Covid 19 testing today in San Saba

 

Hace solo unos minutos recibí un aviso de que las pruebas gratuitas para el Coronavirus estarán disponibles en el centro cívico de San Saba solo hoy. Debe llamar con anticipación y hacer una cita. No puedes simplemente aparecer. No te pondrán a prueba. Si cree que necesita hacerse la prueba, llame al 512-883-2400 o visite el sitio web www.txcovidtest.com. Recuerde que debe tener una cita. Por favor, pase esta información.

Sinceramente
Wayne Kelly
Superintendente de SSISD

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Graduation Information Update

 

English:

Dear Parents, 

I told you we would be sending out information about Senior Graduation. The Commissioner has stated at this time that there will be no face to face graduation they must all be virtual. What does that mean? It means we will have to get creative and we are not sure exactly what it will look like. We have some really great ideas to try to make the class of 2020 graduation as special as we can. There are some possibilities that could change how graduation will look. Here are 3 possible scenarios.

Phase 1- Virtual graduation only

Phase 2- Limited assembly with family members and social distancing

Phase 3- A normal graduation

The Commissioner will give more guidance within the next 3 weeks but as of right now the entire state is required to do virtual graduation. Thank you in advance for your flexibility and understanding. We realize that you will have many questions and we ask that you please refrain from calling the school. We will present a FAQ sheet as soon as we can.

Sincerely,

Wayne Kelly, Superintendent

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School "Closed, but Instructing" Update

Brenda Martinez • Friday, Apr 17 at 12:56 PM • San Saba ISD

ENGLISH

Dear Parents/Guardians: 

Today at noon, Governor Abbott issued a proclamation that no school in Texas would return to face-to-face instruction for the remainder of the school year. This also includes Summer School. 

This means that we will continue in the “closed, but instructing” model that we have been doing for the past month. We will continue as we are until our last calendar day of school, May 28, 2020. 

We know there will be many questions about graduation and other senior events. The Commissioner of Education will be giving guidelines for graduations next Tuesday at 3 pm. We will try to let you know by next Wednesday afternoon how we will be handling High School Graduation. 

Thank you for your patience as we navigate this evolving situation. We hope you remain healthy and safe. 

Mr. Kelly, Superintendent

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English/Spanish - COVID19 - Keep you safe and healthy... 

Brenda Martinez • Thursday, Apr 2 at 12:47 PM • San Saba ISD

English Message: 

Hello, this message is from the SSISD Administration Team. 

We miss our students and hope you are all well. This important message about COVID-19 will help to keep you safe and healthy. The most important thing you can do right now is to stay at home! If that’s not possible, practice social distancing by staying 6 feet from others. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and countertops. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, and cover a cough or sneeze with your elbow. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 – a fever, dry cough, or shortness of breath, call your doctor. 

Remember, by staying apart now, we can all be together again faster!

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COVID 19 Update and Frequently Asked Questions:

Wayne Kelly • Friday, Mar 27 at 4:39 PM • San Saba ISD

 

COVID 19 Update and Frequently Asked Questions:
I remember an old football cheer that went like this, “We’re from San Saba and couldn’t be prouder and if you can’t hear us, we’ll shout a little louder.” That is the way I feel about our SSISD team. They have done an amazing job. Over 216 meals were served or delivered to families today. Student participation in on-line and alternative education has been incredible. If you check the DSHS website https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm#coronavirus you will see that San Saba County does not have a single case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) reported. We know that the virus is spreading rapidly, but today San Saba is one of the safest places you can be.

I would like to take this time to answer some of your questions:

When will we start back to normal schedule? You may have seen that some schools have posted return dates. Currently, San Saba ISD is listed as ‘closed, but instructing’ and will be in this phase until the Governor declares that schools can reopen. No one has a good estimate of when that would be. An update will be posted at some point next week via Parent Square.

Why does my child have so much work? It is overwhelming. When we first rolled out our plan, we thought that it might be for only two weeks. We see now that it may be a little longer. Please be patient with our teachers. This is much like Goldilocks and the Three Bears trying to find the online (high tech) and packet (low tech) assignments that fit just right for your child’s required grade level learning.

Why are we taking grades? We have worked hard to comply with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas Education Code (TEC) rules and guidelines to provide the best quality education that we can under the circumstances. The best way to measure the quality is through grades. Not attempting to learn the content, complete the materials assigned and respond to your teachers will impact your child’s grades. Stopping now will have a long-lasting impact on how prepared your child is for the next grade level. Grades earned can also impact promotion for the 2020-21 school year. 

We will keep plugging along, not just trying to survive until it is over, but learning to thrive in any circumstance we may face in life. Go Dillos!

Wayne Kelly
SSISD Superintendent

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Amendment to Grading Policy

 

Parents/Guardians,
There was one mistake on our grading policy. It has been amended (page 1 - the section under 'Elementary - Grading Weights/Non-Negotiables') to show 2 major grades for Elementary school, not 3 major grades. My apologies for this mistake.
Have a good afternoon,
Mrs. Martinez

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Meals

Brenda Martinez • Monday, Mar 23 at 11:57 AM • San Saba ISD

 

Parents/Guardians, 

If you would like to pick up a meal or have one delivered to your child (ages 0-18), please contact the cafeteria DAILY for your order request (325) 372-5083. 

Thank you. 

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Meal Delivery curb side.

Wayne Kelly • Monday, Mar 23 at 8:28 AM • San Saba ISD

Parents if you are requesting meal delivery they will no longer be brought to your door. Our deliveries are increasing also we do not need any of our drivers to have to worry about dogs. When the driver comes they will honk and it will be your responsibility to meet the driver. This will also help protect our drivers.  If you are able to pick up your meals that will greatly help us facilitate distribution of food. Thank you so much for your cooperation. 

Sincerely,
Wayne Kelly
San Saba ISD Superintendent

 

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the New Normal

 

• Wayne Kelly • Friday, Mar 20 at 3:33 PM • San Saba ISD

Dear Parents and Staff,

It is still a great day to be a Dillo! I would like to share the new normal of education for hopefully only the next few weeks.  The Governor has given us new terminology for describing the mandated Statewide school closings.

“Closed, instructing.” Our schools are closed to students but providing instruction. Our buildings are open to staff but not students.

Homework-Teachers are providing instruction using alternative methods of instruction using both High-Tech and Low-Tech options for students depending on their needs. Parents we appreciate your help in encouraging your children to diligently do their assignments. Their grades are important and will continue to count for their GPA.

Food- Breakfast and lunch are available for all residents from age 0-18 years. Pickup and delivery options are available. Breakfast and lunch pick up behind the High School and in front of the band hall at 7:20-8 am and from 11:00-12:30 pm. Call 325-372-5083 for Delivery.  With the loss of Lowe's Grocery, the need for food may be even greater. Please call the cafeteria so they can get an idea of how many meals they need to prepare. Our cafeteria staff is absolutely amazing!

The COVID 19 tab on the San Saba ISD website is a great resource for information.

I have attached a message that one of our teachers sent me that describes the kind of staff we have in SSISD. Be safe, wash your hands, cover your mouth with your elbow and GO DILLOS!!!

Sincerely,

Wayne Kelly

San Saba ISD Superintendent

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SSISD will be moving to 'School is closed, BUT in Session - Level 1' 

1 file

• Brenda Martinez • Wednesday, Mar 18 at 4:25 PM • San Saba ISD

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Effective tomorrow, March 18, 2020, San Saba ISD will be moving to School is closed, BUT in Session - Level 1. For the time being, until further notice, we will remain on level 1. We will notify you immediately if we move to another level of closure. Please know that any items below (to include meals) are subject to change at any time; we will update you with changes as they arise. 

What does this mean for SSISD staff?

• All SSISD staff, regardless of department, will continue to report to work at that regularly scheduled start time/location. 
• All SSISD staff will receive further instructions from their campus principal on their roles/expectations while on-site. 
• If you have any questions, please communicate directly with your campus principal. 
• Staff will be scheduling support services for students.
• Staff will be available to support students either in-person, via an online platform, email, and/or phone. Staff will be communicating with you and/or the student on a frequent/daily basis. 

What does this mean for you and your child? 

• Parents/Staff who would like to send  their student to school may do so, however, parents must provide their own child's transportation to and from school (normally scheduled hours will apply)
• No buses for school transportation will run
• Students who are not sent to school will work from home via an online, blended (online and paper), or paper-based (packets); students working online have been made aware of the expectations
• Please communicate with your campus principal if you have concerns about home wifi for students using technology for their learning/assignment requirements 
• Elementary students - depending on the grade level, packets for instruction (along with learning video links) will be coming your way; your campus will send messages to you via parent square and/or email/phone; any other resources available to you will also be communicated
• For 3rd-4th grade students - you will get communication on coming by the elementary campus to pick-up iPads for student online learning; more information to come to you soon by your student's teacher and/or principal
• For 5th-8th grade students - students were sent home with laptops; students will be in communication with their teachers about their learning/assignments via a virtual platform
• For High School students - students were sent home with laptops; students will be in communication with their teachers about their learning/assignments via a virtual platform  
• Parents who would like meals (Breakfast and Lunch) may request meals through your campus; this will help the cafeteria team prepare enough meals for the demand; if you have any concerns about meals, please communicate with your campus principal
• Breakfast will be served from 7:20-8:00 AM; you can pull-up and pick-up breakfast (with your student present) at the back cafeteria door (across from the band hall and by the big outdoor freezer)
• Lunch will be served from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM; you can pull-up and pick-up lunch (with your student present) at the back cafeteria door (across from the band hall and by the big outdoor freezer)

Thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility as we put the district plan of action into place for our students. Our number one goal is that we continue to provide an educational opportunity for our students, in the most effective manner possible with our given situation. 

We highly recommend that you visit the SSISD COVID-19 webpage and take a look at all the resources. 

Please direct all questions/concerns to your campus principal or the superintendent's office. 

Sincerely, 
Mr. Kelly, Superintendent 

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School tomorrow

Wayne Kelly • Tuesday, Mar 17 at 6:00 PM • San Saba ISD

What to Expect for School Tomorrow:
Welcome parents and staff to uncharted territory. We are experiencing events unprecedented in our recent history. Our school will be open as any regular school day with some provisions. I understand your fears and your concerns about our first day back to class. There are some elements that are in our control and some that are not.

 
Here is what the State is requiring of us, no matter if our schools are opened or closed: We must continue to educate our students, offer meals, and meet the needs of our special education students. There are many ways that this can be done. We are moving as much of our teaching to on-line and digital platforms. We will also create take-home paper or digital email work packets for students. We are doing everything we can to ensure that your child’s education will continue through this crisis. Three days ago the recommendation for schools was that this crisis might only be two weeks long.

 

Today we were advised that it could be as long as eight weeks. Having children or teachers in our buildings is not a problem, it is large groups of people together that is the issue. Currently, San Saba County has no confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Our goal is to prepare our staff and students for what could possibly be eight weeks of modified instruction. We will try to answer questions and share our goals as we journey through these extraordinary times.

Questions & Answers:
How do I determine if I should self-quarantine? If a doctor tells you to, if you think you have been exposed to someone with the virus, or you just want to because of personal concerns, then you should quarantine yourself for 2 weeks. This applies to anyone. 

Will my child be counted absent if I choose to keep them home? No. However, you must still contact the school. Your child will still be required to complete work from home. Each campus administrator and/or teacher will coordinate those details with you via educational materials for your child. If you do not call the school your child will be counted absent.

 What if my child relies on the school for meals? The parent, must also have the child present, can pick-up a sack meal (breakfast and/or lunch – not together at the same time) from the school cafeteria. The cafeteria is behind the High School on Commerce street, during their regular mealtimes. If you are unable to come to the school, we can arrange delivery for those who need it. You must communicate your needs with your child’s campus, in advance, so that meals can be prepared. 

Why are we staying open when so many schools are closing? School will be in session all over Texas but their buildings may close or be semi-open. In San Saba ISD we are choosing to stay open for the limited time that we are able to get technical materials into the hands of our students and prepare them for on-line or home-based instruction. Closing our schools will more than likely be inevitable. Here is some terminology that may help with the probable progression of SSISD school closure:

Open - Our plan for tomorrow and hopefully a few more days is to remain actively open (as we would any normal day). 

Closed, but in session - This means that limited numbers of students and staff can use our buildings. Teachers can use school resources to provide instruction to students at home. The building can be used to provide special education services. Custodial and Cafeteria workers can continue to maintain the building and provide student meals. 

Shutdown - This means no school, no instruction, no services. For every day a school is shutdown, they must make up those days of missed instruction later in the school year. Compensatory services will be offered to special education students at a future date (once school is back in session).

We will be providing many resources in the upcoming days, either through our digital formats and/or via campus principal’s communication.  

Thank you for your patience and support as we journey ahead, 
San Saba ISD District Administration 

 

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Coronavirus update #3 and Spring Break Extension

Wayne Kelly • 4 days ago • Saturday, Mar 14 at 6:14 PM • San Saba ISD

Dear parents and staff we will be extending Spring Break for 2 days. Students will return to classes at the normal time on Wednesday March 18th. Staff will report to the High School Cafeteria at 8:30 am Monday March 16th.

Currently about one third of school districts in Texas have either extended their spring breaks or closed schools. The Center for Disease Control recommends that schools remain open if there are no confirmed cases in our county. San Saba county has no confirmed cases. It is best for our district to remain open in the early phases of this viral spread.  This allows for us to plan, prepare and equip our staff and students to alternative ways of instruction. Depending on the severity of the spread of this virus we could see closings for a few weeks up to a few months.

I have received a multitude of questions and I will try to answer them.

When should I self-quarantine? We are not doctors or Coronavirus experts. Many of you have traveled over spring break. Some concerns are as simple as they went to a movie in Killeen or a cruise to Mexico and should they self-quarantine?

The best guideline is that if you feel that you were at risk of exposure to someone who had the virus then you should self-quarantine. If you traveled to Europe over break you should self-quarantine. There are many scenarios, but you will have to determine what is in the best interest of those around you. The proper time is 14 days from when you think you were exposed. If you have no symptoms after 14 days, you should be able to return to school.

Will my child be counted absent if I choose to keep them out of school because of concerns about the virus?

No, they will not be counted absent, but you must notify the school informing us the reasons your student is not attending. We then must make an effort to provide instruction for your student whether it be on-line, email or home instruction packets. This is not an extended vacation for our students.

What is homebound instruction? 

The simplest explanation is that when our students cannot be at the school building, they must be educated from home. In a traditional sense homebound is when a child has health issues that prevent them from coming to school for an extended period of time and a teacher will visit them at home for instruction.  At some point all of our students may be homebound. The contagious nature of this virus prevents traditional teacher face to face student interaction; therefore, some form of alternative instruction must be implemented. This instruction could take various forms.

There are more questions we have not answered yet, but please be patient. We are all dealing with a situation that we have never faced before at this level.

Thank you for your patience and support. This is our best plan as of right now and it could change tomorrow.

 

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Corona virus update #2

Wayne Kelly • Friday, Mar 13 at 5:08 PM • San Saba ISD

This afternoon I participated in a conference call with the commissioner of education Mike Morath and other superintendents from around the state. He encouraged schools that have no confirmed cases of the virus in their counties to stay open. We will be creating some protocols to limit our interactions with other communities.

Here is where we need your help. 

Where have you been? If you have traveled to a place where there were confirmed cases of COVID 19 then we need you to self-quarantine for two weeks. Self -quarantine means stay away from public places especially our schools. Please notify the school and we will provide your child with homebound services. If you have traveled somewhere during the spring break and are concerned that you or your child may have been exposed to COVID 19, then self-quarantine may be the safest solution. This website https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm will give you the most up to date and accurate information about Texas. The World Health Organization has a global map of where the virus has spread. https://www.who.int/gho/map_gallery/en/ .  Please remember that TV stations tend to report first and apologize later, and their information is not always be accurate. These two websites are the best source of information.

If you are fearful for your child and do not want them to come to school, you have that right. We are obligated to educate the students of SSISD. We need you to notify your child’s campus so that they can receive their schoolwork to be completed at home.

Extracurricular activities and travel- We can practice our UIL activities, but we cannot compete in any events until after March 30th tentatively. No games or competitions with any area schools.

On a positive note you will have more time to spend with your families. Currently we are thankful not to have any cases in our area and are only being inconvenienced. We hope and pray that inconvenience is all that we will experience in the upcoming weeks.

I will keep you updated as situations change.

Sincerely,

Wayne Kelly

San Saba ISD Superintendent.

 

Returning to school and the Corona virus

Wayne Kelly • Friday, Mar 13 at 11:28 AM • San Saba ISD

Dear Parents and Staff of San Saba ISD,

Yesterday a meeting was held with superintendents, state education and health officials. This meeting lasted into the night and a statement was posted on the TEA website about 9:30 pm. At this time the Texas Department of State Health Services is not recommending comprehensive school closures.  All of this could change, and we are monitoring the situation daily. There are only 25 confirmed cases in Texas and mostly in larger metropolitan areas. Colleges and Universities have been closing their campuses and moving to an on-line format for their students. Some larger school districts like Houston ISD and Corpus Christi ISD are extending their Spring breaks. This may spark concerns that if they are doing this then why aren’t we. Every school district in Texas is their own entity and can make decisions regarding school closures. A few months ago San Saba ISD made a district decision after consulting with health officials to close school a few days due to the FLU outbreak in San Saba. 

Here is what our plans are as of today.

School will resume Monday with our usual late start Monday. All teachers and staff will report to the cafeteria at 7:30 am in the High School Cafeteria for a debriefing concerning future plans in case we are advised to close school for a period of time.

PRECAUTIONS: If you are sick and have a fever do not come to school.  There is no Coronavirus screening for people who do not have symptoms. While at school students and staff will maintain regular handwashing and sanitizing protocols.

What if we must close? If we do have to close school for a period time it does not mean that school is not in session. School can be conducted on-line; teachers can assign lessons via parent square and schoolwork can be completed at home. There are many questions concerning provision of school meals and special education services. We are working on a plan and will be ready when and if the time comes. 

On a personal note: This is our prayer.  “Lord help us make decisions today that are in the best interest of children.” Sometimes we have no good options and we must choose the best of the worst options. The decisions I and your school board make affect our students, parents, grandparents and staff.  We do not make these decisions lightly. We are not Corona Virus experts and must rely on those who are.  The experts are conflicted on the virus. We will rely on one source for our decisions and that is the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm.

Please be patient with us as we make the best decisions with the information we have. This is a fluid situation and circumstances can change quickly.

Sincerely,

Wayne Kelly,

San Saba ISD Superintendent