
From the Principal's Desk
November 30, 2020
Hello Fabulous FWAFA Families -
I hope you were all able to relax and enjoy your family over the break. I know many of us traveled and/or saw extended family last week. Following our six core practices helps keep us all safe but is not a 100% guarantee. If you discover you were in close contact with someone who tests positive or if anyone in your family develops symptoms, please keep your child home and contact our nurse Kay Armstrong at kay.armstrong@fwafa.org.
FWAFA students have the option to switch to At-Home Learning at any time for COVID-19 related situations, whether it be just for a few days while waiting on test results, a few weeks while in quarantine, or for a full six week grading cycle.
If your child has been participating in At-Home Learning this six weeks and you'd like him/her to return to campus for In-School Instruction on January 6th, please email your change of placement request to jennifer.jackson@fwafa.org.
Creatively yours,
Dr. Jennifer Jackson
A Message from our TCA+A President/CEO regarding COVID-19 "Close Contact"
This message is on behalf of Mr. Paul Gravley, our TCA+A President/CEO.
Dear TeSA and FWAFA Students, Parents, Guardians, Staff and Friends,
Earlier this year, TCA+A adopted the “Safe Return To School” plan that was approved by the Texas Education Agency. We continue to monitor closely the ever-changing Covid-19 protocols. Rates of Covid-19 are increasing across Tarrant County, and we desire to do our part to keep people safe while providing the best possible educational environment.
In that plan, we had been following Texas Education Association’s definition of close contact at that time which as the following:
Being directly exposed to infectious secretions (e.g. being coughed on while not wearing a mask); OR being within 6 feet for a cumulative duration of 15 minutes, while not wearing a mask.
(https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/covid/SY-20-21-Public-Health-Guidance.pdf)
Because we value safety, and in consultation with Tarrant County Public Health, we will adopt the CDC’s definition of close-contact:
Close contact of someone with COVID-19 – Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period* starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.( https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/correction-detention/guidance-correctional-detention.html)
The practicalities of this change is that if there is a confirmed COVID-19 case on campus, it is likely to mean more students and/or staff will meet the close contact definition and will need to quarantine for recommended periods of time (usually 14-days). This protocol change will begin immediately (November 30, 2020).
We remain hopeful that we will be able to continue in-person learning for those who choose to do so. We will monitor expert’s recommendations and use that information in our decisions. We desire nothing more than for your student to be safe as they learn.
Sincerely,
Paul Gravley
Friday, December 11: Welcome to the 60s!
Streaming for a limited time only, Welcome to the 60s is a Theatrical Revue, featuring musical numbers, skits, and more either from or set during the 1960’s. Each act has been chosen and produced specifically with the pandemic in-mind, utilizing outdoor spaces, social-distancing, and masks, when needed.
In lieu of of a traditional, on-stage performance, FWAFA is working with a professional crew of videographers, guest choreographers and directors to film and produce a full-length, high-quality, virtual performance for all to enjoy.
Part of the TCA+A Performing Arts Series, Welcome to the 60s is one of three premiere, auditioned high school theatre productions for the 2020-2021 season. While this show is produced by the Theatre Department, any FWAFA high school student is welcome to audition, which creates a diverse cast of performers from all fine arts backgrounds.
At Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, we pride ourselves on providing students with high-quality fine arts training and performance opportunities.
This year has been uniquely challenging due to the pandemic, but our fine arts faculty and students have worked countless hours, TOGETHER, to ensure we are still able to put on the professional shows our audience knows and loves – just in a different format. More importantly, we have remained dedicated to our students, giving them a creative and safe space to continue doing what they are most passionate about.
This event is free and appropriate for all ages. Grab your family and friends and escape 2020 for a while – Welcome to the 60s!
Combined Choir Concert - Thursday, December 17
artsacademics.org/Live
Each year our awesome PTSO helps teachers and grade level teams put together Amazon Wish lists. If you would like to show some appreciation to our hard working teachers and provide needed classroom materials and supplies, you can find all of their wishes here.
Gift the Gift of Dance this Holiday Season!
Creative Movement | Ages 3-4
Our youngest students are introduced to the fundamentals of dance through imaginative play, which enhances self-confidence and strengthens cognitive skills, coordination, rhythm, spatial awareness, and gross motor skills.
We still have spaces open both in-person and online at ArtsAcademics.org/Conservatories
Shot Records
Quick Links
Mark Your Calendar!
Monday, December 4 - marks end of the 3rd week of grading period and deadline to request In-School learning for the 4th Six Weeks for At-Home Learners
Monday, December 7 - National Art Honor Society Coloring Books - On Sale
Wednesday, December 9 - Progress Report Distribution
Friday, December 11 - Welcome to the 60's Premiere at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 17 - Combined Choir Concert at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 18 - Last Day of 3rd Grading Period; Early Release at 12:15 p.m.