🌱 The Work Of Superintendent Azaiez​ + Student Achievement Policies

Happy Friday, Round Rock - We made it! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today we'll cover:

• What Round Rock ISD plans to do to raise "achievement indicators" in 2023
• How Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez has proven his methods for student success
• Who was appointed to be on the School Land Board until terms expire late next year
• School Board members, and who has what seats

But first, today's weather:

Some sun. High: 50 Low: 39.

Business owners and marketers in Round Rock: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories in Round Rock today:

1. Round Rock ISD officials discuss the midyear update of student achievement levels, which is required to be reported to the Texas Education Agency for 2023. New policies are expected in the new year to get students back up to speed, after performance declined mostly due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. More details on possible new requirements of students at Community Impact Newspaper.
2. Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez has taken a profound approach of opening up students and parents' minds to take a path in education that not only leads to a career, but to employment that is high in demand, with very decent pay. His work began in rural Donna ISD, then to Austin ISD, and now Round Rock ISD. Azaiez's active follow through with getting students ready for what the world will be like when students graduate, has yielded empirical evidence in the success of former students of his years as an educator. (Forbes)
3. Governor Abbott Appoints Brad Curlee of Round Rock, to the School Land Board until terms expire in August 2023. "The Board manages the acquisition, sale, and mineral leasing of the lands that comprise the Permanent School Fund, which contributes billions of dollars each year to public education in Texas." To learn more about Brad Curlee's professional background, visit the Office of the Texas Governor.
4. Round Rock ISD school board officers have "maintained the same slate as 2021." Place 1: Chuy Zárate, Place 2: Dr. Mary Bone, Place 3: Amber Feller, Place 4: Alicia Markum, Place 5: Amy Weir, Place 6: Tiffanie Harrison, and Place 7: Danielle Weston. To learn more on the breakdown of the votes, visit Community Impact Newspaper.

Today in Round Rock:

• Holiday Mart at Downtowner Gallery (1 p.m.)
• Hometown Holidays at Downtown Round Rock (6 p.m.)
• Live Music on the Poop Deck at American Legion George Johns Post 447 (7 p.m.)
• Christmas Carol Classic Radiocast at Penfold Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
• The Man Who Came to Dinner at Sam Bass Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
• D-Soul Davis Experience at The Alcove Cantina (8:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Traffic collision: A multi-vehicle collision closed down parts of the IH-35 near McNeil between 5:40 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. Thursday morning. Two people were taken to the hospital and "five vehicles were towed from the scene." Please drive carefully out there, y'all! (KXAN)
• Round Rock ISD Parents Don't Forget! "No school for students on Friday, Dec. 16 - it's a staff development day." (Round Rock ISD Facebook)
• Citizens Police Academy Info: "Join the more than 2,000 graduates of this program. Each one graduates with a greater understanding of how a police department works, plus some fun hands-on experiences. For more info, visit RoundRockTexas.gov/cpa #UnityInOneCommUNITY" (Round Rock Police Department Instagram)
• Operation Front Porch Deadline Reminder: "Thursday, Dec. 22 is the last day to pick up your packages from our station. RoundRockTexas.gov/frontporch Thanks to everyone who has participated in this package theft prevention program. It's a Holiday tradition!" (Round Rock Police Department Facebook)
• Free Covid-19 home tests are back! "The Federal government has resumed its partnership with the U.S. Postal Service to mail free at-home Covid-19 tests to households that request them. Visit www.covid.gov/tests or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to place your order." (Round Rock ISD Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! I'll see you around.

— Elaine Thompson

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Round Rock Daily? Contact me at RoundRock@Patch.com