Noon Message to Families

We cannot understate the importance of voting. It is a right that we cherish as Americans – one that our elders fought for, and in some cases, died for. We can never take it for granted.

Super Tuesday is the nickname of for a day in which there are numerous primary elections. This year, it’s tomorrow (Tuesday, March 5)

Seven Cedar Hill ISD buildings and campuses will serve as polling places tomorrow:

· Bessie Coleman Middle School

· Collegiate Academy

· Highlands Elementary

· Lake Ridge Elementary

· JoLynn Maddox Teaching & Learning Center (STRIVE/Hilltop Academies)

· Plummer Elementary

· L. Kim Lewis Auxiliary

The Cedar Hill ISD Bond Election will be held on Saturday, May 4. Early Voting is April 22-30. The final day to register to vote is Thursday, April 4. You can register to vote online.

The $282.4 Million Bond has two propositions on it. Proposition A includes construction, renovation, improvement and equipment of school buildings, including equipment used for school safety and security purposes. There’s also the purchase of new school buses and a new transportation facility.

Proposition B includes the acquisition, improvement, equipment and update of technology.

The Bond comes with a ½ cent tax increase that will add $10 per year on a home valued at $325,000.

We strongly encourage you to learn about the candidates and matters before you on the ballot, so you can make informed decisions at the ballot box.

You can find additional information at chisd.net/bond

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

Cedar Hill ISD

When residents consider the CHISD bond election this spring, they’ll be choosing whether to fund projects for safety and security, buses, a transportation facility, capital improvements, technology network upgrades, playgrounds, and renovations for every campus and more. We have planned for inflation by including funds for escalation and contingency in our bond project budgets.

If both propositions are approved by voters, the Interest & Sinking tax rate will increase by one half penny. For a home valued at $325,000, which is the average property value in CHISD, this rate change would result in an increase of $10.00 per year to the homeowner’s tax bill.

Nominated by the Benefits Department for Empowering Others!

"Dr. Jackson completes the monthly TSHBeFit challenges every month, for the month of January she was selected as the overall winner of the challenge earning a special prize! TSHB sent her a portable crockpot to make healthy lunches easier. We are so proud of her commitment to the district and her health!"

As we dive into the exciting month of March, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming celebration of Read Across America Week! This annual event, held in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2, is a vibrant celebration of literacy and the joy of reading.

Why Celebrate Read Across America Week?

Promoting a Love for Reading:

• Read Across America Week is all about fostering a love for reading. By immersing children in the magical world of books, we aim to inspire a lifelong passion for literature.

Building Vocabulary and Language Skills:

• Reading expands a child's vocabulary and enhances language skills. Exposure to a variety of books broadens their understanding of different words and concepts, laying a strong foundation for effective communication.

Cultivating Critical Thinking:

• Reading encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As children engage with stories, they analyze characters, plotlines, and themes, honing their ability to think analytically.

Boosting Academic Performance:

• Proficiency in reading is linked to overall academic success. Students who read regularly tend to excel in various subjects, as reading enhances comprehension and information retention.

Connecting Families and Communities:

• Read Across America Week provides a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and share the joy of reading. It strengthens the bond between parents, children, and the community through a shared appreciation for literature.

How Can Parents Support?

Create a Reading Routine:

• Establish a daily reading routine at home. Set aside dedicated time for reading, whether it's a bedtime story, a family reading hour, or quiet reading time after school.

Visit the Library:

• Take regular trips to the library to explore new books and authors. Encourage your child to choose books that align with their interests, fostering a sense of autonomy in their reading choices.

Be a Reading Role Model:

• Demonstrate the joy of reading by being a reading role model. Let your child see you enjoying books, newspapers, or magazines. Your enthusiasm for reading will likely be contagious!

Discuss Books Together:

• Engage in conversations about the books your child is reading. Ask questions, discuss characters and plotlines, and encourage them to share their thoughts. This not only reinforces comprehension but also creates a positive reading experience.

Participate in School Activities:

• Attend school events during Read Across America Week. Your active participation shows your child that you value and support their literacy journey.

We are looking forward to a week filled with excitement, imagination, and, most importantly, a celebration of literacy. Thank you for your ongoing support in fostering a love for reading in our school community.

Happy Reading!

What is Early Literacy?

Early literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they actually learn to read and write. It is not teaching reading, drilling or using flashcards. Instead, it is laying the foundation, so that your child has the necessary skills when they are developmentally ready to read.

Why is Early Literacy Important?

Babies are born ready to learn. Recent research shows that babies are born with billions of brain cells called neurons. The more stimulation a baby receives through its senses, the more pathways develop between brain cells. Young children must develop early literacy skills in order to be successful with formal reading and writing in school. 46% of children in the United States enter kindergarten unprepared. Research shows that children who start behind typically stay behind. Providing young children with opportunities to develop early literacy skills is important to their success in school, their success learning to read, and their success in life.

Five Early Literacy Practices

Enjoy these simple activities with your child anytime and any place throughout the day. Besides being fun, they will help your child get ready to read!

• Talking: Learn language by listening to others talk. Hearing words leads to understanding their meaning as you hear them in context.
  
• Singing: Songs slow down language and break down the sounds and syllables in words. Practicing rhythm and rhyme help.
  
• Reading: The single most important way to help children get ready to read is to read together!
  
• Writing: Connect spoken and printed language. Scribbling counts!
  
• Playing: Playtime exercises imagination and encourages expression of thoughts.

The Dallas Mavericks Academy will be returning to the great Cedar Hill ISD and to the city of Cedar Hill for their annual "Youth Skills Trainings" Spring sessions #2 which will be held on the campus of Cedar Hill High School on Thursday evenings beginning on March 21. This is our continued effort in being able to give to the kids of this wonderful District/Community the opportunity to hone their development as it pertains to the sport of Basketball. Our scholars will be able to improve their skills and develop their talent by learning basic practice drills, emphasizing the fundamentals in this 4 week program. Coaches will share valuable skills and tips to improve shooting mechanics, footwork, ball handling, passing skills, offensive moves, moving without the ball, and defensive principles.