In an effort to conserve energy and reduce operating costs, the Administration Building and schools will observe new summer hours. Offices will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The new hours apply to an eight-week period from June 14 to August 5. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, August 9.

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Irving ISD is the only district in Texas to be awarded a full "Vertical Team" portion of a TEA technology grant called the Texas Technology Immersion Pilot Program. Irving High School, de Zavala Middle School, and Lively Elementary School will share $800,000 over a two-year period to implement the program.

The purpose of the grant is to explore the impact of technology immersion on student achievement by providing each student with a wireless mobile computing device, and integrating software, online resources, and other appropriate learning technologies. In October 2003, TEA was awarded a federal grant to evaluate a component of this project using scientifically-based research to provide evidence about the effectiveness of educational technology in K-12 education. Of dozens of districts who applied for that program, nine were selected to take part in one form or another, but only IISD was selected to implement the one-student-to-one-computing device technology on three campuses, forming a vertical team of elementary, middle and high schools.

In addition to computers, the grant will provide approximately 54 hours of device, technology integration, classroom management, and instructional strategies training as well as training stipends for approximately 158 staff members.

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The Academy of Irving ISD, designed by Powell/PSP architects, has been named one of three finalists for the Edna McConnell Award for school architecture. A group of jurors will tour the school tomorrow in preparation for choosing the final award winner. More than 60 entries were reviewed for the award which garners international recognition.

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A new Health Reimbursement Arrangement account will be implemented on September 1, 2004 for all employees eligible to receive state supplemental compensation.

Currently, eligible full-time employees who are contributing members of TRS receive $500 per year in state supplemental income. Eligible part-time employees who are contributing members of TRS are receiving $250 per year. 

The supplemental income will no longer come from TRS into employee pay. It will now be sent from TRS into an HRA account set up for eligible employees at AETNA. The funds may be used to reimburse employees for eligible health care premiums not sheltered under Cafeteria 125 and for out-of-pocket medical expenses (copays at doctor visits, at the pharmacy, etc.) that are not part of a Cafeteria 125 medical expense reimbursement account. Coinsurance and deductibles may be paid from this account as well.

A "welcome kit" and debit card will be sent to eligible employees after September 1, 2004. The debit card can be used to cover co-pays at the pharmacy and for copays at doctor office visits provided sufficient funds are in the account when the debit card is used. 

There will be a charge of $2.50 per month to administer the account and an extra $1.00 added when the debit card is activated. Funds in this account, if not used at the end of the year, will remain in the employee’s account. These funds may be allowed to accumulate for future use.

For more information, visit the TRS website for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at www.trs.state.tx.us. Aetna’s toll-free number is available round the clock at 1-800-437-3666.

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The district’s HIPPY Program (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) held its graduation ceremony Saturday at Nimitz High School. Superintendent Singley presented HIPPY diplomas to 367 children, ages three, four and five, for completing various stages of HIPPY. The program, now in its fifth year in IISD, is designed to teach parents of preschoolers how to become their child’s first and most important teacher.

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Irving High School valedictorian Amy Yu has been awarded the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The highly competitive award was created by the United State Congress "for the purpose of promoting student excellence and achievement and to recognize exceptionally able students who show promise of continued excellence" according to a letter to Yu’s counselor announcing the scholarship.

This year, the coordinating board received more than 2,000 applications for the scholarship. Yu is among 517 winners. Renewable for four years, the scholarship provides $1,500 for the 2004-2005 academic year.