Pearland - Friendswood Edition | February 2025

Education

Pearland ISD reviews student benchmark data Pearland ISD students improved overall academ- ically in the rst semester of the 2024-25 school year compared to the previous year, based on data from benchmark exam’s taken in December. The data was reviewed at the PISD board of trustees’ Jan. 14 meeting. The overview At the end of the fall semester, students partici- pated in benchmark testing that allows teachers to track student progress and make necessary adjust- ments, according to district agenda documents. The 2024 data is compared to 2023 December benchmark data, district agenda documents note. Students in grades ve through eight improved from 2023 to 2024 in both math and English, language arts and reading, according to the data. Benchmarks for high school exams, however, varied.

Districts approve 202526 calendars Alvin, Friendswood and Pearland ISDs each approved their respective academic calendars for the 2025-26 school year in January. The full story While some dates vary, all three school districts will begin classes on either Aug. 12 or 13 and have a fall break scheduled in mid-October, according to each district’s respective agenda. Thanksgiving Break will run from Nov. 24-28 for each district, while each will begin winter break on Dec. 22, according to the new calendars. The last day of school for Friendswood and Pearland ISDs falls on May 21, while Alvin ISD will let students out for the summer on May 22, calendars show.

PISD students who met grade level

2023

2024

English, language arts and reading

100%

50%

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Math

100%

50%

High school exam benchmark data

100%

84 81

74 76

50%

Algebra I

Biology U.S. History

SOURCE: PEARLAND ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Friendswood ISD forming new cellphone policy Friendswood ISD board of trustees at its Jan. 13 meeting discussed a new district-wide cellphone policy amid new data showing high usage among students during school hours. Current situation

Student cellphone usage at FISD

97% of students admitted to using their cellphones during school hours 72% of high school teachers said cellphones are a “major distraction” 35% of teens admitted to using their cellphones to cheat on school work 41% of teens with the highest social media usage rated their overall mental health as poor or very poor

is taken to the principal, who decides either to give it back to the student after school or contact their parents to pick it up. Next steps District ocials said they are gathering data and information on possible policies. FISD ocials said the board could discuss a possible policy in March and move to vote on it in April.

Currently, cellphone use is prohibited during the school day at FISD unless a teacher permits their usage, ocials said. If conscated, the cellphone

SOURCE: FRIENDSWOOD ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

• Full Day PK3 and PK4 • Google Platform with 1:1 Chromebooks, grades 4-8 • STREAM (STEM) LAB and classes, K-8 • NJHS Honors and CTE Courses • Numerous enrichment activities after school • Counselor on campus • Intervention Specialist to assist struggling learners Accredited by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, TCCB-ED and recently named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, we are mission driven to promote high academic standards within a Christ-centered, spiritual environment. Growing Children in “Wisdom, Age, and Grace” • Before and After School Care • Weekly School Mass PK3-8th grade For more than 25 years, St. Helen Catholic School has proudly served our parish and our communitites by educating the mind, heart and spirit. Accredited by the Archdiocese of Growing Children in "Wisdom, Age, and Grace" An Accredited School in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

• Dance and Cheer Squad • Athletics Programs • Big/Lil Buddies Program • Spanish 6th-8th • Fine Arts Programs • Religion is infused into every class • Before and After School Care • Weekly School Mass

Open House Jan. 26, 2025 • Full Day PK3 and PK4 • Google Platform with 1:1 Chromebooks, grades 4-8 • STREAM (STEM) LAB and classes, K-8 • NJHS Honors and CTE Courses • Counselor on campus • Intervention Specialist to assist struggling learners • Dance and Cheer Squad NOW ENROLLING PK3-8th GRADE for 2025-2026

• Athletics Programs • Spanish 6th-8th • Fine Arts Programs • Religion is infused into every class • Before and After School Care • Weekly School Mass

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Founded in 1997 Galveston-Houston, TCCB-ED and recently named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, we are mission driven to promote high academic standards within a Christ-centered, spiritual environment. • Full Day PK3 and PK4 • Google Platform with 1:1 Chromebooks, grades 4-8 • STREAM (STEM) LAB and classes, K-8 • NJHS Honors and CTE Courses • Numerous enrichment activities after school • Counselor on campus • Intervention Specialist to assist struggling learners

Open House Jan. 26, 2025

PK3-8th grade

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FAITH * ACADEMICS * FINE ARTS * TECHNOLOGY | 2213 Old Alvin Rd., Pearland, TX 77581 | WWW.SHCSSAINTS.ORG

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