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.Ìý

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

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

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

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

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!

The Dallas Wings of Innovation STEM Camp returned for ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students this summer. The two-day camp – led by in partnership with the – focuses on expanding opportunities for girls in science, technology, engineering, and math. Students learn about STEM concepts through a mix of athletic training, coding workshops, and engineering challenges.

“When girls are introduced to STEM early, they begin to see themselves not just as users of technology, but as the innovators, engineers, coders, and leaders who will shape the future,� said CEO and founder of STEM It Up Sports, Dr. Tonjia Grimble. “Programs like Wings of Innovation provide the confidence, exposure, and hands-on experiences that transform curiosity into possibility and potential into purpose.�

Students also had the opportunity to participate in a basketball clinic, where Dallas Wings trainers helped connect athletic performance to biomechanics. The clinic helped students understand how physics, force, and motion impact every move on the court.

Throughout the two days, students got to learn in a robotics coding workshop, a coding obstacle course, tech art programming, and a drone clinic where students piloted through search and rescue missions.

They had the opportunity to hear directly from female experts working in the field at the lunchtime STEM panels.

“I think it's going to help with our future because it gives us motivation to do whatever we need to do to be successful in life,� said Martin High School freshman, Khloi Sloan. “It's really cool. You get to meet new people, you can have new experiences, and you get to learn how to use computers and electronics.�

Members of the joined the camp to cheer campers on and create a supportive environment where students felt confident to try new skills. Crew members said the experience was just as impactful for them. Seeing these students light up with excitement helped to remind them why this mission matters.

“This is girl power,â€� said Dallas Wings Flight Crew member Mariah Martin. “I'm truly thankful that they want Flight Crew here, and that we get to showcase what we do and cheer them on when they get to explore.â€�Ìý

As the camp wrapped up, the girls left energized and ready to take on even more STEM challenges across ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½!

Summer break may have just kicked off, but we’re gearing up for another great school year in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½! The district has released the 2026 - 2027 school supply lists to help families get a head start.

The lists are organized by school and grade level, so you can check off each item with confidence.

View Your School’s Supplies List Here

Register now for the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Back to School Kickoff

Speaking of school supplies, sign up now for a free backpack and more. Get ready for the new school year at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s Back to School Kickoff at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 1. Along with the free backpack, students can get:

• Free age-appropriate school supplies
• Dental and health screenings
• Haircuts provided by students from the Career + Technical Center
• Vendors with information on after-school care and other community resources

Sign up now for a free backpack and more.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Free meals all summer

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is offering free meals for ALL kids all summer long!Ìý Most locations offer breakfast AND lunch.

See the locations and times.

More than 1,100 students kicked off their summer vacation building robots, writing code, and discovering new passions at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s Camp Innovation. The district’s free, week-long technology camp is designed to inspire curiosity and confidence in learners from fourth through ninth grade. Now in its ninth year, the camp continues to grow in popularity with students and families across the district.

Camp Innovation is held over three weeks in June at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center, where students work collaboratively to solve challenges, create projects, and apply technical concepts in hands-on ways. The camp fosters creativity, critical thinking, and confidence while exposing students to future-focused fields in computer science, engineering, robotics, and digital design.

“Beyond the technical content, Camp Innovation creates a positive and engaging environment where students develop friendships, practice teamwork, and discover new interests and talents,â€� said Susan Anderson, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ technology integration specialist. “Many campers return year after year, demonstrating the lasting impact the program has on inspiring a love of learning and innovation.â€�

From the moment students walk through the doors, the focus is on exploration. Students rotate through sessions where they are met with hands-on, real-world learning experiences that build both technical and interpersonal skills. Each activity is designed to help students think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate with their peers.

“I think it’s cool to learn how to control a robot and see it progress,� said Mackenzie Aylor, a student at Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language. “I have gained a lot of knowledge from this place.�

Camp Innovation is rooted in the district’s Technology Applications curriculum, giving students a meaningful head start in skills they’ll carry through high school and beyond. When the week ends, students walk away inspired and ready to take on what comes next.

For more information about Camp Innovation, visit www.aisd.net/campinnovation.

Arlington readers can snag a splash of sixth‑grade creativity with limited‑edition Arlington150 bookmarks available at all seven Arlington Public Library branches now.

Each location features one of the winning designs created by ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½Ìýsixth graders as part of theÌý, held in celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary.

The designs will be available at the following branches:

• East Library and Recreation Center, 1817 New York Ave.
  • Lauren Maqueda – Johns Elementary
• George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, 100 S. Center St.
  • Cecilia Tran – JB Little Elementary
• Northeast Branch Library, 1905 Brown Blvd.
  • Airiana Woods, Sherrod Elementary
• Ron Wright Lake Arlington Branch Library, 4000 W. Green Oaks Blvd.
  • Garrett Hosier, Little Elementary
• Southeast Branch Library, 900 S.E. Green Oaks Blvd.
  • Atziry Martinez, Berry Elementary
• Southwest Branch Library, 3311 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd.
  • Emilia Navarro, Remynse Elementary
• Woodland West Branch Library, 2837 W. Park Row Dr.
  • Ximena Aldana – Berry Elementary

The bookmark series is part of the yearlong Arlington150 celebration. Earlier this year, the City of Arlington partnered with the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ to challenge sixth‑grade students to design bookmarks inspired by Arlington’s history, future, landmarks and neighborhoods.

A panel of judges, including Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ representatives, selected seven winners from entries submitted across the district. Designs were chosen for creativity, originality and how well they captured the spirit of the sesquicentennial. Students were recognized at the May 19, 2026, Arlington City Council meeting.

With support from theÌý, the winning bookmarks have been professionally reproduced for community-wide distribution. They will be available while supplies last. Along with the June 2 launch at all library branches, residents can also find a rotating selection of the seven bookmark designs at the Welcome Desk on the first floor of Arlington City Hall located at 101 W. Abram St. Bookmarks will also be included in backpacks distributed during ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s annual Back to School Kickoff in August, sharing Arlington150 spirit with students and families across the city.

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Kooken's 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Cecila Rodriguez loves reading. In fact, she read over 1,700 books with her parents this year!

The pre-K 3 student from Kooken Educational Center is one of seven at the school who have read 1,000 books this year – all before even reaching pre-K 4!

“It's an amazing accomplishment, and we're immensely proud of them!� said Kooken’s librarian Mary Eldredge.

Reading at Kooken is a big deal. Pre-K 3 families at the school participate in a worldwide program called . Students can check out a book bag of ten library books (English or Spanish) form their library as often as they like to help reach that goal.

This year, parents checked out over 10,000 books, and seven students reached or are on the cusp of reaching the goal of 1,000 books.

Ìý“Our teachers see a marked difference in student growth and assessments of those who participated in the program,â€� Eldredge said.

The impact of reading at a young age lasts a lifetime. In fact, research shows that if a student reads or is read to for 20 minutes a day, they'll likely score in the top 10% on standardized tests ().

“That amount of reading will change the trajectory of their academic future,� Eldredge said. “But even more than that, they now have wonderful memories.�

Memories made even better thanks to the , the women’s group from , and a private donor who surprised the seven students with a scooter for their reading achievement at Kooken’s awards ceremonies.

Pre-K registration event this Saturday, May 30

Pre-K – like reading – can change the trajectory of a child’s future. And now is the time to register your little one for ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s best-in-class pre-K for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds. Registration is open online, or come to our fun Pre-K Registration Event this Saturday, May 30, to register in person. Come when you can from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Athletics Center ().

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F95wP7XnSXs[/embed]

Arlington Collegiate High School senior Giovanni Roman has earned one of the most prestigious scholarships in the nation: the . The award provides him with a full four‑year college education at the , including tuition, room and board, medical benefits, and travel expenses.Ìý

The QuestBridge scholarship is a highly competitive national program that connects high‑achieving students from low‑income backgrounds with top colleges and universities across the country. For Roman, the opportunity represents more than financial support; it marks a pivotal milestone for both him and his family.Ìý

“I saw the QuestBridge program and it covers four years for top schools,â€� Roman said. “I was really interested in that because it would be life changing, and it would really help out my family a lot with paying for my college.â€�Ìý

Roman first learned about QuestBridge as a junior while researching scholarships. Like many students, his original plan was to stay in Texas.Ìý

“Originally I was kind of more committed to applying to TCU and UT Austin, more in‑state schools,â€� he said. “But I also was planning on applying to a couple of schools like Harvard or Stanford.â€�Ìý

Arlington Collegiate counselor Danielle Ely helped guide Giovanni through the QuestBridge application process by assisting with recommendations, transcripts, and essay support. Ely said Giovanni stood out early on.

“He’s a leader here on campus. He’s involved in several activities and very influential with his peers,â€� she said. “He’s a hard‑working student, has a great GPA, and steps out of the box to take initiative.â€�Ìý

Roman said the achievement carried special meaning for his family, and he is especially thankful for support from his mother during his journey to college.Ìý

“Four years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined I would have gotten a full ride scholarship to a really good school like Notre Dame,� he said. “It wasn’t just an accomplishment for me, but also for my mother. She put in a lot of work, helping me and supporting me in my academic journey. I really feel like the work that we put in paid off.�

Following his acceptance, Roman recently had the opportunity to visit Notre Dame, where he toured campus and explored student life. During his visit, Roman learned more about student organizations, academic programs, and volunteer opportunities and said he looks forward to getting involved in clubs and activities that align with his interests during his time at Notre Dame.Ìý

ACHS principal Jeff Krieger said that Roman’s QuestBridge scholarship has already begun inspiring other students on campus.Ìý

“When others see somebody like them earn it, they believe it’s possible for them too,â€� he said. “Giovanni is the first student at Arlington Collegiate High School to actually receive the QuestBridge scholarship, and when he walks that stage in a few months, we’ll all know that we’ve played a part in his success.â€�Ìý

Roman credits Arlington Collegiate’s close‑knit environment withÌýhelping him reach this milestone.Ìý

“We’re a smaller school, but everybody knows each other, and we all help each other out,â€� he said. “That really played a big role in everything I did here.â€�Ìý

As Roman prepares for his next chapter, he is eager to pursue research, internships, and community service opportunities, all of which play an important role in his goal of attending medical school. Roman hopes his journey encourages other students to take chances on themselves.Ìý

“Don’t be scared of applying for big scholarships or big colleges,â€� he said. “You never know what might happen. You’re more than just what’s on your application.â€�Ìý

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsyG76cGrvE[/embed]

Students at Beckham Elementary are taking flight.

They journeyed recently into the world of aviation with a hands-on, in-house field trip that introduced pre-K through third grade students to STEM concepts and aerospace careers — one of the largest employment sectors in North Texas.

The experience was made possible after the campus applied for and received a grant to host , an organization focused on introducing young learners to aviation and aerospace careers. Principal Christi Wilks said the event aligned perfectly with the school’s goal of helping students see how early learning connects to future opportunities.

“We applied for a grant and had Aero Explorer come out and teach our students about careers in aviation,� Wilks said. “According to Aero Explorer’s statistics, one in six adults in North Texas works in the aviation field, so we wanted to start promoting an interest early and help students see that what they’re doing in elementary school can turn into a career for them.�

Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive learning stations designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. Nancy McGee, the Aero Explorer program director, said the stations were intentionally designed to reach students across multiple grade levels while introducing complex ideas in age-appropriate ways.

Stations included a pretend flight simulator, where students wore airplane costumes and learned how to read maps, a weather prediction station, airplane engine rebuilding, a small rocket area, and an airflow station where scarves floated upward in front of a fan to demonstrate how air moves.

McGee said early exposure plays a critical role in shaping long-term interests.

“I’ve asked pilots when they were inspired, and so many times people have told me it was by second grade,� McGee said. “Introducing this to prekindergarten through third grade creates generational change because kids can see themselves in roles they may not have known about.�

She added that aerospace careers extend far beyond flying airplanes.

“Any career that exists, exists within aerospace,� McGee said. “If students want to be a chef or a fashion designer, that exists within this field too.�

For Beckham Elementary’s youngest learners, the excitement was evident. Two kindergarten students shared their favorite moments from the experience, highlighting stations focused on health, safety, and exploration.

“I liked flying an airplane and controlling the airplane because we never did it before,� kindergartener Mason V. said.

Kindergartner Jersey S. said her favorite part was learning about safety.

“We were brushing teeth and going to see if the airplanes were safe,� Stewart said.

While younger students focused on exploratory stations, older students also had the opportunity to listen to professionals currently working in aerospace careers. The speakers shared real-world experiences and helped students understand how science, math, and problem-solving connect to their everyday work.

Wilks said the event’s impact was clear as she spoke with students across grade levels.

“I’ve gone around and asked kids, ‘What’s your favorite station?’ and they say, ‘All of them!’� Wilks said. “So if you’re trying to promote STEM, this is definitely it.�

McGee said in-house field trips like this help remove barriers while exposing students to possibilities they may not otherwise encounter.

“This program helps generations by exposing kids to careers they may have never considered,� McGee said.

By bringing immersive learning experiences directly onto campus, Beckham Elementary created an opportunity for students to explore big ideas, imagine future possibilities, and discover that learning can take them just about anywhere.

The Martin High School archery team captured the 2026 Western National Championship last month at the in Sandy, Utah - again.

The victory marks the team’s third consecutive national title, continuing ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s dominant run in the sport.

Led by head coach Alex Villanueva, twenty-four Martin archers competed in the national tournament, which draws top student archers from across the western United States. The multi-day tournament was held at the Mountain America Expo Center and featured competition at both the individual and team levels.

Among the standout performances was Martin junior Nhi Hoang, who placed fourth overall in the female division, finishing with a score of 292 and 22 tens. Her strong showing contributed to the team’s overall success and highlighted the depth of talent on the Martin roster.

The Western National Bullseye Tournament serves as one of NASP’s premier competitions, offering student archers an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national platform while demonstrating focus, composure and sportsmanship. Participation requires qualifying through state-level competitions, making the championship a significant achievement for every team involved.

With another national championship added to their quiver, the Martin archery program continues to set the standard for competitive excellence. Congratulations to the archers and coaches!

What if you could help create the menu in your school cafeteria?Ìý

That’s the challenge ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ culinary students recently took on as they put their skills and creativity to the test in a high‑stakes menu competition in the By Students 4 Students competition. With hundreds of future diners in mind, students stepped out of the classroom and into a hands‑on, career‑ready experience that could soon land their dish on lunch trays across the district.Ìý

In the latest installment of the By Students 4 Students program, students gathered at the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Food and Nutrition Services building to showcase a variety of dishes for a hungry audience. Working within strict food safety and nutrition guidelines, students from six Arlington ISD schools presented creative options, including butter chicken, breakfast croissants, chicken Alfredo lasagna rollups, and buffalo chicken pita wraps.

“You have to take into account carb intake, sugar intake, sodium levels and what makes a meal balanced and healthy,â€� said Jayden Sosa of Arlington High School. “We’ll come up with an idea, see if we’re restricted anywhere, and then we’ll work to find ways around those obstacles if we need to.â€� Ìý

A crucial part of developing a successful recipe that works is knowing your audience. Student chefs must consider elementary, junior high, and high school diners and account for each group’s needs. From buffalo chicken sandwiches and Korean fried chicken with garlic noodles to pulled pork sliders, many students drew inspiration from local eateries in an effort to bring more variety to their cafeterias.Ìý

“Students often do go off campus to eat if they have the chance, but we can bring those foods into our schools by making them with ingredients that we have available,� said Martin High School culinary teacher Lindsey Krokus. “We’ve adapted popular dishes from fast-food joints, and they’ve become hits in the schools.�

While showcasing their latest creations, students also had the opportunity to speak with ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ sponsor Chef Aziz Kobty of and Chef Juan Carlos Flores of .Ìý

“Seeing how experienced they are and how calm and collected they are really inspires me because I want to be that confident in what I’m cooking,â€� said Dominic Griffin of Seguin High School. “Being around new people and letting them try my food is new for me, so I’ve really benefited from this experience.â€�Ìý

ÌýJudges are currently reviewing the student dishes. Winners will go on to be showcased at the Taste of the District and then added to the 2026-2027 school cafeteria menu.

Ìý

Ìý

“Mmmmâ€� is all you heard as students snapped their fingers in approval after biting into aÌýflavor-packedÌýmorsel ofÌýhoney fire chicken stir fry.

But the reaction was different with the next taste test. The buffalo chicken cauliflower bites failed to garner the same approval.ÌýÌý

The Sam Houston High School students tried out a number of dishes at the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Food and Nutrition Services test kitchen recently – the first phase of their journey in the By Students 4 Students (BS4S) program.

Culinary students inÌýArlingtonÌýISD have a unique opportunityÌýthat directlyÌýimpactsÌýthe foods they eat during lunchtime. The BS4S program is run by the Food and Nutrition Services department,ÌýandÌýgives ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ culinary students the chance toÌýevaluate, create and implement new menu items for the district.ÌýÌý

During phase one, students from most district high schools learned about food safety requirements, toured the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ FoodÌýand NutritionÌýServicesÌýbuilding, and taste-tested popular menu items.Ìý

“Everything that goes on our menu goes through at least 200 studentsÌýwith a 70% approval rating, so your voices really matter,â€� saidÌýÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ÌýnutritionÌýeducationÌýcoach Brianna Fritz to the students.ÌýÌý

TheÌýSam Houston students jotted down notes as they tried a variety of dishes,Ìýincluding a ham and cheese sandwich, cauliflower wings and the well-liked honey fire chicken stir fry.

For some students, like Sam Houston junior TyreeÌýScott, learning about the health guidelines and requirements was an eye-opening experience.Ìý

Ìý“Before IÌýstartedÌýthis [program],ÌýI thoughtÌýwe were going to make things like seafood,â€� Scott said beforeÌýhe learned thatÌýshellfish is not typically includedÌýin schoolsÌýdue toÌýallergies.Ìý“And now thatÌýI’mÌýhere,Ìýit’sÌýgiven me a lot of ideas. I have yet to see things from different countries like KoreaÌý– I like Korean food – so I would like to bring Korean food to the schools to let everybody try it.â€�Ìý

Scott’s teacher, Asia Cochran, is excited for her Sam Houston culinary students to take part in the BS4S program for the second year in a row.ÌýÌý

“The kids get to see all the requirements and the restrictions that go into preparing school lunches, and they get an opportunity to make it better.â€�Ìý

AfterÌýtastingÌýsevenÌýmeals, studentsÌýlearned how commercial grade freezersÌýmaintainÌýthe district’s food supply, thenÌýthey began brainstormingÌýideas for new menu items based on their experience with the Food Services team.Ìý

“This year, I’m hoping that we can get a little more creative with our dishes because we had some repeats with the other schools,â€� CochranÌýsaid.Ìý“I’mÌýhoping that my students really dive into the itineraryÌýand the ingredients and try toÌýthink outside the boxÌýto create something new and delicious for all students to enjoy.â€�Ìý

Halloween at Hill Elementary was anything but ordinary this year. Instead of spooky stories and candy, fourth graders spent the morning bringing science to life during the school’s sixth annual Frankenstein Day – a hands-on STEM adventure where every student became a scientist for the day.Ìý

Dressed in lab coats, goggles, and festive scientist costumes, students filled Hill’s STEM lab for a morning packed with discovery, laughter, and learning. What started six years ago as a single classroom experiment has evolved into a full-blown, grade-level event that now takes over the school’s STEM spaces every Halloween.Ìý

Throughout the morning, students rotated through six creative, Halloween-themed lab stations – DIY Lava Lamps (states of matter), Enchanted Potions (mixtures), It’s Alive! (circuits), Witch’s Brew (solutions), Puking Pumpkins (chemical reactions), and Boo-blek (non-Newtonian fluids and forces).Ìý

Each experiment tied directly to lessons students have been learning in class, reinforcing key science concepts through exploration and fun.Ìý

“We focus on science concepts that we’ve learned so far or are about to learn,â€� said Hill fourth grade science teacher Kelly Pringle. “It’s a great way to combine labs, demonstrations, and experiences all into one exciting day – and to practice lab safety and student discussion while having fun.â€�Ìý

For Pringle, Frankenstein Day is organized chaosÌý–Ìýand she wouldn’t have it any other way.Ìý

“I am that all-in teacher,â€� she said. “This is a culmination of science concepts the kids have been learning the first 12 weeks.â€� Ìý

She says giving students a chance to learn by doing is what makes all the difference.Ìý “Hands-on is the best way for kids to learn,â€� Pringle said. “It locks it into their memory and stays there longer when they have that hands-on experience.â€�Ìý

The event’s timing on Halloween adds to the excitement.Ìý

“We do it on Halloween because the kids are already dressed up,â€� she said. “We want it to be a crazy day. We want them to enjoy it and have the best time.â€�Ìý

Parent and guardian volunteers helped transform the STEM labs overnight, turning them into eerie, glowing spaces filled with bubbling mixtures and bursts of curiosity. The creativity and excitement even caught the attention of , who visited the campus to capture the spooky science fun in action.Ìý

For Hill principal Kasie Longoria, Frankenstein Day is a highlight of the school yearÌý–Ìýand a perfect reflection of Hill’s learning culture.Ìý

“Frankenstein Day is the perfect blend of creativity and STEM,â€� Longoria said. “It’s an amazing example of how hands-on learning can inspire a lifelong love of science.â€�Ìý

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FgoAKTKMn0[/embed]

Walking with purpose

Eight ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students took a walk in downtown Arlington last week. Each had a white cane that helped them find their way to Levitt Pavilion, where they ate lunch and met Mayor Jim Ross.

With guidance and support from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ specialists and City of Arlington staff, the students – who are visually impaired – practiced crossing streets, navigating sidewalks, and using their canes in real-world settings. The experience offered both a hands-on learning opportunity and a celebration of independence.

The walk marked , a national observance that honors the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and promotes awareness of the white cane as a powerful symbol of independence.

Mandy Body, an ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ teacher for students with visual impairments, helped organized the walk for the students who come from all across the district, elementary through high school.

“The purpose is to bring awareness to the community and to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and the tool of independence: the white cane,� Body said.

White Cane Safety Day, officially recognized each year on Oct. 15, was first established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The day highlights how the white cane helps individuals navigate the world safely, confidently, and independently.

For Dayanara Sanchez, a senior at Sam Houston High School, her white cane is more than a tool – it represents independence.

“It helps me to know if there is anything in front of me, it helps me to avoid it, so I know where I’m going. It’s very helpful,� she said. “People try to help me, but I know the way.�

The cane also gives confidence to the aspiring writer.

“I feel most confident when I’m walking down the hallway with my cane. I don’t know, just walking, and knowing where I’m going, and people noticing that. I think that’s cool.�

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Adedayo Odeleye lunged for the flag, but Ella Ezell, a fourth grader at Remysne Elementary, stayed light on her toes and just out of reach.

Ella was the only student left in the flag football drill and managed to hold out until the whistle.

“At the end, I was just like – get away – wait till the time runs out,� Ella said as she darted off to the next drill manned by Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert.

Across the Remynse field, Cowboys receivers Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks, along with Cowboys mascot Rowdy – possibly the biggest star of the day – ran another group of students through receiving drills.

Flournoy threw a pass to Brooks to demonstrate, and Brooks dashed to the far cone.

“What do we do in the end zone?� Brooks asked the students. “We dance!�

The students were happy to follow Brooks’ directions, including third grader Madelline Garcia.

“It’s actually kid of fun,� Madelline said after making the catch and busting out her dance moves. “But it makes me a little tired.�

Third grader Vicky Nguyen was probably a little tired, too, after she gave it her all in a run through the agility ladder.

“Good job!� Mazi Smith, Cowboys defensive tackle, told Vicky with a high five.

Actually, all the third and fourth graders were probably a little tired after going through five flag football drills yesterday, part of a NFL FLAG-In-Schools Futbol Americano Camp event put on by the Cowboys at Remynse. Nine Cowboys players and Rowdy pulled up to the school in their big blue and white bus to encourage the students to get active and be healthy by spending at least 60 minutes every day playing.Ìý

Cowboys Radio sideline reporter Kristi Scales emceed the event and helped pump up the students.

“Have fun!� she said. “That’s the number one thing today.�

But the focus wasn’t all on physical fitness and playing flag football. It was also about academic growth as each student received a new Cowboys-themed math workbook produced by .

“Our teachers reported that our students loved receiving their math books and making connections with their current learning,� said Remynse principal Selena Ozuna.

By the time the big Cowboys bus pulled away, the players had made a big impact.

“According to our third and fourth graders, this PLAY 60 event wasÌý‘the BEST day ever!’â€�ÌýOzuna said. “I have to agree, while I get to do many fun things as a principal, this has truly been one of the most exciting experiences I’ve been part of. The Dallas Cowboys are welcome back to our campus anytime!â€�

Camp Innovation welcomes 900+ students

Summer break might be a time to relax – but at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s Camp Innovation, it’s also a time to explore, get hands-on and try something completely new.Ìý

Back for another exciting year, Camp Innovation 2025 gave rising fifth through tenth graders across the district a chance to dive into all kinds of real-world learning. And we’re not talking about worksheets. Think robots, drones and coding.Ìý

Hosted at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center (CTC), the camp transforms high-tech classrooms into creative labs where students explore future-focused career fields in a hands-on, exciting way.Ìý

What started as a small summer pilot with just 125 students eight years ago has grown into a major event – welcoming over 900 students this year from across ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.

“My favorite part is kids getting opportunities that they don’t get to have during the school year,â€� said Susan Anderson, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ technology integration specialist. “We hire the most creative and the best teachers. They can do some amazing things with the kids.â€�Ìý

That vision has paid off. Over the past few years, Camp Innovation has grown not only in numbers but in impact – offering experiences students say they’ll never forget.Ìý

“I have never flown a drone before,â€� said Anna Sanchez, an incoming seventh grader from Bailey Junior High and a returning camper. “But we completed almost all our challenges. I got to try new things.â€�Ìý

And that’s exactly the point. The camp is built around exposure – giving students the chance to explore new tools and subjects they don’t always see in a typical school day.Ìý

“We knew programming and robotics was not something they got to focus on in school,â€� Anderson said. “So, our department wanted to create something where they could.â€�Ìý

But the camp isn’t just about technology — it’s also a fun way to connect with new peers.Ìý

“It’s fun meeting people who don’t have the same experiences as you,â€� Sanchez added. “It’s cool to work with people creatively. We get to do trial and error. It challenges you and it’s fun.â€�Ìý

First-time campers like Sarah West, an incoming seventh grader at Boles Junior High, were especially drawn to the tech.

“My favorite part is the ,â€� she said. “I really like how you get to control it, but it still has its own personality.â€�Ìý

Even the tougher parts of camp left a big impression.Ìý

“The Spike Prime class is definitely a challenge,â€� she said. “It’s a lot of work and puts your brain to the max. It’s so fun!â€�Ìý

In a week packed with creativity, connection and discovery, Camp Innovation gave students much more than something to do over the summer.

But it doesn’t stop at Camp Innovation. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ offers future-focused learning throughout the year starting as early as pre-K, with specialized STEM-focused programs designed to nurture curiosity from the very beginning. By the time students reach junior high and high school, opportunities like those at the CTC open the door to real-world experiences in robotics, engineering, culinary arts, health science and more.Ìý

These kinds of experiences are available to every student in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. If you want your student to be part of it, now is the time. Enrollment is open and transfer applications are being accepted until July 17. Visit here for transfers details and the application. It’s never too early to start building their future.Ìý

Free meals all summer

This summer, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ will connect children 18 and younger and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old with healthy, no-cost summer meals. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition program administered in the Lone Star State by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). For the children who rely on school meals during the academic year, these meals offer a source of good nutrition when school is out for the long summer vacation.

“Our students need good nutrition year-roundâ€� said David Lewis, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ executive director of food and nutrition services. “With nearly 78% of our students under-resourced, these healthy meals are vital to nourishing them during their summer vacation. This summer we are excited to announce that we are again partnering with Arlington city libraries and Arlington YMCAs to bring healthy meals alongside their enrichment programs. We are also excited to partner this summer with Arlington Charities for their Books and Bites program.â€�

For a list of meal sites and times, visit our summer meals webpage. Sites and times are updated throughout the summer. Please visit the website before traveling to one of our summer meal sites.Ìý

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is one of the nonprofit organizations partnering with TDA to serve meals across Texas. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ are encouraged to use these two tools to find a meal site anywhere in the state:

• Call 2-1-1 to speak to a live operator
• Visit for an interactive site locator map

Organizations partner with TDA to serve meals in areas where more than 50% of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Eligible sponsoring organizations include schools, faith-based groups, nonprofit summer camps, government agencies and other tax-exempt organizations. All meal sites must be sponsored by an organization that has a contract with TDA.

Summer meal sites help children succeed by providing the nourishment they need to return to school in the fall ready to thrive.

Smokin' Ferrets going back to BBQ championship

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s BBQ team the Smokin’ Ferrets is heading back to the state BBQ championship competition.Ìý

The team qualified after placing fourth overall – including second for desserts – out of 17 teams at a regional competition hosted for the first time at the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center. The competition included categories for brisket, ribs, chicken, beans and desserts.

But this isn’t the same team that that went to state last year and earned fame on the reality TV show “.�

This is a brand-new team since all but one of last season’s members graduated. But the new pitmasters are keeping the success going.

Isaac Baskin, from Martin High School, is the team captain and the team member responsible for the ribs. He is proud of his inexperienced team.

"I feel like our first competition went really well, all things considered,� he said. “Everyone did their job to the best of their knowledge and ability, and I'm really proud of them for that, especially since this was only our second time practicing together.�

The rest of the team agreed but aren’t content with their early success.

"It was a wonderful experience working with the team I did, and for my first time, I did better than expected," said Sam Houston High School's Jesus Mendoza, who is in charge of beans. "However, there are a couple of things I could have done better, and I will work to improve those."

The Smokin’ Ferrets coach, Chef Greg Almendarez, a culinary instructor at the CTC, knows what needs to be fixed, too, and is confident this team will improve further.

“Overall, I am really proud, pleased and grateful to have a team as good as ours, and I am looking forward to our next competition and the state competition," Almendarez said.

Congrats to the entire team: Isaac Baskin (Martin HS), Riley Martin (Martin HS), Emily Makanjualo (Sam Houston HS), Jesus Mendoza (Sam Houston HS) and Justin Byers (Martin HS).

February is National CTE Month

Career and technical education classes are meant to prepare students for careers or college after they graduate. But seniors Jazmin Amaro and Alexander Martinez are already prepared. The two outstanding students won’t graduate for a few more months, but their CTE classes have them ready now.

Amaro and Martinez are just two of thousands of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students who are using the district’s CTE classes – both at their home high schools and at the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center – to propel themselves to their career dreams. And they are perfect examples to highlight during February’s .

Five-star senior

Jazmin Amaro, a senior at Sam Houston High School, hasn’t completed the culinary program at the CTC just yet, but she’s already working in the field. She started an internship this year at , the high-end Italian restaurant at Loews Arlington Hotel, but within two-weeks they had her working full-time producing top-level dishes on the line.

She has really appreciated the experience of working in a five-star restaurant.

“I enjoy working, and now that I have experience in high-end restaurants, I plan to work my way up to sous chef in the future,� Amaro said.

She’s already well on her way thanks to the CTC’s culinary program. Amaro has taken multiple culinary arts classes and a practicum in culinary arts and hospitality. Plus, she has earned her Hospitality Management Certificate and Food Handler and Manager Certification.

And it has prepared her to do more than just cook.

“This program has helped me grow into a more positive and mature person by helping me find the courage to go outside my box,� Amaro said. “In my advanced class, we focus on more than just how to cook, but also learning to run a restaurant in the front and back of the house.�

Amaro’s experience at the CTC has her ready for life after graduation.

“What I love best about the CTC is that I always leave with something new, from learning cooking methods to different types of cuisine,� she said. “They also allow me to be hands-on with everything I do. From making menus to plate setting, everything I do in class is something I love and can take with me back to work or even in my own home kitchen.�

Alyce Monroe, the CTC’s practicum teacher for culinary arts, hospitality and human services, knows Amaro will be successful when she finishes high school.

“She is timely, driven, willing to learn and never idle,� Monroe said. “We can always count on Jazmin to work hard in our kitchen, and she is doing the same for Loews Hotel. We look forward to seeing Jazmin soar in the hospitality industry after her years at the CTC and in AISD.�

Building a dream

Alexander Martinez, a senior at Arlington High School, knows exactly what he wants to do in his career after graduation.

“After high school, I plan on starting my own electrical contractor company,� Martinez said. “My goal is to be at the top of electrical contractors in the DFW. Part of my company’s core values that I will form will be a good work ethic and operational excellence. This will ensure my company can provide a very sufficient quality of service to every client we work with.�

Martinez, who is already working on his journeyman’s license, already has that “good work ethic,� and it shows at school.

“Alex is one of the hardest workers I have ever had the honor of teaching,� said Christopher Grimaldo, the construction teacher at Arlington High. “His work ethic is second to none along with his ability to adapt to any situation.�

Grimaldo’s construction classes and construction club are all designed to prepare students like Martinez for the industry.

“It’s fun,� Martinez said. “It’s really hands-on.�

Hands-on is key.

“In the construction class, the best way to learn is through repetition, repetition, repetition,� Grimaldo said. “I teach them the basics of tools and safety, but the students also learn leadership skills and how to be flexible and problem solve.�

Martinez is developing those leadership skills as one of the board members for the construction management team, which is the highest position in Arlington High’s construction club. He organizes events and communicates with other businesses to sponsor the events.Ìý

“I have worked on skills like communication, collaboration and critical thinking,â€� Martinez said. “These skills will help me in the futureÌýto communicate with others properly and to solve and manage problems that can come up anytime.â€�Ìý

Graduation isn’t here yet, but Amaro and Martinez are already prepared.

If you’d like to learn more about ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s CTE programs, please click here.

Dance in 2025 with Gunn student dancers

Ready to shimmy, shake and sashay your way into 2025? We sure are! Come dance into the new year with Gunn Junior High dance students!

Join us as we hit the dance floor at schools across ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. We made the final stop on our dance tour at Gunn Junior High School Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy with dance teacher Trudie Jopson-Williams and her seventh grade dance class. (Watch the dances at Jones Academy and the CVPA.)

Dance into the new year with class leaders Lila Gibson, Jainara Alrashaideh, Presley George and Piper Rhodes with a holiday routine full of contemporary, musical theater, jazz and hip-hop moves. Watch the to jump in. It’s fun, it’s festive and it gets your body moving.Ìý

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTk3ODlwtls[/embed]

And remember, the fun continues in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s specialized programs. Explore opportunities in fine arts, dual language, early college, STEM and more here.. The deadline to apply for the 2025-26 school year is Jan. 13.Ìý

We’ll see you next year! Happy New Year!

Dance in 2025 with the Jones Dance Crew

Ready to shimmy, shake and sashay your way into 2025? We sure are! Come dance into the new year with Jones Academy students!

Join us as we hit the dance floor at schools across ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Our first stop? Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language, where we teamed up with the incredible dance teacher Shelby Smith and the Jones dance crew to get the year started on the right foot.Ìý

And guess what? We caught all the moves on video just for you! Watch the Jones Academy Dance Crew in action and let their energy inspire you to groove into the new year.Ìý

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

Wanting to get jazzy? Dance with us! Or join in on the fun in one of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s specialized programs. Explore opportunities in fine arts, dual language, early college, STEM and more here. The deadline to apply for the 2025-26 school year is Jan. 13.Ìý

Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a fabulous 2025 from the Jones Academy Dance Crew to you!Ìý

Have you ever wondered what Christmas is like around the world?Ìý

Just ask the English as a Second Language (ESL) program students at Arlington High School!Ìý

This year, they hosted their fourth annual Christmas Around the World event. Over 40 ESL students came together to bring the magic of Christmas from their home country or a country they were interested in learning more about.ÌýÌý

They created colorful presentation boards filled with fun facts, photos and stories about how each country celebrates the holidays. From the twinkling lanterns of the Philippines to the festive piñatas of Mexico, each board was a mini adventure around the world.Ìý

“It’s really fun,â€� said Arlington High freshman Belen Reich-Basulto. “It’s cool to learn about other countries and other cultures.â€�Ìý

But the event was more than just an adventure, it was an opportunity for students to strengthen their communication.Ìý

“There is so much learning that goes into this,â€� said content-based language instruction (CBLI) specialist Tammy Edwards. “They’re learning about other countries while also learning how to speak to people in a formal way.â€�ÌýÌý

And what’s a celebration without treats? Many students brought traditional dishes to share with faculty and staff from across the district.ÌýÌý

Over the past four years, the event has become a highlight for both students and faculty, but this was the first year thatÌýfaculty from across the entire district were invited.ÌýÌý

The smiles, stories and delicious food made it clear. Christmas is a time for bringing people together, no matter where you’re from!ÌýÌý

Prince Day with Prince Lebanese Grill means great food

In ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, a prince wears a chef’s hat.Ìý

The district celebrated the first “Prince Dayâ€� across all high school campuses yesterday - honoring the flavors of local favorite .ÌýÌý

With a choice of Mediterranean chicken, Prince shawarma wings or beef pita served with the Prince squash and zucchini, each dish was Prince Lebanese-inspired and crafted by chef Aziz Kobty.Ìý

“To be involved with the district that I grew up in, giving back, contributing, helping the kids get some cultural food, some good food, it means a lot to us,â€� Kobty said.Ìý

That’s also why Kobty and his team ran the food line and sat with students during lunch at Arlington High School.Ìý

“This is the first day that we’ve done a line where it was all Prince,â€� Kobty said. “Seeing the kids smile, interacting with them and feeding them, it’s been a lot of fun.â€�ÌýÌý

For ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students, the Mediterranean-inspired items have shaped a positive experience with cafeteria food. In fact, each Prince-inspired menu item is already served in every campus cafeteria throughout the week.ÌýÌý

“It’s something healthier, something different,â€� said Arlington High School sophomore Ruby Medina. “I love that we have more options other than just burgers, nachos and pizza. The wings looked really good. I saw a lot of people going to that line and I started thinking I need to get a piece of that.â€�Ìý

But for ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ director of food and nutrition services David Lewis, Prince Day wasn’t just about serving good food.Ìý

“It’s about building community,â€� Lewis said. “It’s about coming together around a meal and building relationships. I'm just so excited. The Kobty family is a special family that loves our community, loves Arlington and they continue to give back. To be able to bring the family here and to see people liking their food in another environment is special for them, too. Food truly brings communities together.â€�ÌýÌý

View campus cafeteria menus . And if you didn't get to celebrate Prince Day with Prince Lebanese Grill or if you’re hungry for more, you know where to find !

Over 50 Gators crochet every Tuesday

Keep calm and crochet on!Ìý

The new Crochet Club at Gunn Junior High and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy is weaving together both creativity and compassion. Ìý

“It’s so fun,â€� eighth grader Kelsey Erlandsen said. “I get to see my peers do what I love to do.â€�Ìý

Started by Erlandsen and her classmate Arabella Bentley, over 50 Gators join together to participate in the school’s Crochet Club every Tuesday afternoon. Students can also work on their projects in Canva.Ìý

“It’s hard to think that students could create clubs and do big things like this,â€� Bentley said. “But if you try, you can make it happen.â€�Ìý

Both students fell in love with crochet in different ways. Bentley learned from her aunt, while Erlandsen picked it up in a Spanish art class.ÌýÌý

“I really enjoyed it and decided it was something I wanted to keep doing,â€� Erlandsen said.Ìý

With supplies provided by Title I funding and community donations, the club is open to everyone at no cost.ÌýÌý

“Our objective was to be inclusive and welcoming to everybody,â€� said Gunn librarian and Crochet Club sponsor Katie Thayer. “I love that so many students, whether they’re advanced or a beginner, have taken interest in crocheting.â€�Ìý

As the club's crochet demonstrators, Erlandsen and Bentley lead each session with enthusiasm, sharing their skills and encouraging their peers.Ìý

“It feels good that so many of my peers actually want to learn how to do it,â€� Erlandsen said. “It’s an art that’s kind of gone away and I’m so happy we’re bringing it back.â€�Ìý

Not only are they sharing their passion, but they’re also crafting for a great cause. The club's goal is to donate plushies to the local children's hospital and other items they make to area senior centers.ÌýÌý

“When we started this, we felt inspired to make this something we could do to help others,â€� Bentley said. “It’s amazing to see a large group of people who want to make a difference in the world.â€�Ìý

But the fun doesn't stop at Gunn. Yarn-ing for a new hobby? You can join crochet clubs at Arlington High School, Arlington College and Career High School and Martin High School, too.ÌýÌý

With each stitch, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students are helping to make the world a little brighter, one crochet project at a time!Ìý

All art students contribute

at Workman Junior High School is a thing of beauty.

That’s what happens when three art teachers work with their students to create a display that captures the essence of the month with vibrant colors and works of art.

There are pinatas, paper flowers and of course portraits.

“I wanted it to be a collaboration art project where everyone had their hands on it,� said art teacher Daniel Lara.

He got his wish, too.

His students – along with students from Efrain Lucero’s and William McElroy’s classes spent time during school and after school to transform a wall in the school.

After eight days of work, the students had created a masterpiece that included everything from flags to a portrait of Frida Kahlo.

“It’s amazing,� Lara said. “Every single art class had a hand in this. The students stayed after school. They did the work, and we wanted to get the experience of setting up an art installation. We value their opinions. They’re art students.�

It really was all hands on deck to create the project, too.

Lucero’s eighth grade advanced art students were on pinata duty, creating multiple pinatas for the design. McElroy’s seventh grade students created the paper flowers for the design. And Lara took care of the Kahlo portrait. Add in the flags that represent all the Hispanic cultures, and Workman had a masterpiece the school could be proud of.

“I’m incredibly proud of our art teachers and students for their dedication to our Hispanic Heritage art installation,� Workman principal Dr. Erin Fogleman said. “Our teachers are inspiring students to push the boundaries of their creativity and learn the importance of collaboration. I can't wait to see their next installation that is already in the works.�

Homecoming season starts this week

Homecoming season is finally here! And in Texas, that can only mean one thing – it’s time to Mum It Up! Ìý

The once small, fresh chrysanthemums have become the biggest, boldest, most fabulous accessory of the season. Ìý

With ribbon, cowbells, stuffed animalsÌýand even flashing lights, mums are a personalized shout-out to all the things that make homecoming – and high school – unforgettable. Ìý

But where did the tradition come from? Mums became popular in the 1930s when boys would give their homecoming dates chrysanthemum corsages as a token of affection. Fast forward to the 1990s, Texas florists took it to the next level. From adding extra flowers to colorful ribbon to the corsages, the iconic Texas mums have continued to grow bigger and better each year. In fact, at one time our district was home to the world’s largest mum.Ìý

And it’s not just for the girls. Guys can get in on the fun with homecoming garters. Like mini mums, garters are worn on the arm and filled with just as much personality. Ìý

That’s what makes the tradition so special. Every mum tells a story. Whether it’s celebrating your role on the football team, your spot in the marching band, or just showcasing your school colors, mums are all about YOU. Customize them however you want. Bling it out, add your name or keep it simple. There’s no wrong way to do it!Ìý

Traditionally, mums are worn throughout the school day as well as during the homecoming pep rally and football game. You can share them with your friends, family, teachers and of course your homecoming date!Ìý

Each of the district’s traditional high schools will have their homecoming pep rally and football game on the following dates:ÌýÌý

• 9/19 Seguin vs. GrapevineÌýÌýÌý

• 9/20 Bowie vs. Grand PrairieÌýÌý

• 9/27 Arlington High vs. South Grand PrairieÌýÌý

• 9/27 Lamar vs. HaltomÌýÌý

• 10/18 Martin vs. HaltomÌý

• 10/25 Sam Houston vs. Grand PrairieÌý

Follow ourÌý,ÌýÌýandÌýX pages to keep up with pictures and videos of some of the most extravagant mums in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ this year! And be sure to share your pictures and videos with the hashtagsÌý#LetsHOCO, #MumItUp and #ArlingtonISD. Happy homecoming!ÌýÌýÌý

Mariachi Alegre features Wimbish teacher on trumpet

You don’t drag into school on a Monday morning when there’s a mariachi band serenading you at the entrance.

You dance.

Mariachi Alegre kicked off this morning as the seven musicians welcomed students to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s Wimbish World Language Academy.

Groggy-eyed students – and their parents and teachers – suddenly turned into dancers with huge smiles on their faces when the music reached their ears.

Some students came prepared wearing colorful dresses perfect for twirling. One boy had his cowboy hat on as he danced. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ administrators and trustees showed up for the early morning party, too.

Leading the mariachi was a familiar face for Wimbish’s students: Wimbish teacher Abraham Hernandez. When he’s not playing trumpet and singing, Hernandez is a Spanish teacher at the school.

Language and Culture

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

“Our goal at the school is to not only teach the language, but the culture, too,� said Elizabeth Velasco, Wimbish’s community engagement liaison. “This is our commitment to help the students not only speak, read and write, but also learn about the cultures of other countries.�

Velasco – who enjoyed dancing along with the students – was instrumental in coordinating the mariachi performance and worked with to make it happen. The church is a regular partner at the school and paid for the mariachi band to perform. The ensemble – which performs at ceremonies all over the Metroplex – only charged half price.

Wimbish assistant principal Eric Rodriguez said the early morning mariachi concert is valuable because it’s important to embrace everyone’s culture.

“Mariachi is something that’s celebrated all across Latin America,� he said. “This is about having that connection with the kids – the music, the culture all together in one place.�

It was also the perfect way to start Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Celebrating Hispanic heritage at schools is crucial because it fosters inclusivity and respect for diverse cultures, enriching the educational experience for all students,� Hernandez said. “By highlighting the rich traditions, history and contributions of Hispanic communities, schools can help break down stereotypes and build a more comprehensive understanding of the world ... It provides an opportunity for students to learn about and appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences that shape our society, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and empathetic learning environment.�

Celebrating with mariachi

Hernandez has been playing trumpet for 21 years and has been a member of since 2023.

The mariachi ensemble includes the trumpet, violin, guitar, guitarrón and vihuela.

“The guitarrón is the bass of the rhythm section,� Hernandez explained. “Many people assume that it is heavy, however are surprised to know that it weighs about 10 pounds. The vihuela is similar to the mandolin in that it is small and portable. The difference is that it has five strings and is shaped to produce music at higher volumes while maintaining clarity for rhythm.�

Hernandez loves playing mariachi “because it cultivates a strong sense of community … The collaborative nature of mariachi ensembles fosters a collective spirit, enhancing the feeling of belonging.�

That’s exactly what it did Monday morning for the Wimbish students and teachers.

But as fun as the mariachi ensemble was, there was no time for an encore. It was 8:10. Time for school. The kids – and Mr. Hernandez – needed to get to class.

Students now work part-time at local dental office

The 10^th annual ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Back to School Kickoff may have happened last month, but the impact it’s making on the district can still be felt.

It’s not just by the students who received backpacks either.

The students from the P-TECH at Bowie High School who worked with Dental Health Arlington at the event made such an impression on the dental office that it wanted to offer jobs to two students in the program.

Two weeks ago, seniors Juan Guzman and Ivana Joby began working part-time jobs at the office of . It’s the perfect opportunity for students from Bowie as the P-TECH program focuses on health sciences.

Getting real-world experience like that is exactly what P-TECH programs are for.

“What it does for P-TECH is it raises the awareness of the benefits of the early college program,� said Bowie P-TECH principal Alicia DeVaull. “It lets us know our community is listening, and they are waiting for a chance to enhance these types of programs. These students will set the stage by word of mouth where there will be several other opportunities for our kids.�

Neither Guzman nor Joby worked at the kickoff, as the P-TECH students who volunteered there were underclassmen. But the dental office wanted seniors from the program and knew the kind of students it was producing so it offered two openings for P-TECH seniors.

Both Guzman and Joby are only taking classes at Tarrant County College this semester, so they were able to add the part-time work to their schedules.

“For me in my future, I need clinical hours,� said Joby, who already has more than 50 hours of college credit. “I feel like having some sort of clinical experience is really beneficial for me. I wanted to try it out and see if I can do it.�

The students each work shifts twice a week, five to six hours a day, sterilizing and stocking equipment and setting up things for patients.

“It is really fast paced,� Guzman said. “You need to keep up with things. It’s been pretty great.�

For Guzman, the job is exactly why he wanted to join the P-TECH program at Bowie.

“This was to gain experience in the medical field and hopefully have a shot at college,� said Guzman, who already has 45 college hours and plans to focus on nursing.

Joby opted for Bowie’s P-TECH program because she wants to have a career in the medical field. She wants to focus on public health and eventually become a physician’s assistant.

Is your eighth grader interested in a career in health sciences? The specialized programs window for the district opens Oct. 22. You can find out more about all the district’s specialized programs here.

Watch 'BBQ High' trailer

A new series on Chip and Joanna Gaine’s Magnolia NetworkÌýwill feature some of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s own. The students on the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center’s BBQ team, the Smokin’ Ferrets, have made a name for themselves in Texas and are about to be introduced to the rest of the nation.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWRkjdnjdB0[/embed]

“This past year our BBQ club had an incredible opportunity to be featured on a reality show focused on high school BBQ,� said Chef Greg Almendarez, a culinary instructor at the CTC and the head coach for the school’s BBQ competition team. “My students dedicated themselves and worked tirelessly, and I couldn't be prouder of their hard work and achievements.�

The reality show – “BBQ High� – profiles the sport of high school BBQ in Texas and follows some of the state’s culinary heavyweights as they strive to reach the state meet and compete for scholarships and pit glory.

“BBQ Highâ€�Ìýpremieres this Sunday, Aug. 18, on with the first two episodes at noon and 1 p.m. New episodes will air on the following Sundays. Streaming is also available the same day onÌýÌýandÌý.Ìý And check back here at the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Looped In blog each week for recaps of the episodes.

Career Camp gives students a head start

Interested in pasta making, rocket launching or travel planning? It’s never too early to dive into the world of career and technical education (CTE) opportunities in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. ÌýÌý

That’s why the district’s second annual Career Exploration Camp wasÌýthe perfect place for incoming seventh, eighth and ninth grade students to get a head start. Ìý

Offering practical experiences in various career fields like culinary arts, web design, robotics, architecture and more, students had the opportunity to engage in 12 CTE programs at the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center this week. Ìý

“We create experiences that kids can’t really get anywhere else,â€� said CTE coordinator Sara Mahoney. “This is an opportunity for them to figure out if some of these things are something that they want to pursue in high school or even after.â€�Ìý

With help from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s guidance and counseling department as well as teachers districtwide, the camp strives for two major goalsÌýfor students – giving them a deeper understanding of CTE programs beyond a course description book and promoting college, career and/or military readiness.Ìý

This year, the camp even took it a step further. With additional partnerships like the , and the , speakers from various organizations offered special sessions for students to engageÌýwith real experts in the field. Ìý

With schedule planning beginning in eighth grade, the campÌýaims to help students navigate different career pathways before choosing their classes in high school. But also to have some summer fun! Ìý

For incoming eighth grader Isaiah Pineda, the camp delivered exactly that. Ìý

“It’s been so fun,â€� he said. “I like the diverse opportunities that we’ve had; it'll be really helpful in my future. When I get older, I would like to be an anesthesiologist, so I really want to get into health and science.â€�Ìý

Beyond the exposure to CTE programs, the camp is also a fantastic way for students to connect. Ìý

“Meeting new people, making new friendships and learning what other people are interested in, it’s been a cool,â€� Pineda said. Ìý

The program’s diverse schedule ensures something new and exciting for each student every single day, catering to various interests and learning styles. Ìý

“That’s what sets this camp apart,â€� Mahoney said. “With summer camps, a lot of the time they are doing the same thing every day to get better at something,â€� Mahoney said. “Here, they’re getting a taste of multiple different things. It’s really an exciting way to getÌýthe brain working.â€� ÌýÌý

There are many ways to explore the various CTE programs in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Not sure where to start? Learn more about the opportunities students can take advantage of in high school on the CTE webpage. Ìý

Campers practiced Spanish and French

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris don’t start until Friday. But they already happened in Arlington at Wimbish World Language Academy.

Wimbish is a dual-language elementary school where all students – pre-K through sixth grade – are immersed in either Spanish or French.

But the summer break can take a toll on the language skills students acquired during the school year.

So, last week, Wimbish hosted its fourth-annual Summer Enrichment Camp to beat the summer learning lag. Students – or rather campers – honed their French and Spanish language skills each morning with classes and fun activities. And the theme for it all was the .

“It’s important for kids to have access to language over the summer – that’s the main goal,� said Kailey Corpman, a Wimbish dual language specialist and the coordinator for the camp. “It’s really nice that we can bring this to our community for free and students have another opportunity to practice and learn over the summer.�

Each morning included four rotations and started with language instruction. In the library on Wednesday morning, third through fifth graders learned about cognates. In a nearby classroom, soon-to-be kindergartners colored pictures of Olympians as they practiced French.

“I colored her legs blue,� one little boy announced.

“Do you know what that’s called?� Wimbish principal Dr. Chelsea Kostyniak asked the boy about his picture. “That’s rhythmic gymnastics.�

In a room across the hall, second-grade students wrote in Spanish in their journals about Rodelfo Falcón, a Cuban Olympian.

“He was a swimmer and won a championship,� Viané, one of the students, said.

Once the language instruction class ended, students rotated among three other activities – art, snack and P.E.

In the gym, P.E. teacher-for-the-week Annie Eagler – who is a special education teacher at Wimbish during the school year – introduced campers to Olympic sports. Each day was a different sport, from soccer and basketball to volleyball and badminton.

“Did you know that volleyball can be played indoors and outside on the beach?� Eagler asked the students on Wednesday before teaching them how to bump the volleyball.

She then listed some of the countries that have won a lot of Olympic medals in volleyball.

“Brazil, the United States …� she said before being interrupted by cheers from the students.

“Yeah! “Yes!� several shouted.

Down the hall in the art room, campers made colorful Olympic torch replicas or gold medals and drew pictures of themselves as Olympians.

“I drew a picture of me on the USA basketball team,� said Hatcher, a rising second grader.

Basketball must have been on his mind, because later in the library, he built a basketball court out of Legos. His classmate, Iram, used Legos to make an archery range.

Ryatt, another rising second grader, said building Olympic events out of Legos was his favorite part of the camp. But then he quickly changed his mind.

“Actually, STEM is my favorite,� Ryatt said.

And by STEM, he meant snack time.

That’s because the STEM lab had been converted into a culinary lab for the week of camp, where campers got to make their own fun cultural snacks.

Tuesday, it was fruit salsa.

“So, we made a fruit salsa yesterday,� said Elsa, a rising fifth grader who wished they had more time to spend making snacks. “We weren’t able to cook cook it – we just mixed it and got our ingredients. We have limited time to do this – to make them. But we do get to partially make them and eat them.�

On Wednesday, they got to “partially make� a different snack: French – a cream puff.

Chef Anai Arzola, who is a high school culinary instructor at the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Career + Technical Center during the school year, was in charge of the snacks and made all the pastry puffs for the profiteroles herself the night before. Campers got to fill their puffs with cream and drizzle them with chocolate sauce.

As Malcolm, a soon-to-be sixth grader, waited for his turn to assemble a puff, he explained why he really enjoyed the week at Wimbish.

“I really like how they did the Olympic theme because it’s not every day that the Olympics happen,� he said. “I like how the teachers are incorporating the Olympics into the lessons.�

In other words, Malcolm would give Wimbish’s language immersion camp a gold medal.

July 4th parade celebrates students' accomplishments

It’s not really time for the July 4^th holiday until the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ extended school year (ESY) July 4^th parade happens.

So now the 4^th can happen! Last Thursday Webb Elementary was the site of the annual ESY parade.

The parade is a chance to celebrate the ESY students and all their accomplishments. And what better way to do that than with a parade complete with red, white and blue decorations, traditional summer school students cheering them on and Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA� playing in the background.

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="/wp-content/files/SpEd-Parade_2024.mp4"][/video]

“It’s so fun,� said Shelby Sanders-Alvarez, who is the ESY summer school principal and a special education instructional specialist the rest of the year. “I like seeing the kids being able to participate and the kids being able to see them enjoy the small things.�

It wasn’t a small thing to get the parade set up. Sanders-Alvarez had help from people on the Webb campus, the district’s special education department and others to help make the day special. Donations of decorations also helped.

And while the parade put smiles on the faces of the students being honored in the parade, they weren’t the only ones.

Special education curriculum coordinator Tamara Johnson has been with the district since 2016. The parade is a must-see part of her summer.

“This is a tradition,� Johnson said. “It’s nice that they EY (extended year) administrators allow this to take place. The collaboration between the EY administrators and the ESY administrators make this happen. This is a wonderful setting. A lot of our kids wouldn’t be able to do something like this because of the limitations they have.�

Students learn coding to fly drones

This week, student coders and pilots took flight at the seventh and largest ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Camp Innovation yet.

Hosted by the district’s technology integration and innovation department at the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center, the four-day camp offers fourth through 10th-grade students a unique opportunity to dive into the world of computer science.Ìý

And fly drones.Ìý

Each week for three weeks, the camp hosted over 275 students, totaling over 800 –Ìýa jump of more than 150Ìýfrom 2023. Ìý

“These kids are having equitable experiences,â€� said technology integration specialist Susan Anderson. “We have students represented from every single campus across our district this summer.â€�Ìý

Campgoers' pre-camp experience with coding ranges from some to none. But by the end of the week, they all have a lot. From programming drones, , and , opportunities for engagement and learning are endless.Ìý

“It’s all so interesting,â€� said ninth grader Broden Clark-Davis.Ìý“I’ve really been wanting to learn about Python, and this is helping me get that introduction.â€�Ìý

To measure the camp's impact, a pre-test and post-test were introduced this year, tracking each participant's growth.Ìý

“In our first week, these kids showedÌýsubstantial growth between day one and day four,â€� Anderson said. “Both of our secondary group's scores were up over 120%.â€�Ìý

Thanks to the help of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ teachers, librarians and instructional coaches, each student rotates amongÌýthree different activities per age group.Ìý

This year, activities ranged from choreographing robot dances, delivering pizzas with drones, competing in Sphero summer Olympics and more.

“A lot of these teachers even bring back what they learn at Camp Innovation andÌýintroduce these activities to the kids in their own classrooms,â€� Anderson said.Ìý Ìý

For many students, Camp Innovation is a way to continue learning during the summer, a choice they eagerly make.Ìý

“This is my third year at Camp Innovation,â€� said incoming ninthÌýgrader Elliot Bland. “Camp Innovation is so fun. I’ve been here two times before because it’s just so cool.â€�Ìý

Beyond coding, the camp also fosters friendship and community.Ìý

“My favorite part has been the friends I’ve met and seeing other people that I already know,â€� Bland said.Ìý

Eighth grader Brent Richardson felt the same way.

“My favorite part has been meeting new friends like Elliot,â€� he said.ÌýÌý

That’s been the goal since the camp started in 2015. Ìý

“It’s so special, and it’s grown so much since then,â€� Anderson said. “It makes me very happy and very proud.â€�Ìý

Thanks to the support from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s state and federal interventions and operations department, Camp Innovation offers all the fun and learning for free.Ìý

If your student did not get the chance to attend Camp Innovation this year, equipment is always available for check-out through the technology integration and innovation department.Ìý

And, if you’re ready to embark in a series of challenges where STEM meets the real world and express your creativity and imagination, keep an eye out for next summer’s registration window opening in spring 2025.

Take 25 minutes to talk about summer safety

With only a week remaining until summer break, it’s almost time to swim, play and relax.Ìý

While classes may soon be out, safety precautions must stay in!ÌýÌý

“We want kids to be safe, be happy, make good choices and continue learning over the summertime,â€� said ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ superintendent Dr. Matt Smith.Ìý

That’s why Smith and Arlington Police Chief Al Jones joined forces to remind Webb Elementary fourth and fifth graders how to stay safe this summer.ÌýIt’s part of the annual Take 25 initiative. Through the campaign, parents and guardians are encouraged to take 25 minutes to talk to their children about staying safe.Ìý Ìý

“Today is about taking 25 minutes to have a conversation about safety,â€� Jones said.Ìý

The chief, his team and Smith shared their tips and expertise while opening the floor for students to ask their own safety questions.Ìý

Pool safety, park safety, internet safety, stranger danger, bullying and even shark attacks were all topics of conversation among Jones, Smith and the Webb Wallabies.ÌýÌý

“I am very proud for the opportunity that we had for our students to gain some tips on safety and security,â€� said Webb principal Evelyn Navarro-Gaspar. “A lot of the topics that were presented today are hot topics for our youth. I am very thankful that moving forward they will be safe this summer.â€�ÌýÌý

In any dangerous situation, students were urged to call 911, use their loudest scream and reach out to a trusted adult.Ìý

“There are certain safe people that you can always reach out to,â€� Jones said. “Those safe people are right here in this room. Like myself, we’re in uniforms. You can come to us, let us know what happened and we can handle the situation.â€�ÌýÌý

The is committed to the safety of the community every single day. Here are a few tips it shared:Ìý

• Only talk to people you know on the internet and social media.Ìý
• Be kind on the internet and social media.Ìý
• Always use the buddy system whether you are at the pool, park, mall or any other public place.ÌýÌý
• Use parental controls.Ìý
• If you see something, say something.ÌýÌý

“It’s important for everybody to know what is supposed to take place if something happens to us, our friends or our family,â€� Jones said. “That’s what this is all about.â€�Ìý

For more safety tips to practice this summer, check out our from the event.Ìý

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww-QWwR4FKk[/embed]

St. Nicholas drops gifts in students' shoes

Santa Clause has already been to Wimbish World Language Academy. Actually, it was St. Nicholas, a German version of Santa.

Wimbish is using the holiday season to teach and expose students to different cultures. With so many different holiday traditions celebrated worldwide, there are endlessÌýopportunities to learn.

“I’m excited for our students to learn about the way other cultures celebrate because that’s our purpose at this school,â€� said Elizabeth Velasco, the school’s community outreach liaison. Ìý

Last week, the school embraced the German traditionÌýof for the very first time. In the German tradition, kids leave their shoes out in the foyer on the night of Saint Nicholas Eve (Dec. 5)Ìýin hopes that Saint Nicholas will leave behind treats, coins or other little gifts in their shoes. Ìý

“Students are reading about these traditions, learning about the culture and getting to celebrate it in an authentic way,â€� said Kailey Corpman, a dual language specialist at Wimbish. Ìý

To celebrate the German tradition authentically, Wimbish students left a shoe – or a drawing of their shoe – out in the hallway on Saint Nicholas Day (Dec. 6) with no idea what to expect. Ìý

When they went to get their shoes later on, their faces lit up as they realized that Saint Nicholas had indeed paid a visit. Ìý

A piece of candy, a new pencil and a Wolf Buck to use at the school store were waiting for them in each shoe. Ìý

Celebrating the German tradition is personal for Wimbish teaching assistant Johanna Voigt, who is German and grew up celebrating Saint Nicholas Day.Ìý

“My son and I have always givenÌýhis teachers their gifts on Saint Nicholas Day to promote it in school,â€� Voigt said. “I was so excited when I heard that we were doing this this year. IÌýlove that WimbishÌýhas incorporated this for all the kids.â€� Ìý

Celebrating differentÌýtraditions has been a great way to connect students with the cultural roots of some of their peers and educators – like Voigt – and of people they’ve never met across the world. But it’s not just educational. It’s fun, too. Ìý

“It’s fun because we learn about other cultures,â€� said second grader Adah Ramos. “Every day is something different.â€� Ìý

Velasco says that’s exactly the goal.

“We not only teach the language, we teach the culture.â€�Ìý

Learn more about Wimbish World Language Academy.

Good attendance at school is critical for success and will impact a child’s entire life. That’s why the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is highlighting Attendance Awareness Month throughout September.

“Attendance is the key to high school graduation and college and career readiness,â€� said Ginger Polster, the principal at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center.

Graduation Pays Off

Getting to graduation is almost imperative for a successful career and life. People often think of graduation as the finish line. But while it is the end of high school, it’s also the starting line for a successful future.

And getting to graduation requires good attendance at school. In fact, school attendance is actually a better indicator of whether a student will drop out or graduate than test scores. Statistics show that students who are chronically absent – and not just in high school but starting in kindergarten – are significantly less likely to graduate.

“Students who attend regularly have a better chance at graduating from high school and at succeeding in life after high school, whether that is going to work, going to college or enlisting in the military,â€� said Dr. Debbie Blackner, an ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ career and technical education specialist. “They learn more and develop better study habits and healthy life habits. Because of this, those who attend school regularly have more options in life after high school and greater earning potential.â€�

The greater earning potential is significant. A high school graduate is likely to make over their lifetime than a high school dropout. They are also less likely to live in poverty, suffer poor health and become involved in the criminal justice system ().

Missing school can ruin a student’s chance to graduate, and not graduating can ruin their chances at success. On the other hand, graduation can launch a student into an exciting future.

Work Ready

As important as graduating is, attendance at school isn’t just about walking across a stage and getting a diploma. It’s also about preparing students for their lives after they graduate.

“We focus on ensuring that every student has the opportunity to be ‘work ready’ upon graduating from high school and help them learn that if you do not show up for work you do not get paid,â€� Polster said.Ìý“We share with them that ‘work ready’ is their ability to apply academic knowledge, technical knowledge and hard and soft skills in a work setting.â€�

Students learn soft skills, like the importance of showing up on time and being prepared. These skills empower them to make the most of the opportunities they will have after graduation.

“We teach students the importance of learning to manage themselves as they would be expected to manage themselves in the workplace,� Polster said.

So, once they graduate, they’re ready to thrive.

Impact

Dr. Ben Bholan, the principal at Arlington College and Career High School has seen the impact of good attendance over and over. Many of ACCHS’ students are the first person in their family to earn a high school diploma and have had to overcome many struggles.Ìý

“One thing they had in common was that they would always show up on time to every class, attend tutorials or professor office hours and seek out extra help wherever it was available,� Bholan said.

By doing that – by attending – they set themselves up for success in their classes and for life after they graduate.

“Sometimes, because of their attendance to all classes and tutorial sessions, they were able to get additional information from their teachers or professors that helped them succeed in very difficult courses,â€� Bholan said.Ìý“After graduation, good attendance became an innate habit for them, and they went on to acquire college degrees and enter the workforce as successful adults.â€�

Act Now

Now is the time to act, to make sure your students make it to school every day. It’s not always easy to get to school, but the long-term benefits of going make the effort more than worthwhile.

“Their dedication to success first started with a commitment to attendance and always being where they needed to be in a timely manner,â€� Bholan said about his students.Ìý“It has been the baseline for their success in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ and to opening the doors to an amazing future.â€�

Attendance is key – for graduation and an amazing future.

Learn more about the importance of school attendance and what you can do to help at theÌý.

Tips to make it a great day

School starts tomorrow! Ìý

Here are five tips to help you and your kids have a great first day back at school in the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.ÌýÌý

Get a Head StartÌý

Back to school eve is just as important as the first day of school. Take some time to do some back-to-school shopping or practice a bedtime routine. Get your kids excited for the first day back to school with some new kicks, clothes and school supplies. Ìý

Check out the elementary school supply lists here so you can be ready. Junior high and high school students will find out what supplies they need from their teachers during the first week of school. Ìý

And remember, getting a good night’s sleep sets the tone for a smooth back-to-school morning.ÌýÌý

Fuel Your BrainÌý

Once you are refreshed and ready to start the morning, it’sÌýtime for the most important meal of the day. A nutritious breakfast – whether at home or school –Ìýis the right way to jumpstart the first day back at school. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ provides breakfast and lunch at each campus, and you can check out the and pay for meals .ÌýÌý

Cheat the ClockÌýÌý

The battle of traffic happens every year for the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ community heading back to school, and giving yourself plenty of time is the only way to deal with it. It’s a good idea to add some extra time in your morning routine for drop-off on the first day of school. It will be slower on the first day.Ìý

Elementary times are 8:10 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., junior high times are 8:45 to 4:10 p.m. and high school times are 7:35 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can see a complete list of calendars and important dates here.Ìý

Create MemoriesÌý

Whether your child is heading into pre-K or senior year, be sure to snap some memories with a “first day of schoolâ€� pic. Before you know it, they’ll be walking the stage at graduation and you don’t want to miss a moment. Show off your kiddos to your friends and family using the hashtags #WeConnectDayOne and #ArlingtonISD so we can share your first day of school pictures on our district social media channels.ÌýÌý

Talk PositiveÌý

Words of affirmation, a note in your child’s lunch box or a reminder that you cannot wait to hear about their day are all ways to set your child up with a positive attitude going into the new school year. Remind yourself and your child to relax, take a deep breath and exhale. There are games to play, friends to make and many ways to learn. Opportunities in the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ are endless!Ìý

From all of us at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, have an amazing first day back to school! Ìý

Martin senior started high school at age 10

Oforitsenere Bodunrin was only 10 when she started her freshman year at Martin High School, but that didn’t stop her from making the most of her time and excelling as a high schooler.

Now, at only 14, she’s about to graduate.

“It feels good to be graduating with the class of 2023," Bodunrin said. “It’s interesting to be in this position because sometimes I compare myself to my peers who are older but then I think about it and realize graduating at 14 is a huge accomplishment.�

Bodunrin packed a lot into her four years at Martin. She served as president of Key Club and she was an editor for Martin Student News, a historian for the Black Student Union (BSU), a Future Business Leaders of America state finalist, president of the Filmmaker's Society and historian for the National Art Honors Society.

After graduation, Bodunrin plans to attend the to study computer science and aviation. She credits her interest in aviation to a seminar she attended her freshman year and her older sister, Fifehanmi Bodunrin. Fifehanmi also graduated from Martin at 14 years old and is currently a student at LeTourneau University studying to become a pilot.

Oforitsenere’s mother and father have been instrumental in the success of both of their daughters and passed on their spirit of resiliency and dedication.

“Oforitsenere getting out of school so early is a huge accomplishment,â€� said Bawo Bodurin, Oforitsenere's mother. “I am incredibly grateful for schools like Martin in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½."

Despite her success, it wasn’t easy for Bodunrin when she first started at Martin. It was a struggle for her to come out of her shell as a 10-year-old. But her AP human geography and African American studies teacher, Gerri Brown, offered guidance and support that helped her on her journey.

“Oforitsenere is an outstanding student, she did everything she needed to do to ensure she was successful,� Brown said. “She always participated in class even though she was so young, and I adored that. I am so remarkably proud of Oforitsenere. She has been fun, sweet and studious as a student and leader, and I can’t wait to see what she will do. I know she will save the world.�

To learn more about the 2023 graduations, visit our graduation page at www.aisd.net/graduation/

College and Career Expo helps students prepare for what comes next

With fewer than 40 days remaining in this school year, countless high school seniors across the ArlingtonÌýISD are facing some crucial decisions.

“Which college or university should I attend?â€�Ìý

"Should I get a job to save money for higher education?â€�Ìý

“Do I need to research trade schools to see if that route best fits me?â€�Ìý

Those questions, and many more, were answered for hundreds of teenagers and their parents at last week’s annual College and Career Expo. There, representatives from 70 colleges and 40 businesses were thrilled to share invaluable information with the 700-plus students and parents who flocked to the event at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center.

It was the first time that Natalie Garcia Jaramillo had ever attended a college and career fair. Prior to her visit to the expo, the Sam Houston High School senior’s plans only included enrolling at Tarrant Community College to obtain a 1-year “certificate of completion,â€� before transferring to the University of Texas at Arlington. However, her teachers suggested that she attend the event due to her interest in the healthcare profession.ÌýÌý

“I’m looking forward to networking with all of the companies that are here and hoping to even find a job after high school,â€� Garcia Jaramillo said shortly after the expo kicked off. Ìý“Because I’m looking to go into the medical field, our teachers really talked about how they have Medical City Arlington (present at the event).â€�Ìý

An array of opportunitiesÌý

The expo transformed the CTC into something like a carnival, full of employers, business owners, organizations and universities manning booths with posters, giveaway materials and trinkets.

Donning business casual attire and bringing their resumes to the jam-packed event, students got a chance to discuss jobs and even conduct on-site interviews for part-time, full-time or post-graduation work. Representatives from Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and many more universities were there to recruit students. The expo also included three HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), Mississippi’s Tougaloo College, Paul Quinn College in Dallas and Louisiana’s Grambling State University.

Parents sat in on presentations about athletic recruiting and the scholarship process for high school athletes as well as detailed guidance on admissions, testing, academic scholarships and financial aid. Translation services for Spanish-speaking parents and students were available to help throughout the expo.Ìý

Leslie Birdow, director of community affairs for ,Ìýa higher education servicing corporation that helped sponsor the event, said the expo was designed to help students get information from colleges and find schools that they may not have ever heard of before. She saidÌýit also assists them if they just want to begin working, learn what a school’s admissions department requires or what an employer wants. Ìý

“It is really where the rubber hits the road,� Birdow said.

Edwanna Smoot attended the event for the first time with her son Eden Brown – a junior at ArlingtonÌýHigh School who wants to study fine arts, theater or animation at an out-of-state institution. Smoot was impressed by the event’s variety of assistance offered to the attendees.

“I think it’s awesome!� Smoot said.

Growing by leaps and boundsÌý

The first Career Expo was at Sam Houston High School six years ago, before growing into the large, district-wide event that it is today. This year, there were about 100 volunteers to help run the event, which has been “life-changingâ€� for students and their siblings, CTC counselor Tammie Newsome said. ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

She said the expo has also been beneficial for local businesses.

“They are looking for a lot of this workforce that has just disappeared over the years,â€� Newsome said. But now, she said, area companies can spend more time training and investing in students who are already interested in their fields.Ìý

Amanda Nolen, admissions counselor for Texas Woman’s University, was also excited to participate at the expo for her first time. While waiting for attendees to stop by her booth, Nolen danced to music – played by an ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ family engagement team member – particularly Carl Carlton’s 1981 funk women’s anthem, “She’s a Bad Mama Jama.â€� Ìý

A former teacher who paid her way through college, Nolen stressed to high school students that TWU is much cheaper than the average state public school and has a 96 percent acceptance rate.

“Public education is for the public, so we’re not trying to make it difficult,� Nolan said, “It’s about how can we help people at the end of the day.�

Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, the district’s superintendent, said the expo is crucial because it provides students a chance to get “hands-on and direct information, face-to-face,â€� with many different universities, colleges and careers.ÌýÌýÌý

“We love hosting this event because its benefits students in Arlington so much,â€� he said. Marveling at the size of the crowd, Cavazos said he believes the attendance “continues to grow because of the demand.â€� Ìý

“It tells us that our students are taking advantage of this … our students are demanding this,â€� Cavazos said. “We aim to serve and that’s what these opportunities are for.â€�Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý ÌýÌýÌý

Volunteers help students pick out the perfect coats

Students at Crow Leadership Academy had some tough choices to make Thursday morning.

Lucky for them, every student at the school had their own personal shopper ready to help when it came time to pick a new winter coat.

The students each received new winter coats as part of a collaboration between and . The nonprofit teams with companies to help provide winter coats to students who can use them.

By the time the event wrapped up Thursday, more than 500 students were ready for whatever winter throws at them this year.

“Having this event for our families means so much during this time,� said Crow principal Liznel Gonzalez-Morales. “Coat season is coming and for all our students to be able to have a warm coat is so important and necessary. I’m glad because of this generosity all our students are getting warm coats and don’t have to worry about that.�

The students didn’t have to worry about anything Thursday. They were met at the gym door by volunteers from FedEx who took them through the coat selection, with every size and color represented so students had choices. The volunteers had students raise and lower their arms and gave the coat a fit test to make sure the students had room to grow into the coat.

Then it was off to put their names in the coats and the shopping day was over.

FedEx workers from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area were on hand to help the students. While the program has been going on for several years, because of COVID-19 the event has been done in a drop-off-style the last couple of years.

That wasn’t the case Thursday.

“So much of what we do we don’t see the direct impact,â€� said Lissa Smith, the FedEx community relations advisor. “This is great to be able to be with the kids and see the impact of our donation.â€�ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

FedEx isn’t done either. Next month FedEx will drop off a shipment of hats, gloves and socks to make sure the students are set.

FedEx and Operation Warm began the collaboration in 2008 and are nearing one million coats donated to students in North America. This year alone the coats are being delivered in 37 cities across the United States and Canada.

Each coat carries the message “Made With Love� in the hopes of providing warmth, confidence and hope.

Nery Silverio, who is the Operation Warm events coordinator, was happy to be able to help the Crow students.

“I love what I do,� Silverio said. “Just to see the faces, for some of these kids, I’m from Cuba and I came when I was eight years old. I was a kid that used to get a coat or shoes because I didn’t have it because my parents were always working and trying to make ends meet. I remember the people that used to help me. I remember the first-grade teacher who used to give me hair bows. She’s a professor at Purdue University and I still talk with her. This is an experience that they will remember, some of them for the rest of their lives.�

Arlington Aquatics Club

Does your child love swimming to beat the summer heat? Do you think you might have the next Michael Phelps on your hands?

Well, now’s the chance for your child to put their skills to the test at the Arlington Aquatics Club new swimmer tryouts. Tryouts will be held for kids ages 5-18 at 5 p.m. on Aug. 29-31 at the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Natatorium ().

“Swimming is a great life skill for everyone to have regardless of their long-term goals,â€� said Danny Huffman, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ aquatic coordinator. “Kids that join the team can expect to have fun in a team environment and gain new friendships all while getting great exercise.

“We have a great group of coaches that have fun teaching the kids, and it’s a great opportunity to come in and grow in our sport.�

Just in case you thought your child had to be an Olympic-level athlete, don’t worry. They don’t. There’s only one qualification to make the team: a 25-yard safety swim.

The club is a year-round team with several groups and times based on age and ability, so there’s a spot for everyone.

If your child is ready to develop their swimming skills, be sure to head to for more information. Don’t hesitate. You might be living with a future Olympic swimmer.

Technology Enrichment inspires learning

“Funâ€� may not have been what students expected when they came to summer school (aka summer learning) this year. But that’s exactly what third through eighth graders at 11 elementary schools and four junior high schools got thanks to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s innovative Technology Enrichment program. And they learned some important skills, too.

The Technology Enrichment program was created and launched by the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s technology integration and innovation department in 2016 as a way to give summer learning students a brain break and some fun. It taps into the interest and curiosity students already have for technology and offers fun challenges that often have students asking for more.

“It’s highly engaging and exciting,â€� said Levianne Mirabelli, the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ technology integration specialist who leads the program and helped first develop it back in 2016. “Students look forward to coming every day. When they see the technology teacher, they’re so excited: ‘I can’t wait to come to your class today. What are we doing today?’â€�

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ teachers volunteer for the program, receive training before summer school starts and then roll it out most days for the students. They use web-based platforms like and to give their students fun lessons and challenges that teach a wide variety of skills like computer skills, computational thinking, coding, virtual robotics, typing and more.

“It’s giving us a chance to empower these students to gain those future-ready skills,� Mirabelli said.

Bedrooms and parks

This summer, the primary Technology Enrichment assignment for third- through sixth-grade students was to design their dream bedroom using Learning.com. They had to create a budget for the project and use spreadsheets to track expenses, design the room on blueprint paper and then do it digitally, develop a presentation in Canva or Adobe Express showing their bedroom plans, and finally build the bedroom in Minecraft.

Seventh and eighth graders’ assignment was similar, only they had to design a park. They had to take city requirements into account as they created their design. Then they used Canva to create an advertisement for their new park, and finally, they built it in Minecraft.

“We learned about coding and programming,� said second-year Technology Enrichment teacher Jena Shankle. “They were able to use it in one of their favorite programs and see how what they learn in class – like area and perimeter – can be used in Minecraft.�

The students enjoyed it so much, they would ask for more. Once they finished their other assignments, they could engage in a variety of enrichment activities through fun apps like Chrome Music Lab and National Geographic Kids. From art and music to science and coding, students could choose all kinds of fun learning activities.

"To an outsider, my lab may have sounded loud and chaotic at times, but the dialogue I heard during these challenges is music to my teacher's ear," said Technology Enrichment teacher Chasity Johnson. "They were formulating questions to seek the right kind of help from each other."Ìý

In Shankle’s class, some of the students mainly wanted to improve their typing so they could be like their teacher: able to type while not looking at the computer or talk and type at the same time.

Whatever they chose, it made summer learning extra fun.

First Christian Church of Arlington sponsors students

Most parents dream of sending their kids to college, but some Blanton Elementary School parents didn’t think the day would come so soon. To make the idea of going to college a reality, First Christian Church of Arlington partnered with Blanton to send 60 students to Tarrant County College through the College for Kids program.

College for Kids is a three-week summer program that allows Blanton students to take classes like forensic science, robotics, theater and leadership at TCC’s Southeast campus. Although local students can opt to take classes at TCC for enrichment, Blanton is the only campus where kids are fully sponsored and transportation is provided at no cost to families.

Since 2010, has sponsored more than 500 students for the program. The program took a pause the past two years due to the pandemic, but Blanton principal Josh Leonard and program coordinator Betty Thomas are excited it’s up and running again.

“Our church believes in education, and this program grew out of that,� said Thomas. “We love to see the kids dream, and we hope the program has long-term effects on them by helping them believe going to college is an attainable goal.

“It’s a safe, peaceful environment that provides educational opportunities and stimulation for kids during the summer.�

You don't have to be perfect for collegeÌý

Throughout the year, teachers recommend students based on academics, attendance and decorum. Students who participate in College for Kids don’t have to make perfect grades, but they are expected to be willing to learn and grow daily.

Since the program is Monday through Thursday in the afternoons, Blanton provides transportation to and from the campus. Leonard, Thomas and volunteers from the church ensure kids safely check in, get transported and have an outstanding time at TCC.

“It’s an incredible partnership that opens the kids’ eyes to brighter opportunities,� said Leonard. “The confidence, maturity and excitement to learn that these kids have when they come back is incredible.

“The church and community are giving opportunities to students they wouldn’t be able to get otherwise, and the families love it.�

Before the school year ended, staff members from TCC went to Blanton to speak with students and families to help break the ice. Since sending a 10-year-old to college can seem overwhelming, staff was there to answer questions, provide support and settle any uneasiness about the kids joining the program.

Because of community partnerships like this, students are being exposed to new opportunities and breaking the limitations of what the future holds for them. That’s always a win in the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.

So, you think you’re smarter than a fifth-grader, huh? Well, try maneuvering a bot through a maze, operating a LEGO Spike or coding a road trip across the United States before you answer that question.

Camp InnovationÌý

It might sound like gibberish to you, but for the kids at Camp Innovation, technology is their primary language.

Camp Innovation is a four-day camp that allows fifth through 10th graders to focus on innovative problem-solving and critical thinking through various forms of technology. With more than 10 types of robots, drones and other gadgets, students are learning to take their creativity to another level to learn coding, robotics and programming.

“Everything we do ties back to programming and coding, because every person needs those skills no matter what career they choose,� said Susan Anderson, technology integrations specialist and Camp Innovation director. “Whether it’s problem-solving, critical thinking or working as a team, each student will need those skills as they journey throughout life.�

The Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center hosted the camp over a three-week time span, which saw about 170 kids per week. And the best part of it all? It’s free! Students from across the district got to experience technology in a whole new way at no cost to their families, and transportation was provided.

“I like coming here and being able to experience something new,� said Arlington High School freshman Hannah Brown. “In your normal classes at school, you’re not going to be coding drones with your classmates. This camp has taught me how to problem-solve, adapt to make things work better and learn to work with partners and groups again since the pandemic. I’m a better communicator because of it.�

How different does instructional time at Camp Innovation look compared to a typical science class? Kids are flying drones through obstacle courses, coding Spheros to play water polo and bocce ball, and using robots to compete against their classmates in LEGO competitions.

Volcanoes?Ìý

It’s a level up from volcanoes filled with baking soda and vinegar.

The camp is in its fifth year of operation and is continuously expanding to improve the curriculum and experience for students. Applications for the program opened in early April and only stayed open for one week due to the high demand. After one day, the camp had nearly maxed out its capacity. Out of the 73 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ schools that are eligible to participate, 72 schools were represented.

Thanks to the state and federal interventions and operations department, students got to kick off their summer with a fun, challenging experience, and some teachers learned a new thing or two during camp, too.

“I was very nervous at the beginning because I only started to work with coding last summer,� said Deana Nazworth, a seventh-grade English teacher at Nichols Junior High. “There were kids coming in here that knew more about coding than me, and I had to get out of the old teacher mindset of being the information-giver. The kids have taught me so much in this short amount of time.

“This camp provides a moment where students, no matter the knowledge or skill level, get to blossom in creativity. It’s so inspiring to see them be supportive of each other. It’s teaching resilience and determination in a way that most education textbooks just talk about.�

Join in on the fun at camp!

If your student didn’t get a chance to attend Camp Innovation this summer, don’t fret. The technology used during camp is available to rent throughout the school year through the technology integration and innovation department. That means all ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ teachers can integrate it into their curriculum at any point in the year.

And be sure to keep an eye out for the application window in spring 2023.Ìý

Making it to high school graduation requires plenty of hard work, but the moment of crossing the stage to receive a diploma makes it all worth it. Take it from Lamar High School salutatorian Haley Wehr who has served in multiple student organizations throughout her four years and has the cords and stoles to prove it.

From Key Club to orchestra, Wehr made the most out of her high school experience academically and socially. She even got the opportunity to enlighten her classmates and peers across ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½! Her role? News anchor for important district updates for AISD-TV News. For four years, Wehr gave the latest news and helped bring district campaigns to life with fun, informational videos.

“Looking at my cords, stoles and medals fills me with immense pride and gratitude,� Wehr said. “As I reflect on all the different colors, each representing a different organization or accomplishment, I am reminded not only of my own successes, but of the people who have helped me accomplish each goal along the way.�

Wehr’s got a lot to be proud of, too. Look at the list of cords and stoles that will be dangling around her neck on graduation day.

Cords

Double Forest Green: 50 hours of service

Double Red, White, Blue: Academic Decathlon

Red: 2 Carter blood care donations

Purple: HOSA Future Health Professionals membership

Blue, Orange, White: Early action acceptance to UTA

Pink: Honors music

Stoles

Blue: National Honor Society

Yellow: 50 Key Club sponsored hours

Gold: LHS Salutatorian

As she counts down the days to graduation, Wehr is excited to celebrate her graduating class’ accomplishments and begin a beautiful new chapter.

“As graduation approaches, I am excited to see my peers and applaud each of them for all their successes,� said Wehr. “Every cord tells a different story and paints a picture. Each student went above and beyond throughout their high school years. Seeing these cords on graduation will be a reminder that we all excel and thrive in unique ways, and these differences make us stronger.�

Can’t make it to graduation but you still want to be a part of the special day? If you’d like to watch Lamar High School’s graduation, visit aisd.net/graduation to livestream the ceremony. Be sure to tag @LamarVikingsAISD (Facebook), @LamarHigh (Twitter) and @lamarvikingsaisd (Instagram)!Ìý Use #ArlingtonISD when capturing special moments of your graduate for a chance to be featured on ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ official social media pages.

There’s an old saying that goes, “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.� Well, culinary students at Bowie High School are heating things up, but they can handle it. The budding chefs have created some special recipes that will be featured on district lunch menus this fall.

Led by culinary teacher Amber Craven, the students formed teams to create five new, delectable recipes. The entrees included a chicken po-boy, breakfast wrap, Southwest fajita bowl, fiesta scrambled eggs and chicken and waffles. In partnership with the food and nutrition services department, each recipe was created with food straight off the shelves of the district's food pantry.

Taste Testing

After coming up with the recipes, the class hosted a food tasting with superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, food and nutrition services director David Lewis and Bowie principal Reny Lizardo.

“My students were tasting new menu items that were released this year, and they thought ‘We could do this,’� said Craven. “I encouraged them, and it was simply an idea to Mr. Lewis, but now I’m excited to see it all come to life.�

More than fun

Some of the students thought the project was just fun and games. For others, it made them more comfortable cooking at home. For sophomore Estrella Flores, it was love at first bite.

“I love this class because you get to learn what it’s like to work in a kitchen plus you get to see what you might want to do in the future,� said Flores. “Personally, I’d like to become a chef, so this is a great start to my journey.�

Flores and a few of her peers intend to enroll in the culinary program at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center, so Craven’s introductory class has given them a taste of what it takes to become a chef.

Stepping it up

A special group of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ alumni restaurant owners will also have a unique chance to add some dishes to the menus next school year. Local restaurants like , The and more will have the opportunity to inspire dishes with ingredients presented by the food and nutrition services department. In a nutshell, school menus are stepping it up a notch.

“We want everything on our menu to be student-driven,� said Lewis. “I can’t wait until the food they have created comes off the line next year. When students are actually eating it at lunch, I know it’ll be a fantastic day.�

Nothing brings people together like good food, and the culinary students are teaming up to ensure the Bowie community and all others can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals in the cafeteria every single day. Bon appétit!

https://www.facebook.com/ArlingtonISD/videos/679957753267968/

Entrepreneur? Sometimes, it's just in you

Kenny Macino was an entrepreneur before she knew exactly what it was.

A fellow student so loved Kenny’s life-like sock doll made of cloth, buttons and string, they offered $3. Another offered $4 for one of her own. A teacher at Bailey Junior High, where Kenny is an eighth-grader, asked her to tailor-make one for him for $5. After making a black sock rabbit with fluffy ears, brown button eyes and stitching the teacher’s name across the belly, he handed her $10, replying, “I’m happy to pay for what it’s really worth.�

No wonder Kenny was a finalist in the held Saturday at .

Not for the sock dolls. Ideas like that, said Kenny, “are going on in my head all the time.�

Students demonstrating the best entrepreneurial spirit were on full display for the contest. Now in year 16, which, according to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ partner Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, means that somewhere in the vicinity of 20,000 students have participated.

Hundreds of Arlington students in grades third through eight were recognized for a wide range of innovative ideas. Ideas have included sending drones into space to halt carbon monoxide to wristwatches that can sniff out the bad air.

While that number sounds large, consider that it dwindled from an entry list of 2,500.

Where to get started?

Students could answer the essay prompt “What’s your creative idea for a product you could sell or a business you could create and operate in Arlington?â€� Or, in artform, create an advertisement for aÌý

product you could sell for a business you could own and operate in Arlington.

Questions they had to keep in mind: What do you sell? What is the customer? Why is the idea unique? How would it be marketed and managed?

Each grade and category revealed the finalists during the award ceremony; after their names were called, finalists strolled gleefully across the stage to shake hands – or give high fives – to dignit

aries like Arlington Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Board of Trustees members and Chamber President & CEO Michael Jacobson.

Then the top three winners in each of those grades and categories were called back on stage to receive a prize package.

First-place winners earned a scholarship to attend the exclusive one-week “The BIG Idea Lab� Summer Camp. At the camp, students will learn what it means to be an entrepreneur. They also get a chance to expand upon their winning idea in front of local entrepreneurs. It’s not Shark Tank – but close.

“The goal is that hopefully, this sort of first step into entrepreneurship will lead to young students wanting to learn more and eventually become entrepreneurs,� said Jacobson. “Our talent in Arlington is our biggest asset, and we need to be fostering that talent to make our community the best it can be.�

Dr. Cavazos

Cavazos viewed it from the educator’s point of view.

“What I am most proud of is your mindset as young people to help others,� Cavazos told the audience during his brief address. “Yes, with your ideas, you can create a business. You can make money. But if your ideas are focused on making life better for everyone, that’s hard to learn. And you are learning it already.�

For the third year, high schoolers could participate in a slightly different contest where students entered as teams instead of individuals. This year 31 teams competed, a massive jump from the previous two COVID-restricted years of one team in the first year and three in the second.

Student teams of three to five members were asked to find innovative and viable solutions for one of three challenges facing Arlington: an anti-littering campaign, community youth programming, and emergency preparedness for the community’s senior citizens.

Teams pitched their ideas in a three-minute video presentation, with winners receiving an iPad and Texas Rangers tickets.

One of the more ambitious was a group calling itself Stork. The team pitched an idea to use drones to deliver necessities like canned goods, water, flashlights, and blankets to senior citizens during winter storms.

Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce

“This is an opportunity for our high school students to work together to build their collaboration and critical thinking skills,� Alicia Collins-Butler, director of the education workforce and community development for the chamber, said of the high school division. “Instead of creating an idea off the top of their head that is completely their own, we gave them real-world challenges the city of Arlington is actually facing.�

Bowie High School junior Jasmine Moreno, part of the Anti-Litter Campaign winners taking an entrepreneurship class at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center, said the experience made her look at business differently.

“It’s not just an individual thing. It’s also about teamwork,� said Jasmine. “You really need to consider their possibilities and look more into what the people want rather than what you want. It really opened my eyes! I can do to improve myself businesswise or my idea to make things better. I learned so much in my entrepreneurial class.�

Kenny, the Bailey eighth-grader, didn’t win first place, but she’s already an entrepreneur. She's already sold several tote bags she made on her sewing machine. She’s also sold drawings and paintings to her fellow students.

“I enjoy the idea of creating something people enjoy,� she said. “Making something on your own and getting paid for it is, I don’t know, really freeing. It’s a great feeling.�

Facts about autism are just about everywhere at Hill Elementary – on the outdoor pavement and indoor walls, on posters and doors – and that’s precisely the point.

As comes to a close, Hill wanted to go all-out on its attempt to bring cognizance wrapped around a celebratory tone about a disorder that is often misunderstood.

“A lot of people don’t understand the definition of autism,� said Hill Special Education teacher Haley Tennes, whose class for the past four years has been primarily students with the neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact, communicate, learn and behave.

Autism

Autism can be diagnosed at any age. It is described as a “developmental disorder� because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.

While the cause remains unknown, studies have detected differences in the brain that causes developmental disorders that can make it harder to communicate and interact socially with peers.

“People are very quick to assume it is a lack of intelligence or non-verbal or that you are either very low or very high functioning,� Tennes said. “But it’s really a full spectrum of kiddos who have very fixated interests. I mean, one of our students knows everything about trains that you could know. It’s impressive.�

Food and Fun

In years past, Hill put on a litany of events surrounding autism during its Spirit Week to help spread awareness to those still a bit in the dark about it.

“This year, we wanted to do something to involve the whole community,� Tennes said. “We came up with this idea a month ago. So we just kind of threw everything together.�

The idea was an Autism Walk with a fundraiser attached and a festival, where everyone could come together for food, fun and lots of autism facts.

ÌýOn Wednesday, teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members took off to do circles around the Hill track, eventually raising over $500 for the .

They then gathered for fun and games, like Legos, Play-Doh and coloring. There were several tactile sensory activities to help stimulate the brain, create neural pathways and improve sensory processing systems.

“All of the stations are based on a typical behavior of our students with autism or those on the autism spectrum disorder,� said Hill fourth-grade teacher Kellie Pringle, who was presiding over one of the stations. “Things they may find fascinating or ways they can calm down. It gives everyone, even those neurotypical folks, an opportunity to experience some of that interaction and exploration.�

Facts

Students used colored chalk to write out facts on the pavement. (“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)Ìýaffects 1 in 68 children and is more likely in boys than girls,â€� said one. “ASD is more common than childhood cancer, diabetes and AIDS – combined,â€� said another). During and after the walk, students in Tennes’ class reeled off facts as well from a microphone,

“Spectrum means wide range,� a student said. “It is called this because all kids with autism are different!�

Said another, “Autism affects how the brain works. Making it hard to talk, understand others and learn!�

Parents of students with autism are “quite comfortable� at events like this, said Tennes, mainly because “everything here is geared to them. It’s about them. They aren’t the outsiders.�

The Best Kids

Tennes studied psychology in college and took a substitute teacher assignment in special education shortly after graduation. She loved it. Special education certification followed, and now she’s concluding her fourth year at Hill.

“One of my friend’s sons is autistic, so I learned a lot from him and how they interact,� she said.

What most impresses her about students with autism is how they see the world through a completely different lens.

“It’s not wrong,� she said, “it’s just different. So I do what I can to get people to understand that.�

For her, every month is Autism Awareness Month.

“I have the best kids and have been lucky enough to have them at whatever age I get them,� she said. “They stay with me until they go to junior high. So I get to build a perfect bond with my kiddos. If only people could see some days what I see every day.�

Sixteen schools in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ are taking a different approach to educate youth about suicide prevention with the help of a peer-to-peer intervention program called . The schools celebrated Hope Squad Week this week with activities like class TikTok challenges, scavenger relays, crossword challenges and more in an effort to prevent youth suicide through education, training and peer intervention.

Students on each Hope Squad are nominated by their peers for being kind, trusting and encouraging individuals that anyone in the school would feel comfortable talking to. Once selected for the squad, students receive year-round training and support from trained advisors on how to show empathy, listening without judgment and reducing the stigma around mental illness.

“Hope Squad Week couldn’t have come at a better time,� said Young Junior High counselor Kelli Stewart. “This is a great initiative for the kids to learn about being kind and spreading hope. With the activities, it’s cool to see how they express hope in different ways. It’s adding some much-needed positivity to the kids’ lives.�

The Hope Squad program began in Utah after multiple suicides occurred in the Provo City School District. Administrators decided to try everything they could to prevent any more. Suicide rates in the Provo City School District dropped to zero because of the implementation.

Hope in Arlington

Since then, Hope Squad has been implemented in campuses across nearly 40 states in over 1,250 schools. More than 5,000 students have been referred for help with the assistance of trusted peers and advisors. The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is in its third year of Hope Squad implementation, and participating schools are listed below.

High school: Arlington College & Career, Arlington Collegiate, Bowie and Venture

Junior high: Bailey, Barnett, Boles, Carter, Nichols, Shackelford and Young

Elementary: Amos, Goodman, Little, Patrick and Wood

“At the end of each day, we want the kids to know they matter,â€� said Telisa Brown, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ director of guidance and counseling. “We know suicide rates have increased since the pandemic, and this is a great program that equips students with resources to create a fostering environment at their school.â€�

Spreading the message of hope has helped thousands of kids across the nation. This includes Arlington. The Hope Squad aims to continue the discussion around mental health and wellness to help save lives.

For more information on Hope Squad and how to get involved, visit their . If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also reach out to your school counselor for support.

Amos Elementary fourth-grader Parker knows what he likes when it comes to food.

“The French fries were too spicy,� Parker said. “The other two were too bland. They tasted just like potatoes.�

Classmate Jose is also a food critic of sorts. He was rather vocal when it comes to nacho cheese.

“The one that’s blue is too chunky,� he said. “The green one was way better.�

What are the students talking about?

Potential lunch options for the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ in the future.

The fourth graders from Amos are just one of the schools that recently visited the food and nutrition services building to give their opinions on the kind of food that’s on the menu for school lunches.

Chicken patties to broccoli

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The school field trip was the idea of food and nutrition services director David Lewis, who heard some students’ opinions when he was visiting a campus.

With the district in the process of bidding out food for the upcoming school year, Lewis wanted to give students a chance to play a role in the process. That’s why schools like Amos made the trip. Amos students took taste tests on everything from chicken patties to nacho cheese. Plus, they got to tour the building and get a lesson on nutrition. They even ate broccoli!

While adults may hold back on their opinions, that’s not the case with students. There was a wall for them to say what they like, what they don’t like and what they’d like to see.

It’s all valuable input for Lewis.

“They’re helping us with our bid,� Lewis said. “We get samples from various manufacturers and then we have to compare them to decide what we want to serve. They’re making that decision for us. They give us lots of different ideas, things they like and things they have at school that have to go. We want to know what they’re eating at home, what they’re eating at restaurants.�

The students aren’t the only ones participating in the field trip, either. Teachers get to voice their opinions, too. They love the idea that students get to have a voice.

“Their feedback matters,� said Amos teacher Kara Reyna. “They have been so excited about this trip. This is a real-world opportunity to see how their opinion matters.�

If opinions matter, then Jose has a hot one he wanted to share. His favorite restaurant is Olive Garden and his favorite food is lasagna. While he enjoys eating out, he’s also a big fan of the lasagna students get at school. He hopes there are no changes to that menu item.

“It’s really good,� he said. “Even the teachers eat the lasagna.�

Are you ready to rumble? Not quite? Well, it’s okay because the kids at Ashworth Elementary have your back. Over 300 students were excited to get moving with WWE stars and Dallas Cowboys players for UNICEF’s Kid Power Active Day.

The star-studded lineup included WWE’s Dana Brooke, Titus O’Neil, Apollo Crews and Damian Priest, along with Dallas Cowboys Neville Gallimore, Chauncey Golston and Carlos Watkins.

The City of Arlington is hosting the most stupendous event in wrestling history, also known as WrestleMania 38 this weekend at AT&T Stadium. With a week of exciting events leading up to the “wrestling Super Bowl,� the WWE stars stopped by Ashworth Thursday afternoon to discuss the importance of mental and physical health and making a difference in the community.

“WWE is a global company, and one of the best parts of getting to travel is being in the community and giving back to them,� said O’Neil. “We have a great opportunity to be able to recognize local organizations and schools and meet people within the area that do so much year-round. We try to do whatever we can to pay tribute to those individuals.�

Everyone can be a hero

O’Neil also talked to the kids about what it takes to be a hero in the community.

“You don’t have to be a WWE superstar to make change. Go out and be whatever you want to be, but be a great human being in the process,â€� said O’Neil. Ìý

The wrestling stars were also joined by National Medal of Honor Award recipient and UNICEF Chief People Officer Michael Klompus.

“We’re so committed to providing mental and physical resources and support for you, because you have the power to make such a positive impact in the world,� said Klompus. “We want every child to thrive around the world, and we get to celebrate you today because of your tremendous work in the community.�

Ashworth students are making a difference through participating in the program. The students have watched more than 2,600 healthy-living Kid Power videos to date, which has unlocked 244 packets of food donations for children in other parts of the world in need of the vitamins and nutrients necessary to grow, learn and play. To positively impact their own community, the school also donated 112 meals to families at local food banks, delivered 20 mobile food pantry meals and planted two trees.

“There’s a hero in each and every one of you, and all you have to do is stand up and help someone else along the way,� said Swenson. “You don’t need a battlefield or a sports arena, you just need to be a good person.�

Without a doubt, Ashworth students are heroes for their commitment to empower the Arlington community. Check out pictures from the incredible event !