HIGHLIGHTS PROSPER ISD
WINTER 2019 | ISSUE 2
MAGAZINE
RISE Program Highlighted in BRAGGING RIGHTS WINTER 2019
COVER STORY 12 BOND PROGRAM 20 ENN BRINGS HOME EMMYS 43
CONTACT US WINTER 2019 ISSUE 2 PROSPER ISD 605 E. 7TH STREET PROSPER, TX 75078 469-219-2000 WEBSITE EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS SOCIAL MEDIA TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM EAGLE EXPRESS EAGLE CHAT PISD HIGHLIGHTS 2 MINUTE DRILL
2 HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019
44
FEATURES UPDATES 6 CONSTRUCTION 9 ENROLLMENT 10 ENROLLMENT GROWTH IN THE NEWS 12 BRAGGING RIGHTS (COVER STORY) 15 BOND PROGRAM 20 STATEGIC PLAN 24 2019-2020 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
COMMUNITY 37 GRANDPARENTS’ & SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY 38 VETERANS DAY 39 SENIOR CITIZEN LUNCHEON 40 COMMUNITY PHOTO GALLERY
ACADEMICS 26 THE GREAT PUMPKIN LESSON 27 PERFORMANCE TASK SYMPOSIUM 28 PIXAR “HANGS OUT”
FINE ARTS 46 FINE ARTS PROGRAMS SHINE 50 SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL COMES TO THE PHS STAGE SPOTLIGHT 51 NURSES SPOTLIGHT 54 ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT
ATHLETICS 30 CROSS COUNTRY 32 SPECIAL OLYMPICS 33 VOLLEYBALL 34 FOOTBALL
CTE / STEAM 43 ENN BRINGS HOME EMMYS 44 CLINIC HELPERS RECEIVE REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
UPCOMING DATES 57 SAVE THE DATE WAYS TO CONNECT 58 QUICK LINKS
6 27
50 39 WINTER 2019 | HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINE 3
MESSAGE
Superintendent Dr. Drew Watkins
W
ith each passing day, our district grows and is enriched by new students, families, and staff members. To continue moving forward as a district, it requires a collaborative effort between us all. The larger we get, the more great information there is to share. We are excited to highlight many of the great things happening in our district in this 2nd edition of our Highlights magazine. We hope that you will enjoy a closer glimpse into the day to day life of a Prosper Eagle! As always, stay up to date with information through our website, the Eagle Express and PISD Highlights as well as our social media sites on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Sincerely,
4 HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019
UDPATES
CINDY ZUKOWSKI FURR ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL
CONSTRUCTION 6 ENROLLMENT 9 ENROLLMENT GROWTH 10 UPDATES | 5
CONSTRUCTION OPENING 2019
JACK & JUNE FURR ELEMENTARY - WESTRIDGE SITE
Location: This campus will be located in McKinney in the Valor Pointe neighborhood off of Bluestem Road.
Work Completed and Ongoing - as of February 2019 • Storm Shelter: continue damp proofing, sealing and caulking interior, poured slab top of shelter – end of January, installing lintels for brick and louvers, fine grading / prepping for floor slab • Area 4: (overhead) duct work insulation and plumbing insulation • Electrical: continue masonry above roof at storm shelter, installation of IDF computer rack, started two siding gypsum board at Administration • Area 3: continue interior metal stud framing, duct work and roof curbs, electrical over head • Area 2: metal stud framing, scheduling for structural steel inspection, duct hangers and AC roof curbs • Area 1: continue misc. steel at expansion joint, metal deck welded
CHARLES & CINDY STUBER ELEMENTARY - LEGACY SITE
Location: This campus will be located in Prosper in the Parks of Legacy neighborhood off of Fishtrap Road. Work Completed and Ongoing - as of February 2019 • ICF complete – Area 2, 3 and 4 • Started ICF – Area 1 • Continue structural steel – Area 2, 3 and 4 • Continue HVAC duct work – Area 4 • Continue overhead electrical and plumbing – Area 4 • Started fire sprinkler piping • Continue CMU at corbels for roofing through wall • Installed rip rap at outfalls • Grading for sidewalks east side
6 | UPDATES
UPDATES
WHAT’S NEXT
BILL HAYS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Location: This campus will be located in Frisco south of Rock Hill Road on the west side of Hillcrest Rd. Work Completed and Ongoing - as of February 2019 • Terrazzo Flooring Area 4 • Ceiling Tile Cafeteria Area 4 • Pogue’s Punch List Areas 2 South and 3 • Instrument Cabinets • Basketball Goals at Storm Shelter Area 7 North • Scoreboards at Gym Area 7 North • Ceiling Tile Area 7 • Doors and Hardware Area 7 North • Millwork Area 7
PISD STADIUM
Location: The 12,000-seat stadium will be located on the same property as Frontier Park on the west side of the railroad tracks on the south side of Frontier Parkway. LIVE FEED
Work Completed and Ongoing - as of February 2019 • Site work: poured site work framing, started scaffolding grade beams front of B and and wall framing field side, SW area, continue masonry roofed SW restroom, continue at field wall, GCEC- install fireproofing, begin window sill wire at soccer fields, continue framing press box, continue irrigation, started foundation brick at concession, continue at lift station masonry towers south side, continue lower bowl steps • Field House: continue tile work, installing low voltage, • Visitor side: poured slab glazing continues, closing on metal deck, continue interior walls masonry at towers and ticket booths, begin erection of • Home side: continue steel steel towers erection, continue exterior
UPDATES | 7
PISD NATATORIUM
Location: The natatorium will be adjacent to the new stadium next to Frontier Park. Work Completed and Ongoing - as of February 2019 • Building: installing plumbing fixtures west area, continue fire suppression system, continue roofing and fascia, install Interior Storefronts South area, start tile south restrooms, final paint west area, fire alarm installation, data and access control install and delivery and install of pool PDU unit •
Pool: start grading warm up pool and backfill gravel at competition pool
•
Site: cut and form sidewalks
OPENING 2020 ROCK HILL HIGH SCHOOL
Location: This campus will be located on Coit Road south of 380. Work in Progress or Ongoing - as of February 2019 LIVE • Grade Beams ongoing – Areas E and T FEED • Fire lane pour north of property connecting to Hardy Drive • Slabs ongoing in – Areas D, N and U • Pour curbs connecting Hardy to Coit Road • CoServ conduit installation ongoing, working on lines adjacent to Hardy Drive • Roof decking ongoing, 2nd floor slab completed and fireproofing ongoing – Area A • Steel erection – Area B • Steel erection on MAC Building Ongoing – Area S • Complete liming on all remaining fire lanes and parking lots • Batting cage slabs poured
8 | UPDATES
ENROLLMENT FEB 1, 2019
849
860
804
BAKER ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY BAKER
BOYER ELEMENTARY BOYER ELEMENTARY
COCKRELL ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY COCKRELL
802
894
870
FOLSOM ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY FOLSOM
714
RUCKER ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY RUCKER
HUGHES ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY HUGHES
LIGHT FARMS FARMS ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY LIGHT
858 1,151
SPRADLEY ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY SPRADLEY
WINDSONG RANCH RANCH ELEM WINDSONG ELEM
1,722 1,651 3,457
REYNOLDS SCHOOL REYNOLDS MIDDLE SCHOOL
2016-2017
10,335
ROGERS SCHOOL ROGERS MIDDLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
2017-2018
12,460
PROSPER SCHOOL PROSPER HIGH SCHOOL
2018-2019
14,632
TOTAL ENROLLMENT UPDATES | 9
1950-2025 THE ENROLLMENT IS EXPECTED TO MORE THAN DOUBLE BY 2025.
P
rosper ISD annual growth in enrollment has designated the district as the fastest growing district in DFW. In 2007 Prosper ISD student population hovered at 2,800 students. This year, Prosper ISD student population is over 14,500 students on 12 different campuses. Demographer projections estimate that Prosper will eventually grow to more than 40,000 by 2028.
In 2018 alone, more than 3000 homes were sold in Prosper ISD. Within the district, there are currently more than 5,500 vacant, developed lots within Prosper ISD boundaries. Since 2010, the City of Prosper population has grown from 9,720 to more than 20,000 in 2018.
244 230 225 225 304 316 382 383 489 1950-51
1955-56 1960-61
10 | UPDATES
1965-66
1970-71 1975-76
1980-81 1985-86
1990-91
32,800
14,665 12,469 10,308 8,290 4,693 675 890 1995-96
1,825
2000-01 2005-06
2010-11 2015-16
2016-17 2017-18
2018-19 2025-26 UPDATES | 11
IN THE NEWS 12 | IN THE NEWS
COVER STORY 13 BOND PROGRAM 15 STRATEGIC PLAN 18
PROSPER ISD IS RECOGNIZED IN 12TH ANNUAL BRAGGING RIGHTS MAGAZINE TWELVE TEXAS SCHOOL DISTRICTS RECEIVED RECOGNITION FOR INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS.
O
n December 7th, 2018 twelve Texas school districts were recognized for their outstanding programs with the release of Texas School Business magazine’s 12th Annual Bragging Rights 2018-2019 special issue. Bragging Rights, which calls for nominations and is published every December, recognizes school districts that have implemented programs that are bettering the lives of students, schools and communities. This year’s 12 honored districts and their brag-worthy programs include: • Bastrop ISD, Christian’s Closet • Brenham ISD, Champion Drive • Burleson ISD, Student Spaceflight Experiments Program • Dripping Springs ISD, Real Estate Course • Galveston ISD, Ball 4 All • Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Student Voice Initiative • Hillsboro ISD, Military Wall of Honor • Laredo ISD, STEM Curriculum • Northside ISD, Project ACORN • Prosper ISD, RISE Program • Spring Hill ISD, SRO Student Leadership Program • Tyler ISD, Students Who Advocate Technology
“Nominations for school district programs across Texas poured in this year, and each one deserves to be recognized,” says Texas School Business Editorial Director Dacia Rivers. “We hope that the 12 districts we chose inspire others to follow in their footsteps. The mission of Texas School Business is to share the good news happening in Texas public schools, and there’s never a shortage of news-worthy school programs for us to cover.” For 44 years, Texas School Business has served as the news magazine for public education in Texas. Since 2014, it has been produced by the Texas Association of School Administrators (www.tasanet.org). To read the 12th Annual Bragging Rights issue online, visit www.texasschoolbusiness.com.
IN THE NEWS | 13
14 14 || IN IN THE THE NEWS NEWS
BOND PROGRAM PROSPER ISD: THE FASTEST-GROWING SCHOOL DISTRICT IN DFW * The Prosper ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call for a $1,337,000,000 bond election to address growth, technology, transportation and existing facilities. Today, more than five times as many students are enrolled in Prosper ISD compared to 2007, when the district held its last bond election.
5%
7%
Support Facilities & Transportation*
Capital Improvements
4% Land*
BOND BREAKDOWN
84%
New Schools*
* 95% of Bond Funds will Address Growth
The enrollment is expected to more than double by 2025. 2007 Enrollment: 2,800 students 2019 Enrollment: 14,632 students 2025 Projection: 32,800 students * Templeton Demographics
IN THE NEWS | 15
BOND PLANNING COMMITTEE The 2019 Bond package is a result of a recommendation made to the Board of Trustees by the district’s Bond Planning Committee. The Committee was made up of local citizens, parents, and civic and business leaders. Members met several times in 2018 and early 2019 to consider the growth and educational needs of all Prosper ISD students. The Committee reviewed demographic projections, district financial information, existing facility conditions, and had the opportunity to tour existing campuses before prioritizing potential bond projects.
WHAT’S PROPOSED
2 16 | IN THE NEWS
High Schools
4-5
Middle Schools
9-10
Elementary Schools
NEW SCHOOLS
LAND PURCHASES FOR SALE
Land for Future School Sites
PROJECTS TO SUPPORT GROWTH AND PROGRAMS Transportation/Buses
SCHOOL BUS
• Purchases buses to accommodate student growth and additional routes.
Performing Arts/Staff Development Center • Would provide adequate audience and performance space for fine arts programs and special events in addition to dedicated space for professional learning and teacher training,
Natatorium #2 • Would be built after High School #4 to serve the growing student population.
Administration/Support Services Building • Would provide office and collaboration space for central office and support staff as well as house other district operations. IN THE NEWS | 17
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Safety & Security
• All campuses would be equipped with modern safety and security systems.
Technology Infrastructure
Capital Improvement Projects
• Technology infrastructure would be updated and enhanced across the district by adding fiber, generators and additional system upgrades.
Instructional Technology
• Equipment and devices would be updated throughout the life of the bond program.
Communication Systems
• Communication systems would be updated across the district by upgrading phone and emergency communication equipment.
Playground Replacements
• Playground structures and surfaces would be replaced to provide safe, modern play areas for elementary students.
Heating & Air Conditioning Systems at Aging Campuses
• Aging HVAC systems would be replaced at the end of their life cycle to provide appropriate climate in classrooms and schools.
TAX RATE The Prosper ISD tax rate will not change as a result of the 2019 bond election. If the bond election is approved by voters, the Prosper ISD total tax rate will remain at $1.67 per $100 of property valuation. 18 | IN THE NEWS
VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE
APRIL 4
th
EARLY VOTING
APRIL 22 -30 nd
th
ELECTION DAY
MAY 4
th
More Information
WWW.PROSPERISDBOND.NET IN THE NEWS | 19
b
l e
s f ie We Believe...
• students are first in all decisions.
• in valuing all students and their success and well-being.
v on isi
STRATEGIC PLAN
Grounded by Tradition -Soaring to New Beginnings
• in innovation in curriculum and technology. • in being intentional in creating opportunities that will propel students forward. • in recruiting, hiring and retaining employees with the Prosper heart. • in the importance of a supportive and demanding community. • in protecting our small-town feel. • in providing a safe and nurturing environment for students and staff. • our success is grounded in tradition.
The mission of Prosper ISD is to develop and graduate motivated, academically prepared individuals with the strength of character to make contributions to a rapidly changing society through an educational system that maintains high expectations, provides quality instruction and establishes a safe, orderly learning environment in the community that lives its name.
n
• in our commitment to our Graduate Profile.
m i s s io
Strategic Plan Process Strategic planning is thoughtful, purposeful planning developed by district stakeholders. An effective Strategic Plan encompasses all facets of an organization and determines the organization’s long-term goals and the actions to take to accomplish these goals. Strategic Planning will truly influence the future by establishing a measurable plan and developing the accountability to ensure that the plan is followed. The PISD Strategic Planning Committee met on May 8-9, 2018 for the Strategic Planning Retreat where members worked on the District Mission, Vision and Belief statements. Members then decided upon the Strategic Objectives and were broken into committees to work on their respective strategies. Each Strategic Objective Committee met a minimum of two times in person in addition to online collaboration to develop the final strategic objective statements as well as the corresponding action plans. 20 | IN THE NEWS
STRATEGIC PLAN
Strategic Plan
Innovative Learning Strategy Growth happens most when we are uncomfortable and find struggle in our endeavors. PISD is committed to providing an educational environment that fosters growth in teachers and students alike through risk-taking, productive struggle, feedback, observation, collaboration and communication. Establishing a growth-mindset culture in PISD allows for the development of realistic expectations of what it takes to succeed in the world at large ultimately resulting in increased, authentic, transferable student and teacher learning. Ultimately, these action plans will increase student achievement and boost teacher morale. STRATEGIES: •• Foster a culture of risk-taking and productive struggle for both students and educators. •• Provide opportunities for observation, collaboration, and communication among educators.
Social and Emotional Health Human connection is a key component to positive emotional health and personal growth. PISD is committed to the belief that a sense of belonging to a greater community improves an individual’s motivation, health, and happiness. PISD is committed to ensuring positive social-emotional health for the whole child believing that Social Emotional Learning is a valuable investment in PISD students’ futures but that it will also add to the overall well-being of PISD staff members. Ultimately, these action plans will help to meet the goal that all PISD students graduate ready to be contributing members of society in whatever capacity they choose. STRATEGIES: •• Create formal and informal social and emotional systems for establishing personal connections and understanding of the Prosper culture and traditions across the campus and district levels. •• Cultivate opportunities to unite staff, students, and families to reinforce traditions and develop a sense of belonging.
IN THE NEWS | 21
STRATEGIC PLAN
Strategic Plan
Human Resources The quality of instruction provided in a classroom or on a campus is directly correlated to the quality of educational professionals providing the collaborative service. To this end, PISD is committed to recruiting and hiring the best educators available. Studies have found that students in same race teacher classrooms have reported higher levels of personal effort, postsecondary motivation, academic engagement and higher achievement. As Prosper grows and diversity increases, our students deserve the opportunity to have a multicultural education provided through a diverse demographic of staff members. HR and campus administration must, then, focus on developing a marketing solution that will target the hiring and retention of a diverse group of highly qualified educators that more closely mirror the cultural diversity of the student population while embedding ongoing cultural training into required professional development. STRATEGIES: •• Create a plan to increase cultural responsiveness through ongoing professional learning with all staff. •• Develop an intentional recruiting plan that reaches a diverse group of highly qualified employees.
Facilities During times of rapid growth, one of the first areas to be impacted is the organizational facilities. Whether considering schools over capacity or not enough program facilities to meet the growing needs of student involvement, facilities are a focal point that must be assessed. PISD is committed to providing high-quality learning facilities for our students and staff while also developing a solid plan for creating equity and efficiency in regards to programs and facility use in a time of such rapid growth. STRATEGIES: •• Develop a plan that ensures that facilities reflect community expectations and student needs. •• Develop a plan for capital improvements for all facilities.
22 | IN THE NEWS
STRATEGIC PLAN
Strategic Plan
Funding and Finance The security of a district’s long term ability to provide a quality education is rooted in the stability of its funding and finances. School funding and finances can be very confusing to educators and community members alike. By ensuring that our staff and community members have a clear understanding of funding and finance in relation to public education including how districts secure funds to stay ahead of unprecedented growth, we will be able to continue to provide a high quality education for all students in Prosper ISD while holding on to the traditions and pride that is Prosper ISD. By educating the community about school funding and empowering them to vote, we will create a better future by ensuring the hopes and dreams of our current students and future students for years to come. STRATEGIES: •• Educate the community about school funding and finances. •• Empower and engage the community to make an informed voting decision. •• Provide a culture-rich environment to retain highly-qualified staff that is reflective of our community. •• Consistently review budget processes to optimize the operation of district facilities.
Communications and Community Communication is key to creating understanding both inside the school and outside in the community. When stakeholders know what is going on in the district and on the campuses, they can better partner with the district to support students and staff. PISD is committed to a growing, transparent communication that provides opportunities for businesses, parents and community members to become active participants in the school environment. By being committed to proactive communication through multiple sources, PISD can ensure that the information being disseminated is current and correct. STRATEGIES: •• Engage stakeholders in meaningful interactions that increase awareness and opportunities for partnerships. •• Design a communication plan that transcends state and national mandates and reflects local values and expectations for all stakeholders.
IN THE NEWS | 23
* APPROVED *
PROSPER
2019- 2020
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
JULY 2019
Su Mo Tu We Th 7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
Fr
Sa
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
AUGUST 2019
Su Mo Tu We Th
Fr
Sa
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
SEPTEMBER 2019
Su Mo Tu We Th 1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
Fr
Sa
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
OCTOBER 2019
Su Mo Tu We Th
Fr
Sa
1 8 15 22 29
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
NOVEMBER 2019
Su Mo Tu We Th 3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
Fr
Sa
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
DECEMBER 2019
Su Mo Tu We Th 1 8 15 22 29
Key
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
Fr
Sa
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
JULY 1-5 4
DISTRICT ACADEMIC CALENDAR
District Closed Independence Day
Su Mo Tu We Th 5 12 19 26
AUGUST 5-13 All Staff Professional Learning 14 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Beginning of 1st 9 Weeks 30 Professional Learning / Elementary Assessment / Student Holiday
SEPTEMBER 2 Labor Day / School Holiday
OCTOBER 11 End of 1st 9 Weeks 14 Columbus Day / School Holiday 15 Beginning of 2nd 9 Weeks 25 Professional Learning / Elementary Conference / Student Holiday
NOVEMBER 25-29 Thanksgiving Break / School Holiday 28 Thanksgiving Day
Nine Weeks Begin/End
Holiday
Early Release
7 14 21 28
2 9 16 23 30
Su Mo Tu We Th 2 9 16 23
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
MARCH 2020
Su Mo Tu We Th 2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
APRIL 2020
Su Mo Tu We Th 5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
MAY 2020
Su Mo Tu We Th 3 10 17 24 31
DECEMBER 20 Early Release 20 End of 2nd 9 Weeks 23-31 Winter Break / School Holiday
6 13 20 27
1 8 15 22 29
Fr
Sa
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
FEBRUARY 2020
1 8 15 22 29
1st Semester - 84 days
24 | IN THE NEWS
JANUARY 2020
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
JUNE 2020
Su Mo Tu We Th 7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
Bad Weather Make-Up Day
Fr
Sa
7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
Fr
Sa
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
JANUARY 1 New Year’s Day 1-3 Winter Break / School Holiday 6 Professional Learning / Student Holiday 7 Beginning of 3rd 9 Weeks 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day / Student Holiday
FEBRUARY 14 Professional Learning / Student Holiday 17 Presidents’ Day / Bad Weather Make-Up Day
MARCH 6 End of 3rd 9 Weeks 9-13 Spring Break / Spring Break 16 Beginning of 4th 9 Weeks
APRIL 10 13
Fr
Sa
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
Fr
Sa
1 8 15 22 29
2 22 9 16 25 23 30
Fr
Sa
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
MAY 1
JUNE 22-30
School Holiday Bad Weather Make-Up Day
Professional Learning / Student Holiday Early Release End of 4th 9 Weeks LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Memorial Day
District Closed
2nd Semester - 88 days Professional Learning / Student Holiday
ACADEMICS ACADEMICS | 25
THE GREAT PUMPKIN LESSON PUMPKINS ARE TRANSFORMED AS STUDENTS DECORATE THEM TO LOOK LIKE BOOK CHARACTERS.
I
t’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! The well-known show is seen by children all over the country during the fall and families find themselves digging for just the right pumpkin to carve and/or decorate. In Ms. Gibson’s 3rd grade class at Light Farms, students are not just decorating pumpkins, but connecting it to their learning. These Light Farms students studied fictional story elements such as plot, theme, etc. and then read fictional books of their choice. As they finished their books, the students identified each of the elements and wrote about them. They were then challenged to
26 | ACADEMICS
create a pumpkin to represent the main character of the book, share their book and then explain their pumpkin decoration choice to the class. As students presented, listeners wrote down the title and author of books that piqued their interest. Ms. Gibson said that her favorite part of the lesson was that, “Many of them discovered authors or particular series that they are wanting to continue to read. I also enjoyed the higher level thinking as they were relaying the theme, or the message the author was trying to send. Their pumpkins were also creative and unique. It was nice to see the pride each one took in their work!”
PERFORMANCE TASK SYMPOSIUM
STUDENT WORK IS ON DISPLAY AT THE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE TASK SYMPOSIUM.
A
performance task is a learning activity or assessment that requires students to perform in order to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and proficiency of a given subject. Prosper ISD has committed to using performance tasks at every grade level as an assessment of student learning. Each year the district hosts a Performance Task Symposium highlighting student projects and learning. This fall featured dozens of students from early elementary through secondary discussing, highlighting and demonstrating the performance tasks they had worked on in class. Student performance tasks have ranged from designing a Prosper Zoo to writing and publishing a Veteran’s Anthology. Amy Johnson and her student, Macie, were excited with the Prosper Zoo design. Both Macie and Ms. Johnson felt that the performance task was a better gauge of learning. “By allowing them to assess other’s work, receive feedback on their own work and use that information to revise and edit, students improved their work and were seeking deeper levels of learning.” Ms. Janis Duke challenged students to stop the Zombie Outbreak at Rogers Middle School. At the end of the task, Ms. Duke felt that “students retained information and learned at a deeper level when they were involved in the learning through exploration and direct inquiry. Having them argue and defend their position also allows the students to examine their own thinking and begin to correct their personal misconceptions.” Ms. Duke’s student, Mahalakshmi Sivasubramanian, felt that she gained a “better understanding of the difference between animal and plant cells” because she had to “actually explore the differences between them” and defend her position.
Students often reflect on the greater level of learning and application of the learning that they attain when working on a performance task as a means of assessment rather than a traditional test. The spring performance tasks will be on display at the STEAM Expo on April 25th, 2019 from 6pm - 8pm.
ACADEMICS | 27
PIXAR “HANGS OUT” WITH PISD STUDENTS PIXAR ANIMATOR SHOWS STUDENTS HOW THE MATH CONCEPTS THEY ARE LEARNING TODAY CAN BE APPLIED TO JOBS IN THE FUTURE.
W
ho doesn’t love a good Pixar movie. They bring smiles to so many, but PISD students got an inside view on how the smiles are created by Pixar. Mrs. Becky Covington from Rogers Middle School and Mr. Don Crum, an animator at Pixar, went to high school together back in Michigan and have stayed in touch over the years. Ms. Covington wanted to show students how math is used everyday in all types of jobs so she arranged a “hangout” with Mr. Crum. Mr. Crum connected via the virtual Google Hangout and took time to show students how math is used in animation, specifically referring to percents and fractions. For example, he shared with students how each second of an animated movie has 24 separate images. In the 1990s and before, all images were hand drawn. Now, most images are computer generated. Mr. Crum shared an awesome resource the students can access called Pixar in a Box. Pixar in a Box is a Khan Academy course that shows how math is directly related to animation and allows students to practice their animation skills. Students also got to see a video that gave a quick
28 | ACADEMICS
tour of Pixar including the different themed work pods. One of these themed work pods included a jungle theme. Students also watched videos showing how animators use math to make the animations look more realistic. They use concepts like Bezier Curves to help animated objects move like real objects. After his demonstration, students were able to ask him some questions. Mr. Crum shared that his first ever film to help animate was “Mulan” and is currently working on “Toy Story 4”, but has also helped with “The Incredibles 2”, “Coco”, “Brother Bear” and more. Mr. Crum has been animating films for about 20 years and mentioned that ONE animated film takes about 5 YEARS to make! Ms. Covington and Mr. Crum worked collaboratively to show students how the math concepts 6th grade students are learning today can be applied to jobs in the future. Mr. Crum explained the education path necessary to becoming an animator and some of the skills he uses on a daily basis. He indicated that while drawing is an important skill, as many as 90 animators can work on film so teamwork and collaboration is a must!
ATHLETICS ATHLETICS | 29
CROSS COUNTRY MEETS WITH SUCCESS AT ALL LEVELS. 30 | ATHLETICS
P
rosper ISD Cross Country is a program making a successful “run” this year. Under the direction of Head Coach Jennifer Gegogeine, the program is reaching new heights this year. Both the girls and boys programs experienced success throughout the year. The season culminated with the girls team winning the 6A District Championship, Regional Championship and finishing 3rd at State just a step behind the 2nd place team. The girls team also travelled to the Nike Cross Nationals where they finished 20th in the nation. Reynolds Cross Country ran in four meets this season. The team topped new records with 76 students
participating. The 7th grade girls rocked the season finishing in 1st place in all meets. The 8th grade girls also did well and finished 2nd in every meet. The boys, both 7th & 8th grade, finished 2nd or 3rd in all meets. Had the district meet not been rained out, all teams were on the path to success. Rogers Cross Country also ran in four meets this season. The 8th grade girls continued their winning streak from last year’s season and finished first place in each meet. The 7th grade girls and boys finished either 2nd or 3rd in each meet they competed. The 8th boys finished their season strong with 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the last 3 meets.
ATHLETICS | 31
SPECIAL OLYMPICS PRSOPER ISD ATHLETES WRAP UP A SUCCESSFUL FALL SEASON.
O
ur Special Olympics team at the High School and Middle School, had a successful completion to their Fall season. Eighty-nine athletes competed in two local Bocce tournaments in Sherman ISD and Van Alstyne ISD. These athletes also competed in the Area 10 Bowling Tournament in Garland. The athletes represented Prosper ISD well at Van Alstyne High School where they competed against 13 other school districts including Van Alstyne, Sherman, Bonham, Denison, and Anna ISDs. At Sherman ISD, our athletes braved a cold start to the day to participate against fourteen school districts. Students bundled up and competed in singles and doubles matches against athletes from the other districts. Several of our athletes were able to bring home first place ribbons in their competition divisions. The Area 10 Bowling competition was held at the AMF Lanes in Garland. Our Prosper athletes competed against athletes from seven school districts including Allen, Cedar Hill, Community, Highland Park, Maypearl, Scurry-Rosser and Willis Point ISDs. Many students
32 | ATHLETICS
were able to bowl their personal best scores. Prosper Middle Schools and the High School competed in two events this semester. The first one took place at Austin College on Wednesday, January 23rd and the second was an Area competition in Frisco on Monday, February 25th. The athletes competed with eleven other schools and over 200 athletes at the Austin College
Event. Our elementary students competed in Lovejoy ISD on Thursday, January 31st and in Van Alstyne ISD on Friday, February 15th. Both the Van Alstyne meet and the Lovejoy meet involved over 150 athletes from several school districts. Athletes participate in three events to test their basketball skills in dribbling, shooting, and passing. Each event is scored and athletes earn their medals based on their cumulative scores from all three events.
HEAD COACH NAMED VOLLEYBALL COACH OF THE YEAR.
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he Prosper Eagle Volleyball program continues to be a shining beacon of success for Prosper ISD. The program’s head coach, Erin Kauffman, was named the National Federation of High School’s Texas Volleyball Coach of the year. The first year in conference 6A, and on the heels of a State Championship win last year, the PHS team finished as District Champions as well as winning their Bi-District, Area and Regional Semi-finals games before advancing once again to the Regional Finals where they were defeated by district foe Plano West. Both the JV and Freshman teams had a successful year as well. Freshman B (21-8 overall) (9-3 district), Freshman A (21-6 overall) (10-2 district), JV (238 overall) (9-3 district). Rogers Volleyball had prosperous seasons in both 8th and 7th grade. 7th Green (A) (15-1), 7th Black (B) (112), 8th Green (A) (11-4-1), 8th Black (B) (13-0), 8th White (C) (10-0) were all DISTRICT CHAMPIONS! 7th White (C) (5-4) placed 3rd in the District Championship. The Coaches are proud that “both programs have a strong work ethic, are positive teammates, and have a solid foundation for the game of volleyball.” Reynolds Volleyball had a season full of perseverance and determination. 7th Green (A) (15-1), 7th Black (B) (4-4), and 7th White (C) (4-4). 8th Green (A) (4-14), 8th Black (B) (5-8), 8th White (C) (8-2). The 8th grade C team finished district in 3rd place. Both 7th and 8th grade teams grew as a team as well as individuals this season. The coaches are proud that “they had a strong work ethic and sense of family. Their love for the game showed on and off the court by their unbelievable drive to compete at their best level week after week.
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“ATTITUDE OF A CHAMPION; HUSTLE OF AN UNDERDOG”
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FOOTBALL
his year’s Eagle football teams were determined in their “Attitude of a Champion; Hustle of an Underdog” as they entered the new 6A conference in the largest, and one of the most dominant, 6A districts in the state. The varsity team was undaunted and finished 2nd in district advancing to playoffs where they were Bi-District Champions before falling to the eventual state champions, the Longview Lobos. The team was 9-3 overall and 5-2 in district. The JV and Freshman teams were also successful this year. Their records were JV Green (7-2-1), JV White (44-1), Freshman Green (10-0), Freshman Silver (8-1), Freshman White (6-4). Rogers Football had a season of success and perseverance. The 7th Green team (A) finished the season in 2nd place with a record of 5 wins, 1 tie, and
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2 losses. The 7th White team (B) finished tied for 1st place with a record of 5 wins, 1 tie, and 2 losses. The 8th Green team (A) and White team (B) both had a challenging season dealing with injuries that caused low numbers. The highlight of the season was the big win over Johnson towards the end of the season. Reynolds Football had a season of success. The 8th grade football team were the defending district champions and had an amazing season. They outscored their opponents 236-76 and finished in second place with a record of 6-1. The 7th grade team also had an outstanding season. They outscored their opponents 193-169. This included a wild shootout victory over Highland Park 46-38! They fought through tremendous adversity and injuries to achieve a record of 4-2-1 finishing 3rd in the district.
COMMUNITY
GRANDPARENTS’ & SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY 37 VETERANS DAY 38 SENIOR CITIZEN LUNCHEON 39 COMMUNITY PHOTO GALLERY 40
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Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ day STUDENTS HAD FUN CELEBRATING WITH THEIR PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS.
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rosper Elementary campuses were full of guests on November 15th and 16th for Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day. The excitement was evident as the students welcomed their adult friends and family to join them for the school “Thanksgiving Feast.” Campuses ran a special lunch schedule giving more time than traditionally allotted for lunch and, to accommodate the extra guests, the special day was separated over two days with half of the grades celebrating on the 15th while the other grades got to picnic in their classroom. The next day, the other half of the grades celebrated while the rest of the students enjoyed their classroom picnics. After enjoying the traditional turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce Thanksgiving lunch, elementary students had the opportunity to take their grandparents and special friends to the Prosper ISD Book Fair in their campus library. As students stirred around pointing out the books that their respective teachers had highlighted, grandparents, parents and special friends picked up a few extra educational gifts just in time for the holidays.
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VETERANS DAY
CAMPUSES CELEBRATED VETERANS DAY IN A VARIETY OF WAYS TO HONOR THOSE THAT HAVE SERVED.
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n the Gettysburg Address, Former President Abe Lincoln left us these memorable words about the sacrifice of our veterans. “We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth.” According to the most recent data from the US Census, there are more than 18.2 million veterans living in the United States. This year, Veteran’s Day was officially celebrated on November 11th. Veteran’s Day has not always been called such. On November 11, 1918 celebrations around the world marked the end of World War I upon word of the Armistice. This day became known around the U.S. as Armistice Day, a day to honor our veterans for their sacrifice in “The Great War.” Eventually it became known as Victory Day which was signified using the “V” sign with the fingers which later became known as the Peace Sign. In 1954, President Eisenhower renamed the day Veterans Day. As proud Americans, Prosper ISD celebrates Veterans Day in a variety of ways to recognize the men and women whose sacrifice paved the way for the freedoms we have in the United States today.
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Some campuses held ceremonies while others held an honorary breakfast or lunch. The Fine Arts programs performed for the veterans while other students wrote poems and presented visual thank you’s to them for their service and sacrifice. Many students had the opportunity to sit down to visit with them about their experience while serving our country. Prosper ISD is proud to be a part of such long-standing traditions that help us to ensure that the appreciation for the sacrifice of our veterans does “not perish from this earth.”
SENIOR CITIZEN LUNCHEON PROSPER ISD HOSTED THEIR ANNUAL SENIOR CITIZEN LUNCHEON WITH THE HELP OF THE PHS CULINARY, FINE ARTS AND FLORAL PROGRAMS.
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very December for the past several years the Prosper ISD Career and Technology Department (CTE) and the Fine Arts Department join hands to host the Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon. This luncheon is a highlight for many of our Senior Citizen community members in Prosper and Celina. This year, the attendance was even greater than in years past. Planning for the luncheon starts months before. CTE culinary and floral programs begin preparation of the menu and decor. Meanwhile the PHS Jazz Band begins working on the holiday music that will entertain the crowd during the luncheon. Prosper ISD maintenance and operations ensures that tables and chairs are set up as needed and golf carts are provided to shuttle guests to and from their vehicles. National Honor Society students were on hand to greet guests at the door and show them to the luncheon. Chef Cris Goodman, lead culinary teacher at PHS, had “30 servers on hand and 15 kitchen staff to prepare and serve the more than 150 guests on hand for the luncheon this year.� All servers and kitchen staff were students involved in the Prosper ISD Culinary Arts program. Floral arrangements and decor were coordinated and created by students in the Prosper ISD Floral program. The special day is a wonderful opportunity for Prosper ISD students to engage in their education through demonstration while also providing service to our community. The day also offers the opportunity for our Senior Citizen community members to see current students engaged in their education and in their passion. Superintendent Dr. Drew Watkins is always present to shake hands, welcome and give thanks to these outstanding students, teachers and the community members being honored at the luncheon.
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SENIOR CITIZEN LUNCHEON
BOOK FAIR
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COMM PHOTO G
SENIOR CITIZEN LUNCHEON
GRANDPARENTS’ & SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY
MUNITY GALLERY
STUFF THE BUS
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CTE / STEAM 42 | CTE & STEAM
ENN BRINGS HOME EMMYS 43 CLINIC HELPERS RECEIVE REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE 44
ENN BRINGS HOME EMMYS PROSPER HIGH SCHOOL RECEIVES 6 LONE STAR HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTION NOMINATIONS.
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agle Nation News (ENN) received SIX Lone Star High School Production Nominations! The program is being awarded from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences who are the standard-bearers for excellence in the television broadcasting industry and the gatekeepers of the prestigious regional EMMY Awards in Texas.
HIGH SCHOOL - NEWSCAST Eagle Nation News: Season 5, Episode 40 Prosper High School Jake Fein, News Director/ Anchor Kelly Trinh, Assignment's Editor/ Features Editor Luke Cordy, Technical Director Brandon Bonaparte, Sports Anchor Reese Ranzer, Spotlight Editor/Reporter Sola Kantai, Anchor Cristina Folsom, Anchor Michael Hatch, Advisor HIGH SCHOOL - NEWS: GENERAL ASSIGNMENT – SERIOUS NEWS In The Aftermath Prosper High School Jake Fein, Story Editor/Reporter Sola Kantai, Writer/Producer Michael Hatch, Advisor HIGH SCHOOL - NEWS: GENERAL ASSIGNMENT – SERIOUS NEWS Vape Nation Prosper High School Kelly Trinh, Writer/Reporter Nico Ray, Producer/Story Editor Michael Hatch, Advisor
HIGH SCHOOL - NEWS: GENERAL ASSIGNMENT – LIGHT NEWS We Are Survivors Prosper High School Kelly Trinh, Features Editor/Producer Camron Silva, Vocal Talent Michael Hatch, Advisor HIGH SCHOOL - SPORTS Bucky Prosper High School Jake Fein, Story Editor/ Reporter Sola Kantai, Writer/Producer Michael Hatch, Advisor HIGH SCHOOL - PUBLIC SERVICE (PSAS) Intextication Prosper High School Nico Ray, Writer/Producer/Editor/Videographer Michael Hatch, Advisor
NOTE: ENN is going against ITSELF in this category.
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CLINIC HELPERS RECEIVE REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
STUDENTS IN THE PHS HEALTH SCIENCE PROGRAM PRACTICE SKILLS IN A REAL CLINICAL SETTING.
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he Health Science Theory students were invited to participate in rotations at MedPost in McKinney by Sean Barron, Clinic Manager. Barron offered to have them come to his clinic to learn hands-on skills specific to an urgent care clinic to include vital signs, urine analysis, strep tests, providing oxygen to patients, splinting, occupational testing, X-ray imaging, personal protective equipment procedures, and basic patient care skills. The health science program is one of the larger CTE programs at Prosper ISD. The program provides students the opportunity to earn hands on experience
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while receiving certifications in Certified Nursing Assistant, Pharmaceutical Tech, and/or Emergency Medical Technician. Program entry is limited due to the limited availability of cohort clinic and hospitals available to provide internships and learning opportunities to students. Mr. Barron, a PISD parent and community supporter, reached out to the school to offer this opportunity to Prosper students. This was an exciting opportunity for the students to practice skills in a real clinical setting in addition to the observing opportunities they have in other facilities.
FINE ARTS FINE ARTS PROGRAMS SHINE 46 SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL COMES TO THE PHS STAGE 50 FINE ARTS | 45
FINE ARTS PROGRAMS SHINE
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rosper ISD Fine Arts programs continue to produce excellence through education and opportunities for artistic and personal growth. Congratulations to each program on the great things that happened this fall.
BAND The Reynolds Band has had a great year so far. During the fall semester, several 7th-8th grade students competed against thousands of middle school musicians from Frisco, Little Elm, Plano, and Prosper for placement in one of the prestigious All-Region Concert Bands. Devin Pham, Griffin Westwick, Rafael Benavides, Gianna Galante, Noah Harrington, Michael Hirsch, Landon Pursley, Natasha Manoj, Olivia Nyberg, and Isaiah Odierno earned spots in these ensembles
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and performed as members of the All-Region bands on November 10th. Additionally, Rafael Benavides, Jake Kinchen, McKenna Nuzzi, Isaiah Odierno, Devin Pham, Tyler Seibert, and Griffin Westwick were selected as members or alternates of the inaugural All-Region Jazz Bands and performed in these ensembles on January 26th. The rest of the year has been filled with performances at pep rallies, football games , concerts, holiday tours to Prosper ISD elementary schools, and rehearsals filled with growth and learning. The Rogers Band had a first semester full of exciting events and recognitions. Throughout the past semester, some of the highlights of the first semester include: • Twenty-two students advanced to Region 24 Middle School All-Region Band • Eight students advanced to Region 24 Middle School Jazz Band • The Rogers Brass Ensemble performed patriotic music during the Veteran’s Day Breakfast held in November. • Students performed a Fall Concert at Rogers Middle School and a Holiday Concert at Prosper High School. • Students performed in many pep rallies and games to celebrate the achievements of the athletic departments and to promote school spirit.
• The Symphonic Winds, visited Prosper ISD Elementary Schools with the Rogers Choir and Orchestra and performed pieces to spread the holiday spirit. • Rogers Percussionists participated in a successful Percussion Solo Contest with over 24 students participating. All students received the highest ranking of a superior rating. • Rogers Percussionists participated in a PISDwide Holiday Coffee House performance at PHS. The PHS Mighty Eagle Band set records this fall in addition to marching band highlighted in the prior magazine. Congratulations to the 26 students who advanced from Phase 1 (900+ students) and scored high enough in Phase 2 in order to secure a seat in one of the three Texas Music Educators Association Region 24 HS All Region Bands!!! Yet again, Prosper has sent the most students to a Region Band in Prosper History, and the 5th highest school out of the 18 in the Region to enter this contest. Region 24 is one of the largest in the state, and is comprised of all of Plano, Frisco, Little Elm and Prosper ISDs. Oboist Julia Ray and Bassoonist Madison Weaver were also selected to participate in the Region 24 Orchestra concert. PHS tied the previous record, sending 7 students on to 6A All-Area in January where they will audition against 4 other regions to earn a spot in one of the TMEA All-State Ensembles. Setting ANOTHER record for Prosper ISD, the 9th Graders placed seven students in the TMEA Region 24 9th Grade Band. This ensemble is comprised of students from both the 5A and 6A schools in Region 24.
CHOIR It’s been an epic year of music-making for the Reynolds Middle School Choir! The main objectives this year have been developing vocal technique, performance skills and music appreciation through ear-training, (do-re-mi-fa-so) and sightreading using the Kodaly approach. In each of the ensembles, singers work on using correct choral posture, reading music theory applications through choral repertoire, and learning age appropriate vocal warm-ups that reinforce the development of proper singing technique. Students have used these practices in both informal
and formal concert settings, such as the Fall Concert in October where each choir performed 2 songs after only 8 weeks of school. Reynolds Middle School started their first ever show choir, Encore! This group of 6th-8th grade students debuted at the Winter Concert in December. Several students were selected as Prosper ISD Solo Festival participants and North Texas Children’s Choir members—both of which are outside programs that enrich dedicated young musicians on multiple levels. The Rogers Choirs have had a wonderful Fall semester full of performances and activities. Throughout the past semester, some of the highlights of the first semester include: • Seventy Rogers choir students participated in the Prosper Solo and Ensemble Festival and received Superior and Excellent scores as well as two outstanding performers of the day. • The Fall concert included all choirs and was a collaborative effort with violinists and percussionist from the Rogers band and PHS orchestra. • Rogers Show Choir performed the National Anthem at the school pep rally as well as performing at the Sunrise Nursing Home. • The Rogers Varsity Women’s Chorale performed patriotic music during the Veteran’s Day Breakfast held in November. • All Rogers Choirs performed a Holiday Concert at Prosper High School. • Choir students performed at the Prosper Tree
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Lighting Festival at the new Prosper Town Hall. • Rogers Men’s Choir participated in the first annual “Let The Men Sing” event where they learned music with other Men’s choirs from Reynolds and Prosper High School. • Varsity Choirs which include Women’s and Men’s choirs, visited Prosper ISD Elementary Schools with the Rogers Band and Orchestra and performed pieces to spread the holiday spirit.
The Prosper High School Choir has had a great fall. Brittany Wood and Jonathen Johnson made the Region 24 All-State Mixed Choir and Sarah Wyatt and Ava Anderson made the TMEA Region 24 All-Region treble choir. The program held an all-men’s (6th -12th grade) clinic with Dr. John Wayman from UT Arlington on October 13, culminating in a concert that afternoon. Varsity Mixed choir participated in the North Texas Classical Choral Festival with Southeastern Oklahoma State University on October 16th. The choir sang Mozart’s Regina Coeli with the Southeastern Symphonic Choir. Varsity treble sang for the Prosper Historical Society at their annual Veterans Day meeting. Chamber choir sang for the first responders at Prosper Town Hall, as well as the Texas Bank Holiday party.
THEATRE Reynolds Middle School has had a fantastic year in Theatre so far. They started with their Fall comedy, “So You Wanna Be A Cheerleader”, which was a hit with the Reynolds family.
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Rogers Theatre competed in Individual Events at the Texas Thespian Festival this fall. Three of the students qualified for Nationals which is a very high honor that very few middle schoolers get to experience. Emma Alexander qualified for nationals in Solo Musical, Rees Kline qualified in Monologue, and Carrigan Ring qualified in costume construction. These students have been invited to compete at nationals this summer. This fall the Prosper High School’s Prosper Eagle Theatre Company began the season with The Seagull which tackled the challenging subject of societal norms and suicide. The troupe then presented a musical with more than 100 students involved, including students from the 3rd grade through 12th called Seussical the Musical. The next week 60 students competed at the Texas Thespians State Convention where 9 students received superior marks in the group musical and stage management. One of these students received a perfect score giving her recognition on the main stage at the convention. These 9 students will be competing in the national competition against students from across the United States in June. In addition to these successes, one PHS student was chosen to participate in the All State Show at the Texas Thespian Convention. She got to perform with a Broadway star in front of 8000 students in Texas during the closing ceremonies at the convention.
ORCHESTRA The Reynolds Orchestra program continues to grow. Some highlights of our Fall semester were: • The Orchestras performed a Fall Concert on campus for parents and friends. • Several students auditioned for All-Region Orchestras. • Chamber Orchestra joined with Reynolds Choir & Band programs to perform holiday songs for surrounding elementary schools. • In December, the Reynolds Orchestras presented “Mele Kalikimaka”, Hawaiian Christmas Concert and Luau in the Reynolds MS Cafe. The Rogers Orchestras had an exciting Fall
semester of performances and activities. Some highlights of the Fall semester are: • The Fall concert by the Intermediate & Advanced orchestras highlighted new techniques and was the first performance of the year. • The Beginning orchestra showed family and friends what the students had learned by the end of October at their first concert. • The Advanced Orchestra joined the Rogers Choir & Band programs on a holiday concert tour to Prosper ISD Elementary Schools to perform pieces and spread holiday cheer! • The Advanced & Intermediate Orchestras finished the semester with the Candy Canes, Cookies & Carols concert in December for family and friends.
Beginning this year, Suzuki Nights provides Prosper 4th & 5th grade Suzuki violin students from Windsong Elementary the opportunity to sit side-by-side with members of the HS orchestra to be mentored, practice sight reading, play note-reading games, learn orchestra rehearsal practices and norms, reinforce fundamentals such as left and right-hand technique, and of course lots of games and prizes.
The Prosper HS Orchestra began its fourth orchestra season in August of 2018 with a new room, a new instrument addition, and a new attitude on how to approach music. The program added the sounds of the harp to the orchestra this year, performed by Freshman, Carly Miller. The program has had at least one student qualify for the Region 24 HS All-Region Orchestra since the programs’ inception. This year two students qualified: sophomore cellist, Warren Tseng and senior violinist, Alejandra Maldonado.
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SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL COMES TO THE PHS STAGE
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rosper Hears a Who??? That’s Right! The renowned stories of Dr. Seuss found their way to PHS in the form of the musical Seussical. The production was produced by the Prosper High School Theater Department at the direction of Lead Director, Vicki Kirkley! The story incorporated many of the Dr. Seuss stories and characters including Horton and the Grinch!! Safe and fun for the entire family, Seussical was truly a community event featuring more than 100 students from 3rd grade to PHS Seniors in the company. Seussical debuted on Broadway in 2000 making 198 performances before its close in 2001. Since then the show has toured the country and been performed by countless schools and community theaters. Ms. Kirkley is new to Prosper this year coming from McKinney Boyd High School where she also served as the lead director for many years. While at Boyd, she was well known in the community for producing quality musical productions like Seussical.
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SPOTLIGHT 52 | SPOTLIGHT
NURSES SPOTLIGHT 51 ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT 54
NURSES SPOTLIGHT MEET THE CAMPUS NURSES THAT CARE FOR OUR STUDENTS EACH AND EVERY DAY.
Michelle Blasingame is the school nurse for Light Farms Elementary! This is her fourth year at Light Farms and fourth year in Prosper ISD. She received her nursing degree from the University of Texas in Arlington and has worked in pediatrics for most of her 21 year nursing career. She has been married for 18 years and has two boys, Connor (sophomore) and Seth (6th grade). In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time as a family and attending various sporting events.
Amanda Crawford is the school nurse at Baker Elementary. Ms. Crawford attended Collin College, Grayson College and the University of North Texas where she received her RN degree. She has worked in general Pediatrics as well as mental health and pediatrics the seven (7) years prior to coming to Prosper. She and her husband Corey have 2 children, a 7th grader and a 9th grader. Ms. Crawford loves country living where she has a horse, goats, chickens, and two (2) boxers, Baylee and Jax. This is Ms. Crawford’s first year in Prosper ISD.
Natalie Griffiths is the PHS Health Clinic Aide. She has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah. Prior to coming to Prosper ISD, she worked in an orthopedic office and as a quality assurance coordinator for a healthcare company. Ms. Griffiths and her husband of 22 years are parents of Chris (2018 PHS grad), Garrett (Senior) and Madelyn (8th grade).
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Kaitlyn Kelly is the school nurse at Windsong Ranch Elementary and currently serves as the Prosper ISD District Nurse. She attended East Central University in Oklahoma where she received her nursing degree and her trauma certification. Before coming to Prosper ISD two (2) years ago, Ms. Kelly worked at the Medical Center of Plano Trauma for five (5) years. Ms. Kelly has four dogs that are like her kids. She enjoys going to the lake, watching movies, reading, Chick Fil A, and taking naps!
Tanya King is the school nurse at Hughes Elementary. She graduated from Amarillo College nursing school with her RN degree. She was employed at BSA Hospital in Amarillo, TX for 16 years working in their Emergency Room as well as serving as the educator for Medical Cardiology. She then spent almost 10 years in hospice home care. This is Ms. King’s second year In Prosper ISD. Ms. King and her husband Sion, who is the head wrestling coach at Prosper High school, have three (3) children attending Prosper Schools.
Rebecca Manaska is the school nurse at Reynolds Middle School. She received her nursing degree from Collin College. In the years prior to coming to Prosper ISD, Ms. Manaska worked in telemetry, medical surgery and rehabilitation. This is her 2nd year in Prosper ISD. Ms. Manaska and her husband have two children, Jacob (20) and Brandon (15).
Susan Marino is the school nurse at Prosper High SchooI. As the district grew so did the need for nurses on each campus, so at the start of the 2007-2008 school year, Marino was hired as the high school nurse. Ms. Marino graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and has a background in Neurosurgery and orthopedic trauma. Ms. Marino and her husband of almost 33 years have four children, all that graduated from PHS. When not at school she loves spending time with her family and two dogs, sewing, reading, gardening and swimming.
Heather Owens is the school nurse at Folsom Elementary. She graduated from the University of Akron with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2008. From there, she went straight into working in the Intensive Care Unit where she worked for 10 years before starting her school nursing career this year in Prosper. Ms. Owens has been married for 12 years and has three (3) daughters aged 10, 8 and 4.
Rachel Paape is the school nurse at Rogers Middle School. This is her 4th year at Rogers and 20th year in nursing working in Pediatrics and the ER before beginning her career in school nursing. She received her RN degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Ms. Paape and her husband Scott have 3 children, Noah (15), Ben (13) and Malia (11). When not chasing her kids around to soccer, gymnastics, guitar, basketball, volleyball or church, she enjoys running. She has run 26 marathons and is looking forward to running the Boston Marathon in April!
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Melane Scates is the school nurse for Boyer Elementary. She has been in the medical profession for over 20 years with almost 15 years in Nursing as well as working as a Paramedic (on the ambulance and in the ER) for 5 years. She received her RN degree from North Central Texas College. Ms. Scates worked in the ICU and Cardiac Cath Lab prior to coming to Prosper ISD 8 years ago. Ms. Scates has two sons, Travis (12) & Cason (7) who attend Prosper Schools. When not working, Ms. Scates enjoys watching her boys play hockey, cooking, being outdoors, shooting her bow and arrow and doing anything that involves family and friends.
Gia Siebert is the school nurse at Spradley Elementary. She started her medical career as an Emergency Room tech at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano. Then in 1997, got her Paramedic License and worked as a Paramedic tech in the ER through Nursing School. After graduating, she worked in the ER and the Cardiac ICU at Baylor Dallas for over a decade. This is her 2nd year in Prosper ISD and her 5th year as a school nurse. Ms. Siebert and her husband have been married for 20 years and have 2 boys, ages 10 and 12.
Cindy Snyder is the school nurse for Cockrell Elementary. She has been a school nurse for 15 years, a nurse for 18 years and has been in Prosper for the past two (2) years coming to us from Frisco ISD. Prior to nursing, Ms. Snyder worked as a Real Estate Agent. Ms. Snyder is married and they have four (4) children and six (6) grandchildren. When not at school serving PISD students, Ms. Snyder enjoys singing and relaxing in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming.
Gayla Wood is the school nurse at Rucker Elementary. Ms. Wood has been a nurse since 1977. She has been at Rucker for eight (8) years, in Prosper ISD for eight (8) years and a school nurse for 16 years. She worked in hospitals for eight (8) years and as an OB-GYN nurse for 13 years in addition to working in college health prior to beginning her career in school nursing. She received her nursing degree from the University of Texas in Arlington. Ms. Wood and her husband have a son, daughter and four (4) granddaughters, Sophie, Peyton, Molly and Claire.
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ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT PHS COACH AND STUDENT ATHLETES RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS AND OPPORTUNITIES.
ERIN KAUFFMAN NFHS Coach of the Year Volleyball Coach
Coach Erin Kauffman was recently named the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Texas Volleyball Coach of the Year. Coach Kauffman has been in education for nine (9) years and coaching for 13 years. Kauffman graduated from St. Louis University with her B.A in Political Science where she coached club volleyball while playing in college. She was then an Assistant Coach at Stephen F. Austin State University where she received her M.P.A. in 2008. Kauffman was at Lovejoy from 2010 - 2013 before joining the Prosper Athletic staff in 2013. Her overall record is 227-57 at Prosper. Under her instruction, the Prosper team has made a deep playoff birth every year with two (2) visits to the State Championships and a State Championship win in 2017.
Madi Whitmire is a Senior at Prosper High School and an integral part of the PHS Varsity Volleyball team. Whitmire is currently ranked 6th in her class where she serves as the Student Council President. She has been named the Dallas Morning News Setter of the year twice. Additionally, she was a top six (6) finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award in DFW. The award was based upon involvement in a varsity sport, leadership, community service and academics. Whitmire received a $2500 scholarship through the program. This year Whitmire was chosen as a First-Team Under Armour All American. This is a significant achievement as she is one (1) of only five (5) setters in the nation to make the top team. She is the ONLY athlete in DFW to be named to the team and only one (1) of 24 athletes in the nation to be named as a part of the team.
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MADI WHITMIRE PHS Senior Varsity Volleyball
CADE YORK PHS Senior Varsity Football
Cade York, Prosper High School Senior, celebrated like royalty on January 3rd at the Under Armour All-American game. York was one of the few students in the country named to the team, the most prestigious team in high school competition. In late April, York committed to LSU. Ranked #2 in the nation in his position, he demonstrated the skill that got him the LSU jersey when he successfully kicked a 59-yard field goal in the game, the longest in game’s history. Additionally, the kick was five (5) yards longer than any kick by Cole Tracy, the existing LSU kicker.
PHS Sophomore, Haili Moore, may still be an underclassman but that isn’t stopping her from blazing a trail of success. Moore is an accomplished golfer for Prosper ISD but her golf success doesn’t end there. Moore was selected by the First Tee Dallas Chapter as a representative at the PURE Insurance Golf championship. The tournament, which was held at First Tee at Pebble Beach, Ca. was aired on the Golf Channel from September 28th - 30th. From across the nation, only 81 Jr. Golfers were selected to play with Golf Pros during this Championship Tournament placing Moore in a very selective group.
JORDYN OLIVER PHS Senior Varsity Basketball
HAILI MOORE PHS Sophomore Varsity Golf
Prosper High School basketball player, Jordyn Oliver, has demonstrated repeatedly that she is a force with which to be reckoned. Most recently, Oliver was nominated by Coach Rachal for the McDonald’s All-American game in Atlanta. There were over 800 nominations throughout the country. The McDonald’s AllAmerican game is the most prestigious high school All-Star game in which a student can be nominated in basketball. Oliver has signed a letter of intent to play at Baylor University in the fall, home of the Lady Bears, the #1 Women’s Basketball team in the country at this time.
SPOTLIGHT | 57
58 | SPOTLIGHT
March 5th
Dual Language Parent Meeting for incoming Kinder Students
March 8th
End of 3rd nine weeks (eligibility period)
March 11th-15th Spring Break
March 18th
School Board Meeting
APRIL April 9th
School Health Advisory Council
April 13th
Daddy/Daughter Dance
April 15th
School Board Meeting
April 19th
School Holiday
April 22nd
Bad Weather Make-up Day
April 25th
STEAM Expo
MAY May 3rd
School Holiday/Professional Development Day
May 17th
Prosper ISD Special Olympics Track Meet
May 20th
School Board Meeting
May 24th
Last Day of School/Early Release
May 25th
PHS Graduation
SAVE THE DATE
MARCH
UPCOMING DATES | 59
WAYS TO Communication Outlets
Eagle Chat (www.prosper-isd.net/eaglechat) PISD Communications link (www.prosper-isd.net/communications) Facebook - @ProsperISD Twitter - @ProsperISD Instagram - prosper_isd Campus Contacts (www.prosper-isd.net/contactus) tip411 (www.prosper-isd.net/tip411)
General Information
FAQ (www.prosper-isd.net/faq) Community News (www.prosper-isd.net/communitynews) Eagle Express (www.prosper-isd.net/eagleexpress) PISD Highlights (www.prosper-isd.net/pisdhighlights) Annual Report (www.prosper-isd.net/annualreport) Calendars (www.prosper-isd.net/calendars) PISD At a Glance (www.prosper-isd.net/ataglance) PISD Student Handbooks (www.prosper-isd.net/pisdhandbooks) PHS Athletic Schedule (www.prosper-isd.net/phsgameschedules) Reynolds Athletic Schedule (www.prosper-isd.net/reynoldsgameschedules) Rogers Athletic Schedule (www.prosper-isd.net/rogersgameschedules)
Medical
Immunizations (www.prosper-isd.net/healthservices) Medications (www.prosper-isd.net/healthservices) Illnesses/when to stay home from school (www.prosper-isd.net/healthservices) Campus Nurses (www.prosper-isd.net/healthservices)
Discipline Questions/Concerns
Baker Elementary Boyer Elementary Cockrell Elementary Folsom Elementary Hughes Elementary Light Farms Elementary Rucker Elementary Spradley Elementary Windsong Ranch Elementary
60 | WAYS TO CONNECT
Julia Roberds (jiroberds@prosper-isd.net) Ashley Gannon (aagannon@prosper-isd.net) Kristen Patterson (kdpatterson@prosper-isd.net) Marty Farrell (mjfarrell@prosper-isd.net) David Bill (dmbill@prosper-isd.net) Kim Newman (kanewman@prosper-isd.net) Marisol Balderas (msbalderas@prosper-isd.net) Jennifer Larriviere (jslarriviere@prosper-isd.net) Katie McLain (kvmclain@prosper-isd.net)
CONNECT Discipline Questions/Concerns Continued Reynolds Middle || 6th Grade Principal || 7th Grade Principal || 8th Grade Principal
Rogers Middle || 6th Grade Principal || 7th Grade Principal || 8th Grade Principal || Transportation
Cindy Zukowski (czukowski@prosper-isd.net) Amy Rizzo (ahrizzo@prosper-isd.net) Jeff Veal (jjveal@prosper-isd.net) Jamey Briscoe (jlbriscoe@prosper-isd.net) Jennifer Marthijohni (jemarthijohni@prosper-isd.net) Nicholas Jones (nrjones@prosper-isd.net) Keith Kirkland (kakirkland@prosper-isd.net)
Prosper High School || Students Last Name yy A - BA Dedrick Buckels (djbuckels@prosper-isd.net) yy BE - COR John Boehringer (jcboehringer@prosper-isd.net) yy COS - GOM Gerald Parr (glparr@prosper-isd.net) yy GON - KAR Dustin Toth (datoth@prosper-isd.net) yy KAS - MILL Jason Jetton (jbjetton@prosper-isd.net) yy MIN - REL Julie Brantley (jjbrantley@prosper-isd.net) yy REM - S Melissa Weiss (msweiss@prosper-isd.net) yy T-Z Kristy Carr (ktcarr@prosper-isd.net) || Department Contact yy Advanced Placement, GT, Dual Credit - John Boehringer yy CTE - Kristy Carr yy Engineering - Gerald Parr yy English - Jason Jetton yy Fine Arts - Julie Brantley and Gerald Parr yy Languages Other Than English (LOTE) - Dustin Toth yy Math - Dedrick Buckels yy PE - Dustin Toth yy Science - Julie Brantley yy Social Studies - Melissa Weiss yy Special Education - Dedrick Buckels
WAYS TO CONNECT | 61
GROUNDED BY TRADITION SOARING TO NEW BEGINNINGS