United ISD helps families prepare for two elementary school closures

May 9-United Independent School District administrators and staff met with parents and students from Amparo Gutierrez Elementary and Matias de Llano Elementary - the schools slated for closure - to discuss the students' transition to their new campuses this past week.

The United ISD Board of Trustees voted by a majority to close and consolidate Amparo Gutierrez Elementary School and Matias de Llano Elementary School amid declining enrollment and a budget deficit during its regular meeting April 22.

As part of the transition process, administrators and representatives of different departments held these meetings, where parents were able to listen to presentations from the principals of the schools to which their children will be transferred.

Dr. Gerardo Cruz, UISD superintendent of schools, said the purpose of the meeting was to provide parents information on transportation, special education services and their child's new school.

"We give them an overview of the transition, and the different departments came in and discussed their part," he said. "The good thing about these meetings is that we had the receiving campuses there, who provided information regarding their schools and the different programs that they have."

Cruz said he feels the meeting went very well and that the district wants to be available to all parents to provide a smooth transition for the upcoming school year.

"Talking to some of the parents there, I feel they were appreciative and really liked the informative session," he said.

Cruz said much of the information provided is available to parents on the United ISD website under the United for the Future tab.

"Parents can visit the website and put their child's name or school ID, and they can have their child's new school for the new school year or if they're available for transportation," he said.

He said he was very proud of all the staff and principals who came together to provide a unified message.

"This was the only meeting of its kind, but the receiving schools will have open houses where those parents and students can go and visit the campuses," he said.

Cruz said although the closure of schools was a difficult decision, he wanted to thank principals for communicating the next steps for students coming from these schools.

"This is part of our cost saving measures due to several factors, but one of the major factors is a decline in enrollment, and this is just a way for the district to ensure that we have financial stability and ensure that we continue the great things have been happening here in United ISD," he said.

Melissa Shinn, principal of Trautmann Elementary School, spoke with parents and students about the importance of attendance, the incentives available for attendance or for reaching goals on the STAAR exam, as well as other activities such as dance and sports.

"We recognize our students for the hard work that they do, and of course, we want to celebrate with you, parents," she said.

Shinn highlighted the importance of communication among the school, teachers and parents, as well as the tools available to help them stay informed about what is happening at the campus.

"We're very proud that this last year we started a special Parent Hub, and if you have any questions, you can go to it," she said. "Of course, we use ClassDojo; our teachers use it to ensure they communicate with you so that you know what's happening at the school at all times."

She stated that any information parents might need, such as schedules, calendars and other items, could be found there.

"Anything that you need, or that we think you might need, is right there on our Parent Hub," she said. "So it's very easy for you to access the information. Our calendar is updated there as well. Our safety protocols, all of the programs we offer, the clear backpack policy, and if you wish to volunteer, you can sign up there too."

Shinn noted that while all information is now consolidated in a single location, parents are always welcome to call or schedule a meeting to address any questions or concerns.

She also stated that, under the new attendance boundaries, students from Matias De Llano do not meet the criteria to receive bus transportation to Trautmann, except for special education students.

Shinn told the children that there is always music playing in the mornings and that the school features a brand-new gymnasium and a library filled with books.

"We are very excited. We wanted to welcome you; I hope you can feel our excitement," she said. "I know this is a big change for you, and we want to welcome you into our home, which is now your home too, as we all become part of the UISD family."

Shinn noted that classroom ratios would be maintained at 22 or fewer students to one teacher and that Trautmann would receive about 100 students.

Rubi Garcia, a parent at Amparo Gutierrez Elementary School, said she has two daughters attending the school; she added that she felt a sense of uncertainty, as another child is set to start pre-kindergarten.

"It is a somewhat complicated situation, but I hope everything falls into place and that the new school offers them the same level of support they have been receiving at Matias De Llano," she said. "I have no doubts regarding the school's quality and academic standards, and I hope that everything turns out positively for my three children during the upcoming school year."

Garcia said she liked Principal Shinn's presentation, noting that Shinn has been providing everything necessary to ensure parents feel at ease and to make the transition a positive one for the children.

Maribel Avila, another parent, said that while it was somewhat difficult to accept, they are adapting to the situation and hope it will turn out well.

"I liked Principal Shinn's presentation because of her enthusiasm and her accessibility," she said.

Leah Avila, her daughter, said she felt a bit nervous about the change but was pleased to learn that sports such as volleyball are offered there.

Alejandra Cadena, a parent at Matias De Llano, said she felt sad to leave that campus but found it comforting to know that her daughter, Maya, would be attending an A-rated school.

"Ms. Shinn was very welcoming, and her presentation was very informative," she said. "She provided many details about the campus, and it is exciting to know that my daughter will be attending an A-rated school."

Maya Cadena said she enjoyed the presentation and liked that Trautmann hosts many celebrations. She added that she is happy because many of her friends already attend the campus.

Shinn said she felt she was able to put parents at ease and make them feel truly welcome.

"We are welcoming them to their new school, and we are going to ensure they have a positive experience and that the parents have our full support to guarantee a smooth transition for their children as they join our campus," she said.

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