First Grading Period
Dear Midland ISD parents and guardians,
As we wrap up the first grading period for the 2024-25 school year, I want to highlight the great start we have experienced throughout Midland ISD. I am thankful for all the enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to excellence, I have witnessed across our campuses. I have visited almost every campus and will be visiting the remaining four in the next few weeks. It is clear that the teachers have set the standard for high expectations with clear expectations from day one.
As we continue through the year, we are actively working on strong instruction to ensure students have a quality educational experience. Our curriculum alignment efforts are underway, providing a consistent and rigorous educational experience across all grades and campuses. Teachers are consistently utilizing the newly implemented K-5 mathematics resources where student discussions and manipulatives encourage our students to truly understand mathematical concepts. Teachers have heard from many families that they appreciate how their children are being challenged in mathematics.
The continued focus on Pre-K has included the expansion of seats at Bowie Fine Arts Academy and Scharbauer Elementary as well as the Midland College Pre-K Academy. Additionally, the Early Childhood department kicked off Pre-K University where parents of future Pre-K and kindergarten students can learn concepts and skills that they can work with their child at home to better prepare them for school.
I am proud of the recent news of the three seniors who were announced as National Merit semi-finalists. Midland High School’s Caleb Brown, Legacy High School’s Jerry Rolston, and Young Women’s Leadership Academy’s Sanjana Vadlapatla have received this prestigious honor. Less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors receive this award. This is the first time the district has had semi-finalists since 2019. Congratulations to these students and their commitment to academic excellence. As we continue to focus on this work, the Teaching and Learning Department has formed an Advanced Academics Advisory Team composed of district and community stakeholders. The team will meet three times this year to evaluate the current state of Midland ISD academics and plan for future growth.
Every year I have held Listen and Learn sessions, where my cabinet and I visit each campus and department to provide district updates and gather feedback. The 2024-25 Listen and Learn tour has begun this month, and at each session, we have gained valuable insights from our team members. Secondary teachers have shared how AVID is making a positive impact on students. Additionally, staff have reported that the new cell phone policy is helping students stay more engaged. The feedback we receive from our employees is invaluable, and I will continue to hold Listen and Learn sessions throughout the year across all campuses and departments.
I would like to give a special thank you to our team who continuously demonstrates their commitment to Educating the Future with Excellence. I am extremely proud that we now have 36 active PTA’s in Midland ISD. I am thankful for the continued support from our parents, guardians, and the entire community. The involvement of these groups of people is the key to success at Midland ISD. Together, we will continue to ensure that every student has the opportunity to graduate from one of our five high schools college, career, or military ready.
Sincerely,
Stephanie D. Howard, Ed.D.
Midland ISD Superintendent
