COVID-19 Updates – COVID-19 Update

The safety and health of our Sheldon ISD staff and students is our first priority. Each day, we monitor updates from the Texas Education Agency, local, state and federal health officials and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This web page will feature updates, announcements and resources for our community. Please partner with us to share facts in our community.

*This page will be updated frequently as new information is presented. Please check back for updated information*

Tuesday, August 11: Key terminology to know for COVID-19 Self-screening

Please be familiar with important key words when self-screening for COVID-19 each day. Close contact is defined as living with or caring for a sick person or being within six-feet of a sick person for a consecutive period of time without a facial covering. Potential exposure is not considered close contact. Students may report to school and should continue to screen daily for any symptoms.

Friday, August 7: Sheldon ISD releases Safe Start plan for the 2020-21 school year

The Safe Start Plan is a publication that includes information on school-day operations, safety protocols, instructional plans and more. The plan will continue to be revised as requirements may change by the state.

Wednesday, July 29: SISD will begin virtual learning on Sept. 8

Sheldon ISD is aware of the yesterday’s announcement from Attorney General Ken Paxton regarding guidance on the opening of local schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. This state announcement does not affect SISD, and the district will still begin the school year 100% virtual on Tuesday, Sept. 8, as approved by school board members on July 21. School officials will determine when and how to begin offering in-person classes based on the safety of our students and staff.

Monday, July 27: Harris County issues order requiring public schools to remain closed for in-person instruction through Sept. 8

On July 24, Harris County issued an order that suspends in-person learning on campuses until Tuesday, Sept. 8. The order includes the following instructions:

Public schools cannot open with face-to-face learning for on-campus instruction until after Sept. 7, 2020.
Virtual instruction will be available as planned and coordinated with SISD academic plans for 2020-21.
All school sponsored events and activities, including but not limited to clubs, sports, extracurricular activities, fairs, exhibitions, academic and/or athletic competitions, must not take place in-person, on or off campuses, until school systems resume on-campus instruction.

This order comes after Sheldon ISD Trustees voted July 21 to revise the district's calendar to start 100% virtual on Sept. 8. The complete order from Harris County can be read below.

July 24 Harris County Order

Tuesday, July 21: UIL activities will continue with delays in Sheldon ISD

Tuesday, July 21: UIL activities will continue with delays in Sheldon ISD
Because of continued COVID-19 concerns, Sheldon ISD received the announcement from UIL today regarding modifications to the 2020-21 UIL calendar. “As we’ve seen the past several months, this is a fluid situation with frequent changes,” said Superintendent Dr. King Davis. “Today’s announcement means our students will be able to participate in UIL activities with a scheduling delay for games and contests.”

	1st Day for UIL Practice	1st Day for Games/Meets
Team Tennis		Sep. 7, 2020
Cross Country		Sep. 7, 2020
Volleyball	Sep. 7, 2020	Sep. 14, 2020
Football	Sep. 7, 2020	Sep. 24, 2020
Marching Band	Sep. 7, 2020	Dec. 3, 2020

The modifications from the state also provide safety guidelines and restrictions at UIL events. The full UIL release is provided here: https://www.uiltexas.org/press-releases/detail/modified-uil-activities-calendar-and-covid-19-guidelines-for-2020-2021

Tuesday, July 21: Trustees vote to approve modified 2020-21 school calendar