Dear Parents and Employees,

Looking forward to the 2020-2021 school year, we know that many challenges are ahead of us.  Throughout the summer, we have worked closely with UTMB, Galveston County Health District, the Texas Association of School Boards, and the Texas Education Agency.  We have used the culmination of ideas, research, recommendations, and guidance to develop the attached DISD Re-Entry Plan for parents and employees.  While we have pulled together this information in a consolidated plan, it is still a living document that may require updates and revisions in the weeks to come and throughout the school year.

The first day for students will remain Monday, August 24.  At last night’s Board Meeting, trustees did approve an additional 10 minutes to each school day.  Since TEA has made us aware that they will not be approving waivers for missed school days or low attendance in 2020-2021, the additional minutes will provide a 7-day cushion within the calendar for weather-related or COVID-19 closures.  Should we exceed the 7 days, additional make-up time may be required in June.  A copy of the 2020-2021 Academic Calendar is attached.

At the present time, we are collecting data on the number of students who will attend Face-to-Face Instruction on campus or Remote Instruction at home.  If you have not already indicated a choice, please login to Skyward and select Face-to-Face Instruction or Remote Instruction for each student in your home.  The deadline for this choice has been extended to Monday, July 20.  The choice you make now is not final.  It will be used to help make effective staffing decisions and assignments at each campus.
Parents will make final commitments for Face-to-Face Instruction or Remote Instruction when the official registration process begins on Monday, August 3.  

Provided above is a link to an introductory video about the DISD Re-Entry Plan.  Additional information will be provided to you by the district and by campus principals, as we get closer to the start of school.  Thank you for your patience and your support as we strive to meet the needs of students and families in DISD.

With gratitude,

Carla Voelkel

Superintendent

Click here to view the 2020-2021 District Calendar