I sat in reflection this afternoon after viewing the press conference where Governor Abbott called for schools to remain closed through the rest of the school year. I want to share some personal feelings with you all in hopes that we can all be mindful of the impact this change has had on us as educators, too. I sat and shed a few tears thinking about our kids (students). My heart aches when I think of the seniors who won’t be able to create all the wonderful memories that come with being a senior in the final semester of their life in our school district. They will miss out on prom, senior skip day, banquets, a regular graduation ceremony, and just simple memories of being with their friends as the school year winds down. I know God has a plan but it just seems so unfair.
I sat and thought of all the kids who are “school dependent.” School provides a safe and structured environment for so many of our kids and I am deeply saddened by the fact that those kids will go 5 months without us from the time we dismissed for spring break until we start back up in August. I have a 7-year old son, and as much as we’ve tried to explain to him about what is happening, he still thinks that one day soon he will return to his first grade classroom to see his teacher and friends. He sat in excitement this afternoon during a google classroom meeting where he was able to see his teacher and some of his classmates. He and other students throughout our district have been deprived of creating memories in their school setting. My 8th grade son and my sophomore daughter miss the social aspects of school as well as the extracurricular events more than they miss the academic part, but I’m sure most secondary students feel the same way!
My heart also aches for the kids were involved in extra-curricular events this spring. Everyone was looking forward to what promised to be a special season for our baseball team, a great chance for another deep playoff run by our softball team, an opportunity for yet another district championship for our tennis teams, an opportunity for our band to show their improvement in their spring contest, a great chance for our high school academic teams to showcase their talents in the UIL meet, and the list goes on and on. We won’t get to say a fond “farewell” to the current high school and junior high buildings. Next year, we start making new memories in a new secondary facility. All of these things were stripped away from our kids by this “virus.” It just all seems so unfair!
I can’t speak for all educators, but I promise you that most of them share my feelings. Oh how we miss the craziness of a “normal” school day, if any day can be called normal. We miss seeing all the smiling faces of our students. We miss the attitude that teenagers give in the spring semester. We miss staff meetings…well maybe not staff meetings! We miss after-school car duty. We miss grading papers! We miss altered schedules because of spring events! We miss everything about our schools, but most of all, we miss the time we spend with our students! I knew at an early age that I wanted to become an educator. I wanted to coach and teach. I never considered another occupation. God called me to be an educator and I am so deeply blessed that I’ve had that opportunity. I have never appreciated my profession more than I do now! I am amazed at the hard work by our staff and how quickly they adjusted to supporting or students from a distance. It wasn’t easy for educators because “home school” is a totally different concept for us. I see the passion that many of our educators have, even in the face of this pandemic. There isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for our kids! We are determined to be there for them no matter how distant we are right now.
Parents, we are here for you. I know this hasn’t been easy for you either. We share a common goal: to do what is best for your child! So, if there are days you feel overwhelmed, it’s ok to have your child put everything up and forget about school for a bit. You didn’t sign up to be a teacher and we definitely understand that. But, share your concerns with us. Let us know how you feel, what works, and what doesn’t work. We will have another month of this, so let’s work together to continue to grow your children. My heart aches for you, too!
The Governor’s order was definitely what was best for our kids, staff, and school community in general. It just hurt so much as I sat and thought about our kids, so I shed some tears today. In closing, I’d like to offer a few words to the FHS Class of 2020 and seniors across the nation: Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” While it doesn’t seem fair, it’s amazing to think about what God’s plan will bring you, because after every storm comes a rainbow.
In Faith,
Dr. Gilbert
The Governor held a press conference this afternoon where he issued an executive order calling for schools to remain closed for the rest of the school year. Our staff will continue to support students through our distance learning program. Please pray for everyone in our school community. We miss our students and their families!
Floydada ISD Head Start

Mrs. Nutt’s Science class playing Quizlet live. They have been learning about environments. Who says distance learning can’t be fun?!

Coughing & sneezing can send tiny infected droplets into the air which can be inhaled by anyone within 6 feet of us. Always cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and immediately wash your hands to lessen the risk of spreading the virus. Be smart. Stay well! #StayHomeTexas
Toser y estornudar puede llevar gotas infectadas al aire, que pueden ser inhaladas por personas que estén a 6 pies de ti. Siempre tosa o estornude en pañuelos desechables o en el codo y lávese las manos para disminuir la propagación del virus. ¡Mantente sano! #StayHomeTexas

Youth Self-Care Survival Guide sponsored by our County Extension Agency

Mrs. Nutt created a video to share with her fourth grade science class to learn about photosynthesis! We are truly blessed with the best at FISD!
https://youtu.be/eR2NuOw3Jgg
Duncan will be handling out school pictures on Tuesday April 14 th from 8 to 1. We will use the same protocol as we did for computer hand outs. Stay in your car, call the front office and someone will bring them out to you .
Did you know that washing your hands with soap & water eliminates #Coronavirus molecules preventing the virus from infecting you & others? The same is true when you disinfect surfaces. Science says it works. https://bit.ly/2w7TGAJ #COVID19 #txed #StayWellTexas

Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
Messages for parents, school staff, and others working with children From the CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html
Apart We Stand Together

Practica el distanciamiento social
Para prevenir la propagación de COVID-19 en nuestra comunidad, practique el distanciamiento social:
• Evite salir en público
• Cuando esté en público, mantenga una distancia de seis pies entre usted y los demás.
• Seguir las recomendaciones de los funcionarios locales y estatales.
Obtenga más información en https://texas.gov/covid19
# covid19 #texasfuerte #quedateencasa

Practice Social Distancing
To avoid the spread of COVID-19 in our community, practice social distancing:
• Avoid going out in public
• When in public, keep six feet of distance between you and others
• Follow guidance provided by local and state officials.
Get more information at https://texas.gov/covid19
#covid19 #texasstrong #stayhome

The Floydada ISD community must work together to fight COVID-19. Head to http://tea.texas.gov/staywell for vitally important public health guidance to stop the spread. If we stand apart as a community now, we will be together again soon.

Governor Abbott has ordered all schools in Texas to remain closed through May 4th. This is an extension to his previous order.
It’s Monday!!!!!! Please share pictures of you doing something active today! We want to see what you are doing to move your body and stay in shape! Just post in the comments section of this post! Can’t wait to see you!!!

During the FISD Distance Learning, I will be in the A.B Duncan Elementary TIP Room on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 to 1:00. The Duncan Elementary School doors will be locked. Call or text before coming and I will meet you at the door. I will be available by email, text or phone call during regular school hours
I will be able to help with your child’s login for the following subscriptions:
• Google – Email and Classroom
• Brainpop
• Stemscopes
• Study Island
• For other subscriptions contact your child’s teacher
For other student or teacher laptop issues, please contact me at:
Email - ivega@floydadaisd.esc17.net
Cell phone – (575) 904-0825
Thanks,
Ismael (Rocket) Vega
Duncan TIP Room
To the Students of Floydada ISD: Tonight and every weekday night from 8 pm - 9 pm, we will turn on our football stadium lights as a symbol of hope and assurance that you are in our hearts and minds. To other districts in the state of Texas, we accept the challenge and challenge other districts to do the same! #bethelight #FISD #ALLinEveryDay

Parents and Guardians,
Thank you to those who have completed the Information for Remote Learning Survey. If you have not already done so, please take the time to complete the information.
FISD is using Google Classroom as a means to provide instruction to your child during this time. Students in grades 5-12 have a gmail address provided by the school. However, students in PK-4th grade do not have gmail addresses. In order to accept the invite to Google Classroom, you must provide a gmail address. It is absolutely free to create an account. Just go to www.gmail.com.
Once you have completed the Information for Remote Learning Survey, your child’s teacher will send you an invite for Google Classroom. We will begin remote classes on Monday, March 30th.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe35A_eDP046sRobSj5M8NTEdy_5w6BN4ZOL78s9rFLIfxSpg/viewform?usp=sf_link
Thank you for partnering with FISD to ensure your child receives a quality learning experience during this unique time in education.
Go Whirlwinds!!
FISD Meal Service Update:
We delivered breakfast and lunch to 550 children this morning. That’s a total of 1,100 meals today! We can’t wait to see you all again Monday morning!

