Local schools adjust start dates for academics, athletics

CROSBY-HIGHLANDS – Crosby schools are scheduled to begin opening August 13 with virtual learning, and face-to-face classes on September 8 with an option for virtual or in-person classes. Goose Creek schools will start September 8 with three weeks of virtual classes.

Both virtual and face to face classes will happen in these districts, with face-to-face enrollment dictating the number of classes. Interactions in virtual learning will be real-time, pre-recorded and posted assignments in “Schoolology,” a software program for handling such classes.

About 6 to 8% of Crosby students do not have access to on-line or virtual learning according to a surveys taken by the school. Another survey was due in back to Crosby ISD on Tuesday. Some school board members including Tanya Eagleton have advocated legislation to fund instructional virtual access for all students.

UIL SETS ATHLETIC SCHEDULE

On Tuesday, the UIL announced that high school athletics would be split into two group classifications, meaning larger class 6A and 5A, would be pushed back until at least Sept. 7 with the start of the playing season pushed to Sept. 24. Thus the traditional championships of December would be moved to January.

Huffman and schools 4A and smaller would stay at previous practicing times before August 3 and begin playing on August 27 with the traditional championships to be held December 16 through 19.

The state said each school will have to make determinations for themselves of exact opening days for athletics depending upon their contagion situation. A small school in a big city with active COVID-19 is different than those in rural areas.

“Our goal in releasing this plan is to provide a path forward for Texas students and schools,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “While understanding situations change and there will likely be interruptions that will require flexibility and patience, we are hopeful this plan allows students to participate in the education-based activities they love in a way that prioritizes safety and mitigates risk of COVID-19 spread.”

“The UIL will continue to work with state officials and monitor CDC and other federal guidance to determine any potential modifications that may become necessary,” Breithaupt added.

CROSBY COACHES TEST POSITIVE

When two Crosby coaches tested positive for COVID-19, strength and conditioning training were pushed back for 11 days and is scheduled to resume on July 29. The district announced that 40 to 60 students may have been exposed. One coach was with football, volley ball and basketball athletes, the other with football and volley ball athletes. Both coaches were wearing masks during their teaching sessions.

“The coaches will be self-quarantining for 14 days. We will be suspending all Summer, Strength and Conditioning through Tuesday, July 28 and plan on starting back Wednesday July 29. Please do not hesitate to have your son or daughter tested if you are uncomfortable or if they are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms,” was the release from Athletic Director Jerry Prieto.