Garland ISD News: July 27-31
GISD educator selected to attend ExxonMobil Academy
Kimberlin Academy for Excellence fifth-grade teacher Bonnie Martinez earned a sought-after professional development opportunity, thanks to her commitment to Garland ISD students and 21st-century instruction. The dedicated educator is one of just 155 nationwide selected to attend the 2015 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy July 27-31 at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, N.J.“I was quite shocked when I learned I was chosen,” she said. “As educators, we do not always give ourselves the credit we deserve for the hard work we pour into our students, families and classrooms. Receiving a token of gratitude, like this teacher’s academy, makes me proud. The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy will provide me the tools, ideas and experiences to truly challenge students with real-world practices.”
More than 1,500 professionals from across the nation applied for this one-week, all-expense paid conference. A panel of math and science educators selected attendees based on their qualifications and passion.
“Bonnie’s commitment to teaching stood out among the rest,” states a press release. “At the Academy, Bonnie will learn innovative ways to capture and inspire students in math and science. The Academy curriculum was developed around the three principles most common to national educational benchmarks for the third through fifth-grade age range: Newton’s laws of motion, action and reaction, and motion and forces.”
Martinez is not only eager to learn from experts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, but also excited to work with her counterparts.
“I am most looking forward to connecting with other educators from across the country, while learning the best practices of merging math and science,” the bilingual teacher explained. “I am hoping to participate in a lot of hands-on learning experiences that I can share.”
Martinez will certainly have the chance to enlighten her GISD colleagues in 2015-16, as the driven educator will take on a new role of Title I Technology Specialist.
“This Academy is going to help me in my new position. I want to be able to show teachers how to create challenging yet fun learning content for students. Our district is progressing towards STEM-based learning, and understanding how to merge math and science will help teachers and campuses enrich and increase academic rigor.”
To learn more about the 2015 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, or nominate a teacher for the 2016 conference, visit the program’s website.
GISD prepares incoming seniors for higher learning
More than 100 incoming seniors recently had the opportunity to jump-start their journey to higher education. Taking advantage of Garland ISD’s free college prep program, Destination 2016, the determined high schoolers explored college majors, tackled entrance exams and navigated the admissions process during the six-day course.“I feel that this year was better than last year. We had additional planning and instruction time,” said Rowlett High School teacher Rhonda Williams. “The students were excited and really knew what to expect.”
Open to all rising seniors, Destination 2016 offered a wide range of information and support. During day or afternoon sessions, participants identified hidden strengths, prepared for the financial aid process, researched colleges and even visited a local university.
“Although it rained 90 percent of the time during the University of North Texas tour, students truly enjoyed the experience,” stated Austin Academy for Excellence teacher Bonita Woods. “They were able to visit different academic buildings, dorm rooms, the library, student union and rec center. Many of them were making connections to their college choice as the representative presented information about the application process, campus life and financial aid.”
After completing the jam-packed summer course, 160 soon-to-be seniors completed college essays—a huge feat in the highly competitive admissions process.“I had an English teacher come in and help students with their essays, which provided good insight,” Williams revealed. “Every student was able to develop a really great essay to use for admissions.”
Attendees also walked away knowing that time management is essential in the path to success.
“Understanding goals and setting timelines were discussed. Students found that while they all had ideas of what they wanted to do in life, without focused goals and a timeline they could miss deadlines and opportunities,” Woods commented.
“We must prepare our students for the competitive world we live in. Students must understand the importance of planning and follow-through to create success,” added Williams.
To learn more about college and career planning, visit GISD’s readiness website.
Photos courtesy of Destination 2016 educators.
GHS Math Competition Team takes first in five categories
Taking a break from summer, several Garland ISD students brushed up on their skills at the Texas Tech University Summer Math & Science Camp July 14-18. Garland High School’s Math Competition Team experienced college life, attended classes and ended the weeklong event claiming titles against approximately 180 competitors from 40 schools across the state.“We have dominated this contest for three years in a row,” said team coach John Hobbs. “It was our first year to win every category, though. I am real proud of these students. And, I am grateful to Principal [Atticus] Wisener for making it possible for us to attend.”
The Texas Tech camp marks the talented group’s first competition of the new school year. Students will participate in 12-14 more, hoping to advance to state-level contests. Last year’s team finished fifth at state UIL and seventh at the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association competition.
“No Garland team has ever placed better,” commented Hobbs. “And we do not have class time to practice like other programs. Our students meet entirely after school, which makes their accomplishments even more impressive. They are super busy—many are International Baccalaureate students—so their dedication deserves recognition.”
Hobbs is a 40-year teacher with a passion for coaching math teams. Assistant coaches include Liz Johnson and Jordan Marlar. A list of student accomplishments is below.
- Team: calculator – first, mathematics – first, number sense – first, science – first, sweepstakes – first
- Andrew Doan (11th grade): calculator – eighth, math – second, number sense – third, science – 10th
- Rebecca Lamb (10th grade): science – 10th
- Luz Martines (11th grade): calculator – ninth
- Linh Nguyen (10th grade): calculator – first, math – first, number sense – second, science – first
- Zachary Nguyen (eighth grade): math – third, number sense – second, science – fifth
- Khoa Pham (ninth grade): calculator – second, math – second, number sense – third, science – fourth
- Joshua Robert (seventh grade): calculator – sixth, math – fourth, number sense – fifth, science – seventh
- Joshua Roy (seventh grade): calculator – fifth, math – fifth, number sense – fourth, science – sixth
- Alyssa Shrode (12th grade): calculator – second, math – third, number sense – first, science – second
- Alina Tieu (10th grade): calculator – 10th
- Tien Tran (10th grade): math – first, number sense – fifth, science – seventh
Photo courtesy of Garland High School.
Roach ES promotes summer reading
Working to fight the summer slide, Roach Elementary School encouraged its students to continue learning after the last bell rang, inviting them to its library every Wednesday throughout June and July. Librarian Libby Odom helped launch the new summer program, which drew dozens of families to the campus.“After learning about how much children lose in the summer if they are not reading, I began thinking about what we could do to help with that,” Odom said. “We do not have a public library really close to us, plus I needed something to do this summer, so I thought I would keep the library open during the break.”
In order for that idea to come to fruition, Odom and Principal Jeanette O’Neal wrote a proposal to present to Area Director Wendy Eldredge—who loved the concept.
“She just jumped on board. She even got us some reusable bags for the kids who come to check out books,” Odom commented. “I want the kids to have access to books and the parents to feel like this is a place they can visit. I want us to be open and friendly, and want parents to know what is going on at school.”
The longtime librarian’s action proved to strike a chord with the community, as Odom has circulated more than 625 books to more than 35 families since June 10.Sarai Ruiz and her two sons, Brandon and Kevin Torres, are one of the families that took advantage of Roach’s library this season.
“This is a true benefit for me as a mom because I have to keep my sons busy for three months. I do not want them to just be on the phone or watching TV,” Ruiz stated in Spanish. “We wanted them to continue reading throughout the summer, but do not have enough books at home—especially Spanish-language ones. This library has a variety of Spanish books that are on their reading level, which is great because they love to read.”
Fourth-grader Amy Rosas also enjoyed the resource during the break. The future veterinarian was happy to learn that discovering new animals was just a walk away.
“In the year, I am busy with schoolwork and do not have a lot of time to read. But in the summer, I get more time to find out about more animals,” the nine-year-old said. “It is important to read in the summer so that when you go back to school, you can still read as well as you did before, and maybe even better.”
Although the program ended its inaugural run July 29, students like Rosas and the Torres brothers still have plenty of time to relish in reading, as Odom is allowing them to keep books until the first week of school.
“I feel like this has been a success. To see parents coming in and being so appreciative about what we are doing has been a real positive thing,” she expressed. “I have loved this experience. It has been really fun for me and I hope to do it next year.”
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