Galena Park I.S.D. Monday Update

Dear Galena Park I.S.D. Parents and Guardians,

For the remainder of the school closure, we will be providing a 'Monday Update' to recap and keep you up to date with the latest information. We hope you will take the time to read over this newsletter carefully.

In the seventh edition of Monday Update, you will find:

1. Superintendent's Message
2. Dazzling Diamonds
3. Two-Way Immersion Program
4. Making the Grade Starring Maddy Flores
5. Tips for Practicing Self Care
6. Virtual Graduation Ceremonies Information
7. Valedictorian & Salutatorian Announcement
8. May Schedule for Meal Pick Up
9. Community Needs Assessment
10. Pre-Kindergarten Round-Up
11. Student Transfer Request
12. GPISD Support Line

13. Counseling Information

14. Technical Support
15. Word of the Day
    

We would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and patience during this time.

May 4, 2020

Greetings, Galena Park I.S.D. Parents and Guardians,

May 4-8 is Teacher Appreciation Week, and I stand in awe and deep appreciation of the way our teachers have adjusted to our new way of educating students, and the support they have extended to their students as we all learn new ways of living our daily lives. It seems none of our routines are the same--even grocery shopping is different--and I thank you for supporting your child(ren)'s teachers through these unprecedented times.

If you follow the news, you are aware of Governor Abbott's plan to reopen Texas in phases. We remain cautiously optimistic about reopening, and will continue to follow the orders and advice from our local, state, and federal officials, as well as the Centers for Disease Control, regarding the reopening of our schools. In the meantime, I urge you all to continue to practice the safety protocols in place, including wearing facemasks when you go out in public, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands frequently.

We continue to learn new ways to honor our traditions in the safest and most respectful manner possible, and to that end, we have been busy planning virtual events ranging from the GPISD Education Foundation's annual Dazzling Diamonds program to our high school graduations. We pledge to honor, respect and celebrate the achievements of our students and staff, to the fullest extent possible. Of course, if it is safe to do so, we will celebrate the Class of 2020 with traditional graduation ceremonies on August 2, 2020. Please check the District website regularly to keep yourselves informed of District events and other news.

I miss our students, and think of them often. You and your loved ones remain in my thoughts and daily prayers. Please remember to take care of yourselves, as you take care of your families.

Be Blessed,

Angi Williams, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Congratulations to Maddy Flores, Galena Park High School student, for being recognized by FOX 26 Houston's Making the Grade!

To learn more about Maddy, click the button below.

As the days of the Stay Home, Work Safe order have become weeks, it has become more and more necessary to practice self-care to maintain a positive mood and mindset. Consider the following:

• Laugh. We know that it changes the biochemistry of our brains and boosts immunity. We all need that right now.
• Learn something new, especially something artistic. Don’t expect to do it well; just let it take you to a different head space.
• Get enough sleep. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Don’t stay up too late.

• May 1-31- GPISD Internet Safety Month
• May 1-31 - Better Hearing and Speech Month
• May 3 - Generation TX Day
• May 4-8 - National Children’s Book Week
  
• May 4-8 - National Music Week
  
• May 4-8 - National Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 6 - National School Nurse Day
  
• May 7 - National Day of Prayer

Curbside breakfasts and lunches will be distributed only three days per week, with multiple meals being provided at each distribution.

Meals will be distributed at the same sites, but only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Please help non-profit, philanthropic, and educational organizations better understand the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 on our community, by completing a Community Needs Assessment Survey. The Kinder Institute’s Houston Education Research Consortium at Rice University is conducting the analysis of the survey. We encourage you to complete the survey.

Click on the link below to complete the survey:

https://www.gulfcoastcovidsurvey.org/

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the early registration process we planned for new prekindergarten and kindergarten students has been postponed until further notice. However, in order to continue planning and preparing for our new students in the 2020-2021 school year, we need your assistance. Please complete the pre-identification form below to let us know if you will be registering your child for prekindergarten or kindergarten.

Limited Open Enrollment (LOE) - Allows children who do not live within Galena Park ISD's boundaries to apply for enrollment in Galena Park ISD schools (except closed campuses).

Special Request - A parent of a Galena Park ISD student may submit a Special Request Transfer for their child/children to transfer from a zoned campus to a campus of their choice (except closed campuses). Special request transfers will only be considered during a designated time period for academic, safety and special program reasons.

Do you have any school-related questions you would like to have answered? Please call 832-386-1300, and leave your name, your child's name and school, a phone number where you can be reached, and a brief description of your question so we can have the correct person contact you within 24 hours. Please note, this is an automated line.

Thank you!

The GPISD Technology Department will provide support to students Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The Technical Support offered is to assist students with accessing District resources; the support is not provided as technical support for personal hardware.

Please email your questions to: techsupport@galenaparkisd.com or call 832-386-1400.

A robust vocabulary improves all areas of communication -- listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Click on this link to view our GPISD Vocabulary Learning Opportunities.

The mission of Galena Park I.S.D. is to prepare students to become productive citizens and lifelong learners.

Email: communications@galenaparkisd.com
Website: Galenaparkisd.com
Location: 14705 Woodforest Blvd, Houston, TX, United States
Phone: 832-386-1000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GPISD/
Twitter: @GalenaParkISD

The Galena Park Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups.