FSM August 2012

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by Stephanie Toups

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by Amy Klindt

by Arun Halambi

by Jennifer Stockemer

by David Chalker

by Jessica Fisher

by Evan Shelton 53FRISCOSTYLE.COM

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by Brandi Reich
by Alan Whiteside

by Chad Brackeen

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by Marlo Farrell

by Laura Gausman

by Moonfair Lin

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by Susan Stroud

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by Clarine T. Smith

by Lilly Meneses

bSyimKemlloynAdnsn

58 FRISCO STYLE by Shannon Delcambre ARTS & EDUCATION

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by Kelli Hulstein

by Ruth Fix by Kristi Pennington
by Samuel Lujan

by Irma Humby

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STREETS OF FRISCO

FSM’S ANDREW JOHNSON ASKS

What’s your favorite piece
of art you own?

“ I have this glass head from
IKEA that I really like. I put it on
my dinner table and my friends
comment on it all the time.”

L ATAW YNA SCOTT

“ Actually, it is a photograph of
my family that was taken by a
woman out of Dallas.”

WILL STEELE

“ It would have to be something
that my 16 year-old daughter
makes. She makes clay pottery.”

GREG LUPTOWSKI

“I t might have to be some
paintings that my grandmother
did. She paints beach scenes.”

STEVE HILTON

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66 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. ARTS & EDUCATION

EDUCATION

WALKING THROUGH TARGET on a recent itself. Today has enough trouble of its tuck the not-quite-completed list in my
afternoon, I notice that first harbinger of
fall: the arrival of the school supplies. As own as I frantically sign permission slips purse, knowing the search must continue.
I pass each quiet, well-stocked aisle, I am
reminded of a cheerful summer garden. It’s and track down the stuff my kids actually Our attention next turns to those
a bumper crop of binders and backpacks,
with markers and map colors hanging low needed a week ago for various end-of- mainstays of school-aged self-expression,
on the vine and blissfully ignorant of the
swarming plague of locusts that will soon year projects, canned food drives and backpacks and lunchboxes. My kids weigh
descend. I pause at one particular display
with a rueful and knowing nod. Come late teacher appreciation days. And anyway, I their options carefully. These items are
August, this neatly arranged folder aisle
will look as if it has provoked the wrath of tell myself as I toss the order form in the going to define them for the entire school
an angry God, ravished of its most precious
fruit (the solid color pocket folder with recycling bin, the kids really enjoy going year, which is a really long time when you’re
brads) and left with only a pitiful scattering
of the most unappetizing fare: bradless to the store to pick out their own school seven. As they get older, the selection of a
folders featuring doleful, big-eyed kittens
or the lesser-known stars of B-level Disney supplies. backpack or a lunchbox involves walking
Channel shows.
Oh, the folly of fools. that fine line between individuality and
I am mother to four FISD scholars and
school supplies pose an annual dilemma, as I have decided when it comes to conformity, wherein the goal is to be
I am also a bit of a cheapskate, a cockeyed
optimist and an intractable shopping for school supplies, I suffer from uniquely oneself and just like everyone
procrastinator. Every spring,
my kids come home from some sort The Shrink- else all at the
school with a school supply same time.
order form. For about $40 of selective It’s a tricky
each, I can simply write a amnesia. balancing
check for all the supplies act. For
they will need next fall, to Each year, example,
be delivered directly to their about two
classroom in one handy,
shrink-wrapped package. It’s Wrapped Nemesisweeks too
a brilliant concept, and one late, I round BY ALLISON HARRELL the same
that is particularly helpful up my brood Thomas
for today’s harried working
mom (like me). But and head to Target. By the time we arrive, the Tank Engine backpack that’s super-
come on— it’s April.
I’m not worried the once neatly stocked aisles look like the cool when you’re in pre-K is tantamount
about next
fall; next fall aftermath of a natural disaster in to social suicide when you’re in fourth
will care
for some alternate universe where grade, and then becomes an ironic fashion

wide-ruled notebooks are the statement when you’re in middle school.

big-screen TVs of looting. We It’s a lot for a kid to navigate.

sift through the rubble to find Although our annual Target trip is over,

most of the needed items, I know exactly how I will spend the next

but there are invariably a few week: scavenging through the shelves

things on each child’s list of every other store in town in search of

that have vanished from the the few remaining items on our list. The

shelves. clock is ticking down to Meet the Teacher

I sigh Night, when the kids are supposed to

a n d deliver all their school supplies to their

new classrooms. I know when we arrive in

each classroom that night I will see those

pre-packaged school supplies that I chose

not to order, shrink-wrapped and perfectly

assembled, taunting me with as smug a

sense of superiority as a package of school

supplies can manage. Inside each of those

pre-assembled packs will be a multi-color

set of pocket folders with brads. Without

fail, the most impossible school supply

item to locate each year is the pocket

folder with brads, which

is required in

a rainbow

assortment

of colors.

While the one

impossible-to-

find color

may change

from year

to year, the

outcome is

67AUGUST 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. FRISCOSTYLE.COM

always the same: me kneeling on the cold Recycle Items for the Classroom!
tile floor of Staples on the eve of Meet
the Teacher Night, wearily sifting through TEACHERS LOVE to see parents take a vested interest in their child’s education. One
folders to find four in the missing color, way to do that is volunteering to help provide some of the supplies that might otherwise
with pockets and brads. end up in the weekly garbage. These are just a few items that most teachers need every
year.
... the outcome is always
MAGAZINES
the same: me kneeling Donate magazines that have bright, colorful pictures, interesting subjects and especially
those that appeal to children. They are very handy for collages, dioramas, classifying
on the cold tile floor of objects, reading, spelling, letter searches, word finds, etc.

Staples on the eve of Meet PAPER TOWEL ROLLS
These can be used in art, music, reading, math, science or social studies. They are great
the Teacher Night ... for making periscopes, rain sticks, smoke stacks, binoculars, cylinders for centers, tiles
in an irrigation model, scroll sticks for movie boxes and so on.
I know that part of my stubborn refusal
to capitulate and buy the pre-packaged VARIOUS PLASTIC CONTAINERS
supplies is rooted in the nostalgia of my (such as cake icing tubs, butter bowls and lids or spice bottles)
own childhood school supply memories. I These are excellent to use for personal storage of erasers, paper clips, money, game
remember my own Holly Hobbie lunchbox pieces, bulletin board items, staples or even rubber bands. They can be used in music
(metal, of course) and my Strawberry and math classes; used as game pieces; for holding liquids; and for storing Playdough,
Shortcake school box (cardboard, of beans, pasta ... the list could go on and on.
course). I remember choosing just the
right Trapper Keeper—the one with COFFEE CANS
the rainbow-colored hot air balloons. I These, too, make good storage containers, but they are great when you are teaching
remember the late August excitement of the kids how to make liquids become solids. We always make homemade ice cream
sitting at the kitchen table and organizing using metal coffee cans and Zip-Lock bags. They make a great drum, too!
and re-organizing my neat piles of supplies,
trying to make every pencil, crayon and EGG CARTONS
marker fit inside the school box just so These are great for sorting games. They can use the 12 moldings to sort buttons,
alongside the watercolor paints and the classify items, sort objects by material, sort objects by color, count objects and many
blunt-tipped scissors. All the excitement other things.
and hope of a new school year stretched
before me with as much blank possibility SHOEBOXES
as a page of manila paper. So, yes—I do These are great for dioramas and motion picture movie boxes.
save a little money by shopping for my
kids’ school supplies instead of buying the CEREAL BOXES
pre-packs. But the real reason that I toss Excellent reading material which can be used to investigate nutrition, teach about
the order form every year and insist on advertising, teach text features, calculate calories, compare different cereals and cost
buying it all myself is that school supplies or use in your bulletin board on nutrition.
are more than just the paper and pencils
and binders we pile in our shopping cart. OLD NEWSPAPERS
They are everything that is hopeful and Wonderful as reading resources, making grocery lists and calculating the cost, taking
eager about childhood. And having the a budget and buying food to prepare a meal, following directions, using in various art
right school supplies—the right brand, the projects, using to make recycled paper from scratch ... the list is endless for these.
right size, the right color, the right cartoon
character (or, when you hit that certain These are just a few items teachers use often, but have a difficult time keeping a good
age, the appropriate lack of a cartoon supply of each year. This year, try to find out how you can make a difference in your
character) provides as much warm and child’s education by donating inexpensive supplies that might otherwise end up in the
soothing comfort on that scary first day of garbage!
school as any security blanket.

So watch out, pocket folders with brads,
I’m coming for you.

Allison Harrell is a staff writer of Frisco from Kathy Myers | www.helium.com
STYLE Magazine, mom of four and an
aspiring blogger.

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With a faster, smarter brain, life is easier.
And that’s something to smile about.

Is your child struggling with learning? Memory? Attention?
Reading? Homework?

If so, you’re probably seeing the impact of those struggles on your
child’s confidence, attitudes at home and school, even dreams for
the future.

At LearningRx, we identify weak cognitive skills and make them
stronger. In other words, if your child is struggling with learning,
memory, reading, homework—even attention—
we can find the cause and fix it.
There’s a reason your child is struggling. Call
More importantly, there’s a solution. Today

to schedule an

LearningRx Frisco assessment

972-432-6544
3550 Parkwood, Ste. 304
Frisco, TX 75034

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TRAVEL

Clockwise from left: Take Ranch Road 337 east to discover
million-dollar views; Dublin is home to Dublin Bottling
Works; The Acme Café boasts a large menu with typical café-
style food; The Acme Café is located on the square in Llano,
Texas; The Acme Café is home to “world famous crab cakes;”
Llano County Courthouse; Dublin Bottling Works produces
an all-new lineup of pure cane sugar sodas.

ROAD TRIP! Put the top down or jump on to many attractions, from antiquing to of pure cane sugar sodas. Make the stop

a motorcycle; it’s time to truly experience drive-through wildlife parks. Leave early and grab a frosty mug of Triple XXX root

the Texas Hill Country. Just 300 miles enough and get in a great round of golf beer or get a float in the soda shop! A

southwest of Frisco, nestled along the at Squaw Valley Golf course, just outside little piece of advice, don’t grab lunch yet

banks of the Guadalupe River, is a place of town. A gem of a layout will remind as an amazing meal is just 109 miles away!

where musicians and crafters make an players of tree-lined fairways in Georgia After tackling your soda craving, head

annual pilgrimage to a beautiful part of to links-style British Open courses. toward Comanche, where picking up

our state – Kerrville, Texas. Back on the road Highway 16 south

The easy route to the “year-round and the next “don’t Go West, is the gateway to
getaway” would be to take the concrete My Friend an amazing part
mass that is I-35E to just north of Austin, miss” detour would of the state. After
and then head west through Marble BY CHRIS FRITCHIE an hour and a half
Falls, Johnson City and Fredericksburg. most certainly have behind the wheel,
Instead, “Go west, my friend.” Get off it just might be
the main highway and see what makes to be Dublin, home time for lunch.
this great state so unique and diverse. The Acme Café in
of Dublin Bottling

Works. Since 1891,

Dublin Bottling

Works followed the

Head south of Dallas through Cleburne, original recipe for Dr. Llano, Texas is a

Stephenville, Dublin, Comanche, San Pepper, which included pure cane sugar. MUST stop, easily the best food on this

Saba, Llano, Fredericksburg to discover More than 80,000 visitors a year made road trip. Stopping on the square of this

Kerrville. the journey to this antiquated bottling small west Texas town will not disappoint.

The best part of a road trip is not company to travel back in time, getting As a sign proclaims “world famous crab

being bound by a clock. You can take the hard-to-find “Dublin Dr. Pepper.” cakes,” it’s clear what must be ordered.

your time, exploring along the way. One However, in January of this year, the “Maurie Kay’s Crab Cakes” are light

spot to get off the main drag just might plant lost its franchise to Dr. Pepper but and airy with a healthy portion of crab.

be Glen Rose, Texas. Glen Rose is home recently reopened with an all-new lineup These are some of the best crab cakes

70 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. ARTS & EDUCATION

around and not to be missed. Make sure time exploring this town; it is well worth make you want to spend the day lounging

you make it between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the delay! around the lodge.

weekdays or by 2:00 p.m. on weekends, Then comes the end of the road, well A benefit of staying at a bed and

as the Acme Café is only open for lunch. not really. With Kerrville now in sight breakfast is getting to meet new people

The café boasts a large menu with many and a long day of exploring the Texas from all around the state and country.

other options from salads to sandwiches Hill Country behind you, a quiet evening On this trip, a small family reunion was

and typical café-style food. But don’t miss overlooking the Guadalupe River sounds in order for some of the other guests.

the crab cakes; they are that good! perfect! Just west of Kerrville in the Their trip consisted of hanging out at the

Leaving Llano along Texas Highway 16 neighboring community of Ingram is our lodge all weekend and enjoying the river,

and entering the eastern portion of the final stop of the day, River Oaks Lodge. while our trip was about hitting the road

Edwards Plateau, the landscape takes on The lodge is a classic bed and breakfast. and experiencing the Texas Hill Country.

a new life. Large granite and limestone Each guest has a private room and bath Either way, the River Oaks Lodge provided

boulders mixed with yucca, prickly pear with a great view of the Guadalupe River a relaxing friendly place to recharge and

cactus adorned by Texas Live Oaks and towering cypress trees. Built in the refresh ourselves.

provide many Kodak moments! This area 1950s, the lodge has seven guest rooms Here we go! It is now time to experience

of the state includes the Llano Uplift and and a large common area on the first the Texas Hill Country once again, taking

the second largest granite Monadnock in floor. Large windows upstairs and down in the road and the scenery. Heading west

the United States, Enchanted Rock. provide a relaxing environment, perfect on Highway 39 from River Oaks Lodge

Just 30 minutes north of Kerrville is after a long day of exploring. With the towards Leaky and the “Three Sisters”

Fredericksburg, Texas. Known as the cool breeze off the river, a glass of wine is an amazing drive that crosses the

peach capital of Texas, this town, founded shared on one of two patios can be the Guadalupe river no less then six times.

by German immigrants, is a tourist’s perfect way to wind down the evening. We arrive in Leaky, which is the

dream. With great shopping, food and Waking up to a classic buffet breakfast beginning and end of a 90-mile loop

vineyards, it would be very easy to end with fresh fruit, eggs, sausage, bacon, made up of Ranch Roads 335, 336 and 337,

the road trip here. Plan to spend some muffins, juice and hot coffee might just known as the “Three Sisters” or “Twisted

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72 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. ARTS & EDUCATION

The Kerrville Folk Festival is an 18-day extravaganza with thousands of singers and songwriters in attendance, as well as vendors of arts and crafts,
musical instruments and more. The River Oaks Lodge in Ingram is a relaxing place to recharge with a quiet atmosphere and an amazing view.

Sisters.” These byways represent the and the hairpin turns reveal million-dollar the weekend performances. If you are

ideal Texas Hill Country drive. Elevations views that make you fall in love with this hungry, no need to worry. Vendors with

of up to 2,400 feet provide spectacular great state even more! food ranging from Santa Fe chili pie to

views with rollercoaster winding roads Just nine miles south of Kerrville is funnel cakes will satisfy every member of

through deep canyons cut out by the the Quite Valley Ranch, where each year the family.

Nueces and Frio Rivers. It’s easy to see thousands of songwriters and musicians Wrapping up a long day of seeing the

how Leaky got the nickname “Swiss Alps make their way to an 18-day celebration of Texas Hill Country calls for another glass

of Texas.” Grab some smoked boudin folk music. With nightly shows, including of wine while overlooking the Guadalupe

and sausage at “The Hog Pen.” It is all-star performers, a daily songwriting River at River Oaks Lodge and reflecting

incredible. contest and workshops, it is easy to on the beauty of this part of our great

Taking a different route back to Kerrville see why this historic festival is among state.

to catch the evening show of the Kerrville the must-see events for every lover of

Folk Festival produces great surprises music. Vendors, featuring arts and crafts, Chris Fritchie is the staff photographer for

at every turn. Take Ranch Road 337 east musical instruments and more, surround Frisco STYLE.

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COMMUNITY DEVOTIONAL

© Helder Almeida |
Dreamstime.com

after wind and there

was no profit under

the sun. Ecclesiastes

2:10-11

Yet, in the 21st

century, pleasure

is often equated

with purchasing or

consumption. In fact,

malls are monuments

ThOaut Wr Hhicehart to consumption and
Desires economists often
look to the retail
industry to gauge
the economy. The
economic health of
a nation is frequently
measured more
according to how

BY RAY WILKINS, PHD much we are willing
to spend rather than

invest and save.

Although it may be

IT’S AUGUST and that means back-to- youngest daughter, who is 9, relayed to putting us deeper and deeper into debt, it

school shopping. The stores are busy my wife and I that what would make her hasn’t stopped most people from spending

and so are we as we move from store to happy is an iPhone. I asked her, “How long and accumulating goods. A recent study

store looking for the list-approved school will it make you happy?” The response by the University of Purdue shows that

supplies and the latest in back-to-school was silence. “Enjoy Coke,” was a popular simply alerting potential customers to the

fashion. Some parents may be first- advertising slogan for many years, but fact that an establishment accepts credit

timers and others, like me, are old pros. did anyone ever stop to think, “for how cards (who doesn’t these days) makes

One thing we know, the stores will be long?” Well isn’t the answer obvious? It them more likely to make a purchase. In

crowded and each one will be seeking to is only temporary and, for the producers, recent years, several books have been

get our attention and our business. This thankfully so. For if the satisfaction published on the psychology of why

leads me to contemplate, that it seems from any product were permanent, or Americans seem to have such an insatiable

as though back-to-school shopping has even long-lasting, companies couldn’t appetite to shop and spend. Among

become one more event in the yearlong survive. Consumerism, by its nature, only these are Stuart Vyse’s, Going Broke:

calendar of event-based shopping. One provides temporary pleasure. This may Why Americans Can’t Hold On to Their

thing we Americans love is shopping be why, according to Professor David Money and Why We Buy: The Science of

and the mall may just be one of our Wells, so many people are suspended in Shopping, by Paco Underhill. It would be

primary contributions to the world. You a state of unsatisfied desire, perpetually easy to blame it on the department stores

will have to decide for yourself whether expecting immediate satisfaction. But this and the advertising giants for enticing

this is a good thing or not, but nothing is is not a new phenomenon. The writer of us and tapping into some subconscious

more American than having businesses Ecclesiastes wrote several millennia ago desire. The truth is, however, people don’t

compete for our patronage. Every year, about this same desire: usually engage in something unless there

12 billion catalogues are mailed in the And all that my eyes desired I did not is a perceived or real benefit involved.

United States and the average child will refuse them. I did not withhold my heart What could better represent the American

see 20,000 advertisements on television from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased idea of autonomy and individualism than

and the Internet. because of all my labor and this was my to have store after store pining for our

Although many of us are busy with work reward for all my labor. Thus I considered attention, each one seeking to give us the

and family, it seems there is always time all my activities which my hands had done bigger and better deal? Our culture has

to shop, always time to look for a great and the labor which I had exerted, and become so oriented toward consumption

bargain that will bring us joy. Recently, my behold all was vanity [empty] and striving that almost everything is marketed as a

74 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. ARTS & EDUCATION

way of correcting some dissatisfaction.

In spite of having more products, more

goods and services than ever before at

our fingertips, the American Psychological

Association reports that “People

may have more physical objects and

possessions now than they had in previous

generations, but many of them are deeply

unhappy.” Many people live with a sense

of emptiness, a sense that things have

gone awry and live in fear and dread of

the future. Why is this? It is because we are

more than just biological material. If one

can be reduced to simply biological matter,

an atom, neurons and cells, the material

environment is all one would ever need

for lasting happiness. We are, however,

both body and spirit and because we are

spiritual as well as material, making us a

living soul, there is a part of us that can only

be satisfied by God. There is restlessness

in our hearts that our material environment

alone cannot satisfy. Like water is to the

fish, so God is to us. In Him, “We live and

breathe and have our being (Acts 17:28).”

Material things cannot replace what only

God can provide; calmness to our soul.

Augustine of Hippo recalls this very thing

in his Confessions. After reflecting on his

youthful life of material indulgences and

vice, he concludes, “Thou hast formed us

for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till

they find rest in Thee.”

Whether we know it or not, it is exactly

the kind of relief that we desire that Jesus

offers. “Come to Me, all who are weary

and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

“ Take My yoke upon you, and learn from

Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart;

and you shall find rest for your souls. For

My yoke is easy, and My load is light”

(Matt. 11:28f). It is only then we can begin

to enjoy God’s creation and the material

produce that it yields. Technology and Robert P. Taylor, DPM
possessions can make life easier, but they Fellow, American College of Foot &
can only offer temporary joy, for this is the Ankle Surgeons, Board Certified
limitation of their design. Let us, however,

get on with back-to-school shopping. FRISCO
Let us buy the necessities and perhaps
a few non-necessities as well, as I am 972-712-4161
sure I will do also. After all, it is certainly
no transgression to enjoy the fruit of our 5575 Warren Parkway, Ste. 101

Frisco, Texas 75034

(Baylor Medical Center of Frisco)

labor. Let us do so, however, with the full PLANO
knowledge that nothing can replace that
which our heart desires most. 972-981-3101

6124 W. Parker Road, MOB3, Ste. 230

Ray Wilkins is the senior pastor of Lebanon www.stonebriarfootankle.com Plano, Texas 75093
Baptist Church. (Presbyterian Hospital of Plano)

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76 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. ARTS & EDUCATION

PROFILE

Gracie Lee has had a passion for music since
age six, starting with wind instruments and
moving to the guitar.

Marching to
Her Own Beat

BY CAROLYN CAMERON

SITTING IN THE COMMON AREA of 1930s, Ms. Lee had music in her life as far hone her craft, performing with her guitar

Victoria Gardens, I wait patiently for the as she can remember. She won a church whenever she had the chance, whether in

famous Gracie Lee. I’ve only heard about talent contest singing at the age of four. high school talent shows or accompanying

the quirky, guitar-playing firecracker, When she was six, she took up playing other kids. She continues, “Kids thought a

and I’m excited to see what all the fuss instruments, starting with wind and moving guitar was my extra appendage — it was

is about. My eye catches a glimpse of on to guitar. She remembers and smiles, always with me. And it made everyone

a shiny, blue guitar as she makes her “I was the baby of in my presence

grand entrance. A harmonica holder is the family with four happy. Music

positioned around her neck, promising older sisters, so I envelops people

nothing short of a spectacular one-woman seemingly always and makes life

band performance. “I’m so excited to see got my way. My happier. Everything

you!” she says, taking the words right family was incredibly about music is an

out of my mouth. She takes a seat on the supportive and encourager of life,

couch, gives her lipstick a quick touch up e n c o u r a g i n g and I wanted to serve

and says, “What’ll we play first?” From musically. My mom others. Its rhythm,

her purple-striped hat to the red guitars was one of my word and emotion

embroidered on her black shoes, she is full biggest fans. She stir the listener and

of life and ready to share her most prized was head nurse of enhance their well-

possession with us — her gift of music. obstetrics at the being. It moves the

Ms. Lee felt the pull of music early on in local hospital, so audience.”

her life. “Music was always my friend,” she she was occasionally After graduating

says. “From my earliest memories, it was in able to give me the opportunity to try high school, Ms. Lee held many odd

my heart and in my soul. If I wasn’t doing different instruments. Once I tried the jobs, including driving a bus for mentally

something with music, I wasn’t fulfilled. guitar, I knew it suited me best. It had disabled and behaviorally challenged

My heart was so full with the passion of enough volume and changeability, children. The bus became known as the

playing, it just leaked out. I had to go do allowing me to play different types of “Magic Bus” because of the affect Ms.

something with it.” music and evolve. I loved changing it up.” Lee’s singing had upon the kids, helping

Growing up in Omaha, Neb. in the late As Ms. Lee grew older, she continued to them to become happier and better

AUGUST 2012 No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. 77FRISCOSTYLE.COM

performance, she smiles and says,

“Honestly, I can’t remember everything

about those

days, but

I do know

it was fun.

Everything

in my life

surrounding

music has

been fun and

enjoyable. My

life has been

so full. The

love of music

in my life has filled my heart and being.”

Now living in Frisco at Victoria Gardens,

Ms. Lee is still performing every morning

with her Activities Director and friend,

Gracie Lee recorded many of her own original Ilene Baer. Ilene notes, “One morning,
songs and copyrighted numerous others. she asked if she could join me while I play

and sing for the residents, and of course, I

behaved children. songs from yesteryear as well as modern agreed. She blew my socks off.”

Ms. Lee married at age 21, and she says tunes. Whenever someone asked us to Ms. Lee and Ms. Baer also are members

in passing, “I wasn’t old enough to know play, we traveled and performed. We sang of the Dallas Folk Music Society, joining

any better. I thought I was wise enough at weddings, dances — whoever asked.” them once a month for sing-a-longs and

back then, but I wasn’t.” She had three She continues, “I was the mother hen of “hoots.” Ms. Baer explains, “We recently

children and continued to play at home, the group, making sure everyone was had the group out to Victoria Gardens, and

writing her own music and cultivating taken care of. They were like my family, many of the residents stayed up to listen.

a deep passion to start a band and play and I made sure everyone was safe, our The musicianship was just amazing—each

professionally. She adds, “I wanted to equipment was functioning well and I musician accompanied the other, and Ms.

play and perform so much, it crowded out could pay my bills and my band members. Lee and the others intermittently switched

any fear that might be present. The music For me, it was my business, but it was fun off melodies and harmonies effortlessly.

spoke to me, and I just wrote it down. … loads of fun.” We really enjoyed it.”

I wrote songs starting when I was very During the 1970s, her children now She continues, “When Gracie plays,

young, and as I got older, I became more grown, Ms. Lee expanded her radius many residents come and enjoy her

accomplished in my writing.” within her traveling network, taking performances. Her singing and playing has

In the 1960’s, Ms. Lee began performing her band throughout the country. brought together the staff and residents

outside of the home in Omaha nightclubs She recorded many original CDs and of different faiths and backgrounds. It

as a single act, singing a variety of folk, copyrighted numerous other tunes, filling conveys a sense of joy and well being that

country, oldies and original tunes, which her collection binder of keepsakes. She pervades the entire building.”

was quite unusual for a woman at that time. also co-wrote and sang on commercials As for the future, Ms. Lee plans to

She confesses, “My husband wasn’t too and performed voiceover work. Her continue writing and performing her

happy about my initiative. In his opinion, band continued to become increasingly music, and she hopes to promote her

women didn’t play music as a profession, popular, playing in multiple states. existing portfolio of songs as well as work

but music was something I felt my entire However, they eventually broke up as with other bands. “My music is intrinsic.

life. Music was in my soul.” each member had different life issues My music has taught me to be more

Ms. Lee divorced, formed a variety occur. Ms. Lee moved to Houston to be loving and generous, helping others in the

and pop band in the 70s, called “Gracie nearer to family during the 1980s, and process and accepting help when I need

Lee, Etc.” and hit the road, performing in after becoming an ordained minister, it. Life goes on with rhythm, just like the

clubs throughout Nebraska and taking her she opened and ran a battered women’s music. The music in my heart has helped

daughters on the road with her when she shelter named “A Place in the Sun.” In me so much, and I, in turn, have hopefully

could. The band included a bass guitarist, 1996, she performed on one of the most blessed others by it.”

drummer, keyboardist, saxophonist and famous stages, the Grand ‘Ole Opry, an

herself on guitar and harmonica as well as American iconic landscape, showcasing Carolyn Cameron is a freelance writer,

singing. a mix of country, bluegrass, folk, gospel mom to three vibrant, young

She explains, “Gracie Lee, Etc. appealed and comedic performances. boys and enjoys running long-

to many audiences as we performed When asked how she felt about that distance treks.

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DID YOU KNOW

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Celebrate your child’s birthday party at a Frisco Fire Station! They’ll help you host the party by providing your guests with a tour of the fire
station and even look at the fire fighting equipment! Kiddos will have fun learning fire prevention and safety tips designed just for them!
Each Frisco Fire Station has a birthday party slot available each Saturday. To schedule a Birthday Party at any Frisco Fire Station, contact
Frisco Fire Administration weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 972.292.6300 or
email Pam Nelson at [email protected].

FISD BUDGET
The Frisco ISD board of trustees adopted a $321,550,000 budget at their regular meeting on June 18. The budget represents a $20 million
increase intended to assist with expenditures associated with adding almost 3,000 new students, opening four new schools and providing
a three percent of midpoint increase in salary for employees. The FISD received $14 million less state funding in the 2011-12 school year
compared to the previous year funding levels. In this second year of the biennium, the district will receive $17.4 million less compared to
the old funding levels.

NOW TAKING CALLS
Fire Station #7, which serves residents on the west side of the city, is now staffed and taking calls. Located at 330 W. Stonebrook Parkway,
the new station will help keep the Frisco Fire Department’s response times low. Fire Station #7 can be reached at 972.292.6407 for non-
emergencies; emergency issues should still be reported through 911.

FRISCO GOES ELECTRIC
Frisco is getting ready to accommodate electric vehicles with the arrival of six charging stations that can help all grid-connected electric
vehicle (EV) drivers “fill up.” Four of the new charging stations have been installed at the Cinemark Frisco Square movie theaters off Main
Street and Dallas Parkway, and two more have been installed at a new McDonald’s restaurant at 8888 Teel Parkway. The EV charging sta-
tions in Frisco are part of the Blink charging network created and installed by ECOtality, a company specializing in building the electric
vehicle support system. To learn more about electric vehicles and the ECOtality network, visit www.theevproject.com/education.php.

FEED FRISCO
Did you know that you could help feed other families while feeding your own? Making a difference is as easy as 1-2-3. Every time you shop
at your neighborhood Kroger or Tom Thumb, a percentage of your purchases will be donated to Frisco Family Services. Visit blog.frisco-
center.org/events/krogers-neighbor-to-neighbor-program to print the forms, take them to the respective grocery store and have your
KrogerPlus Card and Tom Thumb Reward Card activated at check out. This is a great way to give back and help FFS prevent homelessness
and hunger in our community!

COUNTY RECEIVES FUNDING
The Texas Indigent Defense Commission awarded Collin County more than $250,000 for a new managed assigned counsel program
to provide defense services to mentally ill defendants. The program will be modeled on programs previously created and funded
in Lubbock and Montgomery Counties. The award was part of $11.8 million in funding to 99 Texas counties to help improve their
indigent defense efforts, by setting up new programs or refunding existing programs related to indigent defense across the state.
Approximately 60 counties were awarded $2 million to help offset increased indigent defense costs. In addition, nine county programs
were awarded discretionary funding to establish new indigent defense offices or procedures, along with continued funding for 11 other
county programs. The commission, formerly the Task Force on Indigent Defense, has distributed funds since 2002 to help counties
meet the statutory and constitutional requirements to provide access to counsel for the poor. The new programs, including Collin
County’s, are set to begin Oct. 1.

NATIONAL HONOR
The Collin College Surgical Technology program received a National Certificate of Merit from the National Board of Surgical Technology
and Surgical Assisting, the program’s certification board, for having a 90 percent or greater pass rate on the national credentialing exam.
Only 52 out of more than 570 programs nationwide received the honor, and Collin College was one of only two in the state of Texas and
three in the region to achieve this accomplishment. For more information, visit www.collin.edu/surgtech/ for more information.

ALL ABOARD FRISCO
The Museum of the American Railroad is sending a mailer and announcement to every Frisco Chamber of Commerce Member announcing
a new fundraising program requesting help from Frisco businesses. While the tracks have been laid, museum buildings have been moved
to Frisco and 40 railroad cars and engines moving in the months of July through September, additional funds are needed to complete
additional phases of the move. The Museum of the American Railroad will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Frisco, benefitting the
entire community. For those not receiving the mailer, learn more by going to www.museumoftheamericanrailroad.org.

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY

Frisco STYLE supports Frisco Humane
Society, Adopt a Pet, 972.498.8980
www.friscohumanesociety.com

Juniper, 2 mos., and Rocky, 8 mos., both
huskies live with Frisco residents
Tony and Dorianne Cammarota.

Available Now on National Night Out 2012
FriscoSTYLE.com

Letters to the Editor

Story Ideas 56 7
More on Current Articles
Inner Engineering, 3:30pm, friscolibrary.com Friends of the Library Meeting, 6:45pm, Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano, Collin
Calendar Submissions friscolibrary.com College, 4800 Preston Park Blvd, 10am,
Photo Contest Submissions newcomerfriends.org
Nominations for Person of
the Year or Best of Business

Word of the Month 12 13 14
21
footle Frisco RoughRiders vs. NW Arkansas Frisco Town Hall Meeting, City Hall, 6101
\FOOT-l\ Naturals, 6pm, Dr Pepper Ballpark, Frisco Square Blvd., 7pm-9pm, friscotexas.
1. Verb:T o act or talk in a foolish ridersbaseball.com gov
Frisco RoughRiders vs. NW Arkansas
or silly way. 19 Naturals, 7pm, Dr Pepper Ballpark,
2. Noun: Nonsense; silliness. ridersbaseball.com

20English Conversation Club, 7pm,

friscolibrary.com

26 Readers Choice Book Club, 7pm,
friscolibrary.com
Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi
Hooks, 7pm, Dr Pepper Ballpark,
ridersbaseball.com

84 FRISCO STYLE 27 28

ACTING STUDIO.................................................... 44 COLONY AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING... 20
AEROSCAPE, LLC................................................... 83 COMPLETE OUTDOOR CONCEPTS..................... 33
APPLE CREEK PRESCHOOL.................................. 66 CORBRIDGE ORTHODONTICS............................. 29
BAYLOR MEDICAL CENTER AT FRISCO............2, 61 DALLAS IVF............................................................. 26
BELLAIR HEATING&COOLING INC...................... 22 DARRYL V. PRATT, P.C............................................ 19
BERKEYS AIR CONDITIONING & PLUMBING...... 92 DAVIS, DR. JERIT DDS............................................ 79
BLUE DOOR BOUTIQUE........................................ 43 DERMALASE, DR. KATHRYN WOOD................... 48
BOARDWALK AUDI.................................................. 9 DERMATOLOGY CONSULTANTS OF FRISCO.......51
BONNIE CORAL REALTY....................................... 19 DISTINCTIVELY HERS............................................. 80
BOUARI CLINIC...................................................... 59 DOBSON’S FLOORING AMERICA........................ 12
BRICKHOUSE CARDIO CLUB................................ 59 ELITE OB/GYN........................................................ 28
BUCA DI BEPPO..................................................... 40 EYE CARE AVENUE................................................ 48
CARON CARES........................................................13 FAMILY HEALTH MARKET..................................... 45
CENTENNIAL MEDICAL CENTER........................... 5 FINGERPRINTS....................................................... 69
COLLIN COLLEGE.................................................. 66 FRISCO ANTIQUE FAIRE....................................... 76
COLLIN COUNTY PEDIATRICS............................. 33 FRISCO EYE ASSOCIATES..................................... 26

No portion of this article may be reproduced without express written permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. ARTS & EDUCATION

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY AUGUST 2012
Frisco RoughRiders vs. Midland Frisco RoughRiders vs. Midland
RockHounds, 7pm, Dr Pepper Ballpark, RockHounds, 7pm, Dr Pepper Ballpark, SATURDAY
ridersbaseball.com ridersbaseball.com Frisco Farmers Market, 8am-1pm, 6048
Frisco Square Blvd, friscofarmersmarket.org
“Man vs. Office,” Frisco Discovery Center,
8004 N. Dallas Pkwy, 6pm-9pm, friscotexas.
gov/nno

12 34

Board Game Club, 6pm; Intro to Facebook, Frisco Farmers Market, 8am-1pm, Frisco Square, friscofarmersmarket.org
7pm, friscolibrary.com
Jehovah’s Witnesses Conference 2012, “Man vs. Office,” Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 N. Dallas Pkwy.,
Aug 9-12, Dr Pepper Arena, jw-media.org 7:30pm-9pm, friscotexas.gov/nno

89 Chunk Your Junk Day, 6616 Walnut St., 8am-12pm,
friscodiscoverycenter.com

10 Budweiser Adult Summer Showdown, FC Dallas Stadium, 11
Aug. 11-12, [email protected]
FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids, 8pm, FC Dallas Stadium,
fcdallas.com

Classic Readers Book Club, 10am, Jehovah’s Witnesses Conference 2012, Tax Free Weekend, www.window.state.tx.us ADHD Workshop, 10am; Get Ready
friscolibrary.com Aug 16-19, Dr Pepper Arena, jw-media.org and search “sales tax holiday” for Kindergarten Story Time, 10:30am,
Frisco RoughRiders vs. Tulsa Drillers, 7pm, Frisco RoughRiders vs. Tulsa Drillers, 7pm, friscolibrary.com
Dr Pepper Ballpark, ridersbaseball.com Frisco RoughRiders vs. Tulsa Drillers, Dr Pepper Ballpark, ridersbaseball.com Frisco Farmers Market, 8am-1pm, 6048
7pm, Dr Pepper Ballpark, ridersbaseball. Frisco Square Blvd, friscofarmersmarket.org
com 17 “Man vs. Office,” Frisco Discovery
Center, 8004 N. Dallas Pkwy, 7:30pm-9pm,
15 16 friscotexas.gov/nno
Frisco RoughRiders vs. NW Arkansas
Inner Engineering, 7pm, friscolibrary.com Board Game Club, 6pm, friscolibrary.com
Jehovah’s Witnesses Conference 2012, 18Naturals, 7pm, Dr Pepper Ballpark,
Aug 22-26, Dr Pepper Arena, jw-media.org
ridersbaseball.com

22 23 24 Is Your Child a Target of Bullying?, 10am,
friscolibrary.com
Frisco Farmers Market, 8am-1pm, 6048
Frisco Square Blvd, friscofarmersmarket.org

25

Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi Major Events Provided by
Hooks, 7pm, Dr Pepper Ballpark, Hooks, 7pm, Dr Pepper Ballpark, Hooks, 7pm, Dr Pepper Ballpark,
ridersbaseball.com ridersbaseball.com ridersbaseball.com

29 30 31

FRISCO EYE CARE.................................................. 29 HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH............................... 46 OLD AMERICAN GOLF CLUB................................ 14 SERTINOS COFFEE FRISCO.................................. 83
FRISCO FAMILY SERVICES CENTER..................... 30 JORDAN, HOUSER & FLOURNOY, LLP................. 21 ONE2ONE RESTAURANT & BAR.......................... 40 SHAH, DR. NEELA MD............................................17
FRISCO FARMERS’ MARKET................................. 40 K-8 STEM ACADEMY............................................. 88 OXXO CLEANERS.................................................. 80 SIMPLE SLEEP SERVICES....................................... 54
FRISCO FREEDOM FEST........................................ 82 KENDALL LAW FIRM, PLLC....................................17 PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT STONEBRIAR FOOT & ANKLE.............................. 75
FRISCO INSTITUTE FOR KOKO FIT CLUB...................................................... 63 CENTER OF MCKINNEY........................................ 64 STONEBRIAR SMILE DESIGN.................................17 AD INDEX
REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE.................................. 25 KOTTA SUSHI LOUNGE......................................... 43 PRIME LENDING.................................................... 19 TEXAS HEALTH PLANO........................................ 91
FRISCO MONTESSORI........................................... 65 LEARNINGRX FRISCO........................................... 69 RADIANT ROOFING LLC....................................... 22 TEXAS MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC............. 72
FRISCO PEDIATRICS.............................................. 39 LEGACY PLUMBING............................................... 20 READING RANCH.................................................. 48 TITLE BOXING CLUB.............................................. 69
FRISCO PLASTIC SURGERY..................................... 8 LUIGIS PIZZA & PASTA INC................................... 43 RENEW FAMILY DENTISTRY................................. 72 TOP TO BOTTOM CLEANING............................... 80
FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS......................................... 62 MANEGAIT THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP...... 10 RG APOTHECARY.................................................. 72 WARREN MONTESSORI........................................ 25
FUNCTIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS................... 26 MARC SAMUELS JEWELERS................................. 76 RHEA LANA’S OF FRISCO..................................... 83 WEIGHT MANAGEMENT MEDICAL..................... 30
GANDY ORTHODONTICS....................................... 3 MATTHEWS, DR. KYLE J........................................ 64 RHETT SMITH COUNSELING................................ 75 WOODS, MAY & MATLOCK, P.C........................... 14
GRAVES CHIROPRACTIC....................................... 33 METHODIST MCKINNEY HOSPITAL.................... 22 RX SMILE................................................................. 39
GREYSTONE PROJECT............................................ 7 MORNING LIGHT FAMILY MEDICINE.................. 30 SALON M................................................................ 39
HAIR HAVEN........................................................... 83 NEXGEN FITNESS.................................................. 90 SCHOOL OF ROCK................................................ 35
HERITAGE EXTERIORS...........................................51 NORTHLAKE OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY..... 45 SEASONS LAWN & LANDSCAPE......................... 80
85FRISCOSTYLE.COM
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one dianyfrisco...LocallyGrown

PHOTO BY CHRIS FRITCHIE



BUSINESS PROFILE

KCom-8ingSSoTonEM Academy district and it is a great opportunity for
our students.”

“We saw the opportunity to assist Little

A NEW CAMPUS is coming to Little Elm know there is a huge emphasis, both Elm and open the new school to meet the

ISD, designed to enhance instruction and nationally and state-wide, to upgrade projected growth in the area. We thought

provide innovative lessons in science and the quality of education in science and it would be a win-win for the district, the

math-related subjects for students. In mathematics with use of technology.” community and the children attending

July, the Little Elm ISD Board of School Ms. Leuthard says the decision to the academy,” said Kathy Cunningham,

Trustees announced plans to build the open the STEM Academy followed an Vice President of Matthews Southwest.

district’s first Science, Technology, extensive, yearlong engagement process “Tribute’s homeowners association and

Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy during which staff and parents made site developer will provide funding to support

at The Tribute, a lakeside golf and resort visits to other schools across the state the STEM Academy, and we anticipate

community in The Colony. Slated to open and weighed many different options. benefits to the community similar to

in 2015, the STEM Academy will provide “We had a magnet school committee that those seen in schools located in Castle

students in kindergarten through eighth researched those options with the desire Hills and Lantana, which also provide

grades a unique opportunity to build to create something that would help financial assistance for education,”

a strong foundation in subjects that students better prepare for their future.” explained Ms. Cunningham, referring

are increasingly important in today’s A partnership between the district to other large-scale master planned

technology-dependent society. and Matthews Southwest, developer of communities who have successfully

“The STEM Academy will be a The Tribute, made possible the issuance forged similar partnerships with their

specialized school that focuses on of $15 million in new bond debt to fund local school districts. “We have put that

science, technology, engineering and construction of the STEM Academy. “This crucial support in place at The Tribute to

mathematics which will be woven is a great partnership with The Tribute help LEISD open the school.”

through the curriculum,” explains LEISD and we are really excited about it,” says The STEM model is a proven

Superintendent Lynne Leuthard. “We Ms. Leuthard. “It meets the needs of the educational system that is gaining

88 FRISCO STYLE No portion of this article may be reproduced without expressAwDrVitEteRnTIpSEeMrmENissTion of Style Publishing Group, LLC. © 2012 • All rights reserved. ARTS & EDUCATION

popularity in the U.S. as national part of the Initiative, each Little Elm

test scores continue to reveal a lack High School student will be issued

of science and math proficiency a Macbook Air laptop for individual

among American students but a educational use during the 2012-

growing need in the job market. 13 school year. “We know digital

Ms. Leuthard previously served learning is the future for our kids,”

as superintendent of schools in says Ms. Leuthard. “This focus is

Galveston and says she has seen not just for the academy, but all

the STEM model succeed there. across the district. We will share

“At my past district, we converted ideas with other campuses based

one of our existing buildings on this program.”

into a STEM magnet school. Last Coupled with the desire to see

year that school won a national more students succeed in the areas

Blue Ribbon award.” The school, of science, math and technology, is

Galveston’s Austin Middle School, the awareness that Little Elm ISD

was one of only two schools in enrollment will reach capacity at its

Texas to be given the National current middle school building by

Title I Association’s Distinguished 2015. The plot of land at The Tribute

School Award for significantly that will hold the STEM Academy

closing the achievement gap had been purchased by the district

between its student groups. The in 2002, thanks to a bond package

U.S. Department of Education approved by taxpayers for future

announced in September 2011 campus growth. “We already

that Austin Middle School was one owned the land and through

of only 26 Texas schools to win working with The Tribute we found

the Blue Ribbon award, given to the ideal partnership for this

schools that dramatically improved campus,” says Ms. Leuthard.

student performance on state tests The timeline for construction is

and whose students rank in the top still in its preliminary stages, but it

10 percent of the state on those is projected the school will be open

tests. for enrollment by 2015. When the

Such impressive results help school opens, Ms. Leuthard says all

explain the excitement surrounding kindergarten through eighth grade

the announcement of the Little students living in the school zone

Elm ISD STEM Academy. “I think it will be eligible to attend the STEM

makes learning more relevant when Academy. A system to determine

you are able to tie it into something eligibility is still being planned. “A

in the real world,” says Ms. lot of districts use a lottery system,”

Leuthard. She cites collaboration says Ms. Leuthard. “That piece is

with local industry leaders Little Elm ISD not yet detailed, and we will
that feature technology and 1900 Walker Ln., Little Elm work with our Board of Trustees
medical research will be key. and a stakeholder committee to
make that determination.”
Additionally, robotics, mech-
anical engineering and web While students are the

mastering are a few of the primary beneficiaries of the
STEM Academy, the new
972.292.1847 • www.leisd.wssubjects to which STEM
students typically have access. school’s impact will be far-

“It is a more robust learning environment,” writing skills to integrate history and reaching, says Ms. Cunningham. “I think

says Ms. Leuthard. “Instead of studying science.” Through technology-based everyone involved benefits from the

in isolation, students enjoy working on STEM projects, students are encouraged STEM Academy—the school district,

integrated projects.” to construct their own knowledge of the Tribute, the community and the

“What typically happens,” explains the world around them. STEM Academy children attending. The Little Elm school

Ms. Leuthard, “is that teachers will get teachers receive additional training in district has taken a very forward-thinking

together to combine units, so they will STEM curriculum, activities and materials. approach. We’re looking forward to

create projects that will pull in history The STEM Academy announcement working with them during the next few

as well as the sciences. There may also builds on the district’s Digital Learning years as it gets built, and we see it as an

be a writing assignment—for example, Initiative, recently approved by the Little integral part of The Tribute community as

students may create a website that uses Elm ISD Board of School Trustees. As it builds out.”

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