Jan. 12, 2016
Inspired Learners                       
Perfect Parade
Captain America is not new to embarking on exciting adventures, but strolling down a hallway lined with really tall people smiling, clapping and waving surely was a highlight. In fact, Captain America stood proudly along with Little Red Riding Hood, Princess Leia, Arthur, Sheriff Woody and an assortment of other storybook characters zipping around the Kooken Education Center in a recent parade march. Kooken Principal Dr. Connie Spence calls it a Storybook Parade, and it is the perfect type of parade for this prekindergarten-only campus. | Kooken Education Center students dress as storybook characters, including Olivia, and parade throughout the school with their books.

Engaged Community                            
All Aboard for Literacy     
Gabrielle W. claims to have seen "The Polar Express" about 20 times, which makes sense, seeing that her Ellis Elementary classmates and pals Emily S. and Dezare M. each said they have caught the traditional holiday favorite at least 10 times, maybe 15 times. It's clearly the movie few want to miss during the holiday season, which is why Ellis Principal Shaketa Traylor made it this year's theme for the school's literacy night. Good move. Ellis was packed from top to bottom with students and parents flowing into the cafeteria, the library and the hallways on literacy night.
Dezare M., Gabrielle W., Jesyel S. and Emily S. show off their golden tickets during the Ellis Elementary Polar Express Literacy Night.  

Inspired Learners                            
High-Tech Travel  
Students at Newcomer Center were marveling at the futuristic cityscape that is Dubai from the 43rd floor of the world's tallest building when their instructor insisted on climbing 10 more flights for a better look. From there, they saw the world's largest dancing fountain, the largest natural flower garden and dune buggies zipping across the dusty terrain. "Oh my gosh," said one student. "Oh, how cool is this?" marveled another. So cool they were able to experience Dubai without actually going to Dubai. In fact, they never left the comfort of their classroom chairs. | Newcomer students experience places all over the world - and even undersea and in outer space - while Google Expedition made a stop at their school.
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Engaged Community                            
AISD Giving   
Ask students about the fun part of giving to Mission Arlington, and they will undoubtedly mention the moment the big Mission Arlington truck rolls up in front of their school. Like warehouse workers on an assembly dock, the students then carry out boxes of canned foods and sometimes toys and clothing items, usually filling up the truck. For Mission Arlington Executive Director Tillie Burgin, that might be her most enjoyable part as well. "Just seeing the looks on the students' faces is what makes it so delightful," Burgin said. "We have such an intimate relationship with Arlington schools, and we wouldn't be where we are without that partnership. We just wouldn't." | The Miller Elementary Student Council poses with Mission Arlington Executive Director Tillie Burgin and their canned-food donation before loading the items into the Mission Arlington truck.
News Briefs
AISD Special Programs Applications Open
Applications are now open for the AISD's unique programs, including Arlington Collegiate High School, career and technical education - workforce dual credit and special programs, the STEM Academy, the Corey and Jones Academies of Fine Arts and Dual Language, as well as the Jones Academy for second- through sixth-grade students.
More information 
What's Your Big Idea?
The Arlington ISD and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce are searching for the most entrepreneurial and innovative third- through eighth-grade students in the district with the 10th Annual "What's Your Big Idea?" Entrepreneurship Contest.
More information
2016-2017 AISD School Calendar Approved
2016-2017 calendar

Upcoming Events
Jan. 14: The Board of Trustees will meet in a regular session
Jan. 18: Student/staff holiday; all AISD facilities closed
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AISD Achieving Excellence is produced weekly by the AISD communications department.

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Ken Perkins
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