Stepping up for one another in times of need – The Montgomery Way
Thank you all for your flexibility and diligence to ensure we could offer in-person instruction beginning on Monday following last week’s inclement weather. Last week presented historic weather-related challenges and damage to our region, causing many of us to lose power and water for an extended amount of time. I’m proud to be a part of a community that continually helps one another during times of need. Through hurricanes, pandemics and now, snow storms, members of this community always support one another through extraordinary circumstances. I’ve quickly learned that this is The Montgomery Way.
With that said, each of you continue to step up daily for students and their families, despite the numerous challenges that have been thrown at you this year. I could not be more appreciative of your continued dedication to our students. On top of your already busy workloads, you’ve been asked to persevere in ways like never before – and you continue to do so with determination and courage.
Please see below a few important district updates, including a summary of this week’s Board of Trustees meeting, which included important items supporting district employees.
With appreciation,
Dr. Heath Morrison
Superintendent
Montgomery ISD
Operation Connectivity laptop distribution for teachers
I’m excited to announce that every MISD teacher will be offered a laptop from the district. We’re thankful for the opportunity to provide this benefit to teachers at no cost to the district through a partnership with Operation Connectivity and Montgomery County with the support of County Judge Mark Keough.
In addition to every teacher having the option to utilize a district-issued laptop, seven campuses due for a “refresh” will receive an allotment of new laptops for student use, also thanks to Operation Connectivity and Montgomery County. More information will be provided through your campus principal.
Laptop distributions to campuses for teachers and classroom use will begin in the coming weeks.
MISD Board of Trustees February Meeting
On Tuesday the MISD Board of Trustees met for its February regular meeting.
The Board took several noteworthy actions that benefit MISD employees and students, including the adoption of a Board Resolution urging the Governor of Texas to include school district employees on the list of those eligible to receive of COVID-19 vaccine and a Board Resolution approving employee compensation during the district’s inclement weather closure from Feb. 16 through Feb. 19. Trustees also authorized the district to accept missed school day waivers from the Texas Education Agency for last week’s inclement weather closures. This means that the district will not need to add any school days to the current academic calendar to make up for the missed instructional minutes. With that said, we’ll always work to ensure students are provided academic opportunities to make up for missed instructional time during closures.
Regarding the COVID-19 Board Resolution adopted by Board, I want to reiterate that we would never make it a requirement for any employee to receive the vaccine once they are made available. The district and Board of Trustees felt that, given the resilience and hard work this year to keep schools open, it was appropriate to request to the state that public school district personnel be included in the definition of “frontline workers” for purposes of COVID-19 distribution.
Additionally, during the meeting trustees received a report on a study of the MISD Human Resources Department by the Texas Association of School Boards. The report identified areas of strength and opportunity for HR-related functions within the district. Like in any organization, Human Resources plays a key role in how we recruit, retain, grow and support our employees. It’s always important to have a third-party share insights on how to improve and provide affirmations of your strengths.
Trustees also gave a special recognition to our school counselors. Each year during the month of February, school counselors are recognized during National School Counseling Week for their unique contributions and positive impact on helping students achieve success in school and plan for their future. Trustees gave a special thank you to our dedicated school counselors for the support they provide our students not only academically, but also and socially and emotionally. A video was shown highlighting the contribution of school counselors. You can view the video below:
Next Strategic Plan Town Hall Meeting – March 4
As a reminder, due to last week’s inclement weather, the next Strategic Plan Town Hall meeting at Lake Creek HS has been pushed back one week to Thursday, March 4 at 6 p.m. I encourage you all to attend and share your thoughts and input on district initiatives and strategies to be included in the Strategic Plan.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to observe our Strategic Plan Task Force Committee meetings at the District ESC. I was incredibly encouraged to see first-hand such enthusiasm toward developing an outstanding strategic plan for our district and students during these meetings.
Here are a few photos of the task force committees in action!
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
I want to share with you that Dr. Sonja Lopez is stepping away from her role as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. We thank Dr. Lopez for her years of service to the district as both a campus administrator and district leader, and wish her the best as she moves on to the next stage of her career. A broad search will begin for the next leader of our Human Resources Department.
Superintendent Shout-Out: Lake Creek Boys’ Basketball
I’d like to give a special “Superintendent Shout-Out” to the Lake Creek Varsity Boys’ basketball players and coaches, who advanced to the UIL Area Playoff Round this week! On Monday, the Lions defeated A&M Consolidated 49-47 in the Bi-District Playoff Round in what was a thrilling finish, before coming up a little short on Wednesday in the Area Round. The Lions finished the season with an overall record of 17-9, with a 11-3 District record.
Congratulations to Coach Shannon Spencer and the Lions on a remarkable season!
The 2020-21 Lake Creek Lions Varsity Basketball Team
Debraun Hampton
Mason Moore
Trace Spencer
Jordan Fitch
Mitch O’Neal
Seth Cantu
Ty George
Logan Peterson
Charlie Johnson
Kaiden Wyszynksi
Skylar Mayweather
Hudson Boyd
Sawyer Matchett
Chase Brown
MISD Swimmers Head to State
Good luck to Lake Creek HS swimmer Jacob Whitaker and Montgomery HS swimmers Kendall Wilson, Kaitlyn Weightman, Kaelynn Miller and Reese Balkcom, who are all headed to the UIL State Swim Meet in San Antonio!
The MISD Premier Blog 