KISD Connections Fall 2022

KISD Connections

Welcome to

Kerrville ISD is an educational leader in the heart of the Hill Country, inspiring all students to become life-long learners.

collectively focused on the continuous improvement of educational opportunities that are offered to our students. The district educates nearly 5,000 students from Kerrville and surrounding areas at its four K-5 elementary schools, Hal Peterson Middle School and Tivy High School. The district also meets students’ needs at an academic alternative high school, called Hill Country High, and prepares children to be “school ready” in pre-k programs at the Early Childhood Center. We are proud of the incredible efforts of our KISD faculty and staff in the Fall of 2022. We are blessed with tremendous energy within a community that supports the continued development of our district. The KISD Board of Trustees, district leadership, and faculty and staff, will continue to focus our efforts on the success of our students and schools. We invite you to see all of the amazing accomplishments of our students and staff in Kerrville ISD by visiting our website at www.kerrvilleisd.net, or by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Thank you for your continued support of “Educational Excellence in the Hill Country!”

Kerrville ISD Leadership

Dr. Mark Foust Superintendent Wade Ivy Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Human Resources

Engstrom Jarrett Jachade Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services/CFO

KISD Board of Trustees

The Kerrville ISD Board of Trustees is a veteran board. With over 80 years of collective service to our district, their heartfelt goal is to provide the very best education in Texas to the children of Kerrville. Our seven trustees and the superintendent form a strong team and lead the district following a well designed blueprint to unite the district toward academic excellence and success for all students

Board meetings are typically held the third Monday of every month at 6 p m at the Joseph A Tivy Building and meetings begin with praise and recognition of students and staff

From academic to athletic achievements, our applause is loud and long as we celebrate the successes of our public schools in Kerrville.

Heather

KISD Board of Trustees include, left to right: Secretary Mike Tackett, Superintendent Mark Foust, Curtis Finley, David Sprouse, Vice President Jack Stevens, Jr., Andree Hayes, President Rolinda Schmidt and Greg Peschel.

District Overview

Kimberly Kothmann

Early Childhood Center

Head Start & Pre K Program

Early Childhood Special Education Tivy Child Development Center

Julie Johnson

Nimitz Elementary

Kinder 5th Grade Challenge Lab Robotics 4th & 5th Grade Orchestra Student/Character Councils Art, PE, Music, Library

Gena Carpenter

Tally Elementary

Kinder 5th Grade Challenge Lab Robotics 4th & 5th Grade Orchestra Student/Character Councils Art, PE, Music, Library

Shelby Balser

Tivy High School

9th 12th Grades

Antler Leadership Athletics Fine Arts PALS Interact Club Student Council AFJROTC National Honor Society CTE Pathways

Amy Billeiter

Tom Daniels Elementary

Kinder 5th Grade Challenge Lab Robotics 4th & 5th Grade Orchestra Student/Character Councils Art, PE, Music, Library

Jenna Wentrcek

Starkey Elementary

Kinder 5th Grade Challenge Lab Robotics 4th & 5th Grade Orchestra Student/Character Councils Art, PE, Music, Library

Tana Althaus

Hal Peterson Middle School

6th 8th Grades Athletics Academic UIL Robotics Student Council Spike Leadership National Junior Honor Society Spanish Career Exploration

Steve Schwarz

Hill Country High School

Academic Alternative School

Tuesday Talks with Principal Schwarz Individualized pathway for each student Assistance with post secondary and career options

Connect With KISD

District Website

Check out the KISD website for all the information you need. It has upcoming events, district highlights, helpful links, resources for families, Back to School information, attendance zones, and more!

Navigate to campus pages from the district homepage.

www.kerrvilleisd.net

Mobile App

The KISD Mobile App is an easy way to stay up to date on campus updates and emergency notifications. Download the app for free for iPhone or Android. Once downloaded, be sure to go into settings in the app and select the campus you want to follow. Turn on push notifications also.

Skyward

Skyward Family Access is an online system for parents and students. It can be used for online registration, checking grades & attendance, communication, submitting cafeteria payments and technology fees and more!

Download the Skyward app to your phone or use the 'Quick Link' on our website.

Notifications

For critical or emergency announcements, KISD uses an automatic phone and email alert system that delivers messages via voice message, text message or email to contact numbers listed in Skyward Family Access. Make sure your contact information is up to date!

PartnersonPatrol

Learn more about this program on Page 16!

Parent Involvement

Get involved on your child's campus!

There are many ways to get involved at each campus throughout your child's education with KISD. Each campus has a Parent-Teacher Organization. The Mentoring Program is always in need of weekly volunteers or join the Partners on Patrol at our elementary campuses. Contact your child's campus to find out how to get involved!

KISDCornerstones

Our KISD Profile of a Graduate and Vision, Values, Beliefs and Goals (Vision KISD), define the purpose and culture of our beloved District. These guiding documents define who we are and why we exist as an organization. Similarly, our KISD Instructional Standards, Profile of a Leader and Profile of a Teacher also define who we are and how we serve the students and staff in our schools. Most importantly, striving for excellence and continuous improvement are Cornerstones of Kerrville ISD. Thank you for your continued support of our faculty, staff, students and schools as we provide “Educational Excellence in the Hill Country”.

Anti-Bullying Awareness

Say Something Campaign

At the end of September, KISD introduced the 'Say Something' campaign to students across the district.

Say Something is a school-based awareness program developed by Sandy Hook Promise.

The program "teaches middle and high school students to recognize the warning signs of someone at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to say something to a trusted adult to get help."

The program features three steps:

1) Recognize the Signs - know what the warning signs are and how to spot them

2) Act Immediately, Take it Seriously - be an upstander, not a bystander

3) Say Something - report concerns to a trusted adult or through an anonymous reporting system

Plans are to revisit the program at the beginning of each school year.

What is P3?

P3 is an anonymous reporting tool on which students, parents, and community members can report campus safety concerns. P3 can be accessed on mobile apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or through a web browser on a personal computer or Chromebook.

This method of reporting seamlessly integrates into the lives of modern students. Reports are monitored 24/7 to ensure that time-sensitive matters are dealt with promptly. When reporters use the mobile app, they are notified when action has been taken on their report, which demonstrates the value of their time and concern.

In both the web browser and app form, reporters can attach photos, screenshots, videos, documents or audio recording to their reports, and they can engage in two-way dialogue with a real person; both of these features greatly facilitate swift interventions.

Character Councils

Each elementary campus has a character council, while our secondary campuses have leadership teams, with goals of promoting kindness and good character traits.

Our elementary Character Councils are comprised of fourth and fifth grade student leaders who consistently and proudly demonstrate character and kindness toward others. The mission of this student group is to promote positive character and peer-topeer interactions across their campus through student engagement.

The primary goal of the S.P.I.K.E Leadership team is to promote healthy peer interactions amongst their fellow students through proactively engaging peers in actions/activities that focus on spreading kindness, character and general good will towards others.

Courageous, compassionate and hard working are just a few of the attributes that members of the Antler Leadership Team embody. The ALT's mission is to promote a positive peer relationship climate on the Tivy High School campus and throughout Kerrville ISD.

Bullying Awareness & Prevention

In an effort to raise awareness of what constitutes bullying and how to prevent it, KISD designed a set of posters that are on display in multiple areas on each campus throughout the district at the end of last school year.

In addition, KISD launched a Bullying Awareness and Prevention page on the district website to centralize district policies addressing bullying and reporting protocols.

KISD strives to prevent bullying, in accordance with the district’s policies, by promoting a respectful school climate; encouraging reporting of bullying incidents, including anonymous reporting; and investigating and addressing reported bullying incidents.

If a student believes that he or she has experienced bullying or witnesses the bullying of another student, the student or parent should notify a teacher, school counselor, principal, or another district employee as soon as possible. Procedures for reporting allegations of bullying can be found on the KISD website. A student may anonymously report an alleged incident of bullying by reporting to P3 Campus through the app or link on KISD homepage.

Expanding the Force

Kerrville ISD has entered into an agreement with the City of Kerrville to add two more School Resource Officers to the district

Kerrville Police Department will provide the additional SROs by the end of the current school year to provide coverage at the elementary campuses.

KISD currently has an SRO at Hal Peterson Middle School and Tivy High School.

“Adding two more school resource officers at the elementary level provides a security upgrade and begins to establish a positive relationship between students and local law enforcement,” said Wade Ivy, KISD assistant superintendent of administration and human resources

While SROs provide a police presence on campus, they also serve in two other capacities, according to the “triad” concept developed by the National Association of School Resource Officers

The triad concept of school based policing splits SRO responsibilities into three areas: teacher, informal counselor and law enforcement officer. As teacher and informal counselor, SROs can provide guidance to students, staff and parents on applicable laws. As law enforcement, SROs provide response to emergencies on campus.

The School Resource Officer program has been a long standing partnership between KISD and KPD for more than two decades, after being started at the high school level in KISD more than 20 years ago.

Originally staffed through the Kerr County Sheriff’s Department, staffing was turned over to KPD, which began staffing the position at Hal Peterson Middle School in the mid 2000s KPD has staffed both positions in the district continuously since and will now expand the program

Duties of the SRO position include assisting the district with any criminal offenses that take place on district property and investigations, serving as a resource for students, administrators and parents, and providing a safe environment for everyone on campus.

Partners in Safety

In addition to the agreement to increase the number of SROs within the district, KISD worked closely with KPD over the summer and into this fall on training and drilling.

KPD was just one of several local emergency response entities involved in active shooter drills performed at the former Hal Peterson Middle School campus on Sidney Baker this summer, giving KPD and KISD an opportunity to coordinate how the agencies would work together in the event of an active shooting

Other training KPD participated in with KISD was the Standard Response Protocol, which is what KISD teaches to staff and students on how to respond in the event of a school emergency.

KPD was also involved in security walks through each campus to familiarize officers with campus layouts and get feedback on security

KISD has also provided KPD with district master keys for quick entrance

Works in progress include assembling campus “go bags” for tactical/breech equipment recommended by KPD, real time access to district security camera systems and planning a table top threat drill with fire and police departments.

Os

Officer Justin Gonzales Officer Aaron Juarez

Tivy High School Hal Peterson Middle School

13 years KPD/5 years KISD

"During my time as an SRO, I can say one of my favorite aspects are the numerous opportunities to inspire and create a safe environment for the students and faculty. Being an SRO gives me a chance to enrich the community and develop a sense of unity."

Sergeant Daniel Haas

7 years KPD/2 years KISD

SRO

KISD welcomes the newest addition to the district, Sergeant Haas, who will be joining the district as the head of the SRO Program.

"My favorite part of being an

is building strong connections with the youth of our community as a Police Officer and being there as a trusted adult to provide solutions to their problems when they need it."

Safety Updates

As the focus on school safety increases across the state and country, Kerrville ISD is already ahead of the curve, thanks to community support for a 2018 bond package, which focused on several safety and security items. In a letter shared with KISD parents in August prior to the start of the school year, Dr. Foust shared several projects that were completed or in the works around the district to increase campus and student safety and security.

Here are the steps KISD has taken or is in the process of taking to increase safety and security across the district

Bond 2018 Safety Updates

Included in the Bond 2018 were campus safety updates that were completed in Summer 2019:

Upgraded security cameras at elementary campuses and Tivy High School

Secured vestibules at elementary campuses

Fire alarm replacements or upgrades on campuses

Interior locking mechanisms on doors

Summer and Fall 2022 Updates

Security updates made during summer and continuing into this fall include:

Interior locking mechanisms on doors at Tivy High School and Hal Peterson Middle School Fencing at Tivy to enclose CTE classroom areas open to the back New security vestibule at Early Childhood Center

Security glass at key entry points to academic wings at HPMS

7-foot fencing around playground areas and perimeters of elementary campuses

Building Security Updates

Targeted partial safety audit (55 areas of inspection) at all campuses

Exterior door safety audit and repairs Numbered and mapped all doors and entry points across the district

Implemented daily & weekly exterior door inspection protocols

Updated campus signage directing visitors to check in at the front office

Campus access control procedures updated Security walk-throughs by KPD

Personnel Resources

Adding two additional SROs to serve elementary campuses

Added a Safe Supportive Schools Program Coordinator--position will help develop programs and strategies for building a positive school environment and implement services for students

Door Monitor at Tivy--monitor doors from student parking area

Partners on Patrol program for citizen volunteers to be an additional campus presence Mental Health Resources for school staff

In Progress

Campus "go bags" for KPD with tactical equipment for police response

Provide KPD with real-time access to campus camera systems and district keys

Planning table top active threat drill with police and fire departments

Creation and training of district reunification team

Updating district emergency operations plan

Developing and implementing Safe and Supportive Schools Program initiatives

PartnersonPatrol

In September, KISD launched the Partners on Patrol program at our Early Childhood Campus and elementary campuses.

Purpose: The Partners on Patrol program exists to enhance building security and school safety efforts through the use of volunteers who will check exterior doors to ensure they are locked and latched, conduct inspections of school grounds and playground areas, and monitor entrances to buildings. Volunteers who are assigned at the end of the day may be asked to assist at crosswalks. Partners on Patrol are NOT armed and are not allowed to carry weapons in school buildings.

PartnersonPatrol

Who: Volunteer parents, guardians, family, and active or retired law-enforcement, military or first responder community members over the age of 21 who are able to pass a criminal background check.

When: The campus will develop a schedule for which volunteers can sign up. Typically, a volunteer will sign up for a one to two-hour shift. High priority times are during student drop off, lunch and recess time, and end of day pick-up, but other times of the day may be available.

onPatrol Partners

onPatrol

How: Complete the application and criminal history background check authorization form and submit them to the campus office of the school at which you would like to volunteer.

Applications are available on the KISD website.

Volunteers are required to complete a one-hour training on school safety procedures and job responsibilities before working on campus.

Aviation Pathway at Tivy High School

Featured in State Magazine

The Aviation career pathway was featured in the Texas Association of School Boards monthly publication 'Texas Lone Star' this month in a story spotlighting innovative courses for high school students.

Tivy High School was one of two schools featured in the story for innovative courses. The layout included quotes from an aviation student as well as photos of students.

Check out the story online at: https://www.texaslonestaronline.or g/texaslonestar/november_2022/M obilePagedReplica.action? pm=2&folio=Front#pg1

6th Grade Outdoor Education Academics

Sixth graders from Hal Peterson Middle School were split into two groups for an overnight trip with teachers and parent sponsors Students rotated through different activities during the day and enjoyed an evening presenter Stations included: lacing, forestry, animal tracking, archery, UGRA river studies, folk music, early people, USDA bugs, water colors, fishing, games, soil studies, hiking, team building and no tech geocaching.

"We love this program so much because sixth grade brings all four elementary students together for the first time and the kids get to know each other and meet new friends," said sixth grade teacher and outdoor education leader Krista Thorpe. "Parents get to be involved with their kiddos and meet other kids too. Our amazing presenters volunteer from all around the community from scientists to people sharing their hobbies to leaders in their areas. Kids get to interact and possibly get ideas for future vocations, make a connection with someone that they may see around in their everyday world, and learn how adults can have an impact on others.

"Learning outside the school walls is a great space for kiddos to thrive and grow, while still learning important TEKS based skills, as well as social skills, community building, responsibility, and things about themselves "

KISD is proud to offer this unique and meaningful experience for our students

KISD's annual 6th Grade Outdoor Education program made its return to HEB Foundation Camp the first week of October

Tivy National Recognitions

Several Tivy High School students earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process Colleges and scholarship programs identify students awarded National African American, Hispanic, Indigenous and/or Rural/Small Town Recognition through College Board’s Student Search Service Students earning the National Rural and Small Town Award are: Aaron Peschel, Aby Hudsonpillar, Alexandria Finch, Benjamin Butler, Britney Tran, Cade Braaten, Delaney Engstrom, Grant Caraway, Hattie Ahrens, Isabella Barker, Jacob Flores, Kendal Burchers Brown, Mirna Taha, Nathan Halpin, Seth Dohmann and Tristan Mosty Students earning the National Hispanic Recognition Award include Isabella Barker and Maddox Lozano Jacob Flores also earned the National African American Recognition Award Keaton Mitchell was also named a Commended Student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program

Tally Students Visit Schreiner University

During October, the Tally Elementary College Day Committee had the opportunity to take a campus tour of Schreiner University. Students enjoyed getting to learn about college life and the traditions and history of Kerrville's local university while being guided on the tour by Schreiner Ambassadors. Each week, Tally students donate spare change for the Tally College Can CHANGE Your Life scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to Tivy seniors who are also former Tally Eagles each May.

Athletics

Tivy Hall of Fame

HPMS Teams Recognized

The Tivy Hall of Fame Class of 2022 was inducted in a pre game ceremony at Antler Stadium on Friday, Sept. 9.

Congratulations to the newest members of the Tivy Hall of Fame: Johnny Manziel, Class of 2010 Joe Lara, Class of 1971 Tamara Poppe, Class of 2000

Football and Volleyball teams from Hal Peterson Middle School were recognized for their outstanding seasons at the November Board of Trustees Meeting.

The 7th Grade A and B Football teams won the district championships without losing a game this season

The 8th Grade A and B Volleyball teams also won district championships after stellar seasons

Congratulations to these coaches and students on their fantastic success during these seasons!

Antlers Return to Post Season

Playoffs

Volleyball Continues Streak

Football: The Antlers returned to the playoffs after posting a 3 3 record in district action. Tivy ran into former district rival Alamo Heights in the bidistrict round of playoffs.

Volleyball: The Lady Antlers continued their postseason appearance streak after a strong finish to the regular season to claim a playoff spot The Lady Antlers advanced to the bidistrict round of playoffs

Tivy Tennis Nets Playoff Run

Running to State

Tivy High School sophomore Hannah Hood competed at the UIL State Cross Country Meet in Old Settlers Park in Round Rock on Nov. 5 after finishing in 9th place at the regional meet in Corpus Christi

The Tivy High School tennis team advanced through the playoffs, knocking out Leander Rouse and Medina Valley in route to the regional quarterfinals

Photo Courtesy Brandy McCoy/ Community Journal

Bullying includes an imbalance of power and is disruptive to a student’s educational environment