Coppell ISD - you matter

Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as he shares stories from across the district. This week you can catch Dr. Hunt at CHS as he connects with Theater Director Glenn Price and a few of the cast members from Matilda, which kicks off tonight in the CHS Auditorium. https://youtu.be/VpqFUsDNuUU

November and December were filled with acts of kindness and generosity at Lakeside Elementary. Before Thanksgiving Break, the Student Council organized a Canned Food Drive supporting Metrocrest Services. Learners donated 273 canned goods and nonperishable items to help families in need. Fourth grade won the Golden Can award for contributing 78 cans, just edging out second grade with 77 cans. In December, students participated in a Toy Drive for the Lions Club of Coppell, donating over six boxes of toys to bring holiday joy to local families. Donations included everything from infant activity centers to science kits and craft sets for preteens. Lakeside also celebrated Kindness Week from December 9-13. Learners and educators shared daily ideas for spreading kindness, with the highlight being buddy classes. Older students paired with younger ones to create holiday cards, winter decorations and candy bar wrappers to gift staff members. These activities showcased the spirit of giving and community that makes Lakeside Elementary so special.

Congratulations to the Coppell Cowboys Football Coaching Staff, led by Head Coach Antonio Wiley, for being named the 5-6A Coaching Staff of the Year. Under Coach Wiley's leadership, the Cowboys showcased exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the season, securing their place as one of the district's most formidable teams. The staff’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field has not only elevated the team's performance but also inspired the Coppell community. This prestigious recognition is a testament to their hard work, strategic brilliance, and unwavering dedication to their players’ success. Congratulations to Coach Wiley and Coaches Eric Hill, Keiston Alexander, Christian Boulware, Abu Conteh, Raynor Durham, Zach Gonzalez, Tyler Jones, Keenan Kitchens, Cole Moulder, Allen Oh, Tony Newsome, Heath Naragon, David Roulston, Donald Smith, Josh Young and James Whitley.

The #HuntsHeroes podcast uncovers the remarkable stories of the unsung champions within CISD as Dr. Hunt holds candid conversations with the individuals who influence positive change within our school community. In this episode, join Dr. Hunt and get to know CISD Speech Language Pathologist Taylor Mounce. #MyHomeIsCISD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHXCRm33uJM

Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as he shares stories from across the district. This week you can catch Dr. Hunt with Valley Ranch Elementary Principal Cynthia Arterbery and 2nd grader Riyan Karanth as they discuss the renovations that have been completed at VRE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQf8UJU504M

Tomorrow, Jan. 7, at 4:30 PM, CISD will test its emergency notification system. Parents, staff & students will receive a test message via text, email, phone & ParentSquare App (if opted in). #MyHomeISCISD

Tune into YouTube each week to #CatchupWithHunt as he shares stories from across the district. This week you can catch Dr. Hunt sharing a holiday message to the CISD community. https://youtu.be/x3c2MZIXGBQ

CHS junior Pranav Raju has been named the recipient of the 2024 Youth in Action for Human Rights Award by Human Rights Educators USA. Recognized for his advocacy for affordable healthcare, particularly for individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes, Raju’s efforts have spanned local, national, and international stages. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes himself, Raju has worked tirelessly to alleviate the financial burden faced by individuals requiring insulin. From testifying before Congress as a Children’s Congress delegate to lobbying for legislation that caps insulin prices and renews funding for critical diabetes research, his impact has been transformative. Locally, Raju mentors newly diagnosed patients and their families at children’s hospitals, sharing his story and providing resources. His work has not only raised awareness but also directly influenced policy changes to ensure access to life-saving medications. His recognition includes a $500 award, and he was honored at HRE USA’s national Human Rights Day Celebration on Dec. 10.

As part of Computer Science Education Week, CHS9 students welcomed undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) Computer Science program, along with CISD Director of Career and Technical Education Josh Howard for an hour of coding event on Dec. 11. Howard highlighted CISD’s Computer Science Program of Study and course sequence, encouraging students to explore the growing field. UTD students shared insights into their own academic journeys, internships and diverse career paths in computer science, inspiring CHS9 students to pursue advanced computer science courses. CHS9 students can look forward to a UTD-led Computer Science workshop on January 21, 2025, and a spring Hackathon, both offering hands-on experience and exploration of future computer science opportunities. Computer Science is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study at CHS9/CHS.

Student Council representatives from Richard J. Lee Elementary’s five Houses — Red, Purple, Yellow, Green, and Blue — took their skills to the aisles of Walmart in Irving on Dec. 12, shopping for food and toys to support the Coppell Lions Club. With $143 per House, raised through sales of pens, friendship bracelets, and other fundraisers, these “Lee-ders” in kindergarten through fifth grade combined service with smarts, using math and reading skills to stay on budget while picking out items for families in need. This heartwarming holiday giving expedition proves that, like elves spreading joy, these young shoppers showcase the importance to service to the community among their cherished lessons.

For more than 30 years, the students at Cottonwood Creek Elementary have teamed up with CHS English students to craft letters to Santa. This year, Kindergarten, first and second graders from CCE once again took their wish list writing on the road, traveling to CHS and working alongside their high school buddies to perfect their spelling, penmanship and capitalization while sharing their holiday hopes. It’s more than just writing — it’s a lesson in collaboration, mentorship and festive fun. The magic of the season truly comes alive as these young learners sharpen their skills with a little help from their older friends, resulting in an A+ in kindness and holiday cheer.

Over the last few weeks, each CISD campus has announced its 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to elementary school TOYs: Austin: Kristy Kaprelian Canyon Ranch: Samantha Weir Cottonwood Creek: Amy White Denton Creek: Beth Reynolds Lakeside: Danielle Todd Richard J. Lee: Curtis Tinsley Mockingbird: Ashton Childree Pinkerton: Michael Upchurch Town Center: Ty Hayes Valley Ranch: Meghann Murray and Wilson: Alejandra Quinonez. Congratulations to the secondary school TOYs: CMS East: Lauren Danby CMS North: Angela Guemmer CMS West: Chris Buchanan CHS9: Kara Lindquist Coppell High School: Kim Pearce and New Tech High @ Coppell: Kaleb Broadstreet.

🎉🎨 #CatchupWithHunt this week on YouTube! 🎥 Join Dr. Hunt as he sits down with Aaniya SenPaul, the talented fifth grader from Canyon Ranch Elementary and winner of the CISD 2024 Holiday Card Contest! 🏆🎄 Don't miss their conversation about her inspiring artwork and her journey to becoming the holiday card winner! 🌟 Tune in and get inspired! #CISD #HolidayCardContest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJHEu1j0B4M

📚 Did you know? Compulsory attendance laws ensure students must be present for a specified number of days each semester to receive credit for their courses or grade level. For details on how this is enforced, refer to the Student Handbook or contact the truancy representative at your child's CISD campus. Let's work together to support regular attendance and academic success! #CoppellISD #AttendanceMatters #CompulsoryAttendance #StudentSuccess #EveryDayCounts 🏫💡

CISD hosted Signing Day on Dec. 4 recognizing the remarkable achievements of 12 high school athletes committing to compete at the collegiate level. These students have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, discipline, and talent, earning their place among the less than seven percent of athletes who advance to college sports. Congratulations to the following student-athletes for their commitments: Seth Carethers — Football at Wake Forest Tucker Cusano — Football at Texas State University Edward Griffin — Football at Baylor University Harry Hassmann — Football at Arizona State University Blake Isbell — Football at Texas State University Matthew Maldima — Track & Field at Texas A&M University Tatum Montgomery — Girls Soccer at McMurry University Monica Morales-Martinez — Soccer at Washington University in St. Louis Titus Roberson — Football at the University of Tulsa Weston Polk — Football at Kansas State University Landry Sherrer — Basketball at United States Military Academy at West Point Mallory Sherrer — Girls Cross Country/Track & Field at Lehigh University

Congratulations to the Coppell High School Eco Club, which has been awarded a 24-25 Texas Recycles Day Grant in the amount of $5,000. Thanks to generous funding from Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, an Arca-Continental company, this grant is part of a $60,000 fund shared among eight communities across Texas. This grant will help the club to establish an outdoor recycling program at CHS. The CHS Eco Club is led by science teachers Jodie Deinhammer and Sarah Grover. #MyHomeIsCISD

On Nov. 16, CHS and CHS9 students proudly represented CISD at the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Area Conference held at Dallas Baptist University. Under the guidance of advisers Raneta Ansley, Amber Fragosa Deck and Marcia Moore, students competed in various education-related events, showcasing their talent and passion for teaching. Congratulations to the following students who qualified for the TAFE State Conference, Teach Tomorrow Summit, to be held in February in Galveston: CHS students Zachary Brooks, Erin Donovan, Hannah Godina, Rachel Goodman, Alyssa Gray, Nathalie Petit and Suzana Waly and CHS9 student Eesha Jogdand. Their hard work and achievements exemplify the excellence and dedication of future educators in our district. We are so proud of all who participated and wish our state qualifiers the best of luck as they advance. #MyHomeIsCISD

Check out this NBC 5 Carter in the Classroom story, where New Tech High @ Coppell math teacher Sameen Asim had her students use Algebra as part of the car buying process. https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/students-learn-algebra-car-buying-process/3714013/

✨ #CatchupWithHunt each week on YouTube! This week, Dr. Hunt teams up with Mockingbird Elementary teacher Gina Pletcher to read The Grinch to second graders. Don’t miss this heartwarming moment as they spread some holiday cheer with the students. Tune in now and watch the magic unfold! 🎄📚 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yApHfL5Y0o

Last week, acclaimed author and illustrator Nathan Hale visited Coppell High School, CISD middle schools, and Lakeside Elementary, captivating students with his engaging sessions that brought history to life. Hale, known for his Eisner-nominated and New York Times bestselling graphic novel series Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales, shared his passion for American history through storytelling and illustration. Students at CMS East, CMS West, CMS North, CHS, and Lakeside Elementary were inspired by his creative approach to history, which combines humor and vivid imagery to make the past exciting and relatable. Special thanks to our Parent and Teacher Organizations (PTOs) for partnering with the district to bring Nathan Hale here for this memorable experience for our students.