Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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June 21, 2022

New Student Registration and Schedule Pickup for Secondary Students

Visit Plano ISD’s enrollment page for information about new student registration and dates when secondary students can pick up their schedules. The information is also available via this flyer in English or flyer in Español.

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Food and Nutritional Services is Hosting Job Fairs

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department will host several job fairs this summer to alleviate significant staff shortages. The job fairs are scheduled for the following dates:

• Thursday, June 23, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Bowman Middle School’s cafeteria, 2501 Jupiter Road in Plano 
• Thursday, July 21, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano
• Thursday, July 26, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano

Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a résumé if possible. Résumés can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page, where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783.

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Plano ISD Back-to-School Enrollment Extravaganza July 25

The 2022 Plano ISD Back-to-School Enrollment Extravaganza will be held on Monday, July 25 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Plano Event Center, 2000 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074. The event is to provide resources, services and information to students and families so they can have the tools necessary to help prepare for a successful new school year. Plano ISD families in need will receive backpacks filled with school supplies and a box of shelf-stable food (while supplies last). Students must be present to receive a backpack.

School registration, enrollment, health screenings and immunizations will be available on-site. Come join Plano ISD on July 25 for job fair opportunities, family activities, school resources, food and fun!

English Flyer | Spanish Flyer

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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June 14, 2022

Free Summer Meals Available for Children 18 and Under

Plano ISD is providing free summer meals through June 24 for children 18 years and younger at several campuses throughout the district. Meals must be consumed onsite in the cafeteria. 

Public Serving Times:

• Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. to 8:45am
• Lunch: Noon to 12:45 p.m.

Locations:

• Barron Elementary School, 3300 Avenue P, Plano, TX 75074
• Mendenhall Elementary School, 1330 19th Street, Plano, TX 75074
• Rasor Elementary School, 945 Hedgcoxe Road, Plano, TX 75025
• Rose Haggar Elementary School, 17820 Campbell Road, Dallas, TX 75252
• Weatherford Elementary School, 2941 Mollimar Drive, Plano, TX 75075

For menus and more information, please visit www.pisd.edu/freesummermeals.

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Last Day to Apply for the Plano ISD Leadership & Ambassador Program Is Monday, June 20

The last day to apply for Class 2 of Plano ISD’s Leadership & Ambassador Program is this coming Monday, June 20. The program is designed to provide participants a comprehensive overview of Plano ISD and create a community of informed leaders. 

Applications should be submitted by 6 p.m. on June 20, 2022:

English application | Spanish application

Potential applicants include Plano ISD community members, parents, PTA members and members of the Plano area business community, to name a few, who are interested in gaining insight into what is happening in Plano ISD. (Plano ISD employees are not eligible to participate.) 

This program will feature six daytime sessions at various Plano ISD locations throughout the 2022-2023 school year, culminating in a recognition for graduates on the evening of April 25, 2023. View the dates of the sessions and learn more about the program at www.pisd.edu/lead.

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Food and Nutritional Services to Host Summer Job Fairs 

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department will host several job fairs in June to alleviate significant staff shortages. The job fairs are scheduled for the following dates:

• Thursday, June 16, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Robinson Middle School’s library, 6701 Preston Meadow Drive in Plano 
• Thursday, June 23, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Bowman Middle School’s cafeteria, 2501 Jupiter Road in Plano 

Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a résumé if possible. Résumés can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page, where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783.

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Plano ISD and Plano Police Department Address School Safety in a Joint Message

School security has been and continues to be on the minds of Plano ISD parents and community members as a whole. The Plano Police Department and the Plano Independent School District have a strong and committed partnership in support of student and staff safety. The recent Uvalde tragedy has given the two organizations more reasons to continue conversations and collaboration around school safety. 

City and district leaders understand and share the very same concerns that parents have regarding keeping children safe at school. On an on-going basis, Plano iSD campuses prepare for emergencies and are vigilant in promoting a safe learning environment for students. Plano ISD works hand-in-hand with the PPD and other agencies within the community to create a network of protection for students, staff and families. (read more)

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Plano ISD Back-to-School Enrollment Extravaganza July 25

The 2022 Plano ISD Back-to-School Enrollment Extravaganza will be held on Monday, July 25 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Plano Event Center, 2000 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074. The event is to provide resources, services and information to students and families so they can have the tools necessary to help prepare for a successful new school year. Plano ISD families in need will receive backpacks filled with school supplies and a box of shelf-stable food (while supplies last). Students must be present to receive a backpack.

School registration, enrollment, health screenings and immunizations will be available on-site. Come join Plano ISD on July 25 for job fair opportunities, family activities, school resources, food and fun!

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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June 7, 2022

Plano ISD Back-to-School Enrollment Extravaganza July 25

The 2022 Plano ISD Back-to-School Enrollment Extravaganza will be held on Monday, July 25 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Plano Event Center, 2000 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074. The event is to provide resources, services and information to students and families so they can have the tools necessary to help prepare for a successful new school year. Plano ISD families in need will receive backpacks filled with school supplies and a box of shelf-stable food (while supplies last). Students must be present to receive a backpack.

School registration, enrollment, health screenings and immunizations will be available on-site. Come join Plano ISD on July 25 for job fair opportunities, family activities, school resources, food and fun!

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Plano ISD To Host Job Fair for School Bus Drivers and Bus Assistants

Plano ISD’s Transportation Department is hosting a job fair on Wednesday, June 8, from 8:00 a.m. to noon to hire school bus drivers and bus driver assistants. The job fair will be held at the transportation department, located at 600 Seabrook Drive in Plano, next to Clark Stadium. 

In addition to hourly pay, the positions offer a flexible schedule, health benefits and weekends, holidays and summers off.

Apply online at www.pisd.edu/transportation or call 469-752-0780. 

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Plano ISD To Host Summer Job Fairs for Food and Nutritional Services

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department will be hosting several job fairs in June to alleviate significant staff shortages. The job fairs are scheduled for the following dates:

• Thursday, June 9, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano
• Thursday, June 16, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Robinson Middle School’s library, 6701 Preston Meadow Drive in Plano 
• Thursday, June 23, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Bowman Middle School’s cafeteria, 2501 Jupiter Road in Plano 

Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a résumé if possible. Résumés can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page, where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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June 3, 2022

Summer Adult ESL and GED Class Registration is Now Open

Registration is now open for ESL and GED classes offered by the Plano ISD Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) and Collin Adult Education and Literacy. Classes begin on June 6. Morning, afternoon and evening classes will be available Monday-Thursday at the Bird Welcome and Enrollment Center, located at 1300 19th Street in Plano. Registration information can be found here.

For more information about ESL and other Parent Education and Engagement Program opportunities, visit www.pisd.edu/peep or contact Sharon Bradley.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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May 26, 2022

Leadership and Ambassador Program Class 2 Applications Are Now Open

Online applications are now open for Class 2 of the Plano ISD Leadership & Ambassador Program. The program is designed to provide participants a comprehensive overview of Plano ISD and create a community of informed leaders. 

Applications should be submitted by 6 p.m. on June 20, 2022:

English application | Spanish application

Potential applicants include Plano ISD community members, parents, PTA members and members of the Plano area business community, to name a few, who are interested in gaining insight into what is happening in Plano ISD. (Plano ISD employees are not eligible to participate.) 

This program will feature six daytime sessions at various Plano ISD locations throughout the 2022-2023 school year, culminating in a recognition for graduates on the evening of April 25, 2023. View the dates of the sessions and learn more about the program at www.pisd.edu/lead.

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Welcome & Enrollment Center Closes at Noon on May 27

Please note the Welcome & Enrollment Center will close at noon on Friday, May 27. Regular hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, May 31.

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Gifted Education Parent Networking Event in Plano ISD

Plano ISD’s Advanced Academics department is hosting a first annual networking event for parents of gifted education students. The event will be on June 18 from 9-11 a.m. and is for parents of gifted students to connect and network with others from across Plano ISD. Parents will also have the opportunity to participate in learning topics of interest related to gifted education. Interested attendees are asked to RSVP for this event. 

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Food and Nutritional Services To Host Summer Job Fairs

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department will be hosting several job fairs in June in hopes to alleviate the significant staff shortages we are currently experiencing. 

• Thursday, June 9, from 9:00am to noon at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano. 
• Thursday, June 16, from 9:00am to noon at Robinson Middle School’s library, 6701 Preston Meadow Drive in Plano. 
• Thursday, June 23, from 9:00am to noon at Bowman Middle School’s cafeteria, 2501 Jupiter Road in Plano. 

Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a résumé if possible. Résumés can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed. Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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May 17, 2022

Families Are Asked to Complete Intent to Return Form

In order to help campuses schedule classes and staff appropriately for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year, families are asked to complete an Intent to Return form online. Please complete the form as soon as possible since planning for the upcoming school year is already underway. If your family does not plan to return, we ask that you complete the Intent to Return form as well since that information also helps with planning.

Thank you for your assistance in helping schools with planning for the upcoming school year.

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Looking for Fun Activities, Events or Programs? Check Out the Community Listings Offered through Plano ISD’s Materials Distribution Portal

Families can access information about events, activities and programs within our Plano ISD community directly from the Plano ISD's Materials Distribution Portal on the district website. 

Businesses, organizations and individuals wanting to share information can do so via the portal, which is the official distribution area for third party materials and takes the place of onsite, paper-based distribution. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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May 13, 2022

Transportation Hosts Job Fair for School Bus Drivers and Bus Assistants

Plano ISD’s transportation department is hosting a job fair on Wednesday, June 8, from 8 a.m. to noon to hire school bus drivers and bus driver assistants. The job fair will be held at the transportation department, located at 600 Seabrook Drive in Plano, next to Clark Stadium. 

In addition to hourly pay, the position offers a flexible schedule, health benefits and weekends, holidays and summers off.

Apply online at www.pisd.edu/transportation or call 469-752-0780. 

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Applications Are Now Open for Class 2 of the Plano ISD Leadership and Ambassador Program 

Interested in learning more about Plano ISD programs and operations? Plano ISD community members are invited to apply for Class 2 of the Plano ISD Leadership and Ambassador program. Entering its second year, the Leadership and Ambassador Program is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of Plano ISD. Participants will be provided with learning opportunities regarding the academic and operational goals of the district in order to help provide a greater understanding of internal operations at both district and campus levels. 

Potential applicants include Plano ISD community members, parents, PTA members and members of the Plano area business community, to name a few, who are interested in gaining insight into what is happening in Plano ISD. (This program is not geared toward Plano ISD employees.) 

How to Apply

Interested individuals should apply to be accepted to the program through the online application process (English | Spanish) by 6:00 p.m. on June 20, 2022. Applicants will be notified by email of their acceptance status by August 5, 2022.

Program Dates and Times

This program will feature six daytime sessions at various Plano ISD locations, culminating in a recognition for graduates on the evening of April 25, 2023. Participants may not miss more than two sessions in order to graduate as a Leadership and Ambassador Class 2 member.

• Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  District overview and update; team building; leadership development
• Tuesday, October 25, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  District Discovery Day Part 1 – a scavenger hunt introducing class members to district facilities
• Tuesday, November 29, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  Strategic Plan Pillars 1 and 2 – Learning and Teaching/Life Ready
• Tuesday, January 31, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  District Discovery Day Part 2 – Guided tour of selected district locations
• Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  Pillars 3 and 5 – Talent Acquisition, Support and Growth/Strategic Resource Management
• Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  Strategic Plan Pillar 4 – Culture of Community
• Tuesday, April 25, 2023  5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  Reception and Graduation for Class 2

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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May 10, 2022

Summer Dance Intensive Program for Grades 7-12

The Plano ISD Summer Dance Intensive is a week-long program offering student dancers the opportunity to strengthen technique and cultivate personal artistry in an exciting, challenging and nurturing environment. The program is for students who will be in grades 7-12 during the 2022-2023 school year. Staff will engage the dancers in a variety of styles, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, and more. Each morning will start with a ballet class, while the afternoons will consist of classes in a variety of genres to provide a well-rounded dance training experience.  Students will also explore the styles of African Dance and Ballet Folklorico.

For more information, visit the Summer Dance Intensive Program webpage.

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City of Plano is Hiring School Crossing Guards

The City of Plano is urgently seeking applicants to work as paid school crossing guards beginning immediately. 

• Hours: 7:05 AM–7:40 AM and 2:40 PM-3:15 PM
• Compensation $10.15/HR, 3 hours pay/day for 1 hr 10 minutes worked
• Estimated income: $400+ per month based on 20 days of school
• Attendance: Consistent attendance is expected and strictly required
• Retirement: Mandatory enrollment in the City of Plano retirement program
• Training, Equipment and Uniform: Will be provided
• Criminal Background Check: Required and provided by the City
• Drug Screening: Required and provided by the city prior to a job offer

Apply on the City of Plano’s webpage. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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May 5, 2022

Free Meals Waiver Set to Expire

The United States Department of Agriculture waiver that allowed Plano ISD to provide free meals to all students during the 2021-22 school year is set to expire at the end of this school year. Plano ISD will resume charging for meals during the 2022-23 school year based on student eligibility for meal benefits. Families who may qualify are encouraged to complete a federal meal application for free and reduced-price meals. The 2021-22 meal application will be honored for the first 30 days of the 2022-23 school year. The 2022-23 meal application will be available after July 1, 2022. Visit Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services page for more information. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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May 3, 2022

Plano Visual Arts Academy for Middle School Students

Is your current 5th, 6th or 7th grade student a passionate young visual artist?  Do they love to create with a variety of media and want to learn new techniques? Then the Plano Visual Arts Academy Middle School Program might be a great summer experience for them.  

Taught by Plano ISD visual arts staff, PVAA is a summer enrichment program for passionate middle school artists currently in 5th-7th grades who want to grow and develop creative skills in a studio environment with other dedicated art students. Instruction has been designed to be unique, engaging and correspond with an overarching skill each week. Students will explore techniques and mediums using big ideas to guide their artistic investigations.  

For more information or to register, visit the PVAA page. 

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Summer Adult ESL and GED Class Registration Is Now Open

The Plano ISD Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) and the Collin Adult Education and Literacy program announce summer 2022 registration for ESL and GED classes. Morning, afternoon and evening classes will be available Monday-Thursday at Plano ISD’s Bird Welcome and Enrollment Center, located at 1300 19th Street in Plano. Registration is now open. 

For more information about ESL and Plano ISD’s Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) opportunities, visit www.pisd.edu/peep or contact Sharon Bradley.

The Collin Adult Education and Literacy program is funded by the Texas Workforce Commission. 

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Reminder: Families Are Asked to Complete Intent to Return Form

In order to help campus staff appropriately schedule classes for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year, families are asked to complete an Intent to Return form online. If you haven’t already done so, please complete the form as soon as possible since planning for the upcoming school year is already underway. If your family does not plan to return, we ask that you complete the Intent to Return form as well since that information also helps with planning.

Thank you for your assistance in helping schools with planning for the upcoming school year.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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April 28, 2022

Financial Aid Graduation Requirement for Seniors 2022

In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.0256, beginning with students enrolled in 12th grade during the 2021-2022 school year, each student must do one of the following in order to graduate: 

• Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
• Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA); or
• Submit a signed opt-out form:
• English opt out form
• Spanish opt out form

Please reach out to your campus counselor with specific questions or to opt-out of this graduation requirement. Be sure to complete the opt-out form to provide to your counselor.

Information flyer:

English | Spanish

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Last Call College Fair

Plano ISD seniors: Are you still deciding on your post-graduation plans? Plano ISD’s counseling services department is partnering with Collin College to bring all seniors a last call college fair:

• Date: Wednesday, May 4 
• Time: 5-7 p.m. 
• Location: Plano East Senior High School cafeteria, 3000 Los Rios Blvd, Plano, Texas 75074

Flyer:

English | Spanish

Make plans to attend and learn about programs and job opportunities offered at Collin College, visit with financial aid experts, get help completing your FAFSA, and make a plan for your future! See you there! 

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Free Immunizations on May 10

The Caring Foundation of Texas’ Care Van® will offer free immunizations to eligible children ages 4 through 18 on May 10. A child may be eligible for free immunizations from the Caring Foundation’s Care Van if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Child does NOT have health insurance
• Child is enrolled in Medicaid
• Child’s health insurance plan does not cover vaccines (underinsured)
• Child is an American Indian or Alaska Native

Event details:

• Date: May 10
• Time: 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
• Location: Plano ISD’s Welcome & Enrollment Center, 1300 19th Street, Building A, Plano, TX 75074

All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Families should bring the child's complete immunization records. Immunization records are required for this free service. Please register for the event. 

For more information, visit www.carevan.org or view the event flyer.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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April 26, 2022

Collin College Summer Opportunity: 6 Hours Free Tuition

Collin College is able to offer some very special incentives for summer 2022 enrollment. Collin College is continuing Reversing The Slide (RTS) programs to help students get back on track academically after a couple of COVID-19 years.

Graduating seniors qualify for this program:

• Graduating high school seniors can take up to 6 hours this summer, tuition free! This is led by the dual credit office at Collin College and questions can be sent to dualcredit@collin.edu. 

Others who qualify:

• Returning students who are not enrolled in spring 2022 at Collin can take up to 6 hours this summer (questions can be sent to studentsuccess@collin.edu and it will be administered by Crystal Eberhart)
• Students who have never received college credit can take up to 6 hours this summer (questions can be sent to studentsuccess@collin.edu)

Students must be enrolled by May 9, 2022 to take advantage of this opportunity.

For more information, read the press release from Collin College.

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Special Education Parent Newsletter

Read the latest updates from the Plano ISD Special Education Department in the April issue of the Spotlight Newsletter. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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April 22, 2022

Looking for Fun Activities, Events or Programs? Check Out the Community Listings Offered through Plano ISD’s Materials Distribution Portal

Families are now able to access information about events, activities and programs within our Plano ISD community directly from the Plano ISD's Materials Distribution Portal on the district website. 

Businesses, organizations and individuals wanting to share information can do so via the portal, which is the official distribution area for third party materials and takes the place of onsite, paper-based distribution. 

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Parent Workshop: "I Never Planned to Yell This Much"

“I Never Planned to Yell This Much” is the topic of Plano ISD’s next Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) class. The free virtual class will take place on Wednesday, April 27 at 1PM. The workshop is for parents who find themselves yelling way more than they want to. Learn effective ways of communication with your child and ways to say what you mean and mean what you say. The Zoom link is on the program’s page of upcoming classes at www.pisd.edu/peep. 

Join PEEP’s Facebook group to receive daily parenting encouragement, evidence-based parenting articles and community resources. For more information about this session and other Parent Education and Engagement Program opportunities, visit www.pisd.edu/peep or contact Director of Student, Family and Community Services Sharon Bradley.

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Free Virtual Film Screening of LIKE

Parents are invited to join the Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP) and the Grant Halliburton Foundation for a free virtual film screening of “LIKE: Finding Balance in Our Digital World” on Tuesday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m. 

LIKE explores the impact of social media on our lives and the effects of technology on the brain. This short film offers tips and strategies for parents and educators to have the conversations necessary to help protect and guide children and ourselves. Spanish subtitles will be available.

Stay tuned following the film to watch a panel discussion (using this discussion guide) and other resources. Interested Plano ISD parents and staff members can register for the film screening using this registration link. For more information, view the event flyer or visit the PEEP program website. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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April 19, 2022

Free Virtual Film Screening of LIKE

Join the Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program and the Grant Halliburton Foundation for a free virtual film screening of “LIKE: Finding Balance in Our Digital World” on Tuesday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m. LIKE explores the impact of social media on our lives and the effects of technology on the brain. This short film offers tips and strategies for parents, students and educators to have the conversations necessary to help protect and guide children and ourselves. Spanish subtitles will be available.

Interested Plano ISD parents and staff members can register for the film screening using the registration link. For more information, view the event flyer or visit the PEEP program website.

April 12, 2022

After School & Evening Activities Canceled for Tuesday, April 12

Due to the forecast for potentially severe weather later today and out of an abundance of caution, Plano ISD is canceling after school and evening activities for Tuesday, April 12. Canceled activities will be communicated by the appropriate campus staff supervising the activity or event. Schools will observe their normal dismissal times today, Tuesday, April 12.

Stay safe and informed by tuning in to local news or weather resources for updates.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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April 7, 2022

Reminder: Bad Weather Make-Up Day, Monday, April 18 

To maintain the state-required 75,600 instructional minutes across the district, Plano ISD schools will use the inclement weather day of Monday, April 18, 2022, to make up for the school closure on Thursday, February 24. That means that Monday, April 18, is now an instructional day.

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Family Financial Literacy Virtual Presentation with Capital One

Join Plano ISD’s Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) program and community partner Capital One for a virtual presentation about “Financial Literacy 101.” The session will be via Zoom on April  12 at 10:00 a.m. 

For more information, view the event flyer or visit the PEEP program website.

 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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April 5, 2022

Families Are Asked to Complete Intent to Return Form

In order to help campuses schedule classes and staff appropriately for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year, families are asked to complete an Intent to Return form online. Please complete the form as soon as possible since planning for the upcoming school year is already underway. If your family does not plan to return, we ask that you complete the Intent to Return form as well since that information also helps with planning.

Thank you for your assistance in helping schools with planning for the upcoming school year.

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Pre-K Online Enrollment Is Now Open

Pre-K is now enrolling new students for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. To enter preK, students must be four years old by September 1 and meet at least one of the eligibility requirements. For more information, visit www.pisd.edu/aboutprek.  

New student enrollment for other grade levels is also open. To enroll, visit www.pisd.edu/enrollment.

Annual registration for currently enrolled Plano ISD students will occur in late July through Parent Portal. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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March 29, 2022

A Message from Incoming Superintendent Dr. Williams

Watch video greeting from incoming Superintendent Dr. Theresa Williams

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It’s Time to “RockEnroll(ment)” for PreK

Plano Independent School District begins accepting online applications for PreK on April 4. Enrollment is for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year.

To enter PreK, students must be four years old by September 1 and meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:

• Unable to speak or comprehend the English language
• Eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price lunch program
• Is homeless
• Is or ever has been in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care)
• Child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States or is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States who was injured or killed while serving on active duty
• Child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award

Students who don’t meet eligibility for free PreK can enroll in tuition-based PreK at select schools.

For more information, visit www.pisd.edu/AboutPreK or download this flyer.

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Boeing STEM Application and Signing Day

Applications are open for the 2022 STEM Signing Day presented by Boeing and Powered by Tallo. All Plano ISD 2022 graduating seniors who plan to attend a two-year or four-year college or university and pursue a program or degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are eligible to apply. 

Applications are due April 14, 2022: English | Spanish

WHAT IS STEM SIGNING DAY?

STEM Signing Day celebrates high school seniors from across the country who choose to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education at technical programs, two- and four-year colleges and universities. The event is similar to signing day for high school athletes. Selected students will be invited to attend a special recognition event on ­­­­­­April 28, 2022 for an opportunity to be recognized in front of and network with Boeing employees and community leaders.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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March 22, 2022

Reminder: April 18 Bad Weather Make-Up Day

To maintain the state-required 75,600 instructional minutes across the district, Plano ISD schools will use the inclement weather day of Monday, April 18, 2022, to make up for the school closure on Thursday, February 24. Originally scheduled as a student/teacher holiday, Monday, April 18, is now an instructional day. 

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Let’s Rock ENROLLment for New Students

Online enrollment is now open for new students entering Plano ISD in the 2022-2023 school year. Enrollment is for all grade levels, except preK, which begins registration on April 4. For more information, visit the district’s enrollment page. 

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Food and Nutritional Services To Host Job Fair on March 24

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department will be hosting a job fair on Thursday, March 24, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano. 

Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a résumé if possible. Résumés can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

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Youth Mental Health and Parenting Informational Session

Join Plano ISD’s Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) and community partner, The Grant Halliburton Foundation, present "Straight Talk About Youth Mental Health and Parenting." The virtual session will be on March 30 at 6:00 p.m. through Zoom. For more information about this session and other PEEP opportunities, please contact Director of Family and Social Services Sharon Bradley.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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March 17, 2022

New Student Enrollment Begins Monday, March 21

Online enrollment for new students to Plano ISD begins on March 21. Enrollment is for the 2022-2023 school year and is for all grade levels, except preK, which begins registration on April 4. For more information, visit Plano ISD's enrollment page.  

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Head Start to Host Roundup Event Next Week

Head Start is hosting a roundup event for families who might have questions about eligibility or enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year:

• March 21 (no appointment necessary): 8:30 a.m.-noon and 4-7 p.m.
• March 22 (no appointment necessary): 8:30 a.m.-noon
• March 23-27 (by appointment only): Call 469-752-7160 to schedule an appointment.

Head Start is located at 1600 Rigsbee Drive, Plano, Texas 75074. 

For more information, visit Head Start’s enrollment page. 

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Spots Available for International Baccalaureate (IB) World School at Huffman Elementary

The International Baccalaureate (IB) World School at Huffman Elementary Primary Years Programme (PYP) has limited spots for the 2022-2023 school year in kindergarten, third, fourth and fifth grades. 

The IB World School at Huffman is one of two Plano ISD academy programs offered for elementary students. Any student who lives within the Plano ISD attendance zone and who will be enrolled in grades K-5 is eligible to apply. 

Find out more about the IB PYP or contact Coordinator for Advanced Academics Amy Moore.

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Special Education Newsletter

Read the latest updates from the Plano ISD Special Education Department in the spring Spotlight Newsletter. 

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Finding Hope and Resiliency: A Discussion on Suicide and Mental Health

Plano ISD parents, staff and community members are invited to join the district’s school social workers and Rebecca Smith from Basepoint Academy for a virtual discussion about suicide and mental health. The workshop will cover signs, symptoms and effective tools for managing mental health concerns. 

• Date: Thursday, March 24, 2022
• Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
• Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/syf9eb95
• Meeting ID: 892 4825 0710
• Passcode: RPDR1m

For more information, view the workshop flyer.

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Youth Mental Health and Parenting Informational Session

Join Plano ISD’s Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) and community partner, The Grant Halliburton Foundation, as they present "Straight Talk About Youth Mental Health and Parenting." The virtual session will be on March 30, at 6:00 p.m. through Zoom. For more information about this session and other PEEP opportunities, please contact Director of Family and Social Services Sharon Bradley.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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March 15, 2022

New Student Enrollment Information for 2022-2023 School Year

Online enrollment for new students to Plano ISD begins on March 21. Enrollment is for the 2022-2023 school year and is for all grade levels, except preK, which begins registration on April 4. 

• New Student Enrollment (kindergarten-12th grade): Begins March 21, 2022
• Head Start RoundUp: March 21 and 22, 2022
• PreK Enrollment: Begins on April 4, 2022

Head Start is holding a roundup event on March 21 from 8:30 a.m.-noon and 4 p.m.-7 p.m. and on March 22 from 8:30 a.m.-noon. Appointment-only visits will be available from March 23-27. Head Start is located at 1600 Rigsbee Drive in Plano, TX 75074. 

To register or for more information, visit www.pisd.edu/enrollment. 

Students currently in the district should not enroll. Annual registration occurs in the summer through Parent Portal. 

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Food and Nutritional Services To Host Job Fair on March 24

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department will be hosting a job fair on Thursday, March 24, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano. 

Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a résumé if possible. Résumés can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

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Registration Open for Gateway Engineering Summer Camp 

Registration for the Gateway Engineering Summer Camp is now open! 

This year’s summer camp will be an in person, hands-on, project-based camp designed to introduce incoming 7th and 8th grade middle school students to the fundamentals of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) engineering courses within Plano ISD. Certified PLTW instructors provide expert instruction in a fun, exciting environment using leading-edge technologies to sample engineering related activities and projects and demonstrate how fun it can be to be an engineer. 

Tuition for the 2022 camp is free. To learn more about the camp or to register, visit www.pisd.edu/gatewaycamp. Registration closes May 6, 2022.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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March 3, 2022

Bad Weather Make-Up Days: March 14 and April 18 

To maintain the state-required 75,600 instructional minutes across the district, Plano ISD schools will use the inclement weather day of Monday, April 18, 2022, to make up last week’s school closure on Thursday, February 24. That means both bad weather make-up days will be used for this year. Originally scheduled as student/teacher holidays, Monday, March 14 and Monday, April 18, will now be instructional days. 

Due to having school on March 14, the last day for the 3rd nine-week grading period will be March 14 instead of March 4. Any secondary schedule changes made for the 4th nine-weeks must have a start date of March 15 to prevent any problems with 3rd nine-week grades. 

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It’s Almost Time to “Rock Enroll(ment)” for Head Start, PreK and Kindergarten 

Online registration for the 2022-2023 school year for early childhood programs will begin on the following dates:

• Kindergarten enrollment begins on March 21.
• Head Start Roundup is on March 21 and 22.
• PreK enrollment begins on April 4.

Head Start is a federally funded program for Plano ISD children who are 3 or 4 years old by September 1 and whose families who meet low-income guidelines. To assist families who might have questions about eligibility, Head Start is holding a roundup event on March 21 from 8:30 a.m.-noon and 4 p.m.-7 p.m. and on March 22 from 8:30 a.m.-noon. Appointment-only visits will be available from March 23-27. Head Start is located at 1600 Rigsbee Drive in Plano, TX 75074. 

To enter pre-K, students must be four years old by September 1 and meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:

• Unable to speak or comprehend the English language
• Eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price lunch program
• Is homeless
• Is or ever has been in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care)
• Child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States or is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States who was injured or killed while serving on active duty
• Child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as: a peace officer, a firefighter, or an emergency medical first responder

The only requirement for kindergarten is that the child be 5 years of age by September 1. 

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Special Education Family Series: April 5  

Let’s Talk is a series of presentations meant to inform and empower families of children with special needs by providing them with information they need to plan for the future.

The next installment in this series will walk families through the steps of Special Needs Planning and will cover setting up a Will, Special Needs Trust and ABLE Accounts. Information will be presented by an attorney specializing in special needs planning, probate and guardianships. 

Join the virtual presentation on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, from 6-7:30 p.m. To register and receive the Zoom link, contact Shelley Crowder, Plano ISD’s director of Transition Services. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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March 2, 2022

Hear Remarks from Plano ISD Superintendent Lone Finalist Dr. Theresa Williams 

In a special called meeting on Monday, February 28, 2022, the Plano ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name Dr. Theresa Williams as the Lone Finalist for Plano ISD’s next Superintendent of Schools. 

During her remarks, Dr. Williams shared her guiding principles as well as how one teacher changed her life and shaped her path to become an educator. View the video clip below. 

Full remarks from trustees, Superintendent Sara Bonser and Dr. Williams can be viewed here. Read the district’s official announcement. 

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Community Partner Children’s Health Offers Learning Opportunities to Students and Families 

Parent Education: Virtual Safety Series

Join Plano ISD’s Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) and Children’s Health during March for virtual presentations focusing on safety:

• Thursday, March 3 - Sleep Safety (presentation will be in Spanish)
• Tuesday, March 8 - Gun Safety (presentation will be in English)
• Thursday, March 10 - Gun Safety (presentation will be in Spanish)

All sessions are from 1-2 p.m. and are presented via Zoom. To register, visit the PEEP program’s website or contact Sharon Bradley, Plano ISD director of Family and Social Services.  

Innov8 4 Kids Challenge

Plano ISD community partner, Children’s Health, is hosting the “Innov8 4 Kids Challenge" inviting students to help them innovate to improve healthcare for kids! Challenges include: Gaming, Videography, Animation and a Culinary Challenge. 

The hackathon will take on the format of a multi-month challenge with two phases. The first phase is the idea submission phase, where participants are invited to submit their ideas. If chosen for the final round, participants are invited to the creation and development phase. 

Participants must be 13 years of age or older and be able to invest a minimum of 16 hours to work on the challenge.  

For more information, visit the event registration page. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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February 24, 2022

Safe Return to School Following Icy Weather

As we prepare to return to school on Friday, February 25, safety is our top priority. Plano ISD crews have been at campuses during today’s closure to keep schools warm and to mitigate icy surfaces as possible. We encourage everyone to take extra care when arriving to school in the morning, allow plenty of time for your commute and to be mindful of:

• Ice on bridges and overpasses as you drive.
• Potential ice on sidewalks and pathways that might be hard to see.
• Bus routes that may experience significant delays. Please check the Plano ISD website for bus delays before sending students to their bus stops in the morning. You can monitor the website here for details about your specific route. This site will be regularly updated throughout the morning. If your child’s bus is late, please know that it will arrive; however, you may want to consider driving your student to school. 

Please bundle up and stay warm heading out in the morning. Thank you for your partnership as we work to safely and effectively resume instruction tomorrow, February 25. 

February 23, 2022

After School & Evening Activities Canceled for Wednesday; Schools & Facilities Closed Thursday

Due to the forecast for inclement weather, extreme temperatures and the potential for unsafe driving conditions, Plano ISD is canceling all after school and evening activities for Wednesday, February 23, and closing all schools and facilities tomorrow, Thursday, February 24. Campus staff supervising canceled or postponed events will need to communicate directly with parents and students. 

Schools will observe their normal release times today, Wednesday, February 23. Given today’s weather conditions families might consider picking up their students from school rather than having them take the bus or walk home at the end of the school day. Campuses may allow student drivers to drive home early if a parent contacts the school to make that request. 

PASAR After School Care will be closing early today. Families who will not be able to pick up their student by 5 p.m., should call the PASAR campus cell phone number and let the site manager know. Please visit Plano ISD’s PASAR website to view the PASAR campus cell phone numbers.

Please stay safe and continue to consult the district’s usual communications channels for up-to-date information:

• The Plano ISD website: Weather-related closures and updates will be posted in real time on the Plano ISD home page as well as campus websites.
• The Plano ISD Mobile App: Download the mobile app and log in to receive specific messages related to your school. However, weather closures will be sent to all app users, even if you are not logged in to the system.
• School Messenger (e-mail and telephone messages): The district will provide updated information as needed to all parent and emergency contact telephone numbers and email addresses in the system.
• Social media – Facebook and Twitter: Weather-related closures will be posted immediately to Plano ISD’s Facebook and Twitter pages. You do not have to sign up for Facebook or Twitter to view these pages; however, followers will receive instant updates in their newsfeeds.
• Local news media: Plano ISD will make information available to local television and radio stations and will enlist their assistance in communicating with our audiences.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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February 22, 2022

Monitoring Winter Weather

A winter weather advisory is in effect through 6 p.m. Thursday for most of North Texas. Plano ISD is monitoring weather conditions and is in communication with local emergency management agencies.

Any decisions regarding school closure or event cancellations will follow Plano ISD’s weather-related guidelines and will be communicated via the usual district channels, including:

• The Plano ISD website: Weather-related closures and updates will be posted in real time on the Plano ISD home page as well as campus websites.
• The Plano ISD Mobile App: Download the mobile app and log in to receive specific messages related to your school. However, weather closures will be sent to all app users, even if you are not logged in to the system.
• School Messenger (e-mail and telephone messages): The district will provide updated information as needed to all parent and emergency contact telephone numbers and email addresses in the system.
• Social media – Facebook and Twitter: Weather-related closures will be posted immediately to Plano ISD’s Facebook and Twitter pages. You do not have to sign up for Facebook or Twitter to view these pages; however, followers will receive instant updates in their newsfeeds.
• Local news media: Plano ISD will make information available to local television and radio stations and will enlist their assistance in communicating with our audiences.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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February 17, 2022

Calendar Update: Bad Weather Make-Up Day 

Monday, March 14, is the designated inclement weather day that will be used as a make-up day for Plano ISD’s recent two-day weather closure. Originally slated as a student/teacher holiday, school will now be in session on March 14.

Based on the number of instructional minutes scheduled for the school year, Plano ISD will need to make up only one of the two inclement weather days observed on February 3 and 4. 

View Plano ISD’s Academic Calendar at www.pisd.edu/calendar.

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Industries Academy Re-Opens Selection Form

Families of 10th grade students are invited to apply for Plano ISD’s Industries Academy, which has re-opened the selection form for the 2022-23 school year.  There are currently spots available in all programs except for welding technology, but students may indicate that they would like to join the waitlist. Complete the selection form before it closes on February 22. Please visit www.pisd.edu/industriesacademy for more information.

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Plano ISD Transportation Services Offers Paid Training and Flexible Schedules – Attend the Job Fair on February 22

Plano ISD’s Transportation Department is hosting a job fair on Tuesday, February 22 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Clark High School’s cafeteria, 523 Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. Job openings are for school bus drivers and bus assistant positions. 

Paid training is offered by Plano ISD’s transportation department. Training for drivers includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, as well as preparation necessary to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL) permit. Benefits include flexible schedules, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a resume if possible. At the event you will also be able to meet staff, complete applications and participate in tours of a school bus.

Interested applicants can apply at Plano ISD’s employment website or contact Transportation directly at 469-752-0780. For more information, visit our transportation teams’ webpage at www.pisd.edu/transportation. 

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Families Are Invited to Children's Health Car Seat Safety Virtual Presentation

Join Children’s Health and the Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP) for a virtual car seat safety presentation for Plano ISD parents. This session is scheduled for February 22 at 10:00 a.m. through ZOOM. Qualifying families may be eligible to receive a car seat, free of cost. Please view this car seat safety flyer for Zoom log-in information or contact Sharon Bradley for details.

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Superintendent Search Survey Closes Tomorrow, Friday

Families, staff and community members are invited to share their perspective regarding attributes that they would like to see in Plano ISD’s next superintendent. 

This brief survey is being administered by the Plano ISD Board of Trustees. Your input is critically important as trustees seek to identify the best candidate for the position who meets the needs of all Plano ISD stakeholders. This survey closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18. 

The Board appreciates your time and feedback.

Take the survey here: English | Spanish

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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February 15, 2022

Plano ISD’s Parent Education and Engagement Program Presents “Parenting Children with ADD/ADHD” Series

Would you like to connect with other parents who have children who struggle with paying attention, hyperactivity or recalling information? Join Plano ISD’s Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) for a 3-part virtual series "Parenting Children with ADD/ADHD" each Wednesday in February at 1:00 p.m. Sessions will be held virtually through Zoom.

For more information about this session or to view other upcoming classes, visit the program’s website. For more information, contact Sharon Bradley or join the program’s Facebook community, @PISDPEEP. 

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Applications for Mayor’s Summer Internship Program Close on March 1

Applications are now open for the competitive Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program, a “learn-and-earn” program that places qualifying Plano ISD sophomores and juniors at some of the area’s top corporations and nonprofits. Presented by founding sponsor Capital One, the program connects students with dozens of organizations, from national headquarters and government entities to small businesses, local charities and nonprofits.

The eight-week paid internship program, which offers remote and on-site placements (or a combination of both), runs June 6-July 29 (although some start dates are flexible). Students earn a minimum of $10 per hour working 20-40 hours per week. Only the first 400 applications will be considered, so students are encouraged to apply early. The application window closes on March 1.

For more information, including additional important dates and the online program application, visit the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program website.

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Reminder: Superintendent Search Survey End This Friday

Families, staff and community members are invited to share their perspective regarding attributes that they would like to see in Plano ISD’s next superintendent. 

This brief survey is being administered by the Plano ISD Board of Trustees. Your input is critically important as trustees seek to identify the best candidate for the position who meets the needs of all Plano ISD stakeholders. This survey closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18. 

The Board appreciates your time and feedback.

Take the survey here: English | Spanish

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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February 10, 2022

Transportation Services To Host Job Fair on February 22

Plano ISD’s Transportation Services Department is hosting a job fair on Tuesday, February 22 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Clark High School’s cafeteria, 523 Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. Job openings are for school bus drivers and bus assistant positions. 

Paid training is offered by Plano ISD’s transportation department. Training for drivers includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, as well as preparation necessary to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL) permit. Benefits include flexible schedules, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a résumé if possible. At the event you will also be able to meet staff, complete applications and participate in tours of a school bus.

Interested applicants can apply at Plano ISD’s employment website or contact the Transportation Department directly at 469-752-0780. For more information, visit our transportation teams’ webpage at www.pisd.edu/transportation. 

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Superintendent Search Survey

Families, staff and community members are invited to share their perspective regarding attributes that they would like to see in Plano ISD’s next superintendent. 

This brief survey is being administered by the Plano ISD Board of Trustees. Your input is critically important as trustees seek to identify the best candidate for the position who meets the needs of all Plano ISD stakeholders. This survey closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18. 

The Board appreciates your time and feedback.

Take the survey here: English | Spanish

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City of Plano Proclaims February 17 as The Day of Hope

Working in collaboration with Plano ISD’s counseling department, John Muns, Mayor of the City of Plano, has proclaimed Thursday, February 17, 2022, as The Day of Hope in the City of Plano. 

The counseling department works with Plano ISD Hope Squads, which are in place at all of Plano ISD’s 9-12th grade campuses for the purpose of raising suicide prevention awareness. During the Day of Hope, high school and senior high school students in Plano ISD will take part in activities that promote hope to try and destigmatize mental health issues and empower others to ask for help if they are in an emotional crisis. The Day of Hope also works to bring awareness to mental health resources in the community, including local crisis teams, therapists, psychologists, and more.

Plano ISD Hope Squad teams are making an impact on their campuses and community by:

• creating mental health check-ins,
• creating gratitude walls,
• preparing suicide awareness prevention activities,
• school wide lessons,
• theme days,
• acts of kindness days,
• volunteering and
• speaking in the community.

To learn more, visit Plano ISD’s Hope Squad webpage or visit the national Hope Squad website. 

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Plano ISD’s Parent Education and Engagement Program is Hosting Safety Series in February and March

Want to learn more about water, sleep, gun and home safety? Join Plano ISD’s Parent Education and Engagement (PEEP) Program and partner, Children’s Health, for Safety Series presentations throughout the months of February and March. Sessions will be available in English and Spanish virtually through Zoom. 

To view the full calendar of classes offered by the Parent Education and Engagement Program, including links to this safety series, visit the program’s webpage. Or, for more information, contact Director of Family & Social Services Sharon Bradley.

February 9, 2022

Superintendent Search Survey

Families, staff and community members are invited to share their perspective regarding attributes that they would like to see in Plano ISD’s next superintendent. 

This brief survey is being administered by the Plano ISD Board of Trustees. Your input is critically important as trustees seek to identify the best candidate for the position who meets the needs of all Plano ISD stakeholders. This survey closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18. 

The Board appreciates your time and feedback.

Take the survey here: English | Spanish

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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February 8, 2022

Food and Nutritional Services To Host Job Fair on February 10 

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department will be hosting a job fair on Thursday, February 10, from 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. at Robinson Middle School’s cafeteria, 6701 Preston Meadow Drive in Plano. 

Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule; opportunities for advancement; weekends, holidays and summers off; a retirement plan; and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a résumé if possible. Résumés can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

February 4, 2022

Update: All Saturday Student Activities Postponed or Cancelled   

With freezing temperatures continuing through tomorrow, all Plano ISD student events and activities will be cancelled or postponed for Saturday morning, afternoon and evening, February 5, 2022, due to the continued potential for ice and unsafe driving conditions. 

Campus staff supervising cancelled or postponed events will communicate directly with parents and students. 

Based on current weather forecasts, Plano ISD plans to resume classes on Monday, February 7. School will be in session unless otherwise announced.

For more information and updates from Plano ISD, please monitor the district website and official social media pages:

• Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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February 3, 2022

Update: Weather Related Cancellations/Postponements 

As temperatures are expected to remain below freezing between now and noon on Saturday, all Plano ISD activities will be cancelled for the morning of Saturday, February 5, 2022, due to the continued potential for unsafe driving conditions. Further communication will be provided tomorrow on events occurring after noon on Saturday. 

Campus staff supervising cancelled or postponed events will need to communicate directly with parents and students. 

Please stay safe and continue to consult our usual communications channels for up-to-date information, including the Plano ISD website, Facebook and Twitter.

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PISD/Capital One Family Financial Literacy Class

Want to learn ways to start fresh financially for 2022 from experts? Join Plano ISD community partner, Capital One, for “Family Financial Literacy 101” on February 8, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The session will be held virtually through Zoom. For more information about this session and other parent education and engagement program opportunities, please contact Sharon Bradley.

 

February 2, 2022

Schools and District Buildings Closed Thursday and Friday, February 3 and 4

Due to the forecast for inclement weather, extreme temperatures and the potential for unsafe driving conditions throughout the district, Plano ISD schools and facilities will be closed on Thursday and Friday, February 3 and 4.  

These closures are considered inclement weather days and will be made up per the district’s academic calendar. There will be no instruction online or in person on these days. 

Afternoon and evening activities and competitions are also cancelled or postponed for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, February 2, 3 and 4.

Please stay safe and continue to consult our usual communications channels for up-to-date information:

• The Plano ISD website: Weather-related closures and updates will be posted in real time on the Plano ISD home page as well as campus websites.
• The Plano ISD Mobile App: Download the mobile app and log in to receive specific messages related to your school. However, weather closures will be sent to all app users, even if you are not logged in to the system.
• School Messenger (e-mail and telephone messages): The district will provide updated information as needed to all parent and emergency contact telephone numbers and email addresses in the system.
• Social media – Facebook and Twitter: Weather-related closures will be posted immediately to Plano ISD’s Facebook and Twitter pages. You do not have to sign up for Facebook or Twitter to view these pages; however, followers will receive instant updates in their newsfeeds.
• Local news media: Plano ISD will make information available to local television and radio stations and will enlist their assistance in communicating with our audiences.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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February 1, 2022

Monitoring Winter Weather

Plano ISD is monitoring the weather, which may include extreme conditions later this week that could make commuting to school unsafe.

Any decisions regarding school closure or event cancellations will follow the guidelines on the district website and will be communicated via the usual district channels, including:

• The Plano ISD website: Weather-related closures and updates will be posted in real time on the Plano ISD home page as well as campus websites.
• The Plano ISD Mobile App: Download the mobile app and log in to receive specific messages related to your school. However, weather closures will be sent to all app users, even if you are not logged in to the system.
• School Messenger (e-mail and telephone messages): The district will provide updated information as needed to all parent and emergency contact telephone numbers and email addresses in the system.
• Social media – Facebook and Twitter: Weather-related closures will be posted immediately to Plano ISD’s Facebook and Twitter pages. You do not have to sign up for Facebook or Twitter to view these pages; however, followers will receive instant updates in their newsfeeds.
• Local news media: Plano ISD will make information available to local television and radio stations and will enlist their assistance in communicating with our audiences.

For more information, please review Plano ISD’s weather-related guidelines.

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Plano ISD MLK Celebration To Be Hosted Virtually this Thursday, February 3

With the theme “Together We Honor the Past, Inspire the Present and Change the Future,” this year marks the 35th year for Plano ISD’s annual tribute event celebrating the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the diverse Plano ISD community. The 2022 event will be held as a virtual celebration that will include engaging content that highlights the winners of the student writing contest, the Diversity Leadership Award nominees and winners, top artwork selected from the student art contest and more. 

Join us online this Thursday, February 3, at 6 p.m. for the celebration, which will premiere on the district’s website at www.pisd.edu/MLK2022. 

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Applications Now Open for Mayor’s Summer Internship Program 

Applications are now open for the competitive Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program, a “learn-and-earn” program that places qualifying Plano ISD sophomores and juniors at some of the area’s top corporations and nonprofits. Presented by founding sponsor Capital One, the program connects students with dozens of organizations, from national headquarters and government entities to small businesses, local charities and nonprofits.

The eight-week paid internship program, which offers remote and on-site placements (or a combination of both), runs June 6-July 29 (although some start dates are flexible). Students earn a minimum of $10 per hour working 20-40 hours per week. Only the first 400 applications will be considered, so students are encouraged to apply early. The application window closes on March 1.

Led by Plano Mayor John Muns, the program prepares the future workforce for a successful transition into college and their life-long careers. Since its inception in 2014, approximately 700 students have received summer internships, reaping invaluable benefits from being immersed in or exposed to a professional workplace.

To qualify, students must complete an online application, which includes two short essays. Additionally, applicants must be a rising junior or senior to a Plano ISD senior high school; have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (minimum) and solid attendance record; be 16 years of age by June 13, 2022; be eligible to work in the United States; and be able to work the entire eight weeks of the internship from June 6-July 29 (or dates determined by the employer).

Students must attend an in-depth Intern Prep virtual event on Saturday, March 19. For more information, including additional important dates and the online program application, visit the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program website.

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Food and Nutritional Services Reschedules Job Fair for February 10

Due to the potential for inclement weather, Food and Nutritional Services has postponed the job fair scheduled for Thursday, February 3, at Robinson Middle School. The job fair has been rescheduled for Thursday, February 10, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Robinson Middle School’s cafeteria, 6701 Preston Meadow Drive in Plano.

Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a résumé if possible. Résumés can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783. Come join our team and help feed our future!

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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January 27, 2022

Trustees Announce Next Steps Following Superintendent’s Retirement Announcement

The Plano ISD Board of Trustees met this morning in an emergency called meeting following Superintendent Sara Bonser’s retirement announcement earlier this week. The board officially accepted Mrs. Bonser’s letter of retirement and determined the next steps for posting and filling the position. 

Mrs. Bonser announced her retirement yesterday, January 26, stating, “Balancing work and family has always been important to me, but never more so than now that my sister is dealing with a critical illness. Retiring will allow me the opportunity to help and support my family.” 

The board unanimously agreed that their search would begin within Plano ISD, looking first at internal candidates. “We are happy with the direction the district is going. Sara has built a strong leadership team and has set the district up for success with a well-developed Strategic Plan and Plan of Work,” said Board President David Stolle. “We will start our search by looking at internal candidates who can help maintain the momentum and forward trajectory inspired by Sara’s leadership.”

The board hopes to name a lone finalist in the coming months who will be ready to step into the position when Mrs. Bonser leaves at the end of the school year. 

Updates regarding the superintendent search will be shared as appropriate and posted on the district’s website.

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Students Can Apply for Mayor’s Summer Internship Program 

Registration opens on February 1 for the competitive Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program, a “learn-and-earn” program that places qualifying Plano ISD sophomores and juniors at some of the area’s top corporations and nonprofits. Presented by founding sponsor Capital One, the program connects students with dozens of organizations, from national headquarters and government entities to small businesses, local charities and nonprofits.

The eight-week paid internship program, which offers remote and on-site placements (or a combination of both), runs June 6-July 29 (although some start dates are flexible). Students earn a minimum of $10 per hour working 20-40 hours per week. Only the first 400 applications will be considered, so students are encouraged to apply early.

Led by Plano Mayor John Muns, the program prepares the future workforce for a successful transition into college and their life-long careers. Since its inception in 2014, approximately 700 students have received summer internships, reaping invaluable benefits from being immersed in or exposed to a professional workplace.

To qualify, students must complete an online application, which includes two short essays. Additionally, applicants must be a rising junior or senior to a Plano ISD senior high school; have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (minimum) and solid attendance record; be 16 years of age by June 13, 2022; be eligible to work in the United States; and be able to work the entire eight weeks of the internship from June 6-July 29 (or dates determined by the employer).

Students must attend an in-depth Intern Prep virtual event on Saturday, March 19. For more information, including additional important dates and the online program application, visit the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program website.

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Food and Nutritional Services To Host Job Fair on February 3

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department is hosting a job fair on Thursday, February 3 from 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. at Robinson Middle School’s cafeteria, 6701 Preston Meadow Drive in Plano. Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a resume if possible. Resumes can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783.

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Regional Virtual Workshop to Focus on Special Education Parent Participation 

Parent participation is an important part of the ARD/IEP process in special education. Region 10, which serves area school districts, is providing a virtual parent training session about “The Power of Meaningful Parent Participation” on February 9. The training will be held in English and in Spanish. To access the webinar, please click on the link Region 10 Family Focused Webinar. 

January 26, 2022

Superintendent Sara Bonser Announces Plans to Retire

After 33 years of service in public education (25 of those years in Plano ISD), Superintendent Sara Bonser informed the Plano ISD Board of Trustees on Tuesday, January 25, that she will retire as superintendent at the end of this school year in order to spend more time with family at a critical time.   

“Balancing work and family has always been important to me, but never more so than now that my sister is dealing with a critical illness.” Mrs. Bonser said. “Retiring will allow me the opportunity to help and support my family.” 

Mrs. Bonser returned to Plano ISD in 2017 to serve as interim deputy superintendent before being appointed superintendent in March 2018. Prior to that, she worked for seven years in Rockwall ISD serving as chief academic officer, chief administrative officer, assistant superintendent for student and family services and director of student and family services. As Rockwall ISD’s first director of student and family services, she created that division from the ground up.

Before Rockwall ISD, Mrs. Bonser worked in Plano ISD for nineteen years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, including seven years as principal of Williams High School. A 30-year resident of Plano, Mrs. Bonser refers to her position as superintendent of Plano ISD schools as “my dream job in my hometown.”

“The board will accept Superintendent Bonser’s resignation with great reluctance, but we certainly understand Sara’s need to support her family at this time,” said School Board President David Stolle. “Plano ISD has greatly benefited from Sara’s results-driven leadership and passion for student success. She will be missed tremendously by this board, the staff and the community.”

“Sara is leaving behind a legacy of leadership,” Mr. Stolle continued. “ We are appreciative that the district remains in very capable hands thanks to her expertise in building teams, expanding capacity and developing talent.”

“I am proud to have served alongside the most hardworking, brilliant and committed staff in the region, state and nation,” Mrs. Bonser said. “Their dedication to providing an outstanding education to the children within Plano ISD, preparing them for college and careers, is unparalleled.” 

Mrs. Bonser said that in the days ahead, she will work with the Board of Trustees and administration to ensure a smooth transition for the district. She credits the school board for their inspirational level of commitment, stating that they “continue to be a strong and resilient Team of 8 with an unwavering commitment to children in support of the highest level of achievement for all students.”

“The next leader of Plano ISD can feel confident that the board and administration will continue to work together on behalf of all students,” she added. 

Superintendent Bonser is a public education leader and advocate in Plano ISD and across the State of Texas. She is a member of the Executive Board of the Texas School Coalition and serves as Vice Chair of the Region 10 Education Service Center’s Regional Advisory Committee. She is also a member of the Texas Association of School Administrators Advocacy Committee, the Coalition for Behavioral Healthcare in Collin County and the Medical City Plano Community Advisory Council. Recently, she was chosen to serve in the new Superintendent Leadership Program launched last year by the Holdsworth Center, designed to support strong diverse leaders who are driving transformative change. 

As a member of the inaugural Raise Your Hand Texas Principal Leadership Development Program at Harvard University, Mrs. Bonser has an unwavering passion for redesigning instruction to improve student outcomes. This passion resulted in her receiving the Principal of the Year Award from the College Board Southwest Region for excellence in the Advanced Placement (AP) program. Superintendent Bonser was named the 2020 Business Executive of the Year by the Plano Chamber of Commerce’s Best of Plano, recognizing her outstanding leadership, strategic thinking, pursuit for excellence and professional integrity.

Superintendent Bonser earned an undergraduate degree in Business Education from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from The University of North Texas and her Superintendent Certification from Texas A&M Commerce. She was named one of Plano Magazine’s 2018 Girl Bosses for using her time and talents to make Plano one of the best places to live. She and her husband have been married for 29 years and have two children, both graduates of Plano East Senior High.

“I am thankful for every member of this community, every family and child I have met along the way, and wish only the best for Plano ISD in the future. I will always be proud to say that I live in Plano, taught in Plano ISD and led Plano ISD.”

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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January 20, 2022

Industries Academy Applications for the 2022-2023 School Year Close on January 28

Interested in acquiring knowledge and skills for success in high-wage, high-demand career fields? The Plano ISD Industries Academy at the Collin College Technical Campus is a two-year program open to incoming juniors who would like to pursue a path in career areas such as advanced manufacturing, architecture and construction, and science, technology, engineering, and math. By taking Collin College dual credit courses, students will have the opportunity to earn industry-based certifications, skills to meet workforce needs, and preparation to join tomorrow’s job market. 

Applications close on January 28, 2022 at 9 p.m.

Watch our video below to learn more about the program or visit the Plano ISD Industries Academy web page to complete the Industries Academy selection form. 

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Virtual Academy Accepting Applications for the 2022-2023 School Year through January 29

Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy pilot for grades K-5 is accepting applications through 5 p.m., January 29.

The Plano ISD Virtual Academy will provide an enhanced K-5 instructional design fully led by Plano ISD teachers and support staff. This enhanced instructional design includes increased synchronous instructional time, curriculum designed by Plano ISD, increased opportunities for small group instruction and enrichment, integration of social emotional learning, additional administrative and support staff, asynchronous instruction and enrichment provided by Plano ISD 

For more information about Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy, visit their website at www.pisd.edu/virtual or send an email to virtual@pisd.edu.

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IB World School at Huffman Elementary Applications for the 2022-23 School Year Close on January 29

Parents interested in having their children attend Plano ISD’s IB World School at Huffman Elementary in the 2022-2023 school year are invited to submit applications through 5 p.m., January 29. The program is the IB primary years programme in Plano ISD. Any student who lives within the Plano ISD attendance zone and who will be enrolled in grades K-5 is eligible to apply. 

The program is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) that fosters the development of knowledgeable, principled and internationally minded citizens. Huffman IB PYP is grounded in the same state standards as all Plano ISD elementary schools, along with a transdisciplinary framework that integrates subject areas. Additionally, every scholar participates in a World Language, Chinese Mandarin. Students not only learn how to speak, read and write in Mandarin, but they also learn about Chinese culture. This exposure to language and culture is designed to broaden students' understanding of the world beyond the one they know.

Watch our video below to learn more about the program or visit the school’s website.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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January 18, 2022

Families Are Invited to Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Parent Information Sessions

Plano ISD is excited at the possibility of offering a two-way dual language immersion program for kindergarten students in the 2022-2023 school year. Families are invited to attend one of two parent information sessions to learn more about the program and the application process:

• In-person Meeting: January 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the Plano ISD Board Room at 2700 W. 15th Street, Plano, Texas 
• Virtual Meeting: January 20 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom

Two-way dual language is a choice program that integrates English speaking and Spanish speaking students in the same classroom. Students entering the two-way dual language program in kindergarten will remain in the program through 5th grade. Two-way dual language programs help students develop oral and cognitive academic language in both English and Spanish, while mastering grade level knowledge and skills in all elementary content areas. The goal of the program is for all students to become bilingual and biliterate. To learn more about the program or to access the application, please visit our website. The application is also available from this link. 

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Semester Exam Grade Waiver and Exemption Guidelines Are Updated for Spring 2022

Semester exam grade waiver and exemption guidelines for 12th-grade students, and all students taking AP or IB courses, have been updated for Spring 2022. 

Beginning January 24, 2022, students may be absent from a class for up to 8 days to remain eligible for semester exam exemptions. Students unable to attend school due to a temporary medical condition, positive COVID-19 test, or identification as a COVID-19 close contact may be eligible for remote conferencing. Students who follow district guidelines for remote conferencing will not accrue absences for the days in which they participate via remote conferencing.

Families may refer to the following documents for more information regarding exemption guidelines and remote conferencing:

• Updated Exam Waiver Guidelines (English and Spanish)
• Remote Conferencing - Parent Information Sheet (English)
• Remote Conferencing - Parent Information Sheet (Spanish)

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Food and Nutritional Services To Host Job Fairs on January 20 and February 3

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department is hosting job fairs on Thursday, January 20 and Thursday, February 3 from 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. at Robinson Middle School’s cafeteria, 6701 Preston Meadow Drive in Plano. Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a resume if possible. Resumes can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783.Come join our team and help feed our future! 

Watch the video below featuring one of our employees sharing why she loves her job with FANS.

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January Reminders:

• IB World School at Huffman Elementary Accepting 2022-2023 School Year Applications Now Through January 29
• Virtual Academy 2022-2023 School Year Registration Open Now through January 29 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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January 13, 2022

Food and Nutritional Services To Host Job Fairs on January 20 and February 3

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department is hosting job fairs on Thursday, January 20 and Thursday, February 3 from 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. at Robinson Middle School’s cafeteria, 6701 Preston Meadow Drive in Plano. Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a resume if possible. Resumes can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

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Industries Academy Applications for 2022-2023 School Year Close on January 28

Interested in acquiring knowledge and skills for success in high-wage, high-demand career fields? The Plano ISD Industries Academy at the Collin College Technical Campus is a two-year program open to incoming juniors that would like to pursue a path in career areas such as advanced manufacturing, architecture and construction, and science, technology, engineering, and math. By taking Collin College dual credit courses, students will have the opportunity to earn industry-based certifications, skills to meet workforce needs, and preparation to join tomorrow’s job market. 

Applications close on January 28, 2022 at 9 p.m.

Watch our video below to learn more about the program or visit the Plano ISD Industries Academy web page to complete the Industries Academy Selection Form. 

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Virtual Academy Accepting Applications for 2022-2023 School Year through January 29

Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy pilot for grades K-5 is accepting applications through 5 p.m., January 29.

The Plano ISD Virtual Academy will provide an enhanced K-5 instructional design fully led by Plano ISD teachers and support staff. This enhanced instructional design includes increased synchronous instructional time, curriculum designed by Plano ISD, increased opportunities for small group instruction and enrichment, integration of social emotional learning, additional administrative and support staff, asynchronous instruction and enrichment provided by Plano ISD 

For more information about Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy, visit their website at www.pisd.edu/virtual or contact us via email at virtual@pisd.edu.

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IB World School at Huffman Elementary Applications for 2022-23 School Year Close on January 29

Parents interested in having their children attend Plano ISD’s IB World School at Huffman Elementary in the 2022-2023 school year are invited to submit applications through 5 p.m., January 29. The program is the IB primary years programme in Plano ISD. Any student who lives within the Plano ISD attendance zone and who will be enrolled in grades K-5 is eligible to apply. To learn more about the IB programme at the elementary level, visit the school’s website.

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Community Events, Activities and Opportunities Are Posted on Plano ISD’s Materials Distribution Portal 

Families can easily learn about events, enrichment activities and opportunities offered by community organizations as well as school-affiliated organizations by visiting Plano ISD’s Online Materials Distribution Portal. New opportunities are added every week!

Community organizations are also invited to visit the site to post information. There is a $15 fee per post for nonprofit organizations and a $30 fee per post for for-profit organizations. Details about establishing an account to post information can be found on Plano ISD’s materials distribution web page, as well as guidelines on how to post and pay. 

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Secondary Science and Engineering Fair Judges Needed

Plano ISD is requesting help with judging the Plano ISD Science and Engineering Fair on February 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at McMillen High School, 750 N. Murphy Rd, Murphy, TX 75094.

All confirmed judges will receive an information packet and map in early January via email. If you have a co-worker or colleague who might be interested in judging, please forward this information. 

Your help with Plano ISD Science and Engineering Fair helps encourage students to pursue science related careers. We understand how full your schedules are, but hope you will reserve time for our students. The fair is successful year after year thanks to the support of our community. We hope your calendar will allow you to participate in this wonderful event. 

If you are interested in volunteering to be a judge, please register via this link.

More information is available on Plano ISD’s Science and Engineering Fair website.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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January 11, 2022

Plano ISD MLK Celebration To Be Hosted Virtually

With the theme “Together We Honor the Past, Inspire the Present and Change the Future,” this year marks the 35th year for Plano ISD’s annual tribute event celebrating the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the diverse Plano ISD community. The 2022 event will be held as a virtual celebration that will include engaging content that highlights the winners of the student writing contest, the Diversity Leadership Award nominees and winners, top artwork selected from the student art contest and more. 

We will share more details as we finalize planning to revise our live event to a virtual format. This will include a new date, time and platform for hosting the event. We look forward to celebrating together, even if we are not celebrating in person.

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“Strong-Willed Children” Is Topic of Upcoming Parent Education and Engagement Series

Plano ISD’s Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) invites parents to attend a three-week series about “Strong-Willed Children.” The one-hour sessions will take place virtually at 1 p.m. on January 12, 19 and 26. Licensed professional counselor and certified parent educator Troslyn Perry-Mitchell will be the presenter. The Zoom link will be sent to registered participants. Register via this link: https://bit.ly/3zNRpHg.

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City of Richardson Sponsors Two Student Contests

The Richardson City Council, in partnership with Plano ISD, Richardson ISD and UT Dallas, is sponsoring two contests for students who reside within the City of Richardson or attend a Plano ISD or Richardson ISD school located within the City of Richardson. Entries Winners will be determined in each age category and recognized at a City of Richardson City Council meeting.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest 2022

• For: Students in grades 4-12 
• Prompt: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” What issue would you “shine a light on” if you had the opportunity and why? 
• Details: One entry per student. Essays should not exceed 500 words. 
• Contest Window: January 1-31

Black History Month Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion Art Contest

• For: Students in Pre-K-12th grade 
• Prompt: Create a visual image that displays how your unique beliefs and values contribute to our diverse community and help promote inclusion. 
• Details: One entry per student. Submissions may include two- or three-dimensional art pieces. 
• Contest Window: January 1- Feb. 28. 

To submit entries or for more information about each contest, visit the City of Richardson website.

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January Reminders:

• IB World School at Huffman Elementary Accepting 2022-2023 School Year Applications Now Through January 29
• Virtual Academy 2022-2023 School Year Registration Open Now through January 29 
• Parents Invited to Complete Two-Way Dual Immersion Program Interest Survey

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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January 7, 2022

Updated Guidelines for Schoolwide Events, Activities and PTA

Due to rising COVID related case numbers in our community, the district has updated the guidelines for schoolwide events and activities to protect the health and wellbeing of Plano ISD students and staff. These revised guidelines will be in place through February 4, 2022, and will be reevaluated at that time. Revised sections are noted in the Return to School Plan with an updated date.

Updates include:

• All Plano ISD schools are prohibited from planning large attendance indoor events such as all-school assemblies, parties, socials, pep rallies, etc., that bring large groups of students together during the school day. Campuses are encouraged to explore other options such as small gatherings, grade level cohort groups or virtual opportunities.
• Parent meetings and conferences will be held virtually through February 4.
• Campus visitors and volunteers will be on a limited basis depending on the current Campus Response Level.
• No cafeteria visitors will be permitted on campuses through February 4. 
• Out-of-district field trips will be postponed and rescheduled for a later date. 
• Field trips for third graders to the Plano ISD Outdoor Learning Center will continue as planned. Parents can work with their campuses to opt their students out of this trip. 
• Middle school visits for fifth graders will be postponed and rescheduled for a later date if possible or will be held virtually.
• Student travel, outside of Plano ISD, not related to an academic or athletic competition, will be postponed and rescheduled.
• Student travel and participation in academic or athletic events will follow guidance issued by TEA and UIL.

 You can view Plano ISD’s Return to School Plan at www.pisd.edu/returnplan. 

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COVID Testing for Students (Update)

Due to statewide staffing and supply shortages of TEA-approved COVID testing vendors, COVID testing through Plano ISD was not able to begin this week, as anticipated. We understand the demand for testing is high right now. We look forward to providing this service again, and apologize for the delay. According to the vendor, testing is expected to begin mid-week, next week. The tests will be PCR tests, not rapid antigen tests. The form previously used for scheduling appointments will no longer be used for the PCR test appointments. Details regarding location, appointment times and directions on scheduling an appointment will be provided once the official start date is finalized. 

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Updated Quarantine Guidelines 

Staff: Quarantine guidelines for employees who have tested positive for COVID or are experiencing COVID symptoms have been updated based on current CDC and TEA guidelines. Employees may return to work after 5 days of quarantine, as long as the return criteria is met, and the employee has been cleared by Health Services to return to work. In accordance with CDC guidance, masks should be worn for an additional 5 days. If the return criteria is not met after 5 days, quarantine will continue.

Students: Guidelines for student quarantine have not changed from 10 days as dictated by Texas Department of State Health Services. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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January 6, 2022

Student Health Reminders and Updates

Teamwork to Maintain a Safe and Healthy School Environment 

In Plano ISD, maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff is a top priority and a coordinated effort. The district works with Collin County Health Services, as well as our students, staff, parents and healthcare professionals to manage communicable illnesses, including COVID-19. We all play an important role in managing health and safety protocols responsibly.

Schools and the district help by:

• Teaching and encouraging proper handwashing techniques.
• Teaching effective cough and sneeze techniques such as coughing into your sleeve.
• Posting signs around the campus as visual reminders.
• Offering optional, free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to staff.
• Offering optional, free COVID-19 testing to students and staff (see Testing Update below).
• Encouraging all staff and students to remain home when ill.
• Recommending indoor masking regardless of vaccination status. 
• Providing updated information on our COVID Response web page.

Parents help by:

• Having their families vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu.
• Encouraging that proper handwashing, sneeze and cough techniques are used at home.
• Consulting their healthcare providers when COVID or flu-like symptoms begin. Symptoms include: fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, headache, nasal congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.
• Keeping children home when ill or while awaiting test results.
• Completing the Student Reporting Form if students have tested positive for COVID. 

Students help by:

• Washing their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before and after eating, after sneezing or coughing into their hands, after using the restroom, after playing outdoors and any other times that their hands are dirty.
• Using tissues when sneezing and coughing into their sleeves.
• Not sharing food and drink.
• Encouraging others to do the same. 

The Collin County Health Services Department can help by:

• Helping to plan and making suggestions for managing increased incidences in a particular area.

COVID Testing for Students in Grades K-12 (UPDATE)

Due to staffing and supply shortages, COVID testing through Plano ISD was not able to begin this week, as anticipated. We understand the demand for testing is high right now. We look forward to providing this service, again, and apologize for the delay. According to the vendor, testing is expected to begin mid-week, next week. The tests will be PCR tests, not rapid antigen tests. The form previously used for scheduling appointments will no longer be used for the PCR test appointments. Details regarding location, appointment times, and directions on scheduling an appointment will be provided once the official start date is finalized. 

Remote Conferencing for COVID Quarantine

Remote Conferencing is a mechanism by which remote instruction can be provided for each individual student that will be out of school for COVID-related quarantine purposes. 

Student attendance will be coded as “RC- Remote Conferencing,” which is considered being “PRESENT.” The total amount of RC instruction cannot exceed 20 instructional days over the entirety of the school year. School Nurses will work with the campus COVID Action Team to assign remote conferencing. It is recommended that RC is assigned for no more than 10 days.

Remote Conferencing for COVID Quarantine Overview: Remote conferencing allows students who qualify the opportunity to have synchronous or live instructional facilitation for a minimum of 2 hours per day for students PK-5, and 4 hours each day for students in grades 6-12. The remote conferencing teachers are Plano ISD teachers from our Guinn SPC and substitutes, the home campus teacher will remain the teacher of record. This allows students to keep up with classroom learning and assignments while not being overburdened with make-up work upon their return to school. Download and view the Remote Conferencing Parent Information Sheet in English or Spanish.

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Parents Invited to Complete Interest Survey About Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Program 

Plano ISD is excited at the possibility of offering a two-way dual language immersion program for kindergarten students in the 2022-2023 school year. The implementation of the two-way dual language program in the 2022-2023 school year is pending, based on interest expressed by Plano ISD parents. Please take a few moments to complete this short survey to inform our planning. (Completion of the survey is not a commitment to the program.)

Two-way dual language is a program that integrates English speaking and Spanish speaking students in the same classroom. Students entering the two-way dual language program in kindergarten will remain in the program through 5th grade. Two-way dual language programs help students develop oral and cognitive academic language in both English and Spanish, while mastering grade level knowledge and skills in all elementary content areas. The goal of the program is for all students to become bilingual and biliterate. To learn more about the program please visit our website. 

Two parent information sessions will be held so that parents can learn more about the two-way dual language immersion program and the application process. There will be an in-person meeting at 5:30 p.m. on January 19 in the Plano ISD Board Room at 2700 W. 15th Street, Plano, Texas. A virtual parent meeting option will be offered at 5:30 p.m. on January 20 via Zoom. 

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Family Financial Literacy Virtual Workshop To Be Offered on January 11

Want to learn from the experts ways to start fresh financially for 2022? Families are invited to attend the upcoming Parent Education and Engagement Program session that will focus on “Financial Literacy 101.” This session will be presented by community partner Capital One on January 11 at 10:00 a.m. virtually through Zoom. For more information about this session and other Parent Education and Engagement Program opportunities, please contact Director of Family & Social Services Sharon Bradley.

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January Reminders:

• Intra-District Transfers Requests Close this Friday, January 7
• IB World School at Huffman Elementary Accepting 2022-2023 School Year Applications Now Through January 29
• Virtual Academy 2022-2023 School Year Registration Open Now through January 29 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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January 4, 2022

Virtual Academy Application Window for 2022-2023 School Year Is January 5-29

Plano ISD is excited to announce that the Virtual Academy pilot for grades K-5 will be extended for the 2022-2023 school year. The application window will open at 8 a.m. on January 5 and close at 5 p.m. on January 29.

The Plano ISD Virtual Academy will provide an enhanced K-5 instructional design fully led by Plano ISD teachers and support staff. This enhanced instructional design includes increased synchronous instructional time, curriculum designed by Plano ISD, increased opportunities for small group instruction and enrichment, integration of social emotional learning, additional administrative and support staff, asynchronous instruction and enrichment provided by Plano ISD 

(Want to print or share this information? Download the flyer in English or Spanish.) 

For more information about Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy, visit the website at www.pisd.edu/virtual or email virtual@pisd.edu.

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Application Window for IB World School at Huffman Elementary, January 5-29

Parents interested in having their children attend Plano ISD’s IB World School at Huffman Elementary in the 2022-2023 school year are invited to submit applications between 8 a.m., January 5 and 5 p.m., January 29. The program is the IB primary years programme in Plano ISD. Any student who lives within the Plano ISD attendance zone and who will be enrolled in grades K-5 is eligible to apply. To learn more about the IB programme at the elementary level, visit the school’s website.

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Application Window for Grades 9-12 Academy Programs Closes on January 7

The application deadline for Academy High School, the Health Sciences Academy and the IB World School at Plano East Senior High School is on January 7. Applications for the Industries Academies at Collin College close at 9 p.m. on January 28.

Students currently in eighth, ninth and tenth grade interested in applying to be in any of these academy programs for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year can access applications online on the Academy Programs of Plano webpage at www.pisd.edu/academyprograms. 

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Families Can Request Intra-District Transfers from January 4-7

The Intra-District Transfer Request process for kindergarten-12th grades will begin on January 4 at 8:00 a.m. and close on January 7 at 5 p.m. The process is open to all families who wish to request a school transfer for their student for the 2022-23 school year. For more information about the transfer process and how to request an online tracking number, visit the Student Transfers page at www.pisd.edu/pisdtransfer.

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Secondary Science and Engineering Fair Judges Needed

Plano ISD is requesting help with judging the Plano ISD Science and Engineering Fair on February 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at McMillen High School, 750 N. Murphy Rd, Murphy, TX 75094.

All confirmed judges will receive an information packet and map in early January via email. If you have a co-worker or colleague who might be interested in judging, please forward this information. 

Your help with Plano ISD Science and Engineering Fair helps encourage students to pursue science related careers. We understand how full your schedules are, but hope you will reserve time for our students. The fair is successful year after year thanks to the support of our community. We hope your calendar will allow you to participate in this wonderful event. 

If you are interested in volunteering to be a judge, please register via this link.

More information is available on Plano ISD’s Science and Engineering Fair website.

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City of Richardson Sponsors Two Student Contests

The Richardson City Council, in partnership with Plano ISD, Richardson ISD and UT Dallas, is sponsoring two contests for students who reside within the City of Richardson or attend a Plano ISD or Richardson ISD school located within the City of Richardson. Winners will be determined in each age category and recognized at a City of Richardson City Council meeting.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest 2022

• For: Students in grades 4-12 
• Prompt:  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” What issue would you “shine a light on” if you had the opportunity and why? 
• Details: One entry per student. Essays should not exceed 500 words. 
• Contest Window: January 1-31

African American History Month Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion Art Contest

• For: Students in Pre-K-12th grade 
• Prompt: Create a visual image that displays how your unique beliefs and values contribute to our diverse community and help promote inclusion.  
• Details: One entry per student. Submissions may include two- or three-dimensional art pieces. 
• Contest Window: January 1- February 28. 

To submit entries or for more information about each contest, visit the City of Richardson website.

January 3, 2022

COVID-19 Reporting as We Return from Winter Break

As Plano ISD schools prepare to welcome students back for the second semester, we want to remind you that the Student Reporting Form for COVID-19 remains available. Please complete and submit the form if your child tests positive for COVID-19. Your school nurse will contact you regarding your child’s quarantine requirements and when the student may return to campus. If you are unable to submit an electronic report, please contact your school nurse to report. See your campus website for contact information.       

If you have concerns about your child’s health, please contact your doctor or go to the emergency room. 

As students return from the break, please remember to keep your child home if any of the following scenarios apply:

• Your child is sick with symptoms that could be COVID-19. Symptoms to watch for: fever (100°F or higher), cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, fatigue, congestion/running nose, nausea/diarrhea, new loss of taste or smell.
• Your child has a confirmed case of COVID-19 or has been in close contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. These individuals must follow all isolation and quarantine guidelines from the local health authority or their physician.
• Your child is awaiting their own test results.  All test results must be final before returning to school.

Optional COVID testing for PISD students in grades K-12 will resume on January 5, 2022. PCR testing will be available two days a week. Additional information and details regarding appointments will be shared when finalized with the provider. If you need a test before then, you may search for a location HERE.

As we continue to closely monitor the health situation, any operational changes, which could affect some activities and large gatherings, will be made on a campus-by-campus basis depending on the number of positive COVID-19 cases at the individual location.

COVID vaccines are available for children ages 5 and older through multiple vaccine providers in the community. Booster doses have been approved for teens, ages 16 and older (CDC approval for ages 12 and up is expected this week). Contact your child’s physician or locate a vaccine provider HERE.

Plano ISD faculty and staff wish you and your family a safe and happy New Year and we look forward to welcoming students back to school on January 5!

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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December 16, 2021

Happy Winter Break, Plano ISD! 

Winter Break is from December 20-January 3. January 4 is a student holiday and a staff work day. Classes resume on January 5. 

Have a safe and happy holiday, Plano ISD families!

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COVID-19/Cold/Flu/Allergies: What are the differences?

With flu season upon us, allergens in the air and COVID-19 still going around, every cough, sneeze or sore throat may have you wondering what you have. Being a viral illness, COVID-19 symptoms look very similar to symptoms of the flu or common cold. Some symptoms may look like your typical seasonal allergies. This table compares the typical symptoms seen with COVID-19 and those seen with the common cold, the flu, and seasonal allergies (Note: the table does not include an exhaustive list of symptoms). When in doubt, contact your healthcare provider.

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January Reminders:

• Families Can Request Intra-District Transfers from January 4-7
• Application Window for Grades 9-12 Academy Programs Extended to January
• Application Window for IB World School at Huffman Elementary, January 5-29

December 15, 2021

Safety Reminder for Plano ISD Families

The safety and well-being of all Plano ISD students are always a top priority. Schools across the country have seen a significant increase in threats through social media. In order to make sure that every student receives an exceptional education in a safe and supportive learning environment, we strive to ensure that our classrooms are safe from anyone who may attempt to cause fear, disruption or alarm.

As some students may have toys that look like or appear as real weapons (e.g., Nerf gun, BB gun, air gun, etc.), Plano ISD asks for your partnership in building awareness regarding safety concerns. Please talk to your child and help prevent these toys from becoming a perceived threat sent via social media, text messages, email or in person, with any type of threat attached. Such perceived or implied threats to a Plano ISD school, student or staff member, even as a prank, will be investigated by the school and law enforcement that may result in school and/or criminal consequences depending on the severity of the incident.

Possession of prohibited items and misuse of technology resources and the Internet violate the Plano ISD Student Code of Conduct and are subject to disciplinary action, which may include: 

• In- or Out-of-School Suspension
• District Alternative Education Placement
• Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Placement
• Criminal Charges

Parents are asked to take the following steps to support the safety and wellness of your children over the winter break and throughout the school year:

• Please monitor your child’s online and social media behavior
• Talk to your children about the consequences of posting inappropriate content or threats through social media
• Encourage your child to be an upstander and make responsible decisions.

The Student Management Team and other district personnel have worked together to develop informational web resources aimed at helping families identify and address safety concerns. Visit the SEL and Student Management web pages for more information. Additionally, Plano ISD will continue to provide student guidance and build awareness around student safety.  

We appreciate your partnership in helping us provide a safe and supportive learning environment. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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December 14, 2021

Families Can Request Intra-District Transfers from January 4-7

The Intra-District Transfer Request process for kindergarten-12th grades will begin on January 4 at 8:00 a.m. and close on January 7 at 5 p.m. The process is open to all families who wish to request a school transfer for their student for the 2022-23 school year. For more information about the transfer process and how to request an online tracking number, visit the Student Transfers page at www.pisd.edu/pisdtransfer.

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Application Window for Grades 9-12 Academy Programs Extended

The application deadline for Academy High School, the Health Sciences Academy and the IB World School at Plano East Senior High School has been extended to January 7. Applications for the Industries Academies at Collin College close at 9 p.m. on January 28.

Students currently in eighth, ninth and tenth grade interested in applying to be in any of these academy programs for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year can access applications online on the Academy Programs of Plano webpage at www.pisd.edu/academyprograms. 

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Application Window for IB World School at Huffman Elementary, January 5-29

Parents interested in having their children attend Plano ISD’s IB World School at Huffman Elementary in the 2022-2023 school year are invited to submit applications between 8 a.m., January 5 and 5 p.m., January 29. The program is the IB primary years programme in Plano ISD. Any student who lives within the Plano ISD attendance zone and who will be enrolled in grades K-5 is eligible to apply. To learn more about the IB programme at the elementary level, visit the school’s website or watch the video below.

 

 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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December 9, 2021

Robbie & Lynore Robinson Fine Arts Center Grand Opening Is Postponed

This update is to let you know that the grand opening of the Robbie & Lynore Robinson Fine Arts Center, originally scheduled for mid January, has been postponed. As construction has progressed, the floors in the building show evidence of significant cracking as a result of poor workmanship and/or design that do not meet the aesthetic standards established by Plano ISD. Mindful of our obligation to students, parents, staff, the taxpayers and the many supporters of this facility, Plano ISD leaders have elected not to take occupancy of the facility until this deficiency is resolved to the satisfaction of the District. 

Understanding the ripple effect this has on our district and community, we will announce a new grand opening date as soon as we are able. Plano ISD students deserve a facility that honors their commitment to the arts and our goal is to make sure that you, our district and our community can be proud of our new home for the arts in Plano ISD.

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Winter/Holiday Celebration Reminders

Each year as the holidays approach, Plano ISD receives many questions regarding seasonal celebrations. To accommodate these inquiries, the district offers reminders related to food, materials distribution and other policies and guidelines. This information is available on the website at www.pisd.edu/wintercelebrations. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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December 7, 2021

Virtual Academy Hosting Information Meetings for 2022-2023 School Year Enrollment 

Plano ISD is excited to announce that the Virtual Academy pilot will be extended for the 2022-2023 school year. The Plano ISD Virtual Academy will provide an enhanced K-5 instructional design fully led by Plano ISD teachers and support staff. This enhanced instructional design includes increased synchronous instructional time, curriculum designed by Plano ISD, more opportunities for small group instruction and enrichment, integration of social emotional learning, and additional administrative and support staff.

Families interested in enrolling their student in Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy during the 2022-2023 school year are invited to attend one of two information meetings to be held via Zoom:

• Wednesday, December 8 from 9:00-9:30 a.m. (Zoom link)
• Thursday, December 9 from 6:00-6:30 p.m. (Zoom link)

(Want to print or share this information? Download the flyer.)  

All transfers, including transfers into Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy, are yearlong commitments. 

To learn more about Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy, visit www.pisd.edu/virtual. For questions about the meeting, please contact Steven Ewing, executive director for Student, Family and Community Services. 

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Sign Ups Open for Plano ISD’s K-5 Districtwide Virtual Code Night Taking Place Next Wednesday, December 8

All Plano ISD students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to participate in Plano ISD’s Code Night taking place virtually on Wednesday, December 8, from 5:00-6:15 p.m. Registration is required via this form. The event will introduce families and their students to coding and computer science using fun puzzles and special tips.

For the evening, participants will need a charged Chromebook, laptop or PC, and Internet access. Families who need assistance obtaining Internet access should contact their school’s campus technology assistant. 

More information is available on Plano ISD’s website. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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December 2, 2021

IB World School at Huffman Elementary Hosting Enrollment Information Meetings for 2022-23 School Year

Parents interested in having their children attend Plano ISD’s IB World School at Huffman Elementary in the 2022-2023 school year are invited to attend one of two information meetings: Saturday, December 4 at 10:00 a.m. (in-person) or Tuesday, December 7 at 6:00 p.m. (virtual). 

The program is the IB primary years programme in Plano ISD. Any student who lives within the Plano ISD attendance zone and who will be enrolled in grades K-5 is eligible to apply. Registration will take place from January 5-29. 

Watch the video below to get an overview of the program or to learn more about the meetings, visit the school’s IB PYP website. 

To view the video with closed captioning in English or other languages, click on the subtitles (cc) button and then the gear button. After selecting the gear button, click on “English,” then “auto-translate” and then choose the language.

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Virtual Academy Hosting Information Meetings for 2022-2023 School Year Enrollment 

Plano ISD is excited to announce that the Virtual Academy pilot will be extended for the 2022-2023 school year. The Plano ISD Virtual Academy will provide an enhanced K-5 instructional design fully led by Plano ISD teachers and support staff. This enhanced instructional design includes increased synchronous instructional time, curriculum designed by Plano ISD, more opportunities for small group instruction and enrichment, integration of social emotional learning, and additional administrative and support staff.

Families interested in enrolling their student in Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy during the 2022-2023 school year are invited to attend one of two information meetings to be held via Zoom:

• Wednesday, December 8 from 9:00-9:30 a.m. (Zoom link)
• Thursday, December 9 from 6:00-6:30 p.m. (Zoom link)

(Want to print or share this information? Download the flyer in English or Spanish.) 

All transfers, including transfers into Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy, are yearlong commitments. 

To learn more about Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy, visit www.pisd.edu/virtual. For questions about the meeting, please contact Steven Ewing, executive director for Student, Family and Community Services. 

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Sign Ups Open for Plano ISD’s K-5 Districtwide Virtual Code Night Taking Place Next Wednesday, December 8

All Plano ISD students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to participate in Plano ISD’s Code Night taking place virtually on Wednesday, December 8, from 5:00-6:15 p.m. Registration is required via this form. The event will introduce families and their students to coding and computer science using fun puzzles and special tips.

For the evening, participants will need a charged Chromebook, laptop or PC, and Internet access. Families who need assistance obtaining Internet access should contact their school’s campus technology assistant. 

More information is available on Plano ISD’s website. 

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Eighth-10th Grade Students Interested in Academy Programs at High Schools and Senior High Schools Can Apply Now

Plano ISD eighth, ninth and tenth grade students who are interested in applying for academy programs at the high school and senior high schools for the 2022-2023 school year can do so now. Online applications are available on the Academy Programs of Plano webpage at www.pisd.edu/academyprograms 

Applications for Academy High School, the Health Sciences Academy and the IB World School at Plano East must be submitted by 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 15, 2021. 

Applications for the Industries Academies at Collin College close at 9 p.m. on January 28, 2022.

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Plano ISD Diversity Leadership Award Nominations Close this Friday 

The Plano ISD Diversity Advisory Committee is accepting nominations for the 21st Annual Plano ISD Diversity Leadership Award. Nominations can be submitted via this form and are due by 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 3, 2021. 

Individual and group winners will be recognized at the Plano ISD Martin Luther King, Jr., Diversity Celebration to be held on January 20, 2022. Nominate an individual or group whose program or initiative has proven to promote diversity through stronger relationships, improved communications and enhanced understanding within Plano ISD or the broader community within the past year.

Key components of the Diversity Leadership Award include:

• Promoting diversity in the district and/or community
• Embracing diversity in the district and/or community
• Educating the district and or community about diversity

Categories may include:

• Student or student group*
• Plano ISD individual or group
• Community individual or group

*Students may also nominate themselves.

For additional information, please contact Brian Lyons via email or at 469-752-8910.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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November 30, 2021

New Webpage Helps Families Explore Pathways to College and Careers

Plano ISD recently launched a web page dedicated to Exploring Pathways to College and Careers. The site offers an overview and videos of the variety of opportunities. These resources are designed to help students to meet college and career readiness standards that enable them to be future-ready citizens and leaders in the global workforce. The videos include Career and Technical Education Programs of Study options that can assist students with their high school four-year plan. Visit the site at www.pisd.edu/ExploringPathways.

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Plano ISD Diversity Leadership Award Nominations Close this Friday 

The Plano ISD Diversity Advisory Committee is accepting nominations for the 21st Annual Plano ISD Diversity Leadership Award. Nominations can be submitted via this form and are due by 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 3, 2021. 

Individual and group winners will be recognized at the Plano ISD Martin Luther King, Jr., Diversity Celebration to be held on January 20, 2022. Nominate an individual or group whose program or initiative has proven to promote diversity through stronger relationships, improved communications and enhanced understanding within Plano ISD or the broader community within the past year.

Key components of the Diversity Leadership Award include:

• Promoting diversity in the district and/or community
• Embracing diversity in the district and/or community
• Educating the district and or community about diversity

Categories may include:

• Student or student group*
• Plano ISD individual or group
• Community individual or group

*Students may also nominate themselves.

For additional information, please contact Brian Lyons via email or at 469-752-8910.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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November 18, 2021

COVID Testing, Vaccinations and Reporting

Testing (Rapid Antigen) for Students and Staff

Plano ISD’s COVID testing sites will not be operating next week during the Thanksgiving break. Appointments for eligible students and staff will resume the week of November 29. 

Where: 

• Bird Center, 1300 19th Street, Plano, 75074 OR 
• Spring Creek Center, 2201 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, 75023

When:

• Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

You may sign up for an appointment HERE after the Thanksgiving break (until then, this form will not be accepting responses). The parent of the student will receive an email confirmation on the day of the appointment.

If you have questions, please email Director of District Health Services Staci Antelo.

COVID Vaccine for Children

While the number of COVID cases in the community had previously been on a decline, we began seeing an increase in cases in the community and in our schools during the past week. Vaccination is a critical tool for protecting against COVID infection. 

Learn more about the COVID vaccine for children and teens from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and view the following vaccination FAQs from Children’s Health.

• FAQs for Children
• FAQs for Children Ages 5 – 11 

Vaccine doses are widely available at local pharmacies, pediatrician offices and other vaccine providers. Families who wish to have their children vaccinated should contact their pediatrician. You may also search for and/or schedule a vaccine appointment for your child at the following sites:

• Collin County Vaccine Sign-Up
• CVS
• Walgreens
• CDC Vaccine Finder

COVID Case Reporting During Thanksgiving Break

If you are a parent of a student who tests positive for COVID during the Thanksgiving break, please submit a Student Reporting Form. Reports will be reviewed, and parents will be contacted on Monday, November 29. Students should remain quarantined until cleared to return.

Please remember that students and employees must stay home if they have pending test results. All test results must be final before returning to school.

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Application Window for High School and Senior High School Academy Programs Opens Friday, November 19

Plano ISD eighth, ninth and tenth grade students who are interested in applying for academy programs at the high school and senior high schools for the 2022-2023 school year can do so starting tomorrow, Friday, November 19. Online applications will be available at 9:00 a.m. on the Academy Programs of Plano webpage at www.pisd.edu/academies. 

Applications for Academy High School, the Health Sciences Academy and the IB World School at Plano East must be submitted by 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 15, 2021. 

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Information Meetings for IB World School at Huffman Elementary to Take Place on December 4 & 7

Parents interested in having their child(ren) attend Plano ISD’s IB World School at Huffman Elementary in the 2022-2023 school year are invited to attend one of two upcoming information meetings:

• In-person meeting: Saturday, December 4, 10:00 a.m.
• Virtual meeting: Tuesday, December 7, 6:00 p.m.

The IB World School at Huffman is one of two Plano ISD academy programs offered for elementary students. Any student who lives within the Plano ISD attendance zone and who will be enrolled in grades K-5 is eligible to apply. 

Registration will take place from January 5-29, with a lottery to be held on February 1 for available spots. Parents will be notified of their lottery status by February 4. 

The program is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) that fosters the development of knowledgeable, principled and internationally minded citizens. Huffman IB PYP is grounded in the same state standards as all Plano ISD elementary schools, along with a transdisciplinary framework that integrates subject areas. Additionally, every scholar participates in a World Language, Chinese Mandarin. Students not only learn how to speak, read and write in Mandarin, but they also learn about Chinese culture. This exposure to language and culture is designed to broaden students’ understanding of the world beyond the one they know.

Links to the meetings will be shared on the Huffman Elementary School website prior to the meetings. Spanish translation will be available for the in-person meeting. To request a Spanish translation of the virtual meeting, please contact IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) coordinator Callie Anthony. 

To learn more about IB PYP, visit the IBO website or contact Ms. Anthony.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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November 16, 2021

K-5 Students Invited to Participate in Virtual Code Night

All Plano ISD students in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to participate in Plano ISD’s Code Night taking place virtually on Wednesday, December 8, from 5:00-6:15 p.m. Registration is required via this form. Families who need Spanish translation should indicate so on the registration form.

Superintendent Sara Bonser will kick-off the event, which will be followed by a coding lesson provided by the Family Code Night team. The event will introduce families and their students to coding and computer science using fun puzzles and special tips.

For the evening, participants will need a charged Chromebook, laptop or PC, and Internet access. Families who need assistance obtaining Internet access should contact their school’s campus technology assistant. 

The goal of this event and the Plano ISD PK-12 Computer Science Program is to provide opportunities for students to learn to code in every grade level. Families can learn more about opportunities offered in the district at www.pisd.edu/computerscience. District science coordinators are currently writing a curriculum for K-5 elementary computer science that will allow students to engage with coding learning opportunities during the school day. 

Questions should be directed to Dan Blier, Plano ISD computer science curriculum specialist. An event flyer is available in English and Spanish.

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Information Meetings for IB World School at Huffman Elementary to Take Place on December 4 & 7

Parents interested in having their child(ren) attend Plano ISD’s IB World School at Huffman Elementary in the 2022-2023 school year are invited to attend one of two upcoming information meetings:

• In-person meeting: Saturday, December 4, 10:00 a.m.
• Virtual meeting: Tuesday, December 7, 6:00 p.m.

The IB World School at Huffman is one of two Plano ISD academy programs offered for elementary students. Any student who lives within the Plano ISD attendance zone and who will be enrolled in grades K-5 is eligible to apply. 

Registration will take place from January 5-29, with a lottery to be held on February 1 for available spots. Parents will be notified of their lottery status by February 4. 

The program is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) that fosters the development of knowledgeable, principled and internationally minded citizens. Huffman IB PYP is grounded in the same state standards as all Plano ISD elementary schools, along with a transdisciplinary framework that integrates subject areas. Additionally, every scholar participates in a World Language, Chinese Mandarin. Students not only learn how to speak, read and write in Mandarin, but they also learn about Chinese culture. This exposure to language and culture is designed to broaden students' understanding of the world beyond the one they know.

Links to the meetings will be shared on the Huffman Elementary School website prior to the meetings. Spanish translation will be available for the in-person meeting. To request a Spanish translation of the virtual meeting, please contact IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) coordinator Callie Anthony. 

To learn more about IB PYP, visit the IBO website, contact Ms. Anthony or view this flyer:

English | Spanish 

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2021-2022 Return to School Plan — Recent Updates Made

Revisions have been made to the Protocols for Campus Visitors and Volunteers section of Plano ISD’s 2021-2022 Return to School Plan, which is available online in English and Spanish.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

November 9, 2021

Martin Luther King, Jr. Diversity Art and Writing Contests Now Accepting Entries

The 35th annual MLK Jr. Diversity Art and Writing contests are now open.  Students preK-12 may participate in the art contest and students preK-5 may participate in the writing contest. Students PreK-5 are welcome to enter both contests if they choose to do so.  

Entries are due by November 30, 2021. Please accompany entries with the signed permission form available here:

English | Spanish 

Art Guidelines (preK-12)

• Create a work of art inspired by the theme: Together we honor the past, inspire the
• present, and change the future.
• One art entry per student
• Students PreK-12 may participate in the art contest
• All media accepted
• Work may be Two or Three-Dimensional Work
• Maximum 2-D size including mat is 24” x 30”
• Maximum 3-D size is 16”H x 12” D x 16” W

Writing Guidelines (preK-5) 

• Create a poem or essay inspired by the theme: Together we honor the past, inspire the present and change the future.
• One writing entry per student
• Students Pre-K-5 may participate in the writing contest
• Writing entries may be handwritten or typed.

Entry Guidelines 

• Students do not need to enter in both the art and writing contests to participate.
• All entries must be original. No copy work will be allowed.
• All entries must be created solely by the student.
• Entry must be accompanied by a signed entry form taped to the back.

Parents and/or instructors will deliver art to Laura Grundler, Plano ISD art coordinator, and/or Dr. Rachel Beachy, Plano ISD K-5 literacy coordinator, at the district’s Administration Building, 2700 W. 15th Street, Plano, Texas 75075, by November 30, 2021.

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Nominations Are Now Open for Plano ISD Diversity Leadership Award 

The Plano ISD Diversity Advisory Committee is now accepting nominations for the 21st Annual Plano ISD Diversity Leadership Award. Nominations can be submitted via this form and are due by 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 3, 2021. 

Individual and group winners will be recognized at the Plano ISD Martin Luther King, Jr., Diversity Celebration to be held on January 20, 2022. Nominate an individual or group whose program or initiative has proven to promote diversity through stronger relationships, improved communications and enhanced understanding within Plano ISD or the broader community within the past year.

Key components of the Diversity Leadership Award include:

• Promoting diversity in the district and/or community
• Embracing diversity in the district and/or community
• Educating the district and or community about diversity

Categories may include:

• Student or student group*
• Plano ISD individual or group
• Community individual or group

*Students may also nominate themselves.

For additional information, please contact Brian Lyons via email or at 469-752-8910.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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November 4, 2021

COVID Vaccine for Children

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has expanded their recommendations for the COVID vaccine to children ages 5-11. This news comes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of Pfizer’s pediatric COVID vaccine last Friday, October 29, under an emergency use authorization. Learn more about the COVID vaccine for children and teens. 

Vaccine doses are being shipped to pharmacies, pediatricians and other vaccine providers. If you wish to have your child vaccinated, contact their pediatrician. You may also search for and/or schedule a vaccine appointment for your child at the following sites:

• Collin County Vaccine Sign-Up
• CVS
• Walgreens
• CDC Vaccine Finder

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COVID Testing (Rapid Antigen) for Staff and Students

Plano ISD is offering free COVID rapid testing to employees and students in grades K-12, with parent permission. Testing will be done on a voluntary basis for those employees or students who are experiencing COVID symptoms, and need a negative test to return to work/school. Appointments are required and individuals will be asked to complete a consent form. Each test site will offer drive-through, self-administered testing. Individuals will be informed of test results via email, which can then be provided to your supervisor or campus nurse in order to return to work or school.

Where: 

• Bird Center, 1300 19th Street, Plano, 75074 OR 
• Spring Creek Center – 2201 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, 75023

When:

• Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

You may sign up for an appointment HERE. The employee or parent of the student will receive an email confirmation on the day of the appointment.

If you have questions, please send an email to Director of District Health Services Staci Antelo.

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2022-2023 Academic Calendar Approved by Board of Trustees

The Plano ISD 2022-2023 school calendar was adopted by the board of trustees at their November 3 meeting. Three calendar drafts began development over the summer and were vetted during the months of September and October by district cabinet members, the Plano Leadership Executive Committee, PTA leadership, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Faculty Advisory Council and district and campus administrators. Drafts were presented to the board at the October work session. 

Calendar considerations included: balancing grading periods and semesters; instructional minutes; extended planning/professional learning time; exam and testing calendars; alignment with dual credit/Collin College; and ending the school year before Memorial Day. 

Calendar features include:

• School begins on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, and ends on Friday, May 26, 2023
• Thanksgiving break for students and teachers is Monday, November 21 to Friday, November 25
• Winter break begins on Monday, December 19 and students return to class on Wednesday, January 4 (campus staff members return on January 3)
• Spring break is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 6 with students returning on Tuesday, March 14 (campus staff members return March 13)
• Inclement weather days are scheduled for April 6 and 10 for use as needed

View the full 2022-2023 calendar on the district website.  

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Reminder: Information Meetings for Academy Programs Are Now Underway

Plano ISD eighth, ninth and 10th grade students and families who are interested in applying for academy programs at the high school and senior high schools for the 2022-2023 school year are invited to attend information nights which are already underway. These meetings are hosted by the campuses to provide more details about their respective programs and application deadlines. 

Check the dates and times on the district’s website at www.pisd.edu/academyprograms 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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November 2, 2021

Information Meetings For High School and Senior High School Academy Programs Begin This Week

Plano ISD eighth, ninth and 10th grade students and families who are interested in applying for academy programs at the high school and senior high schools for the 2022-2023 school year are invited to attend information meetings which begin this week. These meetings are hosted by the campuses to provide more details about their respective programs and application deadlines. 

• IB World School at Plano East Senior High (8th, 9th and 10th and grade families) 
• November 2 (in-person) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Plano East Senior High School theater, 3000 Los Rios Boulevard in Plano.
• November 8 (in-person) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Plano East Senior High School theater, 3000 Los Rios Boulevard in Plano.
• November 18 (Zoom) from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.
• Plano ISD Academy High School (8th grade families) 
• November 4 (Zoom) from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 
• November 6 (in-person interactive open house) from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Academy High School, 1701 Alma Drive, in Plano.
• November 9 (in-person interactive open house) from 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Academy High School, 1701 Alma Drive, in Plano.
• Plano ISD Health Sciences Academy (8th grade families) 
• November 3 (Zoom) from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. To attend, you must register in advance here.
• November 9 (in person) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Plano East Senior High School’s cafeteria, 3000 Los Rios Boulevard in Plano.
• November 16 (Zoom) at 6:30 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.
• Plano ISD Industries Academy (10th grade families)
• November 11 (Zoom) from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.
• December 2 (Zoom) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.

For more information about the Academy Programs of Plano, please visit www.pisd.edu/academyprograms. 

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Information Meetings for IB World School at Huffman Elementary to Take Place in December

Parents interested in having their child(ren) attend Plano ISD’s IB World School at Huffman Elementary in the 2022-2023 school year are invited to attend one of two upcoming information meetings:

• In-person meeting: Saturday, December 4, 10:00 a.m.
• Virtual meeting: Tuesday, December 7, 6:00 p.m.

The IB World School at Huffman is one of two Plano ISD academy programs offered for elementary students. Any student who lives within the Plano ISD attendance zone and who will be enrolled in grades K-5 is eligible to apply. 

Registration will take place from January 5-29, with a lottery to be held on February 1 for available spots. Parents will be notified of their lottery status by February 4. 

The program is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) that fosters the development of knowledgeable, principled and internationally minded citizens. Huffman IB PYP is grounded in the same state standards as all Plano ISD elementary schools, along with a transdisciplinary framework that integrates subject areas. Additionally, every scholar participates in a World Language, Chinese Mandarin. Students not only learn how to speak, read and write in Mandarin, but they also learn about Chinese culture. This exposure to language and culture is designed to broaden students' understanding of the world beyond the one they know.

Links to the meetings will be shared on the Huffman Elementary School website prior to the meetings. Spanish translation will be available for the in-person meeting. To request a Spanish translation of the virtual meeting, please contact IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) coordinator Callie Anthony. 

To learn more about IB PYP, visit the IBO website or contact Ms. Anthony.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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October 28, 2021

COVID Testing

Plano ISD will be offering free COVID rapid testing to students in grades K-12, with parent permission. Testing will be done on a voluntary basis for students who are experiencing COVID symptoms and need a negative test to return to school. Appointments are required and individuals will be asked to complete a consent form. Each test site will offer drive-through, self-administered testing. Individuals will be informed of test results via email, which can then be provided to your campus nurse in order to return to school.

• Where:
• Bird Center – 1300 19th Street, Plano, 75074
• Spring Creek Center – 2201 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, 75023
• When:
• Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

You may sign up for an appointment HERE.

If you have questions, please send an email to Director of District Health Services Staci Antelo. 

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Plano ISD Is Using “Let’s Talk!” to Engage with Families, Staff and Community Members

Plano ISD is now using Let’s Talk! to promote a culture of two-way communication between the district and parents, students, staff and community members. 

Questions and feedback submitted through Let’s Talk! are automatically routed to the right Plano ISD staff member for a timely response. Topic-specific Let’s Talk! access points are conveniently placed throughout the Plano ISD website. Let’s Talk! will allow the district to better serve the community and make informed decisions based on the types of questions and feedback received.

Do you have a question, concern or compliment to share with Plano ISD district staff? Let’s Talk! 

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AP Exam Registration Deadline Is Friday, October 29

This Friday, October 29, is the deadline to register for AP exams. Students who have not yet registered should see their counselor or AP teacher. Scores of 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam may result in college credit which saves both time and money. 

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Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP) Parent Connection Circles

The Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP) is excited to announce its new Parent Connection Circles beginning Monday, November 1! Join Plano ISD parents and parent educators in-person at 10:00 a.m. at the Bird Welcome & Enrollment Center (1300 19th Street, Plano) to build social connections and learn from one another through the exchange of parental knowledge, strengths and experiences. Parent Connection Circle days are:

• Mondays (Moms) 
• Tuesdays (Dads) 
• Wednesdays (Grandparents)
• Thursdays (English Language Learner Parents)

Please continue to join us on FaceBook Live on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. for our Parent "Lunch and Learn" sessions.

For more information about the Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program, please visit the PISD PEEP webpage, PEEP Facebook page or contact Sharon Bradley.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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October 26, 2021

Academies Information Night Is This Thursday, October 28

Plano ISD 8th through 10th grade students and families are invited to attend the school district’s first-ever Academies Information Night taking place virtually this Thursday, October 28, from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. The webinar event will provide families a general overview of the four Academy Programs of Plano offered at the high school and senior high school levels. 

To join the October 28 webinar, please visit: Academies Night Webinar. 

Beginning in November, each academy will host follow-up information nights with more details about their respective programs and application deadlines. Those follow-up sessions will take place on the following dates:

• IB World School at Plano East Senior High (8th, 9th and 10th grade families) 
• November 2 (in-person) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Plano East Senior High School theater, 3000 Los Rios Boulevard in Plano.
• November 8 (in-person) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Plano East Senior High School theater, 3000 Los Rios Boulevard in Plano.
• November 18 (Zoom) from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.
• Plano ISD Academy High School (8th grade families) 
• November 4 (Zoom) from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 
• November 6 (in-person interactive open house) from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Academy High School, 1701 Alma Drive, in Plano.
• November 9 (in-person interactive open house) from 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Academy High School, 1701 Alma Drive, in Plano.
• Plano ISD Health Sciences Academy (8th grade families) 
• November 3 (Zoom) from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. To attend, you must register in advance here.
• November 9 (in person) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Plano East Senior High School’s cafeteria, 3000 Los Rios Boulevard in Plano.
• November 16 (Zoom) at 6:30 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.
• Plano ISD Industries Academy (10th grade families)
• November 11 (Zoom) from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.
• December 2 (Zoom) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.

For more information about the Academy Programs of Plano, please visit www.pisd.edu/academyprograms. 

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AP Exam Registration Deadline Is This Friday, October 29

This Friday, October 29, is the deadline to register for AP exams. Students who have not yet registered should see their counselor or AP teacher. Scores of 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam may result in college credit which saves both time and money. 

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Food and Nutritional Services To Host Job Fair This Thursday, October 28

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department is hosting a job fair this Thursday, October 28 from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano. Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a résumé if possible. Résumés can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5788.

Come join our team, help feed our future and watch this video of one of our staff members sharing why she loves her job!

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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October 21, 2021

Scholarships for UIL Athletic, Music and Academic Participants

University Interscholastic League (UIL) corporate sponsor H-E-B will award 15 high school seniors who participated in UIL competitions with a $2,000 scholarship in recognition of their community service and involvement in their communities.

Five students who competed in athletics, five students who competed in music, and five students who competed in academic events will be selected from the pool of applicants from across the state.

To apply, complete the online application form and submit all support documents at the same time. Applicants will need:

• Minimum 3.3 GPA
• Number of community service hours completed in the last 12 months
• Community service verification letters to document the number of hours submitted
• A letter of recommendation
• A short essay (500 words or less) on the topic: “What does Community mean to you?”

Winners will be announced at the UIL Boys Basketball State Championships.

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Parent Education & Engagement Program “Lunch and Learn” Sessions for Parents

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP) hosts 30-minute ”Lunch and Learn” parent sessions for Plano ISD families from 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. on Facebook Live. Next week’s focus will be “UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About Me World.” Join Plano ISD parent educators and other parents each Tuesday and Thursday in exploring evidence-based, positive parenting strategies as a community. 

For more information about the Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program, please visit the PISD PEEP webpage, PEEP Facebook page or contact Sharon Bradley.

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Food and Nutritional Services To Host Job Fair on October 28

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department is hosting a job fair on October 28 from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano. Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, which includes bringing a résumé if possible. Résumés can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5788.

Come join our team, help feed our future and watch this video of one of our staff members sharing why she loves her job!

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Academies Information Night To Be Held on October 28

Plano ISD eighth and 10th grade students and families are invited to attend the school district’s first-ever Academies Information Night taking place virtually on Thursday, October 28, from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. The webinar event will provide families a general overview of the four Academy Programs of Plano offered at the high school and senior high school levels. 

To join the October 28 webinar, please visit: Academies Night Webinar. 

Beginning in November, each academy will host follow-up information nights with more details about their respective programs and application deadlines. Those follow-up sessions will take place on the following dates:

• IB World School at Plano East Senior High (8th grade families) 
• November 2 (in-person) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Plano East Senior High School theater, 3000 Los Rios Boulevard in Plano.
• November 8 (in-person) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Plano East Senior High School theater, 3000 Los Rios Boulevard in Plano.
• November 18 (Zoom) from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.
• Plano ISD Academy High School (8th grade families) 
• November 4 (Zoom) from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 
• November 6 (in-person interactive open house) from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Academy High School, 1701 Alma Drive, in Plano.
• November 9 (in-person interactive open house) from 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Academy High School, 1701 Alma Drive, in Plano.
• Plano ISD Health Sciences Academy (8th grade families) 
• November 3 (Zoom) from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. To attend, you must register in advance here.
• November 9 (in person) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Plano East Senior High School’s cafeteria, 3000 Los Rios Boulevard in Plano.
• November 16 (Zoom) at 6:30 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.
• Plano ISD Industries Academy (10th grade families)
• November 11 (Zoom) from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.
• December 2 (Zoom) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.

For more information about the Academy Programs of Plano, please visit www.pisd.edu/academyprograms.  

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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October 19, 2021

Academies Information Night To Be Held on October 28

Plano ISD eighth and tenth grade students and families are invited to attend the school district’s first-ever Academies Information Night taking place virtually on Thursday, October 28, from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. The webinar event will provide families a general overview of the four Academy Programs of Plano offered at the high school and senior high school levels. 

To join the October 28 webinar, please visit: Academies Night Webinar. 

Beginning in November, each academy will host follow-up information nights with more details about their respective programs and application deadlines. Those follow-up sessions will take place on the following dates:

• IB World School at Plano East Senior High (8th grade families) 
• November 2 (in-person) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Plano East Senior High School theater, 3000 Los Rios Boulevard in Plano.
• November 8 (in-person) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Plano East Senior High School theater, 3000 Los Rios Boulevard in Plano.
• November 18 (Zoom) from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.
• Plano ISD Academy High School (8th grade families) 
• November 4 (Zoom) from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 
• November 6 (in-person interactive open house) from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Academy High School, 1701 Alma Drive, in Plano.
• November 9 (in-person interactive open house) from 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Academy High School, 1701 Alma Drive, in Plano.
• Plano ISD Health Sciences Academy (8th grade families) 
• November 3 (Zoom) from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. To attend, you must register in advance here.
• November 9 (in person) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Plano East Senior High School’s cafeteria, 3000 Los Rios Boulevard in Plano.
• November 16 (Zoom) at 6:30 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.
• Plano ISD Industries Academy (10th grade families)
• November 11 (Zoom) from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.
• December 2 (Zoom) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. To attend you must register in advance here.

For more information about the Academy Programs of Plano, please visit www.pisd.edu/academyprograms.  

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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October 14, 2021

Texas State-Fair Themed Lunch to be Served Tomorrow, October 15

In celebration of National School Lunch Week, October 11-15, Plano ISD Food and Nutritional Services is serving a Texas State Fair-themed lunch tomorrow, Friday, October 15. The lunch will feature corn dogs, #TexasFarmFresh apples, and cotton candy-flavored frozen yogurt cups. The district thanks our Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) staff members who ensure that our students have access to healthy school meals. 

If you would like to join the FANS team, jobs are available for all cafeteria positions. Great work schedules, holidays and weekends off and health benefits are available. Apply online at www.pisd.edu/jobs.

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Reminder: Virtual College Fair Is This Saturday, October 16

Students in grades 8-12 and their parents are invited to register now to attend the virtual college fair taking place this Saturday, October 16. Participants can chat with college & university representatives, learn more about how/when to apply, and ask about financial aid. Registration is required. For registration instructions, visit www.pisd.edu/virtualcollegefairs. 

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Plano Families First Fall Fair Is Taking Place This Saturday, October 16

Plano residents and Plano ISD families are welcome to the third-annual Plano Families First Fall Fair, which will take place Saturday, October 16, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Plano Event Center (2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy).

Thanks to a variety of community sponsors and partners, the event will provide free health and human services in an effort to alleviate the hardships thousands of Plano families have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. While a few of the health services will be indoors, most of the fair will be held outdoors. Masks are strongly encouraged, and social distancing and other safety measures will be in place. Proof of residency is required.

Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, services will include:

• Free flu shots for adults (provided by Texas Health Plano Presbyterian)
• Free flu shots for children (provided by The Caring Foundation of Texas)
• Dental screenings and fluoride varnishes (for children only)
• Community resource booths with helpful information on year-round services available to Plano families
• Free school supplies packets to the first 200 Plano ISD students (thanks to Liberty Mutual). Complete this supply distribution form in advance if possible.
• Free books (provided by the Plano Public Library)

Additional activities:

• Crafts for kids
• CPR instruction from the Plano Fire Department
• Inflatables and entertainment
• A musical “petting zoo” where children learn and play with musical instruments provided by the Plano Symphony Orchestra
• Spiderman and Wonder Woman will give away superhero masks and hold “How To Be a Superhero” sessions throughout the morning

Job fair:

To help Plano residents get back to work, a job fair presented by the Plano Chamber of Commerce will feature a variety of employers looking to fill numerous positions. Fair goers can also get tips on résumé development and have a free LinkedIn photo taken by a professional photographer.

Volunteers are needed. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older or 16 years old or older with an accompanying adult. 

Fair sponsors are Boeing, Children’s Health, City of Plano, Plano ISD, Liberty Mutual, Capital One and Texas Health Plano Presbyterian. For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, go to planofamiliesfirst.com.

 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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October 12, 2021

Plano Families First Fall Fair to Offer Free Health Services, School Supplies and More

Plano residents and Plano ISD families are welcome to the third-annual Plano Families First Fall Fair, which will take place Saturday, October 16, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Plano Event Center (2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy).

Thanks to a variety of community sponsors and partners, the event will provide free health and human services in an effort to alleviate the hardships thousands of Plano families have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. While a few of the health services will be indoors, most of the fair will be held outdoors. Masks are strongly encouraged, and social distancing and other safety measures will be in place. Proof of residency is required.

Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, services will include:

• free flu shots for adults (provided by Texas Health Plano Presbyterian)
• free flu shots for children (provided by The Caring Foundation of Texas)
• dental screenings and fluoride varnishes (for children only)
• community resource booths with helpful information on year-round services available to Plano families
• free school supplies packets to the first 200 Plano ISD students (thanks to Liberty Mutual). Complete this supply distribution form in advance if possible.
• Free books (provided by the Plano Public Library)

Additional activities:

• Crafts for kids
• CPR instruction from the Plano Fire Department
• Inflatables and entertainment
• A musical “petting zoo” where children learn and play with musical instruments provided by the Plano Symphony Orchestra
• Spiderman and Wonder Woman will give away superhero masks and hold “How To Be A Superhero” sessions throughout the morning

Job fair:

To help Plano residents get back to work, a job fair presented by the Plano Chamber of Commerce will feature a variety of employers looking to fill numerous positions. Fair goers can also get tips on resume development and have a free LinkedIn photo taken by a professional photographer.

Volunteers are needed. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older or 16 years old or older with an accompanying adult. 

Fair sponsors are Boeing, Children’s Health, City of Plano, Plano ISD, Liberty Mutual, Capital One and Texas Health Plano Presbyterian. For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, go to planofamiliesfirst.com.

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Food and Nutritional Services To Host Job Fairs on October 14 and 28

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department is hosting job fairs on October 14 and 28 from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano. Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, including bringing a resume if possible. Resumes can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5788.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

October Is National Bullying Prevention Month

In light of recent events in our North Texas community, we know that student safety and wellbeing are on the hearts and minds of our Plano ISD families. As we observe National Bullying Prevention Month, we want to take this opportunity to provide information and resources for students and families. 

Plano ISD remains committed to bullying prevention and will always keep student health and safety at the top of our priorities. In addition to maintaining strict, legal policies that protect the welfare of our students, and that unequivocally prohibit bullying and harassment, we want to make you aware of these additional district actions and initiatives as we continue to stand firm against bullying and ensure all students feel safe, valued and respected.

• During the month of October, Plano ISD is providing anti-bullying/anti-cyberbullying resources for campuses.
• Additionally, we have launched “Optimistic October,” providing lessons and activities to address anti-bullying and substance abuse prevention:
• Campus-wide activities and lessons
• Optimistic October Calendar: English | Spanish
• Plano continues to provide training and learning for students and staff  in the areas of social emotional learning (SEL), restorative practices and anti-bullying. 
• Parent resources for social emotional learning are available on our website. 
• Also, check out our easy-to-follow Parent Guide for Addressing Bullying and Harassment Concerns, which provides enhancements and clarifications of discrimination, bullying and harassment procedures and the complaint process.

Last school year, the district underwent an extensive audit by an independent investigator to make sure that we are doing all that we can in the area of bullying prevention. Though there were no findings supporting wrongdoing by the district, Plano ISD has taken proactive steps to deepen our commitment to providing a safe and caring learning environment for all students. Such action steps were also informed by the feedback received from community listening rounds conducted last spring.  

Plano ISD counselors are committed to empowering students to advocate for themselves and ensuring that students experience academic success and social emotional growth in a supportive environment. We invite you to reach out to your school counselors with any questions or concerns about bullying prevention. 

Partnering with our families for the benefit of our students, Plano ISD is committed to excellence, dedicated to caring, powered by learning and we seek to make Plano ISD proud. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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October 7, 2021

Food and Nutritional Services To Host Job Fairs on October 14 and 28

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department is hosting job fairs on October 14 and 28 from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano. Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, including bringing a resume if possible. Resumes can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5788.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

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Celebrate Optimistic October

All families are invited to join Plano ISD in celebrating Optimistic October. View the full list of calendar activities developed by Plano ISD’s Student, Family and Community Services. These are easy activities to make every day better and happier. Participate and share your posts on social media using the hashtag #PISDDedicatedtoCaring. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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October 5, 2021

Student Vaccination Interest Form

Plano ISD is working in partnership with the City of Plano and local healthcare providers to gauge our families’ interest in receiving COVID-19 vaccinations for students. We are collecting basic information from interested families (school and age range for each student) for the purposes of planning. If you would be interested in having your child vaccinated (upon approval from Pfizer), please complete this form. Please note, this form is only intended to gauge interest and is not a sign-up form.

Reminder: Please keep your student home if they have pending COVID test results. 

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New State Law Requires Seniors to Complete Financial Aid Application

Seniors and senior parents: Are you aware of the new Texas Education Code, §28.0256 which requires all seniors to complete a financial aid application before graduating from high school or to submit an opt out form? Every senior must complete one of the following three options in order to graduate:

• Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (FAFSA)
• Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)
• Submit a signed opt-out form and submit to your campus counselor
• Financial Aid Application Opt Out Form (English)
• Financial Aid Application Opt Out Form (Spanish)

For more information about the financial aid process, visit the US Department of Education Federal Student Aid website. 

Additionally, it’s important for families to know that some colleges won’t consider students for merit scholarships (scholarships based on academic achievement or other talents/skills) until a FAFSA or TASFA form is completed. Even if you believe you won’t qualify for federal or state financial aid, completing either the FAFSA or TASFA will help you get considered for other scholarships offered by higher education institutions. 

For more information, please contact your school counselor. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 30, 2021

Parent Awareness Regarding Social Media Challenge

Plano ISD wants to make parents aware of an emerging trend that students may be participating in via social media. A TikTok “challenge” affecting school campuses nationwide is encouraging students to capture and post videos of themselves or their peers engaging in destructive, antagonistic and potentially criminal behavior, including vandalism, theft and assault. 

School and district administrators are paying close attention to this trend and will always take swift and appropriate action to address concerns regarding school safety and standards of conduct. As we continue to reinforce training and guidelines related to social media and cybersafety, the district asks for your help in discussing the importance of digital citizenship and the potential consequences of violating the Student Code of Conduct and/or breaking the law. Students should be aware that what they may consider a “prank” could actually lead to suspension, expulsion and the potential for criminal charges for students involved.

We appreciate your help in maintaining awareness of your student’s social media activities. If you or your children know of students engaging in potentially harmful, destructive and illegal activities on social media, we encourage you to report this information to your campus administrators, your local police or anonymously via the Plano ISD tip line at www.pisd.edu/tipline. Please note that when making a report, it is important to provide as many details as possible (dates, times, names, locations, etc.), so that your tip may be investigated appropriately. 

For help with online security resources for your children, please visit the district’s digital citizenship webpage.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 28, 2021

Families Are Invited to Celebrate Optimistic October

Plano ISD families are invited to celebrate Optimistic October. To celebrate the month, Plano ISD’s department of Student, Family & Community Services developed a calendar of easy activities that families can do on a daily basis. Information has also been shared with schools so you will likely see information shared through social media as part of our districtwide #WeArePlanoISD campaign and via the #PISDOptimisticOctober hashtag. The calendars are below:

• English | Spanish 

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Plano East Senior High School Brings Back Homecoming Parade on September 29

Homecoming parades also announced for Plano and Plano West senior high schools 

Plano East Senior High School, which opened in 1981, will bring back its homecoming parade on Wednesday, September 29, to mark the school’s 40th anniversary. Homecoming parades for Plano West Senior High School on October 6 and Plano Senior High School on October 13 were also announced. 

Plano East Senior High School’s parade will get underway at 6 p.m. at Bob Woodruff Park, continue on Merriman Drive and conclude at the school. A community pep rally will be held after the parade around the school’s pond. The parade and the pep rally are open to the public and alumni as well as former staff members are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit the school’s homecoming information web page at www.pisd.edu/planoeast/homecoming. Rain cancellation: Should the parade be cancelled due to rain, a notification will be posted on the Plano East Senior High School homecoming website.

Parade details for Plano West Senior High School (October 6) and Plano Senior High School (October 13) will be shared on school websites closer to the event dates.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 27, 2021

Parent Education & Engagement Program Presents “Lunch and Learn” Sessions for Parents

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP) hosts 30-minute "Lunch and Learn" parent sessions for Plano ISD families from 12:15-12:45 p.m. on Facebook Live. This week's focus will be "Social Media Wellness for Tweens and Teens in a Digital World." Please log on this Tuesday and Thursday to join Plano ISD parent educators and other parents to explore evidence-based positive parenting strategies as a community. 

For more information about the Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program, please visit Plano ISD’s PEEP webpage, PEEP Facebook page or contact Director of Family and Social Services Sharon Bradley.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 23, 2021

Virtual College Fair Is This Saturday, September 25

Students in grades 8-12 and their parents are invited to register now to attend the first of two virtual college fairs taking place this Saturday, September 25. Participants can chat with college & university representatives, learn more about how/when to apply, and ask about financial aid. Registration is required. For registration instructions, visit www.pisd.edu/virtualcollegefairs. The next virtual college fair is taking place on October 16.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 22, 2021

Plano ISD Temporary Mask Requirement Expires after Friday, September 24

At last night’s School Board Work Session, Plano ISD trustees heard an update regarding the district’s health and safety protocols before considering a motion whether or not to extend a temporary indoor mask requirement at Plano ISD schools, facilities and district-provided transportation. The temporary requirement, which included exemptions for medical, religious or philosophical reasons, was scheduled to be in effect from August 26 through September 24, 2021. 

The board did not vote to extend the temporary measure and, therefore, the district will return to the mask protocol described in the 2021-2022 Return to School Plan, which states:

The use of face masks is optional for all students, staff and visitors. It is recommended that individuals who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 continue to wear an appropriate face mask while around others. Universal indoor masking is recommended for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status (Collin County Health Care Services | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | American Academy of Pediatrics). 

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Plano Families First Fall Fair to Offer Free Health Services, School Supplies and More

Plano residents and Plano ISD families are welcome to the third-annual Plano Families First Fall Fair, which will take place Saturday, October 16, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Plano Event Center (2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy).

Thanks to a variety of community sponsors and partners, the event will provide free health and human services in an effort to alleviate the hardships thousands of Plano families have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. While a few of the health services will be indoors, most of the fair will be held outdoors. Masks are strongly encouraged, and social distancing and other safety measures will be in place. Proof of residency is required.

Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, services will include:

• free flu shots for adults (provided by Texas Health Plano Presbyterian)
• free flu shots for children (provided by The Caring Foundation of Texas)
• dental screenings and fluoride varnishes (for children only)
• community resource booths with helpful information on year-round services available to Plano families
• free school supplies packets to the first 200 Plano ISD students (thanks to Liberty Mutual). Complete this supply distribution form in advance if possible.
• Free books (provided by the Plano Public Library)

Additional activities:

• Crafts for kids
• CPR instruction from the Plano Fire Department
• Inflatables and entertainment
• A musical “petting zoo” where children learn and play with musical instruments provided by the Plano Symphony Orchestra
• Spiderman and Wonder Woman will give away superhero masks and hold “How To Be A Superhero” sessions throughout the morning

Job fair

To help Plano residents get back to work, a job fair presented by the Plano Chamber of Commerce will feature a variety of employers looking to fill numerous positions. Fair goers can also get tips on resume development and have a free LinkedIn photo taken by a professional photographer.

Volunteers are needed. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older or 16 years old or older with an accompanying adult. 

Fair sponsors are Boeing, Children’s Health, City of Plano, Plano ISD, Liberty Mutual, Capital One and Texas Health Plano Presbyterian. For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, go to planofamiliesfirst.com.

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Food and Nutritional Services Job Fair Taking Place this Thursday, September 23

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) will be hosting a job fair on Thursday, September 23, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School, 1001 Custer Road in Plano. Open positions for food service include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, and an option for health benefits. 

Interested candidates can apply online at www.pisd.edu/jobs. Please come prepared to interview.

Join our team, help feed the future and watch our video about why one of our team members loves her job with FANS.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 20, 2021

Food and Nutritional Services Job Fair Taking Place this Thursday, September 23

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department is hosting a job fair this Thursday, September 23 from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano. Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, including bringing a resume if possible. Resumes can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5788.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 16, 2021

Virtual Academy Daily Updates Now Available

Families in Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy can now access daily updates via the program’s website. The link can be accessed via the home page under “Quick Links” or directly at www.pisd.edu/VirtualAcademyUpdates.

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Parents Are Asked to Complete a Socioeconomic Form as Part of This Year’s Enrollment 

This year, all parents are asked to complete the Socioeconomic Form as part of this year’s enrollment process, regardless of socioeconomic need. State and federal funds are allocated to school districts based on this information.  

Several state and federal programs are dependent on the collection of this information, such as: 

• State Funded Pre-Kindergarten
• Early Education Allotment
• College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Allotment
• National School Lunch/Breakfast Programs
• State Compensatory Education Allotment
• Title 1 Federal Grant Program
• E-Rate

Additionally, students or families may be eligible for:

• AP exam fee reductions
• SAT fee waivers
• College application fee waivers
• College financial aid
• Emergency Broadband Benefit (to help households struggling to afford Internet services during the COVID-19 pandemic)

All families are asked to complete this form regardless of income since the completion of this form impacts the district’s programming and funding. If you do not wish to provide income information, scroll past that section of the form and select the following option:

“I choose not to provide this information. I understand that the school’s disbursement of federal funds and accountability rating may be affected by my choice.”

Completing or not completing this form will not impact free meals for any student, as that is a separate process. Additionally, all Plano ISD schools will provide free meals to all students throughout the 2021-22 school year, regardless of family income level.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 14, 2021

Parents Are Asked to Complete a Socioeconomic Form as Part of This Year’s Enrollment 

This year, all parents are asked to complete the Socioeconomic Form as part of this year’s enrollment process, regardless of socioeconomic need. State and federal funds are allocated to school districts based on this information.  

Several state and federal programs are dependent on the collection of this information, such as: 

• State Funded Pre-Kindergarten
• Early Education Allotment
• College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Allotment
• National School Lunch/Breakfast Programs
• State Compensatory Education Allotment
• Title 1 Federal Grant Program
• E-Rate

Additionally, students or families may be eligible for:

• AP exam fee reductions
• SAT fee waivers
• College application fee waivers
• College financial aid
• Emergency Broadband Benefit (to help households struggling to afford Internet services during the COVID-19 pandemic)

All families are asked to complete this form regardless of income since the completion of this form impacts the district’s programming and funding. If you do not wish to provide income information, scroll past that section of the form and select the following option:

“I choose not to provide this information. I understand that the school’s disbursement of federal funds and accountability rating may be affected by my choice.”

Completing or not completing this form will not impact free meals for any student, as that is a separate process. Additionally, all Plano ISD schools will provide free meals to all students throughout the 2021-22 school year, regardless of family income level.

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Web Page Created to Alert Families of Late Bus Delays

Plano ISD’s transportation department has created a webpage where information about buses running more than 30 minutes late is shared. The page link is www.pisd.edu/latebus.  It is important to know that buses will still go by all the bus stops to pick up students. 

Delays are due in part to nationwide staffing shortage. The Plano ISD transportation department is diligently working to hire bus drivers and pay was increased to $21 an hour. Paid training is offered. Bus assistant jobs are also available. 

If you or anyone you know is interested in joining our transportation team, visit Plano ISD’s employment page, located at www.pisd.edu/jobs. 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

September 13, 2021

Registration for Virtual College Fair is Now Open

Registration is now open for virtual college fairs scheduled for September 25 and October 16. Students from eighth grade to seniors in high school and their parents are invited to attend these virtual events. Participants can chat with college and university representatives, learn more about how or when to apply, and ask about financial aid. 

Registration is required. For registration instructions, visit www.pisd.edu/virtualcollegefairs. 

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Parents Are Invited to Participate in Parent Education & Engagement Program “Lunch and Learn” Sessions 

Beginning September 14, Plano ISD’s Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP) will host 30-minute ”Lunch and Learn” parent sessions for Plano ISD families on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. on Facebook Live. Log on to join Plano ISD parent educators and other parents to explore evidence-based positive parenting strategies as a community. 

For more information about the Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program, please visit the PISD PEEP webpage, PEEP Facebook page or contact Sharon Bradley.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 9, 2021

Celebrate Freedom Week: September 13-17

Each year, Texas schools are required to honor Celebrate Freedom Week during the week of September 17. This year, Celebrate Freedom week is September 13-17. The instructional goal of this week is to highlight the values and ideals on which the United States was founded as well as the sacrifices that were made for freedom in the founding of the country. Included as part of the instruction of the week, students are required to recite from the introduction of the Declaration of Independence. 

Annually, the district creates a video which includes students and staff narrating the required topics. This video will be shown to all students at school in grades 3-12 during Celebrate Freedom Week. In class, students will have the option to recite parts of the key United States founding documents along with other Plano ISD students on the video. (This is not required.) If you have questions or concerns about this, please contact your student’s teacher or campus administrator.

For more information or details related to this law, please see the links below:

• Texas Education Code: TEC § 29.907
• Texas Administrative Code: RULE §74.33

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Parents Are Invited to Participate in Parent Education & Engagement Program “Lunch and Learn” Sessions 

Beginning September 14, Plano ISD’s Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP) will host 30-minute ”Lunch and Learn” parent sessions for Plano ISD families on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. on Facebook Live. Log on to join Plano ISD parent educators and other parents to explore evidence-based positive parenting strategies as a community. 

For more information about the Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program, please visit the PISD PEEP webpage, PEEP Facebook page or contact Sharon Bradley.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

September 8, 2021

Parents Are Asked to Complete a Socioeconomic Form as Part of This Year’s Enrollment 

This year, all parents are asked to complete the Socioeconomic Form as part of this year’s enrollment process, regardless of socioeconomic need. State and federal funds are allocated to school districts based on this information.  

Several state and federal programs are dependent on the collection of this information, such as: 

• State Funded Pre-Kindergarten
• Early Education Allotment
• College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Allotment
• National School Lunch/Breakfast Programs
• State Compensatory Education Allotment
• Title 1 Federal Grant Program
• E-Rate

Additionally, students or families may be eligible for:

• AP exam fee reductions
• SAT fee waivers
• College application fee waivers
• College financial aid
• Emergency Broadband Benefit (to help households struggling to afford Internet services during the COVID-19 pandemic)

All families are asked to complete this form regardless of income since the completion of this form impacts the district’s programming and funding. If you do not wish to provide income information, scroll past that section of the form and select the following option:

“I choose not to provide this information. I understand that the school’s disbursement of federal funds and accountability rating may be affected by my choice.”

Completing or not completing this form will not impact free meals for any student, as that is a separate process. Additionally, all Plano ISD schools will provide free meals to all students throughout the 2021-22 school year, regardless of family income level.

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Food and Nutritional Services Job Fair is Tomorrow

Job seekers are invited to attend Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) job fair happening tomorrow, September 9, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano. Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, including bringing a resume if possible. Resumes can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5788. Another FANS job fair is occurring on September 23.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

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Job Openings Available in Transportation and PASAR

Transportation and PASAR, the district’s after school child care program for students in grades prek-5, have job openings. Available positions range from bus driver and bus assistant to PASAR activity specialists or PASAR site manager.

Bus driver jobs include paid training. PASAR jobs, which are part-time, are available to adults, college students and qualified senior high school students.

Visit Plano ISD’s employment page to see job listings.

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Parent Education & Engagement Program “Lunch and Learn” Sessions for Parents

Beginning September 14, Plano ISD’s Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP) will host 30-minute "Lunch and Learn" parent sessions for Plano ISD families on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. on Facebook Live. Log on to join Plano ISD parent educators and other parents to explore evidence-based positive parenting strategies as a community. 

For more information about the Plano ISD Parent Education & Engagement Program, please visit the PISD PEEP webpage, PEEP Facebook page or contact Sharon Bradley.

 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 7, 2021

Food and Nutritional Services Job Fairs Taking Place on September 9 and 23

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department is hosting job fairs on September 9 and 23 from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano. Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, including bringing a resume if possible. Resumes can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5788.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 3, 2021

Reminder: Plano ISD to Pilot a K-6 Virtual Academy 

Application deadline is Sunday, September 5, at noon

Plano ISD is prepared to pilot a Virtual Academy for students in grades K-6 pending full legislative approval, staffing availability, financial feasibility and other relevant considerations. Plano ISD reserves the right to adjust or cancel plans for the Virtual Academy based on guidance or new developments from the state that would prohibit the district from implementing a virtual learning environment. 

Plano ISD must adhere to the virtual learning criteria outlined in Senate Bill 15 (pending full legislative approval). To be eligible, students must fulfill the enrollment requirements of SB 15:

• Currently enrolled in Plano ISD
• Attendance rate of at least 90% for the 2020-2021 school year
• Passed /promoted from previous school year 
• Passed all previous STAAR exams or district assessment if STAAR was not taken (Parents of special education students who wish to apply for Virtual Academy should do so, then an ARD committee meeting will be held to consider your child's individual needs and opportunity to participate in the Virtual Academy.)   
• In person participation for state testing 
• Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy will only serve students in Kindergarten through grade 6 (SB 15 does not include provisions for pre-kindergarten or early childhood students)

 In addition to the state criteria, Plano ISD has added the following expectations to ensure student’s success in the program:

• Follow all Plano ISD policies and Student Code of Conduct
• Parent/guardian agrees to serve as home learning coach by providing consistent in-home support to maintain high levels of daily engagement 
• Maintain an active Parent Portal account
• Agree to a one-year commitment (complete the 2021-22 school year)
• Active participation with camera on during live teaching, testing, or as requested by the instructor

The application window for the Virtual Academy opened Thursday, September 2, and closes at noon on Sunday, September 5. There is limited enrollment for each grade level. All students in grades K-6 who meet the enrollment criteria are invited to apply. In the event that the Virtual Academy is canceled, students will resume enrollment at their home campus. Grade level and program offerings are subject to enrollment minimums. 

Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 13, 2021, pending full legislative approval and funding from the Texas Education Agency. This start date will allow the district time to determine parent interest, identify staff and adapt curriculum for this program.

The Virtual Academy application is available now and closes on Sunday, September 5, at 12:00 noon. For more information, please visit the Virtual Academy website at www.pisd.edu/virtual, or you may download the Virtual Academy Information Sheet.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 2, 2021

Plano ISD Prepared to Pilot a Virtual Academy 

Plano ISD is prepared to pilot a Virtual Academy for students in grades K-6 pending full legislative approval, staffing availability, financial feasibility and other relevant considerations. Plano ISD reserves the right to adjust or cancel plans for the Virtual Academy based on guidance or new developments from the state that would prohibit the district from implementing a virtual learning environment. 

Plano ISD must adhere to the virtual learning criteria outlined in Senate Bill 15 (pending full legislative approval). To be eligible, students must fulfill the enrollment requirements of SB 15:

• Currently enrolled in Plano ISD
• Attendance rate of at least 90% for the 2020-2021 school year
• Passed /promoted from previous school year 
• Passed all previous STAAR exams or district assessment if STAAR was not taken (Parents of special education students who wish to apply for Virtual Academy should do so, then an ARD committee meeting will be held to consider your child's individual needs and opportunity to participate in the Virtual Academy.)   
• In person participation for state testing 
• Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy will only serve students in Kindergarten through grade 6 (SB 15 does not include provisions for pre-kindergarten or early childhood students)

In addition to the state criteria, Plano ISD has added the following expectations to ensure student’s success in the program:

• Follow all Plano ISD policies and Student Code of Conduct
• Parent/guardian agrees to serve as home learning coach by providing consistent in-home support to maintain high levels of daily engagement 
• Maintain an active Parent Portal account
• Agree to a one-year commitment (complete the 2021-22 school year)
• Active participation with camera on during live teaching, testing, or as requested by the instructor

The application window for the Virtual Academy opens Thursday, September 2, and closes at noon on Sunday, September 5. There is limited enrollment for each grade level. All students in grades K-6 who meet the enrollment criteria are invited to apply. In the event that the Virtual Academy is canceled, students will resume enrollment at their home campus. Grade level and program offerings are subject to enrollment minimums. 

Plano ISD’s Virtual Academy is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 13, 2021, pending full legislative approval and funding from the Texas Education Agency. This start date will allow the district time to determine parent interest, identify staff and adapt curriculum for this program.

The Virtual Academy application is available now and closes on Sunday, September 5, at 12:00 noon. For more information, please visit the Virtual Academy website at www.pisd.edu/virtual, or you may download the Virtual Academy Information Sheet.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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September 1, 2021

Save the Date for Upcoming Virtual College Fairs

Students and their parents are invited to attend college virtual job fairs on Saturday, September 25 and October 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The registration will be open soon. For now, save the date on your calendars.

At the fairs, students will have opportunities to chat with representatives of the colleges and universities of their choice and to discover colleges that might be a great fit for them that they hadn't previously considered. Students will learn more about how and when to apply, as well as information about financial aid. It's never too early or too late to plan for the future; students from eighth grade to seniors in high school are invited to attend these fairs.

Look for the link to be shared in an upcoming Plano ISD family update as well as through social media. 

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COVID Daily Dashboard

The Plano ISD COVID-19 dashboard is now being updated daily, Monday through Friday, when schools are open. You can access it online at www.pisd.edu/coviddashboard.  

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Plano ISD Is Hiring

Senior High School Students Can Apply to Work at PASAR

Qualified senior high school students, in addition to college students and adults, can apply to work in Plano ISD’s PASAR after-school care program for students in grades prek-5. Work with a great team and in a creative environment while planning and assisting in activities for the district’s youngest students.

Part-time openings across district campuses include part-time activity specialists, assistant site manager and site manager. Apply by visiting Plano ISD’s employment page at www.pisd.edu/jobs/auxiliary.

Come join our team!

Food and Nutritional Services Job Fairs Taking Place on September 9 and 23

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department is hosting job fairs on September 9 and 23 from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano.  Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, including bringing a resume if possible. Resumes can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

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Free ESL and GED Classes Available

From August 30-September 3, the Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) will be providing on-site registration for its free ESL and GED classes. Registration will take place from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Bird Center located at 1300 19th Street, Plano. 

For more details about the Parent Education and Engagement Program, please contact Director of Student, Family and Community Services Sharon Bradley.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 31, 2021

Food and Nutritional Services Job Fairs Taking Place on September 9 and 23

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) Department is hosting job fairs on September 9 and 23 from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Wilson Middle School’s cafeteria, 1001 Custer Road in Plano.  Open positions for schools across the district include cafeteria manager, cafeteria assistant manager and cafeteria specialist. 

Benefits include a steady work schedule, opportunities for advancement, weekends, holidays and summers off, a retirement plan and health benefits. 

Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but attendees should come prepared to interview, including bringing a resume if possible. Resumes can be sent in advance to fansjobs@pisd.edu or through Plano ISD’s Employment Page where more details about open positions are listed.

Interested applicants can also call FANS directly at 469-752-5783.

Come join our team and help feed our future!

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Check Out New Community Opportunities through the Plano ISD Materials Distribution Portal 

Families can now easily learn about events, enrichment activities and opportunities offered by community organizations as well as school-affiliated organizations by visiting Plano ISD’s Online Materials Distribution Portal. New opportunities are added every week!

Community organizations are also invited to visit the site to post information. There is a $15 fee per post for nonprofit organizations and a $30 fee per post for for-profit organizations. Details about establishing an account to post information can be found on the website, as well as guidelines on how to post and pay. 

 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 30, 2021

Food Service Volunteer Opportunities

Plano ISD’s Food and Nutritional Services is looking for volunteers during meal serving times to help alleviate significant staffing shortages currently underway. Interested non-Plano ISD employees can sign up for food service volunteer opportunities at plano.voly.org. 

Food service volunteer opportunities are currently available at all campus sites for meal serving times. All food service volunteers are required to have civil rights training and a Plano food handler certification prior to beginning their volunteer hours. Once approved, by the FANS department, the volunteer will be contacted with further information.  

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Membership Recruitment for Scouts

As Patriotic Societies and per Texas legislation, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSA) are allowed an opportunity to speak to students during regular school hours about membership. [See Plano ISD’s Policy GKE(LOCAL).] The following information may be shared with students this year by these two Patriotic Societies at your child’s campus. Schools may also share additional information via their campus newsletters and/or go-home folders.

BSA

• Cub Scouts Flyer
• Scouts BSA Flyer

GSA

• Girl Scouts Flyer
• Girl Scout General Information Flyer
• Girl Scouts Multi-event Flyer
• Why I Girl Scout (video)
• Girl Scouts Are… (video)
• ¡Sea una Girl Scout! (video en español)

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Free ESL and GED Classes Available

From August 30-September 3, the Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) will be providing on-site registration for its free ESL and GED classes. Registration will take place from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Bird Center located at 1300 19th Street, Plano. 

For more details about the Parent Education and Engagement Program, please contact Director of Student, Family and Community Services Sharon Bradley.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 27, 2021

Mask Exemption Dashboard Is Available

On Monday, August 23, the Plano ISD Board of Trustees held an Emergency Meeting in which they approved a measure to temporarily require indoor masking at all Plano ISD schools, facilities and district-provided transportation through September 24. Parents were provided an option to request an exemption for their student and the results of those requests are shared on the Plano ISD website for your reference.

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Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP)

Plano ISD’s new Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) offers classes, services and resources to all district parents and families. To view the daily parent class schedule and registration form, please view this flyer:

English | Spanish 

For more details about services such as 1-on-1 parent partnering, free GED/ESL classes, etc., please contact Director of Student, Family & Community Services Sharon Bradley.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 26, 2021

Parent Notification of Positive COVID Cases

Plano ISD recently changed notification practices following updated Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines published August 19, 2021.

These new guidelines require schools to notify teachers, staff, and parents of students in a classroom or extracurricular activity if there is a confirmed positive COVID case identified among individuals who participate in those classrooms or activities. This process allows the notification letters to be specific to those most at risk of exposure while the individual was infectious. These letters indicate that parents may opt to keep their students home to observe symptoms or move their student to remote conferencing if the student is experiencing symptoms, awaiting test results, or is confirmed positive. 

If you do not receive a notification letter sent by your campus, in accordance with the new required protocol, it is because your child’s classroom was not affected. Parents are encouraged to check the Plano ISD COVID Case Dashboard to stay updated on all cases that have been reported on campus.

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Increasing COVID Cases and Remote Conferencing Recommendations

Plano ISD and the Collin County Health Department are closely monitoring campuses that have multiple individuals test-confirmed with COVID. The Texas Education Agency has limited our ability to require an individual, or an entire classroom, to quarantine due to exposure. However, we will STRONGLY ENCOURAGE families to keep students home and engage with remote conferencing, when positive case numbers increase. The campus principal will notify families when the district  is STRONGLY ENCOURAGING the remote conferencing option.

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Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP)

Plano ISD’s new Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) offers classes, services and resources to all district parents and families. To view the daily parent class schedule and registration form, please view this flyer:

English | Spanish 

For more details about services such as 1-on-1 parent partnering, free GED/ESL classes, etc., please contact Director of Student, Family & Community Services Sharon Bradley.

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Confirmation to Receive Text Messages from Plano ISD

Text messages inviting families to opt in to receive text messages from their schools and the district are being sent this week via School Messenger.

If the district has a cell phone number for you, and you have not already opted in by texting “Y” to 67587, you should receive the following text message from 67587 requesting that you opt in to continue receiving text messages from the district or school:

“Plano Independent School District messages. Reply Y to confirm, HELP 4 info. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. schoolmessenger.com/tm”

You must reply to the text that is sent with “Y” to opt in to receive text messages from your school.

For more information, please visit: https://www.pisd.edu/textoptin or view the following flyer:

English | Spanish

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 25, 2021

Mask Requirement Begins Tomorrow, Thursday, August 26

Mask Exemption Forms Are Due by 11:59 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, August 25

Starting tomorrow, Thursday, August 26, masks will be temporarily required at all Plano ISD schools, facilities and district-provided transportation, following approval by the Board of Trustees during their emergency meeting held Monday, August 23.

All students, teachers, staff members and visitors, including parents and volunteers, will be required to wear masks indoors at all district facilities and on school buses. Students and staff have the option to remove their masks while seated during meals and while outdoors. Specifically for athletics, performing arts and physical education, masks will be worn consistently except when the mask inhibits a student's full participation in the activity. 

A Mask Exemption Form is available for families who want to submit a medical, religious or philosophical exception for their child. This form is live and will remain open until 11:59 p.m., tonight, Wednesday, August 25.  

Read the full announcement on Plano ISD's website.

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Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP)

Plano ISD’s new Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) offers classes, services and resources to all district parents and families. To view the daily parent class schedule and registration form, please view this flyer:

English | Spanish 

For more details about services such as 1-on-1 parent partnering, GED/ESL classes, etc., please contact Director of Student, Family & Community Services Sharon Bradley.

 

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 24, 2021

Starting This Thursday, August 26, Masks Will Be Temporarily Required Indoors and On District Transportation

Mask Exemption Forms Are Due by 11:59 p.m., August 25

Starting Thursday, August 26, masks will be temporarily required at all Plano ISD schools, facilities and district-provided transportation, following approval by the Board of Trustees during their emergency meeting held Monday, August 23.

All students, teachers, staff members and visitors, including parents and volunteers, will be required to wear masks indoors at all district facilities and on school buses. Students and staff have the option to remove their masks while seated during meals and while outdoors. Specifically for athletics, performing arts and physical education, masks will be worn consistently except when the mask inhibits a student's full participation in the activity. 

A Mask Exemption Form is available for families who want to submit a medical, religious or philosophical exception for their child. This form is now live and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on August 25.  

Read the full announcement at www.pisd.edu. 

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Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP)

Plano ISD’s new Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) offers classes, services and resources to all district parents and families. To view the daily parent class schedule and registration form, please view this flyer:

English | Spanish 

For more details about services such as 1-on-1 parent partnering, GED/ESL classes, etc., please contact Director of Student, Family & Community Services Sharon Bradley.

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Membership Recruitment for Scouts

As Patriotic Societies and per Texas legislation, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSA) are allowed an opportunity to speak to students during regular school hours about membership. [See Plano ISD’s Policy GKE(LOCAL).] The following information may be shared with students this year by these two Patriotic Societies at your child’s campus. Schools may also share additional information via their campus newsletters and/or go-home folders.

BSA

• Cub Scouts Flyer
• Scouts BSA Flyer

GSA

• Girl Scouts Flyer
• Girl Scouts Event Flyer
• Why I Girl Scout (video)
• Girl Scouts Are… (video)
• ¡Sea una Girl Scout! (video en español)

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 23, 2021

Masks To Be Temporarily Required Indoors at All Plano ISD Schools and Facilities

Today, the Plano ISD Board of Trustees held an Emergency Meeting in which they approved a measure to temporarily require indoor masking at all Plano ISD schools, facilities and district-provided transportation. As  COVID-19 cases this year have already surpassed last year’s peak numbers, this additional health and safety measure will be effective Thursday, August 26. This temporary measure will be effective through Friday, September 24, or until there is further guidance on GA-38 as a result of ongoing state and federal litigation or legislative action. A Mask Exemption Form is available for families who want to submit a medical, religious or philosophical exception for their child. This form will be live this evening and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on August 25.  

All students, teachers, staff members and visitors, including parents and volunteers, will be required to wear masks indoors at all district facilities and on school buses. Students and staff have the option to remove their masks while seated during meals and while outdoors. Specifically for athletics, performing arts and physical education, masks will be worn consistently except when the mask inhibits a student's full participation in the activity. 

Plano ISD will continue to monitor trends and consult with Collin County Health Care Services and the Texas Education Agency. Any changes or updates to health protocols will be communicated to families across district communications channels, and the Return to School Plan will be updated as needed. As an added resource, the Plano ISD COVID-19 Dashboard was launched on Friday, August 20.

We appreciate our community’s partnership as we work together to keep students and staff healthy and safe. 

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Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP)

Plano ISD’s new Parent Education and Engagement Program (PEEP) offers classes, services and resources to all district parents and families. To view the daily parent class schedule and registration form, please view this flyer:

English | Spanish 

For more details about services such as 1-on-1 parent partnering, GED/ESL classes, etc., please contact Director of Student, Family & Community Services Sharon Bradley.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 20, 2021

Plano ISD COVID Dashboard Launches Early

Plano ISD’s COVID Dashboard, originally scheduled to launch on Monday, August 23, is now live. The dashboard includes positive case counts on school campuses. The information will be updated weekly beginning next Tuesday. Today’s information reflects cumulative totals current as of 12:30 p.m., Friday, August 20, 2021.

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Look for a Text Message Next Week Requesting Your Confirmation to Receive Text Messages from Plano ISD

Plano ISD is excited to announce the option to receive SchoolMessenger text messages from your school and the district. The week of August 23, beginning at 1:00 p.m., you will receive a text message from the district inviting you to opt in to receive text messages from your school. 

If the district has a cell phone number for you, and you have not already opted in by texting “Y” to 67587, you should receive the following text message from 67587 requesting that you opt in to continue receiving text messages from the district or school:

“Plano Independent School District messages. Reply Y to confirm, HELP 4 info. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. schoolmessenger.com/tm”

You must reply to the text that is sent with “Y” to opt in to receive text messages from your school.

For more information, please visit: https://www.pisd.edu/textoptin or view the following flyer:

English | Spanish

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Updates to Return to School Plan

Plano ISD continues to evaluate and adjust protocols as needed—and will communicate changes with families and staff. Revised sections are noted in the Return to School Plan with an updated date.

Some recent updates include:

• Attendance (remote conferencing)
• COVID-19 Campus Response Protocol & Notifications

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 19, 2021

Health Screening Reminder for Families

Families should continue to monitor their children’s health. If a child is sick, please have them stay home to get better. Additionally, if any of the following scenarios apply, please notify your school’s nurse who will contact you to discuss any quarantine requirements:

• Sick with symptoms that could be COVID-19. Symptoms to watch for: fever (100°F or higher), cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, fatigue, congestion/running nose, nausea/diarrhea, new loss of taste or smell.
• Has a confirmed case of COVID-19 or has been in close contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. These individuals must follow all isolation and quarantine guidelines from the local health authority or their physician.
• Is awaiting their own test results.

Students and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will be permitted to return to school when:

• They are 24 hours fever-free without using fever-reducing medication; and
• Improved symptoms (cough, difficulty breathing, etc.); and
• 10 days have passed since symptoms began; OR
• 10 days have passed since the test date, if not experiencing symptoms.

Please note that families will be notified when there is a positive case reported in their student’s class/grade level (elementary) or campus (secondary). For more information about Plano ISD’s 2021-2022 health and safety protocols, view the Return to School Plan online in English or Spanish. 

Thank you for your assistance in helping to keep our students healthy and safe.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 18, 2021

Reporting Student a COVID Case

If your child has tested positive for COVID, and has been present on campus, please submit a Student Report Form. Your campus nurse will contact you, once the report is received and reviewed.

As a reminder, students with COVID 19 test results pending may not attend school. 

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Plano ISD COVID Dashboard Launches August 23

Plano ISD’s COVID Dashboard will be available starting Monday, August 23. The dashboard will include positive case counts on campuses. The information will be updated each Monday and available on the website at www.pisd.edu/coviddashboard (coming soon). 

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Look for a Text Message Next Week Requesting Your Confirmation to Receive Text Messages from Plano ISD

Plano ISD is excited to announce the option to receive SchoolMessenger text messages from your school and the district. The week of August 23, you will receive a text message from the district inviting you to opt in to receive text messages from your school. 

If the district has a cell phone number for you, and you have not already opted in by texting “Y” to 67587, you should receive the following text message from 67587 requesting that you opt in to continue receiving text messages from the district or school:

“Plano Independent School District messages. Reply Y to confirm, HELP 4 info. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. schoolmessenger.com/tm”

You must reply to the text that is sent with “Y” to opt in to receive text messages from your school.

For more information, please visit: https://www.pisd.edu/textoptin or view the following flyer:

English | Spanish

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Food and Nutritional Services Updates

Food and Supply Shortages: Due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, distributors have begun notifying Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) of the potential for food and supply shortages this school year. Menus will most likely need to be updated periodically to account for these shortages. We appreciate your patience and support during this time as we work to navigate these shortages while continuing to provide nutritious, quality meals to our students. The FANS department will continue to monitor this situation and will update SchoolCafe menus as we are notified of any changes that need to be made.   

What is a student reimbursable meal? Food served in the cafeteria consists of the five food groups; meat/meat alternate, grains, vegetables, fruits, and milk. In order for a student breakfast to be considered reimbursable, the meal must include a minimum of three food items, one of which must be a fruit. A student lunch must include a minimum of three different food groups, one of which must be a fruit or a vegetable to be considered a reimbursable meal. If minimum requirements for a student reimbursable meal are not met, a la carte prices will be charged. To avoid charges, a student should pick up the minimum requirements for the meal. 

Now Hiring: Food and Nutritional Services is hiring cafeteria personnel, starting at $12.00/hour. Come join our team and enjoy the benefits of a great schedule, weekends, holidays and summers off, opportunity for advancement, and health benefits!  Apply at www.pisd.edu/jobs.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 16, 2021

5th Grade Outdoor Science Camp 

Fifth-grade students in Plano ISD typically have the opportunity to attend an outdoor school experience at Collin County Adventure Camp in the fall. Unfortunately, this year’s in-person camp experience is suspended. 

There were multiple factors considered in this decision, including the continuing repairs at the camp facilities due to the February winter storm, staffing shortage, as well as health and safety concerns.  

The school district looks forward to bringing #CampOnCampus back in the spring of 2022. Schools will be reaching out directly to fifth-grade families with more information.

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Administrative Protocol Manual for COVID-19 Is Now Available In Spanish

In the August 13, 2021 District Update, information was shared about COVID-19 protocols, including a link to the 2021-22 Administrative Protocol Manual for COVID-19. The manual is now available in Spanish. 

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PASAR Is Hiring

Plano ISD’s PASAR after-school care program for students in grades prek-5 is hiring part-time activity specialists. Apply by visiting Plano ISD’s employment page or register for the PASAR August 24 virtual job fair at www.pisd.edu/jobs. Qualified college and senior high school students can apply.

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Transportation Is Hiring

Hourly pay for bus drivers was increased to $21 an hour this school year. If you know of anyone interested in joining Plano ISD’s transportation as a bus driver or bus driver assistant, please visit the district’s employment page. 

Paid training is offered by Plano ISD’s transportation department. Training for drivers includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, as well as preparation necessary to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL). 

In addition to hourly pay, the school district offers drivers and driver assistants a full range of benefits which includes health and dental insurance, sick and personal leave and the flexibility to choose shifts.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 13, 2021

COVID-19 Positive Cases on Campuses

Plano ISD students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 will not be able to attend in-person school activities and must quarantine following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. People who test positive will complete 10 days of isolation counted from the day their symptoms began or 10 days after they tested positive, if they did not experience any symptoms. Campus nurses and Plano ISD Health Services will help staff, parents and students determine when it is safe to return to campus.

Students and staff who are identified as a close contact will not be excluded or quarantined from school or work. This will be an optional exclusion or quarantine based on personal choice.

Students and staff who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 and/or test positive will be excluded from school for 10 days. This is mandatory per the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

The district will notify elementary school families of a positive case in their students' classroom, middle school families of a positive case in their student’s grade level, and high school families of a positive case on their student’s campus.

Seating charts will be utilized for all students PK-12 during academic instruction. Seating charts will also be utilized for elementary and middle school cafeterias as feasible. Finally, seating charts will be utilized on school buses.

The district is not allowing large, in-door optional assemblies on campus for students during the first nine weeks of the school year (elementary and middle schools only).

Plano ISD will provide a weekly update to the DSHS, whose public school dashboard will display positive, on-campus cases reported to the state. A link will be shared with parents once the dashboard is online for the 2021-22 school year.

Health Precautions

• All adults and students are expected to self-screen and screen their children for symptoms of illness before coming to campus each day. 
• Students and adult visitors are expected to stay home and report to their campus nurse and Plano ISD employees are expected to report to health services and their direct supervisor if they have symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been advised to quarantine due to exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
• Health Services will monitor positive cases within Plano ISD schools, programs, and facilities and will collaborate with the Collin County Health Department in all decisions that could potentially require closing of classrooms and schools.
• Parents are encouraged to talk with their students about COVID-19, and reinforce basic safety measures.

Environmental Protocols

• Handwashing materials and hand sanitizing stations are readily available throughout all Plano ISD campuses and administrative buildings.
• Clear desk shields will be available for any student or teacher in school at their request.
• Plano ISD is continuing the use of MERV-11 air filters in HVAC systems. 

Missing School and Remote Conferencing

Students or staff who are symptomatic or are positive for COVID may not participate in face-to-face school activities until cleared to return under CDC guidelines. The campus nurse for students and Plano ISD Health Services for employees will evaluate each positive case and provide a return to school or work date.

Students who miss school due to illness or quarantine will be eligible for Remote Conferencing. School nurses may recommend placement in our Remote Conference environment.  

Remote conferencing allows students who qualify the opportunity to have synchronous or live instructional facilitation for 2 hours per day for students PK-5, and 4 hours each day for students in grades 6-12.

The remote conferencing teachers are Plano ISD teachers from our Guinn SPC and substitutes, the home campus teacher will remain the teacher of record.  

This allows students to keep up with classroom learning and assignments while not being overburdened with make-up work upon their return to school.

Any student or family needing internet access can notify their school to check out a Plano ISD hotspot.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Eligible students and staff are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves against COVID-19.

If a student has been vaccinated, parents may provide a copy of the vaccine card to the campus nurse so the information can be included with the student’s records.

All Plano ISD staff and students who are fully vaccinated will not be considered exposed to any COVID-19 positive cases at school or at home, and will not be subject to quarantine if exposed as a close contact to a positive case, as long as they are not experiencing symptoms.

The district will continue to provide information on the district website on how to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination.

Experiencing Symptoms

The presence of any of the symptoms below generally suggests a person has an infectious illness and should not attend school, regardless of whether the illness is COVID-19:

• Temperature of 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• Sore throat 
• Cough (for students with chronic cough due to asthma, a change in their cough from baseline)
• Difficulty breathing (for students with asthma, a change from their baseline breathing)
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever
• Loss of taste or smell
• Congestion or runny nose

Plano ISD staff and students should not attend school in-person if they or their parent identifies new development of any of the symptoms above. Parents should contact their child’s school and report that their child is sick. The school nurse may ask some additional questions to help determine when it is safe for the child to return to school. Students with COVID-19 like symptoms will be excluded from school for 10 days unless they can provide a negative rapid antigen result, or a negative PCR result, or a  note from their medical provider clearing the student to return. Staff will communicate with their direct supervisor and Health Services to determine next steps.

Students who are feeling ill during the school day will be evaluated by the campus nurse who will consult the parent/guardian to determine if they need to be seen by a medical provider.

Families may also access the 2021-22 Administrative Protocol Manual for COVID-19. (A Spanish version of this manual is forthcoming.)

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Plano ISD Campus Cleaning Practices for Covid -19 Positive Students and Staff

The Plano ISD cleaning practice for a student or staff member identified with a positive COVID-19 test result is as follows and is consistent with last year’s practices. This additional cleaning will be funded with district funds and not campus funds.

The classroom(s) where the student/staff resides will be electrostatic sprayed with a disinfectant cleaner and all surfaces wiped down with a disinfectant solution. Cafeteria tables and the Library tables and chairs will also be electrostatic sprayed with a disinfectant solution.

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 12, 2021

Health Screening Reminder for Families

Families should continue to monitor their children’s health. If a child is sick, please have them stay home to get better. Additionally, if any of the following scenarios apply, please notify your school’s nurse who will contact you to discuss any quarantine requirements:

• Sick with symptoms that could be COVID-19. Symptoms to watch for: fever (100°F or higher), cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, fatigue, congestion/running nose, nausea/diarrhea, new loss of taste or smell.
• Has a confirmed case of COVID-19 or has been in close contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. These individuals must follow all isolation and quarantine guidelines from the local health authority or their physician.
• Is awaiting their own test results.

Students and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will be permitted to return to school when:

• They are 24 hours fever-free without using fever-reducing medication; and
• Improved symptoms (cough, difficulty breathing, etc.); and
• 10 days have passed since symptoms began; OR
• 10 days have passed since the test date, if not experiencing symptoms.

Please note that parents/guardians will be notified when there is a positive case on their child’s campus. For more information about Plano ISD’s 2021-2022 health and safety protocols, view the Return to School Plan online in English or Spanish. 

Thank you for your assistance in helping to keep our students healthy and safe.

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Communication to Parents Regarding Requests to Mandate Face Masks

The following information is being shared with families and posted on the district website: 

We have heard from many parents requesting that Plano ISD follow Dallas County, who have imposed a mask requirement, in spite of the Governor’s Order. Plano ISD’s Board of Trustees sent the Governor a letter requesting the ability to manage the District’s mask policies through local control. The Board has not received a response to the letter.  This is a very complex situation, and as such, there are a few facts that you should be aware of:

• The Governor’s order prohibiting the District from mandating masks has the force and effect of law.
• Collin County Judge Chris Hill issued a statement on August 11, 2021, that he will not issue a face mask order for Collin County.
• The decision issued for Dallas County does not apply to Plano ISD schools  within the City of Dallas;  Plano ISD schools are all in Collin County and not subject to a Dallas County Order.
• Without an order similar to the Dallas County order, Plano ISD must comply with the Governor’s orders.
• On August 11, 2021, the Governor publicly stated that any school district that decides to defy GA-38, which prohibits the District from mandating masks, will be taken to court. 

The Board firmly supports the recommendations of the Texas Department of State Health Services and CDC to use face coverings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We strongly encourage and recommend all members of our Plano ISD community to use face coverings.  However, due to the constantly changing landscape regarding this issue from the Governor, the county and the courts, the Board intends to comply with the law. Currently, the District’s legal counsel is closely monitoring the implications of what is happening in Dallas County and across the state in order to advise the District in this rapidly evolving situation.

Additionally, the District will continue to utilize other COVID-19 mitigation measures in its efforts to safely serve the District’s students. Therefore we expect all staff and families to follow PISD’s adopted health and safety protocols to ensure we are keeping each other as safe as possible. Protocols can be reviewed in the 2021-22 Return to School available at www.pisd.edu/returnplan. 

Questions or comments regarding the Governor’s order and/or Judge Hill’s statement should be forwarded to: 

• Contact the Office of the Texas Governor
• Contact the Office of the Texas Attorney General
• Contact Collin County Judge Chris Hill 

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COVID Vaccinations for Plano ISD Families/Households

As an approved vaccine provider, Plano ISD is ready to order new doses of the Moderna vaccine. Please complete this form if you are interested in receiving the vaccine through Plano ISD (free of charge). Plano ISD will vaccinate family/household members who are 18 years and older (free of charge).

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 11, 2021

Welcome Back, Plano ISD!

   

Today was a great first day throughout the district. Teachers and administrators were excited to welcome students this morning and get them acclimated to their new classmates, classroom routines and health & safety protocols. Welcome back Plano ISD!

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Reminder: Deadline to Sign Up for Parent-Led Temporary Virtual Option Is Wednesday 

Parents interested in registering for the Parent-Led Virtual Option for prek-6 grade students need to register by 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, August 11. Learn more about the option by visiting www.pisd.edu/tvo.

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COVID Vaccinations for Plano ISD Families/Households

As an approved vaccine provider, Plano ISD is ready to order new doses of the Moderna vaccine. Please complete this form if you are interested in receiving the vaccine through Plano ISD (free of charge). Plano ISD will vaccinate family/household members who are 18 years and older (free of charge).

Today’s Update for Plano ISD Families

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August 10, 2021

Share Your First Day of School Photos

Families are invited to share your first day of school photos on our hashtag, #PISDFirstDay21. Please be sure photos are okay with parents to share. Welcome back, Plano ISD!

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Read Updates to Plano ISD’s Return to School Plan

Plano ISD’s updated Return to School Plan is posted on the district’s website and available in English and Spanish. The Board of Trustees approved staff’s recommendations in an ongoing effort to listen to the feedback from families. Revised sections are noted by “updated” with a date next to the heading. 

English | Spanish

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Reminder: Deadline to Sign Up for Parent-Led Temporary Virtual Option Is Wednesday 

Parents interested in registering for the Parent-Led Virtual Option for prek-6 grade students need to register by 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, August 11. Learn more about the option by visiting www.pisd.edu/tvo.

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Find Out If Your Child’s Bus Is Running More than 30 Minutes Late

In anticipation of school buses running late at the start of the school year due to the nationwide labor shortage, transportation has created a webpage where information about buses running more than 30 minutes late will be shared. 

It is important to know that buses will still go by all the bus stops to pick up students.

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Need a Chromebook?

Students in grades K-12 are eligible to receive a Chromebook for use at home.

Parents may request student devices through the Parent Portal during the annual registration period or any subsequent time throughout the school year.  Each campus will determine the time and place for device distribution and communicate those details accordingly. Students participating in the Chromebook Check Out Program will be expected to bring fully-charged devices to school every day.

Details regarding picking up Chromebooks and other supplies will be provided by each campus.

For additional information about Chromebooks or WiFi access, visit our Student Technology Equipment Checkout Guidelines web page.

Web Page Created to Alert Families of Late Bus Delays

In anticipation of school buses running late at the start of the school year due to the nationwide labor shortage, transportation has created a webpage where information about buses running more than 30 minutes late will be shared. 

It is important to know that buses will still go by all the bus stops to pick up students.

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Transportation Is Hiring

Hourly pay for bus drivers was increased to $21 an hour this school year. If you know of anyone interested in joining Plano ISD’s transportation as a bus driver or bus driver assistant, please visit the district’s employment page. 

Paid training is offered by Plano ISD’s transportation department. Training for drivers includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, as well as preparation necessary to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL). 

In addition to hourly pay, the school district offers drivers and driver assistants a full range of benefits which includes health and dental insurance, sick and personal leave and the flexibility to choose shifts.

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Parent-Led Temporary Virtual Option Web Page Now Live

In addition to the information shared with parents via email about the parent-led virtual learning option for students in grades preK – 6, a web page is now live at www.pisd.edu/tvo.

Visit the page to read information about registration, sample schedules and additional information. 

Dear Families,

Via the links below, please see a draft containing an updated health protocols section of the 2021-2022 Return to School Plan. These updates will be presented for approval to the Plano ISD Board of Trustees this evening. Protocols have been revised to add extra safeguards and precautions. Pending board approval, the online protocols shared last week will be updated.

View updated health protocols in English | Spanish.

Plano ISD Offering Parent-Led Temporary Virtual Option for Students in Grades PreK - 6

August 16 - September 3, 2021

As Plano ISD continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, please know that we are listening to our families and community as they express health and safety concerns regarding the latest trends associated with the delta variant of the virus. In order to address the needs and concerns of our families with children enrolled in grades preK through 6, who are not yet able to be vaccinated, the district will be offering a temporary online, asynchronous learning option for parents who are seeking an alternative to in-person learning. 

In addition to the face-to-face instructional model in place for the 2021-22 school year, Plano ISD will offer a parent-led temporary virtual option at the start of the 2021-22 school year for parents who are seeking an alternative to in-person learning. The Plano ISD Parent-Led Temporary Virtual Option is a remote, asynchronous learning experience where students engage in learning materials from home. This temporary learning solution allows students to engage in asynchronous learning utilizing Plano ISD instructional resources in pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. (PreK students must qualify for eligibility.)

Registration Process & Enrollment Status

Registration

Parents can opt in to the Parent-Led Virtual Option by registering their child using this form. Parents who want to select this option must register by 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, August 11, 2021. 

Enrollment Status 

Students will remain enrolled at their home campus and will keep their assigned teacher of record, but will not attend school and will not have instruction or assignments delivered by their home campus teacher. The campus will maintain enrollment and a seat in the classroom when students return face to face. Students will be marked absent each day as “EV” or “excused virtual absence.” 

First Week of School - August 11-13

Once registered in the Parent-Led Virtual Option, parents will work with their child to set up their virtual classroom at home and will spend the first week of school (August 11-13) getting familiar with the learning platforms and tools. Use the following sections as a checklist to prepare for learning. 

Change of Instructional Setting

Students may not go back and forth between the Parent-Led Virtual Option and participating in face-to-face learning. The selection period for the Parent-Led Virtual Option ends on Wednesday, August 11 at 11:59 p.m. After this selection period, parents will not be able to opt their child into this learning model. Parents may elect to have their child return to face-to-face learning at any time by notifying their child’s campus. 

Parent & Student Expectations

Parent Expectations 

As your child’s Home Learning Coach, you will need to be available to provide feedback and academic support to your child. By choosing this option, parents agree to the following:

• Serve as your child’s Home Learning Coach and play an active part in supporting the learning.
• Create a designated place in your home for your student to use as their remote classroom.
• Access parent resources to learn how to retrieve online content and assignments for your child. 
• Watch the direct instruction videos and read content to ensure your child understands the learning expectations.
• Ensure access to an appropriate device and Internet connectivity. 
• Requests for technology may be submitted through the Parent Portal.
• Student Technology Equipment Checkout Guidelines
• Set up the daily schedule for your child and monitor completion of assignments and check for understanding.
• Ensure that independent assignments are completed without assistance.
• Monitor your child’s understanding and progress in the learning.
• Help your child own their learning. Provide support and encouragement and expect your children to do their part.

Student Learner Expectations 

• Be prepared for learning each day using the space and schedule you and your parents have designed.  
• Log in to the Plano ISD WebDesk each day and engage in assigned learning platforms (including, but not limited to, Google Classroom, Seesaw, Dreambox, MyPath, Edgenuity) daily.
• Watch assigned videos, complete posted activities and assignments on time.  
• Ask your Home Learning Coach (parent/guardian) questions when you need help. 

Plano ISD Teacher Expectations

PK-5 Teachers: Campus Face to Face Teachers of Record (at home campus where student is enrolled and will attend when returning to face-to-face) 

• Assign online programs (such as Dreambox, Pathblazers) to students on your class roll who are participating in the Parent Led Temporary Virtual Option 
• Weekly monitor their activity in the online programs
• Facilitate student transition back to face-to-face learning at end of virtual window

6th Grade Teachers: Teachers of record (at home campus where student is enrolled and will attend when returning to face-to-face)

• Weekly monitor student participation and progress in the assigned online program of students on your class roll who are participating in the Parent Led Temporary Virtual Option
• Facilitate student transition back to face-to-face learning at end of virtual window

Virtual Content Creators: A selected team of PISD teachers at each grade level will work with the curriculum team to create and post content for parents and students who are participating in the Parent Led Temporary Virtual Option.

• Virtual Content Creators will work with district academic services staff to plan, record direct instruction, post videos and assignments. 
• Plano ISD scope and sequence and curriculum will be followed 
• District provided materials and resources will be utilized
• Virtual Content Creators will not grade or monitor students in the Parent Led Temporary Virtual Option; they are only responsible for instructional planning, providing content and creating assignments.

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Coming Soon - PISD website at www.pisd.edu to learn more about the Parent-Led Virtual Option. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we plan for the safe reopening of the 2021-2022 school year.

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August 4, 2021

Plano ISD’s first day of school is next Wednesday, August 11, 2021. This special Back-to-School issue of Families Update is designed to help families prepare. For additional information, please visit the district’s Back-to-School page, or your school’s web page. A translation button is available on the top left side of our website for families who would like information in other languages. We look forward to seeing all students on opening day!

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Return to School Plan 2021-2022

View a video message from Superintendent Sara Bonser regarding the 2021-2022 Return to School Plan. 

The Plano ISD Return to School Plan, which includes health and safety protocols, has been updated for the 2021-2022 school year. An initial draft is shared below. This year's protocols have been amended in compliance with the Governor’s May 18 Executive Order, as well as guidance from the Texas Education Agency and Collin County Health Services. 

Plano ISD will continue to monitor trends and consult with Collin County Health Care Services and the Texas Education Agency. 

In the best interest of the health and safety of students and staff, protocols are subject to change in order to address evolving conditions, needs and circumstances. Updated information will continue to be shared via email and posted on the Plano ISD website at www.pisd.edu.

View the Return to School Plan | Spanish Translation

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Annual Registration 

Annual registration for students who were enrolled in Plano ISD in the 2020-2021 school year can now be completed online via the school district’s Parent Portal. 

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Transportation

To check eligibility and bus stops for your home address, visit the school district’s Route Finder tool. Please check the route again the day before school in case updates are made to bus routes.

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Voluntary Student Accident Insurance 

The 2021-22 Voluntary Student Accident Insurance coverage is available for Plano ISD parents to purchase through AXIS Insurance Company using this Enrollment Form included on page 4 of this document. These forms are also available on the Student Insurance webpage.

Parents can access the following on the above webpage:

• Coverage and premium options (premiums state are a one-time annual payment)
• Enrollment Form
• Claim Form and instructions for filing a claim

For additional information, parents may contact Combined Benefits Group at 800-749-6458.

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Free School Meals

All Plano ISD schools will continue to provide free meals to all students throughout the 2021-22 school year, regardless of family income level. A la carte items will be available for purchase. Menu information can be found on the Food and Nutritional Services (FANS) website.

No application is required for students to receive free meals this school year. However, since the district is still required to collect and report socioeconomic information to the Texas Education Agency for the purposes of annual state accountability ratings, as well as federal reporting and funding, Plano ISD is collecting an alternative Socioeconomic Information Form from all families via Parent Portal.

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PASAR After-School Care

PASAR, the district’s after-school care program, is operating with lower caregiver to child ratios. Consequently, this has resulted in the need to cap enrollment at PASAR sites. Visit the PASAR website page to see which sites are available and information on how to be added to a waitlist. 

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K-5 School Supplies

A list of K-5 school supplies is available on the district’s website. 

As a reminder, tax-free weekend is August 6-8. Families can save money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100) during the annual sales tax holiday.

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Athletic Forms

Athletic forms, including accident insurance and emergency cards, are available online. 

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Immunizations

Visit the district’s website to see a list of required school immunizations. 

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Chromebooks

All K-12 students are eligible to receive a district-issued Chromebook.  Parents should complete and sign a Student Technology Request Form for each student and submit the form to the student's assigned campus. Visit the district’s website for general handling and required care. 

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School Year Calendar

Stay informed of important dates via the 2021-2022 school year calendar, which is available online. 

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School Messenger

School Messenger is the district’s communication tool to reach families, particularly during an emergency. Please be sure to check that your contact information is updated on the Emergency Card of Plano ISD’s Parent Portal. Additionally, this year families will be able to receive text messages from their schools. Look for more information coming soon. 

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Fall Open House Dates

Open houses are scheduled to take place on the following dates:

EARLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL

• Tuesday, August 10, 2021

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

• Thursday, August 12, 2021
• Monday, August 16, 2021
• Tuesday, August 17, 2021

MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Wednesday, August 25, 2021 

HIGH SCHOOL

• Monday, September 13, 2021

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

• Monday, September 20, 2021

ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

• Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Please be sure to check your school’s website to confirm dates.

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Additional Information

There is a lot of information to know in preparation for the school year. Families are encouraged to visit their school’s website or Plano ISD’s Back-to-School page for additional information. 

Have a great school year!

2021-22 Health and Safety Protocols

The proposed health and safety protocols for the 2021-2022 school year will be presented to the Plano ISD Board of Trustees at the Tuesday, August 3, School Board Meeting. The draft protocols can be viewed here. 

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Back-to-School Fair for Families in Need to Be Held on August 3

Plano ISD’s Back-to-School Fair for families in need will be held on August 3 from 10 a.m.-noon in the parking lot of Clark Stadium. At this drive-thru, no contact-event, Plano ISD families will receive backpacks filled with school supplies and a box of shelf-stable food while supplies last.

A special thanks to sponsors who made this event possible: T-Mobile, the Plano ISD Education Foundation, Minnie’s Food Pantry, Lovepacs and Office Depot. 

Back-to-School Fair for Families in Need to Be Held on August 3

Plano ISD’s Back-to-School Fair for families in need will be held on August 3 from 10 a.m.-noon in the parking lot of Clark Stadium. At this drive-thru, no contact-event, Plano ISD families will receive backpacks filled with school supplies and a box of shelf-stable food while supplies last.

A special thanks to sponsors who made this event possible: T-Mobile, the Plano ISD Education Foundation, Minnie’s Food Pantry, Lovepacs and Office Depot. 

Job Fair Is Tomorrow, July 27

Plano ISD is hosting a job fair tomorrow, July 27, for food services and transportation jobs. The event will be from 9:00 a.m.-noon and 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at Vines High School. 

Some of the many opportunities include bus drivers, bus assistants, cafeteria specialists and cafeteria managers. Bus driver jobs pay $21 an hour and cafeteria manager assistant positions pay a minimum daily rate of $118.

Attendees should come prepared to interview, including bringing a resume if possible. An interview at the event is more likely for those who submitted their application in advance on Plano ISD’s employment page and meet the minimum job requirements. 

To apply ahead of time or to see additional jobs, visit www.pisd.edu/jobs.  

Plano ISD Hosting Job Fair for Food Services and Transportation Employment Opportunities

Food Services and Transportation are hosting in-person job fairs on July 22 and 27. The events will be from 9:00 a.m.-noon and 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at Vines High School, located at 1401 Highedge Drive, Plano TX 75075. Some of the many opportunities include bus drivers, bus assistants, cafeteria specialists and cafeteria managers.

Attendees should come prepared to interview, including bringing a resume if possible. An interview at the event is more likely for those who submitted their application in advance on Plano ISD’s employment page and meet the minimum job requirements. Walk-ins are also welcome.

At the event, candidates will be able to meet staff, complete employment applications, and participate in tours of a school kitchen or bus, depending on their job interest. 

Plano ISD does compensate bus drivers as they go through our training program (in-class and behind-the-wheel) while they prepare to obtain their CDL learners permit. 

Volunteer Approval Process for the 2021-2022 School Year Opens Tomorrow, July 7

Starting tomorrow, July 7, volunteers will be able to access the Plano ISD volunteer management system, VOLY, to create an account and complete an application, online orientation and criminal history check. These items need to be completed by volunteers each school year to be eligible for district/school volunteer opportunities. Please visit plano.voly.org to create a volunteer account and begin this process. If you created an account last school year, you will use that same log in to access your account to complete this year’s application, orientation and background check.

An email will be sent to the volunteer applicant communicating the status of their application and criminal history search within 3-5 business days of completing these steps. Volunteer approval status can also be viewed by the volunteer by logging into their account. Volunteers will need to complete the online orientation as well to be eligible to volunteer. 

Once approved, they will be able to sign up for volunteer opportunities directly through the VOLY platform at plano.voly.org. Volunteers should be sure to select all of the schools they are interested in volunteering with when asked on their application. This will allow campuses to see their volunteers and their status in the system. These school selections can also be changed by the volunteer by logging into their account at any time. For more details on the volunteer approval process, please visit pisd.edu/volunteer.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering in Plano ISD. 

Need Assistance?

• For technical assistance, such as password retrieval and issues with your account, please visit vol.cayzu.com.
• For questions about the background check process, please contact the Plano ISD Safety & Security Department at vbcheck@pisd.edu.
• For questions about volunteering at a specific campus, please contact that campus directly: Campus Directory.
• For general questions in regard to the Plano ISD volunteer program, please email volunteer@pisd.edu.