SOAR Magazine - Fall 2022

MAKE EVERYDAY

Extraordinary

As the air turns crisp, Market Street is ready with your favorite fall flavors, easy meals, and everything in between to help you make everyday extraordinary.

A DYNAMIC DUO

David and Lynda Olson Share their Story

BY DAVID HICKS, CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

LONG BEFORE they had a school named in their honor, David and Lynda Olson had a positive impact on education everywhere they went. From a forested town in southern Germany to the City of Allen that only had a single traffic light at the time, the Olsons have dedicated their lives to supporting the educational needs of all children. The Olsons recently celebrated 61 years of marriage, and they continue to remain as sweet and supportive as ever.

David and Lynda first met at Lamesa High School, a tiny town about an hour south of Lubbock. David, a year ahead of his future bride, moved to San Antonio after graduation to begin studying at Trinity University. Lynda headed the same direction the next year after her graduation, settling in at the University of Texas at Austin. After earning their bachelor’s degrees, the couple married over Labor Day Weekend in 1961. It’s been an exciting ride ever since.

David was commissioned in the U.S. Army, eventually stationing the couple in the leafy town of Augsburg, Germany, for three years. David served in the 24th Infantry Division and later in the

Chemical Corps, while Lynda became a school teacher for the American children through the Department of Defense’s school system. The couple even welcomed their first child, Kim, while stationed in Germany. David toyed with the idea of a career in the armed services, but at the completion of his tour, the Olsons could not resist the pull back to their home state of Texas.

The pair earned their master’s degrees before taking jobs in Richardson ISD in 1965. David started his career as a chemistry teacher, while Lynda taught fourth grade. After 15 years in Richardson, David was recruited to serve as Principal of Boyd

“So many people have supported these schools here in Allen, and we were among one of the many individuals in this community who could have received this honor. It has truly been an amazing honor and privilege.”

Elementary by Allen ISD Superintendent Dr. John Horn.

“I was ready for the next move, and Dr. Horn asked me to become the principal of Boyd Elementary,” David said. “Allen was small at the time, just a 3A high school, but we knew the growth was coming. It was part of the reason why we decided to move here so that we could help with the transition as the school district grew larger.”

Lynda made the move from Richardson to Allen just a few years after her husband. Lynda recalls experiencing slight apprehension before the move from the larger city of Richardson to the as-yet-undeveloped Allen. She remembers, with a chuckle, that “A phone call between Richardson and Allen was considered long distance at the time!” Any anxiety was soon washed away, however, upon visiting an Allen football game.

“The community filled the stands, and the band and Escadrille filled the field. They knew how to have fun and bring people together.”

While they would hold various positions in Allen ISD over the years, the school district became their home for the rest of their careers. Lynda served as a school counselor at both the elementary and high school level, while David would move into a role in the district’s administration. Long before they even dreamed of having a school named in their honor, the couple looked toward another namesake as inspiration for how to serve their community.

“Alton ‘Papa’ Boyd was still alive when we moved to Allen, and we wished that we could live up to the example that he set,” Lynda said. “Everyone knew who he was because he was at every event cheering on our students. He volunteered in the schools and built cabinets or shelves for the campuses. Papa Boyd was an amazing man.”

With more than 30 combined years dedicated to Allen ISD, the Olsons retired in 1995. They never dreamed they would be school namesakes, but the Board of Trustees at the time had other plans in mind. As construction began on the 15th elementary school in Allen ISD, the Board chose the Olsons as the perfect pair to represent the new school. Lois Lindsey, a Board member who also went on to become a school namesake, had the pleasure of calling the Olsons and sharing the good news.

“We were in shock when Lois called us,” David recalls. “So many people have supported these schools here in Allen, and we were among one of the many individuals in this community who could have received this honor. It has truly been an amazing honor and privilege.”

David explains that becoming a school namesake does not come with a job description or manual. Instead, the Olsons have looked toward other namesakes, like Papa Boyd, to serve as their inspiration on what actions to take. These actions mirror what they’ve done for their entire careers: take care of children in the best way they know how. The couple regularly read stories to classes, teach lessons on the history of Allen, attend special events such as Veterans Day celebrations, and host an annual holiday book reading. The Olsons have also established an endowed scholarship for Allen High School students that went to Olson Elementary.

“We are so proud of all the schools in Allen ISD, and certainly proud of Olson Elementary,” Lynda said. “The school has amazing teachers, great staff, and nice students. I know that I would feel so reassured and blessed to send a child to that school because it is such a wonderful community.”

EAGLE STADIUM MARKS 10 YEARS OF GRIDIRON ACTION

BY KEITH TAYLOR, WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, IT WAS 10 YEARS AGO: On Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, the Allen Eagles football team ran onto the field for the first time in the brand new Eagle Stadium to face the defending state champion Southlake Carroll Dragons. It was an extraordinary night.

“It was a special, special game,” said former head coach Tom Westerberg. “We had more than 22,000 people in the stands and the atmosphere was just electric. It was like being at an early season college football game with a lot on the line. That’s what it felt like. The fans were just fantastic. The excitement was incredible.”

Those 22,000 fans and the atmosphere marked a certain amount of vindication for former Athletic Director Steve Williams, who watched the evolution of the stadium from its beginnings as a discussion item in the Project Kids Committee process to the last brick laid in place during construction.

“We had a lot of detractors taking issue with the stadium,” Williams said. “It was mainly out-of-town press. They said the stadium was too expensive and we would never fill it up.”

With a seating capacity of 18,000, the stadium was more than full. “That night said it all,” Williams said.

As a matter of fact, that night said it all and more. The Eagles went on to defeat Southlake Carroll, 24-0 – for the first time ever. “We had never beaten Southlake before that,” Westerberg said. “They had won the state championship the year before and they still had Kenny Hill (former Texas A&M Aggie and TCU Horned Frog) at quarterback,” he said. “We treated it as business as usual and concentrated on the game. The team really stepped up. Those kids played lights out. It was quite a game.”

That win not only opened the stadium, it also marked an extraordinary run of success that continues to this day.

“That was the beginning of something we may never see again,” Williams said. “That run of state championship seasons – and even a national championship – from 2012-2014 was incredible. The stars just aligned. During that time, we had future Heisman trophy winner and NFL quarterback Kyler Murray on the team. But, it was a true team effort. Those teams had some of the best, most talented athletes we have ever seen.”

The seed of the new stadium was actually planted in 1995 when the Project Kids community study group first identified the need to replace the existing stadium. By 2008, the committee identified the need for a new stadium as critical and the Board of Trustees presented the project to voters in November 2009. The total proposal of $119.4 million, which included the stadium ($59.6 million), a performing arts center ($23.3 million) and service center ($36.5 million) was approved by 64 percent of the voters.

Three years later the new stadium opened to the cheering fans and the somewhat critical, out-of-town public. Then, in the fall of 2013 an investigation into cracks on the stadium concourse led to a forensic engineering investigation. The investigation found structural deficiencies and the stadium closed for a year and the entire 2014 football season was played on the road.

Regardless, the team, known as “The Road Warriors,” was undefeated and won the state championship for the fourth time. Ultimately, repairs were made at no cost to district taxpayers and Eagle Stadium play resumed in 2015.

“When we started planning the stadium, we wanted to make sure we offered the best facility possible for the fans of Eagle football,” Williams said. “They have had to put up with the lack of seats and crowding at the old stadium for a long time.” Despite the repairs, Williams believes the district delivered just what the fans wanted.

“To this day, I still believe that it is the best high school stadium in the state,” he said.

Upon his retirement, the district named the Field at Eagle Stadium the “Steve Williams Field” in honor of his vision and leadership as he led Allen ISD Athletics for 21 of the 46 years he served the district

“That was an incredible honor and a humbling experience,” Williams said. “I’m proud of what we accomplished and what the future holds for that facility.”

MAKING AN ACADEMIC CONNECTION AT COLLIN COLLEGE’S TECHNICAL CAMPUS

BY AMY Y. GARRISON, COLLIN COLLEGE

COLLIN COLLEGE’S 340,000-SQUARE-FOOT Technical Campus consists of four buildings. Buildings A, B, C, and D each have specialized programs and services, but they are all connected by bridges that link them in a shared purpose –providing a well-rounded education to the students who walk the halls.

Many students attend the Technical Campus to obtain a degree or certificate in automotive, construction, health care, computer networking, or manufacturing subjects. What some students and the community at large might not know is that just across the bridges are academic core programs that can help students fulfill their academic and career goals.

The academics division is located on level zero of the Technical Campus “A” building and includes programs in Art, Biology, Economics, English, Environmental Science, Government, History, Mathematics, Psychology, and Speech. The core courses are open to all students, not just those in the workforce programs or in dual credit classes. The courses are also taken by students who plan to transfer to a university to complete another degree.

Before the construction of the Technical Campus, Allen ISD proposed moving its dual credit program, which was originally located at Allen High School, to the campus.

“We have always had academic core courses, not just for dual credit. Dual credit was how we started,” said Dr. Amy Gainer, the campus dean of Academic Affairs.

The district invested approximately $12 million to build a wing on the Technical Campus to teach dual credit high school students from 7 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Under this agreement, traditional college students use the space for classes after 4 p.m. during the week and on the weekends.

“A specialized Economics course we offer in the afternoon is very popular with our traditional college students,” said Dr. Gainer.

The academics division and the workforce directors and staff work closely together to create courses that benefit traditional students and students taking Developmental Education courses.

“We really put effort into meeting with the workforce directors and their faculty and ask what they see a need for,” said Dr. Gainer. “It’s critical now because a lot of students who are

interested in earning their associate degrees outside of the certificate program are at the point where they must have those core classes. And if you’re planning your schedule and must be on the Technical Campus because a particular skill is being taught and you have a tight schedule, being able to take your English class or your math class nearby is convenient.”

Another benefit of having academic core courses and workforce programs on the same campus is peer support. Last summer, several students from the workforce program all enrolled in a speech class together.

In addition to the benefits for the traditional students, the academic division creates a safe space and college experience for the dual credit high school students. There are approximately 830 dual credit students in the academic division at the Technical Campus, the youngest student being 15 years old.

Students arrive from Allen High School and Allen ISD educational centers by bus, shuttle, carpool, or personal vehicles. Transportation is coordinated by Allen ISD to have buses and shuttles run around the clock until 4 p.m. transporting students to and from campus and home.

“We work together to make sure students are not left behind. Our professors know to end classes promptly for students to leave on time. However, if a student misses their bus, we make sure that they are assisted,” Dr. Gainer said.

There is also a student lounge for studying, charging their devices, or simply congregating before or after class. The students also have access to the campus library, Cougar Café, Starbucks, the Anthony Peterson Center for Academic Assistance, and Barnes & Noble Bookstore. All these amenities are open to the public as well.

The Technical Campus provides programs for everyone – homeschool, high school, traditional and students in Developmental Education programs – to fulfill their academic and career goals.

“We have these literal bridges that connect our buildings,” said Dr. Gainer. “They are there for a purpose, and that purpose is to keep us connected.”

The Technical Campus is located 2550 Bending Branch way in Allen. For more information, visit www.collin.edu/campuses/ technical.

CHEETAHS SPRINT THROUGH CONSTRUCTION

CHANDLER ENJOYS RENOVATED CAMPUS

BY DAVID HICKS, CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

ASHTYN ALABI’S JAW DROPPED the moment she walked into Chandler Elementary at Meet the Teacher Night. Ashtyn has been a student at the school since kindergarten, but she felt like she was entering a brand-new building to begin her fifth-grade year. Chandler Elementary experienced a fullscale campus renovation during the Summer of 2022, and the students and staff are enjoying every aspect of their “new” campus.

Chandler’s renovation was part of the bond election approved by voters in November of 2020. Construction crews entered the school on the last day of school, just as students were exiting for summer, to begin working around the clock in preparation for the first day of school in August. Walls came down, learning spaces were reconfigured, new furnishings and fixtures were added, and upgraded technology was installed in just a few quick months. For Ashtyn, seeing the updated campus in person was picture perfect.

“I had seen the renderings before the work began, but I didn’t think they could actually pull off all that work during the summer,” Ashtyn said. “Now, the school looks so modern and has a new style with our [green and gold] school colors on the walls. There’s so much pride in the school now.”

One of the most recognizable areas is the newly-renovated library, located in the center of the campus. Prior to renovations, the library was walled off, but now flows seamlessly from the hallway into an open concept reading and learning space for students to enjoy. Chandler Principal Bobbie Allen often finds herself taking her laptop out of her office and into the library to get work done and interact with students.

“Our library is now the heartbeat of our campus as it creates such a warm and welcoming atmosphere,” Principal Allen said. “I know it’s hard to measure, but students and staff just seem happier and have more energy in this beautiful new learning environment.”

It’s not an uncommon sight to witness students curled up in one of the library’s many reading nooks or settled into the

flexible furniture of a collaboration area working on a laptop. Collaboration spaces are purposeful cutouts in the hallways with easy-to-move desks and chairs allowing teachers to expand the scope of their learning location in a snap. One teacher using the collaboration spaces is Stephanie Gardner, a fifth-grade teacher who has taught at Chandler since it opened in 2006.

“I wasn’t even sure why I would need a collaboration space at first,” Gardner said. “But now, I can have kids in two different locations, allow them to find space to work in small groups, and still monitor both locations at the same time. It gives the students a new place to learn, a place to stretch out, and they feel empowered by it. They feel like it’s a high school learning space, and it’s helping them build independence.”

Silas Shrestha, a fifth-grader, is quick to agree with the benefit of the newly added collaboration spaces.

“It’s nice to be able to spread out, get comfortable, and easily

work with other kids. It’s just a great place to work!”

One word that comes to mind when thinking of the new campus is “flexibility.” For example, the Art Studio has a large garage-style door that allows the size of the room to adjust to the lesson plan for that day. As Principal Allen explains, the traditional mindset of teaching only in the classroom has suddenly been flipped on its head with new opportunities for students and staff alike.

For Ashtyn, the awe of the newly renovated campus hasn’t worn off. In fact, her pride for the school only seems to be growing by the day.

“This [renovation] has been so inspirational for the students here in Chandler,” Ashtyn said. “We are so grateful for Chandler. I’ve always loved school, but I’m even more excited to come to school now. All the students here want to have fun, be leaders, have spirit and pride, and be respectful. I feel like we can all do that here in this new school.”

Texas Health Sports Medicine, Athlete Training and Health, and Texas Health Orthopedic Specialists have collaborated to bring together athletes of any age to advance human performance and sports medicine at the Texas Health Athlete Complex. On the campus of Texas Health Allen, the complex brings the community access to sports medicine physicians, sports rehabilitation for injuries, athletic performance training and adult fitness classes – all under one roof. Sharing a common vision of lifelong well-being and redefining the relationship between human performance and health care, this collaboration is centered on improving health in a way that brings together the best in sports science and sports medicine.

Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital except for resident doctors in the hospital’s graduate medical education program. © 2022 Texas Health Resources

FOUNDATION MARKS 25 YEARS OF SUPPORTING STUDENTS, EDUCATORS

BY KEITH TAYLOR, WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

THIS YEAR MARKS THE 25TH YEAR that the Foundation For Allen Schools has been raising funds to pay for educational grants, student scholarships and teacher support and recognition. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $3.2 million in the future of Allen ISD.

But that money represents more than a figure on a balance sheet. It also represents the hard work and ambition of outstanding Allen High School seniors seeking an opportunity for higher education and the innovation and creativity of Allen ISD teachers in expanding educational opportunities for all students.

“Through our educational grants, we are enhancing and expanding what students learn and can do in the classrooms across the district. Through our teacher tuition reimbursement, teacher recognition and Mentor Teacher stipends, we are supporting the quality of our educators and adding to their resources; and with our student scholarship awards, we are helping our Allen Eagles move forward with their educational goals,” said Foundation Director Regina Taylor who is entering her 23rd year of leading the Foundation.

In the past year alone, the Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in educational grants and other educational activities “For the current school year, the Foundation awarded 126 Educational Grants totaling $249,255. In addition, we are fully funding the Mentor Teacher stipends at just under $70,000 and we provided the district $15,000 for teacher tuition

reimbursement,” Taylor said. “Last, but certainly not least, we awarded 178 scholarships to the AHS Class of 2022 which totaled $182,450. All together that is in excess of $500,000.”

Teachers and students both can attest to the significance of the donations of the Foundation.

“This grant is incredibly special because it will affect each kindergartener and first grader in the district with integrated lessons made possible by the generosity of the Foundation For Allen Schools,” said Katie Snider, Allen ISD’s math coordinator for elementary schools. “These books connect reading, math, social studies, and science for more than 3,000 students. And since they are physical books in the classroom, they will benefit students for years to come.”

The $50,000 “Math by the Book” grant is the largest the Foundation has ever funded and was awarded in the 2022-2023 school year.

“I think it is very bold to invest that amount of money, but we absolutely know it is the right thing for the Foundation to do,” Taylor said. “Our district identified an important challenge for some of our youngest learners. We hope this grant will make a significant difference and perhaps impact their understandingand dare we say ‘love’ of math – for their entire school career.”

The second largest grant, also awarded for the 2022-2023 school year, is focused on Algebra development at Lowery Freshman

Center. Sponsored by Secondary Math Coordinator Pam Delao, the grant for “Desmos Algebra” will focus on helping ninth graders who don’t feel confident about Algebra to find new ways to develop this important math skill. The grant totals $19,000 and more than 900 students will be involved.

Students, as well as teachers, can attest to the impact of the Foundation’s mission. For example, Lauren Boone graduated from Allen High School in 2015 and received a Foundationfunded scholarship to help her attend the University of Texas – Dallas. She later received her Master’s Degree from Texas Tech and now works as speech pathologist for Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.

“College is very expensive and the scholarship I received from the Foundation For Allen Schools was absolutely helpful in paying for my tuition and books,” Boone said. “It helped launch a career I love.” She works with helping special needs children below the age of two develop feeding and speech skills.

Recalling the process for interviewing for the scholarship, Lauren said she was nervous.

“But, I was confident in what I wanted to do and I presented myself as a strong person who knew her direction,” Boone said.

Foundation Board President Karen Simpson said the good work of the Foundation would not be possible without the strong support of the community.

“More than $3 million dollars has been invested back into Allen ISD by the Foundation,” she said. “That’s a big number, and we are very proud of it!

“What makes me happy about it is that our donors in general are not giving huge amounts of money, but they honor us with every single gift no matter the amount. We challenge ourselves every day to be good stewards of those funds.”

Simpson said donors come from everywhere across the community – businesses, civic clubs, individuals, and familiesand the Allen ISD employee donors who give to the Foundation.

Besides all of the hard work to support teachers and students, the Foundation also celebrates the community with two big events.

“Our Party with a Purpose Gala on Nov. 5, 2022, and the Allen Eagle Run on Feb. 25, 2023, are designed to appeal to two different audiences,” Simpson said. “The fall party is just that – a gala celebration in the evening for adults. The Allen Eagle Run offers our Allen families a very fun and health-focused activity that they can enjoy together – and is also an excellent 5K course for serious runners.”

To find out more about the events, visit AllenISD.org/Foundation

CRETACEOUS CREATURE ENHANCES LEARNING AT STEAM CENTER

BY KEITH TAYLOR, WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

THE ALLEN ISD STEAM CENTER has added a scaly and horned ambassador to greet K-8 students as they enter the facility. The not-yet-named juvenile triceratops is an animatronic exhibit on loan from Allen’s Billings Productions – The Dinosaur Company.

The ancient reptile will roar a welcome to students as well as provide an opportunity for learning more about the creatures that roamed the earth 66 million years ago.

“We’re always looking for ways to partner with businesses in our community,” said Larry Labue, Allen ISD’s STEAM Center Executive Director. “Since Billings Productions –The Dinosaur Company is a local business, this is a perfect partnership with the STEAM Center.”

Billings Productions also sees the partnership with the District as a way to expand their local presence and provide a learning opportunity for students.

“We started talking with Billings about a year ago. We had always wanted to work with them but never had the opportunity. When they offered the triceratops, we jumped at the chance,” Mr. Labue said.

“Since we’re a STEAM Center, this is truly a great experience for our students,” he said. “We work to connect students to real-world jobs and situations. Billings incorporates so much of what we’re teaching here from design to construction and even robotics. Billings is a prime example of the kind of work we’re training our students to do.”

For its part the Dinosaur Company expects the partnership to grow in the future.

“We are happy to loan our Triceratops to the STEAM Center to teach children about dinosaurs and animatronics,” said Ande Davidson, Marketing Coordinator for the company. “We love sparking an educational interest in paleontology and animatronics when families tour our facility, and we are excited to have the opportunity to continue that education within the Allen community. We can’t wait to see where this partnership with the STEAM Center will lead.”

Naturally, Labue expects the dinosaur to lend excitement to the elementary and middle school learning experience.

“The dinosaur will enhance the educational experiences for our elementary school and middle school students as they learn about the prehistoric environment and the creatures that inhabited the era,” said Labue.

However, the animatronic exhibit can also extend its educational reach to a variety of high school courses.

“Our robotics classes recently investigated how the animatronics and pneumatic systems work in the model and they were fascinated by the electronics and movement mechanisms,” said Labue.

Labue and Billings also want to expand the experiences of older students and the STEAM ambassadors by working with the company. The STEAM ambassadors are students who conduct tours and activities for members of the public visiting the facility.

“We’re also discussing how our students can become involved with Billings through internships and work programs,” said Labue. “Also, our STEAM ambassadors are looking for ways to help enhance the field trip experience when The Dinosaur Company conducts student tours of its facilities.”

All-in-all, it’s a great way an old dinosaur is teaching Allen ISD students a few new tricks.

“WE WORK TO CONNECT STUDENTS TO REAL-WORLD JOBS AND SITUATIONS. BILLINGS INCORPORATES SO MUCH OF WHAT WE’RE TEACHING HERE FROM DESIGN TO CONSTRUCTION AND EVEN ROBOTICS. BILLINGS IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF THE KIND OF WORK WE’RE TRAINING OUR STUDENTS TO DO.”

HONORING VETERANS

Campuses across Allen ISD honored former members of the armed services on November 11 for Veterans Day.We thank you for your service!

EAGLE PHOTO COMPARISON

Can you spot the difference between these two photos?

There are 10 things that are different.

For the answer, go to page 29.

BY STEVEN OFFIELD, DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA & MARKETING

WINSTON BRYANT, AN 8TH GRADE STUDENT at Curtis Middle School, spent a portion of his summer not playing video games or swimming, but attending Duke University studying Audio Engineering! He was among a select group of students chosen from across the country for this program.

“I thought it would be fun to try something new and I love learning about electrical and sound engineering,” said Bryant. “There are so many different specialties you can study in college and maybe these would be something I would enjoy doing for my career one day.”

This Audio Engineering course wasn’t nearly as simple as learning how to control a mixing board or place microphones; there was a major emphasis on the “engineering” part.

Students learned how and why technologies produce sound and actually constructed a loudspeaker by 3D printing the frame, coiling the electromagnet, and building the power amplifier for it. They operated breadboards and built simple circuits that make up the construction of the amplifier for the loudspeaker.

“Winston was always asking questions and trying his best to answer the questions asked during class. He was fearless,” said Greg Hernandez, Winton’s teacher at Duke. “This content is not easy, and he never gave up; he never let the difficulty overcome him. This kind of initiative is crucial to the development of a promising engineer and student.”

What are Winston’s plans for the future? Big surprise… He plans to attend Duke and study engineering.

THE SWEETEST SOUND OUT OF THIS WORLD INTERNSHIP

BY STEVEN OFFIELD, DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA & MARKETING

ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, MICHELLE FENG, was selected for the prestigious Student Enhancement in Earth and Space Science (SEES) summer internship at The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research. Students worked with scientists and engineers to conduct authentic research from data received from NASA’s earth observing satellites as well as designing Mars habitats, lunar exploration, and analysis of images from the International Space Station.

This nationally competitive program sponsored by NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium selects students who will increase their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math through earth and space education.

“The NASA internship exposed me to another field where STEM plays a crucial role,” said Michelle. “Through this internship, my team completed a research project investigating the Galilean moon Europa and its potential biosignatures.“

Almost 1,100 applications were received for the coveted 92 on-site internship positions. Students worked remotely with their project scientist prior to the on-site internship. During the two weeks, the students conducted hands-on activities, field investigations, attended presentations by NASA scientists and engineers, and worked on various NASA missions.

“I love STEM because I’ve always been amazed by how it can be applied in various fields,” said Michelle. “Working on the project has reinforced my future career plans in STEM, and the internship mentors have transformed my perspective on space research.”

The SEES internship proves that the excitement students feel about space science is a critical step in enriching science, math, engineering, and technology. SEES is a collaborative effort of Texas Space Grant Consortium members and affiliates, NASA, and The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME FOR ERECKSON ROBOTICS

BY J. RENEE CUNNINGHAM, COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING SPECIALIST

WHEN YOU THINK of alumni programs, your high school or college is probably the first thing that comes to mind. The Ereckson Middle School Robotics Program is rebooting that notion with the introduction of an alumni gala, coinciding with the launch of the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) Robotics Inc. national alumni campaign.

Ereckson’s BEST Robotics Club Alumni Gala celebrated the campus’ newly renovated STEM and Robotics wing as well as 19 years of success. Families, staff, former EMS Principals, Ereckson Alumni, and community and business leaders came out to celebrate with the team.

The evening featured robotic demonstrations by current EMS students and special words of encouragement and accolades from Allen Mayor Ken Fulk, a special video message from BEST Robotics Inc. Executive Director Michael Steiner, Allen High School Eagle Robotics Advisor Greg Burnham, and EMS Robotics Alumnus and 2016 Allen High School Graduate Rex Foster.

“BEST stands for Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology,” said Graham

Gadd, EMS BEST Robotics Sponsor, “but our students are exposed to much more.”

He emphasized that students are challenged to write well-constructed engineering notebooks, communicate, and step out of their comfort zones, as well as collaborate with others. BEST creates an opportunity for every student in every discipline to become successful and be challenged in their expertise or talents. This program benefits not only students going into STEM fields, but students becoming doctors, lawyers, professors, and more. BEST prepares every student for the real world.

Gadd paid a touching tribute to EMS Robotics Alumnae and 2011 BEST World Championship qualifier Keerat Baweja who sadly passed away in May 2020 just after beginning work in her dream job at Boeing. Keerat was a graduate of the AHS class of 2015. The legacy of STEM excellence continues in the Baweja family as her younger sister Rasna (2018 AHS graduate and alumnae of EMS Robotics) and father Gurshaman work together at Texas Instruments in Dallas. Texas Instruments is one of several strong supporters of the Ereckson robotics program.

The program’s success is a direct result of alumni, students, staff, numerous community partners, generous grants from the Foundation For Allen Schools and the support of volunteers.

Gadd’s vision for the future of BEST robotics at Ereckson and in Allen is to continue to build a community of lifelong learners, and seek community partners and sponsors that see the importance of the program and who will join EMS’s efforts and give support year after year as the program grows bigger and better.

ALLEN ISD ATHLETICS INDUCTS HALL OF HONOR CLASS OF 2022

BY STEVEN OFFIELD, DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA AND MARKETING

THE ALLEN ISD ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT recently inducted its Class of 2022 to be enshrined in the Athletic Hall of Honor at Allen Eagle Stadium.

Candidates are ex-athletes, employees, team or supporters of Allen ISD who graduated from Allen High School at least 10 years ago.

“I am very honored to be inducted with this class of so many great coaches and players,” said Tucker Carter, quarterback for the 2008 Allen HS football team. “The 2008 Allen Eagle football team will always be the first state championship team in school

history and I am very proud of that. I am proud of what the program gave me and it is the very reason I coach today.”

The Hall of Honor is about so much more than sports. Inductees have to demonstrate good character throughout their athletic career and following high school.

“It was about more than just the game,” said Carter. “Our coaches taught us so many life lessons through the game that we still use to this day. Football was just the means by which the lessons were delivered to us.”

CLASS OF 2022 INDUCTEES

• Tucker Carter • Kelley “Coach G” Gregoriew • Alan Griffin • Scott Griffin • JJ Jones • Kyler Murray • Ramon Womack • 2012 State Champion Football Team • 2012 State Champion Wrestling Team • 2012 State Champion Women’s Golf Team

STEAM TEAMS MEET PARK CHALLENGE WITH A ‘PAR’FECT PROJECT

BY KEITH TAYLOR, WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

FOUR ALLEN ISD STEAM CENTER CLASSES joined forces to participate in a nationwide challenge to convert parking spaces into something a little more green and welcoming to human beings – Parks.

Students from a variety of classes, including interior design, scientific research, engineering, and ag mechanics worked the entire month of September on the project to fit two miniature golf courses and refreshment stands into three parking spaces on Main Street in Downtown Dallas.

The effort paid off with the team capturing the Best Engineered/ Designed Parklet trophy awarded by the sponsor, Downtown Dallas Inc.

“It was a lot of hard work, but the students had a great time collaborating with other classes,” said Interior Design instructor Brandy Gilbert.

It was all part of the PARK(ing) Day Dallas to promote social interaction, civic engagement, critical thinking, and creativity through individual generosity and play. The event turns the streets of Downtown Dallas into a working urban laboratory, showcasing creative ideas from citizens, schools, and music from local entertainers.

More than 80 students in the four classes were led by teachers Ms. Gilbert, Anthony Bailey, and Charles Logston for the project. Student leadership was provided by project managers Jacqueline Howell and Abigail Forrester from the Interior Design Practicum class as well as Evan Edwards and Parker Minter from the Scientific Research and Design class.

“I am very pleased with the involvement and engagement of students from the Scientific Research & Design Class at the STEAM Center exhibited during Park(ing) Day,” Mr. Bailey said.

He explained that the class was divided into project teams that individually developed two ideas for the project: a carnival games idea with giant Jenga and Skee Ball sets and a miniature golf challenge.

“Both groups had the chance to work through various phases of the Engineering Design process including generating solutions to a design challenge, building and testing design prototypes, and evaluating and reflecting on the success of their design,” Mr. Bailey said.

The class as a whole voted to select the miniature golf venture as the project to display.

“Additionally, the students were able to interact as a team with individuals outside of their normal community to share their design in a meaningful way,” he said.

The STEAM Center project was displayed on Sept. 15 on Main Street in Downtown Dallas in front of the green space of the famous “Eyeball” sculpture.

2022 ALLEN ISD

HOMECOMING

SILVER EAGLES KICKS OFF SCHOOL YEAR WITH LARGEST CROWD YET

BY STEVEN OFFIELD DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA AND MARKETING

WORD IS SPREADING AROUND ALLEN ISD about the coolest new club to join. Not at the high school, but at the administration building. It’s the Silver Eagles Club!

Silver Eagles is a club for community members over the age of 60 where they can stay informed about the school district, attend special events and performances, hear directly from district leaders on important issues and enjoy socializing with friends and neighbors.

“I love seeing the smiles and excitement that our Silver Eagles have for our events,” said Director of Community Services Ashley Crowson. “They are so appreciative of the opportunity to mingle with our students and to learn about all of the amazing things that Allen ISD has to offer.”

Silver Eagles don’t just sit in meetings and listen to presentations, though. Members attend Silver Eagles meetings and activities designed for their interest, including field trips to campuses and special facilities such as the Allen ISD STEAM Center.

“I was blown away by the STEAM Center,” said Lennie Gunderson, a Silver Eagle member. “It gives our students a huge advantage to explore their interests early on. Everyone should experience the tour!”

Silver Eagles members were also treated to a play by Allen High School theatre and orchestra students.

“It is remarkable how talented our theatre and orchestra students were during the production of Beauty and the Beast,” said Gunderson. “I would put their performance up against any I have watched in the professional theatre.”

TO REGISTER AND JOIN THE FREE SILVER EAGLES CLUB, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM AT ALLENISD.ORG/SILVEREAGLES

ANSWER KEY

1.Word Find

2 .Eagle Photo Comparison

3. Eagle Maze

Allen ISD hosted Dr. Ryan Smith, PHD, LMFT, LPC at a Parent University meeting and he talked about parenting in the tech age, and below are a few tips and tricks he shared.

DIGITAL KIDS: PARENTING IN THE TECH AGE

The approach to technology has changed since 2020, when a lot of learning and work became remote.

Families need to create a Family Tech Plan.

Some things to think about: Focus on balance.

Be intentional about creating non-digital downtime. Talk to your kids about responsible technology usage.

Make certain activities tech free. (e.g. no phones in the car; no phones at the dinner table)

Plan for a device-free weekend for the whole family to unplug

Remember that technology is great but not all screen time is created equal. Screen time spent in education, research, and working would have fewer limits than screen time on social media..