SISD Weekly Update
March 8, 2020
Update from the Superintendent
Dear SISD Parents/Guardians,
In this week’s newsletter, I want to give you a peek at the proposed 2020-2021 school calendar, update you on negotiations with ResponsiveEd, and address concerns about the newest Coronavirus, COVID-19.
As you read through the newsletter, be sure to review our proposed calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. You will notice it looks very similar to the one we have now and that we aligned our Spring Break with Western Texas College. We will present this to the board in March for final approval.
Negotiations continue with ResponsiveEd. A large group of our Junior High staff visited one of their campuses, iSchool of Lewisville, this past Friday to see their curriculum and strategies in action. An “Ask Us” question came in this past week regarding uniforms. School uniforms have not been discussed. Some of ResponsiveEd’s campuses require students to adhere to wear uniforms and some do not. We will continue to update you as information becomes available.
With cold and flu season continuing to impact students and global concerns with the COVID-19 Coronavirus, we are doing everything we can to keep schools and busses safe and clean. Custodians continue to disinfect by wiping down high-touch surfaces like desks, light switches, doorknobs, water fountains, and sink faucets throughout the day. The E-Mist disinfectant system is used during specified times when students are out of the building. Additionally, our teachers are using disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces throughout the day.
CDC says the virus is thought to spread like the cold and flu virus mainly from person to person. Our teachers, school nurses and staff are continually working to remind students of good hygiene practices, including:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
There have been NO REPORTS OF THIS VIRUS IN OUR AREA, however, it is a situation we are closely monitoring. Snyder ISD officials are in touch with healthcare providers at Cogdell Memorial Hospital and the Scurry County Health Unit. Our local Health Unit is on a nation-wide call with the CDC daily. For updated information on the coronavirus, please visit: the CDC’s website.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. I hope everyone enjoys their time off from school and we will see you on Monday, March, 16th.
Eddie Bland, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools, Snyder ISD
Sexual Health & Wellness Education for SJH and SHS Students
Beginning in March, a one-day, sexual health and wellness program will be taught to students at Snyder Junior High and Snyder High School. After researching options, and listening to the presentation, the SHAC committee (Student Health Action Committee), comprised of parents and SISD staff, agreed the Aim for Success program was the best option.
“This is a change for us. It was brought about because we saw the need to reach out to more students with more frequency about this topic. Previously this was presented to 6th graders through the “Worth the Wait Program” and then incorporated into High School Health classes. However, students in 7th-8th grade and High School students not enrolled in health classes, were not getting this information again,” stated Chris Bane, RN, SISD School Nurse.
The program emphasizes abstinence as the only way to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Sixth graders will be taught an age-appropriate, adapted curriculum. Additionally, this program addresses other issues; sexual predators, sexting, sex-trafficking, and media influences are all discussed in terms relevant to teens today. AIM is a well-respected program utilized in districts all over the State of Texas.
Families may want to learn more about the program before allowing their child to attend. The district will host a parent meeting on Monday, March 16th at 6 pm in the SHS cafeteria where they can preview the program and ask questions. More can be learned by visiting the AIM for Success website and by downloading flyers and forms for the program on the SISD website. Opt-out forms were also mailed to the homes of students. Those should only be returned if you do not want your child to attend the presentation. If you have any questions, please contact us. Assemblies will be held for each grade level. The junior high programs will be presented on March 17 & the high school programs will be presented on March 18.
Email: questions@snyderisd.net
Graphs Galore!
The Best in Bowling!
Art Students Brighten up the Windows at the Junior High!
Success Made in Snyder
Zane Vandygriff graduated in 2017 from SHS with a STEM endorsement. He took advantage of the opportunity to earn dual-credit courses by taking English and Pre-Cal through WTC while in high school. After earning a Certificate in Technology - Electrical Lineman Training in 2018, Zane began his career with Primary Utility Services in Snyder.
"My time spent at SHS helped me to build relationships and learn how to work with others as challenges arose. Being a teammate and overcoming those challenges helped me to become more confident in myself and my abilities to be a strong leader," Zane said.
When asked what advice he would offer to incoming and current high school students, he said, "My personal advice would be, don't let other people dictate how you determine your future career plans. There were times growing up that all I wanted to do was graduate from Texas Tech because that's where my dad graduated from. As time went on, I tossed around the idea of being a welder or a coach. Mid senior year I realized the lineman program at WTC was a perfect fit for me. This particular career field has allowed me to serve my community and will allow me to provide a comfortable future for myself and my future family."
2020-2021 School Calendar
Order Your Yearbook Today!
Considering a Career in Education?
About us
The mission of SISD is to empower everyone to pursue excellence every day. Snyder ISD serves approximately 2,500 students and employs almost 400 staff members. From a dual-language program for primary school students to the P-TECH High School, SISD is proud to offer an array of opportunities for both students and educators.
Email: questions@snyderisd.net
Website: www.snyderisd.net
Location: 2901 37th Street, Snyder, TX, USA
Phone: 3255748900
Facebook: facebook.com/snyderisd