TCHS Cougar Community Newsletter

Cougar Community,

Before our students and staff head out the door for Spring Break, we wanted to share some of the great things happening around The Colony Community. In this newsletter you'll find a few special notes from LISD families recognizing staff members, as well as many stories highlighting the exceptional work happening in our classrooms. There are plenty of academic, athletic and fine art events occurring this spring so make sure to check your child's campus calendar as well as the The Colony High School calendar for events happening in your area. We hope you enjoy some rest and relaxation over Spring Break, and we look forward to ending the school year strong!

The Recognize SomeONE submissions are pouring in, and we're sharing a few for teachers in the Cougar community. As a reminder, you can visit LISD.net/recognize any time to submit your own encouragement for LISD staff.

• Cory Broom, Counselor at TCHS | "I recently got to participate in a committee filled with staff, parents, etc. from all over the district, & out of many I was luckily grouped with Mr. Broom. He made a shy & quiet environment into a lively and comforting space for all of our table-mates to discuss comfortably…Mr. Broom is a prime example of how I want to treat my peers around me & set an example."

• Amy Malecki, Special Education Department Chair at Griffin | "Mrs. Malecki is a true example of what an educator should be, she goes above and beyond for her students. She makes sure that they can achieve any obstacle put in front of them and succeed."
• Marcella Dombkowski, 3rd Grade Dual Language Teacher at Peters Colony | "Both of my kids have had the honor of being in Mrs. Dombkowski class. They both loved her. Mrs Dombkowski just knows how to inspire and motivate the kids to be the best they can be. She is one of the best teachers I know!"

Dr. Lori Rapp surprised all the LISD Teacher of the Year Finalists, including Kierstyn Warnell. See the surprises HERE.

Last month, we announced our Campus Teachers of the Year and District Teacher of the Year Finalists. Help us celebrate the following individuals:

Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist

Kierstyn Warnell | Camey Elementary

Campus Teachers of the Year

Andrea Slaughter (TCHS), Raul Platas (Student Success Center), Marta Rendon-Gomez (Lewisville Learning Center), Kevin O'Gorman (TECC East), Michael DePauw (TECC West), Amy Malecki (Griffin), Debbie Garner (Lakeview), Melissa Prince (B.B. Owen), Kierstyn Warnell (Camey), Abby Olson (Ethridge), Ashley Bitner (Memorial), Candace Onorato (Morningside), Kendal Brown (Peters Colony)

As a part of the bond Lewisville ISD passed in 2017, both Hebron High School and The Colony High School received funding to construct black box theatres. Construction at The Colony was completed earlier this year and the TCHS Theatre Arts department held their inaugural show, "Little Shop of Horrors", in their new Black Box theatre this September. “Since this was a new concept for us, we had no idea how…our audiences would react to the smaller, intimate space,” said TCHS Head Director Dwayne Craig. “We added additional shows to accommodate the interest in the show and the space. All of the performances were sold out, and everyone who saw the show raved about how amazing it was to be up close and personal with the actors.” READ MORE

Once completed, this facility will be used for athletic practices, events and other various needs. Thanks to the 2017 bond voters who made this project possible! SEE PHOTOS

The Lewisville ISD Wonder Wagon was unveiled during an official ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Monday, March 6, 2023. Though the titular wagon, part of the district’s elementary Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) department, was only recently revealed, LISD STEM administrators have already begun to introduce Wonder Wagon programming to elementary campuses. READ MORE

For years, Lewisville ISD has emphasized the importance of mentorship and community engagement through our annual Career Out program. The program, which took place this year on Friday, March 3, is a day for juniors and seniors across all five high schools to job shadow executives, administrators and team members from host sites in and around the LISD community. READ MORE

121 middle school students across Lewisville ISD were surprised last month with acceptances into the Collegiate Academy at The Colony High School. Collegiate Academy staff and other district administrators traveled to campuses to surprise these students, who applied for the Collegiate Academy earlier this school year. Through the Collegiate Academy, these students can earn an Associate's Degree or up to 60 hours of dual credit while in high school. Congratulations, students! SEE PHOTOS

Lewisville ISD recently hosted its fifth annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair at Lewisville High School. The fair was attended by 400 high school students from across the district and gave students the opportunity to connect with these historic institutions. Representatives and alumni from over a dozen HBCUs took part in the event, showcasing their schools via booths, presentations and open discussion. Community partners, student life organizations and the Lewisville Education Foundation also took part in the event. READ MORE

The Annual Vocabulary Parade was held on January 18th, which was also National Thesaurus Day! Students chose higher level vocabulary words and illustrated their meaning through the use of written word and costumes. SEE PHOTOS

Since its inception in 2011, Lewisville ISD’s annual Chin Festival has provided the LISD community with an opportunity to be immersed in a unique cultural experience. This year’s student-led event was no different, treating the audience to selections of traditional Chin dance, song, fashion and food. Attendees included members of the LISD Board of Trustees, district administration, municipal government officials and hundreds more members of the community. Teachers and pastors from local Chin churches were recognized for their efforts in ensuring that the LISD Chin community continues to thrive. READ MORE

Want to submit a story idea? Email communications@lisd.net