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Show your public education pride. Join our PROUD campaign!
May 2008 |
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| Need Your Help to Launch Friends PROUD Campaign!
Through our outreach programs, Friends has the opportunity to work with talented individuals who shape the future of our state and nation. Believing that public schools are the backbone to the great state and country that we live in, Friends is excited to launch our Proud campaign. The goal of the Proud campaign is to highlight individuals in various professions across our state and draw recognition to the public schools that provided the foundation for success. These efforts would include billboards/displays, posters/signage, web site media, and speaking presentations.
In addition to highlighting Proud Texas public school graduates, Friends is asking that you participate in the Proud program by displaying your Proud car decal. To get your Proud car decal, email Brandie Cleaver at brandie@fotps.org.
"I would like to challenge each of you reading this article to put the Proud concept to the test. The next time you are with a group of colleagues, just ask how many of them went to public schools. I've never asked this question without a positive response. Most share stories about a difficult time in their life and a teacher who made a difference," stated Brandie Cleaver, Executive Director of Friends.
Are you PROUD?
We are proud to be Texans and truly believe that highlighting the successes of our schools by recognizing Texas public school graduates will make a difference in our communities, state, and nation. Don't miss your opportunity to shine some light on those who made a difference in your life or the lives of your children. Visit www.fotps.org and share your Proud story. Help us launch our Proud campaign by visiting our website and making a contribution online with any major credit card. Together, we can spread the pride of being a product of public education.
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Percentage of Texas 8th graders passing math jumps from 71% in 2007 to 78% in 2008
Source: Texas Education Agency Web site
As about 3 million students across the state spent the day taking a Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) exam in math or reading, the Texas Education Agency announced the results of tests given earlier this month. Eighty-three percent of fifth-grade students and 75 percent of eighth graders passed the math TAKS on the first administration.
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Mesquite ISD features Friends message in District newsletter
The following excerpt is taken from an article in Mesquite ISD's April edition of In Touch employee newsletter written by Cathy Rideout, Ed.D - Associate Superintendent, Instruction.
"What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself!" Those words spoken by Abraham Lincoln can unfortunately be used to epitomize public education. Those of us within the public education system too often forget to share with those outside the system the good news about the successes we have every day in our classrooms across the state.
Unfortunately, the public too often hears only the stories that show the problems, the failures, and the gloomy issues. While the public doesn't need to be aloof from all of the difficult issues facing public education, it does need to get a frequent dose of the good news that happens daily in our schools. Getting the message out that Texas schools are good and improving every year is a job for each person within the public school system. There are two organizations that are working diligently for our public schools by providing positive information that will influence public opinion. The first organization is Friends of Texas Public Schools (www.fotps.org).
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Pasadena ISD Earns National Model School District Designation for 2008
Friends congratulates Pasadena ISD for being named National Model School District for 2008 by the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Following is a note from Pasadena ISD Superintendent Kirk Lewis to members of his team and community.
Dear Friends of Pasadena ISD:
I have some wonderful news I want to share with you. Several weeks ago we received preliminary notice that Pasadena ISD had been named the National Model School District for 2008 by the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). The designation was made official today.
The ICLE recognized the district for its ongoing effort to reform the educational program in Pasadena ISD to reflect higher standards and greater rigor in its instruction. The award is tied to Expectation Graduation, the district's academic initiative we've talked about in the past. The International Center cited as evidence for its award the district's significant improvement on TAKS over the past four years, the decrease in high school failure rates, its decrease in dropout rates and its increase in student attendance.
The gains are impressive reminders of the work our principals and teachers are doing each day to change the depth and quality of instruction to meet the demands of today's educational expectations. They are truly adapting to a new testing environment and the higher expectations of our leaders in government and business. Be sure and congratulate every teacher, principal, staff member and board member you know. It's a huge honor.
The district will be recognized at the ICLE's Model Schools Conference in Orlando, FL, in June. Dr. William R. Daggett, president of the ICLE said, "We are delighted that this exceptional district will be sharing its best practices, which mirror the International Center's mission of providing a rigorous and relevant education for all students."
Please share the news with your friends and neighbors and thank you for your continued support of THE National Model School District for 2008.
Kirk Lewis
Superintendent, Pasadena ISD
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Friends welcomes new board members
The board of directors took action on board membership during the May 7, 2008 meeting. Members voted unanimously and with great enthusiasm in favor of our two nominations for board director. In addition to participation in board activities, each board member is expected to participate in fund development, serve on a board committee, and participate in the annual board planning. "Our board members serve as advocates for Texas public schools and I am honored to work along side each member of the Friends board", said Brandie Cleaver, Executive Director of Friends. For more information on pledging your support, email brandie@fotps.org.
Cody Cunningham,
Board Member
Communications/PR, McKinney Independent School District
Cody received an M.A. in Communication Studies from the University of North Texas and a B.A. in Speech Communications from Texas A&M University. "It's easy to stand on the banks of the river, speculate on its path, and skip rocks across the top every now and then. I see Friends of Texas Public Schools as a vehicle to encourage the public to step into the water and to play an active role in learning about and partnering with school systems. It's much easier to see the great things that are happening if you are willing to move from the periphery and stand in the middle of it."
 Brenda Jean Patrick,
Board Member
Master Consultant, Region 10 Education Service Center
"My philosophy...If increasing student achievement is the goal then start by building relationships with their teachers. An educator who feels supported will perform at the level necessary to increase student achievement. We must be a friend of the educator to reach the student." Brenda Jean Patrick is a dynamic speaker and nontraditional trainer. She is an expert in the areas of expectations, customer service, climate intervention, and image coaching. Most of her clients refer to her as "A Force of Nature".
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This month's featured sponsor
 An independent, not-for-profit professional association, the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) is dedicated to serving as the recognized source of accurate, objective school business and operations information, educating its diverse membership and constituency in professional best practices, and promoting high standards of conduct and professional ethics in the industry.
TASBO South Plains Chapter invited Friends President and CEO Scott Milder to be their featured speaker at this month's luncheon in Lubbock. In return, TASBO South Plains made a $500 contribution to Friends of Texas Public Schools.
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Test your TAKS readiness The following question is taken from the 11th grade TAKS test.
Sickle-cell anemia is a disorder resulting from a mutation that leads to the production of an abnormal protein. Which component of the DNA molecule provides instructions for the production of the protein?
A. The phosphate groups
B. The sugar molecules
C. The sequence of nitrogen bases
D. The bonds that hold the sugars to the bases
answer: C. The sequence of nitrogen bases
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Breaking down the dollar
Three cents of every education dollar is spent on curriculum that is aligned with state standards and that builds on information the student learned the year before. To see how one full dollar is spent on education, read Tracking the Education Dollar by clicking here. | |
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Remember to forward to coworkers, friends and family!
Friends of Texas Public Schools
Scott Milder, President & Chief Executive
P.O. Box 3526
Harker Heights, Texas 76548
Phone: 214-497-6411
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