RISD School Times — August 29, 2019
Food Truck Coming to Four Campuses
Through a new partnership with the Network of Community Ministries, many RISD students and their families will be able to put more food on the table.
The Richardson-based nonprofit recently took delivery of a new refrigerated truck that it plans to use to bring food to Liberty Junior High, Audelia Creek Elementary, Memorial Park Academy and Thurgood Marshall Elementary.
The Network will pick up donations of meat, produce, frozen foods and dry goods that would otherwise go unclaimed from selected retail partners and transport them to the campuses where students can shop in an atmosphere similar to a farmer’s market.
Read more about when the Network truck will be at these campuses.
Is Your Child Vaping?
RISD is stepping up anti-vaping awareness efforts as instances of student vaping at schools increased substantially last year.
Vaping is the act of inhaling a substance, mixed with water vapor, into the lungs through an e-cigarette device. Substances typically contain substantial amounts of nicotine mixed with a flavoring in a cartridge. Other substances are also often inhaled through vaping, including illegal substances such as THC.
E-cigarettes are prohibited on all RISD campuses.
Students found vaping or in possession of an e-cigarette face suspension. Under state law, students found vaping THC or in possession of a cartridge with THC face felony arrest and potential expulsion.
Parents, please become educated about vaping, including knowing what to look for. RISD’s awareness efforts with students are focusing on the health impact and legal/disciplinary consequences of making a choice to vape at school. The district is also educating teachers and staff members about vaping activity among students and what to look for.
There is a misconception among people of all ages that vaping is harmless. It is not. Vaping is prohibited on all RISD campuses, and getting caught will lead to significant disciplinary action and/or arrest.
In cooperation with Richardson Police and Methodist Richardson Medical Center, RISD has shared this video with high school students across the district.
RISD Trustees Hear Accountability Presentation
The Texas Education Agency gave Richardson ISD a scaled score of 88 for an accountability grade of B for 2019.
RISD has nine campuses rated A this year with 22 campuses at B and 17 scoring a C. Four schools received a D, including Bukhair Elementary, which saw its grade climb to a 62 from a 51 in 2018. Schools are rated by a state formula based on the number of students who are approaching, meet and master grade-level STAAR tests.
In 2018, RISD leaders decided to change the culture at some of the district’s lowest-performing schools, and the latest state accountability ratings indicate the fix is working. In addition to the gain at Bukhair, RISD Academy’s state rating rose to 73 from 59 and Improvement Needed the prior year. Thurgood Marshall Elementary’s grade of 75 is also an improvement from the year earlier; and Forest Lane Academy rose to an 82 up from a 66 a year ago.
RISD Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone attributed the gains at Forest Lane — which serves a student population that is nearly 94% economically disadvantaged — to the culture shift that is taking root.
District Calendar
- 2019–20 Student Academic Calendar
- September 2 — Student & Staff Holiday
- September 9 — Regular Board Meeting
- September 9 — Public Hearing to Discuss RISD’s Financial Accountability Rating
- September 18 — Schools Release Two Hours Early
- September 23 — Board Work Session
Meetings, Events & Fundraisers
- RISD Athletics Calendar
- August 31 — LHHS Recycle & Shred Event
- September 14 — RISD College Fair
- LiveWise LiveHealthy SAFE! Adult Education at Berkner
- Pearce Mighty Mustang Band offering branded, clear tote bags
- Berkner 50th Anniversary Oct. 11–12
Reminders
Connecting With School
RISD administration and individual schools regularly provide messages to parents of enrolled students with school information, important dates, reminders, and safety information. Parents are strongly encouraged to ensure their child’s school has an up-to-date email address and a working, text-enabled phone number.
Questions?
Your child’s school is the best resource for questions about school schedules and operations.
Parents may also contact the main RISD switchboard at 469–593–0000 or email the district at risd@risd.org.
Stadium Bag Policy
This year, RISD is implementing a new stadium bag policy for spectators at the five venues that host athletic and extracurricular events. Clear bags/containers of any size are permitted. Bags that are not transparent or clear can be no larger than 6"x9"x5".
This safety and security measure will be enforced at:
- Eagle-Mustang Stadium
- Wildcat-Ram Stadium
- Berkner Field (B Field)
- Lake Highlands Field (B Field)
- Pearce Field (B Field)
The stadium bag policy applies to spectators and fans entering the stadium, and does not apply to students, coaches or RISD staff members playing, performing or working at the stadiums.
Learn more about RISD Stadium policies
Save the Date — College Fair
The annual RISD College Fair will be held Saturday, Sept. 14 at Berkner High School.
RISD high school students and their parents are welcome to attend, speak with representatives from colleges and universities around Texas and the country, and attend informational sessions about financial aid, college applications, and more.
Learn more about the RISD College Fair.
Volunteering in RISD
A new background check is required every school year for all volunteers at RISD schools.
Parents, grandparents and community members must be cleared prior to volunteering at school activities, so the beginning of the school year is the best time to complete that process.
