New decade, new opportunities
Garland ISD is kicking off the new decade with new opportunities
focused on preparing students for the world of tomorrow. In
2020-21, students will have access to greater fine arts, athletics and
specialized academic programs.
To create a streamlined path, the district will introduce mariachi
and orchestra classes at three schools in the fall. Austin Academy
for Excellence and North Garland High School will debut mariachi
courses, while Naaman Forest High School will launch an orchestra
program. Currently, Jackson Technology Center for Math and
Science as well as Garland High School house both orchestra
and mariachi classes, while Austin Academy for Excellence,
Webb Middle School and North Garland High School offer
orchestra courses.
“In order for us to provide a robust fine arts experience, starting
students at the elementary or middle school level is a must,” said
Director of Visual & Performing Arts Joseph Figarelli. “Thanks to
the support of the Board of Trustees and Dr. López’s vision, we’re
helping our students become more well-rounded.”
Striving to provide as many learning opportunities as possible,
the district’s newest facility will open the doors to experiences never
before offered in GISD.
“We are most excited to offer two new programs with the opening
of the natatorium this fall,” stated Aquatic Manager Philip Wiggins.
“The district will boast swimming and diving teams at every high
school, as well as a water safety program for our second graders. The
short-term and long-term benefits of the classes and opportunities
we will be able to offer will be a positive for our students for years
to come.”
“
Thanks to the support of the
Board of Trustees and Dr. López’s
vision, we’re helping our students
become more well-rounded.
”
Focused on preparing students for successful futures, GISD is also
expanding the reach of two specialized programs.
For decades, Garland High School was the only GISD campus to
offer International Baccalaureate (IB) with its Diploma Programme
for juniors and seniors. Extending the World School experience
to the middle school level, Austin Academy for Excellence will
introduce the renowned Middle Years Programme (MYP) to seventh
and eighth graders in 2020-21. Intended for all students, MYP is
a framework for how teachers deliver instruction. Austin students
will experience more concept-based learning that is driven by big
ideas or universal themes; increased connection among courses; a
global understanding of the way in which the content being taught
relates to and affects our world; and instructional time embedded
with a focus on life skills such as communication, collaboration, and
organization to prepare students for high school and beyond. MYP
1
will be implemented in sixth grade in 2021–22.
As a district, we are committed to ensuring that all Garland ISD
students graduate with at least 12 hours of college credit in addition
to their high school diploma. Beginning in the fall, the district
will have Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools
(P-TECHs) available at every high school. Each one will have an
area of specialization tied to a career pathway that is aligned with
workforce trends in this region. Current business partners include
Microsoft, Google, Parkland Hospital, Toyota and Wells Fargo.
Students will also have the opportunity to graduate with associate
degrees, including:
Garland High School
(Partnership with Richland College)
• Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing
• Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering
• Associate of Science with a concentration in Engineering
Lakeview Centennial High School
(Partnership with Eastfield College)
• Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
• Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
• Associate of Art in Criminal Justice
Naaman Forest High School
(Partnership with North Lake College)
• Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technology
• Associate of Applied Science in Mortgage Banking
North Garland High School
(Partnership with Richland College)
• Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration
and Support
• Associate of Science with a concentration in
Premedical/Predental
Rowlett High School
(Partnership with Richland College)
• Associate of Applied Science in Interactive Simulation and
Game Technology (Game Design)
• Associate of Applied Science in Software Programming and
Developing
• Associate of Science
Sachse High School
(Partnership with Richland College)
• Associate of Applied Science in Multimedia Web Design
• Associate of Arts in Teaching EC-6
South Garland High School
(Partnership with Eastfield College)
• Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology
• Associate of Applied Science in Electronics
• Associate of Arts in Teaching EC-6
Contact campuses for details.
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