Life in Castle Hills Magazine July 2020

JULY/AUGUST 2020

Education Issue

Changing

PEOPLE’S

LIVES THROUGH

Weight LOSS

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo

Advertising Manager

Kelly Murray 972.890.1128 kelly@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene Cayla Thompson

Photography

What’s That Guy’s Name?

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T 469.500.5657 www.whatsthatguysname.com

Letters

Life in Castle Hills invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of

Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries Call 972.899.3637

or email artwork@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com

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

Life in Castle Hills is published monthly

by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Life in Castle Hills 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. © 2020 Murray Media Group

We Want to Tell Your Story

T

hank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of support and excitement we received after the premiere issue of Town Life hit mailboxes last month.

We are so excited to add another publication to our Murray Media Group family, and this one is especially dear to us as it is for our hometown — the place where Scott and I raise our kids, have our business, and are blessed to live.

We enjoy coming across these stories at chamber and networking events, while perusing social media pages and reaching out to non-profit organizations, and from the growing relationships we have with local businesses. But we want to hear from you — our readers.

As you read through the pages of this month’s issue, keep your eyes out for anything we might have missed — and let us know.

Is there a local teen who did something special? What about educators who

go above and beyond? Has your neighborhood pulled together to give back to someone in need? Is there a nonprofit we should highlight?

This is a magazine about OUR community, and we want to write stories that matter to you. We want to tell your story!

Also, did you know we LOVE pictures?

Family pictures, vacation pictures, furry pet pictures, and event pictures. Send them to us, and you just might see them in our next issue.

As Texas dials back on its reopening plan, let’s continue to support local businesses and help keep Flower Mound the best place to live, work, and play!

Our mission – to inspire everyone to LIVE LIFE LOCAL!

Sincerely, Kelly Murray Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com

4 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

EDUCATION ISSUE LOOK FOR THE ICON

ASK THE EXPERTS 14 Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing 18 Health Advice with Surgical Care of North Texas over is On The C

28 Travel with Terri Guthrie

ARTICLES

FEATURED ARTICLE

16

Changing People’s Lives Through Weight Loss

06 How To Pick After-School Care

10 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

12 Inside Community and Education

22 The Colony’s Jayda Coleman Adds to Long List of Honors

24 Lewisville ISD Prepares For 2020-2021 School Year

EDITOR’S PICK

20 Keep Your Community Safe www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

27 Community Corner

30 Masking The Issue

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5

Education Article

O T W

HO

K C I P

O H

C S R

E T F A

L O

E R

A C by

el

m Ga e v Ste

T

he dog days of summer are drawing to a close, which means back-to-school prep is right around the corner. Clearly, prepping

will be a little different this year, and plenty of questions still

abound as to what “school” will even look like. Will the kiddos be learning from home again? Will it be a combination of distance

learning and in-school time? What about us parents who barely made it through the last few months of last school year?

The typical stuff like buying supplies, showing up for teacher

orientations (in person or on Zoom), scheduling sports physicals,

and sifting through the latest fashion trends will keep us busy. But

here’s another item for the to-do list: figuring out after-school care.

IT WOULD REALLY HELP OUT IF WE HAD SOMEWHERE SAFE FOR THE KIDS TO GO...

6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

If we are back to school as normal, just because school ends at 3 p.m. for the kiddos doesn’t mean our work schedules do.

For many of us, we’ve still got another two or three hours left on the clock, and when you factor in the occasional early dismissal, teacher in-service day, etc., that can create a stressful balancing

act for any parent. It would really help out if we had somewhere

safe for the kids to go, and luckily, that’s where after-school care comes into play.

Here are a few tips on how to pick after-school care that fits you and your child’s needs: www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

churches, and more. Many of these programs are perfect

for families who need more affordable options and require

flexibility for those situations where there is early dismissal, snow days, etc.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS If you are forced to look outside your kids’ school, write down a list of your top questions ahead of time as you call facilities.

Here are a few to get you started:

1. Who is watching my child and what type of training do they have?

2. What schools do you service?

3. What activities do you offer and will my child have time to do homework?

SEE IF YOUR KIDS’ SCHOOL OFFERS ANY PROGRAMS Before you start looking to the myriad of childcare options

throughout Denton County, keep in mind that many school

districts have after-school programs with staff available as late as

6 p.m. The benefit is that your child doesn’t need to be bussed to

another location and will be surrounded by the same people and classmates they see in the halls each day.

4. How do you ensure all children are getting along?

5. How long have you been in business?

6. What are your hours?

7. Does the facility cater to kids with special needs?

A major concern for parents of children with special needs is whether or not the after-school program is set up to handle

children with special needs or learning disabilities that likely require individualized care and 1-on-1 instruction.

CHECK WITH YOUR SCHOOL FOR A PREFERRED-PROVIDER LIST

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Many times, your school’s administration will have a

program that can meet you and your child’s needs. But if you

simply asking someone in the front office may yield a few decent

an after-school nanny with experience in education or finding

also providing peace of mind that these outside facilities have

school – especially if it’s a friend whose kid goes to the same

The tips above should definitely help you find an after-school

preferred-provider list for after-school care. Even if they don’t,

don’t feel comfortable, a few additional options include hiring

options. This will at least give you a short list to work from while

a family member or friend who can pick your children up after

been referred.

school or is in the same class as your child.

LOOK TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

At the end of the day, we as parents want nothing but the best

Safe and healthy after-school care can normally be found at

Rather than wait until school starts, now is the time to start

community organizations such as the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

for our children. Selecting the right after-school program is

another piece to that puzzle, and it takes careful consideration. researching your options.

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7

Neighborhood

8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Find Your Local Home-Based Business Here!

BUY YOUR

SPACE NOW

85

$

per month

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

INCLUDES: Logo 1 offer OR photo Basic Contact Info

(Website Address and Phone Number)

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9

SHERIFF’S W I T H

“

S H E R I F F

T R A C Y

M U R P H R E E

THANK YOU OFFICERS

T

he last few months have been very have served with honor and distinction challenging for law enforcement. throughout these difficult times. I have The COVID-19 pandemic followed watched over and over as they continue by civil unrest and anti-police sentiments to do their jobs and do their jobs well. has affected law enforcement agencies I’ve heard no complaints or whining, like nothing before. The Denton County as they have done all that I and their Sheriff’s Office and our local agencies respective Chiefs have asked of them. are no exception. In a time of uncertainty They go out every day putting their lives I want to take a moment on the line for Denton and tell you how proud I THEY HAVE WORKED County. They are moms, am of our officers. These dads, husbands, wives, TIRELESSLY men and women have sons and daughters who WITHOUT DAYS not had the opportunity have answered a call not to work from home. They many are willing to answer.

OFF TO KEEP OUR have been unable to social They are angry when a COMMUNITIES SAFE. distance themselves from member of their profession the duties they are sworn brings dishonor to that to provide. They have worked tirelessly profession. They are always and will always without days off to keep our communities be there when they are needed. I’m proud safe. These officers have gone from to lead these men and women. I am also being praised as essential workers to proud of our sister agencies we work so being ridiculed with calls of defunding closely with. You should be proud of their positions. These men and women them too.”

WE ARE

HIRING If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization.

Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year.

Visit our website to apply. www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty

940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX 10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11

INSIDE COMMUNITY

FUNNY SHIELDS AMERICAN PUP CULTURE 2580 FM 544 • Lewisville, TX 75056 With over 20 years of combined experience caring for pets, the Loureiro family has recently opened a new shop in the Castle Hills Village Shops and Plaza. Their mission is to provide your pets with a clean, safe, and soothing environment. For all of your grooming and daycare needs give them a try. Visit www.AmericanPupCulture.com for more information.

Denton County resident, Alejandra Matiz has made eco friendly face shields for kids! These shields protect from direct contact with fluids and mists, and prevents face touching. Made from renewable raw materials. The headband is water resistant, and adjustable. Material is light, easy to clean, and reusable. With many patterns to choose from, purchase one today at www.Etsy.com/shop/MilibelulaOnTheFly. photo courtesy of Alejandra Matiz

INSIDE EDUCATION

CASTLE HILLS ELEMENTARY BACK-TO-SCHOOL FAIR Sat., Aug. 1 | 8am - 1pm | Lewisville High School 1098 W. Main St. • Lewisville, TX 75067 Lewisville ISD will host its annual Back-to-School Fair with a bit of a twist. For the safety of students, families, and volunteers, this year’s fair will be designed as a drive-thru, with social distancing and other safety precautions in place. The fair is a free event providing over 5,000 LISD students with backpacks and key school supplies for the new school year. Email BacktoSchoolFair@lisd.net with any questions.

12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

As posted on June 1, Castle Hills Elementary campus, playground, basketball courts and any other areas around the school have been closed until further notice. This closure is due to construction, COVID-19, and vandalism.

The areas are taped off and will be monitored. They hope to open the areas back up when they are deemed safe. photo courtesy of Carly Dunson

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

METROCREST SERVICES FOOD PANTRY NEEDS Do you have a bundle of paper grocery bags you aren’t sure what to do with? The Metrocrest Services Food Pantry will gladly take them! Their current drop spot is at Liberty Postal Business Center, located at 2560 King Arthur Blvd. #124, Lewisville, 75056.

GATORADE NATIONAL SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR The Colony High School 2020 graduate Jayda Coleman has been named on June 10 as the Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year.

The prestigious award recognizes athletic excellence, outstanding academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Congratulations, Jayda! photo courtesy of Deanna Coleman

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

SUPPORT LEWSIVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION Hawaiian Falls waterparks, Garland or The Colony locations have teamed up with the Lewisville Education Foundation to support the district and give you a discounted way to stay cool this summer. Visit HFalls.com, select YOUR water park, click the brown TICKET PARTNER button and enter the discount code LewisvilleEF.

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13

Ask The Expert: Organizing

How To Use A

TOMATO TIMER TO GET ORGANIZED

by Crystal Nerpel, Owner of Cloud Nine Organizing

H

ave you heard of the Pomodoro Technique® Pomo-what? Pomodoro is Italian for tomato. The Pomodoro Technique® is centered around the idea of using a tomato timer to get things done. What does that have to do with organizing, you ask? It’s all about efficiency. It’s a time management technique that was credited

by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.

I have tested this technique out many times and find it to be super motivating. There’s something about getting as much done as possible before that timer sounds. Using a timer is a simple yet effective method you can use to stay on track while working on any big organizing project.

The genius part: you require yourself

The key is to stay within a couple parameters so that you stay on track.

First of all, set the timer for no more than 15-25 minutes. Second, you have to STOP at the end of the timer.

So simple!

drinking a cup of tea, doing a few yoga

to take a short break (about 15-20 minutes) after the timer goes off.

You cannot do anything related to the organizing project during the break.

Try not to even think about the organizing project.

Shift your mind to a relaxed state by

moves, take a shower, walk around the

block, or anything else relaxing and nonstrenuous. These breaks will help you tackle the rest of your project with a new, fresh perspective.

After your break, you can set the timer for another 15-25 minutes and get back to organizing. The short bursts of work with systematic breaks keep you from burning out too quickly. Less burn-out means you’ll be more likely to finish your project in a timely manner (see what I did there?)

I don’t suggest doing more than 4 timed-sessions in a day. If you do more than 4 sessions Cirillo recommends that you take longer breaks in between each timed-session.

Remember, organizing is never a do or die situation. If you don’t get your organizing project done in one day that’s perfectly fine. You can declutter, destress and simplify your life by using short, manageable bursts of time.

Set reasonable goals for yourself and set a timer.

CLOUDNINEORGANIZING.COM

14 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15

People’s CHANGING

LIVES THROUGH

Weight LOSS L

by Steve Gamel

aura Alexis can tell you

countless feel-good stories of

everyday people who struggled

with being overweight but saw their lives change in the blink of an eye — all because of a laser that looks and feels like it’s not doing anything.

16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

For example, one gentleman needed to drop a few pounds before he could be

approved for long-overdue knee surgery.

Within a few weeks, he went back to his doctor and was told the surgery was

no longer necessary because his joints weren’t bearing the brunt of excess

weight. There was also a patient who, for years, relied on a walker to get around

but miraculously cast it aside, and another gentleman who always had to purchase

two seats and ask for a seatbelt extender when he’d get on an airplane. They are both now living their best life.

And then you have Laura herself, who five years ago was depressed and overweight after the loss of her baby boy, Phillip.

A doctor she worked for introduced her

to a small laser machine tucked away in a corner, and the rest is history.

“There was a red, shining light hovering over my tummy area, and I remember

effects of surgical and other weight loss

procedures like liposuction and bariatrics.

rolling my eyes and looking down as I

With Zerona, there’s no downtime, no

feel anything,’” Laura said. “I did this on

and no cold. Simply by lying down under

days later and saw the results, I was so

in fat cells, which are naturally eliminated

lives with this procedure. I feel strongly that this procedure shouldn’t just be for the rich and famous but also for the

said, ‘Are you sure this is working? I can’t

swelling, no bruising, no pain, no heat,

average person just like me. I’m here to

a Monday, and when I came back two

the laser, the procedure makes tiny tears

The Zerona Laser is good for anybody

excited that I couldn’t wait to get under it

through the lymphatic system.

again and push the repeat button. When it transformed me mentally, physically, and emotionally, I knew I had to do the same for others.”

And just like that, Innovative Lasers of

Houston was born — and the Zerona Laser would never be stuck in a corner again.

When we caught up with Laura earlier this month, she was smiling from ear to ear.

She shared how Innovative Lasers went

from a single office to six — five in Houston and one in Preston Hollow — while single-

handedly changing the weight loss game several thousand fat cells at a time. And it’s all thanks to the Zerona Laser, the

first non-invasive total body contouring procedure without the adverse side

Zerona is FDA approved, and patients

experience an average reduction of 3 to 11 inches in two weeks.

While it sounds too good to be true,

there’s a very good reason for such a high success rate.

“We don’t destroy fat cells; we shrink

them,” Laura said. “Like a magnet that is attracted to metal, the Zerona Laser is

attracted to fat cells. It creates tears in the fat cells and sweeps them throughout

help people and change people’s lives.” and everybody — regardless of whether you want to lose five pounds or 105 pounds. Not only does their laser shrink the fat cells, but patients aren’t left with troublesome loose skin because the laser stimulates the collagen in your body.

“This is all we do, every single day,” Laura said. “We hire the best staff with love and compassion as the main qualification, and because we can deliver results quickly, it has made us very popular.”

She added, “These are people who have

the body so the content of those cells

tried everything under the sun and haven’t

such as urine and sweat. When that

those stories with the rest of the world.”

naturally seep out through bodily fluids happens, the results are immediate.”

She added, “We literally change people’s

seen results like this before. I want to share Call Innovative Lasers of Houston at (214) 484-2340 for a free consultation.

214.484.2340 | WWW.INNOVATIVELASERSOFHOUSTON.COM www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17

Ask The Expert: Health Advice

SAFE

Is It

DEDICATED ENTRANCES

To Have

SURGERY?

Surgical patients have their own designated entrances, treatment areas and care teams.

COVID-19 TESTING Everyone (including physicians, nurses and other staff) must pass an entrance screening.

by Texas Bone & Joint

A

t Texas Bone & Joint, we remain focused on caring for our patients by providing high-quality healthcare services when you need them, even during these unprecedented times. But a lot of patients have been asking, “Is it safe to have surgery right now?” The short answer is yes.

pictured above is Dr. Minn Saing

Surgical procedures and hospitalizations for some conditions can’t always wait—like a broken bone. But those with an elective surgery or procedure scheduled for 2020 may be wondering if COVID-19 has completely disrupted their plans. It doesn’t have to. Delaying or avoiding important medical procedures can result in unnecessary suffering, including additional damage to injured or diseased body parts and increased pain.

We’re all extra concerned about safety at this point, but you can rest assured that there are few places outside of your own home with as many protections in place to prevent exposure to COVID-19 as a hospital. And, because hospitals deal with infectious diseases on a daily basis, they are uniquely equipped to safely manage coronavirus.

pictured above is Dr. Drew Ratner

pictured above is Jose Reyna, MD

To the right are some of the enhanced precautions Medical City Healthcare, where we perform surgery, has in place to ensure you are in safe hands.

UNIVERSAL MASKING & SCREENING We practice social distancing and universal masking in all public areas (children under 2 years of age are not masked).

VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS Available with trusted physician specialists and urgent care doctors.

ULTRA-CLEAN We are passionate about providing a clean, germ-free environment.

VIRTUAL VISITATION Using our advanced technology to keep families connected and informed.

877.314.8990 | TBJORTHO.COM | TEXAS BONE & JOINT LEWISVILLE OFFICE

18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19

KEEP YOUR

Community

SAFE Y

by Steve Gamel

ou’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t heard of the National Neighborhood Watch Program. One of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, a Neighborhood Watch is a collection of everyday citizens who keep an eye on things and work with local police to deter crime and keep their neighborhoods safer.

20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Thousands of registered watch groups across the country have that familiar white and blue sign with the slogan that says, “We look out for each other.” But if you’ve noticed, they aren’t in every single neighborhood locally.

If you’d like to start one for your neighborhood, you can visit www.nnw.org/ register-watch. In the meantime, there are still ways you can reduce crime, improve communication among neighbors, and be more prepared when emergencies strike — with or without a formal Neighborhood Watch Program. Here are just a few to help you get started.

GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS We should all make it a point to get to know who is living next to us, even if they are six or seven houses down the road or on a nearby street. Does your neighbor have children? Where do they work?

Are your neighbors older and need help every so often? Good neighbors who know each other communicate better, have ways to reach each other, are aware of each other’s tendencies (when people are at work, out of town, etc.), and can recognize suspicious behavior. Even if you don’t want to form an official watch group, knowing your neighbors keeps everyone in the know and concerns top of mind.

DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT Your local police work hard every day to protect and serve, but they can’t keep track of all potential safety issues if they aren’t aware of them. The police are more than willing to meet with you and the rest of your neighbors to answer questions and share their knowledge. They may even be willing to increase daily patrols if you stress the importance of keeping the neighborhood safe. Who knows, they may help you start a Neighborhood Watch Program.

KEEP YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD LOOKING ITS BEST Neighborhoods with expensive homes and manicured lawns aren’t immune to crime. But keeping your lawn mowed, your vehicles and garage doors locked, and your property well-lit and cared for can keep suspicious activity to a minimum.

The goal is to make things more difficult for criminals who may be looking for an easy score.

IMPROVE THE LIGHTING ON YOUR STREET Speaking of well-lit areas, talk to your Homeowner’s Association, city officials, and neighbors about improving lighting in any areas that are sorely lacking.

Encourage neighbors to turn their porch lights on in the evenings.

EVERY HOUSE SHOULD HAVE A SECURITY SYSTEM One of the best ways to improve safety and decrease criminal activity in neighborhoods or communities that don’t have a dedicated Neighborhood Watch Program is to ensure every home has a security system and that it is being used regularly. Burglars are less likely to invade homes that are clearly protected by cameras and other security systems.

START A NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL MEDIA GROUP Most neighborhoods and communities have a Facebook group such as Lantana Life or What’s Happening Lake Cities. If yours doesn’t have one, be proactive in creating one and inviting your neighbors to join. They are the perfect forum to ask for referrals, have critical discussions, and yes, prevent crime. Neighbors who are in the know are more likely to stay happy and safe. The problem with many of these sites is that they can fall victim to cycles of negativity. If someone asks a question about something they noticed or want to understand better, be a good neighbor and help them in a positive way. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21

Softball: The Colony’s

Jayda Coleman ADDS TO LONG LIST OF HONORS

by Steve Gamel

T

he Dallas-Fort Worth area is known for producing top-tier high school talent in every sport. Softball is certainly no exception, though one could argue the standard-bearer in recent years is former The Colony shortstop Jayda Coleman.

Coleman, who graduated last month

and is on her way to play at Oklahoma, hit .700 or better for her career while winning a state title and racking up

numerous individual honors. She added

to that long list of accolades in June when she was named the Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year. She was originally named Gatorade’s Texas

player of the year, which put her in the running to win the national award.

“It’s an honor to be the Texas Gatorade Player of the Year. I’m so blessed to

be awarded such a prestigious award.

It’s also humbling, I still have a lot to

work for,” Coleman said in an interview with The Old Coach in May, just before winning the national honor. “I am so

happy to be the first from The Colony

High School to receive this award and

hopefully encourage more Cougars to strive for this award.”

22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

After winning the national award, Coleman was quoted by the Dallas Morning News as saying, “I was just shocked. I can’t believe this just happened. It’s incredible.”

Coleman is the No. 1 recruit in the nation for the class of 2020 and a threetime first-team All-American. With the latest honor, Coleman becomes just the fourth player from Texas to win the national award. Previous winners with gold medalist Cat Osterman (2001), former Keller pitcher Kirsten Shortridge (2006), and former The Woodlands pitcher Paige McDuffee (2011).

Coleman is the first DFW softball athlete since 2016 to win the Texas award and one of three from Lewisville ISD. The last LISD player to win the Texas award was Hebron’s Heather Stearns in 2012.

Though her senior season was cut short because of the coronavirus, Coleman

batted .717 with 42 runs scored, 41 steals, 29 RBIs, and 10 triples in 19 games. She

also was 12-0 in the circle with a 0.89 ERA along with 75 strikeouts in 55 innings

pitched before the season was canceled,

according to Gatorade. More importantly,

Coleman maintained a weighted 3.63 GPA in the classroom, per Gatorade. A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes,

Coleman volunteers on behalf of PALS,

which works with special needs children.

She also participates in helping youth

competitors train for the Special Olympics in addition to serving as an instructor in the Texas Glory club organization.

“Jayda Coleman is a polished, cerebral player who is so smooth and poised

that she makes everything look easy,” Brentt Eads, President and Executive

Editor of Extra Inning Softball, was quoted as saying on Gatorade’s official website.

“She always seems to be two steps ahead of the play and has great instincts and

instantaneous decision-making abilities.

She’s one of the smartest and most

intuitive softball players I’ve ever seen.”

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23

Education Article

Lewisville ISD

PREPARES FOR

2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

by Brooke Ezzo

A

s we all know, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lewisville Independent School District students left schools for spring break this past March and did not return.

As extended spring break turned into summer break and now school registration is looming in the background, there is still much confusion.

The ever-changing information from both federal and state entities in regards to the virus has left the district, parents, and caregivers on the edge of their seats, waiting for further instruction on how to reopen schools for the 2020-2021 school year.

Lewisville ISD recently sent out parent surveys that included specific questions about remote and in-person learning platforms. With guidance from the Texas Education Agency and the data reviewed from the surveys, the district will most likely adopt the twofold options for returning to school like other neighboring districts.

With registration deadlines quickly approaching and the early August return date, parents are encouraged to fill out the emailed surveys and complete child registrations. This valuable data will help the district narrow down the safety measures needed to be taken and implement guidelines for students to return to school.

24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

daily learning. This means saving all assignments until the end of the week will no longer be applicable.

With recent spikes in positive cases throughout North Texas, the district understands that its students’ health and safety is the priority. With that, families that choose to keep their children at home or those unable to return to a classroom setting will have access to a full virtual learning experience taught online by a district teacher or another online platform.

In-Person Learning This is understandably the most difficult decision the district will be making considering opposing views when it comes to what health measures are effective against the virus.

Daily attendance rules will apply, and students will be required to show evidence of daily learning.

On June 23, long-awaited guidance from Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath was shared with all Texas superintendents. Unfortunately, Morath did not discuss what health measures should be followed or mandated. The assumption is the TEA and state entities will leave the health protocols up to each individual district.

Morath did, however, discuss the outlined expectations for remote learning.

Remote Learning at Home When students were not allowed to return to the classroom in March, the district

quickly converted to a virtual learning platform. This form of learning will be a family choice but will come with the same

expectations for learning as the traditional face-to-face instruction model.

This includes more teacher interaction and more time in virtual learning and completing lessons. Remote learning might be semi-flexible, but based on state guidelines, the students are still required to mirror the level of work, commitment, and time on a task as they would with in-person learning. Daily attendance rules will apply, and students will be required to show evidence of

Like neighboring districts, the feedback from the community and staff from the surveys, alongside any guidance from governing entities, will help determine to what degree the district will make face-toface instruction available for all.

The third option would be a hybrid method, which most districts are preparing for. Should social-distancing requirements reduce the number of students in attendance at one time, there would be a contingency plan in place to rotate students into face-toface instruction while filling in the gap remotely.

There are still many questions and they may not be answered until last minute due to the fluidity of the situation. But, the district is working tirelessly to provide the best possible outcome for our students as we navigate through the wake of COVID-19 and the ending of our previous school year.

If you have not yet registered your new or returning students, visit www.lisd.net/enroll.

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25

26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

•

Taking Community

RESPONSIBILITY

by Denton County Judge Andy Eads photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads

M

any of you have reached out in recent days as much larger counties with higher case counts have taken steps to require face masks in businesses.

I believe this situation does include wearing a mask, but it is about much more than a mask. It is about a temporary lifestyle change.

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the way we go about our daily lives.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with others outside of your household, covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning

and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and monitoring your health.

These few simple steps can also make a difference and reduce exposure: •

Instead of going to the grocery story multiple times a week, plan one or two trips instead;

•

Take advantage of patio dining at your favorite restaurants or curbside service and delivery at local businesses;

•

Worship responsibly – Sit 6 feet away from fellow congregants while attending services;

•

Wear a mask when interacting with people outside your household, this includes inside businesses and personal settings;

When you wear a mask, you are wearing it for everyone else. If all of us wear masks when in contact with each other, we help one another.

Moreover, check in with your vulnerable neighbors, friends and relatives to see if they need anything to reduce their potential for exposure.

I am sure we all know someone who could use a helping hand and I am asking us all to use this time to help our fellow residents. If you would like to volunteer to help in these efforts, contact us at volunteercovid19@dentoncounty.com.

These simple and innovative steps can significantly reduce the chance of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

Our Denton County Public Health team closely monitors the situation in our county and, while the positivity rate has increased, the availability of hospital beds, ICU beds and ventilators has not increased dramatically. We continue to monitor these Denton County metrics daily as well as the metrics in the hospitals across DFW. As we experience an uptick in cases, it is not the time to panic. Instead, we need to focus our reliable, local statistics.

We each have the responsibility to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Yet we also need to exercise community responsibility.

When you wear a mask, you are wearing it for everyone else. If all of us wear masks when in contact with each other, we help one another. That is what community is all about. It is also a courtesy to others working on the frontlines. The more voluntary participation we have, the less likely a mandatory mask requirement will be needed. Together, hopefully we can find a collective path forward to reduce COVID-19 transmission without resorting to mandates.

Do the responsible thing. Wear a mask.

For real-time Denton County Health Statistics check out www.dentoncounty. gov/COVIDstats.

CONNECT WITH US If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. andy.eads@dentoncounty.com 940.349.2820. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27

Ask The Expert: Travel

THE

Gathering Place

by Terri Guthrie | photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie

A

re you looking for something nearby to do this summer?

Well, I have a great idea for you, and it’s just north of us in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Gathering Place has been named “America’s Best New Attraction” by USA TODAY. It was also awarded the “World’s Greatest Places” by Time Magazine in 2019. And what a place it is!!! We have been countless times and still have not seen everything. You really need to see this new creative and very unique FREE Park!

This brand new riverfront park was designed as an inclusive green space where residents and visitors alike can relax and engage with one another.

The expansive park makes use of more than six million gallons of water and 80

The future for The Gathering Place looks very promising as the Kaiser Family Foundation also created a $100 million endowment to support maintenance of the park for the next 99 years. Every city should be so lucky!

tree species, with attractions like multistory fireplaces, an adventure playground, a boathouse, restaurants, coffee shops, a sensory garden, and a reading tree.

There’s something here for everyone.

Fortunately, our daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons live here, so we visit this wonderful park as often as possible and always find new things to discover. It’s definitely a park like none other. Go and see for yourself…you will be glad you did!

The Gathering Place is centered on the east bank of the Arkansas River. It is largely the brainchild of Tulsa multibillionaire and philanthropist, George Kaiser. This publicprivate partnership covers approximately 100 acres of land. As of September 2018, it has cost about $465 million to construct.

FOLLOW TERRI ON INSTAGRAM @TRAVELWITHTERRI OR HER TRAVEL BLOG AT TRAVELWITHTERRI.NET

28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

JULY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29

Masking THE ISSUE

by Jean Eisenmann | photo courtesy of Jean Eisenmann

A

s the coronavirus pandemic continues, I reflect back a couple of months to when we were told gloves were a definite deterrent to contracting the virus.

Then once we loaded up on them, buying up every store’s inventories and stuffing them in every nook and cranny of the house, the new preventive became mask.

And my house smells like a latex factory.

the iridescent silvery stars reflect on the

ceiling and keep him awake. Can’t he just count them like sheep and nod off?

I wear masks with red and orange

flames when I’m feeling rebellious,

I’ve now become so overexposed to

because I hadn’t realized that ripping it

sequins for masked tie, uh, black tie

profound effect on me. I seem to have

causing observers to have nightmares.

feeling my age, gingham when I want

“mass mask marketing” that it’s had a

developed a bona fide mask obsession.

And to think of all the years I wasted coveting shoes.

off my face in one fell swoop might be

Today, I watched a local morning show

where the hostess announced, “Coming

up after the station break, we’ll learn how

It’s the new normal to have only half

to make masks from your husband’s old

public places draws more glares than if

masks, depending on the size of the

going about their lives wearing those

our masks. Ah, American ingenuity and

home; gardening, sunbathing, cleaning

opportunistic greed for good measure.

your face exposed. Not wearing one in

boxer shorts. One pair yields two to three

I picked my nose in church. People are

shorts.” We’re getting pretty crafty with

little fabric disguises and yes, even at

entrepreneurial spirit, with a sprinkling of

out the gutters, and jogging. And fainting,

I am accumulating quite a mask collection

because it’s just too hot to wear a mask outdoors in Texas.

On TV the other

day, a newscaster conducted an

interview remotely with an “etiquette

expert” who shared with us the proper way to remove

a mask without

offending anyone.

You know, that really enlightened me

AH, AMERICAN INGENUITY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, WITH A SPRINKLING OF OPPORTUNISTIC GREED FOR GOOD MEASURE.

30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JULY 2020

to feed my new

fixation. I have masks of every color for every occasion –

even a night mask

complete with blue half-moons and

silver stars. It’s a

little intrusive to

events, ‘70s psychedelic when I’m

to project innocence, and a red lip print when I don’t.

I removed my jewelry from its

designated box and placed the pieces

in a plastic bag. My grandfather’s college graduation ring from 1920 and my aunt’s engagement ring that she brought over from the old country don’t require the

special container with satin lining that my mask collection does.

In addition to its health benefit of virus

protection, I have come to feel virtually undressed without wearing a mask.

I see it as a burgeoning fashion industry, not only developing as we live under

health threats, but also as we become

accustomed to wearing them as part of

our wardrobes. However, there will always be skeptics who prefer to go commando.

wear while sleeping

In the future, despite whatever progressive

said it not only makes

one characteristic can never be replicated,

like Darth Vader’s, but

heartfelt – and unobstructed – smile.

because my husband

designs may evolve from today’s mask,

my breathing sound

and that’s the beauty of seeing a warm,

www.CastleHillsMagazine.com