This Week at Pearce - April 28 - May 4

DATE	EVENT/ACTIVITY
Mon Apr 28	Athletic Booster Club Mtg., 7:00 pm, Corral
Tues Apr 29	Sophomores- Math TAKS, 9-12:30, Others - Late Arrival
Wed Apr 30	Juniors - Math TAKS, 9-12:30, Others - Late Arrival
Thurs May 1	Freshmen - Math TAKS, Soph & Jr. Science TAKS 9-12:30, Seniors - Late Arrival Orchestra Parent Mtg., 7:30 pm, Orchestra Rm
Fri May 2	Senior Breakfast, Brentfield Elementary, 7:00 am, Brentfield cafeteria Soph. & Jrs. - Social Studies TAKS, 9:00 - 12:30, Fresh & Srs - Late Arrival Band Banquet, 6:30 pm, Renaissance Hotel
Sat May 3	Cottonwood Art Festival Stampede Tryouts, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Corral Parallel Lives, 7:30 pm, Black Box Theater

2007-2008 RISD CALENDAR Click here

RISD LISTSERVE "SCHOOL TIMES NOW!" Subscribe here

taks testing this week

Spring TAKS SCHEDULE- April 29 - May 2

April 29

8:55 Bell

9:00 Bell (no other bells until 1:00)

10th MATH TAKS 9:00 – 12:30 (no 12:30 bell)

Lunch in Classrooms 12:30 – 1:00

(9th, 11th, 12th Late Arrival)

BELL 1:00

1st period 1:05 – 1:55

2nd period 2:00 – 2:40

3rd period 2:45 – 3:25

4th period 3:30 – 4:10

April 30

8:55 Bell

9:00 Bell (no other bells until 1 pm)

11th MATH TAKS 9:00 – 12:30 (no 12:30 bell)

Lunch in Classrooms 12:30 – 1:00

(9th, 10th,12th Late Arrival)

BELL 1:00

2nd period 1:05 – 1:55

5th period 2:00 – 2:40

6th period 2:45 – 3:25

7th period 3:30 – 4:10

May 1

8:55 Bell

9:00 Bell (no other bells until 12:40)

9th Math TAKS, 10th and 11th SCIENCE TAKS 9:00 – 12:10 (no 12:10 bell)

Lunch in classrooms 12:10 – 12:40

(12th Late Arrival)

BELL 12:40

1st period 12:45 – 1:30 (should have a 12:40 bell)

2nd period 1:35 – 2:20

3rd period 2:25 – 3:15

4th period 3:20 – 4:10

May 2

8:55 Bell

9:00 Bell ( no other bells until 12:40)

10th and 11th SOCIAL STUDIES TAKS 9:00 – 12:10 (no 12:10 bell)

Lunch in Classrooms 12:10 – 12:40

(9th, 12th Late Arrival)

BELL 12:40

2nd period 12:45 – 1:30 (should have a 12:40 bell)

5th period 1:35 – 2:20

6th period 2:25 – 3:15

7th period 3:20 – 4:10

Parents - remind your students to bring a sack lunch, two sharpened number 2 pencils and a book to read if they finish the test early. Students have to stay for the entire time of the test and are not allowed to leave early.

SAT and aCT Tests

When should you take the college entrance exam tests? Here's a Washington Post article that addresses this question.

Click http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html to register online and/or access more information.
Click http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/calenfees2.html to access 2007-08 testing dates and registration deadlines, testing locations, and information about services for students with disabilities.

TEST DATE	TYPE OF TEST OFFERED	REGISTRATION DEADLINE	LATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE (Late fee assessed)
May 3, 2008	SAT and Subject Tests	April 1, 2008	April 10, 2008
June 7, 2008	SAT and Subject Tests	May 6, 2008	May 15, 2008

Some universities require ACT assessments. Click http://www.actstudent.org/index.html to register for the ACT and/or more information.
Click http://www.actstudent.org/regist/nextdates.html to access 2007-08 testing dates and registration deadlines, testing locations, and information about services for students with disabilities.

ACT TEST DATE

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

LATE REGISTRATION PERIOD
(Late fee assessed)

June 14, 2008

May 9, 2008

May 10-23, 2008

Pearce Excellence in Education Fund - faculty wish list

Recently the J.J. Pearce faculty submitted their wishlist items for this year to the Excellence in Education Fund Board. Attached is a copy of the wishlist. If you are interested in purchasing a specific wishlist item or a portion thereof, please do so by mailing a check to JJ Pearce High School, 1600 N. Coit Rd, Richardson, TX 75080 - Attention: PEEF, and include a note that references the teacher and wishlist item you are purchasing. Please email Judy Baker if you are interested in purchasing an item or you have questions.

risd parent survey

You should have received a RISD Parent Survey in the mail. Please take the time to fill out this survey to assist us in planning for 2008-2009. Return completed surveys by May 15. Click Here if you need another copy. Surveys are anonymous; however, parents should write the name of the school at the top of the survey. We are asking parents to complete one survey for each child enrolled in RISD. Survey results will be used to help develop plans for next year.

community service fair

The National Honor Society announces the first annual Community Service Fair to be held on the morning of Wednesday, May 28 for all grade levels. The purpose of this event is to encourage Pearce students to pursue volunteer opportunities in the community. We will be hosting numerous representatives from various community organizations. Students will visit booths to learn about each group’s volunteer needs for the summer and beyond. Don't miss your chance to find out ways to serve your community! More details to follow.

Any suggestions for potential community organizations to invite or a speaker who can inspire and motivate our students to volunteer can be sent to ed.skolnick@gmail.com.

Attention Seniors who are planning to attend college in the fall:

A copy of your Final Transcript must be sent to the college you plan to attend next fall. If one is not on file at the college, the college will block your registration for spring classes. The yellow, final transcript request form is in the counseling office. Each transcript is $2.00 paid at the time of the request in order for the transcript to be mailed after school is out. You also need to bring a stamped-addressed envelope with the transcript request form.

Parents - Be sure to check out the Senior Page in this newsletter for more Senior Information.

nhs officer applications available

Attention National Honor Society Junior Members: It is time to elect new officers for NHS for next year. Applications will be available the week of May 5-9. Due to the time of year, please pay close attention to the time frame for the elections. All details for the election process will be in the officer packet. So, come by Room A209 and see Mrs. Lewis if you would like to pick up an application packet---May 5-9 in Room A209 for NHS Officer information!!

Fine arts at JJ Pearce ( Band, Choir, Orchestra, theater)

quick links - Pearce Band Pearce Choir Pearce Orchestra Pearce Theater

mighty mustang band and colorguard news

J. J. PEARCE BANDS EXCEL AT UIL CONTEST!

Congratulations to the Pearce Bands for their terrific performances at the UIL Concert and Sight-reading Competition on April 15th. The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Bands earned top honors or Sweepstakes by receiving 1’s (Superior) ratings in Concert and Sight-reading from all of the judges. The Concert Band had an outstanding performance as well and earned Excellent ratings (or 2's) in both Concert and Sight-reading.

PEARCE BANDS PERFORM AT THE MEYERSON SYMPHONY CENTER MAY 7

The Bands will perform their annual Spring Concert at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 7th at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. This concert is a must see for music lovers and followers of these wonderful bands. Make your plans to come show your support for our talented musicians! Ticket prices range from $8.00 to $25.00 and can be purchased at the door. The Meyerson is located in downtown Dallas at 2301 Flora Street.

PEARCE JAZZ BAND TAKES 2nd PLACE AT TCU JAZZ FESTIVAL!

Kudos to the Pearce Jazz Band and their new conductor Steve Lisko. They earned 2nd place at the TCU Jazz Festival held on Saturday, March 29th. The Jazz Band will perform their Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 13th at 7:00 p.m. in the Pearce Auditorium. Be sure to come listen to this outstanding group of musicians.

Join the Colorguard!

Auditions are open to any student coming to Pearce High School for the '08-'09 school year. Those interested in trying out should attend the Colorguard Clinics on May 20th and 21st from 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm in the Pearce Band Hall. Tryouts will be held May 22nd at 5:00 pm. For any questions contact sponsor Renee Cantrell.

choir news

What’s perkin’ in Forte’? It’s PERCOLATION. A coffee-house concert full of java, jazz, and a whole lot of fun music. Join us on May 5 at 7:30PM in the Corral for a relaxing concert as Forte’ 07-08 gives us the full measure of their vocals for one last time. Only $ 5 at the door!

Choir invites the Pearce community to come out for a great night of Mexican food at Don Pepe’s on Arapaho just west of Coit on May 1. Eat between 5 and 9 pm and drop your receipt in the bowl by the door and help us earn funds for our vocal scholarships. It’s a win, win situation and it is delicious.

orchestra news

Please note the information in last week's newsletter was incorrect. The Orchestra Banquet is May 23rd 7pm - 11 pm at Canyon Creek Country Club.

There will be a very important parent meeting about the upcoming orchestra trip on May 1st in the Orchestra Hall at 7:30 pm.

parallel lives one night only!

Parallel Lives an all female comedy by Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney will round out the PHS' Theatre season. With TAKS testing and all of the other end of school activities and awards ceremonies coming up, these funny theatre ladies will be showing their talent ONE NIGHT ONLY! There will be a performance on Saturday May 3rd @ 7:30pm for $5! Come and enjoy these witty and comedic scenes that showcase all aspects of womanhood! With vignettes that showcase little girls, to teenagers, to dating, to old ladies, and finally funerals we'll make you laugh out loud and maybe even tear up a little! Hope to see you all there! The cast includes: Avery Hurst, Christin Felts, Sara Saco-Vertiz, Brittany Jones, Samantha Wilkerson, Kathy Kasrai, Anna Dirkx, Erin Yamada, Anna Dietrichson, and Ashkhen Martirosyan. The show is rated PG for some adult situations.

athletics at jj pearce

(basketball, baseball, cross country, football, golf,

gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis,

track and field, Volleyball, wrestling)

quick links - Athletic Booster Club Boy's Basketball Girl's Basketball Baseball Football Girl's Golf Gymnastics Softball Girl's Soccer Tennis Volleyball Wrestling

Note - for sports not listed with a quick link - visit the pearce web site and click on athletic department. schedules can be found on the web site.

tennis news

2008 - 2009 Tryout Information

If you are considering signing up for Pearce tennis next year, please consider the following information: While Pearce tennis is considered a class on your schedule - it is not an actual "Beginners or Intermediate Lessons" type of class. It is basically two teams, Junior Varsity and Varsity, who play competitive matches in the region. Junior Varsity is made up of mostly experienced players on or around the Zat level. Varsity is made up of USTA qualified players for both Champs and Super Champs. If you believe that your are qualified for our program, then come to the tryouts on May 12th, 12th, 14th and 15th at the Pearce Tennis courts from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm. Bring your own towel and water. Questions? Contact pearcetennis@yahoo.com. Please check our website often for information regarding meetings and tournaments: www.pearcetennis.com. Most of our information is distributed via email, so please make sure we have a current email address for you.

Head coach: Jim Morrison, cell 214-202-0913, school 469-593-1678, email jim.morrison@risd.org and Assistant Coach: Sammi Gunter, sammi.gunter@risd.org. Team Rep: Wendy Stulmaker, 214-727-9666, 972-380-4043, email pearcetennis@yahoo.com

student news and other organizations

(Cheerleading, pacesetters drill team,

stampede, student council, wranglers, etc.)

quick links - Cheerleaders Pacesetters Stampede Yearbook Home Page

Note - for ORGANIZATIONS not listed with a quick link - visit the pearce web site and click on CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

PEARCE MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS Check here

Senior Prom is almost here!

Date: Saturday, May 10

Place: Renaissance Richardson Hotel

900 East Lookout Drive

(across from the Eisemann Center)

972.367.2000

Symphony Grand Ballroom

Parking: $4 cash only and is located directly across from the hotel - You must enter at the Conference Center entrance

directly across from the parking garage

Hours: 9:00pm to 1:00am, but you must arrive before 10:30pm because no one will be admitted after that time

Menu: heavy on desserts; but several hors d’oeuvres

Points to remember:

· Once you leave the ballroom area, you cannot come back in (so going to car or exiting the building not allowed

unless you are leaving)

· All elements of the Student Code of Conduct apply at this school-sponsored function

graduation caps and gowns arrive this week!

Seniors & Parents: Balfour will be here on Friday, May 2 (the last late entry day for seniors because of TAKS) at 11:30am in the Corral to distribute caps and gowns and sell honor stoles and cords. Seniors should plan to arrive earlier than the scheduled late entry time of 12:45 on that day to have time for the pick up. All seniors should enter from Senior Way since they cannot be in any other part of the building during the testing

Have You Ordered Your Yearbook?

Time is running out to order your 2008 yearbook! Don’t be left out - order yours today. The deadline is May 9. After May 9 you will have to wait to see if we have extra books that you can purchase at a higher price. You can download the order form at Yearbook Central (click the link to the right on the Pearce home page, www.risd.org/schools/phs). A list of student who have already ordered yearbooks (as of April 10) can also be found at Yearbook Central (follow the Name/Portrait Verification link).

mustang stampede news

The 2007-2008 Mustang Stampede would like to extend THANKS AS BIG AS TEXAS to the entire Pearce community--students, parents, teachers, administrators, friends and family--for all of your support during our first year! New team tryouts are this week and we wish a bootful of luck to all during the following important events:

Monday, April 28--Mock Tryouts, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Corral

Saturday, May 3--New Team Tryouts, 1:00-4:00 p.m., Corral

Important Due Dates for prospective 08-09 Mustang Stampede team members:

April 28, Monday, 5:00--Teacher Recommendation Forms due from teachers in Ms. Vanderslice or Coach Anthony's boxes

Visit our website, www.ourgroupsonline.com/phsmustangstampede, to watch Mustang Stampede in their first "Dance Off" last Saturday with the Berkner Ramblers and the Lake Highlands Wranglers!

School Picture Dates 2008-2009

For School ID Badges and Yearbook Portraits

For next year's Seniors:

Senior portraits will be made by Don Painter Photography during the summer at special sessions at the school as well as at their studio. You will receive additional information from Pearce High School as well as from Don Painter Photography about senior portraits.

Summer Sessions for seniors at Pearce:

June 23

June 24

July 25

August 6

(All summer sessions begin at 9 a.m.)

School-day Session for seniors at Pearce:

August 28

For Underclassmen:

All underclassmen will have their portraits made for ID badges and the yearbook on August 26

Make-up/Retake Session

The last opportunity for seniors and underclassmen to have their portraits made or retaken will be on October 7

PEARCE PTA News

quick links - PTA MEMBERSHIP & DIRECTORY FORM Click here

VOLUNTEER HOURS Submit here

Pearce PTA RISD Council of PTAs Area 15 PTA Texas PTA National PTA PTA Newsletter

from our pta president

Many thanks to Kimberly Kimmell, Renee Stone and Diane Fleschler for a fabulous award ceremony. It was very special and we had many well deserved parents and staff receiving awards. The following recipients are:

Golden Mum Recipients

Michelle Gililland

Vicki Barrett

Golden Apple Recipients

Kathy Cook

Vicki Barrett

Life Membership Recipients

Michele Gililland

Pam DeVoll

Cindy Watkins

Kathy Bertrand

Jennifer Hurst

Bursting with Pearce Pride Recipients

Greg Hames

Connie Simmons

Judy Boone

Karen McCleskey

“We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
And what a life you have made! Thank you for everything you have done for Pearce. Congratulations! DeDe Leask

JJ Pearce PTA wins Platinum Award for Recording 34,792.25 Volunteer Hours January - December 2007!

Thank you to all of our wonderful parents, staff, and students who volunteered on behalf of our school, our district and all of our students. You helped the JJ Pearce PTA earn the TOP RISD Volunteer Services Award. The Platinum award is given for volunteer hours that equal at least ten times a school’s enrollment. With Pearce enrollment at 1,974 students, JJ Pearce recorded more than 17 times our school’s enrollment!

Congratulations to Vicki Barrett and Kathy Cook for receiving the PTA’s Golden Apple Awards for their outstanding volunteer contributions to our school.

And, Congratulations also to Vicki Barrett and Michelle Gililland for receiving Golden Mum Awards for their work to make the Mum Store the amazing success it was during Homecoming 2007.

RECORD YOUR APRIL VOLUNTEER HOURS NOW so that our school can continue to get the recognition it deserves!

Renee Stone renee88@swbell.net 972-735-0758

Diane Fleschler dfleschler@swbell.net 972-931-3090

community news

quick links -

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

Richardson Neighbors Press releases should be emailed (preferably as Microsoft Word files) to richneighbors@dallasnews.com (news briefs) or mmacesich@dallasnews.com (stories and ideas)

Guidelines here.

senior breakfasts scheduled

Arapaho elementary and Classical Magnet
Senior breakfast for alumni of Arapaho Elementary and Classical Magnet Elementary will be Friday, May 23 at 7:45 a.m. at Arapaho Classical Magnet.

bowie elementary

The Bowie Mustang Senior 2008 Breakfast will be held Friday, May 16th at 7:30 am. All 2008 Seniors who attended Bowie Elementary are invited! Please enter through the front office door at Bowie. Questions? Email Marilyn Hall or call her at 972-818-3379.

Brentfield Elementary

Attention former Bobcats and families! The 19th Annual Bobcat Breakfast, honoring 2008 Seniors who attended Brentfield Elementary, will be held on Friday, May 2 at 7 am in the Brentfield Intermediate Cafeteria. For more information about this special event, contact Heather Wills at 972-735-8007.

Hamilton park elementary

Attention HPPM sixth grade class of 2002. There will be a Senior Reunion Breakfast, May 23 from 7:45 am - 9:00 am. Please email your current address to: tiannarotello@msn.com

mst elementary

Attention Math Science Technology Magnet School SENIORS OF 2008. We are trying to gather information for all of the graduating seniors that attended MST. If you know of MST 2008 seniors that are not at RHS please have them send their information as well. The Senior Reunion Breakfast will be May 21st from 7:30 am - 8:45 am at MST - 450 Abrams Rd. Please email your current address to Susan McCall.

Prestonwood elementary

Senior Breakfast for Prestonwood Elementary will be Thursday, May 22nd from 7:30 am - 8:30 am in the Prestonwood Atrium. Come visit with old classmates and teachers. Reminisce about old times, your accomplishments, and share your future plans. You and your parents are invited to attend the annual breakfast.

Please contact Amy Lancaster at Amy.Lancaster@RISD.org by May 9th.

attention Prairie creek seniors

A party for the Senior Class members of the Class of 2008 who attended Prairie Creek Elementary. The party will be held on Pebblebrook Circle on MONDAY, May 26, starting at 5:00 PM. The cost will be $10.00 per person, payable in advance with your RSVP. Invitations via email will be coming out soon with more details, so please be on the lookout for yours. If you'd like to be included on the distribution, please email Gail Green at dogtiredintexas@tx.rr.com. We are looking forward to having a great party, lots of reminisces, and plenty of photo-ops. Please come join us!

City of richardson events not to be missed!

May 3 & 4, Cottonwood Arts Festival, Visit www.cottonwoodartsfestival.com for more information.

May 16, 17 & 18, Wildflower Festival, Visit www.wildflowerfestival.com for more information.

risd students invited to attend the Dallas Teen Job Fair
All RISD teens are invited to attend the Dallas Teen Job Fair. It will be held on Saturday, May 17th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Lake Highlands North Recreation Center located at 9940 White Rock Trail in Dallas (across from Lake Highlands High school). A workshop will be presented in the morning to teach teens interviewing skills and they will then be able to network with area businesses at the afternoon job fair. The job fair is sponsored by members of the Lake Highlands’ community, the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands, local school districts and area businesses.

keep our teens journeys safe

As the streets around Richardson fill with teen drivers especially during prom, graduation, and banquet season and the upcoming summer break, the presentation at the link below is a good reminder of how to keep our teens safe on the roads. Please watch this with your child. www.journeysafe.com.

Erickson / Highlands Springs now hiring for summer
We are interested in partnering with local schools to staff our dining services department with positive, intelligent, and energetic students. We offer employment to students between the ages of 14 and 18 years of age. Our students generally work 3 days per week and the shifts are from 4:00pm-7:00pm for the 14 & 15 year olds and 4:00pm- 8:30 pm for students 16 and over. This part-time job affords your students the ability to earn an income, and an opportunity to receive up to $4000 from our scholarship fund. We also offer a flexible schedule, competitive wages, advancement opportunities and a safe and secure working environment. (See flier for additional benefits)

Our mission at Highland Springs is to share our gifts to create a community that celebrates life. The dynamics that we have created between our students and residents is one way we help our residents to realize our mission. We hire everyone here based on Erickson’s values which I have included for you to review.

Erickson is now now hiring for wait staff students and the position pays $6.75 an hour and utility workers which pays $7.50 an hour. at Highlands Springs at Coit/190. See job descriptions below. We will continue to accept applications all year round due to the ongoing expansion of our community. Erickson builds the community on demand, but by the time we have a total build out we estimate a need for a minimum of 200 students to fully staff the facility.

Student Benefits Include:

Competitive Wages
Flexible Schedules- We will do our best to accommodate requested days off as long as prior notice is given.
Referral Bonuses- Refer a friend and receive extra money.
Incentive Programs: Employee of the Quarter and Year, Perfect Attendance Awards, Dining Dollars, etc.
Team Outings- Events given quarterly to motivate and reward students- Bowling, Skating, Laser Tag, Movie Nights, Theme Parks etc.
Double pay for the following WORKED holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Free Shift meals- Provided by the dining services department each day the student is scheduled to work.
Scholarship Program- To be eligible, students will need to work a total of 500 hrs in their junior year and 500 hrs in their senior year. This entitles the student to up to $4,000 in Scholarship money.
Advancement Opportunities- Grow as we grow!

Application for Employment
Angela Landry, Staff Development Manager, alandry@erickson.com, 469-643-2000 ext. 229

Coming UP

(NOTE - SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

DATE	EVENT/ACTIVITY
Sun May 4	Cottonwood Art Festival
Mon May 5	Forte Concert - Percolation, 7:30 pm, Corral
Tues May 6	PTA Joint Board Installation, 7:00 pm, Library
Wed May 7	Band Concert, 7:00 pm, Myerson Symphony Center
Sat May 10	Senior Prom, Renaissance Hotel
Sun May 11	Mother's Day
Mon May 12	Cappies Awards
Tues May 13	Jazz Band Concert, 7:00 pm, Auditorium 2008-2009 Stampede Booster Club Mtg., 7:00 pm, Corral
Wed May 14	Orchestra Concert, 7:30 pm, Auditorium
Fri May 16	Senior Breakfast, Bowie Elementary, 7:30 am, Bowie Elementary Wildflower Festival
Sat May 17	Wildflower Festival Teen Job Fair, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Lake Highlands North Rec center
Sun May 18	Wildflower Festival
Tues May 20	Senior Awards, 7:00 pm, Auditorium
Wed May 21	Senior Breakfast, MST Elementary, 7:30 am, MST - new location - 450 Abrams Rd.
Thurs May 22	Senior Breakfast, Prestonwood Elementary, 7:30 am, Prestonwood Atrium
Fri May 23	Senior Breakfast, Hamilton Park Elementary, 7:45 am, HPPM Senior Breakfast, Arapaho and Classical Magnet Elementary, 7:45 am, Arapaho Classical Magnet Orchestra Banquet, 7:00 pm, Canyon Creek Country Club,

additional links

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