Farmer Pride News!

Lewisville Independent School District | Wednesday, April 23, 2014

LHS Student Desai is Dell Scholars Program Winner

Hard Work Paying Off for Senior

Of the nearly 4,000 Lewisville ISD seniors preparing for graduation, only one can call themself a winner of the 2014 Dell Scholars Program: Lewisville High School's Hiral Desai.

The hard-working senior, who is on line to graduate in the top 10 percent of her class and will attend the University of Houston in the fall, got word on April 10 that she won the prestigious Dell scholarship worth $20,000. In fact, Desai is one of only 300 students across the entire United States to claim the honor, not to mention the first winner in LHS history.

"I was definitely awe-struck when I found out," said Desai, who had applied back in November. "I was starting to become worried about having enough financial aid to be able to actually attend Houston. Then I got the email saying I had won the scholarship. I kept re-reading it to make sure it was true and eventually started crying.

"I'm definitely happy to be the first winner from LHS, but I hope for the best for other students in the future. I hope there is a continuation."

The Dell Scholars Program, established in 1999, is a college completion program unique in the type of students it supports and how it fosters them on their path to a bachelor's degree. An initiative of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the scholarship provides its students with resources - such as a laptop - and mentoring beyond initial financial assistance to ensure they have the support they need to succeed for up to six years.

High School Robotics Students Hit the Road

Club Visits Central, College Street Elementary Schools

The Lewisville High School (LHS) Robotics Club hit the road April 4 to visit with approximately 350 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade students from Central Elementary (Central) and College Street Elementary (College Street) about math and science awareness.

How did they get their point across? You guessed it: robots.

"Engaging the young students via robotics is a great way to enhance their interest in math and science," LHS teacher and Robotics Club sponsor Friedrich Elliott said. "The robot is real and fun so they quickly start imagining building one for themselves. Bringing the high school students into the elementary school environment also gives the younger students role models."

Elliot and the LHS Robotics Club -- consisting of students Samuel Adams, Webster Brown, Mark Buckup, Winry Nguyen, Maritza Paredes, Sean Sparks and Elizabeth Zhao -- spent the morning at College Street and the afternoon at Central. During the sessions, the club showed a video highlighting its 2013-14 regional-semifinalist competition season, demonstrated how a FIRST FTC robot is built and operated and answered questions. Some elementary students even got to drive the robot, which could lift itself off the floor and dangle from an overhead bar.

Elementary Schools Join Forces For Epic Field Day

College Street, Rockbrook Have Fun-Filled Time at Max Goldsmith Stadium

Photo Gallery
Video

More than 1,000 students from College Street Elementary (College Street) and Rockbrook Elementary (Rockbrook) took over Lewisville High School's Max Goldsmith Stadium on April 11 for the two schools' second annual Field Day.

The sun-, music- and fun-filled day consisted of all grade levels participating in 40 different physical activity game stations. In addition to all College Street and Rockbrook staff members in attendance, more than 30 LHS students volunteered their time to help the day be as memorable as possible for the youngsters.

While the students enjoyed playing games, they may have had as much fun -- if not more -- being able to make new friends. The two school's neon T-shirts -- College Street in pink and Rockbrook in yellow -- could be seen mixed together throughout the day in the different stations and at lunch in the LHS cafeteria.

"Field Day was very fun and active," College Street 5th-grader Savannah Toran said. "There was a lot of games and music, but the best part was that two schools came together."

Lakeland Elementary Celebrating 50 Years

Public Invited to May 1 Reception

Lakeland Elementary (Lakeland) will host a 50th anniversary celebration Thursday, May 1 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the school library. Presentations and special guest speakers will begin at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Former Lakeland students are encouraged to attend.

For more information, email Lakeland Secretary Connie Adair at [email protected].

LHS-Killough Principal Profile

Meet Pam Flores

Check out the profile about Lewisville High School Killough campus (LHS-Killough) principal Pam Flores who discusses her favorite thing about her job, what she enjoys doing in her spare time, and dishes some advice to those interested in becoming a principal. Flores is in her 10th year as principal, third at LHS-Killough.

Lewisville ISD (LISD): What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned as a principal?

Pam Flores (PF): Hire GREAT folks and support them! I believe if you spend your time hiring the very best teachers to love your kids, they will move mountains. I trust and support them fully.

LISD: What is your favorite thing about your job as an educator in Lewisville ISD?

PF: My favorite thing is truly serving kids and teachers. My job is to make their time at school better. Whether it is brainstorming, supporting or providing great learning opportunities for teachers or giving students a voice in their education, I am here to make their lives better! I love that part of the job.

LISD: What is something that most would not know about you?

PF: Most people would think my personality type would be an extrovert but I am truly and introvert at heart. The only place in my life where I am an extrovert is with teachers and kids!

LISD: What do you like to do in your spare time?

PF: I love to travel. I am a beach and pool person. My husband and I greatly value our time together relaxing in front of the water and sand!

LISD: What piece of advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a principal or entering the education field?

PF: My best advice is to truly put kids and teachers first. Love them and encourage them in everything you do. Support them and have high expectations. You have to truly love kids and teachers to be a great principal. It is an amazing job that I feel blessed to have each and every day!

Stay tuned for our next Principal Profile, published on LISD.net every Friday morning. One principal per zone will be featured each week. See all the archives. #LISDprofile

Another Sweepstakes for LHS Student Council

Group Shines at State Competition for 15th Straight Year

The Lewisville High School (LHS) Student Council received its 15th straight "Sweepstakes" at the state convention, held April 13-15 the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, Texas. The Farmers earned the prestigious honor for winning the following awards: Outstanding Student Council, Outstanding Energy Environment Projects, Outstanding Drugs, Alcohol, Safety and Health (DASH) Projects, Outstanding Pride and Patriotism Projects, and Outstanding Community Service Projects.

"I was very proud when we won the Sweepstakes," LHS senior and Student Body President Samantha Martinez said. "Our Student Council works hard all year long on projects and events for both the school and community. This was an honoring moment for all of us and it showed that hard work pays off."

The LHS Student Council is advised by Allison Stamey (main), Dan Moser (main), Nicole Hume (LHS-Killough) and Julie Williams (LHS-Harmon). Student members are listed below:

Seniors

Samantha Martinez, President

Mackenzie Hicks, Vice President

Ernesto Flores, Secretary

Randall Sloan, Treasurer

Kathia Castillo, Historian

Erika Benitez, Community Officer

Fairooz Adams, Parliamentarian

Dalton Franks, LISD Liaison

Megan Barrows, School Service Officer

Ashley Syed, School Service Officer

Carlos Andino, Multicultural Officer

Kate Whitley, Public Relations Officer

Juniors

Holly Weston, President

Neghin Goudarzi, Vice President

Monica Parciak, Secretary

Alyssa Ramirez, Treasurer

Kalee Grimsley, Public Relations

Tatiana Guevara, Community Officer

Carissa Baker, LISD Liaison

Alexus Brown, Multicultural Officer

Araceli Castillo, School Service Officer

Melanie Martinez, Parliamentarian

Matthew Nemecek, Historian

Sophomores

Killough

Austin Warren, President

Nnenna Ijoma, Vice President

McKenzie Cloud, Secretary

Mark Valdez, Treasurer

Gabby Conely, Historian

Harmon

Kayla Conner, President

Esmeralda Sanchez, Vice President

Madison Heggins, Secretary

Anayeli Calixto, Treasurer

Johana Flores, Public Relations

Nancy Pham, Historian

Freshmen

Killough

Siera Kiplinger, President

Juan Martinez, Vice President

Jarrell Lawrence, Secretary

Chris Del Carpio, Treasurer

Jax Nguyen, Historian

Harmon

Madison Lopez, President

Michelle Mejia, Vice President

James Graves, Secretary

Corbin Rich, Treasurer

Raegan Lawrence, Historian

Elena Morales, Parliamentarian

Mari Rivera, Co-Public Relations

Dawson Phillips, Co-Public Relations

Go Farmers!

Teacher and Student Highlights from Farmer Country

Lakeland Elementary Named March School of the Month

Lakeland Elementary (Lakeland) has been selected as the Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce/DATCU Credit Union March School of the Month, the seventh honoree of the 2013-14 school year.

Lakeland was honored for its energy, hard work and dedication shown toward student success as well as the wonderful implementation of Lewisville ISD Strategic Design.

Lakeland Principal Jimmy Crockett accepted the Lewisville ISD Central Zone award from DATCU Credit Union Business Development Officer Mary Jacoby at the Chamber's Monthly Partnership Luncheon on April 22 at MCL Grand Theater in Lewisville.

"With this being our 50th year of existence, it was a very special honor to be recognized as the school of the month," Crockett said. "Much like the Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland has consistently been an integral part of the greater Lewisville community. As times have changed so has the nature of both groups, but the mission remains the same, and that is to enhance the quality of life in Lewisville. We thank the Chamber and the community for their continued support and goodwill so that we may serve the precious children at Lakeland." Read more.

Farmers' Harvest Newspaper Shines at DMN Journalism Contest

Students from Lewisville High School's Farmers' Harvest newspaper shined at The Dallas Morning News' 23rd annual High School Journalism Day & Competition on April 17 in Dallas. The event is judged only by professional journalists. LHS competed in the "Large Schools" division. The winners from LHS were Jennifer Lopez, Best Sports Reporting, and Katelyn Hoagland, Best Column Portfolio, Best Review (second consecutive year) and Best Writer (selected from all categories and schools). Hoagland is the first LHS student to win the top writing honor and received a $100 Amazon gift card. Finalists from LHS included Rick Rodriguez, Best Review, and Laura Godinez, Best Sports Feature. Farhar.net was a finalist for Best Website. Students also got to rub elbows with DMN writers and editors plus media figures such as KTCK's Bob Sturm and NBC 5's Amanda Guerra. See full results.

LHS Alumni Video Chats with World Geography Students

LHS World Geography students received a Skype call on April 11 from a former Fighting Farmer, 2008 graduate Nick Rogerson who is the co-founder of the non-profit organization, The Global Family Initiative (GFI). It began as a smaller project, The Betasab, helping provide education and healthcare to women and children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. GFI now helps women and children in developing countries around the world. Rogerson talked with current LHS students about his organization and the struggles facing North African women and children today. Students asked him questions about life and culture in Africa and the impact he is making around the world.

LHS Football Hosts Successful Bench-A-Thon

The LHS football team hosted a "Bench-A-Thon" on April 15 at Max Goldsmith Stadium. Farmer athletes received pledges per weight pound and finished up the last evaluation of the year with a bench press.

Rock Bottom Outreach Visits LHS Freshmen

Coach Rick Smith and the Rock Bottom Outreach team spoke to LHS freshmen athletes on April 16 about the real life dangers of drug addictions and how they ruin lives. Learn more about Rock Bottom Outreach.

Delay Middle School Students Visit Perot Museum

Eighth-graders from DeLay Middle School visited the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, Texas, April 14. Students were able to engage in hands-on activities and interactive games that helped them better understand science concepts learned in the classrooms. They compared different magnitudes of earthquakes by adjusting intensity levels in the Earth Hall and explored the physics of speed and form in the Sports Hall. Students were in awe of how the musical chairs, cascading streams of reusable water, exhibit halls and the building as a whole brought science to life.

Vickery Elementary Fifth-Graders Travel to Waco, Georgetown

Fifth-grade teachers at Vickery Elementary took their students on a field trip to Waco's Cameron Park Zoo and Georgetown's Inner Space Cavern with Education in Action's "Water Rocks" program on April 15. Fifth-graders participated in hands-on activities, learning about Earth's cycles and systems, and studied minerals found in the cavern. They were able to experience real world examples of what they have been learning in their science classrooms.

Rockbrook Elementary Fifth-Graders Travel to Waco, Georgetown
Fifth-grade teachers at Rockbrook Elementary took their students on a field trip to Waco's Cameron Park Zoo and Georgetown's Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown with Education in Action's "Water Rocks" program on April 4. Students explored the Brazos River Country exhibit, participated in many hands-on activities, learning about Earth's cycles and processes and studied minerals found in the cavern. They were able to experience real world examples of what they have been learning in their science classrooms.

Vickery Family Night at Lewisville Library

Vickery partnered with Lewisville Library on April 15 to host a family night event. Students and their families took part in activities, tours, summer reading promotions and free giveaways. It was the largest off-campus family event that Vickery had ever organized.

Farmer Varsity Athletic Scoreboard

Scores from Lewisville High School Varsity Sporting Events

Sport	Date	Opponent	Score
Softball	4/8	Marcus	W: 1-0
Baseball	4/8	Marcus	L: 0-15
Softball	4/11	Denton Ryan	W: 6-2
Softball	4/15	Hebron	W: 2-1
Baseball	4/15	Flower Mound	L: 5-3
Track and Field	4/17	Area Meet - Coppell	Girls: 7th Place Boys: 4th Place
Softball	4/18	Coppell	W: 11-2

Events & Announcements

What's Happening in Farmer Country?

Athletic Physicals - April 23

Athletic physicals will be offered to all incoming 7th through 12th-graders on April 23 in the LHS main gyms. The cost is $20 (cash only, please). A physical is required for any student planning on participating in sports during the 2014-2015 school year. Paperwork is available at all schools, and additional forms will be at the physicals. Athletes need to come dressed in athletic attire to ensure proper medical examination. Times for the physicals are 3-5 p.m. for current 9th-11th graders and 4:30-7 p.m. for current 6th-8th graders. Please enter through the cafeteria doors on the south end of LHS. Parking will be available in this area after school hours. For any questions call 469.948.3331 or email [email protected].

LHS-Killough Hosting "Graduation...What Now?" - April 23

LHS-Killough is hosting "Graduation...What Now?" on April 23 from 6-8:15 p.m. on campus, 1301 Summit Ave., Lewisville. The event is open to all LHS-Killough students and their parents. It will focus on families planning for their student's future. Guests will be able to attend two of the three sessions offered (Session 1: 6:20-7:15 p.m.; Session 2: 7:20-8:15 p.m.). The choices are "Military/Fire Police," in the Lecture Hall, "4-Year University" in the cafeteria and "Career and Technology" in the library. For more information, email [email protected].

Lewisville Elementary Fitness and Nutrition Parent Night - April 24

Lewisville Elementary is hosting a Club 21 Fitness and Nutrition Parent Night on April 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 469.446.0951.

Degan Elementary Kindergarten Performance - April 24

Degan Elementary will be hosting a performance by its kindergarteners in conjunction with a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting on April 24 at 7 p.m. For more information, email [email protected].

Creekside Elementary Parent University - April 24, May 1, 8

Creekside Elementary will be hosting its Creekside Parent University: "Catching Up with your Digital Child" series. The sessions will include topics such as the latest information on digital citizenship, social media and more. It will be held each of the next three Thursdays: April 24, May 1 and May 8 - all from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the school library. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Childcare will available, provided by the Lewisville High School Student Council. For more information, email Creekside Parent Involvement Coordinator Dawn Rickards at [email protected].

LHS-Harmon Deadly Decisions - April 25

LHS-Harmon will host "Deadly Decisions" April 25 at 10 a.m. in the gym. The event, designed to discourage drinking and driving, is open to all students and parents. For more information, contact SRO David Moulton at 214.222.6844 or [email protected].

Durham Middle School 5th Grade Parent and Student Night - April 29

Durham Middle School (DMS) is hosting a 5th Grade Parent and Student night for feeder campuses on April 29 at 7 p.m. with a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting at 6:30 to elect the 2014-2015 PTA officers. The event will be very informative and is designed to welcome parents and students from Southridge Elementary, Creekside Elementary and Rockbrook Elementary and to ease the transition from 5th-to-6th grade. Refreshments will be served and booths will be set up to showcase DMS clubs and electives. Administrators and 6th grade teachers will be in attendance along with WATCH D.O.G.S. representatives, a program being launched next year. For more information, email [email protected].

Focus on the Future Starfish Cafes - April 30, May 14, 28

Focus on the Future at Purnell Support Center, 136 W. Purnell St., Lewisville, will host its final Starfish Cafes of the 2013-2014 school year on April 30, and May 14, 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Starfish Cafe is a student center business training program for young adults, ages 18-21, with significant disabilities that helps them gain meaningful employment in the restaurant and hospitality industries. They prepare four popular menu items with a dessert and beverage choice for a $7 donation. All proceeds provide opportunities for developing new skills. For reservations, email [email protected].

College Street Elementary's "Lemonade" - May 1

The first grade students at College Street Elementary will be performing the musical "Lemonade" on May 1st at 2 p.m. and 7 following a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting in the school's cafeteria. The cast of fairytale characters are having a BAD DAY until the always cheerful Mother Goose helps them to discover how they can make the best out of life's ups and downs. When life gives you lemons, make LEMONADE! The musical is directed by music teacher Marissa Rick; the props and scenery are provided by art teacher Janean Loyd; and the costumes are provided by retired College Street teacher Cathy Dumbravo. The College Street PTA. Will provide refreshments following each performance. For more information, email Rick at [email protected].

LHS Junior & Elective Honor Awards Ceremony - May 1

LHS will host its Junior & Elective Honor Awards Ceremony May 1 at 10 a.m. in Leo C. Stuver Auditorium. LHS will also be honoring the junior recipients of the Fantastic Farmer Awards. For more information, email [email protected].

LHS Fine Arts Ceremony - May 1

LHS will be hosting a ceremony for all seniors who are pursuing a Fine Arts degree in college on May 1 at 2 p.m. in Leo C. Stuver Auditorium. For more information, email [email protected].

Degan Elementary Kindergarten Adventure Kickoff - May 1

Degan Elementary will be hosting a Kindergarten Adventure Kickoff on May 1 from 4-7 p.m. for those parents with children enrolling for the 2014-15 school year. For more information, email [email protected].

LISD Job Olympics - May 2

The Purnell Support Center, 136 W. Purnell St., Lewisville, will host the LISD Job Olympics on May 2 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (the awards ceremony will begin at approximately 1 p.m.). Nearly 120 students from LISD high schools will be competing in different vocational events, while community leaders and representatives from local businesses will serve as judges. The LISD Job Olympics helps promote employable skills for high school students with intellectual disabilities. The event provides an opportunity to introduce vocational-related topics into the classroom setting through simulated work experiences. For more information, email [email protected].

LHS-Harmon Cinco de Mayo Celebration - May 2

LHS-Harmon will have a Hispanic Heritage presentation May 2 at 10 a.m. in the gym to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The event is open to all students and parents. For more information, contact Ann Miller at 469.713.5201 or [email protected].

Lewisville Elementary Pony Dads - May 2

Lewisville Elementary is hosting "Pony Dads" on May 2 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. For more information, call 469.446.0951.

Degan Elementary/Valley Ridge Elementary Challenge Day - May 2

Degan Elementary and Valley Ridge Elementary will have 4th and 5th-graders competing in field events at Lewisville High School's Max Goldsmith Stadium on May 2 from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. For more information, email [email protected].

Lewisville Elementary Science Night - May 6

Lewisville Elementary is hosting its Science Night on May 6 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, call 469.446.0951.

Lewisville Learning Center Celebrating 25th Anniversary - May 15

Lewisville Learning Center (1601 S. Edmonds Lane, Lewisville, Texas) will be celebrating its 25th year anniversary on May 15 at 6 p.m. The LLC is hosting a small reception and will be unveiling new colors and a mascot. The event is open to the public and former faculty and staff members are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, email Rayetta Johnson at [email protected].

LHS Senior Picnic - May 30

LHS will host its Senior Picnic on May 30 at Circle R Ranch in Flower Mound. After graduation practice and a panoramic picture at 8 a.m. in the basketball arena, buses will leave at 9:30 a.m. for Circle R Ranch. The event includes a T-shirt, lunch, games, water slides, horse shoes, sand volleyball, swimming, wagon rides and more. Tickets are $30 until April 17; $35 afterwards until May 9. Late payments are accepted until May 23, however, a t-shirt will not be included. Permission slips are required for all ticket purchases. For more information, including ways to earn a free ticket, click here or contact Allison Stamey.

LHS Hosting 46 Summer Camps

LHS will host 46 different summer camps, including sports, academic, cheerleading, dance, art, cooking, sign language, PSAT/SAT prep and many more. See details about each camp, including registration form. For more information, contact LHS Student Activities Director Allison Stamey at [email protected] or 214.543.6717.

Prekindergarten, Kindergarten Registration Open for 2014-15

Online registration for new students who will start prekindergarten (preK) or kindergarten in LISD next school year (2014-15) is now open at enroll.lisd.net. PreK is open for children who will be 3 or 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2014. PreK is a free three-hour program offered at select LISD campuses for children who meet state eligibility criteria. Tuition options are available at some campuses for those who do not meet the criteria or prefer full-day preK. Kindergarten is for those who will be 5 on or before Sept. 1, 2014. Kindergarten is a free full-day program offered at all LISD elementary schools. For more details on both programs, visit the LISD Early Childhood webpage.

Gifts for Education Foundation to Change Children's Lives

Parents, honor your child's educator with a gift to LISD Education Foundation's Changing Children's Lives fund. The educator you honor will receive a letter via the campus principal, sharing your message of thanks. Three educators - one at elementary, middle and high school levels - who receive the most gifts of thanks will get a mid-winter $250 grant to fund classroom innovation. To express your thanks and make your gift, visit www.LISDEF.com/Thanks.

Farmers Paying It Forward

For the fourth consecutive year, Farmers Paying It Forward will hold its donation drive to help deserving LHS seniors pursuing more education after graduation to have a laptop for college. Farmers Paying It Forward has issued nine laptops since the beginning of the campaign. The deadline is May 15. Visit the donation website or the Farmers Paying It Forward Facebook page. For more information, contact Michele Ramsey (LHS Class of 1986) at [email protected].

Greater Lewisville Special Education PTSA Workshops and Events - Through May

For a complete list of Greater Lewisville Special Education PTSA's workshops and events through May 2014, click here.

To see more family activities in the area, visit the LHS Community Activities page on LISD.net.

Stay Connected

Contact

Greg Weghorst

Central Zone Communications Coordinator

1800 Timber Creek Road

Flower Mound, Texas 75028

469.948.8076

[email protected]