STATE 0F THE SCHOOLS FRISCO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 2013-2014 KNOW EVERY STUDENT BY NAME AND NEED
Table of Contents Page 2 Superintendent s Message...3 About Us...4-7 Making the Grade... 8-11 Embracing Every Student...12-13 Creating Opportunities...14-15 Working Together...16-17 Building Relationships...18-19 Celebrating Success...20-21 Looking Forward...22-23 FISD School Listings...24
Superintendent s Message Page 3 Dear Frisco ISD Family, As educators, parents and community members, we take great pride in our public schools, and for good reason. There is much to celebrate Frisco ISD students continue to excel in and out of the classroom. They consistently outpace their peers on state and national tests. They show the ingenuity, wit and drive to be successful in an ever-changing world. For those of us who work in education, each accomplishment, whether big or small, is a triumph. It s what keeps us going, keeps us searching for new ways to engage, inspire and challenge our students. When it comes to student achievement, our work is never done and your support and involvement is critical. As the District continues to grow, our mission to know every student by name and need will remain at the forefront of our day-to-day efforts. We will hire the best candidates to work with our students and provide ongoing training and resources to ensure our teachers are equipped to meet the demands of 21st Century learners. We will continue to offer a wide variety of rigorous programs and exciting opportunities, personalizing each student s educational experience to meet their unique needs and prepare them for a meaningful life beyond our schools. We will strive to identify more efficient and effective processes to further streamline District operations, allowing the emphasis to always stay on teaching and learning. As I look back at the 2013-2014 school year, I reflect on the many parents and community members who demonstrated they want us to keep moving forward, doing what we do best educating children. Voters gave us a mandate to continue the small schools concept when they approved a $775 million bond package in May. The program will provide educational facilities for up to 66,000 students a figure the District is projected to reach by 2020. We have already begun moving forward with several of the proposed schools and improvements. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we take this mandate very seriously and will consider projects carefully and spend funds wisely as we plan for the future. We are particularly excited about a partnership with the Dallas Cowboys and City of Frisco that will give students the opportunity to play and perform in a world-class events center. The collaboration means the District does not have to build or maintain another major football stadium, but our students and families will reap the benefits. It s just one of the many success stories you will find in this annual report. I invite you to explore the following pages and see why Frisco ISD is such a tremendous place to live, work and grow. Sincerely, Jeremy Lyon, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools
About Us Page 4 FISD trustees for the 2013-14 school year, left to right, include Chris Todd, Bryan Dodson, President Renée Ehmke, Secretary Ann McCausland, Vice President Dan Mossakowski, Debbie Gillespie and John Hoxie. Board Helps Drive Success A driving force behind the continued success of Frisco ISD is the dedication and support of the seven-member Board of Trustees. School Board members are elected at large to represent all FISD families. These hard-working volunteers are committed to the future of our students, schools and community. Board service requires continuing education hours and participation in an annual team-building session. FISD trustees also serve on a variety of District subcommittees. Terms are three years. Board meetings are the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room, FISD Administration Building, 5515 Ohio, Frisco, Texas, 75035.
About Us Page 5 The FISD Instructional Support Team includes, left to right, Dr. Mike Waldrip, Dr. Debra Nelson, Rick Burnett, Dr. Linda Bass, Dr. Jeremy Lyon, Shana Wortham, Doug Zambiasi, Melissa Fouche, Beverly Brunson and Richard Wilkinson. Staff Steers Day-to-Day Operations The Frisco ISD Instructional Support Team, led by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeremy Lyon, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the District. These leaders, and the staff members they manage, work to support teachers and their efforts in the classroom. Superintendent of Schools DR. JEREMY LYON Assistant to Superintendent and Board BEVERLY BRUNSON Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction DR. DEBRA NELSON Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services DR. MIKE WALDRIP Deputy Superintendent of Business Services RICHARD WILKINSON Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources DR. LINDA BASS Assistant Superintendent of Support Services DOUG ZAMBIASI Executive Director of Student Services RICK BURNETT Executive Director of Technology MELISSA FOUCHE Executive Director of Communications & Community Relations SHANA WORTHAM MISSION STATEMENT OUR MISSION IS TO KNOW EVERY STUDENT BY NAME AND NEED.
About Us Page 6 OUR SCHOOLS Total Number of Schools 56 Elementary Schools 33 4 Opening Fall 2014 Middle Schools 13 2 Opening Fall 2015 High Schools 6 Independence Opening Fall 2014 Reedy Opening Fall 2015 Special Program Centers 4 About 90% of All FISD Grads Plan To Further Their Education 98.4 % Completion Rate (Based on Class of 2012) OUR STUDENTS Total Enrollment 46,054 100% Bilingual/ESL 1,984 4.3% Career & Technical Education 7,611 16.5% Economically Disadvantaged 5,196 11.3% Gifted & Talented 4,181 9.1% Limited English Proficient (LEP) 2,028 4.4% Special Education 4,179 9.1% STUDENT DIVERSITY White 25,428 55.2% Hispanic/Latino 6,847 14.9% African American 4,875 10.6% Asian 7,111 15.4% American Indian or Alaska Native 273 0.6% Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 44 0.1% Two or More Races 1,476 3.2% OUR TEACHERS Beginning Teacher Salary $46,500 Average Experience of Teachers 9.2 years Average Experience with FISD 4.8 years Teachers with Advanced Degrees 26.8% Student/Teacher Ratio 15.2 OUR EMPLOYEES Total Number of Employees 5,407 100% Full-Time Teachers 3,036 56.1% Professional Support 513 9.5% Educational Aides 448 8.3% Auxiliary Staff 1,216 22.5% Campus Administrators 149 2.8% Central Administrators 45 0.8% Source: 2013 PEIMS Snapshot Data Issued to the State
About Us Page 7 FISD Still Ranks Among State, Nation s Fastest Growing Districts Student enrollment in Frisco ISD schools continues to climb as new families move into the area. In the past seven years, FISD added more than 22,000 students, or an average of 3,200 students annually. In just the last year alone, the District welcomed more than 3,500 students, bringing the total enrollment to 46,053. As home to five of the top 10 fastest growing neighborhoods in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, FISD is projected to add nearly 20,000 students by 2020, or an average of 2,800 students annually. BY THE NUMBERS 2013-2014 Adopted Budget $344,289,600 Per Pupil Expenditure $7,476 Fund Balance $72,665,802 Combined Tax Rate $1.46 FIRST Rating Superior FAST Rating 5 Stars Moody s Investors Service Underlying Credit Rating Aa1 Standard & Poor s Underlying Credit Rating AA+ Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility Frisco ISD has a long history of sound financial practices and prudent management of rapid enrollment growth. A diverse and growing tax base allows the District to maintain a low overall tax rate, high credit ratings and competitive interest rates. In 2013, the District was one of only 55 school districts in Texas to earn the state s top ranking for demonstrating both academic and financial effectiveness. The Texas Honors Circle Award recognizes districts and campuses that deliver high-quality education at relatively low costs. In addition, FISD was honored with a new award from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The Leadership Circle Platinum Award recognizes local governments that go above and beyond to provide financial transparency. Frisco ISD is committed to its role as responsible stewards of the community s investment in public education.
Making the Grade Page 8 A Commitment to Excellence Frisco ISD continues to raise the bar for student achievement. The District writes its own rigorous curriculum with specific learning objectives designed to challenge students at every grade level. Lessons are constantly evaluated and improved to ensure students are learning what they are supposed to learn, that they are learning it at the appropriate level and that students are engaged in the process. In 2013, Frisco ISD and all 53 of its rated schools rated Met Standard in all applicable indices measured by the Texas Education Agency: student achievement, student progress, closing performance gaps and postsecondary readiness. Student results on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) and college entrance exams reflect this commitment to excellence.
Making the Grade Page 9 Students at the Career and Technical Education Center explore their future in an authentic environment and gain skills relevant to their plans for college or career. High school students take introductory and all core classes at their home campus and then take advanced courses at the CTE Center, which offers more than 30 programs of study. A Step Ahead for the Future Frisco ISD doesn t just equip students to graduate from high school our schools give them a skill set to succeed once they get into college or the workforce. From building vital critical thinking, problem solving and interpersonal skills to encouraging teamwork, creativity and high academic achievement, instruction is designed to meet the demands of a changing world. At the District s Career and Technical Education Center, high school students explore their interests, gain real-world experience and get a jumpstart on a future career. Students can earn college credit and more than a dozen industry certifications in health science, computer networking, culinary arts and more, giving them the opportunity to work in a field they re passionate about.
Making the Grade Page 10 On Course for Success The District continues to make significant gains in the number of high school students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams. Nearly 53 percent of juniors and seniors take at least one AP course. The more rigorous, college-level courses allow students to challenge themselves and test their abilities in a safe and comfortable setting. From 2011-13, FISD increased the number of students participating in AP Exams by 17 percent while improving the percentage of students earning scores of three or higher by three percent. As a result, FISD was among only 14 school districts in Texas honored by the College Board with placement on its 4th Annual AP District Honor Roll. In most cases, a student who scores a four or five on an AP Exam will receive college credit for the course, ultimately saving students and their families hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in college tuition.
Making the Grade Page 11 21st Century Learning Environment In Frisco ISD, digital technology is helping to meet the needs of all kinds of learners. Whether it s a child with special needs learning to communicate, a middle school student collaborating with peers on a video project or an elementary student connecting online with an expert from across the country, technology provides a wide variety of tools to promote and enhance learning. Because these tools are constantly evolving, educators are always finding and implementing new ways to utilize wireless devices, mobile applications and other computer programs in the classroom. Interactive lessons are designed to peak students interest and engage them in the learning process. Decisions about equipment, network operations and infrastructure are always made with student learning outcomes and achievement in mind. Students from kindergarten to high school are taught ways to stay safe online and keep personal information private. Curriculum in digital citizenship teaches them about the risks of using chat rooms, posting photos of themselves and friends, cyber bullying and more. Students and staff enjoy free access to ebooks and audiobooks anytime, anywhere, on their ereading device. OverDrive, a leading national distributor of digital library content, recognized the District in 2013 with its Digital Library Champion Excellent ebook Educator award for efforts to encourage students to download popular and educational ebooks and audiobooks.
Embracing Every Student Page 12 Name and Need The work of the Frisco Independent School District begins and ends in the classroom. Our mission is to know every student by name and need. Knowing our students starts with dedicated, caring teachers who go the extra mile to develop strong relationships with students, parents and the community. An average classroom size of 20-24 students helps to facilitate these connections. The District is also committed to a small schools philosophy that allows students to be active in a number of activities and organizations, including sports, music, choir, dance, art, theatre, robotics, animation and much more. Elementary campuses are built with a capacity of 760 students, middle schools are built with a capacity of 1,000 students and high schools are built with a capacity of 2,100 students. By keeping schools moderatelysized, FISD believes teachers have a better opportunity to get to know their students by name and to identify their academic needs. Every Learner, Every Day Frisco ISD provides education to all students no matter the challenge they may face. Whether it s a learning difficulty, language barrier, behavioral concern or social issue, instruction is designed to meet the unique needs of every student. Specialized assessments are used to determine individual learning plans, teaching methods and interventions. The goal might be to achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency, to develop proficiency in the listening, speaking, reading and writing of the English language or to bridge educational gaps so that a student can transition back into a more traditional school setting. Regardless of the circumstance, Frisco ISD strives to provide all learners with the opportunity to reach their academic potential. Teaching methods could include adapted equipment and materials, one-on-one coaching and other forms of intensive support. Small, intimate learning environments and close personal relationships continue to give students the tools and confidence they need to succeed.
Embracing Every Student Page 13 Abbie Hanson sits on the Buddy Bench she launched at Shawnee Trail Elementary. When students are feeling lonely or sad at recess, sitting on the bench indicates to other children that they could use a friend. The Buddy Bench has helped students form new relationships and feel more accepted by their peers and connected to the school itself. Where Every Child Belongs Frisco ISD works to promote a culture in our schools where all children feel included and welcome. Studies show students who feel socially connected to others, in schools that hold them to high academic standards, are more engaged in their education. A positive school environment enhances motivation, increases educational aspirations and improves attendance and retention. Examples of these efforts can be seen across the District. At Liberty High School, a back-to-school fair helped new students connect with clubs, organizations and activities they could get involved with on campus. At Sem Elementary, students assisting teachers in the Active Learning Classroom made a noticeable difference in the awareness and acceptance of students with disabilities school-wide. At Shawnee Trail Elementary, a second grader s idea to add a Buddy Bench a place where students can sit on the playground if they need someone to play with built new friendships and quickly spread to other campuses across the District. Frisco ISD is committed to the fight against bullying and uses the nationally-recognized Olweus Bullying Prevention Program to educate students about bullying and where to turn for help if they see or experience it. Schools have implemented special class meetings and speakers to spread the message that bullying will not be tolerated and to urge students to speak out. Organizations such as Friends of Rachel and Kindness Club are also popular throughout FISD.
Creating Opportunities Page 14 FISD PROGRAMS, CLASSES PROVIDE The Power of Choice Possibilities abound in Frisco ISD. Students test the waters in classes and programs they may have never considered and find their calling for college and career. In addition to core classes in English, mathematics, science and social studies, the District offers a wide variety of electives as diverse as our students themselves. Students take courses in broadcast journalism, animal science, art history, sports medicine, fashion marketing, video game design, aerospace engineering and much more. In 2013, the District introduced Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language elective for high school students. The class is taught online Students at the Career and Technical Education Center get an inside look at the anatomy of a fetal pig, exploring the function and location of its organs. and students use webcams and headphones to connect with a Texas-certified Chinese language teacher. The course is an example of the District s ongoing work to prepare students for the global society and 21st century workplace. Spanish, French and American Sign Language are also offered. Left: This FISD student is interacting with her teacher and fellow students to gain skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing Mandarin Chinese.
Creating Opportunities Page 15 Small Schools Foster Success On and Off the Field Smaller schools allow Frisco ISD students more opportunities to compete and showcase their talents. Instead of one quarterback or one lead actress in a play, multiple smaller schools give more students the ability to shine on the big stage. The District offers art, band, cheerleading, choir, dance, drill team, orchestra and theatre for students interested in fine arts. Some schools also offer guitar and harp programs. When it comes to athletics, middle school students compete in basketball, cross country, football, soccer, tennis, track and field and volleyball. High schools also offer baseball, golf, powerlifting, softball, swimming and diving and wrestling. For many of these programs, the big news of the year was the District s partnership with the City of Frisco and Dallas Cowboys to bring a multi-use, 12,000-seat indoor events center to Frisco. The stadium will serve as the NFL team s training facility, while FISD will host football and soccer games and other athletic, academic, fine arts and entertainment events and competitions. ISM Ignites Interest Students are the driving force behind everything we do in Frisco ISD. It s no surprise then that student interest and demand play a critical role in decisions regarding current and future programs. Educators meet often to discuss course offerings, career pathways and local business and community needs. One course in particular continues to give high school students a real-life look at professions they re interested in. Over the course of the school year, students in the Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) Program interview community members who work in a chosen career field and then select a mentor to gain real-world experience and skills relevant to their future. One benefit of the program is helping students to determine if a particular career path is the right fit for them, often times saving students and their families the time, money and stress that is involved with changing majors at the university level. PHOTO Ashley Nguyen, an ISM student from Liberty High School, proved she has a big heart raising enough money to secure a life-saving heart surgery for a little girl from Honduras. For two years, Nguyen studied pediatric cardiothoracic surgery under the mentorship of a doctor at Children's Medical Center of Dallas.
Working Together Page 16 FISD Ranked Best Places to Work Frisco ISD employees love what they do. In 2013, the District was named one of the top ten Best Places to Work in Dallas-Fort Worth, according to rankings published by the Dallas Business Journal. A sense of family and teamwork, along with the support and involvement of parents and the community, contribute to a positive work atmosphere. The District offers competitive salaries, benefits and opportunities for advancement. It s the passion, dedication and commitment of employees that makes FISD such a tremendous place to live, work and grow. Efficient Operations Save Time and Taxpayer Dollars Frisco ISD continues to modernize the way we work and do business, saving employees time and taxpayers money. Since 2012, the District has implemented a number of process improvements, affecting the way we handle new employees, student transfers, teacher contracts, purchase requests and much more. Laserfiche Corporation honored the District for these efforts, presenting staff members with the 2013 Run Smarter Award for Innovation in K-12 Education for the innovative use of electronic forms, databases and workflows. Energy efficiency also remains a priority, as the District continues to convert old lighting systems to newer standards, resulting in energy cost savings and rebates. Frisco ISD works with award-winning architects to maximize energy efficiency in the design of new schools and utilizes geothermal heat pump systems for heating and cooling, which use less energy and are cheaper to maintain than traditional HVAC systems. In 2014, nearly 50 FISD schools and office buildings earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency s ENERGY STAR certification. Safe and Healthy Schools a Priority Frisco ISD is always happy to have parents and volunteers come into our schools and interact with students and teachers. But we are conscious of the need for safety. Each parent or volunteer must complete a background check with Frisco ISD before working with students or volunteering in the classroom. Guests must sign in at the front office and enter their names in the Raptor security system before being allowed into the main campus. Double-door, keyless entry systems and security cameras are operational throughout each school. Student resource officers work closely with the District security team to provide a police presence at campuses and the Situational Awareness For Emergency Response (S.A.F.E.R.) program gives first responders immediate access to school building information in the event of an emergency. Each campus also has Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and portable oxygen units to assist with emergency response. The District staffs full-time nurses at each campus and hand sanitizers are available in all classrooms and common areas. In Frisco ISD, the safety and security of students is top priority. S.A.F.E.R. is a partnership between FISD and the City of Frisco that gives police, firefighters and emergency responders live access to cameras inside and outside all FISD schools. Should an emergency occur, first responders can instantly find campus floor plans, photos, contact information and much more from inside their squad cars, fire trucks and ambulances. Brandon Sharp, Bob Allen and Curtis Hall accepted the Run Smarter Award on behalf of the District. The Custodial Department works diligently to disinfect our schools daily, following strict infection control guidelines.
Working Together Page 17 Food For Thought School cafeterias aren t the same places many adults remember from their childhood - or even the same places as 10 or 15 years ago. Staff members in the Frisco ISD Child Nutrition Department develop many of their own recipes, cook dishes from scratch and chop most of their own vegetables. Twenty six schools feature salad bars, in addition to a daily salad option. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, On the Move with accommodations for students with allergies. The District served more than 40,000 meals per day in 2013-14, dishing out nearly 120,000 pounds of red grapes, 32,000 heads of romaine lettuce and 630,000 whole-grain hamburger buns. Café staff work hard to encourage students to sample fresh fruits and vegetables and provide nutritional information to help students understand the health benefits. There has also been a move to incorporate local Texas-grown produce into menus when the items are seasonally available. FISD cafés are also opening their doors to local law enforcement, inviting police officers to enjoy a free lunch on the District. The goal of the program is to increase police presence and visibility in schools, as well as provide greater opportunity for students to interact with officers and build positive relationships. Over the course of the school year, more than 1,200 free meals were provided to local police officers at a cost of approximately $3,700. Frisco ISD provides transportation for children who live two miles or more from their assigned school. The distance a student lives from their assigned school is determined by measuring the distance from the curb in front of their home to the flagpole of the school, using the shortest route. Transportation is also provided for students with special needs and for those who attend classes at the Career and Technical Education Center, as well as for athletic events, school competitions and classroom educational trips. The District runs 70 regular education routes and 58 special needs routes each day, driving more than 1,600,000 miles per year. A total of 225 buses use about 307,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 64,000 gallons of unleaded fuel each year.
Building Relationships Page 18 It Starts in the Classroom Frisco ISD credits much of its success to the overwhelming support of parents, community members and other volunteers who are willing to come into schools, work with students and promote public education. Strong relationships are built one-by-one by teachers in the classroom and grow to include partnerships enjoyed by the whole school, District and community. FISD boasts an active PTA/PTO in all our elementary schools, most of the middle schools and one high school. As part of PTA, the WATCH D.O.G.S. organization brings fathers and father figures into schools for a day of volunteering and involvement in their child s education. The District s partnership with parents extends to a new Student and Parent Empowerment program, popular parenting education series and two growing parent groups La Vision and One Voice. La Vision and One Voice are interested in the support of all students but have a special interest in improving the academic success of Hispanic and African American students.
Building Relationships Page 19 Strong Community Partnerships Frisco ISD is proud to work with more than 15,000 talented volunteers who invest their time and energy to make a difference for our students, teachers and families. Partners ranging from individuals to churches to huge corporations pitch in to support District-wide programs or address specific campus needs. That could be an individual sharing his or her expertise as a guest speaker, a volunteer serving as a student mentor, an organization donating school supplies or a business sponsoring school events and activities. Whatever their contribution, Frisco ISD welcomes and appreciates all those helping FISD students succeed. Students and staff do their part to give back to the community as well often working as volunteers, raising money or collecting donations to support non-profit organizations. Frisco ISD also enjoys strong relationships with local government agencies and other entities that serve our families. The District has a long history of public-private partnerships that benefit students as well as the community at large. Past projects include Dr Pepper Ballpark, Toyota Stadium, Dr Pepper Arena and coming in 2016, a multiuse stadium, thanks to a partnership with the City of Frisco and Dallas Cowboys. In spring 2014, Frisco ISD hosted its first-ever Senior Adult Bus Tour to give residents aged 55 and older an inside look at education in our schools. Participants interacted with students and educators and learned about current academic programs, extracurricular opportunities and more. The response was overwhelming positive and the tour will become an annual event. Frisco Education Foundation The Frisco Education Foundation is marking 15 years of making a difference for Frisco ISD students, staff and families. The non-profit organization, founded in 1999, provides financial resources to maximize student potential in FISD through educational programs, student scholarships and grants for innovative educators. To date, the organization has awarded more than $3.2 million in scholarship money to more than 3,400 graduating FISD seniors and more than $388,000 to FISD teachers to enhance the overall learning environment for students. In January 2014, the Foundation was named Small Non-Profit of the Year by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. The organization also accepted its largest-ever donation a $1 million gift from Roger and Jody Lawler of Frisco to help students attain their educational dreams for years to come. The Foundation s annual summer camp, Mindbender Academy, and major fundraiser, the Gary Burns Frisco Fun Run, continue to be popular events among students, staff and families.
Celebrating Success Page 20 Lone Star AcDec Brings Home Texas Gold In 2014 Academic All-Stars Lone Star High School won the 2014 State Championship for small schools in Academic Decathlon. Teams from Centennial, Liberty and Wakeland high schools advanced to state in the medium schools division, with Centennial placing third, Wakeland fourth and Liberty sixth. Student teams from Borchardt Elementary and Clark Middle School brought home top honors from the 2013 Destination Imagination (DI) Global Finals, the world's largest creative thinking and problem solving competition for kids. A team from Smith Elementary won first place in 2014. 12 students were named National Merit finalists in 2013, with another 8 selected in 2014. A handful of Frisco ISD students achieved perfect scores on either the ACT or SAT college entrance exams. Students from the Frisco ISD Career and Technical Education Center won the oldest and most prestigious prize for excellence in high school journalism, the Broadcast Pacemaker Award. For two straight years, legal studies students from the CTE Center won the national Virtual Supreme Court Competition including a trip to Washington, D.C. High school students involved in Business Professionals of America, DECA, HOSA-Future Health Professionals and speech and debate advanced to national and international competitions, bringing home honors. Smith Elementary Destination Imagination Team won Globals in 2014. Frisco ISD-TV student journalists accepted the Broadcast Pacemaker Award in Boston in November 2013.
Celebrating Success Page 21 Centennial STATE CHAMPS Boys Wrestling Other All-Star Achievements Centennial High School claimed the 2014 State Title in boys wrestling, while Wakeland High School won first place at state in boys swimming/diving. The girls track team from Lone Star High School was the 2013 State Champion. The Clark Middle School Symphonic Band was named the 2014 Texas Middle School 2C Honor Band and the Fowler Middle School String Orchestra was named the 2014 Texas Middle School Honor Orchestra. The Wakeland High School Band and Color Guard placed fourth in state on a third consecutive trip to the UIL 4A State Marching Band Contest. 41 Frisco ISD high school band, choir, harp and orchestra students were selected for All-State distinction in 2014. The artwork of five FISD students was displayed at the State Capitol in Austin, with one piece displayed at the National Art Education Association's national convention in San Diego. Anderson Elementary School was one of only 27 schools in North Texas to earn the title of Healthy Zone School from the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and The Cooper Institute. It is the highest honor a school can achieve through the Healthy Zone School Recognition Program, an initiative to engage teachers, students and parents about fitness and nutrition. Wakeland STATE CHAMPS Boys Swimming And Diving Wakeland Marching Band Fowler Orchestra Anderson Healthy Zone Outstanding Educators Scoggins Middle School Principal Barbara Warner was selected as Texas Middle School Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of School Supervisors and Principals. Centennial High School Librarian Tammy Turner was named Library Media Specialist of the Year by the Texas Computer Education. Jody Clark and Christie Combest were awarded the CREST Award by the Texas School Counselors Association for their excellent program at Scoggins Middle School. Laura Flynn, interim principal at Corbell Elementary, was presented the Texas Music Educators Association Distinguished Administrator Award. Phillips Elementary Principal Dana Solomon was a state finalist for the Texas PTA s Outstanding Educator Award, recognizing elementary principals. Superintendent Jeremy Lyon was appointed to the Board of Directors for the southwest affiliate of the American Heart Association. He is the first school superintendent to ever serve on an AHA affiliate board.
Looking Forward Page 22 A Destination Community Frisco ISD and surrounding communities continue to attract a large number of relocating families. Since 1993, FISD has grown from fewer than 2,000 students in four schools to more than 46,000 students in 56 schools, adding about 3,000 students per year since 2000. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, no other school district in the nation grew more rapidly on a percentage basis from 1990-91 to 2010-11. That trend is expected to continue with enrollment projected to climb to nearly 66,000 students by 2020. As the District has grown, so too has its commitment to providing the very best education possible for all students. FISD regularly opens new schools to accommodate rising enrollment. Independence High School and four new elementary schools Hosp, McSpedden, Newman and Scott will open to students and teachers in fall 2014. Reedy High School and Trent Middle School will open in fall 2015. With the opening of these new schools, all remaining funds left under the 2006 bond program have been expended, taking Frisco ISD to 52,000 students as planned. Blueprint of Attendance Zones Adjusted as Growth Continues Building for FISD s unprecedented growth requires a blueprint of its own. It requires both long and short-term planning and balanced responsible management of time, money and resources. Growth means attendance zone boundaries must be adjusted to ease overcrowding and accommodate new school facilities. FISD has developed a number of decision-making processes to deal with rezoning issues. Demographic Studies: FISD employs in-house demographers, as well as an experienced outside consulting group, to monitor growth in neighborhoods, new construction and population trends. Attendance Zone Criteria: As staff develops the proposed plans, they take into consideration issues of student stability, effective utilization of space, proximity to the school, diversity of the student body and unity in the community. All factors are important, but in times of rapid growth, space utilization sometimes takes a priority. Parent Input: Parents who live in areas where rezoning is being considered may call, write, or email input following the presentation of draft options to the school board. Administrative staff will relay any communication received. Parents may also sign up to address the board at the following meeting. A final decision is made after the board has heard both parent and administrative input. The entire process takes approximately three months, and is usually in November/December/January. Splitting Attendance Zones: It is not the most desirable situation, but in a fast-growth area trying to balance enrollments at schools, it is sometimes the case that students of one attendance zone at the elementary level may be assigned to different middle schools. Likewise, students at a middle school are sometimes assigned to different high schools. For additional information, zoning maps, and news friscoisd.org/zones
Looking Forward Page 23 2014 Bond Program Despite the construction of new schools, continued growth meant Frisco ISD couldn t wait to plan for the future. A committee of 27 parents and community members met for several months beginning in fall 2013 to review current FISD facilities and capacities, historical growth and projections, economic indicators and growth plans of the city, along with cost estimates and financial implications. Ultimately, the group proposed a $775 million bond program to provide educational facilities for up to 66,000 students. The package included funding for new schools, additions and land purchases, instructional and student support needs, and renovations to support facilities. In May 2014, residents passed the bond referendum with 77 percent voter approval. A total of 9,635 votes were cast in the election. Already, the District is moving forward with plans to build high school #9, middle school #15, an expansion at the Career and Technical Education Center and other school additions to prepare for incoming students. Middle school #15 is scheduled to open in fall 2015, while high school #9 will open in fall 2016. Focus on Fitness Frisco ISD believes everyone, including the District itself, can play a role in confronting the nation s obesity epidemic. In addition to physical education and child nutrition programs, FISD schools offer a number of educational activities and events to introduce students to nutritious foods, encourage healthy habits and increase physical activity. Staff members partner with PTA members, local businesses and organizations to provide resources and information to students and families regarding proper nutrition, exercise and more. A partnership with Medical City Children s Hospital encourages students to choose healthy options at snack time. But more can be done. FISD will add a new Director of Coordinated School Health in the 2014-2015 school year to expand and better coordinate health and wellness efforts across the District. An additional 14 schools will receive salad bars to offer students more options through the lunch line. And several schools will join Anderson Elementary in the Healthy Zone School Recognition Program, which provides funding and volunteer support to fully implement healthy practices on campus. By working together, FISD hopes to ensure a bright and healthier future for all our students, employees and families.
FISD School Listings Page 24 HIGH SCHOOLS CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL 6901 Coit Road, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-5600 FRISCO HIGH SCHOOL 6401 Parkwood Boulevard, Frisco, Texas 75034...469-633-5500 HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL 14040 El Dorado Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-5900 INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL 10555 Independence Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-5400 LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL 15250 Rolater Road, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-5800 LONE STAR HIGH SCHOOL 2606 Panther Creek Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-5300 Justin WAKELAND HIGH SCHOOL 10700 Legacy Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033.......469-633-5700 MIDDLE SCHOOLS Adelle R. CLARK Middle School 4600 Colby Drive, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-4600 Robert COBB Middle School 9400 Teel Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-4300 Pat and Catherine FOWLER Middle School 3801 McDermott Road, Plano, Texas 75025...469-633-5050 Bennett and Alma GRIFFIN Middle School 3703 El Dorado Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-4900 Lamar and Norma HUNT Middle School 4900 Legendary Drive, Frisco, Texas 75034...469-633-5200 Libby Cash MAUS Middle School 12175 Coit Road, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-5250 PIONEER HERITAGE Middle School 1649 High Shoals Drive, Frisco, Texas 75034...469-633-4700 Sam and Ann ROACH Middle School 12499 Independence Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-5000 Richard L. SCOGGINS Middle School 7070 Stacy Road, McKinney, Texas 75070...469-633-5150 Sue Wilson STAFFORD Middle School 2288 Little River Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-5100 Benton A. STALEY Middle School 6927 Stadium Lane, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-4500 Billy Thompson VANDEVENTER Middle School 6075 Independence Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-4350 Cal and Walt WESTER Middle School 12293 Shepherds Hill Lane, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-4800 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS William and Abbie ALLEN Elementary 5800 Legacy Drive, Frisco, Texas 75034...469-633-3800 Naoma & M. Allen ANDERSON Elementary 2800 Oakland Hills Drive, Plano, Texas 75025...469-633-2300 Lucille Rogers ASHLEY Elementary 15601 Christopher Lane, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-3700 Calvin BLEDSOE Elementary 1900 Timber Ridge Drive, Frisco, Texas 75034...469-633-3600 Mary M. BOALS Elementary 2035 Jaguar Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-3300 Ruth BORCHARDT Elementary 4300 Waskom Drive, Plano, Texas 75024...469-633-2800 Ida Lee BRIGHT Elementary 7600 Woodstream Drive, Frisco, Texas 75034......469-633-2700 Reba Cobb CARROLL Elementary 4380 Throne Hall Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-3725 J.W. and Ruth CHRISTIE Elementary 10300 Huntington Road, Frisco, Texas 75035....469-633-2400 Joyce Kelley COMSTOCK Elementary 7152 Silverado Trail, McKinney, Texas 75070...469-633-3900 Weldon F. CORBELL Elementary 11095 Monarch Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-3550 Claude CURTSINGER Elementary 12450 Jereme Trail, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-2100 Edris Childres ELLIOTT Elementary 3721 Hudson Crossing, McKinney, Texas 75070...469-633-3750 Wilma FISHER Elementary 2500 Old Orchard Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-2600 Bessie GUNSTREAM Elementary 7600 Rockyridge Drive, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-3100 Pete and Gracie HOSP Elementary 5050 Lone Star Ranch Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75034...469-633-4050 Bert and Eloise ISBELL Elementary 6000 Maltby Drive, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-3400 T.H. ʻSonnyʼ and Joanne McSPEDDEN Elementary 14140 Countrybrook Drive, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-4025 Charlie and Charlotte MOONEYHAM Elementary 2301 Eden Drive, McKinney, Texas 75070...469-633-3650 James R. NEWMAN Elementary 12333 Briar Ridge Road, Frisco, Texas 75033......469-633-3975 Gene and Ruby NICHOLS Elementary 7411 Nichols Trail, Frisco, Texas 75034...469-633-3950 Dr. J. M. OGLE Elementary 4200 Big Fork Trail, McKinney, Texas 75070...469-633-3525 Billy Gene PHILLIPS Elementary 2285 Little River Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-3925 Dr. Erwin G. and Elisabeth PINK Elementary 3650 Overhill Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-3500 George and Debra PUREFOY Elementary 11880 Teel Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-3875 Jessie Marie RIDDLE Elementary 8201 Robinson Road, Plano, Texas 75024......469-633-3200 ROBERTSON Elementary 2501 Woodlake Parkway, Little Elm, Texas 75068...469-633-3675 I.S. ROGERS Elementary 10500 Rogers Road, Frisco, Texas 75033...469-633-2000 Janice Stahly SCOTT Elementary 10550 Millbend Drive, McKinney, Texas 75070......469-633-4000 Isabel Pierce SEM Elementary 12721 Honey Grove Drive, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-3575 SHAWNEE TRAIL Elementary 10701 Preston Vineyard Drive, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-2500 Noel A. SMITH Elementary 9800 Sean Drive, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-2200 Gerald SONNTAG Elementary 2001 Reagan Drive, McKinney, Texas 75070...469-633-3850 Izetta SPARKS Elementary 8200 Otis Drive, Frisco, Texas 75034...469-633-3000 Otis SPEARS Elementary 8500 Wade Boulevard, Frisco, Texas 75034...469-633-2900 Polly TADLOCK Elementary 12515 Godfrey Drive, Frisco, Texas 75035...469-633-3775 Portia Ross TAYLOR Elementary 9865 Gillespie Drive, Plano, Texas 75025...469-633-3625 SPECIAL PROGRAM SCHOOLS Z.T. ACKER Special Programs Center 7159 Hickory Street Frisco, Texas 75034 469-633-6800 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER 9889 Wade Boulevard Frisco, Texas 75035 469-633-6780 EARLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL (Pre-K, PPCD, Head Start) 10330 Red Cedar Drive Frisco Texas 75035 469-633-3825 STUDENT OPPORTUNITY CENTER 6928 Maple Street Frisco, Texas 75033 469-633-6700