School Bells Ring In Conroe ISD To Kick Off 2017-18 School Year

CONROE, TX — The Conroe Independent School District was one of six Houston area school districts that kicked off the first day of the 2017-18 school year.

CISD School buses began warming up in the transportation facility long before the sun came up, and parents began rousing the kids, who likely lamented the end of their summertime break. (Want to get daily updates about traffic news and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Houston Patch morning newsletter.)

Along with students — some who are starting the school year as brand new kindergarten students and others who are waking up to life as a high school senior — there are the 500 new teachers who were welcomed into CISD last week during a three day staff development conference at The Woodlands High School.

The event was not only a time for new teachers to learn about district-focused initiatives and curriculum, but it was also a time for them to meet new colleagues.

Additionally, teachers had the opportunity to visit a Classroom Showcase designed to highlight the best instructional practices for all grade levels and contents.

Meanwhile, one CISD campus opened their doors for the very first time, with Lucille J. Bradley Elementary welcoming students to the brand new campus.

“My main goal for Bradley is to teach children to care about others,” Bradley Principal Dr. Christine Butler said. “Not just others within the school, but in the community. They need to start learning these skills at the elementary level to take them into the real world. Academics are a priority, of course, but I want to help our students develop a sense of caring.”

The school is named after Lucille J. Bradley, a dedicated and passionate member of the community who taught second graders in Conroe ISD for 30 years.

Bradley became the first black president of the Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association, held the position of president and board member of the Metropolitan Child Development Center, and was honored in 1999 by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. among many other awards and honors.

Bradley passed away in January of 2014.

While some students are starting a brand new chapter at Bradley Elementary, CISD Superintendent Don Stockton has announced that the 2017-18 school year will be his last.

Stockton, who has served a variety of positions in Conroe ISD for more than 30 years, announced his retirement on Monday.

“It’s been an honor to serve in the District for 32 years with 15 of those years as superintendent,” Stockton said.

Prior to being named Superintendent, Dr. Stockton served as Interim Superintendent; Assistant Superintendent; Principal of The Woodlands High School, McCullough Junior High School, and Knox Junior High School; and Assistant Principal at Oak Ridge High School, McCullough Junior High School, and Knox Junior High School. Prior to administration, he taught math and coached at both Conroe High School and Travis Junior High School. Dr. Stockton began his career in education as a math teacher in Lafayette, Indiana.

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