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The conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are continually evolving, and Millsap ISD’s Safe Return-to-School plans will be constantly evaluated to adapt to the continuing trends of the COVID-19 virus, especially in Parker County.
Millsap ISD will follow recommendations for school opening and operation from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Texas Education Agency, as well as state and local health officials. Circumstances related to COVID-19 may change throughout the coming school year, and this document will be updated as conditions change.
Table of Contents
- Instructional Delivery Models
Learning Models
District Philosophy
Millsap ISD believes the best environment for student engagement is at school with teachers and friends where students can learn and socially interact. However, current circumstances call for families to have learning options for their child(ren) and we respect each family’s decision. Given the fluidity of the present environment, the following plan is designed to meet current learning needs, adapt to meet future needs, and provide families choices for learning.
During the 2020-2021 school year, families may select between two distinct learning models. Both In-Person Learning and At-Home Learning will be available for students throughout the school year. See diagram below for similarities and differences of the learning options.
Adaptability
Millsap ISD believes, due to the nature of this fluid environment, the instructional learning plan must be adaptable to meet the needs of students, educators, and the community. The following are opportunities for customization and adaptability.
- Student Choice: Students may opt for a different learning model for a six weeks period. Once a student selects a specific learning model, the student will remain with that model throughout the entire six weeks. This targeted choice provides for customization while ensuring the instructional continuity needed for optimal learning.
- School Closure: Given a necessary school closure, this model allows for easy transition from In-Person learning to At-Home learning for all students.
- Career Technology Education and Electives: Ensuring that the state mandated curriculum, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), is taught with fidelity Millsap ISD is currently reviewing the TEKS expectations. Contingent on the review process, it is plausible that some CTE and elective courses may require an In-Person component, even if a student has selected the At-Home Learning Model. See below for a list of MHS courses that require an In-Person component. The MMS list will be published prior to the start of school. If a student who has opted for At-Home learning will not be able to fulfil this In-Person component the student will be required to alter his/her schedule and select an alternate CTE or elective course that can be completed without an In-Person requirement.
- District Accommodations:
MHS Courses Requiring In-Person Components
Advanced Floral
TEKS ONLY--All Remote, Certification--3-6 hours a month on campus
AG Fab Equipment
On-Campus demonstration of hands-on skill at least 4 hours a week after online certification
Ag Fab Structures
On-Campus demonstration of hands-on skill at least 4 hours a week after online certification
Ag Mech
On-Campus demonstration of hands-on skills 1 hour a week after online certification
Animation 1 & 2
TEKS only--all Remote, Certification--2 hours a week on campus
Athletics
On campus in class work
Band Ensemble
remote with 2 hours a week on campus learning
Band Marching
On Campus in class work or 4 hours a week
Band Percussion
remote with 2 hours a week on campus learning
Bus Info Management
TEKS only--all Remote, Certification--2 hours a week on campus
Electrical 1 & 2
2 days a week with IEC instructor on campus & on the job site work
Floral
TEKS ONLY--All Remote, Certification--3-6 hours a month on campus
Health Science
On Campus demonstration of hands on skill once a month - Spring Semester only
Med Term--EKG
On Campus demonstration of hands on skill 2 hours a week- Spring Semester only
Practicum in AFNR
On the job site work or once a week hands-on demonstration
Practicum in Construction
On the job site work
Practicum in Manufacturing
On the job site work or once a week hands-on demonstration
Principles of Ag
2 hours each six weeks + 3 week hunter safety--2 hours a week
Servant Leader
On campus or off campus in the community or a virtual log
MHS Courses Requiring In-Person Components
Athletics
7th & 8th Grades
Students must attend athletics during the class period daily.
Band
6th – 8th Grades
Students must attend band during the class period daily.
Yearbook
Students must attend Yearbook during the class period daily.
Instructional Techniques, Tools, and Technology
District Philosophy
To ensure student learning during this complex environment, Millsap ISD believes it is our moral duty to provide instructional resources and learning environments that ensure accessibility and equality for all students.
Regardless of whether students select learning through the In-Person Learning Model or an At-Home Learning Model, Millsap ISD is committed to provide quality instructional techniques, tools, and technology that will advance the education of every student. See diagram below for tools that will support student learning needs.
Accessibility and Adaptability
Instructional alignment is necessary to ensure every student, regardless of the instructional model selected, receives a high quality education. It is also necessary to adapt for individual needs. Below are some of the current measures that will ensure all grade levels and student needs are met.
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“My Millsap ISD” Single Sign On system: All Millsap ISD students will have access to this new system which enables students to use one username and password which provides them easy access to all digital tools necessary for their coursework.
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Learning Management System: To promote instructional alignment and in preparation for unexpected school closures, Millsap ISD will utilize aligned Learning Management Systems, or digital platforms, for all students. Pre-K – 6th grade will use Google Classroom and 7th – 12th grade will use Canvas.
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Aligned Applications: To promote instructional alignment and in preparation for unexpected school closures, Millsap ISD will support aligned digital learning applications. These applications will include the following.
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Student Chromebook Checkout: Millsap ISD will provide each student with a Chromebook that should be taken home each night and used each day for student learning. To ensure each student has the best learning tool, Pre-K – 1st grades will be provided touch-screen Chromebooks while 2nd – 12th grades will receive standard Chromebooks.
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Instruction for Primary: While the instructional learning plan ensures equality and services for all, specific alterations and additions are being reviewed for Pre-K – 2nd grades.
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Student/Teacher Conferences for At-Home Learning: Each learning model has inherent strengths and needs and while the At-Home Learning Model promotes safety, it reduces student-teacher and student-student interactions. To mitigate that concern, a component of the At-Home Learning Model will include mandatory Student Conferencing sessions 2-3 times weekly. This time will be dedicated to student-teacher and student-student interactions. Additionally, teachers will host regular office hours where all students have the opportunity to speak directly with the teacher.
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WiFi Access: Although most students have access to the internet, Millsap ISD has included resource options for those who may not have internet access. These options include community wireless access and personal Hot Spots that can be checked out.
