Top honors, great schools fuel DISD growth
Denison-Sherman’s eye-popping 94.6% high school graduation rate recently propelled Denison ISD into the national spotlight, attracting the attention of corporations, businesses and families wanting to live and work in a community with top-tier schools, friendly people, great restaurants and shopping, and a vibrant arts and cultural district – all surrounded by abundant parks, lakes, nature trails and recreational areas.
“Denison offers all this and so much more. I’ll put our schools, community and quality of life up against any in Texas,” said Dr. Henry Scott, DISD Superintendent. “We’re definitely experiencing growth, which is why a committee of Denison citizens and school board trustees recently recommended a November 5th bond election to expand Hyde Park and Mayes Elementary schools to alleviate the overcrowding. We had to add several portable classrooms at Hyde Park this year, but it’s a situation we don’t want to continue…primarily for safety/security reasons. All our secondary campuses currently have ample room to accommodate growth.”
According to Scott, Denison’s more than 4600 students and 700 teachers are already hard at work in interactive classrooms, led by award-winning teachers that challenge and motivate students to think creatively, analytically, critically and globally.
“I visit our classrooms regularly, and our teachers are doing a tremendous job of finding research-based methodology to reach and teach all students so they continue to learn, grow and become productive citizens and lifelong learners,” said Scott. “Our teachers are also lifelong learners. They attend conferences and workshops every summer and throughout the year to stay abreast of instructional innovations. As a result, our kids are tremendously engaged in learning. Everything is hands-on, minds-on…and it’s a wonderful thing to see.”
Scott said the 2019-2020 school year is in full swing, with everyone focused on Denison ISD’s top priorities. “Student safety always comes first,” said Scott. “After that, the focus is on strong academics, positive personal growth and development, meeting the academic and personal needs of all students, and preparation for long-term success. I’m just so thankful for the teachers, students, families, and all our generous community members who help provide everything our students need to be successful. We have a time-honored tradition in Denison of everyone working together for the greater good of all our students and citizens…and we need to continue that teamwork. It’s why our high school graduation rate is one of the best in the nation…and why it’s always great to be a Yellow Jacket!”
Two young students in Linda Avila’s Terrell classroom play an interactive numbers game to help reinforce and sharpen math skills.
Mayes students stay engaged in learning through the use of games, puzzles and other interactive learning devices that also enhance social and teamwork skills.
Houston students in Laurie Alvarez’s classrooms are engaged and interactive learners, regularly sharing ideas and knowledge while working on group projects that help develop critical thinking skills.
Hyde Park teacher Wendy Jones provided her students with storage bins to help them stay organized and on-task throughout each school day. “We all perform better when we stay organized and focused,” said Jones.
Houston students in Melissa Greenwood’s classroom kick off each day with a high-energy exercise session complete with music and dance. “It helps all of us, mentally and physically, to start the day on a positive note,” said Greenwood.
Fourth graders in Katie Knox’s Terrell classroom are eager to participate in a recent discussion based on a Smart Board learning session. “I visit our classrooms regularly, and our teachers are doing a tremendous job of finding research-based methodology to reach and teach all students so they continue to learn, grow and become productive citizens and lifelong learners,” said DISD Superintendent Dr. Henry Scott.
