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BISD COMMUNITY NEWSLETTEROCTOBER 30, 2020
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RE-OPENING PLAN FOR HYBRID STUDENTS
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On Monday, Oct. 26, BISD sent the below message regarding our Return to Learn plans for students enrolled in the Hybrid Learning Model.
We are rescheduling our plans to bring hybrid students back for in-person learning until January 2021.
RESCHEDULING REASONING
Staffing: Right now, BISD has enough substitutes to cover potential staff absences if we brought back in-person learning for Preschool, Kindergarten and 1st Grades. However, we are teetering on not having enough. We are actively recruiting substitutes (learn about becoming a substitute here). Still, the process takes time, and the number of substitute employees must substantially increase for in-person learning to be sustainable district-wide.
In-Person Learning Preparedness: Until now, much of BISD’s preparation has focused on the safety measures and what can’t happen in a classroom (such as no singing, no reading circles, etc.), and we need to work with our teachers to create a framework on what is possible. We also heard from many parents who wanted more specifics of what the school day will look like (both during in-person learning and the at-home learning portion of the day), and we will have a sample schedule to share with you soon.
COVID-19 Numbers: While current COVID-19 rates in Kitsap County rates remain in the moderate range of the Washington State Health Department Decision Tree (indicating that we can bring students back), it is essential to note that the rates look backward on where we have been, not forward on what the future brings. With COVID-19 rates spiking across the nation and in surrounding counties in Washington state, there is reason to believe Kitsap rates may increase too. This, coupled with the upcoming holiday season, gave us reason to pause.
To read the message in its entirety, please click here.
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The reopening plans were discussed at last night's School Board Meeting.
You can view a recording of the meeting here.
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THIS IS A TEST, THIS IS ONLY A TEST.
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Before winter weather comes our way, we are testing our Emergency Notification System to make sure we can contact you if the need arises.
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, we will test our Emergency Notification System. Among other things, this system is used to alert you to weather-related or time-sensitive delays and closures. We will test all aspects of the system — phone, email and text (you must first opt-in to receive texts, see below for instructions.) STAFF & GUARDIANS: If you do NOT receive the test messages on Wednesday, Nov. 4, please contact Erin Bischoff at ebischoff@bisd303.org. STAFF, PARENTS & GUARDIANS: Please login to Skyward and verify that your contact information is current by clicking on the Account link in the top right corner. If you need to make changes, please update the information and click "save".
ENROLLING IN TEXT ALERTS*:
If you haven't enrolled to receive texts via our notification system, using your cell phone, please text Y to the code 67587. (Or, if you've changed your mind and no longer wish to receive texts, text N to the code 67587). You must enroll in the system to receive texts from BISD.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS
If you are a community member who does not have a student in our schools but would like to receive our emergency text alerts, please send your cell number to ebischoff@bisd303.org. (This is a great option for caregivers such as grandparents and neighbors.)
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HELP PREPARE BISD FOR LIFTOFF
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Tell your friends, family and neighbors! BISD is hiring to expand our pool of available substitutes.
Part of BISD's reopening plan includes growing our pool of awesome substitute staff. Please consider helping out during this most challenging time — you will also be making a difference in the lives of children.
Interested in joining our team of substitutes? Learn about the application process and what being a substitute entails at our Substitute Informational Webinar.
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 19 from 4-5 p.m.
WHERE: Online via Zoom
WHAT: Please join BISD's Human Resources team and district personnel for a webinar where we will share the ins and outs of being a substitute. There are two types of substitute positions: Substitute Teachers & Substitute Support Staff. Both positions offer a flexible schedule.
R.S.V.P: Please complete this form with your contact information and we will send you the Zoom link prior to Nov. 19.
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Return your completed ballot via the Ballot Drop Box behind the District Office.
Ballots must be received in the drop box by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Track the status of your ballot here: https://voter.votewa.gov.
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 | Odyssey student Max Simon received a BISD STRONG Award last spring for his kindness and strong leadership.
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| Now, more than ever, it's important to celebrate the joy and kindness across our district.
BISD is filled with amazing students and staff and now is your opportunity to recognize the many individuals who make our district strong — with their strong minds, their strong hearts and their strong sense of community.
The sky is the limit on how many people you can nominate. We just ask that the individual be a member of the BISD community and that you do not nominate your family members.
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CITY OF BAINBRIDGE ISLAND TO OPEN DRIVE-THRU COVID-19 TESTING
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The City of Bainbridge Island will open a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at Town Square starting on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The testing site helps support public health goals and the reopening of schools and businesses in our community.
The testing site, located next to City Hall at 280 Madison Ave N, will be open by appointment only 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms, has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case, has recently traveled, and/or needs a test to return to work.
There is no cost to participants. If a participant has health insurance, then the insurance provider will be billed for the cost of the test. If a participant does not have insurance, then the cost of the test will be covered by a federal program.
Thank you, COBI, for bringing this important service to our community.
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KITSAP PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT TIPS FOR A SAFE HALLOWEEN
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BAINBRIDGE ISLAND MUSEUM OF ART: Día de los Muertos Community Celebration (Online)
Join BIMA for a virtual community gathering to mark the start of BIMA’s Día de los Muertos weeklong appreciation, Nov. 2-8, 2020. Come together on Zoom to learn about this cultural celebration with words from Juan Rovalo, Araceli Cruz, and Alice Mendoza and to remember loved ones who have passed.
Participants may virtually add their tributes to the ofrenda installed in the gallery at BIMA, a colorful, multi-tiered altar by emailing words and photos to education@biartmuseum.org. The altar is viewable by the public each day during museum hours from Nov. 2-8, 2020.
To learn more and to register for BIMA's Nov. 2 online event, click here.
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Are you a nonprofit organization interested in submitting information to be included in our community events section? Click here to learn more.
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CALENDAR
NOVEMBER
3: Election Day
11: Veterans Day (No School)
12: School Board Meeting @ 5:45 p.m.
26-27: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
DECEMBER
10: School Board Meeting @ 5:45 p.m.
21: Winter Break Begins (No school through Jan. 3)
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BISD IS SOCIAL!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay-up-to date with BISD happenings like this post highlighting Sakai students' artwork in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day.
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RETURN TO LEARN HANDBOOK
In preparation for bringing Hybrid students to school, BISD has created a
Return to Learn Handbook.
The handbook includes a high-level overview of the many ways BISD has modified operational practices to keep students and staff as safe as possible during in-person learning.
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Nondiscrimination statement:Bainbridge Island School District School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For questions, please contact Civil Rights Coordinator, Erin Murphy at emurphy@bisd303.org.
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