WISD FAQ for Parents

All students will start school with remote learning beginning August 31 through September 25, 2020.  After the first four weeks of school, Weslaco ISD will begin to allow students back on campus that are having connectivity issues. CTE students who are taking courses that require face-to-face instruction will be allowed on campus one day of the week. Students who are reporting back to campus will be monitored by a proctor. Beginning October 26 campuses will start to reopen slowly.  

October 26th - 30th:  Parent Choice for Limited/no connectivity and 5th grade students who have 2 or more failures in core courses.  The parents of these students have been contacted and invited to join us next week. Teachers will return on a staggered schedule and will continue to teach all students virtually. One group will be here on Monday and Tuesday and a second group on Wednesday and Thursday. 

November 2nd - 6th:  Add 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade students with 2 or more failures in core courses.  Teachers will be contacting the parents of these students to invite them back to school. All teachers report for face-to-face instruction with students in attendance.

November 9th - 13th:  Add all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students plus siblings - parent choice. 

November 16th - 20th:  Pre-K - 2nd grades plus siblings - parent choice. 

Please note remote learning is still an option for parents.

TEA defines synchronous instruction as a two-way, real-time/live, virtual instruction between teachers and students when students are not on campus. In this method the students are required to meet the specified minutes virtually. The students must be “present” virtually utilizing a computer or other electronic device. Students will be marked as present-synchronous.

TEA defines asynchronous instruction as instruction that does not require having the instructor and student engaged at the same time. Through this method, students learn from instruction that is not necessarily being delivered in person or in real time. This type of instruction may include various forms of virtual learning such as pre-recorded lessons and pre-assigned work and formative assessments made available to students on paper. TEA allows asynchronous learning for PK-12. Students will be marked remote-present-asynchronous.

Students in special education programs will work with their ARD committee to determine what accommodations will be implemented to address their individual needs during remote learning. Parents who have additional questions may call their child’s campus principal for more information.

Teachers will post attendance as if the students were physically present in the classroom. Students who participate virtually (synchronous or asynchronous) through any of the district platforms available and submit required assignments are considered “present” and will not be marked absent. Per Texas Education Code (TEC 25.092), students must attend 90% of the day a course is offered (with some exceptions) in order to be awarded credit for the course and/or to be promoted to the next grade level.

Teachers will record grades in accordance with the district grading policy, and grades will be available for students and parents to view through the district’s student and parent portals. Teachers will be provided training and guidance on the recording of virtual learning grades and the grading policy for 2020-2021. Teachers must ensure they follow the 2020-2021 Weslaco ISD Grading Guidelines for both face-to-face and remote learning students in order to ensure consistency. 

The EIC (LOCAL) policy for academic achievement and class ranking will continue to be implemented and will not change for remote instruction. The Weslaco ISD Grading Guidelines are published in the student handbook, which is posted on the Weslaco ISD website. For more information please refer to the 2020-2021 Student Handbook: Student Handbook 2020-2021

Dual enrollment classes will begin August 24, 2020. STC is providing virtual instruction for most dual enrollment classes for the Fall 2020 semester. Beginning October 7, CTE students who are taking courses that require face-to-face-instruction will be allowed on campus one day of the week.

For the period of time that they are home ill, virtual learning will be available, or students may make up work upon their return.

Recent guidance provided by UIL will allow students who are enrolled in synchronous or asynchronous learning to participate in extracurricular activities. The student must meet all other UIL eligibility requirements.

Yes, technology will be made available to all students who need this support for use at home.  If your child has not received the devices (chromebook & hot spot), please call the campus where your child attends.

Yes, 100% remote learning is an option.

The redesigned remote instruction and face-to-face curriculum incorporates opportunities for technology integration, communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking into all student learning. Students are required to attend each class on a daily basis either synchronously or asynchronously. Synchronous is remote learning in real-time with a teacher present. Asynchronous is done independently with teacher support.

Last spring, the TEA commissioner waived the 90% rule for student attendance. This rule will NOT be waived for the 2020-2021 school year. Students are required to attend 90% of the time each course is offered to receive credit and to be promoted to the next grade level. 

Remote Learning Technology Help is available per campus with two options for you to seek help. 

• The phone line is available from 8AM to 5PM.  After 5PM, the caller will be asked to leave a voicemail.

• The Help Form is available all the time in English & Spanish, and will allow you to upload an image of the technical issue. Please fill out request at the Help Desk Form: Help Desk Form

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten-SeeSaw  

Grades 1st - 5th - Google Classroom will be used for online learning; all other district online resources can be found in the Clever Portal.
Grades 6th - 8th - Google Classroom will be used for online learning; all other district online resources can be found in the Clever Portal.
Grades 9th - 12th - Google Classroom will be used for online learning; all other district online resources can be found in the Clever Portal.

Classes will be synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous is remote learning in real-time with a teacher present. Asynchronous is classwork done online independently with teacher support. Students will be given a daily schedule of when they will meet with the teacher virtually and when they need to work on the computer on their own.

Compulsory attendance laws will still apply. Students are required to attend 90% of the time to receive credit for each course and to be promoted to the next grade level.

The Texas Education Agency has indicated all testing will resume for the 2020-2021 school year.  You and your children will receive more information on testing in the near future.

Yes, WISD continues to work with our community partners to provide hands-on experiences for our students; however, opportunities may be limited due to COVID19.

Yes. We will follow UIL guidelines on this topic. Please refer to the Athletics tab at www.wisd.us for more information.

Students participating in remote learning offered by their school district, whether synchronous or asynchronous (as defined by TEA), may participate in UIL activities if they meet all other UIL eligibility requirements.  Students must be enrolled in remote learning options at the school the student will represent.  Hybrid is considered a remote option that allows your child eligible to participate.

Yes,the staff is working on a modified school supply list for the 20-21 school year. In an effort to provide our Weslaco ISD families with relief from the expense of school supplies, Weslaco ISD administration will provide basic materials for all elementary students. Middle and high school students will be provided with basic school supplies upon request. Each WISD student will receive a chromebook, headset and mouse.

Yes, WISD has a transition plan in place that was developed with guidance from TEA.. The focus at this time is a strong start to our remote learning environment for the first four weeks of the school year. Weslaco ISD will begin to allow students back on campus using a phased in approach as directed by the Texas Education Agency.  The phased in approach allows for a small group of students to gradually (week by week) return to campus over the course of four weeks (September 28, 2020 – October 23, 2020).  The student phase in groups will be determined by the district and on the ninth week of school beginning October 26, 2020 any parent who selects on campus learning will be able to send their child to school.  Please note at home / remote learning is still an option for parents.

Students who participate in remote learning will engage in curriculum Monday through Friday and will experience the same curriculum facilitated by a certified Weslaco ISD teacher. Each day, students will have periods of daily, live instruction with certified teachers, as well as periods of self-paced, independent learning. 

Students will be assessed on their mastery of the TEKS standards.  Both formative and summative assessments will be utilized to track student mastery.

Students are required to attend at least 90 percent of the time for all their classes to receive credit and be promoted to the next grade level. Remote attendance will count in the same manner as on-campus attendance in satisfying this requirement.

Yes, lessons are being designed to meet the needs of students learning remotely.

Yes, fine arts will be offered to students who are learning remotely. 

The English learner will continue to receive language, instructional, accommodations, and technology support.  They will continue to receive support through multiple platforms. The Bilingual/ESL department will host virtual parent informational meetings and events to provide additional support.

Campuses will be cleaned and disinfected throughout the instructional day. Classrooms will be equipped for cleaning between transitions of students.  Age appropriate signage for proper hygiene practices will be posted throughout the buildings. Hand sanitizing and/or hand washing stations will be available at every entrance, hallways and in all classrooms.

Staff will be required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to reporting to work each day. Parents should screen their child each morning for signs and symptoms of illness. DO NOT send your child to school if they have: a fever of 100 degrees or greater, chills, a cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, muscle fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Teachers will monitor students and refer them to the nurse if symptoms are suspected to be present.

Any individuals who themselves are either: (a) are lab confirmed to have COVID-19; or (b) experience the symptoms of COVID-19, must stay at home throughout the infection period, and cannot return to campus until the school system screens the individual to determine any of the below conditions for campus re-entry have been met:

In the case of an individual who was diagnosed with COVID-19, the individual may return to school when all three of the following criteria are met:

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​At least one day (24 hours) has passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medication)

1. The individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath); and 

2. At least ten days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

1. In the case of an individual who has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and who is not evaluated by medical professor or tested for COVID-19, such individual is assumed to have COVID-19, and the individual may not return to the campus until the individual has completed the same three-step set of criteria listed above.

2. If the individual has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and wants to return to school before completing the above stay at home period, the individual must either (a) obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return, based on an alternative diagnosis, or (b) obtain an acute infection test at an approved testing location.

Symptomatic students will be required to apply a face covering and report to the designated isolation area for further evaluation. The ill student will remain isolated with a designated staff member to be monitored and receive medical care, if needed, until parent/guardian arrives for student pick up. Monitoring staff members must perform hand hygiene and wear PPE for the duration of the isolation period. Campus administrators will immediately notify District Health Services and will follow their guidance. After students and staff are removed from the isolation area, it will be sanitized using approved germicidal agents by WISD custodial staff wearing appropriate PPE. A special transportation unit has been designated to transport students if necessary. The district will notify all teachers, staff, and families of all students in a school if a test confirmed COVID-19 case is identified among students, teachers or staff who participate in any on-campus activities.

Campuses will utilize virtual meeting options to limit campus visitors when possible.  All visitors who enter the building will be required to wear a face mask or covering. Individuals who proceed beyond the reception area will follow specific guidelines for visitors.

Visitor Guidelines

• Visitors and staff will maintain physical distancing, keeping 6 feet apart at all times.

• Visitors will be allowed limited access to a designated area in the building.

• To limit exposure, informal campus visits will be restricted (including during a meal time).

• Essential meetings will be by appointment only or a virtual format.

• All approved visitors must self-screen prior to entry.

• To ensure the safety of students and staff, no outside deliveries for students will be accepted (i.e. food, gifts, food delivery services, etc.)

• All field trips and large gatherings such as pep rallies, assemblies, etc. will be prohibited until further notice.

Frequent disinfection and hard sanitization will ensure health and wellness of students and staff. Hand-sanitizing and/or hand-washing will be available at every entrance, in the hallways and in all classrooms.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or higher) will be available at all entrances, in classrooms, in the cafeteria and in common areas throughout the school including restrooms and water fountains. Staff will be expected to regularly wash or sanitize their hands. 

Requirement for hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizer:

• Provide hand sanitizer upon entry to the classroom and periodic teacher reminders during the instructional day.

• Thorough hand washing upon return from outdoors, before eating, following restroom breaks.

No, students are expected to bring their own reusable water bottle for use throughout the school day and expected to take water bottles home to be cleaned on a daily basis. District-wide installed water bottle stations are located in separate areas of campuses.  Water stations have sensors.

No extracurricular sports or activities are allowed until school systems reopen for on-campus instruction. As circumstances regarding COVID-19 continue to evolve, Weslaco ISD will continue to follow guidance from state and local health authorities, the Texas Education Agency, and the University Interscholastic League (UIL) to determine the best course of action to ensure the safety of students and staff. Currently the 32-5A, 16-5A, and 32-6A UIL plans are under review by the DEC and Superintendents.  Information will be disseminated to all once plans are finalized.

Weslaco ISD’s two comprehensive high schools will not be competing in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Marching Band competitions this school year. This decision is based on current information and is subject to change.

Yes, remote learning students will be able to participate in UIL activities, which includes athletics and the performing arts.

Attendance at on-campus practices will be required for athletics pending final approval of UIL activities. Please contact your coach or campus athletic coordinator for more information.

Once on-campus activities resume, attendance at on-campus rehearsals for the performing arts groups will be required for students to participate in their respective art discipline . Please contact the band director or teacher for more information.

Practices and performances that are approved to be held will be conducted following all safety protocols provided by guidance from WISD, UIL, and TEA. This will include COVID-19 screenings, group size, sharing and sanitizing of equipment and locker room usage.

Yes, beginning on August 31 curbside meals will be provided. During meal distribution, lunch and breakfast for the following day will be provided. This meal service will only be available to enrolled Weslaco ISD students.

Weslaco High School, Weslaco East HIgh School and Beatriz G. Garza Middle School are providing meals, Monday thru Friday, 10:30am-1:00pm.

Availability of meals are between the hours of 10:30am-1:00pm, Monday through Friday during school days only. Meals on Wheels will take place at certain Weslaco locations beginning September 1oth.

Breakfast will be provided for all students. Students will use hand sanitizer before entering the serving line. Cafeteria and serving areas will be cleaned as students transition. When reporting to the cafeteria for lunch, students will be released on a staggered schedule. Campuses will use a variety of options for seating arrangements to maximize social distancing.

Yes, students who will participate in remote learning will have access to meal service.

Food service staff will have their temperature verified and be required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms each day.

Staff will wear face coverings and gloves during food preparation and service and protective shields will be installed at the serving counters and each cashier station. 

Kitchen clerks will use a touchless transaction method to count meals.

All buses have been sanitized with a cordless handheld Electrostatic sprayer.  This provides immediate infection control in case an outbreak should occur.  It delivers results up to three times greater than the traditional disinfecting and sanitizing equipment. Bus drivers will also sanitize the bus after each route.

Please see video: Transportation Presentation

The bus will be sanitized thoroughly with MDF-500 in case of a positive infection.  This cleaner is known to kill all infections such as the bird flu, Influenza A & B, Hepatitis C & B, and Human and Canine Coronavirus.

Each bus has an automatic sanitizer dispenser and students will be asked to wear a mask. The transportation department will follow all of the TEA and CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of our WISD students.

Counselors are available to answer phone calls or emails. Students are encouraged to email their counselor if they have questions or concerns about schedules, classes, or other academic concerns. If a parent is interested in scheduling a phone call, they can email their child’s counselor to set up a time. Additional information is available on each campus website.

If a student is experiencing a crisis and is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. If the student is not in immediate danger, parents should contact their school counselor for resources and additional support. 

Yes, students will be able to work with school counselors via remote learning. Each counselor will have a Google Classroom, where they will provide guidance lessons and connect with students.  

Mental and behavioral health support will be available remotely.  For students needing extra support, the school counselor can refer any student for services provided by the district or outside agencies.

Additional help can be found in the district’s website that includes a list of behavioral health and mental health resources.

New and returning students must enroll online. Please click on the link to enroll: 

Enroll Now

If your child is new to the district, please contact the Intake Center at (956) 969-6670.

An appointment is needed to register.

Returning students may register at their home campus.Parents can also reach out directly to the requested school of enrollment for further assistance.

Parents who reside outside of WISD boundaries and wish to attend a WISD school may fill out an Inter-District application.  For more information or to request assistance you may contact the Intake Center at (956)969-6670.

Please log on www.wisd.us and click on the registration tab. Click on “Find out what school you are zoned to.”

Advanced Placement (AP) courses will be offered as in previous years. Students will have access to the online AP classroom for both in-person and virtual learning.

South Texas College (STC) dual credit courses will be offered as in other years, but instruction will be remote for the fall 2020 semester. It is anticipated they will be in asynchronous format, but professors are being asked to record synchronous sessions to allow on-demand viewing as needed.

UT OnRamps courses will continue to be offered. Due to their nature, these courses can easily transition from live to remote and be taught in both spaces at the same time.

WISD plans to administer college entrance exams. We are waiting for guidance from TEA, CDC, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for final decisions.

While some institutions of higher education have been considering or implementing test-optional practices for some time, many of those that made the change this year have indicated that it is only for the class of 202, and they will return to prior practices when the exceptions are no longer warranted by the circumstances. College readiness scores continue to be used in determining scholarships (including National Merit), admissions to specific programs (including Honors), and other opportunities.

Beginning in 2020-2021, gifted services will move to a campus-based, centrally-administered model with tiers of service matched to students' individual instructional needs.  Students will receive services in their content area courses this year. Teachers will be using differentiation strategies with class assignments and projects. They will be responsible for maintaining records of student differentiations for the 2020 - 2021.  The Advanced Academics department will also be organizing enrichment classes and after school activities that parents can sign their G/T students up for.

Yes. The Advanced Academics Department requires all teachers with G/T students to have 30 hours of GT Certification and an annual 6-hour update. This applies to grades 1st through 12th grade.

Yes. Weslaco ISD supports GT and advanced learners. We are committed to expanding and enhancing our service model in ways to best meet the needs of our learners.

The referral window will be the last two weeks of September. Please contact campus administration for more information.

Students will be taking online tests.