The Connection

The Anna Independent School District celebrated many achievements during its November board meeting, honoring students, staff, and community members for their outstanding contributions. The packed agenda reflected the district's commitment to excellence and community involvement.

Recognitions included Presley Merritt, National FFA Champion; FFA Team; Bryce Denton, State CC Champion; Anayeli Adame, RSE 1st grade Dual Language teacher, Elementary Educator Award from TexTESOL; and Christian Gober and Misty Godwin AHS CTE teachers received the National PLTW Teachers of the Year award.

The evening was a powerful reminder of the collective effort driving Anna ISD's success.

As we approach the holiday season, many parents are searching for meaningful gifts that will spark their child's curiosity and foster a love for learning. Here are 10 educational gifts that provide value far beyond the wrapping paper—perfect for children in grades K-12 and aligned with the skills they need to succeed in today’s world:

1. Books for Every Age and Interest

Whether it’s picture books, chapter books, or young adult novels, reading unlocks creativity, builds vocabulary, and strengthens comprehension. Consider gifting books related to your child’s interests or explore classics and new releases together.

2. STEM Kits

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) kits encourage hands-on exploration. From building robots to conducting simple experiments, these kits help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Educational Board Games

Games like Scrabble, Chess, or Ticket to Ride make learning fun while reinforcing important skills like strategy, vocabulary, math, and geography.

4. Art Supplies

A set of markers, paints, sketchbooks, or crafting materials can unlock your child’s artistic potential. Creative expression is essential for building imagination and fine motor skills.

5. A Journal or Diary

Encourage your child to reflect, write stories, or document their daily adventures. Journaling helps with emotional regulation and strengthens writing skills.

6. Subscription Boxes

Educational subscription boxes deliver monthly activities right to your door! Popular options focus on topics like science experiments, reading, art projects, or cultural exploration.

7. Interactive Technology Tools

Devices like digital drawing tablets or coding toys introduce children to technology in a productive way, helping them develop 21st-century skills while exploring their passions.

8. Puzzles and Brain Teasers

Jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, or logic games challenge students to think critically and develop patience and perseverance.

9. Museum Memberships or Experience Passes

Gift your child the opportunity to learn outside the classroom with a membership to a local museum, zoo, or science center. These experiences provide hands-on learning in a fun environment.

10. Time Together

Perhaps the most valuable gift is quality time. Read a book together, cook using a recipe, or work on a project as a family. These shared experiences foster curiosity and demonstrate the joy of lifelong learning.

At Anna ISD, we believe learning happens everywhere, not just in the classroom. By giving thoughtful educational gifts, you can inspire your child’s natural curiosity and help them build skills that will last a lifetime.

Wishing you and your family a joyful and enriching holiday season!

This month, we are thrilled to highlight the amazing work of Ms. Gardner, whose dedication and expertise have made her 6th-grade science classroom a site of innovation and engagement. Serving a diverse group of students ranging from Honors to inclusion, Ms. Gardner seamlessly differentiates instruction to meet the needs of all learners. Her high-level inquiry labs challenge students to think critically and engage in hands-on problem-solving. At the same time, her use of anchoring phenomena connects lessons to real-world scenarios, making science relevant and exciting. She uses a variety of inclusive strategies, ensuring that all students feel supported and excel academically. As an excellent department head, Ms. Gardner is always willing to help and collaborate during PLCs, creating a culture of teamwork and professional growth. Her innovative practices have yielded impressive results, with students consistently demonstrating growth and achievement on assessments. Ms. Gardner’s creativity, commitment, and ability to inspire students and colleagues make her a true role model in our district.

At the November School Board meeting, Digmed Medlock was officially sworn in as the newest member of the Anna ISD Police Department. A recent graduate of the Texoma Regional Police Academy, Medlock joins the team from the Fairview Police Department. Chief Jones administered the oath, and in a touching moment, Medlock’s son proudly pinned the Anna ISD PD badge on her uniform.

No two people see the world in exactly the same way. When we look at a situation, a person, or a problem, we see through the context of our own experiences, beliefs, and communities. It’s like we each wear invisible lenses that give the world a little bit different tint or magnification.

Sometimes, it is hard to understand others because they see things so differently. Sometimes, we don’t even know what those closest to us are “seeing” because we get busy, forget to ask, or assume we already know. Taking the time to understand someone else’s perspective is a sign that you value them and can strengthen the relationship.

It takes patience, asking questions, and active listening to see things from another person’s perspective, but there is so much we can learn from each other to make it worth the effort!

As we go through this holiday season, let us challenge ourselves to see the world through the lenses of our kids, our friends and families, and each other.

Anna ISD is hosting a Closet Cleanout Clothes Drive benefiting the Trusted World Network. Trusted World is a North Texas-based, non-profit organization that works with our campus counselors to provide size-specific clothing at no cost to our district or families. Nothing that you donate goes to waste. Anything unsuitable for reuse is sold to a textile recycling center, and the money made is used to purchase new socks and undergarments. Use this holiday break to make extra room in your closet!

Anna ISD will be closed from December 23 to January 3. We wish you a joyful holiday season with your family and friends!

• Register to be a volunteer at your child's school. Volunteer Application.
• Join your school PTA or Booster club. AISD is grateful for the support of these parent leaders.
  

In the know: In addition to this eNewsletter, which typically comes twice a month, there are other ways to keep up with all the great things happening in Anna ISD:

• Ensure your information is current with your school, so you receive text message alerts, phone calls, and emails.
• Visit our website annaisd.org
• Follow AISD and your campus on social media. Facebook Twitter Instagram
• Download our mobile app

December 16 .......................... School Board Meeting

December 23-January 3 ..........Winter Break