Dear Parents, Families and Supporters,

Spring semester is always a busy and challenging time with student competitions, state accountability testing, teacher awards and winter weather.

Winter Weather

First, let me say thank you for your help and flexibility as we worked together to keep our students safe during the snow and ice that impacted our area. I’m very aware that cancelling school causes a disruption to both families and our teachers.

Our team watches the weather constantly to ensure students stay safe. As potential inclement weather approaches we gather information from the Dallas Area National Weather Service, local police and county officials. When road conditions are in question, we drive roads throughout the district to get a first hand look at the conditions our families and buses will be experiencing.

Once a decision has been made, we post the information to our website and then quickly call, email and text parents. We then post the information to our social media accounts and lastly notify media outlets.

Excellence in Education Awards

Julie Woodard’s class celebrates her being named a H-E-B Excellence in Education finalist.

Last Friday I had the privilege of surprising three of our teachers who were named as regional finalists for the prestigious H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.

The finalists are: Julie Woodard at Pullen Elementary, Brittany Seymore at Rochell Elementary and Katie Brayden at Williams Middle School. Each teacher received a check for $1,000 and their campuses will each receive $1,000 as well.

There are only six finalists in the entire North Texas area and three of them come from Rockwall ISD. It’s no surprise to me that our teachers have been claiming so many statewide honors lately.

Our 929 teachers care deeply for the students they teach. They work each day to help our students grow academically. In addition, they are supported by a team of office staff, aides, counselors, and principals that place students at the center of all our decisions.

I’m proud to work with such a committed team of educators and I expect we’ll continue to receive calls from organizations wanting to celebrate our teachers.

Student Competitions

Rockwall-Heath High School Wins First State Academic Decathlon Championship

This has been a busy time for student competitions. For the sixth year in a row Rockwall ISD has a state champion Academic Decathlon Team. Rockwall-Heath High School won the Medium School division championship this weekend for the school’s first ever Academic Decathlon State Championship. Congratulations to the Hawk Academic Decathlon students and to coaches Kim Blain and Kathleen Shipman.

The Rockwall High School Girls, Rockwall-Heath High School Girls and the Rockwall-Heath High School Boys varsity basketball teams advanced to the playoffs. It was exciting to see so many fans out supporting our teams.

In every way you can measure our students and teachers are among the best in the state. This is a result of our great teachers and strong community support. Together we are growing a district and community known for our Common Purpose and United Effort.

Please note that schools and administrative offices will be closed during spring break, March 9 – 13. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable break.

Jeff Bailey
Superintendent of Schools