Volume 1, Issue 13
APRIL 26, 2011
Who packs your parachute? By: Scott McLean /Associate Superintendent of Operations
Emails often provide information, in addition to the message, that tells us something about the messenger. In addition to their signature, some choose to include a tagline. For some, the tagline may serve as an eco‐friendly reminder not to print the email unless ab‐
solutely necessary, or it may simply reflect the mission statement of the organization they represent. I usually don’t take time to read them but the other day I was copied on an email which had the following tagline, “There are no unimportant jobs, no unimportant people and no unimportant acts of kindness.” The tagline reminded me of a story about a pilot who served during the Vietnam War. After 74 successful combat missions and with only five days to go before he was to return home, his F‐4 Phantom was shot down by a surface to air missile. He was held in a North Vietnamese prison camp for nearly six years. He endured the hardships of the prison camp and distinguished himself among his fellow prisoners as a leader among the group. Upon his return, he began telling his story and eventually became a highly sought after public speaker. While dining at a restaurant he was approached by a stranger. The stranger said, “You flew jets in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down.” The pilot had no idea who the man was so he asked, “How do you know who I am?” to which the man replied, “I was a sailor on the Kitty Hawk. I packed your parachute. I guess it worked.” The pilot assured him it did and thanked him noting that if the parachute had not worked he would not have been alive to tell about it. That night the pilot couldn’t sleep. He thought about the sailor. He wondered how many times he had likely passed by him on the carrier and did not acknowledge him or his work. He thought of the time the sailor had spent standing at a long wooden table well below deck in difficult working conditions preparing each chute and the responsibility assigned to the sailor for the safety of all those that wore them. Now, whenever he conducts his speaking engagements, the pilot asks the question of his audience, “Do you know who packs your parachute?” Most students have no idea how much effort is required to prepare them for moving forward. They don’t realize all of the people at Abilene ISD who are “packing their para‐
chutes.” Chances are you’ll never know the impact you have made on a student. Maybe someday they will let you know. Even if they don’t, I hope you believe that when it comes to serving students, there are no unimportant jobs, no unimportant people and no unim‐
portant acts of kindness. The price of greatness is responsibility. ~Winston Churchill Inside this issue:
Spotlight Stories
2
Points of Pride
4
Upcoming Events
8
People Helping People
9
Picture Perfect
11
Areas of Emphasis
12
Business Corner
18
Our Mission The Mission of the Abilene Independent School District is to provide exceptional educational opportunities in an environment that will produce graduates with the skills necessary to become productive, responsible citizens. Page 2
Volume 1, Issue 13
“And now, here’s the Mayor.” Those words are spoken each morning during the announcements to introduce the Thomas‐
ville Mayor as he reads the lunch menu and weather forecast. You see, students at Thomas Elementary are citizens of Thomasville. Each fall, fifth graders make campaign posters and speeches in hopes of being elected Mayor. Elec‐
tion results also fill our City Council seats. Thomasville offices are not the only positions that students aspire to fill. Thomasville also em‐
ploys store clerks at our five Thomasville stores and bank tellers at our ASB branch. Students first complete job applications and learn interview etiquette. Next, representatives from our adopter businesses come in and interview the students. Finally, students are hired by each business to work in the Thomasville stores. Now, Thomasville students LOVE to read! Thousands of books are read each month! Once students read a book, they can take an Accelerated Reader (AR) test and receive points instead of a grade. Twice a month the Thomasville stores open. They’re stocked with stick‐
ers, pencils, jew‐
elry… just about anything a kid could want. Thomasville store clerks man the stores and students buy items using their AR points. It’s safe to say that the students at Thomas love Thomas‐
ville. It’s a great place to be! Page 3
Volume 1, Issue 13
Attitude will take 5th grader far in life Azante’ Dixon is a fifth‐grade student at Ward Elemen‐
tary School. He has a vision condition called congenital nystagmus. Azante’ is very sensitive to light and has color blindness. We have always been so impressed with his wonderful attitude. Many people with an eyesight condition such as this would want to just give up, but not this young man! The nystagmus makes it difficult for him to see work pro‐
jected onto the classroom screen. He also has large print books and other materials as well as some high tech equipment that helps him through the school day. Other than wearing very dark glasses, no one else would even realize that Azante’ has this condition. Though he has an aide that follows him from class to class, he is extremely independent and gets along quite well on his own. As far as Azante’ is concerned, his vision is a non‐issue. “Everything is OK with my vision,” he said. He has had nystagmus since birth, therefore he knows no difference. His mom reports that Azante’ sees himself simply as someone who wears glasses. Neither Azante’ nor his mom have ever made an issue of his eyesight. When asked about any limitations he may have down the line, his response was that he will not be able to drive. Even that response was just very matter‐of‐fact. Like most boys his age, he enjoys riding bikes and doing the typical boy things. Each summer Azante’ attends Camp Villa in the Austin area. There are other students at the five‐day camp who have vision, as well as, hearing problems. He especially has enjoyed the woodshop and cooking classes offered there. Azante’ is looking forward to being at Madison Middle School next year where he hopes to play the drums in the Bison Band. Azante’ Dixon is one remarkable young man. We have enjoyed having him with us at Ward over the past several years. We are confident that he will go far in life. Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 4
OFFICER RODNEY HOLDER BLOOD DRIVE April 29 is the first anniversary of Officer Rodney Holder's death, and you can make a life‐saving donation in his memory. KTAB‐TV and KRBC‐TV are proud to an‐
nounce the second Officer Rodney Holder Memorial Blood Drive on Thursday, April 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. outside the stations' studios at 4510 South 14th Street in Abilene. The event will benefit the Meek Blood Center. Officer Holder, a motorcycle officer with the Abilene Police Department, was a regu‐
lar blood donor. He was killed on April 29, 2010, while chasing a speeding motorist on Sayles Boulevard. At last year's memorial blood drive, nearly 70 pints of blood were donated. Frances Baker, with Meek Blood Center said that was almost a two‐day supply. Don and Debbie Leech were the first people in line to donate last year. Their son was in a massive car accident in 2004, and Officer Holder not only investigated the crash but contin‐
ued to check up on their son. The Leech family, after being devastated at the news of Officer Holder's death, said they wanted to make every effort to donate blood in his memory. Meek Blood Center supplies blood to 15 hospitals and medical facilities in a 12‐county area. The mission of Meek Blood Center is to be the "life blood of the Texas Midwest" by maintain‐
ing a safe and adequate blood supply. BLOOD DRIVE
HONORING OFFICER RODNEY HOLDER
 WHEN: THURSDAY, APRIL 28
 HOURS: 11:30 A.M.—6:30 P.M.
 WHERE: OUTSIDE THE KTAB/KRBC STUDIOS
4510 SOUTH 14th ST.
Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 5
The TX‐81 Corps of Cadets at Abilene High School AFJROTC is a very exceptional group of cadets. They do their best to be the best. This year the “Corps of Cadets” exceeded our goal of 4,000 community service hours by accumulating 4,300 hours. This also exceeds last year’s goal. Cadets have participated in events such as presenting the colors at all of Abilene High’s football games and more than 100 other events. Cadets worked many veteran appreciation ceremonies and taught drug awareness in the middle schools. Our parade participation showcased the Corps and complemented local community spirit. For this, their senior class, instructors and school congratulate them. This year the cadets earned their 9th consecutive Distinguished Unit Award as one of the top units in the Air Force JROTC program. Kori Gallimore, JROTC Class of 2011 Volume 1, Issue 13
Two students runners‐up for “Best of Texas” Two AISD health science students were recognized April 18 as Outstanding Health Science Technology Student Runners‐up at the Texas Career and Technology Council’s “Best of Texas” Awards Ceremony in Austin. Nicholas Carrillo and Samantha Lennon, both students at Abilene High School and Holland Medical High School, were honored for their achievements in the health science technol‐
ogy program. Carrillo, a participant in health science since 2008, has earned his Certified Nurses Aide license and is currently working to‐
ward his certification as a Pharmacy Technician. Lennon also is nearing completion of her Pharmacy Technician training and is a part of the AHS Sports Medicine program. TCTC’s “Best of Texas” awards ceremony annually recognizes senior career and technical education students, alumni and community members. Health science teachers in AISD are Margaret Salisbury, Robyn George, Kim Turnbull and Karen Cluck at Holland Med High; Ruth Rios at Cooper; and Melissa McMillion at AHS. Regional Middle School UIL Band Concert/Sightreading Contest Results
Region XVI University Interscholastic League Music held its annual 2011 South Zone Middle School Band Concert/
Sightreading Contest on Wednesday, April 20, at Cooper High School. Page 6
Sweetwater Middle School: Division 2‐Concert, Division 3‐
Sightreading Wylie Middle School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐
Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Non‐Varsity Middle School Band Merkel Middle School: Division 2‐Concert, Division 2‐
Sightreading Wylie Middle School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐
Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Regional UIL High School Band Concert/Sightreading Results Region XVI University Interscholastic League Music held its an‐
nual 2011 South Zone High School Band Concert/Sightreading Contest on Tuesday, April 19, at Cooper High School. Results are as follows: Varsity High School Band Abilene High School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Albany High School: Division 2‐Concert, Division 2‐Sightreading Baird High School: Division 2‐Concert, Division 2‐Sightreading Cisco High School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Clyde High School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 2‐Sightreading Results are as follows: Cooper High School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Varsity Middle School Band Eula High School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 2‐Sightreading Cisco Middle School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐
Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Jim Ned High School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Clack Middle School: Division 2‐Concert, Division 2‐
Sightreading Merkel High School: Division 2‐Concert, Division 3‐Sightreading Clyde Junior High School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 2‐
Sightreading Craig Middle School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐
Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Jim Ned Middle School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐
Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Madison Middle School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐
Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Roscoe Collegiate High School: Division 3‐Concert, Division 3‐
Sightreading Sweetwater High School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐
Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Wylie High School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐Sightreading (Sweepstakes). Non‐Varsity High School Band Abilene High School: Division 2‐Concert, Division 2‐Sightreading Cooper High School: Division 2‐Concert, Division 1‐Sightreading Roby High School: Division 2‐Concert, Division 2‐Sightreading Mann Middle School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐
Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Rotan High School: Division 3‐Concert, Division 2‐Sightreading Snyder Junior High School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐
Sightreading (Sweepstakes) Wylie High School: Division 1‐Concert, Division 1‐Sightreading (Sweepstakes). Volume 1, Issue 13
Art, Photography Students Medal in State Competition Abilene High School, ATEMS, and Cooper High School art and photography students participated in the state Visual Arts Scholastic Event competition, held at Clear Falls High School, in League City, on April 8‐9. VASE is spon‐
sored by the Texas Art Education Association. This competition begins at the regional level across the state of Texas with nearly 24,000 pieces being submitted for judging. Approximately 1,900 pieces advance to the state competition. Of those advancing, 850 received a gold medal, the highest rating. Students from Abilene High School who earned gold medal‐
lions were Sergio Hernandez, Josh Lara (2 medals), and Ashlyn Stewart. These medalists are students of Jill Maxwell. Ethan Crockett, a student at ATEMS (Academy for Technol‐
ogy, Engineering, Math & Science), earned a gold medallion. Ethan is a student of Cameron McCay. Students from Cooper High School who earned gold medal‐
lions were Ana Cardoza, Aaron Esmerado, Jennifer McCullough, and Annie Sungkajun. These medalists are students of Sherry Griffith. Page 7
Pigott, Halle Puckett, Kelton Reynolds, Benjamin Shelburne (Grand Recognition), Francisco Velasco, Kenneth Waldrop. Madison Middle School – Corbin Cabrera, Christopher Stock‐
dale, Bronwyn Taff. Mann Middle School – Heather Graves, Meredith Krebs, Katherine Newton, Hunter Payne, Riley Stirman, Maxwell Taubert. 21 Middle Schoolers Earn State Recognition as Duke Scholars Twenty‐one 7th graders from AISD middle schools have earned state recognition as 2010‐11 Duke Scholars for their exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT college entrance exam. Sponsored by Duke University, the Talent Identification Pro‐
gram allows 7th graders from a 16‐state region the opportunity to take the same ACT and SAT tests that high school students take when applying to college. Students qualify to participate in the talent search with a score in the 95th percentile or higher on an approved grade‐level standardized achievement test. Benjamin Shelburne of Craig Middle School was awarded Grand Recognition for his scoring achievement. One of 12 Craig students to earn recognition, Shelburne is believed to be the first AISD student since 2003‐04 to receive the Grand Recogni‐
tion title. A total of 60 district students participated in the 2010‐11 pro‐
gram. The number of AISD students earning state recognition this year improved from 15 in 2009‐10. The 7th graders will be recognized for their achievement at the regular meeting of the AISD Board of Trustees on May 9 at One AISD Center. Here is a complete list of the 2010‐11 AISD 7th grade Duke Scholars: Clack Middle School – Gabriel Tolentino. Craig Middle School – Anthony Hiscock, Catherine Keenan Kingston, Anne Lemasters, Jo Patton, Holly Pettijohn, Nathaniel Crosstown Dance There was no crosstown rivalry going on at the Abilene Educa‐
tion Foundation’s Cajun Fest held downtown on April 14. Here the Abilene High mascot, “Champ,” finds the perfect dance partner in a Cooper High cheerleader. Proceeds from the meal, which was part of ArtWalk, benefitted the AEF Alumni Scholar‐
ship Program. (Photo by Mindy Morris) Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 8
The Morgan Jones Planetarium will be offering public shows on the following dates. Cost is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for students and children. Please call 677‐1444, Ext. 3108 if you need further assistance. April 30 – Saturday May 7 – Saturday 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – “Awesome Universe” 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – “Awesome Universe” 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – “Awesome Universe” 7:00 – 8:00p.m. – “Awesome Universe” 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – “Field Trip to the Moon” 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – “Field Trip to the Moon” 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – “Field Trip to the Moon” 7:00 – 8:00p.m. – “Field Trip to the Moon” May 10 – Tuesday 6:00 – 7:00pm – “Star Signs” 7:00 – 8:00pm – “Star Signs” May 3 – Tuesday 6:00 – 7:00pm – “Stars of the Pharaohs” 7:00 – 8:00pm – “Stars of the Pharaohs” Volume 1, Issue 13
BRAND NEW/STILL IN THE BOX $100 If interested contact: 829‐7163 Page 9
I would like to thank all of AISD for your support
thru the years. This will be my last year with the
district. It is a bittersweet experience. I have enjoyed my years with the district & cherish all the
friends I have made. I have appreciated more than
words can say the prayers you have offered on my
behalf during this battle with cancer. We have
recently had to change chemo again because the
last one quit working. My side effects thru all of
this have been few & mild compared to others. I
think this is a direct result of prayer! Please keep
us in your prayers as we continue to battle this,
that the next reports will be good news & that we
will continue to have strength, faith, & courage to
continue our fight. Again, thank you all & may
AISD thrive in 2011-2012!
R. Lou Cox, RN
Johnston Elementary
FOR SALE If interested contact: LINDA 261‐2061 Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 10
55 acres, South Taylor County Jim Ned Schools 70% cultivation, 30% natural with small ravine and two tanks in back Good hunting property. Has water meter: EXCELLENT site for new home On picturesque paved road with easy access to Hwys. 83 & 84 REDUCED!!! $1850/acre or best offer Contact Amy or Tommy (AISD ext. 8525 or 260‐7787) 1965 Ford Mustang 2 door coupe in excellent condition. Runs great. 289 V8 engine. Green dot automatic transmission. Paint color: emerald dark green. Two‐ tone Pony interior. $9,500 OBO Phone: 325‐829‐4880 or email: [email protected] A charming cottage‐style home built in 1927. Entering the quaint home you will see the original hardwood floors and French doors. The living area, formal dining area, spacious bedrooms, and the ceramic‐tiled kitchen/bath still have the original character of the house with cozy color schemes. Updates include heating, air condi‐
tioning, electrical, plumbing, sewer, and paint inside. Wood deck and fenced backyard perfect for entertaining. $90,000. Please call 832.477.2754 for an appointment. Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 11
Cajun
Fest
2011
Photos by Mindy Morris
Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 12
For further workshop information and registration go to www.esc14.net.
BEHAVIOR  Administrative Overview of Non‐Ed Funds and CRCG  Behavior Blast! Behavior Education Program  Behavior Blast! Bipolar Disorder and Interventions  Behavior Blast! Brain Gym Advanced  Behavior Blast! Brain Gym for Beginners  Behavior Blast! Healing the Wounds: Teens Who Self‐Injure  Behavior Blast! Identifying and Helping Students with AD/HD in the Classroom  Behavior Blast! Interventions and Strategies for Emotional/Behavioral At‐Risk  Behavior Blast! Positive, Proactive, and Instructional Classroom Discipline  Behavior Blast! RTI & Interventions to Manage Challenging Behaviors in the Class  Behavior Blast! The Tough Kid: Practical Classroom Management Strategies  Behavior Blast! Using Literacy to Help With Student Behavior  Behavior Blast! Working with the child who doesn’t act out‐but doesn’t act RIGHT  Behavior Blast!!! Bully Prevention  C. P. I. ‐ Crisis Prevention Institute Certification‐‐2 Day  CPI‐R: Crisis Prevention Intervention ‐ Refresher  Texas Behavior Support Initiative Training: Modules 1‐6  Tough Kids Tool Box Online Book Study CSCOPE  COMING AT MATH RTI FROM ALL SIDES! What Every Teacher Needs to Know in K‐5 Math  CSCOPE Academy 2 Days  CSCOPE and Algebra I  CSCOPE and Geometry  CSCOPE and High School Math Planning  CSCOPE BOOT CAMP ‐ For Science  CSCOPE Math Grades 3‐5 Rollout  CSCOPE Math Grades 6‐8 Rollout  CSCOPE Math Grades K‐2 Rollout  CSCOPE Social Studies First 6 Weeks Rollout  ELA: STAAR & CSCOPE Planning 3‐5 Grades Tier 1  ELA: STAAR & CSCOPE Planning 6th‐8th Grades Tier 1  ELA: STAAR & CSCOPE Planning 9‐12 Grades Tier 1  ELA: STAAR & CSCOPE Planning K‐2 Grades Tier 1  Make-Up Day ELA: STAAR & CSCOPE Planning 6th-12th Grades Tier 1
 Make-Up Day ELA: STAAR & CSCOPE Planning K-2 Grades Tier 1
ESL  7 Steps to a Language‐Rich Interactive Classroom  English Language Arts ELPS Academy  ESL TExES Preparation  LPAC Training  Math ELPS Academy  Sheltered Instruction for Content‐Based ESL  Sheltered Instruction with Kathleen Kenfield  Social Studies ELPS Academy  Teaching Academic Language with Kathleen Kenfield Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 13
Every Tuesday and Thursday campuses around the district offer “Technology Tues‐
day/Thursday” classes. These are classes designed to reach out to the community with technology applications that our district is offering to students and parents. They also help to instruct our staff in new initiatives or give refresher courses to their colleagues. To sign up for these classes: log in to eduphoria, click on workshop, and then choose Tech Tuesday/Thursday. Tech Tuesday/Thursday Courses open to any teacher, staff or community member on how technology is being used on that campus. (56 Courses) Make sure to choose your class and click TITLE START DATE Tech. Tuesday: Ward ‐ Data Dashboard 4/26/2011 ‐ 3:45 PM Tech. Tuesday: Fannin ‐ NEO2 4/26/2011 ‐ 3:45 PM Tech Tuesday : Clack ‐ LRC Database 5/03/2011 ‐ 4:00 PM Tech Tuesday: TOC ‐ Frontrunner 5/03/2011 ‐ 4:00 PM Tech Tuesday: AHS ‐ Eduphoria Aware 5/31/2011 ‐ 4:00 PM Tech Wednesday: Mann ‐ Open Lab 5/04/2011 ‐ 4:00 PM Tech Monday: Mann ‐ Open Lab 5/09/2011 ‐ 4:00 PM Tech Tuesday: Bowie ‐ Mobi Training 5/10/2011 ‐ 4:00 PM Tech Tuesday: Clack ‐ Exam View (using the Mobi) 5/10/2011 ‐ 4:00 PM Tech Tuesday: TOC ‐ Open Lab 5/10/2011 ‐ 4:00 PM Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 14
Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 15
Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 16
Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 17
Volume 1, Issue 13
Attention AISD Faculty and Staff! How will the state’s budget cuts effect you and your paycheck? THERE IS HOPE!
FMI call CARA STONE @ 325‐439‐9063 or send an email to: [email protected]. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live
the life you have imagined.” ~Henry David Thorean
Page 18
Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 19
Volume 1, Issue 13
Page 20
B&C Painting
Bryan Cauthen 325.665.7620
Chad Cauthen 325.201-7166
Interior, Exterior, Residential &
Commercial Tape & Bed, Acoustic Ceiling
Free Estimates
Accept all major credit cards
Ken Faircloth Services
Wood, and chain link fencing,
Roofing, tree trimming
Firewood – free delivery in Abilene, cords 1/2
cords, will clean and haul off trash
325-232-5928
Free estimates