20-21 Announcement

2020-2021 School Year Announcement
Posted on 07/09/2020
stylized text on a blue background- "2020-2021 School Year Announcement. Parent input needed. Respond by July 15."

Castleberry ISD Parents and Staff,

On July 7th, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) published new public health guidelines for officials to consider when planning the reopening of their schools. While districts must offer daily on-campus instruction for all students who want it, any parent may request that their child be offered remote instruction. Masks for students and teachers will be mandatory in counties with more than 20 reported COVID-19 cases when public schools resume in-person classes, though this requirement does not apply to students aged under ten years old. 

Based on survey results from both parents and staff members, Castleberry ISD had every intention of offering blended learning, a hybrid learning model, to families wanting in-person instruction, with students receiving instruction 2 to 3 days in-person a week and learning from home on the other days. This method would help limit the number of people in school at one time and help the district provide a safe environment where social distancing and other CDC guidelines could be implemented more effectively. However, CISD will not be able to offer blended learning due to the recent guidelines/mandates placed on school districts by TEA as mentioned above. 

Castleberry ISD is committed to following all guidelines set forth by TEA; therefore, CISD will be offering both in-person and remote learning opportunities for students in the fall. TEA guidelines outline that parents make a commitment to either in-person or remote learning beginning 10 days prior to the first day of school (July 29th). However, for planning purposes, we ask your input one more time prior to making your final commitment. Please complete this 3 question survey by Wednesday, July 15th to help CISD plan for the allocation of teachers and resources for the new year based on the latest release from TEA.

This year, Castleberry ISD has revised the school calendar, based on guidance from the TEA, to begin school on Wednesday, August 12th. You will receive an in-person or remote instruction commitment form on Wednesday, July 29th, which marks the 10 days prior to the first day of school.

Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to work with our district task force in developing a safe reentry plan that meets all guidelines as outlined by the latest release from the Texas Education Agency and the needs of our students, staff, and community.

Sincerely,
Dr. John Ramos
Superintendent of Schools