School Briefs

DENTON ISD

DENTON HIGH
Juniors, seniors plan class breakfasts
Students in the junior and senior classes at Denton High are invited to attend back-to-school breakfasts. The juniors will have breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, in the school cafeteria. The seniors’ breakfast will be at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the same location.

Cost for the breakfast is $5 per student. The proceeds will go to the class fund-raising budget.
For additional information, contact Janis Wohlgemuth, sponsor for the junior and senior classes, at (940) 369-2000.

Two schools implement “Shelter in Place” procedure

Two Denton ISD schools implemented the “Shelter in Place” drill Thursday (Aug. 25) after the Denton Police Department received a call that a student had been seen near a school bus stop putting something in his backpack that looked like a gun. The incident reportedly occurred in the Teasley Lane/Hickory Creek area.

Police asked school officials at McMath Middle and Guyer High to initiate the “Shelter in Place” drill, which involves keeping all the students in place until all areas can be secured. It is implemented for any event when it is safer for students and staff to stay put where they are, school officials said.

At Denton High, the bus had not arrived when the police called so the school bus was stopped and searched before the students unloaded; therefore, Denton High did not have to implement the lock down procedure.
No weapons were found at any of the schools and no one even fitting the description of the student was located.

“We were extremely proud of our staff and students for their positive and swift reactions to this incident. They followed the drill and continued with the instructional process. School activities resumed quickly and no one appeared to be visibly upset,” said Jamie Wilson, assistant superintendent for secondary academics.

District implementing new fund-raising program

The Child Nutrition Department of the Denton Independent School District is initiating a fund-raising project for PTAs, booster clubs and student organizations.

Through the “Adopt –A-Concession Stand” project, organizations can earn money for their group by working the concession stands at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex during the Friday night high school football games.
The district is looking for clubs who are willing to work from 6 to 10 p.m. at the athletic complex concession stands. The proceeds would include:
Concession Stands No. 1 and 2 need eight people each and will pay $300 for each or $600 for both.
Concession Stands No. 3 and 4 need six people each and will pay $200 for each stand for $400 for both.
The first game that will initiate this fund-raising project will be Friday, Sept . 2, when Denton High plays Ryan High.

Organizations will be booked on a first-come basis. They may sign up by calling Robin Wantland, director of child nutrition, at (940) 369-0272 or Paula Seymour, concession supervisor, at (940) 369-0274. The first game will be Friday, September 2nd.

Energy-efficient house to benefit Advanced Technology Center

Beaver Builders and Mack Professionals, Inc. are having a special open house this month at a home located at 4020 Windmill in Phase II of the Sanger Trails in the city limits of Sanger.

Donny Mack, president of the two companies, said the net proceeds from the sale of this house would go to the Advanced Technology Complex, which opens in the Denton Independent School District in August, 2006.

The home includes extremely high energy-saving features. On the outside, the home looks like a regular house, but actually 6-inch solid concrete walls surround it. The house was built using Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF), an insulating forming system used for poured-in-place concrete walls.

Mack said the concrete walls have foam on the inside and outside, which gives the house an insulation factor of R-50. Most homes are rated at R-13.

"This is an energy savings of about 70 percent," Mack said, adding that the average monthly energy bill for the house is about $48 a month.

The house is 1,651 square feet with an open floor plan and three bedrooms, two baths and a 2-car garage. It also has a large front porch and over 2,300 square feet under a roof. The house is listed at $159,900.

Besides the concrete walls, the house has a high fire resistance, which will make is much less susceptible to insects, mold or rot. This should qualify the house for some insurance discounts, Mack said.

Instead of the normal ceiling insulation, the rafters of the attic are insulated with spray foam, which has formed a tight envelope for the house. The HVAC unit is housed n the attic. With the rafter insulation, it is nearer to the inside temperature of the house.

"This keeps the unit working more efficiently than one in a traditionally-constructed house," Mack said.
This keeps the unit working more efficiently than one in a traditionally-constructed house. The unit is half the size of one normally required for that size of house.

Other energy efficient features include insulated concrete forms, 14 SEER Heat pump with Energy Recovery Ventilator, and Pella Proline wood windows.

The Open Houses are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday throughout July.
The Advanced Technology Center will offer classes in building trades and other advanced technology programs. Because the net proceeds go to the new center, many of the fixtures and materials used in the building of the house were donated.

For directions or more information, contact Donny Mack, at (940) 458-7354.

Denton ISD announces registration for 2005-06

Registration for Denton ISD starts in July for the 2005-06 school year, which officially starts on Tuesday, Aug. 16. School officials said students, who finished the past school year at a Denton ISD school, must still register or pick up class schedules at the school’s designated times and bring a proof of residency.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Registration for elementary school students (new and returning) will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 28, and Friday, July 29. If parents or guardians cannot register during this time, they should call the child’s school to reschedule.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS
New students may register until the first day of school on Aug. 16. They may come to the school from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. weekdays.

CALHOUN: A parent meeting for all new students, especially for sixth-graders, will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, in the auditorium of the school, 709 Congress. On Friday, Aug. 12, there will be Cougar Camp for sixth-graders from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the cafeteria.
Middle school students may pick up their schedules from 9 to 11:30 a.m. (last names A-L) and 12:30 to 3 p.m. (M-Z) on the following dates: Wednesday, Aug. 3, sixth-grade; Thursday, Aug. 4, seventh grade, and Friday, Aug. 5 – eighth grade.

CROWNOVER: A parent meeting for all new students, especially for sixth-graders, will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, in the auditorium of the school, 1901 Creekside. Crownover is sponsoring Cowboy Roundup, a sixth-grade camp, from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 12. (Cost is $3 for the Roundup or $10 for the Roundup and a T-shirt.)
Middle school students may pick up their schedules from 9 to 11:30 a.m. (last names A-L) and 12:30 to 3 p.m. (M-Z) on the following dates: Wednesday, Aug, 3, sixth-grade; Thursday, Aug. 4, seventh grade, and Friday, Aug. 5, eighth grade.

McMATH: A parent meeting for all new seventh and eighth-grade students will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, in the cafeteria, 1900 Jason Drive. On Saturday, Aug. 13, there will be Cub Camp for sixth-graders from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the cafeteria. A parent meeting for sixth-grade parents will start at 9:30 a.m. on the same date.
Middle school students may pick up their schedules from 9 to 11:30 a.m. (last names A-L) and 12:30 to 3 p.m. (M-Z) on the following dates: Thursday, Aug. 4, seventh grade, and Friday, Aug. 5, eighth grade.

STRICKLAND: A parent meeting for all new students, especially for sixth-graders, will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, in the auditorium of the school, 324 E. Windsor. Strickland will sponsor a WEB day for sixth-graders from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 12. They will pick up their schedules on that day.
Other middle school students may pick up their schedules from 9 to 11:30 a.m. (last names A-L) and 12:30 to 3 p.m. (M-Z) on the following dates: Thursday, Aug. 4, seventh grade, and Friday, Aug. 5, eighth grade.

HIGH SCHOOLS
Denton High
Registration packets may be picked up from July 18 through Aug. 1. This year, Denton High has developed the Bronco Fast Pass. When a packet is requested, a personalized sheet with a student’s checklist will be pulled. There will be three topics on the checklist: Proof of residency, immunization record, and any fines that have not been paid.
Students new to the district may pick up registration packets weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the summer in the main office, 1007 Fulton. Beginning Monday, Aug.1, counselors will be available from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. or by appointment.
Students should report at the following times to pick up their schedules, ID cards and locker assignments. Textbooks will be distributed after school begins.
Seniors – Registration for seniors with last names A-L will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, and from 1 to 3 p.m. for seniors with last names M-Z. Parking for Renaissance or perfect attendance students will be from 8 to 8:30 a.m. followed by all other seniors from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Aug. 2.
Juniors - Registration for juniors with last names A-L will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, and from 1 to 3 p.m. for juniors with last names M-Z. Parking for Renaissance or perfect attendance juniors will be from 8 to 8:30 a.m. followed by all other juniors from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Aug. 3.
Sophomores - Registration for sophomores with last names A-L will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, and from 1 to 3 p.m. for sophomores with last names M-Z. Parking for Renaissance or perfect attendance sophomores will be from 8 to 8:30 a.m. followed by all other sophomores from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Aug. 2.
Freshmen – Registration for freshmen with last names A-L will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, and from 1 to 3 p.m. for freshmen with last names M-Z. Freshmen orientation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, with food, fun and lots of information for students and parents.

Ryan High School
Students new to the district may pick up registration packets weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the summer in the main office. Beginning Monday, Aug. 1, counselors will be available from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. or by appointment.
Students should report at the following times to pick up their schedules, ID cards, locker assignments and textbooks. Students must have a proof of residency to register.
Seniors – Registration for seniors with last names A-L will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, and from 1 to 3 p.m. for seniors with last names M-Z. Parking for Diamond Card holders or perfect attendance students will be from 8 to 8:30 a.m. followed by all other seniors from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Aug. 2.
Juniors - Registration for juniors with last names A-L will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, and from 1 to 3 p.m. for juniors with last names M-Z. Parking for Diamond Card holders or perfect attendance juniors will be from 8 to 8:30 a.m. followed by all other juniors from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Aug. 3.
Sophomores - Registration for sophomores with last names A-L will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, and from 1 to 3 p.m. for sophomores with last names M-Z. Parking for Diamond Card holders or perfect attendance sophomores will be from 8 to 8:30 a.m. followed by all other sophomores from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Aug. 4.
Freshmen –Registration and parent orientation for freshmen start with last names A-L from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, and from 1 to 3 p.m. for freshmen with last names M-Z.

Guyer High
Students new to the district may pick up registration packets weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the summer in the main office. Counselors are available by appointment. Parents will complete health and information cards during Wildcat Welcome. Students must show proof of residence during schedule pick up time to receive a schedule. School photos that will be used for IDs will be taken during schedule pick-up August 3, 4 and 5.
Juniors - Parent orientation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 25, for junior parents. Wildcat Welcome for juniors will be from 9 to noon Tuesday, July 26. Schedule pickup/registration will be from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 3, for students with the last names of A through L followed by schedule pick up/registration for juniors with the last name of M through Z from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m..
Sophomores - Parent orientation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 25, for sophomore parents. Wildcat Welcome for sophomores will be from 9 to noon Wednesday, July 27. Schedule pickup/registration will be from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Aug. 4, for students with the last names of A through L followed by Schedule Pick up/registration for sophomores with the last names of M through Z from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Freshmen - Parent orientation will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, for freshmen parents. Wildcat Welcome for freshmen with last names A through L will be from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, July 28, followed by Wildcat Welcome for freshmen with last names starting with M through Z from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Lunch for all freshmen will be from noon to 12:30 on that day.
Schedule Pick up/registration will be from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 5, for freshmen with the last names of A through L followed by schedule pick-up/registration for freshmen with the last name of M through Z from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wildcat Welcome makeup date for students who could not attend earlier will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 29. Students not able to pick up their schedule at their designated time may pick up their schedule in the counselor's office from 9-3 beginning August 8.

WHO TO CONTACT
Registration starts at the end of July for the elementary students in the Denton Independent School District. Secondary students register in early August.
To determine what school your child should attend, call the DISD Transportation Department at (940) 369-0300.
To find out if your child qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, call the DISD Child Nutrition Department at (940) 369-0270.
To find out when new students may enroll, call the school.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Before students are enrolled in school, parents must bring official documents showing that all state-required immunizations have been given. The documents must include the day, month, and year of all required doses and the agency or person who administered the vaccines. A copy will be made, which will then be returned. For a complete list of immunization requirements call health services, at (940) 369-0280.

NEW TO DISTRICT
If you are enrolling in a Denton school for the first time, you will need to bring:
• original birth certificate
• Social Security Card
• Immunization record
• report card from prior school (grades 2-12)
• names and phone numbers of emergency contacts
• proof of residence (such as a current utility bill)

Happy Carrico named executive director for curriculum

Happy Carrico, currently director of elementary curriculum, instruction and staff development, has been named executive director for curriculum for the Denton Independent School District.

Ms. Carrico has served in various educational leadership positions for the Denton school district and is a graduate of Denton High School. As director of elementary curriculum, she has managed all curriculum, instruction and staff development.

During her tenure in Denton ISD, she has also been coordinator for elementary curriculum, instruction and staff development, language arts coordinator for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and language arts coordinator for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Under her curriculum leadership, Ms. Carrico co-initiated the Science and Literacy Saturday Academy (SALSA), a staff development program that has received state and national recognition. She also worked to re-establish the reading recovery program at all the district’s elementary schools. This past year, she implemented the First Year Teacher Academy for elementary teachers and planned and implemented district-wide staff development, based on teacher needs.

She also has been responsible for guiding the gifted and talented program and the physical education program for elementary students.

She was the learning facilitator for Rivera Elementary School for two years where she also was the lead campus reading recovery teacher for three years. She has also been a reading recovery teacher at Wilson Elementary. She also taught first grade at Wilson and Borman Elementary schools.

Ms. Carrico has received a contract from a New York publishing company to co-write a text for literacy, which is titled, “Literacy Connections.” Besides developing staff development for teachers, she has also planned and implemented staff development for principals and assistant principals.

Ms. Carrico has also made numerous presentations at local, state and national conferences, included “It’s a Fact: Nonfiction Leads to Exemplary Reading and Writing,” “Balanced Literacy” and “How to Accelerate the Hard to Accelerate Child.”

She received her bachelor’s in education degree from the University of North Texas and her principal certification and master’s in education from Texas Woman’s University. She currently is completing her doctorate degree from Texas Woman’s University in reading and educational leadership.

Middle school students earning free computers

More than 70 middle school students in the Denton Independent School District are learning how to take apart a computer and rebuild it through a special program sponsored by Dell Inc.

The program, known as Dell TechKnow, is a 40-hour after-school program that provides middle school students an opportunity to earn a home computer while learning technology skills. Students were selected on a “need basis” with priority given to students who don’t have a computer at home.

The 10-week program culminates at a special graduation scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14, in the Calhoun Middle School Cafeteria, 709 Congress.

“These skills not only teaches the students how to build a computer, but also promotes self-esteem, academic success and helps prepare students for today’s technology-driven world,” said Jerry Ashton, director of instructional technology for Denton ISD.

Students in the Dell TechKnow program receive a free refurbished Dell desktop computer. During the two-month program, the students work in teams to learn computer basics, plus how to take apart and re-build the computer, install software, upgrade the computers and diagnose and fix basic computer problems. They also learn how to use the word processing and educational software.

To be selected and remain in the program, the students must meet certain program requirements, such as strong student attendance records, demonstrating good citizenship and sustaining or improving their grades.

Upon completion of the course, students earn a refurbished Dell desktop computer, operating system, software to take home and one year of free Internet access from America Online, Inc.

The middle school teachers instruct the Dell TechKnow classes. They are being paid through the Denton Public Schools Foundation from a grant provided by Sawko and Burroughs, a local law office. The teachers include Shawn Simmons, Calhoun; Robin Mayes, McMath; Thomas Babb, Crownover, and Karen Crozier, Strickland.

Denton ISD is one of only 42 districts nationwide to participate in the program. Since 2001, more than 4,400 students in the U.S. have completed the program. To learn how to contribute to the program in Denton ISD, contact Mr. Ashton at (940) 369-0100. For more about the Dell TechKnow program, go to www.dell.com/k12/techknow.

DENTON ISD TAKS RESULTS EXCEED STATE SCORES

The Denton Independent School District outscored or matched the state results on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) in most of the accountability areas.

The “TAKS” is the Texas Education Agency’s newest assessment and promotions standards that went into effect last year. It replaced the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS).

At the elementary level, the district exceeded the state results in every accountability group except for third-grade reading and fifth-grade math. The state reported a 95 percent passage rate and Denton ISD third-graders had a 92 percent passage rate. The fifth-grade scores were close with 82 for the state and 81 for the local district.

“We’re pleased with the progress we have made at the elementary level, but we will be working to improve our third-grade reading scores,” said Happy Carrico, director of elementary curriculum and staff development.

This was the first year that the science scores counted on the accountability results at the elementary level, locally and statewide. Fifth-grade students took the science TAKS test on April 29.

“The fact that the district was above the state average in science exemplifies the hard work the teachers are doing in the classroom. However, this was our lowest level at the elementary level and we will continue to work diligently to improve this area,” Ms. Carrico said.

At the high schools and middle schools, the students exceeded the state scores in every category except for English and language arts at the junior level. The district had an 83 percent passage rate, while statewide 87 percent of the juniors passed this segment of the test.

“It is a real testament to the efforts of our teachers and their students that we have exceeded or matched the state in all content areas at the secondary level with the one exception,” said Vicki Christenson, director of secondary curriculum and staff development.

This year, high school juniors must pass the exit level TAKS test – English/Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science – to graduate from high school next year. In DISD, 97 percent of the juniors passed social studies, while 85 percent passed math and science.

The TAKS testing program was created by the Texas Education Agency to insure that every child in public school succeeds.

Preliminary TAKS RESULTS
DENTON ISD vs. STATEWIDE RESULTS

2003-04 SCHOOL YEAR

(ALL STUDENTS - Percentage who passed )

Preliminary TAKS RESULTS
DENTON ISD

2003 SCORES vs. 2004 RESULTS

ALL STUDENTS - Percentage who passed
(SEM 1 comparisons)

DISTRICT PROVIDING CREDIT CARD OPTIONS

“During the first six days the district has utilized this program, we had 38 parents pay through the online program for the Extended School Day fees. The parents are liking these options because it’s a great convenience,” said Steve Johnson, director of the Extended School Day program.
For parents to utilize the online option, there is a $4 fee for each ESD payment and a $3 fee for each transaction for the cafeteria pay plan. There is no additional cost to the parents who utilize the pre-authorized plan or the in-person payment.
To provide a secure system, school officials said no credit card numbers would be taken over the phone or from a student.
Cost for the Extended School Day Program is $110 a month. Lunch prices for elementary students are $2 and $2.20 for secondary students. The cost of breakfast is 90 cents for elementary students and $1.10 for middle and high school students.
“At the end of the year, all money left in the student’s account is held over for the next year,” said Robin Wantland, director of Child Nutrition.
Parents may request a refund of any excess amount over $5 at the end by contacting the school cafeteria. For additional information, contact the Child Nutrition Office at (940) 369-0270 or the ESD department at (940) 369-0080.

If you have a news item you would like to place on this web page, you may bring it by Central Services (1307 N. Locust), send it via e-mail to Sharon Cox, DISD Coordinator of Communication & Community Relations, or call (940) 369-0006.

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