The Richardson Independent School District (RISD) is a public school district that serves more than 38,000 students in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The district is known for its academic excellence, diversity, and innovation. In this article, we will highlight some of the recent achievements and initiatives of RISD that showcase its commitment to providing quality education for all students.
RISD Students Shine in National Merit Scholarship Program
Ten seniors from RISD have been named National Merit Semifinalists, a prestigious recognition that places them among the top 1% of all seniors across the country. These students are competing for nearly $28 million in scholarships that will be awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in 2024.
The semifinalists are:
- Aarav Patel from Berkner High School
- Abigail Lee from Pearce High School
- Aditi Jain from Richardson High School
- Ananya Jain from Richardson High School
- Anjali Patel from Berkner High School
- Arnav Gupta from Pearce High School
- Evan Li from Richardson High School
- Neha Nair from Pearce High School
- Riya Patel from Berkner High School
- Sofia Zhang from Richardson High School
These students have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership skills, and involvement in school and community activities. They will continue to compete for the finalist status and the scholarships by submitting detailed applications, taking standardized tests, and receiving endorsements from their schools.
RISD Focuses on Mental Health Awareness and Prevention
September is Attendance Awareness Month, a national campaign that emphasizes the importance of regular school attendance for student success. RISD recognizes that attendance is not only affected by physical health, but also by mental health. Therefore, the district has launched a series of initiatives to promote mental health awareness and prevention among students, staff, and families.
One of these initiatives is the Live Wise, Live Healthy program, which provides monthly resources and activities on various topics related to mental health and wellness. The theme for September is Together for Mental Health, which aims to foster a culture of support and empathy within the RISD community. On September 20, RISD hosted a suicide prevention awareness workshop at Berkner High School, where experts shared information and strategies on how to identify and help someone who may be at risk of suicide.
Another initiative is the Lead Well Student Summit, which is a leadership development program for selected students who have been identified by campus administrators as positive ambassadors. The summit provides these students with opportunities to learn from mentors, network with peers, and participate in service projects. The summit also focuses on developing social-emotional skills and resilience among the students.
RISD Partners with Community Organizations to Support Families in Need
RISD is committed to serving not only its students, but also its families and communities. The district has partnered with various community organizations to provide resources and assistance to families who may be facing challenges due to the pandemic, economic hardship, or other circumstances.
One of these partnerships is with Network of Community Ministries, a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothing, shelter, health care, and other services to low-income residents in the RISD area. Network operates a Mobile Food Market program, which delivers fresh produce and groceries to different locations every week. The mobile food market stops at Memorial Park on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., where RISD families can receive free food items.
Another partnership is with Project ChildSafe, a national program that promotes firearm safety and education. Project ChildSafe provides free gun locks and safety kits to gun owners who want to store their firearms securely and prevent accidental or unauthorized access. RISD has distributed these kits to its families through its schools and community events.
RISD Prepares for Bond 2021 Election
On May 1, 2024, RISD will be holding an election that will impact its students, teachers, and schools. Bond 2021 is a proposal that would provide funding for construction, facilities, and equipment projects that would enhance the learning environment and address the needs of the growing student population. The bond proposal would not increase the tax rate for RISD residents.
Some of the projects included in Bond 2021 are:
- Building a new elementary school in Lake Highlands
- Renovating and expanding existing schools
- Upgrading technology infrastructure and devices
- Improving safety and security systems
- Adding fine arts and athletic facilities
- Replacing aging buses and vehicles
RISD has created a website where voters can learn more about Bond 2021, including the project list, cost breakdown, tax impact, voting information, and frequently asked questions. The website also features videos and testimonials from students, staff, parents, and community members who share why they love RISD and support Bond 2021.
RISD is a district that strives to provide the best education for its students and the best service for its families and communities. The district is proud of its achievements and innovations, and looks forward to continuing its mission of excellence in learning and teaching.
