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​​Haltom High School ​Receives National Recognition for High Performance

Haltom High School has been selected as a National Demonstration School by AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a nonprofit organization that provides educators with proven, real-world strategies to accelerate the performance of underrepresented students so that these students and all students across the entire campus succeed in college, careers, and life. 

The school joins approximately 200 other AVID National Demonstration Schools and was selected through an application process, screening, and review, which included a site visit. AVID is implemented in more than 8,000 schools in 49 states across the U.S., plus schools in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), Canada, and Australia, impacting more than 2 million students in grades PreK–12 and postsecondary institutions. 

AVID Chief Executive Officer Thuan Nguyen notes the significance of attaining Demonstration Site recognition. “Schools recognized as National Demonstration Sites have proven their ability to successfully implement the AVID Elective course and take the strategies schoolwide to impact all students,” says Nguyen. “​Haltom High​ was selected as an AVID National Demonstration School because it has implemented the AVID system throughout the school and can serve as a model for new AVID sites.” 

The recognition of being an AVID National Demonstration School was established in 1993 with a $250,000 award from the Charles A. Dana Foundation of New York. As part of the AVID Demonstration Sites network, sites are expected to develop a model program with schoolwide participation. With AVID’s proven methodologies used throughout subject-area classes, performance levels improve for all students, but especially for those students who are the least likely to attend four-year colleges. Schools from around the world that are preparing to implement the AVID system will visit Demonstration Schools, such as this one, to observe a highly evolved AVID system. 

​​Dr. Kristi Strickland, Haltom High​’s principal, is pleased that the school was chosen as an AVID National Demonstration School, noting the impact of the program on staff and students. “It is a tremendous honor to be selected as a National Demo Site, and we are proud of our AVID program and our school as a whole,” said ​Strickland​. “The use of AVID strategies schoolwide has positively impacted students and staff, and we continue to see a more engaged and college-ready student body.” 

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ABOUT AVID 

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nonprofit, proven college-readiness system that closes the opportunity gap. Today, more than 8,000 schools in more than 1,300 districts rely on AVID in 49 states across the U.S., plus schools in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), Canada, and Australia. AVID impacts more than 2 million students in grades PreK–12 and those attending two- or four-year colleges and universities. The AVID College and Career Readiness System transforms a school’s academic culture by increasing the number of students who enroll in postsecondary experiences leading to a college degree and/or successful transition into the workforce. For more information, please visit www.AVID.org and hear what our educators and students have to say. 

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Solar Eclipse: Transportation Update

As we prepare for the total eclipse on Monday, April 8, Birdville ISD wants to remind parents of the anticipated increase in visitors to the metroplex to witness this event.

As a result, we expect heavier than usual traffic in and around the District. Please plan accordingly and allow extra time for travel to and from school to ensure the safe drop-off and pick-up of your children.

For students who ride the bus, we appreciate your patience as our bus drivers navigate potential delays due to increased traffic. On Monday afternoon, campus staff will provide students the opportunity to use restroom facilities before boarding the bus, prioritizing their safety and comfort during the ride home.

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Principal Announced for North Oaks Middle for the 24-25 School Year

Birdville ISD Superintendent Dr. Gayle Stinson announced the appointment of Frankie Norris as the principal for North Oaks Middle School.  

Norris has been assistant principal and 504 Coordinator at Richland High School since 2022 and was the assistant principal at North Ridge Middle School from 2017-22. Prior to becoming an assistant principal, she was an academic coach at North Ridge Middle School from 2016–17; a sixth grade English, Language Arts and Reading teacher at North Ridge Middle School from 2010-16; a fifth grade English, Language Arts, Reading and Science teacher at Hardeman Elementary from 2008-10; and various other teaching positions from 1998-2007. 

She earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of North Texas. 

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Birdville High School head football coach named

At the regular Board meeting on March 28, the Birdville ISD board of trustees named Chris Smith head football coach/athletic coordinator at Birdville High School. 

He brings an extensive amount of player and coaching experience with him. Smith played football at Stephen F. Austin State University where he was an offensive lineman and deep snapper. He was also a two-year letterman and Academic All-Conference for the Southland Football League. 

Smith’s coaching experience includes: associate head coach/offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Southlake Carroll High School from 2018 to present; associate head coach/offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Carthage High School from 2017-18; offensive quality control at Texas A&M University from 2014-17; offensive line coach at Texas A&M University from 2014-15; associate head coach/offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Carthage High School from 2007-14; and various assistant coaching experiences at Mesquite Poteet High School and Stephen F. Austin State University.

“Coach Smith’s experience is as good as it gets. He has served as the offensive coordinator at Southlake Carroll and Carthage, two of the winningest programs in the state,” Executive Director of Athletics Barry Norton said. “One thing that attracted Birdville ISD to Coach Smith is his experience at multiple levels. He has coached at the highest level of Texas High School Football (6A) and had tremendous success at the lower levels (4A) too. I believe his three years on Coach Sumlin’s staff at Texas A&M will serve him and his teams well.” 

“With proven championship experience at high school and collegiate levels, Coach Smith brings an energy and enthusiasm that is contagious,” Superintendent Dr. Gayle Stinson said. “More importantly to me is his character – he emphasizes the importance of encouraging and growing young athletes and students into young adults that care for one another and become outstanding citizens. We are proud to welcome Coach Smith and his family into the BISD family.”

Smith earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University.