Mariner Log
March 5, 2021
Students Returning to In Person Learning~4th 9 Weeks
It has been a challenging school year and that was magnified recently with severe winter weather. However, we are planning for the last grading cycle of the current year and are far along in our planning for summer programming and the 2021-22 school year.
Today, we posted a video on our District website highlighting several important announcements for our families, including;
- There will be no fourth-quarter survey required for families who wish to change their child’s learning mode. Parents will be asked to work directly with their home campus.
- Students will be encouraged to return to in-person learning. The data we have studied shows the vast majority of students are better served by in-person learning. As of the end of the first semester, 70% of students failing courses were virtual learners.
- The high school schedule for in-person learners will change for the last grading cycle. There will be no hybrid model and students will attend classes on campus daily.
- All safety protocols will remain in place for the remainder of the school year. This includes the requirement of face masks for students, staff, and visitors.
- Following Spring Break, families will be asked to log in to the HAC system and ensure contact information is correct. This annual data verification process will run from March 25-April 16.
We are already planning for the next school year that begins in August 2021. We have learned a lot from this school year and next year will look different. In particular, virtual learning will be different, and will not be a fit for everyone. Later this spring, we will share more detailed information about what instruction will look like next year.
Thank you, and I hope you and your family have a safe, healthy, and relaxing Spring Break.
Dr. Brian Woods
Superintendent
COVID-19 safety protocols remain a priority and in place
As more COVID-19 vaccination appointments are made available in the San Antonio area, we are encouraged about the possibility of our community becoming better protected from the virus. Furthermore, we are excited about the opportunity it presents to safely bring more students back to in-person learning.
To help us achieve this important goal, we are asking staff and students to please continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, regardless of whether you have been fully vaccinated or not. Though Governor Abbott lifted the statewide order regarding wearing of masks, the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) guidance still allows school districts to require the use of masks or face shields for adults or students for whom it is developmentally appropriate.
Please remember these important steps to keep Northside staff and students safe from the virus:
Read Across America Week
PreK Student
1st Grade Teachers
PreK Student
PreK Student
Mrs. Carrasco 2nd Grade
NISD Reads 21 in 2021
All elementary students were treated to a virtual read aloud from Superintendent, Dr. Brian Woods, as the District officially launched its Northside Reads 21 in 2021 campaign this week.
Dr. Woods challenged all students to read 21 minutes each day after reading one of his favorite children's books, Dragons Love Tacos. The goal of the campaign is to promote literacy and for children to identify themselves as readers. Research has shown that children who read approximately 21 minutes a day will hear 1,800,000 words per year, and will have read 851 hours by 6th grade. You can support our campaign efforts by reading to and with your children each day.
Spring Break~March 8-12
Family Academic Night
Family Academic Night will be a 2-day event! The first night, Tuesday, March 16 from 5:30-6:30 p.m., our staff will have a drive thru fairy tale land for parents/students to see from their vehicle. At the end of the drive thru route, each student will go home with a bag full of materials, goodies and a STEM project to complete on night 2. If you can't pick up your bag that night, will be sending bags home with in person students on Wednesday, March 17 or you may stop by the office from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17 to pick up a bag.
Students are also encouraged to dress up on Tuesday, March 16 as their favorite fairy tale character.
The second night, will be on Wednesday, March 17 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Families will participate from home virtually. Families will be tasked with creating a STEM project based on a fairy tale read aloud. Don't worry, our wonderful teachers will be leading the activity through zoom.
Families who attend night 2 will have the chance to win some fabulous prizes!
Are you ready to step into a magical fairy tale adventure? Please RSVP by clicking on the following link: https://forms.gle/4SGB4xonhij6XRYG8
PTA Nominating Form
The Murnin PTA Nominating Committee is conducting a search to find parents and staff who would like to assume a leadership role on our PTA Executive Board.
The Nominating Committee is interested in your suggestions for officer candidates to serve for the 2021-2022 school year. There are many different positions, so please consider serving on the Board! If you, or someone you know, is interested in serving in one of the officer positions listed below, please fill out the form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/65XTHSL and submit it by March 26, 2021. The committee will contact the nominees during the the last week of March and beginning of April to set up virtual interviews. Nominee names will be posted at the front entrance of the school and on our social media page on April 6th. The PTA Membership will vote for their 2021-2022 PTA Board at our General PTA Meeting on Tuesday, April 13th @ 530pm.
Survey form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/65XTHSL
PTA is hosting a VIRTUAL Talent Show
If you child is interested in participating in the PTA Virtual Talent Show on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 please see the information below.
Submission Requirements:
- Any music used must be appropriate with no derogatory or foul language
- Routines may be no longer than two minutes in length
- Include names and grade levels of participants
Submissions and question should be emailed to PTA President Amy Hoffmann at amyhoffmann@yahoo.com by April 2nd.
Pennies for Patients
Families, we are excited to announce that our school has officially kicked off Hero Squad program today! Your student will be receiving collection information that explains the program and the exciting Hero Gear that can be earned! Get started now by visiting HeroSquad.org, finding our school and joining your student’s classroom. Every hero needs a squad!
The Murnin Staff is always looking for ways to improve our practice. If you have any ideas or suggestion, please complete the form below.
Dr. Winn Murnin Elementary
Email: amber.freeman@nisd.net
Website: www.nisd.net/Murnin
Location: 9019 Dugas Road, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-397-4550
Twitter: @NISDMurnin