SSISD Board Adopts Resolution Opposing A-F Accountability Rating System for School Districts
Sulphur Springs School Board adopted a resolution opposing the A-F Accountability Rating for Texas Schools. Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams presented the resolution to the board Monday night during their March session stating the local district has met standards. However, he noted the A-F system does not give an accurate picture of SSISD. The resolution calls for the repeal of the rating system and requests that each local school district in the state be allowed to develop their own rating system that meets state standards. Almost one-half of the number of school districts in Texas has made the same request.
As the Texas legislature reviews the rating system, the local district resolution will be presented along with others. The local resolution states:
WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature has enacted legislation that requires the Commissioner of Education to implement a public school rating system that would assign A through F grades to schools and districts beginning with the 2017-18 school year; and
WHEREAS, at least 16 states have implemented a similar rating system utilizing A through F grades for schools and districts and, to date, there is no definitive research that suggests these ratings have improved student or school performance; and
WHEREAS, in a recent statewide survey conducted by the State Board of Education, an overwhelming majority of Texans do not want high-stakes, standardized test scores to serve as the primary basis for a public school rating system; and
WHEREAS, the majority (55%) of the A through F grades are based on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR), a high-stakes, standardized test that does not accurately measure student learning; and
WHEREAS, the STAAR provides little meaningful information to guide student learning, inform teachers or report academic progress to parents; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner’s proposed rating system utilizing A through F grades for schools and districts includes five domains and numerous unrelated indicators to determine a single grade, leaving the public with an invalid, disconnected reflection of school quality; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner’s proposed rating system utilizing A through F grades for schools, and districts creates a false impression about students, ignores the unique strengths of each school, and unfairly reduces each student’s worth to the school’s assigned grade; and
WHEREAS, we believe in the tenets set out in Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas (TASA, 2008) and our goal is to transform education in Sulphur Springs ISD in accordance with these tenets; and
WHEREAS, we embrace meaningful accountability that informs students, parents, and teachers about the learning needs of each student and each school; and
WHEREAS, we believe our state’s future prosperity relies on a high-quality education system that prepares students for college and careers, and without such a system Texas’ economic competitiveness and ability to attract new business will falter; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees calls on the Texas Legislature to repeal the rating system utilizing A through F grades for schools and districts and develop a community-based accountability system that empowers school districts to design their own internal systems of assessment and accountability that, while meeting general state standards, allows districts to innovate and customize curriculum and instruction to meet the needs and interests of each student and their communities; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this new system should reduce the use of high-stakes, standardized tests, encompass multiple assessments, reflect greater validity, and, more accurately reflect what students know and can do in terms of the rigorous standards.
Back in Hopkins County Jail
Valirie Ann Hicks, 34, of Pittsburg was transferred from Titus County to Hopkins County Jail. Hicks was arrested on three warrants issued by the Eighth Judicial District Court and one issued by the County Court. She has been in Hopkins County Jail previously.
Hicks was one of two women arrested in Sulphur Springs in January 2016 by Hopkins County officers for prostitution and drugs. They journeyed from Titus County to Hopkins County at that time thinking they were meeting customers. Instead, they were introduced to Hopkins County Investigators and Deputies who made the arrest. She was also arrested in March, 2016 on Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 charges.
Hicks was indicted in May, 2016 on one count of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance less than 1 gram, one count of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, and for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance less than 28 grams. In March 2016, she was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 under 1-gram.
Hicks is in Hopkins County Jail being held on $55,500 in bonds.
Aggravated Assault Disturbance Endangered Child
A disturbance that began at Broadway Street led to Parkins Street ended at 4:23 p.m. Wednesday with the arrest of Paul Edward Watson, Jr., 47, of Sulphur Springs.
During the investigation of the disturbance, Watson became belligerent and combative. He used loud profanity with neighbors and children present making it impossible for the Sulphur Springs Police Officer to continue the investigation. The officer secured Watson in handcuffs but Watson did not give up. The officer held him to the ground until Watson calmed.
It was found that Watson had caused a crash following a disturbance by ramming and pushing the victims vehicle into traffic on Broadway. The victim’s one year old child was also inside the vehicle when it was pushed into traffic.
Watson complained of chest pains and EMS was called. He was taken to the Emergency Room at CHRISTUS Mother Frances in Sulphur Springs prior to being taken to jail.
Watson is charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Abandon Endanger Child Criminal Negligence, and Resist Arrest Search or Transport. He is being held on a total of $42,000 in bonds.
WATSON,PAUL EUGENE JR
Oxford Withdraws From Council Race; Name Will be on Ballot
According to City staff, perennial candidate for Sulphur Springs City Council Charles Oxford has withdrawn from the race for Place 6 but his name will remain on the ballot. Oxford withdrew from the race two days after the deadline that would have kept his name off the ballot.
Oxford personally conveyed his withdrawal to City staff this week. However, he did not fill out paperwork stating that he was tired of paperwork, according to one city source.
Oxford had filed for Place 6 after incumbent Kayla Price announced she would not seek re-election to free her time to pursue other interests including family and professional endeavors. He would have faced former council member Brad Burgin and SSISD Director of Maintenance Dan Froneberger.
Oxford, who was elected to one term on the council but has been unsuccessful since that win has campaigned against current council members including Place 4 Freddie Taylor and Place 3 Oscar Aguilar.
KSST News will seek a statement from Mr. Oxford regarding his withdrawal from the election.
Chamber Connection-March 9, 2017
It’s time for the Spring Fever Bike Rally!!! Saturday, March 11th is the date for the Spring Fever Bike Rally. Hopkins County will be expecting 500-600 cyclists who will ride in either a 10 mile, 25 mile, 38 mile, or 58 mile ride. Matt Dunn will be providing entertainment on Celebration Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so either sign up to ride in the rally, or come out and cheer on these athletes!! It’s an entertaining day in Hopkins County! For additional information, visit our NEW website www.hopkinschamber.org!
Solar Nails & Spa will host their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Tuesday, March 14th at noon
Solar Nails and Spa, located at 1335 S. Broadway in Sulphur Springs, will host their ribbon cutting on Tuesday, March 14th at noon. Please mark your calendar and plan to come by to celebrate with Solar Nails & Spa!
| Hunt County Regional is offering March Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt County Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on March 23rd in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. All insurances accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. They can also help with payment resources for uninsured/income-eligible women or those who choose to pay cash. For help with payment resources please call The Bridge Breast Network at (214) 821-3820 x 21.To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is offering Parenting Connections Classes Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is offering “Parenting Connections”, a 4-lesson series on Child Growth & Development, Parent-Child Communication, Positive Discipline, and Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem. The series (2 lessons per session) will be held on Thursday, March 23 and Thursday, March 30, 6:00 p.m., at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston, Sulphur Springs. Please call 903-885-3443 to enroll. |
Wesley United Methodist Church will host Free AARP Tax Aid on Saturdays until April 8th
Wesley United Methodist Church will host free AARP Tax Aide starting this Saturday, February 4th, from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will complete your taxes for free every Saturday and Tuesday until April 8th. Each tax preparation day will last from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church is located at 614 Texas Street in Sulphur Springs.
Hopkins County Fall Festival is Hosting the Circus!
The Hopkins County Fall Festival is hosting the Kelly Miller Circus on Tuesday, March 21st at 4:30pm and 7:30pm, and Wednesday, March 22nd, at 7:30pm. The Big Top performances will be on the Civic Center grounds. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce!
Ribbon Cuttings:
Plain & Fancy hosted their 20 Year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting on Friday, March 3rd
Plain and Fancy hosted their 20 Year Ribbon Cutting Celebration and Open House on Friday, March 3rd from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They offered a free dessert bar that night! We were happy to celebrate 20 years of success with Plain & Fancy!
Lil’ 4’s Club hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Saturday, March 4th at noon
Lil’s 4’s Club, a tutoring and mentoring company in Sulphur Springs, hosted their ribbon cutting and grand opening on Saturday, March 4th, at noon. They are located at 200 Fuller Street in Sulphur Springs. Welcome Lil’ 4’s to your new building and the Chamber family!
Come support the 2017 Spring Fever Bike Rally and cheer on the finishers. We’ll be on Celebration Plaza until 2 p.m. See you there!
Lezley Brown
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
Lady Trojans Fall to 1-1 in District Following Loss to Bland
The Cumby Lady Trojans fell to 1-1 in district play Wednesday to the visiting Bland Lady Tigers 4-15.
Carly Talley pitched for the Lady Trojans giving up 4 walks but striking out 6. The Lady Trojans struggled defensively with 5 errors. Sydney Spillers made great defensive plays at short stop as did Martina Gonzalez in right field.
Offensively, Alyssa Morgan went 2 for 3 with a 2 RBI single and an RBI double, and defensively caught two balls in centerfield and later in the game made terrific snags at first base. Paige Seely went 1 for 3 with a single, and Bailey Busby was 1 for 2 with a single and a walk. Talley went 1-2 with an RBI double, and Laura Rector went 2-3 with two singles. Harley McLarry was 1-2 with a single and a walk. Alysse Bullock had the hardest hit of the night with a line drive snagged by Bland’s second baseman.
Next up for the Lady Trojans is Wolfe City Friday at 4:30 in Wolfe City.
softball
A & M University-Commerce Receives National Science Foundation Grant
COMMERCE, TX—The National Science Foundation has awarded Texas A&M University-Commerce a $295,000 grant in support of the university’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program for 2017-2020. The REU program at A&M-Commerce, started in 2006, is a 10-week summer program that immerses students from community colleges in chemistry-related novel research. The training includes lab skills, instrumentation techniques, technical writing, presentation skills, research ethics, how to approach new investigations, and more.
“It’s a great satisfaction to see that the REU program at A&M-Commerce continues to be funded by the National Science Foundation for the last decade and for more years to come,” said Dr. Ben Jang, the Regents Professor of Chemistry for the university. “Our program is an important innovation training, education, and outreach effort for the best community college students in the Northeast Texas region.”
While going through the REU program, the community college students that have been selected stay on campus, undertaking intensive research and also taking field trips to visit industry professionals in places like Longview’s Eastman Chemicals, the University of Texas-Southwestern campus in Dallas, Texas Instrument in Richardson, and Alcon in Fort Worth.
For the past several years, students who had completed the REU program have also returned to the university, had luncheons with current REU students and talked about their experiences and about how their careers have progressed in the time since they successfully finished the program.
The new 2017-2020 REU project, starting summer 2017, will be under the direction of Dr. Ben Jang and Dr. Stephen D. Starnes, who both serve in the university’s Department of Chemistry.
PJC-Sulphur Springs Spring Break March 13-17
A REVIEW PJC- Sulphur Springs Center Psychology Instructor Marla Elliott discusses the day’s lesson as Sarah Leach and other class members listen and participate. The campus will be closed for spring break during the week of March 13-17.
