Accolades Abound in C-FB ISD

Students and staff in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD are simply amazing! Each and every day, they are achieving at high levels. Our students are setting the bar high and continuing the soar past it. In the classroom, on the field and in state and national competitions, our students are shining bright.

We encourage you to check out all the great accolades about our students and staff.

• Check out our Accolades section of our website.
• You can also follow updates about Accolades on Facebook or Twitter.
• Or you can sign up for our e-newsletters.
• And remember to check out our photos celebrating our students and schools on Flickr.

You can always submit an Accolade about a student or staff member through our Spotlight Form.

C-FB Hosts 2012 District 16 JV Wrestling Championships

The 2012 District 16 JV Wrestling Championships will be held at Creekview High School on February 15 beginning at 2 p.m.  Come out and support C-FB wrestlers.

NSHS "The Sound of Music" Dress Rehearsal 2012

Newman Smith High School Performing Arts will be presenting the musical, "The Sound of Music," to the stage Jan. 26, 27 & 28 in the Pauline Keeton Smith Performing Arts Center
General Admission Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for Adults in advanced and can be purchased in the main office before or after school. Tickets will be available at the door for $12. All reserved tickets are $12.

Ranchview Swimming Team Ends Dual Season With Wins

Ranchview’s swimming and diving team picked up a total of five wins in the last dual meet of the 2011-2012 season. Sarah Rovi, Ilya LeBoulch, Kazuomi Motoike and Lauren Naylor all picked up top three finishes in their events as the boys beat North Garland (126-121) and South Garland (139-20). The girls added three victories over North Garland (157-0), South Garland (157-0) and TCA (153-85). Principal David Hicks was on hand to wish the departing seniors farewell on “Senior Recognition Night”. The team honored Lauren Naylor, Cameron Leet, Rebecca Segien, Cinthya Ponce and Tyler Rozelle. Freshman Damaris Villalobos was named the team’s tenth “Athlete of the Week” for her consistent effort and improvement this season.

ECHS Gives Back to the Community

At the end of December, about 50 of ECHS students partnered with the Brookhaven Police Department and Brookhaven Student Government for an Angel Tree project for the Hope House. ECHS students purchased, wrapped and delivered presents for 300 children at the Outreach Program as well as 200 children and family members for the Hope House. With the success of this program, ECHS looks forward to making this an annual event.

Smith Female Athletes Named to Academic All-State Teams

On January 19, the Texas Girls Coaches Association announced its Academic All-State selections for various sports.

NSHS's Academic All-State members for 2012 are:
Melanie Zimmerman (volleyball)
Kelsey Morrison (volleyball)
Monica Borrego (cross-country)

Smith Debaters Qualify for State

Congratulations to the Newman Smith Debate Team for qualifying six students for the Texas Forensic Association State Championship this spring in Amarillo.

Qualifying for state in March are:
Tanya Rajan
Diana Pop
Michael Schrag
Jenny Pham
Sarah Grace Withers
Sammy Winstel

Creekview Academic Decathlon Team Advances to State

At the Region IX Academic Decathlon Competition this past weekend, the Creekview team earned 16 medals including the top scoring varsity student in the region, Caleb Webb (gold) and top scoring scholastic student Tiffany Lam (Silver).  The team also qualified for the state tournament in San Antonio.  The team is currently ranked 17 in the state.

Rosie the Therapy Dog Visits Rosemeade Elementary

On Jan. 19, a therapy dog named Rosie, visited students at Rosemeade Elementary along with her trainer. Students were taught the difference between guide dogs, other assistive dogs and therapy dogs.

Carrollton Elementary Students Play on Jungle Gym 2012

Students at Carrollton Elementary play on the jungle gym in this unusually warm day in January.

RLT Receives $7500 Grant from Albertson's

On Jan. 20, Albertson's presented a $7500 grant to R. L. Turner High School Orchestra Boosters.

Volunteers Help Stark Students in "Study Buddy" Program

Stark Elementary hosts a "Study Buddy" program after school, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Residents from Emeritus Senior Living Community and other volunteers spend an hour with students, helping them with reading and other skills.

Follow C-FB ISD on Pinterest

Check out some great ideas for learning on this new social media platform.

Check Out the Latest Creekview Boys' Soccer News

Creekview soccer provides video and statistical information about games and tournaments for the fans.  Check it out at  http://www.eteamz.com/creekviewsoccer/news/.

 

Creekview Wrestling Places First at East Side Wrestling Tournament

The Creekview Wrestling team placed first at the East Side Wrestling Tournament beating out opponents like St. Marks, Plano, McKinney, Wylie and others.

Individual Varsity Results:
Jorge Santos, 1st
Chris Richardson, 1st
Issac Salinas, 1st and voted Tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler
Elijah Cook, 1st
Isaac Bolivar, 1st
Bryce Dickson, 2nd
Brandon White, 2nd
Christian Schneider, 3rd
Max Gove, 3rd
Colton Palmer, 3rd

Individual JV Results:
Tanner Jones, 1st
John Redd, 1st
Chase Darden, 2nd
Mark Anthony Lopez, 3rd
Markus Smith, 3rd

Turner Girls' Basketball Success over Frisco

The Turner Varsity Girls' basketball came out strong in the 1st quarter 15-4 and held the lead the rest of the game to win 60-55 over Frisco. Leading the way for the Lady Lions was Rebekah Carrera with 17 points and Angela Nguyen with 13 points. Next up, the Lady Lions will be playing Creekview.

The J. V. Lady Lions played a close game against Frisco last Friday and came out victorious. Turner dug down deep and pulled out a win by playing tough defense and by being smart on offense. The high point tonight was Laura Gerenscer with eight points.

The Freshmen Lady Lions crushed the Frisco Lady Raccoons 47-27. The Lady Lions are now 7-2 in district play. Players of the game are: Olivia Rodriguez with 22 points and Palma Rodriguez with eight points.

Turner Boys' Soccer Reaches Milestone

The Turner Boys' soccer team reached a milestone this week.  The team won the soccer program's 300th  match since 1990. The program's current record is 302-150-53.

4th Annual Creekview High School Coaches vs. Cancer Basketball Games

Friday, January 27 is a special night for the Creekview Boys’ and Girls’ basketball programs as they will be hosting Frisco Liberty in our 4th Annual Coaches vs. Cancer basketball game. Not only will the Mustangs be defeating the Redhawks on the court, but they will be raising money all night to help defeat a terrible disease that has affected so many of us. 

Game times are:

Main Gym:

5:00 pm – JV Boys

6:30 pm – Varsity Girls

8:00 pm – Varsity Boys

South Gym:

5:00 pm – JV Girls

6:30 pm – 9th Boys

8:00 pm – 9th Girls

Support C-FB Fine Arts Musicals

We encourage you to support our Fine Arts programs by attending one of our high school musicals.

• Newman Smith presents "Sound of Music," Jan. 26-28, 2012. More information about dates, times, location and cost. 

Check out the great things people are saying about C-FB ISD

Parent Testimonial:
“What my family values most about Creekview is the caring faculty who give so generously of their time and energy to make our students the best that they can be. Whether it is in the classroom, in the sports arena, at a club activity, or in the hallway between classes, our teachers are always there for our sons and daughters; and our students know they always have someone to go to whether it be for an academic or personal issue. As a parent, it means the world to know that someone is always looking out for my kids!”

• Read what parents, staff, students, alumni and community members are saying about C-FB ISD
• Share your own story about C-FB ISD
• View testimonials about C-FB ISD on video

Newman Smith Band Members Selected for Texas All-State Band

The following members of the Newman Smith High School (NSHS) band have been selected to participate in prestigious Texas All State Band:

• Diego Ramirez. 5A Tuba
• Davin Hadley, 4A Bass Trombone

Also, congratulations to Lonzell Arrington, baritone, Josh Boyer, bassoon, and Nelson Acosta, tuba. These students finished 2nd at the State Band auditions. 

The following NSHS students were selected to the Region 24 Freshman band:
Peter Ayala-alto sax
Chris Lee-alto sax
Ricardo Aguilar-clarinet
Andrew Wolfe-tuba
Kim Goold-clarinet

The NSHS band placed the following students in region band this year:
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

Have you noticed something different about Innovation Details and Focus Points?

C-FB ISD is working on an advertising project through the district’s two e-newsletters, Innovation Details and Focus Points. As a way to generate new revenue, the district is working with a company, News for My School, to sell ad space in our e-newsletters to a few local businesses. We encourage you to sign up for Innovation Details and Dr. Burns’ Focus Points.

• Sign up for the district's e-newsletters (Innovation Details and Focus Points) to stay in the know - www.cfbisd.edu/enews
• Send us information for Innovation Details because we are looking for bright spots! www.cfbisd.edu/spotlight 

If you would like to advertise in our e-newsletters, through the district's Facebook or Twitter accounts, or discuss other advertising options, contact News For My School at info@newsformyschool.com or call 214-620-2091.

Three Ranchview Students To Perform In All-State Band

MinJai Kang, Tae Seo, Surgi So, and Meron Teklu, members of the Ranchview High School Wind Ensemble, will perform with the Texas All-State Band in San Antonio, Sat., Feb. 11 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as part of the 2012 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention.



Meron Teklu, Surgi So, Minjai Kang, and Tae Seo



They were chosen for this honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at District, Region and Area levels. All of the students play in the Ranchview Wind Ensemble under the direction of Chuck Moon and Galen Cook.

High school students selected to perform in the All-State concerts have competed through several levels of auditions beginning in the fall of 2011 to arrive at the state level. All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. Over 1,500 students are selected through a process that began with over 60,000 students from around the state vying for this honor to perform in one of 13 ensembles, which include  bands, orchestras and choirs.

Texas Music Educators Association sponsors the Texas All-State competition. This competitive process begins throughout the state in auditions hosted by 28 TMEA Regions. Individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. From this ranking, a select group of musicians advances from their Region to compete against musicians from other areas in seven TMEA Area competitions. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in a TMEA All-State music group.

Educational Foundation 2011-2012 “Employee Giving Campaign”

The mission of the Educational Foundation :
* Promote academic excellence
* Stimulate creative thinking
* Encourage innovation
* Broaden life experiences
* Enrich classroom teaching

Creekview High School Wins Traveling Trophy 

Congratulations to Creekview HS Principal Joe LaPuma, faculty and employees for winning the 2010-2011 employee giving campaign traveling trophy in the high school division.

The trophy and a $250 campus award are given annually to the high school with the highest increase in payroll deductions. There is also friendly competition among elementary schools, middle schools and service centers.

Creekview HS raised $7,558 during the employee giving campaign, with 73% of the school’s 170-faculty and employees participating.

Over $82,000 was given by C-FB ISD employees during the employee giving campaign, which is held each October. These proceeds are used by the C-FB ISD Educational Foundation to fund scholarships for graduating seniors, teacher grants and campus awards.

Thanks to all who participated!

C-FB Students and Staff Participated in the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade

Creekview Junior Chosen to Attend National Civic Leadership Academy with the Civil Air Patrol

Creekview junior, James Gulliksen, is one of 24 Civil Air Patrol Cadets chosen to attend the National Civic Leadership Academy in Washington D.C. held Feb 25 – March 3.

Turner Boys' Soccer Team Wins First Tournament of the Season

This past weekend the R. L. Turner Boys' soccer team won the C-FB ISD Winter Invitational Tournament for the third consecutive year with a come from behind 3-2 victory over Mesquite Poteet. The boys defeated Arlington HS 2-0, Mansfield Summit 4-1, Wylie East 3-0 and Mesquite Poteet 3-2 in the final. The Turner Boys' soccer team now have six championships and one runner up in their last eight tournaments dating back two years.

METSA Students Won Best Presentation at T-STEM Student Exhibition

On Saturday, four OF METSA's IGNITE (aerospace program) students presented their project "One Mile, One Pound Payload Rocket" at the T-STEM Student Exhibition - University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. R. L. Turner juniors, Tripp Illingworth and Jawaad Gadhia, received the award for Best Presentation.

Turner Powerlifters Place at First Tournament of the Season

The R. L. Turner Lions Powerlifting Team competed at the Keller Timber Creek High School Powerlifting Meet. Here are the results:

Girls':

• Vanessa De La Rosa (114 Wt. Class) - Placed 2nd with a total of 460lbs 
• Becky Rosales (165 Wt. Class) - Placed 3rd with a total of 430lbs

Boys':

• David Portillo (181 Wt. Class) - Placed 2nd with a total of 990lbs
• Chris Zapata (148 Wt. Class) - Finished with a total of 700lbs
• Eric Rosales (165 Wt. Class) - Finished with a total of 750lbs
• Fernando Perez (220 Wt. Class) - Finished with a total of 940lbs
• Luis Triano (220 Wt. Class) - Finished with a total of 805lbs
• Jonathan Delvalle (242 Wt. Class) - Finished with a total of 845lbs
• David Fridae (242 Wt. Class) - Finished with a total 805lb

Creekview Wrestlers Ranked in Region

The Creekview wrestling teams competed at:

• Trinity Christian Academy - Boys' Varsity and JV Tournament 
• Bishop Dunne - Girls' Tournament 

Creekview Wrestling Results: 
The Boys' Varsity placed third out of 12 teams.  

• Elijah Cook - 1st place and  named tournament's most outstanding wrestler for the second year in a row. Elijah defeated the #1 ranked wrestler in the region in the finals.
• Jorge Santos - 2nd place and currently ranked fifth in our region 
• Bryce Dickson - 2nd place and currently ranked second in our region 
• Isaac Bolivar - 2nd place and currently ranked sixth in our region 
• Brandon White - 2nd place 
• Colton Palmer - 2nd place 
• Max Gove - 3rd place 
• Tanner Jones - 4th place 

Boys' JV :

• Mark Anthony Lopez - 1st place 
• Chase Darden - 1st place 
• Bryan Bunt - 1st place 
• Christian Schneider - 2nd place 
• Jonathan Lemus - 3rd place

Girls' Varsity placed fourth out of 17 teams.

• Bobbi Navarrete - 1st place and currently ranked second in the region
• Leah Olquin - 1st place and currently ranked 1st in our region 
• Chloe Salomon - 4th place 

Creekview Powerlifter Takes First Place at First Meet of the Year

This past Saturday, the Creekview Powerlifting team competed in the first meet of the season at Timber Creek High School in Keller. The following placed in their respective weight classes:

Boys':

Chris Alcantar – 3rd place, 132 lbs.

Savon Logan – 4th place, 123 lbs.

Roberto Parra – 5th place, 123 lbs.

Josh Garcias – 8th place, 198 lbs.

Girls':

Courtney Duncan – 1st place, 198 lbs and 3rd place for outstanding lifter of the meet

Creekview Speech Wins Big at Tournament

Over the weekend, the Creekview Speech Team competed at the Winston Churchill Speech and Debate tournament. With 70 schools competing, Creekview placed first.

Individual placings were:

• Maria Lozano-Dramatic, 7th place 
• Maria Lozano & Jasmine Speight-Duet Acting, 7th place 
• Michael Ferguson-Dramatic, 6th place 
• Brigid Ludwig-Poetry, 6th place 
• Kevin Kehl & Andrew McVay-Duet Acting, 5th place 
• Kevin King-Oratory, 4th place 
• Kevin Kehl & Patrick Lyons-Duo Interp, 1st place 
• Kevin King-Poetry, 1st place 
• Kevin King-Dramatic, 1st place 

Along with the student’s success coach Robert Shepard received the 2012 Kandi King Award for Excellence in Coaching. More about this award: Karen “Kandi” King retired from Winston Churchill High School in 2010 after one of the most successful coaching careers in the history of speech and debate. Ms. King dedicated her life to forensics and did much more than just help students win local, state and national championships, she helped students become better people. The presentation of the Kandi King Award for Excellence in Coaching is to a coach who not only helps students succeed in competition but in life.

January School Board Meeting Recognition

Congratulations to the VIP honorees:

• Mary Michaels, Freeman Elementary School 
• Melody Adams, Furneaux Elementary School 
• Vickie Severs, Landry Elementary School 
• Valarie Haislet, Mary Grimes Education Center 
• Ashley Bonilla, Bea Salazar Education Center

Texas School Board Recognition Month: Governor of Texas Rick Perry designated January as School Board Recognition Month. This month gives us an opportunity to thank our School Board members for devoting their time and energy to public education. The Carrollton-Farmers Branch School Board makes decisions based on our district’s goal of high achievement for all students, and what they believe is right for students. They are committed to the success of all students in our district. The Administration Building has been decorated with artwork and displays from many of our schools. This is just one way that our students show how much they appreciate the work of these seven elected officials.

The cast of Newman Smith’s Sound of Music performed a special number for the School Board in honor of School Board Recognition Month. We invite you to go see Sound of Music Jan. 26-28 at Newman Smith.

Creekview Swimmers and Divers Make Waves at TISCA Swim Meet

Creekview swimmers and divers did very well this past weekend at the North Texas 4A TISCA Invitational in Frisco.
Results were as follows:

Divers:

Brandon Alexander, 3rd place

Wes Alexander, 8th place

Sarrie Zinszer, 4th place

Swimmers:

Matt Sullivan set a new school record for the 50 yard freestyle with a time of 22.10 in prelims.  he placed second in the finals with a time of 22.26.

Relays:

Women's 200 Freestyle, 17th place: Jacobi Geier, Hannah Revelle, Jeanne Yoo, Sarrie Zinszer

Men's 200 Medley, 13th place: Connor Kehl, Travis Mayfield, Matt Sullivan, Mark Mathews

Men's 200 Freestyle, 8th place: Connor Kehl, Travis Mayfield, Mark Mathews, Matt Sullivan

Newman Smith Basketball Hosts Pink Out Game

Newman Smith will be hosting a Pink Out Hoops For The Cure on Friday, Jan. 20.  Newman Smith takes on Frisco Wakeland. Games start at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Donations can be made on site. T-shirts will also be on sale at the game. 

Blalack Varsity Men’s Choir Selected to Perform at State Convention

The Blalack Middle School Varsity Men’s Choir has been invited to sing at the 2012 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Conference in San Antonio. The boys will also perform their TMEA concert at St. Andrews United Methodist Church on Thurs., Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. You are invited to attend this incredible evening of great music and to support these talented C-FB ISD musicians.

Ranchview Swimmers Place at C-FB New Year's Classic Invitational

Sinjin Venegas and Ilya Le’Boulch led the Ranchview Wolves swim team with two top10 finishes (100 Free and Diving) at the C-FB New Year’s Classic Invitational. More than 30 teams from as far away as Houston participated in one of the fastest meets ever held at C-FB. The girls’ team finished in an impressive 12th place, while the boys grabbed 14th overall. Freshman Chloe Bennett was the most improved swimmer for Ranchview, dropping almost 15 seconds in her 500 Free. She dropped another 4 seconds in her 200 Free and is named the team’s ninth “Athlete of the Week”.

Newman Smith Wrestlers Perform Well at District Duals

Newman Smith wrestlers competed at Frisco High School in the District Duals.  JD Kennedy won six out of seven matches. Kevin Herrera and freshman Ari Dinsmore won four out of seven matches. Enya Hernandez surprised the other schools as Smith’s first female wrestler by beating three out of three girls by pins.

Lionettes to Host Dance Clinic for Elementary and Middle School Students

The R. L. Turner Lionettes will be holding a dance clinic for girls in grades Kindergarten – grade 8 on:

Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at R. L. Turner High School Cafeteria

The cost of the clinic is $25.00 which includes a t-shirt and pom poms.  Each participant will learn the proper technique for stretching, pom cadences along with dance and drill team skills. The girls are also invited to participate in the half-time show at the RLT Lions basketball game. More information on registration: Flyer

Time Warner Cable Supports R. L. Turner FIRST Team

Time Warner Cable and Connect a Million Minds contributed $1,000 to the R. L. Turner FIRST Robotics team.

The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a unique varsity sport of the mind designed to help high school students discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineers and scientists can be. This competition stages short games played by autonomous and remote-controlled robots. The robots are built in six weeks from a common set of parts under the guidance and influence of professional engineers and mentors.

Thank you Time Warner Cable!

Elks Hoop Shoot C-FB ISD District Competition Winners

More than 3,700 C-FB ISD students participated in the Elks Hoop Shoot Competition at R. L. Turner. The first place boy and girl in each age bracket will move on to the next level of competition in February.

Results from Elks Hoop Shoot C-FB ISD District Competition:

12 – 13 year olds

1st - Jasmine Sudler (Blalack) and Doman Stratford (Blalack)
2nd – Ashleigh Randon (Blalack) and Mason Parker (Blalack)

10 – 11 year olds

1st – Amanda Sanchez (Strickland) and TraVian Arnold (Davis)
2nd – Kaiya Braggs (Landry) and Jonathan Boyer (McCoy)

8 – 9 year olds

1st – Anna Blackwell (McCoy) and Dakota Herndon (Rainwater)
2nd – Makayla Manning (Country Place) and Thibaut Tagnon (McCoy)

Check Out These Great pictures: Turner Presents Annie

R. L. Turner presents "Annie," Jan. 12-14, 2012. More information about dates, times, location and cost. 



Interesting Note: Annie is about to be revived on Broadway, so this is the last authorized production before the revival.

Creekview Choir Students Named to All-State Ensembles

This past weekend, Creekview Choir students traveled to Abilene to participate in the Area Round of the All-State Choir audition process. Two competing students were named as members of an All-State Ensemble:

• Mitchell Ferguson (3rd chair All-State Mixed Choir) 
• Melanie Purdy (9th chair All-State Women’s Choir) 

Both students will travel to San Antonio Feb. 8- 12 to rehearse and perform with their All-State Ensembles.

Creekview Band Student Named to All-State Band

Creekview sophomore Mackie Thomas placed first in the Area Round of the All-State Band audition process and was named as a member of TMEA All-State Band on Saturday. She will travel to San Antonio Feb. 8- 12 to rehearse and perform with the All-State Band.

Creekview Art Students Selected for Saul Bell International Jewelry Competition

Lisa Nguyen

Hong-Van Thi Doan

Creekview High School students Hong-Van Thi Doan and Lisa Nguyen were selected as finalists in the International Saul Bell Design Competition.

The Saul Bell Design Award Competition has both inspired and challenged jewelry designers around the globe for the past decade, and now in its tenth year, it continues to recognize artists whose work challenges traditional perceptions of jewelry design. Named for the founder of Rio Grande, the competition celebrates Saul's spirit and legacy by inviting artists and students to enter their most innovative creations.

Ranchview Students Make All-State Band

The Ranchview High School Band is pleased to announce the selection of four students to the 2012 Texas All-State Band.  The following Ranchview High School Band students earned positions in the Texas All-State Band: 

Meron Teklu, 11th grade, Bb Clarinet (7th chair)

Min Kang, 10th grade, Alto Saxophone (1st chair)

Tae Seo, 10th grade, Baritone Saxophone (1st chair)

Surgi So, 11th grade, Bass Trombone (1st chair) 

More than 9,000 high school band students from across Texas auditioned in 20 different regions for a place in all-region bands. The top chairs in each region band advanced to one of the five area auditions held on January 7, 2012. Only 240 students from across Texas were selected to the All-State Band. 

The Texas All-State Bands will meet in rehearsal in San Antonio, from February 8-11 and will present a concert beginning at 9:30 p.m. on Sat., February 11, in the Lila Cockrell Theatre of the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in downtown San Antonio.

The Ranchview Band had the highest success rate at the Area Competition as compared to all of the other schools competing. Additionally, three other students performed at Area Auditions:

Francis Cooper, 9th grade, Contra-Clarinet (1st Alternate to State)

Arthur Tate, 11th grade, French Horn (10th overall)

Kazuomi Motoike, 10th grade, Percussion (2nd Alternate to State)

This marks the eighth consecutive year that the Ranchview Band has placed multiple students in the Texas All-State Band.

Turner Wrestling Wins Again

R. L. Turner Lions' Wrestling Junior Varsity went undefeated against McKinney Boyd. Varsity Boys' had big wins by Fernando Orellana, Santini Tamayo, Thomas Harper and Danny Perez. Also, Heliey Garcia won the Lamar Invitational beating another state qualifier in the finals.

Educational Foundation 2011-2012 “Unsung Hero Teacher of the Year”

Owen DeWitt, Chairman of the EF Board

Joanne Jennings, Kent

Steve Sonksen, Kent

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD Educational Foundation held it’s "Unsung Heroes Teacher Appreciation Breakfast” on November 9, 2011.

Numerous teachers from the C-FB ISD were nominated by principals for their exceptional work in helping to enrich the lives of their students, parents and community. As an example, Jo Ann Jennings and Steve Sonksen from Kent Elementary spent their own money and sent food home weekly to a family who had both parents unemployed. They also reached out to several families who needed emotional support. Congratulations to all teachers for their work both in the classrooms and community.

The mission of the Educational Foundation :
* Promote academic excellence
* Stimulate creative thinking
* Encourage innovation
* Broaden life experiences
* Enrich classroom teaching

It’s 2012! Check out our new Spring line of C-FB Kids Cards at www.cfbkidscards.com.

Ranchview College Panel Inspires Students to Work Harder

Ranchview High School (RHS) invited a panel of nine graduates now attending college to the school on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, to speak to 11th and 12th grade classes about what they had learned since leaving Ranchview. RHS graduates ranged from 2008 to 2011. Panel members were asked to answer questions such as “what was the biggest difference between high school and college” to “what would you change if you could go back and “redo” junior or senior year”? The graduate who traveled the furthest to participate in the panel was 2011 graduate Blake Mullenix who currently attends Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. The closest attendee was 2011 graduate Tuesday Ranson who attends Northlake College in Irving, Texas. Panel participants unanimously encouraged students to “read more and study harder” to help them navigate the demands of college.

Join C-FB Groups and Organizations for the 15th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade

Long Middle School in MLK Parade 2011

The 15th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade is January 14, 2012 beginning at 10 a.m. Various groups and organizations in C-FB will participate in the parade. The parade will start on Jamestown Street (behind Carrollton City Hall) and proceed west to Josey Lane; south on Josey Lane to Keller Springs; east on Keller Springs to Kelly Boulevard; south on Kelly Boulevard to end at Ted Polk Middle School at 2001 Kelly Boulevard. Call 972-242-0933 for more information. Parade Route

Thompson Elementary in MLK Parade 2011

Dr. Burns Named Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year

Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce Announcement:

The Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that C-FB ISD Superintendent, Dr. Bobby Burns, is being honored as the 2011 Citizen of the Year. The award will be presented at the 43rd Annual Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet on February 10, 2012 at the Doubletree Hotel in Farmers Branch. PlainsCapital is this year's Citizen of the Year Sponsor.

Dr. Burns is in his 24th year with the district. He joined C-FB ISD in 1988 as a high school English teacher and athletics coach. He has served as Assistant Principal at R. L. Turner, Principal at DeWitt Perry Middle School and Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Personnel.

Under Dr. Burns' leadership the district has become one of the premier districts in the state. Dr. Burns believes the district has one distinct goal: high achievement for all students.

Please join the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Dr. Burns as the 2011 Citizen of the Year.

McKamy Elementary Staff and Students Walk to Show Their Support

McKamy Elementary staff and families walked in The Red Balloon Run and Relay benefiting Childrens Medical Center on Team Jozef Outrunning Cancer. Team Jozef Outrunning Cancer is a team created in support of a kindergarten student at McKamy. The campus also raised $150 to donate to Children's Hospital.

McKamy Elementary students and families also participated in a walk/run at twilight called the Light The Night for Lukemia. The school walked on the Little Warriors Team - Five Friends Who Beat Cancer in honor of a first grade McKamy student. The campus donated $150 to Lukemia research for children.

Blalack’s Paws for the Cause Raises Funds for Needy Children

Blalack Middle School’s community service organization,”Paws for the Cause,” filled 32 boxes of brand new items to fulfill the wish list for Our Friends Place (OFP). OFP is a local Dallas shelter for abandoned, abused and neglected young girls. Paws for the Cause also provided $500 in gift cards for the shelter. Students contributed by purchasing toiletries, clothing, school supplies and other items for the organization. Students donated spare change Dec. 6 – 13, adding up to $500. Sue Hesseltine, Executive Director of OFP, visited Blalack on Dec. 16 to meet with Paws for the Cause and thank them for the positive impact they have made in assisting those in need.

Educational Foundation Teacher and Students Awards

Good News! Thanks to your support, the C-FB ISD Educational Foundation awarded over $117,785 in grants and scholarships to deserving teachers and students during 2011.

Las Colinas Elementary Teacher Grants

Teacher Grants: $32,585 – 18 Teachers
1st Year New Teacher Grants: $9,900 – 99 Teachers
Campus Grants: $21,900 – 24 Campuses

Student Scholarships: $53,400 – 69 Students

The mission of the Educational Foundation:
* Promote academic excellence
* Stimulate creative thinking
* Encourage innovation
* Broaden life experiences
* Enrich classroom teaching

Since its inception in 1997 the Educational Foundation has awarded over $1.6 million in grants and scholarships.

Freeman Elementary Teacher Grants

R. L. Turner Students Serve Others

Students in the METSA Academy at R. L. Turner raised funds, donated gifts and toys, and prepared food for over 200 residents of Austin Street Shelter in December. The R. L. Turner Choir performed at the shelter and brought lots of joy to the residents. The students also received a tour of the Austin Street Shelter facility.

R.L. Turner High School FIRST ® Robotics Team Receives Sponsorship Support from jcpenney

Support will help local Carrollton & Farmers Branch, TX students prepare for FIRST Regional Competition

FIRST® team # 2747 at R.L. Turner High School is one of 900 high school teams being sponsored this year by jcpenney. FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a not-for-profit organization founded by Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology by engaging students in innovative robotics competitions. Math, Engineering, Technology and Science Academy (METSA) at R. L. Turner High School is a VETERAN team that will spend six intense weeks designing and building an original robot for the FIRST Regional Competition scheduled for Dallas West Regional Event in Dallas, TX.

“Having our students involved in FIRST is not just about increasing educational opportunities in science and technology; but instilling well-rounded life capabilities such as self-confidence, communication and leadership,” said Karl Gscheidle, engineering teacher at METSA. “jcpenney’s sponsorship represents a commitment to building the future leaders of tomorrow by making youth participation in FIRST possible.”

Read more