Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Superintendent message to In-Person Learners - Sept. 25, 2020

(Spanish)

Dear Families of In-Person Learners,

It was a great week of learning despite the weather! Thank you for your flexibility as we switched to a remote learning day on Tuesday for the safety of students, families and staff. Here are some updates and reminders for the week ahead:

Learning model change

If you wish to change your child’s learning model from in-person to distance learning for the second nine weeks, you may do so now until Friday, Oct. 2, at midnight.

The second nine weeks begins on Monday, Oct. 19.

If you choose to move from in-person learning to distance learning, the process requires you to complete the Learning Model Selection Change Form. Access via Skyward Family Access.

If your student will remain in their current Learning Model for the second nine weeks, no action is required.

When changing learning models, please know your child’s teacher(s) may change. Class assignments have been made based on family choice for the first 9 weeks. As we move forward, class assignments will depend on your child’s grade level and how many students are online or in-person. For specific questions, please contact your child’s campus.

Progress reports

Progress reports will be forthcoming based on the schedule below. In the meantime, please continue to keep up with your child’s assignments and how they are doing using Skyward Family Access and Itslearning.

  • Friday, September 25 – Elementary students (Check with your campus on mode of distribution)
  • Tuesday, October 6 – Secondary students (via Skyward)

November 3 – Remote learning day

November 3, Election Day, was originally scheduled as a student holiday and staff PD/flex day. However, as the 2020-21 calendar was adjusted to begin school a week later this year, November 3 will now be a remote learning day for all students. Students will learn virtually from home and teachers and staff will report to school.

This change helps us meet the required annual number of instructional minutes set forth by the Texas Education Agency. Parents, please note that on remote learning days like November 3, your child will have assignments and required evidence of learning engagement. Be on the lookout for more specific information from your child’s school and teacher(s).

View the 2020-21 Academic Calendar.

Health screener

Thank you to all families who have been completing the health screener daily for your students!

As a reminder, the health screener can be accessed via the district website (there is a blue box on the homepage titled ‘HEALTH SCREENER’ or by clicking here.)  High school students may complete their own screener, but not those of their siblings.

It will take all of us to keep our campus doors open. Please be sure you are doing your part by completing the screener each day.

Attendance reminder

For families that have chosen the in-person learning model, attendance is critical: in-person attendees cannot switch to remote learning temporarily for family convenience, such as to travel out of town. If you have any specific questions about attendance, please contact your child’s campus.

Grade-Level Guides

We are excited to announce new SBISD grade level guides (PK-12) that have been developed by our Academics team to provide an overview of what your child will learn in school every nine weeks and resources to support their learning at home.

You will find strategies based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and SBISD priority standards to help you help your child meet his or her learning goals.Teams of SBISD teachers studied the TEKS and further identified the essential, or priority, standards necessary to master at each grade level. These guides provide clearconsistent expectations for what SBISD students should be learning as we strive to prepare Every Child for his/her T-2-4 goals.

Access the grade level guides here.

Gratitude

As we continue to get into the flow of the new school year, we know it continues to be a time of adjustment for us all - parents and educators alike. On behalf of our principals, teachers and campus staff, thank you for your support as we near the halfway point in our first nine weeks. We appreciate you all very much.

Have a great weekend.

Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools