School is back in session, Team & Family! We want to share some of the most frequently asked questions about the 2021-22 school year, including our plans for continued rigorous and joyful in-person instruction and the steps we are taking to ensure your student is healthy, connected and continuously learning. 

Health & Safety Protocols 

Will IDEA Public Schools provide a virtual learning option for the 2021-22 school year? 

Our priority is to begin the 2021-22 academic year with 100% in-person instruction across all regions and states. Current state requirements limit IDEA’s ability to offer students a virtual learning option at this time. 

In addition, our schools’ experience over the last year demonstrates that students learn best in person and that schools can operate safely with responsible precautions in place. IDEA believes that each of our campuses provide an environment that allows us to deliver on our promise of a safe and excellent education for every student. 

We will continue to monitor changes in guidance from the CDC, state and local health authorities. 

Where can we find information on health and safety protocols?  

For the newest information on health and safety protocols related to your state or region, please see the regional webpages below. You can also find our general district health and safety protocols and review our IDEA Self-Screening Guide for Students and Staff at ideapublicschools.org/back2school2021/health-and-safety-information. 

Texas Health & Safety Protocols 

Louisiana Health & Safety Protocols 

Florida Health & Safety Protocols 

Will masks be required for all students and staff for the 2021-22 school year? 

Mask policies vary by region. Following the latest CDC guidance, announced on 7/27/21, we recommend that everyone in our K-12 schools wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Please see your state and region’s specific health and safety protocols for direction on mask policies for this school year. 

Back to School Schedule & Updates  

Where can I go to get the latest information about going back to school?  

Please visit ideapublicschools.org/back2school2021 to get the latest information and back-to-school updates. You can also contact your campus directly or follow your campus Facebook page to receive campus and region-specific guidance, as available.  

Where can I find my academic calendar? 

You can find your region’s academic calendar online under the “Academic Calendars” section at ideapublicschools.org/back2school2021/academic-information. This includes your region’s holidays, teacher workdays, bad weather days and more. 

Transportation 

Where can I find information on transportation for my region? 

Information on transportation services and updated safety measures can be found at ideapublicschools.org/back2school2021/transportation. The regions/campuses offering transportation for the 2021-22 school year are: 

• Rio Grande Valley 
• Southern Louisiana 
• Greater Houston 
• Austin (IDEA Montopolis ONLY) 
• IDEA Travis will have transportation in partnership with Midland ISD 
• IDEA Yukon 
• Tampa Bay 

Academics  

Where can we find information on school supplies?  

For the available lists of school supplies, please visit the “School Supplies” button at ideapublicschools.org/back2school2021/school-essentials. If your campus is not listed here, please reach out to your campus directly via phone, email, or on their Facebook page, and they can provide more details. 

Where can we find information on uniforms? 

You can review IDEA’s Uniform Guide in English and Spanish at ideapublicschools.org/back2school2021/school-essentials. This guide will direct you on what your scholar should be wearing to school and where to purchase it. 

How do I complete the registration process? 

If your child will be new to IDEA this school year, please do not wait any longer to complete the registration process at ideapublicschools.org/registration. Completing this process now will help your campus prepare for your child’s arrival and plan their schedule. Need help registering your student? Contact your campus directly for assistance. 

Is IDEA offering 1:1 student technology for the 2021-22 school year? If so, when and where do I pick up my student’s devices? 

IDEA aims to leverage 1:1 computer access to help students learn at home, close the homework gap, and get ready to be successful in college, career, and a technology-centered world. Every IDEA student is issued the appropriate technology equipment to support the seamless delivery of quality instruction. 

Technology distribution will be handled on the campus level. Campuses will provide information for technology pickup and other directions. Please contact your campus directly for questions about our scholar’s 1:1 device.  

How do students log in online with their new technology devices?  

For steps on how to log in to your scholar’s new technology device, visit ideapublicschools.org/learningtech. There, you can find the “Getting Started Guide,” watch tutorial videos, download the student technology user agreement or request technical support.  

How will my campus be communicating with me moving forward?  

To learn about the various ways your campus will be sending communications to families, please visit ideapublicschools.org/back2school2021/parent-communication. You can find information on Teams, the Parent Communication Flow Chart, and how to add a class via the Remind app.