Gainesville ISD wants to ensure that we are taking care of the needs of both our students and our staff.  We know each one of us has unique, individual needs and that a “one size fits all” option might not work for each of us.

The hybrid model was studied extensively and many different versions of it were considered. The administration ruled it out because, consistently, there were too many apparent challenges, such as childcare, for parents and staff, bus transportation scheduling, cleaning protocols, academic scheduling and others. We cannot offer an option that poses so many challenges and one we do not think we can effectively deliver; therefore, a hybrid model was removed from consideration. That's why there are only two options as presented: full remote learning and full in-building learning.

Several have asked if there is a possibility some kind of hybrid could still be considered in the future, depending on parent and staff responses. It would be premature to speculate what the data might reveal or what, if any, final schedule we can offer, subject to social distancing requirements and other health and safety restrictions. As a reminder, even the draft schedules shown in the plan are examples of what each day might eventually look like.

A hybrid model is not a current option and the district - at this time - has not been able to identify a middle-ground or compromised version that would satisfy those who want a hybrid model, due to its numerous complexities.

Gainesville ISD is receiving guidance from multiple sources:

• The school districts strictly follow the guidelines/recommendations as presented by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
• Dr. Stewart meets frequently with a group of Texas Superintendents to share their thinking and plans around COVID-19. In addition, he consults with superintendent organizations and forums across the country.
• The school nurses receive frequent information from state and local health entities and agencies and meet weekly with school nurses from the Region.
• The District receives information from federal, state and local agencies and organizations.

Each family must consider their unique situation to make a personal determination. We are providing as much information known at the time so families can make informed decisions.

All staff and those students who are at Lee, GJH, and GHS will be required to wear masks or some type of face covering while in the building.  The recommendation is for children 10 and older, but to streamline our guidance at GISD, it is more clear to divide at the campus level. There may be moments when face coverings can be removed (e.g., some outdoor activities, eating, etc.). The requirement of face coverings will be based on the recommendations of local and state officials.

Consistent with TEA guidance, a health screening will be required each school day for all staff and students. Temperature checks will be a part of this process.

No. Staff and students will need to consult with their physician for testing.

Because of the complexities inherent in these options, individuals must make a commitment for up to one full grading period Aug. 19 through Sept. 24. Understandably, there may be instances where a student or staff member needs to quickly default to remote learning due to illness or unique circumstances. If so, these needs will be accommodated to maintain the health and well-being of those impacted and to ensure the safety of those in the building.

The commitment form closes August 3.

TEA is allowing school districts to adjust their school calendars for the 2020-21 school year. As of now, Gainesville ISD does not plan on making any changes to the calendar, and we do not plan on reducing summer break. We will announce if that changes.

View the 2020-21 calendar: www.gainesvilleisd.org 

Current Gainesville ISD families received instructions on how to access the application via a Blackboard email. Only the parent/guardian who is designated as the primary contact for the student within Parent Portal will be able to complete this application. We appreciate parents working together to provide information in the best interests of their child(ren) and families.

Families who are new to the district, including transfer students and incoming Kindergartners who do not have older siblings in the district, will receive a survey sent to the primary email provided on their enrollment forms. 

Parents will be provided an opportunity to complete the Return to Learn Survey through the enrollment process and the parent portal.  The survey will allow parents to choose the learning option as well as provide additional information needed if a virtual learning option is selected.

The campus leadership is currently working on a modified plan for Meet the Teacher.  The standard way draws large crowds throughout the district.  To help everyone adhere to social distancing guidelines, we are looking at a variety of methods to allow parents and teachers to meet the students. 

school affect the Return to Learn plan?

The Gainesville ISD Return to Learn plan aligns with what TEA's latest guidance, as of June 30, which says:

[School districts] may ask their parents to commit to either on campus or remote instruction for their students no earlier than two weeks before the start of the school year. [School districts] may survey parents prior to that period, but parents cannot be bound to the choice prior to two weeks before the start of the school year. In the event a parent chooses remote instruction for their child, a [school district] may, if the [school districts] believes it is in the student’s educational interest, choose to limit the student’s return to an on-campus setting to occur only at the end of a grading period (e.g. 6-week or 9-week).

We need time to analyze the recent options data before confirming with parents what their child's placement will be for the upcoming school year. We think this may take until approximately Aug. 1 to do so, then parents would have until approximately Aug. 7 to acknowledge, accept or confirm that placement for their child(ren). This would fall within the two-week window as prescribed by TEA. Therefore, Gainesville ISD would be in compliance with this requirement.