About me
My name is Don Bond. I am a graduate of Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) where I also had my first teaching experience as an Assistant Instructor of Speech. Since that time, it has been my joy to serve Leander I.S.D. I have always considered my years here part of my continuous growth, something I hope I am passing along to my students. As the longest tenured employee of the school district, I have had the pleasure of teaching “second generation” students for more years than I can guess. You may even be a former student of mine as well as a parent of one of my current students. I welcome you. Things have certainly changed during the 35 years!
It is a constant source of gratification to visit with one of my former students. It is also satisfying to know how many of them have joined the teaching profession, many of them here in Leander Schools.
This year, I am teaching Communication Applications (Speech). In the past, I have served the Leander School District teaching English (all high school levels), Speech, Theatre Arts, QUEST (I began the QUEST program at LHS.), Journalism, and Dispute Resolution for High School Students. I also served as Public Information Officer for the school district (1979-1985). In addition, I am a trained mediator in compliance with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures Act (Texas Civ. Prac. & Rem. code, sec. 154.052) and have additional training in Peer Mediation for teachers. I was honored as “Teacher of the Year” at LHS in 1976.
Personally…
My wife, Katie, and I have been married for 35 years. Katie is an attorney who retired from private practice in 2004 and who now serves the State of Texas. We have two adult children, Ellen and David.
I “retired” in June of 2004 and am teaching half time. This means that I am only on the Leander High School campus on “A” schedule days. I have always considered Leander High School home. I choose to teach here because of the terrific students as well as the outstanding administration, faculty, and staff with whom I am blessed to work here at LHS.
To reach me…
Email is often the most effective and confidential way for us to communicate as I often have thirty students sitting in front of me when my phone rings. I have had many successful and efficient email communications with parents since this technology has been available to us.
I am available (by appointment) during my conference period (fourth period on "A" Days only) this year. To contact me by telephone, please dial 434-5326, then enter my extension number (81719) when instructed to do so. If I do not answer after the specified number of rings, the call will go to my Voice Mail and I should get back to you soon (that day or the next “A” Day). If I do not return your call soon, it may be that some glitch has occurred or that I am out of school. I want to be accessible to parents and students, so use whatever method is best for you.
About Communication Applications…
This one semester course is now required for graduation from all Texas high schools. The class includes oral interpretation of literature, informative and persuasive speaking (often supported by technology), impromptu speaking, communication theory, and other aspects of the communication process.
It is very important for all students to be prepared for each assignment at the time it is due. It is crucial that every student participates and does every assignment. I consider a “good-faith” effort worth substantially more than a “zero” grade as that endeavor is also a learning experience and student grades reflect that philosophy. Every major assignment is of such importance that a “zero” grade could cause a student to fail a six weeks grading period. Make-up work, regardless of the reason for its necessity, is always the student’s responsibility.
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