Runyan News
August 18, 2020
Runyan Elementary Mission
At Runyan Elementary, we are a safe and welcoming community dedicated to student-focused learning driven by high expectations for all.
Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year!
We know things will be different this year, and what we plan for now will likely change as we progress through the year. Flexibility and adaptability will be keys to success! Each Runyan teacher will be tasked with managing face-to-face instruction and online instruction for the students in his/her class this year. We explored a number of structures to accommodate online learners, and though this is the most challenging alternative for teachers, we felt it was the best alternative for students. Combining face-to-face learners with online learners in the same class will minimize the need to move children to a different teacher's class as a student's need for face-to-face or online instruction potentially shifts at different points during the school year. Remaining with the same teacher, regardless of face-to-face or online instruction will allow teachers and students to build supportive and trusting relationships as we all manage life and learning during the pandemic. There are sure to be unforeseen obstacles and kinks to work out along the way, and we appreciate your understanding as we figure out a rhythm to our new situation. The bottom line is we are here to serve the Runyan community, keep everyone safe, and help our students achieve high standards!
Now Enrolling...
Technology
If your family needs access to the Internet, you have a few options. A WiFi signal is available in the parking lot at Conroe High School, Stockton Junior High, and Houston Elementary. You may take your device to the parking lot and use the Wi-Fi signal. Choose the CISD Guest network. There is no password required. It is a filtered signal, and it is available 24 hours per day. There are also several free Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots around town. Open the link below to see more information.
Realizing that Canvas, the district's learning management system (LMS) used last Spring, is a challenge for our youngest learners, the district has decided to go in a different direction for young learners. PK-2nd grade students will now use Seesaw as their LMS. 3rd-12th graders will continue using Canvas as their LMS. Help accessing Seesaw and Canvas as well as any other school-related technical challenges is available via the technology help desk:
Technology Help Desk
Help is available for any Canvas or Seesaw issues beginning Monday the 10th. Each weekday from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. teachers, students, or parents/guardians can obtain help at: help@conroeisd.net or at 936-709-7658.
Note: For Canvas help users should click on Help and Report a Problem. This can be done either from inside Canvas or prior to any login.
*** Important Note: All devices must be returned in good condition when the child returns to face-to-face instruction or by the end of the school year, whichever comes first. If a device is lost or damaged, the parent will be financially responsible for replacing the device. ***
When Should My Child Stay Home from School due to Illness?
- loss of taste or smell
- sore throat
- unusual fatigue
- chills, with or without shaking
- congestion or runny nose
- significant muscle pain or body aches
- a new, uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (or for individuals with a chronic allergic / Asthmatic cough, a change from the normal cough)
- diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- a new onset of severe headache
- fever of 100 degrees or higher
Unfortunately, these symptoms might indicate any number of ailments beyond COVID-19, but in these times, we must use an abundance of caution. If your child has any of these symptoms they should stay home until the symptoms are gone. If you believe your child may have COVID-19, please notify the Runyan school nurse and take your child to visit his/her doctor. If the school sends a child home for suspected COVID-19, s/he must meet all of the following criteria before returning to school:
- At least three days (72 hours) have passed since the child has had a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication, and
- Respiratory symptoms (coughing, shortness of breath) have improved, and
- At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
As a school, we are going to do our best to accommodate learning for students who are staying home due to illness, whether their parent kept them home or because the school sent them home. If the child is well enough to keep learning, we'll consider the child a "virtual" learner for the time s/he is away from school and allow the child to attend school in that manner. As a virtual learner, s/he will have to meet criteria for virtual attendance. This can be achieved in one of three ways:
- The student makes observable progress in Canvas or Seesaw according to their teacher's assignments, or
- The student joins a live video interaction with the teacher, such as a Zoom meeting, or
- The student submits a completed assignment through Canvas, Seesaw, email, text, etc.
On any given day, if the child is too ill to engage virtually or does not meet one of the afore-mentioned attendance criterion, s/he will be counted absent.
We appreciate everyone's help in keeping all students safe, so we can return to a more normal school life as soon as possible!
Ramping Up -- Students Returning to Face-to-Face Instruction in Stages, BEFORE September 8th
- August 19th -- Students with the most significant needs, which are delineated within their IEP, will be contacted and invited to begin face-to-face attendance. They will continue coming to school from this point forward.
- August 26th -- All face-to-face Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and 1st grade students are invited to begin face-to-face attendance. They will continue coming to school from this point forward. Students receiving Dyslexia services are also invited to come to campus up to twice per week, just for their Dyslexia lesson, if their parents can provide transportation.
- Starting the week of August 31st -- Students in 2nd-4th grade will come one day only. They'll be divided into alphabet groups: Students with a last name beginning with A-C will come on Monday (8/31). Students with a last name beginning with D-J will come on Tuesday (9/1). Students with a last name beginning with K-Q will come on Wednesday (9/2). Students with a last name beginning with R-Z will come on Thursday (9/3). No 2nd-4th grade students will come on Friday (9/4).
- September 8th -- All face-to-face learners, PK-4th, attend school from this day forward.
What Should I Expect to be Different This Year?
- Visitors will not be allowed on campus unless there is an educational need. In practice, that means parents will not be able to walk students to class on the first day of school, and they will not be able to drop off lunches or join their child(ren) for lunch.
- Because we cannot welcome visitors to campus, Meet the Teacher will be a virtual experience this year. Families can expect an email the afternoon of August 10th with a link to an introductory video from their teacher. While not ideal, we hope this will build some excitement about school starting and alleviate some of the anxiety associated with the first day of school for some students. Rest assured, we'll have staff on hand the first few days, and for as long as necessary, to assure each student gets safely to his/her correct class each morning. Please just send school supplies with the child on the first day of school, and we'll help them if they need us. :)
- All students, PK-12, who are developmentally able, are expected to wear a mask and/or face shield to school everyday, for their safety and that of the other individuals with whom they interact. Masks are required for kids in common areas, students riding the bus, and anytime social distancing isn't possible. We understand there are certain health conditions that may need special consideration, and those situations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Please keep in mind that students who have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19 will have to quarantine for 14 days and will not be allowed to return to school until the quarantine ends. While a mask is not total protection from illness, nor from quarantine, it is a mitigating factor to be considered in making decisions about quarantine.
- Families will be required to complete a weekly "check-in" screening in order for their child to attend face-to-face instruction. This check-in will come in the form of a link emailed to parents weekly, and the check-in indicating good health for the child and within the family must be submitted each Sunday before the child can return to school on Monday.
- We will all be expected to practice social distancing whenever possible. Please explain and practice the concept with your child before school starts. We'll do our best to spread students out, but success is much more likely if the child knows and is familiar with the practice.
- One of the settings where social distancing may be the most problematic is the bus. Families are encouraged to drive, bike or walk children to school if possible to limit the number of students on the bus and allow for more social distancing. Students who must ride the bus should social distance at the bus stop and will have assigned seats on the bus.
- Finally, current contact information is crucial. Please make sure we have updated phone numbers and frequently monitored email addresses. Things change quickly these days, and if we cannot contact you, your child's health and/or education may suffer.
Drinking Water at School
As always, students should also bring a change of clothes each day in case of a spill, a fall in mud, or a bathroom accident.
Student Immunizations
2020-2021 School Calendar
Assistance Information
Assistance Form, 2020-2021
Forma de Asistencia 2020-2021
Remote School Counseling Services/ Servicios de Consejería Escolar
School Supplies for 2020-2021
Student Meals Distributed During Virtual Instruction
Meal Prices for 2020-2021
Student Lunch $3.00
Student Reduced Lunch $.40
Student Breakfast $1.50
Student Reduced Breakfast $.30
Adult Lunch/ Second Lunch $3.75
Adult Breakfast/ Second Breakfast $2.50
Families may apply for free or reduced price meals using the link below.
*** Note: A new application for meal assistance must be submitted at the beginning of each school year. The previous year's qualification will expire after the first few weeks of school, and a new qualification must already be in place for the child not to be charged to eat. To avoid unexpected charges, parents should submit an application for meal assistance before the end of August. Help submitting the form is available by calling the school at, 936-709-2800. ***
MySchoolBucks
- You can leave the money alone, and it will roll over to next year and be available to the student in 2020-2021.
- You can request a refund by clicking on "Contact Us" at the top of the CISD homepage. Scroll down and click on the MySchoolBucks link. Fill out and submit the form.
Mobile Market Information
ESSA Parent Notification
CISD Non-Discrimination Statement:
The Conroe Independent School District (District) as an equal opportunity educational provider and employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Board policy not to discriminate in such a manner.
For information about Title IX rights or Section 504/ADA rights, contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504/ADA coordinator at 3205 W. Davis, Conroe, TX 77304; (936) 709-7752.
Runyan Elementary
Website: http://runyan.conroeisd.net/
Location: 1101 Foster Drive, Conroe, TX, USA
Phone: (936) 709-2800