CARROLLTON-FARMERS BRANCH ISD 2022-2023
OUR MISSION
The Mission of CFBISD, a diverse community of global learners, is to empower scholars to acquire life-long knowledge, skills, and values that prepare them to compete in the world marketplace while contributing to their community.
OUR VISION
CFBISD will be an exceptional learning community where all graduates impact and excel in a complex, interconnected, and ever-changing world.
In Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, we have so much to be #cfbproud of including high-quality teachers, academic rigor, leadership development opportunities and a caring environment. Our students are empowered and graduate with life-long knowledge, skills, and values that prepare them to compete in the world marketplace while contributing to their community.
Educating more than 24,000 students across 38 campuses, CFBISD is a hub of cultural diversity encompassing 53.42 miles in all or parts of six cities in Dallas and Denton counties. CFBISD embraces a population representing 116 countries and 55 different languages. We welcome all students and are committed to providing real-world opportunities for high achievement and success through technology-driven campuses.
Please take a moment to read the following compilation of spotlights featuring student and staff achievements that exemplify CFBISD’s mission and vision. We are #cfbproud!
“I want to be a teacher and a singer. I love what teachers do to make kids learn.”
ELEMENTARY SPOTLIGHT
Evelyn Smith | Rosemeade Elementary School
Rosemeade Elementary School fourth grader Evelyn Smith is an excellent student academically, but also an award winning photographer and songwriter.
Smith has attended Rosemeade since kindergarten.
“My favorite thing about school is having amazing teachers who make learning so much fun,” she said. “I have earned an Award of Excellence and A-Honor Roll.”
During her elementary career, Smith participated in the PTA’s Reflections Contest, a program with more than 300,000 students participating annually in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts.
Smith earned an award for both her photography and music composition (songwriting) at the district level. Her music composition advanced to the state competition.
“I learned to songwrite from my dad,” Smith said. “I learned about photography from all of my friends.”
Emily Hamill, Smith’s fourth grade teacher knew she was special right from the start.
“Evelyn is the kid that everybody loves and teachers adore,” Hamill said. “She is a hard worker, has an inner desire to succeed on her own terms, and an optimistic view on life. Evelyn is incredibly artistic and has such a creative, and out-of-the-box way of thinking.”
Smith already has her mind set on her future.
“I am going to stay in choir until I graduate high school,” she said. “Then, I want to be a teacher and a singer. I love what teachers do to make kids learn.”
Hamill is excited to see what Smith does in the future.
“Evelyn is smart, passionate, a loyal friend with a determined spirit, and the genuinely nicest person that anyone would be lucky to know,” Hamill said. “If I could keep her in fourth grade with me forever I would, but the world hasn’t even begun to see all the light she will shine.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Marcos Alvarado | Blalack Middle School
Blalack Middle School eighth grade student
Marcos Alvarado is a natural leader.
Alvarado has been a lifelong student in CFB starting at Rainwater Elementary. He excels in both band and academics, and motivates his classmates to do their best.
“Marcos is a great student and personifies the Blalack motto of ‘never stop improving’ in band,” said Keith Marshall, Blalack Middle School band director. “He is a leader for his section by helping others learn their music and improve on their instrument. He encourages his friends to come before or after school to practice with him. He also helps beginner students learn how to play their instrument and gives them new music to play.”
Alvarado was selected as the first chair baritone saxophone player for both CFBISD and the entire North Texas Region as a seventh and eighth grader. Additionally, he has received a first division rating at solo and ensemble contests each year. His director said as a sixth grader, Alvarado came in with big, ambitious goals.
“Marcos has had huge accomplishments,” Marshall said. “My favorite part of my job is getting to teach the same students for
three years and see them go from not even knowing how to put an instrument together to excelling in an activity that they are passionate about. Marcos had lofty goals as a beginner saxophone player and has worked really hard to reach them. I can’t wait to see how he continues to grow as a musician in high school.”
Alvarado says his favorite thing about school is his teachers.
“I love the teachers who help us learn and succeed,” he said. “My wonderful teachers, Ms. Thessin and Mr. Ford, taught me how to play.”
He plans on continuing band in high school and wants to join the Biomed Academy.
“I want to become a pediatrician,” Alvarado said. “I strive to get A’s and I also play the piano and love to swim.”
Alvarado’s dedication sets him apart.
“I think the best part of Marco’s success is that he’s not different from most students… he doesn’t have a hidden musical prodigy talent,” Marshall said. “He just works really hard, and puts in the time and effort to reach his goals.”
“I love the teachers who help us learn and succeed. My wonderful teachers taught me how to play.”
“I love children. I love inspiring them… hopefully help them become great members of society.”
“I want students to know that I am there for them and that I care about them.”
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Carli Bannister | R. L. Turner High School
Trusting relationships with students are essential for Carli Bannister as an English teacher at R. L. Turner High School who has been in CFBISD for five years.
“I want them to know that I am there for them and that I care about them,” Bannister said. “I genuinely love the kids. Once I build trust and relationships with them, I am able to mentor them not only in the classroom, but in life as well.”
She was named the district’s 2021-22 Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Bannister’s mentorship and care are evident to her colleagues.
“She was selected for Teacher of the Year for many reasons, the primary reason is the fact that she goes above and beyond for her students in every regard,” said Adam Grinage, R. L. Turner principal. “She has such great relationships with them. They will spend time with her, really, as a mentor. She exemplifies what it means to be all in for our students.”
Nicole Linscomb | Rainwater Elementary SchoolIt was no surprise to Rainwater Elementary School Principal Nicole Greenleaf when art teacher Nicole Linscomb was named the district’s 2021-22 Elementary Teacher of the Year.
“Ms. Linscomb goes above and beyond to support not only students, but also our staff and community,” Greenleaf said. “Any staff member knows that they can go to her at any time for anything and she will be there to help them.”
Linscomb seeks to help her students reach their fullest potential.
“I love children,” Linscomb said. “I love the ‘a-ha’ moments. I love inspiring them. I help them to problem solve and give them real-world advice that will hopefully help them become great members of society as they continue to grow.”
Her students take notice of her patience and care.
“I like being in Ms. Linscomb’s class because she’s really kind and she always helps us achieve more in art,” Rainwater student Aynslee Fisher said.
SAFETY & SECURITY SPOTLIGHT
Jahmal Thomas | CFBISD Security Lead
For the past 16 years, Jahmal Thomas has been a patrol officer with the district’s Safety and Security Department.
In July 2022, he was promoted to lead security officer.
“I chose to work in the Safety and Security Department because I wanted to make a difference in the community,” Thomas said. “To be a positive role model to the next generation and to inspire them to reach for the stars.”
Thomas says that he and other members of the team are dedicated to keeping students and staff safe.
“In CFBISD, we place the highest priority on safety and security of our students and staff,” he said. “Each year, we review our district emergency plans to ensure that the plans reflect specific campus, facility, or support services needs.”
He not only works for CFBISD, but is also an alumni of the Newman Smith High School class of 2001. He moved here from the St. Thomas Virgin Islands as a child.
“Being a product of CFB, I have seen how much this district values their students and staff by ensuring they have everything they need to be successful,” he said. “I am proud to be a CFB employee, giving back to the district that provided me with so many opportunities. Even though moving to a new place can be daunting for some, moving from St. Thomas Virgin Islands to Carrollton, Texas, was an easy decision for my family. It gave us a better way of life. Going to CFB schools was truly a blessing for me and my sibling. Through the numerous programs this district offers, we were able to grow and develop into life-long learners.”
Thomas says the people make him want to stay.
“By far, my favorite thing about CFB is the people,” he said. “Being surrounded by amazing people that challenge and inspire you to be your best on a daily basis is incredible. Having a supportive community that is willing to step in to help our students and staff is phenomenal.”
“I chose to work in the Safety and Security Department because I wanted to make a difference in the community.”
“I want to thank my wonderful directors and private lesson teachers for their immense amount of support for my journey for the past seven years.”
FINE ARTS SPOTLIGHT
James Lee | Creekview High School
Creekview High School student James Lee is a rising star in the world of orchestra.
A talented cellist, Lee placed seventh chair in the 2023 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All State Symphony Orchestra. For this contest, the best high school students in Texas are selected to rehearse and perform during the annual TMEA Clinic/ Convention in one of three orchestras to an audience of thousands.
“I am so proud of James,” said Amy Shin, Creekview High School Orchestra Director. “Making TMEA puts him in the top three percent.”
This is Lee’s sixth year in orchestra and his seventh year playing the cello. Although Lee has lots of hobbies including reading, playing video games, running, and hanging out with friends, he always makes time for practice.
“I practice about four hours everyday so that would be about 28 hours a week,” Lee said.
As the leader of the cello section in Creekview’s Symphonic Orchestra, Lee has a strong work ethic and drive to perform.
“His expectation of himself is very high,” Shin said. “He understands the importance of experience for his age and never rejects opportunities around him.”
Previously, Lee placed 28th in the 2022 TMEA All State Orchestra and received honorable mention in the Radda Rise International String Competition.
Through orchestra, Lee has been able to make important connections in the world of music and appreciates those who have helped him.
“I was able to connect with Dr. Evgeni Raychev, a cello professor at SFA, and musician John Henry Crawford,” Lee said. “I want to thank my wonderful directors and private lesson teachers for their immense amount of support of my journey for the past seven years.”
CTE SPOTLIGHT
Ian Culbert | Ranchview High School
Ian Culbert, a standout student in Ranchview High School’s Information Technology Academy (ITA), is using his time in high school to prepare for his bright future.
ITA is one of CFBISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) academies. ITA prepares students for high-demand careers in the information technology (IT) field. Students in the program benefit from the collaborative partnership between CFBISD, higher education entities, and industry partners, such as Microsoft, Texas Instruments, and CISCO.
“I have been in IT classes since my freshman year,” Culbert said. “I wanted to expand my knowledge and explore different avenues in IT.”
Ranchview ITA teacher Armando Garza sees Culbert as an exemplary student.
“One of the prominent students in our classes is Ian Culbert,” Garza said. “He is a highly enthusiastic student that is involved in our Technology Student Association.”
Culbert is not only the Technology Student Association Vice President and the Cybersecurity and Coding Team Captain, but he is also involved in different extracurriculars
across the campus such as tennis, golf, National Honor Society, and is a recognized member of the Ranchview band.
“Ian is a great young man who has been integral to the growth and development of all facets of the program,” said T. Jarred Carlton III, Director of Bands at Ranchview. “He has made the All-Region band, is a drum major, and is also one of our trumpet players in our award-winning jazz program.”
He has also earned several awards in addition to his band accomplishments. Culbert was named Student of the Month twice and was recognized for English Academic Excellence two consecutive years. He was selected for Student Board of Leadership three times and is ranked #1 in the ALE Flight Academy.
With plans to attend college and become a pilot after graduating high school, Culbert has gained transferable skills from his time in ITA.
“My favorite thing about school is the opportunity to grow as a person, and as a leader, preparing to go into a challenging world,” Culbert said.
“My favorite thing about school is the opportunity to grow as a person, and as a leader, preparing to go into a challenging world.”
“My favorite thing about going to school is seeing my friends and learning new things every day that will help me in the future.”
ATHLETICS SPOTLIGHT
Aniyah Bigam | Newman Smith School
Newman Smith High School senior Aniyah Bigam established herself as an athletic star in CFBISD when she wrapped up her junior year with three medals at the 2022 UIL State Track and Field Championships – gold in 100-meters, gold in 200-meters, and bronze in 400-meters.
Bigam, a CFBISD student since third grade, has run track for 10 years. She said her motivation was making her coach, teammates, school, friends and family proud.
“I just want to make everybody proud, and I also want to do it for myself,” she said. “When I came out on top in the 100-meters, it really got my momentum going for the rest of the meet.”
At the meet, Bigam torched the track in the girls 100-meters, clocking a brisk 11.46 seconds, setting a personal best and winning by almost a full 10th of a second. Less than two hours later, she won the state title in the 200-meters in 23.26 seconds, missing the state record by just under 0.5 second. In between winning the 100 and 200-meters championships, Bigam also placed third in the 400-meters with a clocking of 55.26 seconds.
Coach Meghan Williams, was not surprised. “This was a culmination of years of hard work,” Williams said. “I met this young lady when she came in as a freshman, and I’ve heard about her before I even met her because she’s been running for a very long time. She embodies the epitome of an excellent athlete. From her work ethic to her attitude, she is everything you could want.”
Bigam is also a nine-time track and field All-American from the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics Games.
In addition to track and field, Bigam plays on the school basketball team, is in Newman Smith’s International Business Academy (IBA), National Honor Society, and in her spare time, likes to style hair.
“My favorite thing about going to school is seeing my friends and learning new things every day that will help me in the future,” she said.
After high school, she plans to continue to pursue her dreams to be a pediatric nurse and an Olympian. Bigam has signed a national-letter-of-intent with Louisiana State University (LSU) in track and field and plans to get her degree in nursing.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Vanita Krouch | La Villita Elementary School
The U.S. Womens Flag Football Team quarterback is not only a CFBISD alumna, but she is also a physical education (P.E.) teacher at La Villita Elementary School.
Vanita Krouch has been a part of CFBISD her whole life, attending Carrollton Elementary, DeWitt Perry Middle School, and graduating from R. L. Turner. After high school, Krouch received a full scholarship to play basketball at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and returned to teach in CFBISD as an elementary P.E. coach after graduating in 2003.
Krouch credits the teachers she had growing up with having a big impact on her life today.
“I believe Toni Niebes, my P.E. teacher, and Judy Ward, my fourth grade teacher, made the most impact on me,” Krouch said. “Along the journey, I believe all of my teachers and coaches, and friends’ parents, took me under their wings and nurtured me.”
Krouch’s path to flag football fame began after college as a recreational sport and
soon turned into something more. Krouch, often referred to as the “female Tom Brady,” is considered one of the most decorated flag football players ever.
Due to her success on the field, Krouch was selected to coach at the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl alongside Eli Manning as the offensive coordinator for the NFC.
“I feel like I am living in a dream,” Krouch said. “It doesn’t feel like a dream come true because I never thought this was something one could obtain. Being selected feels like I am living in a dream, and a part of history as it is being written today.”
Krouch is using her position to make an impact off the field as well as on. She created the brand, 4WARD APPAREL, and donates portions of her sales to individuals, families, or organizations in need.
“Because of those that shaped me as I grew up, I am passionate about paying it forward to my students and attending their games, donating to charities, and other organizations,” Krouch said.
“Because of those that shaped me as I grew up, I am passionate about paying it forward to my students and attending their games, donating to charities, and other organizations.”