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Una gran noticia. Para traducir este boletín de noticias, oprima la barra que dice "traducir".

ታላቅ ዜና! ይህንን ጋዜጣ ለመተርጎም በጋዜጣው በቀኝ በኩል ያለውን "ተርጉም" የሚለውን አሞሌ ጠቅ ያድርጉ።

talak’i zēna! yihinini gazēt’a lemeterigomi begazēt’awi bek’enyi bekuli yalewini "terigumi" yemīlewini āmolē t’ek’i yadirigu።

أخبار رائعة! لترجمة هذه النشرة الإخبارية ، انقر فوق الشريط الذي يشير إلى "ترجمة" في الركن الأيمن من الرسالة الإخبارية.

'akhbar rayieatun! litarjamat hadhih alnashrat al'iikhbariat , ainqur fawq alsharit aladhi yushir 'iilaa "tarjamatin" fi alrukn al'ayman min alrisalat al'iikhbariati.

At Richardson ISD, we are committed to ensuring that all students feel safe, supported, and heard—especially during challenging times. Recognizing the signs of distress in children and teens is crucial for providing the right support.

Common Symptoms of Students in Distress
Students experiencing emotional distress may show signs such as:

• Changes in eating and sleeping habits
• Anxiety, withdrawal, or feelings of anger
• Difficulty focusing in school
• Aggressive behavior or mood swings
• Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches

How We Can Support Students
As a community, we can help students navigate these emotions by:
✅ Creating a Safe Space – Encouraging open conversations without fear of judgment.
✅ Acknowledging Their Feelings – Showing empathy and validating their emotions.
✅ Maintaining Routines – Providing consistency to promote security and stability.
✅ Encouraging Stress Management – Teaching healthy coping strategies like exercise, deep breathing, and talking to a trusted adult.

Tips for Supporting Different Age Groups
🧸 Younger Students: Encourage healthy play and answer their questions simply and honestly.
👩‍🎓 Adolescents: Share facts to dispel fears and encourage open conversations with trusted adults.

A Reminder for Adults

Checking in with children regularly, prioritizing your own well-being, and seeking support from school counselors when needed can make a significant impact. When adults stay calm and healthy, children and teens feel more secure.

For additional support, reach out to your school counselor or visit our district resources. Together, we can create a safe and nurturing environment for all students!

#RISDWeCare #StudentSupport #LiveWiseLiveHealthy

This week, February 3rd – February 7th, is National School Counseling Week. The theme of this year’s week is “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive.” With this theme in mind, we’d like to share a wonderful quotation with our families from the poet Maya Angelou:

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.”,

This is our hope for each of our students. That they are passionate about learning and discover what brings them joy. That they approach your peers with compassion. That they pass through daily life with good humor, bringing their own style and sense of self. We’re grateful to be part of their journey.

Go. Be amazing. Thrive.

Your FMMS Counseling Team

Monday, February 3rd

• A Day
• 6:00, 7th Grade BBall vs. Parkhill JH
• Girls @ FMMS
• Boys @ PHJH

Tuesday, February 4th

• B-Day

Wednesday, February 5th

• A-Day
• Summit K12 Parent Sessions
• 6th grade to Dallas Holocaust Museum
• 4:30 - FMMS Tennis vs. PHJH

Thursday, February 6th

• B-Day
• Wreck the Raiders: Crazy Hair, Crazy Game Day
• 5:30 pm - Non-Varsity Pre UIL Orchestra, LH, H Auditorium
• 6:00 pm - 8th grade BBall vs. PHJH
• Girls @ FMMS
• Boys @ PHJH

Friday, February 7th

• A-Day
• 4:00 pm, Wyldlife - Cafeteria

On Friday, our Teens Offering Peer Support (TOPS) group had an incredible opportunity to visit the House of Shine, a leadership development nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities by growing confident, self-aware, and resilient leaders.

House of Shine’s mission is to help individuals uncover their unique SHINE—Strengths, Hobbies, Interests & Irritants, Needs, and Experiences—through their interactive self-discovery museum and experiential programming.

Our TOPS students immersed themselves in a day filled with personal growth and community-building activities, designed to help them better understand their unique contributions to the world.

From exploring their personal strengths to discovering how they can use their interests and experiences to make a difference, each participant walked away inspired to lead with confidence and purpose.

A huge thank you to the House of Shine and our TOPS Sponsors, Mrs. Alvarado (Intervention Counselor), Mrs. McGee (Counselor), and all who participated in empowering our TOPS students to embrace their individuality and uncover their potential.

A huge shoutout to our 7th grade girls' basketball team for their hard work and determination in their game against Apollo Junior High!

These athletes showed grit, teamwork, and FMMS pride on the court. Every game is a chance to grow, and we are so proud of their effort and sportsmanship.

Keep up the great work, ladies💜

Let’s give a big round of applause to our 8th grade girls' basketball team for their effort and determination in their game against Apollo Junior High!

These young athletes played with heart, showcasing their hard work, resilience, and teamwork. We are incredibly proud of their growth and commitment.

Keep pushing forward, ladies!

This week, we had the joy of welcoming our future Chargers from Aikin, Forest Lane, Merriman Park, Moss Haven, Skyview, and Stults Road Elementary Schools as they got a firsthand look at what it means to be a Charger!

Our visiting 5th graders had the opportunity to explore our amazing campus, learn about the exciting elective options available to them, and experience the energy and spirit that makes FMMS such a special place.

From fine arts to athletics to leadership opportunities, our students and staff showcased what makes Forest Meadow Middle School the perfect place to learn, grow, and thrive.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this visit a success—your enthusiasm and commitment to welcoming our future Chargers truly makes a difference! We can’t wait to see these students walk our halls next year!

RISD’s advisory lesson on dating violence is scheduled to be delivered to 7th-grade students on February 10th.

This year, families either opted in or out of this lesson content upon online enrollment, and we will have an alternative lesson for those families who opted out of their students.

Please reach out to your counselor if you have any questions!

Richardson ISD is pleased to continue our partnership with the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum; the museum is providing RISD 6th grade students and chaperones free museum admissions.

As part of the Dallas Holocaust Museum's mission to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, and to teach the moral and ethical response to prejudice, hatred, and indifference for the benefit of all humanity.

The 6th - 12th grade Social Studies curriculum aligns with the educational component of the Museum.

Are you ready to take your learning to the next level?

As you prepare for your 8th-grade year, we invite you to consider joining AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)—a program designed to help students build strong study habits, leadership skills, and college and career readiness!

Please complete the AVID Interest Form to determine if AVID is the right fit for you. This form will help us learn more about your academic goals and whether AVID can support your success in 8th grade.

🔹 What is AVID?
AVID is a college and career readiness program that focuses on:
✅ Organizational and study strategies
✅ Critical thinking and inquiry-based learning
✅ College and career exploration
✅ Building confidence and leadership skills

P-Tech Information:

8th Grade families – Are you interested in P-Tech Programs at Lake Highlands HS starting in 9th grade?

• Business Collegiate Academy: Earn an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Management + Microsoft Office Certification
• Grow2Teach (Education Collegiate Academy): Earn an Associate’s of Art in Teaching + Educational Aide Certification
• Richardson Healthcare Career Academy (RHCA): Earn an Associate’s Degree in Patient Care or Emergency Medical Tech + Level 1 Industry Certificate

Parent/Student Information Nights:

1. In-Person Session
• Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
• Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
• Location: RISD Professional Development Center Auditorium
  701 W. Beltline Road, Richardson, TX 75080

1. Virtual Session
• Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
• Time: 7:00 - 8:00 PM
• Join Online via WebEx: https://s.risd.org/PTECH
• Meeting Code: Parent2025

The pre-registration process for rising 9th graders at Lake Highlands High School is kicking off, with important dates and resources to help students and parents prepare for the upcoming school year.

LHHS counselors will meet with Forest Meadow students on February 12 to select courses. In late February, course notification emails will follow, followed by verification emails in mid-March. The final deadline to make schedule changes is March 24, 2025.

Additionally, the FMMS Spotlight on LH event on February 10 will provide valuable insights for rising freshmen. Be sure to check out key resources, including the LHHS Rising Freshman Planning Guide to ensure a smooth transition to high school!

Current 8th Graders & Parents/Guardians:

Spotlight on Lake Highlands – Open House

📅 Monday, February 10, 2025 | ⏰ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Click here for Pre-Registration Timeline & Resources.

Richardson ISD invites parents of emergent bilingual students to attend an informative Summit K-12 Parent Session designed to help families support their child’s English language development.

This is a valuable opportunity to gain insights into TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System), access important resources, and learn practical strategies to enhance your child’s academic success.

Available Sessions

Join us for one of the in-person sessions at a location near you:

📅 Monday, February 3 – West Junior High School
🕗 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m.

📅 Tuesday, February 4 – Carolyn Bukhair Elementary
🕗 8:30-11:30 a.m.

📅 Wednesday, February 5 – Forest Meadow Middle School
🕗 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m.

📅 Thursday, February 6 – Audelia Creek Elementary
🕗 8:30-11:30 a.m.

🌐 Virtual sessions will also be held at 6 p.m. on February 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, and 13.

Topics Covered:

✅ Understanding TELPAS – Learn what it is and why it matters.
✅ Helping Your Child Succeed – Discover practical strategies for English language support at home.
✅ Accessing TELPAS Scores – Understand how to track your child’s progress.
✅ Reaching the Next Level – Learn what it takes for your child to advance their proficiency.
✅ Parent Licenses – Explore opportunities for your own English language journey.

📍 Register now to secure your spot and support your child’s success!
🔗 RSVP at s.risd.org/SK12

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join STUCO THIS THURSDAY 2/6 in Wreck the Raiders: Crazy Hair, Crazy Game 🏀🎉 day as we show our school spirit and cheer on our team against Parkhill JH!

Rock your craziest hairstyle 🤪🎨, bring the energy ⚡, and let’s make this game one to remember! 🎶🔥

Craziest hairstyle will get a SPECIAL prize!

Join us for an informative evening at the Richardson ISD Dyslexia Parent Night! This event will include details about the dyslexia program's curriculum, updates on state laws, and an opportunity to participate in a mini "Experience Dyslexia" simulation.

Date: February 19, 2025
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: Professional Development Center (PDC) Auditorium
701 W. Belt Line Rd., Richardson, TX 75080

We look forward to seeing you there!

Whether you’re new to RISD or returning for another year of school, we are excited that you have chosen Richardson ISD!

The Richardson Independent School District has a long-standing reputation for educational excellence that is continually recognized at the state and national levels. RISD’s success is attributable to the professional educators who work diligently to give every child the best education possible coupled with the support of parents and the community who value and set high standards for the children in RISD.

We are excited to invite you to the Region 10 Parent, Family, & Community Engagement Fair, presented by Region 10’s Multilingual Team, on February 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00PM at 400 E. Spring Valley Rd., Richardson, TX 75081.

This free event is designed for parents who are raising bilingual or multilingual children. It’s a perfect opportunity for parents like yourself to engage, learn, and connect. The theme is “Lights! Camera! Action! Empowering Parents, Uniting Communities” and you’re the MVP of the event–the Most Valuable Parent!

Here’s what you can expect:

• Learning Sessions on empowering families and supporting your child’s education

• Networking Opportunities with other parents and community members

• Exciting Resources that can benefit you and your family

• Music and Entertainment for a fun and enjoyable day

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Registration is open - Click below to register be ready to join Richardson ISD for a day filled with valuable insights and connections.

Join us for the annual Used Book Fair, where you can fill a bag with books for just $25!

📅 Dates & Times:

• February 6–8, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• February 9, 2025 | 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

📍 Location:
1313 West Shore Dr, Richardson, TX

Proceeds benefit the RISD Council of PTAs Scholarship, in memory of Dr. JJ Pearce, supporting scholarships for RISD high school seniors and teachers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up on books while supporting a great cause!