Plans for 2020-21 School Year Becoming Clearer
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) issued guidelines for school districts to open schools this fall. TEA will allow in-person instruction in our schools and will require school districts to provide alternative online instruction to students if parents choose for their child(ren) to be educated at home. While these guidelines are subject to change should conditions warrant, they provide the information we need to continue planning for the start of school. Below are some key points for parents to know, as of July 16:

• In-person instruction will be offered to all students at all campuses in VISD beginning Wednesday, August 12. Parents may choose, however, for their children to receive alternative online instruction.

• Should parents choose this option, the alternative online instruction model will be more robust than what was offered this past spring and traditional grading and attendance policy will be followed. The introduction of new rigorous material will be covered and students will be
expected to make daily progress toward mastery of grade-level standards. Parental guidance and student motivation are needed for the student to be successful.

• Vidor ISD is working with administrators, teachers, and the community to develop a comprehensive plan for re-opening school, which will take into consideration the new guidelines from TEA. This plan will include more detailed information for parents before making a commitment for their child(ren) to attend either in-person or alternative online instruction.

• Parents will need to make a commitment as to which option they prefer (in-person or online) for their child two weeks prior to the start of school. Students will be able to change options at the end of each grading period but not before that time. VISD will send out more information regarding commitments prior to the beginning of school.

• To reduce the spread of the coronavirus, VISD will follow the state’s guidance on facial coverings, social distancing, and health precautions, including but not limited to pre-screening staff and students, more frequent cleaning of facilities, required hand-washings and the
availability of hand sanitizer in every classroom.

Please continue to enjoy your summer, and stay healthy and safe.
Thank you.

Jay Killgo, Superintendent