Covid-19 Guidance Document 
2021-2022 School Year

Newport Independent Schools Covid19 Dashboard

Newport Independent Schools will be implementing Remind to enhance communication within our district. Remind will allow you to receive messages via the Remind app, the web, or via text message. It will not replace SchoolMessenger at this time, but will be used in conjunction with it, primarily to allow better communication between teachers and parents on a class level. Soon we will begin sending information to parents of our pilot school (Newport Intermediate) regarding Remind accounts and how to connect. Newport High School and Newport Primary School will follow.

IMPORTANT: Remind pulls information from Infinite Campus (IC). In order to be able to use and receive messages via Remind, you must have the following in place:

1. Be marked as a guardian of an active student in IC.
2. Have an active email address on file in IC.
3. Have an active parent portal account in IC.

Please contact your student’s school counselor to verify or update any missing or incorrect information. Even if you do not wish to use Remind, these three items are vital in order for you to be an active part of your student’s academic journey through Newport Independent Schools.

Hello Newport Family:

Due to the increase in the number of staff and students who are currently ill or currently quarantined we have decided to close school to in-person learning and make Friday, January 7 through Friday, January 14, 2022 NTI days.  We are out of school on Monday January 17, 2022 for MLK day.  We will resume in person learning on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. 

Students are expected to complete the assignments given by their teachers during the NTI days.  The teachers should have explained the expectations to the students.  If you have questions, please contact your child’s school. 

Meals will be offered for pickup Monday, 1/10 through Friday, 1/14 between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm at each school.  Orders must be placed by 9:00 am each day.  You can place your order by calling (859) 292-3038.  For more information, please visit our Food and Nutrition Services website.

We are still holding the scheduled vaccine clinics unless you hear otherwise. 

Our number one priority is safety for our students and staff.  We feel this is the best course of action at this time.  Thanks in advance for your patience, understanding, and cooperation.  Have a great weekend.    

Sincerely,

Tony Watts

Tony Watts
Superintendent
Newport Independent Schools
859-292-3004
tony.watts@newport.kyschools.us

Spanish Flyer

Thank you Jessie Bates (JB3) from the Cincinnati Bengals for a great weekend with our students!

Click here to view more pictures in the photo gallery.

Jennifer Packwood is one of three distinguished finalists that will be recognized and honored at Council of Exceptional Children Conference in Louisville on November 22, 2021.

New programs added to appeal to more students

The Newport School of Innovation - the mostly online program launched three years ago by the Newport Independent Schools district - continues to grow and attract new students into the district.

NSOI, as the school is known, has started the school year with 32 students, an increase of 10 students from last year. And with some new opportunities for students to enroll that have been approved by the district's administration and the Newport Board of Education, Newport Innovation Coordinator Josh Snapp expects additional enrollment throughout the school year.

Newport Independent Schools has partnered with Ethos Labs (Newport, KY) to create a COVID-19 testing program that will ensure a continued safe return to school.  This is a completely voluntary program that is supported by the State, so there is no cost to you or Newport Independent. We politely request that you enroll yourself in this program to help accomplish the following goals for a successful school year:

1. Safe in-person learning environment for the entire school year

2. Minimize the need to quarantine children at home for extended time

3. Minimize absentee days due to COVID-19 for teachers and students

Registration at:   https://www.ethosbacktoschool.com/

Student and Staff Registration Instructions for Covid-19 Testing with Ethos Labs

The Newport Independent Schools has hired a Spanish teacher, filling a position that had been open for more than two years. 

Beatriz Granados Molina – a native of Ciudad Real, a small town near Madrid, Spain – is teaching grades eight through 12, which are the grades she taught during her 22 years as English as a Second Language teacher in her native country.

Congratulations Jennifer Packwood

Ms. Packwood is one of three distinguished finalists that will be recognized and honored at Council of Exceptional Children Conference in Louisville on November 22, 2021. This award is the highest honor a special education teacher can achieve in KY. It highlights and showcases the teacher’s innovative practices, professional leadership, and significant contributions to students, community and school.

Jennifer is a co-teacher at Newport High School and specializes in Post-Secondary Transition Services. She was nominated because of the tremendous success she has had in ensuring students with special needs receive the supports and services needed to become successful adults. Ms. Packwood values her colleagues, opportunities to grow professionally, friendships she develops with her students and their families.

KDE Press Release

A Newport High School senior has served up the winning logo for this year’s Taste of Newport, a month-long event that kicks-off Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

Drake Ward submitted the winning logo and received a $50 AMC Theater gift card and plaque from Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of meetNKY/Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is partnering with the City of Newport to present Taste of Newport.

WELCOME BACK WILDCATS! We are so excited about the start of the 2021-2022 school year in person, but before we do, we would like to share a few reminders to keep your student's healthy and ready to learn. 

Notes from the Nurse

Notes from the Nurse - Spanish

When to Stay Home

When to Stay Home - Spanish

Newport Schools will be returning to school beginning August 25, 2021. Therefore, we will begin taking online transportation requests August 3, 2021. The form will be located on the district webpage, transportation page and will also be sent out as a link on School Messenger. You will need to complete a form for each child in your household. All requests will be taken in the order they are received online. It is important for you to provide accurate addresses and contact information.

Once bus assignments have been made, Kathi Baldwin will be contacting you concerning drop off and pickup locations with times. All riders will be required to wear face masks.

Newport High School students will need to also sign up online for TANK. Once signed up student names will be forwarded to the Technology Department. TANK badges will be distributed by Newport High School.

If you have any questions please contact Kathi Baldwin at 859-292-3001.

2021-2022 Transportation Request