Board gets update on advanced academics
Arlington ISD’s Board of Trustees meeting on December 7, 2023, is in the books, and here are a few of the highlights.
There was no infamy on this Dec. 7 as students from the Shackelford Junior High Woodwind Choir put everyone in the Christmas spirit. The Choir, which features 8th grade students playing flutes and clarinets, performed “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Deck the Halls,” under the direction of Ann Klas and Matthew Nagel. Thank you to these wonderful musicians!
Then the trustees honored the student of the month, Bowie High School senior Kyree Burley. Kyree regularly makes the school announcements and is part of the theatre arts program and AVID. Plus, he’s a sports manager and Bowie’s Richard Greene Scholar. But it’s his positive attitude that impacts his entire class and school that truly set him apart. Congratulations, Kyree, and thank you for your leadership.
Now, let’s start with the news that most people are most interested in – the school calendar. Tonight, the board approved the calendar for next school year, 2024-2025. You can find the new calendar at aisd.net. Just click on “calendars” at the top of the page. Thank you to all 29 members of the committee who worked diligently to craft this calendar.
Among the financial items, the board approved the monthly financial report on operations and the district’s investment activity report through November.
Later, the trustees heard a progress update related to the district’s plan to improve literary and math proficiency and performance objectives as outlined in the District Improvement Plan required by House Bill 3. Dr. Natalie Lopez, Arlington ISD assistant superintendent of research and accountability, presented on student outcomes from the first curriculum assessment of the school year.
Finally, Dr. Karen Zeske, Arlington ISD director of advanced academics, gave the board a presentation that provided an overview of the district’s Advanced Academics and Gifted and Talented programs, which provide students with differentiated and enriched instruction designed to enhance their ability to demonstrate self-directed learning, thinking, research and communication skills.
Those are just a few of the highlights from tonight. If you would like more details on any of these, or any of the items not covered here, please click here to watch the entire meeting.