AUSTIN, Texas — Alarm clocks are back on this morning as thousands of Austin Independent School District students and teachers say goodbye to summer.
Virtual learning began Tuesday as the COVID-19 pandemic continues plaguing life as we know it. For the first four weeks, students will learn virtually.
“Make sure your child's ready. Make sure they have their masks, hand sanitizer, if they're the appropriate age, and make sure they know how to use those things, make sure they're comfortable with them, make sure they can wear a mask for more than five minutes at a time,” said Dr. Mark Escott, interim public health authority for Austin-Travis County.
Starting in October, students and teachers will start phasing back into campuses.
If students don’t have the technology or devices to learn from home now, they can still go to campus – but AISD staff have been working with families to make sure everyone can access WiFi for remote learning. The other exception is if the district provides specialized services to students.
PHOTOS: A look inside Austin ISD's Bear Creek Elementary School during COVID-19 pandemic
As of last week, there was still a shortage of thousands of devices for virtual learning.
Escott said if we all follow the current health guidelines, it could help keep students in school. He’s also encouraging student leaders on campus to help spread the message and set an example.
As other Central Texas school districts have resumed in-person learning, several have confirmed COVID-19 cases. According to plans released by AISD last week, teachers, staff and families will be told if that happens and anyone who was in close contact with the infected person will be asked to quarantine for 14 days.
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