Although it hardly seems possible, our revised calendar confirms that we are in the second six weeks of the 2017-2018 school year. I hope that you are adjusting to the new school year and what might be a new normal for you and your family.

The Baytown community as well as Goose Creek CISD has demonstrated resilience as we joined hands to overcome our recent visitor, Hurricane Harvey. While much chaos and stress has been generated through this catastrophic event, we have all witnessed the best of humanity as neighbor after neighbor reached out to help one another. Although it has been a stressful time, laughter and hugs have played important roles throughout the recovery process. There’s no doubt this crisis has made us all stronger and appreciative of the blessings in our lives.

Goose Creek CISD administration was asked to host town hall meetings to collect input from the public as well as faculty and staff to determine whether a later arrival time for secondary students is conducive to the Baytown/Highlands community. Some research indicates that allowing students to sleep longer may be beneficial to their academic performance. While this research is not disputed, Goose Creek CISD believes that the community must decide what is best for students we serve. The information will be reviewed to determine appropriate bell schedules for all students. Ultimately, the decision will be up to our Board of Trustees.

The 2013 Bond is at 95 percent completion as the final two projects, the Technology Center and the Agriscience Center, are moving toward completion. The newly completed Transportation Center officially opens its doors soon, and an open house will be scheduled shortly thereafter. We would like to thank the Citizens Bond Advisory Committee for outstanding leadership demonstrated through the oversight of this bond package. It is being delivered on time and on budget for completion in the summer of 2018.

While the most prominent plant expansions are also winding down, commercial growth and residential home sales continue to soar as the population continues to increase. As a member of the Fast Growth School Coalition, Goose Creek CISD is always evaluating future school needs. Recently, a Citizens Facilities Planning Committee was formed and will meet biweekly over the next few months to assist our school district in its long term strategic vision and planning.

We want to thank our community, our state and our nation for the donations to assist those in need during our catastrophic event. The “Adopt a Classroom/ Campus” projects that spawned spontaneously as a result of the flooding have revealed the true heart of our country! Your response shows that the human spirit is stronger than any storm and reminds us that life is short, so we must live it to the fullest. I wish each and every one of you a peaceful, enriched fall.