The Lewisville High School Student Design Team participated in instructional rounds with staff members Dec. 9 and 11, marking the first time in school history students had joined teachers on classroom walks and discussions.

The inclusion of students was planed through Farmer Teacher Cohorts, which is a collection of multiple campus-wide, professional learning groups. The rounds take place four times a year and are extremely beneficial. However, LHS Principal Jeffrey Kajs said the cohorts knew they could become even better.

"We realized an element was missing and that was the student," LHS Principal Jeffrey Kajs said. "They need to be involved."

Kajs and company contacted LHS Advanced Placement U.S. History/Sociology Teacher Robert Borenstein, who oversees the Student Design Team - a student group of volunteers who meet once a week to discuss goals, observations and Lewisville ISD's Strategic Design instruction. They also analyze the school's annual Gallup poll and present the data during a faculty meeting in the spring.

To read more, click here. To see a photo gallery, click here.

Lewisville High School-Killough Pre-AP English II students completed their four-week project-based learning (PBL) activity Dec. 9 by welcoming in community members and presenting them with their newly-created nonprofit organizations.

Jennifer Bowden, Amy Miller and Jameson Hall of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth; Heather Brosette of SPCA of Texas; Michelle Degrate of Christian Community Action; and Hannah Macintyre of Health Services of North Texas served on a panel of "potential investors." LISD Strategic Design Coach Conall Busby was also included in the group, which provided feedback and created the feel of ABC's hit television show "Shark Tank."

A total of 75 students from the classes of Lindsay Brazell, Adam Cooper, Jillian Collins, Jordan Hill, Caitlin Kaylor and Dixie Turnbull participated in the PBL - a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they're studying.

The driving question was: "How far can one go in order to survive and still maintain their humanity?" The students were given the choice of reading one novel - "I am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai, "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding, "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah or "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel - and then worked together in teams to develop a nonprofit organization which would benefit the victim(s) from their book. From there, the teams wrote a persuasive speech to prepare them for their pitch to the panel.

To read more, click here. To see a photo gallery of the presentations, click here.   

Lakeland Elementary unveiled its new flexible learning spaces with a ribbon cutting Dec. 10 in front of students, staff and community members.

The once bare areas under the main stairwell and at the large landing area at the top of the stairs have now been filled with items such as artwork, books, chairs, clocks, couches, lamps, picture frames, tables, throw pillows and rugs.

"These comfortable, warm areas have changed the feel of the entire school into one of a home rather than just a school," Lakeland Principal Jimmy Crockett said. "Our mentors and volunteers can comfortably read and work with our students, small groups of students can work on special projects and teachers and parents can gather to meet informally in them as well. It is truly a center for our entire learning community."

The transformation was made possible by donations from Lewisville Noon Rotary, Sam's Club and the Lakeland staff. The rotary provided a $3,000 grant, Sam's Club donated $1,000 in gift cards and Lakeland teachers chipped in with fundraiser earnings and personal donations. All three groups were represented at the ribbon cutting.

To read more, click here. To read an article about the new flexible learning spaces in The Dallas Morning News, click here. To see a photo gallery of the ribbon cutting and spaces, click here.

Check out the profile about Parkway Elementary's principal Lori Litchfield, who discusses her favorite thing about her job; what she enjoys doing in her spare time; and dishes some advice to someone who is interested in becoming a principal. Litchfield is in her third year as principal at Parkway.

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

Lori Litchfield (LL): To always ask ourselves, "What is best for our kids?" Our Parkway staff is amazing and I learn lessons from them daily. They truly go above and beyond to make all of our students feel welcome and loved. Whether it is being greeted in the morning, our phenomenal Watch D.O.G.S. volunteering or collaborating and designing standards-based learning opportunities, everything is done with the thought of what is best for our students at Parkway.

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

LL: Lewisville ISD is a wonderful place to work. I have worked in LISD for 22 years (I started when I was eight! LOL). I love working with people of all ages and LISD fosters a collaborative environment for our students, staff and parents. The students and staff in LISD are some of the most talented and creative people I have ever met. LISD offers limitless opportunities for our students and staff. I love being part of the LISD family.

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

LL: I am an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. This is especially exciting right now with the excellent season they are having! #FinishTheFight  

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

LL: I love to read, bake and spend time with family, friends and my dogs. I am such a voracious reader that I read whenever I get the opportunity (standing in line, blow-drying my hair, etc.). I also really enjoy baking and bringing treats to people, especially our wonderful Parkway staff.

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

LL: Do it! Education is one of the most rewarding jobs you can ever have.

Stay tuned for our next Principal Profile, published on LISD.net every Friday morning. See all the profiles here. #LISDprofile