The Insider 2024

THE

INSIDER 2024

LEVEL UP

TCISD introduces new high school eSports program

ACCELERATING FUTURES

Early College High School program transforms high school experience

STAY CONNECTED

TCISD offers diverse communication channels

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THE INSIDER 2024

PUBLISHER

Texas City ISD Communications Department DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Melissa Tortorici COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Clarissa Silva PHOTOGRAPHY

Clarissa Silva Melissa Tortorici

WE’RE ONLINE www.tcisd.org

CONTENTS HOW TO CONTACT US

We would love to hear from you. Do you have any comments or suggestions on the stories you have read? Let us know how we are doing!

EMAIL

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT 1 A Message from Superintendent Dr. Melissa Duarte

FEATURES

mtortorici@tcisd.org

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Level Up

MAIL

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Accelerating Futures

1700 Ninth Avenue North Texas City, TX 77590 PHONE

(409) 916-0114

Stay Connected

BACK TO SCHOOL 7

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What you need to know for the 2024-25 school year

11 How to keep kids engaged and

learning during summer break

Texas City Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability, or any other legally protected status in employment or provision of services, programs or activities.

KUDOS 12 Superintendent’s AAA 15 Awards & Accomplishments

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FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT Pioneering innovative education programs for TCISD students

Recognizing the importance of academic competitions in fostering a love for learning, we also introduced an elementary UIL competition. This new program provides our younger students with the opportunity to compete in the same academic topics as their high school counterparts.

By engaging in UIL activities at an early age, our students develop critical thinking skills, enhance their academic abilities and experience the joy of competition. This initiative is a testament to our belief in nurturing talent and encouraging academic excellence from the very beginning of a student’s educational journey.

TCISD’s commitment to providing diverse and robust career and technical education (CTE) programs remains steadfast. We offer a wide range of CTE courses that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for various careers. One of the most exciting developments in our CTE offerings this year was the initiation of a Fire Academy in partnership with the Texas City Fire Department.

This program provides students with hands-on training and real-world experience in fire safety and emergency response. Graduates of the Fire Academy will be wellprepared to pursue careers as firefighters and emergency responders, fulfilling a critical need in our community and beyond.

At Texas City ISD, we are committed to providing our students with unparalleled opportunities that prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow. This year, we have introduced several groundbreaking initiatives designed to enhance the educational experiences of our students and open new pathways to success through innovative programs that are helping to shape their future.

These programs are just the beginning. At Texas City ISD, we are constantly exploring new ways to enhance the educational experience and provide our students with the tools they need to succeed. As we look to the future, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We will continue to expand our program offerings, strengthen our partnerships with local organizations and invest in cuttingedge technology to ensure that our students are wellprepared for the ever-evolving demands of the 21st century.

An exciting addition to our district’s offerings is the new eSports program at both La Marque High School and Texas City High School. eSports is more than just playing video games; it is a rapidly growing field that fosters teamwork, strategic thinking and technological proficiency.

Our students are engaging in competitive gaming, learning about game design and developing skills that are highly relevant in today’s digital world. This program not only provides a new and exciting extracurricular activity but also positions our students at the forefront of a burgeoning industry.

I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made and the bright future that awaits our students. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in education and foster an environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the success of TCISD.

Dr. Melissa Duarte

We are also immensely proud of our Early College High School initiative, which just finished it’s inaugural year. This program, available to incoming freshmen at both LMHS and TCHS, allows students to pursue an associate degree or complete up to 60 hours of college coursework through our partnership with College of the Mainland.

By integrating college-level courses into the high school curriculum, we are giving our high school students a head start on their higher education journey, reducing the time and cost required to earn a college degree. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to academic excellence and college readiness.

Superintendent of Schools

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COVER

TOP

La Marque High School student Juvoni Lozano practices playing Overwatch2.

Texas City High School student Luciano Perez smiles as he gets ready to play a game to prepare for a tournament.

ABOVE

TOP RIGHT Texas City High School students Damion Killian, Sebastian Cobb, Isaiah Berumen and James Allison La Marque High School student Chase Henderson react as they play Super Smash Bros. practices playing Overwatch2.

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LEVEL UP TCISD introduces new high school eSports program Texas City has hit the start button this school year on a new adventure, launching an eSports program at La Marque High School and Texas City High School.

As the popularity of eSports surges, TCISD wanted to harness this momentum to enrich student life and provide new academic and career opportunities.

The initiative aims to transform students from casual gamers into strategic champions and foster skills that extend beyond the screen. Chief Technology Officer Gina Covington said the program is designed with multiple objectives in mind.

“Our eSports program focuses on developing players’ skills both individually and as part of a team,” she said. “This includes improving strategic thinking, reflexes, communication and teamwork skills.”

One of the features of the new program is its integration into the existing curriculum. TCISD’s technology department collaborates with the career and technical education department to identify curriculum that aligns with state standards and eSports. Starting with the 2024-25 school year, a gaming design course will be offered at TCHS through the CTE department.

At LMHS, the program is part of the ACE 21st Century after-school program. Advisor Devyn Billiott said the program seamlessly blends into the school’s daily routine.

“Whether it’s math, history or English class, gaming can help students sharpen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” he said. “Plus, after school, we bring the fun with gaming events and tournaments that everyone can get involved in.”

TCISD has invested significantly in ensuring the success of the eSports program. Each campus is equipped with state-of-the-art gaming stations, high-speed computers with advanced graphic capabilities, gaming keyboards and mice. Currently, the teams compete in Overwatch2 and Super Smash Bros., titles that demand strategic depth and coordination. This robust support system ensures that students have everything they need to compete and succeed. In the program’s first year, two teams from TCHS qualified for the playoffs.

Covington said the eSports program offers students numerous opportunities for development, both academically and personally. Many eSports programs provide scholarships or financial incentives

for talented players, helping students support their education while pursuing their passion for gaming.

“The eSports industry has grown significantly in recent years, creating a range of job opportunities across various industries, including content creation, social media management, graphic design, game development and more,” she said.

For students, the program isn’t just about gaming, Billiott said.

“Through gaming, students develop crucial skills like teamwork, communication and leadership,” he said. “Plus, they build strong friendships within our gaming community, making their high school experience even more rewarding.”

A key objective for the eSports program is to promote diversity and inclusivity. The program is open to any student interested and provides students with a place to connect with others who share similar interests, which fosters relationships and a sense of community.

“What I want to provide is a community of culture,” said TCHS advisor Rebeccah Burnette. “I want to make sure every one of the students knows how important they are to me.”

The response from students has been positive.

LMHS student Chase Henderson said the challenge of playing with new people is fun.

“The more we play, the better we get,” he said. “The most fun thing is getting to play with other people who know what they’re doing.”

For Zander Gomez, a student at TCHS, the competitive aspect is a major draw.

“It’s exciting to get to play games competitively for the school instead of just playing with my friends at home,” he said.

LMHS student Juvoni Lozano said the best part of the eSports program was the teamwork involved.

“I’m a team player all the way,” he said. “The way some of the games are built and set up, you alone cannot be the deciding factor in anything. You have to work as a team, and if you try to work by yourself, it’s not going to work and you are going to lose.”

As TCISD’s eSports program develops, it’s clear the initiative is not just about gaming; it’s about building a community, fostering personal growth and preparing students for a future filled with possibilities.

Game on.

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ACCELERATING FUTURES TCISD’s Early College High School program transforms the high school experience Imagine graduating high school not just with a diploma, but also with an associate degree. For incoming freshmen at La Marque High School and Texas City High School, this dream is now a reality.

Texas City ISD rolled out an ambitious Early College High School program for the 2023-24 school year, offering students a head start on their college journey while still in high school.

The ECHS program marks a significant step in bridging the gap between high school and college and fosters an environment where students can thrive academically and prepare for their future careers. It is designed with a strong support system to ensure student success and academic growth. In addition to the expanded ECHS program for incoming freshmen, TCISD also continues to offer the Collegiate High School program for students starting in 11th grade.

“ECHS students are grouped and travel as a cohort with dedicated ECHS core content teachers to support students in performing to their fullest potential,” Anne Anderson, executive director for curriculum and instruction, said. “ECHS administrators also meet frequently with students to monitor their progress and achievement and provide encouragement and intervention when needed.”

This structured support system helps students navigate the demanding dual curriculum of high school and college courses to ensure they stay on track and receive the necessary assistance to succeed. Jodi Douglas, ECHS assistant principal at La Marque High School, noted the sense of community among the students.

“When you walk into classrooms, you see students logged into college courses, taking notes, studying together and actively participating,” she said. “The ECHS students are a tight-knit group and rely on each other as well as their instructors for support and motivation.”

Alyssa Newman, an ECHS student at LMHS, said her cohort is like a family.

“We know each other, we talk to each other,” she said.

“Everybody has each other’s back.”

With the wrap of the ECHS program’s first year, Anderson noted a number of successes. Seventy-three percent of the students earned three college credit hours by the end of the first semester. Eighteen percent of ECHS students have a 4.0 GPA in their college courses.

Bobby Temple, the ECHS assistant principal at TCHS,

said with those successes came a few challenges as students made the transition from middle school to a dual high school-college curriculum.

“Students had to make adjustments to their overall work ethic because they are now focusing on high school classes, two dual credit courses and passing college entrance exams like the TSIA,” he said. “Overall, the students did a great job with adjusting to high school and college life.”

ECHS students said they are enthused about the program and committed to taking advantage of this unique opportunity.

“I thought this would be a great opportunity for me because I always try my best,” Newman said. “I thought that if I get an associate degree in addition to my high school diploma, it will take me a step further in an easier, quicker route.” Newman plans to pursue a career as a medical stenographer and believes that the head-start ECHS provides will be invaluable when she transitions to college.

Leonardo Alday, an ECHS student at Texas City High School, echoed similar sentiments.

“The counselors came in and recommended this program if you wanted to start ahead for your college career,” he said. “ I said yes because the career I want to pursue takes 8-10 years of schooling to complete so I wanted to start as far ahead as possible.” Alday aspires to become a veterinarian and said he appreciates the rigorous preparation that ECHS offers.

TCISD is focused on further enhancing the ECHS experience. One of the primary goals for the upcoming year is to launch a Parent University, which Anderson said is designed to engage parents in understanding and being able to support their child’s academic growth through their time as ECHS students.

“It aims to bridge the gap between home and school and ensure that parents are well-equipped to support their children’s educational journey,” she said.

Temple said professional development for teachers working with ECHS students is also a key focus to help teachers better prepare students for the challenges of dual credit coursework and college entrance exams.

“TCISD believes our purpose is to educate, challenge and inspire our students and ECHS aligns perfectly with this,” Anderson said. “Our students are educated with the highest standards, challenged to push beyond what they think they are capable of and inspired to dream big and reach their goals.”

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TOP

TOP RIGHT

La Marque High School ECHS student Anniyah Reed prepares to dissect a squid in her Biology class.

TCHS Early College High School student Riyanna Williams works on an assignment in her English class.

ABOVE

BOTTOM RIGHT

ECHS students at Texas City High School attach their Biology project posters to the wall.

Lily Ybarra-Lynch, an ECHS student at La Marque High School, works on an assignment in her Biology class.

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STAY CONNECTED TCISD offers diverse communication channels Effective communication between schools and their communities is important for fostering a supportive and engaged environment. Texas City ISD recognizes this importance and employs a variety of communication channels to keep parents, students and the broader community informed and involved. From social media to podcasts and e-newsletters, TCISD wants to ensure that everyone stays connected and up-to-date with the latest news and events.

of arts and other programs, the YouTube channel is a treasure trove of content. @tcindependentschooldistrict

TCISD Today E-Newsletter

To ensure that parents and community members receive regular updates, TCISD publishes the TCISD Today weekly e-newsletter. This comprehensive e-newsletter features a mix of news, highlights of students and staff successes and timely information on upcoming events. Subscribers receive updates directly in their inbox, making it easy to stay informed.

Subscribe to the e-newsletter at www.tcisd.org/ subscribe.

Social Media

Social media has become an indispensable tool for communication, and TCISD uses several platforms to reach our community.

•Facebook (@TCISD): TCISD’s Facebook page is a hub for real-time updates, event announcements and important information. Follow the page to stay informed about upcoming events and celebratory posts highlighting student and staff achievements and district initiatives, school closures and emergency notifications.

•Instagram (@texascityisd): On Instagram, TCISD shares photos and reels that capture the spirit and activities within the district. From photos of classroom projects and sports events to stories showcasing student and staff accomplishments, TCISD’s Instagram is a personal and engaging way to connect.

•LinkedIn (@texascityisd): TCISD uses LinkedIn to connect with professionals and showcase the district’s achievements and opportunities.

Other Communication Channels

TCISD also uses several other methods to communicate with its stakeholders.

•District Website: The TCISD website – www.tcisd. org – is a central source of information, including district policies, calendars, contact information and resources for students and families.

•Parent-Teacher Conferences: Parent-teacher conferences provide an opportunity for face-to-face communication. These meetings are essential for discussing student progress, addressing concerns and building strong partnerships between parents and teachers.

TCISD even has a designated day just for conferences on Oct. 14, 2024.

•Automated Phone Calls and Emails: For urgent notifications and reminders, TCISD uses automated phone calls and emails. This ensures that critical information, such as weather-related closures or emergency alerts, reach families promptly. To ensure receipt of these messages, parents should make sure their contact information is current in their Skyward Family Access account. Text alerts will be added starting in the 2024-25 school year.

Texas City ISD is committed to providing effective communication to its families and community to ensure they are well-informed and engaged. These efforts not only keep everyone updated but also foster a strong, connected and supportive educational environment. Join us in staying connected and celebrating the achievements and opportunities within Texas City ISD!

TCISD Talks Podcast

The TCISD Talks podcast is the district’s newest way to engage with our community through storytelling and in-depth discussions. TCISD Talks provides listeners with insights into various aspects of the district.

The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including educational initiatives, interviews with staff and students and discussions about upcoming events. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or online at www.tcisd. org/tcisdtalks.

YouTube

Our videos showcase the vibrant life within Texas City ISD. TCISD’s YouTube channel features videos that highlight students, programs and events across the district. From coverage of district events to showcases

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2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

TOGE THER W E SU CC E E D

P.O. BOX 1150, Texas City, TX 77590

(409) 916-0100

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7:25 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Woodrow Wilson DAEP

7:55 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Guajardo Elementary Hayley Elementary Heights Elementary Kohfeldt Elementary Roosevelt-Wilson Elementary Simms Elementary

State Testing Dates Dec. 3-6, 10-13 April 8-11, 15-17, 22-25, 29-30 May 1-2 June 17-19, 24-26 (make up)

22 23 24 25 26 SH 28 29 30 Graduations TCHS: May 23 at 8 p.m.

LMHS: May 24 at 2 p.m.

SCHOOL TIMES 7:15 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.

La Marque High School Texas City High School Blocker Middle School

No Classes for Students Sept. 2, 20 Oct. 14-18 Nov. 25-29 Dec. 23-31 Jan. 1-8, 20 Feb. 14 March 17-21 April 18 Early Releases Dec. 20 and May 23

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IMPORTANT DATES

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8:25 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Calvin Vincent Early Childhood Levi Fry Intermediate 8:35 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.

Giles Middle School

Approved 1/9/2024 *STAAR testing dates are subject to change per TEA

Download the calendar from our website at www.tcisd.org/calendar.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

2024-2025 SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST PRE-KINDERGARTEN q q q q q q q q q q q q q

2 box of facial tissues 2 8-oz. bottles school glue 2 glue sticks 1 box Ziploc bags (quart) 1 box Ziploc bags (gallon) 1 pkg. paper plates (no styrofoam) 1 roll paper towels 1 box crayons Dry erase markers Watercolors 1 pkg. of socks in your child’s size 1 pkg. of underwear in your child’s size 1 clear backpack (non-rolling, not mesh) with child’s name on straps only

KINDERGARTEN q q q q q q q

1 pair metal scissors 24 No. 2 pencils 4 large pink erasers 6 boxes 24-count basic color crayons 4 8-oz. bottles school glue 8 glue sticks 2 pkgs. asst. construction paper, 12x18 q 2 pkgs. manila paper, 12x18 q 1 plastic school supply box q 1 3-ring pencil pouch q 1 composition notebook, wide-ruled q 2 plastic folders with pockets and brads q 2 pkgs. dry erase markers q 1 pkg. 8-count washable markers q 2 yellow highlighters q 1 backpack (non-rolling) q 3 large boxes facial tissue q 1 8-oz. bottle hand sanitizer q 1 pkg. baby wipes q Girls: 1 pkg. brown paper lunch bags

1 box Ziploc bags (gallon) q Boys: 1 pkg. 9-inch paper plates

1 box Ziploc bags (quart) q 1 pair of headphones (not wireless)

1ST GRADE q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q

1 pair metal scissors 24 No. 2 pencils 4 boxes 24-count basic color crayons 2 8-oz. bottles school glue 1 pkg. assorted construction paper, 9x12 1 pkg. manila paper, 12x18 1 plastic school supply box 10 glue sticks 4 composition notebooks, wide-ruled 2 highlighters 1 backpack (non-rolling) 2 large boxes facial tissue 4 pink erasers 2 8-oz. bottles hand sanitizer 4 vinyl folders with pockets and brads 6 dry erase markers Girls: 2 box Ziploc bags (quart) Boys: 1 box Ziploc bags (gallon) 1 pair of headphones (not wireless)

2ND GRADE q q q q q q

1 pair pointed scissors 6 boxes of No. 2 pencils 3 boxes 24-count basic color crayons 8 glue sticks 1 ruler 4 spiral notebooks, wide-ruled (70-count) q 1 pkg. of notebook paper, wide-ruled q 6 dry erase markers, black q 8 pink erasers q 1 zipper pouch q 1 binder, 1-inch (white preferred) q 1 pkg. 5-count dividers q 1 backpack (non-rolling) q 4 large boxes facial tissue q 2 8-oz. bottles hand sanitizer q 2 vinyl folders with pockets and brads q Girls: 1 box Ziploc bags (quart)

1 pkg. asst. construction paper, 9x12 q Boys: 1 box Ziploc bags (gallon)

1 pkg. manila paper (9x12) q 1 pair of headphones (not wireless)

3RD GRADE q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q

1 pair pointed scissors 6 boxes of No. 2 pencils 1 pencil pouch 4 pink erasers 2 boxes 24-count basic color crayons 4 glue sticks 3 spiral notebooks, wide-ruled 3 pkgs. notebook paper, wide-ruled 1 pkg. asst. construction paper 1 pkg. manila paper 1 pkg. index cards 1 box colored pencils 1 3-ring binder, 1-inch 3 composition books 2 red pens 2 yellow highlighters 2 dry erase markers 5 vinyl folders with pockets and brads 1 backpack (non-rolling) 4 large boxes facial tissue 1 8-oz. bottle hand sanitizer Girls: 1 box Ziploc bags (sandwich) Boys: 1 box Ziploc bags (gallon) 1 pair of headphones (not wireless)

4TH GRADE q q q q q q q q q q q q

1 pair pointed scissors 6 boxes of No. 2 pencils 2 boxes 24-count basic color crayons 6 glue sticks 2 pkgs. of highlighters 1 pkg. red pens 3 composition notebooks 3 spiral notebooks 3-ring binder, 1-inch 1 school supply pouch 1 box map pencils 2 pkgs. pencil cap erasers

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q q q q q q q

4 pocket folders with brads 2 pkgs. notebook paper, wide-ruled 1 pkg. dry erase markers 1 backpack (non-rolling) 3 large boxes facial tissue 1 8-oz. bottle hand sanitizer Girls: 1 box Ziploc bags (quart)

1 pkg. large construction paper q Boys: 1 box Ziploc bags (gallon)

1 pkg. manila paper q 1 pair of headphones (not wireless)

5TH GRADE q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q

1 pkg. construction paper 5 folders with pockets and brads 1 pkg. map pencils 6 pkgs. No. 2 pencils 2 pkgs. blue or black ink pens 1 pencil pouch 2 pkgs. pencil cap erasers 2 pkgs. notebook paper, wide-ruled 5 spiral notebooks 3 composition notebooks 3 large boxes facial tissue 2 dry erase markers, black 1 handheld pencil sharpener 1 bottle of glue 4 pkgs. index cards 1 student scissors 1 3-ring binder, 1-inch Girls: 1 box Ziploc bags (quart) Boys: 1 box Ziploc bags (gallon) 1 pair of earbuds or headphones (not wireless)

6TH GRADE q q q q q q q q q q q q q q

6 folders with pockets and brads 2 pkgs. map pencils 1 pkg. blue or black ink pens 6 pkgs. No. 2 pencils 2 pkgs. pencil cap erasers 6 pkgs. notebook paper, wide-ruled 8 spiral notebooks 2 pkgs. index cards 3 large boxes facial tissue 1 handheld pencil sharpener 3 glue sticks 1 wooden ruler 2 dry erase markers, black Girls: 1 box Ziploc bags (gallon)

1 pkg. 9x12 construction paper q Boys: 1 box Ziploc bags (quart)

1 pkg. 12x18 construction paper q 1 pair of earbuds or headphones (not wireless)

7TH-12TH GRADES q

Students will need notebook paper, pens, pencils, spiral notebooks, folders and binders.

Specific teacher supply lists will be provided on the first day of school. q 1 pair of earbuds * Additional supplies may be requested by the teacher on the first day of school. Please send all supplies at one time. Put your child’s name on all outdoor clothing and backpack straps.

Supplies should be replaced throughout the year. Rolling backpacks are not acceptable.

BACK TO SCHOOL

P3 CAMPUS Texas City ISD uses an anonymous tip reporting application called P3 Campus, a vital tool that has proven to keep our schools and students safe.

School community members can report about a wide range of concerns, from mental health issues to threats of violence through our P3 Campus mobile app or through any web browser at P3 Campus.com.

Download the free app today on your phone and encourage your students to do the same. If you know about a potential threat, please report it immediately.

SAFETY RESPONSE PROTOCOL Texas City ISD has adopted the “I Love You Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol. Students and staff will be training, practicing and drilling the protocol throughout the year.

WHAT IS A SECURE EVENT? Secure is called when there is something dangerous outside the building. Students and staff are brought into the building and doors are locked. The event may not be on school grounds.

SHOULD PARENTS COME TO THE SCHOOL DURING A SECURE EVENT? No. Every effort is made to conduct classes as normal during a Secure event.

WILL PARENTS BE NOTIFIED WHEN A SCHOOL GOES INTO SECURE? When a Secure event is brief or the hazard is non-violent, like a stray animal on the playground, there may not be a need to notify parents while the Secure is in place. With longer or more intense events, the school should notify parents that the school has increased their security. Please note, we will communicate once accurate information is gathered and verified.

WHAT IS A LOCKDOWN EVENT? A Lockdown is called when there is something dangerous inside the building. Students and staff are trained to enter or remain in a room that can be locked and maintain silence. A Lockdown is only initiated when there is an active threat inside or very close to the building.

SHOULD PARENTS COME TO THE SCHOOL DURING A LOCKDOWN? The natural inclination for parents is to go to the school during a Lockdown. It’s understandable, but perhaps problematic. If there is a threat inside the building, law enforcement will be responding. It is unlikely that parents will be granted access to the building or even the campus. If parents are already in the school, they will be instructed to Lockdown as well.

SHOULD PARENTS TEXT THEIR STUDENTS? The school recognizes the importance of communication between parents and students during a Lockdown event.

Parents should be aware, though, during the initial period of a Lockdown, it may not be safe for students to text their parents. As the situation resolves, students may be asked to update their parents on a regular basis. In some cases, students may be evacuated and transported off-site for a student-parent reunification.

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PREVENTING THE SUMMER SLUMP How to keep kids engaged and learning during summer break Some call it “summer learning loss,” others call it the “summer slump.” Either way, the idea is the same: without regular practice, new skills and knowledge fade. Studies suggest that kids can backtrack during the summertime, but there are ways to avoid the summer slump and make the most of the summer – without sacrificing summer fun. Here are some ways to help students maintain the knowledge they learned over the year.

participate in some sort of educational activity over their break.

Encourage teens to take math or science-related jobs that will help them refine their academic abilities while learning important job skills.

Look for summer camps or programs that utilize skills learned in math, such as robotics or space camps.

Find ways to add math to daily activities, such as calculating the volume of water at the city pool.

Let teens get in on the trip-planning action by setting a budget, calculating fuel needs or figuring the distance between destinations.

Keep them reading

Studies have show that kids can lose up to 25 percent of their reading skills over the summer months, which can have a significant impact on their ability to get back into the school swing in the fall. Scholastic Books cites research that shows reading just six books over the summer months can go far in keeping students on track when they return to the classroom.

Find something to read every day. Encourage kids to read the comics in the newspaper every morning or online resources while playing on their computer or tablet. Find things your kids want to read. Ask the librarian at your local library for recommendations.

Read aloud. Ask your child to read a paragraph from his current book to you at night or read to him before bed. Children of all ages can benefit from hearing books read aloud to them.

Keep the mind sharp during summer

Encourage children to research interesting places in your town or nearby. They can learn about local history, geography and cultural spots. This activity promotes reading and learning while getting them excited about exploring their own community.

Dedicate half an hour daily for family reading time, solving math problems or enjoying brain teasers, crossword puzzles and word searches. When the whole family participates, children are more likely to enjoy these educational activities.

Stock up on books, comic books and games that children can enjoy at home or in the backyard. Use this time to engage in conversations with your kids or play classic games like charades or board games.

Provide children with alternative activities that inspire creativity, such as arts and crafts, storytelling or building projects. These activities help ensure that their minds continue to grow and develop throughout the summer vacation.

Hang on to math facts

Math is another subject that tends to get lost in the summer shuffle. According to the National Association for Summer Learning, students lose approximately two months of math skills in the summer if they don’t

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SUPERINTENDENT’S ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS This award promotes academic excellence and recognizes students who demonstrate exemplary academic scholarship in grades 6-12. Students must maintain an A average for every course each semester, meet attendance requirements each semester and maintain an excellent discipline record in order to receive the award. The Academic Achievement Award recipients are listed with the number of years they have received the award.

12TH GRADE Salahadin Allah, 1 Lexie Allred-Rojas, 2 Marissa Argueta, 2 Marian Ashcraft, 8 Kamorie Batts, 1 Katy Bennett, 2 A’Maree Bledsoe, 2 Vincent Brown, 1 Miguel Campos, 6 Adrian Castaneda, 4 Janeese Castille, 3 Collin Chapa, 2 Jordan Davis, 2 River Dickman, 2 Karla Fabela, 8 Alfred Ferguson, 1 Stefanie Fernandez, 2 Rickey Green, 1 Camryn Greif, 2 Morgan Guerra, 6 Jasia Harris, 2 Kaclynn Hawkins, 1 Kahlen Hayes, 1 Jonathan Henderson, 1 Mirellie Hernandez, 1 Nathan Hudnall, 7 Christian Hugonin, 1 Erica Ikaria, 3 Emma Iles, 1 Anson Johnson, 4 Reginald Jones, 1 Marcus Khaleeli, 3 Legend Kuate, 7 Parker Loney, 1 Azalea Longoria, 8 Alec Lozano, 2 Karissa Luper, 1 Aiden Mackechney, 1 Brooke Matranga, 1 Lillianna Matranga, 1 Malachi McNair, 1 Lily Melchor, 8 Mya Miranda, 6 Emily Nolasco, 1 Alexandria Peck, 1 Michael Piazza, 4 Max Pickett, 4 Emily Pierson, 1 Emma Prolic, 4 Marlyn Reyes, 2 Natalia Rojas, 1

Maria Romero, 2 Gabriel Rowland, 2 Cynthia Sanchez, 2 Kylie Schmidt, 4 Nicole Spriggs, 8 Myrna Stevens, 2 Yasmyn Stewart, 1 Kady Stoker, 1 Lauren Taylor, 1 Aleah Taylor, 1 Daniel Thomas, 1 Avery Torres, 6 Madison Tucker, 8 Tre Vargas, 1 Sean Vaughn, 1 Augustine Veliz, 4 Amiya Villanueva, 2 Drake Wood, 1 Payton Young, 1 11TH GRADE Joseph Blakeman, 2 Callie DuPree, 2 Desirae Gauna, 4 Jamal Hurt, 4 Barney Kelley, 1 Kiara Kollas, 1 Melanie Lerma, 1 Lane Marburger, 4 Niyana Martinez, 1 Victoria Mayes, 1 Sophia Ministerio, 4 Abigail Owens, 4 Madison Owens, 4 Joshua Perez, 1 Gavin Smith, 2 Lucas Solis, 1 Melanie Surovik, 6 Kailey Thompson, 6 10TH GRADE Elizabeth Carnes, 1 Sebastian Cobb Preble, 1 Jordan Cortez-Squier, 5 Chloe Faulkner, 1 Nathaniel Fox, 6 Braylyn Harris, 5 Randi Henderson, 5 Andrew Hipp, 6 Alesandro Martinez, 6 Erick Martinez, 4 Natasha Martinez, 1 Jenna Mayor, 6

Ricky Meno, 2 Hayden Milner, 4 Adan Morales, 5 Connor Morgan, 5 Logan Pedraza, 6 Karen Salazar, 2 Patience Salusbury, 6 Julia Selvera, 3 Trinitey Spencer, 2 Abby Stokes, 6 Alaina Travis, 1 Jamelia Wallace, 6 9TH GRADE Kamden Barton, 4 Aaliyah Boone, 1 Mica Chapman, 4 J’Lynn Davis, 3 Trey Lampkin, 1 Kennedy Rudolph, 2 Katherine Salazar, 3 Joseph Salenger, 4 Isabella Salinas, 1 Da Zavion Sears, 1 Natalie Tran, 4 Moises Vega, 2 Forrest Weaks, 4 8TH GRADE Megan Bahena, 1 Natasha Barringer, 1 Evan Biggs, 2 Isabel Campos, 3 Luis Cantera, 3 Christopher Castano, 3 Morgan Castille, 3 Julia Chapman, 3 Gabrielle English, 3 Eric Garza, 2 Jonah Guevara, 2 Gavin Gutierrez, 2 Vontrel Horton, 1 Halyn Knowlton, 2 Shayne Loop, 2 Avery Lozano, 3 Alexis Mayeux, 3 Sydney Mays, 1 Chandler McNeil, 3 Venters Ni, 1 Angelica Pereira Carollo, 2 7TH GRADE Yahaira Alvarez, 2 Bethany Barker, 2

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Cade Bunker, 2 Samiah Daniels, 1 Alberto Estrada, 1 Zaid Fabela Perez, 1 Serenity Gray, 1 Zachary Gutierrez, 2 Kyrie Jaramillo, 2 Wyatt Jeong, 1 Peyton Manis, 1 Gabriella Martinez, 1 Michelle Morales, 1 Josephine Moran, 1 Abigail Rivas, 2 Tori Sendejas, 2 6TH GRADE Mateo Aguilera, 1 Maria Almaguer Sanchez, 1 Daylen Armstrong, 1 Genesis Barrera, 1 Scarlett Bell, 1 Ella Castillo, 1 Anthony Delgado, 1 Paris Franklin, 1 Charlotte Godeaux, 1 Makayla Harris, 1 Britney Jaime-Pantoja, 1 Noah Johnston, 1 Fernanda Juarez, 1 Sean Keeswood, 1 Emma Khodabandehloo, 1 Raynie Lee, 1 Jaxon Lehrman, 1 Au’Lonnie Lewis, 1 Brayan Lopez, 1 Andrea Maldonado, 1 Malia Medina, 1 Anisa Nhim, 1 Leonardo Ortiz, 1 Kelsey Perthuis, 1 Nathan Price, 1 Naziyah Randle, 1 Raymond Reyes, 1 Kayden Richardson, 1 Nataly Salazar Rios, 1 Amari Samuels, 1 Londyn Scott, 1 Manuel Solis, 1 Jadynn Walker, 1 Liam White, 1 Makayla Williams, 1 Marleigh Wilson, 1

LMHS VALEDICTORIAN

TCHS VALEDICTORIAN

Legend Kuate

Karla Fabela

LMHS SALUTATORIAN

TCHS SALUTATORIAN

Adrian Castaneda

Nicole Spriggs

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STAFF UPDATES Texas City ISD announces new administrators for the 2024-25 school year

GONZALEZ PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

RANDALL PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL AT KOHFELDT ELEMENTARY

KIMBLE SELECTED AS PRINCIPAL AT SIMMS ELEMENTARY

Dio Gonzalez has been promoted to Director of Emergency Management and Safety. In this crucial role, Gonzalez will ensure the safety and protection of our students, staff and assets. With his extensive experience as the district’s emergency management coordinator, he brings invaluable expertise in managing emergency procedures.

Dr. Angela Randall has been promoted from assistant principal at RooseveltWilson Elementary to principal at Kohfeldt Elementary. Randall is a true TCISD success story, hailing from Texas City High School herself. Dr. Randall has 30 years of educational experience, including teaching multiple grades, serving as an academic Specialist and assistant principal.

John Kimble is the new principal at Simms Elementary. He started his career in education in 2012 and is an experienced principal from Houston ISD. He most recently served as the principal at Codwell Elementary School. Prior to becoming a principal, he served as a teacher and then as an assistant principal at Lawson Middle School.

BOND 2022 UPDATES

TCISD MARATHON STEM AND ROBOTICS CENTER The new TCISD Marathon STEM and Robotics Center opened in January 2024 and hosted its first robotics tournament in February. The center is now home to the district’s robotics program and regularly hosts classroom lessons for all district students.

CALVIN VINCENT EARLY CHILDHOOD A groundbreaking for the new Calvin Vincent Early Childhood Center was held in February 2024. Since then, crews have

completed installation of the building utilities and fire line, as well as the pouring of the main entry. The building slab is scheduled to be poured in July. The school is set to open in August 2025..

TCISD AGRICULTURE CENTER The design development phase for the TCISD Agriculture Center has been completed. With the design phase complete, architects will move forward with securing construction documents.

Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2024 and the planned

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completion date is November 2025.

LA MARQUE HIGH SCHOOL The new LMHS is currently in the permitting process with the City of La Marque, Texas Department of Transportation and Galveston County Drainage District No. 2. Construction will begin once these three governing authorities approve of the engineering storm water drainage design for the site.

To stay up-to-date on the progress of bond projects, visit www.tcisd.org/bond22.

Texas City ISD, its students and staff continued a tradition of excellence this school year by earning prestigious awards in many areas.

PROCTOR, GRIPP AND GIBSON NAMED TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Texas City ISD named the district’s 2024 Teachers of the Year at its annual employee banquet. Calvin Vincent Early Childhood’s Haley Proctor was named New Teacher of the Year.

Cara Gripp from RooseveltWilson Elementary was named Elementary Teacher of the Year and Rubye Richard Gibson from Texas City High School was named Secondary Teacher of the Year.

TCHS STUDENTS ADVANCE TO STATE UIL CONTEST Two students from the TCHS UIL Academics Journalism team advanced to the State UIL Academics contest! Lily Melchor competed in Feature Writing and Sarah Vasquez competed in Editorial Writing. q TWO SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES PLACE AT STATE Two Texas City ISD Special Olympics athletes advanced to the State Special Olympics Track Meet and ran away winners.

Timothy Gasaway placed first in shot-put and third in the 100 meter race. Kalynn Blake Gerhardt placed first in the 100 meter race walk and second

in shot-put. Their coaches are Shone Evans and M.C. Giusti.

WOODROW’S DYDA EARNS WHATATEACHER GRANT Jamie Dyda, a teacher at Woodrow Wilson DAEP was awarded a $1,000 WhataTeacher grant from Whataburger. In his nomination for Ms. Dyda, Principal Don Jones highlighted her incredible dedication and impact on students. For 13 years, Mrs. Dyda has poured her heart into teaching science for grades 9-12 and serving as Woodrow Wilson’s technology liaison, all while going above and beyond to support our students. Her passion and commitment shine through in everything she does, from creating engaging lessons to fostering positive studentteacher relationships.

p KELLEY EARNS RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION AT FAIR Texas City High School FFA student BG Kelley clinched the title of 2024 Reserve Grand Champion in the market broiler division at the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo. FFA advisors are Nikki Ashcraft, Cassandra Griffis and Morgan Richards.

GILES DANCE TEAM EARNS BEST GROUP PERFORMANCE The Giles Middle School Cougar Dolls took the stage at the Future For Us Black History Talent Show in Galveston hosted by Central Middle School and wowed the crowd, earning them the well-deserved title of Best Intermediate Group Performance. Their teacher is Quinesha Thomas.

TCHS’S SLATON EARNS FIRST-EVER GOLD SEAL AWARD AT VASE Alexandria Slaton of Texas City High School was TCISD’s first-ever Gold Seal winner at the State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). Out of 35,000 artworks, only the top 7% receive this honor. Her artwork will be exhibited statewide, including at the TAEA Fall Conference in Galveston!

Leandro Martinez from La Marque High School also advanced to the State VASE competition.

TAFE STUDENTS ADVANCE TO NATIONAL COMPETITION Four TCHS students advanced to the Educators Rising Nationals in Washington, DC. They include Kady Stoker, Mariah Costilla, Jake Chapman and Patience Salusbury.

Students from the La Marque

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High School and Texas City High School Ready Set Teach program also advanced to the Texas Association of Future Educators State Competition. LMHS students Megan McCauley and Roddrick Woods received silver award recognition for their interactive bulletin board, Destiny Edmonson received Student of the Year and Alaina Martinez and Victoria Alvarez competed in the Educational Leadership Fundamentals test.

Thirteen TCHS students and one Blocker Middle School student also competed at the state contest. Franky Garcia received gold in Teacher Created Materials, Kayla O’Neal and Gabby Pereira Salazar received gold in Project Visualize and Hayden Miner and Laney Simon earned silver in Interactive Bulletin Board. Maleia Brooks is the Ready Set Teach instructor for LMHS and Christina Hartsfield is the instructor for TCHS.

p ITC PIPEFITTING STUDENT EARNS TOP PRIZE AT CONTEST Students in the Pipe Fabrication Class at TCISD’s Industrial Trades Center competed at the Weld Test Institute’s Best of the Best competition. Jeremiah Smith, a senior in level two, showcased his exceptional skills and determination, clinching first place among five competitors in Pipe Fabrication.

His hard work paid off with

a bronze belt, $200 worth of DeWalt tools, $500 cash reward and qualification for the Rodeo’s Hardship fund! Juniors Devin Luther and Fernando Sanchez displayed remarkable prowess in their respective fields. Devin wowed judges with his precise 6-inch 40 pipe weld, while Fernando’s structural plate welding skills shone bright against tough competition. Their instructor is Troy Smith.

TCHS CHOIR RECEIVES TOP AWARD AT UIL CONTEST The Master Chorale from Texas City High School wowed everyone at the Region 17 UIL Concert and Sight-singing Evaluation with their impeccable performance, earning Superior ratings from all three concert judges. In the sight-singing room, they showcased their talent by securing an Excellent rating. The Varsity Women’s Choir earned a Superior rating from all three judges!

In the Sight-singing room, they surpassed expectations with another Superior rating.

This incredible performance earned them a Sweepstakes trophy. Their director is Eddie Vandewalker. q TCISD RECEIVES LARGE BUSINESS AWARD FROM TC-LM CHAMBER Texas City ISD was honored this year with the prestigious Large Business Award at the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala! As one

of the largest employers in the Texas City-La Marque area, with 1,400 dedicated employees, TCISD is deeply committed to excellence, innovation and community engagement.

This recognition underscores the district’s unwavering commitment to serving its students and community with passion and dedication.

BLOCKER ART STUDENTS RECEIVE TOP RATINGS Blocker Middle School art students showcased their artistic prowess at the Jr. VASE Contest. Ten students received accolades for their exceptional work. Guided by their creativity and passion, they faced rigorous evaluations, demonstrating technique, expression and more.

Among them, eight students earned a remarkable Rating IV, showcasing excellence in their artwork, while two received a strong Rating III. Two students achieved a perfect score, a testament to their incredible talent and dedication! Rating IV: Cristal Cruces, Leila Mokhtari, Ariana Herrera, Makaela Gonzales, Christian Garcia, Itzel Barragan, Isabella OchoaArizpe (Perfect Score) and Alexis Mayeux (Perfect Score). Rating III: Jax Sanchez and Ami Garza.

Their teacher is Lola Rios.

INDOOR PERCUSSION TEAM FINISHES SECOND AT STATE The Texas City High School Indoor Percussion finished in second place at the

TCGC Percussion State Championships, earning a welldeserved silver medal. Indoor Percussion is a supplement to the concert season for the high school percussionists. Their directors are Benjamin Guillotte and Jared Angel. p LMHS COUGAR BAND EARNS SWEEPSTAKES The La Marque Cougar Band clinched Sweepstakes at the UIL Region 13 Concert Band and Sightreading evaluation, earning straight ones on stage and in sightreading. This was their second Sweepstakes award of the year, after earning the recognition in the fall during their UIL marching evaluation.

Their directors are Kevin Black and Marvis Jones.

TROCONIS, BLAND NAMED PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR Rebeca Troconis, principal of Calvin Vincent Early Childhood was named Elementary Principal of the Year and Kanestra Bland, Giles Middle School principal, was named Secondary Principal of the Year. Mrs. Troconis guides our youngest learners with grace and dedication at Calvin Vincent Early Childhood Learning Center, while Ms. Bland inspires and challenges the students at Giles Middle School.

TCHS FORENSIC SCIENCE STUDENTS COMPETE AT STATE SKILLSUSA Five Texas City High School

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Forensic Science students represented TCISD at the state SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference. Ashlyn Fountain, Marlyn Reyes, Madison Tucker, Genesis Lara and Jaiden Riley each earned superior ratings for their Crime Scene Models in Criminal Justice exhibits.

Marlyn and Jaiden also received a flawless score of 400 on their project. Their advisor is Abigail Davalos.

p JANICE FINISHES SECOND AT STATE POWERLIFTING MEET La Marque High School’s Kai Janice earned second place at the THSPA State Powerlifting meet with a personal record total of 1,735. Texas City High School’s Carmine Benavides, Braylyn Harris and Anthony Lozano also competed at the state meet. LMHS’s Cherish Elder and TCHS lifters Nevaeh Garrett, Makenna Martinez and Myla Mosley advanced to the compete in the girls’ division of the state meet. Amber Rozier is the LMHS powerlifting coach and Derrick Taylor is the TCHS coach.

OUR BOARD

DISTRICT 1

Melba Anderson

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 3

Mable Pratt

Nakisha Paul

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 6

David Moss

Hal Biery

DUTIES OF THE BOARD The policies established by the board, acting as a body, are executed by the administration of the schools. Trustees adopt a budget, which is necessary to maintain and operate the schools, levy taxes to support the budget and submit bond issues to the district’s community to finance construction projects. The board also appoints the superintendent as its chief executive officer.

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD Regular meetings are scheduled

DISTRICT 4

Lori Carnes

AT-LARGE

Randy Dietel

on the second Tuesday of each month and are held in the board room of the Simpson Education Support Center, 1700 Ninth Avenue N., in Texas City.

Board meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise designated.

When necessary, the board schedules other public meetings — special meetings, emergency meetings, study sessions and work sessions — to conduct additional business and for in-depth study of programs and issues.

1700 NINTH AVENUE N. TEXAS CITY, TX 77590 409-916-0100 | www.TCISD.org

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) requires school districts to notify parents, students, faculty and employees annually of the presence of asbestos in the facilities and to inform them of how it is managed. The act also requires that a management plan be written and approved by the Texas Department of Health. Copies of TCISD’s approved management plan are available in the TCISD Business Office, the Maintenance Department and individual schools. For more information, contact Don Pursley, executive director of maintenance and operations, at 409-916-0141.

ACCELERATING FUTURES TCISD’s Early College High School program transforms the high school experience.

READ STORY, PAGE 4

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