Education

With the first day of school fast approaching, my mind is swirling with ideas I want to try this school year. Among the many ideas I am tossing around, parent and community engagement are among my top priorities. Research overwhelmingly demonstrates when parents are involved actively in their children’s schooling, their children perform better academically and socially. Research also shows when communities are involved actively in schools, schools improve tremendously, regardless of how high or low schools perform. Parental and community involvement are cost effective, immediately available mechanisms to improve student achievement and school performance.

Canton Intermediate students who received the Principal's Award were 5th grade students Marilee Lewis and Jason Mitchell pictured with Canton Intermediate Principal Marsha Robison.

For more stories like this one, subscribe to the Canton Herald or pick up a copy from one of our vendors.

Baylor University

Ziad Osama-Ahmad Shomoli, of Canton, received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Baylor University, Waco, during spring commencement exercises.

Baylor University conferred degrees on more than 2,500 graduates May 12 and 13 in the Ferrell Center on the Baylor campus.

For more stories like this one, subscribe to the Canton Herald or pick up a copy from one of our vendors.

The Trinity Valley Community College Foundation awarded scholarships this spring to the following Canton High School graduates: Jacob Johnson, Kyle Adams, Nancy Lopez and Eugene Terrell.

“We are so happy to be able to provide scholarships for students to achieve their dreams and change their lives for generations, said Vice President of Institutional Advancement and TVCC Foundation Executive Director Kristen Bennet. “Our eternal gratitude to the donors and friends that support TVCC’s students year after year and make dreams come true.”

The Van Zandt County Retired Teachers awarded two Van Zandt County students with scholarships.

Clay Rylie Alsobrook of Martins Mill High School was awarded a scholarship. He is the son of Clayton and Freida Alsobrook.

Emma Elliott of Grand Saline High School was also awarded a scholarship. She is the daughter of R. Paul and Libby Elliott.

For more stories like this one, subscribe to the Canton Herald or pick up a copy from one of our vendors.

The faculty, staff and students of the Trinity Valley Community College Terrell campus led by Tyson Spizzirri and Amanda Leyva recently collected 25 bags of items to donate to local children who are placed in Child Protective Services.

The total donation amount between cash donated and items was over $1500.  The items were dropped off at the CPS office in Canton to be used for children in the Van Zandt, Kaufman, Henderson, and Rains county areas. With the need being so great, another drive is planned during the 2016-17 fall and spring semesters.

Photo: From left, Willow Springs Baptist Church Pastor Craig Locke, TVCC Terrell Phi Theta Kappa advisors Tyson Sizzirri and Amanda Leyva, TVCC Terrell Provost Dr. Algia Allen

Although May 18 will be a day of celebration, it will also be an emotional day for all the faculty and staff at Canton Intermediate School.

Maurita Kindle, a third-grade teacher, will say her goodbyes and send best wishes to her very last group of third grade students.

The Canton High School acappella, treble and chorale choirs competed in the Region 3 Concert and Sightreading Competition April 11-12 at North Forney High School.

The choir program was pleased that all three choirs earned a sweepstakes! The UIL Concert/Sightreading is the STARR test for the music world and the students begin preparing in January towards this competition.

The chorale choir is the first non-varsity mixed choir in Canton High School history to make a sweepstakes earning overall superior ratings on stage and the sightreading room. The level of commitment to excellence and student leadership allowed all three of the choir to accomplish such high achievement.

God chose to bless our efforts and hard work and we give Him the glory for the ratings. Our students work hard but it is God that blesses it and we are very humbled that the students were able to all get superior rating across the board.

A meeting for parents of second graders at Canton Intermediate School has been scheduled.

“In order to help make the transition to CIS as smooth as possible, we are going to have an informative 2^nd grade parent meeting at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3,in the Canton Intermediate library. At the meeting we will go over campus policies, procedures and what to expect in the classroom and at CIS. This meeting is solely for our parents. We will have Meet the Teacher night for both parents and students in August. We are looking forward to a successful school year next year,” said CIS educators.

On April 10, Canton High School seniors Grayson Reid, Taylor Tidwell, Alexandria Wiley and Logan Willeford were awarded $1000 scholarships by the Masons of Castillian Lodge No. 141, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons.

Worshipful Master Mac Walling presented the awards.

“These worthy students were chosen by the Lodge on the basis of their high school achievements, demonstrated academic abilities, extracurricular activities, and moral character. The scholarships will help these students pursue their life goals at major universities, such at Texas A&M and the University of Texas. Canton High School seniors are encouraged to apply for these scholarships through the high school counselor,” said Walling.