Three main priorities impacting our students have guided the work being done in our schools this year. They include 1) implementing the District's curriculum and instructional practices with a focus on writing and digital learning; 2) establishing positive cultures that support a mindset for learning, student attendance, safe and civil schools, and inclusive environments; and 3) advancing the achievement of our highest performing academic students.

  

On December 5, we celebrated students at Belton High School who are in the top 5% of their class at a special banquet to honor them and their families for their commitment to academic achievement. Students recognized in this group achieved a grade point average of up to 114 and have taken as many as 15 Advanced Placement and/or dual credit courses. For the first time at the annual event, we also acknowledged students scoring nationally in the top 95th percentile on the PSAT. In my remarks to the nearly 500 students, teachers and family members who were on hand to celebrate academic excellence, I expressed the importance of high achievement on the PSAT and SAT to college entrance and scholarship opportunities and our commitment to preparing our students for these exams. We want our top students to compete against top students across the state.

  

This month we also recognized the student athletes, student volunteers and staff that participated in Special Olympics competitions this fall. For the first time in more than 20 years, Belton ISD's Special Education Department facilitated a team competing both in traditional Special Olympics activities in the region, as well as organizing a young athletes program. With the support of student volunteers and invested parents, these students and their families are not only benefiting from competing against their peers but are being given an opportunity to be in the spotlight.  

 

Celebrating all students for what makes them unique or different is a part of Belton ISD's commitment to building inclusive learning environments. Inclusive and safe communities in which respect is the goal and all students can thrive is a priority for Belton ISD that can be seen in the strategies and objectives being used in our schools.

 

Linked below is the video presentation shared with our campuses and departments to celebrate our fall semester. I am proud of the way in which our schools have stayed committed to our 2017-2018 priorities and look forward to the new year ahead. Thank you for your continued support.