Noon Message to Families
September 30, 2024
Cedar Hill ISD Families & Community,
Last May, the voters of Cedar Hill approved a $282.4 million bond measure by a nearly 2-to-1 margin.
It was a vote of confidence in Cedar Hill Independent School District and an acknowledgement of the district’s long overdue infrastructure needs. Within days of the Bond’s passage, the real work started.
An important part of any successful Bond measure is a Bond Oversight Committee (BOC). Administrators may retire or leave for other districts, but a BOC is deeply rooted in the community. They ensure that administrations stay on task – and budget – to fulfill what the voters approved.
That includes financial oversight, project monitoring and providing regular updates to the community. They’ll also work with the community to gather feedback on the Bond process.
The BOC held its first meeting on Monday, September 23. It was facilitated by one of the most respected school communications professionals in the state – Mr. Donald Williams, formerly of Mansfield ISD.
The BOC is chaired by former Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees President Robert Riggs, who served on the CHISD Board for nine years and has an extensive business background. Newly-elected Trustee Ayanna Cabrera-Cook, a former CHISD PTA President, is the CHISD Board’s Liaison to the BOC.
- The BOC has 25 members with a wide variety of experiences and connections to Cedar Hill ISD. They include former CHISD Board Presidents Joe Pitt and Michael Quildon, current CHISD Teen Superintendent Saniyah McGrew, former Cedar Hill ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Bethany Kennedy and Cedar Hill High School Boys Basketball Coach Corey Chism.
We are grateful to each and every member of the BOC process. Their contribution is a benefit to CHISD and the entire Cedar Hill community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gerald B. Hudson
Superintendent, Cedar Hill ISD
“Hollywood on the Hill”
Join us for the Cedar Hill ISD Homecoming Parade on October 9!
Come celebrate with us and enjoy the festivities! It’s a great way to show your school spirit and connect with the community. We hope to see you there!
This years theme; “Hollywood on the Hill” - October 7-11, 2024.
Swatting in Schools: A Dangerous Trend
Recently, swatting—a dangerous trend where people make fake emergency calls to trigger armed police responses—has surged, especially targeting schools with false reports of violent incidents like active shooters or bomb threats, leading to large-scale police mobilizations.
The Impact on Schools
For educators and students, swatting disrupts learning, instills fear, and causes lasting emotional harm. False alarms can lead to lockdowns, evacuations, and unnecessary panic, making students feel unsafe and anxious in their learning environment.
What Can Parents Do?
- Discuss Swatting: Talk to your children about the severe consequences of swatting and emphasize that what seems like a joke can have serious, lasting effects.
- Monitor Online Activity: Keep track of your child’s online behavior, especially on gaming, social media, and chat platforms, and ensure they know how to report threats.
- Foster Empathy and Accountability: Encourage your kids to consider how their actions impact others and promote empathy to deter dangerous pranks or attention-seeking behavior.
The Consequences of Swatting
Students involved in swatting—whether making the call or encouraging it—can face severe consequences:
- Criminal Charges: Swatting is a federal crime in the U.S., potentially leading to felony charges, fines, and prison time.
- Civil Liabilities: Families may be financially liable for the high costs of law enforcement responses.
- School Disciplinary Actions: Schools may impose suspension or expulsion, affecting a student’s future.
Swatting isn’t a harmless prank—it’s a serious crime with significant consequences for schools, students, parents, and law enforcement. It causes severe emotional distress for those targeted and their communities. Parents need to make sure their children understand the seriousness of swatting. Educators and parents can prevent it by staying informed and taking proactive steps.
For more information, please click here.
SAVE THE DATES! Annual Screenings for CHISD Scholars
Screening schedules: State required hearing, vision, spinal and acanthosis nigricans mass screenings will start in September and will continue through November.
- Lake Ridge Elementary School - October 1-2
- High Pointe Elementary School - October 7-8
- Collegiate Prep Elementary School - October 16-17
- 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
The 2024-25 Teen Superintendent's Student Roundtable Application Window is Now Open!
We are excited to introduce a new initiative: the Teen Superintendent Roundtable (formally known as the Superintendent Student Roundtable). This program is specifically designed for our 8th through 12th-grade students, offering a unique opportunity to collaborate directly with district leadership on matters important to them and our community. Through this initiative, students will engage in meaningful discussions, share their perspectives, and contribute to the development of Cedar Hill ISD. It’s a platform where their voices can be heard, and their ideas can help shape the future of our district. We believe this Roundtable will not only empower our students but also foster a stronger sense of community and leadership among them.
Application Packet:
Completed application
3 reference letters - At least 2 from current or former teachers
A transcript indicating a GPA of 2.0 or higher
Application Timeline:
The application period begins Monday, September 9, 2024. Submit completed applications by Tuesday, October 8, 2024. 2024-25.
Member Notification:
Selected members will be notified by Friday, October 11, 2024
If you have any questions please contact Dr. Kisha McDonald at kisha.mcdonald@chisd.net
