Yes, in case you were wondering, some seniors at Nacogdoches High School have a few thoughts to share on a number of topics as they make their way towards graduation next month.
Students taking senior-level dual credit courses with Kristin Thomas at Nacogdoches High School have prepared and presented research projects in the past. This year, Thomas had the students present to the community. Their ideas cover a range of topics at the school and in the community.
“I’ve had students prepare these in the past, but they were just submitted to me,” said Thomas. “This year, I wanted them to share with the public.”
On April 10, 45 projects were set up in the library at Nacogdoches High School and for roughly 90 minutes students made their best sales pitch to any interested parties. That included Dr. Darrell Myers, NISD’s interim superintendent.
“There are some well-thought-out ideas here, and quite frankly, some that need to be explored further by the district,” Myers said. “I’m really impressed by both the talent on display and the perceptiveness of these students to recognize some true needs.”
Topics related to NHS ranged from safety issues, student mental health, attendance and curriculum to infrastructure (such as restrooms) and extra-curriculars activities. Some projects targeted issues within the greater Nacogdoches community, such as Matthew Dicks’ “The Beautification of the Oldest Town in Texas” or Taylor Hart’s “Southern Pine Beetle Management in Nacogdoches.”
“I wanted the students to research things that were important to them but also to explain why these are vital to the school and community as well as provide solutions,” Thomas said.
Projects presented by students include:
Knock Knock! Who’s There? We Don’t Know. – Anna Claire McKenzie.
No One’s Reading: The Crisis of Voluntary Reading and Functional Illiteracy and Potential Solutions Tailored for Nacogdoches – Charles Hodge
Improving the Bathrooms at Nacogdoches High School – Molly Pitts
Working Toward a Better Work/Life Balance – Isabelle Clay
Why Schools Need to Teach the Arts More – Jacob Norman
The Importance of Communication: Addressing Vegetation-Related Visibility Issues in Nacogdoches – Zoey Hutchens
School Recycling Revival: Education Meets Environmental Action – Kylar Bowden
Changing the Scheduling System at Nacogdoches High School – Abigail Allman.
4x4 Block Scheduling and Possible Effects on Nacogdoches High School – Liam Rahman.
Restroom Renovation at Nacogdoches High School – Kylie Fields.
Improving Parking at Nacogdoches High School – Madisyn Pleasant.
Improving Student Attendance at the Library – Rowan McGee.
Switching to More Reliable Devices – Haylee Vose.
The Beautification of the Oldest Town in Texas – Matthew Dicks.
Addressing Flooding Due to Rain in Designated Areas of the High School – Delayna Adams.
Improving Safety at Nacogdoches High School: Training Students and Staff for Emergency Situations – Heidi Nicholas.
Evaluating the Impact of College Readiness Tutoring Resources on Senior Students at Nacogdoches High School – Geraldine Rodriguez.
Improving Student Engagement at Nacogdoches High School – Ja’ Brandon Chatman.
Celebrating Student Identities at Nacogdoches High School – Daniela Salvador
Revising Tardy Rules: Ensuring Fairness for All Students – Angelique Flores
Improving the Mental Health of Students at Nacogdoches High School – Michelle Lopez.
Puentes Familiares: Bridging the Gap Between Hispanic Families and Education – Cesar Zavala.
Nacogdoches ISD’s Speech and Debate Program: A Comparison of Four Solutions – Jean Choi.
How Should NHS Adapt to the War on Vaping? – Clayton Coffee
Recommended Options for Improving STEM Education at Nacogdoches ISD – Nixon Long
Address Common Misconceptions About Security in Order to Improve Students’ Sense of Safety – Luis Mendez.
The Impact of Teaching Style on Student Learning – Arianna Lopez.
The Decline of School Spirit and Class Unity: Challenges and Solutions – Olivia Gomez.
Vandalism and Bullying in the Bathrooms at Nacogdoches High School – Margie Lewallen.
Student and Recreation Opportunities for High School Students – Luke Pierce.
Improving the Nutrition Value of School Lunch at Nacogdoches High School – Ella Furniss.
Addressing the Issues with the Band’s Practice Field – Jacob Turner.
Improving the Social/Cultural Respect to Custodians at Nacogdoches High School – Bryan Martinez.
Southern Pine Beetle Management in Nacogdoches – Taylor Hart.
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism at Nacogdoches High School – Gezle Uson.
Athletic Meal Budgets in Nacogdoches High School – Anna Becnel.
Student Addiction, Loneliness and Stress at Nacogdoches High School – Brady Russell.
Improving Nacogdoches High School Dual Credit Implementation – Grayson Thornton.
The Need for Addressing Chronic Absenteeism – Riley Ball.
Improving Out-of-field Teaching at Nacogdoches High School – Aurbree Garcia.
Nacogdoches High School Speech and Debate Program: A Comparison of Four Solutions – Jean Choi.
Should NHS Building a Swimming Pool? – Ryan Bowyer.
Student Relationships and Belongingness at Nacogdoches High School – Julian Pruit.
Improving Start Times and Schedules Within the Nacogdoches Independent School District – Kaitlin Bobo.
Student Opportunities and Schedules for Nacogdoches High School Students
– Micaela Puffer.