Convocation 2006

'Dream Big for Every Child'

Plano ISD's 7000 employees were challenged to continue to "Dream Big" by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Otto at the school district's August 3 Convocation. The staff pep rally highlighted a week of teacher and staff inservice. Dr. Otto thanked employees for their commitment to close the achievement gap and challenged them to "finish the job."
Dr. Otto's Keynote Address
"Dream Big" Music Video
New Convocation Photo Gallery

'Closing the Achievement Gap'

"Whether you are a Fortune 500 company or an educational system, you must confront facts," Dr. Otto said, during his Convocation Presentation (290k). "The facts indicated that our school system was doing well overall, but many students were not doing well."

He reminded of Plano ISD's 2004 community summit which showcased achievement data and began a series of crucial conversations among the school district’s stakeholders to develop plans for closing the achievement gap.

"The process has given us a laser-like focus on the issues," Dr. Otto said. "We've had two full years to think about what we need to do programmatically and instructionally to improve achievement."

"I dream that our JROTC cadets do as well this year as they did last year when they earned 'honor unit with distinction' ratings. That takes study and attention to detail." - Major John Napoli, Jr., Plano West Senior High School, with (l-r) Lyland Fu, Melanie Pribich, Grant Stout, Tyler Kuhlman and Artem Neretin.

'We Know Our Students'

Superintendent Otto illustrated student gains in student performance on standardized tests in reading, writing, math, science and social studies.

"We know our students," he said. "And we've proven that we can make major strides with thousands of students."

He explained that two standards for measuring the achievement gap are 1) the gap between minority and white students, and 2) the gap between students and the ninetieth percentile (exemplary).

"I want to share the good news with you about what you've done," he exclaimed. "It's time to honor your progress."

'Let Each Child Share His/Her Dream with You'

Dr. Otto challenged teachers to make sure that they know each and every child's dream this school year. 'We have an obligation to help them make their dreams come true."

"I want Plano ISD to be the first school district to accomplish the goal of closing achievement gaps for all students."

Graduate Shares Gratitude

'My Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades'

Ryan Glenn, 2006 graduate of Plano Senior High School, took the podium to share a message of gratitude with the Plano ISD staff. "My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades," said the Plano product, who donned sunglasses gifted to him by teachers just prior to the ceremony.

The former Vines High School Viking, Haggard Middle School Eagle and Hughston Elementary Mustang, said, "As I step into college, I feel amazingly ready and at ease as I prepare to face college’s academic challenges." He shared an example of his readiness: "When I sat in on various college theatre classes at different schools and found myself the only one with the answers to questions, or when I found that I knew all the theatrical work being covered and could offer feedback on par with the rest of the college students about it."

Ryan, who was involved in the PACE program from Hughston and continuing to the PACE Humanities program at Vines, is a national speech champion who will attend Southern Methodist University with plans to obtain a double major in Theatre and possibly Advertising.

 

"My big dream is getting to know a new group of readers and writers and building us into a community.
-Susan Geddes, Hunt Elementary Literacy Specialist and 2006 Plano ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year

"My dream is to get kids more active and aware of physical fitness."
-Kenya Havis, Robinson Middle School PE Instructor

"I'm dreaming about having a fun and exciting senior year." -Chrissie Conley, PSHS

Brother and sister teach students with special needs at Plano West and Forman Elementary, respectively.

"I dream that my student 'Jordan' gets fully acquainted with his work, so he doesn't need a job coach"
-Jason Duran
"I dream that my students pass the SDAA." -Jody Duran

" I dream of helping all students feel connected to their future. -Mark Wellborn, Gifted & Talented Coordinator

"I dream that this is the year we really do close the achievement gaps and all of our hard work pays off." -Skip Jenkins, School Board Vice President