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FAFSA Initiative - A Key Step in Funding Higher Education

January 9, 2015, 12:42 pm
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Students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is a key step in continuing education after high school. Help is available!
¡Los estudiantes que completen la Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (FAFSA) or la Solicitud de Ayuda Económica Estatal de Tejas (TASFA) es un paso clave en la educación continua después de la secundaria.Ayuda está disponible!

The Houston FAFSA Initiative strives to increase the FAFSA/TASFA completion rate in the greater Houston region. Research has shown that students who complete a FAFSA or TASFA are 90% more likely to enroll in a college or university the fall after graduation.

Join us the entire month of February to learn more about the FAFSA and TASFA process and how to best help your child achieve their college or university dream.

Click here for a complete listing of FAFSA/TASFA Trusted Sites in your area.

Want to become a Houston FAFSA Initiative Partner?  Click here for Partnership details.

View SBISD 2015 Financial Aid Sessions and Trusted Centers >>
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Restorative Justice Coalition Founder earns $1,000 Grant

January 9, 2015, 6:40 pm
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A nonprofit organization that issues $1,000 a day, every day, to change-makers and activists has awarded a grant to Anita Wadhwa, founder of The Restorative Justice Collaborative of Houston. Anita Wadhwa also teaches at the Academy of Choice in Spring Branch ISD.

The $1,000 award was issued by The Pollination Project, founded by Dallas-based businessman and philanthropist Ari Nessel. The nonprofit group has issued hundreds of thousands of dollars to worthy projects and individuals since its founding in 2013.  

The Restorative Justice Collaborative of Houston is a diverse coalition of educators, students, researchers, academics, parents, clinicians, lawyers and advocates who are committed to breaking the school to prison pipeline through creative, community driven models of justice.

The collaborative will sponsor its second annual conference on April 25, 2015, at the University of Houston’s College of Education. Its goal is to spread restorative justice practices in Houston.

“We are grateful to the Pollination Project for helping to promote the advancement of alternatives to punitive disciplinary practices in schools, as well as practices in the juvenile justice system that disproportionately impact young people of color,” said Wadhwa. “This grant will allow us to convene multiple stakeholders at our conference.”

The Pollination Project funds projects that benefit people, planet, animals in areas like environmental sustainability, social justice, community health and wellness, arts and media.

For more about “Seeding Restorative Justice in Houston Schools,” please visit:
www.thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/anita-wadhwa-seeding-restorative-justice-in-houston-schools/

About The Pollination Project
The Pollination Project awards $1000 in seed money to individual changemakers and activists who are working to make the world – or just their own community – a better, more peaceful, just and more sustainable place. The Pollination Project is a platform for investing directly in committed people who just need a little money to launch their social change vision.

For more information or to apply for a grant: www.thepollinationproject.org
To view a full list of recipients to date: www.thepollinationproject.org

Story Contacts

Anita Wadhwa
Restorative Justice Collaborative of Houston
restorativehouston@gmail.com
832-731-5369,

Alissa Hauser
The Pollination Project
ahauser@thepollinationproject.org
510-710-5236
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SBISD Fine Arts Seasonal Productions Announced

January 9, 2015, 7:16 pm
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Spring Woods HS cast of The Addams Family
Ready to laugh and to be entertained? Several Spring Branch ISD high school theater groups will open the new year with a delightful set of modern musicals, musical comedies and parodies. In theater, four high schools will present new productions beginning in late January.

Elsewhere, SBISD choir, orchestra and band performances are planned for this winter and spring.

Among the shows coming soon, Memorial High School will showcase The Drowsy Chaperone, a parody of an American musical comedy of the 1920s. Northbrook High plans to present the ever popular comic strip musical, Annie. Spring Woods High thespians will bring to zany life “creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky” fun in The Addams Family. At the Stratford High Playhouse, Bye Bye Birdiewill rock audiences of all ages in a family-minded show.

Later this spring, high school theater offerings will range from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged and Disney’s High School Musical at Memorial High to the hilarious and screwball comedy of The 39 Steps at Stratford High.

The high school productions support large student casts and, in some cases, include outreach efforts to area elementary campuses. Advance tickets can be purchased online or through the following campus offices:

·         Stratford Playhouse – www.shsplayhouse.org
·         Memorial High Theater – www.mhstheatre.com
·         Spring Woods Safari Players – www.safariplayers.com/tickets

See Calendar Listings (below) for a complete list of district fine arts events and performances:
                                                                                                
January 2015

12, Nexen Dessert Theater, Spring Woods High Black Box Theater, 7 p.m.
29-31, Annie,Northbrook High School Auditorium, 7 p.m.
29-31, The Drowsy Chaperone, Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.
29-31, Bye, Bye Birdie, Stratford High Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
30, Opening Night Dinner With the Stars, Spring Woods High Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. (fee)
30-31, The Addams Family, Spring Woods High Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
31, Annie,Northbrook High School Auditorium, 2:30 p.m.
31, The Addams Family, Spring Woods High Auditorium, 2:30 p.m.
31, Bye, Bye Birdie, Stratford Auditorium, 2:30 p.m.

February 2015

2, The Addams Family, Spring Woods High Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
5-7, The Drowsy Chaperone, Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.
5-7, Bye, Bye Birdie, Stratford High Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
6, Talent Show, Spring Forest Middle School Auditorium, 4 p.m. & 6 p.m.
6-7, The Addams Family, Spring Woods High Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
7, The Addams Family, Spring Woods High Auditorium, 2:30 p.m.
7, The Drowsy Chaperone, Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 2:30 p.m.
7, Bye, Bye Birdie, Stratford High Auditorium, 2:30 p.m.
16, Nexen Dessert Theater, Spring Woods High Black Box Theater, 7 p.m.
20, Masterworks Orchestra Concert, Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.
26, Chamber Music Concert (Camerata Green & Symphony), Stratford High School Auditorium, 6 p.m.

March 2015

3, Symphony Concert, Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.
9, Nexen Dessert Theater, Spring Woods High Black Box Theater, 7 p.m.
10, SBISD High School Choir Festival, Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 4-10 p.m.
12, Spring Band Concert, Stratford High Auditorium, 7 p.m.
25, Concert Band Festival, Memorial High School Auditorium, 4 p.m.

April 2015

9-11, Spartanaires Spring Show, Stratford High School, TBA
9-11, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, MHS Black Box Theatre, 7 p.m.
20, Nexen Dessert Theater, Spring Woods High Black Box Theater, 7 p.m.
23-24,Disney’s High School Musical, Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.
30, The 39 Steps, Stratford High Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

May 2015

1-2, The 39 Steps, Stratford High Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
5, Spring Pop Concert, Spring Branch Middle School Auditorium, 6 p.m.
6-9, Musical Theatre, Spring Forest Middle School Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.
8, Spring Orchestra Concert, Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.
8-9, The 39 Steps, Stratford High Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
9, The 39 Steps, Stratford High Auditorium, 2:30 p.m.
11, Nexen Dessert Theater, Spring Woods High Black Box Theater, 7 p.m.
12. Orchestra Spring Concert, Spring Forest Middle School Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.
12, Spring Concert, Spring Branch Middle School Auditorium, 6 p.m.
12. Band Spring Concert, Memorial High School Auditorium, 7 p.m.
12, Orchestra Spring Concert, Spring Woods High Auditorium, 7 p.m.
14, Band Concert, Spring Oaks Middle School Auditorium, 6 p.m.
14. Band Spring Concert, Spring Forest Middle School Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.
14, Spring Concert, Stratford High School Auditorium, 7 p.m.
14-15, Memorial Choir Pop Show, Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.
15, Choir Pop Show, Stratford High Auditorium, 7 p.m. 
21, Spring Choir Concert/Pop Show, Spring Forest Middle School Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.

Note: Special reservation and pricing policies may apply for some theater and related campus events. Seniors who are 65 years old or older seeking STARCard discounts for events should always check special reservation and pricing policies ahead of time.
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SBISD Purchasing Department Earns State Award for a Fourth Consecutive Year

January 9, 2015, 7:37 pm
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For a fourth consecutive year, Spring Branch ISD’s Purchasing Department has been honored for best practices in school district purchasing. The TASBO Award of Merit for Purchasing and Operations with Recognized Status will be officially awarded to the department on Feb. 17 at the state association’s 69th Annual Conference in Houston.

TASBO is the acronym for the Texas Association of School Business Officials. SBISD Director of Purchasing and Contracts is Barbara Robillard.

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

“Learning that the SBISD Purchasing Department team has been awarded this recognition for a fourth time is truly awesome news,” Director Robillard said. “The award represents an ongoing professional goal for myself and our team in Purchasing Services, and a personal goal for myself for many years now. To earn this award for a fourth time for team excellence in Purchasing and Central Warehouse Services is phenomenal!”

To be considered for an Award of Merit, TASBO reviews a variety of procedures and practices. These include organization, policies and procedures, contract operations, staff training and certification, p-card systems (if applicable), warehousing, use of technology, communication and management of cooperative programs. Each school district application was reviewed by two independent reviewers, or judges.

“Our team is dedicated to providing quality goods and services to the district on a daily basis. Team employees embody a tireless work ethic and a passion for their craft and in supporting the district’s T-2-4 Goal,” Director Robillard also said.

To learn more, visit the SBISD Purchasing Department website.

Meet the Purchasing Department Team:
Barbara Robillard, Director of Purchasing and Contracts
Elvanna Galbreth, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Purchasing
Wayne Schaper, Jr., Manager of Central Warehouse, Textbooks, Logistics and Auctions
Jessica Hindmarch, Manager of Purchasing Operations and Records
Gerald McCall, Construction & Technology
Tameisha Davenport, Administrative Bid Specialist
Cristina Varisco, Buyer II
Sharday Warner, Buyer I
Candy Garrison, Central Warehouse and Textbook Buyer
Nina Shephard, Contract Specialist
Jessica Escobar Galvez, MUNIS Support and Records Management
Kenneth Shorts, Warehouse Team Leader
Daniel Rivera, Warehouse Materials Handler/Driver
Carl Ann Pervis, Shipping Specialist/Driver - Shipping Questions
William Ervin, Receiving Specialist/Driver - Receiving Questions
Rolando Hernandez, Warehouse Materials Handler/Textbooks/Driver
Lorenzo Bee, Mailroom Specialist
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Breaking the Iron Cage of Poverty - Dr. Donna Beegle

January 12, 2015, 12:27 pm
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Spring Branch ISD invites parents and community to join us for this important presentation.  Feel free to share this invitation!

As an authentic voice from 28 years of homelessness in her early life, Dr. Beegle will provide a foundation for understanding what it means to live in poverty in the United States. From her research and work with organizations throughout the country, Dr. Beegle will share strategies to educate students and families, help them break through the iron cage, and move forward. You will walk away from this presentation with a changed perspective on what it will take to break poverty barriers, and improve outcomes for our students in need.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Don Coleman Coliseum
1050 N. Dairy Ashford Road, Houston, TX 77077

Register online >>

Hosted by SBISD Community Relations
Questions? Need More Information?
713-251-2468 or partner@springbranchisd.com


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Peace Circle for Restoring Police-Community Relationships

January 14, 2015, 9:08 am
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The Restorative Justice Collaborative of Houston (RJCH) and the Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) Police Department will convene a “Peace Circle for Restoring Police-Community Relationships in Spring Branch” on Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 6-8 p.m. in the gym at the Academy of Choice (AOC) located at 9016 Westview.

SBISD educators, police officers, parents, youth and community members are all encouraged to attend. Students in the Restorative Justice Program at AOC will facilitate small group talking circles with the aim of increasing understanding and strengthening relationships between law enforcement and young people in the Spring Branch community.

Attendance will be capped at 50 participants based on registration; however, preference will be given to SBISD stakeholders. Please RSVP by clicking here.

Registrants will be contacted by January 17 to confirm whether they have been admitted. Please contact Anita Wadhwa at restorativehouston@gmail.com for more information.
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Rain or Shine, You Gotta Love to Read!

January 14, 2015, 12:03 pm
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What do meteorology, the writing process and T-2-4 have to do with one another? Ask fourth graders at Spring Shadow’s Elementary School in Spring Branch ISD and you may get the same answer… Meteorologist Anthony Yanez. Recently, Mr. Yanez took time out of his professional schedule to visit students at Spring Shadows Elementary School as part of a learning and mentoring activity organized by campus Librarian, Melanie Scales.

“One of our teachers brought it to my attention that Mr. Yanez had written a children’s book about the water cycle and was visiting schools to talk about it.  So I jumped on it!  I got in touch with him…I wanted him to talk to kids about reading, writing and science. All are areas that are crucial for elementary school students and he was able to combine all areas into one presentation!

We (educators) talk about reading with our kids all the time. For them to hear from someone outside of school that books are cool and reading is fabulous is very powerful. When that person is on TV and ‘famous’ it’s even better,” said Librarian Scales.

During his presentation to students in the campus library, Mr. Yanez shared the children’s book he’s authored on the water cycle and, more importantly, insights on how success in his professional career and as a newly published author have been a journey of determination, flexibility and encouragement.

Hear more about Mr. Yanez’s new book >>

“Mr. Yanez talked a lot about planning and sticking to your plan, your goals and being flexible. For our kids it really illustrated what we mean  when we talk about Spring Branch T-2-4. He talked about his path from college, to on-camera news and the hard work involved in becoming a certified meteorologist and, now, children’s book author. It was nice for our kids to hear about being flexible and looking at all the opportunities life offers for advancement.

I know it was just another school visit for him, but it means a lot to our students to have someone from the community spend time with them. This kind of experience expands their horizons and has the potential to open new doors or new possibilities. I really appreciate that Mr. Yanez included Spring Shadows on his list of schools to visit.”

When asked what Librarian Scales would say as a ‘thank you’ to Mr. Yanez her enthusiasm and appreciation were apparent.

“His visit was well received and the kids are still talking about it! I am so happy that he was able to visit and share his book and his journey with us. I know it was an inspiration to our kids that will have a lasting and positive impact on them. Thank you Mr. Yanez!”
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Spring Branch ISD Retrofits Buses with Air Conditioning

January 21, 2015, 9:26 am
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Update for Jan. 16, 2015 – For Immediate Release
Spring Branch ISD’s Transportation Department began work in October 2014 on a Board of Trustees approved initiative that will retrofit many of the district’s school buses with air conditioning. Project completion is anticipated by May.

When completed, all regular route buses will include an upgraded alternator and an interior air-conditioning system retrofit. The air-conditioning retrofit initiative, at a projected cost of approximately $1.2 million, is funded through the district’s 2007 Bond Program, which has also added new buses to the SBISD fleet in recent years.

The district’s Transportation Department has developed a project timeline for phasing air conditioned buses into the fleet as these vehicles won’t all be retrofitted at the same time. Under this plan, it is possible that some buses serving some SBISD campuses will be air conditioned before others. In all, SBISD plans to upgrade 147 buses; by mid-January, 42 buses had been retrofit with air conditioning.

Twenty-two buses that are being used for field trips of short distances will not be retrofit with air conditioning. These same vehicles will be replaced soon with new, air conditioned buses so it is not deemed cost effective to upgrade them at this time.

SBISD is excited about making buses more comfortable for both students and bus drivers. We believe that this enhancement will help our district remain competitive and retain the best drivers possible for all our children.

If you have additional questions, please contact:

Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D.
SBISD Associate Superintendent for Administration and Operations
jennifer.blaine@springbranchisd.com

Sherri Lawson
SBISD Director for Transportation
sherri.lawson@springbranchisd.com
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Financial Aid + FAFSA 101 Online Session

January 22, 2015, 7:38 am
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On Wednesday, January 28th, at 6 p.m. CST, Cappex will be hosting the online event Financial Aid + FAFSA 101 Session. A Spanish version of the presentation will be held at the same time by a member of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

The event aims to offer tips and advice to students and their families as they prepare, search and apply for financial aid.
  • When: Wednesday, January 28th at 6 p.m. CST
  • Where: Online (desktop or mobile device)
  • Cost: FREE!
  • Who: All high school students, their parents/guardians and counselors are invited to attend
  • How:
You may also sign up for one or both sessions to access the recordings at a later date/time. Please note that the live English and Spanish sessions will be taking place at the same time.

Topics covered during the event will include:
  • How to Pay for College
  • Types of Financial Aid
  • How to Apply for Financial Aid
  • Everything You Need to Know About the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – What it is, How to Apply, Who Should Apply, When to Apply and What You Need to Apply
  • plus Tips for Winning Scholarships.
If you have any questions, please contact me at ehowell@cappex.com. I look forward to seeing you and your students there!
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Spring Branch FFA to Host Annual Show and Sale on Feb. 6-7

January 23, 2015, 6:58 am
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Future agricultural leaders will be showing and selling their annual livestock projects Feb. 6-7 at the 37th Annual Spring Branch Livestock Show and Sale, at the Ag Barn, 1905 Brittmoore.

Spring Branch ISD students have been leaders in the Future Farmers of America for more than 50 years. FFA helps students develop potential for leadership, personal growth and career success. The Spring Branch FFA chapter includes students from Memorial, Northbrook, Spring Woods and Stratford high schools, Westchester Academy and the Academy of Choice, as well as junior members from several district middle schools.

Last year’s event raised more than $250,000, selling steers, swine, lambs, goats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys and non-livestock projects. All proceeds go to the students except for 10 percent, which helps fund other educational opportunities and also helps underwrite the Show and Sale. Purchases and contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law. You can keep any animal that is purchased (processors are available) or donate the animal back to the chapter.

Friday, Feb. 6
10 a.m.-8 p.m. – Livestock Shows (Broilers, Turkeys, Rabbits, Goats, Lambs, Swine, Steer and Heifers)

Saturday, Feb. 7
11 a.m. – Buyer’s registration begins
11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Silent Auction
11:30 a.m. – Luncheon (complimentary for registered buyers)
1 p.m. – Live Auction begins

For more information contact Wade Cline at 713-594-8077 or kwadecline@comcast.net; or Rebecca Robertson at 713-542-6519 or beccarobertson@yahoo.com.
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Revisit Early Rock with Bye Bye Birdie

January 27, 2015, 6:43 am
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(Left to right) Jenny Weber, Katie Moore, Collins Rush, Philip Bevers, Elsa Moen and
Caitlin Ehlinger. Photo by Claire Sharp
Stratford Playhouse high school players will take to the stage later this week with the musical Bye Bye Birdie, which focuses on up and coming rock and roll singer, Conrad Birdie.

When the character Birdie is drafted into the army, it produces a huge effect on the teenagersof the small Ohio town in which the musical is set. When a “Last Kiss” contest is created to mark Birdie’s departure, the whole town is sent into frenzy.

Directed by CeCe Prudhomme, Bye Bye Birdie is based on the incredible national sensation of Elvis Presley, and the effect that being drafted into the U.S. Army had on his later career.

Playhouse Director Prudhomme is thrilled to bring this fun, music and dance filled production to the Memorial/Spring Branch community, along with the fun and the nostalgia of 1950’s music and style.

Tickets for Bye Bye Birdie are $16 in advance. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 5-7, with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Jan. 31 and Feb. 7.

Tickets are available online, or may be purchased at the Box Office at Stratford High School.

For more details or to buy tickets, visit www.shsplayhouse.org or phone 713-251-3449.

Review the full Playhouse Press Release >>
View the district’s Fine Arts Calendar >>
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Cross Country State Championship Celebration

January 27, 2015, 6:56 am
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(Left to right) Coach Jennifer Clouse; junior Jake Roberts; seniors Austin
Richards and Douglas Baker; Coach Tony Brillion; seniors Paul Brastrom and
Hayden Richards; and sophomores Devin Fahey and Sam Evetts.
Photo: Stratford High Journalism.
For the fourth time in as many years, Stratford High students recently gathered in the Don Coleman Coliseum to celebrate a state UIL athletic championship.

On Jan. 13, the Stratford boys cross country team marked its second consecutive state championship. The team is coached by Tony Brillon and Jennifer Clouse.

With 2011 and 2012 Stratford swimming championships, students in the Class of 2015 have the unique distinction of graduating with state championships all four years.

During the Jan. 13 campus celebration event, the girls cross country was also recognized for competing at the state level, placing ninth in the 5A UIL contest. The girls team is coached by Jason Reed.

Superintendent Duncan Klussmann, Board of Trustees members and many SBISD Senior Staff leaders attended the celebration event.
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Eleven Named Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Art Show Finalists

January 27, 2015, 8:10 am
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Sunday Supper, Erica Kim, Memorial High
Artwork by 11 elementary, middle and high school students in Spring Branch ISD will be on public display in Hayloft Gallery at Reliant Park during the upcoming Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. The Rodeo will be held this year from March 3-22. 

The student finalists were named after SBISD hosted its annual K-12 Rodeo Art Exhibit at the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum, which drew hundreds of students and family members during a public viewing and official Rodeo judging session earlier this month.

View more winning artwork >>

Rodeo Clowns, Kush Mireles, Frostwood Elementary
Students awarded Best of Show, Gold Medal and Special Merit will have their art displayed in the Hayloft Gallery. Later, student artworks from across the Houston region will be chosen during Grand Prix judging for the Rodeo Art Auction which can result in six-figure bids and thousands of dollars in student scholarships.

District student winners headed to the Houston Rodeo for public display include:

Elementary
Best of Show – Kush Mireles, Frostwood Elementary
Gold Medal – Alanis Ochoa, Woodview Elementary

Middle School
Best of Show – Kathryn Love, Memorial Middle
Middle School Gold Medal – Julia Boyles, Spring Branch Middle

High School
Best of Show – Erica Kim, Memorial High
Gold Medal – Julia Delaney and David Salas, both of Memorial High
Special Merit – Flora Theroux-Chabuel, Ben Gold, Ruiyang Liu and Ashley Park, all of Memorial High School

SBISD art teachers whose students are represented in the Rodeo Show include Jane Salinas, Kathleen Frith, Lynn Ludlam, Elisa Berry, Cathleen May and Marilyn Guerinot.
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All-State Honors for Band, Choir and Orchestra

January 27, 2015, 9:04 am
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American Idolit may not be, but this top honor means the world to Texas student musicians and singers.

Twelve immensely talented Spring Branch ISD high school students have received state honors in their particular area of musical study. Students have been named Texas All-State winners in band, choir and orchestra from three area high schools.

Ryan McArthur, trumpet, Memorial High
Across Texas each year, about 1,500 students are named All-State winners after a lengthy review process that begins with more than 55,000 students statewide. The process begins with individual students performing musical selections for a panel of judges.

From this initial ranking, a select group of musicians and singers advances from a region to separate competitions that may qualify them to perform in Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Music groups.

All-State qualifying students and their families will be honored during the regular monthly meeting of the SBISD Board of Trustees in February. These students will perform during the TMEA annual convention.

This year, one band student qualified for All-State:
  • Ryan McArthur, trumpet, 12th grade, Memorial High

Four choir students qualified for All-State:
  • Hanah Susman, voice, 12th grade, Memorial High
  • Cameron Trout, voice, 12th grade, Memorial High
  • Arlysse Ibarra, voice, 12th grade, Spring Woods High
  • Eliza Masewicz, voice, 11th grade, Stratford High

Seven orchestra students qualified for All-State:
  • Catherine Cai, violin, 11th grade, Memorial High
  • Tiffany Hu, cello, 12th grade, Memorial High
  • Jonathan Keith, bass, 11th grade, Memorial High
  • Meredith Aucock, 11th grade, Memorial High
  • Kevin Han, cello, 12th grade, Stratford High
  • Wilson Hui, violin, 12th grade, Stratford High
  • Christopher Matias Hivnor, violin, 12thgrade, Spring Woods High

Catherine Cai was also named to All-State in viola and violin two previous years.

Memorial High Band is led by Director David Kastor. Suzanne Thompson is the assistant band director at Memorial High.

SBISD choir directors include Memorial High Director Lawrence Johnson and Assistant Director Kerri Watson-Elrod; Stratford High Director Peter Steinmetz and Assistant Director Marcie Baker; and Spring Woods High Director Scott Houston and Assistant Director Keith Dixon.

SBISD orchestra directors include Memorial High Director Bingiee Shiu and Co-director Danielle Prontka; Stratford High Director Michael Fahey and Assistant Director Peter Jagdeo; and Spring Woods High Director Michael Chandler.
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Bookworm Festival

January 27, 2015, 12:13 pm
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Five children’s authors and illustrators will read from their works and sign books during the upcoming Bookworm Festival, which will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, at Spring Oaks Middle School, 2150 Shadowdale.

Doors will open to the public at 9 a.m. on Saturday, with the Bookworm Festival program beginning at 9:30 a.m. Festival keynote speaker is author and illustrator Dan Santat, whose newest book is “A Crankenstein Valentine.”

View Bookworm Festival flyer >>

The Bookworm Festival is designed as a fun event celebrating emerging readers, and those who write for them. Connecting young readers with authors in face-to-face gatherings like the Bookworm Festival is one way that SBISD is supporting and fostering the joy of reading. The festival will run from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Bookworm Festival authors include:
  • Deborah Freedman. Author and illustrator Freedman has written three books, including “Scribble,” “Blue Chicken,” and “The Story of Fish & Snail (2013). Her newest book, “By Mouse & Frog,” will be released in April.
  • Tad Hills. American writer and illustrator Hills has published nine books in the “Duck & Goose” series that began with a picture book, also titled “Duck & Goose.” He’s also written “How Rocket Learned to Read,” and a sequel, “Rocket Writes a Story.”
  • Dan Santat. In addition to his new book, “A Crankenstein Valentine,” this children’s author may be best known for “The Guild of Geniuses,” and for creating the Disney Channel animated series, The Replacements.
  • Jennifer Hamburg. Houston-based Hamburg is author of “A Moose That Says Moo,” her first book, and has also written for several television shows on Disney Junior, PBS and Nick Jr. She won two Emmy Awards as writing team member for Between the Lions.
  • Dan Hanna. He illustrated the many “Pout-Pout Fish” series books. He has more than 10 years of experience in the animation industry, and his works and illustrations have appeared on BBC, America and the Cartoon Network.

SBISD families, especially those with young children, are encouraged to attend the festival. Blue Willow Books, a district partner, supports this special literacy event.
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Memorial High Opens The Drowsy Chaperone, A Jazz Age Musical

January 28, 2015, 1:44 pm
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Hannah Goulden as Mrs. Tottendale, Meredith Rauch as the bride, Janet van de Graaff, Harris Webb as Underling and Regan Hicks as The Drowsy Chaperone
Over on Echo Lane Memorial High School Theatre students are busy rehearsing lines and lyrics and touching up their new set for their upcoming musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. 

Director Nicole Morgan says that she chose this show, a five-time Tony award-winning parody of the frivolous American musicals from the Jazz Age, because “it’s witty, it’s fun, and it’s very clever.” 

Having recently been awarded Thespian Theatre Troupe of the Year at the Texas State Thespian Festival, the entire theatre department is engrossed in making the upcoming show its best yet. 

The Drowsy Chaperone will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 5-7, and at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, located at 935 Echo Lane. Tickets are $15 and available at www.mhstheatre.com.

When a musical-theatre fan—the Man in the Chair—tries to cheer himself up by listening to a recording of a fictional 1928 hit musical comedy, the audience watches as the show comes alive.  In the show-within-a-show, Broadway star Janet van de Graaff plans to give up her career to marry tycoon Robert Martin. 

Hilarity ensues with the appearance of Janet’s tipsy chaperone, gangsters, an exasperated butler, a Latin lothario, a brassy aviatrix, a ditzy ingénue who hopes to replace Janet, and a producer who hopes to persuade Janet to change her plans.

Memorial High students are really enjoying the hard work that it takes to bring this show to the stage.  Senior Denver Fesmire plays Adolpho, whom he describes as a “European Casanova character.” 

Adolpho is a fun role “because he’s a big character,” he says.  “I just try to make as sleazy of an accent as I can.”

Regan Hicks, a sophomore who plays the tipsy chaperone, says the players have practiced a lot to get the music just right:  “All of the songs are really difficult because of the harmonies and overlap,” she says, describing the music as fantastic. “It’s like the Man in the Chair says – it gives you a tune to carry in your head.” 

The show’s “quick-witted dialogue and sarcastic humor make it one of a kind,” says Patrick Greer, a junior.  He enjoys playing the groom because “I’m allowed to purposely be a horrible actor, since that is what my character is.”  

Meredith Rauch, a sophomore who plays Janet, the bride, loves “how oblivious Janet is to the world around her and how willing she is to give up a huge career for her marriage.”

In addition to regular price tickets, Memorial High Theatre will also sponsor Admission to the VIP Room option where attendees can enjoy behind-the-scenes photos, the senior video, and appetizers foods and sweet treats for an additional $5 for Friday and Saturday evening shows.

For questions or for groups larger than 20 people, contact Memorial Theatre Director Nicole Morgan at 713-251-2535 or nicole.morgan@springbranchisd.com.
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Values Top the List in SBISD

January 29, 2015, 2:48 pm
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Staff, students and parents are sharing their feedback - and voice – as part of a district-led conversation to define core values within the larger Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) system.

This month, employees, students and parents have been encouraged to join an engagement campaign called The SBISD Values Jam: One Goal. One Family. One set of Core Values. The campaign, or ‘Jam’ at it is known, utilized a range of online feedback platforms, including crowd-sourcing, survey and social media to garner input from members of the Spring Branch family on proposed core values.

SBISD's Proposed Core Values:
  • Every Child
  • Collective Greatness
  • Collaborative Spirit 
  • Limitless Curiosity
  • Moral Compass
‘The Jam’ was born out of work begun over a year ago, by the SBISD Culture Team. The Culture Team is one of five SBISD Cross Functional Teams (CFTs) charged to design, implement, monitor and evaluate both urgent and foundational activities to align the system’s momentum toward Spring Branch T-2-4. Spring Branch T-2-4 is the district’s goal is to double the number of SBISD graduates who successfully complete a technical certificate or military training, or a two-year or four-year degree.

Leading the charge as Culture Team Facilitator is SBISD’s Community Relations Officer Linda Buchman. “We modeled this after IBM, who used a “jam” to develop their core values in the early 2000’s. It just kind of stuck with our team. We found that most out-performing organizations have a set of core values that are articulated and used in everything from hiring to performance practices. We know that we have values, and a pretty good culture, but we’ve never articulated that why and what, and who we are when we are at our best,” said Buchman at a recent Board of Trustees Meeting.

To get to where SBISD wants to be - a place where every student achieves more than he/she thinks possible, a great place to work, and an outperforming public school system requires teamwork and intentional focus. These aspirations won’t just happen on their own. Culture Team members felt the foundation of success, for students and the school system, is rooted in identifying, articulating and living a shared set of core values.

“Our students’ favorite experiences in school are usually centered around a caring adult in the system, and knowing that makes these conversations more important than ever,” said Westchester Academy Principal Jennifer Collier when asked about why this conversation is one critical to the student experience and larger organizational culture within SBISD.

Culture Team members took a deep dive into what it meant to be “the best of” in SBISD. They found one of the biggest gaps was the fact that while members of the SBISD family may have great values, we have never intentionally defined –and agreed as a system—what they are. After months of analysis, the team identified a first-draft set of core values.

Mini “Jams” last summer and into the fall helped the Team refine and distill them down to five proposed core values. Taking them to the entire SBISD family was the next logical step. Critical to the process was the inclusion of student participants. “Well, our first value (Every Child) is that we put students at the heart of everything we do. I believe getting student input on our proposed values is an obvious step. If our purpose is to serve students, we need to know how they feel,” said Randolph Adami, principal at Northbrook High School.

 

Adami encouraged students to participate in the ‘Jam’ during advisory hours on campus. “I strongly feel that we will all work better together if we concentrate on and celebrate values that we all have in common,” he noted. So far, employees, parents and students who’ve engaged in the campaign have expressed enthusiasm about the process and more importantly the opportunity to share in a dialogue on organizational culture and values.

“I was surprised to see how excited the adults were to watch the students go through the same process that they did for the Values Jam activity. We had a great response from the staff here at WAIS during the JAM for them, and I was encouraged to see how much fun they had watching the students provide feedback and how aligned the feedback was to their feelings!

The kids were excited to be asked to share their opinions and provide feedback that would be used to determine what we decide is important when we look for adults working with us in our school system. They love that they could share the information in such a fun way,” said Principal Collier.

Now, with the Jam wrapping up, members of the SBISD Culture Team will be back at work reviewing feedback and refining a final set of core values for Board of Trustee approval and adoption. One of the campaign’s key messages was the importance of encouraging and honoring participants’ voices in the process.

More than 600 staff members and 250 parents logged more than 3,000 online “votes” and hundreds of comments during the first Jam week alone! Others shared their voice through focus groups. Over the coming weeks Culture Team members will be doing just that as they review and discuss responses to the proposed values.

This unfolding process promises to inspire and shape what it means to be part of the SBISD Family.

When asked how they felt about adding their voice to the expanding conversation about core values within SBISD, students had the following to say:

Northbrook High Students:

“I feel like I could be impacting the direction of the district. That means that my little sister will have a better SBISD experience.”

“I feel the district is trying to do something about true community. The process can help us know how we can be better involved and interact with one another.”

“The limitless curiosity impressed me. I think they’re kind of trying to create a better studying environment.”

Westchester Academy Students: 

“We have a voice, and it’s important for us to be heard. My voice matters.”

“We feel important. I can do things for my sibling that I wouldn’t have been able to do without the JAM. It’s important to know the school district cares about what we think. ”

“We have control over the future and making sure that younger generations are taken care of and have a positive experience in school.”

For more information values in SBISD, click here.

Additional Links of Interest:


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Kindling Young Minds

January 30, 2015, 8:51 am
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Ten students at Northbrook and Spring Woods high schools were honored recently by CITGO Petroleum Corp. and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office during official launch of the 2015 “Kindling Young Minds” program at six regional high schools.

Representatives from CITGO and the Sheriff’s Office visited three public school districts – Spring Branch, Alief and Houston ISDs – to honor students of all ages who showed improvement in attendance through the fall semester.

Under the joint agency program, recognized students receive Kindle Fire tablets.

At Spring Woods High on Jan. 22, five seniors were honored and received Kindles. They were Henry Aguilar, Rogelio Bautista, Kevin Dang, April Hernandez and Christopher Rivas.

Principal Jennifer Parker shared remarks during a special event gathering at the North Gessner-area high school.

At Northbrook High on Jan. 15, the following students were honored and received Kindles: Ingrid Aguilar and Thomas Cruz, both freshmen; Victoria San Miguel, a sophomore; Linh Nguyn, a junior; and Mayra Garcia, senior.

Principal Randolph Adami spoke highly about this ongoing community program with PRNewswire earlier this month. The “Kindling Young Minds” outreach is now in its second year of operation.

“The ‘Kindling Young Minds’ program not only motivates students to improve and maintain a good attendance record, it also provides a tool to help them complete homework at home or on the go,” Northbrook High’s Adami said. “We are thankful for this partnership with CITGO and Harris County Sheriff’s Office and all that we are accomplishing together.

Other campuses included in the “Kindling Young Minds” program launch include Hastings and Alief high schools, both in Alief ISD, and Harper Alternative School and Inspired for Excellence School, both in Houston ISD.

Forty tablets were given out in January, and 60 more will be distributed closer to the end of the school year.

Daily student attendance is one key program goal. “We are very happy to see that the ‘Kindling Young Minds’ program has matured into its second year, reminding students that each day counts,” said Sheriff Adrian Garcia.

“We are very excited to revisit the schools to see how the program continues to have a positive impact on students and schools. We are proud that our partnership with CITGO has helped empower the students in Harris County to do well in school,” the county sheriff added in a prepared statement.

CITGO partners with several area ISDs in several education-related initiatives including Back to School Supply Drives. For details, visit www.CITGO.com.
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School Binds Valley Oaks Elementary Community

February 2, 2015, 8:05 am
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Some say it takes a village, but at Valley Oaks Elementary it’s all about community.

The new Valley Oaks Elementary opened with students on Jan. 6 of this year, after spending some 18 months at the East Transition Facility (the former Edgewood Elementary). Valley Oaks is the 12th elementary school rebuilt as part of the 2007 bond program.

At the Thursday, Jan. 22, grand opening, with some 150 dignitaries, district officials and members of the Valley Oaks community on hand, talk was about that Valley Oaks community.

For instance, Hedwig Village Mayor Shannon Whiting, herself a Valley Oaks parent, said that she could see Hedwig’s City Hall from where she was standing as she spoke, from the stage of the new cafeteria.

“(The new VOE) is a feather in the cap for our community,” Whiting said.

Whiting was followed by Spring Valley Mayor Tom Ramsey, who said that Valley Oaks Elementary was part of Spring Valley, although it’s technically in the city of Houston.

“Valley Oaks has to be the most important thing in Spring Valley Village, even though it’s not in Spring Valley Village,” said Ramsey, adding a little later that he’s looking forward to his own grandchildren going through the school.

The $597.1 million 2007 bond program originally called for 12 schools to be rebuilt over 10 years, but the program was accelerated early on – and a 13th school scheduled to be rebuilt – to take advantage of savings from highly favorable construction costs and interest rates during the nation’s economic downturn in 2009-10.

Rummel Creek Elementary is scheduled to open in January 2016. Ground is expected to be broken in May for reconstruction of the Spring Branch Education Center (SBEC) – the former Spring Branch High School – on Westview, the 2007 bond program’s last major project.

Superintendent Duncan Klussmann recognized the bond program’s progress during his opening remarks.

“We’re celebrating the 12th school of the original 12 promised (in the bond program), ahead of schedule and under budget,” said Klussmann.

Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees President Chris Viera said that she knew the rebuilt Valley Oaks would be “amazing” from the time she first saw the design. “I especially love the beautiful cafeteria,” she said, “letting the outside in with walls of windows; the bright blues & greens everywhere you look; and the inspirational murals seen around the campus.”

Principal Gary Henry – only the school’s eighth principal in its nearly 60-year history – called several specific students to stand on stage with him, later to reveal that all those students were at least second-generation Valley Oaks Eagles. Henry noted that SBISD Project Manager Kris Drosche, who worked on the Valley Oaks reconstruction, is himself an alumnus of Valley Oaks.

Henry said that the original parcel at 8390 Westview was purchased 60 years ago from “Mr. A.L. Hillendahl and Mr. Holdreith for a staggering $77,000”( Mr. Hillendahl was a “tough negotiator,” he said). Total cost for the original school, which opened on Sept 10, 1956 with 822 students, was $367,350.

The new Valley Oaks, with its 117,872 square feet and 800 student capacity, cost nearly $24 million to build. The new school was built largely on the former building’s footprint but turned to face Pech Road rather than Westview, which allows for better traffic flow in the mornings and afternoons. And the new building has a two-story classroom block, which allows more of the site to remain green.

District A Council Member Brenda Stardig, a Spring Branch native and graduate of Spring Branch schools, echoed the community theme: “I love the Spring Branch community,” she said. “This is what Spring Branch is all about – community.”

State Rep. Dwayne Bohac, whose District 138 includes Valley Oaks, presented a Texas flag that has flown over the Capitol in Austin. He thanked taxpayers, Klussmann, the board of trustees – “leaders with the right core values,” he said – and the parents and teachers at Valley Oaks.

State Rep. Jim Murphy, represented by District Director Deanna Harrington, presented Henry a resolution commemorating the day.

Former PTA President Karin Donovan, who served on the new campus’ design team, praised principal Henry for “valuing everyone’s voice.” She too stressed the value of the school.

“(Valley Oaks) is the very heart and soul of the community,” she said. “(It’s a) great place for Eagles to soar and learn.

The Valley Oaks 5th Grade Choir performed their version of “My Favorite Things,” replacing items favored by Julie Andrews with “things” from Valley Oaks Elementary, then rounded out the program with the Valley Oaks school song.

Current PTA President Ann Novero said that she and her children – Valley Oaks students – watched the new building’s progress over the last 18 months, from demolition of the former building to site prep, pouring of concrete, the raising of the steel frame, installation of windows, brick by brick, “right before our eyes.”

“It’s been a joy watching this building being built,” she said. “Truly – there’s no place like home.”


Valley Oaks Elementary
8390 Westview
Houston, Texas 77055

Principal: Gary Henry
Architect: PBK Architects
Builder: Durotech Construction
Capacity: About 800 students
Building Size: 117,872 square feet
New Campus Opening: Jan. 6, 2015
Original Campus Opening: Sept. 10, 1956

TEXT FROM PRESENTERS

Chris Viera, President, SBISD Board of Trustees

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for joining us for this long anticipated grand opening of Valley Oaks Elementary.  I want to thank
- the Valley Oaks community,
- teachers and staff,
- PTA and building committee
- all our amazing students,
- and of course the Spring Branch ISD community for their continued support of and commitment to the 2007 Bond Program.
Ever since I saw the designs for this school, I knew it would be an amazing campus. 
How amazing for the students, teachers and staff to learn and work in this beautiful, new, state of the art facility. 
I especially love
  • The beautiful cafeteria letting the outside in with walls of windows,
  • the bright blues & greens everywhere you look,
  •  and the inspirational murals seen around the campus.
Gary Henry, Principal, Valley Oaks Elementary

We have been looking forward to this day for a long time. 

Good afternoon. My name is Gary Henry and I proudly serve as the principal at Valley Oaks Elementary School. 

I would first like to take this opportunity to thank our school board, taxpayers and community members for approving the bond which made the new Valley Oaks a reality.  Along with that I would like to thank our superintendent of schools, Dr. Duncan Klussmann, for his outstanding leadership throughout the building of our new school.  Although he is retiring at the end of this school year, his legacy lies within the walls of Valley Oaks along with the other thirteen new school facilities which are within the scope of the 2007 Bond Program.  Please join me in thanking Dr. Klussmann and our school board for their support of our campus.

Sixty years ago, Spring Branch ISD purchased this land from A.L. Hillendahl and Mr. Holdreith for a staggering $77,000.  I understand Mr. Hillendahl was a tough negotiator throughout the purchasing process.  The total construction of the building, including architect fees and equipment, was $367,650.  Valley Oaks opened its doors with 24 classrooms on September 10, 1956 with an enrollment of 822 students.  Serving those students were 24 teachers each with their own classroom.  That is roughly 34 students per teacher.  The first principal was Mr. L.R. Tatum, who served for 14 years.  Believe it or not, I am only the eighth principal who has served Valley Oaks over the past 59 years. 

You see there is great history at Valley Oaks.  The history remains with the people and the community.  I always tell people the beauty of Valley Oaks lies within the community.  The people and the history makes Valley Oaks special.  As you notice, I have some students with me this afternoon.  To my right, your left, are Carlos, Ryleigh, Andrew, and Allison.  These wonderful students not only attend Valley Oaks themselves, but their parents also attended Valley Oaks.

I spoke to each of their parents about their memories of Valley Oaks.  Carlos’, Ryleigh’s, and Allison’s mothers all have great memories of the Western Jamboree.  In fact, Carlos’ mom told me the Western Jamboree was her favorite event and looked forward to it every year.  She also remembers many of her teachers and administrators.  Both Andrew and Carlos’ parents had Ms. Coffman as their teacher.  Mr. Byrd and Ms. Hardway were their principals.  Allison’s mom said that Valley Oaks was the best school she could have ever think of going to and wanted the same for her children.  Ryleigh’s mom recalls square dancing during P.E. classes and the Wheel of Fortune at the Western Jamboree.  Her favorite teacher was Ms. Petrick.  She told me that Valley Oaks has a long history of always putting students first, we have a close-knit community and, of course, a wonderful PTA. 

Throughout its long history, even today, Valley Oaks has placed a high priority on character and values.  We all know the importance of good character and the power of building positive relationships.  These four students, Cade, Caroline, Dominic, and Andrea have been chosen by their peers as finalists for the Valley Oaks Character without Question Award.  These four students represent what we hold dear to Valley Oaks Elementary, positive character.  We are lucky to have so many wonderful students at Valley Oaks.

This morning I spoke to each student and asked them what makes Valley Oaks so special.  Of course they mentioned the teachers.  Dominic told me at his old school it was difficult to really get to know other students since they all lived in different parts of town.  However, at Valley Oaks with our close knit community, there are more opportunities to be social outside of school with other students.  Cade told me that Valley Oaks is not like the school portrayed in “The Diary of a Wimpy Kid” where kids are running all over the place.  He said kids get along which makes it easy to do the right things.  Caroline said that she thinks all schools in Houston are nice, however Valley Oaks is the best.  Andrea and Caroline both agreed that the students, teachers, and assistants are all very nice and understanding. 
I think our former Valley Oaks alumni will agree that what began 59 years ago as developing ethics and morals in students is better than ever today.

As you tour the campus this afternoon you will notice graphics on the walls related to character development and positive relationships.  You will also notice a subtle Texas theme along with a sports/university theme.  As it began 59 years ago, Valley Oaks remains a very happy place in 2015.
Thank you for joining us this afternoon.  I would like to turn the podium over to our past and current PTA Presidents.  Both who have had an extremely integral part in continuing the long positive traditions at Valley Oaks.

Karin Donovan, Past President, Valley Oaks PTA

I am very honored to be here. I am speaking to you today, as a former Valley Oaks Elementary parent, a current VOE substitute teacher, and the PTA president during the time when this building was being designed.

I would like to read something from this almost 60 year-old book that I found in the PTA closet in May of 2013 when we were cleaning it out in preparation for the demolition of our old school building.

“The organizational meeting of the Valley Oaks Elementary Parent-Teacher Association was held in the school auditorium on October 8, 1956 at 8 P.M.”

These are the actual minutes from that very first Valley Oaks Elementary PTA meeting, which it says was attended by Superintendent Landrum among others. At that initial meeting, the slate of officers was presented and Mrs. W. E. Little was elected as the first president, and Mrs. T. H. Rosenstein was elected as the first historian. I think it is indicative of our community spirit that those leaders of our inaugural VOE PTA have great-grandchildren at our school right now, and that Kelli Little and Monica Rosenstein, the wives of their grandsons, currently serve on this very PTA board! That first year, the VOE PTA raised $1,537 for items like library books, a PA system, bicycle racks, coffee urns, a record player and athletic equipment. In reading through these historical documents, it surprised me how the more things change, the more they stay the same. The PTA still buys some of these types of items for our school. I cannot imagine that parents and teachers back in 1956 ever dreamed of a school this incredible for our children.

Mr. Henry believed that collaboration was the key to the successful design of this building. He assembled a Building Task Force, which met beginning in April of 2012 to help design this amazing school. Gathering parents, teachers, neighbors and community leaders and allowing them to influence design of this structure was very brave, but what came out of those meetings is the feeling that the community was an integral part of this magnificent building. If you were on that Building Task Force will you please stand? (WAIT) Thank you all for being a part of this important and collaborative effort.

Mr. Henry went one step further by assembling a Playground Task Force made up of a few children from each grade to help design the new playground. Now, that REALLY was courageous! My son served on that task force, and even though he and my daughter are now in middle school, he feels more a part of this beautiful school because Mr. Henry took the time to solicit his input as a student.

Thank you, Mr. Henry, for valuing the ideas of our parents, teachers, neighbors, local leaders and our children; and for spending countless hours making this new school, truly, a community effort. After reading through all of the minutes from that very first meeting, it is apparent that Valley Oaks Elementary is the heart and soul of our community, and this new building is the perfect place for our future eagles to learn to soar.

I would like to present this piece of history, which contains 23 years of Valley Oaks Elementary PTA minutes, to Mr. Henry and Ann Novero, our current PTA president, for safekeeping; hopefully, for the another 60+ years.
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SBISD Board of Trustees Election Set for May 9

February 2, 2015, 9:59 am
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The next election for two positions on the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled for Saturday, May 9.  Ballot candidate applications will be accepted through Feb. 27 during normal business hours at the SBISD Administration Building, 955 Campbell.

The Trustee positions for the upcoming election are Position 3, which is currently held by incumbent Katherine Dawson, and Position 4, which is held by incumbent Chris Vierra. As of this report, both of the incumbents have filed for re-election.

Candidates may file applications through 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27 in Room 128 of the Wayne F. Schaper, Sr. Leadership Center (SBISD Administration Building). The district office at 955 Campbell is located one block south of Interstate 10 on Campbell Road. The Schaper Leadership Center is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

View the Board of Trustees election page >>

Candidate application packets are available at the Schaper Leadership Center, and completed applications will be accepted in this building during regular business hours.

All registered voters who reside in SBISD are eligible to vote in SBISD Board of Trustees Elections. For more information, please call SBISD Administrative Assistant Diane Dickens at 713-251-2217.
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