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Share Your Voice

October 21, 2014, 2:15 pm
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What is Speak Up?
Speak Up is a national initiative of Project Tomorrow (formerly known as NetDay). Since fall 2003, the annual Speak Up project has collected and reported on the views of over 3 million K-12 students, teachers, administrators and parents representing over 30,000 schools in all 50 states. 
The Speak Up National Research Project dataset represents the largest collection of authentic, unfiltered stakeholder input on education, technology, 21st century skills, schools of the future, and science and math instruction. Education, business and policy leaders report using the data regularly to inform federal, state and local education programs. For additional information, visit www.tomorrow.org. 
Who is Project Tomorrow?
Project Tomorrow is the nation’s leading education nonprofit group dedicated to ensuring that today’s K-12 students are well prepared to become tomorrow’s leaders, innovators and engaged citizens of the world. 

We believe that by supporting the innovative uses of science, math and technology resources in our K-12 schools and communities, students will develop the critical thinking, problem solving and creativity skills needed to compete and thrive in the 21st century. 
Why participate in Speak Up 2014?
  • We share the Speak Up data with national, state and regional policy makers. Participating in Speak Up 2014 ensures that your voice is included in the dialogue about K-12 science, technology and math education.
  • Speak Up provides you the opportunity to gather information from your students, teachers, school leaders and parents about key educational topics, including: educational technology, 21st century skills, science and schools of the future.
  • By encouraging your school or district to participate, you are sending a strong signal that you value your stakeholders’ opinions about K-12 education.
  • Speak Up survey results, with national comparisons, will be available online, free of charge in February 2015.
  • Use the Speak Up data to engage your stakeholders in your strategic planning, budgeting or decision-making processes
*Speak Up 2013 national reports were released this spring to download the reports visit:
http://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/speakup_reports.html

For more information about technology in the classroom, contact the SBISD EducationalTechnology Department.
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October T-2-4 Spotlight Teacher: Meet Dan Nagel

October 28, 2014, 2:46 pm
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Spring Woods High School Librarian Dan Nagel was named as the October 2014 recipient of the Spring Branch ISD Spotlight Teacher recognition during the regular monthly meeting of SBISD’s Board of Trustees.

This special recognition shines a light on educators across our school system who embrace the Spring Branch T-2-4 goal and actively go above and beyond to demonstrate commitment to, and actions in support of, this goal and the T-2-4 belief statements that undergird it.

SBISD’s T-2-4 goal, re-endorsed by Trustees recently, focuses on doubling the percentage of graduates who complete technical certification, military training, or a two- or four-year college degree.

Dan, who has taught in SBISD for 10 years, has transformed a quiet campus space into one of the school's more popular student gathering spaces -- before, during and after school.

Before the bell rings each morning, the school library and its nearby student-run “coffee shop” are popular stops for students and faculty. Mr. Nagel teaches database skills to many classes. After the final bell rings at 3 p.m., many Tigers head to the library to study, or to check out the notebook computers and wireless Clear Hotspots so that students can connect or work online easily from home.

The library is open until 4:30 p.m. three days a week, and until 5 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons. Dan is assisted in the library by Phillip Provenzano.

For Dan, checking out Clear Hotspots levels the playing field for all students. Digital databases and WiFi hotspots make it possible for students in tiny towns like Eden, Texas, where he once was librarian, or in small Spring Branch apartments where monthly rent is a family priority, to be just as connected as students living in affluent, wired households.

"He's the one who told me about the Internet WiFi equipment," says Vianky Villabos, a senior who interviewed at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., through the Posse Foundation.

“He always looks out for students. He read my resume and looked over my essays. He has put in a good word for me. He’s one of the reasons I was ever noticed [for Posse],” says Vianky, who is varsity basketball team captain.

His open-door, afternoon policy even draws graduates. Kimberly Batres, a first-year student at the University of Houston-Downtown, returns often to Spring Woods High’s library. “I don’t have a computer, only a phone. I use the computers here to do my school work. I do believe that this generosity will help me get through college,” says the 2014 Tiger grad.

Last year, Mr. Nagel rented a van and took students interested in graphic novels to the airport to pick up authors and artists who were presenting at a book convention. The students quizzed the authors during the ride to the hotel about their work and craft.

He may use modern learning tools and unusual methods, but Mr. Nagel's goals are shared by all librarians. "I want that light to come on inside," he says. "I had one student come in, slam down a book and say, 'I hated the ending! I loved the book, but I hated the ending.' For me, that was a great day. She read the book, and she really cared about it!"

Jo Ann Conlon, the district’s library system director, quickly lists more than a half dozen reasons why Mr. Nagel deserves this award: he believes in all students and loves what he does; teaches T-2-4 skills to students; keeps them interested in reading; he meets the needs of all; customer service; in one year, he created a vibrant, student-centered program focused on skills; and pride in his school.

His dedication extends beyond the traditional school day. “When there is an evening, or weekend program in the library, Dan goes above and beyond expectations making sure everything operates smoothly,” Director Conlon adds.

Dan doesn’t do it all alone, and he’s the first to mention others like assistant Phillip Provenzano when this award is mentioned. “Phillip is an integral part of the of the T-2-4 success story in this library. We might laugh about it now, but our campus ran out of SAT vouchers for economically disadvantaged students. Phillip and I claim this is because while Phillip is discussing college with our student customers, he tells them about the voucher program,” Dan says.

Dan grew up in a Navy family and moved often. A graduate of Killeen High School, he joined the U.S. Army after a couple of semesters at the University of Texas at Austin. He served 20 years as a non-commissioned officer in military intelligence, and served three tours in Europe.

For many years, he was an instructor at Goodfellow Air Force Base's education and training facility in San Angelo, Texas. Dan earned his bachelor's degree in business management through the University of Maryland while he was based in Germany.

His military training and reflexes kicked in when he received a recent personal phone call from SBISD Superintendent Duncan Klussmann, Ed.D. , who announced his award. “I got up out of my chair and said, ‘Yes, Sir!’ to him,” he recalls.
Dan’s feelings about the T-2-4 award includes a compliment for all school librarians. “This is a validation to me that all librarians are also teachers. That’s why I’m happy about the honor,” he says.

After Army retirement, he earned a teaching certificate through Angelo State University in San Angelo. He served as a librarian in the small, 300-student Sterling City ISD before joining SBISD as librarian at Treasure Forest Elementary School. He worked there for nine years.

He was recruited into SBISD by another great employee, the late district Library Director Barry Bishop, now deceased.

Dan began his second year as the librarian at Spring Woods High School this fall. We all thank Dan Nagel for his commitment to helping students achieve more than they think possible and for helping them reach our Spring Branch T-2-4 goal.
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CITGO Announces Support for SpringSpirit Baseball

October 30, 2014, 2:36 pm
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Grant Helps Launch Academic Enrichment Initiative for K-8 Students of Spring Branch Independent School District

HOUSTON, Oct. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CITGO Petroleum Corporation presented Houston-based SpringSpirit Baseball with a grant in support of the non-profit organization's general education, afterschool, and academic academy programs. The funds will benefit more than 350 K-8 students enrolled in Spring Branch Independent School District (ISD) Title I schools. The program reinforces Spring Branch ISD's "T-2-4 Initiative" aimed at doubling the number of students who complete a technical certificate, military training, or a two-year or four-year college degree.
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Organic Garden and Outdoor Learning Space Opens

November 5, 2014, 1:08 pm
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Wilchester Elementary School opened its new organic vegetable garden and outdoor learning space during an Oct. 24 ribbon-cutting ceremony. All second- and fifth-grade classes attended.
Both grades helped plant, maintain and then learn in the new garden area earlier this fall under the professional guidance of a garden educator. This program is funded in part by a Spring Branch Education Foundation grant, with help from the Wilchester Elementary PTA.

 Wilchester’s new garden is an initiative of parent volunteers, community members and teachers who dedicated time during the last two years to bring this project to realization. The garden opening ceremony coincided with the conclusion of the school’s observance of Red Ribbon Week, the district’s annual anti-drug and anti-alcohol awareness campaign.

“The new Wilchester Garden is a learning tool and space that expands on Spring Branch’s commitment to a Healthy Lifestyle campaign. Gardening programs extend learning outside the classroom, and offer greater sensory imput across a range of curriculums including science, math and language arts,” PTA Garden Co-chair Fae Cohen stated in a press release.

“Gardens also offer an opportunity for our students to work within their community, setting a strong foundation for the building blocks of citizenship,” the PTA statement also said.
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Student Leaders Focus on Restorative Justice

November 5, 2014, 1:19 pm
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Students in the Academy of Choice (AOC) Leadership Class trained 18 Community in Schools workers in restorative justice practices, including healing circles, during a training event held in Baytown, Texas, recently.

This year’s AOC leadership students are Julissa Alba, Brooke Cherry, Ashton Creekmoore, Kenia Marun Cruz, Tristen Day, Yancey Elguezabal, Michael Hendrickson, Skylin Lee, Brandie Massey, Ashley Monjares, Allizon Palma, Emili Torres, Chris Valera and Karina Vazquez.

One Community in Schools attendee praised the event highly. “I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the training. I look forward to working with you all further to gain a better understanding of how to facilitate, as well as how to guide my students to facilitate, a [healing] circle as well.”

Academy of Choice instructor Anita Wadhwa uses a practice called healing circles to address student or school conflict when it occurs. AOC students co-facilitate meetings between a person who has either caused harmed, a person who was harmed, or interested parties in order to find solutions and repair the harm done.

Academy of Choice uses this practice to build community, and to disrupt a troubling pattern known as the school to prison pipeline, a phenomenon in which students who are suspended or expelled have an increased chance or likelihood of entering the criminal justice system.

The AOC program, Wadhwa, and some of her students were featured last year in news stories broadcast locally and on National Public Radio (NPR) member stations.

Dignity in Schools, a national network dedicated to ending the pipeline, has sponsored a National Week of Action Against School Pushout. The national network calls for disciplinary alternatives such as restorative justice. As part of the week’s events, AOC helped its leadership students attend a forum at Texas Southern University on racial and economic disproportionality in the criminal justice system.

AOC students are led by instructors Udoro Gatewood, Nicole Harris and Wadhwa.


For more information on bringing restorative justice practice to your school, please email at Anita Wadhwa at anita.wadhwa@springbranchisd.com.
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Lone Star Emmy Awards

November 5, 2014, 2:12 pm
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Left to Right:  Keith Chapman, Paul Brastrom, Angelica Chavez and Travis Balleza.  (Not pictured:  Adrian Bourliot, Jose Cervantes, Caitlin Makin, Andrew Fowler, Raekwon Johnson, Daniel Rayon and Fernando Hernandez)  Photo credit:  Arturo Benitez
Eleven students active in the Digital Filmmaking and Guthrie Center Films programs have earned two Emmy Awards from the local Lone Star Emmy chapter of the National Television Arts and Sciences for excellence in TV and Broadcast productions.

Congratulations to Guthrie Center Films and to the following students for their excellent work and award winning productions in television:

For “Works in Progress,” a newscast talk show featuring programs at The Guthrie Center, the following students earned a Lone Star Emmy Award:
  • Adrian Bourliot, Producer/Director
  • Jose Cervantes, Producer/Asst. Director
  • Travis Balleza, Producer/Writer
  • Caitlin Makin, Producer
  • Paul Brastrom, Producer/Editor
  • Andrew Fowler, Producer/Editor
  • Raekwon Johnson, Producer/Editor
  • Daniel Rayon, Producer
  • Fernando Hernandez, Producer
  • Angelica Chavez, Producer
For “Simple Math,” a Public Service Announcement about the importance of energy conversation, a Lone Star Emmy went to Producer/Director Keith Chapman.

To learn more about the Lone Star Emmy Awards, please visit:
http://lonestaremmy.org/foundation/natas-awards/high-school-student-production/2014-awardees/
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Friday Night Lights

November 5, 2014, 2:44 pm
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Hundreds of Spring Branch ISD elementary students were exposed to two versions of “football” – the popular, Friday night contest over a leather ball held under stadium lights and the exciting, fast-moving competition over a soccer ball – through the district’s Advanced Movers program recently.

Students from four elementary schools attended a recent Friday evening football game between Stratford and Spring Woods high schools held at SBISD’s Tully Stadium.

For many students, the recent Oct. 17 game was their very first experience inside a Texas high school football stadium on a Friday night.

Walking onto the Tully Stadium artificial turf before the game were students from four campuses – Sherwood, Thornwood, Westwood and Woodview elementary schools.

The youngsters were exposed to high school bands, cheerleaders, dance and football teams in an up close, in-person game experience that literally earned them High Fives from high school student athletes.

This game experience was arranged by SBISD’s Health Fitness Dept. with special assistance from Samuel Karns, who is SBISD’s Advanced Movers coordinator.

Greeting the elementary students were SBISD’s Executive Athletic Director Paige Hershey and several assistant athletic directors.

One Woodview Elementary student joined the cheerleaders on the field when the student bumped into a cheerleader she had met several years ago in a dance camp.

On Friday, Oct. 24, meanwhile about 225 Advanced Movers students from Landrum Middle School and the KIPP Courage College Prep program also at Landrum Middle, as well as Pine Shadows, Ridgecrest and Cedar Brook elementary schools attended a soccer game at Houston Baptist University.

“The excitement was in the air, and could be felt even before the kids even got off the buses. Even though the [Houston Baptist] Huskies didn’t pull off a win, our students won in so many capacities on this night through T-2-4,” Karns said. A boy and girl student from each campus was selected at half time to take part on field in a soccer dribbling and shooting contest.

View the Advanced Movers Animoto on football night:
https://animoto.com/play/LO2X7zy6q7AdsjHd00usYg

View the Advanced Movers Animoto on soccer night:
https://animoto.com/play/LO2X7zy6q7AdsjHd00usYg

Learn more about Advanced Movers through these social media sites:
www.twitter.com/advancedmovers
www.facebook.com/sbisdadvancedmovers
www.twitter.com/futurecoachesac
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Veterans Day at Spring Forest Middle School

November 6, 2014, 7:17 am
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The 14th annual Veterans Day Celebration at Spring Forest Middle School will be observed on Tuesday, November 11. Since its founding, this west Houston public celebration of military veterans and their families has grown into one of the city’s top gatherings of veterans and students. Spring Forest Middle School is located at 14240 Memorial.

This year’s Veterans Day Celebration is expected to attract about 125 veterans and family members for a morning breakfast and school-wide ceremony. The breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. It will be followed by a 9 a.m. patriotic assembly. The keynote speaker will be Retired U.S. Army Col. Ed Dyer, who served from 1964 until 1996 and was awarded two Purple Hearts. Col. Dyer’s many assignments include deputy for policy analysis on the staff of Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney, 1989 to 1992. Texas Rep. Jim Murphy, District 133, and other area dignitaries will also attend.

The patriotic assembly will feature performing groups ranging from student choir, orchestra, concert and symphonic bands, to theater students. Emcees are officers with the Spring Forest Middle School National Jr. Honor Society and the Student Council. SBISD’s Naval Jr. ROTC will present the colors at the assembly.

Col. Dyer of Katy is a native of Waco. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University and a master’s degree from Webster University in St. Louis, Mo. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Bronze Stars, five Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals and two Purple Heart medals. He ended his military career as the Executive Officer to the Commanding General at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.

As part of the Veterans Day Celebration, Spring Forest Middle students will collect funds for the local nonprofit group Operation Interdependence through an effort called “Postage for Patriots.” The nonprofit group sends care packages to military worldwide. All funds collected will help with mailing costs of the care packages.

Heritage Texas Properties and the school PTA are sponsors for the Spring Forest Middle School Veterans Day Celebration. All veterans and family are invited to the event. To RSVP, call Eighth-Grade Counselor Jana Gwinn at 713-251-4618.
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Via Colori Festival Artist Named

November 6, 2014, 2:02 pm
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Spring Woods High junior Kira Slentz has been selected as this year’s Via Colori Apprendista artist for the annual downtown street painting festival.

Kira will recreate an unusual fantasy character that she first created in soft pastel chalk on a downtown street during the Via Colori Street Painting Festival, which will be celebrated Nov. 22-23.

The Via Colori Street Painting Festival is a free, two-day event that attracts up to 25,000 visitors annually. The streets of downtown Houston become a giant canvas during the festival for artists that range from students like Kira to professional street painters from across the nation and Mexico.

The theme for this year’s festival is “The Art of Sound.” Street artists young and old will draw inspiration from music and nature to remind festivalgoers of the amazing gift of sound. The festival benefits The Center for Hearing and Speech, for which it has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. LINN Energy is this year’s festival sponsor. 

Several other Spring Woods High student artists are expected to join Kira and her teacher, Crystal Fiocchi, at the downtown festival. Several Spring Woods High teachers and students have been featured in recent years at this festival.

This year’s event will include several new features:  Tromp I’oeil, a 3-D chalk art section; strolling performers; and an exclusive Mood Lounge.

Returning popular features include Via Bambini, a street chalk section for kids; IKEA Scavenger Hunt; live music on three stages; a Family Zone; and food and drink vendors.

For details on Houston Via Colori, please visit www.HoustonViaColori.com.
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Meadow Wood Elementary Preps for 50th Birthday

November 6, 2014, 2:27 pm
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Meadow Wood Elementary School will celebrate 50 years of educational excellence during the 2014-15 school year.

The campus is now planning a golden commemoration that will include a birthday party for students, parents, teachers and administration on April 29, 2015. A community spaghetti dinner is planned for May 1.

Work is under way on a 50th anniversary cookbook, which will be sold for $15. The cookbook will include recipes collected from present and former parents, teachers and principals, alumni and community members.

As one part of planning, Meadow Wood organizers would like to hear and learn from those who came before them. The school is seeking letters from alumni detailing their memories as Meadow Woods students.

Photos which help to capture the school’s history and its spirit, as well as related memorabilia, are being sought for display during next semester’s Celebration Week.

Photographs, letters and memorabilia may be submitted electronically to croninpulicrelations@gmail.com, or by mail to: Meadow Wood Elementary, c/o 50th Anniversary Celebration, 14230 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77079.


For other queries, please contact croninpublicrelations@gmail.com.
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Great Pumpkin Fun Run

November 6, 2014, 2:34 pm
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More than 900 students, parents and family and community members took part in the second annual Great Pumpkin Fun Run, hosted at Cedar Brook Elementary recently.

The Great Pumpkin Fun Run was held Oct. 18 at the campus Spark Park. Event organizers report that this special event produced many big smiles, much physical activity, good encouragement and bright memories.

Almost 300 students participated in either the 1 mile race or optional 2 mile route that circled the entire Cedar Brook Elementary campus. The campus fun run was organized by Courtney Roberts and Marla Squires. The Cedar Brook Elementary Health Fitness Department/CSHAC Committee was the event host.

More than 50 members of the school faculty and staff assisted. Faculty and staff provided scholarships to students in need, arrived early to help set up, assisted at running stations, and stayed late for to break down equipment and clean up. Cedar Brook Elementary’s Student Council helped with set up early, and then helped clean up, too.

Multiple participation level options encouraged as many students and families to participate as possible. Runners received a bright, orange pumpkin and other awards to mark event achievement.

The Bunker Hill HEB provided post-race bananas and water for runners. A special appearance was made by HEB’s Buddy mascot.

In addition, bagels were provided by the New York Bagel Shop.
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"Hats On!" Halloween Parade

November 7, 2014, 8:22 am
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Administration Building employees strutted their stuff last week on October 31, while wearing hats representing something about themselves. In the Hats On! event, staff members wore hats that expressed each person's heritage or “journey.” Interpretations included ball caps from favorite teams, television show characters, mythical figures, cowboy hats, international hats, a construction hard hat, a pirate hat, a mountain-shaped hat, an improvised brown box hat, an angel halo, a birthday hat and many more.

A hat parade started on the second floor and wound its way down to the building lobby where everyone enjoyed refreshments. During the reception, participants were able to vote for three Peoples’ Choice awards. The winners are:
  • Most Creative Hat:  Ann Vickery
  • Best Heritage Hat:  Corina Ott
  • Best “Journey” Hat:  Alison Tennyson
The Hats On! event was designed to help building employees get to know more about each other, learn each other’s names and enjoy some collegial fun. The occasion will also be submitted as one of the building’s 2014-2015 No Place for Hate activities and one of the Community Relations 2014-2015 Share A Smile customer service activities.

View more photos of the event >>
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Fun Run Goes Big

November 7, 2014, 3:22 pm
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Rummel Creek Elementary School students earned serious money for their school in the PTA’s first ever, student-led fundraising fun run.  A 10-day series of events culminated in a final fun-run event on campus, which was held early in the school year.

Kindergarten teacher Michelle Rincon’s class was one of the school’s top earners, collecting the second highest dollars per lap.

Pictured with the kindergarten teacher are (left to right) Savannah Ceraudo, Meredith Cunningham, Logan McNally, Hunter Gilbert, Maria Anzola, Luisa Becerra. Photos courtesy of school media representative Shannon Otermat of Rummel Creek Elementary.

Rummel Creek Elementary students and staff are meeting this year on the district transition campus located at Westchester Academy for International Studies.

When completed, Rummel Creek Elementary’s new building will be the 13th new elementary school built under SBISD’s 2007 Bond program.
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A Legacy of Style - SBEF's Annual Runway Event to Feature Trina Turk

November 11, 2014, 7:56 am
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NOV 21 FASHION SHOW BENEFITS SPRING BRANCH EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Designs by American Trina Turk to be featured in 4th annual runway event


Houston trendsetters and fashionphiles will gather on Friday, Nov. 21 for A Legacy of Style, a sparkling winter-wonderland runway show featuring looks from American designer Trina Turk. The popular luncheon is in its 4th year raising money for the Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF), an institution that has issued more than $8 million in grants and scholarships in Houston’s Spring Branch Independent School District since 1993. 
 
Fittingly, California-based Turk is expanding her luxury retail brand in Houston with a new Galleria boutique opening in early November. Turk’s “Winter Luxe” collection will be featured on Nov. 21 and worn by model-like volunteers with an enthusiasm for fashion and a love for Spring Branch. Co-chairs Debbie Slack and Susan Griffin expect a sell-out. 
 
“We are delighted to collaborate with Trina Turk for this year’s fashion show,” said Slack, a former buyer for Tootsies and a longtime resident of Spring Branch. “Her style is very appealing, fresh, modern and glamorous. I think this is a great fit for Houston women, and I can’t wait to see all of the looks!” 


“It’s a lot of fun for the audience to see familiar faces on the runway,” said Griffin, another Spring Branch parent. “The SBISD alumni and employees personify the strong legacy and loyalty we enjoy in the school district.” 
 
A Legacy of Style Fashion Show & Luncheon 
  • Friday, November 21, 2014 
  • Hilton Houston Post Oak 2001 Post Oak Blvd. 11:00 a.m. – Reception 12:00 p.m. – Luncheon and Fashion Show 
  • Tickets start at $800 for a table of 10 or $100 for individual tickets. 
For more information, visit springbranchisd.com/sbef or call 713.251.2381. 
 
For regular updates, "like" SBEF on Facebook and/or follow it at SBEF93 on Twitter and Instagram. 

Style Show committee members include: SBEF Executive Director Cece Thompson, Michelle Airola, Debra Aitken, Lara Bell, Patty Busmire, Diane Cavazos, Melissa DeAyala, Michelle Eggert, Kate Grossman, Lynn Harrison, Kristen Hopper, Janet Horton, Robin Howell, Rhonda King, Lee Ann Kulka, Susan Marks, Dede Phillips, Lynn Thomas, Portia Willis, Kim Wood and Claudine Wright. Pictured: (l. to r.) Debbie Slack and Susan Griffin, co-chairs, A Legacy of Style  
 
About Spring Branch Education Foundation 

Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting SBISD students and educators. It partners with the district and community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare students for the future. Since 1993, the Foundation has raised more than $8 million and received the Houston Business Promise Award from the Greater Houston Partnership. 
 
About Trina Turk 
Trina Turk is inspired by California’s vibrant multicultural mix, architecture and landscape—a synergy that permeates her contemporary, colorful aesthetic. Infused with bold signature prints and dynamic hues unique to each collection, Trina’s modern and optimistic outlook meld the best of classic American design with a California confidence, incorporating beautiful fabrications and impeccable quality. 

Founded in 1995, Trina Turk celebrates Golden State style with 11 annual collections of chic women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, plus swimwear, recreation, footwear, jewelry, bags, a Mr Turk menswear line, and residential décor and textiles. 

Trina Turk’s signature boutiques are located in Palm Springs, Los Angeles, New York, Newport Beach, Burlingame, Dallas, Bal Harbour, Atlanta, Manhattan Beach, Market Street and Houston Galleria opening this Fall. Trina Turk can be found online at www.trinaturk.com.
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Dogs of Character

November 13, 2014, 9:21 am
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Photo by Shannon Otermat 
Lizzie was left alone on a city street. Scout is different from most dogs with four legs, but being different is good. Guthrie, a thin-coated pug, was found shivering outside in the cold Oklahoma snow.

Three rescue dogs. Three heart-warming stories. One school cafeteria filled with totally captivated elementary students. If you want young children to recall your message, bring a rescue dog to the presentation.

On Oct. 28, several hundred Rummel Creek Elementary School students learned how rescue dogs Lizzie, Scout and Guthrie had survived, and how their personal stories and interaction with the families that adopted them, have changed all who have become involved with them ever after.

The Dogs of Character presentation was titled “Who Will You Rescue?” Rescue dog owners and Dogs of Character program leaders hosted a cafeteria assembly with big anti-bullying and empathy focused messages.

The rescue dogs Lizzie, Scout and Guthrie taught the children lessons from their lives in perseverance, courage, self-worth, leadership and responsibility.

Owners like Vanessa Goodman related how a Yellow Labrador with a missing leg, and multiple health issues resulting in three surgeries, can change your own world view. Suddenly, your own leg surgery is not that big a deal.

“Scout has lost a leg, but she still comes running. Scout is different, but different is good. She can do things with three legs that you would not believe,” Vanessa told a rapt assembly of students.

“She helps me with my own attitude. She is the pack leader in our house and she is the fastest of all our dogs,” she added.

Joy Southard, director of Dogs of Character, says that children get a living example of positive life skills and responses with the rescue dogs like Scout and others. The Dogs of Character group has 75 rescue dogs in its program.

Dogs of Character programs are usually presented to elementary-age children, in part, because younger students tend to have more empathy for rescue dog stories than secondary students. “A rescue dog speaks directly to children,” she says.

Counselor Jennifer Buchert, who helped bring the program to Rummel Creek, is anxious to connect Scout’s story of courage and perseverance to more classroom lessons this fall.

“What’s cool to me is that a program like this can enrich the social and emotional aspect of the learning environment, which ties directly into the SBISD System of Care climate and culture piece of the district’s T-2-4 Plan,” Buchert says.

At the end of the assembly, students recited a Dogs of Character Pledge that asked them to be “rescuers” in situations where bullying, name calling, or other negative actions occur in their lives.

Outside the cafeteria, students lined up and then slowly walked past Scout, Lizzie and the pug, Guthrie, all of whom received appreciative pats from students. Talk about being loved!

To learn more about the Dogs of Character program, contact:
Joy Southard
joy@dogsofcharacter.com
Phone: 936-525-7385
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Next week is T-2-4 SUCCESS WEEK in SBISD!

November 13, 2014, 9:33 am
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T-2-4 Success Week is about passionate belief! It’s about students, families, friends, and educators who believe all Texas students belong on the path to education beyond high school. It’s about believing that the future depends on our success. 

Campuses around Spring Branch ISD will be celebrating T-2-4  Success Week during the week of November 17-21. From researching different majors and careers, to learning what schools have to offer that make them special, students will have a range of conversations, activities and exposure to the tools and resources they need to find their ‘best fit’ for life after high school graduation. Make sure to check with your campus to find out what fun and exciting activities you and your students can participate in to help find the best T-2-4 fit. 

Looking for more? Get inspired by hearing students, parents, and our supporters tell their stories on the following websites, and find out how more education means more options:
What can you do to help support T-2-4 Success Week in SBISD?

Educators & Students: 

Show us what you've got! Share your T-2-4 pride with us @SBISD #dreambigachievebigT24SUCCESS all week long!

  • Monday - Wear sunglasses as a reminder of setting goals and focusing on achieving those goals.
  • Tuesday - Wear running shoes & colorful socks…discuss future careers choices.
  • Wednesday - Wear a college shirt, jersey, etc. and talk about the purpose of college.
  • Thursday - Wear college hat, visor, etc., and discuss difference college choices.
  • Friday - Wear school spirit shirt to support the college of your choice!
What is your college or career dream? What T-2-4 path do you plan to take? Take a snapshot and share it with us on social media...you never know who you might inspire! Get creative- group college t-shirt photos, a shot where you have written your one word dream for your future college or career...share it all with us! We'll be looking for the biggest dreams and BRIGHTEST smiles. Remember, success looks different for everyone!

Parents:
  • Encourage your child to participate in the themed activities on campus all week long!
  • Talk to your child about how he/she would like continue their education after high school.
  • Print or draw the logo of his/her dream college/university.
  • Have your student interview you about your college & career experiences. Bring the interview to school this week and share with classmates and peers.
  • Encourage your child to think about their dream career & how they can prepare for the future now!
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Looking for a great job? Contact SBISD's Community Education Department today!

November 18, 2014, 9:52 am
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Instructors needed!

The Spring Branch ISD Community Education Dept. is continuing to seek instructors for current and future anticipated openings.

Instructors are being sought for the following courses:

• English as a Second Language (ESL), Day, Evening and Saturday positions available
• GED taught in English and Spanish Day and Evening classed available.
• Spanish instruction Saturday positions available
• Computer teacher, word, excel, beginning computer…etc

For more information on these and other anticipated Community Education instructional openings, or if you are qualified in a course presentation that will benefit the community, please call Brandy Dean at 713-251-1695.
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STEM Family Night Draws Big Crowd at Landrum Middle School

November 21, 2014, 11:30 am
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Math, science, engineering and technology were the focus of attention at Landrum Middle School on Oct. 28 as the school and its partnering program, KIPP Courage College Prep at Landrum Middle, hosted its first ever STEM Family Night.

About 250 students, family members and partnering volunteers joined with campus faculty during an evening program that included 15 workstations related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Supporting program partners included ExxonMobil, Teacher Heaven and Learning Together, a student-to-student based mentoring program supported by United Way.

Special event speakers included Roy Galvan, who works in the oil and gas industry and is a Landrum Middle graduate, and Karen Needham, a BP petroleum engineer recruiter who set up a workstation showing students how they might work in fields and careers related to oil and gas discovery and production.

During the evening program, students and their families received a special passport and then earned passport stamps by visiting stations and working through problems or STEM-based challenges. The goal was to attend nine stations – three math, three science, and three in STEM field areas.

Eighth-Grade Assistant Principal Brian Shillingburg and Meredith Cook, who is a math and science interventionist, began work on the program in August. Brian had conducted a similar program in another district, and he knew that it would connect with Landrum students and families, too.

“This is a real world, hands-on chance for students and parents to have a personal and up close experience with math and science. STEM careers are something that my eighth-graders are experiencing through Naviance today,” Shillingburg said.

“We hope to plant seeds in kids today, and encourage them to pursue and work in STEM careers in the future,” he added.

In many cases, organizers selected areas where students were struggling, and then created activities that parents could take home to work on with their children. The stations ranged from FDP Tri-ominoes, a fraction, decimals and percent matching math game, to Extracting DNA from Fruit, in which families learn how to extract DNA from strawberries.

Students and families had the option of exploring STEM careers through a variety of lectures and face-to-face conversations, which included an opportunity to speak with a counselor about high school requirements to graduate with an endorsement.

Landrum Middle School and KIPP Courage plan to host a follow up STEM Family Night next spring. Check the Landrum Middle website for updates.

The evening program ended with the delivery of 60 pizzas donated by United Way and a raffle of donated items from Teacher Heaven.
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SBISD Athletes Score State Win

November 21, 2014, 2:50 pm
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Spring Branch ISD athletes in cross country, team tennis, volleyball and football have dozens of individual and team reasons to celebrate the holiday ahead. They have earned their turkey and dressing, plus all the pumpkin pie they can eat!

Stratford High Boys Cross Country defended a Class 4A State Champions title on Nov. 9 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock in the UIL state meet. They took home a Class 5A State title this year by running up 112 points. Stratford finished 13 points ahead of second-place College Station.

For a second consecutive year, senior Austin Richard led the way for these hungry Spartans. He finished the race in 15 minutes, 41.56 seconds, which earned him his second consecutive silver individual medal at the state meet.

Joining Richard in the team win were the following runners: Jake Roberts, junior, 62nd place; Paul Brastrom, senior, 46th; Doug Baker, 49th; Sam Evetts, sophomore, 71st; Hayden Richard, senior, 14th; and Devin Fahey, sophomore, 70th.

Five of Stratford’s runners finished the 5,000-meter Round Rock course either at or under 17 minutes, an astonishing team effort of speed, endurance and grit.

Coach Tony Brillon had only praise for his runners and what they accomplished for the second year in a row: “This has been one of the most remarkable teams I have been associated with while coaching . . . total team work.”

In related news, nine SBISD student athletes signed with colleges and universities across the nation during Signing Day this fall. (See student listings below.)

Two students were honored by the Touchdown Club, too. Riley Green of Stratford High and Griffin Doyle of Memorial High are two of 25 Houston area football players selected from a field of more than 70 students as Touchdown Club Scholar-Athletes. Both young men are ranked No. 1 in their class. Riley is coached by Eliot Allen. Griffin played for Coach Gary Koch. (See student listing below.)

Highlights of this year’s fall successes in cross country, team tennis, volleyball and football in SBISD Athletics include the following summary:
  • Stratford HS Boy’s Cross-Country repeats as State Champions (2014-5A/2013-4A)
    • 19-5A District Champions @ Varsity, JV and Freshman levels
  • Stratford HS Girl’s Cross-Country team finishes 9th at State
    • 19-5A District Champions @ Varsity level
  • Memorial HS Girl’s Cross-Country 18-6A District Champions @ Varsity & JV levels
    • Khayla Patel and Lesley Romero qualify individually for UIL 6A State Meet
  • 2 SBISD Cross-Country runners medal at the State Cross-Country Meet:
    • Austin Richards, 2nd in 5A Boy’s Race (2nd year in a row)
    • Khayla Patel, Memorial, 6th in 6A Girl’s Race
  • All four SBISD High Schools qualify for Regional CC Meet (44 athletes)
    • Memorial Boys & Girls, Northbrook Boys, Spring Woods Boys, Stratford Boys & Girls,  & 2 NHS Girls qualify
  • Memorial HS Team Tennis finishes as a State Semifinalist
    • Undefeated district champions, 2005-present
    • 6th consecutive Regional Championship crown
    • 6th Consecutive trip to UIL State Tournament
  • Stratford HS Team Tennis finishes as 5A Regional Semifinalist
    • 19-5A District Champions @ Varsity & JV level
  • Memorial Volleyball finishes as 18-6A District Champions at every level in program
  • Stratford Volleyball qualifies for the Playoffs and finish as 5A Bi-District Champions
  • Stratford Varsity Football is the 19-5A District Champion and in the first round of the 6A Div. I playoffs
  • Memorial Varsity Football claims a share of the 18-6A District Championship and is in the first round of the 6A Div. II playoffs
  • Two SBISD football players are among the 25 Houston Area student-athletes honored by the Touchdown Club of Houston as Finalists and scholarship recipients at their Football Scholar-Athlete Luncheon.
    • Griffin Doyle, Memorial HS, #1 in class
    • Riley Green, Stratford HS, #1 in class
  • Alexandra Buscher, Memorial HS senior swimmer, and two-time defending UIL 5A State Champion in the 200m Girl’s Free, was chosen as the KHOU Channel 11 Sports Extra Athlete of the Week.
  • Christi Gregory, a senior lacrosse player at Stratford HS, was one of 36 student-athletes recognized by Houston Positive Coaching Alliance as a nominee for their Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship.
  • Multiple Student-Athletes Sign Letters of Intent to Play College Athletics:
    • Alexandra Buscher, Memorial, signs with Texas A&M Swimming
    • Kody Clemens, Memorial, signs with Texas Baseball
    • Sam Giammalva, Memorial, signs with Texas A&M Tennis
    • Tadhg Collins, Memorial, signs with Air Force Tennis
    • Carson Pyle, Memorial, signs with Hawaii Pacific Volleyball
    • Kaylee Taff, Memorial, signs with Austin Peay State Volleyball
    • Ethan Franklin, Northbrook, signs with Lamar Baseball
    • Phoebe Lemay, Stratford, signs with Cal-Berkeley Diving
    • Ashley Fritcher, Stratford, signs with Baylor Volleyball
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Veterans Day at Spring Forest Middle School

November 21, 2014, 4:27 pm
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More than 800 joined dozens and dozens of military veterans and their families for the annual Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 11 at Spring Forest Middle School.

View more photos of the Veterans Day event >>

Like other annual gatherings at Spring Forest Middle, more than 80 veterans made the 14th annual Veterans Day observance here one of the bigger community events of its kind in west Houston once again.

Students and the Spring Forest Middle PTA host an early morning breakfast for the veterans and their families. The breakfast is followed by a program that includes an assembly recognition of every veteran in the gym. In recent years, Heritage Texas Properties has been the event sponsor.

Five Spring Forest Middle Student Council members – Isabella Terrazas, Zamar Salas, Thomas Suess, Elias Gelber and Elias Piskurich – were the event’s masters of ceremonies.

Other program highlights included Presentation of the Colors by the SBISD Naval Jr. ROTC; patriotic performances by the school orchestra, band and choir; and the stirring “Reveille” and “Celebration of Taps” as performed solo by Band Director Curtis Amrein.

This year’s event included a “God Bless the USA” slideshow, poetry reading, and a Veterans Day history, too.

Separately, Spring Forest Middle students raised $3,500 to help mail care packages to military men and women serving overseas.

Keynote speaker was Retired Army Col. Edward Dyer, who challenged students to embrace the learning opportunities in Spring Branch ISD and to make wise choices in all that they do.

A Waco native, Col. Dyer served in the U.S. Army from 1964 until 1996, and was awarded many honors including the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals and two Purple Hearts.

His Army assignments included being deputy of policy analysis on then-Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney’s staff from 1989-1992. Today, he lives in Katy with his wife of 47 years, Becky.

He challenges students to make the most of their educational opportunities, and he called teaching the nation’s most important profession. “Your education is a choice that can only be made by you,” he said, adding that “life is a series of choices.”

“There are no college scholarships in texting,” he warned the middle school group. “There are no college scholarships for taking Selfies. You have a great gift before you that many people do not have. You have a gift before you in education, and if you don’t unwrap it, you won’t ever know what’s inside.”

Col. Dyer walked the students through his Army career, which included a difficult time with the 23rd Infantry Division in Vietnam. The colonel knew famous figures from that 1960’s period that include the highly regarded General Colin Powell and controversial Second Lt. William Calley, convicted in the My Lai Massacre. Three hundred or more unarmed Vietnamese civilians were killed in two hamlets there.

“Life is a series of choices, and sometimes bad choices are made by good people in war time,” he said during his sobering remarks. He urged all students to make good choices throughout their lives, beginning with their education.

Read about veterans with ties to Spring Branch >>

In a separate program highlight, Air Force veteran and Operation Interdependence representative Jim Snell announced that Spring Forest students and families raised $3,500 to pay for overseas care package mailings to those currently serving.

Operation Interdependence, based in northwest Houston, assembles good bags for American troops and ships them worldwide. Last year, the group collected 14,000 items for soldier care packages.

Special guests at this year’s gathering included SBISD Board of Trustees members and Texas Rep. Jim Murphy, Dist. 133, which includes much of west Houston. The Texas legislator said that Veterans Day at Spring Forest Middle was one event date that he “absolutely” did not want to miss.

Spring Forest Middle Principal is Kaye Williams. Counselor Jan Gwinn began the program 14 years ago with several dozen veterans and their families.
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