Note from Supt
June 2020 Board Briefs
Message from Superintendent Jackson
It is certainly great to be alive and well in a time where so much sickness and sadness has inhabited our lives. However, I relish the opportunity to be in a position to positively influence Grapeland ISD and our community of Grapeland. My mama always told me that no matter what happens, there is a bright side somewhere... I have faith and eternal hope that the unity in our community will stay strong as we realize and recognize the challenges that our students, staff and stakeholders are facing and will face in the times that are ahead. My friends, we at Grapeland ISD are committed to teach our children how to respond. We are committed to help our parents raise up our children in the way that they should go and pray that when they are older, they will not depart from it.
Our country is going through a difficult time with sickness as COVID-19 has not loosened its grip on so many. Let us assure you that we want our students back in the fall and will work to follow every protocol set by our state to make sure that the health, safety and welfare of our students are first and foremost. We have been informed that mask will not be mandated and that schools will be reopening in the fall.
George Floyd and Rashard Brooks are also squarely at the front and center of our minds. Here at Grapeland ISD we accept the challenge of our role in establishing a culture of where we are brothers and sisters in Christ who come together, work together and stay together through adversity. We will not condone hate, but will promote love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Rest assured that we will be visible, available, approachable and accessible to train our students socially and educationally.
Sandie Nation, I love you all... students, staff and stakeholders... I will assure you that you will have our teachers, staff and administrators maximum energy, effort and enthusiasm in the coming school year. We just returned from a 2 day Administrative retreat where we are establishing plans that will push us toward even more progress.
Stay strong, Stay together and Stay tuned as we finish our planning and prepare for a great 20-21 school year.
~ Don Jackson
Revised 20-21 School Calendar
Summary of changes in 20-21 School calendar
- The school start day was moved from August 24th to August 19th.
- First day for Teachers and Staff to report moved from August 10th to August 6th.
- October 19th -23rd; January 4th-5th; January 18th; February 15th; March 15th-19th: are now COVID Flex days...(Meaning that if we are out of school for COVID in days preceding the break, we will have to use the days as makeup days.
- May 31st - June 4th are also days that can be used to make up for any days that are missed due to COVID (If needed)
- Please email me at djackson@grapelandisd.net if you have questions or call 936-687-4619 and ask for Don Jackson if you have any questions.
Highlights from June 2020 Board Meeting
- GISD Excellence Recognized our 49 individual and personalized graduations... Thank you Katie Doughty, Cindy Huff for your leadership and Board member Allen Cheatham for your exemplary attendance. Also to all staff members who helped play a part in being "clutch" as Mrs. Doughty would put it.
- Superintendent Report- Discussion of Safety Vestibule being built at GHS; Discussion about facility improvements at Sandie field house and Board toured the renovations after the meeting; Discussion of District Improvement Plan and Staff Development Plan in process for 20-21; Board informed of Administrative Retreat at Houston County Lake (hosted by Cindy Huff) planned for June 17th, 18th. Commissioner of Education report on protocols for 20-21 COVID Re-entry will be released on Tuesday June 23rd; Parent Survey for COVID reentry will be initiated during the week of June 22nd-26th; Performance Goals have been initiated for Administrators and directors for 20-21 school year; Leading District Book Study on Relentless by Hamish Brewer
- Discussion of Technology Accessibility Improvement- District I.T. Director, Mr. John Norman and Mr. Gregg Burns, Owner/Operator of The Tech Guy spoke to the Board about our initiative to become a 1 to 1 school and the possibility of increased accessibility and Bandwidth. This initiative is being researched and priced.
- Discussion and Action to Amend School Calendar for 20-21 school calendar... Explained previously
- Discussion about Student Transfer Policy to GISD- We have a good problem... We are growing and have had to add staff due to the growth... We currently have no charge for transfers for the upcoming school year; but are exploring a transfer fee of 250.00 per family for transfers who are grandfathered in before the 21-22 school year and a fee of 500.00 per family for those students who are new transfers to Grapeland ISD starting in the 21-22 school year.
- Discussion and Action to approve a missed school waiver from the Commissioner for the missed school days during the 19-20 school year. Waiver approved 7-0.
- Professional Contract Approved- We are happy to have Will Kollet as our JH Social Studies teacher and Head Girls Basketball and Volleyball Coach! Welcome to Grapeland Coach Kollet.
- Professional Addition to Staff being considered- We are considering adding an additional PreK 3 Teacher to Grapeland Elementary due to growing numbers. This item is currently tabled but being heavily and favorably considered.
- Staff raises summary: Administrators and Directors who were not maxed out were approved for a 3% raise; Teachers and staff also received their step raises; Superintendent Don Jackson declined a raise for 20-21 school year.
Cheerleaders are getting ready!
49 Individual graduations!!!
Welcome Coach Kollet
GISD Student workouts are in process
All athletes will meet at the field house at same times during the week of June 22nd - June 25th (Gym floors being waxed)
Face lift for Sandie Field house!!
Staff Workouts continue... Jump in with us...
Unity in our Community... Realizing the challenges of the world around us and responding with LOVE
Grapeland ISD
Home of Champions
Email: djackson@grapelandisd.net
Website: www.grapelandisd.net
Location: 116 West Myrtle Street, Grapeland, TX, USA
Phone: 936-687-4619
Facebook: facebook.com/GrapelandISD
Twitter: @mrjackson_65