Dear MISD Parents/Guardians, 

Our leadership team has been meeting frequently to assess our back-to-school plan in light of the continued rising number of COVID-19 cases. Last year, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) waived the normal funding mechanism to allow school districts the option for all students to learn virtually. As of today, the Texas Legislature has not made any type of funding option available for virtual learning for the 2021-22 school year. 

We believe that virtual learning is an important option for parents who have concerns about sending students who are not eligible to be vaccinated back in person. We have determined that we can use a portion of our Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to offer a 12-week virtual option. Currently, the virtual option will be available to students in kindergarten through sixth grade only (K-6), as they are currently not eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

About the Virtual Learning Option

• APPLICATION AND DEADLINE:
  A separate application for virtual instruction is necessary even if you’ve already registered your child for the 2021-22 school year. Apply for the virtual learning option here. (View a diagram of instructions here.)
  
  The deadline to apply for virtual instruction is Monday, Aug. 16 at 11:59 p.m. Parents will be notified on Aug. 17 if their student has been accepted into the virtual learning program. It is important that you complete your application as soon as possible to ensure we have adequate staffing for virtual and in-person learning. NOTE: Choice schools cannot be offered in the virtual option at this time.
   
• VIRTUAL DELAYED START:
  Virtual learning will begin on Aug. 25, one week after the first day of in-person learning. This allows us time to adjust staff and to give them time to adequately prepare for the virtual instruction. In-person learning still begins on Aug. 18.
   
• INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY METHOD:
  Virtual learning at both the elementary and intermediate levels will consist of a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning.

MISD has committed to funding the virtual instruction program for 12 weeks and will continually monitor and assess the situation. If virtual learners are not engaged and successful, they will be moved to in-person learning following a conference with the parent.

We are still finalizing details and will send additional information in the next few days, but it is crucial that you apply now if you would like your student to attend virtually.

Above all, I want to assure you that my team is working around the clock to make sure that your student has an amazing year, regardless of whether you choose in-person or virtual instruction. View our current health and safety protocols here. 

As always, thank you for your continued support of MISD.

Dr. Kimberley Cantu
MISD Superintendent