Ector County Independent School District eNewsletter
10/16/15
In This Issue


 

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Fox Sports SW rolls into Permian High School's pep rally this week

Texas Education Commissioner to step down at year-end
 
Longhorns mascot Bevo passes away


Dedicating Downing

Thursday night an estimated 600 people filled the auditorium for the dedication ceremony for Edward K. Downing Elementary School. Downing Elementary is one of three new schools approved in the 2012 bond, and it honors the legacy of man who worked for ECISD for 37 years (of perfect attendance!) and was the first African-American administrator in the school district's history. You can read more about this man and the dedication ceremony HERE
 
 
The Gold Standard for partners!
 
Congratulations to the Odessa District Office of the Texas Department of Public Safety on receiving an Employer for Education Excellence Gold Level Award for their mentoring program at Noel Elementary School. This award comes from the State Board of Education and only three businesses/organizations earned the Gold Level designation this year. Any Texas employer is eligible for this award, and those in the Gold Award category have implemented policies that encourage and support employees who attend parent-teacher conferences; encourage employees to volunteer in school activities; and support employees that participate in student mentoring programs.

Our Odessa DPS Troopers definitely fit that definition. Sergeant Michael Thomas coordinates this effort which has been in place at Noel for several years. The troopers visit the school regularly and serve as mentors for many students. Not only are they excellent role models but they also give the kids another "safe" adult in which they can confide and receive direction. The students look forward to the visits from their mentors, and when their trooper is on "crash duty" or patrolling the border students have often asked the school counselor to contact the trooper to make sure they are okay.

These DPS Troopers mentor an average of ten hours per month and totaled more than 100 hours last year. They were named ECISD's 2014-15 Partner of the Year last April, and they are definitely worthy of this state-wide honor! ECISD is thrilled to call these Troopers our partners!  
 
FIRST report bears good news 
 
Ector County ISD scored at the top of the recently released FIRST report. This is the state school financial accountability rating system, known as the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), and it is designed to ensure that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices and that they improve those practices. The system encourages Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.

The rating system is very simple, a school district passes or it doesn't. The range for achieving a passing rating is 16-30 and ECISD came in at 30. Well done!

"We are very proud of our finance department," said Superintendent of Schools Tom Crowe. "They do a tremendous job of making sure we use our dollars effectively to help our staff and students succeed." 
 
 
Parents are the first & best teacher
 
Lamar Early Education Center had its first Parent Power Hour Literacy Trainings on October 15. MaryJane Hutchins, the school's assistant principal, presented the workshop to approximately 100 parents. Families learned how influential they can be in their child's learning process, the importance of reading, and were given some helpful reading tips to engage their children.   They also made a book basket for their child. Lamar EEC will host a Parent Power Hour Literacy training each month and will have two Conscious Discipline Parent trainings this year.
 
 
A very positive message
 
Former Harlem Globetrotter Melvin Adams visited Cavazos Elementary Friday morning bringing a positive message to students in his crazy, engaging way. In a presentation filled with jokes and funny stories Melvin tells students to dream big, understand that they are special, and know that they can overcome obstacles they are facing with perseverance and a positive attitude.
 
He always throws in few demonstrations, too, as you can see the this photo!
 
 

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Ector County ISD does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, race, nationality, religion, disability, socioeconomic standing or non-proficiency in English language skills in providing educational services for students' benefit.