- Houston Independent School District
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
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The Houston Independent School District is closely monitoring COVID-19 pandemic and is in contact with the Centers for Disease Control, Texas Department of State Health Services and Houston Health Department to ensure all students and staff members are safe and updated with the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Guidelines
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What are the guidelines for COVID-19 exposed, presumed, or confirmed positive individuals?
Confirmed Presumed Ongoing Exposure Who does this apply to? Individual with a positive COVID-19 test result. Individual with one or more COVID-19 symptoms Individual who is living in the same household as someone who has been confirmed COVID-19 positive. Quarantine/Isolation Time Isolate 5 days from onset of symptoms or date test was taken if no symptoms.
Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
Isolate 5 days from onset of symptoms or date test was taken if no symptoms.
Continue to wear a mask around others.
Isolation for 5 days from the onset of the confirmed case. Quarantine for an additional 5 days to monitor symptoms.
Requirements to Return to Work/School Completion of isolation, fever free for at least the past 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, and improvement in symptoms. Completion of isolation time or qualifications for early return: fever free for at least the past 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, and improvement in symptoms Meeting requirements based on vaccination/boosted status. Please see below.
Staff should follow Axiom guidelines. Students should follow campus nurse or designee recommendations.Guidance for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals If you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, you must isolate for 5 days, regardless of vaccination/ boosted status.
If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house. Continue to wear a mask around others.
If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
If you are presumed positive (exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms), you must isolate for 5 days, regardless of vaccination/boosted status.
If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house. Continue to wear a mask around others.
If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
If you are exposed to COVID-19, you must: - Wear a mask around others.
- CDC recommends to test on day 6.
For more information, see HISD's Procedural Guidelines for COVID-19 Exposure, Presumed, or Confirmed Positive Individuals.
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What happens if there is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in my school?
- All campuses are required to have a Student Health Isolation Pod (SHIP). This is a designated area where students can isolate. Isolation must be separate from the school clinic.
Students exhibiting symptoms of a recognized communicable disease must be placed in this isolation area, away from others, until picked up by a parent/guardian.
The school nurse will document confirmed COVID-19 cases in HISD’s electronic health record. If campuses do not have a school nurse, the principal will fulfill these duties.
- All campuses are required to have a Student Health Isolation Pod (SHIP). This is a designated area where students can isolate. Isolation must be separate from the school clinic.
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What should families do if a student gets COVID?
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If a student becomes infected with COVID-19, they must notify their campus, stay home and isolate following CDC guidelines, and attend temporary online learning established by their campus. Students will not be counted absent as long as they attend four hours of temporary online learning each day.
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Will students be counted absent if they have to quarantine?
- Students will not be counted absent as long as they attend four hours of temporary online learning each day.
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Will I be notified if there is a case of COVID on my campus?
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If a confirmed COVID-19 case is detected in a classroom, parents/caregivers will be notified and provided with next steps related to isolate/quarantine and any other measures that should be taken. If isolation/quarantine are required, the student must stay home.
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What are the guidelines for employees?
- All HISD campus and non-campus staff must self-monitor and will be required to isolate or quarantine if any of these conditions are met:
- Lab-confirmed COVID-19 case
- Exhibiting symptoms of a recognized communicable disease
- Ongoing exposure to a confirmed positive COVID-19 case
If staff are at work when meeting any of the above three conditions, they must leave immediately. Otherwise, they are instructed to remain at home and notify their immediate supervisor. In the interest of all HISD stakeholders, staff meeting any of the three conditions are strongly encouraged to seek medical attention and get tested for COVID-19.
COVID-19 paid leave (up to 10 days for the 2021- 2022 school year) will be available to exempt and non-exempt employees who are fully vaccinated, as well as those who are medically unable to be vaccinated. Proof of vaccination or medical exemption must be submitted to qualify.
Any additional time off beyond the COVID-19 leave days granted to qualifying employees will be processed from an employee’s leave bank in accordance with Board Policy DEC (LOCAL). In addition, Family Medical Leave is available to all employees who qualify.
- All HISD campus and non-campus staff must self-monitor and will be required to isolate or quarantine if any of these conditions are met:
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Could my school or building be closed?
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We do not anticipate full or partial school closures. Should deteriorating COVID-19 conditions warrant the closure of a campus, classroom, or portion of a classroom, that determination will be made on a case-by-case basis by HISD Health & Medical Services in consultation with local health agencies. These decisions are based on all the evidence and totality of circumstances and in alignment with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While done in consultation with local health agencies, the HISD Superintendent of Schools will make the final decision on any closures.
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General
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What is the plan for the 2021-2022 school year?
- HISD is providing in-person learning five days per week for all students during the 2021-2022 school year. To learn more, review the HISD Ready, Set, Go! Back to School Plan
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What is the HISD Ready, Set, Go! Back to School Plan?
- The Ready, Set, Go! Back to School Plan provides students, families, employees, and community stakeholders with the information necessary for a safe return to in-person learning. The plan outlines both instructional and operational protocols for all facets of the country’s eighth largest public school system. The plan is considered a living, dynamic document to allow for updates as conditions change.
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Will uniforms be required this school year?
- Student uniform policies will be flexible at all schools for the 2021-2022 school year but campus dress codes should be followed.
Safety Protocols
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What safety protocols will be in place this year?
- Masks—Masks are highly encouraged for both students and staff that may need additional layers of protection or are currently sick. Masks are no longer mandatory inside or outside of HISD schools, buildings, or buses.
- Self-Monitoring—Students, staff, and visitors are asked to monitor their health and stay home when sick.
- Vaccinations—Vaccinations are our first line of defense against COVID-19. The district hosts several vaccination clinics. Additional details and vaccination locations in the city of Houston can be found online at HoustonEmergency.org/COVID-19-Vaccines.
- COVID-19 Guidelines—The district has outlined guidance and protocols for confirmed, presumed, and exposed individuals.
- COVID-19 Testing—HISD encourages all students and staff to participate in regular COVID-19 screen testing, which allows preventative measures to be taken to avoid further transmission of COVID-19. Beginning in January 2022, HISD will provide free COVID-19 testing to all consenting HISD students and staff on participating campuses. A one-time consent form is required for participation in the COVID-19 campus testing program. The form can be completed at HoustonISD.org/COVIDTesting. For more information, visit HoustonISD.org/HealthAlerts.
- Hygiene—Students, staff, and visitors are encouraged to wash/ sanitize their hands regularly. Sanitization stations will be maintained at all HISD schools, facilities, and buildings.
- Sanitization and Disinfection—All district schools and buildings will continue to be cleaned, disinfected, and fogged nightly with hospital-grade disinfectants as a precautionary measure. Hand sanitizer and other cleaning and disinfecting supplies will be provided in all schools, buildings, and buses.
- Physical Distancing—While no longer required, physical distancing of at least three feet is encouraged indoors as space allows. Assigned seating will be required in classrooms.
- In-Person Gatherings—In-person gatherings, meetings, and events are allowed with no restrictions or limitations.
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Is entry screening required?
Students, parents, employees, and visitors are required to self-monitor and should not enter any district school, building or bus when sick or experiencing symptoms of a recognized communicable disease.
EMPLOYEES
- All HISD employees are required to self-monitor and are encouraged to stay home and follow the notification procedures set by their campus or department. It is the employee's responsibility to notify the appropriate campus administrator and campus nurse, or department supervisor when sick or experiencing symptoms of a recognized communicable disease or if they have a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
STUDENTS & VISITORS
- Parents and guardians are advised to monitor their children and check temperatures at home each day before school starts.
- Visitors at all HISD Schools and Buildings: All scheduled visitors must self-monitor for symptoms and stay home when sick.
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Will my child be required to wear a mask while at school?
Masks within HISD schools, facilities, and school buses are optional. Students, staff, and any other HISD stakeholders that may need an additional layer of protection or are exhibiting symptoms of a communicable disease are highly encouraged to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.
Anyone wanting to wear a mask can still request one when entering an HISD building.
Exceptions and reasonable accommodations will be made for those with a documented medical disability.
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How often will schools be sanitized?
All district schools and buildings will continue to be cleaned, disinfected, and fogged nightly with hospital-grade disinfectants as a precautionary measure. Hand sanitizer and other cleaning and disinfecting supplies will be provided in all school, buildings, and buses.
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Will visitors be allowed on school campuses and other HISD facilities?
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Schools and buildings are allowed to have visitors, including after-school program staff, as well as parents and community members who have been approved through the Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) program and have appointments. Parents registering their children for school are also allowed.
Masks are highly encouraged for visitors who may need additional layers of protection or who are currently sick. Visitors experiencing symptoms of a recognized communicable disease must stay home and will not be allowed on HISD premises.
For more information on VIPS and to register as a volunteer: HoustonISD.org/VIPS.
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Technology & Online Resources
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How do parents obtain technology for students?
- Wireless hotspot devices will be made available to any student who does not have access to broadband internet at home. Parents should contact their campus for technology needs.
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Can I still use online resources provided last year?
- Yes. Digital resources and learning materials are still available to all students and staff through the HISD HUB. These resources include digital lessons in the HUB, Imagine Math, Imagine Language, MyOn, and MackinVIA.
Bus Service & Student Meals
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How will bus service work this year?
- Transportation Services is resuming normal operations and bus service at full capacity. Students and bus operators are highly encouraged to wear masks when needing additional layers of protection or are sick. Assigned seating is no longer required.
Students must sanitize their hands and scan their bus badge upon boarding. Buses will be cleaned and sanitized regularly with hospital-grade disinfectant as a precautionary measure. Each bus will be equipped with hand sanitizer, disinfectant, towels, and first aid supplies.
All students are required to self-monitor and should stay home if they experience symptoms of a recognized communicable disease.
For more information, visit
HoustonISD.org/Transportation.
- Transportation Services is resuming normal operations and bus service at full capacity. Students and bus operators are highly encouraged to wear masks when needing additional layers of protection or are sick. Assigned seating is no longer required.
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How will student meals be provided this year?
- Nutrition Services is resuming normal operations and offerings, including breakfast in the classroom and lunch in the cafeteria, as well as snack and dinner service at select campuses. All student health, medical, and special dietary needs, as well as allergy concerns, will be accommodated.
When not actively eating or drinking, masks are highly encouraged for both students and staff who may need additional layers of protection or who are currently sick.
Assigned seating is no longer required.
While campus water fountains will be fully functional, they will be available as refilling stations only. Students should not drink directly from water fountains and are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles to school each day.
- Nutrition Services is resuming normal operations and offerings, including breakfast in the classroom and lunch in the cafeteria, as well as snack and dinner service at select campuses. All student health, medical, and special dietary needs, as well as allergy concerns, will be accommodated.
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Will curbside pickup for student meals still be offered?
- Campus curbside pickup for student meals is discontinued for the 2021-2022 school year, though occasional large-scale community food distributions may be held as needed. If such an event is scheduled, families will be notified.
If your family needs meal assistance, please submit a Student Assistance Form to HISD’s Wraparound Services Department via HoustonISD.org/SAFhelp.
- Campus curbside pickup for student meals is discontinued for the 2021-2022 school year, though occasional large-scale community food distributions may be held as needed. If such an event is scheduled, families will be notified.
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Can schools/parent groups resume selling food on campus?
- Competitive food sales — food sold by schools, parent groups, booster clubs, and outside vendors — are prohibited.
Academics and Extracurriculars
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Will extracurricular and fine arts activities be allowed?
- Competitions and practices, as well as extracurricular activities and performances, will take place following campus guidelines.
All indoor and outdoor competitions, practices, and extracurricular activities/performances occurring at HISD facilities will allow spectators.
While no longer required, masks are highly encouraged for attendees needing additional layers of protection or are sick.
- Competitions and practices, as well as extracurricular activities and performances, will take place following campus guidelines.
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Will field trips be allowed?
- Non-athletic field trips, including enrichment and curricular trips, are permitted with no restrictions or limitations.
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Can my child participate in University Interscholastic League Athletics and Activities?
- Yes. All athletic competitions and practices and on-campus extracurricular activities are permitted following campus guidelines.
Special Education
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What is a Temporary Distance Learning Plan (TDLP)?
- TDLP is the district’s contingency plan for students with disabilities who have transitioned to temporary online learning due to COVID-19.
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Who qualifies for a TDLP?
- Every student with disabilities who is enrolled on a physical HISD campus is eligible.
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How does a TDLP work?
- TDLP is discussed and agreed-upon during the ARD-IEP committee meeting. It is an official ARD-IEP document and cannot be discussed or agreed upon outside of the ARD-IEP process.
- TDLP documents for students with disabilities include selected goals, accommodations, services that will be provided and the method of delivery (synchronous/asynchronous) to ensure continuity of learning while engaged in virtual instruction or remote conferencing.
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Does a TDLP continue when a student with disabilities returns to school?
- TDLP is not applicable when students with disabilities return to face-to-face instruction. Full execution of the IEP occurs upon the students return to face-to-face instruction.
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Are there any special considerations related to TDLP?
- In-State Transfers: 30 days to conduct an ARD-IEP to address special education services for the incoming student. The TDLP must be addressed during the transfer ARD process. Students within the state of Texas, as a federal and state requirement, must have a virtual instruction or remote conferencing contingency plan or an ARD amendment to address student services. This document should accompany the incoming IEP. Should the need arise for virtual instruction or remote conferencing, execute with fidelity. This contingency plan/amendment must be executed and in place until the transfer ARD has been conducted.
- Out-of-State Transfers: For students receiving special education services that transfer from other states, the incoming IEP must be executed until the transfer ARD/IEP meeting occurs within the first 30 days of enrollment. These students may or may not have a virtual instruction or remote conferencing plan already in place. Should the need arise for the student to access virtual instruction or remote conferencing, the current IEP should be implemented to the maximum extent possible. An ARD/IEP meeting should be convened as soon as possible and a TDLP developed and reviewed. If special education services are not implemented during the period of virtual instruction or remote conferencing, then compensatory services should be considered at the next ARD/IEP meeting.
Health & Safety
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Last updated: 04/01/2022
COVID-19 hotline
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Houston Health Department COVID-19 Call Center
Houstonians can call 832-393-4220
to speak to a member of the HHD staff.
Mon-Fri: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Assistance for families
Resources for employees
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Work for HISD? Visit the HISD Human Resources website to find out how to request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
MORE RESOURCES
Resources
- “Why 6 Feet?” – Harris County Public Health (English)
- “Why 6 Feet?” – Harris County Public Health (Spanish)
- Mask Guidelines – Harris County Public Health (English)
- Mask Guidelines – Harris County Public Health (Spanish)
- Poster: Stop Spread of Germs (English)
- Poster: Stop Spread of Germs (Spanish)
- Toolkit for schools
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- HISD Health & Medical Services