While federal, state, and local authorities continue to adjust protocols and plans to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Longview ISD's schedule for the next school is set... for now.
The Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2021-22 District Calendar during their Feb. 8th regular meeting. Classes will begin Aug. 16, 2021, and end May 25, 2022. Commencement ceremonies are tentatively set for May 20, 2022.
Dr. James Hockenberry, Assistant Superintendent of District Services said that, although this calendar is now in place, 'obviously anything could change between now and August.'
'We're going to continue to observe and analyze the ongoing situation,' he said. 'Should the need arise, the administration will consider all the various factors and possibly make amendments or modifications at a later date.'
'But, for the foreseeable future, this is the district calendar we'll be working from for the 2021-22 school year,' Dr. Hockenberry added.
Important dates for next school year include:
• Aug. 16 – First day for students
• Sept. 6 – Labor Day (observed)
• Nov. 22-26 – Thanksgiving Break
• Dec. 20-Jan. 4 – Winter Break
• Jan. 17 – Dr. Martin Luther King Day (observed)
• March 14-18 – Spring Break
• April 15 – Good Friday (observed)
• May 25 – Final day of school
• May 26, 27 – Bad weather makeup days (if needed)
• May 30 – Memorial Day (observed)
STAAR testing dates include the weeks of Dec. 7-10, April 5-8, and May 3-6, 10-13, with STAAR makeup dates on June 21-24.
For the complete 2021-22 Academic Calendar, please click here.
Board praises Judson
Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox praised Judson STEAM Academy for earning recognition as a 'Texas School to Watch' by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform along with the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP).
'Judson STEAM Academy has made great strides in the last several years, and we're excited about what the future holds,' he said. 'This honor is a testament to the high-quality staff at Judson, as well as our hard-working teachers, students, and incredibly supportive LISD families.'
Judson Principal Mrs. Melanie Pondant said her campus will be honored in March at the Making Middle School Matter Symposium in Austin and will receive national recognition in June at the National Forum Schools to Watch Conference in Washington.
'We received this honor because of the hard work you are doing everyday,' Mrs. Pondant told her staff when announcing the honor. 'You are making a difference in your students' lives and this school is better because you are here.'
Judson teacher Ms. Amy Bruyere, who is new to Longview ISD, said the commitment to reach all students sets it apart.
'I think they do a really good job here of targeting our students who are learning at all different levels — our students who come from different cultures, our students who come from different socioeconomic backgrounds,' she said. 'I think here, there’s a lot of attention placed on what can we do to reach each one of those groups at whatever level that needs to be, and I see that in academic and social and all kinds of different ways that we try to reach out to students.'
The Schools to Watch program was developed in 1999, aiming to identify the middle schools across the country that were displaying academic excellence and a commitment to helping all students achieve
Unlike the Blue-Ribbon recognition program, 'Schools to Watch' requires schools to not just identify strengths, but to also focus on areas of continuous improvement; thus, the three-year re-designation.
Welcome, Dr. Guidry!
The board unanimously approved hiring Spring Hill ISD Superintendent Dr. Wayne Guidry for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Business, Transportation, & Technology at Longview Independent School District.
Dr. Wilcox cited Dr. Guidry's reputation as a cutting-edge innovator in educational leadership.
'His experience and accomplishments speak for themselves,' he said. 'I am confident that Dr. Guidry will prove to be a tremendous asset to the district leadership team, in the service of our students, staff, and entire Longview community.'
LISD Board President Mrs. Shan Bauer agreed.
'We're very excited to see what Dr. Guidry brings to our district,' she added.
Dr. Guidry comes to Longview ISD from Spring Hill ISD where he served as Superintendent from 2019 to 2021.
The Longview News-Journal also praised the hiring in a Sunday editorial, recognizing how Dr. Guidry developed improvements to Spring Hill ISD's career and technology classes, as well as leading a successful in-home learning transition.
'We look forward — we hope — to seeing all that you will continue to accomplish and the leadership you will continue to bring to our community in the years to come,' the editorial stated.
Dr. Guidry will direct and manage the operation of all financial and business affairs, technology, and transportation of the district including accounting, purchasing, and data processing.
In addition to this, he will provide managerial direction and coordination under board policy guidelines to several key district functions, and serve as chief financial adviser to the superintendent and board of trustees.
Welcome Mr. Wink!
Former Carthage ISD superintendent Mr. John Wink has been hired as Coordinator of Policy and New Schools for Longview ISD.
In his new role, Mr. Wink will support the Office of Innovation and Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Craig Coleman in providing partner and district staff with the training, support, and policy guidance necessary to promote strong compliance and performance by partner schools.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of Mr. Wink's responsibilities please click here.
Mr. Wink has been in education for over two decades in various roles, including classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal. He began his career in public education as a choir teacher for Longview.
Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said he has been familiar with Mr. Wink's work and reputation for a number of years, and when the administration saw the opportunity to fill an important role with such a qualified applicant, 'We jumped on it.'
'John Wink brings a variety of skills and abilities that will strengthen our Office of Innovation,' he said. 'We're glad to add someone of his caliber and background to our administrative team.'
In other business...
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also: approved Board Policy Update No. 116 concerning: Conduct on School Premises, At-Will Employment, Types of Contracts, and Cybersecurity; approved a donation of $500 from local resident Mr. Ken Beishir for the LHS Spanish Department; approved a Joint Election order with the City of Longview for the LISD Board of Trustees election; received the Charter Partner Monthly Report for February 2021; approved Time Use Tracker for the Jan. 19th Regular Meeting; received the LISD Financial Statement for January 2021; approved Trustee Election Order for Districts 1, 3, and 7; approved Minutes from the Jan. 27th Special Meeting; and approved Budget Amendment No. 7.
For more info
Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center (1301 E. Young Street), but often set special-called meetings at various locations around the district.
The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. March 22nd.
Due to public health protocols currently in place, anyone wishing to attend the meeting in person must abide by COVID-19 guidelines, as only limited seating capacity is available. The meeting will be streamed online at LISD.org/BoardroomLive.
For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please click here.
