In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed two bills — House Bill 3979 during the 87th regular and Senate Bill 3 during a subsequent special session — that outline ways in which certain topics, including race, must be addressed in classrooms.
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Round Rock ISD student-athletes recently took the next steps towards becoming collegiate athletes by signing early letters of intent. When student-athletes sign a National Letter of Intent, they have officially committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. The National Letter of Intent is issued to prospective student-athletes with a scholarship.
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“Each of you, as an individual, must pick your own goals. Listen to others, but do not become a blind follower.” These are the words of the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, a contemporary of Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK). As we observe MLK Day in 2022, I find Justice Marshall’s words more salient now than they were when he was alive. In 2022, the need for diversity of thought and dialectical thinking will be of cardinal importance as we continue to move towards educational equity.
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My Name is Amanda Johnson, and I am Native American on my mother’s side. My family is Anishinaabe, also known as Ojibwe, from the Great Lakes region of the US and Canada. I claim this heritage with pride, yet most of what I know about my Native culture is thanks to my relatives’ deliberate and purposeful decision to find a way back to our culture over time.
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This Williamson County Juvenile Services video was produced to help families, and loved ones recognize signs that their children or friends may be struggling with mental health issues. Community experts from Rock Springs Hospital, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, and Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute offer advice on talking to kids about their feelings and coping when wrestling with anxiety and depression.
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The struggle for educational equity in our nation has been filled with both challenges and successes. The legacy of all of those who fought for educational equity is found in the millions of people of color and women who went on to obtain a quality education, make significant contributions to their families, communities, and our nation at large. It has taken all of us to get to this point. Each group has its own unique story, and those stories are part of our shared history.
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As we celebrate Pride Month, we need to illuminate the many untold stories of the LGBTQ community as part of the larger narrative of our nation and our world. It is critical for historically marginalized groups to be recognized for their uniqueness, but they should not be singled out as being different, for this will lead to perpetual otherness.
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We had dreams too. These words were spoken by mother in 1994 when we were visiting the sharecropper plantation that she grew up on in Belzoni, Mississippi, from 1946 until when she left to go north in 1966. In these words, we find both the hope and the disappointment of Juneteenth – when in 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas were notified of the Emancipation Proclamation, issued two years earlier on January 1, 1863.
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The men and women of the Round Rock ISD police department work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and hundreds of visitors to the District’s campus and facilities. Our officers do everything from patrolling campuses, perform safety checks, assist students with their bikes, service projects, or lunch money to provide security at the multitude of District events that happen during the school year.
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Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are. These are the words of Malcolm Forbes. They are also representative of the struggle of many marginalized people to find their way and their voice in our nation. As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, it is important for us to focus on who we are in this moment, value what was good about our shared past, and celebrate our present diversity. Toward that end, I have invited my esteemed colleague, Dr. Sania Ali to share part of her journey in this space.
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As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week this week, I want to take the opportunity to tell all of you how much I value and appreciate you.
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With malice toward none, with charity for all… These are the words of Abraham Lincoln spoken during his second inauguration in 1865. They also serve as an admonition as we celebrate Diversity Awareness Month in 2021. This year diversity means more than it has in past years due to our society’s significant divisions.
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As we celebrate Women’s History Month in a nation that has recently elected its first woman Vice President, we hope for more progress for all women. This was part of the spirit coursing through the first Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls in 1848. The women who planned the event knew the journey they embarked on would not be completed in their lifetimes. They also knew that others, men and women, would continue the march towards equality and full citizenship, to include the right to vote.
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Find your next favorite book with the Book Buzz! Elementary book recommendations from Round Rock ISD librarians Kristen Fournier (Forest North Elementary) and Jamie Wright (Joe Lee Johnson Elementary). This episode, we feature “Jabari Tries” by Gaia Cornwall, “Mira Forecasts the Future” by Kell Andrews & Libby Marlin, “The Underneath” by Kathy Appelt, “Bringing in the New Year” by Grace Lin, “We March” by Shane W. Evans, and “You Matter” by Christian Robinson.
Special thanks to our fan art maker Elizabeth in 5th grade at FNE!
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Book Buzz Episode 7. Find your next favorite book with the Book Buzz! Elementary book recommendations from Round Rock ISD librarians Kristen Fournier (Forest North Elementary) and Jamie Wright (Joe Lee Johnson Elementary). This episode, we feature “Front Desk” by Kelly Yang, “Dragon’s Fat Cat” by Dav Pilkey, “I Am Every Good Thing” By Derrick Barnes & Gordon C. James, “i haiku you” by Betsy E. Snyder, “Black is a Rainbow Color” by Angela Joy and Ekua Holmes, & “Pete’s a Pizza” by William Steig. Special thanks to our fan art maker Chloe in 5th grade at Forest North Elementary, and our special guest for our “BEE-ing a Reader” segment, Michael Jones, who is the Round Rock ISD Textbook Warehouse Manager.
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On February 7, 1926, Carter G. Woodson inaugurated Negro History Week. The week’s primary focus was to underscore contributions of African Americans in the United States (U.S.) in a more intentional and scholarly fashion to enhance the pride of African Americans and, simultaneously, improve race relations. Ninety-five years have passed since that first Negro History Week; and, a great many changes have affected our nation and the world. The need to acknowledge and celebrate African American history is just as important today as in 1926. African American history IS U.S. history.
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In its 20th year, the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education (PIE) Foundation annual golf classic raised $115,000 for Round Rock ISD student and teacher programs. With 36 participating teams, the sold-out “World of Sports” themed event was held at the Golf Course at Star Ranch on Monday, Oct 5.
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How often do you consider your cybersecurity before you click? No one is immune to cyber risk. You may be giving away the keys to your kingdom if you aren’t paying attention to your password habits. Having a strong password can be your best defense in the wake of unyielding attacks by cybercriminals.
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The Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation (PIEF) awarded over $110,000 in scholarships to 54 Round Rock ISD seniors. This year, scholarship partners notified recipients through virtual video messages. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our families, businesses, and individuals who every year continue to support education through our student Scholarship program,” said Marianne Reap, PIE Executive Director.
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Howdy, neighbor! Virtual wave. It’s your friendly Wednesday weekly wrap up. All the information you need to get caught up from the week is available right here.
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