This was the last summer.

The last time an ����Vlog bus picked up Blanton students at the school to take them to Tarrant County College’s summer program.

For 15 years, has paid for Blanton students to go to the camp each summer. Nearly 750 Blanton kids have gone, part of the church’s deep commitment and partnership to the Blanton community.

Though Blanton Elementary closed at the end of last school year in May, the impact First Christian Church has left will continue for generations.

“The generosity and commitment of First Christian Church have become an important part of��Blanton's legacy,” said Blanton’s last principal Migdalia Castillo. “Their partnership has enriched the lives of countless students by giving them opportunities to explore new interests, build confidence, and create lasting memories. The impact of those experiences extends far beyond a single summer.”

This year, 51 Blanton students, equipped with backpacks from the church, attended the three-week enrichment program at TCC and discovered that college could be in their future.

“Our church loved meeting the students and parents and hearing their stories of how this program affected their lives,” said Betty Thomas of First Christian Church, who led the College for Kids partnership from the beginning.��“One parent even enrolled in college after seeing their child in this program.��Several who are now in college came back to tell us their stories. Our church believes in the importance of education and experiences like this program to inspire bigger dreams for the future.”

Thomas and her church poured into Blanton for two decades, beginning with helping with supplies, uniforms, PTA suppers, coats, PTA events like carnivals, and more. In 2010, Thomas helped launch the College for Kids initiative.

“Our congregation’s identity statement is ‘Center in Christ and formed in relationships,’” said First Christian Church Senior Minister Rev. Bill Jeffreys. “At the heart of the partnership between Blanton Elementary, AISD, TCC, and First Christian Church has been a desire to serve our neighbors and to be in relationship. The relationships formed and strengthened between congregation members, these partner organizations, and these families has been one of the greatest blessings the past twenty years.”

It’s been a great blessing for Blanton, too.

“They gave our students experiences that inspired them, broadened their horizons, and created memories they will carry with them for years to come,” Castillo said. “On behalf of the entire��Blanton��community, thank you, First Christian Church, for investing in our children and helping shape a legacy of opportunity, hope, and compassion.”

The Summer Enrichment Program is opening doors for ����Vlog students!

Students from Sam Houston High School spent the past month improving their math readiness skills and working toward industry-recognized electronics certifications.

“This is a really hands-on program,” said Selena Obara, sophomore at Sam Houston High School. “You get to meet a lot of people, you work with different people, but it's really good. You get a head start, and you just learn so much, it's fun.”

This summer, 15 students passed the TSI math assessment, opening the pathway to enrolling in college-level math courses and advanced electronics courses this fall. The program is designed to inspire students in the field of electronics and engineering while blending academics with hands-on technical training.��

Nine students passed the , placing them among the youngest in Texas to do so. ����Vlog is the only district in Texas with 15- and 16-year-old students passing the SACA exam.��

“This certification will help me a lot in expanding my academic and career experience, and it'll even help me land a job,” said Alex Skilsky, sophomore at Sam Houston High School.

The students who earned the certification are already being recruited by major companies, including , with starting salaries at $75,000 directly after high school graduation.

“That really pushed me and motivated me to go into this career,” said Ibrahim Odunlami, sophomore at Sam Houston High School. “It helped widen my view on electronics and engineering, and this is going to help me in the future to build my career and get paid more.”��

Learn more about P-TECH at Sam Houston High School!

The Dallas Wings of Innovation STEM Camp returned for ����Vlog students this summer. The two-day camp – led by in partnership with the – focuses on expanding opportunities for girls in science, technology, engineering, and math. Students learn about STEM concepts through a mix of athletic training, coding workshops, and engineering challenges.

“When girls are introduced to STEM early, they begin to see themselves not just as users of technology, but as the innovators, engineers, coders, and leaders who will shape the future,” said CEO and founder of STEM It Up Sports, Dr. Tonjia Grimble. “Programs like Wings of Innovation provide the confidence, exposure, and hands-on experiences that transform curiosity into possibility and potential into purpose.”

Students also had the opportunity to participate in a basketball clinic, where Dallas Wings trainers helped connect athletic performance to biomechanics. The clinic helped students understand how physics, force, and motion impact every move on the court.

Throughout the two days, students got to learn in a robotics coding workshop, a coding obstacle course, tech art programming, and a drone clinic where students piloted through search and rescue missions.

They had the opportunity to hear directly from female experts working in the field at the lunchtime STEM panels.

“I think it's going to help with our future because it gives us motivation to do whatever we need to do to be successful in life,” said Martin High School freshman, Khloi Sloan. “It's really cool. You get to meet new people, you can have new experiences, and you get to learn how to use computers and electronics.”

Members of the joined the camp to cheer campers on and create a supportive environment where students felt confident to try new skills. Crew members said the experience was just as impactful for them. Seeing these students light up with excitement helped to remind them why this mission matters.

“This is girl power,” said Dallas Wings Flight Crew member Mariah Martin. “I'm truly thankful that they want Flight Crew here, and that we get to showcase what we do and cheer them on when they get to explore.”��

As the camp wrapped up, the girls left energized and ready to take on even more STEM challenges across ����Vlog!

For many years, the has been more than a community partner to ����Vlog. It has been a dedicated supporter of students, families, and opportunities that help young people thrive. As a founding supporter of the district’s Annual Back to School Kick-Off and a longtime advocate for education, the Junior League’s impact has been felt across the Arlington community for generations.

That spirit of service continued recently through a meaningful investment in Nichols Junior High. With a donation of more than $3,000, the Junior League of Arlington is helping support��Leave Your Legacy: Expanding Access, Achievement, and Opportunity – an initiative created to ensure students have access to the resources, experiences, and support they need to succeed.

The Leave Your Legacy initiative takes a whole-child approach through four key areas of impact: academic intervention and instructional support, a student care closet, field trip experiences, and student enrichment clubs. Together, these efforts help remove barriers to learning while creating opportunities for students to discover new interests, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

“Leave Your Legacy is designed to ensure that every student has access to the resources, support, and opportunities necessary for success,” said Nichols principal Catherine Claibourne. “By addressing both academic gaps and barriers to learning while expanding enrichment opportunities, this grant will have a meaningful and lasting impact on our students and school community.”

Although the , its legacy of service and generosity will continue to live on through the students, families, and schools it has supported over the years. ����Vlog is deeply grateful for the organization’s leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Yeah, school just got out. But next school year will be here before you know it! So, get a jumpstart and sign up for a free backpack and school supplies at ����Vlog's Back to School Kickoff.��

The annual Back to School Kickoff will be back at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 1. Your student can get a new free backpack plus:

• Free age-appropriate school supplies
• Dental and health screenings
• Haircuts provided by students from the��Career + Technical Center
• Vendors with information on after-school care and other community resources

Sign up for a free backpack now��here.

Families can also enjoy resources from vendors like:

• ACH Child & Family Services
• Arlington Public Library
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America
• Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, Inc.
• And many more!

“We’ve helped nearly 100,000 families get ready for the school year, which is an amazing accomplishment that wouldn’t be possible without community volunteers and sponsor support,” said Aaron Perales, ����Vlog executive director of engagement, equity, and access.��

A special thanks to the Gene and Jerry Jones Arlington Youth Foundation and��all of our other sponsors��for rallying behind our phenomenal students to help them succeed.

THIS EVENT IS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE REGISTERED IN AN ARLINGTON ISD SCHOOL.

The AT&T Stadium bag policy will be enforced at the event.��.

Volunteer at the Kickoff

It takes more than 800 volunteers to make the Back to School Kickoff event run smoothly, and we still have lots of open spots. Please sign up to volunteer��.

Another Home Run for Leading Off Program

The , in partnership with��and������Vlog, celebrated another successful year of the by welcoming students in the program to Globe Life Field for a Rangers baseball game last week. The Leading Off Program is an initiative focused on developing leadership, confidence, and community engagement among ����Vlog students.

Each year, the program engages more than 60 students in grades seven and eight from select ����Vlog junior high schools. This year’s participating campuses included Barnett, Boles, Ousley, and Young junior high schools. Throughout the school year, students took part in leadership workshops, community service projects, and educational field trips designed to encourage personal growth and civic responsibility.

One of the highlights of the program is the student capstone project, where participants identify a community need and create a nonprofit organization designed to address it. Students developed detailed plans focused on fundraising, sustainability, target audiences, and long-term community impact. Then they got to present their capstone projects at Globe Life Field before attending the baseball game.

Barnett Junior High Takes Top Honors

This year’s first-place project came from Barnett with��“The Bear Necessities,” a student-created nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every student has access to basic hygiene products and essential resources.

“The mission of The Bear Necessities is to make sure every student has access to basic hygiene products, no matter their situation,” the student group shared during its presentation. “We aim to help people feel clean, confident, and supported by providing essential items and creating a community where everyone has what they need.”

Barnett students proposed fundraising efforts and grant opportunities to support a five- to ten-year sustainability plan, with a goal of expanding access to hygiene essentials across the student population.

“Students truly poured their hearts into this project,” said Kayla Flowers, an intervention teacher at Barnett. “Watching them create a nonprofit, work together, and confidently present their ideas was incredible. Winning was exciting, but seeing their growth, leadership, and passion was the biggest reward.”

Thanks to The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation and Globe Life for another great year of Leading Off.

Hundreds of Arlington families came together this weekend for ����Vlog's annual FatherFEST, a district celebration focused on family engagement, community connection and the important role fathers play in students’ lives.

The event featured a variety of activities for all ages, including a car show, obstacle courses, lawn games, and delicious food. Students from Thornton Elementary School also took the stage with live performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. �� ��

Eric Phillips, ����Vlog family engagement specialist, said the event reflects the strength of the district’s community.

“It’s looking phenomenal,” Phillips said. “This is all about the ����Vlog community coming together and celebrating responsible fatherhood.”

Community partners were on hand throughout the event, sharing resources and information with families to support student success both in and out of the classroom.

FatherFEST also recognized outstanding involvement across the district. Students and campuses were honored for their participation in the Family Engagement Reading Challenge, while select schools received the Family Demonstration Campus Award, which recognizes ����Vlog campuses that excel in engaging families through volunteering and community involvement.

For parents like Issac Nolte of Moore Elementary School, giving back is essential to shaping students’ perspectives.

“Kids see their parents giving back and in turn also want to give back to their schools,” Nolte said. “Without all the helping hands, we wouldn’t be able to do all the cool things at Mary Moore.”

Leonard Washington, a community father, said he was glad to attend with his daughter, who especially enjoyed playing with pinwheels at the event.

“Fathers play a big role in their kids’ lives,” Washington said. “I’m trying to do my job with my daughter and do my part within the community.”

Sometimes the best way to show appreciation for volunteers in Texas is with a line dance.

That’s exactly how ����Vlog honored its most dedicated volunteers during its annual Volunteer Program Appreciation Celebration last week.

The “Best Volunteers in the West” event recognized individuals who contributed more than 500 hours of service this school year, along with Campus STAR Volunteers selected for exceptional commitment to the district. The celebration opened with a line-dancing activity led by members of Arlington High School’s Colt Kickers dance team, followed by a recognition video spotlighting volunteers from each campus.

Volunteers shared how their service has become a meaningful part of their lives, giving them an opportunity to stay connected and involved in their campus communities.

“It's important for me to be a part of her scholastic journey and her athletic journey, but also the community of the schools,” said Shelley Battle, a volunteer at Martin High School. “It's a great way to stay involved, a great way to form partnerships.”

Their service extends far beyond completing tasks. It’s about fostering relationships and supporting students in ways that matter.

“Being able to get involved really gives you that chance to experience their world. The student experience and the teacher experience are both elevated,” said Gara Hill, Arlington High School volunteer. "It's really a way for you to connect with your kids and support their program.”

The event was coordinated by the hospitality and tourism students at the ����Vlog Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center in collaboration with the Family and Community Engagement department.��

“Events like this are significant because they give students authentic, hands-on experience while also allowing them to give back and celebrate the volunteers who support our community,” said Emilie Barron, hospitality and tourism teacher. “Experiences like this help students build confidence, professionalism, and the creativity needed for careers in hospitality and tourism.”

The students were involved in the process of selecting the theme, designing decorations, coordinating activities, and building the menu.��

“Seeing all the guests come in with smiles on their faces, it just makes you feel great,” said Nicole Haro, Sam Houston High School hospitality student. “It's a great opportunity. Everyone's excited to just be in this class.”

While managing every stage of the event, the students gained firsthand experience in what it takes to plan and execute a professional event. The creativity, teamwork, and dedication came directly from the students.��

“Watching all of our ideas actually come to life, it's really cool,” said Jaiden Martinez, a Sam Houston hospitality student. “I love this class. I'm definitely going to miss it now that we're graduating.”

Beyond the awards and festivities, the celebration highlighted the importance of showing gratitude for the individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to ����Vlog.

“Our volunteers bring in the heart from the community that helps to nurture and develop our students everyday and provide blessings to our staff and entire learning community,” said Aaron Perales, executive director of Family and Community Engagement.

Thank you, volunteers!

����Vlog celebrated a major milestone this week as students in the automotive technology program at the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center (CTC) were awarded scholarships through the Ford Cowboys Tech Scholarship program. The event marked the third and final year of a unique collaboration between , the , and ����Vlog.

Students gathered at the CTC as Ford and Cowboys representatives – including former Cowboys player Joe Looney – joined together for the scholarship presentation.

Six students – Andres Aguayo, Juscianni Blackeller, Jeremiah Jordan, Milton Mejia, Kaela Kasper, and Zarajane Parker��– were awarded $2,000 scholarships, and all automotive students received professional‑grade toolkits from Ford.

The scholarships and tools are a bonus on top of what the program has already provided, including industry workshops, mentorship experiences, and hands-on training with Ford technicians. The program also demonstrated to the students the growing need for skilled automotive professionals and the value of a career‑focused education.

“I'm just really thankful we have so many opportunities, and this is another great opportunity with Cowboys and Ford,” scholarship winner Juscianni Blackeller said. “It's gonna help out a lot with the finances, so I'm really grateful for it, and I'm excited to get my career going.”

This partnership has provided students with hands-on automotive training, industry‑level tools, and real‑world experience designed to prepare them for high‑demand careers.��

“Both the teachers for Auto 1 and Auto 2, I would not be here right now if it wasn't for them,” scholarship winner Zarajane Parker said. “It's awesome that they believed in me because that helped me believe in myself.”

The program at the CTC, paired with the partnership with two of the most recognizable brands in the area, has scholarship winner Milton Mejia ready for a career.

“This means a lot to me because my brother did it, too. He graduated, and my dad is a diesel mechanic,” Mejia said. “This class will actually impact you in the real world. You can learn so much in this class.”

As these students move on from high school, they’re prepared with skills that are in demand.

“Over the last 25 years, there's been an erosion in skilled trades and workers going into these critically important fields,” said Tait Stephens, regional manager at Ford. “That's why we're here. We need to show the men and women that are considering going into these fields that it's not just a job, it's a career. It's a career that you can be proud of.”

It’s also a career these students are ready for.

When ����Vlog’s FFA hosted its first-ever multi-contest Career Development Event this spring, it brought together not only students from across the district, but generations of ����Vlog alumni, too.

What began as a simple idea last spring turned into a major regional event thanks to partnerships with and , led by Arlington High School FFA alumni.

Tim Long and John Bennett, Arlington High Class of 1980, were both deeply involved in FFA during their time as students, so their enthusiasm for supporting today’s students came naturally.

“The students in the FFA program are our future,” said John Bennett, director of operations at Cowtown Coliseum. “����Vlog has shown its commitment to the students by continuing to expand the vocational program, and for these reasons, I feel it's my responsibility to support however I can.”

The Cowtown Coliseum donated its venue space free of charge, providing a space to host livestock judging, poultry judging, and floriculture in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards.

“Partnering with Arlington FFA for this judging contest is special to me because Arlington High School and FFA helped shape who I am today,” said Tim Long, general manager at Cowtown Coliseum. “Serving as FFA president taught me leadership, hard work, and responsibility, and this is an opportunity to give back while supporting the next generation of students.”

The momentum created by Cowtown Coliseum’s support didn’t stop there. Arlington FFA alumni continued to step forward, bringing a shared commitment to expanding real‑world opportunities for today’s students.

Jared Hall, Arlington High Class of 2012, was a four-year member of the wildlife team and currently works as a supervisor and wildlife biologist for the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. Hall and his team offered to host the wildlife and entomology contests at no cost and assisted with contest preparation.

“I participated in these FFA contests during my time as a student at Arlington High School,” Hall said. “Looking back, I now realize how pivotal those experiences were for my future. These contests help cultivate scientific curiosity, environmental stewardship, and the conservation leaders needed for the future.”

The event at Cowtown and Fort Worth Nature Center hosted 328 students from 39 different schools in North Texas and surrounding areas, giving students access to authentic, hands-on learning and mentors who once stood exactly where they are now.

“Students are using what they learn in the classroom and putting that into real-world applications, setting them up for success well after their time in high school,” said Tanner Smith, FFA advisor at Arlington High School. “The Cowtown and Fort Worth Nature Center partnerships took their experience to the next level.”

Healthy Hub offers free food and wellness support

����Vlog celebrated the opening of its first at South Davis Elementary last week in partnership with Texas Health Resources and Atmos Energy. The Hub provides families free access to fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy shelf‑stable foods, and nutrition education designed to support long‑term wellness.

The Hub was a big success on opening day. South Davis Principal Kalisse Kelly said the Hub provided food to 96 families, representing 437 household members. Families received recipes featuring ingredients available at the Hub, along with information on local resources. Each household will be able to visit the Hub twice a month.

“This initiative not only addresses immediate needs within our community but also lays the foundation for long-term wellness by empowering families to make informed, healthy choices,” Kelly said. “I am incredibly humbled and proud of what has been accomplished through the collective efforts of our school and community partners, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact this Hub will have on the families we serve.”

Through the partnership with Texas Health, South Davis has also received a school learning garden, a free Scholastic book fair for all students, and a schoolwide yoga program promoting mindfulness and physical well-being. The school was also recently awarded a grant to support the South Davis Running Club.

“South Davis was selected as the first ����Vlog campus to receive a Good For You location as it clearly reflects a community need and is well-prepared to bring the program to life,” said Matt Dufrene, vice president of Community Partnerships, Ambulatory and Virtual Channel at Texas Health. “Pairing the Hub with existing Texas Health initiatives at the school expands support and creates a lasting impact.”

The campus plans to host quarterly nutrition events at the Hub that provide valuable education, practical resources, and family-friendly recipes that support healthy eating habits at home.

Texas Health currently supports more than 20 Hubs in neighboring school districts, community centers, and nonprofits. The South Davis location is the first within ����Vlog and reflects Texas Health’s commitment to creating school environments that strengthen the nutrition security of students and their families. The South Davis Hub is the result of 10 months of teamwork across ����Vlog departments, including the grants department, food and nutrition, and facilities, along with our dedicated partners from Texas Health and Atmos.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO_2fr-nBFw[/embed]

Yes, those are fresh flowers on all the tables in��your local��Chick-fil-A.��And they were arranged by floral student at ����Vlog’s Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center.����

Through a partnership with Chick‑fil‑A owner and operator Carmenza Moreno, students in Megan Brundrett’s Advanced Floral Design class design and place fresh floral arrangements in two North Arlington Chick‑fil‑A restaurants throughout the��school��year. ��

Moreno said the partnership addresses a��long‑standing��challenge in��maintaining��fresh��dining‑room��décor.������

“There’s always a huge struggle to keep flowers fresh in my dining rooms, so we reached��out��and the CTC class now provides the flowers for both of my stores,” Moreno said. “We’re very grateful for the partnership because it keeps the dining rooms��looking fresh and sharp for our customers.”��

To meet the expectations of a large��business, Brundrett’s students begin the school year by planning their floral designs months in advance. This preparation allows them to��modify��arrangements weekly based on holidays, approved Chick‑fil‑A colors, and seasonal flower availability.����

For students, the experience offers both creative fulfillment and professional growth. ��

“It’s��really enjoyable��to be able to go somewhere��that’s��a huge establishment like��Chick‑fil‑A, especially with my family members, and get to say, ‘I made one of these in class,’” said Martin High School senior��Ally Kaychatwell. “Then I get to post them and add them to my floral portfolio and say that I’ve worked with��Chick‑fil‑A��by making designs that go on their tables.”����

Brundrett emphasized the value of providing students with��real‑world��experience while teaching them to meet customer expectations. ��

“It’s a great foundation on which my students can build their floral portfolio and gain experience on event work, meeting��timelines, and��creating��concepts and designs, so I hope it never ends,” laughed Brundrett.����

The flower arrangements on the tables have helped raise awareness about the CTC’s programs, and now several other businesses have contacted the school to explore potential partnerships across various career fields.��

Moreno said giving back to the community is a key motivation for her continued involvement. ��

“We get a lot of compliments��about��our��flowers,��and I think it’s important to give back��to��your community and invest in our youth, so that’s the reason why I do it,” Moreno said.����

Sign up to volunteer by July 31

There’s now less than a month before the 11^th-annual ����Vlog Back to School Kickoff event at AT&T Stadium, and we need your help.

The event, Saturday, Aug. 2, is a chance for 10,000 ����Vlog students to get free backpacks filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year.

So, where do you fit in?

You can volunteer! It takes more than 800 volunteers to make the event run smoothly, and we still have hundreds of open spots.

There are tons of volunteer options, too. You can help distribute backpacks, work at the resource fair, help distribute water, register students to pick up backpacks or just be a floater. The options are endless, and so is the flexibility to help timewise. There are shifts that start at 7 a.m. and others that don’t start until after 10 a.m.

“The volunteers at our event are crucial to its success,” said Aaron Perales, the ����Vlog executive director of��engagement, equity and access. “We’re fortunate to see familiar faces and organizations helping, but it takes a lot of support.”

To volunteer, please The deadline to sign up is July 31.��All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Sign up for a backpack

There’s also still time to register to receive a backpack. You can do that��here.

Mission Joy Toy Drive benefits Mission Arlington Christmas Store

This holiday season, ����Vlog and its incredible community partners are on a mission to bring smiles and joy to local children with an exciting new event — the inaugural Mission Joy Toy Drive.

The drive benefits the Christmas Store, a program that helps families in need create magical holiday memories.

����Vlog is proud to collaborate with the , the and the to make this vision a reality.

With collection boxes conveniently located throughout the city, including at more than 30 ����Vlog campuses, it’s never been easier to join the effort. Simply donate a new, unwrapped toy for a boy or girl and help brighten someone’s holiday season.

Donations are being accepted now through Dec. 10, so there’s still time to get involved and make a difference!

The grand finale of the Mission Joy Toy Drive is something you won’t want to miss — a festive drive-thru toy drop-off celebration happening from 5–7 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts. It’s more than just a chance to give back — it’s a full holiday experience!

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Live Performances: Enjoy holiday music and entertainment from talented ����Vlog students.
• Special Guests: Meet Tillie Burgin, Mission Arlington’s executive director, and her team as they prepare to distribute the toys.
• Holiday Spirit: Celebrate with your community while making a meaningful impact.

The toys collected will stock the Mission Arlington Christmas Store, which opens on Dec. 11 to provide families in need with an opportunity to choose gifts for their loved ones.

Let’s come together as a community to ensure every child experiences the magic of the season. To find a drop-off location near you or learn more about the Mission Joy Toy Drive, click here.

Mission Joy Toy Drive benefits Mission Arlington

This holiday season, ����Vlog and its community partners are bringing extra joy to local children with something new and exciting — the first-ever Mission Joy Toy Drive! This special event will support the , which helps brighten the holidays for families in need.

But the district isn’t doing this alone. We’ve teamed up with the City of Arlington, the Arlington Fire Department and the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce to make the magic happen. With drop-off locations across the city, it’s never been easier to spread some holiday cheer. Just grab a new, unwrapped toy for a boy or girl and drop it off at one of the many collection boxes, including at more than 30 ����Vlog schools.

Donations are being accepted until Dec.10, so there’s still time to make a difference.

The grand finale of the Mission Joy Toy Drive is a drive-thru toy drop-off event happening from 5–7 p.m. at the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts. It’s not just about giving back — it’s a celebration! Swing by, drop off a toy and soak up the holiday spirit with live performances from ����Vlog students. You’ll even get to meet Tillie Burgin, the executive director of Mission Arlington, along with her team, who’ll be there to collect and prepare the toys for the Christmas Store opening on Dec. 11.

Don’t miss your chance to bring smiles to the faces of kids in your community. To learn more about Mission Joy and find the drop-off location nearest you, click here.

Let’s come together to make this holiday season unforgettable for everyone!

Canon representative is a CTC grad

When Aleksandr Thomas went to the ����Vlog Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center last week, he had to go in the front door and sign in as a visitor.

A little different than last year when he’d come in the student entrance.

Last year at this time, he was an Arlington High School senior taking classes at the CTC. Now, Thomas is a field technician with .

He joined other Canon employees on a visit to the CTC to announce a new partnership with seniors at the school.

– Skilled Professionals at Rising Canon – offers seniors an opportunity to see and explore rewarding careers at Canon outside of the conventional higher education track. SPARC introduces the future graduates to various career options in the technical installation, maintenance and repair fields.

“Our goal is to provide opportunities to you for a career with Canon America,” said Steve Lucas, Canon Solutions America vice president of service central zone, to dozens of seniors in his pitch about SPARC at the CTC. “We’re here to help you think about your future and what’s coming up very quickly for all of you.”

Lucas is passionate about the perks of a career with Canon, and his palpable enthusiasm for the SPARC program stems from his own experience. He started with Canon 39 years ago as a tech trainee, and he loves his job and the company he works for.

“Find something you like,” he told the students. “If you find something you like to do, you will be good at it. If you love to do it, you’ll be great at it.”

For seniors who might be interested in following in the footsteps of Lucas or Thomas at Canon, the SPARC program can get them there.

The program runs through May and includes field trips to Canon’s Dallas regional office and a customer site, product demonstrations, meetings with industry experts and finally an opportunity to interview with Canon.

Lucas wasn’t the only Canon representative who touted the opportunities the program offers.

Henry Mceachin, a Canon branch sales director, traveled to Arlington from Indiana to share his experience with the students.

“I’m currently living my dream,” Mceachin told the students. “The opportunity to just get your foot in the door with a company like Canon – 200,000 employees, $30 billion – you can go from sales to service to support, parts to logistics to business analysts … we’re in so many different things.”

Thomas got his foot in the door last summer with an internship that turned into a full-time job.

But it wasn’t through the SPARC program. It didn’t exist in Arlington yet. This is SPARC’s third year, but just the first in Arlington. It’s now available at only five schools in the country.

Nonetheless, Thomas was eager to promote SPARC to his former fellow students because of how much he has enjoyed his budding career at Canon.

“It’s been a wonderful opportunity,” Thomas said. “If you have an interest in anything,” he told the students, “they [Canon] probably have a position for you.”

Students interested in participating in SPARC need to write a letter about why they should be selected for the program and submit it to Canon via Kari Winters, ����Vlog practicum specialist at the CTC.

“This is a very unique opportunity,” Winters said to the students as she encouraged them to write an application letter.

Farmers Market

����Vlog’s Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center is one of the host sites for the Tarrant Area Food Bank's Neighborhood Farmers Markets this summer.��

The CTC hosts the market the first and third Wednesday of each month this summer, with the next one coming tomorrow, June 15, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

These markets are opportunities for families to purchase fresh, local and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Cash, credit/debit, WIC FMNP vouchers and the Lone Star Card are all accepted at the market.

WIC participants may be eligible to receive a one-time-per-year $30 voucher booklet to purchase fruits and vegetables. Vouchers can be picked up at the market with a current WIC benefits list.

SNAP recipients using their Lone Star Card double their dollars for fruits and vegetables with Double Up Food Bucks, a program made possible through North Texas Healthy Communities and Blue Zones Project.

For more information on the market, visit the Tarrant Area Food Bank site . The Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center is located at .

����Vlog prepares students for success after graduation, but the district can’t do it alone. Community partners like the University of Texas at Arlington work side-by-side with the district to provide opportunities unique to students. UTA’s Upward Bound program is one that makes a huge impact.

Upward Bound at UTA

Upward Bound at UTA is a year-round program. It offers at-risk youth the chance to receive SAT and ACT prep, after-school tutoring, college tours, scholarships and so much more. Since 1982, Upward Bound has been providing services to students at Arlington, Bowie, Lamar, Sam Houston and Seguin high schools.

“The program provides consistent mentoring from eighth grade until senior year and opportunities for scholarships that give at-risk youth an even playing field with students that may have access to more resources,” said Marsha Fountain, behavior support interventionist at Carter Junior High.

Fountain is passionate about reducing dropout rates at Carter with the help of programs like Upward Bound. To qualify, students must be in eighth through 11^th grade, a first-generation U.S. college student, qualify as low-income and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Through cultural field trips, team-building activities and academic lecture series, students get exposure to resources. and opportunities that may not be available to them at school or home.

Upward Bound sets you up for college!

“I couldn’t have gone to college without this program,” said Micheal Frausto, educational advisor for Upward Bound. “If you want to go to college but don’t know which exact path you want to take, then we’re the program for you. No matter the path, we walk students through scholarship and grant applications, so they don’t have to worry about finances while they’re trying to advance their education.”

Not only do students get the chance to advance academically, but civically, too. Upward bound's community service projects and volunteer opportunities helps build their resumes. If students choose to participate in the summer bridge program, they’ll be one step ahead of their classmates by getting the feel of what it’s like to attend college and stay on campus.

has plenty to offer students, so learn more about the program and specific qualifications online. If you’re ready to jump in the program now, fill out an interest form and get ready to take your education to new heights!

����Vlog seniors, don’t forget the deadline to apply for the Chamber of Commerce scholarships is this week, Friday, Feb. 25. The Greater Arlington Chamber is giving out scholarships to 13������Vlog seniors worth more than $30,000.��

��As a local partner of the ����Vlog, the chamber is committed to developing the community’s future by providing graduating seniors with unique opportunities to pay for college. The chamber has provided more than $306,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors in the ����Vlog.

��“We’re thrilled to be able to offer these scholarship opportunities to ����Vlog students again this year,” said Alicia Collins-Butler, the director of education, workforce and community development. “Our goal is to champion economic and community prosperity, which includes making sure the opportunities are available to students. Now it’s the students’ turn to take advantage of these resources.”��

Innovation Scholarship��

Sponsored by the Pettinger Foundation, the Innovation Scholarship is a STEM-based scholarship that aims to help students pursuing a four-year degree in science, engineering or mathematics from UTA. Two $5,000 scholarships are for ����Vlog students in a STEM-related career pathway. Applicants should complete an online application for consideration.��

Greater Arlington Chamber Scholarship

Seven $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors from each traditional high school and Arlington Collegiate for the Greater Arlington Chamber Scholarship. Unlike the Innovation Scholarship, students who receive this scholarship can attend a college or university of their choice. Applicants should complete an online application and write an essay on the topic provided.��

American Dream Scholarship��

In partnership with the M.E.T.A. Foundation, the American Dream Scholarship will be awarded to graduating seniors who are first-generation college students and of Latino/Hispanic descent. Four $1,000 scholarships are for students looking to attend Tarrant County College or the University of Texas at Arlington.��

Apply Now

That’s over $30,000 in scholarships, so don’t miss this opportunity to apply. Both scholarship applications are due February 25, 2022, at midnight.��

��If you or an ����Vlog student you know may be interested, share this blog post with them and take a few minutes to apply for these scholarships today! To learn more about the scholarships or apply, visit the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s website at

Duff Elementary physical education teacher Matt Bostick isn’t above props, and he proves that with his latest Workout Wednesday exercise plan.

To start the second six weeks, Bostick wants everyone to get a soccer ball or any other ball and incorporate that into the exercise routine.

In his Soccer Ball Workout, Bostick has four exercises that can be done in around 10 minutes and either add to your fun or pain.

Here’s Workout Wednesday No. 4.

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Soccer Ball Workout (as many reps as possible for 8-12 minutes)

• 10 soccer ball side lunges
• 10 soccer ball jump squats overhead
• 30 second wall sit holding the ball in lap or overhead
• 10 soccer ball plank passes or pushups

In case you’re looking for what Bostick has done for Workout Wednesday in the past, here are this year’s plans.

(20 seconds of work, 10 seconds rest, older students can repeat for more work)

• Shuffle taps (pick the daisies)
• Squat walks��
• Plank hold
• Crab toe touch
• Lunges
• Pogo stick squats (good calf work too)
• Dead bugs
• Leg lifts

(hit a stopwatch and switch every minute)

• jogging
• squat punches
• frog jumps
• front kicks
• crab kicks
• squat jacks
• planks (high or low)

(pre-K-2 repeat once, 3^rd-6^th grade three total rounds)

• 30 marching/high knees
• 30 alternating arm and leg jacks/jumping jacks
• 5-10 slinky squats to cobra
• 30 sprint shuffles
• 30 climb the ropes

Create the future for ����Vlog students by helping to develop the district’s next five-year strategic plan at an upcoming Community Summit.��

At one of these Summits, you’ll hear from a panel of students about what’s important to them, and professional facilitators from engage2learn will guide you through a series of thought-provoking questions and purposeful group interactions. Your feedback will be gathered and incorporated into the district’s strategic plan scheduled for completion in December 2021.��

Community Summits��(session options):��

• Tuesday, Sept. 14, 1-3 p.m., Professional Development Center, Room 301, 1111 W. Arbrook Blvd., 76015 (English/Spanish translation provided)��
• Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6-8 p.m., Professional Development Center, Room 301, 1111 W. Arbrook Blvd., 76015 (English/Spanish translation provided)��
• Wednesday, Sept. 15, Virtual,1-3 p.m. (English only).��.��
• Wednesday, Sept. 15, Virtual, 6-8 p.m. (English only).��.��

����Join parents, teachers, students, staff members and community stakeholders to help shape the future.

'It was surreal'

Dunn Elementary fifth-grade teacher Audrey Simmons had a great story to tell her students when classes resumed at Dunn Tuesday morning.

Simmons was supposed to be on the field for Monday’s Texas Rangers home opener representing teachers as frontline workers. But when the original plan for the ceremonial first pitch changed Monday morning, the Rangers went to Simmons to be the relief pitcher.

Just like all ����Vlog teachers during the pandemic, Simmons delivered a perfect strike in front of nearly 40,000 fans in the first home opener with fans at Globe Life Field.

“It was surreal,” said Simmons. “It was very exciting, and I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be because I was representing teachers. That was the most exciting part, representing teachers because of all their hard work. It wasn’t about me. It was about everybody working together to create a great learning environment for the kids. It was a great opportunity.”

And a last-minute one, too. Simmons, the 2019-20 teacher of the year at Dunn, found out last week she’d be on the field before the game. But five minutes before she was leaving for the game Monday she got asked to throw out the first pitch.

That gave Simmons and her husband Robert enough time to throw a few pitches in the backyard before going to the park. She got a few tips from the organization once she got there, and then she made her toss to a nurse from Dallas before the Rangers lost to the Toronto Blue Jays.

The day was filled with other highlights for Simmons, too.

“I got to meet George W. Bush beforehand,” said Simmons, who returned to Dunn Tuesday morning as the school opened for students for the first time since the winter storm in February. “I was just about to practice with the nurse and we got to meet him. We shook his hand and took pictures with him. It was a great day. It was fun seeing all the behind-the-scenes stuff. It was surreal being a part of history.”

Being at the ballpark has been a part of Simmons’ life. She used to go to Arlington Stadium with her late father. That tradition continued at Globe Life Park, where Simmons took her children. Monday she had her husband and her daughter and son-in-law with her for the game.

“She [her daughter] is a teacher in Dallas,” Simmons said. “They all had great memories of going to the games. She’s had a year being a teacher, too. This will be something we will never forget.”

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CICVXsC6LuI&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=voter%20approval%20tax%20rate%20election&utm_term=vatre&utm_content=082820vatrepost[/embed]

The ����Vlog Board of Trustees has called for a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election on Nov. 3, 2020. If approved, the VATRE would generate approximately $56 million in additional revenue for the district. “Passage of the VATRE would provide our district millions in state funding that we could not access otherwise,” said ����Vlog Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos. “The money would be used to improve compensation for teachers and staff and to address operational day‐to‐day expenses.”

The ����Vlog has identified three primary uses for the VATRE:

1) Teacher Pay

����Vlog has lost ground in competitive market pay for teachers over the last several years.��Competing districts with more revenue can effectively attract and retain quality educators through higher salaries. A VATRE would be used to increase teacher compensation.

2) Access to additional state funding

The additional pennies of tax authorized through a VATRE are weighted in state funding formulas. The proposed tax rate increase would generate approximately $18 million in state aid to be used for teacher salaries and instructional programs.

3) Staff Pay

Like pay for teachers, ����Vlog would use the VATRE to increase pay for support staff.�� This includes approximately 4,000 staff members who provide educational support services for students, drive buses, clean and maintain schools and provide security services.

����Vlog has never had a VATRE. In fact, the district’s Maintenance and Operations tax rate has remained the same or declined in each of the past 15 years. “The majority of school districts in our area have already passed VATREs,” said ����Vlog Board of Trustees President Kecia Mays. “By not passing one ourselves, we are leaving millions of dollars of state aid on the table. We have outstanding teachers and staff. The VATRE would be used to increase their salaries in the future.” If the VATRE is approved by voters in November, the total tax rate would increase 8.84 cents. The new tax rate would cost the owner of an average home in Arlington, which is valued at $208,985 according to the Tarrant Appraisal District, an additional $162.70 annually, or $13.56 per month. Taxpayers over age 65 would incur no tax increase unless they make substantial improvements to their home.

More information is available at aisd.net/vatre.

Construction at Gunn Junior High Will Impact Future Learners

Most schools are quiet right now as students started the school year learning online from home. But not Gunn Junior High. It was even louder than a normal first week of school with demolition, renovation and new construction – plus instructional development – all going on at the same time.�� The Bond 2019 project to renovate and build an addition to the school turned Gunn into a busy construction zone throughout the summer and now into the fall. With the addition and renovations, Gunn will become home to a new junior high fine arts and dual-language academy while continuing to serve the 7^th��and 8^th��grade students zoned for the school.��

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS

If you come to Gunn – and many parents and students have visited recently to pick up devices and school supplies – it looks like nearly every corner of the building and site has work going on.

Inside the existing building, renovations for the fine arts rooms include dance, piano, theater and music. The band, choir and orchestra rooms are almost finished, and the theatre and dance spaces are underway. Outside, a new parking area on the west side of the building is now open. Construction of a new fire lane loop is complete on the west side and continues around the north side of the building. Work on the north-side parking lot should be finished by mid-September. The athletic field is getting resurfaced with field turf and will be ready in September as well.��������

Work on the additions is also ongoing. The piers for the main addition on the south side of the building and for the addition between the two existing buildings (the main school building and the cafeteria and gym building) have been set and foundation work continues. The two additions will open next school year.������

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRESS

Construction and COVID make for a unique mix of challenges, but Gunn principal Dr. Matt Varnell sees them as opportunities. The new normal has Varnell and the Gunn faculty looking at things differently. “We are challenging teachers to rethink how they deliver instruction and how students demonstrate learning,” Varnell said. “We are re-envisioning how kids show us what they learn.”

The Gunn teachers are considering and implementing tools other than the standard test that can demonstrate learning. For instance, video recordings, interactive online collaboration tools and even students designing their own animations all offer students ways to engage with the material and demonstrate their comprehension and mastery. Using creative ways to assess student learning is more engaging and often allows students to extend beyond the limits of traditional tests. “Our teachers are really embracing this,” Varnell said.

Impact and inspire

The new mindset fits perfectly with the philosophy Varnell already champions."We are changing the question from 'How smart are you?' to 'How are you smart?' Every student is smart in some way. The key is tapping into their interests, identifying their strengths and inspiring them to learn. Construction really is going on in every corner of Gunn, and not just on the buildings. The new tools and philosophy that Varnell and Gunn’s teachers are exploring during this unique phase in Gunn’s history are helping build a new instructional model that will impact and inspire students long after the pandemic has passed and construction crews have gone.

����Vlog Honored with 2020 TASB Risk Management Fund Excellence Award

The ����Vlog has been selected as a recipient of the .

The ����Vlog was one of 10 recipients of the award which recognizes members that implement innovative solutions to risk-management challenges facing organizations.

“This was a strong collaborative effort introduced by the safety committee, who worked hard to develop the plan,” said ����Vlog environmental and safety coordinator Corey Robinson. “Our supervisors, foremen and managers followed through by assisting with the implementation. This was truly a major team effort and all deserve recognition for their contributions.”

The award is usually presented during the TASB members’ conference in April, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The district will receive a $1,000 honorarium in support of risk management initiatives.

����Vlog is committed to growing whole and well-rounded young adults who are prepared to excel in college, career and beyond. The district’s mission is that every one of its more than 57,000 students will graduate exceptionally prepared for college, career and citizenship. With top educators, an outstanding core curriculum, a growing number of specialized programs and state-of-the-art facilities, the opportunities for all students from pre-K through high school are endless.

Five Reasons Online Pre-K is Worth it

Pre-K is the beginning of a child’s educational journey. It’s about getting children ready for kindergarten through purposeful play, fun songs, hands-on exploration and interaction with others. It’s about inspiring curiosity and building confidence.

But can all that happen if Pre-K is online? Is online Pre-K even worth it?

For the first time ever, three- and four-year-olds in the ����Vlog are embarking on their educational journeys completely online. Due to COVID-19, ����Vlog is starting the school year virtually and will offer an online option to any who prefer it for the entire school year.

“As educators, we all know that there is no better option than face-to-face instruction,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ����Vlog director of early childhood learning. “However, we have been preparing all summer for virtual Pre-K, and we are ready to deliver the best online early childhood learning experience possible.”

The district’s online Pre-K is going to include live instruction every day, plus small group activities, circle time, art and lots of fun experiments.

“Exploration and creativity will be embedded in all the lessons,” Orsini said.

So, yes. ����Vlog’s Pre-K online will be well worth it!

Here are five of the many reasons online Pre-K through ����Vlog will be a fantastic educational experience for our youngest learners.

1. Online Pre-K will still offer high-quality instruction

The instruction won’t change just because it’s online. The program will continue following the and expectations and will use the district’s

comprehensive early childhood instructional model, which is enriched by using Frog Street Pre-K curriculum.

“We have carefully planned a curriculum that includes a combination of virtual and hands-on learning opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Hildelisa Díaz, AISD early learning coordinator.

Through daily live and recorded lessons, teachers will provide meaningful learning experiences to all students, opportunities for active exploration through thoughtfully planned activities and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners.

“Teachers will be able to model what instruction looks like for the skills being taught at home,” said Nadia Azari, AISD early childhood instructional specialist. “These ‘how-to’ lessons will serve as guides for students and families.”

2. Online Pre-K will inspire curiosity

Pre-K teachers, who are creative by nature, are designing lessons specifically to promote exploration and inspire curiosity.

“Lessons and activities must be engaging and intriguing enough to stimulate curiosity,” said Ken Foster, AISD early childhood instructional specialist. “One of ways we're doing this is by using the classroom and home environments as ‘virtual labs.’”

Foster explained that teachers will broadcast lessons from their classrooms or home and show students how they can turn their own homes into a perfect setting for exploration. The teachers will draw connections and demonstrate activities that pique curiosity about a particular topic. They will model activities, art projects and fun experiments that kids can do with materials they have at home, like toys or things in the kitchen.

“Behind the scenes, all of our Pre-K teachers and staff are working very hard to make online instruction effective and engaging for our little ones,” said Serena Webb, Berry Elementary Pre-K teacher. “We are finding creative ways to extend real classroom learning experiences to our students in their homes.”

3. Pre-K teachers are prepared for online teaching

​“Our certified teachers received significant amounts of early childhood professional development hours during the summer in early childhood learning and are now well-prepared to deliver high quality online instruction,” Orsini said.

But it’s not just the training that has Pre-K teachers ready to teach online. It’s who they are. Pre-K teachers are dedicated to their students and will go to any length to inspire them.

“Pre-K teachers teach Pre-K because they have a passion for young children,” said Kelly Schrader, Pre-K team leader at Miller Elementary. “They eat, breathe and sleep Pre-K. The way that Pre-K teachers deliver quality instruction is different than any other grade levels. Make up a silly song and do a crazy dance? Of course, we will! Read a story with all animated voices? You bet we will! Just because we will be doing online instruction will not change the love we have for early childhood education and the extra steps we will go to make our students feel engaged, encouraged and excited for learning.”

4. Pre-K students will interact with their teachers and fellow students

Pre-K students may be at home, but the Pre-K program will transport them virtually to school and make them feel like they are part of a class. They will see and interact with teachers and classmates in daily live and recorded sessions. Though strangers on the first day of school, they will quickly get to know each other and become friends.

“There is nothing better than getting to see your students and teachers face every day,” Schrader said. “The love that Pre-K teachers and their students have is indescribable. Even though virtual Pre-K looks different than in-person Pre-K, the daily interaction is so very important.”

Interaction with teachers and classmates – even in the virtual classroom – cultivates growth, understanding and confidence. Foster explained that students perceive value and worth through their classroom community.

“This establishes a good foundation for learning.��The student is��much more interested��in what their teacher says��if the student feels valued,” Foster said.

5. Paper packets will supplement online learning

Paper packets with activities to supplement online learning will be available for each unit. Parents will pick them up at the campus before the beginning of a new unit and use them in conjunction with online learning.

“These packets are thoughtfully planned out to extend online learning and reinforce material learned virtually,” Schafer said.

It’s going to be a great year in ����Vlog Pre-K no matter what! Whether it’s online or in-person, the teachers are ready and eager to inspire our youngest learners!

It’s not too late to register your child for Pre-K. Register online here. And if you need an iPad for your child to go to school online, sign up for one on our technology resources page.

����Vlog Honored with Financial Reporting Award��

The ����Vlog was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting by the .

The award, for the fiscal year 2019, goes to districts that have met the program’s standards for financial reporting and transparency. Moreover, by participating in the program, school districts demonstrate their commitment to financial transparency. Similarly, participating districts submit their comprehensive annual financial report, which is reviewed by��a team of financial professionals who provide feedback to improve future documents.

In addition, a district’s participation in the COE program can facilitate bonding rating and continuing bond disclosure processes.

“The ����Vlog strongly believes in the importance of proper financial reporting,” said ����Vlog chief financial officer Cindy Powell. “It’s important that we are transparent with our stakeholders and community. We’re honored to receive this award.”

����Vlog is committed to growing whole and well-rounded young adults who are prepared to excel in college, career and beyond. The district’s mission is that every one of its more than 57,000 students will graduate exceptionally prepared for college, career and citizenship. With top educators, an outstanding core curriculum, a growing number of specialized programs and state-of-the-art facilities, the opportunities for all students from pre-K through high school are endless.

Photos from the Arts & Athletics Complex Show Updates to the Facility

Check out the latest construction photos of the new ����Vlog Arts and Athletics Complex, home to the future Center for Visual and Performing Arts and the Athletics Center. Specifically, significant progress has been made since last month’s video tour, like the installation of the arena floor and the removal of scaffolding in the concert hall.

July Photos: �� ��

Moreover, the Center for Visual and Performing Arts is dried-in, has permanent power and the air conditioning is on. The high ceilings are almost all complete now, and the concrete floors in the visual arts area are being polished. In the concert hall and theater, construction crews are working on the sloped floors and steps. The administration offices and the visual arts, keyboarding and instrument repair classrooms are being painted and the ceilings installed.

The Athletic Center is also dried-in, it has permanent power and the air conditioning is on. The arena wood floor has been installed and is acclimating. In the natatorium, the pool liner and bulkhead are being installed and the seats are going in. The pool will be filled with water in a couple of weeks.

Outside, the courtyard sidewalks between the two buildings are complete and irrigation and landscaping are being put in now.

These two facilities mark the completion of the 2014 bond package approved by Arlington voters in 2014.��

����Vlog's State of the District to be Held August 7��

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce will host the tenth annual ����Vlog State of the District address featuring Dr. Marcelo Cavazos this Friday, August 7. Because of COVID-19 this year’s event will be held live on the Chamber of Commerce .

In a Q&A format, Dr. Cavazos will answer questions about the district’s Return to School plan. Moreover, he will share information about new initiatives including PTECH and the new Center for Visual and Performing Arts.

Everyone is invited to attend virtually. Similarly, everyone is asked to sign up on the Chamber of Commerce’s ��or join��their page at noon on Friday.

The Presenting Sponsor is Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital Arlington. The Virtual VIP Reception Sponsor is LBL Architects. Platinum Sponsors are Peyco Southwest Realty, Inc. and Stripe-A-Zone.

����Vlog is committed to growing whole and well-rounded young adults who are prepared to excel in college, career and beyond. The district’s mission is that every one of its more than 57,000 students will graduate exceptionally prepared for college, career and citizenship. With top educators, an outstanding core curriculum, a growing number of specialized programs and state-of-the-art facilities, the opportunities for all students from pre-K through high school are endless.

Crow Leadership Academy Getting a New Look

The early stages of construction for a major Bond 2019 project at Crow Leadership Academy is now underway. Rough grading has begun for an addition and new parking lot.

“With every bond project, it helps us continue to move forward and serve our students even better,” Crow Principal Jamie MacDougall said.

MacDougall believes there is a connection between the physical space and student achievement.

“The better the physical space, the more we can elevate our instruction and learning.”

Crow has been elevating for years now, improving the physical space through 2014 Bond projects and growing academically. Crow is now the first International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme elementary school in ����Vlog and only the second in Tarrant County.

The projects planned for Crow through the 2019 Bond will continue that elevation. The addition will house classrooms for Pre-K and alternate curriculum.

“We are excited to have spaces specifically designed for our youngest learners and our alt-curriculum learners,” MacDougall said.

The addition will also include a new, full-size gym. The old gym, which will be demolished, is much too small and can’t even accommodate basketball goals. At the cafeteria, a new kitchen will add a much-needed second feeding line.

Along with the additions, renovations throughout the existing building will include new classroom doors, ceiling fixtures, toilet fixtures and more.��

Outside, the current playground is not covered and is not geared toward the youngest students. But a separate Bond 2019 project will give Crow two new covered playgrounds, one for younger students and one for older students.

Bigger Buildings for Student Growth

The new spaces and renovations are slated for completion by August of 2021. At that time, Crow’s student population will grow as part of an east Arlington master plan that will rezone the entire area, replace Berry and Thornton Elementary schools with new, bigger buildings and close Knox and Roark Elementary schools. (.)

“I’m a big believer in the importance of the physical space,” said MacDougall.

Updated, colorful and friendly interiors and exteriors encourage students to do their best and communicate to the community that the school takes its mission seriously.

“We really have a comprehensive vision through IB of helping our students become community and world changers as they grow in leadership and service,” MacDougall said. “It’s exciting to have spaces that support that vision.”

Bilingual Pre-K Delivers English and Spanish Instruction

Where can a four-year-old learn to read and write in Spanish while also learning English and having a lot of fun? The ����Vlog’s bilingual Pre-K program, offered at 25 elementary schools.

“In ����Vlog we embrace and respect other cultures and celebrate diversity,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ����Vlog director of early childhood learning. “Our early childhood department is committed to meet the educational needs of each student whose native language is not English through our bilingual and ESL Pre-K programs.”

But what is bilingual Pre-K? Many people understandably confuse the bilingual program with ESL Pre-K. Both programs serve students whose first language is not English, but they are not the same.

Pre-K Students and Teachers are Bilingual

In ESL classrooms, students speak any number of languages, so the teacher instructs only in English. In a bilingual classroom, the students are Spanish speakers. Teachers speak both Spanish and English and teach in both languages.

“The Pre-K bilingual program connects directly to your child's language and experiences, incorporated in a rich and rigorous bilingual curriculum,” said Dr. Hildelisa Díaz, ����Vlog early childhood learning coordinator. “It is a high-quality program that respects and draws on the language and culture of your child to further the linguistic, social and academic growth.”

The bilingual Pre-K curriculum is identical to all other ����Vlog Pre-K programs, but literature and social studies are taught in Spanish, and math and science are taught in English – all by the same teacher. During a typical day, the teacher will use books and songs to help transition from one language to the other. As a Spanish speaker, the teacher can offer support to the students when they struggle with English.

“The students are going to learn to read and write in Spanish,” said Nadia Azari, a bilingual Pre-K teacher for the last 17 years at Morton Elementary and now an instructional specialist in the early childhood learning department.

Fluency is the Goal of Pre-K

The goal is to slowly add more and more English so that students become fluent and can eventually transition out of the bilingual program, usually later in elementary.

“That starts from day one,” said Azari, about incorporating English into the curriculum. “Sometimes the students feel intimidated because they don’t understand what the teacher is saying, but that’s where the Spanish support comes in.”

“In the beginning of the year, I used a lot more Spanish because the students feel more intimidated,” said Nynyve Sanchez, a bilingual Pre-K teacher at Crow Leadership Academy. “So, I would just say things in English and repeat it back in Spanish so they understood. It didn’t take long. Within weeks they felt comfortable and would say, ‘I can speak a lot of English now.’”

By the end of the year, the students make tremendous progress in English while also learning Spanish and growing in confidence.

A major reason for the growth is something all ����Vlog Pre-K programs have in common – passionate teachers devoted to their students.

“Our highly-qualified and amazing Pre-K teachers help second language learners explore, discover, analyze and learn through fun hands-on activities in a warm and loving environment,” Orsini said.

Azari and Sanchez are two great examples.

“I never thought I’d be in Pre-K this long, but I loved it,” Azari said.

Sanchez just finished her first year as a Pre-K teacher at Crow, but she has eight years in the ����Vlog, including four years as a bilingual sixth-grade teacher.

“I’m not leaving Pre-K now for sure,” she said. “This is where I’m going to retire. This is it.”

Pre-K registration is open now. Register today.

Blanton Elementary Wins Statewide Recognition��

����Vlog’s Blanton Elementary is the biggest loser! And that’s a great thing.

Blanton placed first in the 2019 Battle of the Buildings by reducing its energy consumption from one year to the next more than any other school facility in the contest.

The statewide contest, sponsored by the , tracked energy consumption from the second half of 2019. They compared it with data from the same period in 2018.

Blanton’s more than 20 percent reduction was the greatest percentage decrease of any Texas school in the contest. Not far behind, ����Vlog’s Morton Elementary placed third, and in the “All Facilities” category, ����Vlog finished second.

“Doing as well as we did is excellent news and a nice reward for all of the hard work our district has done to save energy and put resources back into the classroom,” said Danny Helm, ����Vlog energy manager.

����Vlog's Commitment to Energy Reduction

It is excellent news, but not surprising given the emphasis the district places on energy conservation. ����Vlog’s energy management program, started in 2011, is making a huge impact on energy consumption. Major accomplishments include reducing the amount of electricity the district uses per square foot by 28 percent since 2011.�� In addition, the district has earned the ENERGY STAR certification for 47 district buildings.

The biggest loser achievement at��

Blanton is tied directly to the 2014 Bond. The bond funded a project that replaced Blanton’s old chilled water system with new high-efficiency roof-top units. It also provided electric controls for the HVAC system.

“Blanton is one of the district’s oldest schools, originally built in the 1950s and added on to through the years,” said Richard Flores, ����Vlog’s staff architect.�� Flores is also the project manager for the bond construction project at Blanton. “New highly-efficient HVAC technology combined with highly-sophisticated Energy Management System controls allow individual classroom control without having to turn on a central plant system for the entire building to comfort one or two occupied spaces.”

Blanton Principal Joshua Leonard is pleased with the upgrade as well. It allows him to be strategic in his planning and management of funds and energy.

“I can precisely control when and where energy is used, instead of having to turn a whole building on for a few rooms,” Leonard said. “This upgrade allows me to turn an old building into a high-functioning component in the work to save energy.”

Blanton was just one of many schools in the district that received high-efficiency HVAC replacements and upgrades through the 2014 Bond, and the work to improve energy efficiency districtwide will continue through the 2019 Bond.

Final 2014 Bond Project Nears Completion

You might feel like you need a hard hat for this tour. Get a close-up, in-depth look at the future ����Vlog Arts and Athletics Complex, now the home to the Center for Visual and Performing Arts and the Athletics Center. Follow Kelly Horn, ����Vlog Executive Director of Facility Services, as he walks you through the busy construction site. In this 20-minute video, he's joined by Athletics Director Eric White in the Athletics Center. After that, Fine Arts Director Dr. Christopher Anderson joins Horn in the Center for Visual and Performing Arts to help describe the new facilities and update the construction progress.

[embed]https://youtu.be/GxNiICXQwK8[/embed]

Construction of the Arts and Athletics Complex is the final project of the��2014 Bond. The facilities are scheduled to open this fall.

The��Center for Visual and Performing Arts will serve the entire district. Grades Pre-K-through-12 will enjoy world-class performance and demonstration venues. The CVPA will include a 1,250-seat concert hall, 425-seat theater, classroom space, art and dance studios, instrument repair center and art gallery.

The��Athletics Center will give the district its first-ever natatorium. The AC will include a 50-meter pool with moveable bulkheads, a diving area and a warm-up pool. Plus, it will include seating for 1,000 spectators. In addition to the natatorium, the Athletics Center will house a 1,200-seat arena for competition wrestling, basketball and volleyball. Finally, space will also be used for a new elementary gymnastics program.

Johns Elementary Pre-K Gets a New Look Thanks to 2019 Bond Voters

Johns Elementary has a new Pre-K patio. The first construction project of the 2019 Bond to be completed, this project at Johns replaced an old patio that was falling apart.

.

“The patio had been falling and detaching from the building,” said Johns Principal Dawn Zdrojewski. “Over the years the patio had been patched multiple times but continued to pose some safety concerns.”

The patio is used as a play area for Pre-K students and for parent drop off and pick up. But damage and patches were making it unsafe, and attempts to fix the patio in the past had failed.

“It was severely damaged by settling of the concrete and poor drainage, and the district had made several attempts to contain the damage,” said Steven Baze, ����Vlog general maintenance supervisor. “The bond program funding enabled us to finally correct the situation permanently.”

It was during planning for the 2019 Bond that Pre-K teachers and Zdrojewski expressed concern about the patio to the district.

“When Mr. [Kelly] Horn came to the campus to discuss the bond program, I asked him to come see the patio,” Zdrojewski said. “He noted the concerns and said he would work on it.”

The 2019 Bond passed in the November election, and by end of the school year, construction crews were on sight to demolish the old patio and build the new one.

The patio is part of the site paving work planned for Johns in the 2019 Bond, but the patio piece was pulled forward to ensure it would be ready for the next school year.

“The new patio looks great and is much safer than before,” Zdrojewski said. I messaged the Pre-K teachers to let them know and they were happy.”

Learn more about the 2019 Bond.

Community Delivers Input on the Future Design of ����Vlog's Berry Elementary

Students, parents and teachers recently helped architects kickstart the design process for the future Berry Elementary School. They met with architects and ����Vlog administrators via Zoom to discuss their desires for the new building.

Demo-Day Approaches

Berry Elementary opened in 1955, and the nearly 65-year-old building has reached a point where it needs to be replaced. The��, approved by voters last November, is providing the funds to demolish the current building and replace it with a new school on the same site.

To begin, the architect, HKS, hosted a series of five design charrettes with ����Vlog staff, students and parents. The intent of the interactive, conversational meetings was to set the vision for the new campus. The meetings are part of a pre-design phase that is developing the concept and model for the school which the architects will then infuse into the schematic design.����

Designer Buildings for Deserving Students

The entire east Arlington area will be rezoned, including Berry, Blanton, Crow, Johns, Knox, Rankin, Roark and Thornton elementary schools. Roark and Knox will permanently close while Berry and Thornton will be razed and rebuilt. Berry will receive much of Roark’s student population so merging the two student bodies and cultures is an important dynamic.

Staff, students and parents from Berry and Roark joined the charrettes to help architects understand how to bring the best of both together. Students, teachers and parents have met in three separate groups to give their best ideas for the future design.

As Dr. Steven Wurtz, ����Vlog chief academic officer, told the students that their input will have a lasting impact.

“W build a school to last 50 years. One day your grandkids could go to this school and you can tell them that you helped design what it looks like,” Wurtz said.

Building in a Little Fun, Too��

Students got to talk about what they like at Berry and Roark and what their dream school would look like. One girl’s request for a zip line might not make it in the new school, but her suggestions about the importance for a school to feel fun resonated with the architects.

Teachers echoed some of the student’s thoughts about the value of outdoor spaces. They also touched on many other topics like collaboration spaces, the never-ending need for storage, walls to hang student work on, windows, floorplans, school culture and much more.

The parents talked about the culture and history of the schools as well. One mother who attended Berry herself wants to see Berry maintain its history but become even better for her children who now attend. Parents also talked about parking, security, drop-off/pickup, natural light in the school and a family-friendly atmosphere.��

Seeing the Future

When asked what they envision for Berry in 10 years, one parent commented, “I would love for Berry to be known as a school where there are top-notch academics, including STEM-focused activities and events, and a focus on fine arts and sports.”

That vision is on track to become a reality thanks to the input and advice from students, parents, and teachers, paired with a dedicated team of architects and ����Vlog administrators.

“I know for a fact that this building will be awesome,” said Kelly Horn, ����Vlog executive director of Facility Services, at the charrette with teachers. “I know that we’ve got the right design team, and we’ve had the right kind of input from you and students and parents.”

Now that the charettes are complete, the design phase will begin. The design phase takes about one year followed by approximately 16 months of construction. The new Berry will open for the 2023-2024 school year.

Berry is one of three elementary schools that will be replaced thanks to voters in the 2019 Bond election. Webb Elementary and Thornton Elementary will also be torn down and rebuilt. Read about Webb’s third charrette��and��Thornton’s second charrette.

A Closer Look Inside The New Arts And Athletics Facility��

Windows are going in, sheetrock is going up and the pool’s frame is in place. Check out the construction progress of the future ����Vlog Arts and Athletics Complex – which includes the Center for Visual and Performing Arts and the Athletics Center – in this virtual tour video.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/embed/9bTwqWWDT4o[/embed]

The Center for Visual and Performing Arts is nearly dried-in. The roof is complete, and the exterior window systems are almost finished. The building has permanent power, and mechanical systems have been started and are circulating air in the theater and concert hall so that installing finishes can begin. The concert hall still has scaffolding up so baffles and lights in the ceilings can be installed. When that is complete, the scaffolding will be removed and work on the high wall finishes and balconies will begin. In the theater, workers are completing the walls and balcony and will then start installing the finishes. In the administration and teaching areas, crews are finishing the above ceiling work and starting to frame the ceilings.��

The Athletic Center is also nearly dried-in. The roof is complete and the exterior window systems are being installed. The ceiling and walls of the arena are being painted now. In the natatorium, the area around the pool frames have been filled in, and work is beginning to pour the pool deck. In the lobby and locker rooms, crews are finishing the above ceiling work and framing the ceilings.

Construction of the Arts and Athletics Complex is the final project of the 2014 Bond.

The��Center for Visual and Performing Arts��will serve the entire district, grades Pre-K-through-12, with world-class performance and demonstration venues. It will include a 1,250-seat concert hall, 425-seat theater, classroom space, art and dance studios, instrument repair center, and art gallery.

The��Athletics Center��will give the district its first-ever natatorium. The natatorium will include a 50-meter pool with moveable bulkheads, a diving area, warm-up pool and seating for 1,000 spectators. In addition to the natatorium, the Athletics Center will house a 1,200-seat arena for competition wrestling, basketball and volleyball. The space will also be used for a new elementary gymnastics program.

����Vlog Recognizes Maintenance and Operations Staff

Thanks to a group of unsung heroes, the ����Vlog’s operations and maintenance personnel (super crew), ����Vlog schools are continuing to be cleaned and maintained throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Though school buildings are closed, 27 campuses are providing meals for children each week, and all campuses still require maintenance and cleaning on a daily basis.

It’s a huge job made even more important – and risky – by the coronavirus. But the job is not only being done, it’s being done exceptionally well.

“Our task is a simple one – we are here to serve,” said Kelly Horn, ����Vlog executive director of facility services. “Our folks have tirelessly reported for work every day as critical and essential members of the team.”��

The super crew, from custodians to maintenance technicians, often do their work when no one else is around to see it. But their work is foundational to everything the district does. The entire community relies on and benefits from their service.

“We owe a tremendous thank you to our operations and maintenance personnel for the incredible job they always do, but even more so right now during COVID-19,” said ����Vlog Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos. “Though we always depend on them, now, more than ever, the work they are doing is critically essential. Without them, our school district simply couldn’t function.”

These employees are extremely hardworking and serve selflessly and professionally.

“They are some of the most generous and caring people that you will ever meet,” Horn said.�� “I am blessed to call them my team!”

Many also have children in ����Vlog schools, which makes the job even more personal.��

“Keeping our buildings safe matters to them,” Horn said.��“They clean and maintain our schools during the day, then go home to care for their family and help with home school at night.”��

By the Numbers

• 120 – The ����Vlog has 120 custodians (out of 436 operations personnel during normal operations) on duty each day during the COVID-19 closure. The schools offering student meals require thorough cleaning each day. In addition, the district has one or more custodians stationed at each school daily to monitor the facilities and provide localized disinfection services whenever someone enters the buildings.
• 60 – The ����Vlog has 60 maintenance technicians (out of 160 technicians during normal operations) on duty each day during the COVID-19 closure. They have continued the normal maintenance routine, including groundskeeping. In addition, they are taking advantage of the empty school buildings to service all HVAC systems and change out all filters. They are also investigating potential excessive water usage and leaks.
• 27 – The ����Vlog continues to provide meals for students each week from 27 campuses spread across the district. Those schools, and particularly their kitchens, require thorough cleaning each day.
• 1,178,698 – This is the number of meals that the ����Vlog has provided to children in the community during the COVID-19 closure as of May 15. None of these meals would have been possible without the support and cleaning provided by the custodial staff.
• 77 – There are 77 school campuses in the district plus administrative and service buildings, and each one still requires regular maintenance, even when students and teachers aren’t in the buildings.

Keeping schools clean

Even before COVID-19, the ����Vlog had a high standard for cleanliness executed daily by the operations team.

“We approach cleaning the buildings with the same mindset that we have always had: a clean, well-maintained building is a safe building,” Horn said. “Our students and staff deserve a clean, well-maintained, safe building to learn and work in daily.”

In fact, three years ago – long before COVID-19 – the AISD added a disinfectant misting program to its cleaning process to guarantee germs get killed and schools are thoroughly clean.

Those practices and standards ensured the district was prepared when coronavirus struck.

“We still clean thoroughly from top to bottom, but during the current situation with COVID-19, we are focusing on a more aggressive and frequent process of disinfecting touchpoints like door handles, door jambs, light switches, counter tops and restroom fixtures,” Horn said.

A round of applause

Despite their importance and value to the district, the operations and maintenance employees rarely receive the thanks and recognition they deserve.

But we can change that.

“Let’s let them know that we see the work they are doing, and we know how important it is,” Cavazos said. “We are so grateful not only for the jobs they do, but for who they are, and for how they do their jobs with such great devotion and excellence.”

Thank you to our operations and maintenance personnel. You are our dream of a super crew that exceeds expectations.��

Purposeful Play Builds Educational Foundation

Lots of playtime probably isn’t what comes to mind when you think about going to school. But for ����Vlog’s Pre-K students, purposeful play is a big part of every day.

“Sometimes, when people hear the word play, they think it's a bad word, that students are unsupervised, running around, doing whatever they want,” said Mallory Knox, a student support interventionist for Kooken Education Center and Community-based Pre-K. “In fact, it's the exact opposite. Purposeful play in Pre-K is detailed, intentional, engaging, data driven and differentiated based on the learner.”

The key word is purposeful. The play is incorporated into the curriculum and is designed to foster curiosity and encourage learning in the district’s youngest learners.

“Developmentally-appropriate purposeful play is an engaging way to develop children’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical skills,” said Nadia Azari, a Pre-K teacher at Morton Elementary. “It encourages creative thinking while achieving intended learning outcomes.”

Why play?

Play is how young children learn. They are innately curious, and they feed and foster that curiosity through play.

“We know that children are naturally curious; they are fascinated by how and why things work,” said Nynve Sanchez, a Pre-K teacher at Crow Leadership Academy. “If we combine play by building sensory-rich experiences for students to explore, discover and ask questions, it will develop the natural curiosity they have as children into becoming life-long learners.”

That curiosity drives kids to explore. Through playful exploration, children discover the world around them and learn to make sense of it. When they find meaning and purpose in their play, they learn.

“Children do this primarily with their five senses,” said Ken Foster, a Pre-K teacher at Kooken. "What does it look like, sound like, smell like, taste like and feel like? To adults, it looks like playing. However, to the child, it is engagement in learning. The more sophisticated children become with using their five senses, the more efficient they become with adding new information.”

The play in the Pre-K curriculum is structured to tap into that curiosity, engage the five senses, foster creativity and bring meaning to their activities.

“Play provides the vehicle for students to be able to grow and develop many skills,” Sanchez said. “By exploring and playing they are able to build their social and emotional skills, fine motor skills, problem solving skills, vocabulary and gain the confidence to try new things, making them more independent.”

What does play look like in Pre-K?

Pre-K play can take many different forms, including singing songs, read-alouds, art projects and so much more. But, as Norma Cloud, a Pre-K teacher at Duff Elementary, said, it is “always intentionally planned to achieve set goals from district-based standards.”

Cloud explained how the types of play can vary throughout the day.

“There are times that the play is very open-ended, such as STEM tubs or themed centers,” she said. “During free choice center time, the students take the lead and the teachers are there to support the interactions. These have a learning goal but the path to get there isn’t as defined. There are also times throughout the day that are heavily teacher-led and structured but incorporate songs, dance and games. These are followed by activities that support the lesson and provide ample opportunities for the children to interact with a variety of materials, their surroundings and their peers.”

Preparing students for the future

“When asked what they did at school, my students might answer with, ‘I played!’” Cloud said. “They’re not wrong. But there’s so much more to it.”

Pre-K is about preparing young students to start kindergarten and kick off a life-long journey of learning. Purposeful play is designed to do just that.

“Purposeful play teaches the whole child, meeting them where they are developmentally, and providing the building blocks for a solid educational foundation,” Knox said.

Pre-K registration is currently open for the 2020-2021 school year. Learn more and register your child at www.aisd.net/prek.

Wimbish World Language Academy Upgrades Will Surprise Students When They Return

Students will hardly recognize the front entrance of Wimbish World Language Academy when they finally return to school after the COVID-19 closure. With a new canopy, landscaping and a wider sidewalk, Wimbish’s front entrance has a fresh and modern look.

This construction project, one of the last Bond 2014 projects, wasn’t just about improving Wimbish’s appearance though.

The landscaping was part of a project to improve drainage, while the new, wider sidewalk was built to help when school gets out in the afternoon. The old sidewalk wasn’t big enough to accommodate all the students as they exit the building. And the canopy will provide shelter during rain and on hot, sunny days.

“The new canopy is a great addition to WWLA in that it will provide students with the appropriate coverage needed to shield them from the unpredictable Texas weather,” said Wimbish Interim Principal Manuel Trevino.

This was the second 2014 Bond project completed at Wimbish. The first, larger project included adding two new STEM labs within the building and renovations to the strings room, front-entrance security vestibule, reception area and the K-pod. Many windows and carpet throughout the building were replaced, and the campus received major mechanical renovations, including 56 new roof-top units, along with a number of other lifecycle and deficiency upgrades.

����Vlog Teachers Share The Advantages Of Free Full-Day Pre-K

Pre-K will be full-day for all 4-year-olds next school year in the ����Vlog for the first time. That’s exciting news for Pre-K teachers because they know how much the extended school day will help the district’s youngest learners.

“Extending our academic program for 4-year-old students to full-day Pre-K will give us better opportunities to prepare children for kindergarten,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ����Vlog director of early childhood learning. “Our students will learn and have fun as they explore, discover, interact with other students and build self-confidence.”

The additional hours in the school day will��give teachers the opportunity to teach language and cognitive skills, promote social and emotional development, and boost Pre-K students’ pre-math and literacy skills at a new, higher level.

This has ����Vlog’s Pre-K teachers very excited about next year. Check out what five Pre-K teachers from around the district think is the best thing about full-day Pre-K and what they are most excited about for next year.

And don’t forget that Pre-K enrollment is open now. Visit to register and find out more details.

Debbie Modawell – Moore Elementary

The best thing about Pre-K becoming full day is the opportunity to provide a strong foundation for learners to engage in purposeful play which anchors their classroom learning in a creative and meaningful way. This opportunity builds their social-emotional skills and allows them to problem solve alongside their peers.��

As a teacher of half-day Pre-K and now going to full-day Pre-K, I am incredibly excited about building relationships with learners and their families! It is going to be an amazing adventure full of purposeful play nurturing their creativity and imagination while developing their language and communication skills! It's going to be a great year in Pre-K!

Kelly Schrader – Miller Elementary

One of the best things about full-day Pre-K is the opportunity to form a strong bond with students. The students are really allowed to grow socially as well as academically. I am most excited to meet my amazing new class and get started making memories that we will always cherish.

Nora Cloud – Duff Elementary

I'm finishing my fourth year in full-day Pre-K, and it is the best! I love starting their educational journey in a��rigorous, curriculum-based program that doesn't lose focus on what's important to the overall development of the children. In a full day, we have time to play and explore as we learn. We have time to develop those oh-so-important social and emotional skills.��We establish routines, build stamina, and create life-long memories and relationships.��I think that by this time next year we will see a new generation of learners who are even more prepared and excited to learn than ever before.��I can't wait to start the journey again next fall and to hug my former students, as well!��

Mallory Knox – Kooken Education Center

The best advantages of full-day Pre-K are the ability to build relationships with your students as well as extended time for learning. Teachers and students have ample learning time to teach, explore, play and fully grasp concepts that will be built upon as the school year progresses. Full-day Pre-K gives students a solid educational foundation for success in kindergarten and beyond.��

Kim Higbee – Little Elementary

One of the most exciting things about becoming full-day Pre-K is that we will be able to focus on the whole child. Having extra time in class will allow us to focus on strong academics but more importantly the social and emotional wellbeing of our youngest learners. It is our role as educators to build a strong foundation for the growth of our children and equip them with the skills to be kind and compassionate people.����

����Vlog Future Of Swimming Is Taking Shape

There’s no water yet, but the big concrete hole in the ground is starting to look like a real pool. Construction crews positioned most of the side panels last week, giving shape to the ����Vlog’s future swimming “home.”

“We are very excited to see the ����Vlog natatorium come to fruition because our swimmers will finally have a place to call home," said Suzanne Dangelmaier, ����Vlog aquatic coordinator��and Arlington High School head varsity boys and girls swimming coach. “We will not only be able to train in a world-class facility, but we can build our champions from a young age through our water safety program.”����

The pool is part of the district’s future Athletics Center, a 2014 Bond project that includes the natatorium and an arena for basketball, volleyball, wrestling and elementary gymnastics and is located next door to the district’s future Center for Visual and Performing Arts

The first-ever natatorium for the ����Vlog includes the 50-meter pool with moveable bulkheads, a diving area, warm-up pool and seating for 1,000 spectators. And it gives the district’s swimmers the “home” they’ve never had. They will no longer have to squeeze their practices in at the University of Texas at Arlington and Tarrant County College Southeast pools.

Natatorium A First For The City And ����Vlog

The natatorium is also a first for the City of Arlington, which has partnered with ����Vlog to host large, high-level swim competitions like intercollegiate and national club meets in the future (Learn more).

While this pool will be worthy of those major competitions, it will primarily offer ����Vlog students daily workouts and swim meets in a world-class pool. Manufactured by Myrtha Pools in Italy and shipped in pieces to Texas, the pool will give swimmers the best possible experience. The pool’s unique design minimizes wake and gives all swimmers clean water.

“We chose Myrtha Pools as they are the number-one choice for the Olympics and FINA World Championships because they provide pools that are lighter, stronger and faster,” Dangelmaier said. “Additionally, Myrtha Pools provide lasting durability through their state-of-the-art design for competitive pools.”

In fact, the majority of current world swimming records were set in Myrtha pools.

“The high school swimmers are eager to invite competitors to our home where new pool records will be set, all because of the support from our community,” Dangelmaier said.

The new natatorium is scheduled to open this fall.

Go From Your Backyard To Space With Books��

Reading books often takes you to far off places and on adventures you can only imagine. Exploring the World Without Leaving Home can be easy with books – so finish your work through the then join us while we Explore: Book edition.

Arlington Public Library

1. Our very own Arlington Public Library, which started ,�� has read-alouds and art lessons every week on its . The library also posted these fun recently.

Stay At Home Story Time

1. “The Day the Crayons Quit” fans: you’re in luck! Author Oliver Jeffers on Instagram Live and saved them on his website for all to enjoy for Stay at Home Story Time.

Harry Potter At Home

1. J.K. Rowling brings the magic of Harry Potter right into your home with her new website that launched April 1 called . Quizzes, puzzles and more will keep first-time and long-time Hogwarts students happy.

Coloring Pages And More

1. Childhood favorite Eric Carle has his own website with . You can even listen to “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” being

Out Of This World Stories

1. What happens when children’s books are sent to the International Space Station? You get ! Tune in for astronauts floating around part of the space station and reading a book for all to enjoy.

����Vlog Police Academy Students Keeping Fit During Shutdown

����Vlog Police Academy students haven’t let the COVID-19 school closure keep them from staying in shape.

“After the closure, I emailed the students asking what optional resources they would like access to during our brief break,” said Officer Fred Kemp of the Arlington Police Department and the instructor of the ����Vlog’s Police Academy. “I had a very positive response when I offered optional workouts in Zoom.”

The ����Vlog Police Academy normally meets at the AISD Career & Technical Center and is a hands-on learning experience for those considering a career as a police officer.��The year-long program for seniors from all AISD high schools is run in partnership with the Arlington Police Department (learn more).

Weekly Workouts Online

To help keep students engaged and active during the school closure, Kemp began offering weekly workouts via Zoom several weeks ago. Now that students are receiving online instruction for all courses, including the Police Academy, Kemp includes a prerecorded Zoom workout for each week in Canvas (the online school platform) so that students can do the workouts when it fits in their schedule.

Workouts consist primarily of body-weight exercises, but Kemp has some variety planned.��

“I plan to throw a chair and some additional household items in for kicks later in the six weeks,” he said.

Typical exercises include pushups, situps, squats, flutter-kicks jumping jacks and a lot of burpees.

“My favorite workout that we do involves a deck of cards,” said Oscar M., a senior from Sam Houston. The symbols (hearts, spades, diamonds, or clubs) would mean either pushups, situps, squats or flutter-kicks. The numbers on the card would show how many reps we had to do, and the face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) would be 10 burpees.” �� �� �� ��

For Oscar, the workouts are more than just exercise. They are motivating and serve as a way to connect with his fellow students.

“They remind us that it doesn't matter how hard times can be, there will always be a way to keep fighting and stay strong together,” he said. “It's a lot of fun working out with my classmates from ����Vlog Police Academy, even when we are not close.”

Managing Stress

The workouts also help with stress.

“The importance of the workouts stems from our own training as officers dealing with stress on the job,” Kemp said. “When under a great deal of stress, one of the best ways to keep a healthy mental state is to stay physically active.��Workouts can be used as a healthy way to approach the circumstances the students are facing due to the quarantine.��Workouts are free, your body-weight and running are readily available to everyone, and it is a good way to combat stress and depression.”

The COVID-19 closure has been very stressful for students, and particularly for seniors who are missing out on their final semester in high school. They have lots of unanswered questions about graduation, senior events and ultimately what happens next.

“This stressful buildup is leading students, including myself, to struggle with their mental health and become more unmotivated,” said John L., another Sam Houston senior in the Police Academy. “I chose to do Zoom workouts as a way to distract myself and relieve stress. Having yourself involved in some sort of physical activity can be the best way to relieve stress. Officers use physical training as a stress reliever all the time! There is no paid subscription to run a couple of miles or do a couple of pushups. It's completely free!”

Find A Way To Workout

John thinks all students should be working out in some way.

“I'd highly recommend any student perform some sort of physical activity at least once a day to keep their blood flowing. It doesn't necessarily mean that they have to perform an extreme workout, it could be something simple like chasing their dog in the backyard or playing tag with their siblings.”

The online police academy workouts will continue until the end of the school year. Then, police academy members, which APD calls Hometown Recruiting Program members, will be invited to weekly workouts held each summer at the APD Training Center and CTC.

“We normally have a really cool overlap of students waiting to attend college working out with the students that are coming into the ����Vlog Police Academy during their senior year,” Kemp said.

Until then, the police academy will continue online.

“Traditionally, this time of year is focused on true hands-on application of what these students have learned,” Kemp said.��

APD personnel from a variety of fields visit the ����Vlog Police Academy and share their expertise with the students.

“With the circumstances as they are, I have received material from those specialists that would've been instructing and applied their content to the academy's online curriculum,” Kemp said.��“If we can't meet in person, we'll at least cover the content those instructors felt is pertinent.”

And the workouts will continue, of course.

The Future Of ����Vlog's Arts And Athletics Complex Is Coming Together

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4a9knirhbw&feature=youtu.be[/embed]

Check out this of the future ����Vlog Arts and Athletics Complex. Great progress is being made on the new construction of the Center for Visual and Performing Arts Center and the Athletics Center.

The buildings are now dried in, meaning the roof is on and they have permanent power. Exterior windows are being installed so the buildings can be sealed and conditioned, which will clear the way to start the interior finishes.

In the Athletic Center’s natatorium, the first pool panels were installed this week. Check back here next Friday for photos.

The��Center for Visual and Performing Arts��will serve the entire district, grades Pre-K-12, with world-class performance and demonstration venues. It will include a 1,250-seat concert hall, 425-seat theater, classroom space, art and dance studios, instrument repair center, and art gallery.

The��Athletics Center once new construction is completed will give the district its first-ever natatorium. The natatorium will include a 50-meter pool with moveable bulkheads, a diving area, a warm-up pool and seating for 1,000 spectators. In addition to the natatorium, the Athletics Center will house a 1,200-seat arena for competition wrestling, basketball and volleyball. The space will also be used for a new elementary gymnastics program.

����Vlog Continues To Push Energy Management on 50th Anniversary Of Earth Day

Today is the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day, a day designed to raise awareness about the negative impact our actions can have on the environment and to promote transformative change that benefits the planet. In the ����Vlog, pursuing the principles behind Earth Day is an everyday pursuit.

"The district's energy management goal is to continuously improve energy efficiency and reduce the resources we use by establishing and implementing effective energy-saving strategies districtwide while providing a safe and comfortable learning environment,” said Danny Helm, AISD Energy Manager. “Through our districtwide energy committee, the program brings awareness to all of our students, faculty, staff and administration on the impact their actions have on our environment for future generations."����

The district’s energy management program, started in 2011, is making a huge impact in the district’s energy consumption. Here are just four highlights of the program’s success.

1) Reduced electricity usage by 28 percent

The AISD has reduced the amount of electricity it uses per square foot by 28 percent since 2011. That equates to $20 million in cost avoidance.

“We save energy by managing it better,” Helm said.

That management includes constant monitoring, districtwide energy audits and an energy committee with a representative from each district building. It also involves competitions among buildings to reduce energy, monthly energy report cards, and other energy saving activities and campaigns.

Check out the to see the district’s utility use, see how each campus compares to others, find your school and get tips for how to be green.

2) Net-zero Agricultural Science Center

The new Agricultural Science Center, a project of the 2014 Bond that opened in the fall of 2017, is the only net-zero facility in Arlington and may be the first and only net-zero agricultural school building in the country. The building utilizes a solar array and wind turbine to produce more energy annually than it consumes. On average, it produces more energy than it uses each day and pushes the surplus onto the local power grid. The facility also has four rain-water storage tanks and uses the collected water for irrigation and other purposes.

Learn more about the Ag Center’s net-zero capabilities and check out the , where you can see how much energy is being produced each day in real time.

3) 60 ENERGY STAR facilities

The AISD has 60 buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That means that 60 AISD buildings – and counting – are verified to perform in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide based on weather-normalized source energy performance and many other metrics, including occupancy, hours of operation and more.

The 2014 Bond was a major factor in earning this many ENERGY STAR certifications. The bond improved energy conservation by funding renovations at AISD campuses that significantly improved energy efficiency. Renovations included new exterior LED lighting, better insulation, dual-pane windows, and, most importantly, major mechanical replacements and improvements. Many new high-efficiency HVAC roof-top units and chillers were installed, and pneumatic controls were replaced with direct digital controls, giving the district much greater control over each campus’ mechanical systems.

The new 2019 Bond will continue the progress started by the 2014 Bond.

4) Watt Watchers

The AISD is part of , a state-sponsored STEM program designed to help boost energy literacy for K-12 students and help schools save money by saving energy. Through the program, students, teachers and families have access to energy-saving tips, activities and lessons.

The district’s energy committee members have Watt Watcher patrols in their buildings to monitor and reduce electricity usage. They also make morning announcements and use many of the resources available through the program to encourage students and teachers to “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” ��

Next year, there are plans to expand Watt Watchers with a conservation program that will create "student patrols" to monitor utility use and encourage teachers to use the TEKS-aligned materials available to them.��Check out the contest-winning posters created by two fifth graders to promote the conservation program.

Learn more about the AISD’s energy management program at aisd.net/energy.

Six ����Vlog Football Teams to Compete at Globe Life Park��

The 2020 high school football season for ����Vlog teams will kick off with a tripleheader weekend at Globe Life Park, the former home of the .

That weekend highlights a 2020 season in which all six ����Vlog teams will play at least one home game at the reconfigured park.

“We’re excited to have all our teams playing games at Globe Life Park,” ����Vlog athletic director Eric White said. “The reconfigured stadium sets up very well for football and will provide all of our teams a unique opportunity for our players, cheer squads, bands, fans and families. We wanted to be able to utilize the stadium and create experiences and this allows us to do that.”

Not only will the ����Vlog teams be the first high school teams to play football at the stadium, but they’ll also do so with some marquee matchups.

The first game at the stadium will feature Lamar hosting Euless Trinity on Aug. 28 in a rematch of a playoff game won by Lamar last November. Martin hosts Lake Travis, which advanced to the Class 6A Division I state semifinals last year, on Aug. 29, and Seguin closes out the tripleheader with an Aug. 30 game against Dallas Carter.

Arlington and Bowie have games at Globe Life Park the next week with Bowie meeting DeSoto Sept. 3 and Arlington playing Cedar Hill Sept. 4.

Sam Houston is set to play Keller Central Sept. 17.

All of the games are slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

The ����Vlog will no longer play games at UT-Arlington’s Maverick Stadium. Both Arlington and Martin will play all five of their home games at Globe Life Park.

2014 Bond Preserves Legacy of ����Vlog Past While Upgrading For Future Alumni

If you etched your name into a girls’ locker room bench at Arlington High School in the last 40 years, it’s probably still there.

Thanks to a thoughtful ����Vlog carpenter, recent renovations funded by the 2014 Bond included a little historical preservation. Instead of replacing the old benches in the girls’ locker room at Gym A, they were carefully refinished.

The benches are original to the gym, built in 1981, and made of maple, a very strong, durable wood that wouldn’t be used today because of its cost. New benches are typically oak, aluminum or metal.

Jerry Gray, an ����Vlog lead carpenter, recognized an opportunity to reuse the maple on the benches, beat up over nearly 40 years but still strong and durable, and preserve the history etched into the wood by AHS girls.

“I just thought since no curse words were used, it would be cool at a 20-year class reunion if students might be able to find their little bit of mischief they did in their youth,” Gray said. “And somehow it made sense to the powers that be.”

The benchtops were removed and placed on the tops and sides, but not on the bottom so that the signatures underneath were preserved. The wood was sanded and refinished with sanding sealer, and the mounting posts were repainted prior to reinstalling.

In addition to the bench work, AHS locker room walls were repainted, the terrazzo floors were restored and new locker banks were installed – all part of the renovations at Arlington High School funded by the 2014 Bond.