See the 2016 Fish Camp post and photo gallery by Brian Maschino, Lake Cities Sun. 

LDISD students in grades 3-8 performed above others in the state on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) last spring. The data was released by the Texas Education Agency earlier this month, and results were presented to the LDISD Board of Trustees at the July meeting.

Despite state-wide testing issues and increased standards, STAAR test passing rates for 3^rd-8^th graders at LDISD exceeded the statewide average on every test in every grade. The 8^th grade scores were particularly impressive beating the state average by over 10 percentage points in reading, math, and science and 22 percentage points on the social studies test.

Lake Dallas ISD superintendent Dr. Gayle Stinson said she was pleased with the results and the passing rates, noting that there were increased standards that took effect this year in that test takers had to answer more questions correctly to pass.

 

*Note: These are initial results. Final results including second administration tests and End Of Course exams will be released when received.

Five Lake Dallas High School Falcon Band seniors are continuing their music education at the college level.  To recognize their accomplishments, LDHS held a signing day celebration for the musicians.

Seniors Jared Collier, Gabriela (Gaby) Estes, Christian Gomez, Alisa Perez and Aaron Ruggiere participated along with their parents and Falcon Band directors Denise Kennedy, Frankie Burke and Juan Nunez.

Jared Collier, son of Jason and Ginger Collier, signed with the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The 13 year senior qualified for state UIL solo and ensemble all 4 years of high school and this year received a gold medal for Marimba and silver medal for Snare at state. He is the recipient of the Kim Kraft Band Scholarship. Jared plans to major in Bio Medical Engineering with a minor in music.

“I chose the University of Arkansas because of the outstanding Bio Medical program and the marching band,” Jared said.  “It has a front ensemble which allows me to continue my music journey playing the marimba, which is my favorite instrument.”

Gabriela Estes, daughter of Marvin and Yvonne Estes, will attend Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Her band accomplishments include UTA Outstanding Jazz Musician 2014 & 2016, Section Leader 2014-15 and Drum Major 2015-16. She chose Belmont because of the Music Business program, which will be her major.

Christian Gomez, son of Ernie Gomez and Rachael Arney, is continuing his music education at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. In his first and only year with the Falcon Band, he qualified for state solo and ensemble contest. He plans to choose a major after completing his basics at Navarro.

Alisa Perez, daughter of Armando and Maribel Perez, received a band and academic scholarship from McMurray University in Abilene, Texas.

Aaron Ruggiere, son of Paul and Auralie Ruggiere, signed with the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. The 13 year senior is plays multiple instruments. He recently won a gold medal for Marimba solo and a silver medal for Snare solo at the state UIL Solo and Ensemble contest in Austin - a contest in which he has qualified all 4 years of high school.

“I want to major in Percussion Performance,” Aaron said. “I chose UNT because it is one of the top music schools in the world.”

Photo Gallery of Signing

 

LD celebrated the Lake Dallas High School graduating class at Rosecutting & Graduation last week.  See links to the professional and candid photos taken of the events on the Senior webpage.

The Lake Dallas High Falcon Band took 48 musicians to the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest in Austin. Over the course of the 3 day contest, which took place in 3 locations (simultaneously) and encompassed more than 29,000 entries, the Falcon Band members received the following accolades.

Superior Rated Soloists – Gold Medal

Austin Benedetti – Snare Solo

Austin Benedetti – Marimba Solo

Aaron Ruggiere – Marimba Solo

Blake Holman – Marimba Solo

Blake Holman – Timpani Solo

Kate Sweeney – Marimba Solo

Jared Collier – Marimba Solo

 

Excellent Rated Soloists – Silver Medal

Chandler Skinner – Euphonium

Angel Muniz – Marimba Solo

Angel Muniz – Snare Solo

Janae O’Connell- Marimba Solo

Janae O’Connell – Snare Solo

Gaby Estes – Clarinet Solo

Jared Collier – Snare Solo

Jamie Weston – Marimba Solo

Jamie Weston – Snare Solo

Kayvon Bernstein – Marimba Solo

Jaiden Collins – Snare Solo

Gratzelly Marquez – Snare Solo

Matthew Elder – Marimba Solo

Tara Halvorsen – Flute Solo

Aaron Ruggiere – Snare Solo

Emily Kelling – Marimba Solo

Amanda Lawrence – Marimba Solo

Alec Townsend – Marimba Solo

Alison Milyo – Marimba Solo

Kara Chidester – Alto Saxophone Solo

Kaitlyn Kennedy – French Horn Solo

 

Superior Rated Ensemble – Gold Medal

Saxophone Quintet – Flight of the Bumblebee

Anna Rodionova, Soprano Saxophone

Kara Chidester, Alto Saxophone

Jonah Covich, Alto Saxophone

Harris Anwar, Tenor Saxophone

Jonah Derrick, Baritone Saxophone

Regional Quarterfinal Champions!

Lake Dallas beats Arlington Heights 2-0 (Photo Gallery)

 
"Falcons soar to run-rule win in Game 1" By Steve Gamel, Denton Record Chronicle

"Lake Dallas bats go wild against shorthanded Heights" By Matt Welch, Lake Cities Sun Game 2: LD 8, Arlington Heights 7

"Wild 7th Inning Comeback Sweeps Arlington Heights" By Matt Welch, Lake Cities Sun

"Boulware's walk-off sends Lake Dallas to semi-finals" By Steve Gamel, Denton Record Chronicle

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Area Playoff Champions!

Lake Dallas beats Burleson Centennial 2-1

Game 1: Lake Dallas 2, Burleson Centennial 1 (Photo Gallery)

"LD takes game 1 with 2-1 win over Centennial" by Tim Glaze, Lake Cities Sun

"Falcons upend Spartans in Game 1" by Jimmy Isbell, Denton Record Chronicle

 

Game 2: Lake Dallas 1, Burleson Centennial 6 Game 3: Lake Dallas 3, Burleson Centennial 0 (Photo Gallery) 

"Lake Dallas Advances" by Jimmy Isbell, Denton Record Chronicle

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BI-DISTRICT CHAMPIONS!

Lake Dallas beats Boswell 2-0

Game 1: LD  5, Boswell 0 Game 2: LD 12, Boswell 5 Photo Gallery

"Best of Both Worlds Falcons: Produce in all Phases" by Matt Welch, Lake Cities Sun

"Falcons Sweep Boswell From Class 5A Playoffs" By Adam Boedeker, Denton Record Chronicle

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Regional Final Playoffs

Lake Dallas 0 Grapevine 2

Articles: "Long Time Coming"  by Steve Gamel, Denton Record Chronicle 
 

"In a pickle" by Steve Gamel, Denton Record Chronicle 

"Falcons miss out on state berth with loss" by Steve Gamel, Denton Record Chronicle

"Grapevine Ends Banner Playoff Run" by Matt Welch

 

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Lake Dallas ISD celebrated and thanked nine retiring LDISD employees at the annual Retirement Reception on May 17, 2016.  Retirees received a watch as recognition of their years of service to the students and staff at LDISD.

Executive Director of Human Relations, Mrs. Karla Landrum said, “We hope that the gift of the watch will be a reminder of a job well done and a symbol of the time these employees devoted to LDISD.”

Joyce Maguire, Corinth Elementary Special Education teacher

Retiring from Corinth Elementary after 35 years in education and 14 years with LDISD, Mrs. Maguire has had a long and successful career of working with special needs individuals.

“The most memorable thing I will remember is the high expectations that Mrs. Maguire had of all the students with which she worked,” Mr. Randall Caldwell, CE Principal said. “Her classroom was a consistent support system for her students – a place where they were always welcome, always safe and always learning.”

Jeannie Fonville, Lake Dallas High School English teacher

Mrs. Fonville is retiring as a 23 year veteran in education – 11 of those at LDISD.  She has taught all levels of high school English and is known in her department as the “Grammar Guru”, “Diagramming Diva” and “Parsing Pro.”

“We will miss Mrs. Fonville at Lake Dallas High School,” Dr. Kristi Strickland, LDHS Principal said, “but we wish her well as she retires to be a grandma and put her toes in the sand.”

Dale Copeland, LDISD Custodian

After 25 years as a custodian, 16 of those with Lake Dallas ISD, Mr. Copeland is retiring to enjoy his love of gardening.

“Dale has faithfully worked in every building in the district during his time here,” Mrs. Wendy Konz, Director of Transportation & Custodial Services, said. “He is well liked by co-workers and will be missed.”

Erwin Welter, LDISD Transportation

Mr. Welter, LDISD Driver of the Year for 2011-12, retires with 13 years bus driving and 9 years with LDISD.

“Erwin loved driving a bus and loved the kiddos, even the ones who tested him, “Mrs. Wendy Konz, Director of Transportation & Custodial Services, said. “We wish Erwin and his Barbara a safe journey as they retire to travel.”

LDISD Food Services Retirees

Mrs. Charlotte Hicks, Director of Child Nutrition, introduced five retiring food service employees this year.  With many tears, Mrs. Hicks said farewell to these long-time LDISD workers:

Teresa Brown - 26 years as LDISD Child Nutrition Supervisor

Cathy Ashley - 26 years at LDISD - 20 years in Custodial Services and 6 years Food Service Specialist at Lake Dallas Elementary

Luz Berrios- 9 years as a Food Service Specialist at Corinth Elementary

William Brown - 17 years as a Food Service Specialist at Lake Dallas High

Barbara Welter - 10 years as a Food Service Specialist at Lake Dallas Elementary

“I am thankful for all the Child Nutrition retirees for putting many smiles on the faces of our students and staff,” Mrs. Hicks said. “It has been an honor working with all of them.”

Superintendent Dr. Gayle Stinson concluded the presentation speaking directly to the retirees and thanking them for their service to LDISD.

“To all of you we say thank you,” Dr. Stinson said. “Your dedication to our students has not gone unnoticed. You have worked extremely hard and left a legacy, and now we are happy that you get to go enjoy everything you have earned. We are proud of you, and honestly, a little bit jealous. We love you and are going to miss you.”

LDISD 2016 Retirees with Superintendent Dr. Gayle Stinson

L-R: Dr. Gayle Stinson, Joyce Maguire, Jeannie Fonville, Dale Copeland, Erwin Welter, Barbara Welter, Cathy Ashley, William Brown and Teresa Brown

Lake Dallas ISD is proud to announce the 2015-16 campus Teachers of the Year.  A prize patrol comprised of LDISD Administrators made the rounds to each campus on Tuesday morning, March 22, 2016, to surprise the following teachers with a flowers and balloons announcement while they were with their students.

Pamela Lisenbe, Corinth Elementary

“Coach Lisenbe has an astute understanding of the correlation between kinesthetic activities and their impact on learning,” Mr. Randall Caldwell, CE Principal said. “She daily makes a positive impact on each student and staff member at Corinth Elementary!”

Denise Evans-Jackson, Lake Dallas Elementary

“Dr. EJ is the heart of Lake Dallas Elementary,” Dr. Jennifer Perry, LDE Principal said. “Her dedication to students is noticed by all, she thrives on making teachers happy and content in their own roles and she has led the charge with our campus Parent Education program.  Our campus is blessed to have her leadership.”

Michele Sanguinetti, Shady Shores Elementary

“Michelle Sanguinetti has a heart for every child,” Mrs. Vangee Deussen, SSE Principal said. “She loves all of our SSE students. Some of her students have grown two to three reading and or/math levels while in her class. She models encouragement and teaches her students how to encourage their classmates. Her class becomes a team very quickly. She communicates her love for learning and opens her students' eyes to the joy of learning.”

Desi Beard, Lake Dallas Middle School

“Desi is amazing!” Mr. James Parker, LDMS Principal said. “She teaches students and teachers alike. I cannot think of anyone at LDMS that makes a bigger difference in everyone's life than Desi does!”

Denise Kennedy, Lake Dallas High School

“Denise Kennedy is someone who leads others around her to be better than they ever thought they could be,” Dr. Kristi Strickland, LDHS Principal said. “One of her greatest strengths is that she brings the community into the high school through a stellar band program, and she teaches each and every one of her students how to be a responsible and giving member of society.  She is not just a fabulous teacher, mentor, or director on the high school campus, she is also one of the most valuable assets of the entire Lake Cities community.”

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Meet each of these LDISD campus Teachers of the Year in their TOY Q & A:

TOY Q & A with Pamela Lisenbe – Corinth Elementary Teacher of the Year

# of years at LDISD:

7 Years

Positions held at LDISD:

Corinth Elementary Physical Education Teacher

Degrees/Colleges/Certifications:

Bachelor of Science -

All Level Physical Education Certification, Secondary Health Certification

Professional affiliations:

TAHPERD (Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance)

Accomplishments/Awards:

• Corinth Elementary Committees: CEIC - Campus Educational Improvement Council, TAIS - Texas Accountability Intervention System, SHAC- Student Health Advisory Committee for CE
• LD2 – Lake Dallas Leadership Discussion
• Corinth PTA Member
• District Field Day Coordinator for Elementary All District Field Day
• Corinth Elementary PTA Board Member and Family Fun Night Coordinator for 5 Years- Planned and coordinated a variety of events for Corinth PTA – Family nights, Talent Show, Stars on the Move, Dances and Movie night.
• Lake Cities Girls Softball Association Board Member and Coach- Coach, Pitching Lessons and Coaching Clinics
• Girl Scout Leader – Corinth Troop 707
• Basketball Mini Camps – Coordinated and instructor students at basketball camps
• Special Olympics Track and Bowling Coach
• LCEF – Grant for “Let the Music Move you” Awarded a grant for a new sound system in P.E., to engage students in movement.
• After School Program for Students:  Providing a variety of games for students – volleyball, jump club, basketball, soccer and boot camp (50 students participate in each program)
• FIT 15 – Faculty in Training: An after school program providing teachers and staff with the opportunity to exercise and improve fitness levels. The teachers and staff walk, jog and workout at stations.  They do yoga, cardio training, palates and support one another.  This program started out as a fitness program, but has also become a team builder for CE.  The teachers have become a support for one another.    (15 teachers participate in the program)

Past Accomplishments:

• College Softball Coach for 2 years – Brookhaven College
• High School Varsity Softball Coach for 4 years – W. T. White HS
  • District and Bi District Champs – 4 years                                                                        
  • Softball Coach of the Year - 4 years                                                                                        
  • JV Basketball Coach – W. T. White HS
  • Who’s Who of American Teachers
• Lifetime member Texas PTA

Favorite thing about being a teacher . . .

My favorite thing about being a teacher is the students.  When you see a child smile and see his/her desire to want learn, you know you have made a difference in a child’s life. I want students to know I care and that I am one of their biggest advocates. All children can learn; teachers just have to help each student find his/her way.  We all learn differently.   Education is power.  Students are our future.

Favorite thing about LDISD . . .

Lake Dallas ISD is a district that provides opportunities for students to grow and become the future of their own destiny. Lake Dallas ISD is not just a school district; it is a community / family.

About receiving CE Teacher of the Year . . .

This is such an honor to represent my school and all the teachers that teach at Corinth Elementary.  I am very humble and blessed.  Every Teacher deserves to be honored.  Thank you for allowing me to do what I Love to do and for the students who give me a reason for teaching.  I just want to give back what I received as a child.  If I can impact one child’s life, then I have paid it forward.  I want students to know someone really cares and loves them.

“To teach is to learn”  “If it doesn’t Challenge you, It won’t Change you.”

 

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 TOY Q & A with Denise Evans-Jackson – Lake Dallas Elementary Teacher of the Year

 

# of years at LDISD:

11 years

Positions held at LDISD:

Classroom teacher – Kindergarten, ESL Specialist, and Parent Education, Member of Campus Healthy Lifestyles Committee, Hospitality Committee Chairperson, District Bilingual committee, LPAC committee, Title I committee, former CEIC member, ESL Summer School Instructor, and Saturday School Instructor

Degrees/Colleges/Certifications – Degrees: 

BA in Social Science – UNT;
MS in Human Development and Family Studies;
Ph.D. – Family Studies-TWU

Certifications:

ESL EC-12, Generalist – EC-4; Principal EC-12

Professional affiliations:

ATPE, ASCD

Accomplishments/Awards:

• Featured in Lake Cities Sun article
• Presenter for campus and district professional development (2012,2014,2015)
• State of Texas TELPAS Focus group member
• Speaker at 2015 Family Studies Doctoral Retreat – TWU
• LCEF grant award recipient - parent education
• LCEF grant award recipient - guided reading library
• Developed parent education resource center – LDE
• Over 10 years as a certified fitness instructor with numerous fitness certifications

 

Favorite thing about being a teacher . . . 

My favorite thing about being a teacher is having the opportunity to watch the students grow and develop. Not just academically but also grow and develop into young responsible citizens.

 

Favorite thing about LDISD . . . 

We are a “Family”. We care about the students, the community and one another.  LDISD - We put kids first!!

 

About receiving LDE Teacher of the Year . . .

“I am truly honored to receive this award. I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of educators. My LDE Family has helped me grow and develop into the educator that I have become.”

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TOY Q & A with Michele Sanguinetti – Shady Shores Elementary Teacher of the Year

# of years at LDISD

This is my 27th year in education and my 17th year at LDISD.

Positions held at LDISD

I am currently teaching 2nd grade.  I have been a 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teacher as well as math coordinator for two years.

Degrees/Colleges/Certifications

I have a Bachelor's in Education with a specialization in English and Math.

Professional affiliations

I am a member of ATPE.

Accomplishments/Awards

• Master Teacher Program
• Mentor Teacher Training and served as a mentor teacher
• District math coordinator for 2 years - planned curriculum and provided inservice/training
• Texas Math Academy Program and trainer of teachers
• CEIC and DEIC committees
• Campus representative at district ELA planning sessions
• Love and Logic training/retreat

Favorite thing about being a teacher . . .

My favorite thing about being a teacher is hands down the students.  I love watching each student grow as the year progresses and knowing that I am making a difference in their lives.  Some of my most memorable moments have been when previous students have come back to see me and tell me that I was one of their favorite teachers.  This is such a rewarding profession!

Favorite thing about LDISD . . .

My favorite thing about LDISD is that it feels like a family to me.  I teach with some of the most dedicated and talented people there are and I am grateful for their support and encouragement.

About receiving SSE Teacher of the Year . . .

I am honored to receive this award and I am so grateful to have the privilege of working at a profession and in a district that allows me to do something in which I am so passionate.

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TOY Q & A with Desi Beard - Lake Dallas MS Teacher of the Year

# of years at LDISD

I am going on 19 years with LDISD                           

Positions held at LDISD:

 4th grade teacher (1), EXCEL Teacher (2), LD Intermediate Librarian (5), Advanced Academics Coordinator (3), LDMS Librarian (8 so far)

Degrees/Colleges/Certifications:

B.S. Elem. Ed. @ UNT, Library Certification @ TWU

1. Ed. in Educational Technology @ Lamar Univ.

Professional affiliations:

TCEA, ATPE

Accomplishments/Awards:

• Trained in:  Covey’s 7 Habits @ LDISD,
• Master Teacher 1st CoHort @ LDISD
• New Jersey Writing Project @ HEB ISD
• Teaching through Learning Styles @ Lewisville ISD  
• Have provided staff development training:  Region XI Library Harvests, NCTC Cooperative Consortium, Preschool Cooperative Training, LDISD Instaff trainings on MS campus and HS campus
• Received extensive Google Apps for Education Training and am working on becoming Google Certified.

 

Favorite thing about being a teacher . . .

I love people of all ages and I get energized being around kids and staff...I love the fact that I get to partner with these kids and teachers and help them grow.

Favorite thing about LDISD . . .

I love the close knit culture we have in LDISD, a culture of caring people that give their best to help our kids become their best.

About receiving LDMS Teacher of the Year . . .

“This was a total shock and honor.  I am honored to work with so many gifted teachers and to be one among the many!”

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TOY Q & A with Denise Kennedy – Lake Dallas HS Teacher of the Year

 

# of years at LDISD  

7 at LDHS, 22nd year of teaching

 

Positions held at LDISD - 

Director of Bands (currently - 5 years), Assistant Director of Bands (previously - 2 years)

 

Degrees/Colleges/Certifications

Bachelor's of Music Education, certified in instrumental music and music theory grades K-12 from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Weatherford, Oklahoma)

 

Professional affiliations (past and present)

• Texas Music Educator’s Association (TMEA)
• Texas Bandmaster’s Association (TBA)
• Texas Association of Jazz Educators (TAJE)
• North Texas Colorguard Association (NTCA)
• International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE)
• Music Educator's National Conference (MENC)
• Oklahoma Music Educator's Association (OMEA)
• Oklahoma Bandmaster's Association (OBA)
• Oklahoma Music Adjudicator's Association (OMAA)
• Mid-America Performing Arts Association (MAPAA)
• National Education Association (NEA)
• Oklahoma Education Association (OEA)
• Mu Phi Epsilon (MΦE)

Professional Honors and Awards:

• Honor Band Clinician (April 2001, 2016)

• Red River Valley Honor Band, Idabel, OK.

• Nominee - UIL Sponsor Excellence Award (2014-2015)
• Carrollton Wind Symphony (2010, 2011, 2012)

• Member - Clarinet

• ATSSB Region 3 Jazz Chairman (2007-2008)
• Honor Conductor (March 2006)

• Shortgrass Honor Band, Weatherford, OK

• National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teacher (2005)
• All-OMEA (All-State) Jazz Chairman (2004 - 2005)
• Guest Conductor - SWOSU High School Band Camp (July 2004)
• IAJE All-Star Honor Band Chairman (2003 - 2004)
• IAJE All-Star Honor Band Assistant Chairman (2002 - 2003)
• Teacher of the Year - Bixby Middle School (2002 - 2003)
• Eastern District Band Director's Association Honor Band Chairman

• 8th grade Band Chairman - 1999, 2000, 2001
• Mid-High Band Chairman - 2002, 2003, 2004

• Faculty Advisor for Tri-M Music Honor Society (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003)
• State Honoree - "50 Director's Who Make a Difference" (December 2001)

• Published by School Band and Orchestra Magazine

• Guest Conductor - SWOSU Middle School Band Camp (June 2000)
• Honor Band Clinician (February 2001)

• Central Oklahoma All-Area Elementary Honor Band, Cashion, OK.

• Who's Who among American High School Teachers (1999, 2000, 2005)
• Teacher of the Year - Grove Elementary (1997)
• Masonic Teacher of Today (1997)
• Chairman – Comprehensive Local Education Program (1997)
• 8th Grade Class Sponsor - Grove School (1995 - 1996)

 

Favorite thing about being a teacher . . .

 

I absolutely love working with young musicians! I enjoy being able to teach them not only how to play a musical instrument, but how to be true musicians. Music, when performed well, can illicit a physical response in the performer and/or listener. It's an amazing experience when you can create an emotion from something that you can't taste, touch, feel or see. By teaching today's youth, I get to help them learn how to create something that is beautiful, exciting and worth-while.

 

I also work diligently to teach servant leadership, so that today's youth will be willing to work for their future successes. I love watching these young people see a problem and find a solution without being asked. I take pride in the fact that the student membership of the band program are capable of functioning at a high level without being told what needs to be accomplished. 

 

Finally, I love seeing teenagers develop a love for making music. At the end of the day, competition is only a tool to keep kids motivated. I strive to teach that if we work to create the best product possible (our music), then the awards will come as a result. The end game is that they should prepare to the best of their ability, do everything that is necessary to achieve the goals that they have established, and create a quality performance that they can be proud of and will be respected by their audience. Whether they become professional musicians or not, I want them to leave our program with an appreciation for high quality music and a deeper understanding that hard work has rewards. 

 

Favorite thing about LDISD . . .

 

While there are numerous things that I love about teaching in the Lake Dallas ISD, my absolute favorite is getting to work with the members of the Falcon Band program. Because we are a smaller district tucked between three very large districts (Lewisville, Denton and Little Elm), it is easy for the students to see themselves as not as important or talented as those who flank us. When I first started at LDHS, the students believed that they were looked down upon as musicians and would never be a quality program because they were LD. Although it took a couple of years to change that culture or mind-set within the band program, it's amazing to see them now! They hold their heads high and believe that they can accomplish anything with the right attitude, perseverance, and hard work. They have proven that they are just as good, if not better, than our educational neighbors. I get to see them grow musically EVERY day and it's wonderful to be a part of it. I would like to say that they goals that I have set for them are high, but they push me to raise the "bar" almost daily.

About receiving LDHS Teacher of the Year . . .

 

I am absolutely humbled that my administration believes that I am worthy of such an honor! You have left me speechless...

Area Finalists

Lake Dallas 2  - Burleson Centennial 11

"Lady Falcons Fall"  by Jimmy Isbell, Denton RC

Area Playoff Photo Gallery

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Bi-District Champions!

Lake Dallas 2 - Brewer 0

"Graham Leads Lady Falcons in Shutout" by Jimmy Isbell, Denton RC

"Lake Dallas flips playoff switch, blanks Brewer to advance" by Matt Welch, Lake Cities Sun

Photo Gallery of Bi-District Playoff

Photo Gallery of Tie-Breaker game vs Grapevine

 

Mrs. Olivia Stalnaker, a teacher from Lake Dallas Middle School in Lake Dallas, Texas, has been selected from across the nation for the prestigious LiftOff Summer Institute to be held at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas this summer. This program sponsored by NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium selects teachers from across the U.S. who will increase their knowledge of space education through the LiftOff Professional Development Summer Institute.

LiftOff is a collaborative effort of Texas Space Grant Consortium members and affiliates, NASA, and industry. Teachers apply for LiftOff and are selected competitively. The workshops are organized around an aerospace or space science theme drawn from NASA’s diverse engineering and scientific research programs. The theme for LiftOff 2016 is Exploration: Past, Present and Future. The program combines the strengths of collaborators to enrich teaching and learning of science, mathematics, technology and engineering.

The competitive weeklong institute features a series of workshops, hands-on activities, field investigations, and presentations by NASA scientists and engineers working on various missions. The International Space Station is a laboratory, observatory, and factory in space. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live and work in space? What are the biological factors, psychological trials, and physical challenges?

The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. It is the largest and longest inhabited object ever to orbit the Earth. There has been a permanent human presence on the space station since 2000. The ISS is an amazing feat of technology that allows humans to explore, live in, and perform science in space. Onboard the ISS, crew members live and work in a reduced gravity environment. This environment allows crew members to conduct experiments in biology, human biology, physics, astronomy and meteorology that could not be done on Earth. It also offers a rare opportunity for the testing of the spacecraft systems that will be required for missions to Mars and the Moon.

The ISS is approximately the size of an American football field and consists of 15 pressurized modules for research and crew living quarters and an extensive integrated truss structure that provides power to the space station from the sun. It is an incredibly complex spacecraft made from science and technology.

Educators selected will come together June 26-July 1 in Houston, Texas to conduct experiments, tour facilities, and network with other educators while sharing innovative lesson plans and ideas. They will return to their respective districts, train other educators, and use new materials in the classroom. The LiftOff workshops prove that the excitement teachers, and more importantly, their students, feel about space science and how exploration can be tapped to enrich science, math, engineering, and technology. The workshops also provide teachers the rare – and for most, unique – opportunity to spend a week working with professional scientists and engineers at the cutting edge of space exploration.

This nationally competitive, educational training for teachers is sponsored by NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium. Teachers interested in applying for LiftOff 2016 may obtain information from the internet at the following URL: http://www.tsgc.utexas.edu/liftoff/  Questions? Contact Margaret Baguio, Texas Space Grant Consortium at 512-471-6922 or Baguio@tsgc.utexas.edu