Big Sandy ISD

Hello Big Sandy, Please click the link below for an important message from Big Sandy ISD. https://tinyurl.com/y6krl52v

Big Sandy ISD had a wonderful first day of school. Our kids were so happy to be back and our teachers welcomed them with open arms. After being away for so long, it was great for us all to finally be back in class. A few reminders as we move forward during this unique time. While we are all happy to have kids back in school, it is important to remember that children can NOT come to school if they: 1. Live or have been around anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last two weeks 2. Have a family member (brother, sister, parent, etc) who has been sent home from school for COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19 within the last two weeks 3. Have any COVID-19 related symptoms (Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, any new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, etc). If any of these situations apply to your children, please contact the school nurse or principal BEFORE bringing them to school for more information. We are so thankful for your trust when it comes to educating your children. We look forward to many great days ahead!

As some of our students will be in Remote Asynchronous Learning to begin the 2020-2021 school year, we will provide cereal breakfasts and lunches available for pickup only. The pickup time will be: • 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm ONLY, and • Located outside the cafeteria by the tractor and trailer This is available for all students that are Paid, Free, or Reduced. Paid and Reduced lunch accounts must have money on their school lunch accounts, since meals are only available at no charge to those on Free lunch. You may go online to put money in your child’s lunch account or you may drop off money, during meal pick-up time, to put in their account. Students will only be allowed to charge four breakfasts and three lunches (8.00 maximum), and applicable to Paid and Reduced students only. Pick-up breakfast and lunch will NOT be provided on early release days. Please let us know if you are interested in our breakfast and lunch pick-up. You can email Mrs. Joan Ford at jford@bigsandyisd.org, fill out the form at https://forms.gle/p55CyMY3r3cNncsu8 , or call (903) 636-5287 ext 230. This must be done at least 24 hours in advance of meal pick-up and NO LATER THAN 10:00 AM THE DAY OF PICK-UP. It is going to be a GREAT school year!!

To Our Big Sandy ISD Students, Parents and Guardians, Tomorrow, Big Sandy ISD will start school after what many people might describe as the “longest spring break ever.” On the eve of a new school year, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for trusting us with your loved ones. Whether you are attending school in person or remotely, we are honored to be serving your kids at the start of the 2020-2021 school year. This year will be unique, and we will no doubt encounter several speed bumps along the way. I ask that you consider all of the hard work and preparation that our school employees have engaged in as the year begins. We will make mistakes, and we will change our way of doing things as the year goes on. But I’ve never been as proud of a group of people as I am our staff. They are eagerly waiting for our kids and can’t wait to start working with them. I hope you will show them the grace they deserve as we begin this challenging year. Finally, I want you to know that we are doing everything we can, with the latest guidance that we have from the state, to make our schools as safe as possible. We understand that there is some uncertainty in the coming days, weeks, and months, but we are ready for your kids, no matter how they decide to learn. I’m so fortunate to be the Superintendent in Big Sandy, and I look forward to meeting all of our kids in the coming days. I also look forward to meeting all of you as the year progresses. This is going to be a fantastic year. Let’s do this! Mike Burns Superintendent Big Sandy ISD

Wildcat Families - Check out this link to access our Back to School Plan and other important information items. https://sites.google.com/bigsandyisd.org/big-sandy-isd/home If you requested a device those will be available on Tuesday, August 11 from 11-2 and 5-6:30 at the foyer of the High School Gym. All paperwork must be turned into the office before device can be picked up.

Attention Bus and Car Riders: Every student that rides the bus regardless of age will be required to wear a face mask or shield. Car riders in the afternoon will also be required to wear a face mask or shield in the hallways while they wait to be picked up. Thank you for your help with this.

Heads up Wildcat Families: Due to microwaves being a high touch surface area the school has made the decision to remove them for use in the cafeteria. Please plan to send items with your child/children that do not need to be heated. Also, outside food items cannot be delivered - students must bring their lunch with them or eat in the cafeteria. Thank you for your understanding about this change. As soon as the CDC guidelines allow they will be returned.

Important Upcoming Dates Junior High and High School Schedule Pickup All students MUST bring packets filled out and proof of residency to get a schedule this includes students who will be doing remote learning. Monday, August 3rd from 8:00 am - 11:00 am 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Bring Packets completed (filled out) with proof of residency. HS Office for 9, 10, 11, 12 JH Office for 7, 8 For working parents of the above grade levels the HS Office will be open until 6:20 pm for schedule pick up on August 4th, and August 6th. Bring packets and proof of residency. Tuesday, August 4th from 6:30:7:30 pm there will be a 6th Grade Reception in Cafeteria for student’s with Last Names starting with A-G. Thursday, August 6th from 6:30:7:30 pm there will be a 6th Grade Reception in Cafeteria for student’s with Last Names starting with H-Z. Monday, August 10th - Football Meeting 6:00 pm at Wildcat Stadium August 10, 2020 - Aurora Concepts will be hosting a shot clinic from 4:00-6:00 in the nurse’s office. Shots that will be administered include boosters, 7th grade, and pre-college. You must enter through the black gate at the digital sign area. Meet the Teacher will be Elementary Campus only. Monday, August 10th - PK-2nd grade GIRLS- 4:00-5:00 PK-2nd grade BOYS- 5:15-6:15 Tuesday, August 11th 3rd -5th grade GIRLS-4:00-5:00 3rd -5th grade BOYS-5:15-6:15

Hello Big Sandy Family. I know that many of you have questions regarding the start of school on August 12th. Currently, the district plans on starting school in person but also providing families the choice to attend school online. The district has developed several documents that will give you more information and help guide you in your decision-making process. The first form is a letter regarding the differences between the two types of learning. It can be found by clicking this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSTatYtImrfzKG7eP9vj1TpkrjJIFaU1vPfgG-vyp0aSTWGnKCJd9SZuqjwOhZ9caVSL9iBRpiTiaLJ/pub The second link is a FAQ page that will answer many of your questions on in-person vs. remote learning. It can be found by clicking this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR20w6hFd23gs3uXka9Xh0tq-8C3dK7Ehc4QuIvCNrCdsuYyb1uX_9M6pNwCNbZzyFwBOyZsq1jpntU/pub Finally, the district asks that you make a commitment to either face-to-face learning or remote learning so that plans can be made to best provide resources to all of our students. That link can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXRSRdI5dVH3nlWIJDuhzRvhbupIXguG-MPmrH_E7bPK2Big/viewform?usp=sf_link As always, thank you for all of your patience and understanding during this time. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Dear Big Sandy ISD (Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff): Over the last four months or so, I’ve spent most of my time talking about navigating through the COVID crisis by uttering one phrase - “We just don’t know.” This time has been a difficult time for anyone who has a connection to our schools. Nothing has been normal, and public schools have had to pivot and change, frequently daily. Through it all, educators have answered the challenge. In about six weeks, Big Sandy ISD will start school again for the 2020-21 school year. There are still many things that “we just don’t know,” but after spending the last month working in this district, there ARE many things that I DO know: No matter what school looks like in the fall, Big Sandy ISD is full of amazing people who will love your children, and do everything they can to support them either in person or through remote instruction. Our staff misses our students. I hear it every day. We can’t wait to get back to normal, but normal might still look a little different for a while. No matter what school looks like, I can promise you that your students will be loved and cared for by the teachers, staff, and administration in Big Sandy ISD. While “we don’t know” precisely what school will look like in the fall, I do know that there is a fantastic team of people in place that have been working so hard this summer to make sure that your students will be safe. The district team is developing plans to implement as many safety measures as possible while still trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for our students. The school will look different, but we will be as safe as we can be, and we will do everything in our power to make sure your children are comfortable while with us during the school day. For those of you who will choose to keep your students at home and learn remotely to start the year, we are also working on plans that will help them learn and feel a connection to their teachers and other students as the year begins. If we have to wear masks, I can promise you that our teachers and staff will have a plan to teach students the right way to wear them and why it is important to do so. Just like we teach students how to read and write, we will teach students how to navigate the requirements of living in a COVID-19 world. If we don’t have to wear masks, our teachers will teach students the best way to social distance and use proper hygiene to ensure that they are safe when they are with us. Our teachers and staff love your kids, and we will do everything we can to keep them safe. That is one thing that I do know. Last spring, our students, and especially our seniors, missed out on so many rites of passage usually experienced during the spring. “We don’t know” what we will and will not be able to do as the year begins. But I do know that no matter what happens in the fall, we will do everything to ensure that even if events get canceled, we figure out ways to make up for it when this virus starts to go away. I DO know that none of this has been normal. Our kids are hurting. Our kids are missing their friends. And even though many might not want to admit it, our kids are missing being at school. When our students come back, we will be there for them. We will teach them, but we will also listen to them, talk to them, comfort them, and begin to feel normal again. During my first week in Big Sandy, a superintendent from a neighboring district told me that I “landed” in a great place. After finishing my first month in the district, I know why that superintendent was right. I have met some of the nicest, caring, and respectful people that I’ve ever been around during my career in public education. Almost every person I’ve talked to has mentioned positive things about our children and their role in their lives. I’m so thankful that I “landed” in Big Sandy ISD and can’t wait to meet even more of you in the coming weeks. There will be some difficult decisions ahead, and not everyone will be pleased with some of the choices that we make as a team, but I promise you we will make those decisions with love in regards to what we believe is best for ALL of our kids. This much I DO know. I also know that you will be hearing more from us in the next few weeks as things become clearer. Please pay attention to your mailboxes, our website, and our Facebook page as we make announcements in the coming weeks. Thank you so much for trusting our team and me with your kids. I can’t wait to start meeting all of them soon. Mike Burns Superintendent Big Sandy ISD

The link that was sent out previously might not have worked for some of you. It should work now. Thank you for your patience.

Hello Big Sandy ISD Family, The leadership team at Big Sandy is in the initial phases of planning for what a return to school in the fall will look like for our students and staff. Based on initial guidance from the Texas Education Agency, this survey is asking about different possible models for school opening in the fall. Because our guidance is preliminary, this plan is expected to evolve and change and we learn more. Your response to these questions can help us develop a plan that will allow us to open schools safely during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The information you provide to us in this survey is crucial in helping us ensure that students and staff have the healthiest learning and working environments possible. The link to the survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/NtkrhQn5GgzPUrgVA As always, the district appreciates your patience as we all learn to navigate this new "normal" together as a family. Thanks for your time, Mike Burns Superintendent Big Sandy Independent School District

Attention: We will be holding a Substitute Training Class on July 14, 2020 at 9:00 am. If you would like to substitute teach for Big Sandy ISD, please consider attending this training.

Incoming Juniors and Seniors, please check your emails. Ms. Tapley has sent you all an email regarding the work program. If you are interested check your email and get in touch with her as soon as you can.

Hello Big Sandy Family! Last night, the school board approved an adjusted 2020-21 Academic Calendar that will allow the district to start school earlier and bank more instructional minutes in case the need arises to close school during the school year because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Also, since our students have been away from school since early March, getting them back in school sooner should help them get back on track academically. The first day of school in Big Sandy will be on August 12, and students will still be finished with the school year before Memorial Day Weekend (May 27). While changing the calendar this late isn’t ideal under normal circumstances, as we all know, this Pandemic has made life anything but ordinary. I appreciate all of your patience as we navigate through this crisis. As we get more guidance from the Texas Education Agency on starting school, we will continue to communicate with our community. Thanks, Mike Burns Superintendent

Class of 2020 Graduation has been uploaded to YouTube. https://youtu.be/pJzrsAlBqzA

Just a reminder...all guests will be COVID-19 screened prior to entering the stadium for graduation this evening. Masks will be optional, but encouraged for guests. Please remember that the 2020 Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed on Big Sandy ISD's Facebook page. Also, a professional photographer will be at the graduation tonight to capture each graduate's special moment along with a class picture of all graduates. Thank you!

BIG SANDY HIGH SCHOOL IS SO EXCITED TO HOST THE 2019-2020 GRADUATION CEREMONY TOMORROW EVENING (MAY 29TH) BEGINNING 8:00 P.M. AT WILDCAT STADIUM. THE GRADUATION CEREMONY WILL BE LIVE STREAMED ON BIG SANDY ISD'S FACEBOOK PAGE. Click on the following link to access the ceremony: https://www.facebook.com/BigSandyWildcats/ Required Guidelines from Governor Abbott for a Safe Graduation Ceremony • Closed to public. • Everyone must have a ticket to be admitted. • ONLY handicapped parking will be allowed behind the school at the stadium. Handicapped designation must be visible to be allowed into parking area. • Gates will open at 7:15 p.m. • There will be two gates, one at either end of the home stands. • Visitors must be COVID-19 screened and cleared to enter and then submit ticket for admission. • Social distancing is required. Please be aware of designated areas to sit. • Seniors will be allowed to go onto the football field at the conclusion of graduation to throw their caps. • Unfortunately, the tradition of family and visitors leaving the stands and going onto the football field is PROHIBITED this year. Once the ceremony is concluded, please exit the stands and the stadium and make your way to your vehicles. • There cannot be bystanders in the parking lot or along the fence. • If it rains, the ceremony will be moved to the following day, Saturday, May 30th in the stadium at 8:00 pm. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR SENIORS ON THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS AND THANK YOU GOES TO EVERYONE THAT HELPED COORDINATE THIS SPECIAL EVENT!

Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a one-time food benefit for families who lost access to free or reduced-price meals due to school closures. Eligible P-EBT families will receive application instructions from schools in late May. The P-EBT application will open the first week of June. P-EBT food benefits are for children who received SNAP food benefits for March 2020 and children who are certified for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2019-20 Texas school year. For more information, visit: hhs.texas.gov/PEBT

Please welcome Mr. Mike Burns as our new Superintendent. His first official day in the district is Monday, June 1, 2020. Mike Burns is entering his 19th year in education. He started his career as a high school English teacher in Malakoff ISD. After six years in Malakoff, he taught English and Social Studies in Coppell ISD at New Tech High @ Coppell, a school that used Project-Based Learning as its primary method of instruction. After four years at New Tech, Mike went back to his alma mater, UT Tyler, where he served in several roles for the Edgenuity Center, including an Instructional Coach and Principal of the University’s charter school. In 2015, Mike returned to Malakoff to become the district’s Director of Curriculum and Instructional Technology. Mike earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from UT Tyler and holds teaching certifications in English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Journalism. He also holds Principal and Superintendent administrative certifications. Mike is married to his wife Molly, and the two have three children. His step-son Layne McGuire (11) is entering 6th grade, his daughter Bridget (5) is starting Kindergarten, and his son Matthew (3) is enjoying his time at home with Molly before he starts school. Mike enjoys cooking, spending time on the lake, watching sports, and spending time with his family in his spare time.