Heart of Texas P20 Council Fall 2019 Update
By Hermann Pereira
The start of a new school year is an exciting time for students and educators alike. As educators we are focused on making this school year better than the last because we know our students are depending on us. The HOT P-20 council is equally focused and excited about making the 2019-2020 school year better than ever. There is a contagious feeling of collaboration and growth in our city and we are seeing this in our P-20 council as well.
The HOT P-20 works to bridge the gap and create partnerships between K-12, institutions of higher education (IHE), the business community and the community of Waco. The council is a collective impact think tank that brings together representatives from the independent school districts (ISD), institutions of higher education (IHE), Region 12 Education Service Center, industry and government across six counties: Bosque, Hill, Falls, Limestone, Freestone and McLennan to work towards this goal. Among the higher education representatives are McLennan Community College, Texas State Technical College, and Hill County with representation from both Tarleton State University, Texas Tech through MCC’s University Center.
The P-20 goals are to :
- Promote college and career readiness for all students in the network
- Build bridges and partnerships among school districts, higher education, government and industry
- Promote promising and best practices and models
- Provide educational and support resources to member institutions
We have seen lots of growth in our group and that is due to everyone’s collaborative spirit they bring to each and every meeting. I had a mentor once say that “there is power in showing up”. I am proud of the work we have accomplished and that is due to the community that “shows up” and rolls their sleeves up for the success of all students in our area.
You are invited to join our meetings that take place at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.
October 1st 8:00 am
December 3rd 8:00 am
February 4th 8:00 am
April 7th 8:00 am
If you would like to be a part of our newsletter please email [email protected]
Hermann Pereira is the current chair of the HOT P 20 council and the Principal of Connally Career Tech P-Tech Early College High School. He is a Houstonian who roots for all Houston sports teams but has called Waco home for over a decade. He is married and has two children.