LIONS ROAR
June / July 2019 (Volume 2, Number 6)
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: ABBEY SHOWMAN
"I am most proud of all my projects, artwork, and all the things that I've created in my lifetime because I have dedicated so much of my time to those things. I like for people to see them, and appreciate them."
LPS 10th grader, Abbey Showman, takes full advantage of attending our school - a school that believes in a strong arts program to enhance student creativity, provide an outlet for individual expression, and offer a well-rounded education for students. For Abbey, being creative is what she enjoys most about art and is a primary area of focus for her during her free time.
Abbey's artistic talent was recognized by U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess this year when he chose her piece as one to include as one from his district for the 2019 Congressional Art Competition. For Abbey, she simply submitted a piece of art that, like all of her art, was special and meaningful to her.
"My memories as a kid and my experiences growing up really inspire my art," reflects Abbey. "Colors tend to remind me of random things and then those memories turn into art."
This year at LPS has been particularly valuable for Abbey. In addition to having her artwork chosen for this distinguished honor, she has been able to take two of her favorite classes - art and graphic design. And while this year has been the most challenging of the five years she has been at LPS, she is thankful to Ms. Shaffer and her Lighthouse peers who has inspired her, even when she felt like giving up.
"This year, I received the leadership award for the third nine-weeks, and I received the Best Attitude award at the Lighthouse Banquet. Honestly, I struggled this year and at times, and sometimes I wanted to give up. However, it was amazing that others recognized my hard work."
Ms. Shaffer has inspired me because she is so dedicated to her students, and she puts her whole heart into everything she does. She also has put her trust in others to help her accomplish her goals. Additionally, I have formed many new friends and love having a family of people my age surrounding me developing strong relationships with people in my grade and surrounding grades," said Abbey thankful of the supportive community at LPS.
Abbey enjoys a good challenge. A couple of years ago, she applied and was accepted into the Young Entrepreneur's Academy program. She describes the experience as one of the most difficult yet most rewarded she has ever experienced. In fact, she actually believed in the beginning she wouldn't excel in the program, but by the end of the year, she proved her worth to a panel of investors, who gave her the capital to start her own business selling farm fresh eggs. She used the business to save enough money to pay for half of her car!
"I cannot believe [I succeeded in the program] because it feels like a dream," reflects Abbey. "But I kept pushing through and made it happen!"
Abbey's goal next year is to learn more about college and the opportunities that exist after she graduates from LPS. She is currently taking dual credit - catching a glimpse into the life of taking college courses. Next year she will take the SAT and begin applying for colleges, particularly her first pick right now, Colorado State University, where she hopes to study graphic design and marketing. She wants to make the best of her last year of school spending time with close friends because many of them will graduate next year.
Before embarking on the challenges of her senior year, Abbey is going to sharpen the saw this summer taking art classes, babysitting and spending a month in Seattle, Washington and eventually cruising to Alaska. She also plans to spend some tine with her "fat" chihuahua / weenie dog, Frisco, and her super fluffy guinea pig, Theo. She also plans to take advantage of managing her new independence as a result of getting her driver's license and spending time on her hobbies, which include drawing, singing, cooking / trying new foods, and riding motorcycles and dirt bikes.
LPS SPECIAL OLYMPICS
On May 17, LPS students participated in the Special Olympics in Prosper. Students competed in outdoor, athletic endeavors during this event. The following students placed in their respective fields of competition.
50 Yard Dash and Javelin Throw
Antonio Mazeau, 1st Place
Blair Ngari, 2nd Place
Jude Hass, 3rd Place
Softball Throw
Sanvi Gunda, 1st Place
Nathan Adams, 2nd Place
Alyssa Bates, 4th Place
Javelin Throw
Ethan Ngari, 3rd Place
50 Yard Dash
Sanvi Gunda, 1st Place
Karis Reese, 2nd Place
Alyssa Bates, 3rd Place
50 Yard Free for All
Tamanna Kaushal, 2nd Place
4 x 100 Relay
Team of Sanvi Gunda, Jude Hass, Karis Reese and Alyssa Bates, 3rd Place
LPS PARTNERS WITH NORTH TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS
Leadership Prep School recently partnered with North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) to create an all-LPS production of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Students from first grade up to secondary participated in this production, with three shows taking place at the NTPA studios in The Shops at Willow Creek in Plano.
A few LPS students were recognized at the last NTPA award ceremony for their efforts in other productions as well. Third-grader Riley Showman received a trophy in the category of "Villain - Junior Actress" in Junie B. Jones. First-grader Audrey Thompson was recognized for her Cameo as a Junior Actress in Wizard of Oz. LPS High School student, Brenna Peterson, also received a trophy for her role as Glenda - the Good Witch in Wizard of Oz.
LPS third-grader, Riley Showman, received a trophy for her performance in Junie B. Jones
Riley Showman and Audrey Thompson featured with thier LPS co-stars, Charlotte Routon (top right) and Lola Calloway (bottom left) in the production of Wizard of Oz.
LPS first-grader, Audrey Thompson, received a trophy for her performance in Wizard of Oz.
Leadership Prep School Computer Science Students Built Computers from Parts to Donate to Computers for the Blind
Leadership Prep School (LPS) computer science students hosted a special presentation to donate computers they built from parts to Computers for the Blind on Tuesday, May 21 at Leadership Prep School (8100 Teel Parkway; Frisco, TX 75034). This project demonstrates a culmination of the three models that serves as the foundation of education at LPS: Leadership; computer-immersion; and project-based learning.
“Global citizenship is important to the culture of Leadership Prep School,” said LPS Superintendent Stacy Alton. “We believe that every child has the potential to be a leader, and encouraging participation in learning-based service projects helps our students apply the knowledge they acquire while cultivating their inner leadership skills.”
Computers for the Blind is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to providing computers to persons who are blind or visually impaired so that each person who receives a computer may experience the information age in a positive and productive manner.
Specifically, the organization wants to empower the individuals they serve to independently manage their personal affairs, provide access to communication with others, offer a learning environment where information is just a click away, and open doors to employment opportunities by developing knowledge, skills, and marketable abilities.
“Being able to use a computer allows blind and visually impaired people to live more independent lives by participating in activities many of us take for granted, such as printing checks, tracking account balances, sending and receiving emails, organizing daily activities on a calendar and sharing it with others, browsing social media sites, updating a shopping list, etc. These activities represent access to information and communication in ways not possible previously for the blind and visually impaired,” says Mark Langford, Board Member for Computers for the Blind.
The students held a garage sale at the beginning of the school year to raise money to purchase computer parts. Additionally, Frisco-based COMHOME Technology Solutions donated a significant number of parts in support of this project. Under the guidance of their teacher, Mr. Tony Curtis, the students spent several months building computers and learning about the importance of each part and its significance to this project. Altogether, 60 students in grades 8 through 11 taking one of three Principles of Information Technology classes offered at LPS worked to build 15 computers to donate – a process that nearly took the entire 2018-2019 school year to accomplish.
“This example of project-based learning demonstrates the learning that takes place beyond textbooks, rote memorization, and testing. Our students participate in active learning with real work and real world implications,” said Tony Curtis, Principles of Information Technology and Robotics instructor at LPS.
For more information about Computers for the Blind, please visit https://www.computersfortheblind.org/.
Students host a garage sale to raise money to purchase parts for the computer building project.
LPS teachers and staff with leaders from Computers for the Blind.
LPS Student Leonardo Quevedo presents information about the project to business and community leaders.
SUMMER FUN!
Free and Low Cost Summer Activities
Looking to keep your family engaged this summer? Consider some of the following low-cost and no-cost activities in our area:
THE COLONY PARKS and REC SUMMER CLUBHOUSE PROGRAM is a free three-month summer event series on Fridays designed for kids. Children of all ages are invited to the Colony Recreation Center (5151 N. Colony Blvd, The Colony, TX 75056) for a variety of family-friendly activities. Doors open at 9 AM and the shows start at 10 AM. Arrive early to get a good seat!
MOVIE HOUSE AND EATERY hosts a Summer Movie Camp on Tuesdays all summer long. Tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis starting at 9 AM, and availability is limited. Movies start at 10 AM.
STRIKZ BOWLING AND ENTERTAINMENT (8789 Preston Road; Frisco) is participating in the Kids Bowl Free program this summer for kids 2-15 years of age. Click on the Strikz link above to register.
RIVER RANCH TEXAS HORSE PARK FREE Thursdays - River Ranch is offering pony rides, mini arena obstacle rides, bounce house, field day activities, and a farm animal petting area at no charge on Thursdays in June through August from 11 AM - 4 PM. Spaces are first come, first serve. They encourage calling ahead, if possible (469-804-2660).
FRISCO HERITAGE CENTER hosts an open-house the third Sunday of each month from 1 PM - 4 PM with kids crafts, games, face-painting, entertainment, live animals, working blacksmiths, and docent-guided tours with free admission to the Museum and grounds.
FRISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY - Check out the calendar for a variety of classes and activities for people of all ages at the Frisco Public Library this summer.
THE MICROSOFT STORE in Stonebriar mall offers free educational, in-store events for people of all ages. Check their calendar regularly to learn more about events relating to video game coding, 3D printing, digital movie making, and more!
MUSIC IN THE SQUARE is a free, outdoor summer concert every Friday evening in June from 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM in Frisco Square. Grab dinner to spread on a picnic blanket or just bring some chairs and listen to cool live music as the sun sets over Frisco.
INTERSKATE is participating in the Kids Skate Free program for kids 13 years old and younger on Friday nights (5 PM - 10 PM) and Sunday afternoons (4 PM - 6 PM). Click on the Interskate link to register.
LAVA CANTINA offers free kid-friendly movies every Saturday at 1 PM.
FREE FISHING AT TEXAS STATE PARK
The weather's warming up, and wildflowers are in bloom – it's the perfect time for a relaxing fishing trip at a park!
Did you know you can fish from the shore or a pier at any state park for free? And to make it easy, many parks will lend you fishing gear. You just bring bait and a smile.
Try fishing at any of these parks, and check out the angling tips for each location:
· Sheldon Lake, Houston area, tips
· Lake Tawakoni, DFW area, tips
· Lake Somerville, Austin area, tips
· Lake Whitney, Waco area, tips
· Lake Colorado City, Midland area, tips
Many parks have fishing spots, so grab the family or a group of friends and try it. If you don't want to eat the fish, it's also lots of fun to safely catch and release them.
Summer Reading Programs
As part of the Frisco Mayor's Summer Reading Challenge, the Frisco Public Library encourages its residents to log their reading hours starting May 30 to earn prizes.
Kids have the opportunity to earn a free book after reading eight books and keeping a journal about the books they have read. This program begin May 7. Visit their website to download a journal.
Children under the age of 14 have the opportunity to earn Bookworm Bucks to use towards purchases at Half Price Books. Simply download their reading log or pick one up at the store and keep track of the number of days spent reading at least 15 minutes. Visit their website for a list of summer reading ideas and to download a reading log.
CHUCK E. CHEESE
In addition to earning tokens for reading, Chuck E. Cheese offers a number of calendars to rewards students for keeping their rooms clean, practicing their instruments, and even keeping their fingers out of their nose!
Kids Eat Free (or Almost)
JASON'S DELI (8520 TX 121; Frisco - near Stonebriar Mall) provides 1 FREE Kid's Meal per each adult entrée purchased on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 PM - 10 PM. Dine-in only.
FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO (5170 Main Street; Frisco) offers free kid's meals for children under the age of 12 every Sunday with the purchase of an adult meal.
CHICK-FIL-A (Gary Burns and Preston Road - near Walmart) is giving away a chicken biscuit to customers every Tuesday morning in June and July this summer.
PARADISE BAKERY (8240 Preston Road; Ste 100; Plano) offers a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée after 4 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays)
SLIM CHICKENS (9770 Dallas Parkway; Frisco) offers a free child's meal with the purchase of one adult meal on Sundays Dine-in only.
DICKEY'S BBQ (all locations) offers a free kids meal for children under 12 with the purchase of $10 per adults every Sunday.
HAT CREEK BURGER COMPANY (3321 Custer Road; McKinney) sells "little hats" and "big hats" for half-price every Tuesday from 5 PM to close.
CRISTINA'S FINE MEXICAN (5105 Eldorado Parkway; Frisco) offers $2 kids meals on Mondays and Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée.
LPS is the P.L.A.C.E. to be!
The mission of Leadership Prep School is to inspire students to learn, grow, and lead for a lifetime. The acronym P.L.A.C.E. summarizes the five key areas that have been selected as the focus of LPS’ vision: Parent partnership, Leadership development, Academics, Creativity and Excellence.
LPS is proud to be a Leader in Me based school that applies The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to emphasize a culture of student empowerment and help unleash each child’s full potential. Focusing on the program’s timeless leadership principles nurtures the skills students need for success in the 21st century.
Leadership Prep School is recognized as a “Computer Science Immersion School” by Code to the Future. LPS integrates programming and game design into its curriculum starting in kindergarten with more advanced computer science concepts introduced as students advance each year.
Leadership Prep School is part of the New Tech Network and partners with local businesses to engage students in project-based learning activities, which enhances critical thinking skills in order that students may become strong problem-solvers. Project-based learning methodology makes learning relevant and prepares students for the demands of the workplace.
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Email: info@lpsfrisco.com
Website: www.lpsfrisco.com
Location: 8100 Teel Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034, USA
Phone: 972.370.3650
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadershipprepschool/
Twitter: @lpsfrisco