T
his week marked a milestone in Conroe ISD as we began the first round of deliveries for the inaugural Texas Standard Awards. These awards recognize one outstanding student, teacher, and paraprofessional from every campus who exemplify the values defining excellence in our district.
Recipients are selected through staff nominations and a committee
review process to find individuals who consistently demonstrate character, connection, and commitment to others.
As an educator, one of my favorite tasks is writing notes to those who make a difference and letters of recommendation. All of my letters begin with the awards, titles, and more. However, the most compelling stories aren’t found in a record, but in a person’s character. This belief, that who we are matters as much as what we achieve, is the driving force behind our new initiative.
Celebrating Our Values
When I began my tenure as Superintendent less than six months ago, our Board of Trustees challenged me to research the values our community holds dear. We wanted to define the values that shape a graduate we can all be proud to call our own.
After listening to parents, students, staff, and neighbors, we have preliminarily i
dentified eight core values that represent the heart of Conroe ISD. These are the pillars of The Texas Standard:
Respect & Responsibility: The foundation of every strong citizen.
Caring & Giving: The empathy that connects our community.
Grit & Preparation: The resilience and work ethic to face any challenge.
Gratitude & Celebration: The joy and appreciation that make life meaningful.
While we remain dedicated to math and literacy, we are equally committed to nurturing young people who lead with integrity. These aren't just words on a poster; they are the blueprint for how we engage with one another, how we conduct ourselves and expect others to treat us. From my short time here, these values are alive and well in our school district and the communities we serve. We believe the Texas Standard is about holding ourselves, our children, and our community to a higher calling: teaching these values, living them daily, and ultimately, celebrating them together.
By launching the Texas Standard Awards, the Board of Trustees and I are choosing to shine a light on "what’s right." We believe that by celebrating these traits in our daily lives, we strengthen the culture of trust and kindness throughout our entire community. We hope this grows beyond a district program into a movement that inspires schools and families across the entire state.
We Need Your Help!
Character isn't built in a vacuum; it’s built at the dinner table, on the playground, and in the classroom. We want you to be part of this journey.
I encourage you to follow these stories of excellence and character on social media:
Facebook: @conroeisdsuperintendent
Instagram: @ConroeSuper
Together, let’s show the rest of Texas what makes Conroe ISD so special. Let’s set the standard, together.