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Category: RISD Educators’ Corner

Discover Your Child’s Passion: The Benefits and Pathways of Richardson ISD Magnet Schools

Three junior high or elementary students wearing school blazers and smiling in a school hallway with a "We Are Wildcats" sign. (Pathways: General School Choice, Magnet Program)

information provided by Richardson ISD. Richardson ISD (RISD) Magnet Schools offer students specialized programs focusing on interest-based pathways. These unique opportunities are designed to deeply engage students by aligning education with their specific interests. Whether your child is passionate about robotics, theatre, or law, RISD has a dedicated program to help them thrive. 🏫 What Makes RISD Magnet Schools Unique? Unlike traditional neighborhood schools, which are based on residential zones, RISD magnet schools are open to students outside their local attendance zone, provided the family resides in Richardson. This gives parents the opportunity to choose a specialized school that perfectly matches their child’s interests. RISD’s magnet programs span elementary, junior high, and high school levels. Focus areas currently include: advanced math and science, technology, leadership, the arts, and law. RISD Magnet Program Offerings by Campus Elementary School Magnet Programs (Grades K-6) RISD offers three distinct elementary magnet programs. Campus Focus Areas Application/Tour Information Arapaho Classical Magnet Theater, digital media arts, house systems, fine arts, broadcasting Campus tours: December 2025 through February 2026. Register at: risd.org/magnetschools/elementary-checklist/. Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet Leadership-focused magnet Online application open: December 1 to February 28. MST Magnet Math Science Technology Magnet, house systems, gifted and talented strategies Junior High Magnet Programs (Grades 7 & 8) Campus Focus Areas Application Information Richardson West Junior High Arts, culinary arts, theater arts, visual arts, and robotics Learn more at: www.risd.org/magnetschools/junior-high-checklist/. Westwood Junior High Math, science, and leadership magnet High School Magnet Program (Grades 9-12) Campus Focus Areas Application Information Richardson High School Magnet Program Arts, law, and science Online application open: January 13 to January 31, 2026. More information at: www.risd.org/magnetschools/high-school-checklist/. Note: All RISD magnet programs require an application, and eligibility/application processes vary by grade level. 🌟 How Magnet Programs Benefit Students Magnet programs provide students with the chance to explore what excites them most while building a strong academic foundation. Students learn alongside peers who share their interests and passions, which fosters a community where curiosity and collaboration thrive. As Principal Mottram states, students who find a program that nurtures their strengths and connects them with others who share their drive truly thrive. A Student’s Perspective: Yanira Salguero, a senior at Richardson High School (RHS) Law Magnet program, shared her gratitude: “The Law Magnet program at RHS has prepared me for the future in so many ways… it has also taught me how to be prepared and responsible when it comes to making decisions because decisions have rewards or consequences.” Yanira credits the program and her instructor with showing her how to be responsible, reliable, hardworking, and an amazing citizen overall. 🚀 The Future of RISD Magnet Programs RISD is committed to the success of its students and is currently studying opportunities to expand the district’s magnet program. This expansion aims to offer even more interest-based pathways and experiences. The proposed expansion focuses on three key areas: Improvement in current magnet programming and systems. Increased choice programming. Expansion of inter-district transfer options. Learn more about the magnet experience in RISD and explore the possibilities for your child at risd.org/magnetschools/. More about RISD content on Richardson Life Magazine.

Shaping the Future: Everything You Need to Know About the RISD Bond 2025 on the Ballot

A Comprehensive Guide to the Richardson ISD Bond Referendum (November 4, 2025) The Richardson Independent School District (RISD) Board of Trustees voted during the August 7, 2025, board meeting to place three separate bond propositions before voters in the upcoming November 4 election. This RISD Bond 2025 package, totaling $1.4 billion, is designed to address prioritized needs across facilities, safety, technology, and student instructional programs. What is a School Bond? Texas independent school districts issue bonds to pay for major capital expenditures, such as new construction, renovations, and large equipment purchases. How it Works: School district bonds are similar to a home mortgage. The district borrows money from investors and repays it over time using revenue generated from the district’s property taxes (specifically the Interest & Sinking or I&S rate). Total Amount: The total value of the three propositions in Bond 2025 is $1.4 billion.   Proposition A: Facilities, Safety, CTE, and Middle School Transformation Proposition A is the largest component, addressing core facilities, security, and major academic infrastructure projects. Key Projects Included in Proposition A: Middle School Transformation Completion: This initiative will complete the conversion of the six remaining junior high campuses that were not part of Bond 2021 capital projects: Apollo Liberty North Parkhill West Westwood Note: This initiative aligns RISD with over 95% of Texas districts by permanently moving 6th grade students from elementary schools into middle schools, based on a 2020 study and community input. New Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center: Construction of a new facility to serve students from all four high schools. This center will: Expand access to specialized, hands-on programs. Prepare students for high-demand careers. Offer options to earn industry certifications. Renovation of the Environmental Studies Center: The center, which has served students for 50 years, will undergo significant updates due to its current condition and shifting into the floodplain. Planned improvements include: Modernized facilities. Improved accessibility. Expanded capacity for student learning. Proposition B: Technology Refresh In accordance with state law, technology devices must be presented as a separate proposition. Key Projects Included in Proposition B: Technology Refresh/Replacement: Funding for new devices for all staff and students (teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and students). Student Connectivity: Provision of WiFi hotspots to support digital learning access for students outside of school.  Proposition C: Stadium Upgrades and ADA Compliance Proposition C focuses on stadium infrastructure, which state law requires to be presented separately due to high occupancy. Total Value: $7,400,000 Affected Facilities: Upgrades for the district’s two largest stadiums: Eagle/Mustang and Wildcat/Ram. Planned Projects: ADA Seating Upgrades: To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. LED Lighting Replacement. Turf Replacement. Understanding the Tax Impact of RISD Bond 2025 Approval of the Bond 2025 is projected to result in a modest tax rate adjustment. Projected Tax Increase: An estimated $0.04 I&S (Interest & Sinking) tax rate increase is anticipated based on current projections. Estimated Monthly Impact: For a home with an average market value of $500,000 in RISD, this increase is estimated to be approximately $124 annually, or about $10 per month. Important Tax Context: The calculation assumes the passage of a constitutional amendment to increase the state-mandated homestead exemption to $140,000. The tax increase calculation includes the RISD 10% local option homestead exemption. Exemptions for homeowners over 65 are not affected by this potential tax increase. The overall RISD tax rate ($1.1052 per $100 of taxable value) adopted by the Trustees recently is the district’s lowest since 1989. Voting Dates and Historical Context Early Voting: October 20 to October 31 Election Day: Tuesday, November 4 RISD has traditionally operated on a five-year bond cycle since 1996, and the community has historically supported all school bond referendums since 1951. Capital projects funded by the last bond referendum (Bond 2021) were completed this past summer. For additional information, including the full schedule of community information sessions, visit the official district website at risd.org/bond2025.

Feeding RISD Students During Summer Break and Beyond

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Information provided by Richardson Independent School District Richardson ISD’s Child Nutrition Department, led by Executive Director of Child Nutrition Alissa Gustof, strives to provide meals that are not only popular with students but also delicious, nutritious, and affordable. Months of work go into each new menu item, planning for the summer, and staying abreast of USDA guidelines. Gustof and her team attend food shows, receive continuous training, and visit other school districts to determine best practices within the industry and ensure that RISD’s meal program is top-notch. Assessing Menu Items Eating on campus is affordable, given that students can purchase breakfast or lunch for less than $3.00, along with a la carte items which vary from week to week. Each year the department analyzes which offerings are popular, which aren’t, and what can be added to enhance the menus. Gustof’s stated goal is to replicate students’ preferences and find ways to fit their preferences into USDA guidelines/regulations within cost parameters dictated by the District’s budget. When assessing new options, new recipes are first sampled in test kitchens and then in the field, with employees preparing the food and getting “buy-in” from employees. Once a menu item passes the “employee test,” the team solicits feedback from students. 1000 surveys were completed for the menu items that will be added for the ‘25-‘26 school year. Several new and exciting menu options have recently been introduced by Gustof’s team. A spicy chicken sandwich is a crowd favorite, as is the new chicken curry dish. They’ve also added bento boxes, orange chicken, spicy tacos, tamales, jerk chicken, and curry rice and beans. Summer Meal Resources In spite of the district’s affordable breakfast and lunch options, 52% of all students qualify for free and reduced lunches, making a summer food program absolutely essential to the welfare of more than half of the District’s students. RISD’s answer to this growing need is its Seamless Summer Option, an extension of the national school lunch program. This summer, six summer school sites will be serving lunch, two of which are home to refugee services as well. RISD responds to the community’s need for food availability during the summer months through two resources. First, the district offers summer meals from May 29 – Aug. 1 at various locations, all of which can be found on the district’s website. Summer meals must be eaten on campus and cannot be taken to go. However, students are not required to show ID, and any young person who is between the ages of 1 and 18 will be served a meal. In addition, the Network of Community Ministries mobile food pantry stops at different places around RISD duringthe  summer months. The Network Mobile Market schedule can be found on their website at network.org. A Focus on Wellness Gustof shares a message about the importance of both nutrition and overall wellness via the department’s website. She emphasizes the importance of both nutrition AND fitness, and the site provides information on these topics for teachers, parents, and students,s along with a variety of learning tools. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Mariachi Magic

Berkner’s Mariachi Orgullo was formed in spring of 2022 as an after school program by Lydia Villarreal, the Orchestra director at the time. The following school year, Mariachi became a class.  

Nurturing Minds

According to the World Health Organization, global estimates indicate that one in seven (14%)10–19-year-olds experience mental health conditions that remain largely unrecognized and untreated. These youth are especially vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigma (affecting readiness to seek help), educational difficulties, risk-taking behaviors and physical ill-health.

Friday Night Lights

Pageantry for high school football games is just as big as the games themselves. For our Fine Arts programs, this involves marching bands and drill teams who bring the energy and entertainment to all the varsity games

RISD Educator’s Corner

RISD EDUCATORS’ CORNER Editor’s Note: In each issue of Richardson Life Magazine, we highlight individuals who are making a difference in the lives of Richardson Independent School District students. If you would like to nominate someone to be showcased in this section of RLM, email pmotte@hylogroup.com.   RISD Culinary Arts Programs By Jason Philyaw, RISD Communications Specialist   The Culinary Arts programs at Richardson and Pearce High Schools are providing students the ultimate in hands-on experiences. Students are getting their hands dirty prepping and cooking and plating and serving dishes to teachers, administrators, fellow students and the general public. In late April, about a dozen RHS students were at ACE Hardware serving pulled pork quesadillas and smoked buffalo wings to residents. Chef Devin Niederhauser, who runs the RHS Culinary Arts Magnet, which has 76 students this year, said the students ran out of wings that Saturday at ACE as they ended up serving about 100 community members. He knows preparing food is just one part of the industry and that students need to be good communicators as well. “Freshman year, we’re providing them with a base of knowledge about different cuts of meats so they know the difference between a lamb shank and a lamb chop and how to prepare both while also teaching knife skills, but we’re also teaching them about food nutrition and how to shop for themselves,” Chef Dev said. “They’re going off to college soon and I want them to understand how a whole chicken, as opposed to a few chicken fingers and fries, can provide them with four or five meals at half the price. I want them making fiscally sound decisions about nutrition while also enjoying the process of cooking.” Junior Yodha Ghattamaneni likes the freedom of expression when working in a kitchen. She took culinary courses at North Junior High and has now been in the program for five years. “Chef allows us to try different things and really express our identity through food,” she said. Sophomore Liliana Cardona said the hands-on aspect of the kitchen helps her. “I’m not really a book learner,” she said. “So, working with my hands and learning through failure, learning by trying things over and over is a great process for me. I feel like if you show effort, Chef notices and helps show you where the dish went wrong and how to make it better the next time. I really feel like you get out of it what you put into it.” The culinary arts program enables students to gain industry-based certifications through groups such as the American Meat Science Association. Sophomore Archer Dickey said the food handler certificate he received as a freshman helped him land a summer job as a line cook at a resort near his grandparents’ house in Wisconsin. RHS sophomore Chris Jones said he was initially motivated to apply for the culinary magnet because of the real world experiences students gain from working in a kitchen, coupled with the opportunity to work as a team and learn from others. “One specific example of working as a team in a high-paced environment is our grab and go’s that make up our junior year finals,” Jones said. “As a group, we have to work as a whole to communicate and execute multiple dishes to sell and present.” Other examples of the fast-paced, change-on-the-fly environment that students are engaging in are the on-campus events they cater. At one event this year, students prepped a full menu of modern French cuisine for 120 people and closer to 175 showed up. The sophomores were preparing the tiramisu and crème brûlée. “Chef came back and said, ‘We need 50 more of everything.’ We had to go next door to use the equipment in the Food Sciences room. When I got in there, I was able to take a breath and step away from the stress of needing to make it all, but I was also able to realize that somehow we were going to get it done,” Liliana said. The same excitement surrounds the Pearce Culinary Program. According to Jeremy Tilly, Culinary Arts teacher at Pearce, “Our program is showing dramatic growth since the opening of its new top-of-the-line Culinary Kitchen at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year!” Upper level students at Pearce have gone through units on Italian cuisine, during which they learned how to make pasta, focaccia bread, and pizza, all from scratch. They then learned to make dumplings, stir-fry, and fried rice during their Asian cuisine unit, again all from scratch. Like their RHS cohorts, Pearce students complete industry-based certifications as part of the process, including Food Handler’s permits and Meat Cookery certifications. Says Tilly, “Students put together a few staff meals and also decorated cookies and prepared various desserts around the holidays for staff, all in support of the program. We have done Food Truck Wars with a special guest speaker, Cupcake Wars with special guest judges, and a pumpkin carving contest around Halloween. It has been an exciting year, and we are looking forward to continuing this growth in the future!” It appears that RHS and Pearce students are getting a lot done in their culinary arts magnet classes.

ROBERT AND LISA GRINSFELDER RISD

RISD EDUCATORS’ CORNER Editor’s Note: In each issue of Richardson Life Magazine, we highlight individuals who are making a difference in the lives of Richardson Independent School District students. If you would like to nominate someone to be showcased in this section of RLM, email pmotte@hylogroup.com.   Unsung Heroes Making a Lasting Impact in RISD Schools Through the We Read Together Program By Patti Otte   To say that Lisa and Robert Grinsfelder love Richardson – their family, their friends, their church, the wider community — would be an understatement. These two are making a difference by volunteering their time and talents to RISD schools and their impact on RISD students will be a lasting one. Lisa and Robert Grinsfelder have become unsung hometown heroes in their retirement years, even though they aren’t comfortable with that description. Lisa grew up in Richardson, attended school here, graduating from RHS, and then returned upon finishing college. Robert came to RISD in the ninth grade and attended Lake Highlands High School. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Richardson’s Troop 890. Robert recalls, “RHS was king of the hill back then. Lake Highlands wanted to beat them when we could because we were the little guys!” After both attending Texas Tech, where they met and fell in love, Robert and Lisa came back to Richardson to live, work and raise a family. Lisa dedicated her life to teaching science, first at Forest Meadow for 25 years and then at Berkner for the last 13years of her career. Robert proudly remembers, “Lisa was the teacher who helped with everything financially for the kids…she had a personal ‘slush fund’ for her students which she used to fill her desk drawer with snacks, school supplies, and anything else kids might need but might not be able to afford. Lisa laughingly states that she received a raise by retiring because she no longer had to set aside money for the slush fund! Both Lisa and Robert are passion-ate about public education in general for having been products of it. Theystate, “We are big advocates of public education and strong supporters of teachers and staff in schools. The stronger our schools are, the stronger our community, state and country is.” Upon retirement, the couple became very involved at First United Methodist Church Richardson, where they now chair FUMCR’s Children First program. The Children First team established a reading program with FUMCR partner schools Mark Twain Elementary and Greenwood Hills Elementary to make a difference in the lives of students. Church members read to pre-k through second grade students, help on campus workdays, and provide sup-port to the local PTAs. For the past two years, FUMCR’s congregation has made possible the donation of a book for each student to take home at the end of the fall semester and 1-2 books for the spring semester with the goal of creating a library in each home. Almost 10,000books have been given since the pro-gram began. States Robert, “Purchasing books has had a tangible impact at Greenwood Hills and Mark Twain.” This spring FUMCR and Children First are spending $2600 to provide the book The Wish Tree to all the students at Greenwood Hills. Librarian Kim Sierra brought the concept of “Greenwood Hills Reads One Book” to the school Each family receives a lesson plan to accompany the book and which chapters to read. The book deals with racism, kids not feeling welcome, and more relevant topics. The art department has made a tree in the hallway and students are putting wishes on it. Dr. Carrie Thomas, Director of Community Engagement for RISD, realized that the Children First’s reading model could be expanded into an RISD reading program and she solicited the Grinsfelders’ help to make it happen. In the spring of 2022, RISD piloted We Read Together. Reading specialists came up with curriculum. The Grinsfelders helped recruit volunteers, who were then trained by the District on different techniques to use with readers. The program is now in its third year and data indicates that the program is helping students to be on track with their reading by the time they reach third grade. Lisa and Robert believe that reading is just one component of the program’s success. Says Lisa, “It’s having another adult in the student’s community – a mentor who cares about him or her – that helps the child experience success.” The program now boasts approximately 100 adult volunteers, but the District has big plans for We Read Together. They hope to have 600 volunteers at the end of 2024 and expand to more campuses throughout the District. The Grinsfelders credit RISD top leadership for embracing the program. It’s an “every student, every teacher, every day” school philosophy which fosters inclusiveness and respect.   If you would like to join the Grinsfelders help a child in RISD have a brighter future through We Read Together, it only takes one hour a week. Become a champion outside the classroom. For more information about the We Read Together program or to register to volunteer for this outstanding program, visit risd.org .