Mission, Texas- Mission Consolidated Independent School District officials have announced that the district will begin a small, measured start to allowing students back into the schools, beginning October 5. The district, in compliance with the TEA requirement, is offering an option for families who are struggling with internet connectivity at home because of lack of Wi-Fi towers.
“Internet connectivity continues to be a problem for a limited number of our families, even with hotspots because of the lack of Wi-Fi towers in their neighborhoods,” explained Dr. Carol G. Perez, superintendent. “Our team has come up with a hybrid approach that will allow some students into school to receive virtual instruction by their teachers.”
Dr. Perez said the district is currently working on the plan to provide appropriate student supervision, health services, meals, etc. She also stressed that all appropriate health and safety standards from the CDC, TEA, and local health officials will be followed which will include things like, frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces, distancing measures, mask requirements, desk/tabletop shields, daily health screening of students and staff, frequent handwashing, readily available hand sanitizer stations.
“It is our hope that this in-person, virtual instruction will help keep these students from falling behind,” Dr. Perez said. “This is also a small step forward as we prepare for the possibility of future expanded services. Although, the TEA Commissioner of Education has stated that since the Rio Grande Valley continues to be considered a “Hot Spot” for COVID-19, an additional four (4) weeks or more beyond the currently approved eight (8) weeks of remote instruction would be granted.”
Dr. Perez said campus personnel have been reaching out to families who have been experiencing connectivity issues to let them know of the new option available to them. She also said this approach provides the additional support for the small number of families impacted by connectivity issues, while still allowing for minimizing the number of people occupying buildings and interior spaces and potentially adding to community spread of COVID-19.
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