Back-to-School Email Express for week of August 10

  • Welcome to the Back-to-School edition of Email Express, the communications tool utilized by Princeton Independent School District. It is distributed weekly to keep you informed. Districtwide events are featured at the top, followed by a section for each campus to make information easier to navigate.
     
    We encourage suggestions on how we can improve our communications, so feel free to email jcollins@princetonisd.net with your ideas.
     
    In addition, like the Princeton Independent School District Facebook page and follow Twitter @princetonisd to stay up-to-date, as well. These accounts are also linked to the district website at www.princetonisd.net so you do not need social media to see the postings. In addition, Princeton ISD has an official Instagram page to showcase photos from around the district. Follow @PrincetonISD on Instagram to see the kids in action.

  • District News

    Elementary Meet-the-Teacher

    The Princeton ISD elementary campuses are excited to welcome their students back to campus and virtually. Since this year will begin a little differently, to help with classroom introductions and supply distribution, the elementary campuses will follow the schedule below:
     
    Today, Aug. 10 - 
    Elementary teachers will conduct virtual meetings with parents in their homeroom classes. These meetings will be a short introduction of the teacher and his/her classroom. Teachers will also be getting some important information from parents and students regarding school procedures.
     
    These meetings will occur at times between 9 a.m. and 6:45 p.m.
     
    Virtual teachers will schedule video/virtual conferences with each elementary school campus group of parents and students to introduce themselves. Parents should receive an email of those meeting times.  
     
    Tuesday, Aug. 11 - 
    Elementary students can drop off their school supplies and any medications to their home campus on Aug. 11 between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. These supplies will be taken to their homeroom teacher's class and separated for that student's use. 

    Elementary supply drop-off

    Elementary students can drop off their school supplies and any medications to their home campus on Tuesday, Aug. 11, between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. These supplies will be taken to their homeroom teacher's class and separated for that student's use.

    Virtual parent meeting

    PISD is working diligently to make sure all virtual students are designated as such in the system so parents can be contacted. Once that is done, the virtual teachers will send out the link to the parents whose students will attend school virtually. Parents should watch for an email that will have a Google Meets link or a phone number to join the meeting. These meeting times will vary by campus. The meeting will be recorded by the virtual teacher, so that anyone that misses the meeting can watch it at a later time.
     
    As the district rolls out the virtual academy, as well as the new on-campus model, there will be unforeseen roadblocks. Please know we are all in this together, and we are working hard for you and your child.

    First day of school

    School is back in session for PISD beginning Thursday, Aug. 13.

    Water bottles

    With water fountains off limits because of COVID-19 precautions, students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles. The refill stations will be available to refill bottles.

    School reopening plan

    Princeton ISD has released its plan for the reopening of schools to assist parents as they make important decisions regarding the education of their children for the 2020-2021 school year. Princeton ISD understands that while not every question can be answered at this time, it does address significant areas of concern. We ask that parents be patient during this unprecedented time, as we all know circumstances can change quickly in the midst of the current pandemic. The PISD school reopening plan for 2020-2021 can be accessed on the district website at princetonisd.net/reopening-plan. The link to the decision form to choose on-campus or virtual learning is also available on the website.

    School meal prices

    The prices for school meals are:
     
    Reduced prices. $.30 breakfast, $.40 lunch
     
    Paid meal prices:
    Student breakfast $1.50 
    Adult breakfast $2.20
     
    Student lunch: $1.85
    Adult lunch : $3.60

    Online learner meals

    PISD will provide weekly curbside meal pick-up for remote learners. This program is very different than the summer program, so read carefully.
     
    MEAL PICK-UP PROCESS:
    There will be three locations to choose from, Princeton High School, Southard Middle School or Harper Elementary. Pick up at one location for all of your remote learner students. Pick up will be 5-6 p.m. Mondays, starting Aug. 17, at the front of the schools.
     
    Parents/guardians will need to show proof of PISD enrolment at pickup. (Student ID, report card, email from school stating the student is enrolled) THIS MUST BE SHOWN EVERY TIME YOU PICK UP THE MEAL.
     
    MEAL COSTS AND PAYMENTS:
    Meals will be charged to the student’s account according to the student’s eligibility status. There must be sufficient funds in a student’s meal account to cover the cost of the meals.
     
    If you have not filled out a free/reduced meal application, please go to:
    English
    Spanish
     
    MEAL PRICES:
    Reduced Breakfast: $.30                                               Reduced Lunch: $.40
    Paid Breakfast: $1.50                                                     Paid Lunch: $2.85
     
    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
    Q: Are meals available to any child under 18 years of age as was allowed during the spring 2020 semester and summer meal service?
    A: No. Different regulations were applied during the spring district shutdown and summer meal service program. Meals served during the 20-21 school year are ONLY available to enrolled PISD students with a valid ID. Parents/guardians will need to show proof of PISD enrollment at meal pick up.
     
    Q: Do I have to pick up meals from my student’s home school?
    A: No. Meal pick up does not have to be at the school your child is registered at. You may choose from one of the three locations to pick up the meals.
     
    Q: How will meals be packaged?
    A: Each remote learning student will receive 5 bagged breakfasts and 5 bagged lunches along with 10 milks.
     
    Q: How can I add money to my remote students account so they can continue to receive the meals?
    A: You can set up an online account at www.paypams.com, if you don’t already have one. You are able to add funds to their lunch account through this site. Or, you can give the ladies money in the pick-up line to add to the student’s account. Please make sure they are in an envelope with the student’s name and student ID on the envelope.

    Elementary drop-offs/pick-ups

    As a reminder for elementary parents, there are no walk-up drop-offs or pick-ups this year. Students can be picked up by car, ride the bus, go with daycare transportation or walk home. Parents cannot walk up to the building to pick their child up from school any longer.

    Student registration

    Registration must be completed for every student every year. This is available online through the Parent Portal.
     
    This process allows parents/guardians the opportunity to review and update addresses, phone numbers and emergency contacts. It is important for school personnel to have accurate information.
     
    Access online registration on the website at www.princetonisd.net under the "For Parents" tab and click the Parent Portal link and log in to Infinite Campus.
     
     
    Contact the PEIMS coordinator at the child's campus if any log-in issues are encountered.

    Bus sign-up

    Students needing bus transportation for the 2020-2021 school year need to register on the transportation page of the website at www.princetonisd.net and click on the Bus Rider Sign-up link.
     

    Bus transportation safety guidelines

    The transportation department has released safety guidelines they will follow for bus riders:
     
    1. All students must wear a mask while on a school bus.
    2. All students must sanitize their hands getting on and off the bus.
    3. When loading, the bus riders will go to the back of the bus and sit by the window filling seats from back to front. Siblings must sit together.
    4. Students cannot sit three to a seat.
    5. The bus driver will sanitize the bus before and after students are on the bus.
    6. When weather permits, the driver will put all windows down while transporting students.
    7. Drivers will have their temperatures taken before they start working each day.

    Technology help line

    To assist students and parents utilizing the virtual method of instruction, the PISD technology department offers a help line. Call 469-952-5414 or email help@princetonisd.net.

    School pictures

    Double T Photography will be on campuses to take school photographs following the schedule below. In addition, Double T will use a new ordering format this year instead of the traditional paper ordering forms. Parents/guardians will receive an electronic notification through email/text message to the contact on file through the district's student registration system. This method will be used for ordering photos.
     
    Aug. 10 - PHS volleyball photos
    Aug. 25 - Lowe Elementary
    Aug. 26 - Smith Elementary
    Aug. 27 - PHS underclassmen
    Sept. 1 - Lacy Elementary
    Sept. 2 - Godwin Elementary
    Sept. 3 - Harper Elementary
    Sept. 3 - PHS football photos
    Sept. 9 - Southard Middle School
    Sept. 10 - Clark Middle School
    Sept. 12 - Senior portraits
    Sept. 15 - Canup Early Childhood
    Sept. 16 - Senior retakes
    Sept. 17 - PHS underclassmen retakes
    Sept. 18 & 24 - PHS virtual students
    Sept. 29 - Smith retakes
    Sept. 30 - Southard retakes
    Oct. 6 - Harper retakes
    Oct. 7 - Clark retakes
    Oct. 8 - Canup retakes
    Oct. 14 - Lacy retakes
    Oct. 15 - Lowe retakes
    Oct. 20 - Godwin retakes
    March 3 - Smith spring pictures
    March 18 - Lacy spring pictures
    March 23 - Lowe spring pictures
    March 24 - Southard spring pictures
    March 25 - Godwin spring pictures
    March 30 - Clark spring pictures
    March 31 - Canup spring pictures
    April 13 - Lowe kindergarten cap and gown
    April 14 - Harper kindergarten cap and gown
    April 15 - Lacy kindergarten cap and gown
    April 20 - Smith kindergarten cap and gown
    April 21 - Godwin kindergarten cap and gown

    Pandemic meal benefits 

    The deadline to apply for the pandemic benefits to receive assistance with food has been extended until Aug. 21. Follow this link to apply: https://yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/PEBT

    Season tickets available

    Season tickets for the upcoming football season are available to the public for $8 per ticket/$40 per season (5 games) at the following:
     
    ·      Princeton ISD Administration Building, 321 Panther Parkway
     
    Business hours are 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
     
    See step-by-step “HOW TO RENEW RESERVED SEATING ONLINE." HomeTown Ticketing will also send an e-mail with your “Passcode."
     
    For more information, contact Carolina Garcia at 469-952-5400, ext. 3502, or email cgarcia@princetonisd.net.

    Normal office hours resume

    Normal business hours of 7:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday have resumed this week at the administration building. For elementary campuses, office hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, and secondary campuses are 7:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Monday-Friday.

    PISD outdoor facilities open to public

    Princeton ISD's outdoor facilities, including the tracks and tennis courts at PHS and Southard Middle School, are now open to the public. Users are reminded to adhere to social distancing guidelines issued by the CDC. The track at Jackie Hendricks Stadium will remain closed to the public at this time.

    District calendar for 2020-2021

    The Princeton ISD calendar for 2020-2021 is approved. Click here for PDF.