RFISD Reopening FAQ

1.) Will campuses conduct a “Meet the Teacher” event prior to school starting on August 24^th?

Elementary School—The elementary school will post a pre-recorded video for all families. In addition, students will have their “Meet the Teacher” event via a Zoom meeting. More information will follow from the elementary campus and individual teachers. The elementary school is working on a plan to get materials out to students.

Middle School—The middle school will conduct a Q&A via Zoom on August 20^th. Three sessions will be available to allow parents a choice of what time will work best for their schedules.

High School---The high school will post a pre-recorded video for all families. More information will come from the campus and/or from teachers of individual courses.

2.) Will after school clubs return when students return to face-to-face instruction?

Yes. Each campus plans to offer after school clubs and events as long as it can be done safely. Physical distancing, sanitizing, hand washing, etc. will all be in place. Clubs and events will be held outside if possible. Campuses may not be able to continue with all clubs that have been offered in the past but will continue to have opportunities for students to have engaging and enriching experiences. Students will not be required to participate in face-to-face instruction to participate in after school clubs or events.

3.) Will elementary students remain in their homerooms for the duration of their school day?

At this time it is anticipated that elementary students will remain in their homerooms with the exception of PE, Music, and recess. Specials teachers will rotate to the student’s homerooms for Art, Spanish, and Computer.

4.) What is the plan for school breakfast and lunch programs?

All meals will be pre-packaged and offered in “grab-n-go” fashion. Elementary students will have lunch delivered to them in their classrooms. Secondary students may eat lunch in the cafeteria or an additional auxiliary indoor space but will be encouraged to utilize the courtyard or other outdoor areas. Parents and students will have the opportunity to order breakfast and lunch in advance using the Nutrislice mobile ordering app. Pre-payments are encouraged to limit the exchange of currency and coins.

5.) Will elementary students have recess?

Yes. The elementary campus is working hard to ensure students have an opportunity for recess when participating in face-to-face instruction. Students will have a minimum of one recess a day.

6.) When will class lists and schedules be available for students and parents?

Preliminary secondary class schedules are currently available but will not be finalized until August 19 or later. Elementary homeroom teachers will be contacts students and parents directly after August 13.

7.) Are the campus supply lists still valid?

Yes. When students are participating in face-to-face instruction, they will utilize supplies as usual. If participating remotely, the supplies may be items that are usually found in the home and so no need to purchase more. Since students will not be sharing supplies, it may be necessary to purchase a few more supplies than usual to ensure each student has their own set. In addition to typical school supplies, parents should plan to provide their child with at least 4 face coverings (with their name written in them) and personal size hand sanitizer. The Randolph PTO can help with ordering supplies. See http://www.randolphpto.org/

8.) Are there any classes that will require the student to attend face-to-face?

All classes will have a remote or face-to-face option when it is determined by the district and local health authorities it is safe to do so. Parents will have the opportunity to select either face-to-face or remote instruction for the duration of a grading period. If a student is experiencing difficulty with a particular course or course in the remote setting, it will be recommended that the student switch to the face-to-face model. If you have concerns about a particular course(s), please contact the campus administration or counselor.

9.) Will middle and high school fall sports be conducted? Will students have to be in face-to-face instruction in order to participate?

The Athletic Director and coaching staff are working with UIL and local authorities to offer all fall sports while staying within guidelines and directives. The middle school and high school are confident that students will have a season but one that may have to be modified. Students who are learning in the remote model will be able to participate.

10) What will Marching Band, Dance, Cheer, etc look like when the student(s) is learning remotely?

These classes will take place as usual along with all other courses. At this time it is not clear if they will have competitions. Much depends on the UIL and other outside agencies and organizations.

11) Will a hybrid model be an option (i.e.students in attendance face-to-face some days of the week but learning remotely other days of the week such as an A/B schedule?

No. RFISD will not offer a hybrid model. All students will be attending daily either remotely or face-to-face.

12) How many kids are anticipated to attend face-to-face?

Parents will be asked to make a decision regarding the model of instruction (remote or face-to-face) they would like to choose for their students approximately 2 weeks prior to the beginning of face-to-face instruction. Students will remain in the chosen model of instruction for a grading period. The responses will inform the District regarding the number of students who will be attending face-to-face.

13) What safety measures have each campus put in place?

There will be a number of measures in place to ensure the campuses are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized and physical distancing will be implemented to the degree possible. Hand sanitizer stations have been installed at all building main entrances and will be available in all classrooms. Windows will be open when possible in order to provide increased air exchange. Classrooms, bathrooms, common areas, and offices will be disinfected daily with an EPA approved sanitizing solution. Restrooms and water fountains will be cleaned and disinfected throughout the day. Sanitizing wipes or sanitizer with paper towels will be available in the Elementary classrooms to be used when students eat lunch. Physical distancing floor decals will be in place on the floors in the secondary campus cafeteria serving lines. Hallways will be one way only. Secondary lunch release times will be staggered to avoid large gatherings of students. Individual campuses will provide information specific to their locations.

14) What is the plan/procedure if my kid gets COVID or is exposed to it?

Campus nurses will monitor students for symptoms of COVID as part of their usual and customary student care. Parents will be notified immediately if symptoms are present and will be required to pick up their child. The District is working closely with local health authorities as well as the Texas Education Agency and the CDC on response protocols should a student or staff member be exposed to or show symptoms of COVID.

15) Is STAAR testing going to take place this year? Must students in grades 5 and 8 pass the assessment in order to be promoted to the next grade?

Yes. Both state and federal accountability measures will be in place this year. Students in grades 5 and 8 will not have to pass the STAAR exams in order to be promoted to the next grade level. That decision will be made by the campus through a review of all available local data for each 5^th and 8^th grade student as it is for all other grade levels.

16) How will student IEP and/or Section 504 plans be implemented when they are in a remote learning setting?

School will begin August 24th and instruction will be provided in a 100% remote learning model. Your family will have the option to elect remote or face-to-face instruction once the district resumes face-to-face instruction. As reflected in the written notice provided to you in the Spring, your child will receive virtual instructional support according to his/her IEP or 504 plan until face-to-face instruction resumes. Teachers will be contacting you to establish a schedule with your family in order to meet your child’s IEP/504 needs. If you or educational staff have a concern regarding IEP/504 services during remote learning, an ARD or 504 meeting can be convened. Please contact your child’s case manager or the special education coordinator should an ARD/504 meeting need to be requested.

17) How will PPE violations be addressed?

It is the goal of each campus to inform and assist students in use of PPE. Students will receive lessons on PPE use and adults will model proper use. If a student is non-compliant and it is seen as a discipline issue vs lack of knowledge or understanding of the importance of PPE, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken.

18) How will grading and assessment practices be equitable for face-to-face and remote students?

Grading policies will be the same for students regardless of the learning model. Campuses are working on software applications that can be utilized to ensure test security. In addition, teachers are examining assessment design to ensure student learning is accurately and fairly measured.

19) What will remote instruction look like for high school? For middle school? For elementary school?

Campus principals have sent information regarding current plans. Please check with the administration at your child’s campus for more details.

20) Is attendance mandatory? How will attendance be taken for those learning remotely?

Attendance in school is mandatory under Texas law Section §25.085. Compulsory attendance applies to students who are at least six years old as of September 1 of the applicable school year.

Attendance will be taken daily for students in both the remote and face-to-face models. Secondary students in the remote learning model must engage with each of their 7 classes daily and will have up until 11:59 pm each day to engage in each of their classes. Students must have demonstrated some level of progress in course content in order to be counted as “engaged” for the day (i.e. it is not sufficient to simply log in to their Google Classroom). Elementary students must engage with their homeroom teacher, PE, and either Art, Music, Spanish, or Computers daily by 11:59 pm. Attendance rules for promotion will apply to all students regardless of their learning model.

21) Will students still be able to participate in Dual credit, UT OnRamps, Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) courses still be available for those working remotely?

Yes. All courses will be offered in both remote and face-to-face models.

22) How will students who are working remotely receive necessary materials?

Campuses have developed schedules for pick-up of materials students will need. Schedules for picking up and returning materials will continue as long as remote learning continues.

Elementary school pick up is scheduled for August 19, 20, and 21. More info will be shared by the elementary campus as the dates approach.

Middle School pick up is scheduled for August 19 between 11:00-5:00. More info will be shared by the middle school campus as the date approaches.

High School pick up will be August 19 and as needed for individual courses. More info will be shared by the high school campus as warranted.