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RICHARDSON EDITION
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 7 MARCH 30 MAY 4, 2023
A COMPLETE REDESIGN A revamping of the state’s main standardized testing format, the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness redesign, which is the result of a 2019 state bill, will align with school instruction and allow for a better focus on in-classroom knowledge.
Guidepost Montessori plans Richardson location
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Transition to online testing in 2022-23
Cap multiple-choice questions per test at 75% (previously was nearly 100%) Use of interactive questions during online testing Eliminate separate writing test for fourth and seventh grades More cross-curricular passages and questions
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LOCAL VOTER GUIDE 2023
Northrich Elementary sixth graders Ty Culver and Benjamin Wallis prepare for the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness. (Courtesy Richardson ISD)
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
STAAR test redesign alters way school districts prepare students
WE BELIEVE THIS REDESIGN WILL INCREASE THE ALIGNMENT BETWEEN EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES AND STAAR RESULTS. LAURIE TAYLOR, PLANO ISD CHIEF LEARNING OFFICER
Sample ballot
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BY JACKSON KING
standardized testing in general,” McDonough said. “My oldest daugh- ter struggles with anxiety and has been stressing about the STAAR test since rst grade when a teacher mentioned it.” One of the largest concerns from districts regarding the rede- sign has been the timing of its implementation. RISD Superintendent Tabitha Branum said the district only began receiving initial information about the STAAR redesign heading into the 2022-23 school year. According to Branum, the TEA would release additional informa- tion every four to six weeks about what the changes were going to look like. Each time information was released, the district’s curriculum
Richardson ISD and Plano ISD o - cials are preparing teachers and stu- dents for a major revision to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness ahead of the spring testing window from April 18-May 9. STAAR scores are one of several tools used by the Texas Education Agency as a way to measure student success and as a means to evaluate local school districts’ e ectiveness. However, parents are concerned the redesign does not address a major concern with STAAR, which is that it unfairly grades learning at a single testing moment, according to Lauren McDonough, an RISD par- ent who has children in second and fourth grade at Mohawk Elementary. “Personally, I am not a fan of
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team would begin preparing stu- dents for new assessments by out- lining new question types. Branum spent the rst semester of the school year making sure teachers were as prepared as possible for guiding stu- dents on the new test. “Had we [received information] over a year ago, we would have been better prepared to better support our teachers and our students,” Branum
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RICHARDSON EDITION • MARCH 2023
Dubey4Mayor.com DubeyforMayor@gmail.com Election Day: May 6, 2023 Early Voting: April 24 - May 2 Last Day to Register to Vote: April 6 PLEASE VOTE
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“ Bob looks people in the eyes, builds rapport and respect quick- ly, and makes you feel like you ’ re the most important person in the room. He has courage to ask hard questions with a charitable and humble tone that commands a serious response. ” Bob DeVoll, retired RISD leader
“ There is no one more qualified to lead our great city than Bob Dubey. As an RISD Coach and Athletic Director, Bob rose to leadership positions at the regional and state level, earning a state Hall of Honor award. He chaired four Richardson City Commissions including the 2014 - 15 Charter Review Commission and then served six years as Richardson City Councilman, Place 1.” - Mark Solomon, former City Councilman
Paid for by the Bob Dubey for City Council campaign. Amy Baker, Treasurer
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ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.
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FROM TRACY: We’re getting closer to the time of year most students dread: state testing season. And this year, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, many are used to will look a little di erent (see Pages 16-17). Also in this edition, you can nd information on how to keep students busy after the end of the school year in our annual summer camp guide (see Page 11). You can also get the scoop on a downtown restaurant serving up shawarma (see Page 19). Tracy Ruckel, GENERAL MANAGER
EDITOR Kevin Cummings REPORTER Jackson King
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FROM KEVIN: You can almost feel the excitement brewing for the upcoming Wild ower! Arts & Music Festival, and we have the latest details on this year’s lineup (see Page 10). Also in this edition, you can nd a comprehensive list of who is running for City Council and local school districts in the May 6 election (see Page 14). You can also nd more about a longstanding local fashion boutique (see Page 18). Kevin Cummings, EDITOR
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Sain Catholic is one of o schools in ICLE school Catholic C is one of o schools in ICLE school
WHY A CATHOLIC CLASSICAL EDUCATION? Encouraging children to seek truth, goodness and beauty in all things will ultimately lead them to walk with Christ. At SPCCS, our fundamental tenets are faith, wisdom and virtue; the devel- opment of these tenets in our students helps build a foundation in Christ while providing them an enriching education. a classical curriculum includes the liberal arts, grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy, and Latin. a classical curriculum includes the liberal arts, grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy, and Latin. see beautiful works of art on the walls, the great books on our shelves, and thriving gardens outside our windows. The Catholic Classical student is curious, asks questions, and approaches the exciting journey of learning with a sense of wonder. In addition to the pursuit of goodness, truth and beauty, exciting journey of learning with a sense of wonder. In addition to the pursuit of goodness, truth and beauty, see beautiful works of art on the walls, the great books on our shelves, and thriving gardens outside our windows. The Catholic Classical student is curious, asks questions, and approaches the
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RICHARDSON EDITION • MARCH 2023
IMPACTS
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addition, the store sells salsa, crackers, cheeses and other snacks. 214-440-5776. https://specsonline.com/ location/renner-road 8 Adjustable Auto Body Repair opened in early December in Richard- son at 201 N. Central Expressway. The body shop o ers a variety of auto repair services, including xing hail damage, bumper and dent repairs, and a factory paint-matching service. Adjustable Auto Body Repair also o ers free pickups and drop-o s, free towing, and rental cars for customers. Those interested are advised to call ahead for an appointment, though walk-ins are accepted. 972-799-6041. www.adjustableautobodyrepair.com 9 Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care opened March 14 in Richardson at 1225 E. Belt Line Road, marking the rst urgent care center for Texas Health in Richardson and the 25th center opened in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The center provides treatment for a variety of health care concerns, in- cluding allergies, earaches, sprains and
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NOW OPEN 1 Visionworks opened in Richardson on March 10 at 1225 E. Belt Line Road, Ste. 300. The business is located next to Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care and operates both an eyeglasses store and an optometrist o ce. Visionworks o ers eye exams and sells a variety of prescription lenses, sunglasses and contact lenses. 469-830-8405. www.visionworks.com 2 Bubbleology opened March 1 at 118 S. McKinney St., Richardson. The bubble tea shop is located in the historic downtown area of Richardson next to sister restaurants Yummy BBQ and Yummy Deli. Bubbleology sells spe- cialty drinks, including bubble tea and other blended drinks. 214-556-9262. www.bubbleologyusa.com 3 UrgentVet opened a new Richardson clinic at 338 W. Campbell Road. The vet-
erinary clinic held a soft opening Feb. 28 before o cially opening its doors March 6. According to the company’s website, UrgentVet is an urgent care clinic for pets, providing care to cats and dogs with illnesses and injuries such as fever, upper respiratory infections, cuts and scrapes, stomach concerns, and more. 214-247-7200. www.urgentvet.com 4 Britely Dentures + Implants Studio opened Feb. 7 near Richardson at 12606 N. Greenville Ave., Ste. 230, Dallas. The dental practice run by Dr. Leke Olok- wokere serves the greater Dallas and Fort Worth area. Britely o ers personalized tooth replacement care, including ex- tractions, dentures and dental implants, at lower costs than the average dental o ce, according to a press release. 469-824-9460. https://livebritely.com 5 Peace Middle East Cafe opened in mid-February in Richardson’s Campbell Plaza at 581 W. Campbell Road, Ste. 125.
The Middle Eastern-style co ee shop sells a variety of nonalcoholic drinks, including Syrian fruit mocktails, Arabic co ee and other co ee beverages. The cafe also o ers desserts with a Middle Eastern twist, including baklava cheese- cake, s’more wa es and acai bowls. 612-286-2121. www.instagram.com/ peace_middle_east_dallas 6 Starbucks opened a new location Dec. 12 on the border of Richardson at 3381 Renner Road, Plano. The interna- tional co ee chain o ers a variety of hot and cold beverages and food. Starbucks has 18 stores in Plano and 11 in Richard- son. 469-750-1338. www.starbucks.com 7 Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods added a new location Dec. 2 on the border of Richardson and Plano at 3371 E. Renner Road, Plano. Spec’s, which has three other locations in Plano and none in Richardson, specializes in a variety of wines, spirits, beer and seltzers. In
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Guidepost Montessori expects to serve more than 160 students at its upcoming Richardson location. FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Richardson is set to get a new COURTESY GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI
faculty members. Parents will be required to park their vehicle to drop o and pick up students alongside Jonsson Boulevard at select times, which o cials said will prevent queuing along the street. The site was developed in 2004 as a 10,250-square-foot single-story o ce building with a single point of access to Jonsson Boulevard, which it shares with Pavilion Bank. An opening date has yet to be announced. www.guidepostmontessori.com
Montessori private school and child care center at 1140 W. Campbell Road. The Guidepost Montessori was approved unanimously during a Feb. 27 Richardson City Council meeting. According to Mark Goodman— project manager with Higher Ground Education, the company that owns and operates Guidepost schools—the new location is needed to meet the demand for private schools in the region. Guidepost Montessori will serve infants and those up to 6 years old. “We do not have a ‘build it, they will come’ mentality when we look at our projects,” Goodman said at the meeting. “We have to have the demand there, or we can’t build.” According to the approved special zoning ordinance, the Montessori school will have a maximum enrollment of 163 students and 19 most minor illnesses. 469-495-9154. www.breezeurgentcare.texashealth.org 10 Planet Fitness opened March 7 in Richardson at the Richland Village development. The tness center is located at 1306 E. Belt Line Road next to BBQ Chicken. Planet Fitness o ers two membership options for customers, both of which provide free tness training, per its website. The gym has over 2,300 lo- cations throughout the U.S., Canada, Aus- tralia and Latin America. 469-242-0467. 11 Sugar Fountain is expected to open in Richardson in early summer at 1403 E. Campbell Road, Ste. 110, according to owner Allan Munther. The dessert shop, which will feature a large patio, plans to serve a variety of organic dishes, including yogurt, gelato and gelato cake. Sugar Fountain will also serve a variety of Mediterranean dishes, boba tea and co ee. No website or phone number is available at this time. www.planet tness.com COMING SOON
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12 Golden Chick is scheduled to open a location Aug. 31 on the border of Richardson, according to company o cials. Located at 6102 N. Jupiter Road, Garland, the new restaurant will be located next to the Sonic Drive-In. Golden Chick’s menu features fried chicken, grilled chicken, cat sh, sand- wiches and more. The chicken restau- rant chain has more than 50 locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. www.goldenchick.com 13 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is coming to Richardson at 1445 E. Belt Line Road, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Filing and signage at the location. No grand opening date has been announced. However, Popeyes expected to post through its social media channels when the location is ready to open. The Louisiana-based restaurant o ers a variety of fried chicken dishes with Cajun avoring, including chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, biscuits and sides. The future Richard- son location will feature a drive-thru. www.popeyes.com
jaspersrichardson.com | (214)-716-2610 |
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RICHARDSON EDITION • MARCH 2023
TO DO LIST
April events
COMPILED BY KEVIN CUMMINGS
15 GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST As part of the city’s ongoing 150th anniversary celebration, the Richardson Public Library is hosting a historical photo scanning event in its Basement Training Room and Studio RPL. Patrons are invited to bring historic photos—from street views and people to events and buildings—to be scanned and added to the city’s Local History collection. Attendees will also receive a digital copy of their photographs. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Richardson Public Library, 900 Civic Center Drive, Richardson. 972-744-4350. www.cor.net/departments/public-library 16 DANCE THE DAY AWAY The Charles W. Eisemann Center is hosting John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party. Presented by Diamond Horse Productions, the musical event is meant to be a recreation of Buddy Holly’s, Ritchie Valens’ and the Big Bopper’s nal tour. Endorsed by the musicians’ estates, the performance includes two hours of ‘50s-era hits, including “Peggy Sue” and “La Bamba,” according to the event’s description. 2 p.m. $50-$60. Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson. 972-744-4650. www.eisemanncenter.com/ events-tickets
22 ROCK OUT AT A NIGHT MARKET As part of its CityLine LIVE series of outdoor concerts, which run from April 7-May 27, CityLine Plaza is hosting rock musician Gri n Holtby on April 22. The musician’s website describes his sound as “blues-in uenced power rock with an outlaw edge.” While Holtby is performing, The Boho Market will be holding its CityLine Night Market, which features more than 45 booths from local vendors selling handmade goods and vintage nds. 6-10 p.m. Free (admission). CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St., Richardson. 972-739-5080. https://citylinedfw.com/events 29 GROW YOUR GREEN THUMB CityLine Plaza is hosting a plant- and-sip class for beginners. Throughout the 1.5-hour course, attendees will receive step-by-step instructions for arranging succulent plants in their own spring-themed containers. The class also includes information on succulent care and using the plants as decorations in the home. While the event is BYOB, materials for the succulent containers will be provided. Large groups are advised to arrive early. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $40. CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St., Richardson. 972-739-5080. https://citylinedfw.com/events
APRIL 01 SOLVE A MURDER MYSTERY The Richardson Adult Literacy Center is hosting a murder mystery comedy fundraiser to help adults in the community learn English and workplace skills. Called “Ocean’s 150: When Heist Leads to Murder,” the event’s description says it will be an “unforgettable evening of suspense and intrigue.” In addition to the murder mystery, the event will include a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. 7-10 p.m. $75. RIchardson Adult Literacy Center, 701 W. Belt Line Road, Ste. C-100, Richardson. https://one.bidpal.net/ murdermystery23/welcome 07 THROUGH 16 SING ALONG TO SHOW TUNES The Repertory Company Theatre is putting on a series of performances of the Tony Award-winning musical “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” Adapted from the British classic “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” the musical follows the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table with a few comedic twists and turns along the way. 7:30 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.). $35 (adults), $30 (seniors). Courtyard Theater, 1509 H. Ave., Plano. 972-941-5613. www.rcttheatre.com/shows.html
The Epiphany Craw sh Boil will feature food, music and family fun. FEATURED EVENT COURTESY EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY Come to a craw sh boil For the 11th year in a row, the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany is hosting its annual Epiphany Craw sh Boil April 22. In addition to all-you- can-eat craw sh, barbecue and more, activities include live music and a car show that will feature classics, sports cars and limited edition cars. There will also be kid-centric activities throughout the day, including a petting zoo, balloon twisting and face painting. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $25. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 421 Custer Road, Richardson 972-690-0095 epiphanycraw sh@gmail.com
Find more or submit Richardson events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
Featured Artist: Karina Llergo
Eisemann Center for Performing Arts in Richardson 2351 Performance Drive Richardson, Texas 75082
Season Finale Concert
May 6 & 7 Cottonwood Park • Richardson, TX
April 15, 2023 Berlioz: Overture to Benvenuto Cellini Ravel: Alborada del gracioso Strauss: Dance of the Seven Veils from Salome, Op. 54 Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15 • Joyce Yang, piano
Maestro Clay Couturiaux Music Director & Conductor
Joyce Yang
SATURDAY: 10a-7p SUNDAY: 10a-5p FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING CottonwoodArtFestival.com 200 Artists • Live Music • Hands-On Kids Area • Food Court Craft Beer & Wine in Imagery Courtyard
Tickets available by calling 972-744-4650 or online at: eisemanncenter.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES TxDOT to host public hearing on US 75 tech lanes project
COMPILED BY COLBY FARR & JACKSON KING
ONGOING PROJECTS
VERNET ST.
The Texas Department of Transpor- tation is seeking input on proposed improvements to US 75, according to the department’s website. The proposed project would convert the highway’s existing high-occupancy vehicle lanes to peak-hour technology lanes between I-635 in Dallas County and SH 121 in Collin County. This
means that at any time, high-occu- pancy vehicles, low-emission vehicles and motorcycles will be able to use the technology lanes. During nonpeak travel times, single-occupant vehicles will also be able to use the technology lanes. Construction will replace the double white stripes and pylons
with broken white stripes to allow for continuous entrance and exit between the technology lanes and general purpose lanes. Following a public hearing in mid- March, TxDOT is continuing to accept public comments through March 31 via email, voicemail, written letters and online. improvements and plans to begin investing in a citywide Aquatics Facilities Master Plan, which would evaluate existing neighborhood pool conditions and explore the construc- tion of an indoor aquatic center. The newly approved Active Trans- portation Plan, which is designed to connect off-street and on-street infra- structure for nonvehicle transporta- tion, includes increasing the level of comfort for bike riders, creating bike trails that are safe for all ages and abilities, making transit connections within the region, and eliminating gaps in the biking network.
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 13. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT RICNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Timeline: March-fall Cost: $8.46 million Funding source: American Rescue Plan Act Lane closures come to Custer Road Temporary traffic control measures have been implemented along parts of Custer Road while a new water line is installed. The northbound and south- bound lanes will taper down to one lane while maintaining two-way traffic via flaggers at each end of the affected segments Mondays through Fridays. between 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Work began the week of March 13 between Vernet Street and Rockingham Lane. As work continues to progress toward Arapaho Road, lane transitions from two lanes to one lane will shift south.
Richardson City Council approves active transportation, parks master plans
Richardson City Council approved the city’s Active Transportation Plan and the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan, commonly called the Parks Master Plan, during a Feb. 27 meeting. According to Parks and Recreation Director Lori Smeby, updating the Parks Master Plan will allow city officials to refocus efforts on improv- ing trail connections within the city,
implementing a signage program and adding gathering areas in specific parks, such as amphitheater space, civic plazas and lawns—all things she said residents need in terms of parks and other recreation uses. The plan also serves as a guide for prioritizing future projects based on funding opportunities. The updated parks plan also includes expected trail connectivity
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RICHARDSON EDITION • MARCH 2023
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
City announces initial lineup for Wild ower! Arts & Music Festival
BY JACKSON KING
is organized by the city, features live concerts from local, regional and national acts. Other festival highlights include street performers, a battle of the bands, a songwriting competition, a marketplace lled with local and regional goods, kids activities, and more. Tickets for the festival can be purchased online. Prices are $35 for a single day and $75 for a three-day pass. A VIP package for $400 is available and will include access to complimentary food, beverages, exclusive seating and premier park- ing. The Renaissance Dallas Richard- son Hotel is also o ering a package deal starting at $209 that includes two single-day tickets. Children age 12 and under will receive free admission all weekend. Attendees may also purchase discounted tickets at soon-to-be- announced participating Richardson
The city of Richardson announced Feb. 17 the initial lineup for the 2023 Wild ower! Arts & Music Festival. The headlining acts are X Ambassa- dors, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, and Jimmie Vaughan and The Tilt-A- Whirl Band. Other acts include The Romantics, Joshua Ray Walker and Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute. “The [festival] is the largest annual event we hold in Richard- son every year,” said Lori Smeby, Richardson Parks and Recreation director. “It attracts thousands of people to the site, helping to ll local hotels and provides ancillary economic bene ts to other local businesses.” The festival is scheduled for May 19-21 at Galatyn Park Urban Center, which is located just north of Galatyn Parkway on the east side of US 75. The three-day festival, which
Attendees enjoy a performance during the 2022 Wild ower! Arts & Music Festival.
JACKSON KING COMMUNITY IMPACT
locations beginning April 3. Complimentary parking will be available for the festival within the surrounding area. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Red Line light rail, which stops at the Galatyn Park Station, located immediately adjacent to the west side of the festival grounds, according to city o cials. Additional artists will be added to the lineup in the coming weeks with updates slated to be announced on the festival’s website:
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https://wild owerfestival.com. Wild ower Festival has been held live annually since 1993 except during 2020 and 2021, when it was held virtually due to COVID-19.
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2023
CAMP GUIDE
GUIDE
A noncomprehensive list of camps in the area
COMPILED BY JACKSON KING
5 First Baptist Richardson Summer Camps: First Baptist Richardson o ers several di erent camps for children ages 9 months to 12 years. Camps include summer play days, cheer camp and Vacation Bible School. Ages: 9 months-12 years Dates: June 12 Aug. 3 Cost: $120 125 per week ART DAY SP First Baptist Richardson, 1001 N. Central Expressway, Richardson 972 235 5296 www. richardson.org 6 First United Methodist Church Richardson Summer Camps: The church is o ering a Vacation Bible Camp with outdoor family worship and a take-home kit for a virtual family experience as well as a series of art, science and music half-day camps. Ages: pre-K-sixth grade for Vacation Bible Camp, grades 1 6 or ages 5 12 for other camps Dates: May 30 July 29 Cost: $30-$135 per camp ART DAY SP SCI First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway, Richardson 972 235 8385 www.fumcr.com/children_camps 7 The Heights Church Summer Camps: The Heights Church o ers a free, half-day Vacation Bible School camp for children as well as an overnight kids camp, a summer music day camp, and a week of worship and activities at Carolina Creek Christian Camp in Riverside. Ages: grades K 6 Dates: June 6 9, 19 22; July 17 20 Cost: $25 (VBS), $375 (Kids Camp), Summer Music Camp TBD ART DAY NIGHT The Heights Church, 201 W. Renner Road, Richardson 972 238 7289 www.theheights.org/summer 8 iD Tech Camp at UT Dallas: These weeklong camps will have live instructors blending learning with fun activities. Programs include courses on how to code a mobile app, design a video game, produce a viral video Dates: June 12 July 29 Cost: $979+ per camp DAY TECH The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson 888 709 8324 www.idtech.com/tech-camps 9 Legendary Youth Sports Summer Camps: These weeklong camps include martial arts, hip-hop dance, parkour, outdoor sports, educational activities, arts and crafts, and more. Ages: 5 12 Dates: May 31 Aug. 11 Cost: $187 base rate per camp DAY SP and more. Ages: 7 17 TELECOM PKWY. 78
Parents looking for camps for their children have a number of options to choose from in the Richardson area. This list is not comprehensive.
Legendary Youth Sports, 1980 Nantucket Drive, Ste. 108, Richardson 469 347 2494 https://legendaryblackbeltacademy.com 10 Music So Simple Summer Camps: Music So Simple’s summer camps will cover singing, movement, dance and more. A be- ginner piano group class for kindergarten and rst-grade students is also available. Ages: 6 months-Grade 1 Dates: June 5 Aug. 11 Cost: $190-$299 per camp (10 classes), $175- $250 per session (Theory Boot Camp/Studio Kids) ART DAY Music So Simple, 1144 N. Plano Road, Richardson 469 778 2121 www.musicsosimple.com 11 Texas Ballet Theater Summer Dance Classes: The Texas Ballet Theater o ers one- and two-week summer dance class programs to children and teens ages 3 18. Adult programs are also available. Camps feature professional instruction by skilled teachers and are aimed toward aspiring pre- professional dancers and budding ballerinas. Ages: 3 18 Dates: June 5 Aug. 10 Cost: $228-$450 per week ART DAY Texas Ballet Theater, 300 N. Coit Road, Ste. 231, Richardson 214 377 8576 www.texasballettheater.org/summer-program 12 Toby’s School of Dance Summer Camps: These camps include ballet, tap and tumbling classes as well as weekly movie-themed camps such as “Tangled.” Ages: 3 and up Dates: June 5 July 28 Cost: $165-$200 per week ART DAY Toby’s School of Dance, 635 W. Campbell Road, Ste. 224, Richardson 972 235 0514 www.tobysdance.com/summer 13 Windmill Stables Summer Camps: Campers at Windmill Stables learn the safe and proper care and handling of horses while also improving their riding abilities. English and Western half-day camps are open to beginner and intermediate riders. Ages: 7 and up
A+ Academics ART Arts DAY Day NIGHT Overnight SP Sports SCI Science TECH Technology
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Richardson 1 Camp Sa-Que-Sippi: This day camp includes activities that allow campers to experience outdoor learning, performing arts, tness/conditioning, community service projects, o -site eld trips and more. Ages: 5 12 Dates: May 30 Aug. 3 Cost: $165 per week (YMCA members), $185 per week (nonmembers) ART DAY SP Richardson Family YMCA, 821 Custer Road, Richardson 972 231 3424 www.ymcadallas.org/richardson-day-camps 2 Carpe Diem Private Preschool Summer: Carpe Diem Private Preschool will host 12 di erent camps this summer with subjects such as Career Day, Dino World, Wild West and more. Ages: 5 12 Dates: May 30 Aug. 9 Cost: $165-$300 per camp A+ ART DAY SP TECH Carpe Diem Private Preschool, 271 Renner Parkway, Richardson 972 362 8470 www.carpediempreschool.com/ summer-camp
3 City of Richardson Parks & Recreation Day Camp Program: Camps of- fer a variety of activities for children, including indoor/outdoor games, sports, arts and crafts, eld trips, swimming, volunteer opportunities and visits from special guests. Ages: 5 15 Dates: June 5 July 28 Cost: TBA ART DAY SP Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson 972 744 7850 www.cor.net/departments/parks-recreation/ summer-camps 4 Drama Kids International Camp: Drama Kids summer camps are designed to help children develop collaboration and communication skills as well as self-con dence. Ages: 6 12 Dates: June 26 30 Cost: $185 per camp ART DAY Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson 972 363 2369 www.dramakids.com/tx3
Dates: May 22 July 27 Cost: $450 per camper DAY SP Windmill Stables, 2029 N. Cli e Road, Richardson 972 238 9820 www.windmillstables.com
11
RICHARDSON EDITION • MARCH 2023
CITY & SCHOOLS
News from Richardson, Richardson ISD & Dallas County
Berkner High School to get student-run bank
BY JACKSON KING
Lessons taught through the partnership include hands-on banking experience, creating a budget, making savings plans, balancing a checkbook, and understanding credit and loans. The bank will be situated at the northeast corner of Berkner High School, which is located at 1600 E. Spring Valley Road, near the STEM Academy and South Yale Boulevard. Construction on the bank is scheduled to begin during the spring with student applications being accepted and curriculum developed throughout the summer. The bank is expected to be open in August, while ongoing program implementation and evaluation are expected to last throughout the upcoming school year.
RICHARDSON ISD The district plans to partner with the Credit Union of Texas to open a stu- dent-run bank at Berkner High School at the start of the 2023-24 school year. Participating students, who will receive a $1,000 scholarship from CUTX upon completion, will operate the bank in a variety of roles, including as tellers and branch managers. Operating the program will provide students with real-world work experience while developing nancial skills outside of the classroom, according to credit union o cials. One of the bene ts o cials mentioned is to provide Richardson ISD students participating in the program with lessons in nancial literacy.
Richardson ISD is partnering with Credit Union of Texas to open a student-run bank at Berkner High School. (Courtesy Credit Union of Texas)
District searching for ways to shore up budget de cit RICHARDSON ISD The district is assessing options to reduce costs and increase revenue to overcome a budget shortfall heading into the 2023-24 school year. Richardson ISD recorded a budget de cit of BY JACKSON KING $23.7 million during the 2022-23 school year. The de cit is a result of reduced enrollment and in ation along with a lack of new funding from the state since before the pandemic, Superintendent Tabitha Branum said. District o cials said RISD has already found ways
to reduce $3.5 million in expenditures by eliminating some administration positions and streamlining its English as a second language program. According to district o cials, RISD has multiple options it can take to increase revenue, including opening enrollment outside of district boundaries, advocating for increased state funding, eliminating RISD’s local optional homestead exemption and considering a vote to increase tax rates.
Richardson City Council will meet April 3, 10, 17 and 24 and May 1 at 6 p.m. Due to a re at City Hall, council meetings have been temporarily relocated to the Richardson Police Department at 200 N. Greenville Ave. www.cor.net Richardson ISD board of trustees will meet April 13 and 27 at 6 p.m. at the RISD Administrative Building, 400 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson. The meetings are streamed live online. www.risd.org MEETINGS WE COVER public spaces, evaluating group activities, following vaccination recommendations and supporting masking in all health care settings. HIGHLIGHTS DALLAS COUNTY The county will be moving away from its color- coded COVID-19 risk level gauge system and transitioning into a “new normal.” The announcement, which comes as county o cials said they have seen declining rates of COVID-19 infections, was made at a Commissioners Court meeting March 7. The “new normal” that will take its place comes with a number of recommendations, including evaluating personal risk, encouraging masking in
Water maintenance to conclude in April
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BY JACKSON KING
RICHARDSON O cials are notifying residents that water will remain safe to drink and use despite a potential stronger taste or smell of chlorine in tap water. The North Texas Municipal Water District, the city of Richardson’s water supplier, is conducting its annual chlorine maintenance period on its water transmission system and member cities’ distribution systems until April 3. The NTMWD treatment, which began March 6, is both a water system maintenance function and a water conservation measure that helps optimize drinking water quality and reduce the amount of hydrant ushing necessary during the warm weather months, according to city o cials. The NTMWD and its 13 member cities test and monitor water quality throughout the year.
Richardson’s Mark Twain Park received renovations to add accessibility upgrades as part of the city’s 2021 bond program. (Jackson King/Community Impact)
New playground update completed at Mark Twain Park
playground equipment, and upgrade adjacent walkways and ramps. The playground nished renovations Feb. 10 using funds from a 2021 bond program. In addition to accessibility upgrades that bring the park into full compliance with state and federal accessibility standards, the playground itself has a new vibrant-colored structure with slides, swings, bridges and stepping blocks. A new drinking fountain was also installed on the site. The park is one of nine upgraded via the 2021 bond program.
BY JACKSON KING
RICHARDSON The city’s Mark Twain Park has an updated playground. Located at 1240 Larkspur Drive, Mark Twain Park’s playground underwent renovations starting in December to add accessibility enhancements, replace old
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2023
2023
LOCAL VOTER GUIDE GUIDE Candidates and information for local elections LOCAL VOTER GUIDE
COMPILED BY JACKSON KING
DATES TO KNOW April 24 First day of early voting
Voters in Collin County and Dallas County may cast a ballot at any polling location during early voting and on election day. Visit www.collincountytx.gov/elections or www.dallascountyvotes.org to see a full list of where to vote during early voting and on election day. SOURCES: DALLAS COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT, COLLIN COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT WHERE TO VOTE
May 6 Election day May 6 Last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
April 25 Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) May 2 Last day of early voting
Only candidates in contested elections are included.
SAMPLE BALLOT
*Incumbent
Place 5 Greg Jubenville
Proposition A Shall the City Council of the city of Richardson, Texas, be authorized to issue general obligation bonds of the city in the principal amount of $46,000,000 for permanent public improvements and public purposes, to wit: designing, constructing, improving and equipping a new City Hall building including parking and landscaping related thereto and the demolition of the existing city hall building.
What does it mean? The city is asking voters to approve a $46 million bond proposition to provide funds for a new $85 million city hall facility to replace the building that was shut down after a re last August. If approved, the proposition would not cause a tax rate increase for Richardson residents, according to City Manager Don Magner. The city expects to open the new city hall, which o cials said will help provide more streamlined services to residents, by 2026.
CITY OF RICHARDSON Mayor Janet DePuy Bob Dubey City Council, Place 1 Curtis Dorian G. Scott Waddell City Council, Place 3 Stephen Springs Dan Barrios City Council, Place 5 Ken Hutchenrider* Todd Hunter
RICHARDSON ISD Single-Member District 3 Debbie Rentería* Bonnie Abadie At-Large Place 6 Eric Eager* Blake Sawyer PLANO ISD Place 4 Tarrah Lantz Lydia Ortega Margaret Turner-Carrigan
Michael Cook Khalid Ishaq Place 7 Katherine Chan Goodwin Simon Salinas Cody Weaver* RICHARDSON PROPOSITION A Voters in Richardson will choose “For” or “Against” on the city proposition.
VOTER TURNOUT
Dallas County November 2020
Collin County November 2020
Turnout
Registered voters
Turnout
Registered voters
917,245
1,398,469
485,323
648,670
May 2021
May 2021
128,084
1,329,839
94,503
641,789
May 2022
May 2022
91,957
1,395,231
50,716
675,498
November 2022
November 2022
625,391
1,420,223
364,779
693,753
NORTH DALLAS ADVENTIST ACADEMY Faith-based Academic Exellence College Prep
2800 Custer Parkway, Richardson, TX 75080 972-234-6322 NDAAcademy.org
15
RICHARDSON EDITION • MARCH 2023
DECLINING STAAR
PLANO ISD
RICHARDSON ISD
0% 20%
40% 60%
80%
100%
0% 20%
40% 60%
80%
100%
0%
Grade 3
Grade 3
3%
SCORES Due to myriad factors,
7%
3%
Grade 5
Grade 5
including potential learning loss due to the pandemic and some districts testing online, State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness scores have gone down heading into the redesign.
8%
Grade 8
Grade 8
3%
11%
Grade 3
Grade 3
7%
Grade 5
Grade 5
15%
12%
2019 2021 2022 Percentage change (2019-2022)*
27%
Grade 8
Grade 8
4%
13%
7%
Grade 5
Grade 5
12%
Grade 8
Grade 8
4%
*STAAR TESTING DID NOT TAKE PLACE IN 2020 DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, RICHARDSON ISD, PLANO ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
9%
14%
Grade 8
Grade 8
would alleviate any accountability burden if students have lower STAAR scores this year. Texas provides annual academic accountability ratings to its public school districts and to charters in the state, according to TEA officials. The ratings are based on performance on state standardized tests; graduation rates; and college, career and mili- tary readiness outcomes. Districts or schools that record negative account- ability scores over several years may face state-run interventions. Normally, when there is a substan- tial change, such as the revisions to the STAAR, school districts are given a year to see how changes affect scores overall, Branum said. “In my entire time in leadership, I’ve never had a year where [the TEA] changed the text and the account- ability system and not given us some
Major changes include changing the types of questions, aligning text to better reflect curriculum and admin- istering testing online. The exams are a summative assess- ment that show whether a student mastered knowledge of a core subject at a certain grade level, according to the TEA. The tests are given to students in third through eighth grades and in high school in a variety of subjects. One requirement of the STAAR redesign is a shift to online testing. However, Lily Laux, TEA deputy commissioner of school programs, said nearly 80% of districts already adopted online testing during the 2021-22 school year. Benefits of online testing include having earlier reported scores and alleviating the logistics required with paper tests, she said. “Having access to the online accom- modations has been very popular
with districts,” she said. In anticipation of the new rule changes, RISD and PISD began online STAAR administration over the last two years. Heading into this year’s testing period, Jacob Cortez, RISD executive director for accountability, said the district’s extra preparation time has enabled each RISD student to have a device for testing. “Because this will be our third year doing online testing, most of the cam- puses know what they are doing to the point that it is really old hat,” Cor- tez said. Taylor said PISD also has a device for each student. Looking for a grace period In addition to receiving last-minute information, Branum said the district has had no reassurances from the TEA about a potential grace period, which
CONTINUED FROM 1
said. “Let’s experience and learn from the test ... so we can be geared up and ready for next year.” Despite this, PISD and RISD offi- cials said they want to encourage parents that district teachers are helping students perform well under the redesigned test. “We believe this redesign will increase the alignment between effective instructional practices and STAAR results,” PISD Chief Learning Officer Laurie Taylor said. Preparing for the new test Redesigning the STAAR is a result of House Bill 3906, which the State Leg- islature passed in 2019. TEA officials said the bill was designed to make sure the test is reflective of what stu- dents are learning.
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