Juice and Muffins With Dr. Craft

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Killeen ISD Superintendent John Craft took careful notes and asked lots of questions during a visit Thursday with some inquiring fourth- and fifth-graders at Ira Cross Elementary School.
 
The interaction, orchestrated through the Communities in Schools program at the school, made way for the district’s top administrator to hear from students suggestions to make life a little better at school.
 
Several students informed him of their favorite teachers. They also listed some of their favorite menu items. Pizza and strawberry milk were top items – not necessarily together.
 
A lot of conversation centered on possibilities for a later school start time, more early-release days and a longer weekend.
 
Craft explained that the early start, 7:30 at Ira Cross and many other elementary schools, is necessary to allow bus drivers to complete their routes on time. Middle schools and high schools begin progressively later.
 
A shorter school week, which some school districts are trying, would require longer school days. For example, students could go to school four days a week, but those days would need to be about 10 hours long to meet state requirements.
 
Most students agreed that the current five-day week of shorter days (7:30 to 3) is preferred to a four-day week with longer days.

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Students also mentioned observing misbehavior and Craft encouraged them to make sure they let their teachers and administrators know when peers are not following rules.
 
“I thought it was good,” said fifth-grader Antwoine Nembhard, who had numerous suggestions.
 
“He really understood what we said,” he pointed out. “We need him because he listens to us.”
 
Communities in Schools of Greater Central Texas Program Coordinator Marla Campbell listened in on the conversation and was impressed with the students and the superintendent.
 
“That was a great experience,” she said. “The intent I think was to allow Dr. Craft to have 1-on-1 time with kids and hear their thoughts. It was amazing. They are little geniuses. I was impressed with their vocabulary.”
 
CIS Site Coordinator Cinnamon Clay said she has invited the superintendent numerous times and he has always responded and related well with the students.
 
“I thought their responses were great,” she said following the “Juice and Muffins with Dr. Craft” conversation.
 
“They were nervous, but they did great. I was impressed how outspoken they were. They were at peace to be themselves.”
 
“I think it was cool,” said Nembhard. “I’ve never talked to a superintendent before.”
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