Humble ISD conducted a mask preferences input survey in early March 2021. The survey required a fast turnaround because a decision needed to be made prior to the end to the statewide mask mandate (March 10). 

Timeline

March 2: Governor Greg Abbott announced the statewide mask mandate would be ending
March 4: TEA Superintendent Call in which districts received direction 
March 4 -7: Mask Requirements Input Survey
March 9: School Board Meeting 
March 10: Statewide Mask Mandate No Longer In Effect

Responses

The district received 15,189 responses from parents. Because each parent could respond for each child, potentially there were a maximum of 100,787 inputs from parents.

The Mask Input Survey was sent to 5,815 email addresses for staff members. The district received 4,485 staff responses. 

Who Responded to the Parent Input Survey?

78 percent of respondents were the parents of on campus students
22 percent of respondents were the parents of virtual students (This category includes students who attend classes virtually and come onto campus for UIL.)

Results

Parent Survey 
70 percent - Keep the current mask requirements
30 percent - Make masks optional (As soon as possible chosen by 22 percent; In a few weeks chosen by 8 percent) 

Staff Survey
69 Percent - Keep the current mask requirement
31 percent - Make masks optional (As soon as possible chosen by 17 percent; In a few weeks chosen by 14 percent)

Mask Policy approved at the March 10 Board of Trustees meeting.

Humble ISD strives to meet each child’s needs in partnership with parents. Humble ISD is committed to offering families choices: on campus learning, learning online at home; or learning online at home with on campus UIL activities. 

In early September, district staff members developed a Closure Rubric to provide local metrics focused on our community.  Since September, schools in our city, state, nation, and world re-opened for on-campus instruction. Over the past months, studies and the district’s own data have shown no consistent relationship exists between in-person school and the spread of coronavirus. Furthermore, data has shown learning loss and negative mental health impact to some children while buildings were closed. 

The context in which Humble ISD’s District Closure Rubric was developed has evolved. More is known about the virus, the lack of classroom spread, the needs of our local hospitals, and students needing access to their schools, than was known in early September.

Humble ISD will continue publishing its community matrix as part of an overall dataset available to all in the Humble ISD Family so that information is publicly accessible. The matrix will not be used to make district closure decisions. Closure decisions will be made at the classroom, program, or campus level. Cases are monitored daily; case-specific triage at the classroom or program level has worked well this fall. District and campus administrators will continue to work together to determine if a classroom or activity needs to move online for a period of time.

Humble ISD receives equal funding whether students learn online or on campus. The district is required by TEA to offer on campus learning to all students except at the high school level, where a hybrid approach is permitted by the state but was found challenging by some teachers, students and parents.  

For more information, please view the COVID Matrix Update Slides, video from the January 12, 2021 Board information Item Presentation, or the COVID Dashboard.

Humble ISD has partnered with community organizations to provide additional choices for families who would like their child tested for COVID-19. All testing is optional and offered as convenient local solutions. Testing is one of many safeguards in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help schools remain safe for on-campus instruction.

NEW FOR 2021: Option for students experiencing symptoms or a close contact

24 Hour Covid RT-PCR Laboratory can test Humble ISD students who attend school in-person or virtually.

Type of Tests: RT-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, which are considered the most reliable test for detecting the COVID-19 Coronavirus.

Eligibility for free tests: If a student is experiencing symptoms or has been exposed to someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, they will receive, at zero out of pocket cost, a telemedicine consultation and diagnostic lab test.  In accordance with the CARES Act this test is made available at no out of pocket expense to anyone who meets this criteria.  Test costs are processed by 24 Hour Covid RT-PCR Laboratory through the child’s health insurance.  If the child does not have health insurance, the costs are processed through federal assistance programs.

Hours:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays beginning Monday, January 4, 2021. No appointments are necessary as telemedicine and specimen collection is provided in a drive-through line or on a walk-in basis.  Let 24 Hour Covid staff know that your child is a student in Humble ISD when you arrive if you would like to share your students results with the District to assist with contact tracing.

Two Locations:

• 24 Hour Covid RT-PCR Laboratory - Kingwood Location (behind HCA Kingwood Medical Center)
  22751 Professional Dr., Kingwood 77339
  Tests performed curbside.  Drive up to side of building; Remain in car and a staff member will approach your vehicle.
• 24 Hour Covid RT-PCR Laboratory - Atascocita Location (behind Iguana Joe’s)
  18321 West Lake Houston Parkway, Atascocita, 77346
  Tests performed inside clinic.  Enter door marked for COVID testing.

Eligibility for paid tests: Students without symptoms and no close contact with someone who has a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 can be tested but the family would be required to pay cash and be eligible for a prepaid discount resulting in a total out of pocket expense of $139.

CONTINUING SERVICE: Option for students who are not experiencing symptoms and/or have not been deemed a close contact

Humble ISD is continuing to offer tests made available to school districts from the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Education Agency.

Type of Tests: Rapid antigen tests. Over Thanksgiving Break it came to our attention that antigen tests may produce false results -- according to the FDA. The CDC recommends that individuals with a positive antigen test who are asymptomatic and individuals with a negative antigen test who are symptomatic follow up with a RT-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test from a licensed high complexity lab to confirm the result. The county considers positive antigen tests as cases under investigation rather than as confirmed cases. Positive antigen tests are not counted as positive tests in county data reports.

Eligibility for tests:  Humble ISD students who attend at least one class on campus are eligible. Students who attend a UIL class on campus are eligible, as well as students who attend other classes on campus. Under state rules, full-time virtual students are not eligible to receive the tests. Family members are not eligible. The goal of the state program is to proactively prevent the spread of COVID-19 at school by making free testing available for on-campus students.

Hours: Appointments required. Request a test through the online Student COVID-19 Curbside Test Request Form. Appointment options are 10 a.m. to 1:30  p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Reservations are full for Monday, Jan 4. Testing reservations for Tuesday, Jan. 5 will open at noon on Monday, Jan. 4.

Location: Parents receive directions to the location of the test site in Humble when making an appointment through the online form.

Inclement Weather Restrictions: As the weather changes in the Houston area, there may be inclement weather days that will hinder and/or prevent student COVID testing. Humble ISD does not operate indoor testing sites, as it is not in the best interest of our students and staff to have potentially COVID-positive individuals inside our district facilities. In addition, all rapid antigen tests are required to be stored and used within a certain temperature range to remain effective. Therefore, when the weather does not meet our criteria for outdoor testing, you will not be able to make a reservation for that particular inclement weather day. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  

General Questions

How will I receive results?
Parents will receive a phone call as well as a follow-up text and email. The results also are shared with appropriate campus and district staff and public agencies so that contact tracing and notifications can occur. The identity of the student is available only to appropriate parties.

Can employees test?
Humble ISD has offered free PCR COVID-19 tests to staff members all school year. Employees who would like to be tested can make a request using the Employee COVID-19 Test Request Form.

Are tests required?
All testing is completely optional. No student or staff member will ever be required to take a test.

Are there other options through public health agencies?
Testing options are posted at:
https://houstonemergency.org/covid-19-testing  (City of Houston)
https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/ (Harris County Public Health)
www.txcovidtest.org  (Texas Division of Emergency Management)
https://www.readyharris.org/  (Harris County)

What do I do if I have questions?
Questions may be sent to HealthServices@humbleisd.net.

Humble ISD is offering a new service: free, optional COVID-19 testing to students who attend school on campus and whose parents would like for them to be tested.

How can I have my child tested?
Request a test through the online Student COVID-19 Curbside Test Request Form.

When will the test be administered?
10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Do I need an appointment?
The district must have received the online Student COVID-19 Testing Request Form before a test can be administered. Parents receive instructions after completing the online request form.

Who is eligible for the free tests?
Humble ISD students who attend at least one class on campus are eligible for free tests. Students who attend a UIL class on campus are eligible, as well as students who attend other classes on campus. Under state rules, full-time virtual students are not eligible to receive the tests. Family members of students are not eligible. The goal of the state program is to proactively prevent the spread of COVID-19 at school by making free testing available for on-campus students. The tests are provided through a partnership between Humble ISD, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and the Texas Education Agency.

Why is Humble ISD offering the tests?
The district offers the tests as a convenient and free solution to families who want to know if their student is positive or negative. Free testing is one of many safeguards in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help schools remain safe for on-campus instruction.

Are tests required?
All testing is completely optional. No student or staff member will ever be required to take a test. 

What type of tests are given?
This testing program uses BinaxNOW tests, which provide results in 15 minutes and are administered using a nasal swab in the front area of the nostril. BinaxNOW tests are a rapid antigen test that detects the presence of protein antigens from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The manufacturer evaluated its tests and found BinaxNOW has a sensitivity (true positive rate) of 97.1 percent and specificity (true negative rate) of 98.5 percent.

What forms are required to test?
Parents must complete a permission form before the test is administered.

How will I receive results?
Parents will receive a phone call as well as a follow-up text and email. The results also are shared with appropriate campus and district staff and public agencies so that contract tracing and notifications can occur. The identity of the student is available only to appropriate parties.    

When does the testing program begin?
The district will begin accepting student COVID-19 Testing Request Forms on Wednesday, November 4. Tests are available beginning that same day.

Can employees test?
Humble ISD has offered free COVID-19 tests to staff members all school year. Humble ISD is able to expand free tests to students through this program. Employees who would like to be tested can make a request using the Employee COVID-19 Test Request Form. 

What do I do if I have questions?
Questions may be sent to HealthServices@humbleisd.net.

Are there Inclement Weather Covid Testing Restrictions?
As the weather changes in the Houston area, there may be inclement weather days that will hinder and/or prevent student covid testing.  Humble ISD does not have an indoor covid testing site(s), as it is not in the best interest of our students and staff to have symptomatic, and potentially covid-positive, individuals inside our district facilities. In addition, all rapid (antigen) tests are required to be stored and used within a certain temperature range to remain effective.  Therefore, when the weather does not meet our criteria for outdoor testing, you will not be able to make a reservation for that particular inclement weather day. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. 

The UIL announced this week that sports schedules will move forward as planned. With this announcement, Humble ISD has approved for high school strength and conditioning camps to resume on Monday, July 13, for the four sports where students compete near the beginning of the school year. 

These sports are cross country, football, tennis and volleyball. They are the only sports approved by the district to resume Monday. Schools are not required to resume camps but have the option to do so. High school athletes in these four sports will be notified by coaches about camp schedules. Participation is optional. 

High school athletes in other sports, where competitions are later in the school year, will be informed by Thursday, July 23, whether their summer athletic camps can resume beginning on Monday, July 27. 

In addition:

• High school dance team practices can be held in July as scheduled on high school campuses.
• Middle school summer athletic activities are not resuming at this time. 
• Middle school students in band and orchestra who are scheduled for instrument selections or fittings will be allowed to do so in July as scheduled.

From June 27 through July 12, Humble ISD suspended all summer extracurricular activities to support our community in the ongoing goal of reducing the spread of the coronavirus. The district is using a phased-in approach to resume summer extracurricular activities by bringing a fewer number of students on to campuses for the next two weeks.

As you can understand, this is an evolving situation. We will continue to constantly monitor information, assess community health conditions, and provide the next update on summer extracurricular activities by July 23. 

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Humble ISD is closing district-sponsored athletic camps and fine arts student activities through  July 12 to support our community in the ongoing goal of reducing the spread of the coronavirus. The district will make an announcement by July 11 whether extracurricular activities can resume on Monday, July 13.

The closure for the next two weeks affects activities that are led by coaches and directors for middle and high school students. This includes athletic strength and conditioning camps at all high school campuses. In addition, some schools may have cheer and dance camps, instrument fittings, or other events within the next two weeks that are affected. All extracurricular activities are suspended, both on and off campus.

As you can understand, this is an evolving situation. We will continue to constantly monitor information, assess community health conditions throughout the two weeks, and provide the next update on summer extracurricular activities by July 11. 

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Dear Humble ISD Family,

Happy Friday! I hope you are well as we persevere through uncharted waters together, but apart. There are a lot of conversations being had about the reopening of the Texas economy as well as the potential reopening of Texas schools. I would like to update you about Humble ISD specifically as it relates to our current recommendations and plans regarding these conversations. It’s important to note that the Governor could issue additional orders in the coming weeks and those orders may change our current thinking and plans. If that is the case, we will send an update. 

Humble ISD intends to return to school on August 11, 2020. In addition, we have no plans to change our calendar. As you know, our calendar has many built-in breaks, and so in the event of an extenuating circumstance (like emergency closure) or the need for flexibility for a few students, an entire campus, or the entire district, we have that flexibility already built in. We do not see a need to change our calendar and are not recommending a change. We understand that school may look different, and that we need to prepare to think differently about some aspects of school but we are planning to return on August 11, 2020. 

It seems possible that the Governor’s Strike Force may recommend that he reopen Texas schools in the same way he has reopened our economy. More specifically, there may initially be a 25 percent or 50 percent capacity rule. If this is the case, it is our intention to create schedules that provide on-campus time for all students who are ready to return. There may also be some specific restrictions on more high risk scenarios/areas such as lunch, choir and wind instruments, and locker rooms. We have seen more extensive restrictions for gyms and salons in our community, so we anticipate some of those additional restrictions may carry over to certain aspects of the reopening of schools also. Therefore, Humble ISD leaders are currently developing plans for various scenarios and anticipated restrictions. It is our goal to have quality plans and communicate them well.  

It is also possible that a confirmed, positive case of Coronavirus on a campus may trigger a temporary closure for extensive sanitizing, a quarantine period, and a required tracing and tracking protocol led by our nurses. We will need to be prepared to immediately pivot to online learning again during a closure or we must plan to make up the time we miss. If allowed, we will be recommending that we pivot to online learning through an outcomes-based approach (where we identify the core outcomes for a grade-level or course, provide opportunities for students to learn those outcomes, and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate proficiency on those outcomes). These types of rolling closures would be campus by campus, not district.

We also understand that without a vaccine, some families with medical complications, etc. may not be comfortable sending their children back to school in the fall. We have visited with TEA about this circumstance so that we can give those families our very best advice, and it appears that we will be able to allow them to start the year online. This is not confirmed yet, but we feel that we have enough information that it is time for us to survey our families and find out the level of interest for remaining online in the fall. Therefore, please look for a district survey on this topic. Depending on the demand, we will need some time to reconfigure master schedules and plan for this change. Again, this would be an outcomes-based approach and not a seat time approach. Historically, Texas has focused on minutes - 75,600 minutes in a school year. Online learning necessitates a different focus.

It is hard to believe that by the time we return to our campuses, our students will have been physically away from us for over five months! I am very proud of the way that, with almost no notice at all, our teachers have moved to online learning. I feel good about the adjustments we have made in the best interest of our students and staff, and that we are completing the school year together while apart. That said, we know that we will need to assess, and in some cases, reteach some outcomes in the fall, and we want you to know that we are very comfortable with that. For our youngest learners, who are in a critical period of literacy and numeracy development, we have quality assessments upon which we can depend to show us what we may need to do to help them get back on track. We are committed to supporting the unique needs of our students.   

With the reopening of gyms and other athletic facilities in our community (not district) this month, we are hopeful that this summer we may be able to provide some modified athletic and fine arts opportunities/camps for our students. We are currently developing plans that we believe will be in alignment with the Governor’s orders and that adhere to current safety protocols. In addition, we understand that the University Interscholastic League (UIL) will be providing guidance to all school districts statewide regarding the reopening of these activities.

A few other items that will come as no surprise that we are currently exploring changes/updates to include the following: personal protective equipment, additional hand sanitizer stations, taking temperatures, not sharing materials/equipment, lunch, passing times, weight rooms, and more. We are really looking forward to returning to school safely, and we are still waiting for an official word, but we anticipate a gradual reopening with some restrictions and we are preparing for all of it. We have an incredible staff working hard to help our students learn and grow, feed our students while they are away, refresh our buildings, keep our campuses safe, be community partners, and plan for a very different fall opening. I could not be prouder of the work being done, and I could not be more appreciative of your flexibility and support. Thank you!

Finally, with the Governor’s most recent executive order, Humble ISD is moving forward with outdoor graduation ceremonies at Turner Stadium in late July. It seems unlikely that we will be allowed to use NRG for a variety of reasons, however, we still have a date there in the event it is approved. The June capacity restrictions are 25 percent -- 2,500 people -- allowed in the stands at Turner Stadium in June, as it holds 10,000. We are hoping that perhaps they might move to 50 percent in July, but we do not know if that will happen. All other senior events are currently postponed.  As soon as we have more information about gatherings of more than 10 people, we will update you on these events. It continues to be our goal to safely provide as many of these symbolic events as possible. We are very thankful to the Governor and his team for approving outside graduation ceremonies with a few restrictions in place.    

Please be safe, and let us know if we can support you more.

Thank you,

Liz Fagen

Últimas actualizaciones en español

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April 17, 2020 Update

Dear Humble ISD Families,

As you have probably learned, Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order issued today will keep classrooms closed to students throughout Texas for the remainder of the school year as part of a larger plan to protect public health. Humble ISD schools will continue to provide online learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. In addition, the district will continue to offer carry-out meals for children. Here are some reminders and updates as we continue the school year:

• We understand some families are eager to retrieve items that were left in buildings before Spring Break. Please be assured that principals are developing plans for retrieving important items that belong to students and staff. These will be made available in a safe and orderly manner and following the state’s guidance for entering schools during closure.
  
  
• There also are items, such as uniforms, books and equipment, that we would like to have returned by the last day of school on Friday, May 29. Athletics, Fine Arts, and Principals are currently developing plans for the return of these items in a safe manner for everyone.
  
  
• Students will not have to make up days while buildings are closed. Instruction is occurring online and the state has moved away from a system based on minutes during this situation.
  
  
• For our graduating seniors, Humble ISD is committed to providing a graduation ceremony. It is our goal for our seniors to have the opportunity to wear their caps and gowns, and hear their names called in front of their families, when it is safe to do so. While we cannot finalize plans with the current limitations in place, please know that we intend to communicate potential dates next week.  Thank you for your flexibility.
  
  
• As a reminder, grades in the 4th nine-weeks cannot negatively impact students as we adjust to this new approach to learning.  Middle and high school students have the opportunity to raise their semester course average and GPA through their 4th nine-week grades. The 2020 spring semester average will be determined by the 3rd nine-week grade and the higher of the 3rd or 4th nine-week grade.  There will be no final exams this semester. Elementary teachers will provide feedback and record completion of selected learning opportunities. Elementary teachers will not record numerical grades. These grading procedures are designed to provide flexibility and balance as families navigate the challenges of working and learning from home. Our teachers are focused on identifying key objectives and providing learning opportunities that work to prepare students for the next level.
  
  
• Humble ISD has added a seventh location for meal distribution. Starting Tuesday, April 21, Foster Elementary School will be one of the free curbside carry-out meal locations in addition to Elm Grove Elementary, Oaks Elementary, Ridge Creek Elementary, River Pines Elementary, Humble Middle School and Ross Sterling Middle School.
  
  
• Construction and maintenance continues on our campuses. There are no delays on any of our 2018 Bond projects. In addition, summer campus improvement projects will begin weeks early since buildings are now unoccupied for the remainder of the school year.
  
  
• Elementary grounds and middle school tracks remain open. Families may use outdoor Wi-Fi at elementary and middle school campuses for distance learning needs. Our Wi-Fi works best closest to our buildings at this time. However, the Humble ISD IT Department is currently working to improve the Wi-FI signal strength outside our elementary and middle school campuses. High school campuses remain closed. 
  
  
• Please continue to contact campus administrators, your child's counselor or teachers, with any questions or concerns you may have. We are focused on supporting your child’s well-being, learning and success.

 

Humble ISD schools closed through Friday, May 1, in alignment with Governor Abbott, County Judge Hidalgo, and Mayor Turner stay home-work safe orders. Online learning and meal distribution will continue while buildings are closed.

March 29, 2020

Dear Humble ISD Families,

The 4th nine-week grading period begins on Monday, March 30. We understand that grades in the current environment are a concern for students and parents.  Our goal is for students to progress in their learning and be supported, as together we navigate this unusual situation.

High School Classes and Middle School Classes: Grading from March 30 - May 29, 2020

To balance expectations for teachers and families, students will receive no more than six assignments per course that will count toward the 4th nine-weeks grade. These will all be formative grades, with all graded assignments equally weighted within the course. Students will have the opportunity to raise their semester course average and GPA through their 4th nine-week grades.

Grades in the 4th nine-weeks will not negatively impact student averages/GPA. The 2020 spring semester average will be determined by the 3rd nine-week grade and the higher of the 3rd or 4th nine-week grade.  There will be no final exams this semester. 

How will the 4th nine-week grade affect my semester grade?
Grading Examples - 4th Nine Weeks 


Did Humble ISD consider a Pass/Fail option for grades?

District leaders thoroughly considered all options. Recording numerical grades for secondary students was determined to be best for our students because:

• Pass/Fail does not provide all students with the opportunity to raise their overall semester average/GPA by being engaged in their learning this 4th nine-week grading period.
  
  
• The NCAA Clearinghouse treats a grade of “Pass” as the lowest possible passing grade. This could put Humble ISD students who are interested in collegiate athletics at a disadvantage compared to students coming from districts that recorded numerical grades.
  
  
• Having numerical grades for each semester allows high school students in year-long courses to earn full credit if the average of the two semesters is 70 or higher. This averaging, which helps students, could not occur if students received “Pass” or “Fail” for the 4th nine-weeks.

Where can I find grades for the 3rd nine-week grading period?

Report cards for the 3rd nine-week grading period will be visible in Home Access Center on Friday, April 3, for students in grades 3-12. Report cards for students in grades K-2 will be emailed beginning on Thursday, April 2, and continuing through Friday, April 3.

Will students complete STAAR and End-of-Course (EOC) tests?

Grades 3-8 STAAR and EOCs will not be given this spring or summer. Normally, passing an EOC test is a graduation requirement. However this school year only, students currently enrolled in EOC-tested courses (English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History) will not have to complete their corresponding EOC test provided they earn course credit during the 2019-2020 school year.  

If your student is a senior and has not passed all EOCs and/or earned credits for graduation, your campus counselor will be contacting you regarding the Individual Graduation Committee process. 

What will the grading practices be in Dual Credit or OnRamps courses?

Students enrolled in Lone Star College Dual Credit or UT OnRamps courses will be affected by the colleges’ decisions. Information will be shared when college decisions have been confirmed.

Elementary School Classes: Grading from March 30 – May 29, 2020

Elementary teachers will focus on preparing students for the next grade level. Teachers will provide feedback on students’ learning. Students will not have to take STAAR tests this spring.

Grades 3-5: Teachers will record completion of selected learning opportunities. Teachers will not record numerical grades. The yearly average will be based on the average of the first three nine-week grading periods.  

Grades K-2: Teachers will record completion of selected learning opportunities. At this time, competencies will not be recorded for the 4th nine weeks. Teachers may assess students on some of the competencies included in K-2 reports to parents if buildings are able to reopen.

As always, parents should reach out to teachers, counselors or principals as needed.

Video message from Dr. Fagen

Humble ISD cancels after-school activities through April 30

April is traditionally a busy month for schools -- with carnivals, athletic and fine arts events, team banquets, student activity trips, and more. However this April will be unlike any other in history. All schools in Texas will be closed for at least a part of the month due to COVID-19.

With the uncertainty of our schedule for next month, Humble ISD has made the difficult decision that after-school student activities through Thursday, April 30, are cancelled. An exception is Prom, which will be postponed until an appropriate time can be determined. We also anticipate that YMCA After-School Child Care will be available after schools reopen.

Humble ISD’s announcement aligns with action taken by the University Interscholastic League. The UIL stated that Monday, May 4, will be the earliest that games and contests may resume. The UIL also stated that a reasonable acclimatization period for rehearsals and practices to occur would be allowed. Therefore, some practices and rehearsals in Humble ISD could begin prior to May 4 when schools reopen in accordance with UIL guidance.

Teachers and parents have told Humble ISD that they are facing challenges when planning activities for April. Many activities require contracts with vendors, financial deposits, travel arrangements, and coordinating with multiple parties. This is not feasible while so much remains unknown.

Making this announcement now allows families to adjust their calendars. It also allows coaches, sponsors, and parent volunteers to focus on current needs while our nation navigates through this unprecedented situation.

Humble ISD schools remain closed through April 10 and will reopen when it is safe to do so. After-school activities will not be held through April 30, with the exception of some practices and rehearsals if schools reopen. Everyone looks forward to resuming normal operations in the future.

As you know, Humble ISD continues to participate in the larger goal of containment of the Coronavirus - COVID-19 in support of our community and healthcare systems.  Our new normal, which we all hope is not too long, has challenged us as a community once again, and we want you to know that we are here to support you and your students.  

Humble ISD will remain closed until it is safe for us to reopen. We are currently closed through April 10, 2020; and while it seems unlikely that we will reopen that soon, this is a rapidly changing situation and no formal decision has been made to extend past April 10th at this time. We are working very hard to provide timely, reliable information, and we genuinely thank you for your patience and your support.

Humble ISD remains committed to providing food to the children in our community ages 1-18 and all Humble ISD students, as long as it is safe to do so. We continually try new approaches, make modifications, and try again. Last week we served more than 54,000 meals. I am extremely proud of all of our staff participating in this work, and I am thankful we are able to support parents, grandparents, and support networks in feeding children during our district closure.

Humble ISD is committed to supporting our students in continuing to learn and grow during our closure.  As you know, state testing is cancelled and we will end our 3rd quarter this Friday, March 27, 2020. Our teachers have pivoted to forms of distance learning almost overnight, and I am very proud of their work as well as their creativity and positive spirits.  School will not look or feel the same during closure, but we are committed to learning for all students. 

Humble ISD has surveyed our staff regarding access to distance learning tools and our Information Technology (IT) department and building leaders have made sure all employees have the tools and the access necessary to support students from their homes. We are now in the process of assessing the needs of our students and we will work to meet those needs as well.  

We continue to hope for the best and also plan for the worst. To this end, we are evaluating all possibilities for appropriate 4th quarter/2nd semester grading, socially distanced prom, socially distanced graduation, and all other aspects of ending the year in closure. While we hope this is not the case, we feel it is important to consider and plan for all possibilities. We know these and many, many other items are on your minds, and we are working to bring you timely and accurate information as we are able. 

Please, if you are able, support our local businesses. They are wonderful partners to us, and many of them were hit so hard only two-and-a-half years ago by Hurricane Harvey. And please, if you are able, support those essential workers we all need to report to work right now, as many of them are working long shifts and some are struggling to meet the needs of their own families during this time. We are a very giving community - it is our strength; we support one another and we can get through this together.

Finally, the Humble ISD family is special and it is strong. Together we will keep our family, friends, and our community safe; and together we will support our children in continuing their learning journey.  We are a very personalized system - something of which I am very proud; and even remotely, we will continue to support each student in a personalized way. Please contact your teachers, counselors, and administrators with your questions and concerns so that we can support you. Again, thank you for all that you do and are doing to support us. 

Sincerely,

Liz Fagen

Facts:

• Humble ISD is closed through April 10, 2020.
  
  
• There will be no state testing including STAAR and EOC.
  
  
• Students will graduate through the Individual Graduation Committee (IGC) process in place of EOC exams.
  
  
• Pre-ACT and SAT cancelled. ACT rescheduled to June 13, 2020.
  
  
• AP testing will be online.
  
  
• Prom and Graduation social distancing contingency plans being discussed - continued orders of 10 or fewer will require postponement.
  
  
• Third quarter ends March 27, 2020.
  
  
• Fourth quarter and second semester grading in development.
  
  
• UIL games and contests suspended through Sunday, May 3, 2020.
  
  
• Meals available.
  
  
• Learning opportunities provided for all students.
  
  
• Please see humbleisd.net for updates.

The College Board has made the following AP Testing updates as of March 20, 2020, to help support the health and safety of educators and students:  

• Traditional face-to-face exam administrations will not take place. 
   
• Students will be able to take a 45-minute online AP exam at home on any device they have access to - computer, tablet, or smartphone.  
   
• The exams will be designed and administered in a way that prevents cheating, using a range of digital security tools and techniques, including plagiarism detection software, to protect the integrity of the exams.  
   

Schedule of exam dates & times
See the details on exam dates and times, what's covered and what's not, the types of questions that may be asked, how those questions will be weighted, and more. Exam Schedules

Taking the exam
Get more information about exam features, the timing and expected tasks, and what to expect on exam day and beyond. What to expect

Receive AP exam updates 
College Board has created an update page for AP students -  COVID-19 Updates for AP Students  

Access your College Board account 
Students can access their College Board account via myap.collegeboard.org; all College Board programs are connected through one account, so if you created one for AP, PSAT/NMSQT, SAT,or College Board Opportunity Scholarships, you’re all set. You’ll just need your username and password to sign in. 

Request mobile tools or connectivity  
The College Board has created a request line for students in need of a digital device or connectivity to review AP content online and take the exam.   

Refunds/Cancellation
Students opting to cancel their AP exam due to the extended school closures will be eligible for a full refund of the base exam fee (late registration and any applicable credit card processing fees are non-refundable). While we encourage students to wait until closer to the test date to decide, those who've made a firm and final decision not to take the exam may submit a refund request to cancel@aptsusa.com (include name, campus, and exam(s) to be canceled) by April 30, 2020.    

Access free remote learning resources 
You can attend free, live AP review courses, delivered by AP teachers from across the country. Free Remote Learning Resources 

These courses:

• Are optional, mobile-friendly, and can be used alongside any work your teacher may give you.
• Will be available on-demand, so you can access them any time.
• Will focus on reviewing the skills and concepts from the first 75% of the course. There will also be some supplementary lessons including topics from the final 25% of the course.

To access the live classes and recordings, visit the AP YouTube channel. 

Daily Course Schedule can be viewed here.

Humble ISD schools and buildings to be closed through April 10

Humble ISD schools and buildings will be closed, with all events and activities canceled, through Friday, April 10. This is part of the ongoing effort to support our nation’s need to “flatten the curve” of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Houston area continues to see an increasing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19. Health officials report that this number is expected to continue to increase as more testing is made available.

We understand that closing schools poses many challenges for parents, students and staff. Our collective health and safety must be our top priority, as we help our community and health care systems in containing the Coronavirus.

Families will receive an email from their school later this week about learning opportunities while campuses are closed. During Spring Break, Humble ISD stated schools would email parents information tonight. However, principals and teachers are now readjusting plans to best serve students over a longer period of time. Please watch your email for information from your child’s school. 

Humble ISD will offer breakfast and lunch for all our students and children age 1-18.  Information regarding food service during closure can be found on www.humbleisd.net.

Please note: Throughout Humble ISD, high school campuses are closed; this includes all outside facilities. Middle school tracks remain open to the public at this time. Elementary school playgrounds remain open to the public at this time, and playground equipment will be cleaned daily. Despite daily cleaning, families should be aware that the Coronavirus can live on hard surfaces for days. Health officials recommend frequent hand washing and social distancing.

Humble ISD appreciates your support as we continue to develop and navigate the many details of this unprecedented situation. We are very proud of the work our students, staff, and community are doing to support one another in new and unique ways.

Know Before You Go: Carry-Out Meals for Students

Humble ISD invites parents to pick up meals at no cost for their children from March 17-20. Here are a few details to know:

• Children and students should be present to receive a meal. The meals are for children 1-18 years old and all Humble ISD students.
  
  
• Families, please remain in your cars to maintain social distancing. Humble ISD staff will bring meals to your vehicle as you drive through car rider/bus lanes. For those individuals who plan to walk and pick up meals, please follow the directions of staff on site at each location.
  
  
• Thank you, individuals and groups that offered to volunteer! Unfortunately, the district is unable to accept your kind offers at this time. Part of our containment strategy is limiting crowds and contact.
  
  
• Reservations are not required but are greatly appreciated to help us have the correct quantity at each location. Submit your Reservation for Wednesday, March 18
  
  
• Breakfast will be provided from 8 to 10 a.m. and lunch will be provided from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 17-20 at Elm Grove Elementary School, Oaks Elementary School, Ridge Creek Elementary School, River Pines Elementary School, Humble Middle School, and Ross Sterling Middle School.
  
  
• The daily menu and reservation form will be posted to www.humbleisd.net

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Humble ISD invites families to pick up meals for their children from March 17-20. There will be no charge for the meals. Families can drive through the car rider line or walk up to obtain a carry-out meal beginning on Tuesday, March 17 and continuing Wednesday through Friday. Breakfast will be available from 8 to 10 a.m. and lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meals may be picked up at Elm Grove Elementary School, Oaks Elementary School, Ridge Creek Elementary School, River Pines Elementary School, Humble Middle School, or Ross Sterling Middle School.

 

Breakfast 8 to 10 am

Lunch  11 am to 1 pm
Chicken Nuggets/Chicken Rings/Chicken Tenders
Fruit
Vegetable
Snack
Milk

Children should be present on site to receive the meal. No child will be turned away. Meals are available to children beginning at age 1. Reservations are not required but are greatly appreciated to help us have correct quantity at each location on the first day that we provide meals:

Submit your Reservation for Wednesday, March 18

Dear Humble ISD Families,

Humble ISD will be closed through next week to support our community and health care professionals in the ongoing goal of containing Coronavirus COVID-19. All activities and events that were scheduled in Humble ISD from Thursday, March 12, through Saturday, March 21, are cancelled and our buildings are closed.

By taking this step now, our community will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and assist in preserving the capacity of our health care systems. Social distancing helps protect students, staff, and the larger Humble ISD community. Health and safety is our top priority.

Teachers will provide learning opportunities for students while campuses are closed. On the evening of Monday, March 16, families should expect to receive an email from their school with more information about learning opportunities. It is also the district’s goal to offer food care packages for families on free and reduced lunch. Strategies that allow this while social distancing are currently in development.

Employees should work from home unless other arrangements are made in advance with their supervisor. Buildings are closed to the public and most staff as part of our containment strategy.

As you can understand, this is an evolving situation for our community, state and nation. We will continue to constantly monitor information, will assess conditions throughout the week, and will provide the next update by Monday night.

Thank you for supporting the Humble ISD Family as we work through these unusual and challenging circumstances.

March 6, 2020

Dear Families,

Humble ISD understands that each family has unique concerns, due to health or other circumstances, about Coronavirus COVID-19. Our schools have precautionary measures in place to assist public health officials in their goal of containment. We want you to know that Humble ISD will support parents in making the best decisions for their families. More specifically, schools will work with individual families in the best interest of each child.

We think it is important to reiterate that at this time there are no cases reported in Humble ISD. However, this is a rapidly evolving situation and we are constantly monitoring the information coming from health officials and experts.

Humble ISD will continue to follow the recommendations of the Harris County Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Please note the following new measures put in place: 

• Parents must report to the school if their child travels to or through countries with a Level 3 Travel Health Notice. As of March 6, those countries were China, Iran, South Korea and Italy. The list is subject to change and may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronairus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precuations.html. During Spring Break, parents should report travel to an identified country by emailing HealthServices@humbleisd.net. After Spring Break, parents should report travel to an identified country to their school nurse. 
• All Humble ISD employees are required to report travel to or through identified countries. The health of students and staff who travel will be monitored in accordance with public health guidelines before they are permitted to be at school. 
• All new students will be screened by campus nurses, until further notice, before attending classes at an Humble ISD school.
• The District will not count absences that occur from March 16-27 for perfect attendance awards and exam exemptions. We will pause these two programs for the two weeks after Spring Break while we monitor information related to Coronavirus COVID-19.  
• Every school and school bus will undergo deep cleaning and disinfection, including the use of fogging machines, during Spring Break. Deep cleaning and disinfection will continue when students return after Spring Break.
• Families with extenuating circumstances should contact their campus principal. We are committed to doing what we can to support the unique needs of students.  

On-going measures include:

• All nurses are being provided with updates on a regular basis and have received guidance on screening and evaluation protocols. Nurses will keep a close watch on any student who comes to the clinic with fever or flu-like symptoms. If a student has a fever of 100 degrees or more, parents will be called to pick up their child.
  
  
• Humble ISD staff will continue to educate our students, staff, and community members about the importance of frequent hand washing; covering a cough or sneeze; not touching one’s eyes, nose, and mouth; staying home when sick; and other measures to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
  
  
• Humble ISD Custodial Services are routinely cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces with H2Orange2 cleaner which is effective against multiple disease-causing viruses and bacteria. In addition, extra hand sanitizer will be delivered to all Humble ISD campuses.

It is important to note that we are in the midst of our regular cold and flu season, so it is important for our community to take preventative measures to safeguard against the spread of communicable diseases. Local and federal health authorities indicate that the best ways to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus are the same recommendations for preventing the spread of the Flu virus.

Parents/Guardians can help by:

• Keeping children home who are sick. If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or more, he or she should stay home from school until fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications.
  
  
• Reinforcing frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Reinforcing covering a sneeze or cough with a tissue or one’s sleeve (not your hands).

More information on the Coronavirus can be found on the district Health Services website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Dear Humble ISD Families:

The district is closely monitoring events surrounding the Coronavirus. Currently, it is our understanding that there are no confirmed cases in Harris County. Humble ISD will continue to work in conjunction with the Harris County Public Health Department and will follow their recommendations along with the Centers for Disease Control regarding communicable disease protocols. 

Humble ISD specific measures to ensure a safe learning environment for students are as follows:

• All nurses are being provided with updates on a regular basis and have received guidance on screening and evaluation protocols. Nurses will keep a close watch on any student who comes to the clinic with fever or flu-like symptoms. If a student has a fever of 100 degrees or more, parents will be called to pick up their child.
  
  
• Humble ISD staff will continue to educate our students, staff, and community members about the importance of frequent hand washing; covering a cough or sneeze; not touching one’s eyes, nose, and mouth; staying home when sick; and other measures to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
  
  
• Humble ISD Custodial Services are routinely cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces with H2Orange2 cleaner which is effective against multiple disease-causing viruses and bacteria. In addition, extra hand sanitizer will be delivered to all Humble ISD campuses.

It is important to note that we are in the midst of our regular cold and flu season, so it is important for our community to take preventative measures to safeguard against the spread of communicable diseases. Local and federal health authorities indicate that the best ways to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus are the same recommendations for preventing the spread of the Flu virus.

Parents/Guardians can help by:

• Keeping children home who are sick. If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or more, he or she should stay home from school until fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications.
  
  
• Reinforcing frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Reinforcing covering a sneeze or cough with a tissue or one’s sleeve (not your hands).

More information on the Coronavirus can be found on the district Health Services website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

February 7: Harris County Public Health Letter