Back to School 2022

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SCHOOL 2022-2023

CALENDARS · SAFETY · AND MORE A P R O D U C T O F B A R T O N P U B L I C AT I O N S

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1019 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 • 512-295-3667 BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

HAYS CISD TO KEEP GROWING

District preps for 16th and 17th elementary schools

Student enrollment in Hays CISD is expected to keep growing around 3-5% each year over the next decade. Data from Hays CISD/FBOC and is based on the March 7, 2022 enrollment snapshot report and 4th quarter 2021 HCISD 10year forecast report. Graphic by Brittany Anderson.

By Brittany Anderson

H

ays CISD is one of the fastest growing school districts in Texas, projected to enroll over 34,000 students by the 2031-32 school year — so with that comes the need for more schools in the district to accommodate both short-term and long-term growth.

Currently, there are nearly 22,500 students enrolled for the upcoming school year, a 3.3% increase from last year. While Sunfield Elementary, HCISD’s 15th elementary school, was just completed, the district is still looking to stay ahead of the curve with future school planning.

A $115.6 million bond put together by the facilities and bond oversight committee was approved by voters in May 2022. Two items on the bond call for the district to build elementary school #16 and approve design fees for elementary school #17.

ES #16 — known as the “Negley relief school” — will BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

be located to take immediate growth pressure off of Negley Elementary in the west side of the district, accommodating 900 students at around $48.2 million. Negley currently has the highest enrollment number out of all the district’s elementary schools.

ES #16’s designs were approved during the HCISD Board of Trustees meeting on June 27. The two-story school will be located in the Anthem subdivision in Kyle, have between 40 to 50 classrooms and is expected to open in fall 2024.

Chief Operations Officer Max Cleaver noted that the project as a whole is currently about 2.7% or $1.39 million over budget, but that Huckabee Architects anticipate being able to bring it back into budget through various methods.

ES #17’s nearly $3.5 million bond item funds the design fees and pre-construction planning needed for the district’s 17th elementary school in order to make the project shovel-ready, should voters approve its construction in a future bond initiative.

During the June 20 board meeting, trustee Courtney Runkle asked when Head of District Safety and Security Jeri Skrocki is brought in during conversations about new campus builds like ES #16 and #17 in order to ensure they are built with her guidance and expertise for safety and security in mind.

“She’s brought in early on at schematic design, [but] some of the things we’ve established haven’t changed,” Cleaver said. “The cameras covering the exits, the gates, the fencing. All of that is kind of universal. Things all the way down to, ‘don’t plant a crepe myrtle that’ll be too big in two years for a camera.’

Even down to that level of detail with the landscaping. We look at those same things over and over. But, she is brought in at schematic design.”

The other two items that passed with the 2022 Bond include 55 new school buses, the creation of an Academic Support Center and the expansion of Live Oak Academy (bond funds approved by voters in May 2021.)

3

SAFETY FIRST

Hays CISD prioritizes safety and security of students

By Megan Wehring HAYS COUNTY – Looking at the upcoming school year, some parents may be hesitant to send their students back to the classroom because they are concerned for their safety following the tragedy that struck the city of Uvalde in May. But like many other school districts across the state, Hays CISD is making the safety and security of its campuses a top priority.

Jeri Skrocki, Head of District Safety & Security, presented to the board of trustees on June 20 what her team and the overall district staff are working to accomplish ahead of the upcoming school year.

Skrocki raised other issues that should be considered aside from active shooters – this includes drugs, nicotine vapes, traffic and inclement weather. Everyone should lead by example in order for protocols to become daily activities.

“As I’m walking into a room, I pull the door shut, I push on it and I make sure it’s closed and secure,” Skrocki said at the meeting. “Those are the kinds of things we want to start creating on our campuses to make sure we’re creating that muscle memory so everybody knows this is the expectation.”

Visible identification and ensuring every person goes through the proper entrances and exits are also vital.

Skrocki updated the board on safety and security programs that are currently in place, as well as others they are planning to implement: 4

• Anonymous reporting apps: the community collaborates with local law enforcement via the app iWatch Texas, which has already helped the district with several successful investigations regarding social media threats; Hays Hopeline serves to report bullying, harassment and other mental health crises.

• Assessment and Care Team (ACT): following the passage of Senate Bill 11, each campus will have a trained ACT that consists of a designated administrator, counselor, SPED (special education) representative, nurse, school resource officer and a teacher, administrator or coach to serve as a mentor to help identify individuals at risk and provide them with resources.

• Community Emergency Response Veterans Program: local veterans who have been rigorously vetted and trained will serve as an extra set of eyes for campuses and help monitor during highpeak times like recess, before school and after school.

• Drills: crisis notifications that call for drills — be it for a fire, active shooter or anything else — should be done with a purpose, reviewed regularly and ensure that everyone is educated on what to do during a critical situation. “Drills have to be goal-oriented and not just checking a box,” Skrocki said.

• Parent and student safety teams: a parent safety team and student safety team on each campus will meet throughout the semester and discuss what is going well and what needs improvement. “I need voices of the district

to be able to advocate for Buda, San Marcos, Kyle and Hays County,” Skrocki said.

“They’re going to be of a perspective we haven’t really thought of, so our goal is to give those folks [parents and students] a voice.”

Classroom doors will also be closed and locked when students are present. Exterior doors will be locked and secured so that visitors will need to enter through the main entrance only.

“We’re never going to stop evil in the world,” Skrocki concluded. “Evil exists.

I wish I could keep all of us from ever having to deal with it. The reality is, we need to make ourselves as unattractive of a soft target as we possibly can. That means collectively, Hays County, which means every single person that lives here, works here, has a student in our school district, needs to be a safety ambassador. There’s no other way around it … one county, one protocol. It’s not just words. It’s a way of life.”

On June 30, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released required school safety action steps for this summer.

• Local education agencies (LEA) must conduct the following:

• Conduct a Summer Targeted Partial Safety Audit • Conduct an Exterior Door Safety Audit • Convene the LEA’s Safety and Security Committee to review the multi-hazard emergency operations plan (EOP) and the LEA’s active threat plan • Ensure all campus staff (including substitutes) are trained on their specific LEA and campus safety procedures • Schedule all mandatory drills for the school year • Ensure all threat assessment team members are trained • Review and, if necessary, update access control procedures. For the new school year, access control procedures must include exterior door sweeps (ensuring doors are closed and locked) at every instructional facility at least once each week while instruction is being conducted.

For more information about safety and security protocols, please visit the Hays CISD and TEA websites.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

HAYS CISD 2022 – 2023 CALENDAR 4

Student/ Staff Holiday

JULY 2022 S

0 Days / 0 Minutes

3-15 16

Staff Workday/ Student Holiday First Day of School/ First 9-Weeks Grading Period

5 6 23

Student/ Staff Holiday Staff Workday/ Student Holiday 6-Week UIL Eligibility Cut-Off Date

20 Days / 8,900 Minutes

7 7 10 11 31

Staff Workday/ Student Holiday Grading Period/ UIL Eligibility Cut-Off Date Student/ Staff Holiday Second 9-Weeks Grading Period Begins Staff Exchange Day/ Student Holiday

18 Days / 8,010 Minutes

1 21-25

Staff Workday/ Student Holiday Student/ Staff Holidays

16 Days / 7,120 Minutes

14-15 16 16 19-30

Early Release High School Only/ Finals Early Release 6th – 12th Grades/ Finals Grading Period/UIL Eligibility Cut-Off Date Student/ Staff Holidays 12 Days / Minutes: 5,340 E / 5,245 M / 4,770 H

Student/Staff Holiday

T

W

Th

F

S

S

M

T

W

Th

F

1

2

1

2

3

4

[5

6

S

2 3

7

4

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

5

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

29

30

31

31

18 Days / 8,010 Minutes

AUGUST 2022 S

17

T

W

Th

F

S

17*

Staff Workday/ Student Holiday Weather Make Up Day

2 9

3 10

4 11

20

Student/ Staff Holiday

FEBRUARY 2023

M

T

W

Th

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

9

S

M

7

8

10

11

12

13

5

6

7

1 8

14

15 [16 17

18

19

20

12

13

14

15

16 17* 18

21

22

23 24

25

26

27

19

20

21

22

23

28

29

30 31

26

27

28

SEPTEMBER 2022 S

4

M

5

T

6

W

7

24

18 Days / 8,010 Minutes

10

MARCH 2023

T h

F

S

1

2

3

8

9

10

5

6 13

S

M

T

W

Th

F

S

1

2

3

4

7

8

9

10] 11

12

13

14 15

16

17

12

14

15

16

17

18

18

19

20

21 22 23]

24

19 [20 21

22

23

24

25

25

26

27

28 29

26

29

30

31

30

27

OCTOBER 2022 M

T

W

Th

F

28

S

M

T

W

Th

F

1 2

3

4

5

6

7]

8

S

1 2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 [11 12

13

14

15

9

10* 11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25 26

27

28

29

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

30

M

W

Th

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

S

M

T

W

Th

F

S

25

1

2

3

4

5

6

25

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

7

8

9

10 11

12

13

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

14

15

16

17 18

19

20

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

21

22

23 24

25] 26

27

27

28

29

30

28

29

30 31

S

M

DECEMBER 2022 S

M

T

W

(Check district notices.

May not be necessary.)

25 26 29

Early Release High School Only/ Finals Early Release 6th – 12th Grades/ Finals Grading Period/UIL Eligibility Cut-Off Date Last Day of School Staff Work Day Student/ Staff Holiday

JUNE 2023

Th

F

S

1

2

3

T

9

10

4

5

6

W

Th

F

1

2

S

3

7

8

9

10

5

6

7

8

11

12

13

14

15

16] 17

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

25

26

27

28

29

30

Staff Workday/Student Holiday

Student/ Staff Holiday Staff Workday/ Student Holiday Weather Make Up Day

19 Days / Minutes: 8,455 E / 8,360 M / 7,885 H

4

Early Release Grades 6th – 12th

10*

23-24

MAY 2023

T

7 10

18 Days / 8,010 Minutes

NOVEMBER 2022 S

13-17 20

Grading Period/ UIL Eligibility Cut-Off Date Student/ Staff Holidays Fourth 9-Week Grading Period Begins

18 Days / 8,010 Minutes

APRIL 2023 S

(Check district notices.

May not be necessary.)

25

11

S

16

Student/ Staff Holiday Staff Exchange Day/ Student Holiday Staff Workday/ Student Holiday Third 9-Week Grading Period Begins Student/ Staff Holiday

Important Grading Period Days

Early Release High School Only

0D/0E/0 M/0H

Staff Exchange Day/Student Holiday

(Days) / Elementary Minutes / MS Minutes / HS Minutes

Hays CISD Calendar

12 Days / 5,340 Minutes

M

JANUARY 2023

Calendar includes 169 student instruction days and 187 teacher workdays. Adopted by the Hays CISD Board of Trustees on January 31, 2022.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

5

Welcome Back TO SCHOOL!

Kyle Banking Center 800 W. FM 150 | Kyle, TX | 512.268.4444 | firstlockhart.com

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7/8/22 11:02 AM BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

SERVING FAMILIES

Hays CISD offers clothes and meals programs

By Megan Wehring HAYS COUNTY – A little help can go a long way.

It’s a tragic reality that 20% or one in five children in Texas experience hunger, according to statistics provided by Feeding America. Kids who do not get enough to eat, especially during their early years, can start life at a disadvantage.

Children are at a higher risk to be hospitalized when they are hungry, Feeding America stated, and they could face health conditions like anemia and asthma. Struggling to get sufficient nutrition can cause problems in school and social situations.

Understanding the importance of nutrition for children, the HaysHope2Go program at Hays CISD has been fully operational since March 2020.

“We were able to implement a weekly distribution to about 15 different campuses,” said Esperanza Orosco, operator of HaysHope2Go. “We gave out 270 weekend bags for the counselor to put in the backpack of those students that were listed as needing some assistance.”

Products in the weekend bags included protein milk, peanut butter, granola bars, snacks, macaroni and ravioli – they had portions that were easy enough to make and enough to share with a sibling.

If a family needed groceries, they could also use the program.

“Last year, because of COVID,” Orosco said, “nobody was coming inside of our building. They would drive up and we would put the [groceries] in their trunk.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

They would fill out an application, tell us [how many] are in their house and we would provide them meals for the week.”

HaysHope2Go also partnered with Casa De Miel, an Elgin-based farm to provide fresh produce.

“Probably the last couple of months was when we met and found each other,” Orosco explained. “They were able to provide us with wonderful vegetables and beautiful eggs for our families. That was so nice to provide those fresh veggies in our grocery bags.”

Hays CISD also offers a Clothes Closet – families fill out an application with their student’s sizes, favorite color and any other necessary information.

“We would do the shopping and then they would come pick it up,” Orosco said. “On that application, they could also select if they need groceries as well.

They would come pick up clothes and food, if they needed it. We would give them five tops, five bottoms, a pair of shoes, new socks and new underwear.

Throughout the year, they could get clothes every other month. We would provide them with a coat in the winter and rain jacket in the spring.”

There is always room for expansion, Orosco said.

“We are hoping to be able to serve students throughout the school district,” Orosco said. “We are hoping we will add more campuses on and they will take advantage of this free resource. Both the HaysHope2Go and Clothes Closet are fully funded by our community.”

For more information, please visit https://www.hayscisd.net/hayshope2go.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAYS CISD With a $2,000 contribution from the John C. Griswold Family Foundation and Bandit Tacos, the program was able to purchase a commercial washer and dryer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAYS CISD Students volunteer for the HaysHope2Go and Clothes Closet program at Hays CISD, giving back to the community.

7

DSISD GETS COMPETITIVE

Ro c k i n g Horse A c a d e my AFT E R SC HO O L P RO G RAM ● Planned activities & learning centers

● Homework assistance ● School district holiday care

● 4,000 sq. Ft. Gym

w/surround sound theatre system

● Escorted walking to/from Negley Elementary

● Transportation provided from Elm Grove & Kyle Elementary

● Afternoon snack included ● Low student-teacher

6022 McNaughton Kyle, TX 78640 512-405-3700

Teacher wages, hourly pay raised

By Brittany Anderson DRIPPING SPRINGS — DSISD teachers, along with hourly and other salaried employees, will see a sizable increase in their pay starting during the 2022-23 school year.

The DSISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the district’s $5 million compensation plan with pay increases and one-time incentive payments during its May 23 board meeting. The items were part of the larger $101 million budget which was later approved June 27, which includes $67.5 million in payroll for more than 1,000 district employees.

Fifty-one percent of DSISD staff are teachers, 17% are auxiliary staff, 17% are clerical/technical staff and 15% make up the remainder of administrative professional grouping. Employees in the district will see the following this school year: • 7% raise for teaching staff (based on median teacher salary) • 7% raise for auxiliary/clerical hourly staff (based on pay grade midpoint) • 4% raise for administrative/pro-

DSISD compensation plan $3.7 million general pay increase + $1.25 million retention incentive

$5,014,000

GRAPHIC BY BRITTANY ANDERSON DSISD’s approved $5 million compensation plan includes teacher salary increases, an increase in the district’s minimum hourly wage and other incentives, with the goal of giving the district an advantage when it comes to hiring and retaining employees.

“

We take very seriously what we’re recommending, but believe this is what’s necessary to continue to retain our staff who have been here with us through thick and thin, and to maintain that competitive pay,” – Tiffany Duncan

See WAGES, page 13

ratios

Recognized Accredited 8

BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD

Meet the Board of Trustees Mary Jane Hetrick Board President

Ron Jones Vice President

Shannon O’Connor Trustee

By Megan Wehring DRIPPING SPRINGS – The DSISD Board of Trustees is comprised of seven nonsalaried members elected for a three-year term to represent the entire district community – two of which were recently elected to serve.

Texas school districts and charters are overseen by school boards – the boards of independent school districts are elected by residents in the communities they serve while boards of charter schools are appointed.

The school board oversees the management of the district or charter school and ensures that the superintendent implements and monitors district operations. “The board and the superintendent work together as a team to bring about the best education possible for the boys and girls they serve.”

Trustees are required to receive training on the laws and rules of the state education system.

At DSISD, the trustees currently convene for regular board meetings at 6 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month in the Central Administration BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

Stefani Reinold Secretary

Barbara Stroud Trustee

Olivia Barnard Trustee

Tricia Quintero Trustee

Building Board Room (located at 510 W. Mercer Street). Regular meetings can be rescheduled or relocated and special meetings may also be called.

Agendas are posted 72 hours prior to a meeting and at least two hours before an emergency-called meeting – they can be found on the district’s website.

Springs Youth Sports Association • Former Chair of Hays CISD’s Facilities and Bond Oversight Committee (FBOC) • Former member of Hays CISD’s Student Health Advisory Council • Former member of the Elm Grove Elementary PTA

Who is the DSISD board?

Quintero’s goals while serving as a trustee include improving transparency and communication between the school board and the community; and protecting taxpayers through limiting tax increases, adopting responsible budgets and ensuring that bonds are focused on needs. She also wants to keep politics and ideology out of the classroom.

“I am a strong advocate for lower taxes, parental rights, and better schools for our community,” Quintero said. “I have one long-term goal, [which is to] make Dripping Springs ISD great so that our kids can soar.”

Looking at the national and statewide issues, Barnard felt like it was her time to step up to represent the Dripping Springs community.

“A lot of things were happening in our country and in our state that were con-

Board vice president Ron Jones and trustee Barbara Stroud’s terms will end in May 2023, while board president Mary Jane Hetrick, secretary Stefani Reinold and trustee Shannon O’Connor all have terms ending in May 2024.

Two new faces have joined the DSISD Board of Trustees – Olivia Barnard and Tricia Quintero (terms ending in May 2025.)

While also being a parent of five, over the last several years, Quintero has served the community as: • Secretary of the Special Education Parent Leadership Committee • Volunteer at Bannockburn Baptist Church’s Children’s Ministry • Member of the Sycamore Springs Middle School PTA (current) • Volleyball coach for the Dripping

cerning as it relates to public schools,” Barnard said. “I just wanted to make sure the candidates in place were going to best represent our community on the board. At that point, I started considering [if] that could be me.”

Just like Quintero, transparency and communication with the community is one of Barnard’s main objectives for serving on the board.

“I love this district,” Barnard said. “I believe in our administrators [and] I support all of our educators. But we have a broken relationship with the community and I am committed to being a bridge and an open-minded communicator between all.”

In the real estate industry, Barnard has developed a relationship with the community.

“Through 2020, this subculture and sub-communities started getting together,” Barnard explained. “Parents were uniting [and] everyone was getting more involved in what was happening in our district. That created an entirely new community, which has been wonderful.”

9

DSISD BY THE

NUMBERS ENROLLMENT

DSISD SQUARE MILEAGE

8

1 High School

5 Elementary Schools

*PROJECTED ENROLLMENT

LAKE TRAVIS ISD

DSISD welcomes new administrators

JOHNSON CITY ISD AUSTIN ISD

2 Middle Schools

SCHOOLS

HAYS CONSOLIDATED ISD

BLANCO ISD WIMBERLEY ISD

TXSMARTSCHOOLS.ORG STAR RATING

ACCOUNTABILITY RATING

A

4.5

NICHE.COM

A+

91/100

DISTRICT RATING

9th

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS (LAST FIVE YEARS)

INDIVIDUALS

2021-22

2021-22 STATE QUALIFIERS

10 74

FINALISTS UIL CLASS 5A LONE STAR CUP FINISH

169 4

TEAMS

Cody Spraberry

By Megan Wehring

11.1

AVERAGE YEARS OF TEACHER EXPERIENCE

1,056 DSISD EMPLOYEES

25.6% TEACHERS WITH ADVANCED DEGREES

BOND RATINGS STANDARD & POOR'S FINANCIAL RATING

A

Aa2

AA 63.7%

MOODY'S

SUPERIOR

OPERATING BUDGET ALLOCATION TO INSTRUCTION

$7.58 MILLION

28,313

CLASS OF 2022 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS

99.4% GRADUATION RATE (CLASS OF 2022)

6,608

CLASS OF 2022 SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS

4,046

MEALS SERVED DAILY

AVERAGE DAILY MILES DRIVEN

BY TRANSPORTATION

1,000+ TECH SUPPORT REQUESTS PER MONTH

10

Maureen Jamail

COMMENDED

DRIPPING SPRINGS – Dripping Springs ISD is welcoming new principals to serve in their respective roles beginning this upcoming school year.

On March 28, the DSISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring of two administrators – Angela Frankhouser was named the principal of Dripping Springs Middle School and Kelly Miller was selected as the principal of Sycamore Springs Middle School.

Frankhouser has 25 years of public education experience, including 14 years in school administration. She has been a campus principal for the past nine years. She first served as the principal of Lake Travis Elementary before being chosen to open the district’s newest elementary campus, Rough Hollow Elementary.

Prior to her years in elementary campus administration, Frankhouser served at the secondary level as an assistant principal for Lake Travis High School. Her diverse experience also includes time leading a Title 1 bilingual campus. Her years in administration are backed by 13 years of classroom teaching at Bowie and Travis High Schools.

“We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Frankhouser to DSISD,” said Holly Morris-Kuentz,

“Her drive to create successful student outcomes will be a perfect match for our SSMS community...”

– Holly Morris-Kuentz DSISD Superintendent. “Her extensive experience and expertise as a campus principal, together with her enthusiasm and energy, make her the perfect next leader for Dripping Springs Middle School. Mrs. Frankhouser brings a unique balance of unyielding passion for students and staff with the keen ability to create and manage campus-wide systems that lead to success. I know the DSMS community will benefit from her leadership.”

Miller is in her fourth year as an assistant principal at Dripping Springs High School – she has served in public education for a total of 20 years with eight of those years in school administration. Before her time with DSHS, Miller served as an assistant principal at Dripping Springs Middle School and she has

See ADMINISTRATORS, page 13 BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

DRIPPING SPRINGS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

First Day of School August 16

Last Day of School May 26

District Holidays September 5 October 10 November 21-25 December 19-30 January 16 March 13-17 April 7 May 29

Weather Make-Up Days April 7 April 21

Staff Professional Learning Days Student Holidays August 8-15 October 31 November 1 January 2-3 February 20 April 21 May 30

Graduation May 26

JULY S

M

T

W

T

F

S

1

1

1

2

M

T

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1

2

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B

A

3

4

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8

9

10

11

12

13

4

5

B

A

B

A

10

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

14

15 { B

A

B

A

20

11

A

B

A

B

B

17

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

21

A

B

A

B

B

27

18

A

B

A

B

A

24

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

28

A

B

A

26

27

28

25

A

B

A

B

B

31

S

M

T

W

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER T

F

S

S

M

1

T

W

T

F

S

1

A

B

B

5

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

B

A

3 10

2

A

B

A

B

A

8

6

A

B

A

B

A

12

4

A

B

A

B

B

9

10

B

A

B

A } 15

13

A

B

A

B

B

19

11

A

B

A

B

16 } 17

16 { A

B

A

B

B

22

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

23

A

B

A

B

A

29

27

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30

Dripping Srpings ISD

A/B ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2022-2023

Grading Periods

This is the DSISD A/B academic calendar for the 2022-2023 school year. This calendar can be used by our families for planning purposes only. The district A/B academic calendar differs from DSISD employee work calendars which may include workdays not included here.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

11

DSISD SEEKS TO EXPAND

Committees formed to address growth

By Brittany Anderson DRIPPING SPRINGS — Like the rest of Hays County, Dripping Springs is growing, and it isn’t going to stop any time soon.

Dripping Springs ISD is considering making some changes to its once small school district in order to address the inevitable need for more schools, property and improved facilities to support the growing student population.

DSISD currently enrolls more than 8,000 students and employs over 1,000. The district experienced a 9.9% growth from October 2021 to October 2022, and is projected to enroll more than 10,000 students by the 2025-26 school year and nearly 15,000 students by the 2030-31 school year.

The Long-Range Facility Planning Committee, a 50-member committee composed of district staff and teachers, parents and stakeholders, was formed during the 2019-2020 school year to serve as an advisory committee to the DSISD Board of Trustees.

The LRFPC has addressed the district’s projected growth through making recommendations on developments for the next five to 10 years, and also received community feedback.

After temporarily pausing due to the pandemic, the committee reconvened in October 2021 and made the following recommendations to the board in February 2022:

COURTESY OF DSISD Population and Survey Analysts (PASA) spring 2022 demographic study showing three scenarios of student growth for Dripping Springs ISD through 2031. PASA assists Texas school districts in planning for long range utilization of schools by projecting future student enrollment.

Build elementary school #6

According to the LRFPC, DSISD has seen a 16% enrollment increase among elementary students since October 2021. The committee is recommending that the district build a sixth elementary school to be open by the 2024-25 school year.

While a location has not yet been finalized, the committee noted that the central and western areas of the district boundary are projected to grow quickly, which is where Dripping Springs Elementary and Walnut 12

Springs Elementary are located.

As of March 2022, DSE is at 104% capacity and is projected to be at or above 125% capacity by the 2024-25 school year. Similarly, WSE is currently at 96% capacity and is projected to be at or above 135% by 2024-25.

Build a second comprehensive high school

According to the LRFPC, Dripping Springs High School is built to sup-

port 2,500 students. Currently, it is at 93% capacity and projected to be at or above 122% capacity by the 202526 school year and 133% capacity by 2026-27. The district’s high school enrollment is expected to reach over 4,000 students by 2029-30 and over 7,300 students once the district hits build-out.

The committee’s recommendation is to build a second high school that has a capacity of 2,500 students to address

this, adding that traffic on the east side of the district would also be better dispersed. It takes approximately four years to design and construct a comprehensive high school, so work would need to be started as soon as possible.

Consider Sycamore Springs MS expansion One of the LRFPC’s reasons for this recommendation is to enable better

See GROWTH, page 13 BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

GROWTH, from page 12 feeder patterns into DSISD’s middle schools, as both Sycamore Springs MS and Dripping Springs MS would be the same size with a capacity of 1,200 students.

The committee also said that not increasing SSMS’ capacity will most likely require a split for one of the district’s elementary schools for its feeder pattern into middle school. Currently, Cypress Springs ES, Rooster Springs ES and Sycamore Springs ES students feed into SSMS. Expanding SSMS’ capacity would allow for less disruption to students as they transition from elementary to middle school as they would be able to transition with their entire 5th grade class.

While the committee reached a majority agreement to expand SSMS, it was not a strong majority. SSMS currently has 924 students enrolled, and that number is projected to reach 1,194 students by 2025-26, a 29.2% increase across five years.

Build future middle schools at a 1,200 student capacity

The LRFPC is recommending that DSISD build all future middle schools with a 1,200-student capacity. With a projected middle school enrollment of 6,000 students at build-out, having a 1,200 student capacity model enables better feeder patterns for attendance zoning and offers the district a lower total cost of ownership.

Purchase land

According to the LRFPC, the district currently owns a total of 243.5 acres across the city — enough land for a second high school, two future middle schools and two future elementary schools. However, the committee is recommending that the district purchase land to stay ahead of the curve and support more future growth.

Modify Tiger Stadium

The LRFPC is recommending that

ADMINISTRATORS, from page 10 been an employee of DSISD since 2016.

Before joining DSISD, Miller spent 14 years at Crockett High School in Austin ISD in a variety of roles, including nine years as a classroom teacher and coach, followed by promotions to instructional coach, academic facilitator and assistant principal.

“Growing and promoting exceptional leaders internally within DSISD is so important to a healthy, thriving organization, and I am thrilled to announce Ms. Miller as the next principal of Sycamore Springs Middle School,” Morris-Kuentz said. “Her drive to create successful student outcomes will be a perfect match for our SSMS community. She is an exceptional leader and educator and I cannot wait to watch her lead the SSMS community with the vision and tenacity she has exhibited within her career and throughout our rigorous interview process.”

Later in the semester on May 23, the board approved Cody Spraberry to become the principal of Sycamore Springs Elementary School and Maureen Jamail as principal of Walnut Springs Elementary School.

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The district experienced a 9.9% growth from October 2021 to October 2022, and is projected to enroll more than 10,000 students by the 2025-26 school year and nearly 15,000 students by the 2030-31 school year.

DSISD modify Tiger Stadium to support a possible second high school.

The stadium would serve as the home competition stadium for both high schools in the district.

Modifications include additional locker room/halftime space to be used by the second high school team, and/

or adding additional seating on the visitor’s side of the stadium to better serve the two schools.

The district is now working on the next phase of this process with the Citizens’ Bond Steering Committee. Formed in May 2022, the 17-member committee, consisting of diverse, local stakeholders, is taking the work of the LRFPC and community feedback to build a bond package recommendation to the board of trustees . The last day to call a bond election for the November ballot is August 22.

More information on the LRFPC and its recommendations process can be found at www.dsisdtx.us/longrangeplanning. More information on the CBSC, including meeting dates, times and recaps, can be found at www.dsisdtx.us/cbsc.

WAGES, from page 8 Spraberry comes to DSISD from Eanes ISD, where he has served as the principal of Forest Trail Elementary since 2016. He brings almost 20 years of professional experience to the district.

Jamail comes to lead Walnut Springs Elementary following successful stints as assistant principal of Walnut Springs Elementary and Dripping Springs High School. She has over 18 years of professional teaching and administrative experience, including 16 years with DSISD. “We are excited to announce these two remarkable leaders for our elementary campuses,” Morris-Kuentz stated.

“Mr. Spraberry brings exceptional, proven experience from a high-performing campus balanced with local insight and relationships in our community to successfully lead SSE. Additionally, Ms. Jamail has been a steadfast leader for DSISD for many years. I am thrilled for her to return to WSE to lead the campus where she spent so much time developing and supporting a positive campus culture built on staff and student relationships.”

fessional staff (based on pay grade midpoint) • Minimum wage of $15 per hour (up from $12) for all hourly staff Per the approved budget, 85% of employees are receiving a 7% increase, and 15% of employees will receive a 4% increase. Each returning teacher will receive a total increase of $3,950 in their salary along with a $1,000 retention payment, equating to a total increase in teacher pay of $4,950 for the school year.

The retention and hiring incentive will be funded through ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds, which is inline with feedback received from the community. Tiffany Duncan, DSISD’s Executive Director of HR, acknowledged that while this pay increase means budget challenges lie ahead, they have already outlined actions to address the projected budget deficit, including evaluating proposed additional expenditures from the fund balance and ESSER and evaluating proposed additional revenue sources.

“We take very seriously what we’re recommending, but believe this is what’s necessary to continue to retain our staff who have been here with us through thick and thin, and to maintain that competitive pay,” Duncan said. “I understand fully that this is a major commitment by the district and board of trustees. I have always known the board to want to maintain a competitive pay for our staff and make sure they’re taken care of, and I’ve always appreciated that.”

DSISD isn’t alone in wanting to give themselves a competitive edge — districts across Texas, including DSISD’s neighbor Hays CISD, have raised their pay and offered other incentives, all with the intent of hiring and retaining teachers for the long-term.

“I wish we could do more. I wish we could do 10%. Our teachers deserve it,” said DSISD board member Barbara Stroud. “They’ve had such challenges.

Teachers want to leave their profession, and who can blame them for that? I think we have to do the most that we can do.”

13

14

BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

DOING THE MATH

Do you know how your schools are funded?

By CJ Vetter

A

s children get ready to return to school, and parents prepare to finally not worry about having someone watch their kids, it’s easy to forget about the cost of the school itself. The building, the faculty, the lunches, the programs, the janitors and more aren’t free. But how do school districts get the funds to afford it all in the first place?

According to the Office of the Texas Comptroller, there are over 1,200 public school districts in the state which receive a mix of local, federal and state funding. Over the last decade, public school funding has gone up 60%.

Texas public school systems get the majority of their local funding from something on every homeowner’s mind: property taxes.

The Foundation School Program is what establishes the amount of state and local funding given to Texas school systems and is what provides the state’s share of the funding.

The Texas Education Code states that the FSP ensures “substantially equal access to similar revenue per student at similar tax effort, considering all state and local tax revenues of districts after acknowledging all legitimate student and district cost differences.”

The FSP is then divided into two different components, with the operations funding component being once again divided into two tiers.

Tier One is what provides most of the basic funding for a school, covering costs of basic education, special education, dyslexia programs, new facilities, and other essential requirements. Tier Two is a supplement that covers the weighted average daily attendance (WADA), which is a fund generated for schools based on their student attendance records.

The second component provides assistance for debt services regarding facilities through two programs, the Instructional Facilities Allotment and the Existing Debt Allotment.

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Tier One is funded through the tax rate of the district, which must meet $.93 per $100, and the average daily attendance (ADA), which is a fund given based on how much each student attends the school. The ADA is calculated by taking the sum of attendance counts and dividing it by the days of instruction given by the school.

For example, if a student missed nine days out of the 180-day school year, they’d lose 5% of the funding given by that student compared to if they had perfect attendance. Depending on the level of local funds generated by property tax, some of it is recaptured by the state and then redistributed to others. This occurs when this goes beyond the normal allotment of funds for the school district.

Once the funds are delivered to the school district, the administration takes the money and begins to create an operational budget for the year according to guidelines set by the board of trustees. Each school district is then required by law to prepare annually a budget for three different funds, the General Fund, the Food Service Program, and the Debt Service Fund. Bonds can also be issued to generate extra funds for long-term investments that can be paid throughout the life of the investment, such as new facilities, more land, or new vehicles.

Essentially, if a parent wants their school to do well financially, it is imperative to vote for bonds when opened, pay their property taxes, and ensure children are attending school regularly.

For those interested in researching the funding program directly, a full breakdown of funding is available by the Texas Education Agency at tea.texas.gov/finance-and-grants/ state-funding, while a local breakdown of the Hays CISD and DSISD budgets are available and updated at https://www.hayscisd.net/budget and https://www.dsisdtx.us/Page/2386

Flow of Funding FSP establishes the amount of state and local funding and covers property tax and state funding.

The funding is then divided into two tiers, with each tier funding different aspects of the school district.

Tier One is what provides most of the basic funding for a school, covering costs of basic education and other essential requirements.

Tier Two is a supplement that covers the weighted average daily attendance, which is a fund based on the student attendance records.

The funds are delivered to the school district, the administration takes the money and begins to create a budget for the year

15

PACKING FOR SUCCESS

Children pick up their backpacks and supplies at last year’s drive.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Volunteers help pack school supplies into backpacks at last year’s drive.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Kiwanis Club hosts summer backpack drive

By CJ Vetter KYLE - The Kyle and Buda branch of the International Kiwanis Club organization is preparing a backpack drive for the upcoming school year.

This is only the most recent of their organization’s efforts to support kids in the Hays County area and will take place on Aug. 13.

As parents begin to prepare to purchase supplies for children going back to school, the financial burden can be difficult to navigate for those who are already straining under high gas prices and other inflation.

In response, the Kiwanis Club is running it’s annual back to school backpack drive to help get students the supplies they need to succeed.

“The Kiwanis Club looks a little different in every city in regards to what they do. But the big thing is that they’re all focused on children,” said Vanessa Westbrook, treasurer and scholarship chair for the Kyle Buda Kiwanis Club . “The Kiwanis Club in Georgetown projects might look very different from the Kyle and Buda Club. The one component is that they’re serving children.”

Supplies such as pencils, notebooks, glue sticks,

16

crayons, erasers and other items are collected by donations either directly to the club, or through drop boxes throughout the city, and are then placed into backpacks. The distribution will be hosted at the Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park in Kyle in the Krug Activity Center. Once a parent signs in, the children are allowed to pick a backpack, all prepped and ready to go. Parents are encouraged to sign up before arriving, in order to ensure there is an adequate supply of backpacks for all, but some walk-ins will be permitted.

“We’re hoping that families will apply because when they apply it gives us a better framework as to how many backpacks we need,” Westbrook said. “And if the family will say [they] have four kids, then when they come, they know to make sure that there’s four backpacks for their grades and we’ll have them ready.”

The backpack drive is a part of the Kiwanis Club’s ongoing efforts in Kyle and Buda to help support children in every way possible. Other efforts include an annual toy drive during the Christmas season, and then a food program where children are provided with food over weekends when school lunches aren’t available.

“Basically, what we do with that is we begin collect-

ing toys the first of November and Toys for Tots is one of our partners, as well as the police department. So we put some boxes around town and we collect toys and then we have the same thing with the backpacks,” Westbrook said. “We have people apply and they tell us about their child, and we use that to build our inventory.”

One of the Kiwanis Club’s most notable events is Bikes for Books, where children are encouraged to read books over the summer for the chance to win a new bike. For every book a child reads, they earn a ticket which goes into a drawing.

“In that program, Bikes for Books, the students are challenged to read books, and then at the end of the week, the librarian in the school will give the kids little raffle tickets and they get to put a raffle ticket into the box. And every week that you meet the minimum, you get the raffle ticket,” Westbrook said. “The more books you read, the more tickets you have, the more chance you have to win in regards to the odds and you may get a bike.”

Those interested in signing up for the drive or joining the Kiwanis Club can email kylebudakiwanis@ gmail.com.

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023 60

A U S T I N R E L O C AT I O N G U I D E

|

2022 - ISSUE 1

DSISD prioritizes safety & security

By CJ Vetter DRIPPING SPRINGS - In the wake of the tragedy in Uvalde, Dripping Springs ISD has taken action to improve its security and increase the safety of its district community. This includes the creation of new positions and utilizing pre-existing connections and resources to a greater degree.

At the June 27 meeting, the board of trustees gave a formalized list of all the measures taken to increase the safety of schools. Each school will have a comprehensive safety audit every three years, featuring several hundred questions and a multi-factor assessment of the facilities before being submitted to the state.

“It’s [a] pretty extensive [audit] put out by the school safety center,” said Holly Morris-Kuentz, DSISD Superintendent. “Our campus and teams go through that, look at a lot of different data and then we use that data to figure what changes we need to make. It looks at our community as a whole and tries to identify key areas of need.”

Positions such as the Safety and Security Committee had previously existed in the district, but a newly approved position of Safety and Security Director is recent. While the position has yet to be filled, the application process will place an emphasis on the district’s

relationship with the community.

“This position will be our lead position, we’re elevating it from a former coordinator position to a director position. [They will] lead our strategic vision for safety in our school and have [the] day-to-day responsibility for nothing but safety and security,” Morris-Kuentz said.

“They will be responsible for going around campus and making sure we manage and monitor our safety plan so they will be implemented as we want them to be.”

DSISD already maintains a strong relationship with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, but is planning to maintain an increased presence of officers in the schools, alongside ensuring the presence of armed officers in its facilities. As part of Hays County, the district also participates in training drills.

“In addition, our district has armed school resource officers who are Hays County Sheriff officers present in our schools. Currently, there are three SROs in our district. We appreciate that because we have a good relationship with our schools, and they really get to know our students and build relationships with them,” Morris-Kuentz said. “My child talks to them frequently at lunch and they’re also members of our community, and I think that really helps a lot.”

In order to not only stop potential active threats, but to also try and prevent future incidents, DSISD is

also investing resources into mental health programs.

The school currently has a Director of Counseling and Health Services, access to three licensed mental health professionals and Behavioral Threat Assessment teams who help evaluate if an individual might be a threat to themselves or others and may recommend interventions.

“Our mental health programming has a history of being very strong in this district, and year [after] year, we’re getting better,” Morris-Kuentz said. “Our director has a lot of experience in mental health and a lot of experience building mental health programming. One of the things she did was create specialized training for our counselors to make sure they had good easements and responses for our students in any crisis.”

Entry protocols are also being changed. New controlled access points are to be installed in offices and while parents/guardians will continue to have access to the campuses, they will now be required to be vetted first with an identification check.

Staff training is already in effect, but will now have an increased focus on building protocols, badges, locking doors and situational awareness. This is all in addition to the numerous security cameras located around the facilities.

Doral Academy welcomes first students Doral Academy is a free public charter school – opening in August 2022 – near the Sunfield community in Buda. Part of a National Blue Ribbon Award winning charter network, Doral Academy is excited to offer a high performing, STEM-focused educational option for families in and around Hays County. The school will initially serve students in grades Pre-K 4 through 6th grade, and will add a grade level each consecutive year. By the year 2029, Doral Academy plans to serve all grade levels Pre-K through 12th grade.

Doral Academy offers a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum that prioritizes individualized learning, creativity, critical thinking, and project-based learning. Application and admission to the school is free. Any family living in the school district boundaries of Hays, Wimberley, San Marcos, and Lockhart are eligible to apply.

Superintendent Jennifer DeSousa serves as the leader for this new school district, bringing 21 years of expertise in teaching, instructional leadership, and administrative experience to Doral Academy. The staff includes 29 certified 18

teachers and administrators, including teachers in special education, emergent bilingual instruction, gifted and talented education, and a certified guidance counselor. High quality teachers and staff have eagerly sought employment at Doral Academy because of the supportive leadership structure, collaborative environment, rigorous learning expectations, and the innovative STEM-focused curriculum.

Doral Academy is supported by a board of directors, led by local Kyle mom-of-three and board chair Krista Piferrer, former TEA Deputy Commissioner of Finance Kara Belew, and Doug Rodriguez – who has established multiple successful Doral Academy campuses throughout the U.S. The school aims to meet the demands of the burgeoning STEM workforce in central Texas.

One of the school’s core values is to ensure all students achieve grade-level mastery in the core subjects of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Students learn in an interactive, flexible, and collaborative environment, designed to meet the

Doral Academy Teachers and Staff individual needs of each student. Middle school curriculum offers advancement and acceleration for students to excel beyond grade-level expectations.

Industry certification pathways and dual enrollment credits will be integrated throughout students’ graduation plans to promote seamless transition to college and the STEM workforce.

Students attending Doral Academy will receive a broad range of curricular and extracurricular experiences at all grade levels. Specialist teachers will deliver lessons in Spanish, Music, Art, PE, and technology subjects. Students as young as Kindergarten can participate in after school sports, clubs, and activities.

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Before school care and after school care are available. Doral Academy is proud to partner with iKidsU who will offer a broad selection of after school activities and enrichment for students.

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On May 23, 2022 the WISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve Dr. Greg Bonewald as the next Superintendent of Schools for Wimberley ISD. Dr. Bonewald, who spent 14 years of his educational career as an administrator and teacher/coach at Wimberley High School from 2000-2014, replaces retiring superintendent Dwain York.

Wimberley ISD is a place where a tradition of excellence permeates everything our students and staff do, and I am grateful for the honor to serve as Superintendent in such a special school district. We recognize the success of our district is critical to the success of our community, and vice versa. This community’s commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for all students is unparalleled, and I’m looking forward to working alongside our talented teachers and staff to build upon the culture of success our students and community have worked so hard to create.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to come back home and rejoin the Texan family. Even though I left WISD eight years ago, I never lost the love for the people that make Wimberley the exceptional community that it is.

I look forward to re-establishing former relationships and molding new ones.

During my first several months I plan to do a lot of listening and learning, and I want to hear from all our stakeholders. I look forward to conversations with students, staff, parents, business owners, and community members as we discuss our shared investment in the prosperity of our district.

I’m humbled by the great honor and responsibility of serving as WISD Superintendent, and I’m inspired by the opportunity to lead the continued tradition of excellence that exists on our campuses every day.

Dwain York Outgoing Superintendent

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join the texan family Wimberley ISD welcomes a limited number of out-of-district students. Transfer students’ academic records are screened to ensure each student is a good fit within the Texan family. Parents of transfer students also must sign an agreement that stipulates their student(s) maintains good attendance and discipline. Tuition for approved transfer students is free.

Wimberley is the perfect size. We were looking for a medium-sized high school with strong academics and competitive sports. My daughter has made so many friends and participates in the volleyball and track programs. The move to Wimberley has been a blessing to us.

- Casi Helbig

We’ve had three children go through the Wimberley schools.

Our last one has gone through Wimberley schools starting in Pre-K and is now a senior. We love the teachers and the curriculum. If we needed help in any way, school personnel has always been friendly and helpful. We are grateful that our children were able to receive their education at WISD. -Shannon Palmer

Proud is a great word used to describe how our family feels about Wimberley ISD. We have been transfers the last 13 years and haven’t regretted it for a moment. Our kids have thrived in so many ways because of opportunities the district and community offer. All of our kids are honor students, active in many clubs, and volunteer each month with various organizations in our community. My kids are amazing, and we owe that to the love, support and encouragement of the Wimberley teachers and staff over the years. It truly takes a village, and we are proud to call Wimberley ISD our district. Go Texans!

- Vicki Cox

Mr. York announced his retirement from Wimberley ISD after 24 years with the district, including the past 15 years as Superintendent.

During Mr. York’s tenure, WISD had numerous achievements, including 12 UIL State Championships (in various activities,) $113.5 million worth of voter-approved measures and 4 buildings/facilities added. To read more, visit wimberleyisd.net.

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Valor Kyle School offers distinctive classical education

The newly constructed Valor Kyle School is excited to receive its first students on Wednesday Aug. 17, 2022. The school will offer a tuition free education to nearly 600 students from Kyle, Buda, San Marcos and the surrounding areas. The academic year will cover grades K-8 while expanding each year until it reaches K-12.

Valor Kyle is the newest of three Valor campuses in the Austin area. Set on 26 acres of beautiful Texas ranch land, the campus will include a pond, creek, ample open space, and athletic facilities. The first phase of the construction project includes over 60,000 sq. ft. of classrooms, a library, and a gymnasium.

The school’s headmaster David Schuler offers a short description of the Valor experience: “At Valor Kyle we will walk through the Wardrobe into the land of Narnia, track the tale of the discovery of the electron, learn how to decline Latin nouns, marvel at the genius and insights of the Founding Fathers, heartily sing spirituals and folksongs, learn the true nature of the virtues from Aristotle and Aquinas, lie on our backs under the stars of a Utah sky in our high school outdoor treks, and push ourselves to do one more pull-up than we ever thought possible – all in the context of a unique and transformative community of friendship.”

The distinctive classical education program offers students a full human education rooted in the classical liberal arts tradition, from the Great Books to fine arts to advanced math and science. Through Socratic teaching and a school culture filled with joy, respect, and deep engagement, Valor is designed to cultivate wisdom, inspire gratitude, and deepen friendship.

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Our gOal at StaC YOuth Center iS tO eStabliSh a SeCure envirOnment where kids can just be kids.

At our fAcility, we provide A wide rAnge of Amenities, from A gAme room to A full rAnge bAsketbAll court, so thAt kids from All

socioeconomic levels cAn hAve fun All dAy long

without feeling the pressure of the outside world.

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TRANSFORMING CLASSROOMS

Teacher Reuse helps create new learning environments

By CJ Vetter BUDA - As many teachers are returning back to empty classrooms, the process of purchasing supplies and decorating can be both daunting and expensive, with teachers spending up to $1000 on average.

However, nonprofit Teacher Reuse is dedicated to helping teachers transform their classrooms.

Formed by a group of former teachers, the Teacher Reuse works to help not only get the teachers the resources that they need but also help recycle old teaching materials. From books and furniture to craft supplies like paper, pencils, and glue sticks, all are necessary to create engaging classrooms.

“If a teacher needs anything, we have a truckload. I know they are going to be excited about getting these things,” said Shelly O’Donnell, founder and director. “This is where kids learn to read and write for the first time. These are where those foundational years are spent.”

When teachers enter a classroom at the beginning of the year, they are typically greeted by blank walls, chairs and tables. It is then up to the teacher to try and breathe life into the classroom.

Markers, craft paper and all sorts of decorations are used to transform the barren room into a bright place destined for learning.

“You can’t expect a kindergartener or firstgrade kid to come in and feel like they’re at home at first,” O’Donnell said. “It feels very sterile, very cold. It might as well be a hospital.”

Currently, the Teacher Reuse is gathering supplies for distribution events in the lead-up to the fall 2022 school year, with most donations being directly given by former teachers. These supplies will then be free for teachers to pick up as needed.

However, the organization is currently running low on storage space.

“I have pictures of my garage full and pictures of my car full of supplies,” O’Donnell said. “I’ve got at least eight totes of classroom sets of books.”

While Teacher Reuse plans for more distribution events soon, they are still seeking donations of either storage space, materials, or funds to help continue their mission. For more information and to learn how to donate, visit www. theteacherreuse.org/give.

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Wimberley ISD Important Back to School Dates Wimberley High School August 1 - Returning Student Registration (Seniors) - 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

August 2 - Returning Student Registration (Juniors) - 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

August 3 - Returning Student Registration (Sophomores) - 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

August 4-5 - New Student Registration (All Grades) - 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.3:30 p.m.

August 8 - Student Registration Make-up Session - 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

August 11 - Fish Camp - Freshman Registration/Orientation 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Danforth Junior High School

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Before being decorated, a teacher’s classroom at the beginning of the school year can feel empty.

August 2-4 - New Student Registration - 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

August 11 - 6th Grade Orientation - 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (Cafeteria) *New students in 7th or 8th grade may also attend to tour the building*

Jacob’s Well Elementary August 15 - Meet the Teacher Night Time slots by Student’s Last Name: A-I: 4:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m.

J-R: 5:15 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

S-Z: 6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m.

Blue Hole Primary August 3-4 - New Student Registration - 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

August 12 - Meet the Teacher Night Time slots by Student’s Last Name: A-F: 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

G-P: 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Q-Z: 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

District-wide

After being decorated, the difference is night and day.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

August 13 - Barnabas Connection Back to School Celebration 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Cypress Creek Church August 17 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL 2022-2023

2022-2023 Wimberley ISD Calendar August 2022 S 7

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First Day of Instruction - Aug. 17 May 19, 2023 Graduation Strahan Coliseum - San Marcos

Waiver Days - No School Professional Development Elementary Conference Days Teacher Workdays Holidays ER Early Release

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ELEMENTARY

First Semester 1st 9-weeks Aug. 17 - Oct. 14 2nd 9-weeks Oct. 17 - Dec. 16 Second Semester 3rd 9-weeks Jan. 5 - Mar. 10 4th 9-weeks Mar. 20 - May 24

CALENDAR SPONSORS

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SECONDARY

First Semester 1st 6-weeks Aug. 17 - Sept. 23 2nd 6-weeks Sept. 26 - Nov. 4 3rd 6-weeks Nov. 7 - Dec. 16 Second Semester 4th 6-weeks Jan. 5 - Feb. 16 5th 6-weeks Feb. 21 - Apr. 6 6th 6-weeks Apr. 11 - May 24

Wimberly ISD Calendar

Empowering and inspiring ALL students to achieve their FULL potential!

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