The Lewisville Independent School District is off to a great 2007-2008 school year.  One of the many exciting activities that symbolize the start of school is the opening of the high school football season. Think of your last experience attending a high school game.  I still remember getting butterflies in my stomach as my son would run out onto the field when he played for Marcus High School. My enjoyment wasn’t just limited to the game itself, I was wowed by the band, drill team, cheerleaders and color guard performances. 

Research has shown that students who participate in extracurricular activities are more likely to have a higher grade point average, stronger sense of self, and greater feeling of belonging with their peers. Also, students are more apt to enroll in more rigorous courses. Other benefits include students being less likely to drop out of school, experiment with drugs and make life-altering choices. In fact, out of the 24,000 high school students enrolled in LISD, approximately 18,000 students participate in clubs or other extracurricular activities.

Looking back, my fondest high school memories are my involvement in the Key Club, student council and the many other organizations on campus.  I have often shared these memories with my children and friends. I treasure the life-long friendships that started when I joined these activities. As a parent, I encourage our students’ parents to help find an activity that fits their child’s passion. If your child loves art, there are many types of art clubs. If your child loves chess or science, these activities and clubs are limitless. All of our schools have a myriad of choices – there is some group or activity for everyone.

Our teachers also play an active role outside the classroom. Many of our teachers serve as sponsors for the numerous activities that happen at our schools each day. They provide a sense of community by serving as role models and leaders. By serving as sponsors, our teachers build relationships with students and help prepare them to be successful out of the classroom.  One of the great joys of high school is that it doesn’t matter what team you root for, what school you attend or where you live in the district, extracurricular activities unite the student body as well as the surrounding community.

Parents volunteer to assist in making our student associations the best they can be by selling refreshments at games, making props for performances, and anything they can do behind the scenes to make the organizations run smoothly. Also, a unique and special benefit that LISD provides to our residents is an opportunity for families to attend events that are low cost and full of family fun. Anyone can enjoy a ball game or play; no one has to look any further than our local schools. Whether it is a high school play, a band concert or a sporting event, the community can take pride in the hard work our students, coaches and teachers have accomplished.
I know I am looking forward to another year full of state titles and accolades for LISD students who are committed to success. I wish all of our students who are involved with an extracurricular activity the best of luck as we kickoff a new year.