Richland High’s Dance/Drill Team Wins American Dance/Drill Team’s Galveston Island Festival
Mar 09, 2016 03:59 pm

Congratulations to Richland High School’s Dance Department and Dixie Belles Drill Team for their accomplishments at the American Dance/Drill Team’s (ADDT) Galveston Island Festival. The Dixie Belles was named “Best of the Best” as the top-scoring dance team out of 50 competing schools. Honors included Kandace Tuttle, first place Solo; Alyssa Andrews and Jazmine Hampton, first place Duet; RHS Elite Ensemble, Best In Class (Medium); Dixie Belles officers, first place Officer Trophy; Dixie Belles officers and team, Best Overall Technique; and all routines entered, Judges Award.

Birdville High’s Dance & Drill Team Dominates Crowd Pleasers Central Dallas Showcase
Mar 09, 2016 03:42 pm

Congratulations to Birdville High School’s dance and drill team for their outstanding performances at the Crowd Pleasers Central Dallas Showcase at The Colony High School. The Golden Motion Drill Team (GMDT) officers won first place for their category. The Golden Motion Drill Team won first place being named the contest’s “Showcase Elite Team.” Honors went to McKenna Fairbanks, first runner-up Solo; Haley Whitney, third runner-up Solo; GMDT officers, first place for contemporary, lyrical and open; GMDT, first place for contemporary, hip hop, pom and modern; and GMDT, highest-scoring pom dance for the entire Showcase.

Congratulations to both Haltom and Birdville High Schools’ Dance Departments
Mar 09, 2016 03:37 pm

Congratulations to both Haltom and Birdville high schools’ dance departments on their recent success at the Texas Dance Educators Association DEAL (Dance Assessment of Education and Learning) event. This assessment asks each school to select 12–20 students from their Dance 1 classes who are then given a limited time to learn and reproduce a series of movement combinations based on the state’s Dance 1 curriculum. Both the Haltom and Birdville groups received a Division I rating which is the highest score possible. Thanks to BHS dance instructors Allie Hudak and Katie Perdue, as well as HHS dance instructors Dieca Jones and Emily Robison for helping these students to succeed.

Texas Public Schools Week – Thursday, March 10 Activities
Mar 09, 2016 11:42 am

Birdville ISD’s 23,000-plus students will join more than four million others across the state in celebrating Texas Public Schools Week in March.  This year’s theme, “Public Education: A Texas Tradition,” spotlights the host of educational opportunities available to students attending Texas public schools.

As part of the week-long festivities, local campuses will distribute special invitations to parents and community members to visit classrooms and observe the positive activities and programs occurring in public education.  Highlights of activities planned across BISD March 7‒10 follow.  Please check with individual campuses for their complete list of events.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10

Elementary Activities

• ACFT:  Open House 5:30–7 p.m.
• Binion: (4&5) Grandparents Lunch during students’ regular lunch time; Last day for Scholastic Book Fair
• Cheney: School spirit T–shirt classroom contest
  
• Foster Village: Open House 6–6:30 p.m.  Parents/Guardians visit classrooms to view student projects; PTA program 6:30 p.m. Book Fair 6 p.m.
• Francisco: Awards Assemblies (K–2) 8:30 a.m. in the cafeteria, (3–5) 2:45 p.m. in the cafeteria
• Green Valley: Living Museum in the Library (call school for more details/times); CORE Value Movie Night 7 p.m. in the cafeteria
• Holiday Heights: PTA Movies under the Stars 6–8 p.m.
• Snow Heights: Donuts with Dads 7:30 a.m. in the cafeteria
• Watauga: Celebrating Fine Arts Cliburn visit 1:30 p.m.
• West Birdville: (3–5) Open House 8:10–9:10 a.m.

Middle School Activities

• North Richland: Community Breakfast, 8 a.m., Library

Recent Articles:

Texas Public Schools Week – Wednesday, March 9 Activities
Texas Public Schools Week – Tuesday, March 8 Activities

Spring Forward
Mar 10, 2016 02:54 pm

Spring Break
Mar 10, 2016 02:52 pm

Congratulations to the BISD high school bowling state qualifiers
Mar 10, 2016 02:43 pm

Congratulations to the BISD high school bowling state qualifiers:

• Sarah Young, Birdville High School student, placed first at the High School Bowling Regional Tournament for girls singles. She averaged 216 for five games.  Sarah will bowl in the State Tournament on April 3 in San Antonio.
• Brayden Cook, Richland High School student, qualified to bowl at the State Tournament for boys singles. He will bowl on April 2 at Bandera Bowl in San Antonio.

Richland High’s bowling team will be represented at State on April 3 by:

• Jerry Thompson
• Connor Breunig
• Billy Taing
• Matthew Haas
• Adam Dedushaj
• Parker McDonald
• Mitchell Heinold
• Brayden Cook
• Coach David Bowman

Birdville High’s bowling team will be represented at State on April 3 by:

• Sarah Young
• Mady Rogers
• Christian Miller
• Logan Perrin
• Jaden Sims
• Sean Cazier
• Larry Holland
• Coach Mike Miller
• Coach DC Frederick

Recent Articles:

Richland High’s Dance/Drill Team Wins American Dance/Drill Team’s Galveston Island Festival
Birdville High’s Dance & Drill Team Dominates Crowd Pleasers Central Dallas Showcase
Congratulations to both Haltom and Birdville High Schools’ Dance Departments

Spring Break
Mar 13, 2016 10:49 am

Holiday Heights Elementary fourth graders travel to Austin on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip
Mar 13, 2016 10:39 am

Fourth graders from Birdville ISD’s Holiday Heights Elementary traveled to Austin on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip February 5, 2016 to experience what they are learning in fourth grade Texas History. Students visited the Texas State Capitol and the Bullock Texas State History Museum.

During the charter bus ride to Austin, students discussed why Texans are so proud of their unique heritage and participated in activities and games in preparation for their visit. In Austin the students visited the Texas State Capitol where their legislators, The Honorable Kelly Hancock, State Senator, District 9 and The Honorable Stephanie Klick, State Representative, District 91, office. Students saw first-hand where Texas laws are made as they toured the State Capitol including the Senate and House of Representatives chambers. At the Bullock Texas State History Museum students explored exhibits about Texas’s earliest inhabitants, the Texas Revolution, and events that created our Lone Star identity. The students’ visit to the museum concluded at the multi-sensory Texas Spirit Theater with the Star of Destiny where they saw and experienced the history of our great state including a gusher exploding from an East Texas oil derrick and the takeoff of Saturn V as seen from Mission Control at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston.

“Education in Action’s Discover Texas Field Trips are based on the understanding that the most effective way for students to learn is through experience,” stated Lacey Phillips, Discover Texas Field Trips Director. “Student activities during the Discover Texas Field Trip to Austin reinforce and supplement fourth grade Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) learning objectives with a focus on why Texans are so proud of their unique heritage.”

Education in Action’s Discover Texas Field Trips make it easy for teachers to take their 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade classrooms on organized, fun, and educational site-based learning experiences. Discover Texas Field Trip staff members handle all details, including round-trip charter bus transportation, reservations, and TEKS-based program curriculum, so participating teachers can focus on their students and making connections between the experience and what students are learning in the classroom.

In addition to Discover Texas Field Trips to Austin, Waco/Georgetown, Dallas, and Fort Worth, Education in Action also offers summer Lone Star Leadership Academy camps for outstanding 4th-8th graders. During the weeklong, overnight camps, participants experience significant Texas sites in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, or Houston/Galveston with Texas educators and a focus on leadership.

Discover Texas Field Trips are presented by Education in Action, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering educated and involved young people. For more information about Education in Action visit www.educationinaction.org and www.facebook.com/educationinaction.

Recent Articles:

Spring Forward
Spring Break
Congratulations to the BISD high school bowling state qualifiers
Richland High’s Dance/Drill Team Wins American Dance/Drill Team’s Galveston Island Festival

Green Valley Elementary fourth graders travel to Fort Worth on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip
Mar 15, 2016 10:54 am

Fourth graders from Birdville ISD’s Green Valley Elementary traveled to Fort Worth on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip February 12, 2016, to experience what they are learning in fourth grade Texas History at the Fort Worth Stockyards and the Fort Worth Cultural District.

During the charter bus ride to Fort Worth, students played Cowtown Bingo in preparation for their day. The students’ first stop was at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District where they toured historic buildings, learned about the life and work of cowboys on the cattle drives, and saw the Fort Worth Herd of longhorns. Participants learned about legendary cowboys and compared today’s methods of transportation to wagons used in the 1800s at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Students learned about the importance of the Texas cattle industry at the Cattle Raisers Museum and about famous cowgirls and their contributions to Texas’ story at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. The day concluded in Grapevine with a 10-mile ride along the famous Chisholm Trail on a Grapevine Vintage Railroad steam train.

“Education in Action’s Discover Texas Field Trips are based on the understanding that the most effective way for students to learn is through experience,” stated Lacey Phillips, Discover Texas Field Trips Director. “Student activities during the Discover Texas Field Trip to Fort Worth reinforce and supplement fourth grade social studies Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) learning objectives with a focus on our unique heritage.”

Education in Action’s Discover Texas Field Trips make it easy for teachers to take their 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade classrooms on organized, fun, and educational site-based learning experiences. Discover Texas Field Trip staff members handle all details, including round-trip charter bus transportation, reservations, and TEKS-based program curriculum, so participating teachers can focus on their students and making connections between the experience and what students are learning in the classroom.

In addition to Discover Texas Field Trips to Austin, Waco/Georgetown, Dallas, and Fort Worth, Education in Action also offers summer Lone Star Leadership Academy camps for outstanding 4th-8th graders. During the weeklong, overnight camps, participants experience significant Texas sites in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, or Houston/Galveston with Texas educators and a focus on leadership.

Discover Texas Field Trips are presented by Education in Action, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering educated and involved young people. For more information about Education in Action visit www.educationinaction.org and www.facebook.com/educationinaction.

Recent Articles:

Spring Break
Holiday Heights Elementary fourth graders travel to Austin on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip
Spring Forward
Spring Break
Congratulations to the BISD high school bowling state qualifiers

Cheney Elementary fifth graders travel to Cameron Park Zoo, Waco Mammoth National Monument, and Inner Space Cavern on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip
Mar 17, 2016 11:00 am

Fifth graders from Birdville ISD’s Cheney Elementary traveled to the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Waco Mammoth National Monument, and Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip March 8, 2016 to experience what they are learning in science class.

At the Cameron Park Zoo, students explored the Brazos River Country exhibit, tracking the Brazos River from its source near Lubbock on to the Gulf of Mexico. Students investigated many animals living in the five ecological regions of Texas through which the Brazos River passes with a focus on each animal’s unique adaptations and ecological niche.

Next, the students experienced the nation’s first and only recorded discovery of a nursery herd of Pleistocene mammoths at Waco Mammoth National Monument. While viewing the in situ, sub-fossil remains of six Columbian mammoths and other Ice Age animals, the students learned about the Ice Age, how the fossils were discovered, sedimentary rocks, and why the site is one of the most important paleontological sites in North America.

Throughout the day, the students participated in numerous hands-on activities to learn about many of the Earth’s cycles, systems, and processes. Students learned about the water cycle, the environmental benefits of the world’s wetlands, and watersheds through participation in hands-on demonstrations. The student scientists discussed the rock cycle and worked in groups to classify rock, mineral, and fossil samples. At Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown, students panned for, and identified, minerals found in the cavern. The students concluded their day by watching the Earth’s processes at work as they toured the highly decorated Inner Space Cavern.

“Education in Action’s Discover Texas Field Trips are based on the understanding that the most effective way for students to learn is through experience,” stated Lacey Phillips, Discover Texas Field Trips Director. “Student activities during this Discover Texas Field Trip reinforce and supplement fifth grade science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) learning objectives in a fun, hands-on way that helps the students synthesize content taught in the classroom.”

Education in Action’s Discover Texas Field Trips make it easy for teachers to take their 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade classrooms on organized, fun, and educational site-based learning experiences. Discover Texas Field Trip staff members handle all details, including round-trip charter bus transportation, reservations, and TEKS-based program curriculum, so participating teachers can focus on their students and making connections between the experience and what students are learning in the classroom.

In addition to Discover Texas Field Trips to Austin, Waco/Georgetown, Dallas, and Fort Worth, Education in Action also offers summer Lone Star Leadership Academy camps for outstanding 4th-8th graders. During the weeklong, overnight camps, participants experience significant Texas sites in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, or Houston/Galveston with Texas educators and a focus on leadership.

Discover Texas Field Trips are presented by Education in Action, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering educated and involved young people. For more information about Education in Action visit www.educationinaction.org and www.facebook.com/educationinaction.

Recent Articles:

Green Valley Elementary fourth graders travel to Fort Worth on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip
Spring Break
Holiday Heights Elementary fourth graders travel to Austin on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip
Spring Forward
Spring Break

Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
Mar 24, 2016 09:04 pm

No afternoon ASPIRE March 28 – April 1
Mar 24, 2016 03:42 pm

There will be NO afternoon ASPIRE March 28 – April 1 due to STAAR testing. Parents should make preparations to pick up their child at 3:25 p.m. (normal dismissal). If you have questions, please contact the campus site coordinator.

Recent Articles:

Cheney Elementary fifth graders travel to Cameron Park Zoo, Waco Mammoth National Monument, and Inner Space Cavern on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip
Green Valley Elementary fourth graders travel to Fort Worth on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip
Spring Break
Holiday Heights Elementary fourth graders travel to Austin on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip

BHS Wind Ensembles Receives Multiple Ovations
Mar 28, 2016 09:50 am

Congratulations to the Birdville High School Wind Ensemble for their recent participation in the invitation-only National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis hosted by Music For All. With nearly 3,000 participants, the BHS Wind Ensemble was one of only 14 bands from across the country selected as a “Featured Performer.”  The band performed a demanding hour-long concert at Butler University’s Clowes Memorial Hall for an audience that gave them multiple ovations. When the band was not performing, they were attending other bands’ concerts, as well as master classes, with leading industry professionals. Congratulations to the BHS Wind Ensemble and their directors, Mike Cheripka, Gary Barnard, Carol Meadows, and James Figueredo.

> Photos from the Music For All Performance

Rebellaire Revue
Mar 28, 2016 09:42 am

Community Resource Fair
Mar 28, 2016 08:57 am

Recent Articles:

Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
No afternoon ASPIRE March 28 – April 1
Cheney Elementary fifth graders travel to Cameron Park Zoo, Waco Mammoth National Monument, and Inner Space Cavern on an Education in Action Discover Texas Field Trip

Congratulations to Birdville High School Theatre Department
Mar 29, 2016 08:41 am

Congratulations to Birdville High School’s cast and crew of “Narnia – The Musical: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” for receiving five nominations for the Dallas Summer Musicals’ (DSM) High School Musical Theatre Awards. Out of 65 schools and 70 productions from across North Texas, Birdville High was nominated in five categories:

Best Direction: Mike Klefeker and Kimberly Panfil
Best Musical Direction: Jonathan Pilgrim and Amy Allison
Best Supporting Actress: Hannah Derrick
Best Featured Actor: Luke Flowers
Best Featured Actress: Olivia Simms

The DSM Awards show is April 14 at Fair Park. There will be a red carpet arrival of nominees, musical numbers by the Best Musical nominees and medleys by the Best Actor and Actress nominees.

> View nominations and festivities

Recent Articles:

BHS Wind Ensembles Receives Multiple Ovations
Rebellaire Revue
Community Resource Fair
Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
No afternoon ASPIRE March 28 – April 1

There is Power in One: April is Volunteer Appreciation Month
Apr 01, 2016 02:48 pm

With the 2015–16 school year quickly coming to a close, I want to take the opportunity to recognize several groups of people who play such a valuable part in Birdville ISD. Parents, community members and our staff each perform a vital role in making Birdville ISD a great school district in which to educate children.

Thank you to those who volunteer their time in various roles across the District. Whether you are a member of the board of trustees or a campus mentor, PTA volunteer, booster club worker, or assist in another capacity, you significantly impact the lives of students every day.

I wish I had the ability to fast forward in time so each of you could see the influence you have on the life of a child. Since I can’t, I want to share part of an email I recently received.

“… I want to recognize W.L. Hughes for a lifetime of great advice that I slowly but definitely utilized over the last 36 years.

“I became a police officer and made sure I tracked down Mr. Hughes to let him know that I did not go to prison as we weekly discussed, that I took his advice on many issues to that point in my life. I have since completed 20 years in law enforcement …

“… I am thankful for the educators that I was blessed to know. Please let me know if there is a way to recognize Mr. Hughes for his lifetime of dedication to the pupils that attended his school.”

Though this message was regarding a former principal, it still reminds us of the power of an adult in the life of a child. Whether you are a parent, community member or staff member, what you say and do greatly impacts our future, our children.

Thank you, Mr. Hughes, for choosing a career in education that positively impacted many young lives. Thank you to our PTA and booster club volunteers for supporting schools and programs at so many different levels. Thank you to the members of our community that mentor, tutor and provide valuable resources to students and staff. Thank you to our staff for your dedication to making our world a better place through education.

If you haven’t already joined the volunteer ranks, I invite you to connect with the more than 6,000 volunteers in BISD who impact the future every year.

To our parents, community members and staff, I am proud to live and work with individuals who are so passionate about children.

RHS Dance Receives Numerous Awards
Apr 01, 2016 02:27 pm

Congratulations to Richland High School’s Dance Department and instructors Nicole Numa and Amber Martin who received numerous awards at this year’s National International Competition hosted by American Dance Drill Team at The University of North Texas. Special individual recognition goes to senior Kandace Tuttle for being selected as the “2016 Miss National High Kick” from over 200 auditioners.  Additional highlights include:

• Elite Ensemble – First Place
• Officer Hip Hop – First Place
• Team Jazz – First Place
• Team Kick – First Place
• Team Prop – First Place

Two BISD teachers study at George Washington’s Mount Vernon home
Apr 01, 2016 02:20 pm

> View Story

> View photos/videos from their learning experience

Recent Articles:

Congratulations to Birdville High School Theatre Department
BHS Wind Ensembles Receives Multiple Ovations
Rebellaire Revue

Haltom High Duet Wins SSG Contest
Apr 04, 2016 03:43 pm

Congratulations to Patience Dotson and Michael Garcia, Haltom High School students, for their wins at the Stolen Shakespeare Guild’s Monologue and Scene Competitions. They won first place and $500 for their presentation of a scene from “Macbeth.”  In addition, Hannah Hightshoe also placed and won $50 for her monologue from “Much Ado About Nothing.” Thanks to director Renee Norris for helping these students prepare and participate in this event.

Nine BISD Destination Imagination® teams score big at Mid-Cities Regional Tournament;
Apr 04, 2016 03:10 pm

Five BISD Destination Imagination® teams advance to state tournament

The tournament was held at South Grand Prairie High School. BISD did very well with more than 200 teams competing in various challenges. BISD has five teams that qualified to advance to the state tournament in Anna, Texas.

The Fearsome Four – North Ridge Elementary placed second in the Get a Clue Challenge.  They qualified to advance to the state tournament.

Team Members:
Brooke Hampton
Ella Pursley
Hannah Miser
Marissa Carrasco

Team Manager:  Nicole Pursley

The Determinators – North Richland Middle placed second in the Get a Clue Challenge. They also qualified to advance to the state tournament.

Team Members:
Landrie Barker
Hannah Hudson
Morgan Layfield
Hope McEndree
Makenna Pollock
Riley Pollock

Team Managers: (not pictured)
Jacki Layfield
Christi Hudson

Metaphysical Question Mark? – Smithfield Middle School placed first in the Musical Mashup Structural Challenge. They qualified to advance to the state competition.

Team Members:
Jack Vinson
Keegan Pierce
Robbie Baum
Zane Sanchez
Asher Pierce
Luke Sederberg

Team Manager:  Katie Pierce (not pictured)

Omni Physical Something – Smithfield Middle School placed first in the Close Encounters Improv Challenge. They qualified to advance to the state tournament.

Team Members:
Robbie Baum
Asher Pierce
Keegan Pierce

Team Manager:  Katie Pierce (not pictured)

Hello…It’s DI – North Oaks Middle placed second in the Meme Event Challenge.

Team Members: Hannah Worthey, Alyson Grow, Finley Miller, and Sammy Cator

Team Manager:  Lisa Grow (not pictured)

Spectacular Non-Resistant American Radical Phantasms – Richland High School placed first^t in the Meme Event Challenge and they were the Instant Challenge Winners for this Challenge.  They also placed second in the Musical Mashup Challenge, and qualified to advance to the state tournament.

Team Members: Peyton Murrell, Ryan Janke, Alyssa Kunkel, Noah Lewis

Team Manager:  Keri Murrell (not pictured)

The Elemental Surprise – North Ridge Middle placed first in the Pace of Change Instant Challenge.

Team Members:  Spencer Murrell, Cailee Coulson, Britney Bui, Brock Martini, Ryan Evans, Shelbee Fraze.

Team Manager:  Keri Murrell (not pictured)

DI-Mogi’s – Smithfield Elementary placed third in the In Plain Sight Challenge

Team Members:  Morgan Davis, Lindsay Eastman, Ivie Mack, Madeline Ramsey, Sudrey Schuck, Bryce Sullivan, and Asher Conniff (not pictured).

Team Manager:  Chadrick Mack.

Scientimifics – Smithfield Middle School placed first in the Instant Challenge in Musical Mashup.

Team Members:  Amie Johnson, Corey Cochran, Laura Franco, Brooke Mcallister, and Barrett Hicks.

Team Manager:  Alison Johnson (not pictured)

Recent Articles:

There is Power in One: April is Volunteer Appreciation Month
RHS Dance Receives Numerous Awards
Two BISD teachers study at George Washington’s Mount Vernon home
Congratulations to Birdville High School Theatre Department

Haltom High School Student Advances to National PTA Reflections Arts Program
Apr 05, 2016 10:06 am

Congratulations to Vanessa Lopez-Campos, Haltom High School student, on advancing from the state PTA Reflections Arts Program to the National PTA Reflections Arts Program competition for her literature piece.

North Oaks Students Named Finalists for Bobby Bragan Scholarship
Apr 05, 2016 09:44 am

Congratulations to Austin Sundara, eighth-grade student at North Oaks Middle School, for being named a finalist in the Bobby Bragan Scholarship Essay Contest. He will receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Foundation when he graduates from high school.

> Read Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation Announcement

Shannon High School’s Spring Carnival
Apr 05, 2016 09:39 am

Shannon High School’s spring carnival is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Game tickets are five for $1 or $10 for an unlimited games bracelet. Buy two bracelets and receive one free. For information, call 817-547-5400.

Recent Articles:

Haltom High Duet Wins SSG Contest
Nine BISD Destination Imagination® teams score big at Mid-Cities Regional Tournament;
There is Power in One: April is Volunteer Appreciation Month

ATTENTION: TCC Dual Credit Students
Apr 08, 2016 03:37 pm

Students who are attending TCC Dual Credit classes at the Birdville Center of Technology and Advanced Learning (BCTAL) during the 2016–17 school year need to attend and complete their application and go over the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) guidelines, which are required before they can enroll in dual credit courses.

Meeting Date: Monday, April 11

Meeting Location:
BCTAL
7020 Mid Cities Blvd.
North Richland Hills, TX  76180

Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Questions? Contact Marcus Canonico at 817-547-5798 or marcus.canonico@birdvilleschools.net.

Recent Articles:

Haltom High School Student Advances to National PTA Reflections Arts Program
North Oaks Students Named Finalists for Bobby Bragan Scholarship
Shannon High School’s Spring Carnival
Haltom High Duet Wins SSG Contest
Nine BISD Destination Imagination® teams score big at Mid-Cities Regional Tournament;

Summer School Information Now Available!
Apr 12, 2016 01:19 pm

The Birdville ISD Summer School primary objective is to expand the learning opportunities for our students by offering choice and flexibility for rigorous online and face-to-face courses developed by Birdville ISD and Compass Learning.

Please Note: Summer School 2016 is for Birdville ISD students only. Transportation provided from various sites throughout the district. Breakfast and lunch provided.

Recent Articles:

ATTENTION: TCC Dual Credit Students
Haltom High School Student Advances to National PTA Reflections Arts Program
North Oaks Students Named Finalists for Bobby Bragan Scholarship
Shannon High School’s Spring Carnival
Haltom High Duet Wins SSG Contest

Birdville ISD Among Winners of $5 Million Raise Your Hand Texas Blended Learning Grant Initiative
Apr 13, 2016 11:24 am

School district to receive up to $500,000 and intensive implementation support over three years

AUSTIN, TX (April 13, 2016) – Raise Your Hand Texas today announced the five winners selected as blended learning demonstration sites, including Birdville ISD, to receive up to $500,000 in grant funding over three years and comprehensive implementation support, through the Raising Blended Learners^SM initiative. More than a dozen additional districts were selected as pilot sites and will receive implementation support without grant funding to promote the expansion of blended learning statewide.

The five winning demonstration sites – a mix of small and large, urban and rural, public school districts and public charter schools – will serve as proof points for the effective implementation of blended learning and were chosen through a 10-month consideration process involving 75 semi-finalist teams. Birdville ISD is joined by Cisco ISD, KIPP Houston, Pasadena ISD, and Point Isabel ISD.

Each of the demonstration site grant winners seek to apply blended learning strategies to remedy a specific challenge in their schools. As a demonstration site, Birdville ISD aims to increase literacy for secondary students, which is a foundational skill for all high school learning.

“Birdville ISD will now stand as an implementation model from which districts across the state can learn,” said Alison Badgett, interim executive director for Raise Your Hand Texas. “BISD leadership is committed to using blended learning to personalize instruction and drive improved performance. We look forward to supporting the District’s efforts to enhance student achievement and sharing what we learn statewide.”

Randy Sumrall, executive director of technology for Birdville ISD, states, “With the passing of the bond in 2014, BISD is now poised to successfully implement blended learning in our middle and high schools. With blended learning, secondary students will have some control over their learning experience through online and brick-and-mortar schooling. Blended learning is right for Birdville and our students, as it ‘blends’ the great instructional practices we already have, while leveraging the new technology being purchased with bond funding.”

Pilot Network Sites

The Pilot Network of sites will implement smaller scale, non-grant-funded pilots and will help catalyze statewide expansion of blended learning. Raise Your Hand Texas will commit expert implementation assistance, coaching, and professional development to these pilot sites.

To help other districts and schools interested in learning more or pursuing blended learning, Raise Your Hand Texas also launched a public blended learning resource portal with curated national resources and materials, as well as content created exclusively for the Raising Blended Learners initiative. Raise Your Hand Texas is investing in third-party research evaluation and will publicly report on implementation, beginning in the 2016–17 school year, to drive broader statewide adoption of blended learning approaches.

The Raising Blended Learners demonstration initiative is funded by the Raise Your Hand for Texas Education Fund, Educate Texas, and The Meadows Foundation. Funding will support technical assistance for the Raising Blended Learners grantees and pilot network, including support for ed-tech selection, budgeting and financial analysis, teacher and school leader professional development, and project management.

About Blended Learning

As defined by the Christensen Institute, blended learning is a blend of online learning and brick-and-mortar schooling that takes place when students learn at least in part online, with some student control over the time, place, path, and/or pace of their learning. This is a departure from the broader trend of simply equipping classrooms with devices and software and different from full-time virtual education, which does not include peer engagement and in-person student-teacher interactions.

For more background about blended learning, the initiative, and the initial application process, download the Raising Blended Learners grant summary. Downloadable Raising Blended Learners images and embeddable videos are available in the media kit section of the Raise Your Hand Texas online newsroom.

# # #

About Raise Your Hand Texas

Raise Your Hand Texas is a non-profit, non-partisan organization advancing public education by igniting fiercely innovative leadership and advocacy for our state’s 5 million+ students. We invest in best-in-class programs to develop innovative leaders for Texas public schools, and lead research-driven public policy advocacy that elevates the quality of Texas public education, ensuring that our economy remains strong and Texas’ future remains bright. Visit RaiseYourHandTexas.org to learn more.

Recent Articles:

Summer School Information Now Available!
ATTENTION: TCC Dual Credit Students
Haltom High School Student Advances to National PTA Reflections Arts Program
North Oaks Students Named Finalists for Bobby Bragan Scholarship
Shannon High School’s Spring Carnival

April is Occupational Therapy Month
Apr 15, 2016 09:10 am

BISD has seven occupational therapists. They are Jennifer Hyden, Debby Keesee, Jerri Stage, Joanne Ferris, Katie Saint, Kim Frye and Laura Govea.

Haltom High School Show Choir presents MUSICA 2016
Apr 15, 2016 09:04 am

The Haltom High School Show Choir presents MUSICA 2016 … A USO Show – Tribute to the Armed Forces at 7 p.m. on May 13th in the Haltom HS auditorium. This show will feature the Haltom Singers, Haltom Harmony, and the Haltom Jazz Band. Tickets are $5 at the door. Active and retired military receive free admission with ID. For more information, please call Jeremy Crozier at 817-547-6096 or email at Jeremy.crozier@birdvilleschools.net.

Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest
Apr 15, 2016 09:00 am

Congratulations to Rebecca Schelen, Richland High School student, for her winning submission in the local Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest. The local winner advances to a national drawing to be held in April. The winning teacher is Patrick Kelley. Pictured from left are Mark Allan Brown, Community Business Development Manager of Barnes and Noble, Hurst; Rebecca Shelen; and Patrick Kelley.

Recent Articles:

Birdville ISD Among Winners of $5 Million Raise Your Hand Texas Blended Learning Grant Initiative
Summer School Information Now Available!
ATTENTION: TCC Dual Credit Students

Birdville Council of PTAs | #BISDShines
Apr 20, 2016 04:25 pm

The Birdville Council of PTAs provided 1,394 vouchers for new shoes and served 1,665 BISD students during the 2015–16 school year. Thank you for your support! #BISDShines

Gilder Lehrman Teacher Seminar
Apr 20, 2016 04:20 pm

Congratulations to Cindy Richmond, Richland High School social studies teacher, for being accepted to a Gilder Lehrman Teacher Seminar in Colorado this summer. She will have the opportunity to learn more about the wild west at the University of Colorado.

Recent Articles:

April is Occupational Therapy Month
Haltom High School Show Choir presents MUSICA 2016
Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest
Birdville ISD Among Winners of $5 Million Raise Your Hand Texas Blended Learning Grant Initiative

Haltom High School Journalism Wins Several Awards
Apr 25, 2016 08:49 am

Congratulations to students in the Haltom High School Journalism Department for winning several awards at the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association (JEA/NSPA) National Convention and the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) State Convention. Awards won were:

JEA/NSPA National Convention

Pacemaker Finalist
Write-off Contest

Dana McCurdy – Superior, Student Life Photography Portfolio
Kristal Saikho – Excellent, Clubs Copy/Caption Writing
Ammysadday Hernandez – Honorable Mention, Academics Copy/Caption Writing
Lacey Powers – Honorable Mention, Cover/Endsheet Design

ILPC State Convention

For the 2015 book

Silver Star Award
Tops in Texas, Theme Copy
Tops in Texas, Sports Action Photo by Giovanna Villalpando

6A-1 Rankings

First Place, Theme Copy and Captions
Second Place, Caption Writing
Third Place, Headlines

Individual Awards

Kristal Saikho – First Place, Student Life Spread
Joshlianie Ruiz – First Place, Class Spread
Giovanna Villalpando – First Place, Student Life Feature Story
D’Eric Kicniski & Alesha Mrema – First Place, Clubs Feature Story
Cemal Quershi – First Place, Clubs Spread
Giovanna Villalpando – First Place, Sports Action Photo
Danielle Robinson & Ammysadday Hernandez – Second Place, Clubs Spread
Marissa Valdez – Second Place, Clubs Feature Story
Cindara Souvanna & Marissa Valdez – Second Place, Personality Profile
Hayley Bridges – Third Place, Clubs Photo
Dana McCurdy – Third Place, Photo Portfolio
Alesha Mrema – Honorable Mention, Academic Spread

For current 2016 book

6A-2 Rankings

Samantha Ledesma & Amari Carter-Corbin – First Place, Multi-Topic Spread
Kayla Starnes – Second Place, Feature Spread
Laryssa Hernandez & Kristal Saikho – Third Place, Academic Spread
Laryssa Hernandez & Kristal Saikho – Third Place, Clubs Spread
Danielle Robinson – Honorable Mention, Sports Spread

Middle School Artists Succeed at Junior VASE Competition
Apr 25, 2016 08:17 am

Congratulations to all seven BISD middle school art departments for their participation in this year’s Junior VASE (Visual Art Scholastic Event). With more than 1,300 entries from students across multiple districts, BISD had 177 young artists enter 235 artworks for adjudication. Over 75 percent of BISD artworks received a “Superior” rating, with 15 pieces gaining special recognition as Silver Medal winners. Silver Medal winners were:

• Julia Nguyen – Haltom Middle School
• Morgan Layfield & Mary Ho – North Richland Middle School
• Jonathan Pinch – Richland Middle School
• Mandi Inthalangsy – North Oaks Middle School
• Kayla Meyers & Aleyna Holcombe – Watauga Middle School
• Gracyn Conniff, Lauren McMahon, Kairi Merriam, Lauren Moore, Kaylee Rademacher (two pieces), and Yaidmaris Ramos – Smithfield Middle Schoolx
• Idalyis Bunyavong – North Ridge Middle School

Recent Articles:

Birdville Council of PTAs | #BISDShines
Gilder Lehrman Teacher Seminar
April is Occupational Therapy Month
Haltom High School Show Choir presents MUSICA 2016

Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
Apr 28, 2016 10:02 pm

Board of Trustees Approve Resolution
Apr 28, 2016 09:59 pm

Approved the resolution nominating BISD Superintendent Dr. Darrell G. Brown for Texas Association of School Board’s Superintendent of the Year for 2016.

> View Resolution

Trustees Approve Shannon High School Principal
Apr 28, 2016 09:54 pm

At their regular meeting, Birdville ISD’s Board of Trustees approved David R. Williams as principal of Shannon High School. He is replacing Greg Farr, who is retiring after 22 years with BISD and 39 years in education.

Williams has been principal at Crandall High School (CHS) in Crandall ISD since 2013. Prior to CHS, he was principal at Crandall Middle School from 2012–13; assistant principal at Highland Park High School from 2004–12; assistant principal at Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD from 2001–04; and a teacher at LC Anderson High School in Austin ISD from 1996–01.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin and master’s degree from Southwest Texas State University.

Young Actors Shine at One-Act Play Festival
Apr 28, 2016 03:49 pm

Congratulations to all seven middle school theatre programs in BISD for their outstanding performances at the 2016 District One-Act Play Festival. In addition to seven terrific shows, the following students received special recognition for their individual acting achievements:

Best Actor
Kyle Dickman (North Richland Middle School)

Best Actress
Cristina DelCristo (Watauga Middle School)

All-Star Cast
Kailah Bolton (Haltom Middle School), Giselle Olade (Haltom Middle School), Alexis Granizo (North Richland Middle School), Steven Nguyen (North Richland Middle School), Emma Shupp (North Ridge Middle School), Hunter Domzalski (North Ridge Middle School), Melyssa Hawes (North Oaks Middle School), Kevin Le (North Oaks Middle School), Hannah Albright (Watauga Middle School), Jaden Cox (Watauga Middle School), Zain Fazalghai (Watauga Middle School), Rainey Bailey (Smithfield Middle School), Emma Dixon (Smithfield Middle School), Keshandra Drew (Richland Middle School)

Honorable Mention to the All-Star Cast
Donna Souvannasanh (Haltom Middle School), Jonathan Sawicki (Haltom Middle School), Michael Britt (North Richland Middle School), Natalie Morter (North Richland Middle School), Brooke Dorety (North Ridge Middle School), Hannah Carr (North Ridge Middle School), Lauryn Blackburn (North Oaks Middle School), Noella Welch (North Oaks Middle School), Colby Baker (Watauga Middle School), Corey Cochran (Smithfield Middle Schools), Parker Boyd (Smithfield Middle School), Jaren Turnbow (Richland Middle School), Lesley Mooney (Richland Middle School), Sean Ngyuen (Richland Middle School)

Best Technical Crew
Watauga Middle School

Best Technicians
Kaitlyn Drake (Haltom Middle School), Phillip Raeside (North Richland Middle School), Haley Ward (North Ridge Middle School), Ishu Pokhrel (North Oaks Middle School), Brittany Mock (Watauga Middle School), Alexis Nailing (Smithfield Middle School), Becca Simpson (Richland Middle School)

Recent Articles:

Haltom High School Journalism Wins Several Awards
Middle School Artists Succeed at Junior VASE Competition

Birdville High School advances in UIL playoffs
May 03, 2016 04:07 pm

Softball–Area Round
Birdville vs. Joshua
Game 1: Friday, May 6 at 7 p.m. at Joshua HS
Game 2: Saturday, May 7 at 2 p.m. at Birdville HS
Game 3 (if needed):  30 minutes following Game 2

Adults $5/Students $3
Passes Accepted:  District Administrator; THSCA, TGCA

Baseball–Bi-District Round
Birdville vs. Chisholm Trail
Game 1: Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Grapevine HS
Game 2: Saturday, May 7 at 11 a.m. at Grapevine HS
Game 3 (if needed):  30 minutes following Game 2

Adults $5/Students $3
Passes Accepted:  District Administrator, THSCA, TGCA

BISD Fire Academy Information Meeting
May 03, 2016 03:48 pm

Monday, May 9, 2016
6 – 7 p.m.
Birdville Center of Technology and Advanced Learning
Omni Room

Recent Articles:

Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
Board of Trustees Approve Resolution
Trustees Approve Shannon High School Principal
Young Actors Shine at One-Act Play Festival

Congratulations to the 2016 District Teachers of the Year
May 09, 2016 08:32 am

Congratulations to the 2016 Campus Teachers of the Year
May 09, 2016 08:31 am

Recent Articles:

Birdville High School advances in UIL playoffs
BISD Fire Academy Information Meeting
Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
Board of Trustees Approve Resolution