“Success demands singleness of purpose.� - Vince Lombardi
2011 - 2012 Annual Report Fort Worth Independent School District
Walter Dansby Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Dunbar High School Graduate
What does Singleness of Purpose look like?
already reaping rewards. This annual report offers
To the mayor of Fort Worth, it’s the joy on
many examples, including:
her grandson’s face when they’re sharing an adventure in learning. To one of our parent
•
Consistent Bell Schedules
volunteers, it’s staying connected to her
We adopted common bell schedules for our
children’s education by helping any way she can
traditional high schools and middle schools.
at their school. To two high school friends now
This change alone will result in several more
headed to different universities, it’s never losing
weeks’ worth of core-subject classroom time.
sight of their academic and career goals. To me, Singleness of Purpose is all of our stakeholders
•
Master Scheduling
– each with his or her own interests and talents –
We went school by school, program by
moving the ball down the court as a team toward
program and class by class to pinpoint
the ultimate goal of student achievement.
where resources were needed most. You can imagine some of the difficult conversations
Singleness of Purpose has been my mission
and decisions. But, we pulled together, put
since becoming superintendent of the Fort
personal feelings aside and made choices
Worth Independent School District. We’ve taken
based on what was best for our kids.
significant strides toward obtaining it and are
•
Gold Seal Programs of Choice and Schools
I hope this snapshot of 2011-2012 inspires you as
of Choice
it does me. Together, we can provide our students
As one team, we redesigned high school
with the ultimate competitive advantage. As one
with these groundbreaking opportunities.
graduating senior – a Superintendent Scholar and
Gold Seal Programs give students an
the top 5A female swimmer in the state – says,
unprecedented head start on college
“I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of
and career.
many people – my parents, my coach, my teachers and fellow students. I am motivated to do better
You will also read about a new kind of
for them.”
collaboration among our community partners. I have invited leaders from non-profit groups and
Now, that’s Singleness of Purpose.
community organizations to participate in the strategic planning for the District and to support schools in ways that make the most sense for everyone. It’s extremely important that they, too, work under one umbrella for the sake of
Walter D. Dansby
our students.
Superintendent
nPurpose Superintendent Walter Dansby keeps his eye on the ball – a special one signed by the 1989-90 Paschal High School basketball team, the last team he coached.
“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” - John F. Kennedy
TABLE OF CONTENTS 02 ABOUT US
06 PARTNERSHIPS PLUS
20 TEACHING & LEARNING
38 BUDGETING & BUILDING
08 ON PURPOSE: BETSY PRICE
26 ON PURPOSE: MICHAEL SORUM
44 ON PURPOSE: ELIDA GONZALEZ
14 ON PURPOSE: CARLO CAPUA
30 ON PURPOSE: JOSE RAMON LOPEZ & JOSE LUIS LOPEZ 34 ON PURPOSE: SHAWN BUCHANAN
48 SAFETY & SUPPORT
54 PARENT INVOLVEMENT
62 HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS
58 ON PURPOSE: SUZAN KHAN
64 ON PURPOSE: JULIA ANDERSON
74 LOOKING AHEAD
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DISTRICT PROFILE OUR 2011 — 2012 BUDGET Operating Budget
$588,295,961
OUR SCHOOLS Total Number of Schools
140
Instruction
60.37%
Elementary School
83
Instruction Related
8.75%
Middle Schools
28
Support & Community Services
16.3%
High Schools
14
Pupil Services
11.52%
Alternative Schools
15
Administrative Support
2.29%
Debt Service
0.0%
Intergovernmental Charges
1.05%
Per Pupil Expenditure*
$7,154
2011-2012 Tax Rate
1.322
OUR DISTRICT Accreditation District High Schools
(M&O and Interest/Sinking Fund Rates Combined)
Texas Education Agency Southern Assoc. of Colleges & Schools
TEA Campus Ratings
2
Exemplary
6
Recognized
33
Acceptable
61
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OUR STUDENTS*
ON PURPOSE
TAKS ALL STUDENTS MET 2010 STANDARD*
Total Enrollment
81,511
100%
Bilingual/ESL
21,926
23.4%
Grade
Math
Read/ELA
Career & Technology Education
14,556
17.9%
Gr. 3
77
83
—
—
—
Economically Disadvantaged
61,642
75.6%
Gr. 4
82
75
84
—
—
Gifted & Talented
6,576
8.1%
Gr. 5
79
81
—
81
—
Limited English Proficient (LEP)
23,094
28.3%
Gr. 6
73
76
—
—
—
Special Education
5,910
7.3%
Gr. 7
67
76
88
—
—
Gr. 8
65
81
—
63
91
Ethnic Distribution
Writing Science
Soc.St.
Hispanic
48,255
59.2%
Gr. 9
62
82
—
—
—
African-American
19,033
24.5%
Gr. 10
65
87
—
65
90
White/Anglo
11,639
14.3%
Gr. 11
83
91
—
84
96
Asian/Pacific Islander
1,414
1.9%
All Grades
74
83
86
74
93
Native American
259
0.3%
TRANSPORTATION
OUR EMPLOYEES* Total number of Employees
10,129
100%
Number of Buses Running Daily
362
Full-time Teachers
5,131.8
50.7%
Number of Bus Routes
1,540
Auxillary Staff
2,469.6
24.4%
Number of Students Transported Daily
18,176
Professional Support
1,195.3
11.8%
Number of Miles Driven in 2011-12
Educational Aides
834.6
8.2%
Campus Administrators
403.7
4%
Central Administrators
94
.9%
Beginning Teacher Salary (2010 — 2011)
$47,164
Avg. Experience of Teachers
10.6 Years
Avg. Experience with FWISD
8.3 Years
Student/Teacher Ratio
15.9:1
* 2010-2011 Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS)
4,858,251
NUTRITION SERVICES Breakfasts Served Daily Meal Price
24,428 Reduced $.00, Paid Students $.75
Lunches Served Daily Meal Price
58,636 Reduced $.40, Elem. $1.50, MS/HS $1.90
Students Eligible for Free/ Reduced Meals
67,271
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LINES REDRAWN In October, the Board of Trustees approved a new redistricting map made up of nine single-member districts. The previous map had eight single-member districts and one at-large position – that of the board president. Under the new plan, the Board chooses a president from among the nine trustees. The map was created after a series of public hearings and input from a citizens advisory committee, a demographer and the District’s legal counsel. The new District 9 takes in parts of the old Districts 1 and 8.
HISTORY MADE – TWICE! Trustee Juan Rangel became Fort Worth ISD’s first
In May, trustees elected a new president: longtime
Hispanic school board president following the
board member T.A. Sims. He became the first African-
December resignation of President Ray Dickerson.
American selected to the post. Sims is also a registered
Major accomplishments under Mr. Rangel’s leadership
pharmacist and president of Sims Enterprises. Also
include the Board’s implementation of the new nine
in May, District 3 Representative Christene Moss was
single-member district map and the selection of Walter
chosen as vice president and District 5 Trustee Judy
Dansby as Fort Worth ISD Superintendent. Mr. Rangel
Needham was named secretary.
is the principal of JRE Fort Worth and has served on numerous boards and committees. He now represents District 9.
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NEW MEMBER WELCOMED Trustees made room for one more on the dais with the
Top row: Carlos Vasquez, District 1; Tobi Jackson, District
approval of Joe Ralph Martinez to represent District 8.
2; Joe Ralph Martinez, District 8; Ann Sutherland, District
Martinez, a realtor, was selected to fill the remaining
6; Juan Rangel, District 9; Norman Robbins, District 7.
year of an unexpired term.
Bottom row: Christene C. Moss, Vice President, District 3; T.A. Sims, President, District 4; Judy G. Needham, Secretary, District 5.
OUR VISION Educating for Life
OUR GOALS 1. Student Achievement 2. Operational Efficiency and Effectiveness 3. Family Involvement and Community Partnerships
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Fort Worth ISD’s Parent and Public Engagement Department collaborated with more than 400 partners – an increase of 20 percent from last year. Partnership activities included Adopt-A-School, Chairs for Teaching Excellence and the Campus and District Teacher of the Year Recognition Dinner. In this section, we want to highlight some of the new partnerships, the exceptional growth in programs and just what is possible when community partners work as a bigger team with Singleness of Purpose.
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BETSY PRICE FORT WORTH MAYOR ARLINGTON HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
“Educating our children takes more
Mayor Betsy Price enthusiastically supports
than just schools. It requires parent
Superintendent Dansby’s Singleness of Purpose
involvement and mentors. It requires
and is helping the District strategize for success.
work in the classroom and at home.
Her own Steer FW Education Task Force began
It requires support from our
meeting in fall 2011 with District officials to help
entire community.”
place community resources where they are needed most. Mayor Price visits our schools, participates in District events – evenings and weekends – and is one of the most visible and vocal cheerleaders for public education. Mayor Price’s advice for keeping on purpose: “Never give up. It’s not the setbacks that define us – it’s how we respond, get back on our feet and push forward. I hope that I can help pass on this important life lesson to our youth, because they will soon take the baton from us and lead this city to
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even greater heights.”
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Mayor Betsy Price and her grandson, Price Carter, engrossed in one of their favorite and most important activities: reading.
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2,482 – A HEALTHY TURNOUT The Fort Worth ISD District Walk hit its stride this year. Close to 2,500 people turned out May 12 to walk a total of 4,251 miles. That’s a 215 percent participation increase from the year before. The fitness event is held at the athletic tracks of every District high school, and every high school track reported at least 100 participants. The Humana Foundation donated $10,000 to pay for publicity, bottled water, bus transportation, promotional T-shirts and other incentives – all to get the community stepping out for better health.
TRAILBLAZING FOR FUN AND FITNESS U.S. Representative Kay Granger (R-TX) helped dedicate a new fitness trail at M.L. Phillips Elementary School, wrapping up the year-long FitKids project. Wet weather forced the ribbon-cutting indoors, but the trail was inviting even in the rain. Congresswoman Granger, a graduate of Eastern Hills High School, has been the Capitol Hill champion for FitKids, which is funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. FitKids was implemented by Fort Worth ISD in partnership with Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
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In all, six elementary school campuses in the District received fitness trails as part of the partnership.
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DRIVEN TO ACHIEVE Perfect attendance was the requirement for entering the “It’s Cool to Stay in School” contest sponsored by Score a Goal in the Classroom. Eligible students drew a key from a basket. One at a time, they pushed their key’s panic button, hoping it would be the one that would set off the alarm of a 2012 Dodge Challenger donated by Moritz of Fort Worth. When Diamond Hill-Jarvis senior Jennifer Perez tried her key, the alarm blared, the crowd cheered and Jennifer jumped for joy.
WORDS FOR WHEELS It was Paschal senior Robyn Sims’ way with words that
Watson, both graduates of Fort Worth ISD.
won her a new Honda Civic LX in the first annual “Frank Kent Honda Words for Wheels” essay contest. Frank Kent
Three finalists won prize packages that included $500
Honda donated the car, and community-based credit union
Visa gift cards, oil changes and window tinting from Frank
EECU chipped in the cost of the tax, title and license.
Kent Honda. In Robyn’s essay, she told how she planned
The contest invited Fort Worth ISD graduating seniors to
a nursing career to help women. “My ultimate goal is to
answer – in 1,000 words or less – the question, “How do
establish a non-profit awareness campaign… that will make
I see myself in the future becoming an asset to the Fort
it known to women of all ages how to properly take care of
Worth community?” The contest was the brainchild of
themselves, and, if pregnant, their unborn child.”
Frank Kent owners and siblings Will Churchill and Corrie
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MATCH THIS!
CREATIVE CONTESTS
JPMorgan Chase created a buzz, brought together
Comerica Bank held a holiday-themed boot design
individual donors and put money exactly where it was
competition and gave $14,000 to four Fort Worth
needed in our classrooms. Through the online charity
ISD elementary schools: George C. Clarke, Lily B.
organization DonorsChoose.org, District teachers
Clayton, E.M. Daggett and De Zavala. Local artists
posted funding requests for specific projects – things
competed in the Cowboys and Culture Holiday Boot
like books, technology and supplies. Interested donors
Design Contest. Students from the four schools
visited the website and found projects they wanted to
judged the entries with the assistance of Fort Worth
support. For several weeks, JPMorgan Chase and other
Mayor Betsy Price.
partners matched each individual donation up to $50. It was all part of the “Tools for Classrooms” campaign
Target hit the mark with a project that inspired
sponsored by JPMorgan Chase in collaboration with
student creativity and engaged families at the same
Clear Channel Communities, which ran PSAs nationally
time. The “Winning Ideas” project called on teams
to drive donors to give.
of students to write proposals for their own project – something that would benefit students, emphasize
Our teachers, staff and parents helped spread the word
learning and involve families. The proposals
through campus websites and on Facebook. Donations
included how the teams would use a $500 gift from
to Fort Worth ISD totaled $1,800. Multiply that by two
Target to implement the projects. The winning
– the JPMorgan Chase and partners’ match – and a
teams were from Bruce Shulkey Elementary, Versia
minimum of $3,600 went to District classrooms.
Williams Elementary, Daggett Montessori, Stripling
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Middle and Paschal High School.
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BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS Comerica Bank became one of the District’s newest
Central Market sponsored for the first time the
and biggest Adopt-A-School partners. The company
Campus and District Teacher of the Year Recognition
matched branch offices with 10 elementary schools:
Dinner. More than 400 teachers and guests attended
Benbrook, Bonnie Brae, George C. Clarke, Lily B. Clayton, the celebration. Central Market presented checks Como, E.M. Daggett, De Zavala, M.L. Phillips, I.M. Terrell
totaling $18,000 to the District Teacher of the Year
and Woodway.
finalists. The two 2012 District Teachers of the Year (elementary and secondary) were announced: Susan
Xerox Corporation also became an Adopt-A-School
Moore, South Hills Elementary School, and Tania White,
partner and promptly presented a $2,000 donation to
Dunbar High School. One week after the dinner, Central
Harlean Beal Elementary School. The money will go to
Market surprised each teacher at her campus with
the school’s Student Incentive Program to help buy
a cake and a check for $5,000.
educational items, school supplies and uniforms.
TEAMING UP FOR BETTER NUTRITION Superintendent Walter Dansby welcomed a group of
affects performance. The group plans to pilot a lunch
young business leaders who want to make a difference
menu in one of our elementary school cafeterias and
in the school lunch line. The group is Mayor Betsy
couple it with education in the classroom. The Task
Price’s new Steer FW Education Task Force. For their
Force also wants to engage parents in the project by
first project with Fort Worth ISD, the Task Force will
providing a take-home recipe book created by kids.
target student nutrition, which research shows strongly
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CARLO CAPUA CO-OWNER Z’S CAFÉ, STEER FW EDUCATION TASK FORCE WESTERN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
“Whether learning a language, starting
Carlo Capua fell in love with teaching and working
a business or running a marathon, you
with students after graduating from Texas Christian
are going to run into walls. See them as
University. Seeking adventure, he taught English in
opportunities – to show you how badly
Japan for four years and in Mexico for three
you want something.”
years. He returned to Fort Worth eager to see his family again and enjoy his mother’s great cooking. Shortly afterward, he and his mom opened Z’s Café. Now, as a member of Mayor Price’s Steer FW Education Task Force, Carlo is combining his love of good food with his passion for working with students. The Education Task Force has made student nutrition a priority and will work with Fort Worth ISD cafeterias, students and families.
Carlo’s passion: “Nutritious foods. I believe they can improve student achievement and behavior, can be both economic and creatively rich and can be prepared
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and presented in such a way that students will try them and like them.”
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Restaurant co-owner Carlo Capua plans to help District cafeterias dish up healthy foods that look good and taste good, too.
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UNITED FOR EDUCATION United Way’s 2020 Bold Goal supported District students
grades, attendance and behavior to identify struggling
of all ages. The Bold Goal, part of the “Learn Well:
students and intervene when needed.
The Education Initiative,” calls for 20 percent more ontime graduations from United Way selected schools in
Big Brothers and Big Sisters partnered with United
Tarrant County.
Way of Tarrant County and the Fort Worth ISD to expand students’ perspectives on life after high school. The
Because the path to graduation begins early, United Way
“Beyond the School Walls” program was piloted in several
worked with District staff to implement the “Leveled
middle schools. At least once a month, approximately 25
Literacy Initiative” at seven elementary schools.
students were transported from school to local businesses
The initiative’s small group-guided reading approach is
for some on-the-job time with their mentors.
designed to keep students on grade level and on time. United Way helped provide additional teaching time,
United Way also enabled GO Centers on the District’s
activities that promote parental involvement and access
high school and middle school campuses to serve more
to specialized reading resources. Collaboration with the
students than ever. A total of 8,455 students visited the
Target Foundation increased parent involvement and
centers during the school year to learn about college and
supported professional development for reading teachers.
career opportunities, college applications and financial
A partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Worth
aid. The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce continued its
provided summer reading programs to boost the reading
support of the GO Centers. The Chamber makes important
abilities of elementary students over the summer months.
connections to business and university partners who help staff the GO Centers.
United Way also supported the “Middle School Initiative,” putting College and Career Readiness coaches at eight
United Way committed more than $1.2 million to the “Learn
District schools. The coaches assist students with goal
Well: Education Initiative” at Fort Worth ISD for the 2012-13
setting and career planning. The coaches also monitor
school year.
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CLOSE-TO-HOME HEALTHCARE A fifth Fort Worth ISD/JPS Health Network school-
of Churches and the Southside Church of Christ,
based health center opened to bring primary and
where the center is located.
preventive care to more of our students and their younger siblings. Southside Center is a collaborative
During the 2011-2012 school year, the Southside Center
effort that also includes the South Central Alliance
served more than 700 young patients.
EXCELLENCE REWARDED Fifteen Fort Worth ISD teachers were chosen as the
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
2011-2012 Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence.
(2 sponsorships), Molyneaux Foundation, Outreach
Along with receiving the title and recognition, teachers
Communications, Patsy Luther Cantrell and Jan
were awarded $5,000 honorariums paid for by these
Luther Johnson, Performing Arts Fort Worth,
generous partners: Chase, Crescent Real Estate,
Quicksilver Resources, RadioShack, Sewell Lexus
Fort Worth Arts Education Partnership, Freese and
of Fort Worth and XTO Energy Inc.
Nichols, Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson LLP.,
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PARTNERSHIP TAKES ROOT A tree planted in May formalized the growing educational partnership between Paschal High School and Texas Christian University. The tree stands at the intersection of Bowie Street and McCart Avenue, on the western edge of TCU. It can be seen from Paschal’s campus one block away. TCU/Paschal projects covered a variety of subjects this year, including English, science and math. Outside the classroom, Paschal’s Student Council worked with TCU’s Student Government Association, and Paschal’s newly-formed dance company had the opportunity to learn from TCU’s School of Classical & Contemporary Dance.
VISION OF CARING More than 1,700 Fort Worth ISD students are seeing their futures – and everything else – more clearly. Kids Vision for Life, a partnership between the Essilor Vision Foundation, the Alcon Foundation and the Fort Worth ISD Health Services Department (our school nurses), provided free vision exams at 39 elementary campuses and at the Kids Vision Fest event. The partnership also provided free glasses for all the kids who
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needed them – a value of $171,000.
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PURE GOLD PARTNERS These community partners gave generously to our
employees against South Hills students and faculty.
Gold Seal Programs of Choice and Schools of Choice:
South Hills served up the 11-10 win.
Omni Fort Worth Hotel teamed up with South Hills
XTO Energy donated $25,000 to Paschal High School’s
High School to provide an outstanding edge for
Engineering Gold Seal Program of Choice. The company
students interested in hospitality careers. Opportunities said it was important to support a program that would include onsite visits, job shadowing, mentoring and
generate future engineers and possibly future XTO
college scholarships. This takes the school’s Culinary
employees. The funds will be used for a computer lab.
Arts Academy, a Gold Seal Program of Choice, to an exciting new level. Omni’s mentoring program will
JPMorgan Chase Foundation stepped up to help the
also benefit South Hills students in the AVID college
District’s newest Gold Seal School of Choice get off to a
readiness program. The partnership kicked off with a
good start. Chase donated $50,000 to the Young Men’s
charity softball game that pitted Omni Fort Worth Hotel
Leadership Academy, which opens in fall 2012.
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TEACHING & LEARNING 20
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Fort Worth ISD views the classroom as much more than a place for teachers to deliver information. It’s where we engage young minds and inspire students to learn, think critically and value the opportunities a good education affords. That means teachers must have all the tools and resources they need for excellence every day. This includes everything from a challenging and relevant curriculum to continuous professional development to the up-to-date technology that supports and expands teaching.
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GOLD SEAL PROGRAMS OF CHOICE AND SCHOOLS OF CHOICE This was the first year of one of the most
still in high school. All of the programs are tied to core
comprehensive redesigns of secondary school
instruction in math, science and English language arts.
education in the nation: Fort Worth ISD’s Gold Seal Programs of Choice and Schools of Choice.
The District held a Choices Expo in the Riley Center
These courses of study engage students, support
of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
their interests and open exciting pathways to success
The Expo featured all the opportunities available through
in college and career. Every District high school and
the Gold Seal Programs of Choice. During the event,
some middle and elementary schools offer Programs
Michael Sorum, the District’s Deputy Superintendent for
of Choice.
Leadership, Learning and Student Support, hosted a live taping of a roundtable discussion with middle school
At the high school level, Gold Seal Programs include
students to answer their questions about the Gold Seal
everything from aviation technology to culinary arts
Programs. Dr. Sharon Meng, Assistant Superintendent of
to digital gaming. Students receive rigorous, hands-
the District’s Department of Advanced, Accelerated
on learning, internships and opportunities to earn
and Innovative Learning, hosted a second live taping
certifications, licenses and even college credits while
with students.
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Early College High School
Classes are held at Marine Creek Collegiate High School
It’s no wonder word is quickly spreading about a
on the campus of Tarrant County College Northwest.
Gold Seal Program of Choice at Diamond Hill–Jarvis
Here, students enjoy being part of a small, personalized
High School. It’s Early College High School (ECHS), an
learning community in a program that is ideal for
opportunity for students to graduate with 48 to 60
first-generation college students and others under-
hours of transferrable college credit. That’s up to
represented in college.
two years of credit that could translate into an associate’s degree – free of charge! Parents could save
In the first year of ECHS, 51 students were in the
$40,000 to $80,000 in college tuition, textbooks and
program. The program plans to add approximately 75
related expenses.
students every year.
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Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
TABS highlights:
The Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences (TABS),
•
In November, a delegation of women scientists
a Gold Seal School of Choice, opened fall 2011. It was
from the Middle East and North Africa visited TABS.
a life-changing freshman year for dozens of students
The group was in North Texas to study women’s
interested in careers in healthcare science. A summer
contributions to scientific innovation, education,
program at the University of North Texas Health
leadership and public policy formation.
Science Center (UNTHSC) and TABS Prep at Stripling
•
TABS freshman Salma Elkhaoudi ranked third in
Middle School helped prepare students for their first
a medical terminology competition sponsored
year at TABS.
by Health Occupations Students of America. She moves on to compete at the state level next
Along with UNTHSC, The University of North Texas and Tarrant County College Trinity River Campus
school year. •
UNTHSC employees contributed to a $2,000 grant
collaborated with the District to provide learning
that will pay for volunteers to teach TABS students
environments and resources most students
about personal finance and professional ethics.
don’t experience until college or even med school.
•
Students earned white lab coats after completing
Students may earn up to two years of college credit,
the Summer Bridge Program. During their first year
thanks to an Early College High School component
of TABS, they proudly wore the coats when special
of TABS.
guests visited their school. •
The UNTHSC wrote a grant on behalf of TABS and
“All three TABS partners played such an important role
received $50,000 from American Honda Motor
in our experiences this year. They will continue to help
Corporation. The money will help buy advanced
us plan and strategize and to invest time and resources
scientific equipment.
in our expansion and future success,” said TABS Principal Troy Langston.
•
The Sid Richardson Foundation continued to support TABS with an annual gift exceeding $150,000 to enhance professional development and student achievement.
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MICHAEL SORUM FORT WORTH ISD DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT FOR LEADERSHIP, LEARNING AND STUDENT SUPPORT
“Any child with a career interest or
Michael Sorum studied classical piano for 13 years.
passion can find a Gold Seal Program
He played clarinet in his school band and organ at
of Choice to help develop it. And with
his church. And, as leader of the design team
free transportation and no fees, every
that created the District’s Gold Seal Programs of
student has the opportunity to pursue
Choice, he made sure to include fine arts in the
his or her interests at Fort Worth ISD.”
offerings. The programs provide opportunities for students to receive licensures, certifications, college credits, advanced placement credits and an actual gold seal on their diploma. The Gold Seal difference is the power of choice. Want to play clarinet? There’s a Gold Seal Program of Choice for that!
Deputy Superintendent Sorum says students can look forward to: “More choice! With our first class entering its sophomore year, we are evaluating and refining programs so that, before long, every student will be able to take charge of their education, have more
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choice and pursue what interests them.”
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS
LOOKING AHEAD
ON PURPOSE
NPURPOSE Michael Sorum kids around with a clarinet but takes very seriously the full fine arts programs offered at every Fort Worth ISD high school.
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TO THE STAAR AND BEYOND For the first time, students tackled the State of Texas
•
9th graders who took the Biology test achieved a
Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) End-of-
Satisfactory or Advanced level at a rate of
Course (EOC) and STAAR 3rd-8th grade exams. STAAR
80 percent
replaced the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills
•
9th graders who took the English I test achieved
(TAKS) in 9th grade and below. And, as expected, STAAR
a Satisfactory or Advanced level at a rate of 45
proved to be more rigorous than TAKS in several ways.
percent in Reading and 25 percent in Writing
To help students and teachers make the transition,
•
Accelerated 9th graders who took the English II
STAAR EOC standards are being phased-in. The number
test scored 95 percent in Reading and 82 percent
of questions that must be answered correctly will
in Writing at or above the current standards
gradually increase until 2016. But, even the first tests had higher standards than the passing standards
Middle school students enrolled in high school courses
for TAKS.
for which there was an EOC assessment also took STAAR EOC exams. Here are their results:
Here is how Fort Worth ISD high school students fared
•
7th and 8th graders who took the Algebra I test
on EOC exams:
achieved a Satisfactory or Advanced level at a rate
•
9th graders who took the World Geography and
of 97-99 percent
Algebra I tests achieved a Satisfactory or Advanced •
8th graders who took the English I test achieved
level at a rate of 69 percent
a Satisfactory or Advanced level for 86 percent
Accelerated 9th graders who took the Geometry
in English I Reading and 72 percent in
and Algebra II tests had 97 percent at or above the
English I Writing
•
current standard
CONNECTED CLASSROOMS Fort Worth ISD completed equipment upgrades that will allow us to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for Internet access in the classroom. With more than 2,200 access points installed, all schools now have wireless network access.
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT
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HONORABLE RETURN The National Honor Society is back where it belongs at Eastern Hills High School. The school reactivated its chapter during a traditional candlelight induction ceremony in April. A total of 28 juniors and sophomores were inducted as members, while 21 seniors received honorary memberships. The National Honor Society recognizes high school students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service and character.
AG BARN ADD-ON Fort Worth ISD has always been proud of its barn facility. Now, there’s even more to crow about. We expanded the barn from 5,000 to 7,500 square feet. “We ran out of space for our large animals,” said Cody Davenport, the FFA advisor at Arlington Heights High School. “The expansion allows us to open more space for our student projects.” The barn is used by Arlington Heights’ Future Farmers of America chapter as well as students in the school’s Agriculture and Horticulture Gold Seal Program of Choice. The Gold Seal program gives students a jumpstart on careers in veterinary medicine, wildlife management, animal science research and many other fields.
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JOSE RAMON LOPEZ & JOSE LUIS LOPEZ TRIMBLE TECH HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2012 “Sure, we like to drive around, hang out
They met in 9th grade and hit it off – even before
with friends and listen to music. But,
they realized they shared both a first and last name.
we keep our priorities straight. We do
They remained friends throughout high school,
our work first and play later.”
sharing other similarities, including:
- Jose Luis Lopez “Another thing we have in common is families who push us. We have older sisters who expect us to do well in school. We have parents who expect us to work hard.” - Jose Ramon Lopez
•
Favorite class – art
•
Favorite food – wings
•
Favorite sport – soccer
They’re also both good students looking forward to college. That similarity, however, will send them on their separate ways: •
Jose Ramon Lopez – Texas A&M University to major in biology (plans a career in medicine)
•
Jose Luis Lopez – Texas Wesleyan University to study criminal law (wants to help end drugrelated violence in Mexico)
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT
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Jose Ramon Lopez (left) and Jose Luis Lopez (right) expect to stay friends over the miles – from College Station to Cowtown.
NPURPOSE
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ONE GOOD BOOK “The Big Read,” a program of the National Endowment
School, collected over 1,200 non-perishable food items
of Arts and led locally by Texas Wesleyan University,
for the Tarrant Area Food Bank.
was a big deal in the Fort Worth ISD. The February 29th kick-off featured an all-star cast, including Fort Worth
Although the novel’s setting is Depression-era
Mayor Betsy Price, Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Walter California, teachers said many students felt Dansby and Trimble Tech High School alum and star
“The Grapes of Wrath” helped them put personal,
of ABC’s “Body of Proof,” actor Windell Middlebrooks.
family and economic problems they have seen and
They each read passages from the selected book, John
experienced in perspective.
Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.” Our Secondary Literacy Department said, “‘The Big In addition to reading the book, students researched
Read’ allowed students to develop an appreciation
the Great Depression, attended performances of
for ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ as a literary work, and to
“The Grapes of Wrath: A Living Scrapbook,” performed
understand how writers often use works like novels to
dramatic monologues, debated social and economic
inform the general public about social issues and to
issues, wrote persuasive essays and, at Paschal High
raise public consciousness about those same issues.”
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SEEING BLUE Fort Worth ISD’s Edward J. Briscoe Elementary School
Unacceptable rating by the state in 2008 and 2009, but
learned in January that it was nominated for the
improved to Recognized status the past two years.
2012 Blue Ribbon Schools national award. Briscoe was the only school in Tarrant County nominated for the
“Our teachers and staff make sure students and
prestigious award, and one of 26 contenders statewide.
parents know the high expectations we have here.
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public
We understand there are often challenges at home,”
and private elementary, middle and high schools
says Principal Buchanan. “But at Briscoe, students
for academic excellence and progress in closing the
can take pride in doing their best every day.”
achievement gap. Blue Ribbon honors have gone to three other Fort Worth Briscoe, under the direction of Principal Shawn
ISD elementary schools in past years: Glen Park, Rufino
Buchanan, was nominated in the Improving Schools
Mendoza and Tanglewood.
category. Briscoe received an Academically
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SHAWN BUCHANAN EDWARD J. BRISCOE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL/ LEARNING NETWORK DIRECTOR O.D. WYATT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE “I have always believed that elementary
Shawn Buchanan was “teaching” at age five.
teachers and principals are in a unique
During the summer, neighborhood children
position to make a difference in a child’s
would come to Shawn’s house to play school.
life. We have a responsibility to ignite a
Her grandmother made lunch. Her grandfather built
love of learning that will last a lifetime.”
little desks for all the children. Shawn’s mother, a librarian for the city of Fort Worth, supplied the books. Shawn knew then she would be a teacher one day. Indeed, she taught at both the elementary and secondary level before becoming an assistant principal and then a principal.
Principal Buchanan calls this an exciting time to be a Fort Worth ISD student because: “All of us at the District are working hard and working together for your success. School has never been more engaging, more relevant or more geared toward equipping students for college and the workplace.”
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT
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NPURPOSE Principal Shawn Buchanan, the daughter of a librarian, considers books an open door to “lifelong joy and adventure.”
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LEADING BY EXAMPLE Rosemont Middle School students got a real-life lesson in what it means to serve one’s country. Janice Sharp, a 7th grade science teacher, reenlisted in the Navy Reserve. And, she did it at school. The science teacher and mother of four children is a Quarter Master in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Her husband is also a reservist in the Navy. In January, in front of students, faculty and staff, QM2 Janice Sharp raised her hand and promised to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This enlistment is her final one in completing her service. Her active duty service began in 1997 aboard the USS Nicholson, a destroyer out of Norfolk, Virginia. She began her career in the Fort Worth ISD in 2008.
MORNING MEAL MATTERS Fort Worth ISD’s “Kick-Start with Breakfast” program is more than doubling in size each year. The pilot program began in 2009-2010 with four schools. The next year it grew to 13 schools. In 2011-2012, 26 schools provided early morning nutrition in the classroom, including breakfast pizza bagels, breakfast burritos and pancake sausages-on-a-stick. Studies show that eating breakfast can help test scores and help students pay attention in class and behave better.
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A LESSON IN DETERMINATION When Paschal High School senior Michael Batts crossed
he graduated on time and in the top 10 percent of his
the stage May 31, 2012, at TCU’s Daniel Meyer Coliseum,
class. He will continue his rehabilitation while attending
cheers and applause erupted. Some 18 months earlier,
Tarrant County College in the fall. He plans to major
he lay unconscious in the hospital with a broken pelvis,
in speech language pathology and become a speech
broken ribs and a severe head injury suffered in a
therapist to help others who have suffered
car crash.
brain injuries.
Before Michael’s accident in November 2010, he was
Michael has a more immediate goal, too. “I want
ranked 10th in his class. He played saxophone in the
to be driving by the end of summer,” he says
marching band, sang in the choir and worked on the
matter-of-factly. That will take more rehab, more
school newspaper. After the crash, he had to relearn
recovery and something Michael has no shortage of:
everything – even walking and talking.
extreme determination.
Michael’s recovery, though not complete, has been remarkable. Even after missing five months of school,
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT
HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS
LOOKING AHEAD
ON PURPOSE
We cannot avoid mentioning the state funding crisis and its impact on our District – a projected $41 million shortfall this year alone. The situation called for unprecedented Singleness of Purpose. For months, every Cabinet and Executive Staff meeting included budget discussions. In May, District administrators from every division and department worked together for long hours reviewing each school’s master schedule to ensure efficiencies and meet student needs. We developed a plan that we believe will best serve our instructional needs, our District’s fiscal future and, most importantly, our students. We also celebrated. We began the school year with four more new schools as the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) began winding down. All of the projects that were part of the original 2007 bond program approved by voters were completed on time and under budget. The savings allowed for additional CIP work, including extra renovations at all schools, track resurfacing at secondary schools and a new culinary lab at North Side High School.
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EARLY NOTIFICATION The state budget shortfall meant spending had to
With that in mind, the Fort Worth ISD Board of
be cut. Since 85 percent of the District’s budget is
Education and District Administration offered an early
personnel cost, staffing had to be a large part
notification incentive payment to employees who
of reductions.
planned to resign or retire at the end of the school year. The payment – up to 10 percent of an employee’s
“One of the most effective ways to cut personnel
annual salary – rewarded individuals for their time
costs is by attrition,” said Superintendent Walter
spent with Fort Worth ISD. It also minimized the
Dansby. “And, the ability to plan around the number of
number of layoffs needed for the next year. Various
employees who will resign or retire at the end of this
stakeholders approved the early notification incentive,
school year gives us a real head start in saving the
including the United Educators Association.
District both money and jobs.”
ONLINE COURSE REQUEST Scheduling classes in the Fort Worth ISD got a lot
Online Course Request helped the District, too.
more convenient with Online Course Request. For the
Students’ course requests gave us the data we needed
first time, students and parents were able to go to the
to begin closely examining staffing ratios at our
District website, review the course catalog and create a
schools and determining the most efficient use
tentative schedule.
of resources.
STAFFING RATIOS Cabinet, Executive Staff and District administrators
Our Human Capital Management Department worked
diligently reviewed staffing ratios at every school
with those who lost their jobs to provide support,
and considered various reorganization possibilities.
including giving them access to a June job fair
This was to maximize how we utilize existing faculty
designed to help recent Fort Worth ISD graduates
and minimize the number of teachers we hire from
and seniors.
the outside. In the end, we laid off fewer than 100 employees and decided to eliminate another 129 jobs
Over the past two years, the District eliminated 113
already vacant. Most of those affected immediately
central office positions and 251 campus positions from
were library clerks and teacher assistants. We did not
the payroll.
lay off any Fort Worth ISD teachers.
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CONSISTENT BELL SCHEDULES In February, we adopted common bell schedules for our
•
More opportunities for teachers to meet with
traditional high schools and middle schools. Beginning
students weekly (compared to the A/B
next fall, all of the District’s traditional high schools will
block model)
use a seven-period bell schedule. All middle schools will
•
More efficient use of staffing
operate under a 5x5 block schedule. At the middle school level, the 5x5 block schedule “This will eliminate the inconsistent schedules that
will provide:
have created unnecessary obstacles for our students
•
instruction time in key content areas
and teachers,” said Robert Ray, Fort Worth ISD Deputy Superintendent for Program Efficiency, Effectiveness
The equivalent of eight weeks of additional
•
More minutes of class time within each instructional period
and Sustainability. “And, the changes will dramatically increase the number of hours of instruction.”
•
A lower student to teacher ratio class size
At the high school level, the seven-period bell schedule
The 5x5 schedule will still allow for multiple electives.
will deliver: •
The equivalent of an additional 5.6 weeks of
The District will monitor the bell schedule changes and
increased instructional time in core subjects
continually assess their effectiveness.
(compared to the 8-period model)
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RIGHT ON THE MONEY Our financial management practices earned a Superior Achievement rating from the Texas Education Agency’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas. Our Accounting Department also picked up Certificates of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association for School Business Officials International and the Government Finance Officers Association. This was the 26th consecutive year for both awards.
GRANT FUNDING The District was awarded more than $73 million in discretionary grant funding – far exceeding the goal of $40 million. More than $1 million in entitlements was received. Grant funding makes up approximately 28 percent of the District’s operating budget. District schools, meanwhile, received nearly $250,000 in gifts from private sources for use at the campus level.
Grant highlights include: Target Foundation - $125,000 for Early Literacy
21st Century Community Schools - $4.8 million for 40
JPMorgan Chase Foundation - $50,000 for the Young
schools to support after-school programming
Men’s Leadership Academy
District Award for Teaching Excellence - $1.7 million
United Way - $460,000 for Literacy, $730,164 for the
to support teacher evaluations, rewards and incentives
Middle School Initiative
Sid Richardson Foundation - $200,000 for the District
Humana Foundation - $10,000 for the District Walk
curriculum audit and $155,000 for Texas Academy of
AT&T Foundation - $100,000 for College Readiness and
Biomedical Sciences campus support
Dropout Prevention
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EVERYBODY RISE!
ON PURPOSE
RISE campuses:
Fort Worth ISD combined federal and state funds to create the Redesign
•
Como ES
to Increase Schools of Excellence (RISE) initiative. RISE will help all
•
Daggett MS
students by:
•
Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS
•
Finding new ways to teach and lead
•
Dunbar HS
•
Creating fair teacher evaluations that help everyone
•
Dunbar MS
perform better
•
Dunbar 6th
Rewarding educators for performance
•
Eastern Hills HS
•
Forest Oak MS
In its first year at 25 campuses, RISE:
•
Glencrest 6th
•
Regularly brought teachers and administrators together
•
Handley MS
for open dialogue about improving teaching practices
•
International Newcomer Academy
Provided teachers with current, needs-based
•
Kirkpatrick MS
professional development
•
Meadowbrook MS
Provided on-the-job professional development to campus
•
Mitchell Blvd ES
leadership facilitated by external experts
•
Morningside ES
Piloted compensation based on both teacher and
•
North Side HS
student performance
•
Oaklawn ES
Engaged school communities in new ways, including Parent
•
A.M. Pate ES
Learning Walks
•
Polytechnic HS
•
T.A. Sims ES
The funds that make RISE possible:
•
South Hills HS
•
Teacher Incentive Fund
•
Sunrise-McMillan ES
•
Texas Title I Priority Schools Grant Program
•
W.J. Turner ES
•
Texas Turnaround Leadership Academy
•
Versia Williams ES
•
O.D. Wyatt HS
•
• • • •
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ELIDA GONZALEZ W.J. TURNER ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL NORTH SIDE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
“RISE will make a difference for so many
Elida Gonzalez became a withdrawn 14-year-old when
students. Things like the use of data to
her father passed away and her family moved to a new
pinpoint weaknesses and strengths,
city. Her parents had always stressed the importance
career day and college day events,
of a good education, but Elida’s world was turned
and student goal-setting can make
upside down. She credits the Upward Bound program
academic success and college seem real
that she joined in high school with helping her fulfill
and attainable.”
her parents’ wishes for her to go to college. As part of the program, she went to classes at Texas Christian University on Saturdays and in the summer. By her senior year, she was taking college level courses. The timid teen turned into a confident leader – and lifelong learner. She is now working toward her doctorate and Superintendent Certification.
Principal Gonzalez’s advice to students of all ages: “Believe you can achieve your goal. If you believe it, you can do it.”
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT
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Elida Gonzalez treasures the Upward Bound Perseverance trophy she was awarded at North Side High School. It reminds her - as a RISE school principal – of the power of good programs and people in a child’s life.
NPURPOSE
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FOUR MORE SCHOOLS Four brand new Fort Worth ISD schools welcomed students and their parents on the first day of school: Rosemont Elementary, John T. White Elementary, Benbrook Middle and Jean McClung Middle. A total of five schools were built as part of the 2007 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and brought in under budget and on time. The first, Hazel Harvey Peace Elementary, opened August 2010. Beautiful, high-performing and sustainable – these schools were designed to serve students, conserve natural resources and fit seamlessly into the fabric of their neighborhoods.
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TEACHING & LEARNING
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A PROMISE DELIVERED Four years after voters approved the $593.6 million
Mr. Dansby treated all those in attendance to a short
CIP, Walter Dansby (then Interim Superintendent)
video, “Straight to the Classroom: A Promise Delivered.”
reported on its success at a special meeting. It was the
The video highlighted each of the new schools,
Combined Area Council Memberships of the Fort Worth
the money-saving geothermal HVAC systems, the
Chamber of Commerce, a group whose support helped
sustainable construction strategies and the District’s
significantly in the passage of the bond program.
commitment to transparency in all phases of the
The meeting was held at McClung Middle School, one
massive construction and renovation effort.
of the new schools built by the CIP.
COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONS One of the great successes of the CIP was its
5th Annual Pillars Public Entity Award. The award is
utilization of not only large firms for construction-
given each year to a public organization that has
related projects, but also smaller and emerging
significantly impacted the construction industry in
companies. This effort was recognized by the
the Dallas-Fort Worth area while displaying leadership,
1,200-member Regional Hispanic Contractors
innovation and diversity in the administration and
Association, which honored the CIP with the group’s
management of its projects.
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SAFETY & SUPPORT
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
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LOOKING AHEAD
ON PURPOSE
The definition of school safety is always changing. Fort Worth ISD continually strives to stay up-to-date and even ahead of the changes. This year saw the implementation of the It’s Not Okay anti-bullying and the Know The Plan preparedness initiatives. Though both are designed to keep kids safe at school, they also involve families and even the entire community. Everyone has a role – whether it’s modeling respectful behavior or knowing what to do in the case of an emergency.
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INOK The Fort Worth ISD’s anti-bullying efforts attracted
INOK the National Exemplary Program Recognition Award.
national attention and earned community support
Award winners were selected using a rigorous rubric. INOK
as the District launched the comprehensive It’s Not
was praised for its student-driven model which specifically
Okay (INOK) initiative. INOK encourages everyone to
addresses school climate and needs. The panel judging the
speak out and stand up for any person or group that
awards included representatives from law enforcement,
is bullied, harassed or discriminated against. INOK
education, and parent and community groups.
directly empowers students by creating INOK Student Organizations on campuses that determine topics of
“It’s overwhelming – the response INOK is getting,”
discussion and hold INOK-related activities.
said Kathryn Everest, Fort Worth ISD Director of Guidance and Counseling. “Despite the prevalent negative social
Exemplary Award
norms, kids really do want a kinder, more respectful
The School Safety Advocacy Council awarded
environment.”
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Stripling Middle School Principal Keri Flores and others
•
ON PURPOSE
Sunrise-McMillan – Students participated in a poster
from her school went to Orlando, Florida, to receive
contest, signed pledge cards and attended an
the award. Stripling implemented several anti-bullying
assembly with INOK-related skits
activities that brought local and national attention to INOK.
More INOK highlights: •
The community-wide INOK launch included Fort Worth
Implementation
Mayor Betsy Price, Police Chief Jeffrey Halstead,
We decided to launch the INOK initiative in stages to
City Councilmember Joel Burns and several Fort
better serve all audiences. We expanded our effort at
Worth ISD Trustees
the elementary level and engaged the community. INOK
•
We introduced a comprehensive INOK manual that
asked our youth to support, lead, develop and sanction
explains the initiative and the roles educators,
social norms that promote respect and integrity for all
students, parents and the community can play in
people. Students were encouraged to team up to find
creating safe, respectful environments for everyone
ways to spread the INOK message – programs and projects
•
We expanded the INOK poster campaign on both
“by kids for kids.” They responded enthusiastically on all
elementary and secondary campuses to include the
elementary campuses. Student-driven activities included:
topic of violence
• •
Cesar Chavez – Students created an anti-
Parks and Recreation personnel and several After
Manuel Jara – Teachers recognized Kindness Kid of
School providers •
The Texas Counseling Association honored the
students with certificates and opportunities to win
Fort Worth ISD as an “Outstanding Institution for
a bicycle
Promoting Advocacy” in connection with the
T.A. Sims – A weeklong campaign, Bully Free Starts
INOK initiative
with Me - It’s Cool to Care, included a daily theme and a video created by students •
INOK trainings were held for Fort Worth City
cheating video the Week in each classroom, presenting deserving
•
•
•
The Amon G. Carter Foundation gave $30,000 to support training and materials
South Hills – Students created videos on INOK topics relevant to their classmates
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KNOW THE PLAN Website Launched
Plan Put in Practice
If you know the plan, you know what to do! That’s the
The Fort Worth ISD, in conjunction with the City of Fort
simple message behind the “Know The Plan” website
Worth, practiced its EOP with a large-scale emergency
(www.fwisd.org/plan) launched this year by the District.
drill in May. The drill was carried out at Kirkpatrick
“Know The Plan” is the name given to Fort Worth ISD’s
Middle School and Kirkpatrick Elementary School.
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) for dealing with
The general scenario of this drill assumed there was
unexpected emergencies. Being prepared and knowing
a hazardous materials incident in the vicinity of both
what to do can reduce fear, anxiety and losses that
schools requiring campus administrators to implement
accompany local events and widespread disasters.
a “Shelter in Place” response. One school was
Our EOP was developed using best security practices
evacuated to another District location, which involved
and the cooperation of local government. The plan
bringing in school buses for the transfer. Meanwhile,
covers the four phases of emergency management:
the second school tested procedures while remaining at
Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery.
the campus. The EOP was developed under a Readiness
The “Know The Plan” website has valuable information
and Emergency Management in Schools grant received
for each phase. The information is directed to staff,
by the District two years ago.
students and families – because everyone has a role in emergency response.
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ON PURPOSE
COUNSELING AT ITS BEST The Texas School Counselor Association honored four
Heights Elementary School. CREST recognizes
Fort Worth ISD schools with the Counselors Reinforcing
counseling programs that improve the
Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award. The
lives and achievement of students by utilizing
schools are Polytechnic High School, South Hills High
counseling strategies focused on data and
School, Wedgwood Middle School and Washington
accountability measures.
TEACHER SUPPORT According to the 2012 Fort Worth ISD Teacher Survey,
Dansby prominently shared the results of the survey on
most of our teachers believe they are supported by
the District website to let teachers know their feedback
colleagues. They also say they are happier with campus
was heard and valued.
leadership. However, many feel there is a lack of accountability for teacher performance. The District’s Department of Accountability and Data
Overall, teachers also reported: •
Collaboration with colleagues
•
Confidence in delivery of instruction, use of data
Quality administered the survey. More than half – 53 percent – of teachers responded. Superintendent
and classroom effectiveness •
Commitment to student success
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT
HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS
LOOKING AHEAD
ON PURPOSE
We know it’s vital for parents to be involved in their child’s education. We also know just how busy parents are these days. So, as well as finding more effective ways to engage parents, we looked for more convenient ways, too. Among other things, we took full advantage of social media (have you seen our Facebook page lately?), energized school websites and gave parents an online tool for checking grades and attendance. It was all geared toward empowering our most important partners in student success.
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PARENTS STAY CONNECTED To moms and dads, Fort Worth ISD’s Parent Portal is
Parent Portal empowers parents and enlists them as
the next best thing to being in the classroom with
allies in the education of their children. Superintendent
their students. Attendance records, grades and teacher
Walter Dansby says the District-wide implementation
contacts are only a click away with the impressive
of Parent Portal supports the District’s top priority –
online tool. Parents are also able to set alerts to
improved academics – and he encouraged both parents
receive automatic emails if a student’s attendance or
and teachers to participate wholeheartedly.
grades fall below specified criteria. To help parents logging on for the first time, the As promised, the District put Parent Portal in every
District posted an instructional video on www.fwisd.org,
school this year. By the end of April 2012, roughly
and schools held events where parents could stop by
17,800 parents had signed up.
and learn more.
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ON PURPOSE
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS Family Academy made its debut this year in two communities. Parents learned all about communicating and partnering with teachers, participating in school events and helping their children at home. The District also held Camp Pre-K, a transition camp for pre-kindergarten kids and their parents or guardians. The camp gave the adults strategies to use at home during the summer to ready their children for their first academic experience.
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SUZAN KHAN PARENT AND SCHOOL VOLUNTEER
“Education is a gateway to success, to
Suzan Khan has always followed her heart. As a
moving forward, to making a difference,
young woman, she traveled from Jordan to the United
to understanding, to communicating, to
States for what was supposed to be a month-long
becoming more productive and to lifting
visit with relatives. Instead, she stayed, married, had
up your lives and the lives of others.”
children and settled into Fort Worth. Once her children entered Bruce Shulkey Elementary, her heart told her to be as involved as possible in their education. She joined the PTA and began volunteering at school. She shelves library books, reads to children, helps them use the library computers, works PTA fundraisers and chaperones field trips. She also stays connected through Parent Portal, the online tool for parents. “I can follow my children’s achievements from my home,” says Suzan. “Every day I check it!”
Suzan’s advice to other parents: “Volunteer as much as possible at your children’s school. It is one way to show your love for them, and
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love is what our children want most from us.”
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS
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ON PURPOSE
Suzan Khan takes to heart the education of her two children, Mahmoud and Nancy.
NPURPOSE
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CAMPUS SITES SOAR Campus website visits were up an astounding 91 percent
school year to help Campus Web Managers take
this year — 7,182,315 page views for 2011-2012 compared
ownership of the websites and the opportunities
to 3,751,670 for 2010-2011. These sites quickly became
they provide.
one of the most important District tools for parent, student and public engagement.
And the Webby Award Goes To ... It may not be the Oscar, but the Webby quickly became
Fresh, reliable information is what kept people visiting.
a coveted honor and an effective incentive for keeping
Credit goes to the hard-working Campus Web Managers
campus websites up-to-date and engaging. Each week,
who populated and updated campus sites every day.
a “Campus Website of the Week” was named based
The Fort Worth ISD Communications team encouraged
on overall look, quality, timeliness and organization
growth by consistently providing ready-to-use District
of information. These standout sites then became
stories and videos. The Communications team also
finalists for the Webby, which was presented monthly.
hosted trainings and work sessions throughout the
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ON PURPOSE
NOT JUST ABOUT NUMBERS The District’s social media presence and usage was
to websites and pages established to address
stronger than ever. But this year, we challenged
important issues and changes
ourselves to do more than just increase our Facebook
•
Listened
and Twitter following. We focused on building
While our numbers grew by thousands, the most
relationships. With customer service a priority, we:
rewarding pay-offs were the conversations that
•
Responded to postings quickly and in more
transpired. They made our Fort Worth Facebook and
personal ways
Twitter audiences feel more like real communities –
•
Shared information, photographs and videos
celebrating successes, sharing sadness, taking ownership
•
Used Facebook and Twitter to push audiences
and working together to help our students achieve.
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Scholarships were won. Records were broken. High notes were hit. Our students studied, trained and practiced their hearts out. And they shined – in all arenas. We want to share with you some of the very top accomplishments.
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JULIA ANDERSON PASCHAL HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2012
“I’m really grateful that I have the ability
Julia Anderson isn’t just a good swimmer – she’s
and the opportunity to train as hard
in an elite class with dozens of medals to show for it.
as I do. So, I try to make every practice
Her top wins and titles include:
count. I am continually inspired by my
•
2012 UIL Swimmer of the Year at the State Finals
competitors and teammates.”
•
Gold medals at the 2011 FINA World Junior Swimming Championships, 400 and 800-meter freestyle relays (and set a record!)
•
2010, 2011, 2012 UIL 5A State Champion, 200-yard freestyle
Julia, a Superintendent Scholar, also made the semifinals in the 200-meter freestyle event at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials. Although she didn’t make the finals, her training will continue. She will swim for Stanford University starting this fall.
Julia’s advice to students who want to excel in academics, sports or the arts: “First, manage your time. It will mean making some hard
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choices. But, once you start seeing results, you’ll be motivated to study and train as much as it takes.”
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS
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ON PURPOSE
NPURPOSE You can expect Julia Anderson to add to her haul of “heavy medal” when she hits the water with the Stanford University swim team this fall.
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ACADEMIC ELITE Fort Worth ISD honored 158 students as Superintendent Scholars – a 45 percent increase from the previous year. Superintendent Scholars are selected on the basis of membership in the National Merit, National Hispanic and the National Achievement programs as Advanced Placement Scholars. Some recognized students hold honors in more than one of these programs.
CASH FOR COLLEGE 868 scholarships were awarded to Fort Worth ISD
•
Alexander Keller – Paschal High School
students. Scholarship offers totaled $30.8 million
•
William Lyles – Paschal High School
dollars. Among them:
•
Emily Meigs – Paschal High School
National Merit Scholarships
•
Avinash Murugan – Paschal High School
Two Fort Worth ISD students won National Merit Scholarship Corporation $2,500 scholarships:
Chesapeake Scholars
•
Max Brozynski – Paschal High School
Seven Fort Worth ISD graduates received Chesapeake
•
Charles Jang – Paschal High School
Scholarship awards, each worth up to $56,000. The best part – each award is renewable for up to four years for a
Two District students won corporate-sponsored Merit
potential total of $224,000. The recipients are:
Scholarships:
•
Christian Castaneda – Polytechnic High School
•
Alexander Hulen – Paschal High School
•
Alexis Cotton – Southwest High School
•
Andrew Nguyen – Paschal High School
•
Raul Dominguez – South Hills High School
•
Elizabeth Ellis – Paschal High School
Five students won National Merit Scholarships financed
•
Aurora Perez – South Hills High School
by colleges and universities:
•
Tilija Stanojevic – Paschal High School
•
•
Veronica Valles – Paschal High School
Jacob Curtis – Arlington Heights High School
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2012 DELL SCHOLARSHIPS
COLLEGE READINESS
Four students in the Advancement Via Individual
Advanced Placement qualifying scores and
Determination (AVID) program earned these
participation increased this school year by 10 percent.
$20,000 scholarships:
SAT participation also increased by 10 percent.
•
Maya Gutierrez – Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
•
Reagan Harris – Trimble Tech High School
More and more students are racking up college credits
•
Martin Lara – Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
while still in high school. In 2011-2012, 370 students
•
Justine Parker – Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
enrolled in dual credit courses - compared to 43 students in 2007-2008.
WORLD LANGUAGE WINS
UIL ACADEMICS
William James Middle School won 1st place at the
Nine students represented Fort Worth ISD at the UIL
Texas State Junior Classical League Competition.
State Academic Meet in Austin. Paschal High School senior Charles Jang won 1st place in Biology.
Paschal High School students scored in the top 40 places out of 1,600 competitors in the North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad. Paschal High School and William James Middle School students took gold, silver and bronze medals on the National Latin Exam.
STATE CHAMPS Three Paschal students claimed championships at the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association State Meet: •
Alex Hulen – 12th Grade Science
•
Matthew Roberts – 12th Grade Math
•
Dominic Yurk – Physics
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SKILLSUSA Fort Worth ISD’s winning tradition at SkillsUSA
newscasts two days a week. An AMP newscast on the
continued. Students in Southwest High School’s
topic of school funding received the highest score of
Broadcast Journalism/Media Technology Gold Seal
any news broadcast at the state competition, earning a
Program of Choice took second place at the SkillsUSA
Superior rating.
national competition in Kansas City, Missouri. The Broadcast News Production team of Alejandra
Southwest High School students also won 1st place
Arreguin, Lisa Le, Joey McReynolds and Judith Rios
awards at the state UIL contest. Joey McReynolds
had taken first place at the SkillsUSA Texas state
and Brittany Polonio took top prizes in the Feature
contest. These four students are part of the District’s
Story category.
Advanced Media Program (AMP), which broadcasts live
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CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS Dunbar High School students earned the right
Trimble Tech High School seniors Alex Aguirre and
to compete in the World Championship Robotics
Michael Menchaca won first place at the Health
Competition in St. Louis, Missouri.
Occupations Student Association state competition in the Emergency Medical Technician division.
Paschal High School students in Family, Career and Community of Leaders of America advanced to the
Carter-Riverside High School student Leo Rivera
national competition in Orlando, Florida, after taking
qualified to compete at the state Business Professionals
top honors at state.
of America competition. It was the second year in a row he qualified for state in Payroll Accounting.
RIGHT ON TARGET The Western Hills High School Air Force JROTC rifle team set a national record in three-position air rifle competition. It happened in March at the JROTC National Championship. Cadets Katelynn Law, Lara Lindberg, Alexander Maberry and Tommy San placed 8th overall, competing against teams from all branches of the military. This was the first time an Air Force team finished in the top ten.
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A+ ATHLETES
TO STATE AND BEYOND
The Western Hills High School boys and girls
Swimming/Diving
swim teams made a splash with the National
•
Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA).
Kent Grimes, Western Hills High School – All-State Swim Team, 100 Backstroke
NISCA recognized both teams based on their average
Track & Field
cumulative GPAs. The girls received the Gold Award with
•
a team GPA of 3.66. The boys received the Silver Award with a GPA of 3.52.
Southwest High School Boys Team – Gold medal, 4x100-meter relay
•
Southwest High School Boys Team – Silver medal, 4x200-meter relay
Individual Western Hills swimmers scored
•
academically, too:
Robbie Rhodes, Southwest High School - Gold medal, 200-meter dash
•
Sara Blackwell – All-American
Golf
•
Justin Barnett, Mariel Honarmand and Sydney
•
Taylor – All-State
Wrestling
Elena Cervantes, Arlington Heights High School
•
Stephanie Ayala, Paschal High School
A FIRST FOR FORT WORTH ISD
•
Betty Ordorica, Trimble Tech High School
Blake Thomas, a senior at Trimble Tech High School,
•
Daniel Turner, Arlington Heights High School
won the National Interscholastic Athletic
Football
Administrators Association Texas state boys’
•
Wesley Harris, quarterback, Southwest High School
scholarship. The scholarship recognizes student
– completed 20 or 30 passes for 562 yards and
athletes’ outstanding scholastic, leadership and
9 touchdowns, tied state single-game record
sportsmanship qualities.
•
Robbie Rhodes, receiver, Southwest High School – 8 receiving touchdowns tied a single-game national record set in 1998; 394 yards set a singlegame state record
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MIDDLE SCHOOL STARS
PLAYING IT SAFE
Basketball
Track
The District’s partnership with JPS Health Network
•
Girls – Wedgwood
•
Girls – W.P. McLean
came through again for students wanting to
•
Boys – Handley
•
Boys – Meadowbrook
participate in interscholastic sports. 1,317 middle school
Football
Volleyball
students and 1,197 high school students received free
•
•
comprehensive physical exams – a value of more
Meadowbrook
W.A. Meacham
than $75,000.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS Approximately 400 Fort Worth ISD students, ages 8-22,
Future Stars Day gave 175 special education athletes,
participated in Special Olympics events, including
ages 2-7, the opportunity to showcase their motor skills.
bowling, basketball and track and field. Our students
There was also a lot of teen spirit at the event, which
scored big wins in May at the Texas Special Olympics
is held each year at Arlington Heights High School.
Summer Games held at the University of Texas at
Dozens of Yellow Jackets volunteered, keeping young
Arlington, taking home 11 first place medals.
competitors on schedule and cheering them on.
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INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC •
13 band and orchestra students were named to the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Ensembles.
•
Mariachi groups from North Side High School and Polytechnic High School advanced to the Texas State High School Mariachi Competition. North Side placed 4th in the 4A contest. Poly placed 3rd in 3A.
•
15 orchestras and 8 bands received Sweepstakes – a Division I in UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest.
•
82 students advanced to the UIL Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
CHORAL MUSIC •
W.P. McLean and Monnig Middle Schools received
opportunity, Trimble Tech presented “Schoolhouse
Sweepstakes – a Division I in UIL Concert and
Rocks Live! Jr.” in May to rave reviews.
Sightreading Contest. • •
“SMASH” Make a Musical program. As part of this
•
90 students advanced to the Texas State Solo and
Theatre Department teamed up with Stage West
Ensemble Contest.
“Festival of the Kid.” District high school and
The Paschal High School choir sang at a benefit in
middle school students worked side-by-side with
April with the rock band Foreigner.
seasoned directors, designers and actors. •
THEATER AND DANCE •
For the third consecutive year, the Fort Worth ISD
Trimble Tech High School was one of 10 high schools in the nation chosen to participate in NBC’s
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Theatre Arts grew dramatically! Six middle schools added Theatre Arts programs: Applied Learning Academy, Benbrook, Daggett Montessori, Forest Oak, Glencrest 6th, and Jean McClung.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
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LOOKING AHEAD
ON PURPOSE
ART EDUCATION
MILLIONTH CHILD
•
Art work created by Noah Esquivel (5th grade,
Usually it’s the performers who steal the show at
Luella Merrett Elementary) and Isabelle Sanchez
the Bass Performance Hall. But on March 7, it was a
(kindergarten, Alice Carlson ALC) flashed across the
visiting first grader. Elizabeth Martinez, a student at
Big Screen Plaza in New York’s Times Square in March.
Washington Heights Elementary School, became the
The National Art Education Association selected these millionth child to attend a free, live performance as
• • •
pieces to run during the organization’s
part of Bass Hall’s Children’s Education Program.
annual convention.
Many community partners make these cultural visits
More than 350 art students participated in the Main
possible, including major local foundations and donors,
Street Arts Festival, earning a record $8,700.
the Junior League of Fort Worth and the City of Fort
There were more than 150 student entries in the 2012
Worth Police Department, as well as the board, staff
Mayfest Arts Festival.
and administration of Performing Arts Fort Worth at
Four students won awards at the Youth Art Month
Bass Performance Hall. Fort Worth ISD Superintendent
State Competition sponsored by the Texas Art
Walter Dansby joined in the celebration along with Ed
Education Association. A mixed media piece by
Bass, Chairman of the Board of the Bass Hall.
Kirkpatrick Middle School student Viviana Vanzzini was selected for the “Governor’s Top 10” artworks. •
District students had 21 winning works of art at the State Visual Arts Scholastic Event.
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT
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LOOKING AHEAD
ON PURPOSE
With programs that stretch into summer and a new year to plan for, it’s hard to say where one school year ends and another begins. The teaching and learning and the budgeting and building are continuous at Fort Worth ISD. Despite the fact that state funding for schools will still be inequitable and insufficient, there are many bright spots on the horizon. Here are some of the great things we’re doing in 2012-2013.
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YOUNG MEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (YMLA) A groundbreaking new School of Choice will open to 6th and 7th grade boys in the fall of 2012. It’s the Young Men’s Leadership Academy (YMLA), the District’s first singlegender school for young men. Dunbar 6th Grade Center is being repurposed to house the new academy, which will offer a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Rodney White will leave his post as principal of Glencrest 6th Grade Center to become the inaugural principal of YMLA.
REALIGNING FOR RESULTS We are reorganizing our master schedule to better
Division will partner to develop three Learning
support our work and our students. Some of the biggest Networks. Each Learning Network will be made up of content specialists, school leadership directors changes this fall will include: and liaisons from various divisions in the District. Consistent Bell Schedules – Our traditional high
The networks will be assigned specific clusters
schools will adopt a seven-period bell schedule, and
of schools.
our middle schools will go to a 5x5 block schedule. This will dramatically increase the number of hours of
Learning Networks will support principals and
instruction our students receive.
teachers to provide the best in school leadership and classroom practice. The Teaching and Learning Division
Learning Networks – The District’s Teaching and
will continue to provide District or campus specific
Learning Division and School Leadership and Learning
professional development. It will also continue to write curriculum for the District.
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ON PURPOSE
GOING PAPERLESS
new hires, retirements, resignations, separations and
New technology will eliminate a lot of paperwork
terminations. The technology update is a collaborative
and streamline many common processes in Human
effort of the District’s Human Capital Management,
Capital Management (HCM). Processes that will be
Business and Finance and the Division of Technology.
impacted by the new automation include transfers,
IT’S NOT OKAY – THE MOVIE Fort Worth ISD is out to stop bullying and disrespect
rewind button and give these same adults the chance
on the school yard and in the workplace. We will debut
to choose again – to be respectful, positive role models.
a video that expands our It’s Not Okay anti-bullying
The video is hosted by Fort Worth City Councilmember
initiative to target disrespectful adults. “It’s Not Okay –
Joel Burns and Fort Worth ISD middle school student
At Any Age” will take you, the viewer, through a school
Mia Cruz. It features student and staff actors as well as
day – it could by any school, anywhere – and let you
actors from community theaters.
spot the adults behaving badly. Then, it will hit the
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Fort Worth ISD Schools Young Women's
Elementary
Howell, Natha
Sagamore Hill
Middle Schools
Beal, Harlean
Hubbard Heights
Sellars, David K.
Applied Learning Academy
Benbrook
Huerta, Dolores
Seminary Hills Park
Benbrook
High Schools
Bonnie Brae
Jara, Manuel
Shulkey, Bruce
Como Montessori
Arlington Heights
Briscoe, Edward J.
Kirkpatrick, Milton L.
Sims, T.A.
Daggett
Carter-Riverside, Amon
Burton Hill
Logan, Maude I.
South Hi Mount
Daggett Montessori
Diamond Hill-Jarvis
Carlson, Alice ALC
Lowery Road
South Hills
Dunbar 6th
Dunbar, P.L.
Carter Park
McDonald, Atwood
Springdale
Dunbar
Eastern Hills
Chavez, Cesar
McRae, D.
Stevens, J.T.
Elder, J.P.
North Side
Clarke, George C.
Meadowbrook
Sunrise-McMillan
Forest Oak
Paschal, R.L.
Clayton, Lily B.
Mendoza, Rufino
Tanglewood
Glencrest 6th
Polytechnic
Como
Merrett, Luella
Terrell, I.M.
Handley
South Hills
Como Montessori
Mitchell Boulevard
Turner, W.J.
James, William
Southwest
Contreras, Alice D.
Moore, M.H.
Van Zandt-Guinn
Kirkpatrick, Milton L.
Texas Academy of
Daggett, E.M.
Morningside
Walton, Maudrie M.
Leonard
Daggett Montessori
Moss, Christene C.
Washington Heights
McClung
Trimble Technical
Davis, Clifford
Nash, Charles E.
Waverly Park
McLean, W.P.
Western Hills
De Zavala
North Hi Mount
West Handley
McLean 6th
Wyatt, O.D.
Diamond Hill
Oakhurst
Westcliff
Meacham, W.A.
Other Schools
Dillow, S.S.
Oaklawn
Westcreek
Meadowbrook
Boulevard Heights
East Handley
Pate, A.M.
Western Hills
Monnig, William
International Newcomer
Eastern Hills
Peace, Hazel Harvey
Western Hills Primary
Morningside
Elliott, Bill J.
Peak, Carroll
Westpark
Riverside
Jo Kelly School
Ellis, M.G.
Phillips, M.L.
White, John. T.
Rosemont
Metro Opportunity School
Glen Park
Ridglea Hills
Williams, Versia L.
Rosemont 6th
Middle Level Learning Center
Green, W.M.
Riverside ALC
Wilson, Richard
Stripling, W.C.
New Lives School
Greenbriar
Rosemont
Woodway
Wedgwood
Success High School
Helbing, H.V.
Rosen, Sam
Worth Heights
Wedgwood 6th
Leadership Academy
Biomedical Sciences
Academy
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INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 100 N. University Drive Fort Worth,TX 76107 817.871.2000 • www.fwisd.org