Taylor ISD teachers receive grant, note student excellence Recipients include esports program
Taylor teachers and principals had a lot to celebrate at the monthly school board meeting with strides in student academic success and a financial boost from the Taylor Educational Enrichment Foundation.
While many of the distributed grants were in the range of $1,000, Taylor High School Career and Technical Education robotics teacher Joseph Thompson received TEE’s “Game Changer” grant of $37,186 for the startup of an esports program at the high school.
“We’ve been in talks about this grant since last spring,” said TEE director and board trustee Anita Volek.
The good news came during the meeting on Monday.
Initially, Thompson applied for the grant requesting funds for both a robotics and esports program. The district decided to cover the costs of the robotics program and Thompson reapplied to TEE for a grant to cover esports.
Volek said they had asked Thompson for an exact number to purchase the equipment needed to get the program off the ground.
“This is a UIL program so it’s pass-play,” Volek added. If students want to participate, they must have passing grades.
“We think (the esports program) will help engage students and keep them working hard on their schoolwork too,” Volek added.
Meanwhile, Megan Zembik, chief academic officer, presented data showing the work Taylor Independent School District has been doing with reading over the past two years is paying off.
“We know now through our work over the past two years…that what you focus on expands and what you focus on makes movement,” Zembik said.
The district has been working with Universal Screener, an academic assessment tool. “What the teachers enjoy about this program is that it puts every student on a personalized learning path,” Zembik said.
The district now intends to make the same push regarding mathematics. Zembik noted that change and progress take time, but after seeing the numbers increase students’ capabilities in reading, she said she is confident they can do the same for students and math.
Taylor principals were also honored during the board meeting. October has been deemed “Principal Appreciation Month” and Taylor ISD recognized its principals.
Zembik played a video for trustees with Taylor students and staff listing ways the principals help learners and keep campuses smoothly running.
“To our principals: Thank you for leading with heart, with courage and humility… Your influence reaches farther than most will ever see. We see you, we appreciate you and we’re deeply grateful for the way you serve our students, staff and community,” Zembik said.
The next school board meeting is 6:45 p.m. in the boardroom at 3101 N. Main St.
