March 3, 2017

 

 

 

The 2016-17 class of Leadership Granbury toured Granbury ISD schools during an education-themed day on March 2, 2017.

 

The community organization participants heard presentations about the school district’s G2020 strategic plan and recent submission to be a District of Innovation for flexibility under a number of provisions in state education law.  Other information included the 2013 bond program – which included a major investment in facilities and technology – as well as Project Based Learning, the budget, and tax rate.

 

At Acton Middle School, principal Jimmy Dawson discussed the campus recently receiving the Texas Schools to Watch designation.  He also reviewed the school’s AMS Day of Service last November, when students converged on the community to assist with charitable organizations and other groups.  Dawson and instructional specialist Mindy Badgett spoke on Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), a new district initiative that provides academic and leadership support for students entering rigorous coursework that prepares them for a pathway to university studies. Teacher Jeremy Scott and students outlined the GISD Outdoor Learning Center, with a tour following led by assistant principal John Dafoe.

 

The group then traveled to Oak Woods School, where principal Donnie Cody presented information on campus security methods through controlled entry vestibules.  Fifth grade science teacher Traci Logsdon and instructional technology coordinator Jodie McClintock demonstrated equipment and student use of technology available in model classrooms.

 

Participants enjoyed a lunch prepared by culinary students taught by Allison Allen and Brianne Langdon in the new Granbury High School bistro.  That was followed by a walk-through of the new career and technical education center by director Judy Gentry, who discussed many of the program offerings including engineering, business, law enforcement, health science, welding, automotive technology, and aviation.  A tour of the rest of the transformed high school included a visit with Lt. Col. Scott Casey about the Marine Corps JROTC area and rifle range.

 

 

 

Afternoon presentations also included an update on academics from Granbury High School principal Jeremy Ross, assistant principal Tammy Clark, and lead counselor Claudia Hurst, an overview of the Granbury ISD Education Foundation by GEF president Stacy Mitchell, and a demonstration by school resource officer Jeff Hastings and Ben the Drug Dog.

 

The program creates an awareness of community resources and needs, enhances leadership skills, and helps identify future leaders.  The course consists of eight full-day sessions that offer learning opportunities and challenge participants to become actively involved in building a better tomorrow for Granbury.

 

Additional information about the leadership program is available at www.leadershipgranbury.org.