Major Dallas Suburb Suggests 'Virtual Learning' Again With COVID Spike
A school district in one of Dallas' largest suburbs is considering a return to remote learning for some students due to the rise of COVID-19 cases.
On Tuesday, Frisco Independent School District (ISD) announced that they will be offering an online learning option for students up to grade 6. This option will be available for the first nine weeks of school and will be "reevaluated and extended as necessary," until a vaccine is available for children under the age of 12.
The virtual learning option is not available for kids in grades 7-12 due to the vaccine being available for kids 12 years or older.
Families who are interested in the online learning option are encouraged to apply by August 5. There will be a two-day delay once the school year starts, but classes will begin promptly on August 16.
"Expanded opportunities for students through online and blended learning was a priority for Frisco ISD prior to the pandemic and will continue to be a priority for the District in the future," the district said. "As many families have discovered, online learning offers students additional choice and flexibility and is preferred by some for a variety of reasons."
"The District will continue to implement a number of strategies to address the impact of COVID-19 on student learning and mental health," the district continued. "This includes the use of evidence-based interventions to address learning loss and investments in additional support for students' social-emotional and behavioral needs."
In June, Frisco ISD originally told parents that there wouldn't be an online option for school based on a set of House bills that didn't pass through local government.
"Expanded opportunities for students through online and blended learning was a priority for Frisco ISD prior to the pandemic and will continue to be a priority for the District in the future," the district said. "As many families have discovered, online learning offers students additional choice and flexibility and is preferred by some for a variety of reasons."
The Texas Department of State Health Services reported that there have been 5,267 new confirmed cases, 34 fatalities reported, and 5,292 current hospitalizations.
Recently, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an executive order preventing local governments and state agencies from mandating masks and vaccinations.
"No governmental entity can compel any individual to receive a Covid-19 vaccine administered under an emergency use authorization," the order said. "It also prohibits any public agencies or private entities receiving public funds, including grants and loans, from requiring consumers to show documentation of vaccinations before entering or receiving a service from the entity."
