EPISD to allow parents to choose virtual or in-person classes when school resumes Aug. 3

EL PASO, TEXAS — The El Paso Independent School District announced plans Monday that schools will reopen on Aug. 3 using a combination of in-person and virtual learning.

The district said those plans coincide with guidelines spelled out by the Texas Education Agency.

The district said it will phase in a return using various instructional models, including combining in-person learning with EPISD@HOME -- the district's distance learning model -- and 100 percent remote learning.

Parents will receive a survey later this week in which they will select their preferred instructional method.

Parents can choose either staggered schedules (hybrid) or distance learning.

Some groups, as identified by the district, may be offered face-to-face instruction.

Once selected, the learning option will be locked in for at least the fall semester or until health officials determine it is safe for students
to return to campuses full-time.

District officials say the reopening will be done in accordance with rules given out by the state, citing the rising rates of Covid-19 infections in El Paso and across Texas.

“If we’ve learned anything from this experience with the pandemic is to keep plans flexible and be ready to pivot at any given point,” said EPISD Superintendent Juan E. Cabrera. “We will continue to
monitor local health conditions and work with city and health officials to plan a return to school that is safe for both our students, teachers and parents.”

EPISD will communicate the details of each option available to parents in the coming weeks.

“Whether in person or virtual, we do know that all options will offer engagement with teacher and fellow students,” Cabrera said. “We thank the parents and students in advance, and we want to reassure the community that the safety and health of our students and teachers is our top priority."