District in Pictures
December 14, 2018
Twenty IDEA Grants Delivered to 30 Teachers
The WFISD Foundation awarded 20 IDEA Grants totaling more than $17,000 in surprise classroom visits Friday. Teachers –sometimes a team of teachers -- proposed special projects for funding that will enhance their classroom or curriculum and received checks ranging from several hundred dollars to several thousand to bring their ideas to life. Thirty teachers at 15 schools received the 20 grants this morning. Pictured here, Milam assistant principal Willis Norton presents kindergarten teacher Tiffany Hutchison's class with balloons after announcing her award. Mrs. Hutchison wrote her winning grant titled "Kinder Cubes" with fellow Milam kindergarten teacher Amanda Miller.
Rider Raiders Seize 5A Division II Regional Finals Championship
Fowler Elementary Teacher Uses Football Imagery to Teach Student
Fowler Elementary special education teacher Amanda Morris has always been a big believer in this statement: “If they can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” She put that philosophy into practice in her Behavior Adjustment Classroom with one little boy who loves football. She created a football field, and he made his own football player to move up and down the field during the day according to his behavior. “We talked about how we are all on his team, and we came up with a game plan,” said Ms. Morris. “For every five minutes of on-task and safe behavior, he earns a first down and moves 10 yards up the field. We also have penalties set up for when his behavior is inappropriate. When he scores a touchdown, he earns free time. We keep track of his score daily. He tries to beat his score each day.” The two talk regularly about how they are a team and how it is important to work together to meet their goals.
Fain Elementary First Grade Presents Burns Fantasy of Lights with $1,252
On Monday, Fain first graders took a field trip to Midwestern State University’s Fantasy of Lights display. “We have learned about the importance of charitable giving and supporting our community,” said Terri Gunkel. Students met Becky Burns-Johnson and Dirk Welch and presented them with a check for $1,252 as part of their Project-Based Learning effort to support the Fantasy of Lights. They raised money by hosting a Spirit Night at Chick-Fil-A and by selling candy at school. In October, they had also joined in for a Saturday Clean-Up Day and toured the warehouse where Fantasy displays are stored. The Fantasy of Lights now features 42 displays. Ms. Burns-Johnson told District in Pictures that a new display for 2019 will feature the movie Frozen, with its music and characters. She said it is already under construction.
Farris Early Childcare Center Receives Hats, Gloves
When Angel Diaz from Supreme Bulls visited Farris Early Childcare Center on a cold day, he noticed some students didn’t wear hats or gloves. He decided he could fix that. He notified his business, and together they delivered hats, mittens and goodie bags to all Farris students. “It was so fun to see the students’ excitement,” said Carol Gibbs, assistant principal of Early Learning.
Rider High School Spanish Teacher Gleans Wisdom from 'Palmore's Points'
Retired principals don’t always fade into the sunset. Sometimes they show up again in new roles. Cue former Rider Principal Dee Palmore. He retired in May but is now serving as a mentor to Rider’s first-year teachers. He drops in on classes, observes and writes out – in long hand – compliments, encouragements, tips and ideas to help new teachers. Rosa Gonzales, who teaches Spanish 1 and 2 at Rider, is just one first-year teacher who receives visits from Mr. Palmore while she teaches her freshman and sophomore students. Her confidence in the classroom has grown because of his comments, she said. In particular, he has offered suggestions on how to encourage more students to participate in class.
Burgess Elementary Hangs Encouragement from the Ceiling
You won’t miss Burgess Elementary’s latest school improvement, and neither will the students. Signs that proclaim, “YOU ARE LOVED,” “YOU ARE SAFE,” and “YOU ARE IMPORTANT” were recently installed in the school’s long corridors to remind students that they are safe, loved, important and worthy at Kate Burgess Elementary.
WFISD's Technology Whiz Launches Smart Cycle
Frank Murray, WFISD’s director of instructional technology, has got a good thing going. He’s teaching technology courses at Midwestern State University to future teachers. By training them with the exact tech skills WFISD wants in its new hires, he’s helping them – and WFISD recruiters. He teaches “Advanced Technology Integration,” a senior-level course created around current education technology trends. He guides them in creating lessons, completing badge challenges (just like WFISD teachers), building digital breakouts, learning about virtual reality and augmented reality, and building a digital portfolio for their job search. He introduced the Google Certified Educator Program in Fall 2017. Since then, 82 students have become Google Certified Educators Level 1; 51 reached Level 2. Pictured here, a crop of MSU ETEC 4003 students show off their Google certifications.
Ben Milam Elementary Students Make Wreaths from Plastic Bags
What gift can students make their parents? Milam fourth-grade reading teacher Laurie Whisnand has a fun answer to that question. Her students make wreaths out of plastic bags. “They love making them, and it is something special they can take home,” said Ms. Whisnand. She gives them simple, step-by-step instructions to create a circle with a wire hanger, then tie on plastic bags. Pictured here, a student in Kristi Moffett’s class gets silly with a wreath made during indoor recess.
Chartwells Promotion Awards Kindles to Three High School Students
WFISD Food Service provider, Chartwells, ran a punch card promotion during November and awarded a Kindle Fire to a student at each high school who ate the most meals in the high school cafeterias. Winners were (from left) Hirschi student Katelin Nettles, Rider student Patrick Ikeler, and Wichita Falls High School winner Alejandra Colon-Vidal.
Second Annual Read 2 Learn Book Fair Increases Sales
Read 2 Learn’s second annual Book Fair, which concluded last Friday, made nearly $10,000 in book sales this year, an increase of about $3,000 over last year’s sales, according to Read 2 Learn Director January Cadotte. The $9,720.88 in total book sales also earned the program $5,290.61 in free books from Scholastic Books, a perk that benefits schools across the District.
Raiderettes Perform at Disney World
At this time last week, the Rider Raiderettes cheer and dance team was in Orlando, Florida, where they performed at Disney World’s Disney Springs. They were part of the Disney Performing Arts Program. They learned how Disney cast members prepare and perform for all stage shows and, as honorary cast members, they performed for a large crowd. They also visited the four Disney parks “and had a blast seeing it snow on Main Street, watching the fireworks and riding Splash Mountain as a team,” said Peyton Peterson, cheer and dance director. To be accepted into the Disney Performing Arts Program, Ms. Peterson submitted in February online videos of team performances; they learned in April they had been accepted.
Wichita Falls High School Art Students Collaborate with Fain Elementary
Wichita Falls High School art teacher Chris Mayfield took an idea he found online and turned it into a collaborative project with Fain Elementary. He contacted Fain art teacher Audra Roberson-Miller and Zundy art teacher Reanna Lee and asked them to have their students draw monsters or holiday pictures, then send the drawings to WFHS. His National Art Honor Society students will add details and colors. “We are enhancing the drawings, then we’ll send them back,” said Mr. Mayfield. He wants his high school students to hand-deliver the finished products to the elementary students. “Our plan is to also invite the kids to our 10th anniversary show next spring and showcase those drawings alongside the rest of the NAHS members’ work,” said Mr. Mayfield.
Kirby Middle School Celebrates Data as Fuel for Growth
It’s one thing for teachers to study data about their students’ performance. But when students start studying it for themselves, change happens. “Students are monitoring their progress themselves,” said Kirby Principal Shannon Cunningham. Then, teachers make a point of celebrating the growth and academic progress that results. For example, Shana Polk’s 7th grade writing classes made a 157-point increase from one assessment to the next—then celebrated! “Growth is the game!” said Mrs. Cunningham. “I’m proud of our Kirby teachers like Shana Polk for intentionally celebrating growth.”
Cunningham Elementary Book-Tasting Party Entices Non-readers
When Carmen Thomas introduced a “book tasting” party to her class, she was “blown away” by their enthusiasm for the event. She spread the tables with a checkered tablecloth, complete with centerpiece and candles. The placemat at each place setting mimicked a plate and silverware. She distributed menus, asking students to select the stories they chose for their table. “I was the waitress until one of the students commented that I was a ‘book chef,’” said Ms. Thomas. “Students who don’t care for reading asked to do it again.”
Zundy Elementary Staff, Teachers Enjoy Breakfast Feast-on-a-Cart
Zundy Elementary staff enjoyed a solid breakfast last Friday when Dr. Sarah Solomons of Boomtown Vision provided a “thank you” cart full of breakfast foods and room service to Zundy teachers in their classrooms. Pictured here, Zundy Principal Stacey Darnall chooses from bagels with cream cheese, red grapes, bananas, frosted cinnamon rolls, croissants, and yogurt. “We feel so loved!” said Mrs. Darnall.
Ben Milam Elementary Teachers Decorate Doors for Christmas
When teachers at Ben Milam Elementary decided to add a little holiday glitz to their classroom doors, K-5 instructional coach Jennifer Moser and her co-coach Donna Burch took a different tact. They gave themselves an Ebenezer Scrooge accountant’s door. But that doesn’t mean they’re scrooges about Christmas. Ms. Burch tweeted, “Shhhhhh! We really LOVE Christmas!”
Haynes Northwest Academy Sponsors Pop-up Food Truck Picnic
When Superintendent Mike Kuhrt challenged every campus to do something to give back to its community, Haynes Principal Lori Apple scheduled a pop-up picnic at the nearby Summit Apartments. Haynes teacher Adrian Cargal and the school’s Student Council representatives knocked on doors to invite residents to join the party. Everyone who walked up got a free hot dog dinner from the WFISD Food Truck and free books. Dee Ann and Norris Martin of Advantage Realty paid for the meals; Reverend Lou Pearce from Mount Calvary Falls Chapel gave the books.
Cunningham Elementary Fourth-graders Write Scripts and Act Them Out
Cunningham fourth-graders in Katie Miller’s reading classes sampled the world of drama when they wrote their own scripts for a dramatic play. Then they performed them on stage for their peers. “They even made their own props,” said Mrs. Miller.
Career Education Center Receives $250 Donation
The Texoma Business Leaders presented $250 to the Career Education Center this week. The Texoma Business Leaders is a group of business professionals who meet to build relationships, develop business skills, and find ways to give back to the community.
Barwise Middle School Student Council Members Chalk It Up to Encouragment
When Barwise Student Council members learned that many of their peers would be taking their Curriculum Based Assessments (CBAs) this week, they decided to write positive messages to them in chalk on the sidewalks in the front of the school. They wrote messages like, “Good luck on your CBAs!” and “Don’t be stressed Just do your best!” Students take CBAs several times a year so teachers can see where they need re-teaching. This week they took one CBA per day in writing, reading, math, social studies and science. “We use the data to guide our instruction,” said Bethany Heinze, seventh-grade writing teacher. She and Adam Wood sponsor the Barwise Student Council.
Rider High School Band Conducts 'Drive-by' Performances
Small groups of Rider band members took to the hallways and classrooms of their school to surprise a few teachers with a “Christmas Drive-by” performance. “We just pop in for a minute, play them a quick tune, give them some candy canes and hot cocoa, and move on,” said Rider band director Loy Studer. “We thought it would break up the stress of the end of the semester and be fun to spread holiday cheer.” Rider science teacher Bryce Henderson snapped this picture as one group paraded through his room. To enjoy a full concert, attend the band’s annual Christmas Concert December 18, First Baptist Church, 6 p.m.
West Foundation Elementary Choir Sings Carols Around Town
The West Foundation Elementary Choir is giving the gift of music to senior citizens around Wichita Falls. Under the direction of Laura Russell, the choir performed for the Brookdale Retirement Facility, the Red Door (pictured here) and Rolling Meadows. The choir also paid a visit to a local credit union.
Fowler Elementary Teacher Leads Recovery Project for Anchorage Schools
When Fowler Elementary staff member Becca Cartier heard that a 7.0 earthquake shook and demolished structures in Anchorage, Alaska, she knew the exact area because she once lived in the nearby Eagle River community, where two schools were unable to reopen because of significant damage. “Our son’s old middle school, as well as our sister elementary school are a total loss,” she said. “Teachers and students lost everything.” To help them, the Cartier family is collecting donations – “anything that would be on your classroom supply list” -- that can be dropped off at Fowler Elementary. They can also accept gift cards to Walmart and Sam’s Club. “I know this community will greatly appreciate your generosity,” said Ms. Cartier.
'One Family, One Team' Boasts Three Brothers
How often does a football team – winning or not – have three brothers, all key players, on its roster? The Rodriguez brothers – Jacob, Joshua and Jeremiah – all made their marks at Thursday’s state quarterfinal win with stand-out performances. But they are just as stellar young men, said Coach Marc Bindel. “They are three of the best young men I have ever met or coached,” he said. “All three of them work so hard and are very respectful. Of course they are good football players. But they are better young men. They always show up and work hard. We never get on them about grades, work ethic or anything. Jacob (the sophomore) is the youngest of the three but the most vocal. Joshua and Jeremiah are not as talkative, but they like to put Jacob in his place from time to time! Any time the twins get an interception from a pass that Jacob threw in practice, they make sure to let him know about it. They are a great family, and we are lucky to have them at Rider!”
McNiel Middle School Student Succumbs to Brain Cancer at age 12
McNiel 7th grader Dominic Watson, known to friends and online supporters as Dominic the Warrior, died Friday, Dec. 7, of the brain cancer he had been fighting all year. Cook Children’s Medical Center doctors discovered Dominic’s orange-sized brain tumor on Jan. 19, 2018, removed it the next day and determined it was malignant. McNiel students signed a banner for Dominic and presented it to his family at his funeral Monday. McNiel students and staff sought to encourage Dominic throughout his battle by giving through community outreach programs like Heroes Against Cancer. They made him short video encouragements and gave donations in his name to Rathgeber House. They raised funds for the Hospice Fall Carnival by sponsoring a candy drive; the Athletic department will sponsor a Hospice donation drive in Dominic’s name. “Dominic was such a sweet spirit,” said McNiel Principal Summer Bynum. "He always had a smile on his face. His teachers would tell you he was smart as could be. Dominic was the ultimate hero and warrior! We will miss him!”
Retired Hot Topics Instructor, Felled by ALS Disease, Dies Thursday
Former Hot Topics instructor Don Vann gave 26 years of his life to WFISD as a teacher, earning the nickname “The Don’t-Do-Drugs Man,” before Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) forced him last year into early retirement at the age of 57. He died Wednesday, two-and-a-half years after his diagnosis in July 2016. At his retirement party June 1, 2017, he urged veteran teachers to return to the passion they had early in their career; he reminded new teachers that they chose life’s greatest profession. “Because of ALS, I do not know what my future holds,” he said then. “To be honest, none of us knows what the future holds. If my heavenly father, the Great Physician, chooses to heal me of this disease, then I will give Him all praise, honor and glory. However, if my life should end in a year or two, I am at peace with that, because I know I will be eternally home with Jesus, free from all pain. My hope is that each of you reading these words has the same assurance when your life is over.”
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