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RISD is aware of the Dallas County state of emergency declared last evening at the recommendation of the County Health Department. The district has been in ongoing, direct contact with Dallas County Health, which has been very consistent and clear with RISD as a school district that it was not necessary or recommended to close schools today. The prohibition of public gatherings of more than 500 people does not apply to school districts for that reason, as schools districts not already on Spring Break (including Dallas and Richardson ISDs) were not directed or recommended to be closed today. Also, in an effort to address some rumors and misinformation being circulated, please know that we have confirmed again this morning with the Dallas County Health department that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 associated with any RISD school. RISD is using today to distribute more than 30,000 devices to students so that learning can continue in the likelihood that schools will be closed beyond Spring Break. The district will remain in ongoing contact with our local health officials and will continue to make decisions based on the direct recommendations from the health department and direction from our elected state leaders. As decisions continue to be made, including the likelihood of school closure after Spring Break, additional updates will be provided in the coming days.Contacts Calendar District Map School Finder RISD schools will be physically closed through the remainder of the school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to visit www.risd.org/cv19 for the latest information. - " / - 3 - 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 - 3 - 4NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Superintendent’s Update - Formal Instructional Commitment Process Now Open July 30 Please click here to watch Dr. Stone’s weekly superintendent’s update . Highlights include: RISD will continue to follow the expert guidance from Dallas County Health and Human Services, and the plan for the start of school has not changed. RISD will begin school with 100% virtual instruction on August 19 and currently plans to transition to in-person instruction on September 8 for those families choosing that option. The process for parents to formally commit to either virtual instruction or in-person instruction for the 2020-21 school year has now opened. Parents were sent an email message with a customized link for each enrolled child at the primary email address provided upon enrollment. Parents are strongly encouraged to review RISD’s back to school blueprint for plans for details about each instructional model to help them make the instructional choice that is best for their family. Parents who cannot locate the commitment process email should check their spam/junk filters and folders. Parents can verify their email address by contacting their child’s school, and may be referred for support at learning model@g.risd.org . The process is open through Thursday, August 6 and parents will be able to change their choice in advance of each new grading period. All enrolled families will also be receiving information from their campus as part of back to school planning to re-verify their access to technology in advance of the virtual instruction beginning August 19. RISD expects adults and students to possess and wear a face covering inside schools when in-person learning resumes. RISD will provide face coverings, or parents can provide their own for students. Some exceptions can apply, and parents can review the blueprint for details. Parents selecting in-person instruction are encouraged to begin working with their children now to get them used to face coverings and choose a mask that works best for them. RISD teachers are caring, committed professionals. They will be well-prepared to teach children, virtually and in-person, when school begins. Dr. Stone has provided weekly updates throughout the pandemic. Previous messages can be found here . Back To School Blueprint Finalized July 24 RISD’s back to school blueprint and information is now available for families and stakeholders to review. The information provides comprehensive information about RISD’s back to school plans, health and safety precautions, and options for all enrolled families. Please click here to watch Dr. Stone’s weekly update that discusses the blueprint, instructional choices for families, and next steps. Beginning the week of July 27, parents of enrolled students will receive emailed information from RISD about how to formally choose the type of instruction they would like for their children. Parents are strongly encouraged to review the back to school blueprint and FAQs in order to make an informed decision. RISD will begin the school year on August 19 with virtual instruction for all students. In-person instruction is currently expected to begin September 8 for families that choose an in-person option. The district will continue to monitor and adapt to ongoing changes in guidance and requirements from the state of Texas and public health authorities. Hall Named Chief Technology Officer and will join Superintendent’s Leadership Team RISD Executive Director of Instructional Technology, Henry Hall, has been named the district’s new Chief Technology Officer. In his new role, Hall will oversee and direct RISD’s overall technology program and manage the departments of Instructional Technology and Technology Network Support Services. As part of his new leadership role, he will also join Dr. Stone’s district leadership team. “I’m very pleased about this new strategic direction with our district’s technology services and support,” said RISD Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone. “Henry’s previous experiences at both the campus and district level will provide the leadership and support needed to deliver access to the most current technology programs and solutions for both our students and staff.” Hall is completing his 20th year in RISD, including service as principal of Richardson West Junior High Technology Magnet and Berkner High School STEM Academy before joining Instructional Technology. “I am excited about this opportunity and I look forward to leading the work of providing students and staff with safe, reliable and equitable access to technology to enhance student learning for all,” said Hall. He has begun transitioning into his new duties. RISD Administrative Offices Summer Schedule Through August 14 Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Fridays. Department Contact Information GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS All visitors should have an appointment to enter RISD administration buildings and schools. Visitors should complete the RISD Health Screener Form before proceeding with their appointment. Visitors must wear a mask in order to enter offices and facilities. Summer Reading All RISD students are encouraged to read books of interest to them during the summer. Students will share and discuss their reading when they return to school. As a district focused on building a culture of reading, we encourage all parents, staff, and stakeholders to join students in actively reading and discussing their reading. Visit the Summer Reading Website Visit the Library & Information Technology Website Census Extended to October 31 Richardson ISD is providing information to educate, encourage and engage our school community about the 2020 Census, and we encourage your participation. The Census Bureau has extended the deadline to respond to the questionnaire to August 31. RISD will keep its Census website up through the extension. The Census has only 10...