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Meals for Students [Update Aug. 13, 2020]

[Updated Aug. 13, 2020] During the school year, BISD will serve meals to school-aged students enrolled in the District. The cost of the meals for both face-to-face and online learners will be determined by a student’s eligibility based on Free, Reduced, or Paid.  

For students participating in online learning, meals will be available for curbside pickup weekdays at the student’s home campus from 11 a.m. to noon. At that time, the individual picking up the meal(s) will have the option of picking up lunch, breakfast, or both. Parents, legal guardians, or the student may pick up meals. However, students will not be allowed to eat their meal on campus.  

Those who qualify for reduced or paid meals can pay with cash, but we recommend putting money into your student’s meal account via www.mypaymentsplus.com. (All students can participate in curbside pickup from Aug. 24 to Sept. 4. Beginning Sept. 8, curbside pickup is only available for students enrolled in online learning.)  

For students on campus for face-to-face instruction, meals will be served on disposable trays along with plasticware. During breakfast and lunch, appropriate social distancing will be followed as much as possible in the serving lines and while eating.  

Note: Meals are only available for students enrolled in Birdville ISD and will not be served when the District is closed for holidays. 

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BISD’s 2020 Reopening Plan: This Week’s Updates | August 12, 2020

BISD’s 2020 Reopening Plan continues to be revised as new and updated information becomes available. Don’t forget to regularly check back for updates. New content and updates will be identified with the tag “NEW” or “UPDATED” with a date. This week, the following sections had new or updated content added: 

  • Health & Safety 

  • Technology 

  • Child Nutrition 

  • Transportation 

Please note, under the Health & Safety section, important information was added about the requirement for all students and staff to wear masks (paper or cloth) on campus. 

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2020-21 Technology Distribution Information | August 11, 2020

2020 Chromebook Distribution

https://youtu.be/ACls7bYOAbY

2020 Requesting a Hotspot

https://youtu.be/nPl8jGW8_gk

Technology Devices 

  • BISD will check out a Chromebook to any student that does not have access to a computer, laptop, or Chromebook at home. To provide Chromebooks to as many students as possible, the District is encouraging families to only check out Chromebooks for their child(ren) if they do not already have access to a device at home for learning. 
  • Starting the week of August 17, Chromebooks will be distributed to families at their student’s home campus. Each campus will send specific details about pickup days, times, and locations. 
  • Parents are required to complete the Parent & Student Equipment Use Agreement prior to arriving for device pickup. The completed Agreement will be retained at the campus. Anyone showing up without a completed Agreement on file will be required to complete one upon arrival at the campus. The Agreement is available in Skyward Family Access and needs to be completed for each student needing to check out a device. Instructions on how to access the Agreement can be found on the Technology Knowledge Base: BISD Parent & Student Equipment Use Agreement in Skyward. 
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Face-to-Face or Online Instruction: We Hear You

BISD logoBISD hears the frustration of parents and staff over the ever-changing plan to start school. The District understands your frustration because we are frustrated too. The changes being made are a direct result of constantly changing guidelines from state and local agencies. These agencies want the best for the children and staff, and that is why the guidance provided to school districts across the state continues to evolve, and we anticipate changes will continue to come as more is learned about COVID-19.  

Regardless of your feelings concerning COVID-19, it has completely disrupted all our lives. 

Here is where we are as of Friday, July 31 

On Tuesday, July 28, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued legal guidance on school opening for the upcoming school year. This guidance allows the District to reevaluate its plan for the start of face-to-face instruction. BISD’s board of trustees will decide on this matter in early August.  

What does BISD need from parents?   

BISD is asking parents to go ahead and register their child(ren) for the 2020–21 school year by Monday, Aug. 10. When you register, please indicate your preference between face-to-face and online instruction for your child(ren). Your selection does not permanently lock you into that choice. By indicating your preference, it allows the District to begin developing plans for classes on the campuses. Again, parents will have the opportunity to change their choice between the two platforms. 

As BISD finalizes procedures for changing between face-to-face and online, the District will post the details through our various communications channels. 

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July 28, 2020: Notes from Dr. Brown

Dear BISD Family, 

 

On Thursday, July 23, my administration and I presented BISD’s Reopening Plan (Plan) for 2020 to the trustees at their monthly Board meeting. (View presentation to the Board) We anticipate the Plan will continue to evolve based on further guidance from the CDC, the Texas Education Agency, Governor Abbott, Tarrant County Public Health, or Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley.

  

Safety is, and always will be, my number one priority. That is why we are working closely with these agencies to make sure students and staff are safe when face-to-face instruction resumes. Despite our best efforts, I realize that no plan will ever be perfect. However, our plan will continue to be refined to make sure we are doing all we can to protect students and staff.

 

Inside the Plan are details for face-to-face instruction and online instruction. Currently, all Tarrant County public schools are under a health order restricting face-to-face instruction until Sept. 28. Therefore, BISD is working to fine–tune our online learning plan in preparation for the beginning of school on Monday, August 24.

  

During the first six weeks of school, BISD will provide online learning for students. Students will not be physically present in a traditional classroom environment, but instead will receive lessons in a digital environment. This format will allow students and teachers to connect as a class in multiple ways, including discussion boards, interactive assignments, lesson videos, video conferences, and more.  

Many parents have asked if grading will be the same or different from the end of the spring semester. BISD’s grading guidelines and policies will be followed for online (asynchronous remote) learning and will be consistent with the grading policies for on-campus assignments. Students will receive numeric grades, and all reporting grades will be used to determine promotion to the next grade level and, for high school courses, will count towards a student’s grade point average (GPA). High school courses and numeric grades will be reflected on a student’s transcript. 

I am excited to announce that BISD is working to begin the school year by providing students with Chromebooks to be able to participate in online learning. For families needing assistance with internet connectivity, BISD is working to provide assistance. Before the first day of online instruction, the District will provide details. 

Let me encourage you to read and follow BISD’s Reopening Plan. As we update the Plan, we will flag new or updated information to make it easier for parents and staff to quickly see. 

 

Respectfully, 

Darrell G. Brown, Ph.D. 
Superintendent of Schools