Blog entries tagged Conroe ISD

Conroe ISD Earns Exemplary Rating from TEA

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 23:12:43 +0100

The Conroe Independent School District has earned an Exemplary rating from the Texas Education Agency, with 29 of its campuses earning Exemplary ratings. The recently released rankings are based largely on results students achieved on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests.

Among those campuses serving children in Graystone Hills are Geisinger Elementary and Cryar Middle School, both located within the community.
Peet Junior High and Conroe High School both earned a Recognized rating and are just minutes away from Graystone Hills.

Exemplary status is achieved by only a small percentage of districts across Texas. Conroe ISD was one of only 239 of the state’s more than 2,600 school districts that earned the Exemplary rating.

Within Conroe ISD, 29 of the district’s 52 campuses were ranked Exemplary and 18 were ranked Recognized. For more information on Conroe ISD, visit www.ConroeISD.net.

The Future of Montgomery County's Water Looks Bright

daphne — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:18:12 +0100

The Conroe Independent School District is joining an initiative that will address the future water needs of the entire Montgomery County area.

According to the county, the school district is one of the top 200 water consumers in Montgomery County and as a result of the school board vote on May 18, they will be joining a contract with the San Jacinto River Authority to meet a countywide mandate that will reduce the use of groundwater by up to 30 percent by the year 2016.

The plan will be paid for via pump fees, expected to add about $2 per 1,000 gallons used to all water bills in the Montgomery County by 2016.

The contract states that “its main purpose is to address the county’s dwindling water supply. And, the San Jacinto River Authority has proposed pumping water from Lake Conroe to the heavy populated areas in The Woodlands and Conroe, while allowing outlying rural areas to remain entirely on groundwater.”

“While some district are still exploring brackish water as a water supply solution, no one has refused to sign the San Jacinto contract,” said Jace Houston, deputy general manager of SJRA.

Giesinger Elementary Artist Awarded Gold Medal

Greg Rivera — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:27:58 +0100

Six hundred and fifty Conroe ISD students with artistic talent exhibited their works of Western art at the annual Livestock Show and Rode Western Art Show earlier this month. Among the group, 9 students medaled and received Special Merit awards, including Geisinger Elementary's own Madeline McCollum, whose teacher is Tricia Matthews. Madeline’s rooster depicted an artistic talent beyond her years.

The students' work will remain on display in the Hayloft Gallery of the Reliant Center for the entire duration of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. A committee from Reliant Center judged the works of art, and the winners will be eligible for scholarship money as their works of art continue to compete against others' from various school districts.

Conroe Independent School District is Expanding

Greg Rivera — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:58:42 +0100

Conroe Independent School District board members recently approved the purchase of 32 acres of land near Texas 242 and Needham road, to move forward in building a new junior high school in the Oak Ridge High School feeder zone. If all goes as planned the new 185,000 square foot Junior High will open it’s doors in August of 2012 and will hold up to 1,200 students.

In order to provide the best possible facilities and resources to students, the CISD continually seeks to make improvements and push forward into the future. With this outlook for growth and renewal in mind a bond totalling $527 million was provided in 2008 which would go to fund two new junior high schools, one new intermediate school, four new elementary schools, the conversion of Peet Junior High School into a ninth grade campus, as well as major additions to Travis intermediate, The Woodlands College Park High School and San Jacinto Elementary school. The bond would also provide for classroom additions to Deretchin Elementary and Tough Elementary, as well as other campus improvements such as safety and security enhancements, across the district schools.

The 2008 CISD bond referendum provided $48.22 million for the land and construction for the new Junior high school project. The total land price totalled $1.52 million, and will be developed by Woodmere Development Company. While there has been some concern about the possibility of subsidence in the new building, others have a positive outlook. “No portion where we would be building would even be close to that 100-year floodplain,” said Dan Cox, CISD Chief Financial Officer. But just to make sure the contract which the board approved is subject to the completion of due diligence lasting 75 days. “During that period, if we choose to not purchase, we can simply walk away. In our due diligence, we will be doing soil testing to ensure the land is suitable for building upon.” Cox reassured. If the district does not walk away then it will close on the property in 90 days.

For more information visit the CISD website at www.conroeisd.net

Source: www.hcnonline.com/conroe_courier

Conroe Residents and Students Take Special Note of Veterans

Greg Rivera — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Wednesday November 11, 2009 marks this year’s Veteran’s Day, a day to honor those living and passed that have so valiantly served our country. Across the nation American’s will gather together and celebrate the service of our soldiers and Conroe residents are not the least among these.

The Conroe Independent School District Junior Reserve Office Training Corps will be hosting their annual military parade and ceremony on Veteran’s day starting at 9:30am with a reception and social, followed by the ceremony at 10:20am. This will take place at Moorhead Stadium behind Conroe High school. Nearly 500 students will march in uniform in the parade which will include Air Force from Oak Ridge and The Woodlands high schools, Navy from Caney Creek and Aldine high schools and Army from CHS.

Debbie Pennington, CISD JROTC program coordinator shared, “It’s just an extra way to thank the veterans for all they do for us. On behalf of the ROTC in CISD, we do want to encourage the veterans to come out so we can thank them for the service they have done and respect them for all they do.” She said that between 75 and 100 veterans attend each year.

A younger generation showed their appreciation for the Veterans on Monday November 9th. Preschoolers ages 2-4, kindergartners, and elementary aged students through sixth grade are held a special service for their veterans and grandparents at St. James Episcopal Church and School in Conroe. Their tribute was a musical ensemble including a flag-waving presentation to “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Yankee Doodle” by the preschoolers, and a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” by the older students.

“This is a wonderful event,” says U.S. Army Major Ed Naughton of the 158th Aviation Regiment based in Conroe. “It’s great to see children learning about patriotism and their country. The cycles and flags we carry attract the attention and interest of the kids. It gives us an opportunity to establish a dialogue with them about patriotism and why we do what we do.” Following the program, Naughton, soldier volunteers and Patriot Guard representatives spent time meeting with and answering students questions helping them to get a better understanding and showing their mutual appreciation for each other.

Other Veteran honoring events happening November 11 in the area:

8:30am Veteran’s Breakfast and Student led program at Montgomery Junior High, 19000 Stewart Creek Road, Montgomery, TX

10am Program at VFW Post 4709, 1308 W. Semands Ave., Conroe, TX

11am Program at the American Legion Post #618, 13054 FM 1097, Willis, TX

7pm Nondenominational service at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3901 S. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands

Source: www.hcnonline.com/conroe_courier

Conroe ISD Rowing Team Takes Home Victories

Greg Rivera — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Team spirit and hard work are the ties that bind The Rowing Club of The Woodlands Juniors team and lead to success. The team is made up of juniors from two different high schools from The Woodlands - The Woodlands High School and The Woodlands College Park High School. Their hard work and determination has started the rowing season in victory as they lead one of the best seasons in the history of the program.

“This is a very united team,” said Mariana Bandera from Woodlands High School, “We are a family.” This attitude and determination is strengthened by year long training, weekend trips to regattas and two seasons of competitions that bring them together as a team as they learn to work hard and encourage each other to their best work.

The rowers this year may be smaller in general, but their motivation is high and is strengthened by the multiple medals they’ve brought home. On October 17, 2009 the group won eight gold medals at their hometown Regatta “Slay the Dragon,” and the week prior they had won two gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals.

This year Leonard Anderson, RCTWJ coach, leads 26 students, and while their team is pretty full, he is always willing to coach more. “If we have 40 sign up, we’ll find some way to get them rowing,” he said. Now in his ninth year of coaching his attitude shows his spirit and commitment to the team, a reflection of the students’ commitment and hard work as well.

Anderson shares of rowing, “The sport is one of the most technical. It also gives a full body workout and requires a heavy time commitment.” Several former junior rowers have gone to college on rowing scholarships and the hard work may pay off for current rowers as many are aspiring to the same goal.

If you’d like more information or if you’re a high school student interested in signing up for the 2010 team, please visit www.woodlandsjrcrew.com

Source: www.hcnonline.com/conroe_courier

CISD Help Local Students through the Weekend.

Greg Rivera — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conroe Independent School District Schools rallied together to help their fellow students by raising donations for the Montgomery County Food Bank and the Backpack Club.

The Backpack Club is a nation wide program that identifies the hungriest children in schools by faculty and staff referral. Then, the hungriest of the hungry are identified and are signed up for the program. As Doris Goleman, Director of the MCFB put it, “These children are coming to school famished. They’re starving because they haven’t eaten all weekend and that doesn’t help their learning.”

The program provides seven meals each weekend for selected children throughout the academic year. This is to ensure that children who would normally go without any food are able to eat dinner from Friday, as well as each meal through the weekend, to dinner on Sunday.

Over the last five to six years CISD teachers brought food to donate during their week of inservice before school starts, and in five years collected 60,000 pounds of food. This year however they were able to do even more, as it was determined that a $1 donation can purchase 11 pounds of food, not to mention monetary contributions are more convenient.

To kick off the school year all of CISD schools participated in a program deemed “Change for Change” and encouraged kids to donate any loose change they had to make a positive change in the lives of hungry children – their fellow classmates. The total donations came to around $20,000 for this one week of effort.

There are currently 203 students in the Backpack Club, with 75 more students scheduled to join. The Food Bank is hoping to extend the program to all of the CISD Elementary schools, and the more donations and food available the more they can reach out and feed not just the hungriest of the hungry, but the hungry children as well.

If you would like to take part in this outreach the Montgomery County Food Bank is always accepting monetary or food donations. You can contact Director Doris Goleman at mcfb@consolidated.net or call the MCFB at 936-539-6686.

New State Law: No Cell Phones in School Zones

daphne — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Graystone Hills residents should be wary when driving through Conroe I.S.D.'s and other schools' school zones, as a new state law will prohibit the use of wireless communication devices while operating a vehicle in a school zone. Violators must pay a fine of up to $200 per violation.

House Bill 55 is set to take effect on September 1, and is intended to promote the safety of students. The law will be in full affect in all of Texas.

A few facts about the law:

Provisions under the law will allow drivers to use cell phones in school zones with a hands-free device or when their vehicle is stopped. School bus drivers will be affected, too. The law is an amendment of the Texas Transportation Code, section545.425. An additional exception is provided in emergency situations, when a driver needs to use a cell phone in a school zone to contact police, fire, or emergency medical personnel.

We beg Graystone Hills residents to heed this new law, as it is designed with the safety of you and your children in mind!

Back to School News: New Immunization Requirements for Texas Kids

daphne — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Texas kids are getting ready to go back to schools, and for many children, preparation includes getting a few more immunizations. This year, big changes have been made in immunization requirements which will impact incoming kindergarten and seventh grade students.
The changes to the requirements were made to bring Texas into line more closely with what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory committee on Immunization Practices recommend. These changes started on August 01 and include:Hepatitis A Vaccine: All students entering kindergarten will be required to have two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine.Measles, Mumps, Rubelle (MMR) Vaccine: All students entering kindergarten will be required to have two doses of the MMR vaccine.Varicella (chickenpox) Vaccine: All students entering kindergarten and 7th grade will be required to have two doses of the Varicella vaccine. However, a written statement from the parent/guardian, school nurse or physician attesting to the child already having had chickenpox may replace the vaccine.Tetanus, Diptheria and acellular pertussis-containing Vaccine (Tdap): All students entering 7th grade will be required to have one dose of Tdap vaccine. Students in the 7th grade are required to have a booster shot of Tdap only if it has been five years since their last dose. Students in grades 8-12 are required to have a booster shot of Tdap if it has been ten years or more since their previous dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine.Meningococcal Vaccine: All students entering 7th grade will be required to have one dose of meningococcal vaccine. For more information on immunization requirements for Texas kids:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/IMMUNIZE/

Giesinger Elementary Students to Benefit from School Supply Drive

daphne — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

This school year, nine Conroe I.S.D. schools will benefit from Operation School Supplies, a program that has raised over $1.607 million since 1990 to provide school supplies for elementary students in need.

Sponsored by the Houston Coca-Cola Bottling Company and the University of Houston Alumni Association, and H-E-B, Operation School Supplies will be in full force through August 5th.

How can Graystone Hills residents help?

Shop H-E-B and pick up an Operation School Supplies coupon at the checkout counter, donate, or purchase and donate prepackaged school suppliesBuy Coca-Cola products at H-E-B. Each time a Coca-Cola product is purchased at H-E-B, the Houston Coca-Cola Bottling Company will donate a portion of the proceeds to the campaign.Drop off donations at the Houston Astros' July 26 game!Graystone Hills residents can sponsor a Giesinger Elementary for $25 or Conroe I.S.D. for $100.If you personally know a student in need of assistance with school supplies, call the United Way of Greater Houston Help Line at 2-1-1Also, visit here to learn more.

So, go out and support those in need; Graystone Hills can provide a big help in a big way!

Back to School in Conroe I.S.D.

daphne — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Graystone Hills parents will soon have school on their mind, as the Conroe I.S.D. 2009-2010 school year kicks off on August 24th. We hope to bring our community a bundle of resources for the new school year.

New Students/Enrollment

If your child is new to Graystone Hills and Conroe I.S.D., registration is an easy process. Simply assess which school your child will attend (Graystone Hills students attend Giesinger Elementary K-4, Cryar Intermediate School 5-6, Peet Junior High 7-8, and Conroe High School 9-12), and register on location.

Giesinger Elementary: 936-539-6100
Cryar Intermediate School: 936-709-3700
Peet Junior High School: 936-709-7300
Conroe High School: 936-709-5700

New registrants must have proof of residency (a sales agreement or utility bill), a birth certificate or other legal proof of identity, a Social Security Card, Immunization records, and an Identification document of the parent/guardian enrolling the student.

Students who attended Conroe I.S.D. previously are not required to register.

More info information on PreK and Kindergarten Round Up.

Bus Schedules

Graystone Hills residents are serviced by Conroe I.S.D. bus transportation. To find your child's bus stop and time, Conroe I.S.D. provides an easy-to-use Bus Finder.

School Supplies

Giesinger Elementary School Supply List

Cryar Intermediate School Supply List

Junior high and high school students do not have a required list, as their study habits and preferences should be developing. They are expected to be prepared, and it is suggested that they wait until after the first day of school to make an assessment on what each teacher will need.

School Calendar

Most importantly, parents need to know when students will be in and out of school. View the Conroe I.S.D. 2009-2010 school year calendar.

Good luck to all Graystone Hills students and parents; our community wishes you a productive, fun-filled year!

Conroe ISD Grows Leaders through Leadership Academy

daphne — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conroe Independent School District recently held the third annual CISD Student Leadership Academy, which includes nearly 50 incoming eighth-graders from each CISD junior high school. As Graystone Hills students attend Conroe ISD schools, this is excellent news for resident parents.

Students spoke with a number of local leaders:

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands; state representatives Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, and Rob Eissler, R-The Woodlands; CISD board president Lynda Sasser; CISD board past president Gerald Irons; Lone Star College-Montgomery Interim President Penny Westerfeld; and The Conroe Courier Publisher and Editor Jim Fredricks.

The four-day academy's overall intent was to enrich the students with knowledge that they could carry back as leaders to their daily lives on campus and for years to come in their academic and adult lives.

Students received tours of the LSC-Montgomery campus, Lone Star Executive Airport, and the Olen Underwood Juvenile Justice Center, and also participated in an anti-bullying program.

Conroe ISD leaders are helping to build your future through nurturing the lives of Graystone Hills children.

Source: HCOnline.com