Noon Message to Families

October is National Principals Month, and we are fortunate to have an outstanding group of 11 principals in Cedar Hill Independent School District. These six women and five men take ownership in leading their respective campuses. Together, they serve as the leaders of the scholars and staff on their campuses, as they continue to build a healthy and powerful culture. As a former principal myself, I understand the commitment and sacrifice that goes into leading an entire campus.

Collegiate Academy & High School/Dr. Peggy M. Wilson STEM Center Principal John Edmun is the longest serving principal in the district and the reigning CHISD Secondary Principal of the Year.

Lake Ridge Elementary Principal Dr. Amanda McCarther is in her second year at Lake Ridge Elementary. The reigning CHISD Elementary Principal of the Year, McCarther previously served at Bray Elementary. She handled the difficult task of bidding farewell to the district’s most historic campus and then, shortly thereafter, starting a new chapter at Lake Ridge.

We have three relatively new principals in the district.

Dr. Trevena Nelson (Plummer Elementary) started mid-year, after serving as an Associate Principal at Cedar Hill High School. Both Dr. Nelson and Collegiate Prep Elementary first-year Principal Ronnie Davis, formerly an Assistant Principal at Collegiate Academy & High School, were part of the L.E.A.D. Program, which prepares Assistant Principals to take the next step of campus leadership.

Prior to the school year, Waterford Oaks’ Brittney Boyd was promoted from Assistant Principal to Principal.

Highlands Elementary Principal Victoria Collins, High Pointe Elementary Principal Dr. Coletha Johnson and Permenter Middle School Principal Dr. Katrina Lemons are now in their second year leading their respective campuses.

Three secondary principals are proud to continue the legacy of the late, great Shay Whittaker in their own way. Whittaker passed away after a courageous battle with cancer in April 2023.

Bessie Coleman Middle School Principal Dwight Perry was Whittaker’s Assistant Principal at High Pointe Elementary and succeeded her in leaving that campus when she became principal of CHHS.

STRIVE/Hilltop Academy William Petty was a longtime Associate Principal at CHHS. Whittaker had the idea for Hilltop Academy and thought Petty would be a good leader at the campus to help scholars who needed help getting back on track to graduate.

Cedar Hill High School second-year Principal Leroy Joffre always takes time to honor Whittaker’s legacy and let the community know that his role is to build upon what she started.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

Cedar Hill ISD

As we embrace the fall season, there are wonderful ways you can help keep your child engaged and excited about school. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Create a Routine: Establishing a consistent homework and study routine can help students stay organized and focused. Set aside specific times for homework and study, making it part of their daily rhythm.

2. Explore Fall Themes: Encourage discussions at home about seasonal topics like harvests, holidays, or weather changes. This can create a connection between what they learn in school and the world around them.

3. Get Involved: Attend school events, parent-teacher meetings, or volunteer opportunities. Your involvement shows your child that education is important and valued.

4. Encourage Extracurricular Activities: Help your child explore clubs, sports, or hobbies that interest them. Engaging in activities outside of academics can boost motivation and build social skills.

5. Promote Reading: Fall is a great time to cozy up with a good book. Set aside time for family reading sessions or visits to local libraries or bookstores to discover new titles.

6. Set Goals Together: Work with your child to set personal and academic goals for the semester. Regularly checking in on these goals can boost their motivation and sense of achievement.

7. Talk About School: Keep the lines of communication open. Ask your child about their day, what they enjoyed, or any challenges they faced. This shows you care and encourages them to share more.

By supporting your child's education at home and fostering a love for learning, you can make this fall a season of growth and engagement!

As we strive to create a safe and supportive school environment, it’s essential to focus on bullying prevention. Bullying can have a significant impact on our school community, and it’s important that we all play a role in creating a safe and supportive environment. Here are some key points to remember:

1. Understanding Bullying: Bullying can take many forms—physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying. Recognizing these behaviors is the first step toward prevention.

2. Promote Kindness: Encourage kindness and respect in all interactions. Simple acts of compassion can create a ripple effect, fostering a positive school culture.

3. Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where students feel safe to speak up about bullying. Encourage them to talk to trusted adults if they experience or witness bullying.

4. Be an Ally: Stand up for classmates who may be targeted. Supporting one another not only helps those being bullied but also strengthens our community.

5. Educate and Raise Awareness: Participate in anti-bullying programs and discussions. Understanding the impact of bullying can empower everyone to take action.

6. Know the Resources: Familiarize yourself with the resources available for support. Whether it’s talking to a school counselor or accessing online resources, know that help is available.

7. Lead by Example: Model respectful behavior. As adults and peers, our actions set the tone for what is acceptable in our school community.

Screening schedules: State required hearing, vision, spinal and acanthosis nigricans mass screenings will start in September and will continue through November.

• Highlands Elementary School - October 21-22
• Waterford Oaks Elementary School - October 28-30
• Plummer Elementary School - November 6-8
• Cedar Hill High School - November 12-13