Three RISD art students from Berkner High School recently received a superior rating (IV) and were awarded the State Visual Scholastic Event Gold State Medallion. Their artwork was exhibited in a variety of venues across the state, culminating with the Gold Seal Exhibition at the annual TAEA Fall Conference in Austin. Presently, the Gold Seal winner’s artwork are on display throughout the month of November at the RISD Administration Building in Richardson.

Gold Seal Winners include:
Nancy Sierra-Ibarra
Art Teacher: Patty McAlister

Jonathan Amaya
Art Teacher: Hope Lattauzio

Adolfo Hernandez
Art Teacher: Hope Lattauzio >Top

Members of two RISD Country & Western Dance groups will be part of the opening number in Thursday's 84th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Students from the Berkner H. S. Ramblers and Richardson H.S. Desperados will be part of the Spirit of America dance production that will open the parade with a Country-Western theme.

Congratulations to both groups for being selected to participate!

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will air this Thursday, November 25 at 9 a.m. on NBC Channel 5. >Top

The RISD Excellence in Education Foundation's Inaugural Spirit Run was held last week, with more than 250 runners participating.

Student groups from all four RISD high schools were also on hand to encourage runners and demonstrate along the course why their school was the most spirited.

At the conclusion of their race, runners were able to vote on which school was the most spirited. When the dust settled, Berkner High School earned the most votes, and was awarded the Travelling Spirit Trophy for 2010.

Congratulations to all who participated in support of RISD students and staff. >Top

Many Pearce volleyball players only knew Pat McChesney as the sweet lady who attended all of their volleyball games – for over 30 years. That, in itself, was reason enough to build and dedicate a new sand volleyball court in Mrs. Mac's memory after she recently passed away in the spring.

Sophie Orlich, a Pearce senior volleyball player and student council vice president, said, "Mrs. Mac had been such a strong, steady supporter of JJ Pearce and the Mustang volleyball program; we thought it was a good time to honor her."

Few knew that McChesney, who taught at Northwood Hills and whose children attended Pearce in the 1970's, is referred to nationally as a volleyball pioneer. She is credited for starting numerous state clinics, workshops and tournaments and was, herself, a volleyball star. In 2000, she was recognized by - USA Volleyball with the Frier Award, recognizing her long time contribution to the game. She also served on the USA Volleyball board of directors for a number of years and chaired the Olympic, National and All-American selection committees.

Forest Meadow Junior High Gives Back to RISD Partner
Forest Meadow Junior High recently donated 1,075 pounds of food to one of RISD’s most valued partner’s, the Network of Community Ministries. This is FMJH’s ninth year to participate in the food drive through “Gobble Goods,” which has donated more than 4,000 pounds to the food pantry over the past three years alone.

Congratulations to FMJH for their generous donation and many thanks to the Network of Community Ministries for continuing to serve RISD families in need! >Top

Buddha’s Light International Association Donates to RISD Partners Program
Buddha’s Light International Association recently donated $2,200 to the RISD Partners Program to provide much needed school supplies and classroom resources to students in need.  This is their fourth year to donate to the Partners Program, donating more than $6,000 in school supplies and funds over the past four years.

RISD is extremely grateful Buddha's Light's continued generosity in meeting the needs of students across the district. >Top

RISD Helps Blue Cross Blue Shield Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
RISD student artwork was recently displayed to rave reviews at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas’ annual Hispanic Heritage festivities, attended by more than 300 Blue Cross Blue Shield employees. 

Many thanks to RISD Visual Art Director Myron Stennett, Art Teacher Susan Mims from White Rock Elementary, Art Teacher Sarah Norman from Moss Haven Elementary, Art Teacher Maren Farmer from Audelia Creek Elementary, and Art Teacher Hope Lattauzio from Berkner High School for coordinating this special treat for BCBS of Texas! >Top

Eirene Christian Fellowship Helps Spruce Up Dover Elementary and Dobie Primary
Dover Elementary and Dobie Primary staff and students were all smiles after receiving help with sprucing up areas in their schools.  More than 30 members from the Eirene Christian Fellowship Church assisted with building and painting new shelves to cleaning up garden areas.  Dover's Principal Brona Hudson said “The gardens are perfect. I cannot begin to do enough to thank all of the kind, hardworking people who showed up to help.”

Many thanks to the Eirene Christian Fellowship Church for their continued support of RISD schools!>Top

Northwood Hills Elementary School hosted its First Annual Straw Bridge Competition this month. Multiple teams of 2-3 students, from kindergarten-6th grade, built a bridge out of no more than 20 straws, 5 feet of clear tape and scissors, Parents and architectural students from Westwood Junior High School served as team helpers. The goal was to build a bridge that could span 14", then position a paper cup on the center of the bridge and fill the cup up with pennies until the bridge collapses. The bridge still standing with the most pennies won recognition as the best design.

Principal Mackie Kazdoy started the competition with her bridge that held 184 pennies. Teams that beat her included a Kindergarten team bridge holding 290 pennies, a sixth grade team bridge holding 242 and a Westwood Junior High team bridge holding 720 pennies.

RISD Academy's Flying Stars Running Club began in September, and has grown to more than 100 students, parents and staff members meeting once a week.

Club members run, jog, and/or power walk to promote healthy living and cardiovascular fitness. Physical Education teacher Marlise Mathews said, "The goal of our running club is to encourage our students and families to be a healthier, more fit school/community and to develop a life-time love for running and fitness. Running can be enjoyed at any age.

The only equipment required is a good pair of running shoes!" >Top

Recently, Mark Twain Elementary had their annual Dental Day that includes a free dental screening by dentists from Baylor College of Dentistry and free fluoride varnish by registered hygienists from Dallas Dental Hygiene Society.

This year, 331 students participated in this free program that is offered every October and every February.

Thanks to Baylor and DDHS for promoting healthy teeth and gums! >Top