Monday, September 26, 2016

Making Progress

1st Six Weeks
It’s hard to believe we are already wrapping up the first six weeks of the school year. We are off to an exceptional start! The high school football team is dominating with a 5-0 record. Volleyball has a winning record and has begun their district competition. The high school band has been preparing their program for their state competition. The band is in store for a very busy month, performing just about every weekend during the month of October. I am optimistic and hopeful that I will be making a trip to San Antonio to watch them perform in the State Marching Competition this November.

Construction
With three simultaneous construction projects underway in Anna ISD, the growth is undeniable. I appreciate the patience and cooperation our community has shown as we work to fulfill the district’s plan.

The final touches are being put in place on the interior of Anna Middle School. The exterior construction is in full swing with steel being erected for the new band hall and theatre arts area. The piers and footings have been poured on the new classroom wing. The foundation for that particular area is soon to follow.

The new athletic complex is in full swing with the hopes to have it open in February. Heaps of dirt have been dug out behind Anna High School, as the foundation is being prepared for the new surface. We will accommodate baseball, softball and tennis activities at the complex this spring.

The construction for Anna’s third elementary school is underway. Lee Lewis Construction has started moving dirt in preparation for utilities and the foundation.

Elementary #3 Naming/Boundary/Staffing
Be on the lookout for surveys and other information concerning Elementary #3. We are in the process of developing two surveys to gather community input regarding our third elementary school.

The first survey will address naming the campus. You will be able to vote from a list of Anna’s past educators or have the option to write in your own idea. The survey will be placed on the district Website and will run for two weeks during the month of October. The survey results will be compiled and presented to the AISD School Board. The Board will discuss your input and consider other necessary factors to determine the name of Anna’s newest campus. Our goal is to announce the name of the school at our January Board Meeting.

The second survey will address the boundary lines for Elementary #3. Anna ISD has been provided four different scenarios by our demographer to consider in determining the boundary lines. The survey will contain the four different choices along with some demographic information and will be placed on the district Website during the month of October. The AISD Board of Trustees will receive the results from this survey in November and consider all information before making the final decision at the January Board Meeting.

The district is also beginning to discuss staffing the new campus. Our staffing objective is that each campus will be as equal as possible with regards to years of experience. During the second semester, we will send out a questionnaire to the district elementary staff requesting volunteers to move to the new campus. District administration will review the results and consider other necessary factors in designating staff to the elementary campuses. At this time, our plan for Elementary #3 is to announce the new principal in January and the remainder of the personnel in April.

As a reminder to the staff of Anna ISD:
These are exciting times in our district! Embrace the growth and maintain a positive outlook for the benefit of our schools, families and community. Anna ISD is a desirable district filled with wonderful students and staff. We are blessed to be part of such a district. Every day pledge to be positive so that you may have a positive impact on those whose lives you touch.