TABLE 1 FINE ARTS OVERVIEW JANICE TRUITT, VISUAL ARTS COORDINATOR Plano ISD Fine Arts Program Overview Partnership for 21st Century Skills states “the arts are uniquely situated to provide links from school‐based learning to themes that are essential to every child’s understanding of the modern world” All elementary campuses offer art and music. Secondary campuses offer art, music and theatre. Secondary Current Enrollment Numbers: 12,650 – Music 6,825 – Visual Art 3,100 – Theatre 4,815 – Speech 480 – Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Accomplishments This School Year: Plano was again named as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” in 2011. Plano East Wind Ensemble is a National 5A Winner At the Middle School/Junior High Choral Directors Conference, Rice Middle School Men’s Choir was an Invited Performance. Jasper High School Concert Chorale is a Commended High School Mixed Choir Winner. Shepton High School Chamber Orchestra is a National String Orchestra Winner. Plano Senior High School Orchestra received Honor Full Orchestra from Texas Music Educators Association. The district had 76 All‐State Musicians. 8 district art finalists have advanced to compete for the Texas Art Education Association State Youth Month Exhibit. 21 artists and 1 composer were chosen to be in the Young Masters Exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. JROTC does not include military service requirement post‐graduation. It focuses on leadership development and education and includes participation in color guard, academic, drill and orienteering meets. Plano Senior High School Speech received top 8 in the Bickle and Brewer National Speech Tournament 5 years in a Row. Staff Recognitions: Plano Art Leaders received the Texas Art Educators Association 2011 Youth Art Month Scrapbook Award Alisa Meli (Schell Elementary) received the 2011 National Art Education Association Youth Art Month Scrapbook Award Karen Wilbanks(PSHS) is the Texas Speech and Communication Association Speech Teacher of the Year. Brenda Keen (Hightower) is the current President for Kodaly Educators of Texas. Tamra Alami (Haun) & Rebecca Schaefer (Rasor) are the current Elementary Chair and Chair Elect for Texas Art Educators Association. TABLE 2 SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CHRISTIE DUKE, ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION & GAIL LUNDBERG, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION Plano Independent School District Special Education Services Department 2011-2012 The leadership and support teams of the Special Education Services Department of Plano Independent School District are dedicated to a Purpose and a Mission Statement affirmed by shared beliefs. The purpose of special education is best described as minimizing the impact of disability and maximizing the opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in schooling and the community. Mission Statement The mission of the Special Education Services Department of the Plano Independent School District is to provide an excellent education for students with identified needs. Plano ISD has approximately 5,750 (10.4%) students who receive special education services. They are students who have a disability such as Specific Learning Disability, Visual Impairment, Auditory Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, Speech Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Autism, Other Health Impairment, or Traumatic Brain Injury and demonstrate a need for specially designed instruction. Special education students are served by campus staff that includes speech pathologists, highly qualified teachers and teaching assistants. These services are individualized based on student need and are facilitated by district instructional specialists, evaluators, related service providers and the special education leadership team. Philosophical Belief It is our philosophical belief that supported education is implemented within a continuum of both natural and established classroom supports providing an educational experience where all students learn and achieve. Equal in importance are the provision of differentiated instruction, varied approaches to learning, and curricular modifications and/or accommodations along with consideration for the complexity of various instructional settings and the degree of instructional support based on individual student needs. A commitment to consistent practices and procedures assures access to the continuum of services district-wide. We believe that: • The purpose of special education is for students to achieve learning that leads to life success such as: academic achievement, meeting basic needs, self-determination, career attainment, and social and emotional well-being. • A quality education occurs in an environment where communication and collaboration are the shared responsibility among students, families, staff, and the community. • Respect and dignity for students and families and a demonstrated understanding of their diversity is essential to a quality education. • Learning is a life-long process for all, driven by individual student needs. • Individually designed educational programs developed to meet identified student needs lead to meaningful participation and maximum growth. 2/7/2012 TABLE 2 SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CHRISTIE DUKE, ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION & GAIL LUNDBERG, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION Response to Intervention A problem‐solving approach aimed at preventing unnecessary assignment to special education by Identifying students who are not achieving at the same level and rate as their peers and providing appropriate interventions. Special Education Services Process Revise IEP Referral Evaluation Process Diagnostician LSSP Present Levels of Performance Re-evaluation Progress Monitoring Data Collection Classroom Eligibility ARD Committee Develop IEP Goals & Objectives Related & Other Services SLP OT APE PT AI Counseling VI Music Therapy Determine : • Curriculum • Least Restrictive Environment • Instructional and Behavior Supports 1 TABLE 3 ASSESSMENT PROGRAM PAUL DABBS, ASST. DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & CAMPUS DATA SUPPORT Plano ISD Key Communicators Assessment and Accountability Assessment Philosophy Assessments provide information to improve student performance Instructional Decision‐Making Setting Priorities Allocating Resources Accountability to students, parents, and community Use of a variety of assessment techniques To capture breadth and depth of student learning Measured over time Types of Tests Administered STAAR – State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness Reading: Grades 3 – 8, and English I, II, and III Writing: Grades 4 and 7 Mathematics: Grades 3 – 8, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II Science: Grades 5, 8, and Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Social Studies: Grade 8, World Georgraphy, World History, and U.S. History TAKS – Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Grades 10 and 11 Phased out in next two years, replaced with STAAR MAP – Measures of Academic Progress Nationally normed achievement test to measure growth over time Administered on computer Adaptive to each student Mathematics, Reading, Language Usage, and Science CogAT – Cognitive Abilities Test Nationally normed test of developed academic reasoning skills Assesses changeable reasoning ability, not innate (fixed) ability Grades 3, 5, 7, 9 and for PACE identification matrix TABLE 3 ASSESSMENT PROGRAM PAUL DABBS, ASST. DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & CAMPUS DATA SUPPORT ACT – American College Testing program EXPLORE o Grade 8, mathematics, reading, English, and science o Assessment of progress toward post‐secondary readiness o Planning for high school courses PLAN o Grade 10, mathematics, reading, English, and science o Student planning and instructional support o Prepares students for ACT college entrance test ACT o Grade 11 and 12, mathematics reading, English, and science o Reported for college admissions o Students must register on their own and pay the registration fee The College Board PSAT – Preliminary SAT I/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test o Grade 10, skills in verbal reasoning, critical reading, math problem‐solving, and writing o Qualifying method for National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) programs SAT I and SAT II Writing o Basic college entrance test of The College Board o Assess basic reasoning and concepts in secondary mathematics and reading o Students must register on their own and pay the registration fee Special Programs ITED – The Iowa Tests of Educational Development o Grades 9 – 12, part of identification process for English for Speakers of Other Languages Naglieri o Nonverbal Ability Test of reasoning and problem‐solving ability o Used as part of PACE gifted and talented identification TPRI – Texas Primary Reading Inventory o Grades K – 2, to monitor development of reading in early primary students o Meets state requirements for assessment of early reading Tejas LEE o Spanish version of the Early Reading Inventory IPT – IDEA Oral Language Proficiency Test o Nationally normed language proficiency assessment o Measures abilities and achievement in oral language TABLE 4 SUMMER SCHOOL/eSCHOOL GARY WILSON, SUMMER SCHOOL COORDINATOR & JEAN PARMER, eSCHOOL COORDINATOR Plano ISD Summer Programs Presenter: Gary Wilson, Student Services Coordinator Plano Enrichment Program (PEP) The Plano Enrichment Program (PEP) offers more than 30 varied enrichment classes in addition to reinforcement classes for language arts and mathematics. Students are free to enroll in content courses of their choice (see course offerings below). The program is located at Carpenter Middle School, 1501 Cross Bend, and Christie Elementary, 3801 Rainier Drive; and at Schimelpfenig Middle School, 2400 Maumelle, and Carlisle Elementary, 6525 Old Orchard Drive. The dates are June 6 through July 3 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Tuition is $150 for one two-hour class and $300 for two classes. Tuition may be paid with cash, money order, cashier's check, Master Card, Visa, Discover, or American Express card. The Student Registration Form will be sent home with the student in March and will also be available in each elementary school. Students are encouraged to register immediately to assure their choice of classes. The deadline for registration is May 4. Out of district students may enroll in PEP. Transportation is provided from the student's home campus. Bus schedules will be sent home with students the last week of the 2011-12 school year. Summer Institute for Gifted and Talented Students (SIGS) The Summer Institute for Gifted and Talented Students challenges students currently in the PACE program grades 1-7. Elementary students (grades 1-4) will select and participate in three 75-minute classes. Classes include simulations, math, science, Caldecott stories, creative writing, foreign languages, art, drama, project builder and multimedia project construction. The middle school program (grades 5-7) includes courses such as humanities, science, mathematics, social sciences, and/or computer training. The program is located at Robinson Middle School, 6701 Preston Meadow Drive; Murphy Middle School, 620 N. Murphy Road; and Wilson Middle School, 1001 Custer Road. The dates are June 6 through July 3 from 7:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Tuition is $300 and may be paid with cash, money order, cashier's check, Master Card, Visa, Discover, or American Express card The Student Registration Form will be sent home with the student in March or may be obtained from the home school PACE teacher. The deadline for registration is May 4. Transportation is provided from the student's home campus. Bus schedules will be sent home with the students the last week of the 2011-12 school year. For more information contact your child's PACE teacher. Plano Academy of Learning (PAL) The Plano Academy of Learning (PAL) is for students in grades K through 5. PISD students are invited to attend this program that targets instruction for acceleration of skills in reading, writing and/or math. Students who qualify for this focused instruction will be recommended for the program by their teacher. Recommendation letters will be sent to parents in early spring. Enrollment in this program is limited to students currently attending school in Plano ISD. The program is located at three different elementary schools. The locations are Barron Elementary, 3300 Avenue P; Thomas Elementary, 1800 Montana Trail; and Jackson Elementary, 1101 Jackson Drive. Students will attend the PAL location based on the school attended during the 2011-2012 school year. The dates for all three PAL programs are June 6 through July 3 from 7:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Tuition is $210 and may be paid with cash, money order, cashier's check, Master Card, Visa, Discover, or American Express card. The Student Registration Form will be sent home with the student. Out of district students cannot register for this program. Transportation is provided from the student's home campus. Bus schedules will be sent home with the students the last week of the 2011-12 school year. For more information contact your student's teacher. Special Education We provide Special Education services in all of our summer programs. Special Education offers the following programs. Camp Tejas for students with special needs grades K-8, is an innovative program primarily for students with significant disabilities. This program uses a camp-like format to enhance communication and independence through a variety of activities. Strategic Reading, for students in grades 1-5, is a continuous progress reading program for students currently receiving special education services and who experience difficulty learning to read and write. For detailed information about special education programs please contact your child's special education teacher. TABLE 4 SUMMER SCHOOL/eSCHOOL GARY WILSON, SUMMER SCHOOL COORDINATOR & JEAN PARMER, eSCHOOL COORDINATOR Bilingual / ESL Bilingual/ESL programs are designed to meet the needs of students with limited English proficiency. In the prekindergarten summer school program, instruction will focus on language development, academic and social skills. The kindergarten program is designed to develop language and to accelerate academic skills in reading, writing and math. Both of these programs are free for Limited English Proficient students who will be entering a kindergarten or a first grade bilingual/ESL class in the fall of 2012. The prekindergarten program and the kindergarten program will be held at Boggess Elementary School, Harrington Elementary School and Wells Elementary School. Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge. Summer classes are from 8:30 a.m. until 3:10 p.m. Transportation will be provided. The teacher will send home a registration application for students currently enrolled in the prekindergarten or kindergarten program. Students new to Plano schools that have been identified as LEP and have enrolled for kindergarten or for first grade in the fall of 2012 may pick up an application in the school office when registering for the 2012-2013 school year. Transportation is provided from the student's home campus. Bus schedules will be sent home with the students the last week of the 2011-12 school year. For more information, contact the bilingual or ESL teacher at the student's home campus. Middle School The Middle School Summer School Program is designed for students in grades 6 to 8 who have not mastered the essential knowledge and skills of the required courses of English, Math, Social Studies or Science. This program is streamlined to concentrate on academic mastery. Current 6th and 7th graders will take courses offered for four weeks beginning June 6 through July 3, 2012 (Students taking three courses will take the third course July 9 through July 12, 2012). There will be no afternoon sessions. Middle School Summer School for 6th and 7th graders is located at Bowman Middle School, 2501 Jupiter Road. Current 8th graders will take courses offered for four weeks beginning June 6 through July 3, 2012 (Students taking three courses will take the third course July 9 through July 12, 2012). There will be no afternoon sessions. Middle School Summer School for 8th graders is located at Vines High School, 1401 Highedge. The tuition is $195 for one course, $250 for two courses, and $300 for three courses and may be paid with cash, money order, cashier's check, Master Card, Visa, Discover or American Express card. Transportation is provided from the student's home campus. Bus schedules will be sent home with the students the last week of the 2011-12 school year. For more information students should contact their home school counselor. High/Senior High Summer Program (9-12) The purpose of the extended summer program for grades 9-12 is to provide high school students with the opportunity to master the essential knowledge and skills of incomplete/failed courses, to accelerate their high school programs, and to enrich their experiences with non-credit courses. Students may enroll beginning in March through May 18, 2012. After May 18 students must register June 12 at Plano West Senior High School. Your school counselor is the best resource for summer school questions. The Student Registration Form should be obtained from the home school counselor. The counselor must indicate which course the student will be taking and must sign the application. No registration form will be accepted without a counselor's signature Classes in 2012 will be held at Plano East Sr. High and at Plano Sr. High. Tuition is $220 per session. Tuition for out of district students (those students not residing in the Plano ISD attendance zone) is $440 per session. The tuition may be paid by cash, money order, cashier's check, Master Card, Visa, or Discover Card. Transportation is provided from the student's home campus. Bus schedules will be sent home with the students the last week of the 2011-12 school year. For more information students and parents grades 8-12 should contact their school counselor. Student Registration June 12 Plano West Senior High for those students who did not pre-register First Session June 14 - July 3 8:00 am - 1:30 pm Second Session July 9 - July 26 8:00 am - 1:30 pm Session Break July 4 - 6 More information on all of the programs can be found at http://www.pisd.edu/students/summer.school/index.shtml Over 10,000 Students 17 Campuses Enrollment starts after Spring Break Plano ISD Spring 2012 Plano ISD TABLE 4 SUMMER SCHOOL/eSCHOOL GARY WILSON, SUMMER SCHOOL COORDINATOR & JEAN PARMER, eSCHOOL COORDINATOR Class On Your Time! HIGH SCHOOL COURSES THROUGH INDEPENDENT INTERNET STUDY http://planoisdeschool.net Plano ISD offers students grades 9-12 a flexible learning option. WEBSITE AND ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES The Plano ISD eSchool website can be accessed at www.planoisdeschool.net. Course listings and descriptions can be found on the website. Students will enroll online through the Plano ISD eSchool website. Currently enrolled Plano ISD students must follow the approval process through their campus counselor. CREDIT REPORTING FOR PLANO ISD STUDENTS Credit reporting for online courses will follow existing correspondence course policies. Plano ISD students must follow similar course selection and approval procedures through their campus counselor. Students will have a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of 18 weeks to complete courses. Students currently enrolled in Plano ISD will be allowed to take two eSchool courses at one time. Students currently enrolled in Plano ISD may earn a total of three credits through correspondence and/or off-campus online courses. Grades earned in eSchool courses shall not be used in computing class rankings. [Reference Plano ISD School Board Policy EHDE Local] TUITION Payment options: 1. Online through PISD eSchool website. (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) 2. Through a cashier’s check or money order mailed to: (no personal checks accepted) Plano ISD Student Services/eSchool 3540 E. 14th Street Plano, TX 75074 3. Reimbursement guidelines: Within 15 days of the online registration, students may cancel enrollment and receive a reimbursement, as per enrollment agreement. A fee of $50.00 will be retained for administrative expenses. 4. Some courses may require the purchase of additional materials, such as textbooks, not included in the tuition fee. Special Offer! Plano ISD eSchool: Expanded Course Offerings! In an effort to meet our students’ needs, Plano ISD eSchool has developed twenty two (23) online courses locally. We are able to offer these courses at a reduced tuition cost. The tuition for the following courses is $240 to $270 per semester. *Algebra 1, Semester 1 PE Foundations *Algebra 1, Semester 2 Advanced PE Foundations United States History, Semester 1 *English 1, Semester 1 English 4, Semester 1 United States History, Semester 2 *English 1, Semester 2 English 4, Semester 2 World Geography, Semester 1 *English 2, Semester 1 Economics World Geography, Semester 2 *English 2, Semester 2 Health United Government These courses will be available toStates students beginning May 25, 2001. English 3, Semester 1 World History, Semester 1 Business Information Management, Semester 1 Remember, students must secure campus counselor approval prior to English 3, Semester 2 World History, Semester 2 BIM Semester 2 registration (available on the eSchool website). *Plano ISD students may take the course for credit recovery only. Tuition for the courses listed below is $310 per semester course. Plano ISD eSchool Courses Available At This Time Refer to website for updated course offerings. Courses for Graduation Credit Algebra II Geometry I Precalculus *Spanish I Chemistry I *Spanish II Physics I Psychology *Plano ISD students may take the course for credit recovery only. Courses for Non-Credit/Enhancement Pre Algebra Oceanography TABLE 5 MULTILINGUAL PROGRAMS ESMER WEAR, MULTILINGUAL COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR TABLE 5 MULTILINGUAL PROGRAMS ESMER WEAR, MULTILINGUAL COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR TABLE 5 MULTILINGUAL PROGRAMS ESMER WEAR, MULTILINGUAL COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR TABLE 6 DIVERSITY PROGRAMS JUN MELVIN, STAFF LIAISON TO THE DIVERSITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Plano ISD Diversity Programs The goal of the diversity programs is to enhance relationships across ethnic, racial, linguistic, and economic lines in our schools and school communities. Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) The Diversity Advisory Committee was established in 1988 as an advisory committee to the Plano ISD Board of Trustees. Mission: To advocate for, promote and ensure stronger relationships, improved communication and enhanced understanding between Plano ISD and its diverse communities. Committee focuses its attention on District programs or current issues regarding race, religion, ethnicity, or disability related situations. Committee studies the advisability of adding, deleting, or changing various programs based on the needs of the community and student body of the District. The Board or Superintendent may direct the committee to study and make recommendations on specific issues. Committee consists of 21 members reflecting the diversity of the school community, to the extent possible. Members serve three-year terms with one-third of the membership appointed each year. Committee involvement and impact: Leadership and Vision Guidance on Religious Issues Hiring Procedures Student/Parent Conflict Resolution Affirmative Action Policy Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Diversity Leadership Award District-Wide Diversity Training Diversity Steering Committee (DSC) The Plano ISD Diversity Steering Committee (DSC) was established in the spring of 2002 in response to the recommendations from both the school district's Multi-ethnic Committee and 1997 Curriculum Audit. Mission: To build bridges of trust and respect by modeling and promoting a culture that embraces diversity and values all people. Committee implements programs and activities that support community, belonging, trust and unity. Membership is comprised of district staff from various departments and campuses. DSC Sub-Committees Student Learning Diversity Development Communications Human Resources TABLE 6 DIVERSITY PROGRAMS JUN MELVIN, STAFF LIAISON TO THE DIVERSITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Cultural Competency Training Plano ISD Board of Trustees Initiative – To initiate a diversity training program for district staff to assist them in gaining a better understanding of other peoples’ ethnic, religious, and other diverse backgrounds. In 2009, the DSC Task Force planned and implemented district-wide cultural competency training for all staff. On-going training series seeks to cause conversations that will strengthen communication and relationships. Intended impact: Improve staff to student relationships o Improve student achievement o Decrease discipline referrals, drop-out rate, and absenteeism Improve staff to parent relationships o Increase parent involvement o Eliminate cultural isolation Improve staff to staff relationships o Improve workplace relationships o Improve staff retention 2009-2010: Religious Expression in the Workplace 2010-2011: Age, Generation, and Experience (A.G.E.) in the Workplace 2011-2012: Economics and Inclusion in the Workplace Dr. Raj Menon, Chair Diversity Advisory Committee Jun Melvin, HR Director District Liaison, Diversity Advisory Committee Dollie Thomas, HR Specialist District Liaison, Diversity Advisory Committee TABLE 7 GUIDANCE SERVICES PRE-K – 8 DeLYNN BRENNAN, COUNSELOR, BARKSDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL & SHARLENE BARTON, COUNSELOR, FRANKFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL PLANO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Counseling and Guidance – Grades Pre K - 8 Presented by DeLynn Brennan, Barksdale Counselor and Elementary Cluster Leader Sharlene Barton, Frankford Counselor and Middle School Cluster Leader The purpose of the school guidance program is to promote and to enhance the learning process. School counselors work closely with administrators, teachers, parents, and community to support the Plano ISD mission and accomplish goals with focus on three strands of guidance: Academic Success College and Careers Personal/Social Development The Plano ISD Guidance Plan is an integration of the American School Counseling Association National Standards and the Texas Education Agency Guidance for Program Development. A developmental guidance program emphasizes success for all students. This plan will enable all students to achieve success in school and to develop into contributing members of society. Plano counselors have a Masters degree in School Counseling and minimum of two years of classroom teaching experience. Two new programs have been implemented this year – R-time is an elementary program designed to prevent conflict through communication skills and acceptance. At the middle school level the program expands to Negotiate – students learn to discuss differences without anger, to employ tolerance, and to show respect. The underlying goal of these programs is to reduce bullying through communication and tolerance. Additional lessons address the issues of bullying, cyber-bullying, and personal safety. Guidance Topics: Anger Management Bullying Prevention Character Education Communication Conflict Resolution/Peer Mediation Decision Making Diversity Drug Awareness (Red Ribbon Week) Friendship Test Anxiety Motivation Organization Peer Pressure Personal Safety Self Confidence Social Skills Study Skills Stress Management Red Ribbon Week – The last week in October is devoted to drug abuse awareness and prevention. Schools offer specific guidance lessons, guest speakers, and motivational assemblies. Yello Dyno – this program addresses bullying and includes lesson plans, videos, and activities highlighting personal safety and making wise decisions. WHO – We Help Ourselves – this anti-victimization program also includes a section on bullies and information on staying safe, child abuse, and getting help from a trusted adult. R-Time – this elementary program fosters cooperation and respect with an emphasis on manners. Students are randomly paired and learn to greet one another using names and making eye contact. Activities are designed to help students relate well to each other, raise self-confidence, and support learning. 2012 key communicator k 8.doc TABLE 7 GUIDANCE SERVICES PRE-K – 8 DeLYNN BRENNAN, COUNSELOR, BARKSDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL & SHARLENE BARTON, COUNSELOR, FRANKFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL Other guidance lessons – Many and varied classroom guidance lessons are available to address issues and situations that occur on the campus. Guidance lessons are also available online. The majority of schools use the following popular and effective lessons to address bullying, violence, and anger: Don’t Pop Your Cork on Monday (Anger Management), Peacemaking Skills for Little Kids, Kelso’s Choice (Conflict Resolution), Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain, and No More Teasing. Negotiate - The philosophy of Negotiate is based on the principle that by placing students in a well-defined and supportive situation, they will develop inter-personal skills and positive relationships. Negotiate is an extension of R-time, the elementary school relationship program, for middle school students. Each 15-20 minute weekly session requires cooperation with a randomly chosen partner. Fundamental to Negotiate is the expectation and use of good manners, appropriate body language and courtesy, while students are engaged in mutually respectful and productive dialogue. Lessons cover multiple topics including: self-respect, gossip, cell phone bullying, friendship loyalty, honesty, and cheating. Second Step - This program is available in all middle schools designed to promote social skills and academic success. Students learn the protective skills to make good choices and stay engaged in school despite the pitfalls of substance abuse, bullying, cyber bullying, and peer pressure. Be EPIC – Educated, Pro-Active, Influential, and Changed - Trained presenters from The Turning Point make classroom presentations about appropriate and inappropriate social interactions and sexual harassment. There is a focus on this form of bullying. Be Cool – This video based program presents the paradigm of self-control and assertion training. The modules uses real-live, everyday classic situations to model the effective use of assertive strategies, as well as the ineffective use of passive and aggressive styles in coping with difficult feelings and difficult people. Topics include coping with stress, harassment, anger, and bullying. The Harassment Workshop – a program designed specifically for high school students includes skits demonstrating inappropriate behavior and solutions to dealing with harassment. Bully Free – All 9-12 schools have grade level lessons on prevention that address the specific issues affecting teenagers. The author of this program, Dr. Allan Beane, has been to Plano ISD to provide training and information on the effects of bullying and how to address the issue. The lessons promote the Golden Rule, develop empathy, help students understand the nature and destructiveness of bullying, help students who are bullied cope with their feelings and with the bullying, as well as encourage those who bully to stop mistreating others. Plano counselors also conduct small group sessions with students. These may include groups about Changing Families (divorce, separations), Grief, Social Skills/ Friendship, or New Students. These groups are supportive in nature and not therapeutic. They are based on an educational model which is part of the educational curriculum. Participation may be recommended by parents or teachers, and parental permission is always required. Plano ISD also offers online parenting classes addressing bullying, cyber-bulling, discipline, power struggles, and sibling rivalry. Class Series offered are Back to Basics, Help, A Teenager has Moved Into My Child’s Body, Parental Authority, Parenting the Strong-Willed Child, Building Bright Futures – ADD/ADHD, and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. 2012 key communicator k 8.doc TABLE 8 GUIDANCE SERVICES 9 – 12 JANA HANCOCK, DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE, PLANO EAST SENIOR HIGH & JANE CLANAHAN, COUNSELOR, SHEPTON HIGH SCHOOL PLANO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Counseling and Guidance – Grades 9 - 12 “Choices for College Readiness” Presented by Jane Clanahan, Shepton Counselor and 9-10 Cluster Leader Jana Hancock, Plano East Senior High School Director of Guidance The Plano ISD Secondary Counselors are committed to preparing all students for post secondary education. The counselor, as the academic leader, is responsible for the comprehensive student preparation using the vertical team approach for college readiness. Working closely with the family, counselors monitor students about their choice of academic plans – additional academic conferences are held in the 10th and 11th grades. To achieve this, parent meetings, classroom presentations, orientation days, and academic conferences are offered to assure that all students meet their individual goals. Honors Courses – These courses have specific entry criteria for highly motivated students. An honors curriculum includes a wider range and greater depth of subject matter than that of the regular course. Emphasis is placed on higher level and critical thinking skills, on creative, productive thinking and on independent guided research. Advanced Placement – Plano ISD offers 31 AP courses at high schools and senior highs. The program allows students to complete college-level studies while still in high school. Courses must meet rigorous criteria and teachers have received additional training. Students taking AP courses are encouraged to take the appropriate AP exams. Students may receive college placement and credit based on their examination score. The College Board indicates that AP high school courses help students qualify for scholarships, improve skills necessary for college level work, and effectively compete in the college admissions process. AP participation promotes college readiness both in academics and maturity. In 2011 Plano ISD gave 2533 AP exams to 2211 students at the high school level and 71% scored a 3, 4, or 5. At the senior highs, 8512 exams were given to 3209 and 76% scored a 3, 4, or 5. International Baccalaureate – The IB program is offered at Plano East Senior High School and is a rigorous course of study designed to meet the needs of highly motivated secondary students and to promote international understanding. Students are carefully screened for academic potential and admission into the program. The IB Program requires each student to take courses in six academic areas. To qualify for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, students must take examinations in six subject areas, participate in the Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) program, and write an extended essay during the 11th and 12th grade years. In 2011 there were 109 full diploma candidates and 76 International Baccalaureate Diplomas were awarded. 687 exams were given and 558 were passed. Dual Enrollment – In partnership with Collin College, juniors and seniors may take dual enrollment courses and earn both high school and college credit for US History, English 4, Government, and Economics. Courses are taught on senior high campuses by Collin College professors. Explore – A career exploration program for 8th graders from ACT – students take four 30 minute multiple choice tests – English, Math, Science, and Reading. The student report gives information on knowledge, skills, interests, and plans. PLAN –This assessment helps 10th grade students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years. Students take 20 – 30 minute tests in English, Math, Science, and Reading. 2012 Key Communicator sec.doc TABLE 8 GUIDANCE SERVICES 9 – 12 JANA HANCOCK, DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE, PLANO EAST SENIOR HIGH & JANE CLANAHAN, COUNSELOR, SHEPTON HIGH SCHOOL PSAT – Tests taken in the sophomore and junior year. Junior year results determine National Merit SemiFinalists. The test measures critical reading skills, math problem solving skills, and writing skills. The test consists of two 25 minute critical reading sections, two 25 minute math sections, and one 30 minute writing section. ACT – a 3 hour and 15 minutes test consisting of five subtests: English (English usage), Math (based on Algebra I, II, Geometry, and Trigonometry), Reading, Science Reasoning (a science-based reasoning test), and Writing. The subtests measure ability to perform typical intellectual tasks asked of college students and is designed to measure intellectual skill and abilities, not specific content. ACT scores range from 1-36 with the composite score being the average of all five subtests. Scores 2011: District State National English Math Reading 25 19.6 20.6 26.8 21.5 21.1 Science 25.6 20.7 21.3 25.2 20.8 20.9 Composite 25.7 20.8 21 SAT – The SAT Reasoning Test is divided into three subtests: Critical Reading, Math and Writing. Each subtest is scored between 200 and 800 with a perfect score being 2400. The SAT is 3 hours and 35 minutes in length. Writing: Students are asked to write an essay that requires them to take a position on an issue and use examples to support their position. Multiple-choice questions are also included to see how well students use standard written English. Math: The math section includes Algebra II topics, such as exponential growth, absolute value, and functional notation, and places greater emphasis on other topics such as linear functions, manipulations with exponents, and properties of tangent lines. Critical Reading: The critical reading section includes short reading passages along with long reading passages. Scores 2011: District State National Critical Reading Math 552 475 494 Writing 590 500 506 535 461 483 National Merit Semi-Finalists and Finalists – The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Students qualify for entry based on scores earned in the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Finalists are determined by high academic performance and SAT scores. Semi-Finalists 2010 2011 2012 Finalists 90 89 96 89 77 Announced in February Parent Support and Education – Plano ISD hosts two college nights, holds financial planning seminars, and offers college admission process presentations. Families have several opportunities to participate in parent education classes as well as learning about academic planning. 2012 Key Communicator sec.doc TABLE 9 EMERGENCY PLANNING & INCLEMENT WEATHER JOE PARKS, DIRECTOR OF SECURITY POLICE SERVICES Emergency Planning & Inclement Weather PISD Security Police Services Joseph L. Parks, Director Emergency Procedures & Planning PREVENTION: Vigilance by staff and students Visitor control systems (RAPTOR) Criminal history checks on applicants, volunteers, contractors School Liaison Officers in High Schools and Senior High Schools Security camera, burglar alarm, fire alarm, fire suppression systems PISD Security Police Services manages safety and security for the 54,000 students and 7,000 employees at 71 campuses and other District facilities. A snapshot of the many areas of responsibility for PISD Security includes: Respond to / investigate Written emergency procedures Regular fire, disaster and lockdown drills Ongoing training by Security and school staff RELATIONSHIPS: Law enforcement, Fire and EMS City traffic safety and engineering departments District Student & Family Services Emergency management agencies Manage and maintain fire, burglar, access control, visitor check (RAPTOR) and security camera systems (3,000 cameras) Conduct campus safety incidents on campuses audits Serve as liaison with law Coordinate enforcement on criminal matters Serve as resource to campus staff for all matters related to safety and security District-wide staffing of contract police officers for traffic direction, special event security, and alarm response Liaison with the Murphy Provide narcotics detec- and Plano Police Departments School Liaison Officer (SLO) program tion K-9 and explosives detection K-9 teams Conduct internal investiga- Conduct criminal history PREPARATION: reviews of all applicants, volunteers and contractors tions PISD is somewhat unique in that it utilizes Security Specialists who are neither security guards nor police officers to facilitate emergency preparedness and response. Security Specialists serve as liaisons between campus staff and outside agencies such as police departments, emergency medical services, Child Protective Services, and various municipal and state agencies and departments. Security Specialists also work with District Student and Family Services and affected campuses in assessing reported student conduct and/or threats in order to maintain campus safety. Each campus has an Emergency Procedures Manual that provides operating procedures for specific crisis or emergency Inclement Weather Planning Security Police Services, District Communications and the Superintendent’s Office partner together to plan for possible school closures or sheltering in place during inclement weather. Where icy conditions exist but are not severe enough for school closure, the District works with Facilities Services to de-ice entryways and sidewalks at campuses. For weather that may require school closure, the typical timeline is: 3:30 a.m.— discussions by Director of Security and Assoc. Superintendent on impact of approaching weather systems. District Security monitors weather and road conditions throughout District 5:30 a.m.— decision to close school made by Superintendent 5:45 a.m.— decision to close schools provided to Communications and then distributed to local TV and Radio media sources pursuant to procedures in place with each media outlet. The District does not generally delay opening due to weather; rather, school will either be closed for the entire day, or open and start on time. Where inclement weather is forecasted to occur during dismissal times, the decision may be made to dismiss school early. TABLE 10 P.E./RECESS & OFF CAMPUS P.E. PATTI McALPIN, P.E. SPECIALIST, RASOR ELEMENTARY & SUSAN HAYES, SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS COORDINATOR What to Look for in a Physical Education Class, Melinda Smith, Coordinator of Health and Physical Education, Administration Building Plano ISD Physical Education “Reaching one child at a time with a lifetime of healthy habits!” “As we climb the obstacles of inactivity in youth today, we as educators, find ways to maximize participation and strive toward total wellness of our students.” All physical education programs address the knowledge of physical activity, cover movement skills, help with social development, contribute to physical activity, and cover health concepts as it relates to physical performance. MVPA (Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity) Physical activity means movement of the body that uses energy. For health benefits, physical activity should be moderate or vigorous adding up to at least 30 minutes a day. Moderate physical activity means you are exercising but not pushing or exerting yourself. Your heart is beating, breathing increases, but you won’t break a sweat. Brisk walking, hiking, riding a bike on level terrain and shooting a few baskets are examples of moderate physical activity. Vigorous physical activity means your heart is beating fast, there is a large increase in breathing (conversation is difficult or broken) and you sweat. Jogging or running, riding your bike uphill and playing a high speed game of basketball are examples of vigorous physical activity. Krull, Sharon, Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity, October 9 8, 2008, February 06, 2012 Elementary Program At the elementary level you will see students moving. Students should be active between 70-90% of class time. Students should be active at a moderate to vigorous level for at least 50% of class time. Using pedometers and heart rate monitors helps measure student activity levels. Teachers are required to teach a variety of activities and address all Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for each grade level. You should see units of instruction which include: Spatial Awareness Safety Chasing, Fleeing, Dodging Locomotor Skills Rhythms Conditioning/Fitness Throwing and Catching Striking and Volleying Kicking and Punting Balance and Rolling TABLE 10 P.E./RECESS & OFF CAMPUS P.E. PATTI McALPIN, P.E. SPECIALIST, RASOR ELEMENTARY & SUSAN HAYES, SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS COORDINATOR What to Look for in a Physical Education Class, Melinda Smith, Coordinator of Health and Physical Education, Administration Building Middle School Program At the middle school level you will also see students moving. Students should be active between 70-90% of class time. Students should be active at a moderate to vigorous level for at least 50% of class time. Using pedometers and heart rate monitors helps measure student activity levels. Teachers are required to teach a variety of activities and address all Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for each grade level. You should see units of instruction which include activities from the following areas: Foundations of Personal Fitness Aerobic Activities Adventure/Outdoor Activities Individual Sports Team Sports Activities you might see will be: Goal Setting, Developing a Personal Fitness Program, Power Walking, Aerobic Dance, Jump Rope, Archery, Fishing, Boating, Badminton, Table Tennis, Bowling, Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Tennis, and Weight Training. High School Program At the high school level students choose which path to follow. In Physical Education, students acquire the knowledge and skills for movement that provide the foundation for enjoyment, continued social development through physical activity, and access to a physically-active lifestyle. The student exhibits a physically-active lifestyle and understands the relationship between physical activity and health throughout the lifespan. High School Choices include: Foundations of Personal Fitness- represents a new approach in physical education and the concept of personal fitness. The basic purpose of this course is to motivate students to strive for lifetime personal fitness with an emphasis on the health-related components of physical fitness. The knowledge and skills taught in this course include teaching students about the process of becoming fit as well as achieving some degree of fitness within the class. The concept of wellness, or striving to reach optimal levels of health, is the corner stone of this course and is exemplified by one of the course objectives-students designing their own personal fitness program. Aerobic Activities- Students enrolled in aerobic activities are exposed to a variety of activities that promote healthrelated fitness. A major expectation of this course is for the student to design a personal fitness program that uses aerobic activities as a foundation. TABLE 10 P.E./RECESS & OFF CAMPUS P.E. PATTI McALPIN, P.E. SPECIALIST, RASOR ELEMENTARY & SUSAN HAYES, SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS COORDINATOR What to Look for in a Physical Education Class, Melinda Smith, Coordinator of Health and Physical Education, Administration Building Adventure/Outdoor Activities- Students enrolled in adventure outdoor education are expected to develop competency in outdoor education activities that provide opportunities for enjoyment and challenge. Emphasis is placed upon student selection of activities that also promote a respect for the environment and that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Individual Sports- Students enrolled in individual sports are expected to participate in a wide range of individual sports that can be pursued for a lifetime. The continued development of health-related fitness and the selection of individual sport activities that are enjoyable is a major objective of this course. Team Sports- Students enrolled in team sports are expected to develop health-related fitness and an appreciation for team work and fair play. Like the other high school physical education courses, Team sports is less concerned with the acquisition of physical fitness during the course than reinforcing the concept of incorporating physical activity into a lifestyle beyond high school. For additional information concerning Physical Education please contact: Melinda Smith Coordinator for 6-12 Health, k-12 Physical Education, Coordinated School Health, and Fitnessgram 2700 W. 15th Street, Plano 75075 469-752-8051 melinda.smith@pisd.edu TABLE 10 P.E./RECESS & OFF CAMPUS P.E. PATTI McALPIN, P.E. SPECIALIST, RASOR ELEMENTARY & SUSAN HAYES, SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS COORDINATOR What to Look for in a Physical Education Class, Melinda Smith, Coordinator of Health and Physical Education, Administration Building Additional Information for Physical Education “No Child Left on Their Behind” Recent legislation has challenged our programs to get our students “up and “active” with moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity. Our department adopted “Up and Active” as our theme. Some examples of how our staff has increased the activity level and expanded our content: Refine instant activity, when the students enter the gym, they should be active from the start of class Use small sided games, such as 3 on 3 instead of 11 on 11 while playing activities in class Place equipment in every students hands during instruction of a new skill Provide maximum participation, little or no waiting in line for their turn and no elimination games Continue to provide productive and appropriate motor skill learning experiences Increase concept knowledge Enhance instruction on health-related fitness Continue to teach students to have self responsibility and improve their social skills Continue to teach students the value physical activity The general wellness of all students shall be promoted through: Nutrition Education Physical Activity School Based Activities Coordinated School Health- Plano ISD is one of only two districts in the State of Texas that has written their own coordinated school health program. This program is called: Healthy in Plano or “HIP”. The health curriculum includes an active, challenging, and student-centered environment. Written by master teachers, the curriculum provides rich health content and is naturally interconnected to real life situations It offers students numerous opportunities to read, write, solve problems, and to access, synthesize, and use information. In health education, students acquire the health information and skills necessary to become healthy adults and learn about behaviors in which they should and should not participate. Elementary Program Health instruction is delivered during students integrated curriculum block in the classroom and physical education during class time. The curriculum covers 4th different themes- one each nine weeks. The themes are: Stay Safe, My Body, Nutrition and Wellness. Middle School Program Health instruction is delivered during the student’s semester in physical education. There are 6th, 7th and 8th grade lessons for health instruction. Physical Education lessons are delivered during physical education class time. Themes include: Health, Wellness and Fitness, Decisions, Growth and Development, Self Esteem and Body Image, Nutrition, Mental Health and Stress, Your Body Systems, Diseases and Disorders, Substance Abuse and Personal Safety. TABLE 10 P.E./RECESS & OFF CAMPUS P.E. PATTI McALPIN, P.E. SPECIALIST, RASOR ELEMENTARY & SUSAN HAYES, SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS COORDINATOR What to Look for in a Physical Education Class, Melinda Smith, Coordinator of Health and Physical Education, Administration Building Campus Wellness Teams include: Parents, Students, Physical Education Teachers, Classroom Teachers, Administrators, Counselors, Food and Nutritional Services Manager. Campus wellness teams establish wellness goals based on the campus needs. Rotation Equipment Over 100 different equipment packages available for check out to enhance lessons. Examples include: Action Based Learning, Ages Golf, Badminton, Balance & Core Stability, Archery, Bocce, Bowling, Box Hockey, CatEye Game Bike, Core Conditioning Pack, Speed "Cup" Stacking, Dance Dance Revolution, Field and Floor Hockey, Frisbee Golf, Juggling, Lacrosse, Orienteering, Soccer, Speedminton, Table Tennis, Team Handball, Tennis, and Exergaming. The Heart Adventure Challenge Course is on the rotation equipment and travels to each elementary school. The Heart Adventure Challenge Course is a fantastic journey allowing children to move through the four chambers of the heart in a larger-than-life setting. This specially designed fitness course encompasses more than just physical activity; it is a science lesson on the move where students acquire a general understanding of the heart, as well as the importance of exercise, in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A pedometer or step counter is a device, in modern times usually portable and electronic or electromechanical, that counts each step a person takes by detecting the motion of the person's hips. We currently have class sets of pedometers on every campus. The elementary pedometer counts steps only. The secondary pedometer counts steps, time and calories expended. Currently a pilot is being conducted testing a pedometer that measures MVPA. Heart Rate Monitors allow teachers to objectively assess student and class performance while safely motivating students with instant feedback on a daily basis. Heart rate monitors also provide teachers with a reliable way to ensure that all students are exercising at the right intensity because time spent in the target heart rate zone is recorded. Incorporating heart rate monitors into New PE programs enable teachers to get all students involved, regardless of athletic ability. Every elementary and secondary campus has class sets of heart rate monitors. Fitnessgram is a fitness assessment and reporting program for youth, first developed in 1982 by The Cooper Institute. The assessment includes a variety of health-related physical fitness tests that are used to determine students' overall physical fitness and suggest areas for improvement when appropriate. Plano ISD administers the Fitnessgram test to 3rd -12th grade students during physical education class. Fitnessgram reports are required to be sent home in the 4th and the 7th grade. High school students are tested in any area that provides physical education credit. A parental report can be requested by the parent to the principal of the campus. Action Based Learning is based on brain research that supports the link of movement and physical activity to increased academic performance. Brain science strongly supports the link of movement to learning. The brain and body’s movement and learning systems are interdependent and interactive. For example, motor development provides the framework that the brain uses to sequence the patterns needed for academic concepts. Action based learning labs travel to campus through the rotation system. Exergaming is a term used for video games that are also a form of exercise. The genre has been credited with upending the stereotype of gaming as a sedentary activity, and promoting an active lifestyle. The District currently has Wii’s, Dance Dance Revolution, GameBikes, Xbox Kinect, PS3 Move, and Jackie Chan available to campuses. Extra Innings- Our campuses participate in a variety of additional outside activities. We have included these events in our curriculum. The include Adventure Camp Curriculum, Marathon Kids, Speed Stacks, District Hoop Shoot and Play 60. Physical education and health prepares our students for “lifetime readiness”. TABLE 10 P.E./RECESS & OFF CAMPUS P.E. PATTI McALPIN, P.E. SPECIALIST, RASOR ELEMENTARY & SUSAN HAYES, SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS COORDINATOR Off Campus PE Reminders Approved sports for the 2011‐2012 school year: Archery Art Skating Dance Equestrian Fencing Gymnastics Ice Hockey Ice Skating Lacrosse Martial Arts Middle School Golf Rock Climbing Rowing Squash Swimming Tennis Table Tennis Track Cycling Category Participation Options: Category 1 ‐ 15 hours per week of supervised practice/instruction; students may arrive to school one period late (AM) or be dismissed 1 period early (PM); required to participate a total of five (5) days per week of which four (4) of those days must be during the week (Monday through Friday). Category 2 – 10 hours per week of supervised practice/instruction; students remain on campus all day; required to participate a total of five (5) days per week of which four (4) of those days must be during the week (Monday through Friday). Category 3 (Gymnastics only)‐ 25 hours per week of supervised practice/instruction; allows the student to adjust their schedule to take less than the required daily course load; required to participate a total of five (5) days per week of which four (4) of those days must be during the week (Monday through Friday). There is a Category 3 form that needs to completed in addition to the Off Campus PE application. Fee: The enrollment fee is $125.00 per semester or $200.00 for the year if paid in a single payment. Parents may pay online using PayPAMS, by check (made payable to Plano ISD) or with cash. Reminders: For incoming 6th graders, the school counselor must approve the OCPE application before it is submitted. Counselors will not schedule a student into OCPE until the application has been approved through Secondary Academics. Information is located on the PISD website at: http://www.pisd.edu/students/athletics/off.campus.pe.shtml TABLE 11 LIBRARIES: GOING WHERE YOU GO DIANE LUTZ, DIRECTOR OF LEARNING MEDIA SERVICES Take e a tour off our new centu ury libra aries New library m mobile website – Going W Where You Go o ‐ http://m.cataalog.pisd.edu u This new featture allows sttudents and p parents to use e a smart phoone to search h their school’s Kohaa library catalog, access th heir student’s account, pla ce Holds, create lists, and research h within three e District‐provvided databasse resources— —ABC‐Clio, EB BSCO, and World Bo ook. Ever waanted to know w if there wass a book avail able at your llibrary while standin ng at the local bookstore, o or gather rese earch inform ation while siitting at the fast food restaurant? Now with Plaano ISD’s easyy to read verssion for your mobile ossible! device it’s po Koha, an ope en source librrary software e automation n package, is iin use worldw wide. Its devvelopment is steered by a growingg community o of users collaborating to achieve their ttechnology go oals. Koha is built using lib brary standards and protocols aand its feature e set continues to evolve aand expand to meet the needs of its usser base. Koha provide es the ease o of self‐checko out in which sstudents can enter their ID D using a num mber pad con nnected to the compu uter. When ttheir picture ccomes up, the e individual s cans the barccode on the b book using the existting barcode sscanners at thhe circulation n desk. After the student h has finish hed they clickk "done" ‐‐ cleearing the scrreen and settting the curso or in the apprropriate spot for the next user. This allows the librarian dom to advise e students in freed bookk selection, lo ocate resourc es for research, or to o teach otherr scheduled claasses. Even the you ungest of Plan no ISD studen nts step up to o finding boo oks to read att home. Isaaacs Early Child dhood students sele ect their favorrite book to ccheck out. Ebooks provide an additio onal format ffor both research and leissure. Plano ISSD has a grow wing library avvailable er 1600 titles. The kid‐frien ndly format o of TumbleBoook Library is a welcome ressource for younger online of ove readers, ESL, and special n needs students. Tumble B Book Library ooffers picturee books by no oted authors, graphic novels and d fiction on a variety of levvels of readin ng difficulty. Plano ISD students leaarn the skills n needed to fin nd, evaluate, and note the information tthey need to write about a variety of ttopics. ources on a vvariety of topiics for Plano Senior High stud ents find reso their classses. Students aat Beaty Earlyy Childhood C Center benefit from our daatabases even befo ore they can inndependentlyy use them. TThe librarian uses Pebble Go daatabase to illu ustrate so students can hear and see thhe difference between the sounds and appearance o of alligators aand crocodiless in preparatiion for a storyy about a crocodile. TABLE 11 LIBRARIES: GOING WHERE YOU GO DIANE LUTZ, DIRECTOR OF LEARNING MEDIA SERVICES Andrews Elementary students have learned about the importance of bibliographies and visit the library to see a demonstration on Noodle Tools, a bibliographic generator. Otto Middle School students have explored various databases. The librarian explains how to pick word combinations that get the best number of results; and highlights features that each database offers, such as one that allows you to hear an article read to you. Independent research may first require a few introductory lessons ‐‐finding, evaluating, and focusing upon a primary or best source for the information. A continuing collaboration between a sixth grade teacher and the librarian at Murphy Middle School enables these students (right) to focus on the content while practicing the skills and learning how to use the resources to bring out the best in their writing. Instruction in the library follows the classroom curriculum, utilizing District resources to assist students in development of the Texas Essential Knowledge Skills (TEKS) and prepare them for assessment (STAAR). Librarians at all levels sponsor book clubs. On any day of the week and at various times of the school day students find a home in the library discussing books with other students. Vines High School hosts three lunchtime book club. In this meeting they heard a letter of thanks from the Retired Teachers for their role in collecting hundreds of books to be distributed to children, planned for a visiting author, and made their next book selection. Plano ISD libraries encourage independence while developing service and self‐esteem through programs that teach student assistants the skills to help others. Here a VISA (Very Important Student Assistant) student at Wyatt assists her library at the shelves and at the desk. The mission of Plano ISD Learning Media Services is to ensure that literacy remains a vital part of every student’s continuous learning experience. Through campus libraries and resources, Plano ISD’s Learning Media Services envisions that all students value reading; develop as independent, literate users of ideas and information; and adapt, create, and think in an atmosphere of participatory learning.