- Coppell Independent School District
- Stay In The Know
-
January 20, 2023
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear Coppell ISD Families,
At Tuesday’s meeting of the CISD Superintendent’s Business Advisory Council, members shared what leadership lesson or advice they would share with their high school selves with the students in attendance. Most of the business, district and community leaders at the meeting shared about learning from failure, and how what seems like a setback at the time often turns out to be an opportunity for growth and grit in the future.
I shared a similar story, as in my sophomore year in high school I did not receive the leadership position I wanted in student council. This led to me seeking another opportunity in a different student organization, which I believe led to me ultimately becoming the student body president. Sometimes, we don't get what we want, but the alternative is far better than what we had originally wanted.
While we can learn a great deal from our achievements, we can grow and learn more through our setbacks and failures. I truly believe that the road to success is paved with setbacks and mistakes well handled. We as parents, educators and community leaders can help to instill a sense of resilience and grit amongst our students, as they journey through school and life. As CISD focuses on our core value of redefining success, I am reminded of this quote, “Life is not about how many times you fall down. It's about how many times you get back up.”
Thank you, as always, for your support of our district.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchUpWithHunt: Lunch at Lakeside Elementary
Tune into YouTube each week for #CatchupWithHunt, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt shares stories from our district. This week, you can catch up with Dr. Hunt and some ketchup, as he serves lunch to students at Lakeside Elementary.
Announcing CISD Spelling Bee Winner Sriya Gomatam and Runner-Up Avishka Dudala
From left: Sriya Gomatam and Avishka Dudala.
CISD hosted an “un- bee-lievable” Spelling Bee on Jan. 13 with “hive-fives” all around. After 24 rounds and correctly spelling “adieu,” Sriya Gomatam, a 7th grader from CMS North, is the 2023 CISD Spelling Bee Champion. Avishka Dudala, a fifth grader from Richard J. Lee Elementary, is the First Runner-Up.
Read more at go.coppellisd.com/SpellingBee23.
Upcoming Board Workshops and Board Meetings
During the Jan. 23 Board Meeting, which begins at 6 p.m., the two co-chairs of the Bond Steering Committee — community member Jim Walker and CHS student Dilan Patel — will present the Bond Steering Committee’s recommendations to Trustees. The School Board will discuss and consider the bond recommendation at the Feb. 6 Board Workshop, which begins at 5:30 p.m. The School Board will also discuss the bond and a possible bond election at the regular Board of Trustees Meeting on Feb. 13, which begins at 6 p.m. Details about Board Workshops and Board Meetings, including meeting agendas, meeting presentations and how to sign up to speak during Open Forum are available at www.coppellisd.com/board. Details about the bond planning process are available at www.coppellisd.com/bond.
Software Update Available for CISD iPads
Apple has released a new iPadOS that is now available for you to upgrade your iPad. Staff and students are now able to install the update by going to Settings … General … Software Update. iPadOS 16.2 is the most up-to-date version of the operating system for the iPad. Please install this update on your district device for the latest features, security patches and app compatibility.Ten High School Band/Instrumentalists Students Make State
Tooting our own horn — CISD had 10 high school students make All-State in Band and Orchestra. Overall, CISD is in the top 10 in the state for the number of high school students who have achieved All-State status from the Texas Music Educators Association. These results are a byproduct of the incredible band and music teachers in CISD who have worked with student performers since Kindergarten.
Congratulations to our All-State Band and Orchestra students:- Neha Bharadwaj, a senior at CHS — Horn
- Akshat Ghuge, a junior at CHS — Bass Clarinet
- Gavin Hoffmann, a senior at CHS — Percussion
- Deepali Kanchanavally, a sophomore at CHS — Cello
- Shrestha Mishra, a sophomore at CHS — Trumpet
- Dylan Newsom, a senior at CHS — Alto Saxophone
- Akshaj Ravi, a junior at CHS — Trumpet
- Akshara Sankar, a senior at CHS — Flute
- Rohan Sharma, a junior at CHS — Trumpet
- Lindsey Won, a junior at CHS — Flute
CISD Announces 2023—2024 Enrollment Dates
CISD is announcing enrollment dates for our choice elementary schools and high school and enrollment for Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten students. Below is a list of important dates to remember, and additional dates and information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment.
January- Jan. 20 — New Tech Early Action (Guaranteed Admission) Application Due
- Jan. 21 — NTH@C S@turday Flexperience @ New Tech, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
February- Feb. 3 — New Tech Legacy Application Due
- Feb 9 — Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Parent Information Session, 6-7 p.m., CISD Administration Building Board Room (200 S. Denton Tap Road)
- Feb. 10 — DLI Informational Session, noon, CISD Administration Building Board Room (200 S. Denton Tap Road)
- Feb. 15 — New Tech @ Night (Spring Open House), 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m.
- Feb. 16 — New Tech Parent Overview and Panel, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Feb. 23 — New Tech Campus Tour for Parents and Community
- Feb. 24 — New Tech application window closes
- Feb. 28 — Pinkerton Elementary IB Parent Information Meeting #1, 6 p.m. Pinkerton Elementary
March- March 1 — DLI applications go live
- March 1 — CISD Resident Transfer window opens
- March 1 — Pinkerton IB begins accepting applications
- March 3 — NTH@C lottery if needed
- March 6 — Pinkerton Elementary IB Parent Information Meeting #2 at 6 p.m.
- March 2 — Pinkerton Elementary IB Tour, 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- March 7 — DLI Parent Information Session, 6-7 p.m., Brock Training Room 1
- March 21 — IB Pinkerton Tour #2 — 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- March 22 — Kindergarten Enrollment begins
- March 28 — DLI applications due by 5 p.m.
- March 31 — CISD Resident Transfer window closes
- April 7 — Pinkerton IB Applications Due
- April 14 — DLI Lottery/Pick Pinkerton Lottery, 8:30 a.m., CISD Administration Building Board Room (200 S. Denton Tap Road)
- April 17 — DLI agreements sent out
- April 17 — Pinkerton IB agreements sent out
- April 26 — CISD Resident Transfer decisions shared out
- April 28 — Re-enrollment links emailed to parents of current students
- May 1 — Victory Place Turning Point Program Applications for 23-24 Open
- May 4 — Kindergarten Round-Up
- Mary 31 — Early Childhood/Pre-K Fair
- June 1 — Second transfer window opens
- June 9 — Open Enrollment Window Opens
CHS Hosts CTE, Fine Arts and IB Program Open House Jan. 26
Coppell High School is hosting an open house for CISD students in grades 8 to 11 on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. The event will showcase the Career & Technical Education (CTE), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Fine Arts programs at CHS.
Place 4 and Place 5 Board Applications Available for May 6 Elections Place 7 Board Application for May 6 Election Staring Jan. 24
CISD is now accepting applications for candidates for Trustee Places 4 and 5, which will be on the ballot of the May 6, 2023, CISD School Board Trustee Election. Applications for the one-year expired term for Place 7, which will also be on the May 6 ballot, will begin being accepted on Jan. 24. The deadline to apply for the election for Place 4 and 5 is Friday, Feb. 17, at 5 p.m. The deadline to apply for place 7 is Monday, March 6 at 5 p.m. There will be a Board Candidate workshop for those interested in applying on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. at the CISD Administration Building. For more information, visit go.coppellisd.com/boardelection or contact Carol Snowden at csnowden@coppellisd.com or 214-496-8002.
CHS Theatre Presents Mamma Mia! on Jan. 28-29, Feb. 3-5
Tickets are now on sale for the CHS Cowboy Theatre Company's performances of the hit musical Mamma Mia! on Jan. 28, Jan. 29 and on Feb. 3, Feb. 4 and Feb. 5. Please note the show is PG-13. CISD Employee Badges are not being accepted for admission, however, special ticket pricing is available for staff and students. Visit https://chstb.booktix.com to purchase tickets.
Save the Date: CISD Night at the Ballpark on Friday, April 28
Coppell ISD Night at The Ballpark will take place on Friday, April 28, as the Texas Rangers take on the New York Yankees at Globe Life Park in Arlington at 7:05 p.m. Be on the lookout for details and ticket sales for this game soon.
- Jan. 21 — NTH@C S@turday Flexperience @ New Tech, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Jan. 23 — Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Jan. 26 — CHS Program Open House for CTE, Fine Arts and IB 5:30 p.m.
- Jan. 26 — Board Candidate Workshop 6 p.m.
- Feb. 6 — Board Workshop 5:30 p.m.
- Feb. 13 — Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Feb. 17 — Professional Development Day (Staff Workday and Student Holiday)
- Feb. 20 — Bad Weather Day (No School for Staff or Students)
Are you ready for severe winter weather? Don’t get caught unprepared! Sign up for NotifyCoppell to receive weather alerts and other emergency communications from the City of Coppell via phone, email, or text!
https://member.everbridge.net/892807736723618/login
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
January 13, 2023
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear Coppell ISD Families,
We have hit the ground running this new year and new semester, with many celebrations and fun activities already underway. I had the pleasure of attending the high school theatre variety show last Saturday, and the talent of our students continues to blow me away. Man are our kids good! From singers, dancers, instrumentalists, Tae Kwon Do demonstrations, magic acts to a stand-up comic, there was something for everyone. The evening concluded with a number from the upcoming musical Mamma Mia. You will be able to see this number and more talented students in the full production of Mamma Mia, so be sure to buy your tickets soon, because the show will sell out quickly.
We also had all seven of our high school choir students who auditioned for State Choir make it, which is unheard of to have such a high number and speaks to the hard work and talent of our students and the leadership of their teachers. Clearly, our kids are hitting all the right notes! I could not be prouder of our amazing students.
January also marks School Board Appreciation Month in Texas. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Board of Trustees for their dedication and commitment to our district and our students, teachers, staff, parents and community. The theme of this year’s School Board Recognition Month is “Forward, Together,” which, according to the Texas Association of School Boards, highlights the collaboration among school leadership, teachers, staff and parents on behalf of students.
Recognizing the efforts of our school board members is so important, because they are volunteers who give several hours of their time and hard work to ensure our district’s success. We are so fortunate to have such a terrific board of trustees. Please join me in thanking Trustees Leigh Walker (Place 1), Manish Sethi (Place 2), Anthony Hill (Place 3), Dr. Neena Biswas (Place 4), David Caviness (Place 5), Nichole Bentley (Place 6) and Jobby Mathew (Place 7) for all they do for our district.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchUpWithHunt: Varsity Girls Basketball Team
Tune into YouTube each week for #CatchupWithHunt, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt shares stories from our district. This week, you can catch Dr. Hunt talking with the Varsity Girls Basketball Team.High School Choir Students Make State
Music to our ears — the high school Coppell Choir had seven singers participate in the last and final round of the All-State Choir Auditions on Jan. 7 at the University of Texas at Arlington, and every single singer made state. Coppell ISD had the highest number of singers who made the 2023 Texas Music Educators Association's All-State Choirs from our area. This is a testament to the immensely talented students in Coppell ISD, and our choir teachers led by Bona Coogle and Aaron Coronado. Congratulations to our All-State Choir Students:- Sumita Bhattacharyya — Senior at CHS — Alto 1
- Anagha Dharmavaram — Senior at CHS — Tenor 1
- Ben Hall — Sophomore at NTH@C — Bass 2
- Preston Johnson — Junior at NTH@C — Bass2
- Roma Jani — Junior at CHS — Soprano 1
- Nicki Mikael — Junior at CHS — Soprano 2
- Piper Baranowski — Freshman at CHS9 — Alto 1
Upcoming Board Workshops and Board Meetings
During the Jan. 23 Board Meeting, which begins at 6 p.m., the two co-chairs of the Bond Steering Committee — community member Jim Walker and CHS student Dilan Patel — will present the Bond Steering Committee’s recommendations to Trustees. The School Board will discuss and consider the bond recommendation at the Feb. 6 Board Workshop, which begins at 5:30 p.m. The School Board will also discuss the bond and a possible bond election at the regular Board of Trustees Meeting on Feb. 13, which begins at 6 p.m. Details about Board Workshops and Board Meetings, including meeting agendas, meeting presentations and how to sign up to speak during Open Forum are available at www.coppellisd.com/board. Details about the bond planning process are available at www.coppellisd.com/bond.
CHS Hosts CTE, Fine Arts and IB Program Open House Jan. 26
Coppell High School is hosting an open house for CISD students in grades 8 to 11 on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. The event will showcase the Career & Technical Education (CTE), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Fine Arts programs at CHS.
Place 4 and Place 5 Board Applications Available for May 6 Elections Starting Jan. 18; Place 7 Board Application for May 6 Election Staring Jan. 24
Starting Jan. 18 at 8 a.m., CISD will be accepting applications for candidates for Trustee Places 4 and 5, which will be on the ballot of the May 6, 2023, CISD School Board Trustee Election. Applications for the one-year expired term for Place 7, which will also be on the May 6 ballot, will begin being accepted on Jan. 24. The deadline to apply for the election for Place 4 and 5 is Friday, Feb. 17, at 5 p.m. The deadline to apply for place 7 is Monday, March 6 at 5 p.m. There will be a Board Candidate workshop for those interested in applying on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. at the CISD Administration Building. For more information, visit go.coppellisd.com/boardelection or contact Carol Snowden at csnowden@coppellisd.com or 214-496-8002.
CHS Theatre Presents Mamma Mia! on Jan. 28-29, Feb. 3-5
Tickets are now on sale for the CHS Cowboy Theatre Company's performances of the hit musical Mamma Mia! on Jan. 28, Jan. 29 and on Feb. 3, Feb. 4 and Feb. 5. Please note the show is PG-13. Visit https://chstb.booktix.com to purchase tickets.
Save the Date: CISD Night at the Ballpark on Friday, April 28
Coppell ISD Night at The Ballpark will take place on Friday, April 28, as the Texas Rangers take on the New York Yankees at Globe Life Park in Arlington at 7:05 p.m. Be on the lookout for details and ticket sales for this game soon.
- Jan. 9 — Board Budget Workshop 5:30 p.m.
- Jan. 16 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
- Jan. 23 — Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Jan. 26 — CHS Program Open House for CTE, Fine Arts and IB 5:30 p.m.
- Jan. 26 — Board Candidate Workshop 6 p.m.
- Feb. 6 — Board Workshop 5:30 p.m.
- Feb. 13 — Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Feb. 17 — Professional Development Day (Staff Workday and Student Holiday)
- Feb. 20 — Bad Weather Day (No School for Staff or Students)
Are you ready for severe winter weather? Don’t get caught unprepared! Sign up for NotifyCoppell to receive weather alerts and other emergency communications from the City of Coppell via phone, email, or text!
https://member.everbridge.net/892807736723618/login
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
January 5, 2023
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear Coppell ISD Families,
I hope you enjoyed your winter break, and I want to wish you all a Happy New Year! I also want to extend a special welcome to our new students who are starting at our schools this semester. We have had several families enroll their children at CISD before the break and this week, and we are so excited to have them join our CISD community.
As we embark into 2023, I look forward to seeing the amazing work and achievements of our students thanks to our wonderful teachers and staff. In addition to continuing our focus on academic rigor and educating the whole child, our priorities for the new year include working on our budget and the upcoming potential bond election. The 2023 Texas Legislative session is also something the district will be paying close attention to, as we share our legislative agenda with our elected state officials. While I know there will be challenges in 2023, there also will be so many opportunities to make a difference in the life of a child by continuing our theme this school year of #CISDWorkingTogether.
As the parent of a Class of 2023 soon-to-be graduate, I know how fast time is and will fly by. I plan to try to take some time in 2023 to enjoy each moment that I can during this special season of my and my family’s life. I hope you will do the same.Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
In this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt:
New Tech - New Tech Hosts “Leap into Action” Career Events
- Upcoming Board Workshops and Board Meetings
- Girls Basketball Team Ranked No. 1 in State
- Congratulations Second Grading Period Super Teachers
- New Tech's Nadia Fox Qualifies for National Theatre Competition
- Bad Weather Closings Notifications Reminder
- CHS Theatre Host Variety Show and Silent Auction Jan. 7
- Lariettes Offer Dance Intensive Workshop on Jan. 14
- CHS Theatre Presents Mamma Mia! on Jan. 28-29, Feb. 3-5
- Save the Date: CISD Night at the Ballpark on Friday, April 28
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: New Tech High @ Coppell
Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt shares stories from our district. This week, you can catch Dr. Hunt talking with New Tech High @ Coppell senior Anthika Gunaselan and sophomore Sanya Pillai, who organized the recent “Leap into Action” career exploration events at New Tech.
New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts “Leap into Action” Career Events
Story by New Tech High @ Coppell Senior Anthika Gunaselan
New Tech High @ Coppell Senior Anthika Gunaselan and Sophomore Sanya Pillai organized Career Development Program "Leap into Action” events at New Tech High @ Coppell in December 2022. This learner-led and designed project gave community professionals and mentors the opportunity to come to New Tech and speak to students about their career development journey and the skills they need to successfully land a job in today's job market as part of Flex Fridays at New Tech.
Students got to experience "Leap" Career Exploration on Dec. 9, from more than 20 speakers ranging from the Vice President of Sales at the McLaren American headquarters in Coppell to medical students to advertising agents and data science analysts. Students got to gain career development skills "into" on Dec. 16, through 12 mentors with workshops on how to give a proper handshake, how to turn one's passion into a profession, how to do an elevator pitch and more. Students will engage in "Action" — applying for internships and jobs during the third grading period at New Tech.
Upcoming Board Workshops and Board Meetings
The CISD Board of Trustees will have a Board Workshop on the budget on Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m. During the Jan. 23 Board Meeting, which begins at 6 p.m., the two co-chairs of the Bond Steering Committee — community member Jim Walker and CHS student Dilan Patel — will present the Bond Steering Committee’s recommendations to Trustees. The School Board will discuss and consider the bond recommendation at the Feb. 6 Board Workshop, which begins at 5:30 p.m. The School Board will also discuss the bond and a possible bond election at the regular Board of Trustees Meeting on Feb. 13, which begins at 6 p.m. Details about Board Workshops and Board Meetings, including meeting agendas, meeting presentations and how to sign up to speak during Open Forum, are available at www.coppellisd.com/board.Girls Basketball Team Ranked No. 1 in State
For the first time in the program’s history, the Coppell Cowgirls Varsity Basketball team is ranked no. 1 in the state by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. The Cowgirls are 25-1 and next play Hebron at home on Friday, Jan. 6, at 6:15 p.m.. For more information and tickets, visit www.coppellathletics.net/e-tickets.
Congratulations Second Grading Period Super Teachers
Congratulations to CISD's Second Grading Period 2022-2023 Super Teachers, who design engaging and innovative learning experiences that ignite the interests of learners. Our latest Super Teachers are: Devrry Mitchell from CMS East, Nathan Harvey and Jeremy Lindquist from CMS North, Robert Hunter from New Tech High @ Coppell, David Barnette from Austin Elementary, Jennifer Pieper from Denton Creek Elementary, Hannah Jones from Richard J. Lee Elementary, Marissa Broome and Gina Pletcher from Mockingbird Elementary and Nadya Gulam from Valley Ranch Elementary,
New Tech's Nadia Fox Qualifies for National Theatre Competition
New Tech High @ Coppell freshman Nadia Fox recently competed at the Texas Thespian Festival and qualified to move on to the national competition at the International Thespian Festival in the Solo Musical Category. The International Thespian Festival will be held in Indiana in June 2023. Fox is among the CISD high school students who qualified for the national competition and was inadvertently left off the list of students shared in the Dec. 9 edition of the Informed newsletter.
Bad Weather Closings Notifications Reminder
If CISD closes schools due to inclement weather, the decision to close will be made as early in the morning as possible, but no later than 6 a.m. If the district closes, you will receive a CISD Alert via phone call, text, email, and messages will also be on CISD’s social media accounts. A yellow scrolling banner announcing the closing also will appear at the top of the CISD homepage at www.coppellisd.com, and the district also will notify local media outlets. Visit www.coppellisd.com/weather for details.
CHS Theatre Hosts Variety Show on Jan. 7 at Coppell Arts Center
The Cowboy Theatre Company is hosting its annual Variety Show and Auction at the Coppell Arts Center on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 6:45 p.m. An optional VIP reception will take place before the show from 5:45-6:45 p.m. at the Coppell Arts Center. There will be two 45-minute acts with 20 student performances, our fan-favorite live cake auction, a raffle drawing and a sneak preview from the two upcoming musicals — Mamma Mia! and Peter and The Star Catcher. For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://chstb.booktix.com.
Lariettes to Offer Dance Intensive Workshop for 6th to 11th Grade Students on Jan. 14
The Coppell Lariette Drill Team is offering a Dance Intensive Workshop on Jan. 14 for students in 6th to 11th grade who are interested in joining the Silver Stars or Lariettes. The event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CHS9 and costs $40. For more information or to register, use the QR code above or click here.
CHS Theatre Presents Mamma Mia! on Jan. 28-29, Feb. 3-5
The CHS Cowboy Theatre Company will have performances of the hit musical Mamma Mia! on Jan. 28, Jan, 29 and on Feb. 3, Feb. 4 and Feb. 5. Tickets will be on sale soon. Visit www.coppellhstheatre.com for more information.
Save the Date: CISD Night at the Ballpark on Friday, April 28
Coppell ISD Night at The Ballpark will take place on Friday, April 28, as the Texas Rangers take on the New York Yankees at Globe Life Park in Arlington at 7:05 p.m. Be on the lookout for details and ticket sales for this game soon.
- Jan. 9 — Board Budget Workshop 5:30 p.m.
- Jan. 16 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
- Jan. 23 — Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Feb. 6 — Board Workshop 5:30 p.m.
- Feb. 13 — Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Feb. 17 — Professional Development Day (Staff Workday and Student Holiday)
- Feb. 20 — Bad Weather Day (No School for Staff or Students)
Are you ready for severe winter weather? Don’t get caught unprepared! Sign up for NotifyCoppell to receive weather alerts and other emergency communications from the City of Coppell via phone, email, or text!
https://member.everbridge.net/892807736723618/login
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu - #CatchUpWithHunt:
-
December 15, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear Coppell ISD Families,
What an amazing first semester it has been in Coppell ISD. It’s hard to believe that Winter Break is upon us. I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family Happy Holidays!
On a personal note, as the parent of a soon-to-be Class of 2023 graduate, I know how fast the school year can go by. The fall semester has been outstanding with the work and achievements of our students, the great teaching of our educators and staff, and the continued commitment to authentic relationships from our families and community. I could not be more proud of our students and teachers.
To our students, I want to thank you for being the reason for our district and what we do to serve and educate you each and every day. You are our district’s why, and we are dedicated to you and your success. To all our dedicated teachers and staff, thank you for everything you do. I am so very grateful to be working alongside such caring professionals and support staff in this outstanding district. To our CISD families, thank you for being our partners and for your love of our schools and our district. To our community partners and volunteers, thank you for your support of our district. Our CISD community is truly working together to do what is best for our children, and I appreciate you all.
I hope you will enjoy some quality time with your family and friends over the break and create some lasting and special memories. From our families to yours, Merry Christmas Happy Hanukkah, Happy Las Posadas, Happy Kwanzaa and a Happy New Year!
Enjoy your break,Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt:
Valley Ranch Elementary - Complete CISD Family/School Relationships Survey by Dec. 16
- Reminder: Early Dismissal Day on Dec. 16
- CISD Closed for Winter Break from Dec. 19 to Jan. 1, Students Return on Jan. 3
- Announcing the CISD's 2022-2023 Teachers of the Year
- Congratulations to Fall 2022 Great Employees Matter (GEMs)
- Girls Basketball Team Ranked No. 5 in the State
- Boys Basketball Team Cracks Top 20 in State Rankings
- Football Players Signing Day for Brown University, Indiana University and the University of Mississippi
- Lee Elementary’s Elvina Jojo Places 2nd in DEGA International art competition
- Coppell High School Student Council Collects $14,000 Worth of Food for Metrocrest Services
- Give for Grants Campaign Awards $90,000+ in Funds for CISD Teachers and Students
- Lariette Drill Team to Offer Dance Intensive Workshop for 6th to 11th Grade Students on Jan. 14
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Valley Ranch Elementary
Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt shares stories from our district. This week, you can catch Dr. Hunt interviewing the 2022 Holiday Card Design Contest winner Ira Killi, a 5th grader at Valley Ranch Elementary.
Complete CISD Family/Schools Relationships Survey by Dec. 16
Each semester, CISD surveys our families on their relationships with their child’s school. The Fall 2022 CISD Family/Schools Relationship Survey is open until Friday, Dec. 16. Visit go.coppellisd.com/Fall2022FamilySurvey to take the survey and select your child(ren)’s school. If you have multiple children in CISD, we ask that you take the survey for each school your child attends. Email input@coppellisd.com, if you would like to share any additional feedback or insight not covered in the survey or have any additional comments to share with the district.
Reminder: Early Dismissal Day on Dec. 16
Friday, Dec. 16, is a CISD early dismissal day. Elementary Schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools will dismiss at 1 p.m. and High Schools will dismiss at 1:40 p.m. on these days. Dec. 12-15 will be regular school days before the winter break from Dec. 16 to Jan. 2.
CISD Closed for Winter Break from Dec. 19 to Jan. 1, Students Return on Jan. 3
CISD will be closed for Winter Break from Dec. 16 to Jan. 1, with staff returning on Jan. 2, and students returning to school on Jan. 3, 2023.Announcing the 2022-2023 CISD Teachers of the Year
Over the last few weeks, each CISD campus has announced its 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to elementary school TOYs:- Austin: Kayleigh Smith
- Canyon Ranch: Mariah Wallace
- Cottonwood Creek: Brooks Burnap
- Denton Creek: Nikki White
- Lakeside: Valerie Hill
- Richard J. Lee: Laura Jennings
- Mockingbird: Deborah Samaras
- Pinkerton: Julia Golden
- Town Center: Marie Sork
- Valley Ranch: Abrielle Stone and
- Wilson: Kathryn Ondelacy.
- CMS East: Shelby Thompson
- CMS North: Julie Bottom
- CMS West: Julie Ann Price
- CHS9: Hilary Schieffer
- Coppell High School: Ian VanderSchee and
- New Tech High @ Coppell: Haley Arroyo.
Congratulations Fall 2022 Great Employees Matter (GEMs)
Travis Ponikiewski
Congratulations to CISD’s Fall 2022 Great Employees Matter or GEMs, who are district employees who go above and beyond in their duties in serving the district. The Fall 2022 GEMs are:- VRE Structured Learning Aides Team: Sandy Meyer, Maryam Hassan, Claudia Aceves, Haley Thomas, Kimberly Perez, Paridhi Sharma and Anita Gupta
- Travis Ponikiewski, Technology
- Trevor Ponikiewski, Technology
- Ashlyn Judd, CHS
- Jodie Deinhammer, CHS and
- Libby May, CMS West.
Girls Basketball Team Ranked No. 5 in the State
Photo by CHS Junior Emma Taylor
The Coppell Cowgirls Varsity Basketball team is undefeated and currently ranked No. 5 in the state. For a schedule of upcoming games, visit www.coppellathletics.net/sport/basketball/girls.
Boys Basketball Team Among Top 20 in State Rankings
Photo by CHS Senior Ethan Ma
The Coppell Cowboys Varsity Basketball team recently made the top 20 in state rankings. For a schedule of upcoming games, visit www.coppellathletics.net/sport/basketball/boys.
Three Football Players Sign for Brown University, Indiana University and the University of Mississippi
On Dec. 15, three Coppell Cowboy Varsity Football player seniors signed to continue their athletic careers at the college and university level. Ikenna Odimegwu signed to play at Brown University, Nicolas Radicic signed to play at Indiana University and Braxton Myers signed to play at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).
Lee Elementary’s Elvina Jojo Places 2nd in DEGA International art competition
.
Congratulations to Richard J. Lee Elementary 5th grader Elvina Jojo, who recently placed 2nd Place in the DEGA International Art Competition in the 9-11 age category. DEGA International Art Association is a nonprofit service organization that provides resources to artists and arts organizations.
Coppell High School Student Council Collects $14,000 Worth of Food for Metrocrest Services
A recent holiday food and monetary collection drive led by the Student Council at Coppell High School collected more than $14,000 worth of food for Metrocrest Services. This collection included a $3,450 donation to Metrocrest Services.
Give for Grants Campaign Awards $90,000+ in Funds for CISD Teachers and Students
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation (CEF) awarded more than $90,000 to 32 CISD teachers on Dec. 7 to benefit CISD schools and students through their annual Give for Grants campaign. Thirty-four grant requests were filled through the fundraising efforts of the CEF and the local community. A special thank you to all who donated. Grants awarded include funds for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) programs, outdoor learning opportunities, increasing the high school band library, books for specific educational programming, technology upgrades and small group instruction programming. Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Grant recipients!
Lariettes to Offer Dance Intensive Workshop for 6th to 11th Grade Students on Jan. 14
The Coppell Lariette Drill Team is offering a Dance Intensive Workshop on Jan. 14 for students in 6th to 11th grade who are interested in joining the Silver Stars or Lariettes. The event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CHS9 and costs $40. For more information or to register, use the QR code above or click here.
- Dec. 16 — Early Release Day for Students — Elementary Schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.
- Dec. 19-Jan. 2 — Winter Break
- Jan. 2 — CISD Teachers and Staff Return to Work
- Jan. 3 — Students Return to School
- Jan. 9 — Board Budget Workshop 5:30 p.m.
- Jan. 23 — Board Meeting 6 p.m.
It's that time of the year when we invite residents to help us Make A Child Smile! Go online to makeachildsmilecoppell.com to select a virtual ornament and purchase clothing and gifts for local children in need this holiday season.
makeachildsmilecoppell.com
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu - #CatchUpWithHunt:
-
December 9, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
Holiday celebrations have been in full swing in CISD this week. In addition to school concerts, special events and celebrations, we announced the winners and runners-up in our annual CISD Holiday Card Design Contest.
The talent of our elementary students continues to amaze and delight me, and it was such a joy to surprise Valley Ranch Elementary 5th grader Ira Killi with the news that she won the contest. Her artwork depicts two birds in front of birdhouses decorated for the holidays in a winter scene. The artwork of our runners-up from Canyon Ranch Elementary, Richard J. Lee Elementary and Austin Elementary are also featured in the card, and you can see these designs in the story below. We have such incredible young artists in CISD and hard-working art teachers, I appreciate them and their efforts to showcase the visual arts.
Yesterday also marked the return, after a two-year hiatus, of the CISD Holiday Open House for all of our teachers and staff. Our administration team works together to offer food and fellowship for all of our educators and support staff to celebrate the holidays and show them how much we appreciate the work they do all year long. I want to thank our generous parents and families, and community and business partners who help sponsor this wonderful event for our amazing employees. Thank you also to our Child Nutrition team and our amazing Chef Helen Duran for preparing delicious food. Thank you also to our Human Resources and Communications staff for all of their work behind the scenes to make this event such a huge success for our hardworking CISD employees.
Speaking of thanks, I want to say a special thank you to the parents, students, staff, and community and business volunteers who are serving on our 2023 Bond Committee. They are committing their time and expertise to review materials, financial analysis, community feedback and more to make recommendations to the Board of Trustees for a possible May 2023 Bond election. As a reminder, all of these materials are also available on the CISD website at www.coppellisd.com/bond.
There’s only a week left before the Winter Break, and I hope you enjoy it!Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
In this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt:
Canyon Ranch and Mockingbird Elementaries - Complete CISD Family/School Relationships Survey by Dec. 16
- Reminder: Early Dismissal Day on Dec. 16
- Congratulations to CISD Holiday Card Design Winner and Runners-Up
- High School Theatre Students Succeed at Texas Thespian Festival and Qualify for National Competition
- KCBY-TV and The Sidekick Receive National Recognition
- Lariette Drill Team to Offer Dance Intensive Workshop for 6th to 11th Grade Students on Jan. 14
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Canyon Ranch and Mockingbird Elementaries
Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt shares stories from our district. This week, you can catch Dr. Hunt reading to students at Canyon Ranch Elementary and Mockingbird Elementary.Complete CISD Family/Schools Relationships Survey by Dec. 16
Each semester, CISD surveys our families on their relationships with their child’s school. The Fall 2022 CISD Family/Schools Relationship Survey is open until Friday, Dec. 16. Visit go.coppellisd.com/Fall2022FamilySurvey to take the survey and select your child(ren)’s school. If you have multiple children in CISD, we ask that you take the survey for each school your child attends. Email input@coppellisd.com, if you would like to share any additional feedback or insight not covered in the survey or have any additional comments to share with the district.
Reminder: Early Dismissal Day on Dec. 16
Friday, Dec. 16, is a CISD early dismissal day. Elementary Schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools will dismiss at 1 p.m. and High Schools will dismiss at 1:40 p.m. on these days. Dec. 12-15 will be regular school days before the winter break from Dec. 16 to Jan. 2. Students return to school on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.Congratulations to CISD Holiday Card Design Winner and Runners-Up
On Dec. 5, Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt, along with Valley Ranch Elementary Principal Cynthia Arterbery and Art Teacher Jodi Benway, surprised 5th grade student Ira Killi with the news her art was chosen to be on the cover of the Coppell ISD Holiday Greeting Card. The three runners-up artwork is also featured on the back of the card. The 2022 Holiday Card Design Contest winners are:- Winner: Valley Ranch Elementary 5th grader Ira Killi, Art Teacher Jodi Benway
- 1st Runner Up: Canyon Ranch Elementary 3rd Grader Aaniya SenPaul, Art Teachers Nichole McMurry and Holly Feemster
- 2nd Runner Up: Richard J. Lee Elementary 5th grader Akshara Anand, Art Teachers Jessica Floyd and Audrey Allen
- 3rd Runner Up: Austin Elementary 5th Grader Pranav Pathivada, Art Teacher Lisa Ricciardelli
Winner: Valley Ranch Elementary 5th grader Ira Killi, Art Teacher Jodi BenwayHigh School Theatre Students Succeed at Texas Thespian Festival and Qualify for National Competition
CISD high school theatre students recently competed at the Texas Thespian Festival, and 15 of these students are national qualifiers. These students will move on to compete at the International Thespian Festival, which will be held in Indiana in June of 2023. Congratulations to Issac Mercado, who qualified in the Short Film category; Anish Kalra, who qualified in the Monologue category; Phoenix Clasby, who qualified in the Monologue category; Elise Howe, who qualified in the Monologue category; Graham Gorman, Tyler Schweitzer and Jude Taylor, who qualified in the Group Acting category; Olivia Willey, who qualified in the Solo Musical category; Jessica Bunting, who qualified in the Solo Musical category; Lauren Beach and Trinity Tackett, who qualified in the Duet Musical category; Mira Daniel and Sid Gunasekaran, who qualified in the Duet Musical category; Mehak Lohiya, who qualified in the Costume Construction category; and Sarah Myers, who qualified in the Stage Management category.
KCBY-TV and The Sidekick Receive National Recognition
.
Coppell Student Media outlets KCBY-TV and The Sidekick newspaper recently received numerous national honors from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) during the Journalism Education Association and NSPA National High School Journalism Convention held in St. Louis in November. KCBY-TV was recognized as one of only 21 national NSPA Broadcast Pacemaker finalists. The Pacemaker, awarded by the NSPA since 1927, is considered the highest honor in scholastic journalism. KCBY-TV also placed second in Broadcast Best of Show in St. Louis, one of only two Texas schools to receive Broadcast Best of Show and the highest-ranked school from Texas to place.
Coppell Student Media was awarded the top honor in Website Best of Show (enrollment greater than 1,800) by taking first place in St. Louis. After placing as high as second place on multiple occasions in Best of Show, this marks the first time the website has won first place in the competition since its launch in 2008.
The Sidekick claimed ninth place in Newspaper Best of Show (enrollment greater than 1,800) in St. Louis and was the only newspaper from Texas to place in the top 10.
Several student journalists from both KCBY-TV and The Sidekick staff received NSPA Individual Awards and Best of Show Individual honors. These are national honors where students compete with journalists across the country, in addition to a handful of schools overseas.- First Place: NSPA 2022 Design of the Year (Newspaper Page/Spread) — Srihari Yechangunja
- First Place: NSPA 2022 Cartoon of the Year (Comic Strip/Panel)— Srihari Yechangunja
- Third Place: NSPA Multimedia Journalist of the Year — Angelina Liu
- Honorable Mention: NSPA Marketer of the Year — Manasa Mohan
- Honorable Mention: NSPA Photo of the Year (Environmental Portrait) — Nandini Muresh
- Honorable Mention: NSPA Digital Story of the Year (Multimedia Feature Story) — Angelina Liu
- Honorable Mention: NSPA Digital Story of the Year (Multimedia Sports Story) — Iniya Nathan and Sruthi Lingam
- First Place: Best of Show Broadcast Feature Story — Sidd Sivakumar, Stephen Bunker Harris, Swarra Mudgulkar and Tarun Chintha
- Second Place: Best of Show Broadcast News Story — Sofia German, Natalie Garcia and Fatima Syed
- Seventh Place: Best of Show Broadcast Feature Story — Bunker Harris, Tarun Chintha and Angela Chon
- Ninth Place: Best of Show Broadcast Feature Story — Issac Mercado, Sophie Daiker and Sadie Klement
- Tenth Place: Best of Show Broadcast Feature Story — Sidd Sivakumar, Harrison Snodgrass and Angela Chon
- Eighth Place: Best of Show Newspaper/Newsmagazine Design — Srihari Yechangunja
Lariettes to Offer Dance Intensive Workshop for 6th to 11th Grade Students on Jan. 14
The Coppell Lariette Drill Team is offering a Dance Intensive Workshop on Jan. 14 for students in 6th to 11th grade who are interested in joining the Silver Stars or Lariettes. The event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CHS9 and costs $40. For more information or to register, use the QR code above or click here.- Dec. 9 — Early Release Day for Students — Elementary Schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.
- Dec. 12 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Dec. 16 — Early Release Day for Students — Elementary Schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.
- Dec. 19-Jan. 2 — Winter Break
- Jan. 2 — CISD Teachers and Staff Return to Work
- Jan. 3 — Students Return to School
- Jan. 9 — Board Budget Workshop 5:30 p.m.
- Jan. 23 — Board Meeting 6 p.m.
It's that time of the year when we invite residents to help us Make A Child Smile! Go online to makeachildsmilecoppell.com to select a virtual ornament and purchase clothing and gifts for local children in need this holiday season.
makeachildsmilecoppell.com
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu - #CatchUpWithHunt:
-
December 2, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break and enjoyed the extra time with your families and friends. These few weeks between Thanksgiving and our Winter Break are fast and furious, filled with many activities including holiday concerts, celebrations and special events to attend. While this is a busy time of year, it is also a festive and fun one, which I hope you will take the time to enjoy.
As we look ahead to the new year, CISD administrative staff and our Board of Trustees have begun the process of planning for the 2023-2024 Budget. We held our first Budget Board Workshop this week, with many more to come. We are at the very beginning of our budgeting process and are starting to have high-level discussions and idea sharing, as we look to address our budget deficit and slowing enrollment growth, especially at the elementary level.
I want to assure our community that we remain committed to being transparent and providing opportunities for feedback, as we plan for the district’s budget and future. I am confident in our Board of Trustees, our staff, our parents and our community’s willingness to work together to make decisions that are in the best interests of all of our students and staff, while being good stewards of our taxpayers' money. As a reminder, all Board Workshop and Board Meeting videos and presentations are available on our website at www.coppellisd.com/board.
Thank you, as always, for your support and partnership.Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
In this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt:
Richard J. Lee Elementary - Nov. 29 Board Workshop Board Briefs Available
- CEF Super Star Nominations Due Dec. 2
- Coppell Gifted Association Writing Contest Entries Due Dec. 2
- Reminder: Early Dismissal Days on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16
- Fighting the Flu in CISD
- Mockingbird Elementary's Rakesgiving Featured on Fox 4
- Education and Training Students Qualify for State Competition
- Congratulations to Coppell Chamber’s Student and Teacher of the Month
- High School Choir Madrigals Present "Cinder Ella-Phant" Event Dec. 9 and 10
- Limited Inventory of Blackout T-Shirts Still Available
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Richard J. Lee Elementary
Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt shares stories from our district. This week, you can catch Dr. Hunt talking about holiday traditions with students at Richard J. Lee Elementary.Nov. 29 Budget Board Workshop Board Briefs Available
The Board Briefs summary of the Nov. 19 Budget Board Workshop, as well as access to the presentation shared, are available at www.coppellisd.com/boardbriefs. In addition, video of this workshop, as well as videos of past meetings, is available at go.coppellisd.com/BoardMeetingVideo.
CEF Super Star Nominations Due Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.
Please help the Coppell ISD Education Foundation spotlight the dedicated and hardworking CISD students, teachers, administrators, and support staff in our elementary and middle schools by nominating them for a Super Star award. Everyone nominated, regardless of whether they are chosen as a winner, will receive a printed certificate, so please nominate as many deserving individuals as possible. Visit www.coppellisdef.com/super-star for more information and to nominate someone. Nominations are due on Dec. 2 by 5 p.m.
Coppell Gifted Association Writing Contest Entries Due Dec. 2
The Coppell Gifted Association is having its 15th Annual Creative Writing Competition, which is open to all CISD 4th to 12th graders. Those students not in the district also can participate, but must join the CGA. The deadline to enter is midnight, Friday, Dec. 2. Visit coppellgifted.org/competitions for details.Reminder: Early Dismissal Days on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16
As a reminder, Friday, Dec. 9, and Friday, Dec. 16, are early dismissal days. Elementary Schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools will dismiss at 1 p.m. and High Schools will dismiss at 1:40 p.m. on these days.
Fighting the Flu and Other Illnesses in CISD
It isn’t unusual for CISD to see an increase in student and staff absences during flu season at this time of year. The actions of students and staff also can help prevent or slow the incidence of flu. The most important of these is to stay at home and keep children at home while sick and until they are free of a fever for 24 hours without the aid of medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. According to the CDC, the first line of defense is getting the flu shot. Other preventative measures include covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands and keeping sick people away from others. Click here for more information on the district’s health attendance guidelines.
Mockingbird Elementary’s Rakesgiving Featured on Fox 4
On Friday, Nov. 18, Fox 4 News ran a story on its 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. broadcasts on the 10th Annual Mockingbird Rakesgiving, organized by Jennifer Braafladt, who teaches 4th grade. The story can be viewed at go.coppellisd.com/22RakesgivingFox4. In partnership with the Coppell-based Valentine Premier Construction, the bags of leaves collected were donated to the Coppell Community Garden.
Education and Training Students Qualify for State Competition
Ten high school education and training students recently participated in the Texas Association of Future Educators Area competition and qualified for state. Congratulations to: Sunya Ajani, who qualified in the Lesson Plan and Delivery STEM category; Jackson Cusano, who qualified in the Exploring Education Administration Careers category; Syndey Lang and Bethany Jaquish, who qualified in the Interactive Bulletin Board category; Fiona Dabiri and Rose Moxley, who qualified in the Interactive Bulletin Board Elementary category; Nathalie Petit, who qualified in the Interactive Bulletin Board Elementary and Exploring Support Services Careers categories; Yomna Elkayer, who qualified in the Interactive Bulletin Board Middle School/High School category; Erin Donovan, who qualified in the Interactive Bulletin Board Elementary category; and Medleigh Danchak, who qualified in the Educational Leadership Fundamentals category. Thank you to the students’ teacher advisers Raneta Ansley and Melissa MacMillan.
Congratulations to Coppell Chamber’s Student and Teacher of the Month
Congratulations to CHS9 student Hashini Raja and CHS9 Special Education Teacher Chaz Bowen, who are the Student and Teacher of the Month for the Coppell Chamber of Commerce. Each month, the Coppell Chamber of Commerce recognizes a student and teacher of the month with prizes from local businesses.
High School Choir Madrigals Present "Cinder Ella-Phant" Event on Dec. 9 and 10
Hear ye! Hear ye! Lords and Ladies, the King and Queen of the Coppell High School Madrigal Choir cordially invite you to a feast fit for a king, filled with music and merriment. Honored guests will enter the CHS Commons and travel back in time through medieval decor, colorful costumes, and period music. The Madrigal singers’ production, "Cinder Ella-Phant,” will keep you laughing and promises to keep guests entertained. The evening will close with a short concert featuring holiday songs. Dinner will be a bountiful buffet with your choice of entree (roasted chicken or vegetarian option) with side dishes, salad and a tempting dessert. The choir will graciously offer two performances: Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday Dec. 10 with seating beginning at 6:30 p.m., and the Feast beginning at 7 p.m. The King has decided to limit each night to 200 guests, so be sure to make your reservations early. Dinner tickets are $25 or $30. Dessert tickets are available for just $10.
Dinner ticket sales will close on Dec. 2 at 10 p.m., so be sure to reserve your seat today. Purchase tickets at www.coppellchoir.com/tickets.
Limited Inventory of Blackout T-Shirts Still Available
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation has a limited number of Blackout T-shirts still available. Long-sleeve, short-sleeve and youth sizes are available. Purchase shirts here.- Dec. 9 — Early Release Day for Students — Elementary Schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.
- Dec. 12 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Dec. 16 — Early Release Day for Students — Elementary Schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.
- Dec. 19-Jan. 2 — Winter Break
It's that time of the year when we invite residents to help us Make A Child Smile! Go online to makeachildsmilecoppell.com to select a virtual ornament and purchase clothing and gifts for local children in need this holiday season.
makeachildsmilecoppell.com
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu - #CatchUpWithHunt:
-
November 17, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
As we head into our Thanksgiving Break next week, I want to take a moment to share a few things for which I am most thankful. I am thankful for my family and their unwavering love and support. I am grateful for my CISD family and our entire Coppell ISD community — our students, educators, staff, parents, families and supporters — who are working together every day to serve our children and support one another. I also appreciate our district’s dedication to instilling a mindset of service and giving back to our local community and those in need. This time of year, many of our schools host food drives, coat drives, toy drives and other donation opportunities to benefit our community partners. Thank you for your heart of service and willingness to help a person in need.
I also want to take a moment to say a sincere “Thank You” to those who volunteer their service to our schools and our district. Whether it is through the PTO, booster clubs, district committees, school events or other activities, or members of our local chambers of commerce, business and community organizations, we couldn't do what we do without our amazing parents and volunteers. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
The fall semester is almost at an end. For those of you who are on this "senior parent" journey with me, we have all heard how quickly senior year seems to fly by, and it's true. I am trying to savor every special moment and am grateful for this time with my senior. During this Thanksgiving Break, I hope you and your family can reflect on what you are grateful for, as well as take time to rest, rejuvenate and enjoy time with your families.
Happy Thanksgiving!Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
In this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt:
Veterans Day at CHS and Wilson Elementary - Thanksgiving Break Nov. 21 to Nov. 25
- Board Workshop Scheduled for Nov. 29
- Fighting the Flu in CISD
- We’re Hiring: Several Job Openings Available in CISD
- Substitute Teacher of the Month: Joseph Green
- Requesting Donations for Door Prizes for CISD Teachers and Staff for Holiday Celebration
- High School Choir Madrigals Present "Cinder Ella-Phant" Event on Dec. 9 and 10
- Coppell Gifted Association Writing Contest Entries Due on Dec. 2
- Looking for Speakers for New Tech Career Development Day on Dec. 9
- CCA 2nd Annual Holiday Hustle on Dec. 10
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Senior Night and Signing Day
Thanksgiving Break Nov. 21 to Nov. 25
All CISD schools and buildings will be closed from Nov. 21 to Nov. 25 for the Thanksgiving Break. From our families to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.
Board Workshop Scheduled for Nov. 29
The CISD Board of Trustees will hold a Budget Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 29 starting at 5:30 p.m. in the board room of the Vonita White Administration Building, located at 200 S. Denton Tap Road. Agendas, videos, minutes from past meetings, Board Briefs and more can be found at www.coppellisd.com/board.
Fighting the Flu in CISD
It isn’t unusual for CISD to see an increase in student and staff absences during flu season at this time of year. The actions of students and staff also can help prevent or slow the incidence of flu. The most important of these is to stay at home and keep children at home while sick and until they are free of a fever for 24 hours without the aid of medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. According to the CDC, the first line of defense is getting the flu shot. Other preventative measures include covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands and keeping sick people away from others. Click here for more information on the district’s health attendance guidelines.We’re Hiring: Several Job Openings Available in CISD
CISD is hiring for several current open positions. To review all openings please visit the website located at go.coppellisd.com/jobs. Open positions include administrative assistants, campus secretaries, aides, teachers, substitutes and more.
Substitute Teacher of the Month: Joseph Green
Joseph Green has been a substitute teacher in CISD for more than 10 years. He recently completed a long-term job at CMS East, and the campus could not say enough kind words about him. Green keeps kids on track so they get their work done and shares insights from life to make the lessons more relevant. Our students' lives have been enriched because of their time with Green. CISD appreciates everything Mr. Green does for our district, as he is always willing to step into various roles wherever needed. Thank you Mr. Green for all you do, and congratulations on being our Substitute Teacher of the Month.
Requesting Donations for Door Prizes for CISD Teachers and Staff for Holiday Celebration
CISD is collecting door prizes for teachers and staff four our annual employee Holiday Open House. Donations can be anything from gift cards to themed baskets to wreaths and more. This year's theme is “A Charlie Brown Holiday Open House,” should you want to tie into that theme, but you certainly do not have to do so. If you are interested in donating door prizes for the event, please contact Sara McCullough at smccullough@coppellisd.com. Donations will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 2, and all donations may be dropped off at the Vonita White Administration Building at 200 S. Denton Tap.
High School Choir Madrigals Present "Cinder Ella-Phant" Event on Dec. 9 and 10
Hear ye! Hear ye! Lords and Ladies, the King and Queen of the Coppell High School Madrigal Choir cordially invite you to a feast fit for a king, filled with music and merriment. Honored guests will enter the CHS Commons and travel back in time through medieval decor, colorful costumes, and period music. The Madrigal singers’ production, "Cinder Ella-Phant,” will keep you laughing and promises to keep guests entertained. The evening will close with a short concert featuring holiday songs. Dinner will be a bountiful buffet with your choice of entree (roasted chicken or vegetarian option) with side dishes, salad and a tempting dessert. The choir will graciously offer two performances: Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday Dec. 10 with seating beginning at 6:30 p.m., and the Feast beginning at 7 p.m. The King has decided to limit each night to 200 guests, so be sure to make your reservations early. Dinner tickets are $25 or $30. Dessert tickets are available for just $10.
Dinner ticket sales will close on Dec. 2 at 10 p.m., so be sure to reserve your seat today. Purchase tickets at www.coppellchoir.com/tickets.
Coppell Gifted Association Writing Contest Entries Due on Dec. 2
The Coppell Gifted Association is having its 15th Annual Creative Writing Competition, which is open to all CISD 4th to 12th graders. Those students not in the district also can participate, but must join the CGA. The deadline to enter is midnight, Friday, Dec. 2. Visit coppellgifted.org/competitions for details.
Looking for Speakers for New Tech Career Development Day on Dec. 9
New Tech High @ Coppell is holding its annual Career Development Day, named "Leap into Action," on Dec. 9 from 8:50 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. New Tech is looking for speakers to share their career experiences and bring an artifact from their workplace that will help students gain insight into different careers. Each session is approximately 45 minutes, including time for questions and answers. If you are interested in speaking at the event, please sign up for a time slot at go.coppellisd.com/NewTechSignUp.
CCA 2nd Annual Holiday Hustle on Dec. 10
Calling all CISD students and teachers. Please join the Coppell Cheer Association for its 2nd annual Holiday Hustle on Dec. 10. The school with the most students and staff participating will receive $150 donation for their PE department. Register at the link below:
runsignup.com/Race/TX/Coppell/CCAHolidayHustleFunRun.
- Nov. 29 — Board Workshop 5:30 p.m.
- Nov. 21-Nov. 25 — Thanksgiving Break
- Dec. 9 — Early Release Day for Students — Elementary Schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.
- Dec. 12 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Dec. 16 — Early Release Day for Students — Elementary Schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.
- Dec. 19-Jan. 2 — Winter Break
It's that time of the year when we invite residents to help us Make A Child Smile! Go online to makeachildsmilecoppell.com to select a virtual ornament and purchase clothing and gifts for local children in need this holiday season.
makeachildsmilecoppell.com
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu - #CatchUpWithHunt:
-
November 11, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
One of my favorite CISD traditions is how each of our campuses honors those who have served our country through various Veterans Day celebrations, events and activities. These included a breakfast at CHS with Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta honoring staff members who are veterans. Many schools are having special celebrations, programs and exhibits, including CMS West, which had a pop-up museum honoring our veterans. On this Veterans Day, I want to express my sincere thanks to all of our staff members, parents, alumni, and community members for their service to our country. In particular, I thank our CISD employees who served in the military for continuing their path of service to the education and care of our kids.
With our Boys Cross Country team placing 3rd at State and our Coppell Band placing 8th at State, we have a lot to be proud of here in CISD. I am very proud of our amazing School Resource Officers and want to share a story that shows their commitment to our students. Officer Tonard “Tee” Warmsley stepped up on Senior Night last week to walk one of our senior football players, Modjet Brown, because his parents could not attend the game. It is stories like this that remind me of what a wonderful school district we have. As I was with my own senior and family at Senior Night last week, I am cherishing every moment during this special time as the parent of a soon to be Coppell High School graduate.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
In this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt:
Senior Night and Signing Day - Bond Feedback Opportunity: Second Survey Due Nov. 17
- Board Approves Jobby Mathew for Place 7 Trustee Vacancy
- CISD Celebrates Veterans Day
- Boys Cross Country Team Places 3rd at State
- CHS Band Places 8th at State
- High School Athletes Participate in National Signing Day
- Honor Choir Brings Together Elementary and Middle Schools for Night of Harmony
- Football Playoff Game Update
- School Resource Officer Tonard “Tee” Warmsley Featured on NBC 5
- CMS North Collects 4,000 Pounds of Food for CCA
- CEF GIVE4GRANTS Deadline Extended to Nov. 11
- Shop at the Holiday House Event at CHS on Nov. 13
- Looking for Speakers for New Tech Career Development Day on Dec. 9
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Senior Night and Signing Day
Bond Feedback Opportunity: Second Survey Due Nov. 17
The CISD Bond Committee is conducting a second survey for community feedback from Nov. 11 to Nov. 17. CISD is engaged in a process to plan for the district's long-range facility needs that may result in a 2023 bond election. The 60-member Bond Committee appointed by the Board of Trustees is considering various options to address identified facilities’ needs. No decisions have been made yet. The committee will present to the Board in January or February their recommendations for capital investments to address those needs. This survey identifies draft options developed to address identified facilities’ needs. The survey results will be reviewed by the Bond Steering Committee and will inform their recommendations to the Board.
English Survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G8CTW83
Spanish Survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GV8BVKJ?lang=es
Details about the bond planning process can be found at www.coppellisd.com/bond.
Board Approves Jobby Mathew for Place 7 Trustee Vacancy
After reviewing community feedback and 14 applications, the CISD Board of Trustees voted to approve Jobby Mathew to fill the vacant Place 7 Trustee position during its Special Board Meeting on Nov. 7. He will be sworn in as the Place 7 Trustee at a Special Board Meeting on Monday, Nov. 14 at 5:30 p.m., prior to the regular Board Meeting that begins at 6 p.m. He will hold the Place 7 Trustee position until the May 6, 2023 election. The unexpired term for CISD Trustee Place 7 will be on the May 6, 2023, ballot to fill the remaining one-year of the term. Place 7 will then be up for election for its full three-year term during the May 4, 2024 election. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Place7.
CISD Celebrates Veterans Day
CISD continues its long-standing tradition of saluting our veterans and expressing our gratitude for their service to our country via various ceremonies, events and displays commemorating Veterans Day on Nov. 11. Many CISD elementary schools ask students to invite family members, who have served in the military or who are first responders, to participate in school assembly ceremonies to celebrate their service. CHS hosted an indoor parade and a breakfast for Veterans featuring Congressional Medal Honor Recipient Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta. CMS West installed a pop-up museum honoring veterans. Several elementary schools hosted assemblies and performances honoring veterans in their school and relatives of students who are veterans. CISD also recognized its employees who are veterans..
.Boys Cross Country Team Places 3rd at State
The Coppell Cowboys’ Cross Country team finished 3rd in the State UIL 6A Championship held Nov. 4 in Round Rock. Senior Andrew Mullen finished 7th and wraps up his high school cross country career with three consecutive State Championship appearances, two top 10 State 6A finishes, two top 10 Region 1-6A finishes and three top 10 District 6-6A finishes. Congratulations to the Cowboys Varsity Cross Country Team of seniors Vedant Bhattacharyya, Cameron Churchill-Dowd, Kavin Chengavarayan, Samuel Martinson and Andrew Mullen; and juniors Henry Henze and Samarth Dubey. The team is led by Head Coach Landron Wren and Assistant Coaches Don Kemp, John Robbins and Maddie Younger. “I felt like the athletes had to battle harder than they have had to at any meet this year,” said Coach Wren.“To me, that proves what I already knew about them — they have a rarely seen determination. I am so unbelievably proud and happy that their season ended the way it did.”
CHS Band Places 8th at State UIL Competition
Congratulations to the Coppell Varsity Band, which placed 8th at the 2022 UIL State Marching Band Championships on Nov. 9. The Coppell Band also was an 11th place finalist in the Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional.
High School Athletes Participate in National Signing Day
Congratulations to the 13 CISD high school student-athletes who participated in National Signing Day at the CHS Arena on Nov. 9. Congratulations to TJ Pompey, who signed to play baseball at Texas Tech University; Tanner Sever, who signed to play baseball at the University of Texas at San Antonio; Jules LaMendola, who signed to play basketball at Indiana University; Kirstin Angosta, who signed to play golf at Texas Christian University; Medleigh Danchak, who signed to play softball at Hillsdale College; Emily Fischetti, who signed to play softball at Messiah University; Lindsay Patton, who signed to play tennis at Baylor University; Megan Judd, who signed to run track at Dartmouth University; Sky Schuller, who signed for track and field at Stanford University; Waverly Hassman, who signed to run track at Northeastern University; Lulu Ehinger, who signed for the triathlon at South Dakota University (swimming and track); Ekwe Anwah, who signed for volleyball at East Carolina University; and Allie Stricker, who signed for volleyball at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Honor Choir Brings Together Elementary and Middle Schools for Night of Harmony
In harmony — the CISD Honor Choir hit the right notes, as about 230 singers from 5th and 6th grade from all CISD elementary and middle schools came together for the annual CISD Honor Choir Concert on Nov. 8. Now in its eleventh year, this annual event allows 5th and 6th grade students the opportunity to audition since they are not eligible for UIL competition. The Honor Choir students rehearse with music and choir teachers from all of the elementary and middle schools, as well as engage with the high school choir directors. This year technician Colton Blake was brought in to work with the students to help them learn and refine their techniques. “The Honor Choir experience highlights the arts in CISD and allows the community to celebrate our elementary and middle school choir programs,” said Wilson Elementary Music Teacher Eric Hanson. “The singers are able to learn from other choir instructors and get a taste of the opportunities ahead for them in middle school and beyond.”
Football Playoff Game Update
CISD is excited to host the UIL Bi-District 6A Division 2 Playoff Game between CHS and McKinney High School on Friday, Nov. 11, with kickoff at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field at CHS. Since this is a UIL Football playoff game and not a regular season game, the district cannot provide free passes to enter the game. To purchase a general admission ticket for Friday’s game for $10, please visit www.coppellathletics.net/e-tickets. Go Cowboys!
School Resource Officer Tonard “Tee” Warmsley Featured on NBC 5
CHS School Resource Officer and Coppell Police Officer Tonard "Tee" Warmsley was featured on NBC 5 in the TV station's "Wake Up to #SomethingGood" segment on the morning of Nov. 8. Officer Tee was featured for escorting Senior Football Player Modjet Brown at Senior Night last week because Brown's parents could not attend the game. View the segment at go.coppellisd.com/NBC5OfficerTee.
CMS North Collects 4,000 Pounds of Food for CCA
CMS North collected 4,000 pounds of food for the Christian Community Action’s local food bank during a recent collection drive at the school. This annual tradition is led by CMS North Theatre Teacher Brittany Reese.
CEF GIVE4GRANTS Deadline Nov. 11
The deadline for the Coppell ISD Education Foundation’s Give for Grants campaign has been extended to Friday, Nov. 11. Currently, four grants have been funded, but there are still 34 we need to fill. Visit give4grantscisd.org to see all grants or follow the individual school links below.
https://give.livingtree.com/p/canyon-ranch-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/chs-chs9
https://give.livingtree.com/p/cottonwood-creek-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/denton-creek-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/lakeside-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/mockingbird-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/new-tech-high-coppell
https://give.livingtree.com/p/pinkerton-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/r-j-lee-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/town-centerelementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/valley-ranch-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/wilson-elementary
Last year all grants were funded, and we are working hard to try to ensure all of this year’s grants are funded. Please help us by spreading the word.
Shop at the Holiday House at CHS on Nov. 13
The Coppell High School PTSO is hosting its annual Holiday House shopping event on Sunday, Nov. 13, from noon to 6 p.m. in the CHS Commons. The event benefits CHS Project Graduation.
Looking for Speakers for New Tech Career Development Day on Dec. 9
New Tech High @ Coppell is holding its annual Career Development Days, named "Leap into Action," on Dec. 9 from 8:50 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. New Tech is looking for speakers to share their career experiences and bring an artifact from their workplace that will help students gain insight into different careers. Each session is approximately 45 minutes, including time for questions and answers. If you are interested in speaking at the event, please sign up for a time slot at go.coppellisd.com/NewTechSignUp.
- Nov. 14 — Special Board Meeting 5:30 p.m.
- Nov. 14 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Nov. 21-Nov. 25 — Thanksgiving Break
- Dec. 9 — Early Release Day for Students — Elementary Schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.
- Dec. 12 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Dec. 16 — Early Release Day for Students — Elementary Schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.
- Dec. 19 - Jan. 2 — Winter Break
It's that time of the year when we invite residents to help us Make A Child Smile! Go online to makeachildsmilecoppell.com to select a virtual ornament and purchase clothing and gifts for local children in need this holiday season.
makeachildsmilecoppell.com
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu - #CatchUpWithHunt:
-
November 3, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
This week many of our seniors and their families will have their last “Friday Night Lights” experience, or in this case “Thursday Night Lights” or, for the Coppell Band, "Wednesday Night Lights" at Buddy Echols Field. As the father of a senior who is a Lariette, I hope my comrades in parenting a soon-to-be graduate are taking a moment to recognize how special this occasion is in our and our child’s life. Also special are all of the people and hard work that led up to this achievement.
Our students don’t get to be seniors on their own. Our parents, who are the first teachers, our teachers and staff, mentors, grandparents, friends and our community — we are all part of a student’s journey to young adulthood. It can often be difficult, but it is so rewarding to see our children learn and grow. When I hear stories such as the recent one from a waitress at a Chili’s in Lewisville about how great our CISD Theatre students are, it shows me that our district and community’s focus on educating the whole child and helping our students have a positive impact on the world is working.
As a father, a former teacher and as your superintendent, the pride and joy of my life is having an impact on our kids. I thank all of our students, our teachers, our staff, our parents and our community who work together to take care of our children and help them become the amazing people they are. Thank you as always for your partnership and support of CISD.Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: Town Center Elementary Red Ribbon Week Parade
- Bond Committee Invites Stakeholders to Community Dialogue on Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at New Tech
- Varsity Football Game Moved to TONIGHT Due to Weather
- Coppell Cowboy Baseball Team Hosts Tailgate Before Nov. 3 Football Game
- New After-Hours Maintenance Number
- Costume Donations Make Richard J. Lee Halloween Book Character Parade Special
- Coppell Band Wins Area Competition and Heads to State
- CMS West’s Schuyler Beecher Chosen as Teacher of Year by the Council for Learning Disabilities
- Bianca Benitez Receives “Teacher on the Rise” Award
- Spotlight on Redefining Success: Dyslexia Awareness Month at Cottonwood Creek and Mockingbird
- Coppell Choir Presents Respira Dessert Show on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6
- Early Voting for Nov. 8 Election Ends on Nov. 4
- CHS IB Programme Showcase on Nov. 9
- CEF GIVE4GRANTS Deadline Extended to Nov. 11
- Shop at the Holiday House Event at CHS on Nov. 13
- Looking for Speakers for New Tech Career Development Day on Dec. 9
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Town Center Elementary Red Ribbon Week Parade
Bond Committee Invites Stakeholders to Community Dialogue on Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at New Tech High @ Coppell
A Community Dialogue will be held on Nov. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the New Tech High @ Coppell Cafeteria to gather feedback on options being considered for CISD long-range facility and program needs. Join fellow CISD stakeholders to discuss and rate various options for capital investments. This feedback will help shape a potential 2023 Bond election. Please RSVP at go.coppellisd.com/Nov10RSVP so we can plan for enough materials for the audience. Information about the CISD facilities planning process and CISD Bond Steering committee can be found at www.coppellisd.com/bond.
Varsity Football Game Moved to TONIGHT Due to Weather
Due to the high chance of thunderstorms on Friday night, this week's varsity home football game vs. Plano and Senior Night festivities have been moved to Thursday, Nov. 3. Visit www.coppellathletics.net/e-tickets for tickets. This is the last game for the 8-1 Cowboys before they begin the playoffs.
Coppell Cowboy Baseball Team Hosts Tailgate Before Nov. 3 Football Game
The Coppell Cowboys Baseball Tailgate will now be held on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., since the football game is moving to Thursday. The Tailgate will take place in the grassy area close to the main parking lot entrance of CHS.CISD Announces New After-Hours Maintenance Number
If you see something that needs immediate attention after normal business hours, there is a new after-hours contact number for the CISD Maintenance Department. The new number is 214-496-8199. Please leave a message and an on-call attendant will forward your message to the proper person for handling.
Costume Donations Make Richard J. Lee Halloween Book Character Parade Special
The Book Character Parade at Richard J. Lee Elementary featured ninjas, dragons, princesses, Avengers characters and more. Behind the scenes, a few angels in the form of Occupational Therapy students from St. Augustine University designed and created costumes for special needs learners at Lee, so they could be part of the parade. See more photos from the parade at go.coppellisd.com/ParadeLee.
Coppell Band Wins Area Competition and Heads to State
Story by CISD Communications Intern and The Sidekick Writer Shrayes Gunna, a senior at CHS. Photos by CISD Communications Intern and The Sidekick Editor-in-Chief Angelina Liu. The story and photos originally appeared in The Sidekick.
The time is 1:12 p.m., and Coppell Band assistant director Riaz Mohammed leans over to a flutist. With one step on the turf at Pennington Field, they, in tandem, determine the ground is neither wet nor slick enough to prevent the band from performing its best.
And so the show went on.
Within 15 minutes, the band clinched a spot in finals, in which only 12 of 32 bands advanced. In yet another 15-minute run at 8:30 p.m., it had been named the 2022 UIL Class 6A Area B Marching Contest champion. Each movement tells the story of an archetype found within media — literature, art, film. On Friday, the band will take this narrative to the Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional Championship as well as the UIL State Marching Competition in San Antonio. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/22BandArea.
CMS West’s Schuyler Beecher Chosen as Teacher of the Year by the Council for Learning Disabilities
CMS West Special Education Teacher Schuyler Beecher is a recipient of the 2022 Council for Learning Disabilities Teacher of the Year Award. Each year, the Council for Learning Disabilities recognizes outstanding teachers who consistently provide quality instruction to students with learning disabilities. According to the Council, recognized teachers are dedicated to implementing evidence-based instructional practices and collaborating with classroom teachers and other service providers to improve the quality of education for all struggling learners.
Bianca Benitez Receives “Teacher on the Rise” Award from Market Street and Mrs. Baird
Bianca Benitez. center, stands with her nominator Aman Singhal, right center, and representatives from Market Street and Mrs. Baird's Bread.
CHS AP Biology Teacher Bianca Benitez was surprised this morning with the news that she is a “Teacher on the Rise” recipient for November. Benitez was nominated for this recognition by one of her students, CHS senior Aman Singhal. Sponsored by Market Street Supermarkets and Mrs. Baird’s Bread, the Teacher on the Rise recognition program honors three North Texas teachers every month — one in elementary, one in middle school and one high school — for their contributions to education. As the winning teacher, Benitez received a prize package that includes a $100 Market Street gift card and a $100 American Express gift card from Mrs. Baird’s Bread. Singhal also received a $50 American Express gift card for nominating the winning teacher.
Spotlight on Redefining Success: Dyslexia Awareness Month Events at Cottonwood Creek and Mockingbird Elementaries
Two CISD elementary campuses developed creative and engaging activities to commemorate October as Dyslexia Awareness Month. CHS Senior Emily Fischetti spent the day of Oct. 21 with Cottonwood Creek Elementary MLI (Multisensory Letter Introduction) learners. She answered questions about dyslexia and shared about her life after MLI and what learning looks like in high school. MLI learners at Mockingbird Elementary also worked to bring awareness about dyslexia. They created posters that shared facts and some of the struggles they face. These posters were compiled into a video that was shared with the Mockingbird staff and families to help them better understand dyslexia and hear from the students. Mockingbird staff then created a video to show support and encouragement to MLI learners.
Coppell Choir Presents Respira Dessert Show on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6
Respira, Coppell High School's treble show choir, presents their annual Dessert Show on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium. Dessert will be provided at intermission. Purchase your tickets online at www.coppellchoir.com/tickets or at the door the day of the show.
Early Voting for Nov. 8 Election Ends on Nov. 4
Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 8 Election lasts until Nov. 4. Learn more, including where to vote, at www.votetexas.gov. Cottonwood Creek Elementary, Lakeside Elementary, Mockingbird Elementary, Wilson Elementary and Valley Ranch Elementary will serve as polling locations on Election Day, Nov. 8. Voting will take place in the schools’ gym from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each school’s gym has its own entrance and exit, so voters and election officials will be separated from students during the school day. Students will not be in these schools' gyms during election day. There may be a possible increase in traffic around these schools on Nov. 8, CISD is working with local law enforcement to have enhanced police presence at these schools on Nov. 8.
CHS IB Programme Info Session on Nov. 9 at CHS
There will be an Information Session on the International Baccalaureate Programme at Coppell High School for families of 6th to 10th graders interested in IB. The session takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. in the CHS Lecture Hall.
CEF GIVE4GRANTS Deadline Extended to Nov. 11
The deadline for the Coppell ISD Education Foundation’s Give for Grants campaign has been extended to Friday, Nov. 11. Currently, four grants have been funded, but there are still 34 we need to fill. Visit give4grantscisd.org to see all grants or follow the individual school links below.
https://give.livingtree.com/p/canyon-ranch-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/chs-chs9
https://give.livingtree.com/p/cottonwood-creek-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/denton-creek-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/lakeside-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/mockingbird-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/new-tech-high-coppell
https://give.livingtree.com/p/pinkerton-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/r-j-lee-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/town-centerelementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/valley-ranch-elementary
https://give.livingtree.com/p/wilson-elementary
Last year all grants were funded, and we are working hard to try to ensure all of this year’s grants are funded. Please help us by spreading the word.
Shop at the Holiday House at CHS on Nov. 13
The Coppell High School PTSO is hosting its annual Holiday House shopping event on Sunday, Nov. 13, from noon to 6 p.m. in the CHS Commons. The event benefits CHS Project Graduation.
Looking for Speakers for New Tech Career Development Day on Dec. 9
New Tech High @ Coppell is holding its annual Career Development Days, named "Leap into Action," on Dec. 9 from 8:50 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. New Tech is looking for speakers to share their career experiences and bring an artifact from their workplace that will help students gain insight into different careers. Each session is approximately 45 minutes, including time for questions and answers. If you are interested in speaking at the event, please sign up for a time slot at go.coppellisd.com/NewTechSignUp.
- Nov. 7 — Special Board Meeting 8 a.m.
- Nov. 7 — Joint Meeting with the City of Coppell 6 p.m. Coppell Arts Center
- Nov. 10 — Bond Community Dialogue Session at New Tech High @ Coppell 6 p.m.
- Nov. 14 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Nov. 21-Nov. 25 — Thanksgiving Break
- Dec. 9 — Early Release Day for Students — Elementary Schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.
- Dec. 12 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Dec. 16 — Early Release Day for Students — Elementary Schools dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.
- Dec. 19 - Jan. 2 — Winter Break
It's that time of the year when we invite residents to help us Make A Child Smile! Go online to makeachildsmilecoppell.com to select a virtual ornament and purchase clothing and gifts for local children in need this holiday season.
makeachildsmilecoppell.com
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
October 27, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
I want to begin by thanking everyone who attended our Community Tailgate last Friday. This annual tradition is a wonderful opportunity for us to engage with each other as a community. It was also amazing to see our first responder and veteran heroes recognized before the football game.
Our student athletes continue to achieve at the highest levels, with our Boys Cross Country team advancing to state, our Volleyball team beginning their playoff run and our Football team continuing to win and clinching a playoff berth. Our winter sports will begin soon, and I encourage our community to continue to support our Cowboys and Cowgirls.
The Fine Arts performance season is also underway, with upcoming Cowboy Theatre and Coppell Choir shows. I hope you will join me in supporting our students as they perform, as the talent of our students is truly amazing.
This week, many of our families and campuses celebrated Diwali. I love seeing and being a part of these celebrations, which brings our diverse community together. CISD also celebrated Red Ribbon Week with parades and dress-up days at our schools and a Parent University event on the signs of substance abuse. Red Ribbon Week is a national movement designed to serve as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities to encourage a lifetime of being drug free.
As we continue to focus on educating the whole child here in CISD, I want to thank our parents, who are essential partners in student success. Thank you for all you do for your kids, our schools and our district community. I appreciate you all.
Have a great week!Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: CHS Pep Rally and Community Tailgate
- School Board Considering Next Steps for Open Place 7 Position Including Accepting Applications Until Nov. 1
- CISD Campuses Celebrate Diwali
- Pinkerton Elementary Living Museum Brings History to Life
- Tailgate Brings CISD Community Together
- Thank You CISD Community Tailgate Sponsors
- Looking for Speakers for New Tech Career Development Day on Dec. 9
- Boys Cross Country Advances to State
- Volleyball Begins Playoff Run with Bi-District Match
- Cowboy Theatre Company Performs Eurydice Oct. 28 to Oct. 30
- Coppell Choir Presents Respira Dessert Show Nov. 5 and Nov. 6
- Coppell Cowboy Baseball Team Hosts Tailgate Before Nov. 4 Football Game
- Early Voting for Nov. 8 Continues Until Nov. 4
- CEF Blackout Night T-Shirts for Nov. 4 Football Game Available for Purchase
- CEF Super Star Program Currently Accepting Nominations
- CEF Give for Grants Campaign Ends Oct. 31
- Project Graduation Curb Painting
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: CHS Pep Rally and Community Tailgate
School Board Considering Next Steps for Open Place 7 Position Including Accepting Applications Until Nov. 1
The CISD Board of Trustees are considering the next steps for the open Place 7 Trustee position, including accepting applications for the vacant position for a possible replacement through Nov. 1. According to Texas law, CISD Trustees may either (1) call a special election to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term, (2) appoint a replacement for the Place 7 Trustee position through the May 6, 2023 election or (3) allow the position to remain vacant until the May 6, 2023, election. The Board is considering all of these options. In any event, the unexpired term for CISD Trustee Place 7 will be on the May 6, 2023, ballot to fill the remainder of the term. Place 7 will then be up for election for its full three-year term during the May 4, 2024 election.
An application for those interested in filling the Place 7 Trustee position is available on the CISD Board of Trustees website at www.coppellisd.com/board until Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Anyone interested in applying for a potential appointment to the open seat must meet the requirements listed below and in District Policy BBA (LEGAL), and will be required to resign from any conflicting commitments, including, but not limited to, other district committees and nonprofits, PTOs, or booster clubs.
The Board also gathered community feedback about the process and qualities of a trustee through the district’s input@coppellisd.com email address from Oct. 20-23.
The School Board will hold a Special Meeting on Nov. 7 at 8 a.m. regarding the Place 7 vacancy.
The CISD Board of Trustees plans to review applications prior to the Nov. 14 Regular Board Meeting. Trustees will discuss their next steps and possible action regarding the vacant Place 7 Trustee position at the Nov. 14 Board Meeting. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Place7Vacancy.
CISD Campuses Celebrate Diwali
Several CISD campuses celebrated Diwali this week by dressing up, campus displays and sharing the cultural customs and practices about this holiday. See how they celebrated at go.coppellisd.com/Diwali22.Pinkerton Elementary Living Museum Brings History to Life
Second graders at Pinkerton Elementary brought history to life last Friday with a Living Museum. Students dressed up as famous historical figures and shared their leadership and contributions to history as if they were that person. See more at go.coppellisd.com/PinkertonLivingHistory.
CISD Tailgate Brings Community Together
Story by CISD Communications Intern and The Sidekick staff writer Araceli Reynoso, a senior at CHS. This story originally appeared in The Sidekick. Photos by sophomore Sahasra Chakilam, staff photographer for The Sidekick.
As the smell of barbecue fills the air and children run about to play games and eat, the community of Coppell comes together to celebrate the Coppell Football Team with a tailgate. While the Coppell ISD Annual Community Tailgate itself is something that Coppell has been doing for many years, it has always been something special. It started off as something that was small and has grown into a large community event.
“We’ve had this for several years, but it’s really blown up into something pretty cool and special,” CISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt said. “To have so many people come back and so many alumni, it’s just great.”
The Tailgate celebrates more than just the game of football. It allows for the recognition of former students and sponsors, and for elementary schools, to come out and show their spirit. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/22Tailgate.
Thank You CISD Community Tailgate Sponsors
CISD would like to thank the sponsors of the Community Tailgate — Hand and Stone Massage Coppell, AAA, Championship Martial Arts Coppell, Freeform Chiropractic, ERP, Stretch Zone Coppell, Bailey Orthodontics, Coppell ER, Mobility Credit Union, the YMCA, C2 Education, the Coppell ISD Education Foundation, Takis Chips, Living That Kind Life and the CISD Alumni Association.
Looking for Speakers for New Tech Career Development Day on Dec. 9
New Tech High @ Coppell is holding its annual Career Development Day, named "Leap into Action," on Dec. 9 from 8:50 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. New Tech is looking for speakers to share their career experiences and bring an artifact from their workplace that will help students gain insight into different careers. Each session is approximately 45 minutes, including time for questions and answers. If you are interested in speaking at the event, please sign up for a time slot at go.coppellisd.com/NewTechSignUp.
Boys Cross Country Advances to State
Congratulations to the Varsity Boys Cross Country, who finished 2nd in the 6A Region 1 Cross Country Championship in Lubbock on Oct. 24. The team has qualified for the State Cross Country Championship in Round Rock on Nov. 4. Congratulations to Varsity Boys Cross Country team members Vedant Bhattacharyya, Kavin Chengavarayan, Cameron Churchill-Dowd, Samarth Dubey, Henry Henze, Samuel Martinson and Andrew Mullen, who placed 8th individually at the Region meet. The team is led by head coach Landon Wren and assistant coaches Don Kemp, John Robbins and Maddie Younger.
Volleyball Begins Playoff Run with Bi-District Match on Nov. 1
The Cowgirls Volleyball team finished the season tied for 2nd in district and ranked no. 5 in district 6A. The team begins its bi-district playoff run on Nov. 1 vs. Denton Guyer High School. The game will take place at Lake Dallas High School at 6:30 p.m.
Cowboy Theatre Company Performs Eurydice Oct. 28 to Oct. 30
Coppell High School’s Cowboy Theatre Company presents Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl. The play runs from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30, and tickets can be purchased through the online box-office here: https://chstb.booktix.com.
Coppell Choir Presents Respira Dessert Show on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6
Respira, Coppell High School's treble show choir, presents their annual Dessert Show on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium. Desserts will be provided at intermission. Purchase your tickets online at www.coppellchoir.com/tickets or at the door the day of the show.
Coppell Cowboy Baseball Team Hosts Tailgate Before Nov. 4 Football Game
Join the Coppell Cowboy Baseball Team for their tailgate prior to the Nov. 4 final home football game vs. Plano. The event will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the CHS Main Entrance parking lot.
Early Voting for Nov. 8 Continues Until Nov. 4
Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 8 Election lasts until Nov. 4. Learn more, including where to vote, at www.votetexas.gov.
CEF Blackout Night T-Shirts for Nov. 4 Football Game Available for Purchase
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase the Coppell ISD Education Foundation’s Blackout Night Spirit shirt. This monochromatic t-shirt boasts the Coppell Cowboy's logo in a black look-of-leather ink, perfect for Blackout Night on Nov. 4. The shirt is available for the entire community and can be purchased in both short and long-sleeve adult sizes, as well as youth short sleeve.
**LONG-SLEEVE SHIRT IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN ADULT SIZES**
If you would like to view the shirt in person, stop by the CEF Booth at this Friday’s Community Tailgate. All money raised by purchasing a Blackout Night shirt will be earmarked for 2022-2023 school year and given back to the schools and students of CISD through teacher grants. Purchase the shirt at:
https://coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/football-night/
CEF Super Star Program Currently Accepting Nominations
Please help the Coppell ISD Education Foundation spotlight the dedicated and hardworking CISD students, teachers, administrators, and support staff in our elementary and middle schools by nominating them for a Super Star award. Any parent, middle school student or CISD employee can nominate a CISD employee at their elementary or middle school. Everyone nominated, regardless of whether they are chosen as a winner, will receive a printed certificate, so please nominate as many deserving individuals as possible. Visit www.coppellisdef.com/super-star for more information and to submit some awesome candidates. The nomination deadline is Dec. 2.
CEF Give for Grants Campaign Ends Oct. 31
The Coppell Education Foundation Give for Grants campaign is designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward effective, innovative, and creative, instructional approaches that directly impact CISD students while transforming classroom learning. There are 38 grant requests from 14 CISD campuses this school year. For the past two years, generous donations helped CEF fund every grant. To donate, visit www.give4grantscisd.org.
Curb Painting Benefits Project Graduation
Project Graduation is offering curb painting to support its efforts. Orders will be taken Oct. 17 to Nov. 18, and curbs will be painted within 30 days, weather permitting. For more information or to place an order, visit www.chsprojectgraduation.com/curb-painting.Looking for a new gig? The annual Work in Coppell Virtual Job Fair is coming up Tuesday, Oct. 25. Chat with local and national businesses in a variety of sectors.
Visit coppell.easyvirtualfair.com to register and fill out your profile before Oct. 24 to participate.
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
October 20, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
It is a busy, but fun time in Coppell ISD with our annual Community Tailgate tomorrow, the work of our Bond Committee, Red Ribbon Week next week, as well as the achievements of our students in academics, athletics and the fine arts. It's exciting to have some many wonderful things happening in CISD! I spent this week wrapping the surprise recognitions of our first grading period Super Teachers. I truly believe that what gets recognized, gets repeated. Honoring our teachers for innovative educational design, as well as going the extra mile for our students is one of the best parts of my job.
Another favorite of my job is engaging with our students. I had a “hoot” painting owls with Austin Elementary 4th graders earlier this week. Lisa Ricciardelli is an amazing art teacher, and the talent of our students continues to amaze me. Being in her art class and spending time with our kids was outstanding. I truly appreciate Ms. Ricciardelli and all of our fine art teachers in CISD.
The work of our Bond Committee continues. I would like to thank the more than 50 CISD community members who came to our Futures Conference at CHS9 last week. We also had more than 1,800 take our survey. The results of this survey will be shared with our Bond Committee and posted on the bond website at www.coppellisd.com/bond. Our community will have another opportunity to engage with us during a community dialogue session on Nov. 10 at New Tech High @ Coppell. Look for details about this event soon.
I want to end by extending my sincere appreciation and thanks to Trustee Tracy Fisher, who resigned from her position on the Board effective on Oct. 23. Tracy has served on the Board of Trustees for more than 10 years, but her dedication to the district has lasted more than twice that long. I appreciate her commitment to our kids. Tracy has volunteered countless hours on behalf of Coppell ISD, and I thank Tracy for her service.
I hope to see you at the Tailgate on Friday!Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: Art at Austin Elementary
- CISD Receives State’s Top Financial Rating for 20th Consecutive Year
- CISD Trustee Tracy Fisher Resigns Effective Oct. 23 and Possible Next Steps
- October is Principals Month
- Parking Map for Oct. 21 Community Tailgate
- Congratulations First Grading Period Super Teachers
- Boys Cross Country Team Wins District
- Coppell Tennis Finishes Season as Area Champs and Ranked No. 15 in the State
- High School Students Donate Copier to Special Education
- Cowboy Theatre Company Performs Eurydice Oct. 28 to Oct. 30
- New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts Fall Festival and Haunted House on Oct. 27
- CISD Hosts Virtual Parent University on Signs of Substance Abuse on Oct. 26
- Coppell Cowboy Baseball Team Hosts Tailgate Before Nov. 4 Football Game
- Early Voting for Nov. 8 Election Begins Oct. 24
- CEF Blackout Night T-Shirts for Nov. 4 Football Game Available for Purchase
- CEF Super Star Program Currently Accepting Nominations
- CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open
- Project Graduation Curb Painting
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Art at Austin Elementary
CISD Receives State’s Top Financial Rating for 20th Consecutive Year
Coppell ISD has earned the highest financial rating possible for its 2020-2021 financial accountability from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). In its findings, the TEA announced CISD had received both an “A” Superior Rating and a “94” Score in the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) ratings. The district has received a “Superior” rating since 2002. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/FIRST22.
CISD Trustee Tracy Fisher Resigns Effective Oct. 23 and Possible Next Steps
During the Oct. 17 Board Meeting, Coppell ISD Trustee Tracy Fisher formally resigned from her Place 7 seat on the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees, effective on Oct. 23, because she is running for another elected position in the state. According to Texas law, CISD Trustees may either (1) call a special election to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term, (2) appoint a replacement for the Place 7 Trustee position through the May 6, 2023 election or (3) allow the position to remain vacant until the May 6, 2023, election. In any event, the unexpired term for CISD Trustee Place 7 will be on the May 6, 2023, ballot to fill the remainder of the term. Place 7 will then be up for election for its full three-year term during the May 4, 2024 election.
The CISD Board will solicit community input regarding the desired characteristics of a potential board member in consideration of possible action for appointment to the vacant Place 7 Trustee position via email from Oct. 20 to Oct. 23 at input@coppellisd.com. In the subject line of the email, please write “Board Vacancy Input.”
An application for those interested in filling the Place 7 Trustee position will also be available on the CISD Board of Trustees website at www.coppellisd.com/board from Monday, Oct. 24 at 8 a.m. until Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Anyone interested in applying for a potential appointment to the open seat must meet the requirements listed below and in District Policy BBA (LEGAL), and will be required to resign from any conflicting commitments, including, but not limited to, other district committees and nonprofits, PTOs, or booster clubs.
The CISD Board of Trustees plans to review applications prior to the Nov. 14 Regular Board Meeting. Trustees will discuss their next steps and possible action regarding the vacant Place 7 Trustee position at the Nov. 14 Board Meeting.
October is National Principals Month
Each October, National Principals Month recognizes the essential role that principals play in making a school great. Principals set the academic tone for their schools, and it is their vision, dedication, and determination that provide the mobilizing force for achieving student success. CISD would like to thank our principals for all they do to take care of and serve their teachers, staff and students each day.Parking Map for Oct. 21 Community Tailgate
CISD looks forward to seeing our community at our Annual Community Tailgate on Friday, Oct. 21 in the indoor practice facility at the Coppell High School Field House. Please see the map above for instructions on parking and access to the Tailgate. Community members are encouraged to park in the lot behind the Home entrance gate. From there, Tailgate guests can follow the sidewalk behind the Home side stands and past the old baseball field to the far end of the CHS Athletics field house, where you will find the indoor practice field. Volunteers and signs will be present to guide you. The doors open at 5 p.m. After the Tailgate, those who have purchased game tickets can exit the indoor practice field through the field house and enter the stadium through the southeast entrance gate. Those who wish to do so can still purchase game tickets at www.coppellathletics.net/e-tickets. The Tailgate ends at 6:30 p.m. and the game kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Congratulations First Grading Period Super Teachers
Congratulations to CISD's First Grading Period 2022 Super Teachers, who design engaging and innovative learning experiences that ignite the interests of learners. Our first grading period Super Teachers are: Shari Gulam, Meghann Murray, and Angel Piers from Valley Ranch Elementary; Steffi Amberg from Denton Creek Elementary; Barbara Smith from Victory Place @ Coppell; Samantha Rivera from Canyon Ranch Elementary; Cassandra Knight Jerusa from Richard J. Lee Elementary; Victoria "Tori" Roberts and Caroline Rogers from CMS East; and William Harrington and Benjamin Stroud from CHS.
Boys Cross Country Team Wins District
The Varsity Coppell Cowboys Cross Country Team are district champions and will compete at regionals in Lubbock on Oct. 24. At the District meet on Oct. 15 in Denton, Senior Andrew Mullen led the way (15:42, 2nd) followed closely by Junior Henry Henze (15:56, 3rd). For the Cowgirls, Sophomore Mallory Sherrer also had a great district race (20:24, 19th) as the Varsity Girls Team came in 7th.
Coppell Tennis Finishes Season as Area Champs and Ranked No. 15 in the State
Congratulations to the Coppell Varsity Tennis Team ended its season this week as Area Champions and ranked no. 15 in the state. The team lost in the regional quarterfinals to Highland Park.
High School Students Donate Copier to Special Education
Story by CISD Communications Intern Sri Jishnu Chintha, a senior at CHS.
Shraavya Pydisetti, founder of Project Querencia, and Special Education Teacher Erika Chavez
On Oct. 11, the Coppell student-led nonprofit organization, Project Querencia, gifted a $500 Epson Ecotank ET-3850 Printer to the CHS Special Education/Transitional Pathways department as their annual gift. Every year, Project Querencia partners with transitional pathways and SPED to provide items that are on the department’s wish list. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/student gift.
Cowboy Theatre Company Performs Eurydice Oct. 28 to Oct. 30
Coppell High School’s Cowboy Theatre Company presents Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl. The play runs from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30, and tickets can be purchased through the online box-office here: https://chstb.booktix.com.
New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts Fall Festival and Haunted House on Oct. 27
New Tech High @ Coppell hosts its annual Fall Festival and Haunted House on Thursday, Oct. 27. The festival begins at 5 p.m. and the Haunted House for students in middle school or above begins at 7:30 p.m.
CISD Hosts Virtual Parent University on Signs of Substance Abuse on Oct. 26
Join CISD for a Virtual Parent University on Wednesday, Oct. 26, to discuss the signs of substance abuse and how to get help for your child. This event will take place via Zoom from 6 to 7 p.m. Please fill out this Google Form and you will be sent a Zoom link to join the meeting by 3 p.m. the day of the event.
Coppell Cowboy Baseball Team Hosts Tailgate Before Nov. 4 Football Game
Join the Coppell Cowboy Baseball Team for their tailgate prior to the Nov. 4 final home football game vs. Plano. The event will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the CHS Main Entrance Parking.
Early Voting for Nov. 8 Election Begins on Oct. 24
Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 8 Election begins on Monday, Oct. 24 and lasts until Nov. 4. Learn more, including where to vote, at www.votetexas.gov.
CEF Blackout Night T-Shirts for Nov. 4 Football Game Available for Purchase
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase the Coppell ISD Education Foundation’s Blackout Night Spirit shirt. This monochromatic t-shirt boasts the Coppell Cowboy's logo in a black look-of-leather ink, perfect for Blackout Night on Nov. 4. The shirt is available for the entire community and can be purchased in both short and long-sleeve adult sizes, as well as youth short sleeve.
**LONG-SLEEVE SHIRT IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN ADULT SIZES**
If you would like to view the shirt in person, stop by the CEF Booth at this Friday’s Community Tailgate. All money raised by purchasing a Blackout Night shirt will be earmarked for 2022-2023 school year and given back to the schools and students of CISD through teacher grants. Purchase the shirt at:
https://coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/football-night/
CEF Super Star Program Currently Accepting Nominations
Please help the Coppell ISD Education Foundation spotlight the dedicated and hardworking CISD students, teachers, administrators, and support staff in our elementary and middle schools by nominating them for a Super Star award. Any parent, middle school student or CISD employee can nominate a CISD employee at their elementary or middle school. Everyone nominated, regardless of whether they are chosen as a winner, will receive a printed certificate, so please nominate as many deserving individuals as possible. Visit www.coppellisdef.com/super-star for more information and to submit some awesome candidates. The nomination deadline is Dec. 2.
CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open
The Coppell Education Foundation Give for Grants campaign is designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward effective, innovative, and creative, instructional approaches that directly impact CISD students while transforming classroom learning. There are 38 grant requests from 14 CISD campuses this school year. For the past two years, generous donations helped CEF fund every grant. To donate, visit www.give4grantscisd.org.
Curb Painting Benefits Project Graduation
Project Graduation is offering curb painting to support its efforts. Orders will be taken Oct. 17 to Nov. 18, and curbs will be painted within 30 days, weather permitting. For more information or to place an order, visit www.chsprojectgraduation.com/curb-painting.- Oct. 21 — Community Tailgate 5 to 6:30 p.m. Indoor Field House at CHS
- Oct. 26 — Virtual Parent University: Signs of Substance Abuse from 6 to 7 p.m.
- Nov. 7 — Joint Board Meeting with the City of Coppell 6 p.m. Coppell Arts Center
- Nov. 14 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Nov. 21-Nov. 25 — Thanksgiving Break
Looking for a new gig? The annual Work in Coppell Virtual Job Fair is coming up Tuesday, Oct. 25. Chat with local and national businesses in a variety of sectors.
Visit coppell.easyvirtualfair.com to register and fill out your profile before Oct. 24 to participate.
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
October 14, 2022
Dear CISD Families,
Several of our district and campus leaders recently heard from one of the top speakers from Wondr™ Health, who is also a parent of CISD graduates, who told us you cannot drink from an empty cup. That phrase has stuck with me and has served as a reminder that we cannot take care of others unless we take care of ourselves. This message is particularly important for our teachers and staff. In order to best educate and serve our children, we have to ensure that our own needs are met. This is why our district is providing Wondr Health benefit to our employees and has launched the #CISDHealthyHabits initiative. These programs help our staff improve their physical and mental health, which will help them be the best teachers and employees possible.
When we talk about the whole child in CISD, part of this concept is working to ensure students’ physical and mental wellbeing, in addition to meeting their academic needs. None of us can work, learn or function very well if we are not healthy. I hear from some members of our community that CISD needs to focus only on academics. Providing exceptional academics is a top focus, and something I believe we do very well. However, a child who isn’t well physically or is struggling emotionally, who doesn’t feel safe at school or who may be dealing with issues outside of school — all of these impact learning and may influence behavior that could disrupt teaching. We are not perfect in this area, but I appreciate our parents and other community members reaching out to offer assistance for those who might have a need. I also appreciate initiatives such as Walk to School day to remind us of the benefits of being outdoors and safely walking or biking to school.
As a parent of two teenagers, I know it's tough being a parent today. There are many pressures and issues our children are facing we didn't encounter when we were growing up. As parents, we also have to take care of ourselves to best take care of our kids, as well as model these behaviors for our children. We should never take our good health or the health of our children for granted. I want our community to know that we are here to help you if ever you need it. Whether it is our school nurses or counselors, please reach out if you need assistance. I also thank our community, which has been so generous recently to support our students or employees in need. I say it often, Coppell ISD is my work and family home for a reason. This reason is our community, and how we come together and take care of one another.
I hope you have a good and healthy week,Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: Student Leadership Advisory Council
- TEA Campus Distinctions and Accountability Notification
- October is Hindu Heritage Month in Texas
- Purchase Meal Tickets by 5 p.m. on Oct. 14 for Oct. 21 Community Tailgate
- CHS Eco Club Grows Sweet Potatoes for Metrocrest Services
- Schools Participate in Walk to School Day on Oct. 12
- CMS West Hosts Feeder Pattern Football Night
- Child Nutrition Celebrates National School Lunch Week
- Varsity Band Places 4th and Band of America Regional Competition
- CISD Hosts Virtual Parent University on Signs of Substance Abuse on Oct. 26
- Video Recording Available for Parent University on Suicide Prevention
- CEF Super Star Program Currently Accepting Nominations
- CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open
- Project Graduation Curb Painting
- New Tech High @ Coppell Haunted House on Oct. 27
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Student Leadership Advisory Council
TEA Campus Distinctions and Accountability Notification
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires school districts to notify parents and guardians of distinction designations earned by the campus where their child is enrolled at the time of the first report card. Information regarding the 2022 Accountability Ratings was shared with families in August. You may find information about campus distinction designations at www.coppellisd.com/accountability. For more information about the 2022 A-F Accountability Rating System, please visit the TEA 2022 Accountability Ratings Page.
October is Hindu Heritage Month in Texas
October is Hindu Heritage Month in Texas. Hindu Heritage Month recognizes that the state's diverse tapestry of cultures and beliefs is made stronger by the vibrant Hindu community, whose traditions and unique perspectives continue to enrich Texas.
Purchase Meal Tickets by 5 p.m. on Oct. 14 for Oct. 21 Community Tailgate
Join CISD for our Annual Community Tailgate before the Oct. 21 CHS football game vs. Hebron. The event will take place indoors at the CHS Field House in the indoor practice field from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Buy one adult meal and get one kids meal for free at go.coppellisd.com/22TailgateMeal by 5 p.m. on Oct. 14. Meal options are a brisket or turkey sandwich boxed meal or a baked potato meal vegetarian option.CHS Eco Club Grows Sweet Potatoes for Metrocrest Services
There were no small fries in the recent harvest in the school gardens at CHS, as students in the Eco Club recently harvested sweet potatoes, including one that weighed 10.3 pounds. Under the leadership of “Farmer” Larry Thompson, who coordinates the school gardens for CISD, and CHS teacher and Eco Club Sponsor Jodie Deinhammer, students planted and cultivated the potatoes, which were dug up on Oct. 12 for donation to Metrocrest Services. More than 75 pounds of potatoes are being donated to Metrocrest Services, which will distribute these items as part of their fresh fruits and vegetables in the organization’s food pantry. Other vegetables in the CHS school garden include kale and bok choy.
Schools Participate in Walk to School Day on Oct. 12
Several CISD elementary schools participated in Walk to School Day on Oct. 12, including Denton Creek Elementary, Town Center Elementary and Valley Ranch Elementary. Cottonwood Creek Elementary has a tradition of Walk to School Wednesdays throughout the school year. Walk to School Day was celebrated across the world to show children and adults around the world the benefits of walking and bicycling.
CMS West Football Hosted Elementary Feeder Pattern Night on Oct. 11
.
CMS West “wrangled” its youngest football fans during the school’s feeder pattern night on Oct. 11. Students, families and staff from Canyon Ranch, Richard J. Lee and Valley Ranch Elementary attended the event, which featured “future Wrangler” shirts for students, a performance from the band and more. The #WestFam showed how it is #CISDWorkingTogether to welcome future students and families.
Child Nutrition Celebrates National School Lunch Week
All you need is love and a “peace” of macaroni and cheese pizza. All this week, the CISD Child Nutrition Department has been celebrating National School Lunch Week with a variety of fun menu items and staff dress-up days to align with this year’s theme of Peace, Love & School Lunch. Menu items included Far Out Fish Tacos and Electrifying Enchiladas. President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week (NSLW) in 1962 to promote the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. This is the 60th anniversary of National School Lunch Week
Varsity Band Places 4th and Bands of America Regional Competition
Congratulations to the Coppell Varsity Band, who placed 4th in the Bands of America Regional competition held on Oct. 8. Last year, the band placed 5th at this competition.
CISD Hosts Virtual Parent University on Signs of Substance Abuse on Oct. 26
Join CISD for a Virtual Parent University on Wednesday, Oct. 26, to discuss the signs of substance abuse and how to get help for your child. This event will take place via Zoom from 6 to 7 p.m. Please fill out this Google Form and you will be sent a Zoom link to join the meeting by 3 p.m. the day of the event.
Video Recording Available for Parent University on Suicide Prevention
For those unable to attend the Sept. 26 Parent University virtual event on Suicide Prevention, a video recording is available at www.coppellisd.com/parentuniversity. Past Parent University event recordings are also available on this website.
CEF Super Star Program Currently Accepting Nominations
Please help the Coppell ISD Education Foundation spotlight the dedicated and hardworking CISD students, teachers, administrators, and support staff in our elementary and middle schools by nominating them for a Super Star award. Any parent, middle school student or CISD employee can nominate a CISD employee at their elementary or middle school. Everyone nominated, regardless of whether they are chosen as a winner, will receive a printed certificate, so please nominate as many deserving individuals as possible. Visit www.coppellisdef.com/super-star for more information and to submit some awesome candidates. The nomination deadline is Dec. 2.
CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open
The Coppell Education Foundation Give for Grants campaign is designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward effective, innovative, and creative, instructional approaches that directly impact CISD students while transforming classroom learning. There are 38 grant requests from 14 CISD campuses this school year. For the past two years, generous donations helped CEF fund every grant. To donate, visit www.give4grantscisd.org.
Curb Painting Benefits Project Graduation
Project Graduation is offering curb painting to support its efforts. Orders will be taken Oct. 17 to Nov. 18, and curbs will be painted within 30 days, weather permitting. For more information or to place an order, visit www.chsprojectgraduation.com/curb-painting.
New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts Annual Haunted House Event on Oct. 27
Join New Tech High @ Coppell for its annual Haunted House Event on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.Looking for a new gig? The annual Work in Coppell Virtual Job Fair is coming up Tuesday, Oct. 25. Chat with local and national businesses in a variety of sectors.
Visit coppell.easyvirtualfair.com to register and fill out your profile before Oct. 24 to participate.
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
October 6, 2022
Dear CISD Families,
Our core value of collective engagement was in action this week as our 2023 Bond Committee held its second meeting on Monday at Canyon Ranch Elementary, which was built thanks to the voter approved 2016 Bond. This group of parents, community members, students and staff are hard at work synthesizing the efforts of our prior Facilities Planning Committee and Visioning Committee in order to make recommendations to our Board of Trustees for a possible bond election in May 2023.
I encourage our community to be a part of these efforts by participating in our Futures Facilities Survey, which is available at go.coppellisd.com/FuturesSurveyEnglish and go.coppellisd.com/FuturesSurveySpanish. It is important that all CISD stakeholders have a voice in our planning process, so we are asking you to share your priorities for our facilities via this survey. In addition, I hope you will consider attending the Bond Futures Conference on Oct. 13 at CHS9 or signing up for a tour of our facilites. As always, you can see the work of the Bond Committee on our website at www.coppellisd.com/bond.
Also this week I, along with several CISD administrators, had the privilege of engaging with school districts across the state at the Texas Public Accountability Consortium (TPAC) meeting hosted by Georgetown ISD. Several school districts are collectively doing work on a Community Based Accountability System (CBAS) to better share the story of the important and innovative work happening in our school districts every day. I am proud to say that CISD is a leader in these efforts and among the first school districts in the state to have a data dashboard online.
As a reminder, Friday and Monday are student holidays. I hope you enjoy the State Fair or however you choose to spend the long weekend with your friends and families!
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: Mockingbird Elementary
- ESSER Funding Feedback Due Oct. 7
- CISD Futures Facilities Survey Due Oct. 14
- Facility Tours Available for CISD Community
- Community Invited to CISD Bond Futures Conference on Oct. 13
- Don't Miss Out — Buy Meal Tickets Now for Oct. 21 Community Tailgate
- Chef Helen Duran at the State Fair of Texas on Oct. 10
- Intervention Services Department Hosts Successful Coffee and Connections Event
- Wear Red on Oct. 14 for Dyslexia Awareness
- Richard J. Lee Elementary Selected as Apple Distinguished School
- Three CHS Students Selected for Team Texas Debate
- KCBY Nominated for National Emmy Awards
- Varsity Marching Band Places 3rd at the 2022 HEB Marching Contest
- Allies in Community Partner with Sonic to Help Students in Need
- Dr. Hunt Chosen for SMU Institute
- Voter Registration Deadline is Oct. 11
- Lariette Drill Team Hosts Junior Clinic on Oct. 15
- CEF Super Star Program Currently Accepting Nominations
- CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open
- Project Graduation Curb Painting
- New Tech High @ Coppell Haunted House on Oct. 27
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Mockingbird Elementary Pinwheels for Peace
ESSER Funding Feedback Due Oct. 7
CISD is seeking feedback from all district and community stakeholders to help determine how the district should best use Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds known as ESSER to address unfinished learning and COVID-19 recovery. In addition to the ESSER Funding Public Hearing on Monday, Sept. 26, the CISD community may email their feedback to input@coppellisd.com by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law by President Biden, and it included $122 billion in ESSER funds for U.S. school districts. These funds are designated for one-time or short-term expenditures to address the ongoing impact of the pandemic. For more information on CISD ESSER funding, visit www.coppellisd.com/esser.
CISD Futures Facilities Survey Due on Oct. 14
CISD is creating a Facilities Master Plan in collaboration with community stakeholders. The plan will include the quantity and types of spaces needed for future enrollments, instructional and extracurricular programs and district support functions to support long-range priorities. A Strategic Design process has been underway to determine long-range district priorities. A visioning committee and a facilities planning committee have contributed to the work. Twelve priority areas have been identified and presented to the Board of Trustees for consideration. Eight of the priority areas include facility and other capital needs. A Bond Steering Committee of 60 district and community stakeholders has been appointed by the CISD Board of Trustees to study the district’s identified needs, take stakeholder input and present recommendations to the Board for facility needs through 2028. The committee will report its recommendations to the Board of Trustees in January, and the recommendations may result in a future bond election.
Link to survey in English: go.coppellisd.com/FuturesSurveyEnglish
Link to survey in Spanish: go.coppellisd.com/FuturesSurveySpanish
The 2023 Bond Steering Committee will be touring some CISD campuses over the next two weeks. There are some spaces available for parents, staff and community members to join in the tours. Space is limited. You must register at www.coppellisd.com/bond to attend. You will receive an email confirmation from CISD if your registration for the tour is accepted. Each tour will begin at the specified time at the front of the building or campus.CISD Bond Futures Conference on Oct. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the CHS9 Cafeteria
The 2023 Bond Committee Invites Coppell ISD community members, parents, staff and students to help shape the future of CISD during the CISD Bond Future Conference on Oct. 13. The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the CHS9 Cafeteria, located at 1301 Wrangler Circle in Coppell. Hear a brief presentation on the identified facility and program needs and participate in a discussion to prioritize those needs for a potential 2023 Bond Election. RSVP at www.coppellisd.com/bond. Information about the facilities planning process and the Bond Steering Committee can be found at www.coppellisd.com/bond.
Don't Miss Out — Buy Meal Tickets Now for CISD Community Tailgate on Oct. 21
CISD’s Own Helen Duran to Serve as Celebrity Chef at the State Fair of Texas on Oct. 10
Winner, winner and a tasty chicken dinner! Come support our own CISD Chef Helen Duran at the State Fair of Texas next Monday, Oct. 10. Chef Helen has partnered with Tyson to share about "Easy Great Tasting Meals to Make at Home." See Chef Helen in the Culinary Arts Building at the Fair on Monday at 2:30 p.m.
Intervention Services Department Hosts Successful Coffee and Connections Event
More than 20 parents attended the first Coffee and Connections meeting held at George Coffee + Provisions on Oct. 5. Hosted by the CISD Intervention Services Department, the gathering served as an opportunity to foster connections between families of learners with a disability. Three additional Coffee and Connections events are planned for the rest of the school year, with the next one on Dec. 9. To sign up to attend an event, visit www.coppellisd.com/Page/17651.
Wear Red on Oct. 14 for Dyslexia Awareness
On Oct. 14, all CISD students and staff are encouraged to "Light It RED for Dyslexia" by wearing red to school. Learn more about CISD Intervention Services and dyslexia services at go.coppellisd.com/dyslexia. Additional resources include the Texas Dyslexia Handbook, Texas Dyslexia Handbook Spanish and the International Dyslexia Association Handbook.
Richard J. Lee Elementary Selected as Apple Distinguished School
Richard J. Lee Elementary has been selected as an Apple Distinguished School for 2022–2025. Lee is one of only 26 schools in Texas and one of six campuses in North Texas chosen as an Apple Distinguished school. New Tech High @ Coppell also is an Apple Distinguished School. Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. These schools use Apple technology to inspire creativity, collaboration and critical thinking in learning, teaching and the school environment, and have documented results of academic accomplishment. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/RJLApple.
Three CHS Students Selected for Team Texas State Debate Team
From left: Anushree De, Sahith Mocharla and Umang Vinayaka.
Under the leadership of Debate Director Dr. Jason Sykes and Debate teacher and coach SunHee Simpon, three CHS students have qualified for the Texas Forensic Association’s state team. Junior Anushree De, and seniors Sahith Mocharla and Umang Vinayaka will compete on Team Texas and will be sent to national competitions to represent the state.
KCBY Nominated for National Emmy Awards
Under the leadership of advisers Irma Lazos-Kennedy and Kendra Carter, the CHS student TV station KCBY has been nominated for several National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Student Production Emmy Awards. KCBY was nominated in the following categories- Best High School Newscast,
- High School News: General Assignment — Serious News,
- High School Sports,
- High School Fiction,
- High School Commercial and
- High School Talent.
Varsity Marching Band Places Third at the 2022 HEB Marching Contest
Congratulations to the Coppell Varsity Marching Band, which placed third at the 2022 Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Marching Contest held on Oct. 1. Twelve high school bands from across the Metroplex competed at the event.
Allies in Community Partner with Sonic to Help Students in Need
An effort by the Coppell Allies in Community Group has led to a donation to CISD homeless students by the Coppell Sonic, as well as an additional donation from a community member. Sonic donated 50 coupons for their #1 Combo meal so high school homeless students could participate in after-school activities with friends or enjoy a hot meal. After seeing a Facebook post about this gift to CISD students, David Bell, a community member from the City of Coppell donated $20 Walmart gift cards to each student. CISD appreciates the support of our students from Allies in Community and our community members.
Dr. Brad Hunt Chosen for SMU Institute for Leadership Impact 2022-2023 District Leadership Fellows
CISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt is among 32 school district leaders chosen for the 2022-2023 cohort of District Leadership Fellows, a hybrid in-person and online leadership training program for school district superintendents and executive district leaders run by the Institute for Leadership Impact at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. The District Leadership Fellows program is a strengths-based leadership development program that enhances the leadership abilities of established and emerging school district leaders through an intensive year-long cohort. Through collaboration with peers and recognized education experts, Fellows are empowered to solve hard problems in their districts, build their leadership skills, and develop lasting educational leadership networks. The program is hosted by the Institute for Leadership Impact in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development at SMU in Dallas, Texas. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/SMULeadership.Coppell Softball Hosts Tailgate on Oct. 7
Join the Coppell Cowgirls softball team for their Tailgate Party at 5:30 p.m. before the home football game on Friday, Oct. 7. Tickets are $5 a person and desserts also will be available for sale. The Tailgate will be outside Buddy Echols Field on the grassy area near the Visitors' side entrance.
Voter Registration Deadline is Oct. 11 for Nov. 8 Election
Tuesday, Oct. 11, is the last day to register to vote for the Nov. 8 election. To check if you are registered to vote or for more information, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s voting website at www.votetexas.gov. Early voting for the election runs Oct. 24 to Nov. 4.
Lariette Drill Team Hosts Junior Clinic on Oct. 15 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The Lariette Drill Junior Clinic will be held on Oct. 15 in the evening from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. for students in grades K-5. Participants will join the Lariette Spirit Line at the Oct. 21 game. Visit the link at Coppell Lariettes Junior Clinic - Grades K-5th for details and to register.
CEF Super Star Program Currently Accepting Nominations
Please help the Coppell ISD Education Foundation spotlight the dedicated and hardworking CISD students, teachers, administrators, and support staff in our elementary and middle Schools by nominating them for a Super Star award. Any parent, middle school student or CISD employee can nominate a CISD employee at their elementary or middle school. Everyone nominated, regardless of whether they are chosen as a winner, will receive a printed certificate, so please nominate as many deserving individuals as possible. Visit www.coppellisdef.com/super-star for more information and to submit some awesome candidates. The nomination deadline is Dec. 2.
CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open
The Coppell Education Foundation Give for Grants campaign is designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward effective, innovative, and creative, instructional approaches that directly impact CISD students while transforming classroom learning. There are 38 grant requests from 14 CISD campuses this school year. For the past two years, generous donations helped CEF fund every grant. To donate, visit www.give4grantscisd.org.
Curb Painting Benefits Project Graduation
Project Graduation is offering curb painting to support its efforts. Orders will be taken Oct. 17 to Nov. 18, and curbs will be painted within 30 days, weather permitting. For more information or to place an order, visit www.chsprojectgraduation.com/curb-painting.
New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts Annual Haunted House Event on Oct. 27
Join New Tech High @ Coppell for its annual Haunted House Event on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.Looking for a way to give back to your community? Apply to serve on one of the City of Coppell’s Boards & Commissions! With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find a way to serve in a capacity that’s important to you. Apply by Oct. 7. https://coppelltx.granicus.com/boards/forms/717/apply
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
September 30, 2022
Dear CISD Families,
It's hard to believe that next week marks the end of our first grading period for this school year. As a parent of a senior, other parents with graduated seniors have always told me how quickly the senior year flies by, and it's so true. It seems this school year is flying by with so many exciting events happening at all of our campuses and for our family with all of the senior activities. Time truly does seem to be going extra fast this school year.
I want to remind our families and teachers, and myself, to take the time to slow down and enjoy the moments, both big and small, that make being part of our students’ lives so special. The memories that we are making now will last a lifetime, and these special events are ones to savor. In addition to attending as many events as my schedule allows, I try to make it a point to visit at least one of our schools every day, and I am consistently impressed with the engaging learning designed by our teachers and the work of our amazing students. This first grading period in Coppell ISD has been OUTSTANDING!
When I am visiting a classroom, attending a school event, engaging with parents and families or meeting with community members, I am reminded of this year's theme of "Working Together.” I fully believe we all collectively want to do what is best for the children we serve and who are in our care. I say it often, but I believe it merits repeating — parents are our partners, and we are working together to educate and take care of our children. I want to thank our parents who work with their child’s teachers, volunteer at schools and with Parent Teacher Organizations, serve on district committees and more. We couldn’t do what we do without you.
I hope you have a great week!
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpwithHunt: Canyon Ranch Elementary
- Board Approves Resolution to Convene SHAC Committee
- ESSER Funding Feedback Due Oct. 7
- Cowgirl Volleyball Team Hosts Free Elementary Night on Sept. 30
- Wear Blue to Stomp Out Bullying on Oct. 3
- Reminder: Thursday, Oct. 6 is Early Release Day for Students
- CISD Bond Futures Conference on Oct. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in CHS9 Cafeteria
- Purchase Meal Tickets for CISD Community Tailgate on Oct. 21
- Choir Students Advance in All-State Choir Auditions
- Spotlight on Great Teaching: Wilson Rangers Got Rythm and Bass (Clef)
- Coppell Chamber of Commerce Student and Teacher of the Month
- Spotlight on Authentic Relationships: CMS East Students "Dig" Up Support for Volleyball
- Free Adult English Classes Begin on Oct. 4 at CMS East
- Coppell Softball Hosts Tailgate on Oct. 7
- Lariette Drill Team Hosts Junior Clinic on Oct. 15 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- CISD Community Tailgate Sponsorship Opportunity
- New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts Annual Haunted House Event on Oct. 27
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Canyon Ranch Elementary
Board Approves Resolution to Convene SHAC Committee
During the Sept. 26 Board Meeting, CISD Trustees approved a resolution to have the district’s School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) convene in order to recommend curriculum materials for human sexuality instruction and curriculum materials for child abuse, family violence, dating violence and sex trafficking instruction. SHAC is a group appointed by the school district to serve at the district level. Members of the SHAC come from different areas of the community and from within the school district. The majority of members must be parents who are not employed by the district. Texas law (Texas Education Code, Title 2, Subtitle F, Chapter 28, Subchapter A, §28.004) requires the establishment of a SHAC for every school district. SHACs are required to meet at least four times each year. Notably, the SHAC is also responsible for making recommendations to the board regarding appropriate grade levels and methods of instruction for human sexuality instruction and for instruction on child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking. Tex. Educ. Code § 28.004(c)(3), (c)(8). The CISD SHAC Committee meeting will take place on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 4:15 p.m. in the Board Room of the Vonita White Administration Building located 200 S. Denton Tap Road. The CISD Community may also preview the proposed curriculum materials and ask questions at the Vonita White Building on Friday, Oct. 21. The proposed curriculum is set to go before the CISD Board of Trustees during the Nov. 14 Board Meeting. Parents will be notified prior to any instruction on these topics and must opt in to receive this instruction. For more information and a video of the Sept. 26 meeting, visit www.coppellisd.com/board.
ESSER Funding Feedback Due Oct. 7
CISD is seeking feedback from all district and community stakeholders to help determine how the district should best use Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds known as ESSER to address unfinished learning and COVID-19 recovery. In addition to the ESSER Funding Public Hearing on Monday, Sept. 26, the CISD community may email their feedback to input@coppellisd.com by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law by President Biden, and it included $122 billion in ESSER funds for U.S. school districts. These funds are designated for one-time or short-term expenditures to address the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
Cowgirl Volleyball Team Hosts Free Elementary Night on Sept. 30
The Coppell Cowgirl Volleyball team is hosting Elementary Night on Friday, Sept. 30, at the CHS Arena. This event is free for all students and parents. Come cheer on your team and have a great time. There will be games for the kids, t-shirts, and lots of fun. Wear your school shirt and help us cheer the girls on to another district win vs. Plano. Junior Varsity plays at 5:30 p.m. followed by Varsity at 6:30 p.m.
Wear Blue to Stomp Out Bullying Oct. 3
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. STOMP Out Bullying, the leading national anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization for kids and teens, created the World Day of Bullying Prevention, which is Monday, Oct. 3. CISD is participating this year by asking staff, students and the community to #BlueUp and #BeKind on Monday, Oct. 3, by wearing blue that day. Join us in helping to prevent bullying and promote kindness.
Thursday, Oct. 6 is an Early Release Day for CISD prior to the end of the grading period and the four-day weekend. Elementary schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7 is a Professional Development Day and Monday, Oct. 10 is a holiday. There is no school on these days. CISD will reopen and the second grading period will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 11.
CISD Bond Futures Conference on Oct. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the CHS9 Cafeteria
The 2023 Bond Committee invites Coppell ISD community members, parents, staff and students to help shape the future of CISD during the CISD Bond Future Conference on Oct. 13. The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the CHS9 Cafeteria, located at 1301 Wrangler Circle in Coppell. Hear a brief presentation on the identified facility and program needs and participate in a discussion to prioritize those needs for a potential 2023 Bond Election. RSVP at www.coppellisd.com/bond. Information about the facilities planning process and the Bond Steering Committee can be found at www.coppellisd/com/bond.
Purchase Meal Tickets for CISD Community Tailgate on Oct. 21
Choir Students Advance in All-State Choir Auditions
Forty high school students have advanced to the next round of All-State choir auditions after competing at the district level last week. Congratulations to high school choir students: Seniors Sumita Bhattacharyya, Lauren Chieh, Sri Jishnu Chintha, Anagha Dharmavaram, Nischal Gudemella, Jacob Hahm, Asher Johnson, Brianna Poon, Arundathi Rajesh, Janani Ramamoorthy, Olivia Speir and Amy Yan; Juniors Divya Ghanta, Kriti Goomer, Raghav Hosalli, Preston Johnson, Vedha Katta, Roma Jani, Anuncy Jesayen, Nicole Mikaelyan, Mahee Mishra, Ethan Paul, Suhas Sura and Hannah Tbaba; Sophomores Sefam (Sweetie) Ansah, Alyssa Boren, Rhea Chowdhary, Navya Gadre, Lynlee Graves, Benjamin Hall, Iris Kim, Minori Kunte, Junghyun Kwon, Peyson Phillips and Harper Ross; and Freshmen Olivia Bennett, Piper Baranowski, Kushaan Chaudhuri, Caroline Klement and Ranviir Saini.
Spotlight on Great Teaching: Wilson Rangers Got Rhythm and Bass (Clef)
Wilson second graders, left, and fifth graders, right enjoy music lessons this week.
Wilson Elementary students drummed to the beat and mastered the bass clef, as they practiced rhythmic structure and sight reading during music class this week. Second graders kept rhythm to the tune of the Angry Birds theme song, maintaining the bass line rhythm with one hand and adding in additional beats with the other. The activity helped the budding musicians learn to multitask and create connections between fun games and music education.
“It is a great way for them to read two rhythms simultaneously and get both sides of their brains firing by working through rhythmic dictations,” said Wilson Music Teacher Eric Hanson.
Meanwhile, fifth grade students honed their musical notation sight reading skills. Divided into teams, students took turns identifying the notes of the bass clef in a lighting-round style game that reinforced cooperation and camaraderie, says Hanson.
Coppell Chamber of Commerce Student and Teacher of the Month
Congratulations to CHS Senior Apurva Betgar and CHS teacher Bianca Benitez, who teaches AP Biology and is the Red Jackets co-sponsor, for being named the Coppell Chamber of Commerce’s Student and Teacher of the Month.
Spotlight on Collective Engagement: CMS East Students “Dig” Up Support for Volleyball
A band of seventh grade boys had the crowd buzzing with excitement during Middle School East’s seventh grade volleyball games against Trinity Springs on Sept. 22. The students, clad in college t-shirts, hats, shorts, sunglasses, and whistles, “scouted” out the talent in each of the three games.
After each point, the “scouts” scribbled in their notebooks or acted as if they were making calls. According to Victoria Roberts, a coach and teacher at CMS East, the activity was started by the students themselves.
“It kept everyone engaged in the game,” Roberts saud. “It makes me very proud and happy to see students making an effort to come out and support their peers. We teach our students and athletes to live by the FISH philosophy and being there for others is a huge part of that.”
The FISH philosophy is: be there for one another, make someone's day, choose your attitude and play.
Free Adult English Classes Begin on Oct. 4 at CMS East
CISD is offering free English classes to the parents and guardians of CISD students. Please join us on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at CMS East beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Classes are taught by Language Acquisition Specialists from CISD. Visit go.coppellisd.com/2022ESLClasses for details.
Coppell Softball Hosts Tailgate on Oct. 7
Join the Coppell Cowgirls softball team for their Tailgate Party at 5:30 p.m. before the home football game on Friday, Oct. 7. Tickets are $5 a person and desserts also will be available for sale. The Tailgate will be outside Buddy Echols Field on the grassy area near the Visitors' side entrance.
Lariette Drill Team Hosts Junior Clinic on Oct. 15 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The Lariette Drill Junior Clinic will be held on Oct. 15 in the evening from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. for students in grades K-5. Participants will join the Lariette Spirit Line at the Oct. 21 game. Visit the link at Coppell Lariettes Junior Clinic - Grades K-5th for details and to register.
CISD Community Tailgate Sponsorship Opportunity
CISD is holding our annual Community Tailgate on Friday, Oct. 21 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Coppell High School Indoor Field House facility. Attendees at the tailgate enjoy food and fun before heading into the football stadium to cheer on the Coppell Cowboys Football team and enjoy the band, cheerleaders and drill team. For $50, you can have a 10x10 space to host a game or activity for attending families to enjoy. We encourage you to bring a fun game like a mini putt putt or a football throw game. If you want to join in the fun, sign up with Angela Brown at abrown@coppellisd.com.
New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts Annual Haunted House Event on Oct. 27
Join New Tech High @ Coppell for its annual Haunted House Event on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.- Oct. 6 — Early Dismissal — Elementary Schools 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools 1 p.m. and High Schools 1:40 p.m.
- Oct. 7 — Professional Development Day/No School
- Oct. 10 — CISD Holiday
- Oct. 13 — CISD Bond Futures Conference from 6 to 8 p.m. at CHS Cafeteria
- Oct. 17 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Oct. 21 — Community Tailgate 5 to 6:30 p.m. Indoor Field House at CHS
- Nov. 7 — Board Workshop 5:30 p.m.
Looking for a way to give back to your community? Apply to serve on one of the City of Coppell’s Boards & Commissions! With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find a way to serve in a capacity that’s important to you. Apply by Oct. 7. https://coppelltx.granicus.com/boards/forms/717/apply
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
September 22, 2022
Dear CISD Families,
It is Homecoming week in Coppell ISD, and what a fun week it has been! It has been a real treat to see how all of our schools have been #CISDWorkingTogether to celebrate our district and show their school spirit all week. The Homecoming parade was a fun and engaging experience for our entire community. It was wonderful to have so many of our schools and organizations represented. Thank you to everyone who participated or came out to support our students and staff. I hope you will attend Friday’s game and continue our collective showcase of Cowboy pride. I also want to give a big "Shout Out" to our volleyball teams both at middle school and high school. I attended the games last Tuesday night where our Senior volleyball players were recognized. The Cowgirls play again on Friday, so come out and support volleyball.
In addition to school spirit, Homecoming is a time to appreciate our district’s alumni and all they have accomplished since graduating from CISD. I am proud of what our students do after they finish their CISD chapter in the story of their lives. In particular, I love it when our alumni come home to teach and work in our district. Having served CISD for more than 30 years, many of my former students are now our teachers and staff members. I also take pride in how many of our alumni return home to raise their children in our community. This sense of family and community are all part of what makes CISD so special.
I look forward to seeing many of our alumni on Friday night at the football game at Buddy Echols Field or the volleyball game in the CHS Arena. I hope you will join us at either or both events. The "Friday Night Lights" experience showcases the talent of our student athletes, as well as our Band, Color Guard, Lariettes and Cheerleaders. Our coaches, teachers, staff members, parent volunteers and students work very hard to create an amazing community engagement experience at these games, and I hope to see you there.
Happy Homecoming!
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpwithHunt: Homecoming Parade
- CISD Announces 31 National Merit Semifinalists for 2022-2023
- Community Invited to Homecoming Football Game on Sept. 23
- Alumni Teacher Profile: CHS9 Teacher Brittany Scruggs
- Spotlight on Great Teaching: Austin Elementary 50 State Postcard Project
- Meal Tickets on Sale for CISD Community Tailgate on Oct. 21
- CISD Seeks Community Input on ESSER Funding During Public Hearing on Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m.
- Assisteens Hosts Information Meeting at Cozby Library on Sept. 25
- Free and Reduced Lunch Application Due Sept. 28
- Free Adult English Classes Begin on Oct. 4 at CMS East
- We’re Hiring: Child Nutrition Cafeteria Employees Needed
- Cowgirl Volleyball Team Hosts Free Elementary Night on Sept. 30
- Coppell Softball Hosts Tailgate on Oct. 7
- Lariette Drill Team Hosts Junior Clinic on Oct. 15 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- CISD Community Tailgate Sponsorship Opportunity
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: 2022 Homecoming Parade
CISD Announces 31 National Merit Semifinalists for 2022-2023
Community Invited to Homecoming Football Game on Sept. 23
The CISD community is invited to the Homecoming Football Game on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. The Coppell Cowboys take on Plano West in this district play game. Please allow plenty of time to get through security for the game before kickoff at 7 p.m. As a reminder, the following security measures are in place.- All visitors to football games are subjected to wanding with handheld metal detectors by security personnel.
- Backpacks are prohibited and only small purses (4.5” x 6.5”), diaper bags, camera bags and medical bags are allowed in the stadium.
- All personal items are subject to search at the gate.
- Fans, officials and event staff are asked to avoid bringing any bags, if possible.
- No outside food or drinks are allowed in the stadium.
- Tickets are available for purchase electronically only at www.coppellathletics.net/e-tickets.
Alumni Teacher Profile: CHS9 Teacher Brittany Scruggs
Story by CHS Sophomore Aliza Abidi and Courtesy of The Sidekick, the CHS student newspaper. Photo by CHS Junior Sannidhi Arimanda.
CHS9 AP Human Geography teacher Brittany Scruggs truly bleeds Coppell red and black.
Graduating from Coppell High School in 2006 and Midwestern State University in 2009, Scruggs returned to Coppell as a teacher in 2011 for her first teaching job, following in the footsteps of her mother, CHS special education teacher Linda Jurca. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/BrittanyScruggs.
Spotlight on Great Teaching: Austin Elementary 5th Grade Postcard Project
Fifth graders at Austin Elementary are “posting” about the state of Texas the old-fashioned way, by sharing facts and tidbits about their home state via postcards sent to all 50 states as part of a Social Studies lesson. Under the leadership of teacher Carrie Boyle, students handwrote postcards about Texas with fellow 5th graders from all 50 states. Austin students will then get postcards about the other states in return. In addition to sharing Texas facts, students also wrote fun facts and addressed misconceptions about the state. According to Boyle, some of the amazing Texas thoughts her students shared included:- In the summer, it's really hot.
- We have cattle and ranches in Texas, but they are not everywhere.
- Football is a really big deal in Texas.
- We have some great BBQ restaurants, but we have other kinds of restaurants too.
- We do not wear cowboy/cowgirl hats and boots.
- We do say “Y’all,” so get used to hearing that!
- Texas kids say two pledges in the morning — the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge.
Meal Tickets on Sale for CISD Community Tailgate on Oct. 21
Join CISD for our Annual Community Tailgate before the Oct. 21 CHS football game vs. Hebron. The event will take place indoors at the CHS Field House in the indoor practice field. Order your Dickey’s BBQ dinner in advance for $10 each. You may purchase your brisket or turkey sandwich boxed meal, or a baked potato vegetarian option at go.coppellisd.com/22TailgateMeal. Orders are limited. Please present your receipt at the Community Tailgate to redeem. The Dickey’s BBQ meal must be purchased in advance online by Oct. 14. Game tickets are purchased separately. The CISD Community Tailgate begins at 5 p.m. and lasts until 6:30 p.m. and will feature games, a bounce house, performances from our schools and more.
CISD Seeks Community Input on ESSER Funding During Public Hearing on Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m.
CISD is seeking feedback from all district and community stakeholders to help determine how the district should best use Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds known as ESSER to address unfinished learning and COVID-19 recovery. CISD will host a Public Hearing on ESSER on Monday, Sept. 26, from 5:30 to 6 p.m., at the Vonita White Administration Building at 200 S. Denton Tap Rd. in Coppell. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law by President Biden, and it included $122 billion in ESSER funds for U.S. school districts. These funds are designated for one-time or short-term expenditures to address the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
Assisteens Hosts Information Meeting at Cozby Library on Sept. 25
Assisteens is a non-profit, volunteer organization open to CISD students in grades 7-12. Assisteens offers students the opportunity to make a difference in our community. Representative service projects include mentoring elementary-age CISD students, making blankets for residents of St. Joseph and River Oaks Assisted Living Centers, collecting shoes and clothing for Soles4Soles, volunteering with Sack Summer Hunger and cleaning the Coppell Nature Park trails. For students and parents interested in finding out more about Assisteens or who would like to join the volunteer organization, there will be an information session on Sept. 25 at 2:15 p.m. for interested students and parents at the Cozby Library and Community Commons, meeting room A. Those attending are invited to stay for the member meeting at 3 p.m., where a guest speaker from the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) will speak about the warning signs of mental health conditions and awareness among middle and high school students.
Free and Reduced Lunch Application Due Sept. 28
CISD offers free and reduced meals for eligible applicants. All applications for the previous school year will expire on Sept. 28. To apply for free and reduced meals for the 2022-2023 school year, please visit www.nlappscloud.com. If you have already submitted an application for this school year (after July 2022), you do not need to submit another one. If you would like a paper copy of the application, please call 214-496-8072.
Cowgirl Volleyball Team Hosts Free Elementary Night on Sept. 30
The Coppell Cowgirl Volleyball team is hosting Elementary Night on Friday, Sept. 30, at the CHS Arena. This event is free for all students and parents. Come cheer on your team and have a great time. There will be games for the kids, t-shirts, and lots of fun. Wear your school shirt and help us cheer the girls on to another district win vs. Plano. Junior Varsity plays at 5:30 p.m. followed by Varsity at 6:30 p.m.
Free Adult English Classes Begin on Oct. 4 at CMS East
CISD is offering free English classes to the parents and guardians of CISD students. Please join us on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at CMS East beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Classes are taught by Language Acquisition Specialists from CISD. Visit go.coppellisd.com/2022ESLClasses for details.
We’re Hiring: Child Nutrition Cafeteria Employees Needed
CISD is looking to fill several Child Nutrition positions. To apply, visit www.coppellisd.com/hr. We would love for you to join our team.
Coppell Softball Hosts Tailgate on Oct. 7
Join the Coppell Cowgirls softball team for their Tailgate Party at 5:30 p.m. before the home football game on Friday, Oct. 7. Tickets are $5 a person and desserts also will be available for sale. The Tailgate will be outside Buddy Echols Field on the grassy area near the Visitors' side entrance.
CISD Community Tailgate Sponsorship Opportunity
CISD is holding our annual Community Tailgate on Friday, Oct. 21 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Coppell High School Indoor Field House facility. Attendees at the tailgate enjoy food and fun before heading into the football stadium to cheer on the Coppell Cowboys Football team and enjoy the band, cheerleaders and drill team. For $50, you can have a 10x10 space to host a game or activity for attending families to enjoy. We encourage you to bring a fun game like a mini putt putt or a football throw game. If you want to join in the fun, sign up with Angela Brown at abrown@coppellisd.com.
Lariette Drill Team Hosts Junior Clinic on Oct. 15 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The Lariette Drill Junior Clinic will be held on Oct. 15 in the evening from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. for students in grades K-5. Participants will join the Lariette Spirit Line at the Oct. 21 game. Visit the link at Coppell Lariettes Junior Clinic - Grades K-5th for details and to register.- Sept. 23 — Homecoming Football Game at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field
- Sept. 26 — ESSER Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 26 — Regular Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
- Oct. 6 — Early Dismissal
- Oct. 7 — Professional Development Day/No School
- Oct. 10 — CISD Holiday
- Oct. 21 — CISD Community Tailgate at Indoor Practice Facility at CHS at 5 p.m.
Looking for a way to give back to your community? Apply to serve on one of the City of Coppell’s Boards & Commissions! With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find a way to serve in a capacity that’s important to you. Apply by Oct. 7. https://coppelltx.granicus.com/boards/forms/717/apply
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
September 15, 2022
Dear CISD Families,
Today, we are launching our Community Based Accountability System (CBAS) online data dashboard and “CBAS at a Glance” summary document. You can find both of these at www.coppellisd.com/cbas. I am extremely proud of the work that our CBAS group has done to collect and share data that shows the innovative learning and profound growth in our district. Thank you to our community for providing various feedback and input in this process through our Community Input sessions last spring and various focus groups. Coppell ISD recently received an A rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) based on our students' performance on state assessments. CBAS goes beyond the state’s accountability rating’s reliance on the STAAR/End of Course tests, where our students do very well, to measure other areas where CISD is excelling and where we can improve. As we continue this important work, our CBAS Advisory group will help us continue to share the data that matters to our entire district community.
Speaking of community, our 2023 Bond Committee held its first meeting last week. I am incredibly grateful for this committed group of parents, community members, students, and teachers and staff for their willingness to serve and help us plan for our district’s future. I find it fitting that the group elected a community member, Jim Walker, and a student, Dilan Patel, as the committee’s co-chairs. They help represent who we are accountable to and who we are doing this work for, respectively. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/23BondCo-Chairs.
We will continue to communicate about this committee’s work, including the opportunity for those not on the committee to participate in facility tours and a forum. I encourage you to visit www.coppellisd.com/bond for a complete list of the committee members and details about the committee’s work.
Next week is CISD Homecoming Week and marks the return of the Homecoming Parade tradition. I look forward to seeing our community come together for this amazing event on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. down Parkway Blvd.
Have a great week!
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpwithHunt: CHS Red Jackets
- CBAS Moments Video: Student Learning and Progress
- Spotlight on Redefining Success: 18+ Transitional Pathway Learners Mock Job Interviews
- CISD Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
- Community Invited to Homecoming Parade on Sept. 21
- CISD Seeks Community Input on ESSER Funding During Public Hearing on Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m.
- Spotlight on Great Teaching: Valley Ranch First Graders Hands-On Science Experiment
- Cowgirl Volleyball Team Hosts Free Elementary Night on Sept. 30
- Coppell Softball Hosts Tailgate on Oct. 7
- CISD Community Tailgate Sponsorship Opportunity
- Meal Tickets on Sale for CISD Community Tailgate on Oct. 21
- Support the CEF for North Texas Giving Day on Sept. 22
- Student Newspaper The Sidekick Subscriptions Available
- High School Cheer Bingo Event at CHS on Sept. 16
- Assisteens Hosts Information Meeting at Cozby Library on Sept. 25
- Save the Date: Holiday House at CHS on Nov. 13
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Coppell High School Red Jackets
CBAS Moments Video: Student Learning and Progress
As part of the CISD Community Based Accountability System (CBAS) process, the district will share stories and moments that showcase the CBAS pillars to our community. For the Student Learning and Progress pillar, students are our top priority, and we want to ensure we are meeting their learning and progress needs. Check out this CBAS Moments video at go.coppellisd.com/CBASRothey, which features Leonidas “Leo” Rothey, a 6th grade student at CMS North.
Spotlight on Redefining Success: 18+ Transitional Pathway Learners Mock Job Interviews
Led by CISD Transition Specialist Karrie Barnes, students in the 18+ Transitional Pathways Program at CHS recently participated in mock employment interviews to help these learners transition after they leave school. Matt Jenkins with the Quest Employment Agency, alongside CISD Intervention Services staff members, worked with students to practice interview and social skills to prepare for life after public school. Quest Employment Agency and the Texas Workforce Commission partner with CISD to help Transitional Pathways adult learners develop vocational work skills, social skills, independent living and other adulting tools for future employment opportunities for these students.CISD Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
CISD is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans of Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, Central and South American descent. It also marks the anniversary of independence of seven Latin American countries — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile. Schools in CISD are celebrating this month via special lessons, exhibits, social studies lessons and more.
Community Invited to Homecoming Parade on Sept. 21
The Coppell Band marches in the 2019 Homecoming Parade.
Photo by Anthony Onalaja, CHS Class of 2021, and courtesy of the CHS student newspaper, The Sidekick.
The Homecoming Parade is back and will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 21 starting at 6:30 p.m. down Parkway Ave. The theme is Fantasy: Where Dreams Come True, Coppell Homecoming 2022. Homecoming Week Dress Up Days for the week of Sept. 19 are:- Monday — Mermaid vs. Marvel “Scale Up for Homecoming” vs. Hawaiian/Ocean Day vs. Superhero
- Tuesday — EXTRAterrestrial Tuesday — Wear anything space related
- Wednesday — Wonderland Wednesday — Dress as your favorite prince, princess or fantasy character
- Thursday — Stranger Things Thursday — 80s day — Wear your best 80s outfit
- Friday — Fantasy Football Friday — Wear your Homecoming or Coppell Shirt
CISD Seeks Community Input on ESSER Funding During Public Hearing on Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m.
CISD is seeking feedback from all district and community stakeholders to help determine how the district should best use Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds known as (ESSER) to address unfinished learning and COVID-19 recovery. CISD will host a Public Hearing on ESSER on Monday, Sept. 26, from 5:30 to 6 p.m., at the Vonita White Administration Building at 200 S. Denton Tap Rd. in Coppell. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law by President Biden, and it included $122 billion in ESSER funds for U.S. school districts. These funds are designated for one-time or short-term expenditures to address the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
Spotlight on Great Teaching: Valley Ranch First Graders Hands-On Science Experiment
Do you want to melt a snowman? The answer was "yes," in the name of science for Valley Ranch Elementary first graders this week. According to Megan Hardowin, who teaches first grade at Valley Ranch Elementary, the snowman experiment was part of the science unit on heating and cooling. Students filled little cups of water with carrots and raisins and left the cups to freeze overnight. The next day, they took the cups outside to watch them melt to see if they made snowmen when the cups were dumped, and to watch the melting process. “Learners were able to draw conclusions about the snowmen melting faster on concrete than in grass and how being in the shade slowed the melting process,” Hardowin said. “It was fun to see students come up with their own ideas and experience science concepts through this hands-on learning activity.”
Cowgirl Volleyball Team Hosts Free Elementary Night on Sept. 30
The Coppell Cowgirl Volleyball team is hosting Elementary Night on Friday, Sept. 30, at the CHS Arena. This event is free for all students and parents. Come cheer on your team and have a great time. There will be games for the kids, t-shirts, and lots of fun. Wear your school shirt and help us cheer the girls on to another district win vs. Plano. Junior Varsity plays at 5:30 p.m. followed by Varsity at 6:30 p.m.
Coppell Softball Hosts Tailgate on Oct. 7
Join the Coppell Cowgirls softball team for their Tailgate Party at 5:30 p.m. before the home football game on Friday, Oct. 7. Tickets are $5 a person and desserts also will be available for sale. The Tailgate will be outside Buddy Echols Field on the grassy area near the Visitors' side entrance.
CISD Community Tailgate Sponsorship Opportunity
CISD is holding our annual Community Tailgate on Friday, Oct. 21 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Coppell High School Indoor Field House facility. Attendees at the tailgate enjoy food and fun before heading into the football stadium to cheer on the Coppell Cowboys Football team and enjoy the band, cheerleaders and drill team. For $50, you can have a 10x10 space to host a game or activity for attending families to enjoy. We encourage you to bring a fun game like a mini putt putt or a football throw game. If you want to join in the fun, sign up with Angela Brown at abrown@coppellisd.com.
Meal Tickets on Sale for CISD Community Tailgate on Oct. 21
Join CISD for our Annual Community Tailgate before the Oct. 21 CHS football game vs. Hebron. The event will take place indoors at the CHS Field House in the indoor practice field. Order your Dickey’s BBQ dinner in advance for $10 each. You may purchase your brisket or turkey sandwich boxed meal, or a baked potato vegetarian option at go.coppellisd.com/22TailgateMeal. Orders are limited. Please present your receipt at the Community Tailgate to redeem. The Dickey’s BBQ meal must be purchased in advance online by Oct. 14. Game tickets are purchased separately. The CISD Community Tailgate begins at 5 p.m. and lasts until 6:30 p.m.
Support the CEF for North Texas Giving Day on Sept. 22
Give with purpose and support the Coppell ISD Education Foundation with North Texas Giving Day. Donate between now and Sept. 22, and your dollars will be stretched with bonus funds and prizes raised by the Communities Foundation of Texas. Funds will support your CISD teachers through teacher grants. To donate, visit www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/coppell-isd-education-foundation.Student Newspaper The Sidekick Subscriptions Available
Want to know what is happening on campus at Coppell High School, New Tech High, Victory Place and CHS9? Want to read exclusive stories about your child and other students? Looking for local news for Coppell and Coppell ISD? Subscribe to The Sidekick, the award-winning student newspaper of Coppell High School. The paper is produced by students and published six times per school year. The production of every issue of The Sidekick is funded entirely through subscriptions, student-driven fundraisers and advertisement sales. To reserve your copy for the 2022-2023 school year, please complete the form at https://tinyurl.com/SidekickNewspaper22-23. Subscription rates are $15 for addresses in the United States and $25 for international mailing addresses. Payments are made through SchoolPay. Contact The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford at cwofford@coppellisd.com with questions.
High School Cheer Bingo Event at CHS on Sept. 16
CHS Cheer will host its Cheer Bingo event on Friday, Sept. 16 at the CHS Commons. Entry is $15, and there also is a $5 raffle. Visit www.coppellhighschoolcheer.com for more information.
Assisteens Hosts Information Meeting at Cozby Library on Sept. 25
Assisteens is a non-profit, volunteer organization open to CISD students in grades 7-12. Assisteens offers students the opportunity to make a difference in our community. Representative service projects include mentoring elementary-age CISD students, making blankets for residents of St. Joseph and River Oaks Assisted Living Centers, collecting shoes and clothing for Soles4Soles, volunteering with Sack Summer Hunger and cleaning the Coppell Nature Park trails. For those interested in finding out more about Assisteens or who would like to join the volunteer organization, there will be an information session on Sept. 25 at 2:15 p.m. for interested students and parents at the Cozby Library and Community Commons, meeting room A. Those attending are invited to stay for the member meeting at 3 p.m., where a guest speaker from the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) will speak about the warning signs of mental health conditions and awareness among middle and high school students.
Save the Date: Holiday House at CHS on Nov. 13
The Coppell High School PTSO is hosting its annual Holiday House shopping event on Sunday, Nov. 13, from noon to 6 p.m. in the CHS Commons. The event benefits CHS Project Graduation.
- Sept. 21 — Homecoming Parade at 6:30 p.m. on Parkway Blvd.
- Sept. 23 — Homecoming Football Game at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field
- Sept. 26 — ESSER Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 26 — Regular Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
- Oct. 6 — Early Dismissal
- Oct. 7 — Professional Development Day/No School
- Oct. 10 — CISD Holiday
Looking for a way to give back to your community? Apply to serve on one of the City of Coppell’s Boards & Commissions! With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find a way to serve in a capacity that’s important to you. Apply by Oct. 7. https://coppelltx.granicus.com/boards/forms/717/apply
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
September 8, 2022
Dear CISD Families,
I want to give a special thank you to our students and staff who all wore maroon on Tuesday, alongside school districts across the state, in support of our neighbors in Uvalde ISD for their first day of school. I love how we showed how we are #CISDWorkingTogether in support of our neighbors, who are truly #UvaldeStrong.
I also appreciate how our community came together last Friday to celebrate our first home football game. From the football players greeting students at our elementary schools, to our Lariette Spaghetti dinner, to our Special Olympics athletes being recognized on the field before the game, to our large home game crowd wearing Coppell red for "Red Out,” to our amazing band and cheerleaders, it was a great night for our community. Our fall sports are doing amazing, with our volleyball team beating state-ranked teams twice in a row and our cross country team and tennis team continuing to achieve at their meets and matches. Our middle school sports are also underway, and it is a perfect time to see the school spirit and grit on display by our student-athletes and student-performers. I want to give a special thanks to our coaches and sponsors for the many hours they put into supporting our students with all of the practices, rehearsals and games.
The Fine Arts are also in full swing, with our students showcasing their talents in the visual arts and preparing for musical and theatre performances. I cannot wait to see the talent of our students, as our school year continues. I hope you will join me in supporting our students by attending the various concerts and performances throughout this semester. For a list of upcoming Fine Arts events, please check out the CISD Fine Arts calendar at www.coppellisd.com/finearts.
The Homecoming Parade is back this year and will be on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. along Parkway Blvd. The Homecoming theme this year is "Fantasy: Where Dreams Come True: Coppell Homecoming 2022." The parade is a community-wide event with floats featuring our elementary, middle school and high school students. There will also be a featured CISD Alumni float and the addition of our "Grand Marshall," as we honor one of our CISD legacies in a special way. I look forward to us all being together as we celebrate our wonderful district with this fun community event.
Thank you all for your support of CISD!
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: Walk to School Wednesdays at Cottonwood Creek Elementary
- Celebrating Texas First Responder Day and Patriot Day on Sept. 11
- CISD’s iLead Program Applications Due Sept. 14
- Sept. 14 Deadline to Participate in Sept. 21 Homecoming Parade
- College Night at CHS on Thursday, Sept. 15
- Redefining Success: First Class of 2023 Graduate Ava Gillis
- CISD Seeks Community Input on ESSER Funding During Public Hearing on Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m.
- Communications Internship Application Due on Sept. 9
- Student Newspaper The Sidekick Subscriptions Available
- Last Chance to Order Your CEF Shirt — Deadline is Sept. 9
- High School Cheer Bingo Event at CHS on Sept. 16
- Assisteens Hosts Information Meeting at Cozby Library on Sept. 25
- Save the Date: Holiday House at CHS on Nov. 13
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Walk to School Wednesdays at Cottonwood Creek Elementary
Celebrating Texas First Responder Day and Patriot Day on Sept. 11
Sunday, Sept. 11, is National Patriot Day and Texas First Responders Day. It is also the 21st anniversary of the attacks of September 11th. Texas first responders day honors the bravery, courage and determination of the Texas men and women who assist others in emergencies. Thank you to CISD first responders, specifically the CISD School Resources Officers and School Resource Deputies, for all you do to keep our schools and communities safe.
CISD’s iLead Applications Due Sept. 14
Applications are being accepted through the end of the day Wednesday, Sept. 14, for CISD’s iLead program. iLead is a leadership training series for interested parents and community members looking to become informed leaders and advocates for our students. Participants will gain insight into the operations of the CISD, as well as learn about our curriculum framework and community engagement opportunities. The iLead program includes five, two-hour monthly sessions held in the evenings. Each participant must commit to attending all five sessions, as well as one monthly Board Meeting before April 2023. Sessions are set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 28, Oct. 12, Oct. 26, Nov. 9 and Nov. 16. A session fee of $50 (includes a convenience fee) per registrant will help defray district expenses incurred. To reserve your spot, please complete the application by Sept. 14. Read more and apply at www.coppellisd.com/ilead.
Sept. 14 Deadline to Participate in Sept. 21 Homecoming Parade
The Homecoming Parade is back and will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 21, starting at 6:30 p.m. down Parkway Blvd. The theme is "Fantasy: Where Dreams Come True: Coppell Homecoming 2022." Parade participants must fill out the form at go.coppellisd.com/22HoCoParadeForm, pay the $20 entry fee and participate in the mandatory parade meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. in the CHS cafeteria. The entry fee is due prior to or at the Sept. 14 meeting. Homecoming Week Dress-Up Days for the week of Sept. 19 are:- Monday — Mermaid vs. Marvel “Scale Up for Homecoming” vs. Hawaiian/Ocean Day vs. Superhero
- Tuesday — EXTRAterrestrial Tuesday — Wear anything space related
- Wednesday — Wonderland Wednesday — Dress as your favorite prince, princess or fantasy character
- Thursday — Stranger Things Thursday — 80s day — Wear your best 80s outfit
- Friday — Fantasy Football Friday — Wear your Homecoming or Coppell Shirt
College Night at CHS on Thursday, Sept. 15
All CISD students in grades 10-12 and their parents are encouraged to attend CISD’s College Night on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Coppell High School Commons. Attendees will have the opportunity to gather information and make contact with more than 150 representatives from all over the country, including from Ivy League colleges and universities, major Texas universities, trade schools and military branches.
Redefining Success Spotlight: First Class of 2023 Graduate Ava Gillis
From left: Assistant Principal Anna Andrews Wanderski, Counselor LaQueena Garcia, Principal Cindi Osborne, Ava Gillis and Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt celebrate Gillis' graduation from Victory Place @ Coppell.
The senior year of high school can go by in a blink of an eye. For Ava Gillis, her senior year lasted about a week and a half. Gillis became the first Coppell ISD Class of 2023 graduate on Aug. 26, 2022, when she completed the Turning Point program at Victory Place @ Coppell.
Gillis decided in January that she wanted to graduate from high school early. In addition to Turning Point, Gillis took dual credit classes while working. She says there were only two weeks in 2022 when she wasn’t in school.
“I chose Turning Point, because I wanted to streamline my graduation date, and the program allowed me to do that,” Gillis said. “Everything they do for you is helping you towards graduating. They know all of the credits and classes you need to complete in order to graduate.”
Read more at go.coppellisd.com/AvaGillis.
CISD Seeks Community Input on ESSER Funding During Public Hearing on Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m.
CISD is seeking feedback from all district and community stakeholders to help determine how the district should best use Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds known as (ESSER) to address unfinished learning and COVID-19 recovery. CISD will host a Public Hearing on ESSER on Monday, September 26, from 5:30 to 6 p.m., at the Vonita White Administration Building at 200 South Denton Tap in Coppell. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law by President Biden, and it included $122 billion in ESSER funds for U.S. school districts. These funds are designated for one-time or short-term expenditures to address the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
Communications Internship Application for 10-12th Students Due Sept. 9
CISD high school students in grades 10-12 have the opportunity to intern with the district’s Communications and Community Engagement Department for the 2022-2023 school year. Student interns can contribute stories, social media posts, videos and other content as part of their internship. Interested high school students are encouraged to apply at go.coppellisd.com/22-23CommsInternApplication. The application is due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 9.Student Newspaper The Sidekick Subscriptions Available
Want to know what is happening on campus at Coppell High School, New Tech High, Victory Place and CHS9? Want to read exclusive stories about your child and other students? Looking for local news for Coppell and Coppell ISD? Subscribe to The Sidekick, the award-winning student newspaper of Coppell High School. The paper is produced by students and published six times per school year. The production of every issue of The Sidekick is funded entirely through subscriptions, student-driven fundraisers and advertisement sales. To reserve your copy for the 2022-2023 school year, please complete the form at https://tinyurl.com/SidekickNewspaper22-23. Subscription rates are $15 for addresses in the United States and $25 for international mailing addresses. Payments are made through SchoolPay. Contact The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford at cwofford@coppellisd.com with questions.
Last Chance to Order Your CEF Shirt — Deadline is Sept. 9
Order your 2022 Coppell ISD Education Foundation t-shirt today. By purchasing a t-shirt, you are supporting the Coppell ISD Education Foundation’s “Give for Grants” fundraising campaign. All funds raised by the Coppell ISD Education Foundation are directly given back to the schools and students of CISD through grants.
All t-shirts are $20 each (+$2 for 2XL and 3XL) and can be ordered online via credit card at: https://coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/Annual-CEF-T-shirts/#/list.
Orders will be taken through THIS Friday, Sept. 9. No late orders will be accepted. All orders will be delivered to your school campus.
High School Cheer Bingo Event at CHS on Sept. 16
CHS Cheer will host its Cheer Bingo event on Friday, Sept. 16 at the CHS Commons. Entry is $15, and there also is a $5 raffle. Visit www.coppellhighschoolcheer.com for more information.
Assisteens Hosts Information Meeting at Cozby Library on Sept. 25
Assisteens is a non-profit, volunteer organization open to CISD students in grades 7-12. Assisteens offers students the opportunity to make a difference in our community. Representative service projects include mentoring elementary-age CISD students, making blankets for residents of St. Joseph and River Oaks Assisted Living Centers, collecting shoes and clothing for Soles4Soles, volunteering with Sack Summer Hunger and cleaning the Coppell Nature Park trails. For those interested in finding out more about Assisteens or who would like to join the volunteer organization, there will be an information session on Sept. 25 at 2:15 p.m. for interested students and parents at the Cozby Library and Community Commons, meeting room A. Those attending are invited to stay for the member meeting at 3 p.m., where a guest speaker from the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) will speak about the warning signs of mental health conditions and awareness among middle and high school students.
Save the Date: Holiday House at CHS on Nov. 13
The Coppell High School PTSO is hosting its annual Holiday House shopping event on Sunday, Nov. 13, from noon to 6 p.m. in the CHS Commons. The event benefits CHS Project Graduation.
- Sept. 14 — Middle School Curriculum Night from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Sept. 15 — College Night at Coppell High School from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Sept. 21 — Homecoming Parade 6:30 p.m.
- Sept. 26 — ESSER Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 26 — Regular Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
- Oct. 6 — Early Dismissal
- Oct. 7 — Professional Development Day/No School
- Oct. 10 — CISD Holiday
Do you live in Coppell? What do you care most about in the community? Do you visit the Library or Arts Center? Do you use trails, parks, other services? The City of Coppell would love to know! Please take this short survey and let the City know how it’s doing.
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
September 1, 2022
Dear CISD Families,
This week our elementary schools, Coppell High School and New Tech High @ Coppell hosted Curriculum Nights, with CHS9’s Curriculum Night set for next week and the middle school Curriculum Night on Sept. 14. These are great opportunities to get to know your child’s teachers, and learn more about the curriculum and the expectations for the school year. We want our parents to engage in these nights, as we work together to provide an exceptional educational experience for our children. Our parents and guardians are important partners in this process, and I thank you for supporting CISD.
It's time for "Friday Night Lights" in Coppell ISD with the kickoff of our first home football game on Friday at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field. It takes more than six hundred students, parent and guardian volunteers, educators, and coaches to orchestrate the Friday Night experience that our community has come to know and love. I greatly appreciate the time and commitment these individuals give to these events and thank them for their support. We have other sports in season too, including our Coppell Cowgirls Volleyball teams, who are off to a terrific start!
I also want to give a big shout-out to our band, color guard, drill team and cheerleaders. These incredible groups add so much to the Friday Night experience, and I thank them for the hard work and effort they give to their programs. They have been working hard during the summer in preparation for this new school year and I thank them for sharing their talent and skills.
As we look at our core value of redefining success, we know that success in athletics contributes to the overall educational experience for our students. I am also proud of the learning opportunities these games offer our student-athletes. Our gyms and fields are filled with students, who not only get a chance to participate in something they love, they are also taught sportsmanship, leadership skills, self-discipline and the value of performing with a high level of integrity, all while building and sustaining authentic relationships with their teammates and coaches.
I hope you enjoy the long Labor Day weekend with your families!
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: Facilities and Maintenance Team
- Safety and Security Reminders for 1st Home Football Game
- CISD’s iLead Program Applications Due Sept. 14
- Recording Available for Parent University on Safety and Security
- Save the Date: College Night at CHS on Sept. 15
- CISD Seeks Community Input on ESSER Funding During Public Hearing on Sept. 26
- DECA Prepares Students for Business Career Success
- Communications Internship Application Open
- New Mural at CHS by Senior Jeffrey Wang
- Tickets Available at the Door for Lariettes' Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Sept. 2
- Student Newspaper The Sidekick Subscriptions Available
- Order Your Coppell ISD Education Foundation Shirt by Sept. 9
- High School Cheer Bingo Event at CHS on Sept. 16
- Assisteens Hosts Information Meeting at Cozby Library on Sept. 25
- U.S. Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne Opportunities for Students
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: Facilities and Maintenance Team
#CowboyTakeover: Safety and Security Reminders for 1st Home Football Game
Coppell High School’s first home football game at Buddy Echols Field is on Friday, Sept. 2 starting at 7 p.m. Please allow plenty of time to get through security for the game before kickoff at 7 p.m. As a reminder, the following security measures are in place.- All visitors to football games are subjected to wanding with handheld metal detectors by security personnel.
- Backpacks are prohibited and only small purses (4.5” x 6.5”), diaper bags, camera bags and medical bags are allowed in the stadium.
- All personal items are subject to search at the gate.
- Fans, officials and event staff are asked to avoid bringing any bags, if possible.
- No outside food or drinks are allowed in the stadium.
- Tickets are available for purchase electronically only at www.coppellathletics.net/e-tickets.
CISD’s iLead Program Applications Due Sept. 14
Applications are being accepted through the end of the day Wednesday, Sept. 14, for CISD’s iLead program. iLead is a leadership training series for interested parents and community members looking to become informed leaders and advocates for our students. Participants will gain insight into the operations of the CISD, as well as learn about our curriculum framework and community engagement opportunities.
The iLead program includes five, two-hour monthly sessions held in the evenings. Each participant must commit to attending all five sessions, as well as one monthly Board Meeting before April 2023. Sessions are set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 28, Oct. 12, Oct. 26, Nov. 9 and Nov. 16. A session fee of $50 (includes a convenience fee) per registrant will help defray district expenses incurred. To reserve your spot, please complete the application by Sept. 14. Read more and apply at www.coppellisd.com/ilead.
Recording Available for Parent University on Safety and Security
For those unable to attend the Aug. 31 Parent University virtual event on Safety and Security, visit coppellisd.com/parentuniversity for a video of the event. Past Parent University events are also available via video on this website.Save the Date: College Night at CHS on Thursday, Sept. 15
All CISD students in grades 10-12 and their parents are encouraged to attend CISD’s College Night on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Coppell High School Commons. Attendees will have the opportunity to gather information and make contact with more than 150 representatives from all over the country, including from Ivy League colleges and universities, major Texas universities, trade schools and military branches.
CISD Seeks Community Input on ESSER Funding During Public Hearing on Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m.
CISD is seeking feedback from all district and community stakeholders to help determine how the district should best use Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds known as (ESSER) to address unfinished learning and COVID-19 recovery. CISD will host a Public Hearing on ESSER on Monday, September 26, from 5:30 to 6 p.m., at the Vonita White Administration Building at 200 South Denton Tap in Coppell. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law by President Biden, and it included $122 billion in ESSER funds for U.S. school districts. These funds are designated for one-time or short-term expenditures to address the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
DECA Prepares Students for Business Career Success
By CHS Senior Dilan Patel, an intern for the CISD Communications and Community Engagement Department. Patel is serving as the District 11 DECA President for the 2022-2023 school year and is the first DECA district president from CHS.
DECA is defined as a unit of measurement involving the number 10. For Coppell High School and high schools across the world, DECA is the name of the international business organization for emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.
With 50 traditional events to choose from, students can compete at the district, state and international level, engaging with students from around the world. Through specialization options in the clusters of marketing, hospitality and tourism, finance, and business management and administration, DECA allows students to gain experience with workplace scenarios and environments, using 21st century skills and entrepreneurship to come up with solutions quickly, communicate them effectively, and show off their creativity.
Whether it be a role play event, where students must take a 100 question exam and take part in a given scenario, or a written event where students can write up to 20 pages of required material and present, DECA is a Career and Technical Education or CTE program that allows its members to understand how the real world works and the soft skills needed to be successful in any career field. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/AboutDECA.
Communications Internship Application for 10-12th Students Due Sept. 9
CISD high school students in grades 10-12 have the opportunity to intern with the district’s Communications and Community Engagement Department for the 2022-2023 school year. Student interns can contribute stories, social media posts, videos and other content as part of their internship. Interested high school students are encouraged to apply at go.coppellisd.com/22-23CommsInternApplication. The application is due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 9.
New Mural at CHS by Senior Jeffrey Wang
Story and photos by CHS Senior Priyanka Bhutani, who serves as the lead intern for the CISD Communications and Community Engagement Department.
A new mural at CHS celebrates the diversity of student cultures and the variety of academic, fine arts and athletics that make up the CHS and CISD community. Created and painted by Senior Jeffrey Wang, the mural is his Eagle Scout project. “I wanted to bring a welcoming and a fresh new air to the school, especially after COVID-19,” Wang said. “[The mural] is designed to remind people of the diversity and everything we have to offer at Coppell High School and to bring all of this to the forefront of our school.”
Tickets Available at the Door for Lariettes Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Sept. 2
The annual CHS Lariette Spaghetti Dinner, Auction and Raffle will take place on Friday, Sept. 2 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. The event will take place in the CHS Commons before the home football game vs. South Grand Prairie. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and are available at the door. Visit www.chslariettes.com for details.
Student Newspaper The Sidekick Subscriptions Available
Want to know what is happening on campus at Coppell High School, New Tech High, Victory Place and CHS9? Want to read exclusive stories about your child and other students? Looking for local news for Coppell and Coppell ISD? Subscribe to The Sidekick, the award-winning student newspaper of Coppell High School. The paper is produced by students and published six times per school year. The production of every issue of The Sidekick is funded entirely through subscriptions, student-driven fundraisers and advertisement sales. To reserve your copy for the 2022-2023 school year, please complete the form at https://tinyurl.com/SidekickNewspaper22-23. Subscription rates are $15 for addresses in the United States and $25 for international mailing addresses. Payments are made through SchoolPay. Contact The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford at cwofford@coppellisd.com with questions.
Order Your Coppell ISD Education Foundation Shirt by Sept. 9
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation is taking orders for its new CEF 2022 t-shirt. Shirts can be purchased by CISD employees, students and members of the Coppell community. By purchasing a t-shirt, you are supporting the Coppell ISD Education Foundation’s “Give for Grants” fundraising campaign. All funds raised by the Coppell ISD Education Foundation are directly given back to the schools and students of CISD through grants.
All t-shirts are $20 each (+$2 for 2XL and 3XL) and can be ordered online via credit card at: https://coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/Annual-CEF-T-shirts/#/list.
High School Cheer Bingo Event at CHS on Sept. 16
CHS Cheer will host its Cheer Bingo event on Friday, Sept. 16 at the CHS Commons. Entry is $15, and there also is a $5 raffle. Visit www.coppellhighschoolcheer.com for more information.
Assisteens Hosts Information Meeting at Cozby Library on Sept. 25
Assisteens is a non-profit, volunteer organization open to CISD students in grades 7-12. Assisteens offers students the opportunity to make a difference in our community. Representative service projects include mentoring elementary-age CISD students, making blankets for residents of St. Joseph and River Oaks Assisted Living Centers, collecting shoes and clothing for Soles4Soles, volunteering with Sack Summer Hunger and cleaning the Coppell Nature Park trails. For those interested in finding out more about Assisteens or who would like to join the volunteer organization, there will be an information session on Sept. 25 at 2:15 p.m. for interested students and parents at the Cozby Library and Community Commons, meeting room A. Those attending are invited to stay for the member meeting at 3 p.m., where a guest speaker from the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) will speak about the warning signs of mental health conditions and awareness among middle and high school students.
U.S. Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne Opportunities for Students
U.S. Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne offers several opportunities for students to participate and compete in throughout the year. These include:- Congressional Youth Advisory – Students may reside in or out of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. Deadline: Oct. 4, 2022
- U.S. Military Academy Nomination – Students must reside in the 24th Congressional District of Texas. Deadline: Oct. 7, 2022
- Congressional App Challenge – Students can participate in the district in which they reside or attend school. Deadline: Nov. 1, 2022
- Elementary Art Showcase and Forum – Students may reside in or out of the 24th Congressional District of Texa. Deadline: Nov. 9, 2022
- Congressional Art Competition – Students must reside in the 24th Congressional District of Texas (Spring Semester)
Do you live in Coppell? What do you care most about in the community? Do you visit the Library or Arts Center? Do you use trails, parks, other services? The City of Coppell would love to know! Please take this short survey and let the City know how it’s doing.
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
August 25, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
As we wrap up the second week of school, I thank all of our students, families, teachers and staff for working together to establish authentic relationships, which lays the foundation for great teaching and learning to take place. The start of a new school year can be hectic with so many new students and staff, hiccups with transportation, technology issues, schedule changes and establishing new routines. I appreciate everyone’s patience, understanding and grace as we work together to address these issues in order to have a successful school experience for our students. Overall, it was a relatively smooth start and wonderful to see all of our students at school.
If there are any issues or concerns you may have, please reach out to your child’s teacher first, then your school’s administration. Going to the source first can help expedite the process and help us focus on solutions to resolve any issues. The unvoiced problem cannot be resolved, and we are committed to working together with our families to resolve any issues. Our goal remains to provide the best possible education for each student.
We have four core values in CISD — authentic relationships, great teaching, redefining success and collective engagement. I look forward to the engagement that is beginning as our 2023 Bond Committee starts the work to address a long-range plan for our facilities, technology and other bond eligible items. The committee received their formal charge from our Board of Trustees at the Aug. 22 Board Meeting. For more information about the committee and the 2023 Bond process, please check out our website at www.coppellisd.com/bond for details.
Strong academics is always our focus in CISD. Our school district reputation and success rest, in large part, with the support and involvement of parents working alongside our exceptional teachers and staff. I know I talked about it last week, but I want to reiterate that we all should be so proud of our “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency. This work was no easy task. Our teachers, students and parents worked very hard to keep learning a top priority during the pandemic, and these efforts are showing in this and other measurements of success. We look forward to sharing our TEA rating along with other data when we launch our Community Based Accountability System or CBAS dashboard soon.
Thank you, as always, for partnering with us to educate and serve our kids.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: CMS West AP Taylor Smith-Bothun
- CISD Trustees Approve 2022-2023 Budget and Tax Rate
- Trustees Give Charge to 2023 Bond Committee
- Texas Education Agency Rating Infographic
- CISD Hiring Substitute Teachers
- CISD’s iLead Program Applications Due Sept. 14
- CISD Seeks Community Input on ESSER Funding During Public Hearing on Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m.
- High School Students Achieve Top Finishes at TSA Nationals
- Coppell Band Summer Highlights: 6th Place in State Competition and Alumni Success
- New Mural at CHS by Senior Jeffrey Wang
- Introducing Freshservice as CISD’s New Help Desk System
- High School Lariettes Host Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Sept. 2
- Student Newspaper The Sidekick Subscriptions Available
- High School Cheer Bingo Event at CHS on Sept. 16
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: CMS West AP Taylor Smith-Bothun
Tune into YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. Introducing Dr. Hunt this week is new CMS West Assistant Principal Taylor Smith-Bothun, who will be singing the National Anthem and God Bless America at the Texas Rangers Game on Friday, Aug. 26.
CISD Trustees Approve 2022-2023 Budget and Tax Rate
CISD Trustees approved the 2022-2023 budget and tax rate during their board meeting on Aug. 22. The approved 2022-2023 CISD Operating Budget is $178,498,490, which is an 8% increase over the prior year. Trustees also approved an overall total tax rate of $1.2173 per $100 in assessed value, which is a total tax rate decrease of $0.0747 per $100 in assessed value or a 5.8% decrease overall.
Recapture, otherwise known as Robin Hood, makes up 26.09% of CISD’s budget expenditures, which equates to more than $46 million to be returned to the state and going into the state’s general fund. The State Comptroller recently announced an increase in the state surplus of $26.9 billion available for general purpose spending.
CISD has paid $703 million in recapture since 1992. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/22-23budget.
Trustees Give Charge to 2023 Bond Committee
Photo by CHS Senior Nandini Paidesetty.
Courtesy of the CHS The Sidekick student newspaper.
Members of the CISD 2023 Bond Committee received their formal charge from the Board of Trustees on Aug. 22. The CISD Bond Committee is a group of parents, students, staff and community members who will collaboratively develop a long-range plan for district facilities, technology and other eligible bond items. The committee will serve in an advisory role to assist district staff and the Board of Trustees to assess and prioritize district needs. The committee will develop a comprehensive master plan recommendation based upon the district’s mission and core values to be presented to the Board of Trustees for a potential May 2023 bond program. Learn more about the Bond Committee and read the charge from the Board of Trustees at www.coppellisd.com/bond.Texas Education Agency Rating Infographic
See how CISD compares to other school districts and Charter Schools in the area in this infographic or read more at go.coppellisd.com/TEARating22.
CISD Hiring Substitute Teachers
CISD is accepting applications for substitute teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. The substitute daily pay rates are:- $125 — Texas Certified teacher
- $115 — Bachelor’s degree or higher
- $100 — High school diploma or equivalent
CISD’s iLead Program Applications Due Sept. 14
Applications are being accepted through the end of the day Wednesday, Sept. 14, for CISD’s iLead program. iLead is a leadership training series for interested parents and community members looking to become informed leaders and advocates for our students. Participants will gain insight into the operations of the CISD, as well as learn about our curriculum framework and community engagement opportunities. The iLead program includes five, two-hour monthly sessions held in the evenings. Each participant must commit to attending all five sessions, as well as one monthly Board Meeting before April 2023. Sessions are set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 28, Oct. 12, Oct. 26, Nov. 9 and Nov. 16. A session fee of $50 (includes a convenience fee) per registrant will help defray district expenses incurred. To reserve your spot, please complete the application by Sept. 14. Read more and apply at www.coppellisd.com/ilead.
CISD Seeks Community Input on ESSER Funding During Public Hearing on Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m.
CISD is seeking feedback from all district and community stakeholders to help determine how the district should best use Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds known as (ESSER) to address unfinished learning and COVID-19 recovery. CISD will host a Public Hearing on ESSER on Monday, September 26, from 5:30 to 6 p.m., at the Vonita White Administration Building at 200 South Denton Tap in Coppell. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law by President Biden, and it included $122 billion in ESSER funds for U.S. school districts. These funds are designated for one-time or short-term expenditures to address the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
High School Students Achieve Top Finishes at TSA Nationals
Several high school students had top 10 finishes at the Technology Student Association National Competition, including a 1st place win in the Webmaster category. More than 6,000 students from three countries competed at the event. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/TSANationals.
Coppell High School Band Summer Highlights: 6th Place in State Competition and Alumni DCI Success
Over the summer, the Coppell High School Band placed 6th in the Texas Music Educators Association 6A State Competition. In addition, several Coppell Band alumni students and staff achieved tremendous success with the Drum Corps International (DCI) season this summer. Lauren Teel, ‘08, made history as the first female percussion captain head ever to earn a finalist slot in the 50-year history of DCI. Additional alumni were members of DCI’s summer season and earned top finishes. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/BandSummer22.
Introducing Freshservice as CISD’s New Help Desk System
The CISD Technology Department is launching a new helpdesk system called Freshservice, which is replacing Zendesk. In addition to managing incident tickets, Freshservice also has new features like a service catalog, workflow automations, integrated asset management and more that will enhance the service delivery we are able to provide to campuses, staff and students. Staff and students can easily access Freshservice through the Help Desk app on your iPad or go to sso.coppellisd.com and click launch on the Freshservice app. Parents can access Freshservice and login details from our website at coppellisd.com/support.
High School Lariettes Host Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Sept. 2
The annual CHS Lariette Spaghetti Dinner, Auction and Raffle will take place on Friday, Sept. 2 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. The event will take place in the CHS Commons before the home football game vs. South Grand Prairie. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Visit www.chslariettes.com for details.
Student Newspaper The Sidekick Subscriptions Available
Want to know what is happening on campus at Coppell High School, New Tech High, Victory Place and CHS9? Want to read exclusive stories about your child and other students? Looking for local news for Coppell and Coppell ISD? Subscribe to The Sidekick, the award-winning student newspaper of Coppell High School. The paper is produced by students and published six times per school year. The production of every issue of The Sidekick is funded entirely through subscriptions, student-driven fundraisers and advertisement sales. To reserve your copy for the 2022-2023 school year, please complete the form at https://tinyurl.com/SidekickNewspaper22-23. Subscription rates are $15 for addresses in the United States and $25 for international mailing addresses. Payments are made through SchoolPay. Contact The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford at cwofford@coppellisd.com with questions.
Order Your Coppell ISD Education Foundation Shirt by Sept. 9
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation is taking orders for its new CEF 2022 t-shirt. Shirts can be purchased by CISD employees, students and members of the Coppell community. By purchasing a t-shirt, you are supporting the Coppell ISD Education Foundation’s “Give for Grants” fundraising campaign. All funds raised by the Coppell ISD Education Foundation are directly given back to the schools and students of CISD through grants. Dr. Hunt has designated every Tuesday as “jeans day” for CISD educators and staff wearing the new 2022 CEF t-shirt.
All t-shirts are $20 each (+$2 for 2XL and 3XL) and can be ordered online via credit card at: https://coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/Annual-CEF-T-shirts/#/list.
High School Cheer Bingo Event at CHS on Sept. 16
CHS Cheer will host its Cheer Bingo event on Friday, Sept. 16 at the CHS Commons. Entry is $15, and there also is a $5 raffle. Visit www.coppellhighschoolcheer.com for more information.
- Aug. 29 – CHS and New Tech Curriculum Night 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 1 — Elementary Curriculum Night at 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 6 — CHS9 Curriculum Night at 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 5 — Labor Day Holiday
- Sept. 14 — Middle School Curriculum Night at 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 15 — College Night at Coppell High School from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Sept. 26 — ESSER Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 26 — Regular Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
Do you live in Coppell? What do you care most about in the community? Do you visit the Library or Arts Center? Do you use trails, parks, other services? The City of Coppell would love to know! Please take this short survey and let the City know how it’s doing.
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
August 18, 2022
Dear CISD Families,
We had a fantastic first day of school and a great start to the 2022-2023 school year. As I visited our campuses, it was amazing to see the smiling faces of our new and returning students, as well as how our teachers and staff pulled out all the stops to welcome our kids and families back to school. It was fun to see so many of our parents participate in the "Boohoo/Yahoo Breakfast" tradition at our elementary schools. Thank you to all of you who shared your photos, well wishes, and thoughts and prayers for this new school year. I truly believe it will be one of our best yet!
Prior to the first day of school on Wednesday, our district received a “grade” of an “A” from the Texas Education Agency, as the TEA released its district and school ratings on Aug. 15. I appreciate the hard work of our students, staff and support of our parents as we keep academics a strong focus in CISD. While I am proud of this rating, I am equally proud of the work of our Community Based Accountability System or CBAS. We will be launching our CBAS dashboard later this month. I look forward to sharing this information with our community soon.
The TEA “grade” is based heavily on the STAAR test results. If CISD “just” based our accountability on the state's “grade,” we could argue that we do not need to improve in any area, because we have received an “A” each year we have been ranked. That’s not who we are as a district or as a community.
We believe that continuous improvement is critical to growth, learning and innovation. We also know our students are more than just one test on one day and success can look differently for everyone. Through CBAS, we will be able to share so much more with our community, including a holistic view of our district and how innovative our teachers and staff are in partnering with our students and families to create learning experiences that defy the ability of a standardized test to measure this growth. As we like to say, “You can’t test that.”
Here’s to a great 2022-2023 school year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- First Day of School Photos Available on CISD Website
- Safety Message Correction: EpiPen Auto Injectors
- CISD to Hold Budget and Tax Rate Hearing on Aug. 22
- Texas Education Agency Rating Details Available for Families
- CHS Senior Shraavya Pydisetti Featured in the Dallas Morning News
- CISD’s iLead Program Applications Due Sept. 14
- Child Nutrition Update
- Device Protection Plan Reminder
- Crossing Guards Needed for Mockingbird/East and Lakeside Elementary
- Allies in Community Donate Items to Help CISD Students
- High School Lariettes Host Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Sept. 2
- Student Newspaper The Sidekick Subscriptions Available
- Order Your Coppell ISD Education Foundation Shirt by Sept. 9
- High School Cheer Bingo Event at CHS on Sept. 16
- Upcoming Events
First Day of School Photos Available on CISD Website
Thank you to everyone who shared their first day of school photos using the hashtag #CISD1stDay22. A collection of these photos is available at www.coppellisd.com or by visiting go.coppellisd.com/1stDay22.
Safety Message Correction: EpiPen Auto Injectors
The safety and security message sent on Aug. 15 mistakenly stated that the district would have EpiPen Auto Injectors at every campus. This is not the case, and parents or guardians of students with food allergies still need to provide the school nurse with an epinephrine injector for their children. We apologize for this error and any confusion it may have caused.
CISD to Hold Budget and Tax Rate Hearing on Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m.
CISD will hold a public hearing on its Fiscal Year 2022-2023 proposed Budget and Tax Rate on Monday, Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m. The hearing will take place at the Vonita White Administration Building located at 200 S. Denton Tap Road in Coppell. The proposed 2022-2023 Revenue Budget is $168,820,638 which is a 3.5 percent increase over the prior year. CISD’s proposed overall tax rate for 2022-2023 will be a total of $1.2173 per $100 in assessed value, which is a total tax rate decrease of $0.0747 per $100 in assessed value or a 5.8% percent decrease overall. Visit go.coppellisd.com/22BudgetHearing for details.
Texas Education Agency Rating Details Available for Families
Families in Texas are now able to view the Texas Education Agency (TEA) rating for your child’s school, plus much more, by visiting TXschools.gov.
CHS Senior Shraavya Pydisetti Featured in the Dallas Morning News
Coppell High School Senior Shraavya Pydisetti is featured in the Dallas Morning News Aug. 18 story, “Coppell senior’s nonprofit organization serves over 23,000 people: Shraavya Pydisetti’s Project Querencia continues to grow beyond D-FW.” Pydisetti founded the service organization Project Querencia in 2020 during the pandemic, and the non-profit organization has grown to several chapters in Texas and the nation with an international chapter in the works in India. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/PydisettiDMN.CISD’s iLead Program Applications Due Sept. 14
Applications are being accepted through the end of the day Wednesday, Sept. 14, for CISD’s iLead program. iLead is a leadership training series for interested parents and community members looking to become informed leaders and advocates for our students. Participants will gain insight into the operations of the CISD, as well as learn about our curriculum framework and community engagement opportunities. The iLead program includes five, two-hour monthly sessions held in the evenings. Each participant must commit to attending all five sessions, as well as one monthly Board Meeting before April 2023. Sessions are set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 28, Oct. 12, Oct. 26, Nov. 9 and Nov. 16. A session fee of $50 (includes a convenience fee) per registrant will help defray district expenses incurred. To reserve your spot, please complete the application by Sept. 14. Read more and apply at www.coppellisd.com/ilead.
CISD Child Nutrition Update: Low Balance Alerts to Resume
The CISD Child Nutrition Department will resume its low lunch balance emails and phone
calls starting the week of August 22. Parents, guardians or students can add
funds to their accounts in person at the school cafeteria by depositing cash or
checks, or for a small fee, they can use the "My School Bucks" app or website to
deposit funds with a debit or credit card. More information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/childnutrition.
As a reminder, the programs that allowed CISD elementary schools to provide all elementary students with free breakfast and lunch for the past two school years have expired, and the U.S. Congress did not provide funding in this year’s budget to allow schools to serve free meals to all students for the 2022-2023 school year. Therefore, CISD elementary schools will be transitioning to requiring meal applications for free and reduced meals for the 2022-2023 school year. Eligible families are required to complete an application to determine their meal eligibility. CISD is encouraging our families to complete an application online at https://www.nlappscloud.com.
Coppell ISD Device Protection Plan Reminder
The CISD Technology Department is asking for every district family to participate in the Device Protection Plan this school year. The plan costs $35 per student and $50 for New Tech High @ Coppell students, with a maximum participation cost of $100 per family. The plan covers 100% of accidental damage to the CISD iPad or MacBook the first time it becomes damaged during the year. The plan does have a $50 deductible if the device is damaged a second time during the same school year. The plan also includes coverage of the accessories that are provided to students, which includes cases, keyboard cases, Apple Pencils, chargers, etc. The accessories all have a $10 deductible for the first time they are damaged and need to be repaired during the same school year.
Without the plan, if a screen becomes broken on one device, the repair fee is $119. If your child happens to break their Apple Pencil, the replacement cost is $89. The replacement cost for the full device is $449 for the iPad and $1,259 for the MacBook. CISD Technology recommends students enroll in the program as soon as possible. The enrollment window will close on Friday, Sept. 30. For more information and to enroll your child(ren), visit www.coppellisd.com/deviceplan.
Crossing Guards Needed for Mockingbird/East and Lakeside Elementary
CISD is looking to fill several crossing guard positions near Mockingbird Elementary/CMS East and near Lakeside Elementary for the 2022-2023 school year at the following locations:- Bethel School and Mockingbird
- Falcon and Mockingbird
- Hawk and Mockingbird
- Laguna and MacArthur
Allies in Community Donate Items to Help CISD Students
Thank you to the Coppell Allies in Community Interfaith Group, who recently donated books, personal items, backpacks and school supplies to CISD learners in need. We appreciate your generosity.
High School Lariettes Host Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Sept. 2
The annual CHS Lariette Spaghetti Dinner, Auction and Raffle will take place on Friday, Sept. 2 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. The event will take place in the CHS Commons before the home football game vs. South Grand Prarie. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Visit www.chslariettes.com for details.
Student Newspaper The Sidekick Subscriptions Available
Want to know what is happening on campus at Coppell High School, New Tech High, Victory Place and CHS9? Want to read exclusive stories about your child and other students? Looking for local news for Coppell and Coppell ISD? Subscribe to The Sidekick, the award-winning student newspaper of Coppell High School. The paper is produced by students and published six times per school year. The production of every issue of The Sidekick is funded entirely through subscriptions, student-driven fundraisers and advertisement sales. To reserve your copy for the 2022-2023 school year, please complete the form at https://tinyurl.com/SidekickNewspaper22-23. Subscription rates are $15 for addresses in the United States and $25 for international mailing addresses. Payments are made through SchoolPay. Contact The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford at cwofford@coppellisd.com with questions.
Order Your Coppell ISD Education Foundation Shirt by Sept. 9
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation is taking orders for its new CEF 2022 t-shirt. Shirts can be purchased by CISD employees, students and members of the Coppell community. By purchasing a t-shirt, you are supporting the Coppell ISD Education Foundation’s “Give for Grants” fundraising campaign. All funds raised by the Coppell ISD Education Foundation are directly given back to the schools and students of CISD through grants. Dr. Hunt has designated every Tuesday as “jeans day” for CISD educators and staff wearing the new 2022 CEF t-shirt.
All t-shirts are $20 each (+$2 for 2XL and 3XL) and can be ordered online via credit card at: https://coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/Annual-CEF-T-shirts/#/list.
High School Cheer Bingo Event at CHS on Sept. 16
CHS Cheer will host its Cheer Bingo event on Friday, Sept. 16 at the CHS Commons. Entry is $15, and there also is a $5 raffle. Visit www.coppellhighschoolcheer.com for more information.Do you live in Coppell? What do you care most about in the community? Do you visit the Library or Arts Center? Do you use trails, parks, other services? The City of Coppell would love to know! Please take this short survey and let the City know how it’s doing.
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
July 14, 2022
Dear CISD Families,
I hope everyone is having a fun and relaxing summer. It was so great to see so many of our students and families at the recent City of Coppell 4th of July Parade. The summer isn’t over yet, but can you believe the first day of school is only a little over one month away? I know we are a community of planners here in Coppell ISD, so we wanted to be sure to share several important updates and information with you to help prepare for the first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 17.
Our staff team members are working hard this summer to get ready to welcome our students back to school. As our teachers enjoy their well-deserved summer break, they are also participating in professional learning to continue to enhance their skills to provide an exceptional learning experience for our students.
Our parents are and continue to be crucial partners in serving and educating our children. I encourage you to engage with us via our one-stop parent resource at www.coppellisd.com/parenthub, as you get ready for the 2022-2023 school year. This school year will be one of our best ones yet!
I look forward to seeing you all in August.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- Parent Hub Website Available
- CISD Board of Trustees Approves Student Code of Conduct
- Important Child Nutrition Update for Elementary School Meals
- CISD Technology Asks Families to Participate in Device Protection Plan
- Bus Transportation Update — Route Information Timeline and Bus Passes
- CISD Siblings Take Top Spots in 2022 DART Art Contest
- Trustee Anthony Hill Elected as Board Vice President
- Supplemental Student Accident Insurance Available
- 2022 Cowboy Football Season Tickets Information
- We Are Hiring Substitute Teachers, Child Nutrition Workers and More
- Upcoming Events
Parent Hub Website Available
The website www.coppellisd.com/parenthub is a one-stop shop for back-to-school resources for families. On the site, you can find information about the 2022-2023 academic calendar, schedule pick-up dates for middle and high schools, information about Meet the Teacher night for elementary schools, school hours, bus transportation, school supply lists, child nutrition information and more.
CISD Board of Trustees Approves 2022-2023 Student Code of Conduct
During the June 27 Board Meeting, the CISD Board Trustees adopted the 2022-2023 Student Code Conduct with one change to the name and title of the district staff member who is the contact for accessibility. The CISD Student Code of Conduct provides methods and options for managing student behavior, preventing and intervening in student discipline problems, and imposing discipline. State law requires the district to define misconduct that may or must result in a range of specific disciplinary consequences. The Student Code of Conduct provides information to parents and students regarding standards of conduct, consequences of misconduct and procedures for administering discipline. Parents, guardians and students are expected to be familiar with the CISD Student Code of Conduct, as well as other district policies. A copy of the Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook and other district policies is available at www.coppellisd.com/policies.
Important Child Nutrition Update for Elementary School Meals
The programs that allowed CISD elementary schools to provide all elementary students with free breakfast and lunch for the past two school years have expired, and the U.S. Congress did not provide funding in this year’s budget to allow schools to serve free meals to students for the 2022-2023 school year. Therefore, CISD elementary schools will be transitioning to requiring meal applications for free and reduced meals for the upcoming school year. Families are required to complete an application to determine their meal eligibility. CISD is encouraging our eligible families to complete an application online at www.nlappscloud.com.
In addition, due to federal regulations and overall cost increases for food, the prices for breakfast and lunch will increase for the 2022-2023 school year to $1.75 for Elementary Breakfast and $3 for Elementary Lunch. Parents, guardians or students can add funds to their accounts in person at the school cafeteria by depositing cash or checks, or for a small fee, they can use the "My School Bucks" app to deposit funds with a debit or credit card. Visit www.coppellisd.com/childnutrition for more information about school breakfasts and lunches or to create or add funds to your child’s school lunch account.CISD Technology Asks Families to Participate in Device Protection Plan
The CISD Technology Department is asking for every district family to participate in the Device Protection Plan this school year. The plan costs $35 per student and $50 for New Tech High @ Coppell students, with a maximum participation cost of $100 per family. The plan covers 100% of accidental damage to the CISD iPad or MacBook the first time it becomes damaged during the year. The plan does have a $50 deductible if the device is damaged a second time during the same school year. The plan also includes coverage of the accessories that are provided to students, which includes cases, keyboard cases, Apple Pencils, chargers, etc. The accessories all have a $10 deductible for the first time they are damaged and need to be repaired during the same school year.
Without the plan, if a screen becomes broken on one device, the repair fee is $119. If your child happens to break their Apple Pencil, the replacement cost is $89. The replacement cost for the full device is $449 for the iPad and $1,259 for the MacBook. CISD Technology recommends students enroll in the Device Protection Plan program as soon as possible. The enrollment window will close on Friday, Sept. 30. For more information and to enroll your child/children, visit www.coppellisd.com/deviceplan.
Bus Transportation Update — Route Information Timeline and Bus Passes
For the start of the 2022-2023 school year, all CISD students, Dual Language learners and Pre-Kindergarten students who have (1) completed enrollment; (2) requested transportation services; and (3) qualify for transportation services will be provided bus stop and stop time information via email no later than the following schedule:
For Special Education transportation students, bus stop and pick-up times will be communicated directly to parents by Durham School Services. In addition. Durham School Services will not be distributing bus passes prior to the first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 17. Bus passes will be distributed via the schools by Tuesday, Sept. 6. Therefore, families do not need to pick up a bus pass for their children to ride the bus when school starts on Aug. 17. Bus passes will be required starting on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Visit www.coppellisd.com/transportation for details or contact transportation@coppellisd.com or call 972-304-8012 with questions.
CISD Siblings Take Top Spots in 2022 DART Art Contest
The brother and sister duo of Canyon Ranch Elementary 4th Grader Agastya Singh and CHS Sophomore Navya Singh won their respective categories in the 2022 Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Student Art Contest. Agastya won 1st place in the 3rd-5th grade category, and Navya tied for 1st place in the 9th-12th grade category.
Drawing by Agastya Singh. Drawing by Navya Singh.
In addition, Canyon Ranch Elementary 2nd grader Aditya Swain placed 2nd and Canyon Ranch Elementary 3rd grader Aaniya SenPaul received Honorable Mention in the K-2nd grade category.
Drawing by Aditya Swain. Drawing by Aaniya SenPaul.
Canyon Ranch Elementary 5th Grader Anjali Reddy and CHS9 student Shruti Pritmani also received Honorable Mention in their respective grade categories. For more information and a complete gallery of the students’ artwork, visit studentartgallery.dart.org.
Drawing by Anjali Reddy. Drawing by Shruti Pritmani.
Trustee Anthony Hill Elected as Board Vice President
During the CISD Board of Trustees meeting on June 27, Trustee Anthony Hill, Place 3, was elected as Vice President. The CISD Board of Trustees Officers are President Trustee David Caviness, Place 5, Vice President Trustee Anthony Hill, Place 3, and Secretary Trustee Nichole Bentley, Place 6.
Supplemental Student Accident Insurance Available
CISD is partnering with Health Special Risk, Inc, to provide Supplemental Student Accident Insurance for families who are interested in supplemental insurance for their children who are CISD students. Health Special Risk, Inc., is offering two options for supplemental student accident insurance. At-School coverage provides protection for students enrolled full-time in Kindergarten through 12th grade during regular school hours for the entire school year. The 24-Hour coverage provides protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any covered student accident that occurs anywhere, not just on school grounds. For more information, including the cost of plans or to enroll, visit www.K12StudentInsurance.com.
2022 Cowboy Football Season Tickets Information
CISD Athletics is partnering with HomeTown Ticketing for football ticket sales. New season ticket sales will be available starting on Monday, July 18. The cost for season tickets is $78 per seat, which includes a $3 convenience fee. Visit www.coppellathletics.net/e-tickets to purchase football season tickets after July 18.
We’re Hiring: Job Opportunities in CISD
CISD is looking to fill several positions for the 2022-2023 school year, including crossing guards, cafeteria workers, substitute teachers and more. Our bus transportation partner Durham School Services also is hiring. Apply for jobs in CISD at www.coppellisd.com/HR and for bus driving positions at www.durhamschoolservices.com/careers.The City of Coppell needs your help to reduce water consumption by 20% to avoid mandatory restrictions and potential price increases. Adjust your sprinklers to 80% or water one less day per week. Remember, no watering between 10 am – 6 p.m! Sign up to monitor your water use at coppelltx.gov/h20!
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
June 9, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
I hope your summer is going great so far. Though our teachers and other staff members take some well-deserved time off during the summer, they also take this time to prepare for the upcoming school year through a variety of professional learning activities at the local, state and national level, as well as provided by the district. In addition, many of our leaders and employees are working hard this summer to prepare for the upcoming school year and welcoming our students back to school on Wednesday, Aug. 17.
This summer is also a busy time for finalizing our plans for our 2022-2023 Budget, as well as hiring new campus leaders and teachers, and continuing our visioning and future bond planning work. The Budget and our visioning work were discussed at our Board Workshop on Monday, June 6, and I hope you will take the time to review what was discussed at that workshop if you haven’t already.
Also at the June 6 Workshop, we recognized Debbie Gauntt, our retiring Director of Intervention Services, for 30 years of service to CISD. Debbie has the biggest heart for serving our students and will leave a big hole in our hearts when she retires at the end of the month. We also recognized Cottonwood Creek Principal Dr. Andra Penny for 30 years of service to our district. The best word to describe Dr. Penny is “extra” in the best way in everything she does, from how she recognizes students, staff and volunteers, to how she decorates her office. Most importantly she always goes the “extra” mile to serve her kids, her teachers and staff and her Cottonwood Creek families. In addition, we recognized Wayne Neal from our Facilities and Maintenance team for 40 years of service to CISD, No, that is not a typo, Mr. Neal has served our district since 1982, when we had only two campuses — Pinkerton Elementary and our combined middle and high school campus where CHS9 now stands. Though our district has grown from two schools to 18 campuses, Mr. Neal’s commitment to ensuring our buildings are ready to welcome students has never wavered. I thank these three amazing individuals for their combined 100 years of service to CISD!
I want to take a brief moment to thank our 2022 retirees for their years of service and dedication to our students and our district. Happy Retirement to you all!
Enjoy your summer with your families,
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- Thank You Graduation Sponsors U World College Prep and Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
- Melissa Arnold Chosen as New Principal of CMS East
- Chris Gollner Selected as Principal of Denton Creek Elementary
- Congratulations to CISD Retiring Employees
- Board Briefs Available for June 6 Board Workshop
- Device Protection Fee Update for 2022-2023 School Year
- Free Meals for CISD Elementary Students Ending
- School Lunch Accounts Balance Information
- Second Transfer Application Window Open through July 9
- Open Enrollment Application Process for New and Re-Enrolling Students Begins on June 9
- CISD Seeks Input Regarding Current and Potential Programs
- Purchase a Ticket for Coppell ISD Education Foundation Raffle by Midnight on June 12
- Upcoming Events
Thank You Graduation Sponsors U World College Prep and Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
CISD would like to thank U World College Prep and Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux for sponsoring the high school graduations of New Tech High @ Coppell and Coppell High School on May 27. We appreciate their support of the Class of 2022!
Melissa Arnold Chosen as New Principal of CMS East
During the June 6 Board Workshop, CISD Trustees approved Melissa Arnold as the new Principal of CMS East. Arnold has worked in CISD for almost the entirety of her educational career, which she began as an English teacher at Coppell High School in 2005. She taught English for eight years, which includes six years at CHS and two years in Florida, prior to becoming an assistant principal at CHS in 2013. Arnold was promoted to the position of Associate Principal for Learning and Teaching in 2017 and has served in that leadership role for five years. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Arnold.
Chris Gollner Selected as Principal of Denton Creek Elementary
During the June 6 Board Workshop, CISD Trustees approved Chris Gollner as the new Principal of Denton Creek Elementary. Gollner has worked in CISD for almost the entirety of his educational career, including teaching science at CMS East and serving as the Assistant Principal at Cottonwood Creek Elementary, prior to moving to his current role as an Assistant Principal at Coppell High School. He also served as a CISD Summer School Principal for several years. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Gollner.Congratulations to CISD Retiring Employees
CISD wishes a Happy Retirement and the best of luck to our retiring employees. For a list of retiring employees for the 2021-2022 school year, visit go.coppellisd.com/Retirees. Congratulations!
Board Briefs Available for June 6 Board Workshop
During the June 6 Board Workshop, Trustees heard reports on and discussed:- The 2022-2023 Budget and Compensation Plan
- Strategic Design — Visioning Committee and Future Bond Discussion. This discussion included a presentation from Cooperative Strategies Overview by Cindy Powell with Cooperative Strategies.
Device Protection Fee Update for 2022-2023 School Year
All elementary, middle school, CHS9 and Coppell High School parents or guardians are encouraged to pay a non-refundable $35 annual fee for the Device Protection Plan, which will be used to repair accidental damage to CISD issued devices including iPads, keyboards, cases or Apple Pencils. This protection plan applies to all students (PreK-12), because all students take their devices home for homework and school projects.
All New Tech High @ Coppell parents or guardians are encouraged to pay a non-refundable $50 annual fee for the Device Protection Plan for accidental damage for CISD issued MacBooks, because these students take their MacBooks home for homework and school projects. The fee for the Device Protection Plan will not exceed $100 per family.
If you choose to not pay for the CISD Device Protection Plan, you will be responsible for the full cost of repairs or replacement of the device. Lost or missing items are not covered by the Device Protection Plan and you will be responsible for the full replacement of the device/accessory in the event the item is not found. Learn more at www.coppellisd.com/devicefee.
Free Meals for CISD Elementary Students Ending
Free meals for CISD elementary school students ended on the last day of school on Friday, May 27, 2022. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to discontinue the waiver that has allowed schools to offer free meals through the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program for the 2022-2023 school year. The Free and Reduced Lunch program remains in place for families who qualify. Students attending summer school may purchase meals according to their free and reduced meal eligibility status. Families are encouraged to apply for this program online at www.schoollunchapp.com for the 2022-2023 school year starting on July 1, 2022. In addition, due to federal regulations and overall cost increases for food, the prices for breakfast and lunch will increase next year. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Meals.
School Lunch Accounts Balance Information
Any balance remaining on a student’s lunch account from the 2021-2022 school year will be carried over to the next school year. The balance will follow the student to the school that he or she will be attending in 2022-2023. For those students graduating or moving out of the district, visit www.coppellisd.com/childnutrition for a form to receive a lunch account refund or to transfer funds to a sibling within the district or a form to donate your student's unused lunch balance.
Second Transfer Application Window Open until July 9
CISD’s second transfer application window is open through July 9, 2022. Transfer applications are only available for CISD campuses where space is available. Visit www.coppellisd.com/transfer for details and transfer applications.
Open Enrollment Application Process for New and Re-Enrolling Students Begins June 9
The Open Enrollment application process for families who live in the City of Coppell, but not in CISD’s boundary, begins for new and returning students on June 9 and lasts until 4 p.m. on July 9. Visit www.coppellisd.com/openenrollment for guidelines and the application. The Open Enrollment program is for students who reside outside the attendance zone for CISD, but inside the city limits of Coppell and who will be attending Kindergarten through the 12th grade.
Purchase a Ticket for Coppell ISD Education Foundation Raffle by Midnight on June 12
Don't miss this opportunity to purchase a ticket for the Coppell ISD Education Foundation's Raffle with 12 amazing prizes. Proceeds from our raffle will be used to help fund grants for Coppell ISD Educators. You choose which item you would like to have an opportunity to win and then purchase raffle tickets for that item. The last day to purchase tickets is Sunday, June 12 at midnight. Tickets are $10 each or three 3 for $25. Purchase tickets at https://coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/Raffle/.
Give back to the community by participating in local government! The City of Coppell is seeking passionate individuals to be a part of the Special Legal Counsel and the Ethics Review Panel. Applications will be accepted online at www.coppelltex.gov/boards through June 13, 2022.
www.coppelltex.gov/boardsWize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
June 3, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
Wow! Our graduation ceremonies on Friday were simply amazing. I am so very proud of the Senior Class of 2022 and their many accomplishments. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter in their lives will bring and wish them all the best as they start this new journey. The graduation ceremonies themselves required months of planning and a significant amount of work. I want to take a moment and thank the staff of both New Tech High @ Coppell and Coppell High School for their hard work and effort behind the scenes to ensure both ceremonies were a special and memorable experience for our graduates and their families. In particular, I want to thank our Fine Arts Coordinator Gerry Miller, our Maintenance Department, our partners at 1 Vision and our Communications and Community Engagement staff for their work on the ceremonies and the live stream.
I also want to thank our graduation sponsors, U World College Prep and Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux (Las Colinas), for their financial support of our graduation events. Because of their sponsorship, we were able to have confetti cannons at the New Tech High @ Coppell ceremony and the fireworks at the CHS ceremony. These additional touches made the night even more special for our seniors and their families.
This new tradition of having our graduation ceremonies at home at the CHS Arena and Buddy Echols field is one that I cherish and feel has so much personal meaning to our graduates and their families. It's a wonderful way to use our own facilities and create an experience for our seniors and families that they will always remember. Congratulations to the Class of 2022!
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- Thank You Graduation Sponsors U World College Prep and Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
- Free Meals for CISD Elementary Students Ending
- School Lunch Accounts Balance Information
- Girls Golf Places 6th at State Tournament
- Second Transfer Application Window Open through July 9
- Open Enrollment Application Process for New and Re-Enrolling Students Begins on June 9
- CISD Seeks Input Regarding Current and Potential Programs
- CISD Summer Hours Start June 6
- City of Coppell Honors High School Seniors
- Purchase a Ticket for Coppell ISD Education Foundation Raffle by Midnight on June 12
- Upcoming Events
Thank You Graduation Sponsors U World College Prep and Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
CISD would like to thank U World College Prep and Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux (Las Colinas) for sponsoring the high school graduations of New Tech High @ Coppell and Coppell High School on May 27. We appreciate their support of the Class of 2022!
Free Meals for CISD Elementary Students Ending
Free meals for CISD elementary school students ended on the last day of school on Friday, May 27, 2022. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to discontinue the waiver that has allowed schools to offer free meals through the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program for the 2022-2023 school year. The Free and Reduced Lunch program remains in place for families who qualify. Students attending summer school may purchase meals according to their free and reduced meal eligibility status. Families are encouraged to apply for this program online at www.schoollunchapp.com for the 2022-2023 school year starting on July 1, 2022. In addition, due to federal regulations and overall cost increases for food, the prices for breakfast and lunch will increase next year. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Meals.
School Lunch Accounts Balance InformationAny balance remaining on a student’s lunch account from the 2021-2022 school year will be carried over to the next school year. The balance will follow the student to the school that he or she will be attending in 2022-2023. For those students graduating or moving out of the district, visit www.coppellisd.com/childnutrition for a form to receive a lunch account refund or to transfer funds to a sibling within the district or a form to donate your student's unused lunch balance.
Girls Golf Places 6th at State Tournament
Story courtesy of the Coppell High School student newspaper The Sidekick. Story by Angelina Liu, a junior at CHS and the Visual Media Editor for The Sidekick.
On May 16-17 the Coppell girls golf team traveled to Georgetown to compete in the UIL Class 6A State Golf Tournament, held at Legacy Hills Golf Club. After two days of play against 12 teams, Coppell finished sixth with a team score of 613, identical to its score from last year. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/GirlsGolfState.
Second Transfer Application Window Open to July 9
CISD’s second transfer application window is open through July 9, 2022. Transfer applications are only available for CISD campuses where space is available. Visit www.coppellisd.com/transfer for details and transfer applications.
Open Enrollment Application Process for New and Re-Enrolling Students Begins June 9
The Open Enrollment application process for families who live in the City of Coppell, but not in CISD’s boundary, begins for new and returning students on June 9 and lasts until 4 p.m. on July 9. Visit www.coppellisd.com/openenrollment for guidelines and the application. The Open Enrollment program is for students who reside outside the attendance zone for CISD, but inside the city limits of Coppell and who will be attending Kindergarten through the 12th grade.
CISD Seeks Input Regarding Current and Potential Programs
In June, all parents of CISD students are encouraged to complete a Parent Survey to share preferences about programs offered by your child’s school. The research team at Gibson Consulting Group, Inc. (Gibson) is conducting the survey on behalf of CISD. CISD is currently in a Visioning Process to determine the future wants and needs for our school district. The Visioning Process is a continuation of the district’s Strategic Design work and is helping outline the vision of CISD for the next five to ten years and beyond. The Visioning process builds upon this work and the work of the 2019-2020 Facilities Committee to help CISD plan for the future.
The recent Visioning Forums focused on 12 priority areas. Additionally, participants offered additional areas for consideration. Therefore, CISD is seeking specific input through this survey on those areas including current and potential programs in CISD. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/GibsonSurvey.
The findings from this survey will be used in making decisions through the Visioning Process and any future potential bond programs.
Gibson will send emails and text messages with survey invitations and reminders with a link to the online survey starting in June. The survey is available in English and Spanish. Responses are confidential and Gibson will only provide summary data only to CISD.
CISD Summer Hours Start June 6
CISD will begin its Summer Hours starting Monday, June 6. CISD will be open Monday through Thursday and be closed on Friday each week from June 4 to July 29. CISD will be closed on Monday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday. Please check your school’s website for Summer Hours. Normal business hours resume on Aug. 1.
City of Coppell Honors High School Seniors
Graduation festivities may be back in full swing, but Coppell’s graduating high school seniors have had their fair share of challenges during the last two plus years in a lingering global pandemic. The City of Coppell wants to honor their resiliency and help celebrate this momentous occasion with a Grad-venger Hunt around Coppell. The names of graduating seniors can be found on signs displayed at participating businesses around town through Wednesday, June 8. From restaurants to retail shops, seniors and their families and friends are encouraged to hunt for their names by stopping by each of the local businesses. Coppell High School students can be found on blue signs, New Tech High @ Coppell students on red signs and Victory Place @ Coppell students on green signs, and all others, including Lewisville ISD, private school and homeschool students, are on purple signs. For a list of the 46 participating businesses, visit coppelltx.gov/grads.
Purchase a Ticket for Coppell ISD Education Foundation Raffle by Midnight on June 12
Don't miss this opportunity to purchase a ticket for the Coppell ISD Education Foundation's Raffle with 12 amazing prizes. Proceeds from our raffle will be used to help fund grants for Coppell ISD Educators. You choose which item you would like to have an opportunity to win and then purchase raffle tickets for that item. The last day to purchase tickets is Sunday, June 12 at midnight. Tickets are $10 each or three 3 for $25. Purchase tickets at https://coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/Raffle/.
Give back to the community by participating in local government! The City of Coppell is seeking passionate individuals to be a part of the Special Legal Counsel and the Ethics Review Panel. Applications will be accepted online at www.coppelltex.gov/boards through June 13, 2022.
www.coppelltex.gov/boardsWize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
May 26, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
As our school year comes to a close, I know our collective hearts ache for Uvalde ISD. It is unfathomable for us to once again comprehend the senseless killing of children and teachers. In times of tragedy such as this, I look to the late Mr. Fred Rogers, one of my personal heroes, who once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
As we process this tragedy together, I see the helpers in Uvalde ISD and in our own district community who give me hope. Our teachers and staff are helpers for our students, who are our most precious asset. Our school counselors and school nurses (RNs) are helpers in dealing with our students' mental and physical health. Our School Resource Officers and School Resource Deputies, as well as our local law enforcement officials, are helpers to keep our schools and communities safe. Our parents are helpers in partnering with us to educate and care for our children.
I have kept this message brief, as the video below contains my end of the school year message for our community. Despite the hardships that we have all had to face this year, I believe this was another wonderful school year for our district, our students, our teachers and staff, and our families.
CISD will be in touch with you periodically this summer with important updates and information to help prepare you for the 2022-2023 school year. Until then, enjoy your summer break.
Sincerely,
In this Issue:
- End of the Year Video Message from the Superintendent
- CISD Seeks Input Regarding Current and Potential Programs
- Reminder: Friday, May 27 Is an Early Release Day for CISD
- Free Meals for CISD Elementary Students Ends on May 27
- Congratulations to High School Valedictorians and Salutatorians
- Sarang Goel Places 3rd at International Science and Engineering Fair
- Valley Ranch Elementary Celebrates 25th Anniversary
- 14 High School Students Qualify for National Debate Tournament
- Nathan Meekins Wins Two Silver Medals at Special Olympics Texas Competition
- Three New Tech Students Recognized by Dallas Holocaust Museum
- Shraavya Pydisetti Wins ‘Best in Show’ in 2022 SPARK! Art Competition
- Lauren Rios Receives Ben Hogan Award of Perseverance
- Cowboys Baseball Play in Regional Semifinals May 26-28
- High School Athletes Participate in Signing Day on May 18
- City of Coppell Honors High School Seniors
- CISD Board Swears in Trustees, Elects Board Officers
- CISD Summer Hours Start on June 6
- Upcoming Events
CISD Seeks Input Regarding Current and Potential Programs
In June, all parents of CISD students are encouraged to complete a Parent Survey to share preferences about programs offered by your child’s school. The research team at Gibson Consulting Group, Inc. (Gibson) is conducting the survey on behalf of CISD. CISD is currently in a Visioning Process to determine the future wants and needs for our school district. The Visioning Process is a continuation of the district’s Strategic Design work and is helping outline the vision of CISD for the next five to ten years and beyond. The Visioning process builds upon this work and the work of the 2019-2020 Facilities Committee to help CISD plan for the future.
The recent Visioning Forums focused on 12 priority areas. Additionally, participants offered additional areas for consideration. Therefore, CISD is seeking specific input through this survey on those areas including current and potential programs in CISD. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/GibsonSurvey.
The findings from this survey will be used in making decisions through the Visioning Process and any future potential bond programs.
Gibson will send emails and text messages with survey invitations and reminders with a link to the online survey starting in June. The survey is available in English and Spanish. Responses are confidential and Gibson will only provide summary data only to CISD.
Reminder: Friday, May 27 Is an Early Release Day for CISD
The last day of school on Friday, May 27, is an Early Release Day for all CISD campuses. Elementary schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools will release at 1 p.m. and High Schools will release at 1:40 p.m.
Free Meals for CISD Elementary Students Ends on May 27
Free meals for CISD elementary school students will end on the last day of school on Friday, May 27, 2022. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to discontinue the waiver that has allowed schools to offer free meals through the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program for the 2022-2023 school year. The Free and Reduced Lunch program remains in place for families who qualify. Families are encouraged to apply for this program online at www.schoollunchapp.com for the 2022-2023 school year starting on July 1, 2022.
In addition, due to federal regulations and overall cost increases for food, the prices for breakfast and lunch will increase next year. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Meals.Congratulations to High School Valedictorians and Salutatorians
CISD congratulates the Class of 2022 Valedictorians and Salutatorians. Congratulations to CHS Valedictorian Mira Jiang, who will attend Harvard University, and Salutatorian Rujula Polu, who will attend Washington University in St. Louis this fall. Congratulations to New Tech High @ Coppell Valedictorian Aneka Kelley, who will attend Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Salutatorian Finley Tipton, who will attend Wellesley College in the fall.
Sarang Goel Places 3rd at International Science and Engineering Fair
CHS Sophomore Sarang Goel placed third at the 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, which was held in Atlanta from May 7 to May 13. This competition featured 1,750 young scientists representing 49 states and 63 countries, regions and territories across the world. As a result of his top three finish, Goel received an award prize of $1,000. Goel was recognized for his research project “IVY – Intelligent Vision System for the Visually Impaired.” Goel has competed in science fairs since he was in 7th grade and has advanced to the Texas State Science Fair in 2020 and 2022. The event was canceled in 2021. Goel won first place in the Embedded Systems category at the Dallas Regional Science Fair and received a Grand Prize award, which gave him an automatic advancement to the 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
Valley Ranch Elementary Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Valley Ranch Elementary celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a special trip to the movies to see DC The League of Super-Pets on May 19. The proud VRE Stars also recognized their custodian, Hilda Herrera, who has been at Valley Ranch Elementary since it opened 25 years ago.
High School Students Qualify for National Debate Tournament
Under the leadership of Debate Director Dr. Jason Sykes, a total of 14 high school students have qualified for the National Speech and Debate Tournament, the largest academic competition in the world. The tournament will be held in Kentucky in June. Congratulations to the qualifiers from CISD: CHS Senior Natasha Banga for International Extemporaneous Speaking; CHS Senior Ananya Chintalapudi, CHS Junior Kaveen Patel, CHS Sophomore Trishay Naman, CHS Sophomore Ameya Kulkarni, CHS Junior Keerthi Chalamalasetty, CHS Junior Alexis Sibanda, and CHS9 Students Tvisha Jindal and Aayush Shah for Cross-Examination Debate; CHS Junior Suchit Ineni, CHS Senior Dawson Marold, CHS Junior Sahith Mocharla and CHS Sophomore Anushree De for World Schools Debate and CHS Sophomore Akshita Krishnan for Big Questions Debate.
Nathan Meekins Wins Two Silver Medals at Special Olympics Texas Competition
Nathan Meekins, a 5th grader at Denton Creek Elementary, won two silver medals in tennis at the Special Olympics Texas Competition. Meekins won a silver medal in tennis singles and a silver medal in doubles. The competition was held from May 12 to May 15 in San Antonio. Meekins competed with the ACEing Autism delegation and was the only Special Olympics student-athlete representing CISD at this competition.
Three New Tech Students Recognized by Dallas Holocaust Museum
Under the direction of Social Studies Teacher Danae Boyd, New Tech High @ Coppell freshmen Blake Conoley and Benjamin Hall were chosen as Honorees, and junior Alisha Min was selected for Honorable Mention recognition as part of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum's Every Child Has a Name Legacy Project. The project remembers and honors the 1.5 million Jewish children who were murdered during the Holocaust, through research and creative thought. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/NewTechDHHRM.
Shraavya Pydisetti Wins ‘Best in Show’ in 2022 SPARK! Art Competition
A cyanotype created by CHS Junior Shraavya Pydisetti won “Best in Show” in the 2022 SPARK! art competition. Her piece will be on display at Dallas Love Airport in the public area by the terminals through September 2022. Pydisetti also has received a $1,000 scholarship for this achievement. Pydisetti takes IB Art from Michelle Hauske at CHS.
Lauren Rios Receives Ben Hogan Award of Perseverance
CHS Senior Lauren Rios has received the Ben Hogan Award of Perseverance from Texas Health Resources. The award recognizes high school and college students who have overcome adversity or injury to return and excel in their respective sports. Rios is a four-year letterman of the CHS Girls’ Golf Team and a four-year member of the CHS Sports Medicine team.
.
Cowboys Baseball to Play in Regional Semifinals May 26-28 at Dallas Baptist University
The Cowboys Varsity Baseball team took the series vs. Prosper High School last weekend in three games. The team begins their Regional Semifinals playoff series vs. Carroll High School on May 26 and May 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Dallas Baptist University. Should game three be necessary, it will be at noon on May 28 at Dallas Baptist University. Read more at www.coppellathletics.net/news/79069.
High School Athletes Participate in Signing Day on May 18
Ten CISD student-athletes participated in Signing Day on May 18, signing letters of intent to participate in their sports at the collegiate level. These young men and women have devoted countless hours to training and perfecting their craft to be among only seven percent of high school athletes in the country who advance to athletics at the college level. The CISD student-athletes who participated in Signing Day on May 18 are: Will Boylan, who signed to play baseball at Northwest Florida State College; Bradley Castillo, who signed to play baseball at Northern Oklahoma College, Javi Guerrero, who signed to play baseball at McKendree University; Jacob Maggio, who signed to play baseball at Ranger College, Nic Martinez, who signed to continue in track and field at Kansas Wesleyan University; Mia Gaboriau, who signed to play golf at Creighton University; Jack McAdams, who signed to play lacrosse at High Point University; Aoi Suzuki, who signed to play lacrosse at Hamline University; Walker Stone, who signed to play soccer at the University of Chester in the United Kingdom; and Cason Cole, who signed to play tennis at Hendrix College.
City of Coppell Honors High School Seniors
Graduation festivities may be back in full swing, but Coppell’s graduating high school seniors have had their fair share of challenges during the last two plus years in a lingering global pandemic. The City of Coppell wants to honor their resiliency and help celebrate this momentous occasion with a Grad-venger Hunt around Coppell. The names of graduating seniors can be found on signs displayed at participating businesses around town through Wednesday, June 8. From restaurants to retail shops, seniors and their families and friends are encouraged to hunt for their names by stopping by each of the local businesses. Coppell High School students can be found on blue signs, New Tech High @ Coppell students on red signs and Victory Place @ Coppell students on green signs, and all others, including Lewisville ISD, private school and homeschool students, are on purple signs. For a list of the 46 participating businesses, visit coppelltx.gov/grads.
CISD Board Swears in Trustees, Elects Board Officers
.
During the Coppell ISD Board Meeting on May 23, 2022, Trustees Leigh Walker (Place 1), Manish Sethi (Place 2) and Anthony Hill (Place 3) were officially sworn into office. Trustees also elected the following as Board Officers during the meeting: David Caviness (Place 5) as Board President, Manish Sethi as Board Vice President (Place 2) and Nichole Bentley (Place 6) as Board Secretary. For more information on the May 23 CISD Board of Trustees Meeting, visit www.coppellisd.com/board.
Purchase a Ticket for Coppell ISD Education Foundation Raffle by Midnight on June 12
Don't miss this opportunity to purchase a ticket for the Coppell ISD Education Foundation's Raffle with 12 amazing prizes. Proceeds from our raffle will be used to help fund grants for Coppell ISD Educators. You choose which item you would like to have an opportunity to win and then purchase raffle tickets for that item. The last day to purchase tickets is Sunday, June 12 at midnight. Tickets are $10 each or three 3 for $25. Purchase tickets at https://coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/Raffle/.
Give back to the community by participating in local government! The City of Coppell is seeking passionate individuals to be a part of the Special Legal Counsel and the Ethics Review Panel. Applications will be accepted online at www.coppelltex.gov/boards through June 13, 2022.
www.coppelltex.gov/boardsWize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
May 12, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
This week is National Nurses Week, and I want to take a moment to thank all of our school nurses for what they do each and every day to take care of our students. Our nurses have gone above and beyond, and worked incredibly hard, especially over the past two school years. Please join me in saying thank you, thank you, thank you for their dedication to our students, our schools, our district and our community. We love our school nurses!
We are in the home stretch with these last weeks of school. This is a special time for our graduating seniors and families. I want to give a special shout out to our CHS and New Tech High @ Coppell valedictorians and salutatorians. CHS Valedictorian Mira Jiang will attend Harvard University and Salutatorian Rujula Polu will attend Washington University in St. Louis in the fall. New Tech High @ Coppell Valedictorian Anekah Kelley will attend Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Salutatorian Finley Tipton will attend Wellesley College.
In addition, we have two graduating seniors attending Stanford University — Natasha Banga and Ryan Agarwal — which is unheard of and unprecedented. Most schools only have one student accepted to Stanford but we have two. I am so proud of these and all of our seniors and look forward to our recognition of our graduates over the next few weeks culminating in our commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 27.
I also want to thank our community for their incredible support of the Coppell ISD Education Foundation's Run to Fund on Saturday, May 7. It was so great to have this event return in full force and to see how our students, teachers and staff, parents and community came together to support the foundation and our district. I want to thank the CEF volunteers for all of their hard work in putting this event together, as well as thank our community for participating in this wonderful event that benefits our teachers and schools. This event and the CEF are just one of the many reasons why I CISD!
Our students succeed because of how our parents, teachers and community work together in such a positive and supportive manner. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, parents are important partners in our children’s educational journey. By working together with our students and teachers, we can ensure our students receive the exceptional education they deserve and expect from CISD. Thank you for your continued support of our district.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: District Secondary TOY Anthony Hufford
- Wilson and Victory Place Achieve Great Expectations Model School Status
- HOSA Students Place at State, Qualify for Internationals
- Reminder: Friday, May 27 Is an Early Release Day for CISD
- New Episode of We Value Podcast Features Communications Intern Mithila Vija Interviewing Richard J Lee Principal Chantel Kastrounis
- IB Student Sven Collins to Continue Education in Germany
- CHS Hosts Para Sports Jam Kid-netic Games and Sports Extravaganza
- Fine Arts Update — May 2022
- Athletics Update — May 2022
- Varsity Baseball Advances to Area Playoff Series May 12-14 vs. Dallas Jesuit
- Alumnus Artist George Lessner Visits CMS North
- CISD Achieves PowerUser Status for CTE Career and College Readiness Software
- Husband and Wife Team Carl and Lauren Health Are Subs of the Month
- CISD Looking to Hire School Nurses for the 2022-2023 School Year
- CEF Thanks Community for May 7 Run to Fund Success
- STEAM Summer Camp Price Increases on May 8
- City of Coppell CORE Parks and Recreation Hiring for Summer Positions
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: District Secondary Teacher of the Year Anthony Hufford
Tune into YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. Introducing Dr. Hunt this week is CISD 2021-2022 Secondary Teacher of the year Anthony Hufford, who teaches English at New Tech High @ Coppell.
Wilson and Victory Place Achieve Great Expectations Model School Status
Wilson Elementary School and Victory Place @ Coppell recently achieved the prestigious honor of being named Great Expectations Model Schools. Great Expectations schools have a culture of respect and high academic achievement.
Read more at go.coppellisd.com/GEModel22.
HOSA Students Place at State, Qualify for Internationals
CISD HOSA students at the state competition in Galveston.
Several high school students in the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) placed in the top five at the recent state competition, with four students qualifying for the international competition. CHS juniors Ananya Agarwal and Emily Chang qualified for internationals by placing 3rd in the HOSA State Career Display category. CHS senior Hailey Johnson qualified for internationals by placing 2nd in the HOSA State Veterinary Science category. CHS senior Sabrina Williams qualified for internationals by placing 2nd in the HOSA State Healthy Lifestyles category. In addition, CHS juniors Hrishikesh Ambekar, Neel Chalemela, Arjun Jayakumar and Shrithan Oruganti placed 5th in the HOSA State Biomedical Debate category. HOSA teacher advisers are Martha Eitelman with CHS and Bill Borowski with CHS9.Reminder: Friday, May 27 Is an Early Release Day for CISD
The last day of school on Friday, May 27, is an Early Release Day for all CISD campuses. Elementary schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools will release at 1 p.m. and High Schools will release at 1:40 p.m.We Value Podcast Features Communications Intern Mithila Vija Interviewing Richard J. Lee Principal Chantel Kastrounis
.
Mithila Vijay Chantel Kastrounis
The latest episode of the CISD We Value Podcast features CISD Communications Intern Mithila Vijay, a junior at CHS, interviewing Richard J. Lee Elementary Principal Chantel Kastrounis, who was Vijay’s principal. According to Vijay, Kastrounis is the embodiment of the CISD core value of authentic relationships. Listen to the podcast at go.coppellisd.com/KastrounisPodcast or wherever you hear your podcasts by searching, “Coppell ISD We Value.” Learn more about CISD podcasts at www.coppellisd.com/wevalue.
IB Student Sven Collins to Continue Education in Germany
Story courtesy of the Coppell High School student newspaper The Sidekick. Story and photo by Anette Varghese, a senior at CHS and the Student Life Editor for The Sidekick.
The Coppell High School senior class, much like its predecessors, will spot the United States with college commitments spanning most of the 50 states, but only a few will go abroad. CHS offers its junior and senior year students the perfect stepping stone to make that dream a reality, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Coppell senior and future IB diploma holder Sven Collins grew up in the United States but visited Germany every summer, and plans to return to the European nation for his bachelor’s degree at Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University of Applied Sciences. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/SidekickCollins.
CHS Hosts Para Sports Jam Kid-netic Games and Sports Extravaganza
CHS hosted a Para Sports Jam Kid-netic Games and Sports Extravaganza for students in North Texas on May 6 and 7. This event allowed individuals with physical disabilities to participate in track and field, boccia, wheelchair basketball skills, and power soccer competitions. Clinics in sports and recreational pursuits such as wheelchair tennis, archery, power hockey, sitting volleyball, and disc golf were also offered. The event provides opportunities for students with physical disabilities to develop friendships, gain knowledge of various sports and engage in physical activity.
Fine Arts Update — May 2022
The May 2022 Fine Arts Update includes updates on the visual arts, band, choir and dance. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/FineArtsMay22.
Athletics Update — May 2022
The May 2022 Athletics Update includes spotlights on student-athletes, spring sports updates and more. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/AthleticsMay22.
Varsity Baseball Team Advance to Area Playoff Series May 12-14 vs. Dallas Jesuit
The Cowboys Varsity Baseball team took the series vs. McKinney Boyd last weekend in two games to become Bi-District Champions. The team begins their Area playoff series vs. Dallas Jesuit on Thursday, May 12 at home at 7:30 p.m. at the Baseball Fields at CHS9. Game 2 is Friday, May 13 at Dallas Jesuit. Should a Game 3 be necessary, it will be played at Kelly Field in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD with a time to be determined. Read more at www.coppellathletics.net/news/78937.
Alumnus Artist George Lessner Visits CMS North
Local artist and 2006 CHS graduate George Lessner also known as “Captain Casual” visited CMS North recently and shared an art experience with students in Lynley Johnson’s art class. Lessner, who also attended CMS North, shared his story and art techniques with Johnson’s students. Lessner taught students to find their “happiness explosion” through artistic expression.
CISD Achieves PowerUser Status for CTE Career and College Readiness Software
CISD has achieved PowerUser status with Major Clarity’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) career and college readiness software for the 2021-2022 school year due to the high number of users. This designation indicates:- At least 40-50 % of all student accounts have been activated this school year, doubling the industry standard.
- At least 50-60 % of students have returned to their account two times or more this school year.
- High staff login rates (measured through number of students engaged per staff logins).
Husband and Wife Team of Carl and Lauren Heath Are Subs of the Month
Carl and Lauren Heath were nominated by CHS9 for Substitute Teacher of the Month recognition. Lauren Heath has been a sub in the district since 2016, and Carl Heath has been a substitute since 2019. Both have been daily subs at CHS9 and have quickly become beloved members of the CHS9 family. CISD thanks the Heaths for their dedication to our students, delightful sense of humor, always greeting everyone on campus with a warm smile and diligently helping wherever is most needed. Their support has been invaluable to CHS9 and our district. CHS9 could not have navigated these last two years without you. Congratulations on being chosen as the Subs of the Month.CISD Looking to Hire School Nurses for 2022-2023 School Year
CISD has several school nursing positions open for the 2022-2023 school year. To apply, visit www.coppellisd.com/hr.
CEF Thanks Community for May 7 Run to Fund Success
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation would like to thank the community for helping to make the Saturday, May 7 Run to Fund a huge success! The Rund to Fund supports CISD schools by funding the CEF Teacher Grant Program. In addition, $2 from every registration went to a school PE program designated by the participant. The CEF looks forward to the 2023 Run to Fund!
CEF Offers STEAM Summer Camp for Rising 7th and 8th Graders
Thinking about Summer Camps? Looking for something that enriches your child’s mind but is also fun? Don't miss the opportunity to enroll your rising 7th and 8th graders in this year's Interactive Institute STEAM camp presented by the Coppell ISD Education Foundation. Each day your child will be immersed in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) using examples from the world around them. Our Corporate Partners will present their own curriculum using fun and engaging activities to extend student learning outside the classroom! Spots are filling up fast, so register today at coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/Interactive-Institute.
City of Coppell CORE Parks and Recreation Hiring for Summer Positions
The City of Coppell is hiring lifeguards, camp counselors and more for the summer. Learn more and apply at coppelltx.gov/jobs.
Give back to the community by participating in local government! The City of Coppell is seeking passionate individuals to be a part of the Special Legal Counsel and the Ethics Review Panel. Applications will be accepted online at www.coppelltex.gov/boards through June 13, 2022.
www.coppelltex.gov/boardsWize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
May 6, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
For Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to thank all of our amazing teachers and staff members for everything they do each and every day to teach and take care of our children. CISD is an incredible district because of our phenomenal staff. I hope you will join me in saying THANK YOU and sharing messages of appreciation for our teachers and staff for all that they have done and are doing to educate and serve our students. I know how hard our teachers and staff are working each day. I see it first hand as a colleague, as a superintendent and as a parent. Our CISD staff is the best!
Our students are our success story. This week, the inaugural class of our student iLead program graduated. These high school juniors from both CHS and New Tech are incredible. In this program, they learned from our business and community leaders, and from each other. During their graduation ceremony, each student iLead graduate shared about what they learned or what leadership means to them in front of an audience of their parents, families and peers. I will never forget this first class of iLead members and know that they will continue to lead and do amazing things as seniors and into the next phase of their lives. I am so proud of all of them and cannot wait to see what they do next.
Our parents have been, are and continue to be important partners in the educational journey of our students. The spring is a busy time of year with field trips, testing, special lunches, performances and other events. Thank you for being at these events and supporting our students and staff. During these last few weeks of school, I want to thank our families for your continued support of CISD.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: District Elementary TOY Natalie Cuccia
- Stacey Chambers Chosen as National APH Scholar
- Lakeside Elementary Receives State Student Leadership Award
- CHS9 and CHS Artists Win 11 Medals at State VASE Competition
- Track and Field Teams Compete at Area, Sky Schuller Qualifies for State
- Cowboys Baseball Team Wins District Title, Begins Playoff Run
- Sidekick Wins ‘Triple Crown’ at Dallas Morning News Student Journalism Awards
- Pinkerton Elementary 1st Graders Host Farmers Market
- CISD Schools Participate in City of Coppell Earthfest
- CISD Looking to Hire School Nurses
- Run to Fund Is This Saturday, May 7
- Saturday, May 7 Is Election Day
- STEAM Summer Camp Price Increases on May 8
- City of Coppell CORE Parks and Recreation Hiring for Summer Positions
- Upcoming Events
#CatchUpWithHunt: District Elementary Teacher of the Year Natalie Cuccia
Tune into YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. Introducing Dr. Hunt this week is CISD 2021-2022 Elementary Teacher of the year Natalie Cuccia, a special education teacher from Pinkerton Elementary, who introduced Dr. Hunt from last Friday's CISD Night at the Ballpark at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
Stacey Chambers Chosen as National APH Scholar
Stacey Chambers, a CISD teacher of students with visual impairments, has been selected as a 2022 Scholar by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH.) Chambers is one of only three educators in the U.S. chosen by APH for this national distinction, which recognizes her contributions to education. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Chambers.
Lakeside Elementary Receives State Student Leadership Award
Lakeside Elementary School is a 2022 recipient of the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) Student Leadership Award. This award was created to recognize outstanding Texas student leadership teams for their contributions to their school and communities. This is the sixth consecutive year that CISD has had an elementary school recognized for this distinction. According to Kindergarten Teacher Becca Conn, who serves as an adviser for the Lakeside Student Council, students focused on a service project each month for their school or the community. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/LakesideTEPSA.CHS9 and CHS Artists Win 11 Medals at State VASE Competition
CHS9 and CHS students brought home 11 state medals and one Gold Seal at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) competition. CHS Junior Ashley Zhang won two VASE state medals and the Gold Seal distinction. CHS Junior Jeffrey Wang and Sophomores Tanvi Rudrangi and Krisha Shah won state VASE medals. CHS9 students Richard Chen, Melora Dominic, Harshini Godavarthi, Claire Liu, Nrithya Mahesh and Sahiti Peechara also won state VASE medals. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/VASE22.
Track and Field Athletes Compete at Area, Sky Schuller Qualifies for State
Several high school track and field athletes competed at the 6-A Region 1 Track Meet held at the University of Texas at Arlington on April 29 and April 30. For the Cowgirls, Sky Schuller competed in the high jump, long jump, pole vault, 100M Hurdles and 300M Hurdles. Schuller qualified for state competition in the long jump and pole vault. In addition, Megan Judd competed in the high jump and long jump, Kinley Wojick competed in the pole vault, and Olivia Marez, Isabelle Sarmiento, Jalyn Childers and Emma Williams competed in the 4X400. For the Cowboys, Andrew Mullen competed in the 3200M event, Aidan McFarlane competed in the 110M Hurdles, Matthew Maldima competed in the 100M Dash, Wesley Arnold competed in the 400M Dash, Vedant Bhattacharyya competed in the 1600M, Baron Tipton competed in the High Jump, Michael Nance competed in the Pole Vault and Ryan Sewell competed in the discus and shot put.
Cowboys Baseball Team Wins District Title, Begins Playoff Run
The Cowboys Varsity Baseball team are District Champions and are ranked as the number 2 seed in the 6-A playoffs by the Dallas Morning News. The Cowboys host McKinney Boyd for their first playoff series on Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 7 at 12:30 p.m. at the baseball fields at CHS9. If game three is necessary, it will take place Saturday afternoon following the 12:30 p.m. game.
Sidekick Wins ‘Triple Crown’ at Dallas Morning News Student Journalism Competition
Congratulations to the CHS student newspaper the Sidekick, which won the “triple crown” of awards at the Dallas Morning News annual High School Journalism Competition. Under the leadership of adviser Chase Wofford, the Sidekick won Best Newspaper, Best Digital Coverage for its website and was selected as the Sweepstakes Winner for best overall publication. Several students also won individual awards from the Dallas Morning News — News Reporting Finalist: Akhila Gunturu; Sports Reporting Winner: Meer Mahfuz; Sports Reporting Finalist and News Reporting Finalist: Anjali Krishna; Commentary Finalist Joanne Kim, Series or Project Finalists (podcast): Akhila Gunturu, Iniya Nathan, Angelina Liu, Anette Varghese, Trisha Atluri and Anjali Krishna; Photography Portfolio Winner: Olivia Short; Video Winners (KCBY): Conner Escobar and Hally Leonard; Informational Graphic Finalist: Josh Campbell and Best Pandemic Coverage Winners: Akhila Gunturu, Nandini Muresh, Sreeja Mudumby and Anjali Vishwanath.
Pinkerton Elementary 1st Graders Host Farmers Market
First graders at Pinkerton Elementary hosted a Farmers Market on April 28. Students sold onions from the Pinkerton Patch school garden, which the district’s gardener Larry Thompson helped the students harvest. The students also sold produce donated by the CMS East gardening class and CMS East teacher Kate Seifert. Chef Helen Duran from the CISD Child Nutrition Department made french onion pizza for learners and parents to sample. The 1st grade teachers and learners did a fabulous job of organizing and working all the stations. The Pinkerton students nearly sold out of their produce and raised more than $400 that will go towards purchasing goats for communities in need through Heifer International.
CISD Schools Participate in City of Coppell Earthfest
Students and teachers from Coppell High School, CMS East, Pinkerton Elementary and Richard J. Lee Elementary showed off their science skills at the City of Coppell’s Earthfest celebration on April 30 at the Coppell Biodiversity Center. Students displayed their projects, tips for sustainability and more.
CISD Looking to Hire School Nurses for 2022-2023 School Year
CISD has several school nursing positions open for the 2022-2023 school year. To apply, visit www.coppellisd.com/hr.
Run to Fund Is This Saturday, May 7
Join us this Saturday, May 7 for Run to Fund at Andy Brown East. On-site registration is available. You will not want to miss this fun community event that supports CISD schools and teacher grants. There will be face painting, henna tattoos, a dunk tank and more. Not wanting to run? There are still sleep-in options available. Remember $2 from every registration goes right back to your school’s PE department. Remember to visit the Coppell Chamber Health and Wellness Fair at the race. Visit go.coppellisd.com/RuntoFund to register.
Saturday, May 7 Is Election Day
Visit www.votetexas.gov to find information about where you can vote on Election Day on Saturday, May 7.
Price Increases on May 8 for CEF STEAM Summer Camp for Rising 7th and 8th Graders
Thinking about Summer Camps? Looking for something that enriches your child’s mind but is also fun? Don't miss the opportunity to enroll your rising 7th and 8th graders in this year's Interactive Institute STEAM camp presented by the Coppell ISD Education Foundation. Each day your child will be immersed in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) using examples from the world around them. Our Corporate Partners will present their own curriculum using fun and engaging activities to extend student learning outside the classroom! Prices go up on May 8, so register today at
coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/Interactive-Institute.
City of Coppell CORE Parks and Recreation Hiring for Summer Positions
The City of Coppell is hiring lifeguards, camp counselors and more for the summer. Learn more and apply at coppelltx.gov/jobs.
Looking for a new gig? Join the City of Coppell for the Work in Coppell Virtual Job Fair from 10 am – 1 pm on Tuesday, May 10. Simply update your resume and visit coppell.easyvirtualfair.com to register by May 9 to take the first step to your new career.
coppell.easyvirtualfair.comWize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
April 28, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
We had a lot happening at the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday night. Trustees approved Amanda Sweeney as the new Principal of Pinkerton Elementary, honored CISD GEMs (Great Employees who Matter) and received updates on our recent Visioning Feedback Forums, the 2022-2023 Budget Process and the CISD Community Based Accountability System. Trustees also approved a contract extension to have Durham School Services continue as our bus transportation provider.
I encourage you to visit www.coppellisd.com/boardbriefs for a summary of the meeting and view a copy of the presentations given. As always, you can watch a video of the meeting at go.coppellisd.com/BoardMeetingLiveVideo. In particular, I hope you will watch our Chief Financial Officer Diana Sircar’s presentation on the Budget Process, where she goes into detail about property values and tax rates.
Switching gears, we have a lot of recent student successes to celebrate, so I hope you will continue to read more about the amazing achievements of our students further down in this newsletter. I also hope to see you tonight at the Cowgirl's playoff game, which will be at the Softball Field at CHS9 starting at 7:15 p.m. Go Cowgirls!
Our families are crucial partners in our district’s mission, and I thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchUpWithHunt: Dilan Patel and Reagann Stolar
Tune into YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. Introducing Dr. Hunt this week are Dilan Patel and Reagann Stolar, juniors at CHS and members of the CISD Student iLead program.
Amanda Sweeney Chosen as the Principal of Pinkerton Elementary School
During the April 25 CISD Board Meeting, CISD Trustees approved Amanda Sweeney as the new Principal of Pinkerton Elementary School. Sweeney has served Pinkerton Elementary since 2015, teaching 4th grade prior to being selected as the school’s Assistant Principal in 2019. She was the Pinkerton Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2017-2018.
In this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: Dilan Patel and Reagann Stolar
- Amanda Sweeney Chosen as Principal of Pinkerton Elementary School
- CISD Spring 2022 Family Survey Due May 4
- CHS Chapter of the Technology Student Association Wins State
- Michael Yakubovsky Chosen as TSA Adviser of the Year
- DECA Students Achieve at International Competition
- Tennis Mixed Doubles Team Places 3rd in State
- Softball Places 2nd in District
- Cowboy Theatre Company Receives Schmidt and Jones Nominations for SpongeBob the Musical
- Set for Fun — CISD Teacher Play in Volleyball League
- Valley Ranch Elementary Commemorates Neurodiversity and Autism Awareness Month
- Denton Creek Elementary Gives Back to Grow It Land Designs
- Valley Ranch’s Antariksha Chandra NTTA Elementary Student Design Contest
- CISD Nurses Conduct Safe Sitter Program
- CISD Looking to Hire School Nurses
- High School Choir Presents Vivace 2022, REWIND on April 29 and May 1
- CEF Hosts STEAM Summer Camp For Rising 7th and 8th Graders
- Next Wednesday Is May The 4th CEF Star Wars Night @ The Sound
- Dunk a Coach Drawing and Competition
- Run to Fund Price Increases on May 1, So Register for May 7 Run to Fund Today
- CISD Announces 2022-2023 Enrollment Dates
- Early Voting for May 7 Election Underway
- Upcoming Events
CISD Spring 2022 Family Survey Due May 4
Your voice matters to CISD. The district encourages our parents and guardians to share their feedback with us as part of our Spring 2022 Family Survey, which is available via go.coppellisd.com/Spring2022FamilySurvey by 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 4.
CHS Chapter of the Technology Student Association Wins State
The Coppell High School Chapter of the Technology Student Association (TSA) won the 2022 State Competition, which was held April 21-23 in Fort Worth. This marks the chapter’s first win at state, which is quite an accomplishment since the chapter is only in its second year. Due to their success at the state competition, 20 high school students will advance to the 2022 TSA National Conference to be held in Grapevine in June. The following students placed at the TSA state competition:Read more at go.coppellisd.com/TSAState22.
Michael Yakubovsky Chosen as TSA Advisor of the Year
Congratulations to CHS STEM Teacher Michael Yakubovsky, who was selected as the Technology Student Association's (TSA) High School Chapter Advisor of the Year during the TSA 2022 State Conference and Competition, which was held April 21-23 in Fort Worth.
DECA Students Achieve at International Competition
CISD had 47 high school business students compete at the DECA International Competition held April 23-26 in Atlanta. Several CISD students placed at the top of the competition, which had more than 14,000 students qualify to participate from around the world. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/DECAInternational22.Tennis Mixed Doubles Team of Patel and Patton Places 3rd in State
Congratulations to the CHS mixed doubles team of Vinay Patel and Lindsay Patton, who finished 3rd in the State Tennis Championship. Under the leadership of Coach Rich Foster, this is the best mixed doubles finish at state in CISD history. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/TennisState22.
Cowgirls Softball Team Places 2nd in District and Start Playoff Run
The Varsity Cowgirls Softball Team clinched 2nd place in District 6-6A last week with a clutch win over Flower Mound High School. The team begins their playoff run tonight (Thursday, April 28) at home at the Softball Field at CHS9 vs. Allen High School at 7:15 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.coppellathletics.net/e-tickets.
Cowboy Theatre Company Receives Schmidt and Jones Nominations for SpongeBob the Musical
The High School Cowboy Theatre Company has received 15 Schmidt & Jones High School Musical Theatre Award Nominations for its fall production of “SpongeBob the Musical.” The Schmidt & Jones High School Musical Theatre Awards organization recognizes the best high school theatre productions in North Texas. CISD High School students received the following nominations — Best Actor: Siddharth Gunasekaran; Best Actress: Sage Priest; Best Supporting Actor: Tyler Schweitzer; Best Actor in a Minor Role: Jude Taylor and Kaden Cox; Best Male Ensemble: Shawn Eclarinal and Issac Mercado and Best Female Ensemble: Trinity Tackett, Ellie Reese and Sweetie Ansah. The production also received Schmidt and Jones Technical Theatre nominations for Best Choreography, Best Lighting, Best Costumes and Best Show. Congratulations to the nominees and to CHS Theatre Director Karen Ruth, Technical Directors Brittany Young and Lauren Holt, Musical Director Ben Brown and Choreographer Jailin Samuels.
Set for Fun — CISD Educators Play in Volleyball League
Story and photos by CISD Communications Lead Intern Priyanka Bhutani, a junior at CHS.
Serving with a passion, teachers from CISD recently came together to compete against one another on the volleyball courts to further build authentic relationships and long-lasting memories while having fun. Coppell Middle School North Principal Dr. Greg Axelson came up with the idea of an educator volleyball league in hopes to boost team morale in an engaging and eventful way. Participating schools have teams composed of their staff members, and the teams practice throughout the week in preparation for their games that took place on Thursdays in April.
“Our teachers have worked so hard and accomplished so much over the past two school years under very challenging conditions,” Dr. Axelson said. “We wanted to give them an opportunity to play, laugh and act like kids for a little while.”
Read more at go.coppellisd.com/TeacherVolleyball.
Valley Ranch Elementary Commemorates Neurodiversity and Autism Awareness Month
.
Led by Special Education Teachers Jessica Ferreri and Arielle Stone, Valley Ranch Elementary commemorated April as Neurodiversity and Autism Awareness Month via collaborative art projects and dress-up days the week of April 4. The art projects included “Together we soar!” feather art pieces and “Your true colors make you infinitely awesome” rainbow pieces.
Denton Creek Elementary Gives Back to Grow It Land Designs
.
On April 23, students, parents and staff from Denton Creek Elementary gave back to Grow It Land Designs in honor of Earth Day and the company's support of the Denton Creek school garden. Denton Creek Kindergarten through 5th graders were at Grow It on a Saturday to share sustainability ideas, as well as giveaway seed packets, compost bags and bird feeders. Grow It Land Designs is a longtime community partner and supporter of the school garden at Denton Creek Elementary.
Valley Ranch’s Antariksha Chandra Wins NTTA Elementary Student Safety Design Contest
Antariksha Chandra, a 3rd grade student at Valley Ranch Elementary, is the winner of the North Texas Tollway Authority’s Student Safety Design Contest in the Elementary (grades 2-5) category. Chandra, who was the winner of the 2021 CISD Holiday Card Design Contest, won for his drawing of a distracted driver.
CISD Nurses Conduct Safe Sitter® Program for Middle School Students
. .
A total of 14 CISD middle school students attended the district’s Safe Sitter® program on April 2, which was presented by CISD district flex nurse Becki Lander and Cottonwood Creek Elementary School Nurse Sandra Brenneman, CMS West School Nurse Lacy Morrow and Austin Elementary School Nurse Janie Hyslop. This program prepares students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Students learn life-saving skills such as how to rescue someone who’s choking and helpful information like what to do if there’s severe weather.
CISD Looking to Hire School Nurses for 2022-2023 School Year
CISD has several school nursing positions open for the 2022-2023 school year. To apply, visit www.coppellisd.com/hr.
High School Choir Presents “Vivace 2022, REWIND” Performances on April 29 and May 1
Coppell Choir Presents “Vivace 2022, REWIND” performances at Coppell High School Auditorium on April 29 at 7 p.m. and May 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $10. Visit www.eventbrite.com/o/coppell-high-school-choir-program-7479972839 to purchase tickets and for more details.
CEF Hosts STEAM Summer Camp For Rising 7th and 8th Graders
Thinking about Summer Camps? Looking for something that enriches your child’s mind but is also fun? Don't miss the opportunity to enroll your rising 7th and 8th graders in this year's Interactive Institute STEAM camp presented by the Coppell ISD Education Foundation. Each day your child will be immersed in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) using examples from the world around them. Our Corporate Partners will present their own curriculum using fun and engaging activities to extend student learning outside the classroom! Spots are filling up fast, so register today at
coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/Interactive-Institute.
Next Wednesday Is May The 4th CEF Star Wars Night @ The Sound
Use the force and join the Coppell ISD Education Foundation on Wednesday, May the 4th for an out-of-this-world Star Wars night at the Sound at Cypress Waters. Dine at Rodeo Goat, Flying Fish, Flying Saucer or Landon Winery, and mention the Education Foundation or CEF and a portion of the proceeds will help support CISD Schools. Make sure to be on the lookout for live Star Wars Characters wandering the grounds from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. You won't want to miss this special night.
Dunk a Coach Drawing and Competition at May 7 Run to Fund
Don't miss this opportunity to purchase a ticket for a chance to Dunk a Coach at the Run to Fund on May 7. Choose which coach you would like to have an opportunity to dunk. If your name is drawn, you will be dunking that coach. The dunk will take place at the Run to Fund starting at 10 a.m. The drawing will be held on Thursday, May 5. Tickets are 1 for $10 or 3 for $25 and will be available for purchase here until Thursday, May 5.
Run to Fund Price Increases May 1, So Register Today
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation invites you to join us for our 10th Annual Run to Fund taking place on Saturday, May 7 at Andy Brown East. The event includes a 5K, a one mile fun run and a sleep-in option. Remember, $2 from every Run to Fund race entry will be contributed to the PE Department of the school of your choice. The price for registration will increase on Sunday, May 1, so register today! Remember to visit the Coppell Chamber Health and Wellness Fair at the race. Visit go.coppellisd.com/RuntoFund to register.
CISD Announces 2022—2023 Enrollment Dates
CISD is announcing enrollment dates for new and current students. More information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment.
- Kindergarten Enrollment is currently underway
- The Turning Point program at Victory Place accepting applications for the 2022-2023 School Year
- Mid May — Re-enrollment email is sent to current parents
- May 5 — Kindergarten Round-Up
- June 1 — Second student transfer window opens
- June 9 — Open Enrollment Window Opens
Early Voting for May 7 Election Continues Through May 3
Early voting for the May 7 election lasts until May 3. For more information, visit www.votetexas.gov.
Looking for a new gig? Join the City of Coppell for the Work in Coppell Virtual Job Fair from 10 am – 1 pm on Tuesday, May 10. Simply update your resume and visit coppell.easyvirtualfair.com to register by May 9 to take the first step to your new career.
coppell.easyvirtualfair.comWize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180It's never been a better time to think about what Dallas College can do for you. Get started.
www.dallascollege.edu -
April 22, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
The spring is a busy time with multiple activities on our campuses and other venues. Our elementary schools are excited to welcome parents or guardians back to eating lunch with their children, something I know that has been really missed over the past two years. Many of our schools have already had or will have special days for these meals, and I know both the parents and children are enjoying making these memories together.
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation hosted its annual Recognition Banquet for our top 5 % seniors and their honored teachers at the Coppell Arts Center. It was a great night to celebrate the success of these high achieving students and to see them recognize the role their teachers have had in their success.
Another tradition that is returning is the CISD Night at the Ballpark on Friday, April 29. I hope you will join us as we come together to enjoy a baseball game, as our Texas Rangers take on the World Series Champions Atlanta Braves at 7:05 p.m. You can purchase tickets at go.coppellisd.com/22BallparkNight. I look forward to seeing you there!
As our field trips, field days, pep rallies, in-person Kindergarten Round Up and other traditions occur this spring, I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to engage with your school and our district. Here in CISD, we value collective engagement that positively impacts the lives of our children and our world.
Thank you for being such important partners with us as we work together to serve and educate our children.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchupWithHunt: CHS The Sidekick
Editor-in-Chief Anjali KrishnaTune into YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. Introducing Dr. Hunt this week is CHS Senior Anjali Krishna, who serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Sidekick student newspaper for Coppell High School.
In this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: CHS Sidekick Editor-in-Chief Anjali Krishna
- CISD Announces District Teachers of the Year
- Coppell Student Media Wins 5th NSPA Online Pacemaker Award
- CISD Spring 2022 Family Survey Due May 4
- Kindergarten Lunch Bites Moved to April 27 at 11:30 a.m.
- High School Choirs Receive UIL Sweepstakes Recognition
- Cowboys Win District 6-6A Track and Field Title, Cowgirls Are Runner-Up
- High School Mixed Doubles Tennis Team Qualifies for State
- Cowgirls Golf Team Places 2nd in District
- Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum Thanks CISD Upstanders
- Lariettes Spring Show on April 22 and April 23
- Pre-Participation Spring Physicals for Athletics Available on April 23
- Register for Free Screening of Like: Finding Balance in Our Digital World Documentary on April. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
- Tickets Available for CISD Night at the Ballpark on April 29
- High School Choir Presents Vivace 2022, REWIND on April 29 and May 1
- Mark Your Calendars — May The 4th CEF Star Wars Night @ The Sound
- Register for May 7 Run to Fund Today
- CISD Announces 2022-2023 Enrollment Dates
- Early Voting for May 7 Election Begins April 25
- CHS Hosts Project Graduation at the Sound on May 26
- Upcoming Events
CISD Announces District Teachers of the Year
On April 22, CISD announced that Anthony Hufford, a math Teacher at New Tech High @ Coppell, and Natalie Cuccia, a Special Education Teacher at Pinkerton Elementary School, are the district's 2021-2022 Teachers of the Year. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/2022TOY.
Setting the Pace: Coppell Student Media Wins 5th NSPA Online Pacemaker Award
Story courtesy of the Coppell High School student newspaper The Sidekick. Story by Anjali Vishwanath, a senior at CHS and the Daily News/Assignment Editor for The Sidekick. Artwork created by Srihari Yechangunja, a junior at CHS and Design Editor for The Sidekick.
The April 9 National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Awards brought about great success for The Sidekick/Coppell Student Media, highlighted by an Online Pacemaker Award. This is Coppell Student Media’s fifth Pacemaker win and the third consecutive for the program. Additionally, individual staffers placed in four individual Best of Show award categories. The NSPA Pacemaker, often considered the Pulitzer Prize of scholastic journalism, has been awarded since 1927 and is the highest honor of achievement for high school journalism programs. Only three high schools in Texas and 20 high schools in the nation received this distinction. Read more in The Sidekick/Coppell Student Media at coppellstudentmedia.com/112019/news/setting-the-pace/.
CISD Spring 2022 Family Survey Due May 4
Your voice matters to CISD. The district encourages our parents and guardians to share their feedback with us as part of our Spring 2022 Family Survey, which is available via go.coppellisd.com/Spring2022FamilySurvey by 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 4.
Kindergarten Facebook Lunch Bites Moved to April 27 at 11:30 a.m.
Join CISD via Facebook Live as we present a Lunch Bites about Kindergarten in our district. Join us on Wednesday, April 27 at 11:30 a.m. on Facebook for this event at www.facebook.com/coppellisd, where there will be a brief video presentation and an opportunity to ask questions of CISD staff. Kindergarten enrollment is currently underway for CISD. For more information on Kindergarten enrollment, visit www.coppellisd.com/kinder.High School Choirs Receive UIL Sweepstakes Recognition
Under the leadership of Director Bona Coogle and Associate Director Aaron Coronado, CISD High School Choirs returned to in-person UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluations for the first time since the Spring of 2019. All four performing ensembles received the highest possible rating, which is “1” from all six judges, resulting in the distinction of Sweepstakes for each choir ensemble.
Performing Choir Choir Description Concert
Judge RatingsSight Reading
Judge RatingsResults A Cappella Varsity Mixed Choir 1 - 1 - 1 1 - 1 - 1 SWEEPSTAKES Kantorei Varsity Treble Choir 1 - 1 - 1 1 - 1 - 1 SWEEPSTAKES Chorale &
Treble A & Treble BJV Treble Choir 1 - 1 - 1 1 - 1 - 1 SWEEPSTAKES Tenor/Bass JV Tenor Bass 1 - 1 - 1 1 - 1 - 1 SWEEPSTAKES
Cowboys Win District 6-6A Track and Field Title, Cowgirls Are Runner-Up
The Cowboys Varsity Team won its eighth consecutive Track and Field District championship, and the Cowgirls Varsity Team was the runner-up in the District 6-6A meet held April 13-14. Boys Varsity Track Team members advancing to the Area competition on April 21 are:- Ryan Sewell — 1st place shot, 1st place Discus
- Wesley Arnold — 1st Place 400m Dash
- Matthew Maldima — 2nd Place 100m Dash
- Michael Nance —2nd Place Pole Vault
- Vedant Bhattacharyya — 2nd Place 800M Run, 4th Place 1600M Run
- Baron Tipton, Baker Tipton, Akil Daresalamwala, Wesley Arnold — 2nd Place 4x400M Relay
- Aidan McFarlane —3rd Place 110M Hurdles
- Charles Weber —3rd Place Shot Put
- Baron Tipton — 3rd Place High Jump, 4th Place Triple Jump
- Nathan Schrock, Braden Axe, Juliano Syre, Matthew Maldima — 3rd Place 4x100M Relay
- Jacob Sanders — 4th place Pole Vault
- Andrew Mullen — 4th Place 3200M Run
- Megan Judd, Sedem Buatsi, D'Aira Green, Vedanti Naktode — 4th Place 4x100
- Sky Schuller — 2nd Place 100 Hurdles
- Olivia Marez, Sedem Buatsi, D'Aira Green, Megan Judd — 4th Place 4x200
- Emma Williams — 4th Place 400
- Sky Schuller — 3rd Place 300 Hurdles
- Olivia Marez, Isabella Sarmiento, Jalyn Childers, Emma Williams — 2nd Place 4x400
- Sky Schuller — 2nd Place High Jump
- Megan Judd — 3rd Place High Jump
- Sky Schuller — 1st Long Jump
- Megan Judd — 2nd Long Jump
- Kimberly Obialo — 4th Place Shot Put
- Sky Schuller — 1st Place Pole Vault
- Kinley Wojick — 3rd Place Pole Vault
- Paris Harper — 3rd Place Triple Jump
High School Mixed Doubles Tennis Team Qualifies for State
The High School mixed doubles team of Vinay Patel and Lindsay Patton has qualified for the State Tennis Tournament. The pair has had a stellar season with 30 victories and only two losses. The pair will compete on April 26-27 at the State High School Tennis Tournament in San Antonio.
Cowgirls Golf Team Places 2nd in District
Congratulations to the Girls Golf Team, which placed 2nd at District. Kristin Angosta is an All-District 1st team member and Lauren Rios and Mia Gaboriau are All-District 2nd team members.
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum Thanks CISD Upstanders
Docents from the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum visited several campuses on April 15 to distribute Upstander wristbands. Through the CISD partnership with the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum this school year, the district has been able to build upon our character education and mental health learning programs by encouraging students to become Upstanders in their community. All 11 elementary campuses took part in two docent-led programs that were aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum standards. Third graders explored the lives of three American Upstanders through an Upstander Puppet Shadow Theater. Fifth graders put on their journalists’ hats as they created their own front-page news stories on the Civil Rights Movement in Dallas. At the middle school level, 8th graders had the opportunity to tour the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. CISD World Geography and U.S. History learners took part in docent-led virtual tours of the Human Rights and the Pivot to America wings of the museum, respectively. In addition, CISD educators have used the lessons and resources developed by the museum for learners on topics such as kindness, respect, responsibility and caring.
Lariettes Present Spring Show on April 22 and April 23
The Lariettes high school drill team presents their Spring Show on Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, April 23 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.chslariettes.com.
Pre-Participation Spring Physicals for Athletics Available on April 23
Pre-Participation Physicals will be offered by the Coppell ISD Sports Medicine Program in conjunction with Old Town Family Practice on Saturday, April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment only. Scan the QR code to the left or visit go.coppellisd.com/April23PreParticipationPhysicals to sign up for a time slot, make payments and print or download physical forms.
Register for Free Screening of Like: Finding Balance in Our Digital World Documentary on April 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Families, teachers and students in middle school and older are invited to register for a free virtual screening of the film “Like: Finding Balance in Our Digital World.” This documentary breaks down why we find social media so irresistible, examines who is controlling who and gives you the tools to pivot to a more balanced and contented relationship. It features Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, including the co-creator of the ‘LIKE’ button, experts in brain science and regular teenagers. The film will be followed by a panel discussion that will include local experts in the area of child and adolescent mental health. Register for this free virtual screening at go.coppellisd.com/LIKEApril26Registration.
Tickets Available for CISD Night at the Ballpark on April 29
A CISD tradition returns with Coppell ISD Night at The Ballpark on Friday, April 29, as the Texas Rangers take on the World Series Champions Atlanta Braves at Globe Life Park in Arlington at 7:05 p.m. New this year is seats will be located in one CISD area instead of individual school sections. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at go.coppellisd.com/22BallparkNight.
High School Choir Presents “Vivace 2022, REWIND” Performances on April 29 and May 1
Coppell Choir Presents “Vivace 2022, REWIND” performances at Coppell High School Auditorium on April 29 at 7 p.m. and May 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $10. Visit www.eventbrite.com/o/coppell-high-school-choir-program-7479972839 to purchase tickets and for more details.
Mark Your Calendars — May the 4th CEF Star Wars Night @ The Sound
Use the force and join the Coppell ISD Education Foundation on Wednesday, May the 4th for an out-of-this-world Star Wars night at the Sound at Cypress Waters. Dine at Rodeo Goat, Flying Fish, Flying Saucer or Landon Winery, and mention the Education Foundation or CEF and a portion of the proceeds will help support CISD Schools. Make sure to be on the lookout for live Star Wars Characters wandering the grounds from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. You won't want to miss this special night.
Register Today for May 7 Run to Fund
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation invites you to join us for our 10th Annual Run to Fund taking place on Saturday, May 7 at Andy Brown East. The event includes a 5K, a one mile fun run and a sleep-in option. Remember, $2 from every Run to Fund race entry will be contributed to the PE Department of the school of your choice. Remember to visit the Coppell Chamber Health and Wellness Fair at the race. Visit go.coppellisd.com/RuntoFund to register.
CISD Announces 2022—2023 Enrollment Dates
CISD is announcing enrollment dates for our choice elementary schools and high school, and enrollment for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. More information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment.
- Kindergarten Enrollment is currently underway
- The Turning Point program at Victory Place began accepting applications for the 2022-2023 School Year
- April 22 — Student transfer decisions are shared via individual emails to families
- Mid May — Re-enrollment email is sent to current parents
- May 5 — Kindergarten Round-Up
- June 1 — Second student transfer window opens
- June 9 — Open Enrollment Window Opens
Early Voting for May 7 Election Begins April 25
Early voting for the May 7 election begins on April 25 and lasts until May 3. For more information, visit www.votetexas.gov.
CHS Hosts Project Graduation at the Sound on May 26
All CISD graduating seniors are invited to Project Graduation at the Sound at Cypress Waters on Thursday, May 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. The event features dinner, prizes, music, games and more. To purchase a shirt/ticket for Project Graduation, visit www.chsprojectgraduation.com.
- April 25 – Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- April 29 — CISD Night at the Ballpark vs. the Atlanta Braves 7:05 p.m.
- May 5 — Kindergarten Round Up
- May 7 — May Election Day/CEF Run to Fund
- May 16 — Board Workshop 5:30 p.m.
- May 27 — Early Release Day/Last Day of School
- May 27 — New Tech and CHS Graduations
- May 30 — Memorial Day Holiday
S. Belt Line Road from Southwestern to IH-635 has been officially reduced to one lane in each direction, plus a center lane for turning traffic. AVOID THE TRAFFIC and seek alternate routes! Learn more at coppelltx.gov/beltline.
coppelltx.gov/beltline
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
April 7, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
As a former CISD Assistant Principal, I know how challenging and rewarding that job can be. This week we are celebrating our amazing Assistant Principals as part of National Assistant Principals Week. I appreciate all of them and the work they do supporting our students, staff and families. Thank you to our incredible Assistant Principals and the job they do each day.
This week also marked National School Librarian Day, which was on April 4. This occasion and visiting campuses and seeing their Book Fairs has me thinking of my Dad, who passed away last summer. Both my parents were avid readers. Up until the day my dad passed away in July he had a stack of books on his nightstand. He loved mysteries, crime stories, biographies, and any type of religious book. I believe he read every James Patterson book and the Left Behind series at least five times.
A special memory I have about my Dad is the weekly trips we'd take to our local library. Almost every Saturday, my Dad took my older sister and me to the public library near our neighborhood. We would drive to the library discussing the books we read and then drive home talking about the books we checked out. What made us pick each book? What did the title tell us? What predictions did we have based on the cover? Was it a new author or someone we read before? Would we recommend this book to a friend? And so on. I didn't know these "book talks" were actually instructional strategies that librarians and teachers use to foster a love of reading. I'm certain my Dad didn't know it either, but he enjoyed talking about books, and I just loved spending that quality time with him during the commute to the library and home. I am grateful I have these special memories of my father and have my own stack of books on my nightstand of what I am reading now. Thank you to our librarians for promoting reading and the hard work they do each and every day in our schools.
I want to end by encouraging our community to come to one of our remaining Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forums on April 11 or on April 14. Your voice does matter here in CISD, and we want to hear from you as we do this important work planning for our future.
Thank you for your partnership and support of CISD.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: Middle School Honor Choir Students
- Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forums Continue on April 11 and April 14
- Correction: CISD Students Achieve at State and Regional Science and Engineering Fairs
- Congratulations CISD Super Teachers for Third Grading Period
- High School Color Guard Wins Bronze Medal at North Texas Color Guard Association Competition
- Special Olympics Basketball Skills Competition Showcases Students’ Skills
- CISD Hosting Job Fair at CMS West on Saturday, April 9
- New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts Community Tours and Annual Spring Fling on April 13
- CISD Hosts Kindergarten Facebook LunchBites on April 20 at 11:30 a.m.
- Lariettes Spring Show on April 22 and April 23
- Tickets Available for CISD Night at the Ballpark on April 29
- CISD Athletics and Fine Arts Summer Camp Information
- Pre-Participation Spring Physicals for Athletics Available on April 23
- Earn $2 Per Registration for Your School’s PE Department by Registering for May 7 Run to Fund
- CISD Presents its Interactive Institute — A STEAM Camp for Rising CISD 7th and 8th Graders
- CISD Announces 2022-2023 Enrollment Dates
- CISD Seeking Sponsors for May 27 Graduation Ceremonies
- Upcoming Events
#CatchupWithHunt: Middle School
Honor Choir StudentsTune into YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. Introducing Dr. Hunt this week are 6th grade Honor Choir singers Varsha Pazhayidathu from CMS North, Kashvi Shah from CMS West and Henry Webb from CMS East.
Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forums Continue on April 11 and April 14
CISD invites our community to share feedback on the CISD Visioning process during come and go sessions in April. These sessions are on:- Monday, April 11 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room at CMS West located at 2701 Ranch Trail in Cypress Waters
- Thursday, April 14 from 8 a.m. to noon in the Board Room at the Vonita White Administration Building located at 200 South Denton Tap Road
Correction: CISD Students Achieve at State and Regional Science and Engineering Fairs
CMS North 7th grader Anika Krishnamoorthy was not included in last week’s story. CISD had eight students qualify to compete at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair held March 25-26 at Texas A&M University. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/22Science.Congratulations CISD Super Teachers for Third Grading Period
Congratulations to CISD's Third Grading Period 2022 Super Teachers, who design engaging and innovative learning experiences that ignite the interests of learners. Our latest Super Teachers are: Chris Buchanan, David Norman, Renee Parish and Daniel Tate from CMS West; Doug Fowler, Tracy Henson, Linda Moore and Emily Pickrell from CHS; Arian Brown and Annmarie Vincenzo from Canyon Ranch Elementary; and Esther Martinez from Wilson Elementary.
High School Color Guard Wins Bronze Medal at
North Texas Color Guard Association Competition
The CISD Varsity High Color Guard team won the Bronze Medal at the North Texas Color Guard Association Competition, which was held at CHS on April 3. This is the highest-ever placement for our Color Guard at this competition. The team is currently in Dayton, Ohio competing at the Winter Guard International Guard World Championship at Xavier University. CISD Color Guard performances can be streamed at go.coppellisd.com/WGIColorGuardStream. The Color Guard Director is Matthew Rummel.
Special Olympics Basketball Skills Competition Showcases Skills
Transitional Pathways, Structured Learning and Practical Academic students from across CISD had the opportunity to showcase their basketball skills during the district’s Special Olympics Basketball Skills Competition held at CHS and Mockingbird Elementary on April 1. Students participated in dribbling, passing, catching and shooting skills in front of their parents and alongside CISD School Resource Officers and others. This was a great opportunity for these athletesto show off their individual and team skills under the Special Olympics Texas umbrella. Thank you to Angela Campbell, CISD Adapted Physical Education teacher, for organizing this event.
CISD Hosting Job Fair at CMS West on Saturday, April 9
CISD will be hosting a job fair on Saturday, April 9 at CMS West from 8:30 to 11 a.m. If you know anyone who may be interested in this job fair, visit www.coppellisd.com/hr. CISD is hiring educators in all areas including High School, Middle School, Elementary, Bilingual, ESL, Special Education, as well as for Child Nutrition, Crossing Guard and Maintenance Workers. Sign Up online to receive your invitation to the Job Fair at go.coppellisd.com/jobfair2022.
New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts Community Tours and Annual Spring Fling on April 13
New Tech High @ Coppell is offering tours to the community on Wednesday, April 13. Attendees will receive an overview of Project Based Learning, hear about the learning outcomes and learn more about the community connections the school provides. The tour will include a question and answer session and an opportunity to chat with the learners and see project-based learning in action. These tours are available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on April 13.
New Tech High @ Coppell also invites the community to the annual New Tech High @ Coppell's Spring Fling also on Wednesday, April 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m at school. This is an evening of fun, bonding, activities and a silent auction benefiting Dallas Life Homeless Recovery Center. Hosted by the school’s Learner Leadership Council, this spring carnival features bounce houses, a dunk tank, yard games, mini-golf, live entertainment and a club fair. In-n-Out will also be there selling dinner for the night. If you would like In-n-Out, then please pre-order your $5 meal ticket. This ticket will purchase a burger, chips and a drink. You may preorder your ticket at https://tinyurl.com/newtechinnout22.
CISD Hosts Kindergarten Facebook Lunch Bites on April 20 at 11:30 a.m.
Join CISD via Facebook Live as we present a Lunch Bites about Kindergarten in our district. Join us on Wednesday, April 20 at 11:30 a.m. on Facebook for this event at www.facebook.com/coppellisd, where there will be a brief video presentation and an opportunity to ask questions of CISD staff. Kindergarten enrollment is currently underway for CISD. For more information, visit www.coppellisd.com/kinder.
Lariettes Present Spring Show on April 22 and April 23
The Lariettes high school drill team presents their Spring Show on Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, April 23 at 1 and 7 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.chslariettes.com.
Tickets Available for CISD Night at the Ballpark on April 29
A CISD tradition returns with Coppell ISD Night at The Ballpark on Friday, April 29, as the Texas Rangers take on the World Series Champions Atlanta Braves at Globe Life Park in Arlington at 7:05 p.m. New this year is seats will be located in one CISD area instead of individual school sections. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at go.coppellisd.com/22BallparkNight.
Athletics and Fine Arts Summer Camp Information
There are several athletics and fine arts camps offered this summer for CISD students. For a list of available athletics camps, visit www.coppellathletics.net/summer-camps. The fine art summer camp offerings are available at go.coppellisd.com/FineArtsSummerCamps.
Pre-Participation Spring Physicals for Athletics Available on April 23
Pre-Participation Physicals will be offered by the Coppell ISD Sports Medicine Program in conjunction with Old Town Family Practice on Saturday, April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment only. Scan the QR code to the left or visit go.coppellisd.com/April23PreParticipationPhysicals to sign up for a time slot, make payments and print or download physical forms.
Earn $2 Per Registration for Your School’s PE Department by Registering for May 7 Run to Fund
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation invites you to join us for our 10th Annual Run to Fund taking place on Saturday, May 7 at Andy Brown East. The event includes a 5K, a one mile fun run and a sleep-in option. Remember, $2 from every Run to Fund race entry will be contributed to the PE Department of the school of your choice. Remember to visit the Coppell Chamber Health and Wellness Fair at the race. Visit go.coppellisd.com/RuntoFund to register.
CEF Presents its Interactive Institute — A STEAM Camp for Rising CISD 7th and 8th Graders
CISD Announces 2022—2023 Enrollment Dates
CISD is announcing enrollment dates for our choice elementary schools and high school, and enrollment for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. More information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment.
- Kindergarten Enrollment is currently underway
- April 1 — The Turning Point program at Victory Place began accepting applications for the 2022-2023 School Year
- April 8 — Lottery for the Dual Language Immersion program and Pick Pinkerton IB program, 8:30 a.m. at the CISD Administration Building
- April 11 — DLI agreements sent out
- April 22 — DLI agreements due
- April 23 — Student transfer decisions are shared via individual emails to families
- Mid May — Re-enrollment email is sent to current parents
- May 5 — Kindergarten Round-Up
- June 1 — Second student transfer window opens
- June 9 — Open Enrollment Window Opens
CISD Seeking Sponsors for May 27 Graduation Ceremonies
After a successful event in 2021, Coppell ISD will again hold its graduation events locally and onsite on May 27. CISD is looking to continue to make this year’s graduation ceremonies special, once-in-a-lifetime events for the nearly 1,000 Coppell ISD graduates. Coppell ISD will have several exciting surprises during the graduation festivities in honor of our amazing seniors. Join us in honoring the hard work of these exceptional students and their families.-
Coppell High School Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field.
-
New Tech High @ Coppell Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 3 p.m. in the Coppell High School Arena.
Sponsorship opportunities are available from $500 to $5,000 to cover the cost of the fireworks and confetti cannons at the ceremonies. To further discuss our sponsorship packages, please contact Angela Brown at abrown@coppellisd.com.
Coppell Library Hosts Preserving Family Memories Event on April 24
Whether in the attic or boxes under the bed, most of us have family heirlooms, photographs, letters and artifacts that are important to us. The Coppell Cozby Library host Felicia Williamson, Director of Library and Archives from the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, for an in-person workshop on how to address the most common challenges of home preservation. The event takes place on Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m. For more information, please stop by the Information Desk, call 972-304-3658, or email cozbyprograms@coppelltx.gov.
- April 11 — Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forum from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room at CMS West
- April 14 — Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forum from 8 a.m. to noon in the Board Room at the Vonita White Administration Building
- April 15 — Regular School Day
- April 18 — Flex Professional Development Day/CISD Closed
- April 25 – Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- April 29 — CISD Night at the Ballpark vs. the Atlanta Braves 7:05 p.m.
S. Belt Line Road from Southwestern to IH-635 has been officially reduced to one lane in each direction, plus a center lane for turning traffic. AVOID THE TRAFFIC and seek alternate routes! Learn more at coppelltx.gov/beltline.
coppelltx.gov/beltline
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
April 1, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
Some CISD staff and I spent a few days in Austin this week meeting with members of the Texas Public Accountability Consortium or TPAC. TPAC is a group of Texas school districts working to build on the success of Community Based Accountability Systems or CBAS already in use in districts across the state by developing next-generation measures and assessments that would enable wider use of such systems.
CISD is among the school districts leading the way in CBAS. CBAS holds our district accountable to our community, which is defined as our parents and guardians, students, educators, staff, business partners, volunteers and taxpayers without students in our schools. CBAS goes beyond the state’s A-F grade, which is an “A” for CISD, and relies mostly on the STAAR test. The state’s accountability system doesn’t tell the whole story about what we should be measuring in our district to be accountable to our community.
As our Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forums launch next week, I hope you will come and share your thoughts with us on our visioning priorities, as well as on CBAS. Your voice matters here in CISD, and I look forward to engaging with our community and we continue to work together to educate serve our students. We have created this video at go.coppellisd.com/VisioningForumsVideo, which explains in detail how these forums will work.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchupWithHunt: Canyon Ranch Elementary
Tune into YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Loukya Alla, a Kindergarten student at Canyon Ranch Elementary.In this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: Canyon Ranch Elementary
- Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forums on April 4, 7, 11 and 14
- Students Achieve at State and Regional Science and Engineering Fairs
- School Gardens Blooming in Spring
- CHS and New Tech Students Participate in Adulting Days
- Spotlight on Redefining Success: New Tech Sophomore Luke Feuer Has Service Mindset
- Coppell Chamber Student of the Month: Victory Place @ Coppell Student Abdullah Khwaja
- Coppell Baseball and Softball Present Party at the Parks on April 5
- Congratulations to Substitute Teacher of the Month Kent Schroeder
- CISD Hosting Job Fair at CMS West on April 9
- Save the Date: CISD Night at the Ballpark is April 29
- April 7 Last Day to Register to Vote for May 7 Election
- Pre-Participation Spring Physicals for Athletics Available on April 23
- April 1 Last Day for Early Registration for May 7 Run to Fund
- CISD Announces 2022-2023 Enrollment Dates
- CISD Seeking Sponsors for May 27 Graduation Ceremonies
- Upcoming Events
Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forums on April 4, 7, 11 and 14
CISD invites our community to share feedback on the CISD Visioning process during come and go sessions in April. These sessions are on:- Monday, April 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Board Room at the Vonita White Administration Building located at 200 South Denton Tap Road
- Thursday, April 7, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room at CMS West located at 2701 Ranch Trail in Cypress Waters
- Monday, April 11 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room at CMS West located at 2701 Ranch Trail in Cypress Waters
- Thursday, April 14 from 8 a.m. to noon in the Board Room at the Vonita White Administration Building located at 200 South Denton Tap Road
CISD Students Achieve at State and Regional Science and Engineering Fairs
Seven CISD students qualified to compete at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair held March 25-26 at Texas A&M University. Two of these students — Sarang Goel, a sophomore at CHS, and Dhruvesh Ravishankar, an 8th grader at CMS North — placed in the top three in their categories at the competition. Goel also has qualified to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair to be held in Atlanta in May, marking the second consecutive year a CISD student has qualified for international competition. Joining Goel and Ravishankar as state qualifiers were CHS Senior Anshuman Das and CMS North 7th Graders Meenakshi Muresh, Jenani Sivamani, Anika Upadhyayula and Charvi Vohra. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/22Science.CISD School Gardens Blooming in Spring
Spring means the CISD school gardens are in bloom, as the work of students cultivates into blossoming flowers or fruits and vegetables grown in the gardens. CISD students, teachers, parent and community volunteers and “Farmer Larry” Thompson and other workers with CISD Child Nutrition Department are dedicated to the district’s school garden program. This program is planting the seeds of success for our students by teaching them how to grow, tend and cultivate food and plants.
CHS and New Tech Students Participate in Adulting Days
As part of CISD’s commitment to our redefining success core value, the district works to ensure that high school students are prepared for the real world after graduation. This is why CISD hosts adulting day sessions for students at CHS and New Tech High @ Coppell. On March 10, CHS seniors learned more about the next steps after being accepted to college from Eunna Sullivan with C2 Education. On March 25, students from New Tech High @ Coppell were able to tour the new Northlake Constructions Sciences campus here in Coppell and learn more about career opportunities in construction from engineers from Glenn Engineering, architects from Corgan and construction managers from North Star Builders. Adulting Day sessions were also held at New Tech during the school’s Flex Friday on March 25.
Spotlight on Redefining Success: New Tech Sophomore Luke Feuer Has Service and Leadership Mindset
Service and leadership go hand in hand for Luke Feuer, a sophomore at New Tech High @ Coppell. Feuer incorporated this mindset into his Eagle Scout project last fall, which resulted in delivering hundreds of bags of needed items and a resource directory to the homeless in downtown Dallas.
“I knew I wanted to do something to help people in need as part of my Eagle project,” Feuer said. “In addition to donations, I also distributed a directory to help homeless people access the services they need.”
Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Feuer.
Coppell Chamber Student of the Month: Victory Place @ Coppell Student Abdullah Khwaja
The Coppell Chamber honored Victory Place @ Coppell Senior Abdullah Khwaja as its Student of the Month for the Coppell Community Development Foundation (CCDF). Khwaja received a recognition certificate, $25 gift certificate, and yard sign showcasing him as the Chamber’s Student of the Month.
Coppell Baseball and Softball Present Party at the Parks on April 5
The CISD Baseball and Softball teams present Party at the Parks on Tuesday, April 5. The event includes prizes, free t-shirts for the first 100 youth fans, food, fun and more. All youth ball players wearing a jersey get in free to the games. The varsity softball game begins at 7:15 p.m. and the baseball game begins at 7:30 p.m. Both games are at the CISD Baseball/Softball Complex, located at 1301 State Champions Parkway. To buy tickets for the game, visit www.coppellathletics.net/e-tickets.
Congratulations to Substitute Teacher of the Month Kent Schroeder
Congratulations to CISD Substitute Teacher of the Month Kent Schroeder. He is a long-time Coppell resident and a new substitute teacher with the district. Schroeder was nominated by Canyon Ranch Elementary and has been a consistent substitute teacher at the school. It doesn't matter if it is kindergarten or 5th grade, he can do it all. He is kind and patient and all of the learners love him. He has developed great relationships with the learners and staff, and he has become part of the CRE family. We are thankful for him. Congratulations Mr. Schroeder for a job well done.
CISD Hosting Job Fair at CMS West on April 9
Save the Date: CISD Night at the Ballpark on Friday, April 29
A CISD tradition returns with Coppell ISD Night at The Ballpark on Friday, April 29, as the Texas Rangers take on the World Series Champions Atlanta Braves at Globe Life Park in Arlington at 7:05 p.m. Be on the lookout for details and other information about this event soon.April 7 Last Day to Register to Vote for May 7 Election
Thursday, April 7, is the last day to register to vote for the May 7 election. Visit www.votetexas.gov to register to vote.
Pre-Participation Spring Physicals for Athletics Available on April 23
Pre-Participation Physicals will be offered by the Coppell ISD Sports Medicine Program in conjunction with Old Town Family Practice on Saturday, April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment only. Scan the QR code to the left or visit go.coppellisd.com/April23PreParticipationPhysicals to sign up for a time slot, make payments and print or download physical forms.
Register for the Coppell ISD Education Foundation Run to Fund on May 7
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation invites you to join us for our 10th Annual Run to Fund taking place on Saturday, May 7 at Andy Brown East. The event includes a 5K, a one mile fun run and a sleep-in option. Remember, $2 from every Run to Fund race entry will be contributed to the PE Department of the school of your choice. Visit go.coppellisd.com/RuntoFund to register.
CISD Announces 2022—2023 Enrollment Dates
CISD is announcing enrollment dates for our choice elementary schools and high school, and enrollment for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. More information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment.
- Kindergarten Enrollment is currently underway
- April 1 — The Turning Point program at Victory Place begins accepting applications for the 2022-2023 School Year
- April 6 — Pinkerton IB Applications Due
- April 8 — Lottery for the Dual Language Immersion program and Pick Pinkerton IB program, 8:30 a.m. at the CISD Administration Building
- April 11 — DLI agreements sent out
- April 22 — DLI agreements due
- April 23 — Transfer decisions shared out
- April 27 — Re-enrollment email is sent to current parents
- May 5 — Kindergarten Round-Up
- June 1 — Second transfer window opens
- June 9 — Open Enrollment Window Opens
CISD Seeking Sponsors for May 27 Graduation Ceremonies
After a successful event in 2021, Coppell ISD will again hold its graduation events locally and onsite on May 27. CISD is looking to continue to make this year’s graduation ceremonies special, once-in-a-lifetime events for the nearly 1,000 Coppell ISD graduates. Coppell ISD will have several exciting surprises during the graduation festivities in honor of our amazing seniors. Join us in honoring the hard work of these exceptional students and their families.-
Coppell High School Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field.
-
New Tech High @ Coppell Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 3 p.m. in the Coppell High School Arena.
Sponsorship opportunities are available from $500 to $5,000 to cover the cost of the fireworks and confetti cannons at the ceremonies. To further discuss our sponsorship packages, please contact Angela Brown at abrown@coppellisd.com.
- April 4 — Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forum from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Board Room at the Vonita White Administration Building
- April 7 — Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forum from 8 a.m. to noon in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room at CMS West
- April 11 — Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forum from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room at CMS West
- April 14 — Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forum from 8 a.m. to noon in the Board Room at the Vonita White Administration Building
- April 15 — Regular School Day
- April 18 — Flex Professional Development Day/CISD Closed
- April 25 – Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- April 29 — CISD Night at the Ballpark vs. the Atlanta Braves 7:05 p.m.
S. Belt Line Road from Southwestern to IH-635 has been officially reduced to one lane in each direction, plus a center lane for turning traffic. AVOID THE TRAFFIC and seek alternate routes! Learn more at coppelltx.gov/beltline.
coppelltx.gov/beltline
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
March 24, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a restful and relaxing Spring Break. I hope everyone got to rest up a bit, because this is the time of year when we “sprint into spring” with events and activities at our schools from now until the end of the school year. I am very much enjoying visiting campuses to see our great teaching and deep learning in action, the redefining success that is happening at our athletic events, fine arts performances and engaging with our parents and community.
The Student iLead Leadership's most recent session held before Spring Break is one example of the authentic relationships that make this district so special. The 50 high school juniors from both New Tech High and Coppell High School in the program learned more about leadership and service from local service organizations, including Carson’s Village founder Jason Dyke and Tracy Eubanks, CEO of Metrocrest Services. These students also participated in a service project, making 500 care packages for Metrocrest Services. I know our future is in great hands thanks to our students who are becoming better prepared to lead and serve in our community.
During the last nine weeks of this school year, I hope you will all take advantage of the opportunities to engage with our district and schools, including our upcoming Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forums in April. Our parents, educators, staff, students and community members are important partners as we plan for the future of Coppell ISD.
I appreciate your support.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchupWithHunt: Victory Place @ Coppell
Tune into YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Jordan Blankson, a Victory Place @ Coppell Turning Point graduate.In this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: Victory Place @ Coppell
- Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forums on April 4, 7, 11 and 14
- High School Choir Students Achieve at UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest
- All Middle School Choirs Earn UIL Sweepstakes Award
- AP Art Students Studio Showcase at Coppell Arts Center Through March 26
- Fine Arts Update — March 2022
- Skye Schuller Sets School Record in Pole Vault
- Athletics Update — March 2022
- Congratulations to Victory Place @ Coppell Third Grading Period Graduates
- Spotlight on Authentic Relationships: Lakeside Crossing Guard Cindy McClure
- Community Movie Night March 26 at Buddy Echols Field at CHS
- Coppell Baseball and Softball Present Party at the Parks on April 5
- Seeking Sponsors for March 26 CHS Community Movie Night
- Pre-Participation Spring Physicals for Athletics Available on April 23
- Coppell ISD Education Foundation Seeking Board Candidates
- Registration Open for May 7 Run to Fund
- CISD Announces 2022-2023 Enrollment Dates
- CISD Seeking Sponsors for May 27 Graduation Ceremonies
- Seeking Volunteers for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Event April 23
- ‘On Stage at Heritage” Brings Friday Night Entertainment to the Irving Heritage District
- Upcoming Events
Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forums on April 4, 7, 11 and 14
CISD invites our community to share feedback on the CISD Visioning process during come and go sessions in April. These sessions are on:- Monday, April 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Board Room at the Vonita White Administration Building located at 200 South Denton Tap Road
- Thursday, April 7, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room at CMS West located at 2701 Ranch Trail in Cypress Waters
- Monday, April 11 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room at CMS West located at 2701 Ranch Trail in Cypress Waters
- Thursday, April 14 from 8 a.m. to noon in the Board Room at the Vonita White Administration Building located at 200 South Denton Tap Road
High School Choir Students Achieve at Region UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest
CISD had the largest number of high school students participating and receiving a “Superior” rating — the highest possible rating — at the 2022 Region 31 UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest earlier this month. In addition, 27 students qualified for the State UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest.
Congratulations to the high school state qualifiers from CHS: Swara Akinepalli, Shambhaavi Anand, Katie Arrington, Alyssa Bargas, Natalie Bennett, Sumita Bhattacharyya, Jishnu Chintha, Anagha Dharmavaram, Divya Ghanta, Akshara Goli, Megna Gopinath, Jackson Hernandez, Roma Jani, Mihira Kada, Ashley Lee, Jessica Liang, Anjana Mahadevan, Joseph Mathew, Nicki Mikaelyan, Janani Ramamoorthy, Meher Saini, Suhas Sura, Ananya Swaminathan and Amy Yan, and from New Tech High @ Coppell: Ben Hall, Preston Johnson and Barrett Reese. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/HighSchoolUIL22.All Middle School Choirs Earn UIL Sweepstakes Award
CMS East Tenor/Bass Chorus (Non-Varsity) CMS East Treble Chorus (Varsity)
CMS North Treble Chorus (Non-Varsity) CMS West Treble Chorus (Varsity)
CMS West Tenor/Bass Chorus (Non-Varsity) CMS West Treble Chorus (Non-Varsity)
CISD Middle school choir students hit the highest notes at the UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation at Grapevine High School earlier this month. Of the six middle school choirs from the district who performed, all six earned the esteemed UIL Sweepstakes Award and the highest ratings available, which is “I.”
The choirs' overall ratings are as follows:- CMS East Tenor/Bass Chorus (Non-Varsity) – Concert: I-I-I = I — Sightreading: I-I-I = I
- CMS West Tenor/Bass Chorus (Non-Varsity) – Concert: I-I-I = I — Sightreading: I-I-I = I
- CMS West Treble Chorus (Non-Varsity) – Concert: I-I-I = I — Sightreading: I-I-I = I
- CMS North Treble Chorus (Non-Varsity) – Concert: I-I-I = I — Sightreading: I-I-I = I
- CMS East Treble Chorus (Varsity) – Concert: I-I-I = I — Sightreading: I-I-I = I
- CMS West Treble Chorus (Varsity) – Concert: I-I-II = I — Sightreading: I-I-I = I
AP Art Students' Studio Showcase at Coppell Arts Center Through March 26
The CISD community is invited to see the amazing work of the district’s AP art students at the Coppell Arts Center through March 26. Featuring the work of 62 student artists, this free exhibition includes a wide range of visual media including sculpture, drawing, painting, animation, digital media and photography.
Fine Arts Update — March 2022
The March 2022 Fine Arts Update includes information about elementary art and music, secondary band and choir accolades. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/FineArtsMarch22.
Skye Schuller Sets High School Record in Pole Vault
Appropriately named Skye, CHS Junior Skye Schuller set another CISD record in the Pole Vault at the Coppell Relays earlier this month with a mark of 13'7". Schuller also has recently set the school record for 100 hurdles at 14.30 and long jump at 18’10.75”.
Athletics Update — March 2022
The March 2022 Athletics Update includes spotlights on student athletes, spring sports updates, details about pre-participation physicals and information about Athletics summer camps. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/AthleticsMarch22.
Congratulations to Victory Place @ Coppell Graduates
CISD would like to thank the third grading period graduates of the Victory Place @ Coppell Turning Point Program. The Turning Point program provides learners with an opportunity to succeed in a non-traditional school setting, where students work at an accelerated pace on an individualized curriculum to achieve a high school diploma and to prepare for their next step in life, whether it is college, the workforce, specialized training programs or the military. Congratulations to the Victory Place @ Coppell graduates: Ramin Ansary, Inwoo Steven Bang, Brittany Barrett, Emily Blackmore, Jordan Blankson, Conner Crawley, Sophia Cruz, Pamela Fernandez, Julian Gonzales, Andrea Hebert, Mya Keys, Liza Martinez-Soper, Klara Minton, Micaela Molina, Alezandria Pastor, Faiza Rahman, Kamran Redden, Cash Swafford and Johnathan Znascko.
Spotlight on Authentic Relationships: Lakeside Crossing Guard
Cindy McClure
Lakeside Elementary Crossing Guard Cindy McClure is known for putting the safety of the kids and families she serves first. She also is known for the goody bags she hands out on holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter.
“It is fun seeing the students’ faces light up when I give them small gifts around the holidays,” McClure said. “I want the kids to know that I care for them, and that I am here for them.”
The relationships McClure has with kids and families is one of the reasons she enjoys being a crossing guard.
“I am just having a ball,” she said. “I know all of my kids' names and the parents are very supportive.”
McClure, who has lived in Coppell for 25 years and is retired, became a crossing guard more than two years ago to give back to her community.
“Schools need as much help as they can get to protect their kids,” McClure said.“It is important that students and families know that someone is there is watching out for their kids, Being a crossing guard was an opportunity for me to give back to my community. I am in good health and good shape, so I can give two hours a day to serve our kids.”
Read more at go.coppellisd.com/McClure.
CISD is looking to fill crossing guard positions. If interested, visit www.coppellisd.com/HR.
Community Movie Night March 26 at Buddy Echols Field at CHS
Join the CISD community for a night full of fun as the Class of 2023 presents a screening of “Monsters Inc.” on the big screen on the field of Buddy Echols Field at CHS on Saturday, March 26. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for CISD Students, $7 for adults and a family option is available for $20. Be sure to bring some cash for concessions. There will be a costume contest for children, who are encouraged to come dressed up in their favorite Monsters Inc. attire. Prizes will be given to the best dressed. All CISD students under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For details and to purchase a ticket, visit go.coppellisd.com/March26MovieNight.
Coppell Baseball and Softball Present Party at the Parks on April 5
The CISD Baseball and Softball teams present Party at the Parks on Tuesday, April 5. The event includes prizes, free t-shirts for the first 50 fans, food, fun and more. All CISD students get in free to the games. The varsity softball game begins at 7:15 p.m. and the baseball game begins at 7:20 p.m. Both games are at the CISD Baseball/Softball Complex, located at 1301 State Champions Parkway. To buy tickets for the game, visit www.coppellathletics.net/e-tickets.Seeking Sponsors for March 26 CHS Community Movie Night
The Class of 2023 at Coppell High School will host a Community Movie Night on March 26 on the field at Buddy Echols Stadium. If your business would like to sponsor the event and host a table for $50, you can sign up at go.coppellisd.com/MovieNightSponsor. A sponsorship includes a provided table, water and two chairs. Arrival for sponsors starts at 4:30 p.m. and the gate opens for everyone in the community at 6:30 p.m. Sponsors will not be able to sell any products, but can advertise their business.
Pre-Participation Spring Physicals for Athletics Available on April 23
Pre-Participation Physicals will be offered by the Coppell ISD Sports Medicine Program in conjunction with Old Town Family Practice on Saturday, April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment only. Scan the QR code to the left or visit go.coppellisd.com/April23PreParticipationPhysicals to sign up for a time slot, make payments and print or download physical forms.
Coppell ISD Education Foundation Seeking Board Candidates
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation is seeking candidates to fill open seats on its Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of volunteers representing the community and businesses served by CISD It presides over all operations of CEF, including administering grants for innovative programs, student and teacher recognition events, educational camps, and individual and corporate fundraising. Board members also serve as ambassadors for CEF in raising community awareness and supporting the mission of excellence in education in CISD. Those interested can find more information about the foundation and the board member application process on the CEF website at www.coppellisdef.com. The deadline for submitting applications is March 31.
Register Today for the CEF 10th Annual Run to Fund May 7
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation invites you to join us for our 10th Annual Run to Fund taking place on Saturday, May 7 at Andy Brown East. The event includes a 5K, a one mile fun run and a sleep-in option. Remember, $2 from every Run to Fund race entry will be contributed to the PE Department of the school of your choice. Current registration fees are $30 per entry and will increase on April 1. Visit go.coppellisd.com/RuntoFund to register.
CISD Announces 2022—2023 Enrollment Dates
CISD is announcing enrollment dates for our choice elementary schools and high school, and enrollment for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. More information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment.
- March 22 — Kindergarten Enrollment begins
- March 28 — DLI applications due
- April 1 — The Turning Point program at Victory Place begins accepting applications for the 2022-2023 School Year
- April 6 — Pinkerton IB Applications Due
- April 8 — Lottery for the Dual Language Immersion program and Pick Pinkerton IB program, 8:30 a.m. at the CISD Administration Building
- April 11 — DLI agreements sent out
- April 22 — DLI agreements due
- April 23 — Transfer decisions shared out
- April 27 — Re-enrollment email is sent to current parents
- May 5 — Kindergarten Round-Up
- June 1 — Second transfer window opens
- June 9 — Open Enrollment Window Opens
CISD Seeking Sponsors for May 27 Graduation Ceremonies
After a successful event in 2021, Coppell ISD will again hold its graduation events locally and onsite on May 27. CISD is looking to continue to make this year’s graduation ceremonies special, once-in-a-lifetime events for the nearly 1,000 Coppell ISD graduates. Coppell ISD will have several exciting surprises during the graduation festivities in honor of our amazing seniors. Join us in honoring the hard work of these exceptional students and their families.-
Coppell High School Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field.
-
New Tech High @ Coppell Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 3 p.m. in the Coppell High School Arena.
Sponsorship opportunities are available from $500 to $5,000 to cover the cost of the fireworks and confetti cannons at the ceremonies. To further discuss our sponsorship packages, please contact Angela Brown at abrown@coppellisd.com.
Seeking Volunteers for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Event April 23
The City of Coppell is dedicated to transforming our local community through acts of service and opportunities to build relationships with our neighbors. Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a one day service project, seeks to connect volunteers with Coppell residents who need assistance with home maintenance and repairs. Together we can build a stronger and more resilient community. Sign up to volunteer or request assistance at your home at www.coppelltx.gov/neighbors. The deadline for volunteer sign-up is April 1.
‘On Stage at Heritage” Brings Friday Night Entertainment to the
Irving Heritage District
A new City of Irving event features Friday night fun at the newly renovated Heritage Park located at 217 S. Main St in Irving. 'On Stage at Heritage' will feature live music, movies, comedy acts and more each second Friday of the month through September. All events will begin at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Upcoming events planned include:- April 8 — Trivia Night tests participants animated movie facts
- May 13 — Movie Night brings a free showing of Disney’s Encanto (2021)
- June 10 — Live Music performance by classic-soul artist Donovan Keith
- July 8 — Movie Night features a free showing of Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
- Aug. 12 — Comedy Show provides family-friendly laughs with headliner Dori McLemore
- Sept. 9 — Car Show rolls out a variety of 60 classic cars and live music
- March 28 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- April 4 — Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forum from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Board Room at the Vonita White Administration Building
- April 7 — Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forum from 8 a.m. to noon in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room at CMS West
- April 11 — Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forum from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room at CMS West
- April 14 — Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forum from 8 a.m. to noon in the Board Room at the Vonita White Administration Building
- April 15 — Regular School Day
- April 18 — Flex Professional Development Day/CISD Closed
S. Belt Line Road from Southwestern to IH-635 has been officially reduced to one lane in each direction, plus a center lane for turning traffic. AVOID THE TRAFFIC and seek alternate routes! Learn more at coppelltx.gov/beltline.
coppelltx.gov/beltline
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
March 11, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
I enjoyed seeing so many of our parents at our recent elementary and middle school Open Houses. Thank you so much for visiting our campuses and supporting our teachers. I know the spring is a very busy time, but your involvement and participation as parents in CISD is a critical piece to our success.
At the Board Workshop Monday evening, district leaders and Trustees discussed a Visioning update, reviewed the 2022-2023 Budget process, received an update on the 2016 Bond and talked about future Bond planning. I know these topics are of utmost importance to our community, so I hope you will review the Board Briefs summary of the meeting, view the presentation and watch the video from Monday evening. All of this information is available on our website at www.coppellisd.com/board.
We value our community’s feedback. Therefore, I encourage the CISD community — parents or guardians, those who live in our district without children attending our schools, our employees, our business and community partners, etc. — to participate in our Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forums April 4, 7, 11 and 14. These are come and go sessions. where you can provide feedback on the future of our district. Teams from our Visioning Committee, which consisted of staff, parents, community members and students, have drafted visioning priority areas and statements for feedback. This is another opportunity for you to have a voice in the visioning process and help shape the future of CISD. This feedback will be shared with our Board of Trustees and used by our staff as we look ahead to future planning this fall. You can read more about these sessions below or at go.coppellisd.com/VisioningStatements.
As we head into Spring Break next week, I hope you enjoy the time off with your family and friends. I look forward to welcoming everyone back on March 21, as we start the last nine weeks of this school year.
Happy Spring Break!Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent#CatchupWithHunt: Town Center Elementary
Tune into YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Sastha Mahadevan, a 5th grade student at Town Center Elementary.In this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: Town Center Elementary
- Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forums on April 4, 7, 11 and 14
- CISD in the News: WFAA Ch. 8 Daybreak Story on Coppell Band Students
- Spotlight on Authentic Relationships: House System at Austin Elementary
- HOSA High School Students Advance to State
- Seven CHS9 Students Advance to State VASE Competition
- High School Theatre Students Advance to UIL One-Act Play District Competition
- New Tech High @ Coppell Presents “Shakespeare in the Perk”
- CHS Astronomy Students Share Out of This World Space Science Lessons with Town Center 4th Graders
- New Episode of We Value Podcast Features CHS Junior Emily Fischetti
- CISD Education Foundation Hosts JC's Burger and Andy's Giveback Night March 23
- Community Movie Night March 26 at Buddy Echols Field at CHS
- Seeking Sponsors for March 26 CHS Community Movie Night
- Pre-Participation Spring Physicals for Athletics Available on April 23
- Coppell ISD Education Foundation Seeking Board Candidates
- Registration Open for May 7 Run to Fund
- CISD Announces 2022-2023 Enrollment Dates
- CISD Seeking Sponsors for May 27 Graduation Ceremonies
- Seeking Volunteers for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Event April 23
- Upcoming Events
Visioning Community and Staff Feedback Forums on April 4, 7, 11 and 14
CISD invites our community to share feedback on the CISD Visioning process during come and go sessions in April. These sessions are on:- Monday, April 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Board Room at the Vonita White Administration Building located at 200 South Denton Tap Road
- Thursday, April 7, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room at CMS West located at 2701 Ranch Trail in Cypress Waters
- Monday, April 11 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) room at CMS West located at 2701 Ranch Trail in Cypress Waters
- Thursday, April 14 from 8 a.m. to noon in the Board Room at the Vonita White Administration Building located at 200 South Denton Tap Road
This feedback opportunity is part of the work of the district’s Visioning Committee, which is a continuation of the district’s Strategic Design work and is helping outline the vision of CISD for the next five to ten years and beyond. The Strategic Design process defined the district and led to the development of the core values of redefining success, great teaching, authentic relationships and collective engagement. The Visioning process builds upon this work, and the work of the 2019-2020 Facilities Committee, to help CISD plan for the future.
Results of this feedback will be shared with the CISD Board of Trustees along with recommendations to move forward with Bond Committee work for the fall of 2022.
CISD in the News: WFAA Ch. 8 Daybreak Story on Coppell Band Students
CISD students were recently showcased in a local TV story. Members of the Coppell Band were featured on WFAA Ch. 8’s morning news program Daybreak in the story “Coppell band members teaching a lesson in love: Notelove is a non-profit that teaches music to underprivileged kids.” This story is available at go.coppellisd.com/NoteloveCh8.Spotlight on Authentic Relationships: House System at Austin Elementary
Houses earn points for positive behaviors and learn about different positive character traits such as honesty and kindness. Each House is a team that works together to collect points that are displayed on a bulletin board near the front of the school. Houses and points are also celebrated at school assemblies, with the current winner announced by the color of balloons revealed from a box.
“Our students and teachers have really blossomed with this program,” Perryman said. “We have been able to see relationships develop between learners of all ages, and collaborations with our teachers across grade levels who may not otherwise work together. It’s been a great experience to deepen relationships and heighten school spirit.”
Read more at go.coppellisd.com/AustinHouses.
CHS and CHS9 HOSA High School Students Advance to State
A total of 25 Coppell High School and CHS9 students have qualified for the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) state competition. Advancing to state are CHS Seniors Hailey Johnson and Sabrina Williams; CHS Juniors Hrishikesh Ambekar, Ananya Agarwal, Emily Chang, Neel Chalemela, Arjun Jayakumar, Shrithan Oruganti and Guneet Sehgal; CHS Sophomores Samiksha Chemukula, Nikhita Damuluri, Ansh Jarmarwala, Bhavana Karnam, Anusha Narway, Kshetra Polavarapu, Tanvi Rudrangi, Aadi Sharma, Alena Truong, and Meenakshi Subha Vipin; and CHS9 students Nishka Vartikar, Rhea Rajan, Ashia Agarwal, Lindsey Ro, Shreya Dongre and Sahiti Peechara. HOSA teacher advisers are Jennifer Bullock with CHS and Bill Borowski with CHS9. The Texas HOSA 2022 State Leadership Conference will take place April 19-22 in Galveston.
Seven CHS9 Students Advance to State VASE Competition
.
Seven CHS9 students have qualified to move on to the state Visual Arts Scholastic Event or VASE competition at the end of April. These students advanced after showcasing their work at the Regional VASE competition in February. CHS9 had 39 students receive one or more regional medals for their division, and of those seven qualified to move on to the state competition. The CHS9 students advancing to state are Richard Chen, Melora Dominic, Harshini Godavarthi, Claire Liu, Nrithya Mahesh, Sahiti Peechara and Justin Chang, who had two of his works selected. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/22CHS9StateVase.
High School Theatre Students Advance to UIL One-Act Play
District Competition
The Cowboy Theatre Company’s UIL One-Act Play “By the Bog of Cats” by Marina Carr has advanced to district competition. Congratulations to the following students for advancing: Senior Hally Leonard for Outstanding Performer in Competition, Juniors Jude Taylor and Lauren Beach for All Star Cast, Senior Sydney Taylor and Junior Uma Haridas for Honorable Mention Cast and New Tech High @ Coppell Sophomore Sarah Myers for Outstanding Technician. The Coppell Theatre Company is led by Director of Theatre Karen Ruth and teacher advisers Brittany Young, Lauren Holt, Ben Brown and Jalin Samuels.
New Tech High @ Coppell Presents “Shakespeare in the Perk”
“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” New Tech High @ Coppell students transformed their gym into a stage and their English learners into players when the school presented “Shakespeare in the Perk” on March 8. This free event showcased a modern interpretation of Shakespeare for attendees, including mini-performances, art displays, costume designs and more to bring the words of "The Bard" to life for today's world.
CHS Astronomy Students Share Out of This World Space Science Lessons with Town Center 4th Graders
The stars aligned on March 8, as CHS students in Angela Barnes astronomy classes launched over to Town Center Elementary to teach space science to 4th graders.
“It was fun to watch the astronomy kids in action, as they implemented the lesson plans they created to cover the 4th grade space science TEKS [Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills],” Barnes said. “We wanted to make sure both the high school and elementary learners were laughing, learning, and engaged.”
CISD elementary students learn space science in 4th-grade. The CHS students included both technology and science journaling into their learner-designed lessons to develop hands-on experiences. Five astronomy classes participated, which equaled more than 100 high school students, mostly seniors with a few juniors and sophomores. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/TCEAstronomy.
New Episode of We Value Podcast Features CHS Junior Emily Fischetti
The latest episode of the CISD We Value Podcast features the story of CHS Junior Emily Fischetti. Fischetti, who is on the high school varsity softball team, was diagnosed with dyslexia in 8th grade.
She is the embodiment of the CISD core value of redefining success. Her story shows how success can be different for everyone. Listen to the podcast at go.coppellisd.com/EmilyFischettiPodcast or wherever you get your podcasts by searching “Coppell ISD We Value.” Learn more about the CISD We Value podcasts and listen to past episodes at www.coppellisd.com/wevalue.
CISD Education Foundation Hosts JC's Burger and Andy's Giveback Night March 23
Support the CISD Education Foundation by dining at JC's Burger Bar and Andy's Custard on Wednesday, March 12. Eat at these restaurants and mention the Coppell ISD Education Foundation and a portion of the profits will go back to CEF and CISD Schools.
Community Movie Night March 26 at Buddy Echols Field at CHS
Join the CISD community for a night full of fun as the Class of 2023 presents a screening of “Monsters Inc.” on the big screen on the field of Buddy Echols Field at CHS on Saturday, March 26. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for CISD Students, $7 for adults and a family option is available for $20. Be sure to bring some cash for concessions. There will be a costume contest for children, who are encouraged to come dressed up in their favorite Monsters Inc. attire. Prizes will be given to the best dressed. All CISD students under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For details and to purchase a ticket, visit go.coppellisd.com/March26MovieNight.Seeking Sponsors for March 26 CHS Community Movie Night
The Class of 2023 at Coppell High School will host a Community Movie Night on March 26 on the field at Buddy Echols Stadium. If your business would like to sponsor the event and host a table for $50, you can sign up at go.coppellisd.com/MovieNightSponsor. A sponsorship includes a provided table, water and two chairs. Arrival for sponsors starts at 4:30 p.m. and the gate opens for everyone in the community at 6:30 p.m. Sponsors will not be able to sell any products, but can advertise their business.
Pre-Participation Spring Physicals for Athletics Available on April 23
Pre-Participation Physicals will be offered by the Coppell ISD Sports Medicine Program in conjunction with Old Town Family Practice on Saturday, April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment only. Scan the QR code to the left or visit go.coppellisd.com/April23PreParticipationPhysicals to sign up for a time slot, make payments and print or download physical forms.
Coppell ISD Education Foundation Seeking Board Candidates
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation is seeking candidates to fill open seats on its Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of volunteers representing the community and businesses served by CISD It presides over all operations of CEF, including administering grants for innovative programs, student and teacher recognition events, educational camps, and individual and corporate fundraising. Board members also serve as ambassadors for CEF in raising community awareness and supporting the mission of excellence in education in CISD. Those interested can find more information about the foundation and the board member application process on the CEF website at www.coppellisdef.com. The deadline for submitting applications is March 31.
Register Today for the CEF 10th Annual Run to Fund May 7
The Coppell ISD Education Foundation invites you to join us for our 10th Annual Run to Fund taking place on Saturday, May 7 at Andy Brown East. The event includes a 5K, a one mile fun run and a sleep-in option. Remember, $2 from every Run to Fund race entry will be contributed to the PE Department of the school of your choice. Current registration fees are $30 per entry and will increase on April 1. Visit go.coppellisd.com/RuntoFund to register.
CISD Announces 2022—2023 Enrollment Dates
CISD is announcing enrollment dates for our choice elementary schools and high school, and enrollment for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. More information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment.
-
March 28 — DLI applications due
-
March 22 — Kindergarten Enrollment begins
- March 22 — Pinkerton IB Tour #1 — 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- April 1 — The Turning Point program at Victory Place begins accepting applications for the 2022-2023 School Year
-
April 6 — Pinkerton IB Applications Due
-
April 8 — Lottery for the Dual Language Immersion program and Pick Pinkerton IB program, 8:30 a.m. at the CISD Administration Building
-
April 11 — DLI agreements sent out
-
April 22 — DLI agreements due
-
April 23 — Transfer decisions shared out
-
April 27 — Re-enrollment email is sent to current parents
-
May 5 — Kindergarten Round-Up
-
June 1 — Second transfer window opens
-
June 9 — Open Enrollment Window Opens
CISD Seeking Sponsors for May 27 Graduation Ceremonies
After a successful event in 2021, Coppell ISD will again hold its graduation events locally and onsite on May 27. CISD is looking to continue to make this year’s graduation ceremonies special, once-in-a-lifetime events for the nearly 1,000 Coppell ISD graduates. Coppell ISD will have several exciting surprises during the graduation festivities in honor of our amazing seniors. Join us in honoring the hard work of these exceptional students and their families.-
Coppell High School Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field.
-
New Tech High @ Coppell Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 3 p.m. in the Coppell High School Arena.
Sponsorship opportunities are available from $500 to $5,000 to cover the cost of the fireworks and confetti cannons at the ceremonies. To further discuss our sponsorship packages, please contact Angela Brown at abrown@coppellisd.com.
Seeking Volunteers for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Event April 23
The City of Coppell is dedicated to transforming our local community through acts of service and opportunities to build relationships with our neighbors. Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a one day service project, seeks to connect volunteers with Coppell residents who need assistance with home maintenance and repairs. Together we can build a stronger and more resilient community. Sign up to volunteer or request assistance at your home at www.coppelltx.gov/neighbors. The deadline for volunteer sign-up is April 1.S. Belt Line Road from Southwestern to IH-635 has been officially reduced to one lane in each direction, plus a center lane for turning traffic. AVOID THE TRAFFIC and seek alternate routes! Learn more at coppelltx.gov/beltline.
coppelltx.gov/beltline
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
March 3, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
Before the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday night, we were able to host a special recognition reception and ceremony for our 2021-2022 Campus Teachers of the Year. It was an amazing experience to honor these exceptional educators and celebrate them alongside their families, colleagues and principals. Our campus Teachers of the Year exemplify our great teaching core value, which states we value great teaching because we believe it is key to deep learning. We are so very fortunate to have such incredible teachers in CISD. and I am glad we were able to honor some of them Monday night.
I also believe that what gets recognized gets repeated, so it is important to recognize and honor these teachers in a special way. I also want to thank our business and community partners who donated items for the Teachers of the Year “swag bags.” These tokens of appreciation go a long way in letting our educators know that they are appreciated. A special thank you to our local business partners for supporting our teachers.
Speaking of appreciation, on Monday night CISD Trustees approved another one-time lump sum payment for eligible employees using ESSER grant funds. This payment was approved in recognition of how our teachers and staff are going above and beyond in service to our students during the pandemic, especially in addressing learning loss and mental health issues. This and the payment approved last fall are just small tokens of appreciation for what our educators and staff do to educate and serve our students each and every day. Again, thank you, thank you, thank you to our amazing teachers and staff for all you do for our students and families.
Spring is in the air and as the temperatures are warming, we are getting ready for a busy spring season filled with many special events that will allow us to engage with our community. You are invited to attend these campus events including Open Houses, Book Fairs, athletic events, choir performances, musicals, band concerts and more. I hope to see you in our schools supporting our students and staff. It's a perfect opportunity to see the excellent learning and the amazing talent expressed in our schools each day.
Thank you for all you do in support of our district,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent#CatchupWithHunt: Pinkerton Elementary
Tune into YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Winner Engelhardt, a 2nd grade student at Pinkerton Elementary.In this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: Pinkerton Elementary
- Transfer Applications Due March 31
- Wilson Elementary’s Emiliano Garcia Wins Regional Spanish Spelling Bee
- Wrestlers Maria Husain and Scout Carrell Medal at State
- Seven CHS Students Advance to State VASE Competition
- Coppell Arts Center Exhibit Features CHS IB Students
- High School DECA Students Qualify For International Competition
- 2016 Bond Dollars at Work: Update on Bond Projects
- Community Movie Night March 26 at Buddy Echols Field at CHS
- Seeking Sponsors for March 26 CHS Community Movie Night
- CHS CLAM Literary Magazine Seeks Advertising Sponsorship
- CISD Announces 2022-2023 Enrollment Dates
- CISD Seeking Sponsors for May 27 Graduation Ceremonies
- Seeking Volunteers for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Event April 23
- Upcoming Events
Transfer Applications Due March 31Students wishing to attend a campus that is not their home campus must apply each year to transfer to another campus by filling out a form by March 31 at www.coppellisd.com/transfer. Check for your home/zoned campus at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment. Reminder, transportation is not provided for transfer students.
Wilson Elementary’s Emiliano Garcia Wins Regional Spanish Spelling Bee
Emiliano Noyola Garcia, a 5th grade student at Wilson Elementary, won the Region 10 Spanish Spelling Bee on March 3. Garcia, who won the CISD Spanish Spelling Bee in January, will now go on to compete in the National Spanish Spelling Bee to be held in El Paso this summer. He correctly spelled “carnívoro,” which means carnivorous, to win the Regionn 10 Spanish Spelling Bee.
CHS Wrestlers Maria Husain and Scout Carrell Medal at State
Congratulations to the two Cowgirl wrestlers who medaled at the UIL State Wrestling Championships held in Cypress Texas Feb. 18-19. CHS Senior Maria Husain won her second consecutive state medal with a 6th place finish. Junior Scout Carrell won her first state medal with a 5th place finish.Seven CHS Students Advance to State VASE Competition
Seven Coppell High School students have qualified to move on to the state Visual Arts Scholastic Event or VASE competition at the end of April. These students advanced after showcasing their work at the Regional VASE competition in February. CHS had 49 students receive one or more regional medals for their division, and of those seven qualified to move on to the state competition.
The CHS students advancing to state are Isabella Lucio, Scarlett Bliobenes, Tanvi Rudrangi, Michelle Jiang, Krisha Shah, Jeffrey Wang and Ashley Zhang, who had two of her works selected. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/22StateVASE.Coppell Arts Center Exhibit Features CHS IB Students
The Coppell Arts Center is hosting the “Thrown to the Wolves” IB Diploma Arts Exhibition featuring work from the CHS International Baccalaureate Visual Arts Program. The exhibit will be on view through March 10. Exhibitions at the Coppell Arts Center are free to the public. The Coppell Arts Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The student works presented at the Coppell Arts Center feature a wide range of visual media including photography, drawing, painting, digital media, printmaking and sculpture. For CHS IB seniors, this exhibition symbolizes the proud conclusion of two years of creative explorations and effort. The exhibit features the work of CHS IB Seniors Elena Hewett, Ashley Kim, Christina Daly Olivares, Mihika Nagale, Kashish Vishwakarma and Tomas Gonzalez Garcia.
High School Students Qualify for DECA International Competition
A total of 46 CISD high school students — the most ever for the district — have qualified for the DECA student business organization's international competition after competing at the Texas DECA competition in Houston on Feb. 24-26. DECA is an association of marketing students that encourages the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions. The DECA International Career Development Conference will take place in Atlanta at the end of April.
Advancing to the DECA International Career Development Conference from CHS9 are: Yashitha Chunduru, Sabah Uddin and Navya Singh.
The CHS DECA students who qualified for the international competition are: Isha Rahi, Janani Ramamoorthy, Dhruv Kamtam, Sahana Kaushik, Linh Le, Vrishti Jain, Jeevana Ramakrishna, Anirudh Kumbum, Karthik Nakka, Anuraag Ayancha, Saketh Kalvakuntla, Nic Martinez, Nithilan Ravikumar, Aryan Veluru, Dilan Patel, Farah Kader, Manasa Mohan, Roma Patel, Tavishka Arora, Ria Akhilesh, Veda Kanamarlapudi, Arya Agashe, Zahra Shaikhali, Nehal Singh, Kavin Sampath, Siya Sangani, Nischintha Srinivasan, Aashna Kothari, Rahul Balaji, Rudransh Rajaram, Saniya Koppikar, Megha Pazhayidathu, Sri Achanta and Anveshi Goyal.
The New Tech High @ Coppell DECA students who qualified for the international competition are: Bogdan Maksimov, Joshua Thomas, , Soha Alam, Anthika Gunaselan, Payton Hoenig, Namyuktha Prakash, Arwyn Sullivan and Anekah Kelley.
2016 Bond Dollars at Work: Update on Bond Projects
As of March 2022, the 2016 voter-approved CISD Bond has a fund balance of about $33 million, which includes project savings of $8.4 million. About $16.5 million of this fund balance has been allocated to projects, including the construction of dressing rooms at the Baseball and Softball Complex at CHS9 and to the purchase of new buses, equipment and technology. The remaining $16.5 million remains in the fund balance. For details about the 2016 CISD Bond, visit www.coppellisd.com/bond.
Community Movie Night March 26 at Buddy Echols Field at CHS
Join the CISD community for a night full of fun as the Class of 2023 presents a screening of “Monsters Inc.” on the big screen on the field of Buddy Echols Field at CHS on Saturday, March 26. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for CISD Students, $7 for adults and a family option is available for $20. Be sure to bring some cash for concessions. There will be a costume contest for children, who are encouraged to come dressed up in their favorite Monsters Inc. attire. Prizes will be given to the best dressed. All CISD students under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For details and to purchase a ticket, visit go.coppellisd.com/March26MovieNight.Seeking Sponsors for March 26 CHS Community Movie Night
The Class of 2023 at Coppell High School will host a Community Movie Night on March 26 on the field at Buddy Echols Stadium. If your business would like to sponsor the event and host a table for $50, you can sign up at go.coppellisd.com/MovieNightSponsor. A sponsorship includes a provided table, water and two chairs. Arrival for sponsors starts at 4:30 p.m. and the gate opens for everyone in the community at 6:30 p.m. Sponsors will not be able to sell any products, but can advertise their business.
CHS CLAM Literary Magazine Seeks Advertising Sponsorships
The Creative Writing program at CHS, under the direction of Matthew Bowden, produces a publication each year called the “CLAM" or the Coppell Literary and Art Magazine. This yearly periodical is a collection of the writings and art of CHS students. The CLAM is a bound book distributed to parents and staff that participate in the program. The CLAM is distributed to 100 subscribers and will also be published online and sent out to all CISD families totaling more than 13,000 students. The CLAM is seeking sponsors to help cover the cost of the publication.- Full Page Ad — $200
- ½ Page Ad —$100
- ¼ Page Ad — $50
- Business Card Size Ad — $25
CISD Announces 2022—2023 Enrollment Dates
CISD is announcing enrollment dates for our choice elementary schools and high school, and enrollment for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. More information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment.
-
March 3 — Pinkerton IB Parent Information Meeting #1 at 6 p.m. at Pinkerton Elementary
-
March 3 — Pinkerton Elementary applications go live
-
March 4— NTH@C student lottery
-
March 8 — Pinkerton IB Parent Information Meeting #2 at 6 p.m. at Pinkerton Elementary
-
March 9 — Pinkerton IB Tour #1 — 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
-
March 9 — Dual Language Immersion program for Denton Creek Elementary and Wilson Elementary Parent Information Session, 6-7 p.m., CISD Brock Center Training Room 1
-
March 28 — DLI applications due
-
March 22 — Kindergarten Enrollment begins
- March 22 — Pinkerton IB Tour #1 — 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- April 1 — The Turning Point program at Victory Place begins accepting applications for the 2022-2023 School Year
-
April 6 — Pinkerton IB Applications Due
-
April 8 — Lottery for the Dual Language Immersion program and Pick Pinkerton IB program, 8:30 a.m. at the CISD Administration Building
CISD Seeking Sponsors for May 27 Graduation Ceremonies
After a successful event in 2021, Coppell ISD will again hold its graduation events locally and onsite on May 27. CISD is looking to continue to make this year’s graduation ceremonies special, once-in-a-lifetime events for the nearly 1,000 Coppell ISD graduates. Coppell ISD will have several exciting surprises during the graduation festivities in honor of our amazing seniors. Join us in honoring the hard work of these exceptional students and their families.-
Coppell High School Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 7 pm at Buddy Echols Field.
-
New Tech High @ Coppell Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 3 pm in the Coppell High School Arena.
Sponsorship opportunities are available from $500 to $5,000 to cover the cost of the fireworks and confetti cannons at the ceremonies. To further discuss our sponsorship packages, please contact Angela Brown at abrown@coppellisd.com.
Seeking Volunteers for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Event April 23
The City of Coppell is dedicated to transforming our local community through acts of service and opportunities to build relationships with our neighbors. Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a one day service project, seeks to connect volunteers with Coppell residents who need assistance with home maintenance and repairs. Together we can build a stronger and more resilient community. Sign up to volunteer or request assistance at your home at www.coppelltx.gov/neighbors. The deadline for volunteer sign-up is April 1.Want up to $10 off your water bill? You are now able to register for our new utility billing online portal! If you register for an account by April 1, you can claim a $5 discount on your next water bill! Register for bank drafts for an additional $5 off. All customers who wish to pay utility bills online must register for an account on the new platform. Learn more by visiting the coppelltx.gov portal
https://coppelltx.gov/1042/Citizen-Self-Service-CSS-Portal
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
February 25, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
Got to love this crazy Texas weather! Thank you for being flexible and supportive as we have worked through cancellations and rescheduling of events. We will continue to update our community with any additional information related to inclement weather.
One of CISD's core values is authentic relationships. We believe when we invest in each other, we learn and flourish. I truly believe that our focus on relationships is what sets this district apart. This core value has certainly been at the top of my mind these past few weeks, and this week especially, as our community deals with a tragedy that has affected so many. It's during some of our darkest days that we see the brightest part of our community. I am so grateful we have people that continually reach out to help and support one another.
For me, our relationships with students and their families don’t end when they graduate. We continue to invest in these relationships as our students as they go on to colleges, careers, military service and beyond. One of my highest joys as a former teacher and principal is to see our students succeed and grow in their lives. Alumni that I had as students as the principal of CHS are now teaching in the district or are parents of CISD children themselves. I value each and every one of these students and take great pride in what they are achieving post-graduation. This "homecoming" is a very special piece of our CISD story.
I want each and every one of you to know that you matter, and that you are valued by our school district. We know the past few years have exacerbated the mental health needs of our students, staff, and community. It's a lot right now and can feel very overwhelming. You are not alone. If you need assistance, please reach out to your school counselor, a district support counselor or another staff member. We are here to help, because we want us to all flourish. CISD is here for you.
Bundle up and stay warm!Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent#CatchupWithHunt: CMS East
Tune in to YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Allison Geltemeyer, an eighth grade student at CMS East.In this Issue:
- #CatchUpWithHunt: CMS East
- Correction: New Tech National Merit Finalist Anekah Kelley
- Announcing New Head Football Coach/Boys’ Athletic Coordinator, New Girls’ Athletic Coordinator and New Head Volleyball Coach
- CISD in the News: Boys and Girls Basketball Featured on Local TV News
- Spotlight on Bus Driver Regina Whitaker
- Pinkerton and Valley Ranch Elementary Students place at UIL Academic Chess Puzzle Invitational
- Seeking Sponsors for March 26 CHS Community Movie Night
- CHS CLAM Literary Magazine Seeks Advertising Sponsorship
- Mentorship Opportunity Available for CISD Elementary Students
- Major Traffic Impacts Expected on S. Belt Line Road Beginning Feb. 28
- CISD Hosts Public Hearing on Texas Academic Performance Report on Feb. 28
- CISD Education Foundation Super Star Nominations Close Feb. 25
- CISD Announces 2022—2023 Enrollment Dates
- Save the Date: Parent University Conference March 26
- CISD Seeking Graduation Sponsors
- Seeking Volunteers for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Event April 23
- Upcoming Events
Correction: New Tech National Merit Finalist Anekah Kelley
Last week’s announcement of CISD’s National Merit Finalists did not include New Tech High @ Coppell Senior Anekah Kelley. The district has 36 National Merit Finalists, which is a record for CISD.
Announcing New Head Football Coach/Boys’ Athletic Coordinator, New Girls’ Athletic Coordinator and New Head Volleyball Coach
CISD announced today (Feb. 25) the hiring of the district’s new head football coach/boys’ athletic coordinator, the new girls' athletic coordinator and the new head volleyball coach, pending approval by the CISD Trustees at the Feb. 28 Board Meeting.
From left: Antonio Wiley, Dr. Roxanne Long and Robyn Ross.
Antonio Wiley, current head coach at Hirschi High School in Wichita Falls, will be the district’s new head football coach and boys' athletic coordinator. Dr. Roxanne Long, current Coppell High School math teacher and former college and high school girls’ basketball coach, will be the new girls' athletic coordinator. CHS Alumna and U.S. Air Force Veteran Robyn Ross, who coaches at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in Virginia, will be the new head volleyball coach.
“Coach Wiley, Dr. Long and Coach Ross are highly-qualified and experienced athletic leaders who will make our district community proud,” CISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt said. “I look forward to welcoming them all to our CISD family.”
CISD Athletic Director Kit Pehl said, “We are all about relationships in CISD Athletics, and all three of our new hires share in this philosophy. I know that Coach Wiley, Dr. Long and Coach Ross will put students first as they carry on our tradition of ‘Cowboy Fight Never Dies.’”
CHS Principal Laura Springer added, “Our high school community is about loving kids and giving them the tools they need to be successful in whatever inspires them. All three of these individuals love kids and will do whatever it takes for their students to know their value and potential. I cannot wait to welcome them to our team.”
Coach Wiley, Dr. Long and Coach Ross will begin their duties at CISD on March 1. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/22Coaches.CISD in the News: Boys' and Girls' Basketball Featured on Local TV News
Both of CISD’s Varsity Basketball teams were recently featured in local broadcast news stories. The Cowgirls appeared on CBS 11 on Feb. 18 in a story about their historic playoff run, which ended Feb. 21, and winning the bi-district game on Coach Ryan Murphy’s birthday. You can view the story at go.coppellisd.com/CBSGirlsBasketball. The Cowboys were featured on WFAA Ch. 8, the local ABC affiliate, on Feb. 21 in the story, “'Most diverse team in Texas': From India to Eritrea, high school basketball team finds unity in each other's differences.” You can view the story at go.coppellisd.com/Ch8BoysBasketball.
Spotlight on Bus Driver Regina Whitaker
In honor of School Bus Driver Appreciation Day on Feb. 22, CISD is spotlighting Bus Driver Regina Whitaker.
Regina Whitaker wants every one of her bus riders to feel loved, valued and special. “My goal is to put a smile on their face,” said Whitaker, who has been a bus driver for CISD for five years and driving school buses for 15 years. She believes that she has an opportunity in the mornings to help students start the day off on a good foot. “Even if they had a rough morning at home, I can help turn that around so it is a good day at school,” she said. “I also can turn around a rough day at school by making the ride home as positive as possible. I will try to make it a good day.” Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Whitaker.
Pinkerton and Valley Ranch Elementary Students Place at UIL Academic Chess Puzzle Invitational
Pinkerton Elementary hosted the first UIL Chess Puzzle Invitational Meet for students first grade through fifth grade on Feb. 16 with students from Pinkerton and Valley Ranch Elementary placing at the tournament. For the first through third grade division, CISD student winners were:
- 1st Place — Alex Toth, Pinkerton, 3rd grade
- 3rd Place — Sahana Parekh, Pinkerton, 3rd grade
- 6th Place (tie) — Max Salazar, Pinkerton, 3rd grade and Joshua Waters, Pinkerton, 1st grade
- 1st Place — Aditya Manalan, Valley Ranch, 5th grade
- 3rd Place — Sashank Dasari, Valley Ranch, 5th grade
- 4th Place — Sai Raja, Valley Ranch, 5th grade
- 5th Place — Naina Parekh, Pinkerton, 5th grade
Seeking Sponsors for March 26 CHS Community Movie Night
The Class of 2023 at Coppell High School will host a Community Movie Night on March 26 on the field at Buddy Echols Stadium. If your business would like to sponsor the event and host a table for $50, you can sign up at go.coppellisd.com/MovieNightSponsor. A sponsorship includes a provided table, water and two chairs. Arrival for sponsors starts at 4:30 p.m. and the gate opens for everyone in the community at 6:30 p.m. Sponsors will not be able to sell any products, but can advertise your business.
CHS CLAM Literary Magazine Seeks Advertising Sponsorship
The Creative Writing program at CHS, under the direction of Matthew Bowden, produces a publication each year called the “CLAM" or the Coppell Literary and Art Magazine. This yearly periodical is a collection of the writings and art of CHS students. The CLAM is a bound book distributed to parents and staff that participate in the program. The CLAM is distributed to 100 subscribers and will also be published online and sent out to all CISD families totaling more than 13,000 students. The CLAM is seeking sponsors to help cover the cost of the publication.- Full Page Ad — $200
- ½ Page Ad —$100
- ¼ Page Ad — $50
- Business Card Size Ad — $25
Mentorship Opportunity Available for CISD Elementary Students
A free mentorship program is available for CISD elementary students. The Essentials Mentorship Program partners elementary learners with high school students. Children ages 6 to 11 can strengthen their soft skills, have a support system and develop a bond with older kids. The program will be held at the Coppell Cozby Library in Room A on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. starting on March 2. To sign up for the program, visit https://tinyurl.com/theessentialsrsvp. This program is part of a Capstone project led by New Tech High @ Coppell Senior Audrey Ramirez.
Major Traffic Impacts Expected on S. Belt Line Road Beginning Feb. 28
Avoid S. Belt Line Road from Southwestern Boulevard to IH-635
Commuters in Coppell may have noticed more activity, lane closures, and traffic on the northbound side of S. Belt Line Road the past few weeks, but it’s about to get a lot worse from Southwestern Boulevard to IH-635. Traffic impacts are expected for the next 15 months. On Monday, Feb. 28, traffic will be reduced to one lane on both the north- and southbound sides of the roadway while crews stripe the new lane configuration. On Tuesday, March 1, crews will divert all traffic to the northbound lanes (east side), allowing for one lane in each direction, plus a center lane at intersections for turning traffic. The southbound lanes (west side) will be closed.
Seek alternative routes and avoid the construction zone! Travelers on the western side of the city should use IH-635/S. Royal Lane or IH-635/Freeport Parkway. Travelers on the eastern side of the city should use MacArthur Boulevard. Commuters are also encouraged to detour to surrounding highways and tollways to avoid the area. For example, drivers can utilize SH-121/Sam Rayburn Tollway or take Sandy Lake Road to President George Bush Tollway.
Interested in real-time travel updates? Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/coppellbeltline . Road signage and other official channels are also being used to communicate updates. Sign up to receive email or text message updates regarding the S. Belt Line Road reconstruction project at coppelltx.gov/notifyme. For more information about the S. Belt Line Road Reconstruction Project, visit coppelltx.gov/beltline or contact the City of Coppell Public Works at 972-304-3679.
CISD Hosts Public Hearing on Texas Academic Performance Report on Feb. 28
CISD will hold a Public Hearing to discuss its Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) during the monthly School Board meeting on Monday, Feb. 28. During this public hearing, district officials also will share the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) Financial Standard Report, CISD’s accreditation status, campus performance objectives, the district’s special education compliance status, the report of violent or criminal incidents within the district and share information from The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The hearing will take place during the public portion of the meeting that begins at 6 p.m. in the Boardroom of the Vonita White Administration Building, which is located at 200 S. Denton Tap Road in Coppell. This report may also be viewed online at go.coppellisd.com/accountability.
CISD Education Foundation Super Star Nominations Close Feb. 25
Help the CISD Education Foundation spotlight the dedicated and hardworking students, teachers, administrators and support staff in CISD by nominating them for a Super Star award. The deadline for Super Star nominations is Feb. 25. Everyone nominated, regardless of whether they are chosen as a winner, will receive a printed certificate which is recognition in itself, so please nominate as many deserving educators and CISD staff members as possible. Click here to nominate.
CISD Announces 2022—2023 Enrollment Dates
CISD is announcing enrollment dates for our choice elementary schools and high school, and enrollment for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. More information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment.
-
Feb 28 — Dual Language Immersion applications accepted
-
Feb. 28 — NTH@C application window closes
-
March 1 — Pre-Kindergarten enrollment begins
-
March 3 — Pinkerton IB Parent Information Meeting #1 at 6 p.m. at Pinkerton Elementary
-
March 3 — Pinkerton Elementary applications go live
-
March 4— NTH@C student lottery
-
March 8 — Pinkerton IB Parent Information Meeting #2 at 6 p.m. at Pinkerton Elementary
-
March 9 — Pinkerton IB Tour #1 — 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
-
March 9 — Dual Language Immersion program for Denton Creek Elementary and Wilson Elementary Parent Information Session, 6-7 p.m., CISD Brock Center Training Room 1
-
March 28 — DLI applications due
-
March 22 — Kindergarten Enrollment begins
-
March 22 — Pinkerton IB Tour #1 — 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
-
April 6 — Pinkerton IB Applications Due
-
April 8 — Lottery for the Dual Language Immersion program and Pick Pinkerton IB program, 8:30 a.m. at the CISD Administration Building
Save the Date: Parent University Conference March 26
Save the Date: CISD will host a Parent University Conference — Parenting through the Pandemic — on Saturday, March 26. This conference is focused on how to support the mental health and well-being of children and families, while providing an avenue to connect with others as we navigate the ongoing, multi-year pandemic.
The conference will be held at Coppell High School from 8:30 a.m. to noon and will include a keynote speaker and an opportunity to select two choice sessions. After the event, there will be an outdoor community picnic. Register at go.coppellisd.com/22ParentU to attend. The event is limited to 500 participants.
CISD Seeking Graduation Sponsors
After a successful event in 2021, Coppell ISD will again hold its graduation events locally and onsite on May 27. CISD is looking to continue to make this year’s graduation ceremonies special, once-in-a-lifetime events for the nearly 1,000 Coppell ISD graduates. Coppell ISD will have several exciting surprises during the graduation festivities in honor of our amazing seniors. Join us in honoring the hard work of these exceptional students and their families.-
Coppell High School Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 7 pm at Buddy Echols Field.
-
New Tech High @ Coppell Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 3 pm in the Coppell High School Arena.
Sponsorship opportunities are available from $500 to $5,000 to cover the cost of the fireworks and confetti cannons at the ceremonies. To further discuss our sponsorship packages, please contact Angela Brown at abrown@coppellisd.com or Mark Winneker at 1Vision Media at mwinneker@1vision.media.
Seeking Volunteers for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Event April 23
The City of Coppell is dedicated to transforming our local community through acts of service and opportunities to build relationships with our neighbors. Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a one day service project, seeks to connect volunteers with Coppell residents who need assistance with home maintenance and repairs. Together we can build a stronger and more resilient community. Sign up to volunteer or request assistance at your home at www.coppelltx.gov/neighbors. The deadline for volunteer sign-up is April 1.Want up to $10 off your water bill? As of February 7, you are finally able to register for our new utility billing online portal! If you register for an account by April 1, you can claim a $5 discount on your next water bill! Register for bank drafts for an additional $5 off. All customers who wish to pay utility bills online must register for an account on the new platform. Learn more by visiting the coppelltx.gov portal
https://coppelltx.gov/1042/Citizen-Self-Service-CSS-Portal
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
February 17, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
Our community has been dealing with some very traumatic events. With the untimely loss of family members and loved ones taking a toll on our emotional well-being, now more than ever is a time for us to come together as a family to support those in need. By leaning on our family, friends and faith, together we can work through even the most challenging of situations. I am so grateful to live in a community that values relationships and supports one another during the times we need help the most. It is during the darkest times that we can see the brightest parts of a community. Please know we you matter and we have people and resources in CISD to support you during your time of need.
Monday was Valentine’s Day, and it was so nice that our elementary children were able to celebrate this holiday with the traditional classroom parties, candy hearts and exchanging notes of appreciation at our schools. This is a time when we can share what we love about one another. I think now more than ever, we need to be spreading that love and kindness. Speaking of love, our “I Heart CISD” campaign continues, as we promote our district to prospective teachers, staff and families.
I encourage you to visit www.iheartcisd.com to learn more about this campaign. Our latest recruitment video can be found at go.coppellisd.com/22IHeartVideo. Personally, I love our school district because of the relationships between our educators, students and families. Our parents and guardians are important partners in educating a child, and we appreciate the transparent communications and engaging ways we work together to serve our children. We cannot do our work without our high level of parental involvement, and I thank our parents for being involved in our schools, serving on committees and volunteering in a variety of capacities. Parents are a child's first teacher and I thank our parents for sharing their wonderful children with us every day.
Another reason to love this district is our incredible girls' basketball team, whose record-breaking season continues as the Cowgirls won their first playoff game Monday night, on Coach Ryan Murphy’s birthday. Please join me this Friday as our girl's basketball team continues their playoff run against Irving MacArthur at Euless Trinity High School. The game starts at 7 p.m. Go Cowgirls!
I know our teachers and staff, as well as our students and families, are looking forward to the upcoming four-day weekend. I hope you all take this well-deserved break to rest, rejuvenate and hug your loved ones just a little bit tighter.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchupWithHunt: CHS Juniors Merlin Prince and Malkam Wallace
Tune in to YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendents are CHS Juniors Merlin Prince and Malkam Wallace, members of the CISD Student iLead program.
In this Issue:
- #CatchupWithHunt: CHS Juniors Merlin Prince and Malkam Wallace
- Four-Day Weekend Reminder
- CISD Announces 35 National Merit Finalists
- Girls Basketball Advances in Playoffs
- Four Wrestlers Qualify for State After Regional Championships
- Two High School Swimmers Headed to State Competition
- CMS West Student Nikita Pradeep Wins YAM State Flag Contest
- Black History Month Spotlight: Denton Creek Elementary
- Fort Worth Opera Performs at Mockingbird Elementary
- New Tech Students Organize Adulting Day “Passion to Precision” Event
- CHS Students Give Music Lessons Across Metroplex
- Hitting the Mark: Robotics team leveling sights on victory
- CISD Education Foundation Super Star Nominations Close Feb. 25
- CISD Announces 2022—2023 Enrollment Dates
- Save the Date: Parent University Conference March 26
- CISD Seeking Graduation Sponsors
- Board of Trustee Applications Due Feb. 18 for May 7, 2022 Election
- Upcoming Events
Four-Day Weekend Reminder:
CISD Closed Feb. 18 and Feb. 21
As a reminder, there is a four-day weekend from Feb. 18 to Feb. 21. CISD will be closed on Friday, Feb. 18, which is a district holiday, and Monday, Feb. 21, which is an unused weather day. To make up for CISD closing Feb. 3-4 due to the winter weather, CISD is using built-in instructional minutes for elementary and middle schools. The district also added five minutes to the high school day, moving dismissal to 4:15 p.m. In addition, the high schools will not have an early release day on March 11 — the Friday before Spring Break — to make up for being closed two days last week. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Minutes22.
CISD Announces 35 National Merit FinalistsCISD announces 35 National Merit Finalists for the 2021-2022 school year, the highest number in district history. Congratulations to the 2022 National Merit Finalists Ashrith Anumala, Dia Atluri, Trisha Atluri, Ananya Balaji, Natasha Banga, Lauren Chamberlain, Ananya Chintalapudi, Anshuman Das, Mira Jiang, Veda Kanamarlapudi, Vishal Kantharaju, Sahana Kaushik, Beomseok Ko, Devika Kohli, Anjali Kota, Rudra Krishnamurthy, Arpan Kumar, Isabella Malick, Nikita Nair, Atharva Nijasure, Yoichiro Nishino, Rohan Palavali, Aakash Patel, Arnav Patil, Priyanka Prasad, Adarsh Pulasseri, Rudra Raval, Anshul Shah, Jaanvi Shah, Dhruv Shetty, Kashvi Singh, Chandana Sirigireddy, Anne Thomas, Aksh Tyagi and Sahan Yerram. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/22MeritFinalists.
Cowgirls Basketball Advances in Playoffs
Birthday Display: Cowgirls Gift Murphy Dominant Bi-District VictoryBy CHS Senior Meer Mahfuz. Courtesy of the CHS Sidekick student newspaper.
Photo by CHS Junior Angelina Liu
Feb. 14, aka “Murph Day” attributed to the birthday of Coppell coach Ryan Murphy, provided the Coppell girls basketball team a taste of something it has been longing for: sweet, sweet playoff victory. To celebrate “Murph Day”, the Cowgirls presented Murphy with cupcakes during walkthroughs and before heading down to Prosper to play in their first playoff game in four years as well as holding up a “Happy Murph Day” sign after their playoff game. After scoring nine unanswered points to open the game, the Cowgirls never looked back as they cruised to defeat Allen, 63-39, in a Class 6A Region I bi-district playoff game on Feb. 14 at Prosper Rock Hill. The team takes on Irving MacArthur on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. at Euless Trinity High School. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Bi-DistrictBasketball.
Four Wrestlers Qualify for State After Regional Championships
Led by two individual Regional Champions, Coppell Wrestling advanced four to the State Championships to be held Feb.18-Feb.19 in Cypress in the Houston area. Senior Maria Husain maintained her perfect record and improved to 32-0 in winning her first Regional Title. Junior Scout Carrell achieved her first Regional Championship as well. This will be the third trip to the UIL State Championships for both girls. Freshman Piper Carrell also advanced to State with a 4th place finish. For the boys, Sophomore Cameron Girard placed 5th and will go to state as an alternate.
Two High School Swimmers Headed to State Competition
CHS Sophomore Sean Li is headed to the UIL State Swim Competition for the 100 yard breaststroke. Sophomore Katelyn Jost also will swim at the State Competition in the 500 yard freestyle event.
CMS West Student Nikita Pradeep Wins State Flag Design Contest
CMS West Sixth Grader Nikita Pradeep is the Middle School Winner of the Texas Art Education Association's Youth Art Month Texas State Flag Contest. Her work will be on display at the State Capitol in Austin as part of Youth Art Month in March. Her CMS West art teacher is Catherine Schaefer.
Black History Month Spotlight: Denton Creek Elementary Third Graders
Third grade students in Traci Hemann’s class at Denton Creek Elementary commemorated Black History Month with a quilt project for social studies. Learners researched prominent figures from African American history, wrote a paragraph about these individuals for quilt squares and then posted sections of their quilt to a display in the third grade hallway at Denton Creek Elementary.
Fort Worth Opera Performs at Mockingbird Elementary
Singers from the Fort Worth Opera were able to share their “arias” of expertise during a performance at Mockingbird Elementary on Feb. 11. Singers performed "Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World," which is the story of a young girl whose family all had painted portraits on the wall of their home. She goes to the home of Frida Khalo and has her portrait painted and it ends up on her family wall. The show was made possible thanks to funding from the Mockingbird PTO.New Tech Students Organize Adulting Day “Passion to Precision” Event
New Tech High @ Coppell Juniors Anthika Gunaselan and Soha Alam organized an Adulting Day "Passion to Precision Career Development” event at the school on Feb. 11. This learner-led and designed opportunity allowed community professionals to come to New Tech High @ Coppell and speak candidly about their careers as part of Flex Friday at New Tech. Students were able to hear about careers from professional community members. Speakers ranged from dentists, law enforcement personnel, entrepreneurs, the President and CEO of YMCA, bank officers, former members of the U.S. Military, and medical students. There will be another Adulting Day "Passion to Precision Career Development" event at New Tech on March 25. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/NewTechAdulting.
CHS Students Give Music Lessons Across Metroplex
By Winston Henvey. Courtesy of the Coppell Gazette.A band of six CHS students are giving music lessons to students who don’t have access to music education. Nivi Anandaraj founded Texas’ first and only chapter of Notelove – a nonprofit organization where students give students music lessons – particularly in areas where music programs remain underdeveloped.
She runs the organization with her friends, Claire Wang, Destiny Wang, Ashley Zhang, Matthew Tindoc and Megha Pazhayidathu serving as a board of directors. There are currently two chapters – one in Boston and one in California, where the organization is headquartered. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Notelove.
Hitting the Mark: Robotics Team Leveling Sights on Victory
By CHS Junior Saniya Koppikar. Courtesy of the CHS Sidekick student newspaper.
Photos by CHS Junior Shreya Ravi.
The Mark X robotics team, which was started by brothers Aryan and Arnav Damle and CHS Junior Adarsh Goura, will be competing at the North Texas Regional Championship on Feb. 26. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/MarkXRobotics.
CISD Education Foundation Super Star Nominations Close Feb. 25
Help the CSD Education Foundation spotlight the dedicated and hardworking students, teachers, administrators and support staff in CISD by nominating them for a Super Star award. The deadline for Super Star nominations is Feb. 25. Everyone nominated, regardless of whether they are chosen as a winner, will receive a printed certificate which is recognition in itself, so please nominate as many deserving educators and CISD staff members as possible. Click here to nominate.
CISD Announces 2022—2023 Enrollment Dates
CISD is announcing enrollment dates for our choice elementary schools and high school, and enrollment for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. More information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment.
-
Feb 23 — Dual Language Immersion program for Denton Creek Elementary and Wilson Elementary Parent Information Session, 6-7 p.m., at the Vonita White Admin Building
-
Feb 28 — Dual Language Immersion applications accepted
-
Feb. 28 — NTH@C application window closes
-
March 1 — Pre-Kindergarten enrollment begins
-
March 3 — Pinkerton IB Parent Information Meeting #1 at 6 p.m. at Pinkerton Elementary
-
March 3 — Pinkerton Elementary applications go live
-
March 4— NTH@C student lottery
-
March 8 — Pinkerton IB Parent Information Meeting #2 at 6 p.m. at Pinkerton Elementary
-
March 9 — Pinkerton IB Tour #1 — 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
-
March 9 — Dual Language Immersion program for Denton Creek Elementary and Wilson Elementary Parent Information Session, 6-7 p.m., CISD Brock Center Training Room 1
-
March 28 — DLI applications due
-
March 22 — Kindergarten Enrollment begins
-
March 22 — Pinkerton IB Tour #1 — 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
-
April 6 — Pinkerton IB Applications Due
-
April 8 — Lottery for the Dual Language Immersion program and Pick Pinkerton IB program, 8:30 a.m at the CISD Administration Building
Save the Date: Parent University Conference March 26
Save the Date: CISD will host a Parent University Conference — Parenting through the Pandemic — on Saturday, March 26. This conference is focused on how to support the mental health and well-being of children and families, while providing an avenue to connect with others as we navigate the ongoing, multi-year pandemic.
The conference will be held at Coppell High School from 8:30 a.m. to noon and will include a keynote speaker and an opportunity to select two choice sessions. After the event, there will be an outdoor community picnic. Register at go.coppellisd.com/22ParentU to attend. The event is limited to 500 participants.
CISD Seeking Graduation Sponsors
After a successful event in 2021, Coppell ISD will again hold its graduation events locally and onsite on May 27. CISD is looking to continue to make this year’s graduation ceremonies special, once-in-a-lifetime events for the nearly 1,000 Coppell ISD graduates. Coppell ISD will have several exciting surprises during the graduation festivities in honor of our amazing seniors. Join us in honoring the hard work of these exceptional students and their families.-
Coppell High School Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 7 pm at Buddy Echols Field.
-
New Tech High @ Coppell Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 3 pm in the Coppell High School Arena.
Sponsorship opportunities are available from $500 to $5,000 to cover the cost of the fireworks and confetti cannons at the ceremonies. To further discuss our sponsorship packages, please contact Angela Brown at abrown@coppellisd.com or Mark Winneker at 1Vision Media at mwinneker@1vision.media.
Board of Trustee Applications Due Feb. 18 for May 7, 2022 Election
CISD is now accepting applications for a place on the ballot of the May 7, 2022, CISD School Board Trustee Election. Places 1, 2 and 3 are up for election. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m. For more information, visit go.coppellisd.com/boardelection or contact Carol Snowden at csnowden@coppellisd.com or 214-496-8002.
Want up to $10 off your water bill? As of February 7, you are finally able to register for our new utility billing online portal! If you register for an account by April 1, you can claim a $5 discount on your next water bill! Register for bank drafts for an additional $5 off. All customers who wish to pay utility bills online must register for an account on the new platform. Learn more by visiting the coppelltx.gov portal
https://coppelltx.gov/1042/Citizen-Self-Service-CSS-Portal
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
February 10, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
One of our district’s core values is redefining success — we value each individual’s contribution because success can be different for everyone. This value came to mind this week as CISD hosted a training session for area school districts that are part of the Texas Public Accountability Consortium. On Feb. 7, school board members, superintendents and district staff from Coppell, Burkburnett Grapevine-Colleyville, Royse City, Prosper and Sunnyvale ISDs, along with officials from the Texas Association of School Administrators met at CMS West to discuss plans and share ideas and information about a Community Based Accountability System or CBAS. CBAS is one of our district's goals.
CISD is part of a coalition of districts that are implementing CBAS as an alternative to the state’s A-F “grading” accountability system. Just as with our redefining success core value, this coalition is not saying that the Texas Education Agency’s grade of our district — which was an “A” the last time it was not given — does not matter. This grade just should not be the only thing that matters in evaluating a school district’s success, as it relies heavily on STAAR assessment results, which is one test on one day. CBAS allows our district to be more accountable to our community in measuring our success and where we can improve. Our community should be proud that CISD is a leader in the CBAS efforts in North Texas and in our state. You can learn more about CBAS at www.coppellisd.com/cbas.
Redefining success is also part of the CISD Student iLead group, which had its second meeting this week. High school juniors from CHS and New Tech High @ Coppell had to apply and then be accepted to this program. The program is designed to instill leadership skills in our learners to help them contribute to our community now and into the future. This program allows our alumni, and civic and business leaders to share expertise, while engaging the student participants in active learning of leadership skills.
Our community and our parents are important partners in redefining success and all of our core values. I thank you all for your support.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentCISD hosted a CBAS training for area school districts at CMS West on Feb. 7.
The second meeting of the CISD Student iLead program was held on Feb. 10.In this Issue:
- CISD to Use Instructional Minutes for Feb. 3-4 Weather Closings
- Celebrating Black History Month
- High School Athletes Participate in Signing Day on Feb. 2
- CISD Remains in District 6 in UIL Realignment
- Girls Wrestling Wins 11th Consecutive District Championship
- Girls Basketball Team Takes District Title for First Time Since 2010-2011
- High School Soccer Hosts Fill the Stands/Youth Night on Feb. 11
- Weather Station Installed at Cottonwood Creek Elementary
- Ana Vizcaya Vazquez Chosen as TexTESOL Region 5 Elementary Teacher of the Year
- February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month
- CISD Announces 2022—2023 Enrollment Dates
- Save the Date: Parent University Conference March 26
- CISD Seeking Graduation Sponsors
- Board of Trustee Applications Due Feb. 18 for May 7, 2022 Election
- Upcoming Events
CISD to Use Built-In Instructional Minutes and
Adjust High School Dismissal Time to Make Up for Feb. 3-4 Weather ClosingTo make up for CISD closing Feb. 3-4 due to the winter weather, CISD will use built-in instructional minutes for elementary and middle schools. The district also will add five minutes to the high school day, moving dismissal to 4:15 p.m. In addition, the high schools will not have an early release day on March 11 — the Friday before Spring Break — to make up for being closed two days last week. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Minutes22.
CISD Celebrates Black History Month
CISD is celebrating Black History Month at all of its campuses throughout the month of February via special lessons, library exhibits, resources and more. Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our nation's history. Founded by historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Week was first celebrated on Feb. 12, 1926, to commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent. The date coincides with the birthdays of abolitionist and editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. During the U.S. bicentennial in 1976, Black History Week was expanded to a month-long celebration. Since then, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/BlackHistoryMonth22.High School Athletes Participate in Signing Day on Feb. 2
Eight CISD student-athletes participated in Signing Day on Feb. 2, signing letters of intent to participate in their sports at the collegiate level. These young men and women have devoted countless hours to training and perfecting their craft to be among only seven percent of high school athletes in the country who advance to athletics at the college level. The CISD student-athletes who participated in Signing Day on Feb. 2 are: Alyssa Hall, who signed to play basketball at LeTourneau University; Alvin Ebosele, who signed to play football at Baylor University; Miles Hardy, who signed to play football at Belhaven University; Haley Wenzel, who signed to play lacrosse at Westminster College; Lorien “Ellebelle” Zimmerman, who signed to play softball at Texas Wesleyan University; Ryan Sewell, who signed to run track at Northeastern University; Nathan Schrock, who signed to run track at Dallas Baptist University; and Sude Item, who signed to play volleyball Case Western Reserve.
CISD Remains in District 6 in UIL Realignment
CISD remains in District 6A as part of the UIL 2022-2024 Reclassification and Realignment announced on Feb. 3. This means that Coppell High School will continue to compete with Lewisville, Lewisville Flower Mound, Lewisville Hebron, Lewisville Marcus, Plano, Plano East and Plano West high schools as part of District 6 in the 6A Conference. Read more at https://realignment.uiltexas.org/.
Girls Wrestling Wins 11th Consecutive District Championship
The Cowgirls Wrestling team won its 11th consecutive District Championship at Allen High School on Feb. 3. Senior Maria Husain won her second district title and improved to 28-0 on the year. Junior Scout Carrell won her first individual district championship. Coach Ted Witulski was named the District Assistant Coach of the Year at the event. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/WrestlingDistrict.
Girls Basketball Team Takes District Title for First Time Since 2010-2011
The Cowgirls Basketball team’s historic season continues, as the team clinched the district title with a win over Flower Mound High School on Feb. 8. This marks the first time the team has won a district title since the 2010-2011 season. The Cowgirls finished the regular season with a program record of 103-7 and are currently ranked #4 in the state. The team also avenged their only district loss early this week, when they defeated Plano East on Feb. 7. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/GirlsBasketball22.Boys Soccer Hosts Fill the Stands/Youth Night on Feb. 11
The High School Boys Soccer Teams are hosting a Fill the Stands/Youth Night on Friday, Feb. 11. The CHS Boys Varsity Soccer game will be at Buddy Echols Field at 7:30 p.m. Kids get in free with a soccer jersey. Adults pay $5 and kids are $3. Get digital ticket ahead of time at Coppellathletics.net. Your ticket gets you in all 3 games - 4:30 p.m. JV2, 6 p.m. JV and 7:30 p.m. Varsity. The varsity game will have giveaways for fans, including pom poms, face stickers, squishy soccer balls and more.
Weather Station Installed at Cottonwood Creek Elementary
Cottonwood Creek Elementary hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its new weather monitoring station on Feb. 1.
A new weather monitoring station was recently installed at Cottonwood Creek Elementary, which will allow students to contribute to weather forecasts. The brainchild of Dyslexia Therapist Leslie Helwig, the state-of-the-art weather station was funded through a teacher grant from the Coppell ISD Education Foundation. Partnering with the Weather Underground, which is a project of IBM and the Weather Channel, the Cottonwood Creek weather station provides exact, up-to-the-minute weather conditions and data that is shared and accessible to anyone in the world. Current conditions at Cottonwood Creek Elementary, as well as charts and graphs are available at www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KTXCOPPE124. Data is also archived for CISD students and staff to use for research, lab investigations, citizen science projects and more. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/CCEWeatherStation.
Ana Vizcaya Vazquez Chosen as TexTESOL Region 5
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Ana Vizcaya Vazquez, a Language Acquisition Specialist (LAS) at Denton Creek Elementary, was selected as the 2021-2022 Elementary Teacher of the Year by the local branch of the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages Region 5, known as TexTESOLV. Three of the four finalists for the TexTESOLV 2021-2022 Elementary Teacher of the Year were CISD educators. Austin Elementary LAS Brittany Carpenter and Wilson Elementary LAS Jennifer Hubble were finalists for the award. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Vazquez.
February Is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month
CISD’s CTE programs offer a variety of courses that align with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills. Courses range from classroom learning to work-based learning opportunities outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in career and technical student organizations that provide multiple student leadership opportunities Read more at go.coppellisd.com/CTEMonth22.CISD is announcing enrollment dates for our choice elementary schools and high school, and enrollment for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. More information can be found at www.coppellisd.com/enrollment.
-
Feb 10 — Dual Language Immersion program for Denton Creek Elementary and Wilson Elementary Parent Information Session, 6-7 p.m, at the Vonita White Admin Building
-
Feb 23 — Dual Language Immersion program for Denton Creek Elementary and Wilson Elementary Parent Information Session, 6-7 p.m., at the Vonita White Admin Building
-
Feb 28 — Dual Language Immersion applications accepted
-
Feb. 28 — NTH@C application window closes
-
March 1 - Pre-Kindergarten enrollment begins
-
March 3 — Pinkerton IB Parent Information Meeting #1 at 6 p.m. at Pinkerton Elementary
-
March 3 — Pinkerton Elementary applications go live
-
March 4— NTH@C student lottery
-
March 8 — Pinkerton IB Parent Information Meeting #2 at 6 p.m. at Pinkerton Elementary
-
March 9 — Pinkerton IB Tour #1 — 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
-
March 9 — Dual Language Immersion program for Denton Creek Elementary and Wilson Elementary Parent Information Session, 6-7 p.m., CISD Brock Center Training Room 1
-
March 28 — DLI applications due
-
March 22 — Kindergarten Enrollment begins
-
March 22 — Pinkerton IB Tour #1 — 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
-
April 6 — Pinkerton IB Applications Due
-
April 8 — Lottery for the Dual Language Immersion program and Pick Pinkerton IB program, 8:30 a.m at the CISD Administration Building
Save the Date: Parent University Conference March 26
Save the Date: CISD will host a Parent University Conference — Parenting through the Pandemic — on Saturday, March 26. This conference is focused on how to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and families, while providing an avenue to connect with others as we navigate the ongoing, multi-year pandemic.
The conference will be held at Coppell High School from 8:30 a.m. to noon and will include a keynote speaker and an opportunity to select two choice sessions. After the event, there will be an outdoor community picnic. Register at go.coppellisd.com/22ParentU to attend. The event is limited to 500 participants.
CISD Seeking Graduation Sponsors
After a successful event in 2021, Coppell ISD will again hold its graduation events locally and onsite on May 27. CISD is looking to continue to make this year’s graduation ceremonies special, once-in-a-lifetime events for the nearly 1,000 Coppell ISD graduates. Coppell ISD will have several exciting surprises during the graduation festivities in honor of our amazing seniors. Join us in honoring the hard work of these exceptional students and their families.-
Coppell High School Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 7 pm at Buddy Echols Field.
-
New Tech High @ Coppell Class of 2022 graduates will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 3 pm in the Coppell High School Arena.
Sponsorship opportunities are available from $500 to $5,000 to cover the cost of the fireworks and confetti cannons at the ceremonies. To further discuss our sponsorship packages, please contact Angela Brown at abrown@coppellisd.com or Mark Winneker at 1Vision Media at mwinneker@1vision.media.
Board of Trustee Applications Due Feb. 18 for May 7, 2022 Election
CISD is now accepting applications for a place on the ballot of the May 7, 2022, CISD School Board Trustee Election. Places 1, 2 and 3 are up for election. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m. For more information, visit go.coppellisd.com/boardelection or contact Carol Snowden at csnowden@coppellisd.com or 214-496-8002.
Want up to $10 off your water bill? As of February 7, you are finally able to register for our new utility billing online portal! If you register for an account by April 1, you can claim a $5 discount on your next water bill! Register for bank drafts for an additional $5 off. All customers who wish to pay utility bills online must register for an account on the new platform. Learn more by visiting the coppelltx.gov portal
https://coppelltx.gov/1042/Citizen-Self-Service-CSS-Portal
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
January 20, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
We continue to monitor our positive COVID-19 cases, especially as we have been experiencing a spike both in student and staff numbers. Currently, we are, thankfully, not at a point where we need to close a campus or the district. It is my goal to keep our schools open and our kids learning. In addition to classroom instruction, we have still been able to hold numerous events, including our elementary/middle school Spelling Bee, Spanish Spelling Bee, middle school and high school athletic events, fine arts events and club meetings. I know these activities are an important part of the student experience and hold great value to our kids and community. I believe our COVID-19 protocols and high community vaccine rate are contributing to our ability to stay the course. A huge thank you to our amazing staff for all of their hard work and thank you to our community for your support.
The incredible talent of our students continues to amaze me. Several of our choir and band students recently received All-State recognition for their efforts after success at regional competitions. Later this month, our entire district community can enjoy the talent of our theatre students during the performance of “SpongeBob the Musical” at the CHS auditorium. I was able to see a few of the numbers from this show, and it is wonderful. I hope you will join me in enjoying seeing our students shine during one of their many performances in late January and early February. Look for details about the performances and purchasing tickets in the story below. I encourage you to get your tickets now before they sell out!
Speaking of talent, I have had the pleasure of recognizing the talent of our most recent Super Teachers over the past few weeks. I truly believe that what gets recognized gets repeated, so it is important that we honor those teachers who work so hard to design creative, engaging and innovative lessons for our learners. It is because of their great teaching that our students learn so well and are achieving at the highest levels.
As you read about the accomplishments of our students and teachers in this newsletter, know that it is because of our commitment to our core values of authentic relationships, collective engagement, great teaching and redefining success that drive these achievements.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchupWIthHunt: Austin Elementary
Tune in to YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Abigayle Thompson, a 5th grader at Austin Elementary.In this Issue:
- #CatchupWithHunt: Austin Elementary
- Jessica Liang Chosen as Top Science Scholar
- Bianca Benitez Receives National Recognition
- Congratulations to CISD's Second Grading Period Super Teachers
- Congratulations 2022 CISD Spanish Spelling Bee Champions
- Congratulations to High School TMEA All-State Choir Singers
- Congratulations to High School TMEA Band All-State Musicians
- CISD GPA Policy Reminder for Classes of 2023, 2024 and 2025
- CISD Partnering with Tom Thumb for Vaccine Clinic Jan. 25 and Feb. 15
- Virtual Parent University Screening of Upstanders Film Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
- Tickets Available for CHS Theatre's SpongeBob The Musical Jan. 29-30, Feb. 4-6
- CISD Partners with Medical City to Host 21-Day Snack Challenge
- Board of Trustee Applications Available for May 7, 2022 Election
- Board Candidate Workshop Scheduled on Jan. 26 at 6 p.m.
- Upcoming Events
Jessica Liang Chosen as Top Science Scholar
CHS Senior Jessica Liang is one of 300 students in the nation and one of only 15 in Texas chosen as top student scientists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022. A program of the Society of Science, the Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. As a part of this recognition, Liang and CHS will be awarded $2,000 each. Liang credits her CHS teachers Dr. Robert Gribble, Krissy Baker and Stephanie Sloane for inspiring her interest in science research.
“I am deeply honored by this award, and I appreciate all the help from my teachers,” Liang said. “Dr. Gribble and Ms. Sloane have continued to inspire me as a scientist. They have taught me the beauty and complexity of physics, science and our world.“ Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Liang.
Bianca Benitez Receives National Recognition
Bianca Benitez, a biology teacher at Coppell High School, was recently selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). Benitez was nominated by a student for this honor for her outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the education profession.
"Nominated by one of my students and being recognized for my efforts, while doing my best to highlight theirs, is something for which I am incredibly proud,” said Benitez, who teaches Advanced Placement (AP) Biology. “This recognition is so special to me and something I'll treasure always.” Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Benitez.Congratulations to CISD's Second Grading Period Super Teachers
Congratulations to CISD's Second Grading Period 2021-2022 SuperTeachers, who design engaging and innovative learning experiences that ignite the interests of learners. The district's Super Teacher recognition program is sponsored by Lenahan Law. The district's latest Super Teachers are: Bona Coogle, Aaron Coronado, Roxanne Long and Andrea Voelker from CHS; Annie Fillers and William Harrington from CHS9; Peyton Mosley from CMS East; Brandi Cantrell, Brian Choate and Christina Malone from CMS West; Linda Fielder from Victory Place @ Coppell; Alejandra Camarillo and Faith Miller from Denton Creek Elementary; Taylor Osborn from Richard J. Lee Elementary; and Jodi Benway and Megan Butkovich from Valley Ranch Elementary
Congratulations 2022 CISD Spanish Spelling Bee Champions
From left: Director of ESL/Bilingual Programs and Pre-K Dr. Patricia Dawson, Eric Xio and Emiliano Noyla Garcia.
After 16 rounds and correctly spelling “alinear,” which means to line up, Emiliano Noyola Garcia, a fifth grader from Wilson Elementary is the CISD 2022 Spanish Spelling Bee Champion, and Eric Xio, a fourth grader from Denton Creek Elementary is the First Runner Up.
The CISD Spanish Spelling Bee was held on Jan. 19 at the CISD Vonita White Administration Building. Pinkerton Elementary Spanish Teacher Narda Holguín served as the pronouncer and Dr. Rossana Boyd, Arnolda Lira and Eligio Mares served as the judges. The CISD elementary campus Spelling Bee Winners who qualified to compete at Jan.19 were Leonardo Garcia (campus winner), Alejandro Gomez and Renata Lara from Denton Creek Elementary and Natalie Esparza, Grant Hubble and Vidya Rhadakrishnan from Wilson Elementary.
Congratulations to High School TMEA All-State Choir Singers
Four high school choir singers secured a spot in the 2022 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Choir and three singers secured a spot as the alternates. Congratulations to TMEA All-State Choir SIngers: Senior Joseph Mathew —TMEA All-State Mixed Choir Bass 1st Chair, Senior Meher Saini TMEA All-State Treble Choir Soprano 1 3rd Chair; Sophomore Roma Jani TMEA All-State Treble Choir Soprano 1 4th Chair and Senior Megna Gopinath TMEA All-State Treble Choir Alto 2 6th Chair. Congratulations to the 2022 TMEA All-State Choir Alternates: Junior Anagha Dharmavaram TMEA All-State Tenor-Bass Choir 1st Alternate Tenor 1, Junior Sumita Bhattacharyya TMEA All-State Treble Choir 1st Alternate Alto 1 and Senior Katie Arrington TMEA All-State Treble Choir 2nd Alternate Alto 1.
Congratulations to High School TMEA Band All-State Musicians
Ten students in the Coppell Band achieved a spot in the 2022 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Band. Congratulations to Sophmore Lindsey Won 1st chair in the TMEA All-State Symphonic Band for flute, Junior Akshara Sankar 8th chair in the TMEA All-State Symphonic Band for flute, Sophomore Andrew Cai 1st chair in the TMEA All-State Symphonic Band for English horn; Senior Wesley Booker 2nd chair in the TMEA All-State Symphonic Band for bassoon, Sophomore Younghyun (Esther) Kim 25th chair in the TMEA All-State Concert Band for clarinet, Senior Raghav Vemuganti 11th chair in the TMEA All-State Concert Band for clarinet, Sophomore Akshat Ghuge 2nd chair in the TMEA All-State Symphonic Band for contrabass clarinet, Senior Zain Zaidi 7th chair in the TMEA All-State Concert Band for trumpet, Senior Hamza Hussain 18th chair in the TMEA All-State Concert Band for trumpet and Senior Mario Torres-Ramos 4th chair in the TMEA All-State Concert Band for percussion.CISD GPA Policy Reminder for Classes of 2023, 2024 and 2025
CISD Partnering with Tom Thumb for Vaccine Clinic Jan. 25 and Feb. 15
CISD is partnering with Tom Thumb Pharmacy to provide COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5 and up and for district community members who would like the vaccination or need a booster. The clinics will be held on January 25 and February 15 in the gym of Valley Ranch Elementary School from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Valley Ranch Elementary is located at 9800 Rodeo Dr. in Irving. Tom Thumb will provide the Pediatric Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds, the Adult Pfizer vaccine for those ages 12 and up and the Moderna vaccine for those over the age of 18. Booster shots also will be available to those who qualify. Visit www.mhealthsystem.com/CoppellISD to make an appointment. Please fill out the English Consent Form or Spanish Consent Form after making the appointment and bring the form with you. Forms also will be available onsite.
Virtual Parent University Screening of Upstanders Film Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
CISD and the Grant Halliburton Foundation present a Virtual Parent University screening of the film “The Upstanders” on Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. To register to view the film, visit go.coppellisd.com/ParentUUpstanders. “The Upstanders” explores all sides of cyber-bullying, from bully to the victim, bystanders and family members. Weaving together personal stories of teenagers and their families, as well as teachers and brain scientists, the film shows the importance of empathy and resilience to transforming attitudes and actions. This film is intended for parents and guardians and students in middle school and above.
Tickets Available for CHS Theatre’s SpongeBob the Musical Jan. 29-30, Feb. 4-6
CHS Theatre presents "SpongeBob the Musical" in the CHS Auditorium on:- Saturday, January 29 @ 7 p.m.
- Sunday, January 30 @ 2:30 p.m.
- Friday, February 4 @ 7 p.m.
- Saturday, February 5 @ 7 p.m.
- Sunday, February 6 @ 2:30 p.m.
General ticket sales have begun for the Coppell High School Cowboy Theatre Company's production of "SpongeBob The Musical." Purchase tickets at http://chstb.booktix.com/.
CISD Partners with Medical City to Host 21-Day Snack Challenge
CISD along with Medical City Children’s Hospital are encouraging our students to join the 21-day Snack Challenge. During January 19 - February 8, students are encouraged to eat a healthy snack that contains a fruit or veggie. Registration for the challenge along with resources and recipes are available at www.kids-teaching-kids.com.
Board of Trustee Applications Available for May 7, 2022 Election
CISD is now accepting applications for a place on the ballot of the May 7, 2022, CISD School Board Trustee Election. Places 1, 2 and 3 are up for election. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m. For more information, visit go.coppellisd.com/boardelection. There will be a Board Workshop for Board Candidates on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. in the Boardroom of the Vonita White Administration Building located at 200 S. Denton Tap Road.
Coppell is mobile! The City’s new app pulls directly from the website and delivers a custom user experience based on location, settings and personal preferences. Pay bills, check out the City calendar, set up alerts, browse the library catalog-- and so much more! Visit the App Store or Google Play to download it today!
www,coppelltx.gov/connect
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
January 13, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
As a staff, we continue to monitor the COVID virus and its effect on CISD. We have dedicated a significant portion of this newsletter with COVID information to update our community. Please review this section and continue to follow steps to help keep our students and staff safe. It's a challenging time for all of us, but we will make it through by working together.Speaking of working together, I am very appreciative of the seven incredible board members I am very lucky to work alongside. January is School Board Appreciation month and I want to thank our board for their hard work and dedication to CISD. A special "thank you" to Nichole Bentley, Dr. Neena Biswas, David Caviness, Tracy Fisher, Anthony Hill, Manish Sethi and Leigh Walker for the time, effort and energy they give volunteering for this district. Thank you for all you do!
As you are aware, CISD will be closed on Monday, January 17 for Dr. Martin Luther King Day. When I think of all the important work and impact Dr. King had on American history, I naturally reflect on is memorable "I Have a Dream" speech. But I also think of his many inspiring quotes outside of that speech. One that often comes to mind is, "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of a true education." I thank our amazing teachers who are working under some of the most stressful conditions to help our kids think critically and build their character. Our teaching staff is outstanding, and I am so grateful for what they are doing right now to help all of our students be successful.
Enjoy the three-day weekend!
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
Spotlight on Redefining Success: Laura Springer Receives Leadership Award
CHS Principal Laura Springer will receive the Cliff Long Leadership Award at the Coppell Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Members’ Choice Awards & Community Gala on Jan. 29.Springer, who was named principal of CHS in 2019, has served Coppell ISD as a head coach, teacher, and administrator for more than 35 years. The Cliff Long Leadership Award celebrates a community member who exemplifies dedication, integrity, and honorable service. Read more on the district’s website.
Catch Up with Hunt Featuring CHS9 Kid Superintendent
Here is #CatchupWithHunt for Jan 13, 2022. Keep tuning in each week as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt keeps you updated on all things Coppell ISD. Watch Catch Up With Hunt.In this Issue:
- Laura Springer to Receive Cliff Long Leadership Award
- CatchUpWithHunt: CHS@9
- Congratulations 2022 CISD Spelling Bee Champions
- National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
- 21-Day Snack Challenge for Elementary Schools
- Tickets Available for CHS Theatre’s Sponge Bob the Musical Jan. 29-30, February 4-6
- COVID-19 Update
- CISD Partners with Tom Thumb for Vaccine Clinic
- Change of Date January Board Meetings
- Applications for Board Elections Begin Jan. 19
- Upcoming Events
Congratulations 2022 Spelling Bee Champions
After 16 rounds and correctly spelling “Halifax,” Rohit Raja, a fifth grader from Richard J. Lee Elementary, is the 2022 CISD Spelling Bee Champion and Arjun Dwarakanath, a fifth grader from Denton Creek Elementary, is the First Runner Up. This is the second consecutive year and the second time in CISD history that both Spelling Bee winners are from the elementary school level.The CISD Spelling Bee was held Jan. 6 at Coppell Middle School West. Raja and Dwarakanath had the top two scores on the program and will represent CISD by competing in the Dallas County Spelling Bee in February.
The CISD elementary and middle school campus Spelling Bee Winners who competed Jan. 6 were:
-
Tyler Kim from Austin Elementary
-
Sarina Adhikari from Canyon Ranch Elementary
-
Shrihan Vankamamidi from Cottonwood Creek Elementary
-
Arjun Dwarakanath from Denton Creek Elementary
-
Keya Ramalingam from Lakeside Elementary
-
Rohit Raja from Richard J. Lee Elementary
-
Shrriya Bedse from Mockingbird Elementary
-
Anya Hegde from Pinkerton Elementary
-
Vir Dubey from Town Center Elementary
-
Harshinie Akilan from Valley Ranch Elementary
-
Aman Pal from Wilson Elementary
-
Jayanth Yamunan, Arjun Sharma and Anika Bandaru from CMS East
-
Ryan Kraatz, Shaunak Jadhav and Griffin Helwig from CMS North
-
Sahaj Jaiswal Shrihan Dasari and Vinayak Vipinachandran from CMS West
Thanking our SROs and SRDs for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
In honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which was Sunday, Jan. 9. CISD would like to thank all of our School Resource Officers and School Resource Deputies who help protect our children every day. Thank you to Retired Officer Rachael Freeman, CISD Safety and Security Coordinator (Valley Ranch and Canyon Ranch), and School Resource Officers Sgt. Byron Mitchell (CHS), Officer Reggie Walker (CHS), Officer Dustin Mayfield-Walter (CHS, Pinkerton and Wilson), Officer Joe Boyd (New Tech High @ Coppell Cottonwood Creek, Town Center and Lakeside), Officer R.J. Hall (CMS North, Victory Place@Coppell, Denton Creek), Officer “T” Tonard Warmsley (CMS East, Austin and Mockingbird) and School Resource Deputies Scott Sale and David Sneed (CMS West and Richard J. Lee) for all of your hard work and dedication in keeping us safe.
Coppell ISD Partners with Medical City to Host 21-Day Snack Challenge
CISD along with Medical City Children’s Hospital are encouraging our students to join the 21-day Snack Challenge. During January 19 - February 8, students are encouraged to eat a healthy snack that contains a fruit or veggie. Registration for the challenge along with resources and recipes are available at www.kids-teaching-kids.com.
Tickets Available for CHS Theatre’s SpongeBob the Musical Jan. 29-30, February 4-6
CHS Theatre presents SpongeBob the Musical in the CHS Auditorium on:-
Saturday, January 29 @ 7 p.m.
-
Sunday, January 30 @ 2:30 p.m.
-
Friday, February 4 @ 7 p.m.
-
Saturday, February 5 @ 7 p.m.
-
Sunday, February 6 @ 2:30 p.m.
COVID-19 Update
CISD has implemented protocols based on guidance from health officials. We continue to ask that parents and guardians screen their children for COVID-19 symptoms daily using the information on this checklist at go.coppellisd.com/DailyScreening21-22 and at www.coppellisd.com/covid-19protocols.
We know testing is an important part of the COVID-19 response. As a reminder, CISD is partnering with Curative, which is offering testing Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Visitor’s Press Box at Buddy Echols Field at the Coppell High School campus (see map below). This is a self-collected swab test and is available to patients 5 years of age or older. Patients ages 5-17 must be swabbed by an accompanying adult. Learn more and make an appointment at www.curative.com.
If your child is sick, please do not send them to school. If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please reach out directly to your school nurse.Health officials also recommend these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus, including COVID‑19 and the flu:
- Consider wearing a mask. Vaccinated or not, wearing a mask in indoor public spaces can help protect you and everyone close to you.
- Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
CISD is looking for substitute teachers. To read more about becoming a substitute, visit www.coppellisd.com/substitutes.
CISD Partnering with Tom Thumb for Vaccine Clinic Jan. 25 and Feb. 15
CISD is partnering with Tom Thumb Pharmacy to provide COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5 and up and for district community members who would like the vaccination or need a booster. The clinics will be held on January 25 and February 15 in the gym of Valley Ranch Elementary School from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Valley Ranch Elementary is located at 9800 Rodeo Dr. in Irving. Tom Thumb will provide the Pediatric Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds, the Adult Pfizer vaccine for those ages 12 and up and the Moderna vaccine for those over the age of 18. Booster shots also will be available to those who qualify. Visit www.mhealthsystem.com/CoppellISD to make an appointment. Please fill out the English Consent Form or Spanish Consent Form after making the appointment and bring the form with you. Forms also will be available onsite.
Change of Date for January 2022 CISD Board Meeting: Moved to Jan. 18
The January monthly CISD Board Meeting has been moved to Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 6 p.m. Trustees also will host a Board Workshop on Monday, Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Board of Trustee Applications Available Jan. 19 for May 7, 2022 Election
Starting Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 8 a.m., CISD will be accepting applications for a place on the ballot of the May 7, 2022, CISD School Board Trustee Election. Places 1, 2 and 3 are up for election. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m. For more information, visit go.coppellisd.com/boardelection.
- Jan. 17 — MLK Day Holiday
- Jan. 18 — Regular Board Meeting at 6 p.m.
- Jan. 24 — Board Workshop 5:30 p.m.
Coppell is mobile! The City’s new app pulls directly from the website and delivers a custom user experience based on location, settings and personal preferences. Pay bills, check out the City calendar, set up alerts, browse the library catalog-- and so much more! Visit the App Store or Google Play to download it today!
www,coppelltx.gov/connect
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
January 6, 2022
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
It’s 2022, can you believe it? It is a time for renewal and reflection as we look ahead to a semester full of possibility and hope. I look forward to another great semester in CISD as we begin the second half of this school year.
As our district continues our focus on the core value of great teaching, there is still much to be done to address the learning loss and mental health needs of our students. Working together, we can focus on what we do best, which is to educate and to take care of our children as a CISD family. Our teachers have been working hard to develop authentic and meaningful learning opportunities for all of our students and I look forward to seeing our students shine this semester.
Looking ahead, I am excited to visit and engage with our schools and see great teaching and deep learning in action for the remainder of this school year. I also look forward to our iLead Student program for high school juniors, which will allow our students to explore their personal roles in community and school leadership, and volunteer service. Please note the application process has been extended. Applications will now be taken until Monday, Jan. 10 by 4:30 p.m. If you know of an interested junior who would be a good fit for this program, I encourage you to have them apply online at www.coppellisd.com/iLeadStudent.
I hope you are having a wonderful week, and here’s to an amazing 2022!
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
Spotlight on Great Teaching: Canyon Ranch Elementary Students Design Mini-Golf Course
Fifth grade students at Canyon Ranch Elementary have been “putting” in the work all semester long, as they designed a mini-golf course for the school using recycled cardboard from school supplies. On Dec. 16, Canyon Ranch students played in a mini-golf tournament on a course designed by 5th grade students in Stephanie Deskin’s DREAMS Lab class. According to Deskin, this mini-golf course project involves design, math, engineering, problem-solving, collaboration and more.
“Learners had to develop a creative design for their hole, choose a theme and name for it, calculate the par difficulty and then build the hole using the materials available,” Deskin said. “When the school got to play on the course, it was a culmination of a semester-long project that showed these learners’ efforts in action.”
The DREAMS Lab class at Canyon Ranch Elementary is a specials class (in line with Art, PE and Music) and stands for Design, Research, Engineering, Art, Math and Science. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/CREMiniGolf.In this Issue:
- Spotlight on Great Teaching: Canyon Ranch Students Design Mini-Golf Course
- KCBY-TV and The Sidekick Receive National Awards
- CISD in the News: Project Querencia on NBC 5
- Athletics Update: Girls Basketball Undefeated at 26-0, Ranked #7 in State
- Library at CHS9 Engages Student Community During Block Lunch
- November Substitute Teacher of the Month — Archana "Anna" Shah
- January Marks School Board Recognition Month in Texas
- ILead Student Applications Due Jan. 6
- Change of Date: January Board Meeting
- Board of Trustee Applications Available Jan. 19 for May 7, 2022 Election
- Weather Closing Notifications Reminder and CISD Alert Test Jan. 12
- Upcoming Events
KCBY-TV and The Sidekick National Awards
.
Coppell High School’s KCBY-TV student television station and The Sidekick student newspaper recently received several national awards in recognition of their work. The Sidekick was chosen as a 2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Hybrid Crown Award recipient. KCBY-TV took home the top prize in the National Scholastic Press Association’s Broadcast Best of Show competition. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/StudentMediaAcccolades21.
CISD in the News: Project Querencia on NBC 5
The Project Querencia CISD student organization group was featured on NBC 5 on Dec. 30, 2021, during the station's "Wake Up to Something Good" segment. The story, "Local Coppell High Student's Project Celebrates Community," highlighted how Project Querencia gave holiday gift bags to CISD custodians, cafeteria workers and bus drivers. You can view the story at go.coppellisd.com/NBCProjectQuerencia. Led by CHS Junior Shraavya Pydisetti, Project Querencia is a non-profit organization whose mission is to build a better community through acts of service and messages of support. Project Querencia members made 284 care packages and candy grams to show appreciation for the unsung and unseen heroes in CISD — the custodians, cafeteria workers and bus drivers. “We wanted to show these essential workers the love and appreciation they deserve,” Pydisetti said.Athletics Update: Girls Basketball Undefeated at 26-0, Ranked #7 in State
The Coppell Cowgirls Basketball team has an undefeated record of 26-0 and is ranked #7 in the state UIL 6 A Poll. The team also is 4-0 in district play. The Cowgirls defeated Hebron 54-31 on Jan. 4. The team also recently won all five games of the Frisco Centennial Tournament. Junior Allyssa Potter hit a tournament-high 18 total 3 point shots to help the Cowgirls sweep the tournament.
Library at CHS9 Engages Student Community During Block Lunch
Under the leadership of Librarian Chin Arritola, the CHS9 library engages learners during the one-hour block lunch. In the library, students take advantage of the makerspaces, play ping pong or board games, read, study, craft and more. A recent addition to the library space is a new giant chessboard. Library Assistant Marcia Moore sewed together and constructed the chessboard by repurposing old CMS West T-Shirts she had at home to create the "red/black" squares of the board. She also attached the chessboard to a plastic tarp so that it can be used both indoors and on the courtyard space just outside the CHS9 library.
November Substitute Teacher of the Month — Archana "Anna" Shah
Archana “Anna” Shah is the CISD November Substitute Teacher of the Month. Shah goes above and beyond her duties and jobs as a substitute and is a regular presence at Canyon Ranch Elementary. She helps out learners with lots of extra love, guidance and support. Shah always has a smile and a cheery attitude. She has an incredible amount of patience, understanding and learners love getting to see her every day at Canyon Ranch. Shah is deserving of this recognition because of her willingness to step into any situation and give it her all for the kids. She embodies all of CISD's core values when she enters Canyon Ranch Elementary each day.January Marks School Board Recognition Month in Texas
January is designated as School Board Appreciation Month in Texas. CISD is taking this opportunity to thank our Board members for their service and commitment to our students, staff and community. Celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one way to share our gratitude for all our Trustees do for CISD. Thank you to CISD Trustees Nichole Bentley, Dr. Neena Biswas, David Caviness, Tracy Fisher, Anthony Hill, Manish Sethi and Leigh Walker for your extraordinary support of public education, so that today’s students are prepared to be the leaders of tomorrow.
CISD, Dallas College and C2 Education invite CISD 11th grade students, who are interested in developing and honing their leadership skills, to apply for participation in iLead, the CISD Student Leadership Program. Through a series of sessions, selected participants will explore their personal roles in community and school leadership and volunteer service. CISD staff and local business partners will sponsor these seminars on topics such as personal leadership skills, youth advocacy, service and volunteerism, local government in action and business growth and development. This program is limited to current CISD 11th grade students. Applicants should be in good academic standing based upon grades, attendance, and behavior; have an interest in developing their personal leadership skills; have obtained written permission from their parents and school principal; and be willing to accept the attendance and participation expectations. If selected, participants will commit to participating in this program for the complete duration. In this program, participants will observe leadership in action, learn leadership skills from community and school leaders, and develop their own leadership skills. Interested applicants and their parents should review their schedules and commit to the schedule prior to submitting an application. To apply, visit www.coppellisd.com/iLeadStudent. If you have any questions, please contact Angela Brown, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Communications, at abrown@coppellisd.com. The deadline to apply is Jan. 10 by 4:30 p.m.
2022 iLead Student Program Application Deadline Is Jan. 10
Change of Date for January 2022 CISD Board Meeting: Moved to Jan. 18
The January monthly CISD Board Meeting has been moved to Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 6 p.m. Trustees also will host a Board Workshop on Monday, Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Board of Trustee Applications Available Jan. 19 for May 7, 2022 Election
Starting Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 8 a.m., CISD will be accepting applications for a place on the ballot of the May 7, 2022, CISD School Board Trustee Election. Places 1, 2 and 3 are up for election. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m. For more information, visit go.coppellisd.com/boardelection.
Weather Closing Notifications Reminder and Testing CISD Alert Jan. 12
It’s the time of year when colder temps bring the possibility of CISD and our schools closing due to inclement weather. If CISD closes schools due to inclement weather, the decision to close will be made as early in the morning as possible, but no later than 6 a.m. If the district closes, you will receive a CISD Alert via phone call, text and email. A yellow scrolling banner announcing the closing also will appear at the top of the CISD homepage at www.coppellisd.com, and the district also will notify local media outlets. Visit www.coppellisd.com/weather for details. CISD will be testing its CISD Alert notification system on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 4:30 p.m. Look for more details on this test early next week.
Coppell is mobile! The City’s new app pulls directly from the website and delivers a custom user experience based on location, settings and personal preferences. Pay bills, check out the City calendar, set up alerts, browse the library catalog-- and so much more! Visit the App Store or Google Play to download it today!
www,coppelltx.gov/connect
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
December 13, 2021
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
It's hard to believe the school year is halfway over. As the fall semester ends, the week before the Winter Break holiday can be hectic as it is jammed-packed with many of our older students participating in summative assessments and/or end-of-the-semester projects, while our younger students are celebrating the holidays with parties and special events that align with the season. It makes me #CISDProud to see how all of our schools participate in some sort of toy, clothing, blanket or food drive to give back to our community this time of year.
I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we have been able to do and the traditions that have returned, as our fall semester comes to a close. In the past few days, I have attended choir concerts and other festive events, recognized our GEMs (Great Employees who Matter) in person at several of our campuses and buildings, seen our campus Teachers of the Year announced and surprised our 2021 Holiday Card design contest winner, all while traveling from campus to campus to see the great teaching and deep learning in action. I am so grateful to see these special events and moments return, and I will never take for granted the ability to see our amazing educators and staff, and incredible students in person. I am so very proud of our kids and staff!
Be on the lookout for a special video holiday message from me later this week. Meanwhile, I want to say Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays to our entire CISD family. I hope you enjoy this last week and have a wonderful Winter Break! See you January 5, 2022!
Merry Christmas,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchupWIthHunt: Valley Ranch Elementary
Tune in to YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Antariksha Chandra, a 3rd grader at Valley Ranch Elementary and winner of the CISD 2021 Holiday Card Art Contest.
Fall 2021 Issue of CISD Magazine Available
The Fall 2021 issue of the CISD Our Story magazine is now available at www.coppellisd.com/ourstory.In this Issue:
- #CatchupWithHunt
- Fall 2021 Issue of CISD Magazine Available
- Trustees Approve 2022-2023 Calendar
- CISD in the News: NBC 5, WFAA 8 and Fox 4
- 2021 Holiday Card Winner
- 2021-2022 Teachers of the Year
- Fall 2021 GEMs
- Anthony Smith Texas Tennis Middle School Coach of the Year
- CHS Students Learn About Female Entrepreneurship at Chamber Event
- Denton Creek, Wilson and Pinkerton Students Write Spanish Holiday Cards
- Town Center Elementary 5th Graders Support Local Homeless Shelter
- Canyon Ranch Elementary Students Participate in Hour of Code
- December Fine Arts Update
- December Athletics Update
- 2022 iLead Student Program Accepting Applications from CISD Juniors
- Judges Needed for DECA Competition
- Curative COVID-19 Testing Opening Time Changed to 7:30 a.m.
- Upcoming Events
Trustees Approve 2022-2023 and
2023-2024 CalendarsThe CISD Board of Trustees approved the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic calendars at the Dec. 13 meeting. The approved 2022-2023 calendar is similar to the district’s calendar for the past few years with school beginning on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, The second semester for students begins on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, and employees return Monday, January 2, 2023. School ends on Friday, May 26, 2023, which is before Memorial Day. The approved calendar has more than the 75,600 minutes required by the state of Texas for student instruction. For copies of the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 approved calendars, visit go.coppellisd.com/approvedcalendars.
CISD in the News: NBC 5, WFAA 8 and Fox 4
Stories featuring CISD schools have recently been featured on local broadcast news programs.- NBC 5’s Carter in the Classroom ran the story, “Highlighter: Big Tech Looks to High School Students for Advancement“ on New Tech High @ Coppell’s Amazon SCOUT event during the 4 p.m. news broadcast on Dec. 8. View the story at go.coppellisd.com/AmazonScoutNBC5.
- WFAA Ch. 8 ran the story, “Coppell high schoolers mentor elementary students for a good reason: writing letters to Santa” featuring the partnership between CHS and Cottonwood Creek Elementary during the 6 p.m. news broadcast on Dec. 8. Watch it at go.coppellisd.com/WFAACHSSantaLetters.
- Fox 4 News also ran a story on this letter writing event, which can be viewed at go.coppellisd.com/Fox4CHSSantaLetters.
2021 Holiday Card Winner Antariksha Chandra from Valley Ranch
Congratulations to the CISD 2021 Holiday Card Winner Antariksha Chandra, a 3rd grade student from Valley Ranch Elementary, and his Art Teacher, Jodi Benway. His artwork is the front cover of the CISD Holiday Card sharing "Warm Wishes" for the holidays to our district community and partners.
Announcing 2021-2022 Campus Teachers of the Year
Over the last few weeks, each CISD campus has announced its 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to elementary school TOYs Austin Elementary: Carrie Boyle, Canyon Ranch Elementary: Meghan Tinsley, Cottonwood Creek Elementary: Dorian Johnson, Denton Creek Elementary: Kathy Glover, Lakeside Elementary: Rachelle Hendricks, Richard J. Lee Elementary: Linda Hoffmann, Mockingbird Elementary: Seema Joshi, Pinkerton Elementary: Natalie Cuccia, Town Center Elementary: Rachel Perry, Valley Ranch Elementary: Jeff Mathews and Wilson Elementary: Beth Brandenburg. Congratulations to the secondary school TOYs CMS East: Leia Poskey, CMS North: Sarah Songco, CMS West: Catherine Schaefer, CHS9: Erika Chavez, CHS: Sorelle Kimball and New Tech High @ Coppell: Anthony Hufford.
Congratulations Fall 2021 GEMS (Great Employees Who Matter)
Congratulations to CISD’s Fall 2021 Great Employees Matter or GEMs, who are district employees who go above and beyond in their duties in serving the district. The Fall 2021 GEMs are: Tara Sowels, Bilingual/ESL Instructional Coach; Carrie Brown, Music Teacher at Canyon Ranch Elementary; Bill Borowski, CTE Health Sciences Teacher at CHS9; Kathy Glover, 5th Grade DLI Teacher at Denton Creek Elementary; Meghan Hunt, Librarian at Pinkerton Elementary; Reema Gupta; Special Education Aide at Town Center Elementary; Jose Gonzalez, Grounds Lead with Facilities and Maintenance, Jenny Quonoey, Campus Secretary, and Gwen DiRenzo, Office Aide, at Canyon Ranch Elementary; and John Kelder, Athletic Coordinator, Coach and PE Teacher at CMS West. The CISD GEM recognition program is sponsored by Dr. Kirat Sodi with Define Orthodontics.
Anthony Smith Chosen as Texas Middle School Tennis Coach of the Year
Anthony Smith, Tennis Coach and social studies teacher at CMS East, has been selected by the Texas Tennis Coaches Association as its 2021 Wilson Junior High/Middle School Tennis Coach of the Year.
“Coaching will always be my driving force in education,” Smith said. “Whether you coach in the classroom, on a court, or on a field, coaching provides you the opportunity to make someone’s dream come true.”
Smith has served as the Head Tennis Coach and as a social studies teacher at CMS East for 12 years. In that time, his teams have won six Tri-City Tennis Championships. He was the CISD Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2015. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/SmithTennisCoachoftheYear.
CHS Students Learn About Female Entrepreneurship at Chamber Event
On Dec. 9, 20 CHS sophomore girls heard four powerful speakers share their wisdom at the Coppell Women's Alliance "Secrets of their Success" event. Under the leadership of business teacher Megan Mackin, the students heard from Leah Frazier, owner, Think Three Media; Renee Gilmore, owner, FIremans Paving Contractors; Felicia Johnson, founder, The Gatson Group; and Tara Storch, author and public speaker. The Coppell Women's Alliance is a program of the Coppell Chamber of Commerce.
Denton Creek, Wilson and Pinkerton Students Write Spanish Holiday Cards
.
Dual Language Immersion students at Denton Creek Elementary and Wilson Elementary, and Spanish learners at Pinkerton Elementary wrote Holiday Cards in Spanish on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10. The cards wished CISD staff, "Feliz Navidad" (Merry Christmas) and "Felices Fiestas" (Happy Holidays) with individualized messages of good tidings and holiday cheer.
Town Center Elementary 5th Graders Support Local Homeless Shelter
Fifth-grade students at Town Center Elementary have participated in several service projects and drives to support The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center this school year. Under the leadership of teacher Marly Natherson, who serves on the Board of the Stewpot Alliance at The Bridge, and her colleagues Renee Foroodi, Rachel Perry and Meredith Schaaf have had their students work together to support those in need. This fall, Town Center 5th graders volunteered their time at recess to make centerpieces for the tables for The Bridge’s Thanksgiving feast by making toilet paper “pumpkins.” Students are also volunteering to make centerpieces for the shelter’s Christmas dinner, which are decorated bags with garland leaves and stars. Each year during Town Center’s annual Holiday from the Heart, which is a schoolwide holiday-themed service-learning project initiative, TCE 5th graders make holiday cards for the clients at the shelter. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/TCEHolidayHeart.
Canyon Ranch Elementary Students Participate in Hour of Code
CISD Digital Learning Coaches worked with 3rd to 5th graders at Canyon Ranch Elementary to celebrate the Hour of Code Dec. 6-10. Working with the Canyon Ranch Elementary Librarian Carolyn Davis, Digital Learning Coaches led efforts on robotic learning experiences.
The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code,” to show that anybody can learn the basics and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It is typically held during national Computer Science Week, which is Dec. 6 to Dec. 12.
December 2021 Fine Arts Update: Art, Choir, Band and Theatre
.
The December 2021 Fine Arts Update includes information about recent and upcoming choir and theatre performances, band competition results and additional information about the 2021 Holiday Card design contest. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Fall21FineArts.
CISD, Dallas College and C2 Education invite CISD 11th grade students, who are interested in developing and honing their leadership skills, to apply for participation in iLead, the CISD Student Leadership Program. Through a series of sessions, selected participants will explore their personal roles in community and school leadership and volunteer service. CISD staff and local business partners will sponsor these seminars on topics such as personal leadership skills, youth advocacy, service and volunteerism, local government in action and business growth and development. This program is limited to current CISD 11th grade students. Applicants should be in good academic standing based upon grades, attendance, and behavior; have an interest in developing their personal leadership skills; have obtained written permission from their parents and school principal; and be willing to accept the attendance and participation expectations. If selected, participants will commit to participating in this program for the complete duration. In this program, participants will observe leadership in action, learn leadership skills from community and school leaders, and develop their own leadership skills. Interested applicants and their parents should review their schedules and commit to the schedule prior to submitting an application. To apply, visit www.coppellisd.com/iLeadStudent. If you have any questions, please contact Angela Brown, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Communications, at abrown@coppellisd.com.
2022 iLead Student Program Accepting Applications from CISD Juniors
Judges Needed for District Level Student DECA Competition
The Coppell High School student business organization DECA is competing at the district level competition in Garland this school year. CHS will bring 133 competitors to the competition, the largest number of competitors in our district and will likely have more than 100 make it to the state competition. CHS DECA needs to bring as many judges as possible to this event due to bringing such a large contingent of competitors. Anyone over the age of 21 can volunteer to serve as a judge at the DECA competition, which will take place on January 20, 2022 at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland. Judges will be evaluating presentations and/or business role play scenarios in marketing, finance, hospitality and tourism, and entrepreneurship. Judges will be given the information to evaluate no matter the area they are assigned. Learn more at https://my.flipbookpdf.net/q9tfF and register to be a judge at https://bit.ly/3HeLspX. Judge registration closes on Dec. 20.
Curative COVID-19 Testing Opening Time Changed to 7:30 a.m.
Curative has changed its opening time for tests to 7:30 a.m. As a reminder, Curative is offering both PCR testing and rapid antigen COVID-19 testing at the Visitor’s Press Box at Buddy Echols Field at the CHS campus. Results from the rapid antigen will be available within 15-30 minutes. PCR results will be available within 1-2 days from receipt of the sample at the lab. Learn more and make an appointment at go.coppellisd.com/CurativeTests. COVID-19 testing is available at the Visitor’s Press Box at Buddy Echols Field on the CHS campus Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The City of Coppell has kicked off its Holiday Scavenger Hunt! Solve the clues to collect a prize! All you’ll need to locate the Holiday Ambassadors are the clues posted to coppelltx.gov/holidays. Once you’ve found the Ambassadors, snap a picture, tag us, and stop by Town Center to grab your goodie.
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
December 6, 2021
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
We are in the home stretch! As we head towards the winter break, our district continues to focus on our core values of authentic relationships, collective engagement, great teaching and redefining success. As I travel to our campuses, I am in awe of seeing these values in action at our schools each and every day.
For example, the New Tech High @ Coppell Amazon SCOUT event shows how great teaching and collective engagement can lead to our students showing how artificial intelligence can assist with the delivery of Amazon packages in cities across the U.S. The Mockingbird Rakesgiving event held the Friday before Thanksgiving is one example of how our schools model authentic relationships with our neighbors. The achievements of our student-athletes and fine arts learners, some of whom have been in the national spotlight recently, personify our redefining success core value.
All of this to say that Coppell ISD is, has been and remains an exceptional school district because of how our teachers, staff, students and community work together to live out these core values. As you read our stories in this newsletter, online, on social media and even in the news, I hope you join me in being #CISDProud to be a part of Coppell ISD!
Enjoy your week!
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchupWIthHunt: Richard J. Lee Elementary
Tune in to YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Urara Maki, a 5th grader at Richard J. Lee Elementary.
In this Issue:
- #CatchupWithHunt
- Early Dismissal Days Dec. 10 and Dec. 17
- CISD in the News: Fox 4, ESPN and Podcast
- Amazon SCOUT Event at New Tech
- 17 High School Theatre Students Qualify for Nationals
- Broadway's Hamilton Actors Conduct Workshop at CMS West
- Access Nov. 17 Parent University Video and Other Programs Online
- Getting to Know SROs and SRDs in "15 Minutes" — SRO Richard Harr
- Spotlight on Authentic Relationships: Message of Thanks for Bus Driver
- Trustees Approve Local Policy Changes
- Did You Know? Board Agenda and Policies Available on CISD Website
- Curative COVID-19 Testing Updates
- New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts Slamming for a Cause Dec. 7
- High School Choir Presents Madrigal Feast Dec. 10 and Dec. 11
- Upcoming Events
CISD in the News: Fox 4, ESPN and Podcast
Stories featuring CISD have recently been featured in local and national media, as well as on a national podcast. On Nov. 19, Fox 4 News ran a story on its 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. broadcasts on the 9th Annual Mockingbird Rakesgiving, which can be viewed at go.coppellisd.com/Fox4Rakesgiving. CHS Senior Nazir Brown had the ESPN "Play of the Day" for Nov. 23 after he made a full-court 85-foot buzzer-beater shot vs. Guyer High School for the Cowboys win. This amazing shot, captured by our partners 1 Vision, was also covered by the Dallas Morning News on Nov. 24. See the story and watch the video at go.coppellisd.com/PlayoftheDay. Coppell High School students also were featured in this Dallas Morning News story on Dec. 4, "Investing in change: How these Coppell teens are using the stock market to aid their community." CISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt recently was featured on the national podcast “Change Agents in K12” in a discussion on how school districts can more effectively engage, collaborate and communicate with the community. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts or at go.coppellisd.com/ChangeAgentPodcast.
Amazon SCOUT Event at New Tech
New Tech High @ Coppell learner-designed robots may just be the droids Amazon is looking for to deliver packages in major cities across the country. On Dec. 3, New Tech geometry, marketing and FUZE film students demonstrated how robots could deliver packages and navigate U.S. cities such as New York, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., as part of the Amazon SCOUT (So Carry Our Things) event. These students showcased to scale how miniature robots could deliver packages through model cities, designed by geometry students in front of a panel of business and community judges. Marketing pitches were also part of the project. See the Amazon SCOUT event in action in this video at go.coppellisd.com/AmazonSCOUT.17 High School Theatre Students Qualify for National Competition
Seventeen CISD High School Theatre students qualified to advance to the national competition after competing at the Texas Thespian Festival Nov. 17 to 21. Under the leadership of CHS Head Theatre Teacher Karen Ruth, high school students Elena Hewett, Mehak Lohiya, Anish Kalra, Brendan Raley, Sage Priest, Trinity Tackett, Olivia Willey, Sarah Myers, Emma Hoque, Reagann Stolar, Graham Gorman, Jude Taylor, Tyler Schweitzer, Sid Gunasekaran, Issac Mercado, Pia Lala and Jessica Bunting will perform and compete at the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University in Bloomington in June 2022. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/theatrenationalqualification.
Broadway's Hamilton Actors Conduct Workshop at CMS West
About CISD 75 students in 6th to 9th grade got to be “in the room where it happens,” when actors from the touring production of the Broadway hit Hamilton presented a workshop at CMS West after school on Nov. 29. Facilitated by CMS Choir Teacher Allison Hartzell and Theatre Teacher Frances Hazelton, two professional performers from the cast of the Dallas tour of Hamilton — Zoe Jensen, who plays Eliza Hamilton and Tyler Belo, who plays Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, gave a one-hour performance workshop on vocal work or acting. Jensen and Belo then hosted a question and answer session for the students who signed up for the workshop, followed by a short performance of a few songs from Hamilton. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/cmswesthamilton.
Spotlight on Authentic Relationships: Message of Thanks for Bus Driver
One person who Sandhya Karthick, an 8th grader at CMS West, is grateful for is her bus driver Kiana Lindsey. Karthick shared a message of “My Thanksgiving — Driving with Kindness” to show her appreciation for her bus driver, who always asks each of her riders, "How was your day?" On her bus, Lindsey knows her students’ names, gives our candy on special occasions, engages with her riders, conducts trivia games and more. Karthick says Lindsey makes her excited to get on the bus and she is grateful to have such a caring and kind bus driver who helps her start and end her day on the right note. Karthick says, “Kiana Lindsey will always be in my heart as the bus driver who lights up my day." CISD's transportation partner, Durham School Services, is looking for more bus drivers like Kiana Lindsey. Those who wish to apply can visit https://careers.nellc.com/jobs/?location=COPPELL. Durham will train drivers to become certified and licensed. This is a great position for retirees or others desiring part-time work.
Access Nov. 17 Parent University Video and Other Programs Online
Video from the Nov. 17 Parent University session "Safe! Issues Affecting Today’s Youth and How You Can Help" is available online. For this video and other Parent University videos from past presentations, visit www.coppellisd.com/parentuniversity.
Getting to Know SROs and SRDs in "15 Minutes" — SRO Richard Harr
Get to know CISD School Resource Officer Richard Harr during this “15 Minutes” video filmed by media students at Denton Creek Elementary School. View the video at go.coppellisd.com/15minutesHarr. CISD Safety and Security is working with CISD elementary schools to interview School Resource Officers and School Resource Deputies in “60 Minutes” style interviews to foster authentic relationships with our law enforcement partners.
CISD Board of Trustees Approves Local Policy ChangesDuring the Nov. 29 Board Meeting, CISD Trustees approved Local Policy Updates prompted by the 87th Legislative Session and three Legislative Special Sessions. The policies updated are:
-
CFD(LOCAL): Accounting, Activity Funds Management
-
CQB(LOCAL): Technology Resources, Cybersecurity
-
DFE(LOCAL): Termination of Employment, Resignation
-
DP(LOCAL): Personnel Positions
-
EHAA(LOCAL): Basic Instructional Program, Required Instruction
-
EHBC(LOCAL): Special Programs, Compensatory/Accelerated Services
-
FL(LOCAL): Student Records
-
EIE(LOCAL): Academic Achievement, Retention and Promotion
-
FDE(LOCAL): Admissions, School Safety Transfers
-
FEA(LOCAL): Attendance, Compulsory Attendance
-
FEC(LOCAL): Attendance, Attendance for Credit
-
FFG(LOCAL): Student Welfare, Child Abuse and Neglect
These changes are in the Nov. 29 Board Agenda or available online at go.coppellisd.com/BoardPolicies. A video at https://player.vimeo.com/video/620150553 also explains the Local Policy updates.
Did You Know? Board Agenda and Policies Available on CISD Website
Agendas and supporting documents for CISD Board Meetings and Workshops are posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meetings at www.coppellisd.com/board. District and Board policies are also available on the CISD website at www.coppellisd.com/policies or go.coppellisd.com/BoardPolicies. Board Briefs are published the day after meetings and workshops with links to the presentations at www.coppellisd.com/boardbriefs.
Curative COVID-19 Testing Updates for Visitor’s Press Box Testing Site
Curative is offering both PCR testing and rapid antigen COVID-19 testing at the Visitor’s Press Box at Buddy Echols Field at the CHS campus. Results from the rapid antigen will be available within 15-30 minutes. PCR results will be available within 1-2 days from receipt of the sample at the lab. Learn more and make an appointment at go.coppellisd.com/CurativeTests. COVID-19 testing is available at the Visitor’s Press Box at Buddy Echols Field on the CHS campus Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts Slamming for a Cause Night on Dec. 7
The New Tech High @ Coppell “Rookie” Class of 2025 presents the 7th Annual Slamming for a Cause night on Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. During the event, select New Tech Rookies, aka freshmen, will perform their original slam poems. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at https://schoolpay.com/pay/for/Slamming-for-a-Cause-Ticket/SdFaqLM.
High School Choir Presents Madrigal Feast and Show Dec. 10 and 11
The High School Madrigal Choir cordially invites you to a feast fit for a king, filled with music and merriment. Guests will enter the CHS Commons and travel back in time through medieval decor, colorful costumes and period music. The Madrigal singers’ production, "A Ring of Truth,” will keep you laughing and promises to keep guests entertained. The evening will close with a short concert featuring holiday songs. Performances are on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 with seating beginning at 6:30 p.m., and the Feast beginning at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets at www.coppellchoir.com/tickets.
The City of Coppell has kicked off its Holiday Scavenger Hunt! Solve the clues to collect a prize! All you’ll need to locate the Holiday Ambassadors are the clues posted to coppelltx.gov/holidays. Once you’ve found the Ambassadors, snap a picture, tag us, and stop by Town Center to grab your goodie.
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
November 15, 2021
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear Coppell ISD Families,
As we all look toward the upcoming Thanksgiving break, as your superintendent, I have been reflecting on the many things for which I am thankful. I am thankful for our incredibly dedicated staff who are working so hard to educate and care for our students. I am thankful for our teachers and cannot thank them enough for the amazing job they are doing this year. I am thankful for our wonderful students, who come to school each day eager to learn and show us that our future is bright because of them. I am thankful for our families, who partner with us and support us in educating our children. In short, I am thankful for Coppell ISD and grateful to be a part of this special place.
I am also grateful that despite the trials and tribulations over the last few months, our district remains true to our core values of authentic relationships, collective engagement, redefining success and great teaching. We have made a deliberate and concerted effort to continue to focus on these values and the stories we tell in this newsletter, in our social media posts, on our website and in our upcoming magazine. There are so many reasons why I CISD and as a team, we are excited to continue to share these stories with our community.
Finally, I want to share again how thankful I am for our veterans and their families. Our schools had wonderful recognition ceremonies for veterans this week. I was moved by the patriotism and gratitude our kids demonstrated during these events and proud to celebrate with our students and staff. Thank you to all of the teachers and staff members who helped organized these special activities for our veterans. Our tradition of honoring our veterans is one of my favorites in CISD, and one I treasure each year.
I hope you all enjoy this break and the Thanksgiving holiday with your families.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchupWIthHunt: Lakeside Elementary
Tune in to YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Aarushi Biradar, a 5th grader at Lakeside Elementary.In this Issue:
- #CatchupWithHunt
- Seeking Feedback on 22-23 Calendar Options
- CISD Campuses Celebrate Veterans Day
- Denton Creek Students Thank Bus Driver for Veterans Day
- CMS East Collects Items for Military Care Packages
- Pinkerton Students Collect Candy and Letters for Operation Gratitude
- Coppell Band Takes 5th Place at State
- November Fine Arts Update
- Volleyball Coach Libby Pacheco Chosen as 1st Female Leader of Texas High School Coaches Association's Education Foundation
- November Athletics Update
- CISD Family Survey Deadline Extended to Friday, Nov. 19
- High School Student Athletes Participate in National Signing Day Nov. 10
- Spotlight on Great Teaching: Word Builders at Cottonwood Creek
- Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat Drive at CMS North
- CISD Presents Virtual Parent University on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.
- New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts Slamming for a Cause Dec. 7
- Christmas Wreath Raffle Supports Taylor Storch Scholarship & CEF
- Upcoming Events
Seeking Feedback on 22-23 Calendar Options
Community feedback is important as CISD considers academic calendar options for the 2022-2023 School Year. Please express your preference between Option A, Option B or Option C by providing your feedback at go.coppellisd.com/22-23CalendarInput between Monday, Nov. 15 to Friday, Dec. 3 at 11:59 p.m. The CISD Board of Trustees is set to discuss and consider approval of the 2022-2023 CISD Calendar at its December 13, 2021, Board Meeting. The calendar approved for 2022-2023 will be duplicated for the 2023-2024 academic calendar. To see the calendar options in detail, visit www.coppellisd.com/calendaroptions.
CISD Campuses Celebrate Veterans Day
Check out this video at go.coppellisd.com/Veterans21 to see photos of CISD campuses celebrating Veterans Day this year. CISD thanks veterans for their sacrifice and service to our country.
Denton Creek Students Thank Bus Driver Tommy Thompson for Veteran's Day
Students at Denton Creek Elementary school surprised their bus driver, Tommy Thompson, a retired Veteran, with thank you notes for his service on Veterans Day. Thompson served in the U.S. Army for 21 years before retiring. He served in the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart. This story aired on CBS 11 and Fox 4 News.
Visit go.coppellisd.com/21VeteranCBS11. Thompson said his service in the Army and his service as a bus driver are for the same reason — the kids. CISD thanks Thompson for his service to our country and for our childrenCMS East Collects Items for Military Care Packages for Veterans Day
CMS East students gathered items for care packages to send to active military bases overseas. Learners collected food and snacks, toiletry items, entertainment activities such as puzzle books and games, and letters of appreciation to send to our active military members to thank them for their service. The project was led by CMS East Social Studies Teacher Brianna Robben.
Pinkerton Students Collect Candy and Letters for Operation Gratitude
Pinkerton 4th grade student Ameya Thirtha and his family have participated in Operation Gratitude for several years and donated their Halloween candy to U.S. Troops. As a member of the Pinkerton Student Council, he suggested the campus participate in this project school wide. Students made flyers and posters encouraging students to bring in candy donations to the troops during the week after Halloween. In honor of Veterans Day, Pinkerton Student Council members sorted candy and wrote letters to soldiers overseas. The candy donations totaled 134 pounds and were sent out to soldiers stationed overseas along with the thank you letters.
Coppell Band Takes 5th Place at State 6A UIL Competition
The 2021 season ended on a high note for the Coppell Varsity Band, which took 5th place at the State 6A UIL Competition in San Antonio on Nov. 9. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/BandState21.
November Fine Arts Update: West Students Win Local Art Contest
The CISD Department of Fine Arts November Update includes details on holiday artwork, a spotlight on students from CMS West winning the Lions Club Peace Poster Contest, an update on the Honor Choirs 10th Anniversary Performance and more. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Nov21FineArts.
Volleyball Coach Libby Pacheco Chosen as 1st Female Leader of
Texas High School Coaches Association's Education FoundationHigh School Head Volleyball Coach and Girls Athletics Coordinator Libby Pacheco is leaving CISD at the end of the semester to become the Chief Operating Officer of the Education Foundation and Member Services for the Texas High School Coaches Association’s Education Foundation. While CISD is sad to lose Coach Pacheco so soon after her joining our district family, we are so excited and proud of her for achieving this amazing opportunity. Coach Pacheco will be the first female director in the 92-year history of this statewide organization, which represents about 24,000 high school coaches, making it the largest organization of its kind in the world.
November CISD Athletics Update: Fall Sports Update and More
Visit go.coppellisd.com/AthleticsNov21 to read the latest information about the athletic programs in CISD in the November Coppell Athletics Update Newsletter. The newsletter contains information about fall sports team updates, student-athlete profiles and additional updates on middle and high school sports in the district.
CISD Family Survey Deadline Extended to Friday, Nov. 19
The Fall 2021 CISD Family Survey has been extended through Friday, Nov. 19. To participate in the survey, parents and guardians can visit go.coppellisd.com/FamilySurveyFall21 then select your child(ren)’s school. If you have multiple children in CISD, we ask that you take the survey for each school your child attends. Families can email input@coppellisd.com, if you would like to share any additional feedback or insight not covered in the survey or have any additional comments to share with the district.
High School Athletes Participate in National Signing Day Nov. 10
Eleven CISD high school student athletes participated in National Signing Day at the CHS Arena on Nov. 10. Congratulations to Ryan Agarwal, who signed to play basketball at Stanford University, Rayne Bossier, who signed to play volleyball at Friends University, Alessandra Clent, who signed to play volleyball at Campbell University, Adrianna Erichsen, who signed to play softball at Arkansas Monticello, Michelle Pak, who signed to play soccer at the University of Oklahoma, Bailey Peek, who signed to play soccer at Rice University, Walker Polk, who signed to play baseball at Baylor University, Sidonie Thibeault, who signed for acrobatics and tumbling at Gannon University, and Reneta Vargas, who signed to play soccer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Spotlight on Great Teaching: Word Builders at Cottonwood Creek
Third grade learners in Karen Gullatt's class at Cottonwood Creek Elementary recently joined a mock “construction crew” to work on their writing skills. The crew used their Word Builders tool kit as they wrote, edited and revised sentences. Students color-coded a tool kit to assist them with capitalization, punctuation, spelling and correct sentence structure. The simulation gave the third graders an opportunity to experience real-world work through a mini-job site transformation. Gullatt was the foreman, and her last "inspection" included a "punch card" of the learner's use of the construction tool kit in their final writing prompt. Everyone agreed that the work passed inspection and was a job "well done.”
Trick or Treats So Kids Can Eat Food and Toiletry Drive at CMS North
By CISD Communications and Community Engagement Intern Bogdan Maksimov, a senior at New Tech High @ Coppell
Trick or Treats So Kids Can Eat is an annual drive that occurs every October at Coppell Middle School North, led by Theatre Teacher Brittany Reese, and the month is full of fun activities and dress-up days related to the effort. This year CMS North collected 3,998 pounds of canned food and 455 pounds of toilet paper for a grand total of 4,443 pounds of needed goods for the Christian Community Action’s local food bank.
CISD Presents Virtual Parent University on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.
Join the CISD Counseling Team and their partners, the Grant Halliburton Foundation, for a Virtual Parent University event on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. via ZOOM. “Safe! Issues Affecting Today’s Youth and How You Can Help” will focus on how to recognize and respond to a young person in crisis and share tools and resources to keep our children safe. Join the Zoom at go.coppellisd.com/ParentUSafe. For more information, contact Anne Lehew at alehew@coppellisd.com. This presentation is designed for adults and not recommended for children and teens.
New Tech High @ Coppell Hosts Slamming for a Cause Night on Dec. 7
The New Tech High @ Coppell “Rookie” Class of 2025 presents the 7th Annual Slamming for a Cause night on Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. During the event, select New Tech Rookies, aka freshmen, will perform their original slam poems. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at https://schoolpay.com/pay/for/Slamming-for-a-Cause-Ticket/SdFaqLM.
Christmas Wreath Raffle Supports Taylor Storch Scholarship & CEF
Six winners will be chosen to be the lucky recipients of a beautiful fully-lit Christmas Wreath professionally decorated by Heaven Sent Boutique and Gifts. Wreaths can be viewed at Bailey Orthodontics, Dr. Rozas Pediatric Dentist, Tangerine Salon, J. Macklin’s, Heaven Sent Boutique and Gifts and Stride Rite. Click here to find out where each of the six wreaths is located. Raffle tickets are $5 each and you can purchase raffle tickets here or in person at Tangerine Salon in Old Town Coppell and Heaven Sent Boutique and Gifts. Make sure to spread the word and get your tickets for a chance to win one of these beautiful wreaths. The last day to purchase tickets is Nov. 30 and raffle winners will be announced on Dec. 1. One hundred percent of all ticket sales will go to the Taylor Storch Memorial Scholarship and the CISD Education Foundation.
Join the City of Coppell in supporting local businesses and commit to shopping small this holiday season! Browse local boutiques and meander local markets on your holiday shopping sprees at Small Business Saturday on November 27 and not only score one-of-a-kind finds, but you might just win a prize, too! Learn more at coppelltx.gov/oldtown.
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
November 8, 2021
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
Thursday is Veterans Day, and our schools will be honoring those who have served in the military with special programs, events, recognition ceremonies, performances and more. This is a special time to thank those who are or who have sacrificed so much to serve and protect our country. I also want to thank the children and family members of our veterans, who also sacrifice and serve our country as well.
Our veterans deserve our gratitude, appreciation and respect. They serve our country and work to protect the freedom that we all enjoy each and every day. I also want to recognize the children of our service members, who also sacrifice as they may not see a parent while they serve our country. Thank you, veterans!
Switching gears, I am so happy to share that we are partnering with Tom Thumb to provide COViD-19 vaccines to children ages 5 and up on Nov. 17 and Dec. 8. I know many families are relieved that the vaccines are finally available for our younger learners, and I hope those who wish to vaccinate their children participate in this clinic. You can find details on our website or in the article below.
On another note, I want to once again congratulate our Varsity Band for placing first in the Area competition last weekend. The Band has so much momentum in their recent competition success going into this week’s state competition, and I know you join me in wishing them good luck at state!Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchupWIthHunt: Coppell High School
Tune in to YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Yash Purani, a senior at Coppell High School, the CHS senior class president and the Coppell Chamber of Commerce's September Student of the Month.In this Issue:
- #CatchupWithHunt
- COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Nov. 17 & Dec. 8
- Cross Country's Andrew Mullen 7th at State
- Band Takes 1st at UIL 6-A Area, 8th and BOA San Antonio Super Regional
- Seeking I Heart CISD Testimonials
- CISD Family Survey Deadline Extended to Nov. 12
- Limitless Mindset Propels CHS Junior Adi Patel Towards Air Force
- Your Bond Dollars At Work — Update on 2016 Bond Projects
- VIP Gold Card Available for CISD Community Ages 60 and Up
- Registration Now Open for We Are 1 Community Event Nov. 20
- CISD Safety Update: Video Doorbells at All CISD Campuses
- CISD Presents Virtual Parent University on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.
- Health Screening Volunteers Needed at CISD Schools
- Metrocrest Services Needs Volunteers to Help Serve Families
- Christmas Wreath Raffle Supports Taylor Storch Scholarship & CEF
- CEF Football Night Shirts Still Available for Purchase
- The Cozby Library Presents Indie Author Fair on Nov. 13
- Upcoming Events
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Nov. 17 & Dec. 8
CISD is partnering with Tom Thumb Pharmacy to provide COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5 and up and for district community members who would like the vaccination or need a booster. The clinics will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 17 and Wednesday, Dec. 8 in the gym of Wilson Elementary School from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Wilson Elementary is located at 200 S. Coppell Road in Coppell. Tom Thumb will provide the Pediatric Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds, the Adult Pfizer vaccine for those ages 12 and up and the Moderna vaccine for those over the age of 18. Booster shots also will be available to those who qualify. Visit www.mhealthsystem.com/CoppellISD to make an appointment or click on the QR code. Please fill out the English Consent Form or Spanish Consent Form after making the appointment and bring the form with you. Forms also will be available on site. Please indicate your relationship to the patient on the signature line. A consent form is needed for each clinic. A parent or guardian must accompany a child under the age of 18 at the clinic.
Cross Country's Andrew Mullen 7th at State
Congratulations to Coppell High School Junior Andrew Mullen, who placed 7th in the UIL 6 A State Cross Country Championship held in Round Rock on Nov. 6. Mullen ran a personal record of 15 minutes, 17.1 seconds at the meet. On Nov. 7, Mullen was nominated for the Star Local Media's Athlete of the week. Read more and vote at https://starlocalmedia.com/sports/vote-for-star-local-medias-athlete-of-the-week/article_af36fa9c-4018-11ec-b7ac-4fa7b7882bfa.html.
Band Takes 1st at UIL Area, 8th at BOA San Antonio Super Regional
Congratulations to the Varsity High School Band, which placed first in the 6-A UIL Area B Competition on Oct. 30 in advance of the state competition to be held Nov. 8-9 in San Antonio. Over the Nov. 6-7 weekend, the Coppell Band placed 8th in the 2021 Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional.
CISD Seeking I Heart CISD Testimonials from District Community
“I love CISD because the district offers so much in the way of academic opportunities, but also extracurricular activities that allow me to grow as more than just a student. There is so much diversity in learning opportunities through the different classes and clubs, and CISD staff is always so supportive of the things that students are passionate about."
— CHS Senior Kashvi Singh, 2021-2022 National Merit Semifinalist
CISD would like to hear from our students, families, employees and community about why you heart CISD. Submit a testimonial at go.coppellisd.com/iheartcisdtestimonial.
CISD Family Survey Deadline Extended to Friday, Nov. 12
The Fall 2021 CISD Family Survey is open now through Friday, Nov. 5. To participate in the survey, parents and guardians can visit go.coppellisd.com/FamilySurveyFall21, then select your child(ren)’s school. If you have multiple children in CISD, we ask that you take the survey for each school your child attends. Email input@coppellisd.com, if you would like to share any additional feedback or insight not covered in the survey or have any additional comments to share with the district.
Limitless Mindset Propels CHS Junior Adi Patel Towards Air Force
Courtesy of the CHS Sidekick student newspaper. Story by CHS Senior Varshitha Korrapolu
and photos by CHS Junior Nandini Paidesetty.
While most high school juniors are working towards getting their driver’s licenses, Coppell High School junior Adi Patel is up in the sky learning how to fly airplanes to receive his private pilot’s license. In order to achieve his dream of joining the Air Force, Patel is currently part of the Civil Air Patrol, an organization that stems from the U.S. Air Force and prepares aspiring pilots for the military. He joined the Civil Air Patrol between seventh and eighth grade and started taking flight lessons this January. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/AdiPatel.
Your Bond Dollars At Work — Update on 2016 Bond Projects
Projects included in the CISD 2016 voter-approved Bond are nearly complete. Learn more about Your Bond Dollars at Work via an infographic available at go.coppellisd.com/2016BondInfographic.
VIP Gold Card Available for CISD Community Age 60 and Up
CISD is pleased to offer community members who are 60 years of age or older and who live within the Coppell ISD boundary lines, free access to some CISD fine arts events and athletics events at CISD campuses and facilities. To receive a VIP Gold Card, please fill out this form and then visit the Coppell ISD Service Center on Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. or Noon – 4 p.m. The Service Center is located at 1303 Wrangler Circle, Coppell TX 75019. You will need to ask for Dani Lopez and provide your driver’s license to qualify for the CISD VIP Gold Card. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/goldcard.
Registration Open for We Are 1 Community Event Nov. 20
Registration is now open for the We Are 1 Community Event to be held at Music City Mall on Nov. 20, which will provide Thanksgiving Dinners and more to all CISD families who would like to register. Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/we-are-1-community-thanksgiving-food-blessing-drive-thru-registration-165213017583. Families are encouraged to register sooner rather than later, as registration is open to the first 3,000 families from the five participating school districts.
CISD Safety Update: Video Doorbells at All CISD Campuses
The safety and well-being of all of our students, staff, and visitors to our schools remains a top district priority. In our continuing efforts to improve our security and to keep our schools safe, we are in the process of installing video doorbells on the exterior doors of the main entrances of all of our campuses and at our central administration buildings. These exterior video doorbells will allow our front desk personnel to see and interact with parents/guardians and visitors prior to buzzing them into the secure vestibules at our campuses or into our buildings. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/videodoorbells.
CISD Presents Virtual Parent University on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.
Join the CISD Counseling Team and their partners, the Grant Halliburton Foundation, for a Virtual Parent University event on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. via ZOOM. “Safe! Issues Affecting Today’s Youth and How You Can Help” will focus on how to recognize and respond to a young person in crisis and share tools and resources to keep our children safe. Join the Zoom at go.coppellisd.com/ParentUSafe. For more information, contact Anne Lehew at alehew@coppellisd.com. This presentation is designed for adults and not recommended for children and teens.
Health Screening Volunteers Needed at CISD Schools
This is an exceptionally busy school year for CISD school nurses. The district is looking for volunteers to form a vision and hearing screenings team. No experience is needed. Training will be provided by the CISD Health Services Department and through the Region 10 Educational Service Center. If you are interested in becoming a screening volunteer or would like more information, please contact CISD Coordinator of Health Services Joyce Alcorn at jalcorn@coppellisd.com.
Metrocrest Services Needs Volunteers to Help Serve Families
Metrocrest Services relies on volunteers to help feed the 700+ families who use its pantry weekly. Volunteers can serve with us in our drive-through food pantry, assembling boxes of shelf-stable food, hygiene items, and bags of produce, or even assist with our Resale store. Metrocrest has opportunities available Monday through Saturday and would love for new volunteers to join. For sign-up instructions and to see all available shifts, visit metrocrestservices.org/volunteer. For questions, contact Metrocrest Services Volunteer Manager, Lauren Wintermute at lwintermute@metrocrestservices.org or 469-317-2541.
Christmas Wreath Raffle Supports Taylor Storch Scholarship & CEF
Six winners will be chosen to be the lucky recipients of a beautiful fully-lit Christmas Wreath professionally decorated by Heaven Sent Boutique and Gifts. Wreaths can be viewed at Bailey Orthodontics, Dr. Rozas Pediatric Dentist, Tangerine Salon, J. Macklin’s, Heaven Sent Boutique and Gifts and Stride Rite. Click here to find out where each of the six wreaths is located. Raffle tickets are $5 each and you can purchase raffle tickets here or in person at Tangerine Salon in Old Town Coppell and Heaven Sent Boutique and Gifts. Make sure to spread the word and get your tickets for a chance to win one of these beautiful wreaths. The last day to purchase tickets is Nov. 30 and raffle winners will be announced on Dec. 1. One hundred percent of all ticket sales will go to the Taylor Storch Memorial Scholarship and the CISD Education Foundation.
CEF Football Night Shirts Still Available for Purchase
Thank you to everyone who purchased a tie-dyed spirit shirt and made a contribution to this year’s grants. We appreciated seeing the shirts at the game. We have limited availability of inventory, and they can be purchased here. Stop by the Cozby Library and Community Commons to meet local authors on Indie Author Day, Saturday, Nov. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. This event brings independent authors and their potential readers together in the library and helps local authors develop their writing skills in a supportive community. Authors will have copies of their books available for purchase. Learn more at https://cozbylibrary.librarymarket.com
Text: The City of Coppell is mobile! The City’s new app pulls directly from the website and delivers a custom user experience based on location, settings, and personal preferences. Pay bills, check out the City calendar, set up alerts, browse the library catalog and more. Visit the App Store or Google Play to download it today!
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
November 1, 2021
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
Dear CISD Families,
I want to begin by thanking our families for coming out and engaging with us at the CISD Community Tailgate last Friday. I am happy that we were able to hold this event again, as we work to continue to engage with our community. I want to give a special shot out to the Austin Elementary Marimba group for performing at the event, as well as to our Communications and Community Engagement team for their work behind the scenes to make this evening a success. Thank you again to everyone who came for being a part of this fun event!
Friday also was Senior Night at the varsity football game. I know this was a special night for our Senior Class of 2022 football players, band members, Lariettes and Coppell Cheerleaders, as they celebrated their last night performing on Buddy Echols Field. Thank you to our seniors and their families for their support and Cowboy spirit! As a reminder, our band will have a free community showcase on Nov. 3, where they will be performing their award-winning show, Carousel. I hope to see the community there supporting the band.
We have so many things to celebrate in our district, from our amazing student-athletes to our talented student performers and artists to our great teachers and more. As you read about our achievements and accolades in our newsletter, website and on social media, I hope you join me in being proud to be a part of the CISD family, where you matter and you belong.
Have a wonderful week!Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchupWIthHunt: New Tech High @ Coppell
Tune in to YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Tristan Davis, a senior at New Tech High @ Coppell and the Coppell Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month.
Seeking I Heart CISD Testimonials
“I love CISD because they do a very good job of making things personal and doing a really great job of making connections with the students. The teachers are great, and everybody here is really awesome.”
— New Tech @ Coppell Senior Tristan Davis
See why Tristan Davis hearts CISD in this video at go.coppellisd.com/HeartDavis. CISD would like to hear from our students, families, employees and community about why you heart CISD. Submit a testimonial at go.coppellisd.com/iheartcisdtestimonial.In this Issue:
- #CatchupWithHunt: New Tech High @ Coppell
- Seeking I Heart CISD Testimonials
- Band Takes 3rd at BOA Super Regionals, Free Carousel Community Showcase Nov. 3
- Complete CISD Family Survey Nov. 5
- Free COVID-19 Testing at Visitor's Press Box at Coppell High School
- Team Tennis Finishes Season as Regional State Semifinalists
- Boys Cross Country 7th at Regionals, Andrew Mullen Advances to State
- Canyon Ranch Learners Share About Celebrating Diwali Nov. 4
- Registration Now Open for We Are 1 Community Event Nov. 20
- Congratulations 9th and 10th Grade Region 31 Honor Choir Members
- Cowboy Theatre Variety Show at Coppell Arts Center Nov. 6
- Save the Date: Virtual Parent University on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.
- Getting to Know School Resource Deputy David Sneed in "15 Minutes"
- Spotlight on Collective Engagement: Free English Classes at East
- Health Screening Volunteers Needed at CISD Schools
- Metrocrest Services Needs Volunteers to Help Serve Families
- CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open for Donations
- The City of Coppell Celebrates Arbor Day with Fall Frolic on Nov. 6
- The Cozby Library Presents Indie Author Fair on Nov. 13
- Upcoming Events
Band Takes 3rd at BOA Super Regionals,
Free Carousel Community Showcase Nov. 3
The Coppell Varsity Marching Band placed 3rd at the Bands of America Super Regionals competition held in St. Louis on Oct. 22-23 amidst a highly competitive field. The Band will perform a free community showcase of its competition performance Carousel on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field at Coppell High School. The community is asked to bring a canned food item to the performance to donate to our CHS food pantry. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/BOAShowcase.
Complete CISD Family Survey by Nov. 5
The Fall 2021 CISD Family Survey is open now through Friday, Nov. 5. To participate in the survey, parents and guardians can visit go.coppellisd.com/FamilySurveyFall21, then select your child(ren)’s school. If you have multiple children in CISD, we ask that you take the survey for each school your child attends. Email input@coppellisd.com, if you would like to share any additional feedback or insight not covered in the survey or have any additional comments to share with the district.Free COVID-19 Testing at Visitor's Press Box at Coppell High School
CISD is partnering with Curative to provide Rapid PCR Testing at no cost is available at Coppell High School Buddy Echols Field Visitor's Press Box Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The test is a self-collected swab test with results expected in three to four hours. To book an appointment visit https://book.curative.com/sites/32604.
Team Tennis Finishes Season as Regional State Semifinalists
Congratulations to the Varsity Tennis Team, who finished out their state tournament run as Regional State Semifinalists!
Boys Cross Country 7th at Regionals, Andrew Mullen Advances to State
The Coppell Boys Cross Country team season ended with a 7th place team finish at the Regional Championships in Lubbock on Oct. 25. Junior Andrew Mullen will move on to the UIL State Championship as an individual boys’ qualifier after finishing 7th overall at the Regional Championship. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/CrossCountry.
Canyon Ranch Learners Share About Celebrating Diwali Nov. 4
Check out this video where students at Canyon Ranch Elementary share about Diwali and what celebrating the holiday means to them. The Canyon Ranch Elementary PTO created this video to inform the community about this holiday. View the video at go.coppellisd.com/CREDiwali.
Registration Now Open for We Are 1 Community Event Nov. 20
Registration is now open for the We Are 1 Community Event to be held at Music City Mall on Nov. 20, which will provide Thanksgiving Dinners and more to all CISD families who would like to register. Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/we-are-1-community-thanksgiving-food-blessing-drive-thru-registration-165213017583. Families are encouraged to register sooner rather than later, as registration is open to the first 3,000 families from the five participating school districts.
Congratulations 9th and 10th Grade Region 31 Honor Choir Members
CISD had 28 9th and 10th grade choir singers audition and make the Region 31 9&10 Honor Choir. CISD had the most singers advance to this level than any other high school in the region. Congratulations to choir students: Vedha Katta, Nicki Mikael, Bea Binu, Varshini Girish, Michelle Raj, Minori Kunte, Scarlet Corbaley, Hannah Tbaba, Akshara Goli, Lynlee Graves, Alyssa Boren, Roshni Buddha, Sefam (Sweetie) Ansah, Erene Abraham, Amy Reyes, Riddhi Koundinya, Landrie Abercrombie, Saanvi Mantena, Ethan Paul, Suhas Sura, Adhiraj Mantan, Lucas Cavazos, Will Rose, Matthew Routhier, Raghav Hosalli, Jared Jiao, JP Rodriguez and Zachary Cox for this achievement.
Cowboy Theatre Company Variety Show at Coppell Arts Center Nov. 6
Join the High School Cowboy Theatre Company for a Variety Show on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Coppell Arts Center. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://chs-theatre-boosters.square.site.
Join the CISD Counseling Team and their partners the Grant Halliburton Foundation for a Virtual Parent University event on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. via ZOOM. “Safe! Issues Affecting Today’s Youth and How You Can Help” will focus on how to recognize and respond to a young person in crisis and share tools and resources to keep our children safe. Join the Zoom at go.coppellisd.com/ParentUSafe. For more information, contact Anne Lehew at alehew@coppellisd.com. This presentation is designed for adults and not recommended for children and teens.
Getting to Know School Resource Deputy David Sneed in "15 Minutes"
Get to know CISD School Resource Deputy David Sneed during this “15 Minutes” video filmed by media students at Richard J. Lee Elementary. CISD Safety and Security is working with CISD elementary schools to interview School Resource Officers and School Resource Deputies in “60 Minutes” style interviews to foster authentic relationships with our law enforcement partners. View the video at go.coppellisd.com/15Sneed.
Spotlight on Collective Engagement: Free English Classes at East
More than 75 parents and guardians attended CISD’s first free English classes at CMS East on Oct. 26. CISD is providing free English classes for all CISD parents and families every Tuesday evening from now until March 8. These classes will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the CMS East Library. Materials and refreshments will be provided. Email Laura Bird at lbird@coppellisd.com or Tara Sowels at tsowels@coppellisd.com if you have any questions.
Health Screening Volunteers Needed at CISD Schools
This is an exceptionally busy school year for CISD school nurses. The district is looking for volunteers to form a vision and hearing screenings team. No experience is needed. Training will be provided by the CISD Health Services Department and through the Region 10 Educational Service Center. If you are interested in becoming a screening volunteer or would like more information, please contact CISD Coordinator of Health Services Joyce Alcorn at jalcorn@coppellisd.com.
Metrocrest Services Needs Volunteers to Help Serve Families
Metrocrest Services relies on volunteers to help feed the 700+ families who use its pantry weekly. Volunteers can serve with us in our drive-through food pantry, assembling boxes of shelf-stable food, hygiene items, and bags of produce, or even assist with our Resale store. Metrocrest has opportunities available Monday through Saturday and would love for new volunteers to join. For sign-up instructions and to see all available shifts, visit metrocrestservices.org/volunteer. For questions, contact Metrocrest Services Volunteer Manager, Lauren Wintermute at lwintermute@metrocrestservices.org or 469-317-2541.The CISD Education Foundation’s Give for Grants is designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward effective, innovative and creative instructional approaches that directly impact CISD students while transforming classroom learning. The Education Foundation has 27 grant requests from 10 CISD campuses. Last year, generous donations helped the Education Foundation fund every grant. Let’s get them funded again this year. Making a donation is easy — You choose the school. You select the grant. You make a donation. You make an impact. Give today at give4forgrantsCISD.org.
The City of Coppell Celebrates Arbor Day with Fall Frolic on Nov. 6
The Biodiversity Education Center (BEC) is celebrating Arbor Day this year throughout the first two weeks of November with Arbor Day themed EcoExplorer visitor days and on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the annual Fall Frolic. Join the BEC for an afternoon of celebrating Arbor Day and learning more about the importance of trees. Learn more at www.coppelltx.gov/401/Biodiversity-Education-Center.
The Cozby Library Presents Indie Author Fair on Nov. 13
Stop by the Cozby Library and Community Commons to meet local authors on Indie Author Day, Saturday, Nov. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. This event brings independent authors and their potential readers together in the library and helps local authors develop their writing skills in a supportive community. Authors will have copies of their books available for purchase. Learn more at https://cozbylibrary.librarymarket.com
Text: The City of Coppell is mobile! The City’s new app pulls directly from the website and delivers a custom user experience based on location, settings, and personal preferences. Pay bills, check out the City calendar, set up alerts, browse the library catalog and more. Visit the App Store or Google Play to download it today!
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
October 25, 2021
Dear CISD Families,
This school year our core value focus is great teaching. We value great teaching because we believe it is key to deep learning. I believe we have the best and most exceptional teachers here in CISD, because of their great teaching practices and their commitment to investing in relationships with their students, colleagues and families.
Great teaching is about innovation, collaboration and connection. Great teaching is about establishing a love of lifelong learning with students, while modeling this behavior in professional learning and sharing new and creative ideas and best practices with colleagues. Our teachers are amazing and deserve our trust, support, thanks and praise. They are experts in their field who, in partnership with our families, work tirelessly to educate and take care of our children. I cannot thank our teachers enough for what they do each and every day.
I believe that what gets recognized gets repeated, so it has been such a joy to recognize a special group of educators as Super Teachers over the last few weeks. These teachers develop innovative and dynamic ways of teaching, as well as are committed to elevating their lessons and sharing these practices with colleagues. Congratulations to our first grading period Super Teachers!
Have a wonderful week!Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
#CatchupWIthHunt: Wilson Elementary
Tune in to YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Emiliano Noyola, a 5th grader from Wilson Elementary.
Congratulations to CISD Super Teachers
Congratulations to CISD's First Grading Period 2021 Super Teachers, who design engaging and innovative learning experiences that ignite the interests of learners. CISD's latest Super Teachers are: Christine Scovill and Kat Ondelacy from Wilson Elementary, Kourtney Waggoner and Samira Khan from Richard J. Lee Elementary, Meghan Tinsley from Canyon Ranch Elementary, Shannon Howard and Alyssa Reese from New Tech High @ Coppell, and Mattie Colbert, Michael Presley and Robin Watson from CMS East.In this Issue:
- #CatchupWithHunt: Wilson Elementary
- Congratulations to CISD Super Teachers
- Register for Free Screening of Angst Documentary Oct. 26
- Complete CISD Family Survey by Nov. 5
- Angela Campbell 2021 Region 10 APE Teacher of the year
- Free COVID-19 Testing at Buddy Echols Visitor's Press Box
- Purchase Food for Oct. 29 Community Tailgate
- Registration Now Open for We Are 1 Community Event Nov. 20
- Seeking I Heart CISD Testimonials
- Varsity Tennis Wins Area Regionals, Advances to State Tournament
- High School Choir Students Advance to TMEA Pre-Area Auditions
- Boys Cross Country Team Advances to Regionals
- Spotlight on Redefining Success: East Student A.B. Perk Foodie Fridays
- Storybook Pumpkin Tradition Begins at Wilson Elementary
- Congratulations Victory Place Turning Point Graduates
- Free English Classes Available for CISD Parents Starting Oct. 26
- First Financial Hearing at Oct. 25 Board Meeting
- Punkin' Chunkin' at New Tech Oct. 28
- CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open for Donations
- Upcoming Events
Register for Free Screening of Angst Oct. 26
Families, teachers and students middle school and older are invited to register for a free virtual screening of the film Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. The film will be followed by a panel discussion that will include local experts in the area of child and adolescent mental health. Register for this free virtual screening at go.coppellisd.com/AngstOct26Registration.
Complete CISD Family Survey by Nov. 5
The Fall 2021 CISD Family Survey is open now through Friday, Nov. 5. To participate in the survey, parents and guardians can visit go.coppellisd.com/FamilySurveyFall21, then select your child(ren)’s school. If you have multiple children in CISD, we ask that you take the survey for each school your child attends. Please email input@coppellisd.com, if you would like to share any additional feedback or insight not covered in the survey or have any additional comments to share with the district.
Free COVID-19 Testing at Visitor's Press Box
CISD is partnering with Curative to provide Rapid PCR Testing at no cost is available at Coppell High School Buddy Echols Field Visitor's Press Box Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The test is a self-collected swab test with results expected in three to four hours. To book an appointment visit https://book.curative.com/sites/32604.Angela Campbell 2021 Region 10 APE Teacher of the Year
Angela Campbell, left, accepts the Region 10 Whatatateacher APE Teacher
of the year Award from the award's namesake, Randy Foederer, right.
CISD educator Angela Campbell is the 2021 Region 10 Randy Foederer Whatateacher APE Teacher of the Year. This award honors an Adapted Physical Education (APE) professional who goes above and beyond in providing physical education classes and opportunities for athletics inclusion for students with special needs. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Campbell21.
Purchase Food for CISD Community Tailgate on Friday, Oct. 29
Join Coppell ISD for our Annual Community Tailgate before the Oct. 29 CHS football game vs. Plano East. Order your Hard Eight BBQ boxed dinner in advance for $10. You may purchase your brisket or turkey sandwich boxed meal online at www.coppellisd.com/tailgate. Orders are limited to the first 250 dinners. Please present your receipt at the Community Tailgate to redeem. The Hard Eight dinner must be purchased in advance online. The CISD Community Tailgate begins at 5:30 p.m., so there will be plenty of time to enjoy all of the pre-game festivities for Senior Night before the7 p.m. kick-off time. We look forward to seeing you there.
Registration Now Open for We Are 1 Community Event Nov. 20
Registration is now open for the We Are 1 Community Event to be held at Music City Mall on Nov. 20, which will provide Thanksgiving Dinners and more to all CISD families who would like to register. Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/we-are-1-community-thanksgiving-food-blessing-drive-thru-registration-165213017583. Families are encouraged to register sooner rather than later, as registration is open to the first 3,000 families from the five participating school districts.
CISD Seeking I Heart CISD Testimonials from District Community
CISD would like to hear from our students, families, employees and community about why you heart CISD. Submit a testimonial at go.coppellisd.com/iheartcisdtestimonial.
Varsity Tennis Wins Area Regionals, Advances to State Tournament
The CHS Varsity Tennis Team are Area Regional Champions, having won the Area match vs. Arlington Martin on Oct. 15 and the Region Area match vs. Marcus on Oct. 19. As a result, the team has advanced to the State Tournament Semifinals. Go Cowboys!
High School Choir Students Advance to TMEA Pre-Area Auditions
Congratulations to the high school singers who auditioned for the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Region Choir Auditions Oct. 16-17 and have advanced to the next round of Pre-Area auditions — Roma Jani, Natalie Bennett, Divya Ghanta, Meher Saini, Kate Markham, Shambhavvi Anand, Katie Arrington, Janani Ramamoorthy, Sumita Bhattacharyya, Megna Gopinath, Anagha Dharmavaram, Sri Jishnu Chintha, Shriram Janardhan, Joseph Mathew, Ben Hall and Preston Johnson. Congratulations also to the Region 31 Honor Choir Members Roma Jani, Natalie Bennett, Divya Ghanta, Meher Saini, Kate Markham, Shambhavvi Anand, Katie Arrington, Janani Ramamoorthy, Sumita Bhattacharyya, Megna Gopinath, Anagha Dharmavaram, Sri Jishnu Chintha, Shriram Janardhan, Joseph Mathew, Ben Hall, Preston Johnson, Anuncy Jesayen, Rhea Chowdhary, Alyssa Bargas, Ashley Lee, Tisya Yadav, Ananya Swaminathan, Lauren Chieh and Amy Yan.
Boys Cross Country Team Advance to Regionals
By CHS Junior Torie Peck and Courtesy of the CHS Sidekick Student Newspaper
The Varsity Boys Cross Country team will advance to the Regional Tournament after placing 3rd at the District 6-A Tournament held Oct. 15 in Denton. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/CrossCountryRegional21.
Spotlight on Redefining Success: East Student A.B. Perk Foodie Fridays
Developing the Foodie Fridays video segment for the CMS East Bronco News is what is on the menu of success for 8th grade student Annabella “A.B.” Perk. Foodie Fridays is one way for Perk to combine her love of cooking with her passion for making learning disabilities more normalized, as she has dyslexia, dysgraphia and apraxia of speech.
“My ultimate goal is to become a chef, and the Foodie Friday segment is helping me learn from experts in the field while passing along this knowledge to the students at East in our weekly Bronco News program,” Perk said. The first Foodie Friday segment aired on Oct. 15 and can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XlxrBvo5zk at the 5:13 mark. A.B. shares her love of food and cooking on her YouTube channel www.youtube.com/c/ChefAnnabellaPerk. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/ABPerk.
Storybook Pumpkins Tradition Begins at Wilson Elementary
Wilson Elementary has embarked on a new tradition for the school with Storybook Pumpkins. Under the leadership of Wilson Librarian Jaime Parker, students have decorated pumpkins to represent their favorite book characters or historical figures. Pumpkins decorated as Frida Kahlo, Cat in the Hat, Clifford the Red Dog, Pete the Dog and more line the tops of bookshelves at Wilson Elementary.
Congratulations Victory Place Turning Point Graduates
CISD would like to congratulate the first grading period graduates of Victory Place @ Coppell’s Turning Point Program. Congratulations to Turning Point first quarter graduates Dylan Azcona, Katerina Bateman, Zoie Eibert, Jacob Elizardo, Jennifer Lopez, Carter Peck and Rohit Turebylu. The Turning Point program at Victory Place @ Coppell provides accelerated learning for students, who work at an accelerated pace on an individualized curriculum to achieve a high school diploma and to prepare for their next step in life, including college, the workforce, specialized training, the military and more.
First Financial Hearing at Oct. 25 Board Meeting
CISD will host a public hearing on its FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) rating report for 2020-2021 during the Oct. 25 Board meeting at 6 p.m. CISD has earned the highest financial rating possible for its 2020-2021 financial accountability from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). CISD has received both an “A” Superior Rating and “100” Score in the FIRST rating report, which are the highest scores possible. The FIRST rating is based upon the financial results of the 2019-2020 school year. Read more about the district’s ratings at go.coppellisd.com/21FIRST.
Punkin' Chunkin' Event at New Tech High @ Coppell Oct. 28
See New Tech High @ Coppell students catapult pumpkins while enjoying a fall festival of food, pumpkin painting and more at the school’s annual Punkin' Chunkin' event on Thursday, Oct. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the New Tech campus.
CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open for Donations
The CISD Education Foundation’s Give for Grants is designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward effective, innovative and creative instructional approaches that directly impact CISD students while transforming classroom learning. The Education Foundation has 27 grant requests from 10 CISD campuses. Last year, generous donations helped the Education Foundation fund every grant. Let’s get them funded again this year. Making a donation is easy — You choose the school. You select the grant. You make a donation. You make an impact. Give today at give4forgrantsCISD.org.
Text: The City of Coppell is mobile! The City’s new app pulls directly from the website and delivers a custom user experience based on location, settings, and personal preferences. Pay bills, check out the City calendar, set up alerts, browse the library catalog and more. Visit the App Store or Google Play to download it today!
Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
October 18, 2021
Dear CISD Families,
On Tuesday, our 1,800 pre-K to 6th grade temporary virtual learners were welcomed back to campuses and into our classrooms. It's hard to believe that this is the first time that all of our students have been together since March of 2020. For many of our children, this is the first time they have ever stepped into one of our schools. I know I join our educators, school staff and administrators in being overjoyed to have these students return to school.
From my observations, feedback from staff and input from parents, our kids transitioned back to school very well and had an incredible week! We were all excited to welcome everyone back with open arms and look forward to partnering with our families to provide an exceptional educational experience and meet all of our learners' needs in the classroom.
Redefining success is one of our core values here in CISD. We value each individual’s contribution because success can be different for everyone. One way our students have shown success over the past 18 months is through their grit and perseverance. We know we have a lot of work to do together to get our learners where they need to be academically, socially, emotionally, as well as to address mental health needs. I am confident that we can accomplish this by working together as a CISD family. I thank all of you for your support, as we partner to take care of and educate our children.
In addition to reaching out directly to our teachers and campus administration when you have concerns, we also have incredible counselors at each school who are an invaluable resource to our students and families. They are experts in supporting and assisting our students with their social, emotional and mental health needs.
Have a great week!Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
Tune in to YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt updates us on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. This week’s kid superintendent is Carter Smith, a 5th grader from Cottonwood Creek Elementary.In this Issue:
- #CatchupWithHunt
- Band Ranks 5th at Band of Americas DFW Regionals
- Super Substitute Teacher Bonus Opportunity
- Seeking Input on CISD Calendar by Oct. 20
- Purchase Food for Oct. 29 Community Tailgate
- Spotlight on Great Teaching: Imaginarium to Conjuring Creativity at Lee
- Gov. Greg Abbott Proclaims October as Hindu Heritage Month
- Living Out Our Core Values Via SELebration at Cottonwood Creek
- CISD Fine Arts Update for October
- CISD Athletics Update for October; Tennis Team Bi-District Champs
- Vaquero Battle Swim Meet Set for Oct. 18
- CHS Astronomy Hosts Free Star Party Event Oct. 19
- Punkin' Chunkin' at New Tech Oct. 28
- S. Beltine Road Construction Begins Oct. 18
- First Financial Hearing at Oct. 25 Board Meeting
- CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open for Donations
- Upcoming Events
Band Ranks 5th at Band of Americas
The Coppell Varsity Marching Band placed 5th at the Oct. 9-10 Bands of America Dallas Fort Worth Regional competition amidst a highly competitive field. The Coppell Band will compete at the Bands of America Super Regionals in St. Louis on Oct. 22-23. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/BOARegional21.
Super Substitute Teacher Bonus Opportunity
CISD is offering a Super Substitute Bonus for the 2021-2022 school year. Substitute teachers who work at least 10 jobs per pay period receive an extra $250 bonus on their paycheck. Substitutes who work at least 15 jobs per pay period will receive an extra $300 bonus on their paycheck. Substitutes who work on Mondays and Fridays will receive an extra $10 added to their daily pay for those days. Apply to be a substitute teacher today at www.coppellisd.com/hr.
Seeking Input on CISD Calendar by Oct. 20
The CISD District Education Improvement Council (DEIC) is seeking input from the CISD community, as the committee begins the process for drafting the district’s next two-year calendar (2022-2023 and 2023-2024.) The CISD community is asked to email suggestions to input@coppellisd.com by the end of the day Wednesday, Oct. 20. Please include the school(s) your children attend with your input. This feedback will be shared with the DEIC’s Calendar subcommittee in October and November. The CISD Board of Trustees is set to vote on adopting the district’s next two-year calendar at the Dec. 13, 2021 meeting.
Purchase Food for CISD Community Tailgate on Friday, Oct. 29
Join Coppell ISD for our Annual Community Tailgate before the Oct. 29 CHS football game vs. Plano East. Order your Hard Eight BBQ boxed dinner in advance for $10. You may purchase your brisket or turkey sandwich boxed meal online at www.coppellisd.com/tailgate. Orders are limited to the first 250 dinners. Please present your receipt at the Community Tailgate to redeem. The Hard Eight dinner must be purchased in advance online. The CISD Community Tailgate begins at 5:30 p.m., so there will be plenty of time to enjoy all of the pre-game festivities for Senior Night before the7 p.m. kick-off time. We look forward to seeing you there.
Spotlight on Great Teaching: Imaginarium to Conjuring Creativity at Lee
Collaboration is a key component of great teaching and helps ensure innovative lessons spread from classroom to classroom. This idea led Richard J. Lee Elementary teacher Prisicalla Shaner to implement the national “Imaginarium” concept at the school, which inspires learners to share their creative ideas with classmates and teachers. After following this national model, Shaner, who is the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) teacher for Lee, built upon the Imaginarium concept to develop Conjuring Creativity. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Imaginarium.
Gov. Greg Abbott Proclaims October as Hindu Heritage Month
Governor Greg Abbott has proclaimed October as Hindu Heritage Month in Texas. In his recognition, Gov. Abbott said that Texas’s diverse tapestry of cultures and beliefs is made stronger by the vibrant Hindu community, whose traditions and unique perspectives continue to enrich the state of Texas. The proclamation also states "Communities of faith have long served as beacons of hope, sharing their beliefs and bettering their communities through service. Improving and inspiring the lives of thousands of followers around the world, Hinduism has contributed greatly to our state and nation through its unique history and heritage."
Living Out Our Core Values Via SELebration at Cottonwood Creek
Cottonwood Creek Elementary is living out the CISD core values of relationships, engagement and great teaching with the school’s monthly “SELebration” events, which focus on meeting the social and emotional learning (SEL) needs of teachers and staff. “We know we cannot have our educators and staff take care of children if they are not taking care of themselves,” says Cottonwood Creek Principal Dr. Andra Penny. On Oct. 13, Championship Martial Arts in Coppell was part of the school’s October SELebration and provided a self defense classes for teachers and staff. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/SELebration.
CISD Fine Arts Update for October
The CISD Department of Fine Arts is sharing updates on elementary art and music and middle and high school visual art, band, choir, theatre and the Lariettes, Silvers Stars and Coppell Cheer with the community, including upcoming performance dates and more. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Oct21FineArts.
CISD Athletics Update for October; Tennis Team Bi-District Champs
The CHS Tennis Team are Bi-District Champions and are playing in the 6-A post-season playoffs.
The team is ranked #17 among 6-A schools in the state.
Visit go.coppellisd.com/OctAthletics21to read the latest information about the athletic programs in CISD in the October Coppell Athletics Update Newsletter. The newsletter contains information about academic eligibility, game day passes for students, team updates, student-athlete profiles and additional sports updates.
Vaquero Battle Swim Meet Set for Oct. 18
The CHS Swim Team is getting ready for the annual Vaquero Battle Swim Meet, which will be on Monday, Oct. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Coppell YMCA. This year, in addition to teacher appreciation and cross-sport competition, the team is also raising money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The team will also take a moment during the meet to recognize all the strong survivors and those currently fighting breast cancer within CISD.
CHS Astronomy Hosts Free Star Party Event on Oct. 19
Join CHS Astronomy as they offer an opportunity to gaze at the stars during their Fall Star Party on Tuesday, Oct. 19 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will take place at the main entrance of Coppell High School.
Punkin' Chunkin' Event at New Tech High @ Coppell Oct. 28
See New Tech High @ Coppell students catapult pumpkins while enjoying a fall festival of food, pumpkin painting and more at the school’s annual Punkin' Chunkin' event on Thursday, Oct. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the New Tech campus.
City of Coppell Begins Reconstruction of S. Beltline Road Oct. 18:
Lane Closures and Delays from Southwestern to IH-635 ExpectedThe City of Coppell begins the reconstruction project of S. Beltline Road on Oct. 18. This construction includes various lane closures for the first three to four weeks. Beginning in mid-November, the northbound lanes (east side) will be closed. All traffic will be diverted to the southbound lanes (west side) allowing for one lane of traffic flow in each direction. Read more at www.coppelltx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=619.
First Financial Hearing at Oct. 25 Board Meeting
CISD will host a public hearing on its FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) rating report for 2020-2021 during the Oct. 25 Board meeting at 6 p.m. CISD has earned the highest financial rating possible for its 2020-2021 financial accountability from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). CISD has received both an “A” Superior Rating and “100” Score in the FIRST rating report, which are the highest scores possible. The FIRST rating is based upon the financial results of the 2019-2020 school year. Read more about the district’s ratings at go.coppellisd.com/21FIRST.
CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open for Donations
The CISD Education Foundation’s Give for Grants is designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward effective, innovative and creative instructional approaches that directly impact CISD students while transforming classroom learning. The Education Foundation has 27 grant requests from 10 CISD campuses. Last year, generous donations helped the Education Foundation fund every grant. Let’s get them funded again this year. Making a donation is easy — You choose the school. You select the grant. You make a donation. You make an impact. Give today at give4forgrantsCISD.org.
Whether you’re entering the workforce, part of the Great Resignation or just looking for something new, mark your calendars for the City of Coppell’s annual Virtual Job Fair on Wednesday, October 20 from 10 am to 1 pm! Register and complete your profile at coppell.easyvirtualfair.com before October 19 to participate. Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
October 8, 2021
Dear CISD Families,
I know you join me in sending your support, thoughts and prayers to Mansfield ISD after the shooting at Timberview High School on Wednesday. This incident serves as a reminder about the importance of school safety and security. We are blessed to have Rachael Freeman, a former Coppell Police Officer, as our Coordinator of Safety and Security, as well as our School Resource Officers and School Resource Deputies serving all of our schools. Our monthly safety drills, annual audits and routine training for staff are some of the key procedures we have in place to help keep our students and staff safe.
In addition, we have specific protocols and plans in place should the unthinkable happen, which I sincerely hope and pray never does. As a reminder, we have the CISD Alert system to text and call our families in the event of an emergency. We have our anonymous tip line at www.coppellisd.com/tipline, which serves as a tool to support our mantra "if you see something; say something.” In addition, our CISD website at www.coppellisd.com serves as the official source of information. We will always communicate with our families first before sharing with the media, so please turn to us for information in an emergency situation.
Switching gears, I also want to share that our district family is excited to have our temporary virtual learners return to school on Tuesday. The district has created a checklist for these families, available at go.coppellisd.com/21ReturntoSchoolCheckList. There will be extra school traffic at our elementary and middle schools on Tuesday, as well as more students in lines at lunch and minor bus delays, as these learners return to school. We also encourage families to continue to monitor our COVID Protocols page of the district website at www.coppellisd.com/COVID-19Protocols, which includes our updated COVID Dashboard.
Enjoy the long weekend with your families.
Sincerely,In this Issue:
- #CatchupWithHunt
- Record Number of National Merit Semifinalists
- Seeking Input on CISD Calendar
- Free COVID-19 Rapid Testing Starts Oct. 12
- Purchase Food for CISD Community Tailgate on Oct. 29
- Substitute Teacher of the Month: Cole Cloutier
- Wear Red on Oct. 15 for National Dyslexia Awareness Month
- Spotlight on Redefining Success: CHS Junior Emily Fischetti
- Building Authentic Relationships: New Tech Olympics
- First Financial Hearing at Oct. 25 Board Meeting
- Order Shirt by Oct. 8 for Ed Foundation Football Night Oct. 29
- CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open for Donations
- Cozby Library Looking for Local Independent Authors
- Upcoming Events
Record Number of National Merit Semifinalists
Thirty-nine Coppell High School seniors and one New Tech High @ Coppell senior have been selected as 2022 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This is a record number of National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists for CISD. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/21-22NationalMerit.
Seeking Input on CISD Calendar
The CISD District Education Improvement Council (DEIC) is seeking input from the CISD community, as the committee begins the process for drafting the district’s next two-year calendar (2022-2023 and 2023-2024.) The CISD community is asked to email suggestions to input@coppellisd.com by the end of the day Wednesday, Oct. 20. Please include the school(s) your children attend with your input. This feedback will be shared with the DEIC’s Calendar subcommittee in October and November. The CISD Board of Trustees is set to vote on adopting the district’s next two-year calendar at the Dec. 13, 2021 meeting.
Free COVID-19 Rapid Testing Starts Oct. 12
CISD will provide free rapid COVID-19 testing through Curative for students and staff starting on Tuesday, Oct. 12. The testing facility will be located at the CISD Visitor’s Press Box located at Buddy Echols football field on the CHS campus. The testing facility will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Rapid PCR test results will be delivered electronically in three to four hours. Visit cur.tv/coppellisd to make an appointment. Additional details are available at www.coppellisd.com/COVID-19Protocols.
Purchase Food for CISD Community Tailgate on Friday, Oct. 29
Join Coppell ISD for our Annual Community Tailgate before the Oct. 29 CHS football game vs. Plano East. Order your Hard Eight BBQ boxed dinner in advance for $10. You may purchase your brisket or turkey sandwich boxed meal online at www.coppellisd.com/tailgate. Orders are limited to the first 250 dinners. Please present your receipt at the Community Tailgate to redeem. The Hard Eight dinner must be purchased in advance online. The CISD Community Tailgate begins at 5:30 p.m., so there will be plenty of time to enjoy all of the pre-game festivities for Senior Night before the7 p.m. kick-off time. We look forward to seeing you there.
Substitute Teacher of the Month Cole Cloutier at Valley Ranch Elementary
Cole Cloutier, known as "Mr. C" at Valley Ranch Elementary, is a Coppell High School graduate and a substitute teacher with the district. According to Valley Ranch Elementary Principal Cynthia Arterbery, Cloutier stepped right in and never looked back when he joined VRE as a long-term music teacher substitute this year. “Cole is engaging, fun and a professional member of the Valley Ranch staff,” Arterbery said. “Learners love to go to music and Cloutier has continued with all of the wonderful music traditions at the school." In addition to being a great substitute teacher for VRE learners, Cloutier and VRE Special Education Teacher Abrielle Stone put together a school-wide Hispanic Heritage Month Music Madness Bracket Competition. This project allowed VRE students to vote on their favorite music from countries from all over the world in a bracket-style competition culminating in two finalists — Cuba and the United States. The United States emerged as the winner with the song Mis Ojos Lloran Por Ti by the artist group: CNCO. CISD is proud to recognize Cole Cloutier as our September Substitute of the Month.
Wear Red on Oct. 15 for National Dyslexia Awareness Month
October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month. CISD will raise awareness on each campus with a variety of events and activities. On Oct. 15, all CISD students and staff are encouraged to "Light It RED for Dyslexia" by wearing red to school. Learn more about CISD Intervention Services and dyslexia services at go.coppellisd.com/dyslexia. Additional resources include the Texas Dyslexia Handbook, Texas Dyslexia Handbook Spanish and the International Dyslexia Association Handbook.Spotlight on Redefining Success: CHS Junior Emily Fischetti
Emily Fischetti considers being diagnosed with dyslexia in 8th grade as a gift. Though she stresses that being dyslexic doesn’t define her, she says being dyslexic has helped her find her voice, advocate for herself and her peers, and has shaped her into the person she is today. “Being dyslexic is my superpower,” says Fischetti, who is a junior at CHS. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Fischetti.
Building Authentic Relationships: Olympics at New Tech High @ Coppell
The New Tech High @ Coppell Olympics is an annual tradition that builds authentic relationships with learners across grade levels, as well as with school educators, staff and parent volunteers. “The Olympics was the thing that got me hooked into the New Tech culture,” says Senior Max Lenahan. “It reminded me not only of the fun that could be had in an educational environment but the change that students could make at the school.” Read more at go.coppellisd.com/NewTechOlympics.
First Financial Hearing at Oct. 25 Board Meeting
CISD will host a public hearing on its FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) rating report for 2020-2021 during the Oct. 25 Board meeting at 6 p.m. CISD has earned the highest financial rating possible for its 2020-2021 financial accountability from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). CISD has received both an “A” Superior Rating and “100” Score in the FIRST rating report, which are the highest scores possible. The FIRST rating is based upon the financial results of the 2019-2020 school year. Read more about the district’s ratings at go.coppellisd.com/21FIRST.
Order Shirt by Oct. 8 for Education Foundation Football Night Oct. 29
Purchase a black and grey tie-dye spirit shirt with the Coppell Cowboys logo for $20. The Spirit Shirt is available for the entire community and can be purchased in both youth and adult sizes. The deadline to order for guaranteed shirt size availability is Oct. 8. Every shirt order will enter you in our raffle for a chance to win one of our awesome prizes.
Add on kid tunnel for elementary students only: Do you want your elementary child to join the Lariettes in creating the tunnel that the football players run through at the start of the game? Add on this option for only $10 extra. This is limited to the first 40 students who sign up.
Add on face on the new scoreboard: Be a star on Friday night! For $20, have your elementary student's picture up on the scoreboard at least four times during the game. Limited to only 10 students.
Order your shirt and possible add ons today at: https://coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/football-night.
All funds raised by the Coppell ISD Education Foundation are directly given back to the schools and students of the district through grants.
CEF Give for Grants Campaign Now Open for Donations
The CISD Education Foundation’s Give for Grants is designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward effective, innovative and creative instructional approaches that directly impact CISD students while transforming classroom learning. The Education Foundation has 27 grant requests from 10 CISD campuses. Last year, generous donations helped the Education Foundation fund every grant. Let’s get them funded again this year. Making a donation is easy — You choose the school. You select the grant. You make a donation. You make an impact. Give today at give4forgrantsCISD.org.
Coppell Cozby Public Library Looking for Local Independent Authors
Calling all local authors — the Cozby Library and Community Commons will be celebrating Indie Author Day with an Indie Author Fair on Saturday, Nov. 13. If you’re an author who has published a book and would like to have a table at the fair, please fill out an application here: https://bit.ly/3F049fW. This is an excellent opportunity for the indie community to come together in the library to help local self-published and independent authors get discovered and for readers to find new books written by fellow community members. For more information about Indie Author Day, go to www.indieauthorday.com. For more information please stop by the Cozby Library Information Desk, call 972-304-3658 or email cozbyprograms@coppelltx.gov.
Whether you’re entering the workforce, part of the Great Resignation or just looking for something new, mark your calendars for the City of Coppell’s annual Virtual Job Fair on Wednesday, October 20 from 10 am to 1 pm! Register and complete your profile at coppell.easyvirtualfair.com before October 19 to participate. Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
October 1, 2021
Dear CISD Families,
I want to share this video with you as a follow up to my message from earlier this week regarding ending temporary virtual learning after the first grading period. I consider us a family here in CISD. Being a CISD family doesn’t mean we will always agree with each other. Family means we are in this together for the long haul, as we partner to educate and serve our children.
An important partner and member of our CISD family deserves some special recognition this week — our custodians. This week is National Custodian Appreciation week, culminating in National Custodian Appreciation Day on Oct. 2. I want to personally thank all of our custodians and our custodial partner, Aramark, who are unsung heroes and work hard every day to ensure our buildings are clean, sanitized and welcoming for our students, teachers, staff and visitors.
October is a month of many recognitions, including Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Please join the CISD community in wearing blue on Monday, Oct. 4, as we recognize World Bullying Prevention Day.
Thank you for being a part of the Coppell ISD family and for your continued support.Enjoy this weekend with your families.
Sincerely,In this Issue:
- #CatchupWithHunt
- Wear Blue to Prevent Bullying Oct. 4
- Cricket Friday at CMS West
- District of Innovation Plan Posted on Website
- Drum Fit at Pinkerton Elementary
- Celebrating Custodial Appreciation Week
- Spotlight on Town Center Custodian Sara Cruz
- 2021 Homecoming King and Queen
- Purchase Food for Oct. 29 Community Tailgate
- Trustee Tracy Fisher TASB Advocate of the Year
- Help Celebrate CISD Staff with New Fun Friday Opportunity
- Early Dismissal Reminder for Oct. 7
- Oct. 4 Last Day to Register to Vote for Nov. 2 Election
- Order Shirt by Oct. 8 for Ed Foundation Football Night Oct. 29
- PSA: How to Wear a Mask
- October Mental Health Events at Coppell Public Library
- Upcoming Events
Wear Blue to Prevent Bullying Oct. 4
Join CISD in wearing blue on Monday, Oct. 4, which is World Bullying Prevention Day. Each year on the first Monday in October, students, schools and communities all over the world wear blue together to unite against bullying. It also kicks off National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Read more at www.stompoutbullying.org/world-day-bullying-prevention.
Students Enjoy Cricket Friday at CMS West
When Coppell Middle School West moved to its new location in 2018, Athletic Coordinator John Kelder was looking for ways to better engage physical education learners. A brainstorming professional learning session led to the new tradition of cricket Friday at CMS West. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/cricketfriday.
District of Innovation Plan on Website
On Sep. 25, CISD posted the Revised CISD District of Innovation Plan to the district website at go.coppellisd.com/DistrictofInnovation for public comment and input to be shared at input@coppellisd.com. On Monday, Oct. 25, a public hearing and subsequent action by the CISD Board of Trustees will be considered. The new District of Innovation plan will be in effect from Oct. 25, 2021, through Oct. 25, 2026, and may be revised yearly.
PE + Music + Art = Drum Fit at Pinkerton Elementary
As the saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Third graders at Pinkerton Elementary have the opportunity to do both, as they keep the beat and join together in drumming via the Drum Fit program, which combines the physical education, music and art specials at the school. "Drum Fit incorporates rhythm, music, balance and creativity,” says Pinkerton Physical Education Teacher Colleen Michaelis. ”It also aligns with our physical education standards and state educational standards.” Read more at go.coppellisd.com/DrumFit.
Celebrating Custodial Appreciation Week
Sept. 27 to Oct. 2 is Custodian Appreciation Week, culminating in National Custodian Appreciation Day on Oct. 2. CISD would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our custodians and our custodial partner, Aramark, for all of their hard work each and every day to keep our schools and buildings clean and sanitized.
Spotlight on Town Center Elementary Custodian Sara Cruz
Sara Cruz has served as the custodian for Town Center Elementary school for 11 years and has worked in CISD for 24 years. She says she loves serving the school, because the students, teachers, staff and parents make her feel like she is an important part of the Town Center Elementary "Texans" family. “I love it here and watching the students grow from kindergarten to 5th grade,” Cruz says. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/SaraCruz.
Congratulations 2021 CHS Homecoming King and Queen
CISD would like to offer congratulations to the 2021 Homecoming King Charlie Barker and Homecoming Queen Risa Azim, who were announced during halftime of the Homecoming Football game on Sept. 24.
Purchase Food for CISD Community Tailgate on Friday, Oct. 29
Join Coppell ISD for our Annual Community Tailgate before the Oct. 29 CHS football game vs. Plano East. Order your Hard Eight BBQ boxed dinner in advance for $10. You may purchase your brisket or turkey sandwich boxed meal online at www.coppellisd.com/tailgate. Orders are limited to the first 250 dinners. Please present your receipt at the Community Tailgate to redeem. The Hard Eight dinner must be purchased in advance online. The CISD Community Tailgate begins at 5:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there.
Trustee Tracy Fisher Named TASB Advocate of the Year
CISD Trustee Tracy Fisher was named Advocate of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The award was presented Friday, Sept. 24, in Dallas during the annual conference hosted by TASB and the Texas Association of School Administrators. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/TASBFisher.
Help Celebrate CISD Staff with New Fun Friday Opportunity
CISD is looking to partner with our community to honor our amazing staff members. Our teachers and staff are working diligently to provide the best educational experience for all our students. Will you help us show our appreciation to them? Each week, we will have a pop-up celebration offering something fun for staff. We are looking for businesses and community members to partner with us to offer tokens of appreciation to our amazing staff who are working so tremendously hard to provide the very best educational experience for all our students. Would you be willing to offer a door prize (gift card, gift), discount, or a small treat for a campus or department or all district staff? We encourage you to be creative and innovative as you celebrate our amazing staff. We will work with you to determine the campus, building or department that you might want to honor.
Here are some ideas:- Provide breakfast for the staff on a campus
- Have a food truck come out to a campus for a treat
- Provide a discount to staff members
- Provide a door prize to be awarded to a staff member
- Send a thank you card to a staff member
- The sky's the limit — Be creative!
Early Dismissal Reminder for Thursday, Oct. 7
CISD has designated Thursday, Oct. 7, as an early dismissal day to allow our educators and staff to have additional planning time to meet the needs of our students. Elementary schools will release at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7. Friday, Oct. 8, is a Professional Development Day, and Monday., Oct. 11, is a CISD holiday. There is no school on Oct. 8 and Oct. 11.
Oct. 4 Last Day to Register to Vote for the Nov. 2 Election
The last day to register for the Tuesday, Nov. 2 Statewide Constitutional Amendment Election is Monday, Oct. 4. Learn more and check if you are registered to vote at www.votetexas.gov.
Order Shirt by Oct. 8 for Education Foundation Football Night Oct. 29
Purchase a black and grey tie-dye spirit shirt with the Coppell Cowboys logo for $20. The Spirit Shirt is available for the entire community and can be purchased in both youth and adult sizes. The deadline to order for guaranteed shirt size availability is Oct. 8. Every shirt order will enter you in our raffle for a chance to win one of our awesome prizes.
Add on kid tunnel for elementary students only: Do you want your elementary child to join the Lariettes in creating the tunnel that the football players run through at the start of the game? Add on this option for only $10 extra. This is limited to the first 40 students who sign up.
Add on face on the new scoreboard: Be a star on Friday night! For $20, have your elementary student's picture up on the scoreboard at least four times during the game. Limited to only 10 students.
Order your shirt and possible add ons today at: https://coppellisdeducationfoundation.revtrak.net/football-night.
All funds raised by the Coppell ISD Education Foundation are directly given back to the schools and students of the district through grants.
Public Service Announcement: How to Wear A Mask
CISD is partnering with high school students in the CHS KCBY student television station and the New Tech High @ Coppell FUZE film program to create and distribute health safety public service announcements or PSAs. This week’s PSA spotlight is a video from New Tech FUZE students on how to properly wear a mask and is available at go.coppellisd.com/howtowearmask. See more student-produced PSAs on the CISD website at www.coppellisd.com/COVID-19Protocols.
October Mental Health Events at Coppell Cozby Public Library
We all need help with coping strategies and learning the best methods to take care of ourselves. In October, Chris Guzniczak, LPC, will host two library programs discussing mental health strategies. Chris Guzniczak, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Flower Mound Counseling. The first program on Oct. 7 is for adults. The Oct. 21 program is for teens in 6th to12th grade. During both programs, Guzniczak will explore harnessing negative feelings for reflection and growth, strategies for managing and identifying emotions, how to change your perspective and thought patterns, and maintaining a sense of self. For more information on either program, please visit coppelltx.gov/library, call 972-304-3658 or email cozbyprograms@coppelltx.gov.
- Oct. 7 — Last Day of Grading Period/Early Release Day Elementary Schools at 12:30 p.m., Middle Schools at 1 p.m. and High Schools at 1:40 p.m.
- Oct. 8 — Professional Development Day/No School
- Oct. 11 — Student/Staff Holiday
- Oct. 18 — Board Workshop 5:30 p.m.
- Oct. 25 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Oct. 29 — CISD Community Tailgate 5:30 p.m. Between Buddy Echols Field and Tennis Courts
Did you know the City of Coppell has 30+ different ways to Stay Connected with the happenings in the city? Keep up with Coppell at coppelltx.gov/connect. Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
September 23, 2021
Dear CISD Families,
Happy fall y’all! As the weather cools, it is a great time to be outside and enjoy nature. This is Homecoming Week in CISD, and it has been amazing to see how our campuses have celebrated with dress up days and other creative activities. The Community Pep Rally on Wednesday was so much fun, as we rallied around our Coppell Cowboys and various student organizations and groups! Thank you to all the groups who participated, and a special thank you to CHS Principal Laura Springer and her team for organizing this fun event for our students and community.I also want to take this opportunity to wish a Happy 30th Birthday to Mockingbird Elementary. Thank you to principal Laura Flynn, the school’s outstanding PTO, staff, parents and students who were able to come together outside last week in celebration of this anniversary, which also included the return of the school’s founding principal Bruce MacDonald or Mr. Mack as he was affectionately known and former principal Pam Mitchell, who joined virtually from her new home in Portland. Mockingbird Elementary also hosts its annual Pinwheels for Peace event on Friday, which is how the school commemorates the International Day of Peace.
As we continue through the fall, I am reminded of my “why,” as Superintendent. Doing what is best for all of our kids is what motivates me. Supporting our educators in serving our children drives me. Seeing the great teaching and deep learning in our schools each day inspires me every day. I am blessed to be part of this amazing school district and the CISD family.
Enjoy this weekend with your families.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
Tune in to YouTube each week, as Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt keeps you updated on all things Coppell ISD with his #CatchupWithHunt videos. New this year, the series features a “Kid Superintendent” from a school doing the intro and closeout. This week features Darshan Sriram, a fifth grader and the MKB Student Council Vice President from Mockingbird Elementary.In this Issue:
- #CatchupWithHunt
- Natasha Banga Places 13th at Yale Debate Tournament
- Alicia Braun Chosen as National 'TrayBlazer'
- Sign-Up for COVID and Flu Vaccine Clinic at Home Football Games
- Help Celebrate CISD Staff with New Fun Friday Opportunity
- Talk to Your Children About Recent TikTok Challenges
- PSA: Proper Hygiene Etiquette
- Ed Foundation Super Star Nominations Due Sept. 27
- Free and Reduced Lunch Application Deadline Sept. 28
- Device Protection Fee Due Sept. 30
- Upcoming Events
Natasha Banga Places 13th at Yale Debate
Coppell High School Senior Natasha Banga placed 13th out of 148 competitors in the Yale University Invitational Debate Tournament. The virtual tournament took place Sept. 17-29. Banga achieved the top 10 percent finish in the extemporaneous speaking category. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Banga.
Alicia Braun Chosen as National 'TrayBlazer'
CISD Coordinator of Child Nutrition, Alicia Braun, R.D., L.D., has been selected as a national “TrayBlazer” by General Mills. Braun is one of three child nutrition professionals nationwide chosen for this distinction. Braun is featured on the General Mills website and received a commemorative Wheaties cereal box with her photo on it in recognition of her efforts to ensure CISD students were served nutritious food during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Braun.Sign Up for COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinic at Home Football Games
CISD is partnering with Tom Thumb Pharmacy to offer a COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinic at each varsity home football game this season. The vaccine clinics will be held at Buddy Echols Field on the home side of the stadium from 6 -7:30 p.m. Please sign-up to receive the vaccine via this form, available at go.coppellisd.com/21VaccineSignUp, so we can ensure we have enough vaccines available. We will provide the clinics on the following Fridays:- Friday, Sept. 24
- Friday, Oct. 15
- Friday, Oct. 29
Help Celebrate CISD Staff with New Fun Friday Opportunity
CISD is looking to partner with our community to honor our amazing staff members. Our teachers and staff are working diligently to provide the best educational experience for all our students. Will you help us show our appreciation to them? Each week, we will have a pop-up celebration offering something fun for staff. We are looking for businesses and community members to partner with us to offer tokens of appreciation to our amazing staff who are working so tremendously hard to provide the very best educational experience for all our students. Would you be willing to offer a door prize (gift card, gift), discount, or a small treat for a campus or department or all district staff? We encourage you to be creative and innovative as you celebrate our amazing staff. We will work with you to determine the campus, building or department that you might want to honor.
Here are some ideas:- Provide breakfast for the staff on a campus
- Have a food truck come out to a campus for a treat
- Provide a discount to staff members
- Provide a door prize to be awarded to a staff member
- Send a thank you card to a staff member
- The sky's the limit — Be creative!
Talk to Your Children About Recent TikTok Challenge
CISD is asking parents to talk to their children about the viral “bathroom” or “devious lick” challenge circulating on TikTok. In this challenge, students are encouraged to vandalize school property and steal random items from their campus or perform acts of bullying. There have been a few incidents in our district at our middle and high schools, and the challenge is impacting neighboring districts and schools across the state. This is resulting in property damage and sometimes is causing the closing of bathroom facilities for repairs. Please talk to your children and make sure they understand that this is not acceptable behavior and should not be copied. Vandalism to CISD school facilities will not be tolerated and will be punishable to the fullest extent of the district’s student code of conduct and the law. Please report any incidents to your campus administrators, School Resource Officers or Deputies, or to the CISD Tip Line at www.coppellisd.com/tipline. Thank you for speaking with your children about the importance of respecting school property and reporting vandalism, as we work together to foster pride in our schools.
Public Service Announcement: Proper Hygiene Etiquette
CISD is partnering with high school students in the CHS KCBY student television station and the New Tech High @ Coppell FUZE film program to create and distribute health safety public service announcements or PSAs. This week’s PSA spotlights is a video from CHS KCBY TV students on proper hygiene etiquette. The video is available at go.coppellisd.com/HygieneEtiquette. See more student-produced PSAs at www.coppellisd.com/COVID-19Protocols.
Ed Foundation Super Star Nominations Due Sept. 27
Free and Reduced Lunch Application Deadline Sept. 28
While an application is not required for elementary students to receive free and reduced meals this school year, CISD recommends eligible families apply for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. The program is available to all eligible families, providing discounts and waivers to ensure our students receive the support they need, as well as helps verify P-EBT benefits. Program benefits include free and reduced-price meals; district waivers and discounts including Device Protection Plan fees, application and test fees and more; college readiness waivers and discounts including SAT, ACT and AP exam fees and college application fees; NCAA fee waivers and more. Apply now at www.nlappscloud.com to receive these benefits for the remainder of this school year and for the first 30 days of the 2022-2023 school year.
CISD 2021-2022 Device Protection Plan Due Sept. 30
If you have not already enrolled in the CISD Device Protection Plan for the 2021-2022 school year, now is the time to take advantage of this plan before the Sept. 30 enrollment deadline. The CISD Device Protection Plan will replace an accidentally damaged device or accessory at no additional cost. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/21-22DeviceProtectionPlan.
- Sept. 24 — Homecoming Football Game vs. Plano Senior High School 7 p.m. Buddy Echols Field
- Sept. 27 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Oct. 7 — Last Day of 1st 9 Week Grading Period/Early Release Day
- Oct. 8 — Professional Development Day
- Oct. 11 — Student/Staff Holiday
Did you know the City of Coppell has 30+ different ways to Stay Connected with the happenings in the city? Keep up with Coppell at coppelltx.gov/connect. Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO League. Register for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
September 17, 2021
Dear CISD Families,
This week I spoke at the Irving -Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce State of Education virtual event, along with superintendents from neighboring districts, where I shared CISD’s priorities for the 2021-2022 school year. These are getting back to focusing on our mission and core values, addressing learning loss due to COVID-19, supporting the social and emotional learning needs of students and staff, and continuing our Community Based Accountability System efforts.
Our core value focus for this school year is great teaching, which aligns with our work addressing unfinished learning amongst our students due to the pandemic. Many of our learners are not where they need to be. So we are focusing on what we do best, which is to teach our students to a rigorous, high-quality standard that prepares them for academic success now and in the future. We are also focusing on taking care of our students, as well as our teachers and staff, social, emotional and mental wellbeing needs.
In addition, we want to continue to educate our community on what CBAS is and the district’s progress on this effort. CISD believes in a Community Based Accountability System (CBAS) to measure district growth and identify opportunities for improvement. CBAS matters because it means our community, which includes our staff, our students and their families, our businesses, and our community members share in the development and analysis of the system that holds the district accountable. The CBAS system is from our community and for our community. Our educators and administrators are masterful creators of learning and CBAS allows us to shine a light on their work. You can learn more at www.coppellisd.com/cbas.
Enjoy this weekend with your families.
Sincerely,In this Issue:
- #CatchupWIthHunt
- DCE Teacher Creates Community Library
- Redefining Success: PA Baking Company
- CISD Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
- Fine Arts Update September 2021
- Athletics Update September 2021
- Homecoming Community Pep Rally Sept. 22
- CISD Observes Deaf Awareness Week
- Health Services Screening Volunteers Needed
- Public Service Announcement: Why Mask?
- Device Protection Plan Due Sept. 30
- CISD Communications Student Internship
- City of Coppell Construction Update
- Upcoming Events
DCE Teacher Creates Community Library
As Kathy Glover was packing up her fifth grade Dual Language Immersion (DLI) classroom last May, she thought that if her students had access to a library close to home, they might enjoy reading more. Specifically, she was thinking about her students at the Creekside Mobile Home Community, who would be home all day while their parents worked. This led to her collecting more than 200 books to establish a library at the Creekside clubhouse. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/CreeksideLibrary.
Redefining Success: PA Baking Company
For Kimberly Politz, the recipe for success in educating her special education students includes creating the PA Baking Company to promote acceptance, teach problem-solving skills and develop social and emotional growth. Each week, her students bake an item, package it and travel around CMS North delivering the goodies to the teachers who ordered it. Most Thursdays are reserved for baking and on Fridays, Politz and the learners deliver the baked goods. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/PABaking.
CISD Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
CISD is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans of Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, Central and South American descent. It also marks the anniversary of the independence of seven Latin American countries — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile. Schools in CISD are celebrating this month via special lessons, exhibits, social studies lessons and more. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/HispanicHeritage21.
Fine Arts Update September 2021
The CISD Department of Fine Arts is sharing updates on elementary art and music and middle and high school visual art, band, choir, theatre and the Lariettes, Silvers Stars and Coppell Cheer with the community, including fall event dates. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/FineArtsSept21.
Athletics Update September 2021
Visit go.coppellisd.com/AthleticsSept21 to read the latest information about the athletic programs in CISD in the September 2021 Coppell Athletics Update Newsletter. The newsletter contains information about home athletic events, student-athlete profiles and additional sports updates.
Homecoming Community Pep Rally Sept. 22
CISD invites the entire district community to join us at the Homecoming Community Pep Rally at Buddy Echols Field on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. The Homecoming Football game is Friday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. vs. Plano Senior High School at Buddy Echols Field. Go Cowboys!
CISD Observes Deaf Awareness Week
At the Coppell High School Pep Rally Sept. 10, seniors in Delosha Payne’s American Sign Language class signed the National Anthem for the audience, showing the importance of inclusion for the deaf and hard of hearing community. As CISD celebrates Deaf Awareness Week Sept. 20 to Sept. 24, this is one sign of how the district serves, supports and educates its community those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/DeafAwarenessWeek21.
Health Services Screening Volunteers Needed
This is an exceptionally busy school year for CISD school nurses. The district is looking for volunteers to form a vision and hearing screening team. No experience is needed. Training will be provided by the CISD Health Services Department and through the Region 10 Educational Service Center. If you are interested in becoming a screening volunteer or would like more information, please contact CISD Coordinator of Health Services Joyce Alcorn at jalcorn@coppellisd.com.
Public Service Announcement: Why Mask?
CISD is partnering with high school students in the CHS KCBY student television station and the New Tech High @ Coppell FUZE film program to create and distribute health safety public service announcements or PSAs. This week’s PSA spotlight is a video from FUZE about Why Mask? The video is available at go.coppellisd.com/WhyMask. See more student produced PSAs at www.coppellisd.com/COVID-19Protocols.
Device Protection Plan Due Sept. 30
If you have not already enrolled in the CISD Device Protection Plan for the 2021-2022 school year, now is the time to take advantage of this plan before the Sept. 30 enrollment deadline. The CISD Device Protection Plan will replace an accidentally damaged device or accessory at no additional cost. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/21-22DeviceProtectionPlan.
CISD Communications Student Internship
CISD high school students have the opportunity to intern with the district’s Communications and Community Engagement Department for the 2021-2022 school year. Student interns can contribute stories to the website or the CISD magazine, social media posts, videos and other communications content as part of their internship. Interested high school students are encouraged to apply at go.coppellisd.com/21CommsInternApplication and submit the application a letter of recommendation from a teacher to communications@coppellisd.com.
City of Coppell Road Construction Update
The City of Coppell has some road construction taking place at a few intersections along Denton Tap. Currently Parkway Blvd./ Denton Tap, Southwestern/Denton Tap and Sandy Lake/Denton Tap are all under construction with both Parkway and Southwestern in the early stages of traffic light installation. The work on these two intersections is anticipated to take four to six weeks. Once those are completed, workers will move to Sandy Lake, Bethel School Rd. and the turn lane at eastbound SH 121/Frontage Rd. Most work is being completed outside of the existing travel lanes to minimize impacts to motorists. All efforts to ensure pedestrian routes are being maintained, especially in areas where schools are nearby, are being made. The anticipated completion timeline for this improvement project is set for Spring of 2022.
- Sept. 20 — Board Workshop CANCELED
- Sept. 22 — Community Homecoming Pep Rally at Buddy Echols Field 6:30 p.m.
- Sept. 24 — Homecoming Football Game vs. Plano Senior High School 7 p.m. Buddy Echols Field
- Sept. 27 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
Get involved in the community and help shape the future of Coppell by applying to serve on a board or commission! Applications will be open through September 13. Visit coppelltx.gov/boards to learn more. Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO LeagueRegister for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
September 10, 2021
Dear CISD Families,
Sept. 11 is Texas First Responders Day, which recognizes the bravery, courage, and determination of Texas men and women who assist others in emergencies. I want to take this opportunity to thank our CISD first responders, which include our Safety and Security Coordinator, Rachael Freeman, as well as our School Resource Officers and School Resource Deputies. In addition, I want to express our CISD appreciation for our school nurses. I want to thank them for all they do for our students, staff and community.
The things that the rest of us run away from, our first responders rush toward to help others. Their selfless acts of bravery serve as an inspiration to all of us. I cannot thank these courageous men and women enough for what they do to take care of us all each and every day.
It is hard to believe that Saturday also marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. I remember every single thing about that day. Trying to console our students and help comfort them, being glued to the TV news coverage while trying to make sense out of something so senseless, hearing the President address the nation and watching as all members of Congress came together and sang "God Bless America" and calling my parents just to hear their voices and tell them how much I loved them. I know we all will not forget where we were that terrible day, and how our world changed as a result of that tragic event. Since the students in our schools were not alive then, it is important they know these stories.
As horrible as that day was, I also remember the patriotism and unity that followed. This anniversary is a reminder that even when horrible things happen, we can come together to support and take care of each other. I believe that unity helps a community to be stronger, and it is a message of hope that I feel we can take to heart as we honor and remember those who were lost on that terrible day 20 years ago.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- September Is Suicide Prevention Month
- College Night at CHS Sept. 16
- Home Football Game Vaccine Clinic Sign-Up
- Fun Science Fridays at Lakeside Elementary
- Great Teaching: CHS9's Stephanie Hinojosa
- CISD Communications Student Internship
- Ed Foundation Water Mitigation Help Request
- Rep. Beth Van Duyne Student Opportunities
- Upcoming Events
September Is Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month. People have grown more comfortable talking about mental health, particularly in the past year. However, the topic of suicide is still hard for many people to talk about. We all have a role in preventing suicide. To learn more visit www.afsp.org, www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org or www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention.
College Night at CHS Sept. 16
CISD high school students and their parents are encouraged to attend CISD’s College Night on Thursday, Sept. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Coppell High School. Attendees will have the opportunity to gather information and make contact with more than 175 representatives from all over the country, including from Ivy League colleges and universities, major Texas universities, trade schools and military branches. Though the event is designed for juniors and seniors, sophomores and freshmen are welcome to attend.
Home Football Game Vaccine Clinic Sign-Up
CISD is partnering with Tom Thumb Pharmacy to offer a COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinic at each varsity home football game this season. The vaccine clinics will be held at Buddy Echols Field on the home side of the stadium from 6 -7:30 p.m. Please sign-up to receive the vaccine via this form, available at go.coppellisd.com/21VaccineSignUp, so we can ensure we have enough vaccines available. We will provide the clinics on the following Fridays:- Friday, Sept. 10
- Friday, Sept. 24
- Friday, Oct. 15
- Friday, Oct. 29
Fun Science Fridays at Lakeside Elementary
Fun Science Friday in Kelly Fisher's Lakeside Elementary second grade class.
Wanting to get learners excited about science, Lakeside Elementary third grade teacher Teri Keith created Fun Science Fridays. Fun Science Fridays is a show and tell with science items. Students bring an item from home and explain to the class how it is related to science. Virtual learners also do the same and often walk their iPad outside to show classmates their garden, rocks or possessions of nature. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/FunScienceFridays.
Great Teaching: CHS9's Stephanie Hinojosa
Courtesy of the CHS Sidekick student newspaper. Article and photo by CHS Sophomore Sreehitha Moravaneni.
The new CHS9 principles of A/V tech and communications teacher Stephanie Hinojosa graduated from Coppell High School in 2005 and has returned to Coppell to teach in the Career Technical Education field. Hinojosa has participated in the Texas Association of Future Educators program, Round-Up staff and Coppell Lariettes during her time at CHS. She attended Texas A&M and the University of North Texas and is attending Oklahoma State University to further her studies in educational technology. Hinojosa encourages lifelong learning, and hopes to keep her classroom an inclusive place for everyone. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Hinojosa,
CISD Communications Student InternshipCISD high school students have the opportunity to intern with the district’s Communications and Community Engagement Department for the 2021-2022 school year. Student interns can contribute stories to the website or the CISD magazine, social media posts, videos and other communications content as part of their internship. Interested high school students are encouraged to apply at go.coppellisd.com/21CommsInternApplication and submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher.
On Feb. 15, 2021,CISD buildings experienced water leaks causing tens of thousands of dollars in damages. While the damages were district-wide, students, teachers and staff at Richard J. Lee Elementary had to temporarily move to Valley Ranch Elementary while their building was repaired. Water leaks do not only happen during winter storms, they occur periodically. CISD would like to be better prepared by partnering with the Coppell ISD Education Foundation to purchase water mitigation equipment. Owning the equipment is more cost-efficient and will result in quicker response times, which will improve outcomes and save the district money. If you would like to help CISD purchase these items, please visit the following links:- LivingTree — Floor Dryer campaign
- LivingTree — Air Mover campaign
- LivingTree — Industrial Dehumidifier/Water Pump campaign
Rep. Beth Van Duyne Student Opportunities
The office of U.S. Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, who represents the 24th district of Texas including CISD, has several opportunities for CISD students. Among these are an art competition, app challenge, a youth advisory council, internships, military academies application assistance, and an elementary art showcase and forum. Learn more at https://vanduyne.house.gov/services.
- Sept. 16 — College Night at CHS 6-8 p.m.
- Sept. 20 — Board Workshop CANCELED
- Sept. 27 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
Get involved in the community and help shape the future of Coppell by applying to serve on a board or commission! Applications will be open through September 13. Visit coppelltx.gov/boards to learn more. Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO LeagueRegister for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
September 3, 2021
Dear CISD Families,
One of our CISD core values is redefining success. We value each individual's contribution because success can be different for everyone. In this issue, you will see a feature on how several of our current and former students are redefining success in their academic and athletic pursuits. We have extraordinary students in CISD, and I am proud we can provide them with opportunities to showcase their amazing talents. More than anything, I do not want the terrific work of our students and staff to be overshadowed by other issues. Wonderful things are happening in CISD every day, and we want to be certain those stories are being shared with our community.
Tonight marks our first home football game of the season. In addition to our traditional game-day activities, we are providing COVID-19 vaccine and flu clinics at all home football games for our families and community members. Thank you to our Communications and Community Engagement team and to Tom Thumb Pharmacy for offering this service to our community.
As we look at redefining success, we know that success in athletics contributes to the overall educational experience for our students. I am also proud of the learning opportunities these games offer our students. Our gyms and fields are filled with students, who not only get a chance to participate in something they love, they are also taught sportsmanship, leadership skills, self-discipline, and the value of performing with a high level of integrity, all while building and sustaining authentic relationships with their teammates and coaches. I also want to give a big shout-out to our band, color guard, drill team and cheerleaders. These incredible groups add so much to the Friday night experience, and I thank them for the hard work and effort they give to their programs. Thank you for supporting our student-athletes and our schools.
Enjoy the long weekend with your family,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- Football Home Opener Safety Protocols
- Vaccine Clinics at Home Football Games
- Redefining Success: Senior Isabella Malick
- Alumni Connor Choate Texas A&M 12th Man
- Great Teaching and Child Nutrition Staff
- East Yearbook National Accolades
- Child Nutrition Food and Supply Shortages
- Ed Foundation Shirts Available for $20
- Ed Foundation Water Mitigation Help Request
- Crossing Guards Needed
- September is Library Card Sign-Up Month
- Upcoming Events
Football Home Opener Safety Protocols
The Coppell Cowboys will play their first home football game vs. Prestonwood Christian tonight at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the safety and security protocols at Buddy Echols Field. As a reminder, backpacks are prohibited and only small purses (4.5” x 6.5”), diaper bags, camera bags, and medical bags are allowed in the stadium. All personal items are subject to search at the gate and if deemed allowable will be tagged. For a complete list of safety protocols, visit www.coppellathletics.net/facilities.
Vaccine Clinics at Home Football Games
CISD is partnering with Tom Thumb to offer a COVID and flu vaccination clinic at each Varsity home football game this season. The vaccine clinics will be held at Buddy Echols Field on the home side of the stadium from 6 -7:30 p.m.-
Friday, Sept. 3
-
Friday, Sept. 10
-
Friday, Sept. 24
-
Friday, Oct. 15
-
Friday, Oct. 29
In order to receive a vaccine, fill out the consent form and bring it to the clinic along with your insurance cards. The COVID vaccine can be provided to those 12 years old and older, while the flu vaccine can be provided to anyone.
Redefining Success: Senior Isabella Malick
CHS senior Isabella Malick is performing pioneering research alongside nationally recognized scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center this fall and is receiving school course credit for her work. Malick is conducting research at the Collins Lab after being selected for the prestigious UT Southwestern STARS Summer Student Research Program over the summer. “I had such a great summer with the Collins Lab, so I decided to take advantage of UT Southwestern’s opportunity to allow high school students to intern at a lab in exchange for high school credit,” Malick says. “Research in high school is important to me, first and foremost because I enjoy it. It is something that I look forward to every day, and it motivates me to better myself by learning new things.” The project Malick is is working on specifically is one that studies neoblasts or stem cells in juvenile schistosomes. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/MalickSTAR.
Alumni Connor Choate Texas A&M 12th Man
CHS 2017 graduate Connor Choate was chosen as the 2021 Aggie “12th Man” by Texas A&M University. “What an honor to be chosen for the 12th man!” Choate shared on Twitter. “I will give everything.” The 12th Man tradition dates back to Jan. 2, 1922, with A&M suffering numerous injuries against top-ranked Centre College in Dallas. A&M student E. King Gill came down the stands and suited up to be ready to play if necessary. Choate has been the Aggies primary deep snapper in both of his two seasons at A&M, earning the Special Teams Newcomer of the Year award in 2019 and the Special Teams Most Valuable Player award in 2020. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M.
Great Teaching and Child Nutrition Staff
Tasting new food, good behavior, friendliness, caring, listening, manners and getting along with others are among the lessons child nutrition staff teach every day, according to Chef Helen Duran, who serves as the culinary trainer for the district. This is why our cafeteria workers are an important part of the CISD great teaching core value, Duran says. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/GreatTeachingNutrition.East Yearbook National Accolades
The 2021 CMS East Stampede Yearbook has received several national awards from the Journalism Education Association, where the publication competed against thousands of submissions in the country. Led by teacher advisers Shauna Banks and Trina Messer, several then eighth-grade students on the 2020-2021 East Stampede Yearbook Staff received honorable mention, excellent or superior ratings for their work. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/21EastYearbook.
Child Nutrition Food and Supply Shortages
The CISD Child Nutrition Department along with school food service organizations across the country are experiencing limited product availability due to supply chain interruptions, labor shortages and transportation challenges nationwide. Child Nutrition is working diligently to minimize the effect this may have on our student meals. Menu changes are likely during this time. CISD Child Nutrition remains committed to serving meals that are nutritious, delicious and meet the high standards to which our students are accustomed.
Ed Foundation Shirts Available for $20
Order the new 2021-2022 Coppell ISD Education Foundation t-shirt today. By purchasing a t-shirt, you are supporting the Coppell ISD Education Foundation’s “Give for Grants” fundraising campaign. All funds raised by the Coppell ISD Education Foundation are directly given back to the schools and students of CISD through grants. T-shirts are $20 each (+$2 for 2XL and 3XL) and can be ordered online via credit card at go.coppellisd.com/21EdFoundationShirts. For other payment options please, contact kakerly@coppellisdef.com. Orders will be taken through Friday, Sept. 10. No late orders will be accepted. All orders will be delivered per the instructions on the order.
NEW — Do you want to increase your impact on the grant program? Add a donation to your order. All money raised through this program will be earmarked for 2021-22 school year grant funding.
Ed Foundation Water Mitigation Help Request
On Feb. 15, 2021,CISD buildings experienced water leaks causing tens of thousands of dollars in damages. While the damages were district-wide, students, teachers and staff at Richard J. Lee Elementary had to temporarily move to Valley Ranch Elementary while their building was repaired. Water leaks do not only happen during winter storms, they occur periodically. CISD would like to be better prepared by partnering with the Coppell ISD Education Foundation to purchase water mitigation equipment. Owning the equipment is more cost-efficient and will result in quicker response times, which will improve outcomes and save the district money. If you would like to help CISD purchase these items, please visit the following links:- LivingTree — Floor Dryer campaign
- LivingTree — Air Mover campaign
- LivingTree — Industrial Dehumidifier/Water Pump campaign
Crossing Guards Needed
CISD is looking to fill crossing guard positions. If interested in this position in CISD, visit www.coppellisd.com/HR.
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Celebrate by getting your very own library card and encouraging your friends and family to discover the benefits of a library card. The Coppell Cozby Library cards are free for all CISD students and staff regardless of what city they reside. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions. The Cozby Library offers everything from early literacy programs to virtual homework help and continuing education prep, helping transform lives and communities through education. At the Cozby Library and Community Commons, you’ll find a wide variety of educational resources and activities, including storytimes, the Meet Your Neighbor series and take-and-make crafts. There is nothing more empowering than getting your own library card. Learn more at www.coppelltx.gov/184/Cozby-Library-Community-Commons.
- Sept. 3 — Home Football Game vs. Prestonwood Christian 7 p.m.
- Sept. 6 — Labor Day Holiday (No School)
- Sept. 16 — College Night at CHS 6-8 p.m.
- Sept. 20 — Board Workshop 5:30 p.m.
- Sept. 27 — Regular Board Meeting 6 p.m.
Get involved in the community and help shape the future of Coppell by applying to serve on a board or commission! Applications will be open through September 13. Visit coppelltx.gov/boards to learn more. Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO LeagueRegister for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
August 27, 2021
Dear CISD Families,
While our Board of Trustees meets again on Monday to discuss and possibly take action regarding the legal issues concerning masks, I want to say that I remain proud to be a part of and lead our CISD family. We had a high volume of speakers at the board meeting last Monday night. Compared to what our neighboring districts are dealing with, our speakers shared their comments with us in an overall respectful manner, which is a testament to our district community. We know the legal issue surrounding this topic has caused some confusion and appreciate our community's patience as we work to resolve this issue.
As our temporary virtual learners in PreK through 6th grade began school this week, our district is working to ensure that our kids are focused and our focus is on our kids, as well as the great teaching that is occurring in our district each and every day. I appreciate how our educators and staff are going above and beyond each day to teach and take care of our children. As a reminder, because of the lack of funding for virtual learning and the restrictions it places on our staff, the district is only able to provide virtual learning for the first nine weeks. There is presently a virtual learning bill (SB15) being heard during the special session of the Texas Legislature. If the bill passes and ultimately impacts CISD in any way, we will let our community know.
Our teachers and students continue to show how they can adapt and pivot to continue our tradition of academic excellence. Our parents and guardians are essential allies in the educational journey of our children. Our community and business partners provide the support and resources to ensure our collective success. Together, we form a CISD family united to serve and teach our children.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- Close Contact/ Quarantine Update
- Board Approves Budget and Tax Rate
- iLead 2 Applications Due Aug. 30
- Great Teaching Spotlight: Gulshan Mir
- Child Nutrition State Grand and Recognition
- Free Meals for Elementary Students
- CISD Partners with Dallas Holocaust Museum
- Ed Foundation Shirts Available for $20
- Ed Foundation Water Mitigation Help Request
- Crossing Guards and Cafeteria Workers Needed
- Upcoming Events
Close Contact/Quarantine Update
CISD recently has updated our close contact and quarantine guidelines based on recommendations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Texas Education Agency. Per TEA guidelines, school administrators are sending letters to students when a classmate has tested positive for COVID-19. Those who are identified as close contacts will receive a separate notification from a school administrator or school nurse with the quarantine protocols. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/21CloseContactUpdate.
Board Approves Budget and Tax Rate
CISD Trustees approved the 2021-2022 budget and tax rate during their board meeting Aug. 23. The approved 2021-2022 CISD Operating Budget is $162,189,770, which is a $644,000 or 0.4 percent increase over the prior year. Trustees approved an overall total tax rate of $1.292 per $100 in assessed value for 2021-2022, which is a total tax rate decrease of $0.018 per $100 in assessed value or a 1.37 percent decrease overall. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/21-22BudgetTaxRate.
iLead 2 Applications Due Aug. 30
Applications are being accepted through the end of the day Monday, Aug. 30 for CISD’s iLead 2 program. iLead 2 is a leadership training series for interested parents and community members looking to become informed leaders and advocates for our students. The iLead 2 program is a five session leadership training opportunity designed to help parents and community members gain insight into the operations of CISD. iLead 2 is a continuation of the iLead program and is open to past graduates of the iLead program. A session fee of $50 (includes a convenience fee) per registrant will help defray district expenses incurred. To confirm your spot, please complete the application by Aug. 30. Read more and apply at www.coppellisd.com/ilead.
Great Teaching Spotlight: Gulshan Mir
CHS Science Teacher Gulshan Mir is inspired by students who demonstrate perseverance, show willingness to learn and work hard to succeed. “This drives me to create a learning environment that motivates all students and supports their individual learning needs,” said Mir, who teaches AP Environmental Science and Earth and Space Science at CHS. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Mir.
Child Nutrition State Grant and Recognition
Parent and student volunteers work and learn from the school gardens at, Pinkerton Elementary (top left), CHS (top right), Richard J Lee Elementary (bottom left) and CMS West (bottom right.)
CISD students will continue to be able to taste the fruit and vegetables of their labor, thanks to a $45,000 grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture for the Child Nutrition Department’s school garden program. The department also received the “Best of the Bunch” award for participating in the TDA’s 2021 Spring Farm Fresh Challenge. This is the highest award tier available to school districts in Texas. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/GardenGrant.Free Meals for Elementary Students
CISD is offering free breakfast and lunch to all elementary students for the 2021-2022 school year as part of the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program. Free meals do not apply to CISD middle and high school students, because these schools do not participate in the SSO program. Parents or guardians are still encouraged to continue filling out the Free and Reduced Lunch Application online at www.schoollunchapp.com, because there are additional benefits for being approved for this program. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/meals21.
CISD Partners with Dallas Holocaust Museum
CISD is partnering with the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum for virtual field trips, educational collaborations and more opportunities. Learn more about this partnership in this video at go.coppellisd.com/DHM-partnership.
Ed Foundation Shirts Available for $20
Order the new 2021-2022 Coppell ISD Education Foundation t-shirt today. By purchasing a t-shirt, you are supporting the Coppell ISD Education Foundation’s “Give for Grants” fundraising campaign. All funds raised by the Coppell ISD Education Foundation are directly given back to the schools and students of CISD through grants. T-shirts are $20 each (+$2 for 2XL and 3XL) and can be ordered online via credit card at go.coppellisd.com/21EdFoundationShirts. For other payment options please, contact kakerly@coppellisdef.com. Orders will be taken through Friday, Sept. 10. No late orders will be accepted. All orders will be delivered per the instructions on the order.
NEW — Do you want to increase your impact on the grant program? Add a donation to your order. All money raised through this program will be earmarked for 2021-22 school year grant funding.
Ed Foundation Water Mitigation Help Request
On Feb. 15, 2021,CISD buildings experienced water leaks causing tens of thousands of dollars in damages. While the damages were district-wide, students, teachers and staff at Richard J. Lee Elementary had to temporarily move to Valley Ranch Elementary while their building was repaired. Water leaks do not only happen during winter storms, they occur periodically. CISD would like to be better prepared by partnering with the Coppell ISD Education Foundation to purchase water mitigation equipment. Owning the equipment is more cost-efficient and will result in quicker response times, which will improve outcomes and save the district money. If you would like to help CISD purchase these items, please visit the following links:- LivingTree — Floor Dryer campaign
- LivingTree — Air Mover campaign
- LivingTree — Industrial Dehumidifier/Water Pump campaign
Crossing Guard & Cafeteria Workers Needed
CISD is looking to fill crossing guard positions at Mockingbird/CMS East and at Hampton Drive and Parkway Blvd. The district also is looking for cafeteria workers. Apply for jobs in CISD at www.coppellisd.com/HR.Get involved in the community and help shape the future of Coppell by applying to serve on a board or commission! Applications will be open through September 13. Visit coppelltx.gov/boards to learn more. Wize Computing Academy
CODING & ROBOTICS PROGRAM
Offers Online & AFTER School Classes- Project-based approach to teaching designing, robotics and coding to learners Ages 4-16 years old.
- Small-group, award-winning instructors.
- Prepare for coding & robotics competitions like the First LEGO LeagueRegister for a Free trial class
Questions? info@wizeacademy.com
469-471-8180 -
August 19, 2021
Dear CISD Family,
As we welcomed students to school this week, I was reminded of Coppell ISD’s mission of, “Working together, we are committed to creating profound learning experiences for each child, while nurturing meaningful relationships to positively impact our world.”
There is a reason that the first two words of our mission statement are “working together.” We cannot achieve anything else in our mission without first working together as parents, teachers, staff, students and community. Only then can we do what we do best at CISD, which is to create profound learning experiences for each child. I have always believed it is the meaningful relationships for which CISD is known that make us stand out as a school district and allows us to positively impact our world.
I ask that you all keep our district’s mission in mind this school year. We are all on the same side of educating our kids. Our CISD core values of authentic relationships, collective engagement, redefining success and great teaching guide us in accomplishing our mission. This year, as we focus on great teaching, I call on our community to support each other, our teachers and our students. We have incredible teachers that do an amazing job and when left to do what they do best, which is teach our kids, great things happen. Clearly, we can't do this all alone, and we depend on the positive support of our families to help all students be successful. When we all work together, we can make a difference in the educational journey of our children and produce amazing results.
Seeing so many of our students back on campus on Tuesday and witnessing how our teachers and staff were so happy to see them reaffirmed for me our mission and the family that we are in Coppell ISD. As our virtual learners start school on Monday, I look forward to the creative ways our educators will welcome these students back to school. Working together, this is going to be a great school year for us all!
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Hunt
SuperintendentIn this Issue:
- Chiaka Ogbogu: Bringing Home the Gold
- Applications Available for iLead 2
- CISD Budget and Tax Rate Hearing Aug. 23
- CISD Receives Top Financial Rating
- CHS Students Win at TSA Nationals
- eSchoolPlus Family App
- Free Meals for Elementary Students
- Ed Foundation Shirts Available for $20
- Ed Foundation Water Mitigation Help Request
- Job Opportunities in CISD
- Upcoming Events
Chiaka Ogbogu: Bringing Home the Gold
Photo credit: CHS sophomore Nandini Muresh.
Olympic gold medalists are one of the most exclusive group of athletes on the globe. Now, Coppell’s own Chiaka Ogbogu has entered into this category of athletes. In recognition of her achievements, the City of Coppell hosted a parade on Saturday to congratulate Ogbogu on her accomplishments. Read more in The Sidekick CHS student newspaper story by CHS junior Torie Peck at go.coppellisd.com/Ogbogu.
Applications Available for iLead 2
Applications are being accepted through the end of the day Monday, Aug. 30 for CISD’s iLead 2 program. iLead 2 is a leadership training series for interested parents and community members looking to become informed leaders and advocates for our students. The iLead 2 program is a five session leadership training opportunity designed to help parents and community members gain insight into the operations of CISD. iLead 2 is a continuation of the iLead program and is open to past graduates of the iLead program. A session fee of $50 (includes a convenience fee) per registrant will help defray district expenses incurred. To confirm your spot, please complete the application by Aug. 30. Read more and apply at www.coppellisd.com/ilead.
CISD Budget and Tax Rate Hearing Aug. 23
CISD will hold a public hearing on its Fiscal Year 2021-2022 proposed Budget and Tax Rate on Monday, Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m. The proposed 2021-2022 General Operating Budget is $162,189,770, which is a 0.4 percent increase over the prior year. The proposed overall tax rate for 2021-2022 will be a total of $1.292 per $100 in assessed value, which is a total tax rate decrease of $0.018 per $100 in assessed value or a 1.37 percent decrease overall. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/21BudgetHearing.
CISD Receives Top Financial Rating
CISD has earned the highest financial rating possible for its 2020-2021 financial accountability from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). In preliminary results released earlier this month, TEA announced CISD had received both an “A” Superior Rating and “100” Score in the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) ratings, which are the highest scores possible. The district has received a “Superior” rating since 2002. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/21FIRST.
CHS Students Win at TSA Nationals
Coppell High School had several students place in the top 10 at the 2021 National Technology Student Association (TSA) Conference. 2021 is the first year CHS had students compete in TSA at the state or national level. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/TSANationals.
eSchoolPlus Family App
Use the new eSchoolPlus Family app to view attendance, classwork, schedules, student grades, progress reports, report cards and lunch menus. You will login to the eSchoolPLUS Family app using the same username and password used to login to the Home Access Center(HAC). The eSchoolPLUS Family app provides the same information as HAC, but in a more mobile friendly format. Lunch menus are available under the resources tab. Learn more at www.coppellisd.com/app.Free Meals for Elementary Students
CISD is offering free breakfast and lunch to all elementary students for the 2021-2022 school year as part of the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program. Free meals do not apply to CISD middle and high school students, because these schools do not participate in the SSO program. Parents or guardians are still encouraged to continue filling out the Free and Reduced Lunch Application online at www.schoollunchapp.com, because there are additional benefits for being approved for this program. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/meals21.
Ed Foundation Shirts Available for $20
Order the new 2021-2022 Coppell ISD Education Foundation t-shirt today. By purchasing a t-shirt, you are supporting the Coppell ISD Education Foundation’s “Give for Grants” fundraising campaign. All funds raised by the Coppell ISD Education Foundation are directly given back to the schools and students of CISD through grants. T-shirts are $20 each (+$2 for 2XL and 3XL) and can be ordered online via credit card at go.coppellisd.com/21EdFoundationShirts. For other payment options please, contact kakerly@coppellisdef.com. Orders will be taken through Friday, Sept. 10. No late orders will be accepted. All orders will be delivered per the instructions on the order.
NEW — Do you want to increase your impact on the grant program? Add a donation to your order. All money raised through this program will be earmarked for 2021-22 school year grant funding.
Ed Foundation Water Mitigation Help Request
On Feb. 15, 2021, CISD buildings experienced water leaks causing tens of thousands of dollars in damages. While the damages were district-wide, students, teachers and staff at Richard J. Lee Elementary had to temporarily move to Valley Ranch Elementary while their building was repaired. Water leaks do not only happen during winter storms, they occur periodically. CISD would like to be better prepared by partnering with the Coppell ISD Education Foundation to purchase water mitigation equipment. Owning the equipment is more cost-efficient and will result in quicker response times, which will improve outcomes and save the district money. If you would like to help CISD purchase these items, please visit the following links:
- LivingTree — Floor Dryer campaign
- LivingTree — Air Mover campaign
- LivingTree — Industrial Dehumidifier/Water Pump campaign
We’re Hiring: Job Opportunities in CISD
CISD is looking to fill several positions for the 2021-2022 school year, including crossing guards, cafeteria workers, substitute nurses and more. Our bus transportation partner Durham School Services also is hiring. Apply for jobs in CISD at www.coppellisd.com/HR and for bus driving positions at www.durhamschoolservices.com/careers and enter code 201855 as your keyword.
- Aug. 23 — First Day of School for Temporary Virtual Learners
- Aug. 23 — Budget and Public Tax Rate Hearing 5:30 p.m.
- Aug. 23 — Board Meeting 6 p.m.
- Sept. 6 — Labor Day Holiday (No School)
Get involved in the community and help shape the future of Coppell by applying to serve on a board or commission! Applications will be open through September 13. Visit coppelltx.gov/boards to learn more. Get to know your H2O! Track your water usage by signing up for the online portal at coppelltx.gov/h2o. Learn more about the new rates at coppelltx.gov/water. -
August 6, 2021
Dear CISD Family,
The entire Coppell ISD team is hard at work preparing to welcome our students to the first day of school on Tuesday, August 17. We are balancing this preparation with monitoring the latest COVID-19 developments and directives from the Texas Education Agency. Based on the recent update from the TEA on August 5, we are reviewing our COVID-19 protocols and will share an update with our community early next week.
Our core value focus this year is great teaching. We value great teaching because it leads to deep learning. I am excited to welcome our teachers back next week. They have been busy this summer with curriculum writing, training and other professional learning. Our educators will be setting up their classrooms, attending additional professional learning sessions and working with their colleagues to design learning experiences to meet the needs of all of our students. They are working diligently to prepare to deliver the quality education that is the hallmark of our district.
I am confident that we can provide a safe educational environment for our students in person this school year. We have really strong relationships here in CISD, and we have an incredible staff and school community. Our educators and staff are excited to have your child here in CISD.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad HuntIn this Issue:
- Parent Hub Website Available
- Free Meals for Elementary Students
- Back-to-School Technology Check
- East DI Team Places 2nd at Globals
- Arya Catna 3M Young Scientist Challenge
- Haverstick Region Teacher of the Year Finalist
- Ed Foundation Water Mitigation Help Request
- Job Opportunities in CISD
- Upcoming Events
Parent Hub Website Available
The CISD Parent Hub website at www.coppellisd.com/parenthub is a one-stop shop for back-to-school resources for families. On the site, you can find information about the 2021-2022 academic calendar, upcoming dates, school hours, school supplies, bus transportation, other important links and more. Also, our school websites are a good source of information for our families. If you have a comment, concern or question, please email input@coppellisd.com.
Free Meals for Elementary Students
CISD will offer free breakfast and lunch to all elementary students for the 2021-2022 school year as part of the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program. Free meals do not apply to CISD middle and high school students, because these schools do not participate in the SSO program. Parents or guardians are still encouraged to continue filling out the Free and Reduced Lunch Application online at www.schoollunchapp.com, because there are additional benefits for being approved for this program. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/meals21.
Back-to-School Technology Check
In order to ensure your child’s district-issued device is ready for the first day of school on Aug. 17, the CISD Technology Department has created a “Back-to-School Technology Check” for returning families. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/TechCheck. If anything is not working properly when you complete the check please submit a HelpDesk Ticket by visiting www.coppellisd.com/helpdesk or call 214-496-6972.
East DI Team Places 2nd at Globals
A team of students from CMS East won 2nd place at the Destination Imagination (DI) Global competition. The team, which placed 2nd in the Middle Level Improvisational Challenge, is the first team from CISD to earn a DI medal at the international level. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/DIEast.
Arya Catna 3M Young Scientist Challenge
CISD student Arya Catna was selected as the Texas State Merit Winner in the 2021 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Catna was chosen as the best in the state of Texas out of hundreds of participants for her research on a mulch blanket to save plants from dying during inclement winter weather. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Catna.
Haverstick Teacher of the Year Finalist
Pinkerton Elementary Teacher Kori Haverstick recently was named a Region 10 Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist. She is one of six regional finalists out of 118 district Teachers of the Year in Region 10, which encompasses 130 school districts in ten counties in North Texas. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/Haverstick.
Ed Foundation Water Mitigation Help Request
On Feb. 15, 2021, CISD buildings experienced water leaks causing tens of thousands of dollars in damages. While the damages were district-wide, students, teachers and staff at Richard J. Lee Elementary had to temporarily move to Valley Ranch Elementary while their building was repaired. Water leaks do not only happen during winter storms, they occur periodically. CISD would like to be better prepared by partnering with the Coppell ISD Education Foundation to purchase water mitigation equipment. Owning the equipment is more cost-efficient and will result in quicker response times, which will improve outcomes and save the district money. If you would like to help CISD purchase these items, please visit www.coppellisdef.com.
We’re Hiring: Job Opportunities in CISD
CISD is looking to fill several positions for the 2021-2022 school year, including crossing guards, cafeteria workers, substitute nurses and more. Our bus transportation partner Durham School Services also is hiring. Apply for jobs in CISD at www.coppellisd.com/HR and for bus driving positions at www.durhamschoolservices.com/careers and enter code 201855 as your keyword.
- Aug. 12 — Elementary Meet the Teacher Night 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Last Names A-M 5:30 to 6 p.m.; Last Names N-Z 6-6:30 p.m. Your school will email you details.)
- Aug. 13 — Bus Routes and Times Distributed by 5 p.m.
- Aug. 17 — First Day of School
- Aug. 23 — Budget and Public Tax Rate Hearing 5:30 p.m., Board Meeting 6 p.m.
It’s officially budget season for the City of Coppell, and the annual budget process starts with YOU! City Council holds numerous public meetings in July. Learn all about the City of Coppell budget and how to get involved at coppelltx.gov/budget. Get to know your H2O! Track your water usage by signing up for the online portal at coppelltx.gov/h2o. Learn more about the new rates at coppelltx.gov/water. -
July 29, 2021
The CISD Parent Hub website at www.coppellisd.com/parenthub is a one-stop shop for back-to-school resources for families. On the site, you can find information about the 2021-2022 academic calendar, upcoming dates, school hours, school supplies, bus transportation, other important links and more.In this Issue:
2021-2022 COVID-19 Protocols Update
We are looking forward to a great start to the new year in CISD, as we welcome our students, families and volunteers back to school on Tuesday, August 17. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on May 18, 2021, and he reiterated on July 20, 2021, that public schools cannot require masks on their campuses for students, teachers, parents, staff members or visitors. He issued an executive order that banned government entities in Texas, including cities, counties, school districts and public health authorities, from mandating masks.
Therefore, masks will be optional in Coppell ISD for students, staff and visitors for the upcoming school year. Campuses will work to ensure no person is treated differently as a result of their choice to wear or not wear a mask. We will respect each family’s decision regarding the wearing of masks, and we will work together to keep our students and staff healthy. Read more at go.coppellisd.com/21COVIDProtocol.
Updated 2021-2022 Student Code of Conduct
During the July 26 Board Meeting, Trustees adopted the 2021-2022 Student Code Conduct with changes from the 87th Legislative Session. Changes include an expanded definition of e-cigarettes to include and a new penalty group for fentanyl and other controlled substances. A copy of the Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook and other policies is available at www.coppellisd.com/policies.
CISD Child Nutrition will continue to provide free meals for all elementary school students for the 2021-2022 school year under the federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program. This does not apply to CISD middle and high school students. Child Nutrition still encourages those who may qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch to continue to apply to receive other program benefits, including reduced fees for other items. Read more at www.coppellisd.com/childnutrition.
CISD is looking to fill several positions for the 2021-2022 school year, including crossing guards, cafeteria workers, substitute nurses and more. Our bus transportation partner Durham School Services also is hiring. Apply for jobs in CISD at www.coppellisd.com/HR and for bus driving positions at www.durhamschoolservices.com/careers and enter code 201855 as your “keyword.
- Aug. 2 — Budget Board Workshop 5:30 p.m.
- Aug. 4-6 — Bus Pass Distribution
- Aug. 12 — Elementary Meet the Teacher Night 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Last Names A-M 5:30 to 6 p.m.; Last Names N-Z 6-6:30 p.m. Your school will email you details.)
- Aug. 13 — Bus Routes and Times Distributed by 5 p.m.
- Aug. 17 — First Day of School
- Aug. 23 — Budget and Public Tax Rate Hearing 5:30 p.m., Board Meeting 6 p.m.
It’s officially budget season for the City of Coppell, and the annual budget process starts with YOU! City Council holds numerous public meetings in July. Learn all about the City of Coppell budget and how to get involved at coppelltx.gov/budget. Get to know your H2O! Track your water usage by signing up for the online portal at coppelltx.gov/h2o. Learn more about the new rates at coppelltx.gov/water.