Lewisville INSIDER Program: Fine Arts

I recently had the opportunity to have a tour of some of the fine arts programs which Lewisville ISD offers.  I and a small group of people had the opportunity to see the fine arts programs in action.  When I think fine arts I usually think of music, talent and artists, all of which I witnessed on the tour of Flower Mound High School Fine Arts program.

Starting with the top notch facilities it really makes you realize that the program is most definitely supported by the school district and is of importance to them.  I say this because the facilities in my opinion are top notch and very impressive to see in a public school.  The black box theatre made me feel like I was in a professional theatre in New York City getting to watch a show.  The lighting, seating and intimate feel of the stage really sets the stage for these talented and gifted students to work their magic.  It is an impressive feeling walking in there and getting a feel of a professional theatre.

The same feeling followed as we had an opportunity to see the band practicing in the band hall.  Now when I was in band it was a large brick room with a few lockers and some doors to the hall and office, really nothing special.  This band hall was the same... except much nicer and with lots of attention to detail.  First the room was larger, much, much larger and it even was setup for the sound.  The walls and ceilings had sound dampening panels which really made the room sound great, with no echoes or distractions.  Of course with the students having their own Ipads, you noticed the wireless routers throughout the ceilings which was a nice touch.  Also the lockers were see thru and did not have a solid surface where sound would bounce off of, which I thought was a nice touch.  Of course the band was great and very impressive to see how meticulous they are with their music, with the band director making sure not only that they played the music but that they conveyed the feeling the music carried.  It is impressive to see the students really work hard and pay such attention to their craft, that was evident by the numerous trophies in the band hall for display.   If you ever have a chance check out their awards and prestige that the Lewisville ISD bands hold, it is impressive to say the least.

Moving on to the wind symphony was a real treat which I was so glad to get to witness.  Now I was in band and so I have a great appreciation for music and those who try playing the instruments, so when I see kinds doing the same but with wind instruments that is impressive.  The sound that came out of that room was something I had only heard in professional orchestras and to witness in the high school was a real treat.  To think how talented these kids are is impressive and to have them be able to express those talents is a wonderful thing.  I can't say enough about them and their efforts it is a real treat and I can't wait to get to attend their next concert, I suggest you give it a shot as well.

The woman's choir was also very impressive to get to see them rehearse.  Their vocals were so strong and even had me taking breathes for them.  To see these women really belt out some strong vocals yet do it in a way that is in harmony with the rest of the choir was a treat to see.  I also look forward to seeing a performance by them, they truly are talented artists who are just in high school.

We didn't get to see any of the theatre students doing their rehearsals but we did get a sneak peek at their theatre which was impressive.  What was also impressive was the wardrobe department, they have a class where students make the outfits and costumes for the actors which was beyond impressive.  I walked in to the room and literally felt like I was backstage of a big production, they had everything to come up with the design and actually make them.  There were students along the walls with their sewing machines working on their particular project... some were sewing while you could see others ironing their materials.  It was nice to see this because I really believe these are the skills that will stick with them a lifetime for sure.  I myself wish I learned how to do this because I have a few things that could use some attention and to see these kids learning this skills made me jealous.  Currently this class is only offered at the Flower Mound campus but will be expanded to other schools as well.  As a note this class is benefiting the program in that they make costumes to use which saves them money in the long run as they can re-use them in the future as well. 

Last but not least I had the opportunity to see some of the art work created by the students.  Some were paintings, drawings, sketches, photography and even sculptures.  To put it kindly I thought I was a really good drawer and I wasn't even close compared to some of these kids.  The drawings were so life like and the sketches so real.  It was really impressive to see their inner artist let out and expressed which I think is a big goal of the program.

I can't say enough about how impressive it is to see these kids express their talents.  Again when I entered the INSIDER program I couldn't get past thinking about the Apple Ipads and how those might be distractions but I am seeing that take a back seat.  Instead I got to witness these kids show off their talents and skills where most of the times the ipads were not even present.  Sure some of these kids may use them to record their music or even their dance routine but the Ipad was not at the center, it was the kids who were in the center stage.  Again I can't say enough about the Lewisville ISD and their pursuit of educating student while also letting them have an outlet for those who choose to be a part of the fine arts program.



Luis Cuevas
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Greater Lewisville Association of Realtors - Christmas Kids 2014

The Greater Lewisville Association of Realtors Community Services Committee had another successful year with the Christmas Kids project.  The project by the committee was to raise funds to be able to provide each child with a pair of shoes, shirt, jeans, jacket and a wish list item.  The committee not only helped raise and collect the funds but also went out shopping for the kids. 

The kids and families who were shopped for were provided by the Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas and by Communities in School.  The goal this year was to be able to help 100 kids and that goal was not only reached but also surpassed.  The event as a whole was a success and was a rewarding experience to be able to be a part of it.

Christmas can be a holiday in which many kids go without getting gifts and deal with the feeling of being left out.  Also for the parents it can be especially tough if they are not able to provide as well.  There are many families in the area who needed help and we were glad to be able to come together as an association and help out our very own community who we serve on a regular basis.

Luis Cuevas
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NFL WEEK 15: Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles Prediction

So here we are again with two teams with the same record and the same playoff consequences on the line.  The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles have a tied record and are both trying to establish themselves as the best in the division for a playoff spot.  If you remember last time these two teams met that was exactly the case and the Eagles won the game in a pretty convincing way.

This time I just don't see much being different, the Philadelphia Eagles give the Dallas Cowboys a hard time with their fast paced offense.  The Eagles run the ball well against the Dallas Cowboys defense but it is the passing game that takes it over the top and gives them more trouble.  The Dallas Cowboys defense just wasn't up for the task last time and I don't expect them to be up for it this time.

On the other side of the ball the offensive line has to establish itself in order for the Dallas Cowboys to even have a chance.  If they can establish the line then the running game should follow and we know how they are if they can do that.  Once the running game is established then they can really open it up to the passing game and be a threat but it all starts with the offensive line.

If it is one thing the Dallas Cowboys just don't do well is adjust even through out the game, they are always behind the curve and I put that on the coaching staff, so keep an eye out for that during the game.

I will give this game to the Philadelphia Eagles, I think they should be able to easily take it by two touchdowns, but we will see.

GO COWBOYS!!!

Luis Cuevas
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Goodwill Job Connection - Lewisville Job Fair

 

 

Looking for a job or know someone who is?  Be sure to check out the job fair being put together by the Goodwill Job Connection Lewisville office and hosted by National American University in Lewisville.  The job fair will be held on December 11th from 10:30 to 12:30 at the campus in Lewisville, Texas.  There will be many employers from around the area so be sure to bring multiple resumes.  Dress for success as you may even be asked to interview on the spot. 

 

Please come out to the job fair or let someone who may benefit know about it!

 

Job Fair

December 11, 2014

10:30am - 12:30pm

 

National American University

475 State Highway 121 By-Pass. Suite 150

Lewisville, Texas 75067

 

WEEK 14 Prediction: Dallas Cowboys vs Chicago Bears

It's week 14 in the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys are in Chicago to take on the Chicago Bears on primetime.  Remember last time these two teams play it was very cold, which I don't expect it to be as bad this time around.  When they did play they Bears took the game 45-28 with their backup quarterback throwing for four touchdowns.  The Chicago Bears aren't having their best season by their record but they are a dangerous team as they have a well balanced offense with plenty of offensive threats.  The Dallas Cowboys secondary will have their hands full yet again this week as well as the rest of the Dallas Cowboys defense.

Cutler will be at the quarterback position this time which is good news and bad news for Cowboy fans.  The good news is he isn't have a good season and having a lot of turnovers.  The bad news is that when he has played the Cowboys the last two times he has had 5 touchdowns with no interceptions.  Again this goes back to the Dallas Cowboys secondary, they have to play solid and looking on their last game against the Eagles it won't look good.  The Chicago Bears had a field day with the secondary last year again the Dallas Cowboys and I expect that to be the case again.  The rest of the defense will have their hands full as the Bears have a good running back in Forte plus Bennett is having an all pro year as well.

On the offensive side of the ball nothing changes, the Dallas Cowboys have to win the offensive line battle, if they do that the rest will fall in place.  Last week against the Philadelphia Eagles they didn't win the offensive line battle and as a result Demarco Murray did not have a good game which lead to the receivers not having a good game.  Want proof, check out Tony Romo's stats in that game, they are not pretty.  Get the offensive line going and that means the running game does well and so does the rest of the offense.

Again it won't be an easy game, while the Bear's record doesn't reflect a good team they are much better than that and can be dangerous.  For the Dallas Cowboys it will be important that the defense play a well disciplined game and give the offense a chance to stay be on the field.

I'll take the Dallas Cowboys in a close one only by 3.

Go Cowboys!

Luis Cuevas
RE/MAX Advantage
(214) 783-0535

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Lewisville ISD Realtor Tour

     Lewisville Independent School District has always been a great district with great schools which is evident with a high demand for homes in the district.  In the past couple of years Lewisville ISD has taken their district to new levels.  A couple of school years ago this change was most noticed when the district implemented a program which would be providing Apple Ipads for select campuses to use for their schooling.  Most parents thought it would just invite kids to play games not so much to do school work on the devices.

     Fast forward a few years to see some new campuses which not only embrace the technology but are also designed around the student experience and you have an innovation in education with Lewisville ISD leading the way.  This is evident when you walk in to a facility such as Donald Elementary in Flower Mound where the technology is present in the classroom yet it is not the primary focus.  As I toured different classrooms my main focus was on the Apple Ipads but what I found was engaged students in their task at hand, which was learning and not so much the device itself.  Many of the kids where engaged, asking questions, working in groups and learning hands on.  When I think Ipads for the students, I think kids playing games or just using them to browse the internet, but instead I found it to only be  one tool in the classroom and school to use for their learning experience.

    

     The district doesn't appear to just revolve around the Ipads but instead keeping the focus on learning and using them as a tool.  What most do not realize is this is part of a bigger plan known as 1:X which incorporates technology such as a devise like the Ipad, other devices such as Chrome books and MacBook Airs.  However it doesn't stop there the campus is designed with the learning experience in mind which was evident with such things as tables/desks which you can write on like a dry eraser board.  Or the smart overhead to use in front of the class, gone are the days of multiple sheets being used on the old light powered overheads.

     A stop by the Flower Mound 9th Grade Campus revealed more of the 1:X plan in full effect.  The campus itself was designed to have technology help but also with the day to day activities to be inviting, as was evident in the lounge area with room to plug in your device and do homework.  There were rooms which had smart boards, wireless routers every where, dry eraser boards easily accessible to the students and even down to chairs which were designed with comfort.  All these things and many more are evident as you walk thru the school, my favorite had to be the library... with no book in sight.  How is that?  Well the students can use the 2nd floor of the library as a place to read their e-books on their Ipad or just have a quiet place to study.  Don't worry there are books in the main library downstairs but how cool is that, that is innovative I must say.

     The implementation of this plan was evident in the Marcus High School 9th Grade campus as well when you see chairs in the lobby for students to use.  The chairs were very nice but had a top to put your Ipad and even electrical outlets to plug in to with multiple USB ports as well for more charging options.  Again it is those small touches that really give you a feel for the campus and the thought which has gone in to providing the students with a great learning environment which so happens to use technology as a tool to get the job done.  The science lab was over the top as well which showcased lab stations which would have made my science classroom experience that much easier.  Tall desks, state of the art microscopes, and of course a large monitor at the front to help the teacher with their presentations. 

    
     I added a picture of the cafeteria, which made me jealous, the options are numerous including a Pizza Hut... how cool is that?

     We were also given a tour of the new aquatic center, West Side Aquatic Center, located off FM3040 in Lewisville.  My initial thoughts were of a big place with a few pools but instead it is way more than that.  I figured it was a place where swim teams practiced and elementary kids learned how to swim.  What I found was a true place the whole community could be served by from area swim teams, the public who wants to use the lap pool, competitions from teams of all kinds and so much more.  I strongly suggest if you are interested in learning more that you check out their site because there is just so much to offer not only the students, groups but also the community in general.  You can visit their site by clicking HERE.

    
 I truly believe Lewisville ISD is on to something with the 1:X program which is innovative now but will set new standards for other districts to follow.  I keep thinking of how technology is more present everyday in our lives and for a school district to acknowledge that and implement in their plan only makes sense.  I am excited to have such an innovative school district in the area in which I practice real estate and it really makes it so easy to show potential buyers how beneficial it is for the students.  At the end of the day while the technology such as the Apple Ipads or MacBook Airs are present in the classroom the district has not made it about the technology but instead about the student with technology only being one tool they use to implement their goal... to better educate the students.

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Luis Cuevas
MakeNorthTexasHome.com

  

Week 13: Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles Prediction

 

It is Thanksgiving and that can only mean family, turkey dinner and Dallas Cowboys football.  This week the Dallas Cowboys take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that is sure to catch the attention of the NFL, not only because it is only one of two games on Thanksgiving day but because these are two contenders up to this point.  Also they are in the same division tied for first place which should add to the competiveness of the game.

Let me start by saying both teams are 8-3 but which is the better 8-3 team?  Let's look at a few things the Eagles score a lot of points and is the Cowboys defense up for the challenge?  I just see the Cowboys defense as a weak point and see the Eagles having the upper hand on this... but also know they have a lot of turn overs as well.  This will be a big key to the game, if the Eagles start turning it over it can go south for them quick.

On the other side of the ball it is no secret the Cowboys have one of the best lines in football and as a result the top rusher in Demarco Murray.  The Eagles have a pretty good defensive line which have really held back some running backs to low rushing yards but I really doubt that will be the case this week.  If the Cowboys can establish the run and dominate at the line the rest should fall in to place.

Expect the Eagles to put up a lot of yards on the offense, test the Cowboys secondary, put up some points but look out for turnovers as well.  Expect the Cowboys defense to struggle especially the secondary and the defensive line to not be much of a factor.  If the Cowboys win the offensive line battle they stand a good chance.

Go Cowboys!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Luis Cuevas
www.MakeNorthTexasHome.com
(214) 783-0535