In this edition:
Fort Worth ISD Names 10 District Teachers Of The Year | FWISD Superintendent Turns The Spotlight On District Volunteers In New Video | FWISD Celebrates National Volunteer Week | Fort Worth ISD Mobilizes To Distribute Internet “Hotspots” To Students | FWISD Makes Change To One Of The “Meals To Go” Sites: Construction Requires the Change | It's Not Too Late: Fort Worth ISD Gold Seal Choices Applications Are Open For Fall 2020-2021: Parents/Students May Go Online to Apply for Gold Seal Programs and Schools of Choice, including P-Tech Academies | Food Distribution To Families At Four Mobile Pantry Sites This Saturday | FWISD Celebrates National Library Week |Voluntary Teacher Transfer Extended | Virtual Decision Day 2020 Set To Celebrate Fort ISD Seniors | Scripps National Spelling Bee Canceled | Inside FWISD Briefs | Fort Worth ISD Snapshot |Community Resources | Calendar | View more stories throughout the week on the Inside FWISD Blog
Nothing Keeps FWISD and HEB/Central Market from Celebrating our Teachers of the Year
“What this year’s District Teachers of the Year event lacked in glamour, it made up for in excitement and heart,” says Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Kent Scribner in his April video message to teachers and staff.
Instead of the wonderful dinner that H-E-B/Central Market hosts each year, the announcement was made via Zoom with all 10 winners in attendance. Yes, 10. In another difference this special year, we chose ten Districts Teachers of the Year, instead of the traditional two.
Watch the video and enjoy as Dr. Scribner, FWISD Board President Jacinto Ramos Jr., and H-E-B/Central Market Director of Public Affairs Mabrie Jackson congratulate these 10 extraordinary educators.
A highlight of the presentation is Ms. Jackson’s announcement that each winner will receive a $100 H-E-B/Central Market gift card – to treat themselves to a celebratory dinner – and a check for $2,500 in honor of their excellent work.
Learn more about this year's honorees in the story below.
FORT WORTH ISD NAMES 10 DISTRICT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
Fort Worth ISD students, teachers, and administrators may be operating from home right now, but that did not stop the District from selecting not one, not two, but 10 District Teachers of the Year.
In 10 separate Zoom meetings on April 20, campus principals and colleagues surprised their teacher winners with signs, balloons, and music to announce they were one of 10 District Teachers of the Year for 2020. Every teacher was surprised by the announcement, and some were visibly moved by the praise they received from their peers in the meeting.
Watch a compilation of the elementary school teacher announcements here. A compilation of the secondary school teacher announcements is available here.
A panel of judges had previously selected these 10 exemplary teachers from more than 70 applicants. Each applicant had already been elected by their peers as the Campus Teacher of the Year for 2020.
In a typical year, these 10 teachers would have been named finalists who would then go through a rigorous panel interview process to determine one elementary and one secondary Teacher of the Year.
This year is anything but typical, and the District decided to name five elementary and five secondary Teachers of the Year. All 10 winners will have a special Zoom meeting April 22 with Superintendent Dr. Kent Scribner, Board of Education President Jacinto Ramos, and District partner Central Market.
Central Market is the annual sponsor for the Campus Teacher of the Year and District Teacher of the recognition programs, and they will provide each Teacher of the Year with a special prize in their honor.
While these teachers will not be able to attend the traditional teacher award dinner, the District will shine the digital spotlight on them, with special videos and photos on the District website. They will also be virtually recognized at an upcoming school board meeting.
Elementary Teachers
Jennifer Sanchez, third grade math and reading, Western Hills Elementary: Master’s and bachelor’s degrees from University of Texas at Arlington.
Brooke Darby, fifth grade ELAR and social studies, DeZavala Elementary: Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University
Carminia Moreno, Fifth grade science and social studies, Sam Rosen Elementary: Bachelor’s degree from University of Texas at Arlington
Amy Craft, dyslexia interventionist, Carter Park Elementary: Bachelor’s degree from Crichton College
Mireya Cadena, second grade DLE English Language Arts Teacher, Cesar Chavez Elementary: Bachelor’s degree from University of California Los Angeles
Secondary Teachers
Kathy Elliott, Ninth grade biology, Ninth grade college transitions, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences: Master’s degree, University of Texas at Arlington; Bachelor’s degree, University of Texas at Austin
Derek Smilowski, Head Director of Bands, Eastern Hills High School: Bachelor’s degree, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Matthew Bradford, Sixth grade Health, Meadowbrook Middle School: Master’s degree, University of Texas at Arlington; Bachelor’s degree, Stephen F. Austin University
Vicky Robertson, AVID teacher, Polytechnic High School: Bachelor’s degree, Texas Wesleyan University
Ray Horton, Geometry and Algebra I, TCC South- Fort Worth ISD Collegiate: Master’s degree, University of Texas at Arlington; Bachelor’s degree, Baylor University; Bachelor’s degree, University of Texas at Austin
FWISD Superintendent Turns the Spotlight on District Volunteers in New Video
Did you know this is National Volunteers Week?
And, did you know that more than 10,000 women and men volunteer each year for Fort Worth ISD?
As Superintendent Kent Scribner says in this short video, our amazing volunteers wear many different hats to get the job done.
And now, during the coronavirus health crisis, they are doing more vital work than ever, as they help to get food and other necessities to our students and their families.
We could not do all we do to educate our children, without our volunteers.
This "thank you" is from all of us at Fort Worth ISD.
FWISD CELEBRATES NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
This week is all about volunteers.
The Fort Worth ISD joins the country in a celebration of service, hope and inspiration this National Volunteer Week, April 19-25.
In recent weeks since the District’s closure to prevent spread of COVID-19, volunteers, now more than ever, have been invaluable to the District’s mission of ensuring all students are not only cared for but prepared for college, career and community leadership. Volunteers have gone above and beyond in partnering with the District to provide students with ongoing support, nourishment and tools for academic success.
They have found safe ways, in adherence to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to help others as society adjusts to the new normal.
Churches in typical leadership fashion have stepped up to bring strength and passion to serving others. FWISD thanks the faith-based organizations helping to meet essential needs citywide. Special recognition goes to the following churches and their volunteers that are providing food and ongoing support to FWISD families facing severe challenges during the District closure: Doxology Bible Church, Broadway Baptist Church, University Christian Church, Tree of Life Church, First Christian Church, Southcliff Baptist Church, Christ Church Fort Worth, 7 City Church, Central Bible Church, Waves of Faith, Christ Chapel Bible Church, Fellowship Church Fort Worth, Arlington Heights United Methodist Church, Altamesa Church of Christ, South Hills Christian Church, Celebration Community Church and Southside Church of Christ.
A special thank you goes to parent, civic and literacy organizations that have supported students and staff all year long, infusing hope and being a source of inspiration to all. Organizations like Read2Win, Reading Partners, Kid’s Hope, and the Rotary Club maintain a steady commitment to our schools.
Recently, Reading Partners donated more than 2,000 books to be distributed to students by Broadway Baptist Church volunteers at all 18 Fort Worth ISD Meals to Go sites.
FWISD also extends its gratitude to its partners, large corporations and small businesses making important, strategic investments in our schools and Fort Worth. Employees from these businesses not only volunteer their time and talents but the companies support the District financially. They include Dickie’s, Fidelity Investments, EECU, and many others.
National Volunteer Week, celebrated nationally since 1974, will soon come to an end, but our gratitude and appreciation for the work of volunteers in strengthening the community through education will remain.
Fort Worth ISD Mobilizes to Distribute Internet “Hotspots” to Students
Facebook Contributes $500,000 and AT&T Works With the District to Provide Best Possible Deal
The Fort Worth ISD is distributing 6,000 AT&T hotspots over the next few days to provide additional students with internet accessibility so they may continue to learn at home during the COVID-19 school closure.
The $1.3 M purchase was approved by the Fort Worth ISD Board of Education on April 14 and is being further supported by a generous $500,000 donation from Facebook. Facebook says the gift is part of the company’s COVID Relief efforts to support local communities.
“Access to a device is critical for support of the District’s Learning at Home initiative during the mandated state and county Covid-19 school closure,” said Jerry Moore, FWISD’s Chief Academic Officer.
District leaders also worked with AT&T to secure the greatest number of mobile Wi-Fi hotspots at the best possible price. The Fort Worth ISD also deeply appreciates the efforts of Read Fort Worth in bringing together all parties.
“We are delighted to partner with Read Fort Worth to bring community resources to the work of our District,” said Jerry Moore. “We look forward to their support as we continue to grow virtual learning.”
The internet devices began arriving at District offices on Tuesday, April 21 and a team of more than 40 FWISD employees rapidly configured them to work within the District’s computer network.
Distribution began on Wednesday and continues for the next two days. All recipients have been pre-identified and devices assigned.
“We really want to thank Facebook for such a generous donation,” said Mr. Moore. “The speed with which they responded to this need was in and of itself incredible."
“Fort Worth is our home, and we are honored to be able to partner with the Fort Worth Independent School District and Read Fort Worth to provide immediate relief to families and students,” said Matt Sexton, Community Development Regional Manager for Facebook. “We are committed to investing in the long-term vitality of this community and we appreciate the opportunity to help the students of Fort Worth connect in a meaningful way and continue their education from home.”
Facebook has been part of the Fort Worth community since 2015 when they broke ground on their 2.5 million square foot data center.
FWISD MAKES CHANGE TO ONE OF THE “MEALS TO GO” SITES
Construction Requires the Change
The Fort Worth ISD must relocate the “Meals To Go” site at Eastern Hills High School to West Handley Elementary School effective Monday, April 27. The change is required because of construction progress at Eastern Hills High School.
West Handley Elementary School is located at 2749 Putnam in Fort Worth. The distance to West Handley from EHHS is less than a mile.
The Fort Worth ISD offers meal distribution at 18 different school sites across the city on Mondays and Thursday between the hours of 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. The District provides six meals per child on each distribution day.
The two day-a-week schedule was recently implemented because it:
- Provides an increase in the recommended social distancing guidelines and reduces gatherings for parents and students from five days a week to two days per week,
- Promotes more parent and student engagement in online instruction daily versus the time required to pick up meals daily,
- Reduces employee interaction from five days to two days per week,
- Supports the City of Fort Worth’s Safer at Home resolution,
- And, follows Texas Department of Agriculture revised regulations.
A complete list of all “Meals To Go” sites can be found on the COVID-19 page of www.fwisd.org.
The “Meals To Go’ Program has been a successful partnership between the District and its food service vendor Sodexo MAGIC.
It’s Not Too Late: Fort Worth ISD Gold Seal Choices Applications Are Open for Fall 2020-2021
Parents/Students May Go Online to Apply for Gold Seal Programs and Schools of Choice, including P-Tech Academies
Fort Worth ISD is looking to the future and your place in it! We are now accepting online late applications to Fort Worth ISD Gold Seal Programs and Schools of Choice, an education journey to prepare all students for success in college, career, and community leadership.
You can apply now through September for the 2020-21 school year for most Programs and Schools of Choice, including the I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA, Early College High Schools, P-Tech schools, and others.
I.M.Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA
I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA is a premier destination for students who have a passion for visual and performing arts and/or STEM subjects.
Because of the disruptions caused by the coronavirus, we are modifying VPA requirements for acceptance for the 2020-21 school year only. No audition is required. Instead, students must submit a letter of recommendation from a fine arts teacher or private instructor. Students must also have had some experience in the arts in middle school.
Early College High Schools
Students have the opportunity to earn a two-year associate degree along with their high school diploma – tuition free – saving their families thousands of dollars in college costs.
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH)
In addition to Early College High School opportunities, P-TECH Early College High Schools provide work-based learning experiences at every grade level by establishing agreements with industry partners – partners such as Bell, McAfee, the James L. West Center, Texas Wesleyan University, the University of North Texas and others. Through internships and apprenticeships, students may earn work credentials, such as licenses and certificates, aligned to their chosen pathway.
FWISD Early College High Schools/PTech schools
- Dunbar High School
- Eastern Hills High School
- Marine Creek Collegiate High School
- North Side High School
- Polytechnic High School
- Southwest High School
- Tarrant County College South/Fort Worth ISD Collegiate High School
- O.D.Wyatt High School
To find the program or school that’s right for your student’s interests and college and career goals, explore our 2020-21 Gold Seal catalog. Also, watch the Programs of Choice and Schools of Choice video to see Gold Seal opportunities in action. Then, access the Gold Seal late application at www.fwisd.org/choice, or click here.
Students submitting a late application may only apply for one Program of Choice or one School of Choice.
Because all applications are submitted online, it’s extremely important that parents have an active email address prior to starting the application process. If you have already submitted a Choice application, you are encouraged to use the same email address. Questions? E-mail Charles Harris at charles.harris@fwisd.org or Angelica Aguirre at angelica.aguirre@fwisd.org. They can help guide you through the late application process and answer your questions about individual programs and schools.
The late application applies only to Gold Seal Programs and Schools of Choice that currently have available spaces or could have spaces become available:
Elementary
Como Montessori – Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th grades
Riverside Applied Learning Center – Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th grades
The Applied Learning Center at J.T. Stevens – Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th grades
Middle School
Como Montessori – 6th, 7th & 8th grades
High School
Amon Carter Riverside High School – Networking: 9th & 10th grades
Arlington Heights High School – Dance: 9th & 10th grades
Benbrook Middle-High School – AP Capstone Academy: 9th grade
Eastern Hills High School –Public Service: 9th & 10th grades
Cybersecurity P-Tech Academy- 9th grade
Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School – Architecture & Construction Technology: 9th & 10th grades
Welding: 9th grade
Veterinary Medical Assistant: 9th grade
Dunbar High School – Aviation: 9th grade
Automotive Technology: 9th grade
ECHS – Collegiate Academy- 9th & 10th grade
Manufacturing P-Tech Academy: 9th grade
Cosmetology: 9th grade
North Side High School –Automotive Technology: 9th grade
Cosmetology: 9th grade
Culinary Arts:9th & 10th grades
Medical P-Tech Academy:9th grade
Mariachi:9th & 10th grades
O.D. Wyatt High School – Automotive Technology: 9th grade
Construction Technology: 9th grade
ECHS Collegiate Academy: 9th & 10th grades
Culinary Arts: 9th & 10th grades
Medical: 9th & 10th grades
Polytechnic High School – Computer Service and Support: 9th grade
Culinary Arts: 9th grade
Education P-Tech Academy: 9th grade
South Hills High School – Culinary Arts: 9th grade
Video Game Design: 9th grade
Computer Service and Support: 9th grade
Southwest High School – ECHS – Collegiate Academy: 9th grade
Broadcast Journalism and Media Technology: 9th & 10th grades
Music and Sound Design: 9th & 10th grades
Western Hills High School – International Baccalaureate Academy (IB): 9th & 10th grades
Computer Service and Support: 9th grade
Young Men’s Leadership Academy – 9th grade
World Languages Institute – 9th grade
I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA – STEM: 9th & 10th grades
VPA Band: 9th & 10th grades
VPA Choir: 9th & 10th grades
VPA Dance: 9th & 10th grades
VPA Orchestra: 9th & 10th grades
VPA Piano: 9th & 10th grades
VPA Theater: 9th & 10th grades
VPA Visual Art: 9th & 10th grades
Tarrant County College South/ Forth Worth ISD Collegiate High School-
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-Tech): 9th & 10th grades
Marine Creek Collegiate High School – 9th & 10th grades
The Power of Choice
In the 2018-19 school year, our Gold Seal students earned 36,108 college credit hours – a 29% increase from the previous year. That saves students and families an estimated $14 million in tuition and books.
In the past two years, more than 350 Fort Worth ISD students earned a college associates degree at the same time they earned their high school diploma.
Last year, students took more than 2,500 certification exams successfully. Almost all of our programs include certifications, and they are tied directly to regional workforce needs.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION TO FAMILIES AT FOUR MOBILE PANTRY SITES THIS SATURDAY
The Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB) continues its work with local partner organizations and Fort Worth ISD and will provide boxes of food to families this Saturday, April 25, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at four mobile pantry sites.
TAFB and its partner agencies will distribute 25-pound boxes of non-perishable food to families at the following mobile pantry sites:
- Leadership Academy at Como Elementary, 4000 Horne Street, Fort Worth 76107
- Western Hills Elementary, 2805 Laredo, Fort Worth 76116
- Luella Merrett Elementary, 7325 Kermit, Fort Worth 76116
- Leonard Middle School, 8900 Chapin Rd., Fort Worth 76116
Volunteers are with TAFB partner agencies and will take all necessary safety precautions and employ social distancing during food distribution. Food boxes will be provided to families on a first come, first served basis. TAFB will continue this effort with more food distribution mobile pantry sites for future Saturdays.
FWISD Celebrates National Library Week
The Fort Worth ISD joins the country in celebrating National Library Week, April 19-25.
The 2020 theme is “ Find your place at the library,” and the weeklong celebration recognizes the work of libraries, librarians and library workers in efforts to continue serving the community through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though the school doors are closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 academic year, the Fort Worth ISD Library Media Services Department and its librarians offer students and their families a wealth of virtual services and digital content to support Learning At Home. The FWISD Online Libraries link on the Learning At Home site and campus websites gives families access to multiple online products including eBooks, magazines, encyclopedias, audiobooks and streaming video. Weekly, FWISD “librarians are promoting a specific set of these products and other free online resources to support Curriculum At-A-Glance learning objectives and provide families with interactive learning activities for students,” said Carter Cook, FWISD Library Media Services director.
“Although students cannot checkout books from their school libraries right now, their librarians are sharing several ways students can select and read books online or download for reading offline,” he said. “Innovative librarians are recording read-alouds, hosting online book clubs, and creating Beanstack reading challenges to motivate students to continue reading for pleasure!”
In addition to offering students and families multiple virtual resources for staying engaged, FWISD librarians have assisted with Chromebook distribution events at multiple FWISD campuses and resetting student passwords.
The American Library Association is encouraging people sheltering at home to celebrate National Library Week by visiting online libraries and posting on social media what they love most about online libraries.
The first National Library Week was observed in 1958 in efforts to motivate people to read and support and visit their local libraries. For more details about the national observance, click here.
VOLUNTARY TEACHER TRANSFER EXTENDED
Fort Worth ISD teachers now have until midnight April 24, 2020 to submit a Voluntary Teacher Transfer.
Click here to apply online today.
Virtual Decision Day 2020 Set to Celebrate Fort Worth ISD Seniors
The Fort Worth ISD, in collaboration with countless partners, will sponsor its first-ever Virtual Decision Day 2020 on Friday, May 1.
All seniors are encouraged to creatively post photos and videos on social media highlighting their postsecondary choices during this cyber event. Ideas may include students in college/military shirts, promoting a certification/licensure, yard signs and door decorations. Have a choreographed dance routine? We’d love to see that too. Your limitation is your imagination!
And to the rest of FWISD Nation - our alumni, faculty, staff and community members, we didn’t forget about you. Send our seniors videos of encouragement or photos of you rocking gear from your alma mater.
Use the hashtag #FWISDDECISION2020 and tag @FortWortISD on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. We’ll share as many photos and videos as we can on our District platforms!
Our seniors have worked extremely hard, and through these difficult times, we want to show them that their hard work will not go unnoticed. Help us build excitement and awareness surrounding the Class of 2020’s achievements.
SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE CANCELED
The 2020 national finals for the Scripps National Spelling Bee are canceled because of “ongoing concerns” about the spread of COVID-19, bee officials announced Tuesday. Bee officials said there was “no clear path to safely set a new date in 2020.”
“Our thoughts immediately go out to our spellers and their families. The students have dedicated time and effort to their passion for learning,” said Paige Kimble, executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in a statement. “They should be proud of all they have accomplished by winning spelling bees at the classroom, school and regional level. Nevertheless, our first priority has to be the health and well-being of our spellers and their families and the hundreds of staff and spectators that come together for bee week.”
This is the first time since World War II that national finals for bee were canceled. The national bee, which began in 1925, will return June 1-3, 2021 in National Harbor, Maryland.
Students who’ve advanced beyond the eighth grade by next year’s finals are not eligible to participate. In the coming months, champions of successfully completed regional bees will be recognized by the Scripps National Spelling Bee organization.
Six Fort Worth ISD students were slated to represent the District in the 2020 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee, March 24 at Texas Christian University. The event was suspended following the recent stay-at-home orders issued by the city and state.
“Although it saddens me that our talented Spelling Bee winners for this school year are not able to continue their journey to the regionals at TCU, and then possibly to the nationals in Washington, D.C., I understand and completely agree with the decision to cancel this year's National Spelling Bee,” said Norma Burks, FWISD’s academic activities coordinator. “I look forward to our schools participating in the Scripps Spelling Bee again during the 2020-2021 school year.”
Among the students who won the FWISD’s 2020 Spelling Bee and qualified for the regional bee were:
Area 1: Winner – Richard Perez, eighth grade, J.P. Elder Middle School
Area 2: Winner – Terrance Williams, fifth grade, Bill J. Elliott Elementary School
Area 3: Winner – Gabriel Zuraa, fifth grade, Clifford Davis Elementary School
Area 4: Winner – Hudson Felker, sixth grade, Benbrook Middle-High School
Area 5: Winner – Ayan Butt, sixth grade, Young Men’s Leadership Academy
Area 6: Winner – Ava Stubblefield, eighth grade, Daggett Montessori
In 2019, McLean Middle School’s Maitri Kovuru qualified for the Scripps National Spelling Bee and finished No. 35 in the national finals.
INSIDE FWISD BRIEFS
EDITOR'S NOTE: Inside FWISD Briefs are quick-hit stories of activities and events happening around the District.
Kirkpatrick MS Teacher Recognized For Making A Difference
Kirkpatrick Middle School teacher Leo Vaughns Jr. is among multiple North Texans FOX 4 News' Clarice Tinsley has featured in her Here's To You posts on Facebook and Twitter. In the post, Mr. Vaughns is photographed volunteering at a FWISD Meals to Go site. Here's To You recognizes inspiring North Texans who are making a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UIL Cancels All Spring Activities, State Championships
All UIL 2019-2020 spring activities and state championships are canceled, the league has announced. The announcement followed an order from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that all schools remain closed this academic year.
"Practices, rehearsals, and workouts remain suspended until further notice," according to a University Interscholastic League statement issued Friday, April 17. "The previously communicated information allowing remote instruction remains in place. The UIL will continue to follow the direction of the state authorities and will work closely with member schools to navigate this unprecedented time."
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following are recent photos from across the Fort Worth ISD showing how schools are connecting with families during the District closure.
Glen Park ES Students Create Messages for Essential Workers: Glen Park Elementary recently posted messages from students thanking the essential workers of this pandemic.
Fresh New Books: Volunteers from Broadway Baptist Church handed out new books to Fort Worth ISD elementary-aged students at Meals to Go pickup sites. The books, donated by children’s literacy nonprofit Reading Partners, are available in English and Spanish for student use at home. Each book includes a reading comprehension card for parents to use as they help guide their child’s reading.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
LinkedIn Learning Resources
In light of the current public health crisis, so many have made the shift from company office to home office for the first time. Balancing meetings and emails while still making time for necessary breaks and taking care of your family can be challenging. Check out these quick tips from LinkedIn Learning to help make this adjustment a little easier to navigate:
Create a productive workspace (5 mins)
Keep work hours in balance (6 mins)
Plan meaningful breaks (5 mins)
Use virtual meetings productively (5 mins)
Building boundaries with loved ones (4 mins)
Manage interruptions and emergencies (5 mins)
Succeeding as a remote worker (3 mins)
Don’t forget to schedule some fun into your breaks!
Whether it's drawing, reading or something else, make sure you have breaks in your schedule.
Questions?
Contact Aracely Chavez, executive director of Classified Learning, at aracely.chavez@fwisd.org.
Employee Assistance Program Resources for FWISD Employees
FinPath Offers FWISD Employees Tips For Managing Finances During Pandemic
FinPath, an employer-paid workplace benefit, is offering Fort Worth ISD employees financial wellness tips, coaching and resources for weathering the COVID-19 pandemic.finpath
Launched by the District last fall, FinPath offers employees tips for managing finances and much more. Recent webinars and courses offered by the service have included “Dealing with the Financial Shock of COVID-19” and “Breaking Down the CARES Act and What It Means To You.”
Not using FinPath yet? Click here to activate your account.
For more details on FinPath, visit the FWISD Employee Benefits Portal and click on the Financial Wellness tab.
Equity and Excellence, Restorative Practices Offer Social, Emotional Wellness Resources
Take care of your social and emotional wellness during this pandemic. Log onto the FWISD Restorative Practices Community Facebook page weekly for self-care lessons. Tune in Monday, Wednesday and Friday for live check-in sessions.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Tarrant Area Food Bank offers Grab and Go Dinners for Children
FORT WORTH YMCA GRAB & GO MEALS-NEW SCHEDULE & LOCATIONS FOR FAMILIES IMPACTED BY COVID-19
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following content is from the The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth
The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth is continuing to serve the growing needs of the community with free Grab & Go meals with updated service locations and times. Pick up times will change to Mondays and Wednesdays from 4pm – 6pm at the following locations.
- Airport Area YMCA - 3524 Central Drive Bedford, TX 76021
- Amon G. Carter, Jr. Downtown YMCA - 512 Lamar St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
- Benbrook Community Center YMCA - 1899 Winscott Rd, Benbrook, TX 76126
- Eastside YMCA - 1500 Sandy Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76112
- Hood County YMCA - 1475 James Road, Granbury, TX 76049
- Joshua Community YMCA - 1009 Joshua Station Blvd, Joshua, TX 76058
- William M. McDonald YMCA - 2701 Moresby Street, Fort Worth, TX 76105
- YMCA Sports Complex - 4320 Altamesa Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76133
Last week, the Y provided over 3,000 meals to families with children 18 years or younger in Tarrant, Hood and Johnson counties while schools are closed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
Pick up times changed to support the City of Fort Worth requests to limit food distribution to only 3 days/week or less and to comply with “stay-at-home” recommendations on social distancing. It is important to note that families will still receive up to 5 days of food when they go to pick-up their Grab & Go Meals.
- Mondays, families will be able to pick up meals for 2 days (Mon-Tue)
- Wednesdays, families will be able to pick up meals for 3 days (Wed - Fri)
This change reducing the number of times people are asked to leave their homes and risk exposure, thus helping to support “flattening the curve.”
“By providing these meals to children who need them most, Fort Worth area Y’s are truly fulfilling their mission of healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development. I’m proud of their continued community outreach despite their temporary facility closures.” Julie Wilson, Chair, Board of Directors at YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth.
Meals are provided by local vendors including Purple Hearts, Inc. and Tarrant Area Food Bank and they come complete with protein, fruit or vegetable, snacks and more. Together with the support of community leaders, volunteers, staff and donors, the Y wants to ensure that every child is safe, healthy and fed.
“For over 130 years, the YMCA has served the ever-changing needs of our local community. Today is no different as we continue to find ways to support Fort Worth, Benbrook and surrounding counties by partnering with local organizations to provide grab-and-go meals at our branches.” Tony Shuman, President and CEO of YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth.
In addition to the Grab & Go initiative, the Y is continuing to support the community by providing pre-schools and childcare to the families of essential employees and first responders and connecting with seniors to check on their wellbeing to help avoid isolation.
For questions or additional information or visit www.ymcafw.org
The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth branches have been temporarily closed for traditional health and wellness activities due to the COVID-19 public health mandates by city, county and state authorities. Staff and volunteers have continue to be vigilante in continuing to serve the community outside of the walls of the Y.
Check www.fwisd.org/COVID-19 regularly for District updates
FWISD “Meals To Go,” Available from Noon-1:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday
Join the mayor for live virtual updates on the city's COVID-19 response
Online Pre-K/ Kindergarten Registration Currently Underway
Board of Education meeting, April 28
Share your story ideas, successes, calendar items, photos, questions and feedback with us at Inside@FWISD.org. Check the Inside FWISD blog, www.fwisd.org/insidefwisd, regularly updated throughout the week with additional content and features.
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