Family Connects
E-Newsletter for BISD Families ~ March 20, 2024
Pre-K & Kindergarten Kickstart Takes Place April 3
Pre-K and Kindergarten Kickstart will take place on April 3 from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm at all elementary schools in Bastrop ISD. This is an opportunity to visit your child's future campus, get assistance with enrollment and turn in required documents. If you can't make it on April 3, you can still enroll your child online.
Don't know which campus you're zoned for, click here for a map to input your address and see.
Be sure to have the important documents below when enrolling your child:
- Child's certified birth certificate
- Child's social security card (a state ID may also be used)
- Driver license or photo ID of parent/guardian enrolling child
- Current immunization records (Click here to view review immunization requirements.)
- Current proof of residency in BISD (utility bill in parent's/guardian's name (electric, gas, water) for a 911 address (no PO boxes); recently paid rent receipt; current lease agreement; signed purchase contract).
We look forward to welcoming all of our new students on April 3!
Returning Student Verification Opens April 3
Returning student verification is required for all students that are currently enrolled in BISD and returning with us for the 2024-2025 school year. Log into your Family Access account beginning on April 3 to complete the verification process.
After logging into Family Access, you will select "Returning Student Online Registration". This process allows you to verify all of your child's information is correct and provide updates for any important information that has changed such as contact phone numbers, emergency contacts, and student health history.
Student Information Verification for returning students must be completed before students can receive teacher assignments or schedules, care from campus healthcare professionals, or bus transportation for the 2024-25 school year.
If you cannot remember your Family Access credentials, use the Forgot Your Login/Password? link. If you're still having trouble logging in to Family Access, contact your child's current campus for assistance. If you are enrolling a new student who is the sibling of a student currently enrolled in BISD, you do not need to create a new Family Access account. You can enroll a new student by selecting "New Student Online Enrollment".
The 2024-25 Bastrop ISD transfer application window runs March 1 - 22, 2024. You may download and print the application by visiting bisdtx.org/transfer.
Please complete all sections of the form and provide a handwritten signature, in ink. No digital/electronic applications will be accepted this year, due to state reporting guidelines. Completed forms MUST be turned in at the front reception desk of the BISD Service Center at 906 Farm St., Bastrop, TX 78602, by 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted.
Texas Assessments Resources for Parents
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) and End of Course (EOC) Testing will take place between April 9 and May 3. These state tests are used to determine a child’s preparedness for the next grade level. Below are the timeframes when testing will occur by grade level and subject.
Visit the Practice Test Site for TELPAS & STAAR so your child can get familiar with how the test might look on the day of their testing. Ask your child's teacher about what tests they will be taking and in what language. To learn more about the STAAR Test in Texas, go to the STAAR resources webpage where you will find more information about who is tested, what is tested, what the test looks like, and much more. If you would like to see a printable version of previous STAAR tests that you can use with your child to practice questions, visit the STAAR Released Test Questions.
Social Emotional Learning
What are the students learning?
After each extended break, students are retaught campus-wide and classroom expectations of how to be safe, respectful and responsible on campus. Starting next week, elementary students will begin their lessons on problem solving, intermediate and middle school students will be learning how to manage relationships and social conflicts, and high school students will focus on improving habits.
Families looking to engage their students around these topics can ask questions like:
- What are you learning during SEL time this week?
- What are some clues your body might give you when are having strong emotions?
- What are some ways that strong emotions impact your ability to make decisions?
- What are some ways you can be helpful at______ (home, school, community)?
Benefits of Bilingualism
Bilingual children benefit from their language skills in many different ways – from increased academic achievement to language proficiency that can lead to increased employment opportunities. The diagram below shows seven benefits of bilingualism that you can share with your child.
Summer Hoopstars registration for PK-6th grade students is now open. Register online at bisdtx.eleyo.com. Coaches needed! Don't forget to submit your background check.
Questions? Call 512-772-7179.
Get Recognized for Volunteerting
Bastrop ISD has teamed up with AmeriCorps to recognize local volunteers. Read more about how to submit your hours and be recognized - https://bisdtx.org/Page/9690.
Coffee Connections
Parents of children diagnosed with autism in McDade and Bastrop ISD are invited to join us for coffee and pastries while getting to know other parents. The events will cover techniques for creating a predictable environment (March 21) and creating clear social and behavioral expectations (April 22).
Please RSVP to lgaston@bisdtx.org.
Enjoy Movies in the Park Starting This Weekend
Autism & Siblings Research Study at Lake Travis ISD
A research team at Baylor University is looking to increase positive interactions between children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their siblings. The one-day program on March 23 teaches siblings about autism, how to encourage, support, and communicate with their siblings, and what to do in uncontrollable situations. This six-hour course will take place at Lake Travis ISD and is free to all students who are 5-17 years old, live in Texas, and have a sibling with an ASD diagnosis. Participants can earn up to $75 in Amazon gift cards for full participation. View the flyers below for more information.
Empower Her Conference Slated for March 29
Calling all fierce and fabulous teens and preteens for a FREE conference!
Texas A&M is excited to announce the Physics & Engineering Festival on April 13! This is a free event featuring hands-on science FUN at the Mitchell Physics complex at Texas A&M University!
The event is free and no registration required. Just show up and have fun. Note: Space is limited on talks and special events, plan to arrive early to get a seat.
Do You Have a Picky Eater?
My Plate for My Family is a FREE nutrition class where you will learn how to identify time-saving and low-cost ways to prepare tasty, healthy family meals. Learn what to do with a picky eater and how to serve various healthy foods that the kids will want to explore!
To sign up, contact Amelia at amelia.cobb@bbtrails.org.
What's on the Menu?
Add Money to Your Child's Lunch Account
Contact Taher Staff (Taher is the Child Nutrition provider for BISD)
And remember ... in Bastrop ISD, all students eat free breakfast and lunch this school year!
Find Your Passion
Want to volunteer on your child's campus or at community engagement events hosted by BISD? Complete the required background check and view available opportunities by visiting Voly, Bastrop ISD's online volunteer platform.
Come Work With Us
Make a Difference
Be a Bus Driver
Serve Delicious Food to Our Children
Bastrop ISD named Best Place for Working Parents
We are thrilled to announce that Bastrop ISD has once again been named The Best Place for Working Parents! At BISD, we take pride in being a workplace that prioritizes family and provides support for working parents.
Interested in working at BISD? Learn more about available career opportunities at bisdtx.org/careers.
Mark Your Calendar
March 29: Staff & Student Holiday
April 1: Staff Development/Student Holiday
April 16: BISD Board of Trustees Meeting, 5:30 pm, PAC
Contact Us
Relationships with our students, parents, and staff are what make this a great place to learn, teach, and work. In Bastrop Independent School District ... THEIR future is OUR focus!
Email: news@bisdtx.org
Website: bisdtx.org
Location: 906 Farm Street, Bastrop, TX, USA
Phone: 512-772-7100
Facebook: BastropISDTX
Instagram: BastropISD
Twitter: @BastropISD