O. Henry Middle School

Open for Learning: Health Procedures, Attendance, Hopefest (Flu Clinic) and more

Oct
23
2020
 

Top Story: Staying Healthy

Austin ISD is about to enter its fourth week of the phase-in period. So far, we are delighted to cautiously report that our research-backed safety measures implemented at all campuses seem to be working.  We have no active clusters and no evidence of spread within our schools.

To continue this success, it will take the efforts of our entire community to help ensure our students stay safe. We ask everyone to remember that what happens off campus impacts the health of our schools and to keep the following in mind:

  • When not engaging in essential functions such as work, school or going to the grocery store, 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.
  • If students are going to see friends, everyone should wear a mask and stay as socially-distant as possible, ideally while outside.
  • Large indoor gatherings should be avoided by families and their children.

Thank you for using your good judgment and safe practices. With everyone’s help, we can ensure our schools stay happy, healthy and open.

Attendance and Remote Learning

Research shows that students with high attendance rates regularly score better in assessments, gain more access to opportunities that lead to college and careers, and feel more connected to campus life. In the 2020–21 school year, students who take part in remote learning are considered in attendance if they show engagement. The following activities count as engagement:

  • Attending a live (synchronous) virtual lesson. 
  • Watching a pre-recorded (asynchronous) video lesson.
  • Turning in an assignment.
  • Emailing or calling a teacher.

Families who choose remote learning can help their students with their attendance by:

  • Making attendance and online lessons a priority.
  • Checking attendance via the Parental Portal online or on the mobile app.
  • Checking homework.
  • Talking with your child’s teacher and school.

Learning Model Option Changes and Survey

Beginning Nov. 2, we will continue to offer the option of remote learning and welcome all students who wish to return to campus back for on-campus learning. Students in middle and high school will receive more face-to-face instruction, which will involve physical transitions between class periods.

To help us prepare for these changes, we ask families of middle and high school student to complete the most recent Family Learning Surveyno later than Oct. 28. Families with students in elementary school should communicate with their campus’ main office if they plan to switch learning models beginning Nov. 2. This will help your campus administrators create the best possible learning environment that will work for all students.

Read the full letterfrom Dr. Elizalde or visit the FAQ page for more information.

Hopefest Drive-Through Event

To increase access to the flu vaccine this year, Austin Voices for Education and Youth in Association with Austin ISD are hosting HopeFest this Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at Northeast Early College High School.

HopeFest is a resource fair where families are able to get free drive-through flu shots quickly and easily. HopeFest will also provide free COVID-19 tests, food, books, crafts, live music and a zoo.

Trained volunteers will be on site to safely accommodate flu and clinic enrollment, vaccine and consent forms in the car.

Flu shots and COVID-19 tests are free. Families are encouraged to come by the drive-through in a safe and timely manner.

For more information on HopeFest please visit www.austinvoices.org/hopefest.

More Great Information

Additional links and important information from our website and social media that you may have missed:

This year, due to changes in the school calendar, the AISD Pride Week planning committee has received approval to move this weeklong event from the fall semester to April 19-24, 2021.

Austin ISD received a superiorFinancial Integrity Rating from TEA.

Austin ISD campuses are hosting free flu clinics.

Thank you Austin FC and Netspend for supporting our Burnet Middle School Sailorswith a $10,000 donation.

Congratulations to Dossand Bear Creekelementary schools, which hosted their virtual grand opening celebrations.

As part of our continued commitment to communicate the progress of the bond to the community, we are sharing the latest issue of our AISD Future: 2017 Bond Newsletter. 

Friendly Reminders