Dr. Hudson's Weekly Family Message

One of the most challenging things about being an educator is seeing scholars give an incredible effort and come up just short of fulfilling their goal. It was a goal that they poured blood, sweat and tears into accomplishing.

There’s little you can to console them in that moment. The tears are flowing and the pain is real.

The fact that they’re among the top four out of 249 teams in Texas Class 6A means little in that moment of heartbreak.

I am of course talking about the 2024-2025 Cedar Hill High School Girls Basketball Team that reached the UIL State Championship Game for the first time in 28 years.

Last week, we talked about the excitement and elation of their historic run – but anyone who has played or watched sports know there’s a flip side to the high fives and 3-pointers.

As proud as I am of the team for proving themselves against the top teams in Texas, I’m equally as impressed that they handled themselves with class in both triumph and defeat.

They inspired the entire community of Cedar Hill and represented the district in a way that highlighted CHISD as a place where people want to be.

They garnered media coverage from near and far, boosting Cedar Hill’s good name throughout Dallas County and beyond. Their ability to persevere and overcome challenges will serve them well as they pursue their dreams in the years and decades to come.

CHHS head coach Nicole Collins is a person of the highest character. She learned to play (and coach) the game from the legendary Kim Mulkey. Collins has coached at the top basketball camps in the United States and has led basketball clinics abroad.

We are blessed to have her at CHISD, as she could join and excel in the college level at the time and place of her choosing.

You could see just how much Collins cares about her players, as she did when she went to half court on Saturday to console one of her players after the final buzzer sounded.

Cedar Hill is proud of this group. The ‘Trailblazer’ name was so fitting as they created a new standard of excellence for all future CHHS Girls Basketball Teams to follow.

I have a feeling we’ll soon be back at the Alamodome, and when we are, we’ll have this group to thank for blazing the trail.

Horns Up

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson, Superintendent

The Cedar Hill ISD Teen Superintendent helps support the district's Communication Department and incorporates Student Voice in district initiatives and information. The selected scholar provides input from a scholars' perspective and shares news and information on the Teen Superintendent Instagram Account. Selected every two years, the Teen Superintendent completes an online application and interview process with the Communications Department and Superintendent.

Daily student attendance is vital—it not only fuels academic success but also directly impacts school funding. Every day a student is present strengthens their learning journey and ensures our schools have the necessary resources to provide quality education. When students show up, they grow, and our schools thrive!

For the final 2 six weeks periods for the 2024-25 school year, CHISD staff and students will place a greater focus on the importance of daily attendance.

We’re excited to introduce our Horns Show Up daily attendance awareness campaign to emphasize the importance of consistent attendance.

When scholars miss school, they miss valuable instruction, peer collaboration, and critical learning experiences that impact their academic success.

• Chronic absences—missing 10% or more of the school year—can lead to lower grades, difficulty keeping up, and a higher risk of falling behind.

By showing up every day, scholars build strong learning habits, improve academic performance, and set the foundation for a successful future. Let’s work together to ensure every scholar is present, engaged, and ready to learn!

Thank you for supporting Horns Show Up!

The Cedar Hill ISD Family And Community Engagement (FACE) Office will host a training session open to anyone interested in participating in weekly campus prayer or becoming part of the Cedar Hill ISD Chaplaincy Program from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at the Cedar Hill Government Center, Third Floor Training Room. Refreshments will be provided. There is no cost to attend.

Measles cases have been on the rise across Texas, with recent outbreaks reported in multiple counties. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with infected individuals. Due to its high transmission rate, even a single case can lead to an outbreak, especially in areas with low vaccination rates.

Measles can cause fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads over the body. Serious complications can occur, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.

The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized against measles. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles.

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles.

If you think you have measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, isolate yourself from others and call your healthcare provider before arriving to be tested so they can prepare for your arrival without exposing other people to the virus. Review your and your child’s vaccination history to see if you are current on your measles-containing vaccines. Additionally, discuss your vaccination history and any questions about these vaccines with your provider.