Welcome back to school today. I hope the three-day weekend provided you with a chance to rest and enjoy the beautiful weather. As we return to school this week, I have a few updates I want to share.  

We continue to watch COVID activity in our community and respond to the challenges that the recent Omicron surge has presented. Recent prediction models from Williamson County health officials show the Omicron variant peaking as early as this week and that we could start to see a decline in positivity rates soon. I am hopeful for that and know you are, too.

We know that this Omicron surge is impacting our campuses, our staff, and our families to different degrees and in different ways. We believe that keeping schools open is important for our students, families, and community and will do so as long as we are able to provide the resources and support needed to make the school day happen. We use a variety of data points each day to inform our decisions including staff and student attendance, positivity rates, and the individual impacts on each campus and program. Guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) regarding school closures and our collaboration with health authorities help to inform our decisions, too. 

We remain committed to communicating with parents and staff when a positive case has occurred in a classroom. We know that each family navigates those notifications and decisions regarding their own student’s absences differently, and it’s important to us that you are informed and can make decisions that are best for your child and your family. We also remain committed to continuing our long-term virtual learning academy, where some of our students have elected to participate this semester. 

As we continue to fight against this virus, please consider these opportunities for vaccines and testing:

• We are hosting a vaccine booster clinic for adults 18+ tomorrow, January 19 at the Hammerlun Center for Leadership & Learning from 4-7 pm. You can register for this event online: https://mhealthsystem.com/GeorgetownISD.
• Free rapid testing for asymptomatic staff and students is available during regular school business days from 7 am - 1 pm. More information is available on our website. 
• PCR testing is available through Curative and our district health clinic partner, Lone Star Circle of Care.

I am grateful to the GISD Board of Trustees for their guidance and support as we continue to navigate the pandemic and remain true to our mission. January is School Board Appreciation Month, and tonight, we’re excited to recognize our trustees during our monthly meeting. Students from across the district have been working on creative ways to show their appreciation for the board’s guidance and service to our community. I invite you to join in the celebration in person or online. 

Together, we are a better and stronger community. 

With gratitude,

Fred Brent
Georgetown ISD Superintendent