Denton ISD is partnering with Texas Motor Speedway and fellow Denton County school districts to host in-person graduation ceremonies on May 21 and May 22 providing families with a venue that offers ample space to ensure all health precautions are met during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graduates from one of the four comprehensive Denton ISD high schools should pick up their two (2) vehicle credentials to attend their respective ceremony this week. At the same time, all honor cords/stoles and Class of 2020 yard signs will be distributed in a drive-thru format.

Pick-up times are:

• Ryan High School from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Wednesday, May 13
• Braswell High School from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 14
• Denton High School from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 14
• Guyer High School from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15

Family members who are in high-risk categories for contracting COVID-19, or who are currently quarantined, are asked to remain at home and watch via Livestream on the Texas Motor Speedway website.

Texas Motor Speedway will project the ceremony on “Big Hoss,” a 12-story, 218-foot-wide video board to ensure that every graduate is seen by those in attendance, both in-person and virtually.

Graduates will be seated outside during the ceremony and dressing appropriately for the weather and walking long distances will be key. Graduates are asked to wear sensible and appropriate footwear.

Parents and family members will remain in their cars or in their truck beds, no lawn chairs will be allowed. Restroom access will be very limited.

For more information from Texas Motor Speedway, please review the FAQ here.

Before the Test:

1. Choose and prepare the device you will be using for exam day and gather what you need for each exam https://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/students/taking-ap-exams/what-students-need-on-exam-day?excmpid=mtg638-4-gd.
2. Practice the AP Exam Day experience located athttps://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/students/taking-ap-exams/exam-day-experience.
3. The AP Languages Exam App will be available by the week of May 11 and includes a practice mode.
4. Know your log in to https://myap.collegeboard.org/login.  You will be able to access your AP test through the website or an email with the E-Ticket.

E-Ticket-You will access your exam through the e-ticket.

1. You will be able to access your E-Ticket through https://myap.collegeboard.org/login or email two days before each test. 
2. You will receive an E-Ticket for each one of your tests.
3. You should take the test in May unless there is a significant conflict.  You are located in a CENTRAL time zone https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/exam-calendar.
4. If you have connectivity issues during the May test, you can request a makeup exam, but you will need your May E-Ticket number.  The makeup exams are scheduled for June 1-5.
5. If you have a significant conflict and you do not start the May exam, a new E-Ticket will be issued for the June 1-5 exam. There are NO additional exams after June 1-5.

Day of Test Check-In

1. You need to start the exam 30 minutes before your schedule start time.
2. You will use your e-ticket to check in to the exam and complete the identity information check in.
3. The exam will begin automatically at the schedule start time and a timer will display for how much time remains for each question.
4. Once the exam starts, the first exam question will automatically appear and you should not refresh your browser.

Submitting Answers      

1. You do not need to worry if you do not complete all parts of the question.  College Board has stated that they have given students many chances to demonstrate their knowledge.  If you do not complete an answer, you still may receive a score of 5 but you need to submit the work you have completed.
2. You can type or handwrite your responses.

For more information regarding test procedures, explore https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-testing-guide-2020.pdf.

Superintendents across Denton County announce their plan to host their respective, individual high school Commencement Ceremonies in partnership with Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) to ensure all graduates at one of their 23 high schools participate in a “unique opportunity” to receive their diplomas.

During the ceremony, graduates will accept their diploma in-person on “Victory Lane” providing a memorable ending to a senior year filled with uncertain times. Event details, including the specific dates and times of each commencement, will be announced by each Denton County high school in the coming days.

All school districts in Denton County will celebrate at TMS including Aubrey ISD; Argyle ISD; Denton ISD; Krum ISD; Lake Dallas ISD; Lewisville ISD; Little Elm ISD; Northwest ISD; Pilot Point ISD; Ponder ISD; Sanger ISD and Westlake Academy.

“We were glad to be able to provide some ideas to our area superintendents on how in-person graduation ceremonies can continue,” said Denton County Judge Andy Eads. “We know this is an important rite of passage for our Denton County seniors and their families.”

The large venue allows for the schools to host their ceremonies on, or near, their original dates in mid to late May and comply with recommended social distancing practices.

Parents and family members who attend will be asked to remain in their vehicles to watch the ceremony live while parked in the TMS infield. Family members who are in high risk categories for contracting COVID-19, or who are currently quarantined, are asked to remain at home and watch via Livestream.

“A great deal of thanks and appreciation for this program must go to Judge Eads and his staff for their significant efforts in making this idea come to fruition in what was really a very short amount of time,” said Eddie Gossage, President and General Manager of Texas Motor Speedway. “A high school graduation ceremony is such an important achievement and lifelong memory for students as well as their families and friends. We are honored by the opportunity to support each and every Denton County high school graduate as best we can in these difficult times.”

Texas Motor Speedway will project the Commencement Ceremony on “Big Hoss,” a 12-story, 218-foot-wide video board to ensure that every graduate is seen by those in attendance, both in-person and virtually. Graduates, wearing academic regalia in addition to masks, will walk across a staging area to receive their diploma.

The diploma presentation will be “hands-free” and respect the social distancing guidelines outlined by Denton County Health Services.

Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Circle, is a NASCAR speedway located in the northernmost portion of the city of Fort Worth but located in Denton County.

In compliance with Governor Abbott's Executive Order, Denton ISD will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. Online learning continues as planned until the completion of our 2019-2020 school year.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he has amended his Executive Order closing all schools in the state for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Denton ISD school leaders remain committed to instruction and online learning for the remainder of this year.

Beginning April 15, the Denton ISD Child Nutrition Department will begin “super bundling” an entire week of school meals (five breakfasts and five lunches) available for pick-up each Wednesday. Drive-through meal pickup is available at each location between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

When visiting one of our 18 campuses, families will be asked to remain in their vehicles and indicate the number of students to be served. Families can request meals for all students in the household under the age of 18, no ID is required. Staff members will place the requested number of meal bundles in the trunk, eliminating any person-to-person contact. 

For the safety of others, please do not come to one of our locations if you or someone in your household begins to show flu-like symptoms. Either send someone else, a friend or neighbor or wait until you no longer feel ill or symptomatic.

To comply with the recommended CDC guidelines, all meals will be prepared for individual pick-up, no group meals or congregating will be allowed.

If you have questions, please contact Denton ISD Child Nutrition Department by checking www.dentonisd.org/meals or calling 940-369-0272 during the office hours of 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

During this time of campus closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our primary goal is to support the health and well-being of each student.

As we work daily to support our students, our staff will view assessments through a new lens: equity for all students and no negative impact for students. We take this time to dig deeper into the content of our core subject areas, focusing on student relevance.

When it comes to learning in the coming weeks, our goal is to help students master the curriculum content while receiving meaningful teacher feedback. 

Please click here to view the updates regarding grading during the COVID-19 closure. 

Beginning Monday, April 6, the Denton ISD Child Nutrition Department staff will expand meal delivery to 18 locations to feed our students, allowing us to further focus on the safety of our team members and the community.

In addition to the changes taking effect on April 6, bus delivery of meals is being placed on hold, and the district will no longer be utilizing community volunteers to assist with meal service.

When visiting one of our 18 campuses, families will be asked to remain in their vehicles and indicate the number of students to be served. Staff members will place the requested number of meals in the trunk, eliminating any person-to-person contact.

Moving forward, our staff is working to bundle multiple meals, food for several days, in an effort to honor the precautionary “Stay-at-Home” order.

For additional information, please visit www.dentonisd.org/meals.

In support of the “Stay at Home” Order issued by Denton County Judge Andy Eads, the following school districts in Denton County announced they have extended districtwide closure through Sunday, April 19.

Students, parents and staff of the following districts are urged by their leaders to remain vigilant in their efforts to stay healthy and stay at home.

• Aubrey ISD
• Argyle ISD
• Denton ISD
• Krum ISD
• Lake Dallas ISD
• Lewisville ISD
• Little Elm ISD
• Pilot Point ISD
• Ponder ISD
• Sanger ISD

Schools and offices in these districts are scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 20. Administrative teams in each district will continue to evaluate the recommendations of the Denton County Public Health (DCPH) department as well as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to determine whether a longer closure beyond April 19 will be necessary.

“The quicker we properly keep our distance, the quicker the kids can return to school and our lives and business can continue,” said Judge Eads at a recent briefing.

Because of the risk of the rapid spread of the virus and the need to protect the most vulnerable members of the community, Denton County residents are asked to stay at home, except for specific essential activities. Residents who work to provide essential business and government services or perform essential public infrastructure are exempt.

According to Judge Eads’ order, residents may perform “essential activities” including engaging in services for themselves or their families (including animals) to obtain supplies, food and medicine.

Included in the order, Judge Eads granted authority to each local superintendent to designate school personnel whom are “essential to the operation and support of distance learning for students, preparation and distribution of meals for students and the maintenance/cleaning of facilities” as essential.

In an effort to keep you and your student from leaving the safety of your home more than once per day, beginning Wednesday, March 25 meal service at all 15 locations and via bus delivery will include two meals. The once per day carry-out, from 12 noon to 1 p.m., will include lunch and breakfast for the following day. The morning breakfast service will be discontinued.

Again, all children are welcome and no ID is required.

Just a reminder – for the safety of others, please do not come to one of our locations if you or someone in your household begins to show flu-like symptoms. Either send someone else, a friend or neighbor or wait until you no longer feel ill or symptomatic.

For information and updates from the district log on to www.dentonisd.org/meals

Out of an abundance of caution and to maintain social distancing, Denton ISD is closing playgrounds and outdoor activity areas surrounding district campuses effective March 24, 2020.

Our goal is to discourage congregating and large gatherings of children to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

These facilities are tentatively scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 6. However, given the rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19, Denton ISD will continue to reassess the situation and make adjustments as necessary.

TWU, UNT, and NCTC are in session beginning March 23, 2020 in an online environment. 

In order to ensure that all Denton ISD students receive credit for Spring 2020 courses, students will be required to work online with their dual credit teacher.

Please check your email for details regarding your dual credit course. 

If you are in need of a device or WiFi access, communicate with your school as soon as possible.

March 17, 2020 – As districts around the state and across the country continue to assess how to proceed in this unprecedented challenge to public health and education, school districts in Denton County have come together to support the nation’s need to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This afternoon, the following schools in Denton County announced they will extend districtwide closure through Friday, April 3.

• Aubrey ISD
• Denton ISD
• Krum ISD
• Lake Dallas ISD
• Lewisville ISD
• Pilot Point ISD
• Ponder ISD
• Sanger ISD

Schools and offices in these districts are scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 6.

Administrative teams in each district will continue to evaluate the recommendations of the Denton County Health Dept. (DCHD) as well as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to determine whether a longer closure beyond Friday, April 3 will be necessary.

Social distancing is an important component in stopping the rapid spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Being in close proximity and being together in groups will increase the likelihood of spread. However, given the fact that students will be home for several weeks, it is important that they stay active, have a routine and socialize in ways that don’t increase the threat of the disease spreading.  Students, parents, and staff are urged to remain vigilant in their efforts to stay healthy. 

Each individual school district will be providing information regarding virtual learning opportunities during this school closure.

El cierre de Denton ISD se extiende hasta el viernes 3 de abril

Denton ISD está extendiendo el cierre de todas las escuelas e instalaciones hasta el viernes 3 de abril. Actualmente, todas las escuelas e instalaciones de Denton ISD (incluidas todas las instalaciones deportivas) están cerradas. 

El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Denton continuará monitoreando y evaluando la situación antes de reabrir las escuelas el lunes 6 de abril y se comunicará en todas las plataformas a medida que haya actualizaciones disponibles.

Todas las competencias, incluidas las relacionadas con la escuela y la comunidad, que se han programado dentro del distrito desde ahora hasta el domingo 5 de abril, se posponen.

Todos los edificios están cerrados a alquileres externos durante este tiempo también. 

El personal del distrito debe mantenerse en comunicación con su supervisor o director con respecto a sus necesidades y trabajos individuales. 

"Es importante recordar que mientras las escuelas están cerradas, la educación continúa", dijo el Dr. Jamie Wilson, superintendente de escuelas. "Nuestros maestros y personal continuarán contactando a los estudiantes para asegurarse de que se sientan seguros, apoyados y comprometidos".

Comidas durante el cierre

Continuaremos brindando desayuno y comida “para llevar” a los estudiantes durante los 5 días de la semana. No se requiere identificación de estudiante, pero el estudiante debe estar presente en el momento de la recogida para recibir una comida. Visite https://www.dentonisd.org/meals para obtener una lista de lugares y horarios para las comidas.

Distanciamiento social

Estar cerca y estar juntos en grupos aumentará la probabilidad de propagación. Sin embargo, dado el hecho de que los estudiantes estarán en casa durante varias semanas, es importante que se mantengan activos, tengan una rutina y socialicen de manera que no aumenten la amenaza de propagar el coronavirus (COVID-19). Sea diligente en observar el distanciamiento social como práctica.

COVID-19 INFORMATION

The district continues to communicate with the Denton County Health Department (DCHD) and monitor the Center for Disease Control’s list of states and countries with widespread or ongoing community spread of Novel (new) COVID-19 (coronavirus) via the CDC website here. This is an evolving situation, and we encourage parents and staff to continue monitoring your email, the Denton ISD website and social media channels for the latest district information. 

Keeping the safety and health of our students and staff as a priority, Denton ISD will work with each family or staff member impacted should an extended absence period be necessary to resolve any health issues. Documentation of travel to an impacted area may be required.

As always, we encourage our families to keep children at home when they are sick or experiencing a fever. As a reminder, your child must be fever-free for 24 hours without Tylenol or Advil, and not experiencing vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours prior to returning to school. 

As we have a clearer picture of how COVID-19 affects our area, Denton ISD may make adjustments to its procedures. The district is evaluating the impact of student absences on exam exemptions and perfect attendance reward programs, among other things. 

Again, please continue monitoring your email, the Denton ISD website and social media channels for the latest district information. 

Dear Denton ISD community –

We are working closely with local and federal health authorities to monitor the developing situation surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Denton 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.
• 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 Denton ISD campuses have wall-mounted soap dispensers in restrooms and hand sanitizer dispensers are available in the nurses’ office on all campuses. 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.

Regarding those who return from travel to China, The CDC has communicated: 

“At this time, American citizens, lawful permanent residents, and family members (as specified in the Presidential Proclamation) who have been in China in the past 14 days will be allowed to enter the United States. Those travelers will be directed to one of 11 US airports and will be screened for fever and symptoms and asked questions about their travel in China and exposure. Those travelers will have some level of restriction on their movement depending on their health and travel history.”

Denton County is prepared to monitor the health of those who have travelled to and returned from China. Should they become ill, they will be required to stay home for 14 days.  If there are students involved, the health department will contact Denton ISD and guide us through the next steps.  

School nurses in our district have been informed that, should they become aware of students/families that have traveled to China, they are to report that information to the health department.  We will continue to keep you informed as we receive additional information. It takes all of us working together to ensure healthy learning environments.

Please click the link below for COVID-19 informational flyer:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf

Haga clic en el siguiente enlace para ver el folleto informativo de COVID-19:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet-sp.pdf

To access the latest official information concerning COVID-19 from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, please click here.