As students navigate the school year, new resources and rules are implemented on campus. With the growing population, there have been enhancements made to all classrooms at Prosper High School. New school’s are being built to relief over-population, and rules implemented across the district to keep students safe.

Students navigate new options, procedures

Journalists document changes to district

Jake Radcliffe, Sofia Ayala, Erica Deutsch, Srihitha Madepalli, and Anisha Mandem • October 6, 2024

This school year has welcomed significant changes that have impacted not just the district, not just the school – but each and every student. In Eagle Nation Online’s latest series, journalists have already covered these: new schools opening, evolving procedures, safety measures, testing policies and restriction of students’ access to cellphones in school. As more changes continue to come, the ENO team stands committed to covering each one from every angle.

Jones Middle School welcomed 1,000 new students at the beginning of this school year. The middle school has a capacity of 1,500 students. Four new schools (elementary, middle, and high school) will be opened in August of 2025.

New high school prepares to open

PISD opens 2 schools to accommodate growth

Due to growing populations, a new school, Richland High School, will be opening for the 2025-26 school year. Many Prosper High School students who live in the southwestern portion of Prosper will be transferring to Richland. This school will also introduce cosmetology and electrical engineering programs to the district for students interested in those career paths.

Jones Middle School welcomed 1,000 new students at the beginning of this school year. The middle school has a capacity of 1,500 students. Four new schools (elementary, middle, and high school) will be opened in August of 2025. (Anisha Mandem)

When students miss tests, they may have to come in before school or stay after to take it. The new testing center gives students a place to make up those tests after school. "I think the testing center is going to be a great way for students to make up tests," Anatomy and Physiology teacher Darilyn Krempin said. "It will provide more days and times for makeups and be a huge help for teachers to ensure their students have an opportunity to get it done."

Testing center helps students and teachers manage schedules

Testing center aims to provide academic benefits

A new testing center that operates out of the LGI opened Sept. 11. This center gives students an alternate, often easier way to make up tests they missed. Instead of having to take a test they missed in a teacher’s room before or after school or during class, students can instead take take their tests without distractions in the testing center.

When students miss tests, they may have to come in before school or stay after to take it. The new testing center gives students a place to make up those tests after school. “I think the testing center is going to be a great way for students to make up tests,” Anatomy and Physiology teacher Darilyn Krempin said. “It will provide more days and times for makeups and be a huge help for teachers to ensure their students have an opportunity to get it done.” (Erica Deustch)

Prosper ISD installed the silent emergency alarm during the summer. The button is placed in every classroom, and is used when authorities are needed.

Silent panic alarm button implemented in classrooms

Seconds can save lives

The new panic alarms in classrooms increases students’ safety by allowing students and staff to contact school authorities, police departments and other law enforcement with the push of a button when an emergency happens. This alarm is completely silent, so possible intruders aren’t made aware that someone called for help. It also lets authorities know exactly which classrooms are experiencing emergencies.

Prosper ISD installed the silent emergency alarm during the summer. The button is placed in every classroom, and is used when authorities are needed. (Srihitha Madepalli)

Principal Nick Jones enforced cellphone rules during his first year as PHS principal in 2022. Students are not allowed to use these devices during instructional periods unless they have accommodations. "The states that have already banned phones needed to purchase areas to hold cell phones," Jones said. "The two main types are large cell phone lockers where students place their cell phone in during the day or individual magnetic cell phone pouches that students use during the school day."

Students’ access to cellphones in school restricted

Texas education commissioner calls for cellphone ban in public schools

The increased enforcement of a cellphone policy and a call for a complete cellphone ban in Texas schools by a Texas education commissioner affects students’ access to their phones during the school day. The current policy doesn’t allow students to have their phones out in class or during advisory. However, if a statewide ban on cell phones in schools is implemented, students won’t be able to access their phones at all in school.

Principal Nick Jones enforced cellphone rules during his first year as PHS principal in 2022. Students are not allowed to use these devices during instructional periods unless they have accommodations. “The states that have already banned phones needed to purchase areas to hold cell phones,” Jones said. “The two main types are large cell phone lockers where students place their cell phone in during the day or individual magnetic cell phone pouches that students use during the school day.” (Sofia Ayala)

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