TCIS Network Newsletter

November 21, 2025

Success Begins with a Teacher

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff of TCIS, I would like to express our thankfulness for each of you who comprise the TCIS community. Here is a short list of our blessings.

Adorable children
Vibrant tweens and teens
Caring and accomplished teachers
Dedicated staff
Loving and wise Heads and Associate Heads
Increased enrollment
Higher attendance
Engaging and aligned instruction
Thriving partnerships
Marvelous partner Districts
The privilege of serving
The joy of laughter

These blessings and joys of Thanksgiving 2025 begin and end with you. Our shared dream of providing an exemplary education for all children no matter what their life circumstance is realized through the efforts of you, our amazing TCIS community. Thanks to all. May blessings and joy fill not only your Thanksgiving season but also all your days to come.

One constant we can count on throughout life is change. Populations and demographics are two metrics that are continuously fluctuating. Social, economic, and political factors have a powerful influence on where someone lives. Whether because of housing opportunities, the appeal of different schools, or job situations, families will continue to be mobile.

Within populations, the demographic groups are always shifting. Schools have traditionally had labels for students including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and academic level. Two clear trends in our TCIS campus demographics are a cause for reflection. These are the shifts in the number of emerging bilingual students and special education students.

The trend in our TCIS campuses is mirrored around the state of Texas. The percentage of emerging bilinguals is declining while the percentage of special education students has been increasing. The underlying reasons for these changes are complex and beyond the control of local educators. However, we must adapt to best meet the needs of our students.

For the families of our emerging bilinguals, our message should be student support, safety, and quality dual language programs. The ongoing discussion with our special education programs is the fidelity of identification, placement, and where appropriate, exiting to regular classes.

We embrace all our students and set high expectations. The goal for every child remains consistent with TCIS campuses – graduate college or career ready and have the tools for a meaningful life.

Strong research skills are critical across all IB programs, and introducing them early sets students up for success in future inquiry. As John Hattie writes in Visible Learning for Teachers, “the greatest effects on student learning occur when students become their own teachers” — highlighting the power of teaching students to independently find, evaluate, and use information. By learning age-appropriate strategies such as note-taking, questioning, and source evaluation, students develop confidence and perseverance as researchers.

At Woodlawn Hills Elementary, this week’s Inquiry Showcase demonstrated the impact of these skills in action. Students from all grade levels presented research on their chosen person or career, sharing their learning with families who lined the halls to celebrate their accomplishments. Events like this allow students to apply research skills in authentic, meaningful ways, reinforcing curiosity and ownership while fostering pride in their work.

TCIS has purchased ALL of the Lowman products currently available for you to use. They have moved to a new website. The old website is no longer connected to their database, so no accounts can be updated hence you not being able to reset your password. Therefore each staff member, new or prior to the campus, will need to follow the instructions below:

EVERYONE will need to create a new account and register by following the directions below.

Go to LowmanEducation.com
Click on “25-26 Library” in the top, right corner
Then click on the “Login” button
You can register with the Microsoft Outlook button
If you are unable to use Outlook, use Alternative Login (also using your district email)
You will need to click on “Register as a new user” (don’t skip this step or you will get an error)
Complete your profile to access your library of products.

If you have any questions, you can email support@lowmaneducation.com for customer support. They are very responsive.

This is a new website, so please have some patience. If you are not able to access items by Tuesday, August 19th, please let me know and I will work with you and Lowman to troubleshoot, but feel free to email their support team.