Our board of trustees on November 17 voted 7-0 to allow for all students to return to in-person learning on January 6, 2021, effectively discontinuing the virtual learning model in our district. There will be provisions for medically fragile students and students in COVID-19 quarantine.
The district arrived at this decision because of the high failure rate among virtual students – 40% and 24% for secondary and elementary students, respectively, in the most recent grading period. To avoid a massive grade-level retention rate for next year, we are expecting all students to return on January 6, 2021. Since students returned to school in September, we have requested that parents/guardians transport their children to and from school if they are able. Though bus transportation is available, fewer riders will help us continue our successful COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
We welcome students who want to return to school in person before January 6, and we believe that an earlier return could help ensure a smoother transition from virtual learning. Students who do not return to school in person by January 6, 2021, may be withdrawn from La Porte ISD. We want every La Porte ISD student to return to school on January 6.
The COVID-19 Virtual Learning Medical Evaluation Application and a list of frequently asked questions are available below. Completed applications must be received by La Porte ISD by 4:30 p.m. December 4. The district will notify applicants of the decision by December 11. Students who are approved to receive virtual instruction may have a change in academic schedule, instructor(s), or both. Additionally, students approved to receive virtual instruction will not have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.
If a student’s Virtual Learning Medical Evaluation Application is not approved, that student will be expected to return to school in person on January 6. We respectfully request that you inform your child’s campus if you do not intend to remain enrolled in La Porte ISD.
As we are carefully planning the fine points of our welcome back, please know that the health and safety of all stakeholders will remain paramount. At any time — if conditions are not favorable for safely coming to school, we will move to a districtwide virtual model of learning. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to La Porte ISD on January 6, 2021!
Download our La Porte ISD Welcome Back packet and Medical Evaluation Application.
