Community reviews possible 2017-18 academic calendar
Round Rock ISD published a 2017-18 academic calendar for public review on Jan. 20, 2017, with hopes to take a final recommendation to the Board of Trustees on Feb. 16 for final approval. The approval of an academic calendar comes about a month later than usual as the District researched the impact and possible flexibility through two state laws. The calendar includes a week off for Thanksgiving, a mid-week start to winter break in December, and end of school before Memorial Day. By increasing the school day by five minutes, teachers can have additional professional development and planning days throughout the year, and students can end the school year earlier. The earlier end of the school year also allows students taking summer courses for college credit or for remediation more time. [Round Rock ISD seeks community input on 2017-2018 academic calendar]
Enrollment grows in Northeast Round Rock, Round Rock HS could reach 4,000 students in five years
Enrollment growth is expected to explode in the Herrington Elementary School attendance zone and Round Rock High School could reach enrollment of nearly 4,000 students in five years, according to a quarterly demographer’s report for Round Rock ISD. A Citizens Bond Committee (CBC) is reviewing new facilities for a possible May 6, 2017, Bond election, including a sixth comprehensive high school to relieve RRHS and a #35 elementary school to relieve Herrington. The Board approved a schematic design for a possible new high school, located on Pearson Ranch Road. Due to its proactiveness, the District could open a school as early as August 2019, if voters approve a Bond program. The new elementary school could go on land currently owned by the District in Northeast Round Rock. [RRISD Demographic Snapshot, Nov. 18 Board Briefs]
Round Rock City Council honors District’s STAR Mentor Program
The Round Rock City Council honored the District’s Supporting, Teaching and Reaching Students (STARS) Mentorship Program in recognition of National Mentor Month. The STARS mentor program will be hosting a Coffee for Conversation event to share more information on mentoring on Jan. 25 at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex, with a goal to increase the number of participating mentors to 450 this year to serve more students Districtwide.The STARS Mentor Program, funded through Round Rock ISD, a United Way of Williamson County grant and the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation, has 278 mentors who serve students on all 54 Round Rock ISD campuses. Mentors are provided training and matched with a student mentee based on shared interests and location. Specifically, more male mentors are needed. The event will offer networking, refreshments and door prizes. [STARS mentor program webpage, Round Rock ISD Mentor program receives proclamation from City]
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Editor’s Note: District Digest is a publication from the Round Rock ISD Communications Department. We distribute this newsletter through our website, social media, and through partnerships with principals, directors, teachers, specialists, and staff across the District. The District Digest is published biweekly and includes a high-level overview of initiatives being discussed and implemented with the Board of Trustees, Executive Leadership Team, and Community Committees. Please email Community Relations if you have any questions about the newsletter or Round Rock ISD.
