I am optimistic and excited about the upcoming school year. The District has fantastic children, a team of incredible employees and a supportive community. Upon this foundation, we will begin our journey together.

During the 2013-2014 school year, TISD will introduce many new initiatives and reforms. As we move forward, it is essential that everyone understand the focus of our District, which is to increase student achievement in all areas. A culture of high expectations for all will permeate every department, every campus and every classroom.

Each and every day, the District, Board of Trustees, community, students and staff must strive to improve. TISD believes in each student’s ability to achieve in academics and in extracurricular activities at high levels. We are

“Creating a culture of

excellence in all things is a

priority for Terrell ISD.”

committed to providing a 21st

Century Education for all students.

Creating a culture of excellence in all things is a priority for TISD. Therefore, students will be expected to learn, follow campus rules, respect authority, and adhere to the dress code. Employees will be expected to do the same.

I would like to personally thank each member of the TISD

INSIDETERRELL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

community for allowing me to be part of the lives of our children. It is an honor and a privilege that I do not take lightly. Remember, a group

of people that are collectively ZLOOLQJ�WR�VDFULÀFH�VHOI�WR�

serve children will be successful.

Restore the Roar,

Micheal French Superintendent

Dear Tiger Community,

August 2013, Volume I, Issue 1

Spotlight on EducationCareer and Technical Education Students Win Big Terrell ISD is proud of the accomplishments of three Career and Technical Education students: Andrew Carmona, Cameron Smith, and Julia Perry. With guidance and support from Mr. George Parrish, dedicated sponsor, the Terrell ISD Skills USA Career and Technical Education students have competed and won at the national level. During the 2011-2012 school year, senior Andrew Carmona put Terrell ISD in the national spotlight by winning a silver medal

in the Job Interviewing Skills category. Andrew has continued his educational journey by attending Notre Dame University, where he currently serves as treasurer of the Texas Club and director of university affairs. He attributes his success at Notre Dame to the skills he learned competing in Skills USA. Andrew is not only involved in university life, but has also taken time to give back to his hometown. Andrew has spent many hours mentoring this year’s 2012-2013 Skills USA National Gold Medal Winner, Cameron Smith.

Cameron is an outstanding student whose honors include: Terrell

Skills USA Chapter president; Terrell Fellowship of Christian Athletes president; varsity football quarterback and team captain; and an Eagle Scout. Cameron’s teachers comment on the outstanding work he does in and out of the classroom. We look forward to seeing the accomplishments and leadership that Cameron will bring to Terrell ISD his senior year.

In addition to Skills USA students, Terrell High School also has an exceptional group of health science

students in the national spotlight. Teachers Angel Turner and Heather Graham have provided outstanding guidance to this year’s Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) organization. HOSA is LQ� LWV� ÀUVW� \HDU� DW� 7HUUHOO� +LJK�School. HOSA member Julia Perry placed in the top 10 percent at the state conference in Galveston and competed at nationals in Nashville. The District is so proud of Julia for competing at such a high level. Julia is an outstanding student who provides great leadership to other HOSA members at Terrell High School. We have great expectations for HOSA students in the future!

“In addition to Skills USA students, Terrell

High School also has an exceptional

group of health science students in the

national spotlight.”

Cameron SmithNational Gold Medal Winner

Andrew CarmonaNational Silver Medal Winner

Julia Perry1DWLRQDO�4XDOLÀHU

Rethink Excellence New Academy Serves Gifted and Talented Students

Terrell ISD is delighted to announce that the Gifted and Talented (GT) Program has expanded to open the Kindergarten through 6th grade GT Academy. Recognizing that gifted students possess distinct characteristics and needs, our SXUSRVH� LV� WR� EULQJ� LGHQWLÀHG�students together for a portion of every school day with GT Academy educators who are passionate about giftedness and creativity.

Our goal is to offer a unique learning environment tailored for gifted children that stimulates academic accomplishment, critical thinking and creativity, while fostering peer

interaction and personal growth. We believe that such an environment is most effective when a diverse community studies, plays, and grows together.

Our vision for the GT Academy is that it becomes the preeminent gifted program offered within our region. The GT Academy’s director is Bronwyn Vaughan and the educators include Charis Bailey, Melissa Daughtery, and Kathy Stokes. This team of four is committed to celebrating each child’s quest for knowledge, their sense of wonder, and their accomplishments. Terrell ISD is committed to providing

quality, optimal educational experiences, through the new GT Academy.

Back to School A Message for Terrell ISD Parents

Welcome back to Terrell ISD! We look forward to partnering with you to foster educational excellence in your student and all Terrell ISD students. As a parent, you are an integral part of the development of your child or children. Terrell ISD is committed to helping each of our students reach their highest level of academic success.

We have high expectations for our students, both academically and socially. Our priority is providing students with the best possible learning environment. In all of our schools, and within each and every classroom, incidents that prevent learning and teaching will be addressed. Our goal is to provide structure and discipline so all students are given the opportunity to advance academically.

In order for students to succeed, students must be both mentally and physically present at school. We expect our students to come to school every day prepared to learn. As

students walk through the doors of their classroom, our teachers will be ready to begin lessons immediately. We will create an environment where all teachers and students are held to the highest standard of excellence.

Please make sure you and your students are aware of our student dress code requirements. The dress code promotes a positive learning HQYLURQPHQW�DQG�UHÁHFWV�WKH�YDOXHV�of the school and community. A complete copy of the Terrell ISD dress code policy is available at each campus, in the student handbook, and on the District website.

As an educational community, our mission is to provide an exceptional learning experience in a safe, nurturing environment. We will challenge students to achieve academic excellence and to be responsible, productive, and ethical members of an ever-changing society. Thank you for your continued support of our students, teachers, and schools.

Meet the Teacher Night W. H. Burnett Elementary

J. F. Kennedy Elementary

Bruce Wood Elementary

J. W. Long Elementary

Terrell High School

Furlough Middle School

Tuesday, August 20

Tuesday, August 20

Thursday, August 22

Thursday, August 22

Thursday, August 29

Thursday, September 5

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Keys to a Successful School Year

Children spend about 1,000 hours per year in school. So, helping children enjoy learning and being successful is important for our school community. Our goal is excellence in all that we do: A+ academics, A+ appearance, A+ attitude, and A+ action. Students and parents can offer their support and participation by following these tips:

Academics:

�� Come to school every day prepared and on time.

�� Read at least 20 minutes each evening. This will make you a better reader.

�� Actively listen. Move closer to the front of the classroom; focus your attention; and take good notes.

�� Participate in class discussions. If you do not understand, ask questions.

�� Do your homework. Establish a routine and stick with it. Parents, monitor your child’s homework and ask your child to share what they learned at school each day.

�� Stay informed using the TISD Parent Portal online tool.

Appearance:

��Keep in dress code. ��Tend to personal grooming before school. ��Wear RED on spirit days.

Attitude:

�� Don’t let unfocused students LQÁXHQFH� \RX� WR� GR� VRPHWKLQJ�you know is not right.

�� Do not participate in or instigate bullying.

�� Be persons of character: trustworthy, respectful, caring, fair, and responsible.

�� Have respect for authority.

Action:

�� Get into a routine. Have predictable bed times, meal times, and wake-up times.

�� Develop a study plan and stick to it.

�� Get involved in extracurricular activities.

�� Make friends. Get in the habit of being friendly and polite.

�� Prepare for the day ahead and gather everything you’ll need the night before so you don’t forget anything.

�� Get enough sleep. �� NEVER give up.

Campus Parent Portal gives parents and guardians the opportunity to DFFHVV� DFFXUDWH�� FXUUHQW� DQG� FRQÀGHQWLDO� LQIRUPDWLRQ� DERXW� WKHLU� FKLOG·V�school attendance, grades, class assignments and more. To set up a Parent Portal account, email your name, student name(s) and home address to parent.portal@terrellisd.org. Once submitted, you will receive an email response containing your Username, Password and login instructions.

Parents and guardians can access their account by visiting:

KWWSV���W[FORXG�LQÀQLWHFDPSXV�RUJ�FDPSXV(�SRUWDO�WHUUHOO�MVS

Campus Parent Portal is now available on your mobile device.

Step 1��'RZQORDG�WKH�,QÀQLWH�&DPSXV�0RELOH�3RUWDO�DSSOLFDWLRQ�IURP�DQ\�of the following stores:

Step 2: Launch the Campus App and enter the TISD District ID: QRGBHC

Step 3: Enter your Campus Portal Username and Password and select Log In / Sign In.

In the Know Access Your Student’s Information Using Campus Parent Portal

Mark Your Calendar!

First Day of School

Monday, August 26

First Home

Football Game

Friday, August 30

Labor Day Holiday

Monday, September 2

Homecoming

Friday, October 18

To encourage excellence in education by promoting and funding effective programs and ideas in the

Terrell Independent School District.

August 2013

2013 Grant Awards2013 Grant Awards——$75,358$75,358

P a m C h a m b e r l a i n received a $5,570 grant for an iPad reading initiative to improve comprehension and fluency in 2nd grade.

A n g e l a B a r t o n received a $7,000 grant t o e s t a b l i s h a n English-Spanish guided reading library at Burnett Elementary School. S a n d r a E m e r s o n

received $8,985 for a m o b i l e l e a r n i n g computer center for Alternative Education Center students to research careers.

A n g e l a S a m p l e received a grant for $ 3 , 3 0 0 f o r t e n h a l f - d ay Su mm e r School sessions for elementary “Students with Late Birthdays”.

Taylor Mil lson (Terrell High School) received $1,000 to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Nation Security in Washington, DC.

W i l l i a m W a l l a c e received $20,400 for teachWELD Virtual welding Stations for Terrell High School Career and Technical Education students.

Tamara Burgess received $3,200 for fees and travel expenses for two Wood Elementary School teachers to attend the Ron Clarke Na t i o n a l Ed u ca t io n Conference in Atlanta, GA.

M a x i n e V a n Zandt-Murphy received $9,254 for iPads to improve reading scores and assist with STEM projects for elementary school students.

Proto Castro (Wood Elementary School) received $929 to attend NASA Space Camp in Houston, Texas.

George Parish received $10,720 for computers, monitors, and Dual Graphics to facilitate Chief Architect and OSHA Safety Training programs at Terrell High School. P e g g y B r i d g e s

received $5,000 for fees and travel expenses for f ive Career and Technical Education teachers to attend the National Career Tech Education Convention

in Las Vegas, NV.

Our Goals

To build a perpetual source of funds for excellence in education.

To promote and publicize the strengths of Terrell ISD.

To encourage creativity among staff by supporting growth opportunities, providing resources for creative strategies, and recognizing and rewarding staff accomplishments.

To encourage academic excellence by providing funding unavailable through local, state or federal resources

Programs

Career and Technical Initiatives will enhance

programs that provide real-world work experiences.

Advanced Learning Initiatives will provide funds

for programs that inspire students to reach beyond

the classroom and engage in rigorous academic

pursuits.

Professional Development Initiatives will provide

opportunities for staff to participate in staff

development activities .

District Initiatives will provide funds for district-wide

projects that address specific priorities aligning with

the District's Strategic Plan.

About Our Foundation

The Terrell ISD Excellence Foundation is a 501(c)(3)

non-profit organization governed by a Board of

Directors representing a cross-section of citizens who

are dedicated to education and share a vision for

excellence in our schools. The Foundation was

created to support and enhance the education of all

students in the Terrell ISD .

Foundation Board

Robert Hulsey President

Bonnie McGinty Vice President of Administration

Dr. Bruce Wood Vice President of Programs

Mike Cronin Vice President of Development

Sarah Kegerreis Vice President of Community Relations

John Davidson Secretary/Treasurer

Dr. Kathryn McClellan Director

Tori Lucas Director

Danny Booth Director

Ex Officio Members:

Michael French Superintendent of Schools

Dena Risinger President Terrell ISD Board of Trustees

Dana Skelton TISD Liaison

Page 3

Letter  from  the  President 2012-2013  marks  the  fifth  year  of  the  Terrell  ISD  Excellence  Foundation  and  what  a  great  year  it  was.    A  total  of  nine  grants  were  awarded  totaling  $75,358.    Five  Advanced  Learning  Initiative  grants  were  given  out  including  one  for   an  English-Spanish  Guided  Reading  Library.    Professional  Development  grants  were  disbursed   to  help   staff  improve  student  engagement  in  academics.    Career  &  Technical  Initiative  grants  included  virtual  welding  stations  which   were   highlighted   when   local   industries   toured   the   new   Career   and   Technical   Education   Center   and  witnessed   the   hands-on   experience   our   students   are   gaining   from   such   grants.     Last   year,   our   9th   grade   was  designated  as  a  Science,  Technology,  Engineering  and  Math  (STEM)  campus  for  enhanced  learning  opportunities.  STEM  will  be  expanding  to  include  the  10th  grade  in  2013-14.    

In  order  to  continue  enhancing  the  future  for  Terrell  ISD  students,  the  Foundation  began  the  Partners  in  Excellence   program.    Partners  in  Excellence  supporters  will  be  recognized  for  their  commitment  to  support  the  Foundation  on  an  ongoing  basis  via  a  sustaining  membership.

The  Foundation  has  accomplished  many  goals  in  the  past  five  years,  but  there  are  more  success  stories  ahead.    We  appreciate  any  new  and  continuing  support  to  provide  funding  for  exceptional  education.

Sincerely,

Robert  A.  Hulsey Chairman

IN  MEMORY  OF GIVEN BY

Shelia  Gilbert  Blanton Carlton  and  Shawn  Tidwell Sarah  Bond Terrell  Chamber  of  Commerce

Bob  Clayton Terrell  Chamber  of  Commerce

Tricia  Cronin Mike  Cronin

Herman  Furlough,  Jr. Dana  and  Sherry  Skelton

Chuck  Vaughan Diana  Dophied

IN HONOR OF GIVEN BY

Chris  Bailey Carlton  and  Shawn  Tidwell

Amy  Beam Carlton  and  Shawn  Tidwell

Toby  Drake Carlton  and  Shawn  Tidwell

Judy  Harrell Carlton  and  Shawn  Tidwell

Tamara    Lovern Carlton  and  Shawn  Tidwell

Monty  “Doc”  Montgomery Carlton  and  ShawnTidwell

JaMichael  Palmer Carlton  and  Shawn  Tidwell

Debi  Rogers Carlton  and  Shawn  Tidwell

Sandi  Sanders Brandi  Howie

Michael  Setser Carlton  and  Shawn  Tidwell

Maintenance,  Custodians  &  Cafeteria  Workers    In  Terrell  ISD

Dana  and  Sherry  Skelton

Truman  and  Carol  Welch Dana  and  Sherry  Skelton

Spotlight  on  TISD  Excellence  Foundation  Board  Member

Bonnie   McGinty,   a  busy   community   volunteer   and   recipient   of   the   2013  Rotary   Community  Service   Award,   serves  the   Excellence   Foundation   as   Vice  President   of   Administration.    

McGinty   was   serving   on   the   Terrell   ISD  Board   in   2002   when   she   heard   a  presentation   on   the   results   of   20   “mini  grants”   given   to   teachers   to   encourage  creative   ideas  and  grant  writing.    She  was  so   impressed   that   the   teachers  were  able  to  take  a  small  amount  of  money  and  turn  it   into   a   wonderful   idea   to   enhance  teaching   in   their   classroom.     From   that  presentation,  a  seed  was  planted   that  has  grown  into  the  Excellence  Foundation.  

No   longer   on   the   school   board,   McGinty  now  serves  the  community  and  its  students  through  the  Excellence  Foundation.      She,  as   well   as   approximately   30   community  volunteers,   spent   many   hours   learning    what   an   Educational   Foundation   is   and  how   to   implement   one   in   Terrell,   Texas.     The   creation   for   the   Foundation   began  in  2005,  fundraising  began  in  2009,  and     the   first   grants   to   teachers   and   students  were  awarded  in  August  2009.

McGinty   states,   “   I   want   our   district   to   be  the  type  of  district  that  teachers  want  to  be  a  part  of.    I  want  them  to  feel  they  have  the  opportunity   to   envision   new   ways   of   teaching  and  have   the   resources   to  make  that  vision  a  reality.    I  want  parents  to  feel  as   though  our  district   is   the  best  place   for  their   children   to   be   educated.     I   want   our   community   to   feel   great   pride   in  what   our  district   is   able   to   accomplish.     An   educational   foundation   can   make   all   of  these  things  possible.”

Additionally   she   says,   “I   want   teachers   in  our   district   to   be   encouraged   to   use   innovative   ideas   to   help   students   learn  more  and  with   greater   enthusiasm.    State  and  federal  funds  cannot  provide  funds  for  classroom   extras.     These   items   must   be  provided   through   funding   from   non-traditional   sources.     Businesses,   industries,  and  individuals  have  responded  in  an   incredibly  generous  manner  and   the  work   of   the   Excellence   Foundation   has  begun.”

Page 4

Spotlight  on  Student   Grant  Recipients

Omayra   Mata,   Terrell   High   School   class   of   2013,   received   TISD   Excellence   Foundation   grants   in   2010  and  2011.   A  teacher  nominated  her  to  attended  the  National  Youth  Leadership   Forum   on   Law   CSI   (Crime   Scene   Investigation).   She   turned   to   the   Terrell   Excellence  

Foundation   for   funding.   At   this  week-long   program  Omayra   stated,   “I  learned   how   an   attorney   works   a   crime   case.   This   experience   heightened   my   desire   to   become   an   attorney.   Because   of   this   experience,   I   applied   and   was   accepted   at   Texas   Tech   on   a   pre-law  track  and  plan  to  attended  law  school.” Another  National  Youth  Leadership  Forum  invited  Omayra  to  attend  the  Collegiate   Success   Camp   at   Duke   University   where   she   was   able   to  learn   how   to   prepare   for   college   and   a   profession.   Again,   Omayra   received   an   Excellence   Foundation   Grant   in   order   to   attend   the   forum.   From   these   two   opportunities   Oamyra   has   confirmed   her   educational  path  and  gained  confidence,  self  esteem,  and  the  ability  to  speak  in  public.  This  resulted  in  a  2nd  place  award  for  the  Terrell  Rotary  Club  4-Way  Test  Speech  contest.  

Blake   Bolluyt,   2013   Terrell   High   School   Senior,   received  a  TISD  Excellence  Foundation  grant   in  2012  to   attend   the   National   Youth   Leadership   Forum   on   National   Security   held   in   Washington   D.C.   With   the  grant  he  was  able  to  receive  matching  funds  from  two  other   enterprises   that   fully   funded   the   trip.   Blake  states,  “I  learned  about  government,  and  it  helped  me  

define   my   intentions   to   join   the   U.S.   Air   Force.   This   opportunity   broadened   my   perspective.   Because   of   this,   I   am   now   committed   to   joining   the  U.  S  Air  Force  and  expect   to   receive  my  enlistment  papers  any  day.” Blake   also   shared   his   experiences   with   other   Terrell   High   School   students    and  encouraged  them  to  apply  for  this  type  of  grant.

Avenues To Contribute

Terrell ISD Excellence Foundation accepts donations from individuals, corporations, and other foundations to fund its programs and activities. Donations may be given in honor or memory of someone.

General Gifts. Unrestricted donations will be placed in the General Fund.

Restricted Gifts. Donations may be restricted for one of the Foundation programs.

Matched Giving. Donors can often double or triple a contribution with an employer-matching gift. Donors should check with their employer and ask for the company’s matched gift form and send the completed form with the contribution to the Terrell ISD Excellence Foundation.

In-kind Gifts. Donations of in-kind services or gifts may also be given to the Foundation. Donors may check with the Foundation regarding acceptance of services or gifts.

To donate or for additional information, contact Tori Lucas at 214-863-6068 or torilucas@anbtx.com.

Need a gift for your student’s teacher? Are you puzzled about a gift for a friend, relative or co-worker?

What better way to remember that special person than with a gift to the Excellence Foundation in their honor.

The Foundation will send a certificate to school staff and a letter to others to let them know that you have made a gift in their name.

Funds given to the Foundation ultimately provide grants to teachers and students for projects and activities that are unavailable through local, state or other funding sources.

Forms for donations are on the Foundation’s website:

www.terrellexcellencefoundation.org or contact Tori Lucas at torilucas@anbtx.com

or 214.863.6068 or Dana Skelton at dana.skelton@terrellisd.org or

972.563.4731.

Individual Business

Name____________________________________________________________________

Address__________________________________________________________________

City______________________________________________________________________

State________________________________________________________Zip__________

Telephone_________________________________________________________________

E-Mail____________________________________________________________________

Please  list    name  as  you  would  like  it  to  appear  for  public  recognition

I  wish  my  gift  to  be  made    in  honor  or    in  memory  of:  

Name  ______________________________________________________________________

Address_____________________________________________________________________

City____________________________________  State______________  Zip________________

Enclosed  is  my  check  for  $_________  made   payable  to:  Terrell  ISD  Excellence  Foundation.

Terrell ISD 700 N. Catherine Street Terrell, TX 75160 Micheal French, Superintendent TISD Board of Trustees Dena Risinger, President Lisa Asher, Vice President Ann Kines McDonald Anita Mann Thomas Mosley Channy Ory Reginald D. Williams

Carrier Route Presort Local Postal Patron Terrell, Texas 75160