Arlington School & Family

Insight: The AISD Programs You Need to Know About... Rachel Cruze “Smart Money” 

January 2015 

Honored To Be Part Of The AISD

Grand 

Prairie 

Ford 

701 East Palace Parkway 

Grand Prairie, TX 75050 

866-262-5039

Highlights 

6-Storytime 

Through funding from the Texas Literacy Initiative Grants, 

the Arlington Public Library has teamed up with AISD 

Community Childcare Centers bringing storytimes to Pre-K 

students at 15 schools across Arlington. 

9-Lockheed Martin 

Supporting AISD Engineering Internship Program. 

12-STEM Career Pathways 

GM Foundation provides grants to schools in order to help 

foster students learning and development and help prepare 

them for the real world. 

21-Fuel Up To Play 60 

See how the Dallas Cowboys partner with Dairy Max to 

present a $10,000 grant to Fitzgerald Elementary in a fun way. 

24-New Principals & Assistant Principals 

Eight schools will receive new principals and assistant principals. 

See who has been named and take a look at their profiles. 

32-This Month’s Outstanding Teacher 

See how this one-of-a-kind choir teacher goes above and 

beyond. A passion for teaching that sticks with students forever. 

34-Students Volunteer 

Partnerships between schools and Non-Profit Organizations go 

far beyond routine schedules. Students gain an opportunity to give 

back to the community by volunteering at Mission Arlington. 

EXECUTIVE BOARD 

CEO 

Jeffrey Levy 

COO 

Pat Fowler 

EDITORIAL 

Editor 

Becky St.Vigne 

Leanne Rand 

Style Editor 

Amy Levy 

Lead Designer 

Chad Murphy 

Assistant Designers 

Jason Shupe 

Erik Peterson 

ACCOUNT SALES 

Sales Managers 

Christine Grudecki 

Chris Story 

Denise Dyer 

Business Managers 

Nikki Masga 

Jane White 

PRODUCTION 

Production Director 

Kari Wenner 

Production Manager 

Paige Hodges 

ARLINGTON ISD CONTACTS 

Superintendent 

Dr. Marcelo Cavazos 

Director of Communications 

Leslie Johnston 

Communications Coordinator 

Mercedes Mayer 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

On the Cover 

Ashworth Elementary paid homage to Colonel 

Prowell who served in Afghanistan and who also 

presents the Perfect Attendance Award to students 

at Ashworth every year. Want to know more about 

Ashworth Elementary and what great things they 

are doing in the district Read more on page 18. 

General Questions/Comments 

info@aisdmagazine.com 

Artwork and Design 

art@aisdmagazine.com 

Advertising 

advertising@aisdmagazine.com 

Arlington School & Family Magazine 

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404 W. Kennedale Pkwy 

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Phone - 214-728-8349 Fax - 817–330-0314 

2 Arlington School & Family - January 2015

District Programs 

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE 

SOUTHEAST CAMPUS 

• TCC offers smaller class sizes, flexible schedules, affordable tuition and 

more than 70 academic and technical programs from which to choose 

• Community and Industry Education for all ages and backgrounds 

• Dual Credit classes available for high school students 

4 Arlington School & Family - January 2015 

www.tccd.edu 

Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Institution

TCC and AISD 

Opened NEW 

Early College High School 

community partner Tarrant County 

College is vital to our students’ success 

and will make a tremendous positive 

impact on their future.” 

This initiative also fulfills part of 

Tarrant County College’s Vision 2015 

Strategic Plan dedicated to supporting 

student learning and success. 

As part of their commitment to foster 

a college-going culture, Tarrant 

County College Southeast Campus and 

Arlington Independent School District 

joined together to open TCC’s new 

$13 million Tarrant County College 

Southeast/Arlington ISD Collegiate 

High School. 

TCC and AISD officials were joined 

by community leaders to officially open 

the 30,000-square-foot building with 

a ribbon-cutting ceremony in August 

2014. The Early College High School 

(ECHS) includes nine classrooms, two 

science laboratories with a preparatory 

room between them and one computer 

laboratory. It also includes a learning 

resource center, a 400-seat cafeteria/ 

auditorium, administrative offices and 

250-parking spaces. 

As part of the partnership, Texas Trust 

Credit Union donated $35,000 to help 

launch the new school and will provide 

financial education resources and 

workshops throughout the school year 

for students, parents and faculty. 

The ECHS has the designation of an 

early college high school by the Texas 

Education Agency. This designation is 

for innovative high schools located on 

or near a college campus that will allow 

students who are at risk of dropping out 

of school and likely would not otherwise 

consider attending college an opportunity 

to earn a high school diploma and up to 

60 college credit hours. 

Students have access to Tarrant County 

College facilities, resources and services, 

including the faculty, libraries, labs, 

artistic and cultural activities and 

extracurricular activities, as appropriate. 

There is no cost to the student to attend 

the school. The Arlington ISD will pay 

for tuition, fees and required textbooks 

to the extent those charges are not 

waived by Tarrant County College. 

“A clear objective in our strategic plan 

is for our students to have leading-edge 

learning experiences, and opening an 

early college high school certainly helps 

us to fulfill that goal,” Arlington ISD 

Superintendent Marcelo Cavazos said. 

“A collaboration such as this with our 

“Starting this early college high school 

is important to us at Tarrant County 

College because it aligns with our 

commitment to develop strategies that 

improve access to affordable education 

for all students,” said TCC Chancellor 

Erma Johnson Hadley. “We have a 

strong working relationship with the 

Arlington ISD, so it makes sense that 

we would launch a partnership to give 

their students the opportunity to earn 

college credit while still in high school.” 

“This also is critical because research 

shows that the earlier students are 

exposed to the rigorous challenges that 

higher education provides, the better 

they will perform,” Hadley said. 

Texas Trust will also provide graduating 

seniors from the Arlington Collegiate 

High School at TCC Southeast Campus 

class of 2018 who meet certain criteria, 

including completing an associates 

degree, a $1,000 scholarship. 

“By partnering with AISD’s early 

college high school, we will be able to 

equip students with the knowledge and 

skills to make sound financial decisions 

throughout their lives,” said Jim Minge, 

president and CEO of Texas Trust. 

“Our goal is to provide the school with 

the resources and tools to help students 

and their families build brighter 

financial futures.” 

The first classes began Monday, Aug. 

25, 2014. Each fall a maximum of 125 

freshmen will be enrolled until the 

capacity of 500 students is reached 

in 2018, when this inaugural class of 

students who meet requirements will 

graduate with both their high school 

diplomas and associate degrees. † 

January 2015 - Arlington School & Family 5


Sharing Early Literacy 

Skills with Parents 

When it comes to raising a reader, it can be difficult for parents to know where to 

begin. For parents who may be lacking adequate time or resources, the challenge 

can feel even greater. The Arlington Public Library recognizes that parents may 

need help, and has created three programs that provide these individuals with the 

knowledge and encouragement they need to incorporate early literacy skills into 

their everyday lives and help their children become confident and capable readers 

when they enter school. 

For parents with a language barrier or concerned that their children are not 

comfortable enough with English, Early Learning Matters is a workshop series 

offered at AISD Texas Literacy Initiative (TLI) and United Way-funded elementary 

schools. Parents with children 0-4-years of age attend a series of sessions with their 

“parents 

are taught that 

they are their 

child’s first and 

most important 

teacher” 


children that include a storytime; letter and word recognition 

activities; sorting and problem-solving activities; and songs 

and rhymes. All of this material is presented in English and 

Spanish, as the majority of students and parents come from 

Spanish-speaking homes. Throughout the session, storytime 

leaders model ways that parents can incorporate literacy 

activities into their routines, such as asking for the color of a 

sign in both English and Spanish, or showing how to count 

the child’s age on their fingers. These sessions not only help 

the children build their skills, they help parents develop and 

experience the tools they need to help their children become 

lifelong readers. 

For parents of prekindergarten children who have already 

started school, the library provides reminders of the services 

it has available by inviting students from 32 AISD TLI 

The Arlington Public Library worked with five different 

locations in the fall of 2014 to spread the word about how 

important quality, parent-child literacy time is for babies. 

During each session, the parents receive a book for their 

child to add to their home libraries. They are taught how to 

use the book as a teaching tool, receiving tips such as how to 

point out colors and sounds to their babies when reading the 

book together. One of the most important things that these 

parents are taught is that they are their child’s first and most 

important teacher, and that even though they are young, 

they are very capable of teaching literacy to their child. † 

and United Way elementary schools to the library each fall 

and spring for a special storytime and tour of the building. 

Morning and afternoon prekindergarten classes take the bus 

to the library, where they are then treated to stories, songs, 

rhymes, and a tour of the library. Prior to the visit, students 

are sent home with an application for a My First Library card, 

and those who return it go home with their very own library 

card at the end of the visit. Students also receive a tote bag 

with a book, library storytime schedule, and handouts with 

early literacy tips for parents. 

Finally, Life through Literacy is a special program created 

specifically for teenage parents in the Arlington Public School 

District. These students are taught that reading, singing, and 

speaking to their babies will better prepare their children for 

school and work in the future. Many of these young parents do 

not know that teaching their children nursery rhymes helps to 

introduce them to vocabulary and rhythm. Also, encouraging 

positive experiences with books helps foster a love of reading 

as the child grows older. The goal of this program is to educate 

these teen parents on how to teach literacy to their children so 

that their babies can grow up to be successful. 



are able to incorporate more challenging materials. Some 

favorite books during the fall 2014 session were Leonardo the 

Terrible Monster by Mo Willems, This is Not My Hat by Jon 

Klassen, Open Very Carefully by Nick Bromley, and the ever 

popular Pete the Cat by Eric Litwin. 

Starting in 2015, iPads with educational apps and ebooks will 

also be included in this experience to promote digital literacy 

in the classroom. 

These storytimes are also wonderful chances to introduce 

students to important guests throughout the Arlington 

community. In October, hundreds of children were 

mesmerized by the city’s own firefighters, who took turns 

reading books and singing songs about fire safety. 

In an effort to increase the number of books the students 

read every day, the library started a program called Little 

Libraries in the fall of 2014. The Little Libraries are small 

book collections circulated to all the centers as part of the 

biweekly storytime visits. The goal of the program is to 

make library books easily accessible for the childcare center 

educators, who otherwise might be limited by a static 

classroom collection or little time in which to visit the library 

on their own. Hundreds of children have benefited from 

these portable collections, which include titles on a variety 

of topics. 

Taking Storytime 

Beyond the Walls 

of the Library 

Storytime is a great way to help young children discover the 

many joys of books, as well as an opportunity to build early 

literacy skills in a fun and engaging environment. While 

many children are fortunate enough to attend storytime 

at the library, there are many more who miss the chance 

because they attend childcare while their parents are at work. 

Recognizing that these children would also benefit from 

such a program, the Arlington Public Library teamed up 

with AISD Community Childcare Centers to bring biweekly 

storytimes to the 3 and 4-year-old prekindergarten students 

at 15 schools across Arlington. 

Thanks to generous funding from the Texas Literacy Initiative 

Grant, children at these centers receive biweekly visits from 

library programming staff who present fun and engaging 

storytimes that incorporate songs, rhymes, puppets, and of 

course, books. As comprehension increases, staff members 

Along with these programs, childcare center students had 

the opportunity in December to meet renowned author and 

illustrator Will Hillenbrand at a private author visit. Leading 

up to the event, Hillenbrand’s books, such as Spring is Here 

and Off We Go! were shared in the classrooms. This helped 

reinforce the power of the writing and illustrating process and 

may have even inspired students to become future authors 

and illustrators! 

The entire reading experience has been enhanced by the 

supportive AISD teachers who sing, dance, and participate 

with the students, to the great appreciation of the storytellers. 

Although working with over 1,000 students makes it difficult 

to know them on a personal level, the children greet library 

staff with continuous warmth and enthusiasm. A few of the 

students have even gone so far as to scout out the storytime 

leaders in their natural habitat at the public library – a fun 

surprise for everyone. 

The library continues to assess the early literacy needs 

of the Arlington community, and looks forward to future 

possibilities with the childcare center partnerships. † 


Engineering Internship 

Program: Students 

Soar with Support of 

Lockheed Martin 

The next generation of engineers. 

Lockheed Martin AISD Engineering Interns pictured left to right: Colton McAfee 

(Bowie), Benson Phillips (Arlington) Abdallah Shishani (Seguin), Austin Smith 

(Arlington) and Amy Hughes (Arlington) 

The AISD Engineering Internship Program is proud to have Lockheed 

Martin as a partner. Seniors in the district can gain hands-on experience 

in the engineering field with this double-blocked course. This year, five 

outstanding students are completing a paid internship with Lockheed 

Martin, which is deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of 

engineers and creating a pipeline of future talent for their organization. 

These students are now taking the knowledge they have acquired 

through CTE Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses and applying it in 

the workplace. Every week, they are provided the opportunity to work 

alongside engineers who are building and perfecting aircraft for Lockheed 

Martin. 

According to Ami Motsenbocker, the Engineering Internship Coordinator, 

“The interns in our program are getting an experience as a high school 

student that college students hope to have as a junior or senior in college. 

We truly cannot put a price tag on this type of learning opportunity. 

Internships put you ahead of the game and set students on a pathway to 

college and career success.” † 



UT Arlington, Arlington 

ISD collaborate for STEM 

Academy 

A new partnership between The 

University of Texas at Arlington and 

the Arlington Independent School 

District will offer high school students 

classroom and enrichment experiences 

that put them on a path to success 

in the fields of science, technology, 

engineering and math. 

The new STEM Academy will open 

in August 2015 at Martin High School, 

with students from across the district 

selected the previous spring. When 

the program is fully implemented, 100 

students each from grades 9 through 12 

will have the opportunity to choose one 

of four pathways: engineering, biology/ 

biomedical science, computer science 

and math/science. 

UT Arlington College of Science 

and College of Engineering faculty 

and staff will work with instructors 

at the high school level to align and 

enhance curriculum in the STEM 

academy. Junior and seniors in the 

program will also have opportunities 

to take dual credit classes that help 

them meet STEM college requirements 

before high school graduation and take 

advantage of off-campus opportunities 

for innovative learning. 

“The STEM Academy is one more 

step toward an increasingly strong 

partnership between UT Arlington and 

one of the state’s largest school districts 

to create opportunity and to ensure that 

students are well prepared to succeed 

in college,” UT Arlington President 

Vistasp Karbhari said. “Together, we 

will ignite students’ interest in the 

world of inquiry, expand their horizons 

and show them how they can achieve 

their dreams in the fields of science, 

engineering and math.” 

STEM Academy students also will be 

able to advance their STEM education 

outside the classroom with opportunities 

that include: internships, mentorships, 

job shadowing, community service, 

enrichment programs and a summer 

academy. 

“The new STEM Academy will deliver 

on our commitment to science and 

Devin Doyel interned in a UT Arlington lab 

as a high school student. Others like him will 

get enrichment and support through the new 

STEM Academy. - 

technology instruction and our focus 

on preparing our students to excel in 

higher education or the career of their 

choice,” Arlington ISD Superintendent 

Marcelo Cavazos said. “There is a 

need for more STEM graduates in our 

country, and we feel strongly about 

helping students in our district lay the 

groundwork for a future in the highdemand 

fields of science, technology, 

engineering and math.” 

UT Arlington and the Arlington school 

district already collaborate on a number 

of innovative programs. In 2013, 

district and campus leaders announced 

Bound for Success, an early admissions 

initiative aimed at increasing the 

number of high-achieving high school 

students who earn a college degree. UT 

Arlington also operates GO Centers 

at Arlington campuses through which 

University students help high school 

students, especially those who are the 

first in their family to attend college, 

prepare to apply for college admission, 

scholarships and financial aid. 

In recent years, the College of Science 

also has teamed with Arlington schools 

in the National Science Foundationfunded 

GK-12 STEM fellows initiative. 

That program puts doctoral level math 

students inside district classrooms to 

bolster instruction and introduce math 

research. 

Ashley Purgason, assistant dean in the 

UT Arlington College of Science, said 

the STEM Academy is an exciting 

addition to the university’s relationship 

with area schools. Nationally, less 

than half of students who enter public 

universities as STEM majors graduate 

with a STEM degree. Offering support 

and encouragement early on could 

change that, administrators believe. 

“Creating better prepared and more 

engaged high school students in the 

STEM fields will undoubtedly lead 

to more successful college students 

and, ultimately, graduates who will 

influence North Texas and beyond,” 

Purgason said. “This partnership gives 

the UT Arlington College of Science 

and College of Engineering faculty and 

administrators the opportunity to take 

an active role in guiding promising 

students before they even graduate high 

school.” † 




GM 

Foundation 

Supports 

AISD 

GM’s Arlington Assembly plant, in 

partnership with the GM Foundation, 

proudly supports the Arlington 

Independent School District. With a 

focus on K-12 STEM education, this 

partnership has provided funding for 

programming, training, materials 

and most importantly role models for 

students of all ages in this community. 

Over the past few years, through 

multiple GM Foundation donations, 

and with the volunteering support by the 

team at GM Arlington Assembly plant, 

thousands of students in Arlington were 

able to participate in new educational 

programs to help foster their learning 

and development. 

We brought the students at Sam Houston 

High School, The Great Minds In 

STEM, Viva Technology program 

through a $25,000 grant from the GM 

foundation. This national K-12 education 

program is designed to engage students, 

teachers and parents with STEM 

challenges that stimulate their interest 

in the application of technology and 

provide STEM-focused career pathways. 

This program creates awareness, supplies 

STEM resources and provides access to 

STEM career pathways. 

Capturing children’s attention at 

a young age in math and science 

is essential. That’s why the GM 

Foundation provided a $7,000 donation 

to Roark Elementary school to establish 

a Junior Achievement program aimed 

at helping prepare young people for 

the real world. Some of the subjects 

include showing them how to generate 

wealth and effectively manage it, 

how to create jobs which make their 

communities more robust, and how 

to apply entrepreneurial thinking 

to the workplace. Students put these 

lessons into action and learn the value 

of contributing to their communities. 

Working with GM employees students 

get a hands on approach to problem 

solving and diversified role models. 

With the help a $10,000 donation from 

the GM Foundation, it was possible to 

bring the USHLI Student Leadership 

Series to local area middle schools. 

The goal of this Student Leadership 

Series is to ensure that every child has 

an opportunity to obtain the level of 

education that is consistent with his or her 

maximum potential and the opportunity 

to be successful in life and career. Our 

objectives are to motivate students to 

stay in school, improve their academic 

performance, graduate, and to pursue 

and successfully complete some level of 

post-secondary education or training. 

In addition to the Student Leadership 

Series, the GM Foundation also provided 

a $20,000 grant to bring the LNSEC 

after School Science Corp Program 

to Carter Junior High School. During 

a critical time in their learning and 

development, Science Corps is a middle 

school program designed to encourage 

students’ interest in science, technology, 

engineering, and mathematics (STEM) 

fields by exposing them to real world 

STEM applications and problems. 

Science Corps curriculum focuses on 

activity-based modules and sessions led 

by GM STEM professionals from the 

Arlington Assembly plant. 

Knowing that everyone enjoys a bit of 

healthy competition, GM employees 

created the STEM All-star team to 

recognize AISD students for their high 

achievement in STEM-related subjects 

and the many GM employees that have 

contributed to the awareness of STEM 

within this community. 

The educational support from GM 

to the Arlington community also 

focuses beyond traditional STEM 

programming and integrates the 

importance of environmental 

conservation and wildlife maintenance. 

In 2014, the GM Foundation also 

provided a $10,000 grant to create a 

natural habitat and outdoor classroom 

that encompasses more than 4 acres 

of managed wildlife, including an 

observation deck, nature trail, nesting 

boxes and wildflower prairie. The area 

was certified as a Wildlife at Work and 

Lands for learning program by the 

Wildlife Habitat Council. 

In addition, the Arlington school 

district, along with others, were also 

awarded GM Foundation funding, 

which supports the GREEN education 

program in water quality and 

environmental sciences. 

The GM Foundation and Arlington 

Assembly plant are thrilled to have the 

opportunity to make such a difference 

in this vital community, we’re looking 

forward to a bright and successful 2015. 

About the GM Foundation: 

Since its inception in 1976, the GM 

Foundation has donated hundreds 

of millions of dollars to American 

charities, educational organizations and 

to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The 

GM Foundation focuses on supporting 

Education, Health and Human Services, 

the Environment and Community 

Development initiatives, mainly in 

the communities where GM operates. 

Funding of the GM Foundation comes 

solely from GM. The last contribution 

to the GM Foundation was made in 

2001. For more information, visit www. 

gm.com/gmfoundation. † 




This will help them see why saving can 

be fun! 

Three Money Basics Your 

Kid Needs to Know 

by Rachel Cruze 

Rachel Cruze is a seasoned communicator 

and presenter who has been speaking to groups 

as large as 10,000 for more than a decade. 

The daughter of Dave Ramsey, she uses the 

knowledge and experiences from growing up 

in the Ramsey household to educate America’s 

students and young adults on the proper ways 

to handle money and stay out of debt. 

The earlier you teach your kids about 

money, the better off your kids will be in 

the long run. 

Believe me, I know. As Dave Ramsey’s 

daughter, I was blessed to be raised 

by parents who have a healthy view of 

money. My dad filed bankruptcy when 

I was a baby then turned his life around 

when he started taking a biblical view on 

money. 

For me, that meant a healthy dose of 

learning how to save, give and, yes, even 

spend. Those are the basics, and that’s all 

you really need to teach your kids at this 

point. 

So let’s break down these three basics. 

Spending: This is the easy one, right 

What does your 8-year-old want to do the 

first time he gets a $10 bill Spend it all in 

one place! But that’s where you come in 

to the picture. Teach your kids this basic 

principle: When it’s gone, it’s gone! 

That’s why I always received a 

commission, not an allowance, from my 

parents. With a commission, I got paid 

when I helped out around the house. An 

allowance is simply giving money for 

breathing. 

When you give a commission, you’re 

teaching your kids the connection 

between money and work. So when 

they head out to buy something with 

their money, they’ll think long and hard 

about how they spend it because they 

understand what it took to earn that 

money in the first place. 

This applies to kids at any age. Don’t feel 

like you’re a failure if your kids are in 

high school and you haven’t been talking 

to them about spending wisely. 

As you talk with them, remember that 

spending is easy, but disciplined spending 

takes more practice. Teach your kids how 

to spend money the right way. 

Saving: To save, you need to learn 

patience. With kids, you’ll benefit by 

giving them a saving goal to aim for. My 

parents told me they would match any 

amount I saved for a nice, used car when 

I turned 16. They called it the 401Dave 

plan because of the match. And it worked 

great! 

I was motivated to save because I knew 

how I would benefit, and thats a lesson 

that’s stuck with me the rest of my life. 

Even if you can’t do a matching plan, 

think of ways you can incentivize your 

kids to save at an early age. 

If your kid wants a toy or a video game, 

help them understand how saving will 

allow them to reach those goals faster. 

Giving: Giving is what all this is about. 

When you have a healthy view of money, 

you understand how important it is to 

give. The whole reason your kids should 

learn how to save and spend is so that, 

one day, they’ll be in a position to give, 

give, give. 

But they shouldn’t be waiting to give. 

Start now. When I was a kid, I saved 20% 

of everything I made. So if I got $20 for 

babysitting, I would stash away $4. I used 

an envelope, but your kids might find 

it easier to have three buckets or piggy 

banks dedicated to spend-ing, saving, 

and giving. There’s no magic number, so 

your kids might store away more or less 

for giving, but the important part is that 

they learn to give! 

And remember, more is caught than 

taught. So if you aren’t modeling giving 

in your own life, you can’t expect your 

kids to grow up to be unselfish givers. 

My parents could have sat me down and 

lectured me until I was blue in the face, 

but none of it would have mattered if 

they weren’t actually giving themselves 

to charities, to church and through acts 

of service in the community. 

One of the most important things you 

can teach your kids is gratitude. And 

givers, by nature, are grateful people. 

Whether your kids are 4 or 18, you still 

have the opportunity to make a difference 

in how they view money. 

Even if you messed up, you can still be a 

major influence. Just look at my parents 

story I mention earlier! What matters 

most is that you’re making an effort to 

do things the right way now—no matter 

what happened in the past. 

So take the time to help your kids 

understand the basic principles of 

spending, saving and giving. If your 

son or daughter can graduate from 

college know-ing these basics, you will 

put them in a position to win the rest of 

their lives! † 


Who we are 

Souper Bowl of Caring is a national movement of young people, 

working together around the time of the Super Bowl football game to 

TACKLE HUNGER 

WITH US IN 2015! 

JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 1, 2015 

The idea for Souper Bowl of Caring came from this idea: “Even 

as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those 

that do not have a bowl of soup to eat.” 

What we do 

On the weeks leading up to or on Super Bowl Sunday, groups collect 

dollars and food items for people in need. They give 100% of their 

donation directly to the local charity of their choice. 

Participating groups report their totals to Souper Bowl of Caring, 

so the nation can follow the collections as they add up and see the 

impact made by so many small acts of generosity. 

How we do it 

Groups and individuals register to participate online at 

tacklehunger.org. They receive free materials to promote their 

collection. They collect. They report their totals before donating 100% 

to their chosen charity. 

Our National Youth Advisory Board is a select group of high school 

students from across the nation devoting their talents to help the 

movement grow. Service Blitz encourages participants to volunteer 

at their chosen charity on the Saturday before Super Bowl Sunday. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP 

Text TACKLE to 80888 

to donate $10 

Help our movement 

continue to grow 

each year! 

Why we do it 

We believe hunger and poverty have a negative impact on individuals and the 

communities in which they live, yet there is joy in serving and giving to those in need. 

because they live in food insecure households. (source: feedingamerica.org) 

How it helps 

In 2014 more than 7,400 groups participated in Souper Bowl of Caring, collecting 

more than $8.25 million in dollars and food for local hunger-relief charities. 

Since 1990, more than $100 million has been collected for hunger-relief charities 

across the country. 

OUR NATIONAL MOVEMENT OF CARING NEEDS YOU! 

To participate, donate or learn more, visit online at tacklehunger.org.

Student Accomplishments 

December 2014 Student 

of the Month 

Teresita Ortiz, Lamar High School 

Teresita is a dedicated senior at Lamar High School who is an aspiring nurse and 

one of the school’s healthcare rotation students. She has spent two years as the 

secretary for Health Occupation Students of America at Lamar, where she has 

spent many hours planning and overseeing HOSA activities. Teresita has helped 

with Viking Fest, the Hospice Healthcare Network food drive, the Heritage Oaks 

Retirement Center Thanksgiving dinner and the Carter blood drive. 

Teresita is also an AVID student and a member of Mu Alpha Theta, and she is 

an excellent leader and role model at Lamar. She is a well-spoken, gifted young 

woman who is a great example of a passionate, driven student. Congratulations, 

Teresita! † 

16 Arlington School & Family - January 2015 

“she is an 

excellent leader 

and role model 

at Lamar.”

Principal for the Day 

at Dunn Elementary 

Ms. Emilia L. made a great principal for the day at Dunn Elementary. She greeted 

students, walked the hallways and even curled her hair to look more like Dunn 

principal Mary Helen Burnett. Great job Emilia! † 

BRINGING OUT 

THE KID IN ALL OF US. 

We invite you to explore one of our 91 

Arlington parks, 53 miles of walking/jogging 

trails, 66 holes of golf, 26 tennis courts at 

Arlington Tennis Center, 7 pools, 4 recreation/ 

athletics centers, 2 skateparks, disc golf course, 

 

boat rental program, splash pads, Ventana Grille 

and more! Don’t feel like you have to cram it all 

into one day...but that would be awesome! 

NATURALLYFUN.ORG 


Campus News 

Ashworth 

Elementary 

Ashworth Elementary has been 

recognized in many domains. Dallas 

Magazine named it as one of the ten 

best schools in Texas for three years 

and the Texas Business and Education 

Coalition placed Ashworth on its 

Honor Roll. This year, Ashworth was 

the only elementary school in the DFW 

area to be awarded six distinctions 

from TEA for its growth in academic 

achievement in the subjects of reading, 

math and science as measured by the 

state STAAR test. Over the past two 

years Ashworth teachers have written 

innovative technology grants. They 

have been awarded over $90,000 for 

new classroom equipment to help 

transform learning through the use 

of technology. According to Principal 

Rhonda Greer, “I am extremely proud 

of my staff and faculty who work hard 

to provide engaging activities every day 

for the students. The diverse population 

of our school and the dedication of all 

of our teachers, students and parents 

continue to make Ashworth is one of 

the best schools in the metroplex.” 

Ashworth has been a school of firsts since 

it opened its doors in 1996. Early on, the 

school established a bond with Tarrant 

County College Southeast Arlington 

campus. Together they continue to 

provide many enrichment opportunities 

for the students and their families. Two 

such annual events are the traditional 

Maypole celebration and a spring art 

show featuring student art from every 

grade level. In addition, Ashworth is 

credited with being the first school in 

Arlington to attend concerts presented 

by the Bass Hall Children’s Education 

Program. Today it is a program that all 

Arlington schools are afforded. Four years 

ago Ashworth initiated and introduced 

the Pinwheels for Peace project to the 

Arlington community. Many AISD 

schools now join in celebrating World 

Peace Day in September by displaying 

colorful pinwheels in front of their school 

buildings. In June selected students 

travel to Austin to display their art at the 

capitol building and to meet with state 

representatives. Other school activities 

available to all students are the River 

Legacy Boat Regatta and a school wide 

Science Extravaganza which brings in 

many professionals from the DFW area 

such as Lockheed Martin. Ashworth has 

an active student council that organizes 

community outreach programs to help 

Mission Arlington and the Arlington 

Animal Shelter. Four enrichment 

activities recently held for the students 

include a school-wide vocabulary parade, 

PTA Reflections contest, Trunk or Treat 

and the annual school spelling bee. 

This spring, students will be given the 

opportunity to be a part of the annual 

Living History Museum and the annual 

spring school musical. 

Ashworth Elementary is a thriving 

part of Arlington. Along with the 

community, faculty here strives to make 

it the best it can be. † 

Students participating in the Ashworth 

Elementary Vocabulary Parade 


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$10,000 Fuel Up To Play 60 Grant At 

Fitzgerald Elementary 

The Dallas Cowboys and Dairy Max presented the Arlington ISD with a $10,000 Fuel Up to Play 60 Grant at Fitzgerald 

Elementary. Cowboys defensive end Jack Crawford and mascot Rowdy helped the Fitzgerald Fuel Up to Play 60 ambassador 

students complete a painting project that shows healthy food choices as well as different activities for the students to do as 

they get 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Arlington Mayor Dr. Robert Cluck and AISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo 

Cavazos were also in attendance to help unveil the Fuel Up to Play 60 logo that was painted. † 


Campus News 

Martin High School 

“Making Spirits Bright” by Binh Le 

of the project was to send 153 goody-filled stockings to these 

men and women who serve our county. Spanish teacher 

Michelle Torres asked her students if they could donate 

and many agreed. Many students and teachers have family 

members who serve in the military, and being apart can be 

hard during the holidays. 

“My husband was in the Marines and he’s been deployed 

twice,” Torres said. “I wanted to help since I understand the 

hard military lifestyle.” 

Along with Martin, Bailey Junior High, Bowen Road School, 

Arlington High School, and MCA Hospital volunteers 

donated to help out our servicemen and women. Student 

Council also had a part in the project. 

The majority of Torres’s classes voted to donate beef jerky 

packets for the project. The other items that are being 

donated are taken care of by other schools, organizations, 

families, or people. 

“My grandpa was in World War II,” junior Kaley Ivy said. “I 

felt it was necessary to donate. If I was out there, this is what 

I would want – something to remind myself of home when 

times are rough.” 

Approximately 330 bags of beef jerky, 558 Rice Crispy treats, 

934 fruit snack packets, 544 energy bars, and many more 

items were collected for the donation project on Nov. 14 from 

different organizations, people, and schools. 

Even though the items collected may not seem like very much 

to us, the small, thoughtful gesture may mean a lot to the 

soldiers who are currently deployed in Saudi Arabia. † 

“Making Spirits Bright” is a donation project managed by 

Bonnie Flynt, a retired Spanish teacher. Flynt retired from 

teaching at Martin in 2011. 

“This project is for the men and women that cannot be home 

for the holidays,” Flynt said. “I think the project is very fun 

and satisfying.” 

Her son-in-law, Kelly Velder, is currently based out at the 

301st Security Forces Squadron, NAS Fort Worth JRB. 

Velder sent an email asking for help in making this holiday 

season a little easier for the men and women of the 879th 

Security Forces Squadron in Saudi Arabia. 

Velder first sent the email to his wife, Carrie Velder. Velder 

then contacted Flynt, Carrie Velder’s mother, who thought 

the project was a great idea. 

“I thought of an idea that might provide a little taste of home,” 

Velder said. “Could we give each airman a stocking stuffed 

with small gifts This may be a small gesture, but I want them 

to know they are not forgotten and for a short time longer, we 

are their family.” 

This inspired the project, “Making Spirits Bright.” The goal 


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School District & Administration 

Superintendent Appoints Director Of Human Resources 

Customer Service Center 

Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Announces The Selection Of Mark Strand As Director Of 

Human Resources Customer Service Center. Strand Has Been A Principal In The Arlington Isd 

For 18 Years, Including Stops At Newcomer Center (2007-Present), Anderson Elementary (2004- 

2007), Crouch Elementary (2000-2004) And Dunn Elementary (1996-2000). He Was An Assistant 

Principal At Sherrod Elementary From 1993 To 1996. Strand Also Taught Second And Sixth Grades 

At Starrett Elementary From 1990-1993 And Fourth Grade At Goodman Elementary From 1989 To 

1990. Prior To That, Strand Was An English Teacher For Gwinnett County Schools In Georgia From 

1988 To 1989. Strand Taught Seventh-Grade English And Eighth-Grade Reading At Nichols Junior High From 1985 To 

1988. And He Taught English At Lutheran High School In Dallas From 1983 To 1985 And Also In Melrose Park, Ill., From 

1978 To 1983. Strand Has A Bachelor’s From Concordia Teachers College In Illinois And Master’s Degrees From Both The 

University Of Illinois-Chicago And The University Of North Texas. 

Board Of Trustees Names Principal Of Consolidated 

Workman/ Hutcheson Junior High 

The Aisd Board Of Trustees Announces Its Selection Of Inelda Acosta As Principal Of The 

Consolidated Workman/Hutcheson Junior High. As A Part Of The 2014 Bond Program, Current 

Hutcheson Junior High Students Will Be Rezoned To Workman Junior High Starting Next Fall While 

A Districtwide Career And Technical Center Is Built On The Hutcheson Site. Acosta Has Been The 

Principal At Hutcheson Junior High Since May 2014. Prior To That, She Was Principal At Crow 

Elementary Since 2012, And She Was An Assistant Principal At Carter Junior High From 2008 To 

2012. Acosta Was A Seventh- And Eighth-Grade Esl Teacher At Shackelford Junior High From 2002 

To 2008, And She Taught Bilingual Third Grade At Roark Elementary From 1999-2000. Acosta Has A Bachelor’s Degree 

From Baylor University And A Master’s Degree From The University Of Texas At Arlington. 

Board Of Trustees Names Principal Of Consolidated 

Ousley/Ferguson Junior High 

The Aisd Board Of Trustees Announces Its Selection Of Lora Thurston As Principal Of The 

Consolidated Ousley/Ferguson Junior High. As A Part Of The 2014 Bond Program, Current Ferguson 

Junior High Students Will Be Rezoned To Ousley Junior High Starting Next Fall So The Ferguson 

Building Can Be Repurposed For Newcomer Center And Venture High School. Thurston Has Been 

The Principal At Ousley Junior High Since 2002, And She Was An Assistant Principal At Ousley 

From 1998 To 2002. Thurston Taught Ninth-Grade English And Reading At Bowie High School 

From 1994 To 1998, And She Was A Seventh-Grade English And Reading Teacher At Carter Junior 

High From 1992 To 1994. Prior To Her Time In The Arlington Isd, Thurston Was An Eighth-Grade Reading Improvement 

Teacher In The Abilene Isd From 1988 To 1991. Thurston Has A Bachelor’s Degree And Two Master’s Degrees From Abilene 

Christian University. 

Board Of Trustees Names Principal Of Gunn Junior High 

The Aisd Board Of Trustees Announces Its Selection Of Juan Villarreal As Principal Of Gunn 

Junior High. Villarreal Has Been Serving As The Principal At Turning Point High School Since 

2013, And, Prior To That, He Was An Assistant Principal At Martin High School For Seven Years. 

Villarreal Served As An Assistant Principal For Five Years For The Fort Worth Isd At Paschal High 

School And Arlington Heights High School. He Was A Spanish And Ap Spanish Teacher And 

Coach For Six Years In The Reagan County Isd After Beginning His Career In The Water Valley 

Isd As A Spanish Teacher And Coach In 1992. He Has A Bachelor’s Degree From Angelo State 

University And A Master’s Degree From Sul Ross State University. 


Board Of Trustees Names Principal Of Shackelford Junior High 

The Aisd Board Of Trustees Announces Its Selection Of Jerod Zahn As Principal Of Shackelford 

Junior High. Zahn Has Served As The Principal Of Ferguson Junior High Since May 2014, And He 

Was An Assistant Principal At Boles Junior High From 2011 To 2014. He Was A Physical Education 

Teacher And Coach At Bailey Junior High From 2009 To2011, And He Taught English At Bailey For 

Two Years Prior To That. Zahn Has Also Served As An Assistant Principal At Young Junior High 

(2004-2007) And An English Teacher And Coach At Gunn Junior High (2001-2004). He Started His 

Teaching Career In 2000 In The Venus Isd. Zahn Holds A Bachelor’s Degree From Hardin-Simmons 

University And A Master’s Degree From The University Of North Texas. 

Board Of Trustees Names Assistant Principals 

The AISD Board of Trustees announces assistant principals for Bowie and Sam Houston high schools, Carter Junior High 

and Thornton Elementary. 

Lee Jones has been selected as an assistant principal at Bowie High School. Jones has been a science teacher and coach at 

Workman Junior High since 2012. Prior to that, he was a physical education teacher at Berry Elementary from 2009 to 2012, 

the sports director of the 21st Century Program at Nichols Junior High from 2008 to 2009, and an elementary tutor and 

kindergarten teacher assistant at Berry Elementary from 2006 to 2009. Jones has both a bachelor’s and master’s from the 

University of Texas at Arlington. 

Dr. Angela Bicknell has been selected as an assistant principal at Sam Houston High School. Bicknell has been the 21st 

Century Community Learning Centers grant coordinator in the Birdville ISD since 2009. Previously, Bicknell was an 

assistant principal at Lake Point Elementary in the Eagle Mountain- Saginaw ISD from 2008 to 2009. She was also a grant 

coordinator in the Birdville ISD from 2006 to 2008 and an English/language arts teacher at Haltom High School from 1993 

to 2006. Bicknell has a bachelor’s from the University of North Texas, a master’s from Texas Wesleyan University and a 

doctorate from Walden University in Minneapolis. 

Brandon Howard has been selected as an assistant principal at Carter Junior High. Previously, Howard has been the assistant 

principal at Key Elementary since 2012. Howard was a physical education teacher and coach at Bailey Junior High from 2006 

to 2012, and he was a Texas and U.S. history teacher and coach at Bailey from 2000 to 2006. Howard has a bachelor’s from 

McMurry University and a master’s from the University of Texas at Arlington. 

Carlos Lopez has been selected as the assistant principal at Thornton Elementary. Lopez has been a second-, third- and 

fifth-grade and Title I teacher at Helbing Elementary in the Fort Worth ISD since 2007. Prior to that, he was a vocational 

rehabilitation counselor with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services from 2005 to 2007. Lopez has a 

bachelor’s from UT Southwestern Medical Center and a master’s from American College of Education in Indiana. 



Department promising approaches to 

using technology in classes. 

“School districts across the country are 

helping teachers harness the power of 

technology to create personal learning 

environments for all students,” said U.S. 

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. 

“We want to make sure every child – 

whether he or she is in the inner-city, 

in a rural community or on a Native 

American reservation – has access to 

knowledge and the chance to learn 24 

hours a day, seven days a week.” 

Superintendent Cavazos 

Selected For National 

Connected Superintendents 

Summit At White House 

Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, superintendent 

of the Arlington Independent School 

District, has been selected by the U.S. 

Department of Education as one of 100 

top school leaders from across America 

to participate in the first-ever National 

Connected Superintendents Summit 

Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the White House. 

“I am honored to have been selected 

to represent the Arlington ISD in this 

summit,” Cavazos said. “One of the goals 

in ourAchieve Today. Excel Tomorrow. 

strategic plan is to be a high performing, 

technology-rich school district with 

leading-edge learning experiences that 

promote engagement, creativity, critical 

thinking and achievement. With our 

technology updates and expansion in 

the 2014 bond program, Transformation 

Through Innovation technology grants, 

and our new learning management 

system, we are constantly working 

to expand the access to and usage of 

technology for our students.” 

Cavazos is among exemplary local 

school chiefs who will be recognized for 

their leadership in helping transition 

their districts to digital learning. This 

unique conference will bring together 

officials from throughout America to 

share with one other and the Education 

The White House summit will be 

followed by a series of 12-15 regional 

summits that will focus on the digital 

progress both made and possible by 

local school districts. The events will 

also include the unveiling of digital 

tools that facilitate incorporation of 

technology into short-term and longrange 

education planning. 

To help spotlight the value of technology 

in schools, the Education Department 

is sponsoring a Future Ready Initiative 

aimed at showcasing outstanding 

school leadership and strategies. 

“The Future Ready Initiative highlights 

the critical role of district leaders 

in setting a vision and creating the 

environment where educators and 

students access the tools, content, and 

expertise necessary for thriving in 

a connected world,” said Richard 

Culatta, director of the Department’s 

Office of Educational Technology. 

Future Ready superintendents 

demonstrate effective use of technology 

in some of the following ways: 

• Fostering and leading a culture of 

collaboration and digital citizenship 

• Transitioning schools to high-speed 

connectivity 

• Empowering educators with 

professional learning opportunities 

• Accelerating progress toward universal 

access to quality devices 

• Providing access to quality digital 

content 


• Creating access, equity, and excellence 

– particularly in rural, remote and lowincome 

districts 

• Offering digital tools to students and 

families to help them prepare for 

success in college 

• Sharing best practices and mentoring 

other districts in the transition to 

digital learning 

“Technology has the potential to 

transform education in America, 

allowing students to learn more, to do 

so at their own pace, and to develop 

the knowledge and skills employers 

demand,” Culatta said. “And yet, fewer 

than 30 percent of classrooms have the 

broadband Internet to support today’s 

education technology needs.” 

In June 2013, President Obama 

announced the ConnectED Initiative, 

starting with a goal of connecting 99 

percent of students to next-generation 

connectivity within five years. Model 

schools and districts across the 

country are using technology to create 

personalized learning environments; 

technology will play an increasingly 

crucial role in the future. † 

Nearly $1 Million Awarded 

In Transformation Through 

Innovation Grants 

The AISD Instructional Technology department was out in full force last week, 

handing out nearly $1 million in Transformation Through Innovation Grants to 30 

Arlington ISD campuses. Teachers and staff members were awarded these grants 

for their proposals for transforming their classrooms through innovative approaches 

to learning and technology use. Teachers and students will show off these innovative 

and creative approaches to learning in a Transformation Through Innovation 

Grant Showcase on May 18, 2015, at the Professional Development Center. † 



2014 Bond Package 

Voters approved the $663.1 million bond election on May 

10, 2014. Proceeds of the bond issue will be used to build 

new facilities, upgrade and renovate existing facilities, 

address safety and security districtwide, upgrade technology 

infrastructure and equipment, provide fine arts equipment, 

and address transportation. 

Facilities 

• Districtwide career and technical center 

• Districtwide agricultural science facility 

• Renovation of existing career/technical spaces at each 

high school 

• Districtwide fine arts center 

• Renovation/upgrade of existing fine arts spaces at each 

high school 

• Districtwide athletics complex for swimming and diving, 

gymnastics, and wrestling 

• Renovation of existing athletics spaces at each high 

school 

• Muti-purpose activity center for athletics and fine arts at 

each high school 

• Junior high and high school special education alternative 

curriculum centers in south Arlington (one each) 

• Relocate Newcomer Center and Venture High School to 

Ferguson Junior High 

• Workman Junior High classroom addition 

• Two new elementaries - in north Arlington and east 

Arlington - to relieve over-crowding 

• Repurpose Corey and Roquemore elementaries for 

elementary fine arts/dual language academies 

• Two science labs and a strings room at each elementary 

• Site acquisition 

• Building condition improvements/additions and life 

cycle replacements identified through comprehensive 

facilities assessment, which include security entrances 

at elementary campuses, additional keyless entry points 

at all schools, parking lot improvements and expansion, 

flooring and ceiling improvements, landscaping, 

mechanical and plumbing upgrades, electrical repairs, 

scheduled roof replacements and repairs, heating and 

air conditioning replacements/upgrades, lighting for 

junior high athletic fields, junior high tracks, and ADA 

accessibility issues 

Fine Arts 

• Instruments 

• Uniforms 

• Risers and choir shells 

• Recommendations promote access to fine arts 

programs, remove barriers that are preventing students 

from participating in fine arts, provide instruments for 

students who cannot afford to purchase their own and 

support program growth 

Safety, Security & Technology 

• Security cameras, digital signage, public address 

systems, bus tracking and wireless phones for campus 

administrators 

• Technology infrastructure including wireless 

enhancements, additional Internet access, video 

technology, new voicemail system, disaster recovery, 

broadcast studio and board room audio-visual 

equipment 

• Scheduled equipment replacements 

• Increase technology access through additional mobile 

devices for students and teachers 

• Classroom technology standards - teacher laptops, 

projectors and screens, and document cameras 

• Campus transformation initiatives through campus 

grants for innovative uses of technology that transform 

learning in the classroom 

• Technology for special instructional and co-curricular 

programs including art, athletics, journalism, library 

services and special education 

Transportation 

• Regular education buses - replace 59 and add 12 

• Special education buses - replace 37 and add six 

• Service vehicles for student programs, security and 

maintenance - replace 130 and add 20 

• Mix of propane and diesel buses; diesel buses are used 

for longer trips outside the district 

• Additional buses will support off-campus programs and 

special education program growth 

Property Taxes 

• The AISD’s current tax rate of $1.29217 is the thirdlowest 

rate of all Tarrant county school districts. 

• The debt service portion of the tax rate is expected to 

increase by about 15 cents from 2016 through 2020. 

• The tax increase to support the bond package will cost 

the owner of a $100,000 home about $126 per year or 

$10 per month more than they are currently paying in 

taxes. 

• For taxpayers with an over-65 homestead exemption, 

there will be no tax increase as AISD taxes on their 

homestead are frozen. † 


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313 N Center, Arlington, TX 76011 

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WESLEYAN 9:30 am | Sanctuary 

CELEBRATION 11 am | Great Hall 

YOUTH 9:30 am | Underground 

LA JORNADA 9:30 am | Chapel 



“Don’t be anybody, 

be somebody” 

MARINES 

The Few. The Proud. 

For Information: 

Sergeant Karl W. Specht 

karl.specht@marines.usmc.mil 

Marine Corps Recruiting 

817-467-88428842

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

Bowie Hogg - President 

P.O. Box 122596 

Arlington, TX 76012 

817-565-2636 

bowie@bowiehogg.com 

Place 6: Term ends 2017 

2014 TASB Honor Board from left to right: John Hibbs – Asst. Secretary, Kecia Mays - 

Board Member, Gloria Peña - Board Member, Bowie Hogg – President, Jamie Sullins - Vice 

President, Dr. Marcelo Cavazos – Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Aaron Reich – Secretary, Peter 

Baron - Board Member. 

AISD Board of Trustees 

named 2014 Outstanding 

School Board of Texas 

The Arlington ISD Board of Trustees was named 2014 Outstanding School Board 

of Texas by the Texas Association of School Administrators. The program honors 

one school board from the state’s 1,027 independent school districts that has 

demonstrated dedication to student achievement and makes every effort to put 

students first. 

“Our Board is passionate about ensuring that all Arlington ISD students are 

successful, and this recognition validates that focus and their work to achieve that 

belief,” Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos said. “The Board truly exemplifies 

governance through transformation. They are committed to our mission to 

empower and engage all students to be contributing, responsible citizens reaching 

their maximum potential through relevant, innovative and rigorous learning 

experiences.” 

The five finalist Honor Boards were selected by a committee of school 

superintendents and were then interviewed yesterday during the TASA/TASB 

Convention. The committee’s decisions were based on specific criteria, including 

support for educational performance, support for educational improvement 

projects, commitment to a code of ethics, and maintenance of harmonious and 

supportive relationships among board members. 

“We are honored to have been named the 2014 Outstanding School Board 

of Texas for our work supporting the education of our nearly 64,000 students,” 

Board President Bowie Hogg. “The Board is committed to strong educational 

performance and improvement and is made up of dedicated public servants.” † 

Jamie Sullins - Vice President 

1203 W Pioneer Pkwy 


817-692-1799 

JamieSullins.AISD@gmail.com 


Dr. Aaron Reich - Secretary 

P.O. Box 122298 


817-277-5498 

areich.aisd@tx.rr.com 


John Hibbs - Asst Secretary 

1203 W Pioneer Pkwy 


817-478-3049 

hibbsaisd@gmail.com 


Gloria Peña - Board Member 

P.O. Box 172648 


817-483-5165 

GloriaPena.AISD@yahoo.com 


Peter Baron - Board Member 

P.O. Box 13092 


682-867-7344 

peterbaronaisd@tx.rr.com 


Kecia Mays - Board Member 

P.O. Box 150273 

Arlington TX 76015 

972-814-3098 

keciaforarlington@gmail.com 


Dr. Marcelo Cavazos – Superintendent 

1203 W. Pioneer Pkwy 

Arlington, Texas 76013 

682-867-4611 

mcavazos@aisd.net 



Nichols Junior High Choir Teacher Mr. Greg Haugen, wife Amy and their children 

Recognizing an 

Outstanding Teacher 

Families attending the annual Nichols Junior High Holiday Concert this year 

were treated to the usual mix of traditional and contemporary songs of the season. 

The concert was pleasant and entertaining and the audience was full of parents 

holding up phones and tablets to capture their students in all of their harmonious 

glory. Restless little siblings squirmed in their seats and whispered to their parents 

to inquire how much longer they would be required to remain quiet observers, 

trapped in their auditorium seats, when empty schools halls practically begged for 

children to run wildly through them. It wasn’t until the Mustang Men’s Chorale 

took the stage that the mood shifted from quiet and reverent observation, to fullon 

belly-laughing awe and amazement. For their final number, the Men’s Chorale 

“I’ve never 

had such a 

funny but 

passionate 

teacher until 

I got into Mr. 

Haugens choir 

class” ~ Kennedy 


group chose a familiar song, but added 

choreography which had these young 

men smiling and laughing and dancing 

in unison to the delight of the audience 

members. Here were these 7th and 8th 

grade boys, who could barely muster a 

shoulder shrug or a mumbled groan in 

response to questions from their parents 

most days, dancing like no one was 

watching and clearly enjoying every 

second of it. The response from parents 

after this show was the same one I have 

heard for many years, “How does he get 

those boys to do that” 

The “He” the parents were referring to 

is none other than Mr. Greg Haugen, 

the head choir director at Nichols Junior 

High. Mr. Haugen is the driving force 

behind the exceptional choir program 

at Nichols and he is responsible for 

making it “totally cool” to be in 

choir. I sat down with Mr. Haugen 

recently and asked him to tell me about 

the journey that brought him to Nichols. 

Mr. Greg Haugen: In his own words: 

“After graduating from Springtown HS 

in 1993, I spent two years at Weatherford 

College and then finished up at Dallas 

Baptist University from where I 

graduated in 1999. I enjoyed singing 

growing up, but I never imagined doing 

what I do now. It wasn’t until my 2nd 

year of college that I decided to study 

music. A mentor impressed upon me 

this simple fact: If not being involved 

in making music was going to leave me 

with a void in my life and I couldn’t 

live with such emptiness, making music 

was something my heart needed to 

do. Singing and choir-directing would 

be that avenue to keep my soul happy. 

My time at Dallas Baptist University 

confirmed that calling and I found 

myself immersed in choirs under the 

direction of Stephen Holcomb, from 

whom I learned many things about 

being a complete choir director. Not 

“complete” in the sense that I’m a world 

class conductor, but gaining knowledge 

that there’s more to being a director 

than just waving my arms. It takes 

commitment to the craft of directing, 

commitment to the art of making music, 

and committing to the most important 

part: the members of any choir I direct. 

When I did my student teaching at the 

end of my time at DBU, I was placed at 

Nichols JH in Arlington. NJH is quite 

different from small-town Springtown, 

TX, but I quickly found that I had 

a heart for teaching in such a diverse 

population. I was asked to become the 

assistant choir director at Nichols at 

the end of my student teaching. I was 

excited to have a job, but I had no idea 

what was in store for me. After two and 

half years, I became the head director. 

My time at Nichols has been filled 

with many blessings. Our Mustangs 

become All-City and All-Region choir 

members, they learn the art of choral 

and solo singing, they regularly win 

Sweepstakes trophies at UIL Contests, 

and have been named “best in class” at 

choral festivals. The biggest blessing to 

me is that so many of our singers go on 

to sing at Lamar HS and beyond. Many 

uncover that singing is something they 

really can find a way to do for the rest of 

their lives. The biggest honor our choir 

program has received came during the 

2006-2007 school year when our top 

men’s choir, “The Men of the Mustang 

Chorale” was invited to sing for the 

Texas Music Educators Association 

convention in San Antonio. Only a 

select few choirs are invited to perform 

each year thus making it a difficult goal 

to achieve. It was a fine moment for 

Nichols JH and one I will never forget. 

During my time at Nichols, I’ve also 

gotten to live out another passion of mine: 

leading worship through church music. 

In 2005, I was asked by a Nichols family 

to apply for a job at their church, First 

United Methodist Church of Arlington, 

to work with their youth choir. I didn’t 

find a new calling, but I did realize my 

calling was a much bigger one that I 

originally anticipated. Getting to work 

with the youth through music and walking 

alongside them on their faith journeys 

(and mine) was extremely humbling. I 

have enjoyed my time at FUMCA and 

treasure what God has laid before me 

through the youth of that church. While 

I’ve been at FUMCA, I was also asked to 

lead worship in the contemporary service. 

Through the years, the musicians I’ve had 

the honor of leading with have also had 

some exciting opportunities. A few years 

ago, we decided to step out on faith and 

take our ministry outside of the church 

and minister to the community and 

surrounding areas. Our band, Center313, 

has been blessed with many songs that 

help us tell our story about our faith in 

Christ, where that faith is taking us, how 

it’s made us into the people we are, and 

how it’s making us into the people God 

wants us to be tomorrow. Our first album, 

“Worth the Fight” released in June of 2014 

is a true testament to God’s faithfulness 

and His blessing. 

There’s no doubt that no matter how 

I look back on my life at Nichols, 

FUMCA, Dallas Baptist, Springtown 

HS, etc, I can’t seem to put those times 

into their own little compartments. 

Each one has molded me into who I am 

today, gotten me ready for the next step, 

but are also proving to be intertwined 

with each other in a way that does not 

easily separate them. None of them 

can be isolated from the others in 

explaining what has made me into who 

I am. None of them can stand on their 

own without paying tribute to where I 

was before. I am who I am because of 

my time at these various placeholders. I 

am where I am because I have needed 

these experiences to make me into the 

person I am today. 

“I am blessed to be a Mustang.” 

With all due respect, Mr. Haugen, Nichols 

Junior High is blessed to have you. † 


Non-Profi t Organizations 

Bailey Junior High NJHS Students 

Administration Employees 

Students Volunteer 

at Mission Arlington 

Many schools in Arlington volunteer at Mission Arlington on a routine basis 

and during the holidays brings no exception. Various clubs and organizations 

volunteered at the Mission Arlington Christmas Store on December 13th. The 

schools include Sam Houston HS Drill Team and Student Council, Martin HS 

AVID, Bowie HS FCCLA, Arlington HS Key Club, Bailey Jr. High NJHS, 

Hutcheson Jr. High Student Council and Young Jr. High AVID. 

At the Mission Arlington Christmas Store, thousands of parents are able to shop 

for gifts for their loved ones at no charge and hundreds of Christmas trees are 

delivered to help families celebrate this cherished holiday. It is a full year project 

with donations coming in on December 26th and collected all year. The store 

empties on Christmas day with 35,000 children receiving gifts throughout the two 

weeks the store is open. 

Bowie High School FCCLA, PALS and 

AVID Students 

Volunteer tasks include being a shopper helper, helping adults find gifts for their 

kids, stockers, keeping toys and other gifts placed in the store, child care, providing 

a safe place for parents to leave their children when they shop – and so much more. 

Tillie Burgin and Jim Burgin are extremely grateful for the partnerships Mission 

Arlington has with the schools. “We want when they come to be significant in what 

they do, and what they feel when they go back. The partnership is really strong”. † 

Key Elementary Students 


Tailgate Arlington Wild Wild 

West – A Wild Success! 

Hundreds of people packed the Arlington Museum of Art on September 20th 

to support the AISD Education Foundation.More than $100,000 was raised to 

benefit the Foundation from the 4th annual Tailgate Arlington Wild Wild West - a 

country, western-themed fun-filled event. The fun included a barbecue dinner 

prepared by Kelly Curnutt, Cowboy entertainment, a photo booth, “The Claw” 

filled with goodies from The Highlands, silent and live auctions, and entertainment 

from the Bailey Junior High Theater Arts Department. 

A special thank you to all sponsors, including: 

• Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott • Medical Center of Arlington • Dan Dipert Family Fund 

• 3 Di Sign + Design • Affiliated Bank • AISD Board of Directors • Arlington Convention & Visitor’s Bureau 

• Joy & Chad Bates • Doreen & Joe Bruner • Anna & Justin Chapa • Shalyn & Al Clark 

• ClearChannel Communications • Mary Tom & Kelly Curnutt • Linda & Dan Dipert • Dan Dipert Coaches 

• Frost Bank • J. Hutcherson • Laura & Jimmy Jones • LBL Architects • Greg McCarthy • Reliable Paving 

• Six Flags Over Texas • Southside Bank • Southwest Bank • Star-Telegram 

• Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital • Texas Trust Credit Union • Wade Funeral Home 

• Karen & Jeff Williams • Worthington Bank 

Also, special thanks to our event co-chairs, Karen & Jeff Williams, and the Tailgate Arlington Committee comprised 

of Michael Jarrett, Chad Bates, Mary Tom Curnutt, Kelly Curnutt , Karol-Ann Mozjesik, Leanne Rand, Ann Morris, 

Doreen Bruner, Kay King, Beth Owens, Tom McCarty, Charlotte Demby, Lorie White, Scott Slover Lori Lane, Linda Dipert 

Grace Ann Durden, Sharn Barbarin, Barbara Nash, Diane Patrick. Justin Chapa, Clay Kelley, David Wilbanks, and Laura 

Jones.Thank you to all who made this event a WILD SUCCESS! † 

A Note from the Foundation Director 

The AISD Education Foundation is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. For two decades, 

we have provided more than $1.2 million in funds for extraordinary educational 

opportunities for our teachers and students. As the new Executive Director of the 

Foundation, I think we can build on that solid foundation of support and expand our 

resources to our students, teachers and staff within the Arlington ISD. 

A strong and viable Education Foundation is a tremendous boost to our public schools 

within the Arlington ISD. Not only does your solid private support of our schools 

benefit our students and teachers, but your contributions of time, talent, and treasure 

are a long-term investment in our community and our quality of life. 

As the third largest city in the Metroplex and one of the top ten largest school districts 

in Texas, the challenges are daunting. However, I feel confident by pulling together 

we can meet those challenges with the outstanding and faithful support of our citizens. 

Sincerely, 

Brian A. White 

Executive Director 

Arlington ISD Education Foundation 


Non-Profi t Organizations 

 

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Students and Teachers. 

 


#AISD 

Students from Bud Remyns Elementary won hams donated by the 

Church on Rush Creek during their first Ham Scramble Run. 

#AISD 

What’s happening 

around the district 

Author and Illustrator Vuthy Kuon Fan visited students at Crow 

Elementary. 

Hutcheson Jr. High orchestra students on their Elementary tour. 

National Merit Semifinalists, National Achievement and Hispanic 

Scholars were honored at the board meeting on December 11th. 


Little Elementary teachers take the challenge to save energy to a 

new level. 

Board of Trustees recognized by the Tarrant County Commissioners 

Court as being the 2014 TX Association of School Administrator 

Outstanding School Board of Texas. 

Winter literacy night at Adams Elementary. 

Bailey Jr. High council officers attended the Texas Association of 

Student Councils (TASC) Leadership conference in San Marcos. 

The Eli Young Band put on a concert for students at Martin High 

School. 

Mrs. Saenz and her 2nd grade class at Williams Elementary made 

cards for soldiers at NAS JRB Fort Worth to thank them for their 

service on Veteran’s Day. 



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Sponsored by: 

Scholarship Contributor: 

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#AISD 

The Arlington ISD and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce are searching for 

the most entrepreneurial and innovative third- through eighth-grade students in 

the district. 

The "What's Your Big Idea" Entrepreneurship Contest provides Arlington ISD 

students in third through eighth grade the opportunity to embrace their 

entrepreneurial spirit by developing an innovative idea for a product or a 

business. Students in The Class in the Parks DECA Chapter have partnered 

with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce to plan and implement this contest. 

Contest entries are due by Feb. 13, 2015. 

Complete contest information is available on the AISD website at 

www.aisd.net 

Entrepreneurship contest finalists will be selected 

from every school in Arlington that submits entries. 

The finalists and overall AISD top contest winners 

from 3rd-8th grade will be announced at the 

awards ceremony. 

Arlington Entrepreneurship Day 

Saturday, April 11, 2015 

UT Arlington's College Park Center 

All finalists will be recognized on stage and the overall top 

contest winners will receive a prize package that includes tickets 

to Arlington attractions such as Six Flags Over Texas and the 

Texas Rangers as well as a T-shirt, trophy and a chance to win 

a scholarship. 


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#AISD 

Barnett Jr. High football City Champs. 

Webb Elementary bilingual teacher Mr. Karam and his 2nd grade 

class completed the most dreambox learning math lessons for the 

month of October. 

Students at Sam Houston High School raised money during their 

lip dub to donate to Cystic Fibrosis in memory of teacher Eric Fox. 

South Davis Elementary held it’s first annual Mrs. Austin Gobble 

Wobble in honor and memory of teacher Mrs. Austin. 

AISD recently received a incentive payment to support the 

development of the Loan Star Energy Efficiency Project. 


Duff Elementary celebrated their 50th Anniversary. 

#AISD 

What’s happening 

around the district 

Lamar High School students honored several military veterans 

during a ceremony on Veteran’s Day. 

Teachers from Ditto Elementary serving rolls at Spring Creek BBQ 

for fundraiser night. 

Dean P. Corey Elementary participates in International Walk to 

School Day. 


#AISD 

FINE ARTS EVENTS 

Beckham Elementary 1st & 2nd Grade 

Performance 

When - Thu, January 15, 7pm – 8pm 

Where - Beckham Elementary School 

Larson Elementary Music - 1st Grade 

Performance 


Where - Larson Elementary School 

MHS Choir Cluster Concerts 

When - Sat, January 24, 3pm – 6pm 

Where - MHS Auditorium 

Ousley JH Musical - “Legally Blonde Jr.” 

When - Thu, January 29 - 30, 

7:00pm – 8:30pm 

Where - Ousley Junior High School 

AHS Choir Cluster Concert 

When - Sat, January 31, 3pm – 5pm 

Where - AHS Auditorium 

AISD All-City Band Concert 

When - Sat, January 31, 7:00pm – 9:30pm 

Where - Bowie High School 

Lamar HS Choir Cluster Concert 

When - Tue, February 3, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 

Where - Lamar HS Auditorium 

Young JH Choir TMEA Home Concert 

When - Thu, February 5, 7pm – 8pm 

Where - Trinity United Methodist 

Barnett JH Orchestra Cluster Concert 

When - Fri, February 6, 7:45pm – 8:45pm 

Where - Barnett Junior High School 

MHS Orchestra Cluster Concert 

When - Sat, February 7, 1pm – 3pm 

Where - MHS Gym 

Beckham Elementary 5th & 6th Grade 

Musical 

When - Tue, February 10, 7pm – 8pm 

Where - Beckham Elementary School 

Young JH Choir TMEA Performance 

When - Thu, February 12, 

10:30am – 11:00am 

Where - Ballroom A 

AISD Full Orchestra Pre-UIL 


5:30pm – 6:30pm 


SHHS Orchestra “Sweet Serenade” 


6:30pm – 8:00pm 

Where - SHHS Cafeteria 

LHS and LD Bell Orchestra Pre-UIL 

When - Fri, February 20, 4pm – 9pm 

Where - LHS Auditorium 

MHS String Orchestra Pre-UIL 

When - Fri, February 20, 

6:30pm – 9:00pm 


AISD Show Choir Showcase 

When - Fri, February 20, 7pm – 9pm 

Where - Bowie HS Auditorium 

SHHS Orchestra Cluster Pre-UIL 

When - Tue, February 24, 5pm – 8pm 

Where - SHHS Auditorium 

Nichols & Shackelford JH Orchestra 

Pre-UIL 

When - Wed, February 25, 

4:30pm – 9:00pm 


Foster Elementary 3rd Grade Program 


Where - Foster Elementary Cafeteria 

Rankin Elementary 5th Grade Program 


Where - Rankin Elementary School 

West Elementary Singers 


Where - West Elementary School 

MHS Choir Pops Concert 

When - Sat, February 28, 

7:30pm – 9:00pm 


LHS Percussion Ensemble Concert 

When - Tue, March 3, 7pm – 9pm 


Nichols JH Percussion Concert 



Shackelford JH Percussion Concert 



DISTRICT EVENTS 

Board Meeting 


Where - 1203 W Pioneer Pkwy, 

Arlington, TX 

Student/Staff Holiday 

When - Monday, Jan 19, 2015 

Cte Student Course Fair And Parent 

Information Night 

When - 6:30-8:30 p.m. (come and go) on 

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 

Where - Mac Bernd Professional Development 

Center, 1111 W. Arbrook 

Blvd in Arlington 

The Arlington ISD is hosting a Career and 

Technical Education Student Course Fair 

and Parent Information Night. 

Get answers to questions such as: What is 

career education; How can I earn college 

credit in high school; and, What classes can 

I take that will prepare me for a career 

Board Meeting 


Where - 1203 W Pioneer Pkwy, 

Arlington, TX 

Student/Staff Holiday 

When - Monday, Feb 16, 2015 

Spring Break 

When - Mar 9 – 13, 2015 

STAY CONNECTED WITH AISD 

Visit the Arlington Independent School 

District website at AISD.net. You can 

keep up to date with all of the latest news 

and important school district information 

through all social media platforms right on 

the AISD homepage. 


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