Mansfield ISD offers 12 weeks of virtual learning for kindergarten through sixth grade

August 16, 2021
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The Mansfield ISD leadership team has been meeting frequently to assess the back-to-school plan in light of the continued rising number of COVID-19 cases. Last year, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) waived the normal funding mechanism to allow school districts the option for all students to learn virtually. As of today, the Texas Legislature has not made any type of funding option available for virtual learning for the 2021-22 school year.

The district believes that virtual learning is an important option for parents who have concerns about sending students who are not eligible to be vaccinated back in person. The Mansfield ISD has determined that it can use a portion of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to offer a 12-week virtual option. Currently, the virtual option will be available to students in kindergarten through sixth grade only (K-6), as they are currently not eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

A separate application for virtual instruction is necessary even if the parent or guardian has already registered a child for the 2021-22 school year. Apply for the virtual learning option here.

The deadline to apply for virtual instruction is Monday, Aug. 16 at 11:59 p.m. Parents will be notified Aug. 17 if their student has been accepted into the virtual learning program. It is important that the parent/guardian complete the application as soon as possible to ensure the district has adequate staffing for virtual and in-person learning. NOTE: Choice schools cannot be offered in the virtual option at this time.

Virtual learning will begin Aug. 25, one week after the first day of in-person learning. This allows the district time to adjust staff and to give them time to adequately prepare for the virtual instruction. In-person learning begins Aug. 18.

Virtual learning at both the elementary and intermediate levels will consist of a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning.

MISD has committed to funding the virtual instruction program for 12 weeks and will continually monitor and assess the situation. If virtual learners are not engaged and successful, they will be moved to in-person learning following a conference with the parent.

The district is still finalizing details and will send additional information in the next few days, but it is crucial that parents/guardians apply now if they would like their student to attend virtually.

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