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Thank you for your positive response rate to the district's budget reduction survey. We were pleased to receive over 3,600 responses regarding budget reductions ideas. We shared the survey results with the Board of Trustees this week, and we will use the results as a resource in the district's budget planning process. Please click here to review the stakeholder survey results.
Other recent Board discussions focused on potential budget scenario ranges – state funding losses of $20, $27 and $35 million. Based on the House substitute bill CSHB2485, RISD's funding shortfall is projected to range between $24.2-$26.7 million. Under the Senate's CSSB22, RISD's funding shortfall is $18.4-$21 million. The exact state funding loss for all school districts will not likely be determined until the end of the session, so RISD's shortfall range remains fluid. Conference committee meetings in the House and Senate to debate the proposed bills are the next steps in the legislative process.
To date, we have moved forward with a number of recommendations and implemented several measures to address the shortfall. Please review these measures online, in addition to the three potential budget scenarios, at www.risd.org/budget. RISD's commitment to stakeholders is to remain thoughtful and deliberate in budget decisions. >Top
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Students, Staff, Schools Pitch In for Disaster Relief |
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In response to the devastation in Japan wrought by the tsunami over spring break, schools across RISD have engaged in relief efforts of all shapes and sizes. Many efforts are still ongoing, so parents and community members are welcome to contact their school if they want to help.
Arapaho Classical Magnet - The Honor Society is sponsoring "Coins for Kids," where each grade is collecting coins and the grade level that collects the most will be awarded picnic. Almost $500 was raised for tsunami relief.
Berkner High School - The Japanese Club, Japanese National Honor Society, Student Councils and National Honor Society are raising relief funds to be send to Japan's Red Cross. Origami paper crane sales, bake sales and other fundraisers are part of the effort. Almost $800 has been raised.
Canyon Creek Elementary - Students made cards of encouragement to be sent to Japanese elementary students.
Forest Meadow Junior High - A change collection effort is ongoing with the National Junior Honor Society.
Forestridge Elementary - The Student Council organized fundraising efforts that have raised more than $900 for tsunami relief efforts.
Jess Harben Elementary - Students, staff and community have raised close to $1,000 for relief efforts.
Lake Highlands High School - The Japanese Club and Student Council collected money for Japan's Red Cross, raising more than $145 for tsunami relief.
Liberty Junior High - Japanese language students conducted a competition to raise money among advisory classes, raising more than $440.
Merriman Park Elementary - The Dad's Club coordinated a "Fill the Bucket" effort, raising more than $550, which went directly to Japan through the YMCA to provide food, water and shelter for Japanese children affected by the disaster.
Moss Haven Elementary - is currently raising funds to send to Save The Children of Japan. Schoolwide change collection efforts and fundraisers by the Duct Tape Club are ongoing.
Parkhill Junior High - The Beta Club sponsored a "Cents for Sendai" Drive, raising more than $300 for the Red Cross for relief efforts.
Richardson High School - Japanese Club students are raising money through creation and sale of origami paper cranes. Pearce H.S. students have helped in the effort. More than $250 has been raised.
Westwood Junior High - Japanese language classes are working with Youth in Action to raise money for a Shelterbox ( www.shelterboxusa.org ) to be sent to Japan. More than $1000 has been raised.
In all, almost $6,000 has been raised across RISD so far. Thank you to all the organizers and donors for setting a great example of service to others! >Top
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Stults road principal spiller named one of best in texas |
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 Stults Road Elementary principal Darwin Spiller has been named a Texas National Distinguished Principal Finalist by the Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association (TEPSA). Spiller is one of 12 principals in Texas advancing to this level, and he will find out in May if he will represent Texas as its TEPSA National Distinguished Principal, which comes with a $10,000 award.
To become finalists, nominees underwent a rigorous reading process, sharing their educational philosophies and accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. A peer-review committee then selected 12 finalists who showcased their achievements during a school visit by a team of educators.
Stults Road Elementary was also recently named one of the two 2010 National Title I Distinguished Schools in Texas.
Since 1917, TEPSA has served Texas principals and supervisors TEPSA has more than 5,800 members, who supervise more than 150,000 teachers and are responsible for more than 2.5 million PreK-8 school children in Texas. For more information, please visit www.tepsa.org. >Top |
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Eiland Collins Foundation Continues Support of HPPM |
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Economically disadvantaged sixth graders will be able to attend the Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet field trip to NASA next month, thanks to the support of community partner the Eiland Collins Foundation.
The Eiland Collins Foundation, named for a longtime leader in the Hamilton Park Community, has donated more than $10,000 to benefit economically disadvantaged students at HPPM over the last six years.
Caption: Jennifer Cuadra–Gil, Pastor Jeremiah Booker of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, Jamilla Moyer, Devin Washington, HPPM Principal Megan Timme, Santos Beltran, HPPM Assistant Principal Kay Simms, Brighton Harding, and Foundation Board Chairman Dwight Harry >Top
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Bowie Celebrates Student Learning |
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Richardson High School Student Takes Top Journalism Honors |
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RHS student Talia Richman was named the best high school newspaper writer in the area this week at the 20th Annual High School Journalism Day & Competition at S.M.U., sponsored by The Dallas Morning News. This honor comes after the RHS Journalism team's recent success in Austin (see separate story in this School Times Now).
Please click here to read the Morning News story.
Congratulations to Talia! >Top
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Berkner High School
Congratulations to the Lady Rams Soccer team for the following players on the 9-5A All District Team:
9-5A Defensive player of the year: Courtney Baxter
First Team All District: Courtney Baxter, Mikaela Enters, Boston Yoder, Ali Fenster, Shelsea Blaschke
Second Team All District: Jordan Wilson, Haley Hamlett, Gabi Funes, Halley Terleski,, McKenzie Short
All Freshmen Team: Caitlyn Cannova, Kelly Baxter, Abby Baker, McKenzie Short
Honorable Mention: Rachel Robinson, Taylor Lysen, Lauren Wilkerson, Jordan Owens
The girls finished the season 11-8, including 8-4 in district 9-5A. They are coached by Chuck Brandon. >Top |
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The Bandoleras celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2010 and much of the longevity and success of their team and team alumni following graduation can be attributed to this character building mind-set.
As one of their community service projects for the year, the Bandoleras reached out to the young patients of their sponsor, Medical City Children's Hospital. Bandolera Sophomore, Regan Sinquefield, spent several years in and out of MCCH and experienced first-hand the positive benefits a personal touch can add to a child's hospital stay. Coordinating with Child Life Specialist Amy Fisher and Child Life Assistant Alicia Basmajian, the Bandoleras delivered sixteen blankets, handmade by the girls.
For those children whose birthday will coincide with their hospital stay, the Berkner Drill Team hand-crafted 65 "Happy Birthday" posters filled with bright colors and well-wishes. For additional information about the Bandoleras' community activities and performances please visit www.berknerbandos.org. >Top |
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(pictured) The BHS Work Program held their Annual Employer Appreciation Breakfast recently at Canyon Creek Country Club. The event is held to publicly recognize and thank all of the local business managers for their participation in the BHS work program.
Thank you to the following area employers for being part of the program and providing students an opportunity to gain workplace experience.
Albertson's, Bakers Shoes, Braums, KFC, Highland Springs, Hollister, McDonald's, Octopus Garden, Old Navy, Party City, Plano Studio Movie Grill, Razzoo's, Ross Discount Tires, Scotty P's, Sprouts and Sonic. >Top
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(pictured) BHS art student Layla Gonzalez earned a State Gold Seal recently for her work, which will be part of a collection touring the state for the next year. This is the 5th year in a row a Berkner art student has received a gold seal at the state event. Her teacher is Hope Lattauzio. >Top |
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Lake Highlands High School
(pictured) The Lady Wildcats Soccer team enjoyed a 15-5-1 regular season, winning district 9-5A in impressive fashion with an 11-0 record. Congratulations to the following players for earning individual honors this season:
Overall 9-5A District MVP: Maggie Olvera
Overall 9-5A Offensive Player of the Year: Brinkley Field
First Team All District: Caroline Adams, Lena Anderson, Jennifer Kunz, Annie Ritter, Avery Voigt
Second Team All District: Ashley Brandish, Delanie Davis, Chandler Frumin, Norma Perez, Dooley Short, Glory Williams
They are coached by Misty Benson. >Top |
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The Lake Highlands boys soccer team finished the season with an overall record of 12-8-2 and a district record of 10-4, good for third in a strong district 9-5A. Congratulations to the following students earning individual honors:
Overall 9-5A District MVP: Emmet Kumeh
First Team All District: Mason Miller, Alexis Cedillo, Joel Mendoza, Reagan Dunk
Second Team All District: Andrew Donica, Murphy Short, Jack Blanton
They are coached by Hanes Brindley. >Top |
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Lake Highlands High School held an Academic Recognition Reception on Wed, April 20 to honor National Merit Finalists and Commended students and National Hispanic Recognition students.
Pictured top row left to right: Vince Karnes, Said Navarro, Sarah Pickett, Roman Milan, Middle row left to right: Alex Ziehm, Alec Duray, Alejandro Martinez and Katie North, Front row left to right: Emily Dawson, Libby Seeley, Emily Hillman and Sara Tuccio Not pictured: Hana Ovcina
National Merit Finalists
Emily Dawson
Roman Milan
National Merit Commended
Alec Duray
Emily Hillman
Carl Karnes
Katherine North
Hana Ovcina
Sarah Pickett
Elizabeth Seeley
Sara Tuccio
Alexandra Ziehm
National Hispanic Recognition Program
Alejandro Martinez
Said Navarro >Top |
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Pearce High School
The PHS Combined Orchestras represented RISD and the State of Texas as they competed in the Dixie Classic Music Festival in Chicago on April 9. They were awarded "Superior" ratings from all judges, and were also awarded "Most Outstanding String Orchestra" of the festival. This award represents both string and full orchestras.
Sixty-four orchestra students, representing the Pearce Symphonic, Philharmonic, and Chamber Music Orchestras participated in the competition. They were led by PHS Orchestra Director Melissa Livings and PHS Assistant Orchestra Director Matt Cross.
Please congratulate the orchestra students on a job well done! >Top |
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Congratulations to Cara Supan, Pearce High School, who was honored in Houston recently at the 2011 State VASE conference and award ceremony. Cara received the received State VASE Medal. >Top |
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Richardson High School
RHS journalism students had an impressive showing at the recent Texas Journalism Awards Conference in Austin. Entries were judged by professional journalists from around the state, and The Talon had winners in most categories.
State Grand Prize
Feature Story - Talia Richman
Newspaper Front Page Design - Lacey Teer
First Place
Sports Feature - Ike Jay and Talia Richman
Feature Writing - Talia Richman
Entertainment Feature - Nadia Hill
Computer Art - Lacy Teer
Sports Action Photo - Katherine Ingram
Second Place
Student Life Feature Story - Katherine Bain and Talia Richman
Portrait - Lacey Teer
Feature Writing - Katherine Bain
General News Photo - Madelynne Scales
Portrait - Rachel Templer
Third Place
Headlines - Lacey Teer and Katherine Bain
Student Life Feature Story - Katherine Bain and Talia Richman
Computer Art - Conrad VandLandingham
Double Truck Design - Rachel Templer
Feature Photo - Katherine Bain
Congratulations to these students, and their teacher, Wade Kennedy. >Top |
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(pictured) Twenty RHS students recently competed in the Rice University Mathematics Tournament against students and teams from across the southern U.S. This was their first year for RHS to participate in the competition, and all the students placed in the top half among over 100 contestants students in the Algebra, Geometry and General Math Tests. Each student took two individual tests and participated in two team competitions. Congratulations on a strong showing – they were sponsored by teachers Beth Richardson and Sandra Sroufe. >Top |
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(pictured) RHS recently showed support for Autism Awareness with a Light It Up Blue campaign. The school's interior and exterior were decorated, and students wore blue to promote awareness of this disorder that is estimated to impact 1 out of every 150 people. >Top |
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The Richardson H.S. boys soccer team finished the season with an overall record of 13-6-2, including 11-3 in district, sharing the 9-5A league title. Congratulations to the following students earning individual honors:
Overall District 9-5A Defensive MVP: Alexis Lainez
First Team All District: Rafael Flores, Andrew Buckmeier, Jonathan Alvarado
Second Team All District: Jose Perez, Nick Sccaffetti, Eloy Rodriguez; Francisco Santillan
District Newcomer of the Year: Vernon Bailey
They are coached by District 9-5A Coach of the Year Ryan Logan. >Top |
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(pictured) RHS Communications Magnet student Kassidy Testut recently brought home the hardware, winning first place in the TXU Energy Light Up the Red Carpet Student Film Contest. Her film, Looking Out For Texas, received the most votes, earning $7,500 for RHS and a place in the 2011 Dallas International Film Festival. Testut, a senior, has been accepted to The University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. To view her winning film, please click here. Her teacher is Director of RHS Magnet Communications Brent Morton. >Top
The Lady Eagles soccer team finished the 9-5A district season in 5th place with an overall district record of 4-8, with several players earning all district honors. Congratulations to:
First Team All District: Alexis Carson, Mackenzie Chris
Second Team All District: Eden White, Megan Mendenhall
They are coached by Eric Smith. >Top |
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Congratulations to Abby Diamond, Richardson High School, who was honored in Houston recently at the 2011 State VASE conference and award ceremony. Abby received State & Gold Seal Medals. >Top |
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Transition services invites you to be a part of something special |
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 The JJ Pearce Mighty Mustang Band is holding its 3rd Annual Garage Sale on Saturday, April 30th from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Come join the band in the Southwest parking lot of Coit and Melrose at Pearce High School for some great bargains and wonderful deals! Remember – "one man's garbage is another man's gold," so don't miss out!
Shop, donate or sell your own products! We are requesting a donation of $20 to reserve your own space. Go to the following website for all the information you'll need:
www.pearceband.org/Fundraising/garagesale.asp >Top |
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Arapaho Classical Magnet spring fling carnival |
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calling all greenwood hills elementary alumni |
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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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