OHMS is using BLEND to amplify and support teaching, learning, and communication
Here are some key things to know:
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BLEND is our district's version of Canvas LMS(Links to an external site), a tool that the University of Texas and other K-12 districts, colleges, and universities around the country are using to support instruction. This is why BLEND email/text notifications say "Canvas."
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Teachers are still getting comfortable with BLEND and are using it to varying degrees.
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ALL Parents/Guardians have "Observer" access to BLEND. This means that when they click on BLEND through the portal or download and set up the Canvas mobile app, they will automatically be able to view any published content for their child's courses.
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Parents will ONLY be able to see individual responses and teacher feedback for their child, not for the entire class.
Connecting to Blend: How do Community Members Connect
to our Campus Community Course?
Before they can access BLEND, parents will need to set up a Parent Cloud Account. These resources are designed to support parents with this process. If a parent or guardian needs support with their account setup, they should call the Parent Help Desk at 512-414-9187
Start at the AISD Portal: https://portal.austinisd.org/
Helpful Blend Information
These printable documents provide parents/guardians with key information about BLEND.
BLEND Parent 1-Pager (Spanish)
Multiple Languages Supported
This page contains helpful BLEND (Canvas) guides in multiple languages.
BLEND (Canvas) Guides - Guías - 指南中文版
Parent Setup Walk-Throughs
These links will take parents to short screencasts that demonstrate what BLEND looks like from the parent "observer" view.
BLEND Parent Access Screencast Video
BLEND Parent Access Screencast (Spanish)
BLEND Tour
This link will direct parents to another BLEND course with very detailed information about how BLEND works. The course is available in English and Spanish.
State Assessments: STAAR and TELPAS
The State Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR testing) has been canceled. The TEA Commissioner of Education has also submitted a waiver for Federal Accountability. Additional guidance from TEA on the Student Success Initiative (SSI)/grade placement committees will be provided.
The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) assessment window has been extended. (For students whose first language is not English)
Austin ISD Food Service
Austin ISD Food Services will prepare and provide curbside meals for children under the age of 19 and their parents or caregivers at 70 locations while school is closed due to COVID-19 precautions. Please see the following website for more information https://www.austinisd.org/student-health/coronavirus/meals
Student Health
You are encouraged to use the Telemedicine for your children (unless an emergency, then go to the emergency room). Please see the following website for more information
https://www.austinisd.org/student-health/telehealth
BrainPop Video: Coronavirus
Explaining the coronavirus to students can be difficult. Our students are familiar with instructional BrainPop videos. Use this link to access a free BrainPop video that explains what the coronavirus is and how to protect yourself from contracting the virus. https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/
Facts about Coronavirus
