Noon Message From Dr. Hudson
October 30, 2023
Cedar Hill ISD Staff,
As we celebrate the improbable turnaround of our hometown Texas Rangers’ American League Championship, there are plenty of lessons for us to absorb as educators. First, we have to put aside that good natured ribbing of our friends down Interstate 45. The Houston Astros played an outstanding series, so we tip our hats to the south. Secondly, we have to admire the amazing trajectory of one Jose Adolis Garcia Arrieta, known to most of us as Adolis Garcia or “El Bombi.”
He defected from communist Cuba at age 23, in 2016, leaving behind family and friends, in search of opportunity. It didn’t come easily or quickly though. Garcia criss-crossed through the minor leagues and played so sparingly in the majors that even the most avid baseball fans would have shrugged at the mention of his name.
Finally, in 2021, he was a Major League All Star with the Rangers, but the team lost 102 games. This season, everything clicked as the 30-year-old Garcia was both an All Star and American League Championship Series MVP in leading the Rangers to the World Series.
I know some of you may not be baseball fans, but I share Garcia’s story to encourage you to keep trying and persevere.
You may be working with a scholar and he or she doesn’t grasp the lesson at first. Keep believing in what you do and don’t give up. If you’re a new teacher, and you’re still finding your teaching style, don’t sweat it. Remember your training and try different methods, until you achieve that All-Star status.
October can be a challenging month for educators. The excitement of back to school has faded away, students begin to feel tired and anticipate the upcoming holiday break not to mention, many of us are having to pivot our strategies in the classroom that we hoped would work, but are not panning out as we had hoped.
As we steadily move toward winter break, I want to remember Mr. Garcia.
At any point, it would have been easy for Garcia to give up, or pursue another dream. He didn’t, and that’s why he’s among the most popular Rangers in franchise history.
You, too, can make a big difference and become one of the most memorable educators in the lives of your scholars.
Thank you for all you do!
Dr. Gerald. B. Hudson
Superintendent
Bryan Johnson and Nicholas Jackson moved from east of the Mississippi River to Texas in order to chase their dreams.
Johnson, a Greenville, Mississippi native, earned a football scholarship to Paul Quinn College, a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) in Dallas and eventually began a career as a sales representative and merchandiser for Coca Cola.
Jackson, who grew up in Muncie, Indiana, worked as an Operations Manager for Frito Lay, primarily in a warehouse.
Although their careers were fulfilling, both Johnson and Jackson felt a higher calling for public service. It was a calling that has eventually brought them to their current position as Cedar Hill ISD Police Officers.
Both officers were sworn in on Friday, October 20 at Cedar Hill Government Center, and fill two vacancies within the department.
Johnson, the parent of a Waterford Oaks Elementary scholar, started with the district on June 6.
“I have enjoyed putting on that mentor hat and giving back to the community,” said Johnson, who primarily works at Permenter Middle School. “I have enjoyed getting to know the teachers, administrators and scholars. I like being able to bring about positive change.”
After graduating from the police academy at Dallas College-Eastfield in Mesquite, Johnson served as a police officer for Baylor Scott & White Hospital in downtown Dallas.
Jackson started with CHISD-PD on October 2, but he’s worked for the district since August 2020. A US Army Veteran, he was the Criminal Justice Teacher at Cedar Hill High School, while also working as a reserve police officer in neighboring Glenn Heights.
“The kids love me,” Jackson said. “I actually had some kids start crying when I said I was leaving the classroom. I re-assured them that I’ll still be around.”
Jackson said he expects to primarily work at CHHS in his new role as a full time police officer.
“I have always had a drive and a passion to work in public safety,” Jackson said. “This is a perfect fit.”
Jackson attended the police academy at Dallas College-Cedar Valley in Lancaster. He is married to a High Pointe teacher and the parent of CHISD graduates.
ID Requirements for Voting
Under Texas law, voters who possess one of the seven acceptable forms of photo ID must present that ID at the polls when voting in person.
Here is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID:
- Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
- Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
- United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
- United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
- United States Passport (book or card)
With the exception of the U.S. Citizenship Certificate, which does not expire, for voters aged 18-69, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired no more than four years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. For voters aged 70 or older, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired for any length of time if the identification is otherwise valid.
The Cedar Hill High School AFJROTC and the CHISD Communications Department would like to recognize and honor current staff members who served in the military. Please complete ta short form by Friday November 3, 2023. Click here to share your photo and story about your time in the service.
