May 11, 2023 • 40 mins
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Episode Transcript
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(00:02):
Welcome to the Roy West Radio Show. I am Debbie Bridgeman, your guest
host for today's program, which hasheard every Sunday at noon on newstalk AM
five sixty k l V I,also on the iHeartRadio app and at Roywest
dot Com. Today's show is goingto focus on Beaumont is s D and
we're going to feature information on anupcoming job fair, also some of our
(00:22):
summer school programs, and a newpartnership with Third Future Schools. But first
let's talk about registration. Please welcomemy first guest, bisD Director of Student
Services, Sunesia Savette. Hi,Hi Debbie, thank you, and thank
the Roy West Show for having meon today. As you mentioned, my
(00:43):
name is Scenicia Savette, and Iserved as a director of student Services.
I've been with the district now twentyyears, I believe it or not,
all right, serving in many roles, starting out as a substitute and then
moving on up to a classroom teacherof middle school and high school kiddos,
and then serving in various administrative roles. And now here is the director of
(01:04):
student services. All right, Sotwenty years. Wow, very very busy,
and now you've been overseeing student services. I know for at least over
seven years, because I've been herefor seven years. Yeah, I think
I'm ten or eleven years in now. Wow, Well, I know that
(01:25):
your department handles so much. Peopledon't realize, but especially when it comes
time to registration. But anytime thatthere's a change, I mean, just
as simple as a phone number orif somebody needs to switch campuses or whatever
it might be, your team ison it. Yes, ma'am, we
are, I guess the Walmart ofBeaumont D kind of the one stop shop
(01:47):
for student support and student services.So we're happy to help where we can.
And already it is a busy timeof year now, like for our
department, we're like twenty twenty two, twenty three, the school years coming
to a close, graduations on theway. But you're already thinking registrations.
So you know, why is itimportant for people to go ahead and register
(02:10):
now? I know a lot ofparents think, well, it doesn't start
till August. Sure, sure,Indeed, we're weeks away from closing out
the chapter on twenty twenty three,twenty twenty four, I mean twenty twenty
two, twenty twenty three, sayI'm all ready in the next school year,
but we've been busy planning for thenext school year since the first day
of school this year. That includesplanning for our annual student registration and so,
(02:37):
just like completing paperwork when you goto the doctor annually or the dentist
annually, so they can get thoseupdates, it's also important for our parents
to complete their school registration forms annuallytwo and so by going ahead and doing
it now, that takes the burdenoff of them and less stress off of
them for the back to school crunchtime. So if they do it now,
(03:00):
they actually get a longer summer becausethey don't have to worry about that
during the first couple of weeks ofgetting ready to go back to school.
And plus, doing it early allowsthe district to better optimize and prepare to
serve their students' needs, whatever thoseneeds may be for a particular special program,
(03:21):
or special transportation or just special services. We want to be able to
prepare in advance to serve our studentswell. And there's so much that people
don't realize that. You know,for instance, if you are zoned let's
say for guests elementary, but you'redoing the ODAM Pegasus program that's across town
and technically Guess is zoned for anothermiddle school. So just that in transportation,
(03:46):
it's challenging, you know. Imean people think, oh, well
the bus comes by. Well there'smore to it. And when you talk
about just updating information, I know, when we go to the doctor's office
and we're like, again, nothing'schanged. Why don't have to do this?
But district communications are vital, especiallyif something happens at a campus or
with your child, to make surethat you have all the numbers and everything
(04:09):
up to date in case there's anemergency. Yes, ma'am, that is
very critical. Safety and security ofour students is our number one priority and
number one concerned. So if thereis an issue or an emergency with our
students, we want to be ableto reach our families. We want to
be able to reach those emergency contacts. So if nothing else, giving us
(04:31):
the updated information for emergency contacts.And also it could be that your student
didn't have an allergy last year andall of a sudden they've developed an allergy
to peanuts or to strawberries or whateverit may be. So getting that information
to the proper staff persons so theycan best address those needs. Is really
(04:54):
critical and vital to us well.And it's so important too, just to
get the information so that the campus as can prepare because when you do
meet the teacher before before school starts, I mean you want to walk in
and see your child's name and seetheir desk and see that everything's ready and
not have to worry about the firstday of school and where are we going
to put the student We didn't knowthey were coming. And you know,
(05:15):
you may think, Okay, everything'sperfect. We have you know, so
many students in each grade level,it's perfect. And then well, so
let me ask you this. Sothere's lots of choices for kids to go
to school. Of course they're youknow, not just public school. But
you know what makes BID do youfeel like really stand out? There's so
many great things, but what makesyou know? Why would why do we
(05:39):
want our kids to come to bisD. Sure, well, I don't think
we have enough time in this segmentfor me to list everything, so I'll
try to convince it for you.The ABC's of choosing B I S D.
So we'll start with a awesome academics. We have awesome academics that are
offered to our students here. Justrecently, I know that your department,
(06:02):
along with our administrative team, recognizeda whole host of honor graduates who have
received the foundational education that they needto take the next step right here at
bi SD. So I would sayA is the awesome academics, and then
B we have a wide buffet ofco curricular extracurricular activities clubs and you know,
(06:29):
not to brag, but also tobrag, we're the home of the
back to back state championship boys fiveA basketball team with our Beaumont United Timberwolves,
and we've reached state level and statechampionships in other sports as well.
So we have a wide variety ofthings to offer students. And then ce
(06:53):
if we can tute our own horn. Here just a little bit is our
CTE programs and offerings. We setthe foundation for those students to earn certificates
and licensers in a variety of thingsbased upon what their need is, what
their interests are, so they cando everything from culinary arts to cosmetology,
(07:18):
maritime. Now they can walk outwith a real estate license, healthcare.
So those are just a few ofthe ABC's of why people should choose bisD.
There's a wide variety of offerings herethat I'm sure would meet their students'
needs. I completely agree, asyou know, mine is getting ready to
(07:40):
leave but has had an excellent education, and you know there is there's something
for everyone, and this has justbeen a blessing. So hopefully everyone that's
listening knows about that. So howcan you register? Okay, great news.
We've heard from our parents in thepast and they said, you know,
(08:00):
if you can make it convenient andeasy for us, we'll go ahead
and get that done. So registrationis online. It's still online. Parents
can do it conveniently from their ownhome or their workplace or even their personal
device at their own time, sothere's not a set time that they would
have to complete it, and wewant them to be able to do it
(08:24):
with ease. So if they goto our website www. Dot BMTISD dot
com, they simply click the iconfor online registration and there are step by
step instructions that will take them throughthat. Many of our parents have become
mentors because they've been doing it nowfor a while, and so they help
their neighbors and their friends who maybe new to this, but it's quick
(08:48):
and convenient online. Well, andI know you guys just had a big
event on May six where you hadthe big registration kickoff and you have people
on hand that can help those thataren't tech savvy. That seems to be
you know, for the majority ofus going online anytime we want, getting
it done, piece of cake.But some people just may not have Internet,
they may not be just comfortable withthe computer. So will you have
(09:09):
some opportunities maybe throughout the summer thatyou'll have, like you know, one
stop shops set up to help people, Yes, ma'am, we will.
As much as we advertise and pushthat it's online and quick and convenient,
we don't want to take that inperson support away from anyone. So during
(09:30):
the summer months at our summer schoolelementary sites and locations, there will be
registration specialists that will be there tohelp parents and walk them through if they
need a password change or if theyjust have a question so they can visit
those sites. And then of courseat the back to school time will also
offer some additional in person supports forour parents and families. And I know
(09:54):
we also have our destress best thatis coming up. I believe it's the
first Saturday in June. I believe, I believe so, yes, and
so you guys will be on handat that as well to help families get
registered. There will be some registrationspecialists that are there that they can reach
out to an assists well. AndI know your department has gone above and
(10:16):
beyond the past couple of years,especially with COVID as well. But you
guys were going to area apartment complexesand you know, just making an announcement,
you were going to be you know, maybe in their office area,
and you guys have been helping parentsthat you needed some assistance. So I
guess are you guys going to tryto do some of that again. Yes,
working with our Parent Involvement Coordinator.She has a great team and they
(10:41):
also assist in going out to ourapartments and some of the residential areas to
inform and also assist. So thatis one thing that we offer as well,
not just having the families to cometo us, but for us to
go out into the community and toassist those families. All Right, so
(11:01):
we got about a minute left.The biggest thing right now is get your
child registered for school. Now weare actively recruiting everybody to get signed up
to stay with bisD, to joinbisD, to enjoy bisD. And again,
where do they need to go toget registered online? Yes, so
(11:22):
if they go directly to our homepagewww. Dot bmtid dot com, they'll
click on the online registration icon andit will walk them through the steps.
It is very simple and it doestake maybe a good ten minutes. It's
like allow yourself. There's a lotof stuff that you need to kind of
check through, but it's very veryimportant mom, dad, grandma and grandpa
(11:45):
get those kids registered. Yes,yes, indeed, and doing it online
that means you don't have to standin line and fill out all of that
paperwork manually. So we encourage everybodyto get it done and get it early.
All right, Thanks and Ecia forbeing a part of the show.
Thank you so much. All you'relistening to the Roy West Radio Show on
Newstalk Am five to sixty k lv I. Welcome back to the Roy
(12:13):
West Radio Show on Newstalk AM fivesixty k l v I. I am
Debbie Bridgeman, your guest host fortoday's program. Our next guest has been
working with the City of Beaumont foran upcoming job fair for all the details.
Please welcome our Assistant director for SecondaryAdministration, doctor Lance Campbell. Good
afternoon, Miss Bridgeman. How areyou. I am doing great. So
(12:37):
you are new to the district andmany of our listeners may not know that
much about you, So tell usjust briefly. How long have you been,
you know, in education and whatare some of the roles that you've
had, Yes, ma'am, sothis is my twenty eighth year in education.
I have been a coach, teacher, a principal, district level personnel,
(13:01):
and then I found my way toBeaumont about nine months ago. I've
been serving in the capacity of assistantsuperintendent since June of twenty twenty two,
and it has been a great experienceand really happy to be here in Beaumont.
So as the assistant superintendent for secondaryeducation, which is of course over
(13:24):
middle and high school. What aresome of your main things, I guess
besides communicating with the principles on thosecampuses. Yes, ma'am, so you
know the thing that I like todo one is there are two factors to
student success, the teacher and theprinciple, and so My job is to
make sure life is good for bothof those groups. Right, you need
(13:45):
to make teachers happy. You've gotto provide the resources for them and anything
that they need to improve the instructionand the environment for kids. So that's
that's the number one priority. Andas you mentioned as well, I work
with Principles on a daily basis tosupport them. You know, when you're
working with nine hundred to twenty fivehundred kids, you know, it's a
(14:05):
it's a tough job at times,and so you know, I'm there to
coach them, I'm there to supportthem. I'm there to be an ear.
I mean, so anything that theyneed, we you know, our
first party is teaching and learning forkids, but anything that they need,
my job is to support the teachersand the administrators. Also, I work
closely with Athletics and Doctor Jackson.An amazing job that they do there.
(14:31):
I get to go and watch kidsperform, and that is something that you
just, you know, I lookforward to every time I get to go
watch kids perform. And we've definitelyhad quite the athletic school year between our
back to back state champs, possiblygoing third, I mean, but you
know, making it to the finalsis super exciting, especially going from five
A to six A. We've hadtennis brother and sister that just were third
(14:56):
in state. I mean, there'sjust been so much athletic and kids that
are excelling. And of course that'swhat I think. You know, we
want to make sure that our kidsare attending school, and if they're involved
in an extracurricular like athletics, youknow, that's a really good reason to
keep them going to school. Yes, man, when I would add that
today we've got a girl from BeaumontUnited competing in the state and gymnastics,
(15:18):
and I've got some video from herthat was sent to me today and she's
really doing a great jobs. Awesome, that's awesome. So and I guess
you know, being that you're aroundthe kids that are really starting you know,
elementary, we're getting them ready forsecondary, secondary, We're getting them
ready to move on out into theworld. And I guess you know,
attending the top graduates luncheon the otherday, you were probably super proud of
(15:41):
our top grads that have done sowell and are getting ready to graduate.
There is nothing like that experience toknow that you got kids going to Notre
Dame. You've got kids going tothe Ivy League schools, and your own
son was one of those. Itwas a great experience for you, I'm
quite sure as well. Oh yeah, but to see the horror work and
the commitment over a four year periodto keep your GPA at a certain amount
(16:04):
and exceeding academically and being able tojust be in the room with those kids
was a great experience, definitely.And I mean just the fact that just
those seventy that we had at ourluncheon, that their scholarship offers, which
haven't stopped yet but are already overseven million dollars. I mean, that's
impressive. That is phenomenal. We'revery proud of them. So when we
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think about preparing our kids, preparingthe next generation, you know, some
go to the military, some goto college universities, and some are ready
to hit the workforce right away.So tell us a little bit about this
job fair that's coming up on Mayeighth. Yeah, So we're really working
closely with the city. It's oneof the initiatives for the superintendent, the
(16:47):
Board of Trustees, and then wemet with them in the fall and one
of the goals was to figure outways to support kids getting jobs right.
And so we met in January February. If I recalled to talk about there
are students in our schools that aregoing to college, like you said,
there are kids that are going tothe military. There are kids that have
(17:10):
a good job that they're already goingto but there are kids that will graduate
in May. They're not sure wherethey're going. And so we've really been
working and targeting those students to figureout ways to support them so that they
do have a plan, or givethem the experience or the exposure to a
job fair so that they can knowwhat that looks like. And so we've
spent the last few weeks our campusadministrators working with kids on development of their
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resume, talking about what interviews willlook like and sound like, and how
they respond to those things. Andthey're doing a lot of leg work and
prepping them for this experience on Maythe eighth. And so where is this
event going to be held? Yeah, great question. It's going to be
held at Paul Brown. It's theold Central gym. We're setting up in
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there, and so the students fromBeaumont United, Westbrook and Paul Brown will
be a part of the interview processthere the city will be coming over.
We're already doing the logistics of settingthat up with the city and the Beaumont
d and so there probably will bea close to twenty departments they're looking for
(18:17):
and potentially offering positions for students thatneed jobs. So for the students that
are coming, what do they needto bring with them their resume is or
anything else? Well, we weregoing to ask them to dress appropriately right
where the principals and the counselors areworking with them on what does it look
like when you go to a jobfair? Uh, you know, And
I don't think that we're asking kidsto wear a suit and tie, but
(18:40):
you know, where would you wearto Sunday? You know, when you're
going to church and look and lookappropriate and uh you know. But it's
also given them that that conversation withone on one about sitting down. We're
going to actually go through interview processesin different departments and we're really excited about
that. But it's the preparation andfrom the campuses and the implementation from our
(19:02):
HR department and others in our organizationplus the city, and there's so many
jobs that are out there. Imean, what a relief for a student
that's about to graduate and to knowthey have a job waiting for them.
Amen. And so we we've talkedabout transportation as a possibility. I know
that on the city side they're they'reactually going to bring departments from the police
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fire. There are lots of opportunitiesthat they're going to be there for our
kids. Are they guaranteed a jobthat they know, but we're definitely going
to give them opportunities for the experience, and there would be opportunities for them
to apply for those positions there.We're setting up computers so that if there
is an an application that needs tobe filled out, we can make sure
they do it on the spot andso they can get callbacks if it doesn't
(19:52):
happen on that day. So,now is this just for students, Like
if somebody's mom or dad we're comingwith them, can they apply to now?
Not for this one. This isthis is for graduating seniors from bisD
people intend that really wants to helpthem in any way that she can.
And so we're targeting a certain groupof kids that we believe that they're not
(20:14):
sure where they're going after they graduate. And I love BID for all the
opportunities. You know, as wesay preparing our next generation that you know,
if you're not going to the military, you're not going to a college
or university. You know, wewant to try everything we can to help
you get a job. Even withour Career Center and all the free certifications
that kids are getting to where theycould go straight to being a welder or
(20:37):
an automotive mechanic and they have thosecertifications at no cost. Yes, ma'am.
Absolutely, And what we provide theCareer Center and what we provide through
l T is pretty amazing in ourdistrict and then going and and building on
that every year. I'm real proudof doctor Prudham and her team over there
and what they're doing to make surethat kids have as many opportunities to be
(21:00):
successful when it comes to being careerready. And for any student that maybe
just as shy of graduation, Iknow that they have a chance this summer
to get those credits and finish up. I believe say that again. So
let's just say somebody's like just shyof graduating, summer opportunities, yes,
(21:23):
ma'am. So we're actually going todo a summer graduation for kids as well.
There's been some timelines with testing thatwill impact our students this year,
being the graduations on the twentieth,and it's going to be a little bit
early before the test results come back, and so there will be summer opportunities
for those seniors that are a littlebit shy, but we're also going to
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give them the same experience of graduatingand walking across the stage in the summer
in July, and we're really excitedabout that. Awesome. Well, doctor
Campbell, thank you for being apart of the show. The big job
Fair for our graduating seniors is Tuesday, May eighth. Thank you. All
right, we'll be right back withthe Roy West Radio Show on newstalk AM
(22:08):
five sixty k l v I.Welcome back to the Roy West Radio Show
on newstalk AM five sixty k lv I. I am Debbie Bridgeman,
your guest host for today's program.Now, our next guest is no stranger
to the Roy West Show when wetalk bisc she's very, very busy and
(22:32):
right now she is in the midstof planning a fantastic summer full of student
opportunities. So please welcome our directorof Curriculum and Instruction, miss Jenny Angelo.
Hi, how are you, Debbie? Doing good? Staying busy?
That's for sure. Yes, lookslike I can't wait for the school year
to be done. But at thesame time, you know, people think,
(22:53):
oh, you have the summer off, and it's like, no,
we don't. I mean, backto school is like the most important busy
time of a school year. SoI always say that summer is probably one
of our busiest times getting ready forsummer school and then for the school year.
You are absolutely right, definitely.Well, we all know we've mentioned
(23:14):
the word COVID for you know,several years, and even though it's maybe
not affecting people's health as much asit was, there's still all the effects
of when we really had hardcore COVIDin our area and student achievement. It's
not just here, it's it's allacross the globe that students, you know,
it really had a big effect.So they're still trying to recover.
(23:37):
And I know we have a bunchof summer programs that we're offering to help
students, So tell us a littlebit about those programs. Sure, So
we have an elementary summer program forstudents like in need of some extra support
in reading and math in particular.And so we are currently identifying those students
based on their current school year dataand we will be holding that at five
(23:59):
locations. Let me check my notes, I'll tell you the right locations will
be at Amelia, at Charlton Pollard, at Guests at Martin, and at
Peach MacArthur. And the program runsfrom June sixth through the twenty eighth,
Monday through Thursday. And so thisbasically is going to be like school a
little different. But I guess agood plus two is the students are still
(24:22):
getting their breakfast and lunch. Yes, free breakast, free lunch. We
also have summer feeding at those locationsplus others for free breakfast and lunch for
anyone up to age eighteen, whetherthey're a best student or not. So
that's a great offering this summer.I love that. I love that,
and really, you know, it'sit's definitely a help for parents that are
(24:44):
working in the summer for them toyou know, and kids say, oh,
they're out for the summer, butif they're just sitting around their house,
they're not learning. They may nothave supervision, they may not have
food. So really enrolling in thesesummer programs is a win win for everybody.
It is, it keeps occupied.It is a full day program at
elementary, so that goes from eighto'clock, will serve breakfast, and then
we dismiss at three o'clock. Soit's a big help to parents as well
(25:08):
as to students who need that additionalacademic support. Definitely. Now, I
know we've got elementary covered. Whatabout middle and high school? Middle and
high school if we have students whogot behind and they need credit recovery,
same dates for that program as well. That will be held at Marshall Middle
School for middle school students and BeaumontUnited for high school. So here's another
(25:30):
question. So I mean, Iknow kids can go. When you think
summer school, you think, ohyou're bad, you know you've done something
wrong. How do you know ifyour child needs to go to summer school.
So in parents self serve so parentscan log into there and we will
have the grades. Let me checkmy calendar posted by May thirty first,
parents can check that they can see, oh my child, you know they
(25:53):
fell short. They're teenagers, right, They're not fully adults yet. So
we make some bad decisions sometimes orwe fall short on the work, but
they can check their grades through selfserve on by May thirty first, they'll
be posted. It will let themknow if they failed a core subject area.
And then we have that whole weekof May thirty first, the students
can register at their home campus.Their counselors will be there. But we're
(26:17):
also doing a district wide event onJune third, Saturday in the Westbrook Cafeteria
from ten to two and anybody cancome and we call it our Distress Fest,
So you can come and register forsummer school there get the help you
need. We have lots of wraparoundservices, so different community organizations, mental
health resources, things that parents mightneed. Hey, I might want to
(26:41):
look into this. They're right therefor you. It's like a one stop
shop for getting supports that you mightneed. Yes, and there's so many
opportunities. We just talked a littlewhile ago with Sundici A Savett and talked
about registration, So I know evenwith that Distress Fest that if parents need
help getting their kids registered, that'sa great opportunity. So sometimes high school
(27:02):
students they're eager beavers and they wantto get ahead and jump start on stuff.
Are there any opportunities over the summerfor them to do some advancement courses
to get ahead. There are sowe are offering several ways to get advancement
credits. This is for high schoolstudents only, different things like foreign language,
Art, we have professional Communication,and even government and economics. If
(27:27):
they're a rising senior, they canget that course done and out of the
way this summer and get that creditthis summer. The way we're doing it,
these are students, they cannot haveany credits to recover, so they're
just looking to take advancement only andwe're allowing them to do that virtually,
which is great. They can stillwork, still go on vacation, get
(27:47):
that done by the end of June, and have some credits under their belt
before the next year. Wow.That sounds good, I mean. And
a lot of kids, I mean, I know the majority did not enjoy
the virtual learning when wet we're stuckat home. There were a lot,
but there are some that did fine, and so I think having the virtual
options are always really good. Soif apparent sees that they feel their middle
(28:12):
or high school student needs some summerschool or advancement, how do they get
signed up for that? So wehave our wonderful web page right www dot
bmtisd dot com and we have anicon on that page you call Summer to
Success. Click on that and it'lltell you everything you need to know on
there to register again. It justseems so crazy. Everyone's so excited to
(28:36):
get out for the summer and they'rereally only thinking no school. But there's
just so many good opportunities. Andof course even across bisD and across our
wonderful city of Beaumont, there areso many summer camps and things for kids
to do this summer. You cannever say you are bored in Beaumont,
Texas. That is true. Thereis I love Balmont. We keep adding
more and more opportunities, Like everyweekend there is something really cool to do
(29:00):
and go and see. And thissummer is no exceptions. So same thing,
Debbie. If they go to ourwebsite BNTID dot com, click on
Summer to Success, it's on ourhome landing page as you go there,
and we have collected and we're addingto this every single day all the different
camps, not just Beaumon isasd opportunities, but from business partners and from organizations
(29:23):
across the city. There's lots offun things on there. So we have
bowmon Is d STEM camps for allages PreK all the way up through high
school. We have lots of differentsessions. There's some places still open,
so if they want to get onin register they can one hundred percent free
from US one hundred percent free.We have business partners Jonathan Williams, Performing
(29:45):
Arts, Beaumont Community Players are offeringamazing camps that they can take advantage of.
Sign up now so the spots willget fills, So you want to
sign up now. Art Adventures withthe Beaumont Art Museum, the Children's Museum,
tons of opportunities all the way acrossthe city that will fill their days.
And we also posted there's a lotof volunteer opportunities as well that students
(30:08):
can do at the Food Bank Habitatfor Humanity, So there's information about that
there as well. You know,speaking of the food Bank again this year,
the Journey eighteen plus group, theywere rewarded with a Presidential award for
all their hours and the food Bank. I mean they were sucked talking about
Beaumont United and Odom and West.I mean, there's so many campuses that
(30:33):
a lot of their clubs, keyclubs, student council whatever. I mean,
they really loved a volunteer. AndI mean just any organization in town
if they are looking for added assistanceand need some volunteers, Beaumont ICD has
got them covered because there's so manydifferent groups and those kids need the service
hours and it's just been a pleasureto watch them at some of the events
(30:56):
I've been at where I'm like,wow, look at these kids go.
We were at some other place nottoo long ago as a Thanksgiving store,
and so you've got folks that arecoming there and they actually get to shop
and they have a little grocery cardand a Westbrook student was paired with each
person and they made sure they gotyou know, one of this item,
one of this item, one ofthis item. So they were getting a
chance to get all their stuff.But it was nice to see the different
(31:19):
students that were paired up with them. So lots of service opportunities, lots
of volunteering, lots of summer Enrichmondactivities in summer school with Beaumont ISSD.
One more time, Jenny, wheredo they need to go to get all
the information and to sign up hitup that web page. You will find
all the information you need wwwbmtisd dotcom, the Summer to Success logo,
(31:45):
and it will lead you to everythingwe talked about today and all of our
contact information as well. Perfect,Jenny, thank you so much for being
a part of the show. Thanks, Debby. All Right, we'll be
right back with the Roy West RadioShow right here on Newstalk AM five sixty
k LVII. Welcome back to theRoy West Radio Show on news Talk AM
(32:07):
five sixty k LVII. I amDebbie Bridgeman, your guest host for today's
program. Now, our next guesthas been crucial to establishing relationships that are
supporting our campuses. Please welcome ourchief Innovation Officer, A Nietra Cheatham.
Good afternoon, Debby. Thank youso much for having me. So for
(32:28):
anyone that maybe doesn't know who isa Nietra Cheatham, tell us just a
little bit about yourself, like howlong have you been with the district and
what are some of the roles thatyou've had. Well, thank you.
Currently, I am serving, asyou said, as the chief Innovation Officer.
So what is that. So basicallywe are focused on redesigning systems and
(32:49):
structures and historically low performing school performanceacross the district. But prior to that,
I've worked in the district in multiplecapacities over about the last fifteen years.
I started as a middle school readinglanguage arts teacher. I've served as
a program coordinator, assistant principal,and principle, leading to the role that
(33:10):
I have now. Wow, Iknow, because I know when we first
met, I believe you were atSmith Middle School. Maybe so maybe,
Okay, So right now you've reallyhad the privilege of working with the different
partnerships and charters that are coming intothe district. So I know, like
(33:30):
this year we have our homer ASchool, which has been going fantastic.
King Middle School has been working withGreen Dot, and so for the next
school year, we now have anew company that's going to be coming in.
So tell us a little bit aboutthird future schools. So, like
you named, we've done in adistrict led redesign. We've done a transcend
(33:52):
redesign at Martin. We're proud ofthose. But it was in twenty nineteen
when we started these eighteen eighty twopartnerships that you just illustrate it at keen
Fell Price Jones Clark and Smith,and each of those operating partners is responsible
for raising the academic achievement at thesehistorically struggling campuses. And so we're really
(34:20):
excited about the Third Future model,and we know that it is a transition
for parents families in the district asa whole, but we think overall it
is in the best interests of thedistricts and the students that we're serving at
those campuses. When we first hadthe opportunity to visit a Third Future site,
I can't tell you how excited Iwas. I saw the model on
paper, but actually seeing it inexecution, we think that it's going to
(34:45):
be a game changer because of howthey have really systematized rigorous core Tier one
instruction and I say that repeatedly.It's high level instruction, just as we
expect to be happening across classrooms.But they've really found a way to also
layer in additional opportunities for targeted supportfor our students who need the extra time.
(35:09):
And it's that part that is reallyexciting. But in addition to that,
they have some great extracurricular opportunities forour students. I'll call them that
This DIAD concept, and the DIATmodel is where they grant opportunities to business
partners and business owners across the communityto come into the campus and be able
(35:34):
to serve students in a variety ofways that they may not have access to
outside of the school day, thingslike karate, sewing, cosmetology courses,
whatever it is that students say thatthey're interested in that they wish they had
access to at school. The DIATmodel is going to provide that. So
their coordinator will reach out to businessesand say, hey, we have students
(35:57):
really interested in a yoga class,ass or whatever it may be, and
they partner with those individuals to comein and be an elective course on students
schedules on a rotating basis. Andthat's really exciting because we know exposure is
extremely valuable in developing us as fullindividuals. It's not just the core academic
curriculum. Kids needs access to othercontent as well. So I'm really excited
(36:21):
about that also. So we're reallydepending on Third Future to come in and
execute their model at the same levelthat we observed it at two other Texas
districts before we decide to bring themon. Well, I think the biggest
thing that parents have to understand isthat if we don't bring in these additional
people to help us, the schoolswould close. And we do not want
(36:43):
that. I mean, the worstthing, and I even thought about this
if you say you just moved toa certain area and you're like, oh,
this will be great, the school'sright across the street, or you
know whatever, and all of asudden it's closed. I mean that's obviously
not good. And with these extracurriculars, you know, we know that the
kids that gives them something to lookforward to, you know, like if
it's something rare that they haven't hada chance to do. It's like,
(37:05):
yes, I get to read,I get to do math, I get
to do but today I also getto So yeah, we definitely, because
I know, we want kids inschool all the time, and of course
we want all of our campuses tobe open and to be strong. So
for kids that maybe hear about thisand maybe they're going to another school,
can they come to these schools?Absolutely? So the one thing about our
(37:27):
operating partners, they're considered open enrollmentcampuses. You can either use the transfer
window, but at any time youcan say I would like to be a
student at phil Price or Jones orSmith or even King, and you may
register as an open enrollment option withinthe district. So I know that you
have had some town hall meetings withthird Future Schools, which has been great
(37:50):
either zoom or out at one ofthe campuses, so for them to explain
everything that they're going to be doing. There's some more that are coming up,
so I think the next one isMay six that's right, so May
sixteenth, and we'll have multiple optionseven heading into summer. And I really
would just encourage not only parents,but all invested stakeholders to attend the town
(38:12):
hall meetings so that you get theinformation directly. It's nothing like being able
to come in and get all ofyour questions answered and hear that information firsthand.
I think it's important for parents toattend also so that they get a
clear view of what's going to bechanging about their campus. Like one thing
I highlight here is they have adifferent calendar that they will run from the
(38:32):
district, so they have an earlierstart time. They will begin on August
second, which is several days aheadof the district, and there are some
differences over the course of the schoolyear that I think parents need advance notice
about. They need to also beaware of some unique offerings for their schedule
similar to what we offer at home, or they will have extended hours so
(38:53):
students can report to campus early.As a working parent, I think that's
going to be a great addition forsome families for the building to be open
at seven and stay open until bythirty in the afternoon. Those are great
things that you need to know,but you also need to be able to
think about your individual context and askthose questions and get them answered live at
(39:15):
the town halls. But for ifany reason that you can attend in person.
The Zoom option is available for eachone of those meetings, So pipe
in via zoom if that's a betterfit also, all right, that sounds
good. So the next one isgoing to be May sixteenth, and this
of course is third Future Schools andthey will be a part of the bisD
(39:36):
family starting with the twenty twenty threetwenty four school year. And for more
information, is there a place Iguess you know they can always go to
the bisD website. Yes, ma'am, they can go right to the bisD
website. There's an information there andwe all, of course, continue to
update you there on the link ofadditional opportunities, but we also encourage you
(39:59):
to come out visit us at thecampus when we open. One thing that
we want to be sure of isthat families know that you can have access
to come and see what the newmodel looks like in operation. Also,
all right, Anitra, thank youfor being a part of the show.
We appreciate you. Thank you somuch. I appreciate you having me.
All Right, we'll be right backwith the Roy West Radio Show on m
(40:20):
five to sixty k l v I
Welcome to the Roy West Radio Show. I am Debbie Bridgeman, your guest
host for today's program, which hasheard every Sunday at noon on newstalk AM
five sixty k l V I,also on the iHeartRadio app and at Roywest
dot Com. Today's show is goingto focus on Beaumont is s D and
we're going to feature information on anupcoming job fair, also some of our
(00:22):
summer school programs, and a newpartnership with Third Future Schools. But first
let's talk about registration. Please welcomemy first guest, bisD Director of Student
Services, Sunesia Savette. Hi,Hi Debbie, thank you, and thank
the Roy West Show for having meon today. As you mentioned, my
(00:43):
name is Scenicia Savette, and Iserved as a director of student Services.
I've been with the district now twentyyears, I believe it or not,
all right, serving in many roles, starting out as a substitute and then
moving on up to a classroom teacherof middle school and high school kiddos,
and then serving in various administrative roles. And now here is the director of
(01:04):
student services. All right, Sotwenty years. Wow, very very busy,
and now you've been overseeing student services. I know for at least over
seven years, because I've been herefor seven years. Yeah, I think
I'm ten or eleven years in now. Wow, Well, I know that
(01:25):
your department handles so much. Peopledon't realize, but especially when it comes
time to registration. But anytime thatthere's a change, I mean, just
as simple as a phone number orif somebody needs to switch campuses or whatever
it might be, your team ison it. Yes, ma'am, we
are, I guess the Walmart ofBeaumont D kind of the one stop shop
(01:47):
for student support and student services.So we're happy to help where we can.
And already it is a busy timeof year now, like for our
department, we're like twenty twenty two, twenty three, the school years coming
to a close, graduations on theway. But you're already thinking registrations.
So you know, why is itimportant for people to go ahead and register
(02:10):
now? I know a lot ofparents think, well, it doesn't start
till August. Sure, sure,Indeed, we're weeks away from closing out
the chapter on twenty twenty three,twenty twenty four, I mean twenty twenty
two, twenty twenty three, sayI'm all ready in the next school year,
but we've been busy planning for thenext school year since the first day
of school this year. That includesplanning for our annual student registration and so,
(02:37):
just like completing paperwork when you goto the doctor annually or the dentist
annually, so they can get thoseupdates, it's also important for our parents
to complete their school registration forms annuallytwo and so by going ahead and doing
it now, that takes the burdenoff of them and less stress off of
them for the back to school crunchtime. So if they do it now,
(03:00):
they actually get a longer summer becausethey don't have to worry about that
during the first couple of weeks ofgetting ready to go back to school.
And plus, doing it early allowsthe district to better optimize and prepare to
serve their students' needs, whatever thoseneeds may be for a particular special program,
(03:21):
or special transportation or just special services. We want to be able to
prepare in advance to serve our studentswell. And there's so much that people
don't realize that. You know,for instance, if you are zoned let's
say for guests elementary, but you'redoing the ODAM Pegasus program that's across town
and technically Guess is zoned for anothermiddle school. So just that in transportation,
(03:46):
it's challenging, you know. Imean people think, oh, well
the bus comes by. Well there'smore to it. And when you talk
about just updating information, I know, when we go to the doctor's office
and we're like, again, nothing'schanged. Why don't have to do this?
But district communications are vital, especiallyif something happens at a campus or
with your child, to make surethat you have all the numbers and everything
(04:09):
up to date in case there's anemergency. Yes, ma'am, that is
very critical. Safety and security ofour students is our number one priority and
number one concerned. So if thereis an issue or an emergency with our
students, we want to be ableto reach our families. We want to
be able to reach those emergency contacts. So if nothing else, giving us
(04:31):
the updated information for emergency contacts.And also it could be that your student
didn't have an allergy last year andall of a sudden they've developed an allergy
to peanuts or to strawberries or whateverit may be. So getting that information
to the proper staff persons so theycan best address those needs. Is really
(04:54):
critical and vital to us well.And it's so important too, just to
get the information so that the campus as can prepare because when you do
meet the teacher before before school starts, I mean you want to walk in
and see your child's name and seetheir desk and see that everything's ready and
not have to worry about the firstday of school and where are we going
to put the student We didn't knowthey were coming. And you know,
(05:15):
you may think, Okay, everything'sperfect. We have you know, so
many students in each grade level,it's perfect. And then well, so
let me ask you this. Sothere's lots of choices for kids to go
to school. Of course they're youknow, not just public school. But
you know what makes BID do youfeel like really stand out? There's so
many great things, but what makesyou know? Why would why do we
(05:39):
want our kids to come to bisD. Sure, well, I don't think
we have enough time in this segmentfor me to list everything, so I'll
try to convince it for you.The ABC's of choosing B I S D.
So we'll start with a awesome academics. We have awesome academics that are
offered to our students here. Justrecently, I know that your department,
(06:02):
along with our administrative team, recognizeda whole host of honor graduates who have
received the foundational education that they needto take the next step right here at
bi SD. So I would sayA is the awesome academics, and then
B we have a wide buffet ofco curricular extracurricular activities clubs and you know,
(06:29):
not to brag, but also tobrag, we're the home of the
back to back state championship boys fiveA basketball team with our Beaumont United Timberwolves,
and we've reached state level and statechampionships in other sports as well.
So we have a wide variety ofthings to offer students. And then ce
(06:53):
if we can tute our own horn. Here just a little bit is our
CTE programs and offerings. We setthe foundation for those students to earn certificates
and licensers in a variety of thingsbased upon what their need is, what
their interests are, so they cando everything from culinary arts to cosmetology,
(07:18):
maritime. Now they can walk outwith a real estate license, healthcare.
So those are just a few ofthe ABC's of why people should choose bisD.
There's a wide variety of offerings herethat I'm sure would meet their students'
needs. I completely agree, asyou know, mine is getting ready to
(07:40):
leave but has had an excellent education, and you know there is there's something
for everyone, and this has justbeen a blessing. So hopefully everyone that's
listening knows about that. So howcan you register? Okay, great news.
We've heard from our parents in thepast and they said, you know,
(08:00):
if you can make it convenient andeasy for us, we'll go ahead
and get that done. So registrationis online. It's still online. Parents
can do it conveniently from their ownhome or their workplace or even their personal
device at their own time, sothere's not a set time that they would
have to complete it, and wewant them to be able to do it
(08:24):
with ease. So if they goto our website www. Dot BMTISD dot
com, they simply click the iconfor online registration and there are step by
step instructions that will take them throughthat. Many of our parents have become
mentors because they've been doing it nowfor a while, and so they help
their neighbors and their friends who maybe new to this, but it's quick
(08:48):
and convenient online. Well, andI know you guys just had a big
event on May six where you hadthe big registration kickoff and you have people
on hand that can help those thataren't tech savvy. That seems to be
you know, for the majority ofus going online anytime we want, getting
it done, piece of cake.But some people just may not have Internet,
they may not be just comfortable withthe computer. So will you have
(09:09):
some opportunities maybe throughout the summer thatyou'll have, like you know, one
stop shops set up to help people, Yes, ma'am, we will.
As much as we advertise and pushthat it's online and quick and convenient,
we don't want to take that inperson support away from anyone. So during
(09:30):
the summer months at our summer schoolelementary sites and locations, there will be
registration specialists that will be there tohelp parents and walk them through if they
need a password change or if theyjust have a question so they can visit
those sites. And then of courseat the back to school time will also
offer some additional in person supports forour parents and families. And I know
(09:54):
we also have our destress best thatis coming up. I believe it's the
first Saturday in June. I believe, I believe so, yes, and
so you guys will be on handat that as well to help families get
registered. There will be some registrationspecialists that are there that they can reach
out to an assists well. AndI know your department has gone above and
(10:16):
beyond the past couple of years,especially with COVID as well. But you
guys were going to area apartment complexesand you know, just making an announcement,
you were going to be you know, maybe in their office area,
and you guys have been helping parentsthat you needed some assistance. So I
guess are you guys going to tryto do some of that again. Yes,
working with our Parent Involvement Coordinator.She has a great team and they
(10:41):
also assist in going out to ourapartments and some of the residential areas to
inform and also assist. So thatis one thing that we offer as well,
not just having the families to cometo us, but for us to
go out into the community and toassist those families. All Right, so
(11:01):
we got about a minute left.The biggest thing right now is get your
child registered for school. Now weare actively recruiting everybody to get signed up
to stay with bisD, to joinbisD, to enjoy bisD. And again,
where do they need to go toget registered online? Yes, so
(11:22):
if they go directly to our homepagewww. Dot bmtid dot com, they'll
click on the online registration icon andit will walk them through the steps.
It is very simple and it doestake maybe a good ten minutes. It's
like allow yourself. There's a lotof stuff that you need to kind of
check through, but it's very veryimportant mom, dad, grandma and grandpa
(11:45):
get those kids registered. Yes,yes, indeed, and doing it online
that means you don't have to standin line and fill out all of that
paperwork manually. So we encourage everybodyto get it done and get it early.
All right, Thanks and Ecia forbeing a part of the show.
Thank you so much. All you'relistening to the Roy West Radio Show on
Newstalk Am five to sixty k lv I. Welcome back to the Roy
(12:13):
West Radio Show on Newstalk AM fivesixty k l v I. I am
Debbie Bridgeman, your guest host fortoday's program. Our next guest has been
working with the City of Beaumont foran upcoming job fair for all the details.
Please welcome our Assistant director for SecondaryAdministration, doctor Lance Campbell. Good
afternoon, Miss Bridgeman. How areyou. I am doing great. So
(12:37):
you are new to the district andmany of our listeners may not know that
much about you, So tell usjust briefly. How long have you been,
you know, in education and whatare some of the roles that you've
had, Yes, ma'am, sothis is my twenty eighth year in education.
I have been a coach, teacher, a principal, district level personnel,
(13:01):
and then I found my way toBeaumont about nine months ago. I've
been serving in the capacity of assistantsuperintendent since June of twenty twenty two,
and it has been a great experienceand really happy to be here in Beaumont.
So as the assistant superintendent for secondaryeducation, which is of course over
(13:24):
middle and high school. What aresome of your main things, I guess
besides communicating with the principles on thosecampuses. Yes, ma'am, so you
know the thing that I like todo one is there are two factors to
student success, the teacher and theprinciple, and so My job is to
make sure life is good for bothof those groups. Right, you need
(13:45):
to make teachers happy. You've gotto provide the resources for them and anything
that they need to improve the instructionand the environment for kids. So that's
that's the number one priority. Andas you mentioned as well, I work
with Principles on a daily basis tosupport them. You know, when you're
working with nine hundred to twenty fivehundred kids, you know, it's a
(14:05):
it's a tough job at times,and so you know, I'm there to
coach them, I'm there to supportthem. I'm there to be an ear.
I mean, so anything that theyneed, we you know, our
first party is teaching and learning forkids, but anything that they need,
my job is to support the teachersand the administrators. Also, I work
closely with Athletics and Doctor Jackson.An amazing job that they do there.
(14:31):
I get to go and watch kidsperform, and that is something that you
just, you know, I lookforward to every time I get to go
watch kids perform. And we've definitelyhad quite the athletic school year between our
back to back state champs, possiblygoing third, I mean, but you
know, making it to the finalsis super exciting, especially going from five
A to six A. We've hadtennis brother and sister that just were third
(14:56):
in state. I mean, there'sjust been so much athletic and kids that
are excelling. And of course that'swhat I think. You know, we
want to make sure that our kidsare attending school, and if they're involved
in an extracurricular like athletics, youknow, that's a really good reason to
keep them going to school. Yes, man, when I would add that
today we've got a girl from BeaumontUnited competing in the state and gymnastics,
(15:18):
and I've got some video from herthat was sent to me today and she's
really doing a great jobs. Awesome, that's awesome. So and I guess
you know, being that you're aroundthe kids that are really starting you know,
elementary, we're getting them ready forsecondary, secondary, We're getting them
ready to move on out into theworld. And I guess you know,
attending the top graduates luncheon the otherday, you were probably super proud of
(15:41):
our top grads that have done sowell and are getting ready to graduate.
There is nothing like that experience toknow that you got kids going to Notre
Dame. You've got kids going tothe Ivy League schools, and your own
son was one of those. Itwas a great experience for you, I'm
quite sure as well. Oh yeah, but to see the horror work and
the commitment over a four year periodto keep your GPA at a certain amount
(16:04):
and exceeding academically and being able tojust be in the room with those kids
was a great experience, definitely.And I mean just the fact that just
those seventy that we had at ourluncheon, that their scholarship offers, which
haven't stopped yet but are already overseven million dollars. I mean, that's
impressive. That is phenomenal. We'revery proud of them. So when we
(16:26):
think about preparing our kids, preparingthe next generation, you know, some
go to the military, some goto college universities, and some are ready
to hit the workforce right away.So tell us a little bit about this
job fair that's coming up on Mayeighth. Yeah, So we're really working
closely with the city. It's oneof the initiatives for the superintendent, the
(16:47):
Board of Trustees, and then wemet with them in the fall and one
of the goals was to figure outways to support kids getting jobs right.
And so we met in January February. If I recalled to talk about there
are students in our schools that aregoing to college, like you said,
there are kids that are going tothe military. There are kids that have
(17:10):
a good job that they're already goingto but there are kids that will graduate
in May. They're not sure wherethey're going. And so we've really been
working and targeting those students to figureout ways to support them so that they
do have a plan, or givethem the experience or the exposure to a
job fair so that they can knowwhat that looks like. And so we've
spent the last few weeks our campusadministrators working with kids on development of their
(17:34):
resume, talking about what interviews willlook like and sound like, and how
they respond to those things. Andthey're doing a lot of leg work and
prepping them for this experience on Maythe eighth. And so where is this
event going to be held? Yeah, great question. It's going to be
held at Paul Brown. It's theold Central gym. We're setting up in
(17:55):
there, and so the students fromBeaumont United, Westbrook and Paul Brown will
be a part of the interview processthere the city will be coming over.
We're already doing the logistics of settingthat up with the city and the Beaumont
d and so there probably will bea close to twenty departments they're looking for
(18:17):
and potentially offering positions for students thatneed jobs. So for the students that
are coming, what do they needto bring with them their resume is or
anything else? Well, we weregoing to ask them to dress appropriately right
where the principals and the counselors areworking with them on what does it look
like when you go to a jobfair? Uh, you know, And
I don't think that we're asking kidsto wear a suit and tie, but
(18:40):
you know, where would you wearto Sunday? You know, when you're
going to church and look and lookappropriate and uh you know. But it's
also given them that that conversation withone on one about sitting down. We're
going to actually go through interview processesin different departments and we're really excited about
that. But it's the preparation andfrom the campuses and the implementation from our
(19:02):
HR department and others in our organizationplus the city, and there's so many
jobs that are out there. Imean, what a relief for a student
that's about to graduate and to knowthey have a job waiting for them.
Amen. And so we we've talkedabout transportation as a possibility. I know
that on the city side they're they'reactually going to bring departments from the police
(19:29):
fire. There are lots of opportunitiesthat they're going to be there for our
kids. Are they guaranteed a jobthat they know, but we're definitely going
to give them opportunities for the experience, and there would be opportunities for them
to apply for those positions there.We're setting up computers so that if there
is an an application that needs tobe filled out, we can make sure
they do it on the spot andso they can get callbacks if it doesn't
(19:52):
happen on that day. So,now is this just for students, Like
if somebody's mom or dad we're comingwith them, can they apply to now?
Not for this one. This isthis is for graduating seniors from bisD
people intend that really wants to helpthem in any way that she can.
And so we're targeting a certain groupof kids that we believe that they're not
(20:14):
sure where they're going after they graduate. And I love BID for all the
opportunities. You know, as wesay preparing our next generation that you know,
if you're not going to the military, you're not going to a college
or university. You know, wewant to try everything we can to help
you get a job. Even withour Career Center and all the free certifications
that kids are getting to where theycould go straight to being a welder or
(20:37):
an automotive mechanic and they have thosecertifications at no cost. Yes, ma'am.
Absolutely, And what we provide theCareer Center and what we provide through
l T is pretty amazing in ourdistrict and then going and and building on
that every year. I'm real proudof doctor Prudham and her team over there
and what they're doing to make surethat kids have as many opportunities to be
(21:00):
successful when it comes to being careerready. And for any student that maybe
just as shy of graduation, Iknow that they have a chance this summer
to get those credits and finish up. I believe say that again. So
let's just say somebody's like just shyof graduating, summer opportunities, yes,
(21:23):
ma'am. So we're actually going todo a summer graduation for kids as well.
There's been some timelines with testing thatwill impact our students this year,
being the graduations on the twentieth,and it's going to be a little bit
early before the test results come back, and so there will be summer opportunities
for those seniors that are a littlebit shy, but we're also going to
(21:47):
give them the same experience of graduatingand walking across the stage in the summer
in July, and we're really excitedabout that. Awesome. Well, doctor
Campbell, thank you for being apart of the show. The big job
Fair for our graduating seniors is Tuesday, May eighth. Thank you. All
right, we'll be right back withthe Roy West Radio Show on newstalk AM
(22:08):
five sixty k l v I.Welcome back to the Roy West Radio Show
on newstalk AM five sixty k lv I. I am Debbie Bridgeman,
your guest host for today's program.Now, our next guest is no stranger
to the Roy West Show when wetalk bisc she's very, very busy and
(22:32):
right now she is in the midstof planning a fantastic summer full of student
opportunities. So please welcome our directorof Curriculum and Instruction, miss Jenny Angelo.
Hi, how are you, Debbie? Doing good? Staying busy?
That's for sure. Yes, lookslike I can't wait for the school year
to be done. But at thesame time, you know, people think,
(22:53):
oh, you have the summer off, and it's like, no,
we don't. I mean, backto school is like the most important busy
time of a school year. SoI always say that summer is probably one
of our busiest times getting ready forsummer school and then for the school year.
You are absolutely right, definitely.Well, we all know we've mentioned
(23:14):
the word COVID for you know,several years, and even though it's maybe
not affecting people's health as much asit was, there's still all the effects
of when we really had hardcore COVIDin our area and student achievement. It's
not just here, it's it's allacross the globe that students, you know,
it really had a big effect.So they're still trying to recover.
(23:37):
And I know we have a bunchof summer programs that we're offering to help
students, So tell us a littlebit about those programs. Sure, So
we have an elementary summer program forstudents like in need of some extra support
in reading and math in particular.And so we are currently identifying those students
based on their current school year dataand we will be holding that at five
(23:59):
locations. Let me check my notes, I'll tell you the right locations will
be at Amelia, at Charlton Pollard, at Guests at Martin, and at
Peach MacArthur. And the program runsfrom June sixth through the twenty eighth,
Monday through Thursday. And so thisbasically is going to be like school a
little different. But I guess agood plus two is the students are still
(24:22):
getting their breakfast and lunch. Yes, free breakast, free lunch. We
also have summer feeding at those locationsplus others for free breakfast and lunch for
anyone up to age eighteen, whetherthey're a best student or not. So
that's a great offering this summer.I love that. I love that,
and really, you know, it'sit's definitely a help for parents that are
(24:44):
working in the summer for them toyou know, and kids say, oh,
they're out for the summer, butif they're just sitting around their house,
they're not learning. They may nothave supervision, they may not have
food. So really enrolling in thesesummer programs is a win win for everybody.
It is, it keeps occupied.It is a full day program at
elementary, so that goes from eighto'clock, will serve breakfast, and then
we dismiss at three o'clock. Soit's a big help to parents as well
(25:08):
as to students who need that additionalacademic support. Definitely. Now, I
know we've got elementary covered. Whatabout middle and high school? Middle and
high school if we have students whogot behind and they need credit recovery,
same dates for that program as well. That will be held at Marshall Middle
School for middle school students and BeaumontUnited for high school. So here's another
(25:30):
question. So I mean, Iknow kids can go. When you think
summer school, you think, ohyou're bad, you know you've done something
wrong. How do you know ifyour child needs to go to summer school.
So in parents self serve so parentscan log into there and we will
have the grades. Let me checkmy calendar posted by May thirty first,
parents can check that they can see, oh my child, you know they
(25:53):
fell short. They're teenagers, right, They're not fully adults yet. So
we make some bad decisions sometimes orwe fall short on the work, but
they can check their grades through selfserve on by May thirty first, they'll
be posted. It will let themknow if they failed a core subject area.
And then we have that whole weekof May thirty first, the students
can register at their home campus.Their counselors will be there. But we're
(26:17):
also doing a district wide event onJune third, Saturday in the Westbrook Cafeteria
from ten to two and anybody cancome and we call it our Distress Fest,
So you can come and register forsummer school there get the help you
need. We have lots of wraparoundservices, so different community organizations, mental
health resources, things that parents mightneed. Hey, I might want to
(26:41):
look into this. They're right therefor you. It's like a one stop
shop for getting supports that you mightneed. Yes, and there's so many
opportunities. We just talked a littlewhile ago with Sundici A Savett and talked
about registration, So I know evenwith that Distress Fest that if parents need
help getting their kids registered, that'sa great opportunity. So sometimes high school
(27:02):
students they're eager beavers and they wantto get ahead and jump start on stuff.
Are there any opportunities over the summerfor them to do some advancement courses
to get ahead. There are sowe are offering several ways to get advancement
credits. This is for high schoolstudents only, different things like foreign language,
Art, we have professional Communication,and even government and economics. If
(27:27):
they're a rising senior, they canget that course done and out of the
way this summer and get that creditthis summer. The way we're doing it,
these are students, they cannot haveany credits to recover, so they're
just looking to take advancement only andwe're allowing them to do that virtually,
which is great. They can stillwork, still go on vacation, get
(27:47):
that done by the end of June, and have some credits under their belt
before the next year. Wow.That sounds good, I mean. And
a lot of kids, I mean, I know the majority did not enjoy
the virtual learning when wet we're stuckat home. There were a lot,
but there are some that did fine, and so I think having the virtual
options are always really good. Soif apparent sees that they feel their middle
(28:12):
or high school student needs some summerschool or advancement, how do they get
signed up for that? So wehave our wonderful web page right www dot
bmtisd dot com and we have anicon on that page you call Summer to
Success. Click on that and it'lltell you everything you need to know on
there to register again. It justseems so crazy. Everyone's so excited to
(28:36):
get out for the summer and they'rereally only thinking no school. But there's
just so many good opportunities. Andof course even across bisD and across our
wonderful city of Beaumont, there areso many summer camps and things for kids
to do this summer. You cannever say you are bored in Beaumont,
Texas. That is true. Thereis I love Balmont. We keep adding
more and more opportunities, Like everyweekend there is something really cool to do
(29:00):
and go and see. And thissummer is no exceptions. So same thing,
Debbie. If they go to ourwebsite BNTID dot com, click on
Summer to Success, it's on ourhome landing page as you go there,
and we have collected and we're addingto this every single day all the different
camps, not just Beaumon isasd opportunities, but from business partners and from organizations
(29:23):
across the city. There's lots offun things on there. So we have
bowmon Is d STEM camps for allages PreK all the way up through high
school. We have lots of differentsessions. There's some places still open,
so if they want to get onin register they can one hundred percent free
from US one hundred percent free.We have business partners Jonathan Williams, Performing
(29:45):
Arts, Beaumont Community Players are offeringamazing camps that they can take advantage of.
Sign up now so the spots willget fills, So you want to
sign up now. Art Adventures withthe Beaumont Art Museum, the Children's Museum,
tons of opportunities all the way acrossthe city that will fill their days.
And we also posted there's a lotof volunteer opportunities as well that students
(30:08):
can do at the Food Bank Habitatfor Humanity, So there's information about that
there as well. You know,speaking of the food Bank again this year,
the Journey eighteen plus group, theywere rewarded with a Presidential award for
all their hours and the food Bank. I mean they were sucked talking about
Beaumont United and Odom and West.I mean, there's so many campuses that
(30:33):
a lot of their clubs, keyclubs, student council whatever. I mean,
they really loved a volunteer. AndI mean just any organization in town
if they are looking for added assistanceand need some volunteers, Beaumont ICD has
got them covered because there's so manydifferent groups and those kids need the service
hours and it's just been a pleasureto watch them at some of the events
(30:56):
I've been at where I'm like,wow, look at these kids go.
We were at some other place nottoo long ago as a Thanksgiving store,
and so you've got folks that arecoming there and they actually get to shop
and they have a little grocery cardand a Westbrook student was paired with each
person and they made sure they gotyou know, one of this item,
one of this item, one ofthis item. So they were getting a
chance to get all their stuff.But it was nice to see the different
(31:19):
students that were paired up with them. So lots of service opportunities, lots
of volunteering, lots of summer Enrichmondactivities in summer school with Beaumont ISSD.
One more time, Jenny, wheredo they need to go to get all
the information and to sign up hitup that web page. You will find
all the information you need wwwbmtisd dotcom, the Summer to Success logo,
(31:45):
and it will lead you to everythingwe talked about today and all of our
contact information as well. Perfect,Jenny, thank you so much for being
a part of the show. Thanks, Debby. All Right, we'll be
right back with the Roy West RadioShow right here on Newstalk AM five sixty
k LVII. Welcome back to theRoy West Radio Show on news Talk AM
(32:07):
five sixty k LVII. I amDebbie Bridgeman, your guest host for today's
program. Now, our next guesthas been crucial to establishing relationships that are
supporting our campuses. Please welcome ourchief Innovation Officer, A Nietra Cheatham.
Good afternoon, Debby. Thank youso much for having me. So for
(32:28):
anyone that maybe doesn't know who isa Nietra Cheatham, tell us just a
little bit about yourself, like howlong have you been with the district and
what are some of the roles thatyou've had. Well, thank you.
Currently, I am serving, asyou said, as the chief Innovation Officer.
So what is that. So basicallywe are focused on redesigning systems and
(32:49):
structures and historically low performing school performanceacross the district. But prior to that,
I've worked in the district in multiplecapacities over about the last fifteen years.
I started as a middle school readinglanguage arts teacher. I've served as
a program coordinator, assistant principal,and principle, leading to the role that
(33:10):
I have now. Wow, Iknow, because I know when we first
met, I believe you were atSmith Middle School. Maybe so maybe,
Okay, So right now you've reallyhad the privilege of working with the different
partnerships and charters that are coming intothe district. So I know, like
(33:30):
this year we have our homer ASchool, which has been going fantastic.
King Middle School has been working withGreen Dot, and so for the next
school year, we now have anew company that's going to be coming in.
So tell us a little bit aboutthird future schools. So, like
you named, we've done in adistrict led redesign. We've done a transcend
(33:52):
redesign at Martin. We're proud ofthose. But it was in twenty nineteen
when we started these eighteen eighty twopartnerships that you just illustrate it at keen
Fell Price Jones Clark and Smith,and each of those operating partners is responsible
for raising the academic achievement at thesehistorically struggling campuses. And so we're really
(34:20):
excited about the Third Future model,and we know that it is a transition
for parents families in the district asa whole, but we think overall it
is in the best interests of thedistricts and the students that we're serving at
those campuses. When we first hadthe opportunity to visit a Third Future site,
I can't tell you how excited Iwas. I saw the model on
paper, but actually seeing it inexecution, we think that it's going to
(34:45):
be a game changer because of howthey have really systematized rigorous core Tier one
instruction and I say that repeatedly.It's high level instruction, just as we
expect to be happening across classrooms.But they've really found a way to also
layer in additional opportunities for targeted supportfor our students who need the extra time.
(35:09):
And it's that part that is reallyexciting. But in addition to that,
they have some great extracurricular opportunities forour students. I'll call them that
This DIAD concept, and the DIATmodel is where they grant opportunities to business
partners and business owners across the communityto come into the campus and be able
(35:34):
to serve students in a variety ofways that they may not have access to
outside of the school day, thingslike karate, sewing, cosmetology courses,
whatever it is that students say thatthey're interested in that they wish they had
access to at school. The DIATmodel is going to provide that. So
their coordinator will reach out to businessesand say, hey, we have students
(35:57):
really interested in a yoga class,ass or whatever it may be, and
they partner with those individuals to comein and be an elective course on students
schedules on a rotating basis. Andthat's really exciting because we know exposure is
extremely valuable in developing us as fullindividuals. It's not just the core academic
curriculum. Kids needs access to othercontent as well. So I'm really excited
(36:21):
about that also. So we're reallydepending on Third Future to come in and
execute their model at the same levelthat we observed it at two other Texas
districts before we decide to bring themon. Well, I think the biggest
thing that parents have to understand isthat if we don't bring in these additional
people to help us, the schoolswould close. And we do not want
(36:43):
that. I mean, the worstthing, and I even thought about this
if you say you just moved toa certain area and you're like, oh,
this will be great, the school'sright across the street, or you
know whatever, and all of asudden it's closed. I mean that's obviously
not good. And with these extracurriculars, you know, we know that the
kids that gives them something to lookforward to, you know, like if
it's something rare that they haven't hada chance to do. It's like,
(37:05):
yes, I get to read,I get to do math, I get
to do but today I also getto So yeah, we definitely, because
I know, we want kids inschool all the time, and of course
we want all of our campuses tobe open and to be strong. So
for kids that maybe hear about thisand maybe they're going to another school,
can they come to these schools?Absolutely? So the one thing about our
(37:27):
operating partners, they're considered open enrollmentcampuses. You can either use the transfer
window, but at any time youcan say I would like to be a
student at phil Price or Jones orSmith or even King, and you may
register as an open enrollment option withinthe district. So I know that you
have had some town hall meetings withthird Future Schools, which has been great
(37:50):
either zoom or out at one ofthe campuses, so for them to explain
everything that they're going to be doing. There's some more that are coming up,
so I think the next one isMay six that's right, so May
sixteenth, and we'll have multiple optionseven heading into summer. And I really
would just encourage not only parents,but all invested stakeholders to attend the town
(38:12):
hall meetings so that you get theinformation directly. It's nothing like being able
to come in and get all ofyour questions answered and hear that information firsthand.
I think it's important for parents toattend also so that they get a
clear view of what's going to bechanging about their campus. Like one thing
I highlight here is they have adifferent calendar that they will run from the
(38:32):
district, so they have an earlierstart time. They will begin on August
second, which is several days aheadof the district, and there are some
differences over the course of the schoolyear that I think parents need advance notice
about. They need to also beaware of some unique offerings for their schedule
similar to what we offer at home, or they will have extended hours so
(38:53):
students can report to campus early.As a working parent, I think that's
going to be a great addition forsome families for the building to be open
at seven and stay open until bythirty in the afternoon. Those are great
things that you need to know,but you also need to be able to
think about your individual context and askthose questions and get them answered live at
(39:15):
the town halls. But for ifany reason that you can attend in person.
The Zoom option is available for eachone of those meetings, So pipe
in via zoom if that's a betterfit also, all right, that sounds
good. So the next one isgoing to be May sixteenth, and this
of course is third Future Schools andthey will be a part of the bisD
(39:36):
family starting with the twenty twenty threetwenty four school year. And for more
information, is there a place Iguess you know they can always go to
the bisD website. Yes, ma'am, they can go right to the bisD
website. There's an information there andwe all, of course, continue to
update you there on the link ofadditional opportunities, but we also encourage you
(39:59):
to come out visit us at thecampus when we open. One thing that
we want to be sure of isthat families know that you can have access
to come and see what the newmodel looks like in operation. Also,
all right, Anitra, thank youfor being a part of the show.
We appreciate you. Thank you somuch. I appreciate you having me.
All Right, we'll be right backwith the Roy West Radio Show on m
(40:20):
five to sixty k l v I
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