Tonight, we say a fond farewell to Bray Elementary School, a Cedar Hill ISD campus that dates back to the late 1940s.

At this ceremony, we will reflect upon the countless memories that happened at this campus that has been the pillar of not just CHISD, but the entire community of Cedar Hill.

As we complete the 2022-2023 school year, we look at the successes and challenges over the past nine months. We also stand at a crossroads between Cedar Hill’s storied past and its potential promising future. Perhaps no Cedar Hill citizen symbolizes the past, present and future than Joe Pitt, a proud Cedar Hill High School Class of 1960 Graduate.

Mr. Pitt saw Bray Elementary through the eyes of a scholar, parent, a CHISD Trustee from 1974-1986 and for the past 37 years, historian and community supporter.

He recently said of his time on the Board, “We wanted to make sure our teachers’ salaries were as much – or more – than the surrounding areas…we had a really progressive attitude toward education.”

Cedar Hill has grown exponentially since Pitt’s service on the Board, but our Trustees’ commitment has not wavered. I believe our community is behind us as well, even though recent results at the ballot box did not reflect it.

As our scholars and teachers prepare for a well-deserved summer break, continue to think of their needs for a better tomorrow. Rest assured, CHISD plans on doing right by our teachers and placing a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) on the ballot this November. Those who knew, but misled, that an approved Bond could not legally result in increased teacher pay, must reckon with the need for our teachers to earn as much or more than neighboring districts.

 

As we close out what has been a challenging year, I would like to share this quote from Hillel The Elder: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”.

I hope the last few days of this school year are celebratory and enjoyable for ALL Longhorns.

Thank you for choosing Cedar Hill ISD.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

Transportation Registration for the 2023-24 school year is live and has been integrated into student Skyward accounts and must be completed when completing enrollment.

 

Parents, when enrolling for the 2023-2024 school year, eligible scholars must register for transportation in order to have a spot on the bus in August. Both scholars and parents must review the student code of conduct and fill out the google doc form.

If the scholar's address is inside the two-mile radius zone of the scholar's home campus, the scholar is not eligible for transportation services.

 

Transportation routes for 2023-24 will be available to view in skyward beginning August 1, 2023. If there is no information available your scholar is not eligible for transportation services.

 

For questions pertaining to the 2023-24 school year routes, contact Transportation Routing at 972-293-5599 ext. 104.

Summer is just around the corner, and it's time to start planning your warm-weather activities! As you make your summer to-do list, prioritize self-care and well-being.

1. Embrace the great outdoors. Spending time outside has numerous benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and boosting creativity. Consider activities like walking, hiking, biking, gardening, or relaxing in a shady park.
2. Make time for loved ones. It's easy to get caught up in our daily routines and miss out on quality time with friends and family. This summer, prioritize reconnecting with your loved ones through shared meals, game nights, movie nights, or simply picking up the phone for a catch-up call.
3. Prioritize sleep. During busy times, our sleep habits can suffer. Make an effort to establish a consistent sleep schedule and give your body the rest it deserves.
4. Most importantly, have fun and do something that brings you joy each day. Whether trying a new hobby, indulging in a favorite activity or simply taking time to relax and unwind, make sure to prioritize your happiness this summer.

 

If you or a family member are struggling with mental health or substance use issues, remember that help is available through our community mental health partners. You can find the list here. We wish you a happy and healthy summer break, and we'll see you again in August!

 

-CHISD Counseling Services

The Dallas Mavericks Academy will be hosting their annual Summer Hoop Camp at Cedar Hill Bessie Coleman Middle School during the week of June 19-23 (Monday-Friday) from 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM.

At tonight’s Board Meeting, we will say farewell to the district’s first ever Teen Superintendent, Skylar Wesley. She served as Teen Superintendent during her junior and senior years, exceeding all expectations we had when we established the role during the 2021-2022 school year.

We wish Skylar the best of luck as she prepares to graduate from Cedar Hill High School on Saturday, June 3 and her journey as a freshman at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

We will also be announcing the next CHISD Teen Superintendent at tonight’s Board Meeting, so stay tuned. The role of Teen Superintendent includes observing and sharing input from the scholars’ perspective. Skylar, for example, served on the Longhorn Futures Committee which identified CHISD’s facilities needs. She visited all of the CHISD campuses and met with both scholar and educator leaders.

The Teen Superintendent is not the only scholar representative program we have in the district. We’re very proud of our Superintendent’s Roundtable, which includes scholars from Cedar Hill High School and Collegiate High School. I meet with these scholars on a regular basis to listen to their perspective and to find out ways to better serve all CHISD Scholars.

In the coming weeks and months, we will be presenting additional opportunities for scholars to become engaged, in a variety of ways, at the district level. We look forward to seeing what they have to share.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

The Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees will have its May Meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight (Monday, May 15). Here's the link for the meeting. The public portion of the meeting starts at 7:30 pm.

Cedar Hill ISD will swear in Place 6 Trustee Denishea Williams, who was elected on May 6. We will, bid farewell to outgoing Place 6 Trustee Dr. Jeremiah Martin.

Cedar Hill High School will host its Senior Awards Ceremony at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 at the Cedar Hill High School Performing Arts Center (PAC). Scholars will be presented with scholarships and recognized for their accomplishments.

Due to the ice storm in February, Cedar Hill ISD will have classes on Friday, May 26, 2023. It will be the final day of the 2022-2023 School Year.

For the third year in a row, the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Office will host a series of Families First Week events from May 16 to May 21 where CHISD families are invited to participate in the activities below:

Online registration for the 2023-2024 school year is now open. In an effort to streamline the process and reduce paperwork, Cedar Hill ISD has implemented an Online Registration process through Skyward Family Access. By completing early registration, it allows the campus to better plan for the upcoming school year.

If your scholar plans on attending Cedar Hill High School next school, we highly encourage you to complete the registration today. You can complete this effortless process by clicking on the New Student Enrollment is Now Open tab on the homepage of the district's website.

Please contact your scholar's campus office if you need your family access login/password information, password reset or have any questions while completing the online registration for your returning scholar. If you need access to technology or prefer to register in person, please stop by the Lacy Enrollment Center, located at 504 E. Belt Line Rd, Cedar Hill, Texas 75104.

This is the last week for ZPASS replacement cards for the 22-23 SY. Any scholar who misplaces their ZPASS cards beginning Monday, May 16th, 2023, will be given a Temporary Scholar Pass. CHISD Transportation does not expect to receive any ZPASS cards at the end of the school year.

 

All eligible scholars for the 23-24 SY will receive new ZPASS cards next school year from their driver. All old ZPASS cards will be deactivated the evening of May 26th, 2023; therefore, students may discard after this date.

Congratulations are in order to new Cedar Hill ISD Place 5 Trustee Denishea Williams, who was elected on Saturday.

 

Williams has been very involved in Cedar Hill ISD over the years, including her time as the President of the Cedar Hill Council of PTAs. She will be sworn into office on Monday, May 15.

 

Williams earned the most votes, but we are thankful for all of the candidates who took the time and effort to succeed current Place 5 Trustee Dr. Jeremiah Martin. We wish Dr. Martin the best of luck in his future endeavors and thank him for his service on the Board.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

Cedar Hill ISD and the National Education Association have identified May 8-12 as Teacher Appreciation Week.

 

During this time, CHISD Communications will post regular information on social media and the official hashtag is #ThankATeacher

Over the past few weeks and months, we’ve shared with you the importance of exercising your vote. If you are a Cedar Hill citizen, please ensure that you make a plan to vote. If not, encourage those who are Cedar Hill citizens to vote.

There are three more opportunities to make your voice heard – today and tomorrow during Early Voting at all polling locations in Dallas County, and on Election Day (Saturday, May 6) in Cedar Hill. When residents consider the CHISD bond election on the May 6th ballot, they’ll be choosing whether to fund projects for safety and security, capital improvements, technology network upgrades, new elementary playgrounds, and renovations for Career & Technical Education (CTE), Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM), fine arts, and more.

 

Most of our scholars are not at an age where they can vote in the upcoming election and they are counting on the adults and residents of Cedar Hill to think of their future, the direction of Cedar Hill ISD and the progress of this community.

 

We have been asking our community to "Take 5", that means take 5 minutes to learn about the bond election and to take 5 people with them to the polls. Longhorn families, please utilize the 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. election hours to vote in the May 6th elections.

 

And in closing, today is National Principal Appreciation Day. Today we pause to recognize the importance of principals, from elementary to high school, and all the work they do for the betterment of the school. I am thankful for the leaders who have chosen education as their life's work and I thank them for choosing Cedar Hill ISD!

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

The Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees will host a Workshop at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 1 at Collegiate Academy & High School, 1515 West Belt Line. This will also be the meeting where the Board recognizes scholars for achievement in the Spring 2023 Semester.

To view on YouTube, click here.

To view on Facebook, click here.

Dallas County voters may vote at any Vote Center in the county during Early Voting.

Locations

Alan Sims Cedar Hill Rec Center- 310 E. Parkerville Road, Cedar Hill

Collegiate Academy & HS/Wilson STEM Center - 1515 W. Belt Line Road, Cedar Hill

May 1-2: 7 am-7 pm

A member of the Cedar Hill community recently approached the communication department, wanting to sponsor a So Icee Krazee Kups party for the campus that collects the most “I VOTED” stickers. The goal is to encourage scholars to learn more about the democratic process and to inspire registered CH parents, staff and families to vote in the May election.

Cedar Hill ISD and the National Education Association have identified May 8-12 as Teacher Appreciation Week.

 

During this time, CHISD Communications will post regular information on social media and the official hashtag is #ThankATeacher

The definition of ‘Vote’ is a verb defined as “used to express a wish to follow a particular course of action.” It derives from the Latin word, vovere, which means “to vow.”

I share this definition for a couple of reasons. Earlier this year, Cedar Hill Independent School District Staff Members voted for their peers as Teachers of the Year.

Last Thursday, we honored those Teachers of the Year, and ultimately, District-level Teachers of the Year with a beautiful ceremony that included a movie star theme.

However, unlike the movies, where there’s all too often, a positive and predictable outcome, in real life, the outcome depends on us -- all us.

 

Elections have consequences, as we all know.

Today is the first day of Early Voting for the CHISD May 2023 Bond. Exercising your right to vote is one of the most important things you can do in your lifetime. Our parents and grandparents dedicated – and in some cases, lost – their lives for the right for us to be able to freely cast a vote.

I am aware that there is an opposition group, working actively to disinform our community about the proposition, the needs of our facilities and the tax impact. I am also aware of the pro-bond group that is working to counter any disinformation related to our bond election.

 

All that I ask from the Cedar Hill community, is that you:

1. Take a few minutes to learn the facts about the proposition by visiting chisd.net/bond2023.
2. Take 5 people with you to the early voting and election day locations.
3. Vote

Election season can often bring out the worse in us, because we all feel strongly about our beliefs and opinions. Remember, student outcomes will not change until adult behaviors change. Please remember, our scholars are looking to us to be role-models before, during and after the election process. I thank you in advance for showing up for our scholars each day.

 

Finally, my thoughts and prayers go out to families in Jasper, Texas dealing with the aftermath of a post-prom shooting. Thankfully, all of the victims survived and are recovering. The spring of a senior year should be about tuxedos, dresses and creative “PromPosals”, not worrying about the threat of gun violence.

 

My first superintendent position was in Jasper ISD, from 2017-2019, and the community is always close to my heart. It’s not uncommon for people in small southeast Texas communities to keep their doors unlocked and to know everyone by first name.

 

In addition to our thoughts and prayers, we are also calling for policy and action to keep our children safe in and out of school.

Have a great week,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

Early Voting in Cedar Hill

Today – Tuesday, May 2

Dallas County voters may vote at any Vote Center in the county during Early Voting.

Locations

Alan Sims Cedar Hill Rec Center- 310 E. Parkerville Road, Cedar Hill

Collegiate Academy & HS/Wilson STEM Center - 1515 W. Belt Line Road, Cedar Hill

Dates and Times:

April 24-29: 8 am-5 pm

Sunday, April 30: 12 pm-6 pm

May 1-2: 7 am-7 pm

Election Day Voting in Cedar Hill

Saturday, May 6, 2023- 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

• Alan Sims Cedar Hill Rec Center- 310 E. Parkerville Road, Cedar Hill

• L. Kim Lewis Auxiliary Services Center - 202 E. Beltline Road, Cedar Hill

• Bessie Coleman Middle School - 1208 E. Pleasant Run Road, Cedar Hill

• Maddox Teaching & Learning Center - 1533 High Pointe Lane, Cedar Hill

• Plummer Elementary School - 1203 S. Clark Road, Cedar Hill

• Highlands Elementary School - 131 Sims Drive, Cedar Hill

• Collegiate Academy & HS/Wilson STEM Center - 1515 W. Belt Line Road, Cedar Hill

• Lake Ridge Elementary School - 1020 Lake Ridge Parkway, Cedar Hill

The Collegiate Academy & High School/STEM Center will serve as an early voting and election day location for the May 6 election.

To support Dallas County and our community voters:

• If you plan on coming to the campus to vote, please park in the visitor's section and enter through the outside entry of the gym (Door 18). You cannot enter the gym through the main campus entry,

• All far right lane traffic is for entering the campus and voting. We ask that parents DO NOT block the far right entry for buses, voting and access to the campus during car rider times.
• The gym will be shutdown for the week, scholars and campus personnel are not to enter the gym during this period.
• As far as the car rider line, parents should keep to the left and center lanes.
• The campus will continue drop off and pick up at door 15.

“Dragnet” was a popular television show during the 1950s, and then Dan Akroyd and Tom Hanks reprised it on the big screen in 1987. Seven Cedar Hill ISD scholars are currently playing the role of Joe Friday, the main character and detective who asks “Just The Facts, Ma’am.” With a $208 million dollar bond proposition on the May 6th ballot for Cedar Hill ISD; the district identified seven current scholars to help share the facts about district facilities and their experiences of learning in these spaces.

Zaria Easley from Waterford Oaks Elementary is sharing “Just The Facts” about the 2023 Cedar Hill ISD Bond.

In preparation of our third annual Families First Week events, the Texas Rangers will welcome CHISD families for a Cedar Hill Family Night. Discounted tickets are now available and with each ticket sold, you will receive a Cedar Hill ISD branded hat. Look for more information to come about Families First Week, May 15-20, in partnership with Family and Community Engagement (FACE). Visit rangers.com/schools to purchase tickets.

The Cedar Hill ISD Job Fair has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 29 at the JoLynn Maddox Teaching & Learning Center, so that CHISD Employees could attend Shay Whittaker's Memorial Service on April 15.

With the COVID-19 cases now on the decline, Cedar Hill ISD is open and ready to welcome volunteers and mentors to our campuses. It has been reported from community partners that they are experiencing difficulty or limited access from campuses when it comes to volunteering in our schools.

 

In Dr. Hudson’s message to families, staff and the community on Monday, March 6, he reiterated the importance of community support in our schools, and reminded our community that principals want and need community engagement and support.

 

To assist in keeping our scholars and staff safe, it is imperative that Cedar Hill ISD leaders adhere to the volunteer guidelines as provided by the district. The district uses Voly as the volunteer database and JDP as the company to run background checks. Campuses also use Voly and JDP as well as the Raptor visitor monitoring system. Effective next Monday (May 1), all visitors to any CHISD Campus must follow the guidelines as outlined, and campuses must review the 2022-2023 CHISD Volunteer Handbook

Educators have been preparing our scholars for their STAAR Tests throughout the year, and we know that our Cedar Hill ISD Family is ready.

Take a deep breath and know that you'll do great.

Between the STAAR Tests and the May 6 Cedar Hill ISD Bond Election, these are three of the most important weeks of 2023.

We enter this stretch with sorrow in our hearts and minds, as we've lost one of the greatest Longhorns in Cedar Hill ISD History. TyShayla "Shay" Whittaker was more than an administrator, principal, teacher and educator.

We all know Whittaker was committed to the success of scholars and educators throughout the district.

I had the privilege to speak at her memorial service last Saturday, and it was an upbeat celebration of her life, as she requested for it to be.

Shay is smiling down from heaven but also closely watching to ensure we "keep our eye on the prize" as we enter this crucial time period.

Our scholars are watching educators' behavior as cues, so it's upon us to ensure that we thrive over the next three weeks and beyond.

God Bless Shay Whittaker, and let's remember it's A Great Day To Be A Longhorn.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

CHISD is gearing up for our second neighborhood blitz of this election season. I hope you will make plans to join us on Thursday from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Those who are interested in sharing the facts about the bond election are asked to meet at The Lacy Enrollment Center (504 Belt Line Rd.).

• We are still looking for a few volunteers to help us knock on doors and inform our community.

• I encourage you to join us in this important community outreach event!

• Interested in volunteering? Sign up today!

Anyone who is a registered voter and resides in the Cedar Hill ISD boundaries is eligible to vote in the May 2023 bond election. Check your voter registration status at VoteTexas.gov.

Yes. The National Center for Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE) says the physical environment of a school can affect student achievement and student behavior.

“ Facilities in good condition, including low noise levels, cleanliness like routine trash removal, high indoor air quality, appropriate heating and cooling, access to clean water, and absence of overcrowding are not only conducive to instruction and learning but essential for student and staff's overall health and well-being.” - (NCSSLE)

Leaky roofs and problems with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can trigger a host of health problems – including asthma and allergies – that increase absenteeism and reduce academic performance. Research links critical environmental factors to health outcomes and students’ ability to perform.

The Bradford pear trees around the district were inexpensive, beautiful and fast growing trees when installed with previous bond proposals.

Over the years, they have grown into large trees with heavy limbs that break off easily when the wind blows. This creates a safety concern for pedestrians and vehicles; as the limbs break off, they leave behind an unsightly large trunk with sparse foliage. Fortunately, there have been no known personal injuries but vehicles have been damaged in parking lots. With voter-approval, the Bradford Pears should be replaced with a Native variety such as the Live Oak

“Dragnet” was a popular television show during the 1950s, and then Dan Akroyd and Tom Hanks reprised it on the big screen in 1987. Seven Cedar Hill ISD scholars are currently playing the role of Joe Friday, the main character and detective who asks “Just The Facts, Ma’am.” With a $208 million dollar bond proposition on the May 6th ballot for Cedar Hill ISD; the district identified seven current scholars to help share the facts about district facilities and their experiences of learning in these spaces.

These scholars – Cleveland Jackson and Billy Mason of Collegiate Prep Elementary, Zaria Easley and Giovanni Manzella of Waterford Oaks Elementary, London Beecham and Geremiah Pervis of Plummer Elementary and Saniyah McGrew (8th grade) of Bessie Coleman Middle School – are sharing “Just The Facts” about the 2023 Cedar Hill ISD Bond.

As part of the informative video project, students learned that the average age of buildings in CHISD is 30 years, and that Cedar Hill High School has the same plumbing that was installed when the campus was built in 1977. Cedar Hill residents can catch the videos each Friday on CHISD’s social media accounts. A new video will debut weekly through election day.

Early voting for the bond starts on Monday, April 24 and goes through Monday, May 2. Election Day is Saturday, May 6.

The Cedar Hill ISD Job Fair has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 29 at the JoLynn Maddox Teaching & Learning Center, so that CHISD Employees will be able to attend Shay Whittaker's Memorial Service on Saturday in Dallas.

At a special-called school board meeting on February 9, the Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees voted 6-0 to include a $208 million bond proposal on the May 6, 2023 ballot.

When residents consider the CHISD bond election this spring, they’ll be choosing whether to fund projects for safety and security, capital improvements, technology network upgrades, new elementary playgrounds, and renovations for Career & Technical Education (CTE), Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM), fine arts, and more. If approved by voters, the Bond package will not change Cedar Hill ISD's I&S tax rate.

Based on the growth of Taxable Assessed Values, Cedar Hill ISD will be able to issue $208 million worth of bonds without a change to the I&S tax rate.

• The district does not anticipate a change to the school district tax rate as a result of this bond election.

• According to analysis from the district’s financial advisor and chief financial officer, CHISD can pay for these bonds at the current Interest and Sinking tax rate of $0.336 (per $100 of property valuation).

• Bonds are paid over time with funds generated by property taxes.

Even though the CHISD tax rate is the lowest it has been in more than 10 years, your taxes are higher due to the overall property value growth, not the tax rate. Your home value is set by the Dallas Central Appraisal District, and when your home value increases, so does your bill.

Voting is a sacred right - regardless of what is on the ballot before us. This Thursday (April 6) is the final day to register to vote in the Cedar Hill ISD Bond Election.

If you are unhappy with the status quo, this is your chance to make your voice heard, with your vote.

You also have the opportunity to volunteer to share factual information about the 2023 Bond Election. Early Voting starts on Monday, April 24 and goes through Tuesday, May 2. Election Day is Saturday, May 6.

 

Thank you for your partnership, have a great week!

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

The Cedar Hill ISD’s total tax rate has dropped each year since 2018, and is the lowest it’s been in 10 years! The tax rate will not increase as a result of the 2023 bond.

• Even though the CHISD tax rate is the lowest it has been in more than 10 years, property taxes are higher due to the overall property value growth, not the tax rate.
• Home values are set by the Dallas Central Appraisal District, and when a home value increases, so does the tax bill.

When residents consider the CHISD May 2023 bond election, they’ll be choosing whether to fund projects for safety and security, capital improvements, technology network upgrades, new elementary playgrounds, and renovations for Career & Technical Education (CTE), Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM), fine arts, and more.

Residents are encouraged to help spread the facts about the election, projects, and finance information.

 

Cedar Hill ISD has launched the “Longhorns Take 5” initiative to help inform our community about the projects and solicit their help!

 

Take 5 Minutes to Learn about the CHISD May 2023 Bond Election

• Watch this 5 minute video about the upcoming election.

• Spend a few minutes reviewing chisd.net/bond2023

• Spend a few minutes reviewing the FAQs found here

• Learn about the projects planned for your child’s or neighborhood school, click here

Take 5 People to Register to Vote

• Click here for the voter registration form

• Stop by Kim Lewis Auxiliary Services Center on April 4 to register to vote

Take 5 People to the polls to vote early or on election day

• Dallas County voters may vote at any Vote Center in the county during Early Voting and on Election Day.

• Click here for the view Vote Centers in the county.

• Download this Facebook Frame (This Longhorn is Taking 5! CHISD.NET/BOND2023)
• add this header image to your social media pages.

• Use this social media graphic (Join Me! I am Taking 5 for the CHISD May 2023 Bond Election. Will you commit to: Take 5 minutes to learn about the CHISD May 2023 bond, Take 5 people to register to vote and Take 5 people to the polls for early voting or election day.)

n an effort to provide the community with factual information about the May 2023 Bond, we are asking for support from our staff, scholars, families and the community.

There are several upcoming community events that we need volunteers to pass out flyers and handbills or place them on windshields. CHISD is also planning 3 Neighborhood Blitzes in both apartment complexes and neighborhoods.

If you would like to support these efforts, sign up for any event that you are available. You may pick up flyers and handbills from Erica Rosas (erica.rosas@chisd.net) or Maggie Castanon (magdalena.castanon@chisd.net) on the third floor of the Government Center.

Cedar Hill ISD will have classes on Friday, April 7 to make up for the time canceled during the ice storm in February. Scholars will not have class on Monday, April 10 as it will be a Professional Development Day for staff.

On Thursday, April 27, the district will host its STEMspired Night Out event at Collegiate Academy Middle and High School/Dr. Peggy M. Wilson STEM Center from 5-7 PM.

• STEM-related vendors will be onsite to showcase various interactive activities for students and children while parents, guardians and community guests will participate in informative safety and security and cybersecurity sessions.

There will be free food options, entertainment, game trucks, bounce houses, and plenty of fun for the whole family to enjoy.

 

To better prepare for the number of people who may attend, we are asking parents and community members to RSVP. Scholars do not need to RSVP. The district will share it with all families but we encourage you to promote the event at your schools.

Here's the form to register.

The Cedar Hill ISD 2022-2023 Campus Teachers of the Year have been announced. The district elementary and secondary teachers of the year will be announced at 6 p.m. on April 20 at the Alan E. Sims Recreation Center.

 

Here are the CHISD Campus Teachers of the Year:

· Bray ES– Bridgett Smith

· Collegiate Prep ES– Lisa Warren

· Collegiate Academy MS – Kellie Burchfield

· Collegiate HS – Juana Rodriguez

· High Pointe ES – Tuyet Vuong

· Highlands ES – Angie Gonzalez-Roland

· Lake Ridge ES – Ariel Bourgeois

· Plummer ES – Daija Beecham

· Waterford Oaks ES– Quiana Parks

· Bessie Coleman MS– Kathy Houston

· Permenter MS– Brian Hicks

· Cedar Hill HS – Ebony Allen

· STRIVE/Hilltop – Jane Thornton

CHISD is happy to announce the nominees for the Second Annual Texas Instruments Foundation Innovations in STEM Teaching Award! The winning teacher will receive a $10,000 cash prize, of which $5,000 is designated for the winning teacher to use as he/she wishes. The remaining $5,000 is to be used for STEM related professional development, technology, and/or classroom materials on the teacher’s campus. Congratulations to this year’s nominees:

 

· Bray ES - Yasmine Downs

· Collegiate Prep ES - Davie Moore

· High Pointe ES - Chrenda Dotsy

· Highlands ES - Courtney Washington

· Lake Ridge ES - Matthew Gaines

· Plummer ES - Terri Harris

· Waterford Oaks ES - Quiana Parks

· Bessie Coleman MS - Carlece Jackson

· Collegiate Academy & HS/STEM Center - Archana Tiwari

· Permenter MS - Lashandra Landry

· Cedar Hill HS - Holly Brookman

To nominate a Cedar Hill ISD Staff Member for a HOOPLA (Honoring Our Outstanding Paraprofessionals, Lead Educators and Administrators) Award, click the link here between now and next Monday (April 10).

The Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees Workshop will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 3.

Here is the agenda for the Workshop

Here's the link to watch the meeting live.

As we approach testing season, we can all take a lesson from the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, or as most of us know it as, “March Madness.”

This is the first time in history that there are no #1 seeds in the Final Four, set to be played on Saturday in Houston. UConn may be a household name in hoops, but Florida Atlantic, Miami and San Diego State are all Final Four first-timers.

As a former basketball coach, I know that the winners are always the teams who work together.

How does that translate to testing? Because our Longhorn Team works collaboratively to ensure that we’re one of the premier teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and Texas, as a whole. That involves every teacher preparing for success and every academic intervention. We know we can achieve great things in Cedar Hill.

For those who have never passed, look no farther than FAU, Miami and San Diego State. I believe this is the year for you. Like those three overachieving programs, you have to take every test seriously. Pass every test because you never know the impact or reward for yourself and your community.

Excellence is contagious – catch it.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

Following a series of community meetings and listening sessions, the Cedar Hill ISD administration recommended a May bond package that was reduced from the bond propositions defeated by voters in November 2022. The May 2023 bond election has many (but not all) of the same projects that were included in Proposition B in November, which had 15,890 votes cast in the election. Approximately 49.6 percent of voters were in favor of Proposition B in November, with 50.2 percent voting against it.

 

EARLY VOTING

• Monday, April 24 – Tuesday, May 2

  Dallas County voters may vote at any Vote Center in the county during Early Voting. In Cedar Hill, Alan Sims Recreation Center and Collegiate Academy & HS will serve as early voting center locations.

The CHISD Academic Department teamed up with Communications staff to create a ThoughtExchange online survey to collect feedback from the community on 2 calendar options provided.

• 1524 people provided feedback
• 736 thoughts or opinions were collected

During last week's Board of Trustees' meeting, the 2023-24 academic calendar was approved. An overview of next year's calendar includes:

• First Day of School: August 14, 2023
• Thanksgiving Break: November 20-24, 2023
• Winter Break: December 21-January 9, 2024
• Spring Break: March 11-15, 2024
• Last Day of School: May 23, 2024

Cedar Hill ISD returning scholars, along with Pre-K and Kindergarten Scholars, will be able to register for the 2023-2024 school year, beginning on Saturday, April 1. CHISD returning scholars and their families can find additional information at chisd.net/enrollment.

CHISD is getting a website upgrade! As we work on updating chisd.net to better inform and meet the needs of current and potential scholars, families, and staff, the communications department is requesting feedback.

 

A ThoughtExchange survey has been created to collect input on current website features and make suggestions on ways we can improve the new website launching this summer. The ThoughtExchange will close at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29. Principals, please feel free to share the ThoughtExchange link with your families.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends and neighbors at Lamar High School in Arlington ISD.

You may be aware that this morning, a shooting occurred on the Arlington Lamar campus outside of the school at about 6:55 a.m., about 40 minutes before school began. Two students who were injured were said to be receiving medical care, but further information about their conditions is not yet known.

Lamar is located just 22 miles from us, and it is a stark reminder that sadly, no community is immune from the scourge of gun violence. However, communities across North Texas and the nation continue to take steps to dramatically reduce those risks.

 

As we mentioned before spring break, CHISD has been taking additional measures to work toward eliminating all forms of violence at all campuses. This will require a community effort – from parents, students, administration and staff.

As a reminder:

• Following an investigation, students caught fighting could be suspended for up to 45 days
• Students caught recording fights will be disciplined, which could include ISS or out-of-school suspension
• CHISD police are drastically increasing random searches using contracted detection dogs and wanding to identify prohibited items on school grounds
• Teachers will initiate a student's formal removal from class when student behavior is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that the teacher cannot teach, and the students in the classroom cannot learn.

It's also important to closely monitor and review your child's social media. We have found most of the misbehavior starts online and then unfortunately plays out in our schools. Checking your student's backpack for dangerous items and ensuring that any weapons in the home are secured/locked in a safe place are safety measures that will keep all students and staff safe.

We need parents to be present in their child's education and a partner in ensuring that their student follows the Student Code of Conduct and all local, state and federal laws.

 

Thank you for your partnership, have a great week!

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

When residents consider the CHISD bond election this spring, they’ll be choosing whether to fund projects for safety and security, capital improvements, technology network upgrades, new elementary playgrounds, and renovations for Career & Technical Education (CTE), Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM), fine arts, and more.

 

The Cedar Hill ISD’s total tax rate has dropped each year since 2018, and is the lowest it’s been in 10 years! The tax rate will not increase as a result of the 2023 bond.

• Even though the CHISD tax rate is the lowest it has been in more than 10 years, your taxes are higher due to the overall property value growth, not the tax rate. Your home value is set by the Dallas Central Appraisal District, and when your home value increases, so does your bill.

Cedar Hill ISD is looking forward to tonight's announcement of the district’s first-ever Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) winners. TIA is a Local Option Teacher Designation System where Districts receive new state funding for performance-based compensation for teachers. The goal of the TIA is to attract and retain effective educators by giving them a path to higher annual salaries. Teachers receiving additional funds will be recognized tonight at the March CHISD Board of Trustees Meeting.

 

Texas House Bill 3 established TIA to recognize effective teachers on three different levels: Recognized, Exemplary, and Master. These teacher designations generate additional teacher-focused allotment funding for Districts. It requires the setting of “performance and validity standards” to ensure that the identification of highly effective teachers yields reliable and comparable results across the state.

The TIA is dedicated to recruiting, supporting and retaining highly effective teachers in all schools. Participating districts develop a local designation system that measures teacher effectiveness on both teacher observation and student growth data. The funding formula is based on the allotment which equals a student point value determined by campus socio-economic tiers.

The TIA does not replace the District’s current teacher hiring schedule in any way. Only certified educators may earn this designation. Some employees will be automatically designated and eligible if they are Nationally Board Certified and/or were designated by their previous District.

For more information on the TIA Rubric and National Board Certification, please click on this FAQ https://tiatexas.org/national-board-certification-faqs/.

 

Congratulations to the CHISD TIA recognized teachers!

WHITNEY JURAND - Exemplary

VERA COUSIN - Exemplary

KESHUN WILLIAMS - Exemplary

LATONYA GAITHER - Exemplary

TERRI HARRIS - Master

ANA-ALICIA BENJAMIN - Master

SANDRA HRYEKEWICZ - Master

KIMBERLY NEWMAN CURTIS - Recognized

TRACEY JUHRE - Recognized

SUSAN THOMPSON - Recognized

SHANDRIA RUSSELL - Recognized

MATTHEW GAINES - Recognized

SHERISE GOWDY - Recognized

LAKEISHA JONES - Recognized

BARIMAH AMOO-ASANTE- Recognized

CHARDE COOKS - Recognized

TAMECIA CRUMP - Recognized

DAIJA BEECHAM - Recognized

The Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees will host a regularly scheduled Meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight, the public portion of the meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.

A few items on tonight's agenda include:

• Teacher Incentive Allotment Update & Presentation
• Rezoning Bray Presentation & Vote
• Communications Department Efficiency Report

Here is the full meeting agenda; to watch the meeting live, click here.

The Cedar Hill ISD Teen Superintendent helps support the district's Communication Department and incorporates Student Voice in district initiatives and information. The district is currently accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year!

Qualifications
8th-11th grade scholars eligible to apply
Annual term, must audition each year.

Deadlines
Applications Close on March 24

Applications for Cedar Hill ISD's 2023-2024 Teen Superintendent Applications are now open. Here's the link to the application.

Welcome to a new week!

Spring Break is on the horizon, and we hope that everyone has a relaxing, enjoyable and especially, safe time, next week. That holds true whether you are going on vacation, locally or nationally, or just spending time around the house.

We know you’ll come back refreshed. It’s important to understand that we still have approximately two months remaining in the school year upon return.

It’s time for our scholars to finish the academic year strong. We have to keep the same laser focus on academic achievement that you held since the middle of August.

And educators, it’s upon you to keep our scholars on track as they finish the academic year on a high note.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

The Cedar Hill ISD 2022-2023 Campus Teachers of the Year have been announced. The district elementary and secondary teachers of the year will be announced at 6 p.m. on April 20 at the Alan E. Sims Recreation Center. Congratulations to the below teachers:

· Bray ES– Bridgett Smith

· Collegiate Prep ES– Lisa Warren

· Collegiate Academy MS – Kellie Burchfield

· Collegiate HS – Juana Rodriguez

· High Pointe ES – Tuyet Vuong

· Highlands ES – Angie Gonzalez-Roland

· Lake Ridge ES – Ariel Bourgeois

· Plummer ES – Daija Beecham

· Waterford Oaks ES– Quiana Parks

· Bessie Coleman MS– Kathy Houston

· Permenter MS– Brian Hicks

· Cedar Hill HS – Ebony Allen

· STRIVE/Hilltop – Jane Thornton

We are happy to announce the nominees for our Second Annual Texas Instruments Foundation Innovations in STEM Teaching Award! The winning teacher will receive a $10,000 cash prize, of which $5,000 is designated for the winning teacher to use as he/she wishes. The remaining $5,000 is to be used for STEM related professional development, technology, and/or classroom materials on the teacher’s campus. Congratulations to this year’s nominees:

· Bray ES - Yasmine Downs

· Collegiate Prep ES - Davie Moore

· High Pointe ES - Chrenda Dotsy

· Highlands ES - Courtney Washington

· Lake Ridge ES - Matthew Gaines

· Plummer ES - Terri Harris

· Waterford Oaks ES - Quiana Parks

· Bessie Coleman MS - Carlece Jackson

· Collegiate Academy & HS/STEM Center - Archana Tiwari

· Permenter MS - Lashandra Landry

· Cedar Hill HS - Holly Brookman

The Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees will host a Workshop Meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight, the public portion of the meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.

A few items on tonight's agenda include:

• Attendance Zone Report
• 2023-24 Calendar Development

Here is the full meeting agenda; to watch the meeting live, click here.

Your input is requested as CHISD develops the 2023-24 school calendar. To make your choice, click here and scroll through the instructions to make your selection. The survey will remain open until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023. We look forward to receiving your feedback.

Applications for Cedar Hill ISD's 2023-2024 Teen Superintendent Applications are now open. Here's the link to the application.

Welcome to a new week!

 

As you know, the vast majority of scholars in our district come to school with the goal of learning and furthering their education. We can no longer afford to let the few scholars intent on causing discipline issues to disrupt our scholars who come here to learn.

 

Yesterday afternoon, I shared a safety and security expectations letter to all staff, scholars and family. We have addressed the fights and unsafe behaviors that have occurred at our middle and high schools recently, and are taking additional measures to work toward eliminating those situations at all campuses. This will require a community effort – from parents, scholars, administration and staff.

 

Please join us in partnership in our efforts to improve school safety. Also, on the May 2023 Bond propositions, there is a plan to set aside $11 million in the voter-approved bond proposition to provide security updates to all CHISD campuses.

Proposed Safety & Security Updates at All Schools in CHISD include:

• Cameras

• Access Control Monitoring System

• Bullet Resistant Film

• Communications and Mass Notification Systems

• Alarm Systems

 

Please take the time to learn more about the May bond election by visiting chisd.net/bond2023.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

This evening, CHISD leadership will provide an update to Bray staff and families about the future of the building. The results of the November 2022 bond and VATRE elections were disappointing and possibly detrimental to this district. The failure of the November bond package left CHISD without the necessary funds to build a new elementary school to serve Bray families and our community.

 

It is no secret that the Bray facility is not in a condition to continue to serve scholars for much longer; and an announcement regarding the future of Bray is expected this evening. Bray Elementary families and staff are encouraged to attend tonight's meeting at 6 p.m. at the campus.

Mark your calendars for May 6 as CHISD will hold a school board election for three seats up for election.

• Cedar Hill ISD Trustees Ramona Ross-Bacon (Place 3) and Dr. Denise Roache-Davis (Place 4) are running unopposed for their second term on May 6, 2023.

• Dr. Jeremiah Martin (Place 5) has decided not to run for re-election. Cedar Hill residents Will Campbell, Kim Rimmer and Denishea Williams are running for the open seat.

This week, the CHISD Business Office is excited to launch the Finance 101 webpage. On this page, community members can learn the basics of school finance, read an overview of how school districts are funded and where the money goes, definitions of key concepts and common acronyms, and review frequently asked questions.

With Cedar Hill ISD Teen Superintendent Skylar Wesley graduating this spring, CHISD is looking for a new Teen Superintendent.

 

Qualifications
8th-11th grade scholars are eligible to apply
Annual term, must audition each year

 

Deadlines
Applications Open on March 1
Applications Close on March 24

 

Requirements

• Online form (name, age, grade, school, parent contact info, social media handles, questions, three references from your campus)
  Upload a Reel-style video on the topic: Importance of Voting or Facts About CHISD Bond/VATRE election

• Include personal social media handles

• Complete questionnaire (Why do you want to be Teen Superintendent and What do you want us to know about you?)

• First Interviews (First Week of April 2023) - Communications Team & Dr. Norbert Whitaker

• Final Interview (End of April 2023) - Superintendent Dr. Hudson

• Present Teen Superintendent to the Board (May 2023 Board Meeting)

 

Interested? You can apply here, beginning on Wednesday, March 1.

As you know, the vast majority of scholars in our district come to school with the goal of learning and furthering their education. We can no longer afford to let the few scholars intent on causing discipline issues to disrupt our scholars who come here to learn.

 

Now is the time for action. We have addressed the fights and unsafe behaviors that have occurred at our middle and high schools recently, and are taking additional measures to work toward eliminating those situations at all campuses. This will require a community effort – from parents, scholars, administration and staff.

Safety & Security Actions Moving Forward

• Following an investigation, students caught fighting will be suspended for up to 45 days.
• Students caught recording fights will be disciplined, which could include ISS or out-of-school suspension.
• CHISD police will drastically increase random searches using contracted detection dogs and wanding to identify prohibited items on school grounds.
• Teachers will initiate a student's formal removal from class when student behavior is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that the teacher cannot teach, and the students in the classroom cannot learn. When removed from the class, the students will be assigned to ISS, out-of school suspension or placed in alternative school.

 

I have instructed the CHISD Police Staff to:

• Increase the security presence on campuses where issues have happened recently.

• Partner with the City of Cedar Hill police to have officers at locations where scholars congregate, otherwise unsupervised, after school hours.

• Increase police coverage after-school at CHISD middle schools and high schools.

• Move quickly to fill the 3 officer vacancies currently within the CHISD police department.

• Work with the City of Cedar Hill and the CHISD Family and Community Engagement (FACE) office to schedule and host a community-wide Safety Summit.

I have asked all middle and high school principals to:

• Review and make adjustments to their campus safety plans, drop-off and dismissal procedures.
• Use ALL teachers and staff in the building to provide close monitoring of students in hallways, cafeterias and other meeting spaces.
  
• Hold grade-level meetings with all students and review behavior expectations and consequences.
• Review and make adjustments to bathroom access if scholars are using bathrooms to fight or misbehave. We will never deny a child access to a bathroom, but if there is fighting in those spaces we will decrease the number of restrooms available in order to maintain campus safety and improve monitoring.
• Require hall passes for all students – no exceptions.
• Enforce the dress code - no exceptions.

 

All CHISD middle and high school scholars, families and staff can expect to see a difference moving forward. All CHISD principals will communicate any additional significant safety changes and expectations for students and staff. Restoring order and creating a positive culture is required of all of us at this moment.

 

Here is what we need from our parents & guardians:

• Closely monitor and review your child's social media. We have found most of the misbehavior starts online and then unfortunately plays out in our schools. Click here to view last week's CHISD Digital Parent University about social media dangers and parental monitoring tips.
• Every morning, check your student’s backpack for foods, dangerous items, etc. before they leave for school.
• Ensure all types of weapons maintained in the home (any knives, airsoft guns, toy guns, real guns, etc.) are secured/locked in a safe place at home and not accessible to your student(s).
• Be present and engaged with your child's school. It is unfortunate to see campuses hold parent engagement activities and only a handful of parents attend; but then see Nextdoor or Facebook posts with more than 200 comments. Parents, please be our partner in the solution.
• Use the CHISD Anonymous Alerts service to anonymously submit any suspicious activity, bullying or other student related issues to a school administrator(s).

I want to be clear - any student behavior leading to a threat in safety and/or school disruption will result in the most severe discipline and intervention available. Schools are the heart of our community and safer schools lead to stronger communities and successful adults. That’s what we all want, and therefore we must all work together to achieve it.

 

Tomorrow is a new day; thank you for showing up for our scholars!

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson, Superintendent

Each CHISD campus has a chapter with its own unique identity that reflects the interests and needs of their school. However, CHISD All Pro Dads is unique in that we also network together as a single group across the entire district. One group, 13 chapters, all working together!

All Pro Dads Email: chisdapd@gmail.com

For more information please visit www.cedarhilldads.org

Membership is made up of parents, students, staff, and community members who volunteer countless hours a year. We all work together effortlessly for one common cause - to provide ALL scholars with an excellent public education.

CHISD PTA website: https://www.chisd.net/Page/9803

For more information please visit facebook.com/CHISDPTA

The Cedar Hill Independent School District is resilient.

In the wake of an unsuccessful school bond election last November, our CHISD Trustees reached out to the community in an effort to evaluate priorities and go back to the proverbial drawing board.

We had long periods of discussion and analysis, which ultimately resulted in a 6-0 vote to place a $208 million bond proposal on the May 6, 2023 ballot. This bond will have much – but not all – of the projects included in Proposition B, which failed last November. Voters will choose this spring on whether to fund projects for safety/security, capital improvements, technology network upgrades, new elementary playgrounds, Career & Technical Education renovations, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), Fine Arts and more.

We will have one proposition and it will be titled ‘Proposition A’. The district does not anticipate a change in the tax rate if Proposition A is approved this spring.

 

Once again, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of exercising your right to vote. Although May isn’t a traditional voting season, it’s still important to ensure that your vote is counted.

You can research and learn more about the Bond at chisd.net/bond2023.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

Public school taxes involve two figures, which divide the school district budget into two “buckets.”

• The first bucket is the Maintenance and Operations budget (M&O), which funds daily costs and recurring or consumable expenditures such as teacher and staff salaries, supplies, food and utilities.
• The second bucket is the Interest and Sinking Fund (I&S), also known as Debt Service, and that is used to repay debt for capital improvements approved by voters through bond elections. ​

 

The upcoming bond election will address the funds needed in the Interest & Sinking Fund, and with the failure of the voter approval tax rate election (VATRE) in November, CHISD must cut $6 million from the 2023-24 Maintenance and Operations Budget.

 

The newly formed CHISD Budget Committee held its second meeting at the JoLynn Maddox Teaching & Learning Center. The committee is charged with providing the Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees with a list of recommendations to consider to address the deficit from the M&O budget. At the February 9 meeting, the CHISD business office staff provided dollar amounts to the cost saving measures suggested by the committee, which allowed the committee to prioritize the recommendations and score them using a predetermined rubric.

There will be no school for scholars February 16 &17. Cedar Hill ISD will have Professional Development on Thursday, February 16 and Parent-Teacher Conference Day is Friday, February 17. The District will be closed on Monday, February 20 in observance of Presidents' Day.

 

Parent-Teacher Conference: Tips for Parents

Before the meeting

• Talk to your child about any concerns to bring up during the meeting

• Be familiar with your child’s work and progress

• Gather any questions or concerns you may have

During the meeting

• Be on time

• Don’t be afraid to ask any questions

• Listen carefully

• If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification

After the meeting

• Speak with your child and create an action plan, if needed

• Stay in touch with the teacher, this goes a long way

Although February is Black History Month, we celebrate the contributions of African-Americans throughout the year at Cedar Hill ISD. A walk through the halls of the Dr. Peggy M. Wilson STEM Center vividly highlight the accomplishments of Black Scientists and Engineers, along with women and people of color. It is very important for each and every Longhorn Scholar to learn about these accomplishments during Black History Month. There are some phenomenal Black achievements that have not received a lot of attention, but are nonetheless, very significant. Here are some:

• Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first Black woman to receive a medical degree in the United States when she graduated from the New England Female Medical College in 1864.
• Phillis Wheatley, for whom a high school is named in Houston, became the first Black author to publish a book of poetry, when she did so in 1773. It was called “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.”
• Many of us know musician Stevie Wonder, but did you know he was the first Black artist to win a Grammy for an Album (“Innervisions”) 50 years ago?

One of the indicators of the CHISD Leadership definition is to value diversity. While we may be focused on Black history this month, it is important that we acknowledge the importance of diversity and contributions from all racial or ethnic groups as well as the successes of women in our history.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

Level up by becoming a coder this summer with Girls Who Code! Choose your own adventure through 2 FREE virtual programs and get the skills, network, and lifelong college and career support you need to change the world. All high school girls are welcome to apply, including past participants!

• In the 2-week Summer Immersion Program for current 9th-11th graders, join live virtual classrooms hosted by industry-leading companies like MetLife, Bank of America, and Accenture. By the end of the program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of game design, UX, the iterative design process, and more. Need a laptop or hotspot access? How about a $300 grant for financial support? Apply now!
• In the 6-week Self-Paced Program for current 9th-12th graders, learn to code through independent study and real-world projects. Earn beginner-level certificates of completion in HTML, CSS, or JavaScript for web development or intermediate-level certificates of completion in Python for cybersecurity or data science.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of a sisterhood that supports you for life! Get started at girlswhocode.com/summerapply or attend a webinar. Make sure to apply by February 15th for priority consideration or by March 24th for the general application deadline.

Wesley Williams’ winning word was ‘Trilby’, a stylish, narrow brimmed hat. “It was such a simple word that I thought I may not get it right,” said Williams, who won the 2023 Cedar Hill ISD Spelling Bee recently. “I remember it was on the campus spelling bee list.” Williams, a Collegiate Academy Middle School Seventh Grader, won the Spelling Bee after finishing third as a sixth grader in 2022. But the first place trophy wasn’t the result of a year-long quest. “I studied when I got the list,” Williams said “I was hoping to get into the Top Two, to advance to the County Bee.”

 

Williams earned first place in the sixth round, with 2022 CHISD Spelling Bee Champion Saniyah McGrew (a Bessie Coleman Eighth Grader) finishing second. The Bee started with 20 spelling contestants. Both Williams and McGrew now advance to the Dallas County Bee where McGrew finished 10th a year ago. “The County Bee will be in person this year, so that will be nice,” McGrew said. “I’m proud of myself for making it to the finals. I will encourage my three younger siblings to compete in the Spelling Bee.”

 

All three CHISD middle schools were represented among the top three, as Permenter Seventh-Grader Aleah Williams made her District Spelling Bee debut. Both she and Wesley Williams will have a chance to compete in the 2024 Bee, while McGrew will be a high school freshman and no longer eligible.

WFAA ABC-TV Anchor Cynthia Izaguirre was one of the Bee Judges, and she congratulated the scholars at the end of the Bee.

The Cedar Hill ISD academic calendar has enough operational minutes banked to cover the inclement weather days for Tuesday (1/31) and Wednesday (2/1). With the cancelation of school on Thursday (2/2), CHISD scholars and staff will have 1 day that will need to be made up.

• CHISD leadership will discuss which bad weather day will be selected (April 7 or May 26) to cover Thursday's cancelation; once a decision is made it will be communicated to all CHISD staff and families.

To view the CHISD 2022-23 academic calendar, please click here.

This is National School Counseling Week 2023 (#DreamBigCHISD)! This week we will highlight the tremendous impact CHISD school counselors can have in helping scholars achieve school success and plan for a career. Show your support for Cedar Hill ISD counselors this week, by posting a special message to the CHISD Counselors on your social media. Make sure you tag @CedarHillISD and use the #DreamBigCHISD.