Plano speech coach inducted into state hall of fame
Story by Nancy Long; Photos by John Pippard
Karen Wilbanks, speech teacher and coach at Plano Senior High School, was recently inducted into the Texas Forensic Association (TFA) Hall of Fame. Ms. Wilbanks, the TFA president, was surprised with the esteemed honor at the October meeting, held in conjunction with the annual Texas Speech Communications Association conference in Dallas. "This award was a complete surprise as it usually is awarded posthumously or to people who are close to retirement," said Ms. Wilbanks, "Luckily, I fit neither of those categories." Read more
Save the date
for 'Ski Plano 2010'
The Plano ISD Education Foundation invites you to don your ski sweaters, scarves and hats to warm yourself at "Ski Plano 2010" on January 30, at Southfork Ranch. The annual fundraising event will include exciting new exciting features such as
dancing to the music of Mars Hills, an exclusive VIP reception for major
underwriters, the Neiman Marcus Avalanche raffle, one of a kind
live auction items and much more. This year's event is sure to be "Icy
Hot" with live auction items like the Lexus sampler, dinner for 10 in your home catered by Central Market, a shopping spree at Shops at Willow
Bend and much, much more!
Ski Plano 2010 Website |
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Employees generously give the 'United Way'
Plano ISD employees contributed $157,608 to the 2009 United Way "Live United" campaign. "Once again, our employees offered their generous support of United Way agencies to help ensure that critical services are available to individuals and families in North Texas," reported Karla Oliver, executive director for government and community relations and Plano ISD United Way campaign chair. "Our campus and department coordinators are to be commended for their efforts and for sharing information with employees about the many United Way agencies which benefit from our employees' support." Many schools and departments made this year's list of United Way Goal Busters |
Around the district
The Plano ISD Board of Trustees invites you to the Isaacs Early Childhood School dedication ceremony to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, at the school, 3400 East Parker Road in Plano. School namesake is Sara Isaacs, Plano ISD retired teacher and administrator. Invitation |
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Plano West Senior High School students had the opportunity to visit with several U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor recipients recently. The war heroes visited local schools to promote the Medal of Honor's legacy of courage, sacrifice, service and patriotism. View photos from the event. |
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Plano ISD's Diversity Advisory Committee invites staff and community members to nominate Plano ISD individuals and/or groups for the 2010 Diversity Leadership Awards, which will be presented at the school district's January 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute. Nominations are due December 4. |
Board briefs
The Plano ISD Board of Trustees conducted a work session on Tuesday, October 20, at Sockwell Center. Trustees reviewed the work of the appointed Feeder School Alignment Committee and elected to allow more time to consider two very important submissions from the committee. School Board President Lloyd Jenkins formed two subcommittees of board members, one to research the guiding principle of no split feeders and one to research balancing school enrollment based on socioeconomic factors. All board members expressed the need for more time to study the community's concerns, making December 15 the target date for a final decision.
Read Notable Notes and Achievements here, or select the buttons at the top right of this page. |
| 10/26 |
Red Ribbon Week |
| 11/1 |
Daylight Saving Ends |
| 11/3 |
School Board Meeting |
| 11/10 |
Isaacs ECS Dedication |
View full calendar |
Mendenhall teacher captures 'Educator of the Year' award from Collin County LULAC
Story: Mary Gorden; Photos: John Pippard
Christine Barrantes, intervention specialist at Mendenhall Elementary School, is described by Principal Karen Noble as "full of passion for kids. She reaches out to students, parents and the community to make a difference in their lives."
For her dedication to education, Christine will be awarded "Educator of the Year" by LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Collin County this evening, October 22, at the organization's annual awards banquet at Southfork Ranch Hotel.
Digest: What is your main objective as intervention specialist at Mendenhall?
Christine: My main goal is to use my creativity and compassion for struggling students to help them set high goals and reach them. I work with students, their parents and the educators on our campus to make this goal a reality.
Digest: What are some of your major responsibilities on the campus?
Christine: Students at Mendenhall know me as "the science lab teacher," because all students in grades 3-5 spend 45 minutes each week in our science lab, which I coordinate. In the lab, students participate in hands-on activities that lead to better understanding of science concepts.
I also serve as integrated vertical team leader for science and social studies and have served for 10 years as sponsor of our building's science fair. Through LULAC, I enjoy sponsoring a reading club for first and second grade students and a Parenting Academy, which has been very successful on our campus.
Digest: How do you reach out to families?
Christine: We've made great strides through our Parenting Academy. This group started several years ago with about 12 parents. This week, 50 parents participated in our kick-off meeting. We start the year by discussing goals for their students. It's so exciting to see our parents ask lots of questions and show great interest in preparing their students for post-secondary education.
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