Administration
Thomas Weeaks, Superintendent 903-389-2828 David Fowler, Board President Chuck Lopez, Vice President Kim Massey, Board Secretary Clyde Allen, Board Member Eric Simpson, Board Member Laurie Lane, Board Member Lisa Webb, Board Member
Superintendent's Message
Student Drop of and Pickup:
Please be reminded that school doors open for students no earlier than 7:20 AM. Should you drop off your student prior to that time, it could be possible that no one will be here to supervise your child or let the student inside the building. In the afternoon, if students are not picked up by 3:40 PM, then the student will be taken to the Cafeteria for supervision and parents will be required to come into the building and sign out their student. These measure are required to insure student safety.
Cafeteria Information:
In an effort to better communicate to parents when their students runs out of lunch money, the following changes have been made.
When a student’s lunch account reflects they owe $5.00 or more, then a note will be sent home with the student to advise parents of the delinquent amount. If funds are not provided to cover the delinquent amount within a week, then a note will be mailed to the parents. Please send lunch money in the form of a check. This insures good record keeping and also insures all the money sent for lunch gets applied to your student’s lunch account.
Newsletter 4/7/10
The 2009-2010 school year is winding down. Where did the time go? We have approximately 6-weeks of school left. With the exception of TAKS test (April 27-30) in 3rd through 8th grades, local assessments ( 1-2), and achievement test (PK-K) our focus will be on preparing students to finish strong and look forward to next school year. To take some of the day to day pressure off our students we have planned field trips (PK-8), a field day in Teague (PK-5), and a water park day (PK-8) as a reward for the hard work and effort they have given this year. Please check the May school calendar for dates of these events.
We have also begun to plan our summer programs here at the school. If your child does not pass the TAKS test, by law we are required to provide tutorials for them. We will also have a Reading and Math camp for all students wanting to come and get a head start on next year or just to sharpen their skills before next year begins. Please check with the front office on dates for these events.
One of our most important events each year is the “Kindergarten Round-up.” We will have pre-registration on Friday May 7th. If you have a child entering PK or Kindergarten we ask that you register them at that time so we can estimate how many students we will have in those classes next year. If you know someone who has a child that age or older, please let them know what a wonderful school and staff we have here at Dew. Encourage them to check us out before making a decision next year as to where they will send their child to school. All transfers, as well as, in district students are welcome to attend.
I would like to take this time in closing to say thank you to our teachers, staff, students and parents. This has been a fantastic year and we are moving in the right direction. All of us working together make our students successful and I believe they are “bright stars of the future.” Thank you for your support of our teachers, staff and myself. We look forward to serving you next school year and the years to come.
Have a great summer break!
Newsletter 2/16/10
Dear Parents.
We have a few more weeks of winter (according to the groundhog), but we are approaching the spring of the year and the final (2) 6-weeks. That means we are getting very close to end of the year evaluations (TAKS; Local Assessments; and ITBS) as a result. This six weeks we will test Writing March 3rd (4th and 7th grade) and Reading April 6 (5th and 8th grade). We will then conclude the rest of our testing the last week in April with numerous assessments.
With these tests fast approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to suggest some strategies to use which can help prepare students not only for the test, but with the anxiety of test taking. Successful test-takers are confident, prepared, relaxed, and well rested. Your child will do well if you try some of these ideas before, during, and after the test.
Before the test, help your child to understand the purpose of the test. Let them know the test measures how they compare to other students in other schools. It is also used to show them areas of strength and any weakness in their education that will help teachers work with students better. It is also important you remind your child to support the teacher’s efforts by reminding them to use the strategies for test taking they have been taught by the teacher. Make sure you tell them that this is a very different test from any you have had before and that it will take great concentration and patience for them to be successful. Last, but not to be left out, make sure they get a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast before taking the test.
During the test, encourage your child to read all directions slowly and carefully. If they become confused tell them to ask the teacher to clarify the directions. Next, they should read the questions and all the possible answers before going back to select the best answer. Remind them to mark their answers in order and to check periodically to make sure their answers are in order. Before turning in the test, they should go back and check their answers, making sure they have answered all the questions in the correct order.
After the test, make sure you give them time to relax and wind down. Then celebrate! Consider a special meal, movie rental or something they enjoy. Let them know how proud you are of their hard work and accomplishments.
The last thing I hope you would do before the test is tell them “I believe in you”
and you can be successful on the test. Good luck to all our students as they prepare to perform will and give 100% effort!
| Newsletter 1/6/10 |
Dear Parents:
We have just completed our first semester for 2009-2010. Our first semester was very good. I believe we have made progress as a district in many areas. We have upgraded our math curriculum and have had meetings with staff to find ways we can challenge our students with a more exciting curriculum in both Science and Social Studies. Our teachers have made students more aware of their responsibilities in the classroom as well as assignments at home. We have asked students to do more than we have in the past so they are prepared for the future. Improvements in these areas have been very positive to this point.
We have made some changes in our curriculum/ grading policy that have been slow to mature. We have gone from no grading policy (2008-2009) to a solid grading policy (2009-2010) that will help improve the overall education of our students in PK-8TH grade. During this transition we have ask you as parents and your child to become more involved in the educational process. Each student was issued a “planner” at the beginning of the school year. This planner was used to help students become more organized, for you to know what your child’s assignment is, and to help teachers and parents communicate better. The planner was also used as a guide to responsibilities for teachers, students, and parents. It is my duty to make sure teachers follow through with the responsibilities listed in the planner. I ask that you follow through with your responsibilities as well as making sure your child takes care of his/her responsibilities.
As I stated in the beginning, change has been a mixture of some good and some improvement needed. With the second semester beginning January 5, 2010 I ask that we all re-dedicate ourselves to these educational responsibilities. With the accountability system (TAKS) our state has in place now we must all do a better job teaching our child/students responsibility. For students to be successful it is imperative we be responsible for their education.
I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your continued support of Dew I.S.D. We have an obligation and a responsibility to make sure our students at Dew are the educational stars of the future.
| Newsletter: 8/25/09 |
Parents,
Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year at Dew I.S.D. I am very excited about the upcoming year and I hope you are as well. We have assembled an outstanding staff of educators who are “highly qualified” as teachers and who are motivated to educate your child. As always, your child is the most important person in our school and our job is to give them a quality education.
We will have a few new faces this school year. Mrs. Angela Hagen has been hired as our school nurse/ secretary-receptionist. Mrs. Rebecca Brewer is our new full time librarian. We welcome back Mrs. Lana Lancaster (3rd grade teacher) along with Mrs. Tracie Ezell (6-8) Math. We have also added Tammy Lopez (cook/teacher aide) along with Mr. George Stanford (custodian) to replace Mrs. Carolyn Haynes (retired).
Our School Board, Faculty/Staff, and Site-Base Committee have made some changes we feel are necessary for us to move forward and meet our goals. First, our new mission statement says “ Dew I.S.D. will provide a quality education and safe environment for all students”. I ask that you read carefully the changes made in our student handbook that address these needs. Goal #1… To become an Exemplary School District. We have developed a grading policy along with a promotion/retention policy (see p.12; p.17-18; p.29 of the student handbook) to help all parties become more accountable toward exemplary status. We have implemented a new curriculum (C-Scope) to help align curriculum and challenge students as lessons become more in-depth in nature. Goal #2… School attendance will continue to improve and exceed 97%. We have developed a new policy on attendance and tardies ( see p.24; p.33-35 of the student handbook) that we hope will help improve attendance so we have the opportunity to educate them each day. We ask for your help in promoting good attendance and the value of a good education for your child each day. Goal #3… Promote and strengthen parental and community involvement. Communication between parents and teachers is vital. Your involvement with your child and their education are essential toward their success. We have purchased daily planners for students (K-8) so parents know what their child is doing each day. It can also be used as a tool for parents and teachers to communicate on a daily basis. I also recommend you use the parent portal to update yourself on your child’s work/grades each week. We ask that you not wait until your child has problems before getting involved. Please take the opportunity to use these different tools along with e-mail, telephone, or face to face to communicate with your child’s teachers.
We believe that these (3) goals are achievable and obtainable with all of us (administrator; teacher; student; parent) working together as a team in a team effort. Your child’s success in life depends on them having a solid educational background. With all of us working together toward these goals, your child will be successful.
There are many exciting things for our students to look forward to in the upcoming months such as Book Fairs; Field Trips (educational and fun); Athletic events (6-8); U.I.L. Academic events ( 2-8); Drug Free Week etc. We also look forward to the challenges in academics that the TAKS Test (3-8) and ITBS Test (K-2) will bring.
Again this year, 3rd grade students must be proficient (pass) the Reading TAKS Test in order to advance to the next grade level. The 5th grade and 8th grade students must be proficient in Reading and Math TAKS Tests in order to advance to the next grade level. A student will be given (3) attempts to pass these tests, but if a student does not demonstrate proficiency as described, they may only advance to the next grade level if the students Grade Placement Committee determines by a unanimous decision that the student is likely to perform at grade level at the end of next year given additional accelerated instruction.
Dew I.S.D. will provide a student accident insurance that will cover your child during the regular school day on school premises while school is in session and in direct and uninterrupted travel to and from home and scheduled events. Any other extra coverage can be purchased. If you have any questions, please contact the school at 903-389-2828.
I look forward to being your Superintendent/Principal again this year. I invite you to come by any time and visit. I ask that you get involved with our school and with your child’s education. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call (903-389-2828) or come by to see me.
Sincerely,
Tom Weeaks
Dew I.S.D.
Superintendent/Principal
| Newsletter: 12/19/08 |
Parents/Community Members:
This first semester has been a very busy time for Dew I.S.D. We are in the final stages of completion for our building project and hopefully we will be able to move in by mid- January. Our school has taken on a “new look” with new faculty and staff and a change from the traditional 7 period day to an 8 period day so we can offer a more diverse curriculum.
Our teachers have been working diligently with our students to increase their grade level knowledge of the state mandated curriculum along with other activities that they have worked into their schedule such as the Safe and Drug Free school week; Veterans Day Program; Band Concerts; Athletic Events; Book Fair; and the Academic U.I.L. Meet which we just completed. With all that has taken place to keep them busy, our students have done very well and been successful. At the District Academic U.I.L. Meet our Jr. High (7th-8th) placed 3rd overall and our Elementary (2nd-6th) won 1st place!
The School Board and I have been working on a strategic plan and a needs assessment for the next 5-10 years. Our goal is to be proactive rather than reactive to the needs of our students and our school. With these strategies in place and your support as a community, we feel like our school has the opportunity to be one of the best (Pk-8) schools in Texas.
In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you and your family a “Happy and Safe Holiday Season”. As always, you are invited to come by any time to visit or have lunch with us. Please keep up with our school and the many exciting things happening by going to our website or watching the school sign for updates. Thank you for your support of public education and the students at Dew I.S.D.
Happy Holidays!
Tom Weeaks
Dew I.S.D.-Superintendent
| Newsletter 10/30/08 |
Welcome to the Dew I.S.D. School Community Newsletter. It is my privilege to be your Superintendent. I plan to have quarterly editions of the newsletter to keep you informed of things that are happening at school along with issues and needs dealing with the school.
There are many ways to communicate with you. This newsletter, e-mail, school website and our electronic sign are ways we try to keep you abreast of school happenings. I also invite you to stop by the school and visit in person anytime.
My educational philosophy is very simple. I believe in the basics of education and structure within the classroom.. Reading, writing, and arithmetic become the basic building blocks used as a foundation to enhancing a child’s educational success. Yes, we have many other subjects to teach (science, social studies, technology, etc.) but without this foundation student progress and success become limited.
We have a truly gifted group of “highly qualified” teachers, paraprofessionals, staff, and central office personnel that have the best interest of students in mind. Our school board has set the standard high with goals that can and should be obtained with parent and community support.
To identify with our school it is important to know the mission statement. The Dew I.S.D. mission statement is… Dew I.S.D. shares responsibility with the community for preparing young people to live and work in a rapidly changing society. All students need to develop academic skills and acquire basic knowledge based on which to build lifelong learning. All students will acquire knowledge of citizenship and an appreciation of our common American heritage. To the full extent of their individual abilities, students will be provided the opportunity to develop the ability to think logically and communicate effectively.
In order for our students to become productive in a changing future, the school system must provide instruction at the highest levels of quality, distribute educational opportunities and resources with equity to all students and maintain accountability for demonstrated results and continuous improvement. This system will have the vitality to prepare our children for the changes and challenges of the future.
Building Project Update:
Construction on the new elementary wing (8 classrooms and library) and the new Band Hall located near the cafeteria is going well. The estimated date of the finished product is mid- December. These facilities are a welcome addition to our slightly overcrowded existing school. We began the year with an enrollment of 174 and had to turn away transfer pre-kindergarten students because of space. We have 164 enrolled at this time with (2) Kindergarten classes and (2) 2nd grade classes. As you can see, we are growing ever so slightly with anticipated growth in the coming years.
New Staff Members:
We have had a staff turnover rate of about 33% since last school year. Beginning with me Tom Weeaks, as the new Superintendent and my wife Ellen Weeaks as a 4th grade teacher, other new faces are Kristi Lasher a first year teacher (Kindergarten); Tracy Awalt a first year teacher (2nd grade); Jessica Drennan coming back to Dew from Teague (3rd grade); Brandy Ballard from Buffalo who has taught 9 years in Groesbeck (Language Arts 5-8); and Kensey Tucker a first year teacher ( Math 5-8). New also to the staff are Charlotte Winkler- Cafeteria Manager; Donna Cowart- full time counselor/ testing coordinator; Donna Oates- part time librarian; Jessica Kubitza- educational aide; Brandy Whittington- health aide/ secretary; Pilar Jones- PEIMS Coordinator; and Mary Simpson in housekeeping.
School Happenings:
Our school year began with “Meet the Teacher” night on August 21st. Our participation rate was very high, meaning to me that parents do take an interest in their child’s education. We held a Grandparents Day at school in September so they could come and have lunch with their grandchildren. This was a huge success as well. The P.T.O. held their fundraiser for the fall and had a profit of $3200-$3500.
We have had a number of other activities for the students. Our 5th-8th graders had a field trip to Fairfield for an assembly on “Bullying.” It was very beneficial in learning to get along with others and to not judge people as you perceive them. The Dew VFD helped us celebrate “Fire Prevention Week” by providing materials for the students and then demonstrating some of their fire fighting techniques. Last week our 5th-8th grade students attended the State Fair in Dallas where they visited the exhibits and learned about different cultures we have in Texas, and learned about new inventions especially in the world of technology.
Upcoming Events:
Safe and Drug Free Schools Week: October 27-31
Halloween Parade: Open to the Public October 31st @1:00 pm
Veterans Day Program: November 11th @10:00 am Open to the Public
Book Fair & Family Night: November 20th from 3:30 pm- 7:30 pm Open to the Public
In closing, I would like to invite each of you to stop by at any time and have lunch with us (Cost- $2.00). We invite you to come to any of our school events. You are always welcome just to stop by and see what’s going on. We would be happy to show you around the “new” and the old buildings. We appreciate your support of the school and our students. Without your support, we would not be able to keep our school going. So THANK YOU! I invite you to go to our website (www.dewisd.org) if you have a computer or see our electronic sign in front of the school to keep up with the positive things in our school and the things we do with our students that will help them become successful and productive people in our society.
| Letter to Parents 8/29/08 |
Dear Parents:
It has been a GREAT first week of school at DEW I.S.D. Students have had a chance to settle in to a routine and teachers have had a chance to get to know your child. Now it is time for our school philosophy of DEW EVERYTHING WELL can begin to work. Our teachers, support staff, and myself will do everything we can to insure your child’s success while here at Dew.
We have made many changes in the last few months that I hope will be the beginning of a successful school year. Mrs.Charlotte Winkler and Mrs. Imogene Ferguson have prepared some very good nutritious meals at breakfast and lunch. Our students have already given it their approval! Our new teachers have already made a big impact on their students and the returning teachers have helped everyone feel that they are a part of DEW I.S.D.
Our release schedule has changed somewhat so I would like to let you know how it works. We release (PK-K) at 3:15pm, (1st-2nd) at 3:20pm, and (3rd-4th) at 3:25pm each day. All of these students can be picked up at the Elementary door near the office unless they have an older sibling (5th-8th). If that is the case they will need to be picked up with their older sibling at 3:27pm at the Jr. High. Students in grades (5TH-8TH) will be released at 3:27pm each day. They will need to be picked up at the Jr. High door. Students that ride the bus will be taken to the gym at their release time until the buses arrive from Teague and Fairfield (usually between 3:40pm/3:45pm).
It is very important to note that school starts at 8:00 am sharp and it is necessary that your student be here by 7:50 am and in the classroom ready to go at 8:00 am. If the student is late, he will be counted tardy. Our goal is to make the most of each learning day.
I would like to ask for your cooperation and support in helping us make a smooth transition when picking up your child. We would like for you to stay in your vehicle and pull up to the door (Elementary office) and pick up your child. Our staff will assist them in getting to your vehicle while keeping clear the door way for students to leave. The same is true when picking up students at the Jr. High. We ask that if you do need to speak to your child’s teacher that you park across the street in the parking lot and visit with their teacher at 3:30pm when students are gone for the day.
If you haven’t turned in all the registration papers, the Pre-K contract and payment for tuition please do so no later than Monday, September 1. We will attend class on Labor Day.
We appreciate your cooperation in this matter until our construction is finished (December). At that time we will adjust and all students will be picked up in the back of the school giving us all more room to operate. Thank you again in advance for your cooperation.
Thomas R. Weeaks
Superintendent/ Principal
Superintendent's Message FALL – ‘08
News- Welcome 8/17/08
| Welcome |
Parents…….
The 2008-2009 School year has begun and we, the administration and faculty/staff are very excited about the year ahead! Your child is the most important person in our school and with that in mind, their education and safety is our top priority.
We have many new faces at Dew I.S.D. beginning with me (Tom Weeaks) your Superintendent/Principal. Other new faces you will see around the school campus are Kristi Lasher (Kindergarten), Tracy Awalt (2nd Grade), Jessica Drennan (3rd Grade), Ellen Weeaks (4th Grade), Brandy Ballard (Eng. Lang. Arts 5-8), Kensey Tucker (Math 5-8), Pilar Jones (Registrar/Peims), Donna Cowart (Counselor/Testing Coordinator), JoVinnie Hall (Custodian), Charlotte Winkler (Food Service Director) and Donna Oates (Librarian) These new staff members along with the existing staff are truly outstanding.
There are many new and exciting things to look forward to in the upcoming months such as Book Fairs, School Dances (6-8), Field Trips, U.I.L Academic Meet (2-8), Achievement Test (K-2), and the all important Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (Taks) Test (3-8).
Again this year, 3rd grade students must be proficient (pass) the Reading Taks Test in order to advance to the next grade level. The 5th grade and 8th grade students must be proficient in Reading and Math Taks Tests in order to advance to the next grade level. A student will be given (3) attempts to pass these tests, but if a student does not demonstrate proficiency as described, they may only advance to the next grade level if the students Grade Placement Committee determines by a unanimous decision that the student is likely to perform at grade level at the end of next year given additional accelerated instruction.
Dew I.S.D. will provide a student accident insurance that will cover your child during the regular school day on school premises while school is in session and in direct and uninterrupted travel to and from home and scheduled events. Any other extra coverage can be purchased. If you have any questions, please contact the school at 903-389-2828.
Your child’s success in school depends on having a solid educational background. Research shows that “Attendance” is the single most important factor in school success. This same research indicates that those students who are in school most of the time do better on state test than those students who are absent or tardy. Those students who are absent or tardy may be able to copy notes or make up an assignment, but they can never get back what’s most important: The discussion, the questions, the explanations by teachers, and the critical thinking that makes learning come alive!
As you can see, this is going to be a very exciting year! We have set Thursday August 21st, 2008 from 6:00 pm–7:00 pm for our MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT. I would like to invite each of you to come and meet your child’s teacher. We have an outstanding Staff and highly qualified professionals that are looking forward to working with you and your child to ensure their success. Please feel free to call 903-389-2828 or come by and visit at any time.
Sincerely,
Tom Weeaks
Dew I.S.D. Superintendent/Principal