Thursday, December 19, 2013

Gingerbread Houses Delight Sick Children

Meadow Wood Elementary (MWE) students and teachers brought holiday joy into the hallways and hearts of dozens of patients at Memorial Hermann Children’s – Texas Medical Center.

As part of Meadow Wood Elementary’s school-wide community service project, all 505 students and teachers constructed and decorated 60 gingerbread houses.  Parents then helped to deliver the festive gingerbread houses just in time to kick off the Christmas holiday season.

Brio Tuscan Grille – City Centre provided the gingerbread houses, custom candy and icing for all the houses, plus decoration for two Gingerbread Lanes at the hospital. In this partnership with the PTA, Meadow Wood students shared a little bit of the meaning of Christmas with patients, their families, staff and visitors to Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center.

The spirit of the holiday season will come alive as visitors enjoy a stroll down two Gingerbread Lanes, one located in the hospital’s Cullen Pavilion and another one on the 10th floor. According to hospital officials, never before has Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center ever displayed gingerbread houses, let alone enough houses to construct two Gingerbread Lanes. Combined, the display is the largest of its kind the hospital has ever had.

Brio also supplied 40 gingerbread houses to distribute to children unable to travel outside of their rooms to see the magnificent display of gingerbread houses built by the Meadow Wood students.

Not only did Meadow Wood students deck the halls, but they also went Christmas caroling at the hospital to mark the commencement of Gingerbread Lane.  Brio graciously provided 100 goodie bags to be delivered to the children in the hospital, the PTA reports.

Special thanks to Richard Weir, Director of Child Life Services at MH- Texas Medical Center

Gingerbread Lane is open to the public now through Christmas.
This report was compiled by the Meadow Wood PTA

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

'Cool Reads' Turns Campus Library Into A Winter Wonderland

If I told you that there was snow in Houston, would you believe me?  Well, visitors to Hollibrook Elementary School's campus recently had snow and more!  A group of educators and librarians worked with parents to create a mini North Pole in the campus library.  The winter wonderland was part of an all-school lesson on The Polar Express by Chris van Allsburg. 

Lesson activities included:
  • learning about weather and a 'real' winter
  • the northern lights
  • math problems about the characters in the book
  • and language arts activities using the book and author
Thank you to Meadow Wood for their inspiration.  The 'cool reads idea' at Hollibrook was inspired by the 'hot reads' display at the Memorial Drive Elementary campus. 

Sharing the Holiday Spirit and A Love of Reading

With cooler temperatures and the building rush of the holiday season,  Nottingham Elementary's Gingerbread Night was a fun and welcome break in what can sometimes be a hectic time of year.  Families were invited to come out and share their love of books with campus faculty, area families and the Nottingham community.  Everyone was invited to wear their pajamas and curl up with a good book.  Faculty provided cookies and parent volunteers made hot chocolate with marshmallows.  Parents, students and faculty had a great time sharing their favorite books, discovering new read and enjoying a sense of community.  This special event is one of many held by campuses around SBISD in support of literacy.  Developing literacy is key for all students.  Thank you to everyone who made this event a success!

Community Education registration dates announced

Dates for in-person registration for all Spring 2014 classes offered by the SBISD Department of Community Education have been announced. The Spring Term begins on Feb. 10, 2014. All classes will end by May 10.

In addition, online registration is convenient and easy to do, and registrations are being processed online now. Visit Community Education’s website for online class lists and the registration process. The site is located at:

http://communityed.springbranchisd.com

In-person registration will be conducted at the Spring Branch Education Center, 9016 Westview. The SBEC office is located at the building’s northwest entrance. Dates and times for in-person class registration are:

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Jan. 29-30
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Feb. 1
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Feb. 5-6

Best Spellers

Can you spell that word? The new year ahead will send dozens of campus Spelling Bee winners forward to the annual District Spelling Bee.

At Bunker Hill Elementary, fifth-graders Naman Mehndiratta and Carson Foster  were named, respectively, winner and runner up on Dec. 17 during the Spelling Bee held in the school’s cafeteria. (See photograph)

Bunker Hill’s sixth annual spelling challenge followed several weeks of study and spelling bees held in classrooms across the campus. Three students who did well competing in a spelling bee held for first- and second-graders joined the winners from higher grades who competed in the cafeteria.

Thirty-seven classrooms at Bunker Hill Elementary took part in recent spelling contests there.

“Our students were issued word lists several weeks ago. I can tell you that these students really studied the word lists because in the school Spelling Bee we went through the study word list, and had to move into new lists to pick our winners,” Principal Valerie Hernandez said.

The SBISD Spelling Bee will be held in January 2014.

A First Peek at the New Frostwood Elementary

A handful of Frostwood Elementary School families who donated generously to a PTA fundraising effort earned the chance to be the first families to see the newly rebuilt school located at the corner of Memorial Drive and Gessner.

During Sunday, Dec. 15, tours of the new building, the local families rated several features of the new school highly. The old school certainly couldn’t hold a candle to the new one, many said.

“I like the whole aesthetic of the new school – the big windows, that big library, the sunny art room. I think that this building will inspire a lot of creativity,” said Bucky Farrow, who toured the school with his wife, Suzanne, and three children, Grant, Reagan and Alden.

“[The building] makes you look up and think of the possibilities. It’s the antithesis of the old school, which literally made you look down if you stood in some areas.”

Students, teachers and staff will return to the new Frostwood Elementary on Jan. 7. The official opening of the new school will highlight completion of an 11th new elementary school in Spring Branch ISD since approval of the $597 million district bond program, known locally as the 2007 Bond Plan.

Design or construction is under way on the two remaining school rebuilds – Valley Oaks and Rummel Creek elementary schools.

The new Frostwood is a contemporary, two-story building of about 120,000 square feet built to serve up to 950 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It has 36 regular classrooms, as well as additional spaces for collaboration, resource and fine arts instruction.

Through the PTA’s fundraising efforts, a beautiful secure student courtyard at the front of the school is one of the last projects under construction.

The Dec. 15 tours for families led by Principal Ellen Green and SBISD Planning and Construction’s David Vesling led to some shared positives – the sunny, southwest facing art room with its loft ceiling and outdoor art court; the numerous windows and natural light throughout the building; and the high-ceilinged, centrally-placed library were among a few spaces the garnered praise.

A few of the building’s “show stoppers” include a two-story, exterior tiger mascot etched into the building’s limestone with gold-leaf detailing, and the introduction of advanced classroom instructional technology with new Brightlink projectors in all classrooms.

“The light is just terrific!” exclaimed art teacher Jane Salinas, who by Sunday had unpacked almost all of 80 yellow crates and six large gondolas delivered recently to her new classroom. After 17 years, she will have an art room with light, space for storage and a kiln. It should be a happy new year, she said.

First-grade teacher Jean Posey, unpacking Sunday in her new room, too, said the new school was beautiful. “It’s a gorgeous school,” said Posey, who is Frostwood Teacher of the Year. “The community and the teachers will love it. There is much more space, more storage, so much more natural light.”

Many Frostwood teachers joined Principal Green on Dec. 4 to get their first, real view of the new building. Since then, many teachers and staff have unpacked, or set up their new rooms, on weekends and other available times.

SBISD Trustees, Frostwood Task Force members, the district’s Bond Oversight Committee and the Bunker Hill City Council will tour the new elementary school on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

A Student & Parent Meet the Teacher event is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 19.

Teachers return officially to the new school on Jan. 6, and students will enter the new facility the next day. A Community Grand Opening celebration will be held in February.    

Pfluger Architects of Houston designed the new Frostwood Elementary. Durotech Construction was the builder.

View the photo gallery at http://springbranchisd.smugmug.com/2007-Bond-Funds-at-Work/Walk-through/Frostwood-Progress-and-Grand-O

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Guthrie Center Cadets honor deceased veterans during the holidays

Forty-two high school cadets with the Navy Jr. ROTC program based at SBISD’s Guthrie Center joined in the recently held Wreaths Across America program that honors America’s deceased military veterans. More than 15,000 people attended the program and public ceremony held at Houston National Cemetery.

The Guthrie Center JROTC cadets raised funds and bought more than 300 holiday wreaths decorated with red ribbons and bows. In addition, the cadets helped place more than 40,000 wreaths across the burial site. The national cemetery has about 60,000 grave markers and headstones.

KHOU-TV11 broadcaster Len Cannon served as master of ceremonies during the public ceremony, which was marked by several special moments. These included: a fly-over by the Commemorative Air Force, Houston Wing Flying World War II aircraft; a wreath presentation by Korean War veterans in honor of the 60th anniversary of that war’s Armistice; a performance of “Amazing Grace” by the St. Thomas Episcopal Pipe Band; and a rifle salute by the First Battalion 23 Marines.

Navy Jr. ROTC cadets who attended the recent Wreaths Across America program included the following SBISD students: Cadets Joseph Rivas and Jermi McMillan, both from Stratford High: Cadets Kariana Bautista and Jazmin Jimenez, both from Northbrook High; and Cadet Karina Gonzalez of Spring Woods High. Photographs of these students were taken by the unit during the weekend program.

The Guthrie Center cadets will return on Jan. 11 to the local national cemetery for wreath pick up and help with disposal of the holiday greenery.

The Guthrie Center Navy Jr. ROTC program is led by Navy Commander Jerry W. Coufal. He’s assisted in naval science instruction programs by Master Chief Mark Heuser. 

Make Holiday Reading a Family Tradition

While everyone is looking forward to the upcoming winter break, research shows that young children who do not maintain their reading habits can fall behind their peers during summer months or even to some extent during the extended breaks like the one set to begin soon.

Spring Branch ISD librarians and teachers have dozens of suggestions to make the holiday ahead a fun reading time. Studies also show that away from school, many students spend less time reading. Parents can make a difference at this time! Just a few minutes reading daily can make a great difference.

Parent suggestions:
  • Make reading enjoyable with easy or self-selected books; talk about books and the value of reading; take time reading and sharing your selections
  • Read aloud to your children
  • Make a time for reading – a little time and often is just fine
  • Help choose books that are “just right” for the child’s reading level
  • Encourage children to read independently if they are able to do so
  • Do other activities – write and mail postcards, read recipes together, write an email to a family member or friend
  • Visit the public library and let children choose books and magazines
  • Turn off the digital screens – TV, Playstation, Wii – and reward reading.

Here are a few holiday reading suggestions compiled by SBISD Librarians and Spring Branch Middle School Librarian Brandee Smith to start a reading conversation in your family:

Elementary Level
  • Auntie Claus, Elise Primavera
  • How Murray Saved Christmas, Mike Reiss
  • Santa Duck, David Milgrim
  • Dewey’s Christmas at the Library, Vicki Myron
  • Merry Christmas Splat, Rob Scotton
  • The Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein
  • The Night Before Christmas (Pop-up), Clement Clarke Moore
  • The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg
  • The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy, Jane Thayer
  • Santa Calls, William Joyce
  • Snowmen at Christmas, Carolyn Buehner
  • Too Many Tamales, Gary Soto
  • The 12 Days of Christmas: A Pop-up Celebration, Robert Sabuda
  • Olive, the Other Reindeer, J.otto Seibold
  • The Christmas Magic, Lauren Thompson
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss
  • Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins, Eric A. Kimmel
  • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Barbara Robinson
  • Santa’s Book of Names, David McPhail
  • ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, attributed to Clement Clarke Moore

Secondary Level
  • The Book Thief, Markus Zusak (Now a major movie release!)
  • I Am the Messenger, Markus Zusak
  • The Alchemist, Paolo Coehlo (A wonderful story about finding out what is important in life; middle school to adult)
  • The Sea Trolls, Nancy Farmer (Action-packed story unfolds during the Vikings era filled with mysticism; late elementary to adult)
  • Thank You, Mr. Falker, Patricia Polacco (Good choice for students who struggle to read; story is rich in emotion)
  • A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L’Engle (Timeless choice!)
  • Click, Clack, Moo, Cows That Type, Doreen Cronin (Great picture book to show the importance of sticking together for both young and old)
  • The Web Files, Margie Palatini (Shades of the “Dragnet” TV series; another great picture book to read aloud to children of all ages)
  • The Harry Potter Series, J.K. Rowling
  • Zoro, Isabelle Allende (This author’s touch brings new life to this oft-told story; high school and adult recommended)
  • Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce, Stanley Weintraub (Adult or Young Adult recommended)
  • Son of the Mob, Gordon Korman
  • Allegiant, Veronica Roth
  • The House of Hades, Rick Riordan
  • Scarlet, Marissa Meyer

Young Adult blog recommendation:
http://www.annareads.com/2012/12/best-young-adult-holiday-books.html

Librarian Smith’s own blog:
http://smithsbookblog.weebly.com/

Buffalo Creek Elementary wins $10,000 through “Hour of Code”


A Spring Branch ISD elementary school won $10,000 for new student laptops and iPads through its support for a daylong computer science programming effort known as the “Hour of Code.” Millions of students of all ages across America wrote lines of computer code or took part during an outreach effort last week.

SBISD Educational Technology Director Sheri Alford presented Buffalo Creek Elementary School’s campus technology representative, Hector Garza, a second-grade bilingual teacher, with a symbolic $10,000 check. The check presentation occurred in front of students, teachers and staff during a special presentation held Dec. 13 in the combined auditorium and gym.

District educational technology director Alford’s remarks to gathered students coordinated with an “Hour of Code” program in which more than 600 Buffalo Creek students took turns in the library and two computer station pods to learn simple drag and drop programming and  “code” scripts to make a variety of digital games and videos run correctly.

“So what does ‘code’ really mean?” Director Alford asked students rhetorically. “How many of you like to play video games and use apps?” Student hands shot up into the air. “Well, to play those games someone coded those games to make them work the way they do – and they get paid really well to do that. So knowing how to code not only makes you special, but it can mean a really good job for you some day!”

Hector Garza was the only lucky teacher in Texas to win $10,000 through the nonprofit organization Code.org, which promoted the nationwide programming effort as part of Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 9-15. He also received a proclamation on behalf of the school for participating in the special week from Houston Mayor Annise Parker.

The mayor’s proclamation and a pair of programmable teddy bears were brought to the elementary school by Karen North, who supported the “Hour of Code” effort in SBISD schools through the American Association of University Women (AAUW) – West Houston County Branch. The group held a teacher training event, too.

Code.org aims to increase programming skills among all students and public understanding about the benefits of computer science training by getting 10 million students to take part in one “hour of code” last week.

Globally, more than 16.2 million students globally have taken part in the coding effort, and together they wrote more than 535.5 million lines of computer code. Forty-nine percent of students coding were girls, organizers reported.

Director Alford encouraged girls and boys to do well in school and then go to a university or a college. She told Buffalo Creek students that other SBISD schools and local colleges were taking part in the coding exercise with them – Memorial High and Second Baptist schools, Rice and Texas A&M universities, and the University of Texas at Austin, among other educational institutions.

In SBISD, classrooms representing more than 2,000 students at the elementary, middle and high school level registered for the “Hour of Code” event. The district’s 26 elementary schools have already introduced computer programming to students as young as kindergarten, and each elementary campus has a set of robotic Bee-bots, or programmable floor robots, that children love to program and play with. The local AAUW chapter supports this learning.

Hector Garza registered the school for the effort through a well-known online fundraising group called Donorschoose.org. School Librarian Carol Lee helped write the winning proposal, and she supported the well organized, daylong student learning program in the library and in two nearby learning pods.

A humble Garza thanked everyone for making “Hour of Code” a success this year.

“This grant will help integrate technology into the school. I’m especially happy for the students of Buffalo Creek Elementary, which was the main and original reason for participating,” he said.

Principal David Rodriquez said that he – like others on campus – was surprised and then delighted to learn that Hector’s “Hour of Code” enrollment was chosen as a statewide prize winner by Code.org.
For more information about Computer Science Education Week and this topic:

http://code.org/

http://www.donorschoose.org/

http://csedweek.org/learn

Monday, December 16, 2013

Take A Student To Your Employment (TASTE) Field Trip

Students from Hollibrook Elementary recently took time as part of the SpringSpirit Take A Student to Your Employment (TASTE) Field Trips series to visit law firms in downtown Houston.  The students earned the field for their participation in the fall SpringSpirit After-School Program.  During the trip, students heard why education is important and how the work they are doing in school now will have a lasting impact on their future.  Students enjoyed lunch with employees and attorneys from law firms as part of the day's activities and were able to take an escalator below ground to experience the downtown tunnels.  Each student received a gift bag with school supplies.  Thank you to SpringSpirit for their support.

Principals return for Westwood Elementary’s 50th anniversary

Several hundred current students, teachers, staff and families joined four campus principals and dozens of former staff members and campus graduates to mark 50 years at Westwood Elementary School, 10595 Hammerly.
The Dec. 12 anniversary event was held in the cafeteria of the new school, built about a block west from the original 1963 facility located at the intersection of Tiger Trail and Shadowdale. The old school is now used for transitional training and office needs.
One highlight of this late afternoon gathering was the return of three principals, including the current superintendent of schools in Katy ISD, to Westwood. Four principals were present for the 50th anniversary gathering. They include:
  • Alton L. Frailey, Katy ISD Superintendent. Alton was Westwood principal from 1990 to 1994, and then served in numerous SBISD leadership roles, including assistant superintendent, area superintendent and as executive director of governmental operations.
  • Claudia Iselt, who was Westwood principal from 1994 to 1999. During her leadership, the school earned Recognized status from the Texas Education Agency through school and community efforts.
  • Cheryl Glasser, Westwood principal from 1999 to 2005. Principal Glasser is noted for establishing a community outreach program called SWAN, which helped inspire related district efforts, including the highly successful Good Neighbor program in operation today.
  • Kay Kennard, who is current campus principal. Today, Westwood is held in high district regard for its school-based programs ranging from KSHAC (Kids School Health Advisory Council) to problem-based learning through campus integration of technology.
Westwood’s 50th anniversary event began with remarks from the Student Council President, Cynthia Sanchez-Hidalgo, and SBISD Community Relations Officer Linda Buchman.
Cynthia Sanchez, a fifth-grader, compared the 50-year old school community to a attributes that describe the school’s mascot, the Westwood Lion: leadership, self-confidence, generosity, wisdom and passion.
Westwood’s KSHAC program helped her develop leadership skills, she said. “With this program, I’ve been able to see great leadership skills in action by doing events like community service at the Houston Food Bank,” she told the gathering.
“I am pretty sure that during these 50 years our Westwood family has been full of these characteristics of a lion because Westwood is all about helping our students reach their potential so they can be ready for the present and the future,” Cynthia said. “So, like I said, ‘Let’s roar like lions!’”
Community Relations Officer Buchman reminded many in the audience of how a day five years marking the new school groundbreaking was much like this anniversary – cold, damp and chilly outside, but warm, inspiring and filled with traditions on the inside.
Westwood students and staff continue to benefit from the enduring support that Westwood neighbors, parents, students and alumni continue to provide. “In Spring Branch, we are a unique enclave where community and our community schools are so important,” the Community Relations officer said.
Principal Kay Kennard introduced special guests and former principals. In her own remarks, she noted that 50 years is a significant milestone for any campus.
“We pride ourselves in being a school that offers academic excellence as well as a school culture that focuses on our students’ success through team learning and innovative practices,” she said.
In addition to its integration of learning and technology, KSHAC program and Seed to Plate nutrition program that promotes healthy meals and diet, Westwood is an innovator that has earned district and state-recognized afterschool program. “Our after-school programs support students in taking leadership roles as they move to our secondary schools, including a mentor program with past students,” Principal Kennard said.
Former Principal Claudia Iselt described how the school’s teachers, staff and local community worked together to win a Recognized state rating. “The biggest thrill I had was this: We did it together!”
In closing remarks before a reception with cake and library activities and displays, Principal Kennard urged guests to take part in the school’s ongoing 50th activities. These include a time capsule project with students and families contributing brief notes that will be opened 25 years from now; a Wall of Fame where all graduates are encouraged to submit photographs.
During the library reception, a well-edited collection of clippings and photographs from each decade was available for browsing. The time capsule project and many student-built displays were also popular.
School 50th anniversary sponsors included Chapelwood United Methodist Church, Oliver Foundation, Party Piñata and the Westwood PTA.

New Teacher Laptops


Teachers in Spring Branch ISD are looking forward to January 2014 for one work-related reason: The district is replacing its 6-year-old teacher-issued laptops with new Dell laptops equipped with the latest-generation Intel chips, solid state disks, webcams and Windows 8 touch screen options.

The voter-approved 2007 Bond program made it possible for SBISD’s teachers and students to stay in step with the dramatic changes in classroom technology. SBISD first issued standardized Dell laptops six years ago. The Board of Trustees gave its approval to replace 2,800 teacher laptops earlier this fall.

Dell laptops are used routinely by teachers for instruction-related classroom tasks that range from the electronic whiteboards known as ACTIVboards to audio/video projection and student survey and analysis. Since 2008, SBISD has installed more than 1,600 ACTIVboards in classrooms across the district.

Teacher laptops are paired in SBISD with thousands of student laptops and other devices, including Netbooks, iPads and iPods, along with a local Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative that allows students to bring their laptops, tablets or smartphones to use for learning in the classroom.

“Teachers are excited about getting their new laptops,” said the district’s Chief Information Officer, Venu Rao. “We went through a long selection process to pick a winner, including asking a pilot group of teachers to test laptops and then using a Vendor Fair to get feedback and ratings from several groups in the district to be as inclusive as possible about the range of user needs in this important decision.”

SBISD’s Technology Department used a detailed selection process to pick the Dell E7440 as its enterprise market choice for teachers. Such devices must be standardized, rugged and centrally manageable with long warranties, the department reports.

The Dell E7440 was chosen after these steps were taken: First, a group of teachers tested Apple and Windows 8 laptops to make sure they worked with ACTIVboards and other key software programs. After initial screening, a “Vendor Fair” was held to test several of the possible laptop models. Several groups – principals, campus librarians and technology representatives, and pilot teachers – rated models in the Vendor Fair and picked top candidates.

The final laptop selection was based on factors that included Vendor Fair scores, ruggedness, screen size and resolution, and cost. The Dell E7440 laptop, now in its first production run, won the highest overall rankings in the process.

The new Dell laptop is considered rugged. It also has a 5-year warranty, the Intel fourth-generation Haswell chipset for long battery life and a solid state disk (SSD) for storage. The E7440 has a webcam, and the device has a touch screen and comes with Windows 8.

The new teacher laptops will be loaded with Camtasia, making it easier to produce multimedia content, too. Teachers will be able to choose between the Windows 8 “tile” interface, or the older Windows XP version or Windows 7 user interface.

Teacher orientations are planned in the weeks ahead. An internal website will ease the learning and transition process, and teachers will have the option to hang onto their older laptops until April, if desired.

The Gift of Knowledge

During the holiday period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, every Spring Branch ISD third-grade student received “the gift of knowledge” as part of an intentional giving program sponsored by the district's Community Relations Team through the national Dictionary Project program.

Third-graders took home a gift dictionary along with supporting lessons about spelling, reading and proper word use. That’s a holiday message with a strong meaning!

A grant this year from the Houston CPA Society along with continuing financial support from individual community sponsors and organizations made the local distribution of about 2,500 dictionaries possible once again.

The Dictionary Project in SBISD was created more than a decade ago when one Housman Elementary School volunteer, Ormonde Smith, spotted a Wall Street Journal article about the Dictionary Project, an effort to promote language arts skills among the young by giving them a main tool for reading, spelling and oral pronunciation.

Ormonde’s dictionary distribution project soon grew from one school, Housman, to an expanding district effort. Ormonde, who died several years ago at 96, and his wife, Margaret, led fundraising and distribution efforts for years through the couple’s friends and their local church.

Margaret, at 93, is not able to physically hand out dictionaries any longer. She is aware of the special impact that continuing donations have had in this program.

The Houston CPA Society donation will be used over two years and paired with other donors to meet the needs at all SBISD elementary schools, reports Abby Walker, coordinator for strategic partnerships and volunteer programs.

“We aligned all of our school presentations with the holiday season to ensure that each student receives a ‘gift of knowledge.’ SBISD Community Relations believes a donation to programs like the Dictionary Project continues to impact the students in SBISD long after it is initially received,” Coordinator Walker says.

To become a Dictionary Project donor or to join SBISD’s Good Neighbors program, please call 713.251.2286 or learn more at our program website:
http://cms.springbranchisd.com/community/GoodNeighborProgram/tabid/27422/Default.aspx

SBISD Purchasing Department earns state’s highest recognition

Spring Branch ISD’s Purchasing Department has been honored for best practices in school district purchasing. The department was recently issued the Award of Merit for Purchasing and Operations with Recognized Status. The award was issued by the Texas Association of School Business Officials, known as TASBO.

Director of Purchasing and Contracts Barbara Robillard leads this SBISD department. The recognition is the third consecutive award won by the district in recent history. The state group will issue the award formally in February 2014 during its annual Austin conference.

The TASBO Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations recognizes and honors state public school districts that are committed to following professional standards in the acquisition of goods and services. School districts that earn the award are considered to be among the top innovators in their field.

“This award has been a real professional and personal goal for myself, and a professional goal for Spring Branch ISD and for our team in Purchasing Services to be recognized for our excellence in Purchasing and Central Warehouse services to the district and community,” Director Robillard said. “To win this award a third time is phenomenal!”

To be considered for the Award of Merit, school districts must submit an electronic review and application that details the following: organization; policies and procedures; contract operations; staff training and certifications; warehouse process and procedure; plus processes involved in technology use, communication and management. Each application was reviewed by two independent reviewers.

“The team is dedicated to providing quality goods and services to the district daily. They embody a tireless work ethic and a passion for their craft in supporting the districts’ mission of T-2-4,” Director Robillard also said.

To learn more, please visit the SBISD Purchasing Department website at www.springbranchisd.com.

Texas Thespians Hall of Fame inducts Terry Hibbert-Ismert

Spring Woods High School’s longtime theatre director Terry Hibbert-Ismert was inducted into the Texas Thespians Hall of Fame recently during the state group’s annual meeting. The group is an affiliate of the Educational Theatre Association, which met last month in Dallas.

During her Nov. 23 induction, Memorial High School’s Theatre Director Nicole Morgan extolled Hibbert-Ismert’s support for local high school theatre, the state association, and theatre performance around the world. Hibbert-Isbert’s Hall of Fame induction is the first ever for a Spring Branch ISD theatre educator.

“Terry has been teaching for the past 30 years, and 29 of them in Spring Branch. She has many students working successfully in theatre across the country and in Europe. She puts students first. She works many long hours for the betterment of us all. She is inclusive, making sure the middle schools and new teachers are made to feel welcome. She is an example we should all follow,” Director Morgan said.

The Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees will honor her and recent Hall of Fame induction during its regular monthly meeting on Dec. 16.

The Texas Thespians Hall of Fame honors adults who have given 20 or more years of service to serving and promoting state educational theatre. Texas Hall of Fame members are chosen for their dedication to student theatre in Texas as well as to the Educational Theatre Association, and for their contributions to high standards of excellence in Texas educational theatre.

Hibbert-Ismert has taught student theatre since 1986 at Spring Woods High. She was named 2003 Spring Woods Teacher of the Year. She’s a National Thespian Scholarship adjudicator for The International Thespian Society, and she has directed plays and also served as an educational outreach coordinator for the Country Playhouse. She holds a Lifetime PTA Award, among other recognitions.

Known for her love of students and her campus, Hibbert-Ismert has an expression that she proclaims often: “Spring Woods is the best kept secret in Spring Branch.” During her tenure, Spring Woods Theatre students and leaders have earned state, national and international recognition. Many former students work professionally in theatre, television or film, or have teaching careers in theatre and other areas. 

Spring Woods High School theatre grads work professionally in New York, Los Angeles and across the globe. Some of these former students include Trey Carnley, Rachel Baron, Travis Horstmann and Tyler First, working in technical theatre and design; Brian Nichols at Second City Los Angeles and Jason Ronje in Chicago; and Brandon Sonnier, who writes, edits and produces for television and film, also in Los Angeles; two-time Tommy Tune Award winner Paul Sabala, a New York City professional; Kristina Love, who appeared in the original Hamburg, Germany, production of Rocky; and Christina Stroup, famed in Houston as a Wonderette, and in other roles.

Graduates who are currently teaching include Ed Lingan, a University of Toledo theatre professor; Luke Fedell, a UH-Downtown theatre professor and certified stage combat coordinator; Erin Colston, who operates an acting school in Paris; and area teachers Anne Yancey (Spring Woods High), Kelly Harkins (Spring Forest Middle School), Bobby Linhart (Houston Christian High), Stacy Erskine (A&M Consolidated Middle) and Matthew Peters (The Woodlands High).

In other highlights, Hibbert-Ismert’s students have earned consistent excellence in UIL One Act Play Competition and numerous Tommy Tune Award nominations and awards. They performed Les Miserables, School Edition and The Pirates of Penzance at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts downtown. Those shows were also performed during the International Thespian Festival in 2003 and 2005, and Pirates was performed at the American High School Theatre Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, to sold-out audiences and glowing newspaper reviews.

The school theatre department was also nominated to take part in the first year of a New York Fringe-style workshop with Broadway directors, including session work with three Broadway directors. Four performances are planned at The New School in New York during June 2014.

Among other activities, she co-sponsored the ComedySportz High School League, organized workshops and camps, and served as a mentor, cadre member, Faculty Club officer, District Advisory Team and Budget Committee member. At Spring Woods High, she holds a Fired Up Tiger Award, too.

Hibbert-Ismert was inducted last month into the Hall of Fame along with Luiz Munoz, who is UIL state theatre director. She co-teaches at Spring Woods High with Anne Yancey.

“At the awards luncheon, I was truly honored to see my name flash onto the screen with all of the other members who have been mentors and dear friends of mine throughout the years. This is a thrilling moment in my life,” she said.

“I would never, ever be at this point in my teaching career if it were not for talented and dedicated students, a strong administration, a teaching partner who is a joy to work with, and a husband and a family that understands the level of commitment that this job requires,” she also said.

Friday, December 13, 2013

A Day of INSPIRATION for Future Leaders

On a recent Saturday afternoon in Houston, 70 female students in grades 9th through 12th gathered to participate in the 2013 Future Leaders Forum for Young Women.  This annual event, sponsored by Capital One Bank, is designed to connect young women with their unique leadership abilities, build mentor relationships and community engagement. 

Young women interested in attending the event completed a registration process, including the submission of the written essay on "How I am a Leader".  With limited space for participants, Academy of Choice students Rita Hernandez and Anecia Lewis Davis were fortunate to secure two spots at this year's event. During the day's activities, Hernandez and Lewis Davis engaged in an indepth question and answer sessions featuring participants' essay submissions, followed by one-on-one mentoring opportunity with female executives. 

Congratulations to both women on their leadership and for representing SBISD at this event.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Stratford Heads to Reliant

Hundreds of fans crowd the stadium stands in a shade of green that can only represent the Stratford High School Spartans. Huddled together in 39-degree weather, students, parents, alumni, staff and other local supporters cheer the varsity football team on as Stratford beat Dawson Pearland, 38-7, in the fourth round of 4A Division I playoffs.

At the forefront of the action Dec. 7 was Stratford senior David Bartell chanting towards the crowd and directing cheers from the football field — Bartell is the embodiment of Spartan school spirit.

This Friday, he’ll be firing up the crowd inside Reliant Stadium as the Spartans face off against San Antonio Brennan the state semifinals game, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Three years ago, Bartell ordered Spartan head gear from a college-related online site and then wore it to a Stratford soccer game. People smiled, and a few commented nicely. His sidelines-stationed, football-suited No. 60 persona topped off with the Spartans beanie really caught on fire as the team moved forward during the fall playoffs, however.

Bartell has played football for the past three years at Stratford, but due to an early injury this year, he had no option but to stop playing. But instead of leaving the sport behind entirely, he decided to find his own way to contribute to team success — he chose to get the crowd loud.

 “I want to support Stratford High School any way that I can. I’m known at school as that guy with the big smile. I’m the happiest guy you will meet in the hallway,” he says.

Bartell’s cheers have been adopted by students, which he notes as the key to his success and sideline fame. “I stand on the bench and like to lead students. Once our student section gets into the game, that spirit definitely helps support the team,” he says.

Bartell isn’t the only Spartan rallying up for the football team. At the Dawson Pearland game on Dec. 7, the Stratford drum-line performed on the field in front of the student section during the third quarter bringing many students to their feet and increasing the volume to an all-time high.


“David and the drum line were responsible for a lot of the cheering at the last playoff game. He [David] has been a huge supporter of Stratford sports since we were freshmen so it is cool to see him cheer on his own teammates with such enthusiasm. I think the whole student section looks forward to his presence at the games now,” Stratford senior Meredith Burch says.

Multiple students waved large Spartan flags in the stands, two senior boys ran similar flags up and down the field, and several other teens held up giant posters they made for their favorite players.

For Bartell, Saturday’s game is still a fond memory. “It was huge,” he says. “When that clock hit zero, joy filled our hearts. We’ve had a really great ride.”

He is headed next year to Oklahoma University, where Bartell plans to major in business. Both an older brother and two sisters are Stratford High graduates, too.

Heading into the State 4A semifinals, a milestone that hasn’t been reached since 1987, the entire school seems to be filled with seasonal cheer and football excitement and joy.

“Our whole school is thrilled to be going to the semifinals for football. We weren’t alive the last time that Stratford made it this far into the playoffs, so it is a really big deal for us,” Stratford junior Emily Brown said.

San Antonio Brennan and Stratford are 1-2 in the state for defensive scoring and both teams have been noted this season for their strong offenses—it should be a good game, all agree. To claim good seats, fans might want to arrive early.

Game tickets will be pre-sold daily through Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the SBISD Athletics Complex located at 1050 Dairy Ashford.  Presale adult tickets are $10; Students $5. At Reliant Stadium, tickets will cost $14. Paid parking is $10 at Reliant Stadium.

If Stratford defeats San Antonio Brennan on Friday, the team will advance to the 4A Division I State Championships on Dec. 20 at the AT&T stadium in Arlington. Let’s plan for a happy new year. David Bartell and Spartan Spirit will lead us on!


Stratford will face Brennan in the 4A D1 State Semifinals at Reliant Stadium on Fri. , 12/13, at 7:30pm.

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Communications intern Kali Venable compiled and wrote this story

The Spirit of Stratford High School

Hundreds of fans crowd the stadium stands in a shade of green that can only represent the Stratford High School Spartans. Huddled together in 39-degree weather, students, parents, alumni, staff and other local supporters cheer the varsity football team on as Stratford beat Dawson Pearland, 38-7, in the fourth round of 4A Division I playoffs.

At the forefront of the action Dec. 7 was Stratford senior David Bartell chanting towards the crowd and directing cheers from the football field — Bartell is the embodiment of Spartan school spirit.

On Dec. 13, he’ll fired up the crowd inside Reliant Stadium as the Spartans faced off against San Antonio Brennan in the state semifinals game. Stratford fell to SA Brennan 31-7 in that game.

Three years ago, Bartell ordered Spartan head gear from a college-related online site and then wore it to a Stratford soccer game. People smiled, and a few commented nicely. His sidelines-stationed, football-suited No. 60 persona topped off with the Spartans beanie really caught on fire as the team moved forward during the fall playoffs, however.

Bartell has played football for the past three years at Stratford, but due to an early injury this year, he had no option but to stop playing. But instead of leaving the sport behind entirely, he decided to find his own way to contribute to team success — he chose to get the crowd loud.

 “I want to support Stratford High School any way that I can. I’m known at school as that guy with the big smile. I’m the happiest guy you will meet in the hallway,” he says.

Bartell’s cheers have been adopted by students, which he notes as the key to his success and sideline fame. “I stand on the bench and like to lead students. Once our student section gets into the game, that spirit definitely helps support the team,” he says.

Bartell isn’t the only Spartan rallying up for the football team. At the Dawson Pearland game on Dec. 7, the Stratford drum-line performed on the field in front of the student section during the third quarter bringing many students to their feet and increasing the volume to an all-time high.

“David and the drum line were responsible for a lot of the cheering at the last playoff game. He [David] has been a huge supporter of Stratford sports since we were freshmen so it is cool to see him cheer on his own teammates with such enthusiasm. I think the whole student section looks forward to his presence at the games now,” Stratford senior Meredith Burch says.

Multiple students waved large Spartan flags in the stands, two senior boys ran similar flags up and down the field, and several other teens held up giant posters they made for their favorite players.

For Bartell, Saturday’s game is still a fond memory. “It was huge,” he says. “When that clock hit zero, joy filled our hearts. We’ve had a really great ride.”

He is headed next year to Oklahoma University, where Bartell plans to major in business. Both an older brother and two sisters are Stratford High graduates, too.

Communications intern Kali Venable compiled and wrote this story

Monday, December 9, 2013

Sheriff Garcia visit to AOC

On November 22, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia visited the Academy of Choice to talk about his upbringing, education, and career path in criminal justice. He discussed growing up in a rough neighborhood and being exposed to violence, but always hungering to learn more and excel. He shared his vision of a safe community in which students would help one another out and make healthy life choices, especially in light of shootings that have been taking place in the greater Houston area among young people.  “The power to make my job easier is in your hands,” he said, explaining that students needed to stay away from negative influences and find healthy ways to deal with conflicts. “You can do more for the community when you put yourself out there and work hard.” He told students to be a leader everywhere they went, not just at school. “Stand up every chance you get,” he said. “You never know when you might save a friend’s life.” After his talk, he participated in a Q and A, answering many questions about what students needed to do to join the criminal justice field.

Sheriff Garcia was invited by students in AOC’s Leadership class, who run a peer mediation program at the school using restorative justice peacemaking circles. Leadership students Angel Miranda and Eduardo Retiz introduced Sheriff Garcia, sharing the successes of restorative justice and the hope that it be spread to other areas of Houston to promote peace. Of the talk, Retiz says, “I thought it was amazing because I always saw him on TV every time something tragic happens…I thought he would be too busy to come but he actually came to talk to us.” He said the most important piece of advice he received from the talk was that every decision he makes now impacts how he is viewed by employers in the future. “You have to have a clean record and a history of doing good things because if you get in trouble it could affect you for a long time. I really didn’t realize it.  He also talked about being careful on Facebook and other social media because that impacts you too.”

Sheriff Garcia is the latest in a series of leaders invited to talk AOC students about how they have pursued their goals; the first talk was with the Mayor’s Anti Gang Task Office Director Victor Gonzales.

Snapshot from Around SBISD

Recently, Memorial Drive Elementary Health Fitness classes participated in The WSSA (World Speed Stacking Association) yearly attempt at breaking the Guiness World Record mark for “Most people sport stacking at multiple locations in one day.” The WSSA’s goal was 500,000 people.  MDE contributed 287 students to this record.  Students used Speed Cups in relays, stations and on timing mats.  Students and staff are looking forward to next year and having more students speed stacking!

What's going on at your campus?
If your campus has a great photo or story to share, send it to us!
snapshots@springbranchisd.com

Friday, December 6, 2013

Character Education Paying Dividends at KIPP

Reprinted from The Houston Chronicle

Just seeing the word "bravery" atop his regular progress reports makes 12-year-old Ismael Lopez stand a little taller. It surprised the quiet, deliberate sixth-grader that the character trait showed up among his strongest in an assessment that he and his classmates at KIPP Courage in Spring Branch take as part of the school curriculum. "I didn't know I was brave," he said.

What he does know is that his KIPP campus' sharpened focus on character development makes his school a better place. Students are kinder and display fewer behavior problems than at his previous elementary school.

KIPP - a network of 141 public schools with 50,000 students nationally - partnered with a team of psychologists and academics to develop a list of seven character traits that best predict success: zest, grit, selfcontrol, optimism, gratitude, social intelligence and curiosity.

The charter chain's work has put it on the leading edge of character education, experts said.

In 2009, a KIPP campus in New York piloted a character development program, and the work has since spread. Several area schools send home character growth cards along with the traditional report card, a practice co-founder Mike Feinberg expects to expand.

While the charter chain's founding motto has always been "Work hard. Be nice," teaching and measuring well-researched character traits is a step forward for teachers and students, Feinberg said.

"In the past, it's always been the feeling and the culture of the room, but we had a hard time explaining it," he said. "Now, we've been able to put words to it." Feinberg is quick to add: "This is not to say KIPP has gone fluffy."

Preparing low-income students to succeed in college is a tricky formula that includes developing character traits to help students overcome the adversity they will face, as well as ensuring that they have stellar reading, math and critical-thinking skills, experts said.

"It's the perfect counter-balance to high-stakes testing," said David Meketon, school research liaison for the department of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, which is working with KIPP and other schools. One of the most fully developed character programs is at Lopez's school, which opened in 2012 on the campus of Landrum Middle School.

Students are handed colorful "ganas" cards - a colloquial Spanish word for "desire" or "passion" - when they display a positive character trait. Each ganas adds $1 to their weekly paychecks, a common behavior tool used at KIPP schools. Infractions - such as failing to show the self control needed to hand in homework - count against their tallies.

Top-earning students are celebrated weekly, and children must reach certain averages to earn a spot on end-of-year trips. Ryan Hambley, a math teacher who heads the character development program at KIPP Courage, said the work has made him a more satisfied teacher.

He regularly hears students talk about traits like gratitude and is better able to identify children's strengths. "It's just beautiful. It's nice," said Hambley, who taught for four years in the Houston ISD before joining KIPP. "I became a better person by teaching character."

Jonathan Doan, 11, said he loves getting rewarded with ganas cards. "It's a piece of gold," he said "It's precious. It makes you feel good about yourself, like you're doing something amazing."

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Stratford Meets Dawson Again


The Stratford High Spartans will meet Pearland Dawson High School at 2 p.m. Saturday at Abshier Stadium  in Deer Park for the Class 4A Division I Region III championship.

The two football teams, both ranked 11-2 for the season, met last year with Dawson prevailing in that playoff game. Last week, the Spartans held last year’s state runner-up, Georgetown, to only a field goal in a 7-3 win.

Spartan safety Zachary Miller told the Houston Chronicle that the team’s defense takes pride in not allowing opponents to score.

“I feel like we’re just starting to hit our stride,” he said. “District was obviously a test; the whole season was a huge test. But when you start playing playoff-caliber teams, that’s when you really feel like you’re getting tested."

“So we’re starting to hit our stride at the end of our season, and hopefully that peak will be in late December.”

Stratford has five seniors this year who were all-district defensive picks last year.

“Any time you have a little bit of experience, that helps. But there’s some talented kids over there, and it’s been fun,” Stratford High Coach Eliot Allen told the newspaper.

In separate football news, Memorial High made it into the third round of 5A UIL playoffs by beating Westside and Cy-Ridge high schools, and then losing 49-21 to Manvel High School on Nov. 30.

Stratford America: Booster Club Update:

THE BEAT GOES ON!

Defense Dominant vs. Georgetown in 7-3 Win; Stratford Advances to Regional Finals vs. Pearland Dawson on Saturday

Texas high school playoff football in late November...if you're a football fan, it really doesn't get any better than that. Just ask anyone who attended Stratford's football game against the Georgetown Eagles this past weekend. In a classic game between two very good teams, the game was a throwback to days from the past. When it was over, Stratford had ousted last year's 4A D1 state runner-up on Saturday afternoon in Bryan, Texas by knocking off the Eagles, 7-3. Once again, the Spartan defense carried the day by allowing only a single field goal and making two key interceptions inside the red zone to scuttle Georgetown scoring threats. On offense, Terrance Peters and Rakeem Boyd carried the load as the Spartans amassed 251 yards on the ground and 308 total yards.

From the opening whistle, the game was going to be a dog fight. An opening kickoff return by Rakeem Boyd to the Eagle 48 yard line set the Spartans up in great field position but the Georgetown defense responded and forced a Stratford punt to the 15 yard line. The teams traded possessions but on the second series, Georgetown moved the ball to the Spartan 13 yard line. The Spartan defense held from there and when an Eagle field goal attempt missed wide, Stratford had dodged the first bullet of the game.

Stratford managed to move the chains on their next possession behind the running of Peters but once again, the drive stalled and the Spartans punted back to the Eagles. Jujuan West, Jonathon LaBaume and Zachary Miller all stepped up with nice tackles on the next defensive series but a Georgetown punt pinned the Spartans deep in their own end of the field at the 5 yard line.

Much of the first half was like a chess match, with field position at a premium. Both teams managed to move the ball but each defense responded accordingly. As the second quarter began, the Spartans were forced with 4th and 3 from midfield and attempted a fake punt. The Eagles were not fooled and took over in great field position but once again, the Spartan defense responded. Nice tackles by Aidan Goembel and LaBaume and a third down pass break up by Greg Lee sent Georgetown to another 3 and out.

The teams traded possessions once again but the Eagles would make a run before halftime moving the ball into the Spartan red zone. That's when Zachary Miller tallied his first interception of the day at the Spartan 5 yard line to kill the Eagle drive and Georgetown had come away empty again. The two teams went into halftime in a scoreless tie.

Tyler Frost's kickoff to begin the third quarter sailed well through the end zone and the Eagles set up shop to begin the second half. Jay Harper, Mikal Pruitt and Lee led the defense on the next series but another Eagle punt rolled to the Spartan 2 yard line and once again, Stratford began their drive deep in their own territory.

Peters gave the Spartans some breathing room with three carries for 23 yards and then Freddy Price found Will Bredthauer down the visitor's sideline for a gain of 30 yards to midfield. After a Price to Jack Brice reception moved the chains, the drive broke down but the Spartans had managed to flip the field position. Gary Casatelli led the defensive effort but the Eagles hit a huge play when Georgetown QB Ben Bottlinger found wide receiver Ben Nunez for a big gain to the Spartan 30 yard line. Once again, the Eagles moved the ball inside the red zone but Jujuan West snagged the second interception of the afternoon on a deflected pass and Stratford had the ball back on the 2 yard line with a 98 yard field in front of them.

And the drive began. Rakeem Boyd picked up a huge first down on 3rd and 3 to move the chains to the 12 yard line and then broke off a 30 yard gain to get the Spartans out of potential trouble. The Spartans moved the ball into Georgetown territory but a holding call sent Stratford into a 3rd and 15. Expecting a pass, Stratford instead called a delayed draw play to Peters who broke off the run of the game for a 35 yard gain and a Stratford first down. Boyd then ripped off another 20 yard run to the Eagle 5 yard line and on the next play, found the end zone for the game's first score. Frost added the extra point and Stratford had grabbed the 7-0 lead with 10:43 to go in the 4th quarter.

But the Eagles quickly responded. Georgetown moved the ball into Spartan territory on their next series but the Stratford defense held at the 15 yard line and on 4th and 10, the Eagles got on the board with a 32 yard field goal to cut the lead to 7-3. Peters stepped up on the next series to move the ball into Eagle territory but a penalty and loss of yardage play turned a 3rd and 1 into 4th and long. Michael Milstead then calmly stepped up on the next play and booted a beautiful punt down to the Eagle 5 yard line to pin Georgetown deep in their own territory.

With less than 2 minutes to play, the Eagles were in desperation mode. On first down, LaBaume de-cleated an Eagle back with a perfect form tackle for a gain of only one. On second down, Harper's rush caused Bottlinger to have to step up in pocket and Pruitt and West had the sack for a loss of 3 yard. Greg Lee's pass break up on 3rd down stopped the clock for the Eagles and then faced with a 4th and long from with just over a minute to play, Miller picked off the third Georgetown pass of the day to seal the game.

LaBaume (8 unassisted tackles), Miller (6 unassisted tackles, 3 assisted tackles and 2 interceptions) and West (6 unassisted tackles, 2 assisted tackles and 1 interception) led the stout Spartan defensive effort. Casatelli (4-0), Christian Osso (4-1), Pruitt (3-2), Harper (2-2), Goembel (2-2), Luis Lerma (2-0), Alex Miller (2-1), Bryce Stevenson (3-0), Lee (1-2 and 2 pass break ups) and Quentin Andreau (3-0) all had great games as well.

Peters finished the game with 136 yards on 21 carries and Boyd added 99 yards on 19 carries against a very physical Georgetown defense. Price finished 4 of 10 for 57 yards completing passes to Bredthauer (3/47) and Brice (1/10).

The Spartans advance to the state quarterfinal round where they look to avenge last year's playoff loss against Pearland Dawson. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th at 2pm at Abshier Stadium in Deer Park. This is the furthest the Spartan football team has gone in the playoffs since the late 1980's so please make the short drive over to Deer Park to support the boys.

Photographs taken by Communications Intern Kali Venable

Many Miles, Many Smiles



Your passion can carry you a long way. Just ask Stratford High School senior MaKayla Lara, who walked more than 100 miles from Sealy to Austin over Thanksgiving break.

Having traveled to Nicaragua with Amigos for Christ for the past two summers, Lara decided to make her senior Academy of Science and Engineering (ACE) project into a medical supplies fundraiser.

Amigos for Christ is a nonprofit organization that operates out of Buford, Ga., and has a base in Chinandega, Nicaragua. This nonprofit focuses on strengthening families without resources through programs in community development, health, education, water and sanitation, small business, and spirituality programs in rural communities.

“I choose to combine my two loves — the medical field and the people of Nicaragua — into a fundraiser that can make a difference in the lives of others. The Amigos for Christ medical staff will be using the money raised to purchase important medical equipment such as ultrasound machines for local Nicaraguan hospitals,” said Lara.

Lara’s parents switched off walking 13-17 miles a day with her for a total of eight days. She reached the University of Texas tower in downtown Austin on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 31.

Stratford High ACE sponsor and science teacher Davy Barrett is proud of everything Lara has already accomplished through her senior project.

“I think MaKayla’s project is awesome; it is amazing to watch her passion and love for people change lives,” Barrett said.

Lara’s 114-mile journey may have officially started on Saturday, Nov. 24, but the planning began almost a year in advance.

For safety, Lara mapped out a route from Sealy to Austin made up of mostly country back roads and received permission to take two days off from school to walk.

Using Crowdraise.com, a website specifically created for people to give back through donations, Lara set up an official fund for her project called “Many Miles, Many Smiles: Medical Messengers.” The online profile opened up for donations on Oct. 11 and will remain open until Lara completes her project at the end of the school year in May.

“My family, friends and I have shared the website with anyone and everyone. I personally want people to donate because I have seen how badly these people need our help with my own eyes; hospitals in Nicaragua are nothing like hospitals here — resources are scarce and procedures are undeveloped,” said Lara.

In addition to the completed walk to Austin, Lara will also be selling specially designed fundraiser T-shirts, bracelets and an array of jewelry made by Nicaraguan women through the Amigos for Christ small business outreach. The merchandise will be sold at Stratford High prior to winter break.

Having already raised more than $5,000 in donations for her cause, Lara is hoping to reach her goal of $25,000 when she completes her fundraiser at the end of the school year.

To help MaKayla, please visit www.crowdrise.com/manymilesmanysmiles where donations can be made. According to the nonprofit organization, 100 percent of proceeds go directly to Amigos for Christ for medical equipment.

This article was written and photographed by Communications Intern Kali Venable

Spring Branch Education Foundation Announces Fall Grants

$61,559 Awarded to Projects for SBISD students

At its November 21 Board meeting, Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) approved $61,559 in grants that will be used for diverse education-enhancing projects throughout Spring Branch Independent School District.

Twice each year, the Foundation calls for grant applications, up to $5,000 each, from any of its 46 school campuses. District-wide projects are eligible for larger grants. Both faculty members and volunteers are encouraged to apply.

“Through these grants, the Education Foundation provides students and staff with opportunities for innovative projects,” said Donnie Roseman, a member of the SBEF Board of Directors and chair of the Program and Assessment Committee. “Through donations and participation in fund-raisers, community members make these grants possible.”

On a district-wide level, the Foundation awarded $6,000 to the Spring Branch ISD Council of PTAs to fund scholarships for SBISD college-bound students. The Council of PTAs received an additional $5,000 to offset transportation for SBISD Odyssey of the Mind teams to the World Finals in May 2014. A College Prep program, funded with a $12,500 grant, will arm seniors with critical information needed to successfully navigate their freshman year of college. A grant of $18,050 to Educational Technology will support Robitics programs at Stratford High School, Westchester Academy for International Studies and Memorial Middle School.

The balance of the money was designated for projects on SBISD campuses:
  • Bunker Hill Elementary – Kindles and eBooks will “Kindle the Reading Flame” for third through fifth graders who are currently reading below grade level.
  • Cornerstone Academy – Students will use Legos to learn in a three-dimensional format to strengthen and develop new skills as a precursor to physics.
  • Frostwood Elementary – Students from kindergarten to grade five will integrate hands-on learning (and develop life-long skills) in a vegetable garden/outdoor classroom.
  • Landrum Middle – Landrum and KIPP sixth graders, and their family members, will participate in hands-on activities at Family Engineering Night.
  • Nottingham Elementary – All students will be welcome at the “Nottingham Readers of the Round Table” to discover new books and create book recommendations for fellow readers.
  • Spring Branch Middle – The school will use the Rachel’s Challenge program to bring awareness to the issue of bullying and stress effective prevention.
  • Spring Woods High – The school’s journalism program will receive new cameras to capture photos for the yearbook and bi-monthly newspaper.
  • Thornwood Elementary – Today’s Readers Become Tomorrow’s Leaders, a computer-based program, will help students in all grade levels and at all academic levels improve reading skills.

“We encourage PTAs, principals and teachers to apply for these grants,” says Cece Thompson, SBEF executive director. “Our next call for grants is February 2014, and the recipients will be announced in May.”

Community members who wish to support a specific program at a designated campus can make a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation and earmark it for that school. Call 713.251.2381 or visit sbef@springbranchisd.com for more information.

About Spring Branch Education Foundation

Founded in 1993, the mission of SBEF is to enhance the quality of education for every student in SBISD. The Foundation provides donors with a vehicle for making tax-deductible gifts to the district. The Foundation has raised almost $8 million and received the Houston Business Promise Award from the Greater Houston Partnership.


Hour of Code at Buffalo Creek


More than 650 students at Buffalo Creek Elementary School will learn the basics of computer programming through a special “Hour of Code” program planned on Friday, Dec. 13, at this Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) campus. Hundreds and hundreds of other students across SBISD will be learning how to program simple digital games and videos, too.

This massive programming code lesson for all Buffalo Creek students was made possible, in part, through advance planning and registration by second-grade bilingual teacher and campus technology representative Hector Garza.

Through his sign-up efforts, Hector was named the only winning teacher in Texas and his campus was awarded $10,000 for student laptops and iPads through the nonprofit organization Code.org, which focuses on introducing the logic skills involved in computer science and programming into classrooms nationwide – and beginning in early grades.

Buffalo Creek Elementary’s “Hour of Code” will be one in hundreds of school events sponsored across SBISD and the nation. During Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 9-15, students in schools across America will learn the basics of computer science for one hour. These lessons are designed to demystify computer “code” and show that learning code is a fun learning curve, just like  learning to read or count, and should now begin at an early age.

Elsewhere in SBISD, classrooms representing than 2,000 students at the elementary, middle and high school level have registered for the “Hour of Code” event. Participating campuses may include Westwood Elementary, Memorial and Spring Forest middle schools and Spring Woods and Memorial high schools.   

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) – West Harris County Branch plans to sponsor a related celebration at Westwood Elementary School. According to research compiled by AAUW and other national groups, women remain enormously underrepresented in the science, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

On Thursday, Dec. 12, three AAUW trainers and the district’s educational technology director will provide professional development to teachers in SBISD on integrating coding into lessons or centers for STEM robots. The public is invited to attend. (See below)

All 26 district elementary schools are bringing coding to kindergarten, first-, or second-grade students this year. In addition, a set of robotic Bee-Bots, coding cards and mats have been issued to at least one teacher at each SBISD elementary school this year. Bee-bots are easily programmable floor robots that children love to play with and program. The AAUW has supported other professional development efforts involving Bee-Bots and student programming.   

At Buffalo Creek, Hector Garza wasn’t the only surprised person when he learned that the school had won the big prize. His principal was astonished, too.

"When Hector initially talked to me about the Hour of Code, signing us up to participate, and that there was a chance for us to win $10,000, well, I just smiled and thought that the experience of learning about programming would be beneficial enough for our students.  So you can imagine my reaction when he told me a few weeks later that BCE had won the funds! It’s a very nice gift,” Principal David Rodriguez said. 

Beginner one-hour tutorials for the “Hour of Code” event range from drag and drop programming using Angry Birds and Plants vs. Zombies to an introduction to JavaScript and even Python programming scripts written for children.

Buffalo Creek students will work in one-hour shifts in the school library and in two learning pods during the “Hour of Code” program.

Hector Garza, who has taught 11 years at Buffalo Creek, is the campus technology representative and ActivBoard trainer. He registered the school through a well-known online fundraising group called Donorschoose.org. School Librarian Carol Lee helped write the winning proposal.

On Nov. 18, the Buffalo Creek teacher and staff learned that Code.org had awarded the SBISD campus $10,000 for student laptop and iPad purchases.

“This achievement means a lot to me. I’ve been in technology here all these years and we’ve struggled at times to purchase equipment. This grant will help integrate technology into the school. I’m especially happy for the students of Buffalo Creek Elementary, which was the main reason for participating,” he said.

“All of us at BCE are not only grateful to Hector for signing us up for the Hour of Code and the winnings that resulted from our participation, we’re also thankful for the diligent job he’s done in researching and choosing the technology that will augment what we already have,” Principal Rodriguez said.
“This will provide our teachers the opportunity to further enhance their instruction and broaden our students’ learning.  We’re also very appreciative of what Donorschoose.org has done for our school and especially our students,” the principal also said.

Under Texas’ new Foundation Plan for student graduation, secondary courses and programs in advanced computer science, game programming and design, and discrete mathematics used for computer science may be promoted and encouraged by school districts.


For more details on topics explored here and Computer Science Education Week, please visit:






During the AAUW-sponsored professional development event on Dec. 12, community members are welcome to observe or to sign up as Coding Mentors for later volunteer placement.

To learn more or to RSVP for that event, please call SBISD’s Educational Technology Dept. at 713-251-2329. All adult volunteers in SBISD must go through a registration process beforehand.