-
Marble Falls Elementary School personnel, including Amy Valdez, took on extra duties today, Aug. 18, 2021 to make sure students arrived to class safely. Nathan Hendricks/The Highlander -
Students at Marble Falls High School will have new hallways to traverse and new rooms to explore with the completion of the commons area (above) and the updated reception area. File photos -
Students at Marble Falls High School will have new hallways to traverse and new rooms to explore with the completion of the commons area (above) and the updated reception area (below). File photos
Marble Falls Independent School District welcomes students back to the halls on Wednesday, Aug. 18 with new facilities and an updated safety plan.
Facilities
Marble Falls High School students and parents will see the most significant changes in their surroundings when they arrive at campus on Wednesday. The high school has a completely remodeled administration and reception area and a large, indoor common area connected to the cafeteria and library.
The work was completed as part of the 2018 bond package for facilities. Other work included a refurbished and expanded fine arts wing at the high school complete with black box theater and new art classes; renovations at the “pink building” at Marble Falls Elementary School; and updates to the administration area at Highland Lakes Elementary School.
Visitors to Mustang Stadium this season will have a more illuminated experience as several of the lighting systems in the venue have been upgraded to LED lighting.
The new lighting should improve sporting events and other night-time activities such as graduation.
Health and Safety
From a health safety perspective, the MFISD school board approved a resolution at the most recent meeting encouraging students, staff and visitors to wear face coverings while on campus.
Due to an executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott, schools can not mandate masks. The order was challenged by school districts in metropolitan areas, but on Aug. 15, the Texas Supreme Court upheld the governor’s authority to issue such a decree.
MFISD officials said they have no intentions, at this time, of violating or challenging the governor’s order.
Sanitation and safety measures from last school year will remain in place including frequent sanitation of surfaces and classrooms; water bottle refill stations instead of water fountains; and availability of hand sanitizer and encouraging hand washing.
The Texas Education Agency released guidelines for the upcoming school year concerning “contact tracing” and forced “quarantines.”
The agency stated that school districts are no longer required to perform detailed contact tracing after a positive test among students or staff. District officials also can not force “quarantine” on individuals identified as “close contacts.”
Only a lab-confirmed positive test or the display of physical symptoms can be used as justification for removal from campus.
MFISD will not provide remote learning this school year All students will be taugh with in-person, on-campus instruction.
In the event of a “quarantine,” students will receive their instruction from webbased platforms with close coordination from their teachers Superintendent Chris Allen said the teachers have become skilled in the use of these platforms over the last two years.
Schedules
Elementary schools in the district start at 7:45 a.m. and the final bell is scheduled for 3:15 p.m.
Marble Falls Middle School students will star classes at 8:10 a.m. until 3:50 p.m.
MFHS students begin instruction at 8:25 a.m. with scheduled release at 4:10 p.m.