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Panther Safety Series: Wellness Matters
As we enter February, keeping our school community healthy is a priority—especially with our area currently ranked #3 in the nation for flu cases . Midway ISD is taking proactive steps, and we encourage families to join us in our wellness efforts. Midway ISD Precautions Increased Facility Sanitization – We are using Phenomenal Hospital Disinfectant , proven effective against Influenza, MRSA, and H1N1 , to clean high-touch surfaces throughout our schools. Enhanced Bus Cleaning – Buses are sanitized more frequently, and students are spaced out when possible. Classroom Monitoring – Our nurses are tracking illness trends and collaborating with campus admin and custodians for swift action. Prevent the Spread of Illness Wash Hands Often – Encourage frequent handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds . Cover Coughs & Sneezes – Use a tissue or your elbow to prevent germs from spreading. Stay Home When Sick – Keep your child home if they have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea until they are 24 hours symptom-free without medication . Boost Immunity – Maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and ensure ample rest to strengthen immune defenses. Additional Wellness Tips Prioritize Sleep – A well-rested body fights infections better. Students should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night . Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods – Include vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and bell peppers, plus zinc-rich foods like nuts and beans to support immunity. Stay Hydrated – Drinking water throughout the day helps flush toxins and keep the immune system strong. What to Do If Your Student is Sick Report Absences – Remember to call attendance every day your student is absent. Monitor Symptoms – Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or if there is difficulty breathing. Together, we can ensure Panther Nation stays safe and healthy this flu season. Thank you for your partnership in promoting wellness! 💙🐾 Stay safe, Panthers! About the Panther Safety Series The Panther Safety Series aims to empower and support parents/guardians within our school district in fostering a culture of safety and awareness among students. Through regular communications and resources, we seek to encourage proactive discussions and education on a range of safety topics, ensuring that every child feels equipped to navigate their environment, whether at school, at home, or in the community, confidently and responsibly.
Tuesday, Feb 04 2025
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January Board Briefs: Facilities, AI and Wrestling!
BOARD MEETING RECAP Key highlights from our January Board of Trustees meeting: Facilities Study Committee : The board approved the charge to the Facilities Study Committee to assess short-, intermediate-, and long-term district needs. Recognitions : Visit our Panther Nation News to read about the awesome recognitions our students have received! Future of Education : Check out the presentation on workforce trends from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report and learn more about Midway ISD's commitment to preparing students for a global society. NEWS TO KNOW REMINDER: Student Holiday, Friday, Feb. 14 and staff/student holiday Monday, Feb. 17. Vape Consequences : A reminder about the consequences of vaping on campus. Let’s keep our schools safe and healthy! Did you hear?: Midway HS is home to McLennan County's first-ever high school wrestling team ! Panther Parent Hacks : Have questions? Need to find something? Use the Parent Portal for all your Midway ISD needs! 100th Day of School : Find out how students are celebrating their 100th Day of School and helping others in the process! Panther Safety Series : Keeping our families safe at school, at home, and in the community. Community Bulletin Board : See the latest flyers for programs, events, and happenings around town. Legislative Alert - Stay Informed : Sign up for our Legislative Alert emails to receive timely updates and learn how you can support Midway ISD during this legislative session.
Wednesday, Jan 22 2025
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Weather Update: Normal Operations Jan. 21
After closely monitoring weather and early morning road conditions, Midway ISD will operate on a normal schedule Tuesday, Jan. 21, with no delay or closure. Stay safe and warm, Panthers!
Tuesday, Jan 21 2025
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Weather Update: Monitoring Conditions
We are actively monitoring weather conditions and will participate in a regional conference call with the National Weather Service at 9 p.m. Additionally, our team will be checking road conditions early tomorrow morning to help us make an informed decision about school operations on Tuesday. We will share updates through ParentSquare, social media, and our website. Thank you for your patience as we prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and families.
Monday, Jan 20 2025
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Planning for Inclement Weather
Midway Families, As our Superintendent Dr. Allen noted in our January Panther Safety Series - Special Weather Edition , it’s that time of year again when inclement weather may cause Midway ISD to close or delay the school day. Freezing temperatures combined with winter storms are a possibility in the coming weeks, and the safety of our students, families, and employees is our top priority. See the information above for a reminder of our school closure and delay notification procedures. In the event of bad weather, Midway ISD will send notifications via ParentSquare (email, text, and app alerts) as soon as weather and driving conditions can be evaluated for safety. Please take a moment to make sure your contact information in ParentSquare is up-to-date (reach out to your campus to update your information) and be sure your ParentSquare “school alerts” notifications are turned on and preferences set to “instant” for the earliest notification. If you need help updating your ParentSquare notifications, check out the August Parent Hack video . Updated notifications will also be posted online on the district website ( www.MidwayISD.org ), Facebook ( facebook.com/MidwayISD ), and Twitter/X ( @MidwayISD ) and broadcast through local news media stations. Remember, the presence of freezing temperatures alone doesn’t cancel school. The superintendent and district staff work closely with the National Weather Service and local emergency management for the most detailed and up-to-date information regarding our decisions. Additionally, we monitor weather apps and local news stations to ensure accurate, timely decisions. We’re often on weather information calls as late as 10 p.m. or as early as 3:40 a.m., with staff driving the district starting at 4 a.m. to assess conditions firsthand. Your child’s safety is always our top priority. We appreciate your patience with us during any inclement weather days so we can effectively and efficiently act in the best interest of our community. Stay warm and safe, Panthers!
Friday, Jan 17 2025
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Weather Update: Normal Operations Jan. 9
UPDATE : Dear Midway ISD Families, After closely monitoring weather and early morning road conditions, we expect Midway ISD will operate on a normal schedule Thursday, Jan. 9, with no delay or closure. While we do not anticipate disruptions Thursday, weather conditions Thursday night into Friday could present concerns. Please monitor district communications closely for updates regarding potential adjustments to school operations for Friday. Additionally, with cold, rainy weather in the forecast, we encourage families to review TxDOT’s Winter Weather Driving Tips , especially for less experienced drivers, including: Slow down. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions. Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice. Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you have regained traction. Then straighten your vehicle. For information on how we reached this decision, see below: Since Tuesday, Jan. 6, district administration has joined multiple webinars hosted by the National Weather Service (NWS) and Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management for ongoing weather updates. In addition, we have regularly monitored various weather apps and local weather stations and collaborated with regional partners. The most current data from sources show: Although we may receive some precipitation in the form of wintry mix, temperatures are forecasts to remain above freezing during times that affect school. The 3:40 a.m. Thursday NWS webinar adjusted temperature forecast higher and the greatest rain chances later in the day. Ground temperatures are above freezing, minimizing the risk of icy roads Thursday. Based on this information, we are confident that school can safely proceed as scheduled Thursday. Again, concerns remain about possible freezing precipitation late Thursday night into Friday. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and communicate any necessary adjustments. Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff. Stay safe and warm, Panthers! Dr. Chris Allen Superintendent, Midway ISD [Thursday, Jan 9 at 5:50 AM] UPDATE: Normal operations - After closely monitoring weather and early morning road conditions, Midway ISD will operate on a normal schedule Thursday, Jan. 9, with no delay or closure.
Thursday, Jan 09 2025
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Weather Update: Monitoring Conditions
UPDATE : We are continuing to monitor the weather and have a 9 p.m. regional conference call with the National Weather Service to inform our decision regarding school operations Thursday. Thank you for your patience as we prioritize student, staff and family safety.
Thursday, Jan 09 2025
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Panther Safety Series: Special Weather Edition
Midway ISD Families, We are closely monitoring forecasts for potential inclement weather later this week. With that in mind, I wanted to take a moment to share how we approach decisions about weather-related delays or closures. When severe weather is in the forecast, my focus is clear: the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families. Midway ISD spans 87 square miles, covering both urban and rural areas, with roads managed by TxDOT, city, and county agencies. These unique factors mean weather and road conditions can vary greatly across our district. In addition, many of our staff live in neighboring areas that are outside of our district boundaries, meaning numerous factors contribute to decisions related to school closure/delay. To determine if schools will delay or close, we work closely with county emergency management, National Weather Service meteorologists, local law enforcement, neighboring districts, transportation officials, and others to assess road and campus safety, as well as ongoing weather forecasts. The timing of weather events is also critical, as we evaluate conditions during bus-route, drop-off, and dismissal times. Here’s what you can expect: Weather Monitoring: We track weather conditions using trusted forecasts and work closely with the weather service, local emergency services, TxDOT, and city and county officials. District-Wide Safety Assessment: With Midway ISD’s 87-square-mile footprint, road conditions can vary significantly between urban and rural areas. We begin evaluating facility and road conditions hours before expected weather – as early as 4 a.m. in many areas – and as soon as possible with unexpected weather. Ongoing Safety Considerations: In addition to getting students and staff to school safely, we also must consider if we can keep them operational while students are with us and get them home safely at the end of the day. Don’t worry, our campuses are warm and cozy, and in some cases may be the safest place for your child during severe weather. Staff Safety: Many of our staff live outside the district, so we will also monitor conditions in neighboring areas to ensure they can travel safely or manage closures in their home districts. Every decision will be guided by one question: What is the safest and most responsible choice for our students and staff? If a decision about delays or closures is needed, we will notify families as early as possible through ParentSquare, our website, social media and local news media. What should you do? Update Contact Info: Ensure your contact information is up to date in ParentSquare. You can update your notification preferences and download the app for immediate push notifications. Dress for Winter: Encourage children to wear layers and dress appropriately for cold temperatures. This includes a warm coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof boots. Layers help trap heat, keeping children warm during outdoor activities or while waiting for the bus. If you are aware of or observe a child without a coat, please let your school counselor know. Travel Safety: Winter roads can be treacherous. If you drive your children to school, ensure your car is winter-ready with proper tires and a full tank of gas. Keep a winter safety kit in your car, including blankets, a flashlight, extra batteries, water, and non-perishable snacks. Home Emergency Plan : Ensure your family has an emergency plan for winter weather, including knowing how to stay warm during power outages. Stock up on essentials like non-perishable food, water, blankets, flashlights, and batteries. Identify a safe, warm place to shelter if conditions become extreme. We understand the challenges weather disruptions can cause, and we appreciate your patience and trust as we navigate these decisions. Please stay connected to our communication channels for updates, and know that we are committed to ensuring the safety of Panther Nation. Additional Resources for Winter Weather Preparedness: Ready.gov : Offers detailed tips on preparing for winter storms and extreme cold. National Weather Service : Provides advice for winter weather safety, including travel and home preparation. American Red Cross : Covers winter storm preparation and safety guidance. CDC Winter Weather Tips : Features information on preventing cold stress and staying safe during winter conditions. Stay safe, Panthers! Dr. Chris Allen Superintendent, Midway ISD About the Panther Safety Series The Panther Safety Series aims to empower and support parents/guardians within our school district in fostering a culture of safety and awareness among students. Through regular communications and resources, we seek to encourage proactive discussions and education on a range of safety topics, ensuring that every child feels equipped to navigate their environment, whether at school, at home, or in the community, confidently and responsibly.
Tuesday, Jan 07 2025
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December Board Briefs: 2025-26 School Calendar Inside!
BOARD MEETING RECAP Key highlights from our December Board of Trustees meeting: 2025-26 Academic Calendar Approved: The Midway ISD Board of Trustees has officially approved the 2025-26 Academic Calendar. Be sure to review important dates, including the first day of school, holidays, and early release days. Recognitions : Visit our Panther Nation News to read about the awesome recognitions our students have received or watch the recognitions portion of our board meeting on Midway.TV! Legislative Alert - Stay Informed : Sign up for our Legislative Alert emails to receive timely updates and learn how you can support Midway ISD during this legislative session. NEWS TO KNOW REMINDER: E arly dismissal on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 : Elementary: 11:45 a.m. Middle School: 12:30 p.m. High School: 12:35 p.m. All MISD buildings close at 2 p.m. Need assistance? Campuses and administration will be available by phone until 4 p.m. Vape Consequences : A reminder about the consequences of vaping on campus. Let’s keep our schools safe and healthy! Panther Parent Hacks : Learn how to view and download Midway high resolution photos. In the News: Midway ISD shines in U.S. News & World Report ! District Fundraisers : Check out the December fundraisers happening around the district. Panther Safety Series : Keeping our families safe at school, at home, and in the community. Community Bulletin Board : See the latest flyers for programs, events, and happenings around town.
Wednesday, Dec 18 2024
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Panther Safety Series: Holiday Safety Tips
As the holiday season approaches, we at Midway ISD want to ensure that all of our Panther families enjoy a safe, happy, and restful winter break. The holidays are a time for celebration, connection, and creating memories, but they also bring unique challenges that can impact safety at home, on the road, and online. To help our families navigate this busy season, we’ve compiled a list of important safety tips covering everything from travel and fire safety to mental health and emotional well-being. Whether you're traveling to visit loved ones, hosting festive gatherings, or enjoying downtime at home, these tips will help you stay prepared and protected. Travel Safety : Whether you're traveling by car, plane, or other means, ensure that seat belts are always fastened, and car seats are appropriately installed for younger children. Plan your routes in advance, allow extra travel time, and stay updated on weather conditions. Fire Safety : If you’re using a live Christmas tree, make sure it’s watered regularly to prevent it from drying out, as dry trees pose a fire hazard. Keep candles and lights away from flammable materials and always turn off decorative lights when leaving the house or going to bed. Kitchen Safety : Holiday celebrations often involve cooking and baking. Be cautious in the kitchen, keeping young children away from hot stoves, sharp utensils, and other hazards. Never leave stovetops or ovens unattended while in use. Online Safety : With more screen time during the holidays, remind children about online safety. Monitor their internet activity and encourage them to interact only with trusted individuals. Winter Outdoor Safety : We know Texas winters can be unpredictable, so dress children in warm layers and ensure they have waterproof gloves, hats, and boots. Monitor playtime to prevent prolonged exposure to extreme cold and frostbite. Home Safety : If you’re hosting or traveling, ensure your home is secured, and any visiting relatives’ homes are child-proofed to prevent accidents involving medications, cleaning supplies, or sharp objects. Mental and Emotional Well-being : The holidays can be stressful for both parents and children. Take time to relax, prioritize family bonding, and check in on how everyone is feeling. We hope you all have a joyful, restful, and safe winter break. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing everyone in the new year! Additional Resources for Winter Break Safety: Explore these resources for further guidance on ensuring a safe and happy winter break! Safe Kids Worldwide : Offers tips on keeping kids safe during holiday celebrations and travel. National Safety Council : Provides seasonal safety tips, including holiday decorating and fire safety guidance. American Academy of Pediatrics : Features articles on winter safety, mental health during the holidays, and more. Stay safe, Panthers! About the Panther Safety Series The Panther Safety Series aims to empower and support parents/guardians within our school district in fostering a culture of safety and awareness among students. Through regular communications and resources, we seek to encourage proactive discussions and education on a range of safety topics, ensuring that every child feels equipped to navigate their environment, whether at school, at home, or in the community, confidently and responsibly.
Tuesday, Dec 17 2024