Noon Message to CHISD Families
May 13, 2024
We are so grateful for the citizens of Cedar Hill who made their voices heard on Saturday, May 4.
They studied and evaluated Cedar Hill ISD Propositions A and B, before casting their votes by a nearly 2-to-1 margin, in favor of the $282.4 Million Bond. The Bond Package will improve facilities and infrastructure, transportation, security, technology, playgrounds and more. It was the first time CHISD has passed a bond in 12 years.
Think about that. Our seniors, who will walk across the stage to accept their diplomas on Sunday, May 26, were in Kindergarten the last time we passed a bond.
Unfortunately, they will not directly feel the impact of this bond, but the current Kindergarteners (Class of 2036) certainly will. It’s important to remember that this is a process over the coming months. The transformation will not be apparent overnight. But the process will be open and transparent.
We are putting together a Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) that will be chaired by former CHISD Board President Robert Riggs, who is retiring from the Board this month after nine years of service. I encourage any staff, resident or parent to submit their name for consideration to serve on the Bond Oversight Committee.
Cedar Hill ISD Awarded for Outstanding Financial Reporting
In a historic moment, the Cedar Hill Independent School District has been honored with The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) for the fiscal year 2023, marking a significant milestone in our journey of financial excellence.
“This achievement is a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence in financial reporting,” said CHISD Chief Financial Officer Carla Settle, who leads a 10-employee business office. “It's a year-long effort that involves meticulous processes and a commitment to transparency.”
Settle emphasized that this award is not just a recognition of our financial reporting but also a validation of our district’s commitment to the Cadence of Accountability. This is in line with the numerous accolades CHISD has received from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for financial reporting over the past five years.
The award came after CHISD’s commitment to a thorough financial audit, a rigorous process that involves an independent review of the district's financial statements, internal controls, and compliance with financial reporting standards. This commitment to transparency and accountability is a cornerstone of our financial management practices.
ASBO International Executive Director Jim Rowan commended Cedar Hill ISD’s achievement, underscoring the prestige and honor associated with the award, and the district's commitment to financial reporting and transparency to the public.
“For over half a century, ASBO International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting has been the gold standard in promoting and recognizing excellence in financial reporting,” Rowan said. “Communicating a district's financial and economic state is so important when engaging with the school community and building their trust. Districts that receive the COE Award have demonstrated their ability to do that at the highest level.”
Summer Learning and Enrichment: Igniting a Season of Growth
As the school year draws to a close, it's time to start planning for a summer filled with learning, exploration, and enrichment opportunities for our children. While summer break offers a chance to relax and recharge, it's also an excellent time to continue fostering your child's academic, social, and personal development.
Here are some ideas and resources to help you plan for a summer of learning and enrichment
- Create a Summer Schedule: Sit down with your child and create a schedule that balances structured activities and free time. Allocate time for academic enrichment, outdoor exploration, hobbies, and relaxation.
- Explore Summer Camps: Research local summer camps and programs that align with your child's interests and passions. There are countless opportunities for hands-on learning and skill-building, whether it's STEM camps, art workshops, sports clinics, or outdoor adventures.
- Visit Libraries and Museums: Take advantage of your community's libraries and museums, which often offer summer reading programs, educational workshops, and interactive exhibits. Encourage your child to explore new topics and interests through books, exhibits, and hands-on activities.
- Engage in Learning Apps and Websites: Explore educational apps and websites that provide fun and engaging ways for children to learn and practice academic skills over the summer. From math games to language learning platforms, plenty of resources are available to keep your child's mind active and engaged.
- Encourage Outdoor Exploration: Spend time outdoors exploring nature, hiking, visiting parks, and participating in outdoor activities. Use nature walks to learn about local flora and fauna, practice observation skills, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
- Embrace Creative Expression: Encourage your child to unleash their creativity through art, music, writing, or other forms of creative expression. Provide them with opportunities to experiment with different mediums and techniques and celebrate their unique talents and interests.
- Plan Family Learning Adventures: Plan family outings and field trips to historical sites, science centers, aquariums, and other educational attractions. Use these opportunities to learn together as a family and make lasting memories while expanding your child's knowledge and understanding of the world.
- Set Learning Goals: Encourage your child to set learning goals for the summer, whether mastering a new skill, completing a reading challenge, or exploring a particular topic of interest. Help them break their goals down into manageable tasks and celebrate their progress along the way.
- As we embark on this summer learning and enrichment journey, let's continue to inspire and empower our children to embrace new opportunities, explore their passions, and pursue their dreams. Let's make this summer a season of growth, discovery, and endless possibilities together.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.
'Senior Assassin’ TikTok Challenge
Law enforcement and educators nationwide are warning parents and communities about the social media challenge “Senior Assassin.” High school students use water guns to “hit” their targets while running through their neighborhoods, which all sounds pretty innocent, right?
Well, some have taken the challenge to the extreme, wearing dark clothing and using airsoft and paintball guns that look like real firearms, then uploading their “hits” to social media. Incidents have recently been reported in Michigan, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
In Cheboygan County, Michigan, a player wearing a ski mask ran through a restaurant chasing an opponent and came face to face with an adult who was a licensed concealed handgun carrier.
“This could get someone hurt or killed,” Cheboygan County Sheriff Tim Cook said in a joint warning with Chief Rifenberg. “If another individual believes a person’s life is being threatened and takes action on their own believing they are witnessing some sort of assault with a deadly weapon, as some of these toy guns have the appearance of a real firearm.”
Authorities say the game is being played in neighborhoods, in and around towns and businesses, and moving vehicles. It’s critical to talk to your students about this social media trend and help them understand this message from Virginia school leaders: “In stressful or high-pressure situations, it can be very difficult to quickly differentiate a toy gun from a real firearm. This confusion can lead to misidentification and potentially tragic consequences.”
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