Prosper Independent School District

The Year in Review

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The mission of Prosper Independent School District is to develop and graduate motivated, academically prepared individuals with the strength of character to make contributions to a rapidly changing society through an educational system that maintains high expectations, provides quality instruction, and establishes a safe, orderly, learning environment in the community that lives its name.

Dear Friends, I offer this 2011 Annual Report for your review and to familiarize you with our community schools and the exceptional students and staff of Prosper ISD. This report will serve as a reflection of the 2010 - 2011 school year and will conclude with a bright look ahead for Prosper ISD.

Prosper ISD’s ongoing commitment to academic rigor anchors Prosper’s mission to provide the most challenging learning environment through a highly dedicated and exceptionally trained staff.

Prosper ISD continues to be one of the fastest growing school districts in the State of Texas. Prosper ISD enrollment has grown nearly 500 students compared to this time last year. This is remarkable at any time, but it is particularly impressive under the current economic conditions of our state and nation. Simply said, Prosper continues to be a great attraction for new families, which is a direct reflection on our teachers and staff, parents and community, and a forward thinking school board.

We are proud that Prosper ISD has earned a reputation of excellence with the excitement of much more to come. This reputation, in large part, is due to your tremendous support and invaluable involvement throughout our district. Your significant contributions have afforded our students unbelievable educational opportunities and continue to be vital in the success of our growing district. I am honored to serve as your superintendent.

Sincerely,

Drew Watkins, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Board Members

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Board Members

4 District Snapshot

5 Academic Excellence

6 Enhancement Programs Spotlight

7 College Readiness Indicators

8 Financial Information

9 2008 Bond Program

10 School and Community Relationships

11 Educational Foundation

12 Student Achievements

13 High School Sports Achievements

14 Professional Pride Empowered Educators

15 Looking Toward the Future

SUPERINTENDENT’S CABINET

Dr. Michael Goddard Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations

Donna RotherAssistant Superintendent of

Curriculum & Instruction

Rusty CraigBusiness Manager

Laurie VondersaarDirector of Instructional Technology

& Staff Development

Ted ZiolkowskiDirector of Technical Support

Services

Dr. Heather BristerDirector of Special Education

Jody WoolvertonDirector of Transportation

Ronny MullinsDirector of Athletics

Danny RobertsDirector of Maintenance

and Operations

Jim Bridges, Secretary

Mark McGuire

Jim Wicker, Vice President

Wayne Bernstein

MaryLou Smith

Michelle McBride

Board Members

Daniel Jones, President

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District Snapshot

TEA Ratings Texas Education Agency Rates Prosper ISD – Recognized

John A. Baker Elementary – Exemplary

Judy Rucker Elementary – Exemplary

R. Steve Folsom Elementary – Recognized

Lorene Rogers Middle School – Exemplary

Reynolds Middle School – Recognized

Prosper High School – Recognized

School Enrollment

John A. Baker Elementary (PK - 4th) 712Judy Rucker Elementary (PK - 4th) 675R. Steve Folsom Elementary (PK - 4th) 753Lorene Rogers Middle School (5th & 6th) 748 Reynolds Middle School (7th & 8th) 700 Prosper High School (9th - 12th) 1256District Total Enrollment: 4844

October 2011

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Ethnicity 2010-2011

• White 74%• Hispanic 13% • African American 9%• Other 4%

October 2011

K 19.91st 20.22nd 18.8

3rd 19.64th 19.55th 19.6

6th 22.17th 21.68th 17.5

Elementary Class Size Averages

Secondary Class Size Averages

English / Language Arts 21.2Science 22.9Mathematics 21.2Social Studies 19.7

September 2011

PISD_Annual Report_2010-11.indd 4 10/23/11 3:58 PM

Academic Excellence

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STATE VS. PROSPER ISD PASSING

Prosper ISD continues to out-perform the state average on the percent passing the TAKS test, the state-wide assessment. Likewise, Prosper ISD students far exceed the state average in the percent earning commended performance on this same test. Earning commended performance on TAKS demonstrates that students are mastering the state’s curriculum, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

STATE VS. PROSPER ISD COMMENDED

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Enhancement Programs Spotlight

Dual Language – Prosper ISD’s Two-Way Dual Language Program offers Pre-K through 6th grade students the opportunity to learn to speak, read, and write in two languages – English and Spanish. Students become increasingly bi-literate and bicultural as they progress from one grade level to the next. Fully trained and certified Spanish speaking teachers partner with English speaking teachers to teach students – half the day in their dominate language and about half the day in the new language.

Robotics – High school students unlock their imaginations and discover their potential as they participate in robot building competitions designed to excite them about engineering, science, and technology. These sports-like science-based and engineering-based robotics competitions are lively and exciting events. Prosper HS will host the area competition this fall.

Ready, Set, Teach – High school students who are interested in becoming teachers are encouraged to select classes designed to give them real-life experiences in the classroom. Ready, Set, Teach is a field-based internship which provides students with a background knowledge of child development principles as well as principles of effective teaching practices. In May, the Prosper ISD School Board offered two students who completed this program, Emily Pendolino and Hillary Turner, a provisional teaching contract contingent upon their successful college completion.

Business Management – Prosper HS offers an array of business and marketing classes for students interested in business careers. Students are given opportunities to gain skill and knowledge in business management, administration, law, accounting, and finance. Students enrolled in these programs have an opportunity to earn a Microsoft Office Users Specialist certification.

Automotive Technology – Prosper HS has a fully equipped, state of the art automotive service center where students learn the functions of the major automotive systems and the principles of diagnosing and servicing these systems. After their training and high school graduation, students are eligible for high tech, high wage earning jobs.

Gifted and Talented – All core teachers in Prosper ISD are well-equipped to meet the needs of gifted learners in the regular classroom setting. The Prosper ISD Gifted and Talented Program is designed to provide motivating, challenging experiences that nurture the unique academic and social-emotional needs of gifted and talented students. Elementary students have the opportunity to meet weekly with the gifted teacher, middle school students are clustered with other gifted students in language arts and math, and high school students are served by enrolling in Pre AP and AP courses.

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College Readiness Indicators

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SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST (SAT) In 2011, 125 students took the SAT. Prosper ISD students’ average scores exceed those of the students across the nation in critical reading and math.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Prosper ISD proudly offers its students a wide array of Advanced Placement courses. Many students enroll in AP because they are excited to take on the challenge of rigorous coursework. Others take AP because they have a keen interest in a particular subject and want to explore it in more depth. Still other students know AP will help them be competitive and successful in college.

The benefits of taking an AP exam are significant, even for those students who are already admitted to the college of their choice or those who worry they might not do well. Prosper ISD pays for the cost of the exam for all students who successfully complete the AP course.

AP Courses Offered• English Language & Literature• English Composition & Rhetoric• Calculus AB• Biology• Chemistry • Physics• World History• US History• Spanish Language• French• Psychology• Studio Art: Drawing & 3-D Design• Computer Science A• Music Theory

AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST (ACT) In 2011, 105 students in Prosper ISD took the ACT. Prosper ISD students’ scores far exceed both state and national scores in all areas.

National Merit Scholars

Prosper HS is proud to announce two National Merit Finalists: Mason Pearce and Michael Vestal. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships.

Dual Credit Enrollment

Making the transition from high school to college can be one of the biggest challenges a student can face. Through a partnership with Collin College, Prosper ISD juniors and seniors can take Dual Credit courses, courses where students fulfill both high school and college graduation requirements. Students enrolling in Dual Credit courses establish an educational foundation that will enable them to continue their academic success at Collin College, or any other college of their choosing. Currently, Prosper ISD covers the cost, over $100 per course, for students enrolling in Dual Credit courses. Prosper ISD is committed to helping students earn enough college hours to have completed their freshman year of college by the time they graduate from Prosper HS.

Financial Information2011- 2012

Financial Data Projections

Total Property Valuation $1,830,167,182

Operating FundLocal Funds – $21,050,000State Funds – $18,900,000

Operating Fund AppropriationsSalary & Benefits – $31,840,000 Other Expenses – $ 8,110,000

Prosper ISD Tax Rate History

Year *Total Tax Rate 2001 – 2002 $1.72 2002 – 2003 $1.76 2003 – 2004 $1.82 2004 – 2005 $1.95 2005 – 2006 $1.97 2006 – 2007 $1.80 2007 – 2008 $1.67 2008 – 2009 $1.67 2009 – 2010 $1.64 2010 – 2011 $1.63 2011 – 2012 $1.67

*per $100 of assessed home value

Prosper ISD has consistently earned the highest rating of “Superior Achievement” through the Texas Education Agency’s School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) program.

BUDGET BY FUNCTION

BUDGET BY OBJECT

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2008 Bond Program Schedules for most of the bond projects are contingent upon the ability to sell bonds. Construction planning and land acquisition is continuing; however, interest rates and timing of improvements in the market will determine the actual bond expenditures and timeline.

Prosper ISD Capital Improvement Program (through 2015)

The Prosper ISD School Board called for a bond referendum in November 2007 for $710 million.

How does that break down and what does that exactly mean?

Cynthia Cockrell ElementaryOpening August 2012

The School Board has decided to move forward with the construction of Cockrell Elementary even though the capacity to sell bonds is not available to finance the school. The local economic forecast for future development does not appear to be moving quickly enough to keep up with the student growth. Consequently, the Board has decided to forge ahead and build Cockrell Elementary out of the district’s general fund balance even though over $600 million remains in bond authority. Cockrell Elementary will open at the southwest corner of Custer Road and Prosper Trail within the Whitley Place subdivision in August 2012.

Building Project Estimated Date of Completion(Based on Growth & Bonding Capacity) Building Project Details

Projected District

Enrollment

Support Services Facility and Transportation Center

Opened in 2008 Prosper ISD assumed its own transportation services including purchasing a fleet of propane-powered, seatbelt-equipped buses

New Prosper HS (9th-12th Grade) Opened in 2009 Built with empty classroom wings inside to accommodate future growth

Cynthia Cockrell Elementary To Open in 2012 Built with similar floor plan of Baker & Folsom 5,300

Transportation Facility Expansion To Open in 2012 Built to add fueling stations & additional parking spaces for more buses

5,300

Elementary School #5 To Open in 2014 5,950

Elementary School #6 To Open in 2015 6,725

Middle School #3 To Open in 2015 6,725

Elementary School #7 To Open in 2016 7,495

High School #2 To Open in 2020 Will continue to follow 4A model

Extracurricular Stadium TBD Will Serve All Prosper ISD high schools

High School Natatorium TBD Will Serve Prosper HS

Instructional Support Center TBD Serving All Prosper ISD:Staff Development CenterCentral Administration Offices

Other Significant Items TBD Serving All Prosper ISD:School Site AcquisitionTechnology PurchasesCapital Improvements to Existing Facilities

School and Community Relationships

Community Events and Programs Prosper ISD is actively involved in supporting, recognizing, and unifying students, staff, and members of the community. The district hosts and plans several events and programs, including the following:

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Stuff the Bus Canned Food DriveProsper ISD along with the Town of Prosper team up annually to participate in the “Stuff the Bus” food drive benefitting the Bethlehem Place (a mission of Prosper United Methodist Church) of Prosper and the Food Pantry of McKinney.

RoughRiders Night at the BallparkEach Spring, Prosper ISD families gather for a night of fun and community at the RoughRider’s ballpark. Last year, choirs from around the district sang the National Anthem and Ms. Keener, principal of Folsom Elementary, threw out the first pitch.

Senior Citizen Holiday LuncheonEach year, Prosper ISD hosts its annual Senior Citizen Holiday Luncheon catered by the Prosper HS Culinary Arts students. Senior Citizens from around the town get the opportunity to enjoy a wonderfully prepared holiday lunch while enjoying the entertainment of the Prosper HS Jazz Band.

Rachel’s ChallengeProsper ISD is committed to providing a safe, risk-free environment for all students. The district works through programs like Rachel’s Challenge to inspire, equip, and empower every student to create a permanent, positive culture in the school and community by starting a chain reaction of kindness and compassion. Students take a pledge to treat each other with respect, just as Rachel Scott, a student killed at Columbine High School, promoted at her own school.

School and Community Relationships Prosper ISD

Educational Foundation Prosper Open Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c) 3

organization dedicated to supporting the educational endeavors of Prosper ISD students and staff. In May of 2011, the POF awarded $28,500 in the form of three different scholarships:

• $12,500 was awarded to the top ten students from the 2011 graduating class.

• $5,000 was awarded to graduating seniors who applied for the Next Step Grant.

• $11,000 was awarded to selected teachers and staff working on advanced degrees.

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2010-2011 DonorsThank you to this year’s donors. Your generous gifts allow us to support the

educational dreams of our students and staff.

CoServ ElectricLifetouch

Southern Star Concrete, Inc.

Very Special Thanks

to

For a $10,000 Donation!

Student Achievements

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Academic Decathlon Academic Decathlon provides high school students an opportunity to experience the challenges of rigorous academic competition through participation in team activities. The 2011 Ac Dec team competed successfully in the Regional Meet on the way to the State Meet where Dillon Kolacz, Brian Lanier, and Seth Leingang all won individual medals.

Band The Prosper HS Mighty Eagle Band has built a track record of success both on and off the marching field. Since 2008, the band has earned the coveted UIL Sweepstakes Award as well as many awards at marching contests and festivals in Texas and Colorado. Twenty-eight members of the band placed in the Region 5 All Region Band in 2010. Band members earned positions in the ATSSB All-State Band and the All-State Jazz Band.

Choir The Prosper HS choir program has expanded to three choirs: Show Choir, Honor Choir, and Concert Choir. Five choir members traveled to the State Solo and Ensemble Contest where both the ensemble and the soloists received the highest ranking possible.

Culinary Arts Students earned first place in the Pro Start competition for their clever restaurant design, which earned them a place in the national competition. Culinary students gain real-world experience by catering events in the district such as the Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon and the Top Ten Graduating Seniors Dinner. Students in Culinary Arts are able to earn their national Serv Safe certification to work in the food service industry.

FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) Students Kelli Smith and Samantha Carter placed first at state, regional, and national competitions for their Chapter Service Project. This project included raising funds to send a Prosper ISD student to Joni and Friends Summer Camp for two years. Kelli Smith received $17,000 in scholarship money.

FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) Students in FFA were awarded $111,500 in scholarship money. They competed in speaking events at the district, region, and state level. Four students were awarded Champions at the Collin County Junior Livestock Show: Taylor Shackelford, Champion Market Steer; Allee Page,

Reserve Champion Market Steer & Champion Horticulture Show; and Nicole Duncan, Champion Market Fryers. The FFA Chapter earned many awards, including: Golden Horizon, Silver Superior Chapter, National FFA Chapter: 2 Gold Stars. Taylor Shackelford earned a place in the statewide FFA as 1st Vice President.

Health Science Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) placed first at regional and state competition, which earned them a place in the national competition. Through a cooperative with Settler’s Ridge Nursing Home, students in Health Sciences completed the required hours and took the practical exam to earn a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license.

Special Olympics Prosper ISD’s students with disabilities continue to shine in athletic competitions designed especially for them. Students competed in bowling, basketball, and track where many earned medals and ribbons for their athleticism. They are empowered and joyful as they compete and support each other in athletic competitions.

Theater For the first time ever, the cast of the UIL One-Act Play, Sweet Nothing in My Ear, advanced all the way to the regional competition, one step away from the state competition. Several cast members were recognized: Robert Lowe, Best Actor; Hannah Scoggins, Savannah Hamner, Robert Lowe, and Taylor Brown, All Star Cast; Zack Esquenazi, Lucy Scholl, Hannah Scoggins and Jenna Horn,

Honorable Mention All Star Cast; Kailey LeBlanc and Diamonds Carter, All Star Technicians. Students also presented main stage productions: Arthur Miller’s classic The Crucible and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, both of which were well received by the student body, the staff, and the community as a whole.

Video Production Students in video production use state of the art high definition equipment to produce videos for campus use, including a magazine style news program and a student course selection video. These students’ entry won them first place in a statewide competition sponsored by Texas Motor Speedway.

Visual Arts Advanced art students at Prosper HS have the opportunity to develop a college-level portfolio and earn college credit through their AP Drawing and AP 3-D Portfolio classes. Four students competed at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) where all four received gold medals. Student Sarah Tippets received a perfect score.

High School Sports Achievements

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UIL 3A District 11Baseball The team made the playoffs and won the bi-district round before falling to Argyle in the area round. The team ended the season 22-13.

Boys Basketball The team made the playoffs for the third consecutive year. The boys finished second in district play with a 27-7 record and fell to A. Maceo Smith in the bi-district round.

Girls Basketball The team finished the year with a 10-21 overall record with a 4-6 record in district play. The girls missed the playoffs by only one game, and they are looking forward to a great season this year.

Cheerleading The Prosper HS cheerleaders support the school’s teams with their school spirit. Last year, the squad took their skills to the next level with the addition of a competitive cheer squad.

Cross Country The teams were regional qualifiers, led by Eleanor Jahant and Ryan Cleary. Both the girls’ and the boys’ teams returned everyone for this season with several promising freshmen contributors.

Drill Team (Talonettes) The Talonettes made the transition from dance team to traditional drill team this year. Their brand new uniforms are beautifully made in the Prosper green and white.

Colorguard The Colorguard is in its first year of existence at Prosper HS. They perform on the field with the band at every varsity football game and marching contest. In the spring, this same group of students will become the first ever Winterguard at Prosper HS. Winterguard is an indoor version of Colorguard that performs to recorded music in gymnasiums and indoor fields.

Football The team advanced to the state playoffs for the ninth consecutive year and advanced at least two rounds in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

Golf The boys’ team won the 3A state championship and the girls’ team finished fifth in the state. Sophomores Grant Bennett and Brayden Brown led the team by finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. Other members of the team included Zach Neely, Cameron Bridges, and Josh Harpole. The girls’ team consisted of Anne Stiles, Ashley Jensen, Jennilee Pirtle, Blaire Toombs, and Kristin Alt.

Hockey For the first time, the Prosper HS club hockey team took to the ice in area competition. The team finished their regular season play on a strong note with a five game winning streak that allowed them to qualify for the playoffs in their first season with an overall record of 10-10-1.

Powerlifting The team lifted weights all year long in preparation for district, regional, and the state meets. Trevor Melugin finished third at the regional meet and he was a state meet alternate, and Omar Alonso finished eighth at the regional meet. Other regional meet participants included Cole Collier and Fritz Hull.

Boys Soccer The team qualified for the playoffs for the first time in school history with a 10-7-3 regular season record. The boys narrowly lost to the defending state champions in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

Girls Soccer The team placed third in district play, which was the best finish ever for the soccer team. The team qualified for the playoffs for the third consecutive year and finished with a 14-8 record.

Softball The team had a record of 16-18 and finished in a three-way tie for third place in district play.

Swimming & Diving The defending district champions included the District Swimmer of the Year, Cameron Green, and two Divers of the Year, Marcella Morales and Eric Sayers. Many swimmers and divers were honored at the district, regional, and state level. Coach Ryan Timmons was named Coach of the Year.

Tennis The team finished with a winning team record in the fall. The girls’ team was runner up in district play, with three third place finishers in girls’ doubles and girls’ singles.

Track The boys’ team won their district championship where 32 athletes advanced to regionals, and two athletes advanced to state. For the girls’ team, Laura Henry was the 800 meter State Champion.

Volleyball The team finished 37-6, which earned them second place in district play. They also received the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award for a combined 3.7788 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Wrestling In only the second season of competitive wrestling, the team fared well. The team is looking forward to future growth and increased participation.

UIL Middle School Sports• Basketball • Tennis (club)• Cross Country • Track• Football • Volleyball• Soccer (club)

2010-2011 UIL 3A District 11 Competitors*• Farmersville• Frisco LoneStar• Lovejoy • Nevada Community• Princeton• Prosper

*Prosper ISD will move to 4A in 2012.

Professional Pride

Empowered Educators

Competitive SalariesBachelor’s Degree $45,500.00Master’s Degree $47,500.00Doctoral Degree $50,500.00

Benefits• On-site professional development• Teacher mentoring program• Bilingual stipends• 401(a) retirement savings• Comprehensive health benefits• An education foundation which raises funds for teacher

grants and recognition

Professional Development Teachers in Prosper ISD are committed to learning and growing as professionals to better serve the students’ needs. Based on an annual needs assessment, the district provides quality professional development in areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment, differentiation, and instructional technology. Teachers have access to nationally recognized staff development opportunities, including: Dr. Willard Daggett, Mr. Ron Clark, and Kagan Structures for Student Engagement.

Professional Teacher ProfileHigher Education Degrees 20.1%Average Years Teaching Experience 7.6 Teachers Highly Qualified by NCLB 100%

New Employee OrientationNew employees to Prosper ISD participate in three days of hands-on learning in early August. This orientation helps new teachers and staff to become acquainted with Prosper ISD’s culture, expectations, vision, and resources.

New To Profession Mentoring Prosper ISD is proud to provide all new to the profession teachers a mentor coach. The main purpose of this mentor is to provide one-on-one support to nurture first year teachers in learning the “Prosper Way” and ensuring a successful career in Prosper ISD.

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Bernie GeraceMy students, who are like my own children, leave my classroom with a lifelong desire to learn more about the world and themselves. They are my greatest contribution and my greatest accomplishments in education.

Jana RichmondI like to think that good teachers – teachers that are significant to the profession – are tough during tenuous times, tender during trying times, and tenacious in educating each and every individual child and I love sharing this view with anyone willing to be taught.

2011 New HiresProsper ISD hired 103 new employees for the 2011-2012 school year.

Teachers – 43

Support Staff – 2

Maintenance and Operations Staff – 43

Transportation – 15

2011 Teachers of the Year

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Looking Toward the Future

Connect with Us This report has provided a snapshot of some of the accomplishments Prosper ISD has made over the last academic year. As we look forward to another wonderful year, we invite you to connect with us.

Customer Care Prosper ISD has made a commitment to a customer care initiative that focuses on providing excellent customer service to all district customers, internal and external. As part of this initiative, the district has adopted guidelines that include simple but effective courtesies to follow when handling district customers.

S O C I A L M E D I A

W E B S I T E

C O N T A C T U SPhone: 469-219-2000Fax: 972-346-9247www.prosper-isd.net

Prosper ISD maintains district and campus homepages with the latest information on programs, projects, and events. Please visit http://www.prosper-isd.net for the latest information.

One of the newest tools to Prosper ISD to promote district communication is social media. Facebook and Twitter have enabled the district to share messages and events quickly with its followers.

Twitter.com/ProsperISD Facebook.com/ProsperISD

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Prosper Independent School District605 E. 7th StreetProsper, TX 75078

Facebook.com/ProsperISD • Twitter.com/ProsperISD

C H I L D R E N F I R S T