Raising Eagles

Raising Eagles, previously known as Parent University, aims to enhance the collaboration between home and school by supporting parents and caregivers as partners, advocates, and continuous learners in their child's education.

Each quarter, all families will receive a newsletter that focuses on one key aspect of our graduate profile. This quarter, we are concentrating on helping our students become Academically Prepared for Future Pursuits.

Academic preparation is essential for students as it provides the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to thrive in their future careers and personal lives. It supports:

• Career Opportunities

• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking

• Adaptability

• Personal Growth & Confidence

• Civic Engagement & Social Responsibility

We’ve hosted several sessions designed to help ensure students are academically prepared for their future pursuits—and you can watch them from the comfort of your own home!

Some of our available sessions include:

• Help Your Child Thrive in School and Life

• Advanced Academics at the Secondary Level

• Nurturing Young Minds: Essential Strategies for Emotional and Cognitive Growth

• Unlocking Academic Success: Understanding MAP Data and Supporting Your Child’s Growth

Visit our website below to watch these sessions at your convenience!

Join Allen ISD for Community Engagement Night as we THRIVE TOGETHER and kick off summer with a Family Summer Kickoff event.

This conference-style summer prep event offers interactive learning sessions to help families plan a successful summer. Parents and students will explore ways to stay academically prepared, discover creative summer activities, and prepare for transitions into middle and high school. Some sessions include "make-and-take" resources for parents, while others focus on summer jobs, career prep, and college readiness.

Date: Tuesday, April 1st
Location: STEAM Center, 1680 Ridgeview Drive, Allen, TX
Complimentary Hot Dog Dinner: 5:30 PM
Sessions:

• 6:15 PM – 6:55 PM

• 7:05 PM – 7:45 PM

Choose Two Sessions to Attend

Select from a variety of engaging topics designed to support summer learning, family engagement, and future preparation.

Session 1 (6:15 – 6:55 p.m.)

• Positive Parenting During Summer: Keeping Kids Engaged - Dr. Ryan Smith - Learn how to keep kids motivated and engaged while incorporating mindfulness and emotional well-being practices.

• Swim Safety – Children’s Hospital - David Aguilar, Senior Injury Prevention Coordinator with Children’s Health, will lead a session on water safety. Parents will learn to identify drowning risks and key prevention strategies through the Know Before You Go program.

• Make and Take: Summer Learning Strategies to Prevent the Summer Slide – Learner Services - A hands-on session providing parents with practical strategies and activities to keep children academically engaged over the summer.

• Creative Summer Projects: Fostering Kids’ Interests (Parent and Child Session) – Laura Nguyen and Christina Fine - Discover fun and inspiring ways to help kids develop new hobbies and strengthen their skills through hands-on creative projects.

• Transitioning from Elementary to Middle School: A Conversation with Students, Counselors, and Principals - Hear from middle school students, counselors, and principals about how to navigate the transition successfully.

• SOAR 2030 Update – Dr. Robin Bullock - Learn about the progress of SOAR 2030, Allen ISD’s strategic planning initiative, and how it is shaping the future of education in Allen.

• Preparing for Summer Jobs, Future Careers, and College – CUTX SMART Branch - Get tips on job applications, resumes, and interviews, plus insights on networking, career paths, and college prep.

• STEAM Center Tour – Led by STEAM Ambassadors - Explore the Allen STEAM Center’s innovative learning spaces, including an outdoor nature walk featuring Texas wildflowers and real-world STEAM applications.

Session 2 (7:05 – 7:45 p.m.)

• Positive Parenting During Summer: Keeping Kids Engaged – Dr. Ryan Smith - Learn how to keep kids motivated and engaged while incorporating mindfulness and emotional well-being practices.

• Preparing for Summer Jobs, Future Careers, and College – CUTX SMART Branch - Gain insights on job applications, resume writing, and interview preparation. Experts from CUTX will also share networking tips and guidance on career and college readiness.

• Make and Take: Summer Learning Strategies to Prevent the Summer Slide – Learner Services - A hands-on session providing parents with practical strategies and activities to keep children academically engaged over the summer.

• Creative Summer Projects: Fostering Kids’ Interests (Parent and Child Session) – Laura Nguyen and Christina Fine - Discover fun and inspiring ways to help kids develop new hobbies and strengthen their skills through hands-on creative projects.

• Transitioning to High School: A Panel with Students, Counselors, and Principals - High school students, counselors, and principals will share insights on preparing for high school and answering common questions from parents and students.

• Exploring Summer Programs in Allen – Allen ISD Community Services and the City of Allen - Learn about summer opportunities in Allen, including sports camps, arts programs, Kids Club, and community events through Allen Parks and Recreation and the public library.

• STEAM Center Tour – Led by STEAM Ambassadors - Explore the Allen ISD STEAM Center’s innovative learning spaces, including an outdoor nature walk featuring Texas wildflowers and real-world STEAM applications.

Building trustworthiness requires consistent actions that demonstrate honesty, reliability, and integrity. Here are some key ways to develop this important character trait:

1. Be Honest – Always tell the truth, even when it’s difficult. Avoid exaggerating or misleading others.

2. Keep Your Promises – Follow through on commitments and responsibilities. If you say you’ll do something, make sure you do it.

3. Take Responsibility for Your Actions – Own up to your mistakes and learn from them instead of making excuses or blaming others.

4. Be Consistent – Act with integrity in all situations, not just when it’s convenient. People trust those who are reliable and predictable in their behavior.

5. Respect Confidentiality – Keep private information private. If someone shares something in confidence, honor their trust by not sharing it with others.

6. Show Respect for Others – Treat people with kindness, fairness, and consideration, which helps build credibility and trust in relationships.

7. Communicate Openly – Be clear and honest in your communication. If there’s a problem, address it directly instead of avoiding or hiding it.

8. Demonstrate Competence – Do your best in work, school, or any responsibility you take on. Being reliable and capable builds confidence in your abilities.

9. Be Transparent – When making decisions, be open about your reasoning and motivations to show that you have nothing to hide.

10. Lead by Example – Set a good example by practicing the values you expect from others, inspiring trust in those around you.

By consistently demonstrating these behaviors, you can build a reputation as a trustworthy person, strengthening both personal and professional relationships.

Explore a range of resources for parents and caregivers on our website at allenisd.org/raisingeagles, where you'll find information on a variety of topics.

If there’s a topic you’d like to see covered that isn’t already available, please feel free to email Ashley Crowson at ashley.crowson@allenisd.org. We greatly appreciate your suggestions.