Giddings ISD leaders cite benefits of nine-week grading, staff development breaks and celebrate campus events

Assistant Superintendent Shane Holman told the board the district shifted from six-week grading periods to four nine-week periods to give teachers more time to collect grades and to reduce the frequency students lose UIL eligibility. "We transitioned from six-week grading periods to 9, four nine-week periods as opposed to six six-week periods," Holman said, and noted the district will still check grades at six weeks for the first nine-week eligibility checkpoint.

Campus leaders described recent and upcoming student events. Elementary Principal Shayne Kirts recounted a Hispanic Heritage program, Community Helper Day with EMS and police participation, an upcoming 'knighting' ceremony for respect, a fall book fair and Red Ribbon Week activities. Intermediate Principal Mitch Pope highlighted teacher-led professional development, efforts to disaggregate assessment data to address Domain 3 subgroup performance, and a Big Kahuna fundraiser that raised more than $6,000 online in its first three days, with roughly 40% of sales returning to students.

Superintendent Ray DeSpain summarized Charlotte Penn’s middle-school report, noting author visits, youth firearm safety training coordinated by Parks and Wildlife at Nails Creek Park, and middle-school homecoming and athletics. High School Principal Chad Seitz described strong nine-week eligibility results, active homecoming events, a college and career fair scheduled Oct. 22, theater performances Oct. 22–23, and cross-country teams advancing after sweeping the district meet.

The reports emphasized professional development days built into the calendar as a positive change that allowed focused planning time for teachers and campus staff.

The board received these updates during routine reports and did not take formal action on the curriculum or event items.