The Intermediate REACH classes at Skyview, Bowie, and Hamilton Park have been very busy with a project for our troops in Iraq. This project was initiated to honor Peter Burks, a special young soldier from Dallas, who recently lost his life in the war. REACH students took on the challenge to fill a wish list from the men in Pete’s platoon. Each REACH class brought items such as hand sanitizer, baby wipes, deodorant, magazines, and various snack items to fill the list.  The Garcia family from Hamilton Park was responsible for a generous $1,000 donation of supplies from Sam’s Club. Ali and Evan Garcia both attend REACH classes at Hamilton Park, and their mother Colleen secured the donation and took care of the shopping. This donation was able to purchase items such as DVDs and games that would brighten the day of any young soldier.

This amazing project started out as an idea to honor a hero, and to help the many men and women fighting in Iraq. Communication is the theme for the REACH classes this year, with the lesson being to reach out to others. Many efforts have been made by students, parents, and Pete’s friends and family that have been instrumental in making a difference. REACH students across the district joined hands and successfully collected more than 3,000 items for our soldiers. These supplies are being shipped as care packages with other donations given to Pete’s family for the troops.

Many REACH students were surprised to learn that the troops enjoy the same things they do, like popcorn, Oreos, and sudoko puzzles. Many students also wrote letters to troops, to be included in their care packages. Two themes communicated by the students throughout the course of the project were how good it felt to give, and how it made them appreciate their home and family. >Top

Recently, Thurgood Marshall Elementary hosted the Lion's Club Sight and Tissue Foundation mobile testing unit. Forty-six students were seen from fourteen different RISD schools. All received free eye exams from volunteer optometrists; forty-four will be receiving free glasses, and two were referred to specialists. Eligible students were those who failed a vision exam given at the home school, are not covered under any type of insurance, and have family incomes at least two times below the federal poverty limit.

This service was provided by Lion's Club Sight and Tissue Foundation of District 2-X1. It was arranged by Thurgood Marshall's school nurses, Rebecca Geise and Alicia Whitehead, with help from various school nurses who referred students from other schools in RISD. The mobile unit set up in the school's front driveway, while parents and students waited inside the school's lobby for their pre-arranged appointment. This invaluable service went smoothly and quickly, with many happy children who will be enabled to truly focus on learning! >Top

LHFC is really in the Holiday spirit! During their “Wildcat Den” (Advisory Period), they had a holiday door decorating contest.

Principals and Counselors did the judging, and selected a first, second, and third place winner and three Honorable Mentions.

The first through third place winners won a pizza and cold drink party. The the three Honorable Mention winners won doughnuts and hot chocolate. >Top

When Big Springs Elementary science teacher Melissa Smith encouraged her fourth-graders to enter an energy conservation art contest (Switch It!) sponsored by California-based Commerce Energy, she didn't imagine the assignment would yield the grand prize winner and a runner-up. Yet, that's exactly what happened.

Fourth-grader Kate Kiely and her classmates were surprised by former Dallas Cowboys star Chad Hennings last week with the news that her artwork was judged best in the competition, and will be appearing on several billboards across the metroplex in 2008. In addition, she received a check for $1,000.

Finishing as a runner-up in the same competition was Big Springs fourth-grader Heather Lo.

"We're so proud, not just of Kate and Heather, but of all the students who entered," said Big Springs Principal Denise May. "This contest is just one of the initiatives our campus has embraced this year to 'Go Green,' and learn how to take better care of our environment."

For more information on the Switch It program, please click here. >Top

In their first attempt at Regional Competition for the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE), Pearce High School students won two out of the three contests last month.

Congratulations to seniors Colleen Gavin, Nicole Leftwich and Jeanne Jacobs for designing and assembling a first place Bulletin Board.

Congratulations also goes out to senior Ellie Janco for delivering a first place speech. Ellie will move on to the state competition in pursuit of a $1200 scholarship.

Not only are these students earning accolades through TAFE, but as part of the district's Elementary Teaching Internship, they will receive an open contract to teach in RISD upon successful completion of college. We look forward to seeing their talent as teachers in the future! >Top

L.V. Berkner High School recently invited the community to a gala reception to inaugurate the Berkner Excellence in Education Fund (B.E.E.F.) and to unveil the new Berkner Brick Spirit Wall. Richardson ISD administrators, parents, and community supporters gathered to enjoy student performances and donate generously to support continued academic excellence at Berkner High School.

Berkner student Lydia Villarreal welcomed guests with a solo harp performance that gave evidence to Berkner’s claim that it “makes excellence the standard, not just a goal.” Berkner’s new Junior ROTC, under the direction of Sergeant Major James Fulks, kicked off the evening’s program with a presentation of colors. Student Chris Barton performed flawlessly as the master of ceremonies for the event.

Both the JV Women’s Choir, directed by Mark Unkenholz, and the top state-ranked Symphony Orchestra, directed by Craig Needham, provided musical performances that reminded audience members that Berkner has strived for excellence in fine arts as well as academics.

The new Berkner Brick Spirit Wall is located in the lobby of the school auditorium. It is currently made up of bricks purchased by current and former Berkner students. Top donors to the Berkner Excellence in Education Fund will receive complimentary bricks to add to the wall.

Speakers focused on different aspects of excellence. PTA president Ginger Tonne reminded guests of the link between volunteerism and achievement, and the importance of parent involvement in academic success. Berkner’s active parent and community volunteers enable the school to get the greatest benefit possible from funds donated to the Excellence in Education Fund.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Elizabeth Hart, President and CEO of the RISD Tomorrow Fund. A proud graduate of public education herself, Ms. Hart spoke of the importance of being an advocate for public schools, and the value of teachers as mentors for students. Ms. Hart stated, “I believe that my own success is a direct result of teachers taking an interest in my potential and challenging me to achieve more academically.” According to Ms. Hart, “investment in the school, its academic programs and its faculty, reaps incredible benefits to sons and daughters.”

Principal Ron Griffen finished the evening with remarks on the purpose of excellence. Having fun with the acronym for the new fund, he reminded guests about the old Wendy’s commercial featuring the woman asking, “Where’s the beef?” Principal Griffen asked audience members to think of their donations to B.E.E.F. as the “meat” to support academic excellence at Berkner. According to Principal Griffen, donations to B.E.E.F. will allow Berkner to do more, dream bigger, and become even better.

More information is available at www.BerknerFund.org or 469-593-7002. >Top

Billboard, courtesy of the HEB Corporation, on Central Expressway celebrates RISD success! >Top

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