Friona ISD Superintendent Jimmy Burns announced that the Board of Trustees approved a new local mask policy that defines masks as optional only. The new policy started Monday night at the regular meeting of the school board and will be in effect until the end of the current school year. The 2021 Graduation Ceremony will be open to the public and there will be no COVID-19 restrictions at the event.
The Monday night regular meeting also included the induction of the three elected candidates to the board. Incumbents Antonio Rocha and Jason Rector, along with Dustin Thompson, were sworn in by Superintendent Secretary Claudia Castillo. Election of officers was held and Antonio Rocha will serve again as President. Current Secretary Jason Rector was elected as Vice President and Jamie Lewellen will now serve as Secretary. The 2021-2022 Board of Trustees now consists of Antonio Rocha, President; Jason Rector, Vice President; Jamie Lewellen, Secretary; Wade Schueler, Darrin Gilley, Jeri Lynn White, and Dustin Thompson.
On Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order prohibiting governmental entities in Texas - including counties, cities, school districts, public health authorities, or government officials - from requiring or mandating mask wearing. It stated that public schools may continue to follow current mask-wearing guidelines through June 4. However, after June 4, no student, teacher, parent, or other staff member or visitor can be required to wear a mask while on campus.
"The Lone Star State continues to defeat COVID-19 through the use of widely-available vaccines, antibody therapeutic drugs, and safe practices utilized by Texans in our communities," said Governor Abbott. "Texans, not government, should decide their best health practices, which is why masks will not be mandated by public school districts or government entities. We can continue to mitigate COVID-19 while defending Texans' liberty to choose whether or not they mask up."
Beginning May 21, local governments or officials that attempt to impose a mask mandate or impose a limitation inconsistent or conflicting with the Executive Order can be subject to a fine of up to $1,000.
Superintendent Secretary Claudia Castillo administers the oath of office for incoming school board members Jason Rector, Antonio Rocha, and Dustin Thompson.
Board President Antonio Rocha presents former board member Andy Montana with a plaque and "thank you" for Andy's 12 years of service on the FISD Board of Trustees.
A "Retirement Parade" will be held on Tuesday, May 25th for this year's retiring teachers. The event will start at 9:00 a.m. at the High School and will conclude with a trip down Main Street. Everyone is invited to join in on the fun!!!
***
Mrs. Johnston (Allison) is retiring after 19 with Friona ISD. Her tenure has included band director, choir director, and counselor. That barely scratches the surface of what she has truly meant to the school and to her many students over the years. See choir and band photos on page 9.
***
The rain came at just the right time for the Youth Fish Day last Sunday. Reeve Lake was stocked with fish right before the storm hit on Friday evening. The fish were definitely biting this year. I guess they were also tired of the Covid pandemic. It's hard to wear a mask underwater. See photos and results on page 11.
***
Spread the word that the 2021 FHS Graduation ceremony is open to the public and that there will be no Covid-19 restrictions. You will be able to meet and mingle with the graduates and their families. The event is Friday, May 28th and starts at 8:00 p.m. at Chieftain Field. Congratulations Class of 2021!
***
On their facebook page, PMC is asking who would be interested in getting the vaccinations for their 12-15 year old children. Those vaccines are now approved and PMC is looking at being a provider for those. They would appreciate knowing how many people would like the vaccines for their eligible children. Please post a comment on their facebook page.
***
The Friona Public Library Summer Reading Program will begin in June. Signup for the program is underway at the library.
***
Don't forget, a fundraising raffle is underway to benefit Friona Girls Athletics. The prizes are 2 Sides of Beef. The winners can choose to have their 1/2 Cow processed any way they choose. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. The drawing will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, contact Coach Thackston at 575-693-4464.
***
Governor Abbott says, "Thanks, Texans!" The Governor tweeted last week that Texas reported 0 Covid related deaths - the only time that's happened since data was tracked in March of 2020. Texas also had the fewest Covid cases in over 13 months, the lowest 7-day Covid positivity rate ever, and the lowest Covid hospitalizations in 11 months.
Over 20 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the state of Texas. Over 50% of eligible Texans have been vaccinated with at least one dose. Vaccines are the most effective defense against the spread of COVID-19 and will always remain voluntary and never forced in Texas. The Governor stressed that it is up to all Texans to make sure that we defeat this virus.
***
Construction is underway on Phase 2 of the new housing project at 6th and Ashland. The foundations have been poured and walls are starting to take shape. This is the second of three phases and should be completed this fall.
***
Bringing healthy summer meals to Friona children ensures kids have a healthy vacation and return to school ready to learn
This summer, Friona ISD will connect children 18 and younger and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old with healthy, no cost summer meals. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition program administered in the Lone Star State by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). For the children who rely on school meals during the academic year, these meals offer a source of good nutrition when school is out for the long summer vacation.
"Friona children need good nutrition year-round so they can learn, grow and succeed in life," said Ashley Smith, Director of Student Services. "With nearly 2 million food insecure children living in Texas, these healthy meals are vital to nourishing young Texans during the summer vacation" she continued.
Meals will be served:
Monday-Friday, June 1st - July 2nd
Breakfast 8:00 am - 8:35 am
Lunch 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Friona ISD is one of the nonprofit organizations partnering with TDA to serve meals across Texas. Families are encouraged to use these three tools to find a meal site anywhere in the state:
•Call 2-1-1 to speak to a live operator
•Visit www.SummerFood.org for an interactive site locator map
•Text FOODTX or COMIDA to 877-877
Organizations partner with TDA to serve meals in areas where more than 50 percent of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Eligible sponsoring organizations include schools, faith-based groups, nonprofit summer camps, government agencies and other tax-exempt organizations. All meal sites must be sponsored by an organization that has a contract with TDA.
Summer meal sites help children succeed by providing the nourishment they need to return to school in the fall ready to thrive.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
