Good Things & Welcome:
The meeting began with a warm welcome extended by the Hays CISD Board and Superintendent to the Student Advisory Panel. Members shared positive updates about "good things" happening in their lives.

 

1. Advisory Panel Tour Summary: Guided Tour: Students were led on a tour of the Academic Support Center (ASC) by:

• Tim Savoy (Chief Communications Officer)
• Jeri Skrocki (Chief Safety & Security Officer)
• Christina Courson (Chief Human Resources Officer)

 

2. Student IDs on Campus

• Current Status: Students are wearing IDs; adults are actively checking them.
• Student Feedback: No issues reported.
• Adult Feedback: Ensuring compliance with ID policy.

 

3.  Dress Code

• Hat Policy: HHS students are pleased with the allowance of hats.

 

4. Class Schedules and Adjustments

• Issue: Schedule corrections took a few weeks
• TEAMS Access: Difficulty in viewing or selecting off-periods; specific concern with CCMR.
• Ag Mech (Welding): Welding will continue but might be categorized differently in CTE
• Counselor Response: Response times are slow

 

5. College Applications

School Links:

• Jackson noted the addition of a new tab with no prior training, leading to a trial and error learning process
• The system is perceived as overwhelming and not user-friendly.
• Teachers require training to assist students effectively

 

Recommendation Letters:

• Adults submitting recommendations without a School Links account may not receive necessary emails.
• Contact Emily Herrin, Kris Peterson, or Maritza Gonzales for issues.
• Distinction between letters from educators versus family and friends.

 

6. Mission Statement

• Presented by: Tim Savoy
• Objective: The new mission statement aims to communicate the core mission and vision of Hays CISD clearly.

• Approach: Incorporated language from the previous statement to create a direct and impactful message.
• Goal: Ensure that the mission statement reflects the district’s commitment to its goals.

 

 

Good Things & Welcome:
The meeting began with a warm welcome extended by the Hays CISD Board and Superintendent to the Student Advisory Panel. Members shared positive updates about "good things" happening in their lives.

New Student Introductions:

Bryce Clore and Sofia Landaverde were welcomed as new students to the panel.

Introduction of New Volunteer Coordinator:

Elizabeth Bracamontes was introduced as the new Volunteer Coordinator. High school volunteer hour requirements and details as to when the clock starts for recording hours were asked. Future meeting to decide details was made.

Evaluation of Fighting Fentanyl Campaign:

• Discussion centered around evaluating the effectiveness of the ongoing fighting fentanyl campaign.
• Identified aspects that are working well and areas that require adjustments.
• Potential UIL Playoff Restructure:
  Deliberation on the possibility of restructuring UIL playoffs. Further examination needed to determine the feasibility and potential impact of any restructuring.

Testing Fatigue:

• Addressed concerns regarding testing fatigue among students.
• Strategies to mitigate testing fatigue were discussed.

Announcements:

The next meeting will be a tour of the New Cullen Elementary on April 3rd, 2024. Participants are reminded that closed-toed shoes are required for the tour.

Welcome and Introductions:
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from the Hays CISD Board and Superintendent to the Student Advisory Panel. "Good things" happening in members' lives were shared. 

Student Dress Code:

• Clarify the rationale behind the dress code – is it primarily for maintaining professionalism, ensuring safety, or fostering a conducive learning environment?
• Address the specific issue of hats within the dress code. Discuss the reasons behind any existing regulations regarding hats and whether there's a need for adjustments.

Recent Demographer’s Information:

• Provided a link to the demographer’s information for review.
• Future campus location options
• Expected growth projections

Physical Safety:

• Discussed campus security measures.
• Reviewed emergency response protocols.
• Discussed ongoing infrastructure improvements.

Mental Health and Well-being:

• Reviewed support services available for students.
• Discussed initiatives promoting mental health awareness.
• Shared strategies for stress management.

Next Meeting: Scheduled for March 7th, 2024, at the Kyle Kimbro room.

Welcome and Introductions:
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from the Hays CISD Board and Superintendent to the Student Advisory Panel. "Good things" happening in members' lives were shared. 

• Presentation on the process of creating academic calendars for the academic years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026. Solicited feedback from students regarding the proposed calendars.
• Security Kiosks
• Discussion on the implementation of security kiosks across the campus.
• Presentation of plans, if any, related to security kiosks.
• Open discussion - Questions or comments from students

Students were given the opportunity to voice any questions, concerns, or comments on topics outside the agenda.

Next Meeting

Scheduled the next meeting for February 7, 2024 (Thursday) at the Performing Arts Center.

Meeting Summary:

• The meeting commenced with a presentation on the process of creating academic calendars for the academic years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026. The presentation covered the factors considered in the creation of the calendars and invited feedback from students regarding the proposed schedules.
• Following that, there was a discussion regarding the implementation of security kiosks across the campus. Plans related to security kiosks were presented, and attendees were encouraged to share their thoughts and suggestions on the matter.
• An open discussion was held, allowing students to voice any questions, comments, or concerns they had on topics not included in the agenda.
• The meeting concluded with the scheduling of the next meeting, set for February 7, 2024 (Thursday) at the Performing Arts Center.

Action Items:

• Gather and analyze feedback from students regarding the proposed academic calendars.
• Further evaluate plans for the implementation of security kiosks based on the discussion and feedback received.
• Prepare agenda items for the next meeting, incorporating any relevant topics raised during the open discussion.

Thanksgiving Reflections:

• Members were invited to share what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving.
• Emphasis on expressing gratitude for both big and small aspects of life.
• The purpose was to foster a positive and appreciative atmosphere.

Cell Phone Usage and Terroristic Threats:

• Discussion regarding the current state of cell phone usage within the student body.
• Addressing concerns related to terroristic threats and ensuring a safe environment.
• Exploring potential strategies and measures to mitigate these issues.
• Recognizing the importance of balancing safety with the promotion of a positive school culture.

PALS Austin ISD:

• Introduction to PALS (Peer Assistance Leadership and Service) program in Austin ISD.
• Highlighting its history since its establishment at Crockett High School in 1980.
• Discussion on the impact of PALS on empowering and mentoring students.
• Consideration of the potential implementation or adaptation of a similar program within Hays CISD.

Meeting Highlights:

Thanksgiving Reflections:

• Members expressed gratitude for diverse aspects of life, including family, education, and personal achievements.
• Acknowledged the importance of fostering a sense of gratitude within the student body.
• Emphasized the role of gratitude in promoting a positive school culture.
• Cell Phone Usage and Terroristic Threats:
• Identified the need for a comprehensive approach to address cell phone usage issues.
• Emphasized the importance of open communication channels between students, faculty, and administration.
• Discussed potential educational initiatives to raise awareness about the consequences of terroristic threats.
• Consideration of implementing preventive measures and providing resources for mental health support.
• PALS Austin ISD:
• Members showed interest in exploring the PALS program further.
• Discussed the potential benefits of a peer mentoring program within Hays CISD.
• Recognized the potential positive impact on student engagement, leadership development, and overall school culture.

Meeting concluded with a sense of gratitude and commitment to fostering a safe and positive learning environment within Hays CISD.

October 5, 2023

Agenda:

• Dr. Watson presented information about the Texas Core Curriculum, students were unaware of the college credit program options
• Discussion of possible IB campuses for ES #16 and #17
• Discussion of cords for graduates earning volunteer hours before it is required (starts with this year’s freshman class)
• Discussion of Intruder Audits and Exterior Doors
• October is Fentanyl Awareness month
  • Access to bathrooms
  • Ideas for identifying known drug dealers 
• Mental Health: anxiety and depression among HS students

Agenda:

1. Call to Order; Good things

Good things were mentioned by all attendees including the news that Lehman's percussion earned 2^nd in the state! Welcomed new students: Liam Keller and Ana Jakubauskas

2. SchoolLinks

School board president Vanessa Petrea asked for student feedback on using SchoolLinks to register for classes. Students commented that the program needed to be taught to students and they felt their campus staff was not able to help them and they had to figure it out for themselves. One student noted, “It has the potential to be helpful for applying to colleges but I spent too much time having to learn it on my own.” Abram noted that registering was too buggy and not all the classes were listed. Both Live Oak students and Hays High students noted they were not familiar with the program and had not heard of it as of 4.6.23.

3. Student IDs and consequences for non-compliance

Students felt that non-compliance should have a 3 strikes-out policy that would step up/tiered consequences each time. Students noted they forgot their ID’s and maybe magnetic-type fasteners would be cooler than lanyards. Marcos noted that ID’s should be scanned to have bathroom privileges because it would cut down on vaping in the bathroom if the admin could tell who was in the bathroom at any time.

4. Legislative updates pertaining to public education

The potential 4-day week was prohibited in a new bill by Senator Campbell. Bill to decriminalize vaping by age restrictions was presented. Students noted that kids would be more likely to vape if they knew there were no legal consequences to vaping.  It was noted that 60% of impact students were in trouble for vaping on campus.

5. What is a challenge you are facing as another school year comes to an end?

Students are worried about senioritis and staying focused until the end of the school year. Students report feeling drained from the rigors of academics and extracurriculars by April. Students said that teachers were complaining to students about feeling burnout. Admin and students agreed that teachers should not complain to students about their jobs. Students also said they do not want teachers to be religious or anti-religious but focus on academics. Students said teachers should have more freedom to take lessons so that lessons could be more engaging, like at the beginning of the year. Members noted that their most memorable days of learning included; learning outside instead of in a classroom, having fun projects, and being able to get out of their chairs to collaborate.

6. Ideas to consider as we plan for the 2023-2024 school year

Students wanted fewer Google slides and computer-based learning and more teacher-student engagement. More class discussions and fewer one-sided lectures.

7. Say Farewell to Seniors members. Seniors were asked, “What advice would you give incoming high school students?” and gave the younger class advice on having a great high school experience.

1. Call to Order; Good things

Good things were mentioned by attendees, including the news that Ikaika Engleman broke the school pole vault record with a vault of 12 ft!

1. Campus Safety

Alyssa asked for a doorbell in the HHS trainer's room to assess student athletic injuries faster. Students asked that they have access to bathrooms at the same time and location within the campuses. The administration decided that more bathroom monitor sweeps needed to be performed. Graffiti issues in the bathrooms needs to be reported and removed asap on all campuses and a work order was placed for the HHS cafeteria bathroom.

Fentanyl assemblies were considered by students and administrators. Students felt that large school-wide assemblies were too distracting and that the messaging would be better in a small-scale environment. All agreed that an opt-out should be given to allow students with trauma or personal experience with Fentanyl the option to have additional privacy and support during the messaging campaign. Billboard for Forever 15 was approved and will hang as a banner in secondary campus cafeterias.

2. 2023 Bond Plan & Feedback

JHS gyms are too small to accommodate every student organization and a new gym to prioritize fine arts. Students asked where new campuses were likely to be built. Students wanted feedback about what specifics would be added to their campuses for athletics. Students asked about the details of Hays HS & Lehman HS Initial Design Fees for Future Modernization and Expansion

3. C Day Schedule

Students were asked their opinion about C-day schedules. Some students noted that Fridays were helpful for athletes who may miss class for games to see all their teachers twice a week and to get assignments. Students not involved in UIL thought Friday C days were too short to accomplish much in class and thought alternating AB days were a better use of time. Student-athletes said that grading guidelines were tough to adhere to when they missed too many days without seeing their teachers (missed because of events.) Students said that teachers assigned too much homework on Fridays and weekends. It was upsetting their family and social life balance.

The meeting ran short on time with feedback for agenda items 4 and 5 will be moved to the following meeting.

4. Time allowed for lunch
5. Bullying Education