School starts soon in Frisco. Here’s what you need to know

As summer comes to a close, you may be wondering what school will look after the last school year was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic — especially with the new delta variant on the rise.

We’ve gathered information from several online resources, including the Frisco ISD website, to keep you informed.

Here’s what you should know.

When is the first day of school?

School begins for all Frisco ISD students on Thursday, Aug. 12.

Will Frisco ISD offer an online option for students?

No. Frisco ISD planned to offer an online option for students — even asking parents to enroll their students during the spring semester — but the regular session of the Texas Legislature ended on May 31 without final approval of the bill that would have provided funding for full-time online students.

Frisco ISD has hoped to offer an online learning option for several years, Superintendent Mike Waldrip previously said.

What should be done for a student who wants to pursue learning options outside of Frisco ISD?

Families should fill out the annual registration form, indicating their plan for their students to leave the district.

Will Frisco ISD take the same coronavirus prevention steps as last year?

No. The school district will no longer practice close contact reviews and social distancing will not be as possible, with all students returning to in-person learning.

However, the school district will have hand sanitizer stations in every classroom, as well as all common areas. The custodial department will continue to follow guidelines and use hospital-grade products to disinfect buildings daily. Here’s a list of how Frisco ISD prevents other illnesses, such as influenza, headlice and whooping cough disease.

Are students required to wear masks?

Masks are optional for all Frisco ISD students, staff and visitors. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all individuals, two or older, should wear a mask indoors if they are not fully vaccinated, while the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all individuals, two or older, wear masks in schools, regardless of vaccination status.

What should a student do if there is the suspicion they may have COVID-19?

The student should not enter a school facility, but see a health care provider or get a COVID-19 test and remain out of school until they receive a result.

What happens if a student tests positive for COVID-19?

The student will be asked to quarantine for at least 10 days after symptom onset and until their symptoms have improved. If they did not experience symptoms, they will be asked to quarantine 10 days since they tested positive.

This will be treated as an absence. Students will be given make-up work and can keep up with classrooms instruction on Canvas or Google Classroom.

Are students required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination?

Vaccinations for the coronavirus are optional for all Frisco ISD students, staff and visitors. However, there is a list of required vaccines all students must receive, unless they are exempt.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the CDC recommend all individuals — 12 or older — receive the COVID-19 vaccine although there are some exceptions.

Where can students or staff receive a COVID-19 vaccination before school begins?

Vaccines are available at most pharmacies and grocery stores. Due to vaccination timelines, anyone who plans on receiving a vaccine before their return to school will not be fully vaccinated.

Will the district track COVID-19 cases online this year?

No. Families will, however, receive an email notification about positive cases.