2011-2012 Fort Worth ISD Annual Report

2011 - 2012 Annual ReportFort Worth Independent School District

“SucceSS demandS SingleneSS of purpoSe.”

- Vince Lombardi

Walter danSbyfort Worth iSd Superintendent

dunbar high School graduate

already reaping rewards. This annual report offers

many examples, including:

• consistent bell Schedules

We adopted common bell schedules for our

traditional high schools and middle schools.

This change alone will result in several more

weeks’ worth of core-subject classroom time.

• master Scheduling

We went school by school, program by

program and class by class to pinpoint

where resources were needed most. You can

imagine some of the difficult conversations

and decisions. But, we pulled together, put

personal feelings aside and made choices

based on what was best for our kids.

What does Singleness of Purpose look like?

To the mayor of Fort Worth, it’s the joy on

her grandson’s face when they’re sharing an

adventure in learning. To one of our parent

volunteers, it’s staying connected to her

children’s education by helping any way she can

at their school. To two high school friends now

headed to different universities, it’s never losing

sight of their academic and career goals. To me,

Singleness of Purpose is all of our stakeholders

– each with his or her own interests and talents –

moving the ball down the court as a team toward

the ultimate goal of student achievement.

Singleness of Purpose has been my mission

since becoming superintendent of the Fort

Worth Independent School District. We’ve taken

significant strides toward obtaining it and are

• gold Seal programs of choice and Schools

of choice

As one team, we redesigned high school

with these groundbreaking opportunities.

Gold Seal Programs give students an

unprecedented head start on college

and career.

You will also read about a new kind of

collaboration among our community partners.

I have invited leaders from non-profit groups and

community organizations to participate in the

strategic planning for the District and to support

schools in ways that make the most sense for

everyone. It’s extremely important that they, too,

work under one umbrella for the sake of

our students.

I hope this snapshot of 2011-2012 inspires you as

it does me. Together, we can provide our students

with the ultimate competitive advantage. As one

graduating senior – a Superintendent Scholar and

the top 5A female swimmer in the state – says,

“I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of

many people – my parents, my coach, my teachers

and fellow students. I am motivated to do better

for them.”

Now, that’s Singleness of Purpose.

Walter D. Dansby

Superintendent

npurpoSeSuperintendent

Walter Dansby

keeps his eye on the

ball – a special one

signed by the 1989-90

Paschal High School

basketball team, the

last team he coached.

“effortS and courage are not enough Without purpoSe and direction.”

- John F. Kennedy

TABLE OF CONTENTS

06 PARTNERSHIPS PLUS

08 ON PURPOSE: BETSY PRICE

14 ON PURPOSE: CARLO CAPUA

20 TEACHING & LEARNING

26 ON PURPOSE: MICHAEL SORUM

30 ON PURPOSE: JOSE RAMON LOPEZ

& JOSE LUIS LOPEZ

34 ON PURPOSE: SHAWN BUCHANAN

38 BUDGETING & BUILDING

44 ON PURPOSE: ELIDA GONZALEZ

48 SAFETY & SUPPORT

02 ABOUT US

54 PARENT INVOLVEMENT

58 ON PURPOSE: SUZAN KHAN

62 HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS

64 ON PURPOSE: JULIA ANDERSON

74 LOOKING AHEAD

1

Total Number of Schools 140

Elementary School 83

Middle Schools 28

High Schools 14

Alternative Schools 15

OUR SCHOOLS

Operating Budget $588,295,961

Instruction 60.37%

Instruction Related 8.75%

Support & Community Services 16.3%

Pupil Services 11.52%

Administrative Support 2.29%

Debt Service 0.0%

Intergovernmental Charges 1.05%

Per Pupil Expenditure* $7,154

2011-2012 Tax Rate 1.322

Accreditation

District Texas Education Agency

High Schools Southern Assoc. of Colleges & Schools

TEA Campus Ratings

Exemplary 6

Recognized 33

Acceptable 61

OUR 2011 — 2012 BUDGET

OUR DISTRICT

(M&O and Interest/Sinking Fund Rates Combined)

DISTRICT PROFILE

TEACHING & LEARNING BUDGETING & BUILDING SAFETY & SUPPORTPARTNERSHIPS PLUSOUR DISTRICT

2

Total Enrollment 81,511 100%

Bilingual/ESL 21,926 23.4%

Career & Technology Education 14,556 17.9%

Economically Disadvantaged 61,642 75.6%

Gifted & Talented 6,576 8.1%

Limited English Proficient (LEP) 23,094 28.3%

Special Education 5,910 7.3%

Ethnic Distribution

Hispanic 48,255 59.2%

African-American 19,033 24.5%

White/Anglo 11,639 14.3%

Asian/Pacific Islander 1,414 1.9%

Native American 259 0.3%

Number of Buses Running Daily 362

Number of Bus Routes 1,540

Number of Students Transported Daily 18,176

Number of Miles Driven in 2011-12 4,858,251

Breakfasts Served DailyMeal Price

24,428Reduced $.00, Paid Students $.75

Lunches Served DailyMeal Price

58,636Reduced $.40, Elem. $1.50, MS/HS $1.90

Students Eligible for Free/Reduced Meals

67,271

Total number of Employees 10,129 100%

Full-time Teachers 5,131.8 50.7%

Auxillary Staff 2,469.6 24.4%

Professional Support 1,195.3 11.8%

Educational Aides 834.6 8.2%

Campus Administrators 403.7 4%

Central Administrators 94 .9%

Beginning Teacher Salary (2010 — 2011)

$47,164

Avg. Experience of Teachers 10.6 Years

Avg. Experience with FWISD 8.3 Years

Student/Teacher Ratio 15.9:1

Grade Math Read/ELA Writing Science Soc.St.

Gr. 3 77 83 — — —

Gr. 4 82 75 84 — —

Gr. 5 79 81 — 81 —

Gr. 6 73 76 — — —

Gr. 7 67 76 88 — —

Gr. 8 65 81 — 63 91

Gr. 9 62 82 — — —

Gr. 10 65 87 — 65 90

Gr. 11 83 91 — 84 96

All Grades 74 83 86 74 93

OUR STUDENTS*

TRANSPORTATION

NUTRITION SERVICES

OUR EMPLOYEES*

TAKS ALL STUDENTS MET 2010 STANDARD*

* 2010-2011 Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS)

PARENT INVOLVEMENT HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS LOOKING AHEAD ON PURPOSE

3

LINES REDRAWNIn October, the Board of Trustees approved a new redistricting map

made up of nine single-member districts. The previous map had

eight single-member districts and one at-large position – that of the

board president. Under the new plan, the Board chooses a president

from among the nine trustees. The map was created after a series

of public hearings and input from a citizens advisory committee,

a demographer and the District’s legal counsel. The new District 9

takes in parts of the old Districts 1 and 8.

HISTORY MADE – TWICE!Trustee Juan Rangel became Fort Worth ISD’s first

Hispanic school board president following the

December resignation of President Ray Dickerson.

Major accomplishments under Mr. Rangel’s leadership

include the Board’s implementation of the new nine

single-member district map and the selection of Walter

Dansby as Fort Worth ISD Superintendent. Mr. Rangel

is the principal of JRE Fort Worth and has served on

numerous boards and committees. He now represents

District 9.

In May, trustees elected a new president: longtime

board member T.A. Sims. He became the first African-

American selected to the post. Sims is also a registered

pharmacist and president of Sims Enterprises. Also

in May, District 3 Representative Christene Moss was

chosen as vice president and District 5 Trustee Judy

Needham was named secretary.


4

NEW MEMBER WELCOMEDTrustees made room for one more on the dais with the

approval of Joe Ralph Martinez to represent District 8.

Martinez, a realtor, was selected to fill the remaining

year of an unexpired term.

OUR VISIONEducating for Life

OUR GOALS1. Student Achievement

2. Operational Efficiency and Effectiveness

3. Family Involvement and Community

Partnerships

Top row: Carlos Vasquez, District 1; Tobi Jackson, District

2; Joe Ralph Martinez, District 8; Ann Sutherland, District

6; Juan Rangel, District 9; Norman Robbins, District 7.

Bottom row: Christene C. Moss, Vice President, District

3; T.A. Sims, President, District 4; Judy G. Needham,

Secretary, District 5.

5


PARTNERSHIPSPLUS

6


Fort Worth ISD’s Parent and Public Engagement Department collaborated with

more than 400 partners – an increase of 20 percent from last year. Partnership

activities included Adopt-A-School, Chairs for Teaching Excellence and the

Campus and District Teacher of the Year Recognition Dinner. In this section,

we want to highlight some of the new partnerships, the exceptional growth in

programs and just what is possible when community partners work as a bigger

team with Singleness of Purpose.

7


BETSY PRICEFORT WORTH MAYOR

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE

“Educating our children takes more

than just schools. It requires parent

involvement and mentors. It requires

work in the classroom and at home.

It requires support from our

entire community.”

Mayor Betsy Price enthusiastically supports

Superintendent Dansby’s Singleness of Purpose

and is helping the District strategize for success.

Her own Steer FW Education Task Force began

meeting in fall 2011 with District officials to help

place community resources where they are needed

most. Mayor Price visits our schools, participates

in District events – evenings and weekends – and is

one of the most visible and vocal cheerleaders for

public education.

Mayor Price’s advice for keeping

on purpose:

“Never give up. It’s not the setbacks that define

us – it’s how we respond, get back on our feet and

push forward. I hope that I can help pass on this

important life lesson to our youth, because they will

soon take the baton from us and lead this city to

even greater heights.”

8


Mayor Betsy Price and

her grandson, Price

Carter, engrossed in

one of their favorite

and most important

activities: reading.

NPURPOSE

9


2,482 – A HEALTHY TURNOUT The Fort Worth ISD District Walk hit its

stride this year. Close to 2,500 people

turned out May 12 to walk a total of 4,251

miles. That’s a 215 percent participation

increase from the year before. The fitness

event is held at the athletic tracks of

every District high school, and every

high school track reported at least 100

participants. The Humana Foundation

donated $10,000 to pay for publicity,

bottled water, bus transportation,

promotional T-shirts and other incentives

– all to get the community stepping out

for better health.

TRAILBLAZING FOR FUN AND FITNESSU.S. Representative Kay Granger (R-TX) helped dedicate

a new fitness trail at M.L. Phillips Elementary

School, wrapping up the year-long FitKids project.

Wet weather forced the ribbon-cutting indoors, but

the trail was inviting even in the rain. Congresswoman

Granger, a graduate of Eastern Hills High School, has

been the Capitol Hill champion for FitKids, which is

funded through the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. FitKids was implemented by Fort Worth ISD

in partnership with Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

In all, six elementary school campuses in the District

received fitness trails as part of the partnership.10


DRIVEN TO ACHIEVEPerfect attendance was the requirement for entering the

“It’s Cool to Stay in School” contest sponsored by Score a Goal

in the Classroom. Eligible students drew a key from a basket.

One at a time, they pushed their key’s panic button, hoping it

would be the one that would set off the alarm of a 2012 Dodge

Challenger donated by Moritz of Fort Worth. When Diamond

Hill-Jarvis senior Jennifer Perez tried her key, the alarm blared,

the crowd cheered and Jennifer jumped for joy.

WORDS FOR WHEELSIt was Paschal senior Robyn Sims’ way with words that

won her a new Honda Civic LX in the first annual “Frank

Kent Honda Words for Wheels” essay contest. Frank Kent

Honda donated the car, and community-based credit union

EECU chipped in the cost of the tax, title and license.

The contest invited Fort Worth ISD graduating seniors to

answer – in 1,000 words or less – the question, “How do

I see myself in the future becoming an asset to the Fort

Worth community?” The contest was the brainchild of

Frank Kent owners and siblings Will Churchill and Corrie

Watson, both graduates of Fort Worth ISD.

Three finalists won prize packages that included $500

Visa gift cards, oil changes and window tinting from Frank

Kent Honda. In Robyn’s essay, she told how she planned

a nursing career to help women. “My ultimate goal is to

establish a non-profit awareness campaign… that will make

it known to women of all ages how to properly take care of

themselves, and, if pregnant, their unborn child.”

11


MATCH THIS!JPMorgan Chase created a buzz, brought together

individual donors and put money exactly where it was

needed in our classrooms. Through the online charity

organization DonorsChoose.org, District teachers

posted funding requests for specific projects – things

like books, technology and supplies. Interested donors

visited the website and found projects they wanted to

support. For several weeks, JPMorgan Chase and other

partners matched each individual donation up to $50.

It was all part of the “Tools for Classrooms” campaign

sponsored by JPMorgan Chase in collaboration with

Clear Channel Communities, which ran PSAs nationally

to drive donors to give.

Our teachers, staff and parents helped spread the word

through campus websites and on Facebook. Donations

to Fort Worth ISD totaled $1,800. Multiply that by two

– the JPMorgan Chase and partners’ match – and a

minimum of $3,600 went to District classrooms.

CREATIVE CONTESTSComerica Bank held a holiday-themed boot design

competition and gave $14,000 to four Fort Worth

ISD elementary schools: George C. Clarke, Lily B.

Clayton, E.M. Daggett and De Zavala. Local artists

competed in the Cowboys and Culture Holiday Boot

Design Contest. Students from the four schools

judged the entries with the assistance of Fort Worth

Mayor Betsy Price.

Target hit the mark with a project that inspired

student creativity and engaged families at the same

time. The “Winning Ideas” project called on teams

of students to write proposals for their own project

– something that would benefit students, emphasize

learning and involve families. The proposals

included how the teams would use a $500 gift from

Target to implement the projects. The winning

teams were from Bruce Shulkey Elementary, Versia

Williams Elementary, Daggett Montessori, Stripling

Middle and Paschal High School.

12


BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGSComerica Bank became one of the District’s newest

and biggest Adopt-A-School partners. The company

matched branch offices with 10 elementary schools:

Benbrook, Bonnie Brae, George C. Clarke, Lily B. Clayton,

Como, E.M. Daggett, De Zavala, M.L. Phillips, I.M. Terrell

and Woodway.

Xerox Corporation also became an Adopt-A-School

partner and promptly presented a $2,000 donation to

Harlean Beal Elementary School. The money will go to

the school’s Student Incentive Program to help buy

educational items, school supplies and uniforms.

Central Market sponsored for the first time the

Campus and District Teacher of the Year Recognition

Dinner. More than 400 teachers and guests attended

the celebration. Central Market presented checks

totaling $18,000 to the District Teacher of the Year

finalists. The two 2012 District Teachers of the Year

(elementary and secondary) were announced: Susan

Moore, South Hills Elementary School, and Tania White,

Dunbar High School. One week after the dinner, Central

Market surprised each teacher at her campus with

a cake and a check for $5,000.

TEAMING UP FOR BETTER NUTRITIONSuperintendent Walter Dansby welcomed a group of

young business leaders who want to make a difference

in the school lunch line. The group is Mayor Betsy

Price’s new Steer FW Education Task Force. For their

first project with Fort Worth ISD, the Task Force will

target student nutrition, which research shows strongly

affects performance. The group plans to pilot a lunch

menu in one of our elementary school cafeterias and

couple it with education in the classroom. The Task

Force also wants to engage parents in the project by

providing a take-home recipe book created by kids.

13


CARLO CAPUACO-OWNER Z’S CAFÉ, STEER FW EDUCATION TASK FORCE

WESTERN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE

“Whether learning a language, starting

a business or running a marathon, you

are going to run into walls. See them as

opportunities – to show you how badly

you want something.”

Carlo Capua fell in love with teaching and working

with students after graduating from Texas Christian

University. Seeking adventure, he taught English in

Japan for four years and in Mexico for three

years. He returned to Fort Worth eager to see his

family again and enjoy his mother’s great cooking.

Shortly afterward, he and his mom opened Z’s

Café. Now, as a member of Mayor Price’s Steer

FW Education Task Force, Carlo is combining his

love of good food with his passion for working

with students. The Education Task Force has made

student nutrition a priority and will work with Fort

Worth ISD cafeterias, students and families.

Carlo’s passion: “Nutritious foods. I believe they can improve

student achievement and behavior, can be both

economic and creatively rich and can be prepared

and presented in such a way that students will try

them and like them.”

14


14

Restaurant co-owner

Carlo Capua plans to

help District cafeterias

dish up healthy foods

that look good and taste

good, too.

NPURPOSE

15


UNITED FOR EDUCATIONUnited Way’s 2020 Bold Goal supported District students

of all ages. The Bold Goal, part of the “Learn Well:

The Education Initiative,” calls for 20 percent more on-

time graduations from United Way selected schools in

Tarrant County.

Because the path to graduation begins early, United Way

worked with District staff to implement the “Leveled

Literacy Initiative” at seven elementary schools.

The initiative’s small group-guided reading approach is

designed to keep students on grade level and on time.

United Way helped provide additional teaching time,

activities that promote parental involvement and access

to specialized reading resources. Collaboration with the

Target Foundation increased parent involvement and

supported professional development for reading teachers.

A partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Worth

provided summer reading programs to boost the reading

abilities of elementary students over the summer months.

United Way also supported the “Middle School Initiative,”

putting College and Career Readiness coaches at eight

District schools. The coaches assist students with goal

setting and career planning. The coaches also monitor

grades, attendance and behavior to identify struggling

students and intervene when needed.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters partnered with United

Way of Tarrant County and the Fort Worth ISD to expand

students’ perspectives on life after high school. The

“Beyond the School Walls” program was piloted in several

middle schools. At least once a month, approximately 25

students were transported from school to local businesses

for some on-the-job time with their mentors.

United Way also enabled GO Centers on the District’s

high school and middle school campuses to serve more

students than ever. A total of 8,455 students visited the

centers during the school year to learn about college and

career opportunities, college applications and financial

aid. The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce continued its

support of the GO Centers. The Chamber makes important

connections to business and university partners who help

staff the GO Centers.

United Way committed more than $1.2 million to the “Learn

Well: Education Initiative” at Fort Worth ISD for the 2012-13

school year.

16


EXCELLENCE REWARDEDFifteen Fort Worth ISD teachers were chosen as the

2011-2012 Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence.

Along with receiving the title and recognition, teachers

were awarded $5,000 honorariums paid for by these

generous partners: Chase, Crescent Real Estate,

Fort Worth Arts Education Partnership, Freese and

Nichols, Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson LLP.,

CLOSE-TO-HOME HEALTHCAREA fifth Fort Worth ISD/JPS Health Network school-

based health center opened to bring primary and

preventive care to more of our students and their

younger siblings. Southside Center is a collaborative

effort that also includes the South Central Alliance

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

(2 sponsorships), Molyneaux Foundation, Outreach

Communications, Patsy Luther Cantrell and Jan

Luther Johnson, Performing Arts Fort Worth,

Quicksilver Resources, RadioShack, Sewell Lexus

of Fort Worth and XTO Energy Inc.

of Churches and the Southside Church of Christ,

where the center is located.

During the 2011-2012 school year, the Southside Center

served more than 700 young patients.

17


PARTNERSHIP TAKES ROOTA tree planted in May formalized the growing educational partnership between Paschal

High School and Texas Christian University. The tree stands at the intersection of Bowie

Street and McCart Avenue, on the western edge of TCU. It can be seen from Paschal’s campus

one block away. TCU/Paschal projects covered a variety of subjects this year, including

English, science and math. Outside the classroom, Paschal’s Student Council worked with

TCU’s Student Government Association, and Paschal’s newly-formed dance company had the

opportunity to learn from TCU’s School of Classical & Contemporary Dance.

VISION OF CARINGMore than 1,700 Fort Worth ISD

students are seeing their futures – and

everything else – more clearly. Kids Vision for

Life, a partnership between the Essilor Vision

Foundation, the Alcon Foundation and the

Fort Worth ISD Health Services Department

(our school nurses), provided free vision

exams at 39 elementary campuses and at the

Kids Vision Fest event. The partnership also

provided free glasses for all the kids who

needed them – a value of $171,000.

18


PURE GOLD PARTNERSThese community partners gave generously to our

Gold Seal Programs of Choice and Schools of Choice:

Omni Fort Worth Hotel teamed up with South Hills

High School to provide an outstanding edge for

students interested in hospitality careers. Opportunities

include onsite visits, job shadowing, mentoring and

college scholarships. This takes the school’s Culinary

Arts Academy, a Gold Seal Program of Choice, to an

exciting new level. Omni’s mentoring program will

also benefit South Hills students in the AVID college

readiness program. The partnership kicked off with a

charity softball game that pitted Omni Fort Worth Hotel

employees against South Hills students and faculty.

South Hills served up the 11-10 win.

XTO Energy donated $25,000 to Paschal High School’s

Engineering Gold Seal Program of Choice. The company

said it was important to support a program that would

generate future engineers and possibly future XTO

employees. The funds will be used for a computer lab.

JPMorgan Chase Foundation stepped up to help the

District’s newest Gold Seal School of Choice get off to a

good start. Chase donated $50,000 to the Young Men’s

Leadership Academy, which opens in fall 2012.

19


TEACHING & LEARNING

TEACHING & LEARNING

20


Fort Worth ISD views the classroom as much more than a place for teachers to

deliver information. It’s where we engage young minds and inspire students to

learn, think critically and value the opportunities a good education affords.

That means teachers must have all the tools and resources they need for

excellence every day. This includes everything from a challenging and relevant

curriculum to continuous professional development to the up-to-date technology

that supports and expands teaching.

21


GOLD SEAL PROGRAMS OF CHOICE AND SCHOOLS OF CHOICEThis was the first year of one of the most

comprehensive redesigns of secondary school

education in the nation: Fort Worth ISD’s Gold

Seal Programs of Choice and Schools of Choice.

These courses of study engage students, support

their interests and open exciting pathways to success

in college and career. Every District high school and

some middle and elementary schools offer Programs

of Choice.

At the high school level, Gold Seal Programs include

everything from aviation technology to culinary arts

to digital gaming. Students receive rigorous, hands-

on learning, internships and opportunities to earn

certifications, licenses and even college credits while

still in high school. All of the programs are tied to core

instruction in math, science and English language arts.

The District held a Choices Expo in the Riley Center

of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The Expo featured all the opportunities available through

the Gold Seal Programs of Choice. During the event,

Michael Sorum, the District’s Deputy Superintendent for

Leadership, Learning and Student Support, hosted a live

taping of a roundtable discussion with middle school

students to answer their questions about the Gold Seal

Programs. Dr. Sharon Meng, Assistant Superintendent of

the District’s Department of Advanced, Accelerated

and Innovative Learning, hosted a second live taping

with students.

22


Early College High School

It’s no wonder word is quickly spreading about a

Gold Seal Program of Choice at Diamond Hill–Jarvis

High School. It’s Early College High School (ECHS), an

opportunity for students to graduate with 48 to 60

hours of transferrable college credit. That’s up to

two years of credit that could translate into an

associate’s degree – free of charge! Parents could save

$40,000 to $80,000 in college tuition, textbooks and

related expenses.

Classes are held at Marine Creek Collegiate High School

on the campus of Tarrant County College Northwest.

Here, students enjoy being part of a small, personalized

learning community in a program that is ideal for

first-generation college students and others under-

represented in college.

In the first year of ECHS, 51 students were in the

program. The program plans to add approximately 75

students every year.

23


24


Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences

The Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences (TABS),

a Gold Seal School of Choice, opened fall 2011. It was

a life-changing freshman year for dozens of students

interested in careers in healthcare science. A summer

program at the University of North Texas Health

Science Center (UNTHSC) and TABS Prep at Stripling

Middle School helped prepare students for their first

year at TABS.

Along with UNTHSC, The University of North Texas

and Tarrant County College Trinity River Campus

collaborated with the District to provide learning

environments and resources most students

don’t experience until college or even med school.

Students may earn up to two years of college credit,

thanks to an Early College High School component

of TABS.

“All three TABS partners played such an important role

in our experiences this year. They will continue to help

us plan and strategize and to invest time and resources

in our expansion and future success,” said TABS

Principal Troy Langston.

TABS highlights:

• In November, a delegation of women scientists

from the Middle East and North Africa visited TABS.

The group was in North Texas to study women’s

contributions to scientific innovation, education,

leadership and public policy formation.

• TABS freshman Salma Elkhaoudi ranked third in

a medical terminology competition sponsored

by Health Occupations Students of America. She

moves on to compete at the state level next

school year.

• UNTHSC employees contributed to a $2,000 grant

that will pay for volunteers to teach TABS students

about personal finance and professional ethics.

• Students earned white lab coats after completing

the Summer Bridge Program. During their first year

of TABS, they proudly wore the coats when special

guests visited their school.

• The UNTHSC wrote a grant on behalf of TABS and

received $50,000 from American Honda Motor

Corporation. The money will help buy advanced

scientific equipment.

• The Sid Richardson Foundation continued to

support TABS with an annual gift exceeding

$150,000 to enhance professional development and

student achievement.

25


MICHAEL SORUMFORT WORTH ISD DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT FOR

LEADERSHIP, LEARNING AND STUDENT SUPPORT

“Any child with a career interest or

passion can find a Gold Seal Program

of Choice to help develop it. And with

free transportation and no fees, every

student has the opportunity to pursue

his or her interests at Fort Worth ISD.”

Michael Sorum studied classical piano for 13 years.

He played clarinet in his school band and organ at

his church. And, as leader of the design team

that created the District’s Gold Seal Programs of

Choice, he made sure to include fine arts in the

offerings. The programs provide opportunities for

students to receive licensures, certifications, college

credits, advanced placement credits and an actual gold

seal on their diploma. The Gold Seal difference is the

power of choice. Want to play clarinet? There’s

a Gold Seal Program of Choice for that!

Deputy Superintendent Sorum says students can look forward to: “More choice! With our first class entering its

sophomore year, we are evaluating and refining

programs so that, before long, every student will be

able to take charge of their education, have more

choice and pursue what interests them.”

26


NPURPOSEMichael Sorum kids

around with a clarinet

but takes very seriously

the full fine arts

programs offered at

every Fort Worth ISD

high school.

27


TO THE STAAR AND BEYOND For the first time, students tackled the State of Texas

Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) End-of-

Course (EOC) and STAAR 3rd-8th grade exams. STAAR

replaced the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills

(TAKS) in 9th grade and below. And, as expected, STAAR

proved to be more rigorous than TAKS in several ways.

To help students and teachers make the transition,

STAAR EOC standards are being phased-in. The number

of questions that must be answered correctly will

gradually increase until 2016. But, even the first tests

had higher standards than the passing standards

for TAKS.

Here is how Fort Worth ISD high school students fared

on EOC exams:

• 9th graders who took the World Geography and

Algebra I tests achieved a Satisfactory or Advanced

level at a rate of 69 percent

• Accelerated 9th graders who took the Geometry

and Algebra II tests had 97 percent at or above the

current standard

• 9th graders who took the Biology test achieved a

Satisfactory or Advanced level at a rate of

80 percent

• 9th graders who took the English I test achieved

a Satisfactory or Advanced level at a rate of 45

percent in Reading and 25 percent in Writing

• Accelerated 9th graders who took the English II

test scored 95 percent in Reading and 82 percent

in Writing at or above the current standards

Middle school students enrolled in high school courses

for which there was an EOC assessment also took STAAR

EOC exams. Here are their results:

• 7th and 8th graders who took the Algebra I test

achieved a Satisfactory or Advanced level at a rate

of 97-99 percent

• 8th graders who took the English I test achieved

a Satisfactory or Advanced level for 86 percent

in English I Reading and 72 percent in

English I Writing

CONNECTED CLASSROOMSFort Worth ISD completed equipment upgrades that will

allow us to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for

Internet access in the classroom. With more than 2,200

access points installed, all schools now have wireless

network access.

28


AG BARN ADD-ONFort Worth ISD has always been proud of its

barn facility. Now, there’s even more to crow

about. We expanded the barn from 5,000 to

7,500 square feet. “We ran out of space for

our large animals,” said Cody Davenport, the

FFA advisor at Arlington Heights High School.

“The expansion allows us to open more space

for our student projects.” The barn is used by

Arlington Heights’ Future Farmers of America

chapter as well as students in the school’s

Agriculture and Horticulture Gold Seal Program

of Choice. The Gold Seal program gives students

a jumpstart on careers in veterinary medicine,

wildlife management, animal science research

and many other fields.

HONORABLE RETURNThe National Honor Society is back

where it belongs at Eastern Hills

High School. The school reactivated

its chapter during a traditional

candlelight induction ceremony

in April. A total of 28 juniors and

sophomores were inducted as

members, while 21 seniors received

honorary memberships. The National

Honor Society recognizes high

school students who demonstrate

excellence in scholarship, leadership,

service and character.

29


JOSE RAMON LOPEZ & JOSE LUIS LOPEZ TRIMBLE TECH HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2012

“Sure, we like to drive around, hang out

with friends and listen to music. But,

we keep our priorities straight. We do

our work first and play later.”

- Jose Luis Lopez

“Another thing we have in common is

families who push us. We have older

sisters who expect us to do well in

school. We have parents who expect us

to work hard.”

- Jose Ramon Lopez

They met in 9th grade and hit it off – even before

they realized they shared both a first and last name.

They remained friends throughout high school,

sharing other similarities, including:

• Favorite class – art

• Favorite food – wings

• Favorite sport – soccer

They’re also both good students looking forward to

college. That similarity, however, will send them on

their separate ways:

• Jose Ramon Lopez – Texas A&M University to

major in biology (plans a career in medicine)

• Jose Luis Lopez – Texas Wesleyan University to

study criminal law (wants to help end drug-

related violence in Mexico)

30


Jose Ramon Lopez (left)

and Jose Luis Lopez

(right) expect to stay

friends over the miles –

from College Station to

Cowtown.

NPURPOSE

31


ONE GOOD BOOK“The Big Read,” a program of the National Endowment

of Arts and led locally by Texas Wesleyan University,

was a big deal in the Fort Worth ISD. The February 29th

kick-off featured an all-star cast, including Fort Worth

Mayor Betsy Price, Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Walter

Dansby and Trimble Tech High School alum and star

of ABC’s “Body of Proof,” actor Windell Middlebrooks.

They each read passages from the selected book, John

Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.”

In addition to reading the book, students researched

the Great Depression, attended performances of

“The Grapes of Wrath: A Living Scrapbook,” performed

dramatic monologues, debated social and economic

issues, wrote persuasive essays and, at Paschal High

School, collected over 1,200 non-perishable food items

for the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

Although the novel’s setting is Depression-era

California, teachers said many students felt

“The Grapes of Wrath” helped them put personal,

family and economic problems they have seen and

experienced in perspective.

Our Secondary Literacy Department said, “‘The Big

Read’ allowed students to develop an appreciation

for ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ as a literary work, and to

understand how writers often use works like novels to

inform the general public about social issues and to

raise public consciousness about those same issues.”

32


SEEING BLUEFort Worth ISD’s Edward J. Briscoe Elementary School

learned in January that it was nominated for the

2012 Blue Ribbon Schools national award. Briscoe was

the only school in Tarrant County nominated for the

prestigious award, and one of 26 contenders statewide.

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public

and private elementary, middle and high schools

for academic excellence and progress in closing the

achievement gap.

Briscoe, under the direction of Principal Shawn

Buchanan, was nominated in the Improving Schools

category. Briscoe received an Academically

Unacceptable rating by the state in 2008 and 2009, but

improved to Recognized status the past two years.

“Our teachers and staff make sure students and

parents know the high expectations we have here.

We understand there are often challenges at home,”

says Principal Buchanan. “But at Briscoe, students

can take pride in doing their best every day.”

Blue Ribbon honors have gone to three other Fort Worth

ISD elementary schools in past years: Glen Park, Rufino

Mendoza and Tanglewood.

33


SHAWN BUCHANAN EDWARD J. BRISCOE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL/

LEARNING NETWORK DIRECTOR

O.D. WYATT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE

“I have always believed that elementary

teachers and principals are in a unique

position to make a difference in a child’s

life. We have a responsibility to ignite a

love of learning that will last a lifetime.”

Shawn Buchanan was “teaching” at age five.

During the summer, neighborhood children

would come to Shawn’s house to play school.

Her grandmother made lunch. Her grandfather built

little desks for all the children. Shawn’s mother, a

librarian for the city of Fort Worth, supplied the books.

Shawn knew then she would be a teacher one day.

Indeed, she taught at both the elementary and

secondary level before becoming an assistant principal

and then a principal.

Principal Buchanan calls this an exciting time to be a Fort Worth ISD student because: “All of us at the District are working hard and working

together for your success. School has never been

more engaging, more relevant or more geared toward

equipping students for college and the workplace.”

34


NPURPOSEPrincipal Shawn

Buchanan, the daughter

of a librarian, considers

books an open door

to “lifelong joy

and adventure.”

35


MORNING MEAL MATTERSFort Worth ISD’s “Kick-Start with Breakfast”

program is more than doubling in size each

year. The pilot program began in 2009-2010

with four schools. The next year it grew to

13 schools. In 2011-2012, 26 schools provided

early morning nutrition in the classroom,

including breakfast pizza bagels, breakfast

burritos and pancake sausages-on-a-stick.

Studies show that eating breakfast can help

test scores and help students pay attention

in class and behave better.

LEADING BY EXAMPLERosemont Middle School students got a real-life

lesson in what it means to serve one’s country.

Janice Sharp, a 7th grade science teacher, re-

enlisted in the Navy Reserve. And, she did it at

school. The science teacher and mother of four

children is a Quarter Master in the U.S. Navy

Reserve. Her husband is also a reservist in the Navy.

In January, in front of students, faculty and staff,

QM2 Janice Sharp raised her hand and promised to

defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign

and domestic. This enlistment is her final one in

completing her service. Her active duty service

began in 1997 aboard the USS Nicholson, a destroyer

out of Norfolk, Virginia. She began her career in the

Fort Worth ISD in 2008.

36


A LESSON IN DETERMINATIONWhen Paschal High School senior Michael Batts crossed

the stage May 31, 2012, at TCU’s Daniel Meyer Coliseum,

cheers and applause erupted. Some 18 months earlier,

he lay unconscious in the hospital with a broken pelvis,

broken ribs and a severe head injury suffered in a

car crash.

Before Michael’s accident in November 2010, he was

ranked 10th in his class. He played saxophone in the

marching band, sang in the choir and worked on the

school newspaper. After the crash, he had to relearn

everything – even walking and talking.

Michael’s recovery, though not complete, has been

remarkable. Even after missing five months of school,

he graduated on time and in the top 10 percent of his

class. He will continue his rehabilitation while attending

Tarrant County College in the fall. He plans to major

in speech language pathology and become a speech

therapist to help others who have suffered

brain injuries.

Michael has a more immediate goal, too. “I want

to be driving by the end of summer,” he says

matter-of-factly. That will take more rehab, more

recovery and something Michael has no shortage of:

extreme determination.

37


BUDGETING & BUILDING

38


We cannot avoid mentioning the state funding crisis and its impact on our

District – a projected $41 million shortfall this year alone. The situation

called for unprecedented Singleness of Purpose. For months, every Cabinet

and Executive Staff meeting included budget discussions. In May, District

administrators from every division and department worked together for long

hours reviewing each school’s master schedule to ensure efficiencies and

meet student needs. We developed a plan that we believe will best serve our

instructional needs, our District’s fiscal future and, most importantly,

our students.

We also celebrated. We began the school year with four more new schools as the

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) began winding down. All of the projects

that were part of the original 2007 bond program approved by voters were

completed on time and under budget. The savings allowed for additional CIP

work, including extra renovations at all schools, track resurfacing at secondary

schools and a new culinary lab at North Side High School.

39


EARLY NOTIFICATIONThe state budget shortfall meant spending had to

be cut. Since 85 percent of the District’s budget is

personnel cost, staffing had to be a large part

of reductions.

“One of the most effective ways to cut personnel

costs is by attrition,” said Superintendent Walter

Dansby. “And, the ability to plan around the number of

employees who will resign or retire at the end of this

school year gives us a real head start in saving the

District both money and jobs.”

With that in mind, the Fort Worth ISD Board of

Education and District Administration offered an early

notification incentive payment to employees who

planned to resign or retire at the end of the school

year. The payment – up to 10 percent of an employee’s

annual salary – rewarded individuals for their time

spent with Fort Worth ISD. It also minimized the

number of layoffs needed for the next year. Various

stakeholders approved the early notification incentive,

including the United Educators Association.

STAFFING RATIOSCabinet, Executive Staff and District administrators

diligently reviewed staffing ratios at every school

and considered various reorganization possibilities.

This was to maximize how we utilize existing faculty

and minimize the number of teachers we hire from

the outside. In the end, we laid off fewer than 100

employees and decided to eliminate another 129 jobs

already vacant. Most of those affected immediately

were library clerks and teacher assistants. We did not

lay off any Fort Worth ISD teachers.

ONLINE COURSE REQUESTScheduling classes in the Fort Worth ISD got a lot

more convenient with Online Course Request. For the

first time, students and parents were able to go to the

District website, review the course catalog and create a

tentative schedule.

Our Human Capital Management Department worked

with those who lost their jobs to provide support,

including giving them access to a June job fair

designed to help recent Fort Worth ISD graduates

and seniors.

Over the past two years, the District eliminated 113

central office positions and 251 campus positions from

the payroll.

Online Course Request helped the District, too.

Students’ course requests gave us the data we needed

to begin closely examining staffing ratios at our

schools and determining the most efficient use

of resources.

40


CONSISTENT BELL SCHEDULESIn February, we adopted common bell schedules for our

traditional high schools and middle schools. Beginning

next fall, all of the District’s traditional high schools will

use a seven-period bell schedule. All middle schools will

operate under a 5x5 block schedule.

“This will eliminate the inconsistent schedules that

have created unnecessary obstacles for our students

and teachers,” said Robert Ray, Fort Worth ISD Deputy

Superintendent for Program Efficiency, Effectiveness

and Sustainability. “And, the changes will dramatically

increase the number of hours of instruction.”

At the high school level, the seven-period bell schedule

will deliver:

• The equivalent of an additional 5.6 weeks of

increased instructional time in core subjects

(compared to the 8-period model)

• More opportunities for teachers to meet with

students weekly (compared to the A/B

block model)

• More efficient use of staffing

At the middle school level, the 5x5 block schedule

will provide:

• The equivalent of eight weeks of additional

instruction time in key content areas

• More minutes of class time within each

instructional period

• A lower student to teacher ratio class size

The 5x5 schedule will still allow for multiple electives.

The District will monitor the bell schedule changes and

continually assess their effectiveness.

41


RIGHT ON THE MONEYOur financial management practices earned a Superior Achievement

rating from the Texas Education Agency’s Financial Integrity Rating

System of Texas. Our Accounting Department also picked up Certificates

of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association for School

Business Officials International and the Government Finance Officers

Association. This was the 26th consecutive year for both awards.

GRANT FUNDINGThe District was awarded more than

$73 million in discretionary grant

funding – far exceeding the goal of

$40 million. More than $1 million in

entitlements was received. Grant

funding makes up approximately 28

percent of the District’s operating

budget. District schools, meanwhile,

received nearly $250,000 in gifts

from private sources for use at the

campus level.

Grant highlights include:

Target Foundation - $125,000 for Early Literacy

JPMorgan Chase Foundation - $50,000 for the Young

Men’s Leadership Academy

United Way - $460,000 for Literacy, $730,164 for the

Middle School Initiative

Humana Foundation - $10,000 for the District Walk

AT&T Foundation - $100,000 for College Readiness and

Dropout Prevention

21st Century Community Schools - $4.8 million for 40

schools to support after-school programming

District Award for Teaching Excellence - $1.7 million

to support teacher evaluations, rewards and incentives

Sid Richardson Foundation - $200,000 for the District

curriculum audit and $155,000 for Texas Academy of

Biomedical Sciences campus support

42


EVERYBODY RISE!Fort Worth ISD combined federal and state funds to create the Redesign

to Increase Schools of Excellence (RISE) initiative. RISE will help all

students by:

• Finding new ways to teach and lead

• Creating fair teacher evaluations that help everyone

perform better

• Rewarding educators for performance

In its first year at 25 campuses, RISE:

• Regularly brought teachers and administrators together

for open dialogue about improving teaching practices

• Provided teachers with current, needs-based

professional development

• Provided on-the-job professional development to campus

leadership facilitated by external experts

• Piloted compensation based on both teacher and

student performance

• Engaged school communities in new ways, including Parent

Learning Walks

The funds that make RISE possible:

• Teacher Incentive Fund

• Texas Title I Priority Schools Grant Program

• Texas Turnaround Leadership Academy

RISE campuses:

• Como ES

• Daggett MS

• Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS

• Dunbar HS

• Dunbar MS

• Dunbar 6th

• Eastern Hills HS

• Forest Oak MS

• Glencrest 6th

• Handley MS

• International Newcomer Academy

• Kirkpatrick MS

• Meadowbrook MS

• Mitchell Blvd ES

• Morningside ES

• North Side HS

• Oaklawn ES

• A.M. Pate ES

• Polytechnic HS

• T.A. Sims ES

• South Hills HS

• Sunrise-McMillan ES

• W.J. Turner ES

• Versia Williams ES

• O.D. Wyatt HS

43


43

“RISE will make a difference for so many

students. Things like the use of data to

pinpoint weaknesses and strengths,

career day and college day events,

and student goal-setting can make

academic success and college seem real

and attainable.”

Elida Gonzalez became a withdrawn 14-year-old when

her father passed away and her family moved to a new

city. Her parents had always stressed the importance

of a good education, but Elida’s world was turned

upside down. She credits the Upward Bound program

that she joined in high school with helping her fulfill

her parents’ wishes for her to go to college. As part

of the program, she went to classes at Texas Christian

University on Saturdays and in the summer. By her

senior year, she was taking college level courses.

The timid teen turned into a confident leader – and

lifelong learner. She is now working toward her

doctorate and Superintendent Certification.

Principal Gonzalez’s advice to students of all ages:“Believe you can achieve your goal. If you believe it,

you can do it.”

ELIDA GONZALEZW.J. TURNER ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

NORTH SIDE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE

44


NPURPOSE

Elida Gonzalez

treasures the Upward

Bound Perseverance

trophy she was

awarded at North

Side High School. It

reminds her - as a

RISE school principal

– of the power of good

programs and people in

a child’s life.

45


FOUR MORE SCHOOLSFour brand new Fort Worth ISD

schools welcomed students and their

parents on the first day of school:

Rosemont Elementary, John T. White

Elementary, Benbrook Middle and

Jean McClung Middle. A total of five

schools were built as part of the

2007 Capital Improvement Program

(CIP) and brought in under budget

and on time. The first, Hazel Harvey

Peace Elementary, opened August

2010. Beautiful, high-performing and

sustainable – these schools were

designed to serve students, conserve

natural resources and fit seamlessly

into the fabric of their neighborhoods.

46


A PROMISE DELIVEREDFour years after voters approved the $593.6 million

CIP, Walter Dansby (then Interim Superintendent)

reported on its success at a special meeting. It was the

Combined Area Council Memberships of the Fort Worth

Chamber of Commerce, a group whose support helped

significantly in the passage of the bond program.

The meeting was held at McClung Middle School, one

of the new schools built by the CIP.

Mr. Dansby treated all those in attendance to a short

video, “Straight to the Classroom: A Promise Delivered.”

The video highlighted each of the new schools,

the money-saving geothermal HVAC systems, the

sustainable construction strategies and the District’s

commitment to transparency in all phases of the

massive construction and renovation effort.

COMMUNITY CONSIDERATIONSOne of the great successes of the CIP was its

utilization of not only large firms for construction-

related projects, but also smaller and emerging

companies. This effort was recognized by the

1,200-member Regional Hispanic Contractors

Association, which honored the CIP with the group’s

5th Annual Pillars Public Entity Award. The award is

given each year to a public organization that has

significantly impacted the construction industry in

the Dallas-Fort Worth area while displaying leadership,

innovation and diversity in the administration and

management of its projects.

47


SAFETY & SUPPORT

48


The definition of school safety is always changing. Fort Worth ISD continually

strives to stay up-to-date and even ahead of the changes. This year saw the

implementation of the It’s Not Okay anti-bullying and the Know The Plan

preparedness initiatives. Though both are designed to keep kids safe at school,

they also involve families and even the entire community. Everyone has a role –

whether it’s modeling respectful behavior or knowing what to do in the case of

an emergency.

49


INOKThe Fort Worth ISD’s anti-bullying efforts attracted

national attention and earned community support

as the District launched the comprehensive It’s Not

Okay (INOK) initiative. INOK encourages everyone to

speak out and stand up for any person or group that

is bullied, harassed or discriminated against. INOK

directly empowers students by creating INOK Student

Organizations on campuses that determine topics of

discussion and hold INOK-related activities.

Exemplary Award

The School Safety Advocacy Council awarded

INOK the National Exemplary Program Recognition Award.

Award winners were selected using a rigorous rubric. INOK

was praised for its student-driven model which specifically

addresses school climate and needs. The panel judging the

awards included representatives from law enforcement,

education, and parent and community groups.

“It’s overwhelming – the response INOK is getting,”

said Kathryn Everest, Fort Worth ISD Director of Guidance

and Counseling. “Despite the prevalent negative social

norms, kids really do want a kinder, more respectful

environment.”

50


Stripling Middle School Principal Keri Flores and others

from her school went to Orlando, Florida, to receive

the award. Stripling implemented several anti-bullying

activities that brought local and national attention

to INOK.

Implementation

We decided to launch the INOK initiative in stages to

better serve all audiences. We expanded our effort at

the elementary level and engaged the community. INOK

asked our youth to support, lead, develop and sanction

social norms that promote respect and integrity for all

people. Students were encouraged to team up to find

ways to spread the INOK message – programs and projects

“by kids for kids.” They responded enthusiastically on all

elementary campuses. Student-driven activities included:

• Cesar Chavez – Students created an anti-

cheating video

• Manuel Jara – Teachers recognized Kindness Kid of

the Week in each classroom, presenting deserving

students with certificates and opportunities to win

a bicycle

• T.A. Sims – A weeklong campaign, Bully Free Starts

with Me - It’s Cool to Care, included a daily theme and

a video created by students

• South Hills – Students created videos on INOK topics

relevant to their classmates

• Sunrise-McMillan – Students participated in a poster

contest, signed pledge cards and attended an

assembly with INOK-related skits

More INOK highlights:

• The community-wide INOK launch included Fort Worth

Mayor Betsy Price, Police Chief Jeffrey Halstead,

City Councilmember Joel Burns and several Fort

Worth ISD Trustees

• We introduced a comprehensive INOK manual that

explains the initiative and the roles educators,

students, parents and the community can play in

creating safe, respectful environments for everyone

• We expanded the INOK poster campaign on both

elementary and secondary campuses to include the

topic of violence

• INOK trainings were held for Fort Worth City

Parks and Recreation personnel and several After

School providers

• The Texas Counseling Association honored the

Fort Worth ISD as an “Outstanding Institution for

Promoting Advocacy” in connection with the

INOK initiative

• The Amon G. Carter Foundation gave $30,000 to

support training and materials

51


KNOW THE PLANWebsite Launched

If you know the plan, you know what to do! That’s the

simple message behind the “Know The Plan” website

(www.fwisd.org/plan) launched this year by the District.

“Know The Plan” is the name given to Fort Worth ISD’s

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) for dealing with

unexpected emergencies. Being prepared and knowing

what to do can reduce fear, anxiety and losses that

accompany local events and widespread disasters.

Our EOP was developed using best security practices

and the cooperation of local government. The plan

covers the four phases of emergency management:

Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery.

The “Know The Plan” website has valuable information

for each phase. The information is directed to staff,

students and families – because everyone has a role in

emergency response.

Plan Put in Practice

The Fort Worth ISD, in conjunction with the City of Fort

Worth, practiced its EOP with a large-scale emergency

drill in May. The drill was carried out at Kirkpatrick

Middle School and Kirkpatrick Elementary School.

The general scenario of this drill assumed there was

a hazardous materials incident in the vicinity of both

schools requiring campus administrators to implement

a “Shelter in Place” response. One school was

evacuated to another District location, which involved

bringing in school buses for the transfer. Meanwhile,

the second school tested procedures while remaining at

the campus. The EOP was developed under a Readiness

and Emergency Management in Schools grant received

by the District two years ago.

52


52

COUNSELING AT ITS BESTThe Texas School Counselor Association honored four

Fort Worth ISD schools with the Counselors Reinforcing

Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award. The

schools are Polytechnic High School, South Hills High

School, Wedgwood Middle School and Washington

Heights Elementary School. CREST recognizes

counseling programs that improve the

lives and achievement of students by utilizing

counseling strategies focused on data and

accountability measures.

TEACHER SUPPORTAccording to the 2012 Fort Worth ISD Teacher Survey,

most of our teachers believe they are supported by

colleagues. They also say they are happier with campus

leadership. However, many feel there is a lack of

accountability for teacher performance.

The District’s Department of Accountability and Data

Quality administered the survey. More than half – 53

percent – of teachers responded. Superintendent

Dansby prominently shared the results of the survey on

the District website to let teachers know their feedback

was heard and valued.

Overall, teachers also reported:

• Collaboration with colleagues

• Confidence in delivery of instruction, use of data

and classroom effectiveness

• Commitment to student success 53


PARENT INVOLVEMENT

54


We know it’s vital for parents to be involved in their child’s education. We also

know just how busy parents are these days. So, as well as finding more effective

ways to engage parents, we looked for more convenient ways, too. Among other

things, we took full advantage of social media (have you seen our Facebook page

lately?), energized school websites and gave parents an online tool for checking

grades and attendance. It was all geared toward empowering our most important

partners in student success.

55


PARENTS STAY CONNECTEDTo moms and dads, Fort Worth ISD’s Parent Portal is

the next best thing to being in the classroom with

their students. Attendance records, grades and teacher

contacts are only a click away with the impressive

online tool. Parents are also able to set alerts to

receive automatic emails if a student’s attendance or

grades fall below specified criteria.

As promised, the District put Parent Portal in every

school this year. By the end of April 2012, roughly

17,800 parents had signed up.

Parent Portal empowers parents and enlists them as

allies in the education of their children. Superintendent

Walter Dansby says the District-wide implementation

of Parent Portal supports the District’s top priority –

improved academics – and he encouraged both parents

and teachers to participate wholeheartedly.

To help parents logging on for the first time, the

District posted an instructional video on www.fwisd.org,

and schools held events where parents could stop by

and learn more.

56


LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTSFamily Academy made its debut

this year in two communities.

Parents learned all about

communicating and partnering with

teachers, participating in school

events and helping their children

at home.

The District also held Camp Pre-K, a

transition camp for pre-kindergarten

kids and their parents or guardians.

The camp gave the adults strategies

to use at home during the summer

to ready their children for their first

academic experience.

57


57

SUZAN KHANPARENT AND SCHOOL VOLUNTEER

“Education is a gateway to success, to

moving forward, to making a difference,

to understanding, to communicating, to

becoming more productive and to lifting

up your lives and the lives of others.”

Suzan Khan has always followed her heart. As a

young woman, she traveled from Jordan to the United

States for what was supposed to be a month-long

visit with relatives. Instead, she stayed, married, had

children and settled into Fort Worth. Once her children

entered Bruce Shulkey Elementary, her heart told

her to be as involved as possible in their education.

She joined the PTA and began volunteering at school.

She shelves library books, reads to children, helps

them use the library computers, works PTA fundraisers

and chaperones field trips. She also stays connected

through Parent Portal, the online tool for parents.

“I can follow my children’s achievements from my

home,” says Suzan. “Every day I check it!”

Suzan’s advice to other parents:“Volunteer as much as possible at your children’s

school. It is one way to show your love for them, and

love is what our children want most from us.”

58


Suzan Khan takes to

heart the education

of her two children,

Mahmoud and Nancy.

NPURPOSE

59


CAMPUS SITES SOARCampus website visits were up an astounding 91 percent

this year — 7,182,315 page views for 2011-2012 compared

to 3,751,670 for 2010-2011. These sites quickly became

one of the most important District tools for parent,

student and public engagement.

Fresh, reliable information is what kept people visiting.

Credit goes to the hard-working Campus Web Managers

who populated and updated campus sites every day.

The Fort Worth ISD Communications team encouraged

growth by consistently providing ready-to-use District

stories and videos. The Communications team also

hosted trainings and work sessions throughout the

school year to help Campus Web Managers take

ownership of the websites and the opportunities

they provide.

And the Webby Award Goes To ...

It may not be the Oscar, but the Webby quickly became

a coveted honor and an effective incentive for keeping

campus websites up-to-date and engaging. Each week,

a “Campus Website of the Week” was named based

on overall look, quality, timeliness and organization

of information. These standout sites then became

finalists for the Webby, which was presented monthly.

60


NOT JUST ABOUT NUMBERSThe District’s social media presence and usage was

stronger than ever. But this year, we challenged

ourselves to do more than just increase our Facebook

and Twitter following. We focused on building

relationships. With customer service a priority, we:

• Responded to postings quickly and in more

personal ways

• Shared information, photographs and videos

• Used Facebook and Twitter to push audiences

to websites and pages established to address

important issues and changes

• Listened

While our numbers grew by thousands, the most

rewarding pay-offs were the conversations that

transpired. They made our Fort Worth Facebook and

Twitter audiences feel more like real communities –

celebrating successes, sharing sadness, taking ownership

and working together to help our students achieve.

61


HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS

62


Scholarships were won. Records were broken. High notes were hit. Our students

studied, trained and practiced their hearts out. And they shined – in all arenas.

We want to share with you some of the very top accomplishments.

63


JULIA ANDERSONPASCHAL HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2012

“I’m really grateful that I have the ability

and the opportunity to train as hard

as I do. So, I try to make every practice

count. I am continually inspired by my

competitors and teammates.”

Julia Anderson isn’t just a good swimmer – she’s

in an elite class with dozens of medals to show for it.

Her top wins and titles include:

• 2012 UIL Swimmer of the Year at the State Finals

• Gold medals at the 2011 FINA World Junior

Swimming Championships, 400 and 800-meter

freestyle relays (and set a record!)

• 2010, 2011, 2012 UIL 5A State Champion,

200-yard freestyle

Julia, a Superintendent Scholar, also made the

semifinals in the 200-meter freestyle event at the U.S.

Olympic Swimming Trials. Although she didn’t make

the finals, her training will continue. She will swim for

Stanford University starting this fall.

Julia’s advice to students who want to excel in academics, sports or the arts: “First, manage your time. It will mean making some hard

choices. But, once you start seeing results, you’ll be

motivated to study and train as much as it takes.”64


You can expect Julia

Anderson to add to her

haul of “heavy medal”

when she hits the water

with the Stanford

University swim team

this fall.

NPURPOSE

65


ACADEMIC ELITEFort Worth ISD honored 158 students as Superintendent

Scholars – a 45 percent increase from the previous year.

Superintendent Scholars are selected on the basis of

membership in the National Merit, National Hispanic

and the National Achievement programs as Advanced

Placement Scholars. Some recognized students hold honors

in more than one of these programs.

CASH FOR COLLEGE868 scholarships were awarded to Fort Worth ISD

students. Scholarship offers totaled $30.8 million

dollars. Among them:

National Merit Scholarships

Two Fort Worth ISD students won National Merit

Scholarship Corporation $2,500 scholarships:

• Max Brozynski – Paschal High School

• Charles Jang – Paschal High School

Two District students won corporate-sponsored Merit

Scholarships:

• Alexander Hulen – Paschal High School

• Andrew Nguyen – Paschal High School

Five students won National Merit Scholarships financed

by colleges and universities:

• Jacob Curtis – Arlington Heights High School

• Alexander Keller – Paschal High School

• William Lyles – Paschal High School

• Emily Meigs – Paschal High School

• Avinash Murugan – Paschal High School

Chesapeake Scholars

Seven Fort Worth ISD graduates received Chesapeake

Scholarship awards, each worth up to $56,000. The best

part – each award is renewable for up to four years for a

potential total of $224,000. The recipients are:

• Christian Castaneda – Polytechnic High School

• Alexis Cotton – Southwest High School

• Raul Dominguez – South Hills High School

• Elizabeth Ellis – Paschal High School

• Aurora Perez – South Hills High School

• Tilija Stanojevic – Paschal High School

• Veronica Valles – Paschal High School

66


2012 DELL SCHOLARSHIPSFour students in the Advancement Via Individual

Determination (AVID) program earned these

$20,000 scholarships:

• Maya Gutierrez – Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School

• Reagan Harris – Trimble Tech High School

• Martin Lara – Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School

• Justine Parker – Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School

COLLEGE READINESSAdvanced Placement qualifying scores and

participation increased this school year by 10 percent.

SAT participation also increased by 10 percent.

More and more students are racking up college credits

while still in high school. In 2011-2012, 370 students

enrolled in dual credit courses - compared to 43

students in 2007-2008.

WORLD LANGUAGE WINSWilliam James Middle School won 1st place at the

Texas State Junior Classical League Competition.

Paschal High School students scored in the top 40

places out of 1,600 competitors in the North American

Computational Linguistics Olympiad.

Paschal High School and William James Middle School

students took gold, silver and bronze medals on the

National Latin Exam.

UIL ACADEMICSNine students represented Fort Worth ISD at the UIL

State Academic Meet in Austin. Paschal High School

senior Charles Jang won 1st place in Biology.

STATE CHAMPSThree Paschal students claimed championships at the

Texas Math and Science Coaches Association State Meet:

• Alex Hulen – 12th Grade Science

• Matthew Roberts – 12th Grade Math

• Dominic Yurk – Physics

67


SKILLSUSA Fort Worth ISD’s winning tradition at SkillsUSA

continued. Students in Southwest High School’s

Broadcast Journalism/Media Technology Gold Seal

Program of Choice took second place at the SkillsUSA

national competition in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Broadcast News Production team of Alejandra

Arreguin, Lisa Le, Joey McReynolds and Judith Rios

had taken first place at the SkillsUSA Texas state

contest. These four students are part of the District’s

Advanced Media Program (AMP), which broadcasts live

newscasts two days a week. An AMP newscast on the

topic of school funding received the highest score of

any news broadcast at the state competition, earning a

Superior rating.

Southwest High School students also won 1st place

awards at the state UIL contest. Joey McReynolds

and Brittany Polonio took top prizes in the Feature

Story category.

68


CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTSDunbar High School students earned the right

to compete in the World Championship Robotics

Competition in St. Louis, Missouri.

Paschal High School students in Family, Career and

Community of Leaders of America advanced to the

national competition in Orlando, Florida, after taking

top honors at state.

RIGHT ON TARGETThe Western Hills High School Air Force JROTC rifle team set a national record in

three-position air rifle competition. It happened in March at the JROTC National

Championship. Cadets Katelynn Law, Lara Lindberg, Alexander Maberry and

Tommy San placed 8th overall, competing against teams from all branches of

the military. This was the first time an Air Force team finished in the top ten.

Trimble Tech High School seniors Alex Aguirre and

Michael Menchaca won first place at the Health

Occupations Student Association state competition in

the Emergency Medical Technician division.

Carter-Riverside High School student Leo Rivera

qualified to compete at the state Business Professionals

of America competition. It was the second year in a row

he qualified for state in Payroll Accounting.

69


A+ ATHLETESThe Western Hills High School boys and girls

swim teams made a splash with the National

Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA).

NISCA recognized both teams based on their average

cumulative GPAs. The girls received the Gold Award with

a team GPA of 3.66. The boys received the Silver Award

with a GPA of 3.52.

Individual Western Hills swimmers scored

academically, too:

• Sara Blackwell – All-American

• Justin Barnett, Mariel Honarmand and Sydney

Taylor – All-State

A FIRST FOR FORT WORTH ISDBlake Thomas, a senior at Trimble Tech High School,

won the National Interscholastic Athletic

Administrators Association Texas state boys’

scholarship. The scholarship recognizes student

athletes’ outstanding scholastic, leadership and

sportsmanship qualities.

TO STATE AND BEYONDSwimming/Diving

• Kent Grimes, Western Hills High School

– All-State Swim Team, 100 Backstroke

Track & Field

• Southwest High School Boys Team

– Gold medal, 4x100-meter relay

• Southwest High School Boys Team

– Silver medal, 4x200-meter relay

• Robbie Rhodes, Southwest High School

- Gold medal, 200-meter dash

Golf

• Elena Cervantes, Arlington Heights High School

Wrestling

• Stephanie Ayala, Paschal High School

• Betty Ordorica, Trimble Tech High School

• Daniel Turner, Arlington Heights High School

Football

• Wesley Harris, quarterback, Southwest High School

– completed 20 or 30 passes for 562 yards and

9 touchdowns, tied state single-game record

• Robbie Rhodes, receiver, Southwest High School –

8 receiving touchdowns tied a single-game

national record set in 1998; 394 yards set a single-

game state record

70


70

MIDDLE SCHOOL STARSBasketball

• Girls – Wedgwood

• Boys – Handley

Football

• Meadowbrook

PLAYING IT SAFEThe District’s partnership with JPS Health Network

came through again for students wanting to

participate in interscholastic sports. 1,317 middle school

students and 1,197 high school students received free

comprehensive physical exams – a value of more

than $75,000.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS Approximately 400 Fort Worth ISD students, ages 8-22,

participated in Special Olympics events, including

bowling, basketball and track and field. Our students

scored big wins in May at the Texas Special Olympics

Summer Games held at the University of Texas at

Arlington, taking home 11 first place medals.

Future Stars Day gave 175 special education athletes,

ages 2-7, the opportunity to showcase their motor skills.

There was also a lot of teen spirit at the event, which

is held each year at Arlington Heights High School.

Dozens of Yellow Jackets volunteered, keeping young

competitors on schedule and cheering them on.

Track

• Girls – W.P. McLean

• Boys – Meadowbrook

Volleyball

• W.A. Meacham

71


INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC• 13 band and orchestra students were named

to the Texas Music Educators Association

All-State Ensembles.

• Mariachi groups from North Side High School

and Polytechnic High School advanced to the

Texas State High School Mariachi Competition.

North Side placed 4th in the 4A contest. Poly

placed 3rd in 3A.

• 15 orchestras and 8 bands received

Sweepstakes – a Division I in UIL Concert

and Sightreading Contest.

• 82 students advanced to the UIL Texas State

Solo and Ensemble Contest.

CHORAL MUSIC• W.P. McLean and Monnig Middle Schools received

Sweepstakes – a Division I in UIL Concert and

Sightreading Contest.

• 90 students advanced to the Texas State Solo and

Ensemble Contest.

• The Paschal High School choir sang at a benefit in

April with the rock band Foreigner.

THEATER AND DANCE• Trimble Tech High School was one of 10 high

schools in the nation chosen to participate in NBC’s

“SMASH” Make a Musical program. As part of this

opportunity, Trimble Tech presented “Schoolhouse

Rocks Live! Jr.” in May to rave reviews.

• For the third consecutive year, the Fort Worth ISD

Theatre Department teamed up with Stage West

“Festival of the Kid.” District high school and

middle school students worked side-by-side with

seasoned directors, designers and actors.

• Theatre Arts grew dramatically! Six middle schools

added Theatre Arts programs: Applied Learning

Academy, Benbrook, Daggett Montessori, Forest

Oak, Glencrest 6th, and Jean McClung.

72


ART EDUCATION• Art work created by Noah Esquivel (5th grade,

Luella Merrett Elementary) and Isabelle Sanchez

(kindergarten, Alice Carlson ALC) flashed across the

Big Screen Plaza in New York’s Times Square in March.

The National Art Education Association selected these

pieces to run during the organization’s

annual convention.

• More than 350 art students participated in the Main

Street Arts Festival, earning a record $8,700.

• There were more than 150 student entries in the 2012

Mayfest Arts Festival.

• Four students won awards at the Youth Art Month

State Competition sponsored by the Texas Art

Education Association. A mixed media piece by

Kirkpatrick Middle School student Viviana Vanzzini was

selected for the “Governor’s Top 10” artworks.

• District students had 21 winning works of art at the

State Visual Arts Scholastic Event.

MILLIONTH CHILDUsually it’s the performers who steal the show at

the Bass Performance Hall. But on March 7, it was a

visiting first grader. Elizabeth Martinez, a student at

Washington Heights Elementary School, became the

millionth child to attend a free, live performance as

part of Bass Hall’s Children’s Education Program.

Many community partners make these cultural visits

possible, including major local foundations and donors,

the Junior League of Fort Worth and the City of Fort

Worth Police Department, as well as the board, staff

and administration of Performing Arts Fort Worth at

Bass Performance Hall. Fort Worth ISD Superintendent

Walter Dansby joined in the celebration along with Ed

Bass, Chairman of the Board of the Bass Hall.

73


73

LOOKING AHEAD

74


With programs that stretch into summer and a new year to plan for, it’s hard to

say where one school year ends and another begins. The teaching and learning

and the budgeting and building are continuous at Fort Worth ISD. Despite the

fact that state funding for schools will still be inequitable and insufficient, there

are many bright spots on the horizon. Here are some of the great things we’re

doing in 2012-2013.

75


YOUNG MEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (YMLA)A groundbreaking new School of Choice

will open to 6th and 7th grade boys in the

fall of 2012. It’s the Young Men’s Leadership

Academy (YMLA), the District’s first single-

gender school for young men. Dunbar 6th

Grade Center is being repurposed to house

the new academy, which will offer a rigorous

college preparatory curriculum. Rodney

White will leave his post as principal of

Glencrest 6th Grade Center to become the

inaugural principal of YMLA.

REALIGNING FOR RESULTSWe are reorganizing our master schedule to better

support our work and our students. Some of the biggest

changes this fall will include:

Consistent Bell Schedules – Our traditional high

schools will adopt a seven-period bell schedule, and

our middle schools will go to a 5x5 block schedule.

This will dramatically increase the number of hours of

instruction our students receive.

Learning Networks – The District’s Teaching and

Learning Division and School Leadership and Learning

Division will partner to develop three Learning

Networks. Each Learning Network will be made up

of content specialists, school leadership directors

and liaisons from various divisions in the District.

The networks will be assigned specific clusters

of schools.

Learning Networks will support principals and

teachers to provide the best in school leadership and

classroom practice. The Teaching and Learning Division

will continue to provide District or campus specific

professional development. It will also continue to write

curriculum for the District.

76


GOING PAPERLESSNew technology will eliminate a lot of paperwork

and streamline many common processes in Human

Capital Management (HCM). Processes that will be

impacted by the new automation include transfers,

IT’S NOT OKAY – THE MOVIEFort Worth ISD is out to stop bullying and disrespect

on the school yard and in the workplace. We will debut

a video that expands our It’s Not Okay anti-bullying

initiative to target disrespectful adults. “It’s Not Okay –

At Any Age” will take you, the viewer, through a school

day – it could by any school, anywhere – and let you

spot the adults behaving badly. Then, it will hit the

new hires, retirements, resignations, separations and

terminations. The technology update is a collaborative

effort of the District’s Human Capital Management,

Business and Finance and the Division of Technology.

rewind button and give these same adults the chance

to choose again – to be respectful, positive role models.

The video is hosted by Fort Worth City Councilmember

Joel Burns and Fort Worth ISD middle school student

Mia Cruz. It features student and staff actors as well as

actors from community theaters.

77


fort Worth iSd SchoolS

elementary

Beal, Harlean

Benbrook

Bonnie Brae

Briscoe, Edward J.

Burton Hill

Carlson, Alice ALC

Carter Park

Chavez, Cesar

Clarke, George C.

Clayton, Lily B.

Como

Como Montessori

Contreras, Alice D.

Daggett, E.M.

Daggett Montessori

Davis, Clifford

De Zavala

Diamond Hill

Dillow, S.S.

East Handley

Eastern Hills

Elliott, Bill J.

Ellis, M.G.

Glen Park

Green, W.M.

Greenbriar

Helbing, H.V.

Howell, Natha

Hubbard Heights

Huerta, Dolores

Jara, Manuel

Kirkpatrick, Milton L.

Logan, Maude I.

Lowery Road

McDonald, Atwood

McRae, D.

Meadowbrook

Mendoza, Rufino

Merrett, Luella

Mitchell Boulevard

Moore, M.H.

Morningside

Moss, Christene C.

Nash, Charles E.

North Hi Mount

Oakhurst

Oaklawn

Pate, A.M.

Peace, Hazel Harvey

Peak, Carroll

Phillips, M.L.

Ridglea Hills

Riverside ALC

Rosemont

Rosen, Sam

Sagamore Hill

Sellars, David K.

Seminary Hills Park

Shulkey, Bruce

Sims, T.A.

South Hi Mount

South Hills

Springdale

Stevens, J.T.

Sunrise-McMillan

Tanglewood

Terrell, I.M.

Turner, W.J.

Van Zandt-Guinn

Walton, Maudrie M.

Washington Heights

Waverly Park

West Handley

Westcliff

Westcreek

Western Hills

Western Hills Primary

Westpark

White, John. T.

Williams, Versia L.

Wilson, Richard

Woodway

Worth Heights

middle SchoolS

Applied Learning Academy

Benbrook

Como Montessori

Daggett

Daggett Montessori

Dunbar 6th

Dunbar

Elder, J.P.

Forest Oak

Glencrest 6th

Handley

James, William

Kirkpatrick, Milton L.

Leonard

McClung

McLean, W.P.

McLean 6th

Meacham, W.A.

Meadowbrook

Monnig, William

Morningside

Riverside

Rosemont

Rosemont 6th

Stripling, W.C.

Wedgwood

Wedgwood 6th

Young Women's

Leadership Academy

high SchoolS

Arlington Heights

Carter-Riverside, Amon

Diamond Hill-Jarvis

Dunbar, P.L.

Eastern Hills

North Side

Paschal, R.L.

Polytechnic

South Hills

Southwest

Texas Academy of

Biomedical Sciences

Trimble Technical

Western Hills

Wyatt, O.D.

other SchoolS

Boulevard Heights

International Newcomer

Academy

Jo Kelly School

Metro Opportunity School

Middle Level Learning Center

New Lives School

Success High School

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

100 N. University Drive

Fort Worth,TX 76107

817.871.2000 • www.fwisd.org

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2011-2012 Fort Worth ISD Annual Report

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Transcript of 2011-2012 Fort Worth ISD Annual Report