Aaron’s Hosting School Supply Drive To Benefit Local Schools, Children
Aaron’s in Sulphur Springs is hosting a School Supply Drive to benefit local schools and children in need of school supplies. All school supplies will be sanitized before delivery to those in need. The business began accepting supplies on Aug. 5 and will continue to collect them through Aug. 21.
As an added incentive for people to give, Aaron’s has partnered with numerous local businesses for a basket raffle featuring gift cards and donated items from community merchants. Winners will be drawn at 5 p.m. Aug. 21.
To be entered in the basket raffle, individuals only have to bring in any new, unopened schools supplies to the Aaron’s Sulphur Springs store, 1402 Mockingbird Lane. The contributors’ name will be entered into the raffle drawing once for every 2 items donated to the school supply drive, and 4 entries per backpack. For example: 10 items would result in 5 entries, and a backpack would garner 4 more.
Two winners will get gift baskets full of gifts and gift cards from businesses in the community.
Gift Basket 1 includes:
- $25 gift card from The Spot Nutrición
- $50 gift card from TJ Nail
- $20 gift card from The Magic Scoop General Store Ice Cream Parlor
- $20 gift card from Corner Grub House
- Free breakfast or lunch from Pioneer Cafe
- Free haircut from cloud 9ine
- 2 sets of wildcats bracelets from Miss Behavin
- Free oil change and hat from Jay Hodge Chevrolet
- Free customized shirt from Brittney’s Custom Creations & More
Gift Basket 2 includes:
- $50 gift card from J&J Meat Market-Sulphur Springs
- $35 gift card from Cosmos Salon And Spa
- Cute lunch box from The Sewing Queens
- Fall handmade wreath from Valarie Mathes ️
- $20 gift card from Burgerland Sulphur Springs
- $80 credit or free front windows tint from Premium Window Tint Sulphur Springs Texas
- $10 gift card from Plain and Fancy Sandwich Shoppe
- Gift card from Bodacious BBQ Sulphur Springs
- Lip balm and mask saver from Marlene’s Sass & Class
A 3rd winner will receive a $200 Visa gift card from the Aaron’s team.
“This one is special to us, we would like to give this one to a family in need. We know times are hard and we really want to give back. For this, we are asking for each raffle participant to nominate a family that could use this blessing, along with a short reason of why. We are so excited to be able to have the chance to help out our schools and children get the school supplies they need! A huge thank you to all the business that donated️,” event organizers wrote in notice sent to KSST.
Winnsboro Woman Arrested In Sulphur Springs On Parole Warrant
A 37-year-old Winnsboro woman was arrested in Sulphur Springs on a parole warrant.
Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Matt Glenn spotted Charla Nicole Tillery early Saturday morning, Aug. 15, on Celebration Plaza. A records check showed the 37-year-old Winnsboro woman to be wanted for violation of parole, which she was on for assault on a public servant, according to arrest reports.
Sgt. Glenn took Tillery into custody at 3:22 a.m. Aug. 15 and transported her to jail, according to arrest reports.
Tillery remained in Hopkins County jail late Saturday afternoon on the violation of parole charge, according to jail reports. Tillery is also reported to be known by the aliases Charlie Hale, Charlie Nickel, Nicole Charlie and Charla Nicole Howk.
Aug. 15 COVID-19 Update: 2 New Cases, 14 Recoveries In Hopkins County
Hopkins County Emergency Management officials at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, reported while there were no new COVID-19 cases on Friday, there were 7 new positive cases and 14 recoveries on Saturday.
That’s 11 days so far this month in which new COVID-19 cases have been reported and six days in which patient recoveries were reported in Hopkins County. So far this month, HCEM officials have reported 62 new positive COVID-19 cases and 76 patient recoveries for Hopkins County.
That brings the overall total since March to 214 positive COVID-19 cases and 175 recoveries, leaving a total of 39 active cases.
Emergency Management officials also reported that there were 7 patients in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances-Sulphur Springs Aug. 15, the same as on Aug. 2.
Texas Department of State Health Services Aug. 15 continues to show three COVID-19 deaths for Hopkins County. Local officials have maintained since the first death was reported by DSHS that neither they nor the regional DSHS representative are aware of any deaths of Hopkins County residents due to COVID-19.
North Hopkins ISD To Hold Meet The Teacher, At-Home Learner Parent Training
North Hopkins ISD teachers and staff have been working hard to ensure everything is ready for the start of classes on Aug. 19, with numerous safety measures in place. A virtual Meet the Teacher night and training for families who have selected At-Home Learning for their students.
Both events are schedule to be held simultaneously Monday, Aug. 17.
Meet the Teacher
Students who will be attending classes on campus this year have the opportunity to get a small taste of online communication between the school and home during a virtual Meet the Teacher night.
Although the event is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. as “come and go” activity, parents should check information provided by their child’s teacher to access the Zoom meeting.
Elementary teachers started calling families Aug. 13 to help ease the back-to-school process. Students’ teachers are to post Zoom links on their NHISD webpages for the Meet the Teacher event, to allow families to connect remotely to their class teacher. Elementary teachers will also post links on their class Facebook pages. Elementary class lists were posted by the elementary building; families can drive by to see who their children’s teachers are.
A list of secondary teachers can be found on main page of the NHISD webpage, https://www.northhopkins.net/.
At-Home Learning Parent Training
All parents who have selected at-home learning for their students (approximately 15 percent of enrolled NHISD students) should plan to attend a parent training session from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 17, in North Hopkins ISD cafeteria.
Parents will be asked to wear a mask and social distancing will be enforced. At-home learning contracts must be signed.
NHISD Classrooms in 2020-21
The district has invested over the summer in significant technology upgrades including upgraded fiber optics and hotspots to allow for synchronous learning, with at-home learners actively participating in class with their peers as it will be live-streamed from the school classroom. Laptops are available for those who need them.
“Our approach is relationship focused. We saw options for remote learning, and are trying to package ours in a way that focuses on the teacher-student relationship. I can’t think of a better way than synchronous learning. If students are not on-site we think this is the best way to do that,” NHISD Superintendent Darin Jolly said
This will allow remote learners to raise their hand, ask questions and contribute to the classroom learning experience. Lessons are saved to an online format, so that even if the student attends the daily class session, the pupil can still access the lesson in the evening, and replay the entire class if they need to, according to Jolly.
This will be an additional resource for all students and parents when students need to review for tests, to catch up or to better aid parents in helping their students with homework and study. This also is helpful in the event the student experiences a bad connection during the livestream or is otherwise unable to stream the class that day. All lessons will also be available on thumb drive the next day for families who have chosen at-home learning but do not have any internet connectivity.
Using these methods will mean teachers only have to teach the lesson one time, reducing the need for extra work or extra staff to teach at-home learning lessons, according to Dr. Jolly.
“Having live-streaming capability is going to be fantastic. We’ve been wanting to do this. If a student is home sick with say the flu, not COVID, the student can login from home to take part in class period. We can maximize learning with this increased tech option,” Jolly said.
Teachers will have up to 4 inputs and 8 options for the camera in the ceiling to pan. Teachers will wear a microphone around their necks, and hit mute when needed.
“This will be another tool in their instructional tool box to connect students with learning in classroom, even if they can’t come or feel safer at home a this time,” Jolly said.
Additional Safety Measures
“Schools have always been the foundation of community. We want North Hopkins ISD to bet that. Whether students get off the bus or out of a car, we want parents to see we are taking safety measures and protocols,” Jolly said.
NHISD will also require everyone age 10 and older to wear face masks or coverings over the mouth and nose, unless then meet the state-established criteria such certain health conditions. Face coverings should be worn by students and staff during the transition between classes or in gatherings where they will come into close contact with other students and staff. Masks will be required for all students on school buses.
Parents who are able are encouraged to bring their students to school. For families those unable to do so, transportation will continue to be available as needed for those NHISD students.
Students may sit with siblings on the school bus. Anytime they are not able to put 6-10 feet of distance between them and others not in their household, students and staff will be required to wear a mask.
To better observe social distancing on buses, the district has increased its bus fleet by 33 percent.
The district has also purchases some plexiglass shields to serve as additional barriers on tables and desks when the recommended social distancing cannot be obtained and during times. Foldable shields can be used by students who are not able to wear masks, as an added protective measure.
Hand sanitizer stations, face shields and face masks for employees and students who do not have access one are also among the measures implemented this school year. The district invested in electrostatic sanitizers. Classrooms will be treated and cleaned every evening. Between classes, teachers will use a kit provided for them that includes sanitizers, wipes and sprays to help keep with sanitization from class to class.
The district has added awnings to encourage educators to take advantage of outdoor learning opportunities, while providing fresh air for studnets.
An additional parking lot and sidewalks have been added for staff members. This will free up parking near the front of the main campus to allow for better drop off and a more organized students pick up system as well. So, students will exit and enter the campus through the main parking area.
The district previously shared a registered nurse for two day a week. NHISD hired a fulltime LVN who will be on duty 5 days a week. The district will still have a shared nurse two days a week. In the event a student needs to be placed in isolation due to medical symptoms, the LVN will be available to help separate the student and ensure the district’s multilevel systemp protocols are in place.
Jolly said while TEA does not require it, temperature checks will be conducted three times daily at NHISD. Students who ride a bus will be temperature checked before entering the bus. In the event a student shows symptoms of an illness, particularly COVID-19, temperature checks could help identify it at the onset, reducing the potential number of people who could be exposed.
A full outline of the second education plan for NHISD can be viewed by clicking here or may be accessed on the district website by clicking the “2020 North Hopkins Secondary (Grades 7-12) Opening Plan & Protocols” link at the bottom of the main page.
A full outline of the elementary plan for NHISD can be viewed by clicking here or may be accessed on the district website by clicking the “2020 Elementary (Pre K – 6) Opening Plan & Protocols” link at the bottom of the main page on the district website, https://www.northhopkins.net/.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of August 17, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Aug. 17, 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 Avenue exit ramp.
The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit. The northbound frontage road from South Travis Sreet to near Park Avenue is scheduled to be closed beginning Sept. 1 for crews to work on building the
remaining portion of the retaining wall along US 75. The estimated closure time is two months, and traffic is requested to use the US 75 mainlanes during this closure. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be removed later. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street
signalized intersection.
The following roadways in Grayson County will receive a seal coat treatment in the upcoming weeks: US 377 from SH 56 to the Denton County line; FM 922 from the Cooke County line to US 377; SH 56 from Colbert Street in Sherman to the Fannin County line; and FM 406 from SH
289 to FM 84. During this time, daytime lane closures will be present as crews work to seal the roadway.
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.
SH 289, Grayson County: from FM 120 in Pottsboro north to the end of State Maintenance.
Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform pavement repairs and overlay the roadway.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for occasional lane closures as workers perform final touch ups on the project. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a signalized intersection.
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. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes near the FM 3356 intersection as crews have moved traffic to the detour section.
The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section when the project is finished.
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: The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp have been reopened to traffic as this project is now complete.
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.
US 82, Grayson County: in Sherman from FM 1417 West to FM 1417 East. Watch for nighttime and daytime lane closures as workers repair the concrete pavement.
SH 289, Grayson County: between FM 120 and US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers perform pavement repairs.
US 69, Grayson County: between SH 56 and SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
US 69, Grayson County: between FM 697 and SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers perform erosion repairs at the Bois D’Arc bridge structure.
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 1753 has been reopened to through traffic between FM 1752 and FM 2645 as crews completed the bridge repairs.
The following roadways in Fannin County will receive a seal coat treatment in the upcoming weeks: SH 56 from the Grayson County line to SH 121; Spur 311 from SH 56 to SH 121; FM 1396 from SH 56 to FM 2029; FM 273 from FM 2029 to FM 100; FM 100 from FM 273 to FM 79; and FM 79 from FM 100 to the Lamar County line. During this time, daytime lane closures will
be present as crews work to seal 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. The SH 121 and US 82 frontage road intersections have been converted to a signalized intersection.
The on-ramp to westbound US 82 from SH 78 has been closed while crews work on building the new westbound main lanes. Beginning Aug. 20, the westbound exit ramp for SH 121 will be closed as crews work on building the new mainlanes in this area. Exiting traffic for SH 121 is requested to use the SH 78 exit and continue along the frontage road to SH 121.
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 3530, Fannin Count: at Wafer Creek. County Road 3530 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new culvert. Traffic on CR 3530 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 SH 78 to Business SH 121: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to blade level 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.
SH 19, Hopkins County: From Loop 301 to Delta County Line. Watch for crews installing erosion control devices preparing for safety enhancement work.
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.
FM 1507, Lamar County – from Church Street to South Collegiate Drive. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews mill existing pavement and place new hot mix.
FM 1507, Lamar County – from South Collegiate Drive to LP 286.This roadway is closed while crews rehabilitate and re-surface the existing roadway.
Loop 286, Lamar County – from US 82 West to Dawn Drive. Watch for lane closures while crews perform concrete pavement repair.
US 82 (Loop 286), 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, 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.
Watch for workers while crews perform seal coat operations on various roadways: Lamar County – FM 79, & FM 195; Red River County – FM 195.
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 finalizing 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 watering, seeding, ditch work and placing signs. 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. The contractor is constructing cross culverts on this roadway. 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 patching on SH 224 and performing ditch work at various locations in the county; 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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Brashear, Cooper Women Jailed On Child Endangerment Warrants
Brashear and Cooper women were jailed Thursday on child endangerment or abandonment-criminal negligence warrants. A Sulphur Springs woman was jailed on warrant for violating probation on child endangerment or abandonment-criminal negligence charge, according to arrest reports.
Child Endangerment/Abandonment Warrants
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Richard Brantley and Sgt. Shea Shaw went to a Kerri Anne Burgin’s address and took her into custody at 11:356 a.m. Aug. 13 on a warrant for abandoning or endangering of a child-criminal negligence, according to arrest reports.
The 51-year-old Brashear woman was booked on the felony charge. The offense, Brantley noted in arrest reports, is alleged to have occurred on Aug. 6, 2020.
Burgin was released from Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 14, on a $20,000 bond, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputy Elijah Fite transported Katelynn Brooke Jones at 7:46 p.m. Aug. 13 from Delta County jail to Hopkins County jail.
The 24-year-old Cooper woman was booked on an abandoning or endangering of a child-criminal negligence charge, according to arrest reports. The offense, Fite noted in arrest reports, is alleged to have occurred on June 23. She remained in Hopkins County jail Friday; bond on the charge was set at $20,000, according to jail reports.
Probation Violation Warrant
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Elijah Fite at 5:24 p.m. Aug. 13 transported Larissa Jordan Benson from Wood County jail to Hopkins County jail. The 30-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was booked on a warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for a 2017 abandonment or endangerment of a child-criminal negligence charge, according to arrest reports.
Benson remained in Hopkins County jail Friday night on the felony 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.
Michigan Man Arrested In Hopkins County On Warrant
A 61-year-old Flint, Michigan man was arrested in Hopkins County on a warrant for a child sex charge, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Thomas Patterson and M. Poindexter received a “hit” from a license plate reader for a Chevrolet Malibu being driven east on Interstate 30 around 10:30 p.m. Aug. 13. The report showed the car to be associated with a wanted person, according to arrest reports.
Deputies reported stopping the car near mile marker 130 and obtained identification for the occupants. A records check showed 61-year-old Bruce Brown to have an outstanding felony warrant issued by another county, officers alleged in arrest reports. The Michigan man was taken into custody on the aggravated sexual assault of a child charge.
Bond was recommended at $35,000 on the charge. Brown remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 14, on the first-degree felony 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.
Miller Grove ISD Students Enjoy Free Lunch, Breakfast Daily
MGISD 2020-21 School Year Off To A Pretty Smooth Start
Miller Grove ISD Superintendent Steve Johnson said reports that while the 2020-21 school year is a lot different due to COVID-19, the first two days of classes at MGISD were”pretty smooth.”
“Kids seem to be happy to be back. We’ve not really had any issues,” Johnson said Friday afternoon.
Students and staff are adjusting face masks and social distancing requirements, which for younger students means some eat in the cafeteria spaced out and others have lunch brought to them.
Johnson expressed appreciation to Hopkins County Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley for loaning the county’s sanitizing backpack to the district Wednesday. MGISD, like most other districts, ordered the recommended sanitizing and disinfecting system. However, due to the huge demand, theirs hadn’t arrived Aug. 12. With school slated to begin Aug. 13, the county loaned their equipment and supplies to Miller Grove and Cumby ISDs so they could make sure everything was ready for the first day of classes. He noted that the Cumby ISD police chief also responded at the location, assisting with the 2-step process, which he then used the supplies to repeat at Cumby ISD.
Endsley said Hopkins County was simply showing the same community spirit afforded to the county by the city, before the county’s equipment arrived.
Johnson reported something new this year is that all students who receive cafeteria meals will get their lunch and breakfast for free.
MGISD qualifies to operate under the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows district to provide breakfast and lunch to all children at no charge. It eliminates the need for families to complete applications to determine if they qualify for free or educed-price student meals.
However, because district qualification is based on socioeconomic information, MGISD sill has to collect and report the socioeconomic status of each student to the Texas Education Agency for purposes of the annual state accountability ratings and for federal reporting.
Thus, families are still asked to complete and return Socioeconomic Information Form. The information asks if the family receives TANF or SNAP assistance, and if no, to select one of 12 options denoting annual income bracket, for instance, some ranges include: $0-$21,590; $66,657-$74,167; $36,613-$44,123; $81,679-$89,189; or $126,745 and above.
The Socioeconomic Impact Form can be downloaded from the school website, then returned to school when completed.
MGISD officials note the economic disadvantaged status of each student determined by the information provided on the form is reported to TEA, but the form and income levels indicated for the family are not.
Johnson asks families for all MGISD students who have not yet completed a socioeconomic impact form to get those in soon so the district can offer free meals for all MGISD students.
HCHD Will No Longer Provide COVID-19 Testing Reports
If you’re curious about how many COVID-19 tests are being conducted in Hopkins County, don’t expect to receive any local updates anytime soon.
Hopkins County Hospital District will no longer be providing testing updates. HCHD COO/EMS Director Brent Smith, in a news release distributed by Hopkins County Emergency Management Friday afternoon, cited the numerous testing variables as obstacles for reliable data collection as cause for discontinuance in test reporting.
“There are many different types of testing, molecular, antigen and antibody that are happening in our immediate area. None of the facilities or private entities are required to provide information to the Hospital District and it has become next to impossible to accurately gather the number of tests being performed by the area healthcare providers. The types of testing and availability is changing rapidly with no means of standard gathering of information and reporting other than to the person who receives the test,” the Aug. 14 HCHD press release stated.
Smith noted that HCEM will continue to provide case counts at 5 p.m. on days in which local officials have received reports of new positive COVID-19 cases and recoveries.
The Hopkins County Local Health Authority, under appointment by the Hopkins County Commissioners Court, also will continue “working with the local cases in Hopkins County to ensure procedures are being followed with the related cases.
Questions about COVID-19 screening or guidance should be directed to a local physician or 903-606- DOCS (3627). Anyone who feels short of breath or has trouble breathing is advised to call 911. Additional guidance regarding COVID-19 may be directed to the LHA at 903-440-5902.
3 School Districts Notified Of At Least 1 Employee Or Student COVID-19 Case
As the number of staff and students reporting to school has increased this month, so have the number of COVID-19 cases across the county and state. From Aug. 1-14 Hopkins County had 60 new positive COVID-19 cases, increasing the overall 5-month total to 212 cases among Hopkins County residents. Many wonder if the return to schools will impact the spread of the virus. In Hopkins County, at least 3 local school districts have received confirmation this week of at least one staff or student receiving a positive COVID-19 test result this.
Cumby ISD
Cumby ISD at the beginning of the week canceled athletic practices and activities until Aug. 24 due to reports of symptoms among players at practice. Tuesday afternoon, Superintendent Shelly Slaughter reported the school had received notification one Cumby ISD student who was on campus on Aug. 7 has received a lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 result. Notification about the positive test was posted on the district website and sent to CISD families.
The district nurse has been working with the Local Health Authority nurse to identify and notify any individuals who may have been at high risk of contact and to conduct contact tracing, according to the superintendent.
The student is and, as appropriate, any others at CISD who are reported to have potentially been exposed are to self quarantine until all criteria for returning to school outlined in the CISD Return to Learn Plan has been met.
As of Friday afternoon, Slaughter said she is unaware of any additional positive cases among CISD staff and students.
Even with the health and safety protocols in place, CISD students and staff were excited at the return of students to campus Thursday. Everyone worked together to provide extra help when needed to ensure all safety measures are being followed. Aside from a few reminders to wear masks and social distance, the first two days were a good start to the school year at CISD, according to Slaughter.
While only those age 10 and older are required to wear face masks to school, some parents have opted to have their younger students bring and wear masks as well. Slaughter encourages parents to remind students to social distance and wear their masks as required by the state.
Everyone entering a CISD building will continue to be screened prior to entry. As the procedure becomes a part of the daily routine, entry screening process is taking less time. Parents have been understanding to abide by guidelines regarding campus visitors as well.
Slaughter encourages parents to remind their students to continue practicing social distancing and wearing face masks or coverings for ages 10 and up when they are not able to social distance as recommended by the CDC to help reduce potential for the spread of illness.
Sulphur Springs ISD
Sulphur Springs ISD Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams Friday, Aug. 14, confirmed five district staff have tested positive for coronavirus since March. One staff member was on campus before finding out the individual had it this week.
SSISD implemented the COVID-10 mitigation plan protocols upon notification, including cleaning areas where the infected staff member was at. SSISD is also working closely with the LHA to track, trace and appropriately respond to the situation per recommended guidelines and school policy.
For four of the five individuals who have been exposed to or had COVID-19, the virus is “in the their rear view mirror.”
Williams said SSISD administrators were unaware Friday afternoon, Aug. 14, of any students who have or who have had the novel coronavirus 2019. However, with so many students away from school since spring break in March, it’s possible some have had the virus, and the school was not notified since school was not in session.
SSISD staff and students will follow the 10-page COVID-19 mitigation plan accessible from the main page of the district website (www.ssisd.net). The plan outlines procedures if someone is exposed to, tests positive for or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, as well as the procedures for notification and criteria which must be met in order to be allowed to return to school.
Williams said all recommended and potential steps are being taken to minimize potential spread of COVID-19 at SSISD schools, including frequent sanitizing, cleaning, hand-washing, masks and social distancing. The district’s back to school plan can also be accessed from the main page of SSISD’s website.
Saltillo ISD
Saltillo ISD administrators, on Thursday, Aug. 13, on the district website reported they’d received notified on Aug. 12, that a district employee had tested positive for COVID-19.
According to the Saltillo ISD release, the employee who tested positive last worked on the Saltillo ISD campus on Aug. 6. The employee did not have contact with students or non-district employees while on campus.
The area in which the employee worked is being deeply sanitized.
“The District continues to monitor this situation and will provide additional information as needed. We hope for a successful recovery for our Saltillo I.S.D. staff member,” Saltillo ISD administrator noted in the post.
A special event is being held at the school Sunday afternoon for any who would like to participate. Simply arrive at Saltillo ISD student parking lot at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, for a time of unified prayer for students and staff during the 2020-21 school year which begins Aug. 17.
More information about Saltillo ISD’s back to school plan can be seen on the superintendent’s prerecorded video.
