Schools - page 9

The newly constructed West Orange-Cove CISD press box and event center encountered significant damage due to an incident involving a fire outside the press box. In the interest of complete transparency and after a thorough investigation, the cause of the fire was due to the sun reflecting off the angled glass of the press box onto the vinyl VIP seats. The corrosive fumes from the fire have affected all the soft spaces within the structures and will now require extensive renovation to ensure the safety and functionality of these facilities.

The event center will still be accessible for two events scheduled in early August. However, it will be inaccessible for at least four months after. Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that they will be able to utilize these facilities for the upcoming 2023 football, volleyball, and basketball seasons.

The decision not to rush the restoration process stems from their commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all future events. Their primary concern is to prevent the recurrence of the burnt smell that may surface in the future.

There have been several inquiries regarding home football games. They will still play home games this season. The press box damage does not affect their ability to play on their home field.

WOCCISD will provide regular updates about the progress made and any changes to the anticipated timeline.

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Bridge City Independent School District (BCISD) has hired Dr. Amanda James to the Bridge City ISD family as BCHS Principal.

Dr. Amanda James, originally from Southeast Texas, is married to Derek James, and both of their children, Taylor (2012) and Alexis (2015), graduated from Bridge City high school. Dr. James attended Lamar University and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.

After working for several years in the biomedical field, she started teaching at Goose Creek CISD in 2006. With more than 17 years in education, she has served as a science teacher, district instructional specialist, and assistant principal. She finished her time in GCCISD as the academic dean for Goose Creek Memorial high school. She received her Master of Educational Leadership from Lamar University in 2012. In 2019, she received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on STEM education from Texas Tech University.

Dr. James was recognized as campus teacher of the year in 2011-2012. She is a member of the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, and the Texas Dual Credit Alliance. Her research was featured in the Science Teachers Association of Texas Magazine and presented at the International Society for Technology in Education conference.

Orangefield Independent School District (OISD) is pleased to announce the hiring of Ms. Julie Fuller, who will serve as the new principal of Orangefield Elementary.

After spending the last seven years serving as the assistant principal, Ms. Fuller will enter the position with twenty-three total years of experience, the last eighteen at Orangefield Elementary School. Ms. Fuller has been an asset to the campus during her time as a teacher and assistant principal and looks forward to working with the students, faculty, and staff of Orangefield Elementary as campus principal.

Bridge City Independent School District (BCISD) has hired Kimberly Smalley as Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Kimberly Smalley is an accomplished student-centered educational leader. She pursued her higher education at Lamar State College-Orange, earning an Associate of Science in Academic Studies in Education, and at Lamar University Beaumont, earning a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Education in Administration degree.

Throughout her 25 years as an educator, Kim has held various roles, from classroom teacher to curriculum coordinator and curriculum director. In 1998 she began her educational career at Orangefield Elementary School as a 3rd-grade teacher, moved to 7th grade at Orangefield Junior High School in 2009, and moved into administration in 2012 as a curriculum coordinator for Orangefield ISD. Since 2015, she has served as a director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. She has a passion for education and firmly believes that developing positive relationships in the classroom is the key to academic growth and success in the learning community.

Kim’s dedication extends beyond the confines of the school district. She believes in community involvement and understands the vital role it plays in shaping the educational landscape. She has volunteered her time and expertise for various community projects, such as mentoring programs and local initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes for students and teachers. Kim served as a Lamar University Adjunct MaST Instructor to mentor future teachers. She also served on the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Lutcher Stark Art and History Venues Community Advisory Council, Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce Business Community Service Committee, Leadership Southeast Texas, Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented Advisory Board, Motiva Harvey Flood Relief Advisory Council, and the Mehaffy Children’s Advocacy Program Advisory Board.

With a commitment to lifelong learning, Kim stays informed of education initiatives through her memberships in the Texas Association of School Administrators, Texas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Instructional Materials Coordinators’ Association of Texas, Texas Computer Education Association, and Leadership Southeast Texas.

Kim is an LCMCISD graduate (class of 1990), married to Josh Smalley (BCISD class of 1994), and they have three grown children (Mason, Noah, and Christian Frillou), a daughter-in-law (Shayne) and three grandchildren (Hudson, Avery, and Blayke).

Back to School Orange County is planned for August 5, 2023, from 9 AM-noon at the Lamar State College Orange Student Center. At this event, children can pick up school supplies, get free haircuts. and be immunized for children PreK-18 years. Supplies are limited, so students will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.

All parents or legal guardians must be present with children and provide proof of enrollment in Orange County schools or Deweyville ISD.  Proof of enrollment would include a student ID, report card, or letter from the school.

Vaccinations are offered with no out-of-pocket expense with insurance coverage. Please bring Medicaid/CHIP insurance card to the event.  Those without insurance will be charged $10 per vaccine.

In order to preregister and reserve your school supplies, see the registration dates and times in the flyer below.

For more info, visit their website or their Facebook page.