Texas Adventist Education: Coronavirus (COVID-19)FAQs

Texas Conference Communication & Public Relations, Education and Human Resources continue to monitor travel advisories and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as our state and county health authorities.  For that reason and to prepare for any eventuality, we are asking Texas Conference families to share their travel plans through a simple form by clicking here. Those with travel plans are strongly encouraged to closely monitor travel advisories and guidance from the CDC (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html).

  • What is the Texas Conference Education Department going to do about the COVID-19 concerns within our schools?

    • We are working closely with conference leadership, school boards, educators and families to follow the guidelines shared by Texas Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other organizations that are invested in both the education and well-being of our children and employees. The Texas Conference Office of Education has contingency plans in place should the need arise to close schools for a period of time. At this time, school is resuming as normal. Many of our students will be returning from spring break next week with other students having spring break next week. It is common for students to return from a break with an illness, so we encourage parents to follow the school’s protocol on illnesses.

  • Will Texas Conference schools close if any cases of COVID-19 are reported within the facility?

    • As of this FAQ, there have been no known cases of coronavirus on any of the Texas Conference campuses—schools or churches, and no reports from members being affected. Professional health officials believe the risk to our school community is low at this time.  However, should any of our campuses report or suspect any cases of COVID-19, we will take the appropriate measures.
  • What are the steps the schools will take if a student or staff is exposed to the COVID-19 within the local school district? 
    • Currently, our protocol for school closure follows the local ISD directives; this will be our continued procedure. However, should the number of cases of COVID-19 spike, we will make the necessary changes to our processes that are in the best interest of our students, parents and employees. As a reminder, if a child or employee is experiencing any of the symptoms of the COVID-19, they must stay home and consult a medical professional.

  • Are the schools taking extra measures now for cleanliness? What is being done to keep schools clean and safe for students and staff?

    • Our schools conduct routine cleaning and have added additional sanitation precautions. As instructed by authorities, our schools are also sharing the following tips for prevention with students and staff:
      • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
      • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
      • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
      • Stay home when you are sick.
      • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, discard it and then wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
      • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

  • How long will schools be closed if a student or staff is affected by the COVID-19 virus?

    • Because we are still gaining knowledge about the COVID-19 virus, the length of school closure would be determined after consultation with health care professionals. We will act accordingly to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

    • Texas Executive Orders & Public Health Disaster Declaration

      On March 31, 2020, Gov. Abbott issued an Executive Order implementing Essential Services and Activities Protocols. The protocols renew the Governor’s directive to avoid eating or drinking inside at bars, restaurants, and food courts, although use of drive-thru, pickup, and delivery for food is highly encouraged. The order prohibits visiting gyms or massage establishments, and expands to include tattoo studios, piercing studios, and cosmetology salons. It also extends social distancing measures to April 30, 2020, and schools will remain closed to in-person classroom attendance through May 4, 2020.

      On March 30 and March 26, Gov. Abbott issued several self-quarantine edicts for travelers returning from certain locations within the United States. For complete details on which returning travelers are subject to these self-quarantine orders, see our Information for Travelers page. Instructions for self-quarantined travelers can be found on the CDC COVID‑19 Traveler Information Card.

      On March 19, 2020, Dr. John Hellerstedt, commissioner of Texas DSHS, declared a public health disaster in Texas, because COVID-19 “has created an immediate threat, poses a high risk of death to a large number of people, and creates a substantial risk of public exposure because of the disease’s method of transmission and evidence that there is community spread in Texas.”

  • How will the students make up school work missed due to the COVID-19 outbreak?

    • That will be discussed on an individual student or school basis should the need arise.

  • What school in Texas Conference are currently closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak?

    Texas Conference School Closures
    Texas Conference School Closures:

      • All Texas Conference schools will be closed starting Friday, March 20 until further notice. This date may be extended after evaluating the situation.  

  • What are some other sources of information and updates?

    • The following resources are available to help the public stay informed about COVID-19.

    Resources

    School Resources during the COVID-19 outbreak closure:

    As we embrace this new and immediate paradigm shift, it is our goal to meet the needs of our educators and each learning community.  Included is an aggregated list of resources that should assist you transition into digitally integrated instruction.

    Free Internet:

    If your students do not have Internet at their homes,  direct them to the following resources:

     

    Online Learning Management Systems

    Use the following link for directions on how to set up and use google classroom.  All resources are located in the Adventist Learning Community.

    Remote Learning and Virtual Classroom Platforms https://www.weareteachers.com/free-online-learning-resources/#platforms

    Top recommended sites:

    • Blackboard

    https://www.blackboard.com/teaching-learning/learning-management/blackboard-instructor-app

    • Google Classroom:

    https://www.adventistlearningcommunity.com/?keyword=google%20classroom

    • Remind App:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRMrNE4eDCw

    Free Instructional Resources

    Elementary Online Learning Resources

    https://www.weareteachers.com/free-online-learning-resources/#elementary

    Middle and High School Online Learning Resources https://www.weareteachers.com/free-online-learning-resources/#secondary

    K-12 Online Learning Resources

    https://www.weareteachers.com/free-online-learning-resources/#k12

    You will find direct links on our AE Technology (TDEC) page for your convenience.

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