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RISD is PROUD OF ITS OFFICERS OF THE YEAR |
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Being recognized as “Officer of the Year” in any police department is an amazing honor and accomplishment. RISD is proud to announce that its School Resource Officers have swept the award for our area!
Officer Cayce Shelton, one of Lake Highlands High School's Resource Officers, was awarded “Dallas Police Department 2009 Officer of the Year” by Mayor Tom Leppert and the Dallas Community Police Awards Committee, along with Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle. Prior to receiving this award, Officer Shelton had also been honored as Dallas Police Officer of the Month in December. In a letter of recommendation, Shelton’s supervising officer said, “Cayce Shelton has demonstrated a history of superior performance and professionalism. He is a team player . . . Cayce is one of those rare officers that are self motivated and have exceptional instincts.”
Officer La’Evening Woodard, Richardson North JH School Resource Officer, was awarded “Officer of the Year” for the Richardson Police Department. Qualifications to receive this top honor include being a team player who has gone consistently above and beyond the mission of the department while maintaining a high-quality working relationship with other employees and the public. Officer Woodard commented, “The award was indeed an honor and a surprise. . . Since the first day of arriving at RPD, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by smart, intelligent and highly motivated co-workers. I'm very blessed to work with them each day.”
The School Resource Officer program focuses on handling law enforcement duties on junior high and high school campuses and mentoring students. The Dallas program rotates field officers on each RISD campus on their off days, in addition to their full time DPD assignment. Because Officer Shelton’s beat is in the same neighborhood as LHHS, he can develop relationships with the same students at school and around the neighborhood. The Richardson program assigns an officer to a campus on a full-time basis, with the officer exclusively remaining on that campus all day.
Congratulations to these two outstanding police officers! >Top |
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PHS's ADAM BULL WINS GOLD AT STATE SWIM MEET |
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Congratulations to Adam Bull, Pearce sophomore, for winning the gold medal in the 200 IM at the state swim meet. This accomplished Mustang swimmer is a member of the National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and the Acapella Choir at Pearce. Outside of Pearce, he is a member of the North Dallas chapter of the Young Men's Service League.
When asked what’s next for him, Adam replied, “Now that I’ve won state, I’ll continue to work hard both in the pool and also the classroom. I’ll focus on doing well at my COR (City of Richardson) club meets and also focus on trying to win more state titles next year.”
Congratulations also to all of our RISD swimmers that qualified for the state meet:
Lauren Fuerst, Richardson HS (pictured above: Set new RHS team record in the girls 100 Backstroke with a time of 58.32 at the regional meet)
Richardson Coach: Regina Moss
Adam Bull, Pearce HS
Hayden Wallace, Pearce HS
Andrew Silver, Pearce HS
Austin Buonasera, Pearce HS
Gage Robinson, Pearce HS
JJ Pearce Coach: Daniel Hafner >Top |
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LAKE HIGHLANDS WRESTLER ISAAC GRIEDER WINS STATE AND MORE |
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Isaac Grieder, a senior at Lake Highlands High School, has just finished his high school wrestling career at the top of his sport. In addition to winning the gold medal at the state meet for his weight class, Isaac went undefeated this season (59-0), which was the best record for the entire state of Texas across every weight class.
As a four-year varsity wrestler, his cumulative record is 192 wins and only 19 losses. He has also helped lead the Wildcats to three district wrestling titles, one regional championship, has been part of two top finishes in state and is a three-time state placer.
His coach, Pete Grieder (and yes, also his dad), remarked, “He has broken every school record we have.”
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So the next question might be, “Where is he going to wrestle in college?” Clearly, there are many top college wrestling programs that would love to have Isaac on their team. But, for all of the success Isaac has had in wrestling, he is an equally accomplished track and field athlete. Last year he won district and regionals in pole vault, placing 4th in the state meet. He also place 6th in the decathlon last summer at the Junior Olympics USA Track & Field National Championships.
When it came to deciding between a wrestling scholarship and a track scholarship, Isaac chose track. He remarked, “I won’t have to cut any weight – and it’ll be more fun!” While he hasn’t yet decided on a college, he’s being recruited by several.
Congratulations to all of our RISD wrestlers that qualified for the state meet:
Josh Corder, Richardson HS
Richardson Coach: Tracy Cleveland
Isaac Kinsella, Lake Highlands HS
Isaac Grieder, Lake Highlands HS
Brent Bono, Lake Highlands HS
Ebrima Njie, Lake Highlands HS
Lake Highlands Coaches: Peter Grieder & Mike Roach>Top |
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RISD EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION FOUNDATION to HOST “EVENING OF HONORS” APRIL 23 |
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 The RISD Excellence in Education Foundation will hold its “Evening of Honors” on Friday, April 23, at the Hyatt Regency North Dallas in Richardson. The theme, Literary Luminaries, honors RISD graduates who have become known for their success is in the area of literature or journalism. Pearce High School graduate and former NPR journalist Catherine Cuellar will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Richardson High School graduate Catherine Crier (pictured) will be the keynote speaker.
Crier became the youngest judge in Texas history in 1982 and then went on to pursue high-profile, on-air positions at CNN, NBC News, Fox News Channel, and Court TV. She has also written several New York Times Bestsellers including “The Case Against Lawyers,” released in 2002, and “A Deadly Game: The Untold Story of the Scott Peterson Investigation,” in 2005.
Foundation President Elizabeth Hart says that money raised by the Foundation is used for several programs that enhance enrichment and encourage innovation solely for RISD students and teachers. Some specific programs that are supported include:
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) – This elective course, the curriculum for which comes from the AVID national organization, provides academic support and college preparation for students in grades 7-12. Students enrolled in this course will be, many times, the first in their family to attend college.
E3 Grants (Ensuring Excellent Educators) Grants – E3 grants provide vital support for areas that foster quality education – professional development, classroom materials, and staff development.
STARS and Administrative Excellence Awards – Theses awards, presented each spring, recognize and celebrate the extraordinary teachers and principals who exemplify the kind of commitment to children that results in high levels of learning and achievement.
For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, call 469-593-0241 or email elizabeth.hart@risdfoundation.org. >Top |
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BERKNER AND PEARCE STUDENTS WIN AT STATE ACADEMIC DECATHLON COMPETITIONS |
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The Academic Decathlon teams from Berkner and Pearce recently competed in their respective state competitions. Berkner competed in the Large School Division in Houston and Pearce competed in the Medium School Division in San Antonio. Each competition included 40 schools from across Texas, where students competed in 10 events.
Berkner came in 3rd in the Super Quiz Relay (in the Large School Division), which was a very hard fought contest.
Pearce came in 4th overall (in the Medium School Division) with several students winning medals:
- Claire Stieg: 3rd in Essay, 1st in Interview-Honors Division
- Jennifer Knox: 3rd in Speech, 2nd in Interview, 1st in Language & Literature, 1st in Art-Honors Division
- Riley Firth: 3rd in Music-Scholastic Division
- Daniel Kim: 2nd in Language & Literature, 1st in Art-Varsity Division
- Megan Noble: 3rd in Language & Literature-Varsity Division
These teams have been preparing for this competition since last spring. Congratulations to the teams and their coaches:
Berkner Academic Decathlon Team: David Truong, Derek Hammons, Abir Liben, Grace Yu, Andrew Frost, Hugo Espiritu, Andrew Rabago, Connor McGuire and Zach Pitts. Coaches: Tanya Gregson and Dean Webb.
Pearce Academic Decathlon Team: Joseph Tessmer, Claire Stieg, Jennifer Knox, Valeria Montalvo, Zach Tobin, Riley Firth, Daniel Kim, Victor Montalvo and Megan Noble. Coaches: Carol Whatley and Carol Hewitt. >Top |
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BRENTFIELD & DOBIE CELEBRATE A 20 YEAR RELATIONSHIP |
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In 1990, Brentfield parent Paula Higgins had an idea about reaching out to another district school that needed help – Dobie Primary. From that idea, the Brentfield PTA adopted Dobie as their “sister school.” The relationship continues 20 years later!
“I remember when the Brentfield PTA approached me about forming a ‘sister school’ connection,” shared Kay Reynolds, Dobie principal. “This was the beginning of many student activities sponsored between the two schools, which have brought such joy to children, parents and staff.”
“By the time Brentfield students complete sixth grade, they will have been to Dobie a minimum of three times on service field trips,” shared Brentfield Principal Steve Lemons. Trips include a reading buddies program for second and fifth graders, a choir performance by older students, and Valentine’s parties for all 13 Kindergarten classes hosted by sixth graders. This year Brentfield delivered almost 300 books as part of the Valentine’s celebration. Lauren, a Brentfield sixth grader, commented, “(The Valentine’s party) was the best field trip I have ever been on!” |
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Cathy Collins, a Brentfield sixth grade teacher, said this about the Valentine’s field trip: “This project changes our sixth graders – they just come back with a different attitude. It’s a very wonderful thing.”
Cory Fernandez, a Dobie teacher, sees the fun Valentine’s parties as a learning opportunity. He shared, “Students not only get to read books and review shapes with Brentfield students, but they also learn that ‘sharing and caring’ is real. I think it’s a great learning opportunity for our students.”
Brentfield families also participate in the Brentfield-Dobie relationship. Barb Selz, Brentfield PTA’s Dobie chair, shared, “Each year, families send school supplies for the Dobie school supply drive. They also send canned and dry goods for Thanksgiving baskets that are delivered to Dobie custodians, cafeteria workers and crossing guards.”
Over the years, other Brentfield-sponsored events have included hosting Dobie teacher luncheons and donating holiday toys collected through “Patrick’s Parade of Toys,” an annual event at Brentfield honoring the life of a former Brentfield student who died before finishing his toy collection Eagle Scout project. “(The toy drive) is one of the sweetest stories I have encountered during my 22 years of the Annual Holiday Toy Program,” said Reynolds. “Dobie children were so honored to receive Patrick’s toys.”
In return for all of Brentfield’s generosity, Dobie Primary is great at saying thank you. During each visit, pictures are taken by Dobie staff and then turned into banners, which are sent to Brentfield and displayed in their hallways. Dobie Kindergartners also visit Brentfield each year to sing for all of the Brentfield students.
Both principals are so appreciative of the relationship that has been built over 20 years. Lemons commented, “We believe our students get far more from the relationship than the Dobie students.”
In the end, students from both schools learn valuable lessons about the impact of community service and the legacy of building relationships. >Top |
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LAKE HIGHLANDS PLAYS UP ORCHESTRA INVOLVEMENT |
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Sixth grade orchestra students from Lake Highlands and Forest Meadow Junior High feeder schools recently headed to Lake Highlands Junior High and Lake Highlands High School for a day of upbeat presentations and exciting demonstrations about orchestra involvement.
The hosts of the symposium were Orchestra Directors Michael Rybiski of Lake Highlands High School, Mitch Brannick of Lake Highlands Freshman Center, Christopher Frank of Lake Highlands Junior High, and Vicky Campbell of Forest Meadow Junior High.
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Said Rybiski of the reason for the symposium, “We need more representation from our feeder schools, so we want to educate these 6th grade musicians of the total experience of orchestra, from what they’re beginning now right to what they’ll experience on through to high school."
Throughout the day, the 6th grade students learned about the process of choosing elective courses, toured the LHJH auditorium, listened to the LHHS orchestra perform, and asked questions of the directors and the "big kid" players.
Roughly 40 kids from elementary schools including Lake Highlands, Northlake, Thurgood Marshall, Wallace, White Rock, Aikin, Forest Lane, Merriman Park, Moss Haven, Skyview, and Stults participated in the event. >Top |
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PRESTONWOOD PACE PERFORMS “THE PRINCESS AND THE VILLAIN” |
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 When a parent – or student – hears “after school child care,” rarely do they imagine things like motorcycle demonstrations or the creation and performance of a play. But, those are some of the engaging activities students in the PACE program at Prestonwood Elementary are experiencing.
PACE, the district’s after school program, is offered at 39 elementary and five junior high schools throughout RISD.
Each six weeks, specialized classes are offered at every campus. The classes offered at Prestonwood this past period were Mechanics and Drama. In the Mechanics class, students learned about all forms of transportation, including motorcycles. “As part of the Mechanics class, we had a demonstration of how motorcycles work. The kids loved it,” commented Amy Lancaster, the new PACE site coordinator at Prestonwood.
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The Drama class focused on creating and presenting an original play. All of the students participated. Lancaster shared, “The students brainstormed together to decide on the type of play that they’d like. Then, older students completed writing assignments where they developed the plot. In the end, the students combined all of the ideas and wrote the script.” Students also made costumes, painted sets, created invitations, ran the curtains, and performed – in front of a packed house – for their parents.
When asked about the play, a Prestonwood PACE student replied, “I was nervous at first, but it was so much fun!"
When asked about what they like about PACE, students had different opinions. Some answered, “When we play games.” Others replied, “That we get to do arts and crafts,” or “That it changes special classes each six weeks.” One student commented, “I like going to the gym.” Because there are different activities offered – both in the daily curriculum and in the specialized classes – students are engaged throughout the afternoon.
Lancaster said, “Through PACE, our Prestonwood students have the opportunity to experience and learn new things through our specialized programs and instructional centers. My goal is to provide a happy and safe place that they look forward to coming to in the afternoons.” >Top |
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BERKNER'S JESSICA NGUI RANKED 4TH IN STATE |
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RICHARDSON MOCK TRIAL TEAM ADVANCES TO STATE |
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The 11 member Richardson High School Mock Trial team presented clear evidence that they are one of the leading teams in Texas. At the Region X Mock Trial Competition, where 33 teams competed, they placed second and now advance to the state competition.
“We have a group of very bright students that pick up concepts easily, which is important when dealing with federal rules of evidence. They are also a very congenial and polite group. This closeness, familiarity, and fondness transfer into the courtroom and cause them to be intuitive as to the actions of their team members during a trial,” commented Sara Hofeditz, teacher and Mock Trial team coach.
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Thousands of high school students from across the state participate each year in Mock Trial competitions. The Dallas Bar Association writes a fact pattern annually on which the teams base their case. The fact pattern consists of the charges that must be proven, the rules of evidence, and six witness statements or affidavits. The teams must then prepare cases as both the defense and prosecution, for it is only immediately before their round of competition begins that they draw to find out which side they will represent.
“Texas is known as one of the fiercest competitions nationally,” said Hofeditz. The state competition is this weekend in Dallas, with the winning team advancing to the national competition in May.
Congratulations and good luck to this outstanding team of legal Eagles! >Top |
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NORTHWOOD HILLS 4TH GRADERS FINISH “MEDICAL SCHOOL” |
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The 4th graders at Northwood Hills Elementary School have just finished a unique type of medical school - writing medical school. As part of their writing curriculum, 4th grade teachers prescribed a dose of fun to develop a high level of student engagement and learning.
The six-week theme took place at Have No Mercy Hospital because, Lindsay Stenberg, 4th teacher, commented, “Our students were reluctant to change their sentences after they initially wrote them. They had to get tough with their sentences if they were going to improve.” The students were the doctors, the stories were the patients, and the TAKS writing test was “The Big Surgery.”
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As part of the curriculum, students learned how to take good care of their compositions. Using surgical gloves, they wrote the five senses on the fingers of their gloves to help them remember to incorporate details about the senses in their writing. Then, they performed surgery on their paper “patients” by revising sentences and making leads stronger. Some found they needed more “pitter-pat” sentences – sentences that the reader’s heart beat. And, to increase the general health of their writing, they learned to use “nutritious” words instead of old, sick and tired ones that everyone uses. Finally, they learned to sew up their patients with strong conclusions.
“Writing can be tough for a 4th grader,” said Stenberg. “The medical writing theme helped children of all levels relate to something they know. No matter what their background, they’ve been to the doctor. Add the images of blood and gross things, and a 4th grader is hooked!”
“I loved practicing how to make my sentences breathe with vivid verbs, awesome adjectives, and corrections. It was fun to perform surgery on our ‘patients,’” said 4th grader Alyssa Flores.
Stenberg added, “Growing up, I had a lot of great teachers that made learning interesting and therefore easier to remember. Hopefully, HN Mercy did the same for my students.” >Top |
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BERKNER DEBATE TEAM HEADED TO STATE & NATIONALS |
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RISD STUDENTS WIN IN DALLAS AND STATE JAPANESE SPEECH CONTESTS |
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Japanese, one of five languages offered in our district, is being taken by over 400 students this year. The language is taught at all four high schools, Liberty JH, Lake Highlands JH, Forest Meadow JH, Apollo JH, and Westwood JH.
Recently, several RISD students competed in the Dallas Japanese Speech Contest sponsored by the Dallas Japanese Association, Japan America Society of DFW, and the General Japanese Council. Many RISD students placed in the competition and five students advanced to the state competition in Houston at Rice University, winning there, too.
Congratulations to the following students for their success in these contests:
Division 1 - Poetry Recitation, Level 1 & 2:
Francisco Ordaz, Richardson HS - 1st in Dallas contest; 2nd in state contest
Jonathan Myers, Pearce HS - 5th in Dallas contest
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Division 2 - Poetry Recitation, Level 2 & 3:
Sarah Rigall, Pearce HS - 2nd in Dallas contest; 3rd in state contest
James Noraj, Berkner HS - 3rd in Dallas contest
Dahpne Hwong, Berkner HS - 4th in Dallas contest
Division 3 - Free Speech, Intermediate Level:
Keyonna Daniel, Richardson HS - 1st in Dallas contest; 1st in state contest
Tondayla Wright, Richardson HS - 2nd in Dallas contest; 4th in state contest
Emma Brockway, Richardson HS - 3rd in Dallas contest; 3rd in state contest
Rachel Macfarlane Richardson HS - 5th in Dallas contest
Division 4 - Free Speech, Advanced Level:
Amanda Trieu, Richardson HS - 3rd in Dallas contest
Jenny Trieu, Richardson HS - 4th in Dallas contest >Top |
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LIBERTY 8TH GRADE GIRLS BASKETBALL Team DIVISION & TOURNAMENT Champs |
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AVID STUDENTS ATTEND HBCU COLLEGE FAIR |
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As part of their curriculum, AVID students learn about college preparation throughout the year. Recently, several of these students from Forest Meadow JH, Lake Highlands JH, Berkner HS, Lake Highlands HS, and Richardson HS had the opportunity to participate in the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) College Fair sponsored by the Higher Education committee at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church.
The Fair began with breakout sessions focusing on financial aide, scholarships, time management, and junior high preparation for college. Then, students were able to visit with representatives from 20 colleges, including Texas Southern University, Wiley College, Prairie View A & M, Tennessee State University, and the Dallas County Community College system. |
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| Mary Nickson, chair of the Higher Education committee, shared, “This was the first time we’ve held this event . . . to connect students with colleges.” With over 200 students participating, Nickson expects it will become an annual event. >Top |
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PRAIRIE CREEK & SPRING CREEK GET CREATIVE WITH RENOVATIONS |
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The 2006 bond provided for interior renovations at many of our school campuses. Principals at Prairie Creek and Spring Creek decided to add a splash of student fun to their schools’ projects with renovation art.
At Prairie Creek, students covered the walls with “good graffiti,” purchasing wall panels to write on before the new sheet rock went up. Principal Kyle Stuard remarked, “The school was a winner with the funds and the students were happy to be able to decorate their panel with all kinds of drawings.”
Spring Creek students, parents, and alumni were invited to buy a square on the concrete floor for $1 to decorate as a lasting “time capsule memory” that will remain, even when the new floors are installed over the squares. Funds raised will go toward a fun end-of-year celebration for the students. |
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| “I thought it was really cool how it will always be there. I drew a few things that represented me like LSU and UT, my two favorite colleges, and a cow print, my favorite animal. I love knowing that my square will be there as long as the school is here,” said Spring Creek student Grayson Sentell. >Top |
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"Hoops in the Highlands," an annual fundraiser for five district schools, Lake Highlands, White Rock, Wallace and Northlake Elementaries and Lake Highlands Junior High, provides a fun opportunity for boys and girls in 1st through 8th grade to hoop it up.
The 7th annual basketball tournament will be held Saturday, March 27, at Highland Oaks Church of Christ. Teams can still register online at www.hoopsinthehighlands.net as space permits.
In addition to the three-on-three basketball tournament, the event also offers plenty of family fun for not participating on the court, including food, live music, a raffle and a "Fun Zone" complete with bounce houses and obstacle courses. >Top
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Fine Arts
Band, Thursday, March 11
Lake Highlands High School Jazz Band ‘Evening of Jazz’ at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, 7:00 p.m.
Band, Friday, March 12
Lake Highlands High School Band Winterguard to WGI Power Regionals at Mansfield High School. All Day Event.
Band, Saturday, March 13
J. J. Pearce High School Band Winterguard to NTCA Championship at Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland. All Day Event.
High School Sports
Soccer, Friday, March 12
Berkner High School girls vs. W. T. White High School at Loos Field. 7:00 p.m.
Berkner High School boys vs. W. T. White High School at Berkner High School. 7:00 p.m.
Richardson High School boys vs. Creekview High School at Creekview High School. 7:00 p.m.
Pearce High School boys vs. Rockwall High School at Pearce High School. 7:15 p.m.
Pearce High School girls vs. Rockwall High School at Rockwall High School. 7:15 p.m.
Lake Highlands High School boys vs. Molina High School at Kincaide Stadium. 7:00 p.m.
Lake Highlands High School girls vs. Molina High School at Lake Highlands High School. 7:00 p.m.
Bi-District Soccer Playoffs Take Place March 19 & 20 >Top |
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SCHOOL TIMES NOW! ARCHIVE |
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Did you miss an issue of School Times Now!? Click here to view the archives. >Top |
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