Dr. Marcelo Cavazos to be honored听

Retired 星空传媒 superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos will be honored with the North Texas Education Leadership Award next month.

The award is presented by the . Cavazos is being honored for his development of innovative programs that meet the current needs of employers and students and for building a pathway toward sustainable futures for students.

鈥淚 am truly humbled and honored,鈥� Cavazos said. 鈥淚t [the award] represents what all believe in the 星空传媒. That is transforming the lives of our students. Together with the North Texas Commission, we make sure our students are highly skilled and ready to enter the workforce or attend the university of their dreams.鈥�

Cavazos receives the honor Sept. 21 during the NTC鈥檚 annual membership luncheon in Dallas.

Thursday marked the final day for Cavazos as the superintendent of the 星空传媒. He announced his retirement in January after 33 years in education, 23 of them coming in the 星空传媒. He spent the last 11 years as the district鈥檚 superintendent.

We're saying goodbye to our beloved superintendent, Dr. Marcelo Cavazos. After 11 years in the position and 23 years in the 星空传媒, Dr. Cavazos is retiring.听

Fill out the form to send Dr. C your well wishes for retirement and we'll post your comments below.

To RSVP to attend Dr. Cavazos' retirement celebration, email Anita Foster by April 27. You can view the invitation below the comment form.听

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Thank You's and Well Wishes for Dr. C

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New Webb replaces school built in 1960

When Webb Elementary School originally opened in 1993, it was in a building built in 1960 as Nichols Junior High. But today, Webb has a brand-new building for the first time. The district celebrated the much-needed new facility with a dedication ceremony and open house last Friday, complete with a live wallaby, the school鈥檚 mascot.

The wallaby was joined on the cafetorium stage by Arlington , who praised Arlington鈥檚 students as the city鈥檚 greatest asset, and new , who presented a resolution from the state honoring the district and new school. Sam Houston High School's mariachi band, Lamar High School cheerleaders and Webb students all also added to the celebration.

The state-of-the-art facility replaced the old Webb, which is right next door. With 21st-century learning spaces 鈥� including collaboration areas for every grade 鈥� modern technology, fine arts rooms, STEM labs, covered playgrounds with equipment accessible for every child, and state-of-the-art special education facilities, the new Webb does much more than just replace an old school building. It equips every single student for success today and for decades to come.

鈥淭he wait is finally over, and the dream has come true,鈥� said 星空传媒 superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos to the Webb community. 鈥淣ow, you have a beautiful facility designed for you. It鈥檚 a building designed to match what makes Webb so special 鈥� your love and your community. What鈥檚 never changed at Webb 鈥� and won鈥檛 change now 鈥� are the people. You love Webb, and you love each other. Forever it will be that love that holds it together.鈥�

The wait was also finally over for an official Webb logo. Webb's administrators unveiled a new school logo at the dedication ceremony to loud cheers from Webb's teachers. This is the first time the school has had an official logo, which features a wallaby and a sunshine. The sun harkens to the school's namesake, John Webb, whose favorite song was "You are My Sunshine."

The new Webb Elementary opened in January and is the first of four school replacements funded by the 2019 Bond.

鈥淭he 2019 Bond is allowing us to transform our district with rebuilding four of our schools that need it most,鈥� said 星空传媒 Board of Trustees President Melody Fowler. 鈥淭he new school at Webb, followed by three more, are designed to provide our students with the best possible educational experience. They鈥檙e places our students want to be and feel inspired to learn in.鈥�

In addition to Webb, a new Berry and new Thornton elementary are also under construction, slated to open for the 2023-24 school year. Finally, Carter Junior High will be replaced with a new building at a new location 鈥� the site of the former Knox Elementary (and now the temporary Thornton). The new Carter is currently in design.

The 2019 Bond is doing a lot more than building four schools. Learn about all the bond projects at听aisd.net/bond2019,听from new playgrounds to new school buses.

For 33 years, he has dedicated his life to the mission of public education, 23 of them in the 星空传媒 and 11 as Superintendent of Schools. Today, Dr. Marcelo Cavazos announced he will retire from the district on Aug. 31, 2023.

John Quincy Adams said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." Dr. Cavazos has been that leader for students, staff and teachers in the 星空传媒.

Under his leadership, the district developed 13 specialized academies focused on STEM, leadership development, early college education, fine arts, dual language and more. He spearheaded three strategic plans, one Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) and two bond measures totaling $1.6 billion. Through the bond measures, the district built new state-of-the-art facilities for career and technical education, visual and performing arts, and athletics. Additionally, two new schools were built, and four others are being rebuilt from the ground up.

Known by those who work with him as a humble and servant leader who seeks no public praise, we want to publicly say how grateful we are to have had such an outstanding leader for many years. His vision, determination, dedication and love for others is simply unparalleled.

Happy Holidays from our Board of Trustees!

Our schools are closed this week for the fall break. Everyone in the district has plenty to be thankful for, and we wanted to know what it is. We traveled across the district to talk with students, teachers, staff members and our Board of Trustees to find out what they鈥檙e thankful for in 2022.

Today, we caught up with our Board and Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos. The 星空传媒 has seven board members, and they were eager to express their gratitude. Watch the 产别濒辞飞.听

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We are thankful for the incredible students, teachers, staff and Board of Trustees who make our district shine above the rest. A successful education is built with passion, dedication and love. Because of you, we get better and brighter each day. Happy Thanksgiving from 星空传媒!

Dallas Cowboys and Reliant Energy honor Carly Glass

What started out as a late lunch period ended up being a big surprise for Miller Elementary School teacher Carly Glass. The and stormed into her classroom to award her with the Cowboys Class Acts award for November.

Glass was in shock when the entourage walked in, and her students leaped with excitement as the Cowboys鈥� and Reliant鈥檚 mascots, Rowdy and Hugo, met them with hi-fives.

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Glass is one-of-a-kind teacher

While Glass is kind, patient and caring, she鈥檚 anything but your average teacher. She teaches deaf and hearing-impaired students in kindergarten and first grade. So, while the surprise was happening, she communicated with sign language to keep her students in the loop. She wanted them to be able to celebrate the special moment with her.

鈥淚 have always had a passion for helping others,鈥� said Glass. 鈥淢y younger sister has a disability and struggled in school, and I knew I wanted to go out and be the voice for those that didn鈥檛 have one. I decided to go to school to help students with any kind of disability. I found my heart in the deaf education community, and I never looked back.

鈥淚 am so honored, especially because I鈥檓 surrounded by so many amazing teachers who bring so much to this school and to our students.鈥�

A few other people were in on the surprise, too. 星空传媒 superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, former Cowboys linebacker Bradie James and a Reliant rep were on hand for the surprise.

鈥淚 come from a family of educators, and I know how important it is for them to be celebrated,鈥� said James. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not a selfish job, so I wanted to be here to thank Ms. Glass for doing an awesome job.鈥�

Glass was blown away when the group handed her a $4,000 check to be used to improve her classroom, a personalized jersey and an autographed football. Glass now joins a group of six other teachers from 星空传媒 who have received the award since the program鈥檚 inception.

鈥淢s. Glass represents our teachers exceptionally well,鈥� said Cavazos. 鈥淭his enthusiasm and love you have for your students is outstanding, and you have that every day. It鈥檚 no surprise the Dallas Cowboys and Reliant are celebrating you.鈥�

Although Glass is only a second-year teacher, her positive impact and passion are evident. She continues to be an inspiration to teachers at Miller and those around her.

Students at Sam Houston and Martin high schools got a special visit from real-life American heroes last week in advance of Veterans Day. A Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War and one of the last living veterans of the World War II battle at Iwo Jima traveled to Arlington to bring history to life and inspire local students.

The visits were set up by the听, which is slated to open in Arlington in 2024.听听

Iwo Jima Veteran Don Graves

Only a few veterans of Iwo Jima are still alive today, so two history classes at Martin were fortunate to have talk with them last Friday.

The 97-year-old Marine Corps veteran stood in front of the classrooms and shared some of his remarkable story and his love for the Stars and Stripes.

Graves opened with an impersonation of President Franklin Roosevelt鈥檚 famous speech the day after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

鈥淵esterday, Dec. 7, 1941, a date that will live in infamy 鈥︹�� Graves recited in FDR鈥檚 unmistakable accent.

Graves was a poor 16-year-old in Depression-stricken Detroit at the time.

鈥淚 told my two buddies, I said tomorrow morning, I鈥檓 not going to school,鈥� Graves recalled to the Martin students. 鈥淚鈥檓 going downtown 鈥� and I鈥檓 going to join the Marines.鈥�

He did quit school and tried to enlist, but the Marines made him wait six more months until he turned 17.

Graves eventually became a flamethrower and landed on Iwo Jima in the third wave of an amphibious assault on the morning of Feb. 19, 1945. He was part of the Second Battalion and landed with 335 Marines. Only 18 survived the battle, one of the most difficult and costly in U.S. military history. All his officers were killed, and he was the only flamethrower to survive.

Graves was part of the slow fight to climb and take Mount Suribachi on the island. He was nearby when a group of Marines raised the American flag at the top, a , caught by a photographer, that has become one of the most iconic from World War II.

鈥淟et me tell you, young people,鈥� Graves said. 鈥淚f anyone says to you that five or six men put that flag up, you tell them, 鈥楴o they didn鈥檛.鈥� Anyone who fought on that eight square miles put that flag up.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 the greatest flag,鈥� Graves said. The red represents the blood of the thousands of servicemen and women who sacrificed everything for our freedom, he said.

And now, Graves told the students, it鈥檚 their turn.

鈥淵ou are the future now,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou are going to take our place ... This is the country of opportunity 鈥� They鈥檙e waiting for you. Go get 鈥榚m.鈥�

Graves, a lifelong singer who was performing with at a show for Marines in Hawaii when they found out the Japanese had surrendered, finished his talk by asking the students to stand and join him singing 鈥淕od Bless America.鈥�

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Medal of Honor Recipient Major General Patrick Brady

While Graves brought World War II to life at Martin, inspired students at Sam Houston with stories of faith and courage during his service in the Vietnam War.

Brady flew an ambulance helicopter for 2,500 combat missions through treacherous terrain and countless enemy attacks and was involved in the rescue of 5,000 wounded soldiers during his two tours of duty in Vietnam. During one of his second tour missions, he volunteered to rescue wounded soldiers in enemy territory. Four trips and three helicopters later, every wounded soldier Brady helped evacuate received proper medical attention and survived.

Brady received the Medal of Honor in 1969 from President Richard Nixon. His service in the U.S. Army spanned more than 30 years.

鈥淐ourage is just fear that has said its prayers,鈥� said Brady. 鈥淐ourage is when you reach a breaking point, but you don鈥檛 break. It鈥檚 a decision. Young people can be heroes, and they don鈥檛 have to go to combat to do it.鈥�

Brady鈥檚 stories of valor and faith had U.S. history students captivated with every word he spoke. Students leaned in with eagerness and curiosity as he described his journey of service.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a blessing that we鈥檙e able to host a Medal of Honor recipient in Arlington and more importantly that they get to interact with our students,鈥� said 星空传媒 superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos. 鈥淭he students were very engaged. You could hear a pin drop because they want to learn and be a demonstration of excellence and courage.

鈥淲e鈥檙e looking forward to the Medal of Honor Museum being built here in Arlington and continuing this partnership because this changes lives.鈥�

Sixth 星空传媒 teacher named Cowboys Class Act

Last Monday might have been rainy, but the weather couldn鈥檛 stop the joy at Bowie High School. Students and staff were all smiles when the and surprised Sammy Epps with the Cowboys Class Acts honor for October.

Epps is a health teacher and coaches football, track and cross country. Even with a full plate, he does whatever he can to be there for his students, peers and family.

It was evident as students and coaches surrounded him and showered him with hugs as he was honored. In excitement, the football team even broke out a few dance moves with the Cowboys mascot, Rowdy.

鈥淸Head football] Coach [Joseph] Sam really got me with this one,鈥� said Epps. 鈥淚 thought I was coming in here for a meeting.鈥�

It was probably the most celebratory and unconventional meeting he鈥檚 ever been in. Epps received a personalized jersey from former Cowboys linebacker Bradie James, an autographed game ball and a $4,000 grant.

Epps was speechless.

鈥淲ithout him and coaches like him, I wouldn鈥檛 be here today,鈥� said James. 鈥淛ust being here and celebrating Coach Epps is another way of giving back.鈥�

Epps is now the sixth teacher in 星空传媒 to receive the Cowboys Class Acts distinction. The Cowboys and Reliant started the program to honor teachers that exemplify excellence in and out of the classroom and a commitment to their community.

鈥淚鈥檓 extremely proud our coach was honored,鈥� said David Morrow, Bowie assistant principal. 鈥淐oach Epps is dedicated to the service of teaching all of his students and being a great coach as well.鈥�

His dedication to students spans 30 years as a teacher and coach in the district. The honor may have been shocking for him, but it was no surprise to everyone who knows him.

鈥淚 thank the Dallas Cowboys and Reliant because it鈥檚 important for us to recognize teachers but it鈥檚 also important for our partners,鈥� said Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, 星空传媒 superintendent. 鈥淥ur teachers and coaches love our students, they love the community, and Coach Epps, you demonstrate that exceptionally well. Thanks for being a role model in our district.鈥�

There is no doubt Epps is a class act because of his daily service to the community with love, care and kindness.

鈥淚t鈥檚 always about giving back,鈥� said Epps. 鈥淚 serve and give back every single day. I always knew I wanted to do something to educate our youth, and I love helping them find their way into adulthood.鈥�

It was a great first day

星空传媒 Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos traveled across the district Monday to see how the first day of school was going. His tour of six schools required 40 miles of driving and included 19 classroom visits, five Facebook Lives and even one PTA meeting.

What did he find?

It was a super first day. And apparently, the macaroni and cheese in the cafeteria is pretty good.听

There were lots of highlights, from pre-K to high school, but here are just a few from each of the six schools on the tour.

Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language

Dr. Cavazos started the day by joining Jones鈥� dads as they clapped in the new and returning students at the front door. Then he went to a kindergarten class where many of the first-time students were feeling nervous.

Except one. Cavazos stopped to help him with a puzzle, but it turned out he didn鈥檛 really need help. And he happens to be a comedian.

鈥淲hat鈥檚 an alligator鈥檚 favorite food,鈥� the kindergartener asked Cavazos, who had no idea.

鈥淕ator tots. It鈥檚 derived from tater tots,鈥� he explained to the superintendent.

.

Crow Leadership Academy

Nothing makes a first day great like new playgrounds, especially the ones that just opened at Crow. That鈥檚 the lesson Cavazos learned at the leadership academy.

When he explained to a second-grade class what his job is, one boy named Ian asked, 鈥淪o you鈥檙e the one who made them build a new playground?鈥�

Cavazos was suddenly the big man on campus.

鈥淭hank you! It鈥檚 much better!鈥� Ian shouted over a host of students鈥� excited exclamations. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like three playgrounds in one!鈥�

鈥淭he playgrounds are the only reason I came to school,鈥� another student said.

鈥淎re you like the president,鈥� another asked. 鈥淗ave you met Joe Biden?鈥�

Lamar High School

Cavazos started his visit at Lamar with a class of ninth graders in the new Lamar P-TECH program. The early college program has 126 students from across the district and will prepare them for careers in cybersecurity and business.

Cavazos always gives the students a chance to ask him questions, and the P-TECH students had some good ones. One girl asked how he handles stress.

鈥淲hat do you do when you have a lot on your plate?鈥� she asked.

Cavazos admitted his job as superintendent is stressful but that he gets a lot of joy out of it because he loves it.

鈥淚 remember my purpose,鈥� he said. 鈥淎lways return to your purpose.鈥�

His purpose, he said, is the students. And his job is to ensure they all have an exceptional learning experience and graduate prepared for the next stage in their lives.

Ditto Elementary

Playgrounds were an important topic of conversation at Ditto, too. After most students in a first-grade class told Cavazos that the best part of their day had been recess, one asked a serious question.

鈥淲hy does there have to be a new playground?鈥� he asked.

The student was concerned because demolition of the current Ditto playgrounds started yesterday. And even though they enjoyed recess, the students hadn鈥檛 been able to use the playground.

Cavazos explained that the new playgrounds, coming in October, will be better, with shade structures and soft surfaces.

鈥淣o more rocks?!鈥� one student asked about the pea gravel.

No more rocks.

鈥淲hoopee!鈥� he shouted.

Even without a playground for the first day, it was still fun thanks to Principal Bell Williams and her staff. Dressed like a superhero, complete with a cape, Williams talked about how much she loves the first day.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a true celebration and we try to make it that way for our students,鈥� she said. We set the tone on the first day 鈥� We want our students to know they are loved and cared for.鈥�

Ousley Junior High

The junior high students at Ousley didn鈥檛 have as much to say as the elementary students, but they admitted to Cavazos that they were having a good day. And in each class Cavazos visited, they offered the same reason for why it was so good.

The teachers.

鈥淭he teachers are very welcoming,鈥� said Raniya, an eighth grader and aspiring attorney.

But then one eighth grader steered the conversation in an entirely different direction.

鈥淪auce,鈥� Trustin said when Cavazos asked the students if they had any questions.

Then he clarified. 鈥淲e need some better sauce at lunch. Barbecue or honey mustard.鈥�

鈥淪weet and sour, too,鈥� another student said.

Pearcy STEM Academy

It was getting close to the end of the day when Cavazos reached Pearcy, but teachers and students were still going strong and having fun.

In Ms. Vasquez鈥� fourth-grade class, students were engaged in a group challenge to build skyscrapers out of index cards. They were already beginning to learn about engineering principles.

And in Mrs. Lase鈥檚 English class, Cavazos joined in an activity called snowball writing. Each student 鈥� and Cavazos 鈥� had a paper with three writing prompts. They would answer a prompt 鈥� with complete sentences 鈥� then crumple up their paper into a snowball and throw it at a bullseye on the board. Then they would pick up someone else鈥檚 snowball, unfold it and answer the next prompt. After three rounds, Cavazos read to the class what he had written for his third prompt: 鈥淲hat fictional character would you like to be?鈥�

鈥淐harlie Brown,鈥� Cavazos said.

He went on to explain that Charlie Brown has a lot of interesting friends, is a good guy, and though he doesn鈥檛 often win, he always perseveres.

That鈥檚 when a student raised his hand.

鈥淏ut doesn鈥檛 Charlie Brown always get pummeled in the end?鈥� he said.

Super Fun Day

Every school was different and unique. But one thing was the same all around.

It was a super fun day full of great students and great teachers.

And Cavazos had a similar message for all of them. He offered encouragement and thanks in every classroom he visited.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e exceptional fourth graders,鈥� he told Ms. Vasquez鈥檚 class at Pearcy. 鈥淵ou have a great teacher and you鈥檙e going to have a great year. Thank you for being great students.鈥�

The future Berry Elementary School has gone vertical.

That means the steel is now being erected for the frame of the facility. After lots of preparations 鈥� grading, installing utilities, drilling piers, pouring grade beams and more 鈥� it鈥檚 starting to look like a real building.

The original Berry, which first opened in 1955, was demolished last fall to make way for a new building. Berry鈥檚 students and teachers have been housed this past school year and next in a temporary location 鈥� the former Roark Elementary 鈥� until the new building is ready to open in the fall of 2023.

The New Berry

The future Berry is one of four school replacements funded by the 2019 Bond, an effort to modernize the district鈥檚 schools and revitalize their neighborhoods. It鈥檚 all about providing generations of students with the opportunities they need to succeed in the 21^st听肠别苍迟耻谤测.

鈥淲e are excited about what this is going to bring to our community,鈥� said Berry principal Rose Ravin, 鈥渘ot just for our district but especially in our east Arlington area. We know this building will provide opportunities for our east Arlington students. We are excited because they will be a part of making new history, new memories, new learning, new designs and new creations.鈥�

The new building will indeed provide many opportunities for students because of its purposeful design. It was carefully planned by with input from Berry teachers and staff, students and parents. The two-story school building with nearly 105,000 square-feet will feature five classrooms for each grade (pre-K-6), a media center, fine arts classrooms, STEM labs, makerspace, collaboration spaces, outdoor areas and more.

鈥淚t鈥檚 for you,鈥� 星空传媒 Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos told fourth-grade Berry students at the groundbreaking ceremony in December. 鈥淚t鈥檚 for your future. We know that if you have the right spaces and the right environment and the right teachers, nothing can stop you.鈥�

Upcoming construction work includes installing electrical and plumbing, hanging a lot more steel and pouring a lot more concrete. The new elementary is being built by 听on the site where the original Berry stood and is scheduled to open for the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year.

But, as she put it during a brief speech, 鈥淚t was good trouble.鈥�

Sam Houston High School鈥檚 annual Black History Month Program wrapped its entire salute around the idea of that kind of 鈥済ood鈥� trouble: doing what鈥檚 right even when you will be persecuted for it. Event organizers Marissa Wright-Williams and Graylon Roberson, both longtime Sam Houston history teachers, used the life and legacy of John Lewis to craft the event held Friday evening in the school auditorium.

鈥淟ewis is the one who said that if you are getting in trouble for the right reasons, that it鈥檚 good trouble,鈥� Roberson said of the civil rights activist and congressman who died in 2020 at the age of 80. 鈥淚t was fitting to use his life and legacy to put together this program.鈥�

On the front lines

The son of sharecroppers who grew up in rural Alabama, Lewis will long be remembered for being on the front lines to combat Jim Crow laws, particularly as one of about 600 people who tried to march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., only to be met with tear gas, bullwhips and rubber tubing wrapped in barbed wire. A trooper cracked Lewis鈥� skull with a billy club, nearly killing him.

Sam Houston鈥檚 program showed some of the Freedom March footage on a video screen along with an older Lewis explaining to late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert that it was Rosa Parks who inspired him and the phrase 鈥済ood trouble鈥� when she was arrested for sitting in a whites-only section of a Montgomery, Ala., bus.

鈥淪he inspired me, at age 17,鈥� Lewis told Colbert, 鈥渢o get in good trouble, necessary trouble.鈥�

Sam Houston student Isaiah Martin, in a white shirt and black tie, read the speech Lewis delivered during the March on Washington (he was the last surviving speaker from that march) and a video showed a handful of Sam Houston students giving their take on what 鈥済ood trouble鈥� means.

鈥淭o me,鈥� said one, 鈥渋t means to stand up for what you believe despite other people鈥檚 ideology.鈥� Said another: 鈥淚t means to get in trouble for a good cause. The kind of trouble we are looking for is to stand up for what we truly believe and when you see something that is not right, not fair, we have to do something to get into good trouble. Necessary trouble.鈥�

Black History in Art

The Black History Month Program offered up all sorts of entertainment, all laced with a tinge of seriousness. There were dance performances from the African Student Organization, the #SamFam Elementary Dancers (kids as young as four), and the Texan Next Generation. The Sam Houston Community Gospel Choir performed traditional gospel and Black spirituals, and the Sam Houston orchestra played a touching rendition of 鈥淢otherless Child.鈥�

Roberson was instrumental in the staging of one of the more poignant performances of the evening, that of Young People of Color, who performed poetry, all the while moving about the stage, as if in a stage play. Roberson, who grew up playing piano in his grandmother鈥檚 church, also directed the Sam Houston Community Jazz Band (current and former students and staff) who wowed the audience with a medley of Black music appreciation, including songs from Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, James Brown and Whitney Houston. Everyone was bopping their heads and clapping to the beats.

鈥淥ur jazz band, most of the songs we do they have never heard those songs before,鈥� Roberson said. 鈥淪o through this process, they learn the story of where those songs come from and the artists behind them.鈥�

Dr. Cavazos and the Board

Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos was on hand, as were 星空传媒 Board Members Justin Chapa, Sarah McMurrough and David Wilbanks.

鈥淚t鈥檚 important that you take the life experiences that you have and make a difference. Don鈥檛 be afraid,鈥� said Councilwoman Woolridge. 鈥淚f I was afraid the moment we walked in that theater, it would not have happened. But I walked in bold. So don鈥檛 just sit and watch wrong things happen and do nothing.鈥�

Roberson had a chance to share with the audience the time he met John Lewis in 2011 when he took his history students to Washington, D.C.

Lewis, Roberson recalled, invited the whole group into his Congressional office and showed them photos of many of the things he had been involved in over his illustrious career of activism and politics. It was clear, Roberson said, that it wasn鈥檛 about Lewis and his accomplishments but his contributions to a larger movement.

鈥淲e were appreciative to get a chance to meet him,鈥� Roberson said. 鈥淥ne thing was talked about is sharing the understanding that African American history is American history. And to know that it is relevant in every aspect of our lives.鈥�

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First IB elementary in 星空传媒

The planned professional development meeting at Crow Leadership Academy took a turn Monday afternoon.

It was a turn four years in the making as the school was officially designated an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme school.

The IB certification makes Crow the first IB elementary in the 星空传媒, and one of just a few in the Metroplex.

The announcement was made as district senior staff stopped the meeting with cheers, balloons and confetti.

鈥淭his an exceptional opportunity first and foremost for the students,鈥� 星空传媒 superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos said. 鈥淲hat it means for the district is we have a specialized program and a different way of teaching the curriculum for some students who are able to participate at the IB school. This is a tremendous effort that the Crow Leadership Academy staff has been toiling through for a number of years to get that approval. It does take a long time.鈥�

The process began when Jamie MacDougall was the principal at Crow and the school applied for candidacy for the program. That allowed the school to learn about the framework and components of becoming an IB school. That also included training the staff and implementing the framework into the studies at the school.

The school then applied for and was granted authorization. What will change at Crow in the fall is the approach to instruction, with a shift to inquiry-based lessons with the students at the center of the learning. There will also be more connected learning at Crow, which has already been an emphasis since the school became a specialized program with an emphasis on leadership and collaboration skills.

Students will use the concepts they learn in the classroom and see how they apply in the real world.

Crow's principal shares words of encouragement

鈥淲e know that becoming an authorized IB school is not the end of the journey,鈥� said Jen Ruby, Crow鈥檚 IB coordinator. 鈥淲e鈥檙e still growing in our practices and our understandings of what this can look like and what we can put forth for the kids.鈥�

Crow principal Liznel Gonzalez-Morales is proud of the way her staff worked to get the status; especially given everything they鈥檝e gone through the last two years.

She鈥檚 also happy that the IB programming melds so well with what Crow was already doing.

鈥淭he beautiful thing is this mesh,鈥� Gonzales-Morales said. 鈥淭he leadership component of the IB philosophy and how the experiences that we create for students is to build leaders and a call to action. Every day we have opportunities and decisions that we make. How are we making an impact in our community? School? Home? The community? Eventually the world? We all think that in order to make a difference we have to have big things happen, but that鈥檚 the beauty of this framework, this philosophy. You start it. The change starts with you.鈥�

鈥淪tand up, if you believe that dreams do come true!鈥�

Those were the words that motivational speaker and financial education book writer Diana Rochin told a large crowd last week while welcoming them at her first .

The founder of (The Success Club) had invited guests to the Mediterranean Villa 鈥� a banquet hall on Arlington鈥檚 north side 鈥� to celebrate the accolades and community service work of various local Hispanic leaders. Among the honorees were 星空传媒 Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos.

Guests of the bilingual, black-tie event were treated to live music, dancing and a speech from Arlington Mayor Jim Ross. The grand affair was vital, Rochin said, to show that the contributions of local Hispanics are crucial to the area.

In Rochin鈥檚 opening address, she described how the club鈥檚 first award ceremony had come to fruition after seven years, and she praised Cavazos for 鈥� as his plaque stated 鈥� being 鈥渁 role model in leadership and education for our Latino community.鈥�

During his acceptance speech, Cavazos reflected on his humble beginnings. He recalled how he spent many childhood days in south Texas picking okra in the summer to earn money for clothes and supplies for school. Today, Cavazos oversees a district that serves 57,000 students and has undergone numerous, massive changes under his leadership.

鈥淭he mission to serve students and to help them really realize their potential and their dreams 鈥� that is the biggest motivator for me. It always has been,鈥� Cavazos said.

Dr. Natalie Lopez, assistant superintendent of research and accountability, who was also in attendance, said Cavazos鈥� recognition was 鈥渨ell-deserved.鈥�

A district employee for five years, Lopez has witnessed Cavazos鈥� impact on students across the district鈥檚 75 campuses. She said he is a great example for the region鈥檚 Latino community, particularly Arlington鈥檚 youth. After all, 46 percent of all 星空传媒 students are Hispanic.

Dedicated to education, service

Cavazos 鈥� who holds a bachelor鈥檚 and a master鈥檚 degree from the University of Texas-Pan American and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin 鈥� began his career in education in 1990. His first position: an English teacher for Mission Consolidated ISD.

Cavazos later taught for McAllen ISD and eventually took on leadership roles for Mercedes ISD and San Benito Consolidated ISD. In 1998, he began working for the Texas Education Agency Department of School Finance and Support.

A year later, Cavazos joined 星空传媒 as associate superintendent for instruction. By December 2012, he was selected for the district鈥檚 highest position of superintendent.

Cavazos was also the perfect choice for Rochin鈥檚 award because of his extensive community service. He has served on boards for United Way of Tarrant County, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, River Legacy Foundation, Salvation Army Youth Education Town and more. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Arlington and the Knights of Columbus. He also serves as an associate member of the Greater Arlington Lions Club and as a Lifetime Supporting Member of the Texas Lions Camp.

More accolades

This is just the latest honor for Cavazos. Earlier this year he was selected as one of three . TRIO provides educational opportunities to everyone regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstances.听听听听听听听听

Cavazos spent hours in high school researching what he wanted to do with his future, and TRIO opened up doors for him.

鈥淭RIO鈥檚 vision is to support, create, develop, improve and extend educational, financial and cultural opportunities for every TRIO participant to develop to their full potential,鈥� Cavazos said. 鈥淭hose words don鈥檛 just ring true for me; they have been something that I鈥檝e carried with me professionally when I look at the opportunities we have for our 57,000 students in the 星空传媒.鈥�

During his speech for that honor, he stressed the importance of extending opportunities for 星空传媒 students and pointed to facilities like the new Center for Visual Performing Arts, the district鈥檚 early college high schools and the Career and Technical Center as some of those outlets.

鈥淭he more options we extend to our students, the more chances they have to reach their full potential,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 something that was instilled in me as a child, something that was reinforced in my involvement with TRIO and something that I鈥檓 happy to see we weave into everything we do with our students in the 星空传媒.鈥�

As soon as Monica C. walked through the doors of Lamar High School鈥檚 cafeteria this past Saturday afternoon, she was greeted with applause.

After all, only an hour earlier, 星空传媒 Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos and Lamar principal Andy Hagman had stopped by her apartment. Joining the men were school board member Aaron Reich and his wife, Debra; Alison Larance, 星空传媒鈥檚 director of innovation and operation and transformational learning division; and drop-out prevention specialist Ryan Myers.

The group had excitedly urged the 18-year-old to return to school to complete more credit hours, which would enable her to graduate this school year. While out of school, Monica held jobs at a gas station as well as an insurance company. She wants to one day work in real estate.

Monica was unaware of how close she was to getting her diploma. With 17.5 credits, she was optimistic upon hearing the news from her surprise visitors.

鈥淲hen can I start?鈥� she emphatically asked.

鈥淵ou can start on Monday!鈥� Myers said, with the others nodding their heads in agreement.

Monica was the second of five residences to which their vehicle caravan traveled on Saturday as part of the annual Operation Graduation 鈥� one of many district-wide initiatives designed to increase the graduation rate of high school students. The effort, which has evolved from a campaign conducted by several big districts 11 years ago, encourages absent students to drop back in.

In the program, volunteers often walk or drive to the homes of students. And this has proven to be successful, as many of them have re-enrolled and later graduated. Even better, several students have continued their education in college or trade schools and landed great jobs.

Myers was ecstatic when Monica sat with a Lamar guidance counselor to register and discuss a plan of action toward graduation. Earlier that morning, Myers and the team worked to persuade brothers to return to campus as well. The teenagers had been working full-time construction jobs to support their family through adversities, particularly those brought on by the pandemic, Myers said.

鈥淚 thought today went great 鈥� Some (students) we hadn鈥檛 heard from in a while. But I think we really showed them that we care,鈥� he said.

The students that the team visited, Myers said, were selected because they are 鈥渟o close鈥� to obtaining the minimum requirement of 22 credits set by the Texas Education Agency. 鈥淎 couple of kids, they just need two senior classes and they鈥檒l be done,鈥� he said.

听How much has the pandemic influenced absences among high school seniors?

鈥淚 think big time!鈥� Myers said. 鈥溾�� 星空传媒 have been a little apprehensive, and kind of waiting to see how the vaccine works and watching the numbers.鈥�

Nevertheless, Cavazos thought Operation Graduation went 鈥渙utstanding鈥� on Saturday.

鈥淲e had the opportunity to directly connect with students who had not yet enrolled,鈥� he said.

Cavazos said it is crucial that families know that the district offers various options to assist absent students such as flexible scheduling, opportunities to work at their own pace and of course, full enrollment.

鈥淲e know that a high school diploma is the beginning of a foundation for a successful future. And that is what we tried to communicate today,鈥� Cavazos said.

星空传媒 Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos spent his first day of school like he always does, traveling across the district to visit students and staff members.

On Monday, he also found out some important news from a second-grade student at Thornton Elementary.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 want to go to high school,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not like High School Musical.鈥�

While that may be true, there was plenty of music options for Cavazos to check up on Monday. He visited a piano class at the new Center for Visual and Performing Arts. He also got to see the ongoing progress at Gunn Junior High and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy, where he visited a theater and dance class. Both those classrooms used to be part of the library at Gunn Junior High.

The school is undergoing a major renovation as part of the 2019 Bond. Monday also marked the first day for sixth graders from the Corey and Jones fine arts and dual language academies to attend Gunn.

Those who were in the theater class got to find out a little bit about Cavazos, as he participated in an exercise where you tell your life story in 20 seconds.

Cavazos started his day welcoming students at Bebensee Elementary, where he also visited several pre-K classes. He met with the freshman students at Bowie who are part of the district鈥檚 first ever P-TECH program before heading to the CVPA for visits to piano, music and theater classes.

Cavazos then visited classes at Berry and Thornton elementaries before finishing his visits at Gunn.

By the time he wrapped up there, Cavazos had walked more than three miles and spoken with more than 20 classes.

鈥淚t was great to see our students so enthusiastic about being in school,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur teachers have done a wonderful job preparing for the school year.鈥�

It鈥檚 not often 鈥� if ever 鈥� that you get to see 星空传媒 superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos coaxed to the stage during a mariachi concert. But that鈥檚 exactly where he was recently when he joined teachers, staff, students and parents celebrating the legacy and future of Thornton Elementary.

Thornton is about to be torn down and replaced with a new, bigger building funded by the 2019 Bond. But before wrecking balls arrive, the school took an evening to 鈥渉onor the past and celebrate the future.鈥�

鈥淲e are excited for what the future brings for our community with the construction of a brand new school,鈥� Thornton principal Alicia Rodriguez told the audience.

The excitement 鈥� and nostalgia 鈥� were palpable. A full mariachi concert 鈥� complete with a dancing train of teachers and staff (Cavazos included) circling the room and winding up on stage 鈥� amped the excitement. And everyone there brought the nostalgia with their years of memories. Hugs were abundant as friends, classmates and co-workers united for one last walk through their building.

鈥淭he building is so important,鈥� said 星空传媒 Board of Trustees President Kecia Mays, 鈥渂ut the people in the building and what goes on in the building is most important.鈥�

This Thornton building, while special, has seen better days. Built in 1956, its maintenance needs and costs are significant, and its design is far from ideal for 21^st-century learning.

鈥淓nough with the additions, enough with the patching up,鈥� said Cavazos to approving applause. 鈥淭here comes a time when we have to start over.鈥�

Thornton will start over with a new building, but it will preserve its decades-old spirit, multiculturalism and love.

鈥淭hornton has a love that has persevered through its history, and I have no doubt that love will continue in the new Thornton,鈥� Cavazos said.

The project to demolish and rebuild Thornton is part of an east Arlington master plan to modernize schools and give students an optimal 21^st-century education. The plan will rezone the entire area, replace Thornton and Berry Elementary schools with new, bigger buildings funded by the 2019 Bond and close Roark and Knox Elementary. (.)听While the new Thornton is under construction, the school will relocate to the building previously occupied by Knox.

Berry Elementary is about to be torn down. But one thing all of Berry鈥檚 staff agrees on is that Berry鈥檚 building is not what makes Berry, Berry. It鈥檚 the camaraderie inside that makes the school feel like home to so many.

Teachers, staff, parents, students and community members gathered last week to celebrate that home, honor its legacy and look ahead to the future.

Berry Elementary will be torn down this summer and then replaced with a new and improved building funded by the 2019 Bond (. In the meantime, until the new school is ready, Berry students and staff will move into the building that was previously Roark Elementary.

Built in 1954 to honor Charles B. Berry, a staple in Arlington's community and a school board trustee for nearly 30 years, Berry crafted a legacy in the community for its activism and family-oriented service to its parents and students.

星空传媒 Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos joined the Berry family at its celebration with fellow board members David Wilbanks, Sarah McMurrough and Justin Chapa.

鈥淚n the spirit of tonight we honor a school who has served for decades,鈥� Cavazos said. 鈥淏erry has served honorably with love!鈥�

Jennifer Neher, Berry鈥檚 art teacher for the last fifteen years, shared a few reasons why she loves Berry so much.

鈥淔or one, the building,鈥� she said. 鈥淎lthough it is a bit dated, it has history. It will always be sentimental because of all the children who have come through its doors. For two, Berry is family! No matter the trials we may go through personally, the Berry family is always there to encourage each other through unprecedented times. Finally, the community. Whether it is the hellos from the families, summer camp at Resurrection Church, or initiatives like Read to Succeed. The community plays a huge part in Berry鈥檚 success.鈥�

Karen Lykins and Concepcion Carmargo, former students at Berry, attended the celebration and recalled how their teachers at Berry helped shape them into the women they are today. They praised teachers like Sean Raymond and Lee Jones who played key roles in keeping them focused on what鈥檚 important. Carmargo, now a teacher herself at Sam Houston High School, credits Raymond and his teaching style with influencing how she conducts her classroom 鈥� always treating each student as a valuable person first.

Raymond has been a part of the Berry family for the last eighteen years. His son was born during this time and has now grown into a young man with his Berry family. Raymond also endured the loss of both parents with support from his Berry family.

As the Berry building closes and a new chapter for the school begins, Raymond is looking toward the future with optimism.

鈥淏erry is a place where parents can feel good about their kids' education because the teachers love their students. Kids are our priority,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hat will remain the same in the new Berry is the love. The community.鈥�