Summer 2008

What’s Inside ...You’re our missing piece!Open Enrollment Information

Page 1

Superintendent of the YearNomination/Open Enrollment

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BISD Honors TeachingExcellence

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Valedictorians andS a l u t a t o r i a n s / S c h o o lS u p p l i e s

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BISD Bond projects are withinbudget

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Open Enrollment FrequentlyAsked Questions/Going Green

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You’re our missing piece!BISD is recognized across the state as one ofits finest public school districts. Each day inBISD, students enjoy quality learning fromquality teachers. This is something for whichBirdville is extremely proud. Because of thehigh standards of quality practiced throughoutthe district, TAKS performance by all studentgroups has increased in reading, math and science, and commended performance hasincreased in all areas. In addition, SAT andACT scores continue to remain above the stateand national averages. As a result of this, students recognized at some level by theNational Merit program has increased fromfive students in 2004 to 21 in 2007.

BISD is accepting OPEN ENROLLMENTtransfers of residents and non-residents students.Transfers will be considered on a case-by-casebasis and requires approval by the district.Criterion for approval includes:

• good grades, • no serious discipline infractions,• a good attendance history, and • passing all sections of the most recent TAKS

or other recognized test if TAKS is not available (kindergarten, second grade, private schools, parochial schools or home schools).

BISD will accept applications for all grade levelsfor schools which have been declared “open”based on campus or grade-level capacity. Thenumber of openings for transfer students in gradesK-5 is limited. Therefore, transfer applications willbe processed on a first come basis. Preferencewill be given to children of full-time BISDemployees and students that are already in attendance at the requested campus. There will notbe a tuition fee for out-of-district students beginning with 2008-09 school year.

(Continued on page 2)

“Partnership” Newsletter is Going Green!Read More on Page 6.

Ap a rt i r de la página 7, este boletíninformativo ha sido traducido al

e s p a ñ o l .

2 - BISD Partnership Summer 2008

BISD is proud of its educational advancement at a time when state and national standards continue to rise. In addition to increased achievements in academics, BISD’s athletics, fine arts,and career and technology programs are outstanding. Students from across the district consistently excel at the local, state and national levels.

BISD: Where “Quality Teaching” and “Quality Learning” take place every day.

For complete list of guidelines and to apply for BISD’s new “Open Enrollment” program, visitour Web site at www.birdville.k12.tx.us/openenrollment or call 817.547.5790.

On Thursday, April 24, Birdville ISD trustees unanimously voted tonominate Superintendent, Dr. Stephen F. Waddell, for the prestigious Texas Association of School Boards’ “Superintendent ofthe Year” (SOTY) Award.

Since 1984, the Superintendent of the Year award program has honored outstanding Texas administrators for achievement andexcellence in public school administration. Candidates are chosenfor their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving the qualityof education in their school districts, commitment to public supportand involvement in education, and ability to build good employeerelations among teachers and staff members.

Dr. Waddell is described as a living model of a 21st century superintendent possessing an untiring spirit for his students andcommunity. It is not unusual for him to appear at school or community functions five or six nights a week. Parents see him atplays, concerts, athletic events, spelling bees, battle of the books,and PTA meetings. He talks one-on-one with teachers and meetswith high school students in leadership academies.

Since his coming to the district in March 2002, TAKS performanceby African American, Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students increased 20 percentage points in reading and math, andincreased 30 percentage points in science. Science performance in

fifth grade has improved 38 percentage points for all students overthe same time period. Since 2003, commended performance on thestate’s TAKS test has increased by approximately 15 percentagepoints in reading, math and writing, by 18 percentage points in science, and by 23 percentage points in social studies. In addition,BISD has more than doubled the number of students recognized bythe National Merit program from five students in 2004 to 21 students in 2007; over the past four years, average ACT scores havemet or exceeded the state and national average; and over the past sixyears, average SAT scores for math and reading have consistentlyexceeded the state average, and exceeded the national average in2006 and 2007. Continued student success took place as the district witnessed major demographic changes, ever changing TAKSstandards, and the implementation of No Child Left Behind.

Twenty regional service center winners from across the state will beannounced in August. From there, five finalists from the pool ofnominees will be selected and interviewed. The winner will beannounced in September and presented the award at the 2008 TexasAssociation of School Boards (TASB)/Texas Association of SchoolAdministrators (TASA) annual conference.

The complete application nominating Dr. Waddell is available onthe district’s Web site at www.birdville.k12.tx.us.

Trustees Nominate Superintendent for Texas Association of School Boards’Superintendent of the Year Award

You’re our missing piece!(cont.)

BISD Partnership Summer 2008 - 3

BISD honors teaching excellence!

The influence of a teacher on a student canbe life changing. BISD’s teachers of the yearfor 2008 have been impacting young livesfor nearly three decades.

Stephanie Green, Jessica Elliott and ShaenMcKnight each have a love and desire toteach. Each realizes that as educators theyimpact the future lives of students as muchas students impact them.

These three know that being named BISD’steachers of the year is a great honor, but forthem, the greater honor is seeing studentssucceed.

Thirty-two teachers selected as the top educators on their campuses, were honoredMay 1 at a formal banquet. As the district’stop three teachers, Green, Elliott andMcKnight each received golden apples commemorating their achievements, custom-designed teacher-of-the-year ringsfrom Herff Jones Inc., and monetary giftsfrom BISD’s Foundation for EducationalExcellence and EECU.

Green is the librarian at Watauga Elementary.She has been in education for six years, all inBISD.

Green is a product of BISD. In her earlyyears of school, she had difficulty reading.She remembers the teacher getting frustratedand other children making fun of her. It wasbecause of that, Green decided she wasgoing to be a teacher and teach all studentsto succeed.

Outside of class, she serves with her husbandon staff at a local church. Green wrote in herapplication, “I love that I get to take the giftsGod has given me and use them in my job atschool and in the church that I am a part.”

Green believes her most significant contribution includes being a team playerand making a difference in the lives of children that come from various family situations. When asked why she works withstudents that have so many problems, Greenwrote, “I wouldn’t trade these kids for theworld. ... I LOVE what I do.”

Elliott teaches eighth-grade science at NorthOaks Middle School. She has been teachingfor four years, all in BISD.

Elliott was told at a young age that sheshould be a teacher. Her response was, “Idon’t like other children.” It wasn’t until shewas facing one of life’s hurdles did she realize that teaching was what she was bornto do.

Outside of the classroom, Elliott has a richhistory of volunteering. Most recently, shehas worked in Vacation Bible School at herchurch, collected food supplies and toiletriesfor mission trips, and made 10-15 baby sizedquilts and donated them to the fire department for children involved in traumatic events.

In her classroom, she has set the goal tomake children feel safe so they are not afraidto try. Her students are not allowed to say, “Ican’t.” They learn to say, “I’ll try.”

McKnight teaches Pre AP/AP Chemistry atRichland High School. He has been teachingfor 19 years in BISD, all at his alma mater,Richland High.

At first, he did not consider teaching as acareer. It was not until a friend and colleaguestepped into McKnight’s office and asked ifhe had ever considered teaching, that for thefirst time, he gave serious consideration tobeing a teacher.

McKnight wrote in his application, “teachingrequires me to become the person I wish tobecome, ... I am not by nature an extrovertedperson, but I am willing to stand in front ofmy class and sing ... Teaching has made mebecome a better person, and I hope that thisin turn has a ripple effect for both my students and others in my life.”

Congratulations to all of BISD’s teachers ofthe year.

Congratulations to BISD’s Campus Teachers of the Year

They are: Kimberly Evans, Binion Elementary; Laura Shipley, Birdville Elementary; Sherry Grosenbach, The Academy at C.F.Thomas; Helen Vianes, Foster Village Elementary; Jed Carleton, Green Valley Elementary; John Davis, Hardeman Elementary; HollyMegan Thompson, Holiday Heights Elementary; Amanda Escamilla-Hopson, Mullendore Elementary; Melissa Sandoval, North RidgeElementary; Angela LeRoy, Porter Elementary; Barbi Kapusta, Richland Elementary; Shelly Villa, Smith Elementary; Angela Brown,Smithfield Elementary; Sandra Hedrick, Snow Heights Elementary; Karon Jones, South Birdville Elementary; Daniele Clark, SpicerElementary; Kelly Stephens, Stowe Elementary; Marisa Halbach, Francisco Elementary; Susan Smith, Walker Creek Elementary;Stephanie Green, Watauga Elementary; Christy Alexander, The Academy at West Birdville; Mary Strickland, Haltom Middle; JessicaElliott, North Oaks Middle; Amber Verrett, North Richland Middle; Heidi Lord, North Ridge Middle; Tammy Horton, Richland Middle;Barrie Meagher, Smithfield Middle; Carole Dyska, Watauga Middle; Dan Chaney, Birdville High; Christi LeBlanc, Haltom High;Shaen McKnight, Richland High; and Bettie Ingram, Shannon Learning Center.

Shaen McKnight,Richland High

School (left)

Stephanie GreenWatauga

Elementary (center)

Jessica ElliottNorth Oaks Middle

School (right)

BISD’s 2008Teachers of the

Year:

4 - BISD Partnership Summer 2008

ValedictorianKadin Norder

SalutatorianGena Smith

B i r d v i l l e H i g h S c h o o l

Top 121. Kadin Norder 2. Gena Smith 3. John Martin

4. Noah Lloyd 5. Christine Nguyen 6. Channing Butler7. Soudthida Totiyapungprasert 8. Lyndi Wade

9. Lacey Giles 10. Jennifer Reed 11. Gary Yardley12. Blake Wilson

H a l t o m H i g h S c h o o l

ValedictorianShawdon Molavi

SalutatorianAudrey Jones

Top 121. Shawdon Molavi 2. Audrey Jones 3. Hung Le

4. Safa Elshanshory 5. Candice Underwood 6. Sean Hensarling 7. Benjamin Negrete, Jr.

8. Nang Cao 9. Ann Vo 10. Jacob Lewis 11. Alicia Rivas 12. Anh Le

R i c h l a n d H i g h S c h o o l

ValedictorianJordan Harris

SalutatorianKatelyn Adkins

Top 121. Jordan Harris 2. Katelyn Adkins 3. Trang Lo 4. Laura Work 5. Hugo Contreras 6. Bryce Orr

7. Chloe McIntosh 8. Karen Cooper 9. Lauren Tyler 10. Alexander Tipton 11. Hillary White

12. Kelly Servage

B i rdv i l l e ISDCongratu lates i t s

2 0 0 7 - 2 0 0 8Va led i c tor ians and

S a l u t a t o r i a n s

School Supply ListAvailable

Every year parents across BISD spend the last days before the start ofschool purchasing school supplies. Some students never make it homewith the list or it was discarded by mistake. Nonetheless, as thebeginning of a new school year approaches, parents find themselvestrying to put their hands on a school supply list.

In order to help families prepare for a new school year, BISD hasplaced a copy of each school supply list by campus and grade on thedistrict’s Web site. To access the complete list of school supplies needed for the 2008-09 school year, visit, www.birdville.k12.tx.us andlook under the “Parents” link.

NOTE: School supply lists are not provided for high school and manymiddle schools. Since different teachers may require different items,those lists are not distributed until after the students receive theirteacher assignments.

BISD's Foundation forEducational Excellence

continues their support of innovative programs

BISD’s Foundation for Educational Excellence Grant Awards Programpresented more than $82,288 in grants to 23 BISD campuses for innovation programs that directly impact instruction.

Binion Elementary

South BirdvilleElementary

Walker CreekElementary

An Education Link with theBirdville ISD Community

Published for the BISD community by theCommunications Office Administration Building

6125 East Belknap Haltom City, Texas 76117817.547.5700

www.birdville.k12.tx.us

BOARD OF TRUSTEESPresident Sherry DunnVice President Dolores WebbSecretary Joe Tolbert

Wanda F. StrongDavid PokludaRichard DavisRalph Kunkel

Stephen F. Waddell, Ed.D.Superintendent

Jay C. Thompson, Ph.D.Associate Superintendent

for Staff and Student Serv i c e sMark Thomas

Communications OfficerEditor

Stephanie WhitlockPublications Specialist

Brenda Ryan and Kim KirbyAssistants

Member of the Texas SchoolPublic Relations A s s o c i a t i o n

BIRDVILLE ISD MISSION“BISD, in partnership with the community, pursueseducational excellence and dedicates its resources

to create a learning environment that encourages allstudents to become productive citizens and lifelong

learners in a global society. ”

BISD Partnership Summer 2008 - 5

During the 2008-09 school year, Birdville ISDwill administer the following federal programs tostudents that live within district boundaries.• Title I, Part A (Improving Basic Programs)• Title II, Part A (Teacher and Principal Training

and Recruitment Fund)• Title II, Part D (Enhancing Education through

Technology)• Title III (Language Instruction for Limited

English Proficient and Immigrant Students)• Title IV (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and

Community Act)• IDEA-B (Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act)Representatives of privately educated studentsinterested in participation in any of these programs can contact Dr. Betty Grubbs,director of special services, at 817.547.5740 orby e-mail at Betty_Grubbs@birdville.k12.tx.us.

P a r t n e r s h i p

P a r t n e r s h i p

Public Notice

BISD Bond Projects areWithin Budget

Positive results of your bond dollars can be seen acrossBirdville ISD. Despite reports in the media concerning schoolconstruction projects being over budget causing district’s to postpone or scale back voter approved projects,BISD has been able to get all voter approved projects withinbudget.

The following is an update of work completed, projects inprogress and schedules for projects being planned.

For additional information on the progress of voter approvedwork, including updates on the 2005 bond projects, visit thedistrict’s Web site at www.birdville.k12.tx.us.

2006 bond construction update …

A. BINION / STOWE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 1. Both are nearing completion.2. Abatement and demolition of the old campuses has begun and will be

complete by August 2008.

B. MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCKER ROOMS 1. Tracks have been completed.2. Locker room expansions/renovations are scheduled to be complete August 08.

C. RICHLAND HIGH SCHOOL1. Street relocation of Dick Lewis Drive is complete.2. Major foundation work has begun.

D. HALTOM HIGH SCHOOL1. Foundation work on new areas has begun.2. Classroom wing renovations have begun.

E. CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER 1. Request for Competitive Sealed Bids were issued in May 2008.

In order to provide an additional measure ofprotection for the students of BISD, theboard of trustees developed a policy in 1995requiring criminal background checks on all volunteers before they have direct contactwith students. This process must be complete prior to an individual beingapproved to work directly with children inthe district.

• New Volunteers - New volunteers mustcomplete a volunteer application so the district can run a criminal backgroundcheck.

• Returning Volunteers - Each year, returningvolunteers must log in and verify their information is still current and then resubmittheir application.

Note: It can take up to two weeks to complete a background check .

The method of applying to be a volunteer inBISD is online at www.birdville.k12.tx.usand selecting “Volunteer Partnership” underthe parent link.

Although the district has made the Web sitesecure, there may be some individuals whoare hesitant to apply/submit their personalinformation online. For those individuals, alimited number of paper applications/formsare available through the communicationsdepartment at the administration building.

If you have questions, please contact yourlocal campus or the communications department at 817.547.5799.

Volunteer ApplicationsAvailable Online

6 - BISD Partnership Summer 2008

To be friendlier to the environment, Birdville ISD’s “Partnership”newsletter is going green. To save on printing more than 110,000newsletters each year, the district is moving from four printednewsletters a year to two. This is not only an environmental savings,but it is also a financial savings to taxpayers.

However, the district is committed to keeping the communityinformed. BISD will continue to produce quarterly newsletters tohelp the community keep in touch with what is happening in BISD.The fall and winter newsletters will be electronic and will beavailable online. By moving to an electronic format, the district canexpand the newsletter to include color photos, links to more detailedstories, and even audio and video clips.

The district will continue to print back-to-school and summer“Partnership” editions. However, if you would like to only receivethe back-to-school and summer editions in an electronic format.Individuals who choose to receive the “Partnership” electronicallywill be removed from the mailing list. This will be an additionalsavings to the environment and district.

In addition to the quarterly newsletter, BISD also provides a weeklynewsletter, “B-News.” B-News is designed to keep subscribersupdated on district news, and when needed, weather related closingsand delays. In addition, the newsletter contains quick links to schoolcalendars, online meal payments, athletic schedules, etc. Tosubscribe, go to www.birdville.k12.tx.us and join the “B-News”mailing list.

“Partnership” Newsletter is Going Green!

Why is BISD allowing non-taxpaying students in the district?Under the current school finance system, the state has frozen the amount of money the district receives based on the property values of Austin ISD in 2005. Because of this freeze, BISD loses state funding based on local property values increasing, and in the case of BISD, decreased student enrollment. Despite the decrease in state funding, the district must continue to pay for increased fuel and utility costs as well as increases in insurance and operating supplies. This does not account for any potential pay raises for staffwho face the same price increases at home.

Because BISD is no longer growing, opening the district to outside students is one way the district can raise additional revenue.

Does BISD have room to add more students?In some circumstances, the district has the capacity for additional students. Because we already have the space, it is somewhat similar to having a bus or airplane with open seats. It will not cost us to add students. However, we will get additional state revenue from the students’ attendance.

How does this program benefit me as a taxpayer?It adds state revenue to the district. The district will receive additional funds from the State of Texas for the attendance of the out of district students

Will allowing students from outside BISD cause my taxes to increase?

No. By filling empty seats, BISD will receive additional state revenue from the students’ attendance. If student enrollment does not increase, and the district is not able to find ways of cutting costs or increasing revenue, one alternative will be to hold an election to increase the amount of taxes paid by local taxpayers.

Are there any downsides to this program?Students coming from outside of the district must meet our stated standards for attendance, academics and behavior; otherwise, they will be removed from the district.

There may be some costs associated with the administration and coordination of bringing in additional students. At the close of the 2008-09 school year, the district will know more about the revenue and the expenses associated with this program. If the program does not work as envisioned, the district has the right to discontinue the program in the future.

Why do they get to choose schools when I must attend the one in a designated attendance zone?

Actually, BISD residents will be given first choice of attending their neighborhood school or applying to attend another Birdville school where there is space available.

Not all campuses will be considered open for transfers based on current student enrollment and the capacity of the facility.

The number of openings for transfer students in grades K-5 is extremely limited. Transfer applications will be processed on a first-come basis.

Will this cause overcrowding in our schools?BISD will continue to maintain the state’s mandated student/teacher ratio of 22:1 for kindergarten - fourth grade. In addition, transfer students will only be allowed to attend schools where there is room in the building and the grade level/program. The district will always maintain a buffer for families who may move into the district during the school year.

Open Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions

The community is invited to the Dedication and Open House for our new campuses.

O.H. Stowe Elementary4200 Doeline Drive • Haltom City, 76117

Sunday, August 242 p.m.

Jack C. Binion Elementary3900 Norton Drive • Richland Hills, 76118

Thursday, August 216 p.m.

8th Annual GoldenGala Sponsors

Platinum Star Sponsorship($2,500 or Above)

• Northeast Times

Gold Star Sponsorship($1,000-$2,499)

• Abuelo’s Mexican FoodEmbassy

• BISD Foundation for Educational Excellence

• Health Markets• Herff Jones - North

Texas Graduation Services

• RBC Capital Markets• The Northeast Tarrant

Chamber of Commerce• HKS Architects, Inc.

Silver Star Sponsorship($500-$999)

• Bates Container• EECU• Five Star Ford• J.L. Steel, L.P.• Liberty Bank• North Hills Hospital• Dolores Webb State

Farm Insurance• Chesapeake Energy

Corp.• City of North Richland

Hills• Woodhaven Bank -

Northeast

Bronze Star Sponsorship($400-$499)

• Dunn-Rite Glass, Inc.• Pete Durant & Associates, Inc.

• Tarrant County CollegeNortheast Campus

Stargazer Sponsorship($300-$399)

• Senator Jane Nelson

Business Packages• Al’s Formal Wear• Artisan Center Theater• Avon • Brunswick Zone

Watauga• Clayton YES!• Dallas Desperados• Edward Jones, Cindy

Brewington• Fort Worth Cats

Baseball• Hyena’s Comedy Club• Incredible Pizza Co.• Laser Quest• Mexican Inn• Smiley’s Studio• Spring Creek• Teach Mart• Texas Brahmas Hockey

Club• Texas Rangers