“We’re a culture of high expectations,” Superintendent Tommy Hooker shares. “Innovative curriculum and academics, along with the vocational programs are important. We have a vision for facility support, a vision for growth, expectations, and programs. We have a district financial plan to support not only the facilities, but also the curriculum.” He adds that the district utilizes the “Capturing Kids Hearts” model, to instill a culture of connectedness and teamwork between students, staff, and leadership. BUILDING THE BEST START IN EDUCATION Thrall’s youngest learners begin their journey in a full day pre-K classroom led by certified teachers, a program that was initiated several years ago. “We knew we needed to start in that area and get our students off of devices at home and bring them to school,” Hooker explains. The program blends early academics with active play and hands-on learning, creating a seamless entry into Kindergarten and beyond. “Our kids at the elementary school still use a full playground, equipped with much space, synthetic turf, and rubber base for limiting fall hazards. Students have play time built into their schedule daily. This enhances the foundation for learning,” Hooker notes. For all elementary students, physical activity is prioritized, with daily PE programming. “They need to have that as part of their health and wellness. We go above and beyond the state requirements for physical activity and have built a fully functioning gym for our elementary students in the recent construction updates,” he asserts. As part of the whole child approach, weekly lessons in social/emotional learning are also provided.“We have a big focus on SEL in the elementary grades,” says Academic Dean,Abigail Gola.“That’s where you have to really start developing that social emotional awareness and emotional intelligence, down at the pre-K through fourth and fifth grade levels.” Thrall ISD provides an all-inclusive approach to educating students. Each campus now has a fully functional life skills suite for our students. The classroom blends an instructional setting with a fully adaptive functional classroom. Recognizing the importance of both settings allows the teachers to meet our students’ needs in an all-inclusive environment. Each campus has created a sensory lab for students to utilize as needed each day. We attribute student growth to our top-notch staff and a culture that fosters inclusivity. TECHNOLOGY WITH INTENTION Thrall ISD takes a balanced approach to technology, 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 THRALL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
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