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Eagle Scout Project Brings CHS Student Back to Roots at Rosemeade

Posted/span> on May 16, 2019 in Creekview, District News, Newsletter, Rosemeade

Creekview High School freshman, Stephen Adcox, began scouting as a first-grade Tiger Cub Scout at Rosemeade Elementary in 2010, with Pack 735. He is now a Life Rank Scout with Troop 876 and working toward the rank of Eagle Scout. According to the Boy Scouts of America, the rank of Eagle Scout requires several steps based on a foundation of earlier achievements and culminating in a service project, Scoutmaster conference attendance, and a successful completion of a board review.

For Stephen’s service project, he saw a need at his elementary alma mater. The small covered pavilion at the south side of Rosemeade was in need of updating. Stephen worked on the planning and implementation of his project to improve this space for over a year. This resulted in a complete tear-down of the old pavilion and replacing it with a structure better suited for outdoor learning.

A year in the making

Stephen began the funding of his project by selling engraved bricks to raise money for the new outdoor classroom pavilion he envisioned. The over $1900 in engraved bricks have been added to the existing brick path next to Rosemeade. Stephen worked with CFB employees Victor Melton, Scott Behner and former Rosemeade principal, M. Amy Miller to coordinate the stages of tear down and rebuilding.

Support from local businesses

Stephen visited several local hardware stores for donations and supplies. New View Roofing provided free roof supplies and labor to the project. Ace Hardware provided a gift card and discount. Additionally, the Lowe’s at Preston Rd. and the George Bush Tollway provided a large gift card as well for supplies. In October 2018, he oversaw the tear-down of the old pavilion, with a new concrete slab foundation poured in January. The rebuilding of the pavilion was completed in March, and the roofing completed in April.

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the official opening of the pavilion on Friday, May 24, at 7:45 AM.

Smith Culinary Student Earns Scholarship

Posted/span> on May 15, 2019 in District News, Newsletter, Smith High School

Newman Smith High School culinary student, Justin Brown, has earned a scholarship from the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association (GDRA). Justin says his affinity for eating inspired his interest in cooking. He began with an American staple – the grilled cheese sandwich and his interest grew. He found recipes on YouTube and explored different cooking techniques on his own, preparing meals for his family.

Scholarship

Justin was awarded $2500 from the GDRA which will be used toward his further education in culinary arts at El Centro College. Students from 48 high schools in GDRA’s chapter area applied for the scholarships, with 14 being awarded to applicants that stood out to the Association. GDRA Executive Director, Jerry Walker, stated that one of the factors that stood out in Justin’s application was his essay, in which he explained why he wants to be part of this industry.

Food as an art form

Justin likes to draw and sees plating as an art form unto itself. Justin says, “you have to make it look appetizing, because if it doesn’t look appetizing, no one will want to eat it.” Just states that Culinary Arts director, Martha Dodson, is his favorite teacher because she has helped him develop his cooking skillset.

Culinary Arts at Smith High School

The Culinary Arts program at Newman Smith High School emphasizes the principles of planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling the management of a variety of food service operations. The course provides insight into the operation of a well-run restaurant. This laboratory-based course begins with the fundamentals and principles of the art of food preparation and includes management and production skills and techniques. Students in the Culinary Arts program can pursue a national sanitation certification and other industry certifications. The knowledge and skills required for careers in the restaurant, food, and beverage industry are practiced as food is prepared for a campus based restaurant, Café Smith.

Creekview Alumna Melissa Gonzalez Has Eyes on Olympics

Posted/span> on May 15, 2019 in Alumni Athletic Accolades, Athletics, Creekview, District News, Newsletter

Melissa Gonzalez was born to run. The 2012 graduate of Creekview High School was a stand-out in Track her junior year. CHS coach Misti Springfield noted that Melissa kept winning every meet, then district meets, then regionals. Melissa’s mom, Temple Creamer-Gonzalez, who is a teacher at Perry Middle School stated, “Misti recognized that Melissa had a talent that needed more specialized training. She unselfishly reached out to then coach Stephani Perkins at Ranchview to step in and prepare Melissa for the state meet.”

“This was a moment that shaped everything. Perkins once a national record-setting hurdler herself, and she also had her own private team outside of school, which Melissa quickly joined. This increased her training, catapulting her into the highest level of competition. None of this would have ever happened had Coach Springfield not reached out in the spirit of sportsmanship to find the best coach – even if it wasn’t her – for her athlete.”

Melissa attended Kent Elementary and Blalack Middle School before attending Creekview. Melissa earned a full Track scholarship from the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated in 2016 with a degree in Sport Management. Melissa’s track career did not end with college. She currently runs for the Colombian National team.

Eyes on the Olympics

Every competition on a national level, whether in the U.S. or in South America, is a platform for her to submit an Olympic qualifying time. Her plans are to run in the National Championships this summer in South America. She will represent Colombia, where she holds dual citizenship. Additionally, she plans to compete in the PanAmerican games later this summer. Another goal of hers is to break the Colombian national record in 400m hurdles.

Academic and Athletic Roots in CFB

Melissa’s little sister, Samantha Gonzalez, won at state in hurdles 2 years in a row, 2015-2016. Samantha is currently finishing her fourth year as a full-ride scholarship athlete at the University of Miami. Youngest sister, Lily, is a first-grader at Kent and is carrying on the tradition of winning every Fun Run and Turkey Trot she competes in.

Melissa married fellow CHS alum David Blough, her high school sweetheart. Blough is an accomplished football player, having played quarterback at Purdue University, and having recently signed a contract as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns.

CFBISD Celebrates Top Employees

Posted/span> on May 10, 2019 in District News, Newsletter

On Thursday, May 9, CFBISD held a special event to honor both the Secondary Teachers of the Year and the Employees of the Year. Throughout the year, principals and department heads would name their “Employee of the Nine Weeks.” Four of these honorees were selected as Employees of the Year for 2019.

Professional Employee of the Year – Kim Graham – Benefits Department

Kim Graham is CFB’s Coordinator of Benefits/Risk Management. She demonstrates an unwavering dedication to CFB ISD and its employees each and every day. Kim leads with a servants heart and through her health insurance and related benefits knowledge, she works tirelessly to assist all employees in seeing that their benefit needs are being met. Kim truly represent an exemplary employee and leader for Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.

Paraprofessional Employee of the Year – Patrice Sims – McWhorter Elementary

When you walk into the front offices of McWhorter Elementary you are going to be greeted by Ms. Patrice Sims. Her warm and contagious personality hooks you from the moment you meet her. Ms. Sims never lets an opportunity go by to ensure our students, families and staff members know how much they are valued and that her mission is to make sure everyone knows that at McWhorter you are our number one priority. Thank you Ms. Sims for being such an integral part of the Coyote Family!

Student Nutrition Employee of the Year – Mona Nowlin, Field Supervisor

Mona joined our Student Nutrition family in 1990 and the district has benefited greatly from her amazing leadership skills for over 25 of those years as she served in a supervisory role. Currently, as a Field Supervisor, Mona oversee 12 of our district cafeterias and serves as a liaison between the Student Nutrition Administrative Office and the schools. She holds her cafeterias and staff to the highest standards and it shows in their performance.

Operations Employee of the Year – Maria Kay, custodian at Good Elementary

As the custodian at Good Elementary, Maria Kay goes above and beyond everyday for the students, staff and families – and always with a smile. Mrs. Kay takes exceptional pride in the work she does and it shows. She is a valued team member at Good Elementary helping the campus achieve its goals.