As this year quickly comes to a close, I am reminded of the many blessings that have been bestowed upon the Lewisville Independent School District.  This year has been a special year full of amazing academic accolades, fine arts reviews, athletic wins and historical community support. 

As you know, our district has been growing, which is a direct reflection of our outstanding teachers, principals and staff.  Our district is extremely blessed that these fine educators have made LISD their professional home.  They are one of the most and very important reasons why LISD continues to make newspaper headlines boasting about the quality educational experience we provide to our students.  From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank our staff for all you do and give to our community’s children.

To our parents, your involvement and commitment to your child’s education has been immensely important to our schools.  The time and resources you give by volunteering make a huge impact on our district and your children.  Often times you aren’t thanked enough for all your contributions, however your actions do not go unnoticed.  Daily, principals and teachers share with me how you made their day easier by answering phones, making copies or supporting activities benefiting our schools.  Thank you for giving so much without hesitation.

Our PTAs, Communities in Schools, Lewisville Education Foundation and booster clubs, serve our entire district and make it possible for students, teachers and parents to receive assistance when needed.  Our PTA and booster clubs are the largest student advocacy organization in LISD.  Our libraries, classrooms, playgrounds, athletic areas and entire schools reflect what our PTAs and booster clubs do for our students.  I personally want to thank each PTA and booster club member – your gifts are so valuable to our campuses’ success and make a lasting impact for years to come.

Also serving our students is the non-profit organization Communities in Schools of North Texas (CISNT).  This organization helps our disadvantaged students find clothing, tutors and mentors to build self-worth and a pathway to success.  Each year CISNT raise funds to help our students where the LISD budget is limited or non-existent.  Thank you to the staff and volunteers for your continued persistence in helping our most disadvantage youth stay in school.  I know many children of all ages who would not be where they are today without you.

As the Superintendent of Schools, I know the Lewisville Education Foundation makes a large instructional impact.  This non-profit foundation is comprised of community business leaders who recognize our teachers for their creative ideas by awarding one-time grants to implement innovative instructional programs. Our educators spend their own money providing special materials for their classrooms that it often becomes financially taxing.  The foundation is able to provide those funds, and allows teachers to use their salary on taking care of themselves and their families.  On behalf of LISD, thank you to our foundation for your financial support.  You not only provide funds that are not part of a district’s traditional budget, you allow our teachers to implement creative instructional strategies.

Because LISD has such a supportive and caring community, our students are surrounded with role models who reflect the necessary values they must have to become compassionate citizens.  Our students’ futures are bright because of you – our community, who values children and education.  As I reflect on this year’s gifts, I am humbled by your generosity and know that we have much, much to be thankful for this year.