Latest news with #JoAnnFey
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
KISD supt. sends welcome back message after Spring Break
KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) – Killeen Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey is welcoming back everyone after the end of Spring Break. Dr. Fey sent a message to families Monday afternoon, saying the day marked a strong and welcome return from Spring Break across Killeen ISD. The first day back went smoothly as students re-entered campuses with focus and positivity. The district has been preparing to implement intentional measures designed to strengthen structure, reinforce expectations, and prioritize student safety over the past week. It is committed to balancing increased security with maintaining a positive and welcoming learning environment. Dr. Fey says these efforts are about creating structure, not barriers, so all students can focus on learning in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and supported. Dr. Fey says the district also knows it has inconsistencies in safety measures, and is taking steps to address this. The district will be closely monitoring a variety of indicators to assess the effectiveness of these changes, including tracking attendance and referrals. Campus leaders will continue to review feedback from students, staff, and families to make adjustments to strengthen the district's approach without compromising the positive culture it is building in its schools. PREVIOUS STORY: Killeen ISD supports positive and safe return from Spring Break As of March 24, the district has also launched a new safety tip line at 254-336-8989 so families have another way to bring concerns if they feel something hasn't been addressed. Parents are still encouraged to report issues directly to their campus or submit concerns through Dr. Fey says Monday. March 24 reflected what is possible when the district works together to create the right environment for learning. The focus remains on ensuring every Killeen ISD campus is a safe, respectful, and supportive place for all students to learn and grow. The previous statement comes after a stabbing at Roy J. Middle School earlier this month. Students will return from Spring Break on Tuesday, March 25. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
KISD supports positive and safe return from Spring Break
KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) – The Killeen Independent School District is taking steps to reinforce a safe and respectful school environment. Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey sent a statement to families Friday afternoon, saying as students are being welcomed back from Spring Break, the district is taking steps to reinforce structure and behavior expectations at all campuses. The goal is to help students return to school with a positive mindset. As part of these efforts: Families should expect more consistency in procedures for arrival, class transitions, lunch, recess and dismissal at all schools. This includes a multi-layered security check upon entry to the building at all secondary schools. As such, administrators will not be available to meet with families during arrival/dismissal or lunch times. Help support the district's multilayered security checks by ensuring students do not bring prohibited items to school. You can see a list of these prohibited items on Page 11 of Killeen ISD's Student Code of Conduct. More staff will be present in hallways and common areas to promote positive student behavior and interactions. Stronger disciplinary measures will be in place for students involved in threats, altercations, fights, assaults and repeated misconduct. In addition, off campus incidents linked to or leading to a disruption at school, will face DAEP placement. Students with repeat misconduct will face a loss or restriction of campus privileges. All students returning from DAEP to their home campus will have structured transition plans. PREVIOUS STORY: Killeen ISD superintendent holds another press conference Dr. Fey says as a reminder, Roy J. Smith Middle School classes will resume on Tuesday, March 25. All other Killeen ISD schools will return to classes on Monday, March 24. The district will continue to provide updates to keep the Killeen ISD family and community aware at Dr. Fey says the district knows that student success is built on strong partnerships between families and schools. You can help by encouraging students to follow school expectations, make responsible choices, and seek help when needed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
KISD leaders speak to legislature on strong discipline, cell phone ban
Austin, Tx (FOX 44) – In the wake of the recent stabbing death of one student by another, KISD Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey urged Texas legislators to expand authority of school districts to discipline students. Speaking during a Texas House Public Education Committee hearing, Dr. Fey voice support of House Bill 6, which would expand that authority. The bill aims to improve teacher retention and classroom management by allowing out-of-school suspensions for students who engage in repeated, significant disruptions or pose safety threats. Dr. Fey emphasized that strengthening disciplinary measures is essential to ensuring a safe and effective learning environment for both educators and students. On another subject and another bill, Rancier Middle School Principal Dr. Janelle Muhammad testified in favor of House Bill 1481, which would ban K-12 public school students from using cellphones during school hours. Dr Muhammad shared her school's experience with putting a cellphone free policy in place this year to address cyberbullying and student conflicts. She noted that the ban led to a decrease in behavioral incidents and increased student engagement in learning when the distraction was removed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
