In this edition:
FWISD Summer Launch Will Pay Teachers, Staff A $1,000 Stipend On Top Of Daily Compensation | FWISD On Plan For Reliable Internet Access: A Giant Step Toward “Every Child in Every Zip Code” | FWISD Board Of Education Approves New COVID Guidance | FWISD Launches ESSER Survey, Seeks Stakeholder Input | Become A Canvas Champion | Footprints Technology Service Request System Launches Tuesday | JROTC Awards And Change Of Command Ceremony Rescheduled | FWISD Among First Area Districts Hosting In-Person Career Fair Events This June | District Announces Memorial Day, July 4 Holiday And Summer Workday Details | Second FWISD Creando Una Amistad Event Is Set For Friday | Early Voting For June 5 Runoff Races Ends Tuesday | Rediscover Fort Worth ISD With Celebration And Tours At Renovated Southwest High School | Visual Arts Department Observes Asian Pacific Heritage Month With Virtual Art Exhibit | FWISD Offers Youth Mental Health First Aid Training For Educators | District Announces New FLEX Course Initiative For Educators | Superintendent Asks Employees To Consider Special Donation To United Way Of Tarrant County | District Issues Important Message For Employees Set To Retire At End Of 2020-2021 Academic Year | FWISD Announces Recent Retirees | Food Available At Multiple Sites For FWISD Families, Community | Inside FWISD News Briefs | Fort Worth ISD Snapshot | Community Resources | Calendar | View more stories throughout the week on the Inside FWISD Blog
FWISD Summer Launch Will Pay Teachers, Staff a $1,000 Stipend On Top of Daily Compensation
Fort Worth ISD is offering a first-of-its-kind opportunity for students this summer – and will pay teachers and others who are a part of it a $1,000 stipend on top of their usual daily or hourly rate of compensation.
Summer Launch will allow students to catch up or accelerate their learning and recover credits lost due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. It will include both academic and enrichment activities (STEM, arts, and more), and all courses will have a math or literary focus.
“We will also pay our team members a $1,000 stipend – in addition to their usual compensation --for their commitment to the Summer Launch program,” says Superintendent Kent P. Scribner. “This has been a different kind of year, so we are taking a different kind of approach. We need all hands on deck this summer.”
The District is hiring current Fort Worth ISD employees who serve as teachers, administrators, clerks, counselors, nurses, and campus monitors for the Summer Launch Program. They are seeking teachers at all levels, but have a targeted need for middle school English and math teachers, and high school English, math, biology, U.S. history and credit recovery teachers. At the elementary level, the District is looking for regular program and bilingual teachers.
Interested employees may visit the Summer Launch website at www.fwisd.org/summerlaunch or speak with their principals.
Student registration for Summer Launch is underway and parents will find all the information they need and the registration form at www.fwisd.org/summerlaunch.
FWISD On Plan for Reliable Internet Access
A Giant Step Toward “Every Child in Every Zip Code”
On Thursday, May 27, 2021, Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Kent P. Scribner announced that many more of our students and families will have strong internet connectivity by the first day of school, August 16, 2021. Towers will be erected over the summer to serve the Morningside, Eastern Hills, Rosemont, and Stop Six school neighborhoods. This is Phase One of the District’s plan to make sure all students have reliable internet access. The first phase addresses 25% of families most in need.
“In a very real way, we are continuing our determination to ‘Dig In’ and go the extra mile to ensure quality internet connections that will greatly serve our families in many ways,” said Superintendent Scribner.
On Tuesday, May 25, Fort Worth ISD trustees approved the purchase of final pieces of equipment for the job.
Phase Two, scheduled to begin in December, will address the remaining 75% of targeted households in zip codes 76102, 76103, 76104, 76105, 76115, 76119, and 76164.
A big “thank you” goes to voters who approved the November 2020 Tax Ratification Election (TRE) called by our District. The TRE quickly provided funds for the purchase of 24,000 laptops and 21,000 hotspots. The TRE also allowed FWISD to develop its Wi-Fi plan that complements one already in the works by the City of Fort Worth.
This complement will result in a system across Fort Worth that is both “broad and deep.”
“The District has been working with the City’s experts to enhance our mutual efforts for a permanent Wi-Fi solution and we are very grateful for that collaboration. And, while the city’s plan is very broad,” said Superintendent Kent P. Scribner. “Our plan focuses on targeted households in need of connectivity.”
The FWISD internet access strategies also tie back to the District’s Dig In campaign launched a few years ago to promote digital innovation, digital integration, and digital infrastructure, including one device for every student.
FWISD BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVES NEW COVID GUIDANCE
On Tuesday, May 25, 2021, the Fort Worth ISD Board of Education approved new COVID-19 guidance for the time period of May 26, 2021 through June 3, 2021:
- For students 12 years and older, and employees who are fully vaccinated, meaning they have completed both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, social distancing requirements and masks are now optional.
- For students under 12 years old, masks are still required indoors but are optional when outdoors.
- This guidance applies to Fort Worth ISD facilities and school buses.
Effective June 4, 2021 face coverings for everyone are optional per the recent order of Governor Greg Abbott.
The Fort Worth ISD continues to partner with pharmaceutical companies to provide free COVID-19 vaccines at several of District campuses. For details visit www.fwisd.org/covidvaccine.
FWISD Launches ESSER III Survey, Seeks Stakeholder Input
The Fort Worth ISD is seeking stakeholder input on how to best use more than $261 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER III) to address student learning recovery and lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The District encourages its students, families, teachers, school administrators, campus support staff, District staff and community members to complete a survey that takes fewer than five minutes to submit and let your voices be heard. All survey responses are anonymous.
Complete the survey today at www.fwisd.org/ESSERsurvey. The ESSER III survey is open through Monday, June 7.
“These dollars will ensure a plan for a safe return to in-person instruction here in the District,” said Superintendent Kent P. Scribner. “We want to hear from our entire community – students, families, teachers, principals, community groups, special education and English Language Learner advocates and many others.”
On Monday, May 24, 2021, the District hosted two virtual town hall events in English and Spanish to answer stakeholder questions and receive input about how to best utilize the ESSER III funds. Replay the town hall videos in English and Spanish on the FWISDnews YouTube channel.
Over the next four summers and three full fiscal years, the District will use the more than $261 million in one-time/short-term federal funds to address student learning recovery and the ongoing impact of the pandemic using four major strategies:
- Teacher support
- Rigorous instructional materials
- Creating more time for learning
- Empowering parents
ESSER III funding for K-12 schools is part of the American Rescue Plan of 2021, which builds upon measures from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the CARES ( Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act, enacted in March 2020.
Stakeholders with questions about the ESSER III survey are encouraged to email AskEval@fwisd.org.
Become A Canvas Champion
Editor’s Note: The following content from the FWISD Education Technology offers details about the Canvas Champions cohort program. Educators interested in participating must express interest to their campus principal by June 4.
Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) is coming to the Fort Worth ISD this fall. The Fort Worth ISD is implementing the application through a soft rollout.
As early as August, administrators and teachers can opt-in to using Canvas as their full learning management system. Campuses will receive Canvas training during the 2021-22 school year, with all educators in FWISD expected to use Canvas by the 2022-23 school year.
In preparation for the Canvas rollout, the FWISD Educational Technology Department is hosting a cohort of early Canvas adopters from each FWISD campus in a program called “Canvas Champions.” The program is designed for motivated, self-driven, tech-savvy early adopters who want to serve as a contact for their campus in the implementation of Canvas. We believe this cohort will play an instrumental role in ensuring the success of the Canvas rollout next school year.
Canvas Champions will:
- Complete a six-hour self-paced online Canvas Champions training offered by FWISD EdTech. This flex eligible training will open June 22, 2021 and will close July 7, 2021
- Attend a three-hour virtual Canvas Deep-Dive training with Region 11 trainers in July or August
- Attend a follow-up training offered by FWISD EdTech in Fall 2021 to review the newest developments and implementations within FWISD Canvas
- Be an active member of the FWISD Canvas Champions 2021-2022 community. Educational Technology Specialists and campus Canvas Champions will work together to model Canvas usage for the campuses, serve as contacts for teacher questions throughout implementation, deliver training, campus support, and more
Action Items:
- If you’re interested in becoming a Canvas Champion for the 2021-2022 school year, please express your interest to your campus principal before June 4, 2021
If you're not interested in serving as a Campus Champion but would still like to get a head start on learning to use Canvas, stay tuned for a Canvas learning opportunity from Educational Technology this June. Details will be available soon in Eduphoria.
Once fully implemented, Canvas will be utilized by District employees, students and parents. The application allows for uploading and sharing of course materials, grades, tracking student participation, conducting virtual learning and communication. It also links with features FWISD already utilizes including Microsoft, Google, and some textbook material. Canvas is used by more than 3,000 school districts, including more than 250 districts, colleges and universities in Texas.
The LMS will replace Google Classroom, which is currently being used for first through 12th-grade instruction. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten will continue to use Seesaw for instruction.
Footprints Technology Service Request System Launches Tuesday
Editor’s Note: The following content from the Division of Academic offers details about the new Footprints Technology Service Request system.
Fort Worth ISD is launching the Footprints Technology Service Request system for customer use on Tuesday, June 1.
FWISD employees, beginning June 1, will submit technology service requests through the Footprints system. The ability to submit technology service requests through Let’s Talk is being retired after Footprints is launched.
The system can be accessed at https://helpme.fwisd.org. Users will login with their FWISD active directory username (FirstName.LastName@fwisd.org) and password. The Footprints System is only available while on FWISD network.
A user Quick Reference Guide (QRG) is available at https://www.fwisd.org/Page/26703.
If you have questions regarding the Footprints System, please contact the FWISD Customer Service Helpdesk at 817-814-HELP (4357).
JROTC Awards and Change of Command Ceremony Rescheduled
The Fort Worth ISD annual JROTC Awards and Change of Command Ceremonies, originally slated for Friday, May 28, 2021, is being postponed because of possible inclement weather.
The event is tentatively rescheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, June 4 at Farrington Field. COVID-19 protocol will be strictly enforced.
To RSVP, email Victoria.negrete@fwisd.org or call 817-815-7350.
FWISD Among First Area Districts Hosting In-Person Career Fair Events This June
The Fort Worth ISD is open for learning, open for growth, open for you!
The District is among the first area districts hosting in-person career fairs since the start of the pandemic. Join the FWISD this June for its first face-to-face career events this year.
FWISD will kick off the events with an on-site Pre-kindergarten career fair event for prospective teachers and assistants, Thursday, June 3. The following week, Thursday, June 10, the District is inviting high-need content area educators (math; science; English language arts/ ELA; English as a Second Language/ESL; special education; bilingual; Spanish; Career and Technical Education/ CTE) for in-person interviews. Both events are from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the FWISD Teaching and Learning Center (TLC), 1050 Bridgewood Drive in Fort Worth.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with hiring managers and campus principals for an interactive face-to-face interview. Human Capital Management personnel will also be available to answer candidate questions.
Interested applicants are encouraged to register online and complete an application with the District. Qualified candidates will receive an invitation to participate in the in-person events at the TLC.
Candidates invited to interview face-to-face are encouraged to bring copies of their cover letter, resume and certification to share with campus principals and hiring managers.
Additional FWISD career information is available by visiting www.fwisd.org/careers or calling 817-814-HIRE.
Success Starts Here
Success starts here in Early Learning.
Highly qualified educators and assistants in early learning are invited to meet campus principals and Early Learning personnel on June 3.
The Fort Worth ISD is looking for highly qualified and talented individuals eager to support our youngest learners through energizing, educational and motivating curriculum that sets the foundation for their educational journey. FWISD offers educators and assistants competitive pay and ample growth opportunities.
If you’re ready to join our fun and inspirational pre-K team register here and join us June 3.
Be A Champion
Become a champion for FWISD students.
Hiring managers and campus principals are eager to meet with math; science; ELA/ESL; special education; bilingual; Spanish; CTE teachers on June 10.
Certified educators, university graduates, Alternative Certification Program candidates and out of state candidates are encouraged to register for the event. The District seeks energetic teachers with a desire to assist students in their preparation for success in college, career and community leadership.
Your journey to becoming a champion starts with Fort Worth ISD. Look for registration details for the June 10 event soon on the the Fort Worth ISD Careers pages on Facebook and Twitter.
Don’t forget to visit www.fwisd.org/careers for additional career information or call 817-814-HIRE.
DISTRICT ANNOUNCES MEMORIAL DAY, JULY 4 HOLIDAY AND SUMMER WORKDAY DETAILS
Editor's Note: Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, is a student holiday. Classes will resume Tuesday, June 1.
The following memorandum from Deputy Superintendent Karen Molinar offers employees details about the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, the District's Independence Day observance and the Summer 2021 Workday Schedule.
Memorial Day remembers the service men and women who died serving in the U.S. military.
Originally observed as Decoration Day, Memorial Day’s origins date back to 1868 when Americans would visit the graves of fallen soldiers from the Civil War. They would decorate the burial grounds with flowers. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been a federal holiday observed the last Monday in May.
For those who fly the United States flag on Memorial Day it should be flown at half-staff until noon and then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day.
Second FWISD Creando Una Amistad Event is Set for Friday
What: Fort Worth ISD’s 5th Annual Creando Una Amistad (Creating a Friendship)
When: Friday, May 28, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Evans Avenue Plaza, 1050 Evans Ave., Fort Worth
Who: Superintendent Kent P. Scribner, members of the Board of Education, and families in the Near Southside neighborhood/Polytechnic Pyramid
Summary: On Friday, May 28, the Fort Worth ISD will celebrate part two of its 5th Annual Creando Una Amistad or Creating a Friendship. This year Creando Una Amistad is focusing on providing resources to families in the Diamond Hill and Polytechnic High School pyramids information from PreK registration to college admittance.
Creando Una Amistad began in 2016, as a way to connect the District’s first Spanish-speaking superintendent with the community and building that relationship with our families. Dr. Kent P. Scribner attended by May 22 event and will be at the one on Friday, May 28.
On Saturday, May 22, the first Creando took place at the Diamond Hill Community Center/Park located at 1701 NE 36th St. Even though the weather was rainy, several families took advantage of the fair to receive COVID shots and sign up for Fort Worth ISD Pre-K and Kindergarten. Here is a link to photographs of that event.
The Friday, May 28 Creando will take place at Evans Avenue Plaza, 1050 Evans Avenue from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Univision will conduct a live-remote during each event while our staffers with the FWISD Bookmobile will be handing out free books. In addition, local college mobile units will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the college entry process.
No pre-registration is required. If you have questions please contact Jessica Becerra in the Family Communications Department at 817-814-2975.
Early Voting for June 5 Runoff Races Ends Tuesday
Roughly four days remain to vote early in the June 5 city and school district runoff elections across Tarrant County. Early voting officially concludes, Tuesday, June 1.
Polls are open at most locations from:
- 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Thursday, May 27
- 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, May 28
- 7 a.m.-7p.m. Saturday, May 29
- 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, May 30
- Closed Monday, May 31 for the Memorial Day holiday
- 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 1
Tarrant County registered voters may cast ballots in-person at any designated early voting location in the county. Voters may vote at any county vote center location from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday June 5.
On June 5, voters will decide the victor in several city and school district runoff elections.
Among the races on the ballot is the District 9 Fort Worth ISD Board of Education seat.
On the ballot is Roxanne Martinez and Cade Lovelace. The victor will succeed Ashley Paz, who did not seek re-election.
Voters will also decide the next Fort Worth mayor in the June 5 runoff. Mattie Parker and Deborah Peoples are vying to succeed FWISD alumna Betsy Price, who announced earlier this year that she would not seek a fifth term.
For more details, visit the Tarrant County Elections Administration website.
Rediscover Fort Worth ISD With Celebration and Tours at Renovated Southwest High School
There’s much more to Southwest High School’s new look than the beautiful grand entrance. We invite you to see for yourself Thursday, June 3, 2021, when we celebrate and tour the school’s new modern instructional areas.
Southwest High School students, teachers, community members and Board of Education trustees will join the celebration. It’s part of the District’s “Rediscover Fort Worth ISD” initiative to showcase new construction at our schools as a result of the Capital Improvement Program approved by voters in 2017.
The Southwest High School tours include:
- Striking front facade and glass-enclosed entry
- Bright hallways and contemporary classrooms
- Instructional area for robotics
- Professional-quality A/V production studio
- Updated courtyard
- Gymnasium and field house
You will also see the campus’s new “Go Center,” a welcoming space for students to explore and develop their pathways to college and careers.
The Southwest Jazz Band, under the direction of Adam Kramer, will entertain attendees at the front façade. The event begins at 10 a.m. with remarks by Superintendent Dr. Kent P. Scribner and Board of Education Trustee Anne Darr.
Guests will then divide into groups for the tours. Media will be given a special tour. Transportation will be provided to the field house.
Construction continues throughout the campus. The school, which opened in 1968, was 207,887 square feet before the bond project. When construction is complete in August 2021, the square footage will be 229,252.
Visual Arts Department Observes Asian Pacific Heritage Month with Virtual Art Exhibit
Editor’s Note: May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month which celebrates descendants from the continent of Asia and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. It originated as a weeklong celebration first observed in 1979. The weeklong celebration was expanded to a monthlong observance in 1992. Throughout the month, the District and Inside FWISD will celebrate America’s rich Asian Pacific heritage through social media posts and publishing resources for teachers and students.
The Fort Worth ISD Visual Arts Department recently observed Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a virtual art exhibition.
The online exhibit launched via YouTube on Tuesday May 11. It showcases 70 works of art from multiple mediums produced by FWISD’s talented visual arts students.
Unable to host in-person art shows and events during the 2020-2021 academic year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FWISD Visual Arts Department launched online virtual art exhibitions. Throughout the school year, the department has hosted virtual art exhibits for Asian Pacific American, Hispanic, Native American and African American heritage months and Women’s History Month. Other featured exhibits this year have included the Very Special Arts Exhibit, featuring artwork created by students from FWISD’s special education program, and District Art Exhibits by grade level.
Click here to view this year’s virtual art exhibits.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrates descendants from the continent of Asia and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. It originated as weeklong celebration first observed in 1979. The weeklong celebration was expanded to a monthlong observance in 1992.
“The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants,” according to a Library of Congress website commemorating Asian Pacific American heritage.
Learn more about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at https://asianpacificheritage.gov/.
FWISD Offers Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for Educators
Editor’s Note: May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The monthlong observance puts a spotlight on eliminating the stigma around mental health struggles and offers education and resources for seeking help. This week, Inside FWISD is featuring the District’s Youth Mental Health First Aid training facilitated by the Prevention and Crisis Response Department.
Did you know the Fort Worth ISD Prevention and Crisis Response Department offers virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid for District educators?
Earn up to six FLEX credit hours being trained on how to how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in adolescents.
The Prevention and Crisis Response Department will host its next Youth Mental Health First Aid virtual courses on June 25, July 16, July 30 and August 5. Each course session is limited to 20 participants each. Participants must complete a two-hour self-paced course prior to the virtual class.
This training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and helps in connecting them to the appropriate care, according to Prevention and Crisis Response Department officials. COVID-19 is impacting people of all ages across the country, including children and youth. Students are not attending classes, participating in extracurricular activities, or seeing their friends in the same way they once did — and it’s taking a toll on their emotional and mental well-being.
“Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder,” according to a statement from the Prevention and Crisis Response Department. “When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders can even save lives.”
Register for the course today in Eduphoria under Student Support Services.
For additional information, call 817-814-2902.
DISTRICT ANNOUNCES NEW FLEX COURSE INITIATIVE FOR EDUCATORS
Editor's Note: The following content about the District's new FLEX initiative for teachers beginning this June is from the Division of Academics.
The 2021-2022 FLEX Initiative is set to begin June 23, 2021 and run through April 14, 2022. This year’s FLEX will be different than in the past with offerings divided into three areas: Campus, Content, and Teacher-Selected Professional Learning.
Content hours are based on the District's Initiatives (such as Literacy Instructional Framework, Equity, SEL, Curriculum Alignment, etc.) and are provided consistently across the district. The purpose is to build consistency across the district and efficacy in teacher practice.
Campus Leaders will determine the professional learning for their campuses. Professional Learning will be aligned to the campus needs/goals (CEIP, T-TESS, Tier, Student Data, etc.) and geared to improve teacher effectiveness and student success.
Teachers will participate in professional learning offerings based on their interest, needs, and district initiatives. The professional learning will align with their professional goals as outlined in Domain 4 of their T-TESS appraisals. Teachers will choose from a menu of options to be completed beginning in summer 2021 and/or throughout the 2021-22 school year.
For more information, visit the district’s website www.fwisd.org/pli.
SUPERINTENDENT ASKS EMPLOYEES TO CONSIDER SPECIAL DONATION TO UNITED WAY OF TARRANT COUNTY
Editor’s Note: The following letter from FWISD Superintendent Kent P. Scribner outlines the many ways that United Way of Tarrant County has supported our Fort Worth families during the pandemic. He asks that employees consider a special one-time donation this month. For additional information about making a contribution, please contact the District United Way Coordinator Cindy Ybarra at cindy.ybarra@fwisd.org.
DISTRICT ISSUES IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR EMPLOYEES SET TO RETIRE AT END OF 2020-2021 ACADEMIC YEAR
Editor's Note: The following memorandum from Chief Financial Officer Michael Ball offers details for employees planning tot retire at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year. Employees with questions about the memorandum are encouraged to submit a Let's Talk ticket and select "Payroll."
FWISD Announces Recent Retirees
The following Fort Worth ISD employees recently retired, according to Human Capital Management:
- Faye Daniels, executive secretary, FWISD Board of Education- 34 years
- Drusilla Malone, bus driver, Transportation Central- 16 years
- Olivia Hernandez, custodian, World Languages Institute- 11 Years
- Kathy Stein, bus attendant, Transportation Central- 5 years
FOOD AVAILABLE AT MULTIPLE SITES FOR FWISD FAMILIES, COMMUNITY
Multiple organizations across Fort Worth continue offering food to help families through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since March 2020, the Fort Worth ISD has partnered with several nonprofits to share information and organize food distribution events for the community.
Curbside Meals To Go breakfast and lunch service is available at more than 20 designated FWISD locations for FWISD virtual learners. Meals To Go is available three times weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. FWISD students participating in virtual learning may pick up a combination of breakfast and lunch meals for the week and weekend at any of the designated meal pickup sites. For more information, contact the FWISD Child Nutrition Department at 817-814-3500.
The Fort Worth ISD has compiled a list of locations to find free and nutritious food here.
Food is available at these locations:
Food Distribution
1. Every Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to noon
LVTRISE
8201 Calmont Ave.
Every Tuesday and Thursday LVTRise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living in the Las Vegas Trail area, distributes nonperishable food items to the community.
2. Every Tuesday, 3:45-5:30 p.m.
South Hills High School
6101 McCart Ave.
South Hills High School is offering free curbside, ready-made meals for children while supplies last. Meals are provided to families that show proof of children under age 18 in the household or if a child is present at pickup. Children do not have to be enrolled at South Hills High or a Fort Worth ISD school to obtain food.
3. Every Friday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Eastside YMCA – Centralized Youth & Family Programs
1500 Sandy Lane
The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth is offering Grab and Go Meals at the Eastside YMCA until the end of the 2020-2021 school year. It is open to all youth ages 18 years and under ─ no qualifications required. For additional details, call 817-571-3371
4. Monday through Thursday, 8:30-11:30 a.m., 4:30-6 p.m.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County Panther Branch
1500 Hemphill St.
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County opens a daily food pantry to families that includes fresh groceries and dry goods. Additionally, drive-through food distribution events will continue each month.
Contact La Toyia Greyer at LGreter@bgcgtc.org for more information.
5. Friday, May 28, 9 a.m.- Noon
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 fresh produce, meat dairy and groceries. For additional information, visit https://tafb.org/megamobilemarkets/
6. Wednesday, June 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (every Wednesday)
Bethlehem Baptist Church
1188 W. Broad St., Mansfield
Free, drive-thru food distribution open to everyone. For additional information, call 817-473-1236 or visit https://www.bethlehemmansfield.org/events/
7. Friday, June 4, 9 a.m.- Noon
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 fresh produce, meat dairy and groceries. For additional information, visit https://tafb.org/megamobilemarkets/
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 817-857-7100 to speak with a live representative about how to access nutritious food.
Other food resources are also available:
- Find Food – Call 817-857-7100 or visit https://tafb.org/find-food/ or
https://www.facebook.com/tafoodbank
- Seniors and Homebound Individuals – Call 817-336-0912 or visit https://mealsonwheels.org/programs or https://mealsonwheels.org/refer/
- Community Resources- Visit https://tafb.org/community-resources/ or speak with a Community Resource Specialist at 1-866-430-6143 for help with applying for the programs
- Go Healthy! Recipe Library - https://tafb.org/recipes/
INSIDE FWISD NEWS BRIEFS
Editor's Note: Inside FWISD Briefs are quick-hit stories of activities and events happening locally and nationally.
EHHS Celebrates Graduating Seniors with Decision Day Block Party
Eastern Hills recently celebrated its graduating seniors with a Decision Day Block Party.
Among the seniors celebrated are first-generation college students and graduates who took on a full load in a pandemic taking classes virtually and working jobs to support their families.
The graduating seniors were recently featured in a story aired by Fox 4 News (KDFW-TV). View the story here.
Decision Day recognizes students who’ve committed to attend a particular college or university, decided on a career field or enlisting in the military.
Trimble Tech Students Commit To Electrical Apprenticeships Today
Five Trimble Tech seniors commited to a four-year electrical apprenticeship with independent electrical contractors this week.
Today, Thursday May 27, Trimble Tech High School hosted a signing day celebration for the students in the school’s electrical lab. Students will commit to work a paid electrical apprenticeship for an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) partner company in North Texas while attending four years of classes at nearly no cost. Through the program, students will complete the 8,000 hours required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in order to take the journeyman level state exam.
Learn more here.
FWISD Launches COVID Vaccination Resource Page For Employees
As a service to our employees, the Fort Worth ISD is consolidating information about COVID-19 vaccine opportunities.
Visit https://www.fwisd.org/covidvaccine to view the COVID-19 vaccination opportunities available to District employees. The site is continually updated as more opportunities for employees become available.
Tarrant County Public Health also offers local vaccine clinics on a regular basis. Learn more by visiting its website.
The following content is from the City of Fort Worth
Trinity Metro: Masks required through Sept. 13
Trinity Metro will continue following the federal mandate that requires passengers and employees to wear face masks in the agency’s facilities and on board all buses, trains and other public transit vehicles.
The Transportation Security Administration recently extended the face mask requirement for all public transportation through Sept. 13.
The mask policy applies to transportation hubs, such as Fort Worth Central Station, as well as other train stations. Masks are required on all services, including buses, TEXRail, Trinity Railway Express, ZIPZONE and ACCESS paratransit.
Food bank, HelloFresh donate meals to those facing food insecurity
Tarrant Area Food Bank, the primary distribution source of donated food for hunger-relief partner agencies and feeding programs in Tarrant County, has teamed up with HelloFresh to provide more than 250,000 meal kits to people facing food insecurity in Tarrant County and the 12 surrounding counties by the end of this year.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened food insecurity over the past year, with recent studies finding that there are nearly 550,000 people still battling food insecurity across the 13 counties served by the food bank.
The meal kits were designed by HelloFresh through its Meals with Meaning program to provide food-insecure residents with wholesome, fresh ingredients to make complete meals at home for their families. Each meal kit includes a step-by-step recipe card and all the ingredients needed to make hearty meals like chicken sausage pasta with tomato cream sauce and zucchini or cheesy chicken and bean taco skillet.
In addition to a meal kit, recipients will also receive a bag of fresh, seasonal fruit. Meal kits will be assembled every Wednesday at the Tarrant Area Food Bank’s distribution center in Fort Worth by community volunteers and distributed at their weekly Mega Mobile Market, which takes place at Herman Clark Stadium every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.
“Tarrant Area Food Bank is so appreciative of our partnership with HelloFresh to give nutritious home meal kits to those families and friends who attend our Mega Mobile events,” said Julie Butner, president and CEO of Tarrant Area Food Bank. “We are always looking for ways to encourage our food-insecure families to learn how to cook fresh vegetables and incorporate them into their daily meals, which is exactly what Meals with Meaning does as well.”
HelloFresh operates distribution and fulfillment facilities in Grand Prairie and Irving.
Memorial Day closing schedule
Most city offices, including City Hall, will be closed Monday, May 31 for the Memorial Day holiday. Emergency services will be available as usual.
Solid Waste Services
There will be no changes in garbage, recycle, yard waste or bulk collection schedules on May 31. Drop-off stations and the Environmental Collection Center will be closed. If you have questions or need assistance, call 817-392-1234.
Animal Shelter
The Fort Worth Animal Shelter’s main campus at 4900 Martin St. and the North Animal Campus, 351 Hillshire Drive, will be closed, but PetSmart locations at Alliance and Hulen will be open.
Park & Recreation
Community centers, the Haws Athletic Center, Fort Worth @6, the Botanic Garden offices and Log Cabin Village will be closed May 31.
Water Department
To access the Water Department’s automated system for payments and account inquiries or to report an emergency, call the 24-hour call center at 817-392-4477.
Voting
Early voting sites for the June 5 runoff election will be closed May 31.
Transportation
On May 31, Trinity Metro buses and ACCESS paratransit services will operate on a Sunday schedule. TEXRail will operate on its regular schedule. Trinity Railway Express will not operate. The Southside ZIPZONE and Alliance ZIPZONE will operate on regular schedules. ZIPZONE services in Mercantile and Crowley will not operate. Customer care representatives will be available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at 817-215-8600. The agency’s administrative offices, ticket sales center and the customer kiosk will be closed for the holiday.
City Council
The June 1 City Council meeting has been canceled.
Leadership Academy at Como ES Surprises Father, Children with Donation and New Car: Teachers and staff at Fort Worth ISD’s Leadership Academy at Como Elementary School surprised father Ivery Williams and his six children with a 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan and more than $24,000 in donations, Wednesday, May 27.
Earlier this month, school nurse Chelsea Brandewie launched an online fundraiser to support the family which was impacted by a serious crash in March.
Learn more about this story in next week’s Inside FWISD.
A Year Like No Other: Handley Middle School is closing out its final year with a commemorative yearbook.
The yearbook, its first published since the 2006-2007 school year, was produced by retired Master Sgt. Michael P. Vital, Junior Corps Cadets instructor at Handley Middle, and his JCC cadets, he said.
“The [semester year] 2020-2021 is indeed a year and a special book like no other,” he said.
Check out a few pages of the yearbook below.
Creando Una Amistad : Fort Worth ISD celebrated part one of its 5th Annual Creando Una Amistad or Creating a Friendship on Saturday, May 22, at the Diamond Hill Community Center/Park. Even though the weather was rainy, several families took advantage of the fair to receive COVID shots and sign up for Fort Worth ISD Pre-K and Kindergarten. Here is a link to photographs of that event.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Parents are now able to sign up their kids 12-15 for vaccination. Children will need proof of their age - birth certificate or shot card. Parents will also need an ID to show their relationship with the child.
Visit www.tarrantcounty.com/vaccinefinder to schedule an appointment.
Walk-ins are welcome at all sites, though registering in advance saves time.
The new clinic hours are listed below:
Hurst Conference Center
Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday and Monday: Closed
Resource Connection
Monday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
White Settlement – Drive thru
Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday - Tuesday: Closed
Tim Curry Criminal Justice Building
Wednesday and Thursday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday - Tuesday: Closed
The US Medicineers
Compound Pharmacy in Plano now has immediate availability for the Pfizer vaccine. The Pharmacy is located at 5969 Dallas Parkway,
Plano. Call today at 972-905-4915 or email Jimella Miles, Office Manager and Coordinator at vaccines@usmedicineers.com.
Walk-ins are welcome! Monday to Friday 10-6pm
Virtual Care for Kids (now ‘Goodside Health’) have notified the District that Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are available to District staff and anyone age 18 or older.
Goodside Health at 3400 Texas Sage Drive, Fort Worth, 76177 is the vaccine opportunity location.
This information is only being shared with Goodside Health’s SchoolMed partners, such as FWISD. To schedule an appointment please use the url below.
Https://z3-rpw.phreesia/net/ApptRequestForm.App/#/form/fc89a116-e9cd-4698-843c-90a358185562
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County Expanded Basic Needs Program for Families
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. Free COVID-19 testing is also available for select FWISD employees by visiting www.virtualcarefamilies.com/fwisd-abbott.
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.
FWISD is partnering with Virtual Care for Families to offer select employees with free Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 testing. All eligible employees must preregister to receive the test.
The following employees/departments are eligible for testing:
- Teachers
- Transportation
- Maintenance and Operations
- Custodians
- Child Nutrition Services
- Special Education personnel
District employees experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are advised not to arrive at a designated FWISD testing location and to contact their doctor or visit www.virtualcarefamilies.com to be connected with a provider.
Employees are encouraged to follow the instructions below to register for the free COVID-19 testing.
Employee Assistance Program Resources for FWISD Employees
May is Asian/ Pacific American Heritage Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Follow COVID-19 updates from the City of Fort Worth at fortworthtexas.gov/COVID-19/
FWISD Teacher Career Fair, May 27
HCM Professional Networking Event, May 27
Creando una Amistad, May 28
Walk-Up COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic, May 28
Memorial Day (workday for 240, 245-employees), May 31
Fort Worth Public Library’s annual Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge, Begins June 1
Summer Literacy Programs
Share your story ideas, successes, calendar items, photos, questions and feedback with us at Inside@FWISD.org. Content submissions are due no later than 10 a.m. Fridays for the next edition. Check the Inside FWISD blog, www.fwisd.org/insidefwisd, regularly updated throughout the week with additional content and features.
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