September Letter

 

Dear Midland ISD,

Now that we are several weeks into the 2026–27 school year, our campuses are settling into routines, teachers are getting to know their students, and we are beginning to see where students are excelling and where additional support may be needed. As of Friday, September 25, Midland ISD has 27,465 students across 38 campuses. 

Our beginning-of-year i-Ready data is stronger than we have seen in previous years, providing an early indicator that our continued focus on strong Tier 1 instruction is making a difference. Our Teaching and Learning team is analyzing the data to identify strengths and gaps and using that information to guide professional learning, classroom support, and adjustments to instruction.

We are also seeing instructional priorities becoming part of daily classroom practice. Teachers are creating opportunities for students to write, take notes, process their thinking and organize their learning. We are seeing students set goals and take greater ownership of their learning. Implementation of our instructional materials has also started strong, including Bluebonnet Learning in elementary Reading Language Arts (RLA) and STEMscopes in mathematics. Teachers are also incorporating depth and complexity strategies that encourage students to think more deeply and engage with greater rigor.

The work ahead will remain focused and connected. Through the first quarter and into the fall, professional learning, campus support, and classroom coaching will align with our ARC priorities. We will continue using progress-monitoring data, particularly in Pre-K through second grade, to identify essential skills and determine what instructional adjustments are needed. October professional learning will further strengthen the Midland Way, including student organization, note-taking, processing, and other learning routines while continuing to support lesson internalization and instruction aligned to the rigor of the TEKS.

There is also much to celebrate across Midland ISD beyond the classroom. Our students have opportunities to participate, compete, create, and lead through athletics, fine arts, and career and technical programs. Midland ISD Athletics offers 14 program areas for grades 7–12 ranging from team sports to athletic training and pre-athletics in grade six. Our community-based athletic programs build discipline, leadership, and character while uniting families and schools in personal excellence. Throughout Midland ISD, Fine Arts offers opportunities in eight major program areas: band, choir, orchestra, theatre, dance, mariachi, visual arts, and elementary fine arts. These programs serve students across all grade levels, helping them develop creativity, confidence, collaboration, leadership, and a lifelong connection to the arts.  Our Career and Technical Education programs continue to expand, giving students more opportunities to explore careers and build skills aligned with high-demand fields. This year, we have expanded STEM and dual-credit opportunities, added entrepreneurship as a program of study, and increased work-based learning and hands-on training across several career pathways. We look forward to celebrating more of these accomplishments throughout the year. 

We remain equally focused on being good stewards of the resources entrusted to Midland ISD and planning for the future. The district has adopted a balanced budget for 2026–27 and received its ninth consecutive A rating through the FIRST financial accountability report. Bond projects continue to move forward on time and within budget with work planned across the district through the 2028–29 school year. We are planning for grade reconfiguration in 2028-29, and we are working on long term financial and facility plans as we prepare for the future. a

Most importantly, this work is not done in isolation. Our Engage and Act pillar reminds us that strong schools and a strong district depend on meaningful engagement with our students, families, staff, and community. We look forward to connecting through upcoming advisory meetings, Listen and Learn sessions, and campus and district events. These opportunities allow us to listen, share information, and continue working together on the priorities that matter most to our students and community. Thank you to those who have already joined PTA, we have 5,938 members across 36 campuses. 

We will continue to keep our community informed as we move through the school year. We expect excellence, and we are working every day to make that expectation a reality for every student across our 38 campuses. Thank you for choosing Midland ISD, and thank you for your continued support

Stephanie D. Howard, Ed. D.