November 20, 2020 

As we look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving next week across the nation, I want to take this opportunity to express how grateful I am for the BISD family. Our District staff, parents, and community members are the foundation of the education system we call Birdville ISD. Twelve months ago, we could not have imagined where we would be today. COVID-19 has brought on tremendous challenges in all aspects of our lives, but the BISD family has remained strong. Like any family, we have good days and challenging days. Overall, the good days far outweigh the bad.  

During the holiday break, I ask our staff and families to continue to be diligent and make every effort to protect yourself from COVID-19. Experts on both sides of the fence have had a lot to say on this topic. Social distancing, wearing a mask, frequent handwashing, and avoiding others when you are not feeling well are ways to protect each other. With the possibility of a vaccine on the horizon, now is not the time for us to let our guard down. 

As we prepare to resume school on Monday, Nov. 30, I want to remind staff to prescreen every day before coming to work. It is equally important that parents/guardians screen your child(ren) before sending them to school.  

Students, staff, or visitors who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, are ill, or have had contact with a COVID-19 positive person in the last 14 days, should stay home and not enter any District facility. 
 
We ask that you, as always, watch for symptoms of COVID-19 in you or your child(ren). 

Any of the following symptoms may indicate a possible COVID-19 infection: 

• Temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher; 
• Sore throat; 
• Cough that causes difficulty breathing (or, for students with a chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline); 
• Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain; 
• Severe headache, especially with a fever; or  
• Loss of sense of taste or smell. 

If you or any of your family members begin experiencing any of these symptoms in a way that is not typical for you/your family member(s), we encourage you to contact your physician. If, after contacting your physician, you or anyone in your family is test-confirmed to have COVID-19, we request that you notify your school as soon as possible. 

Thank you again for the vital role you play in the BISD family. We cannot do this without you. 

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving break! 

Dr. Darrell G. Brown
Superintendent