FISD UpdateOctober 2015

INSIDECurriculum, page 2Staff Development FeedbackCTE New TechnologyLibrary News

In Our Classrooms, page 3CollaborationInnovationFuture Ready

Personnel & Operations, page 4Supplemental BenefitsTransfinderAfter School Meals

What’s Happening at FISD, page 5Teacher ScholarshipsFHS Charging StationsSuperintendent’s Student Groups

Partnerships, page 6Floresville Education Foundation GrantsCamino Real Community ServicesFloresville Academic Scholarship FundFloresville Food Pantry & Resource Center

Student Services, page 7Character DayFISD Police DepartmentSafety Updates

Great Things, page 8FISDEF Downton Gatsby GalaGrandparents DayFHS Athletes at Elementary Campuses

Floresville ISD 1200 5th Street Floresville, Texas 78114 Phone: 830.393.5300 www.fisd.us

Superintendent’s SPOT

LIGHTSince the State of Texas now requires districts to evaluate their performance in regard to community

and student engagement, standardized testing is no longer the sole factor in our accountability rating.  However, success on standardized testing will continue to be a priority because it is a determining factor in whether or not our students will graduate from high school. 

According to research, when it comes to student performance on standardized tests, a teacher is estimated to have two to three times the impact of any other school factor, including services, facilities, and even leadership.  Effective instruction has the potential to help level the playing field for our students, which is why after analyzing data from our state assessments this past summer, I invited a group of teachers to meet, whose students had either a high rate of success and/or made considerable progress. Our data indicated that these teachers' instructional practices are effective and could be used as a model for others.

Fourteen FISD teachers in grades ranging from 3rd to 11th, attended a two day event at the FISD Administrative Offices in August.  The purpose of the two days was not to train, but to give the teachers an opportunity to talk.  That's right, talk. We wanted the teachers to talk about their craft.  What do they think?  How do they prepare?  What do they say?  What do they do? 

At the end of the second day, the group presented what they believed were strengths shared by the group – across grade levels and disciplines.  In what they called, creating "Winds of Success" for our students, the most critical factor identified was that of Rapport – a mutual respect between teacher and student.  They explained the following three attributes were equally important and the "Winds of Success" would be diminished if any of the three were missing.  They were: Approach – the way a teacher plans effective instruction, Attitude – a mindset geared towards effective instruction, and Practices – methods and routines for effective instruction. 

The document they created identified specific strengths under each of those attributes. As teachers across our district read through these strengths, my hope is that you will find some that reinforce what you are currently doing, and possibly get a few ideas on new areas of focus.  A special thanks to the High Performing Teachers for collaborating with colleagues and sharing your expertise, Elia Angel, Vannessa Chandler, Brandon Johns, Sarah Sova, Marti Blose, Tarah Kozowyk, Linda M. Gauna, Caroline Cragun, Patti L. Manak, Marcia Schuh, Joe LeBouff, David Merten, Lisa Tieken, and Allison Woelfler.

The passion these teachers have for our students came through loud and clear.  They were also quick to point out they work with many teachers in our district who are just as passionate.    Let’s continue to work collaboratively and learn from our successes to build cohesive strategies to improve our students learning. 

FISD High Performing Teachers Share Insight

On August 14, FISD staff participated in a staf f development session presented by educational trainer Dr. Rich Allen. Dr. Allen works with educators all over the world focusing on research-based strategies to increase student engagement and critical thinking in the classroom. In a recent survey of FISD staff, teachers r e s p o n d e d , “ R i c h A l l e n w a s AWESOME!” and “I LOVED the Rich Allen presentation and am going to use movement and music to a greater extent in my classroom.” Another t eacher shared, “R ic h A l len ’ s presentations showed me various ways to utilize state changes and increase student participation.” Using the strategies shared by Dr. Allen is exactly what FISD teachers are doing! Larger than life examples with 100’s charts and periodic tables on the floor, movement, music, and the use of “memory pegs” are just some of the things observed on campuses across the district in the first few weeks of school. “I have already taught my class the “peg board” activity from Dr. Allen. They were so engaged and excited to be learning tricks to help them learn,” claimed one FISD teacher. FISD will continue to seek great experiences for teachers supporting the most recent research about how to best support our students!

 

The Floresville High School Career and Technology Education Department is committed to ensuring that FISD students are future ready by investing in new technologies that will help students explore and exchange ideas through the use of technology.  FHS administration and the FISD Technology Department collaborated to secure a laptop cart, projectors for competitions, replacement projectors for classrooms and four computer labs that will help support  FISD students in the development of  21st century

skills. In addition, the FISD CTE department is piloting a new generation of Promethean board. The new Promethean boards are  65” touchscreen Promethean TVs.  The next generation boards will replace the older model Promethean boards, speakers, and projector that are required in FISD’s existing configurations. Students and teachers alike are excited about the new touchscreen Promethean Boards and are enjoying the new creative learning opportunities they provide.

New Technology available to FISD CTE StudentsDr. Rich Allen Engages FISD Teachers

TEACHING & LEARNING

“As a new teacher, Dr. Allen’s presentation impacted me greatly. He had so much

energy. He was so positive about the importance of making it our duty to find different ways to motivate our students to make

them want to learn. I will use that type of energy in my

classroom.”

During the August Learning Symposium, teachers were able to participate in sessions focused on Sheltered Instruction to support the academic vocabulary development of all students, Differentiated Instruction designed to guide teachers in varying their lessons to meet the needs of all learners, and content specific sessions focused on increasing teacher depth of knowledge in the Processing Standards.In an effort to provide meaningful, on-going professional development to staff, FISD asked for staff to provide feedback and suggestions. 194

staff members participated in the Learning Symposium Survey. Teachers were able to respond to the impact of each session and were asked to reflect on how they would incorporate ideas from the different learning opportunities. Teachers provided the following feedback:

• “I really liked the strategy from the Differentiated Instruction workshop called “My Favorite No”. I will definitely implement this strategy during RTI and Math times,” • “Strategies shared during the Sheltered Instruction session were wonderful. I can take every strategy shared during this workshop and easily implement each one with confidence after learning in this session!” • “I will use the Balanced Literacy model to help improve student comprehension and achievement.”A majority of the staff, 79.46%, liked the current structure of the Learning Symposium.

Although the year has just begun, plans are already in motion to bring a dynamic keynote speaker to FISD to start the16-17 school year and provide teachers with meaningful and impactful professional development opportunities.

Learning Symposium

FISD Libraries Supporting Floresville Reads MillionsOur libraries are doing more than ever before to instill a love of reading. We know that all

reading is good reading and that it improves memory, analytical thinking skills, creativity and writing skills. FISD’s reading goal this year is 11 million minutes and every minute makes our students more successful in the classroom and in life. One of the new strategies to get and keep kids excited about reading is the hosting of book clubs at every campus library! At FNE there are two clubs for 2nd and 3rd graders, The Magic Treehouse Club and The Boxcar Children Club. At FSE, the club is for 3rd graders and they choose their own book and have “Book Talks with Buddies” to discuss their books. At FMS, students are discussing their favorite books and will vote on a genre and specific book to read and discuss. FHS is taking an innovative approach and having book discussions via Twitter! You can join their discussion on Twitter @FHSTigerLibrary!

IN OUR CLASSROOMS

P O R T R A I T O F A F L O R E S V I L L E I S D G R A D U AT E

Join the Floresville ISD conversation

and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and

Instagram!

It’s time for FISD students to be future ready.FISD is committed to developing 21st century graduates who are life-long learners that are purposeful, innovative, collaborative, and possess character traits that lead to success.

The FISD Portrait of a Graduate, developed by teachers, students, administrators and community members, is helping FISD focus on creating future ready graduates with skills that will prepare them for a prosperous life in the 21st Century. Collaboration, Innovation, Character and Purpose are traits that will help our students be successful in a quickly changing future. You can see examples of all these traits in our classrooms and on our campuses every day. We have been highlighting examples of how our teachers are making FISD kids #FutureReady on social media, daily. In case you missed some of the posts, here are just a few highlights.

FISD Portrait of a Graduate Guiding Instruction

Transfinder is a powerful, user-friendly software that FISD has utilized for many years to create school boundaries. However, until this year, the FISD Transportation Department hasn’t used the software to its fullest capabilities. During the summer, the transportation staff began using the software for routing and scheduling daily bus routes. FISD is now

able to offer this information on-line, giving parents instant access to their students’ transportation information. Parents can also sign up for online notifications and submit questions and concerns.

Transfinder is making it easier for staff members, too, by utilizing the comprehensive field trip management module. The module eliminates time-consuming paperwork for teachers, coaches and administrators in budgeting and arranging for field trips across our district.

Behind the scenes, the service module, designed solely for school bus maintenance, offers a sure way to tackle the complex administrative tasks associated with keeping the entire fleet running smoothly. This component allows FISD to track vehicles, parts, inventory and all associated work orders, effectively managing our shop from start to finish.

The transportation staff received online training that enabled them to load student information and paper routes into Transfinder and create a fully operational routing database for the first time in the history of the Floresville ISD Transportation Department. As the year progresses, drivers review the routes and input information affecting specific routes into the software. This process will continue to improve each year as data is collected.

SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS ENROLLMENT Open enrollment for supplemental benefits for the 2016 Plan year will be held October 26 – 30, 2015. All employees will be required to visit THEbenefitsHUB website at http://www.mybenefitshub.com/floresvilleisd to select, decline, make changes, and/or update dependent coverage for all supplemental products offered during this open enrollment week. The website can also be accessed by visiting the FISD HR webpage and selecting THEbenefitsHUB link on the right side of the page. It is imperative that ALL employees, whether selecting or declining coverage, login to their account to confirm supplemental benefit choices during the open enrollment week.

Employees are encouraged to become familiar with the website which provides detailed information about district employee offerings including benefit summaries, claim forms, administrative forms, customer service information, provider directories, and direct links to specific insurance carriers. Additionally, helpful information regarding each employee benefit product is available to assist with selecting the benefit package that’s right for each employee and family.

All employees currently have access to THEbenefitsHUB to review and compare the supplemental benefits offered and determine what best fits their needs. This can be done prior to the open enrollment week as you do not need to login to your employee account to view and learn about the supplemental insurance plans FISD offers.

Plan dates for 2016 will run January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. If you would like assistance in making supplemental benefit selections, please plan to visit one of the open enrollment locations listed at right. Representatives from Talley Benefits, along with FISD HR staff members, will be at each location to assist with enrollment, making changes, and/or answer questions you may have about the products being offered.

HUMAN RESOURCES & OPERATIONS

HR CORNER

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Schedule for Supplemental Benefits Open Enrollment: Date Time Location

Monday, October 26 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. *[8:00 10:00 Transportation] *[1:00 3:00 Main/Custodial]

Central Office

Tuesday, October 27 7:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Middle School 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Alternative 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. South Elementary

Wednesday, October 28 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. *[8:00 10:00 Transportation] *[1:00 3:00 Main/Custodial/Food Service]

Central Office

Thursday, October 29

7:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. High School 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. North Elementary

Friday, October 30 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. *[8:00 10:00 Transportation] *[1:00 3:00 Main/Custodial]

Central Office

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Changing FISD Transportation

FISD OPERATIONS

This summer, Floresville High School was the recipient of a grant offered by No Kid Hungry, through their Share Our Strength campaign. The mission of the Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign is ending child hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. Pam Watson, FISD Food Service Director, applied for the grant in order to increase the participation of high school students in the after school meal program and it’s working! In the first week and a half of the program, FHS Child Nutrition Staff served 881 meals to students FOR FREE! Ms. Watson has a saying, “Well-fed children bare fruitful minds”. Thank you to Ms. Watson and her staff for their commitment to keeping our students healthy in body and mind! Meals are available to students from 4:05 until 4:30 at the Coffee Cafe, next door to the FHS Library.

AFTER SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM GRANT & SUCCESS

FISD Crossing the LineWe want to make sure FISD staff members get recognized in a meaningful way for specific things they do to make FISD a great place to learn and work. Each Thursday, look for a #FISDCrossingTheLine post on Facebook and the FISD website.

We know FISD employees are “Crossing the Line” every day and we want to know about it! If you have knowledge of an FISD staff member who was committed, worked hard, was focused and resilient in achieving a goal, please take a moment to acknowledge those extra efforts by sending him or her a “Cross the Line” and share it with his or her immediate supervisor as well. You can find a fillable “Cross the Line” form by clicking here.

 

FISD offers Master’s Teacher Scholarship To enhance the college opportunities for students, FISD is offering scholarships to high school teachers interested in teaching dual credit courses. The scholarships will be available to eligible high school teachers, who are currently employed at FISD and would like to pursue a master’s degree in the areas of Math, Science, History, English, Business, Economics, Government, Sociology, and Psychology. The District will pay the average state rate per college hour and require the degree be completed within 5 years. In return, teachers would agree to work for the District for an additional three years, or pay back a prorated portion of the scholarship.

The Best Part of Dr. Bays’ Day

#FISDNewsworthyAt the FISD Convocation, Dr. Bays

promised that, together, we would tell the FISD story; we are public and proud. Every Tuesday, we will share with the community, via social media and the district website, a story that is newsworthy, one that illustrates why FISD is the best choice for their children. When you read it on Facebook or Twitter, share it with your circle of friends. Let people know that we are proud of the work we do and the services we provide to all students! 

What’s Happening at FISD

Easily, Dr. Bays’ favorite standing meetings are those with FISD students! It’s important for older students to know their voices are being heard and that what they have to say is important. It’s important for younger students to know that there are many adults, teachers, principals and even the superintendent, working to make their school the best it can be. At FHS, Dr. Bays meets quarterly with the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council comprised of student leaders from all FHS organizations to talk about what is going well and to have open discussion about their ideas and concerns. The discussions are lively and positive with all participants keeping an open mind. Next month FMS students will have the first Superintendent’s Round Table of the year, where they can also share successes and concerns. At the elementary level, Dr. Bays hosts a grade level “Lunch Bunch”. Students get to eat lunch with the superintendent and have a book read to them. Dr. Bays always has a group discussion about the book she reads and ends the time talking about the importance of good character. She tells the students that it’s the best part of her day and it shows.

FISD’s partnership with Head Start to provide quality instruction to three and four year old is newsworthy!

Device Charging Stations at FHSWith an expanded network and FISD encouraging

teachers to allow students to use their own devices to make instruction more engaging, the FHS Library has installed charging stations for student use. The Coffee Cafe and the charging stations are innovative ways FHS is making an intentional effort to get students to visit the library where they will be encouraged to read and study.

Community PartnersAt Floresville ISD, we know that it takes an entire community to make an impact on the lives of students. We are immeasurably fortunate to have a community giving generously so that all children have an opportunity to be successful. Because of the support of the following community groups, 589 students were able to start school with supplies, clothing and food they would have otherwise been without.

Area ChurchesEl Mesias United Methodist, First Baptist, First Lutheran, Floresville Christian Fellowship, Harvest Christian Fellowship, Oak Hills Community, Sacred Heart, St. Ann’s Catholic Daughters, United Methodist Church

Local Businesses & OrganizationsDollar General, LULAC, Salvation Army, Wilson Area Housing Foundation, Walmart, The Floresville Lions Club, Girl Scouts, PHC Services, HEB.

Floresville Food Pantry FISD is happy to be partnering with the Floresville Food Pantry and Resource Center to provide food and services to needy families within our district. In August alone, the FFPRC was able to provide food to 369 families in need. If you would like to make a donation of non-perishable food or cash, or if you would like to apply for assistance, the FFPRC is located on the campus of the Floresville Alternative Center at 335 Alternative Lane, and they are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 2pm.

Floresville Academic Scholarship Fund The Floresville Academic Scholarship Fund was established in 1995 by several FISD teachers to award scholarships to FHS graduates based on academic excellence. The fund awarded $10,000 worth of scholarships for the 2014-2015 school year and has awarded over $150,000 to over 200 FHS Seniors over 20 years. All of the scholarship awards come from donations and memorials. Starting with the 2015-2016 school year, the Floresville Academic Scholarship Fund will be operated by Floresville ISD in conjunction with a committee comprised of teachers, administrators, and community members who will oversee the scholarship fund. FISD is excited about the opportunity to be involved in helping our students continue their education after high school, and looks forward to working with the community to grow the Floresville Academic Scholarship Fund for years to come. If you would like to contribute or receive additional information about the Floresville Academic Scholarship Fund, please contact Sandra Tackitt at 830-393-5300, extension 13010 or stackitt@fisd.us.

FISD PARTNERSHIPS

The Floresville Education Foundation officers have been on FISD campuses telling teachers about grant opportunities available through the FISDEF.

The Floresville ISD Education Foundation (FISDEF) is excited to offer teachers and administrators the opportunity to apply for grants to support innovative programs or projects that provide higher levels of student learning.  The Innovative Teaching Grants are designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward innovative and creative instructional approaches that enhance student academic performance.   Grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 will be awarded.  For more details, visit their page on the FISD website.

FISDEF supports FISD’s Most Critical Asset

All teachers are encouraged to apply.  The more applications received, the more grants the foundation can award.  Don’t miss the October 19th deadline to submit a grant.  Many thanks to the FISDEF members for their support of our most critical asset – our teachers! 

Floresville ISD is working with Camino Real Community Services to provide a learning program for students who are enrolled in the FHS Transition Skills Program and have completed all of their credit requirements. The Camino Real program provides students assistance with acquiring, retaining, and improving self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills necessary to live and work in a community. All of the services are developed and delivered around individual needs and goals, while recognizing a lifestyle of mainstream inclusion and interdependence in the community. One of the services provided by Camino Real is the Employment Assistance Program. This program assists students in locating paid

employment in the community by helping him/her identify employment preferences, job skills, work requirements, and prospective employers. The goal is to match a student’s skills with their desired career. Each student develops a “Person Directed Plan” that is specific to them. Students are then provided supported employment based on their plan to help ensure individual success. Floresville Transition students are currently in a working environment performing real world skills and getting paid for their hard work. Together, Camino Real and Floresville ISD are truly preparing our Transition students for a prosperous life.

FISD & Camino Real Changing Kids’ Futures

Safety Equipment Updates Floresville ISD continues to keep the safety of students and staff a priority. During the summer months, Floresville Middle School received a new, upgraded security camera system that allows administrators to review footage for investigative purposes. The visibility of the cameras acts as a major deterrent to vandalism at the campus. The DAEP system was also repaired this summer, making all cameras operational for the start of the year. Floresville South Elementary will have new cameras installed in the next few months as part of a continuing focus on updating our equipment and processes to ensure the safety of FISD students and employees.

Character Day at FISDOn September 18th, Floresville ISD observed International Character Day. Students participated in activities and discussions about the importance of character. FSE students and staff made “Kindness Chains”, acknowledging acts of kindness they had been the recipient of, performed or witnessed. FNE students wrote and drew about acts of kindness as well as modeled acts of kindness during the day. FMS students made pledges on cut-outs of their own hands to make a difference in the world by being kind to others. FHS students watched a video and discussed how good character can impact your success in life. Together with families and the community, FISD is building character in our students!

Legislative Changes to Truancy Policies House Bill 2398, passed in the 84th legislative session, made numerous changes to the landscape of truancy laws in the State of Texas. This piece of legislation, which took effect on September 1, 2015, addresses a school district’s responsibility with regard to student truant conduct, including additional requirements for implementation of truancy prevention measures, and a referral of a student to truancy court. The bill adds 18 year olds to the compulsory attendance requirements. Truant conduct is also defined to include a student that is absent from school for ten or more days, or parts of days, within a six month period in the same school year. FISD will continue to send notification letters to parents of students with three or more unexcused absences in a four week period, refer students to a School Attendance Specialist at five unexcused absences and reach out to parents via blackboard at six unexcused absences. Good attendance is important to student success and will continue to be a focus at FISD.

Focusing on What Our Students Do Well Floresville is in its fifth year of helping students identify their students strengths by taking the StrengthFinder assessments at secondary campuses. Part of preparing our students for a prosperous life is helping them determine where their natural talents lie. We are excited to to be able provide all FISD students with Power Up with Your Strengths t-shirts, this year. We ask all students and staff members to wear their shirts on the 1st Tuesday of every month to remind us that we all have specific strengths that help us to be successful in our work and personal lives. 

FISD Student Services

FISD has expanded its police department, adding an additional officer to the force. We are excited to welcome the new Chief of Police, Fidel Villegas, and new officer Gilberto Santos. Both gentlemen come to our district with over 25 years of experience with San Antonio Police Department. The new officers have been busy getting acclimated to the students and the general operations of a school district.  Henry Guerra, who has been with FISD for several years, continues to serve on the force. The FISD PD is preparing for Red Ribbon week and would like to start a Police Explorers club for students. They will be organizing events to inform parents and students of the dangers of drugs, alcohol, gangs, texting and driving and many other issues with regard to student safety.  We are pleased to have experienced, dedicated professionals keeping our campuses safe.

FISD Expands District’s Police Department

Most high school students avoid getting up early at all costs, but not our FHS athletes. This year, the Varsity Tiger Football and Jaguar Volleyball teams have been up bright and early to greet elementary students as they arrive at school. Our Tiger Football players have also spent time in the pre-k and kinder classrooms reading to the students. The little ones really think our Tigers are superstars, and we do, too! Thank you Tigers and Jags for being outstanding examples for our younger students!

Grandparents Day 2015!!! This year more families than ever before joined our North and South Elementary students for Grandparents Day. At North Elementary students were able to share lunch with their special guests. At South Elementary, grandparents were treated to cookies and “All About Me” presentations as well as games and other activities. The smiles were huge and the memories will be, too. Thank you to the staff at both elementary campuses for making Grandparents Day special for FISD families!

FISDEF’s Downton Gatsby Gala Join us for an evening of fun, food and music, not to mention a great cause.  The Floresville ISD Education Foundation (FISDEF) invites you to the Downton Gatsby Gala to help us raise funds to promote quality

education by awarding teachers grants for innovative programs and initiatives.  The Gala will be held at the Wilson County Show Barn on Saturday, November 21st, from 6PM to 12AM, with a dinner, dance, live and silent auctions.  Tickets can be purchased at Ruffled Feathers.  They are $50 each or $500 for a table of eight. 

GREAT THINGS

FHS Students Opening Doors and Inspiring Elementary Students

Mighty Tiger Band Sweeps Hornet InvitationalThe MTB competed in the eleventh annual Hornet Invitational on September 27th and won first place overall as well as sweeping all caption awards, including Best Drum Majors, Best Percussion and Best Colorguard. The MTB will be competing at the Rough Rider Marching Contest and the USBands on October 3rd, and the UIL Region Contest on October 17th.

FMS Band Chosen Region Honor Band This summer, the 2015 FMS Symphonic Band, under the direction of John Curtin, was as chosen the Texas Music Educators Region 11 Honor Band. Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment.

AFJROTC Chorale Performs at Poth VFW Open House The FHS ROTC and Student Chorale opened the year with their first concert at the VFW in Poth. Afterward, the Chorale performed for a very appreciative FISD Central Office staff.