Walter Hall and Ed White E-STEM open applications for magnet schools

February 27th, 2020

The Walter Hall E-STEM and Ed White E-STEM magnet programs in Clear Creek ISD are now accepting applications for incoming kindergarten students for next school year.

E-STEM is an acronym for Elementary – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Students in E-STEM schools participate in a highly enriched curriculum that focuses on STEM subjects. They are expected to think critically and solve real-world problems. E-STEM schools have an increased focus on engineering through basic design application and technology that is infused throughout the entire curriculum.

The magnet programs accept kindergarten students who live outside the school’s attendance zone through a lottery system for the 2020-2021 school year. The application deadline is May 15, and the lottery selection for each school will take place on May 22. Incoming first through fifth grade students may also transfer into the programs through a first-come, first-served transfer request as space allows. The transfer application opens March 1. Transportation will not be provided for students outside of both attendance zones.

Parent information meetings are scheduled on the following dates:

Walter Hall Elementary
5931 Meadowside, League City, TX 77573
  • Wednesday, April 15 at 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 30 at 6 p.m.
Ed White Elementary
1708 Les Talley Dr., Seabrook, TX 77586
  • Thursday, April 23 at 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 5 at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Ed White liaison Amanda Hughes at [email protected] or Walter Hall liaison Laura Mackay at[email protected] For more information, visit www.ccisd.net/estemprogram

Clear Creek ISD unveils school start time options

October 30th, 2019

The Clear Creek School District School Start Committee is in the process of receiving public feedback regarding start time options for the 2020-2021 school year for elementary, intermediate and high school.

The committee of parents, students, medical professionals and CCISD staff have met on a weekly basis since Sept. 24, and examined available research on sleep patterns of youth of all ages, state instructional time requirements, current transportation operations and challenges, schedules of extracurricular and co-curricular programs, and survey results from students.

“The group was provided a great deal of information to process through,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Greg Smith said. “They were committed to the guidelines and charges to ensure student safety K-12, maximize student opportunities to participate in special programs from WAVE and Science Magnet to the arts and athletics, and consider public feedback all the while making efficient use of taxpayer resources. I am thankful for their attention to the task at hand.”

The committee reviewed several model schedules and used a nominal group exercise to narrow the recommendation from the five potential schedules below. The group operated on the board approved consensus model. “As we started to draft recommendations, we followed these requirements. There must be a minimum of 45 minutes between school start times by level.  The school year must be 75,600 minutes by state law.  Finally, intermediate schools need to remain the last start time due to magnet transportation to six of the ten magnet schools,” said Rene Falls, committee chairman and parent.

ElementaryIntermediateHigh School
Current7:55 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.8:40 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.7:10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Model 18:15 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.9:00 a.m. – 4:20 p.m.7:30 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
Model 27:30 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.9:00 a.m. – 4:20 p.m.8:15 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.
Model 38:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.9:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.7:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Model 47:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.9:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

 

The group narrowed its options to three models, the current schedule, Model 1 and Model 4. Through another nominal group exercise, the current schedule and Model 1 emerged as the majority options to bring forward for public input. “After much discussion, the committee was unable to reach consensus on a single recommendation.  A large portion of the committee wanted to keep the current schedule and slightly smaller portion of the committee wanted to adjust the current schedule by 20 minutes,” said Falls.

ElementaryIntermediateHigh School
Current7:55 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.8:40 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.7:10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Model 18:15 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.9:00 a.m. – 4:20 p.m.7:30 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.

 

These two options are open for public feedback. A public hearing was held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 and can be viewed online. The public can still provide their feedback electronically through the district’s website. The committee will make a final recommendation to present to the Clear Creek ISD School Board on Nov. 11, 2019. The Clear Creek ISD School Board will make the final decision on Monday, Nov. 18, 2019 during its regular school board meeting.

Visit the committee’s website for more information.

CCISD opens new school

September 3rd, 2019

New Florence Campbell Elementary School in League City

By Mary Alys Cherry

As thousands of Bay Area students started a new school year, Clear Creek ISD opened its newest campus, Florence Campbell Elementary, in League City Aug. 19 with some 600 students calling it home.

CCISD’s newest school is named for Florence Campbell, a longtime educator within the District, and the mother of Travis Campbell, whose family donated the land on which the campus was built in her honor.

District officials said the new $43 million school was built to address the extreme overcrowding conditions down the road at Hall Elementary and throughout the western part of League City. Although enrollment initially is 600, the school has a capacity for 1,000 students.

Galveston-Brazoria Cooperative for the Hearing Impaired (GBCHI) students, formerly housed at Gilmore Elementary, are being relocated to their brand-new building on the Campbell campus.

Along with the new GBCHI building, some of the other features of CCISD’s 27th elementary school include designated collaborative and creative spaces for each grade level and an expanded stacking lane for vehicles in an effort to move cars off the main thoroughfares.

“The soil on the land in which we stand today will really go about planting the seeds of the future of tomorrow,” Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith said at the groundbreaking for the new school April 18, 2018. “I am confident that the students who will attend Florence Campbell Elementary will in fact experience the critical virtues of a strong public education and chart new pathways for learning.”

VLK architects designed the new school, which was built by general contractor Drymalla Construction and was part of the 2017 CCISD Bond program.

CCISD announces free and reduced meal guidelines for the 2019-2020 school year

August 8th, 2019

Clear Creek ISD students who are unable to afford the full price of school meals will be able to participate in a free and reduced-price meal program. According to Fred Walker, Director of Child Nutrition Service, the District will use guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to determine eligibility for participation in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program. Reduced price meals will cost $0.30 for breakfast and $0.40 for lunch.

Qualification standards are based on the number of family members and income. Applicants must turn in the following information in order to be considered for the program:

  • Eligibility Determination Group  number for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

Families who do not have the above information must list the following:

  • Names of all household members
  • The last four digits of the Social Security number of primary wage earner or household member who signs the form
  • Last month’s income and how often it was received for each household member that receives an income
  • Signature of an adult household member

Information submitted on the application may be verified as required by law. For more information about the program call 281-284-0712.

Foster children, who are the legal responsibility of the state agency or court, are eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Applications will be available online at www.schoolcafe.com. To apply for free and reduced‐price meals, households must fill out the online application. Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced‐price meal policy, Rebecca Coronado, Free & Reduced Clerk, will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the reviewing official on an informal basis at 281-284-0712.

Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally by calling 281-284-0700 or in writing to Child Nutrition Hearing Official, 2145 West NASA Blvd, Webster, TX 77598.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact Child Nutrition. Such changes may make the students of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the levels shown below:

Non-discrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email:[email protected].

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Clear Creek ISD teachers and staff get generous pay hike

August 1st, 2019

The Clear Creek School District has announced a significant compensation package for its nearly 5,000 employees — a package that includes a 4% to 9.49% pay raise for classroom teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses, new competitive hourly rate for school bus drivers, an increase in the district’s contribution to employee health care premiums and an across the board 3.5% increase for all other employees.

“The success of our school district is contingent on recruiting and retaining a high quality staff,” said Dr. Greg Smith, superintendent of schools. “This board-approved compensation package reflects our commitment to our employees and ensures Clear Creek ISD is a destination for those who have a heart for children.”

On Monday, July 22, the Clear Creek School Board unanimously approved $11.3 million in direct salary increases for existing employees as well as $370,000 to offset the rising cost of healthcare premiums for those employees on TRSActive Care. As part of the overall compensation package, the district will also increase the starting salary for teachers from $53,600 to $55,750.

Under House Bill 3, the Texas Legislature approved new funding for public education. Clear Creek ISD is projected to receive $14.7 million in additional school funding. The school district is investing more than $14.2 million of that increase in employees through pay raises, health care contributions, starting salaries, and new staff for a growing school district.

“The board is pleased to far surpass the legal requirements under House Bill 3. The school board values each employee, from our bus drivers to our teachers. We know what they do every day positively impacts children’s lives,” said Board President Dr. Laura DuPont.

CCISD honors community partners, names its Volunteers of the Year

June 1st, 2019

CCISD Assistant Director of Marketing Eva deCardenas, left, and Stewart Elementary Principal Dr. Britani Moses, right, present Brandon Williams with the award for 2019 Elementary Volunteer of the Year. He is joined by his wife, Erin Williams, and daughters, Ally and Avery.

Clear Creek ISD paid tribute to the many community partners and volunteers who were a big part of the success of its students and schools over the past year during a Texas-sized Volunteer and Partnership Roundup.

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital was named the Community Partner of the Year, Brandon Williams as the Elementary Volunteer of the Year and Tim Kropp as Secondary Volunteer of the Year.

As the special guests entered the Challenger Columbia Stadium fieldhouse, they were greeted by cattle and their student owners who are members of the CCISD FFA program and represented every chapter in the District. In keeping with the roundup theme of the morning, the Mossman Elementary second grade choir, directed by JoAnn Burke, sang and performed a musical medley of western selections, complete with square dancing to entertain the crowd.

“Our principals and other leaders you see in the room today know that our district – our campuses – would look very different today without your muscle, minds and monetary support,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Greg Smith said during opening remarks.

70TH YEAR
In a community impact report, Smith traced the history and growth of Clear Creek ISD in this, the District’s 70th anniversary year. He then stepped through the past year’s challenges and successes and directly tied volunteers and partners to many positive outcomes. Smith remembered the Santa Fe and Parkland tragedies and shared how the CCISD community supported the Santa Fe family and rallied around improved crisis prevention and preparedness.

“This effort drew together parents and students, law enforcement and legislators, rallying as one for the sake of student safety,” Smith said.

In announcing Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital as the Community Partner of the Year, Smith pointed out that in addition to the nearly 30 years of support of the District’s student athletes through the hospital’s athletic trainers and expertise, Houston Methodist has demonstrated a deep commitment to the mission and expansion of The Leader In Me program at CCISD schools.

“We wanted to deepen our existing partnerships with CCISD and we saw a way to do that through The Leader In Me program,” said Houston Methodist Clear Lake Chief Executive Officer, Dan Newman.“This program changes our community so we are very excited to be a part of something that is so transformative for our students and this community.”

TOP VOLUNTEERS
After announcing the Volunteer of the Year at each campus, the District announced Brandon Williams from Stewart Elementary, and Tim Kropp from Clear View High School as the Elementary and Secondary Volunteers of the Year, respectively.

Williams was hailed for his commitment to support Stewart Elementary student safety over the past year’s significant renovations taking place on that campus. In addition to serving as a Watch D.O.G.S. parent for several years, Williams saw the campus was in need of help during the construction phase and began coming to the school every morning before heading to work to help with student drop off in the car rider line. “His dedication and calm and supporting demeanor has been encouraging for the parents, our staff and students,” said Stewart Principal Dr. Britani Moses. “In fact, sometimes people think he is an employee at our school!”

A Space Center Rotarian, Kropp was described as someone who understands the value of service to the community and leadership development, especially for the students of Clear View High School. Kropp, a former high school Interact member himself, is the Interact Rotarian Sponsor for that campus. Interact clubs bring together Rotarians with young people to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. The students of Clear View High School benefit immensely from Kropp’s caring involvement in other aspects of student life as well, from providing scholarships and paying for club t-shirts to collecting funds to help make prom memorable for students who may need a little help.

STUDENT GRATEFUL
Clear View High School senior, Jade Brown, made the surprise announcement in front of the crowd of more than 200. “It is because of Mr. Kropp that recently I was able to go to a student conference for NewGen Peacebuilders,” Brown said. “That two-day conference really impacted me. It made me realize that even though we come from different places and backgrounds, we can still work successfully towards a common goal. Without him, I never would have gotten to experience that.”

The morning celebration concluded with Clear Creek Community Council (CCCC) of PTAs President Laura Varley, announcing the campus with the highest number of PTA members, Bauerschlag Elementary. Principal Kelly Chapman accepted the award on behalf of her campus. Varley also announced that the CCCC of PTAs had earned the Diamond Membership Award from the Texas PTA, which is achieved when 100% of a council’s PTAs experience an increase in membership.

The 2019 Volunteer and Partnership Breakfast was made possible by event sponsors Balfour, Photo Texas Photography and T-Shirt Trends.

Clear View High School senior Jade Brown, left, surprised Tim Kropp with the 2019 Secondary Volunteer of the Year Award. He is joined by his wife, Debbie Kropp, and Clear View High School Principal Monica Speaks, right.

Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith, right, congratulates Houston Methodist Clear Lake Chief Executive Officer Dan Newman. Houston Methodist Clear Lake, who was named the 2019 CCISD Community Partner of the Year.

Boeing awards $100,000 grant to expand Makerspaces in CCISD intermediate schools

March 4th, 2019

Boeing presents the Clear Creek Education Foundation with a $100,000 grant to fund Makerspaces at all 10 CCISD intermediate schools. Pictured, from left, are CCISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith, Boeing Global Engagement official Dayni Alba, Boeing ISS Program Manager and Houston Site Leader Mark Mulqueen and Clear Creek Education Foundation Executive Director Deborah Laine.

The Boeing Company: Houston, has generously awarded The Clear Creek Education Foundation a $100,000 grant to expand Makerspaces at all 10 intermediate schools in the Clear Creek Independent School District, making it the largest grant awarded in this region by Boeing.

Makerspaces are the center of innovation and these hands-on centers will expose students to subject matter that is typically taught in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) classes at the secondary level. The labs are specially designed to accommodate the needs of students taking on the challenge of learning cutting edge technology and engineering skills.

Libraries have always been the place to get a book, do research and spend time reading in quiet place. Today’s libraries still have those areas, but now with so much more. When you walk into CCISD libraries you see exploration, collaboration and creation. Students are utilizing 3D printers to create prototypes, leading classes and groups on robotic component design, Minecraft and coding. Students are flying drones, composing music on digital audio systems and using green screens to illustrate content knowledge such as scientific processes and animation.

School libraries have been transitioning from the “traditional” library to these learning commons and CCEF has been an instrumental partner in transforming these libraries. In the last three years, CCEF has funded 17 grants in variety of forms to teachers and students either developing or enhancing Makerspaces at their campus, totaling over $54,000 and impacting over 22,000 students each year.

Skills such as creation, exploration and innovation have now become part of state and national standards making the growing demand of these learning hubs apparent in CCISD. Funding from Boeing will provide Makerspace tools in all 10 intermediate schools focusing on the following concepts: Design and Production, Coding/Robotics and Real-World Challenges.

“Clear Creek ISD proves daily the success they’re having educating our kids. When community leaders, like The Boeing Company, share our vision to provide innovation, then we’ve all done our work,” CCEF Executive Director Deborah Laine said. “We’re fortunate to have such a strong bond and shared vision with our community partners.”

“CCISD’s innovative Makerspaces put STEAM concepts in action by providing experiential learning for students,” said Dayni Alba, Boeing Global Engagement. “We’re excited to partner with CCEF to bring more Makerspaces to their schools and inspire students to explore cutting-edge technology.”

CCISD boundary panel changes some final recommendations

February 13th, 2019

Based on public input and further review, the Clear Creek ISD School Boundary Advisory Committee pulled back on several original boundary change recommendations for the 2019-2020 school year, moved forward with all high school boundary proposals and made some revisions for the elementary school recommendations.

Intermediate Schools

The Committee withdrew all of the original intermediate school changes, with one exception. The Coronado Apartments will still move to Clear Creek Intermediate to maintain a clean feeder from Ferguson Elementary, Clear Creek Intermediate and Clear Creek High School. There will be no other changes to the CCISD intermediate school boundaries.

Elementary Schools

The Committee withdrew its recommendation to move students from Parr Elementary to League City Elementary. The students who reside in Pecan Grove will remain at Parr Elementary. The Committee revised its recommendation to move students from North Pointe Elementary to Ward Elementary. Under the revised recommendation, College Park will stay at North Pointe Elementary and Stillwater Cove will move to Ward Elementary.

High School Changes

The Committee maintained all of its original boundary change recommendations. The District will implement high school boundary changes with the incoming 9th grade class. Students will stay at their current high school through graduation. Transportation will be provided for both the current high school students as well as the incoming 9th graders to the new high school campus. Click here for more information.

WAVE Magnet Alignment

WAVE attendance zones are determined by a student’s high school feeder pattern. If an incoming 6th grade WAVE student and/or current WAVE student has had a change in his/her high school feeder pattern, he/she may now have a change in their WAVE campus for the 2019-2020 school year. For example, if you reside in the Kirby Woods Subdivision and attend WAVE, you will move to WAVE North (Westbrook) next year versus staying at WAVE South (League City Intermediate). Similarly, all of Greene Elementary will be moved to Clear Brook High School under this proposal, meaning any WAVE students who live in the Greene Elementary zone will now move to WAVE North (Westbrook Intermediate). If an existing WAVE student would like to stay at his/her current WAVE campus versus moving to the new WAVE campus, an intradistrict transfer request should be made. The intradistrict transfer process does not open until March 1, 2019. Click here for intradistrict transfer information. Transfer requests must be filed annually.

WAVE North (Westbrook Intermediate)
Clear Brook High School
Clear Lake High School
WAVE South (League City Intermediate)
Clear Creek High School
Clear Falls High School
Clear Springs High School

Visit www.ccisd.net/sbac to see the full list of maps for the final recommendations, which were considered for approval by the school board at its Feb.25 meeting. All approved boundary recommendations will go into effect for the 2019-2020 school year.

CCISD launches Special Ed Parent Advisory Committee

November 2nd, 2018

The Clear Creek School District is seeking parent participation in the newly formed Special Education Parent Advisory Committee.

This committee will be comprised of one parent of a special education student from each of school, 44 CCISD parents. The group will meet quarterly with the CCISD superintendent, special services executive director, and other pertinent staff members to discuss topics and services related to special education.

“We are excited about this additional layer of communication and two-way partnership with our families,” said Superintendent of Schools Greg Smith. “Clear Creek ISD is already home to the first Special Education PTA in Texas, and this committee will serve as another avenue to deepen our shared commitment for students with special needs.”

The working guidelines for this committee are to consider the best interest of each student, value the perspective of each committee member, work as a team to examine services, practices and recommend improvements, and serve the needs of each student receiving special education services, Dr. Smith explained.

Applications are due no later than Nov. 14, 2018. A lottery drawing for each campus representative will be held on Nov. 15. Click here to apply. Parents should select the school in which their child attends. The group’s first meeting will be held on Thursday evening, Nov. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.

CCISD forming boundary advisory committee

September 3rd, 2018

Clear Creek ISD is forming a School Boundary Advisory Committee to develop and present new boundary recommendations to the District’s Board of Trustees for Florence Campbell Elementary, which is scheduled to open in August 2019.

The panel will also propose elementary, intermediate and high school attendance zones to relieve overcrowding where feasible.

Anyone interested in volunteering his or her time may submit information online here or visit www.ccisd.net.  CCISD employees are not eligible to serve on the committee. All members shall be selected by random drawing in accordance with CCISD policy, FC (Local).

The deadline to apply to be on the committee is Sept. 26. A random drawing, based on membership criteria of policy FC Local, will occur on Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m.

Committee meeting dates will be:

  • Oct.17, 2018   
  • Oct. 24, 2018    
  • Nov. 7, 2018 
  • Nov. 14, 2018 
  • Nov. 28, 2018 
  • Dec. 5, 2018  
  • Dec.12, 2018 
  • Jan. 31, 2019

All meetings will begin at 6 p.m. and will held at the CCISD Education Support Center, 2425 E. Main St. in League City.

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