New KMS Principal,
Mrs. Deanne Angonia.
Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) today announced the appointment of Deanne Angonia as the new principal of Killian Middle School (KMS) starting the 2013-2014 school year.
“I am honored to continue my journey with Killian Middle School as we strive to create innovative, 21st century learners,” Angonia said. “I look forward to creating a climate and culture that promotes collaboration, creativity and engagement. I am excited to continue to serve the KMS community in my new role as principal.”
Angonia currently serves as the assistant principal at KMS, where she has led its students to enjoy thriving, productive lives in a future they create since the school opened in 2007. She is known across the district for her instructional leadership, which is exemplified in the integration of LISD’s 1:X program at KMS – a groundbreaking, transformative installation of a flexible learning environment that gives students technological devices to access, create, share and collaborate as digital citizens.
She has been with LISD for 15 years, serving in various capacities, including an instructional specialist at Huffines Middle School (Huffines), where she previously taught seventh-grade Texas History; sixth-grade reading, English, geography and math; and seventh- and eighth-grade study skills. Prior to her tenure at Huffines, she taught fourth-grade at Southridge Elementary School (Southridge).
“Deanne is a proven leader who strives for excellence for all KMS students,” LISD East Zone Leader Becky MacDonald said. “We are thrilled to have her in this role and look forward to her continued leadership at KMS next school year.”
Angonia is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where she studied Elementary Education. She received her Masters in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas (UNT). She, her husband, son and twin daughters are members of the Lewisville community and are excited about this new endeavor.
Back by popular demand – The Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) will host its second annual online social media town hall that will be streamed live on Tuesday, May 28, from 6-7 p.m. at www.LISD.net.This year’s town hall will allow parents and citizens to learn about how the district is implementing its Strategic Design initiative for all LISD students to enjoy thriving, productive lives in a future they create. Viewers will hear directly from students, teachers, principals and LISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen F. Waddell to learn the different ways the initiative is being implemented in the classroom. All five LISD high-school feeder patterns will be represented during the event.
Last year, the district embarked on transforming learning and teaching by engaging more than 5,000 citizens to share their highest hopes for LISD’s students. Through this process, a Strategic Design team was formed and a new vision, mission, core beliefs, goals and objectives were developed to ensure all LISD students are learning at profound levels. Today, more than 11,000 citizens have been involved in the process. Through LISD’s social media town hall, citizens will have the opportunity to learn more about the many ways they can become involved in the LISD Strategic Design process.
Beginning today, the district will open its Facebook Page to receive questions from community members about the strategic design process. Questions may also be submitted live, on Facebook, Twitter or emailed to info@lisd.net. During the town hall, citizens may submit their questions live via the same social media outlets.
For more information regarding LISD’s Strategic Design initiative, visit:www.lisd.net/vision or for additional questions, contact Karen Permetti, Public Information and Community Relations Officer, at permettik@lisd.net.
A HHS student folds towels during Job Olympics.
“We’ve got spirit, yes we do! We’ve got spirit, how ‘bout you?!” Cheers like these rang out at Lewisville ISD (LISD)’s Purnell Support Center on May 16, where LISD hosted its inaugural “Job Olympics” for its special education students from high schools throughout the district – providing all learners with safe, nurturing, inclusive and flexible learning environments.
Students from Hebron High School (HHS), The Colony High School (TCHS), Flower Mound High School (FMHS), Marcus High School (MHS) and Lewisville High School (LHS) participated in the competition, developed by LISD to promote employability skills for high school students with intellectual disabilities. For the past few months, these students have been practicing functional vocational job skills to prepare them to be productive members of society and for future careers after high school.
At the Job Olympics, students practiced folding clothes, taking a food order, bussing a table, sorting mail, bagging and stocking groceries, folding pizza boxes, making a bed and interviewing with a potential employer, demonstrating their vocational skills necessary for future employment while at the same time, showcasing their aptitudes, knowledge, interest and skills.
“The purpose of the Job Olympics is to allow our students to practice real-world job skills in a safe and nurturing – but competitive – environment,” LISD Special Education Director Dr. Lisa Davison said. “It’s so exciting to see these students participate in this event because they take so much pride in what they’re doing. Even though some skills might seem simple to us, completing them for these students is a huge milestone. It means so much to them, and to us, as well.”
A student practices stocking shelves at Job Olympics.
Many local community members judged the event, demonstrating one of LISD’s Strategic Design goals to continuously involve our diverse community, staff and students to use their strengths, resources and talents to provide engaging, innovative experiences for all learners. Patrick Davis, Mayor of Highland Village; Lisa Hermes, Lewisville Chamber of Commerce Vice President; Doug Killough, former LISD assistant superintendent and namesake of LISD’s LHS – Killough campus; Carol Kyer, LISD Board of Trustees President; Kathy Duke, LISD Board of Trustees member; and Buddy Bonner, LISD Central Zone Leader, all judged the event in various capacities.
“The Job Olympics is very fun and I like it so much. It’s amazing,” TCHS student Chelsea said. “My favorite event was bussing tables, because I had a lot of fun doing it.”
When the competition was finished, a closing awards ceremony was held, just like at the modern Olympic Games. TCHS was awarded the coveted gold medal for its students’ hard work during the competition.
As the Special Olympics motto states, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” LISD Special Education students not only won, but were brave in their attempt. LISD is proud of each and every participant.
Students participate in the CSI practicum at CCE.
Students in Cathy Rascon’s Forensic Science and Law Enforcement classes at Career Center East (CCE) recently got a taste of real-world learning through a cross-classroom learning experience, in cooperation with the Lewisville Police and Fire Departments and LPD Captain Jay Powell – a true learning experience involving the diverse community, staff and students to use their strengths, resources and talents to provide engaging, innovative experiences for all learners.
Rascon developed the collaborative, unique lesson for Law Enforcement students, offered for the first time this year. Students were exposed to a multitude of career opportunities that exist within the fields of law enforcement and public safety, including SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics), narcotics, hostage negotiations, arson, First Aid and CPR, corrections and dispatch. They spent time at the Lewisville Police and Fire Departments working one-on-one with officers and dispatchers, gaining a real-world understanding of what these positions entail.
“The practicum with Law Enforcement students reiterates meaningful and relevant work engages students in profound learning,” Rascon said. “Not only were students able to understand what these police officers and firemen do on a daily basis, they were able to experience it firsthand. There’s no greater understanding of a lesson than to experience it.”
In addition to the lesson, CCE Law Enforcement students are also afforded the opportunity to obtain positions within the community and participate in ride-alongs with law enforcement officers.
“The practicum was worthwhile and I’m very lucky to have participated in it,” Law Enforcement Practicum student Maybelynn Rodriguez said. “I was really grateful to the officers who took time out of their busy schedules to teach us about their field of work. Overall, it was an amazing feeling being there and experiencing criminal justice firsthand.”
In addition to the Law Enforcement practicum, CCE’s Forensic Science students also applied their mastery of course content in an innovative, collaborative and interdisciplinary format. Rascon challenged her students to create and teach crime scene analysis to students in Dr. Rose Jones’ Health Science class at CCE, creating meaningful, varied assessments to inform and inspire fellow students.
Over the course of several days, Rascon’s Forensic Science students researched career clusters that overlap the fields of forensics and medicine; collected and edited video clips on various types of wounds and injuries; and created hypothetical homicide scenarios, which included life-sized body maps and victim biographies.
“I found it useful to learn about the different types of wounds and how to treat them and how medicine plays a large role in forensics,” Forensics and Health Science student Alex Carlson. “It was a very informative lesson.”
The Forensic Science students then “trained” the Health Science students on the art and science of crime scene investigation (CSI), setting up six crime scenes, which required the Health Science students to blend their newly-acquired knowledge of forensics with the preexisting knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology.
“It was a great opportunity for Health Science students to see firsthand how medical knowledge can combine to form a new discourse of knowledge,” Dr. Jones said. “The fact that this lesson was student-led and student-directed was equally important; it provided all students with an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary, team-based, problem-solving learning, which essentially constitutes the cornerstone of 21st century education.”
The Lewisville ISD (LISD) Board of Trustees met for their regular meeting on Monday, May 20.
Board Election Results and Oath of Office:
The LISD Board canvassed the results of the May 11, 2013 general election and welcomed newly-elected Board members Kris Vaughan to fill vacant trustee Place 4 and Dr. Mark Weilding in Place 5, succeeding Julie Foughty, who chose not to seek re-election for her seat. In addition, the Board approved the motion for Carol Kyer to remain as LISD’s Board of Trustees President; the nomination to name Kathy Duke as its Vice President; and the nomination to name Trisha Sheffield as its Secretary.
Awards and Recognition:
- Eric Yang, The Colony High School – perfect SAT score
- Rylie Turrentine, Flower Mound High School – perfect ACT score
- Recognize Julie Foughty, outgoing Board member
- State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) winners
- SkillsUSA state winners
- Destination Imagination (DI) accomplishments and winners
- State athletes
- View photos from the Board meeting
Community Input:
Sandy Peters with the American Diabetes Association addressed the Board about LISD’s continued support in being number one in North Texas, raising more than $35,000 for the association. LISD P.E. and Health CoordinatorSheila Gardner, who was recognized for being named the Associations’ Coordinator of the Year, and Principal of the Year is Lori Johnson with Old Settlers Elementary.
The Board listened to a presentation about LISD Night School Program Outcomes presented by Bronson Lewis, Associate Principal of LISD’s Night School.
The Board listened to a presentation from LISD’s East Zone Assistant Principals who have been working on a project all school year about the possibilities of ways to implement digital portfolios (ePortfolios). The purpose of the project was to determine how ePortfolios could be used as an assessment tool. Through a rubric, the team highlighted key skills deemed necessary for the 21- century learner. To develop meaningful and relevant assessments to transform student learning, the group showcased grade-level and course-specific artifacts seen in portfolios around the district. Artifacts displayed included audio recordings, visual presentations created from different presentation applications, collaboration via GoogleDocs, social media responsibility and student-created public service announcements (PSA). Students were surveyed on where they wish to see ePortfolios to be saved, which they unanimously suggested to be GoogleDrive.
The Board Listened to presentation by Eric Simpson TASA/iTunesU, who went through a sneak preview of 20 courses that will be available for teachers to utilize statewide to enrich classroom experiences for students via iTunes this June. All courses/books are organized around the Texas Education Agency (TEA)’s Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to provide students with content to read, watch and listen via podcasts, applications, books and several credible articles and resources that apply to the subject at hand.
Discussion Items:
- Monthly Financials, Bond Report and New Construction Report
- Design Development for rebuild of Camey Elementary
- Update presented by Irene Nagalioni with PBK Architects. View the Camey’s new design video.
- Griffin Middle School Schematic Design
- Presented by Irene Nagaglioni with PBK, who went through where the charrette committee began with seven possible options to determine. The group was looking for a natural building that fit the area. Learning hubs, presentation areas, learning studios, lunch and snack areas, quiet areas for reading and embracing the exterior and outdoors where all taken into consideration in designing the new site plan. The building, being built for 1,000 students, is scheduled to be completed by August 2014. The new Griffin Middle School will include safe areas for inclement weather purposes. View Griffin’s new design video.
- LISD West Zone Leader Rhonda Godbey and Director of Curriculum Lori Rapp shared information about the progress of moving the district to a nine-week reporting period district-wide.
- After working closely with Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), it was determined LISD will go from a six-week to a nine-week grading period. Interim progress reports shall be issued in accordance with law for a student who demonstrates consistent unsatisfactory progress.
- EIE Local, revise the language to promote from grade 1 to 2 shall be based on mastery of the grade 1 grade-level standards (essential knowledge and skills), as demonstrated through skills
- Presented new categories and the standards related for new report cards
- The Board is expected to take action on this in June
For more information, the full agenda and Board packet are posted on lisd.net. A broadcast of the meeting can also be viewed online. Pictures from the meeting may be viewed online, as well.
LISD Names Matthew Garrett as its first Safety and Security Officer.
Lewisville ISD (LISD) is pleased to announce that Matthew Garrett has been named LISD’s first Safety and Security Officer, a newly-created position to coordinate the safety and security programs for the district, ensuring they are in compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances.
“We are very excited to introduce this new position to ensure all students, faculty and staff teach and learn in a safe, nurturing, inclusive and flexible learning environment,” LISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen F. Waddell said. “Matthew brings to the district an immense knowledge and background of public service, safety and management skills and we are thrilled to bring him onboard to the LISD family.”
Garrett brings to LISD his vast knowledge of emergency preparedness and safety management skills from a variety of emergency management positions throughout the North Texas area. Most recently, Garrett held the position of Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Richardson’s Office of Emergency Management. During this time, he served on Richardson ISD’s Safety and Security Committee, assisting them in acquiring interoperable communications methods. Prior to his tenure with the City of Richardson, Garrett worked in the City of Dallas’ Office of Emergency Management as an Emergency Management Specialist, where he was responsible for updating and maintaining the city’s emergency operations plan and developing the templates currently in use within the city to maintain the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).
In addition, Garrett is a Certified Emergency Manager with the International Association of Emergency Managers and holds an Amateur Radio Technician License, “K2SIG.” He has also completed all Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-required National Incident Management System (NIMS) training for Command Staff.
“I am privileged to put my skills to use at LISD,” Garrett said. “The district holds safety and security to a high standard and I am honored to be chosen for this position.”
As LISD’s Safety and Security Officer, Garrett will streamline emergency processes and procedures to enhance LISD safety; establish relationships between the district and its local police/fire departments and emergency planners. Additionally, Garrett will oversee the district’s School Resource Officer (SRO) program to reaffirm school safety as LISD’s top priority. Finally, he will organize and chair LISD’s first Emergency Operations Planning Team; monitor for weather and/or security incidents; and further enhance the district’s drills and emergency trainings.
Garrett is a graduate of the University of North Texas (UNT) where studied Emergency Administration and Planning, minoring in Public Administration. He, his wife and children are members of the community and look forward to this new endeavor.
Every parent has voice in Lewisville ISD’s (LISD) mission to design and implement a learning organization that provides engaging, innovative experiences every day. Today, we are asking for your feedback.
As the district moves forward in implementing our Strategic Design, we are seeking input on the information you would like to receive from your student’s campus and LISD. One of our core beliefs states, “Education is a shared responsibility of the community.” For LISD to truly partner with our parents and community, we need information about your expectations.
Based upon the results of this survey, we will develop a communication framework to implement at the campus and district level, creating a two-way dialogue between LISD and our parents. The results will also shape what is communicated, by whom, and when. This survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. All answers are strictly confidential, so please provide honest feedback.
To participate, click on this link or copy-paste the entire following link between quote marks (NOT including the quote marks) in a web browser “http://research.zarca.com/k/RQsQPXSQsSsPsPsP“
Coyote Ridge fifth-graders dressed to the nines for Career Day.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a common question asked of students. Earlier this month, fifth-grade students at Coyote Ridge Elementary School (Coyote Ridge) were able to get answers to that question by participating in Coyote Ridge’s Career Day, where they heard from many local volunteer presenters – involving our diverse community, staff and students to use their strengths, resources and talents to provide engaging, innovative experiences for all learners.
Students in Molly Fannin, Rachel Griffin, Kirstin Heyen, Jennifer Lott and Michelle Thrasher’s classes saw presentations by five guest speakers, who shared with students why they chose their careers; the benefits, drawbacks and challenges of it; and the training and technology necessary to be successful.
“By participating in Career Day, students were exposed to a variety of 21st century career possibilities available to them in the future,” Guidance Counselor Stephanie Moore said. “We really wanted our fifth-graders to make the connection between choosing a career path based on their talents, interests and abilities.”
Volunteer presenters included representatives from Keller-Williams Real Estate, Lifetime Fitness, Little Elm Medical Center, Microsoft, and a freelance cinematography specialist. The presenters
Fifth-graders hear from Little Elm Medical Center’s Dr. Jill E. Wolf, M.D. at Career Day.
provided hands-on learning with the latest technology applications. Students were able to produce their own television commercial; be active participants in making their own video game using Kinnect technology; create their own fitness and lifestyle goals; develop their own marketing plan for buying and selling real estate; and observe equipment used by a family physician.
“Career Day was so much fun,” student Areesha Lakhani said. “I learned a lot about some careers, and the event helped me narrow down which careers I might be interested in. Now I know I am interested in becoming a medical doctor.”
Other students agree.
“We got to learn, play and move at Career Day,” student Lisa Lee said. “I learned to have to study a lot to be in the career you want to be in.”
Castle Hills Elementary unveils its new playground shade structure while LISD Board of Trustees member Trisha Sheffield looks on.
Castle Hills Elementary Unveils New Playground Shade Cover
May 13, Castle Hills Elementary (Castle Hills) unveiled its new shade structure to improve its playground, a school, PTA and community-wide effort. Lewisville ISD (LISD) Board of Trustees member Trisha Sheffield was in attendance at the ribbon-cutting event to support the playground’s new shade structure. Have a “cool” time playing outside, students!
Castle Hills Elementary Teachers are “Souper” Heroes
Castle Hills students donate more than 600 cans of food to the CCA Food Pantry.
Students at Castle Hills recently celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week with an entire week of fun activities, including “Souper Hero Tuesday.” Students were encouraged to bring a can of soup to show teachers and staff how much they were appreciated. More than 600 cans of soup were donated to the Christian Community Action (CCA) Food Pantry in honor of the teachers and staff at Castle Hills. Way to go!
Hebron Valley students display examples of projects created and lessons learned in their transformative classrooms.
On May 9, Lewisville ISD (LISD) community members were invited into many classrooms at Lewisville High School (LHS) – which several LISD schools took over – to see first-hand how campuses are implementing LISD’s Strategic Design initiative in classrooms.
“This is something we are going to do every year,” LISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen F. Waddell said. “We appreciate how our teachers and students have worked hard to implement Strategic Design, and this is our way of giving our community an inside look of it in action.”
More than 100 community members had an opportunity to attend four different breakout sessions to learn how individual campuses are implementing Strategic Design. Some of the evening’s presentation topics included project-based learning (PBL), digital portfolios, student voice, flexible learning spaces, creative lessons, community projects and much more.
For example, Hebron Valley Elementary (Hebron Valley) presented on transformative classrooms and how its students are consistently engaged in profound learning experiences in those classrooms. Principal Adrienne Gall and Assistant Principal Renee Marts showed a video capturing the implementation process, the progress Hebron Valley is making and the methods they’re using to provide students with experiences necessary for self-discovery, collaboration and innovation. Following the video, Hebron Valley students shared projects from their transformative classrooms for the showcase visitors.
LISD Board of Trustees President, Carol Kyer; Highland Village Mayor, Pat Davis; and U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess’ District Director, Erik With; were among the many guests in attendance.
“I cried tears of excitement,” LISD Strategic Design Committee member Kris Vaughn said. “This is the first time I’ve been able to see up close and personal what we were all so passionate about when working together as a committee. It is amazing how kindergartners and first-graders are capable of creating projects and saving them to their digital portfolios. As an adult, technology can be intimidating at times, but they embrace it. Think about what it will be like in 20 years when these children are leading society. It’s exciting.”
What is Strategic Design?
Starting the 2011-12 school year, the district underwent a transformative Strategic Design process to define aspirations for education. This process led to the district’s new core beliefs, vision, mission and goals, which were created in multiple phases through input from thousands of students, parents, community members and employees. The resulting product outlines lofty goals, but LISD is dedicated to ensuring all students enjoy thriving, productive lives in a future they create.
