Hopkins County COVID-19 Update: 2 New Cases On August 2, 56 Active
Two new positive COVID-19 cases and no additional patient recoveries were reported for Hopkins County at 5 p.m. Sunday, August 2nd, after one day in which no new cases were reported.
Seven patients were also reported to be in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs on August 2. No other information was known of the patients in the CMFH-SS COVID-19 unit at this time.
Of the 154 Hopkins County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 since mid-March, 98 have recovered, leaving 56 active cases of COVID-19 in Hopkins County on August 2nd.
When Texas Department of State Health Services and Texas Health and Human Services Commission last updated their COVID-19 fatality data dashboard at 3.20 p.m. Aug. 1, it still showed one COVID-19 fatality for Hopkins County. 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 continue to report that neither local emergency management officials nor regional DSHS officials have received any information regarding any COVID-19 deaths of Hopkins County residents.
DSHS on July 30 reported a manual check revealed an “automation error” Wednesday, which caused 229 fatalities that did not list COVID-19 as the direct cause of death to be counted in the state data. This follows DSHS’ shift in the way COVID-19 deaths are determined; death certificate data is now used to count fatalities as of Monday.
The Aug. 1 report stated that the cumulative fatality counts for July 27-29 were corrected, but DHSH reports numbers could rise as more death certificates are filed daily across the state. No new data was posted Aug. 2 on the DSHS/HHS COVID-19 dashboard “due to a scheduled upgrade to the system that processes electronic lab reports.” Sunday’s data will be posted along with Monday’s data in the files on the “Additional Data tab” at the bottom of the COVID-19 dashboard.
HHS’ COVID-19 page also continues to show only one worker at one Sulphur Springs nursing home facility as having tested positive for COVID-19 as of July 17; that was an active case on July 13 and continued to be an active case on July 17, according to the HHS report. All data in this report is 2 weeks behind so that information self-reported by these facilities can be entered and error-checked.
No nursing home or assisted living facility in Hopkins County has reported having any residents test positive for COVID-19 either in the past or through July 17, according to the HHS reports. Data for nursing homes and assisted living facilities will only be posted Monday-Friday.
Those who check the DSHS/HHS site regularly for case counts will want to note DSHS will not be posting any new data on the COVID-19 dashboard on Sunday, Aug. 2, “due to a scheduled upgrade to the system that processes electronic lab reports.” The upgrade should “enable incoming lab results to be processed faster and maintain compatibility with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Sunday’s data will be posted along with Monday’s data in the files on the “Additional Data tab” at the bottom of the COVID-19 dashboard.
Aug. 3-7 Meal A Day Menu
Although the Senior Citizens Center continues to be closed due to COVID-19, Meal A Day volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community. The Aug. 3-7, 2020, Meal A Day menu for includes:
Monday – Spaghetti and Meatballs, English Peas and Garlic Toast
Tuesday – Smoked Pork Ribs, Mashed Potatoes, Baked Beans and a Roll
Wednesday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
Thursday – Ham and Potato Casserole, Carrots and Mixed Vegetables
Friday – Salad Plate: Chicken Salad, Pasta Salad, Potato Salad, Tossed Salad, Fruit Salad and Crackers
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Jenna Elmore Earns State, National Honors
Emily McJohnston Also Recognized For Achievement At National Beta Contest
Cumby ISD recently celebrated two students, Emily McJohnston and Jenna Elmore, for their achievements in National Beta events. Elmore was also lauded for earning additional state academic honors as well.
Jenna Elmore, who is entering 8th grade at Cumby ISD this fall, achieved an exceptional score as a participant in the Duke University Talent Identification Program’s 7th grade talent search. She is one of only 45 students in Texas recognized for her ACT accomplishment.
She also was recognized for placing in the top 10 of all 7th grade mathematics competitors at the National Junior Beta Convention this summer. She advanced to nationals with a third place win in the state 7th Grade Math contest. Elmore went on to finish 9th in the 7th grade mathematics competition at nationals.
Recognized for her achievement at the National Beta Convention was Emily McJohnston. She too was rated among the top 10 in the country as well.
Emily McJohnston placed first in Drawing Division I, advancing her from state to the national contest earlier this year. She also received a Best In Show Division II award at the state contest.
At the National Beta Convention, McJohnston placed 7th in Division I Drawing contest.
This year, the National Beta and Junior Beta Conventions were held virtually and competitions were administered from an online format due to COVID-19.
Congratulations to both of these students for their achievements.
Traffic Stop Reveals Weapon
A traffic stop by Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cleve Williams at 10:34 a.m. July 31, 2020 on Interstate 30 revealed a weapon in the vehicle and resulted in a felony arrest, according to arrest reports.
Williams reported stopping a Nissan Altima at mile marker 117 on I-30 for a traffic violation. The driver was identified as 35-year-old Jerome Sherrod Gibson of Memphis. A records check showed the Tennessee man to be a convicted felon. Gibson, Williams reported, was in possession of a firearm at the time of the stop. Consequently, he was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm.
Gibson remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Aug. 1. Bond on the firearm charge was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.
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.
Dallas Man Jailed Following 17-Mile Vehicle Pursuit Along I-30
A 29-year-old Dallas man was jailed on four felony charges following a 17-mile vehicle pursuit on Interstate 30 late Friday night.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cameron Robinson reported the chase began when he attempted to stop a Hyundai Sonata with a defective stop lamp at 11:34 p.m. July 31, 2020 on College Street at Industrial Drive. Instead of stopping, the driver began evading the officer with the vehicle.
The officer continued west in pursuit of the gray vehicle along the Interstate 30 service road. During the vehicle pursuit, Robinson alleged seeing the lone occupant drop an item out of the window of the Sonata. An item, believed to be object tossed from the car, was later retrieved. It appeared to be heroin, Robinson alleged in arrest reports.
The vehicle finally stopped on the north I-30 service road near mile marker 109 in Cumby. After being placed into custody, the driver allegedly admitted to dropping something out the window during the pursuit, but claimed it was marijuana, and to seeing the police unit traveling behind him with the lights and siren on the patrol vehicle active, Robinson alleged in arrest reports.
The driver, identified in arrest reports as Israel Monsivais-Silva of Dallas, was taken into custody at 11:54 p.m. July 31 and transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was refused by the jail, then transported to the hospital by EMS, according to arrest reports.
Police located pills believed to be Xanax, which weighed approximately 28.2 grams and marijuana in the vehicle; the suspected heroin weighed 60.4 grams while inventorying the vehicle prior to impound, Robinson alleged in arrest reports.
Monsivais-Silva was booked into Hopkins County jail early Saturday morning, Aug. 1, on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, possession of 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. His bonds totaled $55,000 – $20,000 on one controlled substance charge, $15,000 on the other, and $10,000 each on the evading arrest and tampering with evidence charge, according to jail reports.
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.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of August 3, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Aug. 3, 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 to pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be removed at a later time 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. Beginning August 3rd, watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes as crews move traffic to the 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.
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.
SH 289, Grayson County: between FM 902 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. Beginning the week of August 3rd, FM 1753 will be closed to through traffic between FM 1752 and FM 2645 while crews perform bridge repairs.
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 an all-way stop. Beginning Aug. 4, the new signals at these intersections will become active.
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.
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.
Loop 286 Concrete Repair, Lamar County: from US 82 West to Dawn Drive. Watch for lane closures while crews will be performing concrete pavement repair.
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 roadway striping, 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. 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 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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Granbury Woman Jailed On Controlled Substance Charge
A 36-year-old Granbury woman was jailed Friday morning on a controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Sgt. Tanner Steward stopped at 7:42 a.m. July 31 to check on a vehicle parked in the driveway of a closed business on the north Interstate 30 service road. As he approached, Steward reported seeing a woman making furtive movements in the passenger area of the blue Honda Civic.
After contacting the occupant, identified in arrest reports as Kristin Cheree Molder of Granbury, Steward reported seeing a red cut straw which the officer recognized from his training as commonly used to inhale narcotics in the passenger seat. When the sheriff’s officer asked permission to search the car, the woman allegedly began using her cell phone, then refused to allow a search.
She was reportedly asked to exit the car. As the driver’s side door opened, the deputy alleged seeing a glass pipe with a clear tube, a kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine in plain sight. Based on the visible items of suspected drug paraphernalia, the sheriff’s officer conducted a probable cause search of the car. He alleged finding a clear bag containing a crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine.
Consequently, Molder was placed under arrest. Molder and the contraband were taken to the county jail, where the suspected methamphetamine and packaging weighed 0.43 grams, resulting in Molder being booked for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, according to arrest reports. HCSO Deputy Jason Lavender reportedly assisted with the stop and arrest.
The 36-year-old Granbury woman remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning. Bond was set at $5,000 on the controlled substance 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.
Brothers-In-Law Arrested Following Physical Fight
Two Pickton men, brothers-in-law, were arrested following a physical disturbance on County Road 2386 on July 31. That makes twice in two months the younger of the pair has been arrested on an assault charge, according to sheriff’s and jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office emergency dispatchers at 8:18 p.m. July 31 received the first of four 911 calls about a disturbance in which two men were reportedly fighting. One caller alleged one of the men was throwing stuff everywhere. Another caller reported one individual was claiming he had been stabbed. Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies and EMS personnel were dispatched to the location.
Upon arrival, the two deputies contacted the pair alleged to have been involved in the fight, a 46-year-old Pickton man and a 51-year-old Pickton man. After talking to both brother-in-law deputies determined both engaged in an argument that become physical, and both sustained minor injuries, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Both brothers-in-law were taken into custody and transported to the county jail, where each was issued a Class C assault charge and jailed according to arrest and sheriff’s reports.
The 46-year-old Pickton man was also arrested June 24 for assault causing bodily injury to a family member, a female he allegedly pushed, then struck in the head while trying to take the phone away from her; he was released from jail later June 24 on a $2,000 bond, 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.
Help-A-Child Benefit Still Scheduled, But May Require Modifications For 2020
With so many annual event events being canceled or postponed, organizers for the annual Help-A-Child Benefit report the 2020 event is, at this point, still planned to take place as scheduled in 2020, but could look a little different.
“This year’s plans are to continue on with the activities. They may be a little bit limited. They may be a little bit changed from last year. With everything going on this year, we will keep you updated to those changes on our Facebook page,” Clay Bartley said Friday evening, July 31, in Facebook announcement.
Help-A-Child was started in a more than a dozen years ago by area Masons to benefit agencies dedicated to helping abused, neglected children or those in need of certain medical assistance, and is typically held the third Saturday in October. The Help-A-Child Benefit has traditionally has included a tractor pull, chili and brisket cook-off. There’s also an ag mechanics project competition and auction, and big ticket raffle. Bartley showed off a few of the items donated toward the latter.
Como-Pickton FFA constructed a heavy, duty bumper pull utility trailer for the cause. The trailer is 77 inches wide and 12 feet long, has 15-inch wheels and tires, square tubing, with custom rails big enough for 2-inch tie-down straps all the way around the trailer, a spare tire, bulldog hitch and fold-up ramp. It is wired up and ready to go, and includes LED lighting and reflective safety tape all the way around it
“This is truly a heavy, duty trailer. If I’m not mistaken, it weighs about 17 hundred pounds,” Bartley said. “It is super nice.”
A few local businesses are helping provide a brand new 2020 Polaris Sportsman 570 4-wheeler with electronic injection, 4-wheel drive, independent rear suspension, front bumper, and front and rear utility racks for the annual raffle.
Raffle tickets are in the process of being made and will soon be available from any of the event coordinators, staff or helpers, including Clay Bartley, Wade Bartley, Jim Wright, Bill Holden and Tommy Anderson. Any businesses interested in helping sponsor or donating to Help-A-Child Benefit, a 501(c)3 organization, can contact Bartley or send a message through the Help-A-Child Benefit Facebook page
Saltillo ISD Outlines Back To School Plans for 2020-2021
Saltillo ISD Superintendent David Stickels Friday afternoon, in a prerecorded video posted on The Saltillo ISD Lions Facebook page, outlined the basics of the district’s back-to-school plans for the 2020-2021 school year, which begins on Aug. 17.
The district will offer two learning options for students, in-person at the school or remote learning. All plans follow recommendations and safety measures from the Centers for Disease Control, Texas Education state and local health officials due to continued spread and presence of COVID-19 in the community, across the state, country and world.
In-Person Learning
School will reopen on Aug. 17 for students whose families have elected in-person learning at Saltillo ISD. All plans and protocols are designed with a focus on health, safety and wellbeing for staff, students, and community members, Stickels reported.
The district will implement and observe social distancing, screening, isolation, cleaning and disinfecting and common use area protocols.
Classes on campus will be conducted 5 days a week with safety and health measures in place. Teachers will provide face-to-face instruction that is easily transferable to remote learning, in the event of a temporary closure of schools due to COVID-19 or other health or safety issues.
All students age 10 and older, and staff will be required to wear a mask or face shield which meets school dress code requirements.
Upon arrival, individuals entering the school will be required to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer. There will be temperature check stations at the front door and in the cafeteria.
Morning student arrival 7:30-7:50 using social distancing guidelines, which will also be followed in hallways, classrooms and the cafeteria. Hallways and entrances will be monitored by staff.
Arrivals will be different for each grade level. Pre-kindergarten through second grade students will go to the cafeteria to eat breakfast, students in grades 3-5 will go to their classroom to eat at 8:05 a.m. Grades 6-8 will enter from the library hallway, grades 9-10 the back hallway and grades 11-12 the English hallway.
Parents will not be allowed to walk students to classrooms.
Students who choose face-to-face classes will be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities and all school functions.
Remote Learning
Students whose family opt for Saltillo ISD to participate in online learning will be required to meet expectation outlined by TEA, which “will not resemble anything that was done in the spring,” Stickels said in the video posted Friday evening.
Online students will not be eligible to participate in school functions or extracurricular activities.
Saltillo ISD will issue devices to students, but they will be required to follow a strict policy set for them. Online learners will be required to have access to WiFi connections. The district will assist with connections if needed, if possible. Families who have issues due to location which the school can’t help with will be responsible to find a connection for WiFi for their students. Example, WiFi may be accessible from a vehicle in the student parking lot.
Young students will need an older student, parent or adult present to assist with daily learning.
Online students must follow the set guidelines provided in order to be counted present each school day. They will have limited 1-on-1 access to teachers, but will be required to participate in daily engagement and complete assignments in order to be counted present for the day.
All teachers will have set office hours, including a morning office time for parents and students to ask question, when needed. Staff will also be available for phone conferences and Google meetings, the superintendent reported.
Teachers will assign times through regular class schedules in which students will need to login to their school account. Teachers will record live lessons daily for online learners. Education officials have suggested that students login at specific times for their class daily when available. For example, they would login during the biology class period scheduled from 8:50 to 9:50 a.m.
Lessons must be completed by a specific due date. For lessons that are not finished on time, the student will receive 0 for a grade..
Attendance is taken daily. Students must be online for specific amount of time daily. Prekindergarten through fifth grade students must be logged into lessons working a minimum of 180 minutes (3 hours) per day. Students in grades 6-12 are required to be engaged online in a minimum of 240 minutes (4 hours) of instruction a day.
If studnets are not logged in the minimum number of times specified daily and working, the district will be required to file a non-attendance report for that students. Six non-attendance reports can result in denial of credit for a specific class or grade, require summer school to make it up or failure to pass.
Physical education and technology classes may be offered through remote instruction as well. In some instances a student may be required to come to the school to demonstrate hands-on requirements specific to some classes.
Students who begin the school year as online students may switch to in-person classes later in the school year. However, this will only be allowed at the beginning of each grading period. Written notice from the parent must be provided to the school in advance as well.
Online students may receive meals from school. Parents are required to fill out the free and reduced meal application and return it to the school by first week of classes. Meals will not be delivered. Meals may picked them up between 9:45 and 10:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. Parents will receive a breakfast and lunch, at the same time, for their child. Those who do not qualify for free lunch, will be required to pay 2 weeks ahead of time for their students. Families must let the school know by 9 a.m. each Monday, their children’s need for meals on what days. Notification should be made to and additional information may be obtained from Susan Smith at 903-537-2386 or [email protected].
