In the distant future, there will likely be a student who will research and report on the COVID-19 experience and how it impacted Wylie ISD. When that happens, long after I have retired, I hope that student reads this blog and finds a way to contact me while I lie on a beach somewhere and reflect on the accomplishments of this district and its people. I will explain to her that, while it was challenging, this was our finest hour. I will explain to her that, while some were paralyzed with fear and trepidation, our teachers, principals, and parents turned obstacles into options and exemplified the values of grit, grace, patience, and gratitude for our students. I will explain to her that, while some may have doubted that we could pull this off, we proved them wrong.

The senior class of 2020 missed the prom and the many other celebrations designed to honor them. As graduates, they deserve the adoration and fanfare associated with completing thirteen years of schooling. Thankfully, on June 5 and June 6 at Wylie Stadium, our graduates will have graduation ceremonies that will adhere to the safety and security guidelines outlined by Governor Abbott. These ceremonies will bring a positive end to a challenging school year. As we close out 2019-2020, our work begins in preparing for the fall. We know there is a myriad of questions regarding what next year will entail. 

THE ROAD AHEAD

We have received many inquiries about what school will look like in the fall. Wylie ISD is committed to carefully and thoughtfully moving at the speed of safety as we work to comply with Governor Abbott’s directives and consider every possible scenario. There are many days and weeks between now and when the students will return in August. While we wish we could give you a concrete explanation of what will take place, the honest truth is that everything changes so quickly that it is too early to offer one proposal. We are developing several different options based on two ideas:

1. Returning to a traditional school day
2. Returning with a hybrid model 

While the third option of a full online experience must remain on the table, small tweaks to our current initiative will serve as our plan if this becomes a requirement. Our first step towards a “normal” return to a traditional school day will begin with some small steps that will start this summer. 

SUMMER 2020

We have permission to conduct summer school for high school students, as well as other essential services for students, virtually or in person. We plan to hold the courses with small class sizes in person. This will allow us to practice health and safety precautions we may be required to follow in the fall. To see a complete list of academic summer school opportunities, visit our website. Wylie ISD Summer School Website  Unfortunately, the requirements to reopen summer camps remain too stringent to practically serve the number of students that traditionally sign up. We believe that starting with summer school programs will help us to ensure that we can provide the most safety and care to everyone in our community.

HOPEFUL

Your faith in Wylie ISD makes me hopeful. Because of you, I know that we will turn obstacles into options. The grit, grace, patience, and gratitude you have shown in your words and actions are the examples our kids will remember and use to respond to a crisis that may come their way. Thank you for your faith and trust in our school district. We hold this dear and promise to keep your trust by our transparency, our words, and our actions, the Wylie Way!