Highlights Magazine - Fall 2019

HIGHLIGHTS PROSPER ISD

FALL 2019 | ISSUE 4

MAGAZINE

PEF Prize Patrol FALL 2019

HOMECOMING 36 GOING THE EXTRA MILE 41 COVER STORY 42

Fall 2019 Issue 4 Prosper ISD 605 E. 7th Street Prosper, TX 75078 469-219-2000 Website Email Communications Social Media Twitter Facebook Instagram PISD Express Eagle Chat PISD Highlights 2 Minute Drill

2 HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINE | FALL 2019

36

36 14 5 28 26 Academics

Health & Wellness

20 National Merit Semi-Finalists & Commended Scholars 22 National Hispanic Scholars 24 Police Academy

48 Hope Squad 49 Flu 51 Partnering with Parents

Athletics 14 Natatorium 16 Spreading Smiles 17 Stadium

Community 36 Homecoming 2019

Fine Arts 26 Keepsake Hands 27 Teacher Talent

In the News 41 Going the Extra Mile 42 PEF Prize Patrol [Cover Story] 45 Safety & Security

Spotlight 29 Counselors

Updates 6 Construction 10 Enrollment 12 Zoning

FALL 2019 | HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINE 3

W

hat a special year this is! We are officially the fastest growing district in Texas giving us so many more students and families to love. As we celebrate this last year as a one high school town, we are also excitedly celebrating the new traditions that will come as we open our second high school. As our Prosper ISD Vision best states, we are “Grounded by Tradition, Soaring to New Beginnings.”

We have had a great year of New Beginnings so far with the opening of new schools, the new stadium and Prosper’s first-ever, natatorium. We hope that you will enjoy this edition of the Prosper ISD Highlights Magazine as we recognize and celebrate so many wonderful activities, Traditions and New Beginnings happening in Prosper ISD.

“Grounded by Tradition, Soaring to New Beginnings.”

4 HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINE | FALL 2019

CONSTRUCTION 6 ENROLLMENT 10 ZONING 12

Sam Johnson Elementary Beam Signing UPDATES | 5

OPENING 2020

SAM JOHNSON ELEMENTARY

Location

This campus will be located in the north/central portion of our district in the Mustang Lakes development.

Work Completed and Ongoing October 2019

RPMX has completed all sub-grade prep for paving, lime complete Partial fire lane paving concrete placement Concrete foundations complete (Areas 3 & 4)

Storm water – stub ups for area drains and roof drains is complete ICF started (Area 4) Prepping (Area 2); back filling grade beams (Area 1) Continue to set forms for paving Developer has poured Roseland Drive Waiting on CoServ for power

6 | UPDATES

OPENING 2020

WILLIAM RUSHING MIDDLE SCHOOL

Location

This campus will be located on the north side of Fishtrap Road in west Prosper just east of Artesia development.

Work Completed and Ongoing October 2019

Above ceiling work (Areas 1 and 2) Plumbing fixtures installed (Area 1) Electrical trim (Areas 1 and 2) Roofing cap sheet complete (Area 1) Exterior storefront complete (Area 1 & 2)

Exterior masonry lintels and canopy brackets installed (Area 3) Exterior masonry complete (Area 3) Hydro fire sprinkler piping in multiuser restrooms and staff toilet (Area 3)

Roofing cap sheet complete (Area 8) Gas piping complete (Area 8) Complete driveways (Drive C) Installation of south and west light pole bases Installation of exterior windows at library

UPDATES | 7

LIVE FEED

ROCK HILL HIGH SCHOOL

OPENING 2020 Location

This campus will be located on Coit Road south of 380.

Work Completed and Ongoing October 2019

Site Work Detention pond retaining walls complete Installation of light poles and bases ongoing Baseball and softball final drainage being installed; rock layer being completed Installation of foundations for grandstands at baseball and softball fields Football field liner being installed Touch-up of baseball retaining wall patching complete Tennis courts poured Irrigation installation on site ongoing, irrigation to be functioning soon Tree delivery and planting to begin Installation of decomposed granite at islands almost complete Pouring of sidewalk around main building and site Installation of irrigation tank ongoing Main Building Foundation poured (Area K) Steel erection and deck installation ongoing (Areas F & J) Steel erection ongoing (Area G)

8 | UPDATES

Fireproofing ongoing (Areas E, L & M) CMU interior wall installation ongoing (Area J); finishing (Area L) Exterior brick installed (Areas E, M, P & Q); cast stone cap ongoing (Areas D & N)

HVAC (1st & 2nd floor) ongoing (Areas E & L) Plumbing rough ongoing (Areas J, L & M) Fire sprinkler installation (Areas L & M) Electrical rough-in (wall & overhead) ongoing (Area E, L, M & N) Underground electrical rough-in (Area K) CFMF installation ongoing at interior second floor (Areas E & M) Taping and painting ongoing on (Areas M, P, Q & R) Tile install ongoing (Areas C, P & Q) Low voltage cable tray installation in corridors (Areas D, N, P & Q) Roofing ongoing (Areas D & M) Dropping ceiling tile (Areas A, B & C) Setting pre-cast arena seating (Area J) MCM panel installation (Areas A, C & D) Handrail installation ongoing MPF Building Masonry CMU installation (interior walls) (Area U) Exterior brick veneer ongoing MEP rough-in ongoing Drywall framing ongoing Overhead sprinkler installation ongoing (Area T) Ancillary Buildings Framing and flashing of parapets ongoing Painting ongoing (Building V & W) Installation of light fixtures and sprinkler drops All overhead work complete for final OH inspections Transportation Facility Painting of interior walls ongoing Dropping ceiling tiles ongoing Flooring installation ongoing Setting posts for canopies ongoing Installation of all interior finishes to begin

UPDATES | 9

16,841 as of October 11, 2019

919

911

915

baker elementary

boyer elementary

cockrell elementary

800

784

757

folsom elementary

furr elementary

hughes elementary

792

676

668

light farms elementary

rucker elementary

spradley elementary

787 stuber elementary

771 1,253 windsong elementary

hays middle school

1,530 1,180 4,098 reynolds middle school 10 | UPDATES

rogers middle school

prosper high school

by grade as of October 11, 2019

PK

250

kinder

1488

1st grade

1458

2nd grade

1416

grade level

3rd grade

1439

4th grade

1380

5th grade

1349

6th grade

1440

7th grade

1318

8th grade

1205

9th grade

1228

10th grade

1080

11th grade

991

12th grade

0

799

300

600

900

number of students

1200

1500

UPDATES | 11

FM 2478

S PRESTON RD

FM 1385

¯

Prosper Independent School District High School Boundaries 2020/21

FM 428

LIGHT FARMS

_ ^

BOYER

_PROSPER ^ _ ^

STUBER

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_ ^ W FIRST ST

RUCKER

COCKRELL

_ ^

N CUSTER RD

N COIT RD

N PRESTON RD

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ADMIN BUILDING

BAKER

_ ^

WILMETH DR

E FIRST ST

_ ^

DSONG WI N PKWY

FOLSOM

_ ^

S COIT RD

WINDSONG

S DALLAS N DALLAS PKWY PKWY

FISHTRAP RD

REYNOLDS

FM 1461

380

WILMETH RD

AUBURN HILLS

_ ^

ROGERS

_ ^

£ ¤

N LAKE FOREST DR

AR TE BL SIA VD

W PROSPER TRL

E FRONTIER PKWY

HUGHES

NO

H RT

W

Schools FURR

HAYS

_ ^

_ ^

SPRADLEY

0

1

A

t the October 2019 School Board meeting just prior to the UIL deadline for attendance submission, the Prosper ISD School Board finalized the zoning areas for 2020-2021 for the opening of the district’s 2nd high school.

In an effort to ease the transition from one high school to two high schools, Prosper ISD offered current Juniors and Sophomores (upperclassmen for the 2020-2021 school year) the opportunity to choose which high school they wanted to attend.

Those students who didn’t choose by the deadline

12 | UPDATES

2

COIT RD

EL DO R ADO PK WY

FR

High School Zoning

ISC ST O

LEGACY DR

_ ^

CUSTER S CUSTER RD RD

DA L

PAN CRE THER E K PKWY

S LA

LL TO

_ ^

PRESTON RD

AY

TEEL PKWY

FM 423

_ ^

ROCK HILL

ROCKH ILL PKWY

DO ELD O RA PK W Y

4 Miles

^ _ _ ^ _ ^ _ ^ _ ^

Planning Areas

ELEM

ROCKHILL

MID

PROSPER

VIRGINIA PKWY

HIGH OTHER FUTURE

Roads Roads

and those who were not enrolled in the district at the time of choosing will attend the campus to which they are zoned based upon their home address.

The numbers turned in to UIL for alignment in February 2020 will be 1808 for Rock Hill High School and 2696 for Prosper High School. New enrollments between now and the start of school in the Fall of 2020 will increase those numbers, but for UIL alignment purposes, those are the numbers that will be considered.

SPREADING SMILES 16

NATATORIUM 14

STADIUM 17 ATHLETICS | 13

Ribbon Cutting

14 | ATHLETICS

[PISD opens new natatorium]

T

he Prosper ISD Natatorium is the first natatorium for the district.

The swim and dive complex was planned to meet the needs of the district’s successful swim and dive program. Students in this program have been bussed daily for many years to other school’s complexes to practice. The natatorium features a 16 lane competitive pool, four-lane lessons pool, 10 competition start lanes with Daktronics timing system, off deck meet operations room, two 1 meter competition spring boards, 500+ spectator grandstand and an Olympic style weight room.

Within the next 12-24 months the facility will be home to the PHS Swim and Dive program, RHHS Swim and Dive program, Prosper ISD 3rd grade Water Safety course, Prosper Swim School, USA Swimming Program, and a USA Masters Program. Meanwhile, athletics teams like softball and baseball are taking advantage of the additional training benefits afforded with the facility.

The district hosted the first tournament in the facility on October 15th. The event was a dual match between PHS and Plano Senior High School. The tournament will also be hosts to dual matches between PHS and McKinney Boyd High School and JJ Pearce High School on December 5th and December 12th respectively.

ATHLETICS | 15

[spreading smiles]

P

art of the Prosper ISD Athletic Department commitment is “to develop better student athletes and to develop better people.”

To this end, Prosper ISD athletes can be seen at different campuses opening doors to younger Prosper ISD students at drop off lines. Understanding the influence that they have, these students and their coaches are committed to putting their “best foot forward”

16 | ATHLETICS

in creating a welcoming environment as students arrive at school.

The Department’s commitment to developing the character of the athlete, in part by being a positive role model for younger students through this service, further exemplifies the Prosper motto, “We are Prosper!

We are ONE!”

[Children’s Health Stadium @ Prosper ISD ]

T

his year Prosper ISD opened its new Children’s Health Stadium at Prosper ISD. The new stadium is truly a remarkable facility.

Highlights include: Emergency Transport Cart with Cot and Stretcher Sideline Cooling Units and Hydration Stations On-site GE Portable X-Ray Machine Sideline ER Tent Largest Video Board in a High School in Texas Second largest Ribbon Boards in a High School stadium

The stadium also features an impressive community room for use during games and for special events. With 12,000 available seats in the stands, the increased seating will help Prosper ISD accommodate the growing crowds for the 6A school. Prosper’s Eagle Stadium was sizable for a 3A stadium but wasn’t meeting the needs of the 6A Prosper High School. As the district prepares to open a second high school in the fall of 2020 followed by more high schools, all of the 5A or 6A size, the stadium will be an asset both to the district and to the community to meet the needs of the programs and the students served.

ATHLETICS | 17

[National Merit Commended Scholars ]

18 | ACADEMICS

NATIONAL MERIT SEMI-FINALISTS SCHOLARS 20 NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED SCHOLARS 20 NATIONAL HISPANIC SCHOLARS 22 POLICE ACADEMY 24

ACADEMICS | 19

20 | ACADEMICS

National Merit SemiFinalists Scholars

E

very year schools anxiously await the National Merit Scholarship Program announcement of the Commended Scholars and the National Merit Semi-finalists in September. According to their website, the National Merit Program “was established in 1955 — a time in which there was concern that the United States was lagging behind in the cold war scientific race, but the public was indifferent to rewarding intellectual accomplishment. In response, the National Merit Scholarship Program was founded to identify and honor scholastically talented American youth and to encourage them to develop their abilities to the fullest. Through this nationwide competition National Merit Scholarships are awarded to program Finalists and Special Scholarships are awarded to other high performing participants who meet a corporate sponsor’s eligibility criteria.”

The determination is based upon a student’s performance on the PSAT their Junior year of high school. Approximately 1.5 million qualifying students take the test in the U.S. Of those 1.5 million, only about 30,000 qualify as National Merit Commended Scholars. Prosper is pleased to announce the following National Merit Commended Scholars from PHS. Isabella Abraham, Matthew Alsina, Paige Bluj, Noah Bowman, Valor Boyd, Grace Cronin, Arjun Desai, Aryan Dhanraj, Brooks Feldker, Jordan Guerrero, Ryan Hogg, Adam Kern, Taylor McCoy, Brandon Monaco, Kathleen Nguyen, Dominic Nuzzi, Tiarra Pauleus, and Allan Watatani.

Only 16,500 student in the nation qualify as National Merit Semi-Finalists. From this list, the National Merit Finalists are named who become eligible for the approximate 8,200 National Merit Scholarships. Prosper is proud to announce that five PHS students are named National Merit Semifinalists. Semi-Finalists will hear in early 2020 if they are a National Merit Finalist qualifying them for National Merit Scholarships through the program.

George Frederick. George is the son of Todd and Emily Frederick. He has been in Prosper ISD since 4th grade. George is planning to attend college after graduation. He credits his academic success to hard work.

Trett Johnson. Trett is the son of Gary and Rhonda Johnson. He has been in Prosper ISD throughout his entire school career. He plans to attend college after high school to major in biomedical or chemical engineering to later work in a research and development environment.

He took the PSAT freshman and sophomore year to help understand the format and types of questions the test would ask. Before taking the PSAT junior year, he took three practice tests in the weeks leading up to the test to see how he needed to time himself for the actual test and then brushed up on any skills and topics needed before taking the actual test.

Madison Lee. Madison is the daughter of Steve Lee and Ji-Yeon Yu. She has attended Prosper ISD schools since 3rd grade. After high school, Madison plans to attend college to study chemistry. To prepare for the test, she took the PSAT team class and took several practice tests.

Grant Typrin. Grant is the son of Andrew and Leslie Typrin. Grant moved to Prosper the summer before 7th grade and has attended Prosper ISD schools since then. After high school, he plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin. To prepare for the PSAT, he took several practice tests and addressed weak points during study time which proved helpful in improving his score.

Carson Weddle. Carson is the son of Craig and Jennifer Weddle. He has been in Prosper ISD since 7th grade. After high school he plans to study biomedical engineering and then go to medical school to pursue a career in medical research and development.

ACADEMICS | 21

Prosper ISD and Prosper High School learned that the campus had six National Hispanic Scholars being recognized by the National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP). The designation is determined based upon Junior year performance on the PSAT test.

The program recognizes only about 5,000 Hispanic/Latino students each year from the more than 400,000 students who took the test. The program is run directly by the College Board and Scholarship America. In addition to excellence on the PSAT, NHRP recognition requires a minimum 3.5 GPA.

22 | ACADEMICS

Matthew Alsina - Matthew is the son of Paul and Michelle Alsina. Matthew has been in Prosper ISD since the 1st Grade. After high school he intends to go to college hoping to attend the University of Notre Dame in order to study Business Analytics.

Matthew credits his success to his work ethic and the support he has received from his family who have always encouraged him to do his best in all of his endeavors.

Robert Beals - Robert is the son of Brett and Maria Beals. This is his 2nd year in Prosper ISD. After graduation, Robert plans to go to college to study mechanical engineering. Robert feels that his academic success can best be attributed to the teachers he has had during his educational career.

Alexandria DeWald - Alexandria is the daughter of Gaylen and Alba DeWald. Alexandria has been in Prosper ISD since 5th grade. She plans to attend Texas A&M after high school majoring in psychology. She credits her academic success to all of the support she has received from her parents and teachers.

Jordan Guerrero - Jordan is the daughter of Rudy and Debbie Guerrero. She has been in Prosper ISD since kindergarten beginning in the Dual Language program. After high school, she plans to attend either the University of Oklahoma, Texas A&M University or Baylor University to pursue a major in either Diagnostic Medical Imaging or Kinesiology and Exercise Science. She believes that her attention to detail and her dedication to work hard have helped her find success in school; however, she also believes that the people in her life have played a much larger and much more important role in her academic success. Most specifically she feels that “the dedication and commitment of my past teachers to their jobs and their students have given me opportunity after opportunity to grow in all areas of academics. The fact that both of my parents have always been willing and happy to help me be successful in school has also played a huge role in my success. Throughout the years, they have been nothing but supportive, have helped me form good habits, have given advice, and have helped me studythus creating an environment in which success

was reachable. Without their support, it would not be possible for me to be where I am today. The last person that I accredit my academic achievement to is my older brother, Nicolas. Growing up with him and watching him achieve so much in school has been one of the biggest motivators for me. I look up to him more than anyone in the world and have strived to follow in his footsteps. If I didn’t have him to look up to, I may not have had the motivation and dedication that has allowed me to succeed.”

Ryan Hogg - Ryan is the son of Stewart and Angelica Hogg. Ryan also began in Prosper ISD in kindergarten in the Dual language program at Folsom Elementary. Ryan plans to attend either MIT, US Naval Academy, Texas A&M or UTD to pursue a career in the Engineering field. He attributes his success to his unwavering work ethic and determination. His commitment to try his hardest in everything he does, from participating in class to sleepless nights working tirelessly has been a key component to his achievements. He also attributes his success to Soccer. As a stress reliever, it has “allowed me to stay happy throughout my high school career and taught me valuable life lessons that have drastically impacted my life. When soccer season reaches its peak, I have up to 10 practices and games a week which is incredibly hard to balance with all AP classes; yet, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Soccer has taught me how to be a leader both on and off the field and allowed me to grow as an individual into a happy and committed person.”

Mariana Pena - Mariana Pena is the daughter of Victor and Deyanira Pena. Mariana came to Prosper ISD the start of her freshman year. She plans to attend college after high school to major in Public Health and healthcare policy. She credits her academic success to “the teachers I’ve had over the years, and especially at PHS. I feel as though, sometimes, teachers don’t know the full impact of their support, helpfulness, and understanding.

However, I can hardly imagine achieving what I have without them. The teachers that I have had in the last four years have shaped me as a student, as a professional, and most importantly, as a person. For this, I will be forever grateful.”

ACADEMICS | 23

L

aw Enforcement students this year have an opportunity to attend Police Academy classes at the Collin County Public Safety Training Center to assist with officer training. Recently they were able to meet officers from around the state and observe the different ways officers handle certain situations.

Students were able to see class learning in action, while also learning different things by watching and talking with the officers, instructors, and volunteers.

The classes that students are allowed to witness involve the state mandated Crisis Intervention Training as ruled by the Sandra Bland Act. These trainings occur once a month. During these trainings, the students play the roles of actors as they are given different scenarios, based on real-world experiences.

They will fill the role of either the person having the crisis or a family member/loved one, complainant, etc.

24 | ACADEMICS

The student actors provide a benefit to the officers in that they don't have the training officers do so they tend to react more true to real life providing officers a more accurate training opportunity.

This opportunity also gives students a chance to train in one of the best, if not the best, most state of the art training facility in Texas. It also provides a medium During these trainings, the students for them play the roles of actors as they are to meet given different scenarios, based on officers real world experiences. from all over Texas, make contacts, hear stories they would not have heard in class, and learn different aspects of law enforcement.

KEEPSAKE HANDS 26

TEACHER TALENT 27 FINE ARTS | 25

[art students learn repousse technique]

[keepsake hands]

I

n Ms. Janette Church’s class at Roger’s Middle School, students this fall got the opportunity to use their hands to create keepsake hands. A lesson designed by her partner teacher, Ashley Wright, Ms. Church’s class used their creativity and learning to create and display works of art designed by their own “hands.”

Ms. Church’s students learned about “various famous artworks, both ancient and more modern, that used the technique of repousse and chase with metal ... including a well known Eighteenth Dynasty mummy mask of Tutankhamun and the Statue of Liberty. The students learned that repousse is pressing into metal from the underside, while chasing is indenting metal from the top. After learning about the technique and process, students were given time to plan their projects on paper, reflecting on what words, symbols, patterns, or images hold meaning to them. As they planned out the things that held value in their lives, they researched ways to represent those things through symbols, text, etc.”

After planning two separate hands, with different symbols and meanings on paper, students were then given a sample piece of tin to tool and practice on, leading them to discover how different (and more difficult) it is to “write” on metal. They practiced inking their metal sample and were then given a full sheet of tin to trace their hand on and leave their own literal impressions on, defining who they are, what they value, and what holds meaning to them. When they finished tooling the metal, they inked their (metal) hands, accentuating the work they created once the excess ink was wiped away.

A key learning experience that Ms. Church was proud the students learned was “the importance of planning, practice, and patience when it comes to creating artwork. For most of them, this was their first time working with or tooling on metal. They learned how important it was to use both the repousse and chase techniques in conjunction with each other, in order to create the best result. They had to learn how to create mirror images of any text or symbols they were using repousse with since repousse is done from the underside. Anything repousse’d has to be written backwards in order for it to read correctly from the front.”

26 | FINE ARTS

[art teacher & avid artist]

[teacher talent highlighted]

P

HS Art teacher, Judy Seay, is a very eclectic lady, as any who know her are well aware. While deeply rooted in her community, Mrs. Seay is also very committed to a place relatively far away, Ole’ Miss!

After being indoctrinated to the university and the culture by a neighbor when living in Tennessee, Mrs. Seay’s children followed the family’s love of the school and attended college there. While they attended the prestigious school, Mrs. Seay grew a great appreciation for the heritage and beauty of

the area which inspired her to add it to her art.

Not just an art teacher, Mrs. Seay is an avid artist participating regularly in art shows, selling her work and receiving many recognitions. She was, most recently, recognized in the magazine the Invitation Oxford for her work committed to all things Oxford and Ole’ Miss (found on page 68).

To see more of her amazing work, visit artbyjudyseay.com.

FINE ARTS | 27

28 | SPOTLIGHT

[Counselors] MEET OUR

The role of school counselor has changed and expanded over the course of educational history. Today’s counselor isn’t just listening to student concerns, but is also doing college and career planning, individual and group counseling, 504, scheduling, testing, event coordination, graduation planning, and much more.

MALTSBERGER

HARRELL

Ms. Pam Maltsberger is the Counselor at Boyer Elementary where she also serves as the 504 and testing Coordinator. Ms. Maltsberger received her Bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and a Master's degree in School Counseling from Texas Woman's University. She is currently attending Lamar University seeking her education leadership certification. Her 16th year in education, Ms. Maltsberger taught both 3rd and 4th grade before becoming a counselor. She has been married to her husband, Cody Maltsberger, for 6 years and they have two children, Emma (6) and Tucker (2) as well as a fun-spirited dog

Ms. Bridgette Hobson is the Counselor at Cockrell Elementary where she also serves as the 504 and testing Coordinator. Ms. Hobson received her Bachelor's in Psychology at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She received her Master's of Education at Old Dominion, as well. She is currently in her 21st year as an elementary school counselor. She has also worked as a Behaviorist in group home settings with developmentally disabled individuals, as a residential counselor in a locked down facility with adolescent girls, as a case manager with a therapeutic foster care organization, and as a case manager with out-patient adults at a mental health center. She has been married for four years to her husband, Tommy. She has three children: Michael is currently in his 9th year in the Navy, Andrew is in his 2nd year at Collin College, and Brooke is a Senior at Prosper High School.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou Ms. Madeline Winchester is the Counselor at Folsom Elementary where she also serves as the 504 and testing Coordinator. Ms. Winchester earned her Master's in Elementary Education WINCHESTER

Ms. Christine Harrell is the Counselor at Baker Elementary where she also serves as the 504 and testing Coordinator. Ms. Harrell received her Bachelor’s degree in English/Education from UNT and her Master’s degree from Amberton University in School Counseling. She was a Middle School English Teacher for 10 years before becoming a counselor 3 years ago. Ms. Harrell is married to her husband, Todd Harrell, the Boys Athletic Coordinator at Hays. Together they have a daughter, Willa.

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind!"

named, Red Dog. “In a world where you can be anything, BE KIND!”

HOBSON

In this episode of the PISD Highlights magazine, we are highlighting these quiet heroes, the Prosper ISD Counselors.

SPOTLIGHT | 29

[MEET OUR COUNSELORS] from Texas Tech University, Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University, and School Counseling Certification from Angelo State University.

She is in her 10th year in education. She taught 3rd grade for three years and 2nd grade for five years before becoming a school counselor. Ms. Winchester’s husband's name is Jonathan. They have a two year old son named Elliott, and are expecting a baby brother at the end of January!

"Be scared, and do it anyway."

Ms. Beth Parrish is the Counselor at Furr Elementary where she also serves as the 504 and testing Coordinator. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Eastern Illinois University and her Master of Education in School Counseling at Dallas Baptist University. She has been in education for 10 years.

Ms. Parrish was a Special Education teacher prior to becoming a School Counselor three years ago.

She has an 18 year old son named Jackson who is attending college in Nevada and a 16 year old daughter named Peyton who is a junior at Frisco High School.

“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we are supposed to be and embracing who we are.” – Brene Brown Ms. Melissa Blatnik is the Counselor at Hughes Elementary where she also serves as the 504 and testing Coordinator. Ms. Blatnik received a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Woman’s University in Education and a Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California in Deaf Education. She went on to receive a Master’s degree from Dallas Baptist University in Counseling. Her journey in education has spanned 20 years. During her first 15 years, she taught Deaf Education. This is her 5th year as a school counselor. She has been married to her husband, John, for 23 years. They have two sons, Chandler and Colby.

“I truly LOVE what I do!”

Ms. Jill VanDyke is the Counselor at Light Farms Elementary where she also serves as the 504 and testing Coordinator. She earned her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Governors State University and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. She also has a Masters Degree in School Counseling from Dallas Baptist University. Ms. VanDyke has been in education for 19 years. She began her career in Illinois teaching 4th grade, 5th grade, and At-Risk Pre-K. After moving to Texas, she taught 3rd grade for two years and kindergarten for 8 years. She is now beginning her 4th year as a school counselor. She has been married to her husband, Pete Van Dyke, for 26 years. Together they have two daughters, Alyssa (25) and Samantha (21).

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” by Winnie the Pooh

30 | SPOTLIGHT

COLLIEN

VANDYKE

BLATNIK

PARRISH

Ms. Jennifer Collien is the Counselor at Rucker Elementary where she also serves as the 504 and testing Coordinator. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from St. Norbert College in DePere, WI in Psychology and Sociology. She received her Master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

[MEET OUR COUNSELORS] in school counseling. Ms. Collien is currently in her 11th year as a school counselor. She is the proud mom of a Yorkie named Bella!

“We are not “just” teachers, we are the managers of the world’s greatest resource: children!”

Ms. Kelly Alexander is the Counselor at Spradley Elementary where she also serves as the 504 and testing Coordinator. Ms. Alexander earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine and her Master’s in School Counseling both from East Central University in Oklahoma. She was an Athletic Trainer before becoming a counselor 13 years ago. She has been married to her husband, Adam, for 20 years.

They have two daughters; Emma is a 6th grader at Hays and Madelyn is a Junior at The Colony High School.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Leo Buscaglia Ms. Laura Clawson is the Counselor at Stuber Elementary where she also serves as the 504 and testing Coordinator. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Texas Christian University and her Master’s in School Counseling from The University of Texas at Tyler. This is her 11th year in elementary education and her 6th year in Prosper ISD. Before becoming a counselor in Prosper, she taught Kindergarten at Baker Elementary and Hughes Elementary. She met her husband, Adam, at TCU and they have been married for five years. They have one dog named Bennett!

“Practice reckless optimism” Ms. Megan Howell is the Counselor at Windsong Ranch Elementary where she also serves as the 504 and Testing Coordinator. Ms. Howell earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Texas A&M University. She then went on to earn a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Amberton University.

This is her 13th year in education. She spent three years as a kindergarten teacher, three years as a 1st grade teacher, and she is in her 7th year as an elementary school counselor. She has also worked as the Youth Program Director for Cooper Fitness Center at Craig Ranch, planning and coordinating all events for children 6 weeks - 12 years old. She and her husband, Jeron, have two daughters; Kensington (4th grade) and Tenley (2nd grade).

“Think to the sky, keep your feet on the ground, and your heart in the right place.” -Hervor Jonasdottir

HURBOUGH

HOWELL

CLASWON

ALEXANDER

Ms. Debra Hurbough is the 6th Grade Counselor and a testing coordinator at Hays Middle School. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at SFA in Deaf Education. She then earned her Master’s from Texas A&M Commerce in School Counseling. Ms. Hurbough worked for four years as a special education teacher before serving as a school counselor for the last 15 years. She is married with two sons.

SPOTLIGHT | 31

[MEET OUR COUNSELORS] Ms. Cindy Edmundson is the 7th Grade Counselor and a testing coordinator at Hays Middle School.

Ms. Edmundson earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Texas A&M Commerce. This is her 22nd year in education where she spent eight years teaching 6th grade English, four years teaching 5th grade Reading/Language Arts and this is her 10th year as a middle school counselor in Prosper.

She and her husband and family live in McKinney.

“You can’t live a positive life with a negative mind.”

Ms. Lindy Wilcox is the 8th Grade Counselor and a testing coordinator at Hays Middle School.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree from UT Dallas in Interdisciplinary Studies with a counseling concentration before earning her Master of Education in Counseling from San Angelo State University.

This is her 11th year in education and 3rd year as a counselor. Prior to counseling she taught middle school Science. Ms. Wilcox and her husband have three children; a junior at PHS, a 2nd grader, and one in Kindergarten.

“No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.” -PT Barnum Ms. Torrey Eckert is the 6th Grade Counselor and a testing coordinator at Reynolds Middle School.

Ms. Eckert earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University followed by a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Amberton University. This year marks her 12th year in education.

During her educational career, she taught all levels of 7th grade English for nine years prior to working as a school counselor three years ago. She is a proud aunt and mom to fur-baby, Paisley.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt Ms. Tiffany Blackwood is the 7th Grade Counselor and a testing coordinator at Reynolds Middle School. She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from The University of Oklahoma and her Masters in School Counseling from the same school. She has been in education for 14 years. She started working as a school counselor as soon as she finished graduate school in Oklahoma. Before that, she was a track and volleyball coach. She is also a licensed professional counselor (LPC). She and her husband, Michael (a former professional athlete and 3-time Olympian) have 3 children; Kody (15), Kavion (12), Ke’Lani (8).

“Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.”

32 | SPOTLIGHT

VIVEROS

BLACKWOOD

ECKERT

WILCOX

EDMUNDSON

Ms. Tiffany Viveros is the 8th Grade Counselor and a testing coordinator at Reynolds Middle School.

Ms. Viveros earned her Bachelor’s degree from UTD in Interdisciplinary Studies. She then received her Master’s from DBU in School Counseling. This is her 19th year in education. Her first seven years were as a math teacher, technology teacher and coach. Her last 12 years have been as a school counselor.

Ms. Viveros and her husband, Edgar, have three children; Miranda (22), Chris (15), and Nico (12).

“Live. Love. Laugh!”

[MEET OUR COUNSELORS] Ms. Amber Robertson is the 6th Grade Counselor and a testing coordinator at Rogers Middle School.

She earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas State University and her Master’s of School Counseling degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. Ms. Robertson started teaching 15 years ago and taught math to students ranging from 5th grade through 11th grade before becoming a counselor. She and her husband moved from Austin 11 years ago! They have three children: Kaylee (10), Lucas (8), and Makena (5).

“You are strong when you know your weaknesses. You are beautiful when you appreciate your flaws. You are wise when you learn from your mistakes.”

Ms. Katie Burden is the 7th Grade Counselor and a testing coordinator at Rogers Middle School. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her Master’s from Lamar University. This is her 8th year in education. The first seven years were spent teaching high school agricultural science and serving as an FFA advisor. This is her first year as a school counselor. She and her husband, Evan, have a 9 month old, Garrett.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world” - Gandhi Ms. Melissa Covin is the 8th Grade Counselor and a testing coordinator at Rogers Middle School.

She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, English, and Sociology and from Amberton University for her Master’s in School Counseling. Her entire 12 year educational career has been at Prosper ISD. She has taught 7th grade Texas History, middle school math, 8th grade PreAP science, and 7th and 8th grade reading before becoming a counselor in Prosper ISD. She is married to her husband, Jon, who is a firefighter in Plano. They have three children, Jamison (14), Caylin (7), and Amelia (4) as well as a Lab-Husky named Keely.

“When little people have big emotions, it is our job to is our job to share our calm, not join their chaos” Ms. Sandy Hicks is the PHS Counselor serving students last name A - B. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from UT Austin and Master’s degree from A&M Commerce. This is her 28h year in education and 8th as a counselor in Prosper ISD. She and her husband, Bryan, have two children. Their son, Cooper, is a senior at PHS and daughter, Alex, is a sophomore at PHS.

WELLS

HICKS

COVIN

BURDEN

ROBERTSON

Ms. Katie Wells is the PHS Counselor serving students last name C - En. Ms. Wells received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Texas Woman’s University where she majored in Psychology and Counseling & Development. This is her 8th year in education. During her career, she has worked in early childhood education, taught Pre-K, and counseled at the high school level. She is married to her husband, Josh, and they have two fur babies, Paisley and Callie.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”

SPOTLIGHT | 33

[MEET OUR COUNSELORS] Ms. Michelle Roach is the PHS Counselor serving students last name Eo - He. She earned her Bachelor’s in Education from Texas A&M and her Master’s in Public Administration also from Texas A&M University. This marks her 25th year in education. During her tenure, she has taught 6 - 12th grade Social Studies and sponsored Student Council before coming to Prosper eight years ago to begin her career as a counselor. She has been married to Rusty for 34 years and they have a son, Kyle (28), and daughter, Christiann (25).

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

Ms. Cezanne Rowland is the PHS Counselor serving students last name Hi - Lil. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Oklahoma State University and then her Master’s degree in School Counseling form UT-Tyler. This is Ms. Rowland’s 8th year in education and 3rd year as a counselor. Before becoming a counselor, she taught science for five years. Ms. Rowland is married with two children. Harrison is six and a 1st grader at Baker and Harper is four and in Pre-K at Hughes.

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” -Beverly Sills Ms. Julie Cooper is the Lead Counselor at PHS and serves students last name Lim - Ml. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies at Abilene Christian University and a Master of Education in School Counseling at Midwestern State University. Her journey in education started in the classroom teaching middle school math for seven years and the last 18 years as a high school counselor. Her husband, Tony, is a teacher and coach at Prosper High School. They have two sons, Caden and Ty. Caden is a sophomore in college and Ty is a sophomore at PHS. “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass...It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

34 | SPOTLIGHT

STOREY

COOPER

ROWLAND

ROACH

Mr. Bobby Storey is the PHS Counselor serving students last name Mo - Red. Mr. Storey received a Psychology Bachelor’s from the University of TN, Knoxville. He then earned his Master’s of Education, Specializing in School Counseling, from the University of MA, Amherst and an Educational Specialist degree also from the University of MA, Amherst. He has been in education for 12 years in a variety of roles including; ACT, Inc. Project Investigator, Teacher’s Assistant for undergraduate & graduate student classes, Collin College College/Career Counselor, Assistant teacher in various inclusion classes at the middle school level and a high school counselor. Mr. Storey’s spouse, Dr Lisha Daniels Storey, is an assistant professor of English and Writing Center Director at Austin College. They have two dogs, a long-haired dachshund and a rat terrier mix. “eschew obfuscation ;)”

[MEET OUR COUNSELORS] Mr. Jeff Strowe is the PHS Counselor serving students last name Ree - Str. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Appalachian State University and a Master’s of Education in Counseling from North Carolina State University Mr. Strowe has served 16 years working in education as a high school English teacher and Guidance Counselor in North Carolina, a Career Counselor at New York University in Manhattan, and a Career Counselor at the University of North Texas in Denton prior to starting at PHS in 2018. He is married to Margaret Strowe and they have a daughter, Lowery, in Kindergarten.

“There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired” -F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby Ms. Laura Foster is the PHS Counselor serving students last name Stu - Z and Foreign Exchange students. She attended the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in teaching English as a Second Language. She attended Angelo State University for her Master’s in School Counseling This year is her 9th year in education. She has taught K-3 ESL, middle school ELAR, Social Studies, and ESL in Kaohsiung, Taiwan as well as high school English 4 and English STAAR Intervention before becoming a school counselor in Prosper.

“Leave the past in the past. Today is a new day.”

VINSON

FOSTER

STROWE

Ms. Jolene Vinson is the Testing Coordinator at PHS. Ms. Vinson earned an Associates Degree in Accounting from Illinois Central College. She then earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Northern Iowa. Her education continued with a Master of Science in Sport Management from Western Illinois University and a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Amberton University. She was the Western Illinois University Volleyball Coach for 10 years before coming to Prosper 16 years ago as a teacher and coach. She has been the testing coordinator at PHS for the last 7 years.

“Keep looking up... That’s the secret of life…” ~ Life lesson from Snoopy

SPOTLIGHT | 35

[Homecom

36 | COMMUNITY

ming 2019]

COMMUNITY | 37

[Homecom

38 | COMMUNITY

ming 2019]

COMMUNITY | 39

[in the news] GOING THE EXTRA MILE 41 PRIZE PATROL 42 SAFETY & SECURITY 45 40 | IN THE NEWS

[student receives shout-out on social media]

[going the extra mile]

T

rinity Galyean may blend in as just another 8th grader at Reynolds Middle School, but this Prosper ISD student recently demonstrated the type of kindness to others that people usually only talk about on social media.

Her act might have gone unnoticed by the greater community, but thankfully a mom from another school was watching and posted on social media about Trinity’s kindness and helpfulness to another.

“I want to give a shout out to this athlete! Her name is Trinity and she is an Eighth Grader at Reynolds Middle School.

Trinity ran at least the last mile of the Cross Country race with a student [from another school], who was the last runner of the Eighth Grade Boy race today. This inspired some of the Eighth Grade … girl athletes to run and catch up. Trinity and ****** stayed right with him and crossed the finish line with him. She had already run her own two-mile race, and then ran another mile so that she could encourage him to finish his own race!

Trinity then started to head back to her team camp. I ran over to her and asked for her name, and told her she was demonstrating awesome sportsmanship and great character, and it made me tear up as I talked to her. She immediately started consoling me and gave me a hug.

If anyone knows the cross Country coaches

at Reynolds Middle School, please let them know about the great sportsmanship Trinity demonstrated at the Cross Country meet today!”

This post has since been shared dozens of times on social media.

Trinity is a cross country runner at Reynolds Middle School. She started running because “I have always admired the strength and agility that runners possess. I wanted to be like them, and so I started running a little bit after 7th-grade year, I noticed that there was a cross country team for our school. I became very excited and immediately wanted to sign up. Over summer, I began training and at first, it was really hard. Then when cross country practice began, and I found out the distance I was like “Noooo.” But bit by bit, with support from my friends and family, I was able to get up to that 2 miles with no problem.”

Trinity explains that on that Saturday “I saw the student [from another school] struggling to complete the race, I knew what it felt like to think that you were failing. I didn’t want him to feel like that so I instantly went to him and began to say little encouragements to keep him motivated.”

Trinity’s actions not only inspired those that day but have since inspired many others. In a world in which our drive for competition often outweighs our humanity towards others, this young lady demonstrated the kindness, leadership and integrity needed in the world. While she didn’t expect anything to come from her actions, she hopes that “everyone can learn that even if you don’t know the person; they’re from a different school, different district, different city, different state, different country; and they need help, help them.”

IN THE NEWS | 41

[prize patrol] Prosper Education Foundation is turning their vision into reality

T

he Prosper Education Foundation (PEF) Vision is “Profoundly impacting the success of each student” and the Mission of the organization is “to support, and encourage educational excellence, innovation and achievement.”

The organization is a rousing supporter of the Prosper Independent School District providing support in a variety of ways. The foundation is committed to investing in teachers. To that end, they have assigned $75,000 of their budget to direct teacher support through various initiatives. This began at the beginning of the year when PEF gave each new educator to the district a $100 gift card to use on supplies for their classroom or area. The Star Polisher is a PEF award given at every campus each month recognizing those educators who daily polish the stars

42 | IN THE NEWS

[the children] through their patience, ingenuity and sacrifice. Additional support is provided for the newest educators through the teacher mentoring program.

The foundation has also funded teacher grants.

Educators from around the district submitted a total of 46 grant proposals to be considered for various learning objectives. From those submitted, PEF awarded 34 grants to the sum of more than $27,000.

On October 7th, 2019 the PEF Board and supporters boarded buses and headed to the various campuses to award the teacher grants. With bells, yells, poms and a large check, educators were in excited awe as their daily routine was slightly disrupted to learn that their submitted grant had been awarded and they would be able to implement the new learning initiative about which they had dreamed.

teacher grants awarded NAME

CAMPUS

TITLE OF PROJECT

Stephanie Cross

Baker

Happy Snacks Snack Cart

Cindy Duran

Baker

Engaging Striving Readers Through Independent Book Choices

Jennifer Wattenbarger

Baker

Recess equipment and STEM pieces for recess

Mary Taylor

Boyer

Sensory Supports for Exceptional Learners

Kim Phillips

Cockrell

Mystery Science Online Resource

Kristen Kirkland

Folsom

leveled library

Carrie Buck

Folsom

Makerspace: Building Community Through Creativity

Andrea G. Clark

Folsom

Typing Club School Edition Pro Version 3340 licenses

Terri Harkey

Furr

Furr Student Cameras

Stephanie Anticona

Hays

Hays 7th Grade Math Flipped Classroom

Beth Stober

Light Farms

Slumberkins Social-Emotional Learning Collections

Bernadette Trammell

Light Farms

Building Leaders One Brick at a Time

Marlaina Megli

PHS

Simulated Patient Care Area

Tanya Barrios

PHS

Project Launch

Julie Cooper

PHS

HOPE Week

Bryce Runge

Reynolds

Hope Week

Torrey Eckert

Reynolds

LIKE: The Impact of Social Media

Teha Cooks

Rogers

Scholastic Science World Magazine subscription for 6th Grade Science Students at Rogers Middle School

Amber Robertson

Rogers

WhyTry? Curriculum

Melissa Covin

Rogers

'Like' Screening

Jill Hutchings

Rucker

Art Through the Ages Literature Connection

Amy Johnson

Rucker

De-Escalating Classroom Conflict & Promoting Student Self-Efficacy

Gabrielle Moore

Rucker

Social Skills and Sensory Room

Jennifer Brown

Rucker

Bringing Learning to Life with Green Screen and AR

Lacey Kuehn

Rucker

Morning STEAM 'Soft Starts'

Katy Lockhart

Spradley

Grade 4 Texas Ladders Differentiated Reading Instruction

Amy Mestayer

Spradley

Science Literacy Integration through Differentiated Reading

Beth Ricci

Spradley

National Geographic Ladders for Learning

Katina Meazell

Spradley

Storybook STEAM

Abby Coleman

Spradley

Ladders-Grade 4 Science

Sandra Michelle Wilson

Spradley

Functional Fridays in FA

Kristina Fortenberry & Natalie Nuttall

Spradley

Superflex‌ Superhero Social Thinking

Mary Dieter

Stuber

Stuber Sense-hooray Sensation

Rachel Holt

Windsong

Prosper ISD Fiddle Workshop

IN THE NEWS | 43

PEF is also a district partner in the area of professional development and academic programs contributing $117,000 to this area. The partnership funds multiple professional development opportunities for staff of Prosper ISD and has supported the district RISE program and the new HOPE Squad.

Last but not least, PEF has committed $175,000 for scholarships to be awarded to the Class of 2020.

Overall, the foundation has committed $367,000 in funding support for Prosper ISD schools for 20192020.

The money used to support the Prosper schools is raised in a variety of ways including the Outdoor Movie Night at Children’s Health Stadium and the

44 | IN THE NEWS

Golf Tournament on April 6, 2020. By supporting their events or making a gift directly to the Foundation, you are making these programs possible. PEF is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax-deductible. Volunteer opportunities also exist through PEF.

For more information on how you can support Prosper schools through the Prosper Education Foundation, contact the organization at info@ prosperef.org or the Executive Director Elizabeth Johnston at ejohnston@proseperef.org.

[safety & security]

[PISD Police Department]

P

rosper ISD is proud to have its very own Prosper ISD Police Department. The department is a separate and independent entity from the Town of Prosper Police Department.

Several years ago the district made the decision to create their own police department due to the complexities involved in dealing with the various ways in which each of the six different jurisdictions in Prosper ISD handle issues. With a district police department (PD), equity in the handling of student concerns can be better ensured.

The department is a fully licensed and operational PD with the same investigative authority and arrest powers as any other law enforcement agency in the state. The department works closely with other local law enforcement agencies and other neighboring districts.

Because of Prosper ISD’s commitment to student safety and the exponential growth the district is experiencing, the department has increased by more than 300% in the last few years. Currently, Prosper ISD has an officer at every campus, two officers at the high school, a K-9 officer, Chief of Police and a Director of Security working collaboratively with campus and district employees to best ensure the safety and well-being of Prosper ISD students and staff. In addition to providing for the overall safety of the campuses in which they serve, the mission of the Prosper ISD officers is to provide training to staff to enhance the safety and well-being of the campuses while establishing relationships that steer students away from actions leading them into the criminal justice system.

In an interview, Police Chief, Chad Vessels, and Director of Security, Jody Woolverton, answered several questions community members often have about Prosper ISD Safety and Security.

Why did Prosper ISD choose to get a drug dog?

We were using a private contractor to come once a month. Their pattern of when they came was easily predictable limiting the effectiveness of the program. Additionally, It is a great way to build relationships with kids because of the dog. We find that the dog’s presence on campus is a deterrent to certain types of illegal behavior. We have seen a decrease in the number of drug-related student arrests since the inception of the drug dog program at Prosper ISD.

IN THE NEWS | 45

[safety & security] What plans does the school have for an emergency?

We have a multitude of emergency operation plans that include responding to emergencies that happen during school as well as outside of school time. Our focus is working with the community to care for and protect our students before, during and after events including both physical safety as well as emotional health and well being.

How is the Prosper ISD PD engaged in the school system?

We have a number of different programs that are age/ grade appropriate which are taught by our officers such as Stranger Danger, Cyber Security, Drug Awareness, Dangers of Online Gaming, Dangers of Social Media, etc.

We work to ensure that there is security at campuses before, during and after school as well as at Prosper ISD events. We provide traffic control when and where necessary. During the school day, we maintain visibility working to build positive relationships with students. We are involved in numerous investigations both during and outside of school hours to best ensure the safety and well being of students and staff.

How should I expect to get communication during emergent situations?

First of all, make sure that all personal information in skyward is correct to ensure that you get information from the district. Our first priority is to secure the campus and communicate with those most directly related to the potential emergency. During that time we continue to gather information, facts and focus on the security of the campus(s) We will then communicate with those parents directly affected as quickly as practically possible via email and/or text. More information will then come via email, text, and/or social media as the situation permits.

With whom does the Prosper ISD PD work?

Prosper ISD PD works with several community partners including the Town of Prosper city leaders, workers and first responders, many community businesses and organizations as well as other local municipalities to build a united safety front for our district.

How can I report a legal or safety concern regarding a school and/or a student or staff member?

Our tip411 line gives students and parents both an opportunity to report anonymously at any time. All student devices owned by Prosper ISD will have a quick link to tip411. Outside of Prosper ISD devices, the link can be found on the Prosper ISD website under the About Us tab, Parent tab, and/or Student tab. It can also be found as a link on the Prosper ISD PD page.

46 | IN THE NEWS

[health & wellness] HOPE SQUAD 48 PREVENTING THE FLU 49 PARTNERING WITH PARENTS 51 HEALTH & WELLNESS | 47

[student peer-to-peer program]

[Hope Squad Comes to PISD]

A

fter student suicides that left the community heartbroken and seeking answers and solutions, Prosper ISD joined forces with the Town of Prosper and Prosper ISD parents to find a response befitting the wellbeing of students. To this end, the HOPE Squad program was birthed at Prosper ISD.

HOPE Squad was founded by Dr. Greg Hudnall from Provo, Utah. After experiencing a string of suicides as a campus principal, Dr. Hudnall founded HOPE Squad. The program focuses on prevention, intervention and postvention. Dr. Hudnall came to Prosper ISD to speak to parents and to help with the training of HOPE Squad members at the secondary campuses in August.

Students on HOPE Squad were nominated by their peers for their integrity, maturity, honesty, dependability, approachability and trustworthiness. The goal of HOPE Squad is to train students to bring more awareness to the issues of mental health on each campus through peer intervention and by changing the school culture through tolerance, understanding and acceptance of differences.

Thus far the HOPE Squads have been busy. They have helped with new student orientations, hosted an ice cream social for new students, created activities for National Suicide Prevention and Awareness week to educate and make students more aware of mental health and the supports provided.

Program participants have opened doors, handed out lifesaver candy, and focused on being a more positive servant to others. At PHS, three positive message boards across the campus were created where students can take a positive word or message with them.

Program participants have committed to further continuing their positive message by chalking the sidewalks with positive messages every two weeks. The HOPE Squad participants are also looking forward to the following activities geared toward bringing attention, awareness and acceptance for mental health-related struggles.

World Kindness day on Wednesday, November 13 National Hope Week on February 3-7 Random Acts of Kindness Week February 17-21 Community-wide Hope Walk on Saturday, March 21

48 | HEALTH & WELLNESS

[preventing & treating the flu]

your guide to preventing and treating the flu

D

id you know an estimated 8% of the U.S. population gets the flu each year? Learn tips for flu prevention and treatment.

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a viral infection that affects the lungs, mouth and throat. Despite the similar name, it is not the same as a stomach flu, which is the result of viruses in the gastrointestinal tract.

Coughing, sneezing, or touching your mouth, eyes or nose can spread germs. The flu virus is contagious 24 hours before symptoms appear and 5 to 7 days after a person gets sick. Learn the best ways to stay healthy during flu season–and what to do if you get sick.

6 flu prevention tips

The number one way to prevent getting the flu is to ensure everyone in your family (over 6 months old) receives the flu shot. Beyond getting your annual flu vaccine, here are more ways to keep your family healthy during flu season:

1. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer 2. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze 3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as germs spread this way 4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people 5. Stay home from school, work and errands when you are sick 6. Clean and disinfect surfaces

Myth: Busted

“Can you get the flu from the flu vaccine?”

No. The injectable flu vaccine is an inactivated (killed) virus, so a child cannot catch the flu from a flu shot.

Symptoms of the flu

At first, the flu can be easily mistaken for a common cold. If symptoms come on very quickly, it's more likely to be the flu.

Flu symptoms in children include: • Fever, feverish chills or sweats

• Congestion

HEALTH & WELLNESS | 49

[Preventing & Treating the Flu] Symptoms of the flu continued •

Stuffy or runny nose • Sore throat • Coughing • Headaches • Muscle or body aches • Fatigue and weakness • Vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children than adults

When to go to the hospital for flu

The flu can usually be treated at home with rest and lots of liquids. However, complications from the illness can be serious or even life-threatening for certain children. Very young children and those with chronic diseases such as asthma or diabetes have an increased risk for problems associated with the flu.

If you are concerned about your child's symptoms, you should call your primary care doctor first.

They understand your child's medical history and specific needs best.

If your child has the following symptoms, you should take them to the ER: • • • • • • • •

Difficulty breathing Unresponsive or not interacting Fever with rash Excessive or severe vomiting Won't drink liquids Blue or gray skin coloring Appears dehydrated with dry lips, sunken eyes or decreased urination Flu-like symptoms that have improved, but return with a fever and worse cough

Originally published on the Children’s Health website.

50 | HEALTH & WELLNESS

[Social and Emotional Health]

[Partnering with Parents]

H

uman connection is a key component to positive emotional health and personal growth. Social and Emotional Health is one of the key strategies listed in the Prosper ISD Strategic Plan. A sense of belonging to a greater community improves an individual’s motivation, health and happiness.

Prosper ISD is committed to ensuring a positive social emotional health for the whole child believing that Social Emotional Learning is a valuable investment in Prosper ISD students’ [and their parents] futures. To this end, Prosper ISD is partnering with parents in the growth of their students both at school and at home by providing a variety of Parenting Seminars to provide additional support and community resources to parents to meet the social and emotional health needs of students.

The Prosper ISD parenting seminars are determined based upon responses on the needs assessment distributed by campus counselors at the beginning of the year. The parent education committee then reviews feedback and determines presentation topics along with information to be included in the Prosper ISD Express on mental health issues each month.

The Special Education and Advanced Academics Departments also provide seminars designed for parents whose children are serviced by those departments.

Thus far the following seminars have been offered: 9/19

9/24

10/8 10/22

Transition 101 for Parents of Special Needs Tips for Handling Stress and Anxiety Dyslexia Connects Celebrate Calm - 10 Ways to Stop Defiance, Disrespect and Yelling

The District still has the following seminars to be offered this year: 11/13

1/22 3/30

Teen Vaping and Drug Trends Relationship Survival Skills Rude? Mean? Bullying? Or Conflict? How to Differentiate and Empower Your Child and Yourself

In addition to these workshops, the district partners with local groups like Parents-R-Partners for other seminars.

HEALTH & WELLNESS | 51

WE ARE PROSPER, WE ARE ONE