Marshall Newsletter
February 8-13
A Message from Dr. Woods
Thank you to all of our families who switched their children to virtual learning these past few weeks at our request.
We recognize the importance of in-person learning but wanted to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community after the Winter Break.
Beginning, Feb. 8, we would like to welcome back those of you who temporarily switched your children to virtual learning. Families who selected in-person learning for the third grading cycle can also send their children to school, with a few exceptions. Some of our campuses have higher numbers of in-person learners than others, and we will not compromise on social distancing and safety protocols. If there are capacity concerns at your child’s school, the campus will contact you directly to discuss options.
We’ve made this decision because of the improving health metrics in our city, county, and school district and we hope this positive trend continues. We must all continue to follow safety protocols, wear masks, and practice social distancing.
I’m also asking for your help ensuring that all students are attending school and engaging with their teachers every day whether they are in-person or virtual learners. We have been closely monitoring student attendance and engagement data since the beginning of the school year and I am concerned about the trends we are seeing. Student attendance rates have declined since the holiday break. That is true for all grade levels - elementary, middle, and high school.
Ensuring that our students and staff are safe is our priority, but we must not lose sight of the imperative we have to ensure student learning continues and a big component of that is attendance and engagement.
If you have questions, please reach out to an administrator at your child’s school.
Thank you for your support of your child’s education and of Northside schools.
Brian T. Woods, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Measuring Success: Virtual and In-Person Learning
If your child's learning location is virtual and you wish to change to in person, please contact his/her counselor. Students will be added to a waitlist and asked to return as space is available.
We have data that shows without question that in person learning is more effective than virtual learning. If your child is showing success virtually, then virtual learning is an appropriate setting during this time. However, if you child is struggling to engage, missing assignments, and failing classes, a highly effective strategy is to send them back to school.
Check HAC: It's Never Too Late...
If you need additional support for your child, contact his/her teachers, counselor, or administration to learn of additional resources.
Looking to the sky at Marshall HS & LMS
Construction is reaching new heights at Marshall HS/Marshall Law and Medical Services (LMS) Magnet School. Last week, students, teachers, and staff left their mark on the school by signing a giant metal beam. On Monday, the beam was placed atop the new building in a 'topping out' ceremony attended by representatives from Adolfson & Peterson Construction, Pfluger Architects Inc., NISD Board members, and campus and district administrators. The new space will be finished in the fall and house the Marshall Law and Medical Services Magnet School and Marshall classrooms. It was funded by School Bond 2018.