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SABINE PASS — Sabine Pass Independent School District started its homebound learning program Monday morning.

Superintendent Kristi Heid said the district’s motto in these uncharted waters is: “Just keep swimming.”

“We really truly hate where education has gone to at this point, but our teachers have embraced the situation, all of Region V has embraced the situation,” she said. “We are finding ways to reach out to our students and give them the education they need right now.”

Teachers are navigating lessons through Google Classroom at the middle school and high school level, with elementary students using Dojo.

Heid said teachers are on a modified schedule.

“We have our teachers split into different groups that work different schedules to be able to put hands on material and get the information they need,” she said. “We have essential personnel doing breakfast and lunch as well.”

Meals can be picked up at the bus stop under Intercoastal Canal Bridge and bus stop on the west side of the Main Building. Distribution started Monday.

Breakfast and lunch can be picked up simultaneously between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Students must be present in vehicles to receive meals.

“We are going to keep a positive attitude and remember it’s important that we all work together,” Heid said.

Sabine Pass is working to develop a reading plan where school officials will drop off a variety of books for students quarantined at home.

Online instruction will vary per grade and subject. While new material will be introduced, no grades other than participation will be taken at this time.

Teachers will meet with students through Internet apps every Wednesday for check-in, as well as a weekly wellness check with counselors every Monday.

“Our counselors developed a website where they can have a wellness check to know how the students are feeling,” Heid said. “Are they struggling? Are they in need of anything at home they can’t get? How is their Internet working? Etc.

“During that wellness check, we will determine what each students’ needs are. If their teacher can help, they will. If not, administration will.”

Heid stressed the importance of parental involvement during this time.

Parents can stay up to date through several Facebook pages, including a Parents Helping Parents page, Sabine Pass ISD’s Facebook page and through the mobile reminder app, School Reach.

Heid said parents with questions are encouraged to reach out to a teacher, counselor or administrator.

At this time, all UIL and school activities are postponed. Make-up dates are pending for all March events including the Community Clean Up, High School Prom and SPISD Book Fair.

A pending April 3 return date is still being discussed.

“If we are able to get our students back in school, then that means the rest of the world is getting back to normal and I pray each and every day for that,” Heid said.

“For students, school is their job. Not to be able to do their job is hard. They are missing that social activity. That process that is important at each level. The extra curricular, the activities, it is a sad loss for everyone. So for our high school students, for our seniors, we are doing what we can to get this over with and get everybody back on track.”

For additional questions, contact Sabine Pass ISD at 409-971-2321.