Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Sexual Assault
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Aaron Chaney and Sgt. Scott Davis arrested a 31-year-old Sulphur Springs man accused of sexual assault.
Deputies located Jose Juan Eduardo Santana at his rural residence, served him with three warrants and took him into custody around 6:30 p.m. July 23, and transported to jail, according to arrest reports.
Santana remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, July 25, on three counts of sexual assault. Bond was set at $50,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Update: Silver Alert For William Downard Cancelled
The silver alert issued for a missing 72-year-old Hopkins County man has been cancelled. William Downard was reported to have been “located safety” early Sunday morning, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office.
A silver alert was issued for Downard Saturday morning, July 25. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by one of Downard’s family members at 2 a.m., when when he failed to return home. He had last been seen around 5 p.m. Friday, July 24, and was at that time believed to be traveling in a red 2014 model Ford F150 pickup.
Authorities posted the following flyer asking for the public’s help in locating the missing man. HCSO reported Downard had been found safe Sunday morning, but no other details were released Sunday.
Reminder To Parents: Select Instructional Option For CPCISD Students By July 26
Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District parents are reminded they need to select an instructional option for their CPCISD students by July 26. Families may choose from online or face-to-face instruction for the 2020-2021 school year. Parents can select an option online by clicking on the designated link on the school website, www.cpcisd.net or by clicking here. The instructional option form is also available in Spanish.
As of the start of the week, almost 40 percent of CPCISD families had let the district know their preferences for their children’s learning in the coming school year, according to CPCISD Assistant Superintendent Jana Andrews.
Students will be placed in face-to-face instruction unless a completed survey is received indicating otherwise.
Parents may choose for their child to switch from face-to-face instruction to online at any time. Due to the nature of the online instruction, provided written notice with a date of change is submitted to the school.
Online learners can switch to on-campus instruction beginning in the next 6 weeks grading cycle, provided the parent notifies the school in writing at least one week before the start of the next grading cycle.
Face-To-Face On-Campus Instruction
Wondering what face-to-face on-campus instruction will entail this year? Things will be school as usual, including extracurricular activities, with COVID-19 measures which will include daily:
- Staff self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms before reporting to work each day
- Parents or guardians screening their children for COVID-19 symptoms each day prior to sending their child to school
- Temperature screenings upon arrival at school
- Hand sanitizer at building entries and in all classrooms
- No water fountain use, but students may bring individual water bottles
- Isolation protocols in place for students or staff displaying COVID-19 symptoms
- No visitors on campuses without making prior arrangements; also parents may NOT enter the building during drop off/pick up or visit their child during breakfast or lunch.
- Virtual meeting options with potential visitors when possible
- Special additional cleaning protocols implemented
CPCISD will also follow the governor’s executive orders for requiring face masks, when it is not feasible to maintain 6feet of social distancing from others.
There are exceptions within the order. Children under 10 and any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face mask will be exempt from the requirement.
Outside of an executive order from the governor or a requirement from the Texas Education Agency, CPCISD will not require face masks.
Students and staff will be permitted to wear face masks if they choose, even if not required.
Buses will run as usual, however, parents are encouraged to transport their child to and from school when possible to maximize social distancing, as large bus routes may not allow for the CDC’s recommended social distancing guidelines. They will be followed as much as possible.
CPCISD will be implementing he following precautions:
- Hand sanitizer will be provided as students enter the bus.
- Buses will be disinfected after each trip.
- Masks are encouraged for all students when riding the school bus
Online Instruction
The online learning instruction option for 2020-2021 is designed to be a long-term educational option that will successfully guide students through a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum for the entire school year. It will be very different from the distance learning program conducted in the spring of necessity when the Governor ordered all schools closed to in-person classes for about 2 1/2 months.
“All instruction will be provided online but students will need strong at home support in order to create a learning environment that is conducive to a successful education. We are working to finalize a comprehensive guidance document for families who wish to enroll their children in online learning. Below is an overview of the guidelines for families to consider,” school administrators explain on the school website.
Students will follow TEA online instruction guidelines for the 2020-2021 school year:
Daily attendance is required in accordance with approved school district calendar. In order to be counted present each day, students must engage in specified instructional activities that show adequate educational progress for the day. According to school policy, failure to do so more than 8 days in a semester could result in possible denial of semester credit, summer school attendance, repeat of the grade level or class, and a report of truancy being made to local officials.
Students must have adequate internet service and access to technology such as an iPad, Chromebook, laptop or desktop computer sufficient for online instruction. If a special hardship exists, parents/guardians should schedule an appointment with their children’s campus principals.
Instruction through online learning is designed for mastery of the TEKS; however, daily lessons will not mirror traditional face-to-face instruction, but will require more independent responsibility on the part of the student. “It is essential that students develop a daily schedule in a designated work space that allows them to engage in online learning on a consistent basis,” according to the information disseminated by CPCISD.
For students who receive accommodations or modifications, ARD, 504, and LPAC, committees may convene to make appropriate recommendations to meet the individual student needs to ensure continued growth in the general education curriculum and in individual goals and objectives.
Students who choose to participate in online learning will NOT participate in athletics or other extracurricular activities.
Some elective courses may not be offered online due to the hands-on nature of the coursework.
Grading for all online courses will follow the same grading policy as the face-to-face model. Online courses that earn high school credit will count in the GPA calculation and class rank according to the CPCISD grading policy.
Upcoming Events
Como-Pickton CISD is planning for classes to being Aug. 10 for students. Parents of returning CPCISD students are reminded to sign into the school website to register their students for 2020-21 through the “Ascender’s Parent Portal” link, found under the Menu option. Registration instructions were also mailed at the end of the school year with final report cards.
Parents may contact their child’s campus office as follows for specific guidance:
- Elementary: (903)488-3671, Ext. 1000
- Junior High: (903)488-3671, Ext. 2000
- High School: (903)488-3671, Ext. 3000
New Teacher Orientation will be conducted July 30 from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rest of the CPCISD staff will return Aug. 3-6 for development activities, with Aug. 7-8 designated as staff work days.
CPCISD will the annual Meet The Teacher event on Aug. 8. This year’s event will be a little different, however, to better observe social distancing. There will not be a Meet the Eagle this year as a safet precaution for students, staff and community members.
Families will be allowed to visit their students’ school at one of three time based on the family’s last name. Families in which there are more than one last name may select whichever of the designated times for that name is most convenient for the family.
Families whose names begin with a letter from A-J will meet their teachers from 9 to 10 a.m., last names K-R from 10 to 11 a.m. and last names S-Z from 11 a.m. to noon.
School supply lists are also available at www.cpcisd.net by selecting the Menu option, then the each child’s campus.
Due to COVID-19 and the possible need for school closure, the CPCISD school board revised the 2020-2021 school calendar, extending the school day by 15 minutes. The new school hours will be 8 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. The changes will provide 18 days of flexibility should a complete school closure be required. The calendar was devised base on parent, student, staff, and community response to a calendar survey, The school calendar may be downloaded from the district website or Facebook page. egarawret
School officials also welcome anyone interested in joining the CPCISD “flock” as a substitute teacher to attend a New and Returning Substitute Teacher Orientation at 1 p.m. July 30 in the Secondary Cafeteria on campus. Questions may be voiced at 903-488-8802.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of July 27, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of July 27, 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and Washington Street as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound exit ramp for Houston and Lamar is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the Park Street exit ramp. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
The pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street is closed for pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will not need to be removed at this time, but will be removed later in the project. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews are performing utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: at the OB Groner / West Travis Street intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as crews work on installing flashing beacons at the intersection.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for occasional lane closures as workers install signals at the FM 131 intersection. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway to provide a detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section at the conclusion of the project.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building the new southbound US 75 entrance ramp. A new traffic pattern has been implemented where westbound Spur 503 will be shifted to the southbound US 75 frontage road and will travel through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on-ramp after FM 691. The new FM 691 exit ramp is now open to access FM 691.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to construct the new pavement section.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
FM 120, Grayson County: from FM 131 to US 75. Watch for nighttime and daytime lane closures as workers repair the concrete pavement.
SH 289, Grayson County: between FM 121 and US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
US 69, Grayson County: between SH 56 and SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four lane divided section. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement on the eastern end of the project between the Fannin and Lamar County line and County Road 2975. Eastbound traffic will remain in their current lane, while crews begin working on the inside lane to work on completing the crossovers and turn lanes. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median.
County Road 2250, Fannin County: at Coffee Mill Creek. County Road 2250 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 2250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 4250, Fannin County: at Freeman Creek. County Road 4250 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
FM 896, Fannin County, from Business SH 121 to the us 69: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform bridge repairs to the bridge over Valley Creek.
SH 78, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to FM 896: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to perform base repairs to the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
IH 30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
US 82 (Loop 286) at North Collegiate Drive, Lamar County. Watch for workers as crews perform signal upgrade work. An all-way stop condition will be in place during various phases of this work.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement and place new hot mix.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the south side of existing roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the north side.
FM 195, Red River County: from FM 410 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence and complete cross culvert extensions at two locations.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for temporary traffic signals at bridge locations while crews upgrade bridge rail from Clarksville to Bogata.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project to widen the pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treat fixed objects is underway. The contractor is backfilling pavement edges and addressing final tasks, along with project clean up. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers in this area.
FM 2194, Hunt County: between Merit and FM 903. This project will widen the shoulders and apply safety treatments to fixed objects. The contractor is currently working on mailboxes and turn-outs, seeding and ditch work. Please be careful when traveling in this area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently seeding and watering, sidewalk construction is complete. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out for workers.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. Project barricades and signs have been set, and construction on culverts will begin soon. Detours are required to complete this work. Please be careful when traveling in this area and watch out for workers.
Hunt County mowing contractors are working at various locations in Hunt County.
Hunt County maintenance crews are applying seal coating on FM 2194; watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along this roadway. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from these work crews.
Rains County maintenance crews are applying hot-mix pavement on SH 276; watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along this roadway. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from these work crews.
Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
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Four Traffic Stops Net Four Arrests In Hopkins County
Four traffic stops, three by deputies and one by police, netted four arrests in Hopkins County between July 22-25, according to arrest reports.
State Highway 19 North Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Marney reported stopping a Toyota Tundra at 3:45 a.m. July 24, 2020, on State Highway 19 north near County Road 4764 for a defective license plate light.
Marney, in arrest reports, alleged one occupant “was performing nervous behavior.” When asked for ID, the man reportedly admitted he didn’t have valid driver’s license but was able to present an ID card. A records check showed 53-year-old David Keith Groves of Emory to have a “prior narcotics history involving methamphetamine,” so the deputy obtained his permission to search the interior of the vehicle.
The deputy asked Groves to stand in front of his patrol vehicle while he searched the truck. Before Marney completed his search of the vehicle, the deputy reported seeing Groves “kicking his feet continuously.” Deputies then alleged spotting a glass pipe of the kind commonly used for smoking methamphetamine near where Groves had been standing under the patrol vehicle, where it appeared to have been kicked.
Groves was taken into custody in connection with the drug paraphernalia found under the patrol unit and transported to Hopkins County jail. He was booked at 4:51 a.m. July 24, 2020 on a tampering with evidence charge. The Emory man was released from the county jail later Friday on a $10,000 bond on the felony tampering with evidence charge, according to arrest reports.
State Highway 11 Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Bobby Orsornio stopped a black Honda on State Highway 11 near FM 69 south just after midnight July 24 for a defective tail light. While speaking with the driver, Osornio reported seeing an open container in a cup holder and noted the man was “sweating profoundly.”
A records check allegedly showed a Harrison County warrant for the man’s arrest. The 30-year-old Ladonia, Louisiana man was taken into custody around 12:30 a.m. July 24 and secured in a patrol vehicle. At that time, Osornio and Deputy Aaron Chaney alleged in arrest reports, the man claimed he could not breath. EMS was called. He was determined by paramedics “to be all good.”
The vehicle was released to its owner at the location. The man was booked into Hopkins County jail on a warrant for failure to appear on a burglary charge, however, the arrest report did not specify what type of burglary. He was booked into jail on the Harrison County warrant, according to arrest reports. Deputy Aaron Chaney reportedly assisted on the call.
The 30-year-old Louisiana man remained in Hopkins County Saturday, July 25, on the warrant, according to jail reports.
Gilmer Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Silas Whaley conducted a traffic stop on a silver Ford Fusion for speeding at 8:26 p.m. July 22, in the 900 block of Gilmer Street. He contacted the occupants. He later obtained consent to search the car. Whaley alleged finding a baggy containing a while crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine in a female occupant’s purse, according to arrest reports.
As a result, 56-year-old Lisa Beth Manning of Powderly was arrested at 8:46 p.m. July 22 for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
Manning was released from Hopkins County jail July 23 on a $5,000 bond on the felony controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
U.S. Highway 67 Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Wilkerson stopped a Chevrolet Trailblazer at 1:05 a.m. July 25 on U.S. Highway 67 east in Saltillo because the vehicle’s license plate wasn’t visible from within 50 feet.
Upon contact with the driver, Wilkerson alleged a strong odor of marijuana emitted from the SUV. The deputy asked the driver and two juveniles to exit the vehicle while he conducted a probable cause search.
A records check reportedly showed the driver’s license expired in 2009. Consequently, the 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man was placed into handcuffs and left to stand in front of the patrol vehicle.
Wilkerson reported finding a marijuana grinder, a used marijuana cigarette, small amount of a green, leafy substance he suspected to be marijuana and a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. HCSO Deputy Kevin Lester arrived to assist in the search. No additional contraband was found.
The 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man was taken into custody at 1:52 a.m. July 25 on Class C misdemeanor charges of driving while license invalid and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to arrest reports. Lester transported the man to jail while Wilkerson stayed at the location until the juveniles and vehicle could be released to the man’s spouse. Wilkerson then returned to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, where he booked the Sulphur Springs man into jail at 2:30 a.m. on both misdemeanor charges, according to arrest reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
July 24 COVID-19 Update: 1 New Case, 64 Active Cases In Hopkins County
July 24 marks the 5th straight day this week and 18th day this month that new positive COVID-19 cases have been reported for Hopkins County. At 4:45 p.m. July 24, Hopkins County Emergency Management officials reported they had received notification of 1 new COVID-19 case for Hopkins County. There have been no new recoveries since July 20.
There continued to be two patients in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs on July 24. No additional information about those cases was available, emergency management officials reported.
That brings the cumulative total of COVID-19 cases for Hopkins County since March to 136, with more than half of those cases reported this month.
During the first week of July, 10 new cases had been announced. New cases were reported every day from July 9-18, for a total of 45 additional residents testing positive for COVID-19 in Hopkins County, with 16 total recoveries. So far this week (July 20-24), there have been 18 new cases and 6 recoveries. That’s 73 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in July in Hopkins County, but reports of only 22 recoveries this month.
Of the 136 Hopkins County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 since March, 72 have recovered, leaving 64 active cases of COVID-19 in Hopkins County on July 24, according to Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom.
Hopkins County Hospital District COO/EMS Director Brent Smith at 3 p.m. July 24 reported a total of 1,602 tests conducted for Hopkins County residents since March, including 1,394 negative results and 73 pending results. That’s 29 additional tests conducted, 32 negative results received and 28 positive results received from July 17 to July 24, according to the information provided by Smith.
Updates For Several SSHS Sports
Thursday (July 23) KSST reported that The Edge conditioning program came to an end two days early Thursday for football. They will be off until they resume strength, conditioning and skill work in the late afternoon and evening on Monday, August 10. The first day for practice is Monday, September 7. Several other coaches have shared with KSST their plans. Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner says The Edge is over for her players. She too will resume strength, conditioning and skill work on August 10 with the first day for volleyball practice on September 7. First volleyball matches can be played as of September 14. They can’t play tournaments this year. Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittany Tisdell says The Edge has also ended for Lady Cats basketball players. They will resume on the first day of official practice on Wednesday, October 21. Basketball will not be able to participate in showcases or tournaments this season. Wildcats Team Tennis Coach Tony Martinez says he concluded The Edge Thursday evening at the Wildcat Tennis Center. He too will resume strength, conditioning and skill work on August 10. Coach Martinez says his team’s first match will be on Tuesday, September 8. Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton had The Edge on Friday (July 24) and it will continue all next week. He will be able to meet with his team during the athletic period once school starts in Sulphur Springs on Tuesday, September 1. Practice can begin for soccer on Monday, November 30. Scrimmages can start on Thursday, December 10 with the first real soccer games can be played beginning January 2.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
TWC: State Unemployment Benefits To Continue But $600 Federal Payment Ends July 25
Other CARES Act Benefits Continue Through December
AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission reminds claimants that the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) ends the week of July 25, 2020.
FPUC provided an additional $600 per week to claimants who lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Texans will continue to receive state unemployment benefits for the remainder of their claim.
For those on regular unemployment that is currently up to a potential 59 weeks and 46 weeks for those on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The length of time benefits are available is subject to an individual’s eligibility as well as state economic indicators.
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation was passed as part of the CARES Act. The program provides federal reimbursement to states for an additional $600 per week. A full benefit week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday. The Act states that the program ends July 31, but benefits must be discontinued before the end of the month because by law TWC cannot pay partial-week benefits. The last full benefit week for the extra $600 is the week ending July 25. As a result, only payment requests for weeks ending on or before July 25 can include the additional $600. State unemployment benefits will continue to be paid after this date, they simply will not include the additional $600 anymore.
Other provisions of the federal act do not expire until Dec. 26, 2020. This includes Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides an extra 13 weeks of benefits to persons who exhaust traditional benefits, and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides up to 46 weeks of benefits to persons who are self-employed or who would not otherwise qualify for state benefits.
For more information on eligibility requirements, available benefits and questions about the unemployment process, visit TWC’s COVID-19 FAQ page.
Trustees Approve Nine Personnel Changes For SSISD
Sulphur Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees approved nine personnel changes for SSISD during the July 24 board meeting.
Overall, two resignations were accepted, and requests for three inter-district job changes and recommendations for four new hires were approved. The personnel items will impact 6 campuses and the administration building.
Brynn Smith resigned as health science technology education teacher at Sulphur Springs High School.
Tammy Gamblin resigned as fifth grade English language arts and reading/ social studies teacher at Sulphur Springs Elementary School. Lauren O’Bryant was approved to teach fifth grade ELAR/social studies at SSES. Also approved to join the staff at SSES as a special education aide was Steve Johnson.
Sonia Cordova Yanez will be changing jobs and locations, moving from Travis Primary, where she was the campus secretary, to the Administration building, where she will be an English as a second language, Language Proficiency Assessment Committee and migrant facilitator. Alma Ramirez, Travis library aide, will become the new campus secretary.
Karen Phillips also will be joining the staff at the Administration Building as a half-time science coordinator
Mystie Wilson, a Title I aide, will remain on the Lamar Primary campus, but will be teacing kindergarten teacher.
Mario Arellano will be joining middle school as campus police officer.
SSISD Pushes Start Of Classes Back To Sept. 1
SSISD trustees Thursday evening approved an amended 2020-21 school calendar that pushes the start of classes back from Aug. 18 to Sept. 1, and extends school hours on all campuses and all grades.
Reasons for Calendar Changes
This year will be different just as the spring semester was unique due to COVID-19. New guidelines released by Texas Education Agency and UIL since the July 13 meeting factored into the new calendar as did the need for additional training and planning time for teachers and the need to make the most of the days students are in school, as the COVID-19 situation could mean fewer days for the district, campus or individual students.
“This year, we’re uncertain of the days we’ll get students so we added time so the time we do get them is more valuable,” Superintendent Michael Lambsaid of adding 15 minutes to elementary students’ days.
Lamb, at the July 13 school board meeting, outlined the plans for the 2020-21 school year and reported that the requested calendar amendments would likely designate staff development and work days on the calendar approved in the spring as well as June as makeup days. This would meet the requirement to include about a month of days in case school has to close down for an extended period of time due to illness. Administrators on July 13 also anticipated sending out commitment letters to parents by July 23, asking them to select either an in-person learning option or a Virtual Academy learning option for their students by Aug. 4. However, administrators held off sending those letters until July 24, after the amended calendar was approved so that all information would be as current as possible. Parents can log into their Skyward Family Access account (or click here) to select their preference for their child as well as information about each option
Parents are asked to select a learning option by Aug. 4, but per state rules, will be allowed to change their mind through Aug. 18 – 2 weeks for school starts. Additional communication will be posted to the district website, including activities students and families can engage in to get their students mentally ready to return to class on Sept. 1. Those who can are asked to please make their decisions by Aug. 4. Those numbers will be used to determine the number teachers and staff needed for different classes and programs, and allow for space and adequate planning/training.
After preparing for the upcoming teacher work days, including shaping a schedule for the various required and needed curriculum and planning meetings, administrators saw a need to add in additional time for teachers to attend mandatory district wide training as well as curriculum and assignment planning to be ready for all of the known and potential changes the 2020-21 school year could present due to COVID-19 or other illnesses.
With the state allowing schools to start as late as a full week into September, the district opted to add 10 staff work days before school starts so that all teachers and staff are prepared as best as possible for any changes due to illness or other. That means providing about a week for campus and team planning, as well as classroom preparation and to allow teachers to begin contacting parents to make the start as easy a transition as possible. This should prepare Virtual Academy teachers so they can hand out devices on Aug. 28-29. This will also allow teachers to be involved in decisions for procedures and safety planning for their campus.
While not all teachers will be involved in the Virtual Academy, there is every likelihood that all teachers will have to be involved in some online teaching. For instance, if a regular school student tests positive or is exposed to someone who has COVID-19 which would require the student to be off campus for more than a couple of days, the student would need to do online learning. Because of the way the Virtual Academy is structured, the student would still be a regular in-person learner who receives instruction online. The student’s teacher would be in contact with the child and the student’s family through digital instruction so the student can complete class assignments from home and not fall behind the other students in their class or in their work assignments.
All teachers will receive training on strategies to better plan to do in-class lesson digitally, including specials teachers such as physical education, art and music, while engaging students should the school have to shut down for a few days or weeks due to COVID-19 or high numbers of illness such as the flu in students and staff. Teachers also have to be ready to help students, should their parents decide to switch learning styles after the first 9 weeks, transition into the other learning option.
Adding 10 staff days also changes grading periods, and work time planned during each, requiring some adjustments to the calendar as well. The STAAR testing schedule is unchanged, however. Districts are being strongly encouraged to move to strictly online STAAR testing. The district will be adjusting class pacing to better meet students’ academic needs, including administering an online review assessment at the beginning of the year for some grade levels to get those students ready for online testing.
Due to recently released UIL guidelines, SSISD had to revise sports schedules, particularly those for football and volleball for practices, scrimmages and games. The district opted to put 2 of the staff development days planned during the fall on days that the football team has long trips, adjusting for changes in games versus Frisco and Crandall in September and October. Officials are still awaiting additional guidance from UIL regarding band activities.
Calendar Changes
The current plan, which could change pending changing requirements from the state level and changes in the COVID-19 situation, is for teachers and staff will have 10 extra days added, Aug. 18-21, Aug. 24-28 and Aug. 31. That will push the start of classes for students back from Aug. 18 to Sept. 1.
To make up the difference in lost student days at the beginning of the school year without extending the school year, Lamb proposed that the school day be extended. The school day will be held from 7:50 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. Monday-Friday, from all students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with an 8 a.m. tardy bell.
The late start also changes the grading periods, which means the first semester won’t end until Jan. 14. The 9-week grading periods will now be Sept. 1-Oct. 29, Nov. 2-Jan. 14, Jan. 19-March 26 and March 29-May 26, provided schools do not have to make up days in June.
However, in the event makeup days become necessary, the following would be designated as potential makeup days: Jan. 15, Feb. 15, Feb. 26, April 2, April 12, May 17, May 27-28, and all weekdays in June.
Staff work day are currently planned to be held Sept. 25 and Oct. 16, instead of Sept. 18 and Oct. 12. This would allow staff to participate in training and preparation activities, scheduled on long football trip days so fewer students and staff will have to leave classes early to make the road trips for football games. Oct. 29 and Jan. 14-15 will also be staff days, adjusted to allow for training between grading periods.
