In-person school and no masks. That's what many parents in the Arlington school district say they want, and that's what they're getting.
Arlington schools will continue their policies of no mask-mandates and no contact-tracing and health-screenings.
Last night, Trustees agreed to abide by Governor Abbott's executive orders limiting governmental bodies' latitude to set local restrictions that go beyond what the state allows. The Arlington school board heard from one mom who is adamant that her daughter have the option for on-campus classes because she says last year's virtual learning was unpleasant.
"My child suffered tremendously during the lockdown," she said. "Her anxiety over the last year-and-a-half of school was at an all-time high. Depression crept in. There were days when she couldn't get out of bed. She went from being an incredible student with a desire to learn, to not touching assignments for days and weeks."
Other parents pushed the school board to allow students to decided whether or not they want to wear masks.
"They deserve better," one parent said. "They deserve the right to choose whether they want to wear a mask or don't. If a student wants to wear a mask, so be it."
School officials say they're relying on personal responsibility to keep students safe. If a student is exposed to someone who has had the virus, they get to decide whether or not they come to school. Dr. Michael Hill, AISD Assistant Superintendent of Facility Services, says they're being trusted to self-monitor.
"If you're exposed to a COVID-19 positive person but you're asymptomatic, we recommend that you get tested 3-5 days after the last contact with the positive person. Even if you're fully vaccinated," Hill says." If they become symptomatic, they should stay home until they are tested again."
A teacher also spoke at the meeting to thank the trustees for canceling next week's convocation for district teachers and staff to be held at A-T-and-T Stadium. Pre-K teacher Kim Martinez did request that the meetings and training from the convocation be available on-line.
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