Blanche Dodd Bobcat News
October 21, 2020
A message from Principal Bolz
This past Monday (10/19) began the 2nd grading period of the school year. While we were quite nervous about returning to school in the middle of a pandemic, I am extremely proud of our students, staff, and parents for the way that they have embraced the precautionary measures we've added for the safety of all.
I know that many of you have met with your child's teacher this week during Parent/Teacher Conferences to discuss your child's progress thus far. If you have not had the opportunity to attend a conference, please reach out to your child's teacher to schedule a time to visit with them. Your child's report card will be sent home on Friday (10/23).
After reviewing student progress for the first nine weeks, the remote learning guidelines have been updated. Students must maintain an average of 75 or higher in all classes in order to continue remote learning. It is imperative that students receive the most appropriate instructional delivery method to ensure their success. This may require some students to return to in-person learning where teachers can better serve their needs. The new requirements will begin next Monday, 10/26. Please see the new requirements in the section below.
It's a GREAT day to be a Bobcat at Dodd Elementary where we are...
Six Houses...One Family!
Revisions to Remote Learning Guidelines
COVID 19 has presented many challenges across the world. The primary responsibility of Krum ISD is to provide students with an exceptional education while providing for their health and safety. Krum ISD provided learning opportunities for both remote and in-person learners as methods of instruction so that students can have access to curriculum and academic success. After reviewing grades and attendance from the past nine weeks, Krum ISD’s administrative staff have decided to revise the learning plan options for students. We believe that in-person instruction provides students with additional support and access to teachers, academic conversations with peers, and stability that leads to higher academic success.
Revised plans concerning remote learning:
Students who participate in pre-kindergarten, dual language programs, or are in extracurricular activities must return to campus for in-person learning on October 26, 2020.
Students who do not meet the above criteria and wish to remain in remote learning must meet the following criteria:
1. Students must have a grade of 75 or above in all classes in grades 2-12.
2. Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade must be reading on grade level.
3. Students must have five (5) or fewer absences in the semester.
Exceptions to criteria for participation in remote learning are:
1. A student is medically fragile or lives with someone who is considered medically fragile. Documentation from a medical doctor is required and must be submitted to the school principal.
2. A positive COVID case requires the student to be quarantined in accordance with the guidelines established by TEA as follows: Any student who has tested positive for COVID, or who experience the symptoms of COVID, must stay home throughout the infection period, and cannot return to campus until all three criteria have been met:
● At least one day (24 hours) has passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
● The individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
● At least ten days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
3. A student who has had close contact with someone who is COVID positive must be quarantined for 14 days. The student shall return to in-person learning after the 14-day quarantine period.
Students who do not meet the qualifications to stay in remote learning must return to school face-to face on October 26, 2020. Students required to return to in-person learning due to academic performance must complete the remainder of the current nine-weeks grading period and the following nine-weeks grading period as an in-person learner.
*Changes to delivery methods may be made at the end of a nine-week grading period with a two-week advance written notice. The last day of grading periods are Dec. 17, 2020 and March 12, 2020.
If you have any questions regarding instructional delivery for your child, please contact your campus principal:
- Krum Early Education Center: Lyndi Stupka via email at lyndi.stupka@krumisd.net
- Hattie Dyer Elementary: Lindsey Boone via email at lindsey.boone@krumisd.net
- Blanche Dodd Elementary: Patricia Bolz via email at patricia.bolz@krumisd.net
- Krum Middle School: Robert Butler via email at robert.butler@krumisd.net
- Krum High School: Michelle Pieniazek via email at michelle.pieniazek@krumisd.net
EARLY RELEASE DAY FRIDAY, OCT 23RD 11:55 A.M.
UPDATED DISTRICT CALENDAR
Krum ISD teachers have created meaningful online and face-to-face instruction, have been flexible in adapting to demanding attendance procedures, and increased their communication efforts which has doubled their workload. In an effort to support teachers with these increased demands, the 2020-2021 calendar has been revised to add in additional time that will be used for planning and data analysis.
This calendar is attached to this email and viewable at any time on the Krum ISD website.
RED RIBBON WEEK OCT 26-30
Book Character Parade October 30th 9:30 a.m.
Parents, grandparents, and friends are invited to watch the parade from the Dodd parking lot. You are welcomed to park in the side parking lot, plop down in a lawn chair, and watch the parade go by! Due to COVID restrictions, we ask that you wear a mask and keep a social distance from others in the parking lot.
Visitors must remain in the parking lot area. We are not able to allow visitors to enter the building or mingle with students. Feel free to take photos as the parade goes by. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Come celebrate literacy with the Book Character Parade!
4TH & 5TH GRADE STUDENTS TO BEGIN CLASS ROTATIONS
- teachers and students will sanitize the desk surfaces before leaving to switch to the next classroom
- face coverings will continue to be worn by all staff and students
- assigned seating in all classes will be followed for contact tracing purposes
- no backpacks will be used moving from class to class
- students will carry their Chromebook and other essential materials that they need for every class. Any textbooks or notebooks specific to a subject will be stored in that classroom so students do not have to carry them from room to room.
- transition procedures will be consistent between all classes for that grade level and the transition times will be 3 minutes or less
Upcoming Events
October
23rd Early release 11:55
23rd Report Cards go home
23rd GT permission due
26th New remote learner guidelines effective
26th-30th Red Ribbon Week
26th Red Out
27th Team Jersey Day
28th House Color Wars - wear House color
29th Crazy Hair/Socks
30th Book Character Parade 9:30 a.m.
November
2nd NEHS Induction 6:00 @ PAC
2nd-6th Family Literacy Week (activities will be provided)
2nd-6th Online Book Fair
6th Veteran's Day program @ Bobcat Stadium
20th Turkey Trot
20th Early Release 11:55
Blanche Dodd Elementary
It is our mission to educate each child through the use of quality instruction and positive relationships. We will strive to motivate each student to discover their unlimited potential and have a positive impact on their community.
Tricia Bolz, Principal
Lisa Mayfield, Asst. Principal
Amy Roesler, Counselor
Email: patricia.bolz@krumisd.net
Website: http://dodd.krumisd.net/
Location: 915 E McCart St, Krum, TX, United States
Phone: 940-482-2603
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doddelementaryschool/
Twitter: @DoddElementary