HISD begins 2023-24 school year Aug. 17

The Hallettsville Independent School District will open its doors Thursday, Aug. 17 with the start of the 2023-24 school year.

School administrators expect an enrollment of 1,185 with the elementary expecting 440 students while at the Junior High they anticipate 305 students and high school 440 students

The HISD staff officially began the new school year Monday, Aug. 7 with the district address led by superintendent, Dr. Jo Ann Bludau and followed by professional development sessions held on the campuses.

During the district address, all teachers and staff members reviewed the district strategic goals and priorities.

Employees were recognized for their years of service and new employees were introduced.

In addition, district leaders introduced resources and strategies that will be implemented during the 2023-24 school year to maintain a safe and secure environment, and help students to become successful.

Teachers new to the district met with Dr. Mandy Bucek, Lela Tyson and members of the HISD instructional technology team on Wednesday, Aug. 2 and Thursday, Aug. 3, for two additional professional development days.

The new teachers were familiarized with technology hardware and software that is available for them to use in accomplishing student goals.

Bludau also met with the new staff members to provide an orientation in district operations and safety procedures.

On the day school starts (Aug. 17), buses will run their regular routes with starting and ending class times throughout the year to include:

• Elementary (grades Pre-K – 4) begin at 7:55 a.m. and dismiss at 3:25 p.m.

• Jr. High (grades 5 – 8) begin at 7:50 a.m. and dismiss at 3:30 p.m.

• High School (grades 9 – 12) start at 7:53 a.m. and dismiss at 3:35 p.m.

“I wish to emphasize that for the safety of all students and staff members, all visitors need to enter the building through the main entrances at each campus,” Bludau said. “Also, buses are the only vehicles allowed to drop-off and pickup students behind the high school.”

Bludau added that all car riders should be dropped off and picked up in the designated areas in front of the high school and elementary facilities on Ridge Street.

In addition, at Hallettsville Junior High School, only school buses are allowed to drop off and pick up at the front of the school. She said all parents should drop off students in the cafeteria parking lot on the west side of the junior high school.

“The STAAR and EOC scores for Hallettsville ISD students indicate that they are well above state average in most areas, and we will continue to focus on college and career readiness and expanding our course offerings,” Bludau said. “Our teachers will continue to implement the practices and strategies learned from the Texas Instructional Leadership Initiative and provide even more opportunities for students to excel in academic and extracurricular activities. We are looking forward to another great year in Hallettsville ISD!”