Free meals provided to GISD students during
summer break
Garland ISD understands that summer can be a difficult time
for students with limited access to meals. Thanks to the Student
Nutrition Services Department, children will once again be
offered free meals June-July at our summer school locations.
“When school is not in session, children who may already
suffer from food insecurity are at greater risk to go hungry,”
said Assistant Director of Nutrition and Menu Operations
Jennifer Craig. “We are proud to offer access to summer
meals for children under 18 who live in our district.”
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Beginning June 4, students can receive free breakfast and
lunch Monday-Friday at select campuses. Registration is not
required, but students must be accompanied by an adult and
eat their meals on-site. The projected serving times are 8–9 a.m.
for breakfast and 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. for lunch.
View the complete list of campuses participating and
explore the summer meals menu online at garlandisd.net/
summermeals.
Literacy for Life
Garland ISD works to foster the literacy needs of students
and is working to create a community of readers through
an exciting new program. The district is launching Literacy
for Life, a community-wide partnership with the tri-cities of
Garland, Rowlett and Sachse. The initiative aims to encourage
everyone in the community to read by using a balanced
approach in teaching literacy, expanding bilingual programs,
increasing dyslexia services and providing 24/7 access to a
personalized online library.
To offer added resources and increase reading
engagement, GISD has partnered with Renaissance
to provide myON Reader and daily news articles. This
partnership will provide students with thousands of books
that match their interests and reading levels. Students will be
able to access these new resources at school, as all campuses
provide digital devices in classrooms and libraries. Those who
do not have online access at home will be able to download
books they can read offline. Additionally, Garland ISD will
offer myON books and news articles for free through shared
accounts for community members of all ages.
To celebrate this revolutionary launch, the district will host
a Literacy for Life event Sept. 21 at the Curtis Culwell Center.
We hope you join us. Together we can help transform our
tri-cities through the power of literacy.
2018–19 Paraprofessionals and Teachers of the Year
recognized
As the backbone of Garland ISD, teachers and
paraprofessionals are on the front lines, encouraging student
success and academic excellence. They selflessly dedicate
countless hours to students and families, and their hard work
and devotion does not go unnoticed.
Every year, each school selects one outstanding educator
to receive its coveted Campus Teacher of the Year title.
For the first time ever, we extended the recognition to
campus paraprofessionals to also celebrate their vital
contributions. The top four exceptional Teachers and Campus
Paraprofessionals of the Year are then chosen by a committee
for district honors.
The first-ever Paraprofessionals of the Year were selected
for their willingness to go above and beyond, ensuring that
everyone from students to families to teachers are dutifully
served with a smile. Mary Saathoff from Back Elementary
School and La’Marion Patterson from Lyles Middle School
were selected as this year’s Elementary and Secondary
Paraprofessionals of the Year.
After completing the district Teacher of the Year application
and an interview, Andrea Lozano from Weaver Elementary
School and Debra Howard from Houston Middle School
snagged the 2018-19 titles. The award winners impressed with
their innovative instruction, leadership skills and passion for
education. Lozano and Howard are now in the running for the
Region 10 Teacher of the Year competition.
The four district Teachers and Paraprofessionals of the Year
each received $1,000 from the GISD Education Foundation
and AXA Advisors at their respective luncheons. All honorees
also received commemorative bags. To see the full list of
winners, visit garlandisd.net/newsroom.
may 2019