June 2018 - Recap
Advertisement
Summer is here and most of our academic summer camps have concluded! Hopefully, you are enjoying moments with your children and family. As a district, we are nearing our two-week summer closure and are also eager to enjoy a little time with our families.
In this edition, we want to celebrate the accomplishments of the middle school in the attendance rocks program, reflect on the adventures had at Camp Invention and the Bilingual Pre-K and Kindergarten camps as well as provide you with pertinent back to school information. Please remember to take a few moments to complete the online registration and make plans to participate in the onsite registrations, if needed.
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! Please take the time enjoy some great memories with your children and enjoy this publication compiled for your enjoyment and enlightenment.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Here Are 37 Reasons to Be A Proud Parent of A Lancaster ISD Tiger!
District News
News From the Academics Department
Press Release: Learning With a Dual Purpose: Lancaster ISD’s Bilingual Education Program Benefits Students, Families and Communities
Lancaster, TX/Lancaster ISD – When Lancaster ISD Houston Elementary fifth grade student, Yareli Vasquez, heads to sixth grade next school year, she will be dually prepared for success. As a student who participated in the district’s Bilingual Education programs since Pre-Kindergarten, she has become proficient in both the English and Spanish languages.
“It is kind of hard at first because some words are similar and other words are very different. With the grammar in Spanish, you spell it as it sounds, and in English you don’t because sometimes there is an H and S or a T,” Yareli said when reflecting on her journey of mastering both languages as an elementary student. “At first, it was really confusing and hard for me to understand why I could not pronounce these little words and why a ‘T’ sounds like an ‘S.’ But, now I understand.”
Now, at almost 11 years old, a confident Yareli understands the concepts of both the English and Spanish languages and can read, write and speak both languages well. She has developed a love for school, her teachers, learning, numbers, math, words and reading books of various types of genres, such as adventure, horror and graphic novels.
Lancaster ISD uses a language of the day approach in the bilingual classes and teachers are attentive and meet the students where they are to help them grow to the desired learning levels. This supportive learning environment was a benefit to Yareli.
“We even have activities with prizes and that motivate me to get better,” Yareli said. “The teachers are always there to support me and don’t get mad when I ask for extra work to do. They give me books that are on my grade level, but may be a little easier to understand.”
Yareli’s family native language is Spanish, though at a young age, she was also very familiar with English. Upon enrollment in the early learning programs in Lancaster ISD, her parents made a critical decision when her mother, Eva Vasquez, chose to enroll Yareli in Lancaster ISD’s Bilingual education classes where the teacher instruct students in both languages instead of the English as a Second Language (ESL) courses that focus strongly on English proficiency.
“I wanted her to have more opportunities when she grows up. There are better opportunities for bilingual people in this country because we have a lot Hispanic people who need help” she said. “If you live in this country, you will always have the English language with you, but not so with Spanish. If you are Hispanic and Spanish language is your first foundation, you build on it, but you should speak your language too. You can help more people when you grow up and have better opportunities.”
Ms. Vasquez is following the same path with Yareli’s two younger siblings who are currently third grade and pre-kindergarten students in the same program. She is very proud of the decision that she made for Yareli because of the growth that she sees in her daughter and the benefit that it is having on her family today.
“This year, she translated for other students in the class and she helps my sister when she goes to the store because she doesn’t speak English,” she shared. “She can help more people in the community. I told her that she has the capacity to learn more languages — the more languages, the better. I told her that anything that she can dream, she can be.”
According Lancaster ISD Director of Bilingual Programs and School Improvement Dr. Tonia Howard, the components of the educational programs are designed for the student and the parent to grow and succeed.
“The goal of our bilingual program is to create bilingual, bicultural and bi-literate students who can graduate with academic honors and be bilingual. This will better prepare and market them for future job opportunities,” Dr. Howard said. “Our families make sacrifices so their children can have what they need to get a quality education. When our children are successful, then it benefits the whole family.”
For the last five years, students who participated in the Lancaster ISD Bilingual and ESL Education programs excelled to become the valedictorian, salutatorian, or ranked in the top five percent of their high school graduating class. Additionally, in 2017, 91% of students passed the STAAR Math and 83% of students passed the STAAR Reading exams, respectively.
Currently, Lancaster ISD offer Bilingual learning options for students in Pre-Kindergarten to fifth grades and students can participate in the English as a Second Language Program in all grades, Pre-Kindergarten to twelfth. The students learn in a safe and supportive environment from highly-qualified and certified Bilingual and ESL teachers and enjoy a culturally diverse learning environment with a rigorous curriculum approved by the state.
There are also free courses for parents to complete their GED in English or Spanish along with ESL classes. Parents can also gain access to continuing education, pathway to citizenship and better employment opportunities through the district’s partnership with the Dallas County Community College District.
“In Lancaster, we have opportunities. We can put our children in school in Pre-K at three years old and in Pre-K 4, they have all-day programs,” Vasquez said. “I don’t have anything [but good things] to say about Lancaster ISD, it is a good program in this county.”
For more information on the opportunities available through the Lancaster ISD Bilingual Education programs and ways the district can serve and empower the families in the upcoming 2018-2019 school year, please contact the Special Programs Department at 972-218-1400 or visit the district’s website at www.LancasterISD.org and search for Bilingual Education.
Advertisement
Books For Breakfast on the First Day of Summer School Was Successful!
This goal of this effort was simply to underscore the value and importance of reading even outside of school.
Remember to Complete the Summer Literacy Projects
Lancaster ISD Summer STEM Camp Invention Was A Truly A Daily Learning Adventure
Celebrating the completion of their light wands!
Fashion Forward: Inventing the "Threads" of the Future!
On some days, the students used physics to pull socks off the line. Other days, they used engineering to create a device to help them collect coins from under the rainbow or to catapult cupcakes. Additionally, there were days that included robotic challenges with solar powered crick-o-bots and spider-bots as well as glow parties with the opti-bots and light wands. Some had to test their skills at staying dry during the Kangaroo challenge and the squirtfish freeze tag games.
Students built a dog park for the Pet Vet Robot!
Students challenged to build the tallest balloon tower!
Students built a playground slide for the crick-o-bot!
The Kangaroo Challenge - Students had to hop like kangaroos while keeping their "joeys" safe!
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Camps were packed with learning and fun!
Story Mapping!
News From the Office of Student Affairs
Make Sure to Secure a Seat For Your Child Next Year!
Lancaster ISD Onsite Registration Dates for All Students
Lancaster High School Students
Seniors
(New & returning students)
July 30 at Lancaster High School
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Juniors
(New & returning students)
July 31 at Lancaster High School
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sophomores
(New & returning students)
Aug 1 at Lancaster High School
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
LHS Make Up Date
(New & returning students)
Aug 3 at Lancaster High School
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
9th Grade Center (Freshmen)
(New & returning students)
Aug 2 at Lancaster High School
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
8th Grade Lancaster Middle School
Aug 7 at Elsie Robertson Middle School
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
7th Grade Lancaster Middle School
Aug 9 at Elsie Robertson Middle School
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
6th Grade G.W. Carver 6th Grade STEM Learning Center
Lancaster ISD Administration Gym
August 7 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
August 9 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Pre-Kindergarten – 5th Grade (All Elementary)
Pleasant Run, Houston, West Main, Belt Line, Rosa Parks/Millbrook and Rolling Hills Elementary Campuses
(New students only)
Lancaster ISD Administration Gym
August 7 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
August 9 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lancaster Middle School Students Receive Their Attendance Rocks Bicycle
Tiger Closet is still accepting Gently used or new Uniform Donations
News From Health Services
Mark your Calendars: Back to School Onsite Immunizations Clinic - August 9
News from the Safety and Security Departments
Focus Daily Newspaper Introduces the New Lancaster ISD Police Chief
By RITA COOK, Focus Daily News
LANCASTER—There is a new Lancaster Independent School Police Chief in town and he knows the city well. Chief Cliff Wherley took the oath of office for the new position on May 29 and will begin the job on June 18, 2018.
“We are excited about Chief [Cliff] Wherley joining the Lancaster ISD team,” says Lancaster ISD Public Information Officer Sonya Cole-Hamilton.
Prior to accepting his new position in Lancaster, Wherley worked at the Lancaster Police Department for 15 1/2 years. He covered every role there from Patrol Officer, to Traffic/Commercial Motor Vehicle Officer, Patrol Sergeant, HEAT Sergeant (Hotspot Enforcement Action Team), Patrol Lieutenant, Criminal Investigation Division Lieutenant, Police Records Lieutenant, Communication Division Lieutenant and Commander.
He says the difference between working for the municipal police department versus the school district is, “ISD police typically have more opportunities to work on crime prevention. The types of opportunities allow officers to build relationships with students, staff and parents.”
The Lancaster ISD Superintendent had several applicants to choose from, but it was Wherley’s knowledge and expertise that ultimately made him the best fit for the job.
“My goal is to bring structure, experience and leadership to my new position as Chief of Police,” Wherley said. Adding that his ultimate goal will be to continually keep all the district’s students, staff, parents and visitors of Lancaster ISD safe.
New Position, Same City
In his new position the chief will still be able to interact with his former colleagues at the Lancaster police department too.
“The municipal police department and the ISD police department have been working and training together for many years,” Wherley explains. “We will continue building and strengthening the relationship between the two departments.”
The Lancaster ISD Police Chief position came available as a result of the transition in district leadership. Newly minted Superintendent Elijah Granger took office in January 2018.
“There was an opportunity to restructure in some areas,” Cole-Hamilton explains. “Student and staff safety are always top priorities—especially in today’s climate—and we’re looking forward to strengthening our police department to ensure that we continue to provide safe and secure campuses.”
With 11 total campuses the district has 7,400-plus students. Meanwhile, Wherley currently has four officers, one sergeant and lieutenant working under him at the ISD Police Department.
“I want at least one police officer assigned to every campus in the district, which means additional police officer positions will need to be added to accomplish this goal,” Wherley concluded. “I would like to add safety phone numbers such as an anonymous tip line and suicide hotline numbers on the back of all school identification cards."
Advertisement
News From the Lancaster ISD Bond Project Team
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 – August 17, 2018 (Monday through Friday) at the following locations and times.
The locations will be closed the dates of July 2-4 in observance of Independence Day:
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
Advertisement
Upcoming District Events and Deadlines
News, Info, Highlights and Events From Our Local Partners
City of Lancaster July 4th Celebration
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 you looking for your first job, transitioning your career, or in need of 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