MISD students back in class come November

Marlin Independent School District announced this week that all students will be making the transition back to on-campus learning at the start of the third grading period of the school year, next Monday, Nov. 2. 

According to Dr. Darryl Henson, MISD Superintendent, the district has taken careful consideration of attendance and academic performance and deemed it in the students’ best interest to return to the classroom.

“Unfortunately, over half of our virtual academy students have either failed one or more

courses or have excessive absences (more than five); specifically, 83 percent of MVA students at Marlin High School failed at least one course during the first six-week grading period,” the educator stated in a letter to the MISD community. “The data reveals that at-home virtual instruction has not been successful for most of our students due to lack of participation, engagement, and accountability.”

Henson told the Marlin Democrat at the end of September that scores were ‘not where they need[ed] to be.’ He also emphasized that progress has been made from where the year began. 

“It is highly encouraging to see the hard work being done by our teachers pay off in terms of student learning,” Henson quipped. 

Exceptions to the on-campus instructional transition requirements will be made for (1) students who themselves or have someone within their household who is considered to be medically fragile as defined by the CDC or (2) prekindergarten or kindergarten students who are currently enrolled in virtual learning. Documentation from a medical doctor is required and must be submitted to the campus principal by Friday, October 30, 2020.

Marlin ISD will continue to allow virtual instruction for any student who is subject to a short-term quarantine at the recommendation of a healthcare provider or in compliance with the district COVID exposure flow chart.

“Our district remains committed to following health and safety protocols as outlined in our COVID response plan,” Henson assures the community. “All students and employees are expected to adhere to those guidelines to ensure that we keep our campuses safe and allow students to participate in the activities they love.”

If you have any questions please contact Dr. Darryl Henson at dhenson@marlinisd.org or Dr. Stacy Parker, Executive Director of Student Services, at sparker@marlinisd.org.