An Electronic Newsletter for the Employees and Friends of the

Lubbock Independent School District, October 22, 2015, No. 9
Find Out Which Campus is in the Spotlight on "Out and About"
Video graphic
Upcoming Events
Oct. 28 - Early Release Day for Professional Development
Oct. 31 - Halloween, Boo!
Nov. 3 - Election Day
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day           
State of the Arts

Click on the logo above to watch the all-new State of the Arts program on LISD-TV.
In This Issue
LISD-TV to host Sci-Fi trailer  contest 
LISD-TV in conjunction with Premiere Cinemas, fbt architects, and 501st Legion is hosting a   Sci-Fi Movie Trailer contest.  Students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to enter the contest by producing a science fiction movie trailer for a fictitious sci-fi movie of their own creation. The contest is open to all interested students on the South Plains, grades 6-12. Entries are due November 13.  The winning trailer will play at Premiere Cinemas in Lubbock prior to every showing of the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens movie.  Also, the winning individual or team will receive a FREE, private screening of Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens for friends and family.

LISD-TV will provide some stock footage to all qualified individuals or teams to supplement the original footage they will
shoot.  Trailer entries must be between one minute and two-and-a-half minutes in length and must be uploaded to a video server like YouTube or Vimeo.  Official rules and submission forms can be obtained by clicking here or by calling LISD-TV General Manager Kenneth Dixon at 806-219-0012.
Students write about "A Day in My Shoes"
Estacado High School (EHS) students in one of the campus' college readiness programs are writing personal narrative essays based on the topic "A Day in My Shoes."  The writing project is designed to help the students develop academic writing skills as well as generate and develop ideas. The students' essays will be published in a book, once the first cycle of writing is completed.  The literacy project is being implemented by Mellinee Lesley, the associate dean of graduate education and research in the Texas Tech University College of Education.

The EHS writing project is part of a larger effort known as the balanced literacy component of the East Lubbock Promise Neighborhood grant.  Its primary goal is to improve literacy practices in high-need schools. Five other professors from the College of Education are instituting five different literacy plans on five other east Lubbock campuses. "As literacy practitioners, there is nothing more important than supporting students' literacy development.  It is truly our life's work," Lesley said.

In praise of the program, LISD Deputy Superintendent Dr.Theresa Williams said, "Strong partnerships between universities and school districts have proven to be invaluable in bridging theory to practice in meaningful, relevant and practical ways that have a positive impact on students, teachers and university faculties."
Marching bands perform well at contest 
All of LISD's marching bands participated in the annual Region 16 North Zone UIL Marching Contest last weekend.  Lubbock High earned first division ratings and advanced to the Area competition this weekend in Odessa.  The Coronado and Monterey marching bands also won first divisions.  However, this year was not the year that 6A bands were eligible to advance to area.   The Estacado band won a second division.   
In response to the ratings, LISD Director of Fine Arts Dr. Christopher Anderson said, "LISD is cognizant of the tremendous effort and time spent by these band students working to achieve mastery of their performances and we couldn't be prouder of them. We would also like to recognize the incredible work by all of the directors and by the countless parent volunteers that work behind the scenes to make all of these shows a reality.  It is a huge team effort to pull off performances like these, and without every person, from the principals to the performers, none of this would be possible."
Employee Perks 

Interested in going back to school to obtain your Master's Degree? Grand Canyon University is offering special discounts to Lubbock ISD employees through the Employee Perks program. After logging in on the website, click on the Education link on the Employee Perks webpage to learn more.  
Keep up with LISD on Twitter
Twitter Bird 
Check out the Lubbock ISD Twitter Web page by clicking here  or follow us @LubbockISD.
Get the word out about what's happening on your campus!
Simply click on the microphone below to find the campus event announcement form.  

Give someone you work with a SHOUT OUT
A SHOUT OUT is an easy, online form which will generate 25 words of text onto a megaphone-shaped document recognizing the work of an LISD employee.  A SHOUT OUT can also be submitted for an employee of our partners at ARAMARK, Durham and Sodexo.

This is a great opportunity to express gratitude to those people who make a difference in the lives of our students. Please limit submissions to ten per grading period. Just click on the megaphone to get started.
Red Megaphone  
Another successful College and Career Night

Shown above (L to R) in top photo are Texas Tech Honors College recruiters Sabiha Armin, Nataly Montano and Mackenzie Middle School Principal John Martinez and his son Coronado sophomore Isaiah.  In the photo at lower left (L to R), Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Rick Rodriguez, Estacado High School Lead Counselor Tanna Rodriguez and their daughters Lubbock High juniors Lyndsie and Abbi speak to a recruiter from Texas A&M's Galveston campus.  In the photo at lower right (L to R), Talkington junior Krista Freed and her mom Natalie visit with Rice University recruiter Deborah Bahme.

According to Director of Counseling and College/Career Readiness Tammy Edmonson, "The LISD College and Career Night provides a wonderful opportunity for students at the secondary level to explore and visit with representatives from many institutions and programs.  Having college and program representatives from not only in Texas, but throughout in the United States, allows students to gather valuable information and set plans in motion to work towards their future goals and aspirations of college and career."

Free financial planning advice is available
Lubbock-area financial planners will offer free advice on budgeting, retirement planning, income taxes, investment strategies and more this Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. until  12 noon at the Groves Library, 5520 19th Street.

The advice will be offered on a "no strings attached" basis and planners will not give out business cards or sell financial products or services.
The financial planning day is organized by the Financial Planning Association of West Texas, in partnership with four national non-profit organizations - Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Financial Planning Association, Foundation for Financial Planning, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.  The event is part of the national Financial Planning Days initiative, a ground-breaking program involving city governments and thousands of financial planners nationwide, in an effort to provide free financial education and programming to people across the country.

Registration is free and available online at www.financialplanningdays.org/lubbock, or by calling toll free at 877-861-7826.  Walk-ins are also welcome.

Deadline approaching for PTA Reflections
LISD campuses have until November 5 to submit their entries in the annual PTA Reflections contest.  The PTA Reflections fine arts  competition encourages students to express their artistic talents by entering one of the following categories: dance choreography, musical competition, photography, visual arts, film production and literature.  Only new pieces of art inspired by the 2015-2016 theme, "Let your Imagination Fly" may be submitted.

Local campus entries are due to Council no later than 4 p.m. on November 5, 2015.  They may also be turned in at the General Meeting on November 5 at 1 p.m. or brought to the Communications and Community Relations Office in the LISD Administration building at 1628 19th Street.  Local campuses are encouraged to send their top 20 percent.  A webinar for local PTAs is available at https://vimeo.com/137177374.

All LISD Council judging will be complete by December 10, and the top entries will be forwarded to Texas PTA.

Special Ed hosts second annual Open House

In the photo above, the Jay Gordon Room was filled with special education representatives from each campus during the second annual Special Education Open House on Tuesday, October 20.  The representatives were on hand to help parents learn more about the resources and services offered at each campus as well as the other campuses in their feeder pattern.   
Middle schools team up for Run, Walk and Roll

In the photo above student council representatives from four LISD middle schools, Atkins, Cavazos, Evans and Smylie Wilson gather for a photo.  The Run, Walk and Roll against Bullying was last Saturday, October 17. This may be the first time that four district middle schools have combined forces on a Saturday for such an event.  According to Atkins teacher Leslie Russwurm, "It was a huge success with over 200 students and parents attending the festivities.  The counselors from the schools had parent and student information for the community."
Evans French students receive a special visit

Shown above are Evans Middle School students holding the flag of France with their teacher Amy Drake (kneeling at far right). Mrs. Drake's French IA and IB classes were recently treated to a rare visit.  Guillaume Lepeltier, from the Normandy region of France, is a World War II re-enactor in France and cares for several of the American Pilots' graves in the American cemetery in Normandy.  He spoke to the French classes about his life in France and the role France and America played in World War II.  He presented in French in order to give Mrs. Drake's students an opportunity to listen to a native speaker, while Mrs. Drake helped with translations they could not yet understand.  Not only did her students receive a language lesson, they also got a history lesson.
Perfect attendance earns rewards at Stewart
Students with perfect attendance at Stewart Elementary were awarded with a free back pack in a special assembly on October 15.  Matador Motors donated 212 backpacks to Stewart Elementary students who achieved perfect attendance during the first six weeks of school.

Stewart Principal Debra Wheeler said, "We are grateful to local businesses like Matador Motors, and we appreciate their willingness to provide the support that will enable our students to succeed."

Matador Motors owner Pete Ruiz, pictured above, added, "We have always supported education and understand that some children are unable to afford even the most basic of school supplies. We just want to recognize these kids for their perfect attendance and reward them for their commitment."
Thank you to Matador Motors for their support of Stewart ES and Lubbock ISD.

Champion drag racer speaks to students

In the photo above, two-time U.S. National NHRA Motorcycle Drag Racing Champion Steve Johnson speaks to students at the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center. Johnson talks about the importance of students being able to market themselves, not just in a competitive job market, but in all aspects of their lives.
District to host transition meetings
Lubbock ISD is committed to the making sure that students graduate from high school prepared for post-secondary education and/or employment, which includes special education students and students with disabilities.  In special education, this process of looking to the future and setting goals for success is called transition planning.  During the month of November, the LISD Special Education Department is planning a series of meetings for parents regarding the transition process. Although the meetings will be hosted on high school campuses, they will address the needs of all age groups including the elementary and middle school grades.  Meetings provide parents with many options available for students during school to prepare them for post-secondary education and/or employment opportunities.  Training will focus on the use of the Texas Transition and Employment Guide.  Information will also include resources, vendors and agencies who specialize in helping students with disabilities make the transition from high school.

For additional information, contact Ellen Feagin by calling 806-219-0400 or by emailing her at [email protected].

The meeting times and locations are as follows:
Coronado High School (library), Monday, November 2, 6-7:30 p.m.
Monterey High School (library) Thursday, November 5, 6-7:30 p.m.
Estacado High school (library), Monday, November 9, 6-7:30 p.m.
Lubbock High school (cafeteria), Tuesday, November 10, 6-7:30 p.m.

Career Week at Bean features guest speakers

Shown above in the top photo is the banner welcoming visitors to the Bean Elementary career week event.  In the photo at lower left, Lubbock Mayor Glen Robertson, one of several guest speakers, visits with Bean students.  In the photo at lower right, a team of employees from Lubbock Power and Light explain the operation of a solid waste removal truck. 
Final Reminder for Hartford Disability
The annual open enrollment for the The Hartford Disability Insurance ends October 31, 2015.
If you wish to enroll or review current coverage, please call 748-0505 and ask for Tommye Blair or Jerry Killion.
Swaps, Cheers and LISD Family News
FOR SALE: Unregistered, male, German shepherd puppy, $350. Please call 777-0656 for additional information.
FOR SALE: 2007 Kawasaki Ninja, 250R 61K miles. $1,800. Please call 438-6275 for more information.
GARAGE SALE: Sat. Oct. 24 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 3203 57th Street.  
Crosses, lamps, pack 'n play, women's clothing, size small and much more.

CONGRATULATIONS TO: Patsy Mitchell and Greg Ivy on their marriage, October 10, 2015.  Patsy is a Kindergarten teacher at Parsons ES.

FALL FESTIVALS:   Alderson ES will host their fall festival Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6-7:30 p.m. There will be a haunted house, costume contest, games, music, candy, and much more. Popcorn, pickles and water will be available for purchase. Cost is $3 per person. Come join the fun!   McWhorter ES will have their fall festival on Friday, Oct. 23, from 5 - 6:30 p.m. The fun includes a silent auction, pumpkin contest and lots of games. This year, fifth graders will have their own booth and all proceeds will help with end of the year student expenses. Wristbands will be sold at the door.