Originally built to serve middle school students, Montgomery ES has been in need of an updated food distribution line for several years. Thanks to the resourceful management and planning of Montgomery ISD’s Child Nutrition department, the need for a more efficient and student-friendly experience came true over the winter break.
On a typical school morning, lines would be stretched through the length of the cafeteria. As Montgomery ES Bearcats came for breakfast this morning, the lines were shorter, the students were served more efficiently, and each child was able reach the self-serve items they desired.
“This is not only a beautiful new display that will provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for meal time,” Principal Bobby Ingalls said. “Being more efficient, it will give the students more time to sit and enjoy their meal, while also allowing our littlest learners to be served more easily, able to reach and see the food selections.”
Director of Child Nutrition, Lena Neugebauer, and Assistant Director Krista Scott, have been budgeting for this need and began the planning and development of this upgrade in the summer of 2021. Working with Chrane Foodservice Solutions on design, as well as ModuServe and Kommercial Kitchens for implementation, the former food line was demoed and the new install completed in just three days during our district’s winter break.
“The design and the details are not only more efficient for our students and staff,” Scott said. “The waterless wells and upgraded design are more cost effective, energy efficient, safer for our staff and will require less time when our employees clean up after each meal service.”
Montgomery ES serves about 350 breakfasts and over 400 lunches each day, making them the campus in Montgomery ISD that serves the highest percentage of their student population. This improvement to the service line will benefit them for many years to come.
“This is a big project for our Child Nutrition department,” Neugebauer said. “Serving our students nutritious meals is our top priority in contributing to their ability to learn each day, but it’s also very important that we do so in the most streamlined way possible. Seeing the efficiency and ease for the students this morning makes it worth every bit of the effort!”
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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!
Every month throughout the school year, Montgomery ISD celebrates faculty and staff for their extraordinary contributions while serving MISD students through “The Premier Card,” commonly known as “Gold Cards.” To learn more, check out the video below.
Throughout November, over 100 MISD employees received gold cards. They’re celebrated on the Praise Page below. Congratulations!
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.
It was an exciting day at Lake Creek High School as Lion athletes made their higher education intentions known as part of National Signing Day. In all, eight students signed letters of intent to the college of their choice.
“This is an exciting day for our athletes, their families, and Lake Creek High School Athletics,” LCHS Campus Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach Pat Kennedy said. “It’s the reward after years of hard work and dedication to their chosen sport and academic studies as they take their next step in their educational journey and beyond. We’re incredibly proud.”
Caelee Clark Softball Texas Lutheran University
Anna Ertischek Volleyball Brandeis University
Rilynn Guynes Swim St. Mary University
Mikole Hogan Rifle Texas Christian University
Emma Little Track and Field Texas A&M University
Madelyn Lopez Softball Syracuse University
Jaron Lyness Baseball Tyler Junior College
Shane Sdao Baseball Texas A&M University
Anna Ertischlek: Brandeis University, VolleyballJaron Lyness: Tyler Junior College, BaseballShane Sdao: Texas A&M University, BaseballMikole Hogan: Texas Christian University, RifleCaelee Clark: Texas Lutheran University, SoftballMadelynn Lopez: Syracuse University, SoftballRiylenn Guynes: St. Mary University, SwimEmma Little: Texas A&M University, Track and Field
Lone Star fourth graders honored our Veterans with a patriotic performance led by our music teacher, Andrea Gauthier. During the program, cards created by students were passed out to Veterans during the Armed Forces Salute medley. Art teacher, Stacy Ritchie, transformed the entrance into a Wall of Honor as our guests made their way to their seats.
To our men and women in uniform, past and present, God Bless and Thank you.
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.
The MISD Premier Blog 