Berkner Bulletin
April 23
Alicia Ray
Angelica Esparza
Ben Patterson
Blair Overturf
Cesu McGee
Charlia Clark
Diane Camacho and Mary Soumare
Dondra Rose
Ed Pacillas
Emil Cisneros
Erin Crawford-Dunklin
Eva Coronado
Jeanette Harris
Jordan Newkirk
Juliana Essien
Kevin Flesch
Kristi Brown
Lance Moore
Lizeth Felipe Pastenes
Lynne Darden
Malan Messamore
Maria Torres Garcia
Maricela Sanchez
Marla Taylor
Mary Soumare
Nicole James Boucard
Nikki Brisco
Olga Contreras
Paloma Martinez
Peyton Shugart
Semira Beshir, Lisa DeGeeter, Gabriela Perez, Libby Moore
Roxanne Lopez
Samiha Rahman
Silvia Hernandez
Tristen Slaughter and Margie Brown
Victoria McGilvery
CCMR BOARD GOAL FOR 2024 NEARLY ACHIEVED
One of the 2024 Board goals set forth by trustees has almost been met a few years ahead of plan. Trustees directed RISD to increase the percentage of seniors who graduate ready for college, a career or the military to 79% by June 2024 from 65% in 2018.
At the April work session of the board, RISD administrators detailed how the district increased the CCMR of the Class of 2019 through intentional and targeted systems.
Elizabeth Swaner, Executive Director of Advanced Learning Services, said RISD's partnership with Methodist Richardson and the expanded healthcare academy at the hospital have driven increases in the number of high school students receiving college credit for classes. More than 1,100 students are projected to be a part of the healthcare careers academy next year.
RISD employs 180 industry experts to offer 168 unique courses daily within 31 programs of study, which lead to high-skilled, high-wage jobs, Executive Director of Career and Technology Education Sari McCoy said.
Strong relationships, high-quality Tier 1 instruction, relevant training and meaningful outcomes are the four pillars that drive the work of the CTE department, McCoy said. She said 76% of the RISD Class of 2019 is now classified as CCMR, and the district is expanding dual-credit courses at all four high schools that should continue to ensure growth in these opportunities.
"Being ready for college, a career or the military isn't just a 12th grade goal," Deputy Superintendent Tabitha Branam told trustees Monday night. "It starts with the youngest of our students when they begin their educational journey as 3 and 4-year-olds in our Pre-K program."
ACADEMIC ACCERLERATION PLAN IN RESPONSE TO PANDEMIC LEARNING LOSS
RISD trustees discussed the 2021-22 operating budget at the April work session, as district administrators presented a major acceleration plan to address student learning and academic deficiencies resulting from the pandemic.
Dr. Stone told trustees that RISD cannot afford to wait any longer for anticipated federal funds to begin the process of implementing the plan, and trustees provided directional approval to move forward with the process of posting employment positions so programs can be in place for the summer and next school year.
Click here for more information about the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds for Texas school districts, and the purpose of the funds.
Highlights of RISD’s academic acceleration and engagement plan include:
- Comprehensive summer intervention and enrichment opportunities for students in PK-8.
- Expansion of Saturday instructional/intervention opportunities for students (RISE Program).
- Reading and Math interventionists in every elementary school for targeted small group instruction and acceleration.
- Advanced phonics training and materials for every RISD K and 1st grade teacher.
- Additional certified K-2 grade level support teachers in every elementary school.
- Reduce class sizes in grades 5 and 6 at schools with higher student to teacher ratios.
- Reduce class sizes at all junior highs and high schools.
- Further reduce high school class sizes for core EOC tested subjects.
- Further reduce high school class sizes for remediation courses.
- Creation of the RISD Virtual Learning Academy as a permanent and separate RISD school choice for students K-8 (pending passage of state legislation).
- Additional training and supports for dyslexia services and ARD/504
- Increase student access to counseling services and community resources over the summer and during the school year.
- Implementation of RISD Academic Bowl competition among elementary schools.
- Implementation of RISD student interest camps (e.g. robotics, coding, writing clubs, design).
- Implementation of RISD elementary extracurricular teams and leagues (e.g., basketball, cheer, volleyball, dance).
- Replacement of air filters in all school systems and deployment of air filtration devices in classrooms.
NO SCHOOL--APRIL 30
Registration for ACCELERATION begins March 22 at 12:00 p.m. and ends April 9 at 11:59.
Click Summer School Information Button for more information.
BHS Graduation: May 30th, 8:00am @ Ram/Wildcat Stadium
Richardson ISD Bond 2021
Based on the recommendations of a community bond steering committee, RISD trustees voted to place two bond propositions before voters as part of the May 1 election. The total of both propositions is $750 million. If approved by voters, Bond 2021 will not increase RISD’s tax rate.
RISD community members are invited to join district administrators in four public forums in April designed to provide information and answer stakeholder questions about Bond 2021. On Monday, April 12, an in-person forum in the auditorium of the RISD Administration Building will begin at 6 p.m. Please be advised that occupancy is limited because of COVID mitigation protocols, and attendees will complete a health screener upon entry.
Another in-person forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, in the auditorium of the Admin Bldg. at 400 S. Greenville Ave. The virtual forums are set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 21. Links to the virtual forums will be available at the RISD Bond 2021 information website: RISD.org/Bond2021.
Click here to view the Bond 2021 informational video.
Basándose en las recomendaciones de un comité directivo de bonos de la comunidad, los miembros de la Junta Directiva de RISD votaron para colocar dos propuestas de bonos ante los votantes como parte de la elección del 1 de mayo. El total de ambas propuestas es de $750 millones. Si es aprobado por los votantes, el Bono 2021 no aumentará la tasa de impuestos de RISD.
Los miembros de la comunidad de RISD están invitados a unirse a los administradores del distrito en cuatro foros públicos en abril diseñados para proporcionar información y responder a las preguntas de los interesados sobre el Bono 2021. El lunes 12 de abril, un foro en persona en el auditorio del Edificio de Administración de RISD comenzará a las 6 p.m. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que la ocupación es limitada debido a los protocolos de mitigación de COVID, y los asistentes completarán un examen de salud al entrar.
Otro foro presencial está programado para las 6 p.m. del martes 20 de abril, en el auditorio del Edificio de Administración en 400 S. Greenville Ave. Los foros virtuales están programados para las 6 p.m. del jueves 15 de abril y el miércoles 21 de abril. Los enlaces a los foros virtuales estarán disponibles en el sitio web de información del Bono 2021: RISD.org/Bond2021.
Haga clic aquà para ver el video informativo del Bono 2021.
Online Enrollment Starts March 1
Whether you’re new to RISD or returning for another year, enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 1.
Parents can learn what information and documents are required to enroll by visiting risd.org/enrollonline.
Leading up to March 1, RISD’s Parent University will host virtual sessions – translated into multiple languages – to explain the enrollment process and answer questions.
No need to pre-register for sessions – just visit RISD.org a few minutes before start time and click on the Parent University Enrollment Information Session link to join the virtual Zoom meeting.
It is an unusual year due to coronavirus disruptions. Nevertheless, one thing has not changed, parents need to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application. This is important data, because it can impact school funding from federal grants. Please distribute and use these videos to promote the urgency to complete to Free and Reduced Lunch Application. Please encourage and assist your families to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application.
Free and Reduced Lunch Storyboard for Parents in English and Spanish, https://www.esc16.net/page/title1swi._PFE.Video.FRL.Strybord.Parents
CHROMEBOOK INFORMATION
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
COMTO North Texas Chapter Scholarship Application
The Public Affairs Luncheon Club Scholarship
James W. Tyra Scholarship Program
US Air Force Academy Admissions
Richardson Women's Scholarship
Retired Teachers of Richardson Foundation Scholarship
Junior League of Richardson Scholarship
BERKNER HIGH SCHOOL
Email: berknerhs@g.risd.org
Website: https://schools.risd.org/BerknerHS
Location: 1600 East Spring Valley Road, Richardson, TX, USA
Phone: 4695937000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BERKNERSTEM/
Twitter: @bhsstem