Gatesville ISD outlines back to school plan for 2020-2021 school year

The Gatesville Independent School District has announced their back to school plans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Barrett Pollard outlined the plan on Facebook Monday.

Gatesville ISD plans to return to school on Aug. 13 as planned for in-person instruction but said they will continue to monitor the status of COVID-19 in the area.

GISD will also offer a remote, virtual learning option through Google Classroom. The remote option will be more rigorous than the one offered last spring since the district has had time to prepare. Students will have to interact with their teacher in some fashion each day to receive credit for compulsory attendance.

Live or recorded instruction will be followed by the same assignments given to students attending class in person.

GISD will also offer a hybrid version for students who opt for remote learning but still want to participate in UIL extra-curricular activities.

GISD is requiring that students enrolled in remote learning who want to participate in UIL activities also attend that specific in person class period each day.

Grading systems will be the same for students in all the options.

In past years, GISD students who had excellent attendance could opt out of mid-term or final exams. As to not encourage student to come to school sick, GISD will not be administering any semester or finals exams to any students in the 2020-2021 school year.

Juniors may now also qualify for an additional off-period to encourage social distancing. Seniors may qualify for up to three off-periods.

GISD is complying with Gov. Abbott's order requiring all persons 10 years and above wear masks.

The district also outlined guidelines regarding what students and staff should do if they become ill.

If an individual who has been in school is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19, GISD will notify the public health department. The campus will close off areas that were heavily used by the individual until those surfaces can be cleaned. GISD will notify all teachers, staff and families of all students in a school if COVID-19 cases are identified on campus while protecting the identity of the person.

If multiple staff members and student test positive for COVID-19, a short term dismissal of school is possible. If the situation continues to deteriorate, GISD may go back to remote learning much like in the spring.

Non-essential visitors will be limited and parents will be screened if they visit campus.

GISD outlined their plan to promote social distancing on campus.

The state is sending PPE to GISD campus, including disinfectant supplies and masks.

To see more details on the plan, view the video below: