This is a season of giving, and I'm thankful for the many ways in which the Big Red Community gives our students support.
For most of this year, a committee of educators students and community members has been giving their time and expertise to plan for our future growth. Experts tell us that Belton ISD will grow by about 3,500 students in the next decade, and we'll need enough learning spaces to educate those students.
We actually grew by about the same amount over the last decade too. We successfully managed that growth by planning for it and with the support of our community. Voters gave us their support to build new schools and repurpose older campuses. Taxpayers trusted us to be good stewards of their tax dollars.
It's not just new schools and plans for the future that demonstrate how the community supports our kids. It's what's happening in our classrooms everyday.
This academic year, our school board is recognizing a different Big Red Community Partner each month. They've celebrated the Military Child Education Coalition for how they help military connected students - and all new students - find their niche in Belton ISD and Heart of Central Texas Independent Living for helping special needs students transition to life after high school.
The board also recognized Temple Winnelson and the Belton Veterinary Clinic for their contributions to our career and technical education program. Temple Winnelson and the Belton Veterinary Clinic are two of literally dozens of local businesses that advise us on the skills that employers need, donate time and supplies to help students gain those skills, and more.
And for our students, it's true that it's better to give than to receive. That's why we value community service and giving back to the Big Red Community.
Last Friday our cheerleaders spread some holiday cheer at McLane Children's Hospital. Earlier this year, they raised more than $11,000 for breast cancer research conducted by Scott & White.
Our career and technical education students put their newly acquired skills to work for the community in a variety of ways. For example, this past summer, construction trades students helped to build a house for a homeless veteran.
This list could go on and on. From our youngest learners to our seniors preparing for graduation, every student recognizes that our community makes a difference in their lives. And every student also has the opportunity to give back.
As we celebrate the holiday season, I can't think of a better time to express my gratitude. On behalf of everyone at Belton ISD, thank you.
Have a very merry Christmas!
Susan Kincannon, Ed.D.
