From the Desk of Superintendent Dr. John Kelly
What do the first day of school, a solar eclipse and a hurricane have in common? All of these events
happened within the first five days of the 2017-18 school year! On the very first day of school, the solar
eclipse provided a phenomenal teaching moment for our students. For reasons both positive and
negative, so did Hurricane Harvey on the fifth day of school – and in the weeks following.
Our community, including our students, reached out (and continue to reach out) to help others in ways
that speak volumes to the rest of our nation. Some students and staff experienced a tremendous test of
endurance, faith and perseverance as water entered their homes and vehicles in what is the worst flood
in U.S. history. All these events began in the first week of school this year – and remain a challenge for
months to come.
Our ability to re-open our schools sooner than most affected districts place both an opportunity and
an obligation on us to produce another incredible year of student and staff achievement. We hope to
“eclipse” past achievements despite the challenges placed on some of our hurricane-affected students and
staff. Earlier this summer we were rated the 2nd highest performing district in the Greater Houston area (of
more than 40) and 16th best in Texas (out of more than 900 districts) according to the Niche rankings. That
ascending trajectory continues despite the storm.
While I can’t predict the weather, I have as much confidence about us meeting this newest challenge – as
those who precisely predicted the time and place for viewing the eclipse.
Along with a new school year, comes new innovations including a new magazine format for the
Progress. We’re appreciative of our Communications Department for their work on it, especially
considering the responsibilities placed upon them during th e Hurricane and its aftermath.
Welcome back everyone!
Dr. John P. Kelly
6 | PROGRESS