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GISD eNews | 8-31-23

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GISD eNews | 8-31-23

  1. Attendance Matters

  2. Fine Arts Faculty Showcase - What a great night!

  3. Looking to serve in GISD? Register to Volunteer

  4. Narcan in Every AED in the District

  5. GISD Goes Gold in September for Childhood Cancer Awareness

  6. Listening Tour with Dr. Padavil - First Stop Sept. 5

  7. OnRamps: Parent Tips for Supporting Student Success Sept. 7

  8. Seniors Invited to Apply for YTexas Summer - Applications due Sept. 8

  9. Adult ESL Classes Beginning Sept. 11

  10. Nominations for GISD District Performance Committee now being accepted through Sept. 15

  11. Board action to develop an alternative plan until additional School Resource Officers are hired

  12. From the City of Georgetown: Drought Stage 3 Restrictions

  13. From the City of Georgetown: Veterans Job Fair Sept. 7

  14. From the GISD Education Foundation: Tickets are Now on Sale for 50 Fellas Food Fest - Oct. 14

  15. From Williamson County: Now Hiring Poll Workers


⭐ Do you have a good experience or a staff shoutout to share from your first two weeks of school? We want to hear about it! Submit a Way to Go Gram and share some words of positivity! https://www.georgetownisd.org/waytogo 

We encourage you to visit our GISD eNews website www.georgetownisdnews.org for the latest news, updates, feature stories and more. We also invite you to stay in touch with us via social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

In Case You Missed It: Great News in GISD Schools!

GISD Receives 2023 District of Distinction Award

Visit our eNews hub for more stories of GISD in the news. 

 


In this week’s eNews:  

Attendance Matters

We know that kids learn best when they are present and engaged in school. And furthermore, it’s the law. Texas Education Code states that parents have an obligation to ensure that their children ages 6-18 are enrolled in and attending school.We work closely with parents to ensure students have what they need to be present and learn and encourage you to let us know if you or your family are facing hardships that may prevent your student from attending school. We’re here to help.  More information is available on our website including these Fast Facts.

Fine Arts Faculty Showcase - What a great night!


On Tuesday, GISD students and parents were invited to the 2023 Fine Arts Faculty Showcase, an event featuring an art exhibit and musical performances by GISD Fine Arts Teachers. The event was a huge success! 

If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry – The art exhibit will be on display during regular business hours at Hammerlun throughout the next week

You can find photos on our website: https://www.georgetownisdnews.org/news/2023-fine-arts-faculty-showcase

 

Looking to serve in GISD? Register to Volunteer

In Georgetown ISD, we know that community engagement enhances student experiences and are excited to welcome back volunteers, mentors and partners to serve in our schools this year. 

Whether you're new to GISD or a returning volunteer, we encourage you to sign up (or update your profile) and consider opportunities that align with your areas of interest and expertise.  The more information you share, the better we can pair you with meaningful opportunities. 

Get started today at www.georgetownisd.org/volunteer.  

If you're already registered in our system, consider logging in to update your profile today. Select the campuses where you want to serve, areas of interest, and more.

 

Visit www.georgetownisd.org/volunteer, click on "existing volunteer" and log in.

Forgot your password? No worries!  Click the forgot password link to reset.

 

Once logged in, select the menu button that looks like stacked bars in the upper right and scroll through to review and update your profile as needed. As a reminder, a background check is required annually to renew your status as an approved volunteer. 

Need assistance? Call us at 512-943-1890. 

Narcan in every AED in the District 

Georgetown ISD has partnered with Williamson County EMS to place Narcan in every AED in the district. Each Narcan will have a location sticker applied to the AED cabinet with a QR code that can be scanned to automatically reorder Narcan in the event it was used.

GISD Goes Gold in September for Childhood Cancer Awareness

GISD will "Go Gold" this September to raise awareness about childhood cancer and support families in our community who are facing this life-changing diagnosis during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  

You'll hear more about two big events during football season this fall:

EVHS will "Go Gold" on Sept 1 and GHS will "Go Gold" on Sept. 8 during home football games. In addition to supporting a good cause, it's an incredible effort to unite our community: One Town. One District, One Cause: Gold. 

For now, one way to get involved is to join the movement and purchase a t-shirt. Details are available here: https://georgetowngoesgold.itemorder.com/shop/sale/. More details on events and how you can support this effort will be included in next week's eNewsletter.

All proceeds from the campaign will benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand, a national movement supported by our elementary schools with the same goal: to raise awareness and beat cancer.

Listening Tour with Dr. Padavil - First Stop Sept. 5

GISD parents are invited to attend a Listening Tour this fall with Dr. Padavil, superintendent. Meeting dates are opportunities to share strengths and areas for improvement in the district. Join us for a date that best fits your schedule:


September 5 - Georgetown HS, 6 pm

September 11 - Wagner MS, 6 pm

October 3 - Wolf Ranch, 6 pm

November 2 - Village ES, 6 pm

November 6 - East View HS, 6 pm

December 5 - Benold MS, 6 pm


The greater GISD community is invited to attend a Listening Tour this fall with Dr. Padavil, superintendent. Meeting dates are opportunities to share strengths and areas for improvement in the district. Join us for a date that best fits your schedule:

Sept. 22 - Rotary Club of Georgetown, Downtown Club, Noon 

Oct. 23 - Friends Room at the Georgetown Public Library, 6 pm

Information is also available on the district’s online calendar and will be shared directly with parents and the community via a number of communication channels. 

Seniors from Georgetown ISD are invited to join students from around the State of Texas at YTEXAS Summit ‘23 on October 6th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Our district was selected as 1 of 50 to be invited to attend. This event is a time for students to be part of a state-wide business event and interact with industry leaders and discover career paths. Students will enjoy an all expenses paid trip to Arlington, including hotel stay on October 5th, as well as free admission to the event, thanks to a sponsorship by Rural Capital Area Workforce Solutions. The event is open to only 5 Seniors. All interested students need to submit an application before the deadline of September 8th. All applicants will be notified by September 15th. Link to Application: https://forms.gle/pLcqycwg7wNXHxAh8 Link to Info Sheet (including graphic): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ymp33m8nTOhH33_MLkDxEw7l4J_ASEKDcesmDEhi4lI/edit

 

OnRamps: Parent Tips for Supporting Student Success Sept. 7

Want to learn more about the OnRamps course experience, important deadlines, and tips/tricks for helping your student through their OnRamps course this school year? Partner with us to help them navigate the challenges and new growth opportunities that this learning experience provides.  

Join us on September 7 from 5:30-6:30pm for an OmRamps learning opportunity and Q&A. This will be a virtual event.

You can find the zoom link below.. If you are not able to attend, please reach out to coetzeefolksj@georgetownisd.org to receive the slide deck. 

 

https://utexas.zoom.us/j/96448198389#success 

 

Seniors Invited to Apply for YTexas Summer - Applications due Sept. 8

GISD seniors are invited to join students from around the State of Texas at YTEXAS Summit ‘23 on October 6 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Our district was selected as 1 of 50 to be invited to attend. This event is a time for students to be part of a state-wide business event, interact with industry leaders and discover career paths. Students will enjoy an all expenses paid trip to Arlington, including hotel stay on October 5, as well as free admission to the event, thanks to a sponsorship by Rural Capital Area Workforce Solutions. 

The event is open to only 5 Seniors. All interested students need to submit an application before the deadline of September 8, and applicants will be notified with a decision by September 15. 

Application: https://forms.gle/pLcqycwg7wNXHxAh8 


Info Sheet:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ymp33m8nTOhH33_MLkDxEw7l4J_ASEKDcesmDEhi4lI/edit

Adult ESL Classes Beginning Sept. 11

The GISD Multilingual department will be offering beginning level adult ESL classes for the GISD community. Beginning the week of Sept. 11, there will be classes available at:  

Wagner Middle School:  Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm

Village Elementary School: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-7:30 pm

Hammerlun (HCLL):  Wednesdays from 9:30-11 am

Please see the flyers on our website with the QR code to register for classes.

https://www.georgetownisd.org/Page/26006 


Nominations for GISD District Performance Committee now being accepted through Sept. 15


The District Performance Committee serves a very important role at GISD. One of the primary functions of this committee is to work with the district to provide guidance on the District Improvement Plan and provide input on the district calendar prior to submission to the Board of Trustees. GISD is accepting nominations now through September 15, 2023 for the following vacancies:

  •  GISD Parents

  •  Business Members

  •  Community Members

Once members are identified, they will receive an email confirming placement on the committee.

More details on eligibility requirements are included in the nomination form.

For more information, please visit our website at www.georgetownisd.org/dpc. If you have additional questions, please share via Let's Talk. 

Board action to develop an alternative plan until additional School Resource Officers are hired

House Bill 3, the School Safety Bill from the 88th Legislative Session was signed into law by Governor Abbott on June 14, 2023. One requirement of the legislation is that each Texas school board must ensure the presence of an armed, “qualified” security officer on each campus during regular school hours, effective September 1, 2023. The legislation also permits school districts to claim a “good cause exemption” due to lack of funding or lack of personnel. This exception allows the school district to create an alternate plan. 

Dr. Padavil shared two main obstacles on meeting the September 1 deadline: lack of funding from the state and a shortage of qualified security officers in the job market. The impact to the district’s budget to hire an additional 12 SROs would come at a cost approximately 10 times higher than the state’s funding

contribution. Currently, seven school resource officers (SRO) are assigned to campuses throughout GISD, and the level of service they provide to elementary, middle and high school campuses will remain the same while the district works to increase the presence of qualified armed officers at every campus. 


The district values the relationship with Georgetown Police Department and is working closely with them on solutions including the continued presence of SROs on all campuses even when additional armed guards are present. 

 

From Our Partners: 

From the City of Georgetown: Drought Stage 3 Restrictions

Stage 3 restrictions, including no outdoor watering, will remain in effect until further notice for areas generally west of D.B. Wood Road and southwest of Williams Drive. Drought Stage 2 watering restrictions, including one-day irrigation schedule, are in place for all other Georgetown Utility customers. For more information and to find the restrictions for your address, visit the city's website:  https://bit.ly/3Z1UkIT.

 

From the City of Georgetown: Veterans Job Fair Sept. 7

Join the City of Georgetown, Texas Veterans Commission and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area for a Veterans Career Fair on Thursday, September 7. 

Where: Georgetown Community Center

445 East Morrow Street Georgetown, TX 78626


When: Sept. 7
9 - 10am: Exclusive to Veterans and Family Members,
10am - 12pm: Open to All


Visit the link below to register. 

Veterans Job Fair


From the GISD Education Foundation: Tickets are Now on Sale for 50 Fellas Food Fest - Oct. 14

50 Fellas Food Fest brings together local foodies and home chefs to raise money for the Georgetown ISD Education Foundation (GEF). Chef cook teams enter their culinary creations in one of 3 categories: appetizers, entrees or desserts, and guests can sample each and vote on their favorite. While the "winners" in each category go home with bragging rights, the real winners are the students and teachers in the district. 


This is the premier fundraiser for GEF and all proceeds support the foundation's mission to engage the community in financial support of a learning environment where innovation, customized academic opportunities, and individual success are attainable for all GISD students. 

Visit our website to register a cook team, sponsor the event or buy a ticket!

http://50fellas.funraise.org/ 

From Williamson County: Now Hiring Poll Workers


Fill out a poll worker interest form at: wilcotx.gov/pollworkers.

Completed forms may be submitted by email, fax, mailed or dropped off at the Elections Department.

Students, see the flyer below for details on how you can get involved as a student election clerk.

Student Election Clerk Flyer

 

 

Important Upcoming Dates

September 4 - Labor Day/ District closed
September 5 - Board workshop
September 18 - Professional learning/Student holiday
   Board Meeting

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The GISD eNews is intended to inform subscribers and provide a snapshot of district events and student achievements. It is not intended to be inclusive of every campus or program in GISD. For more information on Georgetown ISD visit our website, find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

 

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