Contact: Griffith, Barbara

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FORT WORTH CATS PITCH IN TO HELP FORT WORTH ISD

 

Fort Worth, Texas – Fort Worth ISD employees attending the Fort Worth Cats vs. Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings game on Thursday, June 20, 2013 will get a special treat.

 

Using the accompanying flier, District employees will receive free admission with up to four guests paying only half-price.

 

The Fort Worth Cats play at LaGrave Field located at 301 NE 6th Street, Fort Worth. For more information call 817.332.CATS (2287)

   

 -FWISD-

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Article Date: 6/18/2013

Contact: Bond, Clint

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JROTC CADETS GAIN CONFIDENCE AT CAMP RANGO 

Fort Worth, Texas – Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets from the Fort Worth ISD and other North Texas school districts spent the first week of summer vacation at Junior Cadet Leadership Camp (JCLC).

FWISD’s Truelson-Hightower Outdoor Learning Center was temporarily renamed Camp Rango for the five-day camp, which provided a safe, healthy, and fun training environment that was both physically and mentally challenging.

A total of 241 male and female cadets, supported by culinary arts students from Trimble Tech and South Hills High Schools, chaperones, and JROTC instructors held adventure training not available during the regular school year on campus.

The highlight activity was the newly refurbished “ropes confidence course,” including a zip line several hundred yards long. Map reading and compass familiarization, team-building activities, and citizenship classes rounded out the curriculum.

“Our job at JCLC is to provide an environment where students have to think and find solutions through working together,” said JROTC Director LTC Richard Crossley. “And, we do it in a military setting -- allowing them to interact with their peers while having fun.”

Culinary Arts students from the Trimble Tech and South Hills Gold Seal Programs of Choice prepared and cooked on-site meals for all the cadets and adults. Trimble Tech's Gold Seal Program provides many opportunities to explore a variety of culinary careers that help students make realistic career choices that are satisfying and successful. The Culinary Arts Academy at South Hills High School is a unique program that jumpstarts careers in the food industry by providing restaurant curriculum and chef school certifications.

>>View Photo Gallery

 -FWISD-

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Article Date: 6/17/2013

Contact: Bond, Clint

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 FORT WORTH ISD AND AECOM WIN PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR BOND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Fort Worth, Texas – The Fort Worth ISD and its Capital Improvement Program management partner AECOM were jointly selected to receive the prestigious 2013 CLIDE Award. AECOM manages the District’s 2007 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

>> View the photo gallery 

The Celebrating Leadership in Development Excellence (CLIDE) Awards Program was created in 2003 to encourage innovative development projects and practices that will help accommodate expected growth and ensure a sustainable North Texas for generations to come. CLIDE does this by recognizing private and public development programs and projects that exemplify the region's Principles of Development Excellence.

The North Central Texas Council of Governments' Strategic Plan for 1999-2003 called for the creation of the Center of Development Excellence. The Center is envisioned as a comprehensive effort to bring together public- and private-sector experts in the environmental, transportation, development, and information analysis fields to address the regional issues and infrastructure concerns of the future.

“In the years since voters approved the 2007 bond referendum we’ve built new schools, renovated facilities and technologically transformed classrooms all across the District,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby. “And with our AECOM partner we have been able to do it all on time, under budget and within strict guidelines for safety, sustainability and accountability.”

The recognition of the Fort Worth ISD and AECOM as distinguished awardees identifies both entities as examples of development excellence in the North Texas region.

"We are proud of our partnership with the Fort Worth ISD," said Kristabel Lopez, AIA, Vice-president of program and construction management at AECOM Construction Services.  Ms. Lopez is the AECOM Program Executive for the Fort Worth ISD CIP.

Fort Worth ISD selected AECOM to serve as the program manager for the 2007 CIP because of AECOM’s experience, core values and commitment to excellence. Fort Worth ISD and AECOM staff work together as one team to deliver quality projects in support of the District’s vision and to serve the students, faculty, staff and Fort Worth community.   

  -FWISD-

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Article Date: 5/20/2013

Contact: Griffith, Barbara

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The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and Fort Worth Independent School District

Commitment to Music Education

 

Fort Worth, Texas (June 13, 2013) -  The Fort Worth ISD, thanks in part to funding from the Amon G. Carter Foundation, has been selected by The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation to receive a significant donation of musical instruments.

"We are thrilled to have received this donation supporting our instrumental programs,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby. “Our commitment to Singleness of Purpose and our strategic plan support the idea that our students have access to rigorous and engaging curriculum – and that includes instrumental music.  This generous contribution goes a long way to help us accomplish our goals.”

The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation donation to the District has a total retail value of $192,719 and impacts six Fort Worth ISD schools.

“A major factor with our decision is the unwavering support Fort Worth Independent School District has for music education,” said Tricia Steel, Program Director, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. “At a time when financial resources are limited, the District understands the impact music has on students and continues to work diligently to protect music programs.”

Carter Riverside High School

2 3/4 string basses

3 trumpets

6 clarinets

2 bass clarinets

4 refurbished 15" violas

 

Dunbar Middle School

5 clarinets

2 euphoniums

4 trombones

3 alto saxophones

5 flutes

5 trumpets

5 marching snare drums

5 marching tenor drums

4 marching bass drums

1 set of marching quads

1 pair marching crash cymbals

 

Meacham Middle School

$2,190 toward the repair of existing inventory

2 1/2 string basses

3 tenor saxophones

10 clarinets

1 baritone sax

3 euphoniums

2 refurbished 1/2 celli

 

Riverside Middle School

$225 toward the repair of existing inventory

2 1/4 string basses

12 14" violas

30 violin shoulder rests

12 viola shoulder rests

15 violin string sets

15 viola string sets

5 bass string sets

 

Rosemont Middle School

10 4/4 cellos

20 4/4 violins

12 14” inch violas

1 refurbished 16” viola

1 refurbished ¾ violins

 

Rosemont 6th Grade School  

5 flutes

5 alto saxophones

6 4/4 cellos

2 3/4 violins

2 refurbished 3/4 violins

5 refurbished 4/4 violins

 

 -FWISD-

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Article Date: 6/14/2013

Contact: Bond, Clint

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HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER SCHOOL REGISTRATION EXTENDED 

Fort Worth, Texas (June 13, 2013) – Registration for Fort Worth ISD’s High School Summer School has been extended through Monday, June 17, 2013.   

Regular registration will take place through Friday, June 14 at Southwest High School from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Late registration will continue on Monday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Trimble Tech High School. 

This Summer School session is for students needing credit for failed high school courses. Parents who are enrolled in Parent Portal should check the portal by Friday, June 14 if they have not already received their student’s report card to determine if the student needs to attend high school Summer School. 

For more information, including payment information, visit the Parents page of the Fort Worth ISD website or call Learning Network 3 at 817-814-2353. 

 -FWISD-

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Article Date: 6/13/2013

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PRINCIPAL ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR

 

Fort Worth, Texas (June 11, 2013) – The Fort Worth ISD Board of Education approved the following new principal assignments/promotions for the 2013-2014 school year:

High School

Theodore (TJ) Jarchow – Principal, Southwest High School

Previous – Principal, Wedgwood Middle School

 

Middle School

Alice Buckley – Principal, Applied Learning Academy

Previous – Principal, Ridglea Hills Elementary School

 

Thomas Fraire – Principal, Meacham Middle School

Previous – Coordinator, Learning Network

 

Richard Penland – Principal, Leonard Middle School

Previous – Principal, Westpark Elementary School

 

Valencia Rhines – Principal, Wedgwood Middle School

Previous – Assistant Principal, Wedgwood Middle School

 

Elementary Schools

Nakita Brewer – Principal, Charles E. Nash Elementary School

Previous – Assistant Principal, Sunrise Elementary School

 

Crenesha Cotton – Principal, Ridglea Hills Elementary School

Previous – Assistant Principal, Monnig Middle School

 

Lorena Delgado – Principal, Seminary Hills Elementary School

Previous – Assistant Principal, Worth Heights Elementary School

 

Nkosi Geary-Smith – Principal, Carter Park Elementary School

Previous – Assistant Principal, Seminary Hills Elementary School

 

Sonya Kelly – Principal, Western Hills Primary School

Previous – Assistant Principal, Western Hills Elementary School

 

Maryln Martinez – Principal, Diamond Hill Elementary School

Previous - Assistant Principal, Kirkpatrick Middle School

 

Monica Ordaz – Principal, Cesar Chavez Elementary School

Previous - Assistant Principal Meadowbrook Elementary School

 

Leticia Sparks – Principal, M.G. Ellis Primary School

Previous – Assistant Principal, Westcreek Elementary School

 

Julia Yost – Principal, Sam Rosen Elementary School

Previous – Ponder Elementary School, Mansfield ISD

 

The following principal assignments are lateral moves not requiring Board approval:

Susan Hill – Principal, Westpark Elementary School

Previous – Principal, East Handley Middle School

 

Alleia Hobbs – Principal, East Handley Elementary School

Previous – Director, Elementary Literacy

 

Felicia Moody – Principal, Maude Logan Elementary School

Previous - Principal, West Handley Elementary School

 

Cassandra Morris-Surles – Principal, Como Elementary School

Previous - Principal, Glen Park Elementary School

 

Ellen Verreault – Principal, Glen Park Elementary School

Previous – Principal, Diamond Hill Elementary School

 

Brenda Whitlock – Principal, West Handley Elementary School

Previous – Principal, Como Elementary School

 

All of the announced assignments are effective July 31, 2013.

 

 -FWISD-

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Article Date: 6/11/2013

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Fort Worth ISD STAAR Results Show Significant Progress 

Fort Worth, Texas – Fort Worth ISD students have made significant progress when measured by the results of the most recent STAAR testing. The District saw statistically significant gains in four of five subject areas – reading, math, science, and social studies-- when summed across grades.   

The state of Texas has adopted a new accountability system that is comprised of four indexes:  Index 1 focuses on student achievement; Index 2 measures student growth; Index 3 looks at closing the achievement gaps; and Index 4 reports college readiness.

Based on STAAR 3-8; STAAR EOC and TAKS at grade 11, the District is projected to meet the accountability targets in Index 1 and Index 3. 

Fort Worth ISD students showed the strongest gains in third, fifth and eighth grade math.  They also saw gains in third, fifth, seventh and eighth-grade reading.  Performance remained basically flat in fourth grade in reading, math and writing.  Students struggled in sixth and seventh-grade math.

Districts statewide are awaiting additional information from the state regarding Index 2 and Index 4.

Even though the report from the state is not final, early results project that only five (5) campuses missed the accountability target on Index 1/Student Achievement.  This is out of the District’s 107 traditional campuses.

In reference to Index 3/Closing the Achievement Gap, preliminary data reveal Fort Worth ISD had twenty campuses that failed to meet this index.  Again, not all reporting is final. 

“We clearly understand our challenges and we are determined to meet them all,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby.  “However, we must celebrate that more than 95% of our traditional campuses met the Student Achievement target for Index 1.”

Report highlights:

·        Every District high school and middle school exceeded the target for Index 1

·        All District secondary schools ( except three) met the target for Index 3

·        76 of 81 District elementary schools met the target for Index 1

·        64 of 81 District elementary school met the target for Index 3

The District has already taken steps to assist those students who need extra academic support. Students who didn’t meet expectations in the STAAR and EOC accountability testing are being asked to take summer classes. Special courses and curriculum are being put into place to better support these children who are lagging behind. 

Index 2 reports student growth and districts are awaiting additional information on how that will be calculated by the state and what effect it will have on accountability. Index 4 is about college readiness and will only apply at high school, measuring graduation rates and diploma plans this year. 

It should be noted however, that recently TEA Commissioner Williams cited “Diplomas Count 2013 analysis” a recent study which found that large Texas school districts are posting “graduation rates higher than expected” (given their size, poverty level and other defining characteristics.)  Those districts include Northside ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Austin ISD, Houston ISD, and Dallas ISD – and Fort Worth ISD.

In alignment with the District’s new Strategic Plan and using the Baldrige continuous improvement model, the Fort Worth ISD is making plans for the 2013-14 school year.  Selected Fort Worth ISD campuses will have an extended school day and will be assigned additional counselors.  Fort Worth ISD teachers will use new pacing guides in all tested content areas and new elementary literacy resources will support new state standards.

 -FWISD-

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Article Date: 6/11/2013

Contact: Griffith, Barbara

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Board Meeting Set for Tuesday, June 11

Trustees for the Fort Worth ISD Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, June 11. The complete agenda may be viewed here.   

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Article Date: 6/11/2013

Contact: Cope, John

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2013 FWISD Teacher Survey Shows Increased Participation

Comfort with data, satisfaction with campus leadership, need for more common planning time are among responses

(Fort Worth) Fort Worth ISD teachers have a high-degree of comfort with using data to make classroom decisions. They are also generally satisfied with their campus leaders.  Those are just two of the takeaways from the 2013 Teacher Survey being released today.

A record number of teachers participated in this year’s survey – with 67% responding as compared to 53% last year.   

“We asked teachers what they thought and we are listening to them,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby. “We are releasing the entire 77-page survey.  It’s important as we take on the Baldrige model of continuous improvement that we see this as an opportunity for improvement.”

The complete survey is here.

In January, the teachers were asked to respond to the lengthy 126-item survey, which measures perceptions on a wide variety of topics, including instruction, school management and parent engagement.  The survey also asks teachers opinions on specific District initiatives and policies.

Here are some of the highlights from the 2013 data:

• Teachers are comfortable with using data and the District’s Curriculum Frameworks to guide their instruction. 

• Teachers are generally satisfied with campus leadership, with administrators receiving high ratings for being accessible and sensitive to cultural differences.  Assistant principals are often cited by teachers as their primary contacts within campus administration.

• Teacher collaboration among colleagues and interactions with administrators declined sharply in several areas, compared with 2012, with weekly collaboration showing the largest decline. 

• Teachers are committed to student success and safety. Teachers believe that students feel safe coming to them to report bullying.

• Many teachers assist their students outside of class time with school work and planning for post-secondary education

• Teachers are somewhat satisfied with District-based professional development, with elective and beginning teachers most satisfied.  

Elementary school teachers (95%) report common planning periods with their grade-level or department-level colleagues; high school teachers, on the other hand, report significantly lower rates of common planning periods (60%.)

Teachers also recognize the importance and benefits of parent involvement: most teachers (92%) believe it is their responsibility to get parents involved. Almost all teachers (97%) believe that parent involvement increases their own effectiveness.

The survey was open from January 7 – January 22, 2013, and teachers responded online via a personal electronic link.  

 -FWISD-

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