February 27 FWISD Community Meeting
Facilities Master Plan Community Meeting
Thursday, February 27 | 6-7 p.m. – Southwestern Region @ Benbrook MHS
(Arlington Heights, Benbrook, South Hills, Southwest & Western Hills Pyramids)
Details for the Meeting
RSVP here if you plan to attend as a supporter. By RSVPing, you help us ensure we have the right number of attendees and, if we know you’re coming, we can get signs and information to you.
What to expect:
We are so glad you plan to join us at the meeting! Our presence matters.
Time: Arrival by 4:30 p.m. is recommended. The rally will start at 5:00 p.m. and the Community Meeting will start at 6:00 p.m.
Location: 201 Overcrest Dr, Benbrook, TX 76126 - Map It!
Add this event to your calendar!
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Timeline
Location: 201 Overcrest Dr, Benbrook, TX 76126
By 4:30 p.m.: Supporters arrive carrying signs and wearing spirit wear.
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Save NHM rally outside the Benbrook Middle-High School building.
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.: Presentation from Tracy Richter with HPM Consultants. He may take questions but they will have to be in writing. We are expecting QR codes to be provided at the meeting for a chance to provide feedback for the next few weeks until the Task Force meetings again to review more options.
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Attendee Instructions
Arrive by 4:30 p.m. to get organized.
Wear Spirit Wear representing your school.
Questions can be submitted in written form on notecards during the meeting.
Organize your questions ahead of time for easy submission. Be sure to keep them clear and consistent with our campaign messaging.
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Talking Points
We want you to share your unique voice and story! You do not have to use any of the ideas below; these are provided in case you need help getting started. At the February 11 FWISD Board meeting, we learned that the sole criteria driving the decisions of which schools to close is enrollment size. The argument follows that these students will be better off in giant schools that can offer them more services. We want to refute that argument and can bring passion and solutions to do so.
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Talking Points
Passion looks like:
Your experience with the Arlington Heights Pyramid (your kids’ experience with North Hi Mount, South Hi Mount, Stripling).
Value of neighborhood schools (“walkability”) and/or “we choose to drive to this school because…”
Pyramid Pride (your kids knowing and excited about what is next for them).
PTA Commitment (your role, how you help, ways you are involved on campus).
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Talking Points
Solutions look like:
Don’t close schools that parents are choosing to send their kids to.
57% of NHM students and 27% of SMS students are transfer IN.
Dont’ close over-enrolled schools.
Don’t close performing schools - these are the best schools in their pyramid.
FCI (Facility Condition Index) disproportionately penalizes older schools for lacking amenities, but our schools have overcome challenges and still boast thriving enrichment opportunities.
Research shows that higher facility spending does not improve student achievement.
This plan would cause overcrowding in other campuses as the current data doesn’t account for the transfers who are at our campuses.
Improve struggling schools, improve reading levels overall for this district; leave our schools alone and let us thrive!
Work with high-performing schools in terms of student academic achievement and strong parent engagement on alternative solutions. Example: expand the highly successful Dual Language Program.
Dos and Don’ts
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Do Arrive Early: Plan to arrive by 4:30 p.m. to find the group, get organized, and show your NHM spirit at the rally at 5:00 p.m.
Do Wear Your “I Heart NHM” shirt (or SHM/SMS spirit wear) to show your unity and support.
Do Prepare Your Questions: Keep them clear, concise, and impactful.
Do Bring Your Children: This is a valuable opportunity to show our kids how advocacy works and to inspire civic engagement at a young age. And they are the district’s main clients!
Do Be Respectful: Remember, we are working to convince the Board, not fight against them. Focus on constructive, positive messages to reinforce our shared goals.
Do Support Fellow Speakers: Acknowledge and encourage other community members who speak. Unified voices demonstrate the strength of our collective commitment.
Do Stay Flexible: Be prepared for changes in the schedule or public comment process. Patience and adaptability are key.
Do Follow All Guidelines: Adhere to instructions provided by the Board or staff to maintain a productive and orderly meeting.
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Don't Disparage Other Campuses: Disparaging another school not only risks alienating our supporters but also reflects poorly on our efforts.
Don’t Use Profanity Or Disrespectful Language: Avoid any language or behavior that could alienate Board members. We are advocating against the staff recommendation, not the Board itself. Treat them as potential allies and focus on collaboration.
Don’t Disrupt The Meeting: Refrain from interrupting or speaking out of turn at the meeting. Maintain professionalism to keep the focus on our message.
Don’t Forget Essentials: Bring your prepared questions, water, and any other items you might need to stay comfortable and engaged throughout the meeting.
Don’t Be Easily Discouraged: Advocacy is about persistence. Whether you submit questions or simply show your support through attendance, your voice is vital to this effort.
Children Are Welcome: This is a great opportunity for children to learn about advocacy and how their voice can make a difference. Their presence helps demonstrate strong community support, and they are FWISD’s main clients!
Children Are Welcome To Submit Questions: If your child wishes to submit questions at the meeting, help them express what they love about their school in their own words. Their honest and heartfelt opinions carry weight. Work with your child to write their questions down ahead of time and in their own words.
Have Children Wear Spririt Wear: “NHM Loves Me” shirt (or SHM/SMS spirit wear).
