Schools - page 5

The Texas Workforce Commission presented checks to seven local schools on September 14, 2023, including Lamar State College Orange. Lamar State College Orange President Dr. Thomas Johnson spoke about the programs these grants totaling $434,591 helped to fund.

The first grant of $159,780 was used for the purchase of a construction crane and heavy equipment simulator to provide training on complex, expensive, and hazardous equipment needed in the commercial and industrial construction industry.

The second grant of $274,811 was used for the purchase of virtual reality fire suppression equipment, continuous and batch distillation unit, and lockout tagout training system to provide relevant training opportunities to students enrolled in our Process Technology; Instrumentation; and Safety, Health, and Environment programs.

The Jobs & Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program provides funding for eligible entities to purchase and install equipment necessary for the development of career and technical education (CTE) courses or programs that lead to a license, certificate, or post-secondary degree in a high-demand occupation.

At the Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD High School Pep Rally on September 8, 2023, City of Orange Mayor Larry Spears Jr. recognized a group of outstanding students as “Hometown Heroes.”

After the Orange Bowl football game between the WOS Mustangs and LCM Battlin’ Bears last Friday, a handful of LCM students stayed behind to pick up trash on the visiting side, exemplifying what it means to “Be a Bear,”

To acknowledge the level of class and character of these students, Mayor Spears recognized September 8, 2023, as “Orange, Texas Hometown Heroes Day” in a special tribute for Caden Anderson, Rayna Christy, Alayna Gintzler, Camille Kelly, and Santiago Ramirez.

The Superintendent and CFO of Little Cypress-Mauriceville Consolidated Independent School District (LCMCISD) have been working with the LCM Transportation Department for well over a year to get air conditioning (AC) put on all LCM route buses that do not currently have it. This was brought to the board last year and approved by the LCM School Board.

The first of 12 buses left last week to have the AC installed. This has been a very long ongoing process with the the units being on back order, shipping being delayed, and all the obvious unforeseen things that have accompanied the process of making this happen.

WOCCISD is proud to announce the launch of its innovative and fully equipped mobile learning lab, a solution funded by the Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ESSER) grant. Pioneered by Dr. Alicia Sigee, Director of Student Services at WOCCISD, the new mobile classroom is committed to providing an adaptable learning environment for various learning needs and community engagement.

The mobile classroom redefines traditional learning methods. This state-of-the-art vehicle boasts two slide-outs, three touch-screen television monitors, comfortable seating, and a versatile table that can be removed to create more space for students. Additionally, the unit includes a restroom, a kitchenette, a back room with pull-down seats, and an ADA wheelchair elevator, ensuring an inclusive learning environment for all. Finally, the classrooms are outfitted with dry-erase boards and touchscreen monitors to allow teaching on every surface. This innovative vehicle transforms learning into an engaging, interactive experience that can stand alone entirely with four AC units and a generator onboard.

The primary focus of this vehicle will be the expansion of the successful “Read and Roll” program, particularly during the crucial summer months of the learning slide; however, we plan that this mobile unit will have many uses throughout the year.

“The “Read and Roll” program is already established as an impactful community initiative and has been a cornerstone of WOCCISD’s commitment to student learning loss,” stated Dr. Alicia Sigee. “Operating during the summer, the program combines literacy initiatives with meals and community service opportunities for student groups. By going directly into the neighborhoods where students live and play, the program ensures accessibility and community engagement.”

Other initiatives the vehicle will be used for include but are not limited to

• Community Resilience: During crises such as hurricanes and disasters, the lab transforms into a disaster command unit and feeding site, providing vital support to the community.
• Community Engagement: The lab enhances community engagement through an enrollment hub for parents, local parades, family nights, and parent education initiatives.
• Education Empowerment: Parent education sessions on platforms like Skyward and insights into grading periods provide parents with tools to participate in their child’s education.
• Comprehensive Events: From “Back to School at LCSO” to FASFA Nights, the lab facilitates diverse community programs such as meet-the-programs nights and mobile job fairs.

“We are thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking diverse mobile classroom,” said WOCCISD Superintendent Dr. Rickie Harris. “Our goal is to provide an educational space that accommodates various learning styles and ensures that every student feels welcome and included. This vehicle embodies our dedication to delivering a high-quality education beyond traditional boundaries.”

This innovative mobile learning lab embodies WOCCISD’s dedication to adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of students, families, and the community. It symbolizes resilience, innovation, and commitment to empowering lives through excellence every day!