You have to realize that every school CISNT serves has at least 1 in 3 students who are at risk or economically disadvantaged (meaning their family lives at or below the Federal level defined as “in poverty” - yes, here in North Texas!). In fact, at schools like Rivera Elementary in Denton and Central Elementary in Lewisville, 8 or 9 in every 1o students are at risk or living in poverty. Yet, even in these seemingly improbably situations, schools that CISNT serves at achieve the Texas Education Agency (TEA) school rating of “recognized”, and even “exemplary” (TEA’s highest rating for a school).
Roanoke Elementary in Northwest ISD is such a school - Exemplary, as evaluated by TEA.
Why is this blog-worthy? Well, because at Roanoke Elementary 4 out of 10 students don’t get enough food to eat, don’t have adequate school clothing, don’t get appropriate healthcare, aren’t coming to school reading at the appropriate grade level, don’t pass all the TAKS tests the first time, won’t get a present this holiday season, didn’t go anywhere on vacation this summer, aren’t fluent in English, BUT get a GREAT education everyday, have mentors who come to help them with school work and life, get to attend programs that help them overcome obstacles, get access to free food, are provided free school supplies, are given free clothing, are getting specialize tutoring and feel loved, appreciated and cared for each and every day!
So, with all this reality, it is nothing short of amazing that Roanoke Elementary achieved the TEA rating of Exemplary. No one will show this story on TV, it won’t be on the radio, most likely you won’t read about it in the newspaper. The principal at Roanoke Elementary won’t get any awards, the teachers (who by the way worked tirelessly to help bridge the enormous gaps their students possessed when the school year began) won’t get a big bonus. Only one thing is for sure - in September the challenge to accomplish the improbable began again.
As CEO of Communities In Schools of North Texas, I have an enormous appreciation for the outstanding work every single staff member at Roanoke Elementary dedicated themselves each and every day. I know of the commitment the Principal, Debbie Merki, demonstrated each and every day because she would personally accept nothing short of excellence, regardless of the inadequate resources possessed. I know of CISNT’s commitment to bring every possible available resource to benefit the students at Roanoke Elementary. I know of mentors who donated hours upon hours to help students succeed. And I know of companies like Hillwood Development who dug deep year after year to help fund CISNT so students could succeed.
For nearly 10 years now CISNT has been a part of Roanoke Elementary. I know our part in Roanoke Elementary’s success. I know the partnership we have with the staff, the community, the Northwest Education Foundation, Northwest ISD Partners in Education and the Alliance business community. We all can take pride in the success of Roanoke Elementary’s students.
But that was last year. So I have one question. Are you in again this year? I hope so, our students need you now more than ever.
