Lewisville, Texas celebrates Intel School of Distinction Award
The Lewisville Leader newspaper recently reported on the enthusiastic DeLay Middle School celebration held September 24 to highlight the school's Intel School of Distinction award:
By Chris Roark, Staff Writer
Friday, September 26, 2008
DeLay SODA Celebration
It was a Who’s Who of Lewisville on Wednesday as community and Lewisville ISD leaders gathered to honor DeLay Middle School’s recent national award.
In June, DeLay won the 2008 Intel Schools of Distinction Award, which recognizes schools that implement innovative math and science programs and serve as role models for other schools.
DeLay was one of six schools in the country to win the award and the only one in Texas. The school won for the middle school mathematics division.
Lewisville Mayor, Gene Carey (L), and DeLay Middle School Principal, Pam Flores
Lewisville Mayor Gene Carey, Denton County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell and John and Todd DeLay, the son and grandson of the school’s namesake John K. DeLay, were among those in attendance, as well as Dr. Jerry Roy, LISD superintendent, school board members, staff and a gymnasium full of DeLay students, parents and teachers.
"This speaks to the culture of the school," Roy said of the award. "It’s about teaching students that they can. It takes work and realizing that they can. It’s all about relationships. I’m proud to have teachers who can teach the students to succeed regardless of their background."
Pam Flores (L), Brian Dietrich and Jerry Roy
DeLay was chosen for the award in part because of its progress in integrating technology to help students learn. Other factors included DeLay’s emphasis on professional development of its teachers, collaborative, student-centered environments in the classroom and instructional strategies.
John DeLay (son of JK DeLay - who DeLay Middle School was was named after) (L), Pam Flores and Todd DeLay - (JK DeLay's grandson)
DeLay began a program earlier in the school year that included cross-curriculum teaching, in which teachers of each subject coordinate with each other to provide for linear instruction. Another program was a reading initiative that brings teachers and classes together.
A summer math camp and tutorial sessions were other initiatives DeLay has taken on this past year.
One result of the initiatives has included a 30 percent increase in math performance over the last three years.
Celebration cake and SoDA check
As part of the celebration, DeLay was presented with a $10,000 grant. The school will also receive $160,000 worth of educational material.
In addition, Carey presented the school with a proclamation, and a representative from Congressman Michael Burgess’ office gave a reading of the congressional record.
There was also a short film presentation highlighting the trip made by LISD officials to Washington D.C., where the winning school of each categories were represented at an awards celebration. There, DeLay representatives shared information on their math success and met with state congressmen.
Courtney Miller (L), Stephanie Kelly, Jackie Jones, Pam Flores, Patricia Robinson
Wednesday’s celebration concluded with Killough LHS North teacher Tenia Green singing Mariah Carey’s hit song "Hero" to the school.
"This was about honoring the staff and the students for the hard work they do every day,” said Pam Flores, DeLay principal. “This was a validation of all that we do. It’s a great experience for our students who don’t always experience seeing the mayor, congressmen and the ROTC. So we wanted to treat them like royalty."
