BISD Family Connects
E-Newsletter for Families and Staff ~ September 22, 2022
A Message to Parents About Fentanyl
Recently, the Hays CISD community has experienced the loss of four of its students due to suspected fentanyl overdoses. Other Hays CISD students as young as middle school have experienced life-threatening overdoses in the last few months. School leaders in Hays and law enforcement agencies have partnered to create a series of videos to help educate parents and students. We encourage you to watch the video linked below.
Although we are not aware of any fentanyl overdoses among our student body in BISD, we feel it is important that we begin to have the conversation as a school family so that we can partner together in education, awareness, and support. Our high school and middle school students will be viewing some of these videos with their teachers in the coming days.
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid typically used to treat patients with chronic pain or severe pain following surgery. Under the supervision of a licensed medical professional, fentanyl has a legitimate medical use.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) website, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often the ingredient used in counterfeit pills purchased on the street – often sold as Xanax, Percocet, or oxycodone. Fentanyl can be found in pills, and it can also be found in more commonly used products like vape cartridges. With the explosion of vape usage, this is especially concerning.
According to local law enforcement, many who overdose on fentanyl believe they are taking something to help ease pain or anxiety, having no idea of the presence or risk of fentanyl. When someone is experiencing a fentanyl overdose, they might experience dizziness, muscle weakness, and slow and shallow breathing. They also may lose consciousness. In addition, there is an alarming trend of colorful fentanyl referred to as “rainbow fentanyl”. Drug traffickers have made these pills look like candy, coming in a variety of bright colors, shapes and sizes, in an effort to appeal to kids and young adults.
What can we do?
The most important thing we can do is raise awareness in our community and talk openly and honestly about the dangers of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. We are exploring ways to more fully educate our students, staff and community so that we can create the safest environment possible. Next is to report when we see something happening related to drug use or abuse among students. We have an anonymous tip line where anyone can report or notify school officials of incidents or actions that may pose a danger to students or staff, whether during or outside the school day. Tips can be sent by text to 512-412-3373 or online through the Tip Line.
Bastrop ISD has a partnership with Bluebonnet Trails for substance abuse prevention counseling to students. If you have questions or concerns about your child, please reach out to your school counselor for next steps. Thank you for your partnership in helping raise awareness among our student community.
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ... Come to School Every Day for Your Chance to Win a New Car!
THIS ALL STARTS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26!!
This is a new partnership between Bastrop ISD and Sames Auto Group to recognize the importance of coming to school each and every day.
Since there are 5 six-weeks periods left in the school year, every student at BHS, CCHS, and CRCA has five opportunities to earn a voucher to go into the drawing. The more vouchers you earn, the greater your chances of winning. At the end of the year, four students from each school will be drawn as semi-finalists and one of those 12 will win the car, including tax, title and license!
More details will be coming out soon, but the contest officially starts on the first day of the new six weeks -- Monday, September 26!
IMPORTANT: High School Students and Free/Reduced Meal Applications
High school students who are currently receiving free or reduced-priced meals but whose parents have not completed the 2022-23 meal application will be required to start paying full price for their meals beginning September 30th.
To help parents continue to receive free or reduced-price meals, we are offering in-person help in completing the 2022-23 meal application:
Friday, September 23, 8am-3pm
Tuesday, September 27, 8am-3pm
Wednesday, September 28, 8am-5pm
Thursday, September 29, 8am-7pm (EXTENDED HOURS)
All sessions will be held at the BISD Service Center located at 906 Farm Street, Bastrop.
To complete an application online, visit https://family.titank12.com/application/new?identifier=3V5AXS.
Families must meet income guidelines in order to qualify for free or reduced meals. For more information, visit https://www.bisdtx.org/Page/6811 or email efigueroa@bisdtx.org.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
What are Students Learning?
SEL time in the first two weeks of school was devoted to building relationships and setting expectations that will help students be successful all year long. Teachers introduced skills to help students focus during instruction, engage in positive self-talk when working on difficult tasks, and feeling empowered to ask for help if needed. Talk to your child about these topics to extend this learning at home.
In October, students at Elementary, Intermediate, and Middle school campuses will begin learning about Bullying Prevention. High School students will dive deeper into lessons that focus on mental health.
Looking for a Self-Care Tip?
If you're looking for ways to improve your self-care routines there are plenty of options in the Action for Happiness calendar for September.
CRCA does it again!
Bastrop ISD's Colorado River Collegiate Academy is ranked as one of America’s best high schools according to U.S. News & World Report's 2022 national rankings. U.S. News ranked approximately 17,840 public high schools nationwide and CRCA is in the top 10%.
Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare students for college. The highest ranked public schools in U.S. News & World Report's rankings are those whose students demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math, reading, and science, earned qualifying scores in an array of college-level exams and graduated in high proportions.
See more https://bit.ly/3ScerPW.
What's Next?
What's Next will take place on October 17 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts.
Register at https://bit.ly/3L1Ssc1.
Hispanic Heritage Month - Event & Contests
BISD has several activities planned throughout the month, including weekly videos from staff. Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation will take place on October 12 from 6-8:30 pm at the PAC. The event will feature a guest panel and student talent, including fine arts and an essay contest.
Click here to view the event flyer.
Click here for more information on how to participate in the student contests.
Community Resources
From My Purse to Your Heart
Questions? Contact dmancha@mhm.org or lmurray.spc@bisdtx.org.
Free Teen Heart Screening
A free teen heart screening event will be held at Texas Children’s Specialty Care Austin on September 24.
Sign up to VOLUNTEER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/volunteer-on-92422-at-tch-specialty-care-austin-for-the-heart-screening-tickets-405380884137
Additional information can be found at: https://www.champhearts.org/
Free Classes for Adults
September 23: End First Six Weeks (grades 5-12)
September 26: Begin Second Six Weeks (grades 5-12)
September 26: SAMES4EDUCATION PERFECT ATTENDANCE CONTEST STARTS!
September 26: School Human Resource Appreciation Day
October 7: Staff Development/Student Holiday
October 7: Crosstown Showdown at Memorial Stadium
October 10: Staff & Student Holiday
October 14: End of First Nine Weeks (grades PK-4)
October 17: Begin Second Nine Weeks (grades PK-4)
Contact Us
Email: news@bisdtx.org
Website: bisdtx.org
Location: 906 Farm Street, Bastrop, TX, USA
Phone: 512-772-7100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bastropisdtx
Twitter: @BastropISD