National Chemistry Week at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Birdville High Students on the Math & Science Team are helping Bring Chemistry to Life in Innovation Studios

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Fort Worth, TX – Have you ever wondered what fruit juice and disappearing ink have in common? Chemistry! The BHS Math & Science Team are teaming up with the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History to celebrate Chemistry Connections: National Chemistry Week, Oct. 15th and 18-21st. Nearly 200 student chemist volunteers from schools across North Texas will be on hand for the event. The students represent affiliate groups of the American Chemical Society at Texas Christian University, Southern Methodist University, Texas Wesleyan University, Texas Woman’s University, University of Dallas, University of North Texas, University of North Texas-Health Science Center, University of Texas at Arlington, Eastfield College and Tarrant County College.  Volunteers from Birdville High School, Fort Worth Country Day, Lamar High School, Southwest Christian School, Trinity Valley School, STEAM Middle School and the Fort Worth Police Department will also share activities with Museum guests.

“There’s nothing better than bringing chemistry to life for students and National Chemistry Week is the perfect opportunity for us to open the doors for everyone with such an enthusiasm for science,” Museum President Van Romans said. “We truly appreciate the volunteers who support this initiative and understand the importance of engaging young minds in science as early as we can.”

This year’s theme for National Chemistry Week is, “Solving Mysteries Through Chemistry”. During this activity packed festival, guests will be presented with mysteries that can be solved through the use of chemistry. Here are just a few of the experiences you can expect during Chemistry Connections.

  • Be a dye detective and learn how to separate inks into recognizable patterns.
  • Sniff out hidden scents and learn about diffusion
  • Experiment with writing secret messages…. and learn about some fascinating reactions
  • Be a fruit juice sleuth to determine which beverages actual contain fruit juice and explore acid base reactions

Birdville H. S. chemistry students are scheduled to be at the Museum on Saturday, October 15th from 10-4. All Chemistry Connection activities are included in Museum general admission. Chemistry Week at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is sponsored locally by the Alcon Foundation.  Additional support provided by ZS Pharma and the American Chemical Society.

 

Media Contact
Rebecca Rodriguez |Executive Director of Marketing & Communication

817.255.9411 rrodriguez@fwmsh.org

About the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
The Museum was established in 1941 and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Anchored by its rich collections, the Museum is dedicated to lifelong learning. It engages guests through creative, vibrant programs and exhibits interpreting science and the history of Texas and the Southwest. The Museum is open daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Visit www.fortworthmuseum.org for more.

BISD High School Singers Advance to Round 2 of the All-State Choir Auditions

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Congratulations to BISD high school singers who competed in the first round of auditions for the 2017 Texas All-State Choir. Seventy-six singers from across the District are advancing to the second of four rounds of competition on Oct. 15. Best of luck to these singers!

 

BIRDVILLE HSFaith Adams, D’ante Al-neser, John Blamey, Allison Burk, Jared Burleson, Harrison Caltagirone, Jet Coatney, Annabelle Delpin, Hannah Detrick, Mason Doyle, Darius Easter, Annie Flores, Hannah Green, Audrey Ham, Trey Harmening, Macy Hartman, Jordan Joe, Amy Little, Lonnie McCloud, Miguel Mendez, Alan Montes, Halie Moore, Svetlana Nakhaychuk, Chinonso Oguh, Maygan Paul, Logan Perrin, Nathan Robertson, Nick Rothe, Jacob Schuck, Ryan Scott, Maggie Williams

 

HALTOM HS: Cyan Burkhart, Jacob Burley, Omar Bustillos, Mireya Campos, Haley Clark, Mykel Estrello, Annalisa Greenlee, Amara Holcombe, Thomas Jones, Ellian Liburd, Kennan Lukacs, Gabrielle Mallow, Zachariah Medina, Mary Nelson, Natalie Nounennady, Madeline Roberts, Melinda Salas, Alejandro Saucedo, Jade Scivally, Caty Suazo, Marisol Tejeda, Andru Wilson

 

RICHLAND HS: Ruth Andrews, Bryce Beeson, Brooke Christoffersen, Ashley Dickerson, Caleb Dollarhide, Christopher Farrell, Hailey Frith, Maysen Garner, Carlie Hagar, Haley Hanson, Caitlin Hoffman, Aaron Jett, Braden Kelley, Rachel Kelly, Moriah Khalil, Tolisi Kioa, Mckynzi Miller, Emily Patrick, Caleb Pitts, Destiny Pope, Levi Richey, Chandler Smith, Bradley Symank 

 

BOLD = 1st Chair

 

BISD Succeeds at Region Jazz Auditions

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Congratulations to the BISD high school jazz band members who competed at the Region 31 All-Region Jazz auditions. BISD had fourteen students selected to one of the two All-Region Jazz Bands that will perform Nov. 17 at Birdville High School. Of special note, nine students’ chair placements advanced them to the area-level competition with hopes of being selected to the 2017 Texas All-State Jazz Band.

Birdville High: Luke Almy, Jackson Boyd, Caleb Henry, Cole Kirchenbauer, Reece Neathery, Jordan Proffer, Zachary Rodgers, Julian Shannon, Jonathan Shier, Seth Vaught and Jacob Villarreal

Haltom High: Ian Bassham and Kamron Curry

Richland High: Michael Ford

 (Bold = Area-candidate)

Birdville ISD Receives Recognition for Transparency Efforts from Texas Comptroller

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Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Birdville ISD is the latest local government entity to achieve specific transparency goals through the Comptroller’s Transparency Stars program. The Transparency Stars program recognizes local government entities that provide easy online access to important financial data. BISD received two Transparency Stars under the new program.

The first star was awarded in the area of Traditional Finances, which recognizes entities for their outstanding efforts in making their spending and revenue information available.

“By providing meaningful financial data in addition to visual tools and analysis of its revenues and expenditures, Birdville has shown a true commitment to Texas taxpayers. This effort achieves the goals set by my office’s Transparency Stars program,” Hegar said. “I am pleased to award BISD a star for its accomplishments.”

The Comptroller’s office launched the Transparency Stars program in March to recognize cities, counties and school districts making important strides to greater government transparency. Local government entities can apply for stars in the areas of:

  • Traditional Finances
  • Contracts and Procurement
  • Economic Development
  • Public Pensions
  • Debt Obligations

After receiving an initial star for Traditional Finances, remaining stars may be awarded in any order.

In addition to the star for Traditional Finances, BISD also received a star for Debt Obligations.

For more information on the program, including specific guidelines and information on how to apply, visit the Comptroller’s Transparency Stars website.

Hardeman Elementary earns all possible distinctions in 2016 accountability ratings

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The Texas Education Agency recently announced that “more than 400 campuses that achieved a Met Standard rating in the 2016 state accountability ratings also earned all distinction designations applicable to their individual school.” Hardeman Elementary was one that earned the maximum number of distinctions.

 Elementary campuses may receive distinctions in six areas: academic achievement in reading/ELA, academic achievement in math, academic achievement in science, top 25 percent in student progress, top 25 percent in closing performance gaps, and postsecondary readiness. Secondary campuses may also receive distinctions for academic achievement in social studies. Distinctions are based on comparisons between individual schools and a 40-campus group with similar student demographics. BISD had 26 of the 31 campuses received at least one distinction. Hardeman Elementary received the maximum possible, with Watauga and Smithfield middle schools, and Green Valley and Smithfield elementary schools receiving six of seven and five of six respectively. A total of 85 distinctions were awarded to campuses across the District, 21 more than last year.

According to the Sept. 14, 2016 TEA press release, “ ‘Earning one or more campus distinctions is noteworthy and should be a source of pride in a community,’ said Commissioner of Education Mike Morath. ‘Earning all possible distinctions is a significant accomplishment and should signal to parents that there is extraordinary work taking place on that campus.’

 “Last month, TEA released the 2016 state accountability ratings for more than 1,200 school districts and charters, as well as more than 8,600 campuses statewide. The ratings revealed that approximately 94 percent of school districts and charters across Texas have achieved the rating of Met Standard.

 “To view the 2016 state accountability ratings and distinction designations for all districts, charters and campuses, visit the Texas Education Agency website athttp://tea.texas.gov/2016Accountability.aspx.”

Two BISD bands are honored by The Foundation for Music Education

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The Foundation for Music Education and its board of trustees recently announced that two Birdville ISD bands were among the winners in the 2016 Mark of Excellence recorded music competition.

The Birdville High School Jazz Ensemble, directed by Mike Cheripka, was selected as a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence I National Jazz Honors project.

The Richland High School Honors Band, directed by Jason Bird, was selected as a Commended Winner in the Mark of Excellence I National Wind Band Honors project.

The Mark of Excellence consists of the National Wind Band Honors, National Choral Honors, National Orchestra Honors, National Jazz Honors and National Percussion Ensemble Honors. It is a competition, entered by recordings, in which the top quarter are selected as National Winners and the second quarter receive Commended Honors.

This year 236 of the finest musical ensembles in the nation entered the competition. The project has now received entries from thirty-six states.

Congratulations to Mike Cheripka, Jason Bird and the student musicians from Birdville and Richland high schools for their accomplishments.