Skyward Family Access - Transportation

Did you know you can see available bus routes in Skyward Family Access? Simply download the Skyward Family Access app on your mobile device. Once you launch the app, you can proceed to the transportation tile to see the pick-up and drop-off busing routes available for your address.

Take advantage of the Family Access application, which offers families visibility on student grades, attendance, state assessments, and much more.

For help guides on transportation please visit Family Access Help.

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Skyward Family Access - Student Information Updates

We are aware that families cannot update information in Family Access after their annual forms have been updated. We are working closely with Skyward to find the best solution for families. In the meantime, if you have already submitted your annual forms, but now need to update consent or add additional emergency contacts, please work directly with your campus to update this information.

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September 18, 2024

This message is to make Plano ISD families aware of a surge of false rumors circulating on social media (locally and across our state) surrounding alleged school-related threats. This includes students spreading false information on social media or text messaging. Please be assured that Plano ISD takes all threats seriously, and our district safety and security personnel work cooperatively with local law enforcement to promptly and thoroughly investigate each one. No credible threat to any of our schools has been identified.

All perceived or implied threats to any Plano ISD campus, student or staff member, even as a prank, will be investigated by school and district personnel, as well as law enforcement, and may result in school and/or criminal consequences depending on the severity of the incident, which may include:

• In School Suspension
• Out of School Suspension
• District Alternative Education Placement
• Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Placement
• Criminal Charges

As we continue our vigilance in the area of safety, we ask parents and guardians to please talk to your children about the seriousness of issuing any kind of threat, regardless of intent, via social media, text messages, email or in person. 

Please see this video resource, which addresses the seriousness of issuing threats, regardless of intent, and how our local law enforcement agencies support us in these matters. Additionally, our district has a number of safety features and practices in place. 

We all play an important role in school safety. Parents should caution their children against spreading unconfirmed information among their peers and should report any concern immediately to a trusted adult, use the anonymous tip line or, in the case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. We appreciate your ongoing support of our efforts to maintain a safe and secure learning environment in our schools.

Plano ISD Seeks Input on Website Design 

Plano ISD is seeking feedback from families, staff and community members in preparation to design an improved, user-friendly and engaging website that meets the needs of our community. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts, preferences and suggestions regarding the current website as we plan our future web experience.

Your feedback will help us enhance the overall experience for everyone who interacts with our online resources.

The survey will close on September 25, at 5:00 p.m. Provide your feedback here: English | Spanish.

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Plano Balloon Festival

As part of a partnership agreement with the Plano Balloon Festival and the City of Plano, Plano ISD elementary and early childhood school students will receive a free ticket to the Go-and-Glow Plano ISD Night event on Friday, September 20, 2024. Tickets are being distributed via go-home folders this week.

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Skyward Family Access - Communication

Communicating with Your Child’s Teacher

Staying in touch with your student's teacher has never been easier! The Skyward Family Access application allows you to obtain teacher emails and respond directly to any correspondence from them. Communication exchanged in the Family Access Message Center will appear directly in the teacher’s inbox for quick and easy notification. Additionally, families have access to communication history and responses through the Message Center.

Find out more about how to message your student’s teacher(s) by visiting the Family Access Help webpage.

Parent Communication Regarding Missing Assignments

Skyward provides parents with an additional layer of communication regarding their children’s progress in class. Parents will receive an automatic notification every Thursday after 5:00 p.m. if their child is missing one or more assignments in any class.  This will appear as a notification in the Family Access Message Center with the title “Missing Assignment Notification.”  If a parent has questions about the missing assignment(s), the best way to get accurate information is to reach out to the specific teacher.

Plano ISD College Night

We are excited to invite you and your students to College Night on September 16, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Plano Event Center. Representatives from various colleges and universities will be available to answer your questions and offer guidance as you and your students prepare for this important next step.

In addition to college representatives, breakout sessions will provide valuable information about the college admissions process, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and much more. 

Session Title: Tackling the College Application Process

Explore the components of the Common Application and ApplyTexas as well as how to make your application stand out from the competition. Additionally, learn to navigate the flurry of deadlines over the coming months, decide whether to send test scores, where to find scholarships, and how to track the varying requirements at each college on your list

Time: 7:15 PM
Location: Fairview Room

Session Title: FAFSA/TASFA Breakout Sessions

Navigate the FAFSA and TASFA financial aid process.  Learn about scholarships and resources on finding scholarships that best fit you.  Presented in English and Spanish.

Time: 6:30 PM (English) and 7:15 PM (Español)
Location: Spring Glade Room

Session Title: The Hendrick Scholarship Foundation Information Session

Join us and discover how the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation supports Plano ISD graduates who have faced significant challenges by offering scholarships and support services to help them succeed through education and in life. Find out more at  Hendrick Scholarship website 

Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Fairview Room

Please reach out to your campus counselor with any questions.

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Skyward Family Access - Absence Notes

Did you know that Skyward Family Access allows you to submit absence/attendance notes electronically? If you know your student will be missing school, simply launch your Skyward mobile app and submit an absence request through Family Access. Your campus attendance clerk will be notified and can excuse the absence in just a few clicks! While campuses can still accept paper notes from families, this added feature is intended to streamline family communication with campus staff regarding student absences.

For more information on how to do this, please visit Family Access Help webpage.

Meal Benefits Eligibility Expiration

Students who qualified for free or reduced-price meals at the end of last school year are eligible to participate at their current eligibility status for the first 30 operating days of the 2024-25 school year or until a new eligibility determination is made, whichever comes first. 

In order for meal benefits to continue, a federal meal application for the 2024-25 school year must be completed. Students with no application on file after 30 calendar days will return to full-paid eligibility status effective September 25, 2024.

Households that have submitted a federal meal application for free or reduced-priced meals for the 2024-25 school year do not need to reapply.

Households who wish to apply for free or reduced-priced meals will need to complete an online federal meal application for the current school year via the website.

Applications will be processed within 10 business days. Eligibility notification letters will be sent via email. If you have not received the letter in your inbox, please check your junk and spam folders.

For any questions regarding federal meal applications, please contact mealprograms@pisd.edu. 

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Facility Naming Opportunity – Now Accepting Welcome and Enrollment Center Naming Submissions

The Plano ISD Board of Trustees and administration invites the community to submit name recommendations for the new west Plano Welcome and Enrollment Center to be located at 6210 Mapleshade Lane in Dallas and is expected to open in December 2024. Naming submissions are made via this electronic form and will be accepted through October 4, 2024.

The 11,000 sq. ft. center will provide Plano ISD families with enhanced wraparound services in multiple areas to promote student success in an efficient, caring and accessible manner strengthening family, school and community partnerships. 

More information about the naming process is available online.

Membership Recruitment for Scouts

As Patriotic Societies and per Texas legislation, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSA) are allowed an opportunity to speak to students during regular school hours about membership. [See Plano ISD’s Policy GKE (LOCAL).] Information may be distributed to students by these two Patriotic Societies at your child’s campus. Schools may also share information via their campus newsletters and/or go-home folders.

Bullying/Cyberbullying Prevention: Teaching Resilience to Our Youth

We are pleased to invite you to an important parent workshop titled “Bullying/Cyberbullying Prevention: Teaching Resilience to Our Youth.” This workshop is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to help protect your children from bullying and cyberbullying, while also fostering resilience in their lives.

Date: August 22, 2024
Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Zoom
Meeting ID: 980 4495 6982 Passcode: 560330

Learning Objectives

1. Plano ISD Policies: Gain an overview of Plano ISD policies regarding bullying and cyberbullying. Learn about the measures in place to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students.
2. Prevention: Understand the causes of bullying and cyberbullying, and discover effective strategies for preventing these harmful behaviors. We'll discuss practical steps that can be taken at home and in the school community.
3. Resilience: Explore the protective factors and strategies that can help build resilience in your children. Learn how to empower them to face challenges, cope with adversity, and thrive both in and out of school.

This workshop is a valuable opportunity to connect with other parents and gain insights from experts in the field. Together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for our children.

We look forward to your participation and are excited to work together to support the well-being and success of our students.

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Arts Inspire: An Event Celebrating the Arts with Daveed Diggs