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San Antonio school superintendents look back at lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic shutdown

SAN ANTONIO – One year ago, San Antonio students began their 2020 spring break only to learn it wouldn’t end as planned. COVID-19 pandemic worries had reached a tipping point by then, and schools around the country shut down. San Antonio school superintendents are now looking back on lessons learned and where we are going from here. Speaking of tests, most school districts are now offering regular COVID-19 tests for staff and students, and vaccinations are now being added the mix. District leaders said look for the fall school plans to roll out by the end of this semester.

100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine administered to SAISD faculty, staff members

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Independent School District teachers and staff members received Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesday morning. The clinic, STAAMP Allergy, administered 100 doses of the new COVID-19 vaccine, which received emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Feb. 27. “With the Johnson and Johnson (vaccine), there’s 100% protection rate from death in the studies. He hopes all staff members can get vaccinated. San Antonio ISD employees say they are thankful for the opportunity to get a vaccine.

COVID-19 testing to be provided Saturday for San Antonio ISD students, staff

SAN ANTONIO – COVID-19 testing will be provided at San Antonio Independent School District’s high school campuses Saturday. Community Labs will provide the testing in a response to a request from San Antonio ISD Superintendent Pedro Martinez. According to Community Labs’ release, testing is restricted to SAISD students and staff. The free testing will allow the district to identify positive cases before classes resume Monday, according to Community Labs. We will finish this year strong, and we will begin next school year even stronger for it.”Click here to register for testing.

Area superintendents say they aren’t getting all the pandemic funding they should be

Students at Driggers Elementary School attend a class in-person as they interact with classmates virtually, Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO – It’s not cheap running a school district during the coronavirus pandemic. Superintendent Pedro Martinez says the San Antonio Independent School District is “very strict” about quarantining both staff and students in the case of possible COVID-19 exposures. So far, there have been two rounds of federal relief funding — the CARES Act in March 2020 and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) in December. None of the poverty funding, none of the special-ed funding, none of those extra funds for children who have extra needs, has ever been held harmless.”The Texas Education Agency says that all Texas school districts were fully funded for the 2019-2020 school year.

San Antonio ISD to bring more students to the classroom this month

William Luther /Staff photographerMore students in the San Antonio Independent School District will be able to return to the classroom later this month. The news comes following Monday night's COVID-19 update after officials announced that the positivity rate is now at 9.7 percent. The new positivity rate moves the risk level to yellow for the San Antonio community, which allows schools to operate at 50 percent student capacity. “As long as our local positivity rate remains in single digits, we will continue a gradual return of students,” said SAISD Superintendent Pedro Martinez. READ ALSO: Joint Base San Antonio changes mask policy effective immediately

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San Antonio ISD officials will phase-in more students to in-person learning beginning on Feb. 22

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Independent School District officials announced on Monday that the district will begin to phase-in students to in-person classes beginning on Feb. 22. Officials say their decision to announce the phase-in stemmed from city and county officials announcing that the local positivity rate dropped below 10%. Pedro Martinez, superintendent of schools for SAISD, said the district’s phase-in will depend on the community staying below 10%. “As long as our local positivity rate remains in single digits, we will continue a gradual return of students,” Martinez said in a statement. Additionally, according to the district, families of returning students will also be allowed to have their children participate in the weekly COVID-19 testing on each of the district’s campuses before resuming in-person learning.

Teachers union upset with SAISD plans to allow more students on campus

Teachers union upset with SAISD plans to allow more students on campusPublished: November 11, 2020, 5:39 pmThe San Antonio Alliance of Teachers is opposing a move by the San Antonio Independent School District to increase the number of students in the classroom. SAISD Superintendent Pedro Martinez said the district is concerned about a decline in student performance due to remote learning and needs a plan to help struggling students. But the union said the district needs to put the health and safety of students and staff first.

‘Historic’ $1.3 billion bond approved in SAISD for campus renovations, technology upgrades

SAN ANTONIO – Voters in the San Antonio Independent School District overwhelmingly approved two propositions that will bring technology upgrades and significant renovations to aging campuses. In the Nov. 3 election, Proposition A, a $1.21 billion bond that will allow renovations at 36 campuses was approved with 68.46% of voters in favor of the bond. The district said 21 of those campuses have not received a full renovation in more than 50 years. That $90 million measure will supply classrooms with more efficient technology like high-speed internet, individual devices, interactive smartboards and audio systems. Rick Flores, the principal of Rhodes Middle School, told KSAT in October that the bond will bring facilities up to code.

Cash's bullpen blunder joins Little, others in playoff lore

Aaron Boone hit a game-ending leadoff homer in the 11th, sending New York to the World Series. 2015 WORLD SERIES GAME 5Matt Harvey and the New York Mets held a 2-0 lead, needing a win to send the Series back to Kansas City. 2016 WORLD SERIES GAME 7The Chicago Cubs led the Cleveland Indians 5-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth. 2019 WORLD SERIES GAME 7Too bad for Houston fans, the last time they saw Gerrit Cole throw, it was in the bullpen rather than on the mound. “I wasn’t going to pitch him unless we were going to win the World Series and have a lead,” Hinch said.

'Are you Sebastian’s father?' Korda, 20, takes on idol Nadal

(AP Photo/Peter Dejong)PARIS – Sebastian Korda was 9, heart set on a hockey career, when he went with his father, Petr, to the 2009 U.S. Open. By then, Petr — 1998 Australian Open champion, 1992 French Open finalist — had retired as a competitor and turned to coaching. Went home, came back the next year, and said, ‘This is exactly what I want to do,’” Korda said. “Everybody is always asking him: ‘Are you the son of Petr Korda?’ Which I would love to change in the future,” Dad said in a telephone interview, “so that people ask me, ‘Are you Sebastian’s father? On Sunday, Korda plays 12-time champion Rafael Nadal, while Gaston meets U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem.

I feel very confident,: SAISD Superintendent says on students return to the classroom after Labor Day

SAN ANTONIO As Labor Day approaches, some of the largest school districts in and around San Antonio are preparing to bring some of its students back to campus for in-person classes next week. The San Antonio Independent School District is one of those districts. As many students have adapted to virtual learning, Martinez said older students are doing well with engagement; however, for younger students, its been more challenging. The school district is prepared for the students return to the classroom and has several health precautions in place, according to Martinez, which includes providing face shields for students, adding specialized air conditioning filters, and more. Read also:Students, staff at San Antonio ISD must wear masks, district officials saySAISD wraps up first week of remote learning for new school year

LEADING OFF: Cardinals come home, Grichuk seeks to stay hot

(AP Photo/David Banks)A look at whats happening around the majors on Thursday:WELCOME BACK TO BUSCHThe St. Louis Cardinals are finally coming home. The Cardinals didnt play any games at all for a stretch of over two weeks due to a coronavirus outbreak within the organization that included star catcher Yadier Molina. Everyones still pretty excited about the fact were back out, Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong said. He homered against the Seattle Mariners in his season debut Friday but went on the injured list just three days later. A BIEBER FANClevelands Shane Bieber owns a 4-0 record and 1.30 ERA, but its his strikeout numbers that have put him in select company.

San Antonio ISD superintendent says staff is prepared for virtual start to school year

SAN ANTONIO Some of the largest school districts in and around San Antonio are set to start their academic year this week, even if the first three weeks will be virtual. With classes beginning online for the first three weeks, if the COVID-19 cases in San Antonio continues on a downward trend after that, some students may be able to return to the classroom. We will require masks, we have cleansing procedures, disinfecting procedures, as well as children washing their hands every hour. We will be there in our buildings, will be open for any needs you have with devices for you to registering children, Martinez said. Read also:350 JBSA children receive donated backpacks, school supplies from Operation HomefrontSan Antonio-area teachers share expectations for the upcoming school yearNavarro ISD sees increase in COVID-19 cases among students, staffStudents, staff at San Antonio ISD must wear masks, district officials say

4 takeaways from KSATs Back to School virtual town hall

SAN ANTONIO The upcoming school year is sure to be unlike any other. With so many lingering questions about how schools can reopen safely amid the coronavirus pandemic, KSAT 12 hosted a live town hall with five panelists at the forefront of the back-to-school discussion in San Antonio. Next Wednesday, Aug. 19, SA Live will present a primetime Back to School special on KSAT12 and KSAT.com. Before that, we take a look back at the four biggest takeaways from KSATs town hall:1. The digital divide needs to be addressedThe coronavirus pandemic exposed the disparity among San Antonio students who dont all have the same access when it comes to virtual learning.

MRS. SHARENE DIXON NAMED NEW PRINCIPAL OF SAM HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL

Attracting and retaining qualified principals remains a difficult task for SAISDLast week SAISD announced that Mrs. Sharene Dixon would be the new principal at Sam Houston High School. Mrs. Dixon comes from Davis Middle School, located across the street from Sam Houston high school. Sam Houstons new principal is entering a position that requires acute ability to reach and, furthermore, teach the children in our community and at Sam Houston. The revolving door of administration at Sam Houston high school seems to be consistently turning while our kids are overlooked. It has been 4+ years of different leadership at Sam Houston which is already an underserved school.

saobserver.com

Bexar County COVID-19 death toll surpasses 200 as 854 new cases announced

SAN ANTONIO On Tuesday, Bexar County officials announced the discovery of 854 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total case count to 21,067. Since the start of the pandemic, 201 San Antonio residents have lost their lives due to the virus. The virus toll continues to strain hospital resources, but the numbers were a little lower than the prior day. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said hospitals are caring for 1,237, down from 1,267 on Monday. SAISD moving to online-only for first 3 weeks due to spike in COVID-19 cases, superintendent saysInstead, students will have an online-only model for the first three weeks.

WATCH: SAISD superintendent to discuss 2020-21 school plans, start date

SAN ANTONIO SAISD Superintendent Pedro Martinez will hold a briefing on Tuesday afternoon to discuss plans for the upcoming school year as students will head back to the classroom either virtually or in-person during a global pandemic. Martinez will provide information about the start of school plans as local officials, parents and teachers have expressed concern about sending children to campus with a rise in COVID-19 cases. Last week, the TEA issued guidance for school districts as the state continues to see an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Texas teachers caught in the middle of political battles over schools reopeningAs the plan stands now, parents can choose to send their children to full-time on-campus or remote learning for the 2020-21 school year. Masks will be mandatory for students older than 10 years old and teachers in counties with 20 or more COVID-19 cases.

Texas superintendents ask Gov. Abbott for flexibility on in-person learning, funding for schools

SAN ANTONIO Three San Antonio school districts are among an alliance of some of the largest school districts in Texas petitioning Gov. Greg Abbott for more flexibility and protected funding as they plan for a new school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. North East ISD, Northside ISD and San Antonio ISD are among 40 school districts from around the state represented in the Texas School Alliance. The groups, which represent nearly 40% of the states total pupil enrollment, sent a letter to Abbott requesting changes to the Texas Education Agencys plan for schools. Right now, the TEA requires that schools must facilitate in-person learning every day for students who choose that mode of instruction.

San Antonio superintendents prepare for return of in-person classes this fall

Greg Abbott has announced that public school students in Texas will return to the classroom in the fall, San Antonio superintendents are making preliminary plans for the new school year. Related: Texas students will return to school campuses this fall, Gov. Safety is a critical component of each plan, with protocols being developed within a framework of hygiene, physical distancing and other public health considerations. Northside Independent School District Superintendent Brian Woods said that school in the fall does not come without proper health and safety precautions. It will be safe for Texas public school students, teachers and staff to return to school campuses for in-person instruction this fall, Moraths email stated.

4 Big Questions Schools Need to Address Before Reopening this Fall

Here are four questions speakers said education systems will grapple with as schools prepare to reopen this fall. Martinez, who leads an urban district of close to 50,000 students, identified building family confidence in schools as the biggest challenge his school district is facing. Baray noted that Pre-K 4 SA is also juggling these possibilities and the calendars of San Antonios many school districts, charter, and parochial schools. The past few months underscored the need for school districts to have contingency plans to pivot and maneuver in the case of any development, Toscano said. This will allow school districts to switch between remote or in-person instruction, both of which might be a possibility come fall, he added.

therivardreport.com

Lives Lost: 'A nightmare,' says parishioner who lost parents

Martinez lost both parents to the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit New York's Hispanic population particularly hard. With her parents now gone, Martinez and her daughter dont have family in the U.S. When pandemic restrictions ease, she said she hopes to send the ashes of her parents to the Mexican countryside they loved. The family has been helped by the Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy, where Stephany attends third grade. My parents, my grandparents just died,' said Jeanette Felix, the schools administrative assistant.

San Antonio ISD to hold outdoor graduation ceremonies

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio ISD will hold Class of 2020 graduation ceremonies at Alamo Stadium in June. “We are excited that we are able to move forward with in-person ceremonies, especially earlier in the summer, which allows our graduates to begin pursuing their future plans,” Superintendent Pedro Martinez said Monday. Here are the class of 2020 graduation plans for San Antonio-area high schoolsIn addition to following state agency guidelines, SAISD will continue to work closely with local officials to meet city and county health guidelines. Even though the number of guests will be limited due to the state’s restrictions, the ceremonies will continue to be videotaped and livestreamed as they have been in previous years. Here is the graduation ceremony schedule:

2 San Antonio school districts looking to reopen this summer amid COVID-19 pandemic

SAN ANTONIO Two San Antonio school districts are looking to reopen this summer, just in time for the new school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Superintendents from the North East Independent School District and San Antonio Independent School District announced their potential reopening plans during the citys daily briefing on COVID-19 on Friday. What I can tell you is that were committed to our students safety, to our facultys safety. For the San Antonio Independent School District, Superintendent Pedro Martinez said it aims to reopen to students on Aug. 10. Even when the schools do reopen to the public, Martinez said the district will still have online resources available to students.

Coronavirus Questions Complicate San Antonio Schools Fall Plans

Mike Villarreal believes we should all stop saying the phrase getting back to normal, especially when it comes to thinking about students return to in-person classes this fall. During the UTSA panel discussion, State Demographer Lloyd Potter underscored that there will be a whole range of issues to manage if students return to a classroom setting. Northside Independent School District Superintendent Brian Woods emphasized the long list of questions school districts faced in the days after Gov. A spokeswoman for North East ISD said Wednesday it is too early to say what the fall could look like. San Antonio ISD Superintendent Pedro Martinez is another superintendent strategizing for the future.

therivardreport.com