DeSoto Alternative Education Program

School systems across the state adjusted to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s March notice communicating a new executive order outlining the state’s changes to COVID safety regulations which centered on non-enforcement of masks in public spaces, particularly schools. 

Many had concerns regarding what this meant for district and campus safety operations. As had been routine through the district’s navigation of the COVID-19 global health pandemic, DeSoto ISD’s COVID-19 Task Force, a group of more than 50 district staffers, reviewed new and evolving information from the Centers for Disease Control and local health officials to inform changes and updates to the district’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines.

As DeSoto ISD prepares to reopen for the 2021-2022 school  year, the district wishes to encourage families’ emphasis on health and safety for students and staff.

Below, are major points of clarification for district operations regarding COVID-19 health and safety protocols in DeSoto ISD:

Air Quality and Ventilation:

• Air filters are removed and disinfected every 30 days to ensure optimal performance.

• All classrooms have upgraded ventilation systems which circulate fresh air every 10 minutes.

• Teachers are encouraged to keep classroom doors closed in order to enhance functionality of the ventilation systems and as aligned with campus security protocols.

Attendance:

• All staff are expected to work onsite daily. All students will attend classes on campus daily.

• Exceptions for medical needs or COVID-19 quarantine or treatment must be communicated and approved with the supervisor and Human Resources for staff and the campus principal for students.

• For information or support, visit the DeSoto Cares webpage on the district website. 

• Continue to be vigilant regarding the monitoring of symptoms related to COVID-19

Facial Coverings:

• DeSoto ISD highly encourages the use of masks while onsite at district campuses and facilities but cannot mandate the use of masks.

Meetings: 

• Campuses may have in-person meetings and are encouraged to host such meetings in a large, well-ventilated space. Please note virtual meetings are still allowable and recommended when possible.

• Student award programs and parent meetings will be permitted to take place in person during the 2021-2022 school year.

Transportation:

• DeSoto ISD will offer transportation for all students.

• Students  are encouraged to wear a mask at all times while riding the bus.

• Buses will be cleaned before and after each route.

• Windows will remain open while students are aboard buses.

• While the district cannot guarantee social distancing aboard school buses, students are asked to maintain a reasonable distance from peers while riding the bus.

Travel:

• Students and staff will not be required to quarantine following domestic travel but should continue to monitor symptoms and the development of changes to health and wellness.

Visitors:

• The ISC will be open to visitors.

• Visitors may frequent campuses after checking in to each campus’ Raptor system.

• Visitors will be permitted to attend Board meetings but are encouraged to view meetings online. Public Comments may be submitted via the Board of Trustees' wb page on the district's website.

For additional information or guidance, please consult the district’s COVID-19 safety guidelines available at www.DeSotoISD.org/Reconnect.

For the safety of yourself and our school community, please do your part to keep everyone safe by continuing to monitor your health and wellness, wash hands frequently and wipe down surfaces and high-touch areas in shared spaces.

Parents and staff are encouraged to create a personal safety kit as part of a back-to-school supply list which may include masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for desks, chairs, computers and writing utensils.

For more information, contact DeSoto ISD Student Student Services.