November 18, 2022
Dear Bryan ISD Parents & Families,
Happy Thanksgiving! As our students learn about gratitude this month for our Essential 8 character development lessons, the timing is perfect for me to express my gratitude to you for partnering with our schools, attending student events, and for making our school community even stronger. I hope you enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
Important information for families
School Safety
We have hired an Assistant Director of School Safety and Security! Read more about his extensive background.
Locking all exterior and interior doors remain an important part of what we do daily to keep students and staff safe. We require all visitors to enter through the front doors of the schools and to check in as required.
Please encourage your child to use the B-Safe app to report concerns and if they see or hear something of concern, to say something to a staff or family member.
School Boundaries
We are excited to open Sadberry Intermediate School in August 2023. Our third intermediate will require adjusting school boundaries. Additionally, we are balancing some over and underutilized schools.
Stakeholder meetings are already happening, and over 600 parents, staff, and community members have participated in many focus groups and have provided valuable feedback in the development of boundary options.
On December 5th, a community-wide survey will be launched to gather feedback on the options developed from the focus group sessions. Those that complete the survey will have the opportunity to sign up for either a virtual or in-person focus group.
Additional information and updates about school boundaries, including presentations to the Board of Trustees, can be found online at bryanisd.org/schoolboundaries.
Fall Survey - We value your feedback!
The Fall Survey for staff, students, parents, and community is out now and closes on November 20 at 11:59 p.m. Please consider completing the survey as we use this information to reinforce what is working and to make adjustments to best serve and support students and staff. Details can be found here. https://www.bryanisd.org/apps/news/article/1685747
New Website
Bryan ISD is making the switch to a new website at the end of the month. Details are forthcoming.
It will be a more user-friendly and streamlined site resulting in enhanced communication.
Additional visuals and social media presence will be added to our new website.
A new free Bryan ISD App for mobile devices will be available at the Apple App Store. Details are forthcoming.
School Calendar
We are working on the 2023-2024 school year calendar with the goal of announcing the final decision in December so you can make plans for the next school year.
We are currently meeting with teachers, parents, and stakeholders for feedback and suggestions for the upcoming school year.
A calendar survey will be released soon for your input.
Advanced Academics Academy Applications and Redesign (Grades 5-8)
The opening of Sadberry Intermediate next year provided Bryan ISD with an opportunity to examine Advanced Academics Academy programming at our schools. The district began working with multiple stakeholder groups of parents, community members, and staff to explore the possibilities.
Since the spring of 2022, Academy teacher leads from all intermediate and middle schools, led by Mr. Cunha and Mr. Irick, have been working together with these parent and community stakeholder groups to design an Advanced Academics Academy that would allow students and families new opportunities and pathways. This more robust academy experience will still require a student application and review process.
Potential changes would only impact elementary students and families; therefore, elementary parents, please expect a letter with more information and opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback, including a focus group opportunity.
Bryan ISD Build in Partnership with Habitat for Humanity
We are GRATEFUL for the ongoing support! Our students and staff continue to raise money to build a home for a hard-working family! This project has provided hands-on experience for our students to serve the community, and it has been so rewarding for children of all ages to care so much for others. We have worked hard to raise $80,000 required to build the house.
With the generous matching gift of up to $40,000 from the Ruth Clearfield family, we have $74,746 at this time.
This means we need $5,253 more to build the house!
Because we have made remarkable progress, we will continue to raise the money this school year and stay on track for construction this spring with the goal of dedicating the home to the family in May 2023.
To learn more or to make a donation in any amount, please visit our website at bryanisd.org/build.
I wish you a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Ginger Carrabine
Bryan ISD Superintendent