Teaching and Learning
DISD is continuing to see excellent progress in our elementary classrooms with the implementation of Eureka Math. Teachers are enthusiastic and encouraged by the growth of our students across all grade levels.
All 3rd - 5th Grade teachers were trained and have begun to utilize the new keyboarding program from learning.com.
We are halfway through the middle of year testing window for Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade. We are already seeing areas of huge growth from beginning of the year scores!
DISD has trained 90% of our Special Education teachers, Assessment staff, and Administrators on TEA's Standards-Based IEPs! This training will ultimately help our students with special needs continue to have school success. Elementary resource/inclusion special education teachers are attending training with Region 11 on Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Middle school math students scored an average of 17 points higher on the 2022 Fall Interim assessments compared to the 2021 Fall Interim assessments.
High school Algebra I students scored 6 percentage points higher on the 2022 Fall Interim assessments compared to the 2021 Fall Interim assessments.
IXL is a math and english tutorial program used in middle school and high school to help students achieve grade level material. 29% of all middle school students increased an entire grade level on their IXL Math level over the first semester of school.
Elementary and middle school teachers have been working vertically to align STEM curriculum and STEM electives across all grade levels.
Human Resources
DISD has a pool of 115 excellent substitute teachers! They are willing to show up at a moment's notice and continue the learning for our Eagles. Thank you subs!
99% of DISD positions are filled! Positions open are posted on the district website and we encourage candidates to come join our DISD family.
Office staff from each campus and also central administration learned from Debbie Waggoner, Nodus Inc., how to improve customer service across DISD. Thank you to these staff members who provide service to our students, staff and families daily.
Finance and Business
In December the DISD school board voted to allow the district to leave the Texas Teacher Retirement System as the health insurance provider. This change will allow DISD to contract with a health insurance provider that could potentially offer lower rates and better services.
The 88th Texas Legislative Session opened January 10th. The state has a record surplus which lawmakers will work to divide amongst state needs. Stay tuned to happenings from the capitol and voice your opinions regarding additional public school funding.
Child Nutrition
The DHS Bistro, located in the DHS library, has reopened! The hours of operation are 7:30am-8:45am and 11:45am-1:15pm. Students and staff can purchase beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos, smoothies and tea. Other items available include pastries, sushi, egg bites and oatmeal. Soup and sandwiches are on the way soon!
DISD accepts donations which are used to provide meals for students in need. If you would like to donate, please contact a campus child nutrition manager or call the district office.
Check out our new dining portion of the district website! The new menu is always current; previously it was not changed daily with supply and demand updates. Now, you will know exactly what is offered and served!
Operations
Safety drills have been very successful this school year. Students and staff are implementing protocols and procedures as needed. Rick Durham, our new Emergency Management Specialist, has been a great addition to the department and is overseeing all things safety.
A community led long term Facilities Planning Committee has met for several months to plan for the future needs of DISD. They will present to the school board January 18th at 6pm.
Two portable buildings have been purchased to alleviate crowding in DISD. Currently the district is working with the city of Decatur through the permitting process and further progress will be made soon regarding the installation of these buildings.
Technology
Copy machines across the district are being updated! One machine (the most troublesome on campus) will be replaced early this spring and the others will be replaced over the summer.
This semester will bring all state testing to the digital online platform. We are confident that our infrastructure will allow a smooth and seamless transition. Interim assessments were administered online in the fall and things went well!
Reminders about the care of student devices:
Take care not to drop your device; protect the screen.
Don’t use food or drink close to your device.
Don’t use them unsupervised in an unlocked car or unattended backpack.
Connect with Decatur ISD
Email: communications@decaturisd.us
Website: decaturisd.us
Location: 307 South Cates Street, Decatur, TX, USA
Phone: 9403937100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decaturisd
Twitter: @decaturisd
