Denton ISD Football Programs Advance to the 2019 State Championships at AT&T Stadium

Adkins School Namesake Celebrates 100th Birthday with Campus Wide Celebration

Board Approves 2020-21 School Year Calendar

Downtown Restaurant Association Holds Fundraiser to Pay Off School Lunch Balances

Dr. Scott Niven, CPA, Named District’s Chief Financial Officer

Guyer and Ryan High Advance to State Semifinal Round of Playoffs

Deron Robinson Named District’s General Counsel

Denton ISD Transportation Department Partners with Identity Assist to Operate School Bus GPS

Our Impact In Your Community Magazine

Coats for Kids Ride Set Goal to Collect 3,000 Winter Coats for Area Students

Denton ISD Fine Arts Begins Partnership with UNT to Improve Health of Performing Artists

Guyer Theatre Presents ELF The Musical!

District Veteran's Day Ceremonies

GHS Choir Craft Show Sat, Nov. 9

Denton ISD Siblings Win Award, Travel to Nation’s Capital to Meet First Lady

Join Us for the 33rd Annual Ryan High Craft Show Saturday, November 2

Denton ISD and United Way of Denton County Unite for a Better Denton County

District to Dedicate Union Park Elementary on Oct. 15

District Wins $25,000 for Increase in FASFA Participation

DPSF grants $130,847 to teachers, staff

AP Exam Registration Now Open

Celebrate Grandparents Day with Your Student

Clear Bag Guidelines in Effect at C.H. Collins, Bronco Field

Ross Garison named Director of Digital Learning

Guyer High School Theatre Presents: Little Women, The Musical

District Shows Improvement on State Assessment

First Day: Student Growth Continues at Record Rate

Denton ISD Wins Regional School Board Award

Registration Information for the 2019-20 School Year

Denton Back To School Fair 2019

Amanda Bomar Named Principal of Pecan Creek Elementary

Amanda Bomar, assistant principal at Wilson Elementary, has been named the principal of Pecan Creek Elementary. Mrs. Bomar will replace Dr. Lacey Rainey, who was recently promoted to area superintendent of academic programs.

Dr. Lacey Rainey Named Area Superintendent

Dr. Lacey Rainey, principal of Pecan Creek Elementary School, has been named Denton Independent School District’s fourth area superintendent of academic programs. Dr. Rainey will supervise the Denton High School zone and all schools in the heart of Denton.

Dr. Lisa Thibodeaux Named Director of Secondary Curriculum

After spending the past 22 years with Plano ISD, Dr. Lisa Thibodeaux, executive director for secondary academics, will join Denton ISD as the Director of Secondary Curriculum. Dr. Thibodeaux will begin her new duties July 1.

Instructions for Viewing Your Child's STAAR Scores

STAAR scores will become available to view beginning June 12, 2019. If you need your child's PEIMS number (either SSN or S#) in order to lookup the Unique Access Code, you will need to contact your student's campus by June 3.

2019 Denton ISD High School Summer School Information

Need information about how to enroll for summer school? Read on for summer school schedule, course offerings and online payment portal.

Jacqueline San Miguel-Lozano Named Principal of Fred Moore High

Mrs. San Miguel-Lozano has been serving in the role of interim principal following the loss of Marilyn Rabsatt who succumbed to cancer this spring.

Marvyn White Named Principal at Rivera Elementary

Marvyn White has been named principal at Rivera Elementary. He replaces Roshaunda Thomas who was recently named the district’s new assistant director of student services. Mr. White will begin his new duties in July.

Andrea Hare Named Principal of Hodge Elementary

Andrea Hare, assistant principal of Hodge Elementary, has been elevated to principal at the campus at which she currently serves. She replaces the campus’ current leader, Dr. Patty Jensen, who has accepted a similar position out of state and will be moving with her family during the summer. Ms. Hare will begin her new duties in July.

Sandra Brown Named Director of Elementary Curriculum

After spending the past 14 years as an administrator in Denton ISD’s Curriculum & Instruction Department, Sandra Brown has been named the district’s new director of elementary instruction. She replaces Mary Helen Martin who will retire at the end of this school year following 43 years of service in public education. Ms. Brown will begin her new duties in July.

Guyer's Spectacular Six Earn $1.5 Million in Scholarships

Seniors Ashlyn Clark, Jessica Gamsjager, Cassidy Jester, Kaitlin Koralewski, Madison Miller, and Aris Quiroz are all student leaders at Guyer High School. This impressive group of young ladies has amassed a staggering $1.5 million dollars in scholarship money to attend service academies or colleges with ROTC units this fall.

Ryan High AFJROTC Earns 2019 Distinguished Unit Awards with Merit

Air Force Junior ROTC Unit TX-093 at Billy Ryan High School has been selected as one of 102 units in the United States to receive the 2018-2019 Air Force JROTC Distinguished Unit with Merit Award. Only 8 units in the entire state of Texas received this designation.

Blind Painter Displays Skills at Blanton Elementary

John Bramblitt is currently rated as the top blind painter in the world, and he’s the only blind muralist to have murals on display in both New York and in Dallas. Read on to learn more about his recent visit to Blanton Elementary.

Roshaunda Thomas Joins Student Services Department

After 16 years leading Rivera Elementary School, Roshaunda Thomas has been named the district’s new assistant director of student services. The position has remained unfilled for the past few months following the retirement of another administrator. Ms. Thomas will begin her new duties in July.

Dr. Daniel Lopez Named Executive Director of Human Resources

Dr. Daniel Lopez, area superintendent of academic programs for the Denton High School zone, has been named the Executive Director of Professional Personnel in the Human Resources Division. Dr. Lopez replaces Dr. Tracy Johnson effective July 1.

Denton ISD Spirit Night at Frisco Rough Riders May 17

The Denton Public School Foundation is partnering with the RoughRiders for the district's spirit night game at the Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco. Fan can enjoy their shaded seats as the RoughRiders play the Amarillo Sod Poodles and a post-game fireworks show.

District Honored by H-E-B Excellence in Education Award

H-E-B announced that Denton ISD has been selected as a Semi-finalists for the retailer’s 18th annual Excellence in Education Awards program. For the sixth year in a row, H-E-B recognized 25 public school districts to highlight the importance of strong local schools and school leadership. As a Semi-finalist, the district received a $1,000 award.

Denton High’s 2018 The Bronco Selected as Tops by Jostens

Denton High School’s yearbook, The Bronco, has been recognized for design, photography and coverage excellence and featured in the 2019 Jostens Look Book, celebrating the best-of-the-best in yearbook design and coverage.

Chivonne Kiser Named Assistant Athletic Director

Chivonne Kiser, head volleyball coach and assistant campus athletic coordinator at Morton Ranch High School in the Katy ISD, has been named Assistant Athletics Director for Denton ISD.

Conroy Hines Named Assistant Athletic Director

Conroy Hines, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks’ coach at Ryan High School, has been named Assistant Athletics Director for Denton ISD. Mr. Hines has been in the coaching profession for more than 28 years.

District Purchases New, Upgraded Security Equipment

When Denton ISD voters approved the 2018 Capital Improvement Plan last May 5, $20.6 million was dedicated to improving safety and infrastructure projects in the district. The purchase and installation of the security camera upgrades is one portion of the plan.

Stephens Elementary Celebrates Every Kid Healthy Week

Action for Healthy Kids awarded Stephens Elementary with a $1,000 grant for this event, with the school being one of 25 schools nationwide to receive an additional $1000 from ALDI. Thanks to the sponsorships, every student at Stephens participated in the Every Kid Healthy Deluxe Event stations to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

Apply Now: 2019-20 DPSF Grants & Scholarships

The Denton Public School Foundation is now accepting applications for 2019-20 Staff Scholarships, Grants-to-Teachers and School-Wide Initiatives. The deadline for all application submissions is Monday, June 17, 2019.

Blanton Student Performs in OAKE National Honor Choir

Amelia Coker traveled to Columbus, Ohio this March to perform in the OAKE National Honor Children’s Choir concert. Following an intense audition process, Amelia was the only elementary student from Denton ISD selected to participate.

DHS Theatre Encore Performance of Lend Me a Tenor

Denton High School Theatre’s UIL One Act production of Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig advanced from District to Bi-District, to Area, and were alternate to Region. The company will celebrate an amazing run with one final encore performance on Thursday, April 25.

Braswell Royals Present: Bon Voyage - A Royal Engagement

Come show your support for the Braswell Royals Drill Team as they perform their spring show! Performances are scheduled for April 12 - 13 at 7 p.m. in the Braswell High School Auditorium. Tickets are available for advance purchase.

Calhoun Art Exhibit Opening Reception

On April 11, juried artists will be honored at the opening reception of the Calhoun Art Exhibit from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Denton. The Calhoun Art Exhibit is made possible with the partnership of the Greater Denton Arts Council and Embassy Suites.

Braswell Girls Basketball Names New Head Coach

Lisa Williams, assistant varsity basketball coach for Guyer High School, has been named girls head basketball coach for Braswell High. Williams replaces Paige Trujillo who stepped down from her position at the conclusion of the season to focus on spending more time with family.

Ryan High Strutters Perform Spring Show April 4 - 6

Join us in supporting the Ryan High School Strutters as they perform their spring showcase: Strutter Salute to Songs of Inspiration. Performances are scheduled for April 4 - 6 at 7 p.m. in the Ryan High School Auditorium.

Students Earn 14 Awards at State PTA Reflections Contest

Students across the district received 14 awards for their art entries at the state PTA reflections meet, with one entry moving on to the national competition. This year’s theme was “Heroes Around Me.” McNair Elementary first-grader Skyler Sue Kelly’s photography entry “My Hero in Heaven” received Overall Award of Excellence.

District High Schools Excel in UIL One Act Play Competition

Three Denton ISD Schools, Ryan HS, Denton HS, and Guyer HS have advanced to Bi-District Competition in UIL One Act Play. The Bi-District event will take place Thursday, March 28 at Timber Creek High School.

Trustees Discuss Change to Policy ELA (Local)

During a special called meeting, the Denton ISD Board of School Trustees discussed proposed changes to Board Policy ELA (Local) to allow for the district to forge a “Texas Partnership.” The Board took no action and will place the item on a future agenda.

Denton ISD Winter Guard Showcase

Denton ISD is proud to welcome the community to the FIRST Denton ISD Winter Guard Showcase at Braswell High School on Friday, March 22. The show will commence at 8pm and admission is free to the public.

LEAD Denton Now Accepting Applications for 2019-20

LEAD Denton is now accepting applications for the 2019-20 cohort from current Denton ISD employees. The mission of LEAD Denton, in the Denton ISD, is to develop leadership capacity to improve organizational effectiveness and promote a culture of learning and engagement for all stakeholders.

Fred Moore Student Wins Four-Way Speech Contest

Desiree Williams, a junior at Fred Moore High School, won this year’s Denton Rotary Club Four-Way Speech Contest held February 27, 2019. Desiree won the top prize of $300 for her speech and now advances to the district competition in April.

Grammy Award-Winning Brave Combo to Perform with DHS Jazz Band

On Monday, March 4, the Denton High School Jazz Bands will perform with Grammy Award-Winning group, Brave Combo. Please join us in supporting our local jazz students and musicians! The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the DHS Auditorium.

Lindsay Henderson to Lead Alexander Elementary

Lindsay Henderson, dean of instruction at Central Elementary (Lewisville ISD) since 2016, has been named the principal of Alexander Elementary School. Lorena Salas, who has served as the principal since 2013, will move to open the district’s 24th primary campus, Union Park Elementary School.

District High School Solo & Ensemble Results

This weekend, district high school band, choir and orchestra students performed at the Region 2 UIL Solo and Ensemble Event at Lake Dallas HS. We would like to thank the private lesson staff and congratulate the following students.

Educational Fair Open to District Employees and Families

Denton ISD in conjunction with North Texas Collegiate Consortium will be hosting an educational fair for District employees on Tuesday, February 26. Several institutions of higher learning will showcase graduate and undergraduate programs.

Lorena Salas Named Principal of Union Park Elementary

Lorena Salas, principal of Alexander Elementary School since 2013, has been named the principal of Union Park Elementary School. The district’s 24th primary school is located in a 1,100-acre master planned community, Union Park, in Little Elm with frontage on US Highway 380, directly across the street from Braswell High School.

Help Us Celebrate NEA's Read Across America Day

Denton ISD’s elementary schools will celebrate Read Across America from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday, March 1. Volunteers are needed with a minimum donation of time commitment of 30 minutes.

McMath Middle Counseling Staff Wins CREST Award

Denton Independent School District’s McMath Middle School Counseling Department was recently named as recipients of the CREST Award, which annually recognizes the top counseling staffs in the state, by the Texas School Counselor Association.

2019 AP Exam Information and Registration Links

The Denton ISD Advanced Placement program gives students the opportunity to challenge themselves academically, set themselves apart in the college admission process and earn college credit with a successful exam score. Click here for 2019 AP Exam information.

Denton High Fillies 50th Anniversary Celebration

Join the Denton High community in celebrating the Fillies' 50th Anniversary. Performances will be held February 22 & 23 at 7pm in the DHS Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children.

Nutrislice Interactive Menus Now Available

Denton ISD is pleased to announce a new and exciting partnership with Nutrislice. Nutrislice is a fast, convenient online tool that allows you to view school breakfast and lunch menus, nutritional values, food allergens and meal prices.

Technology Survey Open to Parents, Students and Staff

The annual BrightBytes technology survey helps our schools make the best possible technology decisions for your children. The survey is available from January 28 through February 22, is completely anonymous and can be completed in about 5 minutes.

Crownover Middle Seventh Grader Wins District Spelling Bee

At the annual Denton ISD Spelling Bee, Alycea Morales, seventh grader at Crownover Middle School was named the district champion. The first and second place winners will advance to the County Spelling Bee on Thursday, Jan. 31.

National Signing Day: 21 District Athletes Commit to Play at College Level

Denton ISD is proud to join our high schools, families and coaches in honoring students who will play athletics at the college level. National Signing Day, Wednesday, Feb. 6, is a day that high school seniors traditionally reveal the college or university they will continue their academic studies and play collegiate sports next season.

Students of Furloughed Employees may be Eligible to Receive Free/Reduced Meals

Denton ISD Child Nutrition Department encourages households that experience a change in economic circumstances to apply for free and reduced meal benefits.

District Students Selected as TMEA All-State Musicians

Thirteen students from Denton ISD's high school music programs have advanced through multiple rounds of auditions to be selected as TMEA All-State Musicians. These students will travel to the TMEA State Clinic and Convention in San Antonio February 14-18.

Board Approves Attendance Zone for Union Park Elementary

At their regular meeting in December, the Denton ISD Board of School Trustees approved the attendance boundaries for the district’s next elementary school, Union Park Elementary. The school will be located at 7301 Field Wood Way in Aubrey.

District honored by College Board for AP Growth

Denton ISD is one of only 28 districts in Texas and 373 school districts in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 9th Annual AP® District Honor Roll.

TEACH Denton Honored by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

TEACH Denton has been named one of the five finalists by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board 2018 Star Awards.

District High School Holiday Concerts

The holiday season is upon us, and it is time for concerts! Read on to find out when your high school fine arts group is performing:

Coats for Kids Ride Aims to Collect 3,000 Coats for Students

Motorcycle enthusiasts and community volunteers are partnering with Denton ISD and other Denton County school districts with the seventh annual Coats for Kids Ride on Sunday, Nov. 25. This year the ride will include a drive through Texas Motor Speedway.

Apply for Denton Public School Foundation Scholarships

Applications for the Denton Public School Foundation scholarships for graduating DISD seniors are now available online. The awards range from $250-$4500 and can be used for university, college or trade and vocational schools.

Plans Unveiled for New Denton High School

At the November 13 school board meeting, plans for the new Denton High School were presented. Construction will begin in June 2019 on the new Denton High School. The campus will serve 2,400 students and is anticipated to open its doors in the Fall of 2022.

Veterans Day Celebrated Nov. 9 & 12

The district's four comprehensive high schools will hold ceremonies in recognition of Veteran's Day Friday, November 9 and Monday, November 12. All veterans are welcome to attend the respective ceremonies.

Julie Zwahr Hired as District’s Communications Director

Julie Zwahr has been named the Denton Independent School District’s director of communications and community relations. Ms. Zwahr, who currently serves as the coordinator of communications, will replace Mario Zavala Jr.

Board Reviews New Design for Strickland Middle School

During their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 23, members of the Board of Trustees reviewed preliminary plans presented by VLK Architects, for a complete re-design and rebuild of Strickland Middle School on its current site.

District Dedicates Alexander Elementary on Oct. 22

The Denton Independent School District Board of Trustees will host a formal dedication of Alice Moore Alexander Elementary School beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 22. Alexander Elementary is located at 800 Mack Road, Denton.

College and Career Expo to be held Oct. 20

The expo will feature interactive sessions to help families and students prepare for the whole college experience. Topics will vary in scope from financial planning and applying for scholarships to emerging career trends and how to earn college credits in high school.

Union Park Rezoning Meetings to be held Oct. 16, 18

As a result of many years of planning and leadership efforts by community members, parents, volunteers, Denton ISD team members and our Board of School Trustees, Union Park Elementary continues to take shape in preparation for its opening in the fall of 2019.

Staff Development, No School October 12 and 15

There will be no school for students on Friday, October 12 and Monday, October 15 due to Staff Development. All district administrative offices will remain open during their normal operating hours.

It's A Colorful Life...

Tim Canter is a student of Mrs. Olivia Gonzales’ Cosmetology Class at the LaGrone Advanced Technology Center studying for his barber certification exam, however, he faces a unique challenge. Tim Canter is one of eight percent of men who have red-green color blindness.

Teach Denton Initiative Named Finalist for State Award

Denton ISD’s Teach Denton initiative, an innovative approach to finding future educators in areas of need, has been named one of five finalists for the 2018 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Star Awards.

Secure Entry Systems Added to Campuses

Denton ISD has installed secure entry systems at all elementary campuses as part of efforts to increase school security across the district. The camera system requires all visitors to be visible and communicate the nature of their business before entering the building.

DATCU’s $1 Million Gift Elevates Game Time Experiences

The Denton Independent School District Board of School Trustees announced that to begin the 2018-2019 sports season there will be a million reasons to “light-up” scoreboards across the district, and it’s not just due to championship efforts of students and coaches.

District to Host Forum on Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Denton Independent School District’s Counseling Services Department will host a forum on stress, its affect on us and healthy ways to handle it at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, in the board room at the Ramsey Professional Development Center.

Crosstown Rivals Square Off on TXA 21, Sept. 28

TXA Ch. 21 will broadcast via tape-delay the game between the Ryan High Raiders and the Denton High Broncos at 10:30 p.m. CST on Friday, Sept. 28 at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex. UIL rules prevent football games played on Friday nights from being broadcast live.

DATCU, District Set to Announce Partnership Sept. 25

DATCU and Denton Independent School District will announce a partnership to begin the 2018-2019 sports season there will be a million reasons to “light-up” scoreboards across the district, and it’s not just due to championship efforts of students and coaches.

District posts “B,” in State’s New A-F Accountability System

The Denton Independent School District received the letter grade of “B” under the new A-F Public School Accountability System released this week by the Texas Education Agency. Under a previous TEA label effectuated in 2011, the same score would have placed the district in the ‘Recognized’ category.

Enrollment Lines and Happy Faces Highlight First Day

A longtime hotspot for student growth in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Denton ISD maintained that notoriety with large numbers of campuses enrolling students on the first day of the 2018-19 school year. Situated in the ninth-fastest growing county in the United States, Denton ISD has consistently ranked among the top 10 districts in number of new home starts and closures for the past five years.

Make a Difference - Mentors and Volunteer Today!

The Denton ISD mentoring program is for any person who is willing to provide a child with support, friendship and a constructive example through one-on-one meetings each week. No previous teaching experience is necessary to mentor.

How to become an Adopt-A-School Partner

We would love to have you join us as a 2018-19 Adopt-A-School District Partner! Sponsorship levels begin at $250 and, in return, we will promote your business in a variety of ways. If you wish to target your support to one specific campus, consider joining as a Campus Adopter.

District to dedicate support building to Bill Giese on Aug. 7

The Bill Giese Professional Support Services Building opened in the July and houses the district’s business and administrative services division, child nutrition, special education, data processing and ESL/bilingual departments.

DPSF Grants $99,542 to Teachers, Staff

The Denton Public School Foundation in partnership with the district, local businesses and community leaders presented $99,542 in scholarship and grant money was recently awarded to 123 Denton ISD teachers and staff members.

District increases school safety with adoption of new policy

The policy allows current employees who are commissioned law enforcement agents or have extensive training in law enforcement to carry a concealed firearm on them, including while on school property.

Denton ISD Receives Grant to Boost FASFA Participation

The project, funded by The Kresge Foundation and Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates, National College Access Network (NCAN) challenges each of the grant recipients to increase their FAFSA completion rates by at least five percent for the Class of 2019.

Celebrate Grandparents Day with Your Student

Grandparents are invited to help us bridge the generation gap as the students show their appreciation for their grandparents. Continue reading to find out when your grandchild’s school is hosting activities.

Changes to Teacher Web Pages for 2018-19

Denton ISD is committed to consistent and open communication with parents and the community. The district is now requires all teachers and staff to maintain a standard set of information across all campuses as part of the district’s web presence.

New Student Safety Processes for 2018-19 School Year

For the 2018-2019 school year, students, parents and staff will notice changes based on building improvements and training with regard to school safety processes. Details include an awareness campaign as well as the installation of secure entry systems at every campus.

UPDATE: New 2018-19 Traffic Pattern for Guyer High

We have been notified by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) and the City of Denton that some of the changes in place to help with the flow of traffic entering and exiting Guyer High School will not be in place for the first week of school due to construction and weather delays.

District partners with UNT Athletics for Extra Yard for Teachers

Denton ISD’s Fine Arts Department was joined by representatives from UNT Athletics for a special announcement regarding Conference-USA’s 2018 Extra Yard for Teachers program during their August professional development.

Class of 2022: See you Aug. 14 for free pizza

The district’s Freshman First Day program ensures these students get an early, first-hand look at high school life at each of their respective campuses before the rest of their classmates at 8:50 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14.

New Employee Reception to be held August 3

Denton ISD, in partnership with the Denton Chamber of Commerce, will welcome approximately 300 employees new to the district during an event beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 3 in the Denton High School Gymnasium, 1007 Fulton Street. Lunch is provided.

Schedule Pick Up for Secondary Students

The families of high school and middle school students can begin picking up their course schedules for the upcoming school year at the end of July.

Denton Back to School Fair to be held August 11

Parents and/or guardians of Denton County students who qualify for free and/or reduced lunch may receive school supplies, backpacks, health education resources and more if you register in advance for an upcoming back-to-school fair.

Braswell Zone 10th Annual Back-To-School Extravaganza

The Braswell Zone PTAs will host the 10th annual Braswell Zone Back-2-School Extravaganza at 6:30 pm on Monday, August 6 at Braswell High School. All proceeds raised during the event will benefit the Braswell Zone PTA groups.

Registration for 2018-19 School Year Is Now Open

The enrollment process for the 2018-19 school year for all new and returning Denton ISD students is now open via the district’s online registration system, InfoSnap. Please read the following information in its entirety regarding 18-19 school year registration.

Cornelius Anderson Named Principal of Ginnings Elementary

Mr. Cornelius Anderson, principal of Wesley Elementary School in Houston ISD, has been named the new principal of Ginnings Elementary. He replaces Marci Auchter, who is leaving the district to take a position with Prosper ISD to be closer to home.

Ronnie Watkins Named Principal of Davis School

Ronnie Watkins, an assistant principal at Ryan High School, has been named the principal at Lester Davis School. Mr. Watkins takes over for Dr. Buddy Dunworth, who vacated the position after being named principal at McMath Middle School.

Trey Peden Named Principal of Myers Middle School

Trey Peden, an assistant principal at Ryan High School, has been named the principal at Bettye Myers Middle School. Mr. Peden will take over for James Whitfield, who was named principal in May but resigned earlier this week to focus on his family.