The mission of TIBS is to advocate for access to an IB education for all and provide support to IB World Schools through professional development, curriculum planning, program implementation, and scholarship programs.

Dear TIBS Community,

Welcome to the 2025 Spring eNewsletter.

The 2024-2025 school year is quickly drawing to a close. At Texas IB Schools, we always know that our teachers and administrators are working beyond expectations to provide students the best possible learning environments and academic experiences that reflect IB principles and practices. We are always proud of your exceptional work and accomplishments.

Thanks so much to those of you who responded to our request for articles. We were impressed with the things you had to share. We will also share some reflection and information on our college fair, including the date of our 2026 fair.



This edition brings an interesting array of information to your inbox. Three of the articles are about how TIBS grants were utilized. It is always our hope that sharing accomplishments and good things that have happened will either inspire you or confirm that you, too, are doing good things. Please let us know what other kinds of items you would like to see in this eNewsletter in the future.

We are grateful for your continued support and truly appreciate your inspiring community and classroom work. Don't forget to keep us updated with your stories, photos, and videos! We can't wait to see them this fall.



Best regards, 

Karen Phillips, TIBS Executive Director

Courtney Smith, TIBS Associate Executive Director

• Scholarship Winners
• Grant Winners
• What We've Been Up To/ What's Coming Up
• Recently Authorized Schools
• Global Conference
• 2025 College Fair Report
• Roundtables and IB Day
• Highlights from our Schools
• Announcements
• Contact Us

TIBS DP Scholarship Winners:

• Ashir Bhatti (Klein Oak High School)
• Saron Elias (Garland High School)
• Elfega Esquivel (McAllen High School)
• Jasmine John (Garland High School)
• Cassie Mai (Awty International School)
• Dana Sandoval (Nikki Rowe High School)

TIBS Innovative Grant Winners



• Sarah Waggoner (Uplift Atlas Preparatory): Enhancing Studio Printmaking Capabilities
• Mary Davis (Imagine International Academy of North Texas): First Grade Terrariums
• Sharon Williams (Imagine International Academy of North Texas): Cardboard Engineering for STEM Enrichment
• Heather Lentz (Denton High School): From Thailand to Texas: Connecting culture and conservation
• Lindsay Johnston (Alcuin School): Talk.Believe.Work.Peace
• Manasse Kwete (Uplift Infinity High School): IB Math Challenge Channel

TIBS Roundtable Grant Winners



• Erin Carroll, Elizabeth Hall, & Leah Lieurance (Round Rock ISD): Central Texas PYP Roundtable
• Kimberly Ogo (Meridian School): Central Texas MYP & DP Roundtable
• Karen Stanton (Plano East Senior High School): North Texas DP Roundtable

What We’ve Been Up To:

TIBS Spring Meeting—Virtual (March 7)

TAGT Leadership Conference—Round Rock (March 30-April 1)

TIBS College Fair—Hurst (April 3)

What’s Coming Up:

Odessa Area Workshops—July 7 & 8

Austin Workshops—July 21-23 & 24-26

DFW Area Workshops—July 24 & 25

Houston Area Workshops—July 30 & 31

(Registration for the two Austin workshops is on our website. Registration for the area workshops is handled through campus IB Coordinators. )

Congratulations to our newly authorized schools in Texas! 

We are very proud of all of your hard work. If you are not on this list and have been authorized, please let us know.

• Melissa High School (DP)—Melissa

To Be Announced. (See website in June.)



Our Humanity,

Connected



IB Global Conference

New Orleans

July 15-17, 2025

How do we remain connected in this era of constant change? As global educators, we are united by our humanity. Through this connection, we have profound impact on students, school communities, and the world. Addressing challenges to teaching and learning requires a priority on new skills and competencies young people need to flourish academically and beyond, a focus on the unique human qualities and capabilities of self-awareness, empathy, and innovation. We are human first, deeply connected to each other and the planet. If we keep this ideal at the forefront of our work, we can adequately prepare students to face an uncertain future with hope and resilience.

Here is the link to registration and program information for the conference. We hope to see many of you in New Orleans.

PYP and MYP Roundtable

The San Antonio ISD IB Schools held a PYP and MYP South Central Roundtable on Saturday, February 8. Woodlawn Hills Elementary was the host site, and Briscoe Elementary was the point of contact with TIBS for the funds that were awarded.



The Local Roundtable Grant is sponsored by the Texas IB Schools (TIBS) organization and is an opportunity to gather IB educators from a localized area to network, share ideas, support one another with IB programme challenges, and celebrate programme achievements.

The SAISD IB programme coordinators worked collaboratively to organize an event that was fun, engaging, and productive. There were 5th-grade students from Woodlawn Academy on hand to showcase their exhibition projects and talk to participants about their experience.

This is the second year that SAISD has hosted an IB roundtable, and we are anxious to see it become an annual event that keeps getting better. We had participants from Edgewood ISD, Hays CISD, Aldine ISD, The Magellan School in Austin and SAISD. Participants had the opportunity to attend formal session presentations as well as programme-specific discussions. Participants were also surprised with a series of gift card drawings; and those that registered early for the event had a chance to win a door prize.   

Big thanks to all who attended!

Submitted Penny Tschirhart, Assistant Director of IB Programs, San Antonio ISD

Uplift Atlas Film Students

Visit Karve Studio

On Tuesday, December 3, twenty-four Uplift Atlas DP Film Students spent the day at Karve Studios, working alongside film industry professionals, learning how to use industry equipment and facilities. Karve Studio helped our students produce a professional-grade commercial that promotes school enrollment and attendance for Uplift Atlas High School.

Here is the link to the commercial that our scholars wrote, directed, produced, and starred in:

https://youtu.be/6J_g0jiHxmE

Submitted by Brooke Parsons, DP Coordinator and Jay Schaertl, DP Film Teacher, Uplift Atlas Preparatory, Uplift Education

Submitted by Sharnell Nelms, MYP Coordinator, Shotwell Middle School, Aldine ISD

Washington D.C. Recap: 4 Days of History, Culture, and Fun

Thanks to the generous Innovative Teaching/Training Grant from Texas IB Schools (TIBS), a group of enthusiastic students, parents, and teachers from Shotwell Middle School in Houston, Texas, and Central Junior High School in Lufkin, Texas, embarked on an unforgettable educational adventure to Washington, D.C. from August 30 to September 2, 2024. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allowed our group to explore the heart of American history, culture, and government, deepening our understanding of the nation's past and its ongoing influence on our lives today.

Our adventure began as we arrived in Washington, D.C. and immediately visited the United States Capitol Visitors Center for a Capitol Tour. The students were awestruck as they walked the halls of Congress and stood in front of statues that honor iconic historical figures such as Amelia Earhart, Dwight D. Eisenhower, George Washington, and Mary McLeod Bethune, among others. These figures not only shaped their states, but also made lasting impacts on the entire nation.

We then explored the Library of Congress, the world’s largest library, and visited the National Archives, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution are on display. The significance of standing before these pivotal documents was a powerful moment for students and adults alike. To end our first day, we visited the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, reflecting on the leadership and vision that transformed the country during times of profound social change.

Day two of our journey was packed with even more excitement. We started by visiting the White House Visitors Center, where we learned about the history of the White House before taking a group photo in front of this iconic building. We then ventured to the Museum of American History and the National History Museum, where exhibits brought the stories of our nation’s past to life.

Our exceptional tour guide, Maura, shared fascinating insights as we traveled to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. It was truly surreal to walk the grounds where Washington lived and to visit the tomb where he is buried. The entire experience helped the students make connections between the lessons they’ve studied in the classroom and the historical sites they were now standing in front of. After a delicious buffet in Alexandria, Virginia, we visited several memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial, each offering a sobering and reflective experience about the sacrifices made by so many individuals in our nation’s history.

On day three, we visited Ford’s Theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Standing in the very seat where the tragic event occurred was a haunting but educational experience for the students. We then explored the National Museum of African American History and Culture, followed by the deeply moving Holocaust Museum, where the students gained an understanding of the historical struggles and triumphs that have shaped our world. Our journey also included a stop at the Air and Space Museum, where students learned about the history of aviation and space exploration. The day concluded with a visit to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where we learned about the upcoming honors for legendary artists and performers.

On the final day of our trip, we paid our respects at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring figures like President John F. Kennedy, Audie Murphy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Thurgood Marshall. We also visited the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by U.S. Marines. The Military Women’s Memorial was another poignant stop, recognizing the service and sacrifices of women who have defended America, dating back to the American Revolution. We finished our trip with a visit to the stunning Washington National Cathedral, followed by the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial, two towering symbols of American history and unity.

This trip has sparked curiosity, fostered a love of history, and deepened our understanding of the world in ways that we will carry with us for years to come. A heartfelt thank you to TIBS, WorldStrides, and the dedicated educators, students, and parents who made this educational adventure a success!

Submitted by Dario Ganic,

Director of IB Programming & Coordination, Uplift Education

Uplift Education Students Showcase Their Culminating IB Projects

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Uplift Education hosted its inaugural IB Showcase at Esports Stadium in Arlington, TX. The event brought together more than 300 students from grades 5, 10, and 12, presenting over 175 culminating IB projects. Students from 36 Uplift IB World Schools participated, showcasing work from the PYPExhibition, MYP Personal Project, and the DP Core.

The projects reflected a wide range of topics and personal interests, underscoring the idea that IB education is truly for every child. In addition to the project exhibits, the event featured live student performances from various Uplift campuses, highlighting the creativity and talent thriving across the network. Students proudly presented their work to an engaged audience of parents, teachers, community members, and representatives from the International Baccalaureate.

The showcase represents a significant milestone in Uplift’s IB journey and is set to become a signature annual event celebrating student achievement and inquiry-driven learning.

Writing Prompts at Woodlawn Hills Elementary School

Our school has initiated a monthly writing prompt for students from PK to 5th grade, incorporating themes from the transdisciplinary units of study. This initiative has provided a valuable opportunity for students and teachers to make intentional connections between the units and the content being taught at each grade level. Our Instructional Coach collects one writing sample from each teacher for one student,

allowing us to monitor the progression of students' writing skills over time.

Additionally, we have made a school-wide connection to the transdisciplinary units of inquiry by focusing on the unit "How the World Works." One of the focus areas for this unit involved projects on how inventions have changed the world. During that month, students researched various inventions and explored how these innovations have impacted society. We display the PK-4-th grade projects mid-year during our Inquiry Showcase.

Submitted by Guadalupe Alvarado, PYP Coordinator,

Woodlawn Hills Elementary School

San Antonio ISD

PYP Exhibition at Westlake Brings Attention to Students' Views on the Measles Outbreak

The 2025 PYP exhibition at Westlake Academy is focused on the central idea, “past and present eras impact progress and influence the future.” Three students researched various eras of disease and pandemics, which drew their attention to the recent measles outbreak across Texas.

As a result of their learning, the students wanted to take action to advocate for public health. They emailed a local CBS reporter, and two hours later, they were standing in front of a TV camera sharing their newfound knowledge. 

Click here for the CBS news article and recorded news segment

.

Submitted by Alison Schneider, PYP Coordinator, Westlake Academy

Creative Circuity: A Hands-On Approach to Sharing the Planet

As a winner of a TIBS Innovative Teaching Grant, Windsor Park Elementary Gifted and Talented IB World School in Corpus Christi ISD was able to purchase STEM building and circuit kits from 3Dux Design to be used in the Global Problem Solving Enrichment classes. During the Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry, the fifth- grade students built models of eco-friendly buildings with solar powered lights and fans to simulate solar panels and wind turbines for alternative energy sources as they inquired into the central idea: how humans can coexist with nature. 

The students began the unit by creating paper circuits on Valentine’s Day cards that allowed them to investigate open and closed circuits to reinforce their prior knowledge of circuitry. This learning experience required the students to use their Thinking Skills as they considered how to design a working circuit with LED lights, batteries, and copper tape and finally incorporate the circuit in a greeting card to share with a loved one. 

Then the students designed circuits that incorporated solar cells, LED lights, motors, and fans. They added these circuits to the models of homes and other structures they built using the 3Dux Design cardboard building system. Using Thinking, Communication, and Social Skills, students worked in small groups to build hospitals, skyscrapers, treehouses, greenhouses, homes, and more that were inspired by the eco-friendly designs. 

These hands-on activities supported the science TEKS in a fun and engaging way while also allowing the students to have agency as they exercised their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. We are extremely grateful to TIBS for providing this opportunity through the Innovative Teaching Grant!



To view a video of the learning process, please visit: 

Canva Video: bit.ly/44n2VuF 

Submitted by Rachel Beavers, PYP Coordinator, Windsor Park Elementary School, Corpus Christi ISD

Great Happenings at Kipp University Prep

We are excited to announce that our IB program has been recognized and promoted on IB Texas website showcasing our approach to leadership for an IB for all program https://ibo.org/welcome-to-the-ib-in-the-united-states-of-america/texas/.

We are proud to showcase our focus on IB for all at KIPP University Prep High School: “As an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme School, we will provide the highest level of university preparatory education to students within an underserved community in San Antonio, Texas. Because we believe that education can change lives, we will ensure that 100% of our students are provided with access to this programme. At KIPP University Prep we will deliver a world class education to these students, enabling them to open doors to educational and career success. Once they step through these doors, they will become the architects and leaders that address the global challenges of today and the future… By offering open access to the IB Diploma Programme, we are blazing a new trail for students traditionally denied world class educational opportunities.” 

We have integrated parts of the IB Core throughout our school with all students working towards completing CAS experiences and Extended Essays. The focus on going above and beyond the requirements for course candidates has allowed our students to achieve recognition through over $21 million dollars of scholarship money for our 151 member graduating class and acceptance into such prestigious programs as:

• Trinity Guevara- St. Mary's Greehey Scholars Program
• Hilary Lara Pantoja- Georgetown University 1789 Presidential Scholarship
• Cuauhtzin Noriega- Duke Pre-Review Scholarship
• Alyssa Medellin and Riley Hernandez-Cesar Chavez Legacy & Education Scholarship
• Leonardo Abeja, Breña Hernandez, Riley Hernandez, and Hilary Lara Pantoja- Baumberger Endowment

At the Showtime International Dance Competition at Fiesta Texas our IB Dance students performed and received the following recognitions:

• Our Junior Varsity Team received a 1st Division and 1st runner up for their Jazz Dance Party Time
• Our Officer team swept and received a 1st Division, Best in Category and Supreme Award
• Our Varsity Hip Hop Dance received a 1st Division and Applause Award for Student Choreography Contemporary Dance
• Our Officer Solo Lexi Wright received a 1st Division

Submitted by Jonathan Villegas-Caine, Assistant Principal and IB & AP Coordinator, Kipp University Prep,

San Antionio

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Registration for the TIBS Austin workshops (Session 1 and 2) is here. Remember: the IB organization and Kent State University have partnered to offer graduate credit for PYP, MYP, and DP training. Click here to find out more!
• College Fair 2026 is scheduled for March 31, 2026, Hurst Conference Center.

w.texasibschools.org

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