R. L. Turner Student Wins First District American Legion Oratorical Contest

On Friday, December 16, Karla Gonzalez, R. L. Turner senior, won the district's first American Legion Oratorical contest on the constitution. Her speech, “Our Mother Land: My Home Thanks to the Constitution,” was well thought out and personal. She was presented a medal for her win and will compete at the American Legion District level on January 7. This was the first American Legion Oratorical Contest ever held in our district. We look forward to seeing Karla continue on in her quest for the scholarship money as she honorably represents C-FB ISD and R. L. Turner.

Input on 2012-2013 Proposed Academic Calendar

We are asking your thoughts about the 2012-2013 C-FB ISD proposed Academic Calendar. Designing an academic calendar for a school district is a complex issue; however, in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, we want to keep student achievement in the forefront when making decisions.

At the end of this email are two links: a link to a survey and a link to the proposed calendar.

We are asking you to complete the survey by January 2, 2012.

The proposed academic calendar is very similar to this year’s calendar in terms of the following:

• The same basic holiday schedule including Thanksgiving and Winter Break 
• Ending 1st semester before the Winter Break 

Below is some information that you may need to know before you review the calendar about some parameters that the district faces when setting an academic calendar.
In planning a calendar for C-FB ISD, our objective is to look at what’s best academically.

• State law requires that we cannot start school before the fourth Monday in August. (Texas Education Code 25.0811) This law went into effect with the 2007-08 school year. 

• Texas currently requires that the public school year contain 180 days for students; however, districts may obtain waivers for up to five fewer student attendance days for professional development purposes. The 2012-13 school calendar proposal includes 177 days for students, and the district will ask for a waiver for three student days for professional development time for staff. These days are Oct. 8 (Fair Day), Nov. 19, 21 (days before Thanksgiving). This request is consistent with previous C-FB ISD calendars. 

• Under the expedited waiver system, a school district may apply for six early release days. These days are allowable through Texas Education Code 25.082. The current calendar proposal has six early release days already scheduled (two days at the end of each semester) and two for staff development (October 3 and February 3 – consistent with this year’s calendar dates). 

• The Texas Education Agency has not provided a testing calendar for 2012-2013 at this time. We don’t know when the agency will determine state testing dates. As soon as the state’s testing calendar is available, we will make it available to the campuses.  

Link to the 2012-2013 C-FB ISD Proposed Academic Calendar

Link to the calendar survey

December Holiday Information

We wish you a wonderful holiday break.  We hope you enjoy time with your family and friends.

The district will be closed for Winter Break: December 19 – January 1; however, the district’s Tax Office in the Administration Building will be open at these times for our taxpayers:

• December 19-22: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• December 27-29: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• December 30: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

District staff will return on January 2 which is a Teacher Preparation/Student Holiday.  The first day of classes for the second semester will be Tuesday, January 3.

Davis Fifth Graders Pampered by Turner Cosmetology Students

Davis Elementary hosts a Manners & Beauty class for  5th grade girls. The R. L. Turner Cosmotology senior class came to Davis to style hair and paint the fifth grader's nails.

Turner Tennis Players Host Canned Food Drive

The Varsity and JV R. L. Turner tennis teams held a canned food drive collecting over 300 cans of nonperishable food items. The food will be donated to the North Texas Food Bank for the holidays.

Davis Elementary Second Grade Students Host a Reading Celebration

Davis Elementary second graders had a reading celebration.  Book characters visited the students and read books and e-books to the students who were dressed in their pajamas.

Check Out the Great Things People are Saying About C-FB ISD

Visit our Testimonials page to view the great things people are saying about the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.  While you are there - submit your own C-FB ISD story.

Want to keep up with important information in the school district?

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Visit this page for more information about the various communication methods in C-FB.

Creekview Wrestling Dominates for Third Time

The Creekview wrestling team competed this weekend at St. Marks (Boys) and Coppell (Girls) tournaments. Both teams had a very successful weekend on the mat.

Bobbie Navarrete, sophomore, faced a two-time state placer (2nd in 2010, 3rd in 2011) from Colleyville in the semifinals and won 7-5. In the championship finals, Bobbi dominated a 2011 state qualifier from Lewisville 14 - 0. The coaches from the teams competing in the tournament voted Bobbi the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. Also, Leah Olquin, freshman, captured the 119 lb championship.

The Creekview Boys' team brought home the championship trophy at the St. Marks Tournament.
This is the third tournament championship for Creekview this year.

Ms. Claus Santa Slam - Coppell, Varsity Girls:
Bobbi Navarrete 1st (Voted Most Outstanding Wrestler) 
Leah Olquin 1st 
Chloe Salomon 4th
Cari Carter 5th 

St. Marks Invitational, Varsity Boys:
Issac Salinas 1st
Elijah Cook 1st
Isaac Bolivar 2nd
Brandon White 2nd
Christian Schneider 4th
Max Gove 4th

JV Boys:
Jamaray Batton 1st
Nick Fuller 1st
Francis Anangfac 1st
Thomas Steele 2nd
Cam Owens 2nd
David Rivas 2nd
Mark Anthony Lopez 2nd
John Redd 3rd
Henry Zamora 3rd
Chase Darden 4th

Blalack Principal Helps Out McCoy Elementary

Dr. Black, Blalack Middle School principal, helped out the McCoy Chorale. Dr. Black performed as Santa with the McCoy Chorale students in the holiday play.

CHS Vocal Ensemble Performs for C-FB Community

On Dec. 9, Creekview High School's vocal ensemble, Legends, performed holiday favorites around the C-FB community. Starting off their day, Legends performed in the CHS main entrance for students, faculty, and staff before school began. Legend then performed at Kent Elementary, Blalack Middle School, Long Middle School, and Autumn Leaves Retirement Community.

Kent Elementary Presents Nanny Claus Musical

McKamy Elementary Dazzles and Dances into the Holidays

McKamy Elementary choir students awed audiences with their production of Santa's Holiday Hoedown.

Announcing a New Look for www.cfbisd.edu Coming Friday

Cast of Creekview's Fine Arts Production Official Photo

Congratulations on a great show to the cast of Creekview's Fine Arts Production, The Wizard of Oz, which ran Nov. 17-20.

Smith Debate Wins at CHS Tournament

On Dec. 10, the Newman Smith Debate team competed at the Creekview Tournament with several students bringing home awards and Michael Schrag winning 1st place for the third tournament in a row.

Individual results are as follows:

• Michael Schrag: 1st place Extemporaneous Speaking, 4th place Impromptu Speaking
• Sarah Grace Withers: 4th place Extemporaneous Speaking, 6th place Impromptu Speaking
• Tanya Rajan: 2nd place Impromptu Speaking, Semifinals Extemporaneous Speaking
• Madison King, Cody Yao, Jenny Pham and Sam Winstel were all in the elimination rounds of the tournament.

RLT Women's Wrestlers Take Top Two Spots At Tournament

On Dec. 9, the R. L. Turner Women's Wrestling team competed at the Paul Aubrey Christmas Invitational Wrestling Tournament. Senior Christina Machado placed 1st in the 128 lb. weight class and received the Outstanding Wrestler award for the women. Junior Heiley Garcia placed 2nd in the 138 lb. weight class.

Turner Students to Compete in First American Legion Oratorical Contest

The first American Legion Oratorical contest will be held this Friday, December 16 from 2 - 6 p.m. in the R. L. Turner Cafeteria. Several Turner students will be competing hoping to advance to the American Legion district level and win a scholarship at the national contest. Good luck to the students competing. The public is invited to attend this special event. For more information visit http://www.legion.org/oratorical.

Davis Students Lend a Helping Hand at the Metrocrest Social Services Holiday Store

Davis Elementary Student Council and Green Team students volunteered at the Metrocrest Social Services Holiday Store. The students unloaded boxes and sorted canned food.  Check out the smilebox photo album created by the campus.

R. L. Turner Cosmetology Students Share Gifts and Joy

A generous group of R. L. Turner Cosmetology students brought a multitude of joy to students with special needs on their campus. The students with special needs were overwhelmed with excitement as the Cosmetology Juniors and Seniors came bearing gifts.

Generous, indeed, this incredible group of students had smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes as their fellow students unwrapped gift after gift giggling with glee as they discovered each special treat.

The special education teacher said, "The scene was magnificent as we witnesses generosity, humility, and joy abound in our room. I cannot tell you what this meant to my students.  A few of them in tears for having received such a remarkable gift from their friends."

La Villita Students Read 224,634 Minutes in Competition

La Villilta Elementary held a two month reading contest involving students and teachers. The event started on Sept. 7 and ended on Nov. 17. Students were divided into two teams, Texas A&M vs. University of Texas. The teams read a total of 224,634 minutes. Fourth grade students took on that math problem and determined that the campus read the equivalent of 155 days, 23 hours and 54 minutes. On each grade level the boy and girl with the most minutes read were awarded a book. A cupcake celebration for the winning team, Texas A&M, was held Dec. 13. The A&M team read 114,665 minutes to beat UT with 109,959 minutes read.

R. L. Turner Celebrates Top Readers

The librarians at R. L. Turner High School honored the top readers on the campus. Seventy-seven students, who had read 10 or more books, were invited to a lunch where they enjoyed opening boxes of new books. The students were also allowed to check out as many books as they wanted for the holidays. 

Six Schools Receive Meadows Foundation Grants

Congratulations to six C-FB ISD schools for being selected to receive $500 grants each from the Meadows Foundation Charitable Schools Program.  The schools are Creekview High School, Dan F. Long Middle School, DeWitt Perry Middle School, Early College High School, Ted Polk Middle School and Vivian Field Middle School.

The Meadows Foundation Charitable Schools program challenges high school and middle school students to engage in community service programs and provides cash awards to schools that complete projects planned and executed by the students.

Creekview Student's Artwork Featured on Texas Education Agency Website

Artwork from Susie Choe, Creekview High School student, is featured on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website. The piece is called "Gift from Above." Check it out: www.tea.state.tx.us.

Check It Out: Carrollton Leader News Article: Newman Smith students win $30,000

Star Local News Carrollton Leader News Newman Smith students win $30,000

Kent Elementary Students Enjoy Disco Lunch With Principal

Thompson Staff Members Help at Navidad Holiday Wrap at Fair Park

Thompson Elementary staff volunteered at the Navidad Holiday Wrap in Fair Park. Thompson staff members helped to organize and wrap presents for toy distribution, unpacking boxes, labeling, sorting, and more. Once toys are wrapped then volunteers work in a warehouse environment to sort and label toys. Each volunteer then bundles family bags for pick-up. During Navidad Holiday Wrap, approximately 30,000 gifts are packaged for families in need.

How Precious! La Villita Students Celebrate Winter

How Precious! La Villita students celebrate our winter weather. Remember to check out our Inclement Weather Procedures.

Smith Students Perform at State Physical Education Convention

Newman Smith students presented at the state Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (TAHPERD) Convention. Smith students presented various dances to a live drum line performance.

Smith Reading Initiative Sets Record

The Newman Smith (NSHS) Silent Reading Program, whereby teachers set aside 15-minute somewhere in the school week for students to read, is paying hugh dividends. According to NSHS Librarian Julie Dykes, more students than ever before are now routinely checking out books from the media center. In fact, records show that as of December 7, book checkouts have doubled over the same time period a year ago.

In 2010-11, NSHS students checked out 7.398 books prior to the end of the fall semester. For the same time period this year, students have checked out an impressive 15,265 books. Way to go Smith students!

METSA Students Recognized by Carrollton City Council

Student interns, Brad Michaels, Akash Patel and Winston Tieu, in the Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science Academy (METSA) at R. L. Turner High School were recognized for their hard work and dedication by the Carrollton City Council in December.

La Villita Students Score During First and Goal Reading Initiative

La Villita Elementary just finished their fall reading incentive called First & Goal. Over an eight week period, La Villita students read 224,634 minutes, or as fourth grade math classes figured out, 155 days, 23 hours and 54 minutes. Great work students!

Ranchview Band Achieves Auccess at Region Band Auditions

The Ranchview Band students auditioned for places in the Region 24 All-Region Band. With over 900 students auditioning for 100 available positions, the Ranchview Band students earned 17 positions in the Region. Two students earned 1st Place positions (1st chair), and seven students will advance to Area Auditions in January. Area is the qualifying level for the Texas All-State Band.

The following students earned positions in the All-Region Band:

Justyn An, 10, Clarinet

Jennafer Collins, 12, Clarinet

Peter Kobayashi, 10, Clarinet

Wes Story, 9, Clarinet

Meron Teklu, 11, Clarinet – Advance To Area

Anthony Ezell, 12, Alto-Clarinet

Francis Cooper, 9, Contra-Alto Clarinet – Advance To Area

Min Kang, 10, Alto Saxophone – Advance To Area

Tae Seo, 10, Baritone Saxophone – Advance To Area – 1st Chair

Joey Kim, 10, Trumpet

Shawntel David, 10, French Horn

Arthur Tate, 11, French Horn – Advance To Area

Anthony Sauls, 11, Tenor Trombone

Surgi So, 11, Bass Trombone – Advance To Area – 1st Chair

James Legerme, 11, Euphonium

Sean Kelly, 10, Percussion

Kazuomi Motoike, 10, Percussion – Advance To Area

R. L. Turner Fine Arts Programs Receive Grants

The R. L. Turner Fine Arts programs have received grants from local and statewide organizations.  We appreciate the support of these organizations and businesses.

• Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) donated $5,000 to the Band for Fine Arts Improvement
• Albertson's Community Partners donated $7,500 for Orchestra uniforms
• Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) donated $5,000 for Orchestra instruments

December 2011 School Board Meeting

December 2011 School Board Meeting

Early Release Times for December 15 and 16

The early release days for high school and middle school exams are December 15 and December 16, 2011. The early release schedule for exams is as follows:

• High Schools release at 11:30 a.m.
• Middle Schools release at 12:10 p.m.
• Elementary Schools release at 1 p.m.
• Bea Salazar will release at 10:35 a.m.
• Mary Grimes and Early College High School will not release students early on these days.

Business Group Names its Honor Roll Schools; Four C-FB ISD Schools Make the List

The Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) announced the public schools across the state that earned recognition on the 2011 TBEC Honor Roll. The Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD (C-FB ISD) schools named were Davis Elementary, Kent Elementary La Villita Elementary and McCoy Elementary.

The TBEC Honor Roll is the most prestigious award for sustained, academic excellence in Texas. According to TBEC, of the more than 8,000 Texas public schools less than 4% make the Honor Roll.  

"C-FB ISD has a singular focus: high achievement for all students. This award recognizes the commitment that these campuses have made to academic excellence." said Dr. Bobby Burns, superintendent of schools.

School are recognized for demonstrating three years of consistent, high performance in all subjects compared to other schools serving similar student populations. Honor Roll schools also have the highest percentage of students performing at the state's most rigorous standard - commended- in every subject.

The Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) will recognize the Honor Roll schools for their outstanding academic achievement at its Annual Honor Roll Schools Celebration December 2, 2011 in Dallas.

For more information, visit TBEC Honor Roll. 

C-FB School Board and Ranchview High School Recognize MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church for Business Partnership

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD and Ranchview High School would like to recognize MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church (MBBC) for their involvement in our Partnership-in-Education program. Ranchview principal David Hicks honored MBBC by presenting a plaque at the Dec. 1 School Board Meeting by reading  a thank you letter. It said: 

"All of us at Ranchview are truly blessed to have such a wonderful relationship with MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church. Their constant outreach is an example of what is possible when a public school and a community of caring individuals work together to be partners in the education and welfare of our students. 

I first met the pastors of MBBC in 2006 when they welcomed me to the community as the new principal at Ranchview. Pastor Josh Smith immediately came by the school to offer his support and to dialogue about how his church could support our efforts. 

Since that first meeting, Pastor Smith and his team have allowed our fine arts groups to use their sanctuary for performances and formal auditions, they have opened their doors for our annual PSAT workshop and senior class Baccalaureate service, they have presented our teachers with welcome back gifts and annual appreciation luncheons, and most importantly, they have offered heartfelt prayer for the benefit of our teachers and students. 

Additionally for the last three years, MBBC members have mentored our students through our Communities in Schools program and this year, under the guidance of Associate Pastor Mechling, more than 65 members of the church adopted our varsity football team. In an unprecedented display of community involvement and wearing specially designed t-shirts that sported the numbers of their selected players, church members cooked team meals, cheered wildly, celebrated after wins and encouraged after losses, and filled the stands at both home and away football games. Making such a visible and personal investment in the lives of our youngsters with whom they had no prior relationship is a gift whose future impact is beyond measure and whose value is simply priceless!" 

Accepting this plaque are MacArthur Baptist Associate Pastor Darrin Mechling and Lead Pastor Josh Smith.

December School Board Meeting Photos

Photos from the December 1, 2011 School Board Meeting

Blalack Named Top School in Hoops for Heart Program

Blalack Middle School was named as one of the top 10 schools in the state of Texas for raising money through Hoops for Heart for the American Heart Association. The campus raised $8,086.22. Great job, Blalack students, parents and staff.

9-4A Football All-District Players

9-4A Football All-District Players

Superlatives:
Offensive Sophomore of the Year - David Blough, Creekview
Defensive Sophomore of the Year - Jordan Coleman, Creekview

1st Team Offense
Tripp Abbott,  Newman Smith 

Stephen Buckner, Creekview 

Nick Jefferies, Creekview 

David Vazquez, Newman Smith 

Tyler Lewis, Creekview

1st Team Defense 

Tony Truong, Creekview 

Aaron Brown, Creekview 

Jaquis Jones, Newman Smith 

Corian Lee, Newman Smith 

Nehemiah Davis, Newman Smith 

Chris Weatherd, Creekview 

Jordyn Peeler, Creekview 

John Unaman, RL Turner

2nd Team Offense 

Johnny Jones, Creekview 

Brent Caughron, Creekview 

Adam Harding, Creekview 

Grant Peltier, Creekview

2nd Team Defense 

Meekha Varghese, Newman Smith 

Camryn Cole, Newman Smith

Freddy Poritillo, RL Turner

John Unaman, RL Turner

Miquan Robinson, Creekview 

Ben Higgonbothem, Newman Smith

Jamar Taylor, Creekview                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

All-District Volleyball Awards for C-FB Students

9-4A All-District Honors

Outstanding Blocker – Melissa Gonzalez, Creekview, #5, Senior, RS

Outstanding Setter – Hannah Watson, Wakeland, #8, Senior/Alyssa Desjardins, Creekview, #9, Junior

1st Team:

1. Rachel Kirchner, Creekview, #7, Junior, OH

2. Julie Chrisman, Creekview, #11, Junior, M

3. Kelsey Morrison, Newman Smith, #13, Senior, OH

4. Maggie Vickers, RL Turner, #3, Senior, OH

2nd Team:

1. Morgan Reiner, Creekview, #6, Junior, OH

2. Melanie Zimmerman, Newman Smith, #5, Senior, DS

3. Allison Crawford, Newman Smith, #11, Senior, OH

4. Sydney Brunel, RL Turner, #14, Sophomore, OH

Honorable Mention

1. Ashley Bennett – Creekview

2. Madline Holden – Newman Smith Kellie Barker – R.L. Turner

Ranchview Football Players Make All-District Teams

Several Ranchview football players made All-District teams.

Superlatives:
Julian Abdallah, Newcomer of the Year (Honorable Mention)
Collin Rison, Fighting Heart Award

First Team Offense:
Marcus Wimby, Running Back
Chris Wimby, Wide Receiver
Gibbran Perez, Kicker

Second Team Offense:
Collin Rison, Tight End (Honorable Mention)
Matt Acker, Wide Receiver
Jose Zetino, Offensive Line
Julius Hall, Offensive Line

First Team Defense:
Reggie Clay, Corner Back

Second Team Defense:
Julian Abdallah, Defensive End
Julius Hall, Defensive Line
Gio Amaya, Line Backer
Chris Wimby,  Corner Back
Gibbran Perez, Punter

Carrollton Elementary Students Feed the North Texas Families

Fifth grade gifted students from Carrollton Elementary volunteered at the North Texas Food Bank.  The studnets prepared over 4,900 meals for hungry families of North Texas.

Polk AVID Students Welcoming Home Soldiers at DFW

On Dec. 2, students in the AVID program at Polk Middle School welcomed home troops from across the globe at DFW Airport.

Newman Smith Band Students Advance to Area Competition

Newman Smith band students named to one of the Region 24 AAAA performance ensembles:

Nelson Acosta-tuba

Mariel Flores-contra bass clarinet

Davin Hadley-bass trombone

Eduardo Rocha-trumpet

Sebastian Alvarez-trumpet

Greg Fielder-trumpet

Tony Fuentes-trumpet

Jose Teran-tenor sax

Rachel Bennett-flute

John Mendoza-trombone

Josh Boyer-bassoon

Zach Fink-bassoon

Lonzell Arrington-baritone

Hiep Nguyen-french horn

Clay Hensley-french horn

Also, four members will go on to the AREA competition and compete for a spot in the coveted Texas All-State Band. Those members are:

Nelson Acosta

Davin Hadley

Josh Boyer

Lonzell Arrington

Got Bucks?

Gently Used Book Sale "Book Bucks" are $5 gift cards redeemable for merchandise at the Gently Used Book Sale in February. They make great gifts for teachers, friends and relatives, but don't forget to load up on some for yourself!

You can order Book Bucks online at www.GentlyUsedBookSale.org. 

OR...you can purchase Book Bucks from several Gently Used Book Sale committee members (email BookBucks@GentlyUsedBookSale.org for a list).

They will be mailed to you for you to distribute to your recipients. We accept payment through PayPal, but you do not need a PayPal account to purchase Bucks with a credit card.

June R. Thompson Food Drive

The June R. Thompson Elementary School donated 435 cans of food to Metrocrest Social Services.

Kent Pre-K Enjoys Thanksgiving Luncheon

On Nov. 17, Pre-K students at Kent Elementary enjoyed a Thanksgiving themed luncheon, including a pie they mixed and baked themselves.

McCoy Colonial Day 2011

Colonial Day is a 5th grade tradition at McCoy for over 25 years. Students dress in period clothing, engage in colonial period games, food and craft activities.

Rainwater Students Make Video on Bullying

On Nov. 18, students at Rainwater Elementary saw a student-made video drama on Bullying. Actors in the video then discussed their roles. Students also sang songs and celebrated November birthdays.

Creekview Applied Academics Honors Veterans with Flag Ceremony

Creekview's Applied Academics honored Bill Hill and Officer Kevin Stiles during a Flag Raising Ceremony on Veterans Day. During the week of Nov. 11, the students studied about the five branches of the military service, how to honor veterans and how to treat the flag respectfully.

Freshman, Matthew Werneke (pictured), helped with the flag raising and folding. The group was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by junior Noemi Gonzalez.

Good Elementary Staff Sign Steel Beam Used in New School Construction

On Nov. 28, staff at Good Elementary signed a steel I-beam which will be visible  to students and staff inside the school once the new building is completed.

Trojan Boys Beat Bishop Lynch at Swim Meet

On Nov. 17, Trojan Swim Team captain, senior JJ Echaniz, broke his own record in the 500 Freestyle competition as Newman Smith hosted Bishop Lynch. The Trojan boys won the meet 100-49, setting a winning record of 4 wins, 3 losses. Enchaniz also won the 100 Breast-stroke, while Adrien Lewis took the 200 IM.

Naomi Mizuno and Gerri Bergman, swimmers in the Trojan Girls' team, won the 100 Breast and 100 Back respectively, while Bryn Smernoff took two second place finishes. Jacki Brewer, who dropped time in two events to qualify for next week's Frisco Invitational. For her efforts, Brewer was named the team's fifth "Athlete of the Week."

Frisco Invitational Qualifiers: Adrien Lewis, JJ Echaniz, Eric Drake, Andrew Rivera, Zac Carver, Gerri Bergman, Naomi Mizuno, Jacki Brewer, Katie Swanson (relay)

4A TISCA Qualifiers: Adrien Lewis (100 Breast, 200 IM), Gerri Bergman (100 Back, 100 Fly, 200 IM, 50 Free, 100 Free, 500 Free, 100 Breast), Girls 200 Free Relay, Boys 200 Free Relay, Bryn Smernoff (200 Free), Naomi Mizuno (100 Breast, 200 IM), JJ Echaniz (100 Breast, 200 IM, 500 Free), Boys 200 Medley Relay

Trojan Debaters Win Tournament & Qualify for State

On Nov. 19, the Newman Smith Debate Team competed at the Granbury Tournament, winning the tournament in two events and adding 3 more qualifications for the State Championship Tournament.

Individual results are as follows:

Michael Schrag -1st place Congressional Debate. Michael is now qualified for State in two events.

Tanya Rajan & Diana Pop- 1st place Public Forum Debate. Rajan is now qualified for State in three events. Pop is now qualified in two events.

Sarah Grace Withers- 3rd place Lincoln Douglas Debate. Withers is now qualified for State in this event.

Cody Yao, Michael Schrag and Sarah Grace Withers were all in the semifinals of Extemporaneous Speaking.

Newman Smith Student Wins $30,000 Entrepreneurship Award

Newman Smith’s International Business Academy student, J. J. Echaniz, teamed with six peers from the Texas Academy of Mathematics & Science to win the New Venture Creation Contest from the Murphy Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of North Texas.

J. J. and his team members were the first high school group to win the New Venture Creation Contest in the prestigious entrepreneurship competition. They received the grand prize of $30,000 for the development of their winning project, "Forward Tutoring!"
More details

Gift Wrapping to Support Creekview Post Prom

Need help wrapping gifts? Support Creekview Post Prom and let Creekview help wrap your gifts on December 3 or 10 from 12 noon - 6 p.m.  Santa's Helper Supporting Creekview Post Prom

Ranchview and Freeman Join Together to Help Feed the Homeless in Irving

The Freeman Elementary Student Council, in partnership with the Ranchview High School Student Council, participated in a Peanut Butter and Jelly drive for the Irving homeless.

Freeman collected 183 jars of peanut butter, 139 jars of jelly, 84 loaves of bread, and 51 boxes of sandwich bags. Both groups of student council members made 2,790 PB&J sandwiches for the Irving community.

Congratulations to the students at Freeman and Ranchview for collecting the necessary ingredients and making  sandwiches. We are proud of your community involvement - You are truly making a difference in our neighborhoods.

C-FB Receives Two Gold Performance Acknowledgments

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) awarded C-FB ISD with two Gold Performance Acknowledgments (GPA).  The GPA system recognizes districts for high performance on indicators other than those used to determine accountability ratings. 

C-FB ISD received awards for high achievement in the number of College-Ready Graduates and the number of students earning Commended Performance on the Social Studies state exams.  Congratulations students and staff. 

Check Out Creekview's Jewelry, Ceramics On Carrollton's Square

Visit the Carrollton Downtown Square, 1102 W. Main Street, Carrollton on Sat., Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to purchase jewelry and ceramics made by student artists in the Creekview High School Jewelry and  Ceramics classes.

The students will be selling their beautiful jewelry and functional ceramic pieces.  Students and their teachers invite you to also come and see some snow as you view some hand-crafted "one of kind" jewelry and ceramics!

Kent Third Grade Choir Celebrates Thanksgiving 2011

On Nov. 16, third grade choir students at Kent Elementary sang for classmates and parents in patriotic and Thanksgiving-themed attire.

Stark Grows "Starkie," the Giant Zucchini

The Janie Stark Garden was dedicated on Apr. 22, 2011 and was built by the Stark PTA and Dad's Club. The garden is maintained by P.E. instructor, Coach M. Coach M. tended the garden up to 4 days a week during the summer to water and prune each bed.  Students and staff celebrated when Coach M. discovered one of their plants had produced an 18-inch-long, 7 pound zucchini - affectionately known as "Starkie."

Interested in IB or an Academy?

Correction: Information for parents of 8th graders at 7 pm on Nov. 15 and Dec. 1 at the Technology and Learning Center, Room 120, 2427 Carrick Street in Farmers Branch.  More information here.

High School Academies:

C-FB ISD is recognized as an innovative leader in learning. We have earned this recognition by offering state of the art technology for teachers and students as well as special programs for academic enrichment. We are proud to offer a full range of special programs designed to suit the needs of all of our students. 

Academy of BioMedical Professions
Academy for Media Arts and Technology
International Business Academy
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Law and Criminal Justice Academy
Math, Engineering, Technology and Science Academy

Check out our event dates calendar for more information regarding student and parent presentations about C-FB Academies. 

Middle School UIL One Act Play Competition

The Middle School One Act Play Competition is Sat., Dec. 3 at Newman Smith High School beginning at 1 p.m.

All six middle schools will be competing in this event. 

 Performance order: 

1 p.m. Blalack - "The Bridge to Terabithia" 

2 p.m. Bush - "Step on a Crack" 

3 p.m. Field - "Ruby's Story" 

4 p.m. Perry - "The Great Pandemonium" 

5 p.m. Polk - "The Girl in the Mirror" 

6 p.m. Long - "The Taming of the Shrew"

Middle School One Act Flyer

Brown Bag Seminar On November 30

The district’s diversity committee has scheduled its first brown bag lunch seminar for Wed., Nov. 30 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Room H125 on the Brookhaven College campus, 3939 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch.  The focus of Wednesday's seminar will be on racial/ethnic diversity.

This seminar is the first of a lecture series planned for the year. The community is invited to attend.  For more information, please contact Early College High School principal Rosie Oliveira.

Creekview Teacher Brian Horn Receives Texas Humanities Award 2011

Humanities Texas is pleased to announce that Brian Horn of Carrollton has been named a recipient of the 2011 Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award. Matt Jack, district communications and outreach representative for U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant, and Humanities Texas Board Member Paula Peters
presented Dr. Horn with his award on Wed., Nov. 16, at Creekview High School.

Humanities Texas presents these awards annually to Texas classroom teachers who have made exemplary contributions in teaching, curriculum development and extracurricular programming. Nearly two hundred and thirty teachers across the state were nominated for the 2011 awards.

Press Release: Carrollton Teacher Wins Statewide Award
 

Field Middle School Celebrates Veterans Day 2011

On Nov. 15, faculty & students welcomed veterans and celebrated Veterans Day with patriotic songs and other festivities. Visiting students and staff from Russia were also in attendance, and spoke concerning a similar celebration in their country.

Blalack Middle School Celebrates Veterans Day

On 11/11/11, Blalack Middle School celebrated Veterans Day, inviting veterans and first responders to attend. The Blalack Honor Band, Choir & Orchestra performed.

Stark Elementary Grandparent Lunch 2011

On 11/11/11, Stark Elementary invited parents, grandparents and veterans to join students during their lunch period.

Lady Trojan Basketball Teams Win Championships

This past weekend the Lady Trojan Varsity and Junior Varsity Basketball teams traveled to the Haltom Tournament. The Varsity had a very strong showing beating Haltom 27-56, Arlington, Heights 35-50, and Paschal 20-51. The Varsity went 3-0 in the tournament, taking home the Championship trophy. 

Senior Kiara Perry and sophomore Kaelin Montgomery were selected to the All-Tournament team.

The Junior Varsity also dominated their division by beating Haltom 35-45, Arlington Heights 20-42, and Paschal 21-44. Like the Varsity, the JV swept the competition and are the Haltom Tournament JV Champions.

Creekview Wrestling Takes Skyline Invitational

Creekview Wrestling team won the Skyline Invitational Wrestling Tournament.  The teams participating were  Creekview, Highland Park, Grand Prairie, Skyline, Wylie East, Lovejoy, Trinity Christian, Western Hills, Paschal, Molina, and Sunset.

Individual Results 

Smith Wrestlers Place at Arlington Invitational

Newman Smith Wrestlers got off to a good start at the Arlington Invitational. On varsity, JD Kennedy 138 and Kevin Herrera 220 took third place.

On Junior Varsity, Steven Gunel (220) placed first, Cyle Yoder (113), Ari Dinsmore (120) and Markus Smith (145) placed second, Jonathan Ong (145), and Cristian Don Juan (152) placed third.

Trojan Swimmers Break School Records

Chalk up another school record-breaking swim for JJ Echaniz. The senior captain held off a charging Adrien Lewis in the final length to lower his own mark in the 500 Free as Newman Smith played host to Bishop Lynch this week. The Trojan boys earned a convincing victory (100-49) to establish a winning record of 4 wins and 3 losses. In other events, Echaniz won the 100 Breast, while Lewis took the 200 IM. The girls’ team lost to a strong Bishop Lynch squad (116-58), but Naomi Mizuno and Gerri Bergman won the 100 Breast and 100 Back respectively, while Bryn Smernoff managed a pair of second place finishes. Also notable was the performance of sophomore Jacki Brewer, who dropped time in two events to qualify for next week’s Frisco Invitational. For her efforts, Brewer was named the team’s fifth “Athlete of the Week”.

Frisco Invitational Qualifiers: Adrien Lewis, JJ Echaniz, Eric Drake, Andrew Rivera, Zac Carver, Gerri Bergman, Naomi Mizuno, Jacki Brewer, Katie Swanson (relay)

4A TISCA Qualifiers: Adrien Lewis (100 Breast, 200 IM), Gerri Bergman (100 Back, 100 Fly, 200 IM, 50 Free, 100 Free, 500 Free, 100 Breast), Girls 200 Free Relay, Boys 200 Free Relay, Bryn Smernoff (200 Free), Naomi Mizuno (100 Breast, 200 IM), JJ Echaniz (100 Breast, 200 IM, 500 Free), Boys 200 Medley Relay

Two Records Fall As Wolpack Boys' Swim Team Earn First Victory

Ranchview swimmer Sinjin Venegas broke his own school mark in the 500 Free, then teamed up with Kazuomi Motoike, Eric Arumugam and newcomer Tyler Rozelle to smash the school record in the 400 Free Relay as Ranchview played host to Bishop Lynch this week. The boys’ team won its first dual meet of the season by the slimmest of margins (60-59). Venegas also won the 200 Free and Motoike was third in the 100 Back. The girls’ team lost to Bishop Lynch 126-44, but Sarah Rovi won the 500 Free and became the second Wolf to qualify for the 4A TISCA Championship in December. The team recognizes Madison Worrell for her continued improvement, which has earned her a trip to Frisco next weekend for the Frisco Invitational. Worrell was named the team’s fifth “Athlete of the Week”.

Frisco Invitational Qualifiers: Kazuomi Motoike, Sarah Rovi, Madison Worrell, Lauren Naylor, Cinthya Ponce

4A TISCA Qualifiers: Kazuomi Motoike (100 Fly), Sarah Rovi (500 Free), Ilya LeBoulch (Diving)

Time Warner Cable Supports RLT FIRST Robotics Competition Team

Time Warner Cable awarded the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team at R. L. Turner a $1,000 grant for their 2012 competition season.  C-FB and RLT want to thank Time Warner Cable and FIRST in Texas for their generous support of the program.

More about FRC

Creekview Orchestra Student Named to All-State Group

Creekview High School had three extremely talented young musicians advance to the Area stage for All-State Orchestra: Samantha Guu, Josh Choe, and Jaibock Lee.

Junior Samantha Guu was selected into the All-State Symphony Orchestra and ranked 15th overall in the State of Texas. The process starts with thousands of students coveting a spot in this prestigious organization and is whittled down to 72 violinists.

Trojan Debater Wins Awards at Tournament

On Oct. 29, Newman Smith debater Michael Schrag competed at the Plano West Speech Tournament and placed 1st in U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking, 3rd in Congressional Debate and reached semi-finals in Dramatic Interpretation. The combined effort earned Schrag the Inaugural Richard Holland Memorial Award and gave the Trojans the sweepstakes trophy for "squad efficiency." Schrag is now qualified for the TFA State Tournament in March. On Oct. 22, Schrag also took 3rd place in U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking and was a finalist in Congressional Debate at the Guyer Speech Tournament.

Upcoming Holiday Schedule

Please remember:

• Nov. 21-22 are Student Holidays
• Nov. 23-25 are District Holidays - All campuses and district offices are closed.

We wish you a safe holiday and look forward to seeing you back at school on Mon., Nov. 28. 

Check Out Our Campus Report to Communities

Campuses in C-FB ISD have created a Report to the Community to keep our families and community members informed about our campuses.  These reports provide a quick look at accolades, demographics, facts and information pertinent to the campus. We encourage you to read and share the information about your child's campus. 

Early College High School Student Tour

Eighth grade students interested in learning about the Early College High School Program at Brookhaven College are invited to tour the ECHS facilities this Thurs., Nov. 10. Parents are to drop students off at Building S on the Brookhaven campus at 8 a.m. with a signed permission slip. ECHS will also host a Parent Information Meeting at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 in Building P on the Brookhaven campus. For more information, please call 972-968-6200.

24th Annual District Math Competition

Students throughout the District in grades 3, 4 & 5 will compete for ribbons, medals and trophies in either the Team Problem Solving Competition or the Individual Competition of the 24th Annual District Math Competition on Sat, Nov. 12, 9am – 12pm at Creekview High School 3201 Old Denton Road in Carrollton. The Awards Ceremony is at 11:00 am in the large gym at Creekview. Good luck to the students competing in this event.

Check out photos from last year's event.

Smith Cross Country Runners Place at Regional Championships

Smith runners Danny Debes and Garrett McCarthy competed in the UIL Region 2 Cross Country Championship held on Sat., Nov. 5, at Vandergriff Park in Arlington, TX. Newman Smith Junior Danny Debes placed 12th and Senior Garrett McCarthy placed 133rd.

Smith Band Places at State Marching Competition

Newman Smith, one of the top 24 4A Marching Bands in Texas, finished 14th overall at the UIL State Marching Band competition. This is the Smith marching band's second consecutive trip to state.

Congratulations to the students and band directors Andy Rein, Robert Parks, Trevor Kay and Tamara Coalson.

Ranchview Volleyball Players Receive Honors

Ranchview Representation on 2011 12-3A All-District Volleyball Team

MVP: Shannon Lynch, Sr.
Offensive of the Year: Alison Mauch, Jr.
Libero of the Year: Makenzie Francis
Setter of the Year: Emily Adkins, Jr.
Coach of the Year: Michael Kuban

1st Team All- District:
Ali Mauch, Jr.
Emily Adkins, Jr.
Makenzie Francis, Sr.
Shannon Lynch, Sr.

2nd Team All-District:
Daisy Kang, Sr.
Antonisha Stewart, Jr.
Audra LaCroix, Sr.
Asia Bell, Soph.