual Learning for the duration of the quarantine period.
- Excluding parent drop off and pick up, campus visits should be limited to only essential in-person business transactions. All visitors to the building must be screened prior to visiting campus and will not be allowed beyond the campus office without Principal authorization. Face masks are required for all visitors per the Governor’s executive order.
- On the first day a student attends school on campus, school systems must provide instruction to students on appropriate hygiene practices and other mitigation practices within the local school system.
- 7th -12th grade elective class offerings are always based on enrollment. If a limited number of students register for an elective class, we, as usual, will not schedule this class. We will do the best we can to ensure classes are offered in both face-to-face and virtual settings, where possible.
Attendance
The 90% attendance rule is for
all
students, whether attending in-person or on-line. The 90% rule is a provision in the Texas Education Code (TEC) that applies to a student in any grade level from kindergarten through grade 12. TEC Section 25.092 provides that a student may not be given credit or a final grade for a class or be promoted to the next grade level unless the student is in attendance 90% of the days the class is offered.
Anticipated Conditions
Due to any potential health issues, or state regulations, students may move from the On-Campus Learning experience to Leopard Virtual Learning for a period of time as needed due to student/staff illness or county or state regulations.
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Option 2 - Leopard Virtual Learning
Leopard Virtual Learning will be a full course load of instruction and assignments that is comparable to students who are attending On-Campus instruction.
Students will participate from home in virtual learning consisting of both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (independent learning) curriculum comparable to that of On-Campus learning. Daily student participation will be required, and structured schedules will be provided to students.
- PK - 2nd Grade - Students will receive a learning schedule that will allow for teacher-led instruction, independent work, and small group / individual teacher-led learning opportunities. Families should anticipate a grade-level appropriate schedule with a blend of time online and off-line with teacher interaction daily.
- 3rd – 12th Grade - Students will follow a schedule similar to On-Campus learning with a blend of both live instruction and independent learning. Families should anticipate approximately 3-4 hours (not including breaks, transitions, or lunch), depending on the grade level of daily instructional requirements.
What we know as of
July 7
, regarding virtual learning:
- Comparable instruction and assignments to students who are attending On-Campus instruction.
- Parents who wish to choose the Leopard Virtual Learning option will have the opportunity to indicate their desire for virtual learning starting Monday, July 13. For planning purposes, we are asking our families to indicate their selection by Wednesday, July 22 in the Powerschool Parent Portal. If no selection is made, the student will automatically default to the virtual option. Due to the quickly changing landscape, parents will have the opportunity to amend their selection until August 3. Selections will be locked for the first grading period after August 3.
- Parents will have a chance to re-evaluate their students' learning environment choice at the end of each grading period.
- Structured schedules for learning will be provided to students that will include a blend of LIVE (synchronous) learning scheduled throughout the day followed by time for independent learning activities. Schedules will also include breaks and lunch. Schedules may vary by grade, course, or student.
- For 7th -12th grade elective class offerings, classes are always based on enrollment. If a limited number of kids sign up for the class, we, as usual, will not be able to have the class make. We will do the best we can to ensure classes are offered in both on-campus and virtually, where possible.
- Students who select Leopards Virtual Learning may participate in extracurricular activities (not offered in virtual format) if they meet UIL requirements, are enrolled in the applicable extracurricular course, and are able to attend on-camps practice and competitions. Students must have their own transportation to and from practices, rehearsals, etc.
- Students enrolled in Leopard Virtual Learning will continue to be connected to their home campus and parents will receive communication from the home campus as well as participate in any and all campus events, as applicable.
Attendance
The 90% attendance rule is for
all
students, whether attending On-Campus or through Leopard Virtual Learning. The 90% rule is a provision in the Texas Education Code (TEC) that applies to a student in any grade level from kindergarten through grade 12. TEC Section 25.092 provides that a student may not be given credit or a final grade for a class or be promoted to the next grade level unless the student is in attendance 90% of the days the class is offered.
Anticipated Conditions
- Due to any potential health issues, or state regulations, students may move from On-Campus experience into Leopard Virtual Learning (remote learning) for a period of time as needed due to student/staff illness, county, or state regulations.
- Some students and staff could be scheduled in Leopard Virtual Learning for an extended period of time.
- Leopard Virtual Learning will follow a similar schedule with learning activities that address the same grade level standards as the On-Campus learning, but activities and assignments may not be exactly the same.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What safety standards will be in place for On-Campus Instruction?
The District will adhere to required guidelines and consider recommendations provided by several governing agencies including the Texas Education Agency (TEA), University Interscholastic League (UIL), Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Collin County Health Department and the executive orders of Governor Greg Abbott.
The district will implement safety measures such as:
- Require the use of masks in accordance with executive orders
- Daily deep sanitization of campuses and buses, especially high touch areas
- Hand sanitizer stations
- Signage encouraging social distancing
- Regular hand washing procedures
- Mandatory training for all staff on coronavirus preventative strategies
- Mandatory training for students on proper hygiene practices
- Pre-plated lunches which will likely include lunches in the classroom
How will Leopard Virtual Learning be different from the instruction provided during the school closure last spring?
Last spring, school districts had to make a very fast shift to teaching online. Since most of the curriculum standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), were already covered by March, instructional minutes were greatly reduced compared to a traditional school day.
This year, Leopard Virtual Learning will be a full course load of instruction and assignments comparable to students who are attending On-Campus instruction. Teachers delivering Leopard Virtual Learning will receive additional training and support in best practices which are effective in a virtual learning environment.
What is the plan for our vulnerable students, such as students who receive special education, ESL, or 504 students?
This is a high priority, and the District is continuing to work on how to best continue to meet the needs of students through both On-Campus and Leopard Virtual Learning. Since each student has a plan specifically tailored to their needs, please direct your student-specific questions to the campus administrator.
What about students, staff, and or families who are immunocompromised?
While the District plans to increase safety standards when students return to the classroom, it acknowledges that some will not feel safe to return to campus. Lovejoy ISD will provide families who are more comfortable with remaining at home the ability to select
Leopard Virtual Learning
for the 2020-2021 school year.
The District is also actively working on increased safety standards in hopes that families will feel safe to return to campus when they are ready!
What will the school day look like concerning recess, lunches, class-sizes, and social distancing?
Campuses will consider implementing practices, as needed, to limit the likelihood of students in close contact by staggering schedules and avoiding congregating in the hallways
.
Will my child be required to wear a mask?
Lovejoy ISD is required to comply with the Governor’s executive order regarding the wearing of face masks.
On July 2, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA 29, relating to the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Governor Abbott’s current guidelines, every person 10 years of age or older is required to wear a face covering while inside a public building whenever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distance from another person not in the same household, with limited exceptions.
Will there be daily required COVID-19 checks for On-Campus staff and students?
Lovejoy ISD will require our families and staff to complete daily self-checks prior to arrival at campus each day.
What is the plan for extra-curricular activities such as choir, band, football, etc.?
As of July 8th, UIL has only provided guidance on summer athletics and marching band. The guidance is currently
effective until the first day of instruction or the start of in-season activities, whichever is earlier. For complete details please see the UIL
website
, but updates are briefly summarized below:
- Face Coverings - Executive Order GA-29 - All employees, parents, visitors and students ten years of age or older must wear face coverings or face shields upon entry to an area where UIL activities are being conducted and when not actively practicing or exercising unless an exception applies, as outlined in the full document
- Students may access locker rooms and engage in drills that involve one or more students on offense against one or more students on defense beginning 7/13/20
- Updates of required protocols for individuals confirmed, suspected or exposed to COVID-19
What about Transportation?
We know transportation will look different this school year, even without COVID-19. For several years, the district has grappled with the decision to reduce and/or eliminate regular education transportation services. Due to continual educational funding cuts from the state and to adopt a 2020-2021 balanced district operating budget, LISD was once again faced with the difficult decision to reduce or eliminate regular education bus service. To avoid complete elimination of all regular education transportation, Lovejoy will significantly reduce the areas eligible for bus service. More detailed information with eligibility maps and a process to seek a student hardship exception will be forthcoming.
Please note, this will not change Special Education transportation.
However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, providing regular education transportation services may contribute to higher levels of student exposure and significantly increase the likelihood of viral spread. Therefore, TEA guidance recommends families to drop students off, carpool, or walk with their student(s) to school (where there are safe walking pathways) to reduce possible virus exposure on the bus. Additionally, due to the confined space on a bus, TEA recommends the bus windows be open to allow outside air to circulate in the bus.
Only the students that choose On-Campus Learning and (1) reside in an area eligible for bus service, or (2) receive an approved hardship exception, will be allowed to ride the bus. For those eligible to ride a bus, there will be a limit of two riders per seat, face coverings will be required, and please use caution for allowing students that may be negatively impacted by the Texas heat (due to the open bus windows).
What about Kid’s First Afterschool Program?
The Kid’s First program is licensed through the Department of Family and Protective Services, State of Texas Child Care Licensing. We are currently awaiting licensing requirements and evaluating the opportunity to offer the program for our families in the Fall.
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As we continue to receive updated information, we will notify our community through email and social media as well as update our comprehensive
Planning Guide 2020 - 2021 website.
If you have specific questions you would like us to address in an upcoming update, please submit them on the
COVID Question form and we will provide responses within our updates.
We appreciate your continued support and patience as we continue our planning with a focus on safety for our entire Lovejoy community!
Best Today. Better Tomorrow.
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Michael Goddard, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Lovejoy Independent School District
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