The Japanese greeting of "Konnichiwa" was heard dozens of times this week as a delegation of Japanese educators visited a number of RISD facilities. The group consisted of teachers, principals and administrators from across Japan, and visited five RISD campuses to experience firsthand American education, RISD-style.

The delegation came away extremely impressed with RISD's students, staff and facilities. Students were curious, respectful and interested as the delegation visited Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet, Pearce High School, West Junior High, Richardson High School and MST Magnet.

There was an Earring Purse, a Golf Caddy Belt, a Mess Free Pet Washer, a Pancake Cutter, Super Environment Saver and a Lizard Catcher – all new inventions by RISD students from kindergarten through high school.

The 21st Annual Richardson Independent School District Invention Convention was held last Saturday at Berkner High School. This year, more than 1,600 student inventors from 27 schools throughout the district participated in this inventive-thinking process. Winning entries from each school were on display at Berkner – 109 entries from students from kindergarten through the 12th grade.

Greystone Metro Financial is a new major sponsor of this competition. Support and special awards were also provided by The Container Store, Baker Botts, the Richardson Environmental Action League, and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. Several judges also volunteered their time from firms such as Nortel, American Airlines, and Sun Microsystems, among many others. There were also several McDermott Scholars from UTD, and RISD employees and alumni who offered their support.

The district Invention Convention recognizes the outstanding inventors from each school and provides them with the opportunity to present their inventions to each other and the public. Inventions were judged by the following criteria: uniqueness, usefulness, research, construction and design, salesmanship, and the effectiveness of the display. You can view here the list of the students and the inventions that received special awards.

Shown right top Forest Meadow 8th graders Josh Williams and Domonique Brown show off their invention "Pancake Cutter." Below, MST 6th graders Drew Johnson-Scott, left, and Nicoli Mortola, right, hold their invention "VSS." >Top

The Berkner and Lake Highlands football teams both won their opening round 5-A UIL playoff games last week, as LHHS defeated W.T. White, 55-28, and BHS blanked Dallas Skyline, 38-0.

"These two school communities are very excited, and rightfully so," says RISD Board member Lanet Greenhaw. "Far beyond the football team, so many students, parents, staff and volunteers collaborate for a successful season. From our bands and cheerleaders to our stadium personnel and training staff, high school football in RISD is truly a team and community effort."

If you haven't looked at the district Web site lately, you are in for a treat. In addition to headline stories, the calendar and great pictures of activities across the area, the new homepage displays banner photos of RISD students from schools across the district. At least once during each school year, each school will select a few students to represent them in their "banner photo." Each month, the home page is refreshed with four or five different school banner shots that pop up randomly as the district site is opened. The site will change again on December 1, but all banner shots from this year are archived for your viewing pleasure. RISD has so many great looking kids! Take a few minutes to see all the great things happening across the district. >Top