WOCCISD is proud to announce the launch of our innovative and fully equipped mobile learning lab, a solution funded by the Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ESSER) grant. Pioneered by Dr. Alicia Sigee, Director of Student Services at WOCCISD, the new mobile classroom is committed to providing an adaptable learning environment for various learning needs and community engagement.

The mobile classroom redefines traditional learning methods. This state-of-the-art vehicle boasts two slide-outs, three touch-screen television monitors, comfortable seating, and a versatile table that can be removed to create more space for students. Additionally, the unit includes a restroom, a kitchenette, a back room with pull-down seats, and an ADA wheelchair elevator, ensuring an inclusive learning environment for all. Finally, the classrooms are outfitted with dry-erase boards and touchscreen monitors to allow teaching on every surface. This innovative vehicle transforms learning into an engaging, interactive experience that can stand alone entirely with four AC units and a generator onboard.

The primary focus of this vehicle will be the expansion of the successful “Read and Roll” program, particularly during the crucial summer months of the learning slide; however, we plan that this mobile unit will have many uses throughout the year.

“The “Read and Roll” program is already established as an impactful community initiative and has been a cornerstone of WOCCISD’s commitment to student learning loss,” stated Dr. Alicia Sigee.  “Operating during the summer, the program combines literacy initiatives with meals and community service opportunities for student groups. By going directly into the neighborhoods where students live and play, the program ensures accessibility and community engagement.”

Other initiatives the vehicle will be used for include but are not limited to

Community Resilience: During crises such as hurricanes and disasters, the lab transforms into a disaster command unit and feeding site, providing vital support to the community.

Community Engagement: The lab enhances community engagement through an enrollment hub for parents, local parades, family nights, and parent education initiatives.

Education Empowerment: Parent education sessions on platforms like Skyward and insights into grading periods provide parents with tools to participate in their child’s education.

Comprehensive Events: From “Back to School at LCSO” to FASFA Nights, the lab facilitates diverse community programs such as meet-the-programs nights and mobile job fairs.

“We are thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking diverse mobile classroom,” said WOCCISD Superintendent Dr. Rickie Harris. “Our goal is to provide an educational space that accommodates various learning styles and ensures that every student feels welcome and included. This vehicle embodies our dedication to delivering a high-quality education beyond traditional boundaries.”

This innovative mobile learning lab embodies WOCCISD’s dedication to adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of students, families, and the community. It symbolizes resilience, innovation, and commitment to empowering lives through excellence every day!

Awards recognize high-performing students and help them stand out to colleges

Submitted by Rachel Taylor, OFISD

Gracie Bickham (OFISD Photo)

Santiago Baca (OFISD photo)

Two students at Orangefield High School, Gracie Bickham, and Santiago Baca, earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These programs celebrate students’ hard work in high school and showcase their strong academic performance. The academic honors for rural area, Black, Indigenous, and/or Latino students are an opportunity for students to share their strong academic achievements with colleges and scholarship programs that are seeking to recruit diverse talent.

The criteria for eligible students include:

• GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 assessment scores that are within the top 10% of assessment takers in each state for each award program or earned a score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP Exams in 9th and 10th grade.
• Attend school in a rural area or small town, or identify as African American/Black, Hispanic American/Latino, or Indigenous/Native.

Eligible students are invited to apply to BigFuture during their sophomore or junior year and are awarded at the start of the next school year in time to share their achievements in high school as they plan for the future. At the same time, colleges and organizations using College Board’s Student Search Service™ can connect directly with awardees during the recruitment process.

“It’s becoming increasingly hard for students to be ‘seen’ during the college recruitment process. We’re exceptionally proud of the National Recognition Programs for celebrating students who are at times overlooked but have shown their outstanding academic abilities,” said Tarlin Ray, senior vice president of BigFuture® at College Board. “This is a benefit not only for students but also for colleges and universities committed to recruiting diverse and talented students.”