SUCCESS by design 2016-2017 // Fort Worth ISD Annual Report
FORT W O RTH I S D MI S S I O N Preparing ALL students for success in college, career and community leadership.
TABLE OF C ON T E NTS
8
19
41
9
North Side HS and Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS Robotics
Principal, Tanglewood ES and 40-year Fort worth ISD educator
31
43
Arlington Heights HS Dancers
47
Board of Education
Superintendent Dr. Kent P. Scribner
10
By the Numbers
13
Performance
Robotics Teams Play Ball
The Art and Design of Dance
37
District Teachers of the Year Lindsay Newby Laster and Chris Workman
6 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
Connie Smith
Planning
Khechara Bradford Assistant Superintendent, Fort Worth ISD Curriculum and Instruction
TA BLE OF C ONT E NTS
51
65
Fort Worth ISD Chief of Human Capital Management
71
Cynthia Rincón
57
Equity End Goal Fort Worth ISD’s Racial Equity Committee
61
Jonathan Bey
Partnerships
Tim McKinney Former President and CEO, United Way of Tarrant County
81
Looking Ahead
84
Our Schools
77
Rosalinda & Arturo Martinez Fort Worth ISD parents and volunteers
Executive Director, Fort Worth ISD Purchasing
2016 - 2017 / / 7
BOA RD OF E D U CAT I O N
Tobi Jackson President, District 2 May 2017 - Present Ann Sutherland First Vice President, District 6 May 2017 - Present Second Vice President May 2016 – May 2017 Jacinto Ramos Jr. President, District 1 May 2016 – May 2017
8 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
Christene C. Moss Second Vice President, District 3 May 2017 - Present T.A. Sims District 4 Judy Needham District 5
Anael Luebanos Board Secretary, District 8 May 2017 - Present Norman Robbins Board Secretary, District 7 May 2016 – May 2017 Ashley Paz First Vice President, District 9 May 2016 – May 2017
DR. KEN T PA RE DE S SC RI BNE R, SUP E RI NT E ND E NT Design is defined as a plan, a purpose, an artistic invention. By these definitions, 20162017 at Fort Worth ISD was an important and impactful year of design – a year of collaborative planning, purposeful action and innovation for student achievement. This annual report is a snapshot of the work and the rewards. We tried to capture as many of the highlights as possible, especially: »» The teamwork of the Fort Worth ISD Board of Education in following the Lone Star Governance model to improve student outcomes »» 100X25FWTX – an ambitious community-wide effort led by Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, BNSF Chairman Matt Rose and Fort Worth ISD and supported through the work of the Fort Worth Literacy Partnership, to see that all third-graders are reading at grade level by the year 2025 »» Fort Worth ISD Long-Term Facilities Master Plan – another community effort to strategize a master plan for innovative construction and upgrades of college-and-career-focused schools, based on needs defined by our new Learning Model of instruction »» Leadership Academies – the reconstitution of five struggling schools to change campus cultures, set high expectations and improve the academic outcomes and destinies for the 2,380 students »» Scholarships awarded students – to the tune of $65.5 million, compared to $50.3 million in 2016 and $36 million in 2015 »» STAAR results – they’re in, showing improvement in crucial areas and our District’s highest number of “Met Standard” campuses under the current state accountability system. A Star-Telegram editorial stated: “Fort Worth has an uptick in scores in many areas between grades three and eight – which is fantastic. But even more phenomenal is the rise in the third-grade reading and math scores.”
Design supports progress. And, a very tangible sign of progress is on the rise near the southeast edge of downtown. It is our new I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and Visual and Performing Arts, which will offer a world-class education and a culture of high expectations. Interesting images and details from the construction site are used as a design element throughout this report. Herbert Simon, a Nobel Prize winner for Economics, said, “Everyone designs who devises courses of action aimed at changing existing situations into preferred ones.” We dedicate this report to our designers – internal and external – whose planning and actions are moving us toward our goal of preparing all students for success in college, career and community leadership. Happy reading!
Dr. Kent Paredes Scribner Superintendent
2016 - 2017 / / 9
BY T H E N U MBE R S
Our Schools 2016-2017
Our District
Total Number of Schools
Accreditation District
Texas Education Agency Southern Assoc. of Colleges & Schools
High Schools
Met Standard
TEA District Ratings
143
Elementary Schools
83
Middle Schools
24
High Schools
19
Other Schools
17
2% Other
3%
Central Administration
Operating Budget
17%
2016-17 Budget
Instructional Support
17%
61%
Instruction
District Operations
$752,420,985*
Instruction
61%
$460,648,792
District Operations
17%
$124,312,090
Instructional Support
17%
$130,649,643
Central Administration
3%
$19,189,968
Other
2%
$17,620,492
*Unaudited
Transportation
Nutrition Services
Number of Buses Running Daily
322
Breakfasts served in 2016-17
5.6 million
Number of Bus Routes
1,817
Lunches served in 2016-17
10.6 million
Number of Students Transported Daily Number of Miles Driven in 2016-17
1 0 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
20, 635 4,309,068
Students Eligible for Free/Reduced Meals
67,840
BY T HE NUMBE RS
Our Students Total Enrollment
86,869
Additional Academic Facts
Career & Technical Education
18,833
21.7%
2017 Number of Graduates
4,348
Economically Disadvantaged
65,789
75.7%
2017 AVG. SAT Score
935
English Language Learner
26,935
31%
2017 Students taking SAT
6,092
Gifted & Talented
8,042
9.3%
2016-17 AVG. ACT Score
20
Special Education
6,651
7.7%
2016-17 Students Taking AP Exams
6,117
Number of AP Exams Taken
11,750
70
Ethnic Distribution Hispanic
62.5%
60
African American
22.9%
50
White/Anglo
11.2%
40
Asian
1.9%
Other
1.6%
30
$65.5 million $50.3 million
$65,528,619.25*
$36 million
Scholarships Awarded in 2017
20
*INCLUDES $2 MILLION IN FEDERAL AND STATE STUDENT GRANTS
10
Our Employees Total Number of Employees
10,955
2015
2016
2017
Full-Time Teachers
5,816
Beginning Teacher Salary
Auxiliary Staff
2,369
Avg. Experience of Teachers
Professional Support
1,451
Avg. Experience with Fort Worth ISD
Educational Aides
946
Avg. Student/Teacher Ratio
Campus Administrators
319
Central Administrators
54
$52,000 10.28 years 7-8 years 15.5:1
2016 - 2017 / / 11
01
PERFORMANCE
by design
BACK to School
(TOP) PARTNERS HISPANO EXITO AND CHARITABLE CRUSADERS HELPED US THROW A GIANT PARTY – THE 6 TH ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH – TO PREPARE CHILDREN AND PARENTS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR. (RIGHT) FORT WORTH MAYOR BETSY PRICE AND SUPERINTENDENT KENT SCRIBNER WELCOMED STUDENTS, PARENTS, TEACHERS AND STAFF AT THE NEW WASHINGTON HEIGHTS ES.
1 4 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PERFORMANCE by design / 01
H
CONVOCATION 2016
Teachers and staff also got loud, proud and prepared for the start of school. They came in force to Convocation 2016 at Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center. Superintendent Kent Scribner was the keynote speaker. NBC 5’s Deborah Ferguson and CBS 11’s Jeff Jamison – both Fort Worth ISD alumni – did an outstanding job as celebrity emcees.
The giant pep rallies included cheer squads, drum lines, live “red carpet” interviews and a Twitter wall. Our talented District choir teachers stole the show, springing from the audience and bursting into a rousing version of the song “One More Day,” from Les Misérables.
BTS BRANDING | ENGLISH
FAMILY NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM F Just before school started, approximately 1,000 students and parents spent a free evening at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. They learned as they played at the museum’s many hands-on exhibits. They watched movies in the Omni IMAX Theater, visited the planetarium and took home back-to-school information.
8 24
WE’LL SEE YOU
ON
8 22
FIRST DAY. EVERY DAY. FORT WORTH ISD
E WE’LL SEE YOU ON 8/22 Leading up to the start of school, we used the slogan “We’ll See You on 8/22” to reinforce the first day of school and the importance of being there on day one. The campaign included a 30-second commercial that we posted on all our websites, social media and our two electronic billboards.
2016 - 2017 / / 15
GOLD SEAL Growth F Fort Worth ISD now offers 66 Gold Seal Programs and Schools of Choice at the high school, middle school and elementary school levels. More than 5,800 Gold Seal applications were received in 2016-2017, compared to 5,500 the previous year.
(RIGHT) A RECORD 4,800 PARENTS AND STUDENTS ATTENDED THE CHOICES EXPO TO EXPLORE DISPLAYS, ASK QUESTIONS AND EVEN SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO PROGRAMS AND SCHOOLS ON THE SPOT.
H GOLDEN BEGINNINGS 2016-2017 marked the opening of the Gold Seal STEM Preparatory Academy (STEM Prep) at Meadowbrook MS and the Gold Seal Visual and Performing Arts Preparatory Academy (VPA Prep) at Monnig MS. Students from these Programs of Choice will be given priority in the application process into the I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA. World Languages Institute, a Gold Seal School of Choice, added ninth grade.
SCIENTIFIC Success The Paschal HS Science Team wrapped up another great year, finishing fifth in the state. The team competed in national and state contests, including UIL Science, Science Bowl, JETS TEAMS, Biology Olympiad, Chemistry Olympiad, Physics Olympiad and TMSCA (Texas Math and Science Coaches Association).
1 6 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PERFORMANCE by design / 01
E BOOK SMART SWELL SPELLERS F Fort Worth ISD sent six area winners to the Regional Spelling Bee competition at TCU. Area 1 winner Rubi Hernandez, a sixth-grader at Riverside MS, made it all the way to Round 15. Area 2 winner Ayoon Butt, a seventh-grader at Young Men’s Leadership Academy, was knocked out in Round 11. Area 3 winner Lyric Carpenter, a fifthgrader at Hubbard Heights ES, lasted to Round 12. Area 4 winner Adrian Mendoza, a seventh-grader at World Languages Institute, lost in Round 4. Area 5 winner Evan Garza, a fourth-grader at Burton Hill ES, was knocked out in Round 11. Area 6 winner, Maitri Kovuru, a sixth-grader at McLean 6th, made it to Round 12. Mrs. Jackie Presley, a mentor/coach for spelling bee contestants at Hubbard Heights ES, actually won the district Spelling Bee for Hubbard Heights 61 years ago.
Hundreds of students in grades 3-8 traveled to TCU for a Battle of the Books. Students in team t-shirts and other costumes answered questions about books they had read. The TCU College of Education sponsors the literary fun.
WORD Power Abigail Pressley from Western Hills HS competed in Ready Writing at the State UIL meet. In the Ready Writing contest, students are given two hours to write expository compositions. O.D. Wyatt HS sent six students to the State UIL Cross Examination Debate meet in Austin.
2016 - 2017 / / 17
(LEFT) PREPARING FOR A GAME OF ROBOTICS BALL-TOSS ARE (IN MAROON) FELIPE TELLO AND CINDY SALAS, NORTH SIDE HS SENIORS, AND (IN BLACK) LINDA CHAVEZ AND MARCELO ANDRADE, DIAMOND HILLJARVIS HS JUNIORS. (ABOVE) STUDENTS POOL THEIR ENGINEERING SKILLS AND CREATIVITY TO BUILD INTRICATE ROBOTS FOR COMPETITION.
1 8 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PERFORMANCE by design / 01
ROBOTICS TEAMS Play Ball NORTH SIDE AND DIAMOND HILL-JARVIS ROBOTICS For the first time, Fort Worth ISD had two robotics teams advance to the Regional First Tech Challenge (FTC): North Side HS and Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS. Both teams were then invited to compete at the UIL FTC Robotics State Championship in Austin. Celebrating right along with the two schools were the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and BNSF Railway. Both provided mentoring and monetary support to the teams.
“ONE T HI NG ROBOT I C S HAS TAUG HT ME I S T HAT E VE RYONE HAS D I FFE RE NT A P P ROAC HE S TO SOLVI NG A P ROBLE M. I T D OE SN’ T MAT T E R WHOSE I D E A I S BE T T E R BE CAUSE I T TA K E S A LL OF US WORK I NG TOG E T HE R TO BE SUC C E SSFUL.” C I N DY SALAS, SEN I OR, N ORTH SI DE H S
2016 - 2017 / / 19
TCU and TxWes COMMUNITY Scholarships Twenty-one Fort Worth ISD seniors were awarded full scholarships – each valued at $260,000 – through the Texas Christian University Community Scholars program. In addition to the financial support, students receive targeted academic and personal support. This program was established in 1999 by the TCU Chancellor’s Council on Diversity as a way to increase diversity on campus. The 2017 Community Scholars are: »» Teresa Alvarado - South Hills HS »» Christian Arciniega - South Hills HS »» Daniel Cruz - South Hills HS »» Romane Mays – South Hills HS »» Fidencio Zubieta – South Hills HS »» Juan Cervantes Morales - Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS »» Juan Gutierrez – Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS »» Erick Rodriguez – Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS »» Dominique Cooke – Dunbar HS »» Kabresha Gibson – Dunbar HS »» Sierra Powe – Dunbar HS »» Robert Gatabazi – O.D. Wyatt HS »» Hussein Omar – O.D. Wyatt HS »» Viridiana Gonzalez – Polytechnic HS »» Monica Johnson – Polytechnic HS »» Saraisabel Perez – Trimble Tech HS »» Juan Hernandez – Trimble Tech HS »» Cyndi Spurlock – Trimble Tech HS »» Zayda Torres – Trimble Tech HS »» Adamaris Romero – North Side HS »» Sahira Salazar – North Side HS Texas Wesleyan University awarded full-ride four-year scholarships to five Polytechnic seniors: Cassandra Chavez, Miguel Lara, Victor Mulgado, Jesus Olmos and Alejandra Valenciano.
2 0 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
$65.5
*
MILLION
SCHOL ARSHIPS EARNED BY FORT WORTH ISD STUDENTS IN 2016-2017, COMPARED TO $50.3 MILLION IN 2015-2016 *INCLUDES $2 MILLION IN FEDERAL AND STATE STUDENT GRANTS
RISING STAAR Results for STAAR testing indicate an early payoff to new Fort Worth ISD initiatives and a lot of hard work by teachers and students. The number of “Improvement Required” campuses dropped by more than a third – from 22 to 14. This means our District had its highest number of “Met Standard” campuses in the history of the current state accountability system. We also saw a four percent gain in third-graders reading at grade level and across-the-
board gains in mathematics scores from Grade 3 to Algebra 1. In many grades and subjects, there were increases in the percent of students passing (“approaches grade level”), as well as increases in the percent of students passing at the higher standards of “Meets Grade Level” and “Masters Grade Level.” Fort Worth ISD has set elementary literacy, middle years’ math, and college and career readiness as three main goals.
CREATIVE WRITING Winners
Western Hills HS senior Alexa Villa and Dunbar HS senior Kishaun Jackson were the big winners in the first annual Fort Worth Nissan Creative Writing Scholarship Competition. Alexa won First Place and a $5,000 scholarship. Kishaun earned Second Place and a $2,500 scholarship.
BOBBY BRAGAN Scholarships
Three Fort Worth ISD eighth-grade students earned Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation Scholarships: Alison Bailey of Daggett Montessori MS, Jade A. Combs of Jacquet MS and Samantha Ratner of McLean MS. Their $2,500 scholarships will be redeemed once they graduate from high school and enroll in college.
PERFORMANCE by design / 01
(TOP LEFT AND RIGHT) FORT WORTH ISD AND LOCKHEED MARTIN AWARDED ACADEMIC SWEATSHIRTS TO 897 STUDENTS WHO COMPLETED THEIR SOPHOMORE YEAR WITH A GPA OF 3.8 OR HIGHER. (BOTTOM LEFT) SUPERINTENDENT SCRIBNER RECOGNIZED 346 STUDENTS AS SUPERINTENDENT SCHOLARS DURING A SPECIAL AWARDS CEREMONY ON THE CAMPUS OF TCU. HONOREES INCLUDED NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP SEMIFINALISTS, NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED AWARDEES, DUAL CREDIT SCHOLARS, NATIONAL HISPANIC RECOGNITION AWARDEES AND FORT WORTH ISD AFRICAN AMERICAN SCHOLARS. DR. SCRIBNER PRESENTED THE HONOREES WITH CERTIFICATES AND STOLES. (BOTTOM RIGHT) ALUMNI OF PASCHAL HS PRESENTED TWELVE $1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS IN THE NAME OF PASCHAL GRADUATE PATRICK ZAMARRIPA. HE WAS ONE OF FIVE POLICE OFFICERS KILLED IN A DALLAS SHOOTING IN JULY 2016.
2016 - 2017 / / 21
2 2 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PERFORMANCE by design / 01
NCUST Gold Marine Creek Collegiate HS, a Gold Seal School of Choice, took home the top prize and a check for $5,000 at the 2017 National Excellence in Urban Education Awards. Marine Creek was among 68 schools chosen as finalists for the gold award. The awards are given by the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) to recognize outstanding transformational work in urban centers of more than 50,000 residents. South Hi Mount ES won the gold award last year.
H FIRST IN THE NATION Students from the Gold Seal Program of Choice for Broadcast Journalism/Media Technology at Southwest HS placed first in the nation at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. The team of senior Vanessa Johnson and juniors Laura Nuñez, Gloria Ortiz and Jacob Wells won for their three-minute newscast. All four students are in the Advanced Media Program, which produces a live 30-minute newscast about Fort Worth ISD each Wednesday and Friday. It airs on Charter Cable Channel 192, AT&T U-Verse 99 and via live streaming on the District Website.
H VOICES CARRY H
WHIZ Kids!
Paschal HS won the high school Whiz Quiz Championship. McLean MS took the middle school championship and McLean 6th won the sixth-grade finals. CBS 11 meteorologist Jeff Jamison and Star-Telegram columnist Bud Kennedy asked the questions for the matches. They are both Fort Worth ISD graduates. The semi-finals and finals matches, which we streamed live, were major productions – much like television game shows. Southwest HS’s Advanced Media Program (AMP) students made up the production crew. Gold Seal Culinary Arts students from North Side, South Hills and Trimble Tech high schools treated the audiences to delicious hors d’eouvres. District partner Kroger donated all the ingredients. North Side HS mariachi entertained between matches.
The District’s non-verbal special needs students have a new-found voice, thanks to technology. They are using iPads equipped with the LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) Words for Life app. The devices allow students to express themselves and demonstrate comprehension of academic concepts. Students showed off their iPads and their new abilities to proud family members, friends and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. The iPads were purchased for all of the Special Education self-contained classrooms that serve students with autism or an intellectual disability.
2016 - 2017 / / 23
(ABOVE) TRIMBLE TECH HS CULINARY ARTS STUDENTS PLAN, PREPARE AND SERVE AN ELABORATE ITALIAN DINNER TO THE FORT WORTH ISD BOARD OF EDUCATION. (LEFT) YOUNG GOLD SEAL ENTREPRENEURS AT TRIMBLE TECHNICAL HS HOSTED THE FIRST MARKET DAY AT THEIR SCHOOL, WHICH TOOK THEM THROUGH THE ENTIRE BUSINESS PROCESS: MAKING A BUSINESS PLAN, SECURING A LOAN, CREATING A MARKETING PLAN AND ADS, AND THEN OPENING AND MANAGING – FOR ONE DAY – THEIR OWN RETAIL BUSINESS.
GIVING BY DESIGN
DOSE OF REALITY
With fabric donations from VolunteerNow, high school Fashion Design students created “busy blankets,” which they donated to people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The blankets incorporate pockets, zippers and different textures to provide sensory and tactile stimulation and give restless fingers and hands something to do. Trimble Tech HS Cosmetology students pampered cancer patients as they practiced their hair and makeup skills. Approximately 92 percent of all graduating seniors enrolled in the District’s Cosmetology programs (Dunbar HS, North Side HS and Trimble Tech HS) earn the State Cosmetology License, which allows them to begin a beauty career immediately upon graduation.
It’s not Walgreens, but it’s close. The District’s first simulated retail and compound pharmacy opened at O.D. Wyatt HS. Students in the Pharmacy Technician program learn how to place orders, dispense medications (placebos) and handle syringes and sterile products. The simulated pharmacy was made possible by generous partners Walgreens and Target.
IRON CHEF CONTEST F
South Hills HS senior Alexis Flores cooked up more than a good time at the firstever Mission Restaurant Supply Iron Chef Challenge. She won first-place and a $4,500 scholarship in the contest held at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Student chefs from culinary programs at North Side HS, Trimble Technical HS, Polytechnic HS and O.D. Wyatt HS also competed. NBC5 anchor Deborah Ferguson and Michael Thompson, owner of Michael’s Cuisine restaurant, emceed the event.
2 4 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PERFORMANCE by design / 01
(THIS PAGE) STUDENTS AT JO KELLY SCHOOL TRIED OUT A SPECIAL NEW ROOM CUSTOMIZED TO FIT THEIR NEEDS. THE JO KELLY SENSORY ROOM PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH A STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT OR A CALMING EXPERIENCE, DEPENDING ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND GOALS. THE ROOM PROMOTES COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AND SOCIAL INTERACTION AND HELPS WITH REGULATING STIMULATION LEVELS. JO KELLY STUDENTS ARE ENROLLED IN SPECIAL EDUCATION AND RANGE IN AGE FROM THREE TO 22 YEARS OLD. THEY ARE MEDICALLY FRAGILE AND DEPEND ON SCHOOL STAFF FOR SELF-HELP SKILLS, SUCH AS EATING AND DRESSING.
2016 - 2017 / / 25
THE LANDSCAPE of History
H
JROTC cadets and staff took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in South Dakota, the South Dakota Air and Space Museum, Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. The 2017 JROTC Staff Ride also provided the cadets with the opportunity to interact with Kutztown University student teachers. The National Park Service awarded the District’s JROTC Department a $5,000 grant that helped make the South Dakota trip possible. In partnership with Kutztown University and the National Park Service, Fort Worth ISD was the first school district in the country to adopt a U.S. Military History elective. The course was developed through the Veterans National Education Program (VNEP) in 2013.
JROTC TEAMS GO TO WASHINGTON For the second consecutive year, North Side HS’s Army JROTC Academic team and its Leadership team both advanced through two phases of online competition to reach the national JROTC Academic and Leadership Bowl (JLAB) in Washington, D.C. The Leadership team was made up of Ana Gomez, Marco Gonzalez, Ana Mendez, Alexandra Ramirez and Margarita Torres. The Academic team was made up of Hector Baez, Alma Briones, Lauren Contreras and Mariana Vazquez.
2 6 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
(LEFT) SELECTED JROTC AND JCC CADETS RECEIVED AWARDS DURING THE FINAL PASS-INREVIEW CEREMONY AT FARRINGTON FIELD.
PERFORMANCE by design / 01 HISTORY BUFFS
E JOINING FORCES For the fifth consecutive year, Fort Worth ISD students took part in the 2016 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at TCU’s Amon Carter Stadium. Activities for District students included a JROTC Joint Service Color Guard presenting the U.S. and armed forces service flags during the kick-off luncheon. The Lone Star Youth Chorus performed the national anthem, and art students designed the placemats. Hundreds of uniformed JROTC/JCC students had reserved seating in the stands. A special video featuring our District was shown on the big screen during the game.
Two Fort Worth ISD students earned special recognitions and awards at Texas History Day in Austin in April. Joey Tullis, a Daggett Montessori seventh-grader, placed first in the Individual Website category. Sissely Star Miles, a student at Tarrant County College South/Fort Worth ISD Collegiate High School placed third in the Individual Performance category. Both advanced to National History Day in Maryland. In March, 11 Fort Worth ISD students placed first or second in their divisions in the Texas Regional History Day Competition at the University of Texas at Arlington.
E STOCK SHOW SUCCESS They’d prepared and looked forward to it for months. And for students in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program at Arlington Heights HS, the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show was the big success they hoped it would be. Senior Calvin Hale received a blue ribbon in the Agriculture Mechanic competition. Junior Kyle Shamburger placed first, fourth and fifth in the poultry show. He also took home a red ribbon in the Agriculture Mechanics competition.
COACH Honored F
Robert Hughes Sr., the nation’s all-time winningest high school boys basketball coach, received the honor he has long deserved. He was elected to the 2017 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Mr. Hughes’ legendary career played out at Fort Worth ISD, where he coached for 47 years. He led Dunbar HS teams and, before that, I.M. Terrell HS teams to 35 district championships and five state championships. His overall high school coaching record is 1,333-247 (.844). His son, Robert Hughes Jr., is the current coach at Dunbar.
2016 - 2017 / / 27
WINNING ATHLETES F G POLY ON PARADE The Polytechnic HS cheerleaders will never forget Thanksgiving 2016. They spent the holiday in New York City, marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fundraising efforts brought in enough money for all 14 cheerleaders to make the trip. Poly alumni, area businesses and others donated to the fund.
Crossing the finish line was a celebrated group effort for the 573 Fort Worth ISD students and more than 207 adult volunteers who participated in Special Olympics events. The 2016-2017 schedule included bowling, basketball, track and field, a Young Athletes Program and summer games for athletes of all ages.
H
UIL STATE Stars
South Hills HS wide receiver Tylan Wallace took the field in the tenth-annual Under Armour All-America Football Game in Orlando, Florida. He also took home the UIL State silver medal in the triple jump. Tylan committed to Oklahoma State University, along with his twin brother Tracin. Both received full-ride football athletic scholarships. Carter-Riverside HS senior Jacqueline Bunyavong won the Gold Medal in 102 Weight Class in UIL Girls 5A Wrestling. She also earned the title of valedictorian. Jacqueline plans to study mechanical engineering at Texas A&M.
COURT CHAMPS Morningside MS accomplished a first-ever feat to wrap up the middle school basketball season. The Girls 8th grade basketball team claimed the City Championship in a game against Wedgwood MS. The Morningside Boys 8th grade team also claimed their City Championship with a win over Wedgwood. The District’s Athletic Department says it’s the first time a Boys and Girls team from the same school were basketball champions in the same season.
2 8 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
South Hills HS’s Calvin Clater won the 5A Boys High Jump at the UIL State Track and Field Meet. Also a receiver on the football field, Calvin helped the Scorpions go undefeated in regular season play. Calvin committed to Bowling Green State University. Paschal HS sophomores Shauna Galvin and Emily Buell took the bronze in 6A Girls Doubles. The pair took second at the regional tournament.
PERFORMANCE by design / 01
ATHLETICS ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN Swimming National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Assoc.: Paschal HS – John Gordon, Libby Harbor, Nicholas King, Bryce Kleinman, Ashley McAuley, Michael Wolszon
ACADEMIC ALL-STATE Basketball Texas Assoc. of Basketball Coaches: Paschal HS Girls – Ivy Beasley, Meaghan Conner, Hannah Fees, Olivia Pfrang, Allie Sisson; Trimble Technical HS Boys – Jaymes Gales; Western Hills HS Boys – Brayden Edmond, Demarquis Ward Texas High School Coaches Assoc.: Carter-Riverside HS Girls – Noeli Munoz (2nd Team); Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS Boys – Trey Bentley (1st Team), Erick Rodriguez (1st Team), Jorge Gonzalez (2nd Team); Western Hills HS Boys – Brayden Edmond (2nd Team)
Football Texas High School Coaches Assoc.: Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS – Trey Bentley (2nd Team); Paschal HS – Samuel Schaefer (1st Team), Reilly Fox (2nd Team), Campbell Schaefer (2nd Team), William Cruz Shope (2nd Team) Polytechnic HS – Trainer Viridiana Gonzalez (2nd Team), Trainer Jennifer Lira (2nd Team), Trainer Selina Valadez (2nd Team); Western Hills HS – Tyler Sutton (1st Team)
Soccer – Boys Texas Assoc. of Soccer Coaches Paschal HS – Rigo Gonzalez, Ryan Yanney
Soccer – Girls Texas Assoc. of Soccer Coaches, Texas Girls Coaches Assoc.: Western Hills HS – Muriam Monir, Angelica Navarro, Allyson Pate, Natalie Smith
Volleyball Texas Girls Coaches Assoc.: Eastern Hills HS – Nya Pinke; South Hills HS – Lizette Sigala, Marissa Wilson
PERFORMANCE Swimming State Qualifiers: Arlington Heights HS – Brandon Baron, Jake Baron, Chan Eng, Zach Rynd, (200 Meter Relay and 200 Medley Relay)
Track and Field State Medalists: Calvin Clater, South Hills HS – Gold, Boys High Jump; Tylan Wallace, South Hills HS – Silver, Boys Triple Jump; Keishawn Everly, Trimble Technical HS – Silver, Boys 100m Dash State Qualifiers/Regional Gold Medalists: Keishawn Everly, Trimble Technical HS – Boys 100m Dash; Devonata Trotter, Eastern Hills HS – Boys 110m Hurdles; Bryan Wilson, Dunbar HS – Boys 400m Run; Trimble Technical HS Boys 400m Relay – Paul Brawner, Keishawn Everly, Isom Williams, Gabriel Woodard; Trimble Technical HS Girls 800m Relay – Brandee Jackson, Makala Robinson, Jada Waller, Aliyah Wilson State Qualifiers/Regional Silver
Medalists: Gabriel Woodard, Trimble Technical HS – Boys 400m Dash; Calvin Clater, South Hills HS – Boys High Jump; Maddie Vondra, Arlington Heights HS – Girls 3200m Run; Tylan Wallace, South Hills HS – Boys Long Jump, Triple Jump; South Hills HS 800m Relay – James Blue, Darius Hobdy, Kryan Jackson, Tylan Wallace
Wrestling State Medalists: Jacqueline Bunyavong, Carter-Riverside HS – Gold, Girls 102-lb. weight division; Adrian Gonzales, CarterRiverside HS – 4th Place, Boys 113-lb. weight division; Erik Pacheco, CarterRiverside HS – 4th Place, Boys 145-lb. weight division State Qualifiers/Regional Gold Medalists: Jacqueline Bunyavong, Carter-Riverside HS – Girls 102-lb. weight division; Anna Delony, Paschal HS – Girls 110-lb. weight division; Aileen Robledo, Paschal HS – Girls 185-lb. weight division State Qualifiers/Regional Silver, Bronze Medalists: Erik Pacheco, Carter-Riverside HS – Boys 145-lb. weight division; Adrian Gonzales, Carter-Riverside HS – Boys 113-lb. weight division; Steryling Lang, Western Hills HS – Boys 195-lb. weight division
PERFORMANCE RECOGNITIONS Basketball – Girls/Boys
McLean, Trimble Technical HS; Yverson St. Albert, O.D. Wyatt HS
Soccer Star-Telegram All-Area Super Team Alfonso Morales, South Hills HS Star-Telegram 5A Region Single Season Assists Leader Angelica Navarro, South Hills HS All-Region 5A Team – Region I (Texas Assoc. of Soccer Coaches) Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS – Brisa Salinas (1st Team); Fernando Rosales, Aldo Rodriguez (1st Team); Ernesto Rodriguez (2nd Team); North Side HS – Alan Chairez, Silas Sangano (1st Team); Brayan Pena (2nd Team); Paschal HS – Ryan Yanney (2nd Team)
TEAM TITLES Area Champions: Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS – Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer Trimble Technical HS – Girls Basketball Regional Quarterfinals Champions: Eastern Hills HS – Boys Basketball South Hills HS – Boys Soccer Middle School City Champions: McLean MS – Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Boys Track and Field, Girls Track and Field, Volleyball Morningside MS – Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Football
All-Region 5A Team – Region I (Texas Assoc. of Basketball Coaches) Jhyrah Cobb, Trimble Technical HS; Miguel Encamacion, Eastern Hills HS; Jordan Mitchell, Polytechnic HS; Jaylon
2016 - 2017 / / 29
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS HS DANCERS ELLE QUIROGA, SENIOR; KELSEY WEDDING, SOPHOMORE; JADA WEBB, SENIOR; AND REBECCA BOSWELL, SENIOR.
3 0 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PERFORMANCE by design / 01
THE ART AND DESIGN of Dance ARLINGTON HEIGHTS HS DANCERS Arlington Heights HS’s Dance Program sponsored Senior Spotlight, a college recruitment event. Twelve colleges and universities were represented. Seniors and juniors auditioned for college scholarships and summer dance intensive workshops. The event also featured master classes.
(ABOVE) DANCERS PERFORMING AT THE FIRST ANNUAL SENIOR SPOTLIGHT.
“MY DA NC E E X P E RI E NC E HAS G I VE N ME SK I LLS T HAT WI LL HE LP ME I N MY ACA DE MI C A ND P ROFE SSI ONA L LI FE . I LE A RNE D HOW TO BRE A K DOWN C ONC E PTS A ND C OMMUNI CAT E T HE M I N D I FFE RE NT WAYS. I LE A RNE D HOW TO I NT E RVI E W A ND NE T WORK .” REB EC CA B OSWELL SEN I OR, ARLI N GTON H EI GH TS H S
2016 - 2017 / / 31
CHORAL AND ELEMENTARY Music Notes The Fort Worth ISD Choral Department became a full partner with the Metropolitan Opera Educational Outreach Program. The partnership allows our students to see three operas per year in full HD, with educational materials provided by the Metropolitan Opera. This year, 468 students saw Don Giovanni, Rusalka, and La Traviata.
H MUSIC COUNTS For the fourth consecutive year, Fort Worth ISD earned the Best Communities for Music Education designation by the NAMM Foundation. This honor recognizes outstanding efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Only four percent of school districts across the nation received the prestigious award in 2017.
UIL Choir Concert and Sight Reading scores for middle and high school ensembles improved by 95 % in sight reading. Overall Secondary Choir enrollment for 2016-2017 increased by 40 percent. Fort Worth ISD started the first Texas Future Music Educators organization with 33 students from 5 high schools. These students are interested in pursuing Music Education in college. They attended the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention in February and took part in clinics, concerts and leadership opportunities led by nationally recognized speaker Dr. Tim Lautzenheizer. The Fort Worth Children’s Honor Choir, now in its 10th year, increased enrollment from 60 to 92 singers. Children auditioned from all 83 elementary campuses. A new commissioned work was dedicated to the choir by TCU Composer Till Meyn. The work premiered in December in collaboration with the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra. The excellent First We Sing music literacy series was purchased for each elementary campus and will be implemented in fall 2017. A new music knowledge assessment is given to each fifth-grader to create a baseline for aligned music learning.
3 2 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
FOREIGNER AND FRIENDS The Treble Choir from Arlington Heights HS had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform onstage with Foreigner at Verizon Theater in Grand Prairie. The choir joined the rock band for the performance of its hit song “I Wanna Know What Love Is,” after entering a contest sponsored by Radio station KLUV. In the YouTube entry, senior Carlos Portales sings a verse of the song supported by the choir. Arlington Heights Choir Director Hans Grim helped produce the winning video.
DANCING TO New Heights
H
This was the second season of Arlington Heights HS’s pre-professional Repertory Dance Company (RDC). It is the only such program in the state that operates as a fine arts dance program in a public school setting. The RDC performed in local dance festivals and the Regional High School Dance Festival in Madison, Wisconsin.
PERFORMANCE by design / 01
THEATER Carter-Riverside HS seniors Brooke Ford and Victoria Gonzalez received large theater scholarships to UT Arlington. Kylar Andrew Price-Maddox received a full-ride theater scholarship to Everest College, and Maite Rodriguez earned a theater scholarship to the University of North Texas. Paschal HS participated in both the Betty Buckley Awards (Cinderella) and Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Crucible). The troupe earned two Honorable Mentions in the DSM awards: freshman Benjamin Larson, Supporting Actor, and the Paschal Orchestra, Best Orchestra. Benjamin also earned a Buckley nomination for Best Male Lead. South Hills HS also took the stage in the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and earned an Honorable Mention in Scenic Design.
E NATIONAL HONOR CHOIR Four Fort Worth ISD eighth- and ninth-grade students earned a spot in the National Junior High/Middle School Honor Choir, which sang at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) national convention in Minneapolis. Leslie Oseguera, Caleb Tobey, Carrie Turner and Lisa Winn auditioned with 4,200 other choir students from across the country. Only 315 students were selected. Leslie, Caleb and Lisa are students at Arlington Heights HS. Carrie is a student at Stripling MS. These students were the first ever to represent Fort Worth ISD at a national ACDA convention.
LION KING RULES Mufasa, Simba, Nala and the rest of the pride roared into action at Dolores Huerta ES, where students performed the school’s first-ever musical, “The Lion King KIDS.” Students created all the props, scenery and masks under the direction of Kayla Noriega. The school received a grant with rights to perform the musical through Disney’s “The Lion King Experience.” Students usually do not participate in a full-scale musical production until secondary school.
Trimble Technical HS senior Karla Porras earned an All Star Cast at UIL One Act Play Area competition. Carlos Murilla, a freshman, won Outstanding Technician, and senior Liliana Leos earned an All Star Cast Honorable Mention. Benbrook MS-HS and Western Hills HS students participated for the first time in UIL Film competition. Eleven middle school theater departments competed over three days in a Fort Worth ISD One Act Play Middle School competition. McLean MS won first place. Monnig MS students wrote original works for Autism Awareness Month and presented them at M.L. Phillips ES. The number of elementary schools competing in UIL increased from 28 schools in 2016 to 49 schools in 2017.
2016 - 2017 / / 33
H
BEST IN THE Country
North Side HS’s outstanding Espuelas de Plata Mariachi was named grand champion at the Jose Hernandez Mariachi Nationals in Los Angeles. The ensemble, under the direction of Ramon Niño, also received a 1st Division at the State UIL Mariachi Festival. All 19 members took home Outstanding UIL Soloists medals. In 2014, the group performed at Carnegie Hall in New York and received a resounding standing ovation.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC F Fort Worth ISD’s secondary Instrumental Music programs are more popular than ever. Projected enrollments for 2017-2018 for band, orchestra and mariachi are up more than 50 percent over enrollments just three years ago. All Fort Worth ISD band programs met or exceeded UIL average ratings, with 87 percent of them earning an Excellent or Superior UIL rating.
3 4 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
FRIEDMAN AWARD Paschal HS student musician Jakab Macias received the prestigious Bayard H. Friedman award, presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth at the Bass Performance Hall. Jakab plays jazz saxophone, oboe and clarinet. He has been a featured soloist with the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra and is a National Merit Commended Scholar.
ARENA FOR ART Fort Worth ISD students submitted approximately 400 entries in the Guns and Roses Art Contest during the Fort Worth Stock Show. Peyton Rogers of Arlington Heights HS won 1st place in the 3-Dimensional category and a $2,000 scholarship.
PERFORMANCE by design / 01 FORT WORTH CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
H MAIN STREET ART This was our 11th year at the Main St. Arts Festival, and we had approximately 350 students in attendance selling their art and keeping the money they earned. Participating schools included: Arlington Heights HS, Benbrook MS-HS, CarterRiverside HS, North Side HS, Paschal HS, Polytechnic HS, Western Hills HS, Young Men’s Leadership Academy, Young Women’s Leadership Academy, World Languages Institute, Alice Carlson ALC, Luella Merrett ES, Daggett Montessori, Sam Rosen ES, Seminary Hills ES and Springdale ES.
FWISD’S FINEST Artists Hugo Morales of Arlington Heights earned the state's top Gold Seal Award in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) in San Antonio. Sixty Fort Worth ISD students advanced to the state art competition: »»
»» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»
E
OUTDOOR Art
Dunbar HS advanced art students created a bright, beautiful mural for their Stop Six neighborhood. The students sketched a design and then worked with muralist John Ortega to paint the design on the outside wall of Ramey Market. The mural is part of a Blue Zones Project aimed at fighting obesity and diabetes, especially in urban neighborhoods where affordable healthy
»» »» food is scarce. Project partners included the Historic Stop Six Initiative, Fort Worth Police Department, a Healthy Tarrant County Collaboration/Plan4Health grant, Black Firefighters Association and Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth. The Dads of Dunbar constructed scaffolding for painting the wall.
»» »» »»
Arlington Heights HS - Rama Ajlouni, Isabella Avalos, Isabella Bautista, Erika Cabezales-Lopez, Maya Cortez, Ivan Garcia, Meybel Gutierrez, Susana Hermosillo, Bryan Hernandez, John Mathews, Max Mattingly, Haynes Meyer, Hugo Morales, Kat Moreno, Cynthia Quintero, Sarah Roberts, Peyton Rogers, Caroline Senyszyn, Hanna Still, Mika Taylor, Lupita Urbina, Luke Vargas, Adriana Villafranco Benbrook MS-HS - Logan Rogers, Kaylin Smith Carter-Riverside HS - Annahi Castillo Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS - Lilyanna Martinez Eastern Hills HS - Shannon Anderson, Kevin Cornejo, Christopher De La Paz, Jose Moreno Paschal HS - Rowan Bouffard, Drew Bullinger, Patrick Cox, Iliaria Fabbrica, Chloe Hewitt, Micelle Lindsey, Hyeonjeong “Honey” Na Polytechnic HS - Brandon Tolentino, Jason Zatarain South Hills HS - Erick Gavarrete, Teresa Hernandez, Marvelous Oluleye, Vilma Soto Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences - Yaw Hlu, Clarissa Vargas Trimble Tech HS - Emily Ramos Western Hills HS - Juan Pablo Borunda, Rebecca Joines, Hayden Miller, Loan Nguyen World Languages Institute – Anaricka Ramirez Young Women's Leadership Academy - Lesley Sierra O.D. Wyatt HS - Daniela Acosta, Hein Aung, Carla Melissa Juarez, Jennifer Martinez, David Pantoja-Rios, Anthony Phan
Twelve art students had their works chosen for the City of Fort Worth’s 2018 KnoWhat2Do emergency preparedness calendar in a contest sponsored by the Fort Worth Office of Emergency Management, the KnoWhat2Do Preparedness Program, and Fort Worth ISD. The winning cover artist was Iraima Garcia, Atwood McDonald ES.
2016 - 2017 / / 35
SECONDARY DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR CHRIS WORKMAN AND ELEMENTARY DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR LINDSAY NEWBY LASTER
3 6 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PERFORMANCE by design / 01
DISTRICT TEACHERS of the Year 2016-2017 ACADEMIC YEAR “I want walking into my classroom to be an experience, whether you’re a student or a parent. We are messy and we are loud – we’re learning science!” Lindsay Newby Laster Elementary District Teacher of the Year, Fourth-grade teacher, Meadowbrook ES (ABOVE) SUPERINTENDENT SCRIBNER CONGRATULATES LINDSAY NEWBY LASTER AND CHRIS WORKMAN ON BEING NAMED THE DISTRICT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR.
3 things teaching has taught me: 1. You never, ever have all the answers. There is always something to learn. 2. Teaching is not an individual activity. It takes a team – the entire class, the school and the District. 3. The key to success and enjoyment is having quality relationships with your students and colleagues. Chris Workman Secondary Teacher of the Year Chemistry Teacher/Math Department Head, Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS (now teaching at Arlington Heights HS)
2016 - 2017 / / 37
DISTRICT TEACHERS of the Year Ninth-grade algebra teacher Chris Workman and fourth-grade teacher Lindsay Newby Laster were named the 2017 Fort Worth ISD District Teachers of the Year. The announcement was made at the annual Awards Dinner at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. At Diamond HillJarvis HS, Mr. Workman was also the head boys basketball coach and assistant football coach (now teaching and coaching at Arlington Heights HS). Ms. Laster, who teaches at Meadowbrook ES, is a former Teach for America participant. They each took home a $5,000 honorarium from Central Market. The other finalists for the honors were:
COACH’S LONG RUN The University Interscholastic League and a crowd of about 20,000 paid tribute to Lee Williams, the long-time coach at O.D. Wyatt HS. The ceremony to present Coach Williams with the UIL Distinguished Service Award was held in May at Mike A. Myers Stadium at the University of Texas in Austin. Coach Williams retired at the end of the school year after a 41-year career in Fort Worth ISD that included 38 years at O.D. Wyatt High School. Among his accomplishments, he coached 52 All Americans, and his athletes won state track championships in 1998 and 2002. The 1998 400-meter relay team set a national high school record of 39.76 seconds, which still stands. Coach Williams twice was named a National Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Secondary »» Keith Byrd, science and math teacher Polytechnic HS »» Veronica Canchola, social studies teacher World Languages Institute »» Shantell Phelps, science teacher William James MS »» Cecilia N. Sanchez-Hill, history teacher TCC South-FWISD Collegiate
Elementary »» Julissa Gomez, second-grade teacher John T. White ES »» Rebecca Martin, art teacher Carter Park ES »» Jennifer Mitchell, science and math teacher Westcliff ES »» Tara Woods, kindergarten teacher J.T. Stevens ES
3 8 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
E SENIORS’ LONG WALK On a warm day in May, the Eastern Hills HS Class of 2017 put on their caps and gowns and set out to walk the halls of eight elementary and middle schools within the Eastern Hills attendance zone. The schedule of visits was greatly expanded this year, based on the response to last year’s single Senior Walk by the Class of 2016. That walk at Eastern Hills ES received overwhelming praise from the young students and the seniors.
PERFORMANCE by design / 01
TEACHING Chairs Fifteen exceptional Fort Worth ISD teachers were named the 2016-2017 Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence. The title came with a $5,000 honorarium and a luncheon at the City Club of Fort Worth. The honorees and their sponsors included:
E
JROTC LEADER Honored
LTC Richard Crossley Jr., the Director of Army Instruction for Fort Worth ISD’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program, was named Director of Army Instruction of the Year by the U.S. Army’s Cadet Command. His commendation was one of 13 national awards of excellence presented by the Cadet Command. The award recognizes LTC Crossley’s contributions to training excellence and furthering the Cadet Command’s mission of preparing the next generation of productive, responsible citizens. LTC Crossley oversees JROTC programs at 15 high schools and Junior Cadet Corps programs at 21 middle schools.
99.2% 97.3% 1282.2
GRADUATION RATE OF FORT WORTH ISD JROTC CADETS
CADETS’ ATTENDANCE RATE
CADETS’ AVERAGE SAT SCORE
»» Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Math: Elizabeth A. West, Luella Merrett ES »» Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Science: Jennifer Morgan Gilmore, Bruce Shulkey ES »» Angela D. Paulos Chair for Teaching Excellence in Visual Arts: Natalia M. Dominguez, South Hills ES »» Bayard H. Friedman Chair for Teaching Excellence in Performing Arts: Stacia Graves, North Hi Mount ES »» Broadway at the Bass Chair for Teaching Excellence in Theater and/ or Dance: Cheryl Ann Penland, Trimble Technical HS »» Devon Energy Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary Science: Kristin Cotton, Southwest HS »» Sewell Lexus and Infiniti of Fort Worth Chair for Teaching Excellence in Humanities: Patti Sikes, Paschal HS »» Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Chair for Teaching Excellence in Health & Physical Education: Rachel Erisman, Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS »» Crescent Real Estate Chair for Teaching Excellence in Career and Technical Education: Wayland Scott, Boulevard Heights »» Freese and Nichols, Inc. Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary Mathematics: Bao-Tran Nguyen, South Hills HS »» XTO Energy Chair for Teaching Excellence in Early Childhood Education: Angela Catherine St. Valentine, Western Hills Primary »» Kroger Chair for Teaching Excellence in Special Education: Erin R. Pfeiffer, Morningside ES »» Chase Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary English: Cindy Zepeda, Forest Oak MS »» Outreach Communications Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Reading: Angela Tuttle, Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center »» Atmos Energy Chair for Teaching Excellence in Acquisition of Language: Shatiqueka T. Carson, Dunbar HS
2016 - 2017 / / 39
4 0 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PERFORMANCE by design / 01
CONNIE Smith PRINCIPAL, TANGLEWOOD ES AND 40-YEAR FORT WORTH ISD EDUCATOR How I describe my job as principal: 1. Effectively lead instruction 2. Hire and support excellent teachers and staff 3. Focus on the needs of each student and family
“DE SI G NI NG ST UDE NT SUC C E SS I S NOT ‘ONE SI ZE FI TS A LL.’ SC HOOLS MUST C ONSTA NT LY E VOLVE TO ME E T T HE NE E DS OF ST UD E NTS. E DUCATORS MUST C ONSTA NT LY C ONNE CT WI T H ST UDE NTS TO ME E T T HE I R NE E D S, MOT I VAT E T HE M A ND HE LP MA I NTA I N T HE I R LOVE OF LE A RNI NG .”
9 00+ 2017-2018 STUDENT ENROLLMENT PREDICTION FOR TANGLEWOOD ES
2016 - 2017 / / 41
02
PLANNING
by design
A PLAN FOR THE Future Fort Worth ISD Facilities Master Plan School districts create master plans to guide them as they grow and change. Fort Worth ISD is going a big step further to develop a Facilities Master Plan with a Learning Model at its core. The new Fort Worth ISD Learning Model defines educational needs, which will guide facility upgrades and new construction.
Fort Worth ISD Learning Model The Learning Model, in brief, shifts the role of teachers and students to collaborators who engage in critical thinking and challenging work. The student becomes leader of his/her learning journey. The teacher becomes the designer of the process. Plan Timeline 2015 // Our District began the journey to take a comprehensive look at our facilities – especially our schools – and determine what would be needed to strengthen instruction and learning for all children. We established a Facilities Committee consisting of four Board members and Fort Worth ISD administrators. The committee created specific guiding principles for creating a long-term Facilities Master Plan. 2016 // The Facilities Committee presented its guiding principles to the Board of Education. Our District hired engage2learn and architectural/ engineering firm PBK to facilitate the process of exploring possibilities and engaging educators and community stakeholders. More than 2,600 people shared their highest hopes for students and other opinions. District administrators selected high schools in high growth areas. They looked at the conditions of learning spaces, including furniture and technology. From November 2016 to January 2017, a large group of internal and external stakeholders focused on Educational Design for Learning.
OPEN FOR LEARNING F »» Washington Heights ES opened at the start of the school year, giving children beautiful learning spaces, a well-equipped gymnatorium, a large cafeteria and library with direct access to playgrounds, and fenced–in playfields. The classrooms were rotated in an outward pattern to minimize outside noise. These kinds of details earned the school a 2016 CMAA National Project Achievement Award Winner in the category of Buildings, New Construction: Constructed value less than $25 Million. »» The new Westpark ES opened in August. It includes 30 standard classrooms, plus music, art, science and computer classrooms. The building also features a media center, gymnatorium and cafeteria. The students enjoy plentiful outside play areas, while natural light and energy efficient HVAC systems add to their comfort inside. »» The new Van Zandt-Guinn ES opened its doors in February 2017. The 67,500 sq. ft. building replaced the existing underground facility built in the late 1970s. Expanses of glass allow students to view the inspiring skyline of Fort Worth as they learn.
2017 // Education Environment Planning began – taking the design team’s pieces for each campus and applying them to the facilities and classroom spaces.
What’s Next
(LEFT) THE LIBRARY AT THE NEW VAN ZANDT-GUINN ES OFFERS STUDENTS A LEARNING ROOM WITH A VIEW.
The next step in the Facilities Master Plan is expanding the assessments to our middle and elementary schools. We will, once again, engage educators and the community to get their input, which will go into creating an Educational Design for Learning. Fort Worth, Texas
4 4 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PLANNING by design / 02
I.M. TERRELL ACADEMY for STEM and VPA F Dirt flew and cranes moved in at the historic I.M. Terrell, soon to be the I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA (Visual and Performing Arts), a Gold Seal School of Choice. Crews completed the foundation for the new Visual and Performing Arts building and the walls are taking shape as this report goes to print. Renovation of the existing building space, which includes the former I.M. Terrell ES, got underway in May. The academy will open for students in fall 2018.
CIP WRAPPING UP IN A BIG WAY (RIGHT) STUDENTS LEARN THE BASICS OF FLIGHT IN THE NEW AVIATION MAINTENANCE HANGAR AT DUNBAR HS, WHICH HOUSES THE AVIATION TECHNOLOGY GOLD SEAL PROGRAM OF CHOICE.
The Capital Improvement Program approved by voters in 2013 is nearing completion. The $489.9 million CIP expanded learning opportunities for students across the District. Top priorities of the bond were safety and security upgrades, cafeteria improvements, new technology and new schools and classrooms.
2016 - 2017 / / 45
KHECHARA BRADFORD IS AN AVID READER OF BOOKS ON LEADERSHIP, TEAM BUILDING AND LITERACY.
4 6 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PLANNING by design / 02
K H E CHAR A Br a d f o r d ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, FORT WORTH ISD CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
(ABOVE) NEIGHBORHOOD FAMILIES WERE INVITED TO SUMMER LEARNING EVENTS AT CICI’S PIZZA AND CHICK-FIL-A TO GAIN TIPS FOR HELPING THEIR STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT.
Three things I love about Fort Worth ISD’s new Learning Model: 1. It connects to my core beliefs about the value of student voice and students’ shared role in the learning process. 2. It was designed by students, educators, business leaders and community members – which makes it a truly original and innovative learning model. 3. It gives students the opportunity to create, research, challenge, communicate and reflect within each phase of the Learning Model.
What I’m reading right now: Understanding by Design (expanded 2nd edition), by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe What I’m reading with my kids at home: The Big Nate series, by Lincoln Pierce
“A NYONE CA N LE A D I N LE A RNI NG : ST UDE NTS, E DUCATORS, FA MI LY ME MBE RS, BUSI NE SS P ROFE SSI ONA LS. I T ’S A BOUT MODE LI NG A LI FE LONG LE A RNE R LI FE ST YLE , BE I NG C URI OUS, A ND WA NT I NG TO BE T T E R UND E RSTA ND T HE P E OP LE A ND T HE WORLD A ROUND YOU.”
2016 - 2017 / / 47
LEARNING Model F The Learning Model is a catalyst to grow and empower learners who will lead and solve the challenges of tomorrow. It is built on relationships and shared ownership to change the culture of our classrooms. The model moves from "challenge" to "research and create" to "communicate" to "reflect and grow." These are phases people experience as they go about their daily lives. The model supports students to: »» Take the lead in their work »» Analyze their progress toward the learning objective »» Learn to communicate and demonstrate their progress in many ways: verbal, nonverbal, written and digital »» Find opportunities to improve »» Excel beyond their expectations
GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
E NEW TECH PLAN Curriculum content specialists, community members, campus administrators, teachers, librarians, parents and technology experts worked together to develop a new long-range District Technology Plan (2017-2020). The plan aligns with the District’s goals for transformational learning that meets the needs of all students.
4 8 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
The Fort Worth ISD Board of Education and Superintendent Kent Scribner participated in an intense Lone Star Governance workshop developed by the Texas Education Agency. Lone Star Governance helps provide a continuous improvement model for school boards for working collaboratively and efficiently toward better student outcomes. Lone Star Governance supports five points of the Texas Framework for School Board Development: vision, accountability, structure, unity and advocacy.
E TECHNOLOGY COMMITMENT Technology upgrades and installations continued as part of the 2013 Capital Improvement Project. 383 = 4,254 = 4,246 =
elementary classroom Promethean updates (a total of 861 so far) desktops installed at campuses (18,000 installed so far) Chromebooks laptops delivered
PLANNING by design / 02
EQUITY in Action F Five struggling Fort Worth ISD schools were selected to become Leadership Academies – what Superintendent Kent Scribner called “the first step in putting the District’s new Board-approved equity policy into action.” The Academies align with Dr. Scribner's promise to put resources where they are needed most. Five new Leadership Academy principals were named, and the Richard Rainwater Charitable Foundation, a longtime supporter of public education, donated $1 million to the schools. (RIGHT TO LEFT) PRINCIPALS SERETHA LOFTON, LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AT FOREST OAK; VALENCIA RHINES, LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AT COMO; ROBERT J. RAY, LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AT MAUDE I. LOGAN; AILEEN MARTINA-QUIÑONES, LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AT MITCHELL BOULEVARD; TAMERA DUGAN, LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AT JOHN T. WHITE
RED CARPET RECEPTION
(RIGHT) 50 EIGHTH-GRADERS WHO ARE PART OF THE LEADERKIDS PROGRAM HELPED SPRUCE UP THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AT MAUDE I. LOGAN. THEY WERE JOINED BY VOLUNTEERS FROM CAPITAL ONE, FIDELITY INVESTMENTS, LEADERSHIP FORT WORTH AND TCU.
The District held an “invitation only” reception – complete with a red carpet - bringing together a pool of highly qualified candidates for teaching positions at the new Leadership Academies. Our data had identified them as leaders who could bring about change. They were also informed of a significant financial incentive for their three-year commitment to improve the academic outcomes at the five campuses. Dr. Scribner presented a video in which the Academy principals talked about their style of leadership and what they were looking for in prospective teachers. Following the video, the teachers had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with Academy principals.
2016 - 2017 / / 49
5 0 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PLANNING by design / 02
CYN T HIA R i n c ó n FORT WORTH ISD CHIEF OF HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT 3 things my job has taught me about people: 1. We all want to feel valued and want our contributions to be acknowledged. 2. We all like to hear the words “thank you” every now and then. 3. A little act of kindness goes a long way – whether we are giving it or receiving it.
“ HC M, T HE D I ST RI CT ’S HUMA N RE SOURC E S DE PA RT ME NT, P LAYS A C RUC I A L ROLE I N SC HOOL I MP ROVE ME NT A ND ST UD E NT SUC C E SS. TO T HAT E ND, WE A RE C OMMI T T E D TO HI RI NG I NT E NT I ONA LLY A ND K E E P I NG QUA LI T Y T E AC HE RS A ND STA FF.”
4 , 00 O EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS FOR TEACHING POSITIONS RECEIVED BY THE FIRST DAY OF 2016, COMPARED TO 3,000 TWO YEARS AGO
2016 - 2017 / / 51
YOUR FUTURE IS IN OUR CLASSROOM F The District’s Human Capital Management (HCM) Department intensified efforts to place – and keep – the best possible teachers in front of our students. HCM launched a Talent Acquisition and Development division in 2016-2017, charged with strengthening customer relations and personal recruitment marketing. Strategies included an aggressive social media campaign, North Texas-area specific face-to-face interviews, webinars and how-to seminars, and other outreach. HCM talent managers and mentor coaches took top candidates on a chartered bus tour of neighborhoods and campuses. Spring 2017 also saw the release of “Your Future Is in Our Classroom” – a series of short video messages from some of our impressive new teachers who encouraged others to join them at Fort Worth ISD.
H TEACHERS’ TAKE More than 83 percent of Fort Worth ISD teachers participated in the 2017 Spring Survey, and results were positive across most survey items. The 4,269 teachers who took the survey more than doubled the number who responded a year earlier. Among the responses: »» 95% agreed that they give students feedback to help them understand how to improve, and 86% agreed that they do not let students give up when their work becomes challenging. »» 89% agreed that school leadership encourages teachers to implement what they learned in professional development. »» Most teachers agreed that they have the tools (85%), technology (80%) and resources (79%) to do their job.
SUB Incentive F
Substitute teachers save the day in schools everywhere. In February, the District initiated an incentive program to keep our best substitute teachers coming back and increase the “fill rate” for teacher absences. The program provided monetary rewards for substitutes working 52 to 61 days between February 27 and May 31. The program was an early success, as the fill rate grew from 81 percent to 89 percent in three months. As another show of appreciation, the District held a Substitute Teacher Summer Bash at Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center.
5 2 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PLANNING by design / 02
LEADERSHIP TEAM These twelve individuals work as one team with Superintendent Scribner to bring a variety of strengths and talents to the table and help put our District’s guiding principles into action:
STATE OF Education Superintendent Scribner updated the business community and others at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s 13th annual State of Education Luncheon. The 250 guests arrived at Cendera Center to the beat of Dunbar HS and North Side HS drumlines and the music of Trimble Tech HS Strings and the Paschal HS Jazz Choir. Dr. Scribner updated attendees on the new 100X25 FWTX literacy initiative and Capital Improvement Program progress. Prior to the luncheon, Fort Worth ISD and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce honored Distinguished Employers of Fort Worth Teens at a reception. These employers help student employees balance work and school in order to graduate.
»» Chief Academic Officer - Charles Carroll »» Chief of Capital Improvement Program - Vicki Burris »» Senior Communications Officer - Barbara Griffith »» Chief of District Operations - Art Cavazos »» Chief of Elementary Schools - Karen Molinar »» Chief of Equity and Excellence - Sherry Breed »» Executive Director of External and Emergency Communications - Clint Bond »» Chief Financial Officer - Elsie Schiro »» Chief of Human Capital Management - Cynthia Rincón »» Chief of Policy and Planning - Sammy Monge »» Chief of Secondary Schools - Cherie Washington »» Assistant Superintendent, Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement - Jerry Moore »» Chief of Technology - Kyle Davie
2016 - 2017 / / 53
BUILDING Community
107,117 Likes
19,697
Followers
7,055
Followers
136,606
total social media followers
2,7437
Followers
14.3%
Year-to-date increase in web visitors
29,496,301 total webpage views average time on a page 2:23
H NEW WEBSITE Fort Worth ISD launched a whole new website, along with new websites for all of our campuses. The new website is mobile-friendly, solution-oriented and fully integrated with the District’s mobile app/callout system. Features include intuitive searching and user-friendly global icons. The design and functions were based on employee surveys and focus groups, as well as data from the most frequently visited areas of the site.
5 4 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PLANNING by design / 02
ON A Roll F Where’s the black car headed next? Through the spring, more and more teachers, staff and others watched Superintendent Kent Scribner’s monthly video messages to find out. In January and February, Dr. Scribner drove his car to campuses to investigate good stories he had heard about. In March, April and May, Dr. Scribner had passengers on board: Mayor Betsy Price, Mrs. Suleyka Scribner and the District Teachers of the Year. It was the June video that received the most views on Facebook. No black car this time. Instead, this video featured a “Senior Walk” with a great group of soon-to-begraduates from Eastern Hills HS. They wore their caps and gowns to visit and inspire hundreds of younger students at elementary and middle schools.
H VIDEO REVAMP Local media celebrities were back on camera in our EdTV studio as we kicked off the campaign to get all families up-to-date on Fort Worth ISD Gold Seal opportunities for their children at Fort Worth ISD. Starring in the fast-paced high school and middle school overview videos are: »» Dionne Anglin, Fox4 News reporter »» Deborah Ferguson, NBC5 anchor »» Jeff Jamison, CBS11 meteorologist »» Bud Kennedy, Star-Telegram columnist »» Bob Ray Sanders, former Star-Telegram columnist These videos also include then/now looks at former Gold Seal students who have moved on to college and careers. Watch the videos at www.fwisd.org/choice.
23,000 FACEBOOK VIEWS OF SUPERINTENDENT SCRIBNER’S JUNE VIDEO MESSAGE
16 VIDEO MESSAGES FROM SUPERINTENDENT SCRIBNER SINCE FALL 2015
2016 - 2017 / / 55
5 6 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PLANNING by design / 02
E Q U IT Y E n d G o a l FORT WORTH ISD’S RACIAL EQUITY COMMITTEE The Fort Worth ISD Racial Equity Committee was formed as part of the District’s new Equity and Excellence Division. The mission of the committee is to advance racial and ethnic equity and improve achievement for all students.
(ABOVE AND LEFT) FORT WORTH ISD STUDENTS ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMS AND MEETINGS TO HELP SOLVE EQUITY ISSUES.
Olga Martinez Hickman, PhD. Fort Worth ISD Racial Equity Committee Member, Director, Fort Worth Literacy Partnership
What equity in education looks like to me: There are 32 members on the committee, Rickie Clark: It starts and ends with including these dynamic participants: fairness and inclusion. Olga Martinez Hickman: Access and Rickie Clark Fort Worth ISD Racial Equity Committee opportunity for every student in Member, My Brother’s Keeper Facilitator/ Fort Worth ISD. Max Krochmal: Culturally relevant Educational Consultant curriculum and quality program Max Krochmal, PhD. Fort Worth ISD Racial Equity Committee assessment instead of biased and punitive high-stakes testing. Member, TCU Associate Professor of History, Director of Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies
2016 - 2017 / / 57
H
EQUITY Equation
Fort Worth ISD created the Division of Equity and Excellence, under the direction of Chief Sherry Breed, to ensure the success of ALL students. Over the next several years, all 10,000-plus employees will be guided through thoughtful discussions and trainings. The equity transformation process was launched in March and May of 2017 with
H
the first Beyond Diversity trainings of staff. Additional trainings will take place next year. The first cohort of campus leaders, known as Beacon Principals, will train to effect change that accelerates and sustains racial equity, enhances campus culture and climate and empowers families.
TECHNOLOGY Conference
The Division of Technology welcomed more than 1,000 teachers and administrators from across the District to the 12th annual Fort Worth Technology Conference held at Trimble Tech HS. Attendees spent the day learning at inspiring educational sessions. One of the most popular workshops was provided by Code.org, a non-profit dedicated to expanding computer access and increasing participation by women and minorities.
5 8 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PLANNING by design / 02
(THIS PAGE) THE DISTRICT’S FIRST PRE-K REGISTRATION AND LITERACY FAIR PROVED A BIG SUCCESS. APPROXIMATELY 500 PEOPLE ATTENDED, AND 178 STUDENTS PRE-REGISTERED. THE EVENT FOLLOWED THE REGIONAL WEEK-LONG PRE-K REGISTRATION EFFORT. MORE THAN 50 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS WERE REPRESENTED. THE FAIR FEATURED MORE THAN 30 COMMUNITY AND DISTRICT RESOURCE TABLES AND OFFERED A “KID ZONE” WITH FUN ACTIVITIES.
2016 - 2017 / / 59
JONATHAN BEY SERVED 20 YEARS IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE. HE WILL BE THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT OF TASBO.
6 0 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PLANNING by design / 02
J ON AT HAN Bey EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FORT WORTH ISD PURCHASING PRESIDENT-ELECT, TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BUSINESS OFFICIALS (TASBO) Jonathan Bey directs the procurement of all goods and services for the District. He graduated Summa cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from McMurry University and holds a Master’s Degree in Procurement and Acquisitions from Webster University. (ABOVE) MORE THAN 300 DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF LEARNED THE LATEST BUSINESS PRACTICES AT THE YES! CONFERENCE, DESIGNED BY THE BUSINESS AND FINANCE DIVISION.
3 3 ,7 00
What military service taught me that helps me do my job today: Leadership skills! Leadership is not a title or a position. It’s being able to inspire and empower your team to solve problems and accomplish goals.
“M Y TEAM ’S DRIV IN G FO RCE IS TO STAY ST UDE NT- A ND C USTOME RFO CUS ED, REM EM BERIN G THAT O UR C USTOME RS A RE BOT H I NT E RNA L AN D EXTERN AL, AN D ALL ARE IM PORTA NT TO T HE SUC C E SS OF T HE DISTRICT.”
FORT WORTH ISD PURCHASES MADE IN 2016-2017
2016 - 2017 / / 61
10
“A” FOR ACCOUNTABILITY Our Business and Finance Division celebrated a great report card. Fort Worth ISD earned an “A” Superior rating for 2016 from School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas). A total score of 70 to 100 points is needed for the coveted rating. Fort Worth ISD scored 98, indicating a quality performance in managing the District’s financial resources.
MILLION
FRESH Approach E Approximately 1,200 students from eight schools got to sample and pick out their own produce at a farmers market sponsored by the District’s Child Nutrition Services Department. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program helps schools create healthier campus environments by providing better food choices, introducing children to a variety of fruits and vegetables, and expanding kids’ fruit and vegetable consumption at school and at home.
HEALTHY RETURNS It’s no easy task making sure the federal program Medicaid/SHARS (School Health and Related Services) reimburses school districts for providing health services to students eligible for Medicaid. Mary Linberg, our new Coordinator for Medicaid/SHARS, and her team increased service logs by 26 percent in Fiscal Year 2016, and interim payments for services rose 80 percent – from $910,000 in May 2016 to $1.6 million in May 2017.
6 2 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
LUNCHES SERVED IN FWISD IN 2016-17
PLANNING by design / 02
(LEFT AND ABOVE) THE DISTRICT HELD A DINNER AND CEREMONY TO HONOR 250 EMPLOYEES WHO RETIRED THIS YEAR. THEY REPRESENT MORE THAN 5,500 YEARS OF SERVICE.
SCHOOL HITS THE CENTURY MARK F The Trimble Technical HS building, a Fort Worth landmark, turned 100. A Century Celebration was held, along with alumni receptions and readings of proclamations. The event was the work of the 100th Celebration Committee, made up of alumni from the classes of 1958-1962 and Principal E. Omar Ramos. Trimble Tech’s culinary students made the cake! The school opened in 1918 as Fort Worth High School. It was the home of Paschal HS from 1935 to 1955. Trimble Tech alumni include Fox4 reporter Dionne Anglin, boxing great Paulie Ayala, NBC5 anchor Deborah Ferguson and Major League Baseball pitcher Yovani Gallardo – just to name a few.
2016 - 2017 / / 63
03
PARTNERSHIPS
by design
(THIS PAGE) STUDENTS ENJOY READING TIME AT OAKHURST ES. (TOP RIGHT) SUPERINTENDENT SCRIBNER, MAYOR BETSY PRICE, BNSF CHAIRMAN MATT ROSE AND FWISD SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT TOBI JACKSON AT THE LAUNCH OF THE 100X25 FWTX LITERACY INITIATIVE.
6 6 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PARTNERSHIPS by design / 03
H LITERACY OUTREACH In support of the 100X25 FWTX initiative… »» More than 300 people attended Fort Worth ISD’s inaugural Literacy Conference, designed to provide high-quality literacy training. »» Our Literacy Department held a series of workshops to help city partners infuse literacy components into summer programs. »» Teachers from all across the District learned more about literacy and refined their teaching skills at the Literacy Department’s Saturday morning and after-school professional development.
H
100X25 FWTX
It’s big. It’s ambitious. And it involves everyone. 100X25 FWTX was launched in September as a community-wide effort to see that all third-graders are reading on level by the year 2025. The initiative is led by Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Kent P. Scribner, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and BNSF Chairman Matt Rose, with support through the work of the Fort Worth Literacy Partnership. Third-grade literacy can determine success in all subjects for years to come, including math and science. Studies show that 75 percent of children who struggle with reading in third grade never catch up. 100X25 FWTX is a coordinated cradle-to-career strategy to align the goals and the resources of Fort Worth ISD with all facets of the community and put resources where they are needed most. Leaders and volunteers from the city’s business sector, higher education, non-profit organizations and the faith-based community all have important roles.
STORY TIME F Rebecca Brumley, Executive Director of the Red Oak Foundation, looks on as Superintendent Scribner reads Peter and the Wolf to more than 100 second-graders at Hubbard Heights ES. The students also received Peter and the Wolf books, thanks to the generosity and support of the Red Oak Foundation and Bass Hall Performing Arts Children’s Education Program. More than 14,900 students and teachers were later treated to a performance of Peter and the Wolf at Bass Hall.
2016 - 2017 / / 67
LITERACY ROLE MODELS (LEFT) HUNDREDS OF SPANISH-SPEAKING FAMILIES ATTENDED OUR THIRD CREANDO UNA AMISTAD (CREATING A FRIENDSHIP) TO LEARN ABOUT THE NEW 100X25 FWTX LITERACY INITIATIVE.
After learning about their District’s new 100X25 FWTX initiative, students at Eastern Hills HS presented a literacythemed Christmas gift to each of the more than 600 kids at Eastern Hills ES. The older students, led by National Honor Society members, collected, purchased and sorted new books by grade level in English and Spanish. Faculty, community members, alumni and local businesses donated books and money to the project.
PHOTOS BY GRANT MILLER FOR THE GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL CENTER.
DATA Dashboard The Fort Worth Literacy Partnership unveiled a new public data dashboard that complements 100X25 FWTX. It allows users, for the first time, to easily monitor third-grade reading performance. The dashboard includes an interactive map and provides a snapshot of District and campus STAAR results, along with views of demographics and achievement in Fort Worth ISD elementary schools since 2012. To view the dashboard, visit www.fwisd.org/100x25Dashboard.
200
15
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS TRAINED IN THE FIRST YEAR OF 100X25 FWTX
SCHOOLS INITIALLY DESIGNATED FOR VOLUNTEERS
6 8 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
A PRESIDENTIAL VISIT E Former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush talked to Pre-K students at Briscoe ES during a meeting with educators, community leaders and researchers on the importance of recruiting and retaining excellent principals.
PARTNERSHIPS by design / 03
(LEFT) SENIORS IN THE MY BROTHER’S KEEPER PROGRAM WERE FITTED FOR SUITS BEFORE A FORT WORTH METROPOLITAN BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON TO HONOR THEIR ACADEMIC SUCCESS.
STEM GIFT The District’s Project Lead The Way (PLTW) science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum received a huge boost: a $250,000 grant from the Sid Richardson Foundation. The large-scale STEM initiative was begun in 2015-2016, to provide the PLTW curriculum to students in kindergarten through high school. Early in the effort, Lockheed Martin donated $1 million in a matching grant.
BASKETBALL Magic F Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson helped honor 40 Fort Worth ISD seniors in the My Brother’s Keeper program at a luncheon honoring their academic achievements. The luncheon was hosted by the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Johnson was the keynote speaker. The seniors looked their best for the event, having recently been treated to a shopping spree at Jos. A. Bank. My Brother’s Keeper, the Fort Worth ISD Education Foundation and members of the community worked together to purchase suits, shirts, ties and shoes for the young men.
2016 - 2017 / / 69
7 0 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PARTNERSHIPS by design / 03
T IM M c K i n n ey FORMER PRESIDENT AND CEO, UNITED WAY OF TARRANT COUNTY Why should our citizens support public education in Fort Worth? Because public schools are the only schools that must meet the needs of all students. The well-being of this city, our state and our country depends upon an educated and well-informed citizenry.
“TO K NOW T HAT WE HAVE ASSI ST E D A ND SUP P ORT E D FORT WORT H I SD TO HE LP ST UD E NTS G RA D UAT E ON T I ME A ND T HE N G O TO C OLLE G E OR E NT E R T HE WORK FORC E HAS BE E N E X T RE ME LY RE WA RDI NG FOR ME P E RSONA LLY.”
$ 5 M I L L I ON AMOUNT FORT WORTH ISD HAS RECEIVED FROM UNITED WAY TARRANT COUNTY OVER THE PAST SEVEN YEARS
2016 - 2017 / / 71
(RIGHT) THOUSANDS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS ATTENDED COLLEGE NIGHT, AS DID REPRESENTATIVES OF MORE THAN 250 COLLEGES.
COLLEGE AND CAREER Expo F It’s never too early to get kids thinking about college. For the ninth consecutive year, Fort Worth ISD and Tarrant County College co-sponsored a Middle School College and Career Expo. Students and their families flocked to Tarrant County College South Campus to explore colleges and careers. Representatives from more than 60 colleges, universities and other postsecondary institutions answered families’ questions.
7 2 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
MIDDLE SCHOOL MENTORS Fort Worth ISD’s Academic Advisement Department and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce partnered up to place more sixth-graders on an early pathway to college and career. The program, Strategic Pathways to Student Success (SPSS), puts mentors from the business community in middle school GO Centers. SPSS began in January at five schools: Rosemont 6th, Daggett MS, Jacquet MS, Kirkpatrick MS and Morningside MS. The mentoring sessions are held twice a month at each campus. More than 100 sixth-graders who are in the United Way of Tarrant County’s Middle School Success Interventions program participated. Next year, SPSS will expand to include seventh-graders.
COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE Looking ahead to college, approximately 300 rising seniors attended the District’s second annual College Application Boot Camp in June. They learned tips on filling out applications and applying for scholarships. They also received instruction in writing more effective essays. The boot camps, held at UT-Arlington and Lone Star Auditorium in Arlington, are made possible by our partnership with UT-Arlington, TCU, Texas A&M University and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Fort Worth.
PARTNERSHIPS by design / 03
H EARLY WORK EXPERIENCE Many Fort Worth ISD rising seventh-graders went to the workplace during the summer as participants in Vital Link. They spent two weeks at individual Fort Worth businesses, gaining insight into careers and workplace skills. Twenty-two local business sites hosted 260 students for half-day work experiences. The free summer program is open to all students who have completed the sixth grade.
SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOP A special event helped Hispanic families and others navigate the world of college scholarships. The Fort Worth Hacemos Chapter, hosted by Fort Worth ISD, presented the Hispanic Scholarship Workshop in November. Hacemos is a resource group for AT&T’s Hispanic/Latino employees. However, all high school seniors were welcomed at the event. BB&T Multicultural Banking provided students with tips for personal banking. Colleges in attendance included Tarrant County College, Texas Christian University, Texas Wesleyan University, UT-Arlington, University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University.
READY WORKFORCE For the 24th year, Fort Worth ISD put on a huge hiring fair to connect recent graduates, including collegebound job seekers, with potential employers. It’s one of the largest employer-attended job fairs in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Hiring Fair 2017 also featured demonstrations to help graduates present themselves at their best in interviews. Partners in the success of the fair included: »» Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce »» Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce »» Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce »» Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains »» Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth »» VolunteerNow »» Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
LINEA ABIERTA (Open Line) F
Univision welcomed Fort Worth ISD to participate in two phone banks to answer Spanish-speaking families’ back-to-school and Pre-K questions. During the August Linea Abierta event, representatives from our Family Communications Department, Early Childhood Department, Bilingual/ESL Department and the Student Placement Center fielded questions on everything from uniforms to transportation. A second Linea Abierta was held in April, coinciding with our Pre-K registration week and Literacy Fair.
2016 - 2017 / / 73
MEDICAL CAMP F
E MUSIC LITERACY The Etude Grant, a four-year, $1.4 million dollar grant awarded two years ago from the Department of Education, continued to fund music literacy and instruction District-wide, providing: »» 26 Teachscape Kits (two kits per pyramid) »» A clinic for District choral directors with Westminster’s Professor and Senior Conductor, Dr. James Jordan »» Ten Yamaha Harmony Directors to assist directors at various secondary campuses
The TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine won’t accept its first class until 2019, but it is already teaching young Fort Worth ISD medical scholars. The first-ever Junior Medical School summer camp hosted 27 students from J.P. Elder MS, Young Men’s Leadership Academy and Young Women’s Leadership Academy. During the week-long program on the TCU and UNTHSC campuses, students interacted with doctors, toured Texas Health Hospital Clearfork and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, learned surgical knottying, participated in dissections, learned CPR and engaged with college students. The program is a partnership with Fort Worth ISD, sponsored by the JP Morgan Chase Foundation’s workforce development grant through UNT Health Science Center.
H
GRADNATION SUMMIT Hundreds turned out for the Fort Worth GradNation Summit, presented by Fort Worth Sparc, America’s Promise Alliance and Fort Worth ISD Board of Education Representative Tobi Jackson. The goal of the growing movement is to raise the national high school graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020. High school students, college students, business leaders, educators and others attended. Superintendent Scribner was among the speakers. Topics discussed included career and college readiness, graduations rates and the 100X25 FWTX literacy initiative.
FINISHING Touch
Construction crews hoisted and mounted a full-sized helicopter outside the new Dunbar HS Aviation Center. The $2.15 million aviation hangar opened to students during spring 2016. The Light Observation Helicopter was donated by Bell Helicopter, a partner in Dunbar’s Aviation Technology Gold Seal Program of Choice. Other program partners include Lockheed Martin and Tarrant County College District.
7 4 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PARTNERSHIPS by design / 03
(LEFT) DISTRICT PARTNER FIDELITY INVESTMENTS SURPRISED STUDENTS AT DUNBAR HS WITH NEW BAND INSTRUMENTS. THE DONATION, VALUED AT $32,000, WAS FACILITATED BY THE MR. HOLLAND’S OPUS FOUNDATION.
CAN DO! Students at David K. Sellars ES collected more canned food than any other school in a regional canned food drive spearheaded by the Fort Worth Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Twentyfour schools participated in the drive, with each setting a goal of collecting 3,000 cans. Sellars students rounded up 5,483 items, bringing the combined total of all schools to more than 90,000.
H FIDELITY CARES More than 200 Fidelity Investments employees gathered on a Saturday morning in October to help refresh and renovate learning spaces at Dunbar HS. The volunteers painted outdoor-themed murals; updated the teachers’ workroom; built benches, flower boxes and picnic tables; and cleaned and “fluffed up” the landscaping around the entire campus. Fidelity contributed more than 2,000 volunteer hours on various projects during 2016-2017.
2016 - 2017 / / 75
(ABOVE) SUPERINTENDENT SCRIBNER AND ROSALINDA AND ARTURO MARTINEZ CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF WASHINGTON HEIGHTS ES
7 6 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PARTNERSHIPS by design / 03
ROSALINDA & ARTURO Martinez FORT WORTH ISD PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERS
15 %
Who are the people who volunteer in our schools and at our after school and Saturday events? Parents, like Rosalinda and Arturo Martinez, make up the largest segment of these invaluable District partners. The next largest is college students, followed by faith-based partners and other community members.
Mr. and Mrs. Martinez have three children in three Fort Worth ISD schools: North Side HS, Kirkpatrick MS and Young Women’s Leadership Academy. They are also busy professionals. And, they still make time to volunteer at the District’s Career Days and Literacy Night events.
INCREASE IN FORT WORTH ISD VOLUNTEERS FROM ONE YEAR AGO
25% INCREASE IN VOLUNTEER HOURS FROM ONE YEAR AGO
“W E’RE AN ACADEM IC CO UPLE. W E BOT H WORK WI T H HI G HE R EDUCATIO N. BECAUSE W E HAV E A PASSI ON FOR E D UCAT I ON, WE BELIEV E IT IS O UR JO B TO N URTURE A ND HE LP SUSTA I N T HAT PASS IO N IN O UR STUDEN TS.” ROSALI N DA MARTI N EZ
2016 - 2017 / / 77
DADS OF DUNBAR For a second year, fathers and father figures were high-fiving and greeting students at Dunbar HS. The Dads of Dunbar, as they’re known, are there bright and early each month for one reason: to show support for students’ academic, social and emotional success.
PARENT University F Marta Plata, the principal at Manuel Jara ES, teamed up with RezilientKidz to create the first Parent University in 2013 to teach parents skills for building stronger families. Since then, Mrs. Plata has created a second-year (201) curriculum for returning parents and has also teamed up with Tarrant County College for those parents who wish to continue learning in level 301. This year, 20 schools participated in Parent University with more than 220 parents graduating.
H HEAVY-HITTING GIFT O.D. Wyatt HS’s Chaparrals baseball team scored new uniforms and more, thanks to District partner Thrivent Financial and others. At a special event hosted by Thrivent Financial, NASCAR driver Michael McDowell and inspirational teacher-turned-major-league-pitcher Jim “The Rookie” Morris presented the Chaparrals with new uniforms, a new batting cage and improvements to the baseball field.
7 8 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
PARTNERSHIPS by design / 03
H
LEARNING Garden
REAL School Gardens and more than 200 volunteers from Wells Fargo turned a patch of green space at Diamond Hill ES to a verdant learning space. The new learning environment will be used across content areas, making lessons come alive for students. REAL School Gardens also provides teacher training to make the most of the learning garden.
GIFT OF GOOD VISION The Fort Worth ISD Education Foundation participated in the North Texas Giving Day by raising funds for Kids Vision Fest. Kids Vision Fest provides eye screenings, eye exams and glasses for District students.
H MORE KABOOM! Natha Howell ES became the fourth Fort Worth ISD school to receive a KaBOOM! playground since 2015. Approximately 250 volunteers descended on the school and completed the playground in one day. Other KaBOOM! playgrounds are at South Hills ES, Harlean Beal ES and H.V. Helbing ES. The CARMAX foundation sponsored the KaBOOM! playgrounds at Natha Howell and H.V. Helbing. M.H. Moore ES received two KaBOOM! Imagination Playground kits for indoor use. These modular foam pieces can be arranged to build structures and mazes for PE activities and for learning STEM curriculum.
$1.7
MILLION CONTRIBUTIONS TO DISTRICT PROGRAMS FROM THE FORT WORTH ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION THROUGH INVESTMENTS FROM COMMUNITY, CORPORATIONS, PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS AND AWARDED GRANTS
2016 - 2017 / / 79
04
LOOKING AHEAD
H
OPENING Fall 2017
With many Capital Improvement Program (CIP) construction projects wrapping up, we can expect these openings and completions in fall 2017: »» A 12-classroom addition and a kitchen addition at Carter-Riverside HS »» A culinary classroom/kitchen at O.D. Wyatt HS »» A kitchen/cafeteria and science labs at Young Men's Leadership Academy »» A Pre-K addition at Benbrook ES And, of course, work will continue on the I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) toward its fall 2018 opening.
TEACHING TRUST A North Texas-based educational group, Teaching Trust, will collaborate with 14 Fort Worth ISD schools to build leaders at all levels and strengthen campus cultures. The initiative is a joint effort by the Texas Education Agency, Fort Worth ISD and the Region 11 Education Service Center. The schools are Bonnie Brae ES, Lowery Road ES, Rufino Mendoza ES, Charles Nash ES, West Handley ES, Maudrie M. Walton ES, J. Martin Jacquet MS, W.C. Stripling MS and Benbrook Middle-High School. Also part of the initiative are the Fort Worth ISD Leadership Academies at Como ES, Maude I. Logan ES, Mitchell Blvd. ES, John T. White ES and Forest Oak MS.
8 2 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
BOND TO PREPARE All Students
H
Voters will decide in November whether to approve a $750 million bond proposal, which will include funding for new schools and classrooms and educational upgrades for all high schools. Another proposition on the ballot is a “Penny Swap” tax rate authorization that would allow Fort Worth ISD to launch its proposed bond improvement program with no increase in the current school tax rate. The District is expected to approach 90,000 students by 2020, and the bond proposal would address that growth plus the need for 21st century learning spaces.
READING WITH BARBERS A pilot initiative called Reading with Barbers will put bookshelves and books in five to 10 barber shops on the east/south east side of Fort Worth. The Fort Worth ISD Equity and Excellence department, with assistance from Eastside Alliance, Historic Stop Six and Morningside Children’s Partnership, launched the program in summer 2017. This effort directly supports the District’s 100X25 FWTX literacy initiative.
LOOKING AHEAD / 04
H
TEE Time
A sporty new feature will help a lot of young students get into the swing of things when they return to school. Twelve acres behind Briscoe ES have been turned into a driving range and putting green. The First Tee facility was made possible by funding from the Rainwater Foundation and through a collaboration with the Morningside Children’s Partnership, Fort Worth ISD and The First Tee of Fort Worth. Students from Briscoe and 11 other schools in the Morningside Community will have access to full programming of The First Tee of Fort Worth, including the program’s nationally recognized Life Skills Curriculum.
THE LEARNING JOURNEY F Students speak in a new video about Fort Worth ISD's Learning Model and the opportunities for innovative classroom experiences. Join us on our journey, there is so much more to come for students, educators, families and community partners who engage with us. Watch the video at www.fwisd.org/learningmodel.
2016 - 2017 / / 83
OUR S C H OOLS Elementary Schools Beal, Harlean Benbrook Bonnie Brae Briscoe, Edward J. Burton Hill Carlson, Alice ALC Carter Park Chavez, Cesar Clarke, George C. Clayton, Lily B. Leadership Academy at Como Elementary Como Montessori Contreras, Alice D. Daggett, E.M. Daggett Montessori Davis, Clifford De Zavala Diamond Hill Dillow, S.S. East Handley Eastern Hills Elliott, Bill J. Ellis, M.G. Primary Glen Park Green, W.M. Greenbriar Helbing, H.V. Howell, Natha Hubbard Heights Huerta, Dolores
8 4 / / F O RT W O RT H I S D
Jara, Manuel Kirkpatrick, Milton L. Leadership Academy at Maude I. Logan Lowery Road McDonald, Atwood McRae, D. Meadowbrook Mendoza, Rufino Merrett, Luella Leadership Academy at Mitchell Boulevard Moore, M.H. Morningside Moss, Christene C. Nash, Charles E. North Hi Mount Oakhurst Oaklawn Pate, A.M. Peace, Hazel Harvey Peak, Carroll Phillips, M.L. Ridglea Hills Riverside ALC Rosemont Rosen, Sam Sagamore Hill Sellars, David K. Seminary Hills Park Shulkey, Bruce Sims, T.A.
South Hi Mount South Hills Springdale Stevens, J.T. Sunrise-McMillan Tanglewood Terrell, I.M. Turner, W.J. Van Zandt-Guinn Walton, Maudrie M. Washington Heights Waverly Park West Handley Westcliff Westcreek Western Hills Western Hills Primary Westpark Leadership Academy at John T. White Williams, Versia L. Wilson, Richard J. Woodway Worth Heights
Middle Schools Applied Learning Academy Benbrook Middle-High Como Montessori Daggett, E.M. Daggett Montessori Elder, J.P.
Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Glencrest 6th Handley Jacquet, J. Martin James, William Kirkpatrick, Milton L. Leonard McClung, Jean McLean, W.P. McLean 6th Meacham, W.A. Meadowbrook Monnig, William Morningside Riverside Rosemont Rosemont 6th Stripling, W.C. Wedgwood Wedgwood 6th World Languages Institute Young Men's Leadership Academy Young Women's Leadership Academy
High Schools Arlington Heights Benbrook Middle-High Carter-Riverside, Amon Diamond Hill-Jarvis Dunbar, P.L.
Eastern Hills Marine Creek Collegiate North Side Paschal, R.L. Polytechnic South Hills Southwest TCC South-FWISD Collegiate Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences Trimble Technical Western Hills World Languages Institute Wyatt, O.D. Young Men's Leadership Academy Young Women's Leadership Academy
Other Schools Boulevard Heights School International Newcomer Academy Jo Kelly School Metro Opportunity High School Middle Level Learning Center Success High School
This report was produced by the Fort Worth ISD Communications Department. 100 N. University Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76107 817.814.2000 • www.fwisd.org Special thanks to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.