November 12: Updated reopening plan, student mental health and more!

Open for Learning Plan Version 4.2

Austin ISD has completed our four-week phase in and we continue to welcome students who choose on-campus instruction while also providing remote learning for many of our students. Furthermore, we continue to deliver personal protective equipment to our campuses, technology to our students and are always working to keep our campuses as safe and healthy as possible.

All of this was road mapped in the Open for Learning plan, released in the summer. This plan has been continuously updated as we collect information and adhere to guidance from health authorities. Today, we are releasing version 4.2, which includes updates to the following:

• Transitioning from Remote Off-Campus Learning to On-Campus Learning and Vice Versa.
• On-Campus Learning After the Phase-In Process.
• Criteria for Returning to School or Work After a Confirmed or Suspected Case of COVID-19

For a quick look at the updates, please see click here for access to the completely updated plan or visit www.austinisd.org/openforlearning.

#MASKUP

At Austin ISD, we have implemented procedures and practices at every level to ensure the safety of students, staff and community members on our campuses.

The best way families can help Austin ISD in the coming weeks is to ensure their children are following best practices and safety procedures at home and with friends. This is because what happens off-campus affects the health and safety of our school communities. When not engaging in school or work, the best way to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic is to stay home. If you or your family do need to go out, please wear your mask at all times and frequently wash or sanitize hands. Finally, please avoid large indoor gatherings. 

As we approach the winter holidays, now is the time to encourage our communities to continue to wear masks and wash hands. Let’s commit not to let up but to #maskup.

And to help spread the word, Austin ISD mascots joined the Mascots for Masks PSA. Share the video with friends and family for a fun reminder this holiday season.

Prioritizing Mental Health

Change is hard and everyone reacts differently to change. Austin ISD knows our students learn best when their community is safe. We are committed to informing our families and community about options available.

School Mental Health Centers

School Mental Health Center therapists use evidence-based practices to help students and families identify and treat behavioral issues and mental health concerns. Working with the family, therapists complete a thorough clinical assessment, create therapeutic goals with the student and provide ongoing therapy throughout the year. All services are confidential

and student health information is protected under the law. School Mental Health Centers are serviced by our partner Vida Clinic, and offer both face-to-face and teletherapy sessions.

Visit our website to learn more for and for a full list of School Mental Health Center locations.

Licensed Mental Health Professionals

Licensed Mental Health Professionals support children living a balanced, safe and healthy life.

They partner with the school, family and community to provide support to students facing challenges that interfere with their academic and interpersonal success.

For additional information on Licensed Mental Health Professional services, please visit our website.

Dual Language Info Sessions

Did you know that your student has the opportunity to be bilingual, bi-literate and bicultural? Austin ISD is proud to offer multiple, innovative dual language and multilingual programs in the district. To assist families, AISD is hosting a one-hour virtual session Thursday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. in Spanish and again on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. in English. These meetings are an opportunity for families to learn more about various language programs offered by AISD. Interpretation will be available upon request for both sessions.

The sessions will go over a some frequently asked questions that families have about our bilingual program, such as:

• What does the Dual Language program look like in AISD?
• What can parents and caregivers expect?
• What does it look like when your child is developing literacy in two languages?
• What questions do I ask about my child’s bilingual program so that I may support my child and the school?

The purpose of the session is to educate parents and students on bilingual programs and encourage students to take bilingual programs

Please visit this site to register for the virtual session.

More Great Information

To keep up with districtwide information, you are invited to tune in every week to AISD in 3.

Are you interested in being a paraeducator/teaching assistant? AISD and Austin Community College have launched a free certification program.

To help provide food during the holiday break, families may pick up free seven-day meal packs at the Central Texas Food Bank distribution event on Monday, Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at Toney Burger Stadium, 3200 Jones Road, Austin, TX 78745.

The City of Austin’s Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance Program provides up to six months of full rent payment for income-eligible Austin renters who have experienced a COVID-19-related income loss. Learn more at AustinTexas.gov/RENT

COVID-19 Rapid Testing has launched. Please review this Q&A sheet and flyer for more information.

Students can report bullying and school safety concerns through Let’s Talk!

Friendly Reminders

• Download the AISD App today for iPhone and Android.
• Have a question? We look forward to hearing from you via Let’s Talk!
• Make every day count! Learn about what your child can do to be counted as present and engaged during remote learning.
• Visit Austin ISD’s website focused on providing information and resources for Community Learning Spaces.
• BLEND is Austin ISD’s online learning platform. Tutorials are available in English and Spanish.
• Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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