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CISD Informed — Feb. 9, 2024
![CISD Informed — Feb. 9, 2024](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/298d/thumb-a985584a6df30934a02927d0ae6627bf.png)
Dear CISD Community,
On Saturday night, I had the privilege of receiving the Cliff Long Leadership Award from the Coppell Chamber of Commerce, an honor that holds special significance for me. As I accepted the award from its namesake, retired Coppell City Council Member Cliff Long, I couldn't help but reflect on my journey here in CISD that began when I started teaching at Coppell High School in 1990. I can just remember going back to my apartment every night and thanking God for me finding Coppell ISD and Coppell ISD for finding me. I would never in a million years think that I would be in a position to receive an award like this, let alone be the superintendent of a district that has given me so much.
CISD has been more than a workplace to me — it has been a source of inspiration, support, growth and family. It has become a second home and a place where my family started and flourished. I am grateful every day for Coppell ISD.
I also want to take a moment to reflect on the budget challenges our district is facing. I believe that staying informed is crucial as we work to solve this situation, while continuing in our commitment to provide an excellent education to our students. In this vein, I encourage you to watch the video below from myself and Board President David Caviness, sharing more about this situation. Please also watch Monday evening’s Board workshop and view the budget presentation, which is available at www.coppellisd.com/board in the Board Briefs. You can also find detailed information at www.coppellisd.com/budget.
There is nothing we cannot achieve when we work together. Let us continue to build on the strengths of our community and support one another. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Coppell ISD, the place I am proud to call home.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt and Board President David Caviness Budget Video
#CatchUpWithHunt: Austin Elementary
Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt shares stories from our district. This week, you can catch Dr. Hunt at Austin Elementary, where he speaks with Austin students 4th grader Natalie Brassfield and 5th grader Jack Hsiao, who introduced the school’s character trait of kindness with CHS Junior Aiden Song, who is the Junior Student Council Representative. Austin Elementary Counselor Joanna McFarling and CHS English teacher and Student Council Sponsor Ben Stroud are also featured in this video.
Strategic Planning Update: Action Teams Present to Strategic Planning Committee
On Thursday, Feb. 1, the Strategic Planning Committee — consisting of parents, teachers, staff, students, and community members — gathered for a one-day retreat. During this session, the committee received detailed Action Plans from CISD Action Team members — who, themselves, are also parents, teachers, staff members, students, and community representatives. The comprehensive Strategic Plan, born from these collective insights, will be presented at the upcoming Board Meeting on Feb. 26.
Feb. 5 Board Briefs: Budget Planning for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 and More
As shared in the Feb. 5 Update from the Superintendent on the CISD Budget, the Feb. 5 Board Workshop included discussions on the two-year budget planning for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. More information and links to the presentations are below. Video of the Board Workshop can be accessed at https://coppellisd.new.swagit.com/videos/296447.
During the Work Session portion of the Board Workshop, Trustees heard reports and discussed items on the following topics:
2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Budget Planning by Chief Financial Officer Diana Sircar* and
Goals/Data Updates by Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Angie Brooks
Visit www.coppellisd.com/Board for a complete list of agenda items, presentations, meeting minutes and a video of the meeting.
*Note that after the email was sent on Feb. 5 and the Board Briefs published on Feb. 6, an additional Budget Board Workshop was added on Monday, March 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Bond Update: New Playground Concrete & New iPad Rollout Happening This Spring
Demolition and haul-off of the existing playgrounds
Grading and drainage for the new playground spaces
The addition of concrete pads for the actual playground equipment
Resodding around the new playgrounds, as well as, over the former playground sites.
The Board had already approved the purchase of the new playground equipment and shade structures during the Jan. 22, 2024 Board Meeting.
Plans are for construction to begin in March/April at nine of the 10 elementary schools that are getting new playgrounds. (Canyon Ranch Elementary, which opened in 2019, is not getting a new playground.)
Valley Ranch Elementary School’s playground will be built in 2025 as part of the school’s renovation included in the 2023 Bond.
Also, as part of the voter-approved Bond, CISD students in Kindergarten through 11th grade will receive new iPads this spring. The new iPads promise enhanced performance and features that will contribute to a more seamless and efficient learning experience. Details on dates, how to back up current iPads and other instructions will be sent by campus principals as each school’s rollout date approaches. The brand new iPads will come with new chargers and an Apple Compatible Metapen or ePen, though only students in grade 6 and above will take this accessory home with their iPad. Additionally, each student iPad will be equipped with a keyboard case, enhancing functionality and versatility. Be on the lookout for detailed information about your child’s iPad exchange from your campus soon.
Valley Ranch Elementary Selected a Leader in Me Lighthouse School
Valley Ranch Elementary Students attend the Leader in Me Together Symposium in 2023.
Leadership and Life Skills at VRE Inspire Young Students to Become Future-Ready Leaders with the Leader in Me Model
Valley Ranch Elementary was notified on Feb. 1 that the school has been certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by FranklinCovey Education — a distinction that only 700 schools in the world, 62 schools in Texas and eight schools in North Texas have achieved.
“We are honored to have been certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School,” said Valley Ranch Principal Cynthia Arterbery. “We have seen amazing results from implementing the Leader in Me model at our school, as our students are stepping up as leaders in the classroom and beyond.”
CISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt said, “I am immensely proud of Mrs. Arterbery and Valley Ranch Elementary for achieving this incredible recognition, which is evidence that the school has produced outstanding results in school and student outcomes, and because of the extraordinary impact the school is having on staff, students, parents and the greater community.”
CISD Celebrates Black History Month
Black History Month celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our nation's history. Founded by historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Week was first celebrated on Feb. 12, 1926, to commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent. The date coincides with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. During the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, Black History Week was expanded to a month-long celebration. Since then, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as African American History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The 2024 theme is "African Americans and the Arts" spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements and more.
Prose on the Menu at Austin 2nd Grade Poetry Cafe
Photos courtesy of Becca Bailey.
Under the leadership of teachers Kaylee Mellott, Heather Naragon, Ally Saxon and Hannah West, who organized this event, Austin Elementary 2nd graders shared their poetry with their parents and fellow students via a Poetry Cafe on Feb. 1. In the spirit of sharing prose, here’s a poem that captures this special literacy event:
In the heart of Austin, where young poets dream,
A cafe of verses, a delightful stream.
This morning's magic, in second grade's glow,
A Poetry Cafe, a joy to bestow.
The little learners, with pride shining bright,
Presented their poems, a pure, heartfelt sight.
A "menu" of verses, carefully crafted,
In the cafe of words, their voices lifted.
Not just parents attended this sweet affair,
An invitation extended, poems in the air.
To other grades, a call so sincere,
To savor the poems, to draw near.
A wondrous sight unfolded, a poetic scene,
Parents traversing, exploring unseen,
Restaurants of rhyme, each unique,
A community's bond, a treasure to seek.
In this vibrant tapestry of words and art,
A second-grade team played a vital part.
Teachers creating a moment, a chance to explore,
A poetry haven, forevermore.
Oh, this community, a tapestry grand,
Parents exploring, hand in hand.
A gift of words, a magical chance,
In the Austin Poetry Cafe, life's sweet dance.
New Tech High @ Coppell Hope Squad Hosts Art and Heart Fair on Feb. 10
Join the New Tech High @ Coppell Hope Squad on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at New Tech High at Coppell for a vibrant showcase of creativity and well-being. With more than 45 local artisans and engaging Mental Health and Wellness Workshops, this event is an opportunity to explore healthful activities while supporting our community's talented creators. Entry is $5 at the door, with all proceeds dedicated to benefiting the New Tech Hope Squad and The Defensive Line. Get ready for a day filled with live music, unique finds and a celebration of mental well-being. For inquiries and more information, reach out to us at newtechhopesquad@gmail.com or follow @nthchope.
More than 50 CISD Newcomer Families Participate in Bus Tour
Story by CHS Seniors Samantha Handshy, Issac Mercado and Rachel Chang and courtesy KCBY-TV, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Communications Program of Study at CHS.
Celebrating National School Counseling Week
This year, National School Counseling Week (#NCSW24) is celebrated Feb. 5-9. Presented by the American School Counselors Association, NCSW highlights school counselors' tremendous impact in helping students achieve school success and plan for the future. Thank you to CISD school counselors:
Coordinator for Counseling and Social Emotional Learning Anne Lehew, Support Counselors Tanya Berent, Amanda Espinosa and Kelly Spears; Elementary School Counselors Joanna McFarling at Austin, Kim Stegall at Canyon Ranch, Sarah Christian at Cottonwood Creek, Jennifer Bordelon at Denton Creek, Lauren Morgan at Lakeside, Angela Garvin at Lee, Megan Hay at Mockingbird, Kathy Kirkley at Pinkerton, Kelly Matlock at Town Center, Janet Nelson at Valley Ranch, Kaylyn Hickey at Wilson, and Jessica Lightfoot supporting Canyon Ranch and Lee; Middle School Counselors Pam Erickson and Mindy Lindquist at CMS East, Kinsey McConnell and Jennifer Parker at CMS North, and Jaime Duncanand Stephanie Julian at CMS West; and High School Counselors Amy Blasingame and Katie Walker at CHS9, Cheryl Abreu, Ann Cinelli, Heather Crumpton, Michael Kennington, Laura McMillin, Lindsey Oh and Keith Tremethick at Coppell High School, Mimi Robb at New Tech High @ Coppell, and LaQueena Garcia at Victory Place.
Girls Basketball Playoff Game Set for Feb. 12 in Lake Dallas
The Cowgirls Varsity Basketball team will take on Allen High School in the Bi-District round of the Playoffs on Monday, Feb. 12. The game will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Dallas High School. Tickets can be purchased at www.ldisd.net/departments/athletics.
Hitting the High Notes: 161 High School Choir Singers Achieve I Rating
53 Singers Qualify for State at UIL Solo Contest
The Region 31 UIL Solo contest was held at Coppell High School on Feb. 3 with 169 CISD singers competing. A total of 161 singers received the rating of I (highest possible) and 53 singers were selected for state. We "aria" so proud of these amazing singers.
15 High School Athletes Participate in Signing Day on Feb. 7
Fifteen CISD student-athletes participated in Signing Day on Feb. 7, signing letters of intent to participate in their sports at the collegiate level. These young men and women have devoted countless hours to training and perfecting their craft to be among only seven percent of high school athletes in the country who advance to athletics at the college level. The CISD student-athletes who participated in Signing Day on Feb. 7 are: Mo Abbasher, who signed to play football at Angelo State University; Jaden Adkins, who signed to play football at UT Rio Grande Valley; David Baker, who signed to play football at UT Permian Basin; Braden Beene, who signed to play baseball at Dodge City Community College; Zach Cody, who signed to play football at Coastal Carolina University; Jake Garcia, who signed to play baseball at Concordia University Texas; Samuel Young-Hyun Jun, who signed to play soccer at the University of Gloucestershire; Arhan Lapsiwala, who signed to play basketball at the University of Chicago; Varun Ravilla, who signed to play football at MIT; Michael Russell, who signed to play baseball at Wichita State University; Jon Rawles Thompson, who signed to play football at Austin College; Baron Tipton, who signed to play football at the University of North Texas; Ben Welch, who signed to play baseball at Chattanooga State Community College; Ella Spiller, who signed to play soccer at Lubbock Christian University; and Madison Sadler who signed to play softball at the University of the Ozarks.
Celebrating Crossing Guard Day
Saturday, Feb. 10, is School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. CISD would like to thank our school crossing guards, who work each day, rain or shine, to ensure our students can walk and bike safely to school. Thank you to CISD crossing guards:
Kathy Banks, Deborah Miles and Elsa Rojas at Austin; City of Irving Lieutenant Chris Summers at Canyon Ranch; Nancy Leahy and Consuelo Stevens at Cottonwood Creek; Krystal Mayes at Denton Creek; Linda Allgood, Judy Darnell and Jocelyn McKenzie at Lakeside; Gloria Alonzo, Jeanne Estes and Maria Sandoval at Mockingbird and East; Sandy Edwards, Laurie Johnson and Brenda Layton at Town Center; Rosa Quinonez at Wilson; Marita Angulo at North; and Dona Head, Raymond Jones and Mary Moore as floaters.
Cowgirls Wrestling Team Are District Champions
Last week, the Cowgirls Varsity Wrestling Team won their second consecutive district title in a season that includes their ranking in the top 10 of the Class 6A state rankings. First-place finishes from Ava Payne, Piper Carrell and Cassie Bonacci, the Cowgirls finished with 196 team points to capture first place at Southlake Carroll, and the squad advanced 11 wrestlers to this weekend's Region I-6A Tournament at Haltom City’s W.G. Thomas Coliseum. Trinitee Hobbs, Annie Reeder, Ishitha Mallidi, Elizabeth Urick, Karissa Godhia, Emma Pehl, Anna Lopez and Fallon Silva are also bound for the regional tournament for the Cowgirls.
The Cowboys qualified six grapplers for Haltom City, with Richard Gonzales, Brand Felts, Mo Abbasher, Joshua Perez, Camden McGregor and Sebastian Tobias all qualifying for the regional tournament.
CHS Digital Art Crafts Fresh Logos for Friends of Coppell Nature Park
Coppell High School sophomore Arshia Joshi displays the logo she designed for the Friends of Coppell Nature Park.
Story by CHS junior Neha Nathwani and photo by CHS sophomore Ahana Roy. Courtesy of The Sidekick, the CHS student newspaper. The Sidekick is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Communications Program of Study.
Embarking on a creative journey, members of Coppell High School’s digital art classes paint color back into Coppell Nature Park’s identity. The Friends of Coppell Nature is an environmental conservation organization promoting the preservation of the Coppell Nature Park. Collaborating with CHS digital art students, Friends of Coppell board members selected sophomore Arshia Joshi’s design.
“We have oceans of incredible talent in CISD and it was manifested through a variety of different logos,” Friends of Coppell Nature Park board member Teri Keith said.
Keith reached out to CHS art teacher Bennan Fruge, asking if students would be interested in designing a logo to increase marketing efforts.
“I was excited, and I thought it was a great opportunity to have our students create art that could help the community,” Fruge said.
Read the complete story here.
Valley Ranch and Perot Museum Partner for STEAM Showcase for 3rd-5th Graders
On Feb. 7, Valley Ranch Elementary School buzzed with excitement and curiosity as the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Showcase and Family STEAM Night unfolded, creating a dynamic fusion of scientific exploration. The Science STEAM Showcase, held in the library, showcased the ingenuity VRE’s 3rd to 5th grade students, who self-selected topics and diligently worked on their projects at home with their families. With 87 enthusiastic participants, the event resembled our the school's version of a science and engineering fair, displaying a kaleidoscope of creativity and innovation. Simultaneously, in the cafeteria, the Perot STEAM Family Night added an extra layer of interactive learning, with stations provided by the Perot Museum. The Perot stations were made possible through a generous grant from the Coppell ISD Education Foundation (CEF), exemplifying the power of community support in nurturing the spirit of STEAM education.
CBAS Data Spotlight: Reading Academy Data
CISD is spotlighting data points from the district’s Community-Based Accountability System (CBAS) data dashboard, which is available at www.coppellisd.com/cbas. This week, CISD is highlighting Reading Academy Data as part of the Professional Learning and Quality Staff CBAS pillar.
Visit https://www.coppellisd.com/o/cisd/page/professional-learning-and-quality-staff for more data.
2024-2025 Registration/Enrollment Timeline: Pinkerton, DLI & New Tech Dates
CISD is announcing registration and enrollment dates for 2024-2025. Below is a list of important dates to remember, and additional dates and information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment.
Feb. 13 — Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Parent Information Session, 12-1 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m., Admin Board Room at CISD Administration Building 200 S. Denton Tap Road
Feb. 21 — New Tech @ Night Open House, 6:30-8 p.m.
Feb. 22 — IB Parent Information Meeting #1, 6 p.m.
Feb. 23 — All CHS course-selection requests are due for the 2024-2025 school year. Students can make changes through their counselor until March 1.
Feb. 27 — DLI Application goes live
March 1 — NTH@C application window closes
March 1 — Pinkerton IB Begin accepting applications
March 5 — IB Parent Information Meeting #2, 6 p.m.
March 8 — NTH@C lottery
March 6 — Pinkerton IB Tour #1, 9 a.m.
March 20 — New Tech Commitment letters due
March 20 — Pinkerton IB Tour #2, 2 p.m.
March 20 — 2024-2025 Kindergarten Enrollment begins
March 26 — DLI applications due by 5 p.m.
April 5 — IB Applications Due — Pinkerton
April 12 — Pinkerton IB agreements sent out
April 19 — DLI Lottery/Pick Pinkerton Lottery (8:30 a.m., Admin Board Room)
April 22 — DLI agreements sent out
April 30 — Re-enrollment links get emailed to parents of current students
Learn About Emerging Drug Trends at Parent University on Feb. 28
CISD parents are invited to an eye-opening session at Parent University, featuring Jermaine Galloway, famously known as "The Tall Cop," on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 7 p.m. Join us at the Coppell High School Lecture Hall for an insightful discussion on "High in Plain Sight: Current Alcohol, Drug, and Concealment Trends and Identifiers." The session promises to shed light on the latest updates regarding drug trends, equipping parents with valuable knowledge to navigate the challenges faced by our youth today. Don't miss this chance to stay informed and engaged in ensuring the well-being of our community.
Tickets Available for CISD Night at the Ballpark on Friday, April 26
Coppell ISD Night at The Ballpark will take place on Friday, April 26, as our World Series Champions the Texas Rangers take on the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Park in Arlington at 7:05 p.m. Purchase tickets at https://fevo-enterprise.com/s/other/Coppellisd?purl=667039dd955c.
Texas House District 115 Public Education Candidates Forum on Feb. 13
Raise Your Hand Texas will host a non-partisan public education candidates forum at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at the Coppell Arts Center. To RSVP, visit https://fb.me/e/5h74leFPe or click the image above. For more information, contact Matthew Hall at mhall@ryht.org.
This organization and its activities are not related to, or sponsored by, Coppell ISD.
Place 6 and Place 7 Board Candidate Applications Available Through Feb. 16
CISD is accepting applications for candidates for Trustee Places 6 and 7, which will be on the ballot of the May 4, 2024, CISD School Board Trustee Election. The deadline to apply for the election for Place 6 and Place 7 is Friday, Feb. 16 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.
Early Voting Runs From Feb. 20 to March 1 for March 2024 Primary Election
Early voting runs from Monday, Feb. 20 to Friday, March 1 in the upcoming March 2024 primary election. March primary elections, in many cases, will determine who represents you in the Texas Legislature. #DYK that Texas is an open primary state? That means Texas voters do not register as Democrats or Republicans. Any registered voter can vote in either party’s primary, regardless of which primary you have voted in previously.
For more information, visit www.votetexas.gov.
Student Opportunities with U.S. Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne
U.S. Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne has several opportunities for CISD students. For more information, visit https://vanduyne.house.gov/student-program-overview.
Beth’s Bookworms – Students may reside in or out of the 24th Congressional District of Texas
- Summer 2024
Congressional Art Competition – Student must reside in the 24th Congressional District of Texas (Spring Semester)
- Deadline: April 15, 2024
Congressional App Challenge – Students can participate in the district in which they reside or attend school
- Registration: Opens June 2024
Congressional Youth Advisory – Students may reside in or out of the 24th Congressional District of Texas
- Deadline: September 2024
Elementary Art Showcase & Forum – Students may reside in or out of the 24th Congressional District of Texas
- Deadline: Fall 2024
Elementary Fly-In – Students may reside in or out of the 24th Congressional District of Texas
- Deadline: March 15, 2024
US Military Academy Nomination – Student must reside in the 24th Congressional District of Texas
- Deadline: Oct. 4, 2024
Woven Health Free Clinics for Coppell Residents in February
- Feb. 16 — Professional Development Day (Staff Workday and Student Holiday)
- Feb. 19 — Bad Weather Day (No School for Staff or Students)
- Feb. 26 — CISD Regular Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
- March 4 — Board Workshop at 5:30 p.m.
- March 6 — Middle School Open Houses
- March 7 — Elementary School Open Houses
- March 8 — Early Release Day (Elementary Schools Dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.)
- March 11-15 — Spring Break
- March 26 - Board Meeting at 6 p.m. (Note: Meeting on a Tuesday)
City of Coppell
Coppell City Council has approved the first water and sewer rate increase in six years, effective February 1. The adjustment addresses rising costs from Trinity River Authority and Dallas Water Utilities, supporting infrastructure maintenance and encouraging conservation through a tiered rate structure. For more details, visit https://coppelltx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1478.