Dear TCISD Families,
We are approaching the end of the first six weeks
and I wanted to let you know that as a whole, I’m
pretty pleased at what I’m seeing around the schools.
There are a few things we still need to work on and,
as always, we need your help.
I have seen improvements in discipline, especially
at the high schools and middle schools. If you haven’t
told your children yet how much you appreciate the
way they behave at school, now is a great time to do
so.
Last year we really pushed attendance heavily. It’s
important for your child to be at school every day. I
will tell you that our attendance on Monday through
Thursday is really good. We always want to strive for
it to be better though because if your child isn’t here,
they aren’t learning. Even if they are able to get makeup
work, it doesn’t take the place of the planned in struction
they miss out on from their teachers. It’s
also very easy to get behind especially at the second ary
level. While Monday-Thursdays attendance looks
good, Fridays are our worst days for attendance.
Parents, let’s really work hard at making sure our
kids are here on Fridays also.
In my August letter to you, I addressed cell
phones. I know that cell phones today are a part
of daily life. They have definitely made things
more convenient. However, they also make things
more difficult. Students are at school to learn and
cell phones are hindering the learning process.
If the distractions continue and our teachers
have to continually
address cell
phone usage
during class, we
will take major
steps in eliminate
the problem.
So please
tell your children
that the cell
phones need to
be in their pockets,
purses or
backpacks unless
they have specific
permission from the
teacher to use them.
We don’t want to ban
them from campus
all together because
we know they need
them in case of an
emergency. However,
we can ban
them during school
time and we will if
this problem contin ues.
So right now,
their ability to follow
or not follow the cell
phone policies will
determine if we need
harsher ones.
I’m happy with the improvements I’ve seen around
the district. I appreciate our parents, students and
staff for their commitment to education and safety.
Let’s make sure we do not become complacent. Let’s
work hard and continue to try our best.
Sincerely,
Rodney Cavness, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
