Frequently Asked Questions – News and Press – Westlake Academy Charter School

Westlake Academy is working hard to provide the latest information to our community. Information is changing rapidly as are the mandates set forth by the Texas government, TEA and Tarrant county. Please know that we will do our best to communicate changes as close to real time as possible but with so many factors our of our control, all information herein is subject to change. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please email us so that we can assist you.

When will school start for the 2020-2021 School Year?

School will begin on Monday, August 24, 2020 at 7:55 am. The first four weeks of school will be remote for all students. The first day of in-person instruction will be on Monday, September 21.

Will I have a choice on how my student will learn this school year?

An initial survey was conducted to determine trends. The Texas Education Agency requires all parents to make a selection for their students 2-weeks prior to the start of school, which for us is Monday, August 24. An Instructional Delivery Choice Commitment Form is due back to us August 10 where you will be asked to make a selection for your student for the first 9-week grading period (through 10-8-20). Learn more about the types of learning by grade level here.

Will there be a hybrid model where students will both come to school for in-person instruction and learn remotely?

We will be offering hybrid model for our students in grades 9-12 per guidelines provided by the Texas Education Agency. Details on the three types of learning models are outlined in the Academic Protocols section of our website.

What about Fall Sports? Will we be having them?

We are hosting a Facebook Live event on Thursday, August 13 at 4 pm dedicated to Athletics, Extracurricular Activities and Food Service. At this time, we will outline the details of these plans. We are following the guidance of our league (TCAF) and the UIL as plans are coalescing but as of today we do know that we will be having Fall Sports beginning Monday, September 21 and students can participate even if they choose remote learning.

What is the Facebook Live Event Schedule?

Thursday, August 13: Athletics, Extracurricular Activities and Food Service, 4 pm

Thursday, August 20: Back to School Events: PYP - 4 pm; Secondary - 5 pm

Thursday, August 27: Counseling, 4 pm

Will my student be expected to wear a mask if they choose in-person or hybrid learning?

Yes - all students and staff will be expected to wear a mask on campus. We ask that the masks are neutral colors with no slogans, printed sayings, photos, inappropriate graphics, scary images, animal faces and expressions. We also ask that students do not wear gaiters, neck buffs or face shields.

Will there be a Back to School Night this year? How will my student find out who their teacher is (PYP) or get their class schedule (Secondary)?

Yes - we will be hosting our Back to School Nights via a Facebook Live Event on Thursday, August 20. PYP will begin at 4 pm and Secondary will begin at 5 pm. Students will "meet" their teachers virtually.

The first day of school changed to August 24. Does this mean that we will go to school into June?

No. We have added 5 minutes to our school day and made some other slight adjustments. School hours this year are 7:55 am - 3:15 pm. Our new Academic Calendar has been approved by the Board of Trustees and is available to view on our website.

Will all students be given an iPad for remote learning?

Yes - all of our students will be issued an iPad for learning. Kindergarten students and all other new students will be receiving their iPads before school begins. Details are forthcoming on how iPads will be distributed.

Are students required to wear their uniforms during remote learning?

Yes - all students are expected to wear their casual uniform (polo shirts) during remote learning. We also ask that they are in a setting conducive to learning such as a desk or a table.

What will a typical day of learning look like in the various learning scenarios: remote, in-person and hybrid?

Detailed information on this can be found on our website in the Academic Protocols section of Back to School 2020-2021.

What Safety Protocols are in place for the safety of my student if I choose in-person learning?

Visit our Back to School 2020-2021 webpage to see the details on our Health Protocols.

Will remote learning students and in-person learning students be in the same "classroom" or taught simultaneously?

Details on this are still being fleshed out as we collect our Instructional Delivery Selection data. We will provide more on this in the weeks to come.

Will my student need all of their school supplies starting on Monday, August 24th?

No - our teachers and administration will provide more information on this as we get closer to school starting but students will just need basic supplies for the first few weeks of remote learning. Teachers will notify students as additional supplies are needed.

When we come back to campus on Monday, September 21, how will lunch be handled?

Students will eat lunch in their classrooms and we will continue to monitor the safety of when we can return to eating in the Dining Halls. Our caterer will provide the opportunity for parents to purchase individually packaged lunch options that will be delivered to the students in their classrooms.

How often will I be allowed to make an instructional delivery choice for my student(s).

Every 9 week grading period you will be making an instructional delivery selection for your student(s).

How will classrooms be designed to provide 6-ft. of safe distancing for my student?

Our Administration and Facilities personnel are working to reorganize our classrooms to maximize safety and efficiency with the safe distancing protocols.