Maverick Monthly: June 2024
Welcome from Superintendent Jeremy Williams
As we usher in the summer break, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to a successful and enriching school year. Our students, parents, teachers, staff, and community partners have all played an essential role in making this year remarkable.
This past school year has been filled with numerous accomplishments and milestones. Our students have excelled academically and in extracurricular activities. Our teachers and staff have shown unparalleled dedication, continually striving to provide the best education possible.
The strength of our school district lies in the unity and collaboration of our community. Parents and guardians, your involvement and support have been invaluable. Whether through participating in school events, helping with homework, or simply being there for your children, your engagement has made a significant impact.
To our community partners and volunteers, your contributions have enriched our students' experiences and provided them with opportunities to explore and learn beyond the classroom. We deeply appreciate your commitment and generosity.
As we look forward to the summer, I encourage everyone to take this time to relax, recharge, and enjoy well-deserved breaks. Summer is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore new interests and spend time with family and friends.
Our district will be busy over the summer months preparing for the upcoming school year. We are committed to building on this year's successes, welcoming new employees, and getting our staff ready for the next semester.
As the first of many changes we'll be announcing over the summer, I am proud to welcome Damon Rogers as the new Assistant Principal for Eastland High School. He brings with him many years of experience as an educator and leader, and we are excited to see him utilize his knowledge in an administrative role.
As we make changes leading up to the next semester, staying connected with the community remains a top priority for us. We will continue to share updates and information through our website and social media channels. Please keep an eye out for announcements regarding staffing changes, back-to-school events, and other important dates.
Thank each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication, and support throughout the year. It is your collective effort that makes our school district a place where students can thrive and succeed.
We wish you all a safe, joyful, and restful summer break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in August for another fantastic school year.
Jeremy Williams
Superintendent
Six New Personnel Approved to Join EISD Staff at June School Board Meeting
The EISD Board of Trustees met in the Regular Monthly Meeting on Monday, June 10. A Public Hearing and Public Comment on Federal Funds was held. Items discussed included Property Values and School Funding, student insurance, student dress code, and cell phone policy. Resignations of personnel were ratified and the hiring of new personnel was approved. Those approved for joining the EISD staff include:
- Jacob Escalon
- Mario Larios-Garcia
- Dustin Hargrove
- Victoria Hargrove
- Caroline Osteen
- Brandi Sheffield.
The next Regular Monthly Meeting will be held on Monday, July 15.
Damon Rodgers Selected as New Assistant Principal of Eastland High School
EISD is proud to announce Damon Rodgers as the new Assistant Principal at Eastland High School. Rogers has been a teacher for over twenty-five years and has spent seven of those years educating and coaching Eastland students. His wife, Tina, has also been teaching in EISD for seven years. His son graduated from EHS and his daughter will be starting her freshman year this fall. Formerly, Rogers was the Offensive Coordinator for Mavericks Football, Head Coach for Track, and taught World History.
"We are excited for Rogers to take up this mantle," Superintendent Williams stated. "He has valuable experience that will help Eastland High School provide an even better quality education moving forward."
As a coach, Rogers has overseen students shattering school track records, multiple advancements up to the Regional Track Meet, as well as being a part of the coaching staff that saw the Mavericks make it back to the Playoffs during the 2023 Football season. When asked what accomplishment he is most proud of, however, Rogers stated that it was the relationships he had built with the students. "At the Athletic Banquets, our student athletes invite people they consider mentors. I've been invited by multiple students for the past two years. That means a lot to me, personally." He also mentioned being proud of being Teacher of the Month for January and being selected as a Texas Coach of the Week.
Rogers mentioned his plans to use past experience to benefit EHS. "I have experience in writing grants," Rogers noted, "as well as writing curriculum. I've written curriculum that was approved for presentation in Florida, California, and Massachusetts. I presented to those states. Those experiences taught me a lot, and I want to use that knowledge to better serve us here in Eastland."
Rogers discussed how he planned to inspire students to learn. "I will bring a positive attitude and do my best to show each student they have value and belong. There's a famous quote from Theodore Roosevelt: 'Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.' I want our students to know they are all valued and that everything they do is valuable. With that, they can approach their classwork and activities with more drive because they know the people around them care and want to see them excel."
On leading EHS staff, Rogers echoed the sentiment he had for students. "I want to know our staff on a personal basis. I view myself as a servant leader. Our teachers want to teach and see our students succeed, and my role is to assist them in that to the best of my ability. Rather than a top-down approach, I believe in an inverted pyramid model for leadership. My goal is to facilitate the excellence we already have and foster its growth, rather than just dictate what I think should happen.”
Rogers commented on what excites him most about his new position. "The first day of school," Rogers stated with a laugh, "I'm excited to be around and working with our students and staff. I know our athletics department well, and I know teachers with whom I have worked. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of our employees, our students, and their parents better. I'm ready to start working with them to make this year the best yet."
Eastland Band Advances to Area in ATSSB Outstanding Performance Competition!
Eastland Band has advanced to the Area round of the ATSSB Outstanding Performance with their concert selection from UIL, Contempo by Michael Story! Eastland placed first in the concert category for 3A in Region 7. Area will be judged later this month.
Congratulations, Eastland Band! Keep up the outstanding work!
Summer Football & Baseball Camps Starting July 29th!
Important Dates on the EISD Calendar
First Day of 2024-2025 School Year: Wednesday, August 14th