Inside FWISD December 1, 2022

In this edition:

Fort Worth ISD Launches New Parental Consent Process for Surveys Taken by Students | FWISD To Make On-Site Job Offers at Dec. 2 Nurse and Health Associate Hiring Event | FWISD Dec. 10 Career Fair to Offer On-the-Spot Jobs, Advancement Resources for All Job Levels | Teaching Chair Acceptance Speeches Offer Inspirational, Wise Words | FWISD Students and Staff Inspire Us to Give | FWISD Holiday Concert Schedule Announced: Performances to be Live Streamed on Fort Worth ISD’s Facebook Page | Help Build a New Play Space at Morningside ES for the Holidays | Free Online Homework Assistance Available for All FWISD Students | FWISD Mariachi Group to Perform with 10-Time Grammy Winner in 2023 | FWISD To Host Two-Day Event Showcasing Mariachi Programming | TMEA Selects 3 FWISD Students for All-State Ensembles | Final SLQ Session Before Winter Break Is This Saturday | FWISD High School Whiz Quiz Teams Are Down to the Big Four for the Finals: Watch “The Sport of Knowledge” In-person or Online Next Thursday evening! | Fort Worth ISD Teacher is a Winner in the HilltopSecurities Online Contest | December 2022 IT Training and Compliance Sessions | ‘Fill the Bag’ Event Will Allow Area Teachers to Choose Free Items for Classroom Libraries | FWISD in the News | Photos of the Week | Video of the Week

Fort Worth ISD Launches New Parental Consent Process for Surveys Taken by Students

Fort Worth ISD parents: we hear you, and we have created a process that gives you a greater say in the District surveys your child takes.

The Fort Worth ISD is launching Parental Consent to surveys, Monday, Dec. 5. The service, powered by online registration system PowerSchool, is open through Jan. 6, 2023.

Earlier this fall, District officials met with parents and other stakeholder groups regarding districtwide surveys administered to students. Based on the feedback, District officials found that parents want:

• Advance notice of districtwide surveys administered
• The ability to review survey questions and determine their child’s participation in the survey
• A clear understanding of why the District conducts surveys and how the data is utilized
• Transparency in District protocols

The result was the creation of a new Parental Consent process in which parents determine their child’s participation in District surveys.

Here’s how Parental Consent works:

Parents are asked to make selections either opting their child in or out of individual, grade-specific Districtwide surveys administered for the remainder of the 2022-2023 academic year. The District defines opt-in/out as the following:

• Opt-in: Students will participate in the survey if the box is checked to participate.
• Opt-out: Students will automatically participate unless the box is checked not to participate.

Parental Consent documentation for the following academic year will be included in the 2023-2024 student registration process.

The following are 2022-2023 surveys parents and guardians will be asked to agree to and acknowledge or provide consent for:

Families will receive an email with a unique Snapcode for each child they have enrolled in the District and instructions on how to complete the Parental Consent process.

Upon parents acknowledging and giving or declining consent for their child to participate in surveys, the information will be placed in the Focus Student Information System and shared with their child’s home campus. Any changes made to the Parental Consent of surveys after the online documentation is submitted must be done in-person by a parent or guardian at the child’s school.

Surveys are a formal method utilized by the District to collect individual student opinions, perceptions, feelings, and thoughts on various topics. Survey results help District leaders, school administrators, teachers, and support staff:

• Improve the overall school experience for FWISD students
• Better understand the resources needed by students to be successful
• Comply with state and federal law in cases where student voice is required for specialized funding

Parents will soon have the option to review survey questions prior to distribution to students and survey outcomes via a webpage that will be accessible via fwisd.org.

Students whose parents or guardians do not complete the online Parental Consent documentation by Jan. 6 will be automatically enrolled or opted out depending on the individual District survey.

Parents with additional questions about the Parental Consent to surveys are encouraged to view our Family FAQ page or contact their child’s school. For technical support, submit your questions to Let’s Talk!

FWISD To Make On-Site Job Offers at Dec. 2 Nurse and Health Associate Hiring Event

Play a role in Fort Worth ISD student wellness.

The District is offering qualified nurses and health associates on-the-spot jobs at a special event Friday, Dec. 2.

Meet Fort Worth ISD officials for our Nurse and Health Associate Hiring Event from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2 at the District’s Talent Management offices, 100 N. University Drive in Fort Worth.

“Nurses and health associates play a key role in making sure students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn,” said Raúl Peña, FWISD Chief Talent Officer. “We are making on-the-spot offers to qualified health workers who are ready to join our team and make a difference in the life of a child.”

FWISD offers competitive salaries, benefits, and perks!

Apply today for our nurse and health associate positions, and we hope to see you soon as a member of the FWISD team.

Additional details are available by calling 817-814-HIRE (4473) or emailing TeachFortWorth@FWISD.org.

FWISD Dec. 10 Career Fair to Offer On-the-Spot Jobs, Advancement Resources for All Job Levels

Take your career up a notch with Fort Worth ISD.

Campus principals, hiring managers, and university and teacher certification partners are ready to meet with graduating college students, prospective hires, and current employees looking to elevate their careers at the District’s December Career Fair. FWISD officials are prepared to interview and hire qualified applicants on-the-spot! Current employees who refer a new teacher or auxiliary employee can earn $500 for the recommendation.

The following events are slated from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at the Teaching and Learning Center, 1050 Bridgewood Drive:

• Teacher and Teacher Assistant Hiring Fair: Campus principals will interview and hire qualified teachers and teacher assistants on-site. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
• Campus Professional Hiring Fair: Hiring managers look forward to meeting and hiring qualified applicants who support students on their way to peak performance. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
• Operations and Auxiliary Fair: Hiring managers will interview and offer jobs to prospective campus security monitors, custodians, family engagement specialists, maintenance, transportation, and other prospective operations and auxiliary applicants. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
• Career Advancement Fair: University and Alternative Teacher Certification partners will be in attendance to meet with current FWISD employees interested in pursuing an advanced college degree or educator certification. Pre-registration is not required to attend.
• 2023-2024 Leadership Interest Sessions: Applicants interested in transitioning into a leadership role are invited to learn about the available job opportunities for the 2023-2024 academic year. Interest sessions are scheduled every 30 minutes for prospective counselors, data analysts, instructional coaches, campus principals and administrators. Pre-registration is not necessary to attend. This is the only application opportunity for internal candidates. Visit the Talent Management website for your desired information session.

“The new year is right around the corner and now is a great time to find not just a job, but your calling, in the Fort Worth Independent School District,” said Raúl Peña, FWISD Chief Talent Officer.

FWISD offers competitive salaries, incentives and signing bonuses.

Visit www.fwisd.org/careers to learn more about our job opportunities and incentives.

Call 817-814-HIRE (4473) or email teachfortworth@fwisd.org for additional Career Advancement Fair details.

Teaching Chair Acceptance Speeches Offer Inspirational, Wise Words

The Fort Worth ISD recognized its 2022-2023 Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence honorees a couple of weeks ago. View photos from the event in the gallery below.

Now and through the remainder of the semester, view inspirational acceptance speech vignettes from this year’s 16 recipients via www.fwisd.org, FWISD social media channels, and the Community and Strategic Partnerships website.

The Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence recognizes outstanding FWISD teachers in 15 categories, each with a $5,000 honorarium sponsored by community partners, the title for one year, and a flag to display in a prominent location.

FWISD Students and Staff Inspire Us to Give

This is the season of giving. And Fort Worth ISD students and staff are going above and beyond to give to the United Way of Tarrant County. So far, the District has donated $24,061! And there is still time to contribute and make a bigger difference!

FWISD students are doing their part to help, too. Manuel Jara Elementary has collected $1,030 in pennies, while Dolores Huerta Elementary has collected $1,020. The students raised the money by asking family, friends, and neighbors to make a small donation. Now that’s something that should inspire us all!

Donations to the United Way of Tarrant County create meaningful change that helps students graduate and families become financially stable and live healthy lives.

You, too, can get in the spirit of giving this holiday. Check your email inboxes to donate to the United Way of Tarrant County today. The last day to donate is Dec. 9.

FWISD Holiday Concert Schedule Announced

Performances to be Live Streamed on Fort Worth ISD’s Facebook Page

’Tis the season! The Fort Worth ISD has just the thing to add a little holiday spirit to your lunchtime! Every weekday from Dec. 5-14, tune into the Fort Worth ISD’s Facebook Page, from 11:30 a.m. to noon, to hear holiday favorites performed by our exceptional Visual and Performance Arts students.

Here is the FWISD 2022 holiday performance schedule:

• Monday, Dec. 5 – Bonnie Brae Elementary School Choir
• Tuesday, Dec. 6 – South Hills High School Band
• Wednesday, Dec. 7 – M.H. Moore Elementary School Choir
• Thursday, Dec. 8 – Paschal High School Orchestra
• Friday, Dec. 9 – Bruce Shulkey Elementary School Choir
• Monday, Dec. 12 – I.M. Terrell Academy Orchestra
• Tuesday, Dec. 13 – Young Women’s Leadership Academy Choir
• Wednesday, Dec. 14 – McLean 6 Choir

“We are so happy to bring back one of the highlights of the year for both employees and students,” said FWISD Visual and Performing Arts Executive Director Christina Avila. “These holiday performances really help everyone get into the spirit of the season while hearing some of the great talent in our District.”

Be sure to tune in and support our talented FWISD students this holiday season!

Help Build a New Play Space at Morningside ES for the Holidays

Give the gift of play to students at Morningside Elementary School this holiday season!

The District needs volunteers to assist in building a new student-designed playground at the campus Dec. 14-17. Will you join us?

Volunteers may sign up for one or more shifts or days to participate. No experience is necessary. Participation will be confirmed via email upon registering.

Morningside Elementary School is located at 2601 Evans Ave. Available shifts -- rain, or shine – are 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. People who can volunteer for all-day shifts from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. are most needed.

Volunteers will receive gloves, water, snacks, and masks. Free lunch will be provided for all-day participants.

On the final day, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will open the play space, which will be used by over 350 Morningside students and many more children in the community. The space will include accessible play, literacy play panels, and campus beautification projects.

The play spaces are made possible by community partners KABOOM! and through a generous Challenge of Tarrant County grant. Up next, Seminary Hills, which will become the sixth FWISD school to receive a playground, thanks to KABOOM! And Challenge of Tarrant County.

For additional information, email Alma Pohler, FWISD volunteer specialist, at alma.pohler@fwisd.org or call 817-814-2973.

Free Online Homework Assistance Available for All FWISD Students

Fort Worth ISD students and families, did you know that the District offers FREE homework assistance online?

FWISD prekindergarten to 12th grade students can access the District’s Tele-Teachers Program from 6-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Certified FWISD teachers are eager and ready to offer homework support to students in core subjects including math, science, English language arts and social studies. Support is also available to students making up classwork after an absence.

Click here or use the QR Code below to access homework help!

Modeled after telemedicine and healthcare services, FWISD teachers provide virtual, real-time, 15-20-minute homework sessions to students via Google Meets. Tele-Teachers meet with a maximum of three students per session, and if there is no waiting room for the next session, the original session can be prolonged. The Tele-Teachers schedule is modified based on the school calendar.

FWISD teachers interested in assisting students with homework can earn $35 an hour. Eligible educators must be employed by Fort Worth ISD and certified teachers to sign up. Contact Janyse Lee, FWAS virtual program support coordinator, at 817-815-2961 or email janyse.lee@fwisd.org for more information.

Fort Worth After School (FWAS) launched Tele-Teachers in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic to provide additional homework help to students.

“We feel like we’re prepared to deliver high-level homework assistance to students in the primary and secondary levels,” said Miguel Garcia Jr., FWAS director.

Tele-Teachers is available at no cost and only to Fort Worth ISD students. After a hiatus during the 2021-2022 academic year, Tele-Teachers resumed Oct. 3, 2022, with a soft launch. It is now prepared to serve students throughout the District for the current school year. FWISD families can access Tele-Teachers homework assistance via www.fwisd.org/teleteachers or through the QR code in the flyer below.

FWISD Mariachi Group to Perform with 10-Time Grammy Winner in 2023

Arturo Sandoval, a renowned jazz and classical musician and 10-time Grammy winner, is joining North Side High School’s Mariachi Espuelas de Plata for its debut Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Invited Mariachi Ensemble concert this February in San Antonio.

The ensemble is set to play five songs with Mr. Sandoval, including specially commissioned pieces and sounds unique to Fort Worth and mariachi education, during the 50-minute set. The concert is slated for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at San Antonio’s Henry B. González Convention Center during the annual TMEA Clinic/Convention.

“It’s huge,” said Ramon Niño III, Mariachi Espuelas de Plata head director. “We’re super excited about this performance.”

Mariachi Espuelas de Plata’s TMEA appearance with Mr. Sandoval marks several firsts for the ensemble.

This is the first time an invited mariachi ensemble is performing with a guest artist. This February, Mariachi Espuelas de Plata also becomes the first mariachi outside South Texas to perform in the TMEA Invited Mariachi Ensemble concert slot. Mariachi Espuelas de Plata is planning a pre-convention concert for Fort Worth residents who are unable to make it to San Antonio for the performance.

In addition to the TMEA Invited Mariachi Ensemble concert, North Side senior Nestor Aguado has been selected top mariachi guitar for the All-State Mariachi ensemble. North Side junior Ramiro Rabago, who was selected as the state’s 10th overall violin player, will serve as an All-State Mariachi alternate. The All-State Mariachi ensemble is slated to perform for TMEA attendees Feb. 11.

The TMEA convention is one of the nation’s premier events for current and future music educators. The annual event offerings include more than 200 music education clinics, exhibits, and 100 music performances from student musicians at every grade level.

About Arturo Sandoval:

Mr. Sandoval, a Cuban American trumpeter, is a student of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. Throughout his career, the renowned artist has recorded with music greats and the world’s best symphony orchestras. He has composed music for multiple motion picture soundtracks and ballets. In addition to his 10 Grammy wins, Mr. Sandoval is a 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, a six-time Billboard Award winner and an Emmy Award winner.

Final SLQ Session Before Winter Break Is This Saturday

Fort Worth ISD’s final Saturday Learning Quest session of 2022 is this weekend, Dec. 3.

Spring semester sessions will begin Jan. 7, 2023.

Visit www.fwisd.org/slq to learn more about how programming benefits students academically and the class offerings available to FWISD parents!

FWISD High School Whiz Quiz Teams Are Down to the Big Four for the Finals

Watch “The Sport of Knowledge” In-person or Online Next Thursday evening!

After months of competition, the top four Fort Worth ISD high school teams go head-to-head in the big Whiz Quiz finals matches Thursday night, Dec.8. They are:

• Semi-Final Match 1 - Paschal vs. I.M Terrell Academy for STEM & VPA
• Semi-Final Match 2 - North Side vs. Benbrook
• Championship Match 3 – the winners of the above semi-finals

The first semi-final gets underway at 5 p.m. at the M.G. Ellis Building (formerly M.G. Ellis Elementary School), 215 NE 14th St., Fort Worth. The second semi-final is immediately after, followed by the Championship match. And, everyone’s invited. You can also watch on Charter/Spectrum channel 192, ATT U-verse 99, or the Fort Worth ISD Live YouTube channel.

Southwest High School alumnus and WFAA anchor Marc Istook will ask the questions. (Little known fact: Mr. Istook is a Whiz Quiz veteran! He competed while at Wedgwood Middle School.)

Students from Southwest’s Advanced Media Program will host and take on other roles in the live production and Paschal Jazz Ensemble 1 will entertain. And, audience members test their brainpower in the “Are You Smarter Than a Whiz Quizzer” segment sponsored by Pizza Snob. A longtime Whiz Quiz supporter, Pizza Snob provides dinner for the jazz band and student production crew.

During the evening, we will also celebrate the FWISD Sixth Grade and Middle School Whiz Quiz teams, who will have just held their finals competitions.

Fort Worth ISD Teacher is a Winner in the HilltopSecurities Online Contest

Jennifer Lenning from Jean McClung Middle School was recently named a Silver Prize winner in the Hilltop Hunt contest, winning a pizza party for her class.

On Oct. 5, World Teachers' Day, HilltopSecurities launched its second annual virtual Hilltop Hunt, providing Texas K-8 educators with the chance to win a share of $50,000 in prizes.

"Hilltop Securities has a deep commitment to supporting education, and the Hilltop Hunt is a fun way we can give back to Texas schools and honor the teachers who have such a positive impact on our future generations," said HilltopSecurities President and CEO Brad Winges.

This year's online contest was a treasure hunt where participants followed the tracks of Hilltop's mascot, Mo the Buffalo, and guessed where he was headed next on his trip to visit Texas landmarks. Participants received daily riddles that provided clues for the teachers and students. By answering the riddles correctly, contestants were entered into a drawing to win prizes. The fewer the guesses, the better the chances were!

Five Gold prize winners from around the state earned cash awards for their schools and a pizza party for the class. The 10 Silver prize winners across the state, including Ms. Lenning, were recognized and will receive a class pizza party. Congratulations to Ms. Lenning!

HilltopSecurities is a generous partner with Fort Worth ISD and funded a STEM Trailer in 2021 for elementary and middle school students across the district. The trailer supports STEM education and provides interactive activities for students.

HilltopSecurities, Inc. is a full-service investment bank and registered investment advisor headquartered in Dallas, with offices across the United States.

December 2022 IT Training and Compliance Sessions

Take advantage of these training opportunities being offered by FWISD's IT Training and Compliance Department.

Sign up today in Eduphoria! For additional information, visit the IT Training and Compliance webpage.

‘Fill the Bag’ event will allow area teachers to choose free items for classroom libraries

Teachers looking to help their shelves are invited to select free books, DVDs, CDs and other items from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Fort Worth Public Library’s Central location, 500 W. 3rd St. in downtown.

The “Fill the Bag” events offer non-circulating surplus items in good condition to enhance community vitality and support education and growth in Fort Worth. The available items are for all ages and stages of learning, and include English- and Spanish-language materials.

Educators will be provided one large tote bag to fill with whatever they feel will support their classroom. Check-in will be at street-level at the Central Library; teachers must bring their school ID and homeschool instructors may bring their Fort Worth Public Library educator card. Need an educator card? Signups will be available at the event.