Butler Elementary celebrates 50th anniversary

Nora and Pearl Butler. Perhaps, you may know those names well if you attended schools or worked as an educator in 91制片厂 during the mid-1900s. After starting their teaching career at Arlington High School in 1942, Nora and Pearl retired in 1966 and 1971 respectively. Affectionately known as 鈥渢he Butler sisters,鈥� the Godley, Texas, natives worked tirelessly to ensure success for all who walked through their classroom doors.

If they were alive today, the devoted educators would be thrilled to see how much pride that countless current and former students, staff members and principals have in Butler Elementary School 鈥� a north Arlington institution named in their honor.

On a recent Friday night, hundreds from its school community 鈥� forever Broncos 鈥� along with 91制片厂 superintendent Dr. Matt Smith and Arlington board members flocked to the campus to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Along with games and food trucks, the jam-packed event included student choir performances, speeches and more to celebrate the school鈥檚 academic excellence.

Principal Mark Basham said Butler represents 鈥渢he best of what happens in public education when the focus is on helping our students achieve at the greatest heights.鈥�

鈥淎t the heart of Butler鈥檚 success is a shared belief: that each student and every community member can expect the most from one another,鈥� Basham said. 鈥淭his belief creates a powerful bond, knowing that as educators, parents and community members, we are committed to giving our all for the benefit of our children.鈥�

Basham was overwhelmed by the massive turnout on that night. He told the crowd, 鈥淭his unity is what makes Butler exceptional 鈥� a community built on partnerships, where teachers and families come together and where high expectations lead to real achievements. It is this alignment of trust, dedication and a shared vision of excellence for all that drives us forward.鈥�

A team effort

Assistant principal Kelly McMaier 鈥� who helped plan, organize and execute the event, focusing mainly on marketing 鈥� said the event was like a homecoming.

鈥淚 enjoyed watching current and former Broncos interacting and celebrating together. Current and former students and staff were able to honor their individual experiences together, forming new memories,鈥� she said.

During the celebration, there were raffle prize giveaways, face-painting and balloon artists. Among the highlights, McMaier said, was a Goosechase digital tool activity that 鈥減rovided an interactive way for families to explore the history of Butler and hopefully learn something new!鈥�

Another hit among the attendees was the blast-from-the-past images laid out through 鈥渄ecades鈥� presentations. Teacher Molly Bennett served as a 鈥渉istorian,鈥� working with a team to digitize old PTA scrapbooks and school photos. They brought new life to the dated materials by creating videos for the main event.

鈥淚 loved the time that I got to spend pouring over those books and letting the years roll back,鈥� Bennett said. 鈥淚 am a memory keeper at heart.鈥�

Butler has remained a special place in Bennett鈥檚 heart for numerous reasons.

鈥淢y oldest daughter started here as a kindergartener 30 years ago, and I鈥檝e never left!鈥� she said. 鈥淚 started as a parent, then became a PTA volunteer, a classroom assistant, a substitute, and I have now been a sixth-grade teacher for 18 years.鈥�

Brittany Lee, a pre-K teacher at Butler, has had a similar journey. She first joined the school community when her daughter 鈥� who is now a high school senior 鈥� started there.

鈥淚 joined the PTA right away and was a kindergarten room mom, which helped me get to know the amazing people at Butler,鈥� Lee said.听

Lee became a staff member in 2018 when she was hired as the school鈥檚 first STEM lab manager. Lee stressed that there is 鈥渞eally something special about Butler.鈥�

鈥淚 love that our staff has a family atmosphere where everyone helps each other out. We pray for each other, we collaborate with each other and we learn from each other,鈥� she said. 听

Nothing was going to stop Lee from assisting with the celebration. She served on its hospitality committee, which worked to make the event鈥檚 VIP guests feel welcomed. She greatly enjoyed interacting with the many former staff members and students who came decked out in the school鈥檚 colors: red, white and blue.

鈥淎nd I was able to talk with some of my own children鈥檚 former teachers. My favorite thing of the night was getting to reconnect with two students from my first pre-K class. What a joy to see them and to know they still remembered me!鈥� Lee said.

A lasting impact

In addition to the 50th year community celebration, dubbed, 鈥淭he Big Event,鈥� the school hosted a staff-alumni luncheon. The latter event catered to more than 50 former faculty and all current staff members.

Kathy Ryan, a former teacher and co-chairperson for the alumni luncheon, taught at the school from 1978 to 2019.

鈥淲hat I loved most about Butler is the culture,鈥� Ryan said. 鈥淚 worked with the first principal for 19 years, and her motto was 鈥榟ire great people and get out of their way.鈥� This led to a standard of excellence that was often called 鈥榯he Butler Way.鈥欌��

Among other things, Ryan said the committee created a legacy tree that celebrated the multi-generational families of Butler. The tree was on full display at the celebration.

鈥淚 so enjoyed seeing their faces as they found their names on the tree. I had taught most of them over the years and their kids,鈥� she said.

Judy Callahan, another committee chairperson, said that Butler is truly a 鈥渃enter focal point of our community.鈥�

Before retiring in 2023, Callahan taught half of her 34-year 91制片厂 career at Butler.

鈥淚 was first interested in becoming a teacher at Butler because of their stellar reputation for high academics and positive working environment,鈥� Callahan said.

Over the years, Callahan said she learned that parents would intentionally buy houses and move into the Butler area to send their children to the school. She added that the PTA and Dad鈥檚 Club rally around the school's efforts to create family experiences and provide community fun for all students.

鈥淢any parents are former Butler Broncos themselves and have chosen to bring their children back to the school they themselves grew up in. There are many families who we consider 鈥淟egacy Families,鈥� Callahan said.

For the 50th year celebration, secretary Debbie Steiner made numerous building-related arrangements and helped gather old scrapbooks and photos for the historian committee.

鈥淏utler feels like a family to me, and that鈥檚 why I鈥檝e been here over 30 years,鈥� said Steiner, who is planning to retire soon. 鈥淚 began working here as a cafeteria monitor when my family moved to Texas and my kids were in second and fifth grades. I later became a clerk, then secretary.鈥澨�

The 50^th year celebration, Steiner said, was 鈥渆ven better than I had hoped!鈥澨�

Heather Frisina agreed. She first joined the Butler community when her daughter 鈥� who is now a sixth-grader 鈥� started kindergarten. The PTA president from 2022-2024, Frisina was in charge of organizing the food trucks, decorations, raffles, T-shirts and snacks.

鈥淚 thought the celebration was amazing,鈥� Frisina said. 鈥淲hen you plan an event like this you never know 鈥� are you going to get a good turnout? If you do, is it worth their while? I felt like it hit on all the marks鈥� The energy and love for Butler that evening was inspirational.鈥澨�

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Register now for the CTE Showcase

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

Come to the 91制片厂鈥檚 Career and Technical Education Showcase and experience the many options 91制片厂 offers career and technical education students, from CTE courses at the junior high and high school campuses to upper-level classes at the听91制片厂 Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center (CTC). The CTE Showcase is Oct. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at the CTC ().

now for the CTE Showcase.

鈥淭he CTE Showcase is an event designed to give students an insider look at the CTE programs in 91制片厂,鈥� said Sara Mahoney, 91制片厂 career and technical education coordinator. 鈥淪tudents get to see inside classrooms, check out the equipment used by professionals and hear from our expert teachers on the things they will learn in our CTE programs.鈥�

Students and parents will get to talk with teachers, counselors and administrators who can help them plan for a future that best fits their interests and talents.

鈥淢any students and parents have mentioned that this evening helped them make a decision on the program path they wanted to take by having conversations with the teachers and counselors available at this event,鈥� Mahoney said.

Some of the programs on display at the CTE Showcase will include culinary arts, robotics, fashion design, automotive technology and many more!

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to start planning an exciting future! .

Please note the event will follow the听91制片厂 Clear Bag Policy听.

Back to School Kickoff 2024

No event kicks off听a new听school year like the 91制片厂 Back to School Kickoff. 听

That鈥檚 why the district continues to bring it back year after year, this year marking its听10th anniversary. 听

鈥淚 was here on year one听ten years ago and it鈥檚 grown so much,鈥� said former Dallas Cowboy great Tony Casillas. 听

Over 10,000 students and families gathered at this past Saturday for a morning full of back-to-school preparation.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 all about community coming together to support our kids,鈥� said 91制片厂 superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. 鈥淭he opportunity to make sure thousands of students feel excited and confident going into the new school year just blows me away. It鈥檚 amazing.鈥� 听

With free backpacks filled with school supplies waiting for students, many 91制片厂 kiddos are now set and ready for day one 鈥� August 14!听

Free dental services and vision screenings were also provided for students by and with the help of students from the P-TECH at Bowie High School. 听

But that鈥檚 not all. High school seniors from the district鈥檚 cosmetology program at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center also brought back their expertise to provide free haircuts, too!听

鈥淚t鈥檚 awesome,鈥� Casillas said. 鈥淭o be able to come out here and get prepared with so many free services and backpacks 鈥� I can鈥檛 think of any other city that does it like this.鈥�听

Fourth grader George Trevino felt the same way about his brand-new camouflage backpack. 听

鈥淚鈥檝e never seen one like this before,鈥� he said.听

In fact, that鈥檚 what brought Trevino and his mom Selina Perez back for their second Back to School Kickoff. 听

鈥淢y kids love the backpacks,鈥� Perez said. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e lasted us almost two years, so this year we wanted to get new ones. This event is pretty amazing. It saves me a lot of money that I don鈥檛 have. It鈥檚 so helpful for so many parents out here and we just love it so much.鈥�听

But the Kickoff was also about having some summer fun. Nearly 100 vendors provided helpful information along with sweet treats and goodies. was also at the Kickoff, making sure everyone knew about healthy eating habits. Families made their way to the outside football field for some football games and drills or inside the stadium to snap a picture with their听favorite Disney characters. There was also a DJ playing tunes outside throughout the day. 听

鈥淢y favorite part is seeing the Arlington community unite and collaborate to support our students and families to have a great start to the school year,鈥� said Aaron Perales, executive director of family engagement, equity and access.听

With over 800 volunteers to help make the event possible, that鈥檚 exactly what they did. 听

鈥淚t鈥檚 been heartwarming,鈥� said Kickoff volunteer and Starrett Elementary assistant principal Tamara Harrell.听鈥淭he families are so excited, the kids are so excited, it makes us feel so happy to be here. It鈥檚 been so amazing to see different parts of the community coming together for such a good cause.鈥�听

In the summer of 2014, the Dallas Cowboys reached out to Perales about getting involved in 91制片厂鈥檚 back to school festivities. That鈥檚 when several organizations came together to collaborate with the Cowboys to put on the Back to School Kickoff. Thanks to the following founding partners, 91制片厂鈥檚 Back to School Kickoff has been one of the most anticipated events for the last 10 years.听

• 听

• 听

• 听

• The Churches of Arlington听

• 听

View all the photos from the 2024 Back to School Kickoff . 听

Lamar P-TECH's Breakfast with the Boss

What do you get when you mix a room full of eager students, a delicious breakfast and top-notch industry leaders? P-TECH at Lamar High School鈥檚 Breakfast with the Boss, of course!听

Now in its third year, students had the opportunity to get a head start in networking with over 30 business and cybersecurity leaders at Lamar High School last week. 听

鈥淚t鈥檚 a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,鈥� said junior and P-TECH student marketing director Eunique Ramirez. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 get this every day.鈥� 听

From mortgage professionals, banking professionals, Arlington mayor and more, the breakfast was all about exposure.听听

鈥淗aving people who are a part of different businesses that these kids might not even know exist is so important,鈥� said assistant principal of P-TECH at Lamar Teri Williams. 鈥淭his provides the kids with exposure that they may not otherwise have access to. That鈥檚 what makes this event so special.鈥�听

As leaders of the P-TECH program themselves, Ramirez and student body president Fred Threats Jr. both shared their thoughts.听

鈥淭his opportunity re-enforces the nature of this program,鈥� Threats听said. 鈥淚鈥檓 so grateful to have this opportunity and I鈥檓 grateful that generations to come will have this opportunity, too.鈥�听

For Ramirez, the best听part of Breakfast with the Boss was听getting to know leaders on a more personal level. 听

鈥淚t鈥檚 scary, but having the opportunity to sit down and talk with them makes you realize that they are people, too,鈥� she said. 鈥淟earning from them truly feels so inspiring. You can walk away from this and think wow I really did that.鈥� 听

Welcoming incoming freshmen to the program also made the breakfast a perfect way for students to build connections with their class.听听

鈥淚t鈥檚 been so awesome,鈥� said first-year student Brody Reynolds.听鈥淓veryone here is so welcoming. It feels like a family.鈥�听

Teachers and staff prepared incoming students by providing听questions to help them learn to engage with leadership professionally.听

Building confidence in the professional world is one of the main goals of the Breakfast with the Boss as well as the P-TECH program at Lamar. 听

鈥淭he biggest takeaway is the feeling that you can do it,鈥� Threats said. 鈥淭his shows each student that anything is possible, that they can sit down with CEOs and work towards that same spot. This builds so much confidence in what we can accomplish in the future. It gives us the motivation to strive for excellence.鈥� 听听

View all the photos from Breakfast with the Boss . 听听听

10th annual Back to School Kickoff

The 10^th annual 91制片厂 Back to School Kickoff is just over two weeks away and anticipation is building.

The proof is in the numbers as we inch toward Saturday, Aug. 3, at AT&T Stadium.

Every free haircut spot has been claimed. Every free vision screening spot has been claimed. Every free dental checkup spot has been claimed.

And more than 6,000 student spots for free backpacks filled with age-appropriate school supplies have already been grabbed.

But there鈥檚 still time to register to get your backpack for the event, which runs from 8 a.m. until noon. You can register to receive a backpack for your 91制片厂 student .

Just like every year, the Back to School Kickoff is about more than backpacks. There will be more than 90 resource vendors set up on the west plaza of AT&T Stadium ready to get you prepared for the school year.

The turf field outside will also be used for activities and there will be a DJ and live music. When you鈥檙e celebrating the 10^th anniversary and nearing 100,000 backpacks provided, you鈥檝e got to go big.

鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to believe we鈥檝e been at this for 10 years,鈥� said Aaron Perales, 91制片厂鈥檚 executive director of engagement, equity and access. 鈥淭he event continues to grow because of our sponsors, volunteers and community support. Everyone is here to help our students and families have a great beginning to the school year. The kickoff is a great way to get the year started."听

Even if you don鈥檛 have a student needing a backpack, you can still help. More than 600 people have already signed up for a volunteer spot, but we can always use more. You can volunteer .听 听

We鈥檒l see you Aug. 3!

10th Annual Back to School Kickoff is Near

It鈥檚 hard to believe that it鈥檚 been 10 years since the district started its annual Back to School Kickoff at AT&T Stadium, but Aug. 3 marks that milestone.

鈥淲e鈥檝e helped nearly 100,000 families get ready for the school year, which is an amazing accomplishment that wouldn鈥檛 be possible without community volunteers and sponsor support,鈥漵aid Aaron Perales, 91制片厂 executive director of engagement, equity, and access.听

This in-person event offers students the opportunity to receive a free backpack full of school supplies and services in preparation for the 2024-25 school year. You can register for a backpack here.

Sponsored by the听, the event will provide haircuts, dental services, vision screenings, information about community resources and immunization opportunities, as well as the chance for 91制片厂 students to receive a backpack full of school supplies.

Volunteers are also needed to help with checking in students and handing out backpacks. To volunteer, please sign up .

See you at the 10th annual Back to School Kickoff!听

Start your summer at Father Fest

You know it鈥檚 almost summer because Father Fest is just around the corner.

Kick off the summer right next Saturday, May 18, at Father Fest, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 91制片厂 Athletics Center. ().

for Father FEST!听

The free event is a fun celebration of fatherhood and families hosted by the 91制片厂 family and community engagement department. All are invited to enjoy live music, food, prizes, giveaways and fun interactive family activities. Families will have a great time together and leave empowered and equipped with resources for this summer and everyday life.

Some of the many community partners who will be there with free resources and activities include:

• Metro Sports Fieldhouse
• 91制片厂 Early Childhood Department
• 91制片厂 Library Services Department
• Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA Central Branch
• My Health My Resources
• GICE Loves
• Smith Media Company
• Texas Health and Human Services
• The Deyvi Coreas Jr. Foundation
• Janes Academy of Dance Excellence
• Vox Invictus Mentoring
• Academia Tutoring

Learn more about 91制片厂鈥檚 fathers and families initiative.

Foster Elementary opened in 1973

In the early 1970s, big changes were happening in Arlington. Residents were thrilled to see the opening of the old, popular . The Texas Rangers had just to the city from Washington D.C. And flying in and out of the area became easier with the building of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

But for some people, nothing was more impactful than when 91制片厂 opened the doors of Foster Elementary School 鈥� located on the city鈥檚 southwest side 鈥� in 1973. This was evident last week as the school celebrated its 50^th anniversary, which brought droves of former students, teachers and principals to the campus where they shared many fond memories.

Despite the rain, many flocked to the school and packed its small cafeteria. There, former Foster Falcons reminisced about their time at Foster and recognized past teachers and principals for their service.

The five-decade-old institution was named in honor of Tom Foster and his sister Maude Foster. A local businessman, Tom served on the 91制片厂 school board for 13 years before retiring in 1973. Maude was a teacher in Arlington for more than 40 years.

Tom鈥檚 daughter, Becca Foster-Johnson, who along with her husband made the trip from Austin to attend the event, couldn鈥檛 have been happier.

鈥淚t was wonderful. It was really great,鈥� Foster-Johnson said, admitting she hadn鈥檛 been fully aware of the school鈥檚 impact on the community. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know it until tonight.鈥�

听A haven to all

On hand for the festivities were new 91制片厂 superintendent Dr. Matt Smith, school board vice president Justin Chapa, and board members Dr. Aaron Reich, David Wilbanks and Leanne Haynes. While it is customary to see board members attend such special school celebrations, they were also there to support a close colleague. Sarah McMurrough, current secretary for the school board and board member since 2021, was one of the guest speakers because of the impact that Foster made on her childhood.

McMurrough shared how in 1996, her mother 鈥� a newly single mom at the time 鈥� moved her and her brother from Florida into the school鈥檚 neighborhood. The staff and the school鈥檚 wide variety of activities eased McMurrough鈥檚 worries during her only year 鈥� the sixth grade 鈥� at Foster. 听

鈥淲hen we registered, I was a little bit disheartened and nervous,鈥� McMurrough said, referring to the fact that sixth grade was in an elementary building versus a junior high setting.

McMurrough said it ended up being 鈥渢he best year yet.鈥� She eventually became an education major in college and returned to Foster in 2007 to complete her student teaching there.

鈥淚 handpicked this school because I love it so much,鈥� said McMurrough, who taught fourth grade in 91制片厂 for 12 years 鈥� including at Hale Elementary, where she was honored 鈥淭eacher of the Year.鈥�

McMurrough was excited to reunite with her old schoolmates, brothers Sam and Sharif Sayed, the event鈥檚 keynote speakers. Today, Sam Sayed holds a master鈥檚 degree in biomedical sciences and professional studies from Drexel University in Pennsylvania and is a medical student at the Burnell School of Medicine at Texas Christian University. He will soon become an emergency medicine physician for the Mayo Clinic.

Back in the 1990s, however, Sayed admitted that he spent a lot of time in the principal鈥檚 office due to poor behavior. Some of his struggles were due to the passing of their mom when he was young.

鈥淲hile the loss of a mother鈥檚 love and guidance can never be replaced, Foster Elementary was always there to fill our hearts with joy that a child deserves to have,鈥� he said.

Sam largely attributed his turnaround to longtime former P.E. teacher Arlious Jackson, who was also in attendance. Jackson gave him honest, tough love while serving as his baseball coach. He coached the entire Sayed clan 鈥� a family of seven 鈥� in various activities, including bowling and chess.

Jackson was the 鈥渕ost influential educator that I ever had,鈥� Sam said.

Sharif Sayed echoed his brother鈥檚 sentiments about Foster, particularly about Jackson. He also spent years getting in trouble at Foster yet went on to study at the University of Texas at Arlington. Sharif co-founded Dayna鈥檚 Footprints, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing educational inequities and social injustices. With 13 years of experience as a corporate executive, he currently owns a consulting firm and e-commerce brand.

听鈥淭hank you for believing in two snotty-nosed kids that perhaps didn鈥檛 believe in themselves as much as you guys did,鈥� Sam said.听

A labor of love

During the presentation, the event鈥檚 committee members acknowledged all of the school鈥檚 past principals: James Starrett, Barbara Syptak, Charleen Brinkley, Richard Longgrear, Arthur Benton, Jeanne Paull, Dr. Josh Garcia and Jacquelyn McClendon.

Longgrear appreciated his opportunity to lead Foster while McMurrough and the Sayed brothers attended the school. He largely credits his staff at that time for the success he obtained during what was his first principal job.

鈥淭here were so many exceptional people, from the teachers to the secretary to the counselors to the coaches. It was a great learning experience,鈥� Longgrear said. 鈥淭o see so many people show up tonight, it was great.鈥�

Dawn Mitchell, who taught many students, including Shariff Sayed, during her 30-year tenure at Foster, was thrilled to serve on the event鈥檚 committee. The current counselor called it a 鈥渇amily reunion,鈥� relishing the fact that former staff members 鈥� even substitute teachers, she said 鈥� returned for the celebration.

Attendees were encouraged to walk around the building to view new renovations and the new playgrounds as well as a 70s-themed hallway display of student work projects featuring glow-in-the-dark disco balls, lava lamps and roller skates. Inside the library, attendees were treated to light refreshments and numerous scrapbooks and photo albums where they looked for familiar faces. Framed school spirit T-shirts from years gone by were also displayed.

Former Foster student, 16-year-old Marco Woodard, even kept the crowd grooving while serving as the DJ. He said staff members always inspired him to be successful.

鈥淚f you鈥檙e not on the right track, they鈥檒l get you on the right track,鈥� he said. 听

Looking to the future

Foster鈥檚 choir also took guests back in time by singing the school song, composed by Peggy Hardagree, many years ago. Afterward, the choir joined the school鈥檚 orchestra in premiering a new song composed by current music teacher Andy Diaz. The students also revealed Foster鈥檚 sleek new logo onstage.

Jacquelyn Burden, Foster鈥檚 principal for the past eight years, is excited about the future of the school. A former administrator for Dallas ISD, Burden believed she found a jewel in Foster after moving to Arlington and finding a home not far from the school.

鈥淭here is not another group of educators that have a heart for teaching and for children like this collaborative group of people,鈥� Burden said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been on many campuses. But this culture is unmatched. They care for each other, the students and their families.鈥�

Twenty-five years ago, Christopher Wilson began his teaching career as an adjunct music professor at TCU and as an elementary music instructor in Austin ISD. After those brief stints, he began teaching fourth grade at Foster and hasn鈥檛 looked back.

鈥淚 love the students, their families, my co-workers and my mentors and administrators,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ever once have I even considered leaving Foster 鈥� it鈥檚 my second home!鈥�

Wilson was overwhelmed by reuniting with a number of his former co-workers and former students.

鈥淚t was a blast!鈥� Wilson said. 鈥淭he school had never turned 50 before! It far exceeded my expectations and was surprisingly emotional for me.鈥� 听

Event coincides with Read Across America Day

The annual Reading Rocks event at Crouch Elementary last Friday featured a little bit of everything.

Of course, there were plenty of books. After all, the event coincides with . There were snacks to make sure all the guest readers were fueled up before heading to classes.

And of course, there were guest readers from all across the Arlington area. New superintendent Dr. Matt Smith was there. So was 91制片厂 Board of Trustees member Justin Chapa. Grand Prairie police chief Daniel Scesney also stopped by. And so did staff members from all across the 91制片厂.

Crouch librarian Jo Ann Cottrell has turned the event into one of the places to be every year.

鈥淭his promotes a shared love of a reading experience for everyone in the school,鈥� Cottrell said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what happens when you share that love.鈥�

Smith鈥檚 first stop in sharing that love was first-grade teacher Zulema Quezada鈥檚 class. That鈥檚 where he read 鈥淕rumpy Monkey Party Time!鈥� a book about managing social anxiety in the toughest of all settings 鈥� at a party with dancing. Smith then headed to a fifth-grade class to read 鈥淔lat Cat.鈥�

Down the hall, Chapa was finishing 鈥淭he Cool Bean鈥� in Tsedenya Haile鈥檚 fourth-grade class. When the book was done, the real fun started. Once Chapa told the class he was a lawyer and asked if they had any questions, the questions did not stop.

鈥淗ave you met Judge Judy?鈥� The answer was no, and then Chapa said what happens behind the scenes on a show like that.

鈥淗ave you been to the White House?鈥� Yes, twice in fact.

鈥淒o you get paid in thousands of dollars?鈥� Yes, but not all lawyers make a lot of money.

And so on, and so on. And Chapa loved the interaction with the students.

鈥淭hey had great questions,鈥� he said.

It was that kind of day as the students learned a lot more than just what they heard in the books from the guests.

鈥淲e know education is the way for students to get what they want later in life,鈥� Crouch principal Jaime Stephens told the group of readers before they ventured to their assignments. 鈥淩eading is a fundamental way to get them on that path. That鈥檚 what makes an event like this so special.鈥�

Family Expo gets your family ready for summer

Are you ready for an exhilarating experience that combines education with fun?

Look no further than 91制片厂's annual Family Expo, presented by the family and community engagement department in collaboration with and .

This year's expo, on April 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center, includes over 75 vendors to help families with summer resources.

Snapology: Where Fun and Learning Collide

will take center stage at this year's expo, offering families a chance to dive into fun learning experiences with hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Art and Math) activities. These activities are designed to ignite curiosity, foster teamwork, build confidence and enhance problem-solving skills.

Featured Activities

Animation Studio:

Learn animation fundamentals and create LEGO stop-motion movies. Families craft a story, build scenes and explore stop-motion filming, editing and effects.

Robotics/Creature Creator:

Build LEGO robotic models inspired by dolphins or gorillas. Discover gear ratios, sensors and programming with block or coding.

Engineering Engagement Room:

• Machines in Art - Spin Art: Build LEGO machines for spin art creation.
• Junior Engineers - Simple Machines: Explore DUPLO models of elevators, amusement park rides and more to learn about simple machines.

Learning at Home Engagement Room:

• Minifigure Me: Design and create 3D LEGO minifigures based on printed outlines.
• Math with LEGOs: Explore math concepts through fun LEGO activities and take-home handouts for continued learning.

Learning Beyond the Expo and Exciting Extras

The expo isn't just a one-time event 鈥� it's a gateway to continuous learning at home. Families can discover resources, tips and activities related to STEAM, literacy, toys and technology and social-emotional learning.

Attendees can look forward to door prizes, gift takeaways and plenty of opportunities to blend education and excitement.

Register today

Register and mark your calendar, gather your family and join us at 91制片厂's Family Expo for a day of educational fun.

Career Exploration Camp registration opens March 18

Parents, if you are looking for a fun way for your incoming seventh, eighth or ninth grade student to spend their summer, the free Career Exploration Camp at the Dan Dipert Career Technical Center is the perfect opportunity.

91制片厂 career and technical education department (CTE) has partnered with the guidance and counseling team to introduce students to four-year pathways they can take advantage of once they begin high school. With over 12 discussion topics, students will have the opportunity to learn about career paths that focus on robotics, culinary arts, web design, architecture and much more.

鈥淲e are excited to offer these hands-on opportunities for students to experience some of our amazing programs," said Sara Mahoney, the coordinator for career and technical education. 鈥淥ur hope is that this experience will help students choose programs that they are interested in and start them on their path to future career success!鈥�

Registration for the Career Exploration Camp opens on March 18 at 5 p.m., and CTE specialists like Earl Harris are excited to for students to register and take part in the camp. He believes it will spark a curiosity in students that will last a lifetime.

鈥淓mpowering young minds with hands-on experiences at our CTE career camp for junior high students isn't just about sparking curiosity; it's about igniting a passion for learning,鈥� Harris said. "We believe that by providing real-world applications, we're not just preparing students for the future 鈥� we're sculpting future leaders equipped with 21st-century skills, essential for their post-secondary success.鈥�

You can see the camp flyer here, and be ready when the link to register goes live. Don鈥檛 wait to register because there will only be 200 spots available.

Opal Lee spearheaded Juneteenth campaign

Two hours into 鈥淚gniting the Change,鈥� Sam Houston High School鈥檚 Black History Month program, keynote speaker took the stage.

Judging by the rousing standing ovation, it was worth the wait.

Lee, 97, walked gingerly to a waiting chair, sat, leaned into the microphone and began to talk about life as the catalyst for Juneteenth, the national holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.

It was Lee who campaigned for decades to bring Juneteenth to the national stage, promoting the idea during a series of symbolic walks from her Fort Worth home to the U.S. capital, beginning in 2016. She also spearheaded an online petition that drew 1.6 million signatures.

In June 2021, a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden.

鈥淚 was there when President Biden signed the resolution and the bill making it a law,鈥� Texas Congressman Marc Veasey said during one of several video tributes to Lee. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 think of any better person to focus on than Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth.鈥�

Lee is highly sought after in February but said that Sam Houston was an intentional choice after hearing good things about its past Black History programs. Indeed, the yearly event has become a district staple with other campuses joining in on the celebration, too, like Martin High School (Davina Obinyan recited her 鈥淏lack Monologue鈥�), Nichols Junior High (performed its award-winning step routine), Dallas ISD鈥檚 fifth grade oratory winner Jzairus Hopkins Swanson (recited his speech) and TCC Northeast (a spirited hip-hop performance).

鈥淲hen presenting a program that reflects the resilience, creativity and leadership of African Americans who have shaped our nation鈥檚 history, who better represents that than Opal Lee?鈥� Sam Houston principal Juan Villarreal said when opening the program.

Black History committee member Billy Wilson said Lee was a good fit for its new theme, 鈥淚gniting the Change,鈥� a theme which he didn鈥檛 quite understand at first.

鈥淎s I got to ponder it a bit more,鈥� he said, 鈥淚 really got to see it as a call to action. Each of us in our everyday lives has been taught to make decisions about what we will do. We have a mind that lets us make choices of right and wrong.

鈥淓ach of us, as we go through the day, we see things going on we need to say something about. Whether it is integration, jail deaths or the homeless, there are a lot of things going on we can say something about. If we each do our part, we can bring a better society. We should be a committee of one to change. If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love.鈥�

That was the sentiment for the program, including performances by various Sam Houston choirs, the Jazz Ensemble, the dance group African Sensations, the Color Guard and the oratory group 鈥淵oung People of Color.鈥�

Committee chair Graylon Roberson, a teacher at Sam Houston, directed a Black music appreciation medley featuring songs from Chuck Berry to Whitney Houston.

鈥淲e work on this program starting from the end of the last year鈥檚 program,鈥� Roberson said. 鈥淭he students and staff all come together, including members of the community, other high schools and colleges.鈥�

Last year, the program honored John Lewis and his campaign for civil rights.

鈥淭his year, the students said, 鈥榃e want to start something that ignites a change鈥� and say how it鈥檚 bigger than us, more than just us,鈥� Roberson said. 鈥淲hen we found out that we鈥檇 have Opal Lee coming, we thought that 鈥業gniting the Change鈥� was perfect, seeing that to start something, all it takes is one small step that can make a difference. That鈥檚 what we wanted to hone in on this year.鈥�

During her speech, Lee said she took one step toward making Juneteenth a national holiday and watched as many others followed and kept pace.

鈥淎ll you have to be is a committee of one,鈥� she said, 鈥渢o change somebody鈥檚 mind, to get people who are not on the same page on the same page. You can change minds if you keep at it. You can change lives. That鈥檚 what we did with Juneteenth.鈥�

Explore your future at College and Career Expo

Discover endless opportunities at the 91制片厂 College and Career Expo on March 26, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. at the 91制片厂 Athletics Center. With college reps, local businesses, seminars and prizes, this event is a gateway to a world of possibilities after high school and is geared to both eager high school students and their parents.

The Expo features colleges and universities like the University of Texas at Arlington, Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas Tech University, the University of Oklahoma and many more. College representatives will share insights on academic paths and advice to help students figure out how to pursue their aspirations.

Beyond academics, businesses like Canon Solutions America, Prince Lebanese Grill and National Special Force will be present as well, and some will offer on-site job interviews. So, students, dress appropriately and bring multiple copies of your resume.

The Expo will also include informative 45-minute seminars designed to empower students and parents alike to make informed decisions. Seminar topics include college prep, paying for college, college athletic recruiting and scholarships.

You鈥檙e guaranteed to leave the event with a ton of helpful information for your future. And you might even walk away with an exciting prize. Several lucky attendees will win a Bluetooth speaker, Fire TV Stick or Beats Studio Buds. Thanks to for sponsoring the giveaway.

With all the learning, networking, job interviewing and fun, attendees are bound to work up an appetite. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 a good thing there will be concessions this year for the first time, courtesy of students from the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center.

To sign up for this enriching experience, click . Don't miss the chance to explore, learn and pave the way for a successful future at the 91制片厂 College and Career Expo.

We can鈥檛 wait to see you there!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AnyTpZwj6k

Opal Lee will be keynote speaker

Sam Houston High School鈥檚 annual Black History Program will be extra special this year. Teacher and activist , 鈥渢he grandmother of Juneteenth鈥� will be the event鈥檚 keynote speaker.

Everyone is invited to the program on Feb. 16, from 6-8 p.m. in Sam Houston鈥檚 main auditorium.

"To have Opal Lee as this year's speaker is a treat for us here at Sam,鈥� said Sam Houston High School principal Juan Villarreal. 鈥淗er advocacy for the community but also humanity falls right into alignment with the core values here at Sam because we are such a diverse campus. I am proud of the Black History program and all the staff at Sam who work so hard to ensure it is a success year after year. As Sam鈥檚 principal, it truly is an honor.鈥�

The Black History program is spear-headed by U.S. history/African American studies teacher Graylon Roberson. He hopes the community will come together to enjoy a night of music, dance and inspiration.

鈥淲e are over the moon to have Mrs. Opal Lee as our keynote speaker this year,鈥� Roberson said. 鈥淎ttendees can witness students, staff, alumni and community members come together in many ways to honor our theme: 鈥業gniting the Change: It's Bigger Than Us.鈥� We鈥檝e worked hard to put on a good show so we can't wait to see everyone there as we celebrate Black history and American history.鈥�

Attendees can expect performances by the SHHS choir, SHHS community jazz band, the TCC Movers Unlimited Dance Troupe, and the poetry group Young People of Color. There will also be special video messages from U.S. Congressmen Marc Veasey and Colin Allred and, of course, the phenomenal keynote speaker, Opal Lee.

Opal Lee will also host a book signing after the program concludes, and light refreshments will be served.

Purchase tickets for the program . Tickets are just $3, and the proceeds go to the Black History Month Scholarship Fund. College scholarships are awarded to Sam Houston seniors who work with the Black History program.

You can donate to directly to the scholarship program .

Navy Band's national tour coming to Arlington

Whether you're a music enthusiast, a proud veteran or a family looking for an exciting night听out, the 91制片厂 Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) has you covered. 听

Mark your calendars and get ready to be swept away by the majestic melodies of the ! 听

As a part of their 2024 national tour, 170 enlisted musicians recruited from the finest music schools and professional organizations, will perform on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at 7 p.m. at听the CVPA for a FREE, unforgettable night. 听

From marches, patriotic selections and modern wind ensemble masterpieces, this family-friendly event aims to bridge the gap between citizens and the Navy. 听

鈥淭his is an amazing opportunity for our students, families and community to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience,鈥� said Christopher Bryant, director of the CVPA. 鈥淭he fact that it鈥檚 free makes it even better. We want to fill the CVPA.鈥�听

Celebrate the spirit of the U.S. Navy with us right here in 91制片厂! 听

Learn more about the event and reserve your free tickets . 听

Toys will go to local kids in need

Hardly anything could beat the excitement last week in Arlington鈥檚 entertainment district. No, the new World Series champion Texas Rangers weren鈥檛 there. Nor were the Cowboys.

Although the pro teams鈥� stadiums were in view, the nearby Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) took center stage for the festivities. There, hundreds of people braved the chilly weather to attend 91制片厂鈥檚 2023 Toys for Tots 鈥� an event designed to collect loads of toys for local kids in need.

The nearly six-hour-long event kicked off at 5 p.m. and included musical performances from students 鈥� from elementary through high school. Throughout the evening, people drove their cars up to the building鈥檚 entrance 鈥� all decked out with red and green lighting 鈥� and dropped off toys.

Arlington resident Mike Brown, a U.S. Army retiree, pulled up in his red truck with a variety of toys stacked inside the trunk. He and his wife Sherrie have donated to Toys for Tots for more than 10 years. The 66-year-old said he just had to stop by after hearing about the event in passing.

鈥淚 just do it from the bottom of my heart to give to kids that might not be able to have anything,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the main purpose.鈥�

After all, nearly 75% of 91制片厂鈥檚 students are from low-income families, so the need is great.

Brown and the other donors were met with thunderous applause by hundreds of students and volunteers. These included members of the fraternity Omega Psi Phi and sororities Alpha Kappa Alpha and Sigma Gamma Rho, who also donated toys. They also helped unload the goods from vehicles, placing the many items onto large trucks provided by AT&T, one of the event鈥檚 sponsors.

Omega Psi Phi member Joseph Williams, who moved to Texas from North Carolina in 2018, was among the participants.

鈥淎ny event that you are helping the community is always tremendous,鈥� Williams said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what we鈥檙e here for. We鈥檙e all here for the service at the end of the day.鈥�

Continuing a legacy

distributed an unprecedented 24.4 million toys, books and games to 9.9 million disadvantaged children with the help of more than 50,000 volunteers in 2022. The organization relies on volunteers like Williams and sponsors to collect and distribute toys for less fortunate children. 听

The program began 76 years ago as the brainchild of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks, who was inspired by his wife, Diane. At the time, Diane had several handcrafted dolls and had asked Bill to deliver them to an agency that supports children in need.

Lisa Montgomery, the Arlington event鈥檚 assistant director, is happy to be a part of Hendrick鈥檚 legacy. She has participated in the event for the past 14 years.

听鈥淚 love Christmas!鈥� said Montgomery, who was dressed as an elf. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not about a person or big foundation. It鈥檚 all about the kids and making sure every kid gets a little Christmas. It鈥檚 not about having 20 toys, it鈥檚 about having two, three, four or five toys.鈥�

Montgomery was thrilled by the event鈥檚 turnout.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a good feeling to see it all come to fruition and come together the way it should. To get the community, the participation, all the cars,鈥� she said.

Local toy collection campaigns begin in October with community members dropping new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes positioned in local businesses and schools.听Then听toy distribution takes place mid- to late-December.听

James Renfro, AT&T鈥檚 national lead for Toys for Tots, explained that coordinators pick up these toys and store them in central warehouses where the toys are sorted by age and gender.听At Christmas, coordinators 鈥� with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups and other local community agencies 鈥� distribute the toys to the less fortunate children of the community.

Renfro, who began mapping out details for the toy drive back in February, said, 鈥淚 told my boss recently that if she asked me to stop, I couldn鈥檛 stop.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 just one of those things that get in your heart and head. I eat, sleep and breathe Toys For Tots,鈥� said Renfro, who was dressed as the character Woody from the 鈥淭oy Story鈥� films.

He wasn鈥檛 the only one in uniform while handling boxes of toys. At each Toys for Tots event 鈥� regardless of the city or school district 鈥� U.S. Marines are there helping. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation 鈥� a nonprofit charity established in 1991 鈥� helps run and support the program.

Corporal Alexander McCarthy, a three-year Marine from Lubbock, said there was no way he could miss the event. The 23-year-old said he first wanted to become a Marine around the age of seven. He loves participating in the toy drives every year.

鈥淚 love it 鈥� Personally, myself, I grew up in a background that was like that. So, it hits a little bit closer to home,鈥� McCarthy said.

Montgomery said having Marines like McCarthy serve at Toys for Tots drives is a bonus for 91制片厂 students.

鈥淭hey can see someone younger 鈥� almost their age 鈥� especially high school students can see them active and doing other things,鈥� she said.

Setting the mood

The students who attended the toy drive even got a chance to meet Santa. Well, Dallas resident Marcus Wells, a local logistics company owner who has spent the past five years serving as Old St. Nick for Toys for Tots.

鈥淚t鈥檚 awesome to change that narrative for kids that don鈥檛 have,鈥� Wells said. 鈥淢aking sure kids have something for Christmas because it is a festive time of the year 鈥� It keeps me coming back.鈥�

Students from across the district helped put everyone in the Christmas spirit with festive musical performances. Elementary students from Butler, Larson, Webb, Hill and Swift, along with a choir from Sam Houston High School, shared their beautiful voices. And bands from Lamar and Seguin high schools, along with an orchestra from Boles Junior High, performed classic Christmas tunes.

Bridgette Allbright was thrilled to watch her daughter Savannah, a Boles seventh grader, play her viola at the event. She was shocked that the very reserved Savannah, 12, responded to her orchestra director鈥檚 request to have students volunteer to participate in the event.

鈥淚鈥檓 glad that she did it,鈥� Allbright said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 great that she is giving back to the community 鈥� It is something that I never thought I鈥檇 see my daughter do.鈥�

鈥淚t was fun 鈥� A nice experience,鈥� Savannah said about playing 鈥淯p on the Rooftop鈥� and 鈥淛ingle Bells.鈥�

91制片厂 interim superintendent Dr. Stephen Wurtz was overwhelmed by the students鈥� participation and enthusiasm for the event.

鈥淚t鈥檚 fantastic,鈥� Wurtz said. 鈥淲e teach our students in the classroom, not only academics but how to be model citizens. And this is just an example of them giving back to their community and helping each other out.鈥�

Toys for Tots event at the CVPA

Santa Claus will be making an early stop in Arlington before his busy season begins.

Santa will be just one of many guests tomorrow for 91制片厂鈥檚 first-ever听听event at the听Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts听(CVPA).

Wednesday鈥檚 event runs from 5 to 10:30 p.m. with people donating toys for children who might otherwise not get any presents this holiday season.

There will be nine 91制片厂 student performances, United States Marine Corps members and a live broadcast throughout the evening on听. While the 91制片厂 is hosting the event, anyone from the area is welcome to drop off a toy or donate.

The student performances will begin with elementary students in the 5 to 6:30 p.m. window followed by junior high and high school performances. Weather permitting, all student performances will be outside the CVPA. Donations will be accepted anytime during the event.

We鈥檙e asking everyone who is donating to enter and exit on Sanford Street.

Toys for Tots event will be broadcast live on Fox 4

We are now just eight days away from 91制片厂鈥檚 first-ever event at the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA).

Next Wednesday, Nov. 29, we hope to have lines of cars snaking through our facility from 5 to 10:30 p.m. with people donating toys for children who might otherwise not have anything this holiday season.

There will be 91制片厂 student performances, a visit from Santa and a live broadcast throughout the evening on . While the 91制片厂 is hosting the event, anyone from the area is welcome to drop off a toy or donate.

The student performances will begin with elementary students in the 5 to 6:30 p.m. window followed by junior high and high school performances. Weather permitting, all student performances will be outside the CVPA. Donations will be accepted anytime during the event.

We鈥檙e asking everyone who is donating to enter and exit on Sanford Street.

鈥淲e鈥檙e very excited that this is happening,鈥� said Aaron Perales, the 91制片厂 executive director of engagement, equity and access. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had great support from our campuses, our student organizations and our community partners. The weather looks good as of now, too. We hope this is the start of a wonderful annual event.鈥�

CTE Showcase at the Career + Technical Center

Want to know more about the Career and Technical Education () programs that the 91制片厂 offers?

Join us for the CTE Showcase on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center. Learn about everything from culinary arts to cosmetology. There鈥檚 something for everyone at the CTE Showcase.

Attendees will be able to visit classrooms, see demonstrations designed for eighth, ninth and 10^th grade students and learn first-hand about the CTE courses that are available at our high school campuses as well as the upper-level courses at the CTC.

Current CTE students and teachers will be on hand to talk to you and show what they are doing in classes. You can also meet with administrators and counselors to set up a plan for CTE success.

Register for the event and learn more about the district鈥檚 CTE programs here to prepare any questions you or your student may have.

Pacheco will sing favorites, classics and originals

The holidays are almost here! Only 47 days until Christmas, and 29 until the very first collaboration between a celebrity artist and 91制片厂 students.

That鈥檚 right, 91制片厂 will be performing alongside national recording artist on his Christmas Tour.

Pacheco will be coming right here to the 91制片厂 Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place in the Robert G. Copeland Concert Hall.

鈥淲e are all about unique educational experiences that can be offered at the CVPA,鈥� said CVPA director Christopher Bryant. 鈥淭his event is an amazing opportunity for our kids.鈥�

Pacheco is one of the greatest tenor voices of his generation and has performed all over the world. Students are set to be his opening act and special guests during his performance.

鈥淭he fact that our students have the chance to be a part of something like this before they graduate is just another example of the investment our fine arts department and 91制片厂 have in the lives of our kids,鈥� Bryant said.

The opening act for Pacheco will be the . The group goes on at 7:30 p.m. But that鈥檚 not the end of their night.

The singers will also participate in the closing song by Pacheco, whose performance will provide an unforgettable night of Christmas favorites, original music and lots of classics.

鈥淲e believe that they can be the best in any professional and career path they choose to pursue. Providing moments like this where they can see this belief in action helps motivate them even more,鈥� Bryant said.

It鈥檒l be an exciting way to kick off the holiday season in the 91制片厂 community! You won't want to miss it.

Grab your tickets .

Bring new toys and see student performances

As the holiday season approaches, it's time to spread joy and bring smiles to the faces of children in need. We are thrilled to announce an exciting 91制片厂 event taking place on Nov. 29 at the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) from 5 to 10:30 p.m.

This remarkable evening promises to be filled with entertainment, goodwill and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of deserving children. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night of giving back!

鈥淲e are so thankful for our Arlington community that is so loving and committed to helping our children,鈥� said Aaron Perales, the 91制片厂 executive director of engagement, equity and access. 鈥淭his is another opportunity for us to come together and uplift our Arlington families during the holiday season.鈥�

There will be live student performances as well as live broadcasts from from the CVPA throughout the event. And there could be a visit from Santa as well.

Anyone can drop off a toy anytime during the window.

This is your chance to embrace the joy of giving by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Your contribution will help bring happiness to Arlington area children who may otherwise go without during this special time of year.

Together, we can ensure that every child experiences the magic and joy of the holiday season. Let's make this year's Toys for Tots event an unforgettable success!

Register for Explore 91制片厂 now

Explore 91制片厂, your one-stop shop to find out about all the specialized program opportunities in the 91制片厂, is now just a week away.

The event is Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center.

Explore 91制片厂 attendees will learn more about the six 91制片厂 high school options that allow students to earn up to 60 hours of free college credit, the track for fine arts and dual language students that starts in elementary school and continues all the way until they graduate from Arlington High School and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy and so much more. This is a great opportunity for parents and students to make an informed decision when the specialized programs application window opens at noon on Oct. 24.

There will also be representatives from different departments like advanced academics. Attendees can also learn more about the course offerings at the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA).

This year鈥檚 Explore event will also feature performances and demonstrations from talented 91制片厂 specialized programs students.

There will be piano, choir and dance performances by students from Corey Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy, Jones Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy and Gunn Junior High and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy.

There will also be pottery, games and STEM demonstrations from students from the STEM Academy at Martin High School, Pearcy STEM Academy, Wimbish World Language Academy and the CVPA.

You can register for this FREE event and learn more about specialized programs here. The 91制片厂 bag policy will be enforced at the event.

STEMtacular fun for everyone

The first-ever Pre-K and Kindergarten STEM Spectacular next week at Webb Elementary is so awesome it鈥檚 STEMtacular.

While STEMtacular isn鈥檛 really a word, it speaks to how impressive the free event will be on Thursday night from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

There鈥檚 something for everyone at the STEM Spectacular. You can see our littlest learners in action using the knowledge they鈥檝e acquired in pre-K and kindergarten in the 91制片厂. There will be an obstacle course, animals to see and even some superheroes.

But there鈥檚 more. Yoga? Yep. Bubbles? Of course! Snakes and other reptiles? Got it. A scavenger hunt? Well of course. Remember the event is STEMtacular!

鈥淲e鈥檙e so excited to have this opportunity to show how STEM impacts so many things,鈥� said 91制片厂 early childhood director Dr. Jackeline Orsini. 鈥淲e wanted to have something for everyone, and we think our STEM Spectacular does just that. It will be fun for the entire family.鈥�

The STEM Spectacular is free for everyone. Webb Elementary will be selling concessions at the event that benefit the school鈥檚 career day project.

If you want to come to the STEM Spectacular, sign up . If your child is ready to start pre-K, you can do that here as we鈥檙e always registering new students for our free pre-K with STEM curriculum.

It鈥檚 that time of year again!

Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza

The Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza is back and better than ever for the 41^st annual competition taking place on Monday, Sept. 25, from 7- 8:30 p.m. at Cravens Field at Lamar High School.

As in previous years, all six of 91制片厂鈥檚 phenomenal high school marching bands (Arlington, Bowie, Lamar, Martin, Sam Houston and Seguin) will perform as they set their eyes on the Marching Contest that takes place Oct. 10 at Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield. During the competition, students and directors will receive evaluations from some of North Texas鈥� respected band teachers.

Fine Arts

91制片厂 assistant director of fine arts Joe Munoz believes the event is an opportunity for the community to come together and see the district's high school programs and let our kids know how much we support them.

鈥淒ean Corey Marching Band Extravaganza is always a special part of the fall,鈥� said Munoz. 鈥淪eeing our high school band students showcase their hard work and talent in an event that allows them to perform their marching band productions in an environment like what they will experience at UIL is critical to their preparation.鈥�

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

History of Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza

This extravaganza honors the legacy of Dean P. Corey, an Arlington High School band director from 1949-1972, who later served as coordinator of music activities for the district from 1972-1980. Corey is also the namesake of 91制片厂鈥檚 elementary school Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language.

Grab your tickets!

Tickets are $7 and can be purchased online or at the gate (cash only). Proceeds from all ticket sales will benefit the 91制片厂 Private Lesson Program. The mission of the Arlington Music Enrichment Program is to improve the musical education experience for all 91制片厂 students in band, choir and orchestra programs by providing financial assistance to students for music lessons.

Be sure to follow the district鈥檚 , and pages for posts from the event on Sept. 25.

For any questions about this event, email the event coordinator, Rhonda Ceaser, at Rceaser@asd.net.

HOCO season kicked off with Arlington High

#HOCO season is almost here! Ready to radiate your school spirit?听

Everybody knows that homecoming festivities are a must. But have you ever wondered about the history or where all of these traditions come from? What does homecoming even mean?听

鈥淲hen I think of homecoming I think of lights everywhere, glitter, cowbells, pumpkins, our awesome cheer and drill teams and Friday night football,鈥� said Martin High School senior Kami Pratt.听听 听

Of course, crafty mums, crowning the homecoming king and queen, asking your crush to the homecoming dance and representing your school at the football game are what homecoming is all about. But it鈥檚 also about welcoming the community 鈥� no matter when you were a student, staff member or parent 鈥� back together as one.听听听

鈥淗omecoming to me is a week where all the students get to show school spirit and come together to have fun and celebrate others,鈥� said Lamar P-TECH sophomore Karma Eppes.听

The word homecoming quite literally speaks for itself. The tradition started as a 鈥渃oming home鈥� opportunity for alumni to reconnect with classmates and share memories on their old home turf. The celebration of homecoming has continued to be recognized in various ways across the country and evolved into what it is today.听

Here in 91制片厂, homecoming week never disappoints. Leading up to game day, each day of the week is celebrated with a fun theme for students to dress up in funky outfits and show their school spirit.听

Mums are also one of the most exciting traditions of homecoming. Wearing chrysanthemums became popular in Texas in the 1930s as a token of affection. The tradition has grown 鈥� literally 鈥� through the years. LED lights, stuffed animals on the mum and additional support just to wear it are now commonplace.听听

Clubs and organizations also put on a homecoming pep rally to get the community pumped up for the football game. Students and staff members come together to recognize alumni who join to revisit their old stomping grounds.听 听

鈥淗earing and feeling the vibrations of the drumline when they come down the halls always gives me butterflies,鈥� said Arlington High School principal Stacie Humbles. 鈥淥ur gym is transformed into the most spirited place in town and everyone is absolutely pumped.鈥�听

Whether it's playing in the game, making mums with your friends, cheering for your kiddo in the stands or revisiting with an old teacher or student, homecoming is full of memorable connections.听 听

Each of the district's traditional high schools will have their homecoming pep rally and football game on the following dates:听

• 9/8 Arlington High vs. Fossil Ridge听听听
• 9/8 Bowie vs. Plano听
• 9/15 Sam Houston vs. Kimball听
• 10/5 Seguin vs. Everman听
• 10/20 Martin vs. Sam Houston听
• 11/2 Lamar vs. South Grand Prairie听

Follow our , and pages to keep up with pictures and videos of each homecoming pep rally. And be sure to share your pictures and videos with the hashtag #HOCOnnect2023. Happy homecoming!听听

听

New Berry funded by the 2019 Bond

It was a party Monday evening at Berry Elementary School.

鈥淢r. Celebration鈥� himself, Sir Earl Toon of Kool & the Gang, turned the dedication of the new elementary school into a celebration. In front of a packed cafeteria 鈥� full of Berry students, parents, teachers and alumni 鈥� the Grammy Award-winner performed several songs, including his hits 鈥淐elebration鈥� and 鈥淕et Down on It.鈥�

The new Berry is definitely worth celebrating.

On the same site as the original Berry, which opened in 1955, the new Berry looks a lot different.

The two-story building with nearly 105,000 square feet features pre-K-sixth grade classrooms, a media center, fine arts classrooms, STEM labs, makerspace, collaboration spaces, outdoor areas and more.

鈥淭his is about ensuring all of our students 鈥� all of our Berry Bears 鈥� have a great school that prepares them for the 21st century,鈥� said 91制片厂 board president Melody Fowler at the dedication ceremony.

But while the building looks different, some things haven鈥檛 changed 鈥� like the spirit and love that makes Berry Berry.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duqbWOj5-vk&t=1061s[/embed]

鈥淚t鈥檚 a building designed to match the spirit and love that are so strong here,鈥� 91制片厂 interim superintendent Dr. Steven Wurtz said during the dedication ceremony. 鈥淚t鈥檚 that spirit and love that will turn these incredible modern spaces into a place where kids thrive, grow and build wonderful futures.鈥�

That spirit was alive and well as Sir Earl Toon got everyone grooving to his 1980 hit song and shouting 鈥淲oo hoo!鈥� Before long, Berry principal Rose Ravin and her teachers were up dancing around the cafeteria in a long train.

鈥淚t was very inspiring,鈥� Ravin said. 鈥淚t was such an honor to have Sir Earl here to help us open and have our dedication here today.鈥�

Toon, who lives in Dallas, knows Berry assistant principal Manuel Triana and has great respect for what he and Ravin are doing at Berry.

鈥淚 figured if they are going to do what they set out to do with these kids and involving the parents, how could I not be here,鈥� Toon said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not only about the children; it鈥檚 about the parents and the school because when you put all of those things together, united we stand.鈥�

It was a natural fit for Toon, who lives to help people celebrate and is a founder of the non-profit , which provides new winter coats to kids in need and benefits many in the DFW area.

This year, he is planning to provide coats to many of the same kids who watched him sing Monday night.

After the singing ended, the party continued. The Sam Houston High School Tex-Anns drill team, who joined the celebration and welcomed everyone when thy first arrived, continued cheering as the building was opened for tours. And it didn鈥檛 end there. An ice cream social back in the cafeteria was the encore for the show.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge blessing for this neighborhood, this community and these kids,鈥� said Lisa Benjamin, who just retired from 91制片厂 where she was the administrative assistant for outgoing superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos. Berry holds a special place in Benjamin鈥檚 heart because this is where she started her journey in the 91制片厂 鈥� as a student when she was a little girl.

鈥淚t gives them new opportunities and a beautiful place to call home,鈥� she said.

Berry is one of four aging schools being replaced by the听2019 Bond听program. A听new Webb Elementary听opened in January, the new Thornton Elementary just opened, too, and a replacement for Carter Junior High will start construction later this year.

Celebrate good times, come on!

鈥淭here鈥檚 a party going on right here!鈥�

Right here in Arlington this Monday, Aug. 28, at the new Berry Elementary School. It鈥檒l be a celebration to dedicate the brand-new school.

In fact, 鈥淢r. Celebration鈥� himself, of Kool & the Gang, will be there to perform several of his hit songs, including 鈥淐elebration.鈥�

Then after the ceremony, the school will be open for tours followed by an ice cream social in the cafeteria.

It鈥檚 going to be a good time. If you鈥檇 like to come see the new school, get your groove on and celebrate good times, . The ceremony starts at 5 p.m.

The new Berry is definitely worth celebrating.

The new two-story school building with nearly 105,000 square-feet features five classrooms for each grade (pre-K-6), a media center, fine arts classrooms, STEM labs, makerspace, collaboration spaces, outdoor areas and more.

Designed with input from the community, teachers and students, the new Berry is intended to breathe new life into the east Arlington community and give all students access to unlimited educational opportunities in the best possible, state-of-the-art facilities.

鈥淲e are excited about what this is going to bring to our community,鈥� Berry principal Rose Ravin said nearly two years ago at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new school. 鈥淣ot just for our district but especially in our east Arlington area. We know this building will provide opportunities for our east Arlington students. We are excited because they will be a part of making new history, new memories, new learning, new designs and new creations.鈥�

The new school replaces the original Berry, built in 1955. It was demolished in 2021 and was rebuilt over the last two years on its original site.

Berry is one of four aging schools being replaced by the 2019 Bond program.

91制片厂 is hosting a transportation and food and nutrition services job fair on Thursday, Sept. 14, that will allow you to make an impact on students and take your career to a new level.

Are you a dedicated candidate who wants to be part of a diverse and inclusive team? Join us from 4-6 p.m. at the听.

Every position the district is hiring for at the fair pays at least $16 an hour. Available positions include:

Food Services:

• Specialist Food Service Software Support: minimum $27.82/hour
• Technician: Food and Nutrition: minimum $21.63/hour
• Truck Driver: Food Service: Warehouse: minimum $21.63/hour
• Food Service Clerk: $18.54/hour
• Manager: Food Service: minimum $18/hour
• Food Service Lead: minimum $17/hour
• Food Service Specialist: minimum $16/hour

Transportation:

• Bus Driver: minimum $24.06/hour
• Router: minimum $19.62/hour
• Driver Non-CDL: $17/hour
• Bus Attendant: minimum $16/hour

Representatives from the transportation and food and nutrition services departments will be present, too. After registering , please visit our jobs page to submit an online application for any positions of interest. In-person interviews will be conducted, so please bring your resume.

Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County hosting clinic

If you鈥檙e looking to cross one big item off your back-to-school checklist, you can do it starting July 31 when Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County hosts an immunization clinic at the 91制片厂 Athletics Center.

The center will be open Monday through Friday until Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. It will also be open on Saturday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The clinic, located at 1001 E. Division St., will be closed on Tuesday, Aug. 8.

Please bring your current shot records to the center. Medicaid and CHIP are accepted at the center.

听The cost is $15 per vaccination for uninsured adults 19 and older and $8 a shot for children 18 and under.

The center accepts cash and checks only. No debit or credit cards will be accepted.

If students have private insurance that pays for vaccines, please see your child鈥檚 doctor.

If you have any questions, please text 817-776-5574 or visit . If you鈥檙e not sure what immunizations are required, you can see the recommended immunization schedule .

Don鈥檛 forget tomorrow is Pre-K Palooza!

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r88_usGwkb4[/embed]

Join us tomorrow for 91制片厂鈥檚 Pre-K Palooza to register your 3- or 4-year old for pre-K or your new kindergartener and have lots of fun together! Kids will have a great time and you鈥檒l receive in-person registration assistance and resources from community partners.

.

Here鈥檚 what you need to know:

When: July 19, 11 a.m. 鈥� 6 p.m.

Where: Adams Elementary ()

What: FUN and registration help

• Registration support for pre-K and kindergarten
• Free backpacks and school supplies for the first 150 who register for school
• Free books from the 91制片厂 library services department
• Peter Piper Pizza coupons
• A chance to meet the new early childhood mascot
• Games and raffle prizes

Families will also receive resources from community partners like:

• Cook Children鈥檚 Health Plan
• Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA
• Tarrant County Public Health
• Tarrant County Kids
• The Parenting Center
• Arlington Charities
• And more.

Registration Support

School clerks will be on hand to walk you through the registration process. Be sure to bring the documents you need, and we can make copies on site. Pre-K staff will also be on hand to answer any of your questions.

Documents needed to register new students include:

• Student's original birth certificate
• Photo ID of parent/guardian: Driver's license, state or international ID, or passport
• Proof of address: Current gas, water, or electricity bill OR mortgage or lease agreement in the name of the parent/guardian
• Current immunization record
• Student's Social Security card

Documents required for returning students include:

• Photo ID of parent/guardian: Driver's license, state or international ID or passport
• Proof of address: Current gas, water or electricity bill OR mortgage or lease agreement in the name of the parent/guardian

See you at Pre-K Palooza! .

Pre-K registration is also available online听here.

Pre-K Palooza makes registration fun!

Join us next week for 91制片厂鈥檚 Pre-K Palooza to register your 3- or 4-year old for pre-K or your new kindergartener and have lots of fun together! Kids will have a great time and you鈥檒l receive in-person registration assistance and resources from community partners.

.

Here鈥檚 what you need to know:

When: July 19, 11 a.m. 鈥� 6 p.m.

Where: Adams Elementary ()

What: FUN and registration help

• Registration support for pre-K and kindergarten
• Free backpacks and school supplies for the first 150 who register for school
• Free books from the 91制片厂 library services department
• Peter Piper Pizza coupons
• A chance to meet the new early childhood mascot
• Games and raffle prizes

Families will also receive resources from community partners like:

• Cook Children鈥檚 Health Plan
• Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA
• Tarrant County Public Health
• Tarrant County Kids
• The Parenting Center
• Arlington Charities
• And more.

Registration Support

School clerks will be on hand to walk you through the registration process. Be sure to bring the documents you need, and we can make copies on site. Pre-K staff will also be on hand to answer any of your questions.

Documents needed to register new students include:

• Student's original birth certificate
• Photo ID of parent/guardian: Driver's license, state or international ID, or passport
• Proof of address: Current gas, water, or electricity bill OR mortgage or lease agreement in the name of the parent/guardian
• Current immunization record
• Student's Social Security card

Documents required for returning students include:

• Photo ID of parent/guardian: Driver's license, state or international ID or passport
• Proof of address: Current gas, water or electricity bill OR mortgage or lease agreement in the name of the parent/guardian

See you at Pre-K Palooza! .

Pre-K registration is also available online听here.

Register now for Father Fest 2023

Kick off summer this Saturday, May 20, at Father Fest, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 91制片厂 Athletics Center. ().

for Father FEST!听

The free outdoor event is a fun celebration of听fatherhood and families. All are invited to enjoy live music, food, prizes, giveaways and fun interactive family activities. Families will have a great time together and leave empowered and equipped with resources for this summer and everyday life.

鈥淲hile families enjoy the fun, they also strengthen bonds as they create memories,鈥� said Johnathane Gaffney of 91制片厂鈥檚 family and community engagement department.

This event is for everyone. You don鈥檛 have to go to 91制片厂 or even live in Arlington. Everyone is welcome!

EQUIP YOUR FAMILY

Father FEST is all about equipping families for success.

鈥淭his festival allows community partners to share resources to equip and support families, particularly for the summer months,鈥� Gaffney said.

Some of the community partners who will be at Father Fest include:

• Metro Sports Fieldhouse
• 91制片厂 Early Childhood Department
• 91制片厂 Library Services Department
• Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA Central Branch
• My Health My Resources
• GICE Loves
• Smith Media Company
• Texas Health and Human Services
• The Deyvi Coreas Jr. Foundation
• Janes Academy of Dance Excellence
• Vox Invictus Mentoring
• Academia Tutoring

DADS ENGAGED FOR EXCELLENCE

Father FEST is an initiative of 91制片厂 Dads Engaged for Excellence, a program designed to encourage dads, uncles, brothers and all adult males to serve as positive role models and become more active in their students鈥� education.

19th Annual Family Expo

Relocating one鈥檚 family to a new state is never easy. Parents have to explore neighborhoods to find housing and seek out the best schools for their children. Many moms and dads spend hours trying to discover resources in their new communities to help ensure the smoothest transition for their kids.

Few people know those uneasy feelings better than Adrienne Cannon. She moved from California just over a year ago, and now the mother of four constantly tries to educate herself about what the Dallas-Fort Worth area has to offer. That鈥檚 why she simply couldn鈥檛 miss the Family Expo and Resource Fair at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center on Saturday.

The expo, in partnership with 听and听, has served parents, students and the entire Arlington community for the past 19 years. This year鈥檚 event included numerous community partners who provided pamphlets and spoke about their varied programs, which centered around education, health and wellness for the whole family. With interactive S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) and social-emotional activities, families were also able to engage with each other with chances to win prizes.

A first-time attendee, Cannon brought two of her children to the four-hour event and left completely fulfilled. For nearly a half hour, she joyfully watched her daughters 鈥� 10-year-old Lauryn and 4-year-old Jayla 鈥� use a cellphone app to remotely guide a plastic, electronic ball through an obstacle course inside a S.T.E.A.M. play space.

The girls, who are Blanton Elementary students, were amazed at how they could instantaneously change the ball鈥檚 color, speed and direction. Cannon said the activity was perfect for her 鈥渢ech kids,鈥� as the mother tries to reserve electronics for the weekends so that her four daughters can focus on schoolwork during the week.

Adrienne Cannon said she鈥檚 always been 鈥渋mpressed with 91制片厂鈥檚 ability to engage families and connect them to the community.鈥� She attended the expo, in particular, to find summer programs to 鈥渒eep my kids busy,鈥� she said.

鈥淚 am always looking for resources. I want to take advantage of whatever is out there,鈥� Cannon said. 鈥淚鈥檓 trying to make sure I stay connected.鈥�

A longstanding affair

In 2004, the Family Expo began just as the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education formed 鈥渢o enhance the educational and personal development of youth and provide financial assistance to students pursuing higher education at an accredited college or university,鈥� according to its website.

The foundation 鈥� a nonprofit venture by the Xi Theta Omega Chapter 鈥� has generated funds for community programs conducted in Arlington and surrounding towns. At the expo, hundreds of Arlington families obtained invaluable information from countless agencies, including 91制片厂鈥檚 Multilingual Welcome Center, Tarrant County College, InpirED, TRiO and Fort Worth Community Action Partners.

Dr. A鈥橠onna Cooper, the AKA chapter鈥檚 first vice president, said the expo has rapidly grown because of the need. 鈥淭he population of people who come to these events are usually very underserved. And they have no idea of what鈥檚 available to them,鈥� she said.

Cooper added, 鈥淪o that is one of our main goals, and why we have so many exhibitors and such a wide variety of exhibitors 鈥� They can find out about all of the resources that can benefit them as a family 鈥� from mental health all the way to tutoring and summer programs.鈥�

Representing Camp Fire, Karea Scroggins was thrilled to share with parents, including Cannon, how her organization offers summer and after-school programs and even camps for grieving youths. In her role as manager for the organization鈥檚 Early Education Apprenticeship Program, Scroggins 鈥� a former longtime Dallas ISD educator 鈥� recruits new apprentices. She also supports them as they navigate through her program and assists graduated apprentices who are registering for college or are trying to obtain financial aid for their educational journey.

鈥淔or people who probably cannot pay for these credentials, it鈥檚 rewarding for us to have the funding that we have to pay for their degrees,鈥� Scroggins said.

Full of excitement

During the event, attendees had an opportunity to see Xi Theta Omega chapter members award deserving area high school students with scholarships 鈥� as they do annually at each expo. Lisa Staples-Wherry, the foundation鈥檚 vice president for publicity, said the chapter gave out more than $19,000 in scholarships last year. This year, she said the sorority raised more than $25,000 to help fund the education of area high school students. Parents loudly rejoiced as the youngsters received their donations in front of a vibrant digital presentation.

Throughout the expo, families jammed to DJ music and were treated to food and live performances from students from several 91制片厂 campuses. Among them were six girls from Nichols Junior High School who wowed the crowd 鈥� including Lauryn Cannon 鈥� with a sorority-style step routine that included swapping positions, along with emphatic chants and clapping.

鈥淭hey were good,鈥� Lauryn, a fifth grader said. 鈥淭hey all stayed in rhythm, and they were doing it at the same time!鈥� 听

Kick off summer at Father FEST

It鈥檚 hard to believe, but school gets out next month! Summer will be here before you know it, and here鈥檚 a great way to kick it off.

Mark your calendars for Father FEST 2023 on May 20. It鈥檚 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 91制片厂 Athletics Center. ().

The free outdoor event is a fun celebration of听fatherhood and families. All are invited to enjoy live music, food, prizes, giveaways and fun interactive family activities. Families will have a great time together and leave empowered and equipped with resources for this summer and everyday life.

鈥淲hile families enjoy the fun, they also strengthen bonds as they create memories,鈥� said Johnathane Gaffney of 91制片厂鈥檚 family and community engagement department.

This event is for everyone. You don鈥檛 have to go to 91制片厂 or even live in Arlington. Everyone is welcome!

for Father FEST today!听

EQUIP YOUR FAMILY

is all about equipping families for success.

鈥淭his festival allows community partners to share resources to equip and support families, particularly for the summer months,鈥� Gaffney said.

Some of the community partners who will be at Father Fest include:

• Metro Sports Fieldhouse
• 91制片厂 Early Childhood Department
• 91制片厂 Library Services Department
• Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA Central Branch
• My Health My Resources
• GICE Loves
• Smith Media Company
• Texas Health and Human Services
• The Deyvi Coreas Jr. Foundation
• Janes Academy of Dance Excellence
• Vox Invictus Mentoring
• Academia Tutoring

DADS ENGAGED FOR EXCELLENCE

Father FEST is an initiative of 91制片厂 Dads Engaged for Excellence, a program designed to encourage dads, uncles, brothers and all adult males to serve as positive role models and become more active in their student鈥檚 education.

Rangers, Rollercoasters and more

It may be impossible to not find something fun to do in the 91制片厂 on April 21 or April 22.

There are huge 91制片厂 events both days, and it starts with two big ones Friday, April 21.

The Texas Rangers are hosting Oakland for 91制片厂 Night. You can get tickets to the game through . This year for the first time, there will also be a special Arlington cap available to those who purchase a ticket through the link. If that wasn鈥檛 enough, the Rangers will debut their new City Connect jerseys at that game. Go Rangers!

If you鈥檇 rather be outside that night, you can cross the street and head to Six Flags as the annual Arlington Education Foundation event runs from 6-11 p.m. that night. This is your chance to ride all the rides at Six Flags for $30 in a private event. You can also designate the campus that you鈥檇 like $5 of your ticket price to be donated to. You can find out all the information for that .听

If you鈥檙e not worn out by your Friday night at the ballpark or Six Flags, Saturday, April 22 offers more opportunities.

Invest in Our Planet

The district is hosting its first-ever Earth Day event at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center. 鈥淚nvest in Our Planet鈥� runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free. The event will feature interactive demonstrations, giveaways and activities for students and their families. There will be representatives from the City of Arlington, the National Wildlife Federation and more. Face painting, food and fun are also in store for attendees. See the flyer.

All Aboard!

If that wasn鈥檛 enough, you can get All Aboard in the 91制片厂 for pre-K and kindergarten as the district hosts a registration event at McNutt Elementary for families with students entering pre-K and kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year. This is your chance to get all your questions answered about what鈥檚 coming up for our littlest learners and get registration done ahead of time. Learn more about pre-k here.

Teacher Job Fair

You want more? Well, if you want to teach in the 91制片厂 we鈥檙e hosting a teacher job fair that day at Sam Houston High School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come find out why it pays to teach in the 91制片厂. You can register for that event .

Sign up today for the College & Career Expo

Do you know what you鈥檙e going to do after high school? Or this summer? It鈥檚 time to start planning, and we鈥檙e here to help with the 91制片厂鈥檚 annual College and Career Expo.

Parents, students and community members, register today to attend. The expo will be held at the听Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center听(CTC) Tuesday, March 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Who will be there?

Representatives from more than 80 colleges like the University of Texas at Arlington, Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas Tech University, Dallas Baptist University, Grambling State, Penn State and the University of Oklahoma will be on hand. And more are still committing to come.

Plus, local businesses like Prince Lebanese Grill, LBL Architects, Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, TDIndustries, IDTC Career Center, Tarrant County Sheriff鈥檚 Office, Kamans Art and many more will be there, too. And some will conduct on-site interviews for summer and post-high school graduation opportunities.

It鈥檚 a good idea for students to wear business casual attire and brings several copies of their resume. Translation services for Spanish-speaking parents and students will be available to help throughout the expo.

Workshops and Businesses

Parents and students are encouraged to not only speak with colleges and businesses but also attend 45-minute information sessions that will cover topics like college prep, paying for college and college athletic recruiting and scholarships.

听Where do I sign up?

To sign up for the College and Career Expo, click听. Feel free to secure multiple tickets and bring a friend, even if they aren鈥檛 currently a student in 91制片厂. All are welcome.

See you there!

https://youtu.be/WbTebOsVTXA

Security job fair is at the Career and Technical Center

91制片厂 strives to keep everyone safe and secure at all district locations, and you can help play a role.

The district is hosting a security job fair on Tuesday, March 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the .

We鈥檙e looking for campus security officers and security corporals to help us serve our staff and students.

鈥淭he safety and security of our students, staff and visitors is, and will continue to be, the utmost priority for us,鈥� said 91制片厂 director of security David Stevens. 鈥淲hile security is everyone鈥檚 responsibility, the AISD security department is looking for individuals who possess a guardian spirit and strive to provide a safe learning environment for all.鈥�

Does that sound like you? Starting pay for campus security officers is $15.55 an hour and security corporals start at $16.48. There are opportunities for overtime, year-round pay and flexible hours, too.

If you want to help us assist law enforcement and handle security-related matters at district facilities, come join us at the job fair! You can register .

Museum student art showcase is free

If you鈥檙e looking for something great to do over spring break, head to the .

There you can see some real 91制片厂 talent on display 鈥� literally 鈥� as the museum hosts its annual show through March 23.

鈥淲e try and provide a venue for our kids' art to be exposed,鈥� said Linh Nguyen, the district鈥檚 assistant director of fine arts 鈥� visual arts. 鈥淭he idea of bringing a community of artists together and highlight their success is the ultimate goal.鈥�

More than 70 91制片厂 schools are represented in the museum and the art comes from all mediums 鈥� paintings, sculptures, drawings, clay, weavings 鈥� with a focus on 2D and 3D art.

The show, which has happened annually since 1990, is something Nguyen looks forward to every year. The students are also highlighted for their work as the museum hosts three private receptions for students and their families.

On Monday, March 20, there will be a reception for students in the Arlington High School and Sam Houston High School networks. On Tuesday, March 21, the reception is for students in the Bowie and Martin networks. On Thursday, March 23, Lamar and Seguin network students are spotlighted.

鈥淧eople ask me all time what鈥檚 the best part of the job,鈥� Nguyen said. 鈥淭he best part is to see all the works on display and the smiles on their faces as we celebrate their success for what they do. Through art, we get to recognize students throughout the district in grades K through 12.鈥�

If you need another reason to go check out the art, there鈥檚 no charge to see the show. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is located at 201 West Main Street.

Art, education and community engagement form the foundation of the Arlington Museum of Art鈥檚 mission,鈥� said Chris Hightower, the president and CEO of the Arlington Museum of Art. 鈥淵outh Art Month really brings the three together in such a fun way. We especially enjoy welcoming families who come to admire the work of their favorite aspiring artist. And because Youth Art Month is such a long-standing tradition, we鈥檙e now welcoming parents back who participated in Youth Art Month when they were in school.鈥�

With the threat of severe weather in the forecast for this evening, the 91制片厂 is canceling all after-school activities scheduled for Thursday, March 2. That includes all extracurricular activities, after-school childcare and our scheduled Board of Trustees meeting.

Please stay safe and well.

Mental Health event is virtual

91制片厂 has partnered with for a Mental Health Family Night, which is slated for Wednesday, March 8, at 7 p.m.

This hour-long virtual event will help parents find answers for their children. Parents and educators will be able to ask questions of family therapists and get tips in helping to identify anxiety, depression, grief and suicide ideation.

As families move farther away from the pandemic, a focus on the mental health of students has become critical. An event like Mental Health Family Night can provide a big lift to district families.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to be able to bring this new event to our families,鈥� said Aaron Perales, the executive director of engagement, equity and access. 鈥淲e鈥檙e fortunate to have great partners like Cook Center for Human Connection to provide a resource like this. We want to be able to help families who are struggling, and this is another opportunity for them.鈥�

You can register for the event .

If you are unable to attend, you can go and access on-demand virtual courses, professional support and community for parents to learn how to support children and get mental health questions answered.

Spring Family Academy is Feb. 9

91制片厂 family and community engagement department is helping you 鈥淕ear Up for Success鈥� at the Spring Family Academy on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Ousley Junior High School.

The Family Academy is an initiative started by the family and community engagement department that offers workshops and events to help families stay engaged with their student鈥檚 academic and social success throughout the school year.

This FREE event is open to families from grades pre-K 鈥� 12 to promote continued collaboration between families, schools and the community.

鈥淭he Family Academy is an initiative that provides opportunities for families to build their capacity,鈥� said Eric Phillips, family engagement specialist. 鈥淲e desire to provide them with the necessary resources to support their student鈥檚 educational goals by sharing with them tools to make decisions that are 鈥楶owered by Possibilities.鈥欌��

The spring series will include sessions that address drug and alcohol prevention, unpack resiliency, provide strategies and tools to help close the achievement gap, CTE/P-Tech opportunities and much more.

Dinner will be provided by the 91制片厂鈥檚 food and nutrition services department, and the family and community engagement department will provide childcare. Families can get their tickets and invite a friend or two to enjoy this community event.

Learn more

If parents or students have any questions, please contact Andrea Thrower at athrowe2@aisd.net for help and additional information. 听

Black History event encourages positive change

Black History Month kicks off today, and celebrations are happening all month long to honor the achievements of Black people across the nation. Since 1976, Black History Month has celebrated the legacy of African Americans who have shaped U.S. history.

Schools across the 91制片厂 are celebrating with a range of events from school-wide presentations to wellness fairs. Every year, Sam Houston High School hosts its Black History Month program as a community-wide celebration, and 2023 is no different.

Sam Houston High School Black History Month Program Presents: Good Trouble - Next Generation on Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the SHHS main auditorium. The theme honors the late civil rights activist John Lewis and encourages youth to get involved in things that will cause positive change in the world.

鈥淥nce again, I am excited to be at the helm of a program at Sam Houston High School that has an esteemed legacy,鈥� said Graylon Roberson, program director and teacher. 鈥淭he program pulls in students from all walks of life听and attracts performances from across different genres, grade levels and curriculum. I am proud that we have a program that includes people from our community, and our goal is to educate and bridge the gap as we tie in things from the past with what is going on currently.鈥�

Roberson grew up in a family that always took Black History Month very seriously, especially since his mother coordinated the programs at their church each year. From early childhood to high school, Roberson participated in Black History Month programs, and those experiences engrained a genuine reverence for Black History Month in him.

Roberson is instilling the same reverence and excitement in his students, who look forward to seeing local citizens and community members across the Dallas-Fort Worth area come to the show.

One woman who knows her way around Dallas-Fort Worth will attend to give the audience encouraging words.

NBC DFW anchor is the keynote speaker for the evening celebration. Dozens of students will also take the stage to perform. From the Movers Unlimited Dance Company from Tarrant County College to the SHHS Young People of Color, the student performances are sure to knock you off your feet.

Congressman Marc Veasey also has a special message prepared for the audience, so get there early to secure your seat . The event is guaranteed to pack the house.

Each year, the Sam Houston Black History Month committee awards scholarships to two graduating seniors to attend college. You can donate to the scholarship fund and help the committee reach its $2,500 goal. To contribute, click . Scholarship winners will be announced in May.

Magic Mirror encourages students

Not long ago, Lindsay Whittenberg was on a Zoom call with members of the Corey Academy PTA when she brought up the idea of helping children鈥檚 self-esteem by 鈥渢alking to kids through a mirror while we sit in a closet and hide.鈥�

There was a pause as if the screen had locked into a freeze frame.

鈥淚 said, I know, it鈥檚 really outside the box, really weird,鈥� Whittenberg recalled, referring to the so-called Magic Mirror that offers sweet and positive affirmations to those who sit in front of it.

Little by little, though, Whittenberg began to hear voices trickle from the screen.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 amazing,鈥� muttered one.

鈥淲ish I had a mirror like that when I was that age,鈥� said another.

With that, Whittenberg knew she was on to something in starting a kindness campaign at Corey. She was passionate and pumped and for a reason none of her PTA cohorts knew at the time.

Two months before her Zoom call, Whittenberg had received one of those phone calls no one wanted to get.

Her brother-in-law had committed suicide.

鈥淚f that has ever touched you,鈥� Whittenberg said, 鈥測ou know that feeling. It鈥檚 a feeling I don鈥檛 wish upon anyone. The PTA didn鈥檛 know I was raw and on a mission to create change.鈥�

They certainly do now. The former elementary art teacher is the Kind Facilitator Program Director of The Kindness Campaign (TKC), which spearheads the effort to create Kind Campuses across the country.

(TKC), a non-profit based in Austin, provides accessible emotional health curriculums and programs to individuals and schools. It鈥檚 grown spirited legs and moved around the country like a quick-footed cross-country runner. It isn鈥檛 a campaign as much as a movement. Thanks to Whittenberg, it is infiltrating the 91制片厂.

KindGym, Kind Campus and KindMusic are just three of the offerings of TKC, along with that uber-popular Magic Mirror, an interactive experience for participants to learn about self-worth and affirmation through open dialogue in front of a mirror.

Year of Kindness

Last week at the 91制片厂 Center for Visual and Performing Arts, children sat in a chair, big headphones over their tiny heads, smiling at a mirror that talked back to them.

It was part of the 鈥淭he Kindness Campaign's Year of Kindness Kickoff鈥� event.

鈥淭KC wants to provide a community for you and your children, where students feel safe and learn how to empower themselves,鈥� said TKC founder and president Andra Liemandt.

鈥淲e provide the tools needed to activate an emotionally healthy lifestyle. And it helps individuals re-imagine and re-connect to their values, purpose and joy.鈥�

Many teachers filled the auditorium during the Kindness Kickoff event, which also served as a recruiting tool to certify others to go into 91制片厂 schools like Whittenberg went into Corey.

The idea, of course, is for the Kindness Campaign to hit every 91制片厂 campus.

A TKC backdrop is mental health, which has taken center stage lately. Whttenberg said the kindness connection is one of those underlying forces people rarely consider. Kindness helps reduce stress and deepens friendships; being kind to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and boost self-esteem.

In addition, said Whittenberg, it can improve feelings of confidence and optimism 鈥� watching the faces of the children as they listen to a voice say something like, 鈥淵ou鈥檙e beautiful 鈥� I love your eyes,鈥� goes a long way.

And it鈥檚 not just kindness 鈥� it鈥檚 music, too. During a panel at the Kindness Kickoff that included guidance and counseling, 91制片厂 elementary specialist Jodie Dunn, fine arts coordinator Barbara Keaton and Corey music teacher Josh Roberts, attendees learned how music helps with various mental conditions such as depression and trauma.

鈥淚t reduces your anxiety and blood pressure,鈥� said Keaton. 鈥淟istening to live music has been linked to a release of oxytocin, which helps us bond with others and socializes.鈥�

Roberts agreed.

鈥淧laying music is even better for your brain than simply listening to music,鈥� he said.

This is all part of the movement Whittenberg wants to start in the 91制片厂.

鈥淚 remember when we first did it at Corey. Teachers stopped me in the building saying, 鈥楳y gosh, my kids got back from their mirror visit telling them they are smart,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淚t hit home to them that it鈥檚 an affirmation not from a parent or a teacher 鈥� they expect that. It鈥檚 coming from a mirror.鈥�

Faculty and staff also stood in front of the mirror and experienced it.

鈥淚 was a puddle,鈥� Whittenberg said. 鈥淭eachers felt valued. The cafeteria staff felt appreciated. Why? Every single person in this community needs to know their self-worth.鈥�

Teacher leaders walk the red carpet

Sequin dresses and swanky suits filled the as teachers from across the district were honored for their leadership last night. Puttin鈥� on the Glitz was the first celebration of its kind for the district's teacher leaders, and the school leadership department pulled out all the stops for the red carpet affair.

It felt like a Hollywood movie premiere night as nearly 700 teachers walked down the red carpet while paparazzi snapped pictures of their radiant smiles. The CVPA was decked in black and gold d茅cor and appetizing hors d鈥檕euvres and dinner options lined the lobby.

While teachers filled up on roasted chicken skewers and an array of delectable desserts, they received encouragement from Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, Board of Trustees members, the executive leadership team and principals from across the district.

鈥淟eadership matters in every part of the organization, but it really matters at the teacher level,鈥� said Cavazos. 鈥淭hey have stepped up and assumed positions to lead other teachers, and this is an inspiration for us, because it鈥檚 best that this kind of work is distributed. I鈥檓 proud of all these teachers here today and the staff that works with this program.鈥�

From the superintendent to the school leadership department, the goal of the event was to honor and empower teacher leaders to continue making a difference on campus.

鈥淎SPIRE is a network of leadership programs, and we specifically target teacher leaders in one of three of our pathways,鈥� said Jessica Estillette, director of leadership development. 鈥淲e have opportunities for level and department leads, model teachers, instructional coaches and mentors. We want them to be seen as instructional leaders on their campus, so we want to support in their development.鈥�

By the overwhelming turnout for the event, it鈥檚 evident that teacher leaders are getting the support they need to grow and step out of their comfort zones.

Some school groups even showed up dressed in the same color scheme or matching tiaras. And one school arrived in a limo. These campus leaders just can鈥檛 resist bringing school spirit everywhere they go. Needless to say, everyone left with bellies and hearts full.

Gratitude filled the air as hundreds gathered to reflect on this year鈥檚 accomplishments.

鈥淎s an educator, you don鈥檛 do it for celebrations like this, but it鈥檚 always a plus,鈥� said Gordon Stephens, Lamar High School calculus teacher and girls wrestling coach. 鈥淵ou do it because you want to see kids succeed, but it鈥檚 so kind of the district to acknowledge our efforts. It gives us a push to keep going.鈥�

ASPIRE

If you are a teacher in the 91制片厂 and you鈥檙e ready to go to new heights, apply to be a part of the ASPIRE teacher leadership program today. If you teach outside of the district and you鈥檙e ready to switch things up, now is the perfect time to join the 91制片厂 and take your leadership skills to the next level with ASPIRE.

No matter what track you鈥檙e on, ASPIRE will help you do just what it says 鈥� rise higher in your career.

Orchestra founders honored

The hallway of the 91制片厂 Center for Visual and Performing Arts was buzzing Saturday afternoon. Many people were dressed in their finest as they socialized over cookies that sat atop tables near a black Steinway grand piano.

Like other guests, Adam Feldman was ecstatic to be in the building for the 91制片厂 50 Years of Orchestra Celebration concert. The free concert in the听 featured an ensemble that included current students, teachers and alumni from each of the 91制片厂鈥檚 six high school networks.

Feldman, now 61, started playing violin at Amos Elementary while in sixth grade in 1972 鈥� the program鈥檚 first year 鈥� until he graduated from Bowie High School in 1979. His fondest memories center around how his skills on the instrument gradually improved and how he climbed the ranks, nearly going all-state during his senior year.

Feldman credited great instruction and motivation from his teachers, including Aleta Caraway, who began teaching him when he attended Gunn Junior High School. The two were thrilled to reunite after 45 years, spending time catching up in the lobby before the concert.

鈥淓ven though I didn鈥檛 go on and become a college or professional player 鈥� just the things that I learned about how you have to work hard, how you have to practice and not give up when things don鈥檛 go your way,鈥� Feldman said.

Semi-retired from information management positions in Arlington, Dallas and Houston, Feldman said the program鈥檚 emphasis on endurance 鈥渞eally helped me, so much, in the last steps of my life.鈥�

Humble beginnings

Many of the celebration concert鈥檚 attendees learned that the program itself was founded on perseverance. In 1972, Dean Corey, the district鈥檚 coordinator of music activities at the time, started the orchestra program in the 91制片厂 with the support of the students, parents, school board, the superintendent and teachers.

It began with just four teachers and a little more than 100 students 鈥� laying the foundation for what has become one of Texas鈥檚 most recognized orchestra programs. Currently, 91制片厂鈥檚 programs serve more than 4,000 students and have received state and national recognition for outstanding performance.

On Saturday, pre-concert activities included performances by sixth grade and junior high orchestra students as well as a mariachi showcase. Sprinkled throughout the live-streamed celebration concert were candid video interviews from the district鈥檚 first orchestra teachers. In the clips, they shared stories of their struggles to find space to hold orchestra classes and more.

A celebration committee member, Caraway taught all grade levels across two separate stints (from 1973 to 1978, and again between 1992 and 2008). She is shocked by how much the program has grown.

鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing. I can鈥檛 believe it!鈥� she said.

In her video presentation, Caraway said that she would have loved to have taught in the state-of-the-art Center for Visual and Performing Arts. During the early days, libraries and even closets were used to hold rehearsals.

One of the founding four 鈥� dubbed the 鈥渙riginal gangsters or O.G.s鈥� by the event鈥檚 host Richard Meyer 鈥� Carolyn Vandiver taught for the first two years of the program. Vandiver, who traveled from Houston for the event, reminisced with Caraway about the early years when they were in their 20s and 鈥渓iving out of our cars.鈥�

鈥淲e were babies, fresh out of college,鈥� Vandiver said. 鈥淲e were ambitious and young and didn鈥檛 have any doubt that we were doing God鈥檚 work.鈥�

Showing love

Amanda Thiel, who played the violin in the program from 1995 to 2003, said there was no way that she could have missed the event.

鈥淚 loved every moment in orchestra and wanted to be a part of honoring the legends who started it all,鈥� Thiel said.

She expressed how she recognized many of the songs that were played, as well as some of the players. Thiel said creating lifelong bonds with others is what made orchestra special.

鈥淔rom competing at our first UIL competition at Bailey Junior High 鈥� under the direction of Mandy Musser 鈥� to being part of the prestigious Arlington High Symphony Orchestra directed by Linda Keefer, I loved making music with my friends and learning from amazing teachers who truly cared about us!鈥� she said.听听听听听听

In recent years, Thiel has been happily reconnected with her former instructor Laura Garrett, who once taught orchestra classes for Thiel鈥檚 two daughters at Dunn Elementary. But on Saturday, Thiel exclaimed that she was able to give Keefer a hug last night 鈥渇or the first time in almost 20 years!鈥�

Thiel, too, can hardly believe how much the program has progressed.

鈥淚 am still in awe of how far it continues to go,鈥� Thiel said. 鈥淚t was pretty amazing when I was involved almost 20 years ago and now it is even better. These are some lucky kids!鈥�

It was the fall of 1972. The were plodding their way through their inaugural season, and Arlington鈥檚 population, around 90,000, was soaring. It had doubled in the 1960s and would nearly double again in the 70s.

The city of Arlington was booming, and it needed more schools.

Enter Gunn Junior High. The open-concept, two-story building opened its doors on Fielder Road for seventh, eighth and ninth graders that year. Named for Floyd Gunn, an 18-year veteran of the 91制片厂 Board of Trustees, Gunn quickly established itself as a fixture in the community and a powerhouse for academics, the arts and athletics.

Fifty years later, that hasn鈥檛 changed. Gunn is still preparing students 鈥� now sixth, seventh and eighth graders 鈥� for an outstanding future. And Floyd, the nearly nine-foot alligator statue, is still keeping watch over the campus.

Legacy of Community

Hundreds of Gunn students, parents and supporters 鈥� past and present 鈥� gathered on Saturday at the school to celebrate Gunn鈥檚 50-year legacy.

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鈥淚t鈥檚 an amazing legacy that Floyd Gunn has left, and all the people who have come through the school 鈥� students, staff, principals 鈥� everyone has collectively built the culture of Gunn and what it is today,鈥� said former Gunn student and current 91制片厂 trustee Sarah McMurrough.鈥�

McMurrough got more from her time at Gunn in the mid-1990s than just a great education.

鈥淭his is actually where I met my husband, Chris,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f it weren鈥檛 for Gunn Junior High, I would not be Sarah McMurrough.鈥�

The current Gators are excited about the school鈥檚 legacy and future, too. The campus was open for tours, and if you ventured into the theater room 鈥� a state-of-the-art black box 鈥� you met seventh grader Noah Brown and eighth grader Samyah Garcia. They gave tours of the room and couldn鈥檛 hide their enthusiasm for theater and their school.

鈥淚t just feels amazing being a part of this monumental school,鈥� Brown said.

鈥淎nd the fact that it鈥檚 on its feet and still thriving after 50 years just means so much,鈥� Garcia said. 鈥淵ou get so many opportunities 鈥� this is where I fell in love with theater.鈥�

There are so many opportunities because of the strong community within and surrounding the school.

鈥淭his is what鈥檚 right about public education,鈥� said 91制片厂 superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos. 鈥淎n investment by a community 鈥� a community that said there is a standard of success that we can pursue and realize 鈥� It鈥檚 a continuation of excellence that builds and builds and builds to what you see today and what we鈥檒l see for the next 50 years.鈥�

New Again

Saturday wasn鈥檛 just a celebration of Gunn鈥檚 past, it was a celebration of Gunn鈥檚 future, too. Gunn may be 50 years old, but it鈥檚 new again.

The address hasn鈥檛 changed, but everything about the building has. After nearly three years of construction and renovations, Gunn kicked off its 50^th year in a facility that looks very little like it did in 1972. Even the name is a little different 鈥� Gunn Junior High and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy 鈥� since the campus, still the neighborhood junior high, is also now home to the district鈥檚 first junior high fine arts and dual language academy.

The addition of the academy, which opened last year with the first sixth-grade cohort to complete the elementary fine arts and dual language programs at Jones and Corey academies, was the impetus for the massive overhaul of the school. Funded by the 2019 Bond, Gunn鈥檚 transformation included three additions. The largest addition 鈥� all classrooms 鈥� is on the south end of the building and opened in time for the 2021-22 school year. The second addition enclosed what used to be open space between the original building and the gym/cafeteria building. It houses an all-new cafeteria (the old cafeteria was demolished), a kitchen expansion and a media center/library. The third addition, on the north end of the building houses new locker rooms.

Once the first and largest addition opened in August of 2021, the original building was closed off for renovations. Throughout the 2021-22 school year, the interior was demolished and rebuilt. Gunn also has a new turf athletic field and new parking lots. Plus, the entrance was moved from the east side to the west side of the building.

鈥淲e built this building around what we want to accomplish as a school,鈥� Gunn principal Dr. Matt Varnell said. 鈥淭he instructional goals were key to determining what kinds of spaces the building needed.鈥�

Gunn now has state-of-the-art fine arts spaces 鈥� like the dance studio, piano lab and black box theater 鈥� along with collaboration areas and a design/manufacturing lab. All the spaces are designed to promote learning for all students 鈥� traditional and academy 鈥� and to accentuate the school鈥檚 educational model.

It鈥檚 a model intended to help every student thrive by allowing multiple pathways to success. It鈥檚 about meeting each student where they are, inspiring them to learn and build on their personal strengths, and empowering them to invest in their own learning.

鈥淭he question we ask is, 鈥楬ow are they smart?鈥欌�� Varnell said. 鈥淔inding the way that a kid is smart is the key to their success.鈥�

That means providing a diversity of learning opportunities 鈥� with facilities to match 鈥� so every student will be inspired to learn and grow.

鈥淒addy, he would be busting proud,鈥� said Susan Gunn of her father, Floyd Gunn, the school鈥檚 namesake. 鈥淗e would love this.鈥�

Then Susan turned toward Collin Carlisle, the superintendent who managed the construction at Gunn.

鈥淚鈥檝e got to tell you, Collin, if Daddy was still alive, you would have not gotten as much work done during the day because he would have been up here every day and he would have been thrilled.鈥�

Some things don鈥檛 change

Even with all the changes, some things remain the same. That Gator spirit 鈥� now 50 years old 鈥� is still alive and well.

鈥淭he culture of Gunn has always been a family atmosphere,鈥� Varnell said.

It鈥檚 a culture and tradition that Varnell intends to celebrate and maintain.

鈥淭he tradition for me is the notion that everybody feels like they belong,鈥� he said.

It鈥檚 the school spirit behind what it means to be a Gator, from simple silly things like doing the Gator chomp to the high expectations for students and staff.

In 1985, Chris Cordero, the editor of Gunn鈥檚 yearbook Gator Tracks, summed up the year.

鈥淎s a school, we have excelled both scholastically and athletically. These successes resulted from the joint effort of the student body, faculty and staff. Long hours, hard work and commitment were the basis for our accomplishments.鈥�

That could just as easily be written for this year鈥檚 annual.

鈥淭he past success of Gunn Junior High was built on a shared community of you 鈥� every single one of you,鈥� Susan Gunn said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a bond, a shared, unbreakable bond that will continue now within these new walls with new teachers, new students, new laughter for the next 50 years.鈥�

Fortunately, some things don鈥檛 change. Happy 50^th, Gunn.

Join members of the 91制片厂 Board of Trustees at the next Trustee听Talks听for a presentation and discussion about what鈥檚 going on in the district. This meeting will focus on parent and community engagement with schools.

Trustee Talks is a new series of public meetings initiated by the Board of Trustees. Two or three trustees host each meeting, give a presentation about the district and take your questions.

The Trustee Talks meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the听91制片厂 Center for Visual and Performing Arts.

Please visit the听Trustee Talks webpage听to RSVP for the meeting.

91制片厂鈥檚 parent and community engagement department is hosting a Fall Family Academy at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at Boles Junior High.

鈥淕earing up for Success 鈥� Families Powered by Possibilities鈥� features a series of workshop sessions aimed to help families stay engaged with their student鈥檚 academic and social success.听

Campus and district-level presenters will provide resources, tools and strategies to support your student as they start the school year. This is for families of students of all ages and there will be dinner provided by the 91制片厂 Food and Nutrition department. Childcare will be provided by the parent and community engagement department. Registration is required and you can sign up .

The workshops include:

Establishing Routines听- Learn to establish predictable and consistent homework, bedtime and morning routines.

Social Emotional Learning听- Support your child鈥檚 personal, academic and social development.

Career & Tech Ed听- Discover innovative learning through on-the-job experiences at the 91制片厂 Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center.

Parent/Teacher Conference听- Learn the right tools that will lead to a productive collaboration.

Positive Behaviors at Home听- Learn how to develop a family respect agreement and behavior expectations matrix to support communication at home.

Strategies to Close the Achievement Gap听- Participants will leave with a list of activities and ideas as well as several make and takes to support students at home. The activities will be geared toward K-6 students. Some Spanish materials will be available.听Learn literacy strategies to improve your student鈥檚 literacy skills.

Safety page听- Learn about 91制片厂鈥檚 new safety page, terminology and live online security tracker.

Join members of the 91制片厂 Board of Trustees at the first Trustee听Talks of the new school year听for a presentation and discussion about what鈥檚 going on in the district. This meeting will focus on safety.

Trustee Talks is a new series of public meetings initiated by the Board of Trustees. Two or three trustees host each meeting and give a presentation about the district and take your questions.

The Trustee Talks meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 7 p.m. at the 91制片厂 Professional Development Center (

Please visit the听Trustee Talks webpage听to RSVP for the meeting.

Exhibit runs until Aug. 14

Some things in life just have a way of transporting you back to your childhood and bringing old memories back to life.

Now, you don鈥檛 have to watch a movie or rummage through old photos to get that special feeling. Just head to the 91制片厂 Center for Visual and Performing Arts to see the exclusive art exhibition featuring 鈥淲ho Framed Roger Rabbit鈥� and Academy Award-winning Eyvind Earle, a former Disney background artist.

In conjunction with the , the exhibition features private, never-before-seen original paintings and collections from Earle and the 1988 hit Disney movie.

The Roger Rabbit exhibition shows a combination of classic hand-drawn animation on cels that are laid over the live-action shot frame-by -rame. It takes 24 cels to create one second of an animated film, so you can only imagine how many cels an artist like Earle would have to create to produce a 90-minute film.

The Eyvind Earle Collection also displays landscape serigraph prints created by the artist. His work includes painting the settings for a few stories you may know like Peter Pan, Paul Bunyon and Lady and the Tramp. Earle was even responsible for the styling, backgrounds and colors for the highly-acclaimed Sleeping Beauty movie.

Disney is Nostalgia听

鈥淭he beauty of this is connecting with the museum and creating access to this unique opportunity to see some incredible art,鈥� said Linh Nguyen, 91制片厂 assistant director of fine arts. 鈥淭his art influenced the future of Disney movies and shows. This is an experience for our kids and community to see images they grew up with in real life, and it brings a sense of nostalgia and childhood memories back in art form.鈥�

Art educators across North Texas are welcome at the CVPA for a special exhibition night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3. Ioan Szasz will be the guest lecturer for Earle鈥檚 collection followed by an art hop to the Arlington Museum of Art to view the .

Don鈥檛 wait to check out these exclusive collections because the exhibition will only run until August 14. The art gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free to the public.