FAQ

Why is Eanes ISD offering families options? Why not offer full remote or full in-building instruction?

Eanes ISD wants to ensure that we are taking care of the needs of both our students and our staff.  We know each one of us has unique, individual needs and that a “one size fits all” option might not work for each of us.

Where is Eanes ISD receiving its guidance?

Eanes ISD is receiving guidance from multiple sources:

• Dr. Leonard meets frequently with a group of Central Texas Superintendents to share their thinking and plans around COVID-19. In addition, he consults with superintendent organizations and forums across the country.
• Numerous groups have been consulted to review our plans, including campus principals, the Envision Eanes committee, the School Safety & Health Advisory Committee (SSHAC), the Institute for Excellence committee, campus department heads, to name a few.
• We have parents and community members from the medical community who have been invaluable in providing guidance on health and safety.
• The school nurses receive frequent information from state and local health entities and agencies and meet weekly with school nurses from the Region. Additionally, the school nurses consult Dr. Ari Brown, who is the district’s consulting physician.
• The District receives information from federal, state and local agencies and organizations.

What should families with health issues or a high-risk member of the household choose?

Each family must consider their unique situation to make a personal determination. We are providing as much information known at the time so families can make informed decisions.

Are students and staff required to wear masks or face coverings?

Yes, both staff and students will likely be required to wear masks or some type of face covering while in the building. There may be moments when face coverings can be removed (e.g., some outdoor activities, eating, etc.). However, we know there will be occasions when students may be able to remove their masks in situations if it is safe to do so. Staff will use their best judgement to determine those occurrences.

With the guidance provided, CDC does not recommend use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for masks. Full-face shields may be used whenever a mask is not feasible or whenever the education context may benefit from the ability to see an individual’s full face.

Will there be temperature checks before entering school each day?

Consistent with TEA guidance, a health screening will be required each school day for all staff and students. It has yet to be determined if temperature checks will be a part of this process.

Who are the taskforce members?

A combination of teachers, administrators, community members, parents, etc. See taskforce.

Will the school year calendar change?

TEA is allowing school districts to adjust their school calendars for the 2020-21 school year. As of now, Eanes ISD does not plan on making any changes to the calendar, and we do not plan on reducing summer break. The first day of school is Aug. 19.
View the 2020-21 calendar: www.eanesisd.net/calendars.

How do I get a refund for cancellations?

The District has been issuing and will continue to issue refunds for all events that have been cancelled or that will not occur. Refunds for instances in which the original payment was made with a credit card are credited back to the card. Refunds for payments made via cash, check, or with a credit card that is no longer valid are issued a refund check from the District that is mailed to the home address on file. If you have not received a refund due to you, contact Accounts Receivable at webstore@eanesisd.net for assistance.

Oftentimes, payments are made directly to a booster club (PTO, Chap Club, Cougar Club, Wildcat Club, etc). In those cases, the payor should contact the booster club's treasurer to request a refund.   

Booster Club contact information is on the campus websites.

What is synchronous vs asynchronous instruction?

Synchronous Instruction – Two-way, real-time/live, virtual instruction between teachers and students when students are not on campus. In this method, the required amount of instructional time is scheduled each day, and funding is generated when attendance is recorded daily at a locally selected snapshot time. Synchronous instruction is provided through a computer or other electronic device or over the phone.

Asynchronous Instruction – Instruction that does not require having the instructor and student engaged at the same time. In this method, students learn from instruction that is not necessarily being delivered in-person or in real time. This type of instruction may include various forms of digital and online learning, such as prerecorded video lessons or game-based learning tasks that students complete on their own, and pre-assigned work and formative assessments made available to students on paper.

What if a family wants to stay in remote year-round?

That is likely an option but we will know more after the first nine weeks.

How long is the commitment for in-building/remote instruction?

The choice for in-person or remote learning will apply to each nine-week grading period, depending on when TEA and local health orders allow students to return to school.

What is the story behind the numbers on the dashboard?

As is everything with COVID-19, the dashboard is a new and evolving part of our school district operations. We continue to tighten and improve our procedures and look at best practices from school districts locally and around the state.

It is important to know that every case is different. There is a story behind every number shown on the dashboard. One student may be quarantined for the standard 10 to 14 days, depending if he or she tests positive or is a close contact. However, as in a case recently, a parent may report a student has not recovered after 10 days and may extend the isolation, which affects the active case number.

Someone keeping a close eye on the dashboard would not know that situation and may question why the numbers did not change. The district is not hiding anything; the numbers may vary based on several factors such as differing exposure times, extended isolation times and on rare occasions, a report of a false positive.

An active case is posted on the District's dashboard which also shows the cumulative number of cases district-wide and at each campus since Aug. 19. Once an active case is posted on the dashboard, it is also included in the cumulative number of cases. Cumulative encompasses the total number of cases - both active and previously reported. The dashboard is updated daily, excluding weekends and holidays. Positive cases reported after 5pm will be reflected the following day.

What are Eanes ISD's revised quarantine guidelines? See the Close Contact & Quarantining section further down the page for more FAQs.

As of December 8, 2020, Eanes ISD will follow new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Austin Public Health (APH), which potentially shortens the quarantine time for those who have had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.

• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were not wearing a mask OR you live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you should quarantine the full 14 days.  
• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were wearing a mask and do not live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you may return to school:   
  • after Day 10 following close contact exposure without testing or
  • after Day 7 following close contact exposure and after receiving a negative test result (administered at least 5 days after the last close contact).

For information on the CDC’s revised recommendations, visit the CDC's website. See the APH announcement, including the quarantine guidance flowchart.

Will there be COVID-19 testing for staff and students?

Eanes ISD offers voluntary and free COVID-19 testing for Eanes ISD students and staff. Please visit www.eanesisd.net/covidtesting for more information.

When is the next selection for returning to in-person instruction?

Due to electricity and internet connectivity issues throughout the District, the Re-Selection process for the fourth nine-week grading period has been extended. Please make your selection by Feb. 26 at 5pm. We are offering three choices this term:

1. In-person only for the entire 4th quarter (March 8 to May 26)
2. Remote only for the entire 4th quarter (March 8 to May 26)
3. Remote from March 8 to March 31 (allowing your child to quarantine before and after Spring Break) then returning to school for in-person learning from April 1 to May 26.

Visit Skyward Family Access to make your selection.

What supports will families receive for remote learning?

We will continue to support our families in remote learning. We have resources posted on our website and continually update these to meet the needs of families. We will also be working with our teachers and Educational Partners to provide as much support as possible as parents help students at home with schoolwork.

We are working on a system to provide manipulatives and materials for parents to pick up for use in a remote setting.

How will the Spanish Immersion program operate?

Each day students will receive math, science & Spanish literacy by a Spanish teacher. Students will also receive LA, SS & Math reinforcement by an English teacher.  Teachers are creating videos to help support learning. There will be online resources to support the learning in each of these areas as well as translated answer documents for parents to help support their child at home.

How are you planning to provide OT, PT and ST remotely?

Special education-related services will be provided in a similar manner to last spring with synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Families should collaborate with their service provider to determine what strategies were most effective.

If students opt for remote learning, can they still participate in athletics and extra-curriculars?

In all likelihood, students participating in athletics or extra-curricular activities may still practice with their team and compete in UIL games/competitions before and after school, even if attending daytime classes via remote learning. However, remote students will need to participate in the athletic period remotely.The District will continue to consult with the UIL regarding eligibility and any changes to participation rules.

What is TEA's guidance that K-2 students learning remotely have to be taught via asynchronous instruction (not learning at the same time the teacher is teaching)?

As long as students in K-2 engage once a day either via live teacher interactions or pre-recorded online activities, the student can be counted as enrolled in the school district's Average Daily Attendance (ADA). After (or before) a once-a-day check-in, the family can plan the rest of its day as convenient and can interact as often as possible or use Eanes ISD resources provided online. There is much more flexibility in K-2, especially for kindergarteners. Attendance in all live interactive sessions with the teacher are required in grades 3-12.

What kind of counseling support will be provided for students who have to begin preparing for the college application process?

Whether in person or in remote, counselors will support students through classroom presentations, video series, and office hours for one-to-one meetings. The WHS Counseling office website provides a wealth of information for students and families related to the college application process, essay prompts, using Naviance, financial aid, etc. Counselors will continue to support students both remotely and in-person once schools reopen.

What is the elementary school schedule during remote learning?

Here is the schedule for the first nine weeks:

8am weeks 1-3
7:45am weeks 4-8
Each school's REGULAR start time begins weeks 9+.

Once we move to 100% allowed to enter campus, we will move to our staggered, individual start times to accommodate the transportation needs (particularly at EE and FTE).

See schedules here: https://www.eanesisd.net/r2r/resources

How long is the commitment for in-person/remote?

The choice for in-person or remote learning will apply to each nine-week grading period, depending on when TEA and local health orders allow students to return to school.

What if a family wants to stay in remote year-round?

That is likely an option but we will know more after the first nine weeks.

Are students and staff required to wear masks or face coverings?

Yes, both staff and students will likely be required to wear masks or some type of face covering while in the building. There may be moments when face coverings can be removed (e.g., some outdoor activities, eating, etc.). However, we know there will be occasions when students may be able to remove their masks in situations if it is safe to do so. Staff will use their best judgement to determine those occurrences.

With the guidance provided, CDC does not recommend use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for masks. Full-face shields may be used whenever a mask is not feasible or whenever the education context may benefit from the ability to see an individual’s full face.

Will there be temperature checks before entering school each day?

Consistent with TEA guidance, a health screening will be required each school day for all staff and students. It has yet to be determined if temperature checks will be a part of this process.

What safety protocols will be taken inside buildings? 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other governing authorities provide guidance to assist with the safety of facilities and determining adequate measures, such as: Controlling Building Access, Reducing Touch Points, Increasing Cleaning, and Social Distancing planning.

What if a child has a health condition and is advised not to wear a face mask?

Allowances may be considered for students under 5 years old or who have other conditions that prohibit them from wearing a mask.  If a student is unable to wear a face covering, we can accommodate that student through remote learning.

What if I am attending school in-person and I get sick, or someone in my class gets sick?

If a student or staff member in school is sick, has been exposed to COVID-19, or tests positive for COVID-19, the District will follow all guidance from federal, state, and local agencies. Per TEA, Individuals that have had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, must quarantine until the 14-day incubation period has passed

At this time, according to TEA, a campus can close for up to five days if a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 is found (to adequately clean, communicate with those who may have been affected). It is the District’s hope that students and staff who are not sick would easily transition to remote learning during the isolation time period.

Will staff and students be required to disclose recent travel info?

At this point, any health screening questions will likely be limited to symptoms or wellbeing of either the student or family member. At this time, the school district does not anticipate asking families to disclose their recent or upcoming travels or to quarantine after such trips outside of Travis County.

How will the wearing of masks be enforced?

In  accordance with the student code of conduct we will work with any student who does not follow the rules, as we would with other behavior infractions.

How will the Spanish Immersion program operate?

Each day students will receive math, science & Spanish literacy by a Spanish teacher. Students will also receive LA, SS & Math reinforcement by an English teacher.  Teachers are creating videos to help support learning. There will be online resources to support the learning in each of these areas as well as translated answer documents for parents to help support their child at home.

How long is the commitment for in-person/remote?

The choice for in-person or remote learning will apply to each nine-week grading period, depending on when TEA and local health orders allow students to return to school.

How are Close Contacts identified? 

If a student/staff member is within 6 feet of an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 throughout the course of the day for approximately 15 minutes, that person would be deemed a Close Contact and must quarantine 7-14 days, depending on December 2020 revised quarantine guidelines (see quarantine guidelines below). The campus COVID points of contact and other campus staff will utilize seating charts, teacher feedback, Smart Tag, and when age-appropriate, interviews, to determine which students meet the criteria for a Close Contact. 

If a student in a class or a bus tests positive for COVID-19, do all the students in that class or bus need to self-quarantine based on being a Close Contact?

No, only the students that are deemed Close Contacts would need to self-quarantine. However, based on the activities and student/staff proximity, there may be instances when all the students in a class or bus must be self-quarantined.

How are families notified of a positive case on their campus?

The campus takes several steps to notify families to ensure transparency and alert families of exposure. Once contact tracing is completed, individuals determined to be close contacts are contacted by the campus individually via phone or email. All staff and families at a campus are notified via email. The active case is then posted on the District's dashboard which also shows the cumulative number of cases district-wide and at each campus since Aug. 19. Once the active case is posted on the dashboard, it is also included in the cumulative number of cases. Cumulative encompasses the total number of cases - both active and previously reported. The dashboard is updated daily, excluding weekends and holidays. Positive cases reported after 5pm will be reflected the following day.

How long does a close contact quarantine? 

As of December 8, 2020, Eanes ISD will follow new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Austin Public Health (APH), which potentially shortens the quarantine time for those who have had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.

• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were not wearing a mask OR you live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you should quarantine the full 14 days.  
• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were wearing a mask and do not live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you may return to school:   
  • after Day 10 following close contact exposure without testing or
  • after Day 7 following close contact exposure and after receiving a negative test result (administered at least 5 days after the last close contact).

If a student is quarantined, they cannot participate in athletics or extra-curricular activities.

For information on the CDC’s revised recommendations, visit the CDC's website. For the APH flowchart on quarantines, see the APH announcement, including the quarantine guidance flowchart.

What is the close contact tracing process?

When a campus learns of a positive COVID-19 case, the campus' COVID-19 team, consisting of the campus nurse, principal, assistant principal and others initiates the contact tracing process to identify possible close contacts. Many times, the District's Safety Director is also involved. The COVID-19 team moves through a comprehensive process to research each case, identifying the individual's activities, locations, symptoms, siblings, etc. to then determine close contacts based on CDC guidelines and Travis County health department protocols. The campus nurse works with the individual who tested positive on their timeline to return (typically 10 days). The campus administration works with the close contacts to set their timeline to return (7-14 days). The District's Safety Director notifies Austin Public Health every Monday on the total number of cases from the previous week.

Positive staff cases involve the Human Resources team and the District's Safety Director. If a staff member has had possible exposure to more than one campus, the number on the dashboard will be represented as a decimal (ex. a person who tests positive for COVID-19 and works at two campuses will appear as a .5 under both schools).

What are Eanes ISD's revised quarantine guidelines?

As of December 8, 2020, Eanes ISD will follow new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Austin Public Health (APH), which potentially shortens the quarantine time for those who have had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.

• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were not wearing a mask OR you live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you should quarantine the full 14 days.  
• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were wearing a mask and do not live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you may return to school:   
  • after Day 10 following close contact exposure without testing or
  • after Day 7 following close contact exposure and after receiving a negative test result (administered at least 5 days after the last close contact).

For information on the CDC’s revised recommendations, visit the CDC's website. See the APH announcement, including the quarantine guidance flowchart.

Are schools considered a "high-risk setting" in the new quarantine guidance?

No. According to the Austin Public Health, individuals who live or work in a high risk setting may need to quarantine 14 days, even if they were wearing a mask when exposed to a positive COVID-19 individual. High risk settings are defined as:

• long-term care facilities
• residential facilities
• jails and detention centers

See APH flowchart.

How long do I quarantine if I was exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual but I was wearing a mask?

According to Austin Public Health, if an individual is exposed to someone with COVID-19 and was wearing a mask and does not live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, the individual may return to school:   

• after Day 10 following close contact exposure without testing or
• after Day 7 following close contact exposure and after receiving a negative test result (administered at least 5 days after the last close contact).

Please consult with your campus administrator before returning to school.

If I was exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual and I was wearing a mask, can I still quarantine 14 days?

Yes, but please communicate that to your campus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Austin Public Health (APH) currently recommend best practice is to quarantine 14 days. However, based on local circumstances and resources, both entities are allowing shortened quarantine times.

According to the CDC, they are recognizing shortened quarantine times understanding a 14-day quarantine can impose personal burdens that may affect physical and mental health as well as cause economic hardship that may reduce compliance. Implementing quarantines can also pose additional burdens on public health systems and communities, especially during periods when new infections, and consequently the number of contacts needing to quarantine, are rapidly rising. Lastly, the prospect of quarantine may dissuade recently diagnosed persons from naming contacts and may dissuade contacts from responding to contact tracer outreach if they perceive the length of quarantine as onerous.

I was exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual in my household, do I quarantine 14 days?

We understand families do not necessarily wear masks inside their homes so if an individual in the household tests positive for COVID-19, they could fall automatically in the 14-day quarantine. Both CDC and APH recommend a 14-day quarantine if not masked. We are relying on our families to report to us and make the decision that is best for their family and for the health of our school community.

Will there be COVID-19 testing for staff and students?

Eanes ISD offers voluntary and free COVID-19 testing for Eanes ISD students and staff. Please visit www.eanesisd.net/covidtesting for more information.

When is the next selection for returning to in-person instruction?

Due to electricity and internet connectivity issues throughout the District, the Re-Selection process for the fourth nine-week grading period has been extended. Please make your selection by Feb. 26 at 5pm. We are offering three choices this term:

1. In-person only for the entire 4th quarter (March 8 to May 26)
2. Remote only for the entire 4th quarter (March 8 to May 26)
3. Remote from March 8 to March 31 (allowing your child to quarantine before and after Spring Break) then returning to school for in-person learning from April 1 to May 26.

Visit Skyward Family Access to make your selection.

Will staff have a choice of working in-person or remote?

Staff will need to work directly with HR to confirm approval for remote or in-person assignments.

What if I contract COVID-19? Will I be required to use Paid Time Off if I am required to take time off due to exposure? 

Under Federal law, an employee will receive two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at the employee's regular rate of pay when the employee is unable to work because the employee is quarantined (pursuant to Federal, State, or local government order or advice of a health care provider), and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis. If an employee is required to self-quarantine due to possible exposure but is still able to work, the district will coordinate with that employee to transition to remote work and continuation of pay. If an employee develops or experiences ongoing health issues due to COVID-19, Human Resources will work through all available options with the employee.

What if I do not have childcare?

Staff who need childcare should work directly with HR to confirm your approval for remote or in-person assignment.

If I choose to teach remotely, will my child lose his/her spot in the CDC? 

The CDC understands the need for care whether you are working remotely or in-person. Since it we are unsure of the limitations that will be placed on the CDC at this time it would be our intention to hold all CDC placements, and work with families for future return to the CDC.  

Are students and staff required to wear masks or face coverings?

Yes, both staff and students will likely be required to wear masks or some type of face covering while in the building. There may be moments when face coverings can be removed (e.g., some outdoor activities, eating, etc.).

What if I am teaching school in-person and I get sick, or someone in my class gets sick?

If a student or staff member in school is sick, has been exposed to COVID-19, or tests positive for COVID-19, the District will follow all guidance from federal, state, and local agencies. Per TEA, Individuals that have had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, must quarantine until the 14-day incubation period has passed

At this time, according to TEA, a campus can close for up to five days if a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 is found (to adequately clean, communicate with those who may have been affected). It is the District’s hope that students and staff who are not sick would easily transition to remote learning during the isolation time period.

How will Eanes ISD utilize substitute teachers?

We plan to utilize our substitutes as we have in the past; however, we understand that either environment would require additional training and professional development. So, we are looking into how to adapt training and provide tools to be successful.

How will the wearing of masks be enforced?

In  accordance with the student code of conduct we will work with any student who does not follow the rules, as we would with other behavior infractions.

How long does a close contact quarantine? 

As of December 8, 2020, Eanes ISD will follow new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Austin Public Health (APH), which potentially shortens the quarantine time for those who have had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.

• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were not wearing a mask OR you live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you should quarantine the full 14 days.  
• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were wearing a mask and do not live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you may return to school:   
  • after Day 10 following close contact exposure without testing or
  • after Day 7 following close contact exposure and after receiving a negative test result (administered at least 5 days after the last close contact).

If a student is quarantined, they cannot participate in athletics or extra-curricular activities.

For information on the CDC’s revised recommendations, visit the CDC's website. For the APH flowchart on quarantines, see the APH announcement, including the quarantine guidance flowchart.

What is the close contact tracing process?

When a campus learns of a positive COVID-19 case, the campus' COVID-19 team, consisting of the campus nurse, principal, assistant principal and others initiates the contact tracing process to identify possible close contacts. Many times, the District's Safety Director is also involved. The COVID-19 team moves through a comprehensive process to research each case, identifying the individual's activities, locations, symptoms, siblings, etc. to then determine close contacts based on CDC guidelines and Travis County health department protocols. The campus nurse works with the individual who tested positive on their timeline to return (typically 10 days). The campus administration works with the close contacts to set their timeline to return (7-14 days). The District's Safety Director notifies Austin Public Health every Monday on the total number of cases from the previous week.

Positive staff cases involve the Human Resources team and the District's Safety Director. If a staff member has had possible exposure to more than one campus, the number on the dashboard will be represented as a decimal (ex. a person who tests positive for COVID-19 and works at two campuses will appear as a .5 under both schools).

What are Eanes ISD's revised quarantine guidelines?

As of December 8, 2020, Eanes ISD will follow new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Austin Public Health (APH), which potentially shortens the quarantine time for those who have had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.

• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were not wearing a mask OR you live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you should quarantine the full 14 days.  
• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were wearing a mask and do not live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you may return to school:   
  • after Day 10 following close contact exposure without testing or
  • after Day 7 following close contact exposure and after receiving a negative test result (administered at least 5 days after the last close contact).

For information on the CDC’s revised recommendations, visit the CDC's website. See the APH announcement, including the quarantine guidance flowchart.

Are schools considered a "high-risk setting" in the new quarantine guidance?

No. According to the Austin Public Health, individuals who live or work in a high risk setting may need to quarantine 14 days, even if they were wearing a mask when exposed to a positive COVID-19 individual. High risk settings are defined as:

• long-term care facilities
• residential facilities
• jails and detention centers

See APH flowchart.

How long do I quarantine if I was exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual but I was wearing a mask?

According to Austin Public Health, if an individual is exposed to someone with COVID-19 and was wearing a mask and does not live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, the individual may return to school:   

• after Day 10 following close contact exposure without testing or
• after Day 7 following close contact exposure and after receiving a negative test result (administered at least 5 days after the last close contact).

Please consult with your campus administrator before returning to school.

If I was exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual and I was wearing a mask, can I still quarantine 14 days?

Yes, but please communicate that to your campus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Austin Public Health (APH) currently recommend best practice is to quarantine 14 days. However, based on local circumstances and resources, both entities are allowing shortened quarantine times.

According to the CDC, they are recognizing shortened quarantine times understanding a 14-day quarantine can impose personal burdens that may affect physical and mental health as well as cause economic hardship that may reduce compliance. Implementing quarantines can also pose additional burdens on public health systems and communities, especially during periods when new infections, and consequently the number of contacts needing to quarantine, are rapidly rising. Lastly, the prospect of quarantine may dissuade recently diagnosed persons from naming contacts and may dissuade contacts from responding to contact tracer outreach if they perceive the length of quarantine as onerous.

I was exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual in my household, do I quarantine 14 days?

We understand families do not necessarily wear masks inside their homes so if an individual in the household tests positive for COVID-19, they could fall automatically in the 14-day quarantine. Both CDC and APH recommend a 14-day quarantine if not masked. We are relying on our families to report to us and make the decision that is best for their family and for the health of our school community.

Will staff and students be required to disclose recent travel info?

At this point, any health screening questions will likely be limited to symptoms or wellbeing of either the student or family member. At this time, the school district does not anticipate asking families to disclose their recent or upcoming travels or to quarantine after such trips outside of Travis County.

How are Close Contacts identified? 

If a student/staff member is within 6 feet of an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 throughout the course of the day for approximately 15 minutes, that person would be deemed a Close Contact and must quarantine 14 days. The campus COVID points of contact and other campus staff will utilize seating charts, teacher feedback, Smart Tag, and when age-appropriate, interviews, to determine which students meet the criteria for a Close Contact. 

If a student in a class or a bus tests positive for COVID-19, do all the students in that class or bus need to self-quarantine based on being a Close Contact?

No, only the students that are deemed Close Contacts would need to self-quarantine. However, based on the activities and student/staff proximity, there may be instances when all the students in a class or bus must be self-quarantined.

How are families notified of a positive case on their campus?

The campus takes several steps to notify families to ensure transparency and alert families of exposure. Once contact tracing is completed, individuals determined to be close contacts are contacted by the campus individually via phone or email. All staff and families at a campus are notified via email. The active case is then posted on the District's dashboard which also shows the cumulative number of cases district-wide and at each campus since Aug. 19. Once the active case is posted on the dashboard, it is also included in the cumulative number of cases. Cumulative encompasses the total number of cases - both active and previously reported. The dashboard is updated daily, excluding weekends and holidays. Positive cases reported after 5pm will be reflected the following day.

How long does a close contact quarantine? 

As of December 8, 2020, Eanes ISD will follow new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Austin Public Health (APH), which potentially shortens the quarantine time for those who have had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.

• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were not wearing a mask OR you live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you should quarantine the full 14 days.  
• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were wearing a mask and do not live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you may return to school:   
  • after Day 10 following close contact exposure without testing or
  • after Day 7 following close contact exposure and after receiving a negative test result (administered at least 5 days after the last close contact).

If a student is quarantined, they cannot participate in athletics or extra-curricular activities.

For information on the CDC’s revised recommendations, visit the CDC's website. For the APH flowchart on quarantines, see the APH announcement, including the quarantine guidance flowchart.

What is the close contact tracing process?

When a campus learns of a positive COVID-19 case, the campus' COVID-19 team, consisting of the campus nurse, principal, assistant principal and others initiates the contact tracing process to identify possible close contacts. Many times, the District's Safety Director is also involved. The COVID-19 team moves through a comprehensive process to research each case, identifying the individual's activities, locations, symptoms, siblings, etc. to then determine close contacts based on CDC guidelines and Travis County health department protocols. The campus nurse works with the individual who tested positive on their timeline to return (typically 10 days). The campus administration works with the close contacts to set their timeline to return (7-14 days). The District's Safety Director notifies Austin Public Health every Monday on the total number of cases from the previous week.

Positive staff cases involve the Human Resources team and the District's Safety Director. If a staff member has had possible exposure to more than one campus, the number on the dashboard will be represented as a decimal (ex. a person who tests positive for COVID-19 and works at two campuses will appear as a .5 under both schools).

What are Eanes ISD's revised quarantine guidelines?

As of December 8, 2020, Eanes ISD will follow new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Austin Public Health (APH), which potentially shortens the quarantine time for those who have had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.

• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were not wearing a mask OR you live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you should quarantine the full 14 days.  
• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were wearing a mask and do not live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you may return to school:   
  • after Day 10 following close contact exposure without testing or
  • after Day 7 following close contact exposure and after receiving a negative test result (administered at least 5 days after the last close contact).

For information on the CDC’s revised recommendations, visit the CDC's website. See the APH announcement, including the quarantine guidance flowchart.

Are schools considered a "high-risk setting" in the new quarantine guidance?

No. According to the Austin Public Health, individuals who live or work in a high risk setting may need to quarantine 14 days, even if they were wearing a mask when exposed to a positive COVID-19 individual. High risk settings are defined as:

• long-term care facilities
• residential facilities
• jails and detention centers

See APH flowchart.

How long do I quarantine if I was exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual but I was wearing a mask?

According to Austin Public Health, if an individual is exposed to someone with COVID-19 and was wearing a mask and does not live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, the individual may return to school:   

• after Day 10 following close contact exposure without testing or
• after Day 7 following close contact exposure and after receiving a negative test result (administered at least 5 days after the last close contact).

Please consult with your campus administrator before returning to school.

If I was exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual and I was wearing a mask, can I still quarantine 14 days?

Yes, but please communicate that to your campus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Austin Public Health (APH) currently recommend best practice is to quarantine 14 days. However, based on local circumstances and resources, both entities are allowing shortened quarantine times.

According to the CDC, they are recognizing shortened quarantine times understanding a 14-day quarantine can impose personal burdens that may affect physical and mental health as well as cause economic hardship that may reduce compliance. Implementing quarantines can also pose additional burdens on public health systems and communities, especially during periods when new infections, and consequently the number of contacts needing to quarantine, are rapidly rising. Lastly, the prospect of quarantine may dissuade recently diagnosed persons from naming contacts and may dissuade contacts from responding to contact tracer outreach if they perceive the length of quarantine as onerous.

I was exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual in my household, do I quarantine 14 days?

We understand families do not necessarily wear masks inside their homes so if an individual in the household tests positive for COVID-19, they could fall automatically in the 14-day quarantine. Both CDC and APH recommend a 14-day quarantine if not masked. We are relying on our families to report to us and make the decision that is best for their family and for the health of our school community.

How will the district support students’ social-emotional wellness?

Eanes ISD will provide staff development around student wellness and building relationships with students when either in-person and wearing masks or working with students remotely. We will continue to teach the five competencies of SEL through both embedded instruction and direct teaching.

How are you planning to provide OT, PT and ST remotely?

Special education-related services will be provided in a similar manner to last spring with synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Families should collaborate with their service provider to determine what strategies were most effective.

Will buses/transportation be available?

Once students are allowed back into buildings, bus transportation will be available under the following guidelines:

• Drivers and students will be required to wear masks.
• Students will be assigned seats with limited social distancing
• Hand sanitizers will be available on each bus.    
• School buses will be cleaned and disinfected twice per day.

Are students and staff required to wear masks or face coverings?

Yes, both staff and students will likely be required to wear masks or some type of face covering while in the building. There may be moments when face coverings can be removed (e.g., some outdoor activities, eating, etc.).

Will there be temperature checks before entering school each day?

Consistent with TEA guidance, a health screening will be required each school day for all staff and students. It has yet to be determined if temperature checks will be a part of this process.

What safety protocols will be taken inside buildings? 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other governing authorities provide guidance to assist with the safety of facilities and determining adequate measures, such as: Controlling Building Access, Reducing Touch Points, Increasing Cleaning, and Social Distancing planning.

What if a child has a health condition and is advised not to wear a face mask?

Allowances may be considered for students under 5 years old or who have other conditions that prohibit them from wearing a mask. If a student is unable to wear a face covering, we can accommodate that student through remote learning.

What are some of the cleaning materials used in buildings/classrooms?

General Cleaning:
    -Quat Stat Disinfectant & Microban Multi Purpose cleaner

Electrostatic machine we use two different types of chemicals:
    -Razor One-Step Disinfectant

Disinfecting Wipes:
    Wettask towels with the Quat-Stat Disinfectant

How are Close Contacts identified? 

If a student/staff member is within 6 feet of an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 throughout the course of the day for approximately 15 minutes, that person would be deemed a Close Contact and must follow the quarantine protocol set forth in the plan. The campus COVID points of contact and other campus staff will utilize seating charts, teacher feedback, Smart Tag, and when age-appropriate, interviews, to determine which students meet the criteria for a Close Contact. 

If a student in a class or a bus tests positive for COVID-19, do all the students in that class or bus need to self-quarantine based on being a Close Contact?

No, only the students that are deemed Close Contacts would need to self-quarantine. However, based on the activities and student/staff proximity, there may be instances when all the students in a class or bus must be self-quarantined.

What is the close contact tracing process?

When a campus learns of a positive COVID-19 case, the campus' COVID-19 team, consisting of the campus nurse, principal, assistant principal and others initiates the contact tracing process to identify possible close contacts. Many times, the District's Safety Director is also involved. The COVID-19 team moves through a comprehensive process to research each case, identifying the individual's activities, locations, symptoms, siblings, etc. to then determine close contacts based on CDC guidelines and Travis County health department protocols. The campus nurse works with the individual who tested positive on their timeline to return (typically 10 days). The campus administration works with the close contacts to set their timeline to return (typically 14 days). The District's Safety Director notifies Austin Public Health every Monday on the total number of cases from the previous week.

Positive staff cases involve the Human Resources team and the District's Safety Director. If a staff member has had possible exposure to more than one campus, the number on the dashboard will be represented as a decimal (ex. a person who tests positive for COVID-19 and works at two campuses will appear as a .5 under both schools).

What are Eanes ISD's revised quarantine guidelines?

As of December 8, 2020, Eanes ISD will follow new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Austin Public Health (APH), which potentially shortens the quarantine time for those who have had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.

• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were not wearing a mask OR you live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you should quarantine the full 14 days.  
• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and were wearing a mask and do not live with or work in a setting with people who are at high risk for severe disease, you may return to school:   
  • after Day 10 following close contact exposure without testing or
  • after Day 7 following close contact exposure and after receiving a negative test result (administered at least 5 days after the last close contact).

For information on the CDC’s revised recommendations, visit the CDC's website. For the APH flowchart on quarantines, see the APH announcement, including the quarantine guidance flowchart.

Will there be COVID-19 testing for staff and students?

Eanes ISD offers voluntary and free COVID-19 testing for Eanes ISD students and staff. Please visit www.eanesisd.net/covidtesting for more information.

How will the Spanish Immersion program operate?

Each day students will receive math, science & Spanish literacy by a Spanish teacher. Students will also receive LA, SS & Math reinforcement by an English teacher.  Teachers are creating videos to help support learning. There will be online resources to support the learning in each of these areas as well as translated answer documents for parents to help support their child at home.

If students opt for remote instruction, can they still participate in athletics and extra-curriculars?

Yes. Currently, students participating in athletics or extra-curricular activities may still practice with their team and compete in UIL games/competitions before and after school, even if in remote learning. The District will continue to consult with the UIL regarding eligibility and any changes to participation rules.

How will the after school extra-curriculars like HOSA , CERT, Model UN, theatre, art, etc. take place in high school?

Classes will be offered; UIL competitions will be decided by UIL and followed by EISD.

How do I get a refund for cancellations?

The District has been issuing and will continue to issue refunds for all events that have been cancelled or that will not occur. Refunds for instances in which the original payment was made with a credit card are credited back to the card. Refunds for payments made via cash, check, or with a credit card that is no longer valid are issued a refund check from the District that is mailed to the home address on file. If you have not received a refund due to you, contact Accounts Receivable at webstore@eanesisd.net for assistance.

Oftentimes, payments are made directly to a booster club (PTO, Chap Club, Cougar Club, Wildcat Club, etc). In those cases, the payor should contact the booster club's treasurer to request a refund.   

Booster Club contact information is on the campus websites.