Isely celebrates construction of its new building

Isely Traditional Magnet celebrated the start of construction of its new school building during Meet the Teacher Night on August 12. Parents had the opportunity to look at the building design and talk with the architects about the plans for the new school, which will begin construction later this month.

Board of Education President Connie Dietz and Vice President Betty Arnold, Superintendent John Allison and Assistant Superintendent Alicia Thompson served ice cream to families to thank them for supporting the $370 million bond issue and to welcome them to a new school year.

“We are glad that our families were able to come out and see what our new school will be like,” said principal Jane Walker. “Many of our students are very excited to have a new school. The teachers are excited too.”

Besides enjoying ice cream, families also toured the current school and met with their child’s teacher for this school year.

Isely Traditional Magnet will have a state-of-the-art pre-K through fifth grade school in which to educate students. The 65,000 square-foot school will accommodate 450 students and have a music room, art room, computer lab and a multi-purpose room that is also a safe room/storm shelter. Isely is scheduled to be substantially complete by December 2011.

L’Ouverture begins partnership with New Hope Baptist Church

L’Ouverture Computer Technology Magnet and New Hope Baptist Church announced a new partnership to support students. The partnership was announced to families during their Meet Your Teacher event on August 12.

As part of the partnership, New Hope Baptist Church provided school supplies to the school’s first-grade students. On the first day of school, members of the church handed out pencils, erasers, glue sticks, crayons, flash cards, and a pencil box to enable students to get off to a strong start for the school year. The teachers received items like copy paper, facial tissue, paper towels and other supplies needed in the classroom.

Through the partnership, church members will be reading tutors for the first-grade students to help them increase their reading and listening skills and will start a Reading With Seniors program.

The church members will support parents as well. L’Ouverture parents who are interested in obtaining a GED can receive assistance at New Hope Baptist Church and receive free childcare while doing so.

“The partnership is extremely beneficial to parents, students, and the L’Ouverture staff,” said principal Greg Croomes. “We are thankful to be partners with New Hope and look forward to continuing the partnership for years to come.”

Jardine receives surprise gift from Wal-Mart

School staff from Jardine Technology Magnet, along with the school’s Color Guard, were invited to help celebrate the grand re-opening of Wal-Mart at Pawnee and Broadway on July 30. During the ceremony, Jardine was surprised with a $5,000 check from the store to support initiatives at the school. Principal Dave Saunders said he was extremely grateful for the gift.

Jardine’s Color Guard, made up of students Tomas Morales, Alondra Navarette, Jacob Nicolet, and Javier Torres- Ramirez presented the colors at the ceremony. They were led by Master Sergeant Mike Williams.