Although discussion surrounding rezoning proposals was the main order of business at the regular School Board meeting Monday night, celebration of student achievement was front and center.
Watch video of the Board meeting or review the Board book.
The meeting began with recognition of students who advanced to the state level of competition in cross country and marching band, as well as those who have distinguished themselves in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Cross Country
Seventeen cross country student athletes from four high schools who advanced to state competition this past weekend in Round Rock were recognized Monday evening.
The boys cross country team from Wakeland High School made history as the District’s first-ever team state champs in boys cross country. The team was led by Cameron King, who finished 12th; Justin King, who finished 16th; Cutter Oglesby who finished 30th; Jacob Hughes, who finished 37th; and Nick Hendrix, who finished 51st. Other team members include Carson Cornett, who placed 63rd and Brady Smith, who placed 120th.
As an individual, Carter Blunt of Independence High School won his third-straight state title with a time of 16:20.46 in the 5K. In the spring, he will attempt to become the first boy in UIL history to win state titles in cross country and the 1,600 and 3,200 in track in three straight seasons. Also competing were Josh Akin of Liberty High School, who raced in at 54th, and teammate Nick Wynne, who placed 104th.
In the girls’ division, Liberty’s Yuliana Lorenso and Kendall Rose finished 10th and 13th, respectively, both earning All-State honors. Grace Plain of Independence placed 20th, Alyssa Duhart of Heritage High School, 40th, Sophia Rahimeh of Independence, 47th, Carter Yake of Wakeland, 55th, and Carrie Fish of Liberty, 72nd.
The last time FISD won a team title in cross country was 33 years ago when retired former Superintendent Dr. Rick Reedy was the girls’ coach at Frisco High School.
Marching Bands
In addition, student leaders and directors represented marching bands from Wakeland and Centennial high schools for their accomplishments in advancing to the finals in the Texas State Marching Band Contest, placing fifth and ninth, respectively.
Only 31 Class 5A marching bands from across the state qualified to participate in the competition, held November 3 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. After a competitive preliminary round, ten bands were chosen to compete in the finals round.
Previously this season, all eight Frisco ISD high school marching bands earned sweepstakes at the UIL Region 24 Marching Band contest, with all eight ensembles performing at an overall Superior quality, the highest level of distinction. Seven of the eight qualified for the UIL Area B marching band contest, with CHS and WHS advancing to state.
The WHS marching band is led by directors Gerry Miller, Adrian Caswell, Ashton Seneca, Jacob Gall, and Matthew Rummel. The CHS marching band is led by directors Andy Rein, Kelly Wykoff, Morgan Sundberg, Chad Wallace and Brian Greenleaf.
National Merit Scholarship Program
Also, thirty Frisco ISD high school seniors were recognized after being named National Merit Semifinalists based on their results on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Ten students who have been named National Hispanic Recognition Scholars were recognized, as well. An additional 101 students were commended for their scores on the PSAT.
All achievements are significant, but Only Semifinalists will advance in the National Merit Scholarship Program competition. Approximately 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million will be offered next spring.
To become a Finalist in the competition, the Semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.
In February 2016, Semifinalists will be notified if they have advanced to Finalist standing. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be chosen from this group of Finalists based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments.
Celebration of Learning
Six robotics students from Fowler Middle School then showcased their talents during a Celebration of Learning presentation.
Robotics is an elective course offered to 7th and 8th graders at all FISD middle schools. Robotics is a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) course that incorporates critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity.
Students joined Fowler robotics teacher Caitlin Rutland in discussing a recent class project that allowed them to collaborate to build robots using Lego EV3 Mindstorm. Students then demonstrated how they had programmed their robots to perform a synchronized dance!
Rezoning Public Hearings
Following the recognition portion of the meeting, community members had the opportunity to address trustees regarding the zoning proposals put forth at the October Board meeting.
Board President Anne McCausland noted that trustees had received every email from parents sent prior to the meeting, as well as received ongoing updates regarding phone calls to District staff.
“The members of this Board are very aware that the figures shown on the proposals represent much more than just numbers – they represent children and their families,” she said. “We know that the parents in attendance tonight to offer public input are not here for yourself but as your child’s advocate.”
She said that trustees continue to ask questions about the proposals and explore viable alternatives and considerations.
“Our job tonight is to listen – listen to you personally and listen to your concerns and suggestions,” she said. “We thank you again for being here and for being advocates for your children. Parent involvement is a key component for our students’ and our District’s success.”
A final decision regarding attendance boundaries for the 2016-17 school year is expected at the next regular Board meeting on December 14.
Other Action
In other Board action, trustees approved a resolution concerning the appointment of the Texas Commissioner of Education. The resolution urges the Governor to appoint an education commissioner with experience and training in education, who understands the issues facing public education.