Alvin ISD Spring 2018 Community Connection

Spring 2018

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more on
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Inside 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-11
this Growth in Alvin ISD
issue: Superintendent’s Message Great Things Teachers & Paras Profile of an Alvin ISD Graduate
Get Caught Reading Initiative Happening of the Year Education Foundation Update

2 Community Connection

A message from the Superintendent

A productive school year is drawing to a close. Before we breathe a sigh of relief and launch
into summer break, it is fitting to take a moment or two to reflect on how far we have come
and where we are headed. This year, we set our sites on goals in the areas of student
achievement, college and career readiness, and community engagement. Despite an
eventful year with distractions such as the eclipse, hurricane Harvey, and ice storms,
we have remained focused on what matters most - student learning. I just want to take a
moment to thank each and every one of you for your support this year.
Also, this summer, make sure you visit the Alvin ISD Book Bus and “Get Caught Reading!”

Meet Your Board of Trustees

The Alvin ISD Board of Trustees are, front
row, from left, Nicole Tonini; President,
Cheryl Harris; Trustee and Regan Metoyer
Peterson; Trustee. Back row, from left,
Vivian Scheibel; Secretary, Julie Pickren,
Trustee; Earl Humbird, Vice President; and
Tiffany Wennerstrom, Trustee.

THE ALVIN ISD BOOK BUS IS COMING
TO A LOCATION NEAR YOU
THIS SUMMER!

The purpose of the Alvin ISD Book Bus is to put books in the hands of
our students to ensure they have the gift of reading all year round!
This summer, the Book Bus will be at 22 locations around the District!

Visit www.alvinisd.net/bookbus
for dates, times, and locations!

Community Connection 3

4 Community Connection

The JB Hensler College and Career Academy is a 168,055 ft. facility featuring
specialized classrooms, such as a full cosmetology salon, a medical bay featuring
6 beds and an ambulance, a full culinary arts kitchen and bistro, an automotive
center with paint booth, a full pet grooming salon and veterinary technician
work space, and more.
“You really have to see it to believe it,” said Elizabeth Garcia, JB Hensler College
and Career Academy principal. “Everything is realistic so that our students can
get an inside look at the working world.”
“Today’s economy demands a better educated workforce than ever before, and
jobs in this new economy require more complex knowledge and skills than the jobs of the past,” Garcia added.
That’s why, over the past few years, a goal of Alvin ISD has been to expand the Career and Technical Education opportunities
offered to students.
“There is a perception that all young people should be encouraged to obtain a four-year degree,” said Buck Gilcrease, Alvin
ISD superintendent. “That leaves a huge gap in the number of skilled workers. The JB Hensler College and Career Academy
offers students the opportunity to obtain certifications that will allow them to be better prepared for postsecondary education
or allow them to directly enter the workforce in high-paying careers.”
With the approval of the 2013 and 2015 Bonds, the District was able to build this comprehensive College and Career Academy
that can accommodate 800-1000 students from all of their high school campuses.

“You can enter Hensler and get your dog groomed, get your JB Hensler College and Career
oil changed, get a haircut or manicure, get your blood pressure Academy offers 36 unique
taken, and get a meal, all done by our students. It’s really an certifications in high-skill,
amazing opportunity for students to learn a trade free of charge, high-demand career fields
while still in high school.” - Superintendent Buck Gilcrease including Cosmetology/Barbering,
Automotive Technology, Collision
Culinary Arts, Information Technology, Graphic Design, Veterinary Technology, Repair, Certified Medical
Construction, HVAC, Welding, and Criminal Justice. Assistant, Certified Nursing
Assistant, Emergency Medical
Technician, Pharmacy Technician,

To see videos on the various Pathways available to
Alvin ISD College and Career Academy students,
visit www.alvinisd.net/ctevideos

Community Connection 5

Amazing things are happening in Alvin ISD. Read below for just a few!

On March 22, over 300 parents, grandparents, preschoolers, high school
students, teachers, administrators, and community members joined
together to celebrate the completion of the 2017-18 Alvin ISD READy
Program. ​T​ he goal of the READy program is to engage and empower
families in preparation for kindergarten and beyond.

“This program is about giving parents the tools they need to
be able to teach their children. We want to make sure they are
as prepared as possible when their children enter our schools,”
said Ana Pasarella, family engagement director.

E.C. Mason Elementary, Alvin Primary, and Melba Passmore Elementary Schools
have received a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools award for the
2017-2018 school year from the Flippen Group. Through the Capturing Kids’ Hearts
National Showcase Schools awards, the Flippen Group recognizes and celebrates
campuses that go the extra mile each day, building an environment where students
and staff feel safe and connected. Being designated a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National
Showcase School confirms our schools are committed to building relationships with
our students and families.

Students from Alvin ISD participated in the finale to the 2018 Houston
Livestock Show and Rodeo art competition. The culminating event was
the live auction, which included four pieces of art chosen from Alvin ISD.
Manvel High School student Anna Chemplayil was named “Reserve Class
Champion” and her 2D Color Drawing brought in $35,000 at auction!
Shadow Creek High School students Shaofen Xue, Lina Sylejmani, and
Jessica Liu brought in $12,000, $15,000 and $8,500 respectfully.
Congratulations to these Alvin ISD students on their grand total of
$70,500 in Auction Sales!

Anna Chemplayil, Manvel High School

Kindergarten Round-Up Pre-Kindergarten Round-Up

When: April 30th-May 4th When: May 29th - 30th
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: At your home campus Where: Alvin area students: Bill Hasse Elementary
In order to register for Kindergarten for the Pearland & Manvel area students: Wilder Elementary
2018-19 school year, your child must be In order to qualify for Pre-K, your child must be four years old
five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2018 on or before Sept. 1, 2018, and has limited English speaking
For more information, ability, qualifies as economically disadvantaged, has a parent
visit www.alvinisd.net/kinderroundup in active military duty, or has been in foster care.

6 Alvin ISD Teachers of the Year!

2017-2018

Sienna Flores Justin Zendt Jenna Duff Ginger Horn Jaycee Thompson Elton Holmes

Alvin High School Manvel High School Shadow Creek High School ASSETS Academy JB Hensler ADAPT

Ginger Harvey Kendra Thames Veronica Gonzalez Krissy Smith-Haugh Elan Fontenot Angelia Uraih
G.W. Harby Jr. High Fairview Jr. High Nolan Ryan Jr. High
Alvin Jr. High Manvel Jr. High Rodeo Palms Jr. High

Tess Bruner Vanesa Chapa Shelli Adams Shelly Miller Laramie Harrison Amanda Garcia
Hood-Case Elementary Melba Passmore Elementary
Bill Hasse Elementary Alvin Elementary Alvin Primary Walt Disney Elementary

Heather Villaloboz Jannette Gonzalez Tracey Battle Hailey Provenzano Brooke Chang Laura Sotiropoulos
E.C. Mason Elementary Mark Twain Elementary
Stevenson Primary Meridiana Elementary Pomona Elementary Dr. Red Duke Elementary

Caterina Dingas Phasouk Sananikone Siteria Yarborough Leticia Hernandez Kelly Russell Olubusola Oluwu
Mary Marek Elementary Laura Ingalls Wilder Savannah Lakes Elementary Shirley Brothers Elementary
Don Jeter Elementary Elementary Glenn York Elementary

Alvin ISD Paraprofessionals of the Year! 7

2017-2018

Brenda McCullough Marquetta Davis Abigail Betancourt Michelle Zacharias Tammy Riddle
Alvin High School Manvel High School Shadow Creek High School ASSETS Academy
ADAPT

Cindy Webb Cynthia Saenz Nikki Garcia Courtney Holt Carmen Gonzales Gloria Rios

Alvin Jr. High Manvel Jr. High G.W. Harby Jr. High Fairview Jr. High Nolan Ryan Jr. High Rodeo Palms Jr. High

Angie Aguirre Tracey Pollard Amanda Turner Terry Wilson Angela Andrews Maria Ortiz

Bill Hasse Elementary Alvin Elementary Alvin Primary Walt Disney Elementary Melba Passmore Elementary E.C. Mason Elementary

Maria Rivera Diana Coward Ruthann Wilkinson Adeanna Marquez Sobia Aziz Martha Franco
Shirley Brothers Elementary Pomona Elementary
Mark Twain Elementary Meridiana Elementary Don Jeter Elementary Mary Marek Elementary

Carolyn Harrison Lori Montelongo Zohra Abarkha Brenda Batts Lissa Hebert Josie Bell

Laura Ingalls Wilder Savannah Lakes Elementary Glenn York Elementary Dr. Red Duke Elementary Stevenson Primary Hood-Case Elementary
Elementary

8 Community Connection

Alvin ISD Continues to Face Rapid Growth

Growth is happening — and fast. Citizens are seeing the rapid construction
of the schools, including Dr. Ronald E. McNair Junior High, located in the
Shadow Creek Ranch subdivision, Bel Sanchez Elementary, located in the
Sterling Lakes subdivision, and Bob and Betty Nelson Elementary, located
on 1462 in Alvin.

In 2015 the district had 22,158 students. Currently, the enrollment in Alvin
ISD is 24,976. That’s 2,818 new students in just 2 years. According to
Templeton Demographics, The area zoned to Alvin ISD schools started and
closed more than 1,250 new homes in 2017. That is the most annual starts
and closings in more than 10 years.

“If you trend across the last five years, we are adding, “If you trend across the last five years, we are
on average, the equivalent of a new classroom of adding, on average, the equivalent of a new
students every week.” classroom of students every week,” Pat Miller,
- Pat Miller, associate superintendent of student associate superintendent of student learning
learning environment environment, stated. Miller expressed that with
current campuses and those in development, we
have capacity for about 2 years. After that, many
of our campuses will be going over their capacity.

“With the tremendous growth that the District is experiencing, it is essential that we continue to plan for the future,” said
Gilcrease.

Mascot: Eagles Who is Dr. Ronald E. McNair?
Colors: Columbia Blue, Black, Silver
Principal: Craig Rhodes Dr. Ronald McNair was nationally recognized for his work in laser physics and was selected by
Address: 2950 Kingsley NASA. In 1984, McNair became the second African-American to make a flight into space. He
Pearland, TX was a mission specialist on the space shuttle Challenger. He was a member of the crew when
the Challenger tragically exploded nine miles over the Atlantic shortly after take off from the
Kennedy Space Center in Florida on January 18, 1986.

“Whether or not you reach your goals in life depends entirely on how well you prepare for them and how
badly you want them. You’re eagles. Stretch your wings and fly to the sky.” -Dr. Ronald E. McNair

Community Connection 9

Preparing for college, competing in the Junior Olympics in volleyball, and receiving her Gold Award
for Girl Scouts are just a few of the things Manvel High School senior Jamie Travis has planned for
the summer. “I’m busy,” Travis stated. “I don’t get days off. I don’t take breaks. I have goals and I will
continue to work hard until I achieve those goals.”

Jamie Travis, Manvel High School One of those goals is to become a trauma surgeon. She is starting that journey by enrolling at Tex-
as Tech University in the fall. When asked about what motivated her to want to become a trauma
surgeon, Travis explained, “I volunteered at Memorial Hermann Hospital and worked in the trauma
center. I loved helping people who were suffering during the worst times of their lives.” That passion
for medicine led her to sign up to take EMT courses at Alvin ISD’s JB Hensler College and Career
Academy.

“Since I knew I wanted to go to medical school, I thought that taking the EMT classes offered through the College and Career Academy would help
me gain real world experience,” Travis stated. “The course has taught me how to use the equipment, how to load and carry a patient on a stretcher,
and other things that will be useful in real life.” Between dual credit and AP exams, Jamie will have already completed her first two years of college
before she even steps foot on the Texas Tech campus. “When I get to Tech, I plan on taking the MCAT exam and hope to apply to the Texas Tech
University School of Medicine,” Travis said.

Medicine isn’t the only thing that Jamie is passionate about. This summer, she will be travelling to California with her club volleyball team and
competing in the Junior Olympics. “I have been playing volleyball since I was 10 years old. I think that sports have helped me with important skills
like time management,” Travis said. Travis plans on continuing to play club volleyball when she gets to college.

As if she wasn’t busy enough, Jamie is also pursuing the Gold Award for Girl Scouts. “We had to complete two projects in order to qualify for the
Gold Award,” Travis explained. “For my projects, I incorporated my love of medicine to schedule two events.” For her first event, Jamie set up a tour
along with a question and answer session at the University of Texas Medical School. “I brought over 40 students from Manvel High School, Shadow
Creek High School, and Hightower High School to the UT Medical School where we toured the building and talked about how to get into medical
school,” Travis explained. Her second event was bringing 9 different medical professionals to Manvel High School to speak to parents and students
about how to get into the medical field. “We had about 30 people show up to that event. Some of the leading medical professionals in their field
came to speak and I think that the audience came away with some invaluable information,” Travis said.

When asked what motivates her to keep working hard to achieve her goals, Travis said, “My mom really instilled hard work into my head. Everyday I
write in a notebook. I write what I have to do to be successful and the steps I have to take to get where I want to go.”

There is no doubt that Jamie Travis will be able to achieve whatever she sets her mind to.

You won’t find Shadow Creek High School senior Audrey Brown lounging by the pool or going to the
beach this summer. That’s because she will be spending her time following graduation putting in long hours
and working hard towards her ultimate goal.

For fifteen years, Audrey has continuously perfected her ballet skills to be able to pursue her ultimate
dreams. Upon graduation in the first senior class of SCHS, Audrey already has a busy summer planned.
“I have been attending auditions for various ballet companies in the area,” Audrey explained, “Two
companies have invited me back for an “Intensive” session to hopefully be offered a position in the
company.” The two companies that invited her back will host their own sessions that will last eight weeks
total. During these weeks, Audrey will work tirelessly to compete for a spot in their show, or with the
company staff.

Audrey has also been accepted into Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide to pursue a degree Audrey Brown, Shadow Creek HS
in engineering all while continuing her passion for ballet. She chose Embry-Riddle because of their many
options for online degrees. “My goal is to be hired by a ballet company which has the same schedule of a
full time job,” Audrey stated, “I chose the online path to continue my education while pursuing my
passion of ballet.” She knows there are busy days ahead, but she is excited for what her future holds.

Audrey plans to continue ballet until she physically cannot dance anymore. Once she retires from ballet,
she will be able to use her engineering degree to start her second career.

10 Community Connection

Preparing for Harvard University is how Evelyn Cai, senior from the first graduating class of Shadow Creek
High School, will be spending her summer.

Evelyn has been accepted to Harvard University where she plans to study Political Science with an
integration of STEM. When asked about her future career goals she stated, “Whether I’m saving people’s
lives in the medical field or fighting for social advocacy, I know that my main goal will be to leave a positive
impact on the world.”

Evelyn Cai, Shadow Creek HS Evelyn proceeded to explain how much she learned about college itself through the application process.
“Applying for college allowed me to believe that I will find my path while at Harvard. Although I am unsure of
my exact career field, I know that I will find my perfect fit through the courses and professors at the University,”
Cai said.

Her political science background started at Manvel High School when she was a part of the Model UN group. Upon moving to SCHS, the group
reformed and began attending the HAMUN Conference (Houston Area Model United Nations) where other districts from around the Houston area
come together to learn more about the most challenging topics of our current society. “Being a part of the conference allows us to speak up about
current issues. Seeing other students who follow the mindset of addressing change through policies is liberating!” STEM has always been an interest to
Evelyn because of her natural strengths in the field. She plans to utilize these strengths when deciding her future career.

Evelyn loved reflecting on opening her official acceptance letter from Harvard. “I wanted to take a chance and see if I would be accepted. I went in
knowing that, despite the outcome, I would be happy either way, and would be able to say that I applied to Harvard.” The day finally came for the
awaited decision letter! She and her family gathered around the computer as Evelyn opened each letter one by one, putting off the Harvard decision
until the very end. When she opened the final letter, she couldn’t believe her eyes as she had been accepted into her dream school.

On an even greater note, Evelyn Cai is 1 of only 511 students in the world who earned every point possible on all AP exams. Additionally, she received
the maximum score of 5 for each portion of the AP Research exam and is one of 176 students worldwide who achieved this amazing feat.

When one thinks of selective colleges, several names come to mind: Harvard, Princeton, Yale Ryan Shaw, Alvin HS
and Stanford among others. Often overlooked, however, is the difficulty of gaining admission
to a U.S. service academy. The service academies—the Military Academy, the Naval
Academy, the Coast Guard Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Merchant Midshipmen
Academy—all have acceptance rates ranging from 9 percent to 18 percent and are among the
most difficult schools in the country to gain admission to.
Alvin High School senior, Ryan Shaw, received his acceptance to the U.S. Naval Academy in
Annapolis, Maryland —the most selective of all the service academies—on February 6.
To receive an offer of appointment to the Naval Academy, an applicant must obtain a
nomination from an official source. “Since I gained my nomination from Congressman Pete
Olson, I received a call from him in which he told my I had been accepted. When I got that
call, I was ecstatic. It felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off of my shoulders and
everything I’ve done so far had paid off and was worth it,” Shaw said.

When asked why he chose the Naval Academy, Shaw answered, “I chose the Academy and furthermore the navy because my
values and life goals match those of the institution. The challenge, excellence, honor, tradition, and service that are all an integral
part there are in line with what I love and my upbringing by my parents.”
Shaw plans to study Mechanical Engineering or Naval Architecture at the academy and will select either SEAL’s or Naval Aviation
upon graduation.

Ryan leaves on June 22 and will spend some time around Annapolis before Induction Day, which will take place on June 28.

Community Connection 11

Alvin ISD Education Foundation Congratulations to the Class of 2018!
17th Annual Turtle Race
Alvin High School: On April 11, each Alvin ISD high
The 17th Alvin ISD Education Valedictorian: Christopher Hogan school had their Class Rank An-
Foundation Annual Turtle Race nouncement. Every year the Alvin
and 6th Annual Fun Run, were Salutatorian: Ryan Shaw ISD Education Foundation is part
a little different this year due to Manvel High School: of this day at Alvin High School,
strong thunderstorms that moved Manvel High School, ASSETS
through the area on race day. The Valedictorian: Anna Chemplayil Academy and, this year, at Shadow
Fun Run had to be canceled and Salutatorian: Shannen Dumadag Creek High School with their first
the turtles did not get dropped graduating class.
into the bayou to ‘race’. But The Foundation will recognize the
nothing could dampen the spirits top 20 students of the Class of 2018
of the Foundation to award the 13 prizes that were donated by generous at Alvin High School, Manvel High
individuals and businesses. A drawing was held to determine the lucky School, Shadow Creek High School
winners. There were 11,599 numbers placed in a drum and the winners and the top two graduates at ASSETS
were drawn out. The Foundation raised over $80,000 for Innovative Academy at the annual Celebration of
Teaching Grants, student and teacher scholarships and much more Academic Excellence. The Celebration
throughout Alvin ISD. is scheduled for Thursday, May 10
1st Place: $1,500 Trip Voucher donated by Stantec - Ethan Ortiz and will be held at the Liberty Alumni
2nd Place: $1,000 Shopping Spree donated by David & Tracy Vela - Hall at the new Alvin ISD Heritage
Nathaniel Nava Complex, located in Iowa Colony. The
3rd Place: Ipad donated by Ron Carter - Scott Wilson Foundation is honored and excited to
4th Place: Kendra Scott Jewelry - Marely Calzada be the inaugural event at this beautiful
5th Place: SeaWorld & Houston Museum of Natural Science tickets - facility.
Stacey Bracewell
6th Place: Schlitterbahn Day passes - Reed Bonn Shadow Creek High School: Each student will bring their most
7th Place: 2 Astros Tickets(donated by Alvin Pest Control) & Valedictorian: Armaan Chokshi influential teacher as their guest in
Alex Bregman Autographed Photo - Abylee Padgett Salutatorian: Anna Claire Regresado appreciation for the impact they had
8th Place: 2 Rodeo Tickets to Cody Johnson (donated by Warner & on their lives. This is a unique evening
Melba Ervin) & $100 Jimmy Changa Gift Card - Andrea Moreno that allows the Alvin ISD Education
9th Place: $50 Top Gold gift card & $50 Spring Creek BBQ gift card - Foundation to celebrate outstanding
Anna Villanueva students and teachers. This event
10th Place: Sonicair Gift Basket (donated by Pearland Pediatric would not be possible without the
Dentistry) - Stevie Marshall generosity of community partners who
11th Place: Admission for 2 to Alvin Music Festival - Jennifer Valdez are sponsors for the event and each
12th Place: Hilton Garden Inn Weekend Stay & Nothing Bundt Cake gift student. Sponsorship opportunities are
certificate - Dixie Jones available for the event.
Slowest Swimmer: $100 Whataburger Gift Card - Laci Porter
Even though the rain and lightning prohibited the Turtle Race Family ASSETS Academy: For details contact Sheila Olson 
Fun Run from being held, runners still received gift bags and Fun Run Valedictorian: Hannah Rose with the Education Foundation at 
t-shirts donated by BSN Sports. Salutatorian: Michael Shupak 281-331-2586.

Manvel High School Alvin High School
Saturday, May 26 • 10:00 am Saturday, May 26 • 5:00 pm

NRG Center NRG Center

For more information about the Alvin ISD Shadow Creek High School ASSETS Academy
Education Foundation, please visit Saturday, May 26 • 2:00 pm Friday, May 25 • 7:00 pm
Manvel HS Auditorium
www.alvinisd.net/educationfoundation NRG Center
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SMTWT F S Academic Calendar SMTWT F S Alvin Independent School District
July 2017 January 2018 301 E. House St.
1 2017-2018 Alvin, TX 77511
123456 www.alvinisd.net
2345678 Holiday/Breaks 7 (8 9 10 11 12 13
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 (No classes for Students/Teachers) 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Professional Learning (No classes for Students) 28 29 30 31
30 31
Working on the Work Day (No classes for Students) February 2018
August 2017 123
12345 Comp/Professional Learning (No classes for Students
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
13 14 15 16 (17 18 19 Staff Collaboration Day (No classes for Students) 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
27 28 29 30 31 New Teacher Professional Learning 25 26 27 28

September 2017 Early Dismissal Days March 2018
12 123
STAAR Testing:
3456789 Dec 4-8 - High School 4 5 6 7 8 9) 10
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 April 10-13- Elem., Junior High, and High 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 School 18 (19 20 21 22 23 24
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 May 7-11 - High School 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
May 14-18 - Elem and Junior High
October 2017 April 2018
1234567 ( ) Begin/End of grading periods 1234567
8 9 10 11 12) 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 (17 18 19 20 21 1st Aug 17 - Oct 12 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 2nd Oct 17 - Dec 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 3rd Jan 8 - Mar 9 29 30
4th Mar 19 - May 25
November 2017 May 2018
1234 School Hours 12345
High School - 7:20 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Junior High - 8:40 a.m. - 4:05 p.m. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Elementary - 8:00 a.m. - 3:25 p.m. 20 21 22 23 24 25) 26
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31
26 27 28 29 30
Graduation Dates: June 2018
December 2017 Alvin High School , Manvel High School, 12
12
Shadow Creek High School - May 26 3456789
3456789 ASSETS - May 25 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
17 18 19 20 21) 22 23 Alvin ISD 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 301 E. House St. Alvin, TX 77511-3568
31
281.388.1130
www.alvinisd.net
Board Approved 2/14/17; updated 7/6/17

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