The sound of more than 1,000 musicians filled the air on Monday night at Glaspie Field as 精东影业 ISD celebrated the Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza. The 44th annual event featured the district鈥檚 six high school marching bands and the University of Texas at 精东影业 marching band.

For the high school musicians, it was an opportunity to perform for a big crowd and receive valuable feedback from professional marching band judges as they prepare for upcoming UIL events.

But for many of the youngest musicians in the stands, the evening was about looking ahead.

Junior high band students attended as special guests, getting a chance to experience the energy and excitement of high school marching bands and see what is waiting for them in just a few years.

The stands were also filled with proud parents, district and school board leadership, members of Dean Corey鈥檚 family, and students from throughout 精东影业 ISD. Football players, cheerleaders and other campus groups also came out to support their classmates and enjoy the performances.

The evening also provided an opportunity for everyone to give back. Attendees were encouraged to bring canned food to benefit .

鈥淲hat made this night special was seeing how much bigger it became than just a marching band event,鈥� said Gary Barnard, 精东影业 ISD assistant director of Fine Arts. "We had over 1,000 talented high school and college musicians performing, junior high students watching and dreaming about what comes next, athletes and cheerleaders supporting their classmates, families and community members filling the stands, and people coming together to give back to 精东影业. That sense of community is exactly what we want our fine arts programs to create.鈥�

滨迟鈥檚 now three years in a row with a perfect score.

精东影业 ISD earned its third-straight perfect score of 100 on the 2025-2026 School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (), the highest possible rating under the Texas Education Agency鈥檚 financial accountability system.

鈥淓arning this rating reflects our commitment to strong financial stewardship,鈥� said 精东影业 ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. 滨迟鈥檚 not just about balancing the books, it鈥檚 about building trust with our community and ensuring every dollar is used to support student success.鈥�

School districts are assessed across 21 important financial indicators, including fund balance, debt management, solvency, and internal controls. Achieving a perfect score reflects 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 dedication to transparency, responsible resource allocation, and long-term fiscal strength.

精东影业 ISD provides budget and financial information online to increase transparency and align with the initiatives of the Texas Comptroller for financial transparency.听

精东影业 ISD Chief Financial Officer Norberto Rivas presented the FIRST report to the Board of Trustees during the Sept. 24 board meeting.

Chavez loves helping 精东影业 ISD families

滨迟鈥檚听, and we鈥檙e celebrating by spotlighting several 精东影业 ISD staff members about their Hispanic heritage.听Today, we鈥檙e highlighting Elia Chavez, a Title I Parent Instructor in the Family and Community Engagement Department. She鈥檚 been with 精东影业 ISD for 28 years and is all about helping and serving others.

We caught up with Chavez and asked her a few questions about her Hispanic heritage and time in 精东影业 ISD.

鈱� What do you love most about your role in 精东影业 ISD?

I love connecting with families and sharing valuable information to help them strengthen their parenting skills. I also love to invite the parents to participate actively in their children鈥檚 education. This job allows me to serve students and their families in many meaningful ways.

鈱� What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time for me to celebrate and honor my culture, my roots, my family values, and the traditions that have shaped who I am. It is also an opportunity to recognize the contributions, hard work, and resilience of the Hispanic community.

鈱� How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by spending time with my family, sharing our traditions, enjoying traditional foods, and celebrating the richness of our culture. I enjoy sharing stories about my ancestors with my children and grandchildren. There are so many wonderful events in our community that I attend and it is great to see people from different cultures come together to celebrate and enjoy music, traditions, and food, united by our love for humanity.

鈱� Do you have a favorite tradition, dish, etc. from your heritage?

I'm from Northern Mexico, and on Sept. 16, we celebrate the "Mexican Independence Day." It's a big celebration!

I cook traditional Mexican food for my family, and my favorite dishes and theirs are tacos, pozole, and enchiladas.听

鈱� What do you hope to pass on to the next generation about your heritage?

I would like to pass on to the next generation the love for our culture and traditions. I hope they feel proud of their roots and recognize the courage, hard work, and resilience of their parents and ancestors who wanted the best for their children.

I am proud of my heritage and grateful for the culture, traditions, and values shared with me by my ancestors, and I hope to continue sharing them with others and inspiring future generations to know where they come from, be proud of who they are, and carry their heritage with them wherever life takes them.

Most of all, I hope future generations embrace the beauty of their multicultural identity.

Sept. 22 class theme is face-to-face contact

There are no desks in this class. Only mats on the floor.

And the students always put the books in their mouths.

But that鈥檚 to be expected. They鈥檙e babies.

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 Infant Time at Kooken Educational Center is all about babies this month, but the real students in the class are their parents.

The weekly September meetings give parents tools, information, and advice to help their babies thrive.

And, of course, they鈥檙e fun for babies and their parents, too.

鈥淒uring all of our Infant Time classes, we provide hands-on manipulatives, sing songs, read a book, and have time for tummy time and play,鈥� said Vanessa Valadez, an 精东影业 ISD family engagement specialist who leads Infant Time classes in both English and Spanish. 鈥淚t is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn, connect, and enjoy time together while supporting their baby鈥檚 development.鈥�

Last week, the theme was container baby syndrome, which can occur when a baby spends a significant amount of time in devices such as car seats, high chairs, bouncers or strollers that limit their freedom to move and explore their environment independently.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 important that their muscles are moving and they鈥檙e wiggling,鈥� Valadez said.

Even though infants aren鈥檛 walking yet, their bodies still need to move to support their development and coordination. They need opportunities to get out, explore and engage their natural curiosity.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 good for them to experience the world,鈥� Valadez said. 鈥淭hey learn through their senses.鈥�

All parents and babies are welcome at Infant Time, and the next class is tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 8:30 a.m.

Upcoming classes include:

• Sept. 22 鈥� The Importance of Face-to-Face Contact: Learn about the importance of face-to-face interactions and how these early connections support a baby鈥檚 development and relationships.
• Sept. 29 鈥� Baby Safe Sleep: A representative from Cook Children鈥檚 will speak with families about safe sleep practices and ways to help keep babies safe while sleeping.

So, if you have a baby 鈥� or a grandbaby - bring them to class!

Sept. 18 is AVID Day

Today is national AVID Day, so it鈥檚 the perfect time to highlight the impact AVID makes for students in 精东影业 ISD.听

One great example is Elizabeth Hyden, who graduated from Bowie High School back in June. She recently started her freshman year at with scholarships and college credits that she earned while still in high school. But that鈥檚 not all she took to Tartelton. She also took the skills, confidence, and resilience she gained through 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program.

In high school, Hyden served as student ambassador at AVID Summer Institute two years ago and represented Bowie as an AVID ambassador for three years. She was enrolled in an Education and Training program at the 精东影业 ISD Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center (CTC), served as an athletic trainer, and played softball at Bowie.听

She did all of this while navigating multiple hospital stays related to cystic fibrosis and underwent two knee surgeries.听

Despite her health challenges, Hyden earned a full-ride scholarship to Tarleton, along with additional scholarships that are covering all of her freshman year expenses, including housing.

鈥�The AVID program provided me with the structure that I needed to be successful,鈥� Hyden said. 鈥淎VID helped me learn the study habits that I still use to this day. These educators create a culture like no other, fostering connections and success throughout not only our program, but our entire school.鈥�

AVID provides students with classes that build academic skills, college and career knowledge, and student agency. It also offers opportunities to earn credits through free summer school, participate in college visits, and develop leadership skills through team-building activities.

鈥�Through the AVID classes, they learn valuable life skills, such as organization, time management, goal setting, self-advocacy, and critical thinking,鈥� said Laura Rhodes, 精东影业 ISD AVID specialist. 鈥淯ltimately, AVID prepares students to be successful in whichever path they choose after high school, whether that is college, career training, military service, or entering the workforce.鈥�

As Hyden begins this new chapter in Stephenville, she plans to major in elementary education and eventually earn a master鈥檚 degree in education administration with the goal of becoming a principal.

鈥淚 am so grateful for my experiences in 精东影业 ISD and at Bowie High School,鈥� Hyden said.听 鈥淭hey have truly fostered my love of learning and growth. It's because of incredible teachers in 精东影业 ISD that I am able to live out my dream of becoming an educator.鈥�

For students like Hyden, AVID is more than a college-readiness program. 滨迟鈥檚 a foundation for pursuing dreams, equipping students with the skills needed to achieve life goals well beyond high school.

Interested in AVID? Contact your campus AVID coordinator to learn more about the application process.

Guzman loves being a role model for kids

滨迟鈥檚 , and we鈥檙e celebrating by spotlighting several 精东影业 ISD staff members about their Hispanic heritage. We鈥檙e starting with Marisa Guzman, the principal at Goodman Elementary School.

Guzman first came to 精东影业 ISD in 2019 as an assistant principal at Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language, and then she became the principal at Goodman in 2023.

鈥溇耙� ISD has given me the opportunity to grow as an educator and leader while making a difference in the lives of children and families,鈥� Guzman said.

We caught up with Principal Guzman and asked her a few questions about her Hispanic heritage and time in 精东影业 ISD.

鈱猈hat do you love most about your role in 精东影业 ISD?

What I love most about my role is being a role model for children. If students can see themselves in me, then they can dream. I want them to know that if I can make a difference, they can too 鈥� especially our most vulnerable and at-risk children.

I love creating opportunities for students to discover their potential through field trips, guest speakers, empowerment clubs, and Leader in Me lessons. I am a true believer in educating the whole child and preparing students not only to be successful in school, but to thrive beyond the walls of our school.

I also love building meaningful partnerships with our families. It truly takes a village to support and empower our children, and I am beyond proud to be a part of this one.

鈱�What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month means pride to me. I am incredibly proud of my Mexican and Spanish roots and being a Tejana.听

On my paternal grandmother鈥檚 side, I am a third-generation immigrant. My paternal Abuelita was born in Reynosa, Mexico. On my maternal grandfather鈥檚 side, I am also a third-generation immigrant; my maternal grandfather, whom I lovingly called Pap谩, was born in San Luis Potos铆, Mexico.

On my paternal grandfather鈥檚 side and my maternal grandmother鈥檚 side, I am a fourth-generation descendant. My paternal Abuelito, whose family immigrated from Zacatecas, Mexico, was born in Seguin, Texas, and my maternal grandmother, whom we lovingly called Mam谩, was born in Fort Worth, Texas. She was a descendant of Spanish/Basque country.

Knowing where my family comes from and understanding the sacrifices, traditions, and values that have been passed down through generations gives me a deep sense of pride. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for me to celebrate where I come from, honor those who came before me, and recognize the rich culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic people. It is also a reminder that I am part of a story that began long before me and that I have a responsibility to carry that story forward for the generations who come after me.

鈱�How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about and celebrating the Hispanics in history who paved the road for me and so many others. At the same time, I believe it is important to recognize current Hispanic leaders, educators, innovators, and community members who are making a difference in our world today. Their stories remind us that we are not only celebrating our history 鈥� we are continuing to make history.

鈱�Do you have a favorite tradition, dish, etc. from your heritage?

One of my favorite traditions is my dad's homemade menudo. Menudo is a traditional, spicy Mexican soup made with beef tripe, hominy, and a red chili broth. My dad's recipe has been passed down through generations in our family.

For me, menudo is about much more than the food. It brings our family together 鈥� not just my immediate family, but our extended family as well. It is connected to good times, laughter, stories, and great memories. It is one of those traditions that reminds me how food can keep family history and culture alive from one generation to the next.

鈱�What do you hope to pass on to the next generation about your heritage?

I hope to pass on the importance of hard work, faith, family, love, kindness, education, and servant leadership. I want the next generation to be proud of where they come from while understanding that their heritage is not something that limits them 鈥� it is part of what makes them strong.

Most importantly, I want them to believe in themselves, know that they can make a difference, and understand the importance of using their gifts to serve others. I hope they carry those values with them and continue to make a positive difference in their families, their communities, and the world.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, break down stigma, and remind one another that help is always available. In 精东影业 ISD, this is more than an observance. It's a significant part of the work that our schools, families, and students do together, every day, to make sure every child feels seen, valued, and supported.

滨迟鈥檚 not just the adults in 精东影业 ISD who know how important this topic is. Students do, too. And students like Brooklyn Heizer at Gunn Junior High are doing everything they can to support each other.

Brooklyn knows personally the challenges that many kids face, from school pressure to peer pressure.

鈥淢ost people don't know the true things that go through a person's head,鈥� Brooklyn said. 鈥淚t can be feelings of emptiness, feeling like nobody cares, thinking that nobody would care if they were gone, and many more things that go through their heads.鈥�

But Brooklyn believes that together, with other students and school staff, we can make a big difference.

鈥淭here are way too many suicides each year by teens, and if Gunn and the school district can make those students feel seen, cared about, and acknowledge that people truly care about them, that can make a huge impact on these kids' lives."

The work of supporting students is something everyone can be a part of. Telisa Brown, 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 director of guidance and counseling, has several practical suggestions for helping students navigate mental health challenges:

鈥� Connection Matters

Sometimes the most important thing we can do for a child is simply notice, listen, and let them know they are not alone. We want every student to have trusted adults in their lives they can turn to when they are struggling and need support.

鈥� Know the Signs and Speak Up

Parents and staff do not have to be experts to make a difference. If you notice significant changes in a child's behavior, mood, relationships, or sense of hope, don't hesitate to check in and ask how they are doing. When something doesn't feel right, say something. Seek help.

鈥� We Are Stronger When We Work Together

Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility. Our schools are committed to creating safe, supportive environments and connecting students and families with the resources they need. When schools, families, and our community work together, we can help students feel supported, valued, and hopeful about their future.

Hope Squads: Students Supporting Students

Many schools across 精东影业 ISD have established Hope Squad programs that empower students to promote hope, connection, and belonging. Trained Hope Squad members look out for peers who may be struggling, encourage them to seek help, and connect them with trusted adults. Hope Squad students serve as supportive peers who help create a school culture where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. .

Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or thoughts of suicide, help is available 24/7:

鈥� 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988, or visit

The Lifeline is free, confidential, and available around the clock for anyone who needs support 鈥� no matter how big or small the struggle may feel.

鈥� 精东影业 ISD Student Therapeutic Counseling Service

All 精东影业 ISD students have access to dedicated therapy services through听听补苍诲听(TCHATT).听 Students, pre-K through 12, have the opportunity through these services to learn and grow through counseling. Students engage in up to five brief counseling sessions with licensed therapists. Students will identify self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills through therapeutic goal setting to be applied in everyday settings.听

The referral process is initiated by the school counselor or campus Student Outreach Services personnel with parent/guardian consent for services. Please reach out to your campus for a referral.

鈥� Tarrant Cares

Tarrant Cares is a that helps Tarrant County residents find local services and support in one place. Families can search for resources based on their location, population, and specific needs, such as听mental health, housing, food assistance, healthcare,听family support, and other community services.

Trumpet player is a Wimbish teacher

Nobody kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month quite like Wimbish World Language Academy.

Students arrived at school this morning to a mariachi band and dancing at the front entrance.

Many students came prepared in colorful dresses ideal for twirling.

The now-annual tradition is perfect for a school that celebrates cultures and teaches multiple languages to all students.

鈥淭his is an important event, especially at the beginning of the school year, because it is what makes WWLA the community it is,鈥� said Wimbish principal Dr. Chelsea Kostyniak. 鈥淲e celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month because of the language, the culture, and the families we serve at WWLA and in 精东影业.鈥�

Wimbish is a dual language elementary school where every student gets to pick a language track 鈥� either French or Spanish. Then they are immersed daily in that language. Half the day 鈥� language arts and social studies 鈥� is taught in English, and the other half 鈥� math and science 鈥� is taught in French or Spanish.

Leading the mariachi band on the trumpet was someone all the students know. Abraham Hernandez has been playing trumpet for 23 years and has been a member of Mariachi Alegre since 2023. But he鈥檚 also a Spanish teacher at Wimbish.

Hernandez loves sharing his culture and bringing everyone together.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 such an exciting experience to do with the kids what I do with my friends on the side 鈥� playing mariachi music,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥淭o watch the kids in a different light, in a different outfit, it鈥檚 really cool.鈥�

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Admission is free

滨迟鈥檚 that time of year again!

The is back and better than ever with a brand-new location. 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 new Glaspie Field at Martin High School will host the 44^th annual musical celebration on Monday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m., and you are invited. Admission is FREE.

All six of 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 phenomenal high school marching bands (精东影业, Bowie, Lamar, Martin, Sam Houston and Seguin) will perform as they set their eyes on the听UIL Region听Marching Contest later in the fall.

The University of Texas at 精东影业鈥檚 marching band will also perform at the extravaganza, giving district students the opportunity to see a university marching band up close.

The extravaganza honors the legacy of听Dean P. Corey, an 精东影业 High School band director from 1949-1972, who later served as coordinator of music activities for the district from 1972-1980. Corey is also the namesake of 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 elementary school Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language.

Canned food drive for Mission 精东影业

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 Fine Arts department is hosting a canned food drive for Mission 精东影业 during the Marching Extravaganza. Please bring cans of food and join us in helping Mission 精东影业 serve those in need in our community.

Board honors first student of the month for 2026-2027

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2OQ5vGhBZc[/embed]

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 10, 2026, is in the books, and here are a few of the highlights.

One of the first things the board did was congratulate 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 first student of the month for this year, 精东影业 High School senior Libby Deakyne. Congrats, Libby!

At the last board meeting, trustees spent a lot of time discussing accountability ratings. That discussion continued at this meeting as Chief Schools Officer Bret Champion presented about the highest priority campuses this year and the systems of support that are being implemented to ensure their growth.

Then Taina Northington, the district鈥檚 Chief Communications Officer, presented a new comprehensive marketing plan focused on increasing enrollment, strengthening the district鈥檚 reputation, and building stronger connections and engagement among families, employees, and the broader community.

The meeting also included a public hearing for the 2026 tax rate. Following the hearing, the board approved the new rate at $1.0961. That rate includes both the Maintenance and Operations rate 鈥� for the general fund 鈥� and the Interest and Sinking rate 鈥� which pays off bonds.

Later, the board approved Key Progress Measures (or KPMs) for the new school year. These are SMART goals carefully developed to help us strive toward each of our seven priorities.听

And then the board approved KPIs 鈥� Key Progress Indicators 鈥� to track organizational health and the progress of the district鈥檚 new strategic plan.

The board also approved the annual Campus Improvement Plan Performance Objectives.听Each school has goals for increasing success in reading and math, among others.听

Finally, the board approved the appointees for the district鈥檚 community stakeholder committees, including the Community Ambassadors Committee, Long Range Facilities Planning Committee, Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, School Health Advisory Council, and the School Library Advisory Council.

Those are just a few of the key moments. If you鈥檇 like more information on any of these topics or any of the items not covered in this Board Brief, please .

The Bowie High School baseball program received a significant boost for the future as it was awarded a $5,000 grant from the during a pregame ceremony Sept. 5.

The grant will help fund the purchase of a new pitching machine, machine balls, and practice baseballs, providing student-athletes with updated equipment to support training and player development.

Accepting the grant on behalf of the program were Booster Club president Shara Hill-Scheibner and junior baseball player Thor Scheibner, who represented Bowie baseball during the on-field presentation.

The award highlights the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation's continued commitment to supporting youth baseball programs and creating opportunities for 精东影业 ISD student-athletes to grow their skills both on and off the field.

Thank you, Texas Rangers!

Classes are free for the students

Two 精东影业 High School Dual Language Immersion (DLI) students are making history as the first to enroll in the , earning college credit while still in high school. This achievement represents nearly five years of planning and collaboration with UTA to create advanced college-credit opportunities for students in the DLI program.

鈥淭his milestone marks the completion of a carefully designed academic pipeline that rewards bilingualism with permanent, transferable university credit,鈥� said Dr. Ruth Martin, 精东影业 ISD World Languages lead specialist.

This opportunity builds on the strong academic foundation that DLI students develop throughout their K-12 experience, helping students get ahead while gaining an authentic understanding of college-level rigor and expectations. 精东影业 ISD covers tuition, fees, textbooks, and approved costs, creating a no-cost pathway for students to earn transferable college credit before graduation.

Arieyanna Molina-Aikpitanyi has been in dual language programs since she was in kindergarten at Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language. She said she decided to enroll in the program to gain college credit and save money on tuition.

鈥淢y experience in the DLI program has been excellent so far,鈥� Molina-Aikpitanyi said. 鈥淢y teacher is very patient and understanding, which helps a lot when learning to perfect Spanish grammar.鈥�

She plans to obtain a minor in Spanish and become a biomedical research scientist in microbiology.听

Students can begin taking AP Spanish Language in eighth grade and earn up to 14 hours of free college credits through scores or the . By their junior year, students scoring 5.00+ on Avant can be placed directly into 3000-level Spanish courses. This program allows students to bypass four college classes and complete a Spanish minor in about two years.

District leaders plan to expand participation in the program in the coming years while exploring additional partnerships and specialized certificate pathways such as Spanish for the Professions, Global Health, Mexican Culture, and Spanish Linguistics.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC庐) announced today that Martin High School STEM Academy senior Joel Lee is a Semifinalist in the 72nd annual .

Over 1.2 million juniors from about 20,000 high schools across the country entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT庐). Lee鈥檚 score placed him in the top 1% and earned his designation as a Semifinalist.

Catherine Wimbrey, Lee鈥檚 counselor at the STEM Academy, is not surprised that Lee did so well.

鈥淗e is a very determined and resourceful student who does not take no for an answer and consistently finds ways to overcome challenges to accomplish his goals,鈥� Wimbrey said about Lee.

Lee and the other Semifinalists will now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $24 million that will be o铿�ered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship庐 award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.

精东影业 95% of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar庐 title.

The 精东影业 ISD Communications team has been named a recipient of an Award of Merit in Communication Skills and Creative Design at the 2026 IABC Houston Chapter Bronze Quill Awards for its Battlecards project, a scalable, bilingual communication system designed to empower campus leaders and communicators across the district.

精东影业 ISD serves more than 50,000 students across 75 campuses in 精东影业 and surrounding communities. The district has demonstrated consistent growth in academic performance. In this most recent cycle, 29 精东影业 ISD schools increased their overall accountability score, and the district improved its overall score for the third year in a row, reflecting a multiyear commitment to continuous improvement across all schools.

The Battlecards project was created to address a simple but critical challenge: campus leaders are often a district鈥檚 most trusted messengers, yet they aren鈥檛 always equipped with the tools to tell their story consistently or effectively. In a climate where enrollment depends on trust built at the campus level, 精东影业 ISD set out to turn every principal and campus communicator into a confident ambassador for their school. The result is a scalable, bilingual system that puts consistent, compelling messaging directly into the hands of the people closest to families, turning grassroots communication into one of the district鈥檚 strongest enrollment tools.

The Battlecards project represents strategic communication architecture built for real-world impact. The system equips campus leaders with consistent, bilingual messaging tools to share campus strengths, key achievements, and proof points with families and staff, creating a cohesive narrative across all 精东影业 ISD campuses.

This recognition reflects the leadership of Chief Communications Officer Taina Northington and the creative vision of communications specialist Sherie Smith, whose work transformed the district鈥檚 communication strategy into a practical, replicable resource. It also reflects the broader strength of the 精东影业 ISD Communications team, whose ongoing commitment to elevating the district鈥檚 messaging has made storytelling and enrollment strategy a shared priority across every campus.

The IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) Houston Chapter Bronze Quill Awards recognize excellence in strategic communication across a range of disciplines and industries. Winners are judged by communications professionals from across the country against the rigorous standards of the IABC International Blue Ribbon Panel, which evaluates entries on strategic thinking, creativity, execution, and measurable impact. The Bronze Quill Awards celebrate work that demonstrates both professional mastery and meaningful contribution to organizational goals.

Sherie Smith is the communications specialist whose work focuses on creating scalable, inclusive communication systems for K-12 school districts. Her communications philosophy centers on accessibility, visual excellence, and practical application, ensuring that communication tools serve the real needs of campus leaders and the diverse families they serve.

鈥淚 am happy to have had the opportunity to visually display the many ways 精东影业 ISD schools are making a difference,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淭he battlecard project has allowed me to showcase my photography skills while highlighting the important work happening every day in this district.鈥澨�

This honor reflects 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 continued investment in communication as a core part of its marketing and community engagement strategy, recognizing that how a district tells its story is inseparable from how it builds trust with the families it serves.

A surprise phone call from iHeartRadio鈥檚 Billy the Kidd left Atherton Elementary School teacher Kim Vasquez speechless. The host shared that Vasquez was selected for powered by , and would receive a $5,000 DonorsChoose gift card to fund supplies for her first-grade classroom.

鈥淚 was absolutely shocked to learn that I was one of four winners across the United States,鈥� said Vasquez. 鈥淚t is such an incredible honor and blessing to have been chosen. I am so proud to represent Atherton Elementary and 精东影业 ISD!鈥�

This recognition is especially meaningful for Vasquez as the nomination came from a parent whose two children were once students in her class.听

鈥淪he is one of the teachers I recommend for her kindness, caring, and genuine love for education. I have seen her work with students with unique skills and handling it professionally,鈥� said parent Kimeko Stigger. 鈥淪he has never backed down from a challenge, and she has done it with grace. It's time for the world to know how wonderful she is as a teacher.鈥�

Vasquez has taught at Atherton Elementary for 20 years. She plans to use some of the funds to go toward her "classroom store" that opens every Friday. Students can earn 鈥渂ucks鈥� throughout the week and cash in to redeem prizes, helping build practical financial literacy skills.

She also plans to invest in resources that will benefit the campus as a whole, specifically funding the creation of a campus motor lab for students.听

鈥淭he motor lab will provide purposeful movement and sensory activities that support coordination, focus, self-regulation, and readiness to learn,鈥� said principal Bianca Gholston. 鈥淲e are grateful for her commitment to using this opportunity to benefit every Atherton All-Star!鈥�

While she is honored by the recognition, Vasquez said this award reflects the overall campus culture and school leadership.

鈥淚 truly feel that Atherton is the best school,鈥� Vasquez said. 鈥淚 was so proud to say my school on the radio, and it's not just my school, it's 精东影业 ISD.鈥�

We are so proud of you, Mrs. Vasquez!

Get your college experience started on the right foot with 精东影业 ISD College Night!

精东影业 ISD College Night is Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Maverick Activities Center on the campus of UT 精东影业.

Colleges and universities from across the country, along with colleges within UTA and military representatives, will be on hand to give students details about their campus and admission requirements.

This event is free. .

Parking will be available in the听or in Parking听. No parking validation will be required.

Event Agenda听

College Fair - Maverick Activity Center (MAC)

• 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.听

Financial Aid Presentations - located in Lone Star Auditorium in the MAC - 30 Minute Presentations

• 6:30 p.m.听
• 7:15 p.m.

Calling all 7th-10th grade students and parents!

Are you ready to start shaping your future? Come to the 精东影业 ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Showcase on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The CTE Showcase is your chance to discover the incredible opportunities waiting for you. From junior high and high school CTE courses to advanced programs at the state-of-the-art Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center, this event is designed to help you dream big, explore your options, and plan your path forward.

EXPLORE

Tour the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center and see firsthand the cutting-edge facilities where students bring their ideas to life.

EXPERIENCE

Step into classrooms, labs, studios, and kitchens to get a taste of what鈥檚 possible. Meet passionate teachers and current students and imagine the skills you鈥檒l learn in the years ahead.

PLAN

Talk with teachers, counselors, and administrators who are eager to guide you. Wherever your interests lie, they鈥檒l help you connect your passions with the right courses.

Programs featured include culinary arts, robotics, fashion design, automotive technology, and so much more.

Don鈥檛 miss this exciting opportunity to explore, experience, and plan your future!

A new chapter is beginning for Crow Leadership Academy students!

Students had the opportunity to expand their personal libraries thanks to a partnership with and Every student took home two free Scholastic books of their choice, promoting reading both inside and outside of the classroom.

鈥淲hen students have access to a variety of books and the freedom to choose what interests them, they are more likely to read, build reading stamina, expand vocabulary, and develop greater confidence as readers,鈥� said Lesley Cano, 精东影业 ISD Library Services coordinator. 鈥淏y removing barriers to book access and making reading something students can continue at home, book giveaways help strengthen reading habits and reinforce the message that reading is both valuable and enjoyable.鈥�

Allowing students to select books that interest them helps create meaningful connections to independent reading and the development of lifelong readers. By expanding student access to books beyond the school day, students become stronger readers by reading frequently and widely.听

鈥淭here鈥檚 something special about watching a student light up when they find a book they鈥檙e excited to take home,鈥� said Crow librarian Lisa Bell. 鈥淲hen students see reading celebrated as something fun and valuable, it helps create a positive reading culture throughout our school.鈥�

Crow principal Liznel Gonzalez said this is the fourth campus project that Texas Health has granted their school community.听

鈥淲e are incredibly grateful for their partnership, sponsorship, and support,鈥� Gonzalez said. 鈥淓very story helps our students grow as IB learners and develop the curiosity, courage, and confidence to lead.鈥�

This giveaway is a part of 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 broader commitment to literacy and student success. The district鈥檚 librarians play a vital role in bringing literacy to life through curated collections, personalized book recommendations, author visits, events, and reading challenges.

One reading challenge that launches Sept. 14 is the Bond & Beyond: A Reading Space Race, a fun way to get kids reading with their dads and male mentors.

Find out more about 精东影业 ISD Library Services.

September is Attendance Awareness Month

September isn鈥檛 just the start of a new school year 鈥� it鈥檚 the time when habits are built and expectations are set. And one of the most important habits students can establish is showing up every day.

Research is clear: strong attendance in the first month of school is a powerful predictor of attendance for the rest of the year. Simply put, success in school begins with being present. After all, you can鈥檛 do well in school if you鈥檙e not there.

Why Attendance Matters

A study of Baltimore schools found that students who missed just two to four days in September were five times more likely to become chronically absent later in the year.

Chronic absence means missing 10% of the school year 鈥� just two or three days a month. That may not sound like much, but it adds up quickly. Students who are chronically absent are more likely to fall behind in reading and math, score lower on tests, and even face a higher risk of dropping out. The consequences stretch far beyond the classroom, affecting future opportunities in college, career, and life.

A child鈥檚 educational foundation starts early, and the skills and knowledge they learn in kindergarten and first grade can impact the rest of their schooling 鈥� and their entire lives.听听shows that chronic absentees in kindergarten go on to have the lowest performance in first grade. Already behind in first grade, these student鈥檚 academic problems only snowball as they grow older. Chronic absence correlates to difficulty reading in third grade and low achievement in middle school or junior high. By sixth grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school ().

精东影业 Collegiate High School principal Jeffrey Krieger summed it up well.

鈥淎 student cannot fulfill their true potential if they are not physically present every day. Our campus can provide all the supports in the world, but if the student is not here to participate, their chances of success are greatly reduced.鈥�

Building Strong Futures, One Day at a Time

Good attendance is about more than showing up 鈥� it鈥檚 about building strong habits, forming connections, and creating opportunities for lifelong success. And it starts now.

If you know a student who is missing school, this is the time to step in and help them get back on track. Every day matters, and every day counts.

Learn more about the importance of attendance at听.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OV0OmanSww&t=6s[/embed]

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 new district-wide Screen Time Survey is a fantastic opportunity for parents and teachers to come together and help 精东影业 ISD shape the future of technology and digital wellness programs in the district.

By sharing your thoughts, you'll play a key role in helping 精东影业 ISD create a shared understanding of screen time that will guide our future professional development and daily device usage goals.

Your unique perspectives will pair with the district's own usage data to build a strong foundation for 精东影业 ISD's new Technology Advisory Committee鈥檚 Screen Time and Digital Wellness subcommittee.

听 听 听听

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAxuTK0Dayc[/embed]

The 精东影业 ISD Board of Trustees gathered for its second monthly meeting last night, Aug. 27, 2026, and here are some of the highlights.

They began the evening with a board workshop on academic growth, where they took a comprehensive look at the academic trends in the district. They reviewed data from last year for early literacy, early numeracy, reading, math, science, and social studies. They also examined accountability ratings and the relationship between student achievement scores and academic growth scores. The important conversation was intentional to help everyone plan for the future and implement effective improvement efforts.听

Once in the open session, the board appointed Andrew Babcock as the district鈥檚 new executive director of fine arts. He鈥檚 been the interim director since March and previously served as the director of the Center for Visual and Performing Arts.

Back in July, the board approved charters for three community committees:

• the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee,
• the Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee,
• and the Community Ambassador Academy.

All of them are intended to build bridges with our community stakeholders and garner their input and guidance. At last night鈥檚 meeting, several district administrators shared an update on these committees and their meeting schedules for the year.

South Davis Elementary is getting a new campus, funded by the 2026 Bond. Last night, the board approved the schematic design for the new school after a presentation from Corgan, the architect. Now Corgan will begin design development. 滨迟鈥檚 going to be a beautiful school and is scheduled to open in August 2028.

Later, the trustees handled a number of financial items, including approving the monthly financial report through June and the Quarterly Investment Report through June.

Finally, the board re-approved 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 participation in the Texas Virtual School Network, which offers interactive online courses for eligible Texas public school students. For over 10 years, 精东影业 ISD has made TXVSN available as an option for students in grades three through 12 for credit recovery or acceleration.

Those are just a few of the highlights from the meeting. If you would like more information on any of these items or any of the items not covered in this Board Brief, .

New South Davis Elementary funded by 2026 Bond

[embed]https://youtu.be/wHbXgDIbUOs[/embed]

The second grader at South Davis Elementary didn鈥檛 hesitate when asked what he wants at his future school.

鈥淎 waterslide,鈥� he said.

Last night, the 精东影业 ISD Board of Trustees approved the schematic design for a new South Davis Elementary School, funded by the 2026 Bond.

The waterslide was not included.

But the schematic design does include an amazing treehouse in the library and input from South Davis second graders, fourth graders, teachers, and parents.

, the architect for the new school, held several design charrettes 鈥� collaborative design meetings 鈥� this month with stakeholder groups to make sure their priorities, needs, and wants make it into the design of the new school. While the second grader鈥檚 waterslide idea won鈥檛 make the cut, many of the students鈥�, teachers鈥�, and parents鈥� ideas and preferences will.

The new campus 鈥� scheduled to open in August 2028 鈥� will replace the current 70-year-old South Davis facility and move the school down the street from the current location to the corner of South Davis Dr. and Pioneer Parkway. 滨迟鈥檚 the site where 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 previous administration building used to be.

Though the school building will be new, the Corgan architects are doing what they can to infuse all that is great about the old school in the new design.

鈥淪outh Davis is rooted in a lot of traditions, and we hold them dear to our heart,鈥� said South Davis principal Kalisse Kelly during the staff charrette.

Those are the kinds of things that the South Davis community wants to keep when they move.

鈥淓verybody is welcome here,鈥� said South Davis teacher Jeanmarie Bryant. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 our culture here.鈥�

That鈥檚 the culture the architects are working to instill in the design, from the welcoming outdoor courtyards to inclusive collaboration areas and a running path for the popular South Davis Running Club.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 always really helpful to see what spaces the students gravitate to in their current school and why,鈥� said Morgan Howell, Corgan project architect.

She explained that they take these insights from the students, teachers, and parents, and use them to design spaces that students and teachers will want to be in.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 important to listen to what the kids have to say 鈥� as well as all the other stakeholders, like parents, teachers, and our administrators,鈥� said Kelly Horn, 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 assistant superintendent of facility services, at the design charrette for fourth graders. 鈥淪ometimes the kids have different perspectives, and we learn about things that may be important to them that we don鈥檛 always think about.鈥�

Sometimes the design charrettes got very granular. What colors do people prefer? What kinds of hands-on activities are most popular? How important is nature? What brings the school community pride?

And sometimes they got very practical.

鈥淲e only have three grown-up bathrooms,鈥� one teacher told the architects.

The new school will address that.

鈥淲e鈥檙e very protective of our trees,鈥� Bryant said as she explained that the current South Davis campus used to be a pecan orchard.

The new school design will address that, too, with a big emphasis on nature, from preserving the mature trees on the new campus site to incorporating lots of natural light and building a tree house in the library.

鈥淭he meetings help us design a better product for all the kids and teachers who are going to use the building,鈥� Horn said.

Now that the schematic design has been approved, the design development phase will begin.

See the full schematic design.

精东影业 ISD is pleased to announce that Andrew Babcock has been named the executive director of fine arts. He had been the interim director since March, and previously served as director of the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, where he led programming and student experiences since August 2024.

Babcock brings extensive experience at the district and university levels. As executive fine arts director in Lubbock ISD, he led districtwide programming, managed a multimillion-dollar budget, and built partnerships that connected students to professional-level performance opportunities. Babcock has also worked as a band director at secondary schools and at Lubbock Christian University.

His work has consistently focused on one thing: access.

From expanding mariachi and piano programs to launching partnerships with performing arts organizations, Babcock has made it clear that fine arts are for every student, not just a select few.

鈥淎rt is one of the most powerful tools we have to engage students,鈥� Babcock said. 鈥淲hen we remove barriers for teachers, we open doors for students.鈥�

In 精东影业 ISD, that mindset matters.

Fine arts programs are a key part of what makes the district competitive, engaging, and worth choosing. As families look for schools that offer more than the basics, strong arts programs help students stay connected, motivated, and successful.

"Andrew Babcock brings experience, vision, and student-centered leadership needed to elevate fine arts across 精东影业 ISD,鈥� said Dr. Priscila Dilley, 精东影业 ISD chief academic officer. 鈥淗e is committed to all students discovering talents and the transformative power of fine arts education. We are excited for Andrew to lead this work and strengthen the exceptional fine arts experiences available to our students."

Venture High School student Jayden Mata is starting the school year with a national honor!

Mata was selected as a national finalist in the prestigious This competition challenges students across the country to research heroes who changed the course of history and bring their stories to life through visual art. Only 52 middle school and 149 high school students from 32 states across the country and 15 countries around the world were selected as finalists.听

This recognition marks a major milestone for Venture High School, as Mata is the first student in the school鈥檚 history to be selected as a finalist in a national art competition.

鈥淚 was shocked that I was a national finalist. It felt really good to hear the news,鈥� Mata said. 鈥淚 drew Hiawatha, a Native American storyteller, because I love the messages Native Americans had against violence, and I wanted his story to be heard.鈥�

Mata said he decided to enter the competition after encouragement from his art teacher, Lauren Kulesz.

鈥淥ur students are incredibly talented, and seeing Jayden celebrated on a stage of this magnitude is wonderful,鈥� Kulesz said. 鈥淚t validates the hard work happening in our arts program and shows our students what is possible.鈥�

Kulesza said that Mata is an exceptionally bright student and a talented tattoo artist who aspires to own his own tattoo studio one day.

Congratulations, Jayden!

Bond & Beyond: A Reading Space Race

Ready for blastoff?

The Bond & Beyond: A Reading Space Race is ready to launch on Sept. 14!

The Reading Space Race 鈥� sponsored by the and 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 Family and Community Engagement Department 鈥� is officially coming to every elementary school and is open to all students in grades three through six.

The challenge runs from Sept 14, 2026 鈥� Feb 19, 2027 and invites fathers, uncles, grandfathers, and male mentors to read alongside their students while reinforcing key classroom concepts like determining the author鈥檚 purpose. Plus, there are great prizes for reading (keep reading to find out what they are)!

A big thank you to the Reading Race鈥檚 generous community partners:

• Launch Family Entertainment
• Dave & Buster鈥檚
• Raising Cane鈥檚, and
• 精东影业 Public Library.

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 Library Services and Research & Accountability departments have also pitched in to make these exciting incentives possible!听

Get started

Getting started is easy, and the incentives keep students motivated every step of the way:

1. Download & Log: Download the free Beanstack App and search 精东影业 Public Library to track your books and read the full challenge rules.
   
   
2. Earn Monthly Incentives:
   • 3 Books: 30-minute jump pass (Launch Family Entertainment)
   • 6 Books: 60-minute gameplay card (Dave & Buster鈥檚)
   • 9 Books: Free kids meal (Raising Cane鈥檚)
     
     
3. Cross the Finish Line: Log 12 books to earn an official 精东影业 Public Library Swag Bag and a spot on a paid celebratory field trip to Camp Thurman for father/father figure or caregiver and student! The Camp Thurman Celebration takes place on Saturday, April 3, 2027.

Don't wait for launch day to get set up. Download Beanstack today so you're ready to start logging on September 14th!

精东影业 ISD is pleased to announce Dr. Ed Henderson II as the new principal at Bebensee Elementary School. Henderson brings 23 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and administrator, improving student outcomes through strong instructional leadership, principal coaching, and school improvement.

Henderson is returning to the Metroplex after several years in Houston ISD, where he served as the Executive Director of Instruction. In Houston, he coached, supervised, and evaluated principals across a multi-campus portfolio. All of his schools earned A or high B accountability ratings, with multiple campuses demonstrating significant year-over-year growth.

鈥淲e are excited to welcome Dr. Ed Henderson to the 精东影业 ISD family. His focus on doing what is best for students, coupled with his dedication to accelerate student learning, will be great for the students, families, and staff of Bebensee Elementary School鈥�.

Henderson began his career in education in 2003 as a third-grade math teacher in Dallas ISD. From 2009 through 2015, he served as an assistant principal in Irving ISD and Sherman ISD. He then served as the principal at elementary schools and middle schools in Irving, DeSoto, and Crowley ISDs from 2015 through 2024.

鈥淚 am honored and excited to join the Bebensee Elementary community and the 精东影业 ISD family,鈥� Henderson said. 鈥淚 look forward to partnering with our students, staff, families, and community to build on Bebensee鈥檚 strengths and create exceptional learning experiences where every student is known, supported, and inspired to dream big and reach their full potential.鈥�

Henderson has a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Texas Tech University, a master鈥檚 from Prairie View A&M University, and a doctorate in education from Dallas Baptist University.

精东影业 ISD is inviting parents, guardians, employees, business leaders, and community members to apply for a district committee. Share your ideas, perspectives, and expertise on topics that matter to our schools and students.

Committees include bond oversight, community ambassadors, educational improvement, instructional calendar, long-range facilities, school health, school libraries, and technology.

Apply here.

Learn more about each committee:

Citizens Bond Oversight Committee - 2026 Bond

The听Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC)听was established by the 精东影业 ISD Board of Trustees as an oversight committee that monitors the use of funds approved by the public in the 2026 bond elections. This committee will ensure accountability and transparency to promote public confidence in the district鈥檚 use of voter-approved funds.

• 2026 Citizens Bond Oversight Committee Website

Community Ambassadors

The听精东影业 ISD Community Ambassador Academy听is a structured, two-year civic engagement and leadership initiative. Its purpose is to cultivate a deeply informed cohort of community advocates who understand the operational, financial, and pedagogical complexities of managing a large, mid-urban public school district.

• Community Ambassadors Website

District Level Instructional Decision-Making Committee

The听District Level Instructional Decision-Making Committee (DIDC)听serves in an advisory role and reviews 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 educational goals, objectives, and major districtwide classroom instructional programs. It also advises the 精东影业 ISD听District of Innovation听Plan.

• District Level Instructional Decision-Making Committee Website

Instructional Calendar Committee

The charge of the 精东影业 ISD听Instructional Calendar Committee听is to assist the district by drafting and recommending an academic focused school calendar for the 2026-2027 school year that emphasizes student outcomes and considers the impact on staff and the greater community.

• Instructional Calendar Committee Website

Long Range Facilities Planning Committee

The Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee provides findings and recommendations from community stakeholders to the Board of Trustees relating to the long-range planning, maintenance, modernization, utilization, and future development of 精东影业 ISD facilities in support of the district's Strategic Plan.

• Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee Website

School Health Advisory Council

The听School Health Advisory Council听(SHAC), on behalf of the district, shall review and consider evidence-based strategies and techniques and shall develop nutrition guidelines and wellness criteria.

• School Health Advisory Council Website

School Library Advisory Council

Under 精东影业 ISD听board policy EFB (Legal), school boards may establish a local School Library Advisory Committee (SLAC) to ensure library collections reflect community values.

• School Library Advisory Council Website

Technology Advisory Committee

The听精东影业 ISD Technology Advisory Committee听plays a vital role in shaping the district's digital learning ecosystem by evaluating evidence-based strategies and developing comprehensive technology adoption and usage specifications.

• Technology Advisory Committee Website

Seagers provide $500 for each student

The young teenager was looking for shoes at Academy when someone walked up to him.

鈥淐an I help you with anything?鈥� the guy said to the teen.

But it wasn鈥檛 an Academy employee. It was two-time World Series MVP and Texas Ranger Corey Seager.

Seager and his wife Madisyn spent the Saturday morning before school started this month at in 精东影业 hanging out with 30 精东影业 ISD students who are part of the district鈥檚 Students Outreach Services program. For the third year in a row, the Seagers funded a back-to-school shopping spree for these students, giving each $400 to buy whatever they wanted, plus $100 to take home with them.

The Seagers, along with Rangers players Josh Jung and Cal Quantrill, roamed the store helping the students find everything they needed.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 just fun,鈥� Corey Seager said. 鈥淗earing the stories, seeing their faces 鈥� you know, getting excited about going back to school.鈥�

A Martin High School junior was definitely excited as she weaved her basket through the clothing displays. The stuff in her basket is going to help her get ready for what she鈥檚 most excited about this school year.

鈥淚 just want to get things for school, things for practice as well because I鈥檓 a Sundancer at Martin 鈥� I鈥檓 most excited to perform at our football games.鈥�

Nearby, twin juniors from Sam Houston High School were shopping together.

鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to find some shirts, shoes, pants, and stuff like that.鈥�

They鈥檙e excited for the school year because they have a huge goal within reach, and getting the gear they need for school will help them achieve it: graduating early.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 a real gift,鈥� said Vicki Warren, 精东影业 ISD Student Outreach Services coordinator, about the shopping spree. 鈥湵醭兮�檚 very meaningful because they can buy items they鈥檒l utilize at school that maybe they weren鈥檛 able to afford previously. We鈥檙e super thankful that the Rangers, and Corey Seager in particular, sponsored this each year for students.鈥�

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhPjW4TeSuE[/embed]

The 精东影业 ISD Board of Trustees met on Thursday, Aug. 13, and here are some of the highlights.

We鈥檙e proud to announce that 精东影业 ISD was the only district with two Teacher of the Year finalists in Region 11 for 2025-2026. The board honored the two outstand educators at their meeting. Congratulations to Heaven Tello, from Barnett Junior High, and Pamela Lewis, from Morton Elementary.

Then Bret Champion, 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 Chief of Schools Officer, gave the board an overview of the first day of school and shared highlights from across the district. Thank you to everyone who made it an outstanding first day.

Later, Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Collins shared a draft of the key performance measures they plan to implement for the 2026-2027 school year. The KPMs have been developed for each of the district鈥檚 board-adopted priorities: academic growth, culture, safety and discipline, marketing and engagement, and talent and resources.

Those priorities are also the pillars for the district鈥檚 new strategic plan, which the board officially adopted at last night鈥檚 meeting. The plan is designed to set the tone and objectives for the next five years. Learn more about the strategic plan.

Finally, the board re-approved several partnerships that the district has with universities in Texas. One is with Texas Woman's University. The Texas Woman鈥檚 University G-Force Project at Bowie High School promotes postsecondary enrollment and student success through a campus-based Go Center staffed by TWU G-Force mentors. They support students as they navigate the transition to postsecondary education and career pathways.

Another partnership re-approved by the board is with the University of Texas at 精东影业 for STEM and dual credit courses. Through this agreement with UTA, students from Martin鈥檚 STEM Academy can complete a number of first- and second-year STEM college courses at UTA prior to high school graduation.

Those are just a few of the highlights from tonight. If you鈥檇 like more information on any of these items or any of the items not covered in this Board Brief, you can .

Three years ago, 16 精东影业 ISD campuses carried an F rating from the state. This year, five do.

That change is the clearest measure of what has happened across 精东影业 ISD since 2023, and it showed up again in the Texas Education Agency's 2026 A through F accountability ratings released this month. The district earned an overall score of 78, its highest since 2022. That鈥檚 when the state redesigned the test and the accountability system

Twenty-nine 精东影业 ISD schools increased their overall accountability score this year. Seventeen improved by at least one full letter grade.

"We're going to keep our foot on the pedal," Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith said. "We're excited about the changes we've made and are making to support our students' experience and academic achievement. We're not done yet, but we know we're on the right track."

Schools leading the climb

Short Elementary posted the district's largest rating gain, moving from an F to a C in a single year.

Lamar High School earned a B. Sam Houston High School moved from a D to a C. Williams Elementary improved from a D to a C, and Little Elementary earned a B.

The district's four highest needs campuses each improved by at least one letter grade.

"These campuses tell us the strategies are working," Smith said. "We put targeted instructional and operational support where students needed it most, and the results followed. Now we're taking what we learned there and applying it across the district this year."

Every campus that improved a full letter grade

High schools

• Lamar High School: C 鈫� B
• Sam Houston High School: D 鈫� C

Junior high schools

• Boles Junior High School: C 鈫� B
• Barnett Junior High School: C 鈫� B
• Workman Junior High School: D 鈫� C
• Rodriguez Junior High School: F 鈫� D

Elementary schools

• Blanton Elementary: F 鈫� B
• Short Elementary: F 鈫� C
• Little Elementary: C 鈫� B
• Williams Elementary: D 鈫� C
• Webb Elementary: D 鈫� C
• Patrick Elementary: D 鈫� C
• Pope Elementary: D 鈫� C
• Thornton Elementary: F 鈫� D
• Speer Elementary: F 鈫� D
• Starrett Elementary: F 鈫� D
• Ellis Elementary: F 鈫� D

Twelve additional campuses increased their overall accountability score without changing letter grades.

Standing up for accurate scoring

精东影业 ISD again submitted student STAAR responses to be rescored by trained human scorers ahead of the 2026 accountability cycle. A total of 3,268 writing responses were submitted for rescore. Of those requests, 22% came back with a higher score. The district has made human review a standing practice since TEA began using automated scoring engines to evaluate the writing portion of the exam.听

What the ratings measure

Each year, the Texas Education Agency issues A through F accountability ratings for school districts and campuses. Ratings draw on multiple measures, including STAAR performance, academic growth, graduation rates, and progress in closing learning gaps. The system offers families a snapshot of school performance, though it does not capture everything about a student's experience at school.

You can look up any Texas school's 2026 accountability information at.

We're off to a great start!

[embed]https://youtu.be/1xdOvWPxW68[/embed]

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 next school building has been intentionally designed to not look like a school.

鈥淲e want it to actually look like a corporate learning environment where they鈥檙e going to work every day,鈥� said 精东影业 ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith.

That鈥檚 the vision for the district鈥檚 future 18 PLUSS center, a facility that will serve special education students who have completed their high school requirements and are now in a one-to-three-year program that teaches job skills to help them start their careers.

鈥淭he biggest thing about 18 PLUSS is working on specially-designed instruction in the area of vocation and employability,鈥� said Brenda Cupps, the curriculum coordinator for the 18 PLUSS program. 鈥淲e specialize in working on finding them a job that fits their needs.鈥�

But it鈥檚 not all about just finding a job. 滨迟鈥檚 also about teaching independence.

鈥淥ur job is to help prepare them for life,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淲e are excited about this job.鈥�

The district is also excited about what the new 18 PLUSS center will do for students. The schematic design 鈥� designed by 鈥� for the new facility was approved by the 精东影业 ISD Board of Trustees last week and will be funded by the 2026 Bond program. 听

鈥淭he schematic design for the new 18 PLUSS center听will enhance the educational experience for our 18 PLUSS students,鈥� Cupps said. 鈥淭his new space has been thoughtfully designed to provide meaningful opportunities that promote independence, skill development, and community engagement.鈥�

The new center will be built on the site of the former Blanton Elementary School. The plan involves demolishing much of Blanton but will keep and renovate the newer portions of the former school building. It will also feature a 43,500-square-foot addition that will completely reinvent the campus.

The design includes spaces for classrooms, vocational-training areas, collaboration areas, a makerspace, a gym/storm shelter, a fitness area, and a district science materials warehouse.

鈥淭he idea is that all of these spaces have multiple uses and can be used for different things at different times 鈥� trying to really activate every bit of this building to get the most use out of it as possible,鈥� said VLK principal architect Marty Sims.

The new school will also house a caf茅 and spirit shop open to the public that will be run and staffed by the 18 PLUSS students.

鈥淭he idea is to create programming where students can learn in real life about how to function outside of a school setting,鈥� Smith said.

He envisions the facility hosting community meetings while 18 PLUSS students operate a coffee shop for attendees.

Outside, the schematic design includes a basketball court, garden, greenhouse, and outdoor classroom.

鈥淭he addition of the garden will provide students hands-on experience planting, growing, and harvesting fresh produce,鈥� Cupps said. 鈥淭he garden will serve as an outdoor classroom, allowing students to develop vocational skills, learn about healthy nutrition, practice teamwork, and build responsibility through the care and maintenance of the garden.鈥�

Watch the schematic design presentation at the July 30 school board meeting:

[embed]https://youtu.be/m_HN4VpjtCs?si=jqeMJPgQbG6hq1Db&t=5921[/embed]

Three-time Super Bowl champ Kenny 鈥淭he Shark鈥� Gant grabbed the mic on the stage just outside the west entrance of AT&T Stadium.

鈥淟et鈥檚 kick off this school year right!鈥� he told the thousands of students and families gathered at 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 annual Back to School Kickoff event on Saturday.

Inside, one fifth grader, Coles, was getting perhaps the most unique start to the school year ever. Not only was he getting his haircut in the stadium鈥檚 west concourse with a view of where the Dallas Cowboys play football, he was getting his haircut .

The CBS reporter was interviewing Coles鈥� stylist, a senior from Bowie High School and a cosmetology student at the 精东影业 ISD Career + Technical Center. Alysaa Davila was one of about 50 cosmetology students giving out hundreds of back-to-school haircuts.

Near the haircut station was the main attraction 鈥� where students picked out free backpacks full of school supplies.

Four-year-old Inoaaya 鈥� now a 鈥渂ig girl鈥� 鈥� was very excited to get her own backpack.

鈥淚鈥檓 going to save it for big-girl school,鈥� she said.

Making sure every student got the backpack color they wanted were dozens of volunteers led by a group from .

鈥淲e just enjoy being out among other organizations, other churches, other partners, and blessing the city together. That鈥檚 what it鈥檚 all about,鈥� said Jeff Hubbard, preaching minister at North Davis Church of Christ. 鈥淲e want the students to start strong, we want them to feel good, we want them to have the supplies they need. And for us, that鈥檚 just a way for us to love like Jesus loved.鈥�

The volunteers helping distribute backpacks were just a portion of nearly 800 who showed up Saturday morning and braved the heat to serve students and their families. In addition to backpacks and haircuts, many students also received free shoes, free vision screenings, and free dental screenings. Plus, a vendor fair with 100 community partners offered resources and support. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders showed up, too, encouraging kids to have a great school year.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 just great to see the continued commitment from all of these partners and then the families getting up early on a Saturday morning and coming out and seeking opportunities for resources and ways that they can help their child,鈥� said Aaron Perales, 精东影业 ISD executive director of family and community engagement.

The 精东影业 ISD Back to School Kickoff is only possible thanks to the dedication and support of our volunteers and sponsors.

精东影业 ISD Back to School Kickoff Sponsors

Touchdown Sponsor

Gene and Jerry Jones Family 精东影业 Youth Foundation

Interception Sponsors

United Healthcare

HEB Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust

First Down Sponsors

North Davis Church of Christ

Texas Trust

SpawGlass

Field Goal Sponsors

BluSource

Gospel City Church

JCPenney

Rush Creek Church

Super Fan Sponsors

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.^R, Xi Theta Omega Chapter^听

精东影业 Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

City of 精东影业

Cook Children's Health Plan

Fielder Church

Medical City 精东影业

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

Founding Partners

Junior League of America

Churches of 精东影业

Salvation Army Youth Education Town

NAACP 精东影业 Texas Branch

Board Brief from July 30, 2026

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 Board of Trustees held its only July meeting last night, and the agenda was long. You can watch the entire meeting below and access the . Here are a few of the highlights:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZLWwBGvS38[/embed]

鈥� New principal and assistant principal appointments

The school board approved four new principals and 10 new assistant principals at schools throughout the district. The new principals include:

• Bowie High School - Justin Edwards
• Martin High School - Victoria Youngblood-Baldwin
• Burgin Elementary - Latoya Turner
• Hale Elementary - Amy Carlisle

鈥� New chief academic officer appointed

Dr. Priscila Dilley was appointed 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 new chief academic officer. Learn more about Dr. Dilley.

鈥� Key progress measures report

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Collins gave a comprehensive end-of-year report on key progress measures related to district priorities. (See the priorities.) The report showed the goals that have been met along with some that still require work. One of the highlights was the 鈥渢ransformational鈥� progress made at the district鈥檚 23 highest needs schools.

Collins emphasized that the district is focused on growth at every campus for every student, and Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith said that it is important to 鈥渒eep the press on鈥� as the district continues to pursue growth and improvement.

鈥� Strategic Plan 2026-2030

Collins also presented the district鈥檚 new five-year strategic plan for 2026-2030. The plan starts with the district鈥檚 vision statement and will be available online soon. The vision statement is: 鈥溇耙� ISD creates exceptional learning experiences that inspire all students, empower their dreams, and prepare them for the future.鈥�

鈥� Relocation of South Davis Elementary

The new 2026 Bond program will fund a new campus for South Davis Elementary. At the board meeting, trustees approved a new location for the new building. The school will move just down the street to the site of the 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 former J.W. Counts administration building at the corner of South Davis Dr. and Pioneer Parkway.

鈥� New 18 PLUSS Center Schematic Design

Trustees approved the schematic design for the construction of a new 18 PLUSS center, to be funded by the 2026 Bond program. VLK Architects designed the center at the site of the former Blanton Elementary. The facility will incorporate educational spaces designed to meet the specific needs of the 18 PLUSS student population with opportunities for experiential life skills study and training to help further prepare them for life beyond the classroom. Look for more details next week.

鈥� Charges for community-based committees

The board approved the charges for three of the district鈥檚 community-based communities:

• 精东影业 ISD Ambassadors
• Citizens Bond Oversight Committee
• Long-Range Facility Planning

These advisory groups provide guidance, feedback, and support to district administrators to help advance the district's goals while ensuring decisions reflect the community鈥檚 perspectives.

鈥� VIA transportation for students

An interlocal agreement with the City of 精东影业 was re-approved for another year to provide VIA transportation to and from school and extra-curriculars at no cost for eligible 精东影业 ISD students.听

鈥禾� Football at UTA鈥檚 Maverick Stadium

The board approved an agreement to play 精东影业 ISD football games this season at UT 精东影业鈥檚 Maverick Stadium. Two of the district鈥檚 stadiums 鈥� Cravens and Wilemon fields 鈥� are currently under construction, so Maverick Stadium and Choctaw Stadium will host games in their place this season.

Those are just a few of the highlights from the meeting on July 30. to get more information.

ARLINGTON, Texas 鈥� 精东影业 ISD has named Dr. Priscila Dilley as its new chief academic officer. Dilley brings more than two decades of instructional leadership experience spanning campus, network, and district-level roles, including executive oversight of a portfolio of over 100 schools serving diverse student populations.

鈥淒r. Dilley's experience and passion for student success is exactly what we need on our team in 精东影业 ISD as we strive to create something exceptional for every student we serve,鈥� said 精东影业 ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. 鈥淪he has a strong history of empowering teachers to do great things for students, and we're excited to have her join the 精东影业 ISD family.鈥�

Dilley most recently served as the Chief of Schools in Fort Worth ISD. Prior to that role, she was a senior officer of the Leadership Academy Network at Texas Wesleyan University from 2019 to 2025, where she directed strategic planning for a multi-campus network.

Dilley began her career as a classroom teacher and then served as a campus principal and executive director. Along the way, she designed professional learning for elementary principals, coached and mentored campus leaders across dozens of schools, and led family engagement work that built strong community partnerships and expanded enrichment opportunities for students. Colleagues describe her as a relationship-driven leader who invests in people first.

Dilley holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Texas Wesleyan University, a master's degree in educational leadership from Dallas Baptist University, and a bachelor's degree in elementary education and religious education from Dallas Baptist University. She holds Texas certifications as a superintendent, principal, and bilingual and ESL educator. Her professional training includes the Harvard Principal Institute, the New York City Leadership Academy, and Deloitte University's Courageous Principals program.

Application open until Aug. 21

Applications are now being accepted through Aug. 21 for parents, guardians, 精东影业 ISD employees, and community members interested in serving on the Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC).

The SHAC is a committee appointed by the 精东影业 ISD Board of Trustees to advise the board on topics related to health education instruction and school wellness programs. Members collaborate on key areas such as physical education, nutrition services, mental health, safe school environments, and health services.

The SHAC meets four times per year, usually in November, January, March and May. Council Members serve two-year terms.

Why Join?

• Make a Direct Impact:听Help guide policies that promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of 精东影业 ISD students.
• Represent Your Community:听Share your valuable perspective as a parent, staff member, or community advocate.
• Collaborate for Success:听Partner with district leaders, health professionals, and fellow parents to build a healthier school environment.

Apply now.

This was the last summer.

The last time an 精东影业 ISD bus picked up Blanton students at the school to take them to Tarrant County College鈥檚 summer program.

For 15 years, has paid for Blanton students to go to the camp each summer. Nearly 750 Blanton kids have gone, part of the church鈥檚 deep commitment and partnership to the Blanton community.

Though Blanton Elementary closed at the end of last school year in May, the impact First Christian Church has left will continue for generations.

鈥淭he generosity and commitment of First Christian Church have become an important part of听Blanton's legacy,鈥� said Blanton鈥檚 last principal Migdalia Castillo. 鈥淭heir partnership has enriched the lives of countless students by giving them opportunities to explore new interests, build confidence, and create lasting memories. The impact of those experiences extends far beyond a single summer.鈥�

This year, 51 Blanton students, equipped with backpacks from the church, attended the three-week enrichment program at TCC and discovered that college could be in their future.

鈥淥ur church loved meeting the students and parents and hearing their stories of how this program affected their lives,鈥� said Betty Thomas of First Christian Church, who led the College for Kids partnership from the beginning.听鈥淥ne parent even enrolled in college after seeing their child in this program.听Several who are now in college came back to tell us their stories. Our church believes in the importance of education and experiences like this program to inspire bigger dreams for the future.鈥�

Thomas and her church poured into Blanton for two decades, beginning with helping with supplies, uniforms, PTA suppers, coats, PTA events like carnivals, and more. In 2010, Thomas helped launch the College for Kids initiative.

鈥淥ur congregation鈥檚 identity statement is 鈥楥enter in Christ and formed in relationships,鈥欌�� said First Christian Church Senior Minister Rev. Bill Jeffreys. 鈥淎t the heart of the partnership between Blanton Elementary, AISD, TCC, and First Christian Church has been a desire to serve our neighbors and to be in relationship. The relationships formed and strengthened between congregation members, these partner organizations, and these families has been one of the greatest blessings the past twenty years.鈥�

滨迟鈥檚 been a great blessing for Blanton, too.

鈥淭hey gave our students experiences that inspired them, broadened their horizons, and created memories they will carry with them for years to come,鈥� Castillo said. 鈥淥n behalf of the entire听Blanton听community, thank you, First Christian Church, for investing in our children and helping shape a legacy of opportunity, hope, and compassion.鈥�

ATTENTION RISING NINTH GRADERS!

Launch your future with 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 new virtual early college high school.

This new fully-virtual early college pathway through 精东影业 College and Career High School is for incoming freshmen who want a virtual high school experience with early college opportunities. 滨迟鈥檚 ideal for motivated incoming ninth graders who want to jumpstart their college education in a structured, highly interactive online environment.

And it's not too late to get in!听 The new program is open to motivated students in 精东影业 ISD and surrounding communities!

THE EXPERIENCE

Hosted through 精东影业 College and Career High School (ACCHS), this pathway features fully synchronous (live) instruction taught by ACCHS teachers. Students collaborate with their teachers and peers in real time.

Students embark on a clear academic crosswalk designed to earn them a high school diploma alongside tuition-free college hours or an associate degree from Tarrant County College.

KEY FEATURE

The innovative program provides the structure of a traditional school day combined with the innovation of a virtual classroom, complete with dedicated early college counselors and specialized support to help every student succeed.

While all coursework will be online, students may participate in campus events and school activities sponsored by ACCHS.

READY TO LAUNCH YOUR FUTURE?

Spaces for this innovative pathway are limited. Don't miss the chance to get a head start on your college and career.

Learn more and apply today!

Flexible Virtual Program for Juniors and Seniors

If you're already in high school, we have new virtual course options for you, too. This program is perfect for high school juniors and seniors who need more schedule flexibility but still want a vibrant, traditional campus lifestyle. Students can take up to two virtual courses and fit them into their own schedule.

The program blends asynchronous (self-paced) online learning in up to two virtual classes each semester with traditional, on-campus courses. Available virtual courses focus on junior and senior requirements like English III, English IV, Government, Economics, and Precalculus.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAbjKr9ibFk[/embed]

All is quiet on the pool deck as swimmers, parents, and spectators hold their breath in anticipation.

鈥淥n your mark, get set ...鈥�

Buzz.

Dozens of young swimmers dive into the water, racing toward the opposite wall in the opening relay of the 精东影业 Aquatic Club summer practice meet.

After weeks of training at the 精东影业 ISD Athletics Center Natatorium, swimmers ages 18 and younger got their first taste of competitive swimming in an exciting meet environment.

鈥淭hey learn all four strokes and what it鈥檚 like to compete,鈥� said assistant swim coach Madison Zdrojewski. 鈥淚 would say about 80% of them have never swum in a swim meet, so we spent the last month and a half getting them ready. By the end of the program, they at least understand the format and feel more comfortable competing.鈥�

Teammates cheered each other on as swimmers powered through freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events, showcasing the skills they developed throughout the summer.

鈥淚 worked hard and improved a lot,鈥� said Lorenzo Nunez, a swimmer in the 11-12 age group.

For many participants, the program provided an opportunity to learn new techniques, refine their form and build confidence in and out of the pool. For 15-18 swimmer Bradley Najera, the experience helped him better understand both the sport and his own abilities.

鈥淚鈥檝e learned how to improve my strokes and breathing,鈥� Najera said. 鈥淲hen I join the varsity team next year, I鈥檒l be ready. I come here every day, and I enjoy it. It helps me clear my mind, and I just feel amazing when I do it.鈥�

Nunez and Najera are not the only students benefiting from the program. Parents and coaches alike have watched swimmers gain confidence since the start of the summer season.

鈥淚鈥檝e seen kids who were too nervous to even jump into the water at the beginning,鈥� said swim club parent Jocelyn Epley. 鈥淣ow they go right in. Having the opportunity to compete in a swim meet at the end of the program is a great way for them to experience competition in a lower-pressure environment.鈥�

The 精东影业 Aquatic Club Stingrays will compete again at 6 p.m. July 30 at the 精东影业 ISD Athletics Center Natatorium. Registration for future club sessions will open in August.

The 精东影业 Aquatic Club is a year-round swimming team affiliated with USA Swimming. The program at the 精东影业 ISD natatorium serves students ages 5-18 from any school or school district and offers several groups and times based on age and ability. .听

[embed]https://youtu.be/YNOSM46FJJs[/embed]

Teachers at 精东影业 ISD's Beckham Elementary are making big goals for their students and developing innovative strategies to meet them.

Teachers use the strategies to help their students move beyond surface-level learning and develop a deeper understanding of academic content.

Last year, Beckham administrators led the charge in developing aligned rubrics tied to their campus WIGS, or Wildly Important Goals. For math, the Blazers worked to improve daily math problem solving skills using the UPS Check (Understand, Plan, Solve) system. To strengthen written responses in reading and science, administrators implemented the RACE (Restate, Answer, Cite, Evidence, Explain Your Thinking) and CER, (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) methods. Teams of teachers defined clear expectations for student mastery at each grade level, creating a progression toward high-quality writing.

鈥淐reating an environment in the classroom where students have to restate the question and give it an answer has really developed them,鈥� said Ashley Rodriguez, a fifth grade English and writing teacher. 鈥淭hey communicate better with their peers and teachers, and their writing has improved.鈥�

In Nadeen Fattal鈥檚 fifth grade science and math classes, students use an 鈥淚 do, you do, we do鈥� approach that encourages them to develop answers independently, with a peer, and then with the entire class.

鈥淪ometimes their peers can give them advice that I would not have thought of, and it prompts their communication with each other,鈥� Fattal said. 鈥淭hey are also typing every day, which is helping them since testing is all online.鈥�

Both Fattal and Rodriguez鈥檚 mastery of the rubric contributed to a significant reduction in students scoring zero on written responses, with the ELAR (English Language Arts and Reading) benchmark decreasing from 50% to 9% and the science benchmark decreasing from 50% to 16%

With communication being a vital part of any career, teachers at Beckham are encouraged by the impact of the RACE method, which is giving students the tools they need to succeed beyond the classroom. Two additional teachers at Beckham have demonstrated full mastery of the rubric, sixth grade math teacher Aarion Williams and fourth grade math teacher Hayley Cook.

In math classrooms, teachers have adopted the UPS Check system, which prompts students to understand, plan, solve, and check their work.

鈥淲e have a 鈥榩roblem of the day,鈥� which is a released that applies to whatever we are currently learning,鈥� Williams said.

She explained that at first, students were required to use UPS Check, and once they demonstrated a deep understanding, they were given the choice to continue using the model.

鈥淚 believe in giving students a choice,鈥� Williams said. 鈥淚 love the intrinsic motivation they show. It started with me encouraging them, and now it has become natural.鈥�

With educators like Williams demonstrating 94% student growth with 85% passing, and Cook鈥檚 fourth grade math classes achieving a 91% pass rate on the most recent benchmark, teachers at Beckham are proud of what their students have accomplished.

鈥淚 think boosting their morale with praise and showing them their growth really gets them excited,鈥� Cook said. 鈥淥nce they had that 鈥榓h-ha鈥� moment, they continued to grow into better problem solvers in math and in life.鈥�

Watch videos on each teacher's methods:

The future is quantum!

精东影业 ISD high school students spent part of their summer at Martin High School tackling concepts that are shaping the future of science and technology! The is a initiative and partnership with 精东影业 ISD and the . The camp gives students the opportunity to learn quantum concepts that will impact their future.

The camp began in 2020 and has become a highly-anticipated summer learning opportunity for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students explored advanced quantum physics concepts through hands-on learning, collaborative work, and problem-solving.听

鈥淲atching students explore and grow during the quantum physics camp is always exciting,鈥� said Robin Griffith-Yates, STEM Academy administrator at Martin High School. 鈥淭he way the teachers work with the students and help build their confidence surrounding quantum topics is amazing.鈥澨�

The camp is designed to engage students with new ideas early to build a foundation that can make future learning more meaningful. The camp activities are connected directly to concepts students will encounter in future chemistry, physics, engineering, and technology classes.

鈥淟earning about quantum physics exposes students to careers they might not have otherwise considered and helps them develop critical thinking skills they can apply beyond the classroom,鈥� said Amanda Benson, science teacher and camp instructor. 鈥淭his camp is important because it gives kids the opportunity to get curious about current science.鈥�

https://youtu.be/2EvgbyCmZag

More than three decades after they were buried, eight time capsules from Carter Junior High School resurfaced, bringing memories, 听reflection, and a little piece of 1993 back to life.

The discovery began when former Carter student Patrick Carson alerted 精东影业 ISD officials to the capsules' existence after learning about the school's impending demolition. The old Carter building is in the process of being torn down after it was replaced by the new Rodriguez Junior High a few miles away.

With the help of 精东影业 ISD Assistant Superintendent of Facility Services Kelly Horn and Construction Project Manager Rod Sanches, Carson helped lead the construction team to the location where the capsules had been buried more than 30 years ago.

The capsules were filled with memories from students who attended Carter in 1993. As part of an assignment created by teachers Ms. Thurston, Ms. Cadden, and Mr. Hopp, seventh grade students were asked to reflect on their experiences at Carter, share where they hoped to be later in life, and include items that represented popular culture in 1993.

For Carson, opening the capsule was like revisiting his 12-year-old self.

鈥淚 liked everything we did 鈥� movies, parties and more,鈥� Carson said as he skimmed the letter he wrote as a seventh grader. 鈥淭he teachers were great. They really pushed us to be better than we were, and they always supported us.鈥�

Finding the capsules prompted Carson to reflect on the educators who helped shape his future and the continued support he has found in their friendship.

Carson was pleasantly surprised to find that Ms. Thurston had written a short reflection about each student. In Carson's entry, she wrote, 鈥淧atrick will use his leadership and maturity skills to reach his goals and finish college.鈥�

Another teacher who left a lasting impression was Ms. Cadden, whom Carson described as a mother figure throughout his childhood. Her influence extended well beyond the classroom and later helped him launch his first business.

鈥淢s. Cadden was always there for me,鈥� Carson recalled. 鈥淪he made a tremendous impact on my life.鈥�

Sorting through the musings of his classmates and re-reading his own letter brought Carson another moment of reflection. In the letter, he shared a goal of becoming a straight-A student when he reached high school.

Looking back now, he can proudly say he achieved that goal and went on to accomplish another. Carson now owns , a telecommunications company that helps businesses in the community thrive.

鈥淔inding those capsules meant those people got a chance to talk to their younger selves from 33 years ago,鈥� Sanches said. 鈥淔rom the top down, everyone was respectful of these memories, and I鈥檓 glad I was able to be part of this experience.鈥�

精东影业 ISD is pleased to announce LaToya Turner as the new principal at Burgin Elementary School.

Turner is not new to Burgin. She has served as the assistant principal at Burgin since 2020, where she has built strong relationships with students, families, and staff while leading data-driven systems to support best practices and align campus initiatives with district goals.

In addition to her work at Burgin, Turner served as principal of the Morton, Burgin, and Amos Summer Learning program, where she led curriculum implementation, teacher growth, and school safety initiatives. Earlier in her career, she served as a testing coordinator, Gifted and Talented specialist, and principal intern. While in the classroom, she was named Teacher of the Year in 2014 in Grand Prairie ISD.

Turner holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, also from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

"She is familiar to our students and staff, and I am confident she will be able to build on those relationships," said 精东影业 ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. Please join me in congratulating and welcoming LaToya Turner into her new role as principal of Burgin Elementary."

AOL offers two programs

精东影业 ISD Online Learning has arrived, and it might be the perfect option for your student.

AOL offers FREE flexible, high-quality virtual learning options, with two pathways for high school students:

1)听 听 听 听 Flexible virtual courses for juniors and seniors

2)听 听 听 听 Virtual Early College High School for incoming freshmen

Flexible Virtual Program for Juniors and Seniors

This program is perfect for high school juniors and seniors who need more schedule flexibility but still want a vibrant, traditional campus lifestyle. Students can take up to two virtual courses and fit them into their own schedule.

The program blends asynchronous (self-paced) online learning in up to two virtual classes each semester with traditional, on-campus courses. Available virtual courses focus on junior and senior requirements like English III, English IV, Government, Economics, and Precalculus.

Virtual Early College Pathway

This new fully-virtual early college pathway through 精东影业 College and Career High School is for incoming freshmen who want a 100% virtual high school experience with early college opportunities. 滨迟鈥檚 ideal for motivated incoming ninth graders ready to jumpstart their college education in a structured, highly-interactive online environment.

The innovative program provides the structure of a traditional school day combined with the innovation of a virtual classroom, complete with dedicated early college counselors and specialized support to help every student succeed.

While all coursework will be online, students may participate in campus events and school activities sponsored by ACCHS.

精东影业 ISD's Back to School Kickoff on Aug 1 at AT&T Stadium is less than four weeks away. So, now is the time to sign up!听

Why sign up?

Your student can get a FREE new backpack plus:

• Free age-appropriate school supplies
• Dental and health screenings
• Haircuts provided by students from the听Career + Technical Center
• Vendors with information on after-school care and other community resources

Sign up for a free backpack now听here.

Families will also enjoy resources from vendors like:

• ACH Child & Family Services
• 精东影业 Public Library
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America
• Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, Inc.
• And many more!

A special thanks to the Gene and Jerry Jones 精东影业 Youth Foundation and all of our other sponsors for rallying behind our phenomenal students to help them succeed.

THIS EVENT IS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE REGISTERED IN AN ARLINGTON ISD SCHOOL.

The AT&T Stadium bag policy will be enforced at the event.听.

Volunteer at the Kickoff

It takes more than 800 volunteers to make the Back to School Kickoff event run smoothly, and we still have lots of open spots. Please sign up to volunteer听.

鈥淲e鈥檝e helped nearly 100,000 families get ready for the school year, which is an amazing accomplishment that wouldn鈥檛 be possible without community volunteers and sponsor support,鈥� said Aaron Perales, 精东影业 ISD executive director of engagement, equity, and access.听

School starts Aug. 12, so now is the time to apply for free and reduced-cost meals for your students.

Important Reminders:

• A new application is required every school year, even if your child received benefits last year.
• To avoid a gap in benefits, apply within 30 days of the school year鈥檚 start.
• Applications are accepted year-round. You can reapply anytime if your household situation changes.

Apply online听here, or in person at the 精东影业 ISD food and nutrition services office, located at , Monday through听Friday, 7:30 a.m. 鈥� 4:30 p.m.

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 food and nutrition services department is committed to helping families access the benefits they qualify for. Please feel free to call 682-867-7895 if you have any questions or need assistance.

精东影业 ISD is pleased to announce Justin Edwards as the new principal of Bowie High School.

Edwards brings 16 years of experience in education in Fort Worth ISD and a strong track record of academic leadership and student success. Most recently, he served as the principal of Dunbar High School.

鈥淓dward鈥檚 passion for student achievement, focus on building strong relationships, and dedication to supporting both students and staff make him an excellent fit to build on the success of the Bowie Volunteers,鈥� said 精东影业 ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith.

Edwards started his career in education as a middle school math teacher, where he built a strong foundation in instructional practice and student engagement. He later moved into administration, first as an assistant principal at Southwest High School and then as the dean of instruction at the Young Men鈥檚 Leadership Academy, where he focused on instructional excellence and teacher development. Edwards then became the principal at Morningside Middle School in 2017 before moving on to Dunbar in 2021.

Edwards is a dynamic instructional leader with a proven track record leading instructional turnaround efforts, developing high-performing leadership teams, and implementing systems aligned to accountability and student achievement goals. He is experienced in Effective Schools Framework (ESF) and Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) implementation, data-driven instruction, operational leadership, and professional development within urban secondary schools.

Edwards will begin on Wednesday, July 1, and will soon reach out to staff, students, and families with opportunities to connect throughout the month of July. These meetings will give him a chance to get to know the Bowie High School community and learn more about the school.听

Please join us in welcoming Justin Edwards to Bowie High School.