ADJUSTING
With Texas schools closed until at least April 6 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Iowa Park CISD has been proactive in preparing upcoming at-home instruction for students, and providing to-go breakfast/lunch bags for all children ages 1-18.
At-home instruction for students will begin Monday. Distribution of instructional materials is being planned by each campus, and will be communicated to students and parents today.
Home instruction is required by the state for schools to continue to receive funding, and to keep schools from being required to make up for missed days.
Initially, grades Pre-K through 4 were to receive instruction via paper packets and grades 5-12 to utilize the school’s Schoology online learning management system for instruction, according to Jodi Schlaud, ......... “But once we talked to parents and teachers, we decided we will go internet for third and fourth graders as well. If they (the students) have internet but don’t have a device, we will provide one for them.”
She added that, while grades 5-12 will utilize Schoology ... “grades three and four may be different, but they will be online.”
“We are so proud of the teachers for working on this,” Superintendent Steve Moody said. “They were doing this prior to Spring break on their own, and not because we told them to.”
Grades Pre-K through 4 will receive instruction via paper packets. Distribution and submission of student work will be organized by the student’s campus. They will communicate the logistics to students/parents later today.
Grades 5-12 will utilize Schoology. Each day, the student will login on their Schoology account to find their acourses and assignments.
Due dates will be set by each teacher for the assignments. “We encourage you to have your child show what they are completing on Schoology in order to monitor their progress,” the school said in a posting on ipcisd.net. “Your child has previously utilized Schoology or currently utilizes Schoology at school daily. Please communicate with your child’s principal via email if you do not have a device or internet service.”
Moody said that some students in all grades my still need paper packets, if they don’t have access to internet.
Parents will still be able to see see their child’s grades via Skyward Family Access. Grading may be more delayed than usual, but grades will eventually be posted.
Parents are advised to email their student’s teacher with any instructional questions. Their email address can be found on ipcisd.net.
Beginning Monday, there will be two troubleshooting links posted on ipcisd.net for parents. One link will be for questions regarding instruction, and one link will be for questions regarding school-issued technology.
FREE MEALS
Iowa Park CISD began a free breakfast/lunch graband-go on Monday. According to Moody, 178 of the combined meals were distributed at Kidwell Elementary on Monday, and 341 on Tuesday.
“We have plenty of sup plies for the next two weeks, and should be getting more deliveries soon,” Moody noted.
“We are very pleased with the participation so far,” he added. The school district will consider mobile deliveries in the future if there are enough requests.
The student meal pick-up is available for all children ages 1-18 during the school closure. Pick-up is at the front circle drive at Kidwell Elementary, 1200 N. 3rd St. Drivers are asked to remain in their vehicle when picking up meals. Federal guidelines require children to be present in the vehicle.
The program is open to all families, not just those who qualify for free or reduced meals.
“I am extremely proud of all the staff for stepping up in this time of need,” Moody said. We have a great appre ciation for how our parents and community have been in supporting the school.
“We will all work together to provide our students and the instructional services neccesary to ensure their success during the school closure.”
UIL EVENTS HALTED
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is extending its suspension of all UIL sanctioned activities due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Texas. All contests, practices, rehearsals and workouts will remain suspended until further notice.
At this time, the earliest games and contests may resume is Monday, May 4th. Prior to this date, the UIL will allow its member schools a reasonable acclimatization period for rehearsals and practices to occur. All decisions remain flexible and will be consistent with the advice of local, state and federal officials.
“We are working diligently on contingency plans to conduct state championships in each of the activities that have been suspended,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “While the immediate future is unclear, we are committed to providing these much-desired activities to all Texas students and will prepare for all possible outcomes, including extended school closures.”
The UIL will continue to provide timely, ongoing updates and is reassessing this ever-changing situation daily. Please continue to check the UIL website and social media accounts for further updates.
