Staff and teachers across the district assembled to kick off 2018 with the Opening of School Ceremonies. The keynote speaker was Leslie Milder of Friends of Texas Public Schools (FOTPS). Milder, founder of FOTPS and a high school teacher, spoke to staff about the importance of loving what you do and spreading the message of the good things happening in CFBISD. Students from CFB high schools spoke and performed at the event, encouraging staff and teachers as they begin the upcoming school year. Superintendent, Dr. John E. Chapman, III, spoke of the importance of the impact that staff members have on students and their parents. From the front line staff, custodians, bus drivers, and maintenance crew – to teachers, Dr. Chapman encouraged staff to “Be the Exception.”
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NSHS Blood Drive
There will be a blood drive at Newman Smith High School, hosted by the Carrollton Masonic Lodge #1400 and Carter Blood Care on Aug. 25, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, please contact the volunteer drive coordinator, Jacob Navarette.
CFB PE Teachers Learn DrumFit
CFB teachers and staff attended a session at the Learn More Achieve More Conference practicing the DrumFit program. DrumFit uses drumming, movement, and aerobics to help students have fun while exercising. These P.E. teachers will use DrumFit during the course of their instruction during the year.Dallas Stars’ Marty Turco Trains CFB PE Teachers
Marty Turco, a nine-year Goaltender for the Dallas Stars, presented skills and drills to CFBISD physical education teachers at Learn More Achieve More 2018. Turco is currently the Chairman and President of the Dallas Stars Foundation and works directly with school districts to bring a hockey experience to all students. CFBISD is the recipient of more than $50,000.00 worth of grants and physical education equipment from the Stars Foundation.
Michael Finley Foundation Hosts 3-Week Academy at Long Middle School
The Michael Finley Foundation hosted their annual G.I.F.T.4.S. for summer at Long Middle School. Forty students from Long took part in a 3-week academy. The last day consisted of academics in the morning and a celebration in the afternoon. Students were selected based on the application criteria and parents who committed to supporting their children through the summer and throughout the school year.
New RHS Teachers Ready to Meet Students
Teachers new to Ranchview High School came to campus on Aug. 8 for a full day of training. They are eager to welcome all of the wolves back to school on Aug. 20 as they learn what it means to be part of the RHS Wolf Pack. The recurring theme of the RHS teaching team is to strive to be teachers who inspire students to accomplish what they never dreamed possible. Well known educator, William Arthur Ward, stated that “the mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” The teachers at Ranchview are looking forward to inspiring the Wolves as they start the 2018-2019 school year.
The Wolves are Back – Band Practice Resumes
While school is not yet back in session, the Ranchview High School band is back to practice. School begins Aug. 20.
FBE Has Jump Start on 2018
Teachers and students have come back early at Farmers Branch Elementary to get a jump start on 2018. Students get to meet teachers and engage in some learning activity before the school year begins.
Every CFBISD Secondary Student Will Have a Laptop for the 2018-2019 School Year
**UPDATE** Over the past three years, CFB has purchased Chromebooks (grades 3-12) and iPads (grades PreK-2) to build the digital learning experience of students. Over three years, the Board of Trustees allocated approximately $7 million from local funds and from the Instructional Materials Allotment provided by TEA to purchase devices. The district phased in the devices to allow for incremental purchase and to create a reasonable replacement cycle. Teachers have received training in digital learning practices over the past several years to prepare for the eventual 1:1 roll-out. For 2018-19, CFB will launch 1:1 experience for students in grades 6-12.
Every 6th-12th grade student in CFBISD will begin the year with a Chromebook to use for schoolwork and homework. At this stage of the one-to-one technology program, each student will be assigned a laptop (Chromebook) that the student will take to each class and home in the evenings. Much like a textbook, the Chromebook will be checked out to the individual student.
In CFBISD, we believe technology can transform learning in a powerful way. Technology is designed to be used for any time anyplace learning. Having consistent access to a Chromebook allows teachers and students to engage in new and exciting learning opportunities.
Secondary campus personnel will communicate with parents and students regarding topics like the checkout process and care of the Chromebook. Student and parent questions will be addressed at Meet the Teacher Nights, Open Houses, Schedule Pick-Up Events and more.
State of Texas Will Release A-F Ratings for Districts
The 85th Texas Legislature passed House Bill 22, establishing three domains for measuring the academic performance of districts and campuses: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing Achievement Gaps. Districts will receive a rating of A, B, C, D, or F for overall performance, as well as for performance in each domain, on August 15, 2018. Campuses will receive A–F ratings beginning in August 2019.
While CFBISD anticipates a positive rating from TEA, the District agrees with the Texas Association of School Administrators when it says, “Texas students would be better served by a comprehensive community-based accountability system that looks beyond high-stakes, multiple-choice tests to meaningful assessments that have value for students, parents, and teachers, as well as measures what each community deems important in promoting college and career readiness.”
CFBISD is committed to high achievement for each student and will continue to focus on meeting the individual needs of each student that we serve.