Danny Chism was honored for his three years of school board service to the students, parents, and community of Bryant Schools. Thank you, Mr. Chism, for your leadership and wise decisions, always made with students at the forefront.
INSTRUCTIONAL OPTIONS FOR FALL 2020
Late last week Governor Hutchinson announced that public schools in Arkansas WILL reopen for onsite instruction in August. Bryant Public Schools has been working to create education plans that provide flexibility for families while still ensuring a strong academic focus.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unexpected change to education. When schools closed in March, learning continued but was focused on review of content per the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Moving forward, online learning will be much more comprehensive than online learning last spring.
In order to provide your child with a premier education, we must provide a strong academic setting that ensures student learning, whether face-to-face or technology-based. Grade-level standards or higher will continue to be taught, regardless of the COVID-19 circumstances. We must also assess (test) students to identify knowledge and learning gaps and put supports in place for those needing help.
The district is preparing to offer two options for students and parents. Curriculum, instruction, and testing will be delivered multiple ways to ensure learning among all students. These options will provide flexibility for families to choose a learning environment that best fits their needs.
Instructional options include:
BLENDED LEARNING (ONSITE LEARNING)
Students will go to school buildings to learn in a setting which follows Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) guidelines. (Class size, lunch, and changing classes could be impacted due to social distancing requirements.)
The traditional classroom will become a blended learning classroom which allows students to continue learning grade level or content standards through face-to-face instruction and technology-based approaches. Both students and teachers will stay prepared to move to online learning in case of ADH mandates.
VIRTUAL LEARNING (ONLINE LEARNING)
All instruction will be online; no in person or on campus instruction. Students will learn remotely full time. STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE ONSITE FOR STATE MANDATED ASSESSMENTS. Families who choose this option should have home internet available.
All students (K-12) will be expected to participate daily. Students will follow all policies, handbooks, and procedures including attendance, assignments and behavior. Students registered in virtual learning may also participate in extracurricular activities, following the guidelines of their respective activity as issued by the coach and the Arkansas Activities Association. Transportation will be provided by the parent.
If this option is selected, students must remain a virtual learner through the end of the semester. If a student chooses to return to onsite instruction, he/she will be assigned to their zoned school (if space is available).
We have created a Frequently Asked Questions document which provides additional information. FAQ English: https://5il.co/hcmh;
FAQ Spanish https://5il.co/hcmg
On Monday, June 22, parents will be asked by survey to select either Blended Learning (Onsite) or Virtual Learning (Online) for each student. It is vital that we receive this information by the July 5 deadline.
While learning will look different, our commitment to providing the best education possible is unwavering. Thank you for being part of Bryant Schools!
Today is National Mascot Day, a day set aside to celebrate and recognize the importance of mascots in promoting school spirit. Mascots bring extra Hornet enthusiasm to games and school events. We love you, Buzz! 💙💙💙
We would like to give a huge Hoot Owl welcome to Mrs. Katie Ruffner. She will be joining our kindergarten team in the fall. We are excited to have her and for her to meet our new little hoot owls!
Are you ready for PreK? We still have a few openings for our ABCSS and Federal PreK grants! Application is available online at bryantschools.org. Paper apps are available in tubs outside the PreK right now! Call 501-847-5650 with questions. #SuccessStartsHere
Hill Farm is excited to announce that Shannon Williams will be our new building specialist. She joined the Bryant School District family in 2016, teaching at Davis Elementary for four years. She recently graduated from Arkansas State University with a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership. She is ecstatic about joining the Hill Farm Elementary family, and she looks forward to serving its teachers, students and families.
Bryant's Food Service Department received a $2,000 grant from GENYOUth's COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Fund. The grant helped purchase food and containers for our Food & Transportation staff to feed our students during the school closure.
Summer Food Program provides FREE meals for children up to age 18. Come hungry! Details at bryantschools.org.
