Giddings ISD

PLEASE NOTE: The guidelines in this document are subject to revisions as guidance and directives from the Governor, Commissioner of Education, and local authorities are given to public school districts.

The Giddings Independent School District plans to open and operate the 2022-2023 school year in a way that closely resembles normal pre-pandemic operations. Students, staff, and families will experience the activities and routines that are typical with Giddings ISD including but not limited to full use of classroom supplies and labs, campus assemblies, classroom celebrations, athletic events, etc. GISD does not currently have plans to offer remote learning.

To contain the spread of COVID-19 and to help protect students and GISD staff, students and staff are encouraged to complete a self-screening before entering any GISD building or facility.

Giddings ISD is not participating in the COVID-19 testing program for the 2022-2023 school year. GISD parents, students, and staff who believe they need to be tested for COVID-19 must contact their health care provider or utilize a home test.

In accordance with Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order issued on May 18, 2021, face coverings cannot be required in any GISD facility. Per TEA, school systems must allow individuals to wear a mask if they choose to do so. Mask shaming be tolerated at GISD.

• Each teacher will have access to district-provided hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies.

• Frequent cleaning of high touch areas including restrooms and cafeterias will occur throughout the school day by GISD custodial staff.

• Hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout all buildings, in common areas, and on school buses.

• Each campus will be cleaned nightly.

• GISD will regularly communicate the importance of staying home if ill.

• Students and staff out ill with a positive COVID-19 test should remain home and follow GISD illness protocols.

• Students will be allowed to make up assignments in accordance with GISD grading guidelines.

• Make-Up work can be accessed through Google Classrooms.

If an individual who has been in a school is test-confirmed to have COVID-19, the school must notify its local health department, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including confidentiality requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Students

• Per TEA, school systems must exclude students from attending school in person who have or are suspected of having COVID-19, and must immediately notify parents if this is determined while on campus. As noted in the rule, exclusion shall continue until the conditions for re-entry are met:

  • For children with symptoms, at least 5 days have passed since symptom onset, and fever free, and other symptoms have improved.

  • Children who test positive for COVID-19 but do not have any symptoms must stay home until at least 5 days after the day they were tested.

• Parents must ensure they do not send a child to school on campus if the child has COVID-19 symptoms or is test-confirmed with COVID-19, until the conditions for re-entry are met.

Staff

• Staff who have or are suspected of having COVID-19 must be excluded from attending work until the conditions for re-entry are met:

  • For staff with symptoms or who test positive, at least 5 days have passed since symptom onset, and fever free, and other symptoms have improved.

  • Staff who test positive for COVID-19 but do not have any symptoms must stay home until at least 5 days after the day they were tested.

• Giddings ISD is not conducting contract tracing for COVID-19 cases.

• Parents who wish to keep their students home because of a confirmed close contact within the family should contact their campus office.

PDF Version of Plan