Our Story: Coppell ISD • Winter/Spring 2019

Letter from the

SUPERINTENDENT Brad Hunt Dear Coppell ISD Families, Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Coppell ISD “Our Story” magazine.

We are committed to ensuring that our CISD community is informed and engaged, and this magazine is part of our ongoing efforts to accomplish this goal. I truly believe it has never been a more important time for CISD to tell our story, because we have such a great story to share.

The Coppell ISD Mission is “Working together, we are committed to creating profound learning experiences for each child, while nurturing meaningful relationships, to positively impact our world.” The following pages will, hopefully, provide you with new information, as well as highlight the great stories from our district that demonstrate how we are living out our Mission and our Core Values.

You also will see within this magazine the many ways our CISD community is “working together,” as it takes all of our more than 12,900 students and families, our staff, our volunteers and our community to make CISD the wonderful district it is today.

CISD is more than an excellent place to learn. Our district is a place where we continue to focus on character development, preparing our children for their futures and helping shape individuals who are inspired to serve others. These investments in our children are critical, and we remain steadfast in our efforts.

Speaking of investments, it is worth noting that this magazine is made possible due to the financial support of several local business and community partners, who placed the advertisements you will see throughout this publication. I know you join me in thanking our advertisers for their support of CISD! “A huge part of my story is being a product of public education, I am very excited to share more of the CISD story with each working in public education and being of you through this magazine. Thank you for joining us to married to an educator. We support positively shape the future of our beloved district. public education. It’s what unifies us as a country. It’s a great equalizer.

Sincerely, It’s what gives everybody an opportunity

to do great things.”

- Brad Hunt Superintendent Coppell ISD

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

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Table of

CONTENTS 200 S. Denton Tap Road Coppell, TX 214-496-6000 www.coppellisd.com

S T R A T E G I C DESIGN

Page 8

3 Letter from the Superintendent

20 Your Bond Dollars at Work

5 Get to Know Coppell ISD

21 Parent Teacher Organizations &

5 Coppell ISD Board of Trustees

6 Interviews with Our Superintendents

10 2019-2020 Registration

10 Endorsements Assist in Future Career Planning

11 30 Screen-Free Activities

13 Social & Emotional Support Services

14 Our Story: Featuring the Students in CISD

15 Elementary School Students’ Quotes

16 CISD Sets Priorities for 86th Texas Legislative Session

Coppell ISD Education Foundation

22 Fine Arts Highlights

23 Athletic Highlights

24 Educator Feature: Malachi Ewbank

25 Redefining Professional Learning in CISD

26 About CISD & Demographics

26 2019 Boundary Realignment

27 CISD ‘Goes Green’ for Sustainability

28 Alumni Feature: Annie Gasparro

29 A Farewell to Retired CFO Kelly Penny

17 Spring Events

18 CISD Celebrates the Many Cultures of Our Community

30 Recipes

19 Points of Pride

31

Teacher of The Year

Connect with CISD: Website: District announcements, upcoming dates and news stories are available at www.coppellisd.com. Links to each school’s website also are available at this site and these sites include specific key dates and links to each campus, including to teacher websites. The Parents page on the CISD website also has resources and tips for our families. www.coppellisd.com District e-Newsletter: The CISD Informed Newsletter is delivered via email every other week. www.coppellisd.com/informed Issues & Concerns: As issues or concerns about your student arise, parents and guardians are encouraged to communicate with those individuals closest to the issue.

Begin with the child’s teacher, then use campus resources such as a counselor, assistant principal and principal. Staff members in Coppell ISD want to partner with you and ask you to be inclusive of your campus personnel when seeking answers to your questions or sharing your concerns.

CISD Child Find: Coppell ISD is obligated to identify and evaluate individuals from birth through 21 years of age who may have a suspected disability that results in a need for special education services. This includes concerns related to physical development, vision, hearing, speech/ communication, social-emotional, learning disabilities, Autism and delays in overall development, including daily living skills. Please call Intervention Services for Child Find concerns at 214-496-6955.

Cover: Mockingbird Elementary students participate in the school’s annual Pinwheels for Peace Ceremony in fall 2017.

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• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

PUBLISHERS Scott & Kelly Murray EDITORS Jana Melton Steve Gamel Bobbi Byrne Emily Mitchell CONTRIBUTORS Coppell ISD Adam Bennett Naveen Boppana Mary Kemper Beth Robb Amanda Simpson Tammy Taylor ADVERTISING Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com PRODUCTION Art Director Lizeth Wallace Graphic Designers Alyson Modene Caroline Brock SUBMIT ARTICLE IDEAS Email communications@coppellisd.com to submit article ideas for future issues of this magazine.

SOCIAL MEDIA www.facebook.com/coppellisd www.twitter.com/coppellisd www.instagram.com/coppell_isd/ www.coppellisd.com/youtube

Published by Murray Media Group. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or the Coppell Independent School District.

Coppell ISD is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher and Coppell ISD. © 2019 Murray Media Group. www.Murray-Media.com

Get to

KNOW C O P P E L L I S D

CISD CABINET • Back row, from left to right: Kay Ryon, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent • Louis Macias, Executive Director of Facilities and Special Projects • Stephen McGilvray, Executive Director of Technology • Sid Grant, Associate Superintendent • Brad Hunt, Superintendent • Cody Koontz, Principal Representative • Joe McBride, Athletic Director • Tracy Cartas, Executive Director of Intervention Services. Front row, from left to right: Deana Dynis, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning • Dr. Angie Applegate, Assistant Superintendent • Kristen Streeter, Assistant Superintendent • Kelly Mires, Executive Director of Human Resources • Diana Sircar, Executive Director of Finance. Not Pictured: Laura Flynn, Principal Representative.

T

he Board of Trustees consists of seven members elected by voters residing within the district’s boundaries. Trustees serve three-year terms without pay. School Board elections are held annually. Vacancies occurring after the election may be filled by appointment until the next election is conducted. Following the annual election, the Board elects a president, vice president and secretary to serve for a one-year term.

Tracy Fisher Board President Place 7

David Caviness Vice President Place 5

Leigh Walker Secretary Place 1

Manish Sethi Member Place 2

Anthony Hill Member Place 3

Thom Hulme Member Place 4

Nichole Bentley Member Place 6

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

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INTERVIEWS T

he interviews below were conducted by

with our Superintendents

SID GRANT

ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT How long have you been with CISD and what positions have you had with the district?

I have been with Coppell ISD for 21 years. I have been an Assistant Principal at CMS North and Coppell High School. After that, I was the Director of Purchasing in the Business Office. Then, I became the Assistant Superintendent for Business and Support Services. My current role is Associate Superintendent.

What do you like best about working for CISD? I love working with our amazing educators and students who are passionate about teaching and learning. It is truly the people (and how well they work together) that make an educational system great.

Why did you want to work in the field of education?

I had a great experience growing up and attending a public educational system.

Thus, I wanted to be able to give back to the community and help students become lifelong learners.

Where would you go for your dream vacation?

I would love to tour the pyramids of Egypt.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

I have many flavors I love, yet Pecan Pralines and Cream is probably my favorite.

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• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

Did you play any sports growing up?

If so what?

I played a lot of tennis and golf. I was never that great at them, but had a lot of fun doing so.

7th grade students from our three middle school yearbook teams.

What do you like best about working for CISD? I love the people and the relationships that I have built with educators, staff, learners and all of the families.

Why did you want to work in the field

Interview conducted by Landen Murry, a 7th grade student at Coppell Middle School West. Her favorite ice cream flavor is coconut.

of education?

I love helping others and wanted to do something in life where I was able to make an impact each day that I came to work.

If you were stranded on an island alone, what three things would you bring with you and why?

DR. ANGIE APPLEGATE

I would bring matches, a fishing net, and a knife/spear. I would bring these items so I could be warm and catch food.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

What did you hear: Yanny or Laurel?

How long have you been with CISD and what positions have you had with the district?

I have been with Coppell ISD for 19 years. Prior to my current role, I served as the Principal of Town Center Elementary for seven years. I also served as Town Center’s Assistant Principal and taught fourth and fifth grade at the school. Prior to that, I was a Technology Integration Specialist for Town Center and the original Lee Elementary. I began my CISD career by teaching second grade at Lakeside Elementary.

know what other people are thinking.

Yanny.

If you could choose one superpower to have, what would it be and why?

The power to read minds, so I could always

Interview conducted by Coppell Middle School North 7th grade students Riddhi Akhilesh and Hana Sawaf. At Riddhi’s old school in India, she took an archery course for a year and won third place in an archery competition. Hana has her scuba certification and goes scuba diving every Christmas.

KRISTEN STREETER

Why did you want to work in the field

If you could have any other job than the one

of education?

you have now, what would it be?

I am passionate about making sure all

Returning to being a middle school teacher.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

children have the opportunity to learn and

Middle school can be hard for students,

If you could travel to any place in the world

opportunity to be in the classroom with

How long have you been with CISD and what positions have you had with the district?

I was hired as the Executive Director of Human Resources in 2015, and in August 2017 became an Assistant Superintendent.

where would it be? Why?

students on a daily basis again.

What do you like best about working for CISD? The people — students, parents, educators, and community work together to make decisions that are best for all students.

become the best version of themselves possible. I believe education is the key to opening up the future for all.

as they learn to navigate becoming young adults. I really enjoy working with these students and would welcome the

Italy, because I have seen pictures and heard wonderful stories about its beauty and rich history. Italian food is also my favorite type of food, and I would like the opportunity to enjoy it in an authentic way.

Interview by Payton R. Hoenig, a 7th grade student at CMS East.

As a kid, what did you want to be

Payton would like to travel to the

growing up?

Bahamas, because “I have seen

When asked this question as a child, I

beautiful pictures, and it would

always responded I wanted to be a mom. I

be a memorable opportunity in a

am blessed to have this dream come true, as I have a wonderful son and daughter. With

beautiful country!”

this life-long love of kids, it's not surprising I became an educator when I did grow up!

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

7

WE VALUE COLLECTIVE ENGAGEMENT THAT POSITIVELY IMPACTS THE LIVES OF OUR CHILDREN AND OUR WORLD.

WE VALUE AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS. WHEN WE INVEST IN EACH OTHER WE LEARN AND FLOURISH.

WE VALUE EACH INDIVIDUAL’S CONTRIBUTION BECAUSE SUCCESS CAN BE DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE.

WE VALUE GREAT TEACHING BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IT IS KEY TO DEEP LEARNING.

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• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

STRATEGIC

DESIGN I

n November 2017, Coppell ISD kicked off a Strategic Design effort. We knew it was

time to redefine what we stand for at CISD, ensure we were focused on the right things, and design and align our work in a way that is relevant to our CISD community. Simply, it was time to design the next chapter of the CISD story.

The first phase of the process was to listen

at CISD. This collaboration was invaluable and singlehandedly drove our work. We thank our community for the many hours spent to make this a success.

When we share these Core Values with our collective CISD community, we are even more confident we are moving in the right direction as that sharing has been met with affirmation, appreciation, and excitement about where we are headed. We look forward to advancing our Strategic Design effort over the coming months and years, as we continue

to our stakeholders, including our teachers

the hard work of aligning what we do today

and staff, current and former

to our new Mission and Core Values as well

students, current and former

as - again with our CISD community - identify

parents, and local businesses

new opportunities for each of us to fully live

and community members.

out the Values. There is still much work to be

Through this process, we heard

done, but we move forward with excitement

from and collaborated with

and passion for the future of CISD.

THE CORE VALUES YOU SEE ON THESE PAGES REPRESENT THE COLLECTIVE CISD COMMUNITY VOICE.

more than 4,000 individuals, which was the catalyst to define

our new Core Values and redefine our Mission

For more information about Strategic Design, please visit: www.coppellisd.com/strategicdesign.

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

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Endorsements Assist in

Registration 2019-2020

COMING SOON

W

ith every new school year, all new and current students must be registered and provide proof of residency to attend Coppell ISD schools.

Registration starts in the spring, so we encourage you to make note of upcoming key registration dates. Look for specific registration timing and other information for current students on school websites and email messages.

• Pre-K Registration for Eligible Students (April 2019) Note: Pre-K in Coppell ISD is a half day program. www.coppellisd.com/prek

FUTURE CAREER Planning

M

ost adults wish we explored areas of interest before we went to college

www.coppellisd.com/kindergarten

• Middle School Registration for Incoming 6th Graders (February/March 2019) • Middle School Registration for Incoming 7th and 8th Graders (February 2019) • High School Registration for Incoming 9th Graders (February-March of 8th grade) 8th grade Students will tour both CHS9 and New Tech High @ Coppell

seventh grade at CISD through their required

support our students by providing them with

iExplore course. This course is designed to

opportunities in K through 12 to explore their prepare them for whatever path they choose to take after they leave CISD. One of the ways CISD does this is by offering interesting and relevant coursework through Endorsements. An Endorsement is a sequence of courses that allows a student to learn more about a particular area of interest. House Bill 5 passed by the Texas Legislature during the 2013-2014 school year requires school districts to provide instruction to students in preparation for high school, college and career via Endorsements. All incoming ninth graders are required to select an Endorsement based on those interests and then complete a certain

provide students the opportunity to explore their personal passions, complete career interest inventories, and research colleges of their choice. Additionally, students are guided in the use of Naviance, a website for students and families to access online resources, communicate with school staff, and work on college and career readiness activities.

Course registration season occurs in early spring, when counselors will begin discussions with eighth graders about their options for high school. In addition to choices in their coursework, CISD is proud to offer a choice of two high school paths. We offer a traditional high school experience via the

number of courses to earn credit towards their

Coppell High School Ninth Grade Campus

chosen Endorsement through high school.

(CHS9) and eventually, Coppell High School,

The five Endorsement areas we offer at • High School Registration for Incoming 10th-12th Graders (January 2019)

to these Endorsement areas starting in

or pursued a career. Coppell ISD wants to

passions, affirm their areas of interest, and • Kindergarten Registration (March 2019)

and Multi-disciplinary. Students are introduced

as well as New Tech High @ Coppell. Both

CISD include Business and Industry, Public

paths offer many benefits and opportunities.

Services, STEM (Science, Technology,

We encourage all CISD families to learn more

Engineering and Math), Arts and Humanities,

about both options.

• Open Enrollment Registration for Eligible Students (those who live within the City of Coppell, but not in CISD boundaries - April 2019) • Online Registration for All Returning Students (Email - July 2019)

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• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

For information about Endorsements offered at CISD, please visit: www.coppellisd.com/endorsements For information about our high school campuses, please visit: www.coppellisd.com and click on “Select A School” For information about high school course registration, please visit: www.coppellisd.com/hscourseregistration

30 A C T I V I T I E S SCREEN-FREE

AT HOME • Write a letter to a friend or relative.

• Make baked goods and share them with a neighbor.

• Go through your closets and donate them to charity or a local rummage sale.

• Make crafts to give as gifts. Try new crafts.

• Make cards for holidays or birthdays.

• Wake up early and make pancakes.

• Paint a picture, a mural or a room.

• Start a diary/journal.

• Do a crossword puzzle or play Sudoku.

• Play chess, bridge, or checkers.

OUTDOORS • Plan a picnic or barbeque.

• Go bird watching. Learn the names of local birds.

• Walk the dog.

• Plant a garden.

• Take a nature hike.

• Watch the night sky through binoculars and identify different constellations.

• Do yard work.

• Go camping.

• Watch a sunset; watch a sunrise with a friend.

• Take photographs and then organize them into an album.

AROUND TOWN • Attend a community concert.

• Visit the library. Borrow some books.

• Visit a zoo.

• Attend a religious service other than your own.

• Go to a museum.

• Visit a local historic site.

• Go to a sports game.

• Go bowling.

• Explore downtown.

• Try a new restaurant.

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

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• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

SO, WHAT CAN PARENTS DO AT HOME? Engage with your children in shared time and activities. Get to know them and find out who they are as unique individuals in a stress-free setting.

SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES S

tudents today face many social and emotional concerns. Coppell ISD is fortunate to have a licensed psychologist, Dr. Paul Haggan, as a Crisis Intervention Coordinator, as well as two full-time Crisis Counselors, Sharron Thurlkill and Kelly Spears, to counsel and assist students and staff. Sharing the problems students are dealing with, and the ways this team is helping families, is an important part of the CISD story.

According to Dr. Haggan, stress, sadness, anger, depression, the realization that dreams are not being fulfilled, and competition in academics are some of the most common issues students deal with daily. Those who struggle with these can be likely to search for ways to cope, including high-risk behaviors, self-harming activities, and academic dishonesty.

These problems are not unique to teenagers. Dr. Haggan says many of our elementary students also exhibit signs of stress. “Anything that prohibits a child from learning is an area where our counselors can help.”

Helping students begins with identifying those who are struggling. Counselors receive

referrals from a myriad of sources including teachers, principals, even custodians and maintenance workers.

“All of our staff members are looking out for our students. A maintenance worker might notice a child who seems isolated and is always sitting alone in the hallway during lunch, not engaging with other students, and point it out to the counseling staff,” Dr. Haggan said.

Once a student is identified as one who could benefit from additional support, an assessment of their needs is made. Counselors create a strategic plan of multidisciplinary interventions that include support from classroom teachers, campus administration, and counselors.

A referral for medical therapy, special education support, or classroom accommodations might be made to assist a student. A variety of resources are also available for the family and Dr. Haggan, and his staff, often make home visits to offer assistance in ways they might help their child who is struggling. CISD counselors also interface with the courts in matters of truancy cases, or when there are issues of neglect or abuse.

Ask open-ended questions like, “Tell me about something you are proud of today,” or “Who did you help today?” and “What difference did you make today at school?”

Let them talk and LISTEN to their answers. Kids feel valued when they feel heard. Prepare teens to be independent after high school.

Let them brainstorm ideas to solve a problem with your assistance.

Encourage them to advocate for themselves.

Monitor your child’s friend group, and what they do in their free time. Be mindful of significant life transitions such as a break-up or disappointment like not making an athletic team, not getting a part in a school play, etc. Remind your children that disappointments are common in life, but they do not define you.

A major area of concern is the negative effects that increased social media use has on individuals.

A recent research study from the University of Pennsylvania shows a direct causal correlation between social media and increased levels of depression and loneliness. The “perfect” life portrayed through photos and posts often makes teens feel inadequate, lonely, and depressed. The recommendation from the study is to reduce reliance on social media.

CISD Student and Staff Services also provides resources through Parent University on topics such as bullying, substance abuse, digital citizenship, and suicide prevention.

For more information and Parent Toolkit resources, visit www.coppellisd.com/ studentservices.

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

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OUR STORY: FEATURING THE STUDENTS IN CISD

Elementary School

M

eet Pranav Krishnan. At the end of the 2018 school year, Coppell ISD asked students if they had any hidden talents to come to an audition. The Communications team was gearing up for Convocation, which takes place in the beginning of the school year for employees of the district. Convocation is a district-wide pep rally to inspire employees and get them ready for the upcoming school year.

This year’s event focused on the new CISD Core Values and featured students from all campuses performing and bringing these Values to life. CISD wanted to include as many students as possible in the event. Many students auditioned, but Pranav was a clear standout.

Pranav prepared a five-minute speech for his audition, which was flawless. He was poised and articulate and drew the audience in like he had been saying it for years.

Pranav has been studying public speaking for several years, and it showed. His audition was such a huge success, he was asked to Emcee and introduce Superintendent Brad Hunt at Convocation. When Pranav welcomed the employees, the audience responded with huge eyes and jaws dropped to the floor. Pranav gave one remarkable speech after another. People still are talking about it. It would not be surprising to see Pranav on television, one day, giving his Inauguration Speech. This fifth grader from Valley Ranch Elementary is going to continue to make CISD proud, and we can’t wait to see what he’ll do next.

Middle School

M

eet Presley Koller. Presley is not your typical Coppell middle school student. He does a few things differently, including walking on four legs. Yes, Presley is a dog.

Presley is a service dog for Coppell Middle School North student Gabe Koller, who has Autism. Presley’s main goal throughout the day is to help Gabe become more independent and navigate around the building and community safely.

While Gabe is attending class, Presley is on the sidelines waiting just in case Gabe needs him. Presley is as much a part of the student body as Gabe. Coppell Middle School North wholeheartedly believes this. CMS North even took a school picture of Presley for the yearbook alongside the students. Gabe’s family is beyond thankful for CMS North and says Presley has been pivotal in allowing Gabe to adapt and be successful in middle school.

High School

M

eet Katelyn Canizares. Katelyn is a senior at the Coppell ISD choice high school, New Tech High @ Coppell. Katelyn was plugged into the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee and later was approached to join the student focus group for the district’s recent Strategic Design process. As part of this effort, she shared how important the Redefining Success Core Value has been to her.

Katelyn is never bothered by not getting a perfect score on a test or beating the students who sit next to her in class. She only wants to do her best and to know she walks away from an experience learning something. She never really finds her definition of success in grades, rather by trying her best. The goal for her is to learn something for which she has a passion.

Katelyn also is the president of the career student technical organization, DECA. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. This is a club, and she does not get a grade, yet she knows being a part of an organization like DECA builds character. Learning how to build and sustain a business is a priority for Katelyn and is her way of defining success.

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• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

Elementary School

STUDENTS

“I love Denton Creek Elementary because there are different people with different stories from different places.

If someone needs help, their friends are there to help them. Denton Creek has cool teachers and students who like to learn. I am Denton Creek and Denton Creek is me.”

— Georgia Reynolds, Denton Creek Elementary 5th Grade

"I love Cottonwood Creek because P.E. is awesome, I love Dr. Penny, my teachers, and my friends. Another reason is we do cool things in art.

We also get to vote on a class leader and I got to be on Colt Council."

— Wyatt Synowicki, Cottonwood Creek Elementary Kindergarten

“I love Austin Elementary because we get to learn in centers and play with our friends.”

— Avi Palaniandavan, Austin Elementary Pre-K

“I love Lee Elementary because kids are expected to be nice and kind. This is modeled by the staff. In the morning, staff greet us and say ‘hi’ when we get out of the car, which makes our day better and positive.”

— Neha Shivakumar, Richard J. Lee Elementary 4th Grade

“I love Pinkerton because all of the teachers and students are nice and kind, and because I’m always greeted with a smile!”

“I love Wilson because all the teachers are so nice and help us learn new things and give us good strategies.”

— Jahnvi Solanki, Pinkerton Elementary 3rd Grade

— Thania Stenta Somerfeld, Wilson Elementary 2nd Grade

“I love Mockingbird Elementary because a school by itself is just a school, but a school with a compassionate staff equals Mockingbird Elementary. Life at Mockingbird is the same as family.”

— Aneesha Bijja, Mockingbird Elementary 4th Grade

"I love Valley Ranch Elementary because all the teachers try to get their students to do their best.

They don't give up on any students."

— Gatik Raj, Valley Ranch Elementary 3rd Grade

"I love Lakeside Elementary because whatever you do, there's a kind student or teacher at your side."

— Keya Ramalingam, Lakeside Elementary 2nd Grade

“I love Town Center Elementary because the teachers are so nice. They help me learn. I can tell they love being teachers.”

— Grant Gollner, Town Center Elementary 1st Grade

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

15

for 86th Texas Legislative Session

T

he Coppell ISD Board of Trustees recently approved the district’s Legislative Priorities for the 86th Texas Legislative Session, which runs Jan. 9 to May 27, 2019.

These priorities revolve around the three themes of school funding, local accountability and control, and redefined assessment.

“These priorities are purposeful in terms of what best serves our kids, our community, and our taxpayers,” said CISD Board of Trustees President Tracy Fisher. “It also was important that our priorities be timely, simple and succinct as well as tie in with our Strategic Design Core Values.”

SCHOOL FUNDING CISD supports legislation that provides adequate and equitable funding for all public schools and revamps the state’s recapture (Robin Hood) program.

Coppell ISD believes: • School funding should be more simple and transparent to taxpayers; • State school funding should be restored to pre-recession (2011) levels, as has happened with other state agencies; • Suitable funding for mandated state 16

• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

requirements should be required (no unfunded mandates); such as collegeready assessments like the PSAT, SAT and ACT; • Chapter 41 districts should be allowed to claim transportation allotments as a credit against recapture; and • Financial support is needed for additional counseling services, mental health programs and other school safety initiatives.

LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONTROL CISD supports legislation that allows local accountability and control, and gives our locally elected school boards the flexibility to govern their school districts.

REDEFINED ASSESSMENT CISD supports a redefined assessment process, with multiple tools, that provides useful diagnostic data to gauge teaching and student learning.

Coppell ISD believes: • Meaningful local assessments are what our community values in assessing our students, parents, and teachers; • High-stakes, multiple choice tests should not be the primary measure of student achievement, educator effectiveness, or school and district performance; and • Our community should have a role in defining the measures that they deem important in assessing college and career

Coppell ISD believes: • School districts should be allowed to modify taxes within a voter approved tax range without calling for a local election, as cities and counties do; • School districts should have the flexibility to determine how to best use budget dollars for its needs; and • School districts should have the flexibility to develop comprehensive, communitybased accountability systems.

readiness and lifelong personal and professional success for our students.

The district’s Legislative Priorities are aligned with peer districts and state associations and organizations, such as the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards.

Visit www.coppellisd.com/legislative for details.

SPRING EVENTS January

April

JANUARY 10

JANUARY 22

Boundary Realignment Community Forum 6:30 p.m. CHS

Board Workshop on Boundary Realignment 6:30 p.m.

JANUARY 14

JANUARY 24

Regular Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.

District Honor Choir Concert for 5th and 6th Grade Students 7:00 p.m. CHS

JANUARY 16 Facebook Live on Boundary Realignment 6:30 p.m.

APRIL 17 New Tech Spring Fling 6:00 p.m.

APRIL 19 Weather Day (No School)

APRIL 22 Professional Development (No School)

APRIL 25 & 26 Vivace Show at CHS 7:00 p.m.

February

APRIL 29 Regular Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.

APRIL 30

FEBRUARY 7

FEBRUARY 18

Parent University: Exploring the Myths of Marijuana and Vaping 7:00 p.m.

Weather Day (No School)

FEBRUARY 15

FEBRUARY 25 Regular Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.

May

Professional Development (No School)

March

CHS Choir Spring Concert 7:00 p.m.

MAY 2 Kindergarten Round-Up Early Evening

MARCH 1 & 2

MARCH 11 - 15

CHS Theatre Performance of “Broadway Bound 30 in 60” 7:30 p.m.

SPRING BREAK

MAY 4 CISD School Board Election

MARCH 4 - 8

MARCH 25 Regular Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.

MAY 20

CISD Celebrates Texas Public Schools Week Check with your campus for Open House dates

(Times Vary by Campus)

Regular Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.

MAY 23 Last Day of School/ Early Release

MAY 24 For a complete list of events, visit www.coppellisd.com or your school’s calendar on its website.

You also can subscribe to several schools’ calendars on the CISD App. The CISD Athletics calendar is available at www.coppellathletics.net or via the CISD Athletics App. To foster relationships and celebrate each other, most elementary schools have Valentine’s Day parties, host Field Day sporting activities and other celebrations each year. Parents will be informed by teachers about these events and the participation requirements.

New Tech Graduation Irving Bible Church 3:00 p.m.

MAY 28 CHS Graduation UNT 3:00 p.m.

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

17

C I S D C E L E B R AT E S THE MANY CULTURES OF OUR COMMUNITY C

oppell ISD embraces and celebrates the diversity of our community, which includes more than 45 different languages spoken across the district. Throughout the school year, our campuses and district take opportunities to highlight the many cultures and backgrounds of our staff and students through cultural events at our schools, a commitment to building global competencies in our curriculum, our Dual Language Immersion program, and other practices.

These and other efforts are helping the district develop students who are prepared to live, lead, and thrive in today’s global society.

Many events at CISD campuses allow our students to showcase their talents to create, demonstrate, and even lead initiatives representing themselves and their

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• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

peers. Some specific examples include the CMS West Band playing the national anthem of India at a neighborhood Diwali celebration, Wilson Elementary School’s Día de Muertos display and presentations, schools’ holiday celebrations, and curriculum assignments. As early as Kindergarten, CISD students are asked to show pictures and give presentations about their family holiday traditions with their classmates, including sharing about a particular food from their culture. In addition, many campuses will host Culture Nights throughout the year.

Helping our students experience, respect, and celebrate other cultures while learning and growing from one another is a priority for CISD, and we are committed to celebrating global and diverse learning for all students.

Points of Pride Coppell ISD

CMS West received 2018 Texas Association of School Resource Officers Administrator of the Year Award

Coppell ISD has the Highest High School Graduation Rate (99 %) in Dallas County

Lakeside Principal Gema Hall is Region 10 President of the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association

In 2018, 92% of Coppell High School Graduates Attended Either a Four-Year or Two-Year College or University, with 34% of Those Attending Out-of-State Schools

CMS West Honor Winds Selected as “National Winner” in the Foundation for Music Education’s Mark of Excellence/National Band Honors Project

33 National Merit Semifinalists for 2018-19

“100” Score in the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) Ratings (Highest Possible Score) Richard J. Lee Elementary, New Tech High @ Coppell And Coppell High School are Apple Distinguished Schools for Three Consecutive Years

COPPELL HIGH SCHOOL WAS NAMED TO THE AP DISTRICT HONOR ROLL FOR 5 CONSECUTIVE YEARS Wilson Elementary School And Victory Place @ Coppell are National Great Expectation Schools

CMS North is a Model Professional Learning Community School for 2nd Consecutive Year

“A” Superior Rating from the Texas Education Agency in School Finance (Highest Possible Score) KCBY, the Student-Run TV Station at CHS,Won a National Emmy Award in 2018 Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

19

Your Bond Dollars at Work:

2016 BOND REACHES

HALFWAY MARK

Another completed 2016 Bond project is renovation to Coppell High School, which included updating athletic and physical education space, including locker rooms, and bathrooms to accommodate increased enrollment and update existing facilities which were more than 25 years old. Student safety also was enhanced at CHS, including the addition of a visitor kiosk at the front entrance of the campus and additional security cameras. Additional Fine Arts and common area renovations throughout the CHS campus will begin in 2019.

Other major Bond projects to be completed renovations and addition to the building, Coppell Middle School North improvements

C

oppell ISD has reached the halfway mark of the Bond referendum that was

approved by voters in May 2016 to address growth in CISD, especially from the southern portion of the district.

The 2016 Bond was developed by a Bond Oversight Committee consisting of a diverse group of 50 people within the CISD community. These parents, grandparents, business owners, teachers, and community leaders spent approximately six months working with district staff to analyze financial data and review construction, capital improvement, renovation, and technology needs. Today, a Bond Oversight Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the CISD School Board and CISD Administration to ensure project work remains faithful to the priorities and planning of the 2016 Community Bond Steering Committee.

Under Texas law, Bond dollars may only be used to pay for capital equipment or improvements such as new construction, renovation projects, furniture, library books, computers and network technology, school buses, and similar items. School district Bond dollars cannot be

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• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

used for recurring expenses, such as teacher and staff salaries or utilities.

Completed 2016 Bond construction and enhancement projects include the new Coppell Middle School West and the conversion of the existing CMS West building to the district’s new Coppell High School Ninth Grade Campus (CHS9), both of which welcomed students in August 2018.

The new CMS West is a 208,000 squarefeet, two-story facility and serves about 1,300 students. The building features innovative and collaborative learning spaces, indoor and outdoor learning environments, sustainable gardens for science projects, indoor and outdoor eating for students, two gyms, athletic and track facilities, solar tube lighting and reclaimed water for the property, and more.

CHS9 is the latest chapter in a historic building location that also served as the location of the original Coppell High School, in addition to the original CMS West. Building improvements added more than 100,000 square feet of new space to the facility.

CHS9 also features a new and innovative Career and Technical Education space, renovations to Fine Arts spaces, two new gyms, a renovated cafeteria and more.

and addition to the building, and completion of the district’s 11th elementary school, Canyon Ranch Elementary, which will welcome students in August 2019.

Most 2016 Bond projects have been completed on time and under budget.

Because of this and favorable market conditions in the first and second bond issuance, the CISD Board of Trustees voted to lower the district’s 2018-19 Debt Service Tax Rate by $.0172 to $.2905 in August 2018.

For the latest information on the CISD 2016 Bond and for a list of all Bond projects, visit www.coppellisd.com/construction.

(top photo) Grand Opening of CMS West (middle photos) Construction of Canyon Ranch Elementary School (far right top photo) CMS West Library (far right bottom photo) Grand Opening of CHS9

in 2019 include Coppell Middle School East

Parent Teacher Organizations Coppell ISD Education Foundation T

I

t has been said, “Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” This couldn’t be more true of our Coppell ISD volunteers.

“I am continually amazed at the generosity of time our parents, families, and business community offer CISD teachers and students,” said CISD Director of Community Engagement Tammy Taylor.

“Our community of individuals and teams consistently show up to support in a variety of ways, from putting together band props to working concession stands and behind-thescenes logistics support, financial donations, mentorship and coaching, and everything in between and beyond.”

“When we ask, this community always steps up and asks ‘how can we help?’”

One specific group of volunteers CISD wants to highlight are the campus Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs). While these organizations operate separately from the district, their sole existence is to support their campus community. From class parties to

book fairs to fun runs, as well as helping to communicate the important messages from our campuses and our district while delivering hospitality to our educators and staff, their impact is broad and wide. Simply put, there are many experiences and opportunities that wouldn’t exist at our schools without our PTOs. Parent volunteer involvement is key to the success of PTOs and CISD encourages families to support their campus PTOs. CISD’s Core Values reflect this, especially with the Value of Engagement, which states, “We value collective engagement that positively impacts the lives of our children and our world.”

CISD thanks all our wonderful volunteers for those obvious and not-so-obvious ways they support our students and our staff.

This district simply would not be what it is today without each and every one of them.

For more information about how you can “chip in” to the Mission of CISD, please visit www.coppellisd.com/chipin.

he Coppell ISD Education Foundation (CEF) is a dedicated organization that includes volunteers representing the community and businesses served by CISD. Their sole purpose is to support our staff and students by generating and distributing resources for educational, motivational, and innovative programs needed to meet the district’s mission of excellence in education.

CEF events and programs include two student camps, the Run to Fund, Super Stars, and an end-of-year Recognition Banquet. Additionally, one of the primary ways CEF supports CISD is through Classroom Grants efforts.

CEF has granted more than $1 million to date across all CISD campuses.

From supporting strings in elementary through ukulele programs to designing complex puzzles for an escape room to bringing designs to life using 3D printers, the impressive ideas for grants our educators develop and the financial support CEF provides are impressive and very much appreciated.

CISD is incredibly grateful for the hard work and passion CEF delivers for the benefit of the district, and we encourage you to learn more about how you can support and get involved in CEF. Visit coppellisdef.com for more information.

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

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Fine Arts at CISD F

rom Kindergarten through High School, the Fine Arts are an enriching part of the Coppell ISD curriculum and showcase the district’s commitment to a well-rounded education.

Elementary Schools All elementary school students take Art and Music and are offered the opportunity to develop their Creative Writing skills as they advance to upper-level grades. Their creative talents are displayed in school Art Shows, Choir Performances, School Musicals, and other venues. The CISD Vonita White Administration Building displays the artwork of our students year-round. Elementary students also have the opportunity to participate in the CISD Holiday Greeting Card competition, which is run through the Art classes at each elementary campus.

2018 CISD Holiday Greeting Card Contest Winner Uttalika Dutta (center).

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• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

Middle Schools Middle school students are able to choose a Fine Arts course or two as electives from the options of Art, Choir, Theatre, Band and Creative Writing. These classes also provide opportunities for our students to display and perform their talents at school, community venues and local, regional, and statewide competitions. Many of our middle school Fine Arts students and programs also receive state and national recognition for their work.

High Schools All CISD high school students have the opportunity to choose to take Fine Arts courses, some even at the Advanced Placement level.

These class options include AP Music Theory; Art; Band, which includes JV and Varsity Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Percussion, Symphonic and Concert Bands, and Color Guard; Choir, Theatre, Speech and Debate; the Lariettes Dance Drill Team; and Cheerleading.

Our Fine Arts high school students compete in Texas UIL 6A regional, area, and state competitions, as well participate in national contests.

These students consistently are recognized among the best in Texas and beyond.

Fall 2018 CISD

ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS These are a few of the many highlights from the Fall 2018 Athletics Season. For more CISD Athletic stories, visit: www.coppellathletics.net.

Girls Cross Country Wins 1st Ever State Championship The CHS Girls’ Cross Country team captured the 2018 UIL 6A State Championship, winning their first-ever state title for the program.

Kicker Adds Value on and off the Field Since 2010, NFL kickers average 61% in making 50-yard plus field goals. In 2018, CHS Cowboys kicker Caden Davis was a perfect 3-for-3. Two of his three 50+ yarders were game-winners in the final seconds.

Davis, who has committed to play at Texas A&M in 2019, dedicated his fall season to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps kids with cancer. Davis’ supporters pledged a dollar for each point he scored this season, and he has raised $4,644 for the organization.

Volleyball Coach Julie Price Celebrates 500th Career Win CHS volleyball head coach Julie Price won her 500th game Aug. 29. Price currently has 515 career wins with more than half at CHS.

University Interscholastic League University Interscholastic League sports offered at Coppell Middle Schools are: boys and girls basketball, boys and girls cross country, boys football, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls track and field, boys and girls tennis, and girls volleyball.

UIL sports offered at Coppell High School are boys baseball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls cross country, boys football, boys and girls golf, boys and girls soccer, girls softball, boys and girls swimming and diving, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls track and field, girls volleyball, and boys and girls wrestling.

Middle school athletes compete against the other two schools in Coppell and area middle schools.

Athletes from CHS9, CHS, and NTH@C compete together as one Coppell Cowboys and Cowgirls and play against other area schools.

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

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Educator Feature

MALACHI EWBANK learners share something about themselves or feelings that they might have on a topic.

“Building empathy is a big priority for me. It helps our classroom family establish a better understanding of where we are coming from. When kids are talking to someone across from them, you can see the emotions of complete joy, excitement,

M

alachi Ewbank has been teaching for 21 years in Coppell ISD at Cottonwood Creek Elementary. The 2007-2008 CISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, he taught fourth grade for eight years before educating fifth graders for the past 13 years. According to Ewbank, the biggest reason he enjoys working at Cottonwood Creek is the “relationships.”

“We are a family; We put relationships first,” he says. “The academics are important, because the relationships are built, and that is the best part for me for being here every day.”

Ewbank’s influence to become a teacher was a teacher.

“My high school coach and teacher was a phenomenal mentor for me. I was able to see what a positive role model looks like, and I knew I wanted to be a teacher since then. I experienced a lot of pointed discrimination in school as a child and knew I would never want another child to feel like that in school. When a child comes to school, it should be fun and engaging and should be about relationships.”

TEACHING BACKGROUND & PHILOSOPHY Originally from Glen Woods Springs, Colorado, Ewbank attended the University of Northern Colorado.

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• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

sadness ,or whatever it may be, is then He student taught overseas in New shared between two people who now Zealand through the UNC Laboratory School understand each other better.” program, which trains new teachers and tests MAKING AN IMPACT innovative educational techniques.

Each year the Distinguished Scholars His teaching methods include individual of the graduating classes from CISD learning plans tailored to the specific child, honor one of their former teachers at workshops, letting students make decisions the Academic Recognition Banquet. Amit based on their background knowledge, and SWIMAS, a fun learner driven Verma, a 2018 graduate, inquiry model to explore the “I cannot think of any honored Ewbank, as did natural world. award or anything that Goutham Kandru in 2012 Ewbank is involved in his compares to when and Lauren McCutchin students’ lives in ways beyond your former student is in 2008. teaching in the classroom. excited about something Kandru says, “Mr. Ewbank He organizes a biking club that happened in their pushed me to do my to teach safe riding and a life because of the absolute best while ensuring running club to encourage environment they were in.” that I enjoyed every minute healthy living. Years ago, he — Malachi Ewbank of it. He is very much the organized “Friday Football” to reason why I have developed play football and bond with a passion for learning.” students after school. This continues today.

Cottonwood Creek Elementary Principal, He also assigns nicknames to each of Dr. Andra Penny, when asked about Ewbank his students. says, “When I first interviewed Mal, I knew “When you get a nickname, it shows the he had a passion for children and teaching. world around you that there is some sort of He has spent his full teaching career at trust. I give them the nicknames based on Cottonwood Creek and has touched the lives something they like or their personality, and it brings us closer as a family.”

Ewbank has incorporated a “Safe Circle” concept into his classroom. In “Safe Circle,”

of hundreds of Colts! Not only do I have the utmost respect for him as an educator and colleague, I consider him a dear friend.”

R E D E F I N I N G Professional Learning In CISD B

ecause the educators in Coppell ISD are an invaluable commodity, and an investment in their learning is an investment in our students’

learning, Coppell ISD has identified one of the new Core Values as:

“We value GREAT TEACHING because we believe it is key to deep learning.”

The Coppell ISD Curriculum and Instruction Department is on a journey to redefine professional learning in the age of digital tools and on-demand information. Using the Learning Management System (LMS), called Schoology, professional learning is available to educators through blended or virtual experiences. Schoology conferences and Adobe Connect are used for synchronous meeting in multiple locations via webinars. Twitter chats and programs, such as Microsoft Teams, allow ongoing conversations centered on teaching and learning to happen in an efficient way. All of these digital tools and networking opportunities help connect our educators as members of a greater Professional Learning Community (PLC). Focused on results, this community of educators is committed to provide profound learning experiences for all students.

“While content at our fingertips, through webinars, podcasts, or other digital tools, can provide an ease of anytime, anywhere learning, we know there is truly no replacement for face-to-face conversations, feedback, and collegial support found in time spent together,” said Mary Kemper,

EDUCATOR SKETCHNOTES FROM A RECENT ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS ACADEMY.

Director of Mathematics.

This school year, CISD Curriculum Directors in the subjects of English/ Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies are offering professional learning experiences for a number of K-12 educators in CISD. In these learning experiences, groups of educators convene to experience and discuss best teaching practices, impactful instructional routines, and methods to reach all learners in their content area.

This type of collaboration is one of many ways professional learning is fostered as ongoing enrichment opportunities are provided to teachers.

Victory Place @ Coppell Educator Lauren Billingsley, Coppell Educator Kara McWilliams and Coppell High School Educator Paul Lidster participate in a panel discussion at a recent Secondary Mathematics Educator Academy in CISD.

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

25

2019 BOUNDARY I

REALIGNMENT

n advance of the second elementary school set to open in Valley Ranch in August 2019, Canyon Ranch Elementary, Coppell ISD will realign the school boundaries for the 2019-2020 school year. This necessary realignment will allow CISD to optimize student capacity at facilities while accommodating student growth in the southern portion of the district.

The goals for boundary realignment will be to provide balanced enrollment across all campuses, ensure efficient utilization of facilities, maintain the neighborhood school concept as much as possible, and minimize student movement or disruption.

ABOUT Coppell ISD

Timeline For Boundary Realignment • May 2018: Board workshop to discuss process and review timeline • July and August 2018: Individual meetings with Board members to seek general input • September 2018: Enrollment snapshot to demographer; seek community general input through district-wide questionnaire • October 2018: Start building models with demographer; Fall demographic update presentation to Board • October 16, 2018: Board Workshop • November 12, 2018: Board Workshop • December 10, 2018: Board Workshop • January 10, 2019: Boundary Realignment Community Forum, 6:30 p.m.

CHS9 Auditorium • January 16, 2019: Boundary Realignment Facebook Live, 6:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/coppellisd • January 22, 2019: Board Workshop on Boundary Realignment, 6:30 p.m.

• February 25, 2019: Board of Trustees to approve and adopt final Boundary Realignment proposal • March-May 2019: Inform community of changes and begin process of transferring student files, where needed, and acclimating students and families to new campuses 26

• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

For more information on boundary realignment visit www.coppellisd.com/realignment.

T

eaching students about sustainability helps them take responsibility for their actions and contribute to making our world a great place to live in the future. Plus it’s also fun!

“When we engage students in taking responsibility, they develop ownership and a sense of accomplishment,” said Dr. Linda Cook, CISD Director of Science and chair of the district’s sustainability committee.

“And, when we engage CISD students, they deliver with innovative solutions to local and global problems.”

The mission of the CISD Sustainability Committee is to embed sustainable practices within the culture of each school across the district.

CISD ‘GOES GREEN’ FO R S U STA I N A B I L I T Y

A few highlights of the ways CISD students and staff are supporting sustainability include: • Various students and campuses participate each year in the City of Coppell’s EarthFest event, where they showcase their broad range of sustainability efforts.

• In Spring 2018, Anjali Kopparati, a passionate Richard J. Lee elementary learner, took on a big cause to increase recyclable bags in her Lee community.

• More than just growing food that will used by CISD Child Nutrition, CISD Community Gardens are planting the seeds of knowledge that cross several academic disciplines. These gardens provide outdoor learning experiences in math, science, art, writing, and other hands-on learning opportunities. Plus, students get their hands dirty, which they enjoy!

• There are multiple Sustainability Teams across the district, and, most recently, the CMS East Sustainability Club raised money to fund a water well in Sudan.

Teaching our children about sustainability helps them learn about interconnection of the environment, society, and economy and prepares them to be responsible global citizens.

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

27

strong and something that wraps up the story.”

In her junior year at CHS, Gasparro joined the newspaper class, writing for the Sidekick.

“I remember lots of weekends and afternoons going to finish layouts

ALUMNI FEATURE:

of pages and editing,” Gasparro said. “I just knew

WALL STREET

as a high schooler that if I enjoyed doing that a lot in my free time, then it would

JOURNAL REPORTER

be something that I could see myself doing down

ANNIE GASPARRO

the road.”

Gasparro uses the close bonds she

CHS

by Sydney Rowe, a Junior at ekick Sid the and current reporter for student newspaper

has created with her teachers over the years to encourage herself to make the people that helped her reach this level in

A

s a kindergartener at Austin Elementary, Annie Gasparro was noticed for her affinity for writing.

Throughout her education within Coppell ISD, Gasparro was pushed and supported by her teachers to participate in various writing competitions.

Now a Wall Street Journal reporter focused on the food industry, Gasparro is writing front page articles alongside some of the most successful reporters in the world.

After attending CISD schools from elementary through high school, the 2003 Coppell High School graduate enrolled at the University of Oklahoma.

She majored in journalism, and after graduating, worked as a freelance writer for local newspapers. Gasparro was later noticed and recruited by the Wall Street Journal, and she currently works in its Chicago newsroom.

Gasparro has been a dedicated worker with a desire to learn since her early

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• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

school days. Her father, Frank Gasparro, identified her work ethic as early as second grade.

“She was coming home with all this homework, and my wife and I couldn’t imagine why this second grader would be getting all this homework,” Frank Gasparro said. “At our next visit with her teacher, we asked about the large amount of homework, and we learned they weren’t assigning it, Annie was just wanting to do homework.”

Today, Gasparro still utilizes some writing techniques she learned back in third grade.

This technique, although used in a different kind of writing and on a different level, still reminds her about an important aspect of her journalism job.

“I remember my teacher telling me on the standardized test that if we run out of time or room, we shouldn’t just make the character die,” Gasparro said. “That stuck with me because often with news stories you run out of time or space. I try to have the ending be something that’s really

her career proud.

When Gasparro was in the eighth grade, her English teacher, Sandy Mattox, submitted one of Gasparro’s stories to McDougal Littell publishing and her story was selected to appear as a student model in their new textbook, “The Language of Literature.” This is what encouraged Gasparro to get involved in writing in high school.

“Recently, I got an email from Ms. Mattox, who read my story from the Wall Street Journal. It was really cool and rewarding for me,” Gasparro said. “In the relationships with the teachers that I had, you could tell they took a lot of pride in the students, and there is a sense in me when I write to make these people proud. I want them to know I’ve taken their advice, and I’ve done something with it.”

Sydney Rowe

Sydney’s favorite article she’s ever written was her most recent one about how the Coppell cross country girls team won state: https:// coppellstudentmedia.com/83652/ sports/girls-cross-country-makesschool-history-with-first-state-title/.

A Farewell to Retired CF O Kelly Penny T

he new numbers in CISD Chief Financial Officer Kelly Penny’s life will be the

number of dogs she fosters, as she plans to continue her focus on pet adoption advocacy in her retirement.

Penny and her husband, David Tiffin, have fostered more than 30 dogs as DFW Rescue Me volunteers.

“I look forward to rescuing more dogs, having more time with my grandson, Colton, and playing golf with my husband in retirement,” Penny said.

Penny served as the CISD CFO since 2007, before retiring from the district in December 2018.

“It wasn’t surprising to see Kelly helping out at one of our elementary schools or serving in the cafeteria at Thanksgiving,” said CISD

Superintendent Brad Hunt. “She is a true advocate for public education and has a big heart for kids.”

Some of her recognitions include the International Association of School Business Officials Eagle Award Recipient, Superior Scores on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, and the Comptroller Transparency Award. Penny says her accomplishments are not because of her but rather due to an amazing team working alongside her.

“The Business Office at CISD and I believe school business in Texas is better off today because of Kelly Penny’s leadership,” said CISD Associate Superintendent Sid Grant.

Penny also received the Texas Association of School Business Officials highest honor, its 2018 Commitment to Excellence Award.

CISD received $3,000 because of Penny’s achievement, and she used the funds to purchase dog rescue and pet adoption books for each elementary school library in the district, ensuring her CISD legacy.

“Kelly Penny, we are proud of all your achievements and thank you for what you have brought to our district,” said CISD Board Trustee Thom Hulme. “We hope your retirement is everything you dreamed it would be, and you will be greatly missed.”

Winter/Spring 2019 • COPPELL ISD OUR STORY •

29

Recipes!

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper for best results.

C

oppell Middle School East 6th grade student Issi Neufeld was a contestant on Season 5 of the Kids Baking Championship on the Food Network. On the show, she baked "Cowboy Cookies."

Issi’s “Cowboy Cookies” INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 Cups creamy or chunky peanut butter 1 Cup packed light brown sugar 1 Cup granulated white sugar 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature 3 large eggs 1 Tbsp. vanilla 4 1/2 Cups quick cooking oats 2 Tsp. baking soda 1 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 Cup M&M's plain chocolate candies

2. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter with sugars and butter. Use an electric mixer to mix until well combined. Mix in the eggs and vanilla. Mix in the oats and baking soda. Stir in the chips and M&M's.

3. Drop the cookies by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets. To make your cookies look Pinterest® ready, finish off by placing a few extra M&M's and chocolate chips on each mound of dough before baking.

4. Bake 10-12 minutes. Do not overbake, cookies will firm up after cooling. Cool for 5 minutes on cookie sheet until cookies are set. Transfer to wire racks; cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

R

ecipes below provided by Chef Helen Duran, the Coppell ISD Culinary Trainer. Her responsibilities include influencing the CISD Child Nutrition menus and making the recipes more healthy for students.

INGREDIENTS (Yield: 6 Portions) 2 ½ Tsp. Brown Sugar 2 Tsp. Water ½ - ¾ Cups Fresh Orange Juice 3 Oranges, washed

Colombian Chuyaco Orange Salad

1 ½ Tbsp. Green Onions, 2-3 onions Pinch Red Pepper Flakes Salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Mix the brown sugar and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add the orange juice.

2. Cut a thin slice off the stem and blossom ends of the orange. Then slice the oranges in thin slices. You should get 4-5 slices from each orange.

3. Peel, wash and thinly slice the green onions.

4. Mix the orange juice mixture the green onions and the red pepper flakes. Toss with oranges and let sit for at least 15 minutes.

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• COPPELL ISD OUR STORY • Winter/Spring 2019

Drinking Chocolate INGREDIENTS (Yield: 5 - 6 oz. Portions) 4 Cups Milk 1.25 Cups Chocolate Chips (the best quality the better, but Nestle is okay)

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat the milk over medium heat until it simmers.

2. Add the chocolate and stir well. It will look like it is not coming together; keep stirring.

3. Let rest 5 minutes.

4. Add a little heat if necessary.

5. Serve hot.

TEACHER

OF THE YEAR

E

ach year, Coppell ISD recognizes the excellence in teaching that exists in the district through participation in the Teacher of the Year awards program. Aligned with the state and national level programs, this honor is awarded to one outstanding educator at each school. During the spring semester, campus Teachers of the Year will be judged and one Elementary and one Secondary District Teacher of the Year will be selected to advance to the Region 10 competition.

C ongratulations to the C oppell ISD 2018-19 Campus Teachers of the Year.

Natalie Harvey, Austin Elementary Meghan Tidwell, Cottonwood Creek Elementary Angela Knipe, Denton Creek Elementary Kelly Fischer, Lakeside Elementary Samira Khan, Richard J. Lee Elementary Mary Johnson, Mockingbird Elementary Narda Holguin, Pinkerton Elementary Courtney Rice, Town Center Elementary Paige Koester, Valley Ranch Elementary Raquel Cantu, Wilson Elementary Debra Nickell, Coppell Middle School East Brooke Horn, Coppell Middle School North Shelby Otway, Coppell Middle School West Brian Hussey, New Tech High @ Coppell Cathy Douglas, Coppell High School Ninth Grade Campus Melissa Murray, Coppell High School

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Campus PI C T U RE S