September 23, 2004


TO: PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND STAFF


Officials of the Barbers Hill Independent School District have been closely monitoring the path of Tropical Storm Ivan. As of 1:00 pm on Thursday, September 23, 2004, the center of Tropical Storm Ivan was projected to make landfall near Port Arthur, Texas Thursday night. Ivan has sustained winds of 60 mph with gusts higher east and north of the center. Persons living in Chambers County have been advised to prepare for possible tropical storm conditions by early Thursday evening.

In light of the threat posed by recent storm activity, it is important that parents be informed of the process by which the school will disseminate information regarding necessary school closings. School officials will begin monitoring roadways at 4:00 am and will make a determination by 5:45 am before morning bus routes. Barbers Hill ISD utilizes the School Closing Notification System to disseminate information to area television and radio stations. The system allows school officials to instantaneously communicate a decision to close schools by utilizing current technology.

In addition to public broadcasts, parents may access the Barbers Hill Website by visiting www.barbershill.isd.esc4.net. The website will be continuously updated to notify parents of school closings. However, in the event of losing electricity our website servers will also lose power and you will not have access to the site.

In the event that it becomes necessary to close school, information will be disseminated as quickly as possible through the media and the school website. Any decision on closing school will be based on the safety of our students. Your child’s safety is our top priority and will guide us in making all decisions.

Thank you for your cooperation and support!

Sincerely,



G. Wayne Rotan
Superintendent

Looking for Mentors

Barbers Hill Middle School is looking for Mentors to work with middle school students during the school day. Subjects include reading, writing, social studies, science and math. Anyone interested in the Middle School Mentor program are to contact Sharon Sexton at 281-385-2499.

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS ON TRANSPORTATION
Parking: If you are planning to bring your child into school on the first day, you will need to park in the field house parking lot.

Bus Riders: All bus drop-offs and pickups will be on the south side of the cafeteria.

Car Riders: Parents who will be dropping off and picking up their children from the Elementary School should enter the driveway between the Middle School and Administration Building. This entrance is marked Gate 4. Cars should turn right and through the field house parking lot, and proceed directly south to the Elementary Car Rider loop. When exiting the Car Rider area, you may either turn right and take the back road to Perry Avenue or retrace your route to the driveway between the Middle School and Administration Building to Eagle Drive.

Meal Money: If you would like to put money into your child's cafeteria account, you may stop by the cafeteria before you leave.

Dismissal: You can expect the buses will run a little later the first few days until the chldren on the Primary, Elementary, and Intermediate campuses develop their routines.

BHISD Gears Up for Start of School
Students and staff at Barbers Hill Independent School District are gearing up for the start of school. New teachers and staff members were welcomed today by both board members and administration.

On Wednesday, August 11, 2004, a district-wide convocation will be held at 10 am in the Barbers Hill High School Auditorium. Mr. Wayne Rotan, new Superintendent, will speak. A luncheon will be held afterwards.

The first official day of class for students will be Wednesday, August 18, 2004. Starting time for secondary students is 7:25 am. Starting time for all elementary campuses is 8:20 am.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The Barbers Hill I.S.D. school board will meet Monday, August 9, 2003 at 6:30 pm in the CT Joseph room at the middle school Items covered will included information about the new elementary campus presented by PBK Architects.

The public is invited to attend the meeting.