Katy ISD released Smart ReStart, their plan to safely return to school for the 2020-21 school year, on July 13. With school starting on August 19, parents and students alike had questions about what policies and changes would be implemented for students’ safety. 

In accordance with the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) guidelines, Katy ISD is allowing students to choose to learn in person or to learn with Katy Virtual Academy (KVA). Some courses will have hybrid options to meet in-person requirements. Instruction through KVA will be real-time instruction. Beginning July 20, parents will be able to log onto PowerSchool if they wish to enroll their student in KVA for the fall semester. Students that elect to start school through KVA may choose to switch to in-person instruction at the end of each grading period. Attendance for in-person teaching will remain the same and attendance through KVA will be taken through daily interactions with their teacher or Canvas and the completion of assignments. The attendance policy for final exams has been waived and high school students may exempt a final exam if they meet the grade and behavior requirements. 

Face coverings are required for all members of staff and are required for students in grades 4 through 12. Face coverings are encouraged for students in Pre-K through 3rd grade. Temperature checks will be issued each instructional day to new enrollees and late arrival students. Campuses will not accept outside food or drink deliveries. No large group gatherings will be held during the instructional day or evenings, nor will field trips be held during the day. Nutrition & Food Service staff will wear face coverings, shields and gloves when performing job responsibilities. Cafeterias will be cleaned between each use and social distancing will be reinforced during meal times. Students may be directed to eat in different locations to maximize social distancing. Following guidelines introduced by the TEA, students and staff should self-screen for coronavirus symptoms daily. Areas in schools that are highly used will be cleaned throughout the day and hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout campuses. Transportation will be cleaned between each use and everyone on board will be required to wear a face covering. Hand sanitizer will be provided and anyone boarding must use it. Windows will be open to allow for increased ventilation. 

UPDATE JULY 23: Superintendant Gregorski announced an update to Katy ISD’s back to school plans. The first day of school will be August 19 as planned but students will begin with virtual instruction instead of in-person instruction.  Students will not resume in-person instruction until September 8. Students that wish to continue with virtual learning beyond September 8 must submit the KVA Commitment form in PowerSchool before August 5.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated as changes to Katy ISD’s policy are made.