Stingray Scoop November 20, 2020
Robert L. Vale Middle School
Campus Updates
Northside families will be asked to complete a survey beginning Nov. 16 to indicate which learning model they choose for the third grading period or third quarter (Jan. 4-March 19). As with both previous surveys, the two options for students include in-person or virtual learning.
An email containing the link to the survey was sent to parents the morning of Nov. 16 and families will have until Nov. 29 to make their selection. All families will need to make a selection using the Back to School Survey including those who wish to remain in their current learning model. For more information regarding the learning models, including a side-by-side comparison, visit our Back.Together.Better website .
This week, the NISD Board of Trustees approved changes to the District’s 2020-2021 school calendar that will give teachers more time for planning.
Beginning in January 2021, six Teacher Planning Time/Student Early Dismissal Days have been added to this year’s school calendar. On these days, teachers at every level will have an additional three hours of planning time. The dates are Wednesdays on Jan. 13, Jan. 27, Feb. 24, March 24, April 28, and May 19.
Elementary schools will dismiss at 11:45 a.m., middle schools at 12:40 p.m., and high schools at 1 p.m. For families who need it, adult supervision will be available at all elementary schools, so students can remain on campus until the end of the normal school day. Learning Tree will also be available at traditional times.
As the holiday season approaches we want to remind you to stay healthy and be safe. Our students are on break for Thanksgiving from November 23rd-27th. Have a wonderful break!
Thanksgiving Tutoring!
PBIS Family Game Night-December 8th
Please save the date for a PBIS Family Game Night. A poll was taken and the Vale family has spoken: Among Us game night Tuesday December 8th. More details to come. (Take some time to play with your family over the break!)
Need Help Understanding Schoology?
In an effort to SUPPORT our STINGRAY FAMILIES, we would like to know what questions you may have about Schoology. Please complete this GOOGLE FORM and your questions will be addressed in our upcoming presentation: VALE Parent SCHOOLOGY 101.
This presentation will contain information that parents should know about Schoology to best support their child’s education during this time. You will receive an email with the link to view this informative and insightful presentation on December 7th. This is a MUST HAVE for both the novice and skilled Schoology users alike.
Then, on December 9th at 6 pm, we will host a VALE Townhall Meeting via Zoom about any follow up questions parents may still have about Schoology.
We look forward to working collaboratively with our families to provide the most beneficial and updated information as possible to ensure the success of ALL our students.
Painting with a Stingray Twist-Parent Night December 15th
Step by Step Holiday Painting
Supply list:
We will be using Acrylic Paint in the following colors:
Red
Light Blue (viridian)
Titanium White
Black
Orange
Red
Pastel pink
Green
1 canvas size 8x10
Brushes for acrylic paint
Paper towels
2 Disposable paper plates
A cup for water to rinse your brushes
If you buy your Paint at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s you can download their 40% off coupon and use it towards any regular priced item.
** Acrylic paint does not come off your clothes so please make sure to wear an apron or clothes that you don’t mind if they get stained.
Thanks PTA!!!!
What does it look like when students come on campus?
- Students must complete a daily health screener BEFORE entering the building.
- When entering the building and all classrooms, students must get hand sanitizer.
- Students are required to wear a mask all day, except for when eating in the cafeteria (Gaiters/Bandanas/Scarves/masks with exhalation valves are not acceptable for use as indoor face coverings).
- Students must practice social distancing in the building.
- Students must bring a water bottle as all water fountains are shut off, however, we do have 2 water bottle fillers on campus.
- Students must bring a fully charged device everyday to complete their asynchronous assignments.
- There is signage throughout the building reminding students of the requirements.
Are you interested in havingy our child attend Club LT Afterschool Enrichment Program?
Cost is the same as last year - $75.00 a month. Hours will be from the dismissal bell until 6:30 pm. It is open to 6th - 8th grade students. Club LT offers: Snack Supervised homework time (virtual) Club Activities such as - robotics, spheros, comic con, basketball, cybersecurity, minute to win it, chess, etc. All Club LT time and activities will follow NISD safety protocols. If you are interested in utilizing our Club LT program this school year for your student, please call Linda Woodard, Program Specialist at 210-397-4591.
NISD Virtual Learning Resources
Schoology Support
Students can access the link through Schoology in their NISD portal with an icon that signifies Schoology Support.
How Do We Take Attendance In Virtual Learning?
Northside Community Playbook
Bell Schedule
Protocols for Visiting Campus
For the 2020-2021 school year, additional safety precautions will be implemented to meet the CDC and TEA guidelines for COVID-19.
Campus visitors will be limited to essential business only (scheduled appointment, illness of a child and/or family emergency).
All individuals entering the building will be required to wear a face covering and will be subject to screening by way of a symptom screening form.
Parents will not be allowed to eat breakfast or lunch with their child due to space and social distancing guidelines.
No food deliveries will be accepted at the campus for adults or students.
Food or other items, including non-edibles, may not be distributed to classmates.
If you come to campus to pick up your child you will need to wait outside.
Before entering the front office, visitors must stop at the glass window on the right to speak with the designated Vale Staff for assistance.
Visitors waiting to pick up a student or other items will be directed to exit the building through the designated “EXIT ONLY” door and wait outside of the building. The student or item will be delivered to the visitor at the main door.
In inclement weather, visitors may wait in a designated area of the main lobby and must follow the 6 ft social distancing protocol.
Counselor Corner
If you need to contact your child's counselor, please see the information below.
A-GAR Ms. Davis, Head Counselor (210-397-5725)
GAS-OQ Mr. Herrera (210-397-5726)
OR-Z Mrs. Haby (210-397-5728)
Additionally, counseling has their own monthly newsletter via Smore. Check it out!