February 2017 | PROSPER Magazine

PROSPER

TM

Magazine

Prosper’s

Person of the Year!

THE TOWN | THE PEOPLE | THE PRIDE February 2017 | Prosper’s Community Magazine Since 2012 | $2.50

WeAreProsper.com

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Accreditation by the Commission on Cancer means that Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney is capable of providing: • Comprehensive cancer care, including a “complete range of innovative services and equipment” • A multidisciplinary team providing “advanced treatment options” • Prevention and early detection programs, and more.

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Contents

PROSPER 20

24

Featured St ories

14 Prosper Community Library 16 Prosper’s Person of the Year 18 Cockrell Genius Hour 20 Spotlight - Very Betty 22 Pet Dental Health 24 GhanaProsper - When Two Villages Unite 28 Prosper Sweethearts On The Cover

PROSPER

TM

Magazine

ON THE COVER Prosper’s Person of the Year 2016,

In Every Issue

8 10 12 26

6

Magazine

WeAreProsper.com | February 2017

Letter From The Publishers Town Matters Eagles Nest In Good Taste

Dave R. Williams Prosper’s

Person of the Year!

THE TOWN | THE PEOPLE | THE PRIDE February 2017 | Prosper’s Community Magazine Since 2012 | $2.50

WeAreProsper.com

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PROSPER! For up to date news, events and web-exclusive content visit www.WeAreProsper.com

FOLLOW US!!

From The

P ublishers

PROSPER ™

We Are Prosper

.com

THE TOWN | THE PEOPLE | THE PRIDE Prosper’s Community Magazine Since 2012

February 2017 VOL V, Issue 6

Voted 2013 New Business of The Year Published by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Editorial/Marketing Director Heather Reynolds Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com Production/Creative Director Jason Reynolds Jason@CedarbrookMedia.com Editorial/Account Executive Renee Marler Renee@Cedarbrookmedia.com

H

appy Valentine’s Day y’all! There are so many things to LOVE right now, and we’re excited to be in midst of it all in Prosper! We’d like to again give a huge CONGRATULATIONS to all of the nominees for PROSPER’S Person of 2016, and a huge THANK YOU to our readers and the members of the Selection Committee – everyone did an amazing job this year…we say it all the time – The people are what make Prosper great!! A wonderful time was had by all at the Awards Reception, and we look forward to highlighting each of our nominees throughout the year. Be on the lookout for a special expose on person in every issue this year!!

In other news…we are excited to announce that in addition to PROSPER Magazine, we are beginning a weekly newspaper!!! Every home in Prosper will receive a copy in their mailbox beginning May 5th…featuring Town news, Prosper sports, PISD news and much, much more! If you live outside of Prosper and wish to receive the weekly paper, please call us at 972.347.6231 to get on our subscription list. We are excited to bring you a comprehensive approach to all Prosper news, through the monthly magazine as well as the weekly newspaper. WE ARE PROSPER!

Jason & Heat her Reynolds With Prosper Pride,

As we continue to grow, we value your input on various articles and subject matter for PROSPER Magazine and The PROSPER Times. If you’d like to be a part of our Editorial Focus Group, please email us at Melissa@CedarbrookMedia.com and we will send you the details!!

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WeAreProsper.com | February 2017

Editorial Contributors Ray Smith | Dr. Drew Watkins Celso Martinez | Renee Marler| Holly Ferguson Glenda Dophied | Heather Reynolds | Brett Spencer Photography Contributors Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Chris Fritchie Studios Production/Design Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Admin@CedarbrookMedia.com Editorial Please send editorial considerations to Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com Advertising Information For our current media guide, contact Advertising at

972.347.6231

or Advertising@CedarbrookMedia.com Prosper Magazine P.O. BOX 405 Prosper, Texas 75078 972.347.6231 | www.WeAreProsper.com A Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Publication www.CedarbrookMedia.com

PROSPER Magazine is wholly owned and published by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. PROSPER Magazine is published 12 times a year. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or copied whole or in part without expressed written permission from the publisher, Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. © 2016.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. The title and all material are protected by international copyright laws and are reserved. Although the greatest of care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine at time of going to press, neither PROSPER Magazine nor Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors.

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The Town

T wn Matters

By Mayor Ray Smith

Let’s Put Our Hearts in It! February is not only Heart Health Month, it’s also the month devoted to affairs of the heart, and it’s the second month of our IT’S TIME TEXAS Community Challenge. Here’s a way to tie all these three together. As we go through February, we should all remember to take care of our hearts, both physically and emotionally. From a physical standpoint, it’s important to eat right and get plenty of exercise. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the US. About 600,000 people die every year from heart disease. And, when I say heart disease, I mean the many types of heart conditions that can be fatal.

These are grouped in what’s known as Coronary Heart Diseases, or CHD. CHD can be categorized as 1) coronary artery disease, 2) peripheral artery disease, and 3) carotid artery disease. CHD is the most dangerous and most common heart ailment. It’s also known as a circulatory disorder because it involves the circulation system of arteries and other blood vessels. CHD typically occurs when arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrow or blocked and hardened from the build-up of plaque. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances found in the blood.

In coronary artery disease, plaque clogs arteries that supply blood to the heart; it’s the number one cause of heart attacks. Peripheral artery disease, on the other hand, is when plaque clogs arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs. And, carotid artery disease is when plaque clogs arteries that supply blood to the brain. The decrease in blood flow due to plaque can lead to chest pain known as angina and progress to a heart attack. A heart attack can happen when arteries become so clogged that the flow of blood

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WeAreProsper.com | February 2017

to the heart is reduced or stopped; the resulting lack of oxygen damages or kills the heart muscle.

Having high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol, smoking, increased age, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and having had a previous heart attack or family history of stroke, obesity or diabetes increase heart attack risk. Needless to say, even people who look fit and healthy can be affected by heart disease. I know. I’m one of those. I’m also one of those who took exercise, healthy eating and stress management seriously. If you think you might be experiencing heart problems, see your doctor and follow his or her advice.

For the emotional side, managing the everyday stress that we encounter is key to maintaining good relationships at home, at work and at play.

If stress is affecting your ability to enjoy life, see a counselor, clergy or trusted friend to help you work through those issues. And, don’t forget to participate in the IT’S TIME TEXAS Community Challenge. Register at www.ittcommunitychallenge.com and keep track of your weight, log your workouts and take plenty of healthy selfies. We can repeat as the healthiest small town in Texas if everyone participates. And, we can win almost $2,000 for our schools to promote good health. That’s tremendous!

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Eagles Nest

DISTRICT OF INNOVATION – PROSPER ISD Innovation by definition is a significant positive change. It’s a result. It’s an outcome. It’s something you work towards achieving on a project. House Bill 1842 (84th Session of the Texas Legislature) in part amended Chapter 12 of the Texas Education Code (TEC) to create Districts of Innovation.

Districts are eligible for designation if certain performance requirements are met and the district follows certain procedures for adoption as outlined in Statute.

Prosper ISD embraces and applauds the concept of more local control and being innovative while keeping the students, parents, and community of Prosper in mind. The innovation designation provides the District exemptions from certain sections of the Texas Education Code that inhibit the goals of the District as outlined in the locally adopted Innovation Plan.

The Prosper ISD District of Innovation committee was selected by the Prosper ISD School Board and represents a nice cross section of the District. Members included teachers, parents, campus leaders, and district leaders. The committee proposed the following innovations to the Prosper ISD School Board for approval:

School Calendar: Texas Education Code Section 25.0811 prohibits the District from beginning instruction before the fourth Monday in August. Flexibility to begin instruction earlier in the calendar year will enable the District to be more responsive to students by balancing the amount of instructional time in the semesters and each nine weeks. This adjustment will allow teachers to better pace and deliver instruction during the first semester of school. The flexibility will allow students, who are in need of retest opportunities on state testing, additional instructional days prior to the retest opportunity in December. In addition, greater flexibility regarding the calendar will allow for the District to conclude school in May. This will provide summer school teachers and students the opportunity to plan and prepare a more targeted and focused academic setting for students during the month of June. Furthermore, this area will also allow for our learners to pursue college courses, enrichment programs, and summer employment.

The adjustment of the calendar will also allow the flexibility in the school calendar to focus on professional learning days that can occur more frequently for teachers and staff that will provide a higher level of targeted professional development without impacting teacher contract days.

CTE Teacher Certif ication: Due to learners having the opportunity to personalize their graduation plans and earn endorsements in areas of study such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), business and industry, public services, arts and humanities, there is a need for educators to have multiple certifications. It is particularly difficult to find educators who meet the certification specifications in order to teach classes in the endorsement areas. Texas Education Code, sections 21.003, 21.053, 21.044, 21.051, and 21.057 limit the District’s ability to hire educators to teach hard to fill positions. Flexibility in this area will assist in finding quality candidates to teach certain courses in order to avoid cancelling classes in the future while providing real world expertise.

The District is seeking flexibility in hiring professionals in certain vocations such as career and technical courses. The exemption from Texas Education Code 21.055(d.l) will enable the district to establish local criteria for such courses when hiring quality personnel. With the exemption, the District will not have to cancel classes that students are dependent upon in order to fulfill their certifications and graduation requirements.

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Teacher Appraisal Process: The District is seeking flexibility within the recommended appraisal process and performance criteria for teachers and staff evaluated using the appraisal system Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) Texas Education Code 21.351, 21.352.

The District Plan is to continue to utilize T-TESS as the teacher appraisal instrument.

The District is seeking exemption from the Student Growth Measure as defined only by STAAR. The belief is that through the professional learning community process our teachers are allowed to grow, develop, and prescribe specific academic plans for students based on data, observation, and analysis looking at what is in the best interest of the student. The District has invested a great amount of time, training, and resources in the professional learning communities’ process. The District is in its third year of implementation of professional learning communities and would like to stay on this trajectory to improve student and teacher growth and performance.

District Level Planning:

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The District would like flexibility in TEC 11.252 as the committee make up limits the degree of parent involvement in the District Site Based Decision making process. We would like flexibility in the makeup of the committee for the campus and district decision-making teams to provide greater opportunity for parental involvement.

If you would like to view the Prosper ISD Local Innovation Plan, please visit: http://www.prosper-isd.net/Domain/2898

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Community The Prosper Community Library takes its Story Time on the road the first Thursday of each month. Thursday, February 5th the group visited Prosper Body Shop Collision Center. Jessica Rattan, Director of Marketing, Creative, and Sales, prepared a whole table of hot chocolate, warm cider, snacks, and takeaways for the children and their families. Youth Service Librarian, Chelsi Henry, led the Story Time with songs and stories about transportation. Mark Weiss, Director of Operations, then gave a tour of their immaculate facility and even allowed the children to put a pinstripe on a car and rub in some compound an a scratch. The children were amazed at all the parts to the cars, the paint booth, and the fun noises of the business.

Next month the Story Time will visit Pinnacle Performance Center on Thursday, February 2nd at 11:00 a.m. Free and open to the public, they invite you to join them for fun, fitness and learning.

Prosper Community Library February Calendar of Events

Prosper Community Library February Calendar of Events Thursday, February 2 at 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, February 4 at 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, February 9 at 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, February 11 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 11 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 16 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, February 22 at 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m.

Story Time at Pinnacle Performance Center (1180 Prosper Trail) Wear your exercise attire for active fun!

Valentine’s Day Program at the Library (Bring a box to decorate) Story Time at LDS Church with special guest Dr. Jill Sentilingar for Children’s Dental Health Month Look for our Story Time and Craft Area at the Texas Health Neighborhood Care and Wellness Event Genealogy Workshop Story Time at LDS Church Story Time at Windsong Ranch Story Time at LDS Church

*The library will be closed Tuesday, February 21 to accommodate a Reynolds event

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WeAreProsper.com | February 2017

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Prosper Person of the Year 2016 Dave R. Williams Prosper has long been a destination for families looking to build their homes in a community with small town values, a school district that strives for excellence and a place where your neighbors treat you like family. We are proud, we are faithful and we love our town…but what we love most about Prosper are the people. Those that go above and beyond to make everyone around them comfortable and happy. Those that step outside the box to make Prosper a better place. Those that love our kids as much as we do and want them to be successful not only in life, but as human beings. Those that see a need and get down to business to fill it. Yes, those people…they are what make Prosper special and unique. They are the heartbeat of our town. And there is one man who meets every one of these characteristics, and then some…Dave R. Williams.

Dave was nominated for PROSPER’S Person of 2016 with the following words: “Although Dave has recently lost his battle with cancer, many are finally learning what many of us knew about what an amazing pillar of our community that he was. Dave’s generosity of time and money with many of the charities in our community will be missed. He also helped shape our town by building beautiful homes and setting a standard for homes in the Prosper area. He has left an amazing legacy for his family, friends and community to be proud of.”

Dave has shaped Prosper in a way that most don’t even realize. He changed the physical appearance of our town with the beautiful developments and homes that he built. He worked hard and put an enormous amount of pride into every single job he did…and he always did the right thing, regardless

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of the cost. And maybe even more importantly, he changed the people of our town with his generosity, kindness and commitment. Ask anyone who knew him, and all of them would have the same sentiment – he was a man of conviction, integrity and he genuinely loved people. When someone needed something, he was there to give – and most of the time without any recognition.

We sat down with him about a year ago to discuss ways that we could partner together with him for the Prosper Education Foundation. He not only wanted to make a commitment to our students financially, but he wanted to make a difference in their life long-term. His idea for a scholarship was one that not only provided financial assistance, but mentorship as well. He wanted our help to walk alongside the students he provided for – helping

them manage their class scheduling, balancing work and studies, helping them register for future classes, finding work in their field, etc. He wanted to make an impact on their lives and wanted them to be successful human beings.

Dave always thought of others, in everything he did. Even through his battle with cancer, he used his experience to inspire others. If ever someone was in need – he was there. Year after year he supported various non-profits and his presence will certainly be missed. However, his integrity and his generous spirit live on in his friends, family and clients. We are all blessed to have known him. We are grateful for his hard work, strong ethics, contributions and his servant heart. Prosper is better because of him.

“Dave R. Williams shaped the landscape of Prosper with the homes he built. Moreover, he changed the lives of the people of Prosper with his heartfelt generosity. He will be deeply missed.” – Marcelle Johnson

“Dave was the definition of generosity. He cared about the well-being of others and most of the people Dave helped never had the privilege to meet him. In almost all cases Dave chose not to be recognized for his countless acts of giving. Dave left this world after making it a much better place. He will be missed but never forgotten.” – Chief Stuart Blasingame “Humble and Generous are words we would use to describe Dave R. Williams. He not only supported many charitable efforts here in Prosper and elsewhere, he did so with no need to be recognized or feel important.

Any time we have approached him about supporting a scholarship, a family in need or to support an event, he was in as long it was about helping people. He had a heart to help people in need - to make their lives better through getting an education and working hard. He quietly supported, cheered on and gave to many charitable organizations in Prosper and often did so insisting people not know what he was doing - he didn’t want it to be about him. There is no one in Prosper that deserves this recognition more than Dave R. Williams. Prosper is blessed that he believed in so many and made a significant difference in many lives and we have learned from his example how to be a blessing.” – Wayne and Amy Bartley “Dave inspired me and will continue to do so well beyond 2016. His desire to help others in our community without seeking recognition is what Prosper is all about. I admired him not just for his generosity, but for his commitment as a mentor. He was a teacher without trying to be. He was a role model even though he would never take credit for that. He was a good man and a great friend. He was, and will continue to be, Prosper to me.” – Jennifer Sanchez

“I met Dave 11 years ago when we purchased our lot to build our home. Loved him then and have grown to love him even more now. Dave had one of the biggest hearts. Although some were unaware of just how generous he was, he liked it that way.

He wasn't just generous through donations and funds, he was generous with his time, his talents and teaching. He was always looking at the bigger picture of whatever he was doing. He was making sure whatever it was would make an impact long term not just momentarily. He wanted to make a difference and change lives for the better and he did. I know he did in mine.

I will forever be grateful for his friendship and his genuine kindness. I continue to think of him often and will always continue trying to be more like him.” – Melissa Randle “Dave always adhered to his moral convictions. At home with his family, on the golf course with his friends, or at the office with his employees, honesty and integrity were always first and foremost. He operated at a standard that all men should strive to achieve. Working with him for 13 years has made a significant difference in my life. I am a better person for knowing him. He wore many hats. He was a boss if needed, a friend if needed, or a counselor if needed.

He always seemed to choose the right one at the right time.

He will never know how many lives he touched. He will live on through the friends, family, and customers. We still operate the company with the same convictions that Dave had set forth. Many times a day, we ask ourselves, “What would Dave do?” – Gary Castleberry February 2017 | WeAreProsper.com

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Cockrell Genius Hour Focuses on Encouraging and Empowering Students Genius Hour is a Google-inspired inquiry-based learning project where one-hour each week is set aside for students to research topics of interest to them. Classrooms all over the country are embracing the concept, including Cockrell Elementary in Prosper, TX. “If you walk into our campus on Friday morning, you might see a group of kids building a robot, some might be playing musical instruments and you may even see someone doing cartwheels down the hall”, said principal Glenda Dophied.

“This is an opportunity for the students to create, explore, build, write, play an instrument, or simply learn and follow any passion they might have”, she explained. For example, some Cockrell students as young as first grade have started learning computer coding. “It's like a foreign language and they push themselves to learn more”, said fourth grade teacher, Stacy Grinstead.

While it might seem it from a glance, the program is not all fun and games.

Genius Hour challenges students to answer questions and problem-solve situations to figure out hot to meet an end goal. Each Friday after Genius Hour, the students are required to answer three questions about their work: “How does this help me? “How does this help the community? “How does this help the world? Assistant Principal Jamey Briscoe stated, “Genius Hour is a great way to explore, solve problems, and a chance to educate

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WeAreProsper.com | February 2017

and inspire others, even us as educators”. Students at Cockrell Elementary have embraced Genius Hour and have even taken their passions outside the classroom and applied them to real-world issues. Cockrell Elementary fifth grade teacher, Kimberli Brackett, has been involved in the fight to stop the trafficking of children in Ghana, Africa for many years. A few of her students began asking questions and they, too, found a desire to help. That spark, which was kindled during Genius Hour, has exploded into Prosper Primary School in Ghana which will break ground February, 2017, after Cockrell Elementary students independently raised over $25,000 to make it happen. “We chose the name Prosper Primary for two reasons; obviously it's the name of our town, but also because the definition of 'prosper' is to flourish, grow and succeed͟, said Brackett. “The sky is the limit when it comes to what these kids can do and Ghana Prosper is just the beginning”, said Lyndsey O'Neal, who teaches first grade at Cockrell Elementary.

Genius Hour may just be one-hour a week, but the impact is far-reaching.

Dophied concluded, “It encourages diverse thinking and creativity and proves that we are never to young to make a difference”.

We look forward to serving you with a mortgage strategy to make your dream of home ownership come true!

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Spotlight

Very Betty

Your Destination for Fashion

Longtime entrepreneur and fashionista, Evelyn Silverman, is the owner of Prosper's Very Betty Boutique, specializing in trendy apparel, accessories and gifts with an emphasis on the customer experience. Silverman has had a hand in every facet of fashion from being a rep, to retail and even design.

Very Betty offers something unique, something fresh and something fashion forward but still manages to stay relatable to it's customers. “I do a lot of research on emerging trends and pay close attention to the pulse of the community”, says Silverman, “and with that, I am able to choose exactly what I feel best fits with the wants of our clientele”. That individualized approach allows Very Betty to welcome feedback and suggestions from customers.

While the niche target customer is women over the age of 30, there is truly something for everyone. As you walk in, you'll notice, in addition to the apparel, an array of gifts, home and kitchen novelties, handbags, jewelry and even a baby boutique and couture men’s neck and bowties. The prices are affordable enough for those wanting a quick gift and cover a wide range.

Silverman encourages everyone to come in, say hello, and browse without the sales pressure. She says, “I want women to find confidence and feel beautiful in our clothing and if you don't know where to begin, we are here to help you”. The boutique prides itself on being customer centric, even offering conciergestyle shopping and delivery.

Very Betty has your girl's night out covered and is available for trunk shows, groups, and private in-store parties and events. For more information please visit www.shopverybetty.com or Very Betty on Facebook or just stop in for a visit.

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WeAreProsper.com | February 2017

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February is National Pet Dental Health Month

By Dr. Brett Spencer

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WeAreProsper.com | February 2017

As our four-legged family members are now living longer, the need for preventative medicine grows. Veterinarians have access to more and more diagnostics and treatment regimens that help extend the life span of our pets. Diabetes, endocrine abnormalities, certain cancers, orthopedics and congestive heart failure problems are just a few of the areas that we are learning how to better care for your friends.

Dental disease plays a pivotal role in many of these disease processes. Excess tarter buildup and gingivitis can lead to vascular endocarditis, a form of congestive heart failure. Kidney and liver infection can develop from them as well.

Endocrine abnormalities can predispose dogs and cats to early dental disease development.

Halitosis, or stinky breath, along with tooth root abscesses are possible side effects of receding gingiva and excess tartar. Annual dental cleanings through ultrasonic scaling and polishing helps to keep these problems to a minimum, allowing your furry friend the best quality and longest life possible.

February is the month that the AVMA has chosen to be National Pet Dental Health Month, raising awareness to the pet owner as to the value of routine dental hygiene. Please help us veterinarians help care for your pets by requesting dental cleanings annually.

Dr. Brett Spencer graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990, giving him a 27 year history of practicing veterinary medicine. Dr. Spencer and his wife, Tara, opened Hooves & Paws Pet Hospital in Aubrey in June of 2015 – providing high quality health care for pets and horses throughout North Texas. This past summer, Dr. Spencer, Tara, their son Kordell (a sophomore at Prosper High School) and four Boston Terriers moved into the Prosper community.

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By: Glenda Dophied GhanaProsper...When Two VIllages Unite Education is the most powerful tool we can use to change the world When our staff considered how Genius Hour might look at Cockrell Elementary, we did not have a clear vision of what it could entail, but we knew the possibilities were endless. Genius Hour is intended as time set aside once a week for students to explore topics beyond traditional curriculum, discovering their personal passions.

Last year a group of teachers from Cockrell observed this approach at a school near Dallas and decided it had possibilities for our highly motivated student body. We knew the Prosper ISD Graduate Profile was designed to develop well-rounded children, not merely kids able to perform well on state academic assessments, but capable of bringing ideas to fruition, students hungry for a challenge, willing to work to stretch their minds and possibly change their worlds.

Genius Hour could provide that opportunity.

Maybe it would also provide the opportunity a teacher like Kimberli Brackett was seeking when she was lured to Prosper: teaching in a district that encourages innovation and fosters excellence. So, we began this grand experiment.

Of course our students had no idea what Genius Hour was supposed to be, so the first week teachers modeled for them, each one telling about a personal passion.

Mrs. Brackett informed her fifth-graders about her work of helping orphans and rescuing trafficked children in Ghana, Africa. Over the past eight years, she has made eleven trips, teaching in orphanages, helping locate and rescue trafficked children on Lake Volta, assisting with medical work at Touch A Life facilities, and providing holistic care and higher education for hundreds of children in Ghana.

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WeAreProsper.com | February 2017

As they listened, Mrs. Brackett’s Prosper students came to attention. Their eyes lit up, and they began to bombard her with questions and ideas for ways they themselves might help. They were eager to empower these African children in hopes of giving them a brighter future. Since Mrs. Brackett wants more than just status quo for her class, she works to connect them with children across the ocean, so they can build meaningful relationships and learn valuable lessons in diversity. Students were totally engaged.

There’s no holding Prosper students back. They began their involvement by collecting over 700 books for a library in a school that was as yet only a dream in this small village across the ocean. Several researched Ghanaian traditions to write books for the children. Others illustrated and published those books. They started fundraisers, creating bracelets to sell, manning a hot chocolate stand on the coldest day of the year, asking for donations in lieu of gifts for birthdays. They became immersed in this endeavor, using their newly discovered talents in Genius Hour.

Then an unexpected phone call came from a stranger, Robyn Neuerburg. She told Mrs. Brackett that she had just returned from a medical mission as a nurse and had met Isaac and other mutual Ghanaian friends. The web of connections began to grow.

Isaac, a Ghanaian orphan since childhood, had a passion for art. He was given an opportunity for an education eight years ago, thanks to loving people like Mrs. Brackett and Touch A Life foundation. His current dream is to come to the U.S., get a college degree in graphic design, return to Ghana, and give back to his community.

While in Ghana, Robyn knew she would do whatever she could to help Issac’s dream come true but also knew that if they were going to

dream, why not dream big! The village they visited on her medical trip did not have a school.

She knew there were obstacles but despite these obstacles, Robyn moved forward in her quest to obtain land, determined that Isaac’s Dream would help this village full of uneducated children have a school.

Isaac used his graphic talents to design the t-shirts being worn in our community. The highly visible green “P” says, “We are Prosper.

We are One.” Interwoven is the blue Ghana tribal sign symbolizing hope, love and unity.

The graphic represents two villages united. As one parent phrased it, “It’s time to add. We are One World.”

Then unexpected big news arrived: land was available for a school in the village of Ahiavekope, a location by Lake Volta where many children are sold into slavery for as little as $20. This was the perfect location! The lens became crystal clear as to where to direct our focus as a community: the building of a new school! Then came the revelation, this strand validating why Prosper was chosen as the avenue of unity with that particular Ghanaian village.

We came across an amazing discovery on December 16th in the midst of the first grade Christmas party at Cockrell. An African boy, Josiah, the adopted son of the Dickerson family, sat in his classroom making a reindeer ornament. Just one day prior, this sweet boy experienced heartache when, for the first time in his life, he was made to feel unworthy by a student who asked him why his skin was so

dark. This unhappy situation served as an incredible strand of connection, for while working through it, we discovered that the world had just shrunk immeasurably: Josiah had been found and cared for by Touch A Life staff in Ghana before being adopted, the very organization that Mrs. Brackett has partnered with for eight years…Wow! When Mrs. Brackett walked up to Josiah, looked at him, and said, “I know you. I met you in Ghana,” there was not a dry eye in the room.

With 1.1 million orphans in Ghana, how is it possible that Josiah would arrive at Cockrell Elementary with its population of 860 students? How is it possible that Mrs. Brackett would seek a new challenge and be assigned to Cockrell? The serendipity of these circumstances turned our vision of building Prosper Primary School in Ghana into a full blown reality!

Why Prosper? Why name the school Prosper Primary? Prosper, in the verb form, means: flourish physically; grow strong and healthy; succeed in material forms; be financially successful. Surely we in Prosper can agree that we are all worthy of finding success through education. Why GhanaProsper? These words: you are going to prosper. The words will yield immeasurable power when they are spoken over these African children!

Our village of Prosper is taking hold of this beautiful opportunity of helping children be able to prosper. Word has spread, and others in the community are asking how they can be involved in what these kids are doing. Mrs. Brackett has already held a meeting for a handful of interested parents to help them understand and make a connection to their children’s enthusiasm. It became clear to all of those who gathered that education would be the powerful tool to stop the cycle of poverty and slavery, and give the Ghanaian children hope for the future.

And then. . .What happens when villages really DO unite? The possibilities are endless. Our village gets a chance to use our resources to help provide clean water, electricity, education and hope for a life full of prosperity. We have technology that makes it possible for our children to speak face-toface with ones who live in a completely different culture, growing in both knowledge and respect. Who knows what unlimited adventures lie ahead, weaving more strands of connection in this extraordinary web of life?

The world is becoming smaller and smaller, and yet we have uncovered more and more opportunities to be part of something so much bigger than ourselves.

Genius Hour has taken on a new purpose for many of our students. They are concentrating on how to raise funds to get a school on the ground in a Ghana village. They are passionate about affecting the world, and they are also passionate about sharing this opportunity to act as, “We are Prosper. We are One,” by sharing the experience of participation with their friends at other schools in Prosper. Now they have been given an avenue to do so. Each day a more detailed plan continues to evolve. If you are interested in becoming a part of this unfolding story, plan to attend the next Community meeting at Cockrell on February 23 @ 6:30. You will want to witness villages uniting, becoming one, right before your eyes.

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In Good Taste

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour 12-cup fluted tube cake pan. In medium microwavable bowl, microwave filling ingredients uncovered on High 25 to 35 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, until melted and smooth; set aside.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, butter, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, the eggs and pudding mix with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. With rubber spatula, fold in cherries. Spoon half of the batter into pan; spread evenly.

CHERRY-CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CAKE Here’s a special-occasion dessert they’ll never forget, complete with ultra-rich chocolate cake and glaze, and finished with cherries on top.

Recipe compliments of Pillsbury.

Filling: 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (from 12-oz bag) 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk (from 14-oz can)

1 cup butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 4 eggs 1 box (4-serving size) chocolate instant pudding and pie filling mix 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained on paper towel, chopped (3/4 cup) Glaze: Remaining sweetened condensed milk (from 14-oz can)

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (from 12-oz bag)

Cake:

2 tablespoons corn syrup

1 box chocolate fudge cake mix

1 teaspoon milk, if needed

1 cup water

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WeAreProsper.com | February 2017

Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven; immediately drop spoonfuls of filling over batter, keeping filling away from sides of pan and pressing down lightly.

Carefully spoon remaining batter over top; spread evenly. Bake 42 to 47 minutes longer or until toothpick inserted near center comes out almost clean and cake springs back when touched lightly in center. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Loosen cake with knife around center and edges of pan. Turn cake upside down onto cooling rack or heatproof serving plate. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.

In 1-quart saucepan, heat all glaze ingredients except 1 teaspoon milk over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in up to 1 teaspoon milk if necessary for glazing consistency. Pour glaze over cake, allowing some to drizzle down sides. If desired, garnish cake with white chocolate curls and whole cherries. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.

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