May 2018 - Recap
This month, Lancaster ISD staff and students worked, assessed and celebrated as we closed the 2017-2018 academic school year.
The top of the month began with the Majestic, National College Signing Day and H-E-B Award announcements. Our students achieved great scores on their first round of state assessments, received scholarship awards and announced their higher education plans.
The scholarship dollars received by the Class of 2018 was at its highest and is still climbing! The young ladies in our service learning programs had their culminating events and there were numerous moving on ceremonies on the campuses.
Parents, we sincerely thank you for allowing us to prepare your students for the future, ensure that they obtain self-sustaining success and graduate with More Than a Diploma! We hope that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Please take the time to create some great memories with your children and enjoy this publication compiled for your enjoyment and enlightenment. Remember that the parent portal is open online for you to enroll or reserve your child's seat in Lancaster ISD for the 2018-2019 school year!
School Board News
Lancaster ISD School Board Appoints New District 6 Trustee, Mr. Kevin Davis, Jr.
Lancaster ISD Trustees Hamilton and Corbin-Jarvis are Elected by Citizens to Continue Their Service
Lancaster ISD School Board Trustee Cynthia Corbin-Jarvis will continue to represent District 1. She ran unopposed in the recent election.
District News
Lancaster ISD Wins the H-E-B Small District Excellence in Education Award
Lancaster ISD Hires New Chief Financial Officer
News from College and Career Readiness Department
The Lancaster High School Class of 2018 Commencement Ceremony Was an Evening of Great Pride and Celebration!
Click the video above to revisit this exciting moment for the graduating class of 2018 and their families!
She's #1: LHS Principal Eleanor Webb congratulates Valedictorian Jada Murray.
Lancaster, TX/Lancaster ISD – More than 400 seniors from Lancaster High School walked across the stage on May 30 at the University of Texas at Arlington’s College Park Center as part of the 2018 Commencement Ceremony.
So far, the graduating class has earned a total of $15 million in scholarships which is an increase from last year’s class.
The ceremony featured student speeches from Student Body President Xavien Johns who closed with advice for his fellow classmates, “…be phenomenal or be forgotten,” as well special words from the Valedictorian Jada Murray and Salutatorian Tatiana Dawson.
This fall, Murray plans to attend Texas A&M University at College Station and major in English while minoring in international studies.
Dawson plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in government.
LHS Salutatorian Tatiana Dawson shares speech during the ceremony.
The following are the seniors who rounded out the Top Ten:
Kennedy Mathews
Prairie View A&M University
Intended Major: Animal Science
Leslie Garcia
Texas A&M University at College Station
Intended Major: Forensic Science
Rachel Compean
University of Texas at Austin
Intended Major: Education
Kiera Allison
University of Texas at Austin
Intended Major: Biochemistry
Jaydin Bonilla
University of Texas at Austin
Intended Major: Neuroscience
Charles Goolsby
Texas A&M University at College Station
Intended Major: Meteorology
Thomas Randle
Howard University
Intended Major: Biology
Ardre’ian Ervin
Prairie View A&M University
Intended Major: Architecture
In addition to noting the top student scholars, Principal Eleanor Webb also recognized Roderick Spears-Mathis for outstanding citizenship and selflessness in demonstrating the Tiger Way after he purchased shoes for some special needs students and school custodians. His gesture went viral on social media and garnered the attention of the shoe manufacturer who then donated additional shoes for Mathis to distribute.
Lancaster ISD Offers Students More Than a Diploma!
Several Lancaster High School Students Received CTE Certifications and Were Recognized at the School Board Meeting
From the Agriculture CTE Pathway, we congratulate Kennedy Mathews who obtained the Veterinary Certificate from Cedar Valley College.
Seven Lancaster High School students in Grashia Scott's Cosmetology courses received their cosmetology operator's license. Congratulations to the following students: Dashun Brown, Melissa Crews, Jaela Darnell, Aolani DeLa Sancha, Taylor Osteen, Destinee Rutledge, and
Abigail Tremino
In the Business Technology pathway, Roshonda Bonner had six students who passed their Office Technology Certification exam. Congratulations to the following students: Emmanuel Mendiola, Phylicia Smith, Nicole Davis, Ezra Moreno, Breonna Pearson and Jessica Rodriguez.
The Culinary Arts CTE Pathway, Instructors Latina Dawn and Lisa Bray had eight students to receive their food service SafeServ Certification: Aja Johnson, Troy Hilliard, Billyndria Griffin, Reyona Smith, Makayla Humphrey, Jermany Sims, Christian Jones, and Unique Finley
Lancaster High School Participated in the GenTX National Signing Day!
On May 4, Lancaster High School participated in the Advise Texas National College Signing Day event. Superintendent Elijah Granger spoke to the seniors and Lancaster Mayor Marcus E. Knight joined in the celebration and was given an appreciation award for his continual support of the district. The most popular colleges this year were Texas A&M Commerce, Prairie View A&M University, Texas College and DCCCD. During the last few years, our senior class scholarship dollars have steadily increased.
The Class of 2011 received $1.5 million
The Class of 2012 received $3.2 million
The Class of 2013 received $4 million
The Class of 2014 received $5.2 million
The Class of 2015 received $6.3 million
The Class of 2016 received $8.5 million
The Class of 2017 received $11.3 million
The Class of 2018 has currently received $15 million in scholarship funds.
News From Academics and Innovation
District Campuses Celebrated Cinco De Mayo
Houston Elementary Hosted A Grand Celebration
West Main Elementary Students Mark This Occasion
Lancaster High School Celebrated and Educated its Guests Too
Lancaster High School Student Wins 3rd Place in TAME State STEM Competition
Anna, TX/Lancaster ISD – Lancaster High School 11th grade student, Dewitt Hunter, won third place in the Engineering Math section of the 33rd annual TAME State STEM Competition held the YMCA Collin County Adventure Camp in Anna, Texas. Hunter, who is also a member of the LHS Engineering Robotics club, was one of 28 Dallas County students selected to participate in the state-wide competition sponsored by Raytheon.
“It feels unreal. I worked very hard, and I am proud to win,’ he said. “However, it feels a bit unsatisfactory because my goal was 1st place.”
Lancaster ISD Pitsco Lab Facilitator Charles Richardson knows the intensity of the competition and was ecstatic to learn of Hunter’s achievement.
“To have a student win 3rd place in any state competition is a big deal because of the number of students involved at the state level,” Richardson said. “As one of two facilitators of the LHS Engineering Robotics Club, my philosophy concerning competitions is to have fun, maximize your effort, and learn something new as a result of the competition. More importantly, I want students to come away with a positive attitude.”
At the start of the competition, the entire group of 299 students from across the state tested their individual critical thinking skills by taking individual math and science tests. Then, the students were assigned to various combinations of schools and grade level teams to collaborate and problem solve to answer the Engineering Design Challenge question, “What could you do with a bakery box, a laser beam, six lenses and an hour?”
Students used the supplies provided to focus and diffuse a laser beam during the Engineering Design Challenge segment of the competition. Hunter said that events such as this competition offers great field learning opportunities.
“The TAME program is very beneficial to both the teacher and student,” he said. “It helps us gain exposure to the engineering field. TAME is also a part of our Engineering Robotics Club which involves skill enhancement and offers opportunities for tutoring on a weekly basis.”
This partnership between the TAME organization and the LHS Engineering Robotics Club aligns with the premise of the mission of Lancaster ISD to create, relevant learning opportunities through the use of strategic partners and academic clubs to bolster classroom learning with real world experience.
Richardson facilitates the Engineering Club and Pitsco Lab and also teaches courses such as the Concepts of Engineering and Technology, Problem Solving and Advanced Engineering to students in the Lancaster High School Engineering Career and Technical Education Pathway.
Richardson explained that the relationship of Lancaster ISD’s approach to STEM education—through its involvement in TAME—is expressed in the freedom to facilitate personal growth for teachers and students in engineering.
“This leads to a variety of opportunities to engage in professional organizations and competitions such as TAME,” Richardson said. “My personal approach to STEM education is to empower students through knowledge, skills, confidence, and achievements so they will become lifelong critical thinking problem solvers.”
News From the Lancaster ISD Communications Department
We Celebrated Our Teachers and Employees of the Year and District Retirees
Congratulations to Our Teachers of the Year!
Tiffanny Lopez
Belt Line Elementary
Amber Chalmers
Houston Elementary
Devon Evans
Pleasant Run Elementary
Ayesha Hodges
Rolling Hills Elementary
Ladonna Brown
Rosa Parks/Millbrook Elementary
Carolyn Halton
West Main Elementary
Lisa Taylor
George Washington Carver 6th Grade STEM Learning Center
Demetria Ivory
Elsie Robertson Lancaster Stem Middle School
Latina Dawn
Lancaster High School
Sarah Martindale
Lancaster Stem Early College High School
Shavette Holland
J.D. Hall Stem Learning Center
Each year, two of the campus teachers of the year are selected to represent the district at the regional level. This year, the selection committee chose Amber Chalmers of Houston Elementary and Sarah Martindale of Lancaster STEM Early College High School for this honor. The two will represent the district and compete for the Region 10 Teacher of the Year for their category.
Did You Know?: Lancaster ISD Offers Bilingual Education Programs that Serve the Whole Family!
Online Enrollment for the 2018-2019 School Year is Open! Reserve Your Child's Seat Today!
Click the image above to enroll or reserve your child's seat for the upcoming school year. Don't wait, do it today!
Summer is Officially Here & The Learning Continues!
Camp Invention
Grades: Incoming 3rd-6th
June 11- 22, 2018
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
George Washington Carver 6th Grade STEM Learning Center
1005 Westridge Avenue, Lancaster, TX 75146
Cost: Free/$50 for students out of district
Program Contact: Kyndra Johnson
Phone (972) 218 -1400
Summer Student Success Initiative Camp*
Kindergarten-4th Grade
June 5-21, 2018
Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Houston Health Science Technology Academy
2929 Marquis Lane, Lancaster, TX 75134
Cost: Free
Program Contact: Campus Principals
*By Campus Assignment Only
Summer Student Success Initiative Camp*
Current 5th Grade
June 5-25, 2018
Daily 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Houston Health Science Technology Academy
2929 Marquis Lane, Lancaster, TX 75134
Cost: Free
Program Contact: Campus Principals
*By Campus Assignment Only
STAAR Dates - June 26-27, 2018
Summer Student Success Initiative Camp*
Current High School Students
Registration: June 5-7, 2018
Session 1: June 11-14, 2018
Session 2: June 18-21, 2018
8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Lancaster High School
200 E. Wintergreen Rd, Lancaster, TX 75134
Cost: Free
Program Contact: Campus Principals
*By Campus Assignment only
STAAR/ EOC Retest Dates - June 25-29, 2018
Cost: Credit Recovery has a fee of $125/ half credit.
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Preparation
Current LSECHS Students Only
June 11-15, 2018
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cedar Valley College
3030 N. Dallas Avenue, Lancaster, TX 75134
Cost: Free
Contact: Bridget Nevels
Phone (972) 218-1861
LSECHS Summer Bridge Camp
Current LSECHS Students Only
July 25-27, 2018
Wednesday - Friday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Lancaster STEM Early College High School
200 E. Wintergreen Rd, Lancaster, TX 75134
Cost: Free
Contact: Bridget Nevels
Phone (972) 218-1861
TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Advanced Academics Boot Camp
Grades: 8th-11th Enrichment (By Campus)
June 6-14, 2018 8:30 am-1:00 pm
Lancaster High School
200 E. Wintergreen Rd. Lancaster, TX 75134
Cost: Free
Contact: Creslond Fannin
Phone (972)-218-1439
Special Education Extended School Year (ESY) Program
Curriculum: Splash, SPIRE Reading*
Grades: Current Kindergarten-5
June 6-28, 2018
Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Houston Health Science Technology Academy
2929 Marquis Lane, Lancaster, TX 75134
Cost: Free
*By ARD Committee Decision Only
Program Contact: Crystal Cromer
Phone (972) 218-1644
Curriculum: Explore Math, Acting Out Social
Skills, Occ. Prep (Grades 9-12)
Transition Read & Write (Grades 6-8)*
June 6– 27, 2018
Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Lancaster High School
200 E. Wintergreen Road, Lancaster, TX 75134
Cost: Free
*By ARD Committee Decision Only
Program Contact: Crystal Cromer
Phone (972) 218-1644
Summer Bilingual/ ESL Program
Grades: Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
June 5 - June 29
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Houston Health Science Technology Academy
2929 Marquis Lane, Lancaster, TX 75134
Cost: Free
Program Contact: Dr. Tonia Howard
Phone (972) 218 -1400
Please check our website for the most updated Summer Program information at www.LancasterISD.org
Remember to Complete the Summer Literacy Projects
News From the Fine Arts Department
Scenes from the "Lancaster Showtime at the Apollo" Majestic Performance
On May 2 at 7 PM, Lancaster ISD students and staff performed for the public at The Majestic Theater in Downtown Dallas. The show, LANCASTER’S SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO, is definitely one that many will long remember. It celebrated the magic of art presented through original works created and performed by our Lancaster ISD students.
Talent from virtually every campus in the district was featured in this multi-disciplinary show. Through the evening the attendees heard the sounds of Ike and Tina Turner, James Brown and much more.
The West Main Steppers stole part of the show with their award-winning performance.
News From the Athletics Department
Lancaster High School Athletics Department Hosted Its Spring Signing Day
Lancaster High School Basketball Head Coach Named Sports Coach of the Year by Howard Payne University
Douglas was recently selected by Howard Payne University (HPU) to receive the 2018 HPU Sports Hall of Fame Coach of The Year Award at the inaugural HPU Sports Alumni Banquet held in Brownwood, Texas.
The award is designed to honor former HPU student-athletes who are doing great things in the coaching profession. Coach Douglas was one of three coaches recognized this year by the Howard Payne University Athletic Department.
“Receiving this honor was very special to me. Taking that trip back to Brownwood, Texas, brought back so many memories,” Douglas said. “I spent five years of my life there. It was pretty much a dream come true to be recognized by my alma mater.”
Douglas is a former Howard Payne athlete and a renowned outstanding, four-year letter-winner for the University’s men’s basketball team. As a Yellow Jacket, Douglas served as a 3-year team captain and led the team to the TIAA Conference Championship in 1992. Douglas received honors as the Defensive Player of the Year in 1992, 1st Team All-Conference in 1994 and went on to receive his bachelors’ degree in 1995.
He shifted from a basketball player and started his coaching career in Lancaster ISD as an assistant coach and soon took a varsity assistant position at Dallas Lincoln High School. At Lincoln, Douglas, he helped to lead the team to a 40-0 record and a Texas 4-A State Championship.
In 2006, Douglas began his head-coaching career at Dallas ISD’s James Madison High School reaching the playoffs in his first season. Douglas returned to Lancaster ISD as the head boys’ basketball coach in 2008 and led the team to the regional finals in 2009 and 2010. Just a few years later, Lancaster earned the Texas 5A-UIL State Championship titles in 2015 and 2016. The teams under his leadership are known for their success at the state level and at the national level, finishing at No. 5 in 2015.
Since returning to Lancaster, Douglas has received a host of recognitions for his daily work. He has been named 15-4A Coach of the Year in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016 as well as the PVILCA Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2016. This year, also marked Douglas’ 300th Career win as a basketball head coach and now the receipt of the HPU Alumni Hall of Fame award.
“The support that I received from my coaches and the patience of my teachers while at Howard Payne along with the support of my parents, family and even the people in the neighborhood where I grew up all helped to fuel my passion to be successful,” Douglas said. “I knew that whatever that I was going to do [professionally] I was going to [work] to be the best at it.”
News From the Office of Student Affairs
Lancaster ISD Hosted Its Sister 2 Sister Summit
It was a powerful day of affirmation, inspiration and information for Lancaster ISD Sister 2 Sister members from all district campuses in grades third to twelfth. Held at Cedar Valley College, the young ladies were engrossed in the opening session led by summit coordinator, Angela Robinson. The theme of the day was Leaving your Mark and centered around making a positive impact, leaving a legacy and ensuring personal success.
The keynote speaker of the morning was Lancaster ISD Director of Family Engagement, Dr. Kanesha Waites. She shared examples of the strong legacy that fuels her quest to leave a legacy as well. She shared her current accomplishments along with steps to success. Specifically, she encouraged the young ladies to know themselves and what they want.
Throughout the day, session speakers reinforced the concept of leaving your mark through session topics that informed the young ladies about maintaining healthy lifestyles, proper hygiene, finding the right friends, impacts of cyber bullying and online social media behaviors.
Additional sessions included tools to encourage the students to be comfortable in their own skin, properly manage conflict and how to step up to the role of leadership, the power of first impressions, self- management in situations and environments.
Participants from the local Dallas Fort Worth Community and school district united to empower our next generation of young ladies.
The Sister 2 Sister program is designed to help empower and create opportunities for young ladies to reach their next level of success.
This year, Sister 2 Sister made history and awarded LHS senior Jessica Torres a scholarship for college.
The Home Depot Sows into Lancaster ISD Students
Lancaster, TX/Lancaster ISD – When Pre-K Bilingual Teacher Dolores Martell agreed to sow her time into sponsoring the new garden club requested by a class of third grade students on her campus at Houston Health Science Technology Academy, she was not aware that she was about to reap a reward of kindness just down the street at her local Home Depot store in Lancaster, Texas.
“I went to the store and started grabbing all the vegetable and flower seeds that I thought would make a great garden. While there, I asked a young lady for help to find some plant bulbs,” Martell said. “She noticed that I had a lot of seed packages and asked if I was planting a large garden.”
Martell briefly shared that it was for a student garden club and what happened next truly surprised her.
“Her eyes lit up! Then, she told me that she was the district manager and that she could help me with some donations.”
Home Depot District HR Manager Amber Blair quickly reached store manager Will Jones and Home Depot donated 45 seed packets. In addition to the seed donation, The Home Depot staff has helped to provide new life experience for these Lancaster ISD third grade students and Martell.
Martell said that the garden club started the week before spring break this year when a couple of third grade students wrote a letter to the principal asking for the opportunity to plant a garden.
“Mrs. Sparks [the principal] asked if anyone was interested in sponsoring this club,” Martell said. “Although I have never planted a garden before, I said that I would do it. My husband has become my teacher and I have learned, along with the students, about gardening.”
Now, Martell and the student gardening club have created garden boxes, tilled soil and began the planting process. The student garden will both vegetables and flowers.
Principal Tatanisha Sparks shared the all-round benefits of the gardening club and how it supports student learning and socialization.
“Academically, students have utilized their math skills for things like measurement and perimeter. They have enhanced their science skills by learning about seedlings and the effect of sun, shade and water on the garden,” she said. “Students even used their writing skills to make the initial proposal to start the club and created flyers to invite students to the garden club meetings.”
Lancaster ISD aims to create rigorous, relevant experiences for students and for Mrs. Sparks, the new student garden club is another opportunity to extend their learning beyond the walls of the classroom.
“The garden club is a great idea for students to experience working as a team, working with their hands, and working with nature,” she said. “It also promotes healthy eating habits and gives the students a sense of accomplishment when they see how their hard work has beautified the campus.”
News From the Special Education and Special Programs Department
Strengthening Families and Lancaster High School Hosts Its Debutante Ball
Well Done! Congratulations, ladies!
Lataja Alexander, Tatyanna Byrd, Dajia Robinson, Lyric Cox, Arianna Davis, Jada Murray, Teriana Ward, Desera Brooks, Ardre’ian Ervin, Raven Jones and Michelle Moulton
Lata'ja Alexander was crowned as the 2018 Miss Debuntante!
News From the Lancaster ISD Bond Project Team
The Inside Cafeteria Area
The Courtyard
News From the Child Nutrition Department
Lancaster ISD Child Nutrition Department Continues Free Annual Summer Feeding Program
Lancaster, TX/Lancaster ISD – Healthy eating and nutritious meals are still cool even in the hot summer months. In Lancaster ISD, the Child Nutrition Department wants to ensure that all children have the opportunity to receive wholesome meals daily and is providing free breakfast and lunch to any child, ages 1-18, who comes to the designated Lancaster ISD Campuses during the scheduled serving times and at locations listed below.
It is important to note that the meals are only served on the days and during the time(s) scheduled.The times and locations for any area summer meal program can also be found by texting FOODTX to 877-877 or calling 211.
Lancaster ISD will serve meals for children June 4, 2018 – June 30, 2018 (Monday through Friday) at the following locations and times:
Houston Elementary School
2929 Marquis Lane, Lancaster, TX 75134
Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM |Lunch 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
George Washington Carver 6th Grade STEM Learning Center
1005 Westridge Ave, Lancaster, TX 75146
Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Lunch 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Lancaster High School
200 E. Wintergreen, Lancaster, TX 75134
Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Lunch 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
The Approved Lancaster ISD 2018-19 Academic Calendar
Upcoming District Events and Deadlines
Your student can learn more about science, engineering and math through creative play and team learning activities.
Sign up today!
There is no fee for Lancaster ISD students. If you have questions, please contact Kyndra Johnson at 972-218-1400 for more information or email info@lancasterisd.org.
Need Summer Bus Route Information? Click Here.
News, Info, Highlights and Events From Our Local Partners
The City of Lancaster Fire Department is Offering A Junior Fire Chiefs Summer Camp
For more information, please call 972-218-2601.
The City of Lancaster is Offering One-Day Workshops to Help Citizens Move to the Next Level
Are looking for your first job, transitioning your career, or in need a refresher as you venture back into the workplace? With a combination of training and one-on-one coaching, each class will be customized to meet you where you are in your job search.
The City of Lancaster is offering FREE one-day workshops geared to helping you take your career options to the next level.
From refreshing your resume, to navigating LinkedIn and career search websites, this workshop will give you the tools to master your job search with confidence!
So, make your next move, your best move and register for one of the free workshops on EventBrite.com.
Reminder from Lancaster the ISD Communications Department: Stay Connected!
Get the App: Keep Lancaster ISD at Your Finger Tips!
In Lancaster ISD, our VISION is 2020!
Lancaster ISD Beliefs:
Equity
Equity in education is a human right.
Community
Educators, parents and students share in the responsibility of developing well-rounded individuals.
Quality
Engaged, relevant learning experiences provide for a quality education leading to a quality life.
Courage
Learning is a life-long process that is enhanced by taking risks.
Growth
A person has the capacity to learn from past experiences.
Purpose
Purposeful planning to meet individual student needs leads to intentional outcomes for student success.
The Mission of Lancaster ISD
Email: info@lancasterisd.org
Website: www.lancasterisd.org
Location: 422 S Centre Ave, Lancaster, TX, United States
Phone: 972-218-1400
Facebook: http://facebook.com/golancaster
Twitter: @LancasterISD