Dr. Annette Griffin Superintendent of Schools December 2007 en Español

Reflecting Over 2007; C-FB ISD Has Much to Celebrate

It is hard to believe that the year 2007 is almost over and I am mid-way through my tenth year as the superintendent of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District.  As the year 2007 draws to a close, it seems appropriate to begin by reflecting on the past 12 months.  We in C-FB ISD have been truly blessed during the year 2007 and throughout the existence of public schools in our community.

In my years as your superintendent of schools, I have witnessed so many actions that make me proud of this district, its educational team, its community and parents, and its students.  William Butler Yeats wrote, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”  Our educational team members certainly ignite the fire of life-long learning in our students.

Over the last 12 months, we have had students, teachers, staff, campuses, departments, organizations, and the district recognized on the local, state and national levels for many, many accomplishments.  I am so proud of everyone in this district.  Our students and staff have worked so hard, and achieved so much.  And, each award is valued.  To list them would be impossible, but to each of our award winners --  thank you for all your hard work, your dedication, your commitment to purpose, and your support of our district's vision.

As we close out 2007, I want to focus on several instances when  C-FB ISD was in the national spotlight during the year.

Our music education program made the list as one of the "100 Best Music Education Communities."   We have a wonderful music program that begins in our elementary schools where our music teachers help our elementary children learn about rhythm, vocal expression, movement, musical instruments and much more before they move into middle school.  Our middle and high school programs are incredible.  I find it amazing that about 43 percent (5,400) of our secondary students participate in choir, band or orchestra.

The national spotlight shined on the district’s use of technology multiple times.  First, the editors of eSchool News recognized C-FB ISD as a leader in technology in March.  Then in October the district was one of three Salute Districts honored by the National School Boards Association.  Both groups complimented the district’s use of instructional technology as well as how we use technology in communications and district operations. 

The district’s Public Information Department received nine national awards for district communications, including the district’s website. Our website www.cfbisd.edu has been recognized by the National School Public Relations Association two years in row as one of the best public school websites in the country. 
We are so well known for technology that our team is constantly being called upon for advice from educators from across the country.  How we use iPods to improve student learning continues to be replicated across the country and featured in the national media.

Our Business and Finance Departments have received numerous national awards for their financial reporting.  These national awards are only given to districts because the reports that are submitted are of the highest caliber and technical quality.  More importantly, C-FB ISD has a Business and Finance Department team who is of the highest integrity and is always looking for ways to operate more efficiently.

C-FB ISD is fortunate to have active a PTA or PTSA on all regular school campuses.  These units compose the largest child advocacy organization that we have.  Their support helps C-FB ISD provide a warm, safe, caring environment and support systems for families.  We appreciate the hours PTA members give as school volunteers.

I want to salute our Council of PTA.  This summer, the Texas PTA presented the Outstanding Large Council Award to the C-FB ISD Council of PTA. The Council also received the Texas PTA Council Electronic Communications - Website Award.  I am so proud of our Council for receiving the Website Award since our district is known for its use of technology.  To have our largest volunteer group to receive this award is so exciting to me.  Thank you PTA for modeling to other parent groups that technology is a great communication tool!

As I think about the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District, I am filled with a great sense of pride.  I am grateful to past educational and community leaders, parents and students for giving today’s team a rich legacy to follow.  Today’s educational team and community have the commitment and tools to fulfill C-FB ISD's vision that "every student will graduate college-ready."  

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