Garland ISD news: May 11-15‏

GISD student selected as participant in epilepsy-focused conference

Every year, the Epilepsy Foundation of America selects a small group of teens to attend a two-day conference focused on public policy and medical advancements in the field of epilepsy. Rowlett High School student Cole Pettit was one of just 40 teens from across the country invited to the Teens Speak Up! conference, held in April in Washington, D.C.

“It was an honor to participate in Teens Speak Up!,” Pettit said. “Living with epilepsy has been hard, but I am very fortunate and want to help other kids who still need a cure. I had my first seizure when I was five. They continued for ten years, and I tried nine different medications. Thankfully, I was able to have surgery and have been seizure-free for almost two years.”

In addition to meeting other peers with epilepsy, discussing political issues and discovering the latest medical developments, Pettit was also able to participate in the National Walk for Epilepsy and meet with government officials.

“Cole met with congressional representatives, senators and legislative staff to share stories about living with epilepsy. He and fellow participants also encouraged support for legislation and funding that would improve the lives of people with this condition,” states a written press release.

Medical research funding, drug approval process legislation, and a new drug therapy for treating uncontrolled seizures known as CBD oil were some of the topics discussed.

And to keep the enlightening experience alive in their hometowns, every participant must develop a one-year, epilepsy-centered community service action plan. Pettit will fulfill this mission by serving as a counselor at one of his favorite childhood destinations—Camp Spike-N-Wave, a camp made specifically for kids aged 8-14 with epilepsy.

Story photo courtesy of Kelley Pettit.

Bullock students learn important safety lesson

What is the most important part of the body? Ask a Bullock Elementary School student and they might say their brain. The campus recently received a visit from the Pilot Club of Dallas, who taught students to be Brainminders by using seat belts in the car, wearing helmets while riding a bike and staying away from guns.

“A safety helmet is something that will preserve your brain and eliminate brain injury, which is the focus of Pilot International,” said Lori Rosso, president-elect of the Pilot Club of Dallas.

The Pilot Club travels to schools around the area giving free safety lessons via a puppet show. In addition to the performance, members also gift all attendees a brand new bike helmet. At Bullock, School Resource Officer Rene Granado helped reinforce the Pilot Club’s message by ending the special assembly with a demonstration of how to properly wear a helmet like he does while riding his motorcycle.

Archeologists in training at Austin Academy

Making history come alive, students at Austin Academy for Excellence are doubling as archeologists to uncover the story of one of Texas’ first free African American families. In 2007, the farmstead of Ransom and Sarah Williams was discovered while scouting terrain for a proposed toll road. Austin students stepped back in time this spring to find artifacts left behind, piece together the family history and make recommendations regarding the future of the toll road project.

“Students remember learning that is pleasurable and full of aha moments. This lesson series had all of that and more,” said teacher Deborah Gray.

Culminating with a visit from real-life archeologist Doug Boyd, he shared his first-hand experience as the principal investigator of the Williams’ farmstead excavation.

“Ransom and Sarah have an unusual story that cannot be found in Texas history books, but through archeology, we gained an important insight into the African American freedman experience.”

During Boyd’s presentation, students not only confirmed their research and recommendations, but also related their success and struggles in the career field. They even received the opportunity to touch the cooking utensils and farm tools they had previously studied.

“I personally believe that it is important for archeologists to go out and engage with young people,” Boyd said. “They are our future, and we need their appreciation and support of archeology and the things that can be found out and learned from thousands of sites like this across the state.”

GISD celebrates School Lunch Hero Day

Garland ISD campuses are filled with several heroes, from teachers to students to office staff to custodians. But the Student Nutrition Services (SNS) Department was the focus of district recognition May 1. GISD celebrated School Lunch Hero Day thanking all those who serve thousands of healthy meals every day.

“For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day,” said SNS Director Brad Trudeau. “Garland ISD serves approximately 13,000 breakfasts and 34,000 lunches daily.”

School Lunch Hero Day, celebrated annually since 2013, was started by the School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the Lunch Lady graphic novel series. It provides an opportunity for parents, students, staff and community members to recognize the hard work and commitment of nutrition professionals. Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating students’ food allergies, and offering service with a smile, they have a lot on their plate.

GISD marked this year’s occasion by creating cards of appreciation and encouraging SNS staff to dress as their favorite super hero.

Story photo courtesy of Lark Stewart.

Elementary students promote higher education during inaugural Weaver College Expo

Weaver Elementary School students celebrated 21 institutions of higher learning during the campus’ first-ever College Expo April 30. The event was the culmination of a new college-in-the-classroom program Weaver adopted last fall.

“Weaver is an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) school, so we thought this was a fun way to expose kids to college life and get them motivated and ready for the future,” said Principal Jennifer Miley. “We had every teacher ‘adopt’ a different college or university, allowing the kids in their class to learn about that institution all year long. This initiative has given our kids a real-life connection to colleges, and they have really taken ownership of their classroom-based university.”

During the high-energy event, college gear-clad students invited guests into their classrooms to learn about their homeroom institutions—some of which were Howard University, Our Lady of the Lake University, University of Notre Dame and University of Texas. Visitors who entered were then enlightened by individual presentations, which covered everything from history to dorm life to financial figures. Alma maters and school chants were also performed, with some classes competing against their neighbors for a louder display of spirit.

By the end of the one-hour affair, more than 40 guests experienced the lively occasion—including AVID Center Senior Director Wendell Brown and Garland ISD’s own AVID team.

“The knowledge that the students had about their chosen schools was very impressive,” said GISD AVID Elementary Program Manager Ivan Cantu. “They were able to define college life, different areas of studies and other things that interest them at this age, which is really neat.”

“I expected the kids to know some basic information, but they were so knowledgeable that even I learned something today,” added AVID Elementary Coordinator Laura Valdez. “It was very exciting.”

Weaver’s ultimate goal is to instill a desire to pursue a higher education, thus sparking a lifelong love of learning—something Cantu believes the campus is well on its way to establishing.

“I am willing to bet that so many of these kids now have a dream college because of this experience,” he said. “The fact that they will be exposed to different colleges every year means that by the time they go to middle school, they will have their top three colleges. This is an awesome thing.”

RHS student’s business plan receives funding, advances to regional competition

At just 18 years old, Rowlett High School senior Tara Davis has already established a foundation for her very own small business. The burgeoning CEO created a detailed business proposal through the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), a national after-school program that transforms middle and high schoolers into confident executives. In April, Davis won first place in YEA!’s Investor Panel Event, besting five other high school students and securing $1,100 and a $500 Sam’s Club gift card for her business, Sunshine Pack. Now, this Garland ISD participant is competing for more funding and a chance to advance to nationals at the Saunders Regional Competition May 14-15 in Phoenix.

“I was so excited and grateful when I found out I won first place in April,” Davis said. “I have been rehearsing my speech, going over questions the investors might ask me and reviewing my business plan in preparation for regionals. Ultimately, I am hoping that everyone will leave satisfied and will still want to carry on their businesses no matter what happens. We worked really hard on this and I do not want anything to go to waste.”

Davis will get to tour a Phoenix-based corporation, network with YEA! advisors and complete one last prep session before competition, where she will go head-to-head with dozens of regional students in order to win one of six slots open at nationals.

“This will be one of three regional competitions with more than 85 businesses competing for a national spot,” said Tammy Alexander, YEA! program manager at the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce. “I believe Tara can win at regionals and continue to nationals in Washington, D.C. in June. Tara’s business plan is solid and includes goals for growth.”

Davis’ Sunshine Pack creation encompasses her life goal—to help people.

“I wanted to deliver a comfort pack provided by the hospitals to give children ages three to 10 a more comfortable and reassuring time while they are at the facility,” she explained. “A Sunshine Pack will consist of a stuffed animal, an 8-ounce bottle of water, an inspirational card, a plastic toy stethoscope, a coloring book with the hospital logo to help promote the hospital setting to the child, and a panda or white tiger-designed bag.”

Davis was able to flesh out the details of her comprehensive business model throughout the school year. She and seven other local high school students met from 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday from November-May for their weekly YEA! gathering. There, the Eagle was able to learn how to write, develop, organize and perfect her plan with her mentor, Lake Point Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Director Chris Burciaga. Davis’ friend, RHS student Magnolia Espinoza, also helped with visual creative concepts and designed the Sunshine Pack logo.

Although the YEA! program is new to GISD this year, Davis is confident the organization is beneficial to all students, even those who are not interested in starting businesses.

“I learned a lot in this program. I developed better social skills, became aware of professional writing, can now confidently present and speak in front of audiences and just feel more self-assured talking with people of all ages,” Davis stated.

To provide this valuable after-school program to students of all ages, Alexander has already partnered with another district campus—Steadham Elementary School. The YEA! Program Manager recently visited third, fourth and fifth-graders to introduce the organization.

“I am confident that many students will discuss this extraordinary academy with their parents and guardians and apply for the 2015-16 program,” Alexander commented. “Students at Steadham Elementary are well-equipped to succeed in this nine-month program when entering sixth grade as shown through their dedication in student-body activities and hard work.”

And to help shine a bright light on YEA!’s positive impact, Davis plans to launch her company in July—with or without the $4,638 startup costs.

“I want to carry on my business throughout college,” she revealed. “I want to see Sunshine Pack in different industries, such as airlines, child protective services and police departments. My goal is to see it worldwide, and I think I can get there in about 10 years.”