August 10-14

As each family prepares to begin school Thursday, August 20, our campus goal is to provide clear, consistent communication to each household. We know there is a lot to manage, and staying connected with you helps us to support the success of every student!

Video from Mrs. Childress: Getting Ready for the First Week of School

  • Information about Schedules and Virtual Meet the Teacher

  • Look for a Key NISD Email on Tuesday, August 18

  • Conversations to Consider with your Child as we Prepare for Remote Learning


Updates for:

  • Athletics

  • Food Service

Additional information about:

  • NISD Return to Learn Videos

  • Daily Schedules for Online Learning

And archived information for your reference with Frequently Asked Questions.

#ConnectWMS


NEW INFORMATION and UPDATES

Meet the Teacher UPDATED INFO

Update: Each of our staff members are featured in a virtual Meet the Teacher! A link to these videos will be sent to guardians and students on Tuesday, 8/18 when schedules are sent out in Home Access Center.


As we prepare for our time after the initial remote start, we will be considering building tours (virtual or in person), depending on both NISD and local governance.


All information will be sent to guardians in our campus newsletter once dates and formats are determined.

NISD Return to Learn Videos NEW INFORMATION

Last Friday, NISD began sending daily Return-to-Learn updates to parents via email. The August 7, 10 and 11 updates are available under Announcements on the Return-to-Learn page, and future updates will be posted there as well.


Topics covered thus far:


August 7: Video of Safety Protocols, Technology Tools, and Chromebook Pick Up

August 10: Student Schedules, Meet-the-Teacher Nights, and Attendance

August 11: Athletics and Fine Arts

Athletics NEW INFORMATION

Update: Will middle school athletics have practice during the initial remote learning period?


No, during the initial ALL remote start, middle school will not practice. Beginning September 8, fall athletics will begin practicing at the building.


  • Football Practice

  • Volleyball Tryouts

  • Tennis Tryouts

  • Cross Country Practice


NEW: Beginning Wednesday, August 18, details about times and procedures for football, volleyball, and tennis will be emailed by the coaches to all students scheduled in an athletics period.


  • Cross country is a sport that does not require an athletics period for participation. Any 7th or 8th grader can participate. Please email Coach Maurice Rhinehart at maurice.rhinehart@nisdtx.org if your child would like to participate in cross country.


If you child wants to try out for a sport and does not have an athletic period, please email Coach Mapes (girls and boys tennis) at mmapes@nisdtx.org, Coach Erb (football) at derb@nisdtx.org, or Coach North (volleyball) at knorth@nisdtx.org.



NEW LINK: Athletics COVID-19 FAQs


What paperwork is needed for my student to participate in athletics?

Below is the link to ALL the online forms needed to participate in Athletics. Students cannot try out if forms have not been completed.


https://northwestisd.rankonesport.com/New/NewFormList.aspx


Who will need a physical examination?

1. Any participant that checks "yes" to questions 1-6 on the Medical History Form.

2. All incoming 7th grade students that plan on participating in athletics.

3. All students that plan on participating in athletics that do not have a physical on file with NISD.


For those who preordered PE/athletics gear, a date will be sent out soon about when to pick up these items before school begins.


For more information, email Coach Erb (boys) at derb@nisdtx.org or Coach North (girls) at knorth@nisdtx.org.

Chromebooks and Technology Support: UPDATED

As we prepare for Remote Learning, do you need to exchange a broken device or pick up a chromebook for the first time?


UPDATE: Curbside pickup is now available Monday - Friday at the NISD Central Office from 8:00-3:00 p.m. The address is 2001 Texan Drive, Justin, Texas 76247. Arrangements can also be made at studenthelpdesk@nisdtx.org.


NISD Technology Resources Page is the best place to start for technology support and questions.

Food Service NEW INFORMATION

We are so thankful for Northwest ISD's partnership with Aramark Food Service to begin curbside meal service starting August 20th. Families will have the option to preorder.


For Fall Food Service, meals are available to all NISD students, with prices reflected below.


Action Item: Families are required to verify student enrollment when picking up meals. Student Verification Form – please complete for EACH student.


NEW: Pick Up Locations Have Changed for Some Sites (see picture below). Wilson is now the local community site (change from Sendera Ranch Elementary in the Spring).


NEW: Families can preorder meals prior to pick up. Nutrislice Online Ordered Meals: Students may choose entrée, one side is automatically included, and if preferred students can select additional side. White or chocolate milk optional.


Curbside Meals (without online preordering): Students will receive one entrée, two sides (one fruit and one vegetable), with choice of white or chocolate milk.


Curbside Pricing Guide:

Breakfast - Free: Free | Reduced: $.30 | Paid: $1.35

Lunch - Free: Free | Reduced: $.40 | Paid: $2.75


To comply with the recommended CDC guidelines, all meals will be prepared for curbside pick-up. No group meals or congregating will be allowed. Meals will be served outside of the listed schools in front or back of the listed locations.


Food Service FAQs


Q: Does my child have to be free or reduced pay status to receive meals?

A: All NISD students can receive meals, however they will be charged based on their eligibility status.


Q: Will breakfast and lunch be served at the same time?

A: Yes. All daily meals will be served between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, Monday – Friday.


Q: How are you planning for meals without waste?

A: NISD Food Service is working diligently to limit food waste during this time. The best way to help us minimize food waste is to utilize our online ordering system, Nutrislice. Nutrislice helps us better predict our food service needs.


Q: Are you going to publish menus for curbside pick up?

A: Curbside menus will be posted on the Food Service website and available on our online ordering system, Nutrislice.


Q: What steps are you taking to ensure your staff is healthy during this time?

A: Our kitchen staff are following the current CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Our employees have received additional training on safety protocols. Wellness standards, frequent hand washing, and social distancing are being practiced as part of our ongoing commitment to safety and wellness during this time.


Q: Am I allowed to pay cash for my meals?

A: Yes, cash will be accepted. For convenience and faster service, a contactless payment process is available so you can prepay at www.myschoolbucks.com.


Q: Are we required to receive milk with every meal?

A: Using Nutrislice, our online ordering system, will allow you to decline items and customize your meal.


Q: Will vegetarian options be available during curbside service?

A: Yes, everyday there is a vegetarian option.


Q: Will a la carte snacks be available?

A: For the most up-to-date menus, online ordering, and a la carte options please review menus and offerings on Nutrislice.


Q: Who can I contact if I have questions?

A: Please call (817) 215-0007.

Masks & Personal Protective Equipment UPDATED

NISD and TEA will provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment for staff, including masks and face shields.


For the safety of all stakeholders, face coverings will be required for everyone – students and staff – in our buildings. In specific settings where distancing guidelines can be met, students may remove masks. Students will be coached on the safety protocols and alerted to situations where masks can be removed or where they will be required.


Masks with valves do not meet the district's mask requirements. Face shields alone do not meet the district's mask requirement, but face shields may be worn with a mask if desired.

Remote Learning until 9/14 at a glance


Morning Schedule

Note: Mondays and Fridays have a 9:30 am start for advisory.

Afternoon Schedule


Will the schedule I have in remote learning be the same schedule I have for in person learning?

During our initial remote learning, all students will be on an A/B block schedule. When teachers transition to in person learning (tentatively 9/14), all students (remote and in person) will be on our 1st - 8th period bell schedule, with remote learners having some real-time class appointments (synchronous) and some self-paced assignments (asynchronous).


Will I keep my same teachers and classes?

Our goal is to minimize transitions, preserving a student's schedule with respect to the course, the teacher, and the class period as much as possible. That being said, we also have to balance the size of classes, so changes may be made when moving from in person to remote or vice versa. If a schedule change is made, guardians will be notified.


When do we receive schedules?

Schedules will be released on Home Access Center on Tuesday, August 18. We will alert guardians when the schedules are ready!



Information to Support Families Planning for the School Year

We know there are a lot of questions about the 2020-2021 school year! The information below reflects the plans for Wilson Middle School and guidance from Northwest ISD, the Texas Education Agency, and local governance as of August 13, 2020. As we all experienced in the past few months, this information may change.


As updates or adjustments are made, our Wilson team is committed to Staying Connected and sharing that information with our learning community in a timely manner!


NISD is continuing to update information, and the current Return to Learn information is linked at the image below. As we prepare for an amazing year, please scroll down for protocols and staff contact information specific to Wilson as well.


Curriculum and Instruction Information as of 8/13/2020

Electives and Course Offerings

Counselors are working to finalize student schedules for both in person and remote learners. If an elective is not offered remotely, a counselor will reach out to parents with alternate choices. Student schedules are expected to be released the week before school starts online in the Home Access Center.


Our counselors are:

6th grade: Ms. Alexandria Flores alexandria.flores@nisdtx.org

7th grade: Ms. Kimberly McKinnie kmckinnie@nisdtx.org

8th grade: Ms. Terry Harris tharris@nisdtx.org

School Supplies

For those planning in person learning, here are some of the items your child will need on site. Click here.


For those who preordered school supplies, a date will be sent out soon about when to pick up your items before school begins.

Special Services

Guardians of students receiving services were sent an email from NISD outlining the Return to Learn Plan. If you did not receive this email, please reach out to the following:


SPED: your child's case manager or our campus diagnostician Ms. Osmus, aosmus@nisdtx.org.


Dyslexia: Kelly Clower, kelly.clower@nisdtx.org.


504: Laynie Johnson, ljohnson@nisdtx.org.


EL: Angela Kokel, akokel@nisdtx.org. (Si tiene alguna pregunta o necesita informaciĂłn adicional, comunĂ­quese con su intervencionista del campus y/o maestro)


GT: Heather Dodson, hdodson@nisdtx.org.

Fine Arts

The Fine Arts Department is evaluating safety standards and protocols for in-person learning within each program and will have information available soon.


We are working with district facilities and technology departments to offer streaming capabilities to concerts and performances. We are still in the process of determining what the performances will look like when we transition to in-person learning.


Private lessons will be offered in a remote learning format and will be available during a student’s fine art class.


For more information: https://www.nisdtx.org/departments/fine_arts/fine_arts_coronavirus_information

Still Need to Enroll?

All students who plan to attend Northwest ISD schools during the 2020-2021 school year will need to complete Online Enrollment. Families of returning students received an email the week of April 20, with a link and instructions on Returning Student Enrollment. Please log into Home Access Center, select the Registration icon, the Update Enrollment tab, and Start. Snapcodes are not needed. Students new to Northwest ISD, including incoming Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students, can complete Online Enrollment by visiting www.nisdtx.org/enrollment.


Online enrollment, including current proof of residence, should be completed as soon as possible in order for us to plan for class sizes and staffing. Families who need assistance or who do not have reliable internet access can contact their campus by phone at 817.698.7900 or email Tammy Jeffers at tjeffers@nisdtx.org.

Changing Learning Plans (Remote or In Person)

The current guidelines say that requests to transition from remote learning to in person learning or in person to remote learning will be granted at the end of a grading period.


Requests should be submitted to the grade level counselor prior to the last week of a grading period to allow time for the campus to create a new schedule for your child. The change will begin within the first week of the new grading period.


Our goal is to minimize transitions, preserving a student's schedule with respect to the course, the teacher, and the class period as much as possible. That being said, we also have to balance the size of classes, so changes may be made when moving from in person to remote or vice versa. If a schedule change is made, guardians will be notified.


Our counselors are:


6th grade: Ms. Alexandria Flores alexandria.flores@nisdtx.org

7th grade: Ms. Kimberly McKinnie kmckinnie@nisdtx.org

8th grade: Ms. Terry Harris tharris@nisdtx.org


Health and Safety Guidelines as of 8/13/2020

Screenings

All staff are required to self-screen prior to building entry, including temperature checks.


As of 8/13/2020, the district is awaiting further guidance on universal in-person screening for students or visitors.

Student Arrival/Dismissal

Wilson will develop a plan to help students arriving at school early to social distance and spread out in larger common spaces (pre-designated by the campus, like the gym, library, and cafeteria) or in assigned classrooms.


Bus riders will be taught to space themselves out from others as they exit the bus and walk into the school building.


Students will be expected to use hand sanitizer immediately upon entering the building.

Transportation

Buses will be sanitized with electrostatic disinfectants between every trip. Seating will be adjusted for distancing and households as well. We do encourage students to walk, ride bikes, or ride in the car to allow for more seats on the bus for those who do not have other options of transportation.

Visitor Arrival/Dismissal

In addition to the safety requirements of having an ID, visitors will affirm self-screening prior to entry to the building. Visitors will continue to utilize the outdoor buzzer system located at the entry of every school building. Hand sanitizer will be available upon entering the building. Plexiglass is installed in our front office vestibules, and visitors may be asked to wear a mask prior to entry.


Currently, lunch visitors will not be permitted.

Classrooms

Classroom desks will be sanitized between every class period and every evening by campus and custodial staff. We are using individual desks whenever possible and utilizing plexi-glass dividers at stations where that is not possible.


Teachers also have portable plexiglass dividers to be able to set up for individual support as well.


Each classroom has individual hand sanitizer dispensers.

Hallways

Wilson's plan for hallways may include staggered release times and one way hallways. Students and staff will be trained in campus routines, and signage will be provided to help assist students and staff with social distancing in common spaces and hallways.


Social distance processes are a personal responsibility of each individual attending school or coming to a NISD facility. We will support all students in learning these processes and adjusting to the new routines. Situations where individuals are unwilling to follow the NISD safety protocols or are intentionally putting others at unnecessary risk will be addressed by campus administrators.

Cafeteria

Our contracted service provider Aramark has always operated under food safety guidelines. Additionally, this year cashiers will have plexiglass dividers at the point of sale. We are implementing distancing protocols for the cafeteria lines, and student seating will be adjusted as well. Students will also be trained in additional hand washing opportunities before and after meals, and the tables will be sanitized between lunches.


Due to the limits of sanitizing between uses, we do not anticipate offering a microwave in our cafeteria this year.


We will not be having parents/visitors at lunches.

Nurse's Office

Our campus is staffed with both a COVID-19 safety trained nurse and campus health assistant. We will have a Routine Care Area and a separate Potential Infection Clinic. Students receiving routine medications or needing non-infection related care (sprained ankle, for example) will be treated in a separate room than students presenting symptoms that mirror COVID-19 symptoms. Nurses will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment beyond the mask requirement to include gloves and other body and face coverings.


Our campus nurse is Kristy Edney, kedney@nisdtx.org.

Immunizations

Please be aware that the state of Texas will continue to require all students to be fully immunized, regardless of whether they will attend classes in person or remotely.


All students, whether they will be on campus or at home, will need to meet Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students Grades K-12 listed here.


Incoming 7th grade students and new to NISD students have specific requirements that will be verified by the school nurse by the first day of school.


There are a few exceptions. Notably, the requirements for students in pre-K or Early Learning are found under Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Child-Care Facilities. Also, Texas recognizes Conscientious Exemptions (more information found here).


If you have any questions, or need additional information, please reach out to our school nurse, Kristy Edney (kedney@nisdtx.org).

COVID Cases

All Wilson guardians will receive notice if a positive COVID case presents on campus.

Contact tracing and the type of exposure will determine who else needs to be specifically notified and directed to quarantine.


Our campus nurse is Kristy Edney, kedney@nisdtx.org.

Our campus COVID Contact administrator is Assistant Principal Michelle Jennings, mjennings01@nisdtx.org.


Detailed information can be found at https://www.nisdtx.org/returntolearn/health_and_safety_protocols


How can I stay current with Wilson Info?

Be sure to note "wilsonms@nisdtx.org" as an approved sender to avoid any emails being sent to SPAM folders.


Other ways to stay in the loop are to follow us on social media via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter: @TruettWilsonMS


Text messages and emails are sent to the contact information you provide in online registration, but if there are ever changes, please alert our registrar Ms. Jeffers at tjeffers@nisdtx.org. We don't want you to miss a thing!


Thank YOU for staying up to date on campus activities and the Wildcat Way! With such an active community, it benefits the students when we are all on the same page!


#ConnectWMS