LHISD RETURNS TO LEARN

by Ann Marie Kennon Photos: Facebook/LHISD Used with Permission

The review from the Superintendent’s office is that the first day of school in Liberty Hill was “Fantastic!” Superintendent Steve Snell says roughly two-thirds of the district’s students chose in-person school, and, thanks to a week of extra in-service and training for teachers and administrators, the only problems that occurred were minor technical difficulties for online access. Not content to simply ensure health protocols, all students and staff were encouraged to do a simultaneous connectivity test a week before to identify signal problems and potential ‘traffic’ jams. “Our teachers were heartbroken last spring when things went in one week to being done for the year. They begged to come back in person, and worked every day for that moment. It was a smoother-than-normal first day, with positive attitudes all around. Every student arrived with a mask, everything worked as planned.”

SILVER LININGS

Like many organizations, schools also reflect a few positives from the pandemic. Steve was pleased that his technology department was able to provide technology for every student in a matter of days, which, under normal circumstances would have taken a year to plan. “Our curriculum department was able to start producing virtual lessons on the spot. It wasn’t what we would consider the same education you would get in person, but we did the best we could. That’s the norm in education; you have to win with the hand you’re dealt.”

As well, while he acknowledges that not everyone loved converting to video meetings, the benefit to his staff and the entire community was quickly noted. “I got to have weekly meetings with the entire ISD staff. I would have never thought to interrupt the daily routines of 600 people to organize a staff meeting. But every single employee was able to hear from me in a crisis, and that is a tool we will continue to use moving forward. Even as things return to normal, it will make everyone’s lives a little easier to attend a staff or town hall meeting right where they are.”

He is also pleased that this abrupt and rather forced entry into the digital age will benefit students who must stay home from school for any illness or injury. “Kids are still going to get sick with allergies or strep throat, and now there is no more need to call the teacher to get the work; the kids can just tune in to class. This alteration of the in-seat attendance model will allow teachers to check on students personally, and kids can see their friends. This is the world our kids live in after all. There is no reason for healthy students in quarantine, due to exposure, to miss a beat in their studies.”

AFTER SCHOOL

While Spring sports cannot recapture their lost season, the UIL has loosened a few rules regarding conditioning and practice. Steve reports that regular practice for football and volleyball has already begun, but all students are allowed to practice out of season. “In the past, students could work out on an empty court or a field for independent conditioning, as long as coaches were not present. This year, all sports are allowed to practice, with guidance, up to two hours daily.”

The District also arrived at a compromise that will allow football games to be televised, live, on Friday nights. “We will be live-streaming Thursday, Friday, and Saturday games to help fans who do not wish to attend in person

with a crowd. Outside of health concerns, the digital age also means long-distance family and friends, or fans who are not able to travel to away games, will not miss a play. Plus, fans no longer have to worry about not seeing a game because it’s raining. We plan to do the same for basketball, soccer, and likely Spring sports.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT SAFETY

The Superintendent is satisfied with and assured by the district safety plan. With help from many local doctors and nurses, he is certain of his staff’s ability to keep teachers and students safe. “We delayed our planned opening for one week, until the numbers were right. Based on every- one’s desire to be here, and the extra time built in to the schedule for unforeseen closings, one week will not have a detrimental effect.

“In terms of exposure, the cases of COVID we’ve seen are not spread from inside the schools. We don’t now what the numbers might look like a month from now, but we prepared for this all summer, and today we were ready.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

To keep families informed, the district has posted and will update a public dashboard daily, including case numbers and exposure information. Schools are required and will notify parents via e-mail, if there are positive cases at a school, to provide peace of mind. They will also inform parents and tighten protocols if a cluster emerges. “What we need from parents is to recognize the safety protocols do not end at 3:30 when the bell rings. We all need to continue to practice safe things outside the school. People may still spread the virus without symptoms, so sleepovers and get-togethers can multiply positive cases. Our message is to be consistent. We want our kids here, healthy, play- ing sports, and actively learning, so let’s not let our guard down.”