Rockwall ISD

Students Get a Sneak Peek Behind the Scenes at Billie Stevenson Elementary

Jovan Overshown — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:59:14 +0000

On Wednesday, May 22, future students of Billie Stevenson Elementary were treated to a sneak peek, behind the scenes look at the construction site of the new elementary school. Principal Mike Pitcher invited current fifth grade students at Celia Hays Elementary who are zoned to attend Stevenson next year, to experience the makings of what is soon be their new elementary campus. Mr. Pitcher explained, “moving to a new campus and leaving many friends behind, is a difficult transition and I had hoped to provide students with an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime, memory-making event that will help insure their buy-in and commitment to their new leadership role as sixth graders at Stevenson.”

Upon their arrival, Project Manager Bud Howard with Pogue Construction and Rockwall ISD Director of Facilities, Javier Fernandez warmly greeted all 31 students and their chaperones. After a brief review of expectations and tour protocols, Mr. Howard led the group on an all-inclusive tour of the campus. From front door, to library, to computer lab, the students excitedly followed Mr. Howard as he described the planning and details involved in the construction process. Also included was a sneak peek into their new classrooms, a visit to the cafeteria (including the kitchen), gym and designated areas for music, band and art. Mr. Howard concluded by reiterating to students the importance of taking their new leadership roles seriously, so that they may experience great success.

This was truly a special opportunity that no other teacher, parent or student has ever had before. To the district, this is just one of many opportunities that families, community members and all stakeholders will have in helping to build upon the foundation of high expectations for excellence established by Rockwall ISD, and thus contributing to the culture and climate of Billie Stevenson Elementary.

Durham School Services donated the cost of the bus and the time of driver, Linda Meeks, free of charge so that the students could experience this opportunity at no cost. This was truly a memorable event for all involved.

Rockwall High Baseball Close to Record Win

James VanDyke — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:40:18 +0000

The Rockwall Baseball team will be playing Klein Collins in the State 5A Region 2 Semifinals this week at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX.

Game 1: Friday at 7 pm at Mary Hardin-Baylor
Game 2: Saturday at 1 pm at Mary Hardin-Baylor
Game 3: Saturday following Game 2, if necessary

Rockwall defeated Plano last Saturday in the Region Quarterfinal series to advance. The team’s record is 31-7, one win shy of the number of wins by the 2005 state runner-up Rockwall team. The 2013 team has now advanced further in the playoffs than any team since the 2005 team.

Rockwall defeated McKinney in the Area Round and Rowlett in the Bi-District round.

Cullins 5th Graders Adopt-A-Pilot

Jovan Overshown — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:42:43 +0000

Doris Cullins Lake Pointe Elementary 5th Graders participated in the Southwest Airlines adopt-a-pilot program with pilot Kevin Watts. Mr. Watts visited the 5th graders in March and May and shared valuable lessons with them that related to Social Studies, Reading, Math, and Science. He communicated to the students the importance of education and exposed them to careers in the military and commercial airlines. The students had fun learning to land planes and enjoyed airplane pretzels. They used the principles of F.L.I.G.H.T.; Fearlessness, Leadership, Immagination, Gratitude, Honesty, and Tenacity and created acrostic poems relating these traits to historical figures.

Breakfast at Dobbs Honors Good Citizenship

Jovan Overshown — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:21:06 +0000

The annual Chick-fil-A breakfast at Dobbs Elementary honors one boy and one girl from each classroom who demonstrate strong character traits throughout the school year.

Rockwall Yellowjacket Football Team Gives to Helping Hands

Jovan Overshown — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:04:27 +0000

The Rockwall Yellowjacket football team collected canned food for Helping Hands on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. Joe Willy’s was the drop off point for the players Wednesday evening. The players collected over 2,500 items. The Spring Swarm game will also be an opportunity to give to Helping Hands. Two cans of food, or $2 will get you into the game and all proceeds go to Helping Hands. The game is Thursday, May 30, 2013 at Wilkerson Sanders Memorial Stadium.

Emergency Communications Reminder

James VanDyke — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:42:12 +0000

With the recent severe weather in our area, we wanted to remind you of Rockwall ISD’s Emergency Communication procedures.

During a district-wide emergency, communications are coordinated at a district level so our staff on school campuses can focus on the safety of our students.

We encourage you to use the following methods to stay up-to-date during a emergency situation.

Rockwallisd.com Website: District emergency messages and updates will be posted in real time on the Rockwall ISD home page.
Skylert Email, Text and Phone Messages: We will send out urgent messages to parents via email, text and phone notifications. Parents provide this contact information through Skyward Family Access.
Social Media: We will post all emergency updates to our Facebook (facebook.com/rockwallisd ) and Twitter (@rockwallschools ) accounts
Local news: We will provide emergency information to local news outlets; however, this information maybe delayed. We encourage you to use the methods list above first.

In a true emergency, events happen fast. We will do our best to keep you informed in a timely manner, especially as it pertains to early or delayed dismissal times, transportation issues and any other changes to your child’s instructional day.

We work very hard to keep your children safe at school. In the event of severe weather or other emergency where conditions outside the school are unsafe, we will shelter students and staff in place and avoid sending anyone outside of the building until the threat has passed. During such emergencies, we urge you to avoid coming to the school until you are notified that dismissals have resumed.

Please let us know if you have any questions about our Emergency Communications.

New Trustees Sworn In

James VanDyke — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:49:12 +0000

Jon Bailey and Jim White were sworn in as the newest members of Rockwall ISD’s Board of Trustees on Monday, May 20. Mr. Bailey, who is not related to Rockwall ISD Superintendent Jeff Bailey, will serve as the Place 4 Trustee replacing Doug Hamilton. Jim White will serve as Place 5 Trustee and replace Dr. David Loftis. Both of the new trustees were elected on May 11.

Dr. Loftis and Mr. Hamilton were both long serving board members who decided not to seek re-election.

Hartman Students Connect Cultures with Japan

Jovan Overshown — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:49:25 +0000

Grace Hartman students, in Mrs. Mann’s Kindergarten class, connected cultures with a Journey to Japan program. For the past several months, the children made artwork, learned origami, sang songs and learned many things about the country, the Japanese culture and their ways of life. The students took this information and became instructors for other grade levels, parents and community members. The students taught interesting facts like the location of the Japanese islands, the population and how to count in Japanese. They also shared information about the flag, the formation of continents, the surrounding oceans and a scientific experiment about volcanoes.

Lauren Conselman demonstrated writing with Kanji Characters (Japanese symbols used to write). AnnaBelle Yeo taught the audience how to use chop sticks appropriately and the class demonstrated a dance wearing costumes from Japan. Mrs. Mann had lived in Japan when she was a young girl and used her passion for the country to excite her students about its culture. The children ended the program with songs honoring Mother’s, Texas and our veterans. It was a very moving, colorful and entertaining evening of connecting cultures.

Hartman Students Enjoy Dallas Cowboys Junior Training Camp

Jovan Overshown — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:00:15 +0000

The Dallas Cowboys Football Club provided the Junior Training Camp to Grace Hartman students in the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grades. The camp is a complimentary 90-minute non-contact football clinic designed to give the students the opportunity to learn more about NFL football, teamwork and personal best while reinforcing the importance of education. The camp also emphasizes the importance of friendly competition versus winning or losing. The students had the opportunity to participate in a fun and interactive series of activities that involve passing, receiving and running elements. One of the highlights of the visit was having RHS football players and Cowboy Rowdy join in on the morning of fun.

Rockwall ISD Advanced Academics Now on Facebook and Twitter

Jovan Overshown — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:02:24 +0000

To better connect parents, students, educators and the community with meaningful resources, Rockwall ISD Advanced Academics has launched a new website, Facebook page and Twitter account. Advanced Academics oversees programs such as Pre-Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement and the emerging International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In addition to these programs, Advanced Academics is also involved with career and college readiness assessments like the Readistep, PSAT, SAT, ACT and advanced placement exams.

If you or your student is involved in any of these programs or if you just want to stay abreast of Advanced Academics in Rockwall ISD, we invite you to join in the conversation. Please visit our website www.rockwallisd.com/advancedacademics, like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/rockwallisdadvancedacademics, and follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/RISDadvacademic.