This week, the TI Foundation announced a $3 million grant to proven programs to address both the quality and quantity of math and science teachers. With a critical shortage of qualified math and science teachers existing in the U.S. and Texas, the TI Foundation Grant will help train and recruit teachers into the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Ten area middle and junior high schools are sharing in part of the grant to provide specific training in these critical subject areas. Three RISD schools, Lake Highlands Junior High, Liberty Junior High and Westwood Junior High are participating in ongoing training and mentoring conducted through the Laying the Foundation (LTF) organization. LTF is an established program that has trained more than 18,800 teachers in the state since 2003, including more than 3,000 in 694 Texas schools in the last school year.

“Research shows that teacher effectiveness is absolutely critical for student success,” said Peter O’Donnell, Jr., chairman of Laying the Foundation. “This grant allows us to provide Dallas, Garland and Richardson ISD teachers with training, teacher-to-teacher mentoring and student assessment tools to increase rigor in their classrooms and raise expectations for student achievement.” >Top

Pursuant to Texas Statute, Celebrate Freedom Week will be observed in all schools during the week of September 17. The intent of the law is to “Educate students about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding of this country and the values on which this country was founded.” Celebrate Freedom Week will occur during the week of September 17, which is recognized nationally as Constitution Day.

Richardson Independent School District social studies teachers in grades 3-11 will conduct lessons commemorating the Declaration of Independence and the beliefs therein. >Top

		Bukhair Elementary held a pep rally that celebrated the first week of school. CBE's theme for this year is "Gearing Up for Greatness." Among those who attended were the J.J. Pearce Varsity Cheerleaders and RISD School Board President, Kim Quirk. >Top

Richardson Independent School District is preparing for its annual College Fair to be held at the University of Texas at Dallas, College Campus, on Thursday, September, 24th 2009. Visits with college representatives will occur from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Colleges and universities from around the country send representatives to meet with Richardson parents and students. Opportunities are available for all to explore college pathways based on individual needs and interests.

Doors open at 6:30 at the UTD Activities Center for visiting with college representatives. Bus service will also be provided throughout the evening. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend this great community event sponsored by Richardson ISD, University of Texas at Dallas, and the RISD Council of PTAs.

Hope to see you there!

Click here to download information about the Speaker Sessions.

Click here to download information about the Informational Sessions. >Top

Effective September 1

House Bill 339 - Prohibits teens under 18 from texting or talking on a cell phone while driving.

House Bill 339 – Driver’s license holders under the age of 18 are restricted from operating a motor vehicle between midnight and 5 a.m. or with more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member for twelve (12) months following the issuance of a license. The statute was amended to extend this restriction from six (6) months to twelve (12) months following issuance.

House Bill 537 - Requires that everyone in the car, regardless of age and regardless of where they are sitting, needs to wear a seatbelt.

House Bill 61 - Requires that all children younger than 8 years and less than four feet nine inches tall be in a child safety seat system.

Click here to download a summary of other bills passed that affect driving.

		RISD had seven junior high choir students named members of the Texas Choral Directors Association Middle School/Junior High Honor Choir last week in San Antonio. Over 1,000 students auditioned for the two-hundred member choir. Congratulations to: Casey Cunningham Rebecca Salazar Michael Weaver II James Reed Hatley Christopher Connor Robertson Nick Jones Collin Cummings >Top

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Football, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Berkner High School vs. Desoto High School, 7:30 p.m. at Wildcat/Ram Stadium
Richardson High School vs. Denton High School, 7:30 p.m. at Collins Stadium

Tennis, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Lake Highlands High School vs. Rockwall High School, 4:00 p.m. at Rockwall High School

Volleyball, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Lake Highlands High School vs. Skyline High School, 6:30 p.m. at Lake Highlands High School
Pearce High School vs. Greenville High School, 6:30 p.m. at Greenville High School
Richardson High School vs. Sunset High School, 6:30 p.m. at Richardson High School
Berkner High School vs. Molina High School, 5:30 p.m. at Molina High School >Top