Royse City ISD delays start of classes until August 24

ROYSE CITY, TX – July 28, 2020 – At the Monday, July 27 school board meeting, the Royse City Independent School District Board of Trustees approved Superintendent Kevin Worthy’s recommendation and plan to delay the start of school until August 24, 2020 for both in-person and online learning.

This delayed start, of five school days, gives Royse City ISD additional time to train staff, practice safety protocols and prepare our schools for the outlined safety recommendations. Additionally, those added preparation days allow elementary schools to host Meet the Teacher Appointments and for secondary schools to safely conduct orientations and schedule pickup. More to come on these important events.

The August 24 start date will have no impact on the remainder of the school calendar as the 5-day delay will be made up with banked minutes. The last day of school remains May 21, 2021. It also has no impact on UIL activities as previously communicated. Summer programs can continue as planned. Individual programs will communicate important dates as needed.

“This delay meets several goals for a strong start to 2020-2021. We’ve heard the voices of our families who cherish meeting their teachers and seeing the schools. We also know that our teachers and campus staff will benefit from this added time to train and prepare. It has been 143 days since our schools have been full of life and fun. We’re eager for students to return but remain dedicated to the safety of our staff and students,” said Superintendent Kevin Worthy.

This decision comes after weeks of conversations and collaboration with Rockwall County and neighboring Rockwall ISD. Rockwall County Health Authority Dr. Jamie Metcalf- Kelly also attended the school board meeting and shared approval of the delayed start plan.

Royse City ISD will continue to update stakeholders at www.rcisd.org/reopen on both in-person and online learning plans. We also realize that families may wish to change your previously submitted commitment forms in Family Access. They may do so in Family Access up until August 7 at midnight. The previously announced rules for switching between in-person and online learning models still apply and are outlined at www.rcisd.org/reopen.

Blue Ribbon News staff report.

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