The Prosper Mighty Eagle Band has once again soared to new heights as they wrap up their 2018 Season.  As with the rest of Prosper High School, this competitive marching season was marked by the catapult into world of 6A.  Not only does that entail new competitors and tougher contests alongside  more seasoned band programs, but also new expectations and new hopes for the Eagles. Fortunately, the students were up to the challenge and managed to once again have their most successful season in Prosper history.  “Crown achievements” for this year’s show themed “Royal RISING” include earning their second consecutive trip to the UIL State Marching Contest and advancing to the Finals of the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, 11^th place overall out of 108 competing bands.

Other Highlights:

• This year’s Mighty Eagle Band has doubled in size in five years and now includes 353 members.
• The Color Guard program has also doubled in size in ONE year, growing from 28 to 52, under the direction of Lindsay Kusmierczak, our PISD Color Guard Paraprofessional.
• On September 29^th, the band appeared at the HEB marching contest for it’s first competition of the year. The Eagles placed 1^st overall in Prelims, placing ahead of perennial powerhouses Flower Mound-Marcus, Keller, and Coppell HS.  The band slipped to 3^rd overall in Finals, but still gained a lot of momentum for October with this early stand out performance.
• The Band made their first-ever appearance in the Final of a Bands of America event earlier this season at the Regional in Bedford, TX, placing 9^th
• On October 20^th, the band earned straight 1’s, first division ratings, at the UIL Region Marching Contest, advancing them to the UIL Area level.
• On October 27^th, the band placed fourth in prelims and finals at the UIL Area B Marching Contest, advancing them to the UIL State Marching Contest in November. Area B is arguably the most competitive Area in UIL Marching Band, with all 10 of the finalists being perennial State contenders, finalists, and overall Champions at the State Marching Contests over the past three decades. 
• The band left the Allen Football game at halftime in order to pack the trucks and get a few hours of sleep before their 5:00 am departure on Saturday, November 2^nd for the Bands of America Super Regional in San Antonio. Along with Grand Nationals, this contest is the most difficult marching event in the US, drawing 84 of the most competitive 4A, 5A and 6A programs in Texas.  The Eagles placed 16^th overall, just two spots out of finals. 
• Two days later, the band performed at the Alamodome for a second time, this time at the UIL 6A State Marching Contest. This was the bands second straight year to advance to State, the first time as a 6A.  The band placed 16^th out of 41 6A schools, just four spots out of finals. 
• On Thursday, November 8^th the band was the first band out of 108 competing bands to compete at the Bands of America Grand Nationals Marching Contest. The band had their best performance to date and made a very strong impression on the judging panel!  The band placed 9^th overall in Prelims, advancing them to the Semifinals on Saturday morning. This would be the band’s second time to advance to the Semifinals, as they placed 23^rd overall in 2017.
• In Semifinals, the band placed 7^th overall, advancing them to the finals!
• That Saturday evening the band placed 11^th overall, earning finalist medallions and representing the Lone Star State at the highest level!

 

Photos and story provided by John Alstrin,  PISD Director of Bands

Over the past 4 months, Reynolds Band students have been working tirelessly to learn advanced etudes in preparation for competitive All-Region auditions. All students involved have made an immense amount of musical progress.

Earning placement in an All-Region Band is the highest honor that a middle school student can achieve. Congratulations to the following students on earning a spot in one of the All-Region Bands:

 

Wind Symphony:

Devin Pham - 8th Grade - 1st Chair Bb Clarinet **1ST CHAIR OUT OF HUNDREDS OF CLARINET PLAYERS IN PROSPER, FRISCO, PLANO, AND LITTLE ELM**

Griffin Westwick - 8th Grade - 4th Chair Trumpet

 

Wind Ensemble:

Rafael Benavides - 7th Grade - 2nd Chair Trombone

Noah Harrington - 8th Grade - 8th Chair Percussion

Gianna Galante - 8th Grade - 14th Chair Clarinet

 

  

Honors Band:

Michael Hirsch - 8th Grade - 2nd Chair Bassoon

Landon Pursley - 8th Grade - 10th Chair Trumpet

 

  Symphonic Band:

Natasha Manoj - 8th Grade - 11th Chair Flute

Olivia Nyberg - 8th Grade - 14th Chair Clarinet

 

 

 

Concert Band:

Isaiah Odierno - 7th Grade - 5th Chair Trumpet

Students across the nation have the opportunity to compete in athletics and fine arts through their public schools, but Texas students have additional opportunities to be a part of a team. The UIL Academic team is another team that students can enjoy. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) originally began in 1910 as a state speech and debate organization. Over the last 108 years, the league has grown to govern speech and debate, academic competition, athletics, fine arts, and spirit in the state of Texas.

Prosper began developing a robust UIL academic program just seven (7) years ago. Since that time, the team has won multiple district championships, regional championship and finished 3rd at state. UIL Academics provides opportunities for student participation as young as 2nd grade all the way through 12th grade. The UIL Academics website gives a full explanation of the high school and middle/elementary events.

All PISD campuses have UIL Academics under way.  The first ever PISD Middle School/High School tournament was held on November 11th at PHS.  Teams from 30 different schools converged for a day of competition. The PHS team plans to attend 3 other invitational tournaments this year including one in Humble, Tx.

The team will also host another invitational tournament on February 22/23 where approximately 50 schools are expected to be in attendance at PHS before hosting the high school District and Regional tournament.  The Team Coordinators and Coaches are always needing parent help and support. For more information on helping the team in the endeavors, visit the PHS academics website.

“Attitude of a Champion, Hustle of an underdog” could well describe this year’s Prosper High School Football team. The team came into the largest and, arguably, one of the strongest, 6A districts in the state of Texas. Rising from the ranks of 5A, the Eagles were assumed to be the underdog in this year’s match up, but the team didn’t take that title lightly.

Beginning in pre-season, the team focused on a motto of No Limits.  While the media and even some fans were limiting the Eagles to their potential in the new 6A district this season, the players and coaches were committed to a focus that the only limits they have are the ones they place upon themselves. Every week the goal was to be 1 and 0.

The team played 3 pre-season games beginning on September 1st against Naaman Forest who they defeated 48-14. The next game was a 56-14 win against Timber Creek (Fort Worth). The final pre-season game, they Eagle took on Flower Mound and again came away victorious with a 51-21 win.

As the team entered pre-season, the determination continued. The first game was against McKinney High where the Eagles got their first 6A district win with a 35-7 victory. The team played Plano East the next week. In a tough battle, the Eagles lost 26-14. Dallas Jesuit was the next foe the Eagles faced. A reputable opponent, the game was truly a battle. Eagle Head Coach, Brandon Schmidt, said that his favorite moment of the season came in the last second field goal that gave the Eagles the 30-28 win over Jesuit.

The next game was also a back and forth game in which the Eagles were down by 10 on at least two occasions, but they pulled out a 42-37 win against McKinney Boyd. Plano West was the next game and the Eagles took a 55-7 win. The last two games of the season would prove to be two of the toughest for the Eagles. They lost to District Champion Allen 54-21. The team bounced back to face Plano Senior in the last district game for a chance to clinch a home playoff game.  The game came down to the last few seconds with the Eagles winning 43-35 closing Plano’s season.

The Eagles will play their first 6A playoff game, and the very last Varsity Football game in Eagle Stadium on 11/16 at 7:00pm vs. Naaman Forest. Coach Schmidt said that he is “really proud of these guys for stepping up and competing when so many didn’t think we had a chance in this 6A district. Our coaches and players knew that we could compete.”

A win on Friday will mean another game on the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving. They may still be the underdog, but there is no doubt that the Prosper Eagles have proven that they have the hustle.

Image provided by Justin Hudson of Eagle Nation Online

Congratulations to the Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams on a great performance at their 9-6A District Championship Meet.

The Varsity boys’ team finished 4th overall and are sending two individual athletes on to the next round; which is the Region II-6A Championship. Alex Velez led the way for the Eagles finishing 9th and Andrew Blanco finished 10th. Both of their finishes are All-District performances. Also helping the Eagles was Hamilton Burdett finishing 20th, Wyatt Landis 22nd, Bryce Earls 26th, Leon Valdman 32nd and Adam Schofield 35th.

The Varsity girls’ team are the 9-6A District Champions. The team has advanced to Regionals; which will take place Monday, Oct. 22nd at Lynn Creek Park. Aubrey O’Connell led the way for the Lady Eagles with a 2nd place finish overall. Her finish also earned her All-District honors as well as “freshman of the year” honors. Huge contributors to the teams’ success are Tatum Castillo finishing 4th, Alexis Svoboda 7th, Sadie Gonzales 9th all of these girls also received All-District Honors. Madi Chisty 12th, Emily Kern 28th and Kirstin Towle 34th.

The JV Boys’ Team finished 3rd in District. Leading the way for the Eagles was Jonathan Valtierra with a 2nd place finish overall. Cody Duke 5th, Parker Sines 20th, Jordan Rose 23rd, Jacob Cronin 25th, Aiden Rader 29th, Spencer Marcum 34th.

The JV Girls’ Team finished 4th overall. Leading the way for the Lady Eagles was Emma Kruse with a 10th place finish overall, Rees Van Voorhis 19th, Reagan Beavers 26th, Hannah Rhode 29th, Anna Johnson 34th, Eliza De La O 35th, Kylie Aguam 39th.

But the story doesn’t end there…

The Varsity Girls’ Cross Country Team had another amazing performance at their Region II-6A District Championship Meet.

The Varsity girls’ team are the Region II-6A Champions. The team has advanced to State; which will take place on Saturday November 3rd at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. Aubrey O’Connell led the way for the Lady Eagles with a 2nd place finish overall competing against 183 runners. Her finish also earned her All-Region honors. Her finishing time of 17 minutes for the 5K reset her previous school record. Huge contributors to the teams’ success are Alexis Svoboda 8th and Tatum Castillo 9th both of these girls also received All-Region Honors. Sadie Gonzales finished 19th, Madi Chisty  45th , Emily Kern 104th  and Kirstin Towle 118th. Congratulations to these ladies for an outstanding performance. Come out and cheer on these ladies in Round Rock on 11/3! #YNU

Alex Velez and Andrew Blanco also competed in the Region II-6A Championship. Andrew Blanco finished 39th with a finishing time of 15:56; which was 2 seconds away from breaking the school record. Alex Velez finished 41th with a finishing time of 15:58 for the 5K. This race consisted of 187 runners. Both boys ran a Personal Record.

Contributed by: Jennifer Gegogeine

 

UPDATE: The Lady Eagles ran like they had something to prove at UIL XC State. PHS Freshman Aubrey O'Connell finished 3rd individually. Meanwhile the team finished as 3rd overall just 1 point from a 2nd place finish their first year in 6A. Only behind Coppell with 79 points and Flower Mound 93 points then Prosper with 94 points. 

As of 11/6/2018, MaxPreps had the PHS Eagle Volleyball team ranked 2nd in the state behind Byron Nelson who fell to Flower Mound on Monday in Regional Quarter-finals. The Eagles are the reigning 5A State Champions and are looking to repeat the title this year in 6A.  They are off to a great start.

The team began the year with several tournament accomplishments challenging themselves against some of the toughest competition in the state right out of the gate. Entering the new 6A district, the team faced some highly ranked teams, but maintained their focus of one game at a time. The focus was successful as the team swept through district competition clinching the district championship undefeated in district play.

The team advanced to playoffs where they won Bi-District against Rowlett in 3 games to advance to area. The area matchup was against Copperas Cove. Again the team dominated winning the Area Championship in 3 games. This advanced the team to the Regional quarter-finals where they took on district opponent, Plano Senior High.  The team won in 4 games to advance to the Regional Semi-Finals.

The Regional Tournament is played at Johnson Coliseum at Sam Houston State University on November 9th and 10th. Prosper’s first game is at 7pm on the 9th against Klein High School. The winner of that game will take on the winner of Plano West and the Woodlands on Saturday the 10th at 1pm.

The Eagles have their focus on one game at a time. First Regional Semi-finals, then Regional Finals and then on to the State tournament on November 16th. Best of luck to Coach Kauffman and the Lady Eagle Volleyball team!

 

UPDATE: The Lady Eagles took care of business in the Regional Semi-Final game at Sam Houston defeating Klein in 4 games to advance to the Regional Finals on Saturday. The Regional Final match up was the Prosper Eagles vs. district foe Plano West. The Eagles had beaten West both times in district play but weren't able to make it a third. The Lady Eagles fell to Plano West who advanced to the State Tournament.

The Lady Eagles ended their season as one of the top 8 teams in the state of Texas their first year in 6A. 

Image by Julia Solt of Eagle Nation Online

Congratulations to the Rogers Band for another RECORD BREAKING YEAR of 22 students making the All-Region Band. This is the highest honor a middle school band student can achieve. This past weekend, over 2500 students participated in this two-day audition. The top players for each instrument were selected to be a part of one of the five All-Region Bands. The All-Region Clinic and Concert will be held at Reedy High School in Frisco with the first band beginning at 4:30pm. Congratulations to all that participated!!!

Flute

Cami Sanchez - Concert Band: 14th Chair

Oboe

Ashlyn Long - Honors Band: 1st Chair

Clarinet

Alex Alsina - Honors Band: 13th Chair

Alyssa Dickens - Concert Band: 14th Chair

Bass Clarinet

Taylor Reid – Wind Symphony: 1st Chair**** This is the first chair bass clarinet player in the ENTIRE REGION!!!!!!!

Saxophone

Alexander Stojanovski - Wind Symphony: 5th Chair

Trumpet

Cameron Stulting-Flores – Wind Symphony: 1st Chair **** This is the first chair trumpet player in the ENTIRE REGION!!!!!!!

Joseph Kelly – Honors Band: 2nd Chair

Ben Axene – Concert Band: 11th Chair

French Horn

Andrew Warren – Wind Symphony: 6th Chair

Bella Cloud – Honors Band: 6th Chair

Payas Joshi –  Symphonic Band: 1st Chair

Sydney Pirtle – Concert Band: 10th Chair

Trombone

Kendall Colemen – Wind Symphony: 2nd Chair

John Paul Leonard – Wind Symphony: 5th Chair

Chris Cammllarie – Concert Band: 8th Chair

Euphonium

Johnathan Vidusek – Wind Ensemble: 5th Chair

Tuba

Brady Hema – Honors Band: 2nd Chair

Daniel Siles – Honors Band: 4th Chair

Percussion

Luca Colaruotolo – Wind Symphony: 6th Chair

Chayse Driskell – Concert Band: 5th Chair

Alexander Anderson – Concert Band: 2nd Chair

Science tends to be a “left-brained” course and music a “right-brained” course. But Ms. McKiddy's 2nd grade class at Boyer Elementary is making sure that, in her science class, students are utilizing both sides of their brain.

Through their study of energy in their science class, the students were posed with the task of pretending that they were a music teacher who is demonstrating how changing the amount of energy can change the sound of an instrument. Students built an instrument that allowed them to change the loudness and/or pitch by applying different amounts of energy.

In order to create their instrument, they used materials provided by Ms. McKiddy. Once completed they demonstrated their instrument to the class and explained how the instrument changed by increasing or decreasing the amount of sound energy.

The sounds were so great that the students had an impromptu class concert afterwards.

Ms. Labhart’s 6th grade math class at Reynolds Middle School is literally lighting up learning. Ms. Labhart has been stocking up on blacklights and neon dry erase markers over the last few years.  She told the students to wear something neon or white on the day of the activity and then surprise them when she turned off the lights. The students then found “math problems” such as task cards or math puzzles with which they can self-assess their math skills in neon.

To set the stage for the learning, Ms. Labhart “blares Sandstorm or another electropop or techno song and hit the black lights and the kids go nuts! In the past I've brought glow sticks and glow in the dark darts that have suction cups that stick to the board so we can make a game out of some of the activities.”

Seeing learning in action is helpful, but seeing learning in neon blacklight is also fun.

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” The well known show is seen by children all over the country at this time of the year and families find themselves digging for just the right pumpkin to carve and/or decorate. In Ms. Gibson’s 3rd grade class at Light Farms, students are not just decorating pumpkins, but connecting it to their learning.

These Light Farms students have been studying fictional story elements such as plot, theme, etc. and reading fictional books of their choice. As they finished their books, the students identified each of the elements and wrote about them. They were then challenged to create a pumpkin to represent the main character of the book, share their book and then explain their pumpkin decoration choice to the class.

As students presented, listeners wrote down the title and author of books that piqued their interest. Ms. Gibson said that her favorite part of the lesson was that, “Many of them discovered authors or particular series that they are wanting to continue to read.  I also enjoyed the higher level thinking as they were relaying the theme, or the message the author was trying to send.  Their pumpkins were also creative and unique. It was nice to see the pride each one took in their work!”

They now have a pumpkin ready for Halloween and a list of books they are ready to read.