ARP ESSER III Safe Return to School Plan Outline

2021-2022

Newcastle ISD

ESSER III allotment = $767,691

ESSER II allotment = $341,715

The district’s plan is based on current CDC guidance safety recommendations. The plan will be reviewed at least every six months and available for public comment.  

1. Masks are not required but are strongly recommended for those who are not vaccinated or have underlying health issues.

2. Newcastle ISD has modified its bell schedule to allow fewer students in the hallway.  Air filters have been replaced.  

3. Students will be reminded to wash hands frequently and to cover their cough.  Signs will be posted in bathrooms and hand washing stations.  

4. Early releases have been scheduled on the school calendar to allow for deep cleaning of the building without students on campus. 

5. Upon being notified of a positive covid test result, the student will remain home for 10 days.  

6. If a student is symptomatic the school nurse/office staff will take their temperature and notify parents.  

7. Graham Regional Medical and surrounding facilities have been made available for the ability to get vaccinated.  

8. ARD committee will determine if any accommodations are necessary and inform the appropriate staff.  

9. NISD will continue to follow the guidance provided by state and local health officials

10. NISD will ensure continuity of services, including but not limited to services to address students' academic needs and students' and staff social, emotional, mental health and other needs, which may include student health and food services by continuing to employ existing staff and provide intervention due to academic loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

El plan está disponible en español u otros idiomas necesarios para esta comunidad.

The plan will be available in an accessible format for people with disabilities, upon request to Shane Mallory at 940-846-3531 or smallory@newcastleisd.net. 

This plan will be posted on the district website within 30 days of the receipt of the funds.

Newcastle ISD Continuity of Services

Needs Assessment

     Based upon the committee’s needs assessment,  strengths identified were that Newcastle ISD was able to continue with a majority of in-person instruction.  Every student was issued a device and teachers were issued devices in phases.  This was an area of concern, ensuring every student and teacher had access to a device with adequate internet connectivity.  Also, the social and emotional needs of students.  Barriers to success were availability of devices due to back orders and sketchy interenet connectivity.  

2001(e)(1)

     At least 20% of the funds will be spent on after school programs, summer learning sessions and summer enrichments.

2001(e)(2)

    Section 18006 of the CARES Act (ESSER I) and Section 315 of the CRSSA Act (ESSER II) require, to the greatest extent practicable, entities that receive funds to continue to pay their employees and contractors during the period of any disruptions or closures related to coronavirus. Further, Section 18003(d)(12) of the CARES Act, Section 313(d)(14) of the CRRSA Act, and Section 2001(e)(2)(R) of the ARP Act (ESSER III) allow ESSER funds to support “other activities that are necessary to maintain the operation of and continuity of services in local education agencies and continuing to employ existing staff of the LEA.”  Newcastle ISD will use ESSER funds to pay teacher salaries.  

Interventions

     Support systems will be established to provide accelerated instruction to those students who not only failed the STAAR test but those who suffered learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We will continue to monitor student data and systematically adjust instruction as needed.  

Social Emotional Learning

     Newcastle ISD will utilize the Rhithm App, a social emothional learning data application for students, teachers, school and district leaders.  We will continue to foster a positive, safe and supportive school culture and learning environment where students feel a sense of belonging and engagement.  NISD will address staff social, emotional, mental and other health needs, as needed.  

El plan está disponible en español u otros idiomas necesarios para esta comunidad.

The plan will be available in an accessible format for people with disabilities, upon request to Shane Mallory at 940-846-3531 or smallory@newcastleisd.net.  

This plan will be posted on the district website within 30 days of the receipt of the funds.

ESSER III Notice of Public Meeting

ESSER III Public Meeting Agenda 

ESSER III Collaboration Committee Sign In Sheet

ESSER III Stakeholder Meeting Minutes

2020-2023 ARP ESSER III Federal Grant Application