Membership News of Hopkins County Genealogical Society
Dear Members,
The Texas State Genealogical Society has a virtual conference this coming Friday and Saturday, August 7-8, with outstanding speakers. And if you cannot attend those dates, access to the recordings & handouts will be available until November 15, 2020 to watch on any device at any time or place. There are 8 speakers (one of these is Ari Wilkins who is an HCGS favorite & spoke to our society last year) with 8 great topics. Here is a link :https://www.txsgs.org/txsgs-2020-virtual-conference/
If you are a Facebook user, you might check out our “Hopkins County Genealogical Society” page where we post information about upcoming events and library announcements. We also have a “Hopkins County Genealogical Society” group which can easily be accessed from that page by clicking the blue button that says “Visit Group”, below the profile photo. There you can post discussions about ancestors or questions. Who knows someone might have a photo of your ancestor or give you a suggestion to try that helps break down a brick wall.
After being temporarily closed last week, we reopened Monday morning, August 3rd. Our hours will now be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ( We will use the time between the usual 9:00 a.m. opening and 9:30 a.m. to clean and sanitize the computers and other shared surfaces). The HCGS library will resume Saturday morning hours beginning September 12th from 9:30 – 12:00. We will be closed on September 5th in observance of the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Carter BloodCare Blood Drives Scheduled In Sulphur Springs
Two blood drives have been announced this week for Carter BloodCare, and at least three additional blood drives are scheduled later this month in Hopkins County to help bolster supplies during “the most prolonged period of a critical shortage in recent history.”
Summer, according to CBC, is typically a challenging time for blood supplies. Social distancing, canceled company and school blood drives, and other rapidly changing conditions have only increased the challenge to keep a readily available and prepared community blood supply this summer.
Scheduled Blood Drives
At least 5 blood drives are scheduled this month in Hopkins County to give individuals an opportunity to donate, according to the CBC website. They include:
- A mobile blood drive will be conducted from 9 until about 1 p..m. Friday, Aug, 7, at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, 115 Airport Road. To register for to donate at this event click here. For additional information contact Lanie Wright, Primary Blood Drive Coordinator at [email protected] or (903) 571-9667.
- Sulphur Springs ISD also announced a blood drive will be conducted Friday, Aug. 14, in the Conference Room at Sulphur Springs High School.
1200 Connally St. Contact Debbie Stribling, Primary Blood Drive Coordinator, at [email protected] at (903) 885-2158 to schedule an appointment. - True Hearts and Hands Hospice is scheduled to host a Carter BloodCare bus Thursday, Aug. 20, in Atwoods Ranch and Home parking lot, 817 Gilmer Street. For additional information contact Nicole Wardlow, Primary Blood Drive Coordinator, at (903) 422-8100 or [email protected].
- Lowe’s of Sulphur Springs is also scheduled to host a blood drive on the CBC bus Saturday, Aug. 22. Lowe’s is locate at 1711 South Broadway Street. Contact Russell Choate, Primary Blood Drive Coordinator, at [email protected] or (903) 438-3000 800
- Paris Junior College-Sulphur Springs Center is scheduled to hold a blood drive on the Tuesday, Aug. 25, and 1137 Loop 301 Loop. Contact Mayra Cummings, Primary Blood Drive Coordinator at (903) 348-4165 or [email protected] for additional information.
Several additional blood drives are also planned in nearby towns and counties. A full list of upcoming blood drives can be found on the Carter BloodCare website, https://www.carterbloodcare.org/, with several search options to choose from.
To better observe social distancing, those planning to donate blood are asked to make an appointment online or using the QuickScreen app on their smart device from any blood drive flyer, and to bring and wear a mask. For additional information, visit https://www.carterbloodcare.org/, call the primary donor coordinator or call or text 800-366-2834.
Who Can Donate
All blood types are needed, desperately, from all eligible blood donors, according to Carter BloodCare.
Most healthy individuals who are 16 and weigh at least 110 pounds will be able to donate blood. People with some health conditions are still able to donate. According to the CBC guidelines, people who will NOT be allowed to donate include:
- Women who are pregnant or have given birth within the last 6 weeks
- Solid tumor cancer patients, during diagnosis or treatment of cancers such as breast, colon, pancreas, thyroid, lung, liver, and others, for 2 years following end of treatment and cure,
- Individuals with any type of blood, lymphoid, or bone marrow tumor (leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma) are permanently deferral from donating
- Malignant melanoma patients are deferred from donating for two years following end of treatment and complete cure. Those who have basal cell and squamous cell melanoma OK to donate after removal.
- Potentially people with the heart conditions such as
- Congestive heart failure,
- Aortic valve disease (not corrected by surgery),
- Chest pain (unexplained),
- Coronary artery disease with angina,
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,
- Implantable pacemaker and/or defibrillator,
- History of heart attack with permanent heart damage, and
- Irregular heart rhythm.
- People with lung disease, such as
- Active TB on treatment,
- Other active lung infections,
- COPD on oxygen,
- Emphysema on oxygen and
- Asthma with symptoms.
- People who have have had or donated organ or donor tissue for transfusion or in the last 12 months.
- People who have the following infections
- Active cold on day of donation
- Flu or diarrhea within two days of donation – must be feeling well and healthy
- Chagas disease (parasite of Central and South America)
- Babesiosis (parasite infection of red blood cells; found in ticks in the Northeast and upper Midwest of the U.S.)
- HIV
- Hepatitis B and hepatitis C
- Syphilis – past history is OK if treated, but if your blood continues to have a positive test you may not be able to donate
- Malaria in the past three years, or untreated malaria
- Individuals who have or at risk of having ( a relative who died from ) Creutzfeldt-Jakob (CJD) disease or Variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob.
- People who are at risk for
- malaria (Those who have traveled outside the US in the last year may contact the CBC Donor Notification Department at 1-888-480-8200 or check the CDC travel web page, http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/, to see if the area they were in is considered a malaria risk.)
- HIV and Hepatitis (see https://www.carterbloodcare.org/eligibility/ for a full list)
- certain mediations (see https://www.carterbloodcare.org/eligibility/)
- People who have had the following vaccines
- Measles (rubeola), Mumps, Oral polio, Oral Typhoid and Yellow fever must wait 2 weeks
- Rubella (German measles) and Varicella (Chicken pox/shingles), 4 weeks
- Smallpox, 8 weeks
Effective Tuesday, July 28, Carter BloodCare’s eligibility rules changed to reflect guidelines revised by the Food and Drug Administration in April. (Carter BloodCare needed time to modify computer systems, write procedures and train staff on how to implement these changes safely, thus, the new policies weren’t fully in effect until July 28).
Free COVID-19 Antibody Testing For Successful Donations
The blood center will provide COVID-19 antibody testing upon successful donations of whole blood, platelets, plasma and red cells. All blood that is collected by CBC moving forward until further notice will be tested for coronavirus antibodies, at no cost to the donor. If required by law, positive test results may be shared with the county and state health authorities.
This is not a test to determine if people currently have COVID-19 or acute infection. Anyone who suspects they may have COVID-19 or other illness is urged to contact their physician for diagnosis;
The antibody test is designed to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The test is an indicator of someone’s exposure to coronavirus, but is not an indicator of immunity to COVID-19. When truly positive (false positives can occur), the test indicates it is likely the individual had COVID-19, even if the person did not show symptoms. A truly negative test means it is unlikely you have had the COVID-19 infection.
Carter BloodCare is using one of two tests: the Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.(Ortho) VITROS Immunodiagnostic Products Anti-SARSCoV-2 Total Reagent Pack test or the Roche Diagnostics Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology test*. According to Ortho, their test is designed to detect antibodies against the virus that causes COVID-19 in serum and plasma. According to Roche, their test is designed to detect antibodies in people who have been exposed to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the COVID-19 disease.
Antibody test results will be available within 1-2 weeks after a successful blood donation through the CBC login.
Convalescent Plasma From Recovered COVID-19 Patients
While not offered at mobile or community blood drives, Carter BloodCare is accepting convalescent plasma by appointment at a dedicated donation site from individuals enrolled in CBC’s special program.
Convalescent plasma is taken from recently recovered individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 to be used as an experimental treatment for seriously ill COVID-19 patients who are not responding to other treatments.
To be eligible to donate convalescent plasma, an individual must:
- Have had a positive test result for COVID-19 or antibody test results
- Have complete resolution of symptoms for 14 days
- Meet the regular blood donation guidelines
Those willing to make a convalescent plasma donation, should not schedule a donation appointment through the CBC website, mobile app or by walking into a donor center. Instead potential convalescent plasma donors should complete a survey to be contacted by a CBC representative. Click here to access the survey or for more information about convalescent plasma donations.
People who donate convalescent plasma will not be antibody tested. The process used for convalescent plasma donation is being conducted according to the guidance of a research protocol. Antibody testing by the blood center is not part of the protocol, according to CBC.
Johanna Hicks Enjoying a ‘Rewarding’ Year as Agent
In Communications and Written Media, our own Johanna Hicks of the Hopkins County Agri-Life Extension Service recently received recognition, and shared some of the details with KSST News.
“Yes! I was awarded as the 2020 Extension Educator of the Year for the state. I also received the Communications Written News award on my column published in January 2020 called, “It’s not Gone – Just Renamed.” The column focused on what was formerly known as home economics, but is now called family & consumer sciences.
In September, I will be recognized on the national level as Extension Educator of the Year for the southern region (21 states), and also with a Community Partnership Award for the annual Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness. The national meeting was to be in Snow Bird, Utah, but due to COVID-19, the conference will be held virtually.”
Johanna began as an Extension Agent 24 years ago, and has actually worked in the Hopkins County office twice during that time. She has taught at Tarleton State University, and was a Librarian and a children’s teacher in between her terms as Hopkins County Extension agent.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report – August 2020
On Tuesday, August 4, 2020, Sulphur Springs City Council received from City Manager Marc Maxwell the monthly manager’s report:
COVID-19 RESPONSE
Not much has changed since the last meeting in terms of our response; however, we are seeing an increase in the numbers of new COVID cases.
GRAYS BUILDING
The Capital Construction Division is preparing the pad site for the Grays building. We have hired a construction manager. You will have bids for various contracts for foundation, structural, HVAC, roof, etc., on the September agenda. City staff will perform all dirt work, construct all sidewalks and on-street parking. Staff will also perform all plumbing and electrical work.
SENIOR CITIZENS BUILDING
I expect to sign a contract for architectural services later this week.
BELLVIEW STREET
Atmos is still replacing their gas line on this project. I expected them to be done by now, but it hasn’t worked out that way. At this point I don’t feel comfortable estimating a completion date for Atmos.
MCCANN STREET – HOLIDAY DRIVE
We have decided to proceed with this
project, and staff is currently preparing to begin construction.
CONNALLY STREET
The construction is complete with the exception of a little sod being placed along the south sidewalk.
CLAIMS
We had 1 liability claim in July for a broken skateboard. Apparently a Parks and Recreation employee mowed over it.
We had 3 workers compensation claims in July. All 3 claims were from police officers. One was for a broken tooth. The other two were exposed to blood.
The city also submitted a $10,000 claim to our insurer for damages resulting from a lightning strike at the airport.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
Finance Director Lesa Smith will not give a year-to-date report of revenues and expenditures since she has previously presented the proposed budget including a year-end estimate of the current year’s budget.
Miscellaneous
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Conducted 21 building inspections, 25 electrical inspections, 19 plumbing inspections, 3 mechanical inspections and issued 23 building permits.
- Hosted a 23 team softball tournament.
- Shredded around Coleman and Peavine Lakes
- Made 4 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Repaired 220 potholes.
- String-trimmed various ditches around town.
- Cleared a drainage flume at Austin Acres.
- Responded to 197 fire/rescue calls including 3 structure fires, 4 vehicle fires and a grass fire.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 78 fire hydrants.
- Checked out 2,595 items from the library plus 793 eBooks.
- Repaired scoreboards at Buford Park.
- Replaced security cameras on the plaza.
- Responded to 178 animal control calls.
- Achieved an animal adoption rate of 75%.
- Made 6 felony arrests in the special crimes unit.
- Responded to 38 accidents, wrote 425 traffic citations, made 45 arrests and recorded 66 offenses in the Patrol Division.
- Treated wastewater to a total suspended solids daily average of .57 mg/L.
- Repaired 6 water main breaks.
- Replaced 9 water meters.
- Unstopped 15 sewer mains.
- Repaired 5 sewer mains.
- Washed 75,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 36 dead end water mains.
- Treated 183 million gallons of potable water.
- Sold 2,942 gallons of AvGas and 4,495 gallons of JetA fuel.
Aug. 5 COVID-19 Update: 6 New Cases, 7 Recoveries For Hopkins County
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom announced 6 new positive COVID-19 cases and seven recoveries for Hopkins County at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5.
That’s 32 new cases and 37 recoveries reported so far this week, including 1 new case on Sunday, 12 on Monday and 13 Tuesday. Hopkins County Emergency Management officials reported 30 recoveries on Monday and 7 today.
That brings the overall cumulative total to 184 COVID-19 cases since mid March. Of those, 135 Hopkins County residents have recovered, leaving 49 active cases of COVID-19 in Hopkins County on Aug. 5 according Newsom.
Four patients were also reported to be in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs on Aug. 5, one more than on Tuesday but still four less than Sunday. There were no patients on ventilators in the COVID-19 unit on Aug. 5, HCEM officials reported.
Texas Department of State Health Services and Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s dashboard continues to show one fatality for Hopkins County. The death was first reported on the DSHS/HHS dashboard on July 29. The DSHS “COVID-19 Total Fatalities by County” spreadsheet shows the fatality to have been assigned to Hopkins County on July 23.
Hopkins County Emergency Management officials still report neither they or regional DSHS officials have received any information regarding any COVID-19 deaths of Hopkins County residents.
Texas Health and Human Services reports show as of July 22 no patients in Sulphur Springs nursing homes and assisted living facilities had contracted COVID-19 since the state began collecting the data. HHS reports two cumulative positive cases among employees but no active cases as of the July 22 report date at local nursing homes. An employee at the facility was reported from July 13-20 as actively having COVID-19. All data in this report is 2 weeks behind so that information self-reported by these facilities can be entered and error-checked, according to DSHS
Sulphur Springs City Council Approves 380 Agreement Policy Change Providing Infill Housing Incentives
Sulphur Springs City Council Tuesday evening approved an a zoning amendment and an incentive agreement which the city manager anticipates will help with street and infrastructure maintenance and costs, and provide homes on under-developed or under-utilized areas of town.
The city has for a while had trouble maintaining street, only able to afford repairs at half the rate of decay. A street maintenance fee added to city water bills has increased funding for additional repairs annually. While helpful, the city does not receive enough revenues to fully keep up with the rate of deterioration of streets. A zoning amendment to allow accessory dwelling units and a change to the 380 agreement policy should help both. The agreement also offers incentives for home construction on certain lots as well.
380 Policy Agreement Amendment
Resolution 1205, approved Tuesday amends the city’s 380 policy agreement, adding economic incentives for specific housing infill development. Essentially, builders would utilize existing infrastructure to provide affordable housing using existing infrastructure, and would be eligible for a refund of some fees. The new construction would extend the tax base utilizing the existing infrastructure.
“Most new housing developments today don’t make sense in a financial sustainability of the city in the long run as the cost often exceeds revenue,” Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski told the council at their 7 p.m. meeting, conducted via Zoom and broadcast on the city’s YoutTube channel, Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Niewiadomski said city staff identified about 900 vacant properties in the city limits. While not all of those properties are able to be developed. Some don’t meet the terms for the “specific housing infill policy,” because of inadequate access to existing city-maintained streets, water and sewer infrastructures. Some have not been developed because they have construction challenges such as liens due to back taxes, cost of removal of dilapidated structures.
Maxwell emphasizes this is only for building constructed on lots located on city maintained streets. Existing lots on streets that are not developed or city-maintained would not be eligible.
The city identified a geographic area that includes most of the city, including properties between State Highway 19 go Loop 301 and north of Interstate 30 with a few exceptions. Lots meeting set criteria within that area may be eligible for which 380 infill housing agreements, according to Niewiadomski.
Those approved for the 380 agreement would have three years to complete the construction project.
As an incentive for developing on these underdeveloped or underutilized lots, the city would reimburse certain fees upon completion of the home. Those granted the agreement would pay these fees up front, upon completion the city would reimburse them. Among the items the city would reimburse would be permitting fees, water and sewer tap fees, delinquent taxes owed to the city and liens. The city also under the amended 380 terms could participate in demolition costs associated with clearing a lot to redevelop a single family house on it, or other incentives deemed necessary to carry out the intent of the program.
“This will help promote incremental growth, in neighborhoods not seen in recent years. It will put additional back on the city tax base. The incentives will be recouped within 1 to 2 years,” Nieiwiadomski siad.
“We want builders and realtors to know about this program,” Maxwell said. ” This is for builders really, not developers. They pay the fees and we refund them on completion. There’s no loss to the city. We will recover any fes through collection of property taxes from there on. It’s a win for the taxpayers, Tehy do not have to carry the burden of street upkeep. As others come in, they will help carry the burden,” Maxwell said.
Councilman Doug Moore asked if county, school and hospital district officials have been contacted to see if they too would be offering a similar 380 agreement.
Maxwell noted that in conversations with County Judge Robert Newsom, he had indicated a willingness for the county to also offer a similar incentive. Superintendent Michael Lamb, Maxwell said, seem willing but wasn’t sure if school regulations would allow it.
The city council then approved two resolutions authorizing eligible 380 agreements for property located at 943 Putman St. and 206 West Backham St. The applicant plans to construct a single family home on each lot, but sought relief for delinquent taxes owed on the property, according to Niewiadomski fall within the scope of the 380 policy.
ADU Zoning Amendment
The City Council also approved on first reading a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance to allow for accessory dwelling units, which will also utilize existing infrastructure and provide additional housing.
This would allow a smaller secondary structure to be constructed in the back yard or over a garage of a primary structure. Often called granny flats, in-law suits, backyard cottages and garage apartments, these structures would need to match the appearance of the original structure on lots of less than 2 acres.
The ADU would have to meet all other terms for the primary structure and property, including setback and parking requirements of the principle structure. The ADU would also tie into the existing utilities infrastructure, but provide additional tax dollars. An ADU may be attached to existing structures, detached or conversions of existing space. They would need to be constructed on permanent foundations
The owner would be required to live in one of the two structures. There would be deed restriction for the property.
Following 8 months of discussion, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing regarding the proposed ADU zoning change. There were no public comments. The P&Z recommended the zoning amendment proposal to the City Council. City staff too recommended the policy change for ADUs, as a way to provide new development while utilizing existing infrastructure while increasing revenue per square foot of frontage, bringing in more revenue to maintain that infrastructure.
“We think this is a sensible way of doing it. This is the way cities used to be done a long time ago until for some reason we started prohibiting. We wholeheartedly recommend this policy change,” Maxwell told the council.
“I think this is a fabulous things for us to take advantage of,” Councilman Freddie Taylor said.
Taylor described this type of smaller dwelling as a “great opportunity” for grandparents, parents and adult children to live close but still maintain their independence.
The city council approved the proposed zoning ordinance change to allow ADUs that meet city criteria to be constructed on the same property as another structure. The proposed ordinance amendment will need to be read and approved a second time in order for it to become effective.
North Hopkins ISD’s New Athletic Director Announced
Superintendent Darin Jolly today announced the selection of Kelley Clark as North Hopkins ISD‘s new athletic director.
“He is replacing the legendary Coach Jeff Bell, who he assisted for the past three years in the boys basketball program at North Hopkins ISD. Coach Bell resigned in July to be closer to family in the Weatherford area and will be coaching Basketball in Graford ISD. Coach Clark is a positive, focused, and diligent servant-leader who will passionately coach and make a difference as he continues the momentum of the boys basketball program and coordinate Athletics in North Hopkins,” Dr. Jolly stated in a release Wednesday morning, Aug. 5.
Vote Winnsboro Farmer’s Market as ‘Best’ During Ntl. Farmers Market Celebration!
In a big way, the City of Winnsboro is getting behind the farm-to-table aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Why not see for yourself, then vote for the Winnsboro Farmers Market! Voting is easy, just go to www.markets.farmland.org and search for Winnsboro Farmers Market.
Haven’t been to the Winnsboro Farmers Market yet? Well, you’ve still got time! Between 8am and 12 noon each Saturday, the City devotes two blocks of downtown street so that growers can present their produce directly to shoppers. There’s a fun and healthy vibe to this market, which usually has twenty or more vendors weekly. Right now, stroll through and find season-ready produce like freshly picked peas, peppers from mild to hot, okra, tomatoes large and small, lettuces and greens, cantaloupe and other melons, as well as peaches and more favorite summer produce.
Vendor stalls offer wide variety: chicken and duck eggs, pasture fed poultry, fresh flowers, plants, honey, homemade breads, gluten-free snacks, jams, pickles and relishes, fresh herbs and lavender, and scented soaps and lotions. Often, woodcarvers work while offering all-natural artwork, and weekly, a knife sharpener sets up his booth where you can bring your cutlery and tools to be sharpened. Masks are frequently worn by shoppers, but not required in the open-air setting. Many bring their dogs on leashes and enjoy the outing in a casual atmosphere. At times, there is live music on market morning.
Winnsboro Parks and Recreation Director Stacy Finley says, “Now more than ever, what you put on your fork matters. Access to fresh, healthy, local food has become more important than ever. Farmers markets, including Winnsboro Farmers Market, have and will continue to provide this essential service to communities across the nation.
“To recognize the vital role of farmers markets, the national nonprofit American Farmland Trust is holding its Farmers Market Celebration again this year. This year marks AFT’s 12th consecutive year showcasing the essential markets across the nation making a difference for farmers, ranchers, and communities. Endorsing Winnsboro Farmers Market this summer can help earn it national recognition and cash prizes.
“The most powerful tool we have to support our local farmers and food economies is our fork. Farmers and food businesses rely on farmers markets to connect directly with you as consumers. Now is your opportunity to show your support for of these essential markets. WFM is now 12th in the nation in this contest, so shoppers already know that it’s a gold standard for farmers markets in the area. If you haven’t been to the market before, here are a few reasons why this market deserves nationwide recognition: Everything sold at WFM is grown/produced/baked/canned by LOCAL hands, assuring customers they are getting the freshest products available & that their hard-earned dollars are staying in their own community & supporting the efforts of LOCAL farms. Here’s the link to vote; www.markets.farmland.org
So, come and enjoy the wholesome feel of a living ‘farmers market’ where you buy directly from the grower or producer. On the second Saturday of each month, we also welcome Crafts vendors which expands the unique selections you’ll find. It’s fun, it’s upbeat and has almost a bazaar feel to it. Some vendors set up colorful canopies while others just sell off the tailgate of their truck. Come to ‘The Bowery’ in downtown Winnsboro across from the Depot, and get there early when the selections are best! You’ll love it, and you’ll be back!
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SSISD Trustees Approve Technology Purchase Agreement
Sulphur Springs ISD trustees, during a called emergency meeting conducted via Zoom Tuesday, Aug. 4, approved an agreement with Region 04 Education Service Center for technology purchases.
Essentially, the inter-local acquisition agreement makes SSISD eligible to apply for SSISD 600 new iPads for SSISD fourth and fifth graders but only pay about half the cost.
A goal of the district is to have enough devices to provide all students with one. Not only would this meet the state’s requirements to transition to all online testing of the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exams. It would also, in the event of a necessary closure of campuses due to COVID-19, other health concerns, weather or other extenuating circumstances, the district could easily shift all students to online learning.
SSISD had planned to purchase new laptops for fourth and fifth grades in the next budget; administrators had weighed the cost and benefits of iPads versus laptops for this age level. While laptops would cost extra per device, they come with attached keyboards, which would allow them to be used for writing. IPad purchases would require the additional cost of keypads as well, and the laptops likely could provide additional options not available on the iPads if the district chose to add those options.
For fourth and fifth grades, the district anticipated purchasing 600 devices. That’s exactly the amount of iPads district administrators were notified SSISD could likely qualify for through a funding program. The iPads would come with cases and keypads for typing. The district would receive them at half the estimated $250,000 anticipated to be budgeted for the laptop purchases.
Half of the cost would come from funds available through the federal government, with the state filtering this part of funding to schools through Region 04 ESC. An inter-local agreement is needed with Region 04, and had to be approved Aug. 4 to apply for funding assistance, superintendent explained.
The state is able to obtain the devices in bulk for the entire state. It’s unclear if they would be ready and in by Sept. 1. The date of receipt of the 600 iPads will depend on when that purchase will hit the district fund balance, in the 2019-2020 budget or the anticipated 2020-21 budget.
Trustees also previously gave approval for SSISD to apply for other federal funding to help reimburse some of costs the district is incurring to ensure all SSISD students can have a iPad, laptop or similar device to use in class but also take home in the event in-person classes have to be canceled, as well as other connectivity needs.
Sulphur Springs ISD earlier this summer approved the purchase of 1,400 iPads so that students up through grade 3. Those devices have been purchased and are in, being readied for distribution soon.
Additional keypads may have to be purchased for third graders to use with their iPads depending on STAAR and other future needs.
More hot spots are needed to better meet students’ connectivity needs for online learning as well. The district currently pays a monthly fee to Verizon for hot spots, but needs additional hot spots. The district is looking at adding 100 additional hot spots from AT&T, in the hope that service will be available to students in areas with no Verizon service. The district completed a survey seeking some federal funding to help with that cost.
If the funding doesn’t come through from the federal sources for these connectivity and technology purchases, there are a few other grant funding sources the district may pursue to help, Lamb noted.
CANHelp Back to School Fair Traffic Map
Parents/Guardians should have received emails on Tuesday evening if they registered their child/children for backpacks and school supplies from CANHelp’s 2020 Hopkins County Back to School Fair. Just a reminder that the pickup date is Friday, August 7th, 2020 from 3pm-6pm at the Sulphur Springs Middle School located at 835 Wildcat Way. Below are a few details that everyone will need to know:
- You will enter the event from CR 1103 as shown above in the traffic map.
- Signs and people will be posted to guide you.
- It is a DRIVE THRU event. You will stay inside your vehicle at all times.
- Please DO NOT line up before 3pm. You may be turned back if you do.
- You must have preregistered to attend and receive backpacks/school supplies.
- Please bring your identification.
- Each car will also receive a family bag of community resource information, free sno-cone coupons from The Pink Stand, goodies, and other fun stuff!
The fair will have a small number of vendors handing out items as well as drinks provided by Starbucks. If parents/guardians (or someone they have previously designated) are not able to attend to pick up the child/children’s backpacks and supplies, please let CANHelp know prior to Friday.
Due to COVID-19, CANHelp is taking the necessary precautions for our staff, volunteers, and exhibitors. Everyone will be wearing masks and some will be wearing gloves. Thank you for understanding and working with us to keep everyone safe. While CANHelp is not able to provide a full-scale event as in year’s past, they are happy to still be able to provide the students with the necessary supplies to start school thanks to the generous sponsors throughout our communities as well as The Supply Kit.
If a parent did not receive their email, CANHelp suggests checking your spam or junk folder. If you have any questions, please email CANHelp at [email protected] or call 903-885-9797 ext. 3.
CANHelp also suggests avoiding Wildcat Way in you do not have to travel in that direction in case of very heavy traffic.
Looking forward to an amazing event!
