On Friday, January 13, Northwood Hills Elementary hosted “Experience the Awareness,” a program designed to teach students what life would be like with various types of disabilities.

Groups of students rotated to more than ten stations that were equipped to simulate challenges that are presented daily to students with disabilities.  Pictured are   Xavier and Diana given a hands-on lesson about cerebral palsy.  Each student was given oversized adapted gloves and instructed to work a puzzle.  The students were surprised at the difficulty of such a seemingly simple task. The activities of the day made significant impacts on the students’ awareness of living with physical challenges. >Top

For the third consecutive year, students at RISD Academy were treated to a stop of the Texas Rangers Winter Caravan last week. Ranger players Erasmo Ramirez and Joaquin Benoit were joined by Spanish-language radio broadcaster Eleno Ornelas in talking to students about the importance of hard work and being the best they can be.

Texas mascot Ranger Captain was also on hand, to the delight of students.

Kebin, Jose, Jorge, Ranger Captain and Braulio visit at RISD Academy. >Top

The first annual Career Summit was hosted Monday, January 30 by the RISD Career and Technology Education department at the Renaissance Hotel and the Eisemann Center.  Local business professionals introduced more than 500 juniors from all four RISD high schools to 15 career fields.  Forty-one businesses participated to make this exciting event possible. >Top

Books, Bears & Blankets for Babies, was this year's theme for Richardson Educational Support Staff Association's Board and Special Projects committee. This year's president Debbi Littrell, along with Lura Boyd and Domy Smith, delivered more than 150 books along with 40 Bears and 40 blankets to prenatal classes. "Helping raise a generation of readers by supporting them with books is very rewarding," says Ms. Tourney. RESSA thanks all the paraprofessionals who helped make this a wonderful holiday season for the young mothers. >Top

The 16th Annual Business Luncheon hosted by the RISD Transition Services Program is an annual event to express appreciation to businesses that work in cooperation with special needs students enrolled in the RISD Transition Services Program. The luncheon will be held at the Radisson Hotel on North Central Expressway, Friday, February 17th, 11:30 to 1:00. Two businesses will be given special awards for their years of dedication to Transition Services students. The event will feature keynote inspirational speaker Dana Bowman, pictured at left, a former Army Ranger and member of the Golden Knights parachute team who lost both legs in a skydiving accident more than a decade ago.

Since his accident, Bowman has made headlines for not allowing his disability to get in the way of his goals. He remained a member of the Golden Knights, has learned to fly airplanes, helicopters and hot air balloons - all without any modified controls. Mr. Bowman retired from the Army in 1996, completed his degree in 2000, and has executed more than 1,000 parachute jumps since his accident.

For more information on the Transition Services Luncheon, please contact Billie Byrd at billie.byrd@risd.org. >Top

Spring Valley Elementary and Jess Harben Elementary teamed up for a week-long writing boot camp to put their fourth graders to the test.  The week was topped off with a “beauty” pageant including contestants Miss Spell, Miss Take, Miss Pronounce, and Miss I Rock TAKS.  On Friday, the students were served a special hot dog lunch thanks to generous donations from Albertson’s and Fiesta food stores.

Fourth Grade students at Audelia Creek Elementary, at right, spent January 26 preparing for their upcoming testing. All students at ACE cheered them on as they began an intensive day of training.  Shown left, fourth grade teachers lead a special dance session to get the students moving for their afternoon writing sessions. >Top

Inside RISD has been launched, with two dozen community members attending their first session in late January. This year-long class, one morning each month, will provide inside information on how the school district works, from crayons to college prep, from buildings to balance sheets, and from the classroom to the bus barn.

The first meeting took them to the Administration Building for introductions, on a bus trip to Heights Elementary for breakfast, and to Westwood Junior High for their first day of school -- complete with the Pledge of Allegiance, class rules and school supplies. The next meeting will focus on Finance and Bonds. A web page is being added to the district site to keep the entire community informed of the progress of Inside RISD. >Top

The sessions provide activities for parents and students to do together at home in order to improve student reading levels.  Grant funds will be used to establish a parent resource library which will provide dictionaries, games and other literacy materials.  Pictured from left to right: Kirstyn Hart, Terrace teacher; Philip Henderson, Terrace principal; Cindy Murray, Altrusa Club President; and Betty Daigle, Altrusa Education Committee Chair. >Top

UIL high school Alignment will be announced tomorrow morning, Thurs., Feb. 2, shortly after 9 a.m. As soon as RISD receives the news, a special edition of School Times Now! will be sent to you and placed on the district Web site at www.risd.org. >Top

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