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Corsicana ISD Expands Computer Coding Program to Bowie Elementary
Corsicana ISD is expanding the computer science curriculum with Code to the Future to Bowie Elementary beginning this fall. Code to the Future, is the nation’s leading Computer Science program for schools. Last year, Corsicana ISD partnered with Code to the Future for programs at Carroll Elementary and Collins Intermediate. CISD is one of a few select districts in Texas to adopt this innovative curriculum designed to inspire the next generation of computer programmers.
Code to the Future specializes in coding lessons geared to elementary students and offers an established curriculum, coaches for the classrooms and professional development.
District officials selected Carroll Elementary as the Computer Science Immersion School last fall. Students and teachers have incorporated fundamentals of computer coding as part of their daily curriculum. Through this 21st century literacy, students develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills.
“The students love the use of technology, and for most students it comes naturally,” said Hope Barton, a third grade teacher at Carroll Elementary. “The students are engaged and helping each other with projects. It has been fun to see what they can create.”
Collins Intermediate School’s Code to the Future curriculum is integrated in Science and Computer classes as well as the library.
Through the partnership with Code to the Future, teachers are engaging students through block and text-based coding activities to enhance their education experiences through Computer Science. Students have another avenue to apply problem solving, team building, and presentation skills as they collaborate and share their thinking process with peers.
“As teachers, we are learning along with the students. Students enjoy the immediate response that technology can provide as well as the satisfaction of creating a program that does what the student instructs it to do,” said Tamara Flores, fifth grade teacher at Collins Intermediate School.
CISD Superintendent Dr. Diane Frost said, “Students are fully engaged in the learning process while using technology and developing critical thinking skills. This curriculum is an investment for our students to help prepare them for success in our digital future.”
Carroll Elementary, and now Bowie Elementary, will continue to offer the same, outstanding instruction in reading, writing, math, science, social studies, music and physical education, all of which are foundational content subjects. Coding will be an exciting, integrated enhancement to the learning already taking place.
Two information sessions for parents interested in learning more about Bowie Elementary as a Computer Science Immersion campus will be Thursday, Aug. 8 - 5:00pm-5:30pm and Monday, Aug. 12 – 6:00pm-6:30pm. The same information will be presented at both meetings.
FACTS
- Code to the Future builds a comprehensive curriculum of Computer Science integrated into existing studies through programming (coding) and game design that is highly engaging and challenging for students.
- All students in kindergarten through 4th grade at Carroll Elementary and Bowie Elementary as well as 5th and 6th grade students at Collins Intermediate, will have an opportunity to develop computer programming and coding skills as part of their daily curriculum.
- In addition to general brain development and increased ability to focus, the program is specifically focused on developing the four Cs: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, & Collaboration.
- Students will engage in Lego Robotics, Scratch Coding, Minecraft and more.
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Harlan Announced as Academy ISD’s Superintendent Finalist
Billy Harlan, Chief Administrative Officer for Corsicana ISD, has been named the lone finalist for Academy ISD Superintendent according to a news release from AISD on June 27.
Of Harlan’s 23 years in education, he has spent the last 16 years at Corsicana ISD. He has served as a coach, teacher, Executive Director of Extracurricular Programs, Executive Director of Human Resources and most recently Chief Administrative Officer.
“Corsicana has been my home for most of my life. I will always be grateful for the friends and colleagues along the way. I appreciate Dr. Frost and the CISD Board for providing leadership opportunities that have brought me to this point in my career. I will miss Corsicana and I look forward to new experiences as Lori and I go to Academy. #TCC [Take Care of Corsicana],” said Harlan.
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Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
CISD Offers Full Day Pre-K this Fall
Recent laws passed by the Texas Legislature have increased funding for early childhood education. As a result, Corsicana ISD will provide full-day Pre-Kindergarten for 4-year-old students who meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, the tuition-based Dual Language Pre-K will also be available full-day. All Pre-K programs will continue to be held at the Drane Learning Center.
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Gentry Takes over as Head Volleyball Coach
Mashequa Gentry has been announced as the new head volleyball coach for Corsicana High School. Gentry has spent the last six years as the assistant volleyball coach at CHS. A former collegiate volleyball player, Gentry is excited about the potential of the team.
“I have been working with these girls since their sixth grade year,” said Coach Gentry reflecting on the high school players. “I know them well. I know what it will take to motivate them and build their skill level to help them be successful.”
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Smith Hired as New CHS Band Director
Corsicana ISD announced Brent Smith as the new CHS Band Director. Smith comes to Corsicana from J.J. Pearce High School where he has spent the last three years directing the Concert and Symphonic Bands and assisting in all other aspects of the marching band, school musicals and instrument lessons.
“We are very pleased to have Mr. Smith as our new band director. He brings positive energy, and great ideas to build on our program at CHS,” said Shade Boulware, principal at CHS.
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STAAR Scores Available ONLINE
If your child took the STAAR test this last year, STAAR scores are now available. Parents may access scores via the online portal through the Texas Education Agency. Click Here to access
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Corsicana High School Graduation 2019
Click here for the 2019 Graduation Video
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Corsicana ISD Recognizes Outstanding Employees with the Support of the Corsicana Education Foundation
Each year, the Corsicana Education Foundation (CEF) recognizes outstanding Corsicana ISD staff and volunteers at the End of Year Awards Celebration. Thanks to the generous support from our community and the Bank of America Trusts, CEF has awarded over $365,000 at this awards ceremony since 2002.
Each campus selects a Distinguished Teacher, a Rising Star (teacher with less than 5 years of experience), and a Volunteer of the Year. Service pins are awarded and retirees are also recognized. Paraprofessional, Operations Persons of the Year, and the Tiger Spirit awards are selected district-wide. From the Distinguished Teachers, the Mark C. Culwell Award is given to an exemplary elementary teacher and the Golden Apple Award is given to an exemplary secondary teacher.In addition to the awards given out, the CEF surprised the campuses with a $1,500 Innovative Teaching Grant thanks to the support from the Navarro Community Foundation. Just this school year, the CEF has awarded $118,500 in Innovative Teaching Grants.
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CISD Board Approves 2019-2020 Calendar
The CISD Board of Trustees Approved the 2019-2020 Calendar at the Feb. 25 meeting. Click here to download the Calendar
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Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule
Click here to view the Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule for 2018-2019.
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Corsicana ISD Earns State’s Highest Fiscal Accountability Rating
Corsicana Independent School District received a rating of “Superior Achievement” under the Texas’ Schools FIRST financial accountability rating system. The 2017-2018 ratings are based on annual financial reports provided to Texas Education Agency (TEA) by districts and charters from the 2016-2017 school year.
Created by the 77th Texas Legislature in 2001, the financial accountability rating system – known as the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) – is designed to encourage public schools to better manage their financial resources in order to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.
The financial accountability system requires TEA to review the audited financial reports from all districts and charters. Based on the submitted information, one of four financial management ratings is assigned: Superior, Above Standard, Standard or Substandard. A designation of Suspended Data Quality or Undetermined can also be assigned when a district or charter fails to submit its annual financial report by the submission deadline and/or no financial data is available for review.
The FIRST ratings are based on 20 established financial indicators, such as operating expenditures for instruction, tax collection rates, student-teacher ratios, and long-term debt.
“I am proud that CISD’s financial accountability is continuously recognized by the TEA as ‘Superior,’” said CISD Superintendent Dr. Diane Frost. “The CISD Board of Trustees and Marti Shaner, Assistant Superintendent of Finance, and the business services staff, provide oversight and management for the district finances. Recognition of this financial responsibility is important to the District and to the community we serve.”
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