Trish Schappell of Rummel
Creek Elementary School was named as SBISD T-2-4 Spotlight Teacher in January
for her work and passion in creating the nonprofit group The Kids’ Reading
Room, which has established several children’s reading rooms in area apartment
complexes.
SBISD Board of Trustees
recognized her on Jan. 26 at its monthly meeting. The T-2-4 Spotlight Teacher
recognition is awarded to employees for ongoing efforts to embrace the
district's goal to double the number of graduates who complete either military
training, technical certification, or a two- or four-year degree.
Since November 2013, Trish,
an interdisciplinary coach at Rummel Creek, has led highly successful efforts
through The Kids' Reading Room to open book filled, children's reading rooms in
several Spring Branch area apartment complexes.
Trish first formed The Kids'
Reading Room with her husband, Vincent, after being inspired by a training
program led by presenters from SBISD and the University of Houston.
Today, both high school
volunteers and community adults serve as readers and mentors for reading room
sessions held weekly at three big, area apartments as well as at Spring Spirit
Baseball’s local center. The programs are always growing, and new volunteers
are always needed.
The reading rooms are located
at the Castlewood Apartments, 7000 Westview; Hammerly Walk Apartments, 8787
Hammerly Blvd.; and at the Gentry House Apartments, 9001 Kempwood. Spring
Spirit Sports and Education Complex is located at 8526 Pitner Road.
The apartment reading rooms
conduct weekly sessions where children check out and then return a variety of
books and reading material on an honor basis. All the books, furniture and all
supplies are funded by private donations.
Research shows that student
access and exposure to books is a critical factor in a student's ability to
read proficiently early and for them to do well in school. Many children served
by The Kids' Reading Room have not had many books in their own homes.
Trish, who has served in public
education for 20 years, aims to improve literacy for all. Describing her
recognition as a “tremendous surprise,” she spoke about the need and mission
involved in encouraging young readers. “Our mission is to promote literacy and
instill a love of reading in kids,” she told Trustees, “and to hear from those
children [tonight] and to see what a difference we are making, I’m just
astounded.”
Sylvia Henriquez, an Edgewood
Elementary mom who works at the Gentry House Apartments, told Trustees how
popular her reading room is for her two children, Bianca and Juan. Her children
visit the reading room often.
“We’ve been so blessed to
have it. Just recently, one of the moms there came to me and told me what a
struggle it was to for her to get her child to read with her on a nightly
basis. She’s so grateful to see him get excited about reading with the reading
room volunteer without having to be forced,” she said.
“And my children have had the
privilege to help Mrs. Schappell set up the reading room because they are there
every day.”
Also speaking in Trish’s
behalf were Rummel Creek’s music teacher and choir director, Karen Donathen,
and her son, Josh, an Eagle Scout who worked with the Rummel Creek community to
donate more than 3,000 books and stock a reading room at the Hammerly Walk
Apartments.
“Trish’s endeavor has united
the entire district,” Karen said. Josh noted that The Kids’ Reading Room gives
kids in the Northbrook High neighborhood a safe place to spend time reading
with responsible adults and caring volunteers. Josh is now organizing National
Honor Society students at Northbrook High to be volunteers in the nearby
reading rooms.
Trish has held several
positions at Rummel Creek, including math/science school improvement specialist
and fifth-grade teacher. She’s taught in several districts, and was an
assistant principal in Klein and Cy-Fair ISDs.
She earned her master's
degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Houston, and she
also earned a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University at Corpus
Christi. She holds a Principal’s Certificate from St. Thomas University, too.
“Being awarded T-2-4
Spotlight Teacher for The Kids’ Reading Room made all the challenges, sweat and
tears all worth it!” Trish exclaimed after her recent honor. "Sometimes I get so
caught up in the busyness of it all that I forget we really are impacting the
lives of kiddos. Hearing the stories the speakers told reminded me that our
efforts are not fleeting, and that meant the world to me.”
Under her leadership, The
Kids' Reading Room has been awarded several grants. The nonprofit is now listed
as a partner with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, among other
honors.
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