Blog entries tagged education

Friendswood Schools Score A+ Rating

Melissa Burnham — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 23:12:36 +0100

Friendswood ISD schools have officially made the move to the front of the class! The district recently earned the coveted Exemplary rating as a result of their high scores on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test. Just last Friday, the Commissioner of Education, Robert Scott, held a press conference in Austin to announce the Texas Education Agency’s 2010 state accountability ratings.

In order of merit, the TAKS test rankings are Exemplary, Recognized, Acceptable, or Unacceptable. A total of 2,624 schools in 239 districts received Texas’ highest rating of Exemplary. Additionally, 3,153 schools in 597 districts achieved the second highest score of Recognized.

The TAKS test is an assessment of the state’s education standards and measures each student’s aptitude in core subjects such as reading and math. TAKS testing is initially administered in the third grade, and passing scores on the TAKS exit exam are required in order to graduate high school.

Congratulations to the all the high achievers attending all of the FISD schools!

Find 2009-10 TAKS campus ratings at TAKS Performance Report.

Source: FISD

Friendswood to “Get Tough” on Elementary and Intermediate School “Part of Day” Absence

Daphne Hager — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:39:32 +0100

Friendswood Independent School District is making some attendance policy changes for the 2010-2011 Student Handbooks.

“The biggest changes are for elementary and intermediate,” Deputy Superintendent Sherry Green said at the FISD Board meeting on Tuesday, June 8.

“High school and junior high take attendance by period and elementary and intermediate don’t do that,” Green said. “What we’ve done is we’ve added a part of day attendance procedure that is going to be brand new that we know we’ll get phone calls on.”

The changes boil down to tougher part of day absence rules, which according to both teachers and administration, are out of hand. The students will now only be allowed three parts of day absences per semester (9 week period) and on the fourth part of day absence, lunch or after school detention will be given to the student.

“Part of the day absence is coming 20 minutes after the tardy bell rings, or picking your child up 20 minutes before the end of the day. These are un-excused,” Green said. “Doctor’s appointments, being sick, those things don’t count. These are un-excused personal business.”

“When we talked about this, it was like, yes, we’re punishing the child and we realize that. I understand that’s going to make some mommas real upset, but that’s OK,” said Green. “The child’s not driving, but yet we have principals say we have fourth and fifth graders that walk in [late to class] carrying Starbucks!”

It may take a little getting used to for those parents who are less than morning people, but with our children’s education and futures on the line, there isn't much room to complain. So, get ready to set your alarms a few minutes earlier this fall and ensure the prompt arrival of your kids!

Friendswood High School Ranked Among America's Best High Schools by Newsweek Magazine

Cheryl Perry — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:40:23 +0100

The Friendswood Independent School District is again earning attention for its outstanding schools with the most recent focus on Friendswood High School, just ranked among Newsweek magazine’s list of America’s Best High Schools 2010.

Newsweek selects the best high schools in the country each year, based on the hard work of school staffs and their challenge to students with advanced placement college level course and tests. This year, just over 1,600 schools – only 6 percent of all public schools in the United States made the list.

Friendswood High School was developing its AP program less than 10 years ago, and today, according to the magazine, the percentage of students enrolled in the AP courses compared to the number of seniors, earned the school its coveted ranking.

The Friendswood Independent School District reports that what Newsweek did not measure that is equally important, is how well students perform on the exams.

An impressive 77.4 percent of the total of Friendswood High School AP test takers (831) earned a 3 or better on the AP exams, thus qualifying to place out of college level classes.

For the past two years, more than 75 percent of FHS students graduated from high school with at least 12 hours of college credit completed.

This latest ranking is a part of a long list of honors and awards earned by Friendswood Independent School District schools, students and teachers and one of the many reasons for the continued success of West Ranch. Friendswood High School and all schools in the Friendswood ISD which serves students in West Ranch are ranked Exemplary by the Texas Education Agency.

Friendswood JH Artist Placed in "Doodle 4 Google" Top 40

Daphne Hager — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:01:24 +0100

Friendswood Junior High artist, Brooke Bartholomew has been named as a named a regional finalist for her entry into this year’s “Doodle 4 Google” contest. Making it to the Top 40 isn’t too shabby for a nationwide contest with more than 33,000 entries!

Doodle 4 Google is a competition open to K-12 students of US schools to create their own Google doodle inspired by the theme, ”If I could do anything, I would…” Bartholomew’s theme is “…Repair All the Worlds Breaks”.

Google simultaneously announced the regional winners across the 40 locations of their finalists. To win the contest, the artists must receive online votes. From May 18-25 the public can vote online for their favorite doodle.

Her Top 40 status was announced in an FJH assembly hosted by a Google representative who explained the importance and many uses of the internet. Google also handed out shirts to the students with their classmates winning doodle and presented Brooke with a life-size copy of her design.

As a finalist, Brooke has won a trip to New York on May 26 where the winner will be announced. She also receives a tee shirt printed with her doodle and a trip to the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum to see the top doodles displayed in a national exhibit.

The National winner will be the recipient of a $15,000 college scholarship (to be used at the school of their choice), a laptop computer, a Wacom digital design tablet, and more. And, the winner’s school will receive a $25,000 grant towards the establishment or improvement of a computer lab.

Way to doodle Brooke!

Friendswood Students Honored in Senior Division at Exxon Mobile Science Fair

Greg Rivera — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:27:28 +0100

Two Friendswood students were honored at the 2010 ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair held in San Antonio at the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center. Madeline Landon, a 10th grade student at Friendswood High School, received first place in her environmental sciences and analysis category and Gabriella Quintana, a ninth grade student received honorable mention in the same category.

With more than 1,100 entries, it was an honor to be selected to compete, but to achieve first place requires true skill and knowledge in their field. Senior division Grand Prize winners received all-expense paid trips to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair May 9–14 in San Jose, Calif.

“For the past 10 years, we have valued this opportunity to recognize and encourage the brilliant minds of the future,” said Truman Bell, senior program officer for education and diversity, Exxon Mobil Corporation. “Whatever their professional aspirations may be, it is clear they will be celebrated leaders in their respective fields. We hope this event serves as an exciting stepping stone to their bright future.”

Congratulations Madeline and Gabriella!

FISD Alumni Association F.I.G. Fest Fun Run

Greg Rivera — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:50:29 +0100

On Saturday, April 18th, the FISD Alumni Association is teaming up with the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce and hosting the 2nd Annual F.I.G. Festival Fun Run on Saturday, April 18th at 8:00am. This is our only annual fundraiser. The proceeds from the Fun Run will benefit both the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce and two deserving high school seniors.

The FISD Alumni Association was formed in 2001 as an extension of the FISD Education Foundation. Our function is two-fold. The primary objective is to raise money to provide deserving Friendswood High School seniors with college scholarships. At the May 2008 school board meeting, we were very pleased to present graduating seniors Ryan Berry and Brooke Brantley with these scholarships. Our second objective is to be a source of information and communication for all Friendswood alumni.

To become a F.I.G. Festival Fun Run sponsor and receive great benefits including your name or company name on the back of the F.I.G. Fest Fun Run t-shirt, in all advertising for the F.I.G. Festival and Fun Run, and on the sponsorship board displayed at the Fun Run, please fill out a sponsor form and make your $200 donation to either the FISD Alumni Association or the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce. For questions or comments visit the chamber website and view upcoming events at www.friendswood-chamber.com, email the chamber at fwdchmbr@swbell.net or call 281-482-3329.

Friendswood I.S.D. Keeps Connected

Greg Rivera — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:27:54 +0100

Tech-savvy West Ranch parents interested in keeping up with their Friendswood I.S.D. students will find recent updates in New Media useful for staying informed. In addition to maintaining their consistently updated Web site and newsletter, Friendswood I.S.D. now has a Twitter page and YouTube channel for your convenience.

Friendswood I.S.D. launched their Twitter account to help inform the community of events and important news. The YouTube channel has been launched as an outlet that is even of use to students, who can practice communication skills and experiment with technical creativity in a supervised environment.

Follow Friendswood I.S.D. on Twitter @friendswoodisd.

Sign up for the Friendswood I.S.D. newsletter. [http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001PhdQ1BjzXNRjm5Y6hvgaCw==]

View the Friendswood I.S.D. YouTube Channel. [http://www.youtube.com/fisdtv]

Friendswood High School Graduate becomes a Daisy Scout Leader

Greg Rivera — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:29:38 +0100

One Friendswood High School Student and former Girl Scout returns as a Daisy Scout Leader.

Kelly Hickman is familiar with the girl scouts as well as the commitment and hard work it takes to succeed. She was a girl scout for 13 years and received the Gold Award – the highest award a girl scout can receive. After graduating from Friendswood High School, this Friendswood native made her way to the University of Texas where she obtained a dual degree in government history and Spanish. Now she plans to take some time and make a difference in young girls’ lives and give back the support and care that was given to her own.

Hickman said she is looking forward to being a Daisy Scout Leader, and as all of the troops are currently full having new leaders opens up new spots for girl scouts to join. Girl Scout Leader and Trainer Dolores Richards shared of Kelly, “She started as a baby girl scout with me. So, she was in my troop for 13 years. This is so exciting!”

The girl scouts are thrilled to welcome Kelly back, along with Amanda Woods who is also returning as a Girl Scout leader. Amanda was a girl scout for 15 years and also received the Gold Award. “I think it’s a great opportunity for girls. I would really encourage any girls to come to girl scouts, no matter which age they are,” Woods said. Any girl in K-12 can join Girl Scouts and of course leaders are always needed to continue providing this great experience to the girls. Adults over the age of 18 that are caring and enthusiastic about helping the girl scouts explore their interests and achieve their potential are welcome to apply.

For more information please contact Dolores Richards at 713-292-0300.

Friendswood Mustang Pride

Greg Rivera — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:44:42 +0100

Something that starts small can often grow big, and that’s the case with ‘The Mustang Spirit Store’ – an online store offering “unique spirit apparel” to the Friendswood community, letting each person show their own Mustang Pride.

Jennifer Burris and Delia Dao, two “Friendswood soccer moms,” were talking during a game one day and had the thought of opening a store for the Friendswood community that would sell items residents could wear displaying their school spirit and show their team pride. What started with a “crazy thought” grew into an online store which launched in April 2009. Inventory is now overflowing their one room space. As Burris put it, “It’s fallen into place. It’s exciting and kind of scary at the same time.”

West Ranch residents may have seen some of the unique items being sported around town, all little ways to show a lot of spirit, from onesies and sweatshirts to koozies and duffel bags, the store offers more than 45 products to choose from. Their catchy and fun webpage, www.mymustangpride.com, allows visitors to pick “Mustang Girls” with apparel for infants through adult, “Mustang Boys” with apparel for men and boys, and “accessories” ranging from duffel bags, to makeup bags and water bottle covers.

Dao said she and Burris design 65-70% of the products, with many ideas coming from Mustang Fans like the “Peace, Love and ‘Stangs” shirt which is very popular. Another popular item the duo designed was the “My Mustang Is:“ shirt which can be personalized to include a player’s name. The two moms make it a priority to stay in touch with the community to get an idea of what residents are looking for in style.

This business, starting by moms in the Friendswood community and for the Friendswood community, is hoping to grow to continue offering great quality products to more and more fans. They have already added items for Bay Area Christian School fans, and hope to add items with designs for Westwood and Cline Elementary in Friendswood as well.

As this Friendswood business continues to grow they hope to continue offering the best quality and styles to customers, with free shipping to all Friendswood customers. “We talked to teenagers, teachers, friends. We asked a lot of people what they were looking for or if they had an item we liked where they got it,” Dao shared. And they continue to look for community input. If you have ideas or a style you’d like to see they ask that you let them know so they can try to provide that style for you. As Burris and Dao hope “The goal is to be the Friendswood spirit store 365 days a year.”

Source: www.hcnonline.com/friendswood_journal

News: ‘Tis the Season ….To Recycle

Cheryl Perry — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:34:09 +0100

All those catalogs everyone gets in the mail, plus phone books, newspapers, school and office papers, magazines, paper back books, and junk mail, but no cardboard please .... these are all what is expected to belong in the recycle bin at FRIENDSWOOD HIGH SCHOOL.

Friendswood High School is working hard to be environmentally friendly. Their recycle bin is there for the whole community to use at no cost. They actually earn money for the paper they collect. 

This is one of the easiest ways to support FHS monetarily without taking money out of your pocket. Encourage recyling.  “Thanks so much for recycling with us. We hope you will make it your New Year’s Resolution to be diligent about recycling throughout the year,” FHS Pirncipal Mark Griffon said. The bin is sponsored by the FHS Student Council.

Source: Friendswood ISD e-Newsletter, December 15, 2009

Heritage Gardeners Hosts Friendswood Christmas Home Tour

Greg Rivera — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:42:57 +0100

The Friendswood Community recently had the chance to tour the finest Holiday homes from City Hall to gardener’s homes chosen for their Holiday décor. The 43rd Annual Christmas Home Tour, hosted by the Friendswood Heritage Gardeners Club, took place Saturday November 21 and Sunday, November 22. A Bazaar, Bake Sale and raffle started at 10am, with delightful lunch and assortment of desserts served in an old fashioned tea room at high noon. The afternoon followed with a tour of Friendswood homes and gardens dressed to impress for the Holiday season.

The bake sale was a hit, with more than 300 pies and cakes for sale, and the raffle awarded lucky winners with a cash prize of $99, a gourmet food basket and a chiminea donated by H-E-B. Raffle and Bake Sale Chairman Carlotta Garza shared that she baked six cakes, 10 loaves of pumpkin bread, and several dozen homemade macadamia nut cookies. “They sell really well every year,” she said.

This was one of two main fundraising events to support the educational and charitable activities hosted by Heritage Gardeners. Throughout the year the club gathers at their garden center for plant exchanges, field trips, craft workshops, flower shows, luncheons and much more. They even sponsor a garden club for children ages 6-12 where they learn a curriculum developed by Texas A&M and become certified Texas Jr. Master Gardeners.

Heritage Gardeners, Inc. was founded in 1966 and “is dedicated to the horticultural enhancement of home and community.” They are best known for their Christmas and Spring Home Tours. The Spring Home Garden tour will take place the last weekend in April, from 12pm-4pm on Saturday April 24 and 1pm-5pm on Sunday April 25, 2010. The Spring tour will also include a bazaar, raffle and bake sale but will also feature a plant sale and flower show. The cost for the Spring tour is $10 (or $7 advance purchase) and kids 10 and under are free.

For more information on the Home Tours or on Heritage Gardeners Inc. please visit them online at www.heritagegardeners.org

You Can Support the Friendswood ISD Education Foundation

Cheryl Perry — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Did you know: YOU can donate to the Friendswood Education Foundation, a non-profit that benefits Friendswood ISD students and teachers through scholarships and grants, by subscribing to the Houston Chronicle?

Each month they send us a check that consists of a portion of the donated subscription money when subscribers named us as their CHARITY OF CHOICE.

How?

Go to www.chron.com/share
Select FRIENDSWOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATION

It is always such a nice surprise to get a Chronicle check and the donor gets his Chronicle. Win-Win!

Friendswood Students Living CLEAR

Greg Rivera — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

CLEAR – Clean Living Encouragement and Responsibility – is a student led group club that encourages Friendswood students to stay away from drug and alcohol use. The club is now in its third year at the Friendswood Junior High and High Schools and continues to have a positive impact on the community.

This group challenges students to take a step up and out into the light letting other students know that it is not the norm to do drugs, but rather many students prefer to live a drug free – a clear – life. In this way students become leaders and create an awareness of the positive opportunities and lifestyles that result from staying away from substance use. By participating in this voluntary program students show their commitment by volunteering to be randomly drug tested.

Each group must find sponsors from among their teachers to help support students in planning substance free activities, educating the community and guiding the students on this path by answering questions, addressing concerns and fears, and supporting them in their healthy choices.

Teachers Megan Marshall, Corey Dalton, and Lindsay Hutchins enthusiastically filled the role of sponsors at the Friendswood Junior High. Megan Marshall was actually in CLEAR when she was in high school and stands behind the program. Sophie Wostal, Paul Tucker and Kristen Castillo have come forward as sponsors at the Friendswood High School because they believe in the program and the positive effect it will have on students’ lives.

“I know every year these kids are propositioned about drugs and alcohol at an earlier age. CLEAR is a program worth fighting for! Having a group that gives students an outlet to express concerns, questions, fears, etc about substance abuse, peer pressure, stress and anything else they want is amazing!”

For more information about CLEAR, how to join or how you can support their efforts, you may contact sponsors on each campus: Friendswood High School - http://www.fisdk12.net/hs/organizations.html, Friendswood Junior High - http://www.fisdk12.net/jh/FJH_Clubs.html, or you can contact Lynn Shigekawa (Coordinator of the Friendswood Alliance for Youth and Families) at 281-482-1267 ext 237, or by email at lshigekawa@fisdk12.net

Source: www.hcnonline.com/friendswood_journal

Friendswood Independent School District Receives "Superior Achievement" for Financial ...

Greg Rivera — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Friendswood Independent School District has raised the bar in financial accountability - they have received a rating of "Superior Achievement" from the Texas School's FIRST Rating System. This is the Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas (FIRST), which is in its seventh year of awarding ratings. "It shows that our district is making the most of our taxpayers' dollars. This shows that FISD's schools are accountable not only for student learning, but also for achieving these results cost-effectively and efficiently," said George Rogers, FISD's Assistant Superintendent of Business.

The FIRST rating was developed by the Texas Education Agency as a standard accountability system for Texas school districts to ensure they achieve the highest quality in managing their financial resources. The rating system designates a rating based on data quality, with the highest rating being "Superior Achievement," followed by "Above Standard," "Standard Achievement," and "Substandard Achievement." If a school district has serious data quality problems they may receive an additional rating of "Suspended - Data Quality."

"We are very pleased with FISD's School FIRST rating," Rogers shared. It is an achievement that Friendswood families and taxpayers can also be proud to share in as they move forward in the coming academic and fiscal year. They have set a standard that will hopefully spur on other school districts and continue to raise the bar for Texas school’s financial responsibilities.

Friendswood Named One of the Best Places to Live in The United States

Greg Rivera — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Money Magazine and CNN/Money recently named Friendswood, TX as one of the country’s “Best Places to Live.” It was one of only six Texas cities to be awarded the title, and it was ranked number 32 out of 100 cities in the U.S.

The 2009 list focuses on smaller communities that offer the best economic opportunities, great education, a safe environment, and a range of activities that draw the community together. In 2007 Friendswood ranked number 51 out of 100. In both instances, Friendswood was the only community in the greater Houston area to be awarded this title.

The winning cities were chosen based on criteria of populations between 8,500 and 50,000, job growth, cost of living, housing prices, education, arts, leisure activities, safety, diversity and health care. With these factors weighing in their favor, West Ranch residents can enjoy their community and be proud to hold this title for the second time in three years.

For the complete list of cities, visit http://money.cnn.com

Source: www.ci.friendswood.tx.us

CLEAR Starts Third Year at Friendswood I.S.D.

Greg Rivera — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Students at Friendswood Junior High and Friendswood High School have the opportunity to take a leadership role in reducing alcohol and substance abuse among youth in their community by becoming members of a student-led group called Clean Living Encouragement and Responsibility (CLEAR). By becoming members, they help to change student norms and perceptions by making others aware that the majority of students do not do drugs, but prefer to live a clean and clear life.

In order to assist students in their activity planning, schools must find teachers who will volunteer to become CLEAR sponsors.

"It is the mission of our schools to provoke quality instruction for our students in a safe and secure environment. These dedicated sponsors help us to secure and promote a healthy environment," Superintendent Trish Hanks said.

As CLEAR begins its third year at Friendswood I.S.D., educators have volunteered to serve as sponsors and have agreed to share some personal reasons for their commitment to Friendswood I.S.D. youth.

Tee Off At The 9th Annual Pink On The Green Golf Tournament

Greg Rivera — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

On Monday, October 12th, the charitable organization Julia F. Thompson, Inc. is having its 9th Annual Pink On The Green Golf Tournament.

This fundraising event will take place at the Timber Creek Golf Course on 4554 F.M. 2351 in Friendswood, Texas. Funds will help volunteers assist elementary school children with their reading skills, and secondary students with their math and science skills.

The competition will be heated, as the putting contest sponsored by Keller Williams Realty is awarding $5,000 to its winner. The Hole-in-One prize also raises the stakes by offering a chance to win a 2009 automobile, donated by Bayway Lincoln-Mercury.

The prices are $150 per golfer, $600 for a foursome, and $10 for the putting contest. Visit golfdigestplanner.com/11301-PINKONTHEGREEN to register for this event. For more information on the Julia F. Thompson, Inc. charity group and the event, visit their website at www.jftcharities.org.

Source: CultureMob.com and jtfcharities.org

Friendswood H.S. Gets Patriotic

Daphne Hager — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Friendswood High School students who want to show their love for
America aren't alone; the Patriot Club was formed at Friendswood
High School this year. The purpose of the club is to provide a
positive outlet for American patriotism and to encourage love of
America without partisan bias.

Membership is open to all Friendswood High School students
regardless of nationality, or political affiliation, in-line with
their mantra of non-partisan bias.

The Patriot Club activities proposed so far are participation
in the Fourth of July parade and festivities, raising money to
distribute small American flags during the Fourth of July parade,
and collecting money to replace worn flags for Friendswood
residents during patriotic holidays. They also plan on
assisting local homeowners and businesses with worn flag
disposal.

The founding president of the Patriot Club is senior Alex
Lovely, with Robert Wise acting as the faculty
sponsor/representative. They will host a minimum of quarterly
meetings of student membership. To learn more about this club
please call 281-992-0150.

West Ranch parents might consider encouraging their children
to look into this positive club. In Friendswood I.S.D., clubs and
extra-curricular activities that promote camaraderie, community
service, and learning are encouraged for all students to
consider!

Source: Chron.com

Back to School News: New Immunization Requirements for Texas Kids

Daphne Hager — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Texas kids are getting ready to go back to schools, and for many children, preparation includes getting a few more immunizations. This year, big changes have been made in immunization requirements which will impact incoming kindergarten and seventh grade students.
The changes to the requirements were made to bring Texas into line more closely with what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory committee on Immunization Practices recommend. These changes started on August 01 and include: Hepatitis A Vaccine: All students entering kindergarten will be required to have two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine.Measles, Mumps, Rubelle (MMR) Vaccine: All students entering kindergarten will be required to have two doses of the MMR vaccine.Varicella (chickenpox) Vaccine: All students entering kindergarten and 7th grade will be required to have two doses of the Varicella vaccine. However, a written statement from the parent/guardian, school nurse or physician attesting to the child already having had chickenpox may replace the vaccine.Tetanus, Diptheria and acellular pertussis-containing Vaccine (Tdap): All students entering 7th grade will be required to have one dose of Tdap vaccine. Students in the 7th grade are required to have a booster shot of Tdap only if it has been five years since their last dose. Students in grades 8-12 are required to have a booster shot of Tdap if it has been ten years or more since their previous dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine.Meningococcal Vaccine: All students entering 7th grade will be required to have one dose of meningococcal vaccine. For more information on immunization requirements for Texas kids:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/IMMUNIZE/

Friendswood I.S.D. is "Exemplary"

Daphne Hager — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

West Ranch community students will officially be attending school in an Exemplary school district this 2009-2010 school year. With the recent release of Texas Education Agency ratings, all six Friendswood Independent School District campuses earned Exemplary status - the highest ranking possible.

This accomplishment surpassed last years ratings, which left all six still Exemplary, but the district overall as "Recognized."

Superintendent Trish Hanks claimed Exemplary was a "very challenging" rating to receive, and attributed the district's success to continued concentration on helping at-risk students, additional planning time for teachers, and an increased number of students who reached the commended level of proficiency on the state assessment.

To receive an Exemplary rating, at least 90% of a school's students must score passing rates in reading, social studies, mathematics, and science on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test. Student subgroups at the high school level must also score a 90% passage rate in those four areas.

Learn more about the TEA's rating systems.

Source: Chron.com.