Bennett Bear Business Newsletter
Week of February 22, 2021
A Letter from Dr. McDaniel on the Return to School Monday, February 22nd
Dear McKinney ISD Community,
As we observe with gladness the melting away of this historic winter storm, we look forward with equal sincerity to welcoming our McKinney ISD students back to school, and I am pleased to tell you that all MISD schools will resume their normal schedules on Monday, February 22.
While some of our campuses experienced some winter storm damage over the past week, MISD maintenance crews are hard at work making repairs, and I do not expect it to impact classroom instruction as students return to campus on Monday.
Having said that, the past week has been a very difficult time for our community and the entire state. Many of our MISD families have been without basic utilities for an extended period and are just now returning to a sense of normalcy. Some of our families must now deal with damage inflicted on their homes by this winter storm. Whatever your experience over the past week, we know that circumstances such as these can bring not only a burden of time and finances, but also take an emotional toll on families and especially children.
So, I want to remind you, if your child is having a difficult time dealing with the stress of the past week, we will have school counselors on campus ready to help Monday morning. If the impact of this winter storm will make it difficult for your child to return on Monday, for whatever reason, please contact your campus and let them know.
The stories that I have heard about members of the McKinney community reaching out in kindness to help others during this crisis make me proud to lead this school district and to be a member of this community.
As we return to school next week, let us do so with that spirit of understanding, support and kindness.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rick McDaniel
McKinney ISD Superintendent
McKinney ISD Update: Readiness of Facilities
Good afternoon McKinney ISD families,
We are pleased to see the weather warming up and look forward to seeing students back in school on Monday. McKinney ISD maintenance and facilities crews have been working tirelessly over the past week to minimize damage at campuses caused by the recent inclement weather. Many of our maintenance staff have worked around the clock to address issues at campuses caused by the winter storm, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their commitment to our staff and students.
McKinney ISD experienced varying levels of impact from the storm at virtually every campus. Water was turned off quickly at each campus to mitigate the impact of the freezing weather. All water lines that were damaged have been repaired at this time, and water service has been restored at 100% of our schools and facilities. Campuses that were impacted by some level of water intrusion underwent water remediation and have been dehumidified. Campuses were not impacted by any electrical issues and have been evaluated for safety.
McKinney ISD understands that some parents may have concerns regarding the potential for mold as a result of isolated areas of water intrusion at some campuses. While no mold is expected due to water being fully extracted and dehumidified, the district will be taking additional precautionary measures through environmental testing at every affected campus as quickly as possible. Any issues noted during environmental testing will be remediated immediately.
McKinney ISD would not allow staff or students to reenter schools or facilities unless we were completely confident in the safety of these learning environments. We appreciate your support, and we want to reiterate that families facing any challenges caused by the recent storm should reach out to their respective campuses this week to notify staff. We are proud of how our staff, teachers, students and families have responded in support of one another and look forward to seeing students on Monday morning.
Sincerely,
MISD Communications
All BEARS Return to School With Your Device - FULLY Charged - Monday, February 22nd
PTO Sponsored Internet Safety Webinar - Tuesday, February 23rd - 9:00PM Our Time
PTO Sponsored In & Out Burger Pre-Orders - Due Tuesday, February 23rd
Virtual Friday Live - February 26th, at 2:15PM - Link to Pre-Recorded Video
Information for Virtual BEARS of the Month & Creed Winners
Our virtual BEARS of the Month may come up to school on Thursday, February 25th, from 8:30AM-2:00PM, to get their BEAR of the Month certificate and award from the front office prior to Friday Live starting at 2:15PM, on Friday, February 26th.
Our virtual students that earned the Creed Award, are welcome to join us for Creed Lunch on Monday, March 1st, at 1:00PM. We will enjoy lunch outside the front of the school and our virtual Creed winners may get their trophy at our Creed Lunch, if they have not already come to school to pick up their trophy.
Find All Things 6th Grade Registration Here
February Parent Lunch Visitor Sign Up
FREE Breakfast & Lunch for All MISD Students for 2020-2021 School Year
February Breakfast Menu
February Lunch Menu
Special's Team Newsletter - February
Important Information From Nurse Tiffany
February Birthdays
1 - Ella, Jaeah, Asadbek, Ethan
2 - Amanda, Mason
3 - Mia, Michael, Quin, Sufiyan, Israel
4 - Alana, Katie, Peyton
5 - Alison
7 - Noah
8 - Presley, Ashton, Keegan, Maddox
9 - Valentina
10 - Owen
11 - Isabella
13 - Cannon, Ms. Holloway - 3rd Grade Teacher
14 - Rhett, Lai
15 - Travis, Sawyer, Ean, Claire
16 - Mrs. Covey - 1st Grade Teacher
17 - Jocelyn
18 - Carter, Brenlee
19 - Daniel, Mrs. Sullivan - Kindergarten Teacher
20 - Kendall, Sophie, Ella
22 - Efosa, Estrella, Alan, Emmaline, Alexis
23 - Kylie
24 - Nora
25 - Santiago, Mason
27 - Carlie
28 - Luke
Upcoming Events for our BEARS
February Events for our BEARS
Tuesday, February 23rd:
*6th Grade Course Selections Due to Mrs. Thompson
*PTO Sponsored In & Out Burger Pre-Orders Due
*PTO Sponsored Internet Safety Webinar - 9:00PM our time
Friday, February 26th:
Friday Live - 2:15PM - Virtually
Saturday, February 27th:
5th Grade Alpha Testing
March Events for Our BEARS
Monday, March 1st:
*NEWLY Identified Alpha Students Begin Alpha Program
*Texas Girls in STEM Day
*Creed Lunch - 1:00PM
Tuesday, March 2nd:
*National Read Across America Day
*PTO Sponsored In & Out Burger Drive Thru Event at Bennett
Friday, March 5th:
3rd 9 Weeks of School Ends
Monday, March 8th - Friday, March 12th:
Spring Break
Monday, March 15th:
*Students & Staff Return to School
*4th 9 Weeks of School Begins
Wednesday, March 17th:
3rd Quarter Report Cards Go Home
Thursday, March 18th:
PTO Sponsored Diversification Awareness Parent Night
Friday, March 19th:
*Celebrate Down Syndrome Day - Wear Crazy Socks
*PTO Sponsored Variety Show Submissions Due
Saturday, March 20th:
4th Grade Alpha Testing at Webb Elementary
Sunday, March 21st:
Down Syndrome Awareness Day
Friday, March 26th:
Friday Live - 2:15PM - Virtually
Saturday, March 27th:
3rd Grade Alpha Testing at Webb Elementary
Monday, March 29th:
Creed Lunch - 10:30AM
Tuesday, March 30th:
PTO Board Nomination Forms Due for 2021-2022
McKinney ISD Voter's Guide to the 2021 Election - Early Voting in April
Bennett Elementary is a Voting Location - Please Vote
Upcoming PTO Event in March - Parent Feedback Requested on Topics
Save the Date - Virtual Bennett Bears Variety Show - Friday, April 16th
PTO Sponsored Yearbooks - Order Yours Today
MISD Approves 2021-2022 School District Calendar
Bennett Spirit Days - 2020-2021
School Appreciation Days - 2020-2021
K-5th Grade Virtual Classrooms
Our virtual classrooms are for students that meet the following criteria:
1. Parents have selected their child to be a virtual learner for Quarter 1, 2, 3, and/or 4
2. A student tests positive for Covid and is required to quarantine
3. A student is required to be in quarantine as determined by Nurse Tiffany
Therefore, if your child is traveling or not feeling well and will be kept home from school, they will not be jumping on a Zoom link with their grade level virtual teacher(s). Students will be counted absent and provided with their make-up work upon their return to school. Also, be sure to send in their doctor's note or parent note within three days of their return to school.
Thank you for understanding as our teachers continue to work tirelessly to serve our BEARS.