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.