Charting the Course
with Dr. TJ Farler

August 2016
  


As the new school year begins, I am excited about the many opportunities we have to make a difference in the lives and future of our 4,600 students. Our district is known for our incredible staff and their commitment to students. Throughout the summer, our teachers and staff have been learning as well as leading many innovative instructional activities in our district that will certainly make a difference for our students.  

We are eager to open Birch Elementary and Parkway Elementary (formerly PT Elementary and PT Intermediate). Each of these campuses will now house students in Grades 1 - 4. 


Over the past year, teachers, administrators, and staff have been preparing for the reconfiguration of these two campuses. Both campuses will feature a STEAM Academy emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math as part of the regular instructional activities for all students. In addition, we will continue to provide individualized, creative, and innovative instructional arrangements for our gifted and talented students at these campuses.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new teachers and staff who are joining us this year. We look forward to your collaboration, skills, and talents that will help our students continue to achieve at high levels. In PTISD, you will find many team members who will provide support and assistance.

I am confident this will be a fantastic school year, and each of you will play an important part in our journey.  No matter what role you play in the PTISD organization, our students' success stems from your commitment to excellence. Expect great success and many accomplishments from our students. Invite our parents and community to be partners with us as we engage in rigorous learning every day. And, as educators, let's be sure to fuel each student's curiosity and love for learning!
 
PTISD PIRATE NEW ADMINISTRATOR PROFILES
WELCOME ABOARD!

 
Cristi Parsons, Principal, Primary

PTISD: What is your work background? Have you always been in education?
CP: I have 23 years of educational experience as a 6th grade teacher, elementary counselor, assistant principal, principal and director of elementary education. My career path has included working with fabulous people at Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Pine Tree ISD, Tyler ISD and Hallsville ISD.


PTISD: What is your educational background? Degrees and Certifications
CP:  My love of being a student and learning is evident in the many colleges that I have attended: Tyler Jr. College, Stephen F. Austin, University of North Texas and University of Texas at Tyler where I earned a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies, Masters of Education in Counseling and Student Services and a Masters of Education in Leadership with a Superintendent Certification.

PTISD: What is your philosophy of education?
CP: This is my second round being a Pirate. From 1997-2004, I had the honor of working as the Intermediate counselor. I am so happy to be back being a Pirate. My goal is for our campus to be a happy, engaging and safe campus that others are knocking down the door to find out what in the world is happening in our classrooms because they want the success we have! I truly believe in empowering teachers to become campus leaders in a collaborative culture so that all students are academically, emotionally and socially successful.

 
Ruthie Walker, Assistant Principal, Primary

PTISD:  What is your work background?  Have you always been in education?
RW: I have spent 14 years in education working in both Texas and Arkansas as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and academic coach on the elementary level.  My career has been primarily focused on helping students in poverty and English Language Learners become successful students.

PTISD:  What is your educational background? 
RW: I am a third generation East Texas Baptist University alumni with a Bachelors of Science in Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, with an emphasis in reading and speech communications. At UTA, I completed my M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Texas at Arlington. There my studies focused on becoming a reading specialist and ESL certified teacher. 

Degrees: 
M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in reading and English Language Learners from University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelors of Science in Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, with a specialization in reading and speech communications from East Texas Baptist University

Certifications:
Principal Certification Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University
Principal (EC-12)                                                     
Reading Specialist (EC-12)                                                                         
Master Reading Teacher (EC-12)                               
Elementary Reading (1-8)                                                                             
Elementary Self-Contained (1-8)                                                      
ESL (EC-4)                                                                                                          
Generalist (EC-4)    

PTISD:  What is your philosophy of education?
RW: A student once wrote me a note stating that I did not want her in my classroom; her rationale was that I was trying to get her to pass so that I would not have her anymore.  As it turns out, what she had said actually was somewhat true. This student had picked up on the core of my philosophy of teaching: my personal goal is to see every student walk out my door at the end of the school year and move on to the next grade, starting a cycle of success that will last on through his/her college and career.  In many of my students' homes, little thought is given to the future beyond the next paycheck or meal (if there is either). Many adults have a minimal education at best and few jobs choices to advance their family. Some students already anticipate a future in which they will repeat the generational poverty that has suffocated their families.  This is teaching's greatest reward. My vision for teachers is that every teacher enters his or her classroom each day with the intent to change the lives of the students who walk through the door by gifting them with learning. This can only be done by making sure that every teacher is well prepared and supported to provide the best instruction possible. 

 


Jill Clay, Assistant Principal, Middle School 


PTISD: What is your work background?  Have you always been in education? 
JC: I quickly moved to Texas to start my teaching career in Lamar CISD as a kindergarten teacher.  I made my way to Alief ISD, where I taught 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade as well as specializing in reading instruction.  In 2002, I began coursework at Stephen F. Austin State University to earn my Master's degree in Education Leadership.  In 2005, I began my administrative career in Fort Bend ISD as an assistant principal at Sienna Crossing Elementary.  As an assistant principal I had the opportunity to learn many things and be a member of FBISD's first LEAD Principals' Academy.  After four years at Sienna Crossing, I transferred to Commonwealth Elementary as assistant principal for a brief stint and then to be the principal at Dulles Elementary for 3 � years and most recently Progressive High School as an administrator for 3 1/2 years. 

PTISD: What is your educational background?
JC: I graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.  I have a Master's degree in Education Leadership from Stephen F. Austin University.  

PTISD: Please tell PTISD about your family  
JC:  I am a wife to a wonderful husband, Andr�, and a mom to three wonderful sons: Zach, Forrest, and Nolan.  

PTISD: What do you do in your spare time?
JC: I enjoy reading, going to the movies, and most especially- watching high school football!

PTISD: What is your philosophy of education?
JC:  Leadership is a process that evolves from practical experience.  Collaborating with others is part of the leadership process.  Leadership is also participating and leading by example and I believe that leadership behavior that integrates consideration and structure provides direction to move the organization forward while being accountable.


 
Hannah Brooks, Assistant Principal, Junior High

PTISD: What is your work background? Have you always been in education?
HB:  Before beginning my career in education in 2008, I worked in mutual fund accounting and newspaper advertising.


PTISD: What is your educational background?
HB:  In 2008 I began teaching first grade in Crowley ISD.  The following year I taught sixth grade math/science.  Since 2010 I have taught 7th grade math in three different school districts:  Longview, Texarkana and Hallsville.  While teaching in Texarkana I had the opportunity to serve as the lead 7th grade math teacher.  

Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Business Administration, Howard Payne University
Post Baccalaureate Accelerated Certification for Teachers, LeTourneau University
Masters in Curriculum and Instruction for Mathematics, University of Texas at Arlington
Principal Certificate, Angelo State University 

PTISD: What is your philosophy of education?
HB:  I believe all children have the ability to learn and as educators it is our responsibiity to provide students with the skills necessary to become productive members of society.  In order to accomplish this I feel that is necessary to build relationships with students, parents, and other staff members so that we can work collaboratively towards this goal.  I believe students learn best when they know their teachers care about them on an individual level and that effective teachers not only find ways to connect with their students, but set high expectations for each student that walks into their room. 

 
Carrie Chandler, Assistant Principal, High School

PTISD: What is your work background?
CC: I have been in education for 11 years which includes time spent at Mt. Pleasant ISD, Sherman ISD, Jacksonville ISD, Marshall ISD, and Longview ISD.  I have taught World Geography, World History, U.S. History, Psychology, Sociology, and Dance.  Most of my years have been spent teaching dance and directing drill teams.

PTISD: Have you always been in education?
CC: I didn't always want to be a teacher.  When I graduated from PTHS, I aspired to become an FBI agent.  However, that changed when I met my husband.  We pursued education together to become teachers and  coaches.  We have had the privilege of graduating with our bachelor's and master's degrees walking the stage together both times. 

PTISD: What is your educational background?
CC: I had the privilege of attending many universities as I moved around Texas.  I started out at Abilene Christian, then attended the University of North Texas, the University of Texas at Arlington, and finally the University of Texas at Tyler where I finished up with a Bachelor of Science in History.  Ten years later I returned home to complete my master's in Education at my Alma mater.

Degrees and Certifications:
BS.History, Master of Education, Social Studies composite, Dance

PTISD: What is your philosophy of education?
CC:  My philosophy of education is that every student deserves the opportunity for someone to care about them and to help them succeed.  I believe that it is never too late to make a difference in the lives of others and that the greatest gift we have to offer is to teach others.



Kerry Lane, Head Football Coach/Assistant Athletic Director 

PTISD: What is your work background? Have you always been in education?
KL:  I have been in education my entire career as a teacher/coach. I have taught Biology, IPC, Economics, Government and Physical Education.  

PTISD: What is your educational background?
KL:  I attended Union Grove High School and received a BS degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.  I am Composite Science, Composite Social Studiess, and Health and Physical Education certified.

PTISD: What is your philosophy of education?
KL: My educational philosophy is that anything can be learned by anyone.  
The educator must know his/her audience and also know how to relate the information to them.

        

Primary - August 17 - 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Birch Elementary - August 18 - 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Parkway Elementary - August 17 - 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Middle - August 17 - 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Junior High - August 18 - 4:30-6:00 p.m.
High School - August 18 - 1:00-4:00 p.m.
ExCEL High School of Choice
 August 16 - 2:00-4:00 p.m.



2016-2017 PTISD CAMPUS LEADERSHIP

PRIMARY
Principal: Cristi Parsons
Assistant Principal: Ruthie Walker
Physical Address: 1808 Silver Falls Rd. Longview, TX 75604
Mailing Address: P.O. Box. 5878 Longview, TX 75608
Campus Telephone Number: (903) 295-5095
Fax number: (903) 295-5098

BIRCH ELEMENTARY
Principal: Melanie Bridges
Assistant Principal: Kim Whaley
Physical Address: 815 Birch Drive Longview, TX 75604
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5878 Longview, Texas 75608
Campus Telephone Number: (903) 295-5120
Fax Number: (903) 295-5126

PARKWAY ELEMENTARY 
Principal: Dr. Carla McAvoy
Assistant Principal: Melanie Keoun
Physical Address: 601 PT Parkway Longview,TX. 75604
Mailing Address:  P.O. Box. 5878 Longview, TX. 75608
Campus Telephone Number: (903) 295-5151
Fax number: (903) 295-5155

MIDDLE
Principal: Rusty Robinett
Assistant Principal: Jill Clay 
Assistant Principal: Josh White
Physical Address: 600 PT Parkway, Longview, TX 75604
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5878 Longview, Texas 75608
Campus Telephone Number: (903) 295-5160
Fax Number: (903) 295-5162

JUNIOR HIGH
Principal: Vanessa Robinson
Assistant Principal: Hannah Brooks
Assistant Principal: Beau Vincent 
Physical Address: 2100 NW Loop 281 Longview, TX 75604
Mailing Address: P O Box 5878 Longview, TX 75608
Campus Telephone Number: (903) 295-5081
Fax Number: (903) 295-5082

HIGH SCHOOL
Principal: Cindy Gabehart
Assistant Principal: Carrie Chandler
Assistant Principal: Cathy Williams
Assistant Principal: Harold Jackson
Associate Principal and CTE Director: Dr. Cliff Lightfoot 
Physical Address: 900 Northwest Drive Longview, TX 75604
Mailing Address: P O Box 5878 Longview, TX 75608
Campus Telephone Number: (903) 295-5031
Fax Number: (903) 295-5029

ExCEL
Principal: Duke Barnett
Physical Address: 900 Northwest Dr. Longview, TX 75604
Mailing Address: P O Box 5878 Longview, TX 75608
Campus Number: (903) 295-6753
Fax Number: (903 295-6754

PACE
Principal: Shalonda W. Adams
Physical Address: 1701 Pine Tree Road Longview, TX 75604
Mailing Address: P O Box 5878 Longview, TX 75608
Campus Number: (903) 295-5130
Fax Number: (903) 295-5145

BLUE OUT 2016



Show your pride and get your Blue Out Shirt now!

Cost:$15 
Sizes Available: Youth Small-Adult 3XL
Blue Out Game: Friday, September 23

Blue Out shirts can be purchased at each campus during Meet the Teacher, the Pirate Stadium Spirit Store during home football games and at the Education Foundation Office located at Central Office,1701 Pine Tree Road. 

All proceeds benefit the Pine Tree Education Foundation to support district wide grants.

For information: 
 or