Ott's Outlook
OCTOBER 2020
We have had an incredible start to the year and I want to personally thank our staff, students and families for their diligence and commitment to maintaining a safe environment. We currently have 63% of our students enrolled in on-campus learning and 37% enrolled as remote learners. The number of in-person is rising, and I suspect a large number will come to campus after the first grading period. Families are figuring out what research has stated - that remote learning is not the most optimal environment for teaching and learning.
My leadership team and I have been to all campuses and have collected feedback from students, parents and staff about the implementation of on-campus and remote learning. The demands on our staff have increased two-fold due to providing a dual education model; and although they are doing a fantastic job, as a district we need to be creative in finding a way to give them more time. As a result, I have decided upon the following solution.
Beginning Wednesday, October 21st, and going through Wednesday, January 27th, Temple ISD will have an early student release every Wednesday. Effectively this would start the second six weeks and run through the entire first semester. Campuses will release one hour early as follows:
- Pre-K – no change
- Elementary – 2:15 pm
- Middle School – 2:45 pm
- High School – 3:10 pm
This early release will only take place on Wednesdays of each of those weeks. The purpose is to provide staff this additional hour each week to handle remote attendance accounting and instructional preparations.
We will re-evaluate the possibility of extending this solution to the second semester based on inclement weather days and possible COVID closures. Families and staff will be notified well before the start of the second semester.
Families are accustomed to early releases, therefore, providing a weekly early release would be manageable for families and provide our staff the necessary time to manage a high-quality remote learning arrangement.
I appreciate your continued support and cooperation as we remain committed to navigating this journey together, and providing the most optimal learning solutions for our students.
Bobby Ott
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- TISD Board of Trustees adopted a total tax rate that represents a 7 cent reduction over our previous year's rate.
- Travis Science Academy and Cater Elementary have been designation as 2020 "No Place for Hate" campuses by the Anti-Defamation League.
- TISD is starting a "CAT Chat" series where staff and teachers can come together and discuss cultural awareness in teaching strategies to promote inclusivity across the district.
- Hector P. Garcia Elementary has been identified as an Internationally Recognized Model Professional Learning Community for the 2020 school year.
...Now that you know, please share these exciting accomplishments with others!
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October 16 - End of 1st Grading Period
Early Out Wednesdays (release 1 hour early):
October 21 & 28
November 4, 11, 18
December 2, 9, 16
January 6, 13, 20, 27
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This award recognizes those who go above and beyond expectations to serve a cause greater than themselves.
At our board meeting on September 14, we recognize Dr. John Midturi as the recipient of the Superintendent’s Leadership Award.
Planning for the needs of our students is innate to what we do as educators. However, planning in the middle of a pandemic is not something that we have experience with. However, we are fortunate to have experts in our community that do have this expertise like Dr. Midturi an infectious disease specialist at Baylor Scott & White.
Early on in this pandemic Dr. Midturi offer his assistance and support in our planning efforts especially with graduation. He has been an incredible source of knowledge and insight as we have navigated our new normal. Dr. Miduri has given countless hours to review district protocols and procedures providing feedback and suggestions for how we can best implement health and safety measures.
This act of service above self is what defines true leadership. Many of us hear of a need and may be inspired to make a difference but taking the initiative to make that next step and take action is what sets John apart.
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To: C.A.R.E. Network
To: Temple Chamber of Commerce, Ft. Hood, Rep. John Carter and Rep. Hugh Shine
Temple Chamber of Commerce
to secure the donation of three picnic tables for Edwards students as well.***************************************************************
UIL President Dr. Susan Elza
Garcia Elementary receives their National PLC flag!
Claudia Hernandez is amazing!
Supporting our School Nutrition staff
Presenting @ Lion's Club
Matching face coverings @ PreK
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Bobby Ott, Ed.D.
Email: bobby.ott@tisd.org
Website: https://www.tisd.org/apps/pages/Superintendent
Phone: 254-215-6760
Facebook: facebook.com/templeisd
Twitter: @OttTempleISD