East Texas Schools Plan For 2020-21

Just as Covid-19 cases are on the rise, the upcoming school year is coming ever closer. Unless there is an executive order from the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbot, there are plans in place to start in-person classes across East Texas.

Universally they will be limiting outside visitors. Parents visiting for lunch with students is listed specifically as something that will not be happening. They have been surveying the parents to find out their preferences.They all mention that changes could and will happen, and they will be reactive to issues. The state has sent a shipment of PPE's to all districts.

Lufkin ISD Superintendent Lynn Torres released a statement via their website on July 2nd that they will be opening for an in person start to school on August 13th. They are relying on instructions from State of Texas, and will abide by any changes the state makes, closer to that date.

Kids and faculty can opt to wear masks, so far it's not mandatory, but that may change. Lufkin ISD has installed new filters on AC units, similar to ones now used in hospitals and the air travel industry to reduce the threat of spreading the virus.

No options for not coming to school in person were to be found in that release, but it is a little dated as things are changing daily.

Today Nacogdoches ISD Superintendent Dr.Gabriel Trujillo has sent a letter to parents and they are planning on offering a combination of in person, and distance learning. They will be including a form in their online registration asking parents to select a learning model for their child. They plan on starting back on August 24th.

Pineywoods Community Academy released their plans on July 7th, and they are scheduled to resume in-person classes on August 12th. PCA will offer both remote and on-campus learning options. Parents will have the option to switch between the two formats, and they are opting to keep things fluid.

This is just a fraction of the schools in our area. School starts in about a month for most. Hopefully they will have more details from the Texas Education Agency about what those in person classes will be like. There are still unanswered questions about attendance and more. Hopefully there will be more answers soon.