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CISD Informed — Jan. 24, 2025

CISD Informed — Jan. 24, 2025

Dear Coppell ISD Community,


Last Friday, all of our elementary schools buzzed with energy and innovation during the “Thinkapalooza” event. This incredible "field day for the mind" gave students the opportunity to engage in a variety of hands-on projects and challenges that sparked creativity and critical thinking. From designing hurricane-resistant structures to building the Seven Wonders of the World with candy, solving space exploration challenges and even decoding ancient hieroglyphs, our students demonstrated the power of collaboration and problem-solving.


I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible elementary Gifted and Talented (GT) Intervention Specialists at each campus for their hard work in organizing and facilitating this event. Their dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences is inspiring and greatly appreciated. Thinkapalooza is a wonderful example of how we can empower students to think critically and creatively to solve real-world problems. It also reminds us that by working together, we can find innovative solutions — whether we are elementary students or adults.


On that note, I’m excited to share that this week, the CISD Efficiency Review Committee (CERC) held its first meeting. This group, made up of current and future parents, members of our over-60 community, high school students and staff, is tasked with reviewing, evaluating and providing feedback on district initiatives. Their work will consider potential impacts on students, staff and the budget, helping our district identify ways to operate more efficiently while maintaining our commitment to excellence. It was encouraging to see this group come together with a shared goal of supporting our schools and community. Their collaboration is crucial to ensuring our district’s success both now and in the future.


As a reminder, we announced in last week’s newsletter that CISD will use the extra built-in instructional minutes in our calendar to account for the two days we were closed on Jan. 9 and 10 due to inclement weather. This means we still have two Bad Weather Day holidays as part of our calendar should we need to close in the future due to weather.


Finally, if you haven’t yet seen “Matilda: the Musical,” featuring our talented students from our elementary, middle and high schools, I encourage you to see it during this last weekend. It is an incredible show, and I know you and your family will enjoy it immensely.


Thank you for your continued support of CISD. Together, we are shaping the future and making a difference in the lives of our students and community.


Sincerely,


Dr. Brad Hunt

Superintendent
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#CatchUpWithHunt: Thinkapalooza

Catch Up with Hunt - Thinkapalooza

Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as he shares stories from across the district. This week you can catch Dr. Hunt as he discusses “Thinkapalooza” with Natalie Harvey, Gifted and Talented Intervention Specialist at Austin Elementary.

Over the next few weeks, Coppell ISD will be spotlighting our elementary schools and the engaged learning that takes place at each campus. Elementary school tour videos and at a glance school profiles are available at www.coppellisd.com/o/cisd/page/campus-tours.

School Spotlight: Town Center Elementary 2nd Grade Lunar New Year Author Visit

Town Center Elementary second graders had the exciting opportunity to meet children’s author and music therapist Isabelle Engler during a special author visit. Engler, author of "Learning Songs with Colors: Lunar New Year," a bilingual singable book in Traditional Chinese, English and Pinyin, shared her story that blends music, language, and culture. Students sang along with Engler, explored Lunar New Year traditions, and learned about the importance of love and family connections. The visit tied perfectly into their social studies curriculum, which emphasizes understanding and comparing cultural celebrations. The event was organized by TCE Second Grade teachers Ashlin Bowman, Karli Harle, Allison Pryor and School Librarian Kate Mancuso.
My Home is Town Center Elementary

Town Center Elementary At a Glance Campus Profile — https://5il.co/2pdwr

School Spotlight: Austin Elementary 5th Grade Uses Battleship to Teach Math

This past week, 5th-grade teachers Ashley Rhodes and Claire Burgess at Austin Elementary made a direct hit with their math lessons by incorporating the game Battleship to teach the coordinate system. The game helps students practice and apply their understanding of grids, numbered rows and lettered columns, which is the current math lesson for the classes. Battleship’s gameplay mirrors the layout of the coordinate plane, making it an engaging and practical tool for students to build their skills. By plotting points to locate and target their opponent’s ships, students not only reinforced their understanding of the coordinate system but also practiced strategic thinking in a fun and interactive environment. The success of Battleship in the classroom highlights the power of creativity and innovation in education at Austin Elementary.

My Home is Austin Elementary

Austin Elementary At a Glance Campus Profile — https://5il.co/2pdwj

Thinkapalooza Engages CISD Elementary Students in a “Field Day for the Brain”

On Jan. 17, students from Pre-K through 5th grade across all 11 Coppell ISD elementary campuses participated in Thinkapalooza, a dynamic “field day for the brain” designed to spark creativity, foster collaboration, and challenge young minds. Organized by the district’s Gifted and Talented Intervention Specialists, the event featured engaging, hands-on activities such as designing hurricane-resistant structures, decoding hieroglyphs, and building the Seven Wonders of the World with candy.

Lakeside Elementary Gifted and Talented Specialist Melissa Warren helping students finalize projects designed to withstand hurricane force winds. Photo courtesy of Jack Hintze with Star Local Media.


Thinkapalooza, piloted in 2024 by Austin and Lakeside Elementary GT specialists Natalie Harvey and Melissa Warren, has since expanded districtwide, providing every elementary student with the opportunity to stretch their creativity and problem-solving skills. This year’s event followed a travel theme, with activities exploring natural disasters, rare animals and cultural history from around the world. Highlighted in the Coppell Gazette, this innovative day of learning continues to be a success and is expected to return in 2026. Read the Gazette’s feature story here.

Attendance Matters: Illness in Students

While attendance is important, the health of our students and schools comes first. If your child is feeling unwell, please keep them home. Allowing a child with a fever to attend school can increase the risk of spreading illness to classmates and teachers, affecting everyone's well-being. Let's prioritize health and safety to maintain a positive learning environment for all. To learn more, including submitting an attendance note, visit www.coppellisd.com/attendance.

Bond Dollars at Work: Partial Roof Replacement at CHS Saves Costs

At the Jan. 13 Board Meeting, CISD Trustees approved Spectrum Resource Roofing, LLC as the contractor for the significant roof replacement project at Coppell High School. This project will replace 75% of the flat roof on the main building, covering approximately 280,000 square feet, at a cost not to exceed $5,750,111, which includes a $350,000 contingency for unforeseen conditions. These funds come from the 2023 voter-approved bonds. Thanks to a detailed analysis conducted by roofing specialists and architects, CISD was able to implement a more efficient approach that avoided unnecessary replacement of components still in good condition, such as insulation and backer boards. This decision resulted in substantial cost savings, with the project coming in significantly under the originally allocated budget of more than $16 million. The new roof will feature enhanced hail and wind resistance, potentially reducing future insurance costs. The upgraded materials come with a 20-year no-dollar-limit warranty, ensuring long-term durability and value for taxpayers. This is an example of how 2023 bond dollars are being thoughtfully and efficiently used to improve CISD facilities. Learn more about the 2023 bond projects at www.coppellisd.com/bond.

The Sidekick Named Crown Award Finalist by Columbia Scholastic Press Association

Columbia Press

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The Sidekick, Coppell High School’s student newspaper, has been named a Crown Award Finalist by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. Under the leadership of adviser Chase Wofford, the talented staff behind The Sidekick and coppellstudentmedia.com will receive either a Gold or Silver Crown Award during a special presentation at Columbia University in New York City on March 21. This prestigious honor is a true “headline” moment for the team, recognizing their dedication to journalistic excellence. Congratulations to the entire Sidekick staff — keep making the news!


The Sidekick/coppellstudentmedia.com is part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Communications Program of Study.

CISD DECA Students Excel at District 11 Conference with 281 Qualifying for State

Photos by CHS and New Tech advisers and by Manasa Borra — courtesy of The Sidekick, the student newspaper at CHS.


DECA students from Coppell High School, CHS9, and New Tech High @ Coppell showcased their business expertise at the District 11 DECA Career Development Conference on Jan. 14 at the Irving Convention Center. With over 2,100 competitors — double the previous year due to the addition of Ellis and Kaufman counties — CISD students stood out, earning impressive results. A total of 207 Coppell High School students, 24 CHS9 students, and 50 New Tech students advanced to the State DECA Competition, scheduled for March 6-8 at the Dallas Anatole Hotel. Additionally, CHS junior Driti Gajjela was elected District 11 DECA President, marking the fourth consecutive year a CHS DECA student has held this prestigious position. Congratulations to all qualifiers and their advisers! Read the full story and see the list of qualifiers here.


DECA chapters at CHS9, CHS and New Tech High @ Coppell are student business Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) that students can choose to participate in as part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Business, Marketing and Finance program of study.

Gear Up for STEM Success: Register for CEF Spring Robotics Camp March 26-May 7

Get ready for an electrifying experience like never before. The Coppell ISD Education Foundation (CEF) proudly presents the SPRING Robotics Camp, tailor-made for current middle schoolers who are eager to take their STEM Robotics skills to the next level. The skills they learn can be put to the test at the FIRST Lego League Challenges the following year. Who knows, they might just emerge as the champions using their newly acquired skills. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity — join us this SPRING for a robotics camp that will leave students buzzing with excitement. The cost includes a $20 non-refundable processing fee. Refunds, minus the $20 processing fee, will be available until March 14. No refunds will be given on or after March 15.


Register here: https://coppellisdef.org/robotics-camp/

100+ High School Students Dive Into Innovation at UTD Hackathon Workshop

On Jan. 21, more than 100 CISD high school students gathered at Coppell High School to participate in the University of Texas at Dallas Hackathon Workshop, part of an exciting series aimed at fostering technology, design and innovation skills among learners. This workshop “Hackathon 101 + UI/UX Principles with Figma” introduced students to the fundamentals of hackathons, creative brainstorming techniques and the basics of user interface and experience design using Figma, a top design tool.


With more than 1,400 students enrolled in high school computer science courses across CISD, this event highlights the district’s commitment to preparing students for careers in technology through its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The workshop provided an excellent foundation for participants to gear up for the upcoming NTHS Hack at UTD on March 8-9. Kudos to these future innovators for taking a big step in exploring tech-driven problem-solving.

Calling for Partners for Job Shadowing Day, Adulting Day and Student Internships

CISD is seeking business and community partners to provide meaningful, hands-on experiences for our students through upcoming events and programs. Your involvement can help prepare students for the workforce and post-high school success.


Programs include:

  • Job Shadowing Day (March 13, 2025): Juniors and Seniors shadow professionals to explore various industries.

  • Adulting Day (April 3, 2025): Seniors attend sessions on real-life skills like money management and car maintenance.

  • Summer Internships (June 2025): Two-week internships for Juniors and Seniors with flexible formats.

  • Year-Long Internships (Aug. 2025–May 2026): Students earn course credit through weekly internships.


To sign up to serve as a business or community partner for one of these opportunities, visit go.coppellisd.com/WorkforcePartners. Volunteers must complete a background check. For questions, email Megan Mackin at mmackin@coppellisd.com.

Place 1, 2 & 3 Board Applications Available Jan. 15-Feb. 14 for May 3 Election

Starting Jan. 15 at 8 a.m., CISD will be accepting applications for candidates for Trustee Places 1, 2 and 3, which will be on the ballot of the May 3, 2025, CISD School Board Trustee Election. The deadline to apply for the election for Places 1, 2 and 3 is Friday, Feb. 14 at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.coppellisd.com/page/elections or contact Carol Snowden at csnowden@coppellisd.com or 214-496-8002.

CHS Theatre Company Presents Matilda the Musical Through Jan. 25

The CHS Theatre Company is thrilled to present "Matilda the Musical," marking the debut of the first-ever district-wide musical featuring a cast from several schools. Performances are Jan. 16-18 and Jan. 23-25 in the CHS Auditorium of this dazzling production of Roald Dahl's beloved story. With music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly, this award-winning musical follows the extraordinary journey of Matilda Wormwood, a courageous young girl with a brilliant mind and a rebellious spirit, as she discovers the power to change her destiny. Tickets are now available: reserved seating is $20, adult general admission is $15 and CISD student/staff general admission is $10. Purchase your tickets today at chstb.booktix.com and experience the magic of Matilda! Enter through the Auditorium/Gymnasium entrance in the large student parking lot of Coppell High School at 185 W. Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, TX 75019.

CHS Theatre Hosts Matilda Character Meal and Meet-n-Greet Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m.

Step into the world of Matilda and join us for an enchanting character meal prior to the show beginning at 7 p.m.! Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy a delicious meal, engage in fun activities, and meet the beloved characters from the hit musical. Whether it's sharing stories with Matilda, playing games with the mischievous Wormwood family, or learning some moves from the spirited school kids, this event promises to be a delightful experience full of laughter, magic, and memories.


  • When/Where: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, 5:30 p.m. in the CHS Commons/Cafeteria

  • Price: $10/kids and $15/adults

  • Tickets: https://chstb.booktix.com/

New Tech @ Night Showcase on Jan. 29, 2025

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, for an exciting evening at New Tech High @ Coppell, where the school will showcase the incredible projects and academic achievements of its students. This event is open to all current and prospective learners and their families. Come explore what makes New Tech unique and get a firsthand look at the innovative learning environment. Middle school families are especially encouraged to attend if they are considering New Tech for high school.

CHSl Varsity Mixed Choir Preview Concert on Feb. 1 at FUMC

Coppell High School’s Varsity Mixed Choir has been invited to perform at this year’s Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention in San Antonio — an incredible honor and achievement. To celebrate and prepare for this momentous event, we invite you to join us for their Preview/Send-Off Concert on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Coppell. The community is invited to come and support these talented young singers as they showcase their hard work and dedication. Let’s fill the auditorium with love and encouragement as they embark on this exciting journey.

  • Feb. 3 — Board Workshop at 5:30 p.m.
  • Feb. 14 — Student Holiday, Campus-Directed Professional Learning Day
  • Feb. 17 — Bad Weather Day
  • Feb. 24 — Board Meeting at 6 p.m.

City of Coppell

The City of Coppell uses winter averaging to determine household sewer charges. The quantity of water used between the months of November 2024 and March 2025 will be used to calculate the sewer charges shown on utility bills beginning April 1, 2025. Find more information at coppelltx.gov/winteraverage.


coppelltx.gov/winteraverage

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