Birdville ISD NEWS for 07/29/2020

Dear BISD Family, 

On Thursday, July 23, my administration and I presented BISD’s Reopening Plan (Plan) for 2020 to the trustees at their monthly Board meeting. (View presentation to the Board) We anticipate the Plan will continue to evolve based on further guidance from the CDC, the Texas Education Agency, Governor Abbott, Tarrant County Public Health, or Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley.

Safety is, and always will be, my number one priority. That is why we are working closely with these agencies to make sure students and staff are safe when face-to-face instruction resumes. Despite our best efforts, I realize that no plan will ever be perfect. However, our plan will continue to be refined to make sure we are doing all we can to protect students and staff.

Inside the Plan are details for face-to-face instruction and online instruction. Currently, all Tarrant County public schools are under a health order restricting face-to-face instruction until Sept. 28. Therefore, BISD is working to fine–tune our online learning plan in preparation for the beginning of school on Monday, August 24.

During the first six weeks of school, BISD will provide online learning for students. Students will not be physically present in a traditional classroom environment, but instead will receive lessons in a digital environment. This format will allow students and teachers to connect as a class in multiple ways, including discussion boards, interactive assignments, lesson videos, video conferences, and more.  

Many parents have asked if grading will be the same or different from the end of the spring semester. BISD’s grading guidelines and policies will be followed for online (asynchronous remote) learning and will be consistent with the grading policies for on-campus assignments. Students will receive numeric grades, and all reporting grades will be used to determine promotion to the next grade level and, for high school courses, will count towards a student’s grade point average (GPA). High school courses and numeric grades will be reflected on a student’s transcript. 

I am excited to announce that BISD is working to begin the school year by providing students with Chromebooks to be able to participate in online learning. For families needing assistance with internet connectivity, BISD is working to provide assistance. Before the first day of online instruction, the District will provide details. 

Let me encourage you to read and follow BISD’s Reopening Plan. As we update the Plan, we will flag new or updated information to make it easier for parents and staff to quickly see. 

Respectfully, 

Darrell G. Brown, Ph.D. 
Superintendent of Schools