Performances this Week:

College Showcase
A calendar of events, activities, workshops and master classes for Showcase can be found by clicking the SHOWCASE link above. All students will be involved in College Showcase at some time during the week. Activities and dates vary.

Evening of Dance
The Dance Cluster presents An Evening of Dance on Thursday, November 12; Friday, November 13; Wednesday, November 18; and, Friday November 20. Portraits, a performance of individual senior pieces will be shown on Thursday, November 19. For ticket information, click here; for a seating chart of the MAT, click here; or contact Cathy Vernon, student Activities Coordinator,
CVERNON@dallasisd.org.

Visual Arts Senior Show Reception
The third Senior Show, "Perspective 13" will hold a reception on Thurs, Nov 19 at 6:30 pm in the Hudson Gallery, BTW campus.

Students showing work are: Evan Beck, Steven Gonzalez, Ana Laura Juarex, Kasey Kauffman, Madai Esqueda, Danielle Lane, Erlson Neba, Adele Powers, Amy Seabolt, Briana Smith, Michael Thomas, Aline Trejo, and Emily Turpin.

School Picture Retakes for Yearbook
Don Painter Pictures will be in the MAT on Wednesday, December 2 from 9:15 - 2:00 pm to take pictures of any senior who did not have a picture taken last May, during the summer, or during Registration. There will be a $10. sitting fee. Tux and drape will be provided.

Students in grades 9 - 11 who did not take a picture during Registration will have an opportunity to take a picture.

School pictures were originally taken during Registration Days in August and on the retake day the first week of school. Those pictures have already been sent to the yearbook publisher to meet the deadline for class/grade pages.

Students taking a picture on December 2 will appear in a supplement to the yearbook. A single photo for the yearbook will be complimentary. Students will receive an order sheet at that time in case parents want to purchase package options.

Organization/Group Pictures Dec 1 & 2
We will no longer interrupt 2 days of school for Group/Org pictures. If Organizations/Groups want a large picture in the yearbook, they will have to plan to stay after Tues/Wed.

Students not able to stay after school because of other commitments or bus schedules will still have their names published with the picture as a member of the group.

If any group would like to submit their own picture, please be sure it is high resolution, sent to Mack by e-mail attachment or burned to CD, by Mon Dec 7 to meet Yearbook deadline.

Tuesday, December 1
MAT Stage
4:15 Dance Seniors, Weiss, Coordinator
4:25 Repertory Dance Company I, Weiss, Director
4:35 Repertory Dance Company II, James, Director
4:45 African Dance Ensemble, Lemonius, Director
4:55 Luna Sol Folklorico, Hubbard, Director
5:05 Music Seniors, Martinez, Coordinator
5:15 Wind and Percussion Ensemble, Martinez, Director
5:25 Orchestra, Martinez, Large, Directors
5:35 Chamber Strings - David Large, Director
5:45 Jazz Combo I & II, Marantz, Director
5:50 Latin American Music Ensemble, Dobrin
5:55 2501, D’Spain, Director
6:00 Opera Workshop, McPhearson, Director
6:10 R&B Ensemble, Boykin
6:15 Entertainers, D'Spain
6:20 Jazz Singers, D'Spain
Groups that already have a formal shot taken during a performance:
Meistersingers, Minnesingers, Tenor Bass Choir ,
Treble Choir, Gloria Stephens, Director

Wednesday, December 2
MAT Stage
4:15 Free Tibet - Eva Kutscheid, Sponsor (THEY BOUGHT AN AD)
4:25 Visual Arts Seniors, Tompkins, Coordinator
4:35 National Art Honor Society,  Charlotte Chambliss, Sponsor
4:45 Theatre Seniors, Cogdill, Coordinator
4:55  International Thespians, Farris, Director 
5:05 Light Brigade, Gavitt, Director 
5:15 Mime Troupe, Cogdill, Farris, Director s
5:25 Senior Directors, Farris, Director
5:35 Communications Committee, Cornell, Sponsor 
5:45 Explorer Post #13, Judah, Sponsor
5:50 LULAC:  Hernandez, Sponsor
5: 55 Student Council, Vernon, Sponsor
6:00 Senior Council, Gavitt, Elliott, Edmondson, Sponsors
6:10 National Honor Society, DeOre, Sponsor
6: 20 Mock Trial, Woods, Sponsor
6: 25 MUSE Yearbook Staff, Mack, Sponsor

Information Session for African American History Production
Vickie Washington, Theatre Faculty Consultant, will head the African American History Production this year. She will be giving an information session on Tuesday, December 1 and Wednesday December 2 from 4:30 - 5:30 pm in the Black Box Theatre. The session is the same on both days.

Students from all clusters are encouraged to attend and to also audition at a later date for the program. More details on time and location to follow.

Paul Baker, Creative Arts Director of BTWHSPVA, Memorial Service

BTW Named Grammy Signature School Finalist
The Grammy Foundation has posted the list for Grammy Signature Schools, 2010 on their website: www.GRAMMYintheSchools.com. BTW has been named a semi-finalist and is now ready to enter the next phase in the process. Supplemental materials will need to be prepared and submitted. Music faculty member, Bart Marantz, has done the initial submission of application for this honor.

TMEA Region 20 - Round 3 Results: Choir
The following Choir students will be advancing to Area Auditions on Saturday, January 9, 2010 in Waco, Texas.

Soprano 1
2nd chair Oneyda Padierna
4th chair Savannah Saxton
5th chair Mallory Ayliffe
1st Alternate Adrienne Walker
2nd Alternate Kristen Valenski

Soprano 2
5th chair Madison Christ
2nd Alternate Chloe Sturges

Alto 1
5 th chair Nicole Ayala

Alto 2
1st chair Mary Kate Kenney
3rd chair Courtney Blakely
5th chair Chloe Bonner

Tenor 1
1st chair D’Andre Horn
2nd chair Daniel Lucio
2nd Alternate Luis Navarette

Tenor 2
4th chair LaQualon Choice

Bass 1
2nd chair Joshua Bailey
4th chair Truett Davis

Bass 2
1st chair Bryson Camper
3rd chair Vincent Fleo

AP Scholars for 2009 Announced
National AP Scholar (1):
Alice Armstrong

AP Scholar With Distinction (7):
Melissa Archer
Alice Armstrong
Genna Ford
Sarah Hoffman
Mary Ramirez
Linda Tran
Michael Wharton

AP Scholar with Honor (10):
Helen Gutowski
Michael Janak
Kelsey McKinney
Henry Monfries
Anijah Moore
Spenser Murphy
Bekah Otis
Aidan Tart
Ryan Vancompernolle
Nick Zagorski

AP Scholars (43)
Steven Albitz
Devin Alsobrook
Sascha Alvarez
Daniel Armendariz
Cora Barraza
Kwanzaa Bennett
Naomi Bowen
Jeannette Brashear
Seth Camp
Jasmine Castillo
Rebecca Debutts
Annie Dingwall
MacKenzie Ferguson
Kayla Gaiennie
Joshua Goldberg
Madeleine Guy
Abigail Hankey
Olivia Harris
Sarah Hartke
Kevin Houlahan
Nathaniel Jernigan
Mary Katharine Kenney
Elvia Limon
Jessica Massey
Huy Nguyen
Elizabeth Powers
Kelah Rich
Liberty Riggs
Mikelle Rindflish
Olivia Rodriguez
Kellye Rosandich
Nicole Roth
Taylani Royston
Emily Schlenker
Meghan Seidner
Erin Sellars
Dylan Smith
Royce Strange
Jaclyn Thomas
Katherine Tiambeng
Aline Trejo
Stephanie Villalobos
Elliot Wright

All City Band Results Announced
CONGRATULATIONS to the following members of the BTWHSPVA Wind Ensemble that competed Monday night in the DMEA All-City Band auditions at Skyline High School:

Galdys Lopez (11), 1st chair Flute
Toria Troxel (9), 2nd chair Flute S
imone Melrose (10), 6th chair Flute
Irae Yoo (11), 2nd chair Clarinet

Taylor Tong (10), 14th chair Clarinet
Ariel Stevenson (11), 1st chair Bass Clarinet
Erica Cruz (9), 2nd chair Bass Clarinet
Alex Silver (10), 1st chair Alto Saxophone
Freddie Rodriguez (9), 6th chair Alto Saxophone
Alejandro Rodriguez (10) 1st chair Tenor Saxophone Bradley Ashmore (9), 5th chair Trumpet
Jordan Walker (9), 10th chair Trumpet
Uriel Chavez (9), 9th chair Trombone
Juan Alonzo (10), 1st chair Tuba
Erica Taylor (10), 1st chair Percussion
Forrest Gray (9), 3rd chair Percussion
Ray Taylor (9), 8th chair Percussion

Notes From the Principal

Parking: We are working with Platinum Parking to secure a permit and contract for them to use our parking lot during non-school events as a way for us to raise money for the school. We will share the details as they are finalized. The time frame to have the parking and construction completed is by January 4th. Watch for the new and updated parking plans in December.

As well as using the crosswalks at all times throughout Dallas and around the school, please be aware that the parking on Flora Street has changed to ONE HOUR PARKING ONLY. You will receive a ticket if you park on kFlora during the school day.

Pegasus: Thanks to the hard work of the Arts Magnet Alumni Association, Advisory Board and the PTSA - Pegasus is flying home! The refurbishment of the wings is almost complete. The concrete pad and base will be poured in the coming weeks. The goal is to have Pegasus back home by 1/4/2010. Pegasus will reside on the Flora side of the school directly in front of the choir hall. Events surrounding this homecoming are being planned including commemorative plaques and historical information. The planning is being done by the school's "Aesthetics Committee."

Dress Code: Staff and students are reminded that we must follow the DISD dress code at all times. The only times exceptions are allowed are on specially designated spirit days. Staff and students are reminded hats, scarves, bandanas, and other coverings that cover the entire head are not permitted. Females (staff and students) must also make sure their dresses/skirts reach at least fingertip length even if they are wearing leggings. Also cleavage showing is not acceptable. Staff is reminded jeans are not permitted except on Fridays or other designated days. (Exclusions have been granted for certain programs due to the nature of the work being done in the classroom) All BTW constituents are expected to comply.

Showcase Update: Thank you to our wonderful Junior League volunteers, the cluster guilds, PTSA, the staff and the students for all of their hard work in getting the annual College Showcase event together. Special thanks to the coordinators, Marla Plocheck, Cathy Vernon, Nancy Mack, Peggy Phife, Keisha Johnson, John Judah, and Paul Bain for their behind the scenes work. Finally a HUGE thank you to Sharon Cornell for leading this effort and keeping everyone organized and coordinated!

Flu Update: The incidences of flu like illnesses at our school have begun to wane slightly, but we could see a resurgence as colder weather approaches. DISD has set up clinics for employees to get flu shots - see Ms. Montgomery for information. Parents are encouraged to check with their doctor or the Dallas County Health Department for information on vaccinations and clinics.

Sad Goodbye: We are sad to report our wonderful Youth Action Specialist, Melissa Gomez (Lopez), is once again leaving us. She has accepted a position with another school district. She will be working in social work and with programs she loves. We are very sad to see her leave, but wish her the best in her new job. Her last day with us will be 11/20. She will join us one more time at our December 10th faculty meeting for final farewells.

Congratulations! Congratulations to our five teacher of the year finalists. They are: Michael Betzen, Charlotte Chambliss, Stephanie Daugherty, Niloo Jalilvand, and Luis Martinez. The winner will be announced in December. Also, parents and students are encouraged to visit the school's website and nominate a teacher for the monthly teacher of the month award!

Fund Raising: Please be reminded, all constituents are asked to contact our school activities director, Cathy Vernon, PRIOR to conducting a fund raiser or purchasing supplies, etc.. This includes PTSA, guilds, class officers, etc. We are coordinating fund raisers to ensure we are not competing against each other and to maintain a find raising calendar. The fund rasing request form is found on the school's website.

Thanksgiving Break: The building will be CLOSED the week of 11/23 /09 - 11/27/09. Enjoy the time with your families and friends - may your holidays be blessed with love, joy and happiness! See you on November 30th!

Visual Arts Cluster Sells Sweatshirts
The Visual Arts Cluster will continue their fundraising effort by offering pullover and zippered hooded sweatshirts.The pullover is $20 and the zippered is $28. They will be sold on Dec 1, 2, and 3 during A & B lunches and after school on Dec 2 and 3.
Samples below.

Teacher of the Month Selected: November

	BTW is proud to recognize as the NOVEMBER TEACHER OF THE MONTH: Luis Martinez, Music Cluster Coordinator Mr. Martinez was nominated by several students and parents.In the nomination, Mr. Martinez is described as a teacher who goes above and beyond the call of duty

in helping, teaching and leading his students. He has high expectations for his students and works to make them excel. He has a great sense of humor and makes learning fun. He always expects the best from us and makes sure we are prepared. His classes are described as fun, exciting and fast-paced. As one student state, Mr. Martinez is the BOMB!"

Other comments from his multiple nominations include:
"Great educator!"
"Excellent teacher!"
"He expects nothing less than the best from every student!"

Please join us in congratulating this outstanding educator!

Teacher of the Month Selected: October

	BTW is proud to recognize as the OCTOBER TEACHER OF THE MONTH: Gretchen Boettcher, Social Studies Department. Ms. Boettcher was nominated by several students and parents. In the nomination, Ms. Boettcher is described as a teacher who goes above and beyond the call of duty in preparing her students.

She has high expectations for her students and works to make them excel. She also cares deeply about their success. Her classes are described as fun, engaging and relevant.

As a result of her efforts, her students excel. According to one of the nominators, “I have never worked harder in my life for any teacher than I have Ms. Boettcher. I worked for her because she cared about me and she challenged me to do my best.”

Other comments from her multiple nominations include: “We love her!” “She goes out of her way to make students feel special.” “She believes in me!” “She will do anything to help us!”

Ms. Boettcher is also known for her outstanding flute performance in the Faculty Recital last spring.

Please join us in congratulating this outstanding educator!

Principal Fraley Announces Honor Roll and Other Stats
Principal Fraley released stats for the A & B Honor Roll as well as the Failure Rate for the First Six Weeks Fall Semester. Included in the data are the numbers for the 2008 - 09 school year for comparison purposes. To see this information: click here.

Safety is An Issue for Everyone
Dallas Police have issued a reminder about personal safety. The downtown Arts District is a vibrant, bustling area full of exciting new venues and activities. Despite the well-lit and friendly area, everyone needs to be reminded that it is easy to become distracted by conversation, cell phones, carrying too many book bags, briefcases, purses and generally not paying close attention to surroundings. At BTW we are asking parents, students, visitors, faculty to be alert.

Daylight savings and early dusk will be here soon. If you are leaving the building in the evening, please ask a security guard to accompany you to your car. Students should move their cars from the student parking lot to the teacher parking lot after school if they will be here late for rehearsals. Please watch out for each other. We want to continue having a safe campus.

Fundraiser Authorization for Non-School Organizations
Non-school organizations wishing to hold fundraisers must submit an authorization form to Cathy Vernon, Student Activities Coordinator, 972.925.1224 or
CVERNON@dallasisd.org. The form can be downloaded here: Fundraiser Form.

NMS Program Announces Semifinalist for 2010
Principal Fraley announces that Josephine H Mickelsen is a Semifinalist in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Competition. Everyone at BTW congratulates Music Cluster senior, Josie. Press Release

BTW National Merit Recognition
BTWHSPVA boasts the following 2009-2010 National Merit Scholars Program Recipients:
Semi-finalist: Josephine Mickelson
Commended Students:
Joshua Goldberg
Kelsey McKinney
Elizabeth Powers
Elliott Wright
National Achievement Program Scholar: TBD
National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar: TBD N
national Merit Finalist TBD
National Achievement Program Scholar Finalist TBD

AP State Rankings Released
Booker T Washington High School
performed better than:
98% of Texas high schools on AP English Language.
98% of Texas high schools on AP English Literature.
78% of Texas high schools on AP Chemistry.
55% of Texas high schools on AP Calculus.
52% of Texas high schools on AP Biology.

Principal Releases "Campus Analysis" Document
Principal Fraley has released a "Campus Analysis" that lists several statistics for BTW. This data is vitally important as BTW stakeholders put a strategic plan in place to guide the school for the next five years. Click here to read the document.

Note to Parents Regarding Deliveries to Students
Recently, we have seen a proliferation in people sending goodies and various deliveries to school (i.e. flowers, stuffed animals, etc.). Please help us adhere to the district and school policy regarding these issues. This is an excerpt from the BTWHSPVA Student Handbook:

FLOWERS, BALLOONS, LUNCH PARTIES, “TREATS”
Flowers, balloons, and other gift items are prohibited and deliveries will not be accepted. In addition due to the restrictive dietary laws enacted by the state of Texas in the summer of 2009, parents may not bring cakes, cookies, sodas, or other “treats” to school for anyone other than their personal student(s) during meal times (breakfast and lunch). Violations can result in fines which can be in excess of $10,000 per occurrence as levied by each governing agency (DISD, TEA, Texas Dept. Of Health). Parents wishing to bring these types of FOOD items may only do so AFTER school with PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE CAMPUS ADMINISTRATION.

Thank you for your support of this policy. If you have questions, please let Principal Fraley know.

BTW Initiates Parent University
BTW offers a whole complement of mini-sessions for parents through-out the year. See attached schedule for dates, times and mini-course selections.

Children at Risk Ranks Schools in Texas

Sunday Sept 13, Dallas Morning News

Rankings, Dallas Morning News

High School Rankings, Dallas Morning News

Arts Magnet Named One of Eight Successful High Schools by the US Department of Education
Innovations in Education: Successful Magnet High Schools is a new guide recently published by the US Department of Education. The guide names Booker T Washington HS as one of eight high school successes. It is written for policy-makers, district and school staff, as well as educators and parents interested in understanding what successful magnet schools offer and how the strategies they use to implement innovative programs can increase equity and achievement levels for their students. To read more, click on this link.