Principals, Cheerleaders Recognized at GISD Board Meeting

By Will Johnson

Messenger Reporter

GRAPELAND – As part of National Principal’s Month, the Grapeland Independent School District Board of Trustees took time to say thank you for all the hard work put in by the district’s administrators.

As the regular meeting of the GISD Board got underway on Monday, Oct. 19, Superintendent Don Jackson said, “I would like to start by saying this is National Principals’ Month. In appreciation for them, we have a very special day planned that I think they will enjoy. I had a meeting with them today and I told our leadership team how excited I was to work with them and that I am very proud of what they are trying to do here in Grapeland. I believe the sky is the limit for us and that we continue to improve, year-after-year, to get to where we need to be for our students.”

It was his belief, Jackson said, that the students were excited about being in school.

“We came back from COVID-19 and they are hungry. They like being here and it’s because of the things that are happening on the campuses. Culture is something we are really big on and we are really trying to ride that way towards success. It is influencing behavior, instruction and all school life. It is much to the credit of the principals,” Jackson said.

The principals and administrators who were recognized included: Katie Doughty, Cindy Huff, Kristen Jackson, Amanda Kincade and Cassie Satterwhite.

Following the principal’s recognition, GISD parent Chuck Cobb spoke to the school board about the success of our Cheer Program. Board President James Martin expressed his thanks and appreciation to the cheer team and also to Chuck and his wife, Board VP Melissa, for their help in guiding the team.  

Jackson added, “We certainly appreciate your hard work, all those early morning practices and the patience you have had. Some of the things you used to be able to do, we can’t this year. You have adjusted and we appreciate that. Most of all, we appreciate you being good students, good kids and the character that you have.”

As the meeting continued, an asynchronous instruction plan was brought before the board.

“Every school in the state who went to remote learning had to come up with the type of plan we were going to use to educate all the students. We wrote it out and sent it to TEA where they approved it, but the board also has to approve it,” Jackson said.

“Even though,” he continued, “we have ended asynchronous instruction except when kids are quarantined.”

The asynchronous learning plan was approved.  So far this year, four students and four adults have been diagnosed with COVID-19 at GISD. Approximately 66 students have been quarantined at some point during school year.

In other matters brought before the GISD Board:

• Consent agenda items were approved.
• The board approved the 2020-2021 T-TESS (teacher evaluation) timeline and appraisers.
• The trustees approved the forgiveness of a loan associated with the GHS Activity Fund.
• The board approved the resignation of Board Member Eddie Childress who is running for Grapeland City Council.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected]