Homecoming season starts this week

Homecoming season is finally here! And in Texas, that can only mean one thing – it’s time to Mum It Up! ��

The once small, fresh chrysanthemums have become the biggest, boldest, most fabulous accessory of the season. ��

With ribbon, cowbells, stuffed animals��and even flashing lights, mums are a personalized shout-out to all the things that make homecoming – and high school – unforgettable. ��

But where did the tradition come from? Mums became popular in the 1930s when boys would give their homecoming dates chrysanthemum corsages as a token of affection. Fast forward to the 1990s, Texas florists took it to the next level. From adding extra flowers to colorful ribbon to the corsages, the iconic Texas mums have continued to grow bigger and better each year. In fact, at one time our district was home to the world’s largest mum.��

And it’s not just for the girls. Guys can get in on the fun with homecoming garters. Like mini mums, garters are worn on the arm and filled with just as much personality. ��

That’s what makes the tradition so special. Every mum tells a story. Whether it’s celebrating your role on the football team, your spot in the marching band, or just showcasing your school colors, mums are all about YOU. Customize them however you want. Bling it out, add your name or keep it simple. There’s no wrong way to do it!��

Traditionally, mums are worn throughout the school day as well as during the homecoming pep rally and football game. You can share them with your friends, family, teachers and of course your homecoming date!��

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

• 9/19 Seguin vs. Grapevine������

• 9/20 Bowie vs. Grand Prairie����

• 9/27 Arlington High vs. South Grand Prairie����

• 9/27 Lamar vs. Haltom����

• 10/18 Martin vs. Haltom��

• 10/25 Sam Houston vs. Grand Prairie��

Follow our��,����and��X pages to keep up with pictures and videos of some of the most extravagant mums in 91��Ƭ�� this year! And be sure to share your pictures and videos with the hashtags��#LetsHOCO, #MumItUp and #ArlingtonISD. Happy homecoming!������

Tips to make it a great day

School starts tomorrow! ��

Here are five tips to help you and your kids have a great first day back at school in the 91��Ƭ��.����

Get a Head Start��

Back to school eve is just as important as the first day of school. Take some time to do some back-to-school shopping or practice a bedtime routine. Get your kids excited for the first day back to school with some new kicks, clothes and school supplies. ��

Check out the elementary school supply lists here so you can be ready. Junior high and high school students will find out what supplies they need from their teachers during the first week of school. ��

And remember, getting a good night’s sleep sets the tone for a smooth back-to-school morning.����

Fuel Your Brain��

Once you are refreshed and ready to start the morning, it’s��time for the most important meal of the day. A nutritious breakfast – whether at home or school –��is the right way to jumpstart the first day back at school. 91��Ƭ�� provides breakfast and lunch at each campus, and you can check out the and pay for meals .����

Cheat the Clock����

The battle of traffic happens every year for the 91��Ƭ�� community heading back to school, and giving yourself plenty of time is the only way to deal with it. It’s a good idea to add some extra time in your morning routine for drop-off on the first day of school. It will be slower on the first day.��

Elementary times are 8:10 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., junior high times are 8:45 to 4:10 p.m. and high school times are 7:35 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can see a complete list of calendars and important dates here.��

Create Memories��

Whether your child is heading into pre-K or senior year, be sure to snap some memories with a “first day of school” pic. Before you know it, they’ll be walking the stage at graduation and you don’t want to miss a moment. Show off your kiddos to your friends and family using the hashtags #WeConnectDayOne and #ArlingtonISD so we can share your first day of school pictures on our district social media channels.����

Talk Positive��

Words of affirmation, a note in your child’s lunch box or a reminder that you cannot wait to hear about their day are all ways to set your child up with a positive attitude going into the new school year. Remind yourself and your child to relax, take a deep breath and exhale. There are games to play, friends to make and many ways to learn. Opportunities in the 91��Ƭ�� are endless!��

From all of us at 91��Ƭ��, have an amazing first day back to school! ��

Be prepared for the first day

Sending your littlest learner to the first day of school is a milestone like no other. Whether it’s their first day in pre-K or they’re starting kindergarten, sending your baby off can seem scary and unpredictable. But you and your child are in good hands in the 91��Ƭ��. Yes, you are, too! We have five tips to help walk you through a positive first day of school for the first time!

Establish Routines��

There is no way to sugarcoat it. Starting school for the first time is a big adjustment for you and your child. Building routines at home will help you and your child feel more comfortable starting the school year. These could include bedtime, lunchtime, bathroom or even drop-off routines. The more familiar your child is with the basics, the faster they will adjust, making it an easier transition for both of you. So, practice, practice, practice!����

Prep the Day Before��

Backpacks stuffed, lunchboxes packed, outfits picked – you’re already halfway there. Make the day easier on yourself by preparing as much as possible before the morning begins. Make a fun stop at your favorite store to pick up some new school supplies. You can find elementary school supply lists here. Have a game plan for the first day but be ready to be flexible.������

Big It Up��

Make the day like it’s an occasion – because it is. Show your child that this is a big and exciting thing. Have them model their first day of school outfit, brand-new backpack and sweet smile. Take photos and make that “first day of school” picture sign. If you post the photos online, be sure to use the hashtag #ArlingtonISD and #WeConnectDayOne. We’d love to feature your child, too.

At the end of the day, reward them after school with their favorite snack or activity and lots of love.����

Volunteer��

Get to know your child’s teachers, friends and environment by getting involved in volunteering opportunities. This is a wonderful way to ease the anxiety of being away from your child while staying connected in the community. At this age, kids love it when their parents participate in school activities, so take advantage of it! You can sign up for volunteering opportunities here.����

Be Gentle on Yourself����

Mixed emotions are normal. Be proud of yourself for all that you’ve accomplished as a parent and celebrate the milestone. Tears are welcome in 91��Ƭ�� no matter the age. Planning a day for yourself – whether it’s taking the day off or keeping busy – is also a great way to take care of yourself, too! Remind yourself that everything is going to be just fine. It’s the beginning of a bright future.����

From everyone in the 91��Ƭ��, we hope you have a great first day of pre-K or kindergarten!��

If you haven’t registered your child for pre-K or kindergarten yet, it’s not too late. But don’t wait because school starts Wednesday, Aug. 16. Start the registration process online here.

Las oportunidades para poner a los estudiantes en el camino hacia el éxito no se presentan con frecuencia, por lo que es importante actuar con rapidez cuando se presenten. Y ahora es el momento.

Por tiempo limitado, 91��Ƭ�� brinda a los padres la oportunidad de transferir a sus hijos a un distrito que transformará su futuro. Las solicitudes de transferencia están disponibles desde el 17 de noviembre hasta el 1 de diciembre de 2022. Y la buena noticia es que ni siquiera tiene que vivir en Arlington o pertenecer a la zona escolar de 91��Ƭ��. El distrito está "abierto", lo que significa que cualquier estudiante puede aprovechar las oportunidades ilimitadas que tiene para tener éxito sin importar cuál sea su interés.

Aquí hay cuatro grandes razones para transferirse hoy:

STEM COMIENZA TEMPRANO

STEM comienza en prekínder para todos los niños de cuatro años, ya que 91��Ƭ�� es el primero en el estado en crear un plan de estudios STEM en todo el distrito para sus estudiantes más pequeños. Y el prekínder es GRATIS para todos los niños de cuatro años. Gracias a los votantes del bono de 2014, los niños de las 53 escuelas primarias tienen acceso a dos laboratorios STEM completamente equipados, y los votantes del bono de 2019 aprobaron dos áreas de juego accesibles según la ADA apropiadas para la edad en cada escuela primaria. Y si lo que quiere son bellas artes, eso también comienza en la escuela primaria, ya que cada escuela tiene una sala de instrumentos de cuerda y los instrumentos se proporcionan de forma gratuita para todos los estudiantes.

OPORTUNIDADES DEPORTIVAS

Los deportes comienzan en la secundaria en 91��Ƭ�� en nuestras diez escuelas. ¿Sabías que eso incluye tanto el tenis como la lucha libre? Y en esos deportes, los entrenadores de nivel universitario enseñan a los estudiantes de secundaria. Si a su hijo le encanta el agua, se sorprenderá con el nuevo natatorio de última generación que cuenta con una piscina olímpica y un nuevo estadio de atletismo ubicado en el corazón del distrito de entretenimiento de la ciudad de Arlington. En febrero, más de 40 estudiantes-atletas de 91��Ƭ�� participaron en el Día Nacional de la Firma y recibieron casi $2 millones en becas.

LA SECUNDARIA ES CLAVE

El 91��Ƭ�� está abierto para todos, pero para aprovechar al máximo nuestros programas especializados, debe transferirse antes del noveno grado. Esto se debe a que el octavo grado es cuando los estudiantes solicitan el ingreso a una de las dos escuelas preparatorias de universidad temprana o la Academia STEM en la Escuela Preparatoria Martin. El distrito también tiene cuatro programas P-TECH donde los estudiantes pueden obtener hasta 60 horas de crédito universitario gratuito y obtener certificaciones laborales en ciencias de la salud, administración de empresas, logística, ingeniería, seguridad cibernética, fabricación y diseño y dibujo asistidos por computadora. Y todo es gratis. Los estudiantes de noveno grado también comienzan a tomar clases que pueden ayudarlos a obtener trabajos a través de programas en nuestro Centro de Carreras Técnicas Dan Dipert.

APOYO COMUNITARIO TAMBIÉN

91��Ƭ�� es un distrito escolar de alta tecnología con visión de futuro gracias a una comunidad que aprobó un bono de $966 millones en 2019. Eso se basa en nuestro bono de 2014, razón por la cual tenemos el ��Centro de Carreras Técnicas Dan Dipert que pone a los estudiantes en el caminos hacia el éxito. Por eso contamos con el nuevo Centro de Artes Visuales y Escénicas, una instalación inigualable en la zona. Es por eso que estamos construyendo nuevas escuelas, actualizando otras y brindando así a nuestros estudiantes las mejores oportunidades. La oportunidad de transferir a su estudiante a 91��Ƭ�� es ahora.

Dé el primer paso a partir del 17 de noviembre. �հ����Բ��ھ�é�������� a 91��Ƭ�� y transforme el futuro de su hijo.

Are you first day ready?

The first day of school is almost here, which probably means excitement for most parents and sorrow for some students as they soak up the last days of summer.

We want you to have a great first day in the 91��Ƭ��, and we’ve got you covered with five tips for a fun first day for you and your kiddos.

1. Fuel Your Brain

You’ve heard it since you were a kid. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Whether you eat it at home or school, breakfast is the perfect way to kick start the day. 91��Ƭ�� provides breakfast and lunch at school, and you can check and pay .

2. Create Memories

The “first day of school” pic in front of the front door is practically mandatory. Whether your child is heading into pre-K or senior year, be sure to snap a pic of them on their first day. Time flies, so it’ll be awesome to see your child grow – whether it’s in height or attitude – in each picture throughout the years. And while you’re snapping pics of your child to show off on Facebook and Instagram, be sure to use the hashtags #ArlingtonISD and #SuperFirstDay so we can see and share your special moments on district social media channels.

3. Manage Your Time Wisely

With nearly 60,000 students and more than 8,000 staff members heading back to school, traffic on the first day is real. Elementary times are 8:10 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., junior high times are 8:45 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. and high school times are 7:35 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be sure to plan out your day and leave for school on time, so you and your students don’t miss a beat!

4. Prepare for Success

There’s nothing like getting ready for the first day of school with new kicks, clothes, backpacks and school supplies. If you spent the summer on vacation mode and forgot about school supplies, don’t fret. Check out the elementary school supply lists here, and head to your favorite store to grab everything you need. Junior high and high school students will get supply lists during the first week of school.

5. Breathe

Relax. If you’re feeling the first day jitters, just take a deep breath and exhale. You and your child are going to be fine. They’re in great hands in the 91��Ƭ��. If you find yourself missing your child more than usual, just know those feelings are normal. As you go through the school year, be intentional about spending time with your kiddo and checking in on them.

Try new things like Family Movie Night or eat dinner together a few times per week. No matter what you and your family decide to do, make sure it’s filled with lots of love and laughter. And don’t forget the first school holiday is just three weeks away as we’re out of school for Labor Day, Sept. 5.

From everyone in the 91��Ƭ��, we hope you have a #SuperFirstDay of school!

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Nhi Dinh, Valedictorian

School: Seguin High School
College:
Intended Major: Biology

What is your dream and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?

My dream is to have my artwork in a museum somewhere. Although I am not actively pursuing art, I think I will still be drawing and painting after graduation -- for fun. It would be nice to leave a piece of me here on earth. To be honest, I don't have an elaborate plan to make this dream come true; I imagine my high school art teacher would one day auction my art, which would then introduce it to the world and hopefully get it to a museum.��

Who inspires you the most?��

My dad really inspires me. He is a man who is especially talented in sewing and making things; I think my artistic side came from him. Seeing him create all of my dresses out of a yard of fabric has taught me that beautiful things can be created from so little. He fuels my passion for creation and art, and I strive to surpass him one day. For now, I still need to ask him for help whenever I am on the sewing machine.

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Seguin High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @SeguinHS (Facebook) and @JuanSeguinHS (Twitter) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

Making it to high school graduation requires plenty of hard work, but the moment of crossing the stage to receive a diploma makes it all worth it. Take it from Lamar High School salutatorian Haley Wehr who has served in multiple student organizations throughout her four years and has the cords and stoles to prove it.

From Key Club to orchestra, Wehr made the most out of her high school experience academically and socially. She even got the opportunity to enlighten her classmates and peers across 91��Ƭ��! Her role? News anchor for important district updates for AISD-TV News. For four years, Wehr gave the latest news and helped bring district campaigns to life with fun, informational videos.

“Looking at my cords, stoles and medals fills me with immense pride and gratitude,” Wehr said. “As I reflect on all the different colors, each representing a different organization or accomplishment, I am reminded not only of my own successes, but of the people who have helped me accomplish each goal along the way.”

Wehr’s got a lot to be proud of, too. Look at the list of cords and stoles that will be dangling around her neck on graduation day.

Cords

Double Forest Green: 50 hours of service

Double Red, White, Blue: Academic Decathlon

Red: 2 Carter blood care donations

Purple: HOSA Future Health Professionals membership

Blue, Orange, White: Early action acceptance to UTA

Pink: Honors music

Stoles

Blue: National Honor Society

Yellow: 50 Key Club sponsored hours

Gold: LHS Salutatorian

As she counts down the days to graduation, Wehr is excited to celebrate her graduating class’ accomplishments and begin a beautiful new chapter.

“As graduation approaches, I am excited to see my peers and applaud each of them for all their successes,” said Wehr. “Every cord tells a different story and paints a picture. Each student went above and beyond throughout their high school years. Seeing these cords on graduation will be a reminder that we all excel and thrive in unique ways, and these differences make us stronger.”

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Lamar High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @LamarVikingsAISD (Facebook), @LamarHigh (Twitter) and @lamarvikingsaisd (Instagram)!�� Use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Heather van Waasbergen, Co-Valedictorian

School: Martin High School

College:

Intended Major: Animal Biology

What is your dream and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?��

My dream is to be able to help improve the natural environment, and I hope to do that by becoming a wildlife veterinarian. I’m attending college as an undergraduate at UC Davis and hope to be accepted to vet school there after receiving my Bachelor’s degree.

Who inspires you the most?��

I’d say my dad is the person who inspires me the most. He’s incredibly smart - he always seems to know something about everything. He’s also funny and brave. He moved to the US from the Netherlands despite not really knowing anyone here. He studied geology because it was interesting to him, but he wasn’t afraid to change career paths once he figured out that academia wasn’t for him.

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?��

Don’t worry too much about what anyone thinks of you or try to be someone you’re not. High school is hard, but it’s a lot better if you have friends who know and value you for the person you actually are. Even if you don’t think people will like you for you, you’ll find people who do.

What’s been your favorite high school memory?��

My favorite high school memory is the day that the tornado alarm went off during lunch. My friends and I were eating in the orchestra hall, and the choir teacher ran out and ushered everyone into the choir room. We huddled in the orchestra hall playing Uno until the tornado warning passed.

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?��

I plan to become a wildlife veterinarian and work on the conservation of endangered species. I’m a strong believer in the importance of the natural world, and I hope to be able to help the environment, both for its own sake and because we all depend on it.

What her teacher said...

"Heather was in art for two years at Shackelford Junior High. She was an excellent student!! She was excited each day to come into class and learn new ways to create art. She was a leader in the art studio and happy to help her peers in anyway needed ... and she was always smiling. Heather's personality and drive for success will take her far in whatever she chooses to do in life. I'm so proud of her and extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to teach this AMAZING student! - Nicola Glenn, Art 1 and Advanced 8th Grade Art."

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Martin High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @jamesmartinhigh (Facebook) and @MartinHigh (Twitter) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Jennifer Uyên Thơ Nguyễn, Co-Valedictorian

School: Martin High School

College:

Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering

What is your dream and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?

The dream is to escape Texas. Kidding (I am 100% serious). I’ve been in Texas for 18 years, and I’m looking forward to being in the city and traveling the East Coast. I’ll be in Boston after graduation and will be ready to leave the 100-degree summers behind. Y’all stay safe though!

Who inspires you the most?

My mom! She’s faced so many barriers as an immigrant, refugee, and single mom of two daughters. She’s given up everything for me, and she will always be my greatest inspiration. Growing up in a small, Vietnamese-Catholic community, she’s always had a lot of judgment and doubt thrown towards her, but I hope she knows my sister and I have turned out more than okay.

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Not to be corny, but to surround yourself with people you admire. Put energy into relationships with people who are more kind, funny, confident, optimistic, etc. than you. Whatever the type of person you want to grow into, find those qualities in your friends.

What’s been your favorite high school memory?

On my school’s camping trip there were communal showers that had timers. I took too long showering that the timer cut off, leaving me in the dark and unable to find the doorknob to leave. After many sad minutes banging on the door, my friend in the adjacent shower brought me a flashlight. Good times!

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?��

I hope to make education more equitable. I grew up with so many people as smart or smarter than me, but I moved schools and I think that’s a large factor in the opportunities I was afforded. AISD’s done a lot to expand resources to Title I schools, but it’s an ongoing problem that will have to be addressed on a greater scale.��

What her teacher said …

"I’ve been teaching at Martin for 15 years. I taught Jennifer chemistry her freshman year and AP chemistry her sophomore year. In my 15 years of teaching, Jennifer Nguyen is one of the top 1% of students I have taught. She has such a strong work ethic, she's personable, compassionate and humble."-Lydia Berry, Chemistry teacher within the Martin STEM Academy.

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Martin High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @jamesmartinhigh (Facebook) and @MartinHigh (Twitter) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Christopher Dao, Salutatorian

School: Martin High School

College:��

Intended Major:��Biology

What is your dream and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?��

My dream is to find some way to help others while pursuing my interests in the medical field. As of now, I'm really considering dentistry, but I'm always looking for other alternatives and will definitely explore interesting fields during my college life.

Who inspires you the most?��

My dad is definitely my biggest inspiration. As an immigrant escaping the Vietnam War, he shared many stories of how he built his life up from rock bottom, and every time I think about how he managed to do so, I feel that I can do something similar.

What��is one piece��of advice��you would��give an incoming freshman?��

Always take pictures anytime you're doing something fun with friends. Even if you're not a picture person (I definitely am not), make sure you have something, whether it is a photo or a souvenir, to remember the fun moments in the future.��

What’s been your favorite high school memory?��

During freshman year, the STEM academy hosted a trip to Fossil Rim. This event lasted a couple of days and involved all of the STEM freshmen. Here, I was able to just hang out with my friends and see so many amazing animals, and it was just a blast overall!

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?��

I want to help society and those in need through my interest in medicine. Right now, I have no idea how I'll achieve this to improve the lives of those around me. However, I hope that as time goes on and I grow to explore my role in this world, I'll be able to find my purpose.

What his teacher said …

"What can you say about this excellent student? Chris has grown so much this year. He is well-rounded, compassionate, open-minded and has a good sense of humor - overall a fantastic young man. I feel so blessed to have him in my class, he has taught me so much this year and has helped me grow as an individual. He is the definition of the word excellent. He is a person I can depend on, and trust and will miss very much. I know I will keep in touch with him, and he knows that I will always be here for anything he needs." -Jackie Rubinius, Health Science/Biomedical Health Science Practicum Instructor at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center.

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Martin High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @jamesmartinhigh (Facebook) and @MartinHigh (Twitter) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Michelle Nguyen, Salutatorian

School: Sam Houston High School

College:

Intended Major: Public Health

What is your dream and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?

I dream of living a comfortable life where I won't have to worry about money. I want to be able to live quietly. I intend to do this by getting a decent job in the health sector. It's not a very exciting answer, but it's what I want in life.

Who inspires you the most?

My father inspires me the most. He immigrated here from Vietnam with very little, but he has worked hard every day to make sure my family can live comfortably. He always encouraged me and told me to do well in school, but he was never a helicopter parent.��

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Join some clubs or a sport. Don't get so caught up in your schoolwork that you forget to have a little��fun and branch out.��

What’s been your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory was our coach driving us back to school after a tennis game that the entire team had most certainly lost. However, we'd just be making jokes about it and singing along to the Dua Lipa and Justin Beiber songs on the radio to annoy our coach.��

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?��

I don't plan to have much impact on society in the future. As stated previously, I just want to live a quiet and comfortable life. I hope that I will be able to help people with my job in health (not too sure what that's gonna be yet) but other than that, I don't think I'll have much impact.��

What her teacher said …

"I taught Michelle at Sam Houston High School. As her tennis coach, I can say she is a very hard-working, quiet but funny individual."-Manoj Jacob, Tennis/Sociology/Archery, Sam Houston High School.��

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Sam Houston High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @SamHoustonHS (Facebook), @SamHoustonHS (Twitter) and @samhoustonhs (Instagram) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name:��Kerry Minh Nguyen, Valedictorian

School: Sam Houston High School

College:��

Intended Major:��Physics��

What is your dream and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?

My dream is to provide back both in academia and my community. I would like to be a physics professor at a university where I can conduct research while also establishing a STEM outreach program for underprivileged kids.

Who inspires you the most?

My dad inspires me the most. I don’t know any man that works harder than him. Everyday, he wakes up early to ensure that everything is set for the day and makes sure that all of our responsibilities are done. My dad has made too many sacrifices for our family. His selflessness is what inspires me to work hard everyday.��

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Take risks. All students should explore hobbies and subjects that you're not interested in at first. Interested in a club? Join it! Don’t see anything you might like? Start it! It’s better to fail trying than to never try at all.��

What’s been your favorite high school memory?

One of my favorite memories of all time was my final orchestra concert. It was such a sad yet memorable moment. Orchestra has been part of my life for the past eight years, so having to essentially say farewell to a major part of my identity was really difficult. However, as we played our last piece, I thought about all the orchestra memories I’ve had with all my friends throughout the years. All the laughs, tears and hugs made me realize that the program will forever be in my heart.��

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?��

Like the people around me, I want to be an inspiration. I want to inspire others in similar shoes as mine that no matter the obstacle or challenge, you can make your dreams come true with perseverance and the support of your loved ones. Nothing can fully stop you from changing the world.��

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Sam Houston High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @SamHoustonHS (Facebook), @SamHoustonHS (Twitter) and @samhoustonhs (Instagram) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Haley Wehr, Salutatorian

School: Lamar High School

College:

Intended Major: Nursing

What is your dream and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?

My ultimate dream is to serve on medical missions around the world. In order to fulfill this ambition, I must build up my knowledge base and develop necessary skills by studying diligently, shadowing medical professionals and learning more about other world cultures.

Who inspires you the most?

Mrs. Tillie Burgin is my greatest inspiration. Just by being around Mrs. Tillie, it is clear that she has a real heart for the Lord and for serving others. In April, I had the absolute privilege of completing my Scouts BSA eagle project at Mission Arlington, and in that time, Mrs. Tillie demonstrated immense leadership, gratitude and altruism that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

My advice for incoming freshmen is to separate your academics from your self-worth. You are so much more than a test score, GPA or class ranking will ever encompass! If I could go back in time, I would pat my little freshman self on the head and tell her that the sting of a bad test grade will fade away, but the regret from a high school experience passed by will hurt much, much longer.

What’s been your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory is my final performance with the Lamar High School Orchestra. On the evening of our spring concert, every last moment — from conducting the Alma Mater, to receiving my yellow rose, to surprising our assistant director with a live goldfish, to the beautiful ambiance of the CVPA — was especially precious as I got to reflect on my past four years as a part of the orchestra program alongside my closest friends.

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?

I plan on impacting society in the future by continuing to walk through life with an optimistic outlook. Our world today is weighed down by the burden of comparison, division and hatred; my personal mission is to live in a way that reveals to others the beauty of being alive and the joy of loving others.

What her teacher said …

“Haley is clearly a remarkable young woman. What makes her remarkable is her drive to improve herself and be a better person each day. As a student, Haley inspires me to make sure that my lessons involve both rigor and creativity. Haley is the student that every teacher hopes to have, and I have been ridiculously blessed to have her in my class.” – Rebecca Archer, English teacher

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Lamar High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @LamarVikingsAISD (Facebook), @LamarHigh (Twitter) and @lamarvikingsaisd (Instagram) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Ashvi Patel, Valedictorian

School: Lamar High School

College:

Intended Major: Biomedical Engineering

What is your dream and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?

My dream is to be a doctor. I plan to make it happen by attending college and medical school while always putting my best foot forward.

Who inspires you the most?

My calculus teacher, Coach Stephens, inspires me most. He is an amazing teacher who is always receptive to our thoughts and opinions.

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

My advice to incoming freshman would be to show kindness to your peers and help them when you can. By creating a safe, loving environment for yourself, school will become ten times more enjoyable.

What’s been your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory has been being involved during football season by being on the drum line.

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?

Through my experiences in high school, I have gained a passion for service. I plan to apply this to my daily life beyond high school in order to make an impact on society.

What her teacher said …

"As Ashvi's band director for the past four years, I've had the opportunity to see her grow. As the band president and co-drumline captain, she inspired younger students with her effervescent personality. Ashvi and I had many philosophical conversations that challenged me to think from a student’s perspective. I'll miss her honest and sometimes blunt way of letting me know when I'm wrong." – Alan Lang, band director

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Lamar High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @LamarVikingsAISD (Facebook), @LamarHigh (Twitter) and @lamarvikingsaisd (Instagram) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Angela Rios, Salutatorian

School: Arlington Collegiate High School

College:

Intended Major: Biology

What is your dream and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?

My dream is to be a family medicine physician in the future. I have always wanted to work in the healthcare field to help people. My plan is to make this dream come true by attending TCU in the fall to pursue a pre-medical route.

Who inspires you the most?

My parents inspire me the most. They have always worked hard to provide everything for my siblings and me. They make time to be there for us every day. My parents inspire me to work hard in school to achieve my goals, and they have helped me get to where I am today by supporting me along the way.

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

One piece of advice I would give to an incoming freshman is to protect your GPA as soon as you start high school. It may seem like grades are not as important during freshman year but doing well in your classes will help when you apply to colleges and scholarships later. I would also say to take care of your health and avoid being stressed all the time about school work. Make memories during your time in high school because those four years will pass by quickly.

What’s been your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory has been going to UT-Arlington during my senior year to take a psychology class. I had the opportunity to experience life on campus, and I enjoyed exploring the campus, studying in different places with my friends, and learning interesting things in my class.

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?

I plan to make an impact on society in the future by helping people in my community through my career as a physician. Medicine plays an important part in the lives of people, and I want to be able to help patients with their health. Being there for people in need and providing support to them is also important to me, so I plan to volunteer with organizations to provide care to families in need once I become a physician.

What her teacher said …

“Angela Rios is one of the hardest working students that I have ever had. Her calm and motivated demeanor is refreshing and admirable.” – Gerardo Gonzales, advanced algebra II teacher

Can't make it to graduation but still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Arlington Collegiate High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @arlcolhs (Facebook) and @ACHS_AISD (Twitter) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Nicole Rodriguez, Valedictorian

School: Arlington Collegiate High School

College:

Intended Major: Computer Science

What is your dream and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?

My dream is to become successful in whatever I put my mind to. I hope that computer science can be a pathway for me to advance in the future and create a better life for my family and future generations to come.

Who inspires you the most?

The person that inspires me the most is my mom. She has taught me to always have a kind heart for everyone. Also, she has taught me to be easier on myself. I hope that one day I can be at least an ounce of what she is – thoughtful, caring and loving.

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

One piece of advice is to just enjoy the present. Do not worry about the future. If you are always thinking about the future, you will always be in an anxious state of mind.

What’s been your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memory is when I went to go help in Bridge Camp at the beginning of my senior year. Bridge Camp is a fun event at ACHS that is held in the summer for the incoming freshman. It helps bring people much closer. I enjoyed this memory, because I got to see how much I have grown since freshman year.

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?

I plan to make an impact on society by being determined. My plan is to achieve this by learning more about the tech world and how it can positively impact the world. I hope I can create new concepts that can help the society we live in.

Can’t make it to graduation but still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Arlington Collegiate High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @arlcolhs (Facebook) and @ACHS_AISD (Twitter) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Alison Buer, Salutatorian

School: Arlington High

College:

Intended Major: Biology

What is your dream and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?

One thing to know about me that is crucial to my dream is that I love sharks very much. I love them so much that my dream after graduation is to study and research sharks as a shark biologist. I plan to become a shark biologist by working towards my bachelor’s degree in biology at Brigham Young University then going on to work towards my master’s degree in marine biology at Nova Southeastern University Florida. Another big dream of mine is to keep music in my life as much as possible, whether it is by playing in local orchestras or simply playing for fun. Music makes me happy, and I aspire to be happy as much as I can.

Who inspires you the most?

My parents inspire me the most in my life because of the example that they set for me. They show me what it is like to be a true leader and friend to everyone. They have encouraged me to discover for myself what I love to do and have supported me every step of the long journey I went through. Even throughout my years in school, they have always pushed me to do my best on every assignment and do every extra credit opportunity to teach the importance of education, hard work and dedication. I hope to be just like them someday because they are truly the best parents for me.

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

As an incoming freshman, it may seem like everyone is judging you for everything you do. Trust me, I felt the same way. In reality, everyone is trying to figure themselves out and how to function in a huge school with large groups of people. With that being said, branch out of your comfort zone and take classes you would have never previously thought to take, and talk to new people outside of your normal friend group because you may find a new close friend that way! Overall, just remember it's your high school experience, you choose how your time in high school will be spent, spend it wisely and make the best of your time there.

What’s been your favorite high school memory?

My favorite high school memories were of every marching band competition. I have a lot of close friends in band, so it has been super fun to spend the entire day with them performing music. I absolutely loved being in band for the past four years, and competition days, though long and hot, were my favorite days because of the amount of music I got to take part in and the time I got to spend with my closest friends. I loved performing my heart out to an audience and feeling the satisfaction of all the countless hours of practice finally paying off as the crowd cheers at the end of a performance. I wish I could perfectly describe that feeling of pure bliss and euphoria after finishing an amazing run of the marching show while standing completely still on the field breathless and beaming, sweat dripping from your forehead, but I could not give it the justice it deserves.

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?

As a shark biologist, I’m not going to make a groundbreaking medical discovery or solve world hunger, but I will be able to make an impact on society by inspiring others to follow their dreams. Although it may be hard at times, life is a choose-your-own-adventure game and there is no specific criteria for individual success, so by inspiring others to follow their dreams and work hard to achieve their full potential, I will hopefully impact society in a positive way. Just like high school, everyone is trying to figure out themselves and what they want to do, so the best I can do for people is to set an example that others will want to emulate, just as my parents and many others do for me.

What her teacher said …

“Alison is the perfect example of COLTS Family! Commitment is her middle name. She owned her academics, was loyal to her teachers and extracurricular activities, and showed her toughness both pre- and post-pandemic and during marching band season. She continued to be selfless by giving up her off period to help the symphonic band by learning a secondary instrument. Her impact at AHS, in the spirit, pride, tradition, and in my life will be felt and remembered for years to come.” – Nathan Burum, band director

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Arlington High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @ArlingtonHighTX (Facebook), @ArlingtonHigh (Twitter) and @ahs_colts (Instagram) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Adessa Segura, Valedictorian

School: Arlington High

College:

Intended Major: Computer Science

What is your dream and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?

My dream is to work for a fortune 500 company such as NASA or Microsoft and apply my knowledge of computer science. To get there, I plan to work hard in my studies like I am doing now and continue to gain experience and perspective in the field of computer science by doing internships, and work towards my master’s degree after I obtain a bachelor’s.

Who inspires you the most?

My mom and dad inspire me the most. They always encouraged my passion for learning and pushed me harder than I ever thought I could go. I will always remember the words they told me every day, which is “Stay on Target.”

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Never be afraid to ask for help. All your teachers are there to help you, and they care for you and your success. I owe a lot of my success to tutoring and gained clarity on topics I did not understand.

What’s been your favorite high school memory?

In freshman year, I struggled to understand a certain concept. One day, in after-school tutoring, my teacher made me repeat the idea 32 times, bopping me in the head with a toy lightsaber after each time. I will always remember what I repeated and will always be grateful for the realization that each of my teachers had my back.

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?

The world is always changing, and always has problems that need solving. I hope to use my skills in computer science to solve these problems, and work on new and more efficient groundbreaking technology that will be beneficial to the world. With my skills in computer science, I also hope to give back to my community by helping others learn more about computers.

What her teacher said…

“Adessa is the most relentless learner I've ever taught. In my 21 years as a teacher, no student has ever been so determined to learn, to understand and to grow as Adessa. Always respectful, always engaged, she focused on how she could become more proficient in a course that she often noted was not her natural strength. When Adessa asked for clarification or for a different explanation, she made me a better teacher. Her work ethic is extraordinary and humbling. Adessa really has no idea how extraordinary she is. I have no doubt that Arlington will have plenty of opportunities to hear from Adessa again as she makes her distinctive mark on the world.” – Susan McKissack, AP English language teacher

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Arlington High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @ArlingtonHighTX (Facebook), @ArlingtonHigh (Twitter) and @ahs_colts (Instagram) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

Once Nicole Tacconi starts her freshman year at Princeton University, she won’t have far to go to find some familiar faces.

Tacconi, who is graduating from Martin High School and has been at the STEM Academy, can take a train to New Haven, Conn., to visit with Renee Antwi, who is graduating from Sam Houston High School and then heading to Yale University.

If the two of them need a little more company, they can drive together for a couple of hours to Boston, where they can visit with Kerry Nguyen or Jennifer Nguyen. Kerry Nguyen is Sam Houston’s valedictorian and will study at Harvard alongside Jennifer Nguyen, another product of the district’s STEM Academy at Martin and the school’s valedictorian.

It’s been that kind of year for the district. 91��Ƭ�� has four students, each of them in the top 2% of their graduating class, headed to Ivy League colleges this fall. All three of the prestigious universities have acceptance rates of less than 7%. Of course, that doesn’t factor in the 91��Ƭ��!

“I never really understood the weight of being accepted at an Ivy League school,” said Kerry Nguyen. “I know it means we all worked hard to get to this point. I don’t think I really understood everything that was involved."

The Ivy League road for each of the 91��Ƭ�� scholars couldn’t have been more different, yet they will all be there this fall.�� �� �� ��

"I know that each of us that got in truly deserves it,” Kerry Nguyen said.

Princeton

Tacconi, who went to Ditto Elementary and Young Junior High before Martin, didn’t apply to very many colleges. When it got serious, her focus was on Princeton, fellow Ivy League school Cornell and the University of Texas.

But once she found out a little more about Princeton, she was sold. She wasn’t sure she’d get in, but she wanted to give it a shot. She feels like she hit the mark.

“Something I really loved about Princeton was the close community it has,” said Tacconi, who plans to study architecture or computer science. “Even with the dorms, like 99% of students live in the dorms all four years. The class sizes are incredibly small, like 20 kids or less. Princeton is also very liberal arts focused. I wanted a well-rounded education and Princeton lets me combine my passions.”

Tacconi also likes the fact that Princeton has a focus on service. That suits her because she loves to connect with people.

Now that she’s in, she has realized the accomplishment of getting accepted to such a prestigious school.

“If you haven’t been through the application process, people don’t know how hard it is,” she said. “I know a lot of smart kids who don’t get in. Everyone is extremely happy for me. I have a lot of support and encouragement.”����������������������

Harvard

Jennifer Nguyen, Tacconi’s classmate, loved the application process. She even put together a spreadsheet of essay topics because she was applying to so many schools.

How many? Well Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Cornell, MIT and Stanford, just to name a few. What else did all those schools have in common? They all wanted Jennifer Nguyen to go to their college.

While that’s amazing, the college acceptance journey for Jennifer Nguyen didn’t start off so well, as UCLA and Brown both waitlisted her. And those were the first two schools she heard from.

“After I opened the first letter, I was a little discouraged,” Jennifer Nguyen said.

But she didn’t need to be, as the acceptance letters started rolling in. Jennifer Nguyen narrowed her choices to Harvard and Stanford before deciding to go east.

“Harvard had the best financial aid package, but Stanford was almost dead even,” said Jennifer Nguyen, who began her 91��Ƭ�� career in pre-K at Williams Elementary. “Harvard has a really strong STEM school. I wanted a well-rounded education at a liberal arts school.”

So, when Ivy Day, which is when Ivy League schools make their admission announcements, rolled around, Jennifer and her mom were a little anxious.

“It was just me and my mom and we casually opened things,” she said. “I wasn’t super hopeful. I opened Harvard last, and it was crazy. After receiving the news, I waited until the financial aid came out. I knew I wanted to go there. I was hoping the financial aid would match up and it did.”�� �� �� ��

Harvard, too

Kerry Nguyen, who is also Harvard bound, had the school on his wish list but wasn’t sure it would become a reality.

“I applied to Harvard to see if I could make it,” said Nguyen, who began his 91��Ƭ�� journey in pre-K at Hale Elementary. “Now I’m going to one of the best institutions in the nation. I’ve always wanted to go there, but those are dreams because it’s so unlikely to happen. Now it’s a reality. I thought it would be a reach school, so I wasn’t going to be too sad if I didn’t get in.”

Not getting in probably wasn’t a reality. Kerry also applied to Yale, USC, Rice, TCU and UT Austin. Of course, he was accepted at all five schools.

Kerry Nguyen got the notification about his acceptance while he was tutoring some students. He excused himself from the tutoring to check and see if he got in.

Once he did, it was pasta time.

“My Mom cried,” said Kerry, who plans to study physics. “My dad said good job. He doesn’t show extreme emotions, but I know deep down he was proud of me. We did celebrate over really good chicken alfredo.”�� ����

Yale

While Kerry Nguyen and Sam Houston classmate Renee Antwi are friends now, they’ll be rivals in college. Antwi is heading to Yale.

Why Yale for Antwi, who could have also gone to Rice, Brown, Columbia, Emory or Drake? Well, Yale has a great reputation for helping first generation college students from low-income families.

And then there was the orchestra.

“They have a pop orchestra, and no other school has it,” said Antwi, who was in orchestra at Sam. “I knew I needed to be a part of this. I love playing my instrument. Playing at my school is different. There’s not much flexibility. You have to follow everything by the book. I found out a pop orchestra is more of expressing self through music, so everyone has a good time.”

Antwi, who is also a , was leaning toward TCU early in the college process. But Yale had everything she wanted, including one of the few schools that has a major in cognitive science.

“I got the notification in my email,” she said. “I was going to wait until later, but I opened the email and saw confetti. That was unexpected. I stepped outside and called my mom and said, ‘We did it!’”

Yes, Antwi did it. And in the 91��Ƭ��, she has plenty of company.

Show Your Spirit On Social

Parents, if you share pictures of your 2022 graduate on social media, be sure to tag your teen’s high school on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #ArlingtonISD. Class of 2022 graduates, we know you’re excited about your big day, and we’re excited for you. Tag your high school and use the hashtag #ArlingtonISD, too. Congrats��grads!

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Whiton Nguyen, Salutatorian

School: Bowie High School

College:

Intended Major: Computer Science

What is your dream, and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?

My ultimate dream is to travel around the globe with my family and see many of the wonders of the world. To do this, I plan on graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington and getting a well-paying job with the skills I acquire from college. With the amount of money I earn, I hope to travel internationally with my family at least once per year!

Who inspires you the most?

Whenever I lack the motivation to do something or am too scared to take on an opportunity, I always think about my parents. My parents emigrated from Vietnam and have worked really hard to allow my sister and me to live comfortably. I look up to them as role models. My parents always make sure to remind me that I have the capabilities to do something and should just work hard to succeed. Before I take on new challenges, I always turn towards my parents for inspiration!

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Balance is key! Though you should study hard, spending time to relax is also important in becoming successful. Throughout the first three years of high school, I was so focused on my studies that I became really burnt out, losing the motivation to even pick up my pencil. As I learned to spend more time focusing on myself, I noticed I became much more efficient and satisfied with my work. Thus, having the drive to thrive academically is a great trait to have, but you should also try to step back and enjoy life every once in a while.

What’s been your favorite high school memory?

Karaoke night with my orchestra class is a memory I will always cherish. Everyone would get together and pour their hearts out singing various songs, including classic karaoke songs, K-pop, Disney tunes, etc. Because we belong to orchestra and not choir, we aren’t the greatest singers. However, each performance will always be memorable. Karaoke night has definitely allowed me to take my mind off of school and strengthen my relationships with many of my classmates. I will always appreciate having the opportunity to jam out to my favorite songs while enjoying the company of those I hold dear to my heart.

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?

I plan on making an impact on society one step at a time. Although I am just a person, I believe that any small action can greatly impact someone’s life. I hope to participate in many volunteer events around the area. In addition, I believe doing random acts of kindness can also make someone’s day. I hope to turn a frown upside down through my kindness and service.

What his teacher said…

“I knew the first day I met him that he was smart, but I doubt many people knew because he is probably one of the most humble students I've ever had. He never flaunted his smarts and was always willing to help others when needed.” – Ashley High, advanced geometry teacher.

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Bowie High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @JamesBowieHS (Facebook) and @JamesBowieHS (Twitter) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

In the week leading up to 91��Ƭ�� graduations June 7 and 8, we are celebrating the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian for all seven 91��Ƭ�� high schools.

Name: Angelina Nguyen, Valedictorian

School: Bowie High School

College:

Intended Major: Computer Science

What is your dream, and how do you plan to make it come true after graduation?

My dream is to achieve financial freedom and begin living my life the way that I’ve always dreamed of, but I’ve never had the finances to make it happen. I plan to study over the summer and take classes early to prepare myself for the next school year.

Who inspires you the most?

My two best friends, my sisters, and my anchors, Kim and Quyen, inspire me the most because they live a life where they believe that you work for what you want in life. They are determined, strong-willed and resilient. My sisters are good at what they do, and no matter what obstacles they face and the hardship they come across, they will never let it hold them back.

What is one piece of advice you would give an incoming freshman?

Chase life with the same passion and excitement that you do with the small moments that brings you joy. These next four years of your life will come by very fast, so never wished for tomorrow to come and truly live in the present.

What’s been your favorite high school memory?

Seeing all of my friends after COVID-19 was the most exciting feeling. That odd feeling and curiosity of how your classmates are since you’ve last seen them as sophomores was a remarkable memory. It truly made me reflect and value how important it is to live in the present.

How do you plan to make an impact on society in the future?

I believe that my life will be fulfilled when I can give back to communities that needs it the most. When I am older, I will accomplish this by taking an international mission trip to empower local communities and give them the support they need to build a better future.

What her teacher said…

“I call Angelina Nguyen ‘the beacon of light.’ She is an inspiration to many. She loves to learn and share her knowledge with others. I could remember as far back as 4th grade how she was always willing to be the team captain in her group of five. She wanted to lead, not because she felt she was better than everyone else, but because she possessed the maturity at the young age of nine to bring people with mixed abilities together. That tenacity always garnered her and her classmates recognition week after week. I am not surprised that she ended up top 2% of her graduating class!” – Fatiyat Amoda, 4th grade teacher

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Bowie High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @JamesBowieHS (Facebook) and @JamesBowieHS (Twitter) and use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on 91��Ƭ�� official social media pages.

The first day of school has quickly come upon us, which more than likely means relief for most parents and grief for students who would rather continue sleeping in and surfing TikTok.

We want you to have a great first day in 91��Ƭ��, and we’ve got you covered with five tips for a fun first day for you and your kiddo/s.

1. Fuel your brain.

We hope your child has a healthy breakfast before they get to school but just in case they don’t, don’t fret. We’ve got you covered for breakfast and lunch if necessary. 91��Ƭ�� will offer free breakfasts and lunches to all students in the 2021-22 school year as a part of the USDA's National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option, which has been extended for the school year.

2. Capture memories.

This one is practically mandatory. Whether it’s kindergarten, sixth grade or senior year of high school, the first day of school pic is a must. When you’re showing off your kid to all your family and friends on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, use the hashtags #ArlingtonISD and #FirstDay2021 so we can see all the fancy first day pictures you have.

3. Manage your time wisely.

When the school year begins, it’s inevitable that the traffic will pick up, too. Elementary times are 8:10 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., junior high times are 8:45 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. and high school times are 7:35 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make sure you head to school on time, so you don’t miss a single thing our staff has prepared for you on the first day.

4. Prepare for success.

A new school year means new kicks, clothes, backpacks and school supplies. Just in case you had a busy summer and forgot about school supplies, don’t worry. Check out our school supply list here to grab the right materials to make your school year a success.

5. Relax.

First day jitters getting to you, too? No worries. You’ll be fine and so will your child. They’re in great hands in 91��Ƭ��. Find yourself missing them more than usual? It’s completely normal, and we hope it encourages you to be more intentional about your family time as you go through the school year. Maybe implement Friday Family Movie Night or try a new restaurant once per month. Whatever you decide, let it be filled with lots of love and laughs. And don’t forget the first school holiday is just three weeks away as we’re out of school for Labor Day Sept. 6.

From all of us at 91��Ƭ��, we wish you a fantastic first day of school!

Your baby is excited and ready to start their first day of kindergarten in 91��Ƭ��.

But are you?

Letting your child out of your sight for an entire day as they start their Arlington education might seem scary as they meet teachers for the first time, sit next to kids who could end up being friends for the rest of their lives, and in some cases, spend a full day away from home for the first time.

Sure it’s scary. Sure you’re not 100 percent prepared for it. Don’t worry. We’re here to help. Here are five tips that can get you through your first day of kindergarten in 91��Ƭ��.

1. Tears are welcome.

   Your child may be anxious about their first day away from you. If they cry while you walk them to their classroom, that’s okay. It happens more than you can imagine. Trust us. Our teachers have seen and heard it all before. And if you cry a little, that’s okay too. Some of our schools have great events for the first day parents like the BooHoo/Yahoo at Duff Elementary. It’s specifically set up for kindergarten parents after they drop off their children. Look at it like it’s a big support group for people just like you. Check and see if your school has a nice tissue-friendly event to help you cope with first day butterflies.

2. Get involved.

   There’s no better way to stay in the know about your child’s first school than jumping in and getting involved. We know you want to stay informed about your child, so take a leap and join the school’s PTA to stay updated. You can even sign up to be a volunteer for school events, field trips and more! Ready to sign up? Use this link to become an approved volunteer, and you’ll be ready to go.

3. Take the day off.
   

   Seriously, how much work do you think you’ll get done if you’re working on your kid’s first day of kindergarten? Probably as much as you got done a month into working from home in the pandemic. Drop the kiddo off, celebrate yourself for raising a little human, take a long nap without the sound of toys and tablets, then head to the school’s pickup line to grab your kiddo. We understand some parents can’t take the day off because of their jobs, but if you have some comp time or a personal day saved up, this would be the perfect day to use it.

4. Pictures, pictures, pictures.
   

   We all know first day of school pics are a must but especially for kindergarten. This is a special day for your little one, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to document it (and show off your baby to your friends and family). Before you know it, they’ll be teenagers so make sure to snap up some pictures of your kiddo. And if you use the hashtags #FirstLook2021 and #ArlingtonISD, we might feature it on one of our social media platforms, too!

5. Trust the teachers.
   

   91��Ƭ�� is home to more than 4,000 highly-qualified teachers and administrators. They’ve been trained with the proper skills to help your child learn and grow academically, emotionally and socially in a safe environment. Rest assured they will be there with them every step of the way. They’ve got this and so do you.

From all of us at 91��Ƭ��, have an amazing first day of school!

The first day of pre-K is now less than two weeks away! Several 91��Ƭ�� teachers and administrators have tips to help you help your child be ready for pre-K.

If you haven’t enrolled your future little learner in pre-K yet, that’s the first step. Visit aisd.net/prek to get started.

Dr. Hildelisa Díaz, Early Childhood Coordinator

Starting prekindergarten marks the beginning of a new phase in your child’s development and many parents ask themselves, "Is my child ready for prekindergarten?" The answer is, "Yes!". This early start sets your child on the path for later school readiness and success. During the next few months, your child will��learn new skills,��make new friends, and gain independence and confidence. By simply reading, playing and exploring together, you are helping your child get ready for this new journey into pre-K. ��We ask��parents��to be involved in this��important��transition��as this new environment may bring anxiety to the child. Children develop independence at different rates with some children being able to separate easily from parents while others need extra support. Communicate with the teacher of your child if you need support in this area. Our teachers have a lot of experience with this type of situation and can help you develop a plan! Prekindergarten is a time of incredible growth and with just a little preparation, and connection with our campus leaders and teachers you can make this transition a confidence-building experience for both you and your child here in 91��Ƭ��!

Connie McKay, Sherrod Elementary pre-K Teacher

The first tip I would tell parents is to relax. If they are nervous or anxious, their child will pick up on those feelings. Instead, parents should tell their child how exciting and fun school is going to be. There will be fun activities every day and teachers will take care of all student needs. A quick kiss at the door and a goodbye will give students confidence.

Here are some additional tips for parents:

1. 1. 1. Read to your child every day.
      2. Count everything – stairs, snacks whatever is available.
      3. Help your child learn to put on a jacket independently.
      4. Students should wear tennis shoes every day and they should be shoes that can get dirty.��
      5. Include a change of clothes in a baggie in their backpack. Because accidents happen.

Cindy Brown, Fitzgerald Elementary principal

Getting a young child ready to go to school means getting them excited and comfortable. Practicing opening lunch items, opening and closing backpacks, and zipping zippers or unbuttoning buttons will build confidence and independence in your child. Role playing things like saying hello to their teacher, visiting the campus, talking about what they hope they will get to do at school and sharing stories of your own early learning memories will help your son or daughter transition smoothly to their own pre-K experience!

Ken Foster, Early Childhood Instructional Specialist

My first suggestion is very simple, but very powerful. I'd start by daily talking with your child about school, asking them:

• • • Where is the school located? How will you get there?
    • Who else goes there?�� Do you know other friends who attend this school?
    • What do you do at school? Where can you play outside?�� Where do you go when you want to read lots of books?����Where do you think you'll go to eat?

Take time to discuss each of these in detail to help them create mental pictures of school. There are PLENTY of books about first days at school.��My favorite is Eric Litwin's��Pete the Cat: Rockin' in my School Shoes.��It addresses the above questions in a very fun way!

I'd also encourage parents to take them to any activities the campus holds before the start��of��the school year.��Meet the Teacher night is an important event that helps establish a connection with teachers, students and their families. It will help ease anxiety in a first-time pre-K student, too.

Finally, I'd encourage parents to begin, if not already, introducing alphabetic and numeric concepts to their child.��Pre-K classes will spend a lot of time with these concepts, learning all the related foundational topics.��Doing so will help to build a strong home-school connection and set the expectation that learning doesn't just happen at school.

Pre-K Palooza starts tomorrow! Pre-K registration has never been so fun! Come to 91��Ƭ��’s Pre-K Palooza tomorrow, Wednesday or Thursday to register your three or four-year old for pre-K and have lots of fun together!�� Here’s what you need to know:

WHEN

July 20 – July 22

• Tuesday, July 20: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 21: 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 22: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WHERE

Adams Elementary ()

THE FUN

• Free backpacks for the first 100 future pre-K students
• Family games
• Mascots, including Clifford
• Free hot dogs
• Movies
• Meet pre-K staff
• And more!

REGISTRATION

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

We will also have language specialists there to conduct language assessments for students learning English.��

See you at Pre-K Palooza!

Pre-K registration is also available online��here. Learn more about��91��Ƭ��’s pre-K.

91��Ƭ�� is committed to growing whole and well-rounded young adults who are prepared to excel in college, career and beyond. The district’s mission is that every one of its more than 57,000 students will graduate exceptionally prepared for college, career and citizenship. With top educators, an outstanding core curriculum, a growing number of specialized programs and state-of-the-art facilities, the opportunities for all students from pre-K through high school are endless.

91��Ƭ��’s library media services department is running a bookmobile this summer and giving away free books! Check it out this Saturday, July 10, or Saturday, July 24, from noon – 2 p.m. You just have to be an 91��Ƭ�� student in pre-K-12^th grade.

“One of the key factors in building literacy skills, vocabulary development and academic success is whether children have books at home to read,” said Lesley Cano, 91��Ƭ�� library specialist. “91��Ƭ�� library media services department is excited that through a grant from the for the Arlo Bookmobile, students who don't have many books at home can stop by and get free, brand-new books to take home, read, and share with others in their family.”��

Bookmobile details:

DATES: July 10 and July 24

TIME: Noon - 2 p.m.

LOCATION: Elrod's Cost Plus parking lot (corner of Randol Mill and Cooper)��

Books in English and Spanish for pre-K-12th grade students in 91��Ƭ��