Coronavirus Updates from Liberty Hill ISD

Information on this page will change often. Please check back regularly for updates. LHISD is committed to keeping you informed, Superintendent Snell will give an updates to the community on top of any breaking news that may happen with the district.

Parent Communications

We strongly encourage parents to revisit their notification settings in Skyward Family Access, as any updates and urgent information about the opening or closing of school and instructions for online student learning will be shared via traditional e-mail as well as social media and the district website.

May 26, 2020, 9:31 PM

Please take a moment to read the message from Superintendent Snell.

Inside you will find a video of the end of the year faculty meeting. It will update you on the ISD plans to prepare for the uncertainty of next year and also bring you up to speed on graduation plans and ISD happenings.

https://www.smore.com/zr0s9-lhisd-mid-week-message

May 19, 2020, 3:30pm

In spite of this challenging time, LHISD is busy as ever and excited with all the great things happening in our district. Please take a moment to read the May Board Briefs from Superintendent Snell. #pantherstrong

https://www.smore.com/typ7q

May 12, 2020, 4:30pm

Letter from Superintendent Snell with district update

English / Spanish

May 6, 2020, 5:46pm

Letter from Superintendent Snell with district update

English / Spanish

April 30, 2020, 8:23pm

Superintendent Snell Video Message

*Senior Cap & Gown Distribution & Breakfast Drive thru Friday, May 8th

https://youtu.be/8TrJDEPtU_A

April 23, 2020, 3:25pm

Superintendent Facebook Message- Proposed Attendance Boundaries & Demographer Information

https://youtu.be/zYSxQ2WtVV4

April 21, 2020

Letter from Superintendent Snell with district update

documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A4bd17418-ae17-43b5-b7a2-cfde81711ad9

April 17, 2020, 4:57pm

Superintendent Message

Panther Nation,

Based on the Governor's orders today, LHISD will remain closed and continue online learning from home for the remainder of this school year. We will communicate with everyone on Tuesday as to procedures for locker and classroom clean out and other procedures moving forward.

We are still awaiting guidance from the state on Graduation ceremonies and other events scheduled for May.

Thank you for your support and know we will get through this.

Steve Snell, Superintendent of Schools.

April 14, 2020, 6:25pm

Superintendent Snell Facebook Video Update

Evening Panther Family, please take a moment to watch this video message from Superintendent Snell with his Tuesday communication update. We miss you-stay well! #lhisdallinthistogether

https://youtu.be/2Md411Yd9b0

April 13, 2020, 10:31pm

Pre-K IPAD Pick up Reminder

LHISD Pre-K Parents,

This is a reminder that we will be offering iPads for checkout to Pre-K students to assist with our Learning from Home this Tuesday and Thursday 9:00AM-12:00PM at Bill Burden Elementary. These are only available for currently enrolled Pre-K students and will only have access to those apps which the district loads to assist with our Learning from Home resources.

If you would like to have an iPad checked out to your Pre-K student but are unable to make either of those mornings, please contact Technology Support either by email (support@lhisd.net) or phone (512-260-4477) to arrange for an appointment.

April 13, 2020, 6:05pm

Learning From Home Phase II

Today, Learning from Home Phase II - Individualized Student Learning began. The new resources are all available on the district website, www.libertyhill.txed.net just click on the Learning from Home Icon.

You may also watch a video on how to navigate the Learning from Home resource page, the video is located on the district home page under announcements.

We are here to help; thank you for your support and partnership during this time.

April 9, 2020, 4:02pm

Learning from Home Phase II and Grading Guidelines

Please watch video for an overview

drive.google.com/open?id=1d1G6XpCDS38N1s2gjNnE0ud4WNDBA5DF

April 7, 2020, 5:56pm

Meal Distribution with Procedural Changes

With the upcoming Easter holidays, starting this Thursday, April 9th, we will provide multiple meals and will not be open Friday and Monday. Next Tuesday, April 14th, and Thursday, April 16th, two days of meals will be provided.

The weeks following, we will offer meal pick up Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday (two days of meals provided on Tuesday and Thursday).

The distribution times will remain from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Bill Burdan Elementary.

To continue to keep both you and our Panther Staff safe and healthy, please read the following procedural changes. When pulling up to pick up food, please pop your trunk or hatch in your vehicle. Staff members will place the food in the vehicle. Please limit your vehicle window to a small opening to limit exposure. We want to keep you safe and our staff safe.

April 7, 2020, 1:12pm

As we continue to give our weekly updates, we hope it finds you and your families in good health and well being while you're staying at home.

Please take a moment to read Superintendent Snells' Tuesday communication.

Stay well, Panthers!

English letter / Spanish letter

April 2, 2020, 4:02pm

Learning from Home parent letter from the Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum Dr. Hicks

English / Spanish

April 1, 2020, 7:32pm

Superintendent Snell Facebook video message

https://www.facebook.com/libertyhill.isd/videos/937049166750827/

April 1, 2020, 7:03pm

Superintendent Snell Extended Closure through May 4

Governor Abbott issued an executive order for all Texans to Stay Home, Stay Safe and to follow the essential services and essential personnel guidelines by the Center of Disease and Control. In this order, all schools statewide will remain closed through Monday, May 4.

To stay in line with the Governor's order, LHISD will extend school closure until May 4, 2020. The decision to close schools is never made lightly, and we know the impact of this closure is far-reaching. Please understand Governor Abbott's decision was made based upon the current reality of COVID-19 activity and the recommendations and information provided by DSHS and the CDC. The safety and well-being of our community and the nation is the first priority.

Please continue to practice social distancing and healthy habits. This virus is affecting more and more people in Central Texas. Stay safe and stay home so that we have the possibility to open our doors again.

Steven Snell, Superintendent

Superintendent Snell Letter of Extended Closure

Spanish Superintendent Snell Letter of Extended Closure

April 1, 2020, 6:30pm

COVID-19 Family Status Change

We wanted to reach out to our Liberty Hill ISD families who may have had a change in employment or circumstance because of COVID-19. If your income has changed and you would like to fill out a free/reduced meal application, you still have time. We are still accepting applications via Skyward Family Access. Please see the attached instructions for filling out an online application.

Please email Donna Burson @ dburson@libertyhill.txed.net with questions.

Instructions to fill out online free/reduced meal application

March 26, 2020, 5:07pm

Superintendent Snell Community Update

Superintendent Snell Facebook video message on extended school closure, meals and chromebook distribution, and Panther Packs.

https://www.facebook.com/libertyhill.isd/videos/1032346153814207/

March 26, 2020, 10:11am

Superintendent Snell Extended Closure Letter

Liberty Hill ISD continues to support and follow the efforts to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus with the Stay Safe, Stay Home order from Williamson County.

Please read the attached letter from Superintendent Snell on the LHISD extended school closure through April 10.

We know this is a time of extreme uncertainty, and we will continue to communicate with you to try to ease your concerns with factual, up-to-date information.

Stay safe and healthy!

Superintendent Snell Extended Closure Letter

Spanish Superintendent Snell Extended Closure Letter

March 26, 2020, 8:01am

Meal Deliveries Stopped

Meal delivery will no longer be available, due to low participation and families preferring the "grab and go" option. We've contacted all the families who were using this service but wanted to keep all our Panther community informed of this change.

Bill Burden Elementary grab and go meals are available Monday through Friday 9 am - 12:00 pm.

Thank you and stay safe!

March 25, 2020, 4:30pm

Learning from Home Launches

We are pleased to share that Liberty Hill ISD launched the Learning from Home website located on our district home page this week for students. This site offers students easy access to online learning platforms by grade level and content area. Starting Thursday, March 26th, choice boards will be added and made available to families. Families who do not have internet may pick up paper packets of the instructional choice board resources on Thursday, March 26th, and Friday, March 27th, from 9 am - 2 pm at Bill Burden Elementary.

Thank you for partnering with us and stay safe!

Parent message

English / Spanish

March 25, 2020, 1:04pm

Student Device Update

Are you ready for Learning from home and have your Chromebook or device?

The drive-through device distribution at Bill Burden Elementary is open until 6 pm tonight. No lines or wait right now, head on over there!!

The rest of the week they will follow the "Grab and Go" meal times of 9am-12pm.

In order to pick up a device, parents will need the student's full name, date of birth, and ID number. We encourage the student to be in the car with them.

Thank you- stay safe and healthy!

March 25, 2020, 1:00pm

Kindergarten and First Grade Parents

Please read -Technical support message:

"In regards to logging into a Chromebook please note that Kindergarten and 1st Grade students are an exception, they use their student ID as their username and their password."

For example, you would put 'StudentID' for the user name and 'StudentID' for their password, both fields would have the same information."

Thank you

March 24, 2020, 8:35pm

Meal and Device Distribution Updates

LHISD will continue to keep the health and well being of our students, staff and community top priority. Please know the “Stay Home-Stay Safe” order for all of Williamson County will not interrupt the “Grab and Go “ food service and Device distribution at Bill Burden Elementary.

The meal deliveries have been combined to one route due to the low participation. The new route with bus stops can be located on our district website, please review for updated changes. Meal distribution times will continue from 9 am-12 pm at Bill Burden Elementary (Mon-Fri).

Distribution of Chromebooks will follow those same times for the remainder of this week as needed.

We have to make decisions and changes to adjust to situations that arise; your patience and understanding are truly appreciated.

March 24, 2020, 5:04pm

Superintendent Snell Community Update

Facebook Video message on first day of device distribution and meal update.

https://www.facebook.com/libertyhill.isd/videos/539237713376076/

March 24, 2020, 12:12pm

Panther Update- Device Pick up

Due to the high volume of cars, traffic and the time it is taking to distribute devices we have extended the pick up time to 6:00pm today and Wednesday, March 25th.

If you are in line at this time we would appreciate if you can make arrangements to pick up later today or this week if possible.

Distribution of devices will continue through Friday during meal pick up times also at Bill Burden 9am- 12pm

Please continue to check our district website for updates.

Thank you for your patience and support!

March 24, 2020, 9:00am

Student Device Distribution begins today

We will be starting distribution of Chromebooks today at Bill Burden Elementary 10:30-4:00pm for students who are in need of a chrome book to continue their learning from home. All currently enrolled students are eligible to have a device checked out to them, if needed.

If you are unable to pick up your child’s chromebook today, device pick ups will continue through out the week during meal distribution times at Bill Burden Elementary 9-12:00pm.

In order to pickup a device, parents will need the student's full name, date of birth, and ID number. It will be drive through pick up and encourage the student to be in the car with them.

We appreciate your patience and support as we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times.

Stay safe & healthy!

March 19, 2020, 5:00pm

Superintendent Snell Coronavirus Update

https://youtu.be/nAIhaUjkvVw

March 16, 2020, 5:00pm

Meal Distribution Survey

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and suspending normal school operations for the two weeks following Spring Break, through April 3, the District Leadership would like your feedback. Please take a minute to participate in this Curbside Meal survey to help LHISD plan accordingly for the nutritional food needs of all our students.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeC5k4Jp0WwHfxdUelsH9KmaocVpPDw1FODPI8zN1YP57hszw/viewform

Thank you.

March 16, 2020, 1:13pm

Liberty Hill ISD Closed from March 23-April 3

Liberty Hill ISD will be suspending normal school operations through April 3, with students returning to school on April 6. We do this in a unified effort with other school districts in our area.

There will be a press conference tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Williamson County Courthouse that will address the county-wide and district services that will be available.

During this time, all Liberty Hill ISD facilities will be closed for instruction, including UIL events, athletics, rentals, field trips, and after-school. Additionally, more detailed information will be communicated as it becomes available later this week, as there are many decisions that need to be made.

We remain in daily communication with all Williamson County school districts, as well as pertinent health and government agencies. More information will be coming soon.

The safety and well-being of our community are at the forefront of our decisions. We appreciate your patience and support.

March 13, 2020, 7:25pm

Superintendent Snell Video message to Panther Community posted on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/libertyhill.isd/videos/256428452033878/

March 13, 2020, 3:30pm

UIL and Facilities Update

UIL has announced that it is canceling all UIL activities from March 16th - March 29th. All LHISD athletic or extracurricular practices during spring break are canceled but will resume when school is in session.

LHISD is closing access to district facilities effective Monday, March 16, including all outside rentals. We will host events and activities this evening and Saturday, including SAT testing, as scheduled.

At this time, we are planning to re-open schools to staff and students on Monday, March 23rd, as planned.

As this is a fluid situation, we will continue to follow the direction of local officials to monitor this situation and will make updates as needed.

Please continue to check the LHISD website and social media accounts, as we will keep you updated if things change.

Have a relaxing, safe, and healthy spring break!

March 13, 2020, 11:00am

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cases in Williamson County?

• Zero Confirmed Cases as of 3/13/20 8:00 am.

What school cleaning procedures are in place to guard against COVID-19?

• Our campus custodial staff disinfects campuses each day with hospital-grade products to help offset the spread of communicable illnesses, but it takes all of us to ensure healthy school environments. As a reminder, we are still in the midst of the cold and flu season, and it’s important for families to take preventative measures to safeguard themselves from the spread of communicable diseases. Liberty Hill ISD (LHISD) will continue to communicate the importance of frequent handwashing, covering a cough or sneeze, not touching one’s eyes, nose and mouth, and staying home when ill.
• The custodial staff is using disinfecting wipes to disinfect the high touch point areas, such as doorknobs, light switches, handrails, etc. In addition to our normal cleaning above, we are using electrostatic sprayers to address disinfecting classrooms identified by the district nurse as a priority, based on daily information about the health of our students.
• We are monitoring any information from the CDC as soon as it becomes available and will follow any recommendation for the health and safety of all our LHISD students and staff.

How would a school closure affect employee pay?

• As with any large entity, public or private, closing during an emergency requires coordination with state agencies, health departments, and local agencies. That’s why school districts have policies similar to the one below for LHISD:
• DEA (Local): Pay During Closing: During an emergency closure, all employees shall continue to be paid for their regular duty schedule unless otherwise provided by Board action. Following an emergency closure, the Board shall adopt a resolution or take other Board action establishing the purpose and parameters for such payments. [See EB for the authority to close schools]
• The LHISD administration and the Board are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the best safety and welfare of our students and staff. Should we get to that point, there will be regular updates from the district on all the details.

How will the absence policy affect my student(s) if they need to be kept home from school due to illness?

• Campuses will work with families to support the education of the student as well as use common sense application of the district’s attendance requirements. If you are sick, please stay home.

How and when would school closures be implemented?

• Any closure of schools due to a pandemic would be in coordination with state and local authorities, including TEA, district leadership and the Board of Trustees. LHISD is preparing for all contingencies.

What travel restrictions are LHISD making to students?

• Liberty Hill ISD encourages families to stay updated as they consider travel plans, and heed the CDC’s travel advisories. The CDC provides recommendations on postponing or canceling travel. These are called travel notices and are based on an assessment of the potential health risks involved with traveling to a certain area. Here is a list of destinations with travel notices.

What happens if a family decides to travel internationally?

• If an LHISD family or staff member travels internationally and chooses to self-quarantine upon their return, the District is going to make every effort to support the decision to manage the health and wellbeing of their household.

Should my child wear a facemask to school as a precaution?

• The CDC does not recommend that people who are well to wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

How will I be notified if a case of COVID-19 is reported in LHISD?

• The health department will notify LHISD if a student or staff member tests positive and is under quarantine prior to public notification. That will allow us to plan and communicate to families if there’s a verified risk to our students, staff, teachers, and families according to the health department.

As an LHISD employee, what information do I need if anyone in my family should become ill? If I’m sick, are there other options to see a doctor?

• If you have LHISD medical insurance, you can visit your doctor – remember that in most cases you do not need to go to the emergency room.
• In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 outbreak, CVS Health announced a series of steps designed to support the health and well-being of Aetna members, ensure patient access to medication, and remove barriers to care.

Please check your email during Spring Break for updates.

Additional Resources:

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary
• Facts about COVID-19
• Coughing & Sneezing Etiquette
• Hand Hygiene Fact Sheets and Posters
• Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
• TEA Spring Break Guidance

FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK @libertyhill.isd AND TWITTER @lhisdcomms

March 12, 2020

Liberty Hill ISD is continuing to monitor updates on COVID-19 and is working closely with county health officials. We are aware of today's news of statewide event cancelations and universities extending their spring breaks. At this time, based on guidance from county and state officials, we will continue on our regular schedule. Please stay in touch with ISD news channels as this information is changing rapidly. We will update everyone if and when information changes. In the meantime, please utilize the LHISD website for Coronavirus updates.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

Frequently Asked Questions for Employees

March 9, 2020

Liberty Hill ISD is closely monitoring reports and information shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). While no cases have been suspected among our local community, we are in daily contact with health officials from Williamson County and are following the guidance provided by the Texas Education Agency, Texas Health, and Human Services and the CDC. Public health officials believe the risk to our school community is low at this time, but we understand that this is a source of concern to the community and will remain vigilant in monitoring and responding to this ever-evolving situation.

Any decisions that may need to be made regarding a change to school operations will be done so with guidance from the CDC and local health officials, along with guidance and direction from the authorities at TEA.

What is LHISD doing to combat the possible spread of the CoronaVirus?

1. Following CDC recommendations (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html). A district-level team has met to discuss proactive approaches in regards to campus facilities and buses.

2. Liberty Hill ISD is taking proactive approaches to include but is not limited to:

1. Commercial hospital-grade disinfectants on campuses.
2. Electrostatic fogging on campuses
3. Transportation is using hospital-grade disinfectants on buses weekly.
4. Teachers are working on continual education with students for hand washing and sanitizing.
5. Teachers and bus drivers are asked to wipedown high-touch areas daily with disinfectant wipes and sprays, school-environment approved.

3. What can I do as a parent/community member to help?

1. Encourage friends and family members to keep following the CDC’s recommendations for respiratory viruses. The recommendations are as follows:
   • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
   • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
   • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
   • Stay home when sick.
   • Cough or sneeze into an elbow or use a tissue and place immediately in the trash.
   • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Please be advised that we will continue to strictly enforce our policy of requiring children with a fever to stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine. Also, remember to report any absences due to illness to your child’s school as soon as possible. If you have any additional questions or concerns about coronavirus, please contact your campus principal.

Spring Break Travel: School Trips

At this time, the district is not canceling any scheduled trips but supports the decisions of parents who wish to cancel plans for their child(ren) to travel. We are in daily contact with Williamson County and Cities Health District and Texas Health and Human Services and are following guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding travel. All of the health experts we have consulted are advising against canceling trips to areas not considered high risk by the CDC at this time.

Spring Break Travel: Returning to School

The CDC is recommending avoiding all non-essential travel to China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea and has placed restrictions on re-entry to the United States for individuals traveling from China and Iran. Liberty Hill ISD encourages families to follow CDC guidelines regarding travel and avoid visiting these countries over Spring Break. Parents of students who do travel to one of these countries over Spring Break (or have plans to do so) should contact campus administration and plan to self-quarantine for 14 days after returning to the United States per the CDC’s guidelines.

Important Reminder: If traveling to any countries with Level 3 Travel Health Notices, Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance calls for staying home for 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread, ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice countries) and practice social distancing.

• China (Level 3 Travel Health Notice)
  • More information for Travelers from China arriving in the United States
• Iran (Level 3 Travel Health Notice)
• Italy (Level 3 Travel Health Notice)
• South Korea (Level 3 Travel Health Notice)

For additional health travel precautions, please visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html

Resources for additional information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Texas Education Agency

Texas Health and Human Services

Learn more preventative measures from Dr. Palazzo with Williamson County and Cities Health District

Coronavirus Update from Liberty Hill ISD Schools

February 27, 2020

Liberty Hill ISD has no confirmed cases or suspected cases within the district regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The district is dedicated to monitoring and communicating the most up-to-date information. If this was to occur, we will notify staff and parents/guardians within the school.

We are aware of the concerns of the community, as well as the recent statements from the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO). Liberty Hill ISD will continue to follow CDC recommendations to prevent any infection of a respiratory virus, which is the same measures we take to prevent the spread of everyday illnesses like the common cold or the flu:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick.
• Cough or sneeze into an elbow or use a tissue and place immediately in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If a student or staff member shows respiratory symptoms, our school nurses will follow standard precautions and work with our district departments and the Health Department to further research individual/family travel histories.

Liberty Hill ISD encourages families to follow the CDC’s information for travel, available at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. We request that parents/guardians notify their school principal if a child or member of their family has been to China or South Korea (both are on the CDC’s Warning Level 3 traveler’s list) and recently returned to our community. Out of an abundance of caution, we request that these children wait for the 14-day incubation period (beginning the day of return to the U.S.) to expire before enrolling in school or returning to school. We will not count these absences, and children will be provided online learning during this period and technology/access if needed.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students and staff safe. More information on the coronavirus is available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html