Royal Community:
As you know, the last few weeks have been filled with uncertainty as we face completely new territory. This situation is entirely unknown and our district and every district across the state is fully committed to student success despite the challenges we are facing. The staff at Royal ISD has been working around the clock to make sure our Falcons are able to return to the business of learning. This effort has been an "all hands on deck" effort. Our top priority is our students and their success.
Today, our Technology and Facilities teams went above and beyond to make sure all of our students have the tools they need. Our teachers and curriculum team have partnered to deliver alternative learning methods to get our students through the suspension of regular school services. Facilities Director Derrick Dabney, Technology Director Mike Nicholas, and their teams deserve accolades for demonstrating the highest level of commitment to your children today and over the past week.
Earlier today, we temporarily closed our Chromebook distribution. A courier was scheduled to deliver a large shipment of new Chromebooks by 10:30 am today. We found out around that time that the shipment was delayed. Rather than waiting, our Facilities and Tech team leaders drove to Houston, where they loaded the devices themselves to get them to our students as soon as possible. Compounding the situation was the Harris County shelter in place order that was announced this morning.
Upon their return to RISD, they unpacked the devices and worked to quickly configure them for student use. We are blessed to have Royal employees who go above and beyond to do whatever is needed to keep our students learning! When faced with this situation, they sprang into action without hesitation. It would be impossible to adequately thank the facilities and technology teams for their commitment to our students! It is now after 9 pm, and their teams are most likely still hard at work ensuring that the Chromebooks are ready for our Falcons when we reopen tomorrow morning. Campus teams are busy each day this week distributing Chromebooks.
Our Food Services and Custodial teams have been working diligently every day to make sure our students are fed and our facilities are safe and clean. Since the beginning of "Falcon Drive Thru", our Food Services team has distributed 3448 meals.
The entire Royal Administration team is beyond grateful and blessed for each and every employee of Royal ISD. Not one employee has hesitated when asked to serve our students or tackle a job that is "outside their job description". While we aren't open in the traditional sense, we are most definitely here and ready to help our Falcons continue learning and growing! Thank you to all of our Falcon parents for your support, patience, and understanding as we navigate our "new normal". Thank you again to the entire RISD team! We are stronger together (and wash your hands)!!!
Christi Ginn, RISD Communications
