Monday Message
From the desk of Dr. Harrell
September 14, 2020
Today was our first day of in-person instruction in more than six months. I cannot recall a school year with two separate first days of school in all my years of education. Yet, here we are in 2020 with two different first days of school, the first day of virtual learning and the first day of in-person learning. Our forefathers would not have believed what we accomplished today. In a traditional school year, we would look at the first day of school with much anticipation and excitement about what the school year will hold.
This year is different, not necessarily in a negative way, but the norms will change. We will have to adjust to new entry requirements, instructional practices, and campus protocols and practices. Through these changes, we will have several changes to our procedures that will turn into good practices.
As I toured the campuses throughout the day, I must say I was blown away by all the efforts, planning, preparation, the smiles, and the anticipation of student arrival that I witnessed. I saw staff curbside helping students and assisting parents with the Student Wellness Screener. I saw teachers and staff escorting students to their extremely clean classrooms and nurses ready to assist. Parents were extremely patient; many had the screener information, and some parents needed a tutorial, but we worked together and got it done.
I saw some students transitioning on campus carrying hula hoops to create social distance, yet some kids felt it was good to carry them above their head, haloes, I guess. When I walked into classes, I saw students in person and then looked at the teacher’s screen, and there were several more students on the teacher’s screen. I walked into cafeterias where lunches were being prepared; students were eating at a safe distance, and at the end of the day, students waiting for buses in a socially distanced manner.
Teachers and staff, you were of the utmost importance in the success of today. I am proud of each one of you for your work and am very fortunate to work with such dedicated individuals who know how important it is to stay safe, keep others safe and, most importantly, educate our future. Below is a link to a video that Abraham Contreras shared with me a few days ago about individuals answering their call to be teachers and educators. Today, I witnessed an elite troupe of educators, doing what it takes to create a rich and robust educational environment.
Again, I am proud of you, and I Believe in ‘U’!
Dr. Harrell
Anthon Elementary
Batesville Elementary
Crossroads Academy
Dalton Elementary
Flores Elementary
Morales JH
Robb Elementary
Uvalde High School
The support of parents and/or guardians is greatly appreciated in completing the required daily UCISD Student Wellness Screener at home before students arrive at any UCISD campus. The UCISD Student Wellness Screener can be found in the Skyward Family Access app or website.
Skyward Family Access is a portal for parents to check their student’s attendance, grades, schedule, and now complete the UCISD Student Wellness Screener. If parents need assistance logging into Skyward Family Access they are to contact their student’s campus.
Please view the below video for an overview on completing the process:
The 2020 Homecoming Parade and burning of the “UHS” letters is this week, Thursday, September 17th at 6:00 pm! Parade Line-up will begin at 4:50 p.m. at E. Nopal between Wood St. & N. 1st street. The parade route will proceed down Nopal Street, turning right onto Getty (U.S. 83) Street, then continuing to Flores where we will turn right on Studer to drive onto the UCISD Athletic Fields to pass the burning of the UHS letters. Participants will remain in vehicles and have pictures taken in front of the UHS letters. Parade vehicles will exit the UCISD athletic Fields to end the event. NO candy can be thrown from participants.
Parents of students riding as a group must promptly pick up their student at the UHS parking lot. Students will not be allowed to congregate.
UHS clubs/organizations, and sports teams will be the only participants this year, and adhere to all safety guidelines, wearing a mask will be mandatory. All clubs/organizations and sports teams must be accompanied by a sponsor. Depending on the flatbed trailer we will only have eight to ten riders per trailer to maintain social distancing. For the safety of our students, staff, and community congregating at the fields will not be allowed.
Visit the Homecoming webpage for more information: www.ucisd.net/homecoming
Every member of our Coyote and Lobo community – including you – must do their part.
Use this form to brag about the awesome activities going on in your school, classroom, organization or department. News stories may be published in any of the following areas Dr. Harrell's Monday Message, campus webpage, District Facebook, District App or in various district publications. News stories may include opportunities for student involvement, highlights of significant student achievement, events, programs, and much more!
Please fill in this form with all the details necessary to create a story. The pictures to accompany this submission should be uploaded to Google Drive using the link provided in this form. If you have any questions please contact Anne Marie Espinoza by email at amespinoza1075@uvaldecisd.net, or by phone at 830-278-6655 Ext. 1075.