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Contact Pearland ISD




 

Current Events

 1. How does the district address bullying?

Pearland ISD takes a strong, no-tolerance stance against bullying of any kind. Our programs seek to prevent and intervene in bullying of any student, no matter what his or her race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, etc.

In the programs promoted by Pearland ISD, we teach students to accept their own differences and to respect those of other individuals.

At the beginning of the school year, the district conducted a counselor training specific to bullying prevention at school and online. Counselors from every level attended the training.

Some of the programs Pearland ISD campuses currently use include:

  • Cyber bullying awareness and prevention lessons
  • Project Wisdom (read during daily announcements)
  • No Place For Hate (middle schools and junior highs -- character lessons and resolutions for respect)
  • ECHO (Empowering Children, Hurtling Obstacles -- a program designed to increase self-esteem in children)
  • Students Against Bullying (online system where students can report bullying to school personnel)
  • Rachel’s Challenge (non-violence/anti-bullying program used at Dawson and Pearland high schools)
  • Peer mediation
  • Lessons teaching students the difference between “tattling” and “reporting” and the importance of reporting for safety reasons
  • Recognition/rewards for students with outstanding character throughout the year

News Items:

Meetings:


Budget Cuts

 2. Budget Cuts

Because of the changes in state funding, Pearland ISD has been forced to make difficult financial decisions over the last two years. However, we believe a quality education is directly related to quality teachers and staff, so we are committed to preserve employees in every way possible.

Instead of laying off staff, we are phasing out some positions through natural attrition (reduction in staff as employees retire or resign). In addition, we are repositioning some employees to cover different or additional responsibilities.

Even though this has meant new worksites and responsibilities for some employees, these changes ensure job security for staff while maintaining a quality education for students.

During the 2009-10 budget process, we identified more than $7 million in budget cuts and cost avoidance measures, which includes attrition and staff repositioning.

Texas School Funding Crisis 


 3. Nurses

1. Is Pearland ISD replacing registered nurses with healthcare assistants?

Through natural attrition, registered nurses are being replaced with qualified healthcare assistants. This is part of a long-term plan to reduce costs.

Pearland ISD complies with state requirements (in the Texas Education Code) for staffing school clinics.

2. Have these replacements already happened? At what schools?

As of the 2009-10 school year:

Cockrell and Silvercrest elementary schools and Rogers Middle School have healthcare assistants. A registered nurse is assigned to campuses with healthcare assistants. This nurse provides training and support for delegated tasks such as giving medications, tube feedings, state-mandated screenings and vaccinations updates.

Pearland ISD has protocols to guide healthcare assistants when the nurse in not at their clinics. The healthcare assistants have made a smooth transition into the campus clinics, becoming a vital part of the district’s school health team.


 4. Librarians

1. Are librarian positions being cut?

As they retire or leave the district, librarians are being replaced with qualified library managers. This is part of a long-term plan to reduce costs.

2. Have these replacements already happened? At what schools?

Carleston and Silvercrest elementary schools both have library managers. These library managers attended professional development training before the school year. In addition, they continue to receive assistance from the district’s federal programs specialist (who has a master’s degree in library science) and librarians at other campuses.

This repositioning has provided a successful alternative for elementary library management during a time of financial concern. Library managers offer students supplemental educational activities and maintain a quality learning environment in campus libraries.


 5. P.E. Teachers

1. Are P.E. aides replacing P.E. teachers at elementary and middle schools?

Every campus will continue to have a P.E. teacher.

To meet the needs of each campus, we will consider P.E. class sizes when determining where to reposition staff. Our goal is to reduce costs while continuing to provide a controlled, safe P.E. learning environment.

2. How will P.E. teachers and aides be assigned?

Schools with larger P.E. classes will also have a P.E. aide, and schools with the largest classes will have two P.E. teachers.

Pearland ISD complies with state guidelines (Senate Bill 891), which establish a student/teacher ratio of 45:1 for all P.E. classes.


 6. Counselors

1. Will counselors be cut at elementary and middle schools?

We are phasing out full-time counselor positions at smaller elementary school campuses as counselors retire or move to other districts. Through natural attrition, each counselor will eventually divide his or her responsibilities between two smaller elementary campuses.

2. Which campuses will have full-time counselors?

Elementary school campuses with 800 or more students will have a full-time counselor. Smaller elementary campuses will share a counselor between the campuses.

Middle schools will have at least one counselor. Rogers Middle School has two counselors this year and Sam Jamison Middle School will have two counselors next year.

Each junior high campus will have two full-time counselors.


 7. Art Teachers

1. Is Pearland ISD eliminating art?

No. All elementary students receive art instruction either by a specialized art teacher or the classroom teacher. Even though four elementary campuses have specialized art teachers, traditionally, a certified general education teacher teaches art in the elementary classroom. Pearland ISD has decided to return to this practice. As the four specialized art teachers leave the district or move to other positions within the district, they will not be replaced with specialized art teachers. However, there is no plan at this time to lay-off the specialized art teachers in order to eliminate the positions.  

Specialized art instruction is offered in grades 5-12.

2. Why is Pearland ISD using a certified general education teacher to instruct art in the classroom?

When we began implementing cost-saving measures as a result of the state funding crisis, we did not offer specialized art in all of our elementary schools. The cost to add specialized art to these campuses without cutting other programs would have been significant.

Specialized art was identified as a program that could be phased out at the elementary level and returned to the classroom.

3. Is Pearland ISD hiring music teachers to replace art teachers?

A music teacher will be hired if current funding allows and school enrollment is large enough to justify the number of classes allocated for fine arts instruction.

While this may appear to be a swap, the reality is that hiring specialized art teachers adds a significant cost to the district.

Music is the only class offered as a specialized subject at the elementary level.


 8. Economic crisis letter to employees and the community:

Top Search Requests

 9. Skyward

Skyward Family & Student Access If you are having trouble accessing Skyward or have questions contact your campus and ask for Skyward Support.


 10. Football

PHS Football
Varsity - Oilers
View
Junior Varsity - Oilers - Maroon View
Junior Varsity - Oilers - White View
9th grade - Oilers - Black View
9th grade - Oilers - Maroon View
9th grade - Oilers - White View

DHS Football
Varsity - Eagles View
Junior Varsity - Eagles View
9th grade - Eagles - A View
9th grade - Eagles - B View


 11. Substitute
Substitutes/Tutors 
 12. Dress Code

Dress Code

CODIGO PARA VESTIR PARA EL ANO


 13. Immunization Requirements
Immunization Requirements and Nurse/Clinic Information  http://www.pearlandisd.org/departments.cfm?subpage=3634
 14. Lunch Menus
Menus  http://www.pearlandisd.org/departments.cfm?subpage=195
Advanced Academics

 15. FAQ - Disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions have been rephrased and categorized in order to facilitate clear communication. If you have questions regarding your child, please contact your child’s teacher. For questions regarding Gifted and Talented program and procedures, please contact the Office of Advanced Academics at 281.485.3203.


 16. Curriculum and Instruction - How does differentiation influence instruction?

At any point in a lesson or unit, a teacher may adapt one or more of the curricular elements (content, process, product) based on one or more of the students’ characteristics (readiness, interest, learning style).

 

While there are best practices, there is no one “right way” to create an effectively differentiated classroom; teachers craft responsive learning experiences in ways that are a good match for their teaching styles, as well as for learners’ needs.


 17. Curriculum and Instruction - How can I as a parent of a gifted student best communicate with my child’s teacher about differentiation?

A partnership with the student, parent, and teacher… “Parent-teacher partnerships are important to differentiated classrooms. A parent always knows a child more deeply than a teacher possibly can. On the other hand, a teacher knows a child in ways that a parent cannot. Looking at a child from both parent and teacher viewpoints increases the chances of helping that child realize her full potential.”

- Carol Ann Tomlinson (1999)

 

Questions to ask your child:

  • What is something new that you learned today?
  • What good question did you ask today?

 18. Curriculum and Instruction - Is there a GT curriculum for grades K-4 students?

GT Curriculum Content - Since Gifted children often learn very quickly, it is important to check for skill proficiency so they don’t develop gaps in their learning. In grades K-4, the content is the least likely to vary. However, students may study the same topic in more depth or with greater analysis than other students in the same grade.

 

GT Curriculum Process - The process should include some of these elements: accelerated rate of learning basic skills, less skill and drill, spiraling back to “remember” skills that were learned quickly, increased depth and complexity, or abstractness of a topic.

 

GT Curriculum Product - Products should include some student choice, the development of research skills, opportunities to present to an audience, conceptual learning, and the development of a thesis or hypothesis instead of a “report” style product.

 

In addition, GT students need to spend time developing creativity, communication skills, logical thinking, and problem solving strategies.  There is a greater focus on real world issues and learning to ask questions. While there is a GT curriculum framework, classroom teachers may adapt it to meet the needs of their students, and may imbed it within the regular curriculum.

 19. Family/Community Involvement - Will presentations be offered specific to elementary education?

Parent involvement and community meetings are offered during the fall and spring semesters, addressing topics such as but not limited to identification, achievement, and program options.


 20. Family/Community Involvement - How can I find information about Advanced Academics?

Advanced Academics information and notices are available and disseminated on the Pearland ISD website, twitter and e-news, campus newsletters, and local newspapers.


 21. Family/Community Involvement - Is there a GT monthly newsletter for parents?

Advanced Academics publishes an electronic newsletter each quarter. In addition, Advanced Academics information and notices are available and disseminated on the Pearland ISD website, twitter and e-news, campus newsletters, and local newspapers.


 22. Family/Community Involvement - Are there clubs available for elementary students?

While there are many opportunities for students to compete in academics and extracurricular events, Pearland ISD Advanced Academics does not support clubs at the elementary level with stipends, training, registration fees, materials, etc. Several of the area museums, parks, and universities have opportunities for learning that your child might find interesting. Please be aware that most out of school programs require a fee. Pearland ISD does not pay for out of school programs.


 23. Professional Development - How are the teachers trained to teach Gifted and Talented students?

In Pearland, teachers are encouraged to continue learning and to develop expertise in the area of Gifted education. A three tiered staff development program is available at no cost to teachers with specific training in advanced content areas as well as the unique needs of Gifted learners. Staff development opportunities are available to teachers during the summer, and at various times throughout the school year.

Teacher requirements and training is based on the Texas State Plan for Gifted Education

4.1A Prior to assignment in the program, teachers who provide instruction and services that are a part of the program for gifted students have a minimum of thirty (30) clock hours of staff development that includes nature and needs of gifted/talented students, assessing student needs, and curriculum and instruction for gifted students. (19 TAC §89.2(1))

4.1.1R Teachers are encouraged to pursue advanced degrees or obtain additional professional development in their teaching discipline.

4.1.3R A written plan for professional development in the area of gifted education that is based on identified needs is implemented and updated annually.

4.2A Teachers who provide instruction and services that are a part of the program for gifted students receive a minimum of six hours annually of professional development in gifted education. (19 TAC §89.2(3))

4.4A Evaluation of professional development activities for gifted/talented education is ongoing, and the results of the evaluation are used in making decisions regarding future staff development plans. (19 TAC§89.5)

4.4R Opportunities for professional development in the area of gifted education are provided on a regular basis and information on them is disseminated to professionals in the district.

4.4.1E A long-range plan for professional development culminates in endorsement in gifted/talented education and/or advanced degrees for a majority of the teachers who provide advanced level services.

4.4.2E Staff of the program for gifted/talented students are involved in planning and conducting the training.


 24. Service Design - How are GT students cluster grouped in schools with a small percentage of GT identified students?

Kindergarten class placement is a campus decision.

In a grade level, if less then the established class ration students are GT identified, then all GT identified students are clustered in one homeroom and additional students are selected based on data showing a high potential for advanced achievement.

Campuses with lower numbers of identified Gifted plausibly have Gifted students who have not been nominated by their parents and teachers. Advanced Academics watches for campus trends and looks for students who might be Gifted at those campuses with low enrollment.


 25. Service Design - Can we partner with other higher education centers to provide kids with the opportunity to see advanced math/science in action?

At the secondary level, partnerships can be established to support career interests. At the elementary and middle school, guest speakers and career day offer opportunities as well. Please speak to your campus counselor or classroom teacher if you are interested in sharing your knowledge with students.


 26. Service Design - How is the talent pool format different from a pull-out program?

The talent pool format for serving Gifted students whereby the makeup of the class consists of identified Gifted and high ability learners is a form of cluster grouping.  Identified Gifted students have been grouped together in classrooms for several years. There are two differences in this year’s program:

  1. In a talent pool class, the rest of the students in the classroom are those who have demonstrated the ability for high end learning based on available data; whereas in a cluster class with a pull-out program, the balance of the class consists of a random selection of students.
  2. In a talent pool class, the teacher of Gifted students compacts curriculum and employs a district wide curriculum model; whereas in a pull-out program, Gifted students are served through a 2 hour per week pull-out class and enrichment of the regular curriculum in the classroom as designed by the individual teacher.

Pros- Advantages of the Talent Pool Model:

  • Research shows higher achievement gains
  • Gifted students will be together with students who can provide challenge
  • Teachers are able to focus on high end learning
  • Opportunities for accelerated learning
  • Opportunities to study in-depth, abstract, or complex concepts
  • Students in other classes may have greater opportunities for leadership
  • Decrease in the disinterest and underachievement of Gifted students
  • Better social and emotional development of Gifted students when they are with intellectual peers

Cons- Disadvantages of the Talent Pool Model:

  • May be perceived as elitist by those who do not understand the needs of Gifted learners as a special population requiring a different curriculum and teaching pedagogy
  • Additional pressure for GT identification

 27. Service Design - What is the future of the IB program in PISD?

Pearland Independent School District will continue to support Massey Ranch Elementary School as an International Baccalaureate World School.

Advanced Academics has been a focus of Pearland Independent School District for many years. Academic depth and complexity may be achieved in a number of ways. The Advanced Placement Program allows students to take college-level classes as part of their high school curriculum.  These courses offer challenging learning experiences and maintain national standards set by the College Board.  Students who meet specific criteria set by each college or university on an Advanced Placement Exam often receive credit for specific college courses.  Pearland Independent School District offers Advanced Placement courses in all core areas as well as several elective areas. Additional opportunities for advancement include dual credit courses, credit by exam, and early graduation.


 28. Student Assessment - What is the identification process for students grades K-12?
All Kindergarten students are considered in the fall. Students nominated for GT identification in grades K-6 may be assessed once during an academic year and in grades 7-12 may be assessed once each semester. The Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students requires qualitative and quantitative assessments to be used in the identification process.  Assessment instruments may include, but are not limited to: Ability Testing, Achievement Testing, Teacher Perception Inventory, Work Samples, and Student Portfolio.
 29. Student Assessment - May a student currently in a private school be screened for Gifted and Talented prior to enrolling in Pearland ISD?

Students in grades K-4 must be enrolled in Pearland ISD in order to be eligible for GT testing, services, or data review. Students must be enrolled and in actual attendance prior to consideration for Gifted/Talented assessment. Private and home school students entering Pearland ISD for the first time may be nominated for GT assessment at any time, and will follow the district identification timeline. Pearland ISD does not offer an assessment program at public expense for non-enrolled students. 

Students in grades 5-8 enrolled in Pearland ISD are eligible for GT testing, services, or data review during the academic year and will follow the district identification timeline. For non-enrolled students entering Pearland ISD for the first time and interested in attending the GT Academy, GT assessment is available at public expense and will follow the district’s published GT identification timeline.

Students in grades 9-12 must be enrolled in Pearland ISD in order to be eligible for GT testing, services, or data review. Students must be enrolled and in actual attendance prior to consideration for Gifted/Talented assessment. Private and home school students entering Pearland ISD for the first time may be nominated for GT assessment at any time, and will follow the district testing timeline. Pearland ISD does not offer an assessment program at public expense for non-enrolled students. 

For students in grades K-12 enrolling in Pearland ISD and identified GT by the previous  public school, please check (ü) GT on the campus registration form. In addition, if you have GT identification documents, please send them to Advanced Academics


 30. Student Assessment - Does a Gifted and Talented identified student need to be nominated every year?
At this time, once a student is GT identified in Pearland ISD and the parent opts to accept GT services, the student will continue to receive GT services and does not need to be nominated again.
 31. Student Assessment - If a GT identified student transfers to another school district, will he be tested again?

If a GT identified student leaves Pearland ISD and attends another school district, the student could be assessed again for that school district’s Gifted program.


 32. Student Assessment - How do you determine that a child is ready for the GT program?

Multiple evaluation tools assist with identification and class placement decisions. As specified in the TEA State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students, both quantitative and qualitative measures are used to identify students for Gifted program services.


 33. Student Assessment - How many students generally are in the GT program in the elementary grades? Are there any restrictions on the number of students in a GT class?

While the number of identified Gifted in a school district can range from two to ten percent, the state average for identified Gifted is about seven percent; Pearland’s identified Gifted is also about eight percent. Over the last five years, thirty to forty-five percent of the students in the Pearland ISD K-12 GT program have been in the elementary grades.

 

In a grade level, if less than the established ratio of students in a class are GT identified, then all GT identified students are clustered in one homeroom and additional students are selected based on data showing a high potential for advanced achievement. However, if more than the established ratio of students are GT identified, then the students will be clustered in 2 classes, and again, the remainder of the class will be students selected based on data showing a high potential for advanced achievement.

 34. Student Assessment - Is it true that 5th & 6th graders are placed in Advanced Academics by scoring commended performance on their TAKS tests? Why wouldn’t they be placed or clustered with those students if they scored commended performance on one part & missed by 1 point in the other section?
All identified Gifted 5th and 6th graders are placed in advanced classes. Aside from that, class placement is a campus decision. Advanced Academics suggests using all data available when making class placement decisions.
 35. Student Assessment - Will my GT child have an ARD/IEP meeting?
While some states do include GT as part of Special Education and require ARD and IEP meetings, Texas does not. However, if your GT identified student is also 504 or special education, then, yes, your child would have an IEP and ARD meeting.
 36. Student Assessment - Will we be told if our child is struggling and no longer is at the level of GT?
If the parent and/or teacher feel that the GT program is not meeting the student’s needs, a parent/teacher conference should be scheduled to discuss concerns.
 37. Student Assessment - Are there any social side effects of being part of GT?
All Gifted students do not have the same social and emotional needs, but there are some common characteristics. If you have questions about your child’s social and emotional development, please contact your child’s teacher, counselor, or Advanced Academics.
District Questions

 38. Skyward family/student access portal
Skyward Login 
Replaces the K12 Planet student information system.

 39. I need to find what school my child will attend?

To find where you are zoned-

Find where you are Zoned (TransFinder) http://www.transfinderi.com/tfi/address.aspx?cid=PI06012739151

Zoning Information - http://www.pearlandisd.org/information.cfm?subpage=3601

Or call Janet Christman 281-485-3203


 40. IB

 41. Are the school buses equipped with cameras and audio capabilities?
All Pearland ISD school buses are equipped with audio and video recording devices.
 42. I would like information about how I can unsubscribe from the automated phone calls from my child's school. Thanks.
To be removed from the ConnectEd automated calling system, choose the contact person below to discontinue receiving calls.

If you:
-Have a student in district and receive calls from the campus – contact the campus registrar. Campus phone number are posted on the campus listings or the campus web site.

-Are an employee with no students in the district – contact Human Resources at 281.485.3203.

-Do not have students in the district or do not work in the district – contact the Technology Department at 281.485.3203.

 43. I am trying to find out which school my child will go to and where is the bus stop.
Zoning Information (Link) For any questions concerning zoning you may e-mail Janet Christman in Support Services or call during business hours at 281-485-3203. Find where you are Zoned/Bus Stop locations (TransFinder) http://www.transfinderi.com/tfi/address.aspx?cid=PI06012739151
 44. What is Pearland ISD doing to prepare for the Swine Flu?
Swine Influenza (Flu) Link
 45. The Department of Education has released a swine flu FAQ for schools.
http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/pandemic/guidance/flu-faqs.pdf
Campus Questions

 46. Why can’t PHS seniors graduate first? I don't think it is fair that PHS has to wait for Dawson to graduate first. PHS has been here longer and should go first.
Pearland is adjusting as so many districts have when they opened a second high school. This year we have the opportunity to celebrate with two classes of graduating seniors. To be fair, the position on the graduation schedule will rotate each year. In other words, this year (2010) the Dawson High School graduation ceremony is first; next year (2011) the Pearland High School graduation ceremony will be first.  Each ceremony will be a unique opportunity for the district and families to show their appreciation for the graduating seniors whether at 5 or 8 p.m.
 47. Why are some elementary schools allowed to have field trips and others are not? Is it a budget issue?
Field trip decisions are made by each campus. Contact your child’s teacher or campus administrator for details about their field trips.

FAQPearland Independent School District, 1928 N. Main, Pearland, Texas 77581 ~ 281.485.3203. Maintained according to Pearland ISD Web Publishing Guidelines by Pearland ISD Webmaster ©2011 Pearland ISD All Rights Reserved. All official campus and district sites must be hosted on Pearland ISD Web servers. Pearland ISD is not responsible for the contents of any "off-site" web page referenced from this server. Pearland ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.  Improvement Plan/Mission Statement
The state legislature requires the district to post this statement:
PEARLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ADOPTED A TAX RATE THAT WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR’S TAX RATE.