On the last Friday before the 2024-25 school year started, Vernon ISD held an Employee Convocation, with Supt. Dr. Kermit Ward laying out the district's game plan for the new year.
He recently shared some of his points in an article published in The Vernon Daily Record.
Here is the start of the article:
I am often asked, “What did you do during your summer break?” I find so much humor in the question, as it is rare for teachers and other school officials like myself to partake in the break our students have. For us, summers are used to sharpen our skill set and conference with like colleagues in order to learn what is going on in other districts.
Personally, I like to take time to read a good book that relates to my profession. This summer I read a book called “Shoe Dog” which is a story detailing, Nike founder Phil Knight’s struggles in creating Nike shoes. To read the rest of the article, please go to www.vernonisd.org
Ms. Fryman's 1st grade class took advantage of the heat last week and did a science experiment, class-building activity involving crayons. Each student chose a crayon to represent them, glued them to a poster and set the poster outside in the hot sun for the day. When they checked the poster at the end of the day, the crayons had melted into a pretty "painting." Ms. Fryman talked about the science behind what had happened, but also talked about how they were all individuals that were coming together this year as a class to make a special team.
We would like to invite all parents and guardians to come support our school by joining us for a PTO information and planning meeting. Please reach out to the school if you have any questions.
Vernon ISD substitute teachers attended a workshop this afternoon led by the VISD Curriculum Team. VISD is always in need of substitute teachers. If you would like to be a substitute, pick up an application at the VISD Administrative Center, or go to www.vernonisd.org and click on the employment button.
REMEMBER -- Tomorrow is an Early Release Friday for Vernon ISD. Here are the dismissal times for all of our campuses. The Vernon Boys & Girls Club will be open early tomorrow.
On Monday, VISD hosted the KAUZ Channel 6 First Alert Weather team, with meteorologist Cameron Lindsey broadcasting the weather segment of the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts from the Vernon High School Campus. He interviewed VISD Supt. Dr. Kermit Ward during both segments. You can catch the interviews here: https://www.newschannel6now.com/2024/08/14/first-alert-tracker-tour-vernon-isd/
📣 Calling all male volunteers! 🙋♂️ Last year, our dedicated volunteers made a significant difference in the lives of our young students, and we’re excited to continue this initiative into its second year! Vernon ISD is looking for enthusiastic men to help out during morning drop-off and lunch/recess time at our schools. Your presence and mentorship can make a huge difference, helping us build a fun and safe environment for kids to thrive. Whether you have a child on one of our campuses or not, we welcome you to join us in this rewarding experience. To participate, please complete a Volunteer Application found here: https://bit.ly/VISDVolunteerApplication. Vernon Elementary School sign-up link: https://bit.ly/VESDudesOnDuty Let’s make this year even more impactful!
Students were all smiles as they arrived for the First Day of school today at McCord Elementary. Some parents helped their child with breakfast on their first day at school, and then stopped by the library for some goodies at a "Tears and Cheers" breakfast event.
Kindergartener Rozalie Leija was the first student to arrive at McCord today on the First Day of school and was greeted by Vernon ISD Supt. Dr. Kermit Ward and Asst. Supt. Blaise Boswell. Rozalie received a special escort to the building from Dr. Ward. We're excited to get this 2024-25 school year started!
McCord Elementary kicked off the Vernon ISD Meet The Teacher festivities earlier this evening. Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st Grade students and parents roamed the halls searching for their classroom and their teacher. The 2024-25 school year blasts off tomorrow!
Here is our procedure for student drop off and pick up. We can't wait to see YOU tomorrow morning!!
Tomorrow is the First Day of School!!! Here is the August Cafeteria Menu for our campuses. Please remember all VISD students receive free breakfast and lunch through our cafeterias.
VISD hosted the KAUZ Channel 6 Weather Tracker team Monday evening for the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts. The special guest for both newscasts was VISD Supt. Dr. Kermit Ward. The 5 p.m. interview and weather forecast was broadcast from the Vernon High School Media Center, with the 6 p.m. edition being broadcast from Leo Brittain Field at Lion Stadium, the new home for KAUZ's Vernon weather camera.
We are so excited about "Meet the Teacher" on Tuesday, August 13 at 4:00-5:30. We would like to invite parents to bring the students school supplies that evening. This will make it easier on the first day of school.
Parents remember "Tears and Cheers Breakfast" from 7:45-8:15 in the LIbrary on the First Day of School, Wednesday, August 14.
Today's KAUZ Channel 6 weather forecast during the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscast will be live from the campus of Vernon High School and will feature an interview with VISD Supt. Dr. Kermit Ward. Be sure and tune in!
Last year, Vernon ISD started using a new parent-teacher communication app called Rooms. We had many of our parents sign up and use Rooms with the teachers of their children. With the new year, we wanted to remind you to sign up if you did not last year or if your student is new to our district.
Due to last year being our first year with the program, we had some "growing pains" and have worked hard to address them. We look forward to a smooth process this school year. Please see some notes/tips below:
1) You will download the Vernon ISD app from your App Store or Play Store on your phone.
2) If you are new to the district, you may not have access until after the first day of school.
3) Please note that you will not see the classes for your students until the first day of school, even if they were here last year.
4) If you want more information on how to use Rooms, please visit this page created for parents: https://bit.ly/VISDParentRooms
If you have additional questions about Rooms after looking at the webpage, or you cannot access Rooms, please feel free to email chantilly.sweet@visdtx.org. Please include your name and the names of all of your children.
Our VHS cheerleaders have set the themes for our football pep rallies, and have an entire week of activities planned for Homecoming. Our cheerleaders encourage all campuses to participate so we can show our Lion Spirit throughout the district.
Vernon ISD has once again qualified to operate the Community Eligibility Program under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the new school year. Schools who qualify serve breakfast and lunch to all students at no charge.
Vernon ISD wrapped up the week of teacher professional development this morning with a Convocation for all district employees. Vernon ISD Supt. Dr. Kermit Ward was the speaker for the Convocation. He presented how VISD can take the manifesto Phil Knight used to build his successful company, Nike, and apply it to build a successful school district.
Returning Vernon ISD students need to register every school year. If you haven't registered your child for the 2024-25 school year, please use the Skyward portal to do so. We are just 6 days away from the first day of school and it makes that first day run smoother if students have registered before they arrive on their campus to start the new school year. If you need to register a returning student, or enroll a new student, you can find information at www.vernonisd.org and click on the Student and Parent Resources button.