Milano ISD will offer in person and online learning for this fall

Milano ISD is offering both in person and online learning for its students to start the 2020-21 school year, but with three different options for students in grades seven to 12 in an effort to educate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MISD Superintendent Robert Westbrook released the district’s “Return to Learn” plan last week with high school and junior high students  having the option for on campus learning for all classes, a “hybrid” option to attend main classes and the fully online learning at home instruction.

Students in grades Pre-K to sixth will have options for in class face-to-face instruction on campus or remote instruction at home.

For those students in grades seven through 12, the hybrid option is where students can learn mostly online and come to their respective campuses when courses require specialized instruction.

In his letter to MISD parents and staff, Westbrook said that the guidance from state officials and government entities are changing daily and the district’s plan will “remain a fluid document.”

“Much like a strong classroom teacher who must continually monitor and adjust his/her teaching, we, too, must make changes as we go along,” he said.  “There has been no roadmap or guidebook for handling the pandemic and especially for how to begin a new year when children and teachers are not established in their routines.”

First day of classes are set for Aug. 20 at Milano ISD.

Attendance will be taken daily for all instructional options. Remote learners must log in daily to be counted present for attendance.  Teachers will be available daily Monday through Friday to answer questions for students.

The district-approved grading guidelines will be used for all in-class and remote instructional options.

The use of technology will be utilized in all instructional methods.  All campuses will use an online learning management system for instructional delivery.

The district has adopted guidelines for itself that also follow guidelines and protocols provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services and Center for Disease Control regarding COVID-19.  This includes that all students in grades four through 12 who attend on campus classes must wear a mask, an increase in cleaning and hygiene procedures and social distancing.

Staff will be required to wear a face mask/covering in all areas of the campuses and will have daily COVID screenings as well. 

For students there will be a limited sharing of school supplies, regulated and limited restroom usage, and frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing opportunities.

Non-essential visitors and volunteers will not be allowed to enter buildings on campus unless they have a scheduled appointment.

Lunch times will be staggered with cafeterias disinfected between lunch periods.  Staff will have access to disinfectant to sanitize working surfaces and shared objects.

With the district’s bus routes, drivers will wear masks at all times while transporting students and the buses will be thoroughly disinfected daily.   It is also recommended that students wear masks while on the bus.  When the temperature is acceptable, windows will be open to allow for circulation of fresh air.

The district encourages families to drop students off, carpool or walk with their students to school to reduce possible virus exposure on buses.

The district has also adopted a strategic response plan should positive COVID cases start to appear with students that attend on campus instructions.  The process’s fourth and fifth stages include campus and/or entire district facility shut down for a specified number of days.

Westbrook also stated that the students and staff safety is vital as they work to provide education for MISD in what are unprecedented times.

“I can assure you that Milano ISD is committed to creating safe environments for our students and staff…Regardless of the uncharted waters ahead, we will roll up our sleeves, remain calm, adjust as needed, all while serving as strong role models for our children.”

The district’s entire “Return to Learn” guidance plan can be found at www.milanoisd.net.