CCISD revamps technology initiative

Clear Creek Independent School District is adjusting its one-computer-per-student initiative known as Latitude 2 Learn.

In a recent survey of students, 62 percent of respondents said their teachers encourage them to use technology to create projects or presentations. But technical issues with charging tablets, a lack of keyboards and inconsistent Internet access in classrooms have slowed the progress of this initiative. In response, the district will implement several changes this fall.

Students in grades eight through 12 will receive Dell laptops. Students in grades five through seven will receive Dell Latitude 10 tablets.

The school district will reduce its optional insurance rate from $25 to $20 per device, or from $12.50 to $10 for students who are eligible for free and reduced meals.

The district also is improving its available bandwidth to support the use of tablets in the classroom and around campus.

A new platform, LinkEd, will allow teachers, students and parents to connect, collaborate, create and communicate 24 hours a day.

For details, visit www. ccisd.net, email information@ccisd.net or call 281284-0020

CCISD removes extracurricular fees

Clear Creek Independent School District has put a hold on collecting the $50 district extracurricular fee imposed in 2011.

During the July 27 school board meeting, the superintendent said the budget outlook for this year was promising due to school board actions and additional state funding.

“When the Texas Legislature significantly reduced its funding for public education in 2011, our community stepped forward and supported the implementation of an extracurricular fee. The fees, which brought in $450,000 annually, were necessary to sustain funding for the arts and athletics,” Superintendent Greg Smith said. “We would like to thank our parents for supporting CCISD’s extracurricular programs, and I hope they recognize their financial efforts allowed us to maintain these excellent programs.”

The 2011 cut cost the district more than $17 million, forcing it to reduce departmental budgets, eliminate staff positions, freeze salaries and impose the extracurricular fee.

San Jacinto fall registration ongoing

Registration continues for fall classes that begin Aug. 24 at San Jacinto College.

To register, visit www. sanjac.edu/apply-register/overview/registration. Students may register and pay in full up to the start of the class. Weekend classes begin Sept. 11.

San Jacinto opens ‘Spamalot’ auditions

The San Jacinto College theater and film department will hold public auditions for “Spamalot,” a musical comedy based on “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” at 6 p.m. Aug. 25-26 in Slocomb Auditorium, 8060 Spencer Highway.

Theater experience is unnecessary, and enrollment at the college is not required.

Rehearsals begin Aug. 28 and run 6-10 p.m. weekdays. Show dates are Oct. 23-25 and 30 and Nov. 1.

Visit www.sanjac.edu or call 281-998-6150.

College offers vaccinations

Meningitis vaccinations will be available at each San Jacinto College campus Aug. 21.

State law requires college students under the age of 22 to receive a vaccination or booster against bacterial meningitis. For a list of locations, times and costs, visit www.sanjac. edu/meningitis.

UHCL’s international enrollment grows

University of HoustonClear Lake’s continued international student growth has earned recognition from the Institution of International Education. In the 2014 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, UHCL earned a spot in “Institutions Hosting 1,000 or More International Students, ranked by international student total, 2013/14.” Some 1,007 international students attended UHCL in 2013.

UHCL also made the “Top 40 Master’s Colleges & Universities Enrolling International Students,” ranking 35th out of 40.

Since the report’s release, UHCL has continued to grow its international enrollment. In fall 2014, 1,390 international students attended from 40 countries.

Visit www.iie.org/ opendoors for details.