Bios of new staff members, along with faculty assignments and school supply lists, are included in the special back-to-school section in this week’s issue.
There are also articles about vaccination requirements, elementary “meet the teacher” night, and orientation for new junior high and high school students.
See Section C for details.
By Donnie A. Lucas
With online enrollment hovering at 90 percent earlier this week, school officials are still looking for 30-35 more students to register before the first day of classes next Wednesday, Aug. 18.
Overall enrollment for all grade levels stood at 460 students on Monday, with about 10 more enrollments expected at the secondary campus and 16 more at the elementary.
By Donnie A. Lucas
The number of current positive COVID-19 cases more than doubled during the last week, according to information reported by the Shackelford County Health Clinic.
The local clinic said that 40 tests were administered from Aug. 2 through Aug. 9, with 12 positive results. The facility previously reported 25 tests given with eight positive results for July 19-30, for a total of 65 tests and 20 positives during the three-week period.
By Sidney Bartee
The Old Jail Art Center virtual camps are continuing this week, with Frontier Fort Kids closing the annual summer events next week.
Last week, students participated in the Cultural Connections Camp centered around India.
Crafts, snacks, activities, games, and gifts were provided to students who participated in the camp.
According to education director Erin Whitmore, the camps went amazingly well this year, with good participation.
By Sam Waller
The deadline for Shackelford County residents to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance following February’s winter storm is coming up quickly on Monday, Aug. 23.
Claims can be filed by calling 1-800-621-3362.
“Potential applicants should call the number first to get the account started,” Shackelford County judge Robert Skelton said. “Once they get the account set up, they can upload their pictures and documents on the internet.”
Shackelford County was not added to the list of counties eligible for federal relief until July.
By Sam Waller
Members of the local FFA and 4-H organizations are gearing up for the fall exhibition season.
Entry deadlines for the major fall shows are coming up with Shackelford County students planning to exhibit a number of animals.
Deadline for the West Texas Fair and Rodeo, which is scheduled for Sept. 9-18, has already passed, but students can still make plans for other shows.
Deadline to enter the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, set for Sept. 21-Oct. 17, is Aug. 20.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Albany ISD announced last week that students in all grade levels will be provided free meals for the 2021-2022 school year after being included in a COVID-19 recovery grant program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
However, parents are being asked to fill out applications in the next few weeks in order to begin next year with free or reduced meals.
Free This Year
By Donnie A. Lucas
Albany teachers and staff started back to work this week in anticipation of students arriving on Aug. 18, and with the new year comes a new slogan that embodies the theme for the year.
Local school personnel will focus on “The Relentless Pursuit,” a motto that principal Glen Hill selected to promote a way of thinking for teachers, staff and students.
By Sidney Bartee
Albany ISD’s annual “Meet the Teacher” night and new student orientation are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 16.
Meet the Teacher
“Meet the Teacher” will begin at 5:00 p.m. for Head Start and pre-K through second grade students, while third through sixth grade will meet at 5:30 p.m.
Teachers will be in their rooms at the stated times.
Parents with students in multiple grade levels should split up and attend separate sessions if they occur at the same time.
By Sidney Bartee
Several Albany churches traditionally hold special events during the transition from summer to the start of the school year, but due to COVID and other changes, many churches have not been able to hold their usual events.
Wednesday night youth groups will start for many churches in Sept.
Church of Christ
The Church of Christ will begin Wednesday night classes on Sept. 1.
The Youth in Action kids, which is junior high and high school age, will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
