Snook ISD hopes to continue STAAR progress

It was just two years ago Snook ISD was put on probation and lost its accreditation for not meeting TEA accountability standards.

Last year, the district turned its scores around on the STAAR exams, and school leaders are looking to do it again.

On Monday, Snook ISD came together for the second annual "Slam Dunk the STAAR game." It's a students versus staff game.

"This was an event that we planned. Snook is definitely a basketball school and were very competitive. But we wanted to give the students a break, and just a way to laugh and have fun after preparing for the STAAR all year," said Kenzie Bond, Principal of Snook Secondary.

It was just last year the district was facing the possibility of being taken over by the state because they hadn't met standard in three years.

Bond took over after Snook was in trouble.

"It was easy for me to come in with a fresh set of eyes and really looking at things and pinpointing what needed to be done. From the superintendent on down, we focused on strengthening up those areas of weakness, and still concentrating on those areas we are strong in," said Bond.

Inside the classroom, Bond says teachers and students jumped on board to improve scores. They make sure instruction is aligned to the standards.

"We make sure every day our instruction is aligned to the standards that the state of Texas puts forward," said Bond.

Part of encouraging students and boosting moral was implementing the students versus staff basketball game

"I believe that we will, and should, slam dunk the STAAR," said Damonte Allen, a sophomore at Snook.

"One thing about this district is all the kids do come together in a time of need. They come together in a time of success, so what you saw here today is what happens in Snook ISD every day," said Bond.