2023 Fort Bend ISD From A-Z

Fort Bend ISD Trustees Give Students, Staff A Voice

Fort Bend ISD is pleased to welcome newly elected Trustee Sonya Jones to her first new school year as a board member. Jones was elected to Position 5 in May. Incumbents Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam, who serves as the Board’s vice president, and Angie Hanan were also re-elected to their positions.

Continuing their terms this year are Board President Judy Dae, Board Secretary David Hamilton and Trustees Kristen Davison Malone and Rick Garcia.

Message from the Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck

Hello Fort Bend ISD Family,

The 2023-24 academic year is upon us and, as always, I’m super excited about the first day of school!

We have three brand new campuses opening! They are located in Missouri City and Rosharon.

All three schools are beautiful examples of what 21st century learning spaces should look like. They are full of natural light, bright colors, high-tech classrooms, plus outdoor green spaces that foster social emotional health and physical activity.

I am so grateful to our community for approving funding for these new schools in our 2018 Bond. The new schools are:

Sonal Bhuchar Elementary School 5503 Thompsons Ferry Road, Missouri City -named for the late FBISD board member who was an esteemed leader, consensus builder and well-respected trailblazer. She was a dedicated volunteer with Child Advocates, the Literacy Council, the Cultural Arts Foundation and the Fort Bend Education Foundation.

Alyssa Ferguson Elementary School 1300 Heritage Park Drive, Missouri City -named for a former student who passed away at the age of 15, leaving a huge legacy of compassion and positive change by using her Make A Wish request to build a permanent water well in a village in Zimbabwe. She had dreamed of being a teacher and her well is located next to a school.

Almeta Crawford High School 801 Caldwell Ranch Blvd, Rosharon -named for a legendary Fort Bend ISD retired

educator who enriched the lives of generations of students with her commitment to excellence, passion for teaching and extraordinary ability to inspire young people. When I toured the new campus with Ms. Crawford a few months ago, she was so delighted that when she got to the main gym, she danced at center court!

In addition to these new campuses, we are beginning improvement projects at existing campuses across the district to keep our promise to address deficiencies and create more equitable learning environments for all our students. Passage of the 2023 Bond makes these projects possible. I am so grateful to our community for its unwavering -and much needed- support. To reference our theme this year: thank you for making an impact and choosing to care!

Judy Dae President Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam Vice President David Hamilton Secretary Kristen Davison Malone Member Rick Garcia Member Angie Hanan Member Sonya Jones Member

New Student Registration

The district provides innovative programs to address each student’s unique needs at all school levels.

High school students can earn college credit and industryrecognized certifications and licenses through programs such as the Early College High School or Pathways in Technology Programs. Six academies provide learning communities with concentrated courses in career-focused classes.

In middle school, students begin exploring careers through 14 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The district’s state-of-the-art Career and Technical Center is open to juniors and seniors and has a number of student-run enterprise businesses that are open to the public.

FBISD also offers a gifted and talented academy for middle school students.

A full day pre-K program is available and two early literacy centers equip students with grade-level reading skills by the end of first grade.

Additional programs including gifted and talented, special education and multilingual ensure students have equitable access to all educational opportunities.

How Do I Enroll My Child in School?

All children who are five (5) years of age or over, but younger than 21 years of age on September 1 of any school year in which admission is sought and who reside within the Fort Bend ISD or has a parent/legal guardian (assigned by a court of law) who resides within the FBISD are eligible to attend Fort Bend ISD schools.

To enroll a child in the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities, the child must be:

• Three (3) to five (5) years of age,

• eligible for special education and recommended by the ARD committee for placement.

To qualify for Fort Bend ISD’s tuitionfree prekindergarten program, a child must meet the following criteria:

• four years old on or before September 1, 2023, and

• unable to speak or comprehend the English language, eligible for free/ reduced lunch according to federal guidelines, homeless, in foster care (currently or previously) or must have a parent currently on active military duty (or injured or killed while on active duty)

A child must be five (5) years of age on or before September 1 to enroll in kindergarten. To enter first grade, a student must be six (6) years of age by the first day of school or has either been enrolled in the first grade or has completed kindergarten in a public school of another state prior to

transferring to a Texas public school. A child must be enrolled by the child’s parent, guardian, or a person with legal control established via a court order. The District must record the name, address, and date of birth of the person enrolling the child; therefore, an updated Texas Driver’s License or Texas ID card containing the parent’s/guardian’s FBISD address will be requested at the time of enrollment. [see Board Policy FD(LEGAL).]

To enroll a child in prekindergarten, kindergarten or first grade, the following documents are needed:

• birth certificate or its equivalent,

• most recent report card or grade transcript,

• immunization records,

• proof of residence, including a deed, lease or mortgage agreement, a recent utility bill (water, gas, electric),

• a student’s social security card (will be requested) or state assigned ID number, and

• a government issued photo ID of the student’s parent or guardian, which provides their FBISD address (TX Driver’s License/ID Card)

To enroll a student in grades 2-12, the following is required:

• birth certificate or its equivalent (for students younger than age 12)

• most recent report card or grade transcript,

• immunization records,

• proof of residence, including a deed, lease or mortgage agreement, a recent utility bill (water, gas, electric),

• a student’s social security card (will be requested) or state assigned ID number, and

• a government issued photo ID of the student’s parent or guardian, which provides their FBISD address (TX Driver’s License/ID Card)

Registration must be completed at the school in which the child’s residence address is zoned within the FBISD; therefore, parents must contact their child’s zoned school for additional enrollment information.

School Attendance Community

Last school year, Fort Bend ISD reached more than 80,000 enrolled students! To find your school attendance community, visit www.fortbendisd.com/ attendancecommunity.

Bus Transportation

Bus service is offered to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, who live two or more miles from their assigned school. It is also provided to students who attend a secondary program of choice, live in an area defined as a Hazardous Route or attend an overflow campus. Service is also provided to students who receive special education services in FBISD.

Route information, including stops for pick up and drop off, will be available in early August before the start of each school year.

Immunizations

Each year, the Department of State Health Services reviews immunization requirements for children who attend school. View an updated list of the Department of State Health Services 2023-24 vaccine requirements. Proof of vaccinations should be provided to a child’s campus before beginning the school year.

Student Code of Conduct and Student/Parent Handbook

The FBISD Student Code of Conduct and Student/Parent Handbook provide the district’s expectations of student behavior and general information about the district’s guidelines and procedures. For more information, please visit www.fortbendisd.com/ studentcodeofconduct.

Open House for the 2023-24 School Year

Open House is an important event at the beginning of the school year. It gives parents and teachers an opportunity to meet and begin to build a relationship that will help them work together for the benefit of our students. Open House also offers parents the opportunity to learn more about ways they can partner with the school for the best possible educational experience. The dates and times of your school’s open house will be communicated by your home campus.

A Safe Zone

FOR OUR STUDENTS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

At Fort Bend Independent School District, the safety of our students is a top priority, both inside and outside the school premises.

To ensure the safety of our students during drop-off and pick-up times, please follow these guidelines from the Texas Department of Transportation:

• Be aware that traffic patterns around school zones may have changed since the last school year.

• Stay alert and put your cell phone away. Using a handheld electronic device while driving in an active school zone is against the law.

• Always obey school zone speed limit signs. Remember, traffic fines increase in school zones.

• Drop off and pick up your children in your school’s designated areas, not the middle of the street.

• Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.

• Watch for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles.

Thank you for your commitment to the safety of our students. Let’s work together to make this school year safe and successful.

Supplies School

Elementary

6 glue sticks

Pre-Kindergarten Kindergarten

2 boxes of #2 standard pencils

2 pink erasers

1 plastic pencil box

2 boxes of crayons (24)

1 box of markers (standard/washable)

1 pair of blunt/safety scissors

1 package of construction paper

2 pocket folders with brads

2 boxes of facial tissue

1 bottle of hand sanitizer

1 package of alcohol-based disinfectant wipes

1 primary journal, 8x10 (white primary paper, red baseline, wide-ruled, and drawing box)

1 bottle of glue

1 pack of non-toxic compound playdough with

8 Colors

1 nap mat or blanket

6 glue sticks

6 glue sticks

2 boxes of #2 standard pencils

2 pink erasers

1 plastic pencil box

1 box of crayons (24)

1 box of markers(standard/washable)

1 pair ofsafety scissors

1 package of construction paper

3 pocket folders with brads

2 boxes of facial tissue

1 bottle of hand sanitizer

1 package of alcohol-based disinfectant wipes

1 package standard post-its

4 notebooks, 8x10, white primary paper, red baseline, wide-ruled

1 composition notebook, primary style

1 box black dry-erase markers

First Grade Grades 2-5

2 boxes of #2 standard pencils

2 pink erasers

1 plastic pencil box

1 box of crayons (24)

1 box of markers(standard/washable)

1 pair ofsafety scissors

1 package of construction paper

4 pocket folders with brads

2 boxes of facial tissue

1 bottle of hand sanitizer

1 package of alcohol-based disinfectant wipes

1 package standard post-its

4 notebooks, 8x10, white primary paper, red baseline, wide-ruled

4 hard cover composition notebooks, primary style

1 box of map coloring pencils

2 packages of notebook paper, wide-ruled

Optional Technology Items:

6 glue sticks

2 boxes of #2 standard pencils

2 pink erasers

1 pencil bag

1 box crayons (24)

1 box markers(standard/washable)

1 pair child scissors

1 package construction paper

6 pocketfolders with brads

1 package standard post-its

1 12” ruler marked with inches and centimeters

1 package map coloring pencils

2 pks notebook paper, wide-ruled (replenished as needed)

4 spiral or composition notebooks

4 hard cover composition notebooks

1 package black dry-erasemarkers

1 package of ½” graph paper (4th-5th Grade ONLY)

2 boxes of facial tissue

1 bottle of hand sanitizer

1 package of alcohol-based disinfectant wipes

The school supply list for Fort Bend ISD elementary campuses is available on the Fort Bend ISD Website at www. fortbendisd.com. Just click on “Parents and Students” and scroll down to “School Supply Lists.” This information will also be available in area retail stores. Middle school students will receive school supply lists at orientation. Parents of high school students are asked to check with their child’s campus directly for school supplies. Students are generally given requirements in their classes on the first day of school.

Middle School

• 1 package #2 pencils(replenish as needed)

• 1 package pens(blue or black)

• 4 packages notebook paper (should be replenished throughout the year)

• 2 large glue sticks

• 1 pair school scissors

• 1 package multi-colored highlighters

• 1 pencil sharpener with cover

• 1 12” ruler marked with inches and centimeters

• 1 pencil pouch

• 1 package colored pencils

• 1 package quarter inch graph paper

• 1 box facial tissue

Optional Technology Items:

• 1 Universal Stylus Touch Screen Pen (Passive) (For use with touch screen devices)

• 1 BYOD(Bring Your Own Device): Refer to “Guide to Student BYOD Devices” on Fort Bend ISD webpage: www.fortbendisd. com/Page/105736

• 1 Headset/Headphones or earbuds with mic (compatible with Windows laptops or with their own device)

Optional Classroom Items:

• 1 package alcohol-based disinfectant wipes

• 1 bottle hand sanitizer

• 1 Universal Stylus Touch Screen Pen (Passive) (For use with touch screen devices)

• 1 BYOD (Bring YourOwn Device): Refer to “Guide to Student BYOD Devices” on Fort Bend ISD webpage: www.fortbendisd.com/Page/105736

• 1 Headset/Headphones or earbuds with mic (compatible w/Windows laptops or their own device)

Sports Physicals Athletic Physicals for The 2023-24 School Year

for All School Activities

July 29

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

16811 Southwest Fwy. Sugar Land, TX 77459

9:00am - 12:00pm

August 10

Hopson Fieldhouse

3335 Hurricane Lane Missouri City, TX 77459

6:00pm - 8:00pm

$20 Cash Only

For more information please call 281-634-1914

Don’t Forget

Wear light, comfortable clothing

Bring glasses or wear contacts, if you have corrected vision Please bring your school physical form with medical history completed Please bring signed physical consent form

New Ticket Prices for Athletic Events

Presale tickets to attend games during the 2023-24 varsity football regular season will cost $8 per adult and $6 per student. General admission tickets bought on game day will cost $10.

All other regular season athletic games played at high schools will cost $4. Regular season middle school athletic events will remain at $3. For additional information, contact the Athletics Department.

As we gear up for the upcoming school year, we want to ensure that your child is ready to participate in athletics and fine arts programs. As part of these programs, it is important for your child to undergo a physical examination to ensure their health and safety.

To be eligible for athletic participation for the 2023-2024 school year, ALL students will need to have a physical examination with a doctor’s stamp dated after April 1, 2023, and complete the Rank One Electronic Forms.

Early Childhood

A strong early start is a good indicator of a student’s educational success. Fort Bend ISD offers diverse options to support the needs of students as young as three years of age. Prekindergarten (pre-K) programs are offered district-wide, including the district’s two Early Literacy Centers and Fueling Brains Academy. For young learners who require language support, the district has bilingual pre-K programs available as well.

Special programs are also available for students who require special education services. The district offers curriculum through the Early Childhood Special Education program and the district’s Early Intervention Academy.

Gifted and Talented (GT)

FBISD works to identify all its gifted learners to support their unique and diverse learning styles.

GT services are educational interventions for students who perform at or show the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment. Gifted and Talented services are offered to students in Fort Bend ISD, in kindergarten through 12th grade. Students can be referred for evaluation, which can be done in the fall, spring and summer. All FBISD second grade students are also screened.

Through unique opportunities including a high school mentoring program and middle school academy, FBISD supports students and their families in creative, selfdirected learning. Visit www.fortbendisd.com/gt to learn more.

Special Education

At Fort Bend ISD, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students, including those with disabilities. We understand the importance of ensuring that each child’s educational needs are met. Our dedicated team of special education professionals collaborates with teachers, parents, and students to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) that outline appropriate supports and services for each student.

These support services include:

• External Support, Accommodations, and Modifications

• In-Class Support

• Co-Teaching

Multilingual Programs

• Specialized Support

• Home Instruction and Instruction in Hospitals and Institutions

For more information on special education services and placement options, visit the Special Education website. You may also reach the Special Education Department directly at 281-634-1143 for any specific questions or concerns.

The district’s Multilingual Programs department supports families with students for whom English is not the first language at home. The department offers tailored programs to elementary and secondary students, in addition to world language instruction in seven languages. Parents can learn more about what is offered at www.fortbendisd.com/ multilingualprograms

Child Nutrition

FBISD’s Child Nutrition Department provides tens of thousands of healthy breakfast and lunch meals each day to students. The meals accommodate the diverse nutritious needs of students, including those with gluten sensitivity, nut allergies, and vegan/ vegetarian diets.

All families are encouraged to complete the Free & ReducedPrice Meal Application online. This application is typically open at the start of each year beginning August 1. Families receive not only free or reduced-price meals but also reduced fees for extended learning programs, exams and athletic physicals. Visit www. fortbendisd.com/ childnutrition to learn more.

Extended Learning Offers Enriching Programs

The Extended Learning Department operates various programs to enhance your child’s educational journey and foster their growth as critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

Extended Day Program (EDP): Our before and after school program is available at FBISD elementary campuses. This program offers a safe and nurturing environment where students can engage in enriching activities, complete homework, and interact with their peers.

Club Excel: Designed specifically for FBISD middle school campuses, it provides students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills. From arts and crafts to sports and STEM projects, Club Excel offers a well-rounded experience for middle school students.

Little Learners Program: For children enrolled in pre-K, this program is designed to provide our youngest learners with a supportive and stimulating environment that encourages their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Success Zone: An exciting afterschool enrichment program for elementary students that offers classes from STEM, cooking, sports, fitness to art, music, dance and more. We collaborate with professionals throughout the community to bring students the perfect mix of fun learning, imaginary curriculum, and high-energy activities.

For more information, including the registration process and class schedules, go to the Extended Learning website or contact the department directly at 281-634-4220.

The district’s Whole Child Health Initiative supports and develops the mental, behavioral, social, emotional and physical health of all students. Students’ academic performance is directly and positively linked to their overall health, so FBISD provides resources and counseling to students, parents and staff with six in-district counselors and partnering organizations. The initiative also offers free monthly parent webinars during the school year. Visit www.fortbendisd.com/ wholechildhealth to learn more.

Fort Bend ISD’s Shared Dreams

Celebrates 35 Years of Service!!

Shared

Dreams will celebrate 35 years of sustainable support for students during the 2023- 2024 school year.

As part of the Department of Collaborative Communities, Shared Dreams focuses on community and student impact strategies. Shared Dreams serves as a shortterm layer of support for registered students that have been recommended by their campus staff to have potential to benefit from this program. Through generous community support and philanthropic donations, students are provided with clothing, shoes, toiletries, food, and school supplies.

Shared Dreams acts as an umbrella covering many aspects that provide basic needs for students so that they can focus on what’s important…learning! Some of the activities include, but are not limited to, grant funds, community collaboration and assistance, volunteer opportunities, holiday support, addressing food insecurity, school supply kits and Exemplary Partnerships.

Shared Dreams primarily relies on tax deductible monetary and in-kind donations from businesses, community service organizations, faith groups and others to help expand programmatic efforts. Tax deductible monetary contributions may be made directly to Shared Dreams today!. To learn more, contact 281-634-2916 or visit the Shared Dreams webpage.

We look forward to celebrating Shared Dreams’ 35 years of service throughout the 2023-2024 school year with our Fort Bend ISD community!!

Volunteer Opportunities

District-wide

Become a Student Mentor!

What to expect:

• Get paired with a student and meet once a week for 30 minutes

• Mentor either face-to-face or virtually

• Read books and provide support to a student

FBISD Collaborative Communities 281-634-1109

collaborativecommunities@ fortbendisd.com

Community Partners Make an Impact

Fort Bend ISD values the community partners that support our schools, and ultimately support student achievement. Our partners range from corporate entities, local businesses, community-based organizations and health institutions.

There are many ways community members can make an impact on our students.

1. Participate in mentoring, after-school activities or read with a child

2. Provide impactful programs and/ or learning materials that reflect real-world applications of classroom subjects

3. Donate

• Provide in-kind support for programs/ events

• Provide incentives for students and/or teachers

• Donate funds to purchase awards for student achievement

• Underwrite or assist with funding for a variety of campus and/or district-wide activities, events or programs

4. Serve as an event judge or Career Day speaker

5. Serve on a Collaborative Communities committee

6. Conduct campus beautification projects

A partnership is defined as a no-cost, mutually beneficial and ongoing relationship between the district and an organization that supports students, families and/or the district in accordance with the mission, vision, core beliefs and commitments.

If you are interested in becoming a District Partner, please fill out the Partnership Interest Form.

Fort Bend ISD recognizes the importance that volunteers can play in education as they help to promote a school/community partnership. There are many ways that parents, families and the community can engage with the district through volunteer opportunities, including but not limited to:

• Participation in PTA / PTO meetings, committee, and fundraising meetings

• Supporting Shared Dreams

• Mentoring

• Assisting teachers with projects

• Creating communication and recruitment materials (i.e., newsletter)

• Supervise school breakfasts or lunches

• Chaperoning field trips

Volunteer Guidelines

All adults, 18 years of age and older, who volunteer and will be in direct and extended contact with students both during and after school hours on school campuses or at any school-sponsored function when the job involves working with campus personnel and children other than their own must complete a no-cost Criminal History Check.

For assistance in completing the Volunteer Background Application, please contact 281-634-1109 or email collaborativecommunities@ fortbendisd.com.

Ways to ConnectedStay With Fort Bend ISD

Ensuring effective communication with our community is important. The district offers various resources to keep you informed about important updates and events. By utilizing these resources, you can stay connected, informed, and engaged with Fort Bend ISD.

Here are ways to stay connected with the district:

Fort Bend ISD website: Visit our district website regularly to access a wealth of information, including district news, calendars, school directories, curriculum details, policies, and contact information for various departments.

Social Media: Follow Fort Bend ISD on official social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for district news, success stories, upcoming events, and educational resources. Engage with us, comment, and share to stay connected and join the conversation.

Express Newsletter: Stay informed about district news, events, and initiatives by subscribing to the FBISD Express Newsletter. This newsletter delivers timely updates directly to your email inbox, keeping you in the loop with the latest happenings in Fort Bend ISD.

FBISD Magazine: Stay informed about district initiatives, achievements, and success stories by reading our FBISD Magazine. It highlights the outstanding work being done in our schools and the talents and accomplishments of our students, staff, and community members.

Let’s Talk: Let’s Talk is an online communication tool that provides a convenient and direct way to communicate with specific departments within the district to ask questions, provide feedback, or seek support.

Blackboard: Blackboard is a digital communication platform that delivers districtwide announcements, emergency alerts, and important updates to parents and staff. Be sure your contact information is up-to-date in Blackboard to receive important communications.

Skyward: Skyward is a student management system that allows you to stay connected with your child’s academic progress, attendance records, grades, and more.

Schoology: Schoology is an online learning platform used by students and teachers. While parents have view-only access, it provides a window into your child’s coursework, assignments, and class updates.

Coming this fall!

Coffee & Conversations Event for 62+

Fort Bend ISD will host a breakfast for members of our senior citizen community. Guests will enjoy student performances, engage with district leaders and find out the latest happenings around the district.

James Reese Career and Technical Center

12300 University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479

FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Gold Card for Seniors

Fort Bend ISD’s Gold Card allows free admission into many of the district’s cultural and athletic events for residents who reside within the attendance boundaries of Fort Bend ISD and are 62 years of age or older and/or military veterans and active military personnel residing in Fort Bend ISD.

The card is free and never needs to be renewed. Visit www.fortbendisd.com/goldcard for additional details.

Creating Comparable Learning Spaces and Tools, Closing the Gaps Between Old and New Campuses

Thanks to our community, students and staff will benefit from much needed projects funded by the district’s 2023 Bond package, which passed in May.

The district had not had a bond in five years. Some of its campuses were rated in critical condition due to outdated mechanical, plumbing, roofing, electrical and HVAC systems. Construction projects will enhance every campus except newly constructed schools.

In addition, the bond will fund technology upgrades for student and staff devices and infrastructure, new buses and a transportation center, safety and security items and a new natatorium.

To find out about projects taking place and their progress, visit www.fortbendisd. com/bond.

Back to School Color Me!

2023 - 2024 Instructional Calendar

a minimum of 75,600 operational minutes with any applicable waivers and at least a minimum bank of 840 operational minutes. The bank of operational minutes can be used in the event of bad weather and other issues of health and safety. FBISD reserves the right to revise the calendar, pending Board approval, to meet the minimum required operational minutes each year.