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Inside FWISD March 3, 2022

In this edition:

FWISD Teacher Recognized as Top Educator in Texas by H-E-B: Receives surprise check presentation visit at school | Come To the FWISD Whiz Quiz High School Finals For An Evening of Educational Fun and Games | Supporting Student and Teacher Growth: 200+ Prospective Instructional Coaches to Interview for Vacancies This Saturday | District Announces Summer Learning Plans | Let’s All Celebrate FWISD Educational Diagnosticians | Check Out the Latest Customer Service Kudos Winners | Celebrating FWISD Coaches’ Accolades | H.V. Helbing ES Wins 100 New Books In National Sweepstakes | Fort Worth ISD Takes Top Awards At Public Relations Conference FWISD Announces New Administrators, Promotes Operations Director Photos of the Week | View more stories throughout the week on the Inside FWISD Blog

FWISD Teacher Recognized as Top Educator in Texas by H-E-B

Receives surprise check presentation visit at school

Fort Worth ISD (FWISD) Kirkpatrick Middle School teacher, Leo Vaughns, Jr., has been named one of four state finalists for the 2022 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.

Mr. Vaughns was presented with a $1,000 check during a surprise visit by H-E-B representatives at his campus Wednesday, March 2. Because of his accomplishment, Kirkpatrick Middle School also received a $1,000 check.

As a finalist, Mr. Vaughns is invited to compete statewide for a $25,000 cash prize in April. If selected for a Lifetime Achievement Award, he will receive $25,000 in cash and a $25,000 grant for his school. The Lifetime Achievement Award salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience.

Mr. Vaughns has been teaching at Kirkpatrick Middle School for 31 years. In his teaching career, he has received numerous FWISD recognitions, including:

  • 2018 Chase Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary English
  • 2017 Finalist for Chase Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary English
  • 2013-2014 Campus Teacher of the Year

“Leo takes pride in his community, and his greatest joy is having strong relationships with his students and their families,” says Kirkpatrick middle school principal Jeffrey Bartolotta. “We are thankful for his commitment and so proud of his achievement.”

Mr. Vaughns joined FWISD as a music teacher. He taught music for several years before transitioning into English language arts. Throughout his career, he has worked with the after-school program, produced all the school plays, rewritten the school anthem, and written curriculum. In 2019, the FWISD Board of Education approved motions to name the school’s auditorium for Leo Vaughns.

The District congratulates Mr. Vaughns on this achievement and appreciates his dedication to the FWISD community.

COME TO THE FWISD WHIZ QUIZ HIGH SCHOOL FINALS FOR AN EVENING OF EDUCATIONAL FUN AND GAMES

What: FWISD Whiz Quiz High School Finals

When: Thursday, March 10, 2022, 5 – 8 p.m.

Where: Fort Worth ISD Professional Development Center, 3150 McCart Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76110

Who: The top four FWISD High School Teams and WFAA-TV anchor Marc Istook asking the questions

Visuals: A game-show atmosphere, with lights, banners, student hosts, a student video production team, and a student jazz band

After months of competition, the four top Fort Worth ISD high school teams go head-to-head in the big finals matches, Thursday night, March 10. And you can be there for the exciting finish.

The first semi-final gets underway at 5 p.m., at the Fort Worth ISD Professional Development Center at 3150 McCart Avenue. The second semi-final is immediately after, followed by the Championship match. We will not know until later this week which four teams will reach the semi-finals.

Southwest High School alumnus and WFAA-TV anchor Marc Istook will ask the questions for the three back-to-back matches. Mr. Istook is no stranger to Whiz Quiz, having participated in the sport of knowledge when he was in middle school.

The Southwest High School Jazz Band will entertain between matches. Students from Southwest’s Advanced Media Program will host and take part in the live production.

Pizza Snob is sponsoring a segment called “Are You Smarter Than a Whiz Quizzer,” in which audience members get to test their knowledge. Pizza Snob is also providing dinner for the jazz band and student production crew.

Sixth Grade and Middle School Whiz Quiz finals were held in February. Benbrook Middle won the Sixth Grade championship, and McLean took the Middle School finals match.

If you can’t join us live for the high school finals, watch them on Charter/Spectrum channel 192 and ATT U-verse 99, or the stream on the Fort Worth ISD Live channel on YouTube.

Supporting Student and Teacher Growth

200+ Prospective Instructional Coaches to Interview for Vacancies This Saturday

Fort Worth ISD (FWISD) is close to identifying next school year’s instructional coaches.

This Saturday, 200-plus eligible instructional coach applicants will participate in the District’s Assessment Center Screening Process. The half-day, in-person event measures a prospective instructional coach’s readiness to lead on the first day of work, if hired. More than 430 internal and external candidates applied to the instructional coach pool.

Instructional coaches partner with teachers to implement skills, strategies, protocols, and goals in the classroom that support and enhance student outcomes and achievement. They also develop, present, and support professional development learning for teachers in partnership with other content leads. They serve as mentors who support student and teacher growth.

“Instructional coaches play a valuable role in our schools by focusing on instructional quality and supporting the craft of teaching,” said Dr. Raúl Peña, FWISD Chief Talent Officer. “We are looking forward to the upcoming assessment center process as an opportunity to identify those most likely to enhance instructional outcomes for our students.”

A panel from the Academics, School Leadership, and Innovation departments will interview qualified candidates who will also participate in a computerized assessment.

Top talent will advance to the next instructional coach pool process phase. The District plans to fill instructional coaching spots in the following areas:

  • Campus-based
  • Literacy
  • Bilingual/ESL Literacy
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Bilingual /ESL Social Studies

For additional information about the Instructional Coach Talent Pool, call 817-814-HIRE (4473) or emailteachfortworth@fwisd.org.

District Announces Summer Learning Plans

Editor's Note: The following communication from Jeimie Rodriguez, Extended Learning and Summer Programs Coordinator, offers details about FWISD's Summer Learning Plans including job opportunities.

Let’s All Celebrate FWISD Educational Diagnosticians

Next time you see one of Fort Worth ISD’s (FWISD) 95 educational diagnosticians, be sure to thank them for all they do for our students.

Diagnosticians play a vital role in equipping schools and families with resources to assist children at all learning levels. The educators support teachers in ensuring that students with disabilities receive high-quality instruction, with the least restrictive environment provided to each child.

Educational diagnosticians are responsible for guaranteeing that schools are complying with Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) timelines, federal, state and local requirements. Learn more about diagnosticians here.

The FWISD appreciates these educators every day, especially during Educational Diagnostician Week, March 7-11.

Recognized throughout Texas the first full week in March, the observance acknowledges the essential role diagnosticians play in ensuring all students receive a high-quality education. The certified professionals participate in specialty academic and psychological assessment training that equips them in assessing and diagnosing the learning needs of students and whether they require special programs or education services.

Check Out the Latest Customer Service Kudos Winners

Kudos winners exhibit stellar customer service and radiate kindness and compassion throughout the Fort Worth ISD.

Eighteen recipients recently received a certificate of appreciation and were entered into a drawing to win a custom paperweight. Congratulations to Jo Kelly School Occupational Therapist Mary Shelton, February's drawing winner announced during a recent Facebook presentation!

A recent nomination for Ms. Shelton praises her for supporting the Jo Kelly School and staff:

“Mary Shelton is the type of therapist who goes above and beyond for her students and staff. If a student’s needs are not being met, Mrs. Shelton always seems to [think] outside the box."

Below is the list of FWISD staff members recognized in February as Kudos recipients:

Have you experienced amazing customer service? Let us know!

Simply follow these steps to leave a comment or recognition: Go to fwisd.org/feedback >>Select GENERAL FEEDBACK >>Select CUSTOMER SERVICE KUDOS.

Remember to provide as much information as possible.

Monthly, District staff contacts FWISD employees “caught in the act” of kindness and customer service and celebrates them.

For more information, contact the Family and Community Outreach and Marketing Department at 817-814-2970.

Celebrating FWISD Coaches’ Accolades

The Fort Worth ISD applauds the recent accomplishments of its athletics coaches and their student-athletes.

Here’s a look at the recent work put in by FWISD coaches and their teams:

  • Dr. Lisa Langston, FWISD director of athletics, represented the District at the Texas High School Coaches Association Summit in Arlington Feb. 28 with a presentation titled “Dealing with Ethical Situations” Other speakers included two-time Olympic Medalist Cat Osterman, and NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback and Sports Television Analyst Troy Aikman.
  • Candace Isaac, head coach at Dunbar High School, was among 18 FWISD employees recognized as Customer Service Kudos winners for February. Additionally, she was selected as the 8-4A All-District Coach of the Year. In December, she hit a milestone, earning her 100th win as a coach. In her seventh year with Dunbar, Coach Isaac has produced five playoff appearances, two district championships, and bi-district champions. Learn more about Coach Isaac here.
  • Let’s give a round of applause to the girls and boys basketball coaches at Benbrook Middle-High School. The eighth-grade boys’ team recently clinched the 2022 FWISD City Championship, and the eighth-grade girls finished runner-up. The Boys’ coaches are Sammy Light, Jeremy Kinder, Robert Jerkins. The Girls’ squad is led by Syna Donart, John Carlin, and Misty Slater.
  • Congratulations to Coach Wade Cribbs of Benbrook Middle High School and Paschal High Coach Claude Davis and their staff. Each coach had students qualify for the girls and boys UIL (University Interscholastic League) Wrestling State Tournament, respectively, last month in Cypress.
  • Jason Lovell and Benjamin Harris, aquatics coaches at Paschal, also have reason to celebrate. Last month, the coaches had a student qualify for the UIL Swimming and Diving State Meet in Austin.
  • Congratulations to the coaches and basketball student-athletes selected to the 8-4A All- District team. View the complete list of the selections here.

For the latest FWISD Athletics news, click here.

H.V. Helbing ES Wins 100 New Books in National Sweepstakes

Fort Worth ISD’s H.V. Helbing Elementary School is a “Rally to Read 100” sweepstakes winner and the recipient of 100 new children’s literature books.

The school was recognized during the national webcast “Reading Inspires!” which aired on Read Across America Day, Wednesday, March 2, featuring author, advocate, and former first daughter Chelsea Clinton as a special guest. Watch the event on-demand through March 30 at RallytoRead.org/readacrossamerica.

Rally to Read, sponsored by children’s literacy nonprofit Reading is Fundamental, encourages K-5 schoolchildren, educators, and families to read 100 books over six months. The challenge launched in September 2021.

K-5 educators nationwide, including eight from FWISD, entered their schools for the chance to receive 100 new books for their school libraries and classrooms. One hundred winners were randomly selected for the books, donated by publishers Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, and A Kids Company About.

This week’s announcement coincides with the start of National Reading Month. Visit RallytoRead.org/readacrossamerica to learn more about the “Rally to Read 100” challenge and Reading Is Fundamental.

Fort Worth ISD Takes Top Awards at Public Relations Conference

Fort Worth ISD won gold and more at the 2022 Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) Conference held February 20-24 in Round Rock, Texas.

FWISD scored five Best of Category awards out of 12 Gold Awards and won two Silver awards.

Revisit the award-winning FWISD entries below.

Best of Category:

Gold:

Silver:

TSPRA recognizes communicators in school districts, education foundations, education associations, and organizations for their work in print and electronic media categories.

FWISD Announces New Administrators, Promotes Maintenance Director

The Fort Worth ISD is pleased to welcome its newest Central Administrators.

Recently, the Fort Worth ISD Board of Education approved the following personnel appointments:

  • Maria Chavez, comptroller (Business and Finance)
  • Keisha Crowder Davis, enterprise application and customer experience senior officer (Technology)
  • Mike Naughton, facilities planning executive director (Operations)

Ms. Chavez currently serves as the executive finance director with Anthony ISD in West Texas. Her career in accounting spans nearly 20 years, and in that time, she has worked for El Paso ISD, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, and firms in El Paso. She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from New Mexico State University.

For the last 20 years, Ms. Davis has worked in various director roles with Dallas ISD, most recently serving as the district’s Centralized Enrollment and Magnet Programs executive director. Ms. Davis is currently pursuing a doctorate from Southern Methodist University.

Mr. Naughton, the District's Facility Planning and Geographic System (GIS) Analysis director, joined FWISD in 2018 as maintenance director. He is being promoted to the facilities planning executive director position. In his time with FWISD, Mr. Naughton has assisted with real estate projects, demographics, enrollment, and District properties.

The three appointees are expected to report to their new roles soon.

Photos of the Week

Pathways to White Coats for Black Men pipeline program

Fort Worth ISD's Young Men's Leadership Academy recently kicked off its Pathways to White Coats for Black Men pipeline program. Three JPS physicians shared their experiences navigating the medical field with students at the Black Men in White Coats Summit hosted at Texas Christian University. Photos Courtesy of the JPS Health Network Twitter page.

Dolores Huerta Elementary African American Heritage Student-Created Museum Project

Fort Worth ISD’s Dolores Huerta Elementary hosted an African American Heritage Student-Created Museum Project, Feb.11-28. Classroom exhibits, produced by pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students, celebrated African American authors and illustrators in children’s literature, role models, family history, and traditions. The museum was open to visitors, who received a museum guide about the exhibits.

Western Hills Elementary School Daddy-Daughter Dance

More than 200 girls and their fathers sang and danced the night away at Western Hills Elementary School's Daddy-Daughter Dance. They were able to bond and strengthen their connection by playing fun games and using “conversation starters” to help fathers engage on a deeper level. The girls left the dance with smiles from ear to ear and an even stronger relationship with their fathers.

Share your story ideas, successes, calendar items, photos, questions and feedback with us at Inside@FWISD.org. Content submissions are due no later than 10 a.m. Fridays for the next edition. Check the Inside FWISD blog, www.fwisd.org/insidefwisd, regularly updated throughout the week with additional content and features.