March 2018 - Recap
During the month of March, the district campuses and staff honored students for their character and academic excellence, celebrated student athletes, continued to get students ready for the state assessment and prepared to welcome new early learners to our world class learning experience.
These are just a few of the wonderful happenings and focuses of this newsletter. We definitely expect greater things to occur during this semester as we prepare for the last few months of the school year.
Please know that your continued involvement and decision to allow us to shape your children to successfully thrive in society, achieve self-sustaining success and leave a lasting legacy fills us with appreciation and gratitude.
Enjoy this publication, designed especially for you, to keep you informed and connected to the accomplishments and achievements of the Lancaster ISD community.
District News
LANCASTER SCHOOLS RECEIVE WASHERS AND DRYERS TO HELP STUDENTS IN NEED
Author: Demond Fernandez, WFAA-TV Reporter
LANCASTER, Texas – Some teachers at Pleasant Run Elementary School are going above and beyond to make sure their students are comfortable and focused on learning.
“We are just trying to fulfill a need,” said teacher Armand Allen.
Allen and Social Studies teacher Tracie Thompson are often busy in the school’s new laundry room. They’ve been volunteering to wash the clothing of a few of their students who were in jeopardy of missing school or becoming the targets of bullying.
“There are just things that you notice,” said Thompson. “As students are comfortable with you, they confide about certain things.”
Recently, administrators learned the teachers were taking it upon themselves to discretely help a few students who did not have clean clothing.
"When you have a rapport with your students, you kind of see what some of their needs are. They don’t necessarily tell you. But when you see it you address it," Allen explained.
The teachers learned of the need, by chance.
Thompson shared a story about how one of the students in her class told her she wouldn’t be attending school. When she asked the reason why, the child explained she did not have anything to wear. After speaking with the child’s parent and getting permission, Thompson says she bought the student some clothing.
"I got their clothes,” Thompson explained. “I took them home. And I started washing their clothes for them.”
Allen did laundry off-site for some of his students.
Earlier this year, the school’s Truancy Coordinator, Dona Mitchell, applied for a grant from the Metrotex Association of Realtors. The group awarded Lancaster ISD with $2,700 toward a washer and dryer initiative.
“With the grant, I was able to partner with Best Buy and receive 4 washers and dryers," Mitchell said.
Now, brand new laundry rooms are set up in four campuses including Pleasant Run Elementary.
Help Fill the Tiger Closet!: Drop off your gently used uniforms during the month of April
While you are doing your spring cleaning, we want to inform you that the Lancaster ISD Tiger Closet is officially open to accept your new- or gently used uniforms for both boys and girls of all ages throughout the month of April.
Drop off locations: All Lancaster ISD campuses and the Lancaster ISD Admin Building located at 422 S. Centre Avenue.
We want to help our students to continue to be successful and ready to learn each day, so help us ease the burden of those that are in need by donating your child's gently-used uniforms to the Lancaster ISD Tiger Closet April 2 -30.
News From the Early Childhood Department
Onsite Enrollment Week is Here: Be Sure to Register Your Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Child this week - April 2-6
Lancaster ISD Pre-K Program Rewards Both Students and Parents
Lancaster, TX/Lancaster ISD – At the age of three, Zaya Pollard is a smart and vibrant little girl who loves keeping up with her big brother, Lynn.
“Zaya wants to be just like her big brother,” Yorketta Pollard, the siblings’ mother said. “They love school and Zaya loves being able to go to school with her brother.”
Zaya and Lynn both attend Lancaster ISD’s Belt Line Elementary campus. Lynn is a second grader and Zaya is enrolled in the district’s Pre-K 3 early childhood program.
“She [Zaya] is able to keep up with her brother because she’s learned so much since being enrolled in Pre-K 3,” Pollard said. “Specifically her handwriting has improved, she is getting better with her recognitions, loves to talk and she loves her classroom teachers, Mrs. Whyete and Mrs. Hedge.”
Zaya’s improvements are what several parents have experienced since enrolling their child in Lancaster ISD’s Early Childhood program. The district offers Pre-Kindergarten classes for both three and four year old children and also has the highest rate of enrollment in the Dallas County area.
Lancaster ISD is a local leader in early childhood education and prides itself on providing intentional programming for its early learners.
"The district’s purposeful and playful programming provides students with the opportunity to grow socially, emotionally and academically,” Dr. Angie Knight, Lancaster ISD Early Childhood Specialist said. “Our data indicates that students who attend Lancaster ISD Pre-K are twice as likely to be kinder-ready as students who do not.”
For Pollard, witnessing her child benefit from the Pre-K program and her daughter’s continued excitement throughout the school year has been rewarding.
“Zaya actually cried when she found out that she had to be out of school for spring break because she did not want to miss school,” Pollard said. “The fact that my child loves attending school all day and is being educated by the best is a wonderful feeling. I am appreciative.”
Lancaster ISD’s on-site Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration Week is Monday, April 2, 2018 through Friday, April 6, 2018 from 8:30 AM – 4 PM at the Lancaster ISD Administration Building located at 422 S. Centre Avenue. For additional information on the Lancaster ISD Early Childhood program, call 972-218-1400 or visit www.LancasterISD.org to enroll your early learner.
News From Academics and Innovation
Lancaster ISD Hosted its National Elementary and Junior Honor Society Events
Both ceremonies honored students in five key areas of excellence: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Citizenship and Character. This year, a total of 55 elementary and 41 junior high students were inducted during these events.
Parents and students were also greeted by the Lancaster ISD School Board President Ellen Clark and Superintendent of Schools Elijah Granger.
Lancaster High School IB Art Show
LHS Senior, Jaydin Bonilla shares her gallery presentation with LHS Librarian, Ms. Kathy Nutt.
News From the Athletics Department
Lancaster High School Wrestling Team Compete at State Championship
It was a wonderful winning season for the Lancaster High School Coach Spencer Gilbert, Coach Jerry Sands all the LHS Boys and Girls Wrestling team members! The teams were successful throughout the district, regional competitions and now, we can congratulate them on an outstanding state competition. The boys and girls teams competed at the State Championships, made history and represented well.
This is the first time that we have had two of our female athletes finish in the Top 10 in their respected weight classes.
- Timaris Williams (Sophomore) finished 7th place
- Sha’Kiya Scott (Sophomore) finished 9th place
The boys teams:
- Jordan Davison (Senior) finished 7th place
- Jose Machado (Freshman) finished 10th place
Lancaster ISD is a powerhouse academically and athletically.
Lancaster High School Basketball Team Ranks 4th in the State!
The Lancaster High School Running Tigers Basketball team and its Head Coach Ferrin Douglas as well as the coaching staff had a wonderful season and worked hard toward their desired goal!
The team finished its season in post district play and has the following stats:
- Finished season ranked #4 in the State
- Region 2 Runner-Ups
- Region 2 Quarterfinal Champs
- Region 2 Area Champs
- Region 2 Bi-District Champs
There are some extra special student recognitions to share:
- Wade Taylor 10-5a (Dallas Morning News Newcomer of the Year)
- Mike Miles 10-5a (Sophomore of the Year)
- Carlos Johnson 10-5a (1st Team)
- LaQuan Butler 10-5a (1st Team)
- Devin Miller 10-5a (1st Team)
- Marco Foster 10-5a (2nd Team)
News From the Bond Project Team
News from College and Career Readiness Department
AP Saturday Learning Sessions are Currently in Progress! Two April Sessions Left!
Lancaster High School Senior Jada Murray Wins Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members Conference Scholarship
Congratulations Jada Murray, Lancaster ISD is truly proud of you!
College Scholarship Opportunities
Best Southwest Scholarship
The amount is a one-time, $1,000 scholarship for 2018 recipients.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE: Friday, April 6, 2018 at midnight
Best Southwest Partnership Scholarship Criteria:
- To be eligible for the 2018 Best Southwest Partnership Scholarship award, applicants MUST be a graduating Senior in 2018.
- To be eligible for the 2018 Best Southwest Partnership Scholarship award, recipients must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- Applicants MUST complete the essay (in the space provided) portions below - describing why you should be selected for this award, and describe your character, leadership attributes, aspirations, education and career plans, and future goals.
- Applicants MUST provide a copy of their academic transcript and enter their ACT/SAT scores
- Applicants MUST provide an official letter of reference from their school (e.g., principal, teacher, guidance counselor)
Eugene McCray Scholarship Application - Deadline May 1
Scholarship for graduating High School Seniors and current College Students
- Go to the website at txabccm.org for the applicable application.
- Scholarship awards range up to $2,500.00 with $25,000.00 being our total funding for scholarships.
- Please remember each application MUST have a Letter of Recommendation from referring elected official and the official MUST be a member of TABCCM and in GOOD STANDING (membership dues current).
- Incomplete applications will not be considered and winners will be notified in early June by Jackie Levingston, our Scholarship Committee Chairwoman, of their award.
News from the Health and Safety Departments
Health Services: TeleHealth Service Can Detect Viruses such as Influenza and Streptococcus
You can minimize the time spent away from your place of employment, the trips to the doctor's office and your child's time away from classroom instruction with the use of this system. Please take a moment to connect with your child's campus and speak with the nurse to learn more about this streamlined access to diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Next Week: Immunization Clinic April 2 and April 6 at Lancaster ISD Administration Building
News From the Fine Arts Department
The Dallas Children's Chorus Visits the West Main Elementary Students
News From the Office of Student Affairs
The Lancaster ISD School Board Recently Approved the Academic Calendar for the Upcoming School Year
In the month of March, the Lancaster ISD School Board approved the 2018-19 Academic Calendar for the school year.
Strengthening Families To Host A Prom Pop-Up Shop on April 5
2018 PROM POP-UP SHOP
Last year we served more than 90 students from Lancaster ISD. This year, we plan to do more with your support!
There are 4 ways you can help!
1. Donate your Dress/Suit & Accessories/Shoes
- Get rid of those old dresses, suits, shoes, purses, and jewelry, and donate them to a student in need. (Donations accepted up to and after April 5 between 9 AM and 3 PM)
2. Donate your Talent
- We need hairstylist/barbers, make-up artists, and nail techs to make sure that our participants are glam'd for their special day.
3. Donate your Time
- On April 5, 9 AM - 3 PM, we will need volunteers to help make sure every student finds the perfect attire.
4. Donate your Money
- Help us to fund one of our participants on their journey to pursue higher education by donating to our scholarship fund.
For more Information Contact: Dr. Kanesha Waites at KaneshaWaites@lancasterisd.org,
(972) 218-1635.
Lancaster High School Special Education Department To Host the Great Gatsby Prom
News From the Child Nutrition Department
Lancaster ISD Child Nutrition Department, Southwest Food Excellence, Launches Campus Farmer's Market Visits
SFE is committed to seeing students perform at the highest possible level and throughout the years, we have focused on serving fresh and nutritious foods while expanding students’ palettes.
At SFE, we know the school environment can be an ideal setting for children to learn about the nutritional benefits of food and where food comes from. Therefore, our team felt this was a great environment to host a "Farmers Market" approach to introduce students to the smells, textures, and flavors of new foods.
The primary goals of a Farmers Market are to:
• Introduce students to new foods including new or unique ingredients from SFE’s culinary concepts
• Educate students about nutrition and the farm-to-table connection
• Build a positive relationship with your students and community
Farmers Markets provide a safe environment for children to try a variety of new fruits and veggies.
- Learning about food and watching peers try new foods can motivate students to taste foods they may not have experienced before.
- Markets can be used to introduce new ingredients and flavors found in our various culinary concepts.
The location for the next Farmers Market is at Rosa Parks elementary in April.
- You can access your students lunch account from wherever you are
- Keep up with your child's meal balances online or via the app
- Check cafeteria balances & purchases
- Receive low balance alerts
- Set up automatic payments
Download or logon to www.myschoolbucks.com today.
Upcoming District Events and Deadlines
Mark Your Calendars for the Lancaster ISD STEM Expo and Rites of Passage Event - April 28
Do You Really Know What STEM Really Is ( Or Isn't)?
What is STEM? Yes, we know it stands for science, technology, engineering and math; but, can you recognize STEM in action?
The goal this event is to dispel myths about STEM, clarify what STEM is and what it looks like in practice in Lancaster ISD.
We invite everyone, parents, students, friends and community members to spend the morning with Lancaster ISD on April 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will be student presentation stations, vendor booths and activity stations, the 4C Gifted and Talented Competition, various Fine Arts performances throughout the day after we jump start the morning with the celebratory Rites of Passage Ceremony!
This is a morning of food,fun, learning, exploration, competition and wonderful memories for the entire family to experience!
We encourage all parents, students, friends, supporters and community members to join us for the 7th Annual 21st Century STEM Learning Expo on Saturday, April 28.
New this year! - STEM Youth Learning Expo Sessions
How to be a BOSS!
Youth Expo: Come build positive relationships with peer leaders (LHS Debutantes, Society of Gentleman, Sister to Sister and My Brother's Keeper) through fun and engaging workshops and motivational speakers during the STEM Learning Expo and Parent Connect Event!
April 28, 2018
9 AM - 1 PM
Ages 6 -18+
Food. Fun.The Tiger Way
Seminar Topics: Ladies Summit
*The Skin I'm In (Ages 6 - 13)
*Every Decision has a Consequence (Ages 6 - 13)
*Building your brand: First Impressions (Ages 6 - 18+)
*Languages of Communication (Ages 14 -18+)
*When you hit rock bottom (Ages 14 - 18+)
Gentlemen's Summit
*So Fresh, So Clean (Ages 6 - 13)
*Every Decision has a Consequence (Ages 6 - 13)
*Building your brand: First Impressions (Ages 6 - 18+)
*How to be a Man with a Mission (Ages 14 - 18+)
*Saving ourselves (Ages 14 - 18+)
For more information contact Dr. Kanesha Waites, Teen Expo Coordinator at 972-218-1635 or KaneshaWaites@lancasterisd.org.
News, Info,Highlights and Events From Our Local Partners
Lancaster Residents: Attend the City of Lancaster Citizens Public Safety Academy
This academy is FREE to all participants! Citizens Public Safety Academy is designed for persons living in or working for the City of Lancaster who wish to learn more about the Lancaster Police and Fire Departments. Applications are available at the link below or at the Lancaster Public Safety Building. Check back periodically for future class dates.
Participants are given the opportunity to have “hands on” demonstrations of emergency operations. Among the course subjects: organization and operations of both departments, emergency medical services, S.W.A.T., emergency communications, medical helicopter services, home safety prevention and much more! Applicants for this academy will undergo personal background checks as part of the application process. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity; submit your application today!
City of Lancaster to Host RBI Baseball Opening Day Ceremonies on April 7
The City of Lancaster Quality of Life & Cultural Services invite you and your family to participate in the upcoming, RBI Baseball Opening Day Ceremonies on Saturday, April 7 from 10 AM - 12 PM at City Park Baseball Complex, 211 W. Belt Line Road.
For more information call 972-218-3700.
Lancaster ISD Names Kenneth Johnson as the new City of Lancaster Fire Chief
In December 2017, the City of Lancaster launched a formal search for the next Fire Chief and received more than 41 applicants from 15 states.
During the process, the City Manager utilized a panel, questionnaires, interviews, detailed reference and background reviews before narrowing down the applicants and naming Mr. Kenneth L. Johnson as the lone finalist.
“I am excited about the opportunity and I look forward to working hard to exceed the expectations of the City of Lancaster,” Mr. Kenneth L. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson has over thirty two years of experience in the fire service and currently serves as the Assistant Chief of Operations for Missouri City Fire and Rescue in Missouri City, Texas. Before serving in Missouri City, he dedicated thirty-one years to the city of Dallas promoting through the ranks to the executive appointed position of Deputy Chief.
The City Council confirmed Mr. Johnson as the new city of Lancaster Fire Chief on March 26.
City of Lancaster wins First Place in the It's Time texas City Health Challange and George Washington Carver STEM 6th Grade Learning Center was the Winning School!
City of Lancaster After School S.A.F.E Program Honors Lancaster ISD Students for the 2018 Future City Competition Win
Lancaster High School Students Participate in the Queenish Women's Professional Club Empowerment Expo
Students from the Lancaster High School Culinary Department, LHS Band and the members of the Tiger Student Media participated in this inaugural event.
City of Lancaster Recreation Center: Dive in Movie - April 19
Reminder from Lancaster the ISD Communications Department: Stay Connected!
Get the App: Keep Lancaster ISD at Your Finger Tips!
In Texas, we know that there is a potential to have inclement weather and we may have to make some adjustments to our regular school schedule. We want to be certain that you have updated your information in our database. Our goal is to keep you connected and engaged to Lancaster ISD news and information, however, the last thing that we want to do is become a nuisance.
This SchoolMessenger parent video clearly communicates how you can set your preferences for school notifications. Click the link to view the short video about setting your preferences: https://vimeo.com/schoolmessenger/parentpreferences
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