Below are highlights of items discussed during the open session of the Hallsville Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The next regular session meeting is tonight, Wednesday, February 19, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hallsville Primary School cafeteria. Full agendas with document links are available on the district website.
RECOGNITIONS
Lauren Anderson was recognized for her outstanding work launching the new Student Success Center (SSC) at Hallsville Intermediate School. This much-needed addition has already hosted over 1,000 students, providing a space for completing work, assessments, and self-regulation. The SSC also serves as a step in the behavior continuum, reducing unnecessary office visits for minor disruptions.
Sarah Browning, Jennifer Anderson, and Sherri Briedwell were recognized for their hard work and dedication to making the Hallsville Primary School’s Jingle Bell Shop the best experience possible for our students.
Hallsville Operations Department was recognized for their hard work clearing snow from campus and keeping district buildings clean and operational during the most recent winter weather.
STADIUM PROJECT UPDATE
SMWilson provided a monthly construction update for the Board of Education to review, along with the most recent pay application for Board consideration. The Board approved Change Order #3, which is a credit to the district for providing third-party testing in the amount of $10,650.
Locker Room Current Activities: Progress Report #1
● Permit received
● Temporary construction fence installed
● Demo for the Locker room building pad - completed
● Excavation/LVC completed for locker room
● Site work on hold until we get rebar, anchor bolt delivery dates, and the
ground warms up
STATE ASSESSMENTS (CSIP Goal 1: Student Learning)
Most of the State required assessments are administered in the spring. The first two scheduled assessments are the ACCESS for ELL and the MAP-Alternate (MAP-A). The ACCESS for ELL assessment is given to all Kindergarten through 12th-grade students identified as English learners (EL). This assessment will take place in January and February. The MAP-Alternate (MAP-A) assessment is designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who meet grade level and eligibility criteria established by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Students take the MAP-A instead of the MAP or EOC test for their grade level. English Language Arts (ELA) and math are tested in the fall and spring. Science is only tested in the spring.
DISTRICT ASSESSMENT (CSIP 1.1.6)
The district uses i-Ready to assess student learning in reading and math. Teachers administer this assessment at least three times a year to monitor student growth and adjust classroom instruction or intervention accordingly. i-Ready is one of four Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) approved assessments mandated for identifying students requiring supplemental reading instruction through the Reading Success Plans. Additionally, it aligns with the assessment requirements outlined in the state-mandated Dyslexia screening guidelines. Currently, teachers are in the process of conducting the mid-year assessment, which will conclude by the end of January. Following the completion of the assessment, teams will convene to discuss student growth and make instructional adjustments based on the results.
NEW TEACHER INDUCTIONS (CSIP 2.2.4)
Our monthly New Teacher Cohort Meetings play an important role in our New Teacher Induction program. Following winter break, teachers will discuss re-establishing classroom routines and enhancing student engagement. As the spring approaches, our meetings may delve into specific instructional strategies and address year-end assessments. These sessions offer continuous support and professional development opportunities, focusing on topics relevant to teachers' classrooms and the current season.
SCHOOL SAFETY (CSIP 3.1.2)
Safety coordinator Ty Sides discussed the importance of talking to students about safety regularly. Teaching students about safety helps them become aware of potential physical, emotional, or digital dangers. This knowledge empowers them to recognize hazards and respond appropriately at school, home, or public spaces.
POLICY UPDATES
This was the second reading of policy and regulation updates. Policies went into effect after the second reading and were approved by the Board of Education.
2023-2024 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Julie Esquivel summarized the District's APR score.
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