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Trustees Applaud Campus Culture Efforts
Just one month since the start of school, Belton ISD Board of Trustees had the opportunity to see and hear from two campuses about how they have already made noteworthy steps towards addressing one of the District's top priorities for the 2018-2019 school year.
Creating supportive campus cultures which prioritize safety, security, and inclusive environments was among the District's priorities, which were included in the District Improvement Plan adopted by the Board in August. During September's Regular meeting specific efforts at South Belton Middle School (SBMS) and Pirtle Elementary were featured as a Campus Culture Spotlight.
For the first three weeks of school, SBMS created an advisory plan for all students that focused on building community and empathy. In addition to kicking off the campus-wide No Place for Hate annual campaign, SBMS also incorporated the proactive strategies and activities to combat cyberbullying through the David's Law campaign.
At Pirtle Elementary, campus administrators have undertaken significant efforts to support staff as they incorporate professional development strategies for addressing behavior, such as those provided through the Emergent Tree's Bridges program, in order to preserve maximum instructional time for all students.
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Texas Choral Directors Association Elementary Honor Choir
The Texas Choral Directors Association Elementary Honor Choir which performed for over 1,000 choral directors and families from across the state in July featured six Belton ISD students. Each vocalist was chosen to be a part of the 150 member state choir after completing an audition last spring. More than 800 students in grades 4-6 from across Texas auditioned.
Choir members included Noelle Dieter and Sa'Deja Ellis from Lake Belton Middle School, along with Micah Blackburn, John Gauntt, Liam McRae and Daphne Ortiz from SBMS.
Leon Heights Choir teacher and former Elementary Vice President for the Texas Choral Directors Association, Debra Johnson, and SBMS Choir Director Charlotte Wurman, supported these students through the audition and performance process.
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Preliminary Update on Enrollment Projections Presented
Also during the meeting, Board members received a preliminary update of projected enrollment growth from Templeton Demographics, the District's demographers. The preliminary report was developed for and previously shared with committee members during the September 10, 2018, Attendance Boundaries Committee Meeting.
Templeton's analysis indicates that the more than 1000 students added over the last two years are primarily entering the District through new construction of single family homes.
With approximately 700 new homes scheduled for completion within Belton ISD boundaries for 2018, the District is on track to meet the projected enrollment of 11.963 students by the official state count at the end of October.
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UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest Outstanding Performer
Belton High School (BHS) senior violinist Mariah Montgomery competed at the UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest and achieved outstanding results. Mariah's performance not only received a superior rating from the judge but she was also named Outstanding Performer. This special designation only went to six violists in the state.
The BHS orchestra is directed by John Fairlie.
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Montgomery and Alcozer Sworn In
Dr. Rosie Montgomery and Manuel Alcozer, who were both appointed in a Special Meeting held on September 14, took the oath of office before joining their fellow school board members on the dais.
Representing Area 2 on the Board of Trustees, Montgomery previously served on the Board from October 2010 to April 2015. She is a clinical psychologist specializing in working with children and families. Montgomery has been an active volunteer across the District and has served as President of the PTA for Leon Heights Elementary, the Area PTA Board, the Gifted and Talented Advisory Board and is on the Belton Educational Enrichment Foundation Board. She also established "Clipboard Buddies," a volunteer program at Chisholm Trail Elementary whereby volunteers spend at least an hour each week supporting individual students with skills needed to be successful in the classroom.
The proud mother of three daughters that have attended Belton schools, Montgomery's youngest daughter is scheduled to graduate in May 2019.
Alcozer, who was sworn in as Trustee Area 5, is a practicing attorney with over 25 years of experience. He attended Belton schools from kindergarten through his graduation from BHS in 1980. His wife, Rebecca, is a culinary arts teacher at BHS and together they have three children who have all attended Belton schools. Their youngest son is currently a sophomore at BHS.
Prior to attending law school at SMU, Alcozer was employed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. He currently serves as chair of the Advisory Committee for the Respiratory Care program at Temple College and Vice President of Development for the Belton Educational Enrichment Foundation.
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Big Red Community Partner
United Way of Central Texas
As the proud beneficiary of the District's annual Spirit Chain campaign, the United Way of Central Texas (UWCT) has been involved in the
exciting annual tradition that gets all Belton ISD campuses involved in helping others. After planning and executing fundraising activities at each campus, students have the opportunity to truly see how every little bit counts when they run their donations across the football field in the form of a red and white spirit chain. Over the years this event has created many special moments for students and their families, all centered around the important life lesson of giving back to our community. This year's Spirit Chain campaigns are underway now in preparation for the September 28 football game.
Beyond this exciting fall event, the UWCT touches many of our students and their families through their important work that leverages the skills and resources of many non-profit agencies, experts, and volunteers to offer quality health and human support services to our community.
For their continued partnership with Belton ISD and service to our community, the United Way of Central Texas is this month's Big Red Community Partner. Executive Director Stephanie O'Banion accepted the award and shared more information with the Board on UWCT's impressive impact strategy.
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Superintendent's Report
Pittenger Fine Arts Center
Renovations to the Pittenger Fine Arts Center have reached the point of substantial completion. The contractor is working through some additional items and the Board expects to close out the project officially during its October Regular meeting.
The first event in the facility was held Thursday, September 20, to recognize Belton ISD's Junior Scholars. These are students who, based on their high achievement on STAAR or an IQ test, qualify to take the SAT or ACT as a 7th grader through the Duke Talent Identification (TIP) program. Dr. Randy O'Rear, President of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, provided the keynote remarks and helped honor the students.
The next event will be a special dedication and ribbon cutting celebration for the newly renovated facility, on Tuesday, September 25.
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More photos of students and staff members recognized at this month's board meeting can be found on Belton ISD's Google+ page.
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