Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy (continued):
“Rather than going through the symptoms of a problem, the students will look at root cause analysis,” Dr. Villarreal
said. “It’s a dream I’ve always had. One of the things I like to say is ‘Never best, only better.’ I think this will be
something that will make the Academy unique.”
Along with the exciting educational opportunities the Academy offers to Rockwall ISD students, it also
accommodates the rapidly growing local population. Rockwall High School is currently at maximum capacity, and
Rockwall-Heath High School will soon follow in its footsteps. Since the Academy will host approximately 800
students transitioning in and out of the building throughout the school day, it will alleviate crowding at both high
schools and extend the timeline before a third high school building is necessary.
With the 2018-2019 school year on the horizon, Belliveau and Dr. Villarreal
are confident that Rockwall ISD students and parents will be thrilled with the
diverse selection of vocational courses and inspired by the inventive learning
style offered at the College and Career Academy.
“It shows that we are committed to preparing our children for workforce and
college readiness on a whole new level,” Dr. Villarreal said.
Rockwall ISD Announces 2018
District Beginning Teacher of
the Year
R
ockwall ISD recently
awarded the 2018 Sheri
Stodghill Fowler Beginning
Teacher of the Year Award to Lauren
Milam, Springer Elementary second-
grade teacher, at the 2018 Teacher of
the Year Banquet.
After graduating from Abilene
Christian University in 2017,
Lauren heard from friends how hard it was to be hired
in Rockwall ISD as a first-year teacher because it’s a
destination district. That didn’t deter Lauren.
She got in her car and drove to every single elementary
school in the district to personally hand out resumes. She
wanted someone to give her a chance because she knew
10
that’s all she needed.
“I handed everyone my resume and I
said, ‘You can count on me. I know I’m
a first-year teacher but you can count
on me,’” said Lauren. “I’m so glad my
principal, Sara Reeves, counted on me
and she gave me a chance. She always
has my back.”
Lauren credited so much of her success to her support
system at Springer Elementary School.
“Everyone at Springer Elementary is so kind and it’s
such a great school to be at,” said Lauren. “I’m so
blessed and honored to be here. This isn’t an award just
for me; it’s for all the people who have supported me.”