BOARD COMMUNICATIONS MEMORANDUM DR. BOBBIE TREVINO, SUPERINTENDENT | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment & Accountability | Human Resources & Leadership Development Business & Finance | Innovation & Technology | Operations & Support Services | Compliance & School Safety
ZCISD: EMPOWERING TOMORROW’S LEADERS SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS: It is the season where we reflect in gratitude on the blessings in our lives. For ZCISD, this season is both busy and fun. We get an opportunity to interact with students from all grade levels through the different holiday events hosted by the district. Central Office was transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland and we welcomed all of our PreK-1st grade students that provided entertainment with the many Christmas Carols they sang. It was a glorious event! On December 6-8, 2023 I traveled to the Holdsworth Center in Austin to attend the Superintendent Leadership Cohort session. It was our last session as part of the program and we were celebrated with a graduation ceremony on Thursday evening. The learning I experienced was invaluable and I am very grateful for this awesome learning opportunity. I have implemented many of the things I have learned both for my own personal growth and for the growth of my leadership team. The journey continues as we look towards the new year with anticipation! We received the Texas Accountability Performance Report without ratings and we will be diving into the data during out January board meetings. However, I am very proud of each campus's performance and for the leadership the principals and their teams exhibited. I am confident of our progress and know that this year we will demonstrate growth. As we close out this first semester, I take a moment to thank each of the board members for their support and leadership and I wish you all the best of holidays with your family and friends! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Strategic Goal #1 We will ensure innovative, relevant, and high-quality learning opportunities are provided to all students in pursuit of college, career, and military readiness. The 2023 ZCISD Intra-District Elementary UIL Meet was a whirlwind of excitement, intelligence, and camaraderie! Academic prowess was on full display with students participating in 14 academic events from Grade 2 through Grade 5. Emphasizing both individual skills and teamwork, students prepare throughout the fall semester via after school practices. A special shout-out to coaches and organizers who worked tirelessly to create an inspiring environment.
During the months of November and December, our Curriculum Team continued to build teacher capacity by following our professional development calendar with multiple opportunities to support our teachers with the implementation and instructional delivery of high quality curriculum. Our New Teacher Academy ensured that newly hired teachers receive the support necessary to become stronger in classroom management and in content. Our district and campus leaders engaged in the continuation of the “Leadership Definition,” as well as in lead4ward professional development, CRIMSI School Leader Support, and ELT/DLT to be able to lead our district into continuous school improvement. In reference to Accountability, Zapata County ISD and all of our campuses received the 2023 Accountability Reports and Data Tables (without ratings or distinction designations), the 2023 Results Driven Accountability (RDA), and the 2023 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR). We are proud to announce that Zapata Middle School is no longer a Comprehensive Support Campus, having met federal requirements 2 years in a row. We are also proud to announce that none of our campuses were identified as schools for improvement based on federal requirements. The analysis of STAAR Data and these reports drove our individualized Campus Data Chats, in which campus principals, along with their instructional team, examined campus data and special population trends, developed an action plan and described monitoring processes, and most importantly set goals for their campuses for continuous academic growth. Most importantly, the great efforts of our principals, teachers and students, was highlighted as the curriculum team visited campuses and provided feedback to campus administration on the amazing learning occurring at their campuses along with recommendations for increased rigor and engagement. These learning opportunities are witnessed in and out of the classroom, as we also see the outstanding accomplishments of our students as they perform in the many events held at and out of our district. I would especially love to highlight the performance of our Zapata Middle School Mariachi Halcon Juvenil at the lead4ward Conference. As we close of the Fall Semester, we
can attest to ensuring that learning and teaching remain in the forefront for Zapata County ISD.
Strategic Goal #2 We will promote a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment to meet the needs of all students. Elementary counselors attended a two-day certificate program that provided an intensive experiential workshop where they learned how to deliver evidenced-based programs and interventions to grieving individuals and communities. As explained by our counselors, grief, loss, death and dying are usually topics avoided, minimized, or denied. Knowing how to engage and help individuals navigate the grieving process is crucial to prevent complicated grief or intense grief symptoms. They walked away with tools, such as discussion guides and sample care plans, and engaged in hands-on activities to learn skills that can immediately be implemented and ‘turned-around’ to our high school and middle school counselors. School Safety: During the month of November & December our district campuses continued conducting their practice emergency drills as required by state law. We are pleased to announce that all drills for the fall semester will be completed by December 19, 2023 and will be ready for the spring semester drills beginning in January. In addition our campuses were visited by the Region One Service Center for PBIS Coaching and implementation to help them better manage discipline and behavior. Every one of our campuses has made great strides with this program in just our 2nd year of implementation with the support of Region One. After getting a Safety & Security Audit done back in August, our Executive Director of Compliance & School Safety held a meeting with campus principals on November 15th to begin addressing some of the findings from the audit. The following concerns will be addressed by the principals with their staff and will be completed by December 17, 2023 with a walk-through/inspection done by campus principals and Mr. Garcia on January 8-9, 2024: 1. Classrooms - 18 inches of clearance from roof if fire sprinkler is present/24 inches of clearance if NO fire sprinkler is present. 2. Hand Sanitizers(gel), Lysol, or any other aerosol will be stored & secured by teachers. 3. Christmas lights, string of lights, etc. will be removed if used in the classroom or around bulletin boards. 4. Any type of lamp used in the classrooms. 5. Door windows – Uncovered at all times. 6. IDF/MDF Rooms (Technology) – get cleaned out of student furniture, books, boxes, etc. 7. Door stops will get removed from classroom doors. 8. Remove Scentsys and plug-ins. 9. Replace ceiling tiles in classrooms & hallways. 10. Remove and avoid hanging things from the ceiling. 11. Have teachers lock their classrooms when not in use. 12. Any other items that are unique to their campus. List was shared with principals through a google drive folder. Lastly, we got an intruder audit done at Zapata High School on December 5th and there were no findings which means everything was in compliance with our exterior doors and weekly exterior door sweeps documentation.
Strategic Goal #3 We will create a strong student-centered partnership between families, teachers, administrators, and community to ensure all district initiatives are met. On November 3rd, the District held their 5th annual Superintendent's Tailgate. This community event brought parents and students from all schools together for food, fun and great entertainment. The event showcased student dance and cheer groups from all campuses. Performances by the Zapata High School Mariachi and the Mighty Hawk Band were also included in the program.
Students and families gathered on Friday, November 10 to honor our Veterans at our Annual Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Zapata County Courthouse. The program was facilitated by Ms. Madison Grimes, ZHS JROTC Cadet. Students council officers from each campus took turns in special presentations. ZHS Mighty Hawk Band filled the second and third floors of the courthouse and played several selections. Ms. Ashley Dominguez, Mariachi Halcon Vocalist, sang the National Anthem, while the JROTC Color Guard posted our U.S. and Texas flags. Zapata Middle School hosted the reception following the ceremony at the Dora O. Martinez Boardroom where guests were entertained by ZMS Mariachi and enjoyed a tamalada with sweets and pastries. By January 1, 2024, the Boys and Girls Club of Zapata will kick off the first intramural sport of our interlocal agreement Soccer! They currently have five co-ed teams which consist of over 80 pre registered students in grades 3rd - 6th. As discussed in a previous school board meeting, this initiative will continue throughout the semester with football, volleyball and, ending in summer with, basketball. Students gathered together to present an enchanting evening at the ZHS Auditorium on December 15th. In collaboration with student organizations across the district and in partnership with our talented local Dance Studio, the theater troupe unveiled the magical fusion of 'The Nutcracker Noche Latina.' This spectacular production is the result of a harmonious collaboration that transcends boundaries. ZHS Theatre, along with students from various organizations across the district, has joined forces to bring a fresh and culturally rich twist to the classic Nutcracker tale. The event not only celebrates artistic expression but also reflects the strength of our community bonds. It's a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together diverse talents and perspectives to create something truly extraordinary. A heartfelt thank you to all the student organizations, the local Dance Studio, and everyone involved in making 'The Nutcracker Noche Latina' a reality. Your dedication and creativity have added a new dimension to this beloved classic.
The Federal Programs department held its annual Winter Drive that commenced on November 6, 2023 and ran through December 1, 2023 in order to solicit donations for gently new or used clothing for ZCISD students from PreK thru High School. This initiative successfully distributed clothing to 21 students in severe need. The ZCISD PEIMS and Attendance Recovery Officers held its first truancy class for parents and students that had 10 or more absences. This class was held after school at the ZCISD Board Room with resources provided by the Director of PEIMS on the importance of attendance. Although attendance was less than expected, the District is making every effort to contact parents and students on a daily basis by sending letters, emails and home visits daily.
Strategic Goal #4 We will provide effective and efficient operations through a transparent, fiscally responsible budget and an equitable distribution of resources in support of organizational processes. Since the last board communications document was released in September, HR has on-boarded 10 employees. ● 1 Special Education resource Teacher at Villarreal Elementary ● 1 Campus Clerk at Zapata High School ● 1 Deaf Education Interpreter at Villarreal Elementary ● 2 Special Education Instructional Assistants (1 VES; 1 ZSE) ● 1 Regular Education Instructional Assistant at North Elementary ● 1 Maintenance ● 1 Part-time Bus Aide Position ● 1 Custodian ● 1 Security Guard For the exception of the one campus clerk at Zapata High School, all of the above listed positions are “replaced positions''. From the month of November to present, the District has received a total of 8 resignations. Currently have 8 individuals on FMLA, four of which are intermittent. Services and Operations Monthly Report The construction projects are moving along smoothly. Below you find the completion status of the projects: ● ZHS Fieldhouse Addition- (lockers scheduled to be installed starting Dec. 20, 2023) ● ZCISD Stadium light project completed ● ZSES and FARVES parking lot lights projects started ● ESSER DAEP Center fencing, Landscaping, and Basketball court projects to start the week of December 18, 2023 ● Elementary HVAC projects- RFPs went out and are due December 14, 2023. ● Removed and moved in the new 4th and 5th grade furniture. ● DAEP cafeteria furniture was delivered and installed. ● Decorative fencing preliminary cost from last bidder was submitted. Will be meeting with them the week of December 11, 2023 to add fencing and get a revised quote. ● Working on getting quotes to relocate the old Football stadium lights to ZHS practice field. ● Working on getting quotes for a fan to be installed at ZSES drop-off/pick up canopy. ● We continue with disinfecting our schools 3 times a week and dressing rooms being done daily. The services and Operations department continues to complete daily work orders in the areas of Maintenance, Transportation and HVAC district wide. Child Nutrition Program Update Operations ● Conducting Daily Walk-throughs at all campuses that include breakfast, lunch, and supper programs. ● Weekly Manager Meetings to discuss any issues observed during the week. (Fridays) ● One to one meeting with Managers observed with deficiencies that need immediate attention and corrective action. Administrative ● Completed Commodity Processing for the 2024-2025 School Year ● Completed Campus Events ● The CNP department held catering and luncheons during the week of November 13-17. The department prepared 135 turkeys and 3,800 meals. Planning ● December Events ● Spring Menu
● Second Taste Testing and Survey for Spring Technology Update: Completed Projects: ● Audit of Zapata North Elementary Surveillance System is complete. Camera views were adjusted and blind spots determined. Playgrounds are now viewable. ● Audit of the surveillance system at VES and South Elementary is approximately 80% complete. Cameras have been re-labeled and views modified. Blind spots are being determined. ● Audit of the surveillance system ZMS and ZHS is in progress. ● MDF/IDF locations have been cleaned of debris and stored items. Ongoing Projects: ● Additional access points have been added at the following sites: ● Surveillance cameras at the new DAEP facilities have been installed and views are being adjusted. ● Obsolete and broken technology has been gathered from district facilities and that along with the old equipment held in the District warehouse has been tagged for and being picked up by the disposal company at the end of december. ● Installation of upgraded audio and projector equipment has begun at the ZTAC and it’s classrooms. Growth & Connections: ● Professional development for the technology specialists on using the new KACE technology service request system has been completed. Training for school employees is ongoing. Staff transitioned over the month of November to the new KACE system is now fully operational for service request tickets in December. Finance Update The District received its initial revenues for taxes in November that reflected property tax reprieve due to the $100,000 homestead exemption and the reduction of $0.03 pennies to the school district tax rate. Despite national inflation, the amount of taxes paid by Zapata County property owners reflected an 8% increase as compared to previous year. The reduction in pennies, as approved by the School Board of Trustees, was an added compression to help Zapata County tax payers as well as consolidate the District’s solvency indebtedness from the 2019 Bond. In order to align with the District’s goal in providing transparency and a fiscally responsible budget, the Texas Education Agency finalized FIRST ratings for the 21-22 school year. Zapata County ISD received a rating of “A” for “Superior Achievement”. The FIRST ratings are developed by TEA to measure financial accountability on the use of taxpayer dollars. The PEIMS department worked tirelessly and collaboratively with all District Directors and Principals to submit TEA Snapshot and Fall Submission for the 23-24 school year. The validity of these reports weigh heavily on the school FIRST accountability, drive District funding, and encompass data that is posted and verified daily for the first two months of the school year. Congratulations to the PEIMS Department for a huge accomplishment!