Enjoy a free night of family fun at GISD ’ s second-annual technology event . Formerly named Digital Resources Carnival , TechFest features interactive and innovative instructional tools , tips to stay safe online , virtual reality activities , programmable robots and much more . Hands-on science exhibits from Discovery Education will also be showcased , as well as opportunities for at-home technology training for parents .
The fun is scheduled from 6-8 p . m . Thursday , Jan . 26 , at the Curtis Culwell Center . Pizza will be served from 5:30-6:30 p . m ., and door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening . Register now at http :// bit . ly / gisdtechfest for the chance to win Kindle Fire tablets , TI-Nspire calculators , gift cards and an Amazon Echo Dot . The Curtis Culwell Center ’ s Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for this event .
This school year , Garland ISD launched its Reading with Rodney mobile library , which travels the district giving students , family and community members greater access to books . That access extends throughout the summer as well . Be sure to stop by when the bus is parked at schools , events , neighborhoods , apartment complexes and community centers . Checked out books can be returned to any GISD campus . In partnership with public libraries , Reading with Rodney also offers library card sign up on board .
This literacy-driven initiative was made possible through the donation of more than 3,000 books . New or gently used book donations continue to be accepted in the blue Reading with Rodney containers at district facilities .
Hillside Academy receives first-ever National Blue Ribbon School title
Honored for its dedication and devotion to students , Hillside Academy for Excellence was named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School by the U . S . Department of Education — a first for the Eagles .
As one of just 26 Texas campuses nominated , Hillside earned its distinction after completing a rigorous application process . Principal Sonya Palmer and 2015-16 Teacher of the Year Tamecia Drain accepted a commemorative plaque at an award ceremony this November in Washington , D . C .
“ The Blue Ribbon ceremony was an absolutely amazing experience ,” Palmer commented . “ I was humbled and proud of the opportunity to celebrate Hillside and represent Garland ISD .”
Founded in 1982 , the program recognizes schools based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups . Hillside is the eighth GISD campus named a National Blue Ribbon School . The district has received a total of 13 distinctions over the past 34 years .
3 december 2016