FEBRUARY 2020
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
FEBRUARY 2020 PUBLISHER
Becka Corbitt | becka.corbitt@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Love Is In The Air FRISCO LIFE IS EXCITED TO CELEBRATE THIS TIME OF THE YEAR WITH YOU. On Valentine’s Day we will be hosting the Red Carpet Concert, along with Frisco
Jessica DeWitt STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Phillip Slaughter AD DESIGNER
Whitney Lockhart
Arts. This is definitely a special time of the year for us and we are proud to partner
LAYOUT DESIGNER
with Frisco Arts. You will enjoy their Feature Story in this month’s Issue of Frisco Life.
Dani Moore
Are you a couple and wondering what to do this month to celebrate Valentine's
Becka Corbitt, Milessa Murphy Stewart
together? How about making a new Valentine's tradition this year. Instead of “sur-
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
prising” her with flowers or going out for dinner, why not think outside the box? Try something that’s new to both of you. Maybe that means hitting the gym together, bundling up and going for a winter walk, taking an art class or enjoying a couples massage. Above all, make sure to enjoy each other’s company. Not coupled up? Don’t worry. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show yourself some love. There’s nothing wrong with taking yourself to a dance class or signing up for that paint class you’ve wanted to try. Spoiling yourself is healthy and rewarding. Try it…you may just end up LOVING your new tradition.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
In this Issue of Frisco Life you will also find great features highlighting Frisco ISD, North Texas Metroplex Children’s Choir and another inspirational Corners Of The Heart.
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
As always, we appreciate our outstanding advertising partners and we wel-
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
come two new partners this month, North Texas Metroplex Children's Choir and Heritage Dental Studio. We look forward to visiting more of you as we make our way around Frisco this month. See you around town,
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA
Becka Corbitt, Publisher
IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER Frisco Arts Leadership Team (from left to right):
Will Odom, Julie Shipp,
Tammy Meinershagen, Jennifer Wade and Barbara Mazzeo
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILLIP SLAUGHTER 4
Frisco Life | February 2020
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
FriscoLifePubs.com
Proverbs 3:5-6 Frisco Life™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Frisco areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Frisco Life™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2020
FEATURES 12 Building A Stronger Community Join the Joy of Frisco Arts’ Advocacy, Outreach and Education
18 Sharing Heartfelt Messages North Texas Metroplex Children’s Choir Provides Musicianship, Leadership, Relationships and Vision
24 Frisco ISD Successes: School Teams and Students Focusing on Critical Thinking, Communications and Collaboration
24 18
28 Night In Paris Celebrate Valentine’s Day With 2020 Red Carpet Concert
12
28 DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
28 Trend Setter 30 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Parting Thoughts
A Frisco based photographer, Phillip has a passion for telling stories through the visual arts, mainly photos and video. Through his company, Oath Photography, he works with local businesses to communicate their message with corporate and event photography. Phillip’s passions outside of helping clients, are nature photography and working with churches and non-profits with their photography needs.
@Pslaughter34 @Oath_Photography
Contact me today to learn how I can help your business. visit www.oathphotography.com or call 214-284-7225
GOOD TIMES
Reindog Parade Supports Local Military Veterans Donations to benefit VetDogs--a charitable service dog program for veterans--were accepted as the entry fee for the 2019 Reindog Parade at Paw Depot, 6009 Main St. Prizes were awarded for the best dog costumes. To learn more about how VetDogs provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to veterans, visit VetDogs.org or phone 1.800.548.4337. PHOTOS COURTESY OF WAKELAND HIGH SCHOOL DECA.
Enter Heard Natural Science Museum’s 2020 Annual Photography Contest This contest is open to all photographers, with proceeds from the contest benefiting the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. Submission Dates: Feb. 1-23; Awards Ceremony: March 22, 2-4 p.m. at the museum. For contest categories, rules, fees, specifications, details and online entry, visit: HeardNaturePhotographers.com. PHOTOS COURTESY OF HEARD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS CLUB AS EXAMPLES OF FORMER CONTEST WINNERS.
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Frisco Life | February 2020
AROUND TOWN to Olympic Champions Nastia Liukin (2008), Carly Patterson (2004) and Madison Kocian (2016—welcomes the world. As one of the largest and longest-running international US competitions, the WOGA Classic attracts top teams and continues to bring together a magnificent field of competitors while providing an outstanding opportunity to compete with future Olympic stars. The event will be held at Ford Center At The Star, 9 Cowboys Way.
CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY WITH 2020 RED CARPET CONCERT Frisco Life magazine is again partnering with nonprofit Frisco Arts to provide a cozy, funfilled Valentine's Day event on Feb. 14 to raise funds for the community endeavors of Frisco Arts. From 7 to 9:30 p.m., attendees will transport themselves to "A Night In Paris," whereat they will walk a red carpet to be served romantic hors d'oeuvres and entertained by an intimate musical concert with Frisco’s own David Gaschen, vocalist and stage performer well-known from Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera. Ticket price includes meal, wine, dessert, concert and gift bag.
NEW HOMESTYLE INDIAN CUISINE AVAILABLE IN FRISCO Curry in a Hurry:
Farm2Cafe opened for
fast-causal Indian dining at 2963 Preston Road, Ste. 1052, in Frisco. The restaurant offers homestyle-inspired Indian meals with farm-fresh ingredients and recipes passed over generations. Call 214.241.4466 for lunch and dinner options daily with unique menu offerings on the weekends, including a Sunday brunch. Options are available in store, via delivery or through bulk catering orders. In addition, Farm2Cafe is the exclusive carrier of its sister company Farm2Cook’s premium meat.
JOIN NORTH TEXAS METROPLEX CHILDREN’S CHOIR Through
WORLD OLYMPIC GYMNASTICS ACADEMY CLASSIC COMING TO FRISCO
10
founder/executive
director
Ann
Smith’s leadership, vision and musical expertise, the North Texas Children’s Choir has grown to include 225 students representing 20 North
Enjoy a weekend (Jan. 21-Feb. 2) of competition,
Texas schools. With the addition of the Texas
fun and festivities at one of the great gymnastics
Youth Chorale in 2013 and the Texas International
events of the year, as WOGA gymnastics—home
Choral Festival in 2018, the Choirs have a
Frisco Life | February 2020
reputation as high-level singers that perform in Dallas at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony
Lemon-Ups, a new crispy lemon cookie that
Center and throughout the world. Ann’s
skills,
innovative
NEW GIRL SCOUT COOKIE DEBUTS THIS YEAR
teaching
style
and dedication to her students are evident in
includes baked-on inspirational messages, joined the Girl Scouts cookie line-up this year.
the performance repertoire. Choir members
The Girl Scout Cookie Program began in 1917 and
study and sing challenging works in a variety
is the largest fundraiser for girls in the U.S., accord-
of languages by composers ranging from Bach
ing to a press release from the organization. The
to Dilworth. Recent choral projects include the
2020 cookie season continues through March 1.
annual Texas Youth Chorale Christmas Concert
Costs of Girl Scout cookies increased, bringing
featuring the “Ceremony of Carols,” an extended
the price of a box of general cookies to $5 and a
work by Benjamin Britten.
specialty cookie box to $6. All proceeds benefit the
The nonprofit has a 12-member executive board.
Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas programs, which
Their core values are: love, truth, self control,
serve more than 25,000 girls and 12,000 adult vol-
harmony, joy, passion, perseverance, kindness,
unteers across 32 counties.
faithfulness, peace, patience, service, follower/ leader and thankfulness. This
is
an
after-school
program
from
NTMCC working jointly with music teachers in
We are always accepting submissions for announce-
various schools. Contact admin@ntchoirs.com
ments you’d like to see included in our Around Town
or ann@ntchoirs.com for details about how to
section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact
audition, calendar dates and performances.
Us tab at FriscoLifePubs.com.
Everyone
smile!
is entitled to a beautiful
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(469) 535-6516 | HeritageDentalStudio.com | 12828 Eldorado Pkwy Suite 110, Frisco, TX 75035 February 2020 | Frisco Life
11
BUILDING A S T RO N G E R COMMUNIT Y ART IS A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE, AND IN FRISCO, THE ARTS ARE SPEAKING PASSIONATELY AND CLEARLY TO VOLUMES OF PEOPLE, FROM ALL INTERESTS IN LIFE. Supporters and team members at the progressive nonprofit Frisco Arts (Frisco Association for the Arts) believe that understanding art, in its various forms, enriches lives, expands minds and allows individuals to flourish. “Frisco Arts celebrates a large array of the arts as a unifying agent in our community. We provide an anchor for the arts, host different types of special events, award scholarships and diligently try to keep arts in local conversations,” assures Frisco Arts Executive Director Tammy Meinershagen. “We’re happy to take art to wherever people are and help thread it into our culture in new ways.”
JOIN THE JOY OF FRISCO ARTS’ ADVOCACY, OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
Launched in 1996 by business and city leaders, Frisco Arts is still expanding to fill previous community-identified gaps regarding art-based workshops, performances, activities and on-site events. Tammy cites a recent Visit Frisco study that indicated one of the main reasons people left the city was due to a lack of
ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY PHILLIP SLAUGHTER
robust local arts and entertainment. Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney has pledged that the next 10 years is going to be about Frisco rounding out the arts and entertainment, and becoming known for that. A performing arts center has been on Frisco’s horizon, and the mayor has said it tops his to-do list. In 2015, Tammy spearheaded a $10 million bond initiative for such a center, which voters approved. Frisco Independent School District voters approved a $43 million bond measure for a fine arts center in 2018. More than 70% of local high school students are involved in fine arts, making Frisco an abundant training community of musicians, dancers, CONTINUED >
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Frisco Life | February 2020
Photo courtesy of Frisco Arts
Photo courtesy of Frisco Arts
February 2020 | Frisco Life
13
FRISCO AR TS (CONTINUED)
inclusive
FR ISCO ARTS 2020 IS:
Members and patrons are a uniquely diverse and ever-increasing group that reflects the growth and cultural interests of Frisco. Frisco Arts is committed to supporting the local creative community, no matter what age, race, or socio-economic background.
accessible Dallas-based thriving arts groups are recognizing the value and benefits of making art forms, such as free simulcasting operas, available to Frisco audiences. For example, Madame Butterfly was available at The Star in 2017 by The Dallas Opera.
innovative Frisco Arts creates groundbreaking initiatives that combine arts with other sectors, such as the annual, citywide Frisco Arts Walk and Run, attracting sports-oriented audiences to experience a taste of the arts through an immersive arts 5K at HALL Park.
synergistic More regional cornerstone partners--including The Cliburn in Fort Worth, UNT’s GRAMMY-nominated Jazz Lab Bands in Denton, Shakespeare Dallas and others—have joined the creative endeavors of the group, seeking to be inspired, and coming to Frisco to be part of the magic sparked by arts.
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Frisco Life | February 2020
singers, actors, visual artists and filmmakers. Due to this common interest, city and school district officials discussed partnering together on a project. “The arts has a large impact in our region. There’s a need and desire for it, and that’s backed by data. What sets us apart is that though we live in a sports-centric city, we definitely are a community who cares about the arts,” adds Tammy. She says increasing interest from representatives of other cities and states is proof that more and more arts advocates are discovering the quality of its bearing in Frisco. “More groups seek collaboration, and we don’t always have to have just one building in which to hold the arts. We’re reaching out in new ways,” Tammy adds. Partnering with artists is also a good investment for businesses, she reminds. Frisco Arts has collaborated with Photo courtesy of Frisco Arts
more than 75 local businesses to highlight various aspects of the arts community in their spaces, including pop-up art exhibits, networking nights and musical showcases. Because of these efforts, Frisco Arts received the 2018 Spirit of Collaboration Award by the Junior League of Collin County and was named 2018 Nonprofit of the Year by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, Tammy also was named Visionary Non-Profit Arts Leader by Dallas-headquartered Business Council for the Arts—making her the first person from Frisco to receive the award. To date, Tammy says that Frisco Arts has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships through three designations: Excellence in Volunteer Service; Frisco Education Foundation; and Collin College Endowed Scholarship, with a new Summer Training scholarship opportunity coming this year. Additionally, they offer the Youth Ambassadors initiative, which is for youths in grades 6-12, and enables those who want to volunteer at arts events to be around the activities they enjoy. Those interested can text “Youth” to number 59925 to receive notifications and event updates. Other interesting ways that Frisco Arts connects various residents is through a dynamic, monthly Ladies Who Launch program, which assembles women in arts, business owners, patron of the arts, entrepreneurs or “wantrepreneurs.” The SmART Men program also has explored various topics, such as the art of cigars, brandy and style. Another Frisco Arts newer program picking up steam is their quarterly Arts Panels, whose panelists and attendees explore the intersection of arts and other societal sectors, such as health, sports, tourism, business, fashion and commerce. This October, the panel will focus on arts and military veterans. Tammy says the topics are
Photo courtesy of Frisco Arts
endless, and that they likely will even target an arts and technology panel in 2021.
CONTINUED >
February 2020 | Frisco Life
15
FRISCO AR TS (CONTINUED)
Photo courtesy of Frisco Arts
There’s even a Frisco Arts Young Adults program for those between the ages of 18 to 29 years. As a musician and teacher, Tammy believes exposure and involvement in the arts are essential to healthy, balanced lives. “Art gives us time to reflect, it inspires creativity, and it brings us together. Each of us has unique perspectives, and when they’re shared through art, those times have the power to change lives,” she says. “Music, dance, theatre, visual art, and the written word have all had a significant impact on history, and they compose the heart and soul of a city. So whether you are a creator or consumer of art, I encourage you to experience the vibrant arts community in Frisco.” To personally explore the arts, mark April 18 on the calendar for attending the Frisco Arts Fest, which features local artists and musicians. It will be held at the Frisco Fresh Market, 9215 John W. Elliott Dr. After all, as Picasso once conveyed: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” FriscoArts.org 16
Frisco Life | February 2020
F R I S C O | A L L E N | P R O S P E R | L U C A S | S U N N Y VA L E | H A S L E T | A R G Y L E
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SHARING HEARTFELT MESSAGES
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Frisco Life | February 2020
NORTH TEXAS METROPLEX CHILDREN’S CHOIR PROVIDES MUSICIANSHIP, LEADERSHIP, RELATIONSHIPS AND VISION
ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY NTCC
SINGING IN A GROUP NURTURES THE TYPE OF ENRICHMENT THAT TEACHES LIFELONG LESSONS THROUGH THE VALUE OF MUSIC MESSAGES, GROUP DYNAMICS, HARMONIZING AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING. North Texas Metroplex Children’s Choir members receive those gratifying benefits and much more. Founded in 2012 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by director Ann Smith, the choir operates in a manner so various age levels of youths get a plethora of experience that assists with their decision-making in music as well as other parts of their lives. “The impact of music is through the connections it prompts,” says Ann. “God gave everyone the gift of music; it’s how we take and develop it either as singers, listeners, musicians or supporters. The commonality created by music is immediate, which is how we all share the deep sense of messages flowing from heart to heart.” As a lifelong educator of high school choral music, Ann stepped out in faith to launch the Metroplex Choir program. “My original mission was to keep choral music alive, because it has such an impact on our lives as a collaborative and creative outlet. We’d all go mad without the sounds and rhythms of music in our lives. There would be no birds chirping, humming or singing, even the tires of our vehicles make different pitches as they move,” she says. However, Ann says she also realized how much choral participation helped students’ overall brain and social development, especially during middle school years. “At that point, students are progressing but it doesn’t feel like it. Choral singing gives them a safe and supportive place to build their confidence and communication skills, and to find their voices, both literally and figuratively.”
CONTINUED >
February 2020 | Frisco Life
19
SHARING HE AR TFELT MES SAGES (CONTINUED)
Because choral singers need to actively concentrate on music and techniques throughout the singing process, it’s harder to worry about friend issues, grades, work, money or family problems. So, many mental health researchers believe choral singers have a built-in “stress-free zone.” Deep breathing for singing is a good, all-around healthy step, too. Additionally, learning new melodies, tempos and harmonies keeps brains engaged and elevates depression. By blending many of the same strategies used in sports, Ann wove together a thorough choral program that develops new relationships, teamwork, individual skills, leadership through empowerment, as well as critical and analytic skills that transfer to students’ academic and athletic endeavors. “Music and sports have a lot in common when it comes to rhythm, muscle memory, teamwork and achieving successful balance,” she says, adding that her directorship role often feels like coaching. 20
Frisco Life | February 2020
Ann also teaches youths to applaud the success of others, as well as how to handle their own successes and doubts. “When students are wondering about their performances, I always ask them: ‘Did you give your best?’ Because if they did, they walk off the stage as winners. If they didn’t, they may have to put it in the loss column and then we discuss how they will have a ‘new best’ in the next three to six months,” she adds. “As the cornerstone of civilization, music is like an incredible cake with lots of ingredients. After taking the time to bake it properly, it tastes so good,” Ann concludes. “Music is something we all share as humankind. We were all given this gift to sing, play, listen and support. We did not just order it on Amazon! Music expresses the deep joy in our souls and the desire to share this joy. Music belongs to all of us, and our mission is to bring together singers from all over the North Texas Metroplex and the world, to make new friends through the power of making music,” she adds. This choir is supported by private donors and ticket sales. Catch the choir in action on Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas for the 24th Annual North Texas Children’s Choir concert. On Feb. 29, open auditions will be held for the Texas Youth Chorale, grades 6, 7 and 8 and on April 4, auditions for the Texas Children’s Chorale, grades 4 and 5. Visit NTChoirs.com for tickets and program details, or call 469.301.1718.
CONTINUED >
February 2020 | Frisco Life
21
SHARING HE AR TFELT MES SAGES (CONTINUED)
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Frisco Life | February 2020
BENEFITS Participating in choirs yields a mind, body, soul and heart experience that’s long-lasting in both emotional and physical advantages.
SELF-DISCOVERY: Choral members realize or hone personal skills, such as discipline and self-motivation, that make them well-rounded people.
SELF-ESTEEM: By being in a choir and volunteering to take on leadership, sectional or conducting roles, members strengthen their confidence through management and performance.
RELATIONSHIPS: Singers build relationships based on trust and commitment, and befriend others they may not have had a chance to meet otherwise, and practice how to get along as a team.
HAPPINESS: Finding one’s voice, along with the physical release of feel-good brain endorphins while singing, is uplifting and prompts singers to think about matters other than themselves, giving them breaks from the stresses of life.
February 2020 | Frisco Life
23
FRISCO ISD SUCCESSES:
SCHOOL TEAMS AND STUDENTS FOCUSING ON CRITICAL THINKING, COMMUNICATIONS AND COLLABORATION
CONSIDERING THAT THE FRISCO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS GROWN 3,800% OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS, ONE WONDERS HOW AN EDUCATIONAL TEAM SUCCESSFULLY KEEPS UP WITH 63,000 STUDENTS. Frisco ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip says it’s challenging but rewarding... and always busy due to outstanding opportunities. “We have wonderful students, an innovative staff, caring parents and a whole community supporting the district. We’re all trying to achieve common goals of preparing our students to succeed in life when they leave us, so we constantly collaborate to get to positive outcomes, especially regarding critical thinking skills,” assures Mike. To get a better sense of this district’s unique approaches, Frisco Life asked the superintendent what ongoing activities were like inside an educational system with so many schools, students, employees and citizens. Read on to discover his insights. HOW DOES IT FEEL DAY-TO-DAY TO OPERATE ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE NATION? It takes a lot of people to run this size of school entity. We emphasize the social and emotional aspects of students, as well, and pay attention to anyone who comes in contact with the students. If you don’t care about the personal aspects of students, you may never reach the point of being able to take care of the academic part. We launched a number of programs through our counseling department regarding social curricula, and a few years ago, we hired personnel to focus on test preparation, which freed up counselors’ time so they could really get to know their students. ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FRISCO ISD 24
Frisco Life | February 2020
WHAT ELEMENTS OF COACHING DO YOU
ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR MISSIONS IS TO ENSURE
BRING INTO YOUR STYLE OF LEADING OR
ALL FRISCO ISD GRADUATES WILL BE COLLEGE-
MANAGING THE DISTRICT?
AND CAREER-READY, INCLUDING PARTICIPATING
We have constant conversations about meeting the
IN ADVANCED ACADEMICS. HOW CAN YOU INSPIRE
needs of students. And we seek new ways to inspire stu-
OR MOTIVATE ALL STUDENTS? WHAT EXTRA
dents to do their best, both as individuals and as teams.
EFFORTS HAVE THAT TAKEN?
ONE OF THE DISTRICT’S GOALS IS TO CLOSE
for college, military careers or trade programs. We think
ACHIEVEMENT GAPS IN THE WHOLE (ALL)
of it as arming them with life skills to be successful adults
STUDENT POPULATIONS BY KNOWING EACH
in the future, whatever their passions may be. Someone
STUDENT BY NAME AND NEED. HOW ARE YOU
would be hard-pressed to find a person working within
GOING ABOUT THAT? HOW IS IT WORKING?
the district who couldn’t repeat the district’s mission
We create pathways for our students to be prepared
There is a college-going culture in Frisco, with 85-90% of students continuing to higher education. Other stu-
of knowing students by name and by need. That is key to our objectives, approaches and results.
dents are preparing for trade schools. We instituted a college preparation and technical center program that includes 27 different certification areas that makes our students knowledgeable and very marketable. While we try to address the book worms, we also are seeking to recover students to complete their GED diplomas. We take a lot of pride in those accomplishments.
WE HAVE WONDERFUL STUDENTS, AN INNOVATIVE STAFF, CARING PARENTS AND A WHOLE COMMUNITY SUPPORTING THE DISTRICT.”
CONTINUED >
February 2020 | Frisco Life
25
FRISCO ISD SUCCES SES (CONTINUED)
EXPLAIN WHY YOU’RE WORKING ON “CULTURAL COMPETENCE.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? In essence, it means diversity. Our diverse student population speaks at least 70 different home languages, and we’re one of the districts with the largest Asian and Indian populations. We have a Diversity Task Force, and we host multicultural nights. A part of our teacher and administrative staff recruitment includes demographically matching up to our students’ backgrounds. ANY UNIQUE WAYS YOU’RE APPROACHING MENTORSHIPS? Our business partnership program allows us to work with independent, external professionals in the community so Frisco ISD students have real opportunities to get exposure to career options, such as law and theater. We also have an incubator program that teaches students how to create a lean startup business and how others can invest in their endeavors. WHAT’S THE DISTRICT’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE? The Future Ready Learning initiative. We have to work together to make school meaningful and interesting all the way from kindergarten forward. The district’s enormous growth is challenging, but we think we have it down regarding how to handle it. We understand what the changing needs are, and that we’re preparing students for a world that’s in a huge flux regarding technology, careers and opportunities. We keep adapting, and we try to teach the students the skill sets to develop their own toolbox to take on what they want to pursue in life. 26
Frisco Life | February 2020
WE CREATE PATHWAYS FOR OUR STUDENTS TO BE PREPARED FOR COLLEGE, MILITARY CAREERS OR TRADE PROGRAMS.”
WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE SCHOOL MEANINGFUL AND INTERESTING ALL THE WAY FROM KINDERGARTEN FORWARD.”
WHAT’S THE DISTRICT’S LARGEST SUCCESS? Having students shine and finding their individual place in education and then in the world. Frisco also is a nice community with
for the school, and vice versa. So we try to partner whenever possible. A recent third-party study revealed that 80% of people who move to Frisco cited the schools as the reason for doing so.
many benefits; it’s a unique place that enables students and their families to accomplish so much, you don’t have to leave Frisco to do anything. It’s right here.
OVERALL OBSERVATIONS: Mike attributes much of the district’s overall success to the “student opportunity model” adopted by former school board members
FOR FRISCO AREA RESIDENTS WHO DON’T HAVE STUDENTS
when Frisco was smaller and represented only about 1,300 students.
OR GRANDCHILDREN ATTENDING ANY OF THE DISTRICT’S
He says they knew growth was coming to the area and made the
SCHOOLS, WHAT VALUE DOES THE DISTRICT BRING TO
commitment to developing intentionally smaller schools, but more
EMPTY NESTERS?
of them, so students could still get the type of personalized learning
We have the lowest tax rate in recent memory for the region, at least since 1998. Property owners in Frisco ISD saw more than a
they deserved. The community still supports bond programs and responds favorably to surveys about education.
10-cent decrease in the school district’s tax rate in 2019, saving the
With the district’s 11th high school under construction and
owner of the average home $315 compared to last year. Frisco’s city
plans for a 12th one, Mike says essential community and business
manager, George Purefoy, says whatever’s good for the city is good
partnerships enable them to fulfill the commitment made 30 years ago to stellar, local education. February 2020 | Frisco Life
27
TREND SETTER
Night in Paris CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY WITH 2020 RED CARPET CONCERT
ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
WORLD-CLASS
MUSIC
AND
ART
ABOUNDS. Frisco Life magazine is again partnering with nonprofit Frisco Arts to provide a cozy, fun-filled Valentine’s Day event on Feb. 14 to raise funds for the community endeavors of Frisco Arts. The event is presented by Darling Homes. From 7 to 9:30 p.m., attendees will transport themselves to “A Night In Paris,” whereat they will walk a red carpet to be served hors d’oeuvres and wine in romantic settings and then be entertained by an intimate musical concert with David Gaschen, vocalist and stage performer well-known from Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera. At the age of 26, David earned the lead role in Phantom, making him the youngest to play the character in the musical’s history. Despite David’s worldly travels, Frisco is where he resides. Attendees also will be surrounded by the beautiful art of Lina Rincon.
+ 7-8 p.m.: Appetizers, wine and art. + 8-9 p.m.: Concert. + 9-9:30 p.m.: Dessert and mingling. Ticket price includes complimentary valet, food, wine, dessert, concert and special events gift bag. For tickets, visit FriscoArts.org.
28
Frisco Life | February 2020
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February 2020 | Frisco Life
29
FEBRUARY
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
1
chocolate, chocolate fondue and tasty, dippable treats. Get tickets at HotChocolate15k.com.
NORTH TEXAS METROPLEX CHILDREN'S CHOIR CONCERT AND AUDITIONS
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
Catch the choir in action in Dallas for the 24th Annual North Texas Children’s Choir concert. Also on Feb.
13 BARNES & NOBLE WEEKLY CHILDREN'S STORYTIME IN FRISCO
BIJAN MORTAZAVI CONCERT Frisco Hall Event Center
Bijan Mortazavi is an Iranian virtuoso violinist, musician, composer, songwriter, arranger and singer. He started playing the violin when he
Stonebriar Centre Mall
was 3 years old. What people believe
29, open auditions will be held for the
Join librarians and other children
sets Bijan apart from other perform-
Texas Youth Chorale, grades 6, 7 and
and their families for a Children's
ers is his ability to personally play all
8; organizer: admin@ntchoirs.com.
Storytime and craft. Activities follow
the instruments used in his arrange-
On April 4, auditions for the Texas
the reading.
ments. Tickets are $65 to $85 each
Children's Chorale, grades 4 and 5. Visit NTChoirs.com for tickets and details, or call 469.301.1718.
at Songkick.com/concerts.
14 RED CARPET CONCERT FRISCO LIFE/FRISCO ARTS VALENTINE'S EVENT
6-8 2020 WATER CIRCUS SHOW
Frisco Hall The Event Center
15 THE FOREVER LOVE: EVENING OF ART-LOVE-MUSIC
Frisco Performing Arts Centre/Frisco
Stonebriar Centre
Enjoy Valentine's Day through art
School of Music and Performing Arts
Cirque Italia offers a new 2020
and an intimate musical concert
This
show--all above a 35,000 gallon
with David Gaschen, vocalist and
Forever Love features headliner violin-
water stage with state-of-the-art
stage performer well-known from
ist/singer Traliece Bradford, who has a
water fountains and a mesmer-
Broadway's The Phantom of the
vibe that touches the soul of all. Special
izing water curtain. They com-
Opera. Ticket price includes con-
guests are Trenton McKay Judson and
bine hand-balancing
Showcase
called
and
cert, wine, dessert, special events
Chuck Jackson. Passionate poetry per-
gift bag and appetizers by romantic
formances will be by MastarPeace, D.
like pretzels. Organizers indicate
candlelights after walking down a
Ross and Mike Guinn. Food and wine
these
available. Call 214.436.4058.
performances
acts
Valentine
have contortionists that will bend kid-
red carpet to transport to "A Night
friendly. Tickets may be obtained
are
in Paris." Proceeds benefit nonprofit
at Silver.Cirqueitalia.com/events.
Frisco Arts. Visit FriscoArts.org.
Performance times vary by date.
8 2020 ALLSTATE HOT CHOCOLATE 15K/5K
30
15
14-16 SESAME STREET LIVE!
18 COMMUNITY BOWL GLAZING WORKSHOP TO FIGHT HUNGER Make Expressions
Ford Center at the Star
Work with Frisco-based artists to
Attendees go on an amazing journey
paint bisque bowls and create a
1121 1st Ave., Dallas, 75210-1041
with Elmo to discover the “power of
work-of-art that can be donated
Join the sweetest race, which fea-
yet” in Sesame Street Live! Make
through Empty Bowls McKinney to
tures both a 15K (9.3miles) and
Your Magic. In partnership with the
combat hunger. No experience is
5K (3.1miles) distance. All runners
nonprofit educational organization
necessary. Children 12 years and
are encouraged. Participants receive
Sesame Workshop, this production
older welcome if accompanied by a
an award-winning goodie bag. The
features favorite Sesame Street
parent/guardian. Creations become
chocolate begins to flow at the Post-
pals Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird
the event bowls for which 14 local
Race Party, where runners enjoy
and more in a magical adventure
restaurants serve unique soups, with
music, hot chocolate merchandise,
live on stage. Visit SeatGeek.com
proceeds
and finishers' mugs filled with hot
for tickets.
Lifeline Center.
Frisco Life | February 2020
benefiting
Community CONTINUED >
GOES PINK!
E V E NT PL A N N I N G • 4 69.98 0.1 6 4 0 • M A K E M O N U M E NTA LM E M O RI E S.C O M
Open Auditions! TCC 4-5th grade Saturday, Apr. 4, 2020, 9-5 TYC Non-touring 6th grade Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, 9-5 TYC Touring 7-8th grade Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, 9-5
“Spangles and Spurs”
“The confidence that music gave me has allowed me to follow my dreams in ways I could have never imagined.” – Morgan Smith
Registration begins January 31
www.NTChoirs.com
Come Sing with us! February 2020 | Frisco Life
31
22
FEBRUARY
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
24TH ANNUAL DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE - LANTERN FESTIVAL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco Hotel Convention Center & Spa
Dances are grouped by age. For those
who have children in two different age groups, they can all attend the dance
time they wish. (Age groups are suggestions, not restrictions.) Tickets
prices per person are $22 for Frisco residents and $27 for non-residents. A couple requires two tickets. DANCE TIMES
+ Pre K-K: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. + 1st – 2nd: 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. + 3rd – 4th: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. + 5th – 6th: 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m
FEB 28-MAR 1 Stop by Peek’s Floor Co. for all your flooring needs. We’ve been installing Karastan for decades now and we’d love to make your flooring dreams a reality just in time for the holidays!
4TH ANNUAL FRISCO COLLEGE BASEBALL CLASSIC Dr Pepper Ballpark
The 2020 Frisco Classic features four of the country’s top teams spanning three days of play at the home of Frisco RoughRiders. The weekend tournament will have two games per day with each team playing the other three times in a round-robin format. The four teams: Oklahoma State
Stop on by one of our 5 locations throughout the metroplex and work with our all-stars reps to discover your new flooring!
University, Texas A&M University, University of California Los Angeles, University of Illinois.
Frisco 2595 Preston Rd #200 Frisco, TX
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Richardson 1002 North Central # 601 Richardson TX Dallas 4354 Lovers Ln Dallas TX
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Flower Mound 5701 Long Prairie #200 Flower Mound, TX (972) 539-1933
32
Frisco Life | February 2020
We are always accepting submissions for events you'd like to see included
Additional Locations
in our Calendar section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact Us tab at FriscoLifePubs.com.
FEBRUARY
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PARTING THOUGHTS
Corners of the Heart IS HAPPINESS A MYTH?
ARTICLE MILESSA MURPHY STEWART
HEARING FROM ANOTHER’S HEART IS INSPIRATIONAL. We’ve invited Milessa Murphy Stewart, a local Frisco artist, to share a corner of her heart with you in this month’s issue. An interesting fact about Milessa, she has painted more than 500 pieces, most of them in the last five years. The glance between two people can communicate plans for the future or a budding romance. It’s a beautiful thing to witness or to be a part of. Love, like art, can be complex in nature, evolve over time or simply just happen. My family calls me “The Happy Artist,” not because I paint to become happy, it’s because my life is happy and I want to share it. I want to communicate the same feeling a hug or a kiss does, only in color and within four corners of a canvas. Creating art without heart would be impossible for me. UNDERSTANDING WHAT WE LOVE My husband tells me “you don’t create art, you are art.” He’s such a kind and loving person. Love is the fuel igniting my creativity and art. Art helps us to understand people by highlighting details and beauty in everything we ignore. We don’t see the flowers on our way to work or the beauty of the aged person happily people-watching. These things are taken for granted, but they are an ever-present part of everyone’s life. Art shines light on things that complete our world, and it reveres the details. This helps us to better understand people and places, which allows us to have some comfort but also the ability to instigate change when needed. It helps us be happy with the things that are good but also understand what’s left to improve in different places and in the lives of the people that live in them. AN OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK No doubt we all want to be happy. Often we look to others, things or events to make us happy. My artistic goals are to focus on feelings that make me feel good and to do all I can to help others feel good, too.
34
Frisco Life | February 2020
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