NCISD makes investment in learning software

Nixon-Smiley CISD is all about providing its students with quality education. And that includes providing them with the tools they need to succeed. With literacy being at the core of the fundamentals of pre-collegiate tutelage, NSCISD is developing a focused, concerted effort in terms of getting middle and high school students on a collegiate reading level. When the NSCID board voted to purchase a literacy soft ware package for nearly $34,000 during its monthly meeting Monday night, all in attendance agreed the investment would be worth its while. “What we’re trying to do is get our middle and high school students on a Lexile reading level to help them become successful college students,” said Linda Parks, who works as the director of special programs for the district. “And the utilization of Achieve 3000 will help students attain that goal.” Achieve 3000 is a supplemental research-based reading program that accelerates comprehension, fluency, writing proficiency and vocabulary development. It is web based and can be accessed 24/7 by students and teachers anywhere the internet is available. It operates on laptops, smart phones iPads. “Th e program comes in two sets,” Parks said. “For our middle school, which has 375 students, it will cost $18,465.50. For the high school, which holds 250 kids, it will cost $15,147.50. Th e total will be $33,613.00” “Th e non-fiction articles allow for differentiation for our English language learners, special education, 504 and gift ed and talented students,” Parks elaborated. “It is designed to ensure our middle and high school students reach a college ready reading level by the time they graduate.” In other business, the district welcomed two new faces to its staff , including Trey Alexander, who will be employed as a high school teacher and coach, and Stephanie Fulkerson, who will assume duties as the high school’s assistant principal. Superintendent Cathy Booth then presented the board with a list of summer projects to be done for the campuses. These include construction on the tennis courts and redoing the football parking lot. “We also plan to renovate our fi ne arts and computer room at the Smiley campus, as well as the Ag building at the Nixon campus,” Booth said. “In addition, NSCISD will make much-needed repairs to its football stadium, concession stands and press box. We’re also planning to install scoreboards at the baseball field.” Additionally, the district will undertake the following projects: * Windows installed for central office * Replace flooring in middle school phase one old library and high school workroom * Bollards around Smiley speed bumps at new gym parking lot and possible cabling around high school parking lot * Painting of 400 building/ 500 building at high school * Continue landscaping and drainage project around high school.