Weekly Message from Dr. Hudson

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) finally released the A-through-F Letter Grades from the 2022-2023 school year. The release of the scores was delayed, due to ongoing litigation between the TEA and several independent school districts in the state.

That is the same reason why the 2023-2024 scores have yet to be released.

These grades are something of an indication as the performance and improvement of our district and campuses, but not a full portrait of scholar success. The district as a whole received a '’C”' grade based on the 2022-23 scores.

The As were represented by Collegiate High School and Collegiate Academy Middle School, both of which are ranked among the top schools in the United States, under the direction of Principal John Edmun. Collegiate Prep Elementary, Permenter Middle School and Waterford Oaks Elementary, along with the former Bray Elementary, received Bs.

It’s important to note that each of the schools that received a C or lower are under different leadership than they were during the 2022-2023 school year.

• Six of our campuses were in the Top 25 percent of closing the gaps (Collegiate Prep, Waterford Oaks, Collegiate Academy, Permenter Middle School, Collegiate High School and the former Bray Elementary).
• Collegiate Prep, Lake Ridge, Waterford Oaks, Bessie Coleman and Permenter were in the Top 25 Percent for Comparative Growth.

We are grateful for the release of this information from the TEA, so we can begin to strengthen the programs that are performing well and to do the hard, but necessary, work to build in areas that need improvement.

As our schools continue to administer the STAAR exam this week, I want to remind all Longhorns that your work is valued and important not just on testing days -- but each day we show up for our students.

Passing of Pope Francis

We join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a global spiritual leader whose message of peace, compassion, and service touched countless lives. His legacy of faith and hope transcends borders and beliefs, reminding us all of the power of love and unity. Our thoughts are with those in our community and around the world who are grieving this profound loss.

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

A member of the Cedar Hill Collegiate Academy chapter of the National Junior Honor Society is the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award. Bailey Shelton, an eighth-grade scholar and member of the NJHS, will receive $500 in a 529 college savings account to be applied toward their higher education.

Recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated work to support the five pillars of NJHS: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. This is the third consecutive year that a member of the NJHS Cedar Hill Collegiate Academy chapter wins the prestigious award. We are proud of our scholar's accomplishment!

Construction is set to begin on new playgrounds at all six Cedar Hill ISD elementary campuses, bringing exciting new play experiences for scholars. The decision was made to start construction and installation of playgrounds at once, despite where a campus project lands on the timeline. To ensure these playgrounds meet the needs and interests of our scholars, student feedback sessions were held at Collegiate Prep Elementary and Waterford Oaks Elementary. Scholars shared their ideas and helped shape the playground designs.

Each playground will accommodate 50 to 62 children at one time and feature:

• Inclusive spinners
• Inclusive swing sets
• Therapeutic disc swings

At Waterford Oaks Elementary, which will house the new elementary Digital Advancement Technology Academy the playground will include a freestanding weather station and a seven-station play factory to inspire hands-on learning. The district has partnered with LEA Park & Play, a trusted playground construction vendor with over 51 years of experience building playgrounds for school districts across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond.