ConnectEd Fall 2015 | Page 3

Visit www. garlandisdbond.com for construction timelines, project updates, photos and upcoming contracts available for bid. Virtual tours of the new Career and Technical Education Center and natatorium are also playing on www.youtube.com/ garlandisdnews. 3 Reading with Rodney book drive Inspired by Curtis Culwell Center Operations Specialist Rodney Mills, who overcame a personal struggle with reading thanks to two district teachers, GISD launched a literacy-driven initiative this fall. Reading with Rodney aims to help district students discover Mills’ same passion for learning by creating a mobile library that gives access to books throughout the summer. New or gently used donations are being collected at all GISD schools and the Harris Hill Administration Building. Just look for the blue Reading with Rodney container. To see Mills’ story and learn more, visit the Community page on the district website, www.garlandisd.net. Kimberlin earns National Blue Ribbon Schools title The U.S. Department of Education recently announced 335 campuses as 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Within Texas, just 25 campuses received this prestigious honor, including Garland ISD’s very own Kimberlin Academy for Excellence. The 33-year-old Blue Ribbon Program recognizes schools based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. To be considered, schools complete a rigorous application process. This year’s 285 public and 50 private school honorees were recognized at a November ceremony in Washington D.C. GISD will also hold a celebration later in the school year. This is the third time Kimberlin has earned a Blue Ribbon distinction, which continues the district’s tradition of excellence. Just last year, Roach Elementary School and Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence were named National Blue Ribbon Schools. fall 2015