ConnectEd November/December 2017 | Page 6

Updated Choice of School process around the corner In Garland ISD, families have the unique opportunity to choose to attend any campus in the district. It’s called Choice of School, and it allows for a customized education based on individual interests and learning styles. Modified selection periods will debut next semester. Families with students currently in kindergarten-11th grade can make their top three selections from Jan. 30-Feb. 28. The early childhood Choice of School period for those entering prekindergarten and kindergarten runs March 22-April 20. Selections should be made online via Skyward Family Access. New students are also encouraged to enroll through Skyward during the outlined dates. Scan the QR code for details. Eleven seniors named National Merit Semifinalists Eleven Garland ISD students joined an elite group that includes just 16,000 high schoolers nationwide. Tahrima Bhuiyan, Safwan Chowdhury, Ethan Durand, John Hardy, Caleb Harris, Austin Hill, Ryan Mann, Ryan O’Malley, Brandon Tran, Ryan Trout and Austin Tsao were named National Merit Semifinalists in September. They are now continuing in the competition for some 7,500 scholarships worth more than $32 million. The Garland, Lakeview Centennial, Rowlett and South Garland high school seniors were among the state’s highest-scoring entrants in the 2018 challenge. Approximately 1.6 million juniors from more than 22,000 high schools entered the competition by taking the PSAT/NMSQT. In GISD, students have the opportunity to improve their test-taking skills and scores four years in a row. All of the district’s eighth through 11th-grade students take the PSAT/NMSQT for free every October. The 63rd National Merit Scholarship Program will announce 15,000 Finalists in February. engagement 6 Family involvement is a key element in helping a child thrive in school and life. That is why Garland ISD celebrates Family Engagement Month every November, bringing awareness to involvement opportunities available to parents. The district’s Family & Community Engagement Department (FACE) works year-round to create possibilities for parents to stay informed and inspired. From arranging informative workshops to providing monthly newsletters online, FACE offers a variety of resources to fit all schedules. The team also administers early literacy programs, English classes for parents, and even services for GISD residents with children up to age 5—all free of charge. Learn more about FACE’s programs, see the parent workshop calendar, and peruse the latest Connection® newsletters on the district website at garlandisd.net/face. On the C December 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 18-29 14 Early Dismissal (Secondary Only) 4-10 Computer Science Education Week and Hour of Code connected Winter Break 15 Early Dismissal (Districtwide) Third Grading Period Ends