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Inside FWISD October 22, 2020

In this edition:

Dr. Scribner Invites You To Attend An Information Meeting | Early Voting Continues Through October 30 | Over 50% Of Eligible FWISD Students Register To Vote: Inside FWISD Spotlights Student Voter Registration Efforts | Report Cards To Be Posted Online Friday | Board Names M.H. Moore ES Auditorium For Longtime Educator Cynthia R. Bosquez | Change The Narrative At The Virtual 2020 Racial Equity Summit III | Educators Encouraged To Spread Word About T3 Pledge | FWISD Gold Seal Postcards Headed To Student Mailboxes | FWISD Free Meal To Go Extended Through The Remainder Of The School Year | Facebook Funds Tynker Coding Program For Fort Worth ISD Elementary Students | Artes de la Rosa Follows Recent Donation Of 5,000 Masks With Second Donation Of 10,000 For Performing Arts Students | FWISD Announces Flu Vaccine Clinics For Employees | FWISD Announces Recent Retiree| Food Available At Multiple Sites Through December | Inside FWISD Briefs | Community Resources | Calendar | View more stories throughout the week on the Inside FWISD Blog

Dr. Scribner invites you to attend an information meeting

Dear Fort Worth ISD Employees,

As you may have heard, the Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees approved a Voter Approval Tax Ratification Election (TRE) on November 3.

Superintendent Kent P. Scribner would like the opportunity to present additional information on the TRE. You are encouraged and invited to attend a virtual presentation.

There are several opportunities to join one between now and October 29.

To find a time most convenient to you, please visit our Eventbrite page and look on the right hand side of the screen for the Select a date bar in red.

>> Watch the video where Dr. Scribner answers essential questions about the TRE.

>> Register and receive access to the information meeting.

If voters approve the new tax rate it will result in an additional $44M for the District and the state would also give us 50-cents on the dollar, resulting in revenues of $66M.

That money would fund:

  • Increased compensation for teachers allowing the District to be more competitive in attracting and retaining the best teachers and providing incentives for those who will work in the schools where they are needed most
  • Safety, health, and security by providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and additional measures to clean and sanitize campuses
  • Connectivity and devices such as Chromebook computers, hot spots and additional methods to provide broadband internet access for students

For additional information, please visit www.fwisd.org/election.

Early Voting Continues Through October 30

Early voting for the November 3 joint general and special elections is currently underway.

Polls are open at most locations from:

  • 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday, October 19-Friday, October 23
  • 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, October 24
  • 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, October 25
  • 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, October 26-Friday, October 30

During the early voting period, registered voters in Tarrant County may cast ballots at any of the 50 designated early voting locations. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

On the ballot is the Fort Worth ISD Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (TRE). If approved, the TRE will provide funds for:

  • Increased teacher salaries to attract and retain top educators
  • Expanded safety, health, and security on campuses, including more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Chromebooks, hot spots and reliable connectivity to the internet for all students

To learn more about the FWISD Voter- Approval Tax Ratification Election, visit www.fwisd.org/election or join Superintendent Kent Scribner for one of multiple upcoming virtual town hall meetings. Click here to RSVP to attend.

Visit the Tarrant County elections website for additional voter and election details.

Over 50% Of Eligible FWISD Students Register To Vote

Inside FWISD Spotlights Student Voter Registration Efforts

EDITOR’s NOTE: In editions of Inside FWISD leading up to the November 3 election, we will spotlight efforts across the District encouraging FWISD students to be part of the election process.

More than 50% of eligible Fort Worth ISD students are registered voters, according to the FWISD Student and School Support Department.

Of the 1,779 students who are eligible to vote in the November 3 election, 957 or 53.79% of eligible students are registered voters, FWISD high schools reported to the Student and School Support Department earlier this month.

With early voting underway, many of the first-time voters have already made their way to the polls, taking their parents – some who are also first-time voters – along with them. Students are sharing their excitement about voting in social media posts with pictures of stickers acknowledging they’ve voted and family photos after casting ballots.

“It’s so encouraging,” said Susan Wade, former Daggett Montessori principal and a high school outreach liaison for March to the Polls, a nonpartisan group focused on increasing voter turnout in the 18-24 age demographic. “Most are wearing masks, but you can see their eyes sparkling. I love that.”

Early voting for the November 3 joint general and special elections continues through October 30. Registered voters in Tarrant County may cast ballots at any of the 50 designated early voting locations.

According to a January 2020 report published by the Pew Research Center, Generation Z, individuals between the ages 18 and 23, are expected to make up 1-in-10 eligible voters this election year.

Per the Texas Education Code, high schools are required to have a campus principal or designee serving as a deputy registrar and who twice a year distributes a registration application to each student who is or will be 18 years old or older on Election Day, subject to rules put in place by the Texas Secretary of State office.

FWISD campuses got creative in getting voter registration information to students this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and limited face to face interaction.

Leading up to the October 5 voter registration deadline for the November 3 general and special elections in Texas, Fort Worth ISD high schools hosted socially distanced and drive-through voter registration events for students and discussed voter registration in government classes, equipping students with information to register on their own.

Students who registered to vote were congratulated with stickers, decorated water bottles and face masks at some in-person, socially distanced campus events.

The efforts resulted in 100% of eligible student voters at FWISD’s Paschal High School registering to vote. The school contacted eligible students electronically about voter registration and published social media posts multiple times a week with voter registration information, Paschal Librarian Jennifer Stafford said.

Last month, the school hosted an all-day voter registration drive that it coupled with a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“We tried to celebrate our new voters as much as we would during any year and we provided them with stickers, water bottles, and any information that they would need to find their polling locations,” Ms. Stafford said. “One of the best parts of taking this registration drive outside of the school walls was that we also reached multiple community members. People would see us as they were driving by and stop to register to vote.

“It is important to us that students understand that every vote is important and that every voice matters. We started this year's journey hoping to reach as many students as possible and ended up reaching out to a community. During a Texas Library Association Talk that [Paschal Librarian] Mike Mendez and I were panelists on the other day, we mentioned this as being one of our ‘Pandemic Silver Linings.’"

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Registered voters can vote early through Friday, October 30. For poll operating hours, locations, a wait time map and additional voter and election details, visit elections.tarrantcounty.com.

Report Cards To Be Posted Online Friday

Report cards for the first six weeks grading period will be available to parents, Friday, October 23 via the Fort Worth ISD Parent Portal.

Last school year, the Fort Worth ISD transitioned to paperless report cards, making student grades available via Parent Portal. Parents who prefer a paper copy of report cards must request one from their child’s campus.

For Parent Portal access, visit www.fwisd.org/parentportal. Parents or guardians need their child’s student identification (ID) information, birth date and their email address to register.

The second six weeks officially began Monday, October 19 and concludes December 4. The first six weeks ended Friday, October 16.

Board Names M.H. Moore ES Auditorium For Longtime Educator Cynthia R. Bosquez

Second grade teacher Cynthia Rodriquez Bosquez’s legacy will live on in the hallways of M.H. Moore Elementary School, the campus she taught at for more than 40 years.

This week, the Fort Worth ISD Board of Education unanimously voted to name the M.H. Moore Elementary auditorium for the late Ms. Bosquez in remembrance of her commitment to the school. Ms. Bosquez died earlier this month at age 72.

“This is really important for the Diamond Hill and M.H. Moore community, and this is a request that came directly from the community with an outpouring of support,” said District 9 Trustee Ashley Paz shortly before the October 20 vote.

Following Ms. Bosquez’s death, the outpouring of messages from parents, former students and the community about her impact began to flood the M.H. Moore community and social media.

“A former student … wrote: ‘she was my third-grade teacher. She put me in advanced reading and nominated me for the vanguard program. Were it not for her, I most likely would not be a lawyer today,” FWISD spokesman Clint Bond stated in remarks at the board meeting Tuesday.

Ms. Bosquez is remembered as “a beloved pillar of our community” who mentored new teachers, cheered on and supported the athletic games at M.H. Moore Elementary, organized the school’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations, served as a UIL coach and a lifetime PTA member, Mr. Bond said. In 2016, she received a lifetime achievement award for her commitment to children.

Shortly after the Board’s vote Tuesday, Kristina Munoz – Ms. Bosquez’s eldest daughter – shared a few remarks about what the naming the auditorium for her late mother means.

“In the 43 years she taught, she didn’t waver from her commitment to her students or her school – her second family,” Mrs. Munoz said. “For those reasons and more, we those that are left to preserve and honor her memory, sincerely believe that the auditorium endowed with her namesake will serve as a guiding epitome to prior and forthcoming generations of her prominence of education and the vigor of her calling.

“May every student, teacher, parent and school community member that walks through the M.H. Moore halls see her name and share her story to inspire and cultivate future generations like Ms. Bosquez did during her extensive tutelage.”

Ms. Bosquez’s career with the Fort Worth ISD spanned more than 40 years. She joined the District as a teacher’s assistant in 1974. In 1977, she went on to become a teacher at M.H. Moore Elementary where she worked until her retirement in May 2020.

Alexandra Flores, a fourth grade M.H. Moore Elementary teacher and a close friend to Ms. Bosquez, first met the second-grade teacher seven years ago. Ms. Flores was a new teacher then, and Ms. Bosquez welcomed her to the team with open arms, mentoring her, she said. The two soon became friends often spending their afternoons talking for hours and making memories to last a lifetime. Ms. Flores remembers Ms. Bosquez as a “positive light” in her life and said that while she wishes she had more time with her, she’s “blessed with many memories to remember her by.”

Ms. Bosquez not only developed bonds with her colleagues but her students also, Ms. Flores added.

“Ms. Bosquez was loved by all of us in the Diamond Hill community,” Ms. Flores said. “What all of her former students say is true. She was an incredible teacher who loved all of her students and made them all feel like the special people that they are.”

Left to cherish Ms. Bosquez’s memory are her five children, five siblings and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Fort Worth ISD extends its deepest sympathy to Ms. Bosquez’s family and all who were impacted by her life.

Change the Narrative at the Virtual 2020 Racial Equity Summit III

Register today and make plans to attend Fort Worth ISD’s virtual “Racial Equity Summit III—Changing the Narrative” this November.

Sponsored by FWISD’s Division of Equity and Excellence, Racial Equity Summit III opens Saturday, November 7 via Zoom with virtual breakout sessions offered daily through November 13. The weeklong event is free and offers District students, staff, parents and community members thought-provoking discussions on race and equity.

Originally scheduled in spring 2020 before a sold-out audience, the summit was postponed because of building closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The summit -- now virtual -- begins at 8:30 a.m. November 7 with a student panel discussing personal experiences on race. The opening session also features the Como Elementary Dance Team, the District Executive Leadership Team (DELT) participating in an Equity Walk highlighting why it engages in this practice and a Dance Challenge in which attendees will be invited to participate.

One-hour breakout sessions will take place twice each day, November 9-13 at noon and 6 p.m. Topics slated for the breakout sessions include:

  • The History of Race
  • Activating the Community
  • The Role of Power Structures in Systemic Racism
  • Intersectionality of Social and Racial Identity

Sherry Breed, FWISD Equity and Excellence chief, said this much-anticipated event that is now going virtual gives participants “a space to continue to deepen your knowledge about race and engage in conversation with thought partners about race and hear perspectives from many different Racial Equity Leaders.”

“In this time of much social unrest and inequities, we want to embrace the conversation about race and bring multiple perspectives together. It is our hope that the FWISD Community will become more informed and be moved to continue the conversation in their personal sphere of influence,” Mrs. Breed said. “Each of us must begin our racial equity journey by exploring our own biases. These biases may enter our work as it relates to expectations of all students and their academic success. Awareness of racial inequities is the first step in 'Changing the Narrative.'”

FLEX hour credits will be granted to educators participating in the summit after sessions are completed and participation reports are tabulated.

Register and find more Racial Equity Summit III details here.

Educators Encouraged to Spread Word About T3 Pledge

The Fort Worth ISD in partnership with Tarrant To & Through (T3) Partnership has launched the T3 Partnership Pledge for students.

All FWISD junior and seniors who take the pledge by February 1, 2021, can gain access to:

1. Last Dollar Tuition-Free Scholarships to Tarrant County College

2. Mentorship, Internship, and Job Shadow Opportunities

3. College Persistence Coaching + Resources

4. Bridge Programming Between High School and Postsecondary Enrollment

District educators are encouraged to share information with students about the T3 Pledge and its benefits. A one-page handout outlining the pledge and the T3 Scholar/Family Handbook is available for educators to share with students and the community.

Additional program benefits are available here. Look for additional resources and information on District and campus social media pages and the T3 website.

The T3 Partnership believes that educators play an integral role in the T3 mission towards equitable access and opportunity for all students. Completing the T3 Partnership Pledge is the first step students must take to receive support from T3 – including a last dollar tuition-free scholarship to Tarrant County College. By taking the pledge, the T3 team will help students build a customized plan focused on life after high school. We want to provide you with the resources and information to not just help your students graduate but realize the potential of their future through postsecondary education and training. Click here for a brief slide deck that gives more detail and we look forward to connecting in an upcoming information session. Register below for more information (30 minute commitment):

FWISD Gold Seal Postcards Headed to Student Mailboxes

About 10,000 Gold Seal Programs and Schools of Choice postcards are being mailed home to Fort Worth ISD fifth and eighth graders around the first of November.

The postcards detail key Gold Seal dates:

  • November 6 – Gold Seal application available
  • November 9-12 – Virtual Gold Seal Open Houses
  • December 4 at 5 p.m. – Application Deadline

For additional Gold Seal information, visit www.fwisd.org/choice.

FWISD Free Meal To Go Extended Through the Remainder of the School Year

Meals To Go breakfast and lunch for Fort Worth ISD virtual learners will now be available at 28 convenient District curbside sites for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) just announced that it has extended the summer feeding option for the rest of the 2020-2021 school year. All campuses will continue to provide free meals to ALL students, regardless of economic status for the rest of the school year. This includes breakfast and lunch at all schools and at our 28 designated sites for ALL virtual students.

Twice weekly on Monday and Thursday mornings, FWISD students participating in virtual learning may pick up a combination of breakfast and lunch meals at any of the 28 designated meal pickup sites. On Monday, meals for the week’s first three days will be distributed. To-go meals for Thursday and Friday will be distributed on Thursdays. On days in which the District is closed for holidays, pickup service will resume the next open school day.

The FWISD Board of Education has approved a hybrid model of in-person instruction for the District’s high schools in which students are split into two groups that will alternate two days of in-person and two days of virtual education. The two cohorts would then attend school every other Friday.

High school student cohorts attending class are eligible for breakfast and lunch meals and may pick those meals up on campus or at curbside Meals to Go sites. Specific instructions are available at each high school campus.

For more information, please contact the FWISD Child Nutrition Services at 817-814-3500 or your child’s home campus.

Facebook Funds Tynker Coding Program for Fort Worth ISD Elementary Students

The Fort Worth Facebook Data Center is excited to share that its supporting Fort Worth ISD’s 27 new Tynker coding licenses for the 2020-21 school year.

As an extension of its COVID-19 relief initiative, the Fort Worth Facebook Data Center is providing a $76,900 technology grant for the program this year. Facebook recognizes the importance of coding as a skill that translates across multiple disciplines and prepares students for college and career readiness. After a successful year with Tynker licenses in 2019-2020, Facebook has pledged their support of STEM learning in Fort Worth ISD.

With the increasing public attention on STEM education and Superintendent Kent Scribner’s goals aimed at middle years’ mathematics and college and career preparedness, this gift furthers students’ opportunity to access coding curriculum in and out of the classroom. Students are learning tools for work skills, problem solving, perseverance, and growth mindset, leading to economic advancement.

The grant funds 27 elementary schools receiving Tynker coding licenses. Tynker is a coding platform designed for students in grades K-8. The platform provides computer programming experiences to students, gives them a foundation of programming skills, and allows them to be creative with code. Grade-specific and self-paced, Tynker's interactive curriculum lets students learn by creatively applying coding concepts to core subjects.

The elementary campuses receiving Tynker licenses are: Benbrook, Bonnie Brae, Bruce Shulkey, Burton Hill, Cesar Chavez, Como, Como Montessori, Daggett, Daggett Montessori, De Zavala, Diamond Hill, Glen Park, Green, Greenbriar, Luella Merrett, Manuel Jara, Meadowbrook, Moore, North Hi Mount, Oakhurst, Richard Wilson, Ridglea Hills, Rosen, South Hi Mount, Springdale, Versia Williams and Westcliff.

“We are proud of our strong partnership with the Fort Worth Independent School District, and we are pleased to continue our support of its CTE programming,” said Holli Davies, Community Development Regional Manager at Facebook. “We know the importance of CTE education, and we’re committed to FWISD students having access to real-world educational opportunities. Tynker is a great way to help elementary school students learn programming and develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.”

Artes de la Rosa Follows Recent Donation of 5,000 Masks with Second Donation of 10,000 for Performing Arts Students

The show will go on for Fort Worth ISD performing arts students, thanks to a generous donation of 10,000 cloth masks from Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center for the Arts. The organization recently donated the masks for students in band, mariachi, orchestra and theatre. They will be delivered to campuses next week. Artes de la Rosa had previously donated 5,000 masks for District choir students during the summer, and those masks have been distributed to students.

Executive Director for Visual and Performing Arts Chris Walk said Artes de la Rosa is an active community partner. “We are so thankful for the collaborative partnership we have with Artes de la Rosa. The Board and staff of ADLR understand the importance of the arts during these difficult times and want to provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff. The donation of masks is much appreciated.”

Artes de la Rosa presents youth programs in theatre, dance, visual arts, and music. Their mission is to preserve, promote and interpret the art, culture, lives, and history of the Latino community by: (1) establishing a venue for Latino art and cultural performances; (2) offering educational art/culture programs to the community including youth in low-income neighborhoods; (3) providing opportunities and support for established and emerging artists and performers; and (4) serving as the central support organization and resource center for Latino art and culture in the City of Fort Worth.

FWISD ANNOUNCES FLU VACCINE CLINICS FOR EMPLOYEES

Passport Health/Staying Healthy Medical Services will be providing on-site vaccination clinics for Fort Worth ISD this fall for all eligible employees and their eligible immediate family members. A schedule of clinic locations and times is listed below.

To sign up for a clinic please visit: https://www.passageware.com/ClinicSignUp/FWISD/. Any questions regarding insurance should be directed to Passport Health at 469-241-1954.

If you have questions about this communication (excluding insurance information), please reach out to the Health Services Department at 817-814-2990.

They are able to accept the following insurances:

  • All TRS plans offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield – covered at 100%
  • Aetna*
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield*
  • Cigna*
  • Humana
  • United Health Care
  • Medicare Part B (Flu shots only - also, please provide a copy of any supplement plans)

They do not accept HMO plans other than BCBS Primary, Primary+ and Scott & White.

*They are unable to accept Aetna & Blue Cross Gold, Silver & Bronze plans and Cigna Local Plus. Please see the consent forms for other known exceptions of plans that do not cover vaccines at 100%.

The following vaccines will be available:

On the date of your vaccinations, you must bring a photo copy of both your insurance card and your driver’s license to receive your vaccinations at no charge. Electronic cards cannot be accepted. Cash or a check made out to Staying Healthy Medical Services are also acceptable.

When you enroll online, a confirmation page will be displayed. Follow the link to print the consent form for vaccinations. Only one consent form is needed for all vaccinations. The B12 shot will require a separate form. If you have questions about any particular vaccination, please see the onsite nurse on the day of the clinic.

The new Shingles vaccine (Shingrix) will be available at this clinic for employees (age 50-64) that register for it. Please note that this vaccine is known to cause more frequent local reactions than other routine immunizations and cannot be given to anyone younger than 50 years old.

Individuals age 65 and over can only receive the flu shot, no other vaccines, if using insurance. Age appropriate vaccines can be administered to those 65 and over that are paying out of pocket for the vaccine.

If you received routine vaccinations from Staying Healthy Medical Services, other than flu, in previous years and need a copy of your records, please email them at info@stayinghealthymedical.com. In the email you will need to include your name and birthdate. Depending on the carrier, insurance claims may be filed as Community Health and Immunization Services or Staying Healthy Medical Services.

If you have questions (excluding insurance information) about this communication, please reach out to the Health Services Department at 817-814-2990.

Flu Vaccine Clinics - Schedule

FWISD Announces Recent Retiree

There is one retirement to share this week, according to Human Capital Management:

1. Wilfredo A. Toro Vazquez, first grade teacher, Morningside Elementary School- 30 years

FOOD AVAILABLE AT MULTIPLE SITES THROUGH DECEMBER

Multiple organizations across Fort Worth are offering food to help families through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since March, the Fort Worth ISD has partnered with multiple organizations to share information and organize food distribution events for families.

Curbside Meals-To-Go breakfast and lunch service is available at 28 designated FWISD locations for FWISD virtual learners. Twice weekly on Monday and Thursday mornings, FWISD students participating in virtual learning may pick up a combination of breakfast and lunch meals at any of the 28 designated meal pickup sites. For more information, contact the FWISD Child Nutrition Department at 817-814-3500.

Food is available at these locations throughout December 2020:

Food Distribution

1. Monday and Wednesday, Times vary

YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth Grab and Go Meals

Multiple Locations

The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth is serving free meals to youth 18 and under at multiple branch locations. Learn more here.

2. Monday through Friday

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County

Curbside individually packaged meals and snacks are available for free to children ages 18 and younger while supplies last at Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County branch locations. Weekly at home learn resources will also be distributed with each meal. Other meal distribution options are also available.

Click here or contact LaToyia Greyer at LGreyer@bgcgtc.org for more information.

3. Friday, October 23, 8-11 a.m.

Herman Clark Stadium

5201 CA Roberson Blvd.

Fort Worth ISD is partnering with Tarrant Area Food Bank to host a Mega Mobile Market food distribution event. Approximately 1,000 boxes of nonperishable food will be provided to families on a first-come, first-served basis. Each family will receive 100 pounds of high-quality produce, meat dairy and groceries.

4. Saturday, October 24, 8-11 a.m.

Globe Life Field Prius Lot F

734 Stadium Drive, Arlington

The Texas Rangers Foundation and Food for the Soul will distribute Farmers to Family 3-in-1 boxes including approximately 30 pounds of fresh produce, dairy and precooked meat while supplies last.

5. Saturday, October 24, 2020, 8-10 a.m.

St. Peter & St. Paul Anglican Church

3900 Morris Lane, Arlington

Everyone is welcome to the Tarrant Area Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry event.

6. Wednesday, October 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bethlehem Baptist Church

1188 W. Broad St., Mansfield

Free, drive-thru food distribution open to everyone

For additional information, call 817-473-1236

7. Friday, October 30, 8-11 a.m.

Herman Clark Stadium

5201 CA Roberson Blvd.

Fort Worth ISD is partnering with Tarrant Area Food Bank to host a Mega Mobile Market food distribution event. Approximately 1,000 boxes of nonperishable food will be provided to families on a first-come, first-served basis. Each family will receive 100 pounds of high-quality produce, meat dairy and groceries.

8. Friday, November 6, 8-11 a.m.

Herman Clark Stadium

5201 CA Roberson Blvd.

Fort Worth ISD is partnering with Tarrant Area Food Bank to host a Mega Mobile Market food distribution event. Approximately 1,000 boxes of nonperishable food will be provided to families on a first-come, first-served basis. Each family will receive 100 pounds of high-quality produce, meat dairy and groceries.

9. Friday, November 13, 8-11 a.m.

Herman Clark Stadium

5201 CA Roberson Blvd.

Fort Worth ISD is partnering with Tarrant Area Food Bank to host a Mega Mobile Market food distribution event. Approximately 1,000 boxes of nonperishable food will be provided to families on a first-come, first-served basis. Each family will receive 100 pounds of high-quality produce, meat dairy and groceries.

10. Friday, November 20, 8-11 a.m.

Herman Clark Stadium

5201 CA Roberson Blvd.

Fort Worth ISD is partnering with Tarrant Area Food Bank to host a Mega Mobile Market food distribution event. Approximately 1,000 boxes of nonperishable food will be provided to families on a first-come, first-served basis. Each family will receive 100 pounds of high-quality produce, meat dairy and groceries.

11. Saturday, November 21, 2020, 8-10 a.m.

St. Peter & St. Paul Anglican Church

3900 Morris Lane, Arlington

Everyone is welcome to the Tarrant Area Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry event.

12. Friday, November 27, 8-11 a.m.

Herman Clark Stadium

5201 CA Roberson Blvd.

Fort Worth ISD is partnering with Tarrant Area Food Bank to host a Mega Mobile Market food distribution event. Approximately 1,000 boxes of nonperishable food will be provided to families on a first-come, first-served basis. Each family will receive 100 pounds of high-quality produce, meat dairy and groceries.

13. Saturday, December 19, 2020, 8-10 a.m.

St. Peter & St. Paul Anglican Church

3900 Morris Lane, Arlington

Everyone is welcome to the Tarrant Area Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry event.

For the complete Tarrant Area Mobile Food Pantry Schedule, visit https://www.tafb.org/wp-content/uploads/mobile/mobile-pantry-schedule.pdf. Need food delivered? Call 817-534-0814 to speak with a live representative about how to access nutritious food.

Other food resources are also available:

INSIDE FWISD BRIEFS

EDITOR'S NOTE: Inside FWISD Briefs are quick-hit stories of activities and events happening locally and nationally.

Kassidy Garcia (left) is pictured with her father.

YWLA Lady Owl Named Volleyball Player of the Week

Kassidy Garcia, a sophomore at Fort Worth ISD’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy is the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Volleyball Player of the Week.

In a recent game, the Lady Owl “had a near quadruple double with 7 kills, 9 digs, 14 assists and 12 aces,” according to the newspaper.

Congratulations to Kassidy on this recognition.

SHHS Senior Class Surprises School Custodians

Senior class officers at FWISD’s South Hills High School recently showed appreciation for the school custodial staff with a special surprise.

On Wednesday, the group presented each school custodian with gift bags that included a new lunch box, hot chocolate, an insulated personalized mug, snacks and a warm, fuzzy blanket.

Free rides for early voting and on Election Day

The following content is from Trinity Metro

Throughout early voting and on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Tarrant County voters will be able to catch free rides to the polls on Trinity Metro and other transit providers.

Riders can show their voter registration card or current Texas ID and ride for free during early voting Oct. 13-30 and on Election Day, Nov. 3.

The Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved a partnership with transportation services in Tarrant County to pay for customer trips to voting locations, with an amount not to exceed $20,000.

“We are trying to give every eligible voter in Tarrant County the ability to vote in the November 2020 election,” Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said. “We are offering free rides on as many public transit providers as possible, including accessible services for the elderly and mobility-impaired as well as on-demand service in Arlington and Fort Worth. These rides will be available during early voting and on Election Day.”

Wayne Gensler, vice president and chief operating officer for bus and paratransit at Trinity Metro, said he is pleased for the opportunity this partnership provides.

“Voting is an important right and we want to do our part to help voters get to the polls,” Gensler said. “We appreciate the Tarrant County Commissioners Court for funding this initiative.”

The transit services included in the program are Trinity Metro’s bus routes, Near Southside ZIPZONE, Crowley ZIPZONE, Mercantile ZIPZONE, ACCESS paratransit, plus Tarrant County Transportation Services (TCTS), Northeast Transportation Services (NETS), and Arlington’s Via and Handitran. For ZIPZONE riders in Crowley, Mercantile and Near Southside, free rides will be determined by the pickup’s or destination’s proximity to a voting location.

Trinity Metro is also offering free on-demand service from Fort Worth Central Station to the drop-off ballot location in northeast Fort Worth on Tuesdays (Oct. 13, 20, 27) and Fridays (Oct. 16, 23, 30) during early voting. Riders can request this option by calling customer care at 817-215-8600 before the close of business the day prior to the ride.

Tarrant County has multiple locations for early voting and a list of locations for Election Day. Visit the list of polling places served by Trinity Metro.

Those who qualify and want to ride to vote on ACCESS, TCTS, NETS or Handitran should call the provider at least 48 hours ahead of the trip to schedule their free ride to any of the voting locations.

To use Via’s on-demand service in Arlington, riders simply download Via’s app and enter the address of a Vote Center within Via’s service area or call 817-784-7382 to schedule a ride by phone. The rider will not be charged for trips scheduled to or from a vote center location.

For questions about Trinity Metro’s services, call 817-215-8600.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Extended COVID-19 Coverage

No-cost COVID-19 Testing

Wear A Mask

CDC Tips on Properly Wearing A Cloth Mask

CDC Issues Halloween Safety Guidelines

FWISD Partners With Virtual Care For Kids To Offer Students Telehealth Services

In efforts to reduce COVID-19 spread, the Fort Worth ISD has partnered with Virtual Care for Kids to offer students and their families telehealth services.

Students can see a Texas-based pediatrician within minutes from home virtually via computer, smartphone or tablet for urgent care services including minor colds, the flu, sore throat, cough, ear concerns, headaches, sinus or allergy issues or pink eye. Additionally, Virtual Care for Kids is offering coronavirus screening and testing in English and Spanish. Visit https://urgentcarekids.com/fwisd/ to register for services.

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.

Launched by the District last year, FinPath offers employees tips for managing finances and much more.

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.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Follow COVID-19 updates from the City of Fort Worth at fortworthtexas.gov/COVID-19/

Early voting, October 13-30

Fort Worth ISD Voter Approval TRE Zoom Town Hall, October 22

Fort Worth ISD Voter Approval TRE Zoom Town Hall, October 27

Fort Worth ISD Voter Approval TRE Zoom Town Hall, October 28

Fort Worth ISD Voter Approval TRE Zoom Town Hall, October 29

Election Day, November 3

State of Public Education, November 5

FWISD Accepts Gold Seal Applications, November 6-December 4

Racial Equity Summit III- November 7-13

Gold Seal Virtual Open House events, November 9-12

Registration for January 15 Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Ends, December 16

Registration for January 23 Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Ends, December 23

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.

Credits:

Created with images by Element5 Digital - "untitled image" • Sven Scheuermeier - "Fresh Vegetable Produce" • Adeolu Eletu - "Businessman opening a paper"