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Foundation's Evening of Honors a Success |
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The district’s Excellence in Education Foundation held its annual Evening of Honors Friday to recognize exceptional teachers, administrators, community leaders and outstanding RISD alumni in the visual and performing arts field.
More than 350 people attended the banquet, which honored the 2008-09 RISD STARS Teachers, the 2008-09 RISD Administrators of the Year and included a live auction with Eric Dreyer, Chef de Cuisine of Dallas Ritz Carlton’s Fearing’s Restaurant and graduate of J.J. Pearce High School. Other celebrity guests included Nicole Bilderback, actress and graduate of Lake Highlands High School, and Michael Mulvery, Pulitzer Prize winning photographer and graduate of Richardson High School.
“It was wonderful to have the support of the RISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent’s Council, and especially so many building principals who set a marvelous example for their school communities by helping the Foundation that helps all students and teachers of RISD,” said Elizabeth Hart, the Excellence in Education Foundation's President and CEO. “I’d like to extend a special thanks to our celebrity alumni who attended – they are an inspiration to our current students and an example of what is possible.”
“Sincere gratitude also goes to our wonderful sponsors for making these recognitions possible. Without their support, the Foundation wouldn’t be able to offer the educator recognition programs and scholarships that ultimately benefit all RISD students.”
Awardees includes:
Inaugural Leadership Award in the area of Visual and Performing Arts
Ann & Charles Eisemann
2008-09 Spirit of RISD Awards (presented by RISD Board of Trustees)
Patti Clapp
Richardson Chamber of Commerce
First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park
2008-09 STARS Teachers
Lance Belin – Pearce H.S.
Shelly Bourland – Mohawk Elementary
Mandee Ehmer – Terrace Elementary
M’Lissa Howen – Brentfield Elementary
Karrie Looney – Apollo J.H.
Shaleen Margolese – Spring Creek Elementary
Craig Needham, Berkner H.S.
Shannon O’Brien – Parkhill J.H.
Myron Stennett – RISD Academy
Richelle Stinnett – Dover Elementary
2008-09 STEM Award
Kevin Cieszkowski, Berkner H.S.
2008-09 Administrative Excellence Awards
Charles Bruner – Forest Meadow J.H.
Keith Forte – Merriman Park Elementary
For more information about the RISD Excellence in Education Foundation, please visit www.risdfoundation.org. >Top |
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| School finance is always a hot topic during Texas legislative sessions and it is particularly true now as many Dallas-area districts are running budget deficits and making significant budget cuts.
You may have seen a recent media report that inferred RISD was facing significant budget problems. Fortunately, that is not accurate, and RISD is in a very sound financial position relative to many Texas school districts. While the district will face moderate budget deficits for the next few years, we do not expect to approach the shortfalls currently being experienced by neighboring districts. Our history of conservative spending and forward-thinking fiscal management has been commended by both state and national entities and has allowed us to manage budget reductions that do not directly impact our classrooms. RISD has received the top rating from the state of Texas under the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) every year since its inception. In addition, our district’s bond rating (a measure of the creditworthiness of large institutions, similar to a person’s credit score) is outstanding, and only shared by three other Texas school districts. |
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| RISD is one of only three districts in Texas with the Aa1/AA+ bond rating combination (from Moody’s and Standard & Poors). |
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School Finance
Under the current Texas school finance system, RISD remains a “property wealthy” district and continues to pay a portion of your tax dollars to the state in the form of “recapture” also known as “Robin Hood.” (In the last decade, RISD has sent more than $372 million local tax dollars to the state for recapture.) Additionally, current law funds school districts based on 2005-2006 funding levels with no allowances for inflation, raises for teachers and staff, or unusual cost increases (like utilities). The law also dictates that increases in property tax collections due to higher property values must be sent to the state, meaning RISD does not benefit from higher property values.
RISD trustees and administrators are actively working with our state legislators to improve the school finance system. We support improvements that will enable districts to meet rising costs, provide adequate pay for employees, and ensure adequate funding for educational reforms and mandates.
Given RISD’s consistent academic successes, we feel that the district represents an excellent value for your tax dollar, and we take our role as “financial watchdogs” of these public monies very seriously. >Top |
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national achievement scholarship winners |
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Richardson Independent School District today announced that Richardson High School senior Christopher Hull has been named a National Achievement Scholarship Program winner for the 2008-09 school year.
This distinction places him among the top Black American academic performers in the United States.
“We are extremely proud of Christopher,” said district superintendent Dr. David Simmons. “This national recognition is richly deserved, and he is representing his school and community extremely well.”
To become a National Achievement Scholarship Program finalist, students must demonstrate superior performance in a number of categories, including school grades, recommendations, SAT-I scores, academic courses, leadership abilities, and educational goals.
For more information, please visit www.nationalmerit.org. >Top |
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RISD Parental Involvement Fair |
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Richardson North Junior High recently continued its tradition of donating hair to the Locks of Love program. For the third consecutive year a North student or staff member has made this very personal donation. In 2007 student Amy Suarez donated, followed in 2008 by Assistant Principal Farrah Smock and student Molly Hille. This spring, teacher Angie Hendricks took the plunge for this great cause, and RNJH hopes to continue this tradition in the future!
Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.
For more information, please visit www.locksoflove.org.
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bowie Elementary's living museum |
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phs yearbook wins design contest |
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 J.J. Pearce High School’s yearbook, Mustang 2008, has been recognized for excellence and featured in the 2009 "Gotcha Covered Look Book." Published annually by yearbook leader Jostens, the Look Book features yearbook spreads and covers from across the country, and is a popular reference guide for yearbook advisers and staffs seeking creative design and coverage ideas, trends and inspiration.
The Mustang 2008 was created by Editor in Chief Nace Allen, Student Life Editor Lauren Reavis, Organizations Editor Jay Anderson, Panels Editors Andrew Matsil and Kyle Webb and Athletics Editor Merv Goodman under the direction of yearbook adviser Walter Gast.
The Pearce Mustang 2008 was one of only 435 yearbooks selected from thousands submitted to a panel of judges that included nationally recognized scholastic journalism professionals and award-winning yearbook advisers.
Congratulations! >Top |
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does anyone have an extra sandwich? |
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Prairie Creek Elementary Student Council recently sponsored “Bring an Extra Sandwich to School Day,” in an effort to collect food for Dallas-area homeless. on Thursday, April 2nd.
Representatives collected more than 270 sandwiches from students and staff, and donations benefited the SoupMobile, an agency that helps feed area homeless people.
Thanks Prairie Creek!
>Top |
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Apollo Robotics Team Headed to World Championships |
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The Apollo Junior High Ultimate Robotics Team is believed to be the only junior high team in the nation invited to compete at the VEX Robotics World Championship at the Dallas Convention Center from April 30 to May 2.
Due to their winning the Excellence Award last month at a regional competition, they earned the right to compete on the biggest VEX Robotics stage.
“We’re excited for the opportunity, and we’ll be ready to go,” said coach and Apollo teacher Jack Nelson.
The Apollo team, comprised of seven 7th graders and two 8th graders, will compete against qualifying high school teams from around the United States and world.
For more information about the VEX Robotics World Championship, please read the official press release. >Top |
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westwood student is teacher appreciation card contest winner |
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RHS Horticulture Plant Sale REdux |
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April 25, 2009 - 8:00 – 12:00 AM
Behind Richardson HS at Coit and Beltline
We will have hundreds of plants for sale including hanging baskets, vegetables, herbs, and bedding plants.
Greenhouse tours and square foot gardening information will be available.
Proceeds will be used for the horticulture program and the Excellence in Education Fund. Sponsored by RHS horticulture students. and teacher Jennifer Anderson. >Top |
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lake highlands area choirs achieve Rare Feat |
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In a rare occurrence for LH-area Fine Arts, all 15 choirs, including groups from Lake Highlands High School, Lake Highlands Freshaman Center, Forest Meadow Junior High and Lake Highlands Junior High, received "sweepstakes" awards at the recent UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest.
This is a testament to the outstanding programs offered in the area and the caliber of students who participate in them.
Congratulations Lake Highlands choirs! >Top |
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Dr. Simmons to Speak at N. Dallas Chamber Event |
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The North Dallas Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Public Education Forum on May 5 at 7:30 a.m. at Westin Park Central Hotel in Dallas. RISD Superintendent Dr. David Simmons will be joined by Dallas ISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa and Highland Park ISD Superintendent Dr, Dawson Orr in speaking at the forum.
For more information and to register, please visit the NDCC website at www.ndcc.org/event/educationforum.html. >Top |
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At Monday evening’s Study Session, the Board of Trustee’s heard a presentation about the possible addition of a pilot program that will offer online courses to the summer school offerings this summer. Courses offered will assist students who need to make-up or accelerate coursework. The Board will consider the item at the May 4 Board meeting.
Also, the Board discussed the possibility of seeking dismissal of the desegregation litigation that the District has been under since 1970. A motion to dismiss, often called a motion for unitary status, can be granted where a district demonstrates that it has complied in good faith with the court’s orders for a reasonable period of time and in offering all programs and services without regard to race, has eliminated all vestiges of a dual (segregated) school system. Marcos Ronquillo, an attorney with the firm of Godwin Ronquillo, who is advising the District in the matter, presented information to the Board about the legal standards a court would consider when looking at a motion to dismiss as well as discussed RISD’s information relative to those standards. Following the presentation, the Board discussed the merits of seeking unitary status, and no action was taken. This topic could be added as a potential action item on the agenda for the May 4 Regular meeting. To view the presentation, please click here. >Top |
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UTD/RISD Game Design Camp |
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Want to be a video game designer? Check out the UTD/RISD Game Design Camp!
For more information, click here to download the flyer. >Top |
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RHS Horticulture Plant Sale - April 25, 2009 - 8:00 – 12:00 a.m.
Behind Richardson HS at Coit and Beltline
There will be hundreds of plants for sale including hanging baskets, vegetables, herbs, and bedding plants.
Greenhouse tours and square foot gardening information will be available.
FINE ARTS
The RHS Eaglettes present their annual revue “Go Shopping” on April 24 and 25, 7:30 p.m. in the RHS Auditorium. Tickets are $8.00.
4th ANNUAL COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE-OFF! Watch the Berkner Ramblers, Lake Highlands Wranglers, Pearce Stampede and Richardson Desperadoes battle it out on the dance floor. There will be dance and stunt competitions throughout the show, held on Saturday, April 25th at 12:00 noon in the BHS auditorium.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Softball – FRIDAY, APRIL 24
BHS vs. W. T. White @ Berkner Softball Field, 5:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. (JV, V)
LHHS vs. Molina @ LHHS Softball Field, 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. (JV, V)
PHS vs. Newman Smith @ Newman Smith, 5:00 p.m. (V)
RHS vs. Creekview @ Creekview High School, 7:00 p.m. (V)
Baseball – FRIDAY, APRIL 24
BHS vs. RHS @ Berkner Baseball Field, 4:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. (JV, V))
PHS vs. Greenville @ Pearce Baseball Field, 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (JV, V)
LHHS vs. Creekview @ Creekview High School, 4:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. (JV, V)
Baseball – SATURDAY, APRIL 25
BHS vs. Frisco Centennial @ Berkner Baseball Field, 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. (JV)
BHS. Vs. Texarkana High School @ Frisco Roughriders Stadium, 4:00 p.m. (V)
PHS vs. Forney @ Forney High School, 12:00 p.m. (JV)
RHS vs. North Garland @ RHS, 1:00 p.m. (V)
Gymnastics –THURSDAY, APRIL 23, FRIDAY, APRIL 24 & SATURDAY, APRIL 25
All high schools to State Meet at the Garland Convention Center, all day >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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