Principal's Blog

Dawson Band Preview Last Night

2012-01-25T10:38:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of watching some of our former Eubanks students who are now in the DMS Wind Ensemble last night. The concert was one for those in fifth grade interested in band. Wow! The student's were amazing! It is always enjoyable to see our kids as they progress through the upper grades. There growth and excellence is a great testament to the impact our teachers have and a good indication of the wonderful parenting you perform.

Today's rain plus expanding road construction plus the rush to go to work caused us headaches in the front this morning. I have had plenty of suggestions on how to make it work more efficiently. Just some items about which you may not be aware: Dawson parents with only a DMS student are asked to use the rear of DMS for drop-off and pick-up (more and more are using the front which clogs the traffic in front of DMS). The walk in front if Dawson is Dawson's. I don't have the manpower to man their walk and keep folks moving. On a rainy day, I don't make kids wait for a group before crossing as they would be soaked. And, the longest I observed anyone waiting was six minutes.

I appreciate your patience in the front and would ask that you not cut in front of folks who are following the published directions.

Technology's great....when it works.

2012-01-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, we have been experiencing problems with our e-mail system. It has been a district-wide problem. Should you not receive an answer to an e-mail message you may have sent to the school, please call us to verify that we have received your message. Most communication has been sent...eventually. My compliments to the technology department for their efforts.

In other news, we have a band concert in the Dawson gym tonight and our fifth graders are invited to attend. It is important for them as they begin the process of deciding whether to 'give band a shot' next year. It is really the first elective that they'll be choosing the next few years as they begin the secondary schooling experience.

Various News Items

2011-10-31T14:33:00.000-07:00

It is surprising how the semester is flying by as we head to the Thanksgiving Holiday! Here are a few items missed:

Hooray! Eubanks Intermediate received notification that we have earned recognition as a "Higher Performing School" by the National Council of Educational Achievement (NCEA)! What an honor for our kids, our faculty/staff, and for our parents.

Shave or not shave ~ the votes are in. The students voted $354.27 to $354.09 for Mr. Terry to "not shave" his goatee. So it will stay at least through the 2011. I had fun and judging from the many questions from the kids, they did, too. It was certainly cute to hear kids ask me, "Does Mrs. Terry like it?"

Boys Book Club ~ Today we held our first Boys Book Club in the library. I did a book talk on Shoeless Joe and Me by Dan Gutman. We had a number of boys who'll be giving their own book talks that will include mysteries, war, fantasy, sports, and more. Hopefully, our club will grow.

Finally, another thank you to our students who represent their classes by being members of the Eubanks Student Council!

Crazy Hats and Go Rangers!

2011-10-13T11:13:00.001-07:00

Students had a great time with our Crazy Hat Day during our Carroll Education Foundation Week. Students dressed up each day which had a specific theme. The students also collected coins all week to support CEF. Our students collected about $700.00, although we haven't completed the tallies. The CEF has helped Eubanks out on numerous occasions as our teachers have consistently garnered instructional funds through the Foundation. Pictured here are some of our 'crazy-hatted' students.

Yesterday, we had Rangers Day...just for fun! Eubanks students and staff members could be seen wearing their Texas Ranger gear (along with a few with Tigers, Cardinals, and Yankees jerseys). Sometimes it helps to make school fun just because....

Mix-it Up Day and Honors

2011-09-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

It was another exciting week at Eubanks Intermediate School! We started off the week with the EIS Student Council-sponsored 'Mix It Up" Day. Kids and teachers wore mixed up clothes...just for fun. Here are a few of our 'mixed up' teachers.

Last Friday evening, while working the Dragon football game (Go Dragons!) I was notified that Eubanks was named a Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) Honor Roll School for the sixth year in a row. This is an exciting achievement as more and more schools are dropping off the list. Each year the standards for inclusion have increased in difficulty while at the same time the state tests have increased in complexity.

A cadre of teachers will attend the TBEC Honor Roll Gala in Dallas this December. Kudos to the students, teachers, and parents of Eubanks for their efforts in making this a great school in which to work and to learn.

Fun times at Eubanks Intermediate

2011-09-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

The 2010 - 2011 Eubanks Student Council, under the direction of Mrs. Katie Bonnette and Mrs. Lisa Gilbert, were recently named as a NAESP National Honor Council. The current StuCo was presented their award during a StuCo meeting. Also, Mrs. Bonnette and Mrs. Gilbert received plaques recognizing their contributions to student leadership. Thanks, StuCo!

Pictured are Mrs. Lisa Gilbert, Mrs. Bonnette, and the 2011 - 2012 Eubanks Student Council Officers.

It was great to see so many Eubanks 'grads' at the Dawson Middle School Dragon Bash. Thanks to Mrs. McKeel and Mrs. Bullock for taking turns in the dunking booth. Our own PTO President, Mrs. Neda Khalilian, assisted at the dunking booth...I think she had a little too much fun watching our teachers taking dunks.

Here I am enjoying my visit with former students of Eubanks Intermediate. I was so glad to see the growth of these young Dragons!

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Eubanks Intermediate School.

2011-08-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

Wow! I doesn't seem like Eubanks Intermediate School is ten-years old, but this year we are celebrating a decade of serving students in Carroll ISD. We hope our students, current and past, have fun with us as we commemorate throughout the year.

We are also celebrating our exemplary rating from the Texas Education Agency as well as our selection as a Texas Business and Education Coalition Honor Roll School. Thanks to students, teachers, and the great Eubanks parent family!

A special pat on the back to Mrs. Janay Hunt, the Eubanks 2010 - 2011 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Hunt has given her heart to so many kids as they have passed through our school. We salute you Mrs. Hunt!

Summer Reading Winds Down

2010-08-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Hi, Eubanks Family! Students, I hope you are sticking with your summer reading. As summer comes to a close, plan on picking up a good book and have your parent take a picture of you reading. I have attached a few pictures of me reading on a couple of my travels this year.

Here I am at a trail head as Mrs. Terry and I hike near Monterey, California.

Here I am relaxing with a good read on the beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. It was a very nice place to read with the sound of the ocean in the background.

While in Washington, D.C. I decided to read with the statue of Einstein! If you are ever in Washington, be sure and go to this monument as you can crawl on it or even sit in his hand!

I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

PS We are not in the school building at this time as the district isn't finished running technology wiring throughout the school.

A Few End-of-Year Notes

2010-06-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

The last week of school was full of activity. From sixth grade graduation to fifth grade awards to the annual 'Ketchup War,' it was an active time around Eubanks Intermediate.

Congratulations to all of our students for a year of outstanding effort. I was certainly proud of all of the Eubanks students as they were recognized by their teachers. Thanks to our teachers for assisting me in selecting our Principal's Award winners (pictured above). The winners are chosen based on their character, effort, and leadership.

Our Marie Eubanks Award went to Peyton Mock while our Cleburne Eubanks Award went to Brooks Ragsdale (pictured right). This award is a collaborative decision among all sixth grade teachers, Encore teachers, and the principal. The award recognizes academic achievement, character, and leadership. These students consistently demonstrate the principles of FISH! (Be There, Choose Your Attitude, Make Someone's Day, and Play).

Our fifth graders ended their year with a ketchup war honoring all veteran's and current armed forces members who have protected, and continue to protect, our freedom. The students followed up the ketchup battle with a discussion of the sacrifice made by members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Thank you parents for a wonderful year!

Happenings at Eubanks....

2010-05-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

Wow! As school is winding down the students and staff at Eubanks are busy with completing the 5th & 6th grade curriculum, taking field trips, finishing up projects, and participating in community events. It's a very frenetic time of year.

Our 5th graders are taking a field trip to Fossil Rim Wild Life Park in connection with the life science curriculum. This is a unique park with endangered rhinos, cheetahs, and giraffes, just to name of few of their wildlife specimens. The 6th grade just completed a trip to Six Flags Over Texas in conjunction with their physics unit. The students had to complete an assignment along with the fun.

Many of our teachers and students participated in the Relay for Life in conjunction with Rachel's Challenge, which has been an integral part of our school this year. I was so happy to see so many of our students at this worthy event. Take a look at some of our teams!

2010-04-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

I was proud to attend an event on Wednesday where four of our Eubanks Teachers were honored at a Teacher Appreciation Event. The teachers were recommended by students, both current and past. Each of the students chose their honoree based on the positive impact his or her teacher had on them as they were in class.

The teachers honored this year were: Mrs. Jan Holland, 5th grade Social Studies (and the 2009 - 2010 Eubanks Teacher of the Year); Mrs. Cindi Arnold, 6th grade Accelerated Math; Mrs. Janay Hunt, 5th grade Social Studies; and Mrs. Tina DeVincenzo, 5th grade Language Arts. Please take a moment to thank these deserving teachers. Also, take some time to thank teachers who have a continuing impact on our students.

2010-04-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Eubanks Band! They recently competed at The Sandy Lake Band Contest and came back with all '1' and the designation as "Best Band." Way to go, band students. The kids are a great testament to the benefits of practice and commitment. I appreciate all of the band directors and their service to our students.

Celebration of the Arts

2010-04-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

I hope you had a chance to attend the Annual Eubanks Celebration of the Arts last Friday. The Eubanks Band performed, student art work was on display, and the Puppet Club showed demonstrated their creativity. Many of our students "strutted their stuff" in the annual talent show.

Thanks to Mrs. Amick, Mrs. Von Dreau, Mr. Guerrero (and his band team), our PTO volunteers, and our many teachers who helped pull off this event. Most of all, thanks to all of the students who performed and those who displayed the FISH Philosophy tenet of "Being There" for classmates.

Students At Work

2010-04-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Take a moment some time to drop by the rear of the building to check out a project involving Mrs. Sparks' class and Mrs. Amick and her students. They are painting "the world" on the concrete near the rear of the building. The students have enjoyed the project, and they've found it hard to "stay off the wet paint."

I enjoy seeing our students performing community service projects, whether at our school or to the benefit of children at other schools. Not only do our students perform numerous community service projects, they do it with a smile on their faces.

You parents have a great deal to do with our students' attitude. Thanks!

Donuts with Dad & Greek Festival

2010-02-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

There was lots of activity at Eubanks Intermediate today! We started the morning with our annual Donuts with Dads and progressed into our Greek Festival for 6th grade as a culmination to the unit on ancient Greece.

The turnout for Donuts with Dad was outstanding. I appreciate the PTO volunteers who set up the event and provided plenty of coffee, juice, milk, and donuts. Thanks for attending with your son or daughter. Our students love it when the dads take time to come to this annual event.

There were plenty of togas in 6th grade! Our students enjoy the ending of our Ancient Greece unit with this fun day of Ancient Greece activities. Thanks goes out to the teachers and volunteers who made this day possible.

Holiday Blessings...

2009-12-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

Regardless of your beliefs, as we move into the holiday season it is nice to reflect back on our year to date both professionally and personally.

Our students have spent the year learning academically and performing good deeds for others. They have learned about Rachel's Challenge and FISH! principles. They have written cards to our troops, collected sundries for families in need, presented the Southlake Fire and Police with snacks and treats, and honored our veteran's at a wonderful ceremony. All under the direction of a caring group of teachers. I am proud of our teachers and our students.

I am also very proud of Katie Terry. The Terry Thanksgiving was in San Antonio, Texas as we celebrated the graduation of Katie from Air Force Training Camp. As many of you know, she broke her ankle the third week of training and has been at Lackland AFB for seven months. After much prayer and perseverance, Katie graduated and is now at the Presidio of Monterey in language school. She is learning Arabic and is excited about the future.

Karen and I are thankful for great friends, parents, and students. We are especially grateful for our own kids Katie, Reed and Laura, and our faith.

Eubanks Named TBEC Honor Roll School

2009-11-10T18:23:00.001-08:00

I was proud to take five teachers to San Antonio, Texas to represent Eubanks Intermediate at the 2009 Texas Business and Education Coalition Honor Roll Recognition Celebration. This is our fourth year in a row to receive TBEC Honor Roll recognition. Only 254 schools in Texas received notice this year (206 elementaries, 35 middle schools, and 13 high schools)! That's out of 8,317 schools in Texas. Wow! Thanks to our students, our parents, and our faculty and staff.

Pictured are teachers Janay Hunt, Lizzie Amick, Becca Calvert, Lindsey Thomisee, and Megan Von Dreau.

Celebrations at Eubanks...

2009-11-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

We have reason to celebrate here at Eubanks Intermediate thanks to our students, parents, and teachers. Check out the photos of our students presenting thanks to the Southlake Police and Fire Departments on Maggie Lee Day. Pictured is Mrs. Hunt's class with our first responders checking out a fire truck and ambulance.
Also posted are several shots of our students and staff participating in the RES/EIS Walk for Diabetes at Rockenbaugh Elementary. Thank you to all of our learning community who came to raise money to fight diabetes!
Finally, congratulations to Julie McMurrey, Vicki Harvey, Jennifer Blazek, and Denise McCrummen for garnering grants from the Carroll Education Foundation. I'll include details in my next posting.
For now, thanks for helping make our school a great place to learn and work!

Maggie Lee Day

2009-11-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

Wow! What an inspirational day we had on Maggie Lee Day as students throughout our school did something kind for others. Some acted as a group as Mrs. Hunt's class gave treats to Southlake Police Officers and Firefighters. Others acted on their own as they gave small gifts or notes to others. I was flattered and cheered when I received a few thank you notes from students and even a couple of cookies.

Give your student a pat on the back as they are working on making our school a better place to learn.

2009-10-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

Congratulations on the completion of the first six weeks of the 2009-2010 school year! It is amazing how fast the school term seems to fly.

Our students have just completed their "Way to Go" cards as they have been working to earn a chance to attend kickball games. This is a completion of our first six weeks of FISH! and Rachel's Challenge. Ask your student about the principles of FISH and Rachel's Challenge. Unfortunately, the weather has caused us to reschedule the games for next week. The date will be determined.

The next couple of weeks will be exciting for our students as the homecoming game is Friday, October 9 and the Pink Out game is Friday, October 16. Our students love these community activities. Please note that the stadium is not a good place to 'drop off' your student.

Thanks to our Eubanks PTO as they work to support our students. I appreciate their unselfish efforts on our behalf. Be sure and join as it is never too late to become a member of your PTO.

2009-09-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your attendance at the Eubanks Curriculum Night last Thursday. I appreciate your attention to the educational program at our school and for your support of your student. The teachers have been very complimentary of your willingness to help them and your student. Working together will make this a great year for your child.

We are currently writing a grant for an outdoor classroom for Eubanks. We are looking for folks who have expertise in, or contacts for, a large concrete slab, obtaining pave stones, constructing steel awning, or obtaining xeriscape plants. This is a large project that will take some talent to complete. If you can help or give us leads, please call me at 817-949-5200.

Thanks for the opportunity to serve your student.

News of the day...

2009-09-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you for attending our curriculum night on Thursday! We appreciate your support of students and teachers.

Students will be bringing home information regarding clubs and organizations. Please help them as they choose what activity in which they will participate. Our students have a tendency to overload themselves by signing up for too many activities.

Ask your student about Rachel's Challenge and FISH!

Eubanks is honored...

2009-09-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

It is time to celebrate the work of our faculty, students, and learning community. For the fourth consecutive year, Eubanks Intermediate has been named a Texas Education and Business Coalition (TBEC) Honor Roll School. In fact, of the intermediate schools and/or sixth grade schools on the list, our school has the second-highest composite score in the state! What a great testament to the students, faculty, parents...in fact, the entire Eubanks learning community. A contingent of teachers will attend the awards ceremony in November to laud our students and staff.

Last year, we were honored as a Just for the Kids Higher Performing School in Texas based on our performance in Mathematics and Reading. We were selected based on analyses conducted by the National Center for Educational Achievement.

Kudos to our feeder schools for sending well-prepared students to Eubanks. Please thank the principals and staff at Rockenbaugh, Old Union, and Carroll for their work with our students.

Thank you for your continued assistance in making our school a great place to learn.

Great First Day of School

2009-08-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Wow! We have a great group of students. I am very impressed with our students and how they helped us start our school year off in a wonderful manner.

Thanks for helping us out as you drop off your student before school and pick up him or her in the afternoon. Please do not park in the drive-through lanes. Please do not park next to the curb if you need to enter the building before or after school. If you have an appointment before or after school, please park in the lot. We especially need you to avoid the rear of the building as the bus drop off/pick up lanes do not need cars mixed with the bus traffic. We all need to work together for the safety of our students.

As to another safety issue, when you visit the school, please enter the front door and report to the office and sign in. Please do not try to enter from any other door. Again, the safety of our students takes a team effort.

Students should look forward to the opening of clubs and organizations in the next few weeks.

Thanks for allowing us the privilege of working with you and your student.

Enjoy your kids!

2009-08-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

When you hear folks say, "Enjoy your kids. They will be gone in the blink of an eye." believe them. My own children are aged 26, 23, and 20. All will be out of the house this year as my youngest will be at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. That means my oldest, Katie, is in Air Force Training in San Antonio, my son, Reed, is a senior at Texas State, and Laura is a sophomore at Texas State. It truly seems like yesterday that Karen and my days were full of homework, "friend drama", hockey practice, band concerts, and the busy-ness of life. Take a moment everyday to savor the precious moments with your kids as you help prepare them for leaving your nest.

I will miss my first "Meet the Teacher" day as Karen and I will be taking my daughter off to school on Friday. I apologize for my absence.

I look forward to working with you and your student(s) this year!

Dragons Get Real! Live. Learn. Lead.

2009-08-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings and welcome to a new school year! I am anxious to begin the school year with our returning students and families, those who will be joining us from Carroll, Old Union, and Rockenbaugh, as well as those who are coming from outside the district.

This year, the district has as its theme: Dragons Get Real! Live. Learn. Lead. What a great way to begin the year! Our students are leaders in community service, they live healthy lifestyles, and everyday is a chance to learn here at Eubanks. Being a School of FISH! and active in Rachel's Challenge, the district's theme for the year fits very well into the vision our learning community has for our school.

Look for our many clubs and organizations in which students can become involved. We have opportunities for kids from Student Council to Ambassadors to Running Club to Robotics. The faculty and staff want our students to learn at their highest potential while having fun.

I look forward to working with all of the families here at Eubanks! Check back for regular postings to the Principal's Blog.