Denton ISD Our Impact In Your Community Magazine Summer 2018 | Page 6

THANK YOU, CONGRATULATIONS
CLASS OF 2018
By Dr. Jamie Wilson
Superintendent
of Schools
As we close another school year, we should celebrate the accomplishments of our
students, specifically the Class of 2018. Our 1,872 graduates earned $32.3 million in
scholarships from colleges and universities across the country. I always take a great deal
of pride in the work of our students and teachers in the classroom and that work has
obviously paid off for many of our graduates. I know these young women and men will
make us proud as they work to pursue their dreams.
In May, our community overwhelmingly approved a $750.5 million Capital Improvement
Plan in new and renovated facilities for the district. I am proud to say the building
improvements will touch every campus in the district. Student learning and school safety
at all levels will be addressed through these funds.
Please know that we take this vote of confidence very seriously and will work each day
to ensure that the funds are spent wisely and as promised. You, as members of our
community, have entrusted us with continuing to improve our schools and make our
campuses as safe as possible. We will work to make that a reality across the district.
In this edition, we feature a few state champions – more specifically young women who
are the best in their respective arenas. Lauren Reeves, a junior at Ryan High School,
earned a state championship in UIL Academic 5A Prose Interpretation. Her knowledge of
societal issues and public speaking skills are unmatched.
The Guyer High School Water Polo program achieved next-level greatness this year. The
Lady Wildcats earned their first state title by posting a perfect season of 31-0 in their
final win in Austin. The boys team fell one game shy of the title as well, proving that the
Wildcats are full of talent in the pool. Congratulations to both teams, and their coaches
Chris Cullen and Jeana Wesson.
Mr. James Rosin and young artists at Denton High help us keep things in perspective.
Their work with Memory Project to create hand drawn portraits of young children living in
refugee camps in Syria is nothing short of amazing. Our IB high school students continue
to remind us that every lesson learned counts on a global perspective.
Balancing our student population growth and remaining fiscally responsible is quite a
challenge. I wish to thank our Board of School Trustees for their guidance during these
pasts few months. Their leadership has been steadfast and strong as we plan for a new
school year and work to meet the needs of our students.
I’d also like to thank the 56 members of our Citizens Advisory Committee, who came
from each of the 17 communities we serve. They worked diligently to ensure their friends,
neighbors and community members were aware