Reopening

Texas City ISD has both in-person and virtual learning. If you want to change from one format to another, a request must be made in writing to your child's principal within two weeks of a 6 or 9-week grading period. Changes will be granted at the 6 and 9-week grading period.

COVID Task Force

A COVID Task Force made up of parents, community, board members, teachers, staff, and administrators have put together a Reopening Plan. This document could change based on current state and federal mandates, recommendations and guidance.

View and download the plan at the link below.

Reopening Plan 8/14/2020
Plan de reapertura español 8/14/2020

Addendum 1 10/28/2020
Actualizado 10/28/2020

Weekly COVID-19 Report

Download the Weekly Covid-19 Report

Archived Weekly Reports

Fall 2020 Semester

Positive Cases vs. Quarantine

There have been quite a few questions on the number of positive COVID-19 cases vs. the number of students placed in quarantine from school. We hope this helps clear up this issue.

Texas City ISD is reporting lab positive COVID cases every Monday to the Texas Education Agency and posting those results on our school district website. The positive case numbers are not the same as students/staff sent home to quarantine. We are not reporting quarantine numbers because those students/staff have not tested positive for COVID-19.

Texas City ISD spends a huge amount of time contact tracing. That means we review classroom and bus seating charts and extracurricular activities to see who the person has been in contact with at school. We ask students or staff members to quarantine if the positive person was within 6 feet away for more than 15 minutes. This is so that we can help prevent possible mass exposure.

In the past two months, we have had to quarantine a large amount of students as a precautionary measure. It was not until last week that a student we asked to quarantine tested positive. We do believe that the implementation of our safety measures and the procedures for swiftly handling positive cases is the reason we have not had a mass outbreak at this time.

As the holidays approach, we are asking you to remain diligent about not gathering in large crowds, continue to social distance, wear masks and wash hands frequently.

TCISD Daily Health Assessment

Download the TCISD Health Assessment

Download the TCISD Health Assessment
en Espa ñ ol

Virtual Parent Support Sessions

Suggest topics for future sessions

recordings

What are these sessions about?

The Texas City Independent School District will host three virtual technology parent support sessions during February to help guide parents through the district's Canvas and Skyward Family Access systems.

"As the district has navigated COVID-19 during these challenging times we want to provide every opportunity for our students to reach high levels of success for both our face-to-face and virtual learners," said Superintendent Melissa Duarte.

The sessions, scheduled from 6-7 p.m. on Feb. 8, Feb. 15 and Feb. 22 will include information from presenters on the systems, demonstration of usage and staff will also be available to answer questions.

"Due to the limited opportunities to have parents on campus, the district believes that developing this parent support group will help alleviate some of the tribulations parents may be experiencing during virtual learning," said Duarte.

Time will be provided during each session for parents to actively participate by mirroring the presenter. All sessions will be recorded and posted to the TCISD website.

"TCISD is committed to support our parents and students as we continue to navigate virtual learning," said Duarte. "We are excited to have this opportunity to provide a level of outreach and support that will be beneficial to our virtual families."

The Feb. 8 and Feb. 15 sessions will cover TCISD's Canvas learning system and include an overview as well as how to navigate the system, how to access modules, assignments, quizzes and discussions. The Feb. 22 session will focus on an overview of the Skyward Family Access system, setting up alerts in the system and accessing student grades. Troubleshooting issues will not be covered during these sessions.

To access the online sessions, visit https://bit.ly/3aDCIdR from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Session Format & Meeting Llink

Welcome & Introductions
Introduction of Topics
Presentation:
- Presenters will present information on topics, demonstrate usage, and answer questions. Time will be provided during the sessions for parents to actively participate through mirroring the presenter. Troubleshooting issues will not be part of this format.
All sessions will be recorded and posted on the TCISD website.
The support links for each topic will also be posted on the TCISD website.
Sessions will have 2 presenters: Primary & Secondary

The meeting link for each session can be used from a computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/689726157

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679

United States: +1 (571) 317-3116

Access Code: 689-726-157

March 8, 2021 Session

Please join us for Parent Technology Virtual Session 4 on March 8 from 6–7 p.m. with presenters Gina Covington, Sherri Simmons and Randie Martindale.

Topics:

Best practices for setting up a home learning space.

Resources:

How to Set Up a Virtual or Homeschool Learning Space for Kids

7 Ways to Better Prepare Kids for Virtual or Hybrid Learning

Seven tips for setting up a productive learning space at home

How to Optimize Your Space (and Prepare Your Kids) for Home-Schooling

Review the state requirements for State Testing in 2021; including STAAR, STAAR Alt. 2, and TELPAS.

Resources:

State and Federal Required Tests Fact Sheet

Spring 2021 State Assessment Guidance

MEETING LINK FOR ALL SESSIONS
- Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
  https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/689726157
  
  You can also dial in using your phone.
  United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679
  United States: +1 (571) 317-3116
  
  Access Code: 689-726-157

Latest News

TCISD will offer only face-to-face instruction for 2021-2022 posted 6/16/21

After considering data collected from the virtual parent survey in May and considering the pros and cons of virtual vs. face-to-face programs, it has been decided that Texas City ISD will not have a virtual school option for the 2021-2022 school year. We know that in-person learning is the best environment for the vast majority of our students, not just academically but also socially and emotionally. Our goal is for our students to have the best possible learning environment. This means students learning in-person, and teachers teaching in one learning mode. We are excited to welcome back all of our students to in-person learning starting August 18, 2021!

Vaccinations available at TCHS & LMHS on June 7th posted 5/27/21

The second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination will be given at Texas City High School and La Marque High School for all of those who received the first dose at one of the two schools on May 13th. In addition, anyone 12 or older can register to receive their first dose at one of the schools on June 7th.

If you want your child to receive the COVID-19 vaccination administered from the Galveston County Health District and your child is 12 or older, you can pre-register them online or you can register them on the day of for the June 7th vaccination day. Vaccinations will be given between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. at TCHS and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at LMHS.

Parent permission is required for students 12-17 years old. Please return the attached permission slip and please register using the QR code on the flyer. Student family members are also able to register to receive the vaccination.

Remember, this is voluntary and is up to parents to make the decision that is best for their family.

Students ages 12 and up now can receive COVID-19 vaccination on May 13th

If you want your child to receive the COVID-19 vaccination while the Galveston County Health District is onsite in Texas City ISD and your child is 12 or older, you can register them online or on site for the May 13^th vaccination day. Vaccinations will be given between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. at TCHS and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at LMHS. As of today, students 12 years of age and older are eligible with parent permission. If you want your child to be able to receive the vaccination at school, please return the linked permission slip and please register using the QR code on the attached flyer. Student family members are also able to register to receive the vaccination. Parents do not have to be present in order for their child to participate. Remember, this is voluntary and is up to each individual family to make the decision that is best for them.

TCHS/LMHS vaccination sites for students on May 13th 5/5/21

Parents, the Galveston County Health District is partnering with Texas City ISD to provide the opportunity for eligible students to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at your child’s school on May 13. As of today, students 16 years of age and older are eligible with parent permission. If you want your child to be able to receive the vaccination at school, please return the linked permission slip and please register using the QR code on the attached flyer. Student family members are also able to register to receive the vaccination. Parents do not have to be present in order for their child to participate. We have heard that an approval for children ages 12-15 will soon be announced. We will let you know if younger students are able to before the May 13^th vaccination date on campus. Vaccinations will be given to those registered from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at TCHS and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at LMHS.

Download the Vaccination Permission Slip

Download the Vaccination Permission Slip in Spanish

Vaccination and Mask Survey 5/5/21

Currently, children 16 years and older qualify to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. It is anticipated that children 12-15 years old will get approved to receive these vaccines very soon. The vaccines for children younger than 12 are expected later in the summer.

Texas City ISD will be a pilot test site for teenagers at Texas City High School and La Marque High School on May 13, 2021. Parent permission will be required along with registration. High school parents will receive a separate email about this.

We are curious how your family is feeling right now regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and how you are feeling about face masks for next school year.

Click here for the Survey

Click here for survey in Spanish

TCISD will continue to wear masks 3/5/21

March 5, 2021

Dear Texas City ISD Families,

There are a couple of COVID-19 related updates that I wanted to bring your attention to. As many of you may know by now, Governor Abbot rescinded the emergency mask mandate in Texas. However, the Texas Education Agency still recommends school districts continue with current safety protocols, which includes “every student, teacher or staff member shall wear a mask over the nose and mouth…”. Therefore, Texas City ISD will continue to wear masks this school year inside school facilities and during school activities.

Our COVID-19 Task Force made up of parents, community, board members, teachers, staff, and administrators has been meeting throughout the school year to review the District’s Reopening plan to make sure it is meeting the needs of our students and staff. There are a few changes that are now taking place or will be taking place soon. Most students in grades 2^nd and up (exception of Levi Fry) have been rotating through the cafeteria to get their lunch. We will be rotating in younger grades and Fry students in the coming weeks. We tried this last November and had to end it after an uptick in positive cases in the county. We will continue to monitor cases this spring. In addition, we will start letting our elementary students use school playground equipment again following Spring Break. Scientific data is showing that COVID-19 doesn’t last on surfaces like scientists once believed. Therefore, the outdoor playground equipment will open for children during recess. The Task Force will also look into incorporating PE equipment back into the gym later this spring.

Please remember during Spring Break to not gather in large crowds. We want our students and staff to stay healthy so they do not miss out on important instruction. Therefore, we encourage everyone to wear a mask when in public and around those who do not live in your home, wash your hands frequently and socially distance. Most importantly, if a student or staff member comes in close contact with someone who has tested positive, we need the student and staff member to quarantine to maintain the safety of our campuses, students and staff. It is critical to minimize exposure to continue to provide instruction on our campuses.

We appreciate your patience as we update and make changes as necessary for the health and safety of everyone in our buildings.

Sincerely,

Melissa Duarte, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Spring Break Travel Survey

Virtual Parent Tech Support 2/1/21

Time will be provided during each session for parents to actively participate by mirroring the presenter. All sessions will be recorded and posted to the TCISD website.

To access the online sessions, visit https://bit.ly/3aDCIdR from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Rise in County Cases Announcement 1/21/21

As numbers of positive cases rise throughout Galveston County, we are also seeing numbers rise in Texas City ISD. We know that people are worried and we have great concerns too. This is why we are continuously monitoring the number of positive cases among our students and our staff. Fortunately, the vast majority of positive cases within TCISD are not connected through classroom instruction.

Texas City ISD communicates frequently with the Galveston County Health District and we take their recommendations seriously while following CDC guidelines and Texas Education Agency requirements. We realize that people will always second guess what we do. We know it's an impossible situation to be in because some think we go overboard while others think we do not do enough. However, Texas City ISD will continue to consult with health care professionals regularly regarding our decisions regarding self-isolation, quarantining and the ability to continue with in-person learning.

Galveston County Health District 12/8/20

COVID-19 Update Letter 12/9/20

There are two COVID-19 related updates that our Superintendent Dr. Melissa Duarte would like to bring to your attention. The first one is that Texas City ISD, with the direction from the Galveston County Health District, is not shortening the 14-day quarantine period for close contacts. The second is that lunch will begin to be delivered again directly to the classrooms but we will re-evaluate again next semester.

English letter

Spanish letter

Medical Certification for COVID-19 High Risk Exemption

Should a student be identified to return to in-person instruction, but the student has a high-risk medical condition as defined by the Centers for Disease Control, a medical certification form will need to be completed.

This form will need to be presented at the appeal meeting or emailed to the campus administration to claim the high-risk exemption for COVID-19.

Download in English or Spanish

What if my child isn't feeling good?

It is best to keep your child home if they are experiencing any of these symptoms:

Fever or chills
Cough
Nasal congestion or runny nose
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Diarrhea
Nausea or vomiting
Stomachache
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle or body aches
Poor appetite

Students who come to school and report any of the symptoms listed above will be sent home per CDC guidelines and must follow the proper protocol to return. This means they will be out for up to 10 days.

If you can manage your student's symptoms at home, you may return your student to school when the following are true:

Your medical provider has determined a different illness other than COVID19 and cleared your student to return.

You have a negative PCR test result for COVID19 and no symptoms. A rapid test will NOT be accepted.

At least 10 days from the first clinical diagnosis symptom

AND

At least 72 hours fever free without fever-reducing medication

AND

When symptoms are improving.

All students who have been out sick must report to the campus Nurse before returning to class. We understand this isn't convenient for anyone, but we are strictly following CDC guidelines to help keep our staff and students healthy. Thank you for your understanding.

If parents/guardians are called to pick up their sick child, they will need to make every effort to pick up their children as soon as possible. We ask parents to include this important measure in your family's plan of emergency contacts who can come and pick your student up if they become ill during the school day.

Please keep your child at home if they are sick.

Download the TCISD Health Assessment

Important Information

Curbside Meal Pickup for Virtual Students

We have good news about curbside meals! Texas City ISD was recently approved for a USDA Waiver Extension so that 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches per student can be issued one day a week. Students attending TCISD schools in person will have their meals delivered to the classroom.

Students attending virtually, can pick up their meals for the week curbside from their school. Pick-up is available at the following campuses: Calvin Vincent Early Childhood, Guajardo Elementary, Hayley Elementary, Heights Elementary, Kohfeldt Elementary, Roosevelt-Wilson Elementary, Simms Elementary, Levi Fry Intermediate, Blocker Middle School, La Marque Middle School, La Marque High School and Texas City High School. The children need not be present to pick up the meals. Curbside meals will be available on Mondays only from 12-1 p.m. at each school.

Parents with children at more than one campus only have to pick up at one school. Each student will receive 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches for the week. Menus are posted online. Should a school holiday fall on a Monday (Jan. 18 and May 31), food can be picked up on Tuesday.

Extracurricular Activities

Health Resources

Instructional Information for Virtual Learning (Links to Learning)

Instructional Plans

Reopening Update Videos

Special Education Resources

Technology Resources

If you need assistance from Technology, please visit the following tech support sites:

To log on to student laptops, you will need to use your student's school email address and ID number.

Username: Student email address
Email address format is the first four letters of your child's first name, full last name, followed by @stu.tcisd.org
Example: Michael Covington is MichCovington@stu.tcisd.org
Password: Student ID number (AKA lunch number)

Visit our Academic Links page for a full list of academic resources.

1-1 Student Electronic Handbook

If you need assistance from Technology, please visit the following tech support sites:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question that's not included in this list? Submit your question online and we will answer it.

How will remote/virtual learning work?

Students who do not attend school face to face will log into their computer during the school day and will attend their classes virtually. They will attend during the same hours that all face to face students are attending. They will submit their assignments electronically and will ask questions via the computer. They will be held to the same level of accountability as all other students.

Visit our virtual school, Link to Learning, for more information.

Will the district be providing laptops for students for virtual learning? When can we get them?

Yes. On May 6, the TCISD Board of Trustees approved the administration's recommendation to spend $1.1 million in order to expand our laptop one-to-one program. The one-to-one program began this past year for grades 7-12 but now the program will be extended to grades K-6. In addition, Texas City ISD will install internet access points in both high school parking lots so that if families do not have hot spots at home, there is an option at schools.

Texas City ISD is a one-to-one district for the 2020-2021 school year which means there is a laptop for each TCISD student. Laptops were issued Aug. 10-13 and Aug. 17-18.

If you did not pick up your child's laptop, please contact your school to make arrangements with the campus tech to get it.

If parents choose the remote/virtual option, can they transfer their student back to face-to-face learning? How will that affect the 15:1 ratio?

Exit from remote/virtual learning will be permitted at the end of the first six/nine-week grading period and each marking period thereafter. If a student chooses to return to face-to-face instruction, parents must contact campus administration at least two weeks prior to the end of a grading period. The two weeks’ notice will allow campuses to plan and adjust classes to accommodate the return of students.

If I do not want my child to attend school for safety reason and they are not progressing academically through virtual learning, what supports will be provided?

How will remote/virtual learning in 2020-21 be different from online learning at the end of the 2019-20 school year?

Last spring, students were in self-paced coursework delivered through Canvas. They were not required to log in at specific times. In the 2020-21 school year, remote/virtual learners will be required to log into lessons daily at specific times. This type of instruction is very similar to a traditional school schedule; however, the student is participating remotely. Students will also be required to take tests and follow the same district grading policies as students on campus.

Why is the district requiring students who choose remote/virtual instruction to follow a schedule? Why can’t it be flexible like the spring so that working parents can teach their kids when they get home from work?

The district was not held accountable for daily attendance in the Spring of 2020. TEA has provided guidelines for the 2020-2021 school year and the district is required to take daily attendance for all students. Also, by following a daily schedule, the district can monitor each student’s progress and ensure that the student is receiving the best quality instruction.

If we indicate our students will do face-to-face learning, will they start virtual instruction with the same teacher they will have in the classroom?

What happens if a student doesn't participate in the first three weeks of online instruction before school resumes face-to-face?

The first day for registered TCISD students is Monday, August 24, 2020. Students will be held accountable for the first three weeks of virtual instruction. Assignments will be given and grades will be taken.

Students are not officially enrolled in the district until the first day they participate in either remote/virtual or face-to-face instruction. However, if the student does not participate online prior to the start of face-to-face instruction, it may affect their campus assignment.

If a parent chooses remote/virtual instruction for their students, will they still be able to participate in extracurricular activities?

Will students still have specials if they attend school on campus?

Will remote/virtual learners be required to come to campus at any point during the school year?

Will extracurricular activities, such as band and athletics, be offered? If so, will they be offered every day?

How will Special Education/Speech services be provided if students choose remote/virtual instruction?

How will the district provide support for the student’s mental well-being during remote/virtual instruction?

How will instruction be delivered for dual credit classes?

College of the Mainland dual credit classes for Fall 2020 will be offered virtually, however there are a few exceptions:

dual credit classes taught by TCISD staff may be only virtual or only face-to-face; the number of students requesting remote/virtual instruction will determine the instructional delivery model
dual credit welding or machining classes will have on campus instruction

All dual credit students will need to log into their COM Blackboard account on the first day of class, August 24th. Dual Credit classes will follow COM’s grading procedures.

How will students enrolled at College of the Mainland’s Collegiate High School receive instruction?

How will student progress be reported?

Overall progress on learning outcomes will be communicated in a traditional format using numeric grades. Assignments and grades will be entered into Skyward. The expectations for coursework and guidelines for grading for face-to-face instruction and remote/virtual instruction will be the same.

Students enrolled in Dual Credit coursework will follow College of the Mainland grading procedures.

How can I track my student’s attendance?

How will classrooms be sanitized between groups, and how will this occur if one groups ends at the same time as the next one begins?

What happens if my child’s campus or classroom is temporarily closed during the school year?

During the period of the school closure, students will remain at home and will engage in learning activities that are primarily delivered through Canvas. Live, teacher-led instruction and peer collaboration will be scheduled throughout the day to expand students’ opportunities to engage with content and interact with teachers and classmates. Daily student participation in the learning activities will be required. Instructional time will also be dedicated for independent learning activities. A structured schedule will be provided to students indicating required times for participation in live instruction.

Make sure you are connected to WIFI by clicking the globe on the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
Make sure you are using your full Canvas email account to log into the computer. (first 4 letters of the first name and complete last name without hyphens)
Password is the Student ID# (lunch number)

Directions on how to access assistance with technology can be found at under the Technology Resources tab on this page or click this Help Desk link.