Decatur Impact - Spring 2018

SPRING 2018

Impact

Decatur High Delivers on the

read more on page 36

The Official Magazine of the Decatur Independent School District

National Merit Finalists

DECATUR’S

DYNAMIC DUO D

ecatur ISD is proud to announce that two

demonstration of leadership abilities, and honors

high school seniors, Madison Kyle and Katie

and awards received. National Merit Finalists must

Wunrow, were recently named finalists in the

have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed

National Merit Scholarship Program. Decatur

and recommended by a high school official, write

High School and Decatur

an essay, and earn SAT scores

ISD are extremely proud

that confirm the students’

of the hard work and

performance. On their initial

dedication that Madison

PSAT, Madison missed only

and Katie have shown. To

two questions, while Katie

be named National Merit

incorrectly answered

Finalists is a tremendous

only one.

accomplishment.

This duo hopes

“We are honored to

that being finalists will

be their administrators

open up many college

and thankful to Katie

opportunities for them.

and Madison’s teachers and parents for the guidance they have shown

Both are still weighing photo courtesy of Richard Greene

them throughout their

their college options.

As far as majors go,

educational careers,” said DHS Administrator

Madison is considering studying to be a

Debbie Boatright.

chemical engineer. Katie is torn between

To become a finalist, semi-finalists and their

business, economics, computer engineering

high schools must submit a detailed scholarship

and computer science. They represent the top

application in which they provide information

15,000 – that is the top 0.5% - of the nation’s

about the semi-finalists academic record,

high school graduates. Congratulations to Katie

participating in school and community activities,

and Madison and their families!

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

3

DECATUR

BOARD OF

TRUSTEES The Decatur Board meetings are scheduled on the third Monday of each month in the Board Room of the DISD Administration Building located at 307 S. Cates, Decatur, TX 76234. Please check the DISD website for specific meeting dates. Our Board of Trustees meet in closed session at 6:00pm. Open session starts directly after the closed session is complete for regular board meetings.

Time is allotted each month for public comments.

For additional information, please contact the Superintendent’s office at 940.393.7100.

GET TO

KNOW Decatur ISD Dr. Judi Whitis Superintendent

Wade Watson Board President

Matt Joiner, PhD Vice President

Jennifer Wren Member

Kevin Haney Member

4

Cindy Tatum Chief Financial Officer

Meradith Culpepper Director of Human Resources

Mike Fuller Athletic Director

April Whisenant Director of Special Programs

Dewayne Tamplen Principal McCarroll Middle School

Lee Ann Farris Principal Carson Elementary

Kaci Cook Principal Rann Elementary

Lana Coffman Principal Young Elementary

Troy Bagwell Director of Information Technology

John Knowles Director of Facilities

Stephanie Quarles Director of Curriculum

Holly Fuller Director of Communications

Cheri Boyd Secretary

Rex Hoskins Member

Marsha Hafer Member

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

DISD in Review HERO Hometown

Community

C

“

D

ISD was established in 1913 and has

here on Eagle Drive. In 2006 the 5th grade

educated Decatur children in many

joined the 6th grade on this current campus.

different places. Our current building campuses have housed a great deal of history. Following is a quick glimpse at some of our information we have gathered.

Rann Elementary: Opened as “Decatur Elementary School” in 1992. This moved K-4th grades to this campus. When Carson opened in 2000 Decatur Elementary became Rann Elementary.

Carson Elementary: Established as our second elementary school campus in 2000.

Young Elementary: Became our third elementary school campus in 2010.

McCarroll 7th and 8th Campus (Thompson Drive): Opened in 1972 as our high school campus. When DHS opened in 2006 it became our 7th and 8th grade campus.

Decatur High School: Opened in 2006 for grades 9-12.

Administration Building: Built by the Works Progress Administration in 1938-1939 this building has been the home for everything from our

ommunity” is one of our five ~Core Values~ Dr. Whitis and her leadership team set out for this year.

Mr. Coy O’Neal is what “community” is all about. For 70 years he has been the Decatur Eagle’s #1 fan on the sidelines of football games and in February he fell and broke his femur. He is currently recovering and in rehabilitation hoping to return home soon.

As soon as he was out of surgery, he asked if he could have a new letter jacket with “70” on it... why YES! That is exactly what our Superintendent, Dr. Whitis, and Athletic Director, Coach Fuller, made happen!

Fuller and Whitis rallied a few former Eagle Head Football coaches and they presented Coy with his new letter jacket.

Coach Bobby Actkinson (1976-1992), Coach Gary Prescott (1997-1998), Coach Fuller (2014-present) and Coach Story (1999-2014) was so sad to send last-minute regrets as he had planned to be there but became ill the afternoon we were presenting.

We are honored to have Coy O’Neal sporting his new Decatur Eagle letter jacket. Now, Coy, our entire COMMUNITY is sending wishes for you to get well soon!

intermediate campus, to a 7th and 8th grade campus, home of Weatherford College Wise

McCarroll 6th Campus

County, a church met here, and

(Eagle Drive): Opened in 1983

one of the homes for DHS!

as the 6, 7, and 8 grade campus.

When DHS moved to its current campus

...if our facts are a little out of order,

in 2006, the 7th and 8th grade moved to

please help set us straight! Email info to:

Thompson Street and 6th grade stayed

communications@decaturisd.us Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

5

TABLE OF

Decatur High School

03 Decatur’s Dynamic Duo

32 School Update from the DHS Administrators

36 Decatur High Delivers on the American Dream

ON THE COVER RANN

Emma Gonzalez • Lane Plummer • Collin DoByns Christian Luna • Lainee Reed

YOUNG

Jaicee Stauffer • Joey Stauffer • Jessi Stauffer Kinsler Houchin • Maddyx Coffman

CARSON

Jonah Infante • Logan Griffin • Addison Pavelka Valeria Aguilar • Ben Bond

Carson Elementary

08 Greetings from Carson Elementary

10 Kindergarten Roundup

10 Virtual Reality Sessions

Rann Elementary

10 Kindergarten Roundup

14 Greetings from Rann Elementary

Young Elementary

10 Kindergarten Roundup

18 Young Elementary Growing Together

40 Flamenco Dancers: Viva España

40 Decatur High School Theater

41 Choir Update

42 High School Schedules

44 Regal Eagle

45 Decatur FFA

46 DHS Baseball: New Beginnings

District News

ADVERTISING Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com PRODUCTION Art Director Lizeth Wallace Graphic Designers Stephanie Hansen Caroline Brock Letters Decatur Impact welcomes reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

04 Get to Know Decatur ISD

05 DISD in Review

05 Hometown Hero Community

07 A Message from the Superintendent

11 2018-2019 District Calendar

12 Meet Our New Superintendent

Contact Us

16 Upscale Sandwiches Coming Soon

20 Single Sign On to Make Life Better

22 Facilities Update

26 Decatur Band

Editorial and advertising inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email your photos, stories, student spotlights and suggestions to artwork@murray-media.com

by August 30, 2018 for your chance to be featured

27 New Campus: Decatur Intermediate

28 Teachers of the Year

29

31 Say Hello to Our New Transportation Director

34 Athletic Director: The Eagle Way

27

38 Education Foundation Builds Strong Roots to Give Powerful Wings

30 Choir Tradition of Excellence

Address: 3513 Yucca Drive, Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028

Summer Athletic Camps

24 Making a Positive Difference

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

CONTRIBUTORS Holly Fuller Decatur ISD

04 Decatur Board of Trustees

6

EDITORS Jana Melton Steve Gamel

McCarroll Middle School Fine Art Program

PUBLISHERS Scott & Kelly Murray

35 Meet the New Head Coaches

44 Decatur ISD Athletic Wall of Fame

Published by Murray Media Group. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or the Decatur Independent School District. Decatur Impact 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. © 2018 Murray Media Group. www.Murray-Media.com

A Message

from The Superintendent

O

ne hundred and forty-four school

are but five examples of literally thousands

students’ learning; hence Decatur Intermediate

days ago, I relocated from Valley Mills,

of large and small steps that educators and

Campus was born as our new 5th and 6th

Texas to Decatur to take the helm as DISD

students have made to transform our goals

grade home.

Superintendent. After learning one of the best

into a reality.

places in town for a delicious meal (Whistle Stop) and routes I can take for my early morning runs through the quiet streets of town, my first order of business was to set goals for the faculty and teachers of DISD and put these goals into motion.

We began with a leadership retreat for a group of principals and administrators back in July. For two days at MD Resorts in

Commitment to Excellence:

Relationships: We selected two students from each grade 6–12 to represent

When I initially learned about the “Live

their peers on our “Superintendent Student

Thankfully” initiative, led by Dr. Dan Mallory’s

Advisory Council.” This group of 14 students

Orthodontist office, I knew this was something

and I have grown this year, not only in

we would love to support. What I didn’t know

learning teamwork and ways to improve their

was how our staff and students would show

respective campuses but also in building true

such overwhelming involvement.

Community: Meeting with our local

relationships with each other.

As I said, these are just a handful of examples of the power of goal setting and,

Aurora, Texas, this group of 18 educators and

Pastors; Texas Association of School Board

more importantly, the responsiveness of our

I worked on a set of priorities that would be

(TASB) Business Recognition awards at Board

faculty and students. In my view, we have not

the guiding light for DISD. We streamlined

of Trustee meetings; touting our DHS National

simply met our core values, we have

these priorities into one goal: “Expect the

Merit Finalists; speaking at Association of

exceeded them.

Best” and set down five core values:

Retired Teachers luncheon; administrators

I am so proud to be part of an Eagle family

stocking shelves and shopping for our “Eagle

that “Expects the Best” and delivers. I look so

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

Pantries” at MMS and DHS.

forward to seeing what the 2018-2019 school

COMMUNITY

school year by meeting face-to-face with staff

HIGH EXPECTATIONS OPPORTUNITIES RELATIONSHIPS Now, nine months later, I am proud to share with you how these values have manifested themselves in our daily lives at DISD. Here

year will bring.

High Expectations: We started off the members on each campus for “roundtable” discussions to share our high expectations

Expect the Best,

Judi Whitis

with each other.

Opportunities: Along with our Board of Trustees, we worked diligently to understand the long-term implications of our growth. We

Dr. Judi Whitis Superintendent, Decatur ISD

searched for the best solution to make use of existing facilities and positively impact our Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

7

Greetings from

Carson Elementary

by Lee Ann Farris, Principal

A

t Carson Elementary, we are on a mission to build tomorrow’s leaders through our authentic learning opportunities, high expectations, and the emphasis on building relationships with our community. We strive to instill in our students the desire to help each other be better people and push each other towards excellence. At Carson, we desire for each student to “Be the One” that can make an impact on another person’s life positively.

Teachers at Carson plan authentic learning experiences through hands-on learning, technology integration, and tapping into student interests. Students truly do receive learning that cannot be contained within the four walls of a classroom. Carson’s staff is committed to being present for students and their needs, as well as working to ensure all students show personal and academic growth in a safe and supportive environment.

Leaders are not only asked and able to perform academically,

but they also become productive members of the house communities at Carson. Each class is a member of one of the communities which are Achievers, Believers, Creators, and Thinkers. Each house name was chosen so that it is a constant reminder of one of the assets that leaders possess. Each house competes for the House Cup every six weeks and can earn points for their house by being responsible for turning in homework, earning coins by showing acts of kindness to others and attending school events. This has fostered a healthy competition between houses as each student wants their community to win the House Cup. Through the communities, all students are learning how to be a contributing member of their community, and are learning that each student counts and striving for excellence are rewarded.

Carson is an inclusive community of learners. At Carson, we have varying

student needs and abilities on campus, and those differences are celebrated. The special needs students at Carson are seen around campus frequently and are included in the learning in classes, programs, and rotation classes. Each of these students brightens our days with their smiles, and all students are willing to help them be successful on campus.

These students allow us all to learn about differences and the need to accept and love others who may be different than us which helps make Carson a better community.

As we conclude the 2017-2018 school year, we will be working diligently in academics and will continue to strive to show good character towards others that is essential to being an effective leader. It is our wish that all students who walk the halls of Carson learn to “Be the One” who can be a leader in showing compassion, working hard, and striving for excellence. What students learn at Carson will last them a lifetime. As our 4th and 5th-grade students prepare to go to another campus next year, we want them to remember the qualities that make them a Carson leader.

Carson Elementary Principal Lee Ann Farris

Carson Elementary School 2100 US-287 BUS, Decatur, TX 76234 (940) 393-7500 • www.decaturisd.us/carson

8

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

Carson Calendar of Events April 16-19 5th Grade Going to Sky Ranch April 19 Report Cards Come Home April 26 4th Grade Austin Field Trip April 27 Last Day to Order Yearbooks May 1 5:00-6:30 pm Kindergarten Round Up May 8 Progress Reports Come Home Our Destination Imagination team competes and wins the “Liveliest Performance” award!

May 11 Carson Field Day/ Punt-Pass-Kick May 11 Last Day For AR Tests May 14 STAAR Testing - 3rd & 4th Reading and 5th Retest Reading May 15 STAAR Testing - 3rd & 4th Math and 5th Retest Math May 15 1:30 pm AR 100 Club Dance Party May 16 STAAR Testing 5th Grade Science

We had 84 students in grades 3-5 that participated in the “Read 5 and Decide” Bluebonnet Books Voting Party. We loved celebrating these readers.

May 18 AR Carnival for Those Who Met Grade-Level Goal May 21 1:30 pm Kinder End of Year Celebration May 22 8:15 am Third Grade End of Year Awards 9:00 am Fourth Grade End of Year Awards 9:45 am Fifth Grade End of Year Awards 1:15 pm Carson Talent Show May 23 8:15 am First Grade End of Year Awards

Dr. Whitis, Superintendent, had lunch with some of our #CarsonStars and discussed the latest Carson news!

Our 5th-grade team: Morgan Willingham, Brooklynn Stapleton, Becky Lyles, and Penny Sessions, welcomed Carson families to open house in March!

9:15 am Fourth Grade End of Year Awards May 24 Last Day Of School/Class Parties/ Report Cards Come Home

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

9

C

ome tour the school, meet the kindergarten teachers, and enroll your child in kindergarten.

Students will register at their home campus, however, if you are not sure which school is yours, come by any of the schools and office personnel will help determine this by viewing the district map or call the district before enrollment, 393-7100.

VIRTUAL REALITY SESSIONS

Things to Bring • Student • Birth Certificate • Current Shot Record • Guardian Drivers License • Proof of Residence (current electric bill) We look forward to seeing you!

W

hen Mrs. Sessions first learned about “Google Expedition’s Virtual

Reality” she began dreaming about how her students could learn from educational “field trips” outside of Wise County, without leaving the classroom. Google Expedition is a virtual- reality teaching tool. You can swim with sharks, visit outer space, walk through a museum, and more all from right here at Carson Elementary in Decatur, Texas. She learned there are close to 500 expeditions

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• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

available and more in development. She only had one problem, this kit costs almost $10,000 for a classroom set.

Meanwhile, Devon Energy has been sowing seeds of learning and loving science in their community’s local schools. They set up a grant program each campus can apply for, “Science Giants.” This year they awarded Carson teacher, Penny Sessions grant application the full $10,000 for an entire classroom set of the virtual reality goggles!

Our students have flourished using this new and amazing technology! There are over a million students across the US who are now able to learn by ‘visiting’ places they will likely never travel to in person. But now, thanks to Devon Energy, our 5th graders at Carson are truly bringing their classroom lessons to life!

2018-2019 DISTRICT CALENDAR

2018 2019

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

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MEET OUR NEW Y

ou have heard big things come in small packages, right? While our new superintendent, Dr. Judi Whitis, may be a mere 5’1” in stature, she stands as tall as a giant in our student’s and staff ’s hearts and minds.

From the moment she arrived, she has been on the move getting to know, work with, and listen to our students and staff, and it has been a positive transition!

She had her leadership team brainstorm “Core Values” for the upcoming year at a “Leadership Retreat” in the summer. She walks out these core values with her leadership every day and expects each employee to do the same. Dr. Whitis knows leadership is set by example, and her pace is second to none.

CONVOCATION Dr. Whitis wouldn’t think of her inaugural introduction to all 450 DISD staff without incorporating students! She said,“Aren’t they what we are all here for? We must see if they can join us!” From having senior athlete and leader, Braxton Roth, officially introduce her, the Big Blue Marching Band and cheerleaders perform, FFA and Class Officers with roles, she quickly sent the message - she wasn’t just “Expecting the Best” - our new district theme - she was giving her best.

CORE VALUES • COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE • COMMUNITY • HIGH EXPECTATIONS • OPPORTUNITIES • RELATIONSHIPS

LUNCH WITH STUDENTS

DISTRICT PROFILE

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

She regularly shares lunch with students at Elementary Campuses

She has rolled out a “District Profile” to share an overview of DISD on our website

She believes in communicating with staff face-to-face as often as possible, and when face-to-face is not ideal, she emails them first to enhance communication and build trust. Her order of notification is always Board of Trustees, Staff, Students, and Parents, Community.

12

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Judi Whitis

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION Research shows happy employees are 20% more productive. Employees who feel appreciated are 33% more likely to innovate. Employee Recognition increases employee retention and they are 2X more engaged after they are intentionally recognized. This in mind, Dr. Whitis writes a note every six weeks to staff to say, “Thank you. Your efforts are appreciated and recognized.” She has given employee appreciation gifts from small “Excellence” bags with candy to a hot chocolate bar for the afternoon and a small bag of popcorn. But the overall feeling of being appreciated by your boss has been invaluable.

BUSINESS AWARD

STUDENT CABINET

EAGLE PANTRY

She has implemented a Texas Association of School Board (TASB) “Business Recognition” formal award to be given at School Board meetings to local businesses who strongly support DISD. We are so grateful to have a community who supports our school!

She continues with her “Superintendent’s Student Cabinet” meetings each month with 14 students from MMS and DHS who share teamwork and leadership challenges, open discussions, and lunch.

For a leadership staff holiday party, she was sure to incorporate community service as this team worked to pick up, plan, and stock shelves for our “Eagle Pantries” at our middle school and high school campuses for students in need.

BASEBALL TEAM HOSTS ATHLETES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

BOARD APPRECIATION For Board appreciation month, she hosted a dinner for Trustees and their family members and had the DHS “Show Choir” perform.

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

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Greetings From

Rann Elementary

by Kaci Cook, Principal

W

hat an exciting year it has been already. It’s hard to believe the

2017-18 year is coming to a close, and we are already preparing for next year. Rann Elementary students have pushed themselves this year to achieve more than ever. Recently, during the Olympic games, teacher and students completed a Going for Gold technology challenge. Parents were able to see green screen creations, iMovies, and QR codes in action at open house.

Our teachers collaborated and competed with

with veterinarians, local businesses, authors,

other teachers across the United States. This

and other experts in diverse professional

event fostered a global exchange of ideas and

fields. I’m always amazed by the questions

allowed students to explore in new ways.

students ask and the conversations taking

Rann teachers strive to go beyond the walls of the classroom to make learning

above and beyond to give students amazing

relevant and interesting to the students.

learning opportunities.

This year every grade level has experienced numerous distance-learning connections 14

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

place. Rann teachers are always going

A new club that the rotation team has started this year is the Mileage Club. Students

We Love when Our Community Joins Us on Campus.

Please Join Us at the Following Events as We Finish Out the Year: April 27th Family Picnic for Grades 3, 4, and 5 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm are setting fitness goals and strive to reach

board members. They were impressed to see

those throughout the month. One day a

the work our English students were doing in

month they run for distance. Kids can reflect

Spanish, and what our Spanish students were

on their goals and set new ones if needed.

doing in English.

Our 5th-grade social studies teacher has

Rann Elementary is proud to house the

placed a U.S. map in the hallway where kids

bilingual program for the district. Our kids

are tracking their cross-country journey using

thrive in a multicultural environment and

their total miles logged from each run. Kids

learn how to appreciate new traditions and

are proud to see how far they have traveled

celebrate each other. In March, our students

from Decatur. This cross-curricular project

competed against Bridgeport in the 2nd

incorporates the geographical TEKS such as

Annual Bilingual Spelling Bee. This is an event

map scale, landforms, historical markers in

we hope to continue as our two-way Dual

areas they visit, and many others. This project

Language Program continues to grow.

allows kids to explore Google Maps and

Rann Elementary is a school where every

Google Earth while determining the next stop

student in every classroom is challenged and

on their journey. At the end of the year, their

feels confident, loved, safe, and successful in

expedition will be completely documented in

learning. Our teachers are a genuine, creative

Google Slides.

family that cares about the future of our

One campus goal this year has been to increase our writing opportunities. Students

students. Every day, students and staff leave feeling accomplished and knowing they matter!

May 4th Family Picnic for Grades K, 1, and 2 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm May 1st Kindergarten Round-up from 5:00 – 6:30 pm May 10th Dia de las Madres from 7:40 – 8:10 am May 11th Field Day May 22nd Kindergarten Graduation at 6:30 pm May 24th 4th and 5th Grade Promotion Celebration

are writing daily reflections on their learning and also creating published works. For example, our kindergarten and first-grade students wrote books on the sun and the moon and then created a Google slideshow to present their work. A few students were selected to showcase their work to our school

Kaci Cook Principal Rann Elementary

Rann Elementary School 1300 S Deer Park Rd., Decatur, TX 76234 (940) 393-7600 • www.decaturisd.us/rann Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

15

Upscale Sandwiches

Coming to the Menu

H

ow about a Chicken Taco Panini Sandwich? Or one with smoked pork sausage, BBQ sauce topped with onion rings?

Or perhaps the Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwich? Decatur school cafes are elevating our sandwich offerings. In coordination with Pillsbury, Decatur ISD and five other school districts in the county challenged each other in a sandwich contest. The goal of the contest was to develop a new recipe for the upcoming school year that featured one of the new Pillsbury whole grain bread: Ciabatta, Panini, and French Bread. The rules were simple.

Each school cafeteria staff worked together to develop a recipe using one of the three bread products. The sandwich could be used for either the breakfast or lunch meal, and the other ingredients in the sandwich had to be items currently in use.

There were two rounds of the sandwich contest. The first round had the Decatur ISD cafeterias facing off against each other. The five entries were judged by the Advanced Culinary students of Decatur High School.

Decatur High School’s entry of BBQ Ring Sub came out on top, with Carson Elementary

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• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

School’s Chicken Salad with Red Grapes in second place. Other entries included Eagle Spicy Chicken Sub from Rann Elementary, Turkey Bacon Guacamole Ciabatta by Young Elementary, and Frito Chicken Melt prepared

by McCarroll Middle School staff.

In the final round, each of the six districts brought their winning recipe and ingredients to have a true cook-off for the championship

judging. Judges included General Mills National Corporate Chef, Monica Coulter, of Minneapolis, Minnesota and four other culinary and sales team members of General Mills/ Pillsbury. Also selecting the winner were superintendents of represented school districts, ESC Region 11 Child Nutrition Consultant, and equipment and food brokerage sales, representatives. The winning recipe ‘Pepper Jack Fajita Sandwich,’ prepared

by Bridgeport High School, included seasoned chicken fajita strips with red and green bell peppers, onion, and cilantro stuffed into a split French Bread bun covered with melted pepper jack cheese on top. Decatur ISD and the other participating districts were featured in a presentation about innovation in Child Nutrition and the contest at the General Mills K12 Connect event at AT&T Stadium for program directors across Texas and Oklahoma.

Did you know DISD employs 31 Child Nutrition workers, and from August to date they have served our students over 101,000 breakfasts and 325,000 lunches??!! That’s a lot of meals!

by Shelly Laaser, Director of Child Nutrition

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

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Young Elementary

GROWING TOGETHER

by Lana Coffman, Principal

Y

oung Elementary is a family who learns

find success. You will often see our staff going

and Perfect Attendance. Students who meet

and grows together. From Pre-K to 5th

above and beyond what is asked of them.

their AR and make it to the Principal’s VIP club

This is Young.

also get to celebrate!

grade, we have great things happening. We have fabulous students, parents, and staff.

We want children to have a great start

We have clubs for all students to excel in

This year we have incorporated something

whatever they choose. We have a chess club,

new at Young. Students receive four 10 minute

to their morning. Every morning music is

journalism club, mileage club, book club, and

brain breaks during their school day. Research

playing outside as students arrive and they are

art club. Each club meets after school under

shows that students’ focus, academics, behavior,

greeted as they enter the building. We believe

the guidance of our fabulous teachers. We

social skills, and creativity increase when they

this sets a positive tone for the day. During

have a 5th-grade Leadership Academy, where

have breaks during their day. We give our

our morning announcements, we focus on

5th-grade students are given Leadership

students time to pause from academics and

manners. Weekly, we target a specific manner

opportunities around the school.

get a little extra physical activity.

and students are awarded tickets when they are seen using their manners. Each day tickets are drawn for prizes, and students get to sign the “Wall of Fame.”

Academics are important to Young.

We take pride in our phonics, reading, math, science, social studies, and writing curriculum.

Authentic and exciting student work is displayed throughout the halls for all to

Celebrations are important! We are the home of the 2017 James Wood Christmas

Young Elementary is making positive gains, not only here on campus, but out in our community as well.

see. Once a month campus-wide, we read a ‘Principal’s Pick’ book

to teach discipline and karate skills. Our kids

the regional spelling

participate in FitYouth. We even had over 20

bee winner. Every six

staff members volunteer for Decatur Cares for

weeks, we recognize A

their Saturday Mobile Food Bank to feel over

Honor Roll, A/B Honor

100 local families in need. Young Elementary

Roll, Perfect Attendance,

is making positive gains, not only here on

the top 2 readers per

campus, but out in our community as well.

grade level, and class with the most box tops.

We also recognize two students per classroom for either Extraordinary

Our Young family is exceptional. Not only do we value learning, but we also value relationships. We work to establish a campus culture and climate that supports a positive and safe learning environment. This is Young!

Eagle or Extra Effort.

Extraordinary Eagle and Extra Effort Award-winning students receive

assignment. Each ‘Principal’s Pick’ book shares

a yard sign to display in their yard for the six

a valuable life lesson that we learn from. Young

weeks for all to see and celebrate. You may

participates in UIL events and challenges

have seen our awesome yard signs around

our students daily. Our incredible staff meets

town! Teachers deserve recognition too. We

each day head on and helps each student

also recognize two teachers for Extra Effort

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

We have a karate expert visit every six weeks

card winner as well as

together and complete a school-wide writing

18

Young is very involved in the community.

Lana Coffman Principal Young Elementary

Young Elementary School 379 Buchanan Road, Decatur, TX 76234 (940) 393-7400 www.decaturisd.us/young

Taking a gallery walk to check out some awesome writing by #YESYoungsters.

Taking a gallery walk to check out some awesome writing by #YESYoungsters.

Every student in Mrs. Abels’s 3rd-grade class received a FREE copy of a “My Weird School” book with our book order today! Excitement is an understatement!

Mrs. Stupka’s first-grade class proudly sporting their class shirts!

Mrs. Pena’s second graders skyping with author, Josh Funk!

Mr. Saunders music class gets the beat with 5th graders on drums!

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

19

SINGLE SIGN ON TO MAKE LIFE BETTER Overview from our Technology Team

by Troy Bagwell, Director of IT

O

ver the years, teachers and students have been bombarded by many new online services. All those services require usernames and passwords, and many require different versions of each. Having so many usernames and passwords can become annoying, confusing, and cumbersome. This makes it hard to effectively and efficiently use these services and sometimes they aren’t used at all because of this.

With more and more online textbooks and more web content resources being made available to students and teachers something had to be done. What can the district do to make this easier?

Making things easier is very important to all of us. One way that Decatur ISD is trying to make things easier is the implementation of what is called a Single Sign-On solution or SSO. An SSO works by using one login to allow access to many services. Students and teachers can then log in to one site and have access to online services without having to log in to each one individually.

Over the years the Decatur ISD Technology Department has reviewed SSO products.

Last summer, Classlink was chosen as the best solution for us. Throughout last summer and during this school year we have been working hard on integrating our online resources into ClassLink. Our goal is for students and teachers to be able to use their Google username and password to login to Classlink which will give them access to all their online resources including textbooks and other content resources such as Discovery Education, Follett Destiny Library System, Google, and Canvas.

20

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

Classlink will make accessing these online resources and is an important step as we continue advancing into a more and digital world. Decatur ISD will continue to search for ways to give all our users easier ways to access the valuable learning tools and content at our fingertips.

Did you know?

• IT supports over 3,500 users and over 3,300 computers/devices • There are over 60 network switches in our district • DISD has over 340 wireless access points • There are over 350 surveillance cameras throughout DISD • We have over 300 telephones • There are over SEVEN MILES of fiber optic cable in our district • DISD has the largest network and user base in Wise County VISION The Technology Department of Decatur ISD will be a catalyst for change in Decatur ISD. The change will be a new way of teaching, where information management and technology are integral to the future success of all DISD students. DISD students will be the future leaders of an information-rich age.

MISSION Our highest mission is to provide leadership, stewardship, and development in instructional technology while maintaining integrity, practicing honesty, developing trust and genuinely caring for all people who may directly or indirectly benefit from our services.

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

21

FACILITIES

UPDATE

by John Knowles, Director of Facilities

T

he 2017-2018 school year in the facility services department has been a very

and other items that normally cannot be

FUN FACT When a wall needs painting, a light needs replaced, desks and furniture need to be moved, an employee creates a work order in our “School Dude” system. This school year alone our facilities department has completed 1,861 work orders to date!!

In a district that continues to grow, it is key

addressed when the buildings are occupied.

that we maintain our buildings and assets to

busy season to date. In the fall the custodial

This summer we are focusing on implementing

our fullest potential. In doing so, providing a

department was busy cleaning and disinfecting

energy management tools, replacing various

safe and effective learning environment not

as the influenza outbreak was peaking. As

flooring throughout the district, safety items,

only allows our teachers to deliver, but it also

absenteeism rates climbed, Decatur ISD was

and many other elements in preserving our

allows our students to receive. We can only

fortunate in avoiding the need to cancel

districts assets.

expect the best if we provide the best.

school, as some other districts did in

On a larger scale, and aside from normal

nearby surrounding areas.

facility preservation items, this

The maintenance

summer we will also focus

department was

on a re-fresh consisting

busy completing

of paint, flooring, and

work orders

lighting in our new

and maintaining

(2018/2019 school

our buildings and

year) Intermediate

educational settings to

campus. Across town,

there best.

As the second half of the school

work will be initiated to add a bistro to the high school library. This addition

year is in full force, the department is in

will allow students and staff to enjoy a variety

the process of compiling a list of summer

of lite menu items along with a hot, or cold,

work items. Summertime is that time of the

cup of coffee. The bistro will be the initial

year when buildings are empty of student

phase of a list of board approved construction

Just a glimpse of larger scale completed items since August…

• Replaced 25-year-old cooling tower at Rann Elementary • Partnered with Lowe’s to renovate Middle School stadium concession stand and restrooms • Replaced High School Arena Restroom countertops and hardware • Re-striped all parking lots across the district • Replaced piping and 50-ton compressors at the 6th Grade campus.

• Renovated training room at Support

life, the faculty is to a bare minimum, and

items that include additional classrooms at

opportunities are taken to make our facilities

the high school, field house renovations, and

Services Building for teacher professional

their best. We take this time of the year

the addition of a film and weight room to the

learning by adding a movable panel,

to focus on deep cleaning, paint, flooring,

indoor facility.

plumbing, electrical, and technology

22

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

23

McCarroll Middle School

Making A Positive Difference

by Dewayne Tamplen, Principal

M

cCarroll Middle School is a place where we are building leaders by making responsible choices, maintaining academic responsibility, and showing respect for all. We strive to instill in our students the desire to learn, to help others, build our community, and join in. At McCarroll, we are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our students.

Our campus established core values this year - community, relationships, traditions, teamwork, and learning – and they indeed run deep.

Establishing a culture of what it means to be an Eagle is important.

Our classrooms are filled with passion, excellence, and excitement.

Our teachers are committed to providing positive learning experiences through hands-on learning, and Integration of technology to prepare students for the future.

McCarroll Middle School teachers provide authentic lessons that make student learning engaging and thought-provoking.

Numerous staff has been awarded Decatur Education Foundation Grants which provide students with extended and unique learning opportunities. Katie Hicks (6th-grade science) was selected as the McCarroll Middle School Teacher of the Year for her outstanding teaching this year.

Building leaders on campus. Each year before school starts we start off with a welcome orientation for each grade level.

Our 8th-grade students lead the orientation called WEB (Where Everyone Belongs).The student’s help their classmates learn about 24

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

expectations, their class schedules and conduct team-building activities. It is always amazing the excitement and enthusiasm that is built during this time welcoming their peers back to start the school year and feeling like they ‘belong’. McCarroll has many opportunities for our students to get involved in extracurricular

rewards, and considerations that should be given to those interested in pursuing a career in their chosen field. It is a great day and a tremendous organizational undertaking by Mrs. Barksdale and our wonderful volunteer presenters.

The McCarroll AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination) program is in its second year at the Middle School. We are very proud of the opportunities this program has provided to students to take advanced classes and prepare for High School/College.

As we conclude this year, and our final year as a campus with three grades, we will be working hard to finish strong. I am so proud of the hard work that our staff and students have put in. We are grateful for the support of our parents activities. Academic UIL teams, STEM, various clubs, Athletics, AVID, Career Day, to name a few.

Career Day was held at Weatherford College Wise County Campus. Our counselor, Mrs. Cindy Barksdale, leads this great initiative for MMS. She coordinates with seven other Wise County schools to attend this impactful “Career Day” which culminates in hearing from 30 community speakers to plant seeds of “maybe that could be a career option for me one day” in the hearts of over 700 area students! Students hear about the challenges,

and community. This support helps develop our future leaders and builds on our students’ great pride in being a McCarroll Middle School Eagle.

Dewayne Tamplen Principal McCarroll Middle School McCarroll Middle School 1201 W Thompson St., Decatur, TX 76234 (940) 393-7300 www.decaturisd.us/dms

McCarroll Middle School Giving Back 2017

6th-Grade Students

Career Day at McCarroll

Career Day at McCarroll

6th-Grade Students

McCarroll Work on a GetKahoot

McCarroll Jeffrey Dean Speaks on “How Choices Shape Our Future”

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

25

The Decatur Band Program has many upcoming events during the last few months of the 2017-18 spring semester!

The band is hosting its annual Middle School Solo and Ensemble Contest on Saturday, April 14 at Decatur High School. We invite many small schools from around the area to bring their students for our competition that is focused on student success and a positive performance experience! Some schools that do not attend a traditional UIL concert and sight-reading competition or that cannot attend a spring festival can bring their full band here to perform and receive comments and an evaluation from a judge.

On April 24 our Middle School bands will be performing their Spring Concert at DHS. This concert will feature our 6-8th-grade band members and will begin at 7 pm.

The next concert will feature our Middle School and High School Jazz bands. It will be on Thursday, April 26 starting at 7 pm at DHS. Our final concert will be on Monday, April 30 and feature our high school bands. The concert will begin at 7 pm at DHS. All of our bands have been working hard preparing some challenging music that will prove to make each concert great!

The DHS Band will perform one final time for our seniors at Graduation on May 25 at UNT Coliseum. Finally, after school is out, we will be attending State Solo and Ensemble in Pflugerville with those students who advanced. This will occur over the memorial day weekend. It has been another great year for our band programs at DHS and MMS... we all love being a part of the “Big Blue Marching Band!”

26

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

Fine Art Program McCaroll Middle School

by DeDe Diaczenko, Art Teacher

M

cCarroll Middle is home to a strong fine arts program. Visual Studies encompass four areas of art exploration, including art history, art production, art criticism, and art aesthetics. Students use a variety of materials to create 2D and 3D pieces that are displayed on our campuses and around our community throughout the year. This year, our special projects included pottery with an artist from Ft. Worth and acrylic painting. We also were able to go on a field trip this year to discuss art at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. It has been a great spring for the MMS Art Department, and we are looking forward to creating more original pieces before summer!

NEW CAMPUS:

Decatur Intermediate School D

ue to significant population growth as well as a direct reflection on the strength

as principal at our March Board of Trustees

will become Kindergarten through 4th

meeting. We are looking forward to this new

grade (Carson and Rann Elementary) or

of our schools, we knew that overcrowding

campus having a strong leadership team with

on our three elementary campuses needed to

Mr. Cain and Mrs. Terri Hornsby serving as

Pre-Kindergarten through 4th grade

be addressed soon. We announced in January

Assistant Principal.

that for the 2018-2019 school year we would be moving all of our 5th-grade classes to our

The 5th grade will be added to our current 6th-grade campus on Eagle Drive, and 5/6 will

(Young Elementary).

Thank you in advance for your support of our efforts to grow our top-notch schools

6th-grade campus. Since

have their own campus:

along with our community and utilize our

that announcement, we

“Decatur Intermediate.”

facilities in the most effective way.

have been busy making

The 7th and 8th

building improvements,

grades will continue on

meeting with 5th and

their separate campus

6th-grade teachers to

on West Thompson

listen to their needs,

Street as “McCarroll

and we have hired a

Middle School.”

new principal. Mr. Jim Cain was approved

Meanwhile, our three elementary schools

We are confident it will be a great 2018-2019 school year, we are working hard to ensure staff and students have a campus they will be proud of! We are excited about the official launch day of Decatur Intermediate -- August 15 will be here before we know it!

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

27

TEACHERS of the

YEAR

E

ach year Decatur ISD selects an Elementary and a secondary teacher of

the year. Five finalists—three elementary and two secondary teachers —will be chosen from the field of DISD Campus Teachers of the Year. Two District Teachers of the Year will then be chosen from this slate of campus finalists. Our “Teacher of the

Year” program is not meant to be a competition to choose the best teacher in the district; rather it is a way to recognize teachers that are representative of the many outstanding teachers DISD is

Carson Elementary: Lauri Henderson, 4th Grade

Young Elementary: Kim Sinclair, 5th Grade

Rann Elementary: Julie Seibold, 1st Grade

privileged to employ.

We follow quite a formal and rigorous process soliciting nominations for campus nominees to complete one essay question.

Then a campus selection committee will vote on their choice for their representative; this teacher becomes the school’s nominee for the District Teacher of the Year. These five campus finalists now complete three more essay questions and have a live panel interview with a District Selection Committee to select the District representatives who will compete for Regional Teacher of the Year in the summer.

We are extremely proud of all five of these amazing teachers!

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• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

McCarroll Middle School: Katie Hicks, 6th Grade Science

Decatur High School: Jenna Barthold, Math

Decatur Eagle 2018

SUMMER ATHLETIC CAMPS Camp Information & Flyers will be posted on the DHS Athletic Web Page High School Athletic Secretary, Linda Hudler • linda.hudler@decaturisd.us or 940-393-7290 Eagle Maker Summer Strength & Conditioning Program For All Boys & Girls Entering grades 7th-12th Program Runs June 4th thru July 19th 8-10am Lady Eagle Softball Camp Girls entering grades 1st–9th May 29th–June 1st 8-11am Lady Eagle Basketball Camp Girls entering grades 2nd -9th June 4th–June 7th 10-12pm 2nd–5th grade 1-3pm 6th–9th grade

Eagle Basketball Camp Boys entering grades K-9th June 11th–June 14th 8:30-10am K-3rd grade 10-12pm 4th–6th grade 1-3pm 7th-9th grade

Lady Eagle Volleyball Camp Girls entering grades 2nd-9th June 18th–June 21st 9-12pm 6th–9th grade 1-3pm 2nd–5th grade Eagle Baseball Camp Boys entering grades 1st -9th June 18th–June 21st 8-11am Eagle Football Camp Boys entering grades 2nd - 9th July 30th – August 2nd 5:15-7:15pm 2nd - 6th grade 7:15—9:15pm 7th–9th grade

Eagle Tennis Camp Boys & Girls entering grades 4th-9th June 11th–June 14th 5-7:30pm Eagle Soccer Camp Boys & Girls entering grades 3rd – 9th June 25th – June 28th 6:30-8:30pm

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

29

McCarroll Choir

The Tradition of Excellence Continues!

by Clare Yurasek, Middle School Choir Director

W

hat an amazing year we’ve had so far! There have been many individual accolades to celebrate, starting with the members of the All-Region Choir. These students competed against almost 1000 middle-schoolers from around the region to qualify for a 200-member choir.

ALL-REGION CHOIR MEMBERS Sop 1 Elizabeth Collins, 1st chair Madeline Cox, 15th chair Amelia Jolley, 9th chair Jule Tenhet, 15th chair Sop 2 Kayla Carey, 3rd chair Alto Emilee Talley, 22nd chair Winsor Wood, 21st chair Tenor 1 Caleb Yurasek, 11th Tenor 2 Ryan Roudon, 27thchair

30

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

Bass Carson Wicker, 19thchair Landon Shelton, 1st Alternate Many students also went the extra mile and learned a solo to sing for a judge at UIL. The following members received a first division (superior) rating: UIL Solo & Ensemble 1st Divisions Kayla Carey Ariana Cobos Madeline Cox Diane Douglas Callie Gillispie Katherine Holmes Emily Huckabay Bella Johnson Amelia Jolley Malachi Kao Miguel Lopez Alyssa Massengale Emma McBride Kaylie McClain Celeste Perez Novalee Polanco

Ryan Roudon Kyrin Shawn Hannah Smith Emilee Talley Jule Tenhet Gavin Wendt Winsor Wood Moira Wooten Caleb Yurasek We’ve had group success, too! All of our 7th and 8th grade Choirs participated in UIL Concert and Sight-Reading, and made Decatur proud!

All three choirs also earned superior ratings in both concert and sightreading, giving each group a sweepstakes award!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Don’t miss out on our last concert of the year! The choirs are excited to share Disney songs from stage and screen on Monday, May 7 at 7:00 in the DHS Auditorium. It’ll be MAGICAL!

Say HELLO to Steve Our New Transportation Director M

y name is Steve White, and I am the new Transportation Director at Decatur ISD. I began my tenure here in January of 2018 and am very excited about being here.

I can’t say enough about the great staff here in Decatur. The administration is very supportive and helpful as well as the transportation staff that does terrific work.

The fine drivers at Decatur ISD currently run 26

routes that carry

roughly 900

students daily back and forth from home to school.

Besides the 32 school buses, we also have five pickups that the AG department uses, 12 cars and SUVs that are used by district staff for travel to conferences and workshops, and 17 pickup trucks and vans that are used by the maintenance department. Our excellent bus drivers log roughly 1,800 miles per day driving bus routes and drive over 400 extra-curricular trips per year!

Also, they provide safe travel for all the students and coaches involved in extra-curricular programs such as athletics and band.

Students are eligible to ride a bus from home to school and back if they reside two or more miles from their residence or live in a designated hazardous area determined by DISD. Bus stops are located primarily on residential streets and determined after careful consideration of walking distances to stops and ridership in that area. Route buses only transport students from home to school and back. Please check out the Transportation link on the Decatur ISD web page concerning student eligibility and school bus safety or call our office at (940) 393-7120.

Get to know our new Transportation Director: Steve retired in August 2015 after 29 years in Education He has served as a teacher, principal, business manager, and superintendent Steve served in the Army Married to Pamela, four grown daughters and eight grandchildren

Safe Travels.

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

31

Assistant Principals pictured above from left to right Sheila McCollum, Larry Hicks, Debbie Boatright

School Update from the Decatur High School Administration

A

pril and May is the time we celebrate

Program for seniors. At the end of the year,

their local meets, the kids have been very

our students’ achievements. Here at

they will have the opportunity to sit for

competitive. In the past, our UIL Academics

Decatur High School, we have many successes

the national certification exam to become

teams have advanced to Regionals with several

to celebrate in Academics. Upcoming

certified as a Pharmacist Technician. The

events include the Senior Awards Night,

Culinary Arts Program has made strides

individuals advancing to STATE. The Eagles are

Underclassman Awards, and Graduation.

in advancing their skills. They are currently

These special ceremonies illustrate the

working on providing lunch options for

academic success of our students. Destination

purchase for the staff at DHS. Auto tech

Imagination offers high-quality, STEAM-based

recently auctioned off last years classroom

(science, technology, engineering, arts, and

project “Moab” (Mother of all Beasts) and

they are “Expecting the Best” from themselves

mathematics) Challenges that help bridge the

earned over $38,000 for their program. Our

and our strong students.

gap between what students learn in school

FFA students completed a strong show season

and the skills they will need to thrive in an

with many students doing well with their

colleges throughout the spring semester to

ever-changing economy. Our Destination

livestock and their Ag-Mech projects!

plant seeds for college opportunities.

Imagination (DI) Team recently placed 2nd at

In the classroom, the science department

the Regional DI tournament. The D1team is

will be conducting a lab called Waves Frozen

advancing to STATE; this program not only

in Time. The lab provides students the

teaches but also allows students to earn a

opportunity to freeze waves for measuring

scholarship through DI.

purposes. This opportunity is provided by

The Career and Technical Education (CTE)

DATCU through the

looking forward to competing at the Regional and State levels. Our English, History, and Math departments are busy preparing for the upcoming AP and End of Course tests, and

AVID students, 90 strong, have been visiting

We are very proud of our 60 teachers at DHS. Our staff focuses on helping students reach their maximum potential, whether their plans focus on college or a career path.

Building lasting relationships with our students is a priority,

program is growing. There are new classes

Decatur Education

being added in all areas of the CTE program

Foundation. Our 50

and we value the

including Health Science, Culinary Arts, and

students competing

many relationships

the Agriculture Department. This year the

in UIL Academics

Health Science field added the Pharmacology

are in full swing. In

32

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

we build with students for many years to come.

Nancy Martinez Placing 10th in STATE and Leigh Ann Sitzman 11th in STATE Powerlifting

Swim Team Rocks!

AVID Students Visiting Colleges

Decatur Basketball Team

Mark Thomas Placed 10th in STATE Powerlifting

Culinary Class Making Sweets

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

33

THE EAGLE WAY A Message from the DISD Athletic Director

by Mike Fuller, Athletic Director

W

INNING WITH CLASS. To me, that

life. Through our athletic program we teach

just tolerated but encouraged. A sound,

is what the Decatur Eagle athletic

wholesome athletic program contributes

confidently say that our coaching staff is ALL

“The Eagle Way,” which is a set of standards to live by. ‘Do Right!

Work Hard! Be a great teammate! Compete!’

IN when it comes to doing what is best for the

If our student-athletes can learn to follow

can positively impact the Decatur community

student-athletes of this great community. The

“The Eagle Way” with their DISD teams,

by providing entertainment and establishing a

Decatur ISD athletic program exists to offer

they can certainly display these honorable

common ground of interest, drawing citizens

all athletes the opportunity to achieve their

characteristics with all of the teams they will

together in support of our Eagles and

individual athletic potential and their team’s

be a part of throughout their lives (family,

Lady Eagles.

competitive potential while developing an

professional, church, community, etc.) and

I would like to thank ALL of our Decatur

appreciation for integrity, academics, attitude,

make the world a better place. On a daily

athletes for their hard work and dedication

perseverance, responsibility, multi-tasking and

basis, our coaches are building champions on

to their teams. When people watch our

the art of goal setting.

the field, in the classroom, and in life. Building

teams play, no matter the sport, there will be

program is all about. As Athletic Director and Head Football Coach for Decatur ISD, I can

The athletic arena can be one of the most

upon a rich tradition of athletic success in

demanding and rewarding of all classrooms

Decatur we will draw strength from our

in the educational process for those students

“Strong Roots” and “Powerful Wings” to

who commit to a high

strive for even greater

standard of excellence.

heights in the future.

The learning that takes place here is about much more then simply a sport – it is learning for

DID YOU KNOW FROM 7-12 GRADES WE HAVE:

In our program, we create an atmosphere

Total Athletic Teams – 71

where participation

Total Athletic Roster Spots – 1,043

and activities is not

in multiple sports

to and offers involvement to all students as participants, support groups or as spectators.

The higher our participation, the more we

common things they see. Fanatical effort, great teamwork, and an unrelenting belief that we will win are a few things that will be noticed.

The athletes on our teams develop a mental toughness that manifests itself in the fact that they will never quit, they will persevere and thrive on adversity, they will get back up after being knocked down, they will protect their teammates, they know they are never out of the fight and will not fail.

EAGLE FIGHT NEVER DIES!

Mike Fuller Athletic Director 940-393-7291

34

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

Meet the DISD

SIX NEW HEAD COACHES BOYS HEAD SOCCER: COACH BENJAMIN • 1st Year Head Coach; 5 years overall coaching experience • Teach 8th Grade STEM at McCarroll Middle School • Wife: Shannon, Two Children: Brynn (5) and Brooke (2), and lots of fur and feathers family at home!

DHS BASEBALL: COACH MADDOX • 3 Years Coaching experience / 12 years NFL experience • Won 5A State Baseball Championship at Grapevine High School 2016 • Wife: Jennifer (26 years) Two Children: Kacy (24), Colby (19) and can’t forget Buddy, Cash and Hank our family’s three dogs!

DHS SWIMMING: COACH CHABEK • First year teacher and coach, teaches Family/Consumer Science • Proud graduate of Decatur High School and Abilene Christian University • Two children: Ella (4) and Bowen (2)

DHS TRACK & FIELD: COACH WREN • 1st year Head Coach Track and Field, 8 years coaching Track and Field, 16 years overall coaching experience • Teach World Geography Honors to 9th graders and Economics to 12th graders • One daughter, Farrah (2nd grade); Proud Decatur High School graduate; Trinity University B.A. History and M.A. Teaching

GIRLS HEAD BASKETBALL: LINDSAY GRIFFIN • 12 Years teaching and coaching experience, 3 years as Head Girls Basketball coach and teach Algebra 1 at DHS • Two children: Ryder is 7yrs old, Grayson is 1 year old • You could say coaching runs in her family! Coach Thompson (Coach Griffin’s dad) coached for 30 years, 8 at DHS, and her brother has been coaching for 19yrs, 1 year at DHS, currently head boys coach at Paradise.

GIRLS HEAD VOLLEYBALL: COACH OBERLE • In his 24th year of teaching and coaching. Worked at Killeen Ellison, Petrolia, and Argyle before Decatur.

Taught nearly every social studies course you can think of and coached nearly every girl’s sport.

• Been married for 31 years to Stephanie. Three children, Alyssa, Colby and Chase; and two grandchildren, Maddox and MaKayla.

• He and his son Colby have climbed 6 of Colorado’s 14,000’+ mountains and have run 3 marathons.​ Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

35

Decatur High Delivers on the

American

DREAM J

ose Iguanzo attended his first class at Decatur

day of class in DHS. Mrs. Guia, a Spanish and ESL

United States. While they waited, Jose was born,

High, Ag Mechanics with Mr. Neumann, in

teacher, quickly welcomed Brenda into her class

then his sister Brenda and finally a younger

and her heart.

sister, Ivonne.

August 2014. He was 17 years old, fresh from Palmas Altas in Zacatecas, Mexico, and knew only

Jose and Brenda’s four-year experience

three words in English: “please,” “thank you,” and

inside the halls of DHS is an inspiration and a

“bye.” But Jose wanted, desperately, to learn--

testament to committed teachers and welcoming

English, Welding, Auto Mechanics, and what it

classmates, but it is not the beginning of their

meant to be an American high school student.

journey. The road to DHS began 17 years earlier

On that first day back in 2014, Mr. Neumann’s

before Jose had even been born.

class was set to review a worksheet on machine safety. Jose could have been allowed to quietly hang back, to watch, to wait to get the lay of the land, but Mr. Neumann drew him in. “You’re smart. You can learn this,” the Ag Mechanics teacher told Jose—something he would repeat

teach Jose and welcome him to the school, to Decatur, and to the world of learning. An Eagle was born.

Meanwhile, Jose’s sister, Brenda, who also relocated with the Iguanzo family and spoke only the same three English words, began her first 36

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

became official for the Iguanzo’s in 2014. Ramiro began to consider where he would relocate to give the best opportunity for his children. He had many family members in California but was wary of the purported gang life in Los Angeles.

He worried about finally moving to America only to have his children threatened by gang violence.

"It has been a joy and an inspiration to watch Jose and Brenda flourish at DHS"

to him again and again over the next four years.

Mr. Neumann enlisted the other students to help

After 17 years of waiting, U.S. residency finally

A sister lived in Wise County and suggested that Ramiro and Leonor could continue their work as farmers in the rich agricultural community of North Texas and enroll their children in a good high school with family values and academic promise. Ramiro was sold, he and Leonor packed up Jose, Brenda, and Ivonne (then a fifth

In 2001, Jose’s father, Ramiro, applied for U.S. Residency in their small farming town Palmas Altas, Mexico. Ramiro had a dream of legally immigrating to America and starting a better life. For nearly two decades, Ramiro and Leonor waited patiently for their residency papers to grant them legal permission to move to the

grader) and moved over 1,000 miles to Decatur, Texas. The four years that followed have been a collaboration of hard work and ambition between Jose and Brenda, the Iguanzo’s, and the faculty and students of DHS. Mrs. Guia, their English-as-a-Second-Language teacher, led the effort, meeting with Jose and Brenda

before, during, and after school to help them learn English and fit into the DHS community.

“We can thank Mrs. Guia for almost all of our English skills,” says Brenda. Although the average foreign-language speaker takes three-to-five years to master English on the conversational level, it can take as-many-as 10 years to master it for academics. The Iguanzo kids are fluent after four years, and Jose and Brenda are set to graduate with the class of 2018.

“It has been a joy and an inspiration to watch Jose and Brenda flourish at DHS,” said Assistant Principal Sheila McCollum. “They jumped right in, joined clubs, made friends, and worked so hard to make the most of all DHS has to offer. Their

sights set on becoming a master welder, as his work on the FFA Welding Team has caught the eye of recruiters from the Tulsa Welding School.

Brenda is interested in nursing and is considering

experience represents the best of Eagle faculty

WCWC for the start of her college career. Both

and students.”

Now with just six weeks left until graduation, Jose and Brenda look out on the bright futures their parents dreamed for them. Jose has his

kids have after-school jobs — Brenda working about 15 hours a week at Fuzzy’s and Jose working 30 hours a week at Panda Express—all while still managing academics, clubs, making time for friends, and senior-year fun.

Assistant Principal, Debbie Boatright, agrees that families like the Iguanzo’s bring out the best in Decatur. “Our job is to launch each DHS student into the next phase of their lives fully prepared to succeed and contribute, and it’s a job we take very seriously,” Boatright said.

“This includes both hometown boys and girls and new families who chose Decatur, sometimes from around the world. We couldn’t be prouder

Pictured are 2018 DHS Graduates: Jose and Brenda Iguanzo

of Jose and Brenda and our faculty and students who welcomed them in and made them Eagles.”

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

37

Education Foundation Builds Strong Roots to Give

POWERFUL

WINGS

I

n 2003, Dr. Fred Renfro had a dream of creating an Education Foundation in DISD. He knew that our giving community would appreciate giving back to school district initiatives to support

and strengthen education. This school year alone we granted 21 teacher grants for $60,609!

Those strong roots planted by Dr. Renfro and friends have now awarded $590,352 to DISD! Another initiative started in 2016 is “Staff Partners.” This allows teachers and staff to contribute by participating in our Employee Contribution Campaign. Employees of Decatur ISD contribute more than $10,000 per year through payroll deduction!! Each staff member who participates in the program receives an official Foundation “Partner” golf shirt to be worn on designated “Staff Partner” days! We love to regularly remind our teachers we support them and appreciate all they do for DISD. “Our Board members volunteer because of their desire to support teachers and students.

We all feel it’s an honor to be a small part of encouraging education right here in a town and community we all love,” said, CW Williams, President of Education Foundation.

Our teachers and students appreciate each hour of service and every dollar granted for education. Together, we are building powerful wings.

Education Foundation Gala Thursday, May 10, 2018, 6:00 PM Decatur Conference Center • 2010 US 380 • Decatur, TX 76234 Invited Honorees Attend Free of Charge as Guests of the Education Foundation. Tickets May Be Purchased for $25

38

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

“A school is a promise that a community makes to itself about its future” —Shanna Peeples, 2015 National and Texas Teacher of the Year

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

39

Flamenco Dancers:

¡Viva España!

T

here’s high-school Spanish Honor Society and then there’s high-school Flamenco Dance Team! At DHS, we have BOTH, but only one competes at the State level for blue-ribbon honors.

Spanish teacher Sr. Stewart sponsors the award-winning Flamenco Dance Team who practices weekly at the Wise Ballet and Music

Academy with the lovely Miss Karen Smith as their gifted choreographer for the past 18 years. What began as a handful of students in 1999, has swelled to 37-member troupe of boys and girls. The student dancers, “Los Madrileños,” practice traditional Flamenco dancing and explore Spain’s rich and colorful tradition of classical Flamenco. Throughout

the year, the group dances for exhibitions and annual exhibitions at the Pan American Student Forum Convention in San Antonio.

Señor Stewart has united world languages and performing arts at DHS in a way the kids will never forget; and this unique, popular flamenco dance team makes Spanish come alive for performers and audiences alike.

DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL

• May 6 – “Alice” Senior directed performance; performed by McCarroll Middle School Students.

Directed by Madeleine Waskom and Kaylee Honeycutt

by Renee Buchanan, Director of Theater Arts

• May 18 and 19: Theater Production Class performances

THEATER W

hat an exciting year this has been for DHS Theater Department.

A few highlights are below: • Fall production: “Godspell” involved over 40 students!

• Production Class two performances/ two different casts: “The Shadow Box” by Michael Cristofer in November • Theater 2, 3, 4, - two performances of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” in December • One Act Play season began with auditions in December. We cast two casts – the varsity and the JV cast which was made up of the understudies for 40

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

the show. Both companies competed in March. JV won first place at their festival type contest.

• Two open mic nights one in September and one in January We hope you will come out and support us during the last few (very busy) weeks of school this year!

• Banquet April 27 - Thespian Inductions • May 3 - “The Beggars Opera” Theater 2, 3, 4

Other goals to end the season!

• Theater I classes (three classes) are performing “The Magic Well” towards the end of the school year. Our goal is to perform at each elementary campus.

• Auditions for production class will happen towards the end of May • Auditions for musical will happen at the end of the school year

DHS CHOIR

Congratulations to Elizabeth Culpepper who earned All-State Choir!

by Chris Yurasek, DHS Choir Director

W

hen looking back over our year we have a lot to sing about!

12 STUDENTS FOR ALL-REGION: Logan Draper Eric McNiel Jr. Andrew Wilson Aidan Cottrell Levi Samples Emily Baker Jenna Smith Elizabeth Culpepper Brianna Carsten Katy Brown Sarah Culpepper Cameron Pitts 8 selected to Area Audition: Andrew Wilson Aidan Cottrell Sarah Culpepper Emily Baker Brianna Carsten Levi Samples Elizabeth Culpepper Jenna Smith

14 STATE SOLO AND ENSEMBLE CONTEST: Solos: Emily Baker Aidan Cottrell Elizabeth Culpepper Lexi Nivens Jenna Smith Andrew Wilson Ensemble: Elizabeth Culpepper Brianna Carsten Eric McNiel Jr. Coleton Horner Steven Lujan Andrew Wilson Avery Quarles Emily Baker Region 2 Choir UIL Competition The JV Treble Choir received a plaque for a superior concert performance.

The Varsity Men’s Choir also received a plaque for their superior concert performance.

Our Varsity Chamber Choir earned a sweepstakes award by having a superior

concert performance and a superior performance at sight-reading.

One student, Elizabeth Culpepper, was selected as 3rd chair to the All-State Choir this Spring!!

May 11th - Choir Awards Banquet 6:00-9:00 Decatur Civic Center We hope you will consider coming out to our final performance to support these great students!

May 14th - Spring Choir Concert featuring “Songs of the Screen”. Selections of songs from TV Shows or movies from the past and present DHS Auditorium 7:00-8:30pm.

We are looking forward to our final competition of the year!

May 27th - Texas State Solo and Ensemble Competition

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

41

HIGH SCHOOL

SCHEDULES

42

APR 18

Area Track Meet @ DHS

MAY 11

Choir Banquet

APR 19

Eagle Doll Banquet

MAY 14

NHS Service Hours Due

APR 20

Bad Weather Day

MAY 14

NHS Senior Breakfast

APR 20

Softball Senior Night

MAY 14

Softball Banquet

APR 23

Student Council Blood Drive @ DHS

MAY 15

APR 24

Student of the Month-Chamber Luncheon

Senior Honors night in the DHS Auditorium @ 6pm (invite only)

APR 26

Jazz Ensemble Concert

MAY 17

APR 27

Theatre Banquet

APR 27

Baseball Senior Night

Senior & Faculty Banquet @ DHS 6pm * Banquet is for all Seniors and their parents only – Yearbook Distribution and Slideshow during banquet

APR 27-28

Regional Track Meet @ TX A&M Commerce

MAY 18

Senior Breakfast @ First United Methodist Church / 8am (Seniors only)

APR 28

Prom @Texas Motor Speedway, Ft. Worth

MAY 18

APR 30

DHS Band Concert

Baccalaureate Rehearsal @ First Baptist Church @ 9am *MANDATORY

MAY 1

Deadline to submit info to be recognized at Senior Honors Night (This includes scholarships received, military enlistment and volunteer service hours.)

Submit in the 1st floor office to Mrs. Carr.

MAY 18

“Senior Sendoff” in the afternoon (Wear Gown/No Cap)

MAY 20

Baccalaureate Service @ First Baptist Church @ 2pm

MAY 22-24 Senior EXAMS

MAY 4

Deadline to RSVP for Senior Banquet -See Ms. Carr 1st floor office

MAY 22

Luncheon – VAL & SAL 11:30am

MAY 4

Powder Puff Game, 2pm

MAY 23

Early Release

MAY 4

Band Banquet

MAY 24

MAY 7

Deadline for STUDENTS to submit photos for Senior Banquet slideshow Pictures can be submitted via e-mail at Thecragdhs@gmail.com (These are not baby pictures, but rather pictures of students in the senior class from their years in school together)

EARLY RELEASE/LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Graduation Rehearsal @ FBC @ 2:30pm * MANDATORY All night PROJECT GRADUATION Party Report to buses in the DHS Student Parking Lot @ 9:00pm Project Graduation will be held at Bridgeport Conference Center

MAY 10

Education Foundation Gala @ Decatur Conf. Center

MAY 25

ALL SENIORS NEED TO BE AT UNT COLISEUM AT 6PM GRADUATION CEREMONIES START AT 7PM

MAY 11-12

State Track Meet @ UT Austin

MAY 27-28

MAY 11

Physics Day, Six Flags

Band State Solo/Ensemble Concert @ Austin

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

Track & Field

Golf

APR 27 - 28 Region 11 4A Championships (Preliminaries, Finals and Field Events) @ Texas A&M Commerce Hosted by Texas A&M Commerce Top 2 Finishers Advent to State Meet MAY 11-12

State Championships @ Mike E. Myers Stadium Hosted by University of Texas

Varsity & JV Boys DATE Tournament APR 23-26 Region II Tournament

at Van Zandt CC MAY 14-15 4A State at Apple Rock GC

Horseshoe Bay

Varsity Girls DATE Tournament

Baseball DATE OPPONENT

JV VS

APR 20

vs Sanger

5:00

7:30

APR 24

at Argyle

5:00

7:30

APR 27

vs Bridgeport (Senior Night) 5:00

7:30

APR 23-26 Region II Tournament

at Van Zandt CC MAY 14-15 4A State at Apple Rock GC

Horseshoe Bay

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

43

Regal Eagle:

Eagle Spirit N

ot many high schools can boast they have one of the top mascots in the STATE. Decatur High has a lot to brag about. This year’s Regal Eagle is – literally – 2nd to none… well actually to merely one, as Aidan Cottrell earned the 2nd Place Mascot award in the STATE competition.

It all started in 2016 when Aidan became Regal Eagle at DHS. He attended a camp at “Great Wolf Lodge” to learn the ins-and-outs of being Regal. Things like no speaking when in character. Stay moving all the time; if you are not moving, you are not entertaining!

You must be bigger than life. You’re job is to

engage the crowd to join in cheering for the home team! You can’t engage the crowd while you are sitting still!

At summer camp in 2017 Aidan was selected as “All-American Mascot!”

All-Americans are invited to perform at the “Citrus Bowl” in Orlando, Florida. While Notre Dame and LSU were battling it out on the gridiron, Aidan was performing… and was a stand out! A mascot judge had been watching and he received an invitation to compete at the state of Texas’ Mascot Competition!

Aidan loves serving as Regal Eagle. He loves the kids because they believe in the suit! They believe he IS Regal Eagle while his teachers and friends believe he is Aidan, AS Regal Eagle. When you think Aidan Cottrell, you think over-the-top. He has an over-the-top personality, an over-the-top smile, and over-the-top way of bringing Eagle spirit to fans young and old alike!

Photo courtesy of Joe Duty

O

ur “Athletic Hall of Honor” committee

to be inducted into our “Wall of Fame.”

was established in March of 2015

The“Wall of Fame” is to recognize significant

to recognize, standardize, and ensure the

contributions and achievements of student-

accuracy of athletic achievements within

athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, and

Decatur ISD. The committee members are:

distinguished volunteers who have brought

Coach Bobby Actkinson, Joey Christian, Jill

honor and excellence to Decatur ISD.

Eder, Kasi Elder, Julie Haney, David ‘Coon’

We will take “Wall of Fame” nominations

Sherman, Jason Wren, Coach Mike Fuller,

for the 2019 induction year until December

DISD Athletic Director, and Holly Fuller, DISD

31, 2018. Each year we will induct from zero

Director of Communications.

to a maximum of three inductees from the

Within the “Athletic Hall of Honor” is an opportunity to nominate individuals 44

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

pool of nominees. Visit DISD website to find nomination forms and qualifications.

2017 Inaugural “Wall of Fame” inductees: Curtis Enis - DHS Class of 1984, Ronnie Gage - 1971, Kevin Haney - 1978 and Brennan Williams - 2003.

2018 “Wall of Fame” honorees: Blake Workman - DHS Class of 1927 Jill Eder - DHS Class of 1967 Ricky Terrell - DHS Class of 1970 2018 honorees will be honored at our Education Foundation Gala: Thursday, May 10, 2018

Decatur

F FA

Students manage a full greenhouse and raise multiple animals on the school facilities as Supervised Agricultural Experiences through their classroom education. Decatur FFA has multiple seasons and finishes out the school year with applications for scholarships, awards and public speaking, leading into the summer where leadership camps and conventions take place before the new school year starts. All of these events allow students to accomplish the FFA Motto: “Learning to do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to serve.”

by Miles Vann, DHS Agriculture Science Teacher

D

ecatur FFA makes a positive difference in the

seasons changed, many on our Ag Mechanics, Horticulture,

lives of students by developing their potential

and Stock Show Teams placed or ‘made the

for premier leadership, personal growth,

sale’ at both County and Major Stock Shows

and career success through agricultural

in February and March. Over the course of

education. The program is part of a three-

March and April, the Career Development

part model of education that consists of

Event Teams (CDEs), also called Judging Teams,

(1) classroom instruction, (2) supervised

compete in numerous Invitational contests

agricultural experiences, and (3) the FFA.

across Texas all leading up to an Area Contest

The Decatur FFA Chapter won a District

trying to qualify for State. In March, these

Sweepstakes in Leadership Development

teams also hosted a Decatur FFA Invitational

Events (LDEs) this fall while qualifying two

Career Development Event at the Wise

teams to State Competition, Greenhand Skills

County Youth Fairgrounds with over 900

and Greenhand Chapter Conducting. As the

students competing from 82 different schools.

Spring 2018 • Decatur Impact •

45

DHS Head Baseball Tommy Maddox & DHS 1955 Baseball Head Coach J.E. Carson

DHS Baseball

NEW BEGINNINGS I

n 1955 Decatur Eagle boys could participate in sports offered - football, basketball, and

In the summer of 2017, DISD Athletic Director, Mike Fuller was on the hunt for the

high school sports and working with kids,” said Coach Maddox.

track. You may not know that the DHS Athletic

best replacement for our open Head Baseball

Department did not consist of a baseball

Coaching position. Who knew he would be

program of 2018 are a far cry from that of J.E.

program at that. Mr. Carson was serving as

hiring a Super Bowl Champion (2005 Pittsburgh

Carson’s team in 1955 whose uniforms consisted

a teacher and boys basketball coach when

Steelers) and former XFL superstar? Coach

of blue jeans, tennis shoes, and white t-shirts with

Superintendent Gantt asked if he could coach

Maddox was coaching for the Grapevine High

black numbers written in magic marker on the

baseball. Mr. Carson said, “Sure! Just show

School baseball program (State Champions in

back! Coach Carson’s team had 12 players and

me where the equipment is!” That’s when he

2016), and Coach Fuller felt Maddox was our guy.

today’s program is 50 players strong! Through

discovered there was no baseball equipment.

“I’ve known him for 30 years and competed

The resources of the Decatur Eagle Baseball

the years DHS Baseball program has had a few

With a $100 check in hand from Mr. Gantt, he

against him in high school. I went after him,

new beginnings. Coming and going through the

drove to “Everybody’s Sporting Goods Store”

knowing it may be a long shot but felt he would

decades a few times due to student involvement

in Fort Worth and purchased a mask, chest

be the perfect fit for our program,” said Coach

and district resources. Though many things have

protector, shin guards, catcher’s mitt, two bats

Fuller. “I’ve had a great career and a lot of great

changed, these things remain the same: high

and six baseballs – just like that, Eagle baseball

opportunities throughout my life, but I feel like

expectations, pride in our school, and a true love

was born.

this is where I am truly meant to be, coaching

for the game.

46

• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018

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