Several RISD students are getting their hands dirty right along with professional artists. This year's "Empty Bowls Event" features ceramic bowls from students, and ceramic, wood and glass bowls from professionals, offered to the public at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. On Friday, February 16, patrons can receive a bowl for a $25 donation.

Several local restaurants also donate soup, breads and desserts as part of the event. The money raised will help feed the hungry. RISD's participation is coordinated by Northrich art teacher Kate Schatz, and several other schools are also participating in the community charity event. They include Lake Highlands Junior High, Aikin Elementary, Canyon Creek Elementary, Forest Lane Academy, and Math/Science/Technology Magnet. >Top

The final round of the All State Choir auditions were held in January at Lee High School in Tyler.

Eleven students will be representing RISD at the Texas Music Educators Convention in February as members of the 2007 All State Choirs. First row from left: Zach Sutton, PHS; Trey Pratt, RHS. Second row from left: Cami Welch, LHHS; Robin Davis, LHHS; Amy Lanford, PHS; Ali Wells, LHHS. Third row from left: Chris Peart, RHS; Justin Chumbley, LHHS; Mallory Adams, LHHS; Greg Cotten, PHS; and Will Hughes, PHS.

Other RISD students attending the convention include:

From Lake Highlands High School:
Chris Atieno, Band;
Torsten Knabe, Band;
James Peters, Band.

From Richardson High School:
Kyle Johnson, Band;
Jacob Smith, Jazz Ensemble.

From Pearce High School:
Haley Bates, Band;
Rachel Boone, Orchestra;
Everett Burns, Band;
Lindsay Fyffe, Band;
Sierra Hayden, Orchestra;
Stafford Hutchins, Band;
Merick Yamada, Band.

From Berkner High School:
Stephanie Elliot, Band;
Callie Haley, Band;
Samuel Lee, Orchestra;
David Ngo, Band;
Chelsea Orr, Band;
Calvin Owens, Band;
Sharon Riemann, Band;
Beau Yoder, Band;
Wen-Cheng Yuan, Orchestra.

They will be recognized at the Monday, Feb. 12 Board meeting. >Top

Click here to download information about the RHS Legacy concert.

Click here to download information about the LHHS Espree concert. >Top

Secondary language students from across RISD utilize the district's Enterprise City facility to practice their foreign language in a real-world environment. Enterprise City is a miniature town square, complete with a bank, cafe, post office and stores where goods are bought and sold. Pictured, students from Mrs. Howard's Richardson High School AP Spanish classes were required to conduct all business and transactions of the day in Spanish. >Top

RISD Trustee Lanet Greenhaw pitched in to help Yale Elementary staff and students with their after-school TAKS preparation.

Yale Principal Philip Bates said, "Our staff was impressed that Ms. Greenhaw took the time to come and help out - plus, she's a natural with the students." >Top

Orange posters are being hung at all RISD secondary schools this month. They are part of the Dropout Prevention campaign, encouraging students to stay in school and graduate. Posters talk in plain language about the problems associated with dropouts such as possible poverty, prison and hard times. Solutions are given for these problems, and students are encouraged to talk with their counselors. Counselors have matching orange booklets that will again spell out problems and solutions.

At each school, students will then have an opportunity to sign a Commit Not To Quit pledge card and buy an orange Commit Not To Quit bracelet. In addition, all schools are running five different Public Service Announcements on why graduating is so much smarter than dropping out.

It is hoped that the campaign will encourage students to take a second look at staying in school. The campaign is sponsored by RISD Student Services. Call Communications if you would like to help encourage students to stay in school through mentoring or the Partner's Program. 469-593-0307.>Top

Click here to download information about the upcoming Board Candidate Workshop.

The filing deadline for a place on the RISD Board of Trustees is March 12. Packets may be picked up at the RISD Administration Building, 400 S. Greenville Ave. >Top

Did you miss an issue of School Times Now!? Click here to view the archives. >Top