BPE Monthly
March 2018
Safety and Security at BPE
As a principal, I immediately reflect upon how we function at BPE and what we can do to best protect all within our building. While we are constantly re-evaluating and refining our plan, I want you to know we do have a plan. Our faculty participated in active shooter training with a Fort Worth police officer early this year. With the support of our security staff, we have practiced our plan, debriefed, refined, and practiced some more. We will continue to do so.
From the district level, you should know that Keller ISD follows a proactive threat assessment protocol which has been implemented District-wide and addresses threats before students act. The comprehensive threat assessment includes a review of any threat by local law enforcement, campus administration, and a counselor. Educational tools were created such as public service announcements that have been shown to students and staff reminding them to report anything they see that may be suspicious. The District also uses a round table discussion approach when a student behavior concern is reported, so that an intervention plan can be developed, documented and implemented.
Below is the content of the Student/Family Reunification "Work the Plan" letter provided to families annually. I've posted it to ensure everyone has this information. Please know that your child's safety is our top priority.
STUDENT/FAMILY REUNIFICATION
Should an emergency situation arise within Keller ISD while school is in session, the district will activate its “Work the Plan” operation, and your cooperation is essential to its success. It is important for you to know that the district and our campuses have trained in preparation for these incidents.
One of the greatest challenges during an emergency situation is managing traffic flow and incoming phone calls from concerned parents and others. Traffic jams and overloaded phone lines prevent emergency responders (police, fire, and medical personnel) from providing services in a timely manner.
Please be aware that only emergency personnel will be allowed to enter a campus during crisis situations so please do not come to the school during an event. You will be instructed to respond directly to one of the following Churches where KISD administrators will provide you with information on how to reconnect with your child.
The following churches have been designated as our Keller ISD Parent Information Centers:
• Heritage Church: 4201 Heritage Trace Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (817) 741-0499
• Harvest Church: 7200 Denton Hwy, Fort Worth, TX 76148 (817) 498-8575
• First Baptist Church: 225 Keller Pkwy, Keller, TX 76248 (817) 431-2545
• Northwood Church: 1870 Rufe Snow, Keller, TX 76248 (817) 656-8150
Students will only be released to parents and persons identified on the School District Emergency Card. Please keep this information accurate and updated and discuss these matters with your child. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we continually seek to assure the safety and security of all students, employees, and visitors of the Keller Independent School District.
Need your help
Thank you for your support in helping our students get off to a strong start every morning.
Tax Rate Swap & Drop
Keller ISD is exploring an upcoming plan to generate additional revenue for the District while also lowering taxpayers' overall tax rate – it's a Tax Rate Swap & Drop.
Texas school districts tax rates are broken up into two separate rates – an Interest and Sinking (I&S) rate that funds the payment of debt from bonds that are used to build and maintain school buildings, and Maintenance and Operations (M&O) rate that funds everything else including programming, teacher salaries, and utilities. The M&O rate is currently capped at $1.04 per $100 property valuation, but can be raised to $1.17 with the community's approval. This is done through a Tax Ratification Election.
If the community passes a Tax Ratification Election, Keller ISD could raise the M&O rate by $0.13, but would also be in position to lower the I&S rate by $0.14 due to higher valuations and fiscally responsible refinancing over the years. This would lower the overall tax rate, while providing Keller ISD with $19 million in additional net operating revenue. That's more money for your schools while lowering your overall tax rate. It's a Tax Rate Swap & Drop!
Take a look at the intro video below and check back for more information in the coming months!
Academic Parent Teacher Team Meetings
Need to Know...
We have built an extra co-cur rotation into our schedule this school year. Each grade level has a designated day of the week on which the students attend their extra co-cur class. Below is a schedule you may find helpful as you plan for your week.
The additional rotation is at 2:25 each day. The designated days by grade level are:
Kindergarten on Monday; 1st grade on Tuesday; 2nd grade on Wednesday; 3rd grade on Thursday; 4th grade on Friday.
The schedule below lists which co-cur rotation students will be attending each week over the next nine weeks. For example, the week of January 8th your student's extra rotation will be with the co-cur class they typically attend each Tuesday.
March 5 - Friday
March 19 - Monday
March 26 - Tuesday
April 2 - Wednesday
April 9 - Thursday
April 16 - Friday
April 23 - Monday
April 30 - Tuesday
May 7 - Wednesday
May 14 - Thursday