The path to success starts in Pre-K , kindergarten
Garland ISD is committed to preparing all students for college , careers and life . Access to early learning is an essential factor in future readiness . The good news is that GISD offers high-quality Pre-K and kindergarten programs , making it easy for families to get ahead . Start your child ’ s path to success by enrolling them in Pre-K or kindergarten during the Choice of School and magnet application period , which kicks off March 24 .
Families can select their preferred campuses and apply for a magnet seat by completing both forms online . The magnet application is open through April 21 , while the Choice of School form closes May 28 .
Don ’ t delay , enroll today ! Visit garlandisd . net / choice and garlandisd . net / magnets for details .
Spring Intersession to bring games , learning
District campuses are gearing up for “ Game On in GISD ,” our second fun-filled Intersession March 8 – 12 . Participating students will have special , four-hour days that include breakfast , two learning sessions , lunch , contests and more .
The game-themed event will provide acceleration , enrichment and intervention to district students . Every campus in Garland ISD has tailored the week ’ s instruction and activities to their participating in-person and remote learners .
This marks the second Intersession in GISD history . In October , the district debuted its first-ever Intersession . The State Fair-themed event was a hit , with 9,000 students in attendance .
“ It was a great opportunity for many students to recover grades and pass the first cycle , while others experienced real-world applications ,” said Director of Intervention Lea Ann Schkade . “ Data revealed that students who attended PSAT , TSI , EOC and other test prep courses during Intersession had a higher percentage of success . Intersessional weeks are engaging and fun experiences for all !”
The spring event will feature small-group sessions focusing on closing individual skill gaps , extending course curriculum and introducing students to enhanced content . Dress up days , prizes and other amusing activities will also take place during the weeklong affair .
If you haven ’ t signed up your student for this amazing experience , contact your campus today .
SGHS adopts new mascot
The Garland ISD Board of Trustees approved a new South Garland High School mascot — the Titans . Students , staff , alumni and community members all helped select the campus ’ new symbolic figure after a months-long process , which included public submissions , committee meetings and a final campus vote .
“ This is not about changing the culture of the past ,” said GISD Superintendent Dr . Ricardo López . “ This is about instilling a different horizon for the future .”
In November , GISD Trustees voted unanimously to retire the Colonel as the SGHS mascot . A recommendation survey launched in early December , and committees went to work in early January .
Dedicated to a true community-driven process , students , staff and alumni worked together on mascot renaming subcommittees . Members received training , narrowed down proposals and viewed student-created renderings . Committees considered inclusivity , school colors , spirit group names and more as guiding principles .
A total of 421 mascot submissions were reviewed , nominated and scored . Sixteen advanced to a “ Mascot Madness ” round , three were identified as semifinalists and the final two went head-to-head for the recommendation title . The Titans bested the Texans by winning more than 65 % of the student and staff vote . The Titans represent strength , resilience and greatness , making it an easy favorite throughout the process . The community also noted that the mascot corresponds with the school ’ s colors of red , white and blue .
The South Garland Titans will make their debut in the fall of 2021 .
For more information on South Garland High School , please visit the campus website at garlandisdschools . net / sghs .
Find more details at garlandisd . net / intersession .
2020 – 21 // Issue III 2