The Lake Highlands Freshman Center recently observed Earth Day in several ways, but the most visible was the effort to raise awareness through decorative chalk drawings leading to the school. Members of the LHFC Student Council and Eco Club ensured that fellow students, staff and visitors were aware of Earth Day and the importance of recycling and conservation of resources. >Top

PACE, RISD's after school program, is making plans to expand. Beginning next school year, PACE will offer day long enrichment, curriculum and fun-based care for RISD students on most student holidays (called PACE Plus) and over the summer of 2012 (called Summer PACE). The expanded offerings will be fee-based.

The program is currently gathering information related to parent interest in the expanded offerings, and parents are welcome to take a survey to share their thoughts and level of interest.

While PACE is not yet enrolling for the expanded services, it is currently enrolling for 2011-2012 after-school programs at all RISD elementary schools.

Please visit http://paceafterschool.yolasite.com/ to take the survey and obtain enrollment information, or contact the PACE office at 469-593-7536 with questions. >Top

Like many RISD elementary schools, Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet has incorporated enrichment clusters into the curriculum – regular sessions on a wide variety of topics based on student interests. Students are highly engaged in the clusters, which spark critical thinking and often involve project & team-based learning. The clusters afford students real-world, hands-on experiences to serve, perform, or create a product through authentic methods and advanced content.

The effort is reflective of RISD's 2020 Vision, which calls for students to graduate with 21st Century skills to be prepared for success in college, the workforce and as citizens.

HPPM teacher Bonnie Clark's Primary Enrichment Cluster, "You Too Can Be A Gardner," is a popular choice of younger students, who learn about science and agriculture through their made-from-scratch garden. Lettuce, beans, radishes, peppers, and flowers are among the fruits of their labor. >Top

Berkner High School registered nurse Sandra Wheeler has been named the Region 10 School Nurse of the Year for 2010-2011 by the Texas School Nurse Organization. Sandy represents school nurses in the entire Region 10 area and has worked at various schools for the past 22 years in RISD.

Her achievement upholds RISD's ongoing excellence in the area of school nursing, as the 8th RISD nurse to receive the honor in recent years.

Congratulations! >Top

RISD's Transition Services Program recently held an employer appreciation breakfast to recognize and thank the many area businesses and organizations that employ a transition student.

The Transition Program assists students with disabilities by providing training, life skills and employment experience to help prepare them for independent employment and living as valuable, productive members of the community.

Many area employers have discovered that employing a transition student has made their workplace a more rewarding place for all employees.

Transition Services recognizes the following area businesses and organizations for their partnership through employment opportunities:

SMU student athletes Ryan Smith & Chris Banjo were guest speakers for LHFC AVID students last week. They shared their experiences related to time management, study skills, balancing sports and academics, and college life in general. The two football players are pictured with AVID freshmen, Assistant Principal Ramona Powers, Spanish/AVID teacher Shola Ryan, and teacher/SMU alum Katherine Fullam. >Top

Jonathan Amaya, a junior at Berkner H.S., recently visited with sixth grade students at Terrace Elementary, his former school, and shared his story to encourage current students. Amaya, a multiple award-winning artist, explained that he didn't realize his talent until he took his first art class in ninth grade.

Jonathan credits his teachers at Berkner for helping him see the relationship between a well-rounded education and art. He is now planning to use his ability to design automobiles and machines. He encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities and try new things as they prepare to enter junior high. >Top

Prestonwood Elementary first graders have modified an old adage in an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle: "One kid's trash is another kid's treasure."

After collecting (and cleaning) everyday recyclable items, students used them as components to make their own toy animals. Bottles, cartons and caps make perfect pieces for creative kids to construct unique toys that they can't find in a store and are fun to make. The project brings home the lessons of conserving and reusing resources in a tangible way for young students. >Top

Berkner High School
Senior Derek Hammons recently won Texas Citizen's Bee competition in Austin, earning him $1,000. The competition is sponsored by the Texas State Bar Association, and assesses knowledge in six categories: The U.S. Constitution, historical documents, people, Supreme Court decisions, civic values, and current events. In addition to a written test and four rounds of oral competition, the top four at the state level were required to participate in a round-table discussion about the U.S. Government.

Derek, seventh in his graduating class at BHS, finished tied for first. His father is BHS teacher Greg Hammons.

Congratulations! >Top

Lake Highlands High School
Lake Highlands High School recently held an Academic Recognition Reception to honor National Merit Finalists and Commended students and National Hispanic Recognition students.

Back Row: Vince Karnes, Said Navarro, Sarah Pickett, Roman Milan; Middle Row: Alex Ziehm, Alec Duray, Alejandro Martinez, Katie North, Front Row: Emily Dawson, Libby Seeley, Emily Hillman, Sara Tuccio; Not pictured: Hana Ovcina

Congratulations to these outstanding students! >Top

Senior LHHS Peer Helpers recently accompanied special education students from Lake Highlands Elementary to the Jesuit Special Games. Students young and old had a wonderful time at the memorable event. >Top

Pearce High School
Congratulations to seniors Julianne Jackson and Yuji Soda for winning the 4A state tennis championship in mixed doubles recently in Austin! They defeated the regional champion team from Frisco Wakeland in the finals. They are coached by Jim Morrison and Sammi Gunter. >Top

Richardson High School
RHS members of National Art Honor Society, led by junior Emily Cromwell, recently worked with young students at Dobie Primary on a Mother's Day project. RHS artists completed portrait drawings of Pre-K and Kindergarten students and helped them wrap them so the children could present them to their moms for Mother's Day.

This was a National Art Education Association-sponsored project known as the "Memory Project.">Top

RHS debate recently competed at the UIL state championship at UT-Austin. Senior Rahfin Faruk finished as the UIL 5A state silver medalist in Informative Speaking, believed to be the first state debate medal ever for RHS. Faruk is graduating third in his class, and is coached by Jason Jordan. Congratulations! >Top