Academic Excellence Indicator System Reports for HSISD Now Available

Hughes Springs ISD would like to notify you that our Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) reports for 2008-2009 have been posted on our website, www.hsisd.net.

You can obtain a copy of the district report by going to the website, selecting the “Administration” tab and choosing “District AEIS” from the drop down menu.

You can obtain a copy of the campus reports by going to the website, selecting the “Campuses” tab, selecting your campus and choosing “Campus AEIS Report” from the drop down menu.

Printed copies are also available, upon request, from each campus office and the superintendent’s office.

The Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) pulls together a wide range of information on the performance of students in each school and district in Texas every year. The performance indicators included in the AEIS Report are:

· Results of Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS*); by grade, by subject, and by all grades tested;
· Participation in the statewide assessment programs (TAKS/TAKS(Accommodated)/TAKS-M/TAKS-Alt);
· Exit-level TAKS Cumulative Passing Rates;
· Progress of Prior Year TAKS Failers;
· Results of Student Success Initiative;
· Attendance Rates;
· Annual Dropout Rates (grades 7-8, grades 7-12, and grades 9-12);
· Completion Rates (4-year longitudinal);
· College Readiness Indicators;
o Completion of Advanced / Dual Enrollment Courses;
o Completion of the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program;
o Participation and Performance on Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations;
o College-Ready Graduates;
o Texas Success Initiative (TSI) – Higher Education Readiness Component; and
o Participation and Performance on the College Admissions Tests (SAT and ACT).

Performance on each of these indicators is shown disaggregated by ethnicity, sex, special education, low income status, limited English proficient status, and at risk status (district only). The reports also provide extensive information on school and district staff, finances, programs and student demographics.

If you have any questions about the district or campus AEIS reports, you can contact Rick Ogden or Sarah Dildine at the Superintendent’s office at 903-639-3802.

Student Spotlight: Uryia Kemp

This week's student spotlight is Uryia Kemp! Uryia is in the 8th grade and is the daughter of Marticia Chism.

Uryia is a member of the Hughes Springs Jr. High National Honors Society and is a star participant on the Lady Colt volleyball, basketball and track teams. She also actively participates in the youth department at her church.

Uryia's favorite subject is algebra because she is good with numbers and seems to catch on to the concepts quickly. She says the teachers that have had the most impact on her are Mrs. Pam Golden and Mrs. Shelia Ashlock. She says that Mrs. Golden always pushes her to do her best and to try hard every day. Mrs. Ashlock always helps to encourage her and is always there when she needs someone for advice.

Uryia says the best thing about being a student at Hughes Springs ISD is that the teachers are great and all the students are good friends. She says it is a nice environment. In the future, Uryia plans to go to Law School and has the goal of one day being a District Attorney.

Uryia was nominated by Mrs. Kim Stovall who says "Uryia is a model student. She makes good grades and focuses on her education. She is positive, outgoing and is an asset to Hughes Springs Jr. High."

Congratulations Uryia! We are proud to have you as a student at Hughes Springs ISD!!!

Thanksgiving Greeting From Mrs. Bean's 2nd Grade Class

As a teacher at HSISD, there are so many things that I am thankful for. Working for a super school district, having access to so many things that help pique the interest of my students, and teaching a great group of kids are just a few. My class has created a video on things that we are thankful for, and we would like to share it with you. We hope you enjoy our video and have a Happy Thanksgiving.



- Jennifer Bean

Student Spotlight: Brandon Lindsey

This week's student spotlight is Brandon Lindsey. Brandon is in 12th grade and is the son of Betty Davis Pruitt.

Brandon participates in football, band, track and power lifting; he has been a part of Hughes Springs Athletics for six years. He is also active in his church, Hughes Springs Missionary Baptist Church.

Brandon's favorite subject is English because he seems to get lucky and do good in the class (his words, not mine)! Brandon says that Coach Edwards is the teacher who has had the biggest impact on him. He said that he appreciates how Coach Edwards always made sure he had a way home after every practice and how he taught him that no matter how far a goal may seem, you should never give up.

Brandon says the best thing about being a student at Hughes Springs ISD is how nice all of the teachers are to him. He says now matter how much he may mess up, his teachers always help him get back up and try again.

After graduation, Brandon hopes to attend UTI and major in automotive technology.

Brandon was nominated by Ms. McGregor who says this "Brandon truly has the spirit of a Mustang - works hard, is always positive and gives 110%. A great student! One whose presence in the student body will certainly be missed come May."

Brandon, we are proud to have you as a student at Hughes Springs ISD!!!

What Is An American? by Guest Blogger, Jade Connor, 11th grade

What do people mean when they say, “As American as apple pie”? Well, considering apple pie is Dutch, that statement makes absolutely no sense; or, maybe, that’s the point…

“Being American” doesn’t really have to mean “being American.” It means accepting other nationalities, and being honored that so many people of varying ethnicities and cultures want to live in America. It’s also about being grateful for all the opportunities, privileges, and rights we have, which many other countries aren’t able to enjoy.

Being American is also about defending our flag, and standing up for what we believe in. On September 11, 2001, the twin towers collapsed when an airplane flown by terrorists hit them. Americans became outraged and our nation’s pride rose to new heights… it’s sad to think that it took thousands of men and women dying to make Americans stand up for themselves and to be proud of our country. Should we not always be proud to be an American?

On November 5, 2009, an army major who was serving as a psychiatrist at Fort Hood shot and killed 13 people and wounded 30 others. Some news reports are calling this “an accident” or simply “friendly fire”. What is so “friendly” about an army major killing the very ones he should have been healing?

This Wednesday, November 11th , is Veteran’s Day. Let’s honor those who’ve fought for our country. Don’t let those lives lost have been lost in vain. Our country is one of opportunity and freedom. We should be proud to be Americans, and no one will ever be able to take that dignity away…and I hope when you sing the National Anthem and hear the words “...the land of the free, and the home of the brave,” your heart swells with honor and glory for those words are true, and we are Americans…

Student Spotlight: Charli Clark

This week's Student Spotlight is Charli Clark. Charli is in the 6th grade and is the daughter of Misty Clark.

Charli is involved in Band, Advanced Math and Keyboarding at HSJH and enjoys those activities. Her favorite subject is Social Studies because she enjoys the fact that it allows her to go back in time and it is really fun! Her favorite teacher is Ms. Ashlock because she tells the students stories, plays games with them and helps them to get to know Social Studies better.

Charli says that the best thing about being at student at Hughes Springs Jr. High is that she gets to have fun and learn at the same time. In the future, Charli plans on attending college and becoming an LVN nurse.

Charli was nomitated by Ms. Stovall. Ms. Stovall says "Charli is always smiling and LOVES school! She has a lot of friends and always has a positive attitude."

Congratulations Charli - We are proud to have you as one of our students!

Cass County Livestock Show - HSISD Results

Congrats to all HSISD students who competed in the Cass County Livestock Show - we are proud of you!

RABBITS (out of 60 pens)
Grand Champion Rabbit- Jarod Short
Reserve Grand Champion Rabbit- Jasper Qualls
5th place Rabbit- Valerie Barnard
11th place Rabbit- Makayla Mashaw
13th place- Riley Wertz
14th place- Jessica Modisette
15th place- ALisha Fields
16th place- Blakely Martin
17th place- McKenzie Burch
18th place- Catie Wertz
19th place- Nathan Smith

CHICKENS (out of 18 pens)
3rd place- Ashley Sumners
6th place- Hailey Davidson
8th place- Amber Smoak
10th place- Brittany Smith

GOATS ( out of 34 goats)
10th place- Chelsea Hall
15th place- Jennifer Morgan

HOGS (out of 20 hogs)
Grand Champion Hog- Dustin Campbell
9th place- Corky Westmoreland
10th place- Dylan Dunn
14th place- Shyne Bright
17th place- Nick McGuire
19th place- Joseph Fitzgerald

HSISD Suspicious Person Alert

* HSISD would like to clarify the following: We were informed around 8:15 am on 11/4/2009 that a suspicious person was seen around the school on the afternoon of 11/2/2009. We took immediate action at that time by posting the suspicious person alert; we did not wait 2 days to issue the alert.


Update: Suspicious Person Alert

HSISD and Hughes Springs City Police have identified the individual who was reported as a suspicious person on 11/2/2009. They have visited with the person and do not believe he poses a threat to HSISD students.

However, please remind your children that if they ever notice any suspicious person to report them to an adult immediately.

You can call 911 or Hughes Springs Police Department at 903-639-2621. I may be reached at 903-960-4168 or email at mosleyw@hsisd.net.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Wayne Mosley
HSISD Chief of Police

Seniors For The Stangs

Hughes Springs ISD is pleased to announce the beginning of the “Seniors for the Stangs” Lunch Group. The lunch group is open to all Hughes Springs ISD residents who are 65 or older (or other retired persons).

The lunch group will meet the 3rd Thursday of each month from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. Lunch will be provided, free of charge, and there will be a short program.

The lunch group is a way for Senior Citizens to have social interactions within the community, as well as be involved in the school and its’ events.

Please RSVP to Nita Clark at 903-639-3802 if you plan to attend the November 19th meeting.

2009-2010 Meeting Dates
November 19, 2009
December 17, 2009
January 21, 2010
February 18, 2010
March 25, 2010 (meeting 4th Thursday because of Spring Break)
April 15, 2010
May 20, 2010

* All meetings will be held in the Hughes Springs High School Library

Please pass this information along to anyone who may be interested in joining the "Seniors For The Stangs" Lunch Group.

Upcoming Special Events

Veteran's Day Program - We will honor all retired / active military servicemen and women on Wednesday, November 11th at 11:30 am in the High School Gymnasium. All parents and community members are invited and encouraged to attend!

Open House / Report Card Pick Up - We will have our Fall Open House / Report Card pick up on Thursday, November 19th from 5:30 - 7:00 on each campus. Please make plans to attend and visit with your child's teachers about their academic progress. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served in the cafeteria. We hope to see all HSISD parents there!