Message to Families from Dr. Hudson
March 21, 2022
Longhorn Families,
Welcome back! I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable spring break.
Cedar Hill ISD Board Meeting Meeting Tonight
The Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees will have a Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight, the public portion of the meeting starts at 7:30. Click here to view the agenda. Here is the link to watch it live: www.chisd.net/Page/16145
CHISD School Choice: Your Voice Virtual Meeting
Currently, CHISD offers choice programs at several elementary and secondary campuses. The Office of Innovation is looking to expand choice programs in the District. Join us for a virtual information and input meeting as CHISD makes plans to offer choice programs at:
- Highlands Elementary School
- High Pointe Elementary School
- Plummer Elementary School
- Waterford Oaks Elementary School
- Bessie Coleman Middle School
- Permenter Middle School
Please make plans to join me and CHISD Executive Director of Innovation Tyesha Smith-Lowe tomorrow night for a virtual community meeting as we look at why choice programs are needed and how you can provide input on potential new programs. The meeting will stream live on YouTube and Facebook pages on Tuesday, March 22 at 6pm.
Digital Parent University Set for Thursday
As a result of a survey issued to our parents, it was requested that CHISD Family & Community Engagement (FACE) host a Digital Parent University to discuss positive behavior strategies, how to spot bullying and ways we can partner with our families to improve student behavior on our campuses. This Thursday, March 24 at 6pm, FACE will host a Digital Parent University on the ‘Longhorn Essentials’. To submit questions before the live YouTube and Facebook broadcast, enter them here. The ThoughtExchange will close at noon on March 24.
Longhorn Futures Recap
The first Longhorn Futures Committee (LFC) met on Thursday, March 10 at Collegiate Academy & High School/Dr. Peggy M. Wilson STEM Center.
More than 100 people applied to serve on the committee made up of parents, employees, scholars and Cedar Hill residents.
Their charge is:
- Represent the entire community in the facility planning process
- Assist CHISD in assessing and prioritizing the District’s current and long-term facility needs.
- Consider the educational needs of all scholars and align recommendations with CHISD’s mission, vision and student outcome goals
- Consider the district’s current financial position and funding methods to develop a recommendation that is fiscally sound
- Report their findings to the Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees that will include recommendations on how to proceed with a long-range facilities plan.
As part of the evening meeting, scholars from Collegiate Academy & High School and the Dr. Peggy M. Wilson STEM Center led committee members on a tour of the building.
Reflections from the tour included:
- "this looks like where money has been spent."
- "I would like to see flexible seating and other features in other CHISD schools"
- "Additions to the STEM Center meets my expectations for a modern learning environment."
- "There is no stage in the building to assist scholars with fine arts rehearsals and performances. I would like to see a stage, I care about the arts."
- "I noticed some of the smart boards do not work, I would like to see the Collegiate side brighten up and more charging plugs for devices."
You can learn more about the LFC by visiting chisd.net/lfc . The committee will meet regularly through June.
Cedar Hill ISD Names 10 Finalists For Inaugural STEM Teacher of the Year Award
Cedar Hill Independent School District has announced the names of 10 finalists for the district’s first ever STEM Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to:
- Bray Elementary - Tiffanie Johnson
Cedar Hill High School - Holly Brookman
Coleman Middle School - Leslie Moore
Collegiate Academy/High School - Ashley Pierce
Collegiate Prep Elementary - LaTonya Gaither
High Pointe Elementary - Olaide Ajakaye
Highlands Elementary - Angie Gonzalez-Roland
Lake Ridge Elementary - Matthew Gaines
Permenter Middle School - LaToya Stone
Plummer Elementary - Terri Harris
The Cedar Hill ISD Education Foundation (CHEF) is partnering with the Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation to provide recognition and a cash reward for teachers who are bringing innovative STEM lessons to Cedar Hill ISD.
The winning teacher will receive a $10,000 cash prize, of which $5,000 is designated for the winning teacher to use as they wish. The remaining $5,000 is to be used for STEM related professional development, technology, and/or classroom materials on the teacher’s campus.
The winner will be announced on Thursday, April 21 and recognized during the district’s annual CHISD Leadership and Service Celebration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gerald B. Hudson
Superintendent of Schools
Cedar Hill Independent School District