August is here, meaning students in east Williamson County are set to return to their classrooms soon.
The first day of school for Taylor and Hutto independent school districts is Wednesday, Aug. 14, with Hutto’s Veterans Hill Elementary School starting earlier on Monday, Aug. 12 and Taylor’s Legacy Early College High School later on Aug. 19.
“I want our students to know that we can’t wait to see you. We have been waiting and preparing all summer for your return,” Hutto ISD
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We’re a partner with our parents.”
-Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen, Taylor ISD superintendent Interim Superintendent Cara Malone said.
Parents should ensure their student is up to date on state required immunizations before the first day. Lists of required immunizations by grade level are available on the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
The department also recommends students have one or more doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine and the annual flu shot.
“We’re a partner with our parents, and so if they have any questions, or if they have any need of where to go (for vaccines), we’re happy to help with that and give them resources,” Taylor ISD Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen said.
In addition to being prepared physically, students should also be prepared materially. School supply lists are available on each district’s website.
“Make sure that they’re prepared in the morning. Get the stuff ready the night before,” Garcia-Edwardsen said.
One tip Garcia-Edwardsen has for back-to-school season is for parents to become active partners with their students’ teachers. Meet-the-teacher nights for elementary and middle schools began Aug. 8 for both districts and will continue until Aug. 13.
Dates and times for each school can be found on the districts’ websites.
“You can expect your teachers to open their arms in our schools wide open for our parents, to support them and welcome them back,” Garcia-Edwardsen said.
Both districts are expecting increased student enrollment this year — 3,050 for Taylor ISD and 10,500 for Hutto ISD.
To help lead and educate these students, Taylor ISD hired about 46 new teachers and instructional aides, according to its Facebook, and Hutto ISD brought on 45 teacher apprentices, Malone said. Over the next four years, the teacher apprentices will work toward their teacher certification in addition to their degree while shadowing current teachers.
“We want our parents to know that we have hired the best teachers, prepared our buildings, prepared schedules, and we are ready to engage your students in learning,” Malone said.
Also, Hutto ISD trustees have named a lone finalist for the superintendent’s slot, Jeni Neatherlin. State law dictates the board must wait 21 days before a final vote, so Neatherlin — who was last superintendent of the Granger Independent School District — will assume her duties after Aug. 27.
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We are ready to engage your students in learning.”
-Cara Malone, Hutto ISD interim superintendent
