DSISD to offer virtual academy for fall semester

The Dripping Springs Independent School District last week released its finalized health protocols for the upcoming school year, including a new option for families hesitant to return to school inperson. The district is offering a virtual academy for students by creating a class section per grade level for K-6 district-wide.

“We recognize that families want options to return to school in the way best suited for their personal situation. To that end, we have updated our back-to-school plan,” Superintendent Dr. Holly Morris-Kuentz wrote in an email to parents. “DSISD staff have also worked to expand virtual options, especially for students whose situation warrants it… the Texas Education Agency provides limited and partial funding for districts that offer virtual learning in certain settings. While not equal to the perstudent funding we receive for in-person learning, we appreciate the additional flexibility. As a district, we further expanded our offerings beyond TEA’s newly provided funding options in conjunction with ESSER funds to provide a virtual academy for the fall semester.”

Instruction for virtual academy students will start on August 24, 2021, one week later than in-person school, in order to allow adequate time for staff to be hired and plans to be finalized. Students from all DSISD elementary schools will be included in the remote sections and may be assigned to a teacher from any district campus. When students return to in-person learning in the spring semester, they will be placed in a classroom where space is available at their home campus. Virtual academy will be reevaluated and extended as necessary until a vaccine is authorized for children under the age of 12.

An application process will be required, with spots being filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The application window opened for a limited time from August 6-10.

“Members of the Tiger Nation have shown incredible resilience and ingenuity over the past 18 months as we have navigated the pandemic,” Morris-Kuentz wrote. “We continue to adapt to current conditions and remain committed to prioritizing student health and safety while making educational decisions.”

To view the full back to school plan, visit dsisdtx.us/Page/2919.