One year ago, the Coronavirus COVID-19 brought the United States into clear focus of the reality of a pandemic problem. In March 2020, Governor Abbott’s subsequent declarations required all school districts to remain closed to in-person instruction for the remainder of the school year through May 2020. Instruction was delivered via internet to families who had internet access, and parents without internet access picked up paper assignments from school for their children. Some school districts opened their doors in August 2020 for start of the 2020-2021 school year, while some districts chose to keep students at home with remote learning. The Texas Education Agency required each school district to submit an Asynchronous Remote Learning Plan for approval by TEA. Richland Springs ISD’s Asynchronous Plan was one of the first plans approved in Texas, and was the first to be approved in the Region XV Service area. Richland Springs opened its doors to face-to-face instruction for all students on the first day of school on August 11, 2021. Richland Springs ISD had to switch to remote learning for 8 days this school year due to the Coronavirus, and for 5 days due to Winter Storm URI. School districts have remained focused on this Public Health Crisis. Governor Abbott has reopened Texas after a year of health mandates and guidelines regarding the Coronavirus, effective March 10, 2021, with his latest Declaration. The Texas Commissioner of Education also released updated school health and safety guidance on March 4, 2021, allowing the governing board of a school system to modify or eliminate formal action by the Commissioner’s previous requirement that all students and staff wear masks over their noses and mouth when social distancing is not possible. Hopefully, the ongoing COVID vaccinations in the United States will allow somewhat of a return to normality in our lives in the foreseeable future. Thank goodness!
School personnel in Texas school should still encourage everyone to continue to take the simple steps to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Only 10 weeks remain in the 2020-2021 school year. Please pray for our schools and our country. We have a great community, students, teachers and staff. Working together we can overcome any obstacle! Thanks for all you do! Life is good!
Community involvement is the key to our success!
Students return for classes at 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23rd.