Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

(Spanish)

General Information

What does it mean to suspend normal operations?

SBISD has suspended normal district operations beginning March 23 and continuing through Friday, May 1, 2020. During this time, students will remain at home and employees are not to report to any district facilities, unless directed to do so by their supervisor.

Updated April 2, 2020

What will determine if SBISD stays closed longer?

We will review our reopening plans the week of April 27. Decisions will remain aligned with guidance from local, state and national government and health agencies.

Updated April 2, 2020

What do I do if I think I have been exposed to the Coronavirus?

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. For more information or recommendations, visit the CDC website.

Updated March 23, 2020 

Where should I look for information? 

It is best to rely on factual information from reliable sources. Here are links to information about COVID- 19 from local, state, national and international health organizations:

• Houston Health Department
• Harris County Public Health
• Texas Department of State Health Services
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization

SBISD has also set up a webpage dedicated to COVID-19 that can be referenced for basic information, resources and district updates.

Updated March 23, 2020

 

Information for Students

What is expected of me during the suspended time off?

While students are learning from home, you are expected to: (1) Make a schedule for learning, (2) Find a quiet place to study, (3) Watch for communication from your teachers, (4) Do your personal best work, complete lessons with integrity and academic honesty, (5) Communicate with your teachers when you need additional support, and (6) Comply with SBISD’s Acceptable Use Policy, including expectations for online etiquette CQ (Exhibit).

Updated March 24, 2020

What is the digital backpack?

Keeping kids engaged in learning is important. SBISD is providing all families with a weekly summary of student learning activities aligned to the 4th nine weeks TEKS. Our eLearning guides align with your student's grade level and are intended to support continued learning outside of the classroom. They contain: (1) simple objectives, (2) guidelines for parents, and (3) activities for kids. Visit the Digital Backpack site to download grade-level specific eLearning Guides at www.springbranchisd.com/digitalbackpack. Families will receive Digital Backpack communication each week via e-mail.

Updated March 24, 2020

Where can I get printed learning guides?

Continue to monitor district communication each week for information on printed packet pick-up. The self-study packets will also be available as PDFs and by grade level on the eLearning Archive page and can be printed at home.

Updated April 2, 2020

Will work in the digital backpack be graded? 

SBISD is awaiting guidance from the Texas Education Agency regarding grading and promotion criteria.

Updated March 24, 2020

What if I don't have internet access at home?

Comcast and AT&T are offering free & discounted internet, hotspots and devices during this national crisis. Here is contact information: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1584410088/springbranchisdcom/r8cy3n6ywanmpe8601w0/DI SCOUNTED-HOME-INTERNET-SERVICE-PLANS-FOR-STUDENT-LEARNING.pdf

Updated March 24, 2020

How can I connect with my teachers?

The best way to connect with your teacher is through email. Every campus website has a pull-down at

the top of the page titled “About” from there you will find a link to a page called “Staff (A-Z).” From that page you will be able to email your teacher.

Updated March 24, 2020

What should I do if I am feeling anxious or stressed? 

Counselors will continue to be available to support students during their normal work hours. Students can communicate with counselors via email and counselors will follow-up to provide a viable way to dialogue with the student.

Updated March 24, 2020

What do I do if I am worried about my family?

Students should still reach out to their counselors for all social-emotional concerns. As we hear about specific student concerns, we will continue to develop additional materials to share with our students, staff and families to help them navigate the unique circumstances we will face in the coming weeks.

Updated March 24, 2020

Do I have to take the STAAR Test? 

The State of Texas has decided to cancel all STAAR testing this spring. So no students will be taking a STAAR test this semester.

Updated March 24, 2020

Do I have to take end of course tests for graduation?

If you are a senior, who needs to pass one or more End-of-Course (EOC) exams, we will be providing you another way to meet your graduation requirements. Your counselor will be reaching out to you with more information. For non-seniors, if you are currently taking a course that has an EOC exam requirement (Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, U.S. History) you will be exempt from taking those exams and they will not be required for graduation.

Updated March 24, 2020

How will my grades be calculated?

We continue to work on this answer, in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). It important for you to complete all assignments with your very best work and do your best to meet all deadlines.

Updated March 24, 2020 

How can I apply for scholarships?

Students will be able to apply for scholarships and should continue researching the scholarships that are currently available by going to their high school’s counseling or scholarship page. Students must determine if they meet the requirements of each individual scholarship before applying. Most applications are either available online or in electronic form (pdf). Follow the instructions and fill out the application. Most scholarships will require additional documents. If the scholarship asks for a high school transcript, contact your school’s registrar. If letters of recommendation are required, reach out to your teachers or counselors by email. Be sure to mail or submit your complete application on time. This may mean sending in a full and complete application by mail and meeting a post-marked deadline.

Updated March 24, 2020

What about prom and graduation?

We have made the difficult decision to cancel/postpone proms and events that were scheduled during the month of April, but we have not yet made decisions about events in May. Additionally, we have not yet cancelled graduation ceremonies. At the same time, we are considering creative and meaningful ways to celebrate the Class of 2020 should circumstances require us to do so. Seniors should look for specific details about senior events coming out from your schools directly in the days ahead. This is a very special time for these students, and despite what’s happening around us, it’s important to celebrate our seniors and their accomplishments.

Updated April 2, 2020

What about dual credit?

HCC classes will be online for the rest of the semester. Your teachers are working hard to transition the information and assignments to an online environment. Please look for more information to come from HCC, your dual credit teacher(s), and Spring Branch ISD.

Updated March 24, 2020

What about OnRamps?

OnRamps teachers are working closely with the members of the OnRamps team in Austin. We will continue to offer the courses and students will continue to have the opportunity for both high school and college credits. More information will be coming from your OnRamps teacher, so check your email regularly.

Updated March 24, 2020

Will I be able to connect with my CIS staff member?

CIS staff will be available to support their students. The methods of communication may vary, but if a student reaches out to their CIS staff member by email, they will reply and/or make arrangements to dialogue with them. Student support will still be everyone’s first priority.

Updated March 24, 2020

How can I set up a routine so I keep learning?

It is best to follow a similar routine to the regular school schedule that you have been following. Keeping similar routines to what you have followed in the past will help you adjust to the changes that are occurring and ensure that you do not overlook any necessary work that must be completed.

Updated March 24, 2020 

What if there are too many distractions at home?

Finding a quiet space at home is not always easy. If possible, discuss options with your family to see if you can find a space within your home that can be dedicated to you during specific times of the day. If this is not possible, discuss with your parents alternative spaces at nearby friend's or relatives' homes. Please remember to practice safety first and follow recommended social distancing rules.

Updated March 24, 2020

Have the SAT and ACT been cancelled? How will I sign up for another date? 

College Board canceled the May 2, 2020 SAT and SAT Subject Test administration. Makeup exams for the March 14 administration (scheduled for March 28) are also canceled. Students who already registered for May, whose March test centers were closed, or who do not receive March scores because of any irregularities will receive refunds. Access to the most up-to-date information is available at https://www.collegeboard.org/

Students who already registered for May, whose March test centers were closed, or who do not receive March scores because of any irregularities will receive refunds.

In the coming days, College Board will share additional information and details directly with registered students and test centers.

They have not yet canceled the June 6, 2020 SAT and SAT Subject Test administration and will continue to assess its status, with the health and safety of students and educators as our top priority. We are also exploring the possibility of adding an international SAT administration later this school year.

The March 25 SAT School Day administration is postponed. College Board is working with local partners, and we’ll soon share further information about weekday school-based SAT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9 administrations scheduled for this spring

Updated March 24, 2020 

 

Information for Job Seekers

Can I apply for a job while SBISD is on suspended operation status? Will someone review applications? 

Yes, all SBISD jobs are posted on the district website under JOIN OUR TEAM or at www.springbranchisd.com. The Talent Team will be reviewing applications during the time our district normal operations are suspended. Contact our recruiters Karen Cossey, betty.cossey@springbranchisd.com and Cheryl Wienserski, cheryl.wienserski@springbranchisd.com.

Updated March 24, 2020

Are you conducting interviews during suspended operations status? 

Yes, our campus and district administrators will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews via teleconference and/or virtually.

Updated March 24, 2020  

What if I was planning to attend the Meet and Greet? 

The Talent Team will be reviewing the applications of the candidates who registered for the Meet and Greet. Campus administrators will be reaching out for interviews. Updated March 24, 2020