FAQs for COVID-19, Arlington ISD Parents March 25, 2020

FAQs for COVID-19, Arlington ISD Parents
March 25, 2020
How long will Arlington ISD schools be closed?
The Arlington ISD will not be resuming classes on our campuses on April 6. We do not know at
this time when school on our campuses will resume. In the meantime, the At-Home Learning
Hub is growing daily so that your children continue their learning. The majority of courses will
be uploaded and ready for credits on April 13, 2020.

The situation continues to be fluid, and we are following guidance from our city, county and
state officials. When health officials determine that it is safe to resume school we will reach out
to you with a date.

Will meals for students continue to be provided during the closure?
Yes. As long as the Arlington ISD is closed, the district will continue the Student Meal Program.
Visit the Student Meal Program webpage for more details and feeding locations.

Will the At-Home Learning Hub continue to be used during the extended
closure?
Yes, the At-Home Learning Hub will provide student learning opportunities throughout the
entire time that the district is closed. In fact, the Hub is being implemented in phases and will
continue to improve and grow as we add more content and resources. Click here for a video for
navigating the At-Home Learning Hub for Spanish speakers with English captions.

       Phase 1 – March 16 – 27, 2020
          • Teachers will NOT assign grades
          • Students are encouraged to complete activities
          • Devices will be distributed to students who do not have them.
       Phase 2 – March 30 – April 9
          • Instruction and activities will be provided to students through Seesaw and/or
          paper-based learning packets for grades PK-2, Canvas for grades 3-12 with a focus
          on core content courses of English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science.
          • Arlington ISD teachers will participate in professional learning on how to deliver
          instruction remotely in preparation for Phase 3.
          • Students who have been participating in Edgenuity programs for credit/grade
          recovery prior to Spring Break will be able to continue to their learning on that
          platform. A link will be provided directly on the At-Home Learning Hub.
          • AP coursework for secondary students will be supported using the AP Classroom
          tool provided by College Board which can be accessed on the At-Home Learning Hub
          • Teachers will NOT assign grades that will impact a student’s grade point average
          (GPA).

•  Students are asked to complete activities/assignments to maintain their learning
          they received this school year so far.
       Phase 3 – April 10 – end of closure
          • All content areas and courses will be taught by Arlington ISD teachers using
          Seesaw and Canvas.
          • An alternate paper-based learning packet will continue to be provided for Pre-K
          – 2nd grade students in addition to the Seesaw lessons accessible on the At-Home
          Learning Hub.
          • Resources will continue to be available in the At-Home Learning Hub
          • Coursework will count for grades and credits as of April 13, 2020. Additional
          information on grading and GPA is being developed and will be provided prior to the
          beginning of Phase 3.

Will there be student learning opportunities for Alt Curriculum students or
students with other special needs?
Yes, we have rolled out Specialized Learning Services lessons for the following:
Alternate Curriculum, Social Emotional and Academic Success (SEAS), Academic and Behavior
Learning Environment (ABLE), Speech-Language, Dyslexia, Early Childhood Special
Education (ECSE), Pre-Voc and VAC (Vocational), 18-PLUSS (Vocational), Vision, and Deaf
Education. These are listed on the At-Home Learning Hub site.

What if my child doesn’t have a device like an iPad, laptop or Chromebook to
complete the At-Home Learning with?
Technology devices can be checked out for students to use during the district closure. Students
who need to borrow a device from the district during our closure due to COVID-19 should fill
out this form. Please fill out one form for each Arlington ISD student who needs a device to
help them complete online coursework. These devices will be checked out ONLY to those who
have filled out the Student Device Request. Device pick-up will be customized for elementary
and secondary schools. A plan will be coming out today or in the morning. Devices borrowed
during the closure will be collected once the closure ends.

How do I know what kind of device and what other technology is needed?
For our device checkout, students who are in grades pre-K-through-2nd will borrow an iPad and
students in grades 3-12 will borrow a Chromebook. Either of these devices or similar devices
should be sufficient for students to be able to complete learning at home.

Our family doesn’t have internet access; how is my child supposed to do online
activities and lessons?
We have compiled a list of recommendations for students to access documents via private and
public Wi-Fi on our At-Home Learning Hub website.

My student is really struggling and showing signs of anxiety over the closure. Do
you have someone my child can speak to or suggestions for how to talk to them
about the coronavirus?
Yes – the Arlington ISD has a Coping With Emergencies page as a part of its COVID-19 response.
We have a student counseling hotline set up where students can conference with a school
counselor, and we have parent and student resources for managing stress and anxiety.

Our family needs additional assistance and resources right now. Do you have a
list of resources for Arlington ISD families?
Yes – on the new Coping With Emergencies page, the AISD has a community support services
hotline set up where students, parents and staff can speak with social workers and other
support personnel about community resources related to food, clothing, shelter, transportation
and advocacy. On that page, we also have a thorough list of resources and providers.

How do I get a Verification of Enrollment for my child to get his or her Driver
License?
As of March 18, all Texas DMV offices are closed to the public for in-person transactions and in
order to get a license, students must visit the DMV in person for fingerprints, pictures and to
turn in the VOE. The district will continue to work on ways to provide a VOE during our closure.

How do I get a transcript for my child?
Transcripts for current and former students are available through an online portal. Find
information on ordering transcripts here.

What is the plan for graduation for our Class of 2020 seniors?
Seniors and parents of seniors, we know this is a difficult time for you as you have prepared for
graduation for many years. While we don’t know yet what type of graduation services we will
have, we assure you that we will celebrate your milestone.

FAQs for COVID-19, Arlington ISD Parents
March 17, 2020
Why did the District decide to close the schools and cancel all other events and activities?
In an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 and in partnership with local, county and state
public health officials, the District decided to close all Arlington ISD schools until March 30. Our
most valuable assets are our staff and students and we want to exercise every option to keep
everyone safe.

When will school resume?
School is scheduled to resume on Monday, March 30, 2020.

Could this closure last longer than these two weeks?
While we don’t know the answer at this time, we are planning ahead just in case the closure
needs to extend beyond March 30.

How will teaching and learning continue during the closure?
To help students’ minds stay actively engaged during the district’s closure due to COVID-19, the
Arlington ISD is launching an At-Home Learning Hub for all prekindergarten through 12th-grade
students. Students will have online opportunities, materials and resources that are age, grade-
level and content-area appropriate. These resources are meant to reinforce learning that has
already taken place in the classroom in core subjects – English/language arts/reading, math,
science and social studies. Additionally, given the district’s continued focus on literacy, a variety
of e-book platforms will be available. Through the learning portal website
www.aisd.net/students/at-home-learning, parents will be able to access these resources, which
will be continuously updated.

How will students receive meals during the closure?
The District has completed a Student Meal Plan that began on Monday, March 16, and runs
Monday through Friday during the district’s closure.

   •   Any child age 18 or younger may receive one lunch meal and one breakfast meal daily
   •   Meals can be picked up daily from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at every site
   •   Children must be present to receive meals
   •   Meals are packaged to take home as schools are closed
   •   No student ID or other form of identification is required
   •   Arlington ISD Food and Nutrition Service personnel will be distributing the meals
   •   Find a complete list of the 23 AISD student meal locations at www.aisd.net/coronavirus
       and click on Student Meal Plan

What if my child/ren need/s food on the weekends?
The District is working with local partners to determine the best way to access food resources
on the weekend. We will have more information on this topic before the end of the week.

The STAAR test is coming up. How will the closure impact that?
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Monday, March 16, that he is waiving STAAR
testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. Read his release here.

How will the missed days be made up?
Texas Education Agency (TEA) will provide guidance at a future date.

My child was scheduled to take the SAT/PSAT/ACT exam. Is that canceled?
From the College Board website: In response to the rapidly evolving situation around the
coronavirus (COVID-19), College Board is canceling the May 2, 2020 SAT administration.
Makeup exams for the March 14 administration (scheduled for March 28) are also canceled.

Students who already registered for May, whose March test centers were closed, or who do not
receive March scores because of any irregularities will receive refunds.

In the coming days, College Board will share additional information and details directly with
registered students and test centers.

From the ACT website: The safety of students and test center staff is ACT’s top priority. ACT has
rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the U.S. in response to concerns
about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). All students registered for the April 4 test date
will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and
instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date.

What should I do if I have been in contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 or if I have
been diagnosed?
If your student or a member of a student’s household has traveled to a country with a Level 3
travel advisory for the Coronavirus as identified by the CDC or the US Department of State, you
are requested to alert the District by sending an email to covid19@aisd.net and self-quarantine
for the recommended 14 days. An Arlington ISD official will reach out to you with more
information.

Arlington ISD families should also self-report if they have been in contact with anyone who has
been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Cleaning of School Facilities and School Buses
The Arlington Independent School District is taking the necessary steps and preventive
measures to help protect our students, staff, and parents who use district facilities and buses
daily. All district facilities are cleaned and disinfected nightly, and buildings have been deep
cleaned during spring break. The district utilizes electrostatic disinfectant misting applicators to
destroy germs on surfaces throughout our buildings and buses. These disinfectant applicator
systems are used daily to help reduce the spread of germs to students and staff.

What is social distancing?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social distancing means remaining
out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately
6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.

Prevention
As a reminder, the symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Several simple preventative measures are known to minimize the spread of communicable
diseases. Health authorities indicate that the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are
the same recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu virus. The following measures
are successful in preventing the spread of flu and the common cold, and can also help prevent
the spread of COVID-19:

•   Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after
       going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or
       sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with
       at least 60 percent alcohol.
   •   Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
   •   Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
   •   Stay home when you are sick.
   •   Remain home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-
       reducing medication.
   •   Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
   •   Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household
       cleaning spray or wipe.

Preguntas frecuentes de COVID-19, para los padres de
Arlington ISD; 17 de marzo del 2020
¿Por qué el Distrito decidió cerrar las escuelas y cancelar todos los eventos y actividades?
En un intento por frenar la propagación de COVID-19 y en asociación con funcionarios de la
salud pública locales, del condado y estatales, el Distrito decidió cerrar todas las escuelas de
Arlington ISD hasta el 30 de marzo. Nuestros recursos más valiosos son nuestro personal y
estudiantes y queremos ejercitar todas las opciones posibles para mantener a todos seguros.

¿Cuándo se reanudarán las clases?
Las clases están programadas para comenzar el lunes, 30 de marzo del 2020.

¿Podría este cierre durar más de dos semanas?
Si bien no sabemos la respuesta en este momento, estamos planeando con anticipación en caso
de que el cierre deba extenderse más allá del 30 de marzo.

¿Cómo se continuará impartiendo enseñanza y aprendizaje durante el cierre?
Para ayudar a mantener activas las mentes de los estudiantes durante el cierre del Distrito
debido a COVID-19, Arlington ISD está lanzando un Centro de aprendizaje desde el hogar para
todos los estudiantes desde prekínder hasta duodécimo grado. Los estudiantes tendrán
oportunidades en línea, materiales y recursos apropiadas para su edad, grado escolar y área de
contenido. Estos recursos están destinados a reforzar el aprendizaje que ya ha tenido lugar en
el salón de clase en materias básicas: inglés, artes del lenguaje, lectura, matemáticas, ciencias y
estudios sociales. Además, dado el enfoque continuo del Distrito en la alfabetización tenemos
disponibles una variedad de plataformas de libros electrónicos. A través del sitio web del portal
de aprendizaje www.aisd.net/students/at-home-learning, los padres podrán acceder a nuestros
recursos, que se actualizarán continuamente.

¿Cómo recibirán alimentos los estudiantes durante el cierre?

El Distrito ha completado un plan de comidas para los estudiantes que comenzó el lunes, 16 de
marzo y estará vigente de lunes a viernes durante el cierre del Distrito.
    • Cualquier niño/a de 18 años o menos puede recibir un almuerzo y un desayuno
         diariamente.
    • Las comidas se pueden recoger diariamente de 11 a.m. a 1 p.m. en las escuelas
         designadas.
    • Los niños deben estar presentes para recibir las comidas.
    • Las comidas se empaquetan para llevar ya que las escuelas están cerradas.
    • No se requiere identificación de estudiante u otra forma de identificación.
    • El personal de la oficina de Servicios de Alimentos y Nutrición de Arlington ISD
         distribuirá las comidas.
    • Encuentre una lista completa de las 23 escuelas donde se estarán distribuyendo las
         comidas en para estudiantes de AISD en www.aisd.net/coronavirus y haga clic en
         Student Meal Plan.

¿Qué sucede si mis hijos necesitan comida durante el fin de semana?
El Distrito esta trabajando con la comunidad local para determinar la mejor manera de proveer
alimentos durante el fin de semana. Tendremos más información sobre ese tema antes del final
de la semana.

La prueba STAAR se acerca, ¿cómo afectara la misma el cierre?
El gobernador de Texas, Greg Abbott, anuncio el lunes, 16 de marzo que renunciará a los
requisitos de las pruebas STAAR para el año escolar 2019-2020. Lea su comunicado aquí.

¿Cómo se compensarán los días perdidos?
La Agencia de Educación de Texas (TEA) proporcionará información en un futuro.

Mi hijo tenia programado tomar el examen SAT/PSAT/ACT. ¿Estos están cancelados?
Desde el sitio web de College Board: en respuesta a la rápida evolución de la situación en torno
al coronavirus (COVID-19), College Board cancela la administración de SAT del 2 de mayo del
2020. Los exámenes de recuperación para la administración del 14 de marzo (programados
para el 28 de marzo) también se cancelan. Los estudiantes que ya se inscribieron para mayo,
cuyos centros de evaluación de marzo estaban cerrados, o que no recibieron puntaje de marzo
debido a cualquier irregularidad, recibirán reembolso. En los próximos días, College Board
compartirá información adicional y detalles directamente con los estudiantes registrados y los
centros de exámenes.

Desde el sitio web de ACT: la seguridad de los estudiantes y el personal del centro de exámenes
es la principal prioridad de ACT. ACT ha cambiado su fecha de prueba nacional del 4 de abril al
13 de junio en los estados Unidos en respuesta a las preocupaciones sobre la propagación del
coronavirus (COVID-19). Todos los estudiantes inscritos para el examen programado para el 4
de abril recibirán un correo electrónico de ACT en los próximos días informándoles del cambio

de fecha e instrucciones para hacer el cambio de fecha sin costo adicional para el 13 de junio o
una fecha futura nacional para el examen.

¿Qué debo hacer s he estado en contacto con una persona diagnosticada con COVID-19 o si
me han diagnosticado?
Si su estudiante o miembro del hogar de un estudiante ha viajado a un país con un aviso de
viaje de Nivel 3 para el Coronavirus identificado por el CDC o el Departamento de Estado de los
Estados Unidos. Se les solicita que avise al Distrito enviando un correo electrónico a
covid19@aisd.net y se auto cuarentene por los 14 días recomendados. Un funcionario de
Arlington ISD se comunicará con usted con más información.

Las familias de Arlington ISD también deben informar si han estado en contacto con alguien
diagnosticado con COVID-19.

Limpieza de las instalaciones y autobuses escolares
El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Arlington está tomando los pasos necesarios y las medidas
preventivas para ayudar a proteger a nuestros estudiantes, personal y padres que utilizan las
instalaciones y autobuses del distrito todos los días. Todas las instalaciones del distrito se
limpian y desinfectan todas las noches, además los edificios se han limpiado a fondo durante las
vacaciones de primavera. El distrito utiliza aplicadores de nebulización desinfectante
electrostático para destruir gérmenes en las superficies de nuestros edificios y autobuses. Estos
sistemas aplicadores de desinfectantes se usan diariamente para ayudar a reducir la
propagación de gérmenes a los estudiantes y el personal.

¿Qué es el distanciamiento social?
Según el Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, el distanciamiento social
significa permanecer fuera del entorno de congregados, evitar reuniones masivas y mantener
distancia (aproximadamente 6 pies o 2 metros) de otras personas cuando sea posible.

Prevención
Como recordatorio, los síntomas de COVID-19 son fiebre, tos y dificultad para respirar.
Se conocen varias medidas preventivas simples para minimizar la propagación de
enfermedades transmisibles. Las autoridades de salud indican que las mejores formas de
prevenir la propagación del virus de la gripe. Las siguientes medidas tienen éxito para prevenir
la propagación de la gripe y el resfriado común, y también pueden ayudar a prevenir la
propagación de COVID-19:

   •   Lávese las manos con frecuencia con agua y jabón durante al menos 20 segundos,
       especialmente después de ir l baño; antes de comer; y después de soplarse la nariz,
       toser o estornudar. Si no hay agua y jabón disponibles, use un desinfectante para manos
       a base de alcohol con al menos 60 por ciento de alcohol.
   •   Evite tocarse los ojos, la nariz y la boca sin haberse lavado las manos.
   •   Evite el contacto cercano con personas que están enfermas
   •   Quédese en casa cuando este enfermo.

•   Permanezca en casa hasta que haya estado libre de fiebre durante al menos 24 horas sin
    haber utilizado medicinas para reducir la fiebre.
•   Cúbrase la tos o estornude con un pañuelo desechable, luego tírelo a la basura.
•   Limpie y desinfecte los objetos y las superficies que se tocan con frecuencia con un
    aerosol o toalla de limpieza doméstica.