Father Fest had games, entertainment and resources

听Micah Pollard is a new dad, new husband, new to 91制片厂, new to Arlington, period.

鈥淛ust new, new, new,鈥� he said.

He鈥檚 a newlywed and native Houstonian who followed his wife and her eight-year-old son here. On May 19, he was also a newbie attending 91制片厂鈥檚 14^th annual Father Fest at the 91制片厂 Athletics Center.

There, he and his stepson, Johnathon, a third grader at Swift Elementary, played in the bouncy house, hit some golf balls, dribbled basketballs around obstacles and cooled off with a giant strawberry snow cone.

Through the play, he also met two other dads who were attending the event with their third and fourth graders.

鈥淚t鈥檚 kind of cool talking to them and hearing about their schools and the challenges of being involved with them,鈥� Pollard said.

Gary Rodriguez, an 91制片厂 parent facilitator in the families and community engagement department who helped organize Father Fest, said that鈥檚 the event鈥檚 core idea.

鈥淲hat I want parents to leave with is a great experience, a fun experience, but mostly to walk away with being exposed to something that will help them and their kids,鈥� Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez gushed about everything at Father Fest that was offered to help families with various resources 鈥� not to mention the free food 鈥� but he mostly wanted the festival to be a starting point for some fathers trying to find their way as parents.

He said Father Fest is a great place for parent networking, partly because of the community partners present, such as 91制片厂's early childhood and library services departments, the and , along with dance, mentor and tutoring services.

鈥淚t looks like pretty much everything is right here,鈥� said Joshua Petersen, who attended Father Fest with his 11-year-old son, Casey.

鈥淲e were here last year and had a good time. We remembered it was around this time of year. He reminded me about it. It鈥檚 nice, and not just because it鈥檚 something to do on a Saturday, but because it鈥檚 something that can help you down the road.鈥�

Father Fest not only fed its participants but also entertained them. The Bowie High School Drum Line played outside the front doors as everyone entered. And step teams from Farrell and Larson elementary schools and Nichols Junior High performed their latest routines inside.

鈥淲e want people to come out and have some family fun but also to be exposed to something they may not know exists in the community,鈥� Rodriguez said. 鈥淭o say, hey, I didn鈥檛 know this was going on. I didn鈥檛 know this resource existed. To know that I could connect with this person. For example, I didn鈥檛 know there was a family and engagement team, that we have family facilitators that go to the cases, and we help support them.鈥�

Rodriguez said that it鈥檚 a celebration for fathers.

鈥淎nd we know in the school district fatherhood is not just limited to biological factors. We have a lot of grandparents who are raising kids in our school district. We have uncles, aunts and cousins and single moms doing both parts. Our fathers and families鈥� initiative is all about being inclusive.鈥�

Single mother Cherie Jamison was able to pick up some books for her daughter.

鈥淚 like the fact that most of the people here are specifically about helping families,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 felt a little weird being here at first because it鈥檚 supposed to be for fathers, but it鈥檚 been fun. My daughter just loved the 360-degree photo booth. She wants to do it again and again.鈥�

Rodriguez said the numerous dads鈥� clubs at various 91制片厂 campuses still ensure men remain involved in children's lives.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 an ever-going process,鈥� Rodriguez said. 鈥淪ome elementary schools and some junior highs are already established. My goal and vision is to spread it throughout the school district. I would love to have a dad鈥檚 club at all 76 campuses. And I think we can get there. There are a lot of people in our community who want to support that. When I鈥檓 out in the community talking to people, fathers, and me, getting to know them, and doing my workshops, every father and father figure I have come across has always been ready to help.

鈥淲e have no barriers to that. What we need to do, and when I say we, I mean myself, family and community engagement, and AISD, is create access and opportunity for our dads to be more engaged. They need that support.鈥�

As Rodriguez put it, 鈥淭here鈥檚 no manual鈥� regarding parenting.

鈥淲e have many young fathers who need support. Father Fest and our initiatives say they don鈥檛 have to do it alone.鈥�

from Father Fest and learn more about 91制片厂's Fathers and Families Initiative.

Idol singer motivates students at Career Day

Career Day at Dunn Elementary had the energy and excitement of the听TV show 鈥�鈥� last week.听

That鈥檚 because they both听aimed at inspiring individuals to live out their childhood dreams. It鈥檚 also because 鈥淎merican Idol鈥� season 22 contestant took the cafeteria stage.听

He shared the story of his听musical journey before kicking off Career Day with a performance of Donnie McClurkin鈥檚 鈥淐reate in Me a Clean Heart.鈥�听

Bunton is an 91制片厂 alum who graduated from Sam Houston High School. As a dad to three current Dunn Dragons and a brother to two former Dragons, he听also has听a long history with the elementary school. 听听听

鈥淭his is a full circle moment for me,鈥� Bunton said. 鈥淭o be able to come back and do this, it felt like a movie for a second.鈥�听

Singing since he was 6, Bunton鈥檚 journey has been听filled with lots of success, but also challenges and triumphs.听

A significant part of his story is his little sister Oddessty Bunton, who also attended Dunn.听Though she died in 2021, her memory and spirit remains a driving force in Bunton鈥檚听life and career. 听

Her influence was evident in Bunton鈥檚 determination to succeed when he received an unexpected email that changed his life 鈥� an invitation to audition for American Idol. 听

鈥淚t was scary, but I knew that this is exactly what I wanted to do,鈥� he听said.听

That鈥檚 when Bunton听headed to Nashville to perform in front of American Idol judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Receiving three yeses along with one of only three platinum tickets, he was sent straight to Hollywood.听

Over the past few months, Bunton advanced into the top 20 out of 80,000 auditions. He was eliminated in the top 14 round after his last performance of 鈥淲ait on You鈥� by Maverick City Music. 听

But a closed door opened a brand new one. The very next day, the group reached out to Bunton about a feature on their single 鈥�.鈥� 听

鈥淗e kept his eye on the prize, and he kept his goals in sight,鈥� said Dunn counselor Beth Lawrence.听鈥淭hat鈥檚 exactly what I wanted our kids to see.鈥�听

And that鈥檚 what Bunton wanted to teach them.听

鈥淚f you find something that you鈥檙e good at or love to do, do it, do it with all your might,鈥� he said.听鈥淒o not underestimate the power of your teachers and the authorities that have been placed in your life. Stay true to yourself. Know that you have what it takes, believe in yourself.鈥�听

Today, Odell is听working on an album titled 鈥淩oad to Recovery,鈥� which he described as a testimonial of听his experiences in life. 听

鈥淲e were so excited that he was one our Dunn dads,鈥� Lawrence said. 鈥淗e is so amazing.鈥�听

Career Day is dedicated to motivating the Dragons to follow their dreams, so there couldn鈥檛 have been a better surprise guest. 听

鈥淢y dream is to not just be another artist, I want to be someone that鈥檚 meaningful, someone that鈥檚 impactful,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 take these opportunities lightly, and I wouldn鈥檛 be spending my morning any other way.鈥�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.

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.

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 .

Back to School Kickoff is Aug. 5 at AT&T Stadium

There鈥檚 now less than a month before the ninth annual 91制片厂 Back to School Kickoff event at AT&T Stadium, but there鈥檚 still plenty of time to help.

The event, which is slated for 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, is a chance for 10,000 91制片厂 students to get backpacks filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year.

So, where do you fit in?

In addition to being able to听, you can also contribute your time by volunteering to help at the event.

There are tons of volunteer options, too. You can help distribute backpacks, work at the resource fair, help distribute water, register students to pick up backpacks or just be a floater. The options are endless, and so is the flexibility to help timewise. There are shifts that start at 7 a.m. and others that don鈥檛 start until after 10 a.m.

It takes more than 800 volunteers to make the event run smoothly, and we can still use more than 300, especially in our backpack check-in area.

鈥淭he volunteers at our event are crucial to its success,鈥� said Aaron Perales, the 91制片厂 executive director of engagement, equity and access. 鈥淲e鈥檙e fortunate to see familiar faces and organizations helping, but it takes a lot of support.鈥�

If you would like to volunteer at the event, please听 The deadline to sign up is Aug. 2. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

There鈥檚 also still time to register to receive a backpack. You can do that听.

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.

Farmers Market

91制片厂鈥檚 Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center is one of the host sites for the Tarrant Area Food Bank's Neighborhood Farmers Markets this summer.听

The CTC hosts the market the first and third Wednesday of each month this summer, with the next one coming tomorrow, June 15, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

These markets are opportunities for families to purchase fresh, local and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Cash, credit/debit, WIC FMNP vouchers and the Lone Star Card are all accepted at the market.

WIC participants may be eligible to receive a one-time-per-year $30 voucher booklet to purchase fruits and vegetables. Vouchers can be picked up at the market with a current WIC benefits list.

SNAP recipients using their Lone Star Card double their dollars for fruits and vegetables with Double Up Food Bucks, a program made possible through North Texas Healthy Communities and Blue Zones Project.

For more information on the market, visit the Tarrant Area Food Bank site . The Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center is located at .

Even though he works from home, Jon Bailey admits that he and his daughter Layla could spend more time together. So, it made perfect sense for them to stop by 91制片厂鈥檚 Father Fest! The event was held this past Saturday at the Gene and Jerry Jones Field at Workman Junior High School.

There, the two joined countless other families in various fun interactive activities. The seven-hour free event included game trucks with Just Dance, Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite and Mario Kart. It also featured live music, a youth dance performance, food and prize giveaways.

Layla, a fifth-grader at Blanton Elementary, most enjoyed a craft-making station where she and her dad made customized buttons, including one that bore her favorite animal, a cat. The 11-year-old also made picture frames and took photos with her dad, who later gave her tips on how to properly toss bean bags while playing cornhole under that day鈥檚 beaming sun.听

The proud father praised the event for its 鈥渄iverse activities.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 not really seeing a whole bunch of repetition. Everyone (each vendor) seems to have something unique and interesting to add to it,鈥� Bailey said.

What is Father Fest?

Father Fest is an initiative of 91制片厂 Dads Engaged for Excellence 鈥� 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. Saturday鈥檚 event was quite festive, as 91制片厂 Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos gave a warm welcome and encouraged the families in attendance.

Aaron Perales, 91制片厂鈥檚 executive director of engagement, equity and access, said the festival allows them to celebrate fathers鈥� engagement in the lives of 91制片厂 students.

鈥淲e believe that families and family guardians have played an integral role. Not just in their lives, but with their education,鈥� Perales said. 鈥淲e need them to partner with us. And we want to make sure that they have a seat at the table for their children鈥檚 education.鈥�

A family affair

Helping families feel empowered and equipped with area resources for everyday life and this summer is one of the event鈥檚 greatest purposes. Present were representatives of 91制片厂鈥檚 community partners such as Amerigroup, Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, Girls Inc. of Tarrant County and many more.

The fest benefits students in Arlington or even students who do not attend 91制片厂 schools. For instance, Christopher Edwards took his children 鈥� Isabelle, Yasmine, Cruz and Sebastian 鈥� who attend International Leadership School of Texas. A fifth-grade reading, science and social studies teacher for Thornton Elementary, Edwards thoroughly enjoyed the moments he spent playing Jenga with his kids.

He and his family were sprawled out on the football field, carefully removing one large block after another from the buckling tower. Edwards said he and his kids had never played the game together. Luckily they all grew more excited as each member took a turn.

鈥淚t鈥檚 getting down to the nitty gritty 鈥� I don鈥檛 think there are any more (moves)!鈥� Edwards said, becoming more shocked as the game kept being prolonged. That is, until his youngest son, 15-year-old Sebastian, made a fateful move. The move caused the tower to tip over and everyone to erupt in laughter.

Let's run drills!

Just a few feet away from the Edwards鈥� game, Arlington Elite Training led youngsters through some running drills with cones on the turf. The group鈥檚 representatives gave motivational words as kids took on the challenge. Roshunda and Mark Mitchell enjoyed watching their children. Their听 13-year-old Toni and 7-year-old Ezekiel tried out the drills as they sat along the sidelines.

The Mitchells said the fest provided a 鈥済ood time for bonding鈥� with their kids who attend Workman and Foster Elementary, respectively. Mark added that the event offered new experiences for his kids, enabling them to discover hidden talents. Roshunda stressed that all dads should have attended the fest, mainly because there was no charge for admission.

鈥淭hat makes it even better,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here are no excuses when it鈥檚 free.鈥�

2022 Family Expo

When it comes to being in the know about 91制片厂, Alicia DeVaull is a twofer. She鈥檚 a parent of an 91制片厂 student - and she鈥檚 a high school administrator.

So when the question of how parents can best support students was tossed to a four-person panel of Bowie High School administrators during Saturday鈥檚 Family Expo and Resource Fair held at the Career and Technical Center, DeVaull, a Bowie assistant principal, was uniquely qualified to answer it.

鈥淐reate a relationship with that teacher,鈥� DeVaull said. 鈥淢ost of the time when teachers initiate contact with a parent, something has already happened.鈥�

听DeVaull鈥檚 suggestion to parents is simple. Meet their child鈥檚 counselor, assistant principal and check with their teacher periodically.

Don鈥檛 wait until there鈥檚 a problem.

鈥淚 know my baby better than anyone else,鈥� DeVaull said. 鈥淎ny teacher that wants to know how to deal with my baby, you will have to ask me.鈥�

鈥淪o parents,鈥� DeVaull added while slipping into her administrator role. "Remember that you are one of the three points in this triangle. This relationship is stronger when you are in it.鈥�

The panels and hosts

The panel was just one of a number of workshops. Topics ranged from healthcare and wellness to family fitness and financial literacy. Many of the workshops and resources were available in both English and Spanish.

Hosted by the 91制片厂 Parent and Community Engagement department and sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and , the Family Expo and Resource Fair offered an assortment of tips, opportunities and available resources.

Exhibitors and organizations like H.O.P.E. Tutoring Center and Arlington Charites, among others, were excited to discuss their offerings.

TCK

鈥淭his is the perfect opportunity to get the word out about what is offered for families, in one place,鈥� said Angela Aftab of Tarrant County Kids (TCK), an after-school and summer camp program affiliated with Girls, Inc.

TCK Director Lisa Dia said after-school care programs are set in a number of 91制片厂 elementary schools, such as Adams, Little, Corey and Remynse.

鈥淲e let parents know that students can have snack time or do homework if they had any. Kids can also or just relax and read a book,鈥� Dia said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 also lots of outside play and activities.鈥�

The Expo鈥檚 primary aspiration, said Xi Theta Omega First Vice President Myla Tolbert, is to reshape and transform families by empowering them with the sort of information they need to flourish.

鈥淲e had over 500 people register and 50 exhibitors to provide information,鈥� Tolbert said. 鈥淲e cover everyone, really, from pre-K to elementary, middle school, high school, and then for the parents and families, workshops like managing in a post-COVID world, managing temper tantrums, and college planning 101."

Happy to be back!

We are back after two years!

鈥淪omething like this has to be in person, needs to be in person 鈥� that鈥檚 why it鈥檚 so wonderful to be here,鈥� said 91制片厂 Board of Trustees member Bowie Hogg. 鈥淓ducation is not just about reading, writing and arithmetic. It鈥檚 like, what are the things that families need to help them support the best of life? Students come to school with all kinds of issues and needs. This is helping these families understand what these needs are. Our community can help them to make them the best student possible.鈥�

Tamara Gaffney attended the Expo, as she does each year, she said, and as many other 91制片厂 events her schedule allows. Gaffney has a second and seventh-grader at Bryant Elementary and Barnett Junior High, respectively, and is the gifted and talented teacher at Bryant.

鈥淚鈥檓 here because it provides such a wealth of information,鈥� said Gaffney, who was interested in Metro Sports Fieldhouse, which offers sports and education camps. 鈥淭his is not just for my kids at home but my kids at school. I鈥檓 always looking to see what鈥檚 out there they might enjoy.鈥�

Self Care

With mental health being front and center, Lisa Cooley-Thomas, an educator, life coach and self-proclaimed 鈥渆mpowermentpreneur,鈥� presided over a stress management workshop, advising students and parents on how to cope with daily events.

鈥淒on鈥檛 allow your cup to boil over,鈥� Cooley-Thomas said. In fact, she added, 鈥淒on鈥檛 let the cup sit empty either. Always be in a self-care mode.鈥�

Takeaways from the expo are building relationships.

鈥淒on鈥檛 wait for your child鈥檚 teacher to make that move,鈥� DeVaull said. 鈥淗e or she will have close to 200 kids every day. Teachers remember the parents who come see them.鈥�

Bowie Assistant Principal Brandi Johnson had her own solution.

鈥淪tarbucks,鈥� she said, laughing. 鈥淭hat would help me remember anybody.鈥�

Angelique Tilly isn鈥檛 quite sure how the new school year is going to play out but one thing is for certain: her fourth grader is so eager to return to class she already has her first day of school clothes picked out. It鈥檚 a pink and white dress, black sneakers with a white-stripe, and ankle-length socks. Day two attire is all set, too, as is day three, four and five.

鈥淵eah, the whole week, just lined up in her closet,鈥� said Tilly. 鈥淪he even took some copy paper and wrote on it which days is which clothes. It鈥檚 color coded now. So, yeah, you can say she鈥檚 ready.鈥�

Judging from the 91制片厂 Back to School Kickoff held Saturday at the parking lots of AT&T Stadium, many students are just as geeked to get back.

Not to mention teachers.

鈥淚 was at registration for our kiddos, and I can鈥檛 tell you how excited these kids are,鈥� said Holli Hall, an instructional coach at Morton Elementary. 鈥淥ne thing teaching in a year of COVID has taught us is that students need teachers and teachers need students to be face-to-face, in the same classroom. Although I鈥檓 not quite sure who is more excited about the new school year, the kids or the teachers.鈥�

91制片厂鈥檚 highly anticipated Back to School Kickoff, now in its seventh year, went on without missing a beat despite the second-consecutive year of safety protocols in place. The event was again held in a less-contact-is-more fashion with a drive-thru for families to pick up school supplies as opposed to standing in lines and marching into the stadium.

As vehicles pulled up to tables piled high with backpacks of all colors, volunteers placed the free, school-supplies-filled backpacks inside.

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91制片厂 parent and community engagement director Aaron Perales concluded that the event might be different than pre-COVID times, but it was still very much a success.

鈥淣othing much has changed from last year except maybe the enthusiasm of everyone just wanting to get back into the classroom,鈥� said Perales, who added that an additional sponsor this year alongside the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation was Arlington Tomorrow Foundation. 鈥淚 think the biggest change is the fact that we had more volunteers this year than before.鈥�

More than 500 people signed up to serve in various capacities for the Kickoff, according to Perales, most of them representing community groups and organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Arlington Retired School Employees Association, which handed out hundreds of books.

鈥淲e鈥檙e just so happy to be able to be here and at least give out these books,鈥� said member Leticia Graham. 鈥淚f only we had enough books to give to each car. We would love it if every family that comes through here could get a book.鈥�

In Kickoffs held before last year, participants were able to come inside the stadium, pick up their backpack and, if they like, get haircuts, dental and vision checks, and visit with educational vendors.

This year volunteers handed out information on how to get the dental and vision checkups as well as health screenings, immunizations, and, yes, that all-important haircut.

鈥淭here is nothing more exciting than all of these families, all of these kids coming out here, unless we get a really good season from the Cowboys,鈥� said Arlington Mayor Jim Ross. 鈥淏ut there is nothing more important in this community than our kids. They are our future, and it is so exciting to be here and just be a small part of it.鈥�

Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos agreed. He spent most of the day waving and chatting with families as their vehicles rolled up.

鈥淭his is the official kickoff for school because we have many, many parents and children here for backpacks, getting their supplies, getting ready for their first day of school,鈥� said Dr. Cavazos. 鈥淭he enthusiasm and the joy of the first day of school is important, but we also know it is important to be prepared. If you are prepared for the first day of school with your supplies and the things that you need, you will have a successful school year. A lot of enthusiasm and optimism is here, and for that we want to thank the many volunteers.鈥�

One of those volunteers, Bawo Bodunrin, came with her two daughters in tow. Helping out at the Kickoff has become habitual for the Bodunrin family, which also includes her two daughters, one a Martin High School graduate and the other a junior there.

鈥淲e鈥檝e been doing this since the program started,鈥� Bodunrin said of the Kickoff. 鈥淭he first thing I said to my girls was how early it was and if they still wanted to come. They were the ones getting me up.鈥�

At Morton, principal Leigh Adams sent out scores of emails to remind her staff of the importance of volunteering.

鈥淪he鈥檚 really big on giving back,鈥� said Hall. 鈥淏ut what we like about being here is the opportunity to visibly let families know that we are in their corner. We all need to be lifting each other up right now more than ever.鈥�

School starts next week, Aug. 16!听 If you still need to register, visit our registration page to get started.

The First day is coming soon!

It鈥檚 coming fast 鈥� that first day of pre-K. That day when you can鈥檛 believe your child 鈥� your baby 鈥� is already old enough to go to school.

It鈥檒l be an emotional day for every parent and tears are pretty common (from parents). But whether you shed a few tears because you can鈥檛 believe your baby is already this big, or your tears flow from joy because you so desperately need a parenting break (or some of both), that first day of pre-K 鈥� and, in fact, every day of pre-K 鈥� will be a good day.

You鈥檒l probably be a little sad on that first morning when you leave your child at school and drive away with an empty car seat. But you鈥檒l also feel good because you鈥檒l know you made the right choice to give them a head start.

If you鈥檙e considering a pre-K program for your child, we want you to pick the 91制片厂. Here are just seven of the many reasons the 91制片厂 is the best choice for your child.

Love

No one can love your child like you do, but you might be surprised how close your child鈥檚 pre-K teacher comes. When your child joins our pre-K program, they (and you) become part of our family. To our pre-K teachers, your child is not merely a student in their class. Our teachers treat students as though they were their own, quickly developing tight bonds.

Our pre-K teachers 鈥� all of them certified in early childhood education 鈥� are a special breed. And they鈥檒l do whatever it takes to help their 鈥渒iddos鈥� succeed.

鈥淧re-K teachers teach pre-K because they have a passion for young children,鈥� said Kelly Schrader, pre-K team leader at Miller Elementary. 鈥淭hey eat, breathe and sleep pre-K. There is nothing better than getting to see your students' faces every day. The love between pre-K teachers and their students is indescribable.鈥�

Fun

Your child will want to go to school because it鈥檚 fun! They鈥檒l experience arts and crafts, singing and dancing, reading books, playing dress-up, making believe, exploring, creating, and so much more!

鈥淓xploration and creativity are embedded in all of our pre-K lessons,鈥� said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, 91制片厂 director of early childhood learning. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a really fun time.鈥�

Learning

The fun ties right into the learning and that鈥檚 because 91制片厂 makes purposeful play a big part of every day.

鈥淲e know that children are naturally curious. They are fascinated by how and why things work,鈥� said Nynve Sanchez, a pre-K teacher at Crow Leadership Academy. 鈥淲hen we combine play by building sensory-rich experiences for students to explore, discover and ask questions, it develops the natural curiosity they have as children into becoming life-long learners.

鈥淧lay provides the vehicle for students to be able to grow and develop many skills,鈥� she added. 鈥淏y exploring and playing, they can build their social and emotional skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, vocabulary and gain the confidence to try new things, making them more independent.鈥�

Safe

None of the fun and learning matters if safety doesn鈥檛 come first. And it does in the 91制片厂. It鈥檚 about clean buildings and safe equipment and supplies. It鈥檚 about school security systems, policies and consistent, loving adult supervision. All of these are things we do well.

Playgrounds

Playgrounds could have gone in the fun category, but considering how important a good playground is to a three or four-year-old, it deserves its own. And while 91制片厂鈥檚 elementary schools already have good playgrounds, each school is getting two new and better ones funded by the 2019 Bond. One of those two will be purposefully built for your child, for kids pre-K through first grade. The playgrounds will be fully accessible so that every child can enjoy them. They will include shade structures and rubber surfaces which means more fun and improved safety.

Free

91制片厂 is free for students who qualify. To qualify, students need to meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:

• Unable to speak and comprehend English
• Economically disadvantaged 鈥� eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price lunch program
• Homeless
• The child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States or a member of the armed forces who was injured or killed while serving on active duty
• Is or has ever been in foster care
• Child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award

If you don鈥檛 qualify, 91制片厂 also offers paid pre-K at 17 schools. Priced considerably less than other options, 91制片厂 is not only the highest-quality option but also the most affordable.

Options

91制片厂 offers half-day pre-K classes for three-year-olds, full-day for four-year-olds, ESL and bilingual pre-K options. We also have free and tuition-based programs and even a unique pre-K program that partners with Head Start to foster child development along with parent support resources.

If you work outside the home and need full-day childcare for your three-year-old, our community-based pre-K is the answer. Students get seamless, convenient daycare both before and after the half-day pre-K programming without ever having to leave and go to another care location. Plus, the pre-K program is taught by a certified 91制片厂 teacher with the same outstanding play-based curriculum, materials and technology used at all of our schools.

Deciding where you send your baby to pre-K is a big decision. If you鈥檙e ready to register and get started with 91制片厂 or want to learn more, please visit aisd.net/prek. And if you have more questions or concerns, we understand and want to help. Send us an email at pre-kquestions@aisd.net or give us a call at (682) 867-9418.

The first day of pre-K will be here before you know it. We can鈥檛 wait to meet you and your child!

Registration is open now

The 2020-21 school year is close to wrapping up, but it鈥檚 already time to start marking your calendars for the official start of the 2021-22 school year for 91制片厂 students.

The seventh annual Back to School Kickoff is set for Saturday, Aug. 7 at AT&T Stadium from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. You can already register for the event .

The drive-thru event, sponsored by the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation, will get students prepared for the school year by giving them the free supplies they need to be successful. Each student will receive age-appropriate school supplies, information for free eye, dental and health screenings, and details on free immunizations.

鈥淟ast year鈥檚 drive-thru event gave us a game plan for how to run this year鈥檚 kickoff event,鈥� said Parent and Community Engagement Director Aaron Perales. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited about the opportunity to continue the kickoff tradition. This event is a great way for our students and families to get ready for the school year. They鈥檙e going to be confident and prepared when our school doors open on the first day of school.鈥澨�

There will be 10,000 backpacks available at the event, which is for families who are eligible for free and reduced lunches at school. 听

When you register, you will be asked to select a time slot to attend the event. You can keep up with all the latest news on the Back to School Kickoff here.

40 workshops with district departments

91制片厂鈥檚 parent and community engagement (PACE) department is peeling back the curtain to the district for everyone starting on Feb. 1.

On Feb. 1-4 and Feb. 8-11, the department hosts the Family Support Huddles, a program that will put district families face-to-face virtually for meetings with departments from across the district.

The two-week event will feature more than 40 workshops for families, and more than a dozen 91制片厂 departments will be represented.

鈥淲e want to continue to connect our families with strategies to support their children at home,鈥� said PACE director Aaron Perales. 鈥淭his is a great opportunity to continue our partnership with parents and create additional access to support.鈥�

Departments including advanced academics, guidance and counseling, social and emotional learning and special education will be represented in the workshops. The plan is for each workshop to last an hour, with 30 minutes focused on what the session is about and 30 more for a Q & A session.

Each session will be themed. Examples include 鈥淎 Parent鈥檚 Guide to Special Education, 504 and Dyslexia,鈥� 鈥淪eesaw Tips for Parents,鈥� and 鈥淐reating Success During At-Home Learning.鈥�

While some of the workshops focus on the regular day-to-day stuff, others, like the At-Home Learning session and sessions on Seesaw and Canvas, are designed to help families work in the current learning environment brought on by COVID.

Each workshop will have morning and evening sessions to accommodate schedules. The same sessions that run on Feb. 1-4 will run again on Feb. 8-11. All sessions will occur on Zoom and families must register for the sessions through Eventbrite. Register to attend one or more sessions during听听in the workshop series or听听today!