Board of Education Assistant Superintendent

Jacky Betts, President Christie Walker

Kenny Miller, Vice President Principals

Brenda Ogle, Secretary Sergio Menchaca, BHS
BOWIE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Jeneanne Fleming, BJH
Daniel Deweber, Trustee J. Blake Enlow, Superintendent Lee Ann Farris, BI
Guy Green, Trustee P.O. Box 1168
Kathy Green, BE
BOWIE, TEXAS 76230
(940) 872-1151
Debbie Leonard, Trustee FAX (940) 872-5979 Chief Financial Officer
http://www.bowieisd.net
Jeff Jackson, Trustee Paula Peterson

October 20, 2020

Bowie ISD Parents, Students and Community,

The beginning of the 2020-2021 school year has been like no other in the history of our
school district. We ended the previous year in a totally online environment and began
this year with virtual learning as an option for some families. What has become evident
over the last two months is that this option is not reaching the educational outcomes our
students need and our staff desires. Therefore, Bowie ISD will end virtual learning
beginning November 3 with the following exceptions:
• A lab confirmed positive COVID-19 case which requires isolation/quarantine.
• Documented close contact that requires isolation/quarantine.

During the above exceptions, students impacted will be instructed remotely. Campus
staff will assist students and parents to ensure appropriate educational resources are
provided.

This decision has been discussed by our administrative team for the past few weeks. At
the October 19th school board meeting, the board requested data related to virtual
instruction and once that data was reviewed, was in support of ending virtual learning in
Bowie ISD.

Student Concerns:
• At the end of the first 6 weeks grading period, 50% of BHS virtual
students failed two or more classes.
• At the end of the 3-week progress check for the second 6 weeks grading
period, 65% of BHS virtual students were failing two or more classes.
• At the end of the first 6 weeks grading period 46% of BJH virtual students
failed one or more classes.
• At the end of the 3-week progress check for the second 6 weeks grading
period, 92% of BJH virtual students failed one or more classes.
 • At the end of the 3-week progress check for the second 6 weeks grading
period, 54% of BIS virtual students were failing one or more classes.
• At the end of the 3-week progress check for the second 6 weeks grading
period, 40% of BES virtual students were failing one or more classes.

Bowie ISD teachers and administrators have spent many hours contacting and working
with virtual learners since the beginning of school. Some students have changed from
virtual to in person learning and there has been progress noted. However, the data is
trending in the wrong direction for those who have remained virtual and we feel the best
instructional model for students is in person with the teacher in the classroom.

Since the beginning of school, we have seen our teachers put everything they have into
this profession in an attempt to maintain some semblance of continuity over the various
platforms. The successes they have achieved are to be lauded, but the sustainability of
this effort cannot be continued. Our staff has the “calling” of being a teacher and they
have done everything in their power to reach kids. We are blessed in Bowie ISD to have
a wonderful staff who is the best and does what is best for kids. We value them and need
that best effort for the years to come.

For families choosing to continue remote learning, the following options are available:
• Enroll in a private school
• Request a transfer to another school district offering virtual instruction
• Enroll in an online school
• Withdraw to home school

Thank you for your support and understanding during this unusual time in our
community. We are thankful for the grace you have shown Bowie ISD as we have
pivoted from our normal routines into this time of a global pandemic. We do understand
that this decision will not be agreeable to all, but feel it is the best decision for the
educational outcomes we seek for our students and staff.

We look forward to the opportunity to see all our students again and if you have campus
or grade level questions about your options, please contact your campus administration.

It is a great day to be a Jackrabbit,

J. Blake Enlow