November 16, 2011
Dear Gonzales ISD School and Community Family,
It is the holiday season! For many of us it is a favorite time of the year. Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to slow down and think of the things that are most meaningful and of which we are most grateful. We have certainly been blessed in so many ways! I am so blessed to be part of a loving family, and to live and work in a community that cares about the students of our district. In the coming weeks we will have the gift of time with family and friends to consider those many blessings.
I am thankful to walk the halls of campuses and see students actively engaged in learning. Each visit brings something new. This week the beautiful rain finally made an appearance. The weather also gave us an opportunity to practice our tornado drill procedures. I am pleased to report that students and staff did a great job and fortunately we did not experience anything other than the high winds. Whether it be preparing for weather, a benchmark assessment or a game, GISD continues to work toward continual improvement. We are monitoring progress as we incorporate the strategies of our District Improvement Plan. Many actions have created new and innovative opportunities for students including activities promoting care as well as content knowledge.
It was an honor to show our appreciation on Veteran’s Day to the many men and women who have served our country. Our students from GHS, Gonzales Junior High and North Avenue contributed to a great event. The students did a wonderful job playing music, assisting veterans to their seats, running reception area activity, filling in where needed, delivering heartwarming verses in their readings and raising the beautiful United States flag. I am proud of our students. Veterans have provided a strong and safe foundation. Our military continues to serve our United States of America to protect our rights and freedoms. Thank you to our U.S. Military and our Veterans. Other activities this month have included the Friends of Rachel (FOR) Club meetings. I am so proud of the students who joined the club. Their efforts will promote acts of kindness and
their work will be inspirational in remembering the most important thing in life is how we treat others. GHS has also received the new technology to begin the process of video production. We will have training sessions in the near future provided by podcasts to each classroom. This new class is located in the old band hall wing at GHS and came about as a direct result of opening our new band hall. We were honored to open the new Gonzales High School Band Hall on Monday, November 7th, followed by the opening of the Gonzales Junior High School Gym on Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 with official ribbon cutting ceremonies. GISD school board members, school administrators, staff, students, parents and community members were excited to attend. The new facilities are beautiful and functional additions to our high school and junior high campuses. The new band hall now meets the needs of our award winning Gonzales High School Band. A new gym has been a goal for many years. The incorporation of the 1940's agriculture building into the design blends it beautifully with the existing campus. I am proud of our GHS Band Students and GJHS student council members who led the tours for visitors. Many thanks are extended to the GISD school board, parents and community for support during construction and transition to the new facilities.
GHS students are making Gonzales ISD a familiar place in our region and in our state. Kyle Day’s tractor restoration success went to the state level. Congratulations on a job well done! With the Apache football team undefeated season , the Lady Apaches Volleyball team going as far as playoffs, and the Apache Band performance success it has been a remarkable first semester. Our GHS Band students earned Division 1’s from all three judges at the UIL 1829 Competition held in Giddings. We are so proud of their success that follows two other competitions in which the band earned a pre-UIL top rating of Division 1 and 2nd place in 3A competition. The GHS Drama department put on an amazing performance with the Willy Wonka Junior musical. The Apache football team is making their mark this year! Congratulations Apaches, you are a team and that is what it takes to be successful. We are proud of you and support you all the way! Thanks to the Apache fans for tremendous support!
Our young students are enjoying success as well. First grade students will soon be using IPADS as part of their instructional resources to promote strength in reading. The students will use the technology as a tool to incorporate new strategies for teaching reading. Varied modes of instructional delivery are one of the best
practices to use in teaching. We are excited to have the ability to provide this avenue for our young readers. Additionally, our first graders at East Avenue planted a fall garden as part of the Master Gardener program.
The Master Gardner group was instrumental in bringing the Junior Master Gardner teacher program to Gonzales Elementary and North Avenue teachers along with resources for incorporation of lessons into the curriculum. We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with the Master Gardner group in supporting the Exploratorium at Gonzales Elementary and future gardening experiences for our students.
I am so excited to announce that the Gonzales ISD Education Foundation is in place. Gonzales ISD Education Foundation is grateful for the support of foundation board members who contribute as partners, sponsors, donors and volunteers. The GISD Education Foundation supports enhanced and enriched educational opportunities, innovative efforts for exemplary teaching and assurance of a quality education for tomorrow. If you wish to contribute to Gonzales ISD Education Foundation please let us know. Thank you for your support.
As always, I thank you for taking an active role in your child’s education. Watch your calendar for the many campus activities during the holiday season. We welcome you and look forward to seeing you as you visit your child’s school. Please don’t hesitate to call with questions or concerns. As we support each other in learning during this busy and joyous time, remember to read each day. It is the best thing you can do at home to reinforce your child’s academic progress.
Here’s wishing each and every one of you a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Best Regards,
Kimberly Strozier, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
