NEW DAY food drive through Nov. 13

You can help make sure 星空传媒 students are always ready for school on Mondays. Donate food items now through Nov. 13 to help NEW DAY Arlington provide weekend meal bags for students all year long. Donations are being accepted now through Nov. 13 at the 星空传媒 Professional Development Center ().

For some 星空传媒 students, a bag of food can mean more than a meal. It can mean having something to eat throughout the weekend and returning to school on Monday ready to learn.

Through its partnership with 星空传媒, NEW DAY Arlington is working to fight weekend hunger by providing food-insecure students with meal bags filled with easy-to-prepare, individually portioned food items.

Last year, 星空传媒 recognized NEW DAY鈥檚 impact in the community by presenting the organization with the that recognized NEW DAY鈥檚 commitment to supporting local students and families and the shared dedication to meeting students鈥� needs beyond the classroom.

NEW DAY recognizes that hunger can be a barrier to learning and works to provide food-insecure students with weekend meals so they can return to school ready to learn.

Each week, NEW DAY volunteers purchase, pack, and deliver meal bags to campuses, where school counselors distribute them to students who need additional support.

The bags contain items that require little to no preparation, including ravioli cups, ramen noodles, meat sticks, granola bars, cereal cups, applesauce cups, and crackers. Each bag costs approximately $5 to prepare, making every donation an opportunity to help meet a student's basic needs.

The impact extends beyond the food itself.

鈥淔or some students, these meal bags provide their only food for the weekend,鈥� said 星空传媒 Professional Learning Specialist Nikki Thompson. 鈥淲e鈥檝e heard from parents who shared that without these bags, they wouldn鈥檛 know how they would provide for their families. That鈥檚 why we do what we do: for 星空传媒, for the families, and for the kids.鈥�

How You Can Support

Community members can support this mission through the districtwide food donation drive benefiting NEW DAY. Donations of individually packaged, non-expired food items are welcome, including beef sticks, canned ravioli, ramen noodle packets, granola bars, individual boxes or bags of cereal, applesauce cups, and crackers.

Peanut and peanut butter products are not accepted.

Donations must be dropped off at the Professional Development Center (PDC) by Nov. 13.

Through the generosity of NEW DAY, 星空传媒 can help ensure all students have access to food when they need it most. When students have their basic needs met, they are better positioned to focus on what matters: learning, growing, and reaching their full potential.

To learn more about NEW DAY Arlington or make a donation, visit .

Signature Programs applications open Oct. 21

What鈥檚 there to explore at Explore 星空传媒 next week?

That鈥檚 not an easy question 鈥� because there will be a lot.

星空传媒 offers unique learning opportunities to match every student鈥檚 interests, passions, and goals. Whether you鈥檙e a parent or a student, the Explore 星空传媒 event is your chance to learn first-hand about the district's Signature Programs for pre-K-12th grade.

Don鈥檛 miss your opportunity to learn about 星空传媒鈥檚 early college high schools, P-TECH programs, STEM academies, fine arts and dual language academies, the elementary leadership academy, and much more. See demonstrations and performances, and talk with students and leaders from each program to learn what they have to offer you.

Explore 星空传媒
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6-7:30 p.m.
Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center ()

Explore 星空传媒 is also the launch for the Signature Programs application window that opens at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and runs through Nov. 12 at 5 p.m.

Read more about all 星空传媒 Signature Programs.

Elizabeth Huebner

滨迟鈥檚听, and we鈥檙e celebrating by spotlighting several 星空传媒 staff members about their Hispanic heritage. Today, we鈥檙e highlighting Elizabeth Huebner, the principal at Kooken Educational Center, the district's only all-pre-K school. Huebner is in her 30th year with 星空传媒. She's been a teacher, instructional coach, academic dean, associate principal, and finally the Kooken principal for the last five years.

We caught up with Huebner and asked her a few questions about her Hispanic heritage and time in 星空传媒.

鈱� What do you love most about your role in 星空传媒?

What I love most about my role in 星空传媒 is being able to serve our community! It is an honor providing Koalas and their families with their very first exceptional learning experiences as they enter the district! Additionally, it is an absolute privilege to learn from, and alongside, the most knowledgeable, dedicated, and passionate leaders.

鈱� What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month is very near to my heart as a proud Cuban American. I am the first generation in my family to be blessed to be born and raised in the United States 鈥� Texas no less! My parents worked ceaselessly throughout their lives for my brother and me to love and celebrate our Cuban heritage, while learning all that we can about the great liberties carried in doing our very best to build the American dream they held for us.

鈱� How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by spending time with the little family I have here in the States, as well as communicating with family still in Cuba.

鈱� Do you have a favorite tradition, dish, etc. from your heritage?

My family's favorite dish is , more from our paternal Spaniard Cuban side. My personal favorite is lech贸n, or roast pork, served plantains and a black bean and rice dish during the December holidays.听听

鈱� What do you hope to pass on to the next generation about your heritage?

What I hope to pass on to the next generation is that with diligence, hard work, family, faith, staying true to values and oneself, anything is possible!听

From Leading Off to Mayor of the Day

Congratulations to Arlington Collegiate High School鈥檚 Liliana Lozano!

Last week, the ninth grader was Arlington鈥檚 mayor for a day.

Lozano earned the opportunity to participate in the City of Arlington鈥檚 Mayor of the Day program after demonstrating outstanding leadership last year through the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation鈥檚 Leading Off Program. The program provides 星空传媒 junior high students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, connect with community leaders, and put those skills into action.

Lozano was nominated for the honor by Dr. Ray Smith, one of her teachers at Ousley Junior High.

"I am so proud of Liliana,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淪he is truly one of a kind 鈥� hardworking, brilliant, and a natural leader. Seeing her honored as Mayor of the Day is incredible, and I know this is just the beginning of great things for her."

As part of Mayor of the Day, Lozano experienced local government firsthand. She met with Mayor Jim Ross, toured City Hall, participated in a mock City Council meeting, and learned more about how residents can become involved in their community and help shape Arlington鈥檚 future.

Though she is only a ninth grader, Lozano is already planning for her future and hopes to major in marine biology or archaeology when she gets to college.

Q&A with Principal Bholan

October is National Principals Month, so it's a great time to shine the spotlight on a few of 星空传媒's outstanding principals. Today we're highlighting Dr. Ben Bholan. Bholan has been the principal of Arlington College and Career High School since it opened in 2019. Before that, he was the first principal at Arlington Collegiate High School. A graduate of 星空传媒 himself, Bholan has spent 25 of his 32 years in education here in 星空传媒.

We caught up with Bholan and asked him a few questions.

鈱�What inspired you to become an educator, and what led you to become a principal?

When I was in college, I changed my major four times! I spent a lot of time praying about what direction to take, and I think God put teaching on my mind. After becoming an assistant principal, I experienced the positive difference you can make campus wide as an administrator. This motivated me to pursue the principalship.

鈱�What is the most important part of the job?

鈱�What is the best part about being a principal?

鈱�What is something about your school that you wish more people in the community knew?

At ACCHS, we have always been an A rated campus. This may paint the perception that we only allow the top students to attend our school. The truth is that we have many students who have been unsuccessful at STAAR tests and have earned low grades in elementary or junior high. The work that our teachers put in and the environment created at our campus helps so many students achieve at a high level even though they may have not been on track to graduate when they started here as freshmen.听

鈱�What do you hope every student feels when they walk through ACCHS' doors?

That they are welcome, supported, cared for, and that everyone believes they can succeed.

鈱�What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I am a product of AISD. I attended Nichols Junior High and graduated from Lamar High School.

鈱�What's your favorite way to recharge after a busy week?

I like to spend time with my family and going to church. I also enjoy playing golf with friends because it teaches you patience and I can ignore my phone for a few hours!

鈱狣o you have a favorite place you have visited for a vacation?

Italy was my favorite place to visit, and I have been fortunate to go there twice. The pace of life is so much slower and relaxed and the people there have a true appreciation of each day. Conversation and community is valued, and cell phones are not a priority.

鈱�What's one song that would have to be on the soundtrack of your school year?

"Don't Stop Believin'"

鈥淭rue exposure.鈥�

That鈥檚 how Alicia Devaull, the Bowie High School P-TECH administrator, described the impact of a $50,000 grant from the .

鈥淭rue exposure on different levels to see health science,鈥� Devaull said. 鈥淭he goal is to get our kids as many hands on or observation opportunities as they can to better prepare them for what happens after high school.鈥�

The grant will support Bowie鈥檚 P-TECH program, one of four P-TECHs (Pathways in Technology) in 星空传媒.

Bowie鈥檚 program is the only one focused specifically on health sciences. Students can select from four fields of study, including pharmacy technician, central sterile processing, health information systems, or ophthalmology. Through a close partnership with Medical City Arlington, students also gain access to work-based learning and real-world healthcare experiences.

Those experiences give students opportunities to explore different career paths, discover their interests, and better understand what a future in healthcare could look like.

鈥淭he grant funding will go toward work-based learning experiences in a variety of settings that really solidify students鈥� career path and keep them interested in moving forward in something in the healthcare profession,鈥� said Jeanne Maxwell, an 星空传媒 Postsecondary Readiness coordinator who helped complete the application for the HCA grant.

She emphasized that students won鈥檛 just experience one thing 鈥� they鈥檒l get to see and try many options.

鈥淪o, it helps them pick their pathway,鈥� Maxwell said.

Devaull, who has led the Bowie P-TECH for four years, has seen firsthand what internships and hands-on experiences can do for students鈥� confidence and outlook.

鈥淭he more they learn and know and grow and connect and network, the more confident they can become that they鈥檙e not on a journey by themselves. 滨迟鈥檚 a community of people surrounding them intentionally to help them get to that level.鈥�

Bowie鈥檚 P-TECH gives students the opportunity to earn an associate degree while still in high school, along with technical certifications. By the time they graduate from Bowie, they鈥檙e prepared for college and careers.

鈥淕etting them to believe in themselves through education and partnership is the overall impact that we want for every student and family who participate in P-TECH,鈥� Devaull said.

Providing those real-world, healthcare-focused experiences wouldn鈥檛 be possible without the close partnership with Medical City Arlington. MCA has been instrumental since the program started and offers real-life education and training in the hospital.

鈥淲e are very supportive of programs that prepare kids for healthcare careers, and this Bowie P-TECH program is doing a fantastic job of that,鈥� said Matt Eisherloh, director of communications and community engagement for MCA. 鈥淲e鈥檙e just so proud to be a partner with Bowie P-TECH and 星空传媒 to provide this donation from the HCA Healthcare Foundation of $50,000.鈥�

Applications for Bowie P-TECH open Oct. 21

Devaull encourages junior high students to think about their futures when considering high school options rather than making a decision based only on the present.

鈥淲hat do you want to do in 10 years? Where do you want to be in five years?鈥� she asked.

For students considering a career in healthcare, Maxwell has advice.

鈥淪ign up as quick as you can鈥� for Bowie P-TECH!

Bowie鈥檚 P-TECH is one of 星空传媒鈥檚 Signature Programs, designed to give students opportunities to explore their interests, develop their talents and get a head start on college and careers. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can apply for a Signature Program that helps them develop their unique talents while gaining valuable educational and career experiences.

Applications for 星空传媒 Signature Programs open Oct. 21. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Nov. 12.

Learn more about all of 星空传媒鈥檚 Signature Programs.

Quest connects classroom and community

For 17 星空传媒 students, summer meant more than a break from school. It was an opportunity to live on a college campus, learn from university professors, and explore what it means to build a strong community.

Students from Seguin and Sam Houston high schools participated in the program at The over the summer. The three-week residential program is part of the and is supported at UTA through a a grant from the Teagle Foundation. The program gives rising high school seniors an opportunity to experience college life while earning college credit and exploring subjects, including political science, government, philosophy, literature, and civic life.

But it wasn't just a fun thing to do over the summer. These 17 students are aiming to be the first in their families to graduate from college. As fun as it was, Quest was a serious step in that direction, launching them toward that goal.

Students lived in UTA residence halls, attended college-level classes, participated in discussions and activities, and connected what they learned in the classroom to experiences in the community.

And it was all possible thanks to a $6,000 grant from that covered registration for all the 星空传媒 students.

Jarelys Erazo, a senior at Sam Houston, believes the impact of the college experience will last a lifetime.听

鈥淭he Quest for Community program has taught me many things that I believe are crucial for my future, not just in college, but also life-long lessons,鈥� Erazo said.听

For Seguin senior Giselle Guadalupe Juarez, one of the most meaningful parts of the experience was the opportunity to stretch and grow.

鈥淒uring Quest Camp, I really enjoyed staying with a roommate and switching roommates each week, even though it was outside my comfort zone.鈥�

Students completed daily readings and met with professors to discuss what they had learned. They also participated in recreational activities like pickleball, soccer, and volleyball and took part in field trips and community service projects.

Sam Houston student Victoria Isibor said the program gave students a chance to explore ideas they may not typically encounter in high school.

Students read works by philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato and discussed their ideas about what a community should look like. Isibor said she learned about Aristotle's concept of the golden mean, which emphasizes balance between extremes.

But the classroom was only one part of the experience.

The program also took students into the community, including a visit to in Dallas, where they learned about the people and organizations working to strengthen their communities. Students also participated in service projects, including making birthday cards for foster children.

Erazo said those experiences helped students understand that the lessons they discussed in class extend beyond the university campus.

鈥淥n the topic of community, we were thrilled to know we would attend field trips to connect our readings into the real world and learn about community more precisely.鈥�

The experience was designed to continue beyond the summer, with students receiving ongoing mentoring as they prepare for college applications, scholarships, and their transition to higher education.

鈥淢y experience at UTA was amazing,鈥� said Sam Houston student Nevaeh Queen. 鈥淚 loved meeting people from different schools. I also liked how we got a little sneak peek and got to experience the college experience.鈥�

星空传媒 CTC hosts first regional BBQ contest

Early morning alarms, rain, and a long day of competition last Saturday culminated in history. Seguin High School鈥檚 barbecue team, the Bar-B-Cougs, executed a culinary masterpiece that earned the school it鈥檚 best-ever finishes and a trip to the state finals.

The team opened the season at the regional competition hosted at 星空传媒鈥檚 Career and Technical Center, where teams from across Texas gathered for a wet and challenging cook-off. Despite arriving before dawn and spending much of the competition working in rainy conditions, the Bar-B-Cougs delivered an impressive performance, placing听fifth overall听and earning the program's听first team ribbon.

The team's biggest accomplishment came in the brisket category, where they placed听second, along with a听fourth-place finish in beans.

鈥淭his is a huge win for our team and in arguably the most difficult category,鈥� said Sean Fanning, the Bar-B-Cougs coach and a Seguin family and consumer sciences teacher. 鈥淲ith that, we are officially bound for state at the end of April.鈥�

The event also highlighted the collaboration between 星空传媒's culinary and barbecue programs. Several Seguin students who are enrolled in Advanced Culinary at the Career and Technical Center helped prepare meals for visiting teams, serving dinner Friday night and then breakfast and lunch throughout the competition.

Plus, the CTC's barbecue team, the Smokin' Ferrets, also features Seguin culinary students Elija Young and Mya Terrel.

Seguin's Bar-B-Cougs includes听Dana Marshall, Nate Jeffery, Vanessa Morales, Liam Fletcher, and Haylee Brown. With a trip to state already secured, the Bar-B-Cougs have plenty of momentum heading into their next competition at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Cook-off on Nov. 7.

星空传媒鈥檚 visual arts program is in the top 10% of programs in the state 鈥� again.

The has named 星空传媒 a District of Distinction for the fourth year in a row.

Linh Nguyen, 星空传媒鈥檚 assistant director of fine arts 鈥� visual arts, called the honor a testament to the commitment and emphasis the district places on fine arts.

鈥淭his recognition reflects a district that believes that the arts are an essential part of well-rounded education,鈥� Nguyen said. 鈥淭hrough the visual arts, we provide exceptional learning experiences that inspire and motivate students to be creative thinkers, develop their unique artistic voice, and pursue their own pathway.鈥�

星空传媒 is one of only 127 Texas districts 鈥� out of 1,200 eligible 鈥� that met the high standards to earn the prestigious honor from TAEA.

Achieving the honor speaks to the culture Nguyen and others have built over decades. 滨迟鈥檚 a culture that believes in the value of the arts for every student.

鈥淎 strong visual arts program provides students with an avenue and opportunity to think creatively, solve problems, communicate ideas through a visual language, and see the world through different perspectives,鈥� Nguyen said. 鈥淭hrough visual arts, our students are able to take creative risks and are empowered to discover their own artistic voice.鈥�

Nguyen鈥檚 leadership has been instrumental in setting the high bar for visual arts in 星空传媒, but he credits the teachers for making art meaningful for students.

鈥淚 have the privilege and honor of working alongside an incredible group of art teachers,鈥� Nguyen said. 鈥淭hey are the reason we are a District of Distinction. Their passion, dedication, and sense of purpose create meaningful opportunities for our students every day. Through their work, they provide students with a safe and welcoming space to create, take risks, express themselves, and belong to a true 鈥楥ommunity of Artists.鈥欌��

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCi_TrxYZ6M[/embed]

Sandra Njoroge honored as student of the month

October is here, and 星空传媒鈥檚 Board of Trustees held its first meeting of the month last night. Here are a few of the highlights.

The board first recognized the district鈥檚 October Student of the Month, , a senior at Arlington College and Career High School. Congratulations, Sandra!

Then the board heard an update from Dr. Priscila Dilley, 星空传媒 chief academics officer, on how 星空传媒 is responding to its curriculum management audit. The independent audit identified several areas with opportunities to improve. Dr. Dilley talked about those areas and how the district is putting strong systems in place to improve and sustain its work.

Trustees also received an update on the Teacher Incentive Allotment, or TIA. This is 星空传媒鈥檚 first year implementing TIA, and the program has been introduced at 23 pilot schools. The goal is to support effective teaching while accurately measuring student growth. TIA will give outstanding teachers an opportunity to earn additional income.

Later in the meeting, the board approved this year鈥檚 College, Career, and Military Readiness plan. The CCMR plan takes a holistic approach to preparing students for life after graduation by aligning district resources, academics, and student supports to help our students find long-term success.

And finally, have you driven by Cravens or Wilemon Field lately?

They鈥檙e not there anymore!

Both stadiums have been demolished, and new stadiums are now under construction thanks to the 2019 Bond. Last night, trustees approved easements at both locations so Oncor can access the sites and complete any necessary work to support the electrical needs of the new stadiums.

Those are just a few of the highlights from the meeting. If you鈥檇 like to see everything that happened, please watch the .

And remember, you鈥檙e always welcome at board meetings. The next school board meeting Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the 星空传媒 Administration Building.

Q&A with Principal Edwards

October is National Principals Month, so it's a great time to shine the spotlight on a few of 星空传媒's outstanding principals. First up is Kiesha Edwards, the second-year principal at Ellis Elementary. Her education career spans 26 years, with nine here in 星空传媒.

We caught up with Edwards and asked her a few questions.

鈱�What inspired you to become an educator, and what led you to become a principal?

I became an educator because someone saw something in me before I saw it in myself. While I was giving drug and alcohol prevention presentations at the University of North Texas to students ages 10鈥�16, an educator noticed how I connected with students and the influence I had in a short time. He encouraged me to interview for a teaching position. The next day, I received a call from the principal Barbara Fishers' secretary. That conversation opened the door to education. As a teacher, I saw how much a caring adult with high expectations could change a student鈥檚 experience. I became a principal because I wanted to extend that impact beyond my classroom to support teachers and build a strong school community for students.

鈱�What is the most important part of the job?

The most important part of my job is making sure students and staff have what they need to thrive. That means creating a school where everyone shows up and does their best work.听

鈱�What is the best part about being a principal?

Those moments when a student realizes, I can do this! And when they come to visit me with their kids and family.听

鈱�What鈥檚 the hardest part?

The hardest part of being a principal is managing competing priorities. Students, staff, and families all need support, often at the same time.

鈱�What is something about your school that you wish more people in the community knew?

Our students are capable, our staff cares deeply about kids, and we are making progress.听

鈱�What do you hope every student feels when they walk through Ellis' doors?

I hope every student feels safe, welcomed, and valued when they walk through our doors. I want them to know the adults at Ellis believe in them, will challenge them to grow, and will be there to support them every step of the way.

鈱�What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I love sports! I鈥檓 a varsity official for volleyball and basketball.

鈱�What's your favorite way to recharge after a busy week?

I recharge with good food and live bands, or a good Lifetime movie and my favorite Dallas Cowboys blanket.

鈱�Do you have a favorite restaurant in Arlington or Grand Prairie?

Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant and BJs.听

鈱�What's one song that would have to be on the soundtrack of your school year?

"Ain鈥檛 No Stoppin鈥� Us Now" by McFadden & Whitehead.

Areli Hernandez-Zuniga passes on 'beautiful traditions'

滨迟鈥檚听, and we鈥檙e celebrating by spotlighting several 星空传媒 staff members about their Hispanic heritage. Today, we鈥檙e highlighting Areli Hernandez-Zuniga, a fifth grade teacher at Starrett Elementary.

We caught up with Hernandez-Zuniga and asked her a few questions about her Hispanic heritage and time in 星空传媒.

鈱� What do you love most about your role in 星空传媒?

What I love most about my role in 星空传媒 is having the opportunity to work with students and make a positive impact in their lives. I love being able to support them, encourage them, and be someone they can count on. I also love being part of a school community that is so supportive and encouraging. I have an amazing admin and team that work together to support our students and one another. I am grateful to be in an environment where I feel valued and where we all share the same goal of helping our students be successful.听

鈱� What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

To me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate my culture, my roots, and my family. It is a time to recognize and honor the scarifies, hard work, and traditions that have been passed down from one generation to another. I am especially grateful for my parents and all the hard work and sacrifices they have made for our family. Seeing how hard they work and everything they have done for me reminds me to appreciate where I come from and the opportunities I have today. It is also a time to celebrate the beauty of our culture through our music, food, language, and family. Hispanic Heritage Month reminds me to be proud of my roots, appreciate those around me and everything they have taught me, while continuing to share my culture and traditions with others.听

鈱� How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by spending time with my loved ones, listening to traditional music, and dancing! I also celebrate by enjoying traditional foods, learning more about my culture and heritage, and sharing my traditions with others.

鈱� Do you have a favorite tradition, dish, etc. from your heritage?

One of my favorite dishes are enchiladas potosinas! Growing up, I would make them with my mom, and we would spend time together preparing them. After making them I would always eat them with my dad and spend time with him. My grandma would also make enchiladas potosinas and sell them to other people. I was part of her business by eating them whenever I had a chance! I was her most loyal customer. These memories make enchiladas potosinas more than just my favorite dish. They remind me of my family, my childhood, and the traditions we share.听

鈱� What do you hope to pass on to the next generation about your heritage?

I want to pass on the values of being hardworking, loving, and caring for family. I want them to feel proud of their roots and where they come from. I hope they continue to celebrate our culture, traditions, music, and dances and understand that their traditions are part of where we come from and who we are. Most importantly, I want them to spread love, feel empowered and confident on who they are! Be proud of their heritage and keep these beautiful traditions alive for generations to come.听

Two 星空传媒 elementary schools are growing more than just gardens this year.

Speer and Morton elementary schools each received a $5,000 grant from the during Sprouting Healthy Communities Day. The grants will support programs that promote nutrition education, gardening, cooking, and healthy living among students.

Nationwide, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation awarded $2.75 million to more than 550 nonprofit partners.

At Speer Elementary, the grant will help expand the school鈥檚 outdoor learning area, creating even more opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with hands-on experiences.

鈥淲e are most excited about the opportunity to provide hands-on instructional support to supplement our core curriculum,鈥� said Dr. Julie Ledford, GT Lead Teacher at Speer. 鈥淭he outdoor learning center is a way to create memorable cross curricular connections which are vertically aligned to foundational learning in their classrooms.鈥�

The new grant builds on work already underway at Speer. Grants from the in 2025 and 2026 helped the school install six garden beds with drip-system irrigation. The Sprouts grant will allow the school to expand that outdoor learning space and add upgrades.

鈥淭he drought resistant native plants and automated sprinkler system are optimum for low maintenance plant diversity in our garden area,鈥� Ledford said.

Plans also include a butterfly garden with plants such as milkweed to support migrating insects like monarchs, along with opportunities for students to learn about nutrition and healthy choices through demonstrations, education, and lifestyle information.

The school鈥檚 inner courtyard will also be designed as a hands-on learning environment, with a seating area where students can receive instruction, make observations, record data, and work cooperatively.

Ledford said the garden will be a place where students can develop healthy habits while also building academic skills. The project will also bring together parents, volunteers, and faculty, creating a communitywide effort around learning and healthy living.

At Morton Elementary, the grant will expand the school鈥檚 garden and nutrition programs, giving students opportunities to see firsthand how healthy food is grown and how healthy choices can become part of everyday life.

Morton principal Dr. Leigh Adams is excited about the hands-on experiences that the grant will offer students.

鈥淏y expanding our garden and nutrition programs, we are giving our students real-world opportunities to learn, grow, and build healthy habits 鈥� fulfilling our vision in 星空传媒 to engage every child with extraordinary learning鈥� Adams said. 鈥淭he knowledge and fresh produce our students cultivate won't stay within our school walls 鈥� it will extend directly into their homes, strengthening health and connection across our entire community.鈥�

For students at both schools, the grants are about more than planting seeds or learning about nutrition. They are creating opportunities to take what students learn at school and apply it in meaningful, hands-on ways.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJLvWUujqvM[/embed]

AHS teacher and coach is world-class athlete

For most people, teaching classes, coaching multiple sports, and managing a busy family life would be more than enough to fill a schedule.

For Arlington High School teacher and coach Chris Reil, it's only part of the equation.

When Reil is not teaching Money Matters, coaching Arlington High School's boys soccer teams or working with quarterbacks on the football field, he can often be found training for one of the most demanding fitness competitions in the world: the CrossFit Games.

"Since about 2013, it's been my go-to," Reil said. "I was flipping through ESPN one day and saw CrossFit and thought this is really cool, I might really like this."

CrossFit combines weightlifting, gymnastics, and endurance exercises into constantly changing workouts designed to test strength, speed, stamina, and mental toughness. The CrossFit Games are considered the pinnacle of the sport, bringing together elite athletes from around the world to compete in a series of rigorous events. Athletes must first advance through multiple qualifying rounds before earning a coveted spot at the Games.

Reil achieved that milestone for the first time in 2021 when he qualified for the CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin. Although an injury during the second event cut that experience short, he remained determined to return. Following surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process, Reil worked his way back to competition. In 2023, he narrowly missed another Games appearance, finishing one spot shy of qualification. The setback only fueled his motivation.

Five years after his injury, Reil punched his ticket back to the CrossFit Games by qualifying through a semifinal event in Birmingham, Alabama.

"It was exciting to finally get back," Reil said. "It's one thing to say you did it once, but now I can say I'm a multi-time qualifier."

This summer, Reil competed in the men's 45-49 division and finished 18th in the world among approximately 15,000 athletes who began the season.

"I guess I can say I'm the 18th fittest 45- to 49-year-old in the world," he joked.

Reaching that level requires an immense commitment. During football season, Reil typically squeezes in 60 to 75 minutes of training each day before turning his attention to practices, games and classroom responsibilities. During the offseason, his training volume increases as he finds additional opportunities to work out around soccer matches and school commitments.

His commitment has not gone unnoticed by students and colleagues. Teachers and coaches at Arlington High have supported Reil throughout his CrossFit journey, often purchasing T-shirts to help offset travel expenses associated with competing. Students regularly ask about competitions and are fascinated by the dedication required to perform at such a high level. For Reil, that support serves as an opportunity to lead by example.

"I wouldn't ask kids to do things that I'm not willing to do myself," Reil said. "If I'm asking them to work hard and do hard things, hopefully they can see that I'm doing the same thing."

While Reil's accomplishments in CrossFit are impressive, he is quick to credit his support system, especially his wife, who he describes as his unofficial coach, travel coordinator, and biggest advocate.

As he looks toward the future, Reil says he plans to keep training and competing, even if another trip to the CrossFit Games is not his primary focus. For now, he is content balancing the roles of teacher, coach, husband, and athlete while continuing to pursue excellence in each.

Whether he's preparing students for life after high school, coaching athletes on the field, or testing his own limits in the gym, Reil approaches each challenge with the same philosophy: Movement matters. Hard work matters. And growth comes from showing up every day and finding a way to get better.

Aguilar leads district's paint team

滨迟鈥檚听, and we鈥檙e celebrating by spotlighting several 星空传媒 staff members about their Hispanic heritage. Today, we鈥檙e highlighting Jaime Aguilar, 星空传媒's general maintenance paint foreman. He's been with the district for nearly four years and leads a professional team of 16 painters. Aguilar and his team are coming off a summer where they worked long, hard hours to make our schools look their very best. In fact, they often worked six days a week, transforming classrooms, hallways, common areas, and campuses across the district. Among their recent projects, they painted Remynse, Little, and Larson elementaries, and all of Ousley Junior High.

We caught up with Aguilar and asked him a few questions about his Hispanic heritage and time in 星空传媒.

鈱� What do you love most about your role in 星空传媒?

I love the role of serving the 星空传媒 kids, staff, and the community.

鈱� What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

The Hispanic heritage means to me culture, food, and traditions.

鈱� How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

I celebrate the Hispanic heritage with pride and respect.

鈱� Do you have a favorite tradition, dish, etc. from your heritage?

I have a traditional food dish. El mole poblano!!!! Yes sir.

鈱� What do you hope to pass on to the next generation about your heritage?

I wish to pass this Hispanic heritage celebration to my family and friends.听

The sound of more than 1,000 musicians filled the air on Monday night at Glaspie Field as 星空传媒 celebrated the Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza. The 44th annual event featured the district鈥檚 six high school marching bands and the University of Texas at Arlington marching band.

For the high school musicians, it was an opportunity to perform for a big crowd and receive valuable feedback from professional marching band judges as they prepare for upcoming UIL events.

But for many of the youngest musicians in the stands, the evening was about looking ahead.

Junior high band students attended as special guests, getting a chance to experience the energy and excitement of high school marching bands and see what is waiting for them in just a few years.

The stands were also filled with proud parents, district and school board leadership, members of Dean Corey鈥檚 family, and students from throughout 星空传媒. Football players, cheerleaders and other campus groups also came out to support their classmates and enjoy the performances.

The evening also provided an opportunity for everyone to give back. Attendees were encouraged to bring canned food to benefit .

鈥淲hat made this night special was seeing how much bigger it became than just a marching band event,鈥� said Gary Barnard, 星空传媒 assistant director of Fine Arts. "We had over 1,000 talented high school and college musicians performing, junior high students watching and dreaming about what comes next, athletes and cheerleaders supporting their classmates, families and community members filling the stands, and people coming together to give back to Arlington. That sense of community is exactly what we want our fine arts programs to create.鈥�

滨迟鈥檚 now three years in a row with a perfect score.

星空传媒 earned its third-straight perfect score of 100 on the 2025-2026 School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (), the highest possible rating under the Texas Education Agency鈥檚 financial accountability system.

鈥淓arning this rating reflects our commitment to strong financial stewardship,鈥� said 星空传媒 Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. 滨迟鈥檚 not just about balancing the books, it鈥檚 about building trust with our community and ensuring every dollar is used to support student success.鈥�

School districts are assessed across 21 important financial indicators, including fund balance, debt management, solvency, and internal controls. Achieving a perfect score reflects 星空传媒鈥檚 dedication to transparency, responsible resource allocation, and long-term fiscal strength.

星空传媒 provides budget and financial information online to increase transparency and align with the initiatives of the Texas Comptroller for financial transparency.听

星空传媒 Chief Financial Officer Norberto Rivas presented the FIRST report to the Board of Trustees during the Sept. 24 board meeting.

From Leading Off to Mayor Of The Day

Chavez loves helping 星空传媒 families

滨迟鈥檚听, and we鈥檙e celebrating by spotlighting several 星空传媒 staff members about their Hispanic heritage.听Today, we鈥檙e highlighting Elia Chavez, a Title I Parent Instructor in the Family and Community Engagement Department. She鈥檚 been with 星空传媒 for 28 years and is all about helping and serving others.

We caught up with Chavez and asked her a few questions about her Hispanic heritage and time in 星空传媒.

鈱� What do you love most about your role in 星空传媒?

I love connecting with families and sharing valuable information to help them strengthen their parenting skills. I also love to invite the parents to participate actively in their children鈥檚 education. This job allows me to serve students and their families in many meaningful ways.

鈱� What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time for me to celebrate and honor my culture, my roots, my family values, and the traditions that have shaped who I am. It is also an opportunity to recognize the contributions, hard work, and resilience of the Hispanic community.

鈱� How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by spending time with my family, sharing our traditions, enjoying traditional foods, and celebrating the richness of our culture. I enjoy sharing stories about my ancestors with my children and grandchildren. There are so many wonderful events in our community that I attend and it is great to see people from different cultures come together to celebrate and enjoy music, traditions, and food, united by our love for humanity.

鈱� Do you have a favorite tradition, dish, etc. from your heritage?

I'm from Northern Mexico, and on Sept. 16, we celebrate the "Mexican Independence Day." It's a big celebration!

I cook traditional Mexican food for my family, and my favorite dishes and theirs are tacos, pozole, and enchiladas.听

鈱� What do you hope to pass on to the next generation about your heritage?

I would like to pass on to the next generation the love for our culture and traditions. I hope they feel proud of their roots and recognize the courage, hard work, and resilience of their parents and ancestors who wanted the best for their children.

I am proud of my heritage and grateful for the culture, traditions, and values shared with me by my ancestors, and I hope to continue sharing them with others and inspiring future generations to know where they come from, be proud of who they are, and carry their heritage with them wherever life takes them.

Most of all, I hope future generations embrace the beauty of their multicultural identity.

Sept. 22 class theme is face-to-face contact

There are no desks in this class. Only mats on the floor.

And the students always put the books in their mouths.

But that鈥檚 to be expected. They鈥檙e babies.

星空传媒鈥檚 Infant Time at Kooken Educational Center is all about babies this month, but the real students in the class are their parents.

The weekly September meetings give parents tools, information, and advice to help their babies thrive.

And, of course, they鈥檙e fun for babies and their parents, too.

鈥淒uring all of our Infant Time classes, we provide hands-on manipulatives, sing songs, read a book, and have time for tummy time and play,鈥� said Vanessa Valadez, an 星空传媒 family engagement specialist who leads Infant Time classes in both English and Spanish. 鈥淚t is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn, connect, and enjoy time together while supporting their baby鈥檚 development.鈥�

Last week, the theme was container baby syndrome, which can occur when a baby spends a significant amount of time in devices such as car seats, high chairs, bouncers or strollers that limit their freedom to move and explore their environment independently.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 important that their muscles are moving and they鈥檙e wiggling,鈥� Valadez said.

Even though infants aren鈥檛 walking yet, their bodies still need to move to support their development and coordination. They need opportunities to get out, explore and engage their natural curiosity.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 good for them to experience the world,鈥� Valadez said. 鈥淭hey learn through their senses.鈥�

All parents and babies are welcome at Infant Time, and the next class is tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 8:30 a.m.

Upcoming classes include:

• Sept. 22 鈥� The Importance of Face-to-Face Contact: Learn about the importance of face-to-face interactions and how these early connections support a baby鈥檚 development and relationships.
• Sept. 29 鈥� Baby Safe Sleep: A representative from Cook Children鈥檚 will speak with families about safe sleep practices and ways to help keep babies safe while sleeping.

So, if you have a baby 鈥� or a grandbaby - bring them to class!

Sept. 18 is AVID Day

Today is national AVID Day, so it鈥檚 the perfect time to highlight the impact AVID makes for students in 星空传媒.听

One great example is Elizabeth Hyden, who graduated from Bowie High School back in June. She recently started her freshman year at with scholarships and college credits that she earned while still in high school. But that鈥檚 not all she took to Tartelton. She also took the skills, confidence, and resilience she gained through 星空传媒鈥檚 Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program.

In high school, Hyden served as student ambassador at AVID Summer Institute two years ago and represented Bowie as an AVID ambassador for three years. She was enrolled in an Education and Training program at the 星空传媒 Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center (CTC), served as an athletic trainer, and played softball at Bowie.听

She did all of this while navigating multiple hospital stays related to cystic fibrosis and underwent two knee surgeries.听

Despite her health challenges, Hyden earned a full-ride scholarship to Tarleton, along with additional scholarships that are covering all of her freshman year expenses, including housing.

鈥�The AVID program provided me with the structure that I needed to be successful,鈥� Hyden said. 鈥淎VID helped me learn the study habits that I still use to this day. These educators create a culture like no other, fostering connections and success throughout not only our program, but our entire school.鈥�

AVID provides students with classes that build academic skills, college and career knowledge, and student agency. It also offers opportunities to earn credits through free summer school, participate in college visits, and develop leadership skills through team-building activities.

鈥�Through the AVID classes, they learn valuable life skills, such as organization, time management, goal setting, self-advocacy, and critical thinking,鈥� said Laura Rhodes, 星空传媒 AVID specialist. 鈥淯ltimately, AVID prepares students to be successful in whichever path they choose after high school, whether that is college, career training, military service, or entering the workforce.鈥�

As Hyden begins this new chapter in Stephenville, she plans to major in elementary education and eventually earn a master鈥檚 degree in education administration with the goal of becoming a principal.

鈥淚 am so grateful for my experiences in 星空传媒 and at Bowie High School,鈥� Hyden said.听 鈥淭hey have truly fostered my love of learning and growth. It's because of incredible teachers in 星空传媒 that I am able to live out my dream of becoming an educator.鈥�

For students like Hyden, AVID is more than a college-readiness program. 滨迟鈥檚 a foundation for pursuing dreams, equipping students with the skills needed to achieve life goals well beyond high school.

Interested in AVID? Contact your campus AVID coordinator to learn more about the application process.

Guzman loves being a role model for kids

滨迟鈥檚 , and we鈥檙e celebrating by spotlighting several 星空传媒 staff members about their Hispanic heritage. We鈥檙e starting with Marisa Guzman, the principal at Goodman Elementary School.

Guzman first came to 星空传媒 in 2019 as an assistant principal at Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language, and then she became the principal at Goodman in 2023.

鈥溞强沾� has given me the opportunity to grow as an educator and leader while making a difference in the lives of children and families,鈥� Guzman said.

We caught up with Principal Guzman and asked her a few questions about her Hispanic heritage and time in 星空传媒.

鈱猈hat do you love most about your role in 星空传媒?

What I love most about my role is being a role model for children. If students can see themselves in me, then they can dream. I want them to know that if I can make a difference, they can too 鈥� especially our most vulnerable and at-risk children.

I love creating opportunities for students to discover their potential through field trips, guest speakers, empowerment clubs, and Leader in Me lessons. I am a true believer in educating the whole child and preparing students not only to be successful in school, but to thrive beyond the walls of our school.

I also love building meaningful partnerships with our families. It truly takes a village to support and empower our children, and I am beyond proud to be a part of this one.

鈱�What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month means pride to me. I am incredibly proud of my Mexican and Spanish roots and being a Tejana.听

On my paternal grandmother鈥檚 side, I am a third-generation immigrant. My paternal Abuelita was born in Reynosa, Mexico. On my maternal grandfather鈥檚 side, I am also a third-generation immigrant; my maternal grandfather, whom I lovingly called Pap谩, was born in San Luis Potos铆, Mexico.

On my paternal grandfather鈥檚 side and my maternal grandmother鈥檚 side, I am a fourth-generation descendant. My paternal Abuelito, whose family immigrated from Zacatecas, Mexico, was born in Seguin, Texas, and my maternal grandmother, whom we lovingly called Mam谩, was born in Fort Worth, Texas. She was a descendant of Spanish/Basque country.

Knowing where my family comes from and understanding the sacrifices, traditions, and values that have been passed down through generations gives me a deep sense of pride. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for me to celebrate where I come from, honor those who came before me, and recognize the rich culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic people. It is also a reminder that I am part of a story that began long before me and that I have a responsibility to carry that story forward for the generations who come after me.

鈱�How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about and celebrating the Hispanics in history who paved the road for me and so many others. At the same time, I believe it is important to recognize current Hispanic leaders, educators, innovators, and community members who are making a difference in our world today. Their stories remind us that we are not only celebrating our history 鈥� we are continuing to make history.

鈱�Do you have a favorite tradition, dish, etc. from your heritage?

One of my favorite traditions is my dad's homemade menudo. Menudo is a traditional, spicy Mexican soup made with beef tripe, hominy, and a red chili broth. My dad's recipe has been passed down through generations in our family.

For me, menudo is about much more than the food. It brings our family together 鈥� not just my immediate family, but our extended family as well. It is connected to good times, laughter, stories, and great memories. It is one of those traditions that reminds me how food can keep family history and culture alive from one generation to the next.

鈱�What do you hope to pass on to the next generation about your heritage?

I hope to pass on the importance of hard work, faith, family, love, kindness, education, and servant leadership. I want the next generation to be proud of where they come from while understanding that their heritage is not something that limits them 鈥� it is part of what makes them strong.

Most importantly, I want them to believe in themselves, know that they can make a difference, and understand the importance of using their gifts to serve others. I hope they carry those values with them and continue to make a positive difference in their families, their communities, and the world.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, break down stigma, and remind one another that help is always available. In 星空传媒, this is more than an observance. It's a significant part of the work that our schools, families, and students do together, every day, to make sure every child feels seen, valued, and supported.

滨迟鈥檚 not just the adults in 星空传媒 who know how important this topic is. Students do, too. And students like Brooklyn Heizer at Gunn Junior High are doing everything they can to support each other.

Brooklyn knows personally the challenges that many kids face, from school pressure to peer pressure.

鈥淢ost people don't know the true things that go through a person's head,鈥� Brooklyn said. 鈥淚t can be feelings of emptiness, feeling like nobody cares, thinking that nobody would care if they were gone, and many more things that go through their heads.鈥�

But Brooklyn believes that together, with other students and school staff, we can make a big difference.

鈥淭here are way too many suicides each year by teens, and if Gunn and the school district can make those students feel seen, cared about, and acknowledge that people truly care about them, that can make a huge impact on these kids' lives."

The work of supporting students is something everyone can be a part of. Telisa Brown, 星空传媒鈥檚 director of guidance and counseling, has several practical suggestions for helping students navigate mental health challenges:

鈥� Connection Matters

Sometimes the most important thing we can do for a child is simply notice, listen, and let them know they are not alone. We want every student to have trusted adults in their lives they can turn to when they are struggling and need support.

鈥� Know the Signs and Speak Up

Parents and staff do not have to be experts to make a difference. If you notice significant changes in a child's behavior, mood, relationships, or sense of hope, don't hesitate to check in and ask how they are doing. When something doesn't feel right, say something. Seek help.

鈥� We Are Stronger When We Work Together

Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility. Our schools are committed to creating safe, supportive environments and connecting students and families with the resources they need. When schools, families, and our community work together, we can help students feel supported, valued, and hopeful about their future.

Hope Squads: Students Supporting Students

Many schools across 星空传媒 have established Hope Squad programs that empower students to promote hope, connection, and belonging. Trained Hope Squad members look out for peers who may be struggling, encourage them to seek help, and connect them with trusted adults. Hope Squad students serve as supportive peers who help create a school culture where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. .

Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or thoughts of suicide, help is available 24/7:

鈥� 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988, or visit

The Lifeline is free, confidential, and available around the clock for anyone who needs support 鈥� no matter how big or small the struggle may feel.

鈥� 星空传媒 Student Therapeutic Counseling Service

All 星空传媒 students have access to dedicated therapy services through听听and听(TCHATT).听 Students, pre-K through 12, have the opportunity through these services to learn and grow through counseling. Students engage in up to five brief counseling sessions with licensed therapists. Students will identify self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills through therapeutic goal setting to be applied in everyday settings.听

The referral process is initiated by the school counselor or campus Student Outreach Services personnel with parent/guardian consent for services. Please reach out to your campus for a referral.

鈥� Tarrant Cares

Tarrant Cares is a that helps Tarrant County residents find local services and support in one place. 星空传媒 can search for resources based on their location, population, and specific needs, such as听mental health, housing, food assistance, healthcare,听family support, and other community services.

Trumpet player is a Wimbish teacher

Nobody kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month quite like Wimbish World Language Academy.

Students arrived at school this morning to a mariachi band and dancing at the front entrance.

Many students came prepared in colorful dresses ideal for twirling.

The now-annual tradition is perfect for a school that celebrates cultures and teaches multiple languages to all students.

鈥淭his is an important event, especially at the beginning of the school year, because it is what makes WWLA the community it is,鈥� said Wimbish principal Dr. Chelsea Kostyniak. 鈥淲e celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month because of the language, the culture, and the families we serve at WWLA and in Arlington.鈥�

Wimbish is a dual language elementary school where every student gets to pick a language track 鈥� either French or Spanish. Then they are immersed daily in that language. Half the day 鈥� language arts and social studies 鈥� is taught in English, and the other half 鈥� math and science 鈥� is taught in French or Spanish.

Leading the mariachi band on the trumpet was someone all the students know. Abraham Hernandez has been playing trumpet for 23 years and has been a member of Mariachi Alegre since 2023. But he鈥檚 also a Spanish teacher at Wimbish.

Hernandez loves sharing his culture and bringing everyone together.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 such an exciting experience to do with the kids what I do with my friends on the side 鈥� playing mariachi music,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥淭o watch the kids in a different light, in a different outfit, it鈥檚 really cool.鈥�

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Admission is free

滨迟鈥檚 that time of year again!

The is back and better than ever with a brand-new location. 星空传媒鈥檚 new Glaspie Field at Martin High School will host the 44^th annual musical celebration on Monday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m., and you are invited. Admission is FREE.

All six of 星空传媒鈥檚 phenomenal high school marching bands (Arlington, Bowie, Lamar, Martin, Sam Houston and Seguin) will perform as they set their eyes on the听UIL Region听Marching Contest later in the fall.

The University of Texas at Arlington鈥檚 marching band will also perform at the extravaganza, giving district students the opportunity to see a university marching band up close.

The extravaganza honors the legacy of听Dean P. Corey, an Arlington High School band director from 1949-1972, who later served as coordinator of music activities for the district from 1972-1980. Corey is also the namesake of 星空传媒鈥檚 elementary school Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language.

Canned food drive for Mission Arlington

星空传媒鈥檚 Fine Arts department is hosting a canned food drive for Mission Arlington during the Marching Extravaganza. Please bring cans of food and join us in helping Mission Arlington serve those in need in our community.

Board honors first student of the month for 2026-2027

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2OQ5vGhBZc[/embed]

星空传媒鈥檚 Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 10, 2026, is in the books, and here are a few of the highlights.

One of the first things the board did was congratulate 星空传媒鈥檚 first student of the month for this year, Arlington High School senior Libby Deakyne. Congrats, Libby!

At the last board meeting, trustees spent a lot of time discussing accountability ratings. That discussion continued at this meeting as Chief Schools Officer Bret Champion presented about the highest priority campuses this year and the systems of support that are being implemented to ensure their growth.

Then Taina Northington, the district鈥檚 Chief Communications Officer, presented a new comprehensive marketing plan focused on increasing enrollment, strengthening the district鈥檚 reputation, and building stronger connections and engagement among families, employees, and the broader community.

The meeting also included a public hearing for the 2026 tax rate. Following the hearing, the board approved the new rate at $1.0961. That rate includes both the Maintenance and Operations rate 鈥� for the general fund 鈥� and the Interest and Sinking rate 鈥� which pays off bonds.

Later, the board approved Key Progress Measures (or KPMs) for the new school year. These are SMART goals carefully developed to help us strive toward each of our seven priorities.听

And then the board approved KPIs 鈥� Key Progress Indicators 鈥� to track organizational health and the progress of the district鈥檚 new strategic plan.

The board also approved the annual Campus Improvement Plan Performance Objectives.听Each school has goals for increasing success in reading and math, among others.听

Finally, the board approved the appointees for the district鈥檚 community stakeholder committees, including the Community Ambassadors Committee, Long Range Facilities Planning Committee, Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, School Health Advisory Council, and the School Library Advisory Council.

Those are just a few of the key moments. If you鈥檇 like more information on any of these topics or any of the items not covered in this Board Brief, please .

The Bowie High School baseball program received a significant boost for the future as it was awarded a $5,000 grant from the during a pregame ceremony Sept. 5.

The grant will help fund the purchase of a new pitching machine, machine balls, and practice baseballs, providing student-athletes with updated equipment to support training and player development.

Accepting the grant on behalf of the program were Booster Club president Shara Hill-Scheibner and junior baseball player Thor Scheibner, who represented Bowie baseball during the on-field presentation.

The award highlights the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation's continued commitment to supporting youth baseball programs and creating opportunities for 星空传媒 student-athletes to grow their skills both on and off the field.

Thank you, Texas Rangers!

Classes are free for the students

Two Arlington High School Dual Language Immersion (DLI) students are making history as the first to enroll in the , earning college credit while still in high school. This achievement represents nearly five years of planning and collaboration with UTA to create advanced college-credit opportunities for students in the DLI program.

鈥淭his milestone marks the completion of a carefully designed academic pipeline that rewards bilingualism with permanent, transferable university credit,鈥� said Dr. Ruth Martin, 星空传媒 World Languages lead specialist.

This opportunity builds on the strong academic foundation that DLI students develop throughout their K-12 experience, helping students get ahead while gaining an authentic understanding of college-level rigor and expectations. 星空传媒 covers tuition, fees, textbooks, and approved costs, creating a no-cost pathway for students to earn transferable college credit before graduation.

Arieyanna Molina-Aikpitanyi has been in dual language programs since she was in kindergarten at Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language. She said she decided to enroll in the program to gain college credit and save money on tuition.

鈥淢y experience in the DLI program has been excellent so far,鈥� Molina-Aikpitanyi said. 鈥淢y teacher is very patient and understanding, which helps a lot when learning to perfect Spanish grammar.鈥�

She plans to obtain a minor in Spanish and become a biomedical research scientist in microbiology.听

Students can begin taking AP Spanish Language in eighth grade and earn up to 14 hours of free college credits through scores or the . By their junior year, students scoring 5.00+ on Avant can be placed directly into 3000-level Spanish courses. This program allows students to bypass four college classes and complete a Spanish minor in about two years.

District leaders plan to expand participation in the program in the coming years while exploring additional partnerships and specialized certificate pathways such as Spanish for the Professions, Global Health, Mexican Culture, and Spanish Linguistics.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC庐) announced today that Martin High School STEM Academy senior Joel Lee is a Semifinalist in the 72nd annual .

Over 1.2 million juniors from about 20,000 high schools across the country entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT庐). Lee鈥檚 score placed him in the top 1% and earned his designation as a Semifinalist.

Catherine Wimbrey, Lee鈥檚 counselor at the STEM Academy, is not surprised that Lee did so well.

鈥淗e is a very determined and resourceful student who does not take no for an answer and consistently finds ways to overcome challenges to accomplish his goals,鈥� Wimbrey said about Lee.

Lee and the other Semifinalists will now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $24 million that will be o铿�ered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship庐 award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.

About 95% of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar庐 title.

The 星空传媒 Communications team has been named a recipient of an Award of Merit in Communication Skills and Creative Design at the 2026 IABC Houston Chapter Bronze Quill Awards for its Battlecards project, a scalable, bilingual communication system designed to empower campus leaders and communicators across the district.

星空传媒 serves more than 50,000 students across 75 campuses in Arlington and surrounding communities. The district has demonstrated consistent growth in academic performance. In this most recent cycle, 29 星空传媒 schools increased their overall accountability score, and the district improved its overall score for the third year in a row, reflecting a multiyear commitment to continuous improvement across all schools.

The Battlecards project was created to address a simple but critical challenge: campus leaders are often a district鈥檚 most trusted messengers, yet they aren鈥檛 always equipped with the tools to tell their story consistently or effectively. In a climate where enrollment depends on trust built at the campus level, 星空传媒 set out to turn every principal and campus communicator into a confident ambassador for their school. The result is a scalable, bilingual system that puts consistent, compelling messaging directly into the hands of the people closest to families, turning grassroots communication into one of the district鈥檚 strongest enrollment tools.

The Battlecards project represents strategic communication architecture built for real-world impact. The system equips campus leaders with consistent, bilingual messaging tools to share campus strengths, key achievements, and proof points with families and staff, creating a cohesive narrative across all 星空传媒 campuses.

This recognition reflects the leadership of Chief Communications Officer Taina Northington and the creative vision of communications specialist Sherie Smith, whose work transformed the district鈥檚 communication strategy into a practical, replicable resource. It also reflects the broader strength of the 星空传媒 Communications team, whose ongoing commitment to elevating the district鈥檚 messaging has made storytelling and enrollment strategy a shared priority across every campus.

The IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) Houston Chapter Bronze Quill Awards recognize excellence in strategic communication across a range of disciplines and industries. Winners are judged by communications professionals from across the country against the rigorous standards of the IABC International Blue Ribbon Panel, which evaluates entries on strategic thinking, creativity, execution, and measurable impact. The Bronze Quill Awards celebrate work that demonstrates both professional mastery and meaningful contribution to organizational goals.

Sherie Smith is the communications specialist whose work focuses on creating scalable, inclusive communication systems for K-12 school districts. Her communications philosophy centers on accessibility, visual excellence, and practical application, ensuring that communication tools serve the real needs of campus leaders and the diverse families they serve.

鈥淚 am happy to have had the opportunity to visually display the many ways 星空传媒 schools are making a difference,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淭he battlecard project has allowed me to showcase my photography skills while highlighting the important work happening every day in this district.鈥澨�

This honor reflects 星空传媒鈥檚 continued investment in communication as a core part of its marketing and community engagement strategy, recognizing that how a district tells its story is inseparable from how it builds trust with the families it serves.

A surprise phone call from iHeartRadio鈥檚 Billy the Kidd left Atherton Elementary School teacher Kim Vasquez speechless. The host shared that Vasquez was selected for powered by , and would receive a $5,000 DonorsChoose gift card to fund supplies for her first-grade classroom.

鈥淚 was absolutely shocked to learn that I was one of four winners across the United States,鈥� said Vasquez. 鈥淚t is such an incredible honor and blessing to have been chosen. I am so proud to represent Atherton Elementary and 星空传媒!鈥�

This recognition is especially meaningful for Vasquez as the nomination came from a parent whose two children were once students in her class.听

鈥淪he is one of the teachers I recommend for her kindness, caring, and genuine love for education. I have seen her work with students with unique skills and handling it professionally,鈥� said parent Kimeko Stigger. 鈥淪he has never backed down from a challenge, and she has done it with grace. It's time for the world to know how wonderful she is as a teacher.鈥�

Vasquez has taught at Atherton Elementary for 20 years. She plans to use some of the funds to go toward her "classroom store" that opens every Friday. Students can earn 鈥渂ucks鈥� throughout the week and cash in to redeem prizes, helping build practical financial literacy skills.

She also plans to invest in resources that will benefit the campus as a whole, specifically funding the creation of a campus motor lab for students.听

鈥淭he motor lab will provide purposeful movement and sensory activities that support coordination, focus, self-regulation, and readiness to learn,鈥� said principal Bianca Gholston. 鈥淲e are grateful for her commitment to using this opportunity to benefit every Atherton All-Star!鈥�

While she is honored by the recognition, Vasquez said this award reflects the overall campus culture and school leadership.

鈥淚 truly feel that Atherton is the best school,鈥� Vasquez said. 鈥淚 was so proud to say my school on the radio, and it's not just my school, it's 星空传媒.鈥�

We are so proud of you, Mrs. Vasquez!

Get your college experience started on the right foot with 星空传媒 College Night!

星空传媒 College Night is Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Maverick Activities Center on the campus of UT Arlington.

Colleges and universities from across the country, along with colleges within UTA and military representatives, will be on hand to give students details about their campus and admission requirements.

This event is free. .

Parking will be available in the听or in Parking听. No parking validation will be required.

Event Agenda听

College Fair - Maverick Activity Center (MAC)

• 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.听

Financial Aid Presentations - located in Lone Star Auditorium in the MAC - 30 Minute Presentations

• 6:30 p.m.听
• 7:15 p.m.

Calling all 7th-10th grade students and parents!

Are you ready to start shaping your future? Come to the 星空传媒 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Showcase on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The CTE Showcase is your chance to discover the incredible opportunities waiting for you. From junior high and high school CTE courses to advanced programs at the state-of-the-art Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center, this event is designed to help you dream big, explore your options, and plan your path forward.

EXPLORE

Tour the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center and see firsthand the cutting-edge facilities where students bring their ideas to life.

EXPERIENCE

Step into classrooms, labs, studios, and kitchens to get a taste of what鈥檚 possible. Meet passionate teachers and current students and imagine the skills you鈥檒l learn in the years ahead.

PLAN

Talk with teachers, counselors, and administrators who are eager to guide you. Wherever your interests lie, they鈥檒l help you connect your passions with the right courses.

Programs featured include culinary arts, robotics, fashion design, automotive technology, and so much more.

Don鈥檛 miss this exciting opportunity to explore, experience, and plan your future!

A new chapter is beginning for Crow Leadership Academy students!

Students had the opportunity to expand their personal libraries thanks to a partnership with and Every student took home two free Scholastic books of their choice, promoting reading both inside and outside of the classroom.

鈥淲hen students have access to a variety of books and the freedom to choose what interests them, they are more likely to read, build reading stamina, expand vocabulary, and develop greater confidence as readers,鈥� said Lesley Cano, 星空传媒 Library Services coordinator. 鈥淏y removing barriers to book access and making reading something students can continue at home, book giveaways help strengthen reading habits and reinforce the message that reading is both valuable and enjoyable.鈥�

Allowing students to select books that interest them helps create meaningful connections to independent reading and the development of lifelong readers. By expanding student access to books beyond the school day, students become stronger readers by reading frequently and widely.听

鈥淭here鈥檚 something special about watching a student light up when they find a book they鈥檙e excited to take home,鈥� said Crow librarian Lisa Bell. 鈥淲hen students see reading celebrated as something fun and valuable, it helps create a positive reading culture throughout our school.鈥�

Crow principal Liznel Gonzalez said this is the fourth campus project that Texas Health has granted their school community.听

鈥淲e are incredibly grateful for their partnership, sponsorship, and support,鈥� Gonzalez said. 鈥淓very story helps our students grow as IB learners and develop the curiosity, courage, and confidence to lead.鈥�

This giveaway is a part of 星空传媒鈥檚 broader commitment to literacy and student success. The district鈥檚 librarians play a vital role in bringing literacy to life through curated collections, personalized book recommendations, author visits, events, and reading challenges.

One reading challenge that launches Sept. 14 is the Bond & Beyond: A Reading Space Race, a fun way to get kids reading with their dads and male mentors.

Find out more about 星空传媒 Library Services.

September is Attendance Awareness Month

September isn鈥檛 just the start of a new school year 鈥� it鈥檚 the time when habits are built and expectations are set. And one of the most important habits students can establish is showing up every day.

Research is clear: strong attendance in the first month of school is a powerful predictor of attendance for the rest of the year. Simply put, success in school begins with being present. After all, you can鈥檛 do well in school if you鈥檙e not there.

Why Attendance Matters

A study of Baltimore schools found that students who missed just two to four days in September were five times more likely to become chronically absent later in the year.

Chronic absence means missing 10% of the school year 鈥� just two or three days a month. That may not sound like much, but it adds up quickly. Students who are chronically absent are more likely to fall behind in reading and math, score lower on tests, and even face a higher risk of dropping out. The consequences stretch far beyond the classroom, affecting future opportunities in college, career, and life.

A child鈥檚 educational foundation starts early, and the skills and knowledge they learn in kindergarten and first grade can impact the rest of their schooling 鈥� and their entire lives.听听shows that chronic absentees in kindergarten go on to have the lowest performance in first grade. Already behind in first grade, these student鈥檚 academic problems only snowball as they grow older. Chronic absence correlates to difficulty reading in third grade and low achievement in middle school or junior high. By sixth grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school ().

Arlington Collegiate High School principal Jeffrey Krieger summed it up well.

鈥淎 student cannot fulfill their true potential if they are not physically present every day. Our campus can provide all the supports in the world, but if the student is not here to participate, their chances of success are greatly reduced.鈥�

Building Strong Futures, One Day at a Time

Good attendance is about more than showing up 鈥� it鈥檚 about building strong habits, forming connections, and creating opportunities for lifelong success. And it starts now.

If you know a student who is missing school, this is the time to step in and help them get back on track. Every day matters, and every day counts.

Learn more about the importance of attendance at听.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OV0OmanSww&t=6s[/embed]

星空传媒鈥檚 new district-wide Screen Time Survey is a fantastic opportunity for parents and teachers to come together and help 星空传媒 shape the future of technology and digital wellness programs in the district.

By sharing your thoughts, you'll play a key role in helping 星空传媒 create a shared understanding of screen time that will guide our future professional development and daily device usage goals.

Your unique perspectives will pair with the district's own usage data to build a strong foundation for 星空传媒's new Technology Advisory Committee鈥檚 Screen Time and Digital Wellness subcommittee.

听 听 听听

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAxuTK0Dayc[/embed]

The 星空传媒 Board of Trustees gathered for its second monthly meeting last night, Aug. 27, 2026, and here are some of the highlights.

They began the evening with a board workshop on academic growth, where they took a comprehensive look at the academic trends in the district. They reviewed data from last year for early literacy, early numeracy, reading, math, science, and social studies. They also examined accountability ratings and the relationship between student achievement scores and academic growth scores. The important conversation was intentional to help everyone plan for the future and implement effective improvement efforts.听

Once in the open session, the board appointed Andrew Babcock as the district鈥檚 new executive director of fine arts. He鈥檚 been the interim director since March and previously served as the director of the Center for Visual and Performing Arts.

Back in July, the board approved charters for three community committees:

• the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee,
• the Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee,
• and the Community Ambassador Academy.

All of them are intended to build bridges with our community stakeholders and garner their input and guidance. At last night鈥檚 meeting, several district administrators shared an update on these committees and their meeting schedules for the year.

South Davis Elementary is getting a new campus, funded by the 2026 Bond. Last night, the board approved the schematic design for the new school after a presentation from Corgan, the architect. Now Corgan will begin design development. 滨迟鈥檚 going to be a beautiful school and is scheduled to open in August 2028.

Later, the trustees handled a number of financial items, including approving the monthly financial report through June and the Quarterly Investment Report through June.

Finally, the board re-approved 星空传媒鈥檚 participation in the Texas Virtual School Network, which offers interactive online courses for eligible Texas public school students. For over 10 years, 星空传媒 has made TXVSN available as an option for students in grades three through 12 for credit recovery or acceleration.

Those are just a few of the highlights from the meeting. If you would like more information on any of these items or any of the items not covered in this Board Brief, .

New South Davis Elementary funded by 2026 Bond

[embed]https://youtu.be/wHbXgDIbUOs[/embed]

The second grader at South Davis Elementary didn鈥檛 hesitate when asked what he wants at his future school.

鈥淎 waterslide,鈥� he said.

Last night, the 星空传媒 Board of Trustees approved the schematic design for a new South Davis Elementary School, funded by the 2026 Bond.

The waterslide was not included.

But the schematic design does include an amazing treehouse in the library and input from South Davis second graders, fourth graders, teachers, and parents.

, the architect for the new school, held several design charrettes 鈥� collaborative design meetings 鈥� this month with stakeholder groups to make sure their priorities, needs, and wants make it into the design of the new school. While the second grader鈥檚 waterslide idea won鈥檛 make the cut, many of the students鈥�, teachers鈥�, and parents鈥� ideas and preferences will.

The new campus 鈥� scheduled to open in August 2028 鈥� will replace the current 70-year-old South Davis facility and move the school down the street from the current location to the corner of South Davis Dr. and Pioneer Parkway. 滨迟鈥檚 the site where 星空传媒鈥檚 previous administration building used to be.

Though the school building will be new, the Corgan architects are doing what they can to infuse all that is great about the old school in the new design.

鈥淪outh Davis is rooted in a lot of traditions, and we hold them dear to our heart,鈥� said South Davis principal Kalisse Kelly during the staff charrette.

Those are the kinds of things that the South Davis community wants to keep when they move.

鈥淓verybody is welcome here,鈥� said South Davis teacher Jeanmarie Bryant. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 our culture here.鈥�

That鈥檚 the culture the architects are working to instill in the design, from the welcoming outdoor courtyards to inclusive collaboration areas and a running path for the popular South Davis Running Club.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 always really helpful to see what spaces the students gravitate to in their current school and why,鈥� said Morgan Howell, Corgan project architect.

She explained that they take these insights from the students, teachers, and parents, and use them to design spaces that students and teachers will want to be in.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 important to listen to what the kids have to say 鈥� as well as all the other stakeholders, like parents, teachers, and our administrators,鈥� said Kelly Horn, 星空传媒鈥檚 assistant superintendent of facility services, at the design charrette for fourth graders. 鈥淪ometimes the kids have different perspectives, and we learn about things that may be important to them that we don鈥檛 always think about.鈥�

Sometimes the design charrettes got very granular. What colors do people prefer? What kinds of hands-on activities are most popular? How important is nature? What brings the school community pride?

And sometimes they got very practical.

鈥淲e only have three grown-up bathrooms,鈥� one teacher told the architects.

The new school will address that.

鈥淲e鈥檙e very protective of our trees,鈥� Bryant said as she explained that the current South Davis campus used to be a pecan orchard.

The new school design will address that, too, with a big emphasis on nature, from preserving the mature trees on the new campus site to incorporating lots of natural light and building a tree house in the library.

鈥淭he meetings help us design a better product for all the kids and teachers who are going to use the building,鈥� Horn said.

Now that the schematic design has been approved, the design development phase will begin.

See the full schematic design.

星空传媒 is pleased to announce that Andrew Babcock has been named the executive director of fine arts. He had been the interim director since March, and previously served as director of the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, where he led programming and student experiences since August 2024.

Babcock brings extensive experience at the district and university levels. As executive fine arts director in Lubbock ISD, he led districtwide programming, managed a multimillion-dollar budget, and built partnerships that connected students to professional-level performance opportunities. Babcock has also worked as a band director at secondary schools and at Lubbock Christian University.

His work has consistently focused on one thing: access.

From expanding mariachi and piano programs to launching partnerships with performing arts organizations, Babcock has made it clear that fine arts are for every student, not just a select few.

鈥淎rt is one of the most powerful tools we have to engage students,鈥� Babcock said. 鈥淲hen we remove barriers for teachers, we open doors for students.鈥�

In 星空传媒, that mindset matters.

Fine arts programs are a key part of what makes the district competitive, engaging, and worth choosing. As families look for schools that offer more than the basics, strong arts programs help students stay connected, motivated, and successful.

"Andrew Babcock brings experience, vision, and student-centered leadership needed to elevate fine arts across 星空传媒,鈥� said Dr. Priscila Dilley, 星空传媒 chief academic officer. 鈥淗e is committed to all students discovering talents and the transformative power of fine arts education. We are excited for Andrew to lead this work and strengthen the exceptional fine arts experiences available to our students."

Venture High School student Jayden Mata is starting the school year with a national honor!

Mata was selected as a national finalist in the prestigious This competition challenges students across the country to research heroes who changed the course of history and bring their stories to life through visual art. Only 52 middle school and 149 high school students from 32 states across the country and 15 countries around the world were selected as finalists.听

This recognition marks a major milestone for Venture High School, as Mata is the first student in the school鈥檚 history to be selected as a finalist in a national art competition.

鈥淚 was shocked that I was a national finalist. It felt really good to hear the news,鈥� Mata said. 鈥淚 drew Hiawatha, a Native American storyteller, because I love the messages Native Americans had against violence, and I wanted his story to be heard.鈥�

Mata said he decided to enter the competition after encouragement from his art teacher, Lauren Kulesz.

鈥淥ur students are incredibly talented, and seeing Jayden celebrated on a stage of this magnitude is wonderful,鈥� Kulesz said. 鈥淚t validates the hard work happening in our arts program and shows our students what is possible.鈥�

Kulesza said that Mata is an exceptionally bright student and a talented tattoo artist who aspires to own his own tattoo studio one day.

Congratulations, Jayden!

Bond & Beyond: A Reading Space Race

Ready for blastoff?

The Bond & Beyond: A Reading Space Race is ready to launch on Sept. 14!

The Reading Space Race 鈥� sponsored by the and 星空传媒鈥檚 Family and Community Engagement Department 鈥� is officially coming to every elementary school and is open to all students in grades three through six.

The challenge runs from Sept 14, 2026 鈥� Feb 19, 2027 and invites fathers, uncles, grandfathers, and male mentors to read alongside their students while reinforcing key classroom concepts like determining the author鈥檚 purpose. Plus, there are great prizes for reading (keep reading to find out what they are)!

A big thank you to the Reading Race鈥檚 generous community partners:

• Launch Family Entertainment
• Dave & Buster鈥檚
• Raising Cane鈥檚, and
• Arlington Public Library.

星空传媒鈥檚 Library Services and Research & Accountability departments have also pitched in to make these exciting incentives possible!听

Get started

Getting started is easy, and the incentives keep students motivated every step of the way:

1. Download & Log: Download the free Beanstack App and search Arlington Public Library to track your books and read the full challenge rules.
   
   
2. Earn Monthly Incentives:
   • 3 Books: 30-minute jump pass (Launch Family Entertainment)
   • 6 Books: 60-minute gameplay card (Dave & Buster鈥檚)
   • 9 Books: Free kids meal (Raising Cane鈥檚)
     
     
3. Cross the Finish Line: Log 12 books to earn an official Arlington Public Library Swag Bag and a spot on a paid celebratory field trip to Camp Thurman for father/father figure or caregiver and student! The Camp Thurman Celebration takes place on Saturday, April 3, 2027.

Don't wait for launch day to get set up. Download Beanstack today so you're ready to start logging on September 14th!

星空传媒 is pleased to announce Dr. Ed Henderson II as the new principal at Bebensee Elementary School. Henderson brings 23 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and administrator, improving student outcomes through strong instructional leadership, principal coaching, and school improvement.

Henderson is returning to the Metroplex after several years in Houston ISD, where he served as the Executive Director of Instruction. In Houston, he coached, supervised, and evaluated principals across a multi-campus portfolio. All of his schools earned A or high B accountability ratings, with multiple campuses demonstrating significant year-over-year growth.

鈥淲e are excited to welcome Dr. Ed Henderson to the 星空传媒 family. His focus on doing what is best for students, coupled with his dedication to accelerate student learning, will be great for the students, families, and staff of Bebensee Elementary School鈥�.

Henderson began his career in education in 2003 as a third-grade math teacher in Dallas ISD. From 2009 through 2015, he served as an assistant principal in Irving ISD and Sherman ISD. He then served as the principal at elementary schools and middle schools in Irving, DeSoto, and Crowley ISDs from 2015 through 2024.

鈥淚 am honored and excited to join the Bebensee Elementary community and the 星空传媒 family,鈥� Henderson said. 鈥淚 look forward to partnering with our students, staff, families, and community to build on Bebensee鈥檚 strengths and create exceptional learning experiences where every student is known, supported, and inspired to dream big and reach their full potential.鈥�

Henderson has a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Texas Tech University, a master鈥檚 from Prairie View A&M University, and a doctorate in education from Dallas Baptist University.

星空传媒 is inviting parents, guardians, employees, business leaders, and community members to apply for a district committee. Share your ideas, perspectives, and expertise on topics that matter to our schools and students.

Committees include bond oversight, community ambassadors, educational improvement, instructional calendar, long-range facilities, school health, school libraries, and technology.

Apply here.

Learn more about each committee:

Citizens Bond Oversight Committee - 2026 Bond

The听Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC)听was established by the 星空传媒 Board of Trustees as an oversight committee that monitors the use of funds approved by the public in the 2026 bond elections. This committee will ensure accountability and transparency to promote public confidence in the district鈥檚 use of voter-approved funds.

• 2026 Citizens Bond Oversight Committee Website

Community Ambassadors

The听星空传媒 Community Ambassador Academy听is a structured, two-year civic engagement and leadership initiative. Its purpose is to cultivate a deeply informed cohort of community advocates who understand the operational, financial, and pedagogical complexities of managing a large, mid-urban public school district.

• Community Ambassadors Website

District Level Instructional Decision-Making Committee

The听District Level Instructional Decision-Making Committee (DIDC)听serves in an advisory role and reviews 星空传媒鈥檚 educational goals, objectives, and major districtwide classroom instructional programs. It also advises the 星空传媒听District of Innovation听Plan.

• District Level Instructional Decision-Making Committee Website

Instructional Calendar Committee

The charge of the 星空传媒听Instructional Calendar Committee听is to assist the district by drafting and recommending an academic focused school calendar for the 2026-2027 school year that emphasizes student outcomes and considers the impact on staff and the greater community.

• Instructional Calendar Committee Website

Long Range Facilities Planning Committee

The Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee provides findings and recommendations from community stakeholders to the Board of Trustees relating to the long-range planning, maintenance, modernization, utilization, and future development of 星空传媒 facilities in support of the district's Strategic Plan.

• Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee Website

School Health Advisory Council

The听School Health Advisory Council听(SHAC), on behalf of the district, shall review and consider evidence-based strategies and techniques and shall develop nutrition guidelines and wellness criteria.

• School Health Advisory Council Website

School Library Advisory Council

Under 星空传媒听board policy EFB (Legal), school boards may establish a local School Library Advisory Committee (SLAC) to ensure library collections reflect community values.

• School Library Advisory Council Website

Technology Advisory Committee

The听星空传媒 Technology Advisory Committee听plays a vital role in shaping the district's digital learning ecosystem by evaluating evidence-based strategies and developing comprehensive technology adoption and usage specifications.

• Technology Advisory Committee Website

Seagers provide $500 for each student

The young teenager was looking for shoes at Academy when someone walked up to him.

鈥淐an I help you with anything?鈥� the guy said to the teen.

But it wasn鈥檛 an Academy employee. It was two-time World Series MVP and Texas Ranger Corey Seager.

Seager and his wife Madisyn spent the Saturday morning before school started this month at in Arlington hanging out with 30 星空传媒 students who are part of the district鈥檚 Students Outreach Services program. For the third year in a row, the Seagers funded a back-to-school shopping spree for these students, giving each $400 to buy whatever they wanted, plus $100 to take home with them.

The Seagers, along with Rangers players Josh Jung and Cal Quantrill, roamed the store helping the students find everything they needed.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 just fun,鈥� Corey Seager said. 鈥淗earing the stories, seeing their faces 鈥� you know, getting excited about going back to school.鈥�

A Martin High School junior was definitely excited as she weaved her basket through the clothing displays. The stuff in her basket is going to help her get ready for what she鈥檚 most excited about this school year.

鈥淚 just want to get things for school, things for practice as well because I鈥檓 a Sundancer at Martin 鈥� I鈥檓 most excited to perform at our football games.鈥�

Nearby, twin juniors from Sam Houston High School were shopping together.

鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to find some shirts, shoes, pants, and stuff like that.鈥�

They鈥檙e excited for the school year because they have a huge goal within reach, and getting the gear they need for school will help them achieve it: graduating early.

鈥湵醭兮�檚 a real gift,鈥� said Vicki Warren, 星空传媒 Student Outreach Services coordinator, about the shopping spree. 鈥湵醭兮�檚 very meaningful because they can buy items they鈥檒l utilize at school that maybe they weren鈥檛 able to afford previously. We鈥檙e super thankful that the Rangers, and Corey Seager in particular, sponsored this each year for students.鈥�

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhPjW4TeSuE[/embed]

The 星空传媒 Board of Trustees met on Thursday, Aug. 13, and here are some of the highlights.

We鈥檙e proud to announce that 星空传媒 was the only district with two Teacher of the Year finalists in Region 11 for 2025-2026. The board honored the two outstand educators at their meeting. Congratulations to Heaven Tello, from Barnett Junior High, and Pamela Lewis, from Morton Elementary.

Then Bret Champion, 星空传媒鈥檚 Chief of Schools Officer, gave the board an overview of the first day of school and shared highlights from across the district. Thank you to everyone who made it an outstanding first day.

Later, Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Collins shared a draft of the key performance measures they plan to implement for the 2026-2027 school year. The KPMs have been developed for each of the district鈥檚 board-adopted priorities: academic growth, culture, safety and discipline, marketing and engagement, and talent and resources.

Those priorities are also the pillars for the district鈥檚 new strategic plan, which the board officially adopted at last night鈥檚 meeting. The plan is designed to set the tone and objectives for the next five years. Learn more about the strategic plan.

Finally, the board re-approved several partnerships that the district has with universities in Texas. One is with Texas Woman's University. The Texas Woman鈥檚 University G-Force Project at Bowie High School promotes postsecondary enrollment and student success through a campus-based Go Center staffed by TWU G-Force mentors. They support students as they navigate the transition to postsecondary education and career pathways.

Another partnership re-approved by the board is with the University of Texas at Arlington for STEM and dual credit courses. Through this agreement with UTA, students from Martin鈥檚 STEM Academy can complete a number of first- and second-year STEM college courses at UTA prior to high school graduation.

Those are just a few of the highlights from tonight. If you鈥檇 like more information on any of these items or any of the items not covered in this Board Brief, you can .

Three years ago, 16 星空传媒 campuses carried an F rating from the state. This year, five do.

That change is the clearest measure of what has happened across 星空传媒 since 2023, and it showed up again in the Texas Education Agency's 2026 A through F accountability ratings released this month. The district earned an overall score of 78, its highest since 2022. That鈥檚 when the state redesigned the test and the accountability system

Twenty-nine 星空传媒 schools increased their overall accountability score this year. Seventeen improved by at least one full letter grade.

"We're going to keep our foot on the pedal," Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith said. "We're excited about the changes we've made and are making to support our students' experience and academic achievement. We're not done yet, but we know we're on the right track."

Schools leading the climb

Short Elementary posted the district's largest rating gain, moving from an F to a C in a single year.

Lamar High School earned a B. Sam Houston High School moved from a D to a C. Williams Elementary improved from a D to a C, and Little Elementary earned a B.

The district's four highest needs campuses each improved by at least one letter grade.

"These campuses tell us the strategies are working," Smith said. "We put targeted instructional and operational support where students needed it most, and the results followed. Now we're taking what we learned there and applying it across the district this year."

Every campus that improved a full letter grade

High schools

• Lamar High School: C 鈫� B
• Sam Houston High School: D 鈫� C

Junior high schools

• Boles Junior High School: C 鈫� B
• Barnett Junior High School: C 鈫� B
• Workman Junior High School: D 鈫� C
• Rodriguez Junior High School: F 鈫� D

Elementary schools

• Blanton Elementary: F 鈫� B
• Short Elementary: F 鈫� C
• Little Elementary: C 鈫� B
• Williams Elementary: D 鈫� C
• Webb Elementary: D 鈫� C
• Patrick Elementary: D 鈫� C
• Pope Elementary: D 鈫� C
• Thornton Elementary: F 鈫� D
• Speer Elementary: F 鈫� D
• Starrett Elementary: F 鈫� D
• Ellis Elementary: F 鈫� D

Twelve additional campuses increased their overall accountability score without changing letter grades.

Standing up for accurate scoring

星空传媒 again submitted student STAAR responses to be rescored by trained human scorers ahead of the 2026 accountability cycle. A total of 3,268 writing responses were submitted for rescore. Of those requests, 22% came back with a higher score. The district has made human review a standing practice since TEA began using automated scoring engines to evaluate the writing portion of the exam.听

What the ratings measure

Each year, the Texas Education Agency issues A through F accountability ratings for school districts and campuses. Ratings draw on multiple measures, including STAAR performance, academic growth, graduation rates, and progress in closing learning gaps. The system offers families a snapshot of school performance, though it does not capture everything about a student's experience at school.

You can look up any Texas school's 2026 accountability information at.

We're off to a great start!

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星空传媒鈥檚 next school building has been intentionally designed to not look like a school.

鈥淲e want it to actually look like a corporate learning environment where they鈥檙e going to work every day,鈥� said 星空传媒 Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith.

That鈥檚 the vision for the district鈥檚 future 18 PLUSS center, a facility that will serve special education students who have completed their high school requirements and are now in a one-to-three-year program that teaches job skills to help them start their careers.

鈥淭he biggest thing about 18 PLUSS is working on specially-designed instruction in the area of vocation and employability,鈥� said Brenda Cupps, the curriculum coordinator for the 18 PLUSS program. 鈥淲e specialize in working on finding them a job that fits their needs.鈥�

But it鈥檚 not all about just finding a job. 滨迟鈥檚 also about teaching independence.

鈥淥ur job is to help prepare them for life,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淲e are excited about this job.鈥�

The district is also excited about what the new 18 PLUSS center will do for students. The schematic design 鈥� designed by 鈥� for the new facility was approved by the 星空传媒 Board of Trustees last week and will be funded by the 2026 Bond program. 听

鈥淭he schematic design for the new 18 PLUSS center听will enhance the educational experience for our 18 PLUSS students,鈥� Cupps said. 鈥淭his new space has been thoughtfully designed to provide meaningful opportunities that promote independence, skill development, and community engagement.鈥�

The new center will be built on the site of the former Blanton Elementary School. The plan involves demolishing much of Blanton but will keep and renovate the newer portions of the former school building. It will also feature a 43,500-square-foot addition that will completely reinvent the campus.

The design includes spaces for classrooms, vocational-training areas, collaboration areas, a makerspace, a gym/storm shelter, a fitness area, and a district science materials warehouse.

鈥淭he idea is that all of these spaces have multiple uses and can be used for different things at different times 鈥� trying to really activate every bit of this building to get the most use out of it as possible,鈥� said VLK principal architect Marty Sims.

The new school will also house a caf茅 and spirit shop open to the public that will be run and staffed by the 18 PLUSS students.

鈥淭he idea is to create programming where students can learn in real life about how to function outside of a school setting,鈥� Smith said.

He envisions the facility hosting community meetings while 18 PLUSS students operate a coffee shop for attendees.

Outside, the schematic design includes a basketball court, garden, greenhouse, and outdoor classroom.

鈥淭he addition of the garden will provide students hands-on experience planting, growing, and harvesting fresh produce,鈥� Cupps said. 鈥淭he garden will serve as an outdoor classroom, allowing students to develop vocational skills, learn about healthy nutrition, practice teamwork, and build responsibility through the care and maintenance of the garden.鈥�

Watch the schematic design presentation at the July 30 school board meeting:

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