PHARR, Texas (CBS/KVEO)- Governor Greg Abbott announced as soon as next week schools can reopen for summer classes, but will they?
Dozens of districts in the Rio Grande Valley are choosing to continue distance learning.
PSJA ISD began their first day of summer courses, Tuesday.
“We didn’t see the dire need to come back at any percentage like 20% of our students and teachers coming back to the buildings. If we were beginning to really familiarize ourselves with this virtual learning opportunity and we were able to provide most opportunities virtually anyways, so we felt comfortable enough to extend that,” said Dr. Rolando Trevino, Chief Academic Officer for PSJA ISD.
On top of summer classes, virtual camps like chess and STEM camps are also available for students.
Dual enrollment where students can earn college credit, as well as high school hours simultaneously, are also available online this summer.
If a student is feeling a bit anxious, PSJA ISD has a plan for that.
“This summer on top of our normal courses, we’re offering counseling services, social emotional services to our students, because we understand the dynamic is different,” said Dr. Trevino.
Teachers are also getting extra training online to prepare them for the continued distance learning.
“We have great teachers and staff and we have to ensure the safety of our staff, so nothing stops us from being creative and innovated, so we’re able to offer a diverse summer school to our students,” said Dr. Trevino.
So what is the plan for next school year?
“As of now, it’s still in the works, we haven’t quite finalized for our options for our restart in August, we are beginning to adopt our academic calendar and modify it to allow us a little bit of flexibility to provide different options come August,” said Dr. Trevino.
McAllen ISD, Edinburg CISD, Harlingen CISD, will also all do virtual learning this summer.
