Beaumont ISD Articles RSS Feed

Jones Clark Town Hall Meeting

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Jones-Clark Playground Committee has been in several meetings with community members, parents and City of Beaumont officials regarding the construction of a Community Recreation Area at Jones-Clark (Jones-Clark Community Park) that would be open not only to Jones-Clark students but the community as well during designated hours. The proposed plan would consist of an: asphalt track, basketball court and gazebo and possibly playground equipment. A grant is being written through the Community Development Block Grant which is available to low to moderate income neighborhoods, of which Jones-Clark Elementary would be eligible based on this criteria. If approved, we also have to fund 25% of the requested amount and the amount of the grant will not be enough, so additional grants and monies will have to be raised and written. A Town Hall meeting to explain the project to the community, parents, faculty, staff, students, etc. will be held Thursday, Feb. 9 at 6:00 in the cafeteria. Beginning at 5:30, PTA meeting, 5:45 STAAR Family meeting( information on the STAAR test will be discussed and given (tickets will be given for pizza and a drink for participants, and at 6:00 the Town Hall meeting. The grants coordinator, Cheryl Robinson, will be here as well, to explain the grant to the public and believes the grant would have a greater chance of approval with community collaboration. Other invitees are: Mayor Becky Ames, Councilmen Audwin Samuel and Jamie Smith, BISD Board of Trustee Terry Williams, Commissioner Bo Alfred, community activists (Rev.Oveal Walker), parents, and other dignitaries. Please let this email serve as an invitation. Your attendance would be greatly appreciated. This proposed park would benefit not only students and faculty toward healthier living, but community members as well.

8-Feb-12 11:00 PM

Dr. Thomas Named to Texas A&M Dean's Roundtable

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Beaumont ISD Superintendent Dr. Carrol A. Thomas is one of a select group of educators from across Texas to be named to the Dean’s Roundtable at Texas A&M University.

Dr. Thomas will be honored by the school’s College of Education and Human Development on May 4. Dr. Thomas and the other honorees were named to the Dean’s Roundtable because they excel in their chosen profession and serve as role models for students, their peers, mentors for new education professionals and leaders in their respective communities.

Dr. Thomas has served as superintendent of schools in Beaumont ISD since 1996. He recently announced his retirement, effective January 2013. When Dr. Thomas came to BISD, the school district was one of the lowest performing districts in the state. Under his direction, the district achieved a "recognized" rating in 2001, 2009 and 2010 and has also gone from having only one campus receiving state recognition in 1996 to seven exemplary campuses, 10 recognized campuses and 10 academically acceptable campuses in 2011.

BISD attained exemplary ratings in writing, social studies and dropout rate and recognized ratings in math, completion rate, reading and science.

Dr. Thomas led BISD through a $100+ million hurricane recovery operation and is wrapping up a $389 million bond issue for facilities improvement. Five new campuses have opened this school year with a sixth on deck to open this spring. BISD is one of the most fiscally fit districts in Texas and continues to garner millions of dollars in grants to compliment its budget for its 20,000 students and more than 3,000 employees.

Dr. Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&I University, his superintendent’s certificate from Texas Tech University and his doctorate from Texas Southern University.

24-Jan-12 3:00 PM

After 16 Years of Service Dr. Carrol A. Thomas Announces Plans for Retirement

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Dr. Carrol A. Thomas, Superintendent for the Beaumont Independent School District, announced his plans for retirement effective after the first semester of the 2012-2013 school year at a board meeting held on January 19, 2012.

The complete text of Dr. Thomas' letter to the board of trustees can be found at the link below:

Letter to the Board of Trustees

Throughout Dr. Thomas' tenure there have been many accomplishments. Click the link below for a listing of the district's most recent accomplishments below:

District Accomplishments

Bio of Dr. Carrol A. Thomas

19-Jan-12 10:00 PM

Martin Elementary Principal Martha Fowler receives the national honor designating Martin as a national Blue Ribbon School

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Campus administrators from Martin Elementary were joined by BISD Administrators on Monday morning in Austin as the Texas Education Agency recognized the 2011 Blue Ribbon Schools throughout the state.

Congratulations Principal Martha Fowler on receiving the National Blue Ribbon Schools award for Martin Elementary!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-_7xd1TZa4

http://youtu.be/4KxZesbd0eY

17-Jan-12 10:00 AM

Ozen coaches honored by Southeast Texas Coaches Association

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Ozen High School Girls Basketball Coach Tammy Brown and Girl Track Coach Sandra Jones will be honored by the Southeast Texas Coaches Association at the “Class of 2012” luncheon on Jan. 28 at the Holiday Inn, 2929 Jimmy Johnson Blvd.

Brown led the Lady Panthers to the state semifinals for the first time in school history. Jones led the Lady Panthers girls track team to the first state title in school history. Each will be honored as the “Coach of the Year” in their respective sport.

“It’s quite an honor to be named ‘Coach of the Year’ in your sport. Both of these ladies are deserving of that honor for leading their teams to new heights for Ozen High School,” said Rodney Saveat, director of athletics.

The luncheon will begin at noon at the Holiday Inn Ball Room while the facility will be open at 11:00 a.m. Tickets for the event are $15.00 to the public.

17-Jan-12 9:00 AM

C-SPAN Visits Ozen High School

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

The video production class at Ozen got quite a surprise on Tuesday when a group from C-SPAN stopped by to speak to them and answer their questions.

The visit coincided with a tour that is meant to feature the history and literary life of the city on an upcoming series on the cable network's new non-fiction book channel called BookTV and history channel called American History TV.

Camille Briggs, Ozen’s video production teacher, said, “The representatives from C-SPAN were extremely impressed with our students. Their conduct and questions were exemplary. We represented BISD very well. “ Briggs also said, “being able to hear from and ask questions of those who have ‘real-world’ experience is a great opportunity for the students.”

The video production class at Ozen teaches filming, editing, on-camera experience, and many other aspects of video production. The class is very popular among the students and is very active in producing quality work for Beaumont ISD, much of which can be found in the WebTV area of the BISD homepage under “video on demand.”

11-Jan-12 8:00 AM

West Brook Band Students Place at TMEA Region Tryouts

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:00:00 GMT

The following students from West Brook High School were selected from more than 800 candidates for the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Region 10 All-Region Band. Region 10 encompasses an eight-county area of Southeast Texas. These students will perform with the TMEA Region 10 All Region Bands in concert at the Performing Arts Center, Nederland, Texas, Jan. 14, 2012 at 5 p.m.

- Lisa Sterling - Flute
- LaKeisha Fontenot - Flute
- Daliwealth Chou - Flute
- Alisha Morgan - Bassoon
- Mary Charlotte Carroll - Bb Clarinet
- Andre Woodard - Bb Clarinet
- Dason Fernandez - Bb Clarinet
- Victor Trujillo - Bb Clarinet
- Angela Tsai - Bb Clarinet
- Korinne West - Bb Clarinet
- Connor Vershel - Alto Sax
- Anthony Woodard - Alto Sax, Alternate - Levi Snowden - Baritone Sax
- Jason Hatton - Trumpet
- Adrian Woodard - Trumpet
- Denzel Richard - Tuba

Students placing in the top of their sections are granted the option of performing with the Region 10 All Region Orchestra, Jan. 21, 2012 at Nederland High School. Students accepting these positions are:

- Alisha Morgan - Bassoon
- Jason Hatton - Trumpet
- Adrian Woodard - Trumpet - Denzel Richard - Tuba

Other students placing in the top of their sections are selected for Area Winds and Percussion to further audition for the 5A All State Bands and 5A All State Orchestras. The following students will audition on Jan. 7, 2012 at Lamar University. This Area encompasses Regions 9, 10, 17, and 19:

- Lisa Sterling - Flute
- Alisha Morgan - Bassoon
- Mary Charlotte Carroll - Bb Clarinet - Andre Woodard - Bb Clarinet
- Dason Fernandez - Bb Clarinet
- Victor Trujillo - Bb Clarinet
- Angela Tsai - Bb Clarinet
- Levi Snowden - Baritone Sax
- Jason Hatton - Trumpet
- Adrian Woodard - Trumpet
- Denzel Richard - Tuba
- John Williams - Percussion

14-Dec-11 8:00 AM

Public Weighs in on Redistricting Maps

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:00:00 GMT

http://www.12newsnow.com/category/177961/video?clipId=6519637&topVideoCatNo=177960&autoStart=true

7-Dec-11 9:00 AM

Board of Trustees Gathers Input on Redistricting

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:00:00 GMT

The Board of Trustees recently held several Public Forums during the first week of December to gather input on the redistricting plans for the BISD Board of Trustees.

Information about the plans that Trustees are considering may be found by clicking on this link:
http://www.bmtisd.com/bisd-board-demogr/2011-10-25/

29-Nov-11 2:00 PM

BISD Schools Earn 71 TEA Gold Commendations

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:15:00 GMT

News Release

November 11, 2011

BISD Schools Earn 71 TEA Gold Commendations

11-Nov-11 11:15 AM

Beaumont ISD named 2011 Top Workplace by Houston Chronicle

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Sunday’s Houston Chronicle lists Beaumont Independent School District as one of the region’s top workplaces. Nearly 55,000 Southeast Texas employees (including more than 2,000 BISD teachers, staff and administrators) weighed in with opinions for this year’s Top Workplaces section of the annual list. The respondents rated their organizations in areas as opportunities for advancement, the value of their pay and benefits, and their bosses’ communication and management skills. The Chronicle selected the top 100 best places to work, ranking BISD as number 23 in the large organizations (more than 500 employees).

According to the Chronicle, Top Workplaces are organizations that provide their employees with a great place to work. Companies and organizations appearing in the list are selected based on results of responses by employees. The survey assessments were completed by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC. Top Workplaces are about more than just perks. They are about a better way of doing business. Extensive research has shown that employees want to be part of something meaningful, where they can contribute and give their best. Top Workplaces recognize that having an inclusive approach means they can be more innovative, operate more ethically and serve customers better.

Hosted by 28 major regional newspapers located in metropolitan areas across America, more than 1.5 million employees have answered 24 questions about their place of work.
Sybil Comeaux, executive director of personnel at BISD, said Top Workplaces is a stamp of approval from employees. This vote of confidence is a powerful indicator to parents, taxpayers, students and the community at large that the BISD has strong values underpinning our work in educating children. “I think it is great that more than two-thirds of our employees participated in the survey,” she added.

David Robinson of the Department of Special Services was the first person to nominate BISD as a Top Workplace. “When I reviewed what they rated organizations on, I knew that BISD would excel on every front. We are one of the best places to work. BISD has great values, leaders who have an excellent strategy for success, there is effective training for employees, the working atmosphere and environment are good and compared to others in our region, employee benefits are pretty good. There are few causes that could be better than working to make sure children get a solid education. That is what BISD does,” Robinson explained.

Robinson learned on Friday that BISD made the Top 100 Workplaces list. He learned on Sunday that BISD ranks number 23. “That is awesome,” he exclaimed.
Board President Woodrow Reece attended a gala where the Top Workplaces listing was unveiled. “We have known all along that great things are going on in BISD. The employees obviously feel the same. Now many, many more people from across the region know about one of Beaumont’s best kept secrets—BISD is one of the best places to work! It feels pretty good to rank up there in the Top Workplaces right along with some of the Fortune 500 companies,” he added.

According to Sunday’s Chronicle, the following were among comments of BISD employees: “I am passionate about helping today’s youth become prepared for a global society.” “I love encouraging students to think.” “When I see the sparkle in a child’s eye after he or she grasps a concept, it gives me joyful heart and sense of achievement. No two children are the same and will not have the same learning style, but every child can learn something.”

7-Nov-11 4:00 PM

2nd Grade Regina-Howell Student Wins Statewide Contest

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:15:00 GMT

William Gilfoil, a 2^nd grade student at Regina Howell Elementary School, won an iPad for himself and $500 for the school. William entered the the Raise Your Hand Texas (RYHT) Pick the Pic contest. The contest was open to all public school students in Texas and one winner per Region was determined by the number of “Likes” votes per photo. Participants submitted a photo answering the question, “What two things inspire you to achieve success?” William’s entry included his uncle and setting a good example as a big brother. RYHT is a non-profit public education advocacy organization. The goal of the contest was to raise public awareness of the importance of student achievement and success.

Congratulations William!

4-Nov-11 3:15 PM

Two BISD Officers Insulted by Insinuations & Misinformation

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:00:00 GMT

Police Cheif Clydell Duncan has confirmed that the only two Beaumont Independent School District police officers on duty at the Memorial High School vs. West Brook High School football game on Oct. 21 were on duty at their assigned posts from pre-game to post-game. That duty was with the football team and band. "Not only were there not opportunities for them to be at the reported post game attack in the general parking lot, the officers have confirmed that they were not in the area, did not witness any altercations and were not asked to assist anyone in distress," Duncan explained.

According to Duncan, the officers assigned to the team for the game are veteran West Brook officers. Students would have no problem recognizing them. However, they were not in the area of the reported altercation because they were with the Bruins team and band. "It is very disheartening that anyone would insinuate that our officers, who are sworn to protect our students and the public, would ignore any plea for help. I am very disappointed that such a rumor was started. It is just as disappointing that media would participate in irresponsible reporting without first fully investigating true merits of this kind of information," Duncan added.

3-Nov-11 3:00 PM

Don't Miss the BISD Band Extravaganza - Nov. 1

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Music lovers don’t want to miss all of the fun and excitement at 6 p.m. on Nov. 1 at the Carrol A. Thomas Educational Support Center as bands from each of Beaumont ISD’s secondary schools will be joined by the Lamar University Marching Band for the BISD Band Extravaganza.

Advance tickets for the event are $4 for adults and $2 for students. Adult tickets at the gate are $5 and student tickets at the gate are $3. Tickets are available at each secondary campus or by calling Ronnie Bryant, supervisor of fine arts, at 617-5051.

28-Oct-11 8:00 AM

Lights on Afterschool event set for October 26

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:00:00 GMT

With more than 7,500 rallies nationwide calling attention to the importance of afterschool programs, the one set for 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 at Beaumont ISD’s Thomas Center is expected to draw as many as 3,000 attendees.

Mayor Becky Ames, Superintendent Carrol A. Thomas and BISD Trustees will join City Council members, as well as local business leaders, educators and other government officials in sharing with students and parents in support of the Afterschool Centers for Education (ACE) program.

The Lights On rallies highlight the importance of keeping the lights on in Afterschool Centers for Education in the face of budget cuts.

In the Beaumont community the ACE program serves more than 2,500 children, providing homework assistance, mentoring, tutoring and classes in sports, recreation, science, mathematics and many other subjects.

ACE programs are committed to giving our children a safe, healthy environment, inspiring them to learn, and relieving working parents of worries about their children’s activities in the afternoon hours, after school.

The event will feature student performances, including dance, poetry, art and science projects, step and cheer. The award-winning Central Medical Magnet High School drum line will also perform.

Parents and community members are invited. For information about the Lights On event or the ACE programs contact the ACE office at (409) 617-5863.

18-Oct-11 3:00 PM

TIME CHANGE FOR OZEN vs. LIVINGSTON FOOTBALL GAME

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:00:00 GMT

Kickoff for the Ozen vs. Livingston football game will now be at 6 p.m. – instead of 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Thomas Center.

17-Oct-11 2:00 PM

TAKS Exit Level Retesting October 17-20, 2011

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Beaumont ISD will be administering the TAKS Exit Level exams on Oct. 17-20 for those high school students who need to take one or more of those exams.

Students wishing to test who may be from out of the school/district or from a charter school must provide a photo id and evidence that they require the exit level exam in order to test and must pre-register online with the Texas Education Agency at https://tx.pearsonaccess.com/tclp/portal/tclp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pa2_tclp_oos_page#wlp_pa2_tclp_oos_page

The evidence may be in the form of a copy of their most recent test results or from documentation on their school letterhead of the test they need to take. The paperwork must be signed by an administrator from the students’ school.

Former BISD students should report to their home school. Out-of-district students should report to

Central High School before 7:30 a.m.

Monday, October 17 – Social Studies TAKS Exit Level Retest

Tuesday, October 18 – English Lang/Arts TAKS Exit Level Retest

Wednesday, October 19 – Mathematics TAKS Exit Level Retest

Thursday, October 20 – Science TAKS Exit Level Retest

For more information, contact the Office of Research at Testing at 617-5012.

4-Oct-11 9:00 AM

THOMAS ATTENDS WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENT & COMMENTS ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S NCLB PLANS

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Dr. Carrol A. Thomas, superintendent of schools for Beaumont Independent School District and president of the National Alliance of Black School Educators, was among leaders from across the nation who joined President Obama this morning in the East Room of the White House for a historic announcement calling for states’ flexibility with the “No Child Left Behind” education law.

“The president is right on target in what school districts across America need. More flexibility will help all of us in meeting and exceeding accountability standards. Public education here in Beaumont, throughout Texas and across our nation can do a better job of educating all children, including those who are poor, in special education programs, or with other challenges if we had flexibility in NCLB. While Beaumont is doing well on most fronts, many school districts with similar student populations such as 70 percent or higher of economically disadvantaged students can’t say the same. However, just think, in Beaumont, if 95 percent of our students or our schools achieve at the top levels, as NCLB is now, we could be punished for what the five percent is doing instead of being rewarded for what the 95 percent achieved. Moving to a less punitive accountability program to one that helps us to be more diagnostic and individually prescriptive for students will help us in truly leaving no child behind and at the same time continue the improvements in academic achievement of all students,” Thomas explained.

The veteran superintendent said he is eager to see the detailed opportunities that President Obama’s changes will bring to Beaumont and public education overall. “I am confident from what I have heard and seen so far of this plan is that it will put our nation in a better position to compete in the global market by helping schools to produce students who have the most relevant and effective education possible,” he added.

VIDEO LINKS:

http://www.c-span.org/Events/President-Obama-Remarks-on-No-Child-Left-Behind/10737424366/

29-Sep-11 8:00 AM

BISD’s MARTIN AMONG NATION’S 304 BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS FOR 2011

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:00:00 GMT

U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION ARNE DUNCAN RECOGNIZES BISD’s MARTIN AMONG NATION’S 304 BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS FOR 2011

Martin Elementary School here in Beaumont is one of the 304 schools named this week as a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Principal Martha Fowler is basking in the recognition that is based on the school’s overall academic excellence and success in closing achievement gaps. The Department will honor Fowler, the Martin Elementary family and the entire 255 public and 49 private schools with their National Blue Ribbon School awards at a conference and awards ceremony later this fall in Washington, D.C.

Martin is one of only two schools in the Golden Triangle earning the 2011 National Blue Ribbon honor. A total of 26 Texas schools are among the new slate of Blue Ribbon schools. Martin joins BISD’s Fletcher Elementary School and Ogden (now Charlton-Pollard) Elementary School, respectively, who earned the five-year honor during the previous two school years.

Dr. Carrol A. Thomas, BISD’s superintendent of schools, said he is so proud of Martin teachers, students, parents and community supporters. “It was just a few years ago that the overall atmosphere was almost one of no hope at the school that is a recent merger of Lucas and Martin students and staff. With consistency in recognized and exemplary achievements, the school is like a phoenix rising from the dust. The blue ribbon honor is national recognition that the teachers, administrators, staff, students and parents are doing things right. They are definitely focused on the well being of every student,” he said.

“America’s long-term economic prosperity and civic engagement depends on our children receiving a world-class education,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. “National Blue Ribbon Schools are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their success is an example for others to follow.”

The National Blue Ribbon School award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve at high levels or where the achievement gap is narrowing. Since 1982, more than 6,500 of America’s schools have received this coveted award.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, honors public and private schools based on one of two criteria: 1) Schools whose students are high performing. These are schools ranked among each state’s highest performing schools as measured by their performance on state assessments or, in the case of private schools, that score at the highest performance level on nationally normed tests; or 2) Schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that improve student performance to high levels as measured by the school’s performance on state assessments or nationally-normed tests.

Before selecting National Blue Ribbon Schools, the Department asks for nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools. A total of 413 schools nationwide are nominated, based on the number of K-12 students and the number of schools in each jurisdiction. The schools are invited by the Secretary of Education to submit an application for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.

19-Sep-11 8:00 AM

Register Now for the 2011 Education Summit

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:15:00 GMT

“The Sky is the Limit”

State of the District Address

Workshops for Parents

$1000’s in Free Door Prizes

Community & School Exhibits

Job Fair

Contractor’s Fair

Giveaways!

iPads & Tablets

eBook Readers

Cash Prizes Too!

For Transportation to the Summit, Please Call 409.617.5616

Click here to register now!

Click here for the registration form (En Espanol)

Our Summit Partners:

The City of Beaumont • Texas Workforce Centers

Beaumont Metropolitan Area Council of PTAs • BISD Title Programs • LULAC • NAACP • Lamar University • Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce

100 Black Men of Greater Beaumont • Ben Rogers “I Have a Dream” Program • IEA

It is the policy of the Beaumont Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, handicap in the vocational programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended

16-Sep-11 11:15 AM