RISD Superintendent Dr. Kay Waggoner announced today that she has named Peggy Dillon as the new principal of Lake Highlands High School. Ms. Dillon comes to LHHS from RISD’s Westwood Junior High, where she has been principal since 2006. She was named by Dr. Waggoner after an interview and selection process that included staff, parent and community input.

“Lake Highlands High School is a premier high school in Texas, and I’m pleased our search attracted a number of outstanding candidates,” said Dr. Waggoner. “I am very confident that Ms. Dillon is the right choice to lead Lake Highlands High School, and am certain that staff, parents and especially students will enjoy working with her to build upon the success and momentum already in place. We appreciate the parents, community members and staff who provided input as we worked through the selection process. I invite the Lake Highlands community to join me in congratulating Ms. Dillon and welcoming her to Lake Highlands High School.”

Ms. Dillon has 13 years of experience in education, all with RISD. Prior to her service at Westwood Junior High, she was an assistant principal at Pearce High School after beginning her career in RISD as a teacher at Lake Highlands Junior High.

She possesses a bachelor’s degree from UT Dallas and earned her master’s degree in Education Administration from Texas A & M University-Commerce.

She will assume her new duties July 14.

Pam Aitken has been named as the new principal of Prestonwood Elementary, effective July 14.

Ms. Aitken comes to PWE after serving as principal of Forest Lane Academy since 2008. Her previous service in RISD has included assignments as a teacher at Spring Valley Elementary and as assistant principal at Wallace Elementary, O. Henry Elementary and Forest Lane Academy.

All of Ms. Aitken’s 16 years in education have been in RISD.

Von Ensley has been named the new principal of Forest Lane Academy, effective July 14.

Ms. Ensley has been with RISD for 8 years, most recently as assistant principal at Stults Road Elementary. She has a master’s degree from the University of Texas – Arlington and a bachelor’s degree from Southern University.

She began her tenure in RISD as a teacher at Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet, and has also served as a teacher and administrative intern at Stults Road.

Overall, Ms. Ensley has worked in public education for 13 years.

Monica Simonds has been named RISD’s new Director of REACH/Gifted & Talented Programs.

Ms. Simonds has 20 years of experience in education, including the last 11 with RISD. Most recently, she has served RISD in several capacities, including district UIL Academic Coordinator, Gifted & Talented Certification Trainer, Advanced Placement Coordinator at Richardson High School and teacher at RHS.

She earned a master’s degree in Education of the Gifted from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and also has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.

She will begin her new duties July 14.

The Berkner High School Ramblers have been invited to perform at the at the prestigious Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade this November. The award-winning country & western dance team has several opportunities for supporters to help them raise the funds necessary to make the trip, including:

• CARWASH
  Saturday, June 26th
  9am – 1 pm
  Dickies Bar B Que located at 1150 N Plano Road in Richardson.
  Donations accepted.
  
  
• GARAGE SALE
  Saturday, July 17th
  8am - noon
  Berkner Auditorium Parking Lot
  1600 E. Spring Valley Road, Richardson, TX 75081
  Monetary donations or items to sell are accepted the day of the garage sale.
  Questions? Please contact Natalie Smith at 469-450–3664 or Natalie.Smith@risd.org.
  
  
• Support the Berkner Ramblers every Friday until August 20th at Chick-Fil-A located at 603 S. Plano Rd. in Richardson. When you order please say “Support the Berkner Ramblers” and 15% of your purchase will be donated to this dynamic country western dance team.