2020 Prosper ISD Annual Report

Soaring to New Beginnings.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2020

We Are PROSPER, We Are ONE 2

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Welcome Parents, Staff, and Community,

There is no doubt that 2020 was a year for the history books. Words like unprecedented and pivot became the words to describe endeavors made in most every area of our lives. Despite the obstacles created through this “new normal” in which we found ourselves, Prosper ISD remained one of the fastest growing districts in the state and the country adding more than 2,150 students from the first school day in 2020 to the last school day in 2020.

Despite the obstacles, the 2961 educators in Prosper ISD have continued to work diligently to grow and enrich the lives of our 19,264 students. In the middle of a global pandemic, Prosper ISD opened the district’s twelfth elementary school, fourth middle school, and became a two high school town with the opening of Rock Hill High School.

While many of our events were postponed or looked a bit different this year as a result of the changes to our world, the commitment to maintaining those traditions that make Prosper ISD a special place ensured the continued opportunity to create lifelong memories. It has been my honor and privilege to begin serving our community this year as Superintendent of Schools and continuing to build on the years of excellence that has been Prosper ISD. Sincerely,

Dr. Holly Ferguson Superintendent of Schools

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BACK ROW (left to right): Kelly Cavender, Bill Beavers, Dena Dixon, Jim Bridges, Mays Davenport 6

School Board Prosper Independent School District

FRONT ROW (left to right): Jana Thomson, Debra Smith 7

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School Board Members Sworn In The November election included two Prosper ISD School Board positions.

Place 2 previously held by Michelle McBride (pic 1) was up for election. Ms. McBride did not run for reelection and the office was won by Dena Dixon (pic 2) who will serve for the next three years.

Place 5 previously held by Debra Smith (pic 3) was up for election. Ms. Smith ran unopposed for the position and was reelected to continue the position for the next three years.

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Dr. Holly Ferguson Superintendent of Schools

Executive Cabinet

Dr. Greg Bradley

Todd Shirley

Annette Folmar

Jeff Crownover

Dr. Blair Hickey

Fernando DeVelasco

Deputy Superintendent

Chief Human Resources & General Counsel

Chief Academic Officer

Chief of Specialized Programs

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Technology Officer

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Contents

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5 Welcome 12 Facilities 17 Behind the Flag 18 Growth 27 Academic Excellence 29 Graduation 30 Top 10 44 Prepare to Prosper 45 Prosper Family Resource Center 47 Hope Squad 53 Superintendent’s Council 54 Building Connections 57 Top 100 Places to Work 60 Finding Future Leaders 62 Teachers / Educators of the Year 68 Prosper Education Foundation 72 Legislative Priorities 80 Connect With Us 82 Traditions

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Water Safety 40

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Facilities

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as of December 2020

TOTAL 19,264

Enrollment ELEMENTARY Baker (951) Boyer (793) Cockrell (709) Folsom (735) Furr (824) Hughes (761) Johnson (704) Light Farms (846) Rucker (708) Spradley (819) Stuber (1,029) Windsong Ranch (1,019)

VIRTUAL LEARNERS 1st 9 Weeks

36.4%

2nd 9 Weeks

32.8%

MIDDLE Hays (1,395) Reynolds (905) Rogers (1,263) Rushing (977)

HIGH PHS (2,805) RHHS (2,021)

IN-PERSON LEARNERS 1st 9 Weeks

63.6%

2nd 9 Weeks

67.2%

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Student Ethnicity Pacific Islander .1% Asian 2.1% American Indian .8%

Two or More Races 2.4% African American 9% Hispanic 15.6%

4,334

Enrollment White 70%

2010-2011 Two or More Races 4% African American Pacific Islander .2% 7.5% Asian 2.9%

American Indian .7%

Hispanic 12.8%

7,060

Enrollment White 71.9%

2014-2015 14

Two or More Races 7.8%

African American 9.45%

Asian 13.08%

Hispanic 13.63%

American Indian .24% Pacific Islander .05%

19,264

Enrollment White 55.75%

2020-2021 15

14.5%

12

9 6

8.3% 2010

2014

8.48%

Economically Disadvantaged

2020

Languages

65

home languages spoken by our families

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Behind the Flag Few symbols bring about a sense of national pride like the display of flags.

In an effort to highlight and celebrate the diversity of the students and staff, every nationality that is represented at Rock Hill High School (RHHS) is recognized through the display of their national flag.

RHHS Senior, Grant Johnson, loves “the flags surrounding the commons areas upstairs. Each student’s nationality is represented as a flag that reminds students where they came from and how diverse our school body is. It is also really cool that Hill Top News highlights a student each week in their segment Faces Behind the Flags so students can see the face that that flag represents.”

There are currently 48 flags representing the diversity that is RHHS! Rock Hill Principal, Dustin Toth, is “proud of the sense of inclusion and family that the flags have come to represent. When they see the respect and appreciation for each heritage that makes up the Rock Hill Family so visibly on display, students and staff lean more easily into a culture of acceptance that is Click here to watch Rock Hill Media’s crucial to being the episodes on “Faces Behind the Flags” Rock Hill Family!”

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Growth

3,000-3,500 Prosper ISD is forecasted to close roughly 3,000 - 3,500 new residential units annually for the next 3-5 years.

2,799 Annual New Home Closings in 2020.

As of Quarter 3, Prosper ISD was on track to see record numbers of new home starts and closings in 2020.

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Prosper ISD has 42 actively building subdivisions.

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There are 12 future subdivisions within Prosper ISD. 18

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Fastest Growing Subdivisions in 2020 in order of annual closings through Q3 of 2020

1.

Sutton Fields

6.

Star Trail

2.

Light Farms

7.

Lilyana

3.

Auburn Hills

8.

Mustang Lakes

4.

Westridge/highlands

9.

Miramonte

5.

Windsong Ranch

10. Artesia

Forecasted Growth Year

Total Enrollment

Total Growth

% Growth

2021-22

21,520

2,446

12.82%

2022-23

23,876

2,357

10.95%

2023-24

26,144

2,267

9.5%

2024-25

28,510

2,366

9.05%

2025-26

30,842

2,333

8.18%

2026-27

33,332

2,489

8.07%

2027-28

35,855

2,523

7.57%

2028-29

38,319

2,464

6.87%

2029-30

40,658

2,339

6.1%

2030-31

43,152

2,494

6.14% 19

Opened 2020

The fall of 2020 saw Prosper ISD open its twelfth elementary school, fourth middle school and second high school.

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In 2020, Prosper ISD opened three new campuses and began construction on two more to open in 2021. The fall of 2020 saw Prosper ISD open its twelfth elementary school, fourth middle school and second high school.

Rushing Middle School (2), named after William Rushing, former Prosper ISD Superintendent, was built on Fishtrap Road just outside of the Artesia and The Parks at Legacy area of Prosper ISD serving students in that area in grades 6-8.

Johnson Elementary (3), named after Texas House of Representatives and U.S. Congressman, Sam Johnson, was built in the Mustang Lakes area of Prosper ISD serving students in the area in grades K-5.

Rock Hill High School (1) also opened in the Fall of 2020. The district’s second high school located on Coit Road just south of Hwy. 380, the campus serves students in the zoned area in grades 9-12. The campus was opened as a UIL 5A campus serving almost 2000 students.

Opening 2021

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The district recently began construction on two more elementary campuses to meet the needs as a result of the growth. Mrs. Jerry Bryant Elementary (1) will open in the Fall of 2021 on the west side of the district near Windsong Ranch. Mike and Janie Reeves Elementary (2) will also open in the Fall of 2021 on the east side of the district in Auburn Hills.

live feed

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Current & Future Campuses

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Type of Campus

ELEMENTARY

MIDDLE

HIGH

Average Campus Capacity

750

1,100

2,800

2020 Current District Campuses

12

4

2

5 year additional campuses needed

8-9

2-3

1

10 year additional campuses needed

14-15

5-6

3

Growth in Enrollment

Number of Students

20000

15000

17,036

14,243 12,447

10,325

10000 8,462 7,253 6,459

5000

890

962

1,300 1,475

1,825 2,100

3,220

3,739

4,847

20 -20 19 20 19 -20 18 20 18 20 1720 17 -20 16 20 16 -20 15 20 15 -20 14 20 014 -2 13 20 013 2 1220 12 20 1120 11 -20 10 20 10 -20 09 20 09 -20 08 20 08 -20 07 20 07 -20 06 20 06 -20 05 20 05 -20 04 20 04 -20 03 20 03 -20 02 20 02 -20 01 20 01 -20 00

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0

901

2,800

4,480

5,625

Kindergarten

School Year

Growth Rate

Kindergarten saw the biggest enrollment decline from the COVID impact.

12%

Prosper ISD Added 2,045 students in the Fall of 2020 for a growth rate of 12% while most districts in DFW have seen a 5%-6% student enrollment decline.

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Summer Project Updates

Several campuses saw updates this summer as part of the district’s ongoing efforts to ensure all campuses have up-to-date facilities.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1

7.

8.

9.

5

10.

2

6

9 7 3

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PHS Baseball Field PHS Library PHS Hallway Carpet PHS TVs replaced Smart Boards Reynolds MPF Turf Reynolds Weight Room Reynolds Library Rucker Breezeway Rucker Front Entrance Rucker Restrooms

Transportation Prosper ISD has a total of 167 buses 144 Propane 23 Diesel

Prosper ISD transportation has 127 drivers, 24 monitors, 45 crossing guards and 19 staff.

Transportation has 110 routes and travels approximately 6,535 miles a day

Transportation carries about 5,400 students daily

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Innovative Learning 26

8th Grade BioMed Tech Program

Academic Excellence Average ACT Scores 20.4

23.2

State

District

20.7

20.6

State

23.9

20.8

District

State

20.6

23.9

20.3

District

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State

20.8

District

20.2

Region 10

Region 10

Region 10

Region 10

MATH

ALL SUBJECTS

SCIENCE

ELA

Average SAT Scores 510

State

571

District

518

1027 State

1154

District

1039

517

State

583

District

521

Region 10

Region 10

Region 10

MATH

ALL SUBJECTS

ELA

National Merit Scholars

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National Merit Finalists*

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National Merit Semi-Finalists

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National Merit Commended Scholars

*Finalists:

Alexandra Breedlove-Priestley, Saransh Raina, Devon Corbridge, Justice Hunt, Jagannath Ravindran 27

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Graduation Class of 2020

The global pandemic resulted in many beloved traditions like Special Olympics, Prom, Senior Week, and Field Day being cancelled for the 2019-2020 school year.

Another important tradition, perhaps the most important tradition to schools, was almost lost as well when state guidelines put significant limitations on what graduation could look like for the Class of 2020.

After losing so much at the end of their senior year, Prosper ISD combined efforts with senior parents and the community to make sure that the celebration of the Class of 2020 would live on, albeit looking a little different than in past years.

June 5th was not the date originally scheduled for the Prosper ISD graduation.

Class of 2020 Seniors had looked forward to their May 22nd graduation at The Star.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to those plans and necessitated a change.

Rather than The Star, Prosper High School Class of 2020 Seniors got the opportunity to graduate in the new Children’s Health Stadium at Prosper ISD with up to five of their family members in attendance and loved ones able to watch from home on the live stream.

Before graduation, community members set up an Adopt a Senior Facebook page

where senior profiles were posted and community members were able to adopt a senior providing them with some love through gifts.

Prosper ISD got posters made of the graduates and lined Coleman with the images of the Class of 2020. Seniors received a Proclamation from Prosper Mayor Smith, special message from PHS and PISD educators, and a Senior Don’t Rush Video.

District employees created several outside photo opportunities for Seniors and their families to use to commemorate their special year. Project Graduation included a drive-in movie and lots of prizes. Each senior received a special delivery from PHS staff including a senior goodie bag and a care package with the senior shirt, a message from counselors and administrators, and the senior photo taken at the stadium in the fall. Finally, all seniors received a yearbook complements of Prosper High School.

The Senior year for the Class of 2020 didn’t quite end as planned but they were able to have a “special graduation” month that no other class has gotten to experience and a true hometown celebration that will be remembered for years to come.

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Jack Robnett

Trett Johnson

Kathleen Nguyen

The Prosper ISD student graduating as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2020 is Jack Robnett.

Jack has been in Prosper ISD since 8th grade. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Robnett and plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin to major in Sociology.

The Prosper ISD student graduating as the Salutatorian of the Class of 2020 is Trett Johnson. Trett has been in Prosper since he was 2 years old making him a Prosper ISD K-12 graduate. Trett is the son of Gary Johnson and Rhonda Johnson. He plans to attend Texas A&M University to major in Biomedical Engineering.

The Prosper ISD student graduating 3rd in the class of 2020 is Kathleen Nguyen.

Kathleen has been in Prosper ISD for three years.

She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Viet Quoc Nguyen.

Kathleen plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin to major in Biology (PreMed).

Valedictorian

Salutatorian

1

2

Top 30

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Jordi Guerrero The Prosper ISD student graduating 7th in the Class of 2020 is Jordi Guerrero.

Jordi has been in Prosper ISD since Kindergarten making her a K-12 graduate.

She is the daughter of Rudy and Debbie Guerrero.

Jordi plans to attend the University of Oklahoma to major in Child Development.

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Ryan Hogg The Prosper ISD student graduating 4th in the class of 2020 is Ryan Hogg.

Ryan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Hogg. He is a K-12 graduate of Prosper ISD. Ryan plans to attend the United States Naval Academy to study nuclear engineering.

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Tiarra Pauleus The Prosper ISD student graduating 8th in the Class of 2020 is Tiarra Pauleus.

Tiarra has been in Prosper ISD for the past five years.

She is the daughter of Mr. Robert Pauleus and Mrs. Tamara Pauleus. Tiarra plans to attend Collin College to major in Health Information Management.

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Abbey Elizabeth DeBons

Andrew Blanco

The Prosper ISD student graduating 5th in the Class of 2020 is Abbey Elizabeth DeBons. Abbey has been in Prosper ISD since 6th grade.

She is the daughter of John DeBons and Kimberly DeBons. Abbey plans to attend the University of Alabama to major in Biology (Pre-Dental) and minor in Psychology.

The Prosper ISD student graduating 6th in the Class of 2020 is Andrew Blanco.

Andrew has been in Prosper ISD since 4th grade. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Blanco. Andrew plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin to major in Architecture.

Addison Wellenberger

Grant Typrin

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The Prosper ISD student graduating 9th in the Class of 2020 is Addison Wellenberger. Addison has been in Prosper ISD since Kindergarten making her a K-12 graduate even though she skipped two grades during her educational journey. She is the daughter of Mr. Chuck Wellenberger and Mrs. Misti Wellenberger.

Addison plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis to study Political Science, Spanish, and Latin American Studies.

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The Prosper ISD student graduating 10th in the Class of 2020 is Grant Typrin.

Grant has been in Prosper ISD since 7th grade. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Typrin. Grant plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin to major in Finance.

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Student Student Info In the Numbers

97.56%

98.0%

Attendance Rates

Graduation Rates

Where did they go Class of 2020

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58%

4-Year College / University

.5%

28%

2-Year College

13% Employment / Other

1%

Technical College / Trade School

Military

Advanced Opportunities Advanced Placement

In 2020, 995 students took 1,812 Exams. The number of exams taken

represents a 16.7% increase over

last school year and reflects 10.36% growth in the number of AP courses taken.

There were 331 students designated by

by College Board as AP Scholars, which

reflects a 20.36% growth in students identified as AP Scholars.

AP District Honor Roll

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AP Courses Offered

Only 250 school districts in the U.S.

and Canada and only 17 school districts

in the State of Texas were named to the College Board AP District Honor Roll. Prosper ISD is

1 of 2 Collin County

School Districts acknowledged.

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Honors Opportunities Honors & Dual Credit

Prosper Honors Courses were formerly referred to as Pre-AP. With no designated curriculum by the College Board for these courses, districts were asked to change the name. These courses retain the same weight as previously and include classes in all core subjects as well as World Languages.

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Honors Courses Offered

In 2020, 1,374 dual credit courses were taken by Prosper ISD students, which

represents a 65.54% growth in the number of Dual Credit courses taken. PISD high schools will be moving towards offering 30 dual credit hours to give our

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Dual Credit Courses Offered 34

students an opportunity to complete their first year of college while in high school. This will not only benefit our students, but also be a cost savings for our parents.

CTE

Opportunities

Career and Technical Education

Middle School

Prosper ISD middle school campuses offer many CTE opportunities in the following areas: Career Development; Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM); Business, Marketing and Finance; and Arts, AV Technology and Communications.

Our middle school students took 1 or more of these courses to total 2,640 seats.

High School

2,640 Seats Taken in CTE Courses

Prosper ISD high school campuses offer many CTE opportunities in the following areas: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, Architecture and Construction; Arts, AV Technology and Communications; Business, Marketing and Finance, Career Development, Education and Training, Health Science, Hospitality and Tourism

85.5% participation 6,209 Seats in CTE Courses

(Culinary), Human Services, Information Technology, Law and Public Service, Manufacturing; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (Auto Tech).

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Principles of Biomedical Science 36

e n ce

I

nv

S e h N t IO T g U CA n i

N

TIO U CA

t a g N i IO t T U es CA N

TIO U CA

are rld s t en l-wo n d a u St a re ds-o n an ce e giv nd h erien a xp e

If you turn on the TV, it is unlikely that you will click through too many channels before coming to a channel dealing with Forensics. Shows like Criminal Minds, CSI, CSI Miami, CSI Students collecting evidence at a gridded crime scene NY, CSI Cyber, NCIS, NCIS New Orleans, etc. to name a few have fascinated the American viewing public for the last couple of decades.

The Forensics field has become especially popular with students as a result. At Rock Hill High School, students in Dr. Yoshara Ballou’s Principles of Biomedical Science class moved outside of the classroom learning into a simulated crime scene. Students got to pose as crime scene investigators in

order to collect evidence and formulate a hypothesis based on observations.

Each Forensics group consists of a Lead Investigator, two Forensic Scientists, and an Evidence Recorder who took photographs and created sketches of the scene. At the end, students presented their findings through their own creative presentation platform supporting their claims with evidence taken from the crime scene.

The learning objective was to create a narrative based on observations and evidence collected at a crime scene.

Students were given a real-world and hands-on experience, the goal of the CTE department at Prosper ISD.

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Fine Arts Opportunities

Elementary

100% participation

(all elementary students take a music class)

Involvement

Fine Arts

Secondary

78%

participation 7,351 students

Recognitions

Teams/ Extra-Curricular Programs

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Middle High School School Programs Programs 38

• NAMM Best Community for Music Education for 3rd consecutive year • TAEA District of Distinction • Dr. Drew Watkins (former Prosper ISD Superintendent) was awarded the Texas Music Educators Association Distinguished Administrator Award for his outstanding commitment to preserving quality music education experiences for all students.

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Water Safety Lots of laughter and loads of learning taking place at the PISD Natatorium!

What a fantastic program!

- Amber Sharp

Prosper ISD opened the district’s first natatorium in the Fall of 2019. Since then, the facility has seen extensive use by the district and the community. The PISD Natatorium is a year-round facility aimed to meet the needs of all levels of swimming. The district coaching staff has extensive knowledge and years of training used to serve the community through the Prosper Swim School, Prosper Aquatic Club, Prosper Aquatic Masters and the PHS and RHHS Swim and Dive teams.

The facility also hosts the district’s water safety program in which 3rd graders throughout the district have an opportunity to come learn and then practice proper and effective water safety during their PE classes for a week.

Participation

412 40

Swim School

175

Aquatic Club

Rucker Elementary PE Teacher, Amber Sharp, is excited about the program posting on Twitter that there was “Lots of laughter and loads of learning taking place [this week] at the PISD Natatorium!

What a fantastic program!”

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Aquatic Masters

1,500

Water Safety

Athletics Opportunities Athletics

participation TEAMS

3,051

students in secondary athletics

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Varsity Teams

53

Middle School Teams

Sub-Varsity Teams

All-District All-State

Recognitions

• Taylor Baca - Dallas Morning

News Area Coach of the Year for Soccer - 2020 • Scott Holder - Brazos Valley - HS coach of the Decade

233 66 Academic All-District Recipients

Academic All-State Recipients

• Rylan Bonds - USA Today sports comeback player of the year • Aubrey O’Connell - USA Today Dallas ARea Girls XC runner of the Year 41

Technology Opportunities Technology

27,312 Chromebooks in the District

492

Interactive Boards in the District

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3,172 2,200 Laptops in the District

Desktops in the District

774 2,538 Macs in the District

iPads in the District

Academics Opportunities UIL Academics

participation

13

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UIL Elementary Events

UIL Middle School Events

Event Categories • Speech/Debate/Acting • One Act Play • Math/Science • Writing/Journalism • Literary

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UIL High School Events

• Social Studies • Logic • Film • Theatrical Design

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Special Ed Opportunities Prepare to Prosper

Prepare to Prosper (P2P) transition services are designed to facilitate a seamless transition from high school to adult life based on a student’s postsecondary goals.

The program is designed for students ages 18-21 who have already met their credit requirements for graduation and have been determined to need additional training and support in order to prepare to meet their postsecondary goals. The program places emphasis on connecting students with the routines and schedules that they will access in adulthood. This means that some students in P2P may be working on vocational skills to help them prepare for competitive or supported employment. Other students are working toward future volunteering and

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participation in community-based programs.

Meanwhile, other students are working on increasing their participation in daily living activities in a day habilitation program or while working with caregivers in their home.

P2P students participate in a variety of activities depending on their postsecondary goals, interests, and needs. These activities include internships at local employers, campus-based jobs, and philanthropic activities to serve the community. Prosper Education Foundation grants have also enabled some P2P students to initiate student enterprises where they learn valuable skills while producing various products.

Special Ed Opportunities Special Education Resources

The Family Resource Center, located at Rock Hill HS, is a peaceful place for the families of children with special needs to visit and receive support, make personalized visuals and schedules, make connections, and find resources. The center has over 800 items that families can borrow for two weeks, including books on any parenting topic, games, and sensory materials. Additionally, the center has 26 binders of pre-made visuals, handouts, and materials that parents can take home and use right away. During COVID, parents can schedule one-on-one social distanced visits to the Family Resource Center. Families can also schedule to receive support virtually and have items they’d like to borrow delivered to their doorstep.

The Resource Center website has the calendar of events, future workshop signups, previous workshop videos and other resources as well as an inventory of all items in the Family Resource Center: www.prosper-isd.net/prosperfamilyresources

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Social & Emotional 46

National Hope Squad Council During the meetings, members “go over how to improve the program and offer all the support we can in any way we possibly can.”

Prosper ISD is proud to be a part of the Hope Squad program. The school-based peer-to-peer suicide prevention program began in Prosper in 2019 at PHS and then moved into the middle and elementary schools. The program is now present in all Prosper ISD campuses.

Health

PHS Junior, Brynlee Morgan, began her journey in Hope Squad her freshman year when “I got a letter offering me a spot on the Hope Squad for my sophomore year. The second I read that invitation and what Hope Squad entailed, I was automatically drawn to it. Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I wanted to learn about mental health and the effect it had on one's body. I wanted to help PHS start a conversation about suicide in order to educate others and help build a stronger community.

The more we know as a community, the more help we can offer to those around us.” Brynlee believes that the program has made a difference by changing the atmosphere of the school. “We put up posters spreading awareness. We host activities that bring hope, awareness, or happiness to the environment. We do everything we can think of to bring hope to the school. I believe this program has shown people across the school that there is a safe outlet to go to for help.”

Brynlee credits the program with helping to “truly shape my character. At first, I thought this class was mainly helping others and spreading

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suicide awareness, but quickly I learned that this class teaches kids how to deal with problems. These problems may be someone elses or your own. The first couple weeks of this class I saw changes in myself and the way I perceived different things. This program has shown me how to help someone through a crisis, how to be there for my friends in times of need, or simply how to care for myself when I need it.” Brynlee as well as her squadmates and leaders are committed to making sure that their peers understand that, while suicide is a difficult topic, it needs to be talked about.

During the summer of 2020, PISD Hope Squad advisor, Tony Cooper, contacted Brynlee about her interest in continuing to serve her community on a greater scale by serving on the Hope Squad National Council “The application process had started months before Coach Cooper or I even knew the Council existed, but the National Council Advisor decided they wanted a representative from Texas.”

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After completing her application, she was contacted by the National Advisor and then was notified that she would be a part of the 2020-2021 National Hope Squad Council.

As with many things in the world, the council meetings have been based completely online. During the meetings, members “go over how to improve the program and offer all the support we can in any way we possibly can.” In addition to monthly support calls open to all Hope Squad members where the council offers advice and provides input, the council offered a “National Conference on Zoom with presenters from Ohio, Utah, Texas, etc. all presenting about mental health, or their topics, to anyone at the conference.

All Council members picked an activity to present for about five minutes. We all got to share self care activities that we felt needed to be shared. Our newest project is updating the Hope Squad curriculum.”

Junior Hope Squad Junior Hope Squads were implemented on all our elementary campuses in December 2020. Junior Squads are made up of 4th and 5th graders nominated by their peers.

Junior Hope Squads are comprised of students identified by teachers and peers as trustworthy. These students are trained to watch for at-risk peers and respectfully report concerns to an adult.

Squad members provide friendship and focus on mental wellness, kindness, friendship, and resilience.

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Keeping Prosper Students Healthy

2020 was a year to remember. Although schools and sports shut down temporarily, the Prosper ISD and Children’s Health relationship continued to grow strong. As the official pediatric health care provider of Prosper ISD, Children’s Health provided high-quality care to Prosper students both virtually and in person. And that will continue on for years to come.

Children’s Health Andrews Institute for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine • Had on-site athletic trainers, a sports concussion provider and an orthopedic • surgeon at 99 events for a total of 361 hours • Provided orthopedic and sports medicine care to 1,581 unique patients

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• Completed 3,190 visits • Conducted 2,104 rehabilitation visits • Saw 631 unique patients for rehabilitation

School-Based Telehealth

by Children’s Health Virtual Care • Provided 2,725 masks for staff and students • Enrolled 14,343 students for school telehealth • Provided access for all Prosper ISD students to video chat with a provider right from school • Educated and trained all Prosper ISD nurses on telehealth equipment

to properly connect students with physicians • Offered 24/7 IT support for SchoolBased Telehealth equipment to help ensure continuous connectivity to award-winning care • Introduced Telehealth at Home for all students who are remote learning

School-Based TeleBehavioral Health

by Children’s Health Virtual Care • Provided TeleBehavioral Health access in all 19 campuses • Referred 154 students from August 2019 – December 2020 • Held no-cost telephonic psychosocial assessment for 148 students – that’s a 96% engagement rate • Performed 358 TeleBehavioral Health visits to 85 children – 4.2

sessions per student • Offered 1,275 no-cost supportive, telephonic case management contacts to 148 Prosper families – 8.6 contacts per family • Discharged 101 Prosper students successfully from the program • Held 16.5 hours of behavioral health public education for staff and parents

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Leaders

Superintendent’s Council Connecting with Student Leaders

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9-12th grade PHS & RHHS Students

It is important that students get their voices heard because we can bring a perspective that adults don’t always see.

- Zach Spurr

Student Voice Students having a voice in their education

PHS Junior, Zach Spurr, is on the council

is crucial to the success of a district.

for a second year. Last year he enjoyed

While there are several ways for student

being “able to express our concerns. It

voices to be heard in Prosper ISD, one

allowed us to have a voice and use the

group that is most central is the Prosper

voice to work with adults on a plan and

ISD Superintendent’s Council. This council

idea on how we feel and what we feel

is made up of high school students from

needs to be changed. It is important that

throughout the district. The council meets

students get their voices heard because

three to four times each year to discuss

we can bring a perspective that adults

concerns and forge solutions to issues

don’t always see.”

facing the district.

53

Building Connections The houses of Cockrell do service projects, inclusive activities, and focus on the Cockrell Essentials.

Please. Excuse me. Thank you! These are some of the phrases that Cockrell Elementary students are learning the importance of every day through a new concept the campus instituted last year.

Members of the Cockrell teaching and administration staff were granted the opportunity to attend the coveted Ron Clark Academy for observation and learning. The visit proved to be enlightening to the educational professionals who visited. The Prosper teachers and administrators came up with a goal of refocusing students through a focus on learning citizenship daily with their academics and building community within the school.

Based upon the Ron Clark Academy and his renowned book The Essential 55, the campus developed Houses. All Cockrell students and staff, as well as some volunteers and district employees who come to visit, are sorted into houses. The Cockrell houses are a reinforcement of the 54

district REACH program with adding an extra I for IREACH. The houses are: I R E A C H

Integritas (Latin) - Integrity Heshima (Swahili) - Respect Khuthaza (Zulu) - Encourage Prashansa (Hindi) - Appreciate Palapala (Hawaiian) - Communicate Meiyo (Japanese) - Honor

To celebrate the district’s growing cultural diversity, the teams took on the names from different cultures. Each House is a family of students grades K-5 as well as staff with a variety of responsibilities on campus. Together the houses do service projects, communication and inclusive activities, and focus on the Cockrell Essentials, life lessons that build good, productive, kind citizens.

Principal, Glenda Dophied, explained that part of the goal of the mixed grades in houses was to “foster a way to help build community within our school.” “The

purpose is to create a vertical family and keep our district REACH focus but we needed six houses so we added I for Integrity.” Part of the Ron Clark Academy is the 55 Essentials, rather than trying to teach all 55, the campus committee narrowed them down to the most important 15 essentials which they called the Cockrell essentials.

Andalyn Cook, also a Cockrell 3rd grader from the House of Palapala said that she learned that “your actions can say things about what you feel along with your words like showing that you are sorry and not just saying it.”

Prosper parent, Julie Burns, who has two students in the House of Integritas and the House of Prashansa at Cockrell in “Parents are reaching out to tell us that 2nd grade and Kindergarten loves the this is transferring over at home when their program. She said that they get “so into students speak to people and look them in dressing up on house days” and come the eye or hold the door home “very excited open for people without about House points being prompted.” and when their house The 15 Essentials are wins for the week and hing out to taught through morning they earn some kind Parents are reac ansferring is tr tell us that this broadcasts, teacher of prize.” At home, she r home when thei at er ov focus in class, and has seen a difference to people students speak the eye House meetings where as her Kindergarten and look them in open students and staff student identifies acts of or hold the door being t ou focus on learning these integrity. She has noticed for people with necessary skills and an improvement in both prompted. doing service projects. their manners and in Assembly seating is their communication. based upon houses rather than grades allowing students to foster the “family” Ms. Dophied said that she is excited to atmosphere and interact with their House report that she has seen an improvement Family. in behaviors. Students are more excited to come to school and are building Cockrell 3rd grader, Arden Keen, from the relationships that have extended beyond House of Prashansa enjoyed working with the limited scope of the classroom. The her family to make words of thanks to the Cockrell campus has become the Cockrell custodians and placing it on their door.

Family.

55

Human Resources Convocation 2020 56

TOP 100

Places to Work

7th

consecutive year

There is no doubt that this has been an unprecedented year in our nation’s history. Employers around the nation are struggling to keep their employees on the job and morale high. In education, the word PIVOT has become crucial to getting through the day and moving forward.

While not without challenges and struggles, the staff at Prosper ISD have worked together to get through each day and provide a quality education to the students in the district.

At the beginning of the pandemic in March, Prosper ISD was one of the first districts in the area to resume instruction.

Mobilizing staff members during spring break, the district was able to get chromebooks and hot spots distributed the Monday and Tuesday after spring break in order to resume school on Wednesday. While many other districts in the region and in the state took a week or more to mobilize, Prosper educators kicked into gear during the break to get students back into the classroom… albeit virtually!

With so many challenges, it would not be surprising to see morale at an all time low, but Prosper ISD is truly a special place. On November 12th, Prosper ISD was notified that for the 7th consecutive year, they were one of the Top 100 Places to Work in DFW. The Dallas Morning News ranking is a prestigious recognition for area employers.

Dallas Morning News Journalist, Cheryl Hall, said it best that “This was a Top 100 Places to Work contest to remember.

Making it into the winner’s circle has never held quite the same sway or taken as much effort and reinvention as it has this year.”

Because the district was already a “Google Education” school, students and staff members were able to make the transition more smoothly than other districts with less involvement in online learning platforms.

In July, the district was notified that their beloved Superintendent of 18 years, Dr. Drew Watkins was retiring.

Dr. Watkins was named the Top CEO for DFW in 2019. Another district might have faced a morale downturn as a result of such a monumental loss, but the district had another amazing leader ready in the wings. Prosper ISD Associate Superintendent, Dr. Holly Ferguson was named the district Superintendent of Schools on July 31st allowing for a smooth transition of leadership.

The district was named #14 for Top Large Companies, one of only three school districts making it into the top 15 for top large, midsize, and small companies and one of only four school districts on the list in total. Prosper’s first year on the list was in 2014 when there were only 745 employees. This year Prosper ISD, the fastest growing district in the state, has almost 2,400 employees.

Prosper was also the first large school in DFW to resume in person instruction this Fall, beginning school on August 12th.

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Staff Information Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

.2% .2% American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian 2.4% 1.2% Two or More Races Black 7.8% 11.5% Hispanic

76.7% White

2020 NEW Staff Ethnicity

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

.01% .4% American Indian or Alaskan Native 2.1% 1.3% Two or More Races 6.8% 10.2% Hispanic

Asian Black

79% White

2020 ALL Staff Ethnicity

58

All Staff Ethnicity

White Hispanic African American Two or More Races

2019 2017

Asian

2018

American Indian

Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

Year

White

Hispanic

African American 2 or More Races

Asian

American Indian

2017

81.7%

10.39%

5.35%

.9%

.83%

.83%

2018

87%

7%

3%

1%

1%

1%

2019

76.7%

9.4%

8.6%

2%

3%

<1%

0

YEARS

<1%

2020

4% 23.2%

1-5

Staff Years of Experience

23.4%

6-10

Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

37.6%

11-20

11.8%

Over 20

50

Number of Staff

2,401

1,698

Staff with Bachelor’s Degree

713

Staff with Master’s Degree

955 1195

1344

1635

1938

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

2017

2018

2019

549

667

746

823

25

Staff with Doctorate Degree 59

Finding Future Leaders We continue to grow and learn in all ways, but especially in cultural responsiveness. This is reaping benefits not only for our staff, but for all of our students and community.

- Bernadette Gerace

As one of the fastest growing districts in the nation, the hiring of quality personnel to fill the many teaching, administrative, and support positions in the district can be quite an endeavor. To add to this pursuit, Prosper ISD has made a commitment to actively recruit a diverse staff that reflects the student population in the district.

Prosper ISD Director of Recruitment and Retention, Mrs. Bernadette Gerace, worked with Prosper ISD The Prosper ISD application process is quite comprehensive. In addition to a normal written (digital) application that asks for candidates’ education, experience, and references, the district asks them to comment on how the PISD Educator Profile aligns with 60

Superintendent, Dr. Holly Ferguson, in 2020 to facilitate a partnership with DiversityInEd, a national teacher/ diversity search company, to get the district’s name out nationally to educators from diverse backgrounds.

While the pandemic shut down many job fairs in the spring, Gerace has continued to participate in virtual job fairs all over the country working to recruit quality teachers and administrators from diverse backgrounds.

their own educational philosophy.

Gerace explains that “we also employ a candidate assessment that was developed to help us learn more about a candidates’ attitudinal, cognitive, and pedagogy knowledge and skills as well as utilizing a digital

interviewing program that allows our administrators to virtually “meet” all candidates and hear their thoughts on questions specifically designed for each position. Once our administrators see all of this, they are best able to determine which candidates they should invite in for an interview (virtual or in-person).” As always, HR also ensures that all candidates who are recommended for hire have all of the proper certifications and requirements

to serve as educators in Prosper ISD.

In addition to working with DiversityInEd, an important step for the district in diversifying the teaching and leadership staff has been an internal focus on becoming more culturally responsive. Dr. Ferguson and the Prosper ISD School Board have invested in cultural responsiveness training with Dr. Kimberly McLeod for all leaders and staff which is making a tremendous difference in the culture of the district. Gerace has

seen “District leaders, teachers, and staff communicating within their own professional networks the changes they are seeing within the district, and this has attracted many more educators to explore a future with Prosper ISD. We continue to grow and learn in all ways, but especially in cultural responsiveness. This is reaping benefits not only for our staff, but for all of our students and community.”

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of the year 62

Teachers

of the year

2020 1

3

2

Monday, April 27, 2020 was scheduled to be the day that Prosper ISD recognized some special educators at the Staff Recognition Banquet. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, plans had to change so Prosper ISD brought the celebration to each of their special educators.

Prosper ISD recognized their Paraprofessional of the Year, Elementary Teacher of the Year, and the Secondary Teacher of the Year in grand style. Each winner was recognized with a special yard yard recognizing sign sign recognizing their their award. award.

They They each each received received flowers, flowers, a trophy, a trophy a $500 (that award will comethe from when district, factories a $500 reopen award from from thethe pandemic), Prosper Rotary a $500 Club,award and afrom $500the award district, a $500 from theaward Prosper from Education the Prosper Foundation Rotary as Club,as well and theause $500 of award a Lexusfrom fromthe Park Prosper Place Education Lexus and Foundation a gift from the as Chick-fil-A well as theat use of a Lexus from Windsong Ranch.

Park Most Place importantly, Lexus andeach a gift fromtreated was the Chick-fil-A to theirat own Windsong car parade Ranch. in Most importantly, each was treated to celebration. their own car parade in celebration.

Amber Dickens Paraprofessional of the Year Amber Dickens Paraprofessional of the Year

The Paraprofessional of the Year is The Amber Paraprofessional of1)the Year is Ms. Dickens (pic from Baker Ms. Amber Dickens 1) from Amber Baker Elementary.

During (pic 2019-2020 Elementary. served Education Baker this served BakerAmber as a Special year as a Special Instructional Instructional Aide.Education This was her third year Aide. Thisinwas her thirdInyear in working the district. the working 2020-2021 the district. year, she will join the school year,Next she joined district ranks as a district ranks as a Resource Resource classroom teacherclassroom at Baker. Ms. teacher at Baker. Ms. Dickens isRobert married Dickens is married to husband, and to husband, and children togetherall they together theyRobert have four who have four children who attend attend Prosper ISDall schools.

AlyssaProsper will ISDaschools.

Alyssa will be will a 10th grader, be 10th grader, Ashlynn be an 8th AshlynnHannah will be an 8th Hannah will grader, will begrader, in 6th grade and be in 6th andgrade.

Claira will be in 4th Claira willgrade be in 4th grade.

A little known fact about Ms. Dickens: A little known fact about Ms. Dickens: Her first degree was in radiologic Her first degree technology which was sheinused radiologic as a CAT scan technology which technologist before she staying used as home a CAT with scan technologist before with her children after thestaying birth ofhome her 2nd her children after the birth of her 2nd child. child.

Jennifer Garich

Elementary Teacher of the Year The Elementary Teacher of the Year is The Elementary Teacher of the Year is Jennifer Garich (pic 2) from Cockrell Jennifer Garich (pic 2) from Cockrell Elementary. Ms. Garich has been in Elementary. Ms. Garich has been in education for 14 years with 12 years education for 14 years with 12 years being in Prosper ISD. She serves as the being in Prosper ISD. She serves as the Dyslexia Therapist at Cockrell. Ms. Garich Dyslexia Therapist at Cockrell. Ms. Garich graduated from Allen High School before graduated from Allen High School before continuing her education at the University continuing her education at the University of Texas for her Bachelor's degree and of Texas for her Bachelor's degree and Texas Woman's University for her Master's Texas Woman's University for her Master's degree in Reading Education. She is very degree in Reading Education. She is very close to her family and is lucky to have her close to her family and is lucky to have her parents, grandparents, and sister who live parents, grandparents, and sister who live nearby. nearby.

A little known fact about Ms. Garich: She A little known fact about Ms. Garich: She is on a quest to hike every national park is on a quest to hike every national park in the country (7 down...only 54 more to in the country (7 down...only 54 more to go!). go!).

Amy Amy Bermudez Bermudez

Secondary Secondary Teacher Teacher of of the the Year Year The Secondary Teacher of the Year is Amy The Secondary Teacher of the Year is Amy Bermudez (pic 3) from Hays Middle School.

Bermudez (pic 3) from Hays Middle School.

Ms. Bermudez has been in education for Ms. Bermudez has been in education for 11 years with the last three years being in 11 years with the last three years being in Prosper. She teaches 7th grade English/ Prosper. She teaches 7th grade English/ Language Arts. Ms. Bermudez graduated Language Arts. Ms. Bermudez graduated from Plano East Senior High School and from Plano East Senior High School and then graduated summa cum laude from then graduated summa cum laude from Texas Tech University. Ms. Amy Bermudez Texas Tech University. She is proud of the is the Teacher of the Year for Hays endless support from her family Mark, Middle School. Ms. Bermudez has been in Mica, Luca, Teddy, and Benji. education for 11 years with the last three years being in Prosper. She teaches 7th A little known fact about Ms. Bermudez: grade English/Language Arts. She is proud She is an avid runner and most recently of the endless support from her family completed a half marathon.

Mark, Mica, Luca, Teddy, and Benji.

A little known fact about Ms. Bermudez: She is an avid runner and most recently completed a half marathon.

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of the year 64

Educators of the year

This year was the first year for Prosper ISD to recognize departmental Educators of the Year from areas in the educational arena that wouldn’t normally be recognized for their commitment and dedication to the district.

The recipients were surprised during the quarantine with gifts and a social distanced parade in their honor.

2 1

3

4

Recognitions

2020

1. Athletic Educator of the Year - Nick Sharp

5 6

2. Curriculum & Instruction Educator of the Year - Beth Childs 3. Counselor of the Year Megan Howell 4. Career & Technology Education (CTE) Educator of the Year - Kelley Henderson

7

5. Fine Arts Educator of the Year - Robin Keegan-Wolf

8

6. Instructional Technology Coach of the Year Whitney Agee 7. Librarian of the Year Megan Tumulty

9

8. Maintenance & Operations Educator of the Year Bonifacio Ricano-Garrido 9. Nurse of the Year - Gayla Wood

10 11

10. Police Officer of the Year Leon Goodman 11. Special Education Educator of the Year - Lisa Ciatti 12. Technology Educator of the Year - Jim Spaeth 13. Transportation Educator of the Year - Holly Burton

13

12 65

66

Funding & Finance

This year, Prosper Education Foundation (PEF) awarded more than $63,000 in grants for projects submitted by teachers, counselors, and librarians that can be implemented this school year to benefit the students of Prosper ISD.

4

67

Prosper Education Foundation

The class of 2020 received $274,750 and 324 in scholarships from Prosper Education Foundation.

The Prosper Education Foundation (PEF) is a crucial partner with Prosper ISD. The organization provides scholarships to graduating Seniors, instructional grants to educators, recognitions to educators through the Star Polisher program every month of the school year, and other support to Prosper ISD. Prosper is proud to have a community that supports both the school and the foundation. This is evidenced in many ways including the outpouring of support on North Texas Giving Day. PEF set a goal of $30,000 and shattered the goal when the community donated to raise more than $62,000 to PEF that day!

PEF funds projects submitted by PISD teachers, counselors, and librarians that promote promising ideas that would benefit the students of Prosper ISD. This year, the foundation awarded more than $63,000 in grants for projects that can be implemented this school year.

The class of 2020 received $274,750 and 324 scholarships from PEF

68

including scholarships for: Legacy Scholarship, Bridge Scholarship, and Top 10 Scholarship. Additionally, this amount included Memorial Scholarships for Chandler Fetterolf Memorial Music Scholarship, Greg Dyer Memorial Scholarship, Officer Patrick Turner Memorial Scholarship, and the Robbie Reynolds Memorial Scholarship.Other scholarships that were awarded included Community Scholarships for: Danny Wilson Allstate Assisting a Dream Scholarship, PHS National Speech & Debate Association Scholarship, The Texas Health Prosper Investing in the Future of Healthcare Scholarship, Joey Womble Student Scholarship, FUSE Workspace “Do More” Scholarship, Cliff Freeman III Heart of a Champion Scholarship, and the Prosper Chamber of Commerce Scholarships.

During 2020, PEF awarded more than 130 Prosper educators with the PEF Star Polisher award. This award includes a copy of the Star Polisher poem by Leah Becks.

The Star Polisher

by Leah Becks I have a great job in the universe of occupations.

What do I do? I’m a “star polisher”. It’s a very important job.

If you want to know how important, just go out at night and look at the stars twinkling and sparkling.

You see, I’m a teacher. The stars are the children in my class.

My job is to take them in – whatever shape they come – and shine and buff them and send them out to take their places as bright little twinkling beacons in the sky.

They come into my room in all shapes and sizes.

Sometimes they’re bent, tarnished, dirty, crinkly, and broken.

Some stars are cuddly, soft, and sweet.

Some stars are prickly and thorny.

As I buff, polish, train and teach my little stars, I tell them that the world cannot do without them.

I tell them they can do anything they set their minds to do.

I tell them they can be the brightest, shiniest stars in the sky and the world will be a better place because of them.

Each night as I look at the sky, I’m reminded of my very important job and awesome responsibility.

I go and get my soft buffing cloth and my little bottle of polish in preparation for tomorrow and for my class of little stars.

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Financial Info

Prosper ISD has consistently earned the highest rating of “Superior Achievement” through the Texas Education Agency’s Schools FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) program.

Other Operating Costs 2.3% Debt Payment 0.4% Capital Projects 0.6% Supplies 3.5% Contract Services 9.3%

2020-2021 Expenditures by CATEGORY

Category

Payroll 83.9% Instructional Support 10.1% Operational 12.3%

2020-2021 Expenditures by FUNCTION

Instructional 68.3%

70

Function

Leadership 5.7% Administration 2.5% Other Costs 0.6% Debt Payment 0.4%

Financial Data Projections 2020-2021

Total Property Valuations

$9,800,000,000

Operating Fund Sources Local Funds

$107,850,000

State Funds

$ 61,505,000

Federal Funds

$700,000

TOTAL 170,055,000 Operating Fund Appropriations Salary & Benefits

$152,634,000

Other Expenses

$ 31,246,000

TOTAL 183,880,000 $1.9753 $1.95

$1.82

Tax Rate

$1.80

$1.76

$1.67

$1.67 $1.64 $1.63 $1.4927 $1.5684

2020 2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

A

Fiscal Year Prosper ISD earned an “A - Superior“ accreditation status, which is based on the academic accountability rating and financial ratings from the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas.

71

Legislative Priorities

The decisions made during legislative sessions in Austin, Texas, impact our students, staff, and community.

We are so fortunate in Prosper ISD to be blessed with the best! The best does not happen by chance but more by a community coming together to support and applaud the work of public education.

The 87th Texas Legislature is in session, and one of the main areas of focus during this session is public education.

The State of Texas was enjoying a time of significant economic growth and prosperity in 2019-2020. As a result, legislators had the luxury of billions of more dollars to spend on priorities, including education and property tax relief, which resulted in $11.6 billion in state dollars pumped into the public education system. Those expenditures were based on revenue projections that, while conservative, did not consider a 72

global pandemic or an oil price war.

As a result, while the State Comptroller initially expected the state to have a $5 billion surplus at the end of the biennium, legislators now face a significant shortfall.

Sadly, Prosper ISD did not fare well financially during the 86th legislative session due to being a property wealthy school district.

In July of 2020, updated revenue estimates from the Comptroller indicated that the state would be facing a $4.5 billion shortfall at the end of the 2020-2021 biennium. Legislators are facing a session in which they must cover the deficit from the 2020-2021 biennium while attempting to craft a budget for the 2022- 2023 biennium using Comptroller estimates likely to be filled with significantly more

uncertainty than in other sessions. It remains to be seen what long-term impacts COVID-19 will have on the Texas economy and how the Comptroller will factor in these impacts when producing the revenue estimate. School finance was the primary issue in the 86th Legislative Session; as a result, a significant number of legislators campaigned on their

participation in school finance reform.

Prosper ISD is committed to advocating for public education with the Texas Legislature. The 87th Legislative Session will be like none other. It will require school district leaders, community members, and public school supporters to engage in achieving the best outcome for education.

Prosper ISD Legislative Priorities: • Advocate for local discretion with spending to ensure that the needs of our students are met. A cornerstone priority of Prosper ISD is local control and flexibility. As a school district we must be able to respond to the differing needs of students, educators, parents, and the communities we serve.

• Advocate for an adequate and equitable school finance system that raises per-pupil funding to the national average. Texas is currently in the bottom third of the country in state per-pupil funding.

• Oppose any effort to divert local property tax revenues that taxpayers are told will be used to support local public schools to non-public education purposes.

• Advocate for additional funding for the Instructional Facilities Allotment

(IFA), Existing Debt Allotment (EDA), and the New Instructional Facilities Allotment (NIFA). Prosper ISD is forced to rely almost entirely on local taxpayers to fund our facilities, and our rapidly growing district will be constructing facilities for years to come. If the state chipped in more to assist with funding those facilities, it would lessen the burden on local taxpayers.

• Oppose additional funding for charter school facilities until adequate state funding is provided to traditional school districts. Charter schools receive $1,100 more dollars per student in school funding than public schools and are NOT held to the same expectations by the Texas Education Agency.

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74

Communications & Community

Senior Citizen Luncheon

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has created many challenges in the world in which we live and forged a new era for handling everyday activities. Many activities and events around the world have been cancelled in an attempt to help stop the spread.

A beloved tradition at Prosper ISD was on the verge of cancellation, but district officials and program directors put their heads together to create a solution in which it could live on… COVID safe in this new era!

Prosper’s annual Senior Citizen Holiday Luncheon is a treasured tradition for many in our Prosper community. Traditionally attended by well more than 100 guests in recent years, the concerted effort of many Prosper High School programs includes the PHS culinary department who cooks and serves, PHS Fine Arts department who entertains, PHS Floral Design department who decorates and the National Honor Society who helps to greet and seat the guests. The luncheon allows the Senior Citizen population of Prosper ISD to see what students are learning while providing an opportunity for district students to serve their community.

4

75

Hall of Honor Class of 2021

2

1

3

4

76

January of 2020 saw the induction of the inaugural class of the Prosper ISD Athletic Hall of Honor. The Hall of Honor is designed to recognize and celebrate those athletes, coaches, supporters, and teams who have laid the foundation for what Prosper ISD Athletics is today.

In 2020, the district announced the Class of 2021 Hall of Honor class inducted on January 15th, 2021. The Hall of Honor Class of 2021 included:

2

3

4

Prosper ISD Head Volleyball Coach, Erin Kauffman. - Coach Kauffman finished her eighth year at Prosper High School in 2019/2020 as the Head Volleyball Coach and Assistant Campus Coordinator. Since starting at Prosper, she has coached the PHS Varsity Volleyball team to six District Championships, five Regional Tournament Appearances, a State Runner-Up, and a 5A State Championship in 2017.

Former Prosper ISD Athlete, Bailey Belvis - Bailey graduated from Prosper ISD in 2009. Bailey was a UIL Cross Country State Champion in 2008 setting a state record time. She also finished 2nd at State in the 800-meter race and 4th at State in the 1600 meter race in 2008. In 2009, she won the UIL State Championship in the 1600 meter race.

Former Prosper ISD Athlete, Kim Castleberry - Kim also graduated from Prosper ISD in 2009. Kim was active both in track and soccer winning the State Championship in the 400-meter race in 2008. Her Senior year, she was the #1 recruited soccer player after receiving two NSCAA All-American Recognitions and two High School Parade All-American Recognitions.

2008 PHS Football State Championship Team - In 2008, Prosper High School won the 3A, Division 1 State Championship with a 14-1 record on the season. The journey included a double-overtime win against Abilene Wylie in Semi-finals and overcoming a 10-0 deficit at the half to win the State Championship game defeating La Vega 17-10.

C

S

1

ATH

LE

TI

77

f o e c i o V e r Th e p os r P

For 17 years, Eric Manto has been the face behind the familiar voice at many of Prosper’s events including football games, band, and more. As a result of his contributions to the community and the district, Manto was recognized with the Dave Campbell Community Connector Award in 2020.

A beloved member of the community, Manto is a father of three and husband to Prosper ISD teacher, Sharon Manto. The couple moved to Prosper in 2001

78

from Washington D.C. He immediately became involved in the community first as a Cub Scout Den Leader and then getting involved coaching youth sports before becoming The Voice at Prosper High School home football games.

Manto’s contributions extend beyond Prosper ISD as he works with a church-powered youth organization called “Mission Possible” helping those in need through a variety of local community service projects.

New Order of Things

“There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.” This quote by Niccolo Machiavelli embodies the struggle to which COVID-19 has brought to our community and all communities throughout the country.

During a time in which technology has given us the capacity for interacting with each other around the world, limiting our face to face communication with others we hold dear has suddenly become one of the most difficult challenges we face. Families across our community have been separated and unable to see and interact with one another. High School and college Seniors faced a graduation experience that, while unique, was far from the experience for which they had eagerly looked forward to for years.

Special events and many traditions have been postponed or moved to a virtual celebration. No life has been untouched by the year 2020.

But once again, none of the challenges have halted the sense of purpose and community that have become Prosper. In this “new order of things,” the Prosper community has once again come together for the greater good.

During these trying times, community members have dropped off food, taken care of each other, shown support from inside their cars during funerals and weddings, sewn and distributed face masks, shared groceries and cleaning supplies, and helped one another remotely in a variety of ways.

Life as we knew it has changed for the time being as we all seek to navigate a new landscape of being. Children completed the last quarter of the school year learning without the daily face-to-face interaction with their teachers and friends for which they suddenly realized the value in their lives and in their education. Parents realized the commitment of planning and time to which teachers provide to their students. The new semester in the fall brought with it the question for many parents of whether to send their children to school or continue educating virtually.

As life continues on a different landscape, our community can be heard reflecting on the lessons to be learned from this new order of things.

Slow down, listen to one another, appreciate our similarities and our differences, understand and appreciate the sacrifices of others, depend on one another, remove the barriers that promote hate and discrimination, and remember that we all share the same basic being, we are all mortal humans.

But through it all, a resounding theme can be heard as the community comes together again and again to take care of its own. The life we were thrust into during the year 2020 is truly difficult to comprehend, and there is uncertainty in the success of what we do today to protect us for tomorrow, but as we settle into this new order of things, the Prosper community will, no doubt, continue to embody the motto, “We are Prosper! We are ONE!”

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Connect With Us Prosper ISD Chat

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GROWTH 2019-2020

42.77% 3802

followers

Download the free Prosper ISD app today for access to campus news and calendars, Skyward, cafeteria menus, and much more! Available for both iOS and Android platforms.

80

GROWTH 2019-2020

Prosper ISD APP

21.27%

Prosper ISD maintains district and campus home pages with the latest information on programs, projects, and events. Visit us at http://www.prosper-isd.net.

11,810 likes

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Phone 469-219-2000 Fax 972-346-9247 Email communications@prosper-isd.net

Eagle CHAT was established to share ideas, comments, compliments, concerns, and answer questions that parents or community members have regarding various aspects of the district.

Access PISD Chat by going to the district website, click on Parents > Prosper ISD Chat.

GROWTH 2019-2020

605 East 7th Street, Prosper, TX 75078

8,053

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twitter.com/ProsperISD facebook.com/ProsperISD instagram.com/prosper_isd

A FEW MINUTES with Ferguson The Few Minutes with Ferguson is a weekly video update by the district Superintendent communicated via email, website, and all Prosper ISD social media accounts. View current and past Few Minutes episodes by visiting www. prosper-isd.net/fewminutes.

Frequently Asked Questions The FAQ (frequently asked questions) page on the district website is updated as necessary to keep our community well informed about all the happenings throughout the school district. Access FAQs by visiting the district website and clicking on About Us > FAQ.

The PISD Express is a weekly announcement publication that includes events in the school and community as well as a section for community news/ resources. It is communicated via email, website, and all Prosper ISD social media accounts. View current and past editions of the PISD Express by visiting the district website and clicking on About Us > PISD Express.

tip411 tip411 is a new tool to enhance student safety. It is an internet-based communication system that gives students or any concerned citizen a means to quickly and anonymously report suspicious or criminal behavior at school. To learn more about tip411 or to submit a tip go to www.prosper-isd. net/tip411.

PISD Highlights The PISD Highlights is a weekly blog highlighting special lessons, concepts and/or activities on campuses or in classrooms, and/or achievements made by students or staff. Access Highlights by visiting the district website and clicking on About Us > PISD Highlights.

Highlights Magazine & Annual Report The PISD Highlights Magazine and Annual Report are publications including stories, images, information, facts, and data from throughout the district published each year. View the magazine and Annual Report by visiting the district website and clicking on About Us.

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Tradition Our culture, our traditions.... these are the foundations upon which Prosper ISD has built its identity. An identity of excellence, of strength,of always putting our students first.

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Grounded by Tradition,

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