The Weekly Update #4

Welcome Back, Dragon Families!

Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas holiday filled with joy, rest, and time with loved ones. As we step into 2025, I’m excited to share a tradition we’ve embraced over the last few years—the One Word Challenge by Jon Gordon. This practice has been a powerful way to anchor my personal and professional life.

This year, my one word is purpose. For me, it embodies intentionality, clarity, and a sense of direction in everything I do. Whether I’m focusing on leadership, relationships, or our shared goals for the campus, this word reminds me to align every action and decision with my core values and the greater impact we aim to achieve. I encourage you to consider choosing your own word as a family or individual—it's a meaningful way to set the tone for the year ahead. To learn more about this challenge, https://jongordon.com/newsletters/one-word-challenge-for-2025/.

We are thrilled to welcome our students back to campus on Wednesday, January 8th, which will be a B day. We’ve missed their energy and enthusiasm, and we’re eager to dive into another incredible semester of learning and growth. As we return, please keep an eye on the weather forecast—winter temperatures are upon us! Remember, our doors officially open at 8:00 AM. If students are dropped off early, ensure they’re bundled up to stay warm. BISD will provide updates if any inclement weather impacts our schedule later in the week.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to make 2025 a purposeful and successful year for all.

Warm regards,
Dr. Kimberly Winters
Principal, Belton New Tech

January 8 - Students Return from Holiday

January 8 - Senior Picture Retakes

January 9 - Information Session for Prospective Parents @5:30

January 13 - Legacy Applications Open (siblings attended New Tech)

January 20 - Student Holiday

January 23 - 8th Grade Campus Visits

January 29 - 8th Grade Campus Visits

January 30 - Information Session for Prospective Parents

February 1 - Non-Legacy Applications Open

February 1 - 2nd Annual Dragons Den Challenge Robotics Tournament

February 7 - UIL Public Performance 7-8:30pm @Pittenger

February 8 - UIL Public Performance 7-8:30pm @Pittenger

February 18 - Information Session for Prospective Parents

March 4 - New Tech Open House Showcase (Information to Come)

March 25 - Information Session for Prospective Parents

March 29 - Prom

Please sign up using this link for Senior Portrait Retakes https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054FADA728A7FA7-54027059-belton?useFullSite=true#/ .

The revised bell schedule reduces lunches from three to two, allowing us to better support students during a shared project refinement time. This adjustment aligns with our commitment to fostering collaboration, providing targeted support, and ensuring students have the time and space needed to deepen their learning and refine their work.

To promote the best possible learning and social environment in Belton ISD's classrooms and schools, students will adhere to the guidelines listed below during the school day. The cell phone guidelines limit access and use of personal electronic communication devices to avoid distractions from learning and the loss of instructional time.

Under the Personal Electronic Communications Guidelines, all Cell Phones, Smart Watches, AirPods, Headphones, and other personal devices used to communicate electronically are considered personal electronic communications devices.

Here is the student video we created and shared today to provide clarity over the Personal Electronics Communication Device Guidelines.

Students are invited to participate in this year's "Battle of the Books," an exciting districtwide literary competition that promises to ignite your passion for reading and put your knowledge to the test. As the defending district champions, we are ready to build those teams and start working to repeat!

What is the Battle of the Books?
The Battle of the Books is a friendly, intellectual competition that celebrates the love of literature and encourages students like you to explore the fascinating world of books. It's a fun and rewarding experience that combines the thrill of a quiz game with the joy of discovering new and captivating stories.

How to Participate:
1. Assemble a team: Gather a group of friends, three friends, and one alternate-- if you prefer, I can help you find a team!
2. Register: Sign up by using the link or QR code on the attached flyer. SIGN UP HERE
3. Swing by the library to learn more!!