ISF Employee Campaign Underway

The Irving Schools Foundation (ISF) is conducting its annual Payroll Deduction Campaign, with the goal of increasing the overall dollar amount and number of contributors.

Each IISD employee should have received a payroll deduction form. Completed forms should be returned to their campus coordinator. Employees have the option of choosing a monthly payroll deduction commencing in January 2008 or making a one-time contribution. IISD employees contributed more than $150,000 last year through their contributions. The goal set this year by campus coordinators is to raise $175,000 with 100 percent participation from each campus.

Funds raised benefit students and teachers in the form of scholarships and grants to teachers for workshops, seminars and innovative programs.

For more information about ISF programs and initiatives, refer to the ISF website at www.irvingisd.net/foundation or call the foundation office at 972-215-5018.

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Author Speaks at Irving High

Novelist Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street, spoke to selected ninth grade English classes from all four Irving high schools September 18 at the Irving High School auditorium.

This event was part of the kick-off for One Book One Irving campaign sponsored by the Irving Public Library from September 15 to October 15. The ninth grade English students had been reading The House on Mango Street in class. Cisneros encouraged students to write about subjects that mattered to them, to write about what makes them different, and to describe all five senses in their writing.

“Sandra Cisneros connected with the students. I’m sure many identified with her as that shy, struggling student who was reluctant to speak up and be noticed in class,” said Dr. Lea Bailey, director of learning resources.

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Teachers Win Sunshine Awards

Two teachers, Megan Duranleau at Crockett Middle School and Shannon Pratt at Hanes Elementary School, have been selected to receive Sunshine Awards from KXTX-TV Telemundo Channel 39.

The awards, co-sponsored by Kroger, honor area educators. Selected teachers are featured on the KXTX morning show Cada Día and the station’s 5 p.m. newscasts.

Megan Duranleau (left) of Crockett Middle School accepted Sunshine Award from Nancy Leal of Telemundo 39.

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Lee Conducts Successful Surprise Lockdown Drill

Students and staff at Lee Elementary School participated in a surprise lockdown drill September 20 conducted by Irving ISD security.

Upon notification of this drill, office staff responded by announcing over the public address system that teachers needed to follow procedures for lockdown. A number of district supervisors were present as observers, along with two school resource officers assigned to the elementary schools.

Within 20 seconds, hallways were cleared, the playground was evacuated, classroom doors were locked with lights turned out and window blinds closed, and children were placed out of the line-of-sight from anyone in the hallway.

“Our objective is to positively engage visitors to our campus and, when needed, take appropriate steps to shelter students and staff from harmful incidents. This drill was a resounding success,” said Pat Lamb, director of security and operations. “I look forward to conducting this training throughout our district.”

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Recycling Coordinators Hold Kickoff Meeting

The recycling coordinators for Irving ISD buildings held a kickoff meeting September 17 at Houston Middle School to mark the district's 2007-2008 recycling campaign.

Coordinators learned that last year, IISD recycled more than 900 tons of paper and approximately 14 tons of aluminum, resulting in more than $10,000 in revenue earned for schools.

Thanks to the combined efforts of coordinators and their campuses, the district has seen its overall recycling numbers increase each year since the program began in 2004.

IISD partners who contribute to the program’s success include the City of Irving, Keep Irving Beautiful, and Abitibi Consolidated.

“Recycling is helping to keep our city streets, parks, school yards, campus corridors, and classrooms cleaner,” said Kelly Horn, director of facilities.

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CBE Application Deadline September 28

Friday is the application deadline for the fall administration of Credit by Examination (CBE) for advancement (Grades 6-12). CBE evaluates mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) for a particular subject or grade level. All CBE tests are written to the TEKS.

Testing dates will be November 3, 10 and 17 at de Zavala Middle School. Applications and information are available from the student’s counselor or online at:

www.irvingisd.net/ppage/credit_by_exam.htm

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Mosquito Alert for Early Fall Season

Of interest to staff and students, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recommends guarding against mosquito bites even with the change in season from summer to fall. Because temperatures remain high in early fall, mosquitoes tend to stay active.

Mosquitoes can carry viruses that cause West Nile and other illnesses. Precautions that can be taken include using insect repellent, draining standing water, and limiting time spent outdoors from dusk to dawn.

For more information, visit www.dshs.state.tx.us.