Garland ISD news: November

Magnet program meetings continue through December

With 10 varied programs at 18 campuses, Garland ISD parents have an array of options to customize their child’s education. To help parents become familiar with these specialized programs, each magnet campus holds informational meetings in the fall.
Interested families still have a chance to learn about several magnets, including the district’s newest—Montessori. Parents with current 2, 3 and 4-year-olds are encouraged to visit Herfurth or Luna elementary schools Wednesday, Dec. 2, to gather information, meet staff, ask questions and tour the campus.
Additional upcoming meetings include Beaver, Watson and Jackson technology centers for math and science, Classical Center at Brandenburg Middle School and Lakeview Centennial High School.
To see the parent meeting schedule, learn about GISD magnets or view the application process, visit the Advanced Academics website.

Brandi Bassett named Jupiter Chevrolet’s Teacher of the Month
Rewarding outstanding educators, Jupiter Chevrolet’s Teacher of the Month car stopped at the Classical Center at Brandenburg Middle School this month. English teacher Brandi Bassett received the surprise title in front of students, coworkers and family.
“This is an honor,” she said. “Reading the affirmations that people wrote was very humbling and I appreciate it.”
Bassett’s recognition comes after winning the Facebook contest. Her numerous nominations show the impact she has had on school and community members.
“She works tirelessly,” commented Principal Elise Mosty. “She puts in just as many hours outside of her workday as she does during it. Not only is she an excellent teacher in the classroom, but she is also an excellent person and does a lot to help others.”
Bassett will drive the specially wrapped Chevrolet Malibu throughout November. Teacher of the Month perks at Brandenburg also include a prime parking spot in front of the the school.
Want 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.

Google selects GISD to pilot virtual experience program
Several Garland ISD students recently received the chance to experience virtual reality with the help of Google. After reviewing online applications, the technology giant selected eight GISD campuses for the remarkable opportunity—granting district students a sneak peek into Google’s Expeditions Pioneer Program.
“Google is beginning this opportunity with only select states in the U.S. and even fewer select districts, so this is pretty exciting,” said GISD Digital Learning Coordinator Angie Cheatham. “For two weeks, Google cars came out to several of our GISD campuses to take over classrooms and take students on virtual field trips around the world.”
Abbett, Carver, Lister, Luna, Southgate and Williams elementary schools, as well as Beaver Technology Center for Math & Science and Webb Middle School received the special visits Nov. 9-20.
Looking through a Google cardboard viewer with a smart phone inside, students entered a virtual reality experience. Teachers chose numerous destinations, including an underwater coral reef, the Galápagos Islands and the Palace of Versailles, on their iPad and could also track students’ movements. Students then explored the virtual world by looking up and down, side to side and spinning in a circle.
“We visited Wilson Island and a cove. It is really fun. It is like you are a scuba diver and you are just playing around, searching,“ said Lister Elementary School student McKenna Clinkscales. “I think in the classroom, if we were trying to learn about a certain place, we could actually experience that place and see what it looks like in real life. This is like an on-the-go field trip.”
Lister Principal Cheryl Alexander agrees with Clinkscales.
“This is something I would definitely want to continue and recommend to other campuses. It was such an engaging way to bring the world to the students in the classroom. It really did broaden their perspectives,” she explained. “It feels good to be on the cutting edge of bringing learning to students in a new way. They absolutely loved it, and my teachers loved the experience. as well.”
Although Google’s Expeditions Pioneer Program is only in its pilot stage, Google’s cardboard viewer is available for purchase online. To have an Expeditions program-inspired experience, download the Google cardboard app on your smartphone.

Four students singled out as state’s top leaders
As high school seniors, four Garland ISD students can be considered leaders among their peers. But a recent recognition shows that leadership reaches beyond campus walls as well.
Every year, the Military Order of the World Wars organization sponsors outstanding high schoolers to attend summer Youth Leadership Conferences. The group’s Dallas Chapter—which is comprised of active, retired and former military officers—interviewed 300 students from 36 campuses in the Metroplex, for the opportunity this year. Just 77 of the hopefuls were selected, including Claire Sisk and Josh Mathew from Garland High School, Tristan Dunn from Naaman Forest High School and Elias Brown from South Garland High School.
GISD students joined 320 others for five days of leadership training, history, government and economic lessons at the conferences. During closing ceremonies, six attendees were singled out by their peers for going above and beyond. Among them were Sisk, Mathew, Dunn and Brown.
All received Bronze Patrick Henry Awards for outstanding leadership and were recognized at a luncheon hosted by the Dallas Chapter this fall. Dunn was also named the top student at his conference, making him eligible to compete in the organization’s national essay contest.
“I would like to thank the Military Order of the World Wars for this life-changing experience,” said Dunn after being further recognized by the district’s Board of Trustees in November. “I would also like to thank my principals and counselors for nominating me and giving me the opportunity to go.”

Veterans Day honored districtwide

Garland ISD campuses across the district honored Veterans Day with heartfelt dedications, impressive performances and special activities. Club Hill Elementary School partnered with Time Warner Cable and the History Channel to host Take a Vet to School Day Nov. 11.
The celebration featured Time Warner Cable Director of Government Relations Clem Maddox, Rep. Cindy Burkett, student performances and a special recognition of veterans—who were then treated to sweet bites and fellowship.
Kimberlin Academy for Excellence celebrated as it does every year—having students introduce and honor veterans on stage. The outdoor event recognized 31 veterans, who were parents, grandparents, coaches, neighbors and friends of students.
Relive this year’s various campus celebrations by scrolling through the photo gallery on the district website.

GISD: Putting students on the path to success
With opportunities to earn industry certifications, college credit, internships and job interviews, Garland ISD strives to prepare students for a successful future. Offering approximately 200 Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, students gain real-world skills in a variety of fields. From audio/video production to building trades to health sciences, high schoolers develop abilities that help drive success.
Keeping the district’s mission in mind, the CTE Department partnered with the Garland Chamber of Commerce to facilitate an on-the-job experience this fall. More than 30 seniors from Garland, Naaman Forest and North Garland high schools participated in the first-ever Job Shadow Day, gaining workplace insight and inspiration.
“I felt very honored that I was considered to take on such a wonderful opportunity,” said Naaman Forest student Savanah Reyes. “Job Shadow Day was everything I thought it would be. I feel you can do nothing but benefit from this event.”
Reyes spent Job Shadow Day at Garland-based western headwear organization, Milano Hat Company. The aspiring fashion marketer earned her spot by impressing Milano representatives during a required interview. Other participating organizations included the City of Garland, GISD, Garland Police and Fire Departments, Garland Power & Light, Garrett Metal Detectors, Kraft Foods Group and Plastipak Packaging. Interviews, interests and evaluations helped match students with their ultimate shadow site.
The future-ready experience allowed students to learn about local organizations, explore various professions and reflect on career goals.
“We grew in perspective,” Reyes revealed. “Specifically for me, meeting with the designers at Milano pushed me even more to pursue my career in marketing. They were very kind and informative, and I truly appreciate the time they gave me.”
Opportunities like Job Shadow Day would not be possible without the collaboration of local establishments. GISD is always seeking business partners to provide one-on-one mentoring, classroom presentations, internships and on-the-job experience. With the district’s new CTE Center projected to expose students to more lines of work, newfound industry partnerships are a priority.
“The CTE Center will allow students to continue studies in chosen pathways, pursue advanced studies and explore new interests, regardless of their home campus,” said CTE Director Phil Gilbreath. “Possible areas of study include animation, architecture, business, computer maintenance, culinary arts, engineering, graphic communication, firefighting, veterinary medicine, fabrication and machining, logistics and robotics.”
Interested companies that want to help train, motivate or hire tomorrow’s workforce can contact the CTE Department at 972-487-3170.

Donations needed for Reading with Rodney book drive
Inspired by Curtis Culwell Center Operations Specialist Rodney Mills, who overcame a personal struggle with reading thanks to two district teachers, GISD launched a literacy-driven initiative this fall. Reading with Rodney aims to help district students discover Mills’ same passion for learning by creating a mobile library that gives access to books throughout the summer. New or gently used donations are being collected at all GISD schools and the Harris Hill Administration Building. Just look for the blue Reading with Rodney container.
To see Mills’ story and learn more, visit the Community page on the district website, www.garlandisd.net.

GISD gears up for Choice of School
In Garland ISD, families have the unique opportunity to attend any district campus. Annual Choice of School periods invite families to make selections for the next year. Secondary Choice of School for 2016-17 begins Jan. 28 and ends Feb. 26. The Elementary Choice period runs from March 17-April15.
Families should make first, second and third-choice selections via Skyward Family Access. Paper forms will also be sent home with all students, except those participating in the magnet process. Brand-new students to GISD can enroll during these times by visiting the Manuel and Maria Valle Student Services Center, located at 720 Stadium Drive, Garland 75043.
Students who apply for a magnet program do not need to participate during Choice of School periods. Their applications will be reviewed and paper choice forms will be distributed as necessary.
Wondering about transportation eligibility? Find a list of campuses for your address using the 2015-16 School Information Locator. Transportation routes for approximately 150 students living in central Garland will be changed beginning in 2016-17. They will now receive transportation to campuses closer to home, replacing previous routes to Abbett, Armstrong, Herfurth and Liberty Grove elementary schools. An updated 2016-17 School Information Locator will be released mid-January.
Every year, GISD successfully places 95 percent of students in their first choice campuses.

Four elementaries recognized by TEA

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 80 percent of the state’s 9,300 schools are Title 1. That is more than 7,400 campuses. And of that number, just 192 received a 2014-15 High-Performing Title 1 School designation—about 2.5 percent. Four Garland ISD campuses have notched their way into the elite group. Abbett and Roach elementaries, as well as Hillside and Kimberlin Academies for Excellence were recognized by the Texas Education Agency this month.
Each campus received a plaque to show off its High-Performing Title 1 School designation. The award recognizes schools that earn reading and math distinctions on their state accountability ratings. Abbett, Hillside and Roach also received a High-Progress designation for demonstrated improvement, along with the ability to close performance gaps.
“Whether identified as high-performing, high-progress or both, we should be proud of what’s taking place at these schools and what it means for the future of Texas,” said Commissioner of Education Michael Williams in a press release.
GISD’s Board of Trustees also recognized the accomplished quartet with an Evidence of Excellence award