Intercom Aug. 12 Edition

Corpus Christi Independent School District AUG. 12, 2024

Embracing #ThePowerWithin to ace the first day EVENTS Aug. 12

First Day of School Board of Trustees Meeting

QUESTIONS Our “Let’s Talk!” customer service platform helps you get the answers you need. Visit us at ccisd.us and click “Contact us,” or text your question to 361-6003691.

SPOTLIGHT The Superintendent’s Spotlight is back! Don’t miss the first episode. Dr. Roland Hernandez welcomes everyone back for the 2024-2025 school year.

Watch the episode.

Teachers and staff started their Monday morning welcoming back students and introducing themselves to the newest faces in the district.

Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez greeted students and parents as they made their way inside the newly opened Creekside Elementary School. Thank you to all our teachers and staff for helping our students find their way around their campuses for the first day of school. Let’s make this year great!

INFORMATION Is your contact information up-to-date? Log on to the CCISD Employee Online Site to update your information. In the website’s menu, click “personal information,” and update as needed.

WWW.CCISD.US

View more first day of school photos.

INTERCOM

1

District strengthens support for teachers with cellphone rules Above the Line nominations open Get your Above the Line nominations in today!

This year, the nomination form follow’s our district’s Leadership Definition. We are also honoring our substitues who go Above the Line!

Submit your nominations online.

2

INTERCOM

As CCISD continues planning for the upcoming school year, the district continues to review input from families and staff to help ensure safe and productive environments at all schools.

In response to growing concerns from teachers and families that cellphones are a significant distraction to the learning process and to fostering healthy social connections, the district will have rules in place to minimize the use of phones, smartwatches and other devices.

“While we have been, and will continue to be, a leader in blending technology into the learning process where appropriate, we agree that phones have become a significant distraction during the school day,“ said Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez. “We are glad to join other districts around the state and nation in placing reasonable limits we are confident will immediately result in a healthier school environment.”

For students in grades PK-8, communication devices, as well as ear buds and headphones, must remain turned off and put away during the school day, including testing days. The elementary school day is 7:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., with middle schools beginning at 8:50 a.m. and ending at 4:10 p.m.

For students in grades 9-12, communication devices, as well as ear buds and headphones, must remain turned off and put away while in the classroom setting, including during testing days.

Students will be permitted to use devices between classes and during lunch.

Students needing to use a phone may request to visit the front office. All classrooms are equipped with phones that include emergency alert systems, ensuring assistance can be summoned quickly.

Students accustomed to doing schoolwork on their personal device are reminded district-issued Chromebooks are available.

“We understand this may be an adjustment for some of our students and families,” Hernandez said. “We appreciate everyone’s support as we work, every day, to help our students have the best possible learning environment, which includes minimizing distractions to foster learning and friendships.”

The rules are rooted in district policy issued in 2018, which authorizes schools to follow guidelines set forth in the Student Parent Handbook and which authorizes consequences, including confiscation.

Schools will work with students as they become accustomed to the consistent expectation that phones will be put away. If needed, consequences will follow progressive discipline principles, which begin with a reminder warning to follow the rules. Detailed information is available at ccisd. us and in the forthcoming Student Parent Handbook.

WWW.CCISD.US

Board of Trustees named Texas Honor Board CCISD’s School Board is starting off the 2024-2025 school year with news they were named a Texas Association of School Administrators Honor School Board.

The Texas Honor School Board announcement follows the June 2024 announcement that the board was named Large District Regional Board of the Year by Education Service Center, Region 2.

“The recognition our board has received is a testament to their outstanding commitment,” said Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez.

“As volunteers, our board members consistently demonstrate remarkable dedication in their efforts to support our students and staff.

Their exceptional service to our community is truly commendable.”

The board is one of five finalists considered for 2024 Outstanding School Board. A School Board Awards Committee will interview the board and then determine the winner. The Texas Association of School Administrators will announce the winner in September.

Dr. Vela recognized by Texas Music Educators Association Dr. Enrique Vela, Moody High School principal, was recently recognized as a Texas Music Educators Association Distinguished Administrator.

Congratulations, Dr. Vela! #CCISDproud

WWW.CCISD.US

INTERCOM

3