By Marion Ferguson
Garner ISD Superintendent
GARNER – The flu season is here, but so far Garner School has yet to feel its impact.
Teachers and staff continue to emphasize hand washing and cleaning of facilities. It appears that several districts in neighboring Wise County are experiencing a number of absences for the flu; however, they report that the students are returning to school after about four days. In contrast to last year, school districts do not anticipate closing for H1N1 flu cases. The district will notify parents if and when it appears that large numbers of students are absent because of the flu.
The past legislative session passed several laws that effect education. One of the more controversial pieces of legislation was Senate Bill 2033 concerning school district grading policy. There is a provision in the bill which states that a district “may not require a classroom teacher to assign a minimum grade for an assignment without regard to the student’s quality of work.”
Garner ISD policy has been that a student could not be assigned a grade lower than a 50 for a recognized reporting period. This policy was adopted to provide a “safety net” for students that might have had a difficult six weeks. Because of this legislation parents need to be aware that it is important a student completed all graded work to the best of his or her ability. Teachers at Garner Elementary will allow students reasonable opportunity to make up or redo a class assignment or examination for which the student received a failing grade.
Garner School has setup Monday, Oct. 12, as Parent/Teacher Conference Day. This day is a great opportunity for parents not only to communicate with teachers about their child’s academic and social growth, but also to learn about changes in Texas public education.
Congratulations to our September staff and students of the month. Kindergarten student Kyleigh McBride is honored as elementary student of the month. Landon Blanks represents the best of the junior high school; and Carolyn Jones likewise represents the professionalism of all the Garner ISD staff.
Until next week …
