JANUARY 11, 2024
Royse City ISD Staff & Families,
The RCISD School Board held a regularly scheduled meeting last week with a packed agenda of recognitions and action items. We aim to keep you informed and up-to-date on board activities with these brief recaps. As always, complete minutes from each meeting are publicly posted upon their approval each month for your reference.
Please also note that the missed instructional day on Tuesday, January 16 will not have to be made up at a later date. Royse City ISD builds the calendar with banked instructional minutes. At this time, Royse City ISD has ample instructional time without making up the lost day.
RCHS STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR MACY’S ALL AMERICAN BAND PARTICIPATION
Fine arts leadership recognized three students for participation in the 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Cale Austin, Harlee Henseon and Jacob Robb joined over 180 musicians from all 50 states for this special opportunity. They were involved in numerous rehearsals, performances, photo sessions, sightseeing and leadership clinics. Nine students in Royse City High School history have been chosen and completed this opportunity.
OUIDA BALEY MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL HONORED
Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) Executive Director Archie McAfee attended the board meeting to recognize Principal Angelee Morales as 2024 Texas Principal of the Year. TASSP recognizes outstanding principals from the twenty regional Education Service Centers in the state. There are more than 6,000 principals and assistant principals in Texas public secondary schools. School administrators are nominated and chosen by their peers within their regions. Nominations are based upon exemplary performance and outstanding leadership. Mrs. Morales has served as Ouida Baley Middle School principal since 2018.
CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT - DAVIS ELEMENTARY
Principal Rachel Camp shared information about the culture and success at Davis Elementary. As the first National Blue Ribbon School in Royse City ISD history, the campus is proven for its ability to grow students academically while nurturing relationships that help students succeed. Davis Elementary holds events throughout the year to make connections with families. Students are celebrated regularly for reaching self-set goals. Watch this video to learn more!
CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT - OUIDA BALEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Principal Angelee Morales shared an update on the activities of a growing campus. Baley MS shared a vision for student ownership in learning. By polling students on potential career interests, Baley MS administrators have created opportunities for students to learn from industry professionals within Royse City ISD’s Transportation and Maintenance Departments. Campus administrators and teachers strive to create learning experiences that are engaging, relevant and fun for students. Watch this video to learn more!
STATE REPRESENTATIVE JUSTIN HOLLAND HONORS SCHOOL BOARD
Each month, school districts around Texas take time to celebrate and recognize their elected school board trustees. As part of this year’s recognition, State Representative Justin Holland attended the meeting to present the board with a Texas Flag flown at the state capital on December 25, 2023. Representative Holland shared his support for public education and gratitude towards school board members and their service within the community. Board members also shared gratitude to Representative Holland for representing the school districts in House District 33 and for supporting the amazing educators and students within Royse City ISD.
CAMPUSES PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH
Also as part of School Board Appreciation Month, each campus attended the meeting to share messages of appreciation and tokens of appreciation. Principals noted that the culture of Royse City ISD starts with a supportive and team-oriented school board. School board members are elected by Royse City ISD voters for overlapping three year terms. They attend regular board meetings and school functions. Many choose to also volunteer for important committees to guide the district in areas of growth and long-range planning. They advocate for students, parents, staff and taxpayers through their work on the school board. They are:
Board President Scott Muckensturm (Place 5)
Vice President Dr. Brian Zator (Place 6)
Secretary Mike Anderson (Place 3)
Bobby Summers (Place 1)
Amanda Self (Place 2)
Eric Fort (Place 4)
Jessica Ratterree (Place 7)
ENROLLMENT UPDATE
Total district enrollment reached 9,465 by January 11, 2024 which is up from December 2023.
BOND 2023 UPDATE
Royse City ISD is preparing to issue the first round of school building bonds to start work on the projects approved in the May 2023 Bond Election. Most notable in the package is the construction of high school #2, middle school #3 and numerous facilities to serve a rapidly growing community.
BOND 2021 UPDATE Progress is easy to spot at Paula Walker Elementary School in Waterscape that is set to open in August of 2024. The construction of Royse City ISD Event Center (adjacent to RCISD Stadium) is also underway and will eventually be home to community events, school board meetings and district-wide professional development training. The former ag facility at RCHS is being renovated for a dance/cheer practice space and locker rooms for dance, cheer, baseball and softball. Land purchases continue for future school sites and district facilities.
Thank you for your interest in our school board activities and business of Royse City ISD.
Communications Office
communityrelations@rcisd.org