CBE Parent Newsletter
August 18, 2020
A Message from Mrs. Brown
Hello CBE families,
It may not have been the typical first day that many of us are used to seeing, but it was still a successful start to an exciting new school year! I am so proud of our students and teachers for setting a positive tone for the year, and for continuing to be flexible and open to new experiences. While it may have been different, this first day of school still had many familiar “firsts:” students met their new teachers and classmates, and learned of the expectations for their learning and growth. New relationship seeds were planted and engagement began which are all positive signs of true success for the New Year.
In the coming days, the District will continue refining our systems and processes so we can provide the best online learning experience to students, as we all navigate this unchartered territory together. With this in mind, I want to share a few updates regarding several issues that some may have encountered today, and provide you with information and resources available to assist your student.
Technology
I want to thank each of you for your patience today as we experienced a few issues with technology. Initial reports indicate that many students and parents were able to access their FBISD accounts using our new 1Link platform and Schoology learning management system with no problems. With so many students starting school today in our District and elsewhere in the country, we anticipated that there might be some bugs to work out as the school year began. We are thankful for our Information Technology Division who worked quickly to identify and resolve several issues, and this work continues this evening. Here are some updates/highlights:
Microsoft Teams – Earlier today, we received reports that the Teams app self-deleted on some District-issued devices. Our IT Team worked quickly to resolve this issue, and by midday, a solution was in place to restore the app. All users should now be able to sign in to Microsoft Teams without difficulty. If you are experiencing issues using Teams via the FBISD 1Link portal, try using the Teams app. The Teams app provides more robust functionality than the web-based version. The Teams app can be loaded on a personal device, and it is already installed on District-issued devices.
Passwords – Visit www.fortbendisd.com/studentpassword for help with your student’s password, and to reset your student’s password, visit my.fortbendisd.com.
(Note: If you never set any password challenge questions, and your student’s account is locked due to too many unsuccessful login attempts, you will need to contact FBISD’s IT Department.)
Lending Library Device Log In Issues – Some families reported they were unable to successfully log in to the District devices they were given. If this is the case, you may need to visit the nearest FBISD campus so you can connect to the District Wi-Fi network for the first time. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you can also visit a repair depot site. Instructions for connecting to District Wi-Fi and repair depot locations are available on the Technology Resources page.
Note: Our District call centers remain available to help parents navigate online learning, and call volume remains high as the new school year begins. The District is arranging for additional support to help ensure you have the tools and resources you need. We are grateful for your continued patience, as we all work to support our students. Visit the Technology Status page for a list of known technology issues reported and troubleshooting tips to assist you. If you need technical support, please contact our Student Support Call Center at 281-634-0826.
First Day Log-in Issues
Today was a learning experience for all of us. Students who were unable to log in to their online classrooms today will not be penalized with an absence. If you are experiencing an issue with scheduling, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
Lunch Schedules
We recognize that planning for a consistent lunchtime may be a bit difficult, especially for families with students at multiple levels, and we encourage you to consider keeping the same traditions you have in previous years, including making and packing lunch in advance. As a reminder, Grab and Go Meals continue to be available to all FBISD students at 10 locations across the District, and students may obtain lunch during the breakfast hour (7:30 to 9 a.m.) and lunch hour (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Learn more at www.fortbendisd.com/grabandgomeals.
As Dr. Dupre has shared, online learning is a brand new experience for all of us, and it will take all of us to make it successful for our students. Our teachers remain committed to supporting our students and families, and though we cannot be with our students in person right now, our desire remains the same: to see each one of them learn and grow.
With each new day, we will all learn something new, and I hope that you will join me as we reimagine what education looks like in Fort Bend ISD.
Sincerely,
Stacy M. Brown
In Memory of Nicholas Sastradi
News to Know
Additional times for At Home Learning Kit pick up:
Many families were able to pick up their students' At Home Learning Kit on Monday afternoon. We will be providing additional opportunities for parents/guardians to retrieve the materials. Please come to the front office during the times below. Someone will greet you at the door, ask for the grade level of your child(ren), and retrieve the kit for you. You will not be permitted to come inside the building. Please make sure you are wearing a face covering.
Wednesday, August 19th 11:30am-12:30pm- K-5
Thursday, August 20th- 4:00pm-5:30pm- K-5
Friday, August 21st-8:00am-10:00am -K-5
*Pre-K items are still not available. We will communicate with parents when those items are ready for pickup. Thanks for your patience.
Student Device Pickup-Phase 2
If you requested a device from the district, please call the CBE main number (281-634-4080) to confirm we have your device before you come to pick it up.
Technology Resources
Student Support Call Center
281-634-0826
Student Password Information
For Student password related support information and instructions visit www.fortbendisd.com/studentpassword.
1Link
For additional information about 1Link visit www.fortbendisd.com/1Link.
CBE Online Learning Parent Support Sessions
As we prepare for this new school year, Colony Bend knows that you may have questions about how to help their child to get onto the online learning platforms and what to do.
Colony Bend is offering different training sessions for parents to help answer your questions about the many pieces involved in successful online learning. Please consider attending one of these sessions. All of these courses are meant to support your needs as parents. If you are not able to make one of these sessions, though, please do not worry. We will post these training materials later as a reference to all parents. If you have any questions, please contact Karol Hartman, CBE counselor at karol.hartman@fortbendisd.com.
Course Offering
Date
Time
Zoom Link
TEAMS/1Link
Tuesday, 8/14
6-7:30 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84555682739?pwd=QlNMQnR4UVEzWitoeStiOFQ3N1hlUT09
Instructional Expectations
Tuesday, 8/18
6-7 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89743133566?pwd=WlVmczA5VG9DV0R2amMzQVJPblhDQT09
Schoology (Basic)
Wednesday, 8/19
10-11 AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86528304374?pwd=VzNPNkJQMVZoWjdxWWFjdXRFeU81Zz09
Schoology (Basic)
Wednesday, 8/19
6-7 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88932555260?pwd=SW9ZVWJpR2RFL3Y1d2M0UTZjaVpZUT09
Schoology (Intermediate)
Thursday, 8/20
10-11 AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87634528537?pwd=RW1BNmJjalFBRytCdkxUdFNZRzhBQT09
Schoology (Intermediate)
Thursday, 8/20
6-7 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84740367318?pwd=NTNzaEtVcmlZZm5RQ0FVSThsb3dWZz09
Skyward
Friday, 8/21
10-11 AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87969469957?pwd=dTVlbmZWejRHOEV4WU15Ti9mU0R3dz09
Skyward
Friday, 8/21
6-7 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89194202172?pwd=cUM3TS90WEV0dWhsNHg4Wk5JYm5mdz09
Course Description:
1) TEAMS/1Link – Learn the basics about TEAMS (used to conduct the synchronous video sessions). 1Link is a new product to FBISD. It allows students to log in to one place (1Link) in order to log in to all of their FBISD needs.
2) Structuring for Success – This course is meant to help you to organize your child’s at-home learning environment to help them to learn best in that environment as well as to best help them to transition into a classroom environment whenever we begin to come back to in-school learning.
3) Instructional Expectations – This course will explain the district’s expectations for your child in virtual learning.
4) Schoology (Basic) – Learn the basics of Schoology (the learning platform used by FBISD for online learning)
5) Schoology (Intermediate) – This course will help you feel more successful helping your child to navigate Schoology.
6) Skyward – This is the student information system for FBISD. It is where grades and daily attendance are recorded.
Colony Bend Elementary PTO : SUPPORT. FUNDRAISE. VOLUNTEER.
Join us for a virtual PTO Informational meeting on Thursday, 8/20, at 7 pm on Zoom (Meeting ID: 222 888 2718; Passcode: 2020SCS)! This is a great way to meet other parents and learn how you can be involved in helping our wonderful school!
Sign up today to be a PTO member - there is no commitment aside from the donation, and all members receive a free Spirit Shirt!
You can also start ordering your Spirit Gear - shirts, yard signs, car decals, and ear saving straps for your masks!
Check out our website and follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for all the latest PTO updates!
Mark your Calendars!
2. Thursday, September 10th -Virtual Open House-more information to come
3. Friday-September 18th-Parent Conferences
From Ms. Hartman, CBE Counselor
Gifted and Talented Information
Is your child exceptionally bright and do they seem far more advanced when you compare them to their peers? Consider referring your child for testing to see if they will qualify for the FBISD Gifted and Talented Program. FBISD is accepting GT referrals online from August 17th -September 30th.
Please click the link below to refer your child.
https://secure.fortbendisd.com/GT/
All referrals must be submitted online by 9/30/2020.
Colony Bend Elementary is NO PLACE for HATE!
I am very proud to announce that Colony Bend Elementary has been designated a NO PLACE for HATE campus!! Last year our students participated in many lessons about stereotypes, injustices, bullying , and cultural awareness~ because of their participation and positive actions toward being great citizens; we are honored to receive this distinction. We will continue to be kind and respectful to one another and appreciate each other for our differences! Our Eagles will work to make our community and our world a safe place for all!