Garland ISD news: March 2-13
Garland among cities ranked most efficient education spenders
With the 84th Texas Legislature session in full swing, discussion regarding public education is buzzing at the Capitol. Considering the current spotlight on public education funding, finance-driven social network WalletHub recently ranked cities with the most and least efficient spending on instruction. Snagging spot No. 24, the city of Garland was named one of the country’s most efficient spenders, producing one of the most favorable returns on educational investment.
To generate its list, WalletHub calculated the return on investment for 90 of the most populated U.S. cities. This was done by dividing standardized test scores with education spending per capita. A city’s ranking was then adjusted by four socioeconomic factors: the poverty rate, household income, percentage of single-parent families and number of households whose home language is other than English.
Garland bested more than 60 cities across the nation to join the top 30 percent. Spending $1,616 on educational expenses per student, Garland schools see an average score of 86.39 on the STAAR—the seventh-highest average.
Additional Texas cities to make the upper half of WalletHub’s ranking include Austin, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Houston, El Paso, Dallas, San Antonio, Arlington and Fort Worth.
To see the complete list, methodology and expert opinions, visit WalletHub’s website.
Fifth-graders embrace creativity and compassion for Valentine’s DayInstead of hosting a traditional Valentine’s Day bash this year, the fifth-grade team at Abbett Elementary School decided to pay it forward. They held a “Spread the Love” party, making 25 no-sew fleece blankets for children at a local hospital, including one current student who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
The son of Abbett’s PE teacher, Kevin Jolicoeur, was the inspiration behind this service project. After learning about Gideon’s gift from Project Linus—an organization that donates blankets to critically ill children—students wanted to dedicate their Valentine’s Day party time to a charitable cause.
“We thought this would be a great way to give back in his honor,” said Abbett PTA member Brittainy Qualls. “We used money that was leftover from our Christmas party to buy fabric, and then hosted a cutting party.”
During the Feb. 13 event, students, teachers and PTA volunteers tied the fringe of two pieces of fabric together to form a double-sided blanket. Students also made motivational cards to accompany the handmade gifts. The charitable crew even invited the Jolicoeur family to see the day’s activities, and surprised them with a personalized blanket for Gideon.
“It blesses my heart to know that we are teaching our kids about community and how we can make a difference,” said Joliceur. “To see the community come together, and everybody making a difference in the lives of other kids, it is pretty big.”
And Abbett’s All-Stars learned that affecting the lives of other children through one good deed was truly enjoyable.
“It was really fun to just give back and help other children, because other children need stuff to comfort them,” said student Jessie Leaverton. “This is such a fun holiday, it is all about love, and we get to share it with somebody else.”
At the end of the day, Qualls hopes students just understand the significance and impact of philanthropic acts.
“They need to learn that giving back to others is very important. They have followed Mr. Jolicoeur’s story since day one. What a better way to leave something behind, like a legacy, than with something like this?”
South Garland students mentor, teach Heather Glen counterparts
Forty-two South Garland High School students recently had the opportunity to become teachers for one day. Introducing finance and marketing principals to their younger peers at Heather Glen Elementary, these juniors and seniors enlightened students, honed their presentation skills and became role models—all thanks to the High School Heroes program from Junior Achievement of Dallas.
“We partnered with Junior Achievement because one of the things I am looking to build and strengthen is my students’ communication skills,” said South Garland marketing teacher Rochelle McMillon. “I was actually taken aback by my students and their interaction with the kids. Before coming, they were kind of afraid to present. They really got into this program, and are really acting as High School Heroes.”
The SGHS student-teachers are all members of DECA, an association of marketing students. During the Feb. 13 event, five hands-on lessons covered everything from city planning to entrepreneurial skills in kindergarten through fourth grade.
“This is a pretty good experience to come here and teach the kids about money, the importance of family and how businesses work,” commented senior Julyssa Macedo. “I taught first grade, so we were explaining what family is–what they do, how they live, how they are different and how they are the same.”
Students at Heather Glen were happy to see high schoolers in their classrooms, and teachers were impressed by the lessons the Colonels led throughout the day.
“I was pleased that South Garland shared their time, knowledge and resources with my students,” said second-grade teacher Ashley Hill. “The Junior Achievement program offered my students a fruitful opportunity to learn about the interconnectivity of community while developing a relationship with upperclassmen.”
South Garland is the second campus to collaborate with Junior Achievement. In the fall, Lakeview Centennial High School students visited Sewell Elementary School. District campuses are taking advantage of Junior Achievement’s High School Heroes program due to a presentation principals saw in the summer.
“Junior Achievement has been around since 1919, and our goal is to bring economic education to students in kindergarten through 12th grade,” said Senior Education Manager Barbara Heise. “This is the first time we have worked with Garland ISD. We are really excited about this new partnership and getting the high school students involved.”
McMillon said she is excited to see the benefits of this new relationship help her students in the future.
“Ultimately, I want this experience to teach my students to have confidence in themselves, to let them know that they can conquer anything.”
GISD celebrates Chinese, Vietnamese New Year with lion dancersStudents across Garland ISD recently commemorated Chinese New Year and Vietnamese Tet in traditional fashion. Caldwell, Cooper, Hickman and Southgate elementary schools, as well as Parsons Prekindergarten School, celebrated the Year of the Goat or Sheep with a special visit from lion dancers Feb. 18-20.
Booked by the Asian Educator Association of Texas (AEAT), the International Shaolin Wushu Center-trained dancers were volunteers from Mother of Perpetual Help Parish.
“One of our AEAT members has a cousin who is in the group. They are all college students, and gave up their time to perform at our schools,” said GISD Bilingual Vietnamese Instructional Specialist and AEAT Founder Lisa Dao Walker. “This is such a great event for the kids, and I am very impressed by the dancers.”
Kicking off celebrations at Parsons Pre-K, the eye-pleasing show featured two dancers in a Vietnamese-style lion costume, as well as a drummer and cymbal player. Other events included a kung fu routine or a “cai qing,” which is a traditional custom that features lettuce and represents an abundance of all things in the coming year, in addition to the lion dance.
During the shows, wide-eyed students cheered, clapped and approached the agile, friendly lion. Some students even fed it a “lai see,” or a red envelope that symbolizes good luck. At Caldwell Elementary, two Student Council members thanked the dancers by presenting them with a monetary gift.
“I feel very privileged, blessed and honored that people would call us to be out here to share our culture,” said dancer John Tao. “I think it is very important for children to experience different kinds of cultures and festivities. Lion dancing and kung fu promote discipline, integrity and determination. Kung does not mean fighting; it means supreme skills through hard work.”
Although the New Year has passed, students at Lister Elementary School will see the visually stimulating show soon. Inclement weather caused the performance, originally set for Feb. 23, to be rescheduled for March 16.
District teachers to benefit from new Texas Instruments Foundation grant
Last year, the Texas Instruments Foundation (TIF) generously gifted Garland ISD $1.5 million to implement the National Math and Science Initiative College Readiness Program. This year, the organization is partnering with GISD’s Education Foundation to offer Innovations in STEM Teaching Awards. All secondary science, technology, engineering and math teachers are encouraged to apply for one of three $10,000 grants before March 20.
“We are honored to be one of just six districts in North Texas selected to offer this grant to our teachers,” said Garland ISD Education Foundation President Lisa Cox. “This opportunity will not only reward our hardworking faculty, but it will also allow them to purchase cutting-edge instructional tools that support a 21st-century classroom.”
Applying for a Texas Instruments Foundation Innovations in STEM Teaching Award requires two steps. Principals must first nominate dedicated, innovative teachers who encourage participation and interest in STEM curriculum through letters of recommendation. Nominees must then complete the grant application available at their campuses.
An Education Foundation panel will review all submissions and choose three beneficiaries, who will be awarded in May. Winners will receive $5,000 for themselves and $5,000 for STEM-related professional development, technology or classroom materials.
For more information, visit GISD’s Education Foundation website.
NGHS students learn tools of the television tradeWhen NBC reporter Eric King visited North Garland High School in February, he did not come to cover a story. Instead, he came to impart tools of the trade. King taught students proper interview techniques in preparation for a class project.
“We are researching emerging architects, trying to understand them and their work,” explained teacher Lester Ortley. “For the project, students will pair up and conduct interviews with one acting as the architect they have researched. The goal is to inform the rest of the class through the questions that are asked.”
Asking the right questions is exactly what King taught during his visit. He encouraged students to think about what others would not ask and to find information that is relatable and interesting. King also advised students to keep their dialogue simple and demonstrated proper body language and posture that will make interviewees comfortable. Before leaving, he held a question and answer session.
Librarian Debbie Reed is responsible for King’s visit.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity for students to hear from someone whose business this is,” she said. “You never know what effect an interesting lesson might have. Eric gave them some great college and career advice, so we might have a few budding reporters.”
GISD earns statewide recognition for communication efforts
Garland ISD recently earned statewide recognition for its communication efforts. The district’s Communications & Public Relations Division received two Best of Category awards and one Crystal Commendation award at the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) conference Feb. 25.
Each year, TSPRA recognizes communicators in school districts, as well as education foundations, associations and organizations, for their work in print and electronic media. Out of 970 entries in this year’s Star Awards contest, 101 received Best of Category honors and 5 received Crystal Commendations.
GISD bested competition in the published news feature and live video event categories. A Crystal Commendation was also earned for the district’s Iron Chef: North Texas cooking competition.
For a full list of winners, visit TSPRA’s website.
Television crew surprises Walnut Glen Academy teacher in classroom
Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence teacher Andrea Hardgrave received the surprise of a lifetime last month. Television personality Paige McCoy Smith interrupted her fifth-grade class with a camera crew in tow.
“We are so excited because you have won the Teacher of the Month award,” Smith announced after walking in the door.
Every month WFAA-TV’s Good Morning Texas partners with City Credit Union to bestow this honor. As part of the surprise, City CU’s President and CEO Sharon Moore gifts the winner a goodie basket, which includes a $100 gift card, classroom supplies and tickets to Six Flags.
Hardgrave’s coworker Julia Lepek nominated her for the Teacher of the Month title.
“She goes above and beyond for our school,” commented Lepek. “At Christmastime, she organized a fundraiser called Slumber Party with the Elves. Students got to bring stuffed animals and have them spend the night on campus. Overnight, elves took the animals to the North Pole and students received a picture from their trip in the morning.”
To view the Feb. 27 Good Morning Texas segment, visit WFAA’s website.
GISD celebrates Dr. Seuss Day, School Breakfast WeekWhat happens when Dr. Seuss’ birthday and National School Breakfast Week occur at the same time? A special celebration complete with green eggs and ham.
Several Garland ISD schools served the iconic meal March 2, not only to commemorate the literary legend, but also to promote the importance of eating breakfast. Armstrong Elementary even invited parents to partake with their students. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), along with Children at Risk and the Texas Hunger Initiative, visited Armstrong before school started to deliver a special message.
“School Breakfast Week is a reminder about the importance of getting a nutritious breakfast every day of the school year,” commented Eddie Longoria, USDA regional division director. “This year’s theme is ‘Make the Grade with School Breakfast.’ Studies have shown that students who eat a healthy breakfast have higher test scores, fewer visits to the nurse’s office and fewer disciplinary issues.”
Stephens and Toler elementaries kept the celebration going throughout the morning by partnering with United Way of Dallas to host Dr. Seuss Reading Day. During the event, guest storytellers read one of the author’s selections in each classroom. They then gifted the book to their audiences on behalf of United Way.
Freeman Elementary’s soiree stretched into March 3 with a special appearance by the Cat in the Hat. Each year, the National Education Association’s (NEA) Cat-A-Van tours the U.S., and this year, GISD was one of just four stops in Texas. The famous feline brought Thing 1 and Thing 2 to interact with students during a special assembly. Attendees also enjoyed read-alouds, singing, dancing and a meet-and-greet. Before leaving, the book characters awarded Freeman a $1,000 grant for its library.
“We want to promote literacy and a love of reading,” said Evelina Loya, NEA senior director for Texas and a GISD teacher. “Dr. Seuss makes reading fun, and the kids get so excited when they see Cat in the Hat. It is something they will remember forever. This event is a great opportunity not only for Freeman, but also for GISD to be recognized across the nation.”
Alera Budd named Jupiter Chevrolet’s Teacher of the MonthJupiter Chevrolet’s Teacher of the Month SUV can be seen in front of Daugherty Elementary School this month. First-grade teacher Alera Budd received the honors March 6.
This is so exciting. I am just thrilled,” she said after being lured outside by Principal Deborah Henson and surprised with the specially wrapped automobile.
Jupiter Chevrolet’s Teacher of the Month contest recognizes the important work of GISD educators and rewards them for their dedication. Winners are chosen through a Facebook vote and get to drive the car through the end of the month. Budd received numerous votes from Daugherty families.
“My parents in my classroom have been with me for two years, so we have a really great relationship,” she commented. “I feel so honored.”
Would you like to see your campus represented and your favorite educator named Teacher of the Month? Vote for the next winner on Jupiter Chevrolet’s Facebook page.
Bad weather makeup dates set
Every year, Garland ISD designates two bad weather days on its school calendar. If the district closes during the winter season, those days are used to make up missed school and work.
April 27 and June 5 have been designated as makeup dates for GISD’s closure in February. The district also plans to submit a waiver for the third cancelation March 5.
All district schools and offices will be open and observe normal business hours April 27. Additionally, the end of year early release days will transition to June 4-5. And, the final Grading/Recording day has been moved to Monday, June 8.
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