Student Mental Health Support:

• Several students shared positive experiences with the mental health support provided, such as therapy groups for those who have experienced loss (e.g., after a family member passed away).
• CIS (Communities in Schools) programs were praised, but a need for more staff to reach more students was mentioned.
• The importance of having a supportive environment where students can talk about their struggles, even if they’re not speaking directly, was emphasized.

Digital Citizenship:

• Students acknowledged that awareness of the consequences of social media posts, like "threat regret," is generally high but stressed that many don't fully understand the severity until it affects them personally.
• There was a discussion about cyberbullying laws, with some students unaware of the specifics.

Safety Drills:

• Students noted a mix of reactions to safety drills: some are nonchalant, others experience anxiety.
• The timing of the "hold" lockdown drills was questioned, particularly why they happen toward the end of the year instead of the beginning. It was explained that with 60 schools in the district, drills are scheduled based on a lottery system.
• Fire drills were discussed, with students at JHS expressing concerns about the time it takes to exit, citing building design issues. The administration responded that improvements had been made to fire doors, which have sped up the process.
• Suggestions to make drills more engaging were shared, including using quizzes to test student knowledge and making the scenario more realistic with the involvement of staff or law enforcement.

Cell Phone Ban Discussion:

• The potential state push for cell phone bans sparked controversy. Some students felt that phones should remain accessible during emergencies for safety reasons, while others suggested teachers should have discretion over phone use.
• The topic of emergency communication was raised, with students considering how they might need to use phones during lockdowns or emergencies.

Future Plans & College Preparation:

• Students shared their future college and career plans, with many expressing appreciation for the support they've received from Hays CISD in preparing for college and careers.
• Some students expressed a desire for more specialized courses in fields like health, science, or law.
• Several students mentioned they feel well-prepared for their next steps, with some already entering college with credits from Hays CISD, saving them time and money.
• Career and technical paths were also highlighted, with students planning to enter fields such as welding, business, childcare, and EMT courses.

Closing Remarks:

• The administration thanked students for their feedback and highlighted plans to improve one-on-one guidance based on the suggestions provided.
• An invitation was extended for students to tour the new Ramage Elementary School, with a lighthearted mention of needing to wear hard hats.

Ashton’s Letter to the Board: 

• Ashton requested a longer lunch period, citing student feedback. Trustee Ms. Courtney Runkle emphasized the importance of student advocacy and how one email can prompt attention from the board.

Lunch Period Concerns:

• LHS: A student mentioned longer lunch periods in the past and suggested combining lunch with advisory time for a longer break.
• JHS: Students feel trapped in the cafeteria, and the current lunch periods are too short to eat properly. Suggestions included consolidating lunches to two periods, offering open campus for seniors with good records, and allowing students to finish lunch in class if needed. Concerns were raised about overcrowding, cutting in line, and limited time to eat.
• LOA: Students with longer lunch periods (45 minutes) feel better and more socialized.
• Safety: There were concerns about locked doors during lunch for safety reasons. Trustees emphasized the importance of maintaining safety while balancing legal requirements and fire codes. JHS has 28 doors for quick evacuation. HHS ensures safety with a dedicated custodian for gate management.
  

Post-Graduation Follow-ups:

• Mixed opinions on post-graduation contact. Some students feel they wouldn’t want to stay in touch, while others appreciate maintaining connections with trusted teachers for updates.
  

Career and Technology Course Offerings:

• Suggestions included adding music production courses, as seen in Michigan, where a Grammy-nominated producer offers CTE classes. Students would benefit from a professional studio to enhance their college applications.
• Interest in expanding psychology courses as there’s only one semester-long option.
• Some students also requested off periods, particularly as seniors, though it’s not commonly offered to juniors.

Next Meeting: March 6th, with a suggestion of burgers and fries for the next gathering. Reminder: Feb. 24th is PTA Rally Day.

Welcome New Members:

• Brysen Clayton
• Johnathan Castro
• Jazmine Morales

All new members join us from Live Oak Academy.

Bond Presentation – Max Cleaver & Nate Wensowitch:

• $986 million bond proposal.
• Upcoming elementary schools will have a capacity of 900 students.
• FES will undergo renovations including an expanded cafeteria, admin area, classrooms, and gym.
• GES may be renovated to include two stories and similar updates as FES.
• New elementary schools will have a capacity between 900-1200.
• 4 portables will be relocated to MMS; additional driveway and sewer system upgrades are needed.
• WMS to receive classroom additions, weight room, and track proposals.
• HHS and LHS will undergo similar renovations, excluding multipurpose gyms and band halls.
• Safety & security upgrades: new fencing and campus entrances.
• 28 new buses, maintenance vehicles, and a new maintenance shop at Uhland.
• $22 million allocated for MEP cycle replacements.

Prop B & C – Comprehensive High School 4:

• Proposed high school would have a 2,250-student capacity, excluding the auditorium, weight room, auto trade room, JROTC, and additional parking.
• Total cost: $255 million for the structure, with added costs for labor, space, and utilities.
• The higher cost compared to previous years is due to inflation and post-COVID price increases.
• Funding for the bond would come from taxpayers, with commercial and residential taxpayers sharing the cost.
• Returns on bonds fluctuate based on the market but are generally considered safe investments.
• While the district needs a high school, the bond proposal is split for voter consideration, with Prop B as the base model.

Middle School and High School Updates:

• Middle School 7 is planned to open alongside High School 4, potentially near UES or Southeast.
• There is hope to also bond for Middle School 7.
• Prop B funding includes athletic uniforms and multipurpose facilities to comply with new UIL heat index rules.
• Multipurpose facilities will provide a 30-degree temperature reduction for student safety.
• If the bond passes, projects will be spread out over time.

Previous Bond Vote and Tax Impact:

• Last year’s bond failed, but the district is working to adjust proposals based on community feedback.
• The current bond proposal does not raise taxes, as the district has been lowering rates over the past 7 years due to population growth.

Student Engagement Strategies:

• Teachers are encouraged to adopt strategies that engage students, such as using games, quizzes, and real-life applications of lessons.
• Specific teachers mentioned:
• Ms. Pope (engaging games and quizzes)
• Ms. Megan Johnson (organized, efficient lessons)
• Ms. Alonzo & Ms. Baker (structured and ADHD-friendly lessons)
• Mr. Gloria & Ms. Hansen (personalized support for career paths)
• Mr. Romo (hands-on projects and personalized student interests)
• Mr. De La Fuente (relevant, real-world connections).
• Students value teachers who respect their time, are organized, and foster a human connection.
• The feedback shared is used to guide teacher training and improve student engagement across the district.

High School Attendance:

• Current attendance requirement for class credit is 90%. Raising the bar to 94-95% was discussed, but many students felt it would increase anxiety and pressure, especially for those who struggle with motivation or have health/mental health challenges.
• Some students view attendance as tied to exemptions, and students who fall below 90% often must attend credit recovery, which they find less effective than regular classes.
• Concerns were raised about students who don't have parental support or understanding regarding attendance, which can lead to severe consequences like court involvement.

HB 1481 (Cell Phone Ban):

• A bill proposing to prohibit cell phones during instructional time was discussed. Students expressed concerns about the logistics and potential safety issues, like being unable to contact parents in emergencies.
• Some felt the policy would be disruptive, expensive, and ineffective, given that students can still use devices like Chromebooks for communication or learning.
• Dr. Wright mentioned that other districts use this method for attendance but acknowledged challenges with the policy’s wording and implications for instructional time.

HB 186 (Social Media Bill):

• This bill seeks to ban social media for those under 18. Students generally felt that 16 would be a more appropriate age to start limiting access and that trying to enforce an 18+ ban would be ineffective.
• Concerns about privacy risks were raised if social media platforms required personal documents for age verification.
• Many students emphasized the role of parental guidance over state-imposed regulations. They also raised the question of whether educational platforms like YouTube would be affected.

Exemption Policy Feedback:

• Students discussed the exemption policy, with some suggesting that if a student has 90% attendance and grades above 90%, they should be able to exempt exams.
• Concerns were raised about the attendance rule, where students feel their academic performance should be the primary focus, not the amount of time spent in class.

Next Meeting: January 15, 2025.

Thanksgiving luncheon & school design discussion:

• presentation of comprehensive high school #4: the new school in buda will feature a unique design, wrapping around a stadium. key features include:
• mpac (multipurpose activity center) with indoor sports facilities (artificial turf, a/c, covered practice fields).
• cte tower with 4 stories dedicated to career and technical education.
• specialized areas: sped suite, fine arts suite, event entry, and athletics suite.
• classrooms: science labs, forensics, criminal justice, and large windows for natural light.
• student experience: emphasis on intuitive design, soundproofing for classrooms, and shared spaces for multiple uses (e.g., mpac, culinary kitchen).
• stadium: will be shared initially between high schools, with plans for additional stadiums at other campuses.
• parking: more spaces are being added, applying lessons learned from current campus parking issues.
• classroom space & accessibility: considerations for wide stairwells and direct routes to avoid congestion.

scheduling and school breaks:

• feedback on breaks: students generally enjoy breaks like halloween but want clarity on scheduling around holidays (e.g., veterans day).
• college prep & exams: some seniors feel unprepared for sat/act due to late college prep. confusion also exists regarding exemption processes for finals.
• advisory periods: mixed feedback on the usefulness of homerooms/advisories, with some students finding them redundant or underutilized. others appreciate dedicated time for homework or specific activities.

extracurricular and academic scheduling:

• time management & extracurriculars: students discuss challenges balancing extracurriculars with academic responsibilities, noting that it’s up to the student to manage their schedule, though some struggle with conflicting commitments. coaches and teachers are often flexible but communication and awareness of personal limits are key.
• advanced classes: some freshmen feel unprepared for ap classes and suggest earlier preparation in middle school or even elementary school.
• cheating & ai: the rise of ai has made cheating easier, particularly in higher-level classes. however, students acknowledge that ai cannot replace genuine learning, especially during exams. there's a call for more supportive, respectful teacher-student interactions to prevent cheating and foster understanding.

general feedback:

• students want more clarity on processes (e.g., exemptions, scheduling) and greater consistency in the management of extracurricular and academic commitments. communication from teachers and administrators is essential for ensuring students stay on track with their responsibilities.

 

Threat Regret Among Younger Students

• Understanding Consequences: Many 11 and 12-year-olds do not grasp the seriousness of making threats.
• Recent Incidents: 6 students arrested for social media threats; 4 of them are 11 years old.
• Impact Awareness: Many students fail to realize the broad repercussions of threats, affecting various individuals.

Student Insights

• Motivations for Threats:
• Some students believe media coverage encourages them to act out for publicity.
• Desire for attention may lead to threats being perceived as "jokes."
• Accountability: Parents often bear the financial consequences of students' actions. Discussions on whether parents are involved when threats occur.

Curriculum and Campaigns

• New Curriculum: Chief of Safety and Security to implement a curriculum focused on threat regret in classrooms.
• Successful Campaigns: Reference to a fentanyl awareness campaign that reduced overdose deaths.
• Restitution Discussion: Exploring restitution for threats and potential financial impact on families.

Role of Cell Phones

• Cell Phone Ban Discussion:
• Mixed opinions on banning phones; concerns about safety if phones are not accessible during emergencies.
• Phones seen as a resource for information and communication, not just distractions.
• Trust in Responsible Use: Emphasis on teaching students how to manage phone use responsibly.

Safety Reporting Mechanisms

• Reporting Tools:
• Encourage students to use resources like Hays Hopeline and iWatch Texas to report suspicious activity.
• Importance of knowing how and where to report threats.

Questions and Concerns Raised

• Social Media vs. Verbal Threats: Are they treated equally? Yes, all threats are taken seriously, regardless of the medium.
• Campus Wifi Issues: Ongoing problems with slow loading speeds due to recent construction affecting fiber connections.
• Future Policies:
• Discussions on maintaining "Grey Days" and the possibility of a 4-day school week (not currently feasible).
• Need for better communication about AP exam registration timelines and college application processes.

Next Meeting

• Date: November 13
• Lunch: Wings and boneless wings provided.

 

Good Things & Welcome:
The meeting began with a warm welcome extended by the Hays CISD Board and Superintendent to the Student Advisory Panel. Members shared positive updates about "good things" happening in their lives.

 

1. Advisory Panel Tour Summary: Guided Tour: Students were led on a tour of the Academic Support Center (ASC) by:

• Tim Savoy (Chief Communications Officer)
• Jeri Skrocki (Chief Safety & Security Officer)
• Christina Courson (Chief Human Resources Officer)

 

2. Student IDs on Campus

• Current Status: Students are wearing IDs; adults are actively checking them.
• Student Feedback: No issues reported.
• Adult Feedback: Ensuring compliance with ID policy.

 

3.  Dress Code

• Hat Policy: HHS students are pleased with the allowance of hats.

 

4. Class Schedules and Adjustments

• Issue: Schedule corrections took a few weeks
• TEAMS Access: Difficulty in viewing or selecting off-periods; specific concern with CCMR.
• Ag Mech (Welding): Welding will continue but might be categorized differently in CTE
• Counselor Response: Response times are slow

 

5. College Applications

School Links:

• Jackson noted the addition of a new tab with no prior training, leading to a trial and error learning process
• The system is perceived as overwhelming and not user-friendly.
• Teachers require training to assist students effectively

 

Recommendation Letters:

• Adults submitting recommendations without a School Links account may not receive necessary emails.
• Contact Emily Herrin, Kris Peterson, or Maritza Gonzales for issues.
• Distinction between letters from educators versus family and friends.

 

6. Mission Statement

• Presented by: Tim Savoy
• Objective: The new mission statement aims to communicate the core mission and vision of Hays CISD clearly.

• Approach: Incorporated language from the previous statement to create a direct and impactful message.
• Goal: Ensure that the mission statement reflects the district’s commitment to its goals.

 

 

Good Things & Welcome:
The meeting began with a warm welcome extended by the Hays CISD Board and Superintendent to the Student Advisory Panel. Members shared positive updates about "good things" happening in their lives.

New Student Introductions:

Bryce Clore and Sofia Landaverde were welcomed as new students to the panel.

Introduction of New Volunteer Coordinator:

Elizabeth Bracamontes was introduced as the new Volunteer Coordinator. High school volunteer hour requirements and details as to when the clock starts for recording hours were asked. Future meeting to decide details was made.

Evaluation of Fighting Fentanyl Campaign:

• Discussion centered around evaluating the effectiveness of the ongoing fighting fentanyl campaign.
• Identified aspects that are working well and areas that require adjustments.
• Potential UIL Playoff Restructure:
  Deliberation on the possibility of restructuring UIL playoffs. Further examination needed to determine the feasibility and potential impact of any restructuring.

Testing Fatigue:

• Addressed concerns regarding testing fatigue among students.
• Strategies to mitigate testing fatigue were discussed.

Announcements:

The next meeting will be a tour of the New Cullen Elementary on April 3rd, 2024. Participants are reminded that closed-toed shoes are required for the tour.

Welcome and Introductions:
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from the Hays CISD Board and Superintendent to the Student Advisory Panel. "Good things" happening in members' lives were shared. 

Student Dress Code:

• Clarify the rationale behind the dress code – is it primarily for maintaining professionalism, ensuring safety, or fostering a conducive learning environment?
• Address the specific issue of hats within the dress code. Discuss the reasons behind any existing regulations regarding hats and whether there's a need for adjustments.

Recent Demographer’s Information:

• Provided a link to the demographer’s information for review.
• Future campus location options
• Expected growth projections

Physical Safety:

• Discussed campus security measures.
• Reviewed emergency response protocols.
• Discussed ongoing infrastructure improvements.

Mental Health and Well-being:

• Reviewed support services available for students.
• Discussed initiatives promoting mental health awareness.
• Shared strategies for stress management.

Next Meeting: Scheduled for March 7th, 2024, at the Kyle Kimbro room.

Welcome and Introductions:
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from the Hays CISD Board and Superintendent to the Student Advisory Panel. "Good things" happening in members' lives were shared. 

• Presentation on the process of creating academic calendars for the academic years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026. Solicited feedback from students regarding the proposed calendars.
• Security Kiosks
• Discussion on the implementation of security kiosks across the campus.
• Presentation of plans, if any, related to security kiosks.
• Open discussion - Questions or comments from students

Students were given the opportunity to voice any questions, concerns, or comments on topics outside the agenda.

Next Meeting

Scheduled the next meeting for February 7, 2024 (Thursday) at the Performing Arts Center.

Meeting Summary:

• The meeting commenced with a presentation on the process of creating academic calendars for the academic years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026. The presentation covered the factors considered in the creation of the calendars and invited feedback from students regarding the proposed schedules.
• Following that, there was a discussion regarding the implementation of security kiosks across the campus. Plans related to security kiosks were presented, and attendees were encouraged to share their thoughts and suggestions on the matter.
• An open discussion was held, allowing students to voice any questions, comments, or concerns they had on topics not included in the agenda.
• The meeting concluded with the scheduling of the next meeting, set for February 7, 2024 (Thursday) at the Performing Arts Center.

Action Items:

• Gather and analyze feedback from students regarding the proposed academic calendars.
• Further evaluate plans for the implementation of security kiosks based on the discussion and feedback received.
• Prepare agenda items for the next meeting, incorporating any relevant topics raised during the open discussion.