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Texas Plans to Continue STAAR Testing in 2020-2021

Texas Plans to Continue STAAR Testing in 2020-2021

The State of Texas has had some form of standardized testing as far back as 1980. Over the years the originally simple system used to gauge children’s progress in our public schools has morphed into what many describe as a high-stakes and highstress series of tests. The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, began statewide in the 2011-2012 school year. In recent years, lawmakers and various organizations such as the Texas State Teachers Association have expressed concerns over the current assessment system, with many lobbying to remove the testing altogether.

Official FISD Police Department Sworn In

Official FISD Police Department Sworn In

On Monday, August 3, Forney ISD’s premier Police Department was sworn in at the Board of Trustees’ meeting. Forney Superintendent, Dr. Justin Terry, swore in the new department’s first chief, Joseph Sanders. Sanders then went on to swear in eight officers who will report to him as they protect our students and staff. While FISD has always had the support and protection of local law enforcement agencies, this event marks the first time in Forney ISD history that that school district has had its very own dedicated police department.

From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Monthly Update - July 2020
From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Monthly Update - July 2020

Welcoming Athens ISD Incoming Superintendent

From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Monthly Update - July 2020

Recognizing Linda Stewart’s Retirement from High Point Special Utility District

From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Monthly Update - July 2020

First Annual Terrell State Hospital Volunteer Service Council Patient Art Show and Auction Fundraiser Pictured left to right: Reagan Teel, Terrell State Hospital Assistant Superintendent; Beth Purcell, Office of Senator Hall; Sheila Kunick, Terrell State Hospital Volunteer Services Council; John Perkins, Terrell State Hospital Rehab Department, Cody Craig, Office of Representative Bell

From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Monthly Update - July 2020

Rep. Bell’s Statement on STAAR Testing in the Upcoming 2020 - 2021 School Year

From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Monthly Update - July 2020

Greater Athens Area Lions Club Charter Dinner Pictured: Kasey Colunga, President; Valerie Franklin, Secretary; Marisa Gunstanson, Treasurer; and Dan Hunt being sworn in as charter members of the club

From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Monthly Update - July 2020

Welcoming Athens ISD Incoming Superintendent

City of Forney Cancels Remaining Events Scheduled for 2020

After careful consideration, the City of Forney will not host events for the remainder of 2020. Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, cancelling remaining events scheduled for this year has been determined to be the best course of action for the safety of citizens and city staff. Also, the financial commitments and time required to plan city events are a serious logistical challenge given the unpredictable nature of the coronavirus.

Houston’s Chinese Consulate Abruptly Ordered to Close by Trump Administration

President Donald Trump’s administration has abruptly ordered the closure of the Chinese Consulate in Houston. Photo credit: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Houston’s Chinese Consulate Abruptly Ordered to Close by Trump Administration

The United States has ordered China to close its consulate in Houston by Friday, an abrupt move that opens up a new front in a battle for supremacy between the world’s two biggest economies.

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The fair, a longstanding tradition for many Texans, is scheduled to run next year from Sept. 24 through Oct. 17 in Dallas’ Fair Park. Photo: Allison V. Smith for The Texas Tribune

State Fair of Texas Canceled for 2020 Because of Coronavirus

The State Fair of Texas, slated for this fall, was canceled last week because of ongoing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, fair organizers said in a public statement.

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Celebrating Half a Century

The majority of her life has been spent proudly donning the famous orange and white of Whataburger, and she has no plans to change that now. Whataburger of Mesquite, Inc.’s Employee No. 6, Ms. Connie Claxton, is celebrating 50 years with the company on July 22, 2020.

Troop 1857 Produces Eagle Scouts Amidst Pandemic

Jared Lytle

Troop 1857 Produces Eagle Scouts Amidst Pandemic

Addison Graf

Troop 1857 Produces Eagle Scouts Amidst Pandemic

Michael Denicola

Troop 1857 Produces Eagle Scouts Amidst Pandemic

Dallas Hoover

Troop 1857 Produces Eagle Scouts Amidst Pandemic

Reef Gillum

Troop 1857 Produces Eagle Scouts Amidst Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a few local scouts have taken advantage of the alone time to work on advancement in scouting. So much so, Troop 1857 of Forney has produced five Eagle Scouts over the past several months, and has a few other scouts who are close to joining these young men in this monumental accomplishment. The newest Eagle Scouts for Troop 1857 are Jared Lytle, Addison Graf, Dallas Hoover, Michael Denicola, and Reef Gillum. These five scouts join several others who have achieved Eagle Scout with Troop 1857. Over the past two years, the troop has seen Duncan Winters, Ethan Isbell, Austin Begin, and Tristin Johnson all received the Eagle ranking. These men are now working on college degrees. Of the most recent Eagle Scouts, both Dallas Hoover and Jared Lytle are two original founding members of Unit 1857, joining the Pack at its launch. These young men advanced together to the Troop, worked to earn their Eagle Scout ranks, and now both will continue their scouting experiences as they join Adventure Crew 1857.

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Forney Messenger

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 936, Forney, TX 75126
Physical Address: 201 W. Broad St., Forney, TX 75126
Phone: 972-564-3121
Fax: 972-552-3599