YouTube Update Recap – April 22, 2021
Introduction
Dr. Null began his update with a reminder that students and staff will continue to wear masks through the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. It is anticipated that masks will be optional next school year. Dr. Null is proud of how our school community has continued to come together as COVID-19 nears its end. The District’s COVID positivity rate has decreased overall and staff infection rates have also decreased now that vaccines become more readily available.
Celebrations – 08:55
We are saddened by the loss but want to celebrate the lives of our two school namesakes that passed away this month, Bonnie Wilkinson and Gerald Irons, Sr. Bonnie set an example for all of us about what is to be a great educator. Gerald Irons, Sr. was a board member and community leader that made everyone feel important.
One of our Conroe ISD bus drivers, Mr. Hicks, has gone out of his way to make a child feel special. This is another example of the great people in Conroe ISD that are making a difference in our community.
Our Salute to Education will be hosted on Tuesday, May 4th, where we celebrate Rising Stars, Teachers, Humanitarians, and Friends of Education in Conroe ISD. We will also announce our District Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year.
Registration for the 2021-2022 school year is now open. Please go online and complete the registration forms.
Review of April Board Meeting – 15:40
Our Board meetings are available on our YouTube channel and presentations are posted on our website. We started our Board meeting celebrating some state champions. Ana Gonzalez was recognized as a state champion powerlifter from Conroe High School. The Woodlands High School Girls’ and Boys’ won the 2021 6A State Championships. This is the first time in 31 years that both teams won the state championship in the same year.
The naming process is underway for five Conroe ISD campuses and facilities. Name suggestions may be submitted through the Conroe ISD website.
Four principals were named during the Board Meeting:
- Mikia Barnes – Birnham Woods Elementary
- Paula Nicolini – Sam Houston Elementary
- John McClendon – Cryar Intermediate
- Melanie Bujnoch -York Junior High
Capital Improvement Updates – Hope Elementary is scheduled to open in August 2021 as are additions at York Junior High, TW College Park High School, and The Woodlands High School. The work at Conroe High School is well underway. The foundation is begin poured for the new junior high in the Caney Creek feeder and work is starting for a new elementary in the Conroe Feeder zone off McCaleb Rd.
2021 Graduations – 27:25
Mr. Gregg Colschen, Assistant Superintendent for High Schools, joined Dr. Null to provide an update about graduations. Graduations will be hosted at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, except for Washington Junior High which will be hosted at The Ark Church. Each graduate will have a minimum of 4 tickets in the covered seating area and unlimited seating will be available in the lawn for ceremonies at The Pavilion. All graduations will be live streamed and can be accessed through the Graduation Central webpage or on the Conroe ISD YouTube Channel. Individual graduation details with regard to tickets, graduation practice, parking, and The Pavilion guidelines will be provided by each student’s campus. Masks will optional at these events. In the event of severe weather, The Pavilion will provide graduates with a number to text for any weather updates. Gates will open 1 hour and 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. Contact the campus as soon as possible if you need seating accommodations. Please direct any specific questions to your child’s high school campus. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2021!
2021 Summer School – 39:45
Dr. Shellie Winkler, Assistant Superintendent for Middle Schools, joined Dr. Null to provide an update about our summer school programs. On average, Conroe ISD serves 10,000 students in grades PreK through 12 over the summer. Elementary summer school begins June 7th and includes full-day ESL/Bilingual programs for PK-2nd grade that will focus on academic and language acquisition skills. Other half-day elementary programs are available for K-6th grade including intermediate intervention opportunities for academic improvement. Non-tuition-based courses are available that offer free breakfast and lunch meals, along with transportation.
Initial credit and credit recovery programs are offered for junior high and high school summer school. Credit recovery courses will be offered at no charge. Transportation shuttles will be available. Please visit the Summer School website for more information.
The registration deadline for elementary and intermediate programs is Friday, May 7, 2021. The junior high and high school registration deadline is June 2nd. An evening registration event is also planned.
Free Curbside Meals – 52:00
Free curbside meals will be available for all children 18 years and younger over the summer. These meals are available for pick up at York JH, Knox JH, Peet JH, and Moorhead JH every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 AM – 11 AM.
Conroe Virtual School – 53:05
If granted permission by the State of Texas, Conroe ISD plans to introduce a new virtual school for the 21-22 school year. Conroe ISD is in the process of preparing plans for this new school and has hired William Kelly to be the principal. The model will be full-time virtual teachers who will provide synchronous instruction. The virtual school will open with grades 3 through 9 and add a high school grade each year. Current law prevents offering virtual school for students below grade 3. The virtual school will use the same curriculum as our in-person campuses but will use a new mode of delivery. Plans are for the virtual school to offer some electives such as CTE and Fine Arts programs. A semester commitment will be required. Although students will attend virtually, the school’s teachers and administrators will be at a physical locations so parents can come meet with any necessary staff in person. Once approved by the State, jobs will be posted online for teachers to apply. If you are interested in learning more about the Conroe Virtual School, please visit virtual.conroeisd.net and fill out the interest form to receive more information.