Vol. 2, Issue 4
Board approves targeted improvement plans for three campuses
The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees approved targeted improvement plans for three schools during a called meeting on December 7, 2015, reaffirming the District's commitment to address students' individual learning needs and the unique needs of each campus. State accountability systems required that the Fort Bend ISD Board of  Trustees adopt Texas Accountability Intervention Systems (TAIS) improvement plans for Briargate Elementary, Ridgemont Elementary, and Christa McAuliffe Middle School, due to the schools designation of "Improvement Required" in the 2015 Accountability Ratings.
Middle School educators invited to take part in 2016 Summer STEM Research Experience  
JASON Learning, a world-renowned science education organization, will lead a scientific expedition to the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) in the Bahamas and Alaska in the summer of 2016 and is seeking a diverse, creative, and adventurous group of students and educators to join the research team as "Student and Educator Argonauts."
Technology Meetings Planned
Fort Bend ISD will host meetings to get the public's feedback on the District's  Strategic Educational Technology Plan. Meetings will be held from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on January 26 and January 27 at the Annex Main Auditorium (3119 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land 77479) to share more information with the public and solicit your feedback as we develop the plan.
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Employee Newsletter Archive
Check out our past editions!
Employee Incentive Program (EIP) funds 
The Fort Bend ISD Employee Incentive Plan has been amended to allow for in-service distributions. If your account has not had a contribution for two (2) years, your account balance is less than $5,000 and you are 100% vested in the account, you qualify for an in-service distribution from the plan. Click here to access the distribution formFor questions regarding your Employee Incentive Plan account, contact JEM Resources directly at 1-800-943-9179.
Employees can enjoy a FREE two-week membership to Missouri City YMCA
Spend your break at the YMCA. The Fort Bend Family YMCA (4433 Cartwright Rd. in Missouri City) is offering a free 2 week membership for FBISD employees to thank you for all that you do. The complimentary membership is valid December 19 through January 3. For more details, click here.
FBISD closed for Winter Break, Dec. 21-Jan. 1
All Fort Bend ISD schools and offices will be closed on Monday, December 21 through Friday, January 1 for the Winter Holiday. The District will resume regular business hours on Monday, January 4 and students will return to class on Tuesday, January 5.
Join FBISD in honoring its Board of Trustees in January
In January, Fort Bend ISD will join school districts throughout the state in honoring its elected Board of Trustees for their continuous support, dedication and commitment to our students, staff, and community. FBISD's seven-member Board of Trustees includes (shown seated, from left):Kristin Tassin (Secretary), Grayle James (President), Dave Rosenthal (Vice President), and (standing) members KP GeorgeAddie HeyligerJason Burdine and Jim Rice.   more ...
Board approves concept of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Facility
The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees approved conceptual plans for updates to Career and Technical Education facilities at three high schools and the future design and construction of a centralized state-of-the-art facility for the delivery of expanded CTE programs. During a regular business meeting on Monday, December 14, trustees gave the administration authorization to proceed with the planning and design process of the facilities, which will be funded through the 2014 Bond Program.  The 2014 Bond Program, approved by voters in November of 2014, included $59 million dollars earmarked for CTE improvements.    more ...
Stay informed of the latest updates to the
2014 Bond Program
To learn about the latest updates to the 2014 Bond Program, Fort Bend ISD invites you to read the 2014 Bond Program Update newsletter. Click here to see the Winter 2015 issue, and here to view the Fall 2015 issue.

To subscribe to the quarterly newsletter, click here.

Elizabeth Williams named the new
principal of Colony Bend Elementary School
The Board of Trustees appointed Elizabeth Williams as the new principal of Colony Bend Elementary School during its Called Meeting on November 9. Williams is the current assistant principal at Colony Bend and will replace Principal Sue Sierra, who will become the principal of Austin Parkway Elementary in January.    more ...
Employees invited to submit feedback regarding 2016-17 District Calendar
The proposed calendar keeps the well-loved traditional Fort Bend County Fair Day and a week-long Thanksgiving Break, but a legislative change approved by the 84th Texas Legislature replaces the previous minimum 180 days of instruction to a required minimum of 75,600 minutes. To meet this minimum while also avoiding major calendar changes, the proposed 2016-17 District calendar has added 20 minutes to the length of the school day at all levels. This change would also allow us to build-in bad weather days, so if school cancellation is required, up to two days would not have to be made up.

On January 19, the administration will ask the Board of Trustees to approve the 2016-17 District calendar. To see the draft calendar and submit your feedback, click here. We will continue to take community feedback until January 7.
Give a teacher gift that makes a difference
A donation to the Fort Bend Education Foundation is the perfect way to thank a teacher, remember a friend or honor a loved one. Your tax-deductible gift to the Fort Bend Education Foundation Tribute Fund will be acknowledged with a personal card, notifying the honoree that a contribution has been made in their name. For more details, visit the Foundation website.
January Board of Trustees Meetings
The January FBISD Board of Trustees meetings will be held on the following dates:
  • January 11 - Called Meeting and Agenda Review, 6:00 p.m.
  • January 19 (Tuesday) - Regular Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
All Board of Trustees meetings are held in the Board Room of the FBISD Administration Building (16431 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land 77479). You can view additional information, including meeting agendas and agenda packets on the Board of Trustees webpage 
Brittany Mayland of Oyster Creek Elementary honored as a 2015 "Star in the Classroom"
Award presented by the Houston Texans in partnership with First Community Credit Union
Oyster Creek Elementary School kindergarten teacher, Brittany Mayland, received the surprise of a lifetime when she was honored as a "Star in the Classroom" by the Houston Texans and First Community Credit Union (FCCU). Houston Texans Wide Receiver Cecil Shorts III joined FCCU Assistant Vice President of Marketing Amber Magee in surprising Mayland with the award in recognition of making a positive impact in the lives of students. 
Talent Acquisition Team plays a large role in securing substitute staff
If you've ever wondered what role our Talent Acquisition Team plays in regards to substitute staff, here's an opportunity to learn all about it. The mission of the Substitute Office is to provide Fort Bend ISD campuses with quality substitutes who are equipped to inspire students, while ensuring continuity in the instructional program during the absence of full-time staff.  more ...

Seen Around the Bend
Our camera caught District staff at Stephen F. Austin State University's 2015 Global Citizenship Series, "Europe in the Transatlantic Context," held exclusively for Fort Bend ISD high school students to allow them the opportunity to meet with European dignitaries and college/university professionals to explore Europe from historical and contemporary perspectives.
 
 
Photo 1 (Top Left): Steven Shiels, Director of College & Career Readiness (center) is pictured with His Excellency David O'Sullivan, Ambassador of the European Union (right) and Elkins High School student Lauren Phan. Photo 2 (Top Right) Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Dupre is shown with some of the student participants. Photo 3 (Bottom Left): Pictured are Social Studies teacher Andrea McCartney and student Caitlin Laster of Bush High School and student Alexandria Yancy and Social Studies teacher Christrina Stickney of Dulles High School. Photo 4 (Bottom Right): Social Studies teachers David Householder of Travis High School and Chris Burkhalter of Ridge Point High School join Academy Coordinator Ann Beckman and Director of College & Career Readiness Steven Shiels.
FREE Boot Camp class at 24 Hour Fitness!
With a new year comes new goals! We want to help you get a jump start on your fitness goal by providing employees an opportunity to learn more about discount memberships to local fitness clubs and try out the Sugar Land 24 Hour Fitness. Please see the Internal Communications message dated 12/14/2015 in your email to see attachments for more information on the available discounts (and how to obtain them) and how to reserve your space for the FREE boot camp at Sugar Land 24 Hour Fitness on December 23, 2015.  

Find out the latest happenings in Fine Arts
To read about the latest happenings taking place in our District's Fine Arts Department, view the latest issue of the newsletter, No Boundaries.