Thanks in large part to an anonymous benefactor, thousands of dollars were meted out to Llano Independent School District teachers for 23 special projects ranging from a trip to the Johnson City Zoo for bilingual students in summer school to a geometry art project for Packsaddle Elementary fourth-graders.
The individual LISD Academic Booster Club Grants that are included within the $28,108, total, range from $500, for the zoo trip, to the largest single award of $2,500. The $2,500, grant will be used to provide life skills students at Llano High School with a smartboard.
“We ask teachers to write a grant proposal that is innovative, such as something new for the classroom, a program or an experience such as a field trip,” said LISD Assistant Superintendent James Payne, who spoke with the News on Friday. “The academic boosters support the district by paying for that.”
Each school year, the boosters give $20,000 to $30,000.
“Since the academic boosters began, they’ve given away over $200,000,” Payne said. “We’ve been especially fortunate over the past six or seven years because one person has been donating $25,000, a year. He does it very privately.”
VOUCHERS FOR TEACHERS
The district held its convocation this year on Aug. 16, on a student holiday the week after school began. Payne said that in the past, the district has held its annual convocation before the start of a school year.
“We used to have convocation during in-service days, but I think teachers liked having convocation after school had started so they didn’t feel like they had to rush back to their classrooms to get ready for the first day of school,” he said. “This way, they could enjoy the convocation more. Our high school band and cheerleaders performed the National Anthem and our Fight Song. (LISD Superintendent) Mr. (Mac) Edwards gave an address about the state of the district.”
Paul Casey was the keynote speaker this year. Casey, who was an ag teacher for 27 years at a public school district in north Texas, is a professional public speaker.
“He talked to our teachers about building relationships with kids and being their champions,” Payne said.
Lasting from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., convocation is an all-day affair that is supported by a host of local businesses. It is during convocation that the grant recipients are announced and teachers and staff members are recognized for their years of service.
“Each teacher or staff member received a voucher for the Spirit Shack, where they can get some Llano Yellowjacket swag like a T-shirt,” Payne said. “We give out the awards each year based on how long they have been with the district, in 5-year increments.”
Two employees, Kelly McIntosh and Suzie Wisdom, received $50 vouchers for 30 years of dedication to the district’s students. McIntosh teaches 4th grade science and social studies at Llano Elementary School. Wisdom is the cafeteria manager at Llano High School.
Eighteen people received a 5-year recognition; 11 people, ten years; seven people, 15 years; four people, 20 years; and five people got a 25-year recognition.
LISD welcomed around 25 new teachers this school year.
