SECTION B | SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2020
East Texas
Fall School Plans taking shape but subject to change
Several area school districts have released more details for starting the school year during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they all say they understand their plans still could change. Most districts have a plan to follow Gov. Greg Abbott’s face mask mandate that requires residents 10 years and older to wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible, and all are offering a form of in-person and remote learning. Face-to-face learning at all local districts with at least preliminary plans in place include enhanced health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus, while remote learning plans are based around a mixture of real-time remote instruction along with students working at home at their own pace. Remote plans also include similar attendance requirements as in-person learning. The one constant in initial plans for districts is that they could change as levels of the new coronavirus go up or down in the state and locally and as officials adjust the reopening of Texas.
LONGVIEW ISD
Longview ISD will offer three learning models for students, giving parents choices to adjust to their comfort level regarding potential exposure to the coronavirus, according to a written statement from the district. Parents must choose face-to-face classes or one of two remote options — asynchronous and synchronous.
Students in the synchronous remotelearning option will attend classes via Google Meets in real time with their classmates. Students in the asynchronous remote learning option will watch recorded Google Meets options and work at their own pace while following assignment deadlines. Spokeswoman Elizabeth Ross said the district compiled a task force of teachers, parents and administrators to develop the plans. “They wanted to develop a plan that allowed for the most flexibility as possible for our families, because our families are going to have some tough decisions ahead of them,” she said. Levels of COVID-19 in the community could lead to the district transitioning to the virtual model for all students. “Keep in mind that Longview ISD is reviewing and evaluating daily. Anything is subject to change on a daily basis,” the statement said. “Protective measures, including the use of face coverings, will be determined by the level of disease activity of COVID-19. The district will rely on data from the Department of State Health Services, Gregg County Health Care Services and Gregg County Public Health to determine the disease activity level and the appropriate protective measures,” it said. Ross said families will be able to choose See PLANS, Page 2B ©2020, M. ROBERTS MEDIA
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Longview News-Journal, Saturday, August 1, 2020 news-journal.com
PLANS From Page 1B
their method of instruction weekly. “We will be operating on campus and remote classrooms on a week-toweek basis,” she said. “So, if a family needs to be on campus one week and off the next because of an exposure to COVID, that student can do so and not get behind.” Each of the three options allows students to participate in on-campus University Interscholastic League-sponsored activities. The district’s first day is scheduled for Aug. 17. Registration will largely be online, and many of the campuses have different means for parents to enroll their students. For enrollment information, go to http://w3.lisd.org/parents/ enrollment/” .
SPRING HILL ISD
Spring Hill ISD on Tuesday posted a link on its Facebook page to a 27-page Google document that includes detailed instructions for the start of the school year, along with state requirements, plans for if the district needs to go to all-virtual instruction and guidelines for in-person and remote instruction. Primary and intermediate school parents will need to sign up for an appointment with their student’s teacher Aug. 12 to 14. The one-hour appointments will be the only time the students attend school during the first week, according to the document. Parents can bring their child’s school supplies during the time and visit with teachers about technology the student will use to complete classroom assignments during the school year. The first full day of class for primary and intermediate students will be Aug. 17. Junior high and high school students will be split into three groups and assigned to attend class on Aug. 12, 13 or 14 to go to their classes and be assigned a Chromebook. Virtual and in-person instruction is set to begin Aug. 17. The district’s instruction plans state that certain electives might require time on campus to earn credit and that expectations for remote instruction will be equal to courses taken on campus.
In the case of a statewide closure because of the coronavirus, the district will transition to asynchronous remote learning using Google Classroom and some face-to-face virtual meetings.
WHITE OAK ISD
White Oak ISD updated its plans for fall classes on Friday with documents on its website saying the district continues to work on the “ever-changing landscape and evolving issues” of the pandemic. The documents are called a starting point for the district’s plan for fall classes that could change as guidelines released by the state and other entities are updated to adjust to the level of coronavirus cases in Texas. The district will offer a traditional in-person learning system and an asynchronous virtual system, with both set to start Aug. 10. Parents or guardians who choose the remote system must make that declaration via email no later than Monday and are asked to commit to a nine-week grading period. As with other school districts, White Oak schools will use hand-sanitizing stations, social distancing when possible and will follow Abbott’s face mask mandate in class and on buses.
GLADEWATER ISD
Gladewater ISD on Monday released two plans for classes — one in person and a remote learning option that incorporates synchronous and asynchronous learning. Classes are set to begin Aug. 12. The district asks students’ primary parent or guardian to provide information about the choice for each student using online forms specific to each campus. There is also a connectivity survey for those who are choosing remote instruction. The district said in a written statement that guidelines for on-campus instruction include enhanced health and safety protocols that are subject to change based on guidance or orders from the Texas Education Agency or other officials.
Students, teachers and school employees will be required to wear a mask, face covering or face shield during the school day and on the school bus, “except during certain athletic, extracurricular or physical activities,” the statement said. Class size will depend on the number of students who choose in-person learning. Hand sanitizer will be available in every classroom and on the bus, and social distancing will be observed as much as possible. Parents who choose remote instruction must commit to it through Sept. 4 with a chance to switch to on-campus learning on Sept. 8, according to the statement. Online instruction will involve “greater quality and depth compared to remote instruction” this past school year. The district is buying Chromebooks that can be checked out for remote instruction and is working on solutions for families with no or limited internet access.
PINE TREE ISD
Pine Tree ISD said parents and students should pre-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before leaving the bus stop or campus. Students must wear a mask when in close contact with others, but they can choose to not wear the mask when socially distanced in class or the cafeteria. If a student or staff member is exposed to COVID-19, they are required to quarantine for 14 days, but if proper protocols are followed an exposure should not occur. More details on COVID-19 protocols and remote learning for students can be found at ptisd.org. District spokeswoman Mary Whitton said early survey results indicate about 30% of parents favor remote learning. The first day of class is scheduled for Aug. 19.
KILGORE ISD
Plans for fall classes at Kilgore ISD were posted on the district website Friday with an update that was added Tuesday. The district, which pushed back the
start of school a week to Aug. 19, will offer at-home and on-campus learning plans. Visitors, staff and students in grades 6 through 12 will be required to wear a face covering to enter all district facilities, according to policy documents. Masks must be worn while in halls and other large areas, and the masks will be required while on school buses. Face coverings may be removed while eating and other times. The district has separate pages for health and safety protocols for visitors, students, staff and bus riders on its website.
MARSHALL ISD
Marshall ISD also released plans for in-person and online instruction for when students are expected back in class Aug. 13. The plan was outlined on the district’s website. Teachers and students will be asked to screen themselves for symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms are present, they are required to stay at home until they receive a COVID-19 test with a negative result. Students will need to wear masks or face covering when riding the bus, and they can sit only with family. No more than 30 students will be allowed on a bus, and bus drivers will take the temperature of each student as they get on the bus. Hand sanitizer will be available on the bus, and seats will be sanitized after each route. School staff and students age 10 or older will be required to wear masks, according to the district’s plan. Elementary teachers and students will be required to wear face shields provided by the district. Desks will be spaced apart in the classrooms, and classrooms will be cleaned and sanitized daily. Students will not take field trips while at school, and staff will not travel for out-of-district training. Students and accompanying staff will travel only for UIL-sponsored activities.
The one constant in initial plans for districts is that they could change as levels of the new coronavirus go up or down in the state and locally and as officials adjust the reopening of Texas.
Small Community
Big Opportunity 2 years - 12th grade 215 N. Teague St. | Longview, Texas trinityschooloftexas.com 903.753.0612
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Longview News-Journal, Saturday, August 1, 2020
TINA GRIDER SCHOOL OF DANCE TEAM
Tina Grider’s
Dancing Queens
Competitive & award winning teams
The Tina Grider School of Dance was established in 1986. We offer classes in tap, ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical/contemporary, drill team prep, and musical theater dance. The Tina Grider School of Dance also offers five selective Competitive Dance Teams, consisting of Mini’s, Elementary, Intermediate, Junior, and Senior Teams. Members audition for positions on these teams and enter competitions all over East Texas. Our teams have won numerous awards during the past 19 years. Many students of the studio also have won awards, joined drill teams and been named drill team officers in the past years. Many have also gone on to join Rangerettes and other collegiate dance teams. Congratulations to our students who won officer positions in their drill teams for the coming year: Hallsville Bobcat Belles - Captain Mackenzie Duckworth, Sr Lt. Grace Crump, Jr Lt. Abby Cox, Jr Lt. Jillian Parry, Sr Line Captain Aly Graves; Kilgore High Steppers - Captain Carter Williams; Longview Viewettes - Captain Emma Cate Williams, Sr Lt. Stella Moore, Jr Lt. Rylee Hunter; Pine Tree Precision - Lt. Abby Tyler; Tatum Eaglelettes - Sophomore Lt. Cady Nelson. And special congratulations go to new Freshman Rangerette - Kylie Benavidez. Tina Grider instructors include Tina GriderLyon, director and studio owner. Grider-Lyon, a former Kilgore Rangerette and Swingster, received an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts and Dance. She was listed in “Who’s Who” in dance at Kilgore College, is a past Board Member of Rangerettes Forever, and taught 13 summers for the Mini-Rangerette Camps. Grider-Lyon has attended numerous Dance Conventions in Texas, choreographed for Longview Community Theater Musicals, and worked with the Junior League of Longview Charity Ball Shows. She is also involved as a volunteer with Christus Good Shepherd Hospital Guild as well as many other community organizations. Devon Churchill is beginning her 18th year as an Instructor for the studio. She teaches classes in all forms of dance. She also serves as the Director and Choreographer of the Senior Competitive Dance Teams. She is a former Rangerette, Swing-
ster and Dallas Sidekicks Dancer. She has also worked in the past as a Promotional Coordinator for the Dallas Cowboy organization. She received her degree from ETBU in kinesiology. Misti Irwin will begin her 15th year as an Instructor and as a Classroom Assistant as well as assisting with the TNT Dancers. Misti is skilled in all forms of dance. She has been a student at the studio for 27 years. She also serves as a choreographer for numerous events in the East Texas area. Carli Howard is returning for her 5th year as an Instructor and 2nd year as a Director with the Mini and Elementary TNT Dancers. She also instructs Mommy and Me and our newest class for 2 year old girls and boys, as well as various other classes. She serves as an assistant in the office, costume coordinator and manages our Social Media. She is a former student at the studio and was also an Officer for the Kilgore High School High Steppers. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education from Stephen F. Austin. Lisa Wright Ritchie is starting her 4th year as a Ballet Instructor and will be beginning her 5th year as an Assistant Teacher at the studio. She has had 16 years of dance training growing up. She received her college degree from UT Tyler in kinesiology. She formerly worked as a personal trainer at The Institute in Longview. She is currently employed at Stryker, a medical device company. Alexis Marjason is beginning her 5th year as a Dance Instructor and her 2nd year serving as Director for the Intermediate and Junior TNT Dancers. She also serves as an office assistant and in many other capacities. She has been a student at the studio for 12 years and was Captain of the Spring Hill Drill Team. She earned an Associates of Arts Degree at Kilgore College. Emilee Hill is a former student of 6 years and is beginning her 2nd year as an Instructor as well as assisting with the TNT Dancers. She is currently enrolled in Kilgore College. She is also a former dancer with our TNT Dancers and was a long time member of the Longview Ballet Company. Nicki Patterson is returning for her 6th year as our Office Manager. She is also Instructor for our Musical Theater Dance Class. Nicki previously See DANCE SCHOOL, Page 6B
The school provides students an opportunity to study dance for personal satisfaction in a supportive environment. Students progress at their own pace to improve physical strength, flexibility, coordination, and body alignment.
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Longview News-Journal, Saturday, August 1, 2020 news-journal.com
Left — The White Oak High School Regiment of Roughnecks practice parade marching in 2018, at White Oak High School. Below left & right — Members of the Union Grove marching band take a break while preparing for UIL state marching competition in 2017 held in San Antonio. Photos by Michael Cavazos and Les Hassell Longview News-Journal
Sabine Independent School District www.sabineisd.org
What matters most!
Where every student is important.
Thank you, Educators, Administrators, and Support Staff.
SABINE ISD REGISTRATION INFORMATION School supply lists are posted on the school’s web site at: www.sabineisd.org.
We appreciate our educators for what you are doing each and every day for the ongoing
Meet the Teacher Night has been cancelled due to Covid-19 for all campuses.
education of our children and the safety of our community. We recognize your dedication to meeting
Enrolling NEW Students to the District PK - 12th Grade
the challenges of teaching while seeking creative and innovative ways to connect with students through online learning…you continue to inspire and encourage our East Texas Students!
You are our community. We are your community bank.
Always Texas Strong.
SABINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Please call the campus to set up an appointment at 903-984-5320. Only 4 people are allowed inside at a time, Class lists will be posted Tuesday, August 4 at 4:00 pm SABINE MIDDLE SCHOOL Please call the campus to set up an appointment at 903-984-4767. Only 4 people are allowed inside at a time, Students Pick Up Schedules August 3 & August 5 8:30 am – 12:30 pm; 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm SABINE HIGH SCHOOL Please call the campus to set up an appointment at 903-984-8587. Only 4 people are allowed inside at a time, Students Pick Up Schedules Monday and Wednesday - August 3 & August 5 8:30 am – 11:30 pm; 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
MEMBER FDIC
New students will need to bring a copy of their birth certificate, social security card, most recent report card, immunization records, STAAR scores or achievement test (elementary students only), and the name and address of the last school attended. Proof of residency in Sabine’s school district (utility bill or tax receipt). A parent or legal guardian must be present to register an elementary school student.
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Longview News-Journal, Saturday, August 1, 2020
Below — The Longview HIgh School marching band performs during halftime of their game with Mansfield Lake Ridge in 2014, in Tyler’s Trinity Mother Francis Rose Stadium. The Spring Hill High School marching band performs during halftime of the Pleasant Grove vs Spring Hill football game in 2018, at Panther Stadium.
Area Bands
Face Changes Challenges
&
with new guidelines BY JACK STALLARD
jstallard@news-journal.com
When Rhonda Daniel took over as director of bands for Longview ISD a little more than a year ago, she was tasked with the challenge of keeping the Big Green Marching Machine rolling toward another award-winning season. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a whole different set of challenges for her and her area band director counterparts, but Daniel said she is confident she, her staff and — most importantly — the students are up to the challenge. For Daniel, along with Pine Tree ISD interim Band Director Mark Perry, it’s all about safety. “The health and safety of our students is the No. 1 priority and our No. 1 focus,” said Daniel, who led Longview to its 70th consecutive Superior University Interscholastic League marching contest rating last fall at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. The Lobo band would have returned next week to SFA for preseason camp, if not for COVID-19. “We’d be attending band camp at SFA, traveling and staying four nights,” Daniel said. “But we’re here now.”
RHONDA DANIEL Director of Bands Longview ISD
ict
org
“Here” is Longview, but Daniel said the focus remains the same. “Generally speaking, we teach band and music, and we’re going to keep doing that,” she said. “Now, we just have a new set of guidelines to follow so we can do that the safest way possible.” Masks, hand sanitizer, temperature checks, spacing and wellness screenings are and will continue to be part of the process for the foreseeable future. And that’s just to get the bands back on the field. Once the season starts, other noticeable changes will occur. The season for Class 5A schools — such as Longview and Pine Tree — won’t begin until late September after a UIL announcement earlier this week moving the first playing date for 6A and 5A schools to Sept. 24. When it does kick off, the Lobo band will take its usual spot on the visiting side of Lobo Stadium — but also will use extra spacing. Pine Tree, meanwhile, might make the move from the home side to the visiting side. “That’s a possibility,” Perry said. “We have to abide by the 50% stadium capacity rule. At away games, we’re looking at a small travel pep band as to not take up too much capacity, but it’s all fluid
MARK PERRY Interim Band Director Pine Tree ISD
Back to School
See AREA BANDS, Page 6B
Masks, hand sanitizer, temperature checks, spacing and wellness screenings are and will continue to be part of the process for the foreseeable future.
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Longview News-Journal, Saturday, August 1, 2020 news-journal.com
DANCE SCHOOL Many students of the studio also have won awards, joined drill teams and been named drill team officers in the past years.
From Page 3B
closely with the recently formed East Texas Rangerette Forevers group. Sheila Rhinehart returns for her 50th year at thestudio (started with Joan Fuller), however this year she will be working in “semi-retirement mode”. During her 49 years she served in many capacities including Student, Dance Instructor, Assistant, Recital Program Designer, Costume Coordinator, Web Site and Studio IT, and Office Manager. Sheila was
served as Ballet Director at the studio for 15 years and was one of the original directors of the TNT Dancers. She has also choreographed for many East Texas musicals, choirs and dance camps. She taught English and Psychology at Kilgore High School for 11 years. She is a former Rangerette Officer and Swingster, and she served as President of the Rangerettes Forever Organization. She now works
also a Rangerette and while at Kilgore College she was chosen as Who’s Who in English and graduated as Valedictorian of her class. She has served as President, Vice-President and Board Member for Rangerettes Forever Organization. Class Registration is set for 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM on Aug.11th & 12th at the Dance Studio, 109 West Hoyt in Longview. Classes begin on August 17th. For more information, please call 903-753-2001.
AREA BANDS From Page 5B
right now. We’re reinventing the wheel daily.” Daniel said travel details for the Lobo band still are being discussed. Practice and rehearsal regulations also have changed, but Daniel said Longview has been practicing safety for more than a month and she expects a smooth transition. “We started working on June 8 doing sections and fundamentals with kids, and at that point, the guidelines were similar to what is going on now with the spacing and straight lines, not doing curves, temperature checks when they come in the door and screening for COVID-19 symptoms,” she said. “We were doing that back in June, so we feel like we have a plan that worked then and will work going forward.” Perry said he expects some adjustment time, but is confident a productive, safe and fun season will happen. “I think I can probably speak for every band director in the state on this, but we’re just trying to be flexible and roll with the punches,” he said. “Our first goal and first priority is the safety of the kids, and in turn, making sure we
protect our staff members and then the parents when the kids go home. The old way of doing things is gone. At our first practice, we’ll sit the kids down and talk about safety and train them so they know what this new year is going to look like. None of us, including the adults, have ever gone through anything like this.” “The main thing, after safety, is to make sure this is as fun as possible for the kids.” Daniel said she believes the Lobo football team will play deep into the playoffs, and she expects the band to be right there supporting them. ”What we’ve seen and heard from the students we’ve been in touch with so far is, they are ready to get out,” she said. “They’ve gone a long time without contact with their friends, and they are ready. It has been so different in their lives lately; they expect different, so it should be easier for them to comply. We’ve talked about the fact the Lobos plan to play football in January. We can expect some cold football games, and the first four games will be hot. But I know this. The band will be ready to support the Lobos at home or on the road.”
The main thing, after safety, is to make sure this is as fun as possible for the kids. RHONDA DANIEL Director of Bands Longview ISD
The Longview HIgh School Lobo Band marches in the Longview Christmas Parade in December 2018. (Michael Cavazos/News-Journal Photo)
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WHITE OAK
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 200 South White Oak Rd. White Oak, Texas 75693
g Welcomes Back ALL Roughnecks Bigg and Small!
Important Numberss High School 903-291-2201 Middle School 903-291-2055 Intermediate School 903-291-2101 Primary School 903-291-2160
First Day of School August 10, 2020
2020-2021 is going to be an exciting year and we can’t wait to see our students! We have a new Athletic field, a new sports court, refreshed teachers, and a very supportive parent community ready to make this the best year yet!
We Believe in ALL kids, ALL of the Time Brian Gray, Superintendent Mitzi Neely, For more information about our school, Asistant Superintendent please contact Jana Horne at 903-663-4151
or jhorne@chcslongview.com. www.woisd.net - For More School Information Visit our website at www.chcslongview.com