In this edition:

Superintendent’s Holiday Message Features Wall of Fame Inductee | FWISD Closed For Winter Break December 23- January 3 | Take the Fast FWISD Survey and Win a Prize for You or Your School! :Fort Worth ISD Stakeholder Survey Extended Until January 17 | FWISD CFO Announces Retirement | FWISD Migrates To Windows 10 | FWISD United Way Campaign Winners Announced | Southwest HS’s C'ing Blanton Signs With TSU | FWISD Participates in Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Festivities for Eighth Year | PLI Accepts Proposals For ConectED Conference | Over 5,100 Apply For Gold Seal Programs | Seminary Hills Park ES Receives $30,000 Donation | Baird Foundation Donates $10,000 To FWISD’s Como Montessori | Buzz Worthy | Competing Whiz Quiz Teams Announced | FWISD Discover College Life Inspires Generation Of Dreamers | FWISD Offers LinkedIn Learning For Nearly 600 Employees | FWISD Safe Schools Training Deadline Approaching | Elementary Leadership Announces Monthly Principal Celebration Honorees | Elementary Leadership Recognizes Administrative Associates | Gratitude Pays Off For Sam Rosen ES, Kirkpatrick MS | Give Your Family the Gift of Communication This Holiday | How Are You Spending Winter Break? | Fort Worth ISD Snapshot | Calendar | View more stories throughout the week on the Inside FWISD Blog

SUPERINTENDENT’S HOLIDAY MESSAGE FEATURES WALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

“The best gifts are not the material kind,” says Superintendent Kent P. Scribner at the start of his holiday message to teachers, staff and all the Fort Worth ISD family.

In the video, the newest FWISD Wall of Fame inductee, retired Navy captain Roy Petty (Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School, 1976), takes time to listen to and encourage JROTC cadets from Diamond Hill-Jarvis and Arlington Heights High School. Captain Petty, a cyber-security expert, is now on medical leave from his position at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory.

We also hear from Waverly Park Elementary School teacher Amy Sikes Morrison about a second-grade teacher who changed her life. And, it all kicks off with some “Jingle Bell Rock,” courtesy of the Southwest High School Jazz Band.

Enjoy watching and have a happy winter break and a very Merry Christmas.

FWISD Closed For Winter Break December 23- January 3

The Fort Worth ISD closes for winter break at the end of day, Friday, December 20, allowing students and employees to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones.

There will be an early dismissal from classes for most FWISD high schools, with the exception of Young Men’s Leadership Academy and World Languages Institute, on Friday, December 20. Check with officials at your campus for details.

District staff will return to work Monday, January 6, 2020, for teacher preparation and waiver days. FWISD will welcome students back for the spring semester on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.

TAKE THE FAST FWISD SURVEY AND WIN A PRIZE FOR YOU OR YOUR SCHOOL!

Fort Worth ISD Stakeholder Survey Extended Until January 17

We’ve got the perfect thing to fill a few minutes of downtime between holiday movies. It’s the Fort Worth ISD Stakeholder Survey.

We’ve extended the deadline through Friday, January 17, to give you a little extra time to enter and a chance to win a great gift basket – whether for yourself or your school.

The survey will help your campus better serve your child. So, families, we need to hear from you now!

Families, the Fort Worth ISD Stakeholder Survey closes soon, and that means we need to hear from you now!

>> 2019-2020 Stakeholders’ Climate Survey

How is this for an incentive?

Each campus that meets or exceeds their 15 percent parent participation goal over last year in the survey will also be entered into a drawing for a variety of fun, family-friendly gift baskets. The schools will use the gift basket as an incentive for an upcoming event.

Fort Worth ISD appreciates everyone’s participation in the survey and helping us provide every opportunity for students to succeed in college, career and community leadership.

More reasons to take the survey?

1. It takes only a few minutes.
2. The results will help us budget and plan for campus needs in the 2020-21 school year.
3. You or your child’s school could receive a great prize for your time!

FWISD CFO Announces Retirement

As the year closes, the Fort Worth ISD is not only saying goodbye to 2019 and the decade but longtime Fort Worth ISD Chief Financial Officer Elsie Schiro.

It was announced at the December 10 Board of Education meeting that Ms. Schiro is retiring, effective December 31.

“One of my saddest days will be my last day at work when I leave the staff that I have had the honor to work with to new leadership,” Schiro said.

She expressed her thanks and gratitude to Superintendent Dr. Kent P. Scribner and the Board of Education who have placed their trust in her over the years.

Board President Jacinto Ramos thanked Ms. Schiro for her years of service to the District at the December 10 meeting, and his remarks were followed with a standing ovation by those in attendance.

“We are eternally grateful for your service,” he said. “We appreciate you very much.”

Ms. Schiro joined FWISD in July 2009.

Her career spans 48 years. Half was spent in private practice law and the other half in school law and school finance working for independent school districts. Ms. Schiro is quick to say that the financial stability and well-being of the District is due to the phenomenal business and finance team who work hard each day in the best overall interest of the district and its students.

Upon retiring, Ms. Schiro intends to remain in Fort Worth -- having more time for family and friends, travel, hobbies and other interests.

David Johnson, senior officer of budget and finance, will serve as the District’s interim CFO until Ms. Schiro’s successor is named.

The Fort Worth ISD wishes Ms. Schrio the best in retirement.

FWISD Migrates to Windows 10

EDITOR's NOTE: The following memorandum is from the Division of Technology

Learn More

• Help Guide for Migrating from Windows 7 to Windows 10: https://bit.ly/34voGWh
• Frequently Asked Questions: https://bit.ly/2Q3FJtk
• Customer Support- Submit a Footprint: https://bit.ly/35Bcuoq

Why Is This Migration So Important to Fort Worth ISD?

Microsoft is dropping all support for Windows 7. This means that computers that are still running Windows 7 will become increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, putting confidential personal, student and District information at risk of being stolen and used for illicit purposes.

In addition to no longer receiving security updates, the District will not receive operating system updates to fix application compatibility or operational issues with Windows 7, nor will they provide technical support for the product. This means that if a computer running Windows 7 experiences new issues with software, hardware or other items, District support staff will not be in a position to escalate the issue to Microsoft Support for resolution.

Thank you for your attention.

Mcdeny Mojica, Senior Technology Officer

Art Cavazos, Chief of District Operations

FWISD United Way Campaign Winners Announced

Although the totals are not yet complete, it looks as if this year’s Fort Worth ISD United Way campaign will raise more than $125,000. And, some District employee learned this week that they won some great incentive prizes through their contributions.

Fort Worth ISD employees who submitted online donations to the District’s 2019 United Way Campaign were automatically eligible for multiple prizes including a two-night hotel stay in downtown Fort Worth and gift cards.

The winners of $25 Texas LIVE gift cards are Roberta Harper, orchestra specialist, instrumental music; Rebecca Steinsiek, administrative assistant in the Division of Technology; Karen Neal, coordinator for Bilingual ESL; and Raul Pena, Chief of Elementary Schools.

Two lucky employees won a two-night stay at the Embassy Suites in downtown Fort Worth. They are Maria Ortiz, Spanish teacher at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy; and Edna Jeri, kindergarten dual language teacher at Seminary Hills Park Elementary School.

Finally, the winner of a $200 Target Gift Card was Billie Hooser-Kelley, assistant principal at Charles E. Nash Elementary School.

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

Southwest HS’s C'ing Blanton Signs with TSU

By Art Garcia

Inside FWISD Contributor

Southwest High School senior C'ing Blanton signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at Texas Southern University on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Blanton is the first Fort Worth ISD student-athlete to sign as part of this year’s early signing period.

Blanton (6-2, 185 pounds) was the 2019 District 4-5A Offensive MVP, playing both quarterback and wide receiver throughout his career for the Raiders. Southwest was one of four FWISD teams to reach the playoffs this season. Blanton also participated in track and field.

Other FWISD student-athletes in multiple sports are expected to wait until the February signing day to participate in the District-wide ceremony.

FWISD Participates in Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Festivities for Eighth Year

For the eighth consecutive school year, Fort Worth ISD is participating in festivities for the annual Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl.

Festivities get underway with a January 3, 2020 luncheon at the Fort Worth Convention Center, tailgate and pre-game festivities prior to the 10:30 a.m. January 4, 2020 kickoff.

The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (7-5, 5-3 Conference USA) and the Tulane Green Wave (6-6, 3-5 American Athletic) will square off in the 17th annual bowl, which is being hosted at Texas Christian University’s Amon G. Carter Stadium. This is the first appearance in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl for both teams and the first time the two football teams have competed against each other in a decade.

Cadet Angel Sanchez of Paschal High School is slated to sing the national anthem at annual Kick-off Armed Forces Bowl Luncheon on January 3, 2020.

The District’s Joint Services Color Guard, led by retired Col. Russell Malesky and retired 1st Sgt. Terrance Campbell, will present the U.S. and armed forces service flags at the luncheon.

The following Joint Color Guard members are slated to participate in the festivities:

• Arlington Heights High School – Cadet Michael L. Faulks - POW/MIA flag
• Arlington Heights High School – Cadet Cris Cajero – Navy flag
• Arlington Heights High School – Cadet Jack Peck – Marine Corps flag
• Carter- Riverside High School - Cadet Viviana Lopez – Army flag
• North Side High School – Cadet Alan Zuniga – Texas flag
• South Hills High School – Cadet Grace Garcia – Coast Guard flag
• Trimble Tech High School – Cadet Armando Gomez – U.S. flag
• Western Hills High School – Cadet Eric Bowie – Air Force flag
• Western Hills High School – Cadet Roy Castellanos – Right Guard
• South Hills High School – Cadet Jared O’Brien – Left Guard

Fans at Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl will see a 30-second Fort Worth ISD commercial on the big screen during the game featuring retired 1st Sgt. Campbell.

The commercial has a recruitment theme – for teachers, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and custodial staff – all needed at Fort Worth ISD.

The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl will air on ESPN. For more bowl details, visit www.armedforcesbowl.com.

PLI Accepts Proposals for ConnectED Conference

Fort Worth ISD’s Professional Learning and Innovation Department is accepting presentation proposals for the 2020 ConnectED, an inaugural District conference for teachers designed by teachers.

District employees interested in presenting at the conference, which will be hosted twice next summer on June 8-12 and August 3-7, are encouraged to submit their proposals to http://bit.ly/proposalsConnectED no later than February 28, 2020. Fort Worth ISD Teachers are eligible to earn six FLEX credit hours for the 2020-2021 school year for presenting.

Conference strands include:

• Content Deepening/Pedagogy
• Equity and Access
• Intentional Integration of Technology Tools
• Social and Emotional Well Being
• Teacher Leadership
• Teaching Best Practices

Presenters are not required to present at both conferences in June and August or each day.

Professional learning presentations will be vetted ahead of the presentation for both content and professional learning delivery. Professional Learning and Innovation will serve as the clearinghouse and department awarding FLEX credit hours. The department will also provide presentation tips and tools for presenters who would like to enhance their presentation skills.

Organizers say the districtwide conference allows teachers to collaborate and learn from one another. ConnectED will be hosted simultaneously at three locations: the FWISD Professional Development Center, South Hills High School and the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Riley Center.

Multiple courses will be offered ranging from teacher self-care to the latest instructional strategies, according to organizers. Conference participants may earn up to 30 hours of FLEX credit.

Registration for the conference opens late in the spring semester.

For more details about submitting a proposal, email pli@fwisd.org and visit www.fwisd.org/pli for more conference details.

Over 5,100 Apply for Gold Seal Programs

More than 5,100 applications were submitted for consideration by Fort Worth ISD’s Gold Seal Programs and Schools of Choice December 13 deadline.

At the deadline 5,175 applications were received, said Karen Ponder, coordinator for FWISD’s Choice Programming. In 2018, 5,369 applications were received by the deadline. This year, the District did not accept new student applications for middle school Programs of Choice.

Admission into Gold Seal programs and schools is based on a computer-generated lottery selection process. Families will be notified about admission the week of February 3, 2020 via email. If the student is accepted into a Program of Choice, the email will include a date and time for parents to register their child. Failure to register by the deadline will forfeit the student’s space in the program.

Students will be placed on a waiting list if they’re not selected to their first choice.

Beginning March 16, 2020, students may still apply to programs and schools with available spaces. Choice programming will begin “assigning students from the on-time and late waiting lists beginning March 16,” Ms. Ponder said.

Gold Seal Programs of Choice and Schools of Choice appeal to student interests and passions and equip students with skills to thrive in college and the workforce. The rigorous program categories include engineering, agriculture, business administration, fine arts, government and law, health science, hospitality, marketing, public safety, technology, visual and graphic arts and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) just to list a few. The programs allow students to finish high school college-and-career-ready and with opportunities to obtain multiple college credits, licensures and certifications.

For more details, visit fwisd.org/choice.

Seminary Hills Park ES Receives $30,000 Donation

University Baptist Church presented Fort Worth ISD’s Seminary Hills Park Elementary School with a gift of $30,000 as part of its 90th anniversary celebration, today.

The church launched a 90 in 90 campaign for its anniversary in which members raised $90,000 to pay off debt and another $90,000 to divide among three deserving local groups that assist vulnerable children: Seminary Hills Park Elementary School, Gladney Center, and @Traffic911.

The church has been a school partner for several years. Several school staff members visited the church in October to tell the congregation about the refugee families who live in the neighborhood and who are part of the school’s diverse student body. Students welcomed the church pastor when he arrived for the check presentation and showed their appreciation for the generous donation.

Baird Foundation Donates $10,000 to FWISD’s Como Montessori

New classrooms resources and student enrichment programs are headed to Fort Worth ISD’s Como Montessori School next spring, thanks to a generous donation from The Ninnie L. Baird Foundation.

The foundation gifted $10,000 to the school that will support classroom materials, school science camps, a new chess club an or elementary book club and student incentives. Principal Ronnita Carridine calls the donation “a big win” for the campus, which us in need of updated school resources.

“They (the foundation) see the need … and the importance of the work we’re trying to accomplish,” Ms. Carridine said. “I’m super proud, super excited for my team.

“We are deeply humbled with this generous donation.”

Como Montessori educates 277 FWISD students in the kindergarten through eighth grade.

Ms. Carridine first connected with representatives from The Ninnie L. Baird Foundation last school year when she organized Community Champions Collaboration (C3), a group that meets quarterly to learn about the school and its needs. Last year, she said she submitted a letter and proposal to the foundation of campus needs such a classroom resources, student enrichment ideas and student incentives for academic success. What intrigued her about the foundation was its “heart for education” and “making sure young scholars have the support that they need.”

Foundation representatives visited the campus this fall for a campus needs assessment.

Balancing a public and Montessori education is a challenging feat, Ms. Carridine said. To outfit one Montessori classroom could reach upwards of $30,000, she said. Montessori materials are a main component of what connects student learning, she added. Como Montessori, Ms. Carridine said, intends to use the generous donation of The Ninnie L. Baird Foundation to focus on balancing standard alignment with Montessori philosophies and practices.

The Ninnie L. Baird Foundation is named for the founder of Mrs. Baird’s Bakeries, Inc., which was once one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the country. The foundation supports family preservation, education and nutrition initiatives.

Buzz Worthy

Our campuses are always posting great ways to motivate our students and staff! Each week we’ll post tricks of the trade. If you see an idea you like, try it at your campus!

Our Leadership Academy at Mitchell Boulevard team rewards students for good behavior with a positive phone call to their families. The class with the most phone calls gets a Takis party! Assistant Principal Amanda Tiede provided some great tips on how to start the Positive Phone Call Initiative at your campus! If you need additional guidance email her at amanda.tiede@fwisd.org or call 817-815-9000.

Assistant Principal Tiede says:

“Our former AP started it to build positive relationships with families and our scholars. It gives me an opportunity to have different types of conversations with families.”

How it works:

Scholars are nominated for small improvements in behavior or academics. The competition is monthly. “I make the phone calls, and then display the number of calls for each class. The class that receives the most phone calls that month earns a party,” she said.

Tips:

1. Gain enthusiasm by pumping it up at a faculty meeting (small presentation)

2. Pass out forms for teachers to submit and start calling families

3. Designate an area in the school to display the phone call numbers/winners

The form includes:

the homeroom teacher

student name

"I was amazing and my parents should know. . . "

Impact:

“When our students who struggle with behavior earn a phone call, they check in with me to make sure that I call home. When I call the sigh of relief from our parents is awesome. They are so proud and happy to hear the good things that their scholar is doing.”

What a great idea! And, the campus posts the students on social media with a great caption.

Want to be featured on Buzz Worthy? Follow these easy steps:

1. Post it on your campus social media page or email inside.fwisd@fwisd.org

2. Provide photos of the impact

Try out the Positive Phone Call Initiative on your campus and let us know the benefits and challenges!

Competing Whiz Quiz Teams Announced

Fort Worth ISD students will flex their mental muscles January 21-23, 2020, in the 42nd year of Whiz Quiz, an annual event which we call the Sport of Knowledge.

The teams advancing to the Whiz Quiz semifinals and finals next month are finalized.

Whiz Quiz is a Jeopardy-style academic competition in which two five-member teams square off to answer rapid-fire questions about science, literature, social studies, geography, grammar, math and pop culture.

Asking the questions will be Fort Worth ISD alumni media celebrity Jeff Jamison and Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Bud Kennedy.

Night one gets underway at 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

• Sixth Grade

Semifinal 1 – Daggett Montessori vs. World Languages institute

Semifinal 2 – McLean 6th vs. Young Women’s Leadership Academy

Final - Winners of Semifinals 1 and 2

• Middle School – Wednesday, January 22, 5 p.m.

Semifinal 1 – Daggett Montessori vs. Applied Learning Academy

Semifinal 2 - McLean vs. Riverside

Final - Winners of Semifinals 1 and 2

• High School – Thursday, January 23, 4:30 p.m.

Semifinal 1 –Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences vs. Arlington Heights High School

Semifinal 2 – (TBD after a rematch on Jan. 9) Paschal vs (either Terrell or YMLA)

Final - Winners of Semifinals 1 and 2

Look for more details about the competition after the first of the year.

FWISD Discover College Life Inspires Generation of Dreamers

By Art Garcia

Inside FWISD Contributor

Thirty years have passed since Eddie Arellano made a decision that appears so obvious to him now, but more impactful than he ever could have dreamed. The longtime Dolores Huerta Elementary first and second grade bridge teacher founded the Discover College Life Project to give students the opportunity to aspire to something greater.

“To encourage bilingual students and their families in the Latino community to learn about college life and establish career goals for the future,” he said. “To inspire a new generation of dreamers.”

The inspiration for Discover College Life dates back three decades, when American civil rights activist Cesar Chavez visited the University of North Texas. (Dolores Huerta cofounded the United Farm Workers union with Chavez.) Arellano, then a teacher at Washington Heights Elementary, and his fourth graders had been invited to meet and perform for Mr. Chavez. The students had created an award-winning skit about the labor leader.

The experience was not only profound for the students, it sparked the idea in Arellano to do more. He’s been bringing his students back to UNT, his alma mater, every year since.

The Discover College Life Project goes far beyond a simple college visit. The afterschool program at Dolores Huerta encourages bilingual students to pursue a higher education through pen pals, research and campus visits. College students at UNT and Texas Woman’s University are matched with Dolores Huerta students based on shared interests. They communicate through monthly hand-written letters and meet at various program events throughout the school year.

The Discover College Life Project sponsors a winter party every year for families of the participants, with the latest being a Harry Potter theme to celebrate the 30th anniversary. Over the years, Arellano has stayed in touch with former students and their families who continue to share the program’s impact. A parent of one of the students was inspired to go back to school and now is a Fort Worth ISD teacher.

“Educating bilingual students and families about college life and having them establish career goals for the future, as well as connecting college students to our Fort Worth community has been a rewarding experience for me, all in hopes of inspiring a new generation of dreamers in our country,” Arellano said.

Exposing younger students to college life had an impact within Arellano’s immediate family. As the first in his family to gradate from college, he became an everyday role model for his siblings.

“While I was an undergraduate at UNT, my younger brothers would visit me during summer school and enjoyed the college campus: the library, bookstore, and enjoyed riding their bicycles on campus,” Arellano said.

Both younger brothers graduated from high school and received their college degrees, one from UNT and the other from the University of Texas.

For more information on the Discover College Life Project, visit the program’s blog at https://discovercollegelifeproject.blogspot.com/.

FWISD Offers LinkedIn Learning for Nearly 600 Employees

Nearly 600 Fort Worth ISD clerical support personnel now have the opportunity to refine or develop their professional skills, learn new software, and explore other areas for their career growth right at their fingertips.

Recently, the District launched LinkedIn Learning with Lynda.com Content accounts for 569 FWISD campus and administrative employees. LinkedIn Learning offers more than 15,000 online video courses from industry experts in business, technology and creative fields. Employees will have access to LinkedIn Learning 24/7 via desktop and mobile devices and opportunities to learn on their own at their personal pace.

“[District staff] have the opportunity to plan for [their] career growth. Courses will be assigned or recommended … in order to help [staff] develop their skills and knowledge,” said Aracely Chavez, executive director of FWISD’s Classified Learning Department. “Launching with LinkedIn Learning is a strong commitment to provide e-learning opportunities for employees as part of Classified Learning’s strategy.” Our focus is to a develop a workforce that is student and customer centered and align with the district’s strategic goals.

Recently, FWISD clerical support staff received an email from Classified Learning with details on how to access their personal LinkedIn Learning accounts. When activating the accounts, District staff will have the option to link it with their LinkedIn profiles, which identifies learning trends to help employees stay ahead of the curve and also offers course recommendations based on a staffer’s job or skillset.

Employees have the options to watch an entire course or individual videos, some of which are no more than 5 minutes. Staff have options to bookmark courses suiting their interests, keep track of the courses they’ve taken and opportunities to earn certifications for the courses they complete.

FWISD is one of the first school districts offering the LinkedIn Learning service to its employees, Ms. Chavez said. There are opportunities for additional subscriptions to be given to District employees in the coming months.

Administrative associates who have not received an email with information for accessing their LinkedIn Learning accounts or staff with questions, feedback or needing assistance with the login process are encouraged to contact Ms. Chavez at aracely.chavez@fwisd.org.

GIVE YOUR FAMILY THE GIFT OF COMMUNICATION THIS HOLIDAY

Give your family the gift of communication this holiday – and sign up for Fort Worth ISD’s Parent Portal at www.fwisd.org/parentportal.

Parent Portal gives you access to your child’s assignments, grades, and attendance. You can communicate with your child’s teacher. And, now you will you see your child report card’s every six weeks -- the minute the final grades are in and uploaded.

Not familiar with Parent Portal?

Here’s a tour – in English and Spanish – telling you how it works.

The Parent Portal is available to all Fort Worth ISD parents with students enrolled in PK-12. This tool will transform the way you interact with your child’s campus by enhancing two-way communication and involvement. It works seamlessly with the District’s Student Information System (SIS) and allows you to monitor your child's progress in school by providing real-time access to information entered by the teacher throughout the grading period.

Fall Semester Ends, December 20

Stakeholders' Climate Survey Ends, December 20

Winter Break, December 23-January 3

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, January 4

Teacher Preparation Day, January 6

Spring Semester Starts, January 7

P-TECH Showcase, January 16

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, January 20

Whiz Quiz, January 21-23

Save the date for the FWISD Fort Worth Technology Conference, January 25

FWISD Spelling Bee, January 27-29

Save the date for the Racial Equity Summit

Save the date for Summer Professional Learning

Girls and Boys Basketball 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.