If you don't already know it (and if you don't have children in PISD or at all, it's easy not to know) tomorrow, Monday August 25^th, marks the beginning of the new 2008-09 school year for PISD students, teachers and staff.

I know we're not quite accepting this in the Otto household today.

Although we KNOW it, it just doesn't feel like it.

Maybe because my kids are older or cooler about it and don't care to have the latest Jonas Brothers or Miley Cyrus lunch gear or t-shirts. They've settled into the "back to school groove" easier than they used to and I guess I have too.

Reality comes early for one 8^thgrader tomorrow in my house with her 7:00 AM wake up call. The older of my two, a senior this year, has a late arrival schedule of 9:50 AM due to his top loaded schedule of classes and theatre commitments so he's actually excited to be able to sleep in.

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow will be crazy in most Plano neighborhoods and to DRIVE CAREFULLY!

The first week of school can be extremely frustrating and stressful for anyone, with kids or not, and the most important thing to remember is that it's safety first, for our kids and ourselves as they get to and from school each day until the routines finally settle in.

There are always first timers too, kindergartners and students who have relocated over the summer months, let's show them our Plano hospitality and just ease back into the groove.

After all, for us older kids, we are much cooler about it now aren't we?

Have a wonderful first day of school Plano ISD!

The Dallas Regional Chapter of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (DIRC) and the  Forth Worth Regional Chapter of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (FWIRC) along with our valued business parter CORT Furniture Rental, are co-hosting a fundraising event for World Wide Staging Service Week 2008 benefiting our philanthropies.

Along with the IASHP Foundation, DIRC & FWIRC are also raising awareness and money to benefit Promise House, Dallas, TX.

The Mission of Promise House (from the Promise House website)

"The mission of Promise House is to stabilize and offer hope to youth and families in crisis through emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, transitional living, street outreach, and education, all free of charge. Most of our clients come from the North Texas area and struggle with problems including homelessness, abuse, family problems, runaway behavior, drug/alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, truancy, and delinquency.

Promise House is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible charitable organization governed by a Board of Directors. It is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services."

Please come support this event to; network, shop, enter a fabulous drawing, bid on the Silent Auction, eat and have a great time in support of a worthy cause!

Details below. Bring a friend or 6!

Cort Furniture Rental www.cort.com 14215 Inwood Rd Dallas, TX 75244 (972) 386-2981 Get directions More information »

Plano East Theatre Captures 5th Consecutive District Title

By Shelby Chesnut

On Friday, March 28 Plano East Sr. High won the District 9 5A UIL One Act Play Championship for the fifth year in a row with their production of the French comedy, THE DISPUTE, by Marivaux. Senior, Lila Flores, was named Best Actress. Juniors, Jeffery Moffitt and Karsten Otto were named to the District All Star Cast, while Senior, Dustin Tsai received an Honorable Mention and Senior, Matthew Jones was named to the All Star Technical Crew.  Other members of the award winning production include: Claire Smith, Thomas Stimpson, Samantha Sterling, Samantha Ashby, Jackson Lewis, Mia Hailemeskel, Monica Ruiz, Lindsey Kite and Rachel Chesnut.  The students are under the director of Lisa Hale and Zachary Elms. 

Plano East competes in the Region II Area I contest on Saturday, April 5 at Plano East. 

Winners of that contest will advance to the Region II finals on April 11 at Baylor University in Waco.

CONGRATULATIONS PLANO EAST!

March 8th signaled the return of Downtown@Sundown.  D@S is held every Second Saturday from 5:30-9:30 PM.  Featuring Live Music, Food Vendors, Vendors selling Arts/Crafts, Merchandise, Unique items, as well as information on local businesses, charities, and giveaways.  Downtown Restaurants and stores are open late also!

Our next event is April 12th with Live Music by The Randy Hopper Band and Leah Marr. 

The Downtown Plano Insider Blog is now up and running.  Feel free to let us know what you think!

- Historic Downtown Plano Association 

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the Official Blog for Downtown Plano.  We welcome all comments, questions, and suggestions for Downtown.  Please keep it tasteful and constructive.  For more information on Downtown Plano, www.visitdowntownplano.com