Dear Wildcat Families,
Our District is so proud of the tremendous job the Kennedale ISD community has done persevering through the challenges and the uncertainties of this extremely difficult year. The guidelines and protocols under which we operated this year were continuously changing on the national, state, and local levels. Despite these challenges, our community remained steadfast in working together for the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families. We could not have done this without you!
END OF YEAR
As the end of the 2020-2021 approaches, we want to provide you with several updates about the remainder of this school year. In our area, we are very fortunate to see a steady and significant decline in the number of COVID-19 cases, as well as access to COVID-19 vaccines. Fortunately, we were able to provide the opportunity for all of our staff who wanted, to receive the vaccine.
Due to improved conditions in our community, surrounding areas, and because of revised guidance from the Tarrant County Health Department and CDC, Kennedale ISD will reduce our current status level from orange to yellow effective May 17, 2021. This change means as long as our levels remain low, face coverings will be optional for students and staff as long as a distance of at least three feet from other people not in the same household can be maintained. This will remain in effect for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year and will continue for all KISD summer programs and camps. To view the KISD Status Level chart, please see the attachment.
Mask requirements will remain in effect for students taking the STAAR make-up tests at KJH and JAA on Tuesday, May 18.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff members will always be our top priority as we will continue to clean and disinfect schools and buildings and emphasize proper protocols such as frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and encouraging students and staff members to remain home when sick.
INSTRUCTIONAL PLANS
Next year, KISD’s plan will focus on a return to a traditional face-to-face instructional schedule that does not include asynchronous, synchronous, hybrid, or remote learning in our classrooms. KISD is awaiting direction from state legislation regarding the ability to offer a “virtual academy” for the 2021-2022 school year and will continue to explore these learning opportunities for our students.
It is important to note a 100% virtual learning opportunity would look different than it has this year. This potential option will only be available in grades 5-12 and students would be required to commit for the entire school year without the ability to switch modes of instruction until the next school year. Additionally, virtual academy students will NOT be eligible to participate in extracurricular programs, including academic, athletic, fine art, UIL competitions, or organizations. The virtual academy will have restrictions and limited course selection, as no weighted classes would be offered. A possible virtual learning academy will be by application only and will require students to have demonstrated proven success learning virtually this year.
KISD would like to hear from our parents regarding a potential KISD Virtual Academy. If you would like to share your feedback, please complete a short survey HERE.
As summer approaches, Kennedale ISD will continue to monitor health trends and will adjust protocols accordingly should the need arise, however, we are looking forward to a return to more normal operations and traditions. Ideally, when we are operating at the status level green, face coverings will be optional at all district campuses, facilities, and events. We look forward to welcoming our students, families, and volunteers back to school next year with minimum mitigation efforts in place.
Thank you for your continued support of Kennedale ISD and, on behalf of the entire KISD team, I hope you and your family have a successful end to the school year and a very relaxing summer.
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