Houston Republic

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD opened for in-person instruction last week with successful results.

Parents determined if they wanted their children to learn remotely or return for in-person instruction, according to an email from Leslie Francis, assistant superintendent for Communication and Community Relations. 

"CFISD’s Reopening Committee developed a plan (LEAD Safely 2020-2021 www.cfisd.net/leadsafely) that allowed parents to select the method of instruction that best fits the needs of their child(ren), whether it is on-campus or remote via CFISD Connect," Francis to Houston Republic.

That reopening plan, she said, included a range of protocols for in-person instruction.

"The plan has numerous health and safety protocols for on-campus instruction, including but not limited to, the implementation of daily health self-screenings, limiting congregation of students and adults in areas, one-way hallways and stairs, increased cleaning and sanitization of surfaces, the requirement of face masks, desk/table shields for students and teachers, limiting non-essential visitors, and frequent reminders to use hand sanitizer or wash hands properly," said Francis. 

The CFISD Lead Safely plan outlines the numerous steps that have been taken to ensure children, teachers and staff remain socially distanced. The steps include social distancing in the classroom, hallways and common areas when feasible. They also include shields for teachers' desks, and for students when unable to social distance. 

The school's plan also includes staggering bus loading and unloading, class dismissals, and using outdoor areas for large group classes and lunch periods when possible. The plan also created one-way hallways and staircases, among numerous other changes. 

The first week with students on campus has gone well.

"Principals have reported that on-campus students and staff are taking health and safety precautions very seriously, and the first week of school has been very successful," said Francis.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD was one of several districts that had children return for in-person classes on Sept. 8. The Chronicle reported that students across Houston returned to in-person classes at Conroe, Crosby, Katy, Klein, La Porte, Liberty, New Caney and Tomball ISDs.