What back-to-school looks like: Ferris

FERRIS – School began Aug. 12 for students in the Ferris ISD area.

With COVID-19 still a situation, many school districts are offering a variety of options for students to attend – virtually or in person.

Ferris ISD Superintendent James Hartman said, “Ferris ISD has worked diligently to set up practical systems that provide the greatest instructional integrity for kids on all campuses – whether remote or in-person – and in a way that maximizes the great work our teachers do each day.”

The district began the school year in phases beginning with Phase I on Aug. 12. All classes are virtual, and students will be joining remotely from home. 

The small number of student exceptions permitted will be staff children and students without Internet access at home as mandated by TEA. 

The total anticipated number of students at school during the instructional day is estimated to be under 20-percent.  

This virtual model will continue through Sept. 4 and will give each campus an opportunity to practice new social distancing routines and safety/cleaning protocols with a small sample of the student population.
Phase II will begin Sept. 8 and continue through Oct. 2. 

An additional portion of students will be permitted back on campus at that time. 

That group will include students whose parents have indicated work conflicts preventing an adult from being home during the school day, as well as high school CTE students involved in specific courses requiring in-person instruction.  

Based on survey data, the district said they believe this phase will add an additional 20-percent of the overall student population.

On Oct. 7, Phase III will begin. 

All students whose parents have committed to in-person/on-campus instruction will be permitted to join.  

Additionally, the district is planning to implement a blended model – as permitted by TEA for high school campuses only – that will rotate student groups on campus and keep the student count to no more than 50-percent in daily attendance.
“Please know that our most important charge is keeping your students and our staff as safe as possible while we provide an education that empowers,” Hartman concluded.  

“We appreciate the patience that families have shown during this pandemic and offer our assurance that FISD will be ready to meet the needs of your child in our classrooms, whether on campus or at-home.”