Garland ISD news: March 2016
Second-annual STEAMposium set for April 16
The area’s largest showcase of student engineers and inventors is returning for a second year. Don’t miss Garland ISD’s STEAMposium from 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. April 16 at the Curtis Culwell Center.
This one-of-a-kind event features science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics talent as top competitors from each campus face-off to receive districtwide honors. Challenges include tower building, balloon and rubber band-powered cars, rollercoasters, catapults, chess and more. Entrepreneurial students will also demonstrate their innovative creations to win over the judges and perhaps future customers. Digital skills will be on display during coding contests. And, tech-savvy students will race robotic masterpieces to collect and transport objects back to home bases.
“I am constantly amazed by the ingenuity of our students,” said STEAM Coordinator Tina Garrett. “The creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving I see every day will surely translate to success in college and careers.”
GISD’s STEAM focus aligns with the district’s new GISD Ready initiative to empower globally competitive graduates.
But the STEAMposium will offer more than just friendly competition. There will be good-hearted fun as well. Bubble soccer and a gaming truck will be available outside while interactive science experiments are conducted inside. The Dallas Stars will even be onsite with giveaways.
Before prizes are awarded, guests will be entertained with a violin light show and hear an inspirational message from Discovery Education’s Vice President of Learning Communities and Innovation Lance Rougeux. The night will conclude with a presentation of the coveted STEAMly cup.
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit the GISD STEAM webpage.
Jackson students sharpen leadership skills with schoolwide challenge
Students at Jackson Technology Center for Math & Science are preparing for the future with a fun, schoolwide competition. The Viking Leadership Challenge is a Ron Clark Academy-inspired, competition-driven initiative focused on improving communication skills.“With our social media-focused world where students interact more on their devices, we are losing the person-to-person interaction that is vital to relationship building,” said Principal David Dunphy. “Many employers today mention the lack of ‘soft skills.’ We hope to give students opportunities to work on and develop communication and leadership skills.”
Dunphy and his staff created a five-round challenge that would help with these fundamental abilities. All 1,255 Jackson students participated in round one, which required every student to give a one-minute elevator speech. Homeroom teachers then selected one student to qualify for round two, a speed-interviewing event enhanced by real-life professionals.
“Sixty students had to rotate between five adult interviewers—which were district and PTA personnel. They had two minutes to answer questions and follow-ups,” Dunphy explained. “Just 20 students made it out of this round and moved on to round three.”
Jackson PTA President Melissa Karnes was one of the interviewers who helped select the 20 third-round competitors.
“It was amazing to interview these students. These children are absolutely brilliant,” she said. “These are skills that will benefit them from now through adulthood. It is really great that they are learning how to make eye contact, communicate and interact at this age. Social skills are lacking in a lot of areas, so this is really encouraging.”
Eighth-grader Jose Carrillo believes the Viking Leadership Challenge has already helped him develop important life skills.
“The interview experience was fun and creative. I liked interacting with people and meeting them. This helped me be more confident.”
Qualifying students will continue the challenge with a round three panel interview, round four local business tour and interview, and a still-yet-to-be-determined round five, which will result in the Viking Leader of the Year.
Sam Houston MS students raise money to help save lives
With a mission to serve others, Sam Houston Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society is helping the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society save lives through cancer research, treatment, etc. The group set a goal to raise $4,000 and recently exceeded it with a total of $4,288.
“I like helping others because it feels good to give back,” said one NJHS member.
The club has spent the year selling candy to reach their fundraising target. Members also shared the importance of supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s work. That message is personal for NJHS sponsor and Sam Houston Teacher of the Year Teresa Walker.
“CJ died in 2014 at the age of 14. He had an eight-month battle with Leukemia,” she explained. “I sent a card and called sometimes but always wanted to do more. Almost daily on Facebook, Pam posts something about how she loves and misses CJ and wishes he was still here. I never post on Facebook, but today I will so Pam knows the Sam Houston National Junior Honor Society wants to help in the cure for this awful disease.”
Meeting in the library before school last month, students presented their donation.
“When we talk with patients about what you guys are doing, they always say that you all are the real heroes. Thank you for your incredible support,” commented Leukemia and Lymphoma Society representative Amy Bailey.
Bussey MS teacher authors book for fellow educators
Already holding the titles of educator, professional artist and Campus Teacher of the Year, Bussey Middle School’s Kimmy Winnubst has added one more: published author. She recently released “Love Every Child – The Joy of Teaching with Compassion.”A five-year labor of love, Winnubst’s book guides other educators to excel in the classroom and love their work by approaching every child with a kind heart and an open mind. It is packed with ideas and inspiration gleaned from more than 25 years as a teacher.
“I sincerely believe that teachers have one of the most important jobs in the world,” Winnubst said. “In the back of my mind, I always wanted to write a book. In high school and college I imagined myself hunched over a typewriter doing just that. I wrote this one because I kept thinking, ‘why am I still so ecstatic about my job and other teachers are looking for somewhere else to work?’ After exploring all the things I do to make it a great day at Bussey, I just started writing them down and expounding on the topics whenever I could.”
Winnubst hopes to add the title of motivational speaker to her resume next. She plans to visit other educators, modeling Love Every Child’s self-care tips, visualization techniques, exercises, attitude transformations and more. The book can be purchased on Amazon. For more information, visit Winnubst’s website.
Celebrity chef cooks up breakfast at GHS
Breakfast is believed to be the most important meal of the day, and Garland ISD wants to make sure its students start their mornings off right. The district’s Student Nutrition Services Department teamed up with local chef Taylor Kearney to host a cooking demonstration and tasting at Garland High School this spring.“He demonstrated a new product we are offering,” explained Assistant Director of Nutrition and Menu Operations Jennifer Craig. “This event kicked off our breakfast promotion. We hope to increase participation across the district, especially in high schools.”
Introducing the chorizo taco, GISD partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Texas Hunger Initiative and Children at Risk for Kearney’s visit. The Front Room Tavern Executive Chef cooked up turkey chorizo, scrambled eggs, bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, cilantro and salsa as students watched. He then handed out samples.
“I could smell it on the way in and wondered what was going on. This was a nice surprise,” said GHS junior Dariuss Eckles.
“It tasted really good. I do not usually eat school breakfast but this makes me want to start,” added classmate Jonathan Mercado.
While the obstacles to waking up and arriving on campus early enough for breakfast may be many, GISD wants its students to know the benefits are numerous as well.
“It helps with brainpower, math, science and testing,” commented Shannon Jones, branch chief for school nutrition programs at the USDA. “It is just a good thing. It gets your energy going first thing in the morning, so that you can sustain throughout the day.”
GHS students now have Kearney’s visit as a reminder of that truth. And, the Garland native’s presence will not soon be forgotten.
For more information about Student Nutrition Services initiatives, visit the department’s website.
College-bound athletes recognized, receive advice from pro baseball alumnus
Garland and South Garland high schools are welcoming new head football coaches—Danny Russell and Josh Ragsdale—to their time-honored teams. Russell and Ragsdale can look forward to coaching hardworking, talented athletes like the 74 who were recently celebrated at Garland ISD’s annual Signing Day Ceremony. The seniors all signed letters of intent to play a variety of sports at institutions of higher learning in the fall.
“Seven percent of all student athletes get a scholarship to college. You are a very elite group. Congratulations,” Superintendent Bob Morrison said to kick off the celebration. “I am very excited to see where you are going and I cannot wait to share this moment with you.”
Supported by family, friends and mentors, the honorees received additional words of encouragement from Toronto Blue Jays outfielder and Sachse High School alumnus Earl Burl III during the festive event. The Alcorn State University graduate urged his younger counterparts to stay dedicated to their studies and push for extraordinary success.
“Remain steadfast in your devotion to improving yourself as an athlete and student. Now is not the time to ease up,” the 22-year-old advised. “You have four more years until you earn your bachelor’s degree. Understand, scholarships are not guaranteed for four years. They are renewed yearly at the head coach’s discretion. This is a message to go harder than ever, because you now know what tremendous blessing sacrifice can bring.”
Relive the 2016 Signing Day Ceremony through the photo gallery to the right, and view the event program for a list of honorees.
GISD campuses honored for excellence in guidance and counseling
Sixteen Garland ISD campuses were recently honored for demonstrating excellence in counseling. The schools received 2015 Texas School Counselor Association CREST Awards, joining a group of just 56 schools statewide to snag the distinction.
“I was in shock when I received the email stating that Weaver Elementary School was a CREST winner,” counselor Amanda Knight said. “I immediately called our principal, Dr. Miley, to share the news because she worked closely with me on the application. It is definitely an honor to be recognized as a school that shows counseling excellence.”
Weaver was one of 12 GISD elementary schools recognized this year. Austin Academy for Excellence, as well as Garland, Lakeview Centennial and Naaman Forest high schools, rounded out the district’s honorees.
In order to become a CREST Award winner, a campus’ counseling program must demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives and achievement of students in academic, career and social domains. A panel of judges determines if candidates achieve that standard based on seven factors, including student results, school climate and principal support.
“It was eye-opening to even myself how integral the school counselor is to supporting the campus as a whole,” Knight commented. “Many people do not know all of the responsibilities of a school counselor. I hope this distinction helps people recognize all that goes into having a strong counseling program.”
GISD’s winners were celebrated at the statewide School Counselor Conference in early February. The district also held a congratulatory luncheon during National School Counseling Week, and the Board of Trustees will continue recognitions at its next meeting, March 22.
A complete list of winning schools is below.
- Austin Academy for Excellence
- Bullock Elementary School
- Classical Center at Vial Elementary School
- Davis Elementary School
- Garland High School
- Hillside Academy for Excellence
- Lakeview Centennial High School
- Liberty Grove Elementary School
- Montclair Elementary School
- Naaman Forest High School
- Park Crest Elementary School
- Roach Elementary School
- Sewell Elementary School
- Stephens Elementary School
- Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence
- Weaver Elementary School
New curriculum, personal iPads prepare students for the future
Are you ready for the next generation of graduates? Garland ISD is. Our new GISD Ready initiative brings departments and schools together across the district to ensure we meet the needs of 21st-century learners. Areas of consideration include curriculum, instruction, assessment, communications, organizational learning, infrastructure, budget and policy.
“GISD Ready means globally competitive students,” explained Associate Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Jovan Wells. “We want to equip them to thrive in the future with skills and competencies found in the workforce—communication, problem solving, self-discipline, etc.”
GISD began its journey to transform teaching and learning by rewriting curriculum throughout 2014-15. New lessons created by teachers for teachers commenced this year, featuring more hands-on, real-world applications and technology integration.
“Our vision is student-centered instruction—students taking ownership and driving the process of discovery. Education should be an engaging, relevant experience,” said Director of Curriculum and Instruction Mida Milligan.
The district also introduced Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests last fall to evaluate comprehension and growth. Taken three times a year, the personalized computerized assessments adapt to each student’s learning level and allow teachers to provide differentiated instruction, intervention or gifted and talented opportunities.
To help communicate the purpose of GISD Ready, the district recently held a Digital Resources Carnival. It showcased innovation in bilingual education, guidance and counseling, libraries, fine arts, etc., and attracted 3,000 families, employees and community members. Highlighting more than 80 programs, adults discovered how they could continue students’ work at home and take advantage of resources just for them. Find a complete list of programs at bit.ly/GISDdigitalcarnival.
GISD is now preparing for a 1:1 technology rollout. Every high school student will receive an iPad this fall, and middle schoolers will receive their own device in 2017-18.
“iPads not only support collaboration, creativity and critical thinking, they are also compatible with the resources in use throughout our classrooms,” commented Milligan.
Teachers each received a personal device two years ago and have been training ever since in anticipation of 1:1. The district is also currently enhancing wireless connectivity and infrastructure. Funding for the rollout was provided by GISD’s Bond 2014 election.
Visit www.garlandisd.net/ready1to1 for more information.
Past Super Bowl players have ties to GISD
This year’s game may be over, but 50th anniversary celebrations of the National Football League’s (NFL) Super Bowl continue in Garland ISD. The district is recognizing its alumni who are past players.“The NFL sent golden footballs to every high school with former students on Super Bowl rosters,” explained longtime Garland High School coach Jeff Jordan. “Everyone on campus was very excited and honored to receive them.”
GHS proudly displays three of the commemorative pieces. They recognize:
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Bob Boyd – Class of 1956, played with the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl 3
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Karl Williams – Class of 1989, played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl 37
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Mike Gandy – Class of 1996, played with the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl 43
“I believe this is a tribute to all the players that have put on the Black and Gold over the years,” commented Jordan. “It speaks to the quality and reputation of Garland’s athletic program.”
Two other GISD campuses made NFL history as well. Naaman Forest High School received two golden footballs and South Garland High School received one. Naaman’s honorees, Jacob Lacey and Melvin Bullitt, both played with the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl 44. South Garland’s Denard Walker played with the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl 34.
For more information about the NFL’s Super Bowl High School Honor Roll, visit the organization’s website.
Lakeview athlete impresses with multiple home runs, grand slam
Lakeview Centennial High School senior Bailey Wilborn is receiving praise for recently achieving a rare athletic feat. The 17-year-old softball player hit three homes runs, including an acclaimed grand slam, during the JJ Pearce Varsity Tournament. Her coach confirms this once-in-a-lifetime experience.“In all of my career as a player and coach, I have never seen this done before. This is truly phenomenal,” said Lakeview head softball coach Megan Roberts. “Softball players can go their entire career without hitting a grand slam. Even the umpire, who has called games for 25 years at both collegiate and high school levels, was so amazed. So amazed, he requested she sign a ball for him.”
Wilborn first impressed at the tournament’s Lakeview vs. Berkner High School game. She hit her second home run against Caddo Mills High School, and her third against Ferris High School. The performance impressed even the Lady Patriot herself.
“I was shocked. I never thought I would be able to hit three home runs in one day, much less a grand slam,” the humble player commented. “I believe by putting in extra work outside of school practice, I was able to get better at my craft at hitting.”
Despite the fact that Lakeview did not best their three opponents that day, Wilborn was still able to inspire her teammates.
“We may not be the best softball team in the district, but achievements like Bailey’s boost team morale,” Roberts stated. “The team was so excited for Bailey and her accomplishment, they did not dwell on the losses. Bailey’s accomplishment was our silver lining.”
“It felt good to get the team hopeful that we could win the game again,” Wilborn added. “We were losing at first, and I think the grand slam helped our morale.”
Although she will not focus on athletics at the University of Houston in the fall, Wilborn said this end-of-high school moment has taught her a beneficial lesson.
“By hard work and determination, I can achieve wonderful things.”
Photos courtesy of Megan Roberts.
GISD students promote conservation, earn cash prizes
Getting creative to earn some cash, several Garland ISD students participated in the City of Garland’s 2015-16 Stormwater Management contest. This annual event invites third, fourth and fifth-graders to promote the theme “I care about Garland’s creeks.” In year’s past, participants have written essays. This year, they submitted drawings. More than 1,000 entries were received.
A panel of judges determined first, second and third place, as well as three honorable mentions, for each grade level. Winners earned $200, $150, $100 and $50 respectively. Their teachers also received monetary rewards. And, Jennifer Coulombe from Cooper Elementary School won $200 for classroom supplies from the 90-percent participation drawing.
Student awards include:
First place
- Jaime Tellez – third grade, Spring Creek Elementary School
- Emerson Brewer – fourth grade, Hillside Academy for Excellence
- Cathy Saldana – fifth grade, Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence
Second place
- Natalia Pazos – third grade, Bullock Elementary School
- Elizabeth Stacy – fourth grade, Hillside Academy for Excellence
- Drew Turner – fifth grade, Kimberlin Academy for Excellence
Third place
- Fernando Barrera – third grade, Bullock Elementary School
- Tsion Negussie – fourth grade, Kimberlin Academy for Excellence
- Shaina Raiborde – fifth grade, Kimberlin Academy for Excellence
Honorable mention
- Melanie Gamez – third grade, Spring Creek Elementary School
- Brisa Ibarra – third grade, Spring Creek Elementary School
- Jessica Sok – third grade, Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence
- Lea Andrea – fourth grade, Kimberlin Academy for Excellence
- James Gonzalez – fourth grade, Stephens Elementary School
- Name withheld – fourth grade, Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence
- Ashley Kim – fifth grade, Hillside Academy for Excellence
- Anthony Ortega – fifth grade, Hillside Academy for Excellence
- Media Yasin – fifth grade, Kimberlin Academy for Excellence
Hillside receives national award nomination
Earning a spot as one of Texas’ top elementaries, Hillside Academy for Excellence recently received a Blue Ribbon Schools award nomination. The State selected 26 public and private campuses to recommend for this national honor. The Blue Ribbon Schools program—an initiative of the U.S. Department of Education—recognizes campuses where students perform at very high levels.Nominees must now complete a rigorous application process. Awards will be announced in September with a ceremony following later in the fall. Winners demonstrate exemplary achievements on state assessments and an economically disadvantaged population of at least 20 percent.
“Congratulations to both Hillside students and staff,” said Superintendent Bob Morrison. “This nomination speaks to your hard work, dedication and academic excellence.”
Seven Garland ISD campuses have received 12 awards since the Blue Ribbon Schools program was founded in 1982. Most recently, Kimberlin Academy for Excellence won a 2015 recognition.
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