North Texas News

When the Argyle Independent School District (ISD) offered parents the option for their children to attend class virtually or return to class in person, 80% opted for live learning, according to media reports.

The Argyle ISD is among the districts in Texas that decided to open brick-and-mortar classroom learning this fall and there has yet to be a COVID-19 case, according to Argyle ISD Supt. Telena Wright.

“We have made a safe return to in-person learning a high priority,” Wright told North Texas News. “The district is utilizing its maintenance and operations budget to support our mitigation and safety procedures and efforts. We have received some support from the state in the form of PPE (personal protection equipment) and hand sanitizer.”

Supt. Telena Wright | https://www.argyleisd.com/

It was widely reported that about 3,600 students attending Argyle ISD schools are required to cover their faces and follow other safety protocols.

“Our students that chose in-person have been very diligent in the wearing of their masks because they understand this will help keep them safe in the classroom and cafeteria,” Wright said. “While this is a new experience for our students they have adapted to this situation very well.”

Even though the state of Texas experienced a surge in cases in recent months, Wright was not deterred.

“Face-to-face learning is an important option for the students and parents in Argyle ISD,” she said. “Face-to-face learning supports and promotes our students' social and emotional well being.”

A total of 586,730 cases were reported as of Aug. 25, with 11,576 deaths, according to the Texas Department of State Health. In Denton County, home of the Argyle ISD, there have been 9,235 cases reported, with 119 deaths.

“We have only held in-person classes for one week,” Wright said. “ We have put tireless work into the planning and executing of our safety procedures and we are working daily to enhance these measures. Feedback from our teachers, staff and administrators has been crucial in this process." 

Part of Wright’s efforts have included gathering feedback from teachers, staff and administrators throughout the process.

“Our teachers are setting great examples throughout the day of the guidelines and procedures, and our parents are partnering with us in stressing these measures at home,” she said. “We continue to reinforce with our students the importance of our safety measures in order to have a successful in-person experience.”