RISD Social Studies Scoop

“Every Child. Every Teacher. Every Leader. Every Day."

We are excited to share some important updates to our Social Studies leadership team:

Director of Social Studies K–12: Sue Sweeney

Social Studies Specialist: Karlene Jolly
AVID/Social Studies Specialist: Stefani Spoon

Sue, Karlene, and Stefani bring so much energy, knowledge, and dedication to this work, and will continue to move our team forward in ways that benefit teachers and students across RISD.

RISD Social Studies teachers are bringing lessons to life by planning deeply to the TEKS, Text (Stimuli), and Task. Lesson internalization isn’t about rewriting a lesson — it’s about anticipating how students will think, where they might struggle, and how we’ll guide them toward mastery.

This month, we’re celebrating campuses that are making student thinking visible through intentional lesson internalization, collaboration, and practice. Thank you for all you do to ensure every child grows — every day.

Please let us know how we can better serve you. If you have any questions or information you think it would be important for us to know, please contact one of us directly or complete the Google Form at the bottom.

Mapping the Way Forward,

Sue Sweeney

Director of K–12 Social Studies

@SueSweeneyPD

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

3rd Grade - 5th Grade

6th Grade

Junior High

High School

Celebrate the amazing work that our students have been engaged in across RISD

West 7th Graders Created their own missions.

Students 4th graders researched Tribes of Texas.

3rd Graders Marking the Text on Social Studies Weekly

Students made Regional Maps of Texas

Students wrote the Declaration of Independence from the Patriot's perspective and from the Loyalist's perspective

#RISDDreamBig #RISDSocStu @RichardsonISD @TnLAlwaysHere @SueSweeneyPD

When we share our classroom stories on social media, we’re showing our community what’s real in RISD—teachers collaborating, students thinking critically, and learning that matters. Transparent communication builds trust and combats negative narratives about public education. Each post reflects our RISD brand and promise to support every child, teacher, and leader every day. By telling our story, we ensure the community sees the excellence, professionalism, and heart of RISD educators in action. Please remember to protect student privacy when posting pictures.

We know amazing things are happening in your classrooms, and we’d love to celebrate and share them! Whether it’s a powerful lesson, a creative activity, or a breakthrough moment with students, take a minute to tell us about it by filling out this form. Your ideas could inspire others across the district and help us highlight the great work happening every day.

https://forms.gle/Y4wgecj4gU1sM4EX8

Susie Grossman - Parkhill JH - Teacher of the Month

Rachel Robbins - Lake Highlands High School - Staffulty of the Week

Logan Hunt - Pearce High School - Teacher of the Month

Deidra Montgomery - Pearce High School Football - Teacher of the Month

Andrew Miller - Parkhill JH - (August) Teacher of the Month

Emily Johnson - Richardson HS (October) Teacher of the Week

Congratulations to Steven Howell for being selected to travel for 13 days this past summer with the Global Exploration for Educators Organization (GEEO) through Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Türkiye. He supplemented this with independent travel to visit synagogues in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Steven translated this extensive research into a high-school curriculum focused on: "The Dohány Street Synagogue: A Study in Moorish Revival Architecture." The lesson analyzes the architecture's connection to 19th-century Jewish identity and emancipation in Eastern Europe. The GEEO program is formally affiliated with a Texas university partner, the University of Texas at Austin's South Asia Institute. Enjoy some images from his fantastic trip!

4th: NEW! Dallas Historical Society: Starting in November

5th: JA BizTown: 2nd Semester (Coming Soon)

6th E & MS: Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum (DHHRM) Information

November & February

Watch for more information including dates, permission slips, etc.

Please have parents complete the NEW! RISD Volunteer Management System so that if they are interested in chaperoning they can already have approval.

All Observances, Holidays, & Recognition

Many observance requirements are met through the daily school announcements. Preview all resources for age appropriateness.

TCMPC has replaced TEKS Resource System (TRS).

The TEKS Clarification and Instructional Focus Documents can be found at TCMPC.

Go to TCMPC through ClassLink. Use this link for instructions to set up your account. Each campus has a unique code.