The Y.E.S. Program is an additional support initiative designed for 3rd and 7th-grade students who scored between the 31-49 percentile on MAP in 3rd and 7th grades and/or 7th graders who scored Did Not Meet or Approaches on STAAR. It integrates Reading Language Arts instruction with STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) through arts integration, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and comprehension.

In addition to reading, students will explore and engage in orchestra, theater arts, or visual arts, allowing them to develop new skills and interests alongside academic content. Students will rank their preferences, and uniforms will be provided at the first meeting.

Students who scored between the 31-49 percentile on MAP in 3rd and 7th grades and/or 7th graders who scored Did Not Meet or Approaches on STAAR. Selection will be made through a lottery system. 

Sessions are held one Saturday a month from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The first session is on October 26, 2024, at the Killeen Career Center. All remaining sessions will take place at the JPLC (J. P. Lewis Center).
Program dates:

• Oct. 26, 2024
• Nov. 16, 2024
• Jan. 25, 2025
• Feb. 22, 2025
• Mar. 29, 2025
• Apr. 26, 2025
• June 2025* (*Summer learning, exact dates TBD)

The application period runs from Monday, 09/30/2024, through Sunday, 10/06/2024. The application can be found on the KISD website and includes a section for uniform shirt and pants sizes.

The program provides 2-3 reading instructors and 2-3 STEM instructors for both 3rd and 7th graders. Reading instruction will integrate STEM project-based learning with novel, varied lessons to engage students creatively and academically. Additionally, there will be:

• 2 visual arts instructors
• 2 theater arts instructors
• 2 orchestra* instructors
  Instruction will focus on project-based learning with novel, varied lessons to engage students creatively and academically.
  * Parents will be responsible for taking students to one additional group session and one private session, beyond the regular Y.E.S. program hours, at no cost to families.

Yes, the Y.E.S. Program includes three exciting excursions at no cost to families:

• Excursion #1 on Nov. 2, 2024: Students will attend a performance by Kid Koala, a renowned DJ, multimedia artist, and visual storyteller, at the McCullough Concert Hall in Austin. 
• Excursions #2 and #3 are to be determined, with potential visits to NASA and college campuses.

We recognize the importance of the home/school connection and want to bolster reading success in students. The Parenting Specialist, Andrea Dykes, will help families with navigating the program, supporting reading success in the home, and bolstering student achievement.  Parent/guardian attendance is required at four (4) parenting sessions on 10/26/24, 12/14/24, 2/22/25, and 4/26/25.

There will be a 2-3 week summer learning program in June, with dates and details to be confirmed. The summer session will conclude with a culminating event, featuring student performances and displays of their work in visual arts, theater, and orchestra.

On October 26, 2024, students will be ‘measured’ for their violin and parents must learn about caring for the instrument and sign the district acknowledgment form. In addition to Y.E.S. rehearsals, parents will be responsible for taking students to one additional group session (each month) and one private session, beyond the regular Y.E.S. program hours, at no cost to families. 

For more information or questions, please call:
(254) 336-0366