Frequently Asked Questions – Reopening SISD

We strive to communicate timely, relevant information regarding our upcoming reopening procedures and "Return to Learn" plan. As we continue to improve plans and procedures that help ensure safe, efficient practices are in place, we will provide additional FAQs to this resource.

Safety Measures

Will the school take daily temperatures of students as a means to screen for COVID-19?

Yes. In working with local health officials, SISD has reconsidered previous guidance and will perform daily temperature checks of students and staff. In making the safety of all students and staff a priority, SISD will rely on parents to help with screening procedures as well. Parents will need to keep their student home if he/she feels ill. SISD will provide a general screening document to parents in the coming days.

Will students have Recess? Will students be able to participate in PE / Music?

Yes. We will do so with smaller groups and distancing restrictions.

Whenever possible, physical education classes will be held outside to allow for maximum social distancing between students.
Visual markers will be on the floor and bleachers as reminders of social distancing rules.
Students will be placed in smaller, appropriate groups for instruction and activities for appropriate social distancing.
Students will need to provide their own water bottles.
Restroom use will be the practice of “one in and one out.” Equipment will be disinfected after each use.
Any activities bringing students into close physical contact will be avoided. Activities requiring multiple students to touch or handle the same equipment will be avoided.
Sanitizing areas and access to handwashing will be provided.

Cleaning Procedures | Disinfecting Routines

If you have to miss school because of a fever or covid-related symptoms, will you be moved to distance learning until it sits safe to return?

Students will have the opportunity to continue to receive instruction. Depending on the campus model and the amount of time the student will be out will determine the amount of time in distance learning.

Will the custodial staff follow a certain schedule of disinfecting classrooms, supplies, gyms, hallways, and other common areas and surfaces? Do they have enough supply?

Seminole ISD is actively working to provide each building and classroom with the appropriate supplies needed to promote a safe, productive learning environment. We are currently well-stocked with cleaning supplies.

What will parents be expected to do prior to sending their child to school?

Parents will be asked to administer a COVID-19 Health Assessment daily, which includes checking their children’s temperature and looking for common symptoms of the virus. Parents will need to keep their student home if he/she feels ill. SISD will provide a general screening document to parents when TEA makes that available.
Student temperatures will be checked at school for COVID-19 related screening at the beginning of the day.
Cooperation from parents and students will be critical to ensure we limit possible viral exposure. If students do not meet the exclusionary criteria, students should report to school for face to face instruction.

Face Coverings / Masks

Key point: Per the Governor’s order - face coverings should be worn when 6ft social distancing cannot be maintained. There will be many times during the day in which we’ll be able to ensure social distancing. Keep in mind that SISD will have clear face shields for all students.

Does my student have to wear a mask all day?

In accordance with the Governor's Executive Order, when a physical distance of at least 6 feet from others cannot be achieved, face coverings are required. To be clear, there will be many opportunities throughout the day for students to remove their face coverings. Please be reminded that SISD has purchased clear face shields that are a good alternative during instructional time. Students are required to wear masks during bus transportation, arrival, dismissal, bell changes, or moving around the campus. We encourage parents of younger students to begin discussing and practicing how to safely wear face coverings with their children over the next couple weeks so the transition will be easier for them.

Will my student be allowed to only wear the mask when going from class to class and the shield the rest of the time?

Yes. When moving through the building or to a different class and social distancing cannot be maintained, students will be required to wear a face covering.

Will children be able to take their own mask or do they need to wear what the school provides? Are cloth masks sufficient? If so, can they bring them home to be cleaned and disinfected by parents?

Yes. Students are able to bring their own masks to school for transitional periods and are encouraged to wash at home.

Will students be required to wear masks at recess?

We don’t think so. However, if social distancing cannot be achieved, face coverings will be required.

Will social distancing be followed at recess and PE?

Yes. Social distancing will be encouraged by staff when students are participating in recess, PE, library, and music classes.

What grades have to utilize face coverings? When will they not be required to wear a face covering?

Students in 4th grade and above are required. We will highly recommend all students to wear face coverings in certain situations. All students should wear them in transition for entrance and exit of the campus and when social distancing cannot be achieved. SISD will be purchasing clear face shields for all students and staff as an alternative for in-class instructional time.

Does SISD have any plans in place to delay the starting of the school year if cases continue to rise at an alarming level?

Not at this time. All campuses are scheduled for a soft opening on August 13-14. Seminole ISD is diligently working to appropriately plan for various scenarios. Your continued grace, patience, and understanding is always appreciated.

Day-to-Day Routine

What will drop-off and pick-up look like this year? Are we allowed to walk our students to their classroom?

Each campus will send communication to parents regarding pick-up and drop-off procedures. We are not permitting parents to walk their student(s) to their classroom.

What will breakfast and lunch look like?

It will vary from campus to campus.

At the elementary level, students will either eat in their classroom or in a setting that allows for social distancing.
Lunches will be served in covered containers.
At the secondary level, students will be spread out in many areas of the school and outdoors, weather permitting. When transitioning to and from the cafeteria, in lunch lines, etc. students will be expected to wear a face covering. Once seated and eating, students may remove their masks. High School students will be permitted to leave campus.

Will my student be able to leave for lunch? Am I able to drop off lunch at the front office?

High School students are the only ones who may leave for lunch. Students in PK - 8th grade will not be allowed to leave campus nor have a visitor join them for lunch. Students may bring lunch, but no drop-off or delivery of lunch is allowed.

How will students move from class to class? What will the passing period look like for secondary?

It will vary from building to building. Our elementary campuses will have the opportunity to stagger breaks throughout the day to avoid congestion. Our secondary campus will utilize face coverings and one-way traffic where possible.

Will visitors be allowed on campuses?

Visitors will be allowed on campuses on a very limited basis using the guidelines below.

Visits must be official school business and have a scheduled appointment
All visitors required to wear masks and utilize hand sanitizing stations upon entry
Parents will be required to drop off students at designated drop off locations
Students may bring lunch, but no drop-off or delivery of lunch allowed
No visitors will be allowed to eat with students
Students in PK - 8th grade will not be allowed to leave campus for lunch
Until further notice, classroom parties will not be allowed

How will I know if thee is a case?

We will notify the campus if someone tests positive on that campus. We will not disclose identifiable information about that student or staff member. However you will be contacted personally if your student has been determined to have been within close contact with someone who tests positive.

Academic Questions

If we do not like on-campus learning, can we switch our student to distance learning?

Yes. Students who wish to participate in distance learning are provided that opportunity.

What will schedules look like for in-person learning?

This will vary from campus to campus. Additional information will be provided by each individual campus.

What will distance learning actually look?

Distance Learners will participate in both asynchronous (real-time with the rest of the class) and independent learning.

Will the supply list for distance learning be the same as the in-person learning?

Yes. To participate fully, students will need the same supplies for both in-person or at-home learning.

What will a small group look like? How many children together at a time?

Seminole ISD is purchasing plexiglass table dividers and face shields for in-class instruction. Small groups typically entail 3-5 children at one time.

Will technology be provided to distance learners?

Yes. The district will provide devices for all staff and students enrolled in Seminole ISD.

How will the Special Ed classroom enforce social distancing or mask when they don't understand this and have sensory issues?

The Seminole ISD staff will provide shields for all students, and review the importance of social distancing with all students through social stories. Social stories will be presented daily at the beginning of the school year with assistance from the special education department staff trained to help students with sensory deficits.

What is the process for applying for free and/or reduced lunch for students? Will my distance learner receive a school provided meal?

Yes, similar to in-person meal procedures, students enrolled in distance learning may request a school provided meal. Please visit our Food Services webpage for information regarding Free/Reduced Meals, Payment Information, and Menus.

What time does school start each day?

All campuses will begin at 7:55 am.

Social | Emotional Well-Being

Will children be able to interact at all?

Yes. We pride ourselves in employing professional, empathetic educators who are invested in not only the educational preparedness of our students but the social and emotional lessons learned through interactions that come with a classroom setting.

Does SISD have any plans to provide additional emotional support for teachers and students during this school year?

Seminole ISD counseling staff will continue to evaluate and prepare support for our students and staff. They will provide families with resources and a means for additional support.

Will there be a day for the kids to get to find their classrooms, meet the teacher, and experience wearing their mask or face shields before school starts?

Additional information from individual campuses will be provided via ParentSquare and our social media platforms. Staff and administration will work together to educate students about classroom safety, procedures, as well as, provide a tour of the school.

Will my daughter that is going to Junior High be able to take her supplies to school, look at the school, and get to know where her classes are at as well?

Seminole Junior High Staff has provided an online Orientation for incoming 6th graders. If there are additional needs, please reach out to the campus office.

Will students get to go to PE, Music, and Recess?

Yes. Proper social distancing and sanitation protocols will be followed at each of these classes.

How will the behavioral changes as a result of stress, anxiety, fear due to social distancing be handled?

The Counselors for the District will continue to collaborate with one another to identify various services and needs, while determining effective solutions on how to better serve our students.