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Inside FWISD October 24, 2019

In this edition:

We’re Looking for a Few Lead Content Teachers in Each Fort Worth ISD School | Superintendent Focuses on a Highly Effective Habit in New Message | FWISD Announces 2019-2020 Chairs For Teaching Excellence | FWISD Billboards Target Teachers and Other Job Seekers | FWISD United Way Campaign Underway | FWAS Celebrates 20 Years With Birthday Party | Two Fort Worth ISD Board Members Are Finalists for Prestigious National Award | Poly Wraps Up Homecoming Festivities with Parade This Saturday | Paschal High School Uses Bilingual Newsletter and Meetings to Improve Inclusive Family Connections | Bright Spots: Bonnie Brae Elementary and the story behind their A-rated status | Let’s Talk School Community Forums | FWISD Staff Must Acknowledge Employee Handbook Receipt By October 31 | FWISD Offers Flu Vaccine Clinic Dates For Employees | Dallas Mavericks To Host FWISD Council of PTAs Night | FWISD WEEK 9: Logjam at the top of District 4-5A | Elementary Leadership Recognizes Campus Principals, Administrative Associates | Ask Elsie | Fort Worth ISD Snapshot | Calendar | View more stories throughout the week on the Inside FWISD Blog

We’re Looking for a Few Lead Content Teachers in Each Fort Worth ISD School

Chief Academic Officer Jerry Moore invites teachers to apply to become a Fort Worth ISD Lead Content Teacher. The position comes with a $3000 stipend.

Watch the video!

For more information and an application, follow this link.

https://forms.gle/mP7xPFgXLjEUH6Lf9

If you have any questions, please call 817-814-2470.

Superintendent Focuses on a Highly Effective Habit in New Message

Bestselling author Stephen Covey provides the theme for Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Kent Scribner’s fall message to teachers and staff: Begin with the End in Mind.

In this short preview, Dr. Scribner relates the advice to using your GPS.

Watch it – and then stay tuned for the soon-to-be-released full, fun message!

FWISD ANNOUNCES 2019-2020 CHAIRS FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

Sixteen Fort Worth ISD teachers have been chosen as the 2019-2020 Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence. The selected teachers will be conferred with the title of Chair for Teaching Excellence for one year and receive a $5,000 honorarium. Each Teaching Chair’s campus will receive a banner to display in a prominent location. In addition, a photograph of each winner will be on display at the FWISD Professional Development Center for one year.

The Chairs for Teaching Excellence Luncheon will be November 14, 2019.

Fort Worth ISD established The Chairs for Teaching Excellence program in 1994. It is modeled after the university-level Chair program and is designed to recognize and reward exemplary teachers. This program is unique because of its role in a public K-12 setting and for its rigorous selection process.

Each year, more than 100 teachers submit Teaching Chair applications across 16 subject area categories, as well as recommendation letters, for review by members of the Teaching Chairs selection committees. Each category has its own selection committee. Teachers selected as finalists undergo a rigorous evaluation process based on their application; a teaching demonstration recorded on video during a class visit; and an interview session with their respective selection committee.

This year’s Teaching Chairs sponsors and honorees are:

Angela D. Paulos Chair for Teaching Excellence in Visual Arts

Alyssa Vallecorsa, Trimble Tech High School

Central Market Chair for Teaching Excellence in Acquisition of Language

Maria Cruz Washington, Stripling Middle School

Bayard H. Friedman Chair for Teaching Excellence in Performing Arts

Brent Schooley, South Hills High School

Blue Zones Project Chair for Teaching Excellence in Health and Physical Education

Mark Greenwood, Westcliff Elementary School

Broadway at the Bass Chair for Teaching Excellence in Dance and Theater

Victoria K. Scheffler, South Hills High School

Chase Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary English

Cassie Hanson, Trimble Tech High School

Crescent Real Estate Chair for Teaching Excellence in Career and Technical Education

Vickie Jenson, South Hills High School

Atmos Energy Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary Science

Naomi V. Gutierrez, Rosemont 6th Grade

Kroger Chair for Teaching Excellence in Special Education

Lauren Caldwell, Westcliff Elementary School

Linebarger Goggan Blair and Sampson, LLP Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Reading

Brandi Mayhall, Burton Hill Elementary School

Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Math and Science

Marisol Herrera, Dolores Huerta Elementary School

Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in Middle School STEM

Ann Marie Burgess, J. Martin Jacquet Middle School

Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in High School STEM

Barton Scott, Young Men’s Leadership Academy

Sewell Lexus and Infiniti of Fort Worth Chair for Teaching Excellence in Humanities

Nathan Pena, Young Women’s Leadership Academy

TTI, Inc. Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary Math

Heather Hedges, Paschal High School

XTO Energy Chair for Teaching Excellence in Early Childhood Education

Amy Sikes Morrison, Waverly Park Elementary School

FWISD Billboards Target Teachers and Other Job Seekers

“Now Hiring!”

The word is out on new Fort Worth ISD billboards. And, our teachers, bus drivers, and cafeteria staff are the faces of this new campaign aimed at filling some of the most important jobs in the District. The signs began going up around the city on October 22, urging future teachers and other job seekers to apply now.

Kirkpatrick Elementary School teachers Agatha Agyemang, Mercedes Contreras, Octavio Luis Herrera, and Jessica Montalvo are the stars of the billboards, along with several students. Bus driver Martha Rodriguez confidently takes the wheel in one of the ads. And in another, Kirkpatrick Elementary cafeteria staff member Juana Travizo hands a nourishing lunch to an appreciative student.

For more information, call 817-814-HIRE or visit www.fwisd.org/careers.

Also, mark your calendar for these Fort Worth ISD hiring fairs:

FWISD Auxiliary Career Fair

9:30-11:30 a.m., Thursday, November 7

Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center

5201 CA Roberson Blvd.

Fort Worth, TX 76119

FWISD Teacher Career Fair

4:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 7

Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center

5201 CA Roberson Blvd.

Fort Worth, TX 76119

You belong here!

FWISD UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY

Fort Worth ISD employees who submit online donations to the District's 2019 United Way Campaign are eligible for multiple prizes including a two-night stay at the Embassy Suites in downtown Fort Worth or a $200 Target gift card.

Campaign fund raising began Monday, October 21.

FWISD employees received an email from United Way of Tarrant County October 21 with personalized login information for donating online, details on what the nonprofit does and how to help.

“When you give to United Way, you are making a difference in individual lives.,” said Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Kent P. Scribner. “Your support insures the success of our children, the integrity of our families and neighborhoods, and a second chance for people to rebuild their lives.”

Once again, employees can make online donations by credit/debit card or payroll deductions this year. Donations will be deducted from employee’s paychecks over eight months from January to August.

Employees wanting to submit a donation by check may do so by completing a paper pledge form by Friday, November 1 and returning it to their department/campus campaign coordinator.

When donating, employees can specify the agencies or programs they’d like their donations to support and 100% of the donation will support the cause or agency designated.

Students can participate in the campaign on their respective campuses through coin drives and other fundraising efforts.

Over 100 employee campaign coordinators attended rally sessions where they received an overview and materials for putting on an effective fundraising campaign, Tuesday October 15 at the FWISD Professional Development Center. Coordinators who missed the rally sessions and have not picked up their campaign materials are urged to contact Cindy Ybarra in the PDC to make arrangements for picking them up.

The 2019 District goal is increasing participation 20% above the number of participants in 2018.

FWISD’s 2019 United Way Campaign will run from Monday, October 21 to Friday, November 1. Employees have until Friday, November 8 to make online donations.

Participation is voluntary.

United Way of Tarrant County partners with over 45 nonprofit agencies to support more than 300,000 people annually in need with resources and various services. Last year, the district received $753,560 in grants from United Way of Tarrant County that supported childhood literacy programs and secondary initiatives aimed at preparing students for college and careers.

The FWISD Board of Education approved a proclamation recognizing United Way of Tarrant County at its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 22. See the proclamation below.

For more details about FWISD’s 2019 United Way Campaign, contact Mrs. Ybarra at cindy.ybarra@fwisd.org or call 817-814-3350.

FWAS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH BIRTHDAY PARTY

The Fort Worth After School (FWAS) program is lighting an oversized birthday cake to celebrate 20 years of programming, Thursday, October 24. The event starts at 5 p.m. in the Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary School cafeteria.

Annually, FWAS participates in the national observance Lights on Afterschool, a celebration of the nation’s after school programs, and it lights a city or Fort Worth ISD structure to recognize the day. This year’s celebration will be a well-lit birthday cake. Mayor Betsy Price and Texas Sen. Beverly Powell are slated to present proclamations honoring FWAS at the event.

FWISD Board of Education Trustees Anael Luebanos and Tobi Jackson, Acting Public Events Director Richard Zavala and National Youth Ambassador Vidiriana Gonzalez are also slated to attend. Afterschool participants from Van Zandt-Guinn and other students including cheerleaders from D. McRae, Mitchell Boulevard and Alice Contreras elementary schools are also expected to join the celebration.

FWAS, since 2000, has provided high-level enrichment programs after school from 3 to 5 p.m. primarily for students in grades 3-8. High schools participate, intermittently, through 21st Century Community Learning Center grants. More than 7,000 students participate in the program over the course of a school year.

“Long term data shows that students who participate for longer periods of time perform better in school and achieve higher scores on their STAAR tests,” said Miguel Garcia Jr., Fort Worth After School director. “Residents of Fort Worth should also know that no FWAS regular participant has ever matriculated through Tarrant County Juvenile Services, suggesting students make better decisions and make productive citizens.”

The program serves nearly 80 sites.

“FWAS has helped my students become the best PERSON they can be. The caring adults – who also happen to be the students’ school-day teachers – have demonstrated a belief in each one of my afterschool participants that they can be and will be successful,” said Howard Robinson, O.D. Wyatt High School principal who previously led Carter Park Elementary School. “The students have re-paid the teachers with their dedication to school during the day. Grades and behavior have improved!”

The FWISD Board of Education approved a proclamation recognizing FWAS at its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 22. See the proclamation below.

For more details on FWAS or the 20-year celebration, contact Mr. Garcia at 817-815-2950.

Two Fort Worth ISD Board Members Are Finalists for Prestigious National Award

Two Fort Worth ISD Board of Education members have been selected as finalists for the prestigious Green-Garner Award, the highest honor in urban education.

Board President Jacinto Ramos, Jr. and Trustee Ashley Paz will both be on the stage Thursday night in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Council of Great City Schools 63rd Annual Fall Conference when the winner is announced. Finalists are selected based on their strong dedication to the needs of students, a profound commitment to improvement, and their exemplary community involvement and leadership.

The national award is named in memory of urban school leaders Richard R. Green, the first African American chancellor of the New York City school system and a businessman, and Edward Garner, the former school board president of the Denver Public Schools.

“For a single school district to have not one, but two finalists for this great honor is a rare thing, indeed,” said Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Kent P. Scribner. “We are excited and proud for Jacinto Ramos and Ashley Paz.”

The Council of the Great City Schools conference gives big-city school superintendents, board members, senior administrators and college deans of education a forum to discuss issues and share information and best practices to improve teaching and learning.

Poly Wraps Up Homecoming Festivities with Parade This Saturday

Polytechnic High School’s homecoming festivities culminate with a community parade featuring more than 400 participants this weekend.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. at the corner of Rosedale Street and Conner Avenue and will travel east to the roundabout at Ayers Avenue before returning to Polytechnic High School, located at 1300 Conner Ave. The public is invited to attend.

“The purpose of the Poly homecoming is to bring the Poly community, which consist of students, parents, staff and businesses together for the common goal of supporting our students,” said Principal Nick Torrez.

Mayor Betsy Price will serve as the parade’s grand marshal. Other elected officials slated to participate in the parade include Texas State Rep. Ramon Romero and Fort Worth ISD Board of Education First Vice President Tobi Jackson.

Polytechnic’s band, athletics, faculty/staff, various departments, clubs, organizations and feeder school are expected to take part in the event. Six floats, more than 50 vintage cars, Vaqueros in full costume, Bat-Mays and his Bat Mobil, Santa and Mrs. Claus along with Santa’s Elves and Moslah Shrine Temple parade units will also entertain spectators along the parade route.

Originated by the Poly Alumni Associations as a way of connecting the community and giving back to generations of Poly Parrots, the annual homecoming parade showcases community leaders and businesses alike. Organizers say the parade connects generations spanning more than 60 years, exposes students to the accomplishments of Poly alumni and inspires students to continue on with the rich legacy of community service and leadership established before them.

Spectator parking for the parade will be available at the Poly United Methodist Church and in the Foodland Market parking lot on Ayers Ave.

Ahead of Saturday’s parade is Poly’s homecoming game against Carter-Riverside at 7 p.m. Friday at Handley Field.

For more details on homecoming festivities at Poly, visit www.fwisd.org/Polytechnic.

PASCHAL HIGH SCHOOL USES BILINGUAL NEWSLETTER, MEETINGS TO IMPROVE INCLUSIVE FAMILY CONNECTIONS

Fort Worth ISD’s R.L. Paschal High School Paschal is improving its inclusive outreach to all Paschal community families by changing its digital newsletter to a bilingual edition. On Tuesday, October 22 the school launched periodic parent meetings in Spanish.

Paschal High School Principal Troy Langston has always placed great emphasis on parent involvement and is an advocate for innovations that encourage families to become actively engaged in their student education.

“Parents can engage in many ways such as reading or talking about books at home with their children, helping with homework, discussing school events, attending functions at the school, setting expectations and goals, volunteering, or simply encouraging their children in their learning,” said Mr. Langston. “We want to help our parents connect with the education of their children in any way we can.

Parents are encouraged to take advantage of these expanded opportunities to connect with the staff of the school, get to know other parents, ask questions, and to make our voices heard.

BRIGHT SPOTS: BONNIE BRAE ELEMENTARY

EDITOR'S NOTE: Art Garcia of Read Fort Worth and an Inside FWISD profiled Fort Worth ISD’s Bonnie Brae Elementary – and the story behind their A-rated status.

The ingredients all existed at Bonnie Brae Elementary, at least as far as Principal Samantha Gonzalez was concerned. Good kids, happy teachers, neighborhood campus.

Something was missing. It wasn’t something that most would notice, especially since Bonnie Brae traditionally performed admirably in standardized testing. Gonzalez and Co. were in a good place. No need to rock the boat. Flying under the radar seemed to be the smart course.

So, why go above and beyond at a school that no one had an issue with? Something didn’t sit well with Principal Gonzalez.

What can Bonnie Brae look like?

What should it look like?

Why can’t we be great?

She began asking herself those questions about three years ago. As a first-time principal, she’d been leading Bonnie Brae for six years and was happy. She also knew there was so much more to do. Potential that was untapped. Student success that wasn’t being realized.

It wouldn’t be easy. A change in teaching mindset needed to take place. There would be pushback, especially from established teachers who had achieved positive results.

Gonzalez moved forward anyway. “I just wanted it,” she said. “We just had to figure out how to get there.” The focus needed to be on state standards driving the work, with a shift to high-level instruction. At the center were the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the state standards for what students should know and be able to do.

Gonzalez participated in “Teaching Trust,” a Dallas-based training that helps education leaders build the professional capacity critical to transforming urban schools. She also leaned on Paul Bambrook’s book, Leveraged Leadership, to influence her outlook and refine those keys needed for success.

“The standard drives what we do here and if we’re really starting there then we’re teaching at a much higher level than we were before,” Gonzalez said. “What has happened is we’ve really shifted the way teachers are planning here. They now really understand the TEKS.

“Five years ago if I had said to a teacher, ‘Just tell me two of your TEKS,’ they probably couldn’t. And now when they walk in then can say, ‘5.3B context clues, I need this for mastery, I need this to happen, I want to look for resources.’ They speak in a whole different way and I do too. We’ve learned this together. I couldn’t have told them what some of those high-lever skills were five years ago either. It’s evolved into that.”

Bonnie Brae has 463 students in 28 classrooms, with a workforce consisting of 50 teachers, administrators and staff members. The student body is 94% Hispanic, with 92% of all students eligible for free or reduced lunch.

Gonzalez piloted her program in the fifth grade, knowing everyone, including her, had to roll up their sleeves. If it meant teaching alongside and helping write lesson plans, Gonzalez was up for it. The results after the first year, in her words, “went through the roof.”

Teachers from other grades asked, “Wait, what just happened? What are y’all doing in there?” The school-wide roll out happened the next year. The conversations across campus didn’t always go smoothly. Gonzalez knew many of the changes wouldn’t go over well and there would be days where it felt like too much, but she asked her teachers to “trust the process” and then “we’ll evaluate the outcome.”

“Before I really started asking them to make a drastic change in their thought process and the way they were planning, we had a really good culture in this building,” she said. “There’s something to be said for teachers wanting to follow you even when they don’t agree with you. I take that really seriously that this is a place you want to come to work to every day and I’m doing whatever I can to help support that so I think before we made that shift my teachers had already seen that when I ask, I’ll support you 100%.”

That support went both ways. The buy-in from the teachers at Bonnie Brae let Gonzalez know that she was on the right track. Gonzalez reports that her campus has enjoyed minimal teacher turnover the last few years, despite being in an economically-challenged area in northeast Fort Worth.

“We have the right teachers in the right place who are willing to learn,” she said. “That’s been the kicker. We’ve changed our focus. We’ve changed the way we’re instructing kids. When a teacher knows what they have to teach and they know what the outcome looks like, it can perfectly align everything in between. It’s knowing your goal.

“So if it’s a first grade teacher, it’s knowing my child has to finish on a Level I. Everything has to line up to that text and what that looks like. And if it’s in the upper grades, I know these kids are going to have to take the STAAR test and everything I’m doing needs to align to those high-leverage TEKS that are going to be there. And am I giving them all the right tools to get there?”

Chief among those tools in the ability to read and comprehend. One of the FWISD’s three goals centers on early literacy, with third grade being a critical indicator in a student’s academic success for years to come.

“I want kids who can read, understand what they’ve read, critically think about it, and then I know when they go to social studies in the seventh grade and go to science, all you’re doing is reading that text and thinking through it,” Gonzalez said. “You have that skill to be successful now wherever you go.”

Bonnie Brae came in with an ‘A’ grade in the state’s latest Accountability ratings, which measures three areas – “Student achievement,” “School Progress” and “Closing the Gaps.” The ‘A’ distinction means a lot, not only to Gonzalez and her staff, but to Bonnie Brae’s students, as well.

“We tell our kids all that time that you go to a school that’s an ‘A,’ so you have to meet the expectation of what it means to go to school here,” Gonzalez said. “They get that. I think it’s important and it builds pride in a kid to say that I go to a really good school. And I know that the school I go to is completely invested in me.”

Gonzalez doesn’t feel Bonnie Brae has arrived. She sees plenty of room for improvement, along with the responsibility to stay vigilant. The work is constant and not sustainable without everyone’s commitment, from the staff to those developing minds occupying desks in one classroom to the next.

“The reality is we’re not done. There’s so much to do,” Gonzalez said. “There’s a lot to do here. We’re not done. Every kid is not at 100 percent so there’s a lot of work. We have to remember that. We can’t rest on the idea that now we’re just this ‘A’ school. As quickly as you can be one, you can lose it.”

Look out for more about Bonnie Brae Elementary in an upcoming NBC 5 (KXAS-TV) feature story. Check your local listings for details.

LET’S TALK SCHOOL COMMUNITY FORUMS

Parents and students are invited to attend upcoming forums on proposed school boundary changes. The boundary changes will impact all traditional high school feeder patterns and address overcrowding, demographic shifts, and equity for all students.

Between now and November 19, Superintendent Kent P. Scribner will host community forums at every comprehensive high school in the Fort Worth ISD. The topics: school feeder patterns and overcrowding, demographic shifts, and equity for all students.

Attendees are encouraged to use our new Let’s Talk! feature for questions and feedback during the Boundary Forums. You’ll be able to submit a question or comment from any device, and we’re committed to returning a timely response.

The following community forums are scheduled:

Tuesday, October 29: 6-7 p.m. Western Hills HS Auditorium, 3600 Boston Ave., 76116

Wednesday, October 30: 6-7 p.m. Polytechnic HS Auditorium, 1300 Conner Ave., 76105

Monday, November 4: 6-7 p.m. Dunbar HS Auditorium, 5700 Ramey Ave., 76112

Thursday, November 7: 6-7 p.m. South Hills HS Auditorium, 6101 McCart Ave., 76133

Monday, November 18: 6-7 p.m. Southwest HS Auditorium, 4100 Altamesa Blvd., 76133

Tuesday, November 19: 6-7 p.m. Paschal HS Large Auditorium, 3001 Forest Park Blvd., 76110

Forums already held and the presentations:

Tuesday, September 17: 6- 7 p.m. Arlington Heights HS Auditorium, 4501 W. Freeway, 76107

Thursday, September 26: 6-7 p.m. O.D. Wyatt HS Auditorium, 2400 E. Seminary Drive,76119

Thursday, October 3: 6-7 p.m. Amon Carter-Riverside HS New Cafeteria, 3301 Yucca Ave., 76111

Thursday, October 10: 6-7 p.m. North Side HS Auditorium, 2211 McKinley Ave., 76164

Wednesday, October 16: 6-7 p.m. Eastern Hills HS Auditorium, 5701 Shelton St., 76112

Thursday, October 17: 6-7 p.m. Benbrook Middle-High School Auditorium, 201 Overcrest Drive, Benbroook, 76132

Monday, October 21: 6-7 p.m. Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS Auditorium, 1411 Maydell St., 76106

FWISD STAFF MUST ACKNOWLEDGE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK RECEIPT BY OCTOBER 31

TO: FWISD Full-Time Employees

FROM: Cynthia Rincón, Chief—Human Capital Management and Legal Services

RE: Employee Handbook Receipt--ACTION REQUIRED

Congratulations to you all for being part of the Fort Worth ISD team! For our veteran employees, we hope you found some time to enjoy some part of your summer. For all new employees… WELCOME!

The 2019-2020 FWISD Employee Handbook is now available for your use and reference. You can preview the employee handbook before acknowledging receipt by going to this website. In an effort to ensure a successful school year, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the policies summarized in the handbook, and access the handbook online as needed. Please access the employee handbook acknowledgement at https://EmployeeHandbook.fwisd.org with your Active Directory credentials.

All employees are responsible for adhering to District Policies, Procedures and Administrative Regulations outlined in the Employee Handbook. To that end, you are required to acknowledge receipt of the Employee Handbook no later than October 31, 2019. Upon accessing the link, you will complete a signature page acknowledging receipt of the handbook and will submit an electronic receipt through your login which will be date and time stamped. At that time, you will be able to print a copy of your acknowledgment receipt, as well as the Employee Handbook if you wish to have a hard copy for your files. For questions about the Employee Handbook, please contact:

Employee Relations Department

817-814-2790

Emp.Relations@fwisd.org

On behalf of Human Capital Management, I wish you much success in the 2019-2020 school year. If our staff can be of assistance, please let us know.

FWISD OFFERS FLU VACCINE CLINICS DATES FOR EMPLOYEES

Passport Health/Staying Healthy Medical Services will be providing on-site vaccination clinics for Fort Worth ISD this fall for all eligible employees and their eligible immediate family members. A schedule of clinic locations and times is listed below.

Between October 2018 and September 2019, MedStar, Mobile Healthcare, the ambulance service provider to Fort Worth, responded to over 1,000 patients with flu-like illnesses.

To prevent flu this season, sign up for a clinic by visiting: https://www.passageware.com/ClinicSignUp/FWISD/. Any questions regarding insurance should be directed to Passport Health at 469-241-1954.

The following PPO type insurances plans are acceptable for coverage:

  • TRS-Aetna ActiveCare 1-HD and 2 Plans – covered at 100%
  1. TRS SELECT plans cannot be accepted.*
  2. Scott & White Plans cannot be accepted.*
  • Aetna*
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield*
  • Cigna*
  • Humana
  • United Health Care
  • Medicare Part B (Flu shots only - also, please provide a copy of any supplement plans)

TRS Aetna ActiveCare Select plans with group numbers that start with 866344 and Scott & White plans cannot be accepted. Employees on these plans must see a Baylor Scott & White physician for all services, including vaccinations for the plan to cover the services. We are unable to accept HMO plans, Aetna & BCBS Bronze, Silver and Gold plans and Cigna Local Plus. Please see the consent form for other known exceptions.

On the date of your vaccinations, you must bring a photo copy of both your insurance card and your driver’s license to receive your vaccinations at no charge. Cash or a check made out to Staying Healthy Medical Services are also acceptable.

When you enroll online, a confirmation page will be displayed. Follow the link to print the consent form for vaccinations. Only one consent form is needed for all vaccinations. The B12 shot will require a separate form. If you have questions about any particular vaccination, please see the onsite nurse on the day of the clinic.

The new Shingles vaccine (Shingrix) will be available at this clinic for employees (age 50-64) that register for it. Please note that this vaccine is known to cause more frequent local reactions than other routine immunizations. Staying Healthy Medical Services is not currently able to offer Pneumonia vaccines to employees with Aetna insurance however the vaccine is still covered at 100% on your plan. Please see your doctor or pharmacist if you wish to receive either of these vaccines. Employees with an accepted insurance through a different carrier are welcome to request one of these vaccines.

If you received routine vaccinations from Staying Healthy Medical Services, other than flu, in previous years and need a copy of your records, please email them at info@stayinghealthymedical.com. In the email you will need to include your name and birthdate. Depending on the carrier, insurance claims may be filed as Community Health and Immunization Services or Staying Healthy Medical Services.

Click here for details on the remaining flu clinics scheduled this fall.

Dallas Mavericks To Host FWISD Council of PTAs Night

Support Fort Worth ISD PTAs, enjoy an exciting NBA game and score an exclusive opportunity in the process.

The Dallas Mavericks will host FWISD Council of PTAs Night in their game against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, November 16 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Purchase game tickets at MavsGroup.com/fwisd1, and a portion of the proceeds will support the FWISD Council of PTAs. Ticketholders will also have an exclusive opportunity to take a shot at the basket on the Mavericks court following the game.

Need help or have questions? Contact Omayra McCandele at 214-658-7612 or email Omayra.McCandele@dallasmavs.com.

FWISD WEEK 9: Logjam at the top of District 4-5A

By Art Garcia

Inside FWISD Contributor

The District 4-5A race is setting up for a wild finish going into the playoffs, with a logjam of teams at the top. Fort Worth ISD teams Eastern Hills (3-1), North Side (2-1) and O.D. Wyatt (2-1) each have only one district loss and are chasing undefeated Northwest (4-0).

That makes the clash between North Side and Wyatt Friday night at Farrington Field huge, with the winner sitting 3-1 with only two district games left. The Chaparrals claimed a big win in this matchup last season at Clark Stadium.

Eastern Hills is in action Thursday night at Clark Stadium against Southwest (1-2), which would be back in the mix with a win. Also in 4-5A, Polytechnic hosts its homecoming against Carter-Riverside at Handley Field Friday night.

In a collision of 2-1 squads, Dunbar can claim sole possession of second in 6-4A with a Friday night victory over Castleberry at Clark Stadium. The Wildcats are looking to bounce back at last week’s tough loss to district-leading Kennedale.

In 3-5A, Arlington Heights (2-3) hopes to build on the momentum of last week’s win with a tough trip to Crowley (5-1) Friday night.

Thursday, October 24

4-5A: Eastern Hills vs. Southwest, Clark Stadium, 7 p.m.

6-4A: Diamond Hill-Jarvis vs. Kennedale, Handley Field, 7 p.m.

Friday, October 25

6-4A: Dunbar vs. Castleberry, Clark Stadium, 7 p.m.

4-5A: North Side vs. O. D. Wyatt, Farrington Field, 7 p.m.

4-5A: Carter-Riverside vs. Polytechnic (homecoming), Handley Field, 7 p.m.

3-5A: South Hills vs. Boswell, Boswell Pioneer Stadium, 7 p.m.

3-5A: Arlington Heights vs. Crowley, Crowley Eagle Stadium, 7 p.m.

4-6A: Paschal vs. Arlington Bowie, Arlington Wilemon Field, 7 p.m.

4-6A: Trimble Technical vs. Arlington Martin, UTA Maverick Stadium, 7 p.m.

6-4A: Western Hills vs. Lake Worth, Lake Worth Kittrell Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Elementary Leadership Recognizes Campus Principals, Administrative Associates

Fort Worth ISD’s Elementary School Leadership Department recently recognized campus principals for effective instruction and effective, well supported teachers on their campuses. The department also recognized campus administrative associates for efficiency and customer service. The recognitions were made at meetings on October 14 and 16.

The following schools were recognized for effective instruction: Western Hills, Manual Jara, Westcliff, and Bill J. Elliott.

The recent schools recognized for and effective, well supported teachers were: Seminary Hills Park and Cesar Chavez.

Campus administrative associates recognized for efficiency included: Vera McDonald, Atwood McDonald and Stephanie Bravo-Vordokas, H.V. Helbing.

This month’s administrative associates recognized for customer service are: Maria Sigala, Hubbard Heights; Yuri Muñoz, Kirkpatrick; Brenda Franklin, C.C. Moss and Sabrina Chavez, Meadowbrook.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ask Elsie is a column where Chief Financial Officer Elsie Schiro tackles employee queries, or in areas outside her purview, asks other District leaders to answer them.

Dear Elsie,

On most days in the University Grill either one or both of the televisions are not working – is the problem with the cable signal or with the television itself?

Thank you.

Leslie Mixon, administrative associate, Prevention and Crisis Department

Dear Leslie,

Thank you for your question. It appears the TVs were simply on the wrong channel to receive the cable signal. They are working now.

Elsie

Direct your questions to Inside@fwisd.org and put the words "Ask Elsie" in the subject line. Please close your letter with your preferred signature as you wish it to appear in the column. When there are multiple queries on the same subject, we will select the one that is most representative of the subject. We will try to answer as many questions as possible.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following are recent photos from across the Fort Worth ISD.

Board of Education Meeting: Multiple individuals, groups and causes were recognized at Tuesday's Board of Education meeting including Monnig Middle School volunteer Bret Helmer, the Fort Worth After School program, the FWISD United Way of Tarrant County Campaign, the 50th anniversary of FWISD's Bilingual Education as well as some founding educators of the program. Students from Alice Contreras Elementary School led attendees in the pledges to the American and Texas flags, and the student greeters for the evening represented the Army JROTC at South Hills High School. View the meeting in its entirety here.

Red Ribbon Week: Multiple Fort Worth ISD schools hosted theme days in observance of Red Ribbon Week. Established in the 1980s by National Family Partnership, formerly the National Federation of parents for Drug Free Youth, Red Ribbon Week educates and encourages youth to participate in drug-free activities.

Arlington Heights High School Pyramid Literacy Rally: The eighth annual event serving kids in the Arlington Heights pyramid offered literacy-based activities and free books to elementary school-aged students, Saturday, October 19.

Unity in the Community: The second annual Unity in the Community (UITC) Family and Youth Summit event, which aims to offer the public resources for enhancing their quality of life, was hosted Saturday, October 19 at Dunbar High School. Free groceries were offered, and participants were eligible for door prizes. Information sessions focusing on three key areas -- public awareness, mental health and wellness and financial literacy -- were presented at the event.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels Visit Southwest High School: JROTC cadets and engineer students at Southwest High School received a special visit from U.S. Navy Blue Angels members, Friday, October 18. Principal John Engel was able to secure the presentation because of the school's outstanding robotics program and innovative design. The flight demonstration squadron was is in town for the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show. 

South Hills HS Students Volunteer for Community Service Project: More than 400 South Hills High School seniors volunteered at 16 community sites on Tuesday, October 15th. Additional students volunteered at four sites across the community, October 16 and 23. Students' volunteer work included: cleaning out animal cages, mopping floors, walking pets, pulling weeds, cleaning facilities, serving meals to the homeless, raking leaves, working with elementary students and more. The event was coordinated by Senior Sponsors Jessica Conrad Tackett and Annette Smith. 

FWISD is hiring nurses

FWISD is looking for Bilingual Teachers

FWISD is hiring bus drivers

2019 Financial Aid Help Sessions, Continue through November 19

United Way campaign, Continues through November 1

Early voting for the District 4 special election, Continues through November 1

Red Ribbon Week, Continues through October 31

Billy W. Sills Lecture Series, October 26

School boundary forum at Western Hills HS, October 29

Last Day of Flu Vaccines for Employees, October 29

School boundary forum at Polytechnic HS, October 30

Employee Handbook Receipt deadline, October 31

End of Second Six Weeks, November 1

United Way Campaign Ends, November 1

Start of Second Six Weeks, November 4

School boundary forum at Dunbar HS, November 4

District 4 FWISD Board of Education Special Election, November 5

2019 Volleyball Schedules

2019 Football Schedules

Share your story ideas, successes, calendar items, photos, questions and feedback with us at Inside@FWISD.org. Check the Inside FWISD blog, www.fwisd.org/insidefwisd, regularly updated throughout the week with additional content and features.