Building the Future: 2009-2010 Annual Report

Building the Future Fort Worth Independent School District 2009-2010 Annual Report

ABOUT US PAGE 6 A LETTER FROM SUPERINTENDENT MELODY JOHNSON PAGE 8 DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 10 BUILDING RIGOR PAGE 24 BUILDING RELEVANCE PAGE 42

FWISD FACE

BY THE NUMBER [BTN#]

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS PAGE 56 A CULTURE OF SERVICE & RESPONSIBILITY PAGE 74 LOOKING AHEAD PAGE 96

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

Our Vision, Our mission

Our Vision The Fort Worth Independent School District envisions a high performing learning organization in which all students achieve proficiency in rigorous standards of intellectual thought and knowledge.

Our Mission The mission of the Fort Worth Independent School District is to provide and support rigorous learning opportunities that result in successful completion of a quality high school experience for all students.

Our Goals

Goal 1 Student Achievement All students will learn at high levels of academic expectations, and the achievement gap will be eliminated.

Goal 3 Family Involvement & Community Partnerships Family involvement and community partnerships will be an integral part of the education of all children.

Goal 2 Operational Efficiency and Effectiveness All operations in the District will be efficient and effective.

About us

New Board Members Welcomed

In May, we welcomed two new members to the Fort Worth ISD Board of Education: Tobi Jackson, representing District 2, and Ann Sutherland, representing District 6.

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Top Row: Carlos Vasquez, District 1; Christene C. Moss, District 3; Ann Sutherland, District 6; Tobi Jackson, District 2; Norman Robbins, District 7; Judy G. Needham, District 5. Bottom Row: Juan Rangel, Vice President, District 8; Melody A. Johnson, Superintendent; Ray Dickerson, President; T.A. Sims, Secretary, District 4.

Fort worth isd Cabinet

Kyle Davie, Chief Technology Officer; Walter Dansby, Deputy Superintendent, Capital Improvement Program; Barbara Griffith, Senior Communications Officer; Hank Johnson, Chief Financial Officer;

Robert Ray, Chief of Schools; Sylvia Reyna, Chief of Administration; Michael Sorum, Chief Academic Officer; Cecelia Speer, Chief of District Operations; Bertha Whatley, Chief Legal Counsel

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

A Letter From

Superintendent Melody Johnson

Grab a hard hat.

The building has begun.

We mean that in more ways than one at the Fort Worth Independent School District. First, 2009-2010 was a year of groundbreakings and construction

starts for elementary and middle schools approved by you, the voters, in the 2007 bond election. Look for interesting facts and figures about our new “green� schools throughout this report, plus photographs and artist renderings.

A Letter from Superintendent Melody Johnson

But what is really exciting is the other kind of building that went on inside our schools. While the dirt was flying at construction sites, we were building academic success. And we were doing it by adhering to the new, comprehensive “3 R’s” in education: Rigor - Our curriculum is as tough as you will find anywhere!

Relevance – We’ve moved from a “mass production” education model to a school experience that links classroom learning to real-life applications.

Relationships – Whether it was teacher/student, teacher/staff, teacher/parent or District/community partnerships, our network of relationships strongly impacted student success. And in this time of great challenges, especially the ongoing inequities in the state’s school funding system, our business and higher education partnerships proved more important than ever.

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six middle schools earned a Recognized rating.

Our foundation is a solid curriculum - in place and readily available online to every teacher. Our infrastructure consists of vital people, programs and services – anchored in departments staffed with dedicated leaders.

Now, we are building success as well as the future of Fort Worth. In 20092010, the gains were many, some of them monumental. It is our pleasure to share them with you in this report and to give you a preview of the exciting things to come in the next school year.

We invite you to roll up your sleeves and join us on our mission to build the very best school district in the nation.

Visit us at www.fwisd.org and find out how you can help our students graduate – prepared for college, trained for the workplace and eager to contribute to our city, state and great country.

With every good wish,

Indeed, achievement reached an all-time high in our classrooms.

Students made unprecedented gains in the 2010 TAKS. And, for the first time since TAKS testing began, two Fort Worth ISD high schools and

Melody A. Johnson, Ph.D. Superintendent

Fort Worth Independent School District

Scoring a First

For the first time since TAKS testing began, two Fort Worth ISD high schools – Carter-Riverside and Trimble Tech – received a Recognized rating.

Paschal met the academic standard for Recognized status but was given an Acceptable rating based solely on the School Completion Rate.

Six middle schools also earned Recognized status: Applied Learning Academy, Como Montessori, Riverside, Rosemont, Rosemont 6th and W.C. Stripling. The achievements are particularly noteworthy because of new changes that made the Recognized rating harder to attain.

Among the 2010 TAKS highlights: • All student groups in grades 4 and 5 made gains in Reading. All groups in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade showed significant Mathematics gains.

• All groups of 8th graders scored high (above 85 percent) in Reading.

• All middle school grades made gains in Mathematics with 7th and 8th grade African-American students showing the most growth. All groups made gains in Writing, Science and Social Studies.

• Among 11th graders, all student groups performed at the Exemplary (90 percent or above) level or had double-digit gains in Math and

2009-2010 Annual Report

Science. All groups scored at the Recognized level (80 percent) or higher in Reading.

• Gains by African-American and Hispanic students significantly narrowed the achievement gap.

• At graduation, the number of seniors eligible to cross the stage was the highest it has been since TAKS testing began.

High Performing Schools:

Exemplary • Benbrook ES • Burton Hill ES • Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center • Daggett Montessori • Clifford Davis ES • De Zavala ES • Charles E. Nash ES • Riverside Applied Learning Center • Tanglewood ES • Waverly Park ES • Westcliff ES • Westpark ES Recognized • Carter-Riverside HS • Green B. Trimble Technical HS • Applied Learning Academy • J.P. Elder MS • Riverside MS • Rosemont MS

District Highlights

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• Rosemont 6th Grade • W.C. Stripling MS • Edward J. Briscoe ES • Carter Park ES • George C. Clarke ES • Lily B. Clayton ES • Como Montessori • Alice D. Contreras ES • E.M. Daggett ES • S.S. Dillow ES • East Handley ES • Glen Park ES • H.V. Helbing ES • Milton L. Kirkpatrick ES • Meadowbrook ES • Rufino Mendoza ES

• Luella Merrett ES • North Hi Mount ES • Oakhurst ES • Ridglea Hills ES • Sam Rosen ES • David K. Sellars ES • Seminary Hills Park ES • Bruce Shulkey ES • South Hi Mount • South Hills ES • Springdale ES • J.T. Stevens ES • I.M. Terrell ES • Richard J. Wilson ES • Worth Heights ES

Diamond Hill-Jarvis and Paschal are two of the best high schools in the country, according to Newsweek.

A total of 1,600 schools (six percent of high schools in the U.S.) made the

magazine’s annual list of “America’s Best High Schools.” Paschal placed 171st on the list. Diamond Hill-Jarvis came in at 275.

In September 2009, students fell into formation on the playground to celebrate the 100th anniversary of E.M. Daggett Elementary School.

No Surprise to us

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

District Highlights

FWISD Face

Maria Sanchez Principal, Carter-Riverside HS

Carter-Riverside High School rose from Academically Acceptable to Recognized, the second-highest rating by the state.

What made the difference at CarterRiverside this year?

Teamwork! The District provided great initiatives, resources and guidance.

Our teachers and staff participated in professional development, conducted Learning Walks® and analyzed data.

The community pitched in, too.

Were there any special programs you and your team initiated?

This year we implemented a special

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time for students known as “Eagle Time.” We gave them an hour during the middle of the day to attend tutorials and club meetings and build relationships with staff and peers.

Students responded very favorably.

They would pick up lunch and take it to the classrooms.

Do you have a particular education philosophy?

Our motto is “No Excuses, Just Results.” And, of course, I let everyone know we are here for the students.

It is our obligation to prepare them for success after high school.

They are at the forefront of every instructional decision.

Fort Worth Independent School District

Superintendent’s

Scholarships Go to Three Standouts

2009-2010 Annual Report

Three Fort Worth ISD seniors were selected as the first recipients of the new Superintendent’s Student Scholarship fund. Superintendent Melody Johnson dedicated a portion of her personal salary to establish the fund. A committee of education professionals reviewed the applications and selected the finalists. Dr. Johnson awarded the scholarships to: • Yulic Barrientos – South Hills HS • Xavier O’Neal Harrison – O.D. Wyatt HS • Brianna Myers – Dunbar HS

Originally, the scholarship fund totaled $5,000. Dr. Johnson was so impressed with the winners that she increased the fund to $13,000 to give each student additional support.

[BTN] 1,361

Each year, Chesapeake Energy, one of the District’s top Project Prevail partners, offers encouragement and the necessary funds to help selected students continue their education.

scholarship offers to Fort Worth ISD students

This year’s Chesapeake Scholars were:

• Ryann Harris, Dunbar HS – Received $7,000 and will attend Texas Christian University • Huong Phan, Trimble Tech HS – Received $1,000 and will attend Harvard University • Brenda Salinas, North Side HS – Received $17,800 and will attend Texas Wesleyan University • Ramandeep Singh, Trimble Tech HS – Received $7,000 and will attend the University of Texas at Arlington

College-Bound

[BTN] $40.6 million total amount of scholarship offers Approximately 62 percent of scholarship offers went to minority students compared to 46 percent one year ago.

• Angelle Anderson, Southwest HS – Received $10,000 and will attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff • Ryan Edenfield, Southwest HS – Received $7,000 and will attend Union University

District Highlights

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Composer, producer and jazz trumpeter Freddie Jones presented O.D. Wyatt junior Tracy Larkin with a gift the band student will cherish forever: a handcrafted trumpet valued at $2,500.

Tracy is leader of the Chaparral band’s trumpet section and a member of the Creative and Performing Arts Academy.

Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief and his wife, Rosie, joined Jones in presenting the trumpet to Tracy.

3,549 students graduated from Fort Worth ISD in 2010.

Recognizing Achievers with Special Needs

Two Fort Worth ISD students were selected to receive Chris Reuter Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded each year to students with special needs for the purpose of furthering their education upon graduation.

This year’s recipients were: • Martin Gonzalez, Diamond Hill–Jarvis HS • Luis Perez, North Side HS Each student will receive $300.

Both will attend Tarrant County College.

Fort Worth Independent School District

Winners All

[BTN] 688 students made Fort Worth ISD’s Athletics All-Academic Team

[BTN] 3 students earned All-American status >> All-American Swimmer – Julia Anderson, Paschal HS >> All-American Sprinter – Ashley Collier, Dunbar HS >> All-American Football Player – Darius White, Dunbar HS

2009-2010 Annual Report

District Highlights

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Other individuals qualifying for state: Swimming and Diving Julia Anderson, Paschal HS Savannah Grant, Western Hills HS Griffin Neville, Paschal HS Wrestling James Anderson, Paschal HS Track and Field Mario Breeding, Polytechnic HS Ashley Collier, Dunbar HS Lygia Foreman, Eastern Hills HS The National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association/Kiefer School Team Award recognized the Paschal Lady Panthers swim team based on its average cumulative GPA. The Lady Panthers reached the Gold level with an overall GPA of 3.954, the second highest in the nation.

Two Fort Worth ISD students, Carla Morales from Trimble Tech and Shanae Sanchez of Paschal, became the first girls in the District to qualify for the state wrestling competition.

Teams that qualified for state: Basketball Arlington Heights HS, Boys Dunbar HS, Girls Golf Arlington Heights HS, Boys Arlington Heights HS, Girls Track and Field Eastern Hills HS, Girls Baseball Arlington Heights HS

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

District Highlights

FWISD Face

Ashley Collier Dunbar High School

Ashley Collier, All-American Sprinter, leaves school with a trunk full of medals. At the state track and field meet her senior year, she finished first in the 100-meter dash and placed second in the 200-meter dash.

That gave her a total of four gold medals, two silvers and one bronze.

Ashley’s running times put her on the national top 10 list of high school girls’ performances in the 100 and 200-meter dashes. She will continue her track career with the top-ranked Texas A&M Lady Aggies. As a send off, fellow Dunbar students voted Ashley “Best Female Athlete.”

Ashley’s winning streak extended to the classroom. In 10th grade, she was recognized as a RadioShack Scholar. She made the A/B Honor Roll her freshman, sophomore and senior years.

What do you love about running track?

Track teaches me every day that working hard will get you where you

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want to go. It’s very similar to school work in that way.

What else has running track taught you?

Never give up. Track is a mental and physical sport. That day when you want to give up because you’re tired, that’s when you put your mind to it, push yourself and work hard to get through it.

How has your success in track carried over into other areas of your life?

I am more independent and stronger.

If I want something done, I know I have to do the work myself and stick with it.

Have you set any goals for college?

I want to be successful at Texas A&M in every way. I want to make it to the nationals each year and I want to do well in all my classes.

Fort Worth Independent School District

High Notes, Class Acts & Original Art

If you think the fine arts have disappeared from public schools, just take a look at Fort Worth ISD – on stage, in concert and on canvas.

Choral and General Music • 102 students – a record number – made the UIL Solo & Ensemble state finals • The High School Honor Choir performed Mozart’s Coronation Mass with the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth • Choirs from Arlington Heights, Dunbar, Paschal, Southwest, Western Hills and O.D. Wyatt high schools were featured in the PBS special “Celebrate America” • Three students made All-State Choir: Aaron Casey, Eastern Hills HS, James Lockhart, Western Hills HS and Emily Wagman, Paschal HS • 5,500 4th grade students performed with the Fort Worth Symphony at the Community LinkUP! concerts • The District formed a new Elementary Choral Festival

2009-2010 Annual Report

Instrumental Music • Southwest HS advanced to state in the UIL Marching Contest • Seven middle school and high school orchestras were awarded Sweepstakes at the UIL Orchestra Concert & Sight- reading Contest • 275 students from Fort Worth, Dallas, Grand Prairie and San Antonio attended the District’s first Mariachi Conference Workshop & Festival

District Highlights

Theater • Arlington Heights, Paschal and Trimble Tech advanced to UIL area competition in the One Act Play category

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• Students earned internships with professional theater companies in Fort Worth and Dallas Art • Student art was exhibited around town, including 4,000 works at Fort Worth Public Libraries • At the Main Street Art Festival, students earned more than $5,000 selling their own art; they were also given $8,000 to buy art for a traveling exhibition • Students received top honors at the Mayfest Art Show

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

• Nine students were named to the Area All-Star, Honorable Mention and Technical Awards for casts and crews • In a collaboration with Jubilee Theatre, 100 students from 11 schools took part in a production of “The Wiz” • Students from 30 schools collaborated with Stage West Theatre to write a script, produce and perform the work

• More than 3,000 parents and other supporters attended the Elementary Art Show • Two students won awards at the Youth Art Month state competition • 11 students advanced to the state level and took four medals at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

If North Side HS art students need any inspiration, they can simply pick up one of several used paintbrushes they received in the mail. The brushes belonged to world-renowned artist Susan Rothenberg.

The students sent Rothenberg a small book of their own art after seeing her work at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

They enclosed $20.00 and a note asking for some of the artist’s old brushes.

Rothenberg sent the brushes and returned the money, suggesting students spend it on a pizza party.

They did.

Have You Logged On to Us Lately

www.fwisd.org won “Best of” in the category of websites at the Texas School Public Relations Association awards. And the “hits” just keep on coming. The District website received approximately 21 million pageviews during the school year.

Paving the Way –

Georgi Roberts

Georgi Roberts, Fort Worth ISD Director of Health and Physical Education – named Channing Mann Physical Education Administrator of the Year by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education

District Highlights

Hybrids Hit the Road

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When it came time to buy new buses, Fort Worth ISD went hybrid. In April 2010, we unveiled what will be the largest fleet of diesel-electric hybrid school buses in the United States.

School children dressed in green helped welcome the first of the 25 new buses at an Earth Day event at Versia Williams ES.

“The ENGINE on the bus Goes GREEN GREEN GREEN GREEN GREEN GREEN GREEN GREEN GREEN. “These hybrid buses take our ‘Go Green, Save Green’ campaign to a new level,” said Superintendent Melody Johnson.

A group of 2nd graders performed an eco-friendly rendition of “The Wheels on the Bus.” Special education teacher Misty Collier supplied the revised lyrics:

The ENGINE on the bus Goes GREEN GREEN GREEN All through the town!”

The remainder of the fleet will roll into the bus yard over the next several months.

Building Rigor Hazel Harvey Peace Elementary School Location: 7555 Trail Lake Drive Square Feet: 75,000 Capacity: 650 students Construction Budget: $11,151,500 Completion: Summer 2010

Building rigor

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Fort Worth Independent School District

A Tool for Improving Instruction

2009-2010 was the pilot year of Curriculum Based Assessments (CBAs) in the Fort Worth ISD. CBAs are a measurement tool designed to monitor students’ progress and help improve instruction. CBAs serve as interim checks so that teachers and administrators can determine in a timely manner whether any changes are needed in instruction or curriculum.

Way to Walk

The Learning Walk® is a tool for just that – learning. And in 2009-2010, Fort Worth ISD re-emphasized the Learning Walk® to improve student learning and to help teachers and administrators learn and grow as professionals.

Each walk consists of small teams of teachers and/or administrators who periodically walk through a school’s halls and visit classrooms.

The primary goal is to look for evidence of successful instructional strategies. Learning Walks® offer teachers the opportunity to give

2009-2010 Annual Report

When it came time to create a test bank of CBA questions, the District listened to its teachers. They provided input that helped in the writing of valid and reliable test items.

And several months later, we listened to our teachers again. The District’s Chief Academic Officer, Michael Sorum, asked teachers for their feedback, which they shared in a roundtable discussion.

and receive feedback. The walks fuel a variety of decisions about professional development, including whether more training would be beneficial and if additional resources are needed for a particular classroom or school.

Building rigor

Managing Data for Maximum Impact

In August 2009, Fort Worth ISD launched Data Coaching, a project to put data to work for the benefit of our students. With advancing technology, the District has access to increasingly sophisticated data that, when properly understood and managed, leads to more personalized teaching and learning.

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Effective data management: • Allows for timely interventions when students are struggling • Leads to flexible instruction strategies that target multiple abilities and learning styles • Helps teachers share best practices with their colleagues • Allows students to participate in tracking their own performance • Builds rigor and relevance All principals and central administrators participated in the Data Coaching project. Time was devoted at each month’s principals meeting to reinforce and reflect on best practices. Principals also engaged their campus data teams and staff in discussions and activities to increase understanding of data and expand its uses at all levels.

Fort Worth Independent School District

More Access to Ap

[BTN] 3,212 students took a total of 5,854 AP exams

[BTN] 71 students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation

The new Advanced College Coursework Encouraging Scholarship and Success (ACCESS) project helped the District open the world of Advanced Placement to more students. ACCESS is designed to recruit new students into AP courses, ensure that AP courses are offered at all schools and increase the success rate of all students on AP exams.

The project includes Summer Scholars Academies for rising 7th – 11th graders, AP Chinese and/or Japanese courses, AP Nights at every high school and intensive teacher training opportunities.

2009-2010 Annual Report

Academies; more than 200 teachers attended 30 hours of Pre-AP, contentspecific training; and we increased the role of our 25 middle school Gifted and Talented coordinators to align Pre-AP curriculum in their pyramids.

In the first year of ACCESS at Fort Worth ISD, 190 high school and middle school students attended the Scholars

PEAK Power

Many good things – especially measurable growth – took place at our Public Educators Accelerating Kids (PEAK) pilot schools. The majority of PEAK schools made significant gains in Math and Science on the 2010 TAKS. And the PEAK initiative, designed to financially reward teams of teachers who accelerate student achievement, delivered as promised.

other PEAK highlights: • Kirkpatrick MS was one of five middle schools from across the country chosen to participate in the Annual Model Schools Conference in Orlando, Florida. The International Center for Leadership in Education, which hosted the conference, picked schools based on their performance and level of rigor.

Building rigor

• PEAK teachers stayed put.

Their retention rate was higher than the District’s overall rate.

• Our PEAK program received numerous accolades. It was recognized at conferences including the Texas Association of School Administrators, the District Awards for Teacher Excellence, the Texas Association of School Boards and the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.

PEAK Payouts:

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their scorecard. All instructional staff shared in this reward.

• 762 teachers – 82 percent – received rewards totaling $2.4 million • Overall, the average individual bonus was $2,500 • Four high schools received the $250 AP bonus • The maximum individual reward was $12,785 • Eight schools received Content Synergy Bonuses • Four schools earned Grade Level Synergy Bonuses

2008-2009 rewards paid in October 2009

• Nine of the 15 PEAK schools earned the $2,000 campus bonus, meaning they had statistically significant growth on 50 percent or more of

Our PEAK schools are: • Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS • Dunbar HS • Eastern Hills HS • Polytechnic HS • South Hills HS • Dunbar MS • Dunbar 6th • Handley MS • Kirkpatrick MS • Meadowbrook MS • Como ES • Morningside ES • Oaklawn ES • Sunrise-McMillian ES • Turner ES

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

Building rigor

FWISD Face

Jamie Morrison 3rd Grade Teacher, Como Elementary

What do you like most about being a PEAK teacher?

PEAK encourages camaraderie.

There is a great support system in our school and in the District to help facilitate the learning goals of every child on our campus.

You are known in your school for building good working relationships with students, parents and staff. Why do you put so much emphasis on those relationships?

For me, education is all about the relationships. Building a relationship with each student and their parents allows me to have better classroom management and teach a very diverse group of learners. They are motivated and engaged. When I take the time to develop positive relationships,

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my students improve academically, behaviorally and emotionally.

What kinds of support have helped you most?

A key area of support has been the timely nature of data reports.

I love them. They help me pinpoint strengths and weaknesses for each child, so that I can better meet their educational needs. And there’s the camaraderie I mentioned.

Anytime I am struggling with a lesson, I can go to multiple colleagues for new ideas and new ways to present lesson content.

Do you have a philosophy you share with students?

Make mistakes and have a sense of humor. “The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.” Bishop W.C. McGee

Fort Worth Independent School District

Math Programs Add Up to Success

Fort Worth ISD was Recognized in Elementary Mathematics on the 2010 TAKS. Rigorous programs challenged all students in meaningful, personalized and effective ways.

Elementary Achievements • 2009-2010 was the second year of enVision Math in the District.

The program’s synchronized digital and print resources helped all grade levels and all academic groups achieve gains.

• Each campus held a Camp Analytical for grades 3-5. Many campuses developed camps for primary grades.

• Every school sent a team to the Elementary Problem Solving Competition. More than 300 children put their math skills to the test in hours of fun, challenging events.

• Rotating review lessons were written for 5th graders and taught during two-day Math Camps.

Lessons were also written for 3rd and 4th graders and taught at “minicamps” prior to TAKS. • New, rigorous curriculum was written for all summer school courses.

• The District selected five schools for Extended Day Intervention,

2009-2010 Annual Report

a comprehensive after school math program for targeted students.

Secondary Achievements • More than 150 middle school students were selected to participatein the second annual Middle School Problem Solving Competition.

• The District provided transportation for middle school students and their parents to the Will Rogers Memorial Center for rigorous fun at the Math and Science Fall Festival. More than 4,500 students competed in math and science games and viewed up close a variety of snakes, lizards and spiders.

• Math teachers worked with Career and Technical Education teachers to develop “math rich” lessons.

They bridged industry terms and math vocabulary to help students achieve.

Building rigor

Science Rocks

Science at Fort Worth ISD scored some of the biggest gains in the department’s history. It was hands-on, rigorous and real-world teaching all the way!

• Paschal HS won the Department of Energy State Science Bowl.

• Two McLean 6th students, Cainin Dorsey and Emily Yurk, advanced to the State Science Fair.

• Paschal’s David Vreeland won First Place in the Regional Science Fair in Physics and Chemistry and went on to compete at state.

• Two entries from the Applied Learning Academy won recognition at science fairs. Lisa Kang’s project on car emissions scored a perfect “100” from Waco’s Environmental Science judge. William Davis placed third at the Regional Science Fair with his recycling project and went on to compete at state.

• Students entered approximately 2,000 projects in the Fort Worth ISD Middle School Independent Research Fair.

• 4,500 students conducted field investigations at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. The 6th graders recorded data on water quality, tree identification, decomposition and native and non-native plant species.

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• More than 5,000 students attended YMCA Camp Carter. The 5th graders studied Cretaceous fossils, adaptations of aquatic insects, temperature changes, decomposition and soil layers.

At the District’s Outdoor Learning Center: • An estimated 6,000 students visited during the year. More than 100 teachers participated in professional development learning about environmental field investigations and watershed studies.

• Participation in field studies increased with 7th grade investigations focusing on man’s impact on the land, succession, watershed studies and soil testing.

• JROTC students took part in survival training.

• 3rd and 4th graders attended writing camps where they created fiction narratives from their field experiences.

• Texas Wesleyan University’s Teacher Quality Grant participants spent two weeks in the summer conducting science experiments and environmental inventories.

Fort Worth Independent School District

Reading Scores Rise

Across the board, students’ reading scores increased on the 2010 TAKS. • First administration TAKS scores for 5th graders increased by five percent from 2009.

• In middle school Reading, all groups were designated as Exemplary.

• In high school English Language Arts, all groups scored at the Recognized Level.

2009-2010 Annual Report

6–12. Studying core novels established a base of study for a seamless curriculum from grade level to grade level. The novel units were a collaborative effort among the departments of English Language Arts/Reading, Social Studies, Advanced Academics and Bilingual/ESL.

Among other Literacy Department achievements: • Elementary Literacy developed and hosted six Saturday Literacy Academies for teacher professional development.

• Secondary Literacy fully implemented the Novel Initiative, selecting four core novels for grades

Exemplary Effort

2010 TAKS scores for Social Studies in the Fort Worth ISD were Exemplary across the board. The Social Studies Department also reported: • Increased Commended scores for students • Achievement gains for Limited English Proficiency, Special Education and Economically Disadvantaged students

• Closing of the achievement gap in all test grades.

Other Department highlights included a “Best of Region” medal won by three Leonard MS students at the Texas State History competition.

Bridget Glass, Erica Johnson and Kayla Turner dedicated their state award to the memory of their best friend and Leonard classmate, Chloe Lindsey, who passed away in the fall of 2009.

Building rigor

P.E. with a Purpose

The District’s Health and Physical Education Department never sits still. In 2009-2010, the department established a Local Wellness Coordinator Program at elementary campuses to provide students with tools for lifetime wellness.

Campus coordinators monitored the implementation of health and P.E. instruction, identified problem areas and coordinated wellness events involving students, parents, school staff and community members.

The pilot year was so successful that the District plans to expand the program to middle schools.

One of the Coordinator Program’s wellness campaigns, “Be Hydrated,” encouraged kids to drink more water.

Students at all elementary schools kept a daily record of how much water

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they drank. They were then entered in a drawing for water bottles.

The Health and P.E. Department also: • Received a grant to certify selected high school P.E. teachers in archery instruction and purchase appropriate equipment for each qualifying school • Offered a Walking School Bus! A collaboration with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the Walking School Bus took place six times during the spring at South Hi Mount ES. More than 100 students, parents and family members participated in the walk.

Students learned lessons about pedestrian safety and energy conservation, and everyone received a healthy dose of physical activity.

• Hosted the 5th Annual District Walk at all 13 high school tracks. A total of 873 people participated. There were 224 walkers at O.D. Wyatt HS alone.

Fort Worth Independent School District

The Language of Learning

2009-2010 Annual Report

Did you know Fort Worth ISD offers instruction in nine languages?

Students can take their pick from Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, Spanish and American Sign Language.

Among the World Language Department’s achievements for 2009-2010:

• Spanish Immersion opened its doors at Burton Hill ES and Morningside ES for incoming kindergarten and 1st grade students.

• Paschal HS junior Sai Gourisankar was one of 12 students from across the nation selected to participate in the Internationale Deutscholympiade.

The National Preliminary Round USA will be held in November in Chicago.

• William James MS Latin students participated in the Junior Classical League State Convention in Austin.

Out of 2,000 participants, our students came in 8th in academics.

William James students Angel Castrellon, Max Murray and Sarika Sabnis each won first place awards.

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our Schools [80]

[24]

[13]

[21]

ELEMENTARY

MIDDLE

HIGH SCHOOL

ALTERNATIVE

TEA CAMPUS RATINGS

[13]

[37]

[62]

SCHOOLS RATED EXEMPLARY

SCHOOLS RATED RECOGNIZED

SCHOOLS RATED ACCEPTABLE

ACCREDITATION DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS

Serving All Students

Fort Worth ISD students with special needs also made unprecedented gains on the 2010 TAKS. Some grade levels, such as 4th and 7th grades, had double-digit gains in all tested areas.

Overall gains in science and social studies were also significant.

Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allowed the District to purchase:

TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY SOUTHERN ASSOC. OF COLLEGES & SCHOOLS

• Three new buses for students with special needs • ActiVote and ActivExpression student response systems to be used with interactive whiteboards to support children with special needs in all general education classes • Lifts for self-contained classes to help teachers lift children who cannot move themselves

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

Building rigor

FWISD Face

Mariagrazia Sheffield, Ph.D. Executive Director, Special Education

For the third year, our students with special needs enjoyed inclusive education, which means full access to the general education curriculum with appropriate accommodations.

The District’s Special Education Department sponsored “Celebrating Our Students’ Abilities.” It was an event to foster awareness and encourage parents and others to get involved in special needs education.

Why is inclusive education important?

The student configuration in our classrooms should reflect the society in which we live. We live in a diverse world which is enriched by the contributions of different individuals, all gifted in their own unique way.

Inclusive education prepares students with special needs to be competitive in our global society and teaches us to embrace diversity and differences.

From your experience, how has inclusive education benefited Fort Worth ISD students with special needs?

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As evidenced by the unprecedented academic gains achieved by students with special needs in all tested areas, inclusive education in the Fort Worth ISD has been instrumental in setting and maintaining high expectations for all students, including students with special needs. Historically, these students were not instructed in a rigorous and coherent curriculum, and disabilities were considered a “deficit” for the students. In our District, inclusive education has brought a positive change to this mentality.

What would you like everyone to know about the education of students with special needs?

Students with special needs have a right to the best possible education in the 21st century. Some of the most gifted, interesting and engaging people I have met are individuals with special needs. We focus on their abilities, and we have many educators who truly make a difference in their lives and mine. They indeed are the magic!

Fort Worth Independent School District

New Lessons for Early Learners

Fort Worth ISD’s youngest students were the beneficiaries of a multi-million dollar grant: the Pre-kindergarten Early Start Grant, an award of $4,238,100. Our District was the only large urban district to receive this grant.

With the help of the grant, an integrated Pre-K Curriculum Framework was successfully implemented in all Pre-K

2009-2010 Annual Report

classrooms. It contains all the core curriculum - literacy, math, science and social studies.

Among other achievements during the school year: • All Pre-K teachers completed 40 hours of eCIRCLE classes designed to help them prepare children for kindergarten.

• Pre-K teachers on all campuses received mentoring each month.

• The Texas State Center for Early Childhood Development praised Fort Worth ISD’s satellite centers, a collaborative effort with Head Start, the YMCA and the YWCA. In its newsletter, the state center recognized the satellite centers for achieving Title I status and for expanding programs to increase school readiness for at-risk children.

Courtney Sawyer, J.T. Stevens Elementary Pre-K teacher – named 2010 Fort Worth ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year

Paving the Way –

Teachers of the Year

Jolene Webster, Paschal High School director of choral music – named 2010 Fort Worth ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Each teacher received a generous prize package from Sewell Lexus of Fort Worth that included the use of a Lexus during the summer, dinner at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, tickets to a Texas Rangers game and a night’s stay at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel!

Building rigor

A Lesson Saves A Life

Lori Roque is thankful she did not go easy on her students at Southwest High School – especially since an assignment and a student’s thorough work may have saved the life of Ms. Roque’s 14-year-old daughter, Hope.

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same symptoms her daughter was experiencing. Ms. Roque read it to her husband and they decided to take Hope to the doctor.

“At the doctor’s office, I told them that I wanted to have her tested for diabetes. The doctor did some tests and told us to take her to the Cook Children’s Hospital emergency room right away. My daughter had Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, and it was approaching a life-threatening stage.”

Hope remained in the hospital until Christmas Day. Because her body had stopped producing insulin, she was “metabolically starving to death.”

“I had given my Honors Biology students a research assignment on a disease that effects multiple organ systems,” said Ms. Roque. “So the kids wouldn’t procrastinate over the holidays, I made them submit an outline or summary of their research

by Friday, December 18.”

Johnny Trinh summarized his research on Type 1 diabetes. The following Sunday, Ms. Roque was reading Johnny’s paper, which described the

“The doctor told me I owed a consultation fee to the student who wrote the project outline I had read.

Jokingly, I agreed and he said, ‘No, really. This was very serious.’”

Hope now regulates her diabetes with supplemental insulin. “While the diagnosis was not good news, I realize that without it we might not have realized what was going on until it was too late,” said Ms. Roque. “I thank God that the student turned in his assignment on time!”

Building Relevance Benbrook Middle School Location: 201 Overcrest Drive, Benbrook Square Feet: 175,600 Capacity: 1,200 students Construction Budget: $34,000,000 Completion: Summer 2011

Building relevance

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Fort Worth Independent School District

100% Interactive

In December, the District’s Division of Technology completed the installment of 5,000 Promethean Interactive Whiteboards. It is believed to be Promethean’s largest installation in the nation. The interactive boards are

in every classroom and every teacher is trained to use them.

They are the most exciting teaching tool in decades - providing Internet access and allowing teachers to download endless supplies of lessons that engage students with vivid images, video and audio.

2009-2010 Annual Report

The District completed the installation 18 months ahead of schedule and trained approximately 6,500 teachers, administrators, librarians and others to use the boards. By the end of 20092010, almost every teacher had taken at least one follow-up training course.

Implementing the whiteboards was truly a collaborative effort involving Educational Technology, Maintenance

and Operations, Leadership departments, campus administrators and the Capital Improvement Program.

But the biggest thank you goes to our teachers for their can-do spirit when it comes to learning better ways of delivering lessons!

Building relevance

Camp Cool

“I collected my own DNA!” “We did a forensic test and found blood on clothing!”

“I actually saw what a smoker’s heart looks like!”

These are not the typical “how I spent my summer vacation” comments.

But for the 74 kids who attended Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences Prep (TABS Prep) Summer Camp 2010, each day offered thrilling discoveries – all related to the health sciences.

The camp at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth is a requirement for students entering TABS Prep in the fall.

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Led by university professors and graduate students, the incoming 8th graders attended four exciting weeklong sessions: • Anatomy Lab and Simulation Lab • Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Paleontology Program • Science Sleuth Program • Introduction to Biomedical Sciences “I cannot say enough about what an amazing opportunity this is for kids,” said Terri Mossige, TABS Prep principal. “World-renowned professors and paleontologists lead these hands-on, rigorous lessons.

So students are also building important relationships – getting to know each other in preparation for going into their TABS Prep cohort and building a relationship with the University of North Texas.”

Another “Wow!” moment came at the end of the four weeks when the students received their very own white lab coats. These coats will be theirs to wear proudly when they enter TABS Prep.

Fort Worth Independent School District

Connecting to Students’ Interests

More than 20 Special Interest Programs (SIPs) engaged District students in 2009-2010. SIPs are in elementary, middle and high schools.

They adhere to a rigorous curriculum while allowing students to experience various fields – everything from law, to finance, to photography to the medical profession.

At Southwest HS, 75 students participated in the Media Tech program alone, the largest group to date. They earned bragging rights at the SkillsUSA State Contest.

In the Broadcast News Production Technical test, Southwest swept 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The winners were:

2009-2010 Annual Report

• 1st place – Alyssa Vela, sophomore • 2nd place – Alex Traxinger, junior • 3rd place – Joey McReynolds, sophomore Senior Coventry Dittmann placed 1st in Job Skills Demonstration to advance to the national competition.

Senior Jo-X Cruz placed 1st in the Texas Only T-Shirt Design Contest. Her design will be worn at the nationals by all of the Texas delegates.

At the elementary and middle school level, SIP schools continued to make TAKS strides. Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center, Daggett Montessori and Riverside Applied Learning Center were rated Exemplary.

Applied Learning Academy, J.P. Elder MS and Como Montessori earned Recognized status.

Building relevance

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Taking the World View

Three Fort Worth ISD schools became International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools: Leonard 6th, Leonard MS and Western Hills HS. The schools joined 3,000 other schools in 138 countries offering an IB education. Western Hills is one of fewer than 200 schools world-wide offering both the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes.

The IB Middle Years Programme is designed for 11 to 16-year-olds.

It provides academic challenges that lead students to make connections between traditional school subjects and the real world and become critical, reflective thinkers.

The IB Diploma Programme builds on the Middle Years program, further preparing students for life success.

Dual Language Fluency Starts Here

Fort Worth ISD opened the doors to Spanish Immersion – and a wonderful learning opportunity – to kindergarten and 1st grade students at Burton Hill ES and Morningside ES. The curriculum was taught in Spanish 90 percent of the school day. What a successful first year it was! Here are just a few of the many highlights:

messages from parents expressed enthusiasm about their children’s fluency in Spanish and acquired vocabulary.

• The retention rate of students in the program is 99 percent for the 20102011 school year, and there is a waiting list for both campuses!

• Student attendance was consistently high as was participation in extracurricular activities.

• Students’ scores showed academic and linguistic success both on standard exams and the District’s own Curriculum Based Assessments.

• E-mails, phone calls and other

“Since our Board of Education waived tuition for out-of-District residents, people are coming in from all over to get their students in our wonderful Spanish Immersion Academy,” said Carrie Harrington, Director of the World Languages Department. In 20102011, the program expands to include 2nd grade at Burton Hill and Morningside.

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

Building relevance

FWISD Face

Nikki Roblow

Spanish Immersion Parent, Morningside ES

Nikki Roblow transferred her son Jackson from another district to enroll him in the Spanish Immersion Academy at Morningside ES. She says it is one of the best things she has done for him.

Why was it so important to get your son in the Spanish Immersion Academy?

I wanted to expose him to things I did not have the opportunity to try when I was growing up, especially learning another language. I was having a hard time locating any programs.

Then I learned the Board of Education approved Spanish Immersion.

After researching all the benefits in addition to being bilingual, I was sold.

What are some of the extra benefits?

Mastering something new gives children confidence for life-long learning. Also, it’s a fun way to expose them to another culture.

Learning another language is the

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gateway to meeting new people and experiencing new things.

Some might think a “90 percent Spanish” classroom would be overwhelming or intimidating.

I was not concerned about that because I know children, when provided the right tools and teachers, can learn just about anything.

And I was impressed with the amount of research the school administrators did before deciding to bring the program to the District.

Consequently, Jackson adapted very quickly. He’s reading, writing and speaking Spanish after just one year!

Have there been any surprises in Jackson’s learning experience?

I am surprised at the improvement in his ability to read Spanish and English.

But, as it was explained to me when Jackson started the program, “It’s all phonics!” That was a light bulb moment for me.

Fort Worth Independent School District

AVID-ly Engaged

It was another year to celebrate the spirit and drive of students in Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). This outstanding program targets those students who are in the middle of their class - not at the top and not at the bottom.

AVID provides them with rigorous curriculum and the right teachers and mentors to inspire them to succeed in colleges and universities.

AVID students are often the first in their families to attend college.

Fort Worth ISD has adopted AVID in 12 high schools and 16 middle schools.

In the 2009-2010 school year, 2,836 students were enrolled in the program.

2009-2010 Annual Report

• Develop critical thinking skills • Participate in motivational activities • Learn all about choosing a college or university and what it takes to be accepted

The District will expand AVID to two more schools in 2010-2011: the Young Women’s Leadership Academy and Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences Prep.

AVID students: • Enroll in their school’s toughest classes, such as AP

High-Tech, Tailor-made Learning

More District students than ever achieved with the help of the webbased Renzulli Learning System.

With the click of a mouse, students accessed rich and complex resources tailored to their ability, interests and learning styles.

Renzulli Learning is integrated into the District’s Curriculum Frameworks as a resource for students in the high academic, Pre-AP and AVID programs. In 2009-2010, more than 2,000 teachers and 11,700 students registered to use the Renzulli lesson plans, projects and assignments.

Building relevance

Educated, Eager and Employable

Imagine looking for a job and finding more than 370 potential employers all in one spot ready and waiting to interview you. More than 500 Fort Worth ISD seniors and recent graduates had that good fortune at the District’s 17th annual Hiring Fair, hosted by the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department.

All employers of students are encouraged to adopt the Fort Worth ISD Project Prevail student employment rules. These guidelines are geared toward school completion and include rules such as making school attendance a condition of employment, limiting student work hours and providing incentives for school achievement.

CTE offers more than 50 courses of study, including everything from

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agriculture to criminal justice to graphic arts. Every Fort Worth ISD high school and middle school have at least four CTE program and are continually expanding their offerings.

In 2009-2010: • New computers and software were added to all 13 high schools and were ordered for the middle schools • A new Auto Tech shop opened at O.D. Wyatt HS • Arlington Heights HS expanded its Agricultural Program • Plans got underway for building an addition to the Ag barn • All five National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation Auto Tech programs were recertified • Trimble Tech’s Graphic Communications and Desktop Publishing programs sent 17 students to the SkillsUSA State Contest: Samuel Renteria won a 1st place gold medal while Nancy Diaz and Eddie Rojas took 2nd place silver medals In 2010-2011: • Western Hills HS will expand its CTE offerings to include Civil Engineering and Architecture • A new CTE curriculum will be implemented

Fort Worth Independent School District

Gamers Really Get This Math Lesson

“Action-packed algebra” is not an oxymoron. Welcome to DimensionM, the game-based technology immersing Fort Worth ISD students in virtual worlds embedded with rigorous algebra lessons. The program is winning over teachers, too. In 2008, the Mathematics Department put DimensionM in four high schools as a supplement to Algebra I curriculum.

After positive reviews, the District expanded the program to two more high schools in 2009. Two middle schools also purchased the product.

Math Rap

Look out, Drake! Some students at Maude I. Logan ES are rocking a “mean” version of one of your big hits. It was the brainstorm of 5th grade math teacher Thomas Mayfield, Maude I. Logan’s 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year. He took the song, “Over,” rewrote the lyrics as a math lesson, and soon had kids rapping about mean, median, mode and range.

Here’s a sampling: “So he walked to the chalkboard Wrote some numbers down

2009-2010 Annual Report

DimensionM offers a storyline, 3-D graphics and sound as students work their way to new levels.

The multiplayer program allows students to collaborate and compete with other kids anywhere in the world.

Teachers say DimensionM makes algebra easier to understand and puts it in a format that engages students who might otherwise be hard to reach.

WFAA-TV told the story of one such Fort Worth ISD student who brought his failing math grade up to a 95.

Added all his numbers Then he wrote the sum down.”

Students performed the song at Fort Worth ISD Teacher Convocation in August 2010. Meanwhile, Mayfield put to music other concepts and lessons, including perimeter, divisibility rules, math transformations and reducing fractions.

Mayfield is a musician himself. He was a member of the Texas Boys Choir and made the All-State Choir two years in a row at Dunbar HS.

Building relevance

Our Students

ETHNIC DISTRIBUTION

The Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in

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[25.1%]

[59.6%]

AFRICAN AMERICAN

HISPANIC

[13%]

[1.6%]

[.3%]

WHITE/ANGLO

ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER

NATIVE AMERICAN

Texas Award luncheon at the Texas School Counselor Conference in Galveston honored the Western Hills High School counseling staff.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN BILINGUAL/ESL

22,965

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

11,768

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

57,186

GIFTED & TALENTED

7,521

LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

23,541

SPECIAL EDUCATION

6,041

TOTAL ENROLLMENT

79,114

Paving the Way –

Julie Mullender

Julie Mullender, J.T. Stevens Elementary School counselor – named Elementary Counselor of the Year by the North Central Texas Counseling Association

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

Building relevance

FWISD Face

Jerry Moore

Director, Elementary School Leadership

What are your top responsibilities as Director of Elementary School Leadership?

My most important job is to help my principals be the best instructional leaders they can be. We work side by side to ensure that every teacher and student is as successful as possible.

Collaboration, problem solving and progress monitoring are essential in eliminating the achievement gap.

Early data suggests our efforts are paying off.

How did being a principal prepare you for the job?

Principals implement District initiatives and our superintendent’s priorities. We make sure teachers are using the Curriculum Frameworks,

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analyzing data to inform instruction and differentiating instruction for our students. As a director this year, I put all of my campus experience to work, collaborated with my principals and led professional development for principals and teachers.

What do you like most about your job one year into it?

The best part of my job is working with our great principals. I have the unique opportunity to work with schools and see all the great things that happen.

I work with bright, innovative, hard working leadership teams, learn from them and then help implement best practices at other schools.

That’s how we get to be great - by pulling out what’s best at one campus and plugging it in at many more.

Building Relationships John T. White Elementary School Location: John T. White Road & Sandy Lane Square Feet: 76,100 Capacity: 650 students Construction Budget: $11,876,249 Completion: Summer 2011

Building Relationships

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Fort Worth Independent School District

A Commitment to Communication

An effective and efficient school district requires effective, efficient communication – internally as well as externally. In 2009-2010, Fort Worth ISD took advantage of its latest technological tools to communicate with teachers and staff more pertinently and personally.

Message from Melody For a second year, Superintendent Melody Johnson penned messages to every member of the District family twice a month and more often, if moved to do so. The letters were sent via e-mail directly to employees and also prominently placed on the District’s website. “Message from Melody” allowed Dr. Johnson to talk about education and to make sure our internal stakeholders were “in the know.”

During 2009-2010, Dr. Johnson’s messages shared the District vision, recognized teacher and student success, explained policies and reflected on life experiences that offer lessons for all.

The messages generated thoughtful, sincere feedback.

2009-2010 Annual Report

Chief’s Corner Robert Ray, Fort Worth ISD Chief of Schools, used our website’s new Video on Demand feature to open another channel of communication with teachers. Each month, he composed Chief’s Corner, a message about timely, vital topics. Then, the cameras rolled.

The District’s Communications Department videotaped Chief’s Corner and posted it along with a written version on our website. This allowed teachers to view “Chief’s Corner” at their convenience and respond.

The District posted their feedback in blog format. “As always, our teachers’ commitment and passion shined through,” Ray said.

“They even responded to one another’s comments, creating yet another level of dialogue.”

Topics addressed in 2009-2010 included “Learning Walks®,” “Teachers as Leaders,” and “Career and College Readiness.” Look for the latest “Chief’s Corner” on the homepage at www.fwisd.org. To view past messages, click on Video on Demand.

Building Relationships

A Conversation with Michael Sorum It was teachers’ questions at a Communications Council meeting that led Michael Sorum, the District’s Chief Academic Officer, to seek out a new format for direct, two-way communication.

The questions focused on Curriculum Based Assessments, a new tool for measuring student progress.

The CBAs, as they are called, had encountered rough spots in the pilot year and teachers had questions and concerns. Sorum decided to hold two roundtable discussions, one for elementary teachers and one for secondary. We videotaped both.

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The discussions were called “A Conversation with Michael Sorum.”

They were frank and thoughtful.

Participating teachers had canvassed their colleagues before the talks in order to put forth complete,

constructive comments. The videos were posted on the District website for teachers and the community to see. Sorum also instructed the entire Curriculum & Instruction Department to watch the videos and, based on the teachers’ comments and suggestions, find ways to improve the CBAs. The feedback from teachers was immediate and positive. As a result, roundtable talks on other important topics are planned for next year.

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

Building Relationships

FWISD Face

Robert Ray

Chief of Schools

What do you want teachers to take away from Chief’s Corner?

I want teachers to be conscious of the tremendous influence they have on our children and the nation as a whole. Who among us cannot remember a teacher who positively or negatively impacted us?

An outstanding teacher is directly related to a child’s readiness for college, career and life. Teachers help shape dreams, self esteem, confidence and a sense of belonging within each student.

What has been the response so far to Chief’s Corner?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Most appreciate the messages and reminders that our profession encompasses more than just student test scores. Some have taken issue with a statement or two, but that feedback is important, too.

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All dialogue helps facilitate mutual respect and, in some cases, even change.

What have been a couple of y our favorite Chief’s Corner topics?

My personal favorites would be the messages on how effort creates ability and how our District values and embraces diversity. There was also a great response to the message on leadership. I encouraged all teachers to see themselves as leaders. To help them do that, I suggested they make their own Leadership Stick.

What qualities make a good leader?

A good leader has patience, empathy, courage, vision, resolve, commitment, knowledge and humility. A good leader influences others for the greater good of all and inspires growth in those around him or her. Great leaders make us aware of the unique gifts that reside in each of us.

Fort Worth Independent School District

What Leadership Looks Like

Some curious objects appeared in offices and classrooms during 20092010. They were Leadership Sticks, and the first one to arrive on campus was colorfully-beaded and had an angel on top. It belonged to Superintendent Melody Johnson, who created it after a friend introduced her to the Leadership Stick exercise.

We believe that everyone has leadership qualities and that each of us has certain values and belief systems that drive our thoughts

2009-2010 Annual Report

and actions. To create a Leadership Stick, you must examine those values that are at your core and then find corresponding symbols.

Dr. Johnson challenged each of her cabinet members to create their own Leadership Sticks, as well. By the end of the school year, the District’s department heads, principals and many teachers all had Leadership Sticks – unique, personal reminders of who we are and what we stand for.

Building Relationships

Partnership to Pay for College

Charles E. Nash Elementary principal Pamela Day pulled out all the stops to host a special pep rally and news conference at her school.

Cheerleaders, drum corps, mascots and choirs were all on hand for the announcement of an unprecedented scholarship offer: the Charles E. Nash Academic Challenge.

[BTN] 200+ U.S. colleges and universities that participated in the District’s 2009-2010 College Night, answering students’ and parents’ questions about college requirements, applications and degree plans

[BTN] 5,000 high school students and parents who attended College Night

Superintendent Melody Johnson explained the Challenge, a collaborative effort with the Tarrant County College District (TCC) and the University of Texas at Arlington.

These two higher education partners will provide a full tuition scholarship, including books, for each current Nash student who satisfies the conditions of the Challenge.

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Students who go on to graduate from Nash and a Fort Worth ISD high school will receive the resources to complete an associate’s degree at TCC’s Trinity River Campus. UT Arlington will then cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees for Pell-eligible students for an additional period of two years.

Fort Worth Independent School District

Together, We Can Prevail

[BTN] 1,620 students and parents who participated in Project Prevail events to promote student success and college readiness

[BTN] 523 hours put in by stakeholder volunteers who worked on Project Prevail’s Community Action Teams

Fort Worth ISD’s programs and projects all have a common goal: college and career readiness.

Recently, the District pulled these efforts together under the umbrella of Project Prevail, an initiative that targets everyone in the community to see that every student graduates prepared for post-secondary education and/or the workplace.

Project Prevail targets: • students and their families • Fort Worth ISD teachers, staff and administration • businesses • higher education • professional organizations • faith-based communities

[BTN] 644 students contacted on Prevail to Graduation neighborhood walks, which target teens who do not return to school in the fall

Project Prevail was a remarkable success in 2009-2010, with thousands of students served through such programs as: “I Dream, I Learn, I Win Family Summit” The 2009-2010 “I Dream, I Learn, I Win Family Summit” targeted two Fort Worth ISD pyramids: Diamond Hill– Jarvis HS and North Side HS.

2009-2010 Annual Report

The resource fair and conference featured guest speakers and provided students of all ages and their families with comprehensive information about college and career readiness.

GO Centers Approximately 6,400 students visited GO Centers, seeking information about career opportunities, college options and financial aid. The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, one of the District’s most valuable Project Prevail partners, supports and coordinates the centers, which operate with the help of a four-year, $400,000 grant from AT&T received last year.

GO Centers are located at all Fort Worth ISD high schools. There are also two community locations.

Building Relationships

[BTN] 294 Adopt-A-School partners serving 124 schools

[BTN] 16 new school adopters in 2009-2010

[BTN] 630,000 parent volunteer hours, a record number

[BTN] 7.9 volunteer hours per student

Distinguished Employers of Fort Worth Teens An estimated 25 percent of Fort Worth teens are employed while in high school. The Distinguished Employers of Fort Worth Teens helps students balance work and school. Led by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the group pledges specific supportive behaviors, such as scheduling teen employees to work no later than 10 p.m. on school nights. In 20092010, the number of Distinguished Employers increased from 23 to 34.

With many of these employers having multiple business locations, as many as 1,100 student workers benefited.

Super Saturdays and College Financial Aid Help Sessions These sessions are a collaborative effort with Tarrant County College and other District educational partners to help students complete college applications, scholarship applications and essays. In this pilot year, five Super Saturdays and six Free Application for Federal Student Aid sessions were held at District high schools.

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Leadership Academy Incoming 9th and 10th graders spent four days at this motivational camp held on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington.

Students learned leadership skills that will serve them in all areas of their lives.

Multicultural Leadership Seminar The 2010 seminar was held in San Antonio. Incoming 11th and 12th grade students toured college campuses while learning about multicultural leadership. The fiveday seminar included workshops on college admissions and scholarship applications.

Abriendo Puertas The Abriendo Puertas (Opening Doors) pilot program launched in the spring of 2010 in the North Side HS pyramid.

Parent volunteers from the pyramid taught other parents on a variety of topics, including child development, transitioning from middle school to high school, basic study skills and how to prepare for college.

To partner with Fort Worth ISD, please visit www.fwisd.org.

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

Building Relationships

FWISD Face

Robert F. Pence President and CEO, Freese and Nichols

Freese and Nichols is one of Fort Worth ISD’s most active Adopt-ASchool partners. The Fort Worth-based architecture/engineering firm serves Wedgwood Middle School and South Hills Elementary School through contributions, sponsorships and individual volunteers.

The company throws pizza parties for “Top Readers,” pairs students with company interns through the Vital Link program and encourages employees to serve students, whether through mentoring or judging academic competitions.

Why does Freese and Nichols feel called to be an Adopt-A-School partner?

Giving back to our community from which we receive great blessings is a concept started by past leadership and continues today. What better place to give back than our schools.

That’s where our future leaders will come from.

Why is it more important than ever for businesses to partner in students’ education?

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There are three key elements to school: the teachers and administrators, the parents and the local businesses. Each has something positive to contribute to the student and to learning. When we work as a team, it brings together the entire community.

Of the many ways Freese and Nichols serves Fort Worth ISD students, what is your favorite?

I think the Adopt-A-School program is the most important because we can engage more of our employees in the effort. They get to contribute directly and become involved in the whole process.

What are the most gratifying moments as an Adopt-A-School partner?

When we see one of “our” schools recognized for an accomplishment in which we provided help or support.

Because of our emphasis at F&N to give back to our community, all of our employees have an opportunity to enjoy that feeling and know they made a difference.

Fort Worth Independent School District

Partnering for Math and Science

[BTN] $70,000 amount donated to the District’s Chairs for Teaching Excellence program by 13 of our business partners

[BTN] 14 outstanding teachers receiving $5,000 honorariums thanks to the generosity of our partners

[BTN] 38 Project Prevail business and organization partners who provided Vital Link internships in the summer of 2010

[BTN] 400 Vital Link student interns

The Fort Worth ISD Math & Science Initiative, launched in 2006, continued to provide students with extraordinary real-world learning opportunities.

One of the most successful was the curriculum-based Math & Science Trail at Texas Christian University (TCU) sponsored by Chesapeake Energy and Andrews Institute of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education at TCU. Students from 34 schools in the District participated. TCU pre-teachers guided students from station to station where they applied their math and science skills in solving problems.

Students also experienced being on a university campus.

All 80 elementary schools hosted a Family Math Night supported by more than $48,000 from 20 community partners.

Parents, grandparents and siblings joined students as they participated in math activities and games. At 25,000, it was our best turn-out to date!

And at a spring luncheon, Fort Worth ISD honored those who made the Math & Science Trail, the Family Math Nights

2009-2010 Annual Report

and other math initiatives possible: our more than 100 Math & Science Initiative community partners.

In fact, the luncheon was generously sponsored by one of the partners, IBM. Mayor Mike Moncrief, other elected officials and business leaders attended the event at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

Several students shared their math and science success stories, Superintendent Melody Johnson provided an update on student progress and a video was shown detailing the outstanding activities, events and programs that are all part of the Math and Science Initiative, such as: • Chairs for Teaching Excellence in Math and Science • Engineering Career Mentors in high schools • Private math and science grants to schools • Classroom speakers specializing in math and science careers • Robotics competitions

Building Relationships

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TAKS SCIENCE - ALL STUDENTS

2006

TAKS Science and Math scores have made

[67%] [81%]

5TH GRADE

significant gains since the Math & Science Initiative was launched in 2006.

2010

8TH GRADE

[33%] [63%]

10TH GRADE

[48%] [64%] [66%] [87%]

11TH GRADE

[0%]

[100%]

% MET STANDARD

TAKS MATH - ALL STUDENTS

2010

[100%]

2005

86% 81%

81% 75%

75% 70%

EXIT LEVEL

10TH GRADE

9TH GRADE

8TH GRADE

7TH GRADE

6TH GRADE

5TH GRADE

4TH GRADE

3RD GRADE

% MET STANDARD [0%]

64%

63%

Fort Worth Independent School District

Our Employees

2009-2010 Annual Report

[48.4%]

[28.2%]

[10.6%]

FULL-TIME TEACHERS

AUXILLARY STAFF

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

[7.8%]

[3.7%]

[1.2%]

EDUCATIONAL AIDES

CAMPUS ADMIN

CENTRAL ADMIN

TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

Calling All Parents

The District’s newest tool for communicating and connecting with parents is ParentLink. This service instantly delivers messages to parents about important school events and any changes in school operations

Paving the Way –

Gloria Solis

10,670

that might affect their child, such as upcoming TAKS testing or weather closings. Messages can be sent to the parents’ home, cell and work phones, as well as delivered via e-mail and text.

Gloria Solis, Daggett Elementary and De Zavala Elementary parent educator – named one of five 2010 National Parent Educators of the Year

Building Relationships

Telling and Tweeting Our Story [BTN] 400 Twitter followers

[BTN] 1050 + Facebook Fans

[BTN] 21,320,000 approximate number of www.fwisd.org pageviews

We’ve got them all – friends, fans and followers. Fort Worth ISD’s Communications Department managed very active Facebook and Twitter accounts throughout the year. Early on, we began taking full advantage of social media as another way to help the public maintain a clear understanding of District objectives. This school year alone, we sent 468 tweets to inform, alert and spread the word about the good things going on within the District. Fort Worth ISD has an official Facebook page plus individual Facebook pages for our Young Women’s Leadership Academy and Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences Prep.

The Communications Department also researched, wrote and distributed 450 news releases to the media.

Everyone Counts

Fort Worth ISD supported the U.S. Census Bureau’s efforts to get an accurate count for the 2010 Census.

We held poster contests, developed a curriculum for social studies classes and passed out medallions and bookmarks to students.

The Parent and Public Engagement Department put together a two-

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In turn, broadcast news outlets and print news featured the District in more than 1,600 stories.

2009-2010 was our first full school year using Granicus for video on demand and live streaming.

By simply going to our website and clicking on Video on Demand, the public was able to watch Board of Education meetings either live or archived. Granicus also allowed everyone to access the more than 50 videos produced by the Communications Department during the year. Topics included professional development, District initiatives, student events, distance learning, Capital Improvement Program updates and interactive campus-level communication. By the end of the school year, Video on Demand had received more than 50,000 hits.

month marketing campaign to remind students and parents about the importance of filling out census forms. To spread the word to hardto-reach families, the department distributed more than 55,000 pocketsized calendars in Spanish and English at trainings, events and meetings.

Fort Worth Independent School District

Talking Points

Superintendent Melody Johnson calls the Fort Worth ISD Communications Council the “voice of the workforce that helps inform and guide District leadership.” Launched in January by the Communications Department, the Communications Council replaces the old Campus Communicators group.

The new council is designed for more empowerment and more two-way communication.

Representatives from each campus make up the council. They meet monthly to learn about new initiatives, programs and opportunities in the District. The representatives, in turn, bring forward concerns, ideas and recommendations from across the District. They also report news and events from their campuses and post related photographs on www.fwisd.org/inside, the District’s internal newsletter/blog. By June, hits

Paving the Way –

Jennifer Bell

2009-2010 Annual Report

to the page had increased by 57 percent.

The first meeting of the Communications Council featured Dr. Johnson as guest speaker.

She addressed questions about Curriculum Based Assessments, Learning Walks® and showed off her Leadership Stick. At subsequent meetings, representatives heard from top administrators. They discussed Employee Safety, Employee Wellness and Connects, the District’s new student information system.

After each meeting, the Communications Department provided a written summary, which council members distributed to their campus colleagues. Each representative also received a copy of the criticallyacclaimed book, “Leadership on the Line,” by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky.

Jennifer Bell, Glencrest 6th Grade School art teacher – received the Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award from Humanities Texas

Building Relationships

A Rich Resource

Museum, research center and now lecture hall - the District’s Billy W. Sills Center for Archives broadened its activities dramatically in 20092010. First, the center reorganized its thousands of documents and artifacts that tell the story of Fort Worth ISD from its very beginnings.

A second big success was the new Billy W. Sills Lecture Series. Presenters

A Legacy of Achievement

“I didn’t know she (or he) was from Fort Worth!”

It’s a comment heard frequently at the Wall of Fame in the Fort Worth ISD Administration Building. On it are rows upon rows of photographs of accomplished and influential former students.

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included historians and an expert in genealogical research. Kris McIntosh, Fort Worth ISD PEAK Specialist for Social Studies, presented a program on Texas history as depicted through stamps and art. Meanwhile, university students continued to use the center to research papers on everything from school desegregation to the portrayal of women in history books.

We proudly added another two dozen faces to the wall, bringing the total number to 120. Among the new additions are Fort Worth’s three recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor in action: • Horace Carswell, Jr. – Major, U.S. Army, World War II • Charles F. Pendleton – Corporal, U.S. Army, Korean War • Robert D. Law – Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Vietnam War You are welcome to stop by the Administration Building during business hours to view the Wall of Fame. You never know whose face you may find there!

A Culture of Service & responsibility Jean McClung Middle School Location: 3000 Forest Avenue Square Feet: 162,000 Capacity: 910 students Construction Budget: $34,413,952 Completion: Fall 2011

A Culture of Service and Responsibility

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Fort Worth Independent School District

On Time, Under Budget

One brand new school completed and four more under construction – 20092010 was a stellar year for Fort Worth ISD’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). In addition to building new schools, the CIP continued to expand and renovate many existing schools and athletic facilities.

2009-2010 Annual Report

• Processed approximately 3,500 invoices with a processing time well within the terms of the Prompt Payment Act • Stayed on schedule and within budget – to date, there is a total budget savings of more than $50 million!

• Enjoyed a Historically Underutilized Business participation that exceeded the 25 percent expectation set by the Board of Education • Posted monthly reports on plans and accomplishments on the Fort Worth ISD website The Citizens’ Oversight Committee, established by the Board of Education in 2007, met quarterly to maintain the accountability and ensure the integrity of the CIP.

Neighbors of Wedgwood 6th Grade Center got a show as a helicopter hovered over the school to help replace air conditioning and heating equipment on the roof.

The work was all part of the $593.6 million Bond Referendum approved by voters in 2007. The CIP, as promised, operated efficiently and transparently, employed sustainable design practices and kept the public informed along the way. Among its achievements in 2009-2010, the CIP: • Was named Public Sector Advocate of the Year by the Black Contractors Association

A Culture of Service and Responsibility

Designed to Perform

Fort Worth ISD expects its schools to be every bit as high-performing as its students. That is why the Capital Improvement Program directed the architects of our new schools to follow guidelines set by the Collaborative for High Performing Schools (CHPS). To be ranked “high performance” by the CHPS, a school must be: • Healthy and comfortable • Energy and material efficient • Easy to maintain and operate • Environmentally responsive to the site • A building that teaches • Safe and secure

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• A community resource • Stimulating architecture • Adaptable to changing needs Each of our newest schools is CHPS verified, thanks to sustainable features such as: • Geo-thermal heating and air conditioning systems, which reduce energy consumption • Windows that provide natural lighting in the classrooms • Improved noise control in and between classrooms • Water conservation • Native plants used in landscaping to reduce irrigation needs

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

A Culture of Service and Responsibility

FWISD Face

Walter Dansby Deputy Superintendent, Capital Improvement Program

Does school design impact learning?

Absolutely. The sustainable design concepts of our new schools will contribute greatly to the teaching and learning environment, from the acoustics and lighting to the interactive whiteboards in every classroom that will engage today’s technologically-proficient students on a daily basis.

How are some of our older schools being renovated to enhance teaching and learning?

New ceilings, lighting, painting, HVAC upgrades, roofing upgrades, restroom renovations and flooring replacements – all combine to give the schools a fresh appearance, which improves everyone’s attitude.

Teachers and students alike benefit when they can take pride in their new environments.

When we say our newest schools are sustainable, besides

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saving energy, what do we mean?

Sustainability is a broad concept that also incorporates optimizing land usage, locating the facility relative to community elements, using local materials to reduce impact to the environment, increasing the use of daylight to conserve energy and enhance the interior environment and providing for the comfort and wellbeing of the occupants.

What are some components of good school design that many of us may not notice or may take for granted?

I think immediately of the energy management systems, all the technology systems with their sophisticated data cabling infrastructures, IP telephone systems, fire alarm systems, public address systems and security systems.

There are many complex systems that must be figured into the design of today’s modern schools.

Fort Worth Independent School District

Stewardship, Service & Savings

2009-2010 Annual Report

Effective and efficient operations were more critical than ever.

As a result of the legislative mandate that froze revenue at 2005 levels, maintaining superior support for our students was a constant challenge.

Our Division of Business and Finance watched the bottom line, counted every penny and found innovative ways to stretch our dollars.

For instance:

Accounting • Superior Achievement rating from the Texas Education Agency’s School Finance Accountability Rating program • Association for School Business Officials (ASBO) International and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Awards for the department’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

• The Business Support Services Department renegotiated the District’s Xerox lease for a savings of $114,000 per year • Campuses leased “unlimited” multifunction copiers for less than what the District was paying for standard copiers • Employees were allowed to place orders through the Fort Worth ISD Print Shop, reducing the need for warehouse forms • The District began transitioning from external vendors to in-house print services

Budget • ASBO International Meritorious Budget Award • GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

The Division of Business & Finance earned awards and recognitions for its efforts, including:

Purchasing • Award of Merit from the Texas Association of School Business Officials All division employees completed Phase I of customer service training.

Meanwhile, the District’s first online enrollment system for 403(b) and 457(b) retirement/savings programs attracted participants.

Approximately 3,600 employees actively contributed to the plans in their first year.

A Culture of Service and Responsibility

Seeing Green

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The District’s purchase of 25 diesel/ electric school buses revved up our “Go Green, Save Green” campaign.

It is an ongoing effort to build lifelong conservation habits among students, their families and our staff.

Recycling efforts spearheaded by District Operations reduced trash service and increased recycle service at 11 schools. Because trash is more costly to pick up than recycled materials, the District expects to eventually reap the financial rewards of recycling. For now, we take pleasure in adopting changes big (such as the geothermal systems that will heat and cool our newest schools) and small (replacing gymnasium light bulbs with more energy-efficient ones) to help conserve precious resources.

Our Budget [60.4%]

[16.3%]

[11.5%]

INSTRUCTION

SUPPORT & COMMUNITY SERVICES

PUPIL SERVICES

INSTRUCTION RELATED

8.5%

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

2.6%

FACILITIES ACQUISITION INTERGOVERNMENTAL CHARGES OPERATING BUDGET

1% .6% $560,681,907

Fort Worth Independent School District

Funding Pursuits Pay Off

Fort Worth ISD’s Grants and Development Department teamed with the Curriculum & Instruction and School Leadership departments to manage and direct the more than $86 million in funding from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). A cross-departmental committee convened weekly to identify needs and maximize this extraordinary amount of funding allocated to the District.

The funding included: • $24.5 million in Title I funds distributed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to improve basic programs for economically disadvantaged students • $16.4 million in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funding distributed by the TEA • $40.1 million in State Fiscal Stabilization Funds distributed by the TEA to help the District overcome financial shortfalls left by lack of state funds • $578,000 distributed by the Texas Department of Agriculture to purchase new food service equipment • $1.6 million distributed through the North Texas Council of Governments to help purchase 25 hybrid school buses

2009-2010 Annual Report

The Grants and Development Department aggressively and successfully pursued other funding during this challenging financial year.

These efforts put the District in line to receive $40 million in discretionary funding from state, federal and private sources.

Grants received in 2009-2010 included: • Algebra Readiness Grant - $2.2 million from the TEA to provide full-time math coaches to nine middle schools • Drop Out Prevention Grant - $250,000 from the TEA for programs that partner the District with the City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce • Pre-K Early Start Grant - $4.2 million from the TEA • National Endowment for the Arts - $30,000; one of only six grants to public education agencies across the country • Sid Richardson Foundation - $60,000 to provide a Wellness Coordinator at each elementary school; $100,000 to provide tuition for teacher assistants to receive their education degree

A Culture of Service and Responsibility

Green initiative funds and donations received included: • $43,489 from Oncor/CLEAResults to replace air conditioning units at Dunbar 6th and South Hi Mount ES • A solar energy system valued at $60,000 donated by TXU for Arlington Heights HS • $143,074 from the State Energy Conservation Office and $224,000 in Oncor rebates to purchase a solar

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energy system for Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center • $308,071 from the Sue Pope Fund to purchase three hybrid delivery trucks Another $217,754 in funding from the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Project, Homeless Education Office, ARRA and the United States Department of Education will provide tutoring, supplies and other support for homeless students.

Art Cavazos, Assistant Superintendent for District Operations, received the 2010 Commitment to Excellence Award from the Texas Association of School Business Officials.

Power Play

Fort Worth ISD’s Energy Management program is always looking to save – energy and money. No one looks any harder than Foreman Stojan Trickovic.

In 2009-2010, while monitoring electricity rates, he came up with a concept for the District to negotiate new rates before the current contract expired. The department worked out the details and presented a plan, which the

school board quickly approved.

As a result, when electricity rates were hitting 30-year lows, the District went shopping. We locked in lower rates, saving approximately $4.8 million per year for four years for a total of $19.2 million. Trickovic, a mechanical engineer and former math teacher at O.D. Wyatt HS, has worked in Energy Management since it was formed in 1997.

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

A Culture of Service and Responsibility

FWISD Face

Stojan Trickovic Energy Management Foreman

What do you consider your main responsibility as foreman of the District’s Energy Management program?

My primary responsibility is to save the District money that is spent on utilities. This is accomplished by establishing a workable and sustainable energy conservation program, while maintaining an optimal indoor environment at each campus.

Besides negotiating new electricity rates, how have you been able to cut energy costs?

The District has been retrofitting inefficient lighting fixtures and HVAC equipment that results in relatively quick, simple payback. Working with top administrators, principals, facility managers and Maintenance & Operations foremen, we have been able to set appropriate Energy Management System schedules for each campus. The District’s

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employees, especially teachers and custodial staff, deserve much of the credit for our successful reduction of energy usage.

When you Proposed negotiating new electricity rates, were you surprised at how quickly it came to fruition?

Actually, the concept was developed and designed during several conversations with the District’s top administrators. The concept was quickly adopted and unanimously approved by the Board of Education.

It was teamwork at its best.

What are some simple things all employees can do that add up to substantial energy savings?

(1) Turn off lights when you leave a room. (2) Turn off all unused equipment at the end of every day.

(3) Turn off or set back thermostats at the end of every day.

Fort Worth Independent School District

Nourishing Bodies and Minds Applying online for free and reduced meals is catching on with parents.

[BTN] 5,287

2009-2010 Annual Report

More children than ever started the school day with a nutritious breakfast. The District’s Breakfast in the Classroom program debuted at four elementary campuses: Clifford Davis, W.M. Green, Sunrise-McMillian, and Van Zandt-Guinn. Each student was given the opportunity to enjoy a free breakfast in their classroom regardless of family income.

Overall breakfast participation in the District increased by 9.9 percent.

Lunch participation was up 11.9 percent. We made sure these students had healthy choices.

Our Child Nutrition Services Department added fresh fruits and vegetables to every line at every school.

The program boosted breakfast participation by:

In its second year, MyLunchMoney.com made paying for school meals more convenient. Parents went online to prepay for meals, view their child’s purchases and set spending limits.

online applications received for free and reduced meals

[BTN] 1,004 homeless students who received school supplies, transportation, tutoring, nutrition and other services through the Special Programs Department Special Programs also served: 363 students in the American Indian Education Program 829 students who qualified for Section 504

[BTN] 106 school nurses served 126 campuses

[BTN] 290,566 first aid situations and illnesses assessed by nurses

• 95 percent at Clifford Davis • 145 percent at W.M. Green • 72 percent at Sunrise-McMillian • 64 percent at Van Zandt-Guinn

A Culture of Service and Responsibility

First Impressions Count

We believe we owe our students, employees and the community beautifully-maintained schools.

Our custodians and other employees in the Maintenance & Operations Department worked year-round and often went beyond the call of duty to keep grounds manicured, classrooms painted and floors polished.

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• Renovating the playground and grounds at De Zavala ES Crews even engaged in friendly competition for the Fort Worth ISD Campus Beautification Awards.

They also completed special maintenance projects, such as: • Renovating the Young Women’s Leadership Academy • Restoring the historical front entrance of Trimble Tech HS • Restoring the cupola at Arlington Heights HS

The winners were: • Area I: Carter-Riverside HS, W.C. Stripling MS and M.G. Ellis Primary • Area II: O.D. Wyatt HS, Glencrest 6th and Carroll Peak ES • Area III: South Hills HS, Leonard MS and Alice Contreras ES

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

A Subject we take seriously

The Texas School Safety Center selected Fort Worth ISD to participate in Project Protect. This comprehensive program is designed to limit susceptibility to violent incidents, increase the management capability of any hazardous situation and increase overall safety for children in our schools.

As part of Project Protect, the District launched the Safe Schools Ambassadors, formed the Incident Command Management Team and began special trainings to keep our students physically and emotionally safe.

A Protocol for Response and Recovery

Fort Worth ISD formed its Incident Command Management Team, which utilizes the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

The system-wide, proactive approach prepares for, prevents when possible, responds to, recovers from and mitigates the effects of incidents.

• Finance – Pays and tracks expenses for needed resources • Educational Continuity – Develops a plan to continue the education of students

[BTN] 85 Fort Worth After School sites Fort Worth ISD and the City of Fort Worth celebrated 10 years of providing thousands of students with safe environments that also build academic performance.

Following the NIMS model, the Incident Command Management team is divided into five branches: • Operations – Carries out response activities • Planning – Gathers information for determining what actions to take • Logistics – Provides the resources for dealing with the incident

The NIMS model adapts to any size incident and aligns with other command agencies, such as police departments, that use similar systems.

Every member of the Incident Command Management Team is required to be federally certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and to attend exercises and trainings.

A Culture of Service and Responsibility

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Frank discussions on bullying, cyber-bullying and violence topped four workshops for parents held in May 2010.

Students also received a dose of prevention education. A series of guidance sessions offered tips about making safe, healthy choices and raised awareness about factors that put students at risk.

[BTN] 8,410 students who received prevention education

[BTN] 443 parents who attended prevention presentations on school campuses

Powerful Peacemakers

What happens when students take the lead to end the bullying and keep the peace on school campuses?

The message reaches their peers in immediate and meaningful ways, as Fort Worth ISD is finding out.

In early 2010, the District rolled out the Safe School Ambassadors program. It works by identifying students who are leaders of diverse cliques and social groups and training

them to use their influence for good.

They learn communication skills for defusing arguments or potentially hurtful situations. “Students see, hear and know what adults don’t. They can intervene in ways that adults can’t,” said Cynthia Bethany, Fort Worth ISD Critical Incident Specialist. By the end of the school year, Safe School Ambassadors had been trained at 14 campuses.

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

A Culture of Service and Responsibility

FWISD Face

Mica Garcia

Safe School Ambassador, Paschal HS

Early feedback from our new Safe School Ambassadors program was positive. Students and teachers reported incidents in which kids stepped in and stopped conflicts.

And even students who rarely participated in school activities asked to be part of the program.

How did you get to be a Safe School Ambassador?

I was nominated by a teacher. I was surprised because usually teachers pick the good kids that stand out.

I think I was picked because I get along with different groups of people.

How have you personally used the skills you learned in training?

I saw a fellow student getting picked on. I just walked over to the guys who were bullying him and said, “Why are y’all doing that? He’s pretty cool once you get to know him.

He’s like anybody. He only wants to

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make new friends.” The next day, I saw them talking to him like friends.

It felt really neat to see that.

How has being a Safe School Ambassador changed your life?

I used to be in trouble and spend a lot of time in the assistant principal’s office – usually for things like dress code violations or talking back. Now, I hang out there just to talk. And I’m participating in sports this year. My coach says I’m a different person.

Has there been anything about the program that has surprised you?

I couldn’t believe how much power there is in something as simple as smiling at someone in the hall. I never understood that before. If everyone just smiled and helped one person and that person paid it forward – can you imagine what my school would be like in just a few years?

Fort Worth Independent School District

Training Averts Tragedy

It was a day that two Fort Worth ISD coaches, a trainer and one young athlete will never forget.

On the afternoon of September 10, 2009, the varsity baseball squad began running laps on the track at Trimble Tech High School – typical offseason conditioning drills. But what happened at 2:50 p.m. that Thursday was anything but typical. Sophomore Luis Rubio, a good centerfielder and

2009-2010 Annual Report

promising pitcher, collapsed and stopped breathing.

The coaching staff could not have predicted or prevented the blockage in Luis’s artery that threatened his life.

But they did the next best thing – exactly what they had been trained to do in just such an emergency.

Head Coach Michael Garza, Assistant Coach Tyson Wormsbaker, Trainer Jason “Doc” Braud and Luis shared their memories.

A Culture of Service and Responsibility

Luis Rubio: “It was a normal day.

Athletics started out normal, too.

I felt good.”

Tyson Wormsbaker: “We were just getting into our conditioning for the off-season and working on footwork and speed. We had done a few short sprints.”

Out of the corner of my eye i saw someone falling.

It was luis.

- Tyson Wormsbacker

Michael Garza: “We were going to finish the day with two laps around the track.”

Jason Braud: “I was in my office. We had a football game that night, and I was getting ready, making sure I had everything I needed. I had already packed the AED (Automated External Defibrillator).”

Tyson Wormsbaker: “All the boys were running. At 2:50, most of them were finishing their first lap – Luis, too.

He’s a fast kid, usually at the front of the pack.”

Assistant Coach

Luis Rubio: “I was running around the track, finishing my first lap. All of a sudden, I couldn’t breathe. I needed air. I just needed to breathe. I couldn’t.

I collapsed. Everything went black.”

Tyson Wormsbaker: “Out of the corner of my eye I saw someone falling.

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It was Luis. He wasn’t moving at all.

I ran to him as quickly as I could.”

Michael Garza: “He collapsed face-first on the track. When Coach Wormsbaker and I got there, he wasn’t breathing.

His eyes were rolling back into his head and his body was stiff. He was fighting for his life.”

Tyson Wormsbaker: “I checked his breathing and his pulse. I wasn’t getting either. So I started CPR immediately. Coach Garza and I kept telling Luis to wake up.”

Michael Garza: “I called ‘Doc’ (trainer Jason Braud) and 911 while Coach Wormsbaker started chest compressions. When he stopped to clear Luis’s throat, I took over the compressions.”

Jason Braud: “When I got the phone call, I could tell by Coach Garza’s voice that something was really wrong.

He was asking for my assistance on the track. I grabbed my school radio and ran to the track.”

Tyson Wormsbaker: “Luis had a prior heart condition, but he had been cleared to play baseball. He knew to stop if he felt tired. But he always seemed to be in good shape.”

Fort Worth Independent School District

It was only after i had time to step back that the emotion came.

- Jason Braud Trainer

2009-2010 Annual Report

Jason Braud: “As I got closer, I saw Coach Garza and Coach Wormsbaker performing CPR. I yelled into my radio, ‘CPR in progress. MedStar needed on the track now!’ I repeated the statement and ran back to retrieve the AED. The school officer heard my radio message and called for an ambulance.”

Jason Braud: “Luis was actually trying to get up. That’s one you don’t find in the books. But there were still a lot of questions. Could he fall back into v-fib?”

Michael Garza: “As soon as ‘Doc’ got there, he cut off Luis’s shirt and hooked up the AED.”

Michael Garza: “We were pretty scared. I kept thinking, ‘Please, God. Don’t let him die.’ It was a relief to see the ambulance pull up.”

Jason Braud: “I was on auto-pilot. For eight years, I have been an instructor in CPR, AED and First Aid.” Tyson Wormsbaker: “The AED read his vital signs and signaled to shock him.

We stopped CPR and stepped back.”

Jason Braud: “I administered the shock and Luis came to. He looked up at me. It was one of those moments where you’re thinking, ‘Did this just happen?’ But I knew we were not out of the woods. I wanted MedStar there fast.”

Luis Rubio: “I woke up and saw the coaches around me. I didn’t know what happened. The ambulance was there, too.”

Tyson Wormsbaker: “I knew he still had a ways to go. It shook me up, even after he woke up.”

Jason Braud: “MedStar got there amazingly fast. It just so happened that the crew had just cleared a call at Harris Methodist ER across the street.

All the pieces fell into place that day.”

Tyson Wormsbaker: “Of course, the kids were still upset. I was upset, too, so I could imagine how they were feeling. We took them inside to talk to them. We wanted to give them some assurance that Luis was in good hands.”

Jason Braud: “Even after MedStar took Luis away, I was still on autopilot. I knew phone calls had to be made. All the higher-ups needed to know what happened. And I had to get

A Culture of Service and Responsibility

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my pads for my AED unit as we had a game. It was only after I had time to step back and take it all in that the emotion came.”

Michael Garza: “We get trained every year for CPR, and we go through AED training. Luis would not have made it without the AED.”

Michael Garza: “The three of us teared up. I guess it really didn’t hit us until it was all over. I thought about all the different ways it might have ended.”

Luis Rubio: “I feel glad to have coaches that were close by and knew what they were doing. They are lifesavers and really, really good friends.

I want to play ball again next year – now that everything’s repaired and I have my pacemaker.”

Luis Rubio: “Riding to the hospital, I was still wondering what happened.

I knew it was something serious, but I still thought I had just fainted.

It was two days later in the hospital that they told me everything that happened. They said a piece of tissue blocked an artery. I was thankful and so glad to be here.”

Tyson Wormsbaker: “We all talked about it later. It happened at just about the best place it could have.

If Luis had been out somewhere with his friends, without help nearby and with no AED, he wouldn’t be here.”

Tyson Wormsbaker: “I talk to Luis when I can. The doctors have cleared him to play baseball again, so we’re trying to get him a special chest protector.”

Jason Braud: “The four of us will forever be linked. We may not talk about the event that much.

But September 10th will always be kind of like a birthday for all of us.”

Fort Worth ISD has 180 AEDs, many of them provided by generous partners.

Pantego Bible Church donated 24 units to all middle schools and 6th grade centers. Texas Health Resources supplied 12 units for our high schools.

Looking Ahead Rosemont Elementary School Location: 6th Avenue and W. Seminary Drive Square Feet: 80,000 Capacity: 650 – 750 students Construction Budget: $12,160,655 Completion: Fall 2011

Looking ahead

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Fort Worth Independent School District

Gold Seal Programs of Choice

Goodbye, old mass-production model of education. Hello, new Gold Seal Programs of Choice! These highlyspecialized courses of study target areas that strongly interest students and provide hands-on, real-world experiences to prepare them for the job market of the future.

Students may even receive college credits and certifications and licensures. Working alongside professionals in various fields, students will begin building important relationships for success in university, career and life.

2009-2010 Annual Report

Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences Prep (TABS Prep) TABS Prep is a dynamic collaboration with the University of North Texas Health Science Center and the University of North Texas.

Opening August 2010 on the W.C. Stripling MS campus, TABS Prep will put 8th graders on the path to higher education and healthcare careers such as: • Doctor • Veterinarian

• Emergency Medical Technician • Forensic Scientist • Biomedical Engineer • Biotechnician • Pharmacist • Homeland Security Official TABS Prep is also a stepping stone to future enrollment in the Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences, the early-college high school program set to open in August 2011.

Seventy-four students were accepted to TABS Prep. The directors of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation recently approved a $720,000 grant, payable over five years, to help support the program.

Looking ahead

Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) Fort Worth ISD’s first single-gender school opens in August 2010 to 150 6th and 7th graders. YWLA’s rigorous learning environment will encourage critical thinking, inspire confidence and nurture students intellectually and socially.

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FORT WORTH INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Southwest Academy of Petroleum Engineering and Technology (SAPET) Math, science and technology are at the forefront at SAPET, a unique, highenergy “school within a school” that offers: • Rigorous coursework • Opportunities to work with engineering, energy and petroleum professionals • Hands-on experiences that build teamwork, leadership and criticalthinking skills The Academy is a partnership between the District and the Foundation for the Education of Young Women. A $25,500 Innovation Generation grant from the Motorola Foundation will allow YWLA to implement Project Lead the Way’s Gateway to Technology curriculum, which includes design and modeling, automation and robotics, energy and the environment and flight and space.

SAPET students will graduate fully prepared for college or direct entry into the energy-related workplace, where they can pursue careers such as chemical engineering, geology and computer science. SAPET is a partnership between Fort Worth ISD and the Independent Petroleum Association of America.

Fort Worth Independent School District

2009-2010 Annual Report

Connects

We are changing the way we share information about students and communicate with parents. In 20102011, teachers will begin using the Connects electronic grade book for student-centered analysis, administrative business and real-time

reporting. Parents, in turn, will be able to track their child’s grades and attendance via a special Parent Portal on the District website. Schools can also place public announcements on the portal.

It’s Not Okay

When it comes to bullying, “sexting” or dating violence, we want everyone to remember these three words: It’s Not Okay. That’s the name of a District media campaign gearing up for 20102011. It will encourage and empower students to make healthy decisions and ask for help when they or their friends are in need.

“It’s Not Okay” will focus on behaviors that put students at risk, including bullying, cyber-bullying, sexual harassment, suicide, gangs and substance abuse. The District website will offer research-based information, guidelines and contacts for getting immediate help.

Employee Health & Wellness Department

The District’s brand new Employee Health and Wellness Department will help employees find a successful balance between their work and personal lives. The department’s two main goals are:

The first step in achieving these goals was taken in the spring of 2010 when employees filled out a Work-Life Balance Survey.

The results are helping the department plan initiatives, events and a work-life website. The website will be a comprehensive resource for information about health management, referral services, employee discounts and more.

• To provide all employees with a work environment that is collegial, supportive and inclusive • To provide employees with tools and supports to balance work and personal responsibilities

Looking ahead

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FIT Fort Worth

What started as a District effort to address student obesity has turned into a wellness program that will target the entire community.

FIT Fort Worth will encourage everyone to make the healthy choices that lead to personal wellness and success in the classroom, workplace or home.

FIT Fort Worth’s three areas of priority will be physical fitness, nutrition and health management.

Community health agencies and organizations will join the District in developing events, activities and resources that address these priorities, including classes, a health and wellness website and a wellness “message of the month.”

A2I

Talented math and science students will have the opportunity to take their learning to new heights with Advanced Academic Immersion (A2I). In 2010-2011, A2I will offer four rigorous, sophisticated Advanced Placement courses that develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential to success in AP and college. The classes will be held at

Tarrant County College’s Trinity River Campus.

Behind the scenes at Fort Worth ISD, a transformation is in the works that will positively impact every employee and, as a result, our students.

First, a name change: the Human Resources Department is now Human Capital Management (HCM). Under the new name, the department will shift from an advisory and transactional focus to a much broader approach in cultivating, managing and leveraging talent.

HCM will:

Human Capital Management

A Summer Acceleration program at Southwest HS prepared students for entry into A2I. More than 200 students attended, taking Pre-AP courses in Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra 2 and Pre-calculus.

• Look at the whole employee life cycle as a continuing process that includes recruiting the best people, developing targeted skills and retaining and promoting top talent • Use a breadth of meaningful data to measure progress and inform key decisions around talent management • Expand on best practices of HCM and professional development to build effective leaders and teachers

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

www.fwisd.org 100 N. University Drive Fort Worth,TX 76107 817.814.2000