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Pampa ISD COVID-19 Update #31


Posted Date: 05/26/2021

Pampa ISD COVID-19 Update #31

Good evening Pampa Students and Families!

 

I hope this update finds you enjoying the warmer weather and excited about the news from Gov. Abbott about slowly opening up Texas!  Although we must still adhere to certain restrictions, this brings so much hope to everyone!  Gov. Abbott did not elaborate on any changes concerning schools and campus facilities, but we are anxiously awaiting guidance from the Texas Education Agency on the dos and don’ts for wrapping up the end of school and possible summer school and camp options.  We will provide updates as soon as we learn new information.

 

We have been working diligently with committees of teachers, parents, and school leaders to develop plans for honoring and celebrating our students and staff.  Below are several updates and informational items. The information is organized by campus/topic so you can read only the information relevant to you and your student.  I apologize for the length of this update, but we wanted to share as much information as we can with you.  We will also post this information on our website and on-campus social media outlets.

 

Elementary Celebrations and End of Year Important News

 

Each elementary campus plans to develop a video-slide show for Kindergarten and 5th Grade classes.  We traditionally hold special ceremonies for these grade levels and we want to continue that tradition.  Be looking for information from the campus principal and teachers on details if you have a student in these grades.

 

Each elementary campus will also communicate how they will share information regarding other end of year awards to students.  With the limitations of COVID-19 social distancing, most celebrations will be virtual and pre-recorded.  Again, be looking for details and information from your child’s teacher beginning next week.

 

Each elementary campus will work with students and parents on the details for gathering student belongings.  Please know that we cannot allow students in the buildings; so our staff will begin gathering students’ personal belongings from desks, cubbies, lockers, etc. and will “bag and tag” those items for each student.  Then, when scheduled, parents can pick those up.  The pick-up times will most likely coincide with already established drive through meal pick up times on each campus.  Be looking for more information on the details in May.

 

Junior High Celebrations and End of Year Important News

 

The Junior High staff plans to develop a video-slide show for the 8th grade class.  We traditionally hold a special ceremony for the 8th graders moving up to high school and we want to continue that tradition.  Be looking for information from Mrs. Winborne and your child’s teachers on details coming in May.

 

Mrs. Winborne will also communicate how the Junior High will share information regarding other end of year honors to students.  With the limitations of COVID-19 social distancing, most celebrations will be virtual, pre-recorded, and possibly handled through the mail.  Again, be looking for details and information from your child’s teacher and on the Junior High Social Media sites beginning next week.

 

The Junior High will also work with students and parents on the details for gathering student belongings.  Please know that we cannot allow students in the buildings; so our staff will begin gathering students’ personal belongings from lockers, etc. and will “bag and tag” those items for each student.  Then, when scheduled, parents can pick those up.  Athletic lockers will be handled through the coaches for each sport.  The pick-up times will most likely coincide with already established drive through meal pick up times on each campus.  Be looking for more information on the details in May.

 

Pampa High School and Pampa Learning Center Celebrations and End of Year Important News

 

The Class of 2020 Graduation and Prom have been topics of discussion, brainstorming, and planning for several weeks already.  We have conducted one survey and have launched another student survey today.  We still have several details to work out, but here are the tentative plans so far:

 

1.     We have partnered with the great city of Pampa to showcase our Seniors on light poles across our city.  Through the city's donation and from independent donations from community members, parents, and businesses, each Senior will be pictured on a PHS Banner in May.  Bonus:  After the Graduation celebrations come to a close....each Senior will get to keep their banner forever!  :-)

 

****** If you would like to contribute to the banner project, please click HERE

 

 

2.  The Pampa News has collaborated with local businesses to provide PHS Class of 2020 Yard Signs.  Once these are ready, the Pampa News will notify the school district and you will receive instructions on how to get yours! 

 

 

3.  Beginning around the middle of May (final dates are being determined), each Senior will get the opportunity to come to Pampa High School for a scheduled appointment with Mr. Piatt.  At this appointment, each Senior should be dressed in their cap and gown, will receive any regalia they have earned, and will receive their diploma cover.  Also, during this time we will video the student "walking across the stage".  Parents may accompany the Senior if they choose to take pictures as well.  Our goal is to capture video of each Senior walking the stage and then compile a graduation video to share with the Class of 2020! 

 

4.  Additionally, we are planning a Senior Parade that will be schedule on Graduation Day--May 23, 2020 at 9:00am.  Seniors and immediate family members will be in their car (only 1 car per graduate) and will follow a pre-determined parade route through areas in our city.  During the parade, the pre-recorded commencement speeches will be broadcast over the radio (more details on this coming soon).  We know that we cannot encourage people to gather along the streets due to social distancing orders, but we are asking local businesses to decorate their windows and storefronts to celebrate the Class of 2020.  We will get more details out to everyone later in May on the parade.

 

PHS has also traditionally held an annual awards assembly.  Teachers are making their final selections this week and we will get that information out to those students using social media outlets

 

In lieu of an Honors Banquet, we will be recognizing the Top 10%, Superintendent Scholars, and Associate Degree recipients through social media and in the Pampa News.  We will also announce the winners of the Anderson Scholarship Awards as well.  This information will be coming out later in May as well.

 

If students have any belongings at the High School, they can coordinate a time to pick up their “stuff” through a bag and tag system with their coach/teacher described above.  Remember, we are not allowed to permit students to enter our buildings.  Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

 

We are receiving guidance every day from local and state authorities on the do's and don'ts during this difficult time.  We will continue to provide updates as we learn more and have more details coming in May.

 

Teachers of the Year and Teacher Appreciation Week

 

We have the best teachers in the state of Texas in Pampa ISD!  We are so blessed to have these amazing men and women serving our students.  Each year, we pause for just a moment to honor the Teachers of the Year on each campus.  These professionals are selected and voted on by their peers for their talented and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.  Each day this week we are sharing information about the Teachers of the Year on our social media outlets.  Below is a roster of the all of the TOY’s for the 2019-2020 school year!  Please join us in celebrating and honoring them for their hard work and dedication to our students.

 

Austin Elementary- Erika Harris

Lamar Elementary- Kelsey Johnson

Travis Elementary- Danielle Nachtigall

Wilson Elementary- Lexi Milligan

Pampa Junior High-Megan Horn

Pampa High School- Shari Ellis

 

Whew!  That is enough for one update!  We will continue to share information and details on end of year activities and celebrations as they become available.  For the most up to date information, please continue to follow us on FacebookTwitter, and visit our Updates page on our Website. 

 

As always, we want you to know that we are here for you!  If you have questions or need assistance, please email us at pampaisdinfo@pampaisd.net or give us a call at 669-4700.   

 

Dr. Tanya Larkin, Superintendent

 


Published on 04/28/2020

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