March 2021 | Volume 6
Message from the Superintendent
I know everyone is looking forward to Spring Break. It is hard to believe we are approaching the one-year mark of school operating much differently than ever imagined. It has definitely been a time of challenge and adversity, including the recent winter weather week. Amongst all the trials and tribulations we have continued to overcome in Azle ISD.

As we moved into 2021, we rolled out our “We Are Azle” initiative. As the school district, we are taking the lead role in this endeavor. We hope that this initiative will spread throughout our entire community, showing unity in our community. As a community, we can get through anything together – because “We Are Azle!” Hopefully, you have seen yard signs or window decals around our Azle ISD community. If you would like to request a yard sign or decal for your residence or business please contact your child’s campus or Amanda Moore at amoore@azleisd.net.
 
The impacts of COVID have not slowed down new home construction within the Azle ISD boundaries. Across the district, new housing developments are quickly progressing, with several more in the early planning phases, both within and outside the Azle city limits. As a reminder, the demographic report presented to our Board of Trustees last fall shows Azle ISD is expected to close 200-250 new homes a year for the next 3-5 years. Over the next 10 years, our student body is projected to grow by 30%, with more than 2,000 new students.

To address the growth, the Azle ISD Board of Trustees charged our Long Range Facilities Planning Committee to review the current and future needs of our school district. The approximately 40 member citizen committee (all AISD taxpayers) consisting of parents, grandparents, business owners, and retired educators presented their recommendation to the Board of Trustees at the February Board Meeting. On Thursday, February 11, our Board approved a May 1 Bond Election. More information regarding the Bond Election will be posted on the Azle ISD website soon. 

The COVID-related protocols Azle ISD put in place at the beginning of this school year allowed the District to be the first Tarrant County school district to provide families the choice for in-person instruction. They have also helped to keep in-person instruction available at all campuses throughout the year. We understand that no decision we make will please everyone and ask that you work with us to give our students and staff the best experiences we can under the current guidelines from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH), and Center for Disease Control (CDC).

In closing, I want to once again express my sincere appreciation for the support and grace you have shown this school year. I assure you we will continue to monitor guidelines and recommendations from local health authorities and evaluate all Azle ISD COVID protocols. Hopefully, soon we will return to “normal” school routines, including several upcoming traditional end-of-school-year activities.

I wish you and your family a safe and restful Spring Break.

We Are Azle!

Todd Smith
Superintendent – Azle ISD
Did You Know?

Did you know the current Azle ISD tax rate is 8 cents lower than the tax rate four years ago?

The current Azle ISD tax rate is $1.2474. In 2017-2018, the tax rate was $1.329.
Spring Break COVID-19 Reporting
The District is asking that any staff members and parents of students who test positive for COVID-19 during Spring Break complete the District's online COVID-19 Reporting Form as soon as possible.
 
In addition to reporting positive COVID test results, we are also asking parents/employees to report any cases of potential close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID.

The form will be available from March 12 through 6 p.m. on March 21.

Note: Any student/employee that is a "positive COVID case," "close contact," or who has COVID-related symptoms should NOT attend school when we return from break. They should wait until they have been contacted by their campus nurse or administrator to return to campus.

As a reminder, "close contact" is generally defined as:
1.) being directly exposed to infectious secretions (e.g., being coughed on); or
2.) being within six feet for approximately 15 minutes throughout the course of a day.

International Travel Reminder
If your family is planning to travel internationally during Spring Break, please review our International Travel Guidelines for the required steps that must be taken before returning to school. Travelers should refer to the CDC website for additional details regarding international travel restrictions and COVID testing.
School Board Approves 2021-22 School Calendar
The Azle ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2021-22 school calendar at the regular board meeting on Monday, February 8.

The first day of classes for students will be Tuesday, August 11, 2021. The first semester will be from August 11-December 17 and the second semester will be from January 5-May 25. Review the key at the bottom of the calendar for additional details.


*Please note: the calendar may be amended as necessary, with Azle ISD School Board approval.
District Highlights
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Share Your News!
We love sharing stories about the amazing things happening in our schools and in the lives of our students, staff members, and alumni!

Please email amoore@azleisd.net with details of your newsworthy activity or event. Be sure to include names, images, and details!

*By submitting your story/photos, you agree to have it published on our district website and/or social media sites.
UPCOMING EVENTS

March 14 - Daylight Saving Time

March 15-19 - Spring Break

April 1 - Bad Weather Make-Up Day

April 2 - Asynchronous Instruction Day

April 16 - End of 5th Six Weeks

April 26 - Asynchronous Instruction Day

May 27 - Last Day of School