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As we conclude another remarkable year in the Port Arthur Independent School District, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.

From our dedicated teachers and staff, to our incredible students and their families, we are truly fortunate to have such a wonderful educational community.

The 2023-24 school year was filled with triumphs, achievements and memories that will be cherished for years to come. I am so proud of our students, who have shown remarkable resilience, determination and kindness throughout the year.

Our teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to provide a supportive and engaging learning environment, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

As we look ahead to the summer break, I want to encourage our students and families to use this time to refocus, recharge and prepare for an even brighter future.

Here are some suggestions to help you get ahead of the game for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year

For Students:

1. Read, Read, Read! Summer is the perfect time to catch up on your reading list or explore new genres. Challenge yourself to read a certain number of books before the new school year starts.
2. Math and Science Practice: Review your math and science skills by using online resources or educational apps such as Khan Academy, Duolingo or Mathway.
3. Practice Time Management: Create a schedule for your summer activities and stick to it. This will help you develop essential time management skills that will benefit you in the upcoming school year and beyond.
4. Explore Your Interests: Pursue your passions and hobbies outside of academics. Whether it’s sports, music, art, or volunteering, make sure you’re doing something that brings you joy and fulfillment.

For Parents:

1. Create a Learning Environment: Designate a quiet and comfortable space for your child to read, review, or practice school concepts during the summer. This study area is also highly recommended for summer school students to complete homework in.
2. Encourage Active Learning: Plan outdoor activities through our city and surrounding areas. Take advantage of all our local YMCA and the City of Port Arthur Parks & Recreation has to offer our children.
3. Stay Connected: Regularly check our district’s social media pages for current updates. Most importantly, make sure your child is registered for the upcoming school year by completing the correct form for a new or returning student at paisd.org/parents/student-registration.

Failure to register your child for school will result in hours or days delays in scheduling, class placement, and bus transportation. We are always ready to serve you and your child(ren), but they must be registered! There is no such thing as an automatic rollover. Your student will not be in a class until he or she has been registered online by you, the parent or guardian.

We cannot stress this enough – the urgency to register your child now for the next school year.

4. Support Your Child’s Passions: This is your time to support your child’s interest and passions that may have been put on the back burner during the school year. Start off by asking your child what his or her interests are, and go from there. If you discover they have no interests, then it’s time for another conversation to discover a few.
5. Plan Ahead: Now is the time to start purchasing your supply of clear backpacks and other school year essentials so that your child(ren) will have what is required on the first day of school in August. It’s never too early for parents of our secondary students to begin conversations and strategies for life after high school graduation by researching college, career or military options.

For Everyone:

1. Stay Connected: Follow our school district’s social media accounts – and regularly visit our website – to stay informed about upcoming events, deadlines and important announcements. You do not need to have a Facebook account to view our public Facebook timeline at facebook.com/portarthurisd/.
2. Get Ready for New Beginnings: Reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and set goals for personal growth and development in the coming school year. Assess final report card averages and STAAR scores (if applicable) to determine what changes must be made to maintain or improve. Our high school students and parents must analyze credits earned versus credits needed for graduation requirements.

As we head into the summer break, I want to assure you that our team is already working hard to prepare for an exciting 2024-2025 school year. We will continue to prioritize academic excellence, student well-being, and community engagement.

Once again, thank you for being an integral part of our school community. I wish you all a wonderful summer break filled with laughter, adventure, and growth. Let’s work together to make the next school year an unforgettable experience!

Dr. Mark Porterie is superintendent of schools for the Port Arthur Independent School District. He can be reached at mporterie@paisd.org.