RISD has 3 academically recognized campuses
BY DR. JAMES M. LARGENT SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
The past year was another exciting one for RISD. With our recent building projects complete, we continue to refine and adjust our educational structure to encourage and support our students to be successful. We have several new software programs in place, more individualized tutoring, and after school opportunities to allow student to receive the extra help they need in specific areas. In addition, we continue to offer "Family Access" which allows parents to follow their student's grades, attendance and lunchroom purchases. This has proven to be a great tool for parents to know what their student is doing on a daily basis.

DR. JIM LARGENT

In our academic program, we are proud to have three "Recognized" campuses in Rusk with Rusk Primary, Elementary and Junior High earning those honors. We also have continued our performance rewards for staff members for campus ratings, attendance, and retention. These programs reward our staff for their fine work and serve as an incentive for those staff members to stay in RISD and continue working with our students.

We had another successful year in extracurricular activities. In athletics we had playoff teams in softball, baseball and football. Our baseball team advanced to the playoffs for the third straight season and our football team ended the year with their 6th consecutive playoff appearance and a Bi-district championship. After a year without going to the playoffs, our softball team not only made the playoffs, but became Bi-district champions. We continue to be competitive in all areas and look for many more successes in the coming

year.

Our agriculture program continues to shine at both the high school and junior high level as they constantly compete and win at various contests in which they participate. Our fine arts program has had another exceptional year as our band won the "Sweepstakes" award for the 9th year in a row and just recently received their 10th consecutive "Superior" rating at the UIL Marching Contest. The band also had numerous students who won individual honors in solo and ensemble contests. We are excited about our choir program and our art students continue to produce fine work and are enjoying their new studio.

Our new facility has been a great addition to our school and community. It seems that every week there is some type of school or community program being held in the facility and it is the envy of everyone who sees it. We have hosted regional band contests, district One Act Play, alumni meetings and several community events.

I know I have left out some of our many accomplishments and successes that took place during this past year and for this I apologize. I would encourage you to visit our district website at www.ruskisd.net in order to keep up with our successes throughout the year. The website is also a good source for school events, sports schedules, and other information about our school.

I am honored to be your superintendent and I am very proud of our students, staff, and community.

It is a pleasure to work with such a tremendous group of dedicated people. We are also blessed to have a wonderful school board who is truly interested in making RISD the best it can be. They prove this each month as they continue to support and lead the efforts to improve our schools. From all of us at Rusk ISD, we hope that all of you have a very prosperous 2007!

Go Eagles!!

Dr. Largent is Rusk ISD superintendent of schools.