HISD prepares to Reconnect Safely, Return Strong for 2020-21 school year

The start of the school year is around the corner, and I am so excited to embark on this new journey with you all to Reconnect Safety and Return Strong for 2020-2021. We know that as a district, we must be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances while continuing to do what we do best – delivering quality education.

With the health and safety of our students, families, and staff as our top priority, HISD has developed a reopening plan that calls for all students to begin the 2020-2021 school year virtually on September 8. Virtual instruction for all students will continue for six weeks through October 16. On Monday, October 19, face-to-face instruction for students will begin. However, this date is subject to change based on COVID-19 conditions across the City of Houston and guidance from local, state, and federal health officials.

Parents will have the option to opt out of face-to-face instruction entirely for the fall semester and school year. Beginning August 24, parents will receive a phone call from the district asking them to select either virtual or face-to-face instruction for their child. Two weeks prior to the first day of face-to-face instruction, parents will receive an additional phone call to confirm initial selection. 

You can learn more about the district’s reopening plan, including safety protocols and our instructional continuity plan, at HoustonISD.org/Reopening.

As always, our mission is to place the needs of our students and families above all else. Planning and programs already are underway to ensure our parents and students are fully supported and equipped for a successful start to the school year. Additionally, all HISD families should soon be receiving a Back to School Guide in their mailboxes with important information for 2020-2021.

We are excited to offer all of these programs and more to start our new academic year off on a successful note. Let’s make 2020-2021 the best year ever! I am calling it our Year of Flexibility, and with all of us working together, I know we can achieve great things. #ReconnectSafely #ReturnStrong