At the June 9 Plano ISD Board of Trustees meeting, the board had the privilege of recognizing outstanding Plano ISD students and staff who exemplify excellence, dedication and the spirit of being Plano ISD Proud.

Jasper High Student Places Second in State French Symposium

Jasper High School Student Faris Zafar was recognized for his outstanding achievement in world languages.

Through dedication, academic excellence and strong French language skills, Faris earned Second Place at the Texas French Symposium, a highly respected statewide competition that brings together some of the top French students from across the state. He represented Plano ISD with excellence, and the district congratulates him for this remarkable accomplishment.

Plano West Teacher Earns Outstanding Teacher Award

Plano West American Studies Teacher Aaron Sands was honored for his well-deserved Outstanding Teacher of American History Award, presented by Humanities Texas.

Humanities Texas was founded in 1973 with a mission to further quality classroom instruction of the Humanities and to create opportunities for lifelong learning. Each year, Humanities Texas honors K-12 teachers from across the state for their contributions to the teaching of the Humanities. Out of all American History teachers across the state, Mr. Sands was selected as this year’s honoree.

Mr. Sands began teaching in 1998 at Robinson Middle School as a PACE teacher, then spent a year teaching Humanities at Jasper High School in 2006. At that time, he began to work with a small team to develop one of the first American Studies programs in the state. He was one of its inaugural team members at Plano West, where he has been for the past 18 years. 

His background in both History and English Language Arts, his commitment to growing advanced learners and his passion for literature and the arts make him an ideal teacher of American Studies. This course is similar to the high school Humanities experience and is double-blocked with AP US History and AP English Language. Working with a co-teacher, students in American studies tackle 2 of the most challenging AP courses available while being exposed to literature and works of art that challenge even the most advanced learners.

As Mr. Sands shared, “Classroom teaching is all about moments. Not necessarily 'ah-ha' moments, although those are special, but more about those daily, sometimes seemingly non-descript, experiences when our little classroom community uses someone else’s voice, be it a painting or a film or a poem or a speech, to prick a universal, human emotion.

American Studies has taught me how much of a community a classroom can become when you invest your life into 170 new lifelines each year. Teaching is bracketed by the twin emotions of anticipated beginnings in the fall and the bittersweet reality of an ending in the spring. You share life with these amazing young adults, shepherding them as best as you know how through transitions from youthful innocence to burgeoning adulthood for only a brief sliver of time before the inevitable goodbye. You might hear from some, most of them you have no idea if your investment had any impact on them at all.”

This award is a tangible symbol of the impact that teachers like Mr. Sands have on the education and lives of thousands of Plano ISD students, and the district congratulates Mr. Sands on this tremendous recognition.

Sigler Elementary Teacher Receives Exemplary Advisor Award

Sigler Elementary Kindergarten Teacher and Student Council Sponsor Dymond Smith was recognized for receiving the 2026 American Student Council Association's 2026 Exemplary Advisor Award.

This national honor is presented by the ASCA and the National Association of Elementary School Principals to advisors who demonstrate exceptional leadership in developing student voice, service, citizenship and leadership through their student council programs. This year, only 25 advisors at 19 schools nationwide were selected for this prestigious recognition, making this an extraordinary accomplishment.

What makes Ms. Smith's work especially impactful is her belief that leadership development is important for every student. Through her leadership, students are given opportunities to strengthen their communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while building confidence, responsibility and a commitment to serving others. She understands that leadership experiences help students develop the resilience, adaptability, and character needed to be successful in school, in their future careers, and as engaged members of their communities.

The success of the student council program at Sigler reflects her dedication to helping students discover their potential and realize that their voices can make a meaningful difference. Plano ISD is incredibly proud of Ms. Smith and grateful for the positive impact she has on students each day.