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Recently, 4th graders from across the district came together on their future playground! It was a great opportunity for incoming 5th graders from Armstrong, Bradfield, Boone, Hyer, and University Park Elementary to get to meet, play, and enjoy a sweet treat together at MIS! 
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PC-TAG TEACHER OF THE YEAR We are delighted to announce that Dr. Preston, also known affectionately as Dr. P, has been awarded the PC-TAG Teacher of the Year! Dr. Preston, a cherished educator at Highland Park High School, has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the learning community. Dr. P's dedication to teaching shines through in his approach to creating an interactive and collaborative learning environment, fostering discussions rather than simply lecturing. His genuine care for his students' well-being is evident in his thoughtful gestures, such as distributing inspirational quotes to uplift his class. Students and parents alike have expressed their admiration for Dr. Preston's teaching style, citing his engaging projects and genuine concern for student success. His incorporation of diverse assignments and encouragement of creativity resonate deeply with his students, making his class a place of both learning and enjoyment. Through his innovative teaching methods, such as integrating film into the curriculum, Dr. P inspires students to explore literature in new and exciting ways, fostering a deeper appreciation for storytelling and creative expression. His commitment to student growth and well-being, coupled with his collaborative spirit and dedication to excellence, truly sets him apart as an exemplary educator. Congratulations, Dr. Preston, on this well-deserved honor!  We are also proud to announce that Mr. Speir received a PC-TAG outstanding teacher of the year award. He is known for his kindness, dedication, and innovative teaching methods. He goes above and beyond to ensure students understand the material, offering early morning office hours and personalized support, even accommodating extracurricular commitments like Academic Decathlon. With a focus on inclusivity and alternative problem-solving approaches, Mr. Speir creates a supportive and welcoming classroom environment where all students can thrive, making him truly deserving of this recognition. Kudos to Mr. Speir for his exceptional dedication on this well-deserved recognition!  TAG students were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit the Digitarium in HP's Pierce Planetarium for a interactive presentation on the upcoming solar eclipse. Special thanks to HP's STEAM expert, Bridget Myers, who brought this rare upcoming celestial event to life. On Monday, April 8, 2024, Dallas was momentarily plunged into darkness during totality. This planetarium event helped make this spectacular natural occurrence even more meaningful for our eager students!   We had a fantastic opportunity to dive into the world of digital wellness with Jeremy Edge- a true pioneer in navigating the complexities of screen use and gaming. As the founder of Escapingthe.com, Jeremy combines deep expertise with personal experience in his efforts to help guide our families toward healthier digital habits. Our elementary and MIS/HPMS students spent the last couple of weekends competing against the renowned University of Texas at Dallas Chess Club. This hugely popular event challenged students to play against these engaging experts! In an awe-inspiring spectacle, students played a blind-folded grandmaster on a mega-board. This extraordinary event showcased not only the proficiency and intuition of the grandmaster, but also the skill and ingenuity of our students as they tried to defeat him. The grandmaster's ability to maintain focus under such demanding conditions was a true testament to his years of experience and mastery of the game. Meanwhile, other students competed against another expert in a simultaneous exhibition. Multiple lively contests unfolded as our students tried to outmaneuver the professional as he managed the complexities of multiple concurrent games. PC-TAG was fueled by the trill of competition and the opportunity to test their mettle against true masters- thank you UTD! PC-TAG students wrapped up their holiday break with an engaging afternoon at Immersive Gamebox! This unique interactive space facilitated collaboration, creativity, and sheer enjoyment. Students experienced technologies such as project mapping, touch screens, motion tracking, and surround sound... and were transported into a realm where reality meets the digital frontier! The PC-TAG Escape Room Experience left a lasting impression on our high school students. It was more than just a series of puzzles; it was an adventure that challenged their minds, fostered teamwork and created unforgettable memories. As they exited the room, they carried with them not only a sense of accomplishment but also a newfound appreciation for the power of collaboration and critical thinking! Wow, what an amazing day we've had! The PC-TAG Magikid joint STEM event brought the excitement of learning to life. Guided by professional instructors, 70 bright TAG students from elementary to middle school dove hands-on into a world of STEM. From building, programming and racing robots, to navigating mazing and unleashing their creativity through 3D designed, students worked to solve problems and collaborate as a team. Who says you can't build robots and have a blast at the same time? Here's to building, learning, and having fun all while shaping the future! Special thanks to @MagikidHP. Make sure to check out their after school STEM programs and winter camps for a fun and engaging learning experience.
Gathering for hot chocolate and cookies, Boone families showed up strong for a fun afternoon of play and connection. We are looking forward to many more PC-TAG outings with this great group of students and parents! |
