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Student Safety (Strangers)

safetyzonelogoAs we hear reports in and around our community about students feeling threatened by strangers, BISD wants to remind parents and the community that student safety is something that takes all of us working together. Because the safety of our students is of utmost importance to BISD, it is imperative that we continue to emphasize to our students the necessity of being safe.

Safety education is one of the best defenses in protecting our children. Schools remain among the safest places; however, we must continue our efforts to educate them about personal safety, whether they are on or off campus. Child safety issues concern us all. BISD supports your parental efforts and asks you to take the time to go over the following safety tips with your children:

  • Walk to and from school in groups.
  • Never accept a ride without first getting permission from parents.
  • Never take shortcuts. Always stick to routes selected by parents, and stay on main roads.
  • Never advertise that you are going home alone. If you wear a house key, keep it under your clothing.
  • Have plans for emergency situations and practice them at home with your parents.
  • Have your parents help you make a list of safe places you can go to for help along walking routes.
  • Report all suspicious behavior and “new adult or older friends” to parents.
  • Never leave school with anyone before checking with school officials.

These safety tips were taken from the Run*Yell*Tell, Ltd. anti-victimization program founded by Diana Jones, a national leader for child safety issues.

Working together, we can provide a safe environment for our children.

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A Note from Dr. Darrell G. Brown, Superintendent

brownNovember 2013

Happy Thanksgiving! It is hard to believe it is November 2013. Another year is almost over and written in the history books, and the world is preparing for the beginning of 2014.

As I look back on 2013, I am reminded of all the things for which I am thankful.

During this year, I had the privilege of being on every campus in BISD and seeing your children. Remembering the faces I saw, I am thankful and encouraged for their future. I also had the opportunity to observe our outstanding staff working hard to provide a quality education for each child. To our children and staff, I want to encourage and challenge you to stay strong in your heroic journey.

Also this year, I am thankful for having had the opportunity to meet and work with so many people. The BISD community is very diverse, but that diversity has not stopped this community from wanting the very best for all. This can be seen in the work of the Birdville Council of PTAs Clothes Connection and Supply Depot, the innovative teaching grants supported by the Birdville Education Foundation, and the tremendous volunteers who give so freely of themselves for the good of all children. BISD is a positive model of what other communities desire to be. I want to thank each of these groups for stepping up with their support.

For the seven elected community volunteers who make up BISD’s board of trustees, I am thankful for your dedication and commitment to the community you serve, but more importantly, for your dedication to the children who enter our doors each and every day. Thank you for your sacrifices and service.

Last, but not least, I am thankful for my family. They are 100 percent supportive of my calling as superintendent of Birdville ISD. Without their support and encouragement, it would be difficult to do all I am called to do.

So, during this Thanksgiving season, I am reminded it is time to slow down and say thank you. As I do, I am reminded, every group and every person I have the opportunity to work with is a blessing that enriches who I am.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family, I hope you will slow down and say thank you to those who impacted your life in 2013.

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Birdville ISD Student Earns National Honors

BISD is proud to announce Fred Zhu, Haltom High School senior, has been named a National Merit Semifinalist. This prestigious honor is a result of his academic achievement on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).

In fall 2014, Zhu plans on attending either the University of Texas in Austin or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and majoring in electrical engineering. In high school, he participates in the Academic Quiz League and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is the son of Yuhong Dong and Joe Zhu.

Nearly 1.5 million students in more than 21,000 U.S. high schools entered the 2013 Merit Program by taking the 2012 PSAT/NMSQT® test as juniors. Each year, less than one percent of the nation’s high school seniors receive the prestigious designation of becoming a semifinalist.

Later this school year, the National Merit Program Corporation will announce the names of the students who are recognized as National Hispanic Merit Semifinalists, National Black American Achievement Scholarship Program Semifinalists and Commended Scholars.