Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees: Recognitions, Temporary Parent-Led K-6 Virtual Option, COVID testing update and more

ROCKWALL, TX (Sept. 21, 2021)  The following is a Rockwall ISD press release summarizing last night’s RISD Board of Trustees meeting.

NOTE: For information on every agenda item presented, please view the Board meeting videos available at  www.rockwallisd.com.

Board of Trustees Recognitions

The Board of Trustees recognized outstanding students and groups for the following accomplishments:

Two students from Rockwall High School, Harrison Delong and Angela Walters, and one from Rockwall-Heath High School, Christopher Rodriquez, were named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. They achieved this prestigious designation for their academic excellence on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholars Qualifying Test. Harrison, Angela and Christopher represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors named National Merit Semifinalists and are among the highest-scoring entrants in Texas. They will now compete to advance as a National Merit Finalist. If named a Finalist, they would then compete for National Merit Scholar designation and the opportunity to win a corporate, business, or college-sponsored scholarship. Harrison attended Williams Middle School and Nebbie Williams Elementary School. Angela attended Williams Middle School and Hartman Elementary School. Christopher attended Cain Middle School and Springer Elementary School.

The Rockwall County Kiwanis Club was recognized for its support of Rockwall ISD students through the Food for Kids program. Every month the club provides more than 600 food bags of nutritious food to children for the weekend. The program serves six Rockwall ISD elementary campuses.

Approval for Pending Architectural Services

Following past District practice, the Board of Trustees approved the recommendation by the District leadership evaluation committee for the following firms to potentially provide Architectural Consulting Services for Rockwall ISD pending voter approval of the 2021 bond proposal:

• Corgan Architects
• VLK Architects
• Perkins + Will
• Claycomb Architects
• Strohmeyer Architects

Temporary Parent-Led K-6 Virtual Option Update

The Board of Trustees heard a presentation regarding the Temporary Parent-Led K-6 Virtual Option for families that desire virtual learning for elementary-aged students. Currently, 154 total students are enrolled, which is approximately 2% of all K-6 students. This option allows the District to be responsive to families and the community during this time.

COVID-19 Testing Update        

The Board of Trustees heard a presentation regarding the District’s participation in K-12 COVID-19 Testing that began in January 2021. The project is a partnership between the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Education Agency that provides COVID-19 testing resources to Texas K-12 school systems aimed at curtailing the spread of COVID-19. The District continues to provide rapid COVID testing this school year:

• For students who are ill with COVID-19 symptoms and the parent consents for a Children’s Health Telehealth visit. Currently 18 schools have telehealth units on their campuses. There are two locations available for students to receive a telehealth visit if they are at a campus that does not have telehealth or they are already at home sick and unable to access healthcare or testing from a community healthcare provider.

• For employees who have COVID-19 symptoms or who have been a close contact with a test-positive individual. Testing has been moved to the old employee health center by Utley Middle School.

Texas Education Agency Health Guidance Update                                                                                        

The Board of Trustees heard a presentation regarding the recent Texas Education Agency’s revised Public Health Guidance released September 2, 2021. The guidance addresses:

• Students who have COVID-19 or who are close contacts,
• Staff who have COVID-19 or who are close contacts, and
• Parent exceptions to the required quarantine for students who are close contacts with a test-positive/diagnosed person in the household, per the TEA Public Health Guidance, includes: (1) if the parent determines that their child(ren) did not meet CDC’s close contact definition and watch for symptoms of COVID-19; (2) individuals who are fully vaccinated may not need to follow the stay-at-home period; and (3) if student(s) receive a negative result from an acute infection test. A medical note will be requested for the stay-at-home period. Please note that parents should notify the school nurse and consult with their physician.

Board Approves Class Size Waiver to Texas Education Agency

The Board of Trustees approved a class size waiver to the Texas Education Agency for 34 elementary classrooms across the District.

Submitted press release, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photos. 

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