Hempstead ISD 2023 Back to School Bobcat Magazine

DearBobcatFamilies&Staff, Welcomeback!Aswebeginthe2023-2024schoolyear,the anticipationiselectric.Iamgenuinelythrilledtoseeourhallways fullofstudents,classroomsalivewithcuriosity,andourcommunity unitedwithasharedpurpose.

Lastweekthestaffkickedofftheyearwithourannualdistrict convocation.Convocationsetthetone,spotlightingourtheme, “IlluminateandCelebrate:IgnitingourPurpose,Shapingour Future.”It'smorethanjustwords;it'sacalltoaction.Thistheme capturesourcollectiveresolvetolightthewayforward, celebratingeverymilestone,howeverbigorsmall.

HempsteadISD'sdedicationtoeducationalexcellenceis unwavering Thisyearweproudlylaunchedournewfive-year strategicplan,LearningandLeadingtoHigherHeights Thisisn't justaplan;it'sourroadmaptothefuturethatwillguideour decisions,fuelourambitions,andinspireinnovativesolutionsfor challengesyettocome

Attheheartofoureffortsisourvision:"HempsteadISDwillcultivateconfidentlearnersandleadersthat excelinallendeavors."Werecognizethatforourvisiontobecomeareality,arobustand transformativecurriculumisessential.I'mproudtoannouncethatourteamhasspentthesummer tirelesslyworkingonthecurriculum,ensuringthateverystudent'seducationalexperiencehereisnot justbetterbutexceptional.

Butthat'snotall!Wearesettingoursightsevenhigher.OurbuddingEarlyCollegeHighSchoolinitiative promisesourstudentsanunparalleledopportunity.ImaginegraduatingfromHempsteadISDwithnot justahighschooldiplomabutalsoanassociate'sdegree.Thisisnotjustaleapforwardforourdistrict, butahugeleapforourstudents'futures.

Thereisasingularjoyinseeingthesmilesofourlearners,asignthatweareontherighttrack Their enthusiasmintheclassroom,theirdedicationtotheirstudies,andtheirpassiononthefieldorthe stage thesearethetruemeasuresofoursuccess

Toourincrediblestudents,dedicatedstaff,andinvaluablecommunity:Together,wewillascendto #HigherHeights Ilookforwardtothejourneyaheadwithunmatchedexcitementandcommitment Here'stoagroundbreaking,enlightening,andutterlyremarkableschoolyear.

WithBobcatPride, HerbertO’Neil Superintendent HempsteadISD

HerbertO'Neil SuperintendentofSchools

Hempstead ISD Board of Trustees

ConnieWawarofsky BoardPresident

2023-2024Teamof8

TressyWilson BoardVicePresident

JulianAlvarez BoardSecretary

JamesGlover BoardTrustee

AlbertGarfield BoardTrustee

HovetaGodines BoardTrustee

RickyPearce BoardTrustee

HEMPSTEAD ISD NEW FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN, LEARNING & LEADING TO HIGHER HEIGHTS

Thelaunchofthe2023-2028strategicplanprovidesanexcitingnewchapterfor HempsteadISD.Ourplantitled"Learning&LeadingtoHigherHeights"highlightsour commitmenttoworkingtogetherasacommunitytoequipallofourlearnerswith thenecessarytoolstoattaintheirmaximumpotentialandpreparethemforsuccess incollege,career,militaryandlifebyprovidingconsistent,comprehensive,highqualityeducation.

Theplanisreflectiveofcommunityandstakeholderengagementandfeedback, whichhelpedtoidentifytheprioritiestohelpHempsteadISDmoveforwardoverthe nextfiveyears.Italsorepresentsoursharedpromisetoourstudentstocreate opportunitiesforsuccessthatwillpreparethemtobeconfidentlearnerswhoexcel inallfutureendeavors.Thisstrategicplanincludesournewlydevelopedvisionand mission,districtbeliefs,objectives,goals,andprofilesofleaders,educators,and learners.

Thisstrategicplanisasignificantfirststepofmanyweplantotaketogetherto continuetomoveHempsteadISDtoHigherHeights.Wecannotdothisworkalone. Havingastrongschoolsystemrequiresacollaborativecommitmenttoensurethe successofourstudents.Therefore,thesuccessofthisstrategicplanrequires everyone 'seffort.

Everyonewhointeractswithourorganizationwillplayaroleinstudentachievement. Itwillreinforceexpectationsandmetricsusedtomeasuresuccessandwillhelpour Districtperformathighlevels.

WeareexcitedaboutthefutureofHempsteadISD,ourcommunity,andmost importantlythe1,600+studentswhomweserve.

Thankyoutothe2022-2023StrategicPlanningCommitteewhohelpedmakeour 2023-2028strategicplanareality.Toviewanddownloadthe2023-2028Hempstead ISDStrategicPlanvisitwww.hempsteadisd.org/strategicplan.

ParentPortal - Online Registration and Enrollment

AllnewandreturningHempsteadISDstudentsarerequiredtobeenrolledor registeredintheParentPortalsystem.ThisannualupdatewillensurethatHempstead ISDandyourchild’scampushavethemostcurrentandaccurateinformation.This onlineregistrationsystemwillalsohelpensureindividualstudentinformationis updatedannually.Familiesofreturningstudentswillnowcompleteayearlyupdate beforestartingeachnewschoolyear.

Atleastonelegalguardian astudent’sparentorlegalguardian needstohavea ParentPortalAccount.YouwillneedanemailaddresstocreateaParentPortal Account.Ifyouneedassistancewithregisteringorenrollingyourstudentonlineor havequestionscontactyourassignedcampusregistrarorcalltheStudentServices departmentat979-826-3304ext.225.

KEEPING OUR STUDENTS SAFETY AT TOP OF MIND

HempsteadISDiscommitted tothesafetyandsecurityofall students,staff,andvisitors.The districtisdedicatedto providingasafeenvironment thatpromotesthewell-being ofeverystudentandemployee

Inpreparationforthe20232024schoolyear,wewouldlike toprovideyouwiththe assurancethatHempsteadISD hassafetymeasuresinplace todealwithemergency situations.Throughoutthe schoolyear,variousdrillssuch asfiredrills,severeweather drills,andintruderdrillsare examplesofmeasurestaken bycampusestoprepare studentsforanemergency. Additionally,HempsteadISD officersaretrainedand preparedtohandleemergency eventsandtheyworkwithlocal andregionalemergency agenciestoaddressissues relatedtoincident management

SafetyUpdates

Therehavebeenseveralnew Texasstatelawsthathave goneintoeffectthissummer. Recentlylegislatorspassed HouseBillIII,requiringallpublic schoolcampusestohavean armedofficer.Weareproudto saythatHempsteadISDdoes haveanofficerateveryschool.

Toensurethesafetyofour schools,campuseswill conductrandomsafetyand securitychecks.Thiswill includesafetycheckswith metaldetectorsandpoliceK9satthesecondaryleveland extrasecuritychecksofschool buildingdoors Allcampusstaff willbetrainedforhandling

emergencyeventsanddistrict officerswillbevisiblewhile patrollingourschoolsand community.Anotherupdate youwillnoticeismorevisible buildingsignagethroughout thedistrict

Additionally,theTexas legislaturerecentlypasseda newlaw(HouseBill114)that requiresschooldistrictsto implementmandatory DisciplinaryAlternative EducationProgram(DAEP) placementforstudentsfound inpossessionof,using,selling, giving,ordeliveringecigarettesonschoolgrounds oratanyschool-relatedevent. Thelawaimstoaddressthe growingconcernofe-cigarette usageamongstudentsand promoteahealthier,safer environmentforallmembersof theschoolcommunity.

BeginningMonday,August28, thefirstdayofschool,our districtwillbefullyenforcing thisnewlaw Thismeansthat anystudentcaughtviolating thenewlawrelatingtoecigaretteswillbesubjectto immediateDAEPplacement,as mandatedbystatelaw.The DAEPprogramservesasan alternativetotraditional suspension,providingstudents withanopportunitytoaddress theirbehaviorwhilecontinuing theireducationinastructured setting.

Ourultimategoalistoensure thesafetyandsuccessofevery student.Thisisaproactivestep towardfosteringan atmospherewhereour studentscanthrive academically,emotionally,and socially

Ourcounselingstaffwill continueimplementingSocialEmotionalLearning(SEL) practicesacrossthedistrict. SEListheprocessofdeveloping theself-awareness,selfcontrol,andinterpersonalskills thatarevitalforschool,work, andlifesuccess Campus leaderswillprovidedifferent opportunitiesforstudentsto participateinSELactivities

Ourdoorsareopentoour familiesandcommunity membersandthecampus visitorprotocolshavenot changed.Allvisitorswillbe requiredtosigninwiththe frontofficestaffandshowa photoIDwhenvisitingany districtcampusorbuilding.All secondarystudentswillbe requiredtoweartheircampus IDbadgeswhiletheyareat school.

EmergencyCommunications

HempsteadISDusesamass notificationsystemto communicatewithfamilies andstaff Intimesofinclement weatherorotheremergencies impactingdistrictoperations, includingdelayedstartsand schoolclosures,thedistrictwill contactparentsandstaffvia email,textmessage,phone calls,district/campuswebsites,

KEEPING OUR STUDENTS SAFETY AT TOP OF MIND

andsocialmedia.Localnews mediawillalsobecontacted.

Onthefirstdayofschool,all studentswillbesenthomewith aFirstDayofSchoolPacket In thispacket,youwillfindan emergencycontactcard To ensureyoureceiveboth campus/districtemergency alertspleasecompletethis cardandreturnittothe campusassoonaspossible. Toreceivetextmessagesfrom theschooldistrictplease includeaworkingcellphone number.Ifyourcontact informationchanges throughouttheschoolyear, pleaseupdateyour ParentPortalaccount.

Weencouragemembersofthe communitytosupportour

Resources

Emergency-Call9-1-1

HempsteadISDPolice-979-826-3304ext324

HempsteadPoliceDepartmentDispatch-979-826-3332

WallerCountyPoliceDepartmentDispatch-979-826-8282

WallerCountyCrimestoppers-979-826-8266

effortsbycontactingusifyouwitnessorbecomeawareofanysafetythreatsinvolvingourschools. Thisincludesinformationaboutbullying,threats,weapons,fights,drugs,self-harm,suicide,or disclosuresmadetoyouorpostedonsocialmediathatyoudeemtroubling.Reportscanbemade bydirectlycontactinganycampusadministrator,districtadministrator,orHempsteadISDPolice Officer.Schoolsafetyiseveryone'sresponsibility,andyourinvolvementisappreciated.

NEW LAW: MANDATORY DAEP PLACEMENT FOR E-CIGARETTE VIOLATIONS

TheTexaslegislaturerecentlypassedanewlaw(HouseBill114)thatrequiresschool districtstoimplementmandatoryDisciplinaryAlternativeEducationProgram(DAEP) placementforstudentsfoundinpossessionof,using,selling,giving,ordeliveringecigarettesonschoolgroundsoratanyschool-relatedevent.Thelawaimstoaddress thegrowingconcernofe-cigaretteusageamongstudentsandpromoteahealthier, saferenvironmentforallmembersoftheschoolcommuni

Ourpriorityistocreateasafelearningenvironmentforall committedtoupholdingthesestandardsintheupcoming

BeginningMonday,August28,thefirstdayofschool,ourdi willbefullyenforcingthisnewlaw.Thismeansthatanystu caughtviolatingthenewlawrelatingtoe-cigaretteswillb subjecttoimmediateDAEPplacement,asmandatedbyth statelaw.TheDAEPprogramservesasanalternativeto traditionalsuspension,providingstudentswithanopportu addresstheirbehaviorwhilecontinuingtheireducationina structuredsetting.

Ourultimategoalistoensurethesafetyandsuccessofeverystudent.Thisisa proactivesteptowardfosteringanatmospherewhereourstudentscanthrive academically,emotionally,andsocially.

Weencourageyoursupportinreinforcingtheimportanceofresponsiblebehaviorand havingopendiscussionswithyourchildrenabouttherisksassociatedwithe-cigarette usage.Bysettingclearexpectations,wecanworktogethertopreventanyunnecessary challengesandensureasmoothandsuccessfulschoolyear.

Weappreciateyourpartnershipandsharedcommitmenttoprovidingasafeand nurturingenvironmentforourschoolcommunity.Ifyouneedassistanceintalkingto yourchildaboutthedangersofvaping,oryourchildisinneedofsupporttoquit vaping,weencourageyoutoaccessresourcesattruthinitiative.org.

Pleasefeelfreetoreachouttoyourchild'scampusifyouhaveanyquestionsor concernsabouttheimplementationofthisnewlaworhowitmayaffectyourchild’s educationalexperience.

SOCIOECONOMIC FORM COMPLETION - MORE THAN JUST MEALS

AllHempsteadISDfamiliesarestronglyencouragedtocompletethe2023-2024socioeconomicform. TheseformswillbeavailableonlineandwillbesenthomewitheachstudentinPre-K-12thgradeina FirstDayofSchoolpacket.

HempsteadISDwillcontinueitspolicytooperatetheCommunityEligibilityProgram(CEP)underthe NationalSchoolLunchProgramandSchoolBreakfastProgramforthe2023-2024schoolyear.This simplymeansthateachcampuswillservebreakfastandlunchtoallstudentsatnocharge, eliminatingthecostofreduced-priceandpaidstudentmeals However,inordertoensurethatwecan continuequalifyingforthisopportunity,weneedallsocioeconomicformscompletedandreturnedby Friday,September8.

Thisapproachreducesburdensforfamiliesandhelpsensurethatstudentsreceivenutritiousmeals. However,itismorethanjustameal.

DIDYOUKNOW?

Completingthesocioeconomicformprovideschoicesandopportunitiesforstudentsbeyondthe schoolcafeteria.Thereareseveralbenefitsforfamiliesthatcompleteandreturntheapplication.

Benefitsinclude:

SchoolMeals-FreeorReducedpricesondeliciousandnutritiousmeals

AcademicTests–ReducedregistrationFeesforAP,SAT,and/orACTtests

CollegeApplications/Resources-Discountsonfeesassociatedwithapplyingforcollege,FREE collegecoursecredit,andscholarships

Activities–Freeordiscountedfeestoparticipateinactivities

InternetAccess–EligiblefordiscountedratesonInternetservices

AdditionalDistrictSupports-Accesstoadditionalstaff,instructionalmaterialsandother academicsupporttoensurestudentsreceivethesupporttheyneedanddeserve.

Theamountofstateandfederalfundingavailabletosupporttheseresourcesisbasedonthenumber ofHempsteadISDstudentswhoqualifyforfreeorreduced-pricemeals.Socioeconomicformsarealso utilizedintheannualstateaccountabilityratings,ensuringthateachcampusiscomparedtoother campuseswiththesamepercentageofeconomicallydisadvantagedstudents.

Oncetheformisturnedin,itisgoodfortheentireschoolyear.Onlyoneformperfamilyisnecessary. Socioeconomicformsneedtobesubmittedeachyearandareduethreeweeksafterthestartof school,forreturningfamilies

Everyformcounts Eachformthatisnotsubmittedmeanslostresourcesforourstudentsandschools

HEMPSTEAD ISD WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER FREE MEALS DURING THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR

HempsteadIndependentSchool Districtwillcontinueitspolicyto operatetheCommunityEligibility Program(CEP)undertheNational SchoolLunchProgramandSchool BreakfastProgramforthe2023-2024 schoolyear.Schoolsqualifyingto operateCEPservebreakfastandlunch toallchildrenatnochargeand

thecollectionofmealapplicationsforfree,reduced-price,andpaidstudentmeals. Thisnewapproachreducesburdensforbothfamiliesandschooladministratorsand helpsensurethatstudentsreceivenutritiousmeals.

TheDistrictsparticipationintheCommunityEligibilityProgram(CEP),allowsall studentsatHempsteadEarlyChildhoodCenter,HempsteadElementarySchool, HempsteadMiddleSchool,andHempsteadHighSchoolcampusestoreceiveonefree breakfastandonefreelunchperdaywithoutfillingoutalunchapplication.Itis necessary,however,thatparentsfilloutaSocio-economicForm,andthisformwillbe includedinthefirstdaypacket.

ForadditionalinformationpleasecontactEricMullens,ChiefOperationsOfficerat mullense@hempsteadisd.org.

TRANSPORTATION APP - STOPFINDER

HempsteadISDusesStopfinder!asourbusrouting software.Busroutesandstoplocationsmaybe accessedthroughtheuseoftheStopfinder!tool.Touse thistoolparents/guardiansmusthaveanemailaddress onfilewiththeschooldistrict.Ifyoudonothaveanemail addressonfile,pleasecontactyourcampusregistrar.

Estimatedbusstoptimesareavailablethroughthe Stopfinder!tool.Duringthefirstfewdaysofschool,itis recommendedthatstudentsarereadyatthebusstop approximately10minutespriortotheestimatedstop timeuntilregularrouteschedulesareestablished.Please beawarethatbusroutesandschedulesmaybe modifiedastheschoolyearcontinuesinordertobest meettheneedsofourstudents.

WithStopfinder,youcanknowwhenyourchild’sbus arrivesatschool–inrealtime!

WithStopfinder,youwill:

► Knowthescheduleofyourchild’sbus

► Receivepushnotificationsrelatedtoyourchild’sbus scheduleandanychanges

► Noticebussubstitutionsbecausetheyareclearlyindicated–reducing misinformationandconfusion

► Trackmultiplebusarrivaltimes,agreatfeatureifyourchildrendon’tridethe samebus

► Knowexactlywhenyourchildrenarriveatschoolorathome

► Enjoytwo-waycommunicationwiththetransportationoffice

► Provideparentsandcaregiverswithmultilingualoptionsintheapp

DownloadtheFreeAppToday!

TheappcanbedownloadedtoanyiOSorAndroidenableddeviceandisavailableatApple’sAppStoreand GooglePlayStore.

HEMPSTEAD ISD WELCOMES NEW ADMINISTRATORS

LaQuaeshaWilliamshas18 yearsofexperiencein education.Williamsbeganh careerin2005asamiddle schoolteacher.Throughouther educationalcareershehas servedasateacher,athletic coach,andadepartment chair.Mostrecently,sheserved asanInstructionalSpecialistin MesquiteISD.

WilliamsreceivedaBachelorof ScienceinKinesiology,aminor inBiologyfromtheUniversityof NorthTexas-Dentonanda Master’sofEducationin EducationalLeadershipfrom theUniversityofNorthTexasDallas

3rd gradeteacherinQuinlan ISD.Overtheyears,Joneshas servedinvariouscapacities includingInstructionalCoach and,DeanofInstruction.

Inhermostrecentrole,she servedasanAssistantPrincipal ataK-6thGradecampus.

Jonesreceivedhercertification in2002andhermaster’s degreeinEducational LeadershipfromTexasTech University

tsonhas11yearsof nceineducation.He hiscareerasa5thand 6th gradesocialstudies teacherinAlbany,NewYork.

Mostrecentlyhehasservedas the8thgradeleadsocial studiesteacherinCy-FairISD.

WatsonreceivedhisBachelor ofArtsdegreeinHistory,a master’sdegreeinSecondary Education,andhisprincipal’s certificationfromLamar University.

EmilyVermeulenbringsawealthofexperienceandadeepcommitment toeducationthatwillbenefitthestudentsandstaffinHempsteadISD. Hercareerineducationbeganasamathteacherformiddleandhigh schoolstudents,whereshediscoveredherpassionforteachingandher drivetomakeameaningfulimpactinstudents'lives.Shehasalso servedasaninstructionaldesignfacilitator,registrar,andassistant principal.

Hercommitmenttoempoweringstudentsandensuringthattheyare collegeandcareer-readywillprovideHempsteadISDstudentswiththe toolstheyneedtoreachtheirfullpotential.

LaQuaeshaWilliams Coordinatorof SecondaryEducation mpsteadElementary

EmilyVermeulen,ExecutiveDirectorofTeaching&Learning

STEPS TO RESOLVE CONCERNS IN HEMPSTEAD ISD

AllHempsteadISDparentsandguardianswhoencounterproblemsorhavea concernabouttheirchildareencouragedtospeakwiththeappropriatestaff memberatthelevelclosesttothesituation.Parentsandguardiansshouldfirst discussthesituationwiththeteacherorschooladministrator.Ifthatproblemis notresolvedoriftheconcernisnotaddressedatthatlevel,parentsareadvised todiscusstheissuewithindividualsatthefollowinglevelsuntilthesituationhas beenproperlyhandled.

STEP1: CONTACTTHESCHOOLSTAFFMEMBERINVOLVED

Thisisthemostimportantstepintheprocess. Mostproblemscanberesolvedatthislevel.Parentsandstudentsare encouragedtodiscusstheissuewiththestaffmemberatthelevelclosestto thesituationorconcern.

STEP2: CONTACTTHESCHOOLPRINCIPALORPROGRAMSUPERVISOR

Iftheinitialdiscussionwiththestaffmemberinvolveddoesnotresultina solution,theindividualshouldcontacttheadministratorwhoisinchargeorthe campusorprogram.

STEP3: CONTACTTHEAPPROPRIATECENTRALOFFICESUPERVISOR

Shouldtheproblemcontinuetobeunresolved,parentsandstudentsshould discusstheissuewiththeappropriatecentralofficesupervisor.Dependingon thecircumstance,parentshavetheoptionofcompletingaLevelIComplaint Form.

STEP4: CONTACTTHEASSISTANTSUPERINTENDENT

Asituationthatcontinuestoberesolvedafterdiscussingitwiththestaff member,principalorprogramsupervisor,andtheappropriatecentraloffice supervisorshouldbebroughttotheattentionoftheassistantsuperintendent. Theywillmakeeveryefforttoresolvethesituationatthislevel.

SUMMER CTE GRANT PROGRAM EMPOWERS FUTURE WELDERS

HempsteadIndependentSchoolDistricthastakenasignificantsteptowardspreparing itshighschoolstudentsforpromisingcareersinthefieldofwelding.Thankstothe generousfundingfromthe2023SummerCareerandTechnicalEducation(CTE)Grant providedbytheTexasEducationAgency(TEA),HempsteadISDheldasuccessful transformativesummerprogramforstudents.Thisinitiativeallowed14enthusiastic studentstoparticipateinCTEcourseworkandearnweldingcertifications,settingthem onapathtowardgreateropportunitiesinthefuture.

ThisyearwasthefirsttimetheDistrictreceivedtheprestigiousgrant.Thegrantwas dividedintotwoparts:Part1focusedonfundingCTEcourseworkwithanallocationof $30,000,andPart2includeda$43,000investmentthatsponsoredaninternship program.Thiscombinedeffortpavedthewayforauniqueeducationalexperiencethat madeasignificantimpactontheparticipatingstudents.

Throughouttheintensivefour-weekprogram,theseaspiringweldersshowedtheir dedicationanddeterminationtomastertheskillsandknowledgerequiredinthe weldingindustry.UndertheguidanceofBlinnCollegestaffandthesupervisionof HempsteadISDWeldingTeacher,IsaiahMadison,thestudentscompleted comprehensivetrainingthatcoveredessentialaspectsofwelding.Fromsafety protocolsandconstructiontoolutilizationtoprecisemeasurementtechniquesand cuttingpractices,thestudentsreceivedawell-roundededucationinthefundamentals ofwelding.

Oneoftheprogram'skey highlightswasthesuccessful attainmentoftheNational CenterforConstruction EducationandResearch (NCCER)Corecertification.

Thirteenstudentsearnedtheir certifications,atestamentto theircommitmentandhard work.

Thestudentsearnedhigh schoolcreditsforcompleting the"IntrotoWelding"course.

Thesecreditswillnotonlycontributetotheirgraduationrequirementsbutalsoset themonthepathtowardfuturesuccessintheweldingindustry.Thestudent's achievementinthiscoursewillhelpthemearnafullCollege,Career,andMilitary Readiness(CCMR)point.Toachievethismilestone,thestudentsneedtocomplete Welding1andobtainanapprovedindustry-basedcertification,demonstratingtheir proficiencyanddedicationintheirchosencareerpathway.

HempsteadISD'sprogramhasplacedastrongemphasisonprovidingstudentswitha comprehensiveeducationthatgoesbeyondcertificationattainment.

HempsteadISDfacilitatedthetransportationofstudentstoandfromBlinnCollege.The supportandcollaborationbetweenHempsteadISDandBlinnCollegeensureda seamlessandproductivelearningenvironmentforthestudents.

Thestudent'senthusiasmanddedicationhavenotgoneunnoticed,asthreeofthe participantshaveoptedtofurtherdeveloptheirskillsbyjoiningtheWeldingand MaintenanceinternshipprogramthroughoutJuly.Thisadditionalopportunitywillallow theseyoungwelderstogainreal-worldexperience,honetheircraft,andbuild connectionswithintheindustry,settingthemupforsuccessfulcareersafter graduation.

HempsteadISDisshapingtheleadersandworkforceoftomorrow,byproviding studentswithaccesstoinnovativeprogramsandopportunities.

Q&A WITH HEMPSTEAD THEATRE CO. DIRECTOR: GABRIEL ARIAS

Q:

Howdoyoufosteragenuinepassionfor theatreamongyourstudents?

Everyplayweundertakeholdsdeepmeaning forbothmeandmystudents.We'resharing storieswiththepotentialtomakeareal differenceintheworld

Q:

Howwillactingboundariesbepushedthis season?

HempsteadHighSchoolTheatreCo.is knownforitsdynamicperformancesand hasahistoryofwinning.Thisspring, HempsteadTheatreCo.wentalltheway tostatefortheiraward-winning performanceofOedipusElRey We caughtupwithHempsteadHighSchool TheatreDirectorandBobcatAlumni, GabrielAriastolearnmoreabouthis upcomingseasonandhowhefostersa passionfortheatre.

Q:

TellusaboutHHS'ssuccessatthe stateUILOne-ActPlayasadirector. Whatwasyourexperiencelike?

Itwasanincrediblejourneytostep ontothestateagain,thistimeasa director.Truthfully,Imighthavebeen evenmorenervousthanmy students.TheirperformanceinAustin thatnightwasexceptional,andI couldn'tbemoreproudofthebronze trophyweearned

Q:

Whatisyourstrategytoprepare studentsforanintensestateUIL competition?

Whiletheofficialcontestbeginsin February,thegroundworkstartsnow. Atthestartoftheyear,weset ambitiousgoals.Acrucialaspect wasensuringourstudents understoodtheday'sflow I emphasizedthatoneoffdaycould impactthecontest,keepingthem motivatedandhumble.Ourfocus wasn'tjustonwinningDistrict,buton reachingthestatelevel.Ifthey thoughttheywereworkinghard,I encouragedthemtopushtentimes harder,knowingthatsomeoneelse acrossthestatewasdoingthesame.

Thisseason,we'redelvingintocompelling narratives.Inourupcomingshow"Bocon,"our lead,JesusMonteroOliva,willportraya12year-oldboy,arolelikehe'snevertackled before.It'saboutpushingtheirlimitsand exploringnewhorizons.

Q:

Whatisthemostrewardingaspectofnurturing youngperformers?

Witnessingtheirtransformationfromuncertain newcomersonstagetoconfidentstorytellers whocanopenupandsharetheirnarratives hasbeenexceptionallygratifying

Q:

Adviceforenthusiasticparentsandfamilies whowanttosupporttheatre?

Bringingyourkidstoourplaysisanincredibly meaningfulwaytoshowsupport.Exposureto theatrecanbetransformative.Forthose consideringdonations,ourdonorsiteoffers moreinformation

Q:Inafewwords,whatyouarelookingforwardto thisseason?

Thisseasonholdsauniquesignificance.Many ofmyseniorsembarkedonthisjourneywith methreeyearsago Ourmottothisyearisto "enjoythejourney,"whichencapsulatesour approachaswesavoreverymomentand createlastingmemories.

HEMPSTEAD ISD TO LAUNCH EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL IN FALL 2024

HempsteadISDisexcitedto launchtheEarlyCollegeHigh Schoolprogramforincoming freshmenstartinginAugust 2024.

TheEarlyCollegeHighSchool modelisablendofhighschool andcollegecourseworkthat givesstudentstheopportunity toearnupto60hours,ortwo years,oftuition-freecollege creditwhileearningahigh schooldiploma Thismodel increasescollegereadiness, removesfinancialbarriers, providesrigorousinstruction andcourseworkaswellas academicandsocialsupport.

Theprogramwillbeopentoall current8th-gradestudentsto applylaterintheschoolyear. Thisprogramspecifically encouragesparticipationof diversestudentgroupswhoare typicallyunderrepresentedin collegecourses.Interested studentsshouldpossessahigh levelofcommitment, academictenacityandshow thepotentialtodocollegelevelworkwhileinhighschool. TheECHSprogramprovides supportivemeasures throughouttheprogramto encourageyounglearnerswho havethepotentialtodo advancedacademicwork

“EarlyCollegeprogramscreate moreopportunitiesforstudents toexcelincollege-levelwork whileinhighschool,"Executive DirectorofTeachingand Learning,EmilyVermeulen explained."Wearededicated toprovidingnewchoicesfor ourstudentstogrow academicallysothattheycan besuccessfulbothnowandin thefuture"

HempsteadISDstudentswill benefitfromthisprogramatno cost Byprovidinghighschool studentstheoptiontoearnan associatedegree,orupto60 hoursofcollegecreditfromthe HempsteadEarlyCollege, familieshaveanopportunityto decreasetheburdenofcollege debtandbeastepaheadfor theirfuture.

"Aseducators,it'sour responsibilitytoforgenew pathwaysforallstudents,” SuperintendentHerbertO’Neil said.“Establishinganearly collegehighschoolismore thanjustprovidingoptions–it'saboutshapingourstudents tobetterpreparethemtotake onanevolvingworld"

EarlyCollegeHighSchoolis opentoallincoming9th graders,andisdesignedto supportstudentswho:

mightbeatriskofdropping outofhighschool mightbethefirstintheir familytoattendcollege wanttoattendcollegebut needano-costsolution aremotivatedtochallenge themselveswithindepth college-levelcoursework

areopentoaccept academicguidancefrom dedicated,collegiate teachersandprofessors areinterestedinearning dualcreditwhile participatinginstudent clubsandotheractivities

Aparentinformationmeeting willbeheldfrom6to8p.m.on Wednesday,October25,inthe HHSAuditorium.Those interestedinlearningmore aboutEarlyCollegeHigh SchoolareencouragedtoRSVP fortheinformationalmeeting. Applicationswillbeaccepted fromcurrentHempsteadISD 8thgradersfollowingthe October25meeting.

Forquestionsormore informationpleasevisitour HempsteadEarlyCollegeHigh SchoolQuestionForm.

“Early College programs create more opportunities for students to excel in college-level work while in high school," Emily Vermeulen, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

“Establishing an early college high school is more than just providing options – it's about shaping our students to better prepare them to take on an evolving world."

Herbert O’Neil, Superintendent

BACK TO SCHOOL ROUTINE TIPS FOR PARENTS

Assummerfades,it'stimetogear upforyourchild'sschoolroutine. Transitioningcanbeachallenge, butwiththesequicktips,youcan makeitsmootherforyourchildboth athomeandatschool.

1.SleepScheduleShift: Adjustsleepschedulesgraduallyby 15minutesearliereachdaytoavoid abruptchanges.

2.MorningConsistency: Createaroutineformornings–from gettingdressedtobreakfast–fora stress-freestart.

3.ReintroduceLearning: Easeintolearningmodewith educationalgamesandlight readingbeforeschoolbegins.

4.FamiliarizewithSchool: Visittheschoolaheadoftimeto helpyourchildgetcomfortablewith thesurroundings.

5.HomeworkWorkspace: Setupaneatstudyareawith suppliestomakehomeworktime productive.

6.BalancedMeals: Planandpacknutritiouslunches andsnackstokeepthemenergized throughouttheday.

7.MonitorScreenTime: Setlimitsonscreentimetoensurea balancebetweenacademicsand leisure.

8.ExploreInterests: Encourageparticipationinschool clubsoractivitiestomakethereturn exciting.

9.KeepCommunicationOpen: Listentoyourchild'sthoughtsand worriesaboutschool,offeringyour support.

10.EmbracePatience: Remember,adjustingtakestime; celebrateprogressandbepatient astheysettlein.

Withthesehelpfultips,yourchildwill smoothlytransitionbackintothe schoolroutine,readytotackleanew yearoflearningandgrowth.

HEMPSTEAD ELEMENTARY NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AWARD

HempsteadElementarySchoolhasbeennationallynominatedfortheHeart-Healthy SchoolAward.EachyearthecampusparticipatesinvariousAmericanHeart Associationactivitiestopromotehearthealthandraiseawarenessofheartdisease.

“HempsteadElementaryhasbeenactivelyparticipatingintheAmericanHeart Associationhealthheartchallengesforyears,”CamireyJackson,HempsteadMiddle School,P.E.teacherexplained.“Lastyearwewantedtospreadawarenessbeyondthe elementarycampus.WehostedtheHESHeartWalktogettheHempsteadcommunity upandmovingtopromotelivingahealthierlifestyle.”

Duringthewalk,communitymembersandfamilieswereabletogettheirblood pressurechecked,learnaboutthedifferentpartsoftheirbodies,anddonatetothe HempsteadElementarySchoolKidsHeartChallenge.Thewalkwassuccessfulandthe campusraisedcloseto$2,000fortheAmericanHeartAssociation.

AlthoughCoachJacksonhasmovedtoHempsteadMiddleSchoolforthe2023-2024 schoolyear,shehopestheHeartWalkwillhaveabiggerimpactandturnoutthisyear. TheKidsHeartChallenge&AmericanHeartChallengeNationalAwardsCeremonywill takeplacevirtuallyonTuesday,September12.

HEMPSTEAD ISD UPDATES WEBSITES WITH A BRAND NEW LOOK AND LAUNCHES NEW APP

AttentionHempsteadISDBobcat families,students,staff,and communitymembers!Weareexcited tosharesomeimportantnewswith you Ourschooldistrictiscreatingnew waystokeepeveryoneintheloop

ThissummerHempsteadISD launchedabrandnewwebsiteanda user-friendlymobileappdesignedto bringyouclosertoallthedistrictand campushappenings.Thismeansthat aspartofourcommitmenttokeeping ourBobcatfamilieswell-informed,you willhaveinstantaccesstoallthe latestannouncements,events,and newsrightatyourfingertips.

Ourwebsite'saddresswillremain unchangedathempsteadisd.org,

servingasyourdigitalgatewaytoallthingsHempsteadISD.Throughthissiteandourinnovativemobile app,tailoredjustforus,you,ouresteemedstudents,dedicatedstaff,andsupportivecommunity members,willbeableto:

Stayup-to-datewiththemostrecentdistrictnewsandannouncements

Connectwithourstaffmembersusingtheircontactinformation

Exploreupcomingeventsandnevermissouton

anyexcitingoccasions

Locateandaccessimportantdocumentsthat

mattertoyou

Butthat'snotall!Weknowthateffective communicationiskey,especiallyinurgentsituations. Withthenewapp,ourdistrictandcampusleaderswill beabletoswiftlysendoutnotifications,important updates,andevenemergencyalerts.Weareputtingthe powerofstayinginformedrightinthepalmofyourhand.

Readytogetstarted?Youcaneasilydownloadthe HempsteadISDappforfreefromboththeGooglePlay StoreandtheAppleAppStore.It'sasimplewayto ensurethatyou'realwaysintheknowaboutwhat's happeninginourdistrict.

ThankyouforbeingavaluedpartoftheHempstead ISDcommunity Together,wearemakingsurethat stayinginformediseasierandmoreconvenientthan everbefore Here'stoastronger,moreconnected Bobcatfamily!

HEMPSTEAD ISD LONG RANGE FACILITY PLANNING UNDERWAY

TheHempsteadISDLong-RangeFacilityPlanningCommitteemetonTuesday,July18, toreviewthedistrict'srecentfacilitiesassessment.Thisgroupwillreviewthefindings fromthestudy,includingadditionaldistrictdata,financialforecasts,cityandcounty planning,andcampusanddepartmentaudits,toplanforthecommunity'sneeds.

Thecommitteeischargedwithdevelopingprioritizedandphasedplanfacility recommendationstotheBoardofTrustees.Committeeagendasandreportswillbe postedonthedistrictwebsitetoensuretransparency.Workgroups/subcommittees mayevaluatespecificandtargetedstrategiesorreviewadditionalinformation.

Thecommitteewillincludevariousdistrictstakeholders,includingteachers,campus staffandadministrators,parents,communitymembers,students,anddistrictleaders. HempsteadISDstaffwillserveasresourcestothecommittee,providinginformation andexpertiseasneeded.

“Iamtrulythankfulforthesupportofourcommunitymemberswhocontinuetolookat allareasoftheDistricttohelptakeHempsteadISDtoHigherHeights,”Superintendent HerbertO’Neilsaid.

Committeememberswillmeetthroughthefallof2023.Thecommitteewillmakea presentationtotheHempsteadISDBoardofTrusteeswitharecommendation followingthecompletionoftheirwork.

VisittheLong-RangeFacilitiesPlanningCommitteewebsiteat www.hempsteadisd.org/lrfpc.

SHOW YOUR BOBCAT PRIDE: SUPPORTING HEMPSTEAD ISD FALL SPORTS!

ThefallsportsseasonisinfullswinginHempsteadISD!

It'stheperfecttimeforBobcatfamilies,students,staff, andcommunitymemberstocometogetherandshow theirBobcatpridewhilesupportingourtalentedathletes onthefield/court.

Fromfootballtovolleyballandeverythinginbetween, ourathleteshavebeentraininghardandarereadyto giveittheirall.Butthey'renottheonlyoneswhoplaya crucialroleinthesegames;theenthusiasticsupportof ourcommunitymakesaworldofdifference

So,howcanyoushowyourBobcatprideandmakeameaningfulimpact?

AttendtheGames:Thereisnothingquiteliketheenergyofalivegame,surroundedbyfellowBobcat fans Whetherit'saFridaynightfootballgameoranearlymornin crosscountrymeet,yourpresencesendsapowerful messageofencouragementtoourathletes.

WearYourColors:Sportyourgreenandwhite,oursignature Bobcatcolors.Fromt-shirtsandhatstofacepaintandaccessor wearingthecolorsproudlyhelpscreateaseaofunityandsuppo inthestands.

CheerLoudandProud:Letthosecheersechothroughthestadiu Positiveandspiritedcheersboostourathletes'confidenceand remindthemthatthewholecommunityisbehindthem.

SpreadtheWord:Useyoursocialmediaplatformstospreadthewordaboutupcominggamesand events.Sharephotos,videos,andupdatestogenerateexcitementandrallymoreBobcatsupporters.

SupporttheBoosterClub:JoiningorcontributingtotheHempsteadISDAthleticsBoosterClubisa fantasticwaytoprovideadditionalsupporttoourathletes.Boosterclubshelpfundessentialresources tosupporttheathleticsprogram.

CelebrateAchievements:Whetheritisavictoryorapersonal achievement,celebratingourathletes'successesfostersasenseof belongingandaccomplishment.Attendrecognitioneventsand congratulatetheplayersontheirhardwork.

BeaRoleModel:Asadults,wesetanexampleforouryoung learners.Bydemonstratingsportsmanship,respectforopponents, andapassionforhealthycompetition,weteachvaluablelife lessonsthatgobeyondthefield/court.

HempsteadISDfallsportsaremorethanjustgames;they're opportunitiesforourcommunitytocometogether,cheeronour athletes,andcreatelastingmemories.Toviewallathletic schedulesvisittheHempsteadISDAthleticswebpage.Schedules canbefoundonRANKONE

HOMECOMINGDRESSUPWEEK

MONDAY-PAJAMADAY

TUESDAY-ANYTHINGBUTABACKPACK

WEDNESDAY-HAWAIIANDAY

THURSDAY-REPYOURCLASS

FRESHMEN-RED

SOPHOMORE-YELLOW

JUNIORS-ORANGE

SENIORS-GREEN

FRIDAY-SPIRITDAY WEARBOBCATGREEN

CONTACT OUR SCHOOLS

HempsteadEarlyChildhoodCenter

PK3&PK4

524AustinStreet

979-221-2021|979-921-9472(fax)

Principal:KeriHouston

HempsteadElementarySchool

GradesK-5

134013thStreet

979-826-2452|979-826-5524(fax)

Principal:Dr.BrittaneeShiflett

HempsteadMiddleSchool

Grades6-8

25329thStreet

979-221-2530|979-826-5583(fax)

Principal:Dr.RhondaSmith

HempsteadHighSchool

Grades9-12

801DonohoStreet

979-826-3331|979-826-4779(fax)

Principal:LaKeshaMorgan