Dear Rockwall ISD Parents, Staff and Community Members,
As you prepare for the winter holidays, I wanted take a moment to say thank you for a great fall semester. Our students have made outstanding accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom.
Thank you as well for your cooperation on December 6 as the ice storm that blanketed north Texas forced us to close schools. Cancelling classes is something we take seriously and because of this I’d like to share with you how that decision is made.
Our Safety and Security office monitors forecasts for all types of dangerous weather, like lightening, storms, snow and ice. When inclement weather is possible we communicate with the county and police departments about current road conditions. We also drive the roads including Highway 66 and I-30 bridges to makes sure they are safe. This process often starts around 4 a.m. and once we have the relevant information, I make the final decision. We then communicate the decision via our website, email, text messages, social media and broadcast media.
As we look forward to the spring semester, I want to mention our 4th Annual Multi-Cultural Celebration on February 6. This is one of my favorite events of the year because it highlights the breadth of our district’s cultural diversity. We anticipate having more than 100 students representing more than 30 countries.
Our campuses are already preparing for the event by writing essays about the importance of diversity and understanding. Several student essays will be selected and shared at the event. In addition we will be announcing the Diversity Leadership Awards which recognize individuals who are actively promoting diversity within our district.
Rockwall ISD staff will return from break on Thursday, January 2 and students return Monday, January 6.
I wish you and your families a happy holiday and Merry Christmas.
Sincerely,
Jeff Bailey
Superintendent of Schools