GCISD Changes Elementary Retention Policy
The GCISD School Board approved a change in the retention and promotion policy for grades 1 – 8 at its regular meeting Sept. 11. Beginning this year, students will be required to have a 70 or above overall average, receive a 70 or above in language arts and math, and pass either social studies or science. Under the previous policy, students had to have an average of 70 in all subjects, and 70 or above in any three of language arts, math, science and social studies.
Elementary Principal Brad Jones said he and Secondary Principal Faith Scott felt the policy needed strengthening, especially in language arts and math, due to increasingly difficult state requirements. Jones said summer school is an option if a subject is failed.
The closed campus issue was not discussed. Board Member Brad Avery said he thought the board was to re-evaluate it at the Sept. 11 meeting. Superintendent Steve Long said the closed campus was to have a 30-day trial. Board Member Mike Hillger said he would like the matter on the next agenda. Secondary Principal Faith Scott reported no problems with the closed campus, saying she was alternating which group goes to the cafeteria first, things are orderly and there is plenty of food.
Concurrent Classes Valuable
School Counselor Doug Conner told the board that concurrent classes are “like winning the lottery.” He said a student can graduate from college in two and a half to three years with the help of these classes, which give both high school and college credit. With the average annual cost at state colleges $12,000, he said concurrent classes could translate easily into a $10,000 savings. He reported that 12 kids at GCHS are now taking 13 college hours apiece.
Conner said the rumor that students entering college as sophomore can’t get scholarships is not true. He said scholarships go to first year students, not just to freshmen.
He reminded parents that a student must pass the TASP test, which is administered by the colleges, before being admitted to college in Texas. If one scores high enough on the high school TAAS test, he is exempt from the TASP.
Moment of Silence to Continue
Observing a moment of silence before football games will apparently continue, though the GCISD board would prefer the traditional prayer. The law still allows a spoken prayer before “solemn occasions” such as school board meeting and graduation.
The board authorized Long to adjust rent for employee housing as improvements are made to the houses. The objective is to ultimately have the school housing pay for itself.
The board also approved purchase of an air conditioning unit from Linda Frysak for $1,000, discussed the possible purchase of a mobile home from Keith Stone, and asked Long to check into the condition of the metal tennis building and loose boards on a playground slide.