When Destiny Jones learned she’d gotten a job in Frisco ISD, she did a cartwheel, then called her mom.
“You’re talking to the newest teacher at Independence High School!” she told her mom, excited to get started on a brand-new journey.
Last week, Destiny and a few hundred new FISD teachers and staff took one of the first steps on that journey, attending the annual Frisco Chamber of Commerce New Teacher Welcome Event. Hosted at Panther Creek High School, the event included a vendor fair, free food, a District presentation and 146 teacher grants totaling $14,600.
The morning kicked off with a spirited welcome from Panther Creek cheerleaders and student leaders, who were ready with smiles at the door. Teachers collected bags from Frisco Education Foundation volunteers, then stopped by booths to learn more about local businesses, earn prizes and grab more goodies.
There was also free food and photo opps — including with Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, thanks to the new Universal Kids Resort.
As teachers gathered to eat and chat, District and city leaders greeted them with an important message: You are in the right place.
“It is inspiring to see our business community come together to celebrate all of you," said Christal Howard, President and CEO of the Frisco Chamber. “This is the Frisco way.”
Superintendent Dr. Todd Fouche, starting his first full school year in the top leadership position, told new staff that Frisco ISD was there to welcome and support them, but this was a Frisco Chamber event — and that is a big deal.
“Christal and her team do an amazing job of making Frisco ISD part of the community,” he said. “These vendors are here, these city officials are here, because they want to get to know you and work with you. That is a differentiator for Frisco.”
New staff then gathered in the auditorium, where they heard a presentation from District leadership on Frisco ISD’s philosophy and future-ready framework. Sprinkled throughout the presentation were $100 New Teacher Grants, awarded by the Frisco Education Foundation and made possible by the CoServ endowment.
Ashley Sine, director of FEF and Community Relations, encouraged teachers to apply for Grants for Great Ideas — funding available to all FISD educators for innovative classroom projects. Applications are open now and close Sept. 4 at 4 p.m.
That kind of assistance is making an impact on Destiny, who can already see a difference in support as she moves to Frisco ISD from another district. She said she’s excited to meet her students and get to work teaching freshman English and AP Language.
Like Destiny, Wester Middle School teachers Salvador Caballero and Ira Franklin are eager to meet the kids. Both will be coaches and classroom teachers, and both joined FISD to pursue new opportunities and be closer to home or family.
And at Wester, they’ve found another sort of family.
“I love the support for teachers and the passion the leaders show,” said Salvador, who’s been a teacher for 10 years and received a New Teacher Grant. “I’m a lifelong learner, and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to continue to grow as a teacher.”
Ira agreed. “This is a great change and opportunity — the environment, the resources and students, everything I’ve heard about Frisco ISD, told me that’s where I should be. I can’t wait to get started.”
Special thanks
The District would like to extend a special thanks to the following businesses: Presenting sponsor, CoServ. Signature sponsor, Ally Medical Emergency Room. Visionary sponsors, Preston Trail Community Church, Texans Credit Union and Universal Kids Resort. Influencer sponsors Chapel Creek Dentistry, Cook Children's, Credit Union of Texas, EECU, Legacy ER & Urgent Care, Little Explorers Nest Montessori School, RBFCU, Strikz Entertainment, UEA, Ultimate Caring ABA and UNT, and the Frisco Education Foundation.
- Rachel McReynolds