Reflect on success and finish strong!

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The finish line to the 2020-2021 school year is within reach! We can all agree that the path here has been filled with many obstacles, but I am so proud of our staff, students and parents for staying on track to finish the year strong.

We celebrated many successes this year, and chief among them in a year marked by COVID-19 safety protocols was keeping our schools open throughout. After three months of solely virtual learning in the spring of 2020, we knew how critical it would be to find a way to provide a consistent education for our face-to-face and virtual learners alike this school year.

Next week, on April 27, we will celebrate the completion of an ambitious Learning Together Everywhere (LTE) 1-to-1 districtwide rollout. Our technology department worked relentlessly to deliver more than 115,000 devices into the hands of students following Board of Trustees approval last summer. I am so thankful for Board members who put our students’ needs first and a group of dedicated employees who brought their vision to life.

On April 14, a little more than a year after launching our curbside meals program on March 16, 2020, the nutrition services team celebrated serving 3 million meals to community members! What an incredible milestone and representation of our district’s theme of Opportunity for All. 

Our agriculture science students had a successful Livestock Show and Sale in February. The freezer sale, silent auction, gifts to students and live auction combined to reach approximately $570,000.

In a year when many athletics and fine arts programs around the country were not able to compete, our performers thrived. The Cypress Woods and Bridgeland high school marching bands placed among the top 15 in Texas. The Cypress Creek High School girls’ basketball team was state runner-up, the Cypress Woods boys’ swim team placed third in state, and the Jersey Village High School boys’ soccer team made the state semifinals—the best finish of any soccer program in CFISD history. This weekend, we will host the state wrestling tournament at the Berry Center and hope to have more CFISD students claiming top honors. 

CFISD Class of 2021 graduation ceremonies are just around the corner, and we are looking forward to celebrating 12 high school graduating classes May 27-June 4 at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium. We are increasing the number of tickets per graduate for the outdoor event this year and are looking forward to celebrating our students. 

We extended the pre-registration period for our pre-K and kindergarten programs through May 26. A student is more likely to thrive if they start with us in early childhood, so we are eager to increase our enrollment in these excellent programs. Registration is also open for CFISD summer school programs, which are available for all students at no cost. We are hopeful that more summer offerings will allow students impacted by learning challenges during the pandemic a better chance to get ahead.

It has been extremely encouraging to see the rapid rollout of coronavirus vaccinations throughout the nation. I have seen so many teachers and staff posting their immunizations on social media, and I am grateful that the majority of our workforce will have vaccines as we head into the summer.

With the 2021-2022 school year approaching, we have not yet decided if there will be a virtual learning option. Based on current law, CFISD would not receive state funding for a virtual education option unless the commissioner of education extends the current waiver or legislation passes this session to provide state funding to school districts to offer a virtual education option. I will update our school community if and when there are any changes. However, since vaccines are becoming more readily available and the spread of COVID-19 is diminishing, the districtwide mask mandate will be lifted starting June 7. Although they will be optional, we will continue to encourage staff, students and visitors to wear masks while indoors. We will also continue to follow many of the safety protocols currently in place, including enhanced cleaning procedures and increased air filtration and ventilation.

It is easy to see why I am so proud to be a part of this incredible school district. We have indeed come a long way in 2020-2021, and we are not done yet. As we reflect on the achievements behind us, let’s zero in on the goal ahead of us and finish strong.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

Gifts

I am always so proud to be a part of this community, and never more so than when we rise up together in the face of adversity. I will never forget the immense support you gave to so many who lost their homes and possessions following Hurricane Harvey flooding in 2017. When we had to unexpectedly close schools last spring due to COVID-19, you all stepped up in one way or another to meet the needs of CFISD students.

And here again, as 2020 draws to a close, I stand amazed at the incredible undertaking that our first semester of hybrid instruction has been. Students, staff and parents have been asked to stretch the limits of their flexibility, and they have done so admirably. This has been a learning process for everyone, we’ve all made adjustments along the way, but we have reached the halfway point of this uncharted journey of 2020-2021.

As we enter this season of gift-giving, I want to give a special shout-out to all of our school personnel who have gone above and beyond to make this school year possible. From distributing curbside meals to disinfecting learning spaces to delivering remote and in-person instruction, our campus all-stars rose to the occasion to meet the needs of 115,000 students. We are forever in their debt.

To help brighten the season for these school heroes, let’s show them how School Personnel are a Gift. Download our graphic here, then post it to social media and tag the person you wish to recognize. Use the hashtag #CFISDGift to help us spread the cheer!

We have many things to cheer about as we head into winter break. Two of our marching bands, Cypress Woods and Bridgeland high schools, represented CFISD at the UIL State Marching Contest in San Antonio on Dec. 15. They both finished among the top 15 bands in the state during a very challenging and unusual year—kudos to the Wildcats and Bears!

 

By the end of this week, we will have completed distribution of Chromebooks to every student at all 12 of our high schools through the CFISD Learning Together Everywhere, or LTE 1:1, program. Our technology services team anticipates receipt of 36,000 additional devices by January, allowing us to expand distribution to middle school and elementary school students very soon!

During the December Board of Trustees meeting, our trustees unanimously voted to protect additional leave days for staff needing to isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 that were set to expire from the federal government on Dec. 31. The Board also approved a LEAD Safely Retention Stipend for employees that will be deposited Thursday, Dec. 17.

Among the December Board meeting agenda items, we also viewed a presentation from PBK Architects on the Visual and Performing Arts Center that was part of the 2019 Bond package. This is going to be an incredible facility that will further showcase our robust fine arts in the school district when it is completed in 2022. I am grateful for a community that continually supports extracurricular enrichment and Opportunity for All!

2020 was a challenging year, but there is no community that I would have rather gone through it with than in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. Thank you.

Please enjoy a safe and restful holiday break. Continue to follow safety protocols and avoid large gatherings so we can have a healthy return to a successful second semester. Responsibility for One = Opportunity for All!

I look forward to seeing you again in January 2021.

~ Mark Henry Ed.D.

COVID-19 Update (May 22, 2020)

This week's video update covers the end of the 2019-2020 school year, planning ahead for 2020-2021, upcoming graduation ceremonies and more. Please take a few minutes to watch the update here: VIEW VIDEO.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

COVID-19 Update (May 1, 2020)

Please take a few minutes to watch my video message with updates on grading guidelines, graduation ceremonies and more: VIEW VIDEO.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

COVID-19 Update (April 17, 2020)

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At noon today, Gov. Greg Abbott extended the closure of all Texas schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year; however, distance learning will continue. While I am disappointed that we will not be able to close out the school year in ways that we usually do, we must follow the directives issued by the governor so that we can safely come back together sometime soon.

Here are some of our key priorities as we continue to navigate the challenges brought about by COVID-19:

• Learning at Home program: Although our classrooms are empty, we are committed to supporting student learning through the dedication of our campus staff and teachers as they connect with their students and provide additional instructional support. The CFISD Learning at Home program will continue to be enriched and enhanced each week.
• Curbside Meals: We will continue to provide Curbside Meals each weekday at 19 campuses. To date, CFISD has provided more than 400,000 meals to our students.
• Class of 2020 seniors: Like you, I am holding out hope that graduations will be held in May or on  our alternative dates in July. Gov. Abbott indicated today that Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath would soon provide details about how school districts should proceed and how they could conduct graduation ceremonies. We will provide you with more information once available.
• Grading, GPA and semester averages: Now that it is certain we will not be returning to in-class instruction this school year, we will finalize plans regarding grade calculations and communicate this to you soon.
• Student and staff items: Campuses will be developing and communicating a plan with you on when you may return to campus to retrieve personal belongings safely.
• UIL: In response to the extended closure of Texas schools, the UIL has suspended all practices and contests (extracurricular academic, athletic and music) for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

Our departments and campuses will continue to take your calls between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as through email. On behalf of all of the staff in CFISD, we miss you and look forward to the time when we can safely be together again.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

COVID-19 Update (April 3, 2020)

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Earlier this week, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order that closed all Texas schools through Friday, May 1. In-person classes are currently scheduled to resume in CFISD on Monday, May 4. We miss seeing our students and teachers and look forward to the time where we can all safely come back together. In the upcoming weeks, we will be making announcements regarding May activities including proms, graduations and awards programs.

Please take a few minutes to view my video message to all of you. VIDEO LINK

I appreciate your patience and support during this public health crisis. Continue to check the district website at www.cfisd.net for updates and resources.

Please stay safe,

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

COVID-19 Update (March 31, 2020)

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In compliance with Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order issued today, CFISD has canceled in-person classes through Friday, May 1.

In-person classes are now scheduled to resume on Monday, May 4, which coincides with the first day that UIL games and contests may continue. We will continue to evaluate this date with the input from health and government officials.

Although nothing can replace the value of quality classroom instruction, the online Learning at Home program and take-home packets have allowed our students to resume education outside of campus. We are continuing to enhance this curriculum.

I have received many questions from students and parents about graduation ceremonies. For now, we still have graduations scheduled, but we will be discussing alternative options and dates with high school leadership to recognize our seniors while maintaining safety for all.

It troubles me to prolong time apart from our students and staff, but during this unprecedented time, I feel it is critical to protect our community and halt the spread of COVID-19.

Please stay tuned for my weekly video update on Friday, when I will provide additional details for the plan ahead.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

COVID-19 Update (March 27, 2020)

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Classes resumed in CFISD this week, although learning and teaching look a lot different now than before spring break. I am so proud of the Learning at Home program that was launched on our website Monday, and my heart warms when I hear about the remote connections that our teachers and staff are making with students.

Please take a few minutes to view my video message to all of you. VIDEO LINK

Continue to check the district website at www.cfisd.net for updates and resources. Thank you for your patience and your support during this public health crisis.

Please stay safe,

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

COVID-19 UPDATE (3/16/20)

For the last 55 years, I have either attended, taught or served in public schools. I understand the significance and comfort that the routine of the school calendar provides students, staff and our community. In addition, I know the importance of academics, athletics, fine arts and extracurricular activities. That is why, with great sadness and reluctance, I must share with you that we have made the difficult decision to cancel in-person classes for students from March 23 until April 9, following consultation today with local and state health officials, the Centers for Disease Control and other Region 4 superintendents. Our instructional team is making plans for long-term delivery of instruction and continues to navigate the many details of this unprecedented situation.

On Monday, March 23, staff will resume duty with a modified work schedule and location as assigned and detailed by your supervisor.

Although today is only the first day of instruction that our 118,000-plus students are missing due to COVID-19, I am proud that we have been able to quickly provide valuable resources for our students, and we will continue to do so. The district website (http://www.cfisd.net/covid19) has details regarding the following resources and will continue to be regularly updated.

• Curbside meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for children 18 years or younger, Monday through Friday, began today.
• Arnold MS, Bane ES, Cy Creek HS, Cy Lakes HS, Cy Park HS, Cy Ridge HS, Cy Springs HS, Danish ES, Francone ES, Frazier ES, Holbrook ES, Horne ES, Kirk ES, Langham Creek HS, Thornton MS (Goodson MS begins Tuesday, March 17)
• Houston Food Bank mobile food truck at Cy-Hope’s Hope Chest (12015 Barker Cypress) on Wednesday, March 18 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Families will need to sign in to receive food.
• Extended Learning Resources to support reading, writing and math for Early Childhood through 12th grade. Long-term delivery of instruction will be greatly expanded next week.
• A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that will be updated as we receive additional information on COVID-19 and its impact to our CFISD families.

Today, we also learned that the Texas Education Agency has waived all STAAR tests for the 2019-2020 school year. I expect that more information regarding other tests will be announced soon.

I will continue to participate in frequent calls and meetings with local and state health officials and will update you regularly as we receive new information. We are all committed to providing resources for our students and staff during this time. 

Please stay safe,
~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

COVID-19 UPDATE (03/13/20)

March 13, 2020

Dear CFISD community,

COVID-19 continues to be an unprecedented and very fluid event for our country as evidenced by President Trump’s declaration of a National Emergency and Governor Abbott’s declaration of a State of Disaster for all Texas counties. I attended a meeting earlier today with Harris County Public Health, Harris County Judge Hidalgo, and the Office of Emergency Management and have been in communication with the Commissioner of Education and government health officials. This afternoon I met with our district administrative team, and we are all committed to providing resources for our students and staff during the CFISD closure period. 

·       Curbside Meals:

o   Beginning Monday, March 16

§  Breakfast will be available from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.

§  Lunch will be available from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

§  Dinner will be available from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

§  Children 18 years and younger (must be present) may pick up meals at any CFISD school listed; this is not dependent on where the student is enrolled.

§  Schools available for curbside meals: Arnold MS, Bane ES, Cy Creek HS, Cy Lakes HS, Cy Park HS, Cy Ridge HS, Cy Springs HS, Danish ES, Francone ES, Frazier ES, Holbrook ES, Horne ES, Kirk ES, Langham Creek HS, Thornton MS

o   Beginning Tuesday, March 17

§  Goodson MS will be added to the original list of schools. 

·       Payroll:

o   Staff will be receiving a separate email today regarding pay.

·       Medication:

o   If you have questions about accessing your child’s medication from school, please contact CFPD at 832-237-CFPD.

·       UIL Contests (see https://www.uiltexas.org/):

o   All UIL events have been suspended thru March 29. 

o   The UIL anticipates completing the competitive season for academics, athletics and fine arts later this spring.

·       Superintendent’s Fun Run & Festival:

o   The event is cancelled, and t-shirts will be distributed at a later date. This is one of my favorite events every year because of you. Let’s celebrate the scholarships that will still be awarded because of donations, registrations and business sponsorships. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.

·       Extended Learning Resources:

o   Extended learning resources will be available next week for students on the district website.

·       Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

o   Beginning Monday, March 16

§  An FAQ will be posted on the district website (www.cfisd.net) and updated as we receive additional information on the COVID-19 situation and its impact to our CFISD families.

The district website will continue to be updated with information for staff and students, and I will provide regular communication with you through email. 

Please stay safe,

Mark Henry, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Monitoring COVID-19

As you are aware, the situation regarding COVID-19 continues to be very fluid for the Greater Houston area. I want to assure you that despite our schools being closed for spring break, the CFISD administrative team is participating in daily calls with local, state and federal officials and is actively monitoring the situation.

I am attending a meeting on Friday morning with neighboring superintendents and local officials and will have an update for you later that afternoon.

It takes all of us working together to ensure healthy learning environments.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

COVID-19 update

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With the recent news of a “presumptive positive” case for coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 in Fort Bend County and two confirmed cases in Northwest Harris County, I want to reassure you that we are continuing to work closely with local and federal health authorities to monitor the developing situation in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the students and staff in CFISD. Local health officials have shared with us that these are both travel-related cases, and there are no confirmed community-spread cases in our area.

The steps we are taking in CFISD to prevent the spread of ALL communicable diseases include continuing our daily routine of disinfecting campuses and buses with hospital-grade products, encouraging proper handwashing, and when soap and water are not available, using hand sanitizer. All CFISD campuses have wall-mounted soap dispensers in restrooms and free-standing hand sanitizer dispensers at the building and cafeteria entrances. In addition, we are in the process of installing wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispensers in every classroom in the district.

State medical experts indicate that the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are the same recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu, such as avoiding close contact with those who are sick, proper handwashing, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and staying home when sick.

We do not want students or staff to come to school sick. As a precautionary measure, we are making the following changes to perfect attendance calculations and Spring 2020 semester exam exemptions.

• CFISD will suspend perfect attendance rules for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Instead, perfect attendance recognition will be for August 26, 2019 – March 5, 2020.
• CFISD will suspend exam exemption criteria related to attendance for Spring 2020 exams. All other district criteria for exam exemptions still apply.

As we head into Spring Break, some of you may have questions about travel.  While there are travel restrictions in place for several countries identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as of today, there are no travel restrictions or advisories pertaining to COVID-19 within the United States. Please refer to the CDC’s webpage for more information regarding travel.

I will keep you informed as we receive additional information. It takes all of us working together to ensure healthy learning environments.  I hope everyone has a restful and safe Spring Break.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

Coronavirus update

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While we continue to closely work with local and federal health authorities to monitor the developing situation surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus (see attached fact sheet from Harris County Public Health), here is a quick update:

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Harris County. Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• Coughing and sneezing;
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
• Rarely, fecal contamination.

State medical experts indicate that the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID -19 are the same recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (see the CDC website for more information on handwashing).
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Receive a flu vaccine if you are over the age of 6 months.
• Follow the CDC’s recommendations regarding the use of facemasks. Facemasks are not recommended for people who are well to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others or by health workers and people who are taking care of someone with COVID-19 symptoms.

All CFISD campuses have wall-mounted soap dispensers in restrooms and free-standing hand sanitizer dispensers at the building and cafeteria entrances. In addition, our campus custodial staff will continue to disinfect campuses each day with hospital-grade products to help offset the spread of communicable illnesses.

Did you know that CFISD employs Registered Nurses at all 91 campuses (which is above and beyond what is required)? We are proud of our Health Services Department in CFISD, for the day-to-day medical care they offer our students and for their regular communication with local and federal health officials during outbreaks like coronavirus.

I will keep you informed as we receive additional information. It takes all of us working together to ensure healthy learning environments. 

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.