Author: Montgomery ISD

Board of Trustees Meeting Recap: December 14, 2021

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The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees met for their regular scheduled meeting tonight.

Below are highlights of the meeting:

Special Recognition of Debbie Whitaker

In honor of her retirement after 23 years of service to Montgomery ISD, Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison and the Board of Trustees gave a special recognition to the Superintendent’s Secretary, Debbie Whitaker.

Debbie has worked in Montgomery ISD since 1998, having opened Montgomery High School with then-principal Bobby Morris. In 2002, she was named Secretary to the Superintendent and has worked as the administrative assistant to another four superintendents through her tenure in this position.

The role of Superintendent Secretary requires an abundance of responsibility, supporting the superintendent and the seven members of the MISD Board of Trustees. She manages the calendars of these individuals, as well as the senior leadership team and the ten campus principals. In addition to being the Superintendent’s Secretary, she has also held the role of District Investment Officer and until this school year, she managed the records and financials for the Montgomery ISD Education Foundation.

“While we are all thrilled for Debbie as she opens a new and exciting life chapter, her calm presence and friendship, and incredible knowledge of Montgomery ISD will be greatly missed,” Dr. Morrison said. “We celebrate her outstanding career, thank her for her years of service and dedication to Montgomery ISD and wish her all the best in the adventures that await.”

Trustees Presented with Results of District’s Financial Audit

During the meeting, trustees were presented with and accepted the results of the district’s annual fiscal year financial audit. The district’s third-party audit firm issued a clean audit that resulted in a significant deposit of revenues into the district’s general Maintenance and Operations fund. The increase to the fund balance was a result of additional revenues and efficient management of the district’s budget. Additionally, when financial ratings are released next year, the district expects to receive high marks as a result of the audit.

“Sound fiscal management is an area we highly prioritize as a district and Board of Trustees,” Board President Matt Fuller said. “We are extremely pleased by the results of this year’s audit, and the deposit into the general fund balance is a clear indication that our financial house is in order and the district’s budgets are being managed responsibly and effectively.”

Secondary Course Selection Guide Approved

Montgomery ISD Trustees also adopted the 2022-23 academic year secondary Course Selection Guide, which includes additions to course offerings at both the high school and junior high school levels.

Each spring, current and incoming students at the secondary level select courses offered in the district’s Course Selection Guide. Key changes include adding additional Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit courses, including the AP Capstone Program, which encourages students to enroll in and take exams for AP courses.

Increasing the number of students participating in at least one advanced academic course is a stated goal in the district’s Pathway to Premier strategic plan.

In addition to increasing AP and Dual Credit course offerings, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) section of the district’s course guide has been enhanced to more adequately reflect how CTE courses offered by MISD are connected to career pathways and industry-based certifications. The changes to the course selection guide include additional offerings in Animal Science, Ag Mechanics, Plant Science, Architectural Design, Entrepreneurship, Manufacturing, STEM and in Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security.

The Junior High Course Selection Guide also has a change in Career and Technical Education. Students will now take one of five courses that align with high school CTE pathways, including Principles of Applied Engineering, Agriculture, Health Science, Human Services, and Business, Marketing & Finance.

“Continuing to grow and enhance Career and Technical Education opportunities for students in Montgomery ISD has been a major focus of district leadership and our community, and our Course Selection Guide reflects this priority,” Dr. Morrison said. “We believe that every Montgomery ISD student, when they receive their diploma, should be well prepared for the college or career opportunity of their choice, and CTE is critical to this value we hold as a district.”

Presentation on Goal 2: School Safety

During Board meetings, district leaders present updates to the Board of Trustees on the progress of various goals, departments and priorities in the strategic plan.

Montgomery ISD Chief of Police Stephen Phillips, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Innovation and Director of Community Services Courtney Dyer presented an update on Goal 2, which encompasses school safety.

You can see the update on Goal 2 presented to the Board of Trustees here.

Board Approves Healthcare Plan in Accordance with New State Law, SB 1444

Earlier this year, Texas lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1444. This bill states that Texas school districts who participate in TRS ActiveCare insurance may no longer offer more than one healthcare provider. Currently, Montgomery ISD offers healthcare coverage options under both TRS ActiveCare and Texas School Health Benefits Plan (TSHBP) and this new bill requires the district to select one provider by December 31, 2021.

Montgomery ISD Benefits and Employee Relations Coordinator, Teresa Tipton, has spent the last two months presenting the plan options to each campus and department to provide information and gather feedback and input. The district also issued a survey to all staff asking for their feedback regarding healthcare options. In her presentation to the Board of Trustees, Tipton shared the results of that survey as well as the plan summaries, premium information and her reports from meeting with both TRS ActiveCare and TSHBP. The results of the survey can be found on the district’s website.

After thorough analysis of both healthcare options, Mrs. Tipton presented the district’s recommendation to move forward with TSHBP as its sole healthcare plan provider. The board approved the recommendation, and this change takes effect at the start of the 2022-23 school year.

Lake Creek Senior performing her way to the Grammy Ballot

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Attend any Lake Creek HS choir or theater program and one special voice is going to stand out and impress. Lake Creek senior Lexi Delahoussaye has been performing and singing since she was just four years old, when her parents first realized she was made for the stage.

“Since she was little, her singing and confidence has always left people in awe,” Lexi’s father Todd Delahoussaye said. “It does me too, but I’m most impressed with the hard-working perfectionist that has the innate ability to sing directly to your heart and soul.”

After moving to Louisiana at age seven, Lexi started with a vocal coach and joined a singing group that performed at various venues, while also participating in Community Theater programs with her local church. Her father’s favorite performance was when Lexi was just seven, in which she sang the National Anthem, spur of the moment, at a company Clay Shoot in front of 2000 adults, leaving the audience speechless.

Coming back to Texas in sixth grade, Lexi began her journey as a choir student in Montgomery ISD and has worked under several MISD choir directors, having attended Montgomery Middle School, Montgomery JH, Oak Hills JH and Lake Creek HS. She is now a student in two varsity level choir classes and also serves one class period as assistant to LCHS Choir Director, Mr. Cameron Carnley. She says that her most influential person in her music career is Mr. Carnley and his slogan that “We Sing to Inspire” is something she will carry with her always.

“Lexi is talented, but beyond that she is extremely hard-working and humble,” Carnley said. “She wants our programs to truly be the best and loves to learn by accepting constructive criticism. She is kind and intelligent and it is truly a gift to be able to teach her.”

As a freshman at Lake Creek HS, Lexi was a member of the school’s first theater team, helping lead the team to State in UIL One Act Play and earning 5A State Best Performer for her lead role as Becca in Rabbit Hole, in which the team placed seventh. She has continued to lead the theater program with lead roles in other plays including Vintage Hitchcock and The Memory of Water, as well as playing the iconic role of Miss Scarlet in the fall production of Clue and The Ghost of Christmas Past in their current production, A Christmas Carol.

“Lexi is one of those students who is not only superbly talented, but she has the strong work ethic to match,” Lake Creek HS Theater Director Robert Ramirez said. “At the end of every rehearsal she asks if there is anything that needs to be done. She clearly has a deep love and respect for the theatrical process and that comes across in everything she does.”

In addition to school theater, Lexi has been with Main Stage Productions and Class-Act Productions, with roles in plays including Hunchback of Notre Dame and Beauty and the Beast. When asked who her biggest fan is, she didn’t hesitate to say it is her dad, who is always encouraging her and challenging her to try new things.

“Lexi is an old soul,” Mr. Delahoussaye said. “Her ability to display emotion, whether singing or acting, blows my mind. I must have seen her in Rabbit Hole 20 times her freshman year, and it got me every time!”

Lexi Delahoussaye stars as Becca in Rabbit Hole, in which she was awarded 5A State of Texas Best Actress in a One Act Play. Pictured with her is co-star Samuel Irving in the role of Howie.

Last year, at just 17 years old, Lexi joined the Sarah Kelly music school and would participate in “Singing on the Lawn” in Market Street, performing for local crowds. Her father encouraged her to take a songwriting class and with the support of Kendal Mays, Lexi wrote the lyrics to her first solo, Watercolor Memories. It was produced by Jonas Ekman (Sweekman) and released on the school’s own record label, Sweekman Artists. The school submitted the song for consideration in the “Best Pop Solo Performance” category for the 2022 Grammy Awards and it appeared on the Grammy Ballot. Though it did not get an official nomination among the names Justin Beiber, Ed Sheeran and Ariana Grande, it is a huge accomplishment for a young student trying out song-writing for the first time.

Lexi is looking forward to studying Musical Theater in college. She has been accepted to each school that she has applied to and is narrowing down her choices based on their Musical Theater programs, knowing that the stage is where her passion lies.

“Lexi is talented, yes. But she is also a pleasant individual with great ideas,” Ramirez continued. “Because of that, you just want to work with her, and I think that will serve her well as she begins her journey into the professional world of acting and performance.”

Montgomery JH Jolly Trolley raises money to support campus Angel Tree students

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The Jolly Trolley can be seen on campus at Montgomery JH each Friday, selling snacks and drinks to staff to raise money for their program’s Community Based Instruction (CBI) opportunities. The Functional Academics and Life Skills students receive the opportunity of service, expanding their social skills while working together to interact with the Montgomery JH staff that purchases from their cart.

Seeing a need on their campus and an opportunity for a community service project, Life Skills teachers Kristal Enyart and David Donenfeld helped their students add a Hot Chocolate Bar to their menu for the previous two Fridays, with the students using the proceeds to adopt two Angle Tree students.

“Doing Jolly Trolley, the kids get to learn so much interacting with the general ed population,” Mr. Donenfeld said. “But with this opportunity, they are also getting to learn to give back.”

Students spent time practicing how to measure the water and hot chocolate, while also separating and organizing inventory, decorating the hot chocolate bar and developing the skills to properly greet teachers and staff.

After the money was raised, the students were taken on a CBI trip to Walmart to shop for their Angel Tree students. With the direction and support of teachers and paraprofessionals that joined them for shopping, the students followed the wish lists, helped pick the best gifts and even used voting methods when everyone didn’t agree on the right shoe or pant selection. Working together as a team they filled carts with gifts and wrapping supplies, as well as Jolly Trolley supplies for this week’s service.

“Taking our students shopping allowed them to practice their social skills and shopping within a budget,” Mrs. Enyart said. “Most importantly, they were able to learn about giving to others.”

When the shopping was completed, students earned a Pizza Shack lunch as their payment for the Jolly Trolley job, rewarding their hard work. They returned to campus and spent the afternoon wrapping the gifts and celebrating a job well done.

“This project was a win-win-win for all involved,” Mr. Donenfeld said. “The students win with this experience, our Angel tree students are gifted with needs and wants, and we get to be a part of something great with our kids.”

Stewart Creek ES music teacher earns grant to enhance classroom instruction

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Dr. Russell Ballenger joined Montgomery ISD in the 2020-2021 school year as the music teacher at Stewart Creek ES. His desire to teach ukulele to his students had him borrowing a class set from Madeley Ranch ES, who were gracious enough to share. The Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Elementary Music Instructional Support Program offered a grant opportunity to support Texas music teachers and he took the chance to apply, earning $800 worth of ukuleles for Stewart Creek ES.

The new instruments arrived just before the Thanksgiving holiday and Dr. Ballenger has begun introducing them to his upper elementary students.

“With Stewart Creek-owned ukuleles, students will begin their ukulele study in third grade and continue into fourth and fifth,” Ballenger said.

Watching him present a new instrument to Mrs. Hope’s fourth grade class, it was clear that the students are excited to learn the ukulele. Jaycie Horton shared that she loves playing music and this is going to make music class even more fun!

“I’m excited because it looks like a little guitar,” fourth grader Donovan Hebert said.

Dr. Ballenger doesn’t just plan to introduce the new instruments in classroom instruction, but he looks forward to letting students perform with them in both grade level and Trailblazer choir performances. Congratulations Dr. Ballenger and thank you to TMEA Elementary Music Instructional Support Program for your gift to our Stewart Creek Trailblazers!

Board of Trustees Meeting Recap: November 16, 2021

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The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees met for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 16. You can view the full meeting here and read the recap below.

Special Recognition of Montgomery ISD Substitutes 

National Substitute Educator Appreciation Day is Friday, November 19.

Great substitute educators are needed for any school to be successful, especially as our district has navigated through the challenges of this past year and a half.

During the November monthly board meeting, the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees recognized our valued substitute educators as well as the district’s Absence Management Coordinator, Carol Reissig, who has worked to train and coordinate substitutes in Montgomery ISD since 1996 and manages almost 300 individuals in the districts pool of substitute educators. This year alone she has trained 125 new MISD substitute educators and has 28 more scheduled for training after the Thanksgiving holiday.  

In addition to recognizing Mrs. Reissig, it was important to recognize those who serve as substitute educators in Montgomery ISD. The Board of Trustees expressed their gratitude for the support this year as many community members have come forward to be trained and step in as substitute educators during a time when it was challenging to fully staff schools due to a rise of COVID-19 cases at the beginning of the school year. The district invited the substitutes who have accepted the most assignments (Top 10 most assignments) this school year to thank them publicly for their service to Montgomery ISD. Pictured below are those that could attend, with Carol Reissig and the MISD Board of Trustees.  

 

Montgomery ISD Recognizes Life-Saving Efforts of MISD Staff, EMS and Montgomery PD

On Thursday, October 7, during a routine band practice, Montgomery High School student Michael Rodriguez experienced a health-related emergency and was unresponsive for a short period of time. The immediate actions taken by the head trainer at Montgomery High School and first responders who quickly arrived on the scene to provide medical attention to Michael were heroic and Montgomery ISD took the opportunity to recognize their swift actions and thank them publicly.  

Head MHS Trainer Megan Ruble was first to respond and used life-saving measures until emergency responders arrived on the scene. EMS workers Reed Edelman, Samuel Hancock, Cain Pool, and Cameron Seulean then took over the scene and worked tirelessly to get Michael ready for transport to the local hospital, where he was put on a ventilator and treated. The work of Montgomery police officer Albert Chambers, who was one of the first to respond, was also recognized. To all the students, staff and trained professionals that answered the call of duty that day, Montgomery ISD says thank you.  

Board Approves New SIS and ERP Systems for Montgomery ISD

Montgomery ISD Director of Technology and Digital Learning Amanda Davis presented the district’s recommendation to change our Student Information Systems (SIS) and Enterprise (ERP) System to Skyward and the board approved her recommendation. After months of research and surveying staff and district stakeholders, it has been made clear that our current system does not meet the needs of our growing district. As the district continues to grow, It is imperative to have effective an SIS, where the district can have a s system in place that allows for a comprehensive view of each student’s progress as well as a well-functioning ERP suite that provides all employees with what is needed to operate successfully. Both systems are necessary building blocks for a robust digital learning culture with an emphasis on usability, mobility and scalability.  

With this meaningful change to district operations comes a well-developed implementation plan, including designated times for staff training before its launch in the 2022-2023 school year. Individuals will be selected in December to be a part of the district’s implementation plan and will guide the entire process. District staff such as counselors, front office staff, administrators, and campus TIMs will begin attending webinars and some in-person training beginning February of 2022. Learning modules will be assigned to all staff in May and June in preparation for our July 1, 2022, go-live date. Teachers, paraprofessionals, and campus/district support staff will attend training in the latter part of July and early August, with a trade-out day for PD built into the 2022-23 school year. Continuing education webinars for both the Student and Enterprise systems will be scheduled throughout the 2022-2023 school year to support the district’s transition. 

Skyward offers the scalability Montgomery ISD needs for its rapidly growing student population, ease of use for our staff and parents and will provide a comprehensive view of our entire organization from staffing to student progress. District leaders are confident that this important change will ensure the needs of our Montgomery ISD community are met.  

K-12 Insight Presents Districtwide Survey Results

In September of this school year, the district partnered with K-12 Insight, a national education support firm to develop surveys that addressed academics, student support, school leadership, family involvement, safety and behavior and school operations with parents, staff and secondary students. Parent and staff surveys were open from September 21- October 5 and surveys for secondary students were open from September 21-October 8.  

At the November 16 Board meeting, a representative from K-12 Insight presented the findings of the survey to the Board of Trustees. In K-12 Insight’s executive summary of the survey, it was shared that 39% of parents, 51% of staff and 56% of secondary students participated. Each of these are above the participation rates typically experienced in school district surveys across the state and nation. K-12 Insight indicated that the parent participation rate of 39% is extraordinarily high compared to other district surveys and that the community should be applauded for this level of engagement with the district.

Participants in the survey provided high marks for Montgomery ISD with regard to overall school quality, with 93% of parents, 88% of campus-based staff members and 75% of secondary students rating their school as excellent or good. It was also shared that participants gave some of the highest favorable responses (strongly agree or agree) to items in the Academic Support, Student Support, and Safety & Behavior dimensions.  

K-12 Insight shared the highest-ranking items and areas for most growth for each participant group as well as satisfaction rates of parents and staff for each department including Child Nutrition, Communications, Curriculum & Instruction, Finance, Human Resources, Maintenance, Police Department, Specialized Learning, Technology and Transportation.

Results were also shared in the area of employee experience and work environment, with questions asked to all staff survey participants in which 94% of employees shared that they are proud to work in Montgomery ISD.  

Survey results have been evaluated by each department and have been shared with all campus administrators as well. The district will use this important feedback as both baseline data for measuring key performance indicators in the Pathway to Premier Strategic Plan, as well as recognizing areas that need improvement. The district is thankful to all who participated and gave genuine and constructive feedback to Montgomery ISD.  

All survey results can be found on Montgomery ISD’s Transparency Page and the results for each individual campus can be found on the campus’ web page, under the News tab. 

Six MHS Bears make it official on National Signing Day

~ Montgomery ISD

The future is bright for six student athletes who signed to continue their education at various colleges on Wednesday, Nov. 10.  

Kendall Sadler signed to play volleyball at Southern Arkansas University and plans to become a Pediatric Dentist. Sadler’s coach, Kayli Cane also attended SAU. SAU is in Magnolia, Arkansas, has less than 12,000 people, and the university has less than 3,500 students.  

“I chose SAU because it is similar to Texas,” Sadler said. “It looks like Montgomery, and the people there are super nice.” 

Also signing to play volleyball is Madison Chandler, who is attending LeTourneau University, where she will be a yellow jacket wearing blue and gold. LeTourneau is located in Longview, in east Texas.  

Photos Courtesy of Mrs. Dayna Lawson

 “I picked the college because I liked the coaches and the people,” Chandler said. “They seem like really great people and someone I would want to play for.” 

Both Chandler and Sadler have been varsity players all four years of high school; Chandler was moved up to varsity for the playoffs her freshman year. Chander is an outside hitter and Sadler is a libero.  

“I am thankful for the opportunity to have helped coach both Madi and Kyndall,” assistant volleyball coach Jessica Mitchell said.  “I am so proud of both of these young ladies, and I love getting to watch their hard work pay off as they head to play at the next level. These ladies are phenomenal students, leaders, and athletes; I have no doubt that they will continue to excel in each of these roles as they embark on this new and exciting chapter.”   

Trey Acreman has been on varsity since his sophomore year. He plays shortstop and has almost a .300 batting average. Acreman is signing to play baseball at Sam Houston State University. The Bearkats placed second in the Southland Conference in 2021.  

“I picked this college because it’s the best fit for me and my family,” Acreman said. “I attribute my success to my parents because they put forth a lot of money for me.” 

Also signing to play baseball is Connor Benge, who is a right-hand pitcher. He will attend LSU- Eunice. He wants to be a professional baseball player. Benge has been on varsity since he was a freshman.  

“I attribute my success to my parents and my friends for keeping my accountable,” Benge said. “I am looking forward to getting to know life-long friends and playing the sport.” 

Makenzie Griffith is signing to play soccer at Tarleton University. Next year will be Tarleton’s first year with a soccer team. Griffith is planning on studying Sports Medicine to be a Physical Therapist.  

“I attribute my success to my dad because he’s kept me playing when I didn’t want to,” Griffith said. “Also, my club because I wouldn’t be able to play on a college level without them.” 

A four year varsity player, Griffith received the District 20-5A Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 and the District 20-5A Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.  

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Kenzie since she was about 6 years old,” soccer coach Brandi Wilkinson said.  “I have enjoyed watching her grow as a soccer player.  Kenzie is unlike many players. She is a very versatile player and will do great things for the Tarleton State University Soccer team.”    

Swimming at the State meet for the past three years, Kaitlyn Weightman signed with Incarnate Word in San Antonio. As a freshman, she was a member of the gold medal 400 relay team. The swim team also won the 5A State Championship that year. As a sophomore, Weightman placed 5th in the 500 yard freestyle and 7th in the 200 yard freestyle. As a junior, she placed 6th in the 200 yard freestyle. 

“I’m very excited to be a part of the team as well as improve my speed individually,” Weightman said. “I love the coaches and the family-like atmosphere that the team has. I can’t wait for all of the travel meets. The second I stepped onto the campus, I fell in love with everything.”  

Note: MHS Journalism students contributed this story for the MISD Premier Blog.

Duane McFadden named Acting Principal of Lake Creek High School  

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25-year veteran of Montgomery ISD will lead campus through remainder of the school year before retiring in June  

Montgomery ISD Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison has named Duane McFadden as Acting Principal of Lake Creek HS for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year.   

In October, long-time Montgomery ISD administrator Phil Eaton announced his decision to retire from his position as Lake Creek High School Principal in December after 43 years in public education.  

McFadden, who is currently the district’s Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, has served in Montgomery ISD since 1996. He has been in his current role for the previous nine years. Prior to that, he served as the principal of Montgomery Junior High School for 13 years after 4 years as an assistant principal in the district.   

McFadden will officially transition to Acting Principal of Lake Creek High School when students return from Winter Break in January.  

“Duane has a deep understanding of the campus culture at Lake Creek High School, as well as the high learning expectations from both parents and staff,” Morrison said. “His experience in Montgomery ISD and existing relationship with the staff at Lake Creek will allow the campus to continue this school year with little interruption.”  

While McFadden will assume the role of leading the day-to-day operations of Lake Creek, he will continue some aspects of his current role, including supervision of Oak Hills Junior High School. During this time, Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction with assume McFadden’s role of supervision over Montgomery High School and Montgomery Junior High School and the district’s Career and Technical Education department.  

Following the 2021-22 school year, Mr. McFadden will also retire from Montgomery ISD. McFadden will play a significant role to ensure a smooth and successful transition for the next permanent leader of Lake Creek High School.   

“There are amazing students and staff at Lake Creek, and I’m both excited and humbled for the opportunity to serve this high school community,” McFadden said. “Completing my career in Montgomery ISD in this role is a thrill for me, personally, and I’m looking forward to the remainder of what is certain to be a highly successful school year for the Lions.”  

Beginning in March, Montgomery ISD will conduct a broad process to search for the next principal of Lake Creek High School. This process will include meetings with students, staff and parents to receive input on the characteristics they desire in the next principal at Lake Creek High School. The next permanent principal of Lake Creek High School will be named during the Board of Trustees regular monthly meeting in April 2022.  

“Duane has provided 25 years of dedicated service to Montgomery ISD, and he is the ideal person to lead Lake Creek High School to a successful completion of the current school year and ensure a smooth transition for the next permanent leader,” Morrison said. “Completing his time in Montgomery ISD in this capacity is a fitting end to a remarkable career.”  

Lake Creek HS Student Shoots Her Way to #1 in the Nation, Aiming for Paris in 2024

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Lake Creek senior Mikole Hogan (17) made the move from competitive softball to rifle shooting five years ago and has never looked back. In 7th grade, Mikole’s mother signed her up for a 4H shooting class with a desire for her to learn gun safety, but little did they know they had a natural talent in the family.

“I wasn’t convinced softball was ever going to be the ‘it’ thing for her,” Mikole’s mother Desirae Hogan said. “She was too nice, always apologizing when she slid into someone stealing a base.”

In order to succeed to air rifle in 4H, Mikole had to complete three BB matches. She completed this on the first night of instruction and coaches immediately opened her world when they asked, “Have you ever thought of shooting on a competitive team?” Mikole spent the next five months training with 4H and then stepped out to competitive shooting, leaving her mark on the record books.

“I just remember how fun it was and being so surprised, like, ‘Wow!’ that they said I could do this competitively,” Mikole said. “I can train and be responsible for my own success, but get to enjoy being a part of a team as well.”

After joining the competitive air rifle team Phoenix Rising, Mikole began working with a private coach, Keith Pruden, to take her from the practice of sporter shooting to competing as a precision shoooter. After a short time with Coach Pruden, they formed the Hot Shots and she has competed with them for the last two years.

“I immediately recognized that Mikole is a very determined competitor and is one of the most driven students I’ve ever seen,” Coach Pruden said. “Her best skill that helps me coach her is her exceptional ability to provide feedback when she needs help, having such a deep understanding that she can guide my coaching to exactly what she needs. Most kids can’t do that when they get frustrated.”

Competitions have taken her and her family all over the country, including Ohio, Colorado Springs, Alabama and Atlanta. Mikole’s most recent and greatest success took her to the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s Nationals Tournament in Anniston, Alabama in July 2021. In the Co-Ed Junior Olympic Division of National 3PAR (three-position air rifle) match, Mikole earned the ranking of #1 in the nation with a score of 599 out a possible 600, receiving the gold medal as Junior Olympic 3PAR Champion. She broke two national records at this competition for both overall score and her standing score of 199 (out of a possible 200). The Houston Hot Shots finished second in the team competition.

Competitions consist of shooting at a target from three different positions, including prone, standing and kneeling. The standing record of 198 had been held since 1980, according to Mikole, until Mikole broke it with her score of 199. Mikole scored a perfect 200 in both prone and kneeling, giving her the record-breaking total of 599.

“Mikole’s drive and attentiveness is remarkable,” Coach Pruden continued. “Before the CMP Nationals her scores were kind of leveling off and she wasn’t satisfied, but she put in the hours of practice and we worked on improving her speed and she found success, breaking two national records.”

Coach Pruden also explained that it’s her individual determination that has taken her to the top, sharing about a time when she returned home at night after a competition that she wasn’t satisfied with. She wasn’t at home sulking or hanging out with friends. No, she was in her garage practicing, trying to improve what went wrong that day.

Mikole’s schedule requires putting in early days at school, leaving school to head to work each day and then practicing her air rifle techniques each evening at home or at practice in Rosenberg. She puts in about seven hours of practice each week and says that though shooting is an individual sport, she enjoys competitions and contributing to a team score.

Mikole will be announcing her university choice as a collegiate rifle shooter the first week of November and is currently weighing her options between Ole Miss (#3), TCU(#2) and Nebraska(#6), according to May 2021 NCAA rankings.

“We are all just so proud of her,” Mrs. Hogan said. “Her father and I and her grandparents are so happy for her success after how hard she works to train and prepare. We can’t wait for Paris!”

Mikole has her eyes set on the Paris Olympics in 2024 and says that is her ultimate goal.

“We have a little deal if she makes the Olympic team,” Coach Pruden said. “I want to be there with her and I’ll be doing cartwheels in the streets of Paris.”

Board of Trustees Meeting Recap and Video: October 19, 2021

~ Montgomery ISD

The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees met for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 19. You can view the full video here and read the recap below

 At the beginning of the meeting, trustees gave a special recognition to the Montgomery High School Madrigal Choir for their recent award, being named a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Choral Honors Project. The MHS Choir, led by Director Heather Orr, competed against 236 of the finest musical ensembles in the nation, from 38 different states. The board recognized this remarkable achievement and thanked Mrs. Orr for the continued level of excellence she brings to the district’s music program. The Madrigals performed for the board members and those in attendance at the meeting.

During each monthly regular board meeting for the 2021-22 school year, department directors will present an update to the board on the work happening in their department and share the progress of their objectives and strategies listed in the district’s Pathway to Premier Strategic Plan. For the October meeting, the department on the agenda was the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department.

CTE Director Amy Vance explained the levels of student CTE participation and then shared data for CTE District “Completers” for the 2020-21 school year. Montgomery ISD currently offers 16 complete programs of studies. Students in Montgomery ISD first select their endorsement path, then their career cluster and finally select their program of study and course selection. The career clusters include Agriculture, Architecture & Construction, Technology & Communications, Business, Marketing & Finance, Education & Training, Health Science, Hospitality, Human Services, Manufacturing, STEM and Law & Public Service. Vance also shared the findings and recommendations of a third-party external review of the district’s CTE programs. The report, which can be found on the district’s website in the “Transparency” tab, can be read here.

The CTE department has a department goal in place to increase CTE student enrollment and is adding seven certification opportunities this year. District leadership is evaluating current program offerings to determine which align with district goals and to identify areas of need. District leaders are also working to evaluate the growth of the CTW program and how that will fit into possible bond needs for updating CTE facilities. The CTE department has been a large part of the discussion at bond planning meetings as Montgomery ISD makes plans to grow CTE program offerings.

The Board of Trustees also took action to approve a new service provider for the district’s copy and printing services. The new contract with Funtion4 will provide more flexibility for teachers and district staff in creating copies, as well as a cost savings to the district. New equipment will be installed over the winter break and Function4 will provide training to all district employees.

Trustees also approved a contract with Gibson Consulting to complete an external evaluation of the district’s Specialized Learning Department. The firm will evaluate staffing, procedures and effectiveness and make recommendations to ensure best practices are in place to serve the students that benefit from our special education programs.

To wrap up the meeting, district administration provided an update on the district’s process for developing the district’s academic calendar for the 2022-2023 school year. The calendar development process begins with the assistance of the District Advisory Committee (DAC) and the district is offering the opportunity for staff, parent and secondary students to respond to a districtwide survey, indicating their preferred characteristics of an annual academic calendar. District administration will develop draft calendars based on input received from the DAC and through the districtwide survey. DAC members will then solicit feedback on the calendar options from their respective departments and campuses. District administration will present a final draft calendar to the Board of Trustees for approval during the February 2022 board meeting.

Montgomery ISD hosts first annual Walkathon For Hunger

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Free community event benefits Montgomery County Food Bank in time for the holiday increase in need

One in four children in Montgomery County is food insecure. This means they aren’t 100% sure where their next meal will come from or how it will be provided. Montgomery County Food Bank is growing their partnership with Montgomery ISD by supporting our district’s students in need and the district’s Student Nutrition Advisory Council (SNAC) wanted to do something to give back.

With the support of the Child Nutrition Department and local sponsors, SNAC hosted the district’s first Walkathon for Hunger. With over 300 people in the community in attendance and contributions from school groups including the Art Club, HOSA, the Junior Belles dance team and the Montgomery HS cheerleaders, the event was most definitely a success.

“Our students had this idea and were dreaming big, wanting to give back in a way that would make a real difference,” Child Nutrition Director Lena Neugebauer said. “So many of our child nutrition staff got behind the idea and thanks to our sponsors and volunteers, we were really able to do something meaningful.”

Participants were asked to bring non-perishable food items to donate as their only cost for entry, were given a free t-shirt and were able to spend up to 3 hours enjoying the beautiful fall weather with family and friends. Art Club students offered free face painting for children and music entertainment was provided by the Jr. Belles dance team. The HOSA students were doing blood pressure checks and sending all attendees home with a Woodlands Methodist lawn chair for having their blood pressure checked.

As the laps were tallied on the tags for each participant, each lap walked earned one drawing ticket to win one of three donated prizes including a family set of bicycles, a pair of fishing poles with tackle box and a set of three family outdoor games. In addition, silent auction items were available for bidding and the money raised from that alone ($966) equated to 4,830 meals for the Montgomery County Food Bank!

At a meeting with superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison and Lena Neugebauer before the school year began, the idea for this walkathon was shared with Montgomery County Food Bank President and CEO Kristine Marlow.

“I was thrilled with the idea as Montgomery was the first district to plan a walkathon for our benefit, and it’s clearly been such a successful event,” Marlow said. “It’s a win-win partnership as we help serve the families in your district and then families are coming out for this event and giving back to their own community.”

With the holidays ahead, the need always rises for families to provide for their loved ones. The pandemic and the struggle to recover has effected many Montgomery County families, increasing the need for the community to support the local food bank.

“It’s a constant and great need in our community,” Marlow continued. “When we combine the donated food by the pound with monetary donations, $1 donated equals 5 meals provided. So an event like this makes a huge impact and we are very thankful to MISD!”

Overall, Montgomery ISD’s Walkathon for Hunger brought in a total of 1,683 pounds of donated food! In addition, monetary donations totaling $1,367.80 from both silent auction and private donors provided 6,839 meals for Montgomery County residents.

“We couldn’t have done this without the help of everyone involved,” Neugebauer said. “I’m just so thankful for all who showed up and helped us support such a fabulous and necessary organization.”