Plan Ahead For Road Construction Delays

August 19, 2016, 8:00 am

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As back-to-school approaches on Monday, Aug. 22, Spring Branch ISD parents and students should be aware of potential delays due to road construction in some areas of the district.

• Bridge over ditch W151 on Memorial, just east of Frostwood Elementary will NOT be ready for the start of school on Monday, Aug. 22. Weather and other delays have pushed the reopening of the bridge until mid to late September. The project kicked off on April 11 of this year, a week before the Tax Day storm of April 18. The area is open ONLY to local traffic. Detours remain in effect.
• Ridgecrest neighborhood, near Landrum Middle School, has lots of construction activity. Ridgecrest has been temporarily reduced to a single lane between Hammerly and Vogue Lane. Vogue Lane is under construction near the entrance to Lion Lane and around Landrum. Expect construction to move within the neighborhood as work progresses. Traffic is encouraged to use Vogue Lane off of Bingle, north of Hammerly. Turn east onto Vogue and follow signs and instructions. Work will continue in the neighborhood until at least early 2017.
• Memorial Drive between Kirkwood and Dairy Ashford is currently being reconstructed, with traffic reduced to one lane each way. Most affected are Meadow Wood Elementary, Spring Forest Middle School, Thornwood Elementary, Stratford High School and the Technology Training Center. The Memorial Drive reconstruction project got underway last spring and is expected to take a couple of years to complete. Be particularly careful as lanes open to traffic may change, and open lanes may shift. There is currently no west turn onto Memorial from Kirkwood heading north.
• Wirt Road between Long Point and Kempwood is also being reconstructed, with traffic reduced to one lane each way. A major north-south artery, work on Wirt Road started earlier this year, with completion estimated in October 2017.
• Blalock at Memorial is closed due to a drainage project underway by the city of Piney Point Village. Intersection of Blalock, Memorial and South Piney Point has been temporarily reconfigured. No campuses or facilities are directly affected, but there is NO access to Blalock from Memorial, nor access to Memorial from Blalock. The project is expected to be complete by late September.
• Silber between I-10 and Westview has been reduced to two lanes. Please use caution when driving through the area.

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Low-Cost Sports Physicals for All SBISD Athletes

August 19, 2016, 12:01 pm

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Low-Cost Sports Physicals for All SBISD Athletes

Take an active role in preventing serious injuries that could mess up your game by getting your annual sports physical.  In collaboration with SBISD Athletics, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center is offering comprehensive, low-cost physicals to middle and high school athletes in SBISD.

Who:
All qualified middle and high school athletes in SBISD

When:
Saturday, August 27, 2016, from 8 to 11 a.m.

Where:
Students may walk in or SBISD buses will transport students from their school to
Landrum Middle School
2200 Ridgecrest Drive
Houston, TX  77055

Download flyer >>

For more information, please call SBISD Athletics at 713-251-1200.

Watch Out for School Children, Stop for School Buses

August 19, 2016, 1:11 pm

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Up to 21,000 Spring Branch ISD children and teenagers will depend on bright, yellow school buses beginning on Monday, Aug. 22, to get them safely to and from schools each day. They also depend on many of you – motorists – to know and follow state law and drive safely near SBISD buses and schools.

Texas School Bus Law

• Always stop for flashing red lights on a school bus regardless of which direction you are headed.
• Proceed only after a stopped bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing, or the bus driver is signaling that it’s OK to pass the bus.
• Drivers don’t have to stop for an oncoming school bus if located on a road or highway divided by an intervening space or physical barrier – a divided road or highway.
• Violations of school zone rules will result in significant and costly fines – up to $1,000.
• A driver convicted of not stopping in a school zone more than once may have a license suspended for up to six months.

Safety Tips for Motorists

• Obey the posted speed limit in SBISD school zones, which is 20 mph.
• Slow down and pay attention to pedestrian and bus traffic in school zones.
• Don’t text or use cell phones in posted school zones.
• Fines double in school zones for traffic violations.
• Keep a watchful eye on children gathered at bus stops or near the street. Monitor your surroundings.
• Be alert for children who may suddenly enter the roadway due to an approaching, a stopped or a departing bus.

Student Tips
Respect the school bus driver and follow these rules:

• Stand back away from the street or curb when you are waiting for the bus.
• Remain seated and still so that the bus driver can pay attention to the road and traffic.
• Remember to look both ways if you have to cross the street after getting off the bus, or wait for your driver to signal you that it’s safe to cross the street.

Teacher of the Year named Region 4 Finalist

August 19, 2016, 2:35 pm

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Teresa Dolan of Edgewood Elementary School was honored as one of seven finalists for Region 4 Elementary Teacher of the Year during a recently held awards event and dinner. In May, Dolan was named as Spring Branch ISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year.

A teacher librarian, Dolan is the first SBISD educator who is also a librarian to reach such a high recognition level in the annual Region 4 Teacher of the Year competition. She was recognized as a finalist during an Aug. 3 regional dinner.

Region 4 officials named seven finalists in the elementary competition and five secondary-level finalists. Ties in point award rankings led to additional finalists being named this year.

“SBISD is so proud of Teresa Dolan,” Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri said. “Teresa has distinguished herself as an exemplary teacher and librarian. This is reflected in her selection as a Region IV Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist from a highly competitive field of 100 of our area’s best teachers, and it affirms how fortunate we are that Teresa chooses SBISD as her home.”

“We do congratulate and celebrate Teresa for earning accolades at both the district and Region 4 level. More importantly, we celebrate Teresa for her commitment to service in support of her colleagues and Every Child,” Dr. Muri also said. “Way to go, Teresa!”

JoAnn Conlon, who oversees libraries as the district director of innovative resource media systems, said Dolan’s recognition as Elementary Teacher of the Year was an important event, demonstrating that “we truly are a district of innovation.” 

“When Teresa became one of the Region 4 Teacher of the Year finalists, she forever changed the perception of a school librarian, opened up new doors, and increased awareness about school libraries and what we all do,” Conlon said.

“Teresa Dolan exemplifies the new role school librarians have – managing an effective library program, providing personalized learning environments for students, and offering equitable access to resources to ensure a well-rounded education for every student,” she also said.

Dolan earned her master’s degree in library science last year from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. A 2005 University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) graduate, she also received a masters of arts and teaching degree from UHD.

“I feel honored to be sharing a stage with such amazing educators,” Dolan said at SBISD’s Service Awards in May. “I feel very fortunate to work for a district that supports educators of all kinds. It’s a special place that encourages teachers to do all they can to help students, and I can’t wait to see how becoming a District of Innovation will continue this.”

Named as Region 4’s Teachers of the Year during the recent dinner and ceremony were Laura Hamilton of Aldine ISD and Dale Jensen of Clear Creek ISD. Since 1973, SBISD has had five teachers who were named both Region 4 Teacher of the Year and Texas Teacher of the Year.

To learn more about the Texas Teacher of the Year program, please visit Texas Association of School Administrators.

SBISD’s History of Region 4 Teachers of the Year:

2001 – Lorraine Maneen*, Secondary
1995 – Patty Oliver, Elementary
1992 – Debra Sue Sonner, Elementary
1989 – Joyce Roberta Miller-Alper*, Secondary
1987 – James Eugene Stones Jr.*, Secondary
1985 – Melanie Wells Christie*, Secondary
1983 – Patricia C. Taylor*, Secondary

*Also selected at Texas Teacher of the Year

Think Different: Learner’s Journey Launches at Convocation

August 19, 2016, 3:30 pm

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If you’ve never seen palpable, tangible excitement and energy, then you probably weren’t at Don Coleman Coliseum the morning of Friday, Aug. 12.

After the short trip from their campus or facility, school bus after school bus deposited Spring Branch ISD teachers and staff to a dizzying phalanx of high school cheerleaders, Houston Texan cheerleaders, mascots, music, a DJ from 96.5 – all designed to pump up the jam.

The district’s 4,700 employees gathered to kick off the new school year, which begins in earnest on Aug. 22 with the return of students.

Convocation served as a launch pad for the “Learner’s Journey,” the district’s five-year strategic plan with its four fundamental components: Learning Ecosystem, Extraordinary People and Customized Supports, all undergirded by a Resilient Foundation and with an overarching commitment to personalized learning.

Once the drumline entered the arena and the program began, employees were told through different mediums and formats that the destination matters less than the journey. That as individuals we see the world differently, and that those differences are valid and worth celebrating. That it’s okay to think different and even to fail, because district leaders “have their back.”

The Learner’s Journey supports the district’s T-2-4 goal – doubling the number of Spring Branch students who successfully complete military training, technical certification or a two- or four-year degree.

But convocation was much more than a simple delivery of a message – it was a celebration of Spring Branch ISD.

It was twin sisters Lelia Madanizadeh and Nilou Madanizadeh, Cornerstone Academy students who will attend Westchester Academy for International Studies this year, entertaining and inspiring the audience with their slam poetry and their message of the journey being more important than the destination. “You won’t remember the checkered flag,” they said, but you will remember the experience.

It was Ivan Alvarado, a Buffalo Creek fifth-grader whose rendition of “La de la Mochila Azul” (The Blue Backpack) brought the crowd alive. Dressed in the tradition of Mexican charros, Ivan’s proud performance in Spanish put a powerful spotlight on the district’s diversity. Ivan explained that his song is a song about love but more importantly, “a symbol of one boy’s inspiration to go to school.” He said that he loves Buffalo Creek and asked the audience to think about what they love. “What will inspire you and your students this year?” he asked.

It was teacher Patricia Kassir, who nearly 30 years ago took her oath of citizenship in Coleman Coliseum, recounting her path to adulthood and the adults – her parents, her teachers – who propelled her along the way. She recalled the pleasure of watching each of her four children walk across the stage during graduation ceremonies at Coleman, their studies at Westchester Academy for International Studies complete.

It was Alicein Killingsworth, a senior at Northbrook High School, whose unadorned version of The Star-Spangled Banner was simple, moving, powerful and traditional, all at the same time.

View more photos - Convocation 2016 >>

It was Trustee Pam Goodson, a former teacher who read a letter from a student during her time in the classroom. The student (now a graduate of Spring Branch schools) told Goodson how much he loved her and how he hoped they could spend some time together, because she was the greatest teacher ever. The writer wasn’t afraid (he was a fourth-grader at the time), Goodson said, and she urged Spring Branch staff to “dare to be different,” to not be afraid to fail, because she, her fellow Trustees, and Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri are ready to support them. “Think different,” she said.

It was Decory Brown, whose practiced yet spirited version of “Man in the Mirror” was something of an encore from last year’s convocation. The Spring Branch Middle School eighth-grader again brought employees to their feet with his passionate performance, punctuated by dance moves and ending with arms outstretched, his head reared backwards, closed eyes towards the Coliseum ceiling.

It was Imani Davenport, a graduate of KIPP Courage and a rising ninth-grader at Spring Woods High School, whose uplifting voice urged the crowd to “Rise Up” to the challenge of being bold, of thinking differently. An injured foot confined Imani to a stool in the center of the stage, but the power, the emotion of her singing was free, inspiring and uplifting.

It was the Fly Dance Company, whose second performance of the day was an example of thinking differently as they danced to music more akin to classical than the hip-hop or rap associated with break dancing.

And it was Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri bringing it all together, weaving the performances and speakers into his message of being brave, of being proud, of being a learner.

“We’re all learners,” Muri said, “and we’re all different.”

He said Spring Branch should celebrate its diversity, noting differences in race, in religion, in orientation, in ethnicity. He said that along with looking or thinking differently, people learn in different ways. Saying that Fly Dance Company might think differently by performing to classical music, he left the stage as Fly took it, performing to modern classical composition.

He said that as a system, Spring Branch was brave in examining itself and acknowledging that while many are served well, others aren’t served so well and that leaves plenty of room for improvement. He said that Trustees decision in April to become a District of Innovation was a brave move on their part.

The District of Innovation designation gives Spring Branch ISD the flexibility to remove itself from certain state requirements, or as Pam Goodson put it in her talk, it “unties your hands.” The designation also coincided with the approval of a new five-year strategic plan, developed by a 90-member committee of community members and staff.

Delineating the four main “buckets” of work in the strategic plan – The Learner’s Journey – Muri first mentioned Resilient Foundation, the strong organization that undergirds everything the district does.

He talked about Learning Ecosystem, about how the current model of education was created in the late 1800s for an industrial society and about how that model is no longer valid for the learners of today.

He talked about Customized Supports and how the “phenomenal” Spring Branch community can be marshalled more efficiently by aligning resources.

And he talked about Extraordinary People and the development of great teachers and staff.

“The silver bullet of public education is sitting in this room today,” said Muri, “and it’s people,” adding later that “if change is going to happen for children, it’s going to start with us.”

Through the whole strategic planning process, he said, the bravest thing the Spring Branch school system did was look in the mirror and decide it was time for change, segueing into Decory Brown’s performance of “Man in the Mirror.”

Muri talked about pride in Spring Branch ISD and the Spring Branch Education Foundation, whose sole purpose is to “support SBISD” and encouraged giving to the Foundation’s employee campaign, which provides scholarships for children of district employees.

He illustrated pride another way, recognizing, along with Teach for America representatives, the district’s secondary teacher of the year Amanda Tysor of Northbrook High School. Tysor, a Memorial High School graduate and a Teach for America alumna, received a $20,000 Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award from the Rich and Nancy Kinder Foundation.

Kinder Excellence in Teaching award winner Amanda Tysor -
Read more >>

He said he recently read an article that said that learning gaps between different populations, especially Hispanic, were closing and the gaps would be filled – in 137 years.

“That’s completely unacceptable,” he said. “I promise you that in Spring Branch ISD it won’t be 137 years,” assisting Imani Davenport on stage for her performance of “Rise Up.” (Imani’s performance was followed by a surprise video message from Andra Day, the Grammy-nominated song’s artist.)

“When we have high expectations for children, they rise up,” said Muri. “When we celebrate diversity, we rise up,” before declaring Spring Branch “the greatest district in all the land” and calling on the drumline to lead the district’s exit into the new school year.

SBISD Teacher of the Year Wins Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award

August 19, 2016, 3:50 pm

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Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri (left) and Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award winner Amanda Tysor (second from left) with Teach for America officials

For the first time ever, a Spring Branch ISD educator has been named a winner of the Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award, a prestigious local honor that includes a $20,000 cash award.

Amanda Tysor, who is SBISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, was notified of the award in a surprise announcement made by Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri and Teach for America official Tiffany Cuellar Needham during district Convocation held Aug. 12 in Don Coleman Coliseum.

Amanda Tysor (left) with her Northbrook High School colleagues at Convocation 2016

Since 2009, the Kinder Excellence in Teaching Awards have recognized 12 teachers across the greater Houston region, and awarded each $20,000. A Teach for America (TFA) alumna and Northbrook High algebra teacher, Tysor was one of two TFA alumni selected for the honor this year.

The Kinder Awards were established by philanthropists Nancy and Rich Kinder. Mr. Kinder is the co-founder and executive chairman of Kinder Morgan, a Houston-based energy corporation that operates a large network of natural gas and refined petroleum products pipelines.

The couple established the awards in honor of Mr. Kinder’s mother to recognize innovative and results-oriented teaching and to raise public awareness of the importance of effective and highly committed teachers.

TFA local Executive Director Needham announced the award at Convocation to a surprised Tysor, who was called to the coliseum stage by Dr. Muri who first talked to the crowd proudly about the young Spring Branch ISD grad’s life and career calling.

“Teach for America-Houston proudly nominates two of the 12 winners each year, and I couldn’t be more proud that they’ve selected one of our own to recognize as a 2016 recipient. As a valued partner, Spring Branch is home to many TFA alumni and a dozen new teachers for the 2016-2017 school year ahead,” Needham said in prepared remarks.

This is the first year that a SBISD teacher has earned a Kinder Award, which dates back to 2009. The local TFA team’s presentation at Convocation included issuance of a symbolic “big check,” trophy and superhero “cape” to a clearly surprised young educator.

Tysor says she was “surprised and embarrassed” at first to be called publicly to the Convocation stage, but those initial feelings changed over quickly to shock and greater surprise.

“I was totally shocked to be presented with the Kinder Award. I always enjoy Convocation, but this year was more exciting than I could have imagined,” she said. “I feel honored, humbled and excited to continue to work hard for my students at Northbrook High and strive for excellence in my classroom.”

Tysor, who begins a fifth year teaching at Northbrook High on Aug. 22, is a proud product of the district. She attended Wilchester Elementary for one year and then moved to the Memorial Drive Elementary neighborhood. A graduate of Spring Branch Middle and Memorial High, she was the Class of 2008 Memorial homecoming queen and a co-valedictorian.

At the University of Texas at Austin, she pursued pre-med studies with the prestigious Plan II Honors program, but decided in her junior year that working with children was her real passion.

She returned to SBISD through Teach for America at Northbrook High, where she is an algebra team leader and a mentor to new teachers. Tysor has been a part of the curriculum writing team, piloted MAP testing, and is currently a member of the Campus Improvement Team at the high school.

After school, Tysor is a volunteer leader with Young Life, a Christian ministry for high school students. Her last week of summer was spent backpacking with a group of Northbrook High students at a Young Life camp in Colorado.

Days after the award, she remains shocked by the check presentation and dollar amount, but does “hope to give much back to the community and maybe enjoy a vacation, too.” 

Community Makes Spring Branch Education Foundation School Supply Drive A Success

August 22, 2016, 1:42 pm

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Mary Dodds and Salma Almasri, Stratford High School, both seniors

Each year, thousands of SBISD students who qualify for free and reduced lunch (more than half the district’s population) receive school supplies from Spring Branch Education Foundation. When SBEF board member Patty Busmire reported to the Foundation’s board that funding had dropped this year, members pledged personal and corporate donations. The community contributed more money through PledgeCents, a crowd-sourcing website.

Altogether, the board and community raised more than $22,000 for the program and provided supplies to students in 30 Spring Branch ISD schools. Busmire says, “We’re thrilled with the outpouring of support from the Board and community and for the continued logistical help from the district warehouse.”

More than 100 teen-age volunteers gathered on August 11 and 12 to sort the supplies before being delivered to the schools. Alexis Bennett, a Memorial High School student, coordinated the volunteers. The teens represent a number of organizations such as the National Charity League, National Honor Society, Memorial Outreach Bunch and more. The drive has become an annual tradition for Busmire and her daughter, Becky Busmire, a senior at St. Edwards University in Austin, TX.

Learning begins on the first school day when students have everything they need to get started. The community made this possible!


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. In 2015, dewey & associates ranked SBEF 17th in the nation among K-12 education foundations and number one in its division of foundations with $1 million to $1,999,999 in revenues. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million to the district. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.

Spring Branch Education Foundation Announces New Board Members

August 22, 2016, 1:52 pm

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Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) has named new members to its Board of Directors for the 2016-2017 term. SBEF provides a vehicle for donors to make tax-deductible gifts to benefit Spring Branch Independent School District to enhance the education of its 35,000 students.

Lisa Schwartz, co-owner, Balfour Yearbooks, Houston/European office, is the Board’s chair, and Jennie Baker is secretary/treasurer. Both are completing two-year terms.

New members to the SBEF Board of Directors, serving three-year terms, include: Bill Drennen, president and CEO, WTD Resources, LLC; Susie Grace, a retired CPA and community patron; Scooter Hicks, chief operating officer, MetroNational; Traci Jensen, community patron; Laura Minyard, sales representative, Baggett Industrial Applications, LLC; Jay Sartain, director, RBC Capital Markets; and Brandon Winchester, attorney, Thompson and Horton, LLP.

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. In 2015, dewey & associates ranked SBEF 17th in the nation among K-12 education foundations and number one in its division of foundations with $1 million to $1,999,999 in revenues. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million to the district. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.

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Spring Branch Education Foundation hosts Sept. 30 Style Show

August 23, 2016, 7:58 am

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Co-chairs Michelle Majewski (left) and Suzanne Stiles (right)

Sixth annual event showcases Monkee’s of Houston and Elaine Turner

Houston trendsetters will gather on Friday, Sept. 30 for a sophisticated, fun-to-wear runway show featuring looks from Monkee’s of Houston and Elaine Turner. The popular luncheon is in its 6th year of raising money for the Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF), which has gifted more than $10 million in grants and scholarships to Spring Branch Independent School District since 1993.

Long-time SBEF volunteers and co-chairs Michelle Majewski and Suzanne Stiles expect a sold-out crowd. Held at the Royal Sonesta Houston, 2222 West Loop South, a reception begins at 11 a.m., followed by the show and luncheon at noon.

Deborah Duncan, star of KHOU’s Great Day Houston, will serve as emcee of the style show.

“We’ve had great fun working with Todd Ramos who is producing the show,” Stiles says. “We look forward to sharing fashions from Monkee’s of Houston and Elaine Turner, both Houston favorites. Our guests will see designs they can wear to any of the Foundation’s signature events, on a cruise or to Broadway – wherever their social calendars take them.”

“This show has a feature that keeps our patrons coming back year after year,” Majewski adds. “Our models are Spring Brand ISD volunteers and parents. We love seeing our friends and neighbors on the runway. They are great sports who enjoy supporting our students.”

Models for the day are Julie Bergen, Kris Breed, Heather Christmann, Nancy Cofran, Cathleen Ezanidis, Rachel Gower, Jeana Hur, Mandy Kelvin, Susan Marks, Lil Newman, Pam Pennington, Meredith Rall, Iliana Romero, Christi Smith and Dena Williams.

Patty Busmire of Full Blown and Rachel Gower of The Upper Hand are lending their services before the models step onto the runway. Before and after the show, guests are invited to shop the event’s pop-up stores, provided by Monkee’s of Houston, Elaine Turner and stella & dot.

Monkee’s of Houston, located at 5885 San Felipe, assures Houstonians the finest lines in shoes, clothing and accessories, without traveling to New York or Milan. Associates have an eye for style, deliver world class customer service and make the boutique shopping experience fun and personal. Visit monkeesofhouston.com.

Luxury accessories designer Elaine Turner® is known for her handbags and shoes, classic styles with a feminine edge. Her apparel line includes separates for every body type in fabrics chosen for ease, quality and comfort, making dressing fun, glamorous and effortless. The designer’s mission is to leave a legacy of giving and make women feel beautiful.
elaineturner.com >>

Fashion Show & Luncheon
Friday, Sept. 30, 2016
Royal Sonesta Houston
2222 West Loop South

11:00 a.m. – Reception
12:00 p.m. – Luncheon and Fashion Show
Register online >>

Tickets start at $1,000 for a table of 10 or $125 for individual tickets. Register online at https://sbef.ejoinme.org/styleshow. For more information, call 713.251.2381 or visit www.springbrancheducationfoundation.com. For regular updates, "like" SBEF on Facebook and/or follow it at SBEF93 on Twitter and Instagram.

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. In 2015, dewey & associates ranked SBEF 17th in the nation among K-12 education foundations and number one in its division of foundations with $1 million to $1,999,999 in revenues. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million to the district. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.

Michelle Garcia named Ridgecrest Elementary Principal

August 26, 2016, 10:43 am

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The new principal at Ridgecrest Elementary School has taken a pie in the face and even dressed up as Princess Leia and wielded a mock light saber to promote the power of books with children and families.

“I will do anything for the love of reading. Reading at or above grade level is a ticket to success for every child,” says new principal Michelle Garcia. She replaces Patricia Thomas, a longtime Ridgecrest principal, who retired in May.

Although she has been Ridgecrest’s assistant principal for three years, Garcia views herself as a learner, but one who identifies with and understands Ridgecrest student and family needs.

“Being principal is about learning a lot of new things – the budget and management matters, the whole organism of this school. I feel a huge responsibility to serve our children and the families of Ridgecrest,” she says, before exclaiming, “I’m excited!”

Her passion for Ridgecrest is born from her own family story. The U.S.-born child of immigrant parents, Garcia attended Houston ISD and later graduated from Sharpstown High. “I came from a community much like this one,” says the Spanish speaking principal.

She earned her bachelor’s degree with honors in interdisciplinary studies and bilingual education from Houston Baptist University. She has since been awarded her master’s degree in educational administration from Prairie View A&M University, and a business certificate from the well rated Rice Education Entrepreneurship Program (REEP).

She began her career in 1997 at Ridgecrest Elementary School, where she taught for three years. Later, Garcia served in a variety of language arts specialist positions, and she was both a district instructional and interdisciplinary coach for several years.

Looking back, one of her best memories is helping SBISD teachers learn how to guide students to read well. Literacy and reading, reading, reading are her passions.

As assistant principal, she was so impressed by a reading campaign promoted during a national KIPP Schools conference in Houston she started a schoolwide literacy campaign at Ridgecrest.

For her, program success was much more than meeting the 4 million minutes reading goal. “We knew that we were really winning when we saw our students reading on their own at recess and during lunch. A culture of reading on campus had grown on its own,” she recalls warmly.

It was during this literacy campaign that Assistant Principal Garcia cleaned pie off her face and took part in a mock Star Wars battle on stage during campus pep rallies for reading.

A grandmother, she is the parent of two adult children and 12-year-old twins who attend SBISD schools. In addition to campus and parent duties, she serves as the children’s ministry director and teacher at the nondenominational Dayspring Cypress Church. Her husband is pastor there.    

A bit of a perfectionist, Garcia admits that applying for a principalship took courage on her part.

“I always feel that I could use more time, but since the opportunity arose, the time is now.  I am passionate about this community, and I am confident about leading it on a journey into a new era,” she says. Let the journey begin!

BA, Cum Laude – Interdisciplinary Studies and Bilingual Education, Houston Baptist University
ME – Educational Administration, Prairie View A&M University
Business Certificate – Rice Education Entrepreneurship Program

Spring Branch Education Foundation Launches Community Campaign

August 26, 2016, 11:06 am

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Making Our School Better campaign to fund grants and scholarships for SBISD

Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) has launched a campaign that aims to raise funds to provide innovative grants for Spring Branch ISD schools and departments, as well as scholarships for students who graduate in 2017. The campaign, Making Our Schools Better (MOSB), will fund programs that are not part of the district’s budget.

“In the past, we invited parents to make contributions to the Foundation as part of their back-to-school tradition,” says Jennie Baker, MOSB chair and SBEF board member. “This year, we opened the campaign to the community. We believe Making Our Schools Better by enhancing education also makes our communities stronger.”

SBEF raises funds only for SBISD; 100 percent remains in the district. Last year, the Foundation donated more than $1 million to the district, reaching students on every campus. Twice each year, the Foundation calls for grants for cutting-edge classroom, campus or district-wide programs. Each May, more than 100 seniors receive scholarships to begin post-secondary education.

Community members may contribute to the campaign at https://sbef.ejoinme.org/MOSB. Donations of $25 fund a student field trip; $500 provides a teacher mini-grant; $5,000 pays for a campus grant. Donors of $100 or more will receive a yard sign to entice other community members to get involved.

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. In 2015, dewey & associates ranked SBEF 17th in the nation among K-12 education foundations and number one in its division of foundations with $1 million to $1,999,999 in revenues. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million to the district. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.

New Principal’s Journey Continues at Memorial Middle

August 26, 2016, 11:11 am

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Standing near the entrance to Memorial Middle School, Daniel Bauer’s attention is twice diverted from a conversation with a reporter.

Bauer, the school’s new principal, pauses to open the door for first one, then another parent entering the building with their MMS students. Bauer introduces himself to the parents and students and wishes them a great school year.

A great deal of that new school year experience is up to Bauer, who’s not only learning his way around Spring Branch, Houston and Texas but also his building. In fact, his first activity in his new office was a media interview. And that came on the heels of his first meeting with MMS staff.

But it’s those students who entered the building – and the hundreds of others who joined them on Aug. 22 when the new school year began – that brought the Chicago native to Memorial Middle School.

Bauer worked with newly named Community Superintendent D’Andre Weaver at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory School in Chicago, and Weaver had him read Spring Branch ISD’s strategic plan – The Learner’s Journey – that led to the District of Innovation designation.

“Texas wasn’t even on my radar,” Bauer said. “There were probably 50 leadership positions open in Chicago and I was looking at those.”

But after reading the plan, he was sold.

“(The strategic plan) is so engaging, so different … and does so many great things for kids,” he said.

He said he’s eager to learn all about Memorial Middle School – it’s staff, it’s students, it’s culture.

“I’m not here to be a change agent,” said Bauer. “I want to stress that. Memorial Middle School is a high-performing school.” He said he takes a team approach to management – he’ll use the first 90 days to listen, learn and figure out how to maximize resources.

Bauer is a serious student of leadership, starting with his website betterleadersbetterschools.com, where he frequently writes about the topic.

“I have the opportunity to speak with and learn from some of the best leaders in our field, and then share that out for free,” he said. He coaches 14 principals and belongs to a coaching group that provides support and advice for one another.

“I knew that I was meeting staff today and I couldn’t sleep last night,” he said. But several of his leadership group reached out and offered, well, support and advice.

And while Texas might not have been on his radar, he’s thrilled to be in Houston.

“I’ve already bought a Texans decal and a Texans flag,” he said. “I’m glad to be here in Texas.”

BA – English, University of Illinois
EdM – Curriculum and Instruction, University of Illinois
MA – School Leadership, Concordia University

New Thornwood Principal Proof of Education’s Power

August 26, 2016, 11:11 am

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Chyla Weaver might have once been a reluctant educator, but that was long ago.

A pre-journalism major at the University of Illinois, her high school sweetheart and future husband suggested she consider teaching, the career he was pursuing.

“I thought ‘no way’ but then thought that maybe (teaching) is what I want to do,” Weaver said.

It was. She switched to English, got her secondary education certification and was on her way.

Weaver started the 2016-17 school year as the new principal at Thornwood Elementary.

Growing up in the tough Englewood section on Chicago’s South Side, she was the neighborhood tutor, and teachers told her that she explained things well. “I was the nurturer,” she said.

“School was my safe haven,” said Weaver. “I had teachers who loved me and supported me. I can name them all … Even around (age) 10 I knew I should go to college. No one I knew went to college.”

She switched her major to education, and the rest is history in the making.

“I see what the power of education can do,” Weaver said. “It put me in a different place in life.” Then she adds: “I love children. It’s corny but I really do.”

Her career path has taken her through the ranks, from teacher to assistant principal to instructional coach to principal. Her prior position was principal at Grant-White Intermediate Center in Chicago.

As a principal, she focuses on a lot of things but tries not to lose sight of what it’s about – teaching and learning.

“The job is a lot of management,” said Weaver. “Every day you have to make a conscious effort to stay focused on teaching and learning.” She said that when she needs a respite from the demands of being a principal, she slips into a classroom and watches the teaching and learning taking place.

Weaver came to Houston with her husband and her high school sweetheart – D’Andre Weaver, one of three community superintendents hired this summer.

Both coming from impoverished backgrounds, they know that education can break the cycle of poverty. Chyla Weaver points to she and D’Andre’s own two young daughters, who have college-educated parents in steady, productive careers.

“Now my kids,” she said, “have broken the cycle of poverty.”

BA – English, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
ME – Educational Organization and Leadership, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
EdD – in progress – Educational Organization and Leadership, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

New School Leaders Announced

August 30, 2016, 11:38 am

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Spring Branch ISD has started the 2016-2017 school year with several new leadership and personnel announcements. They include the following:

Principal Appointments

Lynn Austin is moving from Thornwood Elementary School principal to lead Spring Branch Elementary School as principal. In her 25 years in SBISD, she has served as either an assistant principal or principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Daniel Bauer will serve as the new Principal at Memorial Middle School. He has 15 years of experience in education and worked previously as assistant principal at the Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep Academy is Illinois.  Daniel will be replacing Dave Parker who has accepted a role as Support Administrator for Academic Performance & Support.

Jennifer Collier is moving from her role as principal of Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS) to principal of Spring Woods High School. She has worked for 13 years now in SBISD, including several years as assistant principal at Spring Woods High.

Michelle Garcia is moving from assistant principal of Ridgecrest Elementary School to principal at Ridgecrest Elementary School. She has 19 years of experience, including three years as assistant principal at Ridgecrest. She replaces Principal Patricia Thomas, who retired in May.

Kathy Menotti is moving from her role as assistant principal to interim principal of Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS). Kristin Nash will provide support as an intern.

Chyla Weaver will be the new principal at Thornwood Elementary School. Chyla worked previously as a principal for the Forest Park School District in Illinois. She replaces Lynn Austin who is moving to the position of principal at Spring Branch Elementary School.

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Assistant Principal Appointments

Susan Bryant is moving from her role as assistant principal at Spring Shadows Elementary School to the position of assistant principal at Wilchester Elementary School.

Allison Butler is moving from her role as assistant principal at Spring Forest Middle School to the position of assistant principal at Northbrook High School.

Cynthia Gardner is moving from assistant principal of Edgewood Elementary School to the position of assistant principal at Spring Shadows Elementary School.

Curtis George will be the new assistant principal at Spring Forest Middle School. Curtis has 16 years of education experience and is moving to this position after serving as the interdisciplinary coach at Spring Forest Middle School. He is replacing Bryan Taulton who has resigned.

Omaly Isaaccura will be the new assistant principal at Ridgecrest Elementary School. 
School.  Omaly previously worked as the interdisciplinary instructional coach at Edgewood Elementary School. She has 13 years of experience with Spring Branch ISD and is replacing Michelle Garcia who has moved to the position of principal at Ridgecrest Elementary School. 

Tracey Reap is moving from her role as assistant principal at Northbrook Middle School to the position of assistant principal at Spring Forest Middle School.

Lindy Robertson has been named Northbrook Middle School assistant principal. Lindy previously worked as an instructional coach at Northbrook Middle School, and has 16 years of experience in education. Lindy replaces Tracey Reap who is moving to the position of assistant principal of Spring Forest Middle School.

Terri Rogers has been namedthe new assistant principal at Northbrook High School.  Terri previously worked as an assistant principal with Pulaski County Special School District in Arkansas. She has 15 years of experience in education. She replaces Raymorris Barnes who accepted a position as school support administrator for Academic Performance & Support.

Hasina Romney will serve as assistant principal at Spring Woods High School. Hasina has 10 years of educational experience and previously worked as the instructional coach at Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS). She will replace Jason Ovalle who has resigned.
Stacy Sanchez is moving from her role as assistant principal at Northbrook High School to the position of assistant principal at Landrum Middle School.

Rhonda Sneed has been named the new assistant principal for the District Alternative Education Program (DAEP). Rhonda has 13 years of experience in education. She previously worked as Special Education Case Manager for Klein ISD and is also a professor/dean of administration with the Christian Bible Institute. Rhonda replaces Julie Porter who has resigned.

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Other Administrative Appointments

Raymorris Barnes is moving from his role as administrator on special assignment to school support administrator for Academic Performance & Support.

Natalia Fernandez is moving from her role as administrative intern for System of Care to the position of director of System of Care for Academic Performance & Support.

Patricia Kassir has been named coordinator of personalization in the Connective Academics Division. Patricia previously worked as a teacher at The Bendwood School and has more than 24 years of experience in education.

Anita Lundvall is moving from her role as principal at Spring Branch Elementary School to principal on special assignment for Academic Performance & Support.

Dave Parker is moving from his role as principal at Memorial Middle School to support administrator for Academic Performance & Support.

Spring Branch Teacher Sets Sail on Underwater Lesson

August 30, 2016, 12:08 pm

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By Shern-Min Chow/KHOU11
Published 4:59 PM. EST August 26, 2016

SBISD teacher Shawn Gregg (left) participated in an expedition on the Exploration Vessel Nautilus. Image courtesy of Exploration Vessel Nautilus.

A Spring Branch ISD teacher was one of several lucky teachers to spend four days aboard a science research vessel along the California coast.

Each summer, science teachers are selected to participate in an expedition on the Exploration Vessel Nautilus.

Shawn Gregg, a Spring Branch teacher, was one of them. He sees the opportunity as way to get students more interested in science and exploration.

"We got video evidence of it," said Gregg. "I think that makes its a lot more meaningful for them."

Videos from the expedition are often live streamed to better share the experience to students and teachers.

They are able to see various marine life including pieces from sunken ships. The expedition seasons occurs from May to September, and partners like Citgo help to make it happen.

The project is under the direction of Dr. Robert Ballard who discovered the Titanic.

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Navy Jr. ROTC Cadets Tour South Texas Military Sites

August 30, 2016, 12:41 pm

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SBISD Navy Jr. ROTC cadets gather on the flight deck of the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Lexington.

Sixteen cadets enrolled in the Spring Branch Navy Jr. ROTC program at the Guthrie Center toured U.S. Navy and Coast Guard facilities and Texas A&M University-Kingsville during a summertime, three-day trip to South Texas sites and facilities.

The cadets, who attend three district high schools, toured the USS Lexington Museum in Corpus Christi during the first day of their July 12-14 trip. The USS Lexington is a decommissioned aircraft carrier with a proud history. The vintage carrier known as “The Blue Ghost” saw combat in World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. The ship was a landing platform for training Navy and Marine Corps pilots through the early 1990s.

Guthrie-Spring Branch Center Navy Jr. ROTC cadets pose on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

In Corpus Christi, the cadets also toured the Naval Air Station where they learned about career options. They were escorted to the flight line and toured the flight control tower, watching Navy air controllers work with student pilots to conduct take-off and landing exercises. Inside the radar control room, they  observed controllers monitoring and coordinating all aircraft flights in South Texas. They learned about Navy careers and air traffic controller opportunities. 

While on the air station campus, the Spring Branch students visited the U.S. Coast Guard Air Operations Facility.  The cadets were briefed on Coast Guard officer and enlisted career opportunities ranging from pilot to air crew personnel to mechanics and rescue swimmers. The cadets were even allowed to climb aboard helicopters and fixed wing aircraft operated by the Coast Guard for both search and rescue and coastal patrol operations.

Guthrie-Spring Branch Center Navy Jr. ROTC cadets gather on the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi flight line.

At Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the cadets were led on a walking tour of the campus by a graduating senior student volunteer. They also received a briefing from a Houston-area campus recruiter. The South Texas branch university is marketed as one of the most affordable state universities. The university tour included information about Army ROTC options, including a 4-year campus scholarship opportunity.

The summertime trip included highlights familiar to vacationers, too, like a trip aboard the Port Aransas-Aransas Pass ferry.

SBISD Navy Jr. ROTC cadets pose on the bridge of the aircraft carrier USS Lexington.

Spring Branch-Guthrie Navy Jr. ROTC is led by U.S. Navy (Retired) Commander Jerry Coufal, senior naval science instructor for the program, and U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Mark Heuser, naval science instructor.

Students who took part in the South Texas trip:

From Northbrook High School: Omar Bahena, Sigfredo Hernandez-Portillo, Jaqueline Ramos and Jonathan Rodriguez, 11th grade; Aaron Dirso and Pedro Quiroz, both 12th grade

From Spring Woods High School: Sara Crellen and Dennis Lopez, 10th grade; Rosa Alvarez, Stephanie Benavides, Azucena Gonzalez and Lauren Rodela, 11th grade; Elijah Rodela and Devin Williams, 12th grade

From Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS): Christy Nguyen, 10th grade, and Christopher Barron, 11th grade

Students Compete at AAU National Junior Olympics

August 30, 2016, 1:33 pm

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Junior Olympians from SBISD campuses and their coaches were photographed together during the summertime competition. (Student ID's below)

More than 40 track and field student athletes from Spring Branch ISD took part in the recent AAU Junior Olympics Games held in Houston. The youth-oriented games, which celebrated a 50th year milestone, are the largest national multi-sport event for students across the United States.

A record breaking 14,000 student athletes competed in the games, which were held July 27-Aug. 6 in Houston. SBISD students competed at Turner Stadium in Humble. Junior Olympics ceremonies and a celebration of athletes were conducted July 31 at M.O. Campbell Center multipurpose facility located in Aldine ISD.

Congratulations to these SBISD students who attained national level reporting status in their particular age competition groups:

• Francis Galdino, Stratford High, 17th nationally in the 3000 meters
• Emanuel Galdino, Spring Forest Middle, 14th nationally in the 3000 meters
• Divine Ozomma, Wilchester Elementary, 60th nationally in the 100 meters
• Royale Jordan, Meadow Wood Elementary, 46th nationally in the long jump
• Patricia Flores, Thornwood Elementary, 29th nationally in the 3000 meters
• Gary Polk, Meadow Wood Elementary, 34th nationally in the 3000 meters
• Mitchell Harper, Memorial Middle, 32nd nationally in the 3000 meters
• William Amling, Frostwood Elementary, 22nd nationally in the 3000 meters
• Devon Beckles, Spring Forest Middle, 20th nationally in the 1500/3000 meters
• Jona Morford, Nottingham Elementary, 36th nationally in the 1500 meters
• Abigail Davila, YES Prep Northbrook Middle, also competed in the 3000 meters 

Photographed, left to right, were:

Bottom row: Nathaniel Grant and Ellery Roberts, Meadow Wood Elementary; Isabel Davila, Sherwood Elementary; Daniella Pena, Meadow Wood; Jules Houston, Nottingham Elementary; Vijay Washington, Meadow Wood; Alex McLeod, Rummel Creek Elementary; Tristain White, Meadow Wood; Carsten Morford, Pine Shadows Elementary; Tyrone Hickerson, Nottingham; and Jazmine White, Meadow Wood.

Second row: Whakil Noor, Spring Forest Middle; Isabella Pena, Meadow Wood; Amelia Bommer, Valley Oaks Elementary; Angie Pena and Ariana Silva, Meadow Wood; Nathaniel Zorbroski , Nottingham; Ciara Sorto, Meadow Wood; Emmanuel Galdino, Spring Forest Middle; William Amiling, Frostwood; and Isa Carles, Bunker Hill Elementary

Third row: Coach Casey Brand; Michael Vincent and Ryan Mugia, Meadow Wood; Jona Morford, Nottingham; Eliah Aruor, Meadow Wood; Dunia Barundi, Spring Forest Middle; Joshua Boogie, Meadow Wood; Jackson Potter, Nottingham; Nikola Rodrigues, Meadow Wood; Patricia Flores, Thornwood Elementary; and Coach Lupita Flores.

Fourth row: Coach Angela Stribling; Garry Polk, Meadow Wood; Faisal Noor, Spring Forest Middle; Kamal Jalal, Stratford High; Zoraya Garza, Cornerstone Academy; Romelo Monticello and Royale Jordan, Meadow Wood; Mitchell Harper, Memorial Middle; Cameron Monticello, Meadow Wood; and Coach Rhonda Washington.

Top row: Divine Ozomma, Thornwood; Abigail Davila, YES Prep/Northbrook; Alyssa Bommer, Memorial Middle; Francis Galdino, Stratford High; Sarah Akpan, Spring Forest Middle; Devon Beckles, Spring Forest Middle; Barry Willson, Spring Forest Middle; Derease Steptoe, Spring Forest Middle; and Coach Joseph Flores.

New Teach For America Recruits Choose Spring Branch ISD

August 31, 2016, 9:47 am

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New Teach For America educators focus on a new school year in Spring Branch ISD.

Spring Branch ISD has employed 11 Teach for America (TFA) corps members as new educators for the 2016-2017 school year. The district has recruited and helped place new TFA educators in its schools for the past six years.

TFA is a nonprofit organization that recruits recent college graduates to teach for at least two years in school communities nationwide. The group was formed around a goal of improving the academic performance and college-going opportunities of all students who reside in families with lower than average incomes.

This year’s new TFA teachers in SBISD include:

• Jared Dawson, Spring Oaks Middle, 6th grade mathematics
• Breyanna Dennis, Spring Oaks Middle, 7th grade English language arts (ELA)
• Madeline Farnham, Spring Oaks Middle, 8th grade English language arts (ELA)
• Nicole Gomez, Spring Woods High, 10th grade English language arts (ELA)
• Madelyn Marrs, Treasure Forest Elementary, 1st and 2nd grades
• Nicole Ortega, Woodview Elementary, 4th grade English language arts (ELA)/social studies
• Victoria Ponse, Spring Oaks Middle, 6th grade English language arts (ELA)
• Gabrielle Rowand, Spring Oaks Middle, 8th grade social studies
• Kenneth Rutherford Jr., Spring Oaks Middle, 6th grade mathematics
• Suzan Slavsky, Spring Branch Elementary, kindergarten
• Hannah Waldman, Woodview Elementary, 5th grade social studies/writing

Two new Spring Oaks Middle School teachers shared their desires to teach, first impressions of SBISD, and their goals for the year ahead.

Gabrielle Rowand, Spring Oaks Middle School

Rowand grew up in an economically disadvantaged area of the Appalachias. Her mom, the first in her family to attend college, taught math in a Title 1 low-income school. Her mom’s classroom wasn’t a selling point.

“I saw that as an example and, to be frank, as an example of the hardest job I had ever seen. I went off to [college] thinking that I never wanted to teach in the public school system because it seemed so exhaustingly hard,” she recalls frankly.

In graduate school, she planned for a research career, but found it unrewarding at a personal level. Sitting in a room with manuscripts and files wasn’t enough, and she spent a recent summer teaching reading intervention to underprivileged students in Boston.

“I found that I felt more myself working with students who had never had success with a book before than I did in any late night in the research archives,” she states.

Rowand credits TFA for her new calling, saying it’s an “awesome organization that takes people like me – people who discovered late in the game that the most meaningful way to make a difference is in direct work with educating and empowering kids – and then helps them enter into that field.”

For her, SBISD Convocation was both “incredible” and “amazing.” Both district and school commitment here have impressed her, too.

“I have been blown away in my short time so far in SBISD by the willingness of all the staff, faculty and community to try anything in the interest of serving kids. This is the most supportive and innovative district I have ever seen, and having gone through five different school districts growing up, I can honestly say that I wish I had been educated through this one,” Rowand said.

She is excited to teach eighth-grade U.S. history during an unusual election year, and believes that this election provides a way to connect the past and present in a relatable way. She hopes her students feel safe to ask questions and really expand their thinking inside her class.

“By the end of the school year, I want my students to be ready for high school, and to have solid critical thinking and historical reading skills that they will be able to apply to all their studies moving forward, as well as to their daily lives,” she said.

Kenneth Rutherford Jr., Spring Oaks Middle School

Before joining TFA, Rutherford worked as an algebra 1 tutor in the former Apollo 20 program in Houston ISD’s Lee High School. The Apollo program tried to close gaps in education for students, many of whom are economically disadvantaged. So when TFA came to Lee High to recruit, he felt comfortable with its similar goals.

“I have the new teacher jitters, but I am committed to giving my students the best education possible within my abilities, he said. He did not know very much about SBISD, but Convocation and Mrs. Freifeld at Spring Oaks Middle has turned him into a believer.

“To understand the commitment that [SBISD] is making to bridging the education gap through innovation and the level of talent that is produced in the district made me feel that I was meant to be here,” Rutherford said.

He hopes to inspire his students to overcome any disappointment or anxieties math may present, and build confidence in their abilities.

“It is my goal to inspire my sixth- and seventh-grade lab students to grow in their math skills to the extent that they might transition to some of the Pre-AP classes,” he said.

New Spring Branch Elementary Principal Named

August 31, 2016, 10:51 am

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As a teacher and principal, Lynn Austin has never worked outside of Spring Branch ISD. That’s one reason she’s particularly proud to serve as principal of Spring Branch Elementary.

“That’s our namesake, the community school,” Austin said of Spring Branch Elementary, the district’s oldest campus. “I want to make it what it used to be.”

It’s a school that’s seen significant challenges the past few years – it’s about to shed an “improvement required” label after several years of careful planning and attention to what were waning test scores. Coming from Thornwood Elementary, where she was principal for five years, Austin is especially ready for the challenge.

“We need to bring the team together – make them stronger and more collaborative,” said Austin. “They’ve worked so hard to come out (of improvement required).”

Growing up in Amsterdam, N.Y., it was “positive educational experiences and fantastic teachers” that shaped Austin’s desire to become a teacher. But in college, she switched her major from elementary education to rehabilitation so she could work with those with disabilities and assist them in reaching their goals.

After moving to Houston she served as a director at the Lighthouse of Houston, working with individuals with vision and hearing impairments. She earned her alternative teaching certification through Region IV and went to work teaching students with learning disabilities.

Austin served as teacher and assistant principal at Spring Forest Middle School for nine years before moving to Spring Branch Middle School as an assistant principal for six years. She served as an assistant principal at Spring Woods High School for five years before taking on the role as principal at Thornwood Elementary.

Austin said that serving at every academic level (elementary, middle and high school) gives her a unique perspective on what students need and encounter once they leave elementary school.

“Many elementary teachers don’t leave (elementary),” she said. “I can bring that knowledge to them.”

She’s also excited because she’s lived in Spring Branch for many years, her two sons attending and graduating from Spring Branch schools. Her experience at Spring Branch Middle School means she also already knows some of her students, so to speak, since a portion of Spring Branch Elementary is zoned to Spring Branch Middle School.

“I know the feeder pattern,” Austin said. “My students (at Spring Branch Middle) have kids now, and I’ll have their kids in school. I have lots of connections to that school and I’m excited.”

BS – Rehabilitation, Springfield College, Springfield, Mass.
ME – Educational Administration, University of St. Thomas, Houston

Spring Branch ISD Alumni Night

August 31, 2016, 1:31 pm

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Alumni Night: Several recent district graduates attended SBISD Alumni Night for former students who are interested in post-secondary options. The special event was held on Aug. 16 at HCC-Spring Branch. Photographed, left to right, are Anthony Alavarado, volunteer Victoria Chen, Alberto Betancourt, Brenda Jimenez Lopez, and Phuong Ta, a Student Support Services summer intern. All students are May 2016 graduates of Spring Woods High School.

Spring Branch ISD May 2016 graduates undecided about future plans or unsure about how to move forward with their higher education and training found district support and assistance during a SBISD Alumni Night held recently at Houston Community College-Spring Branch.

The special event was organized and supported by SBISD’s Student Support Service’s To and Through Department to help support alumni.

The department identified students likely to face road blocks for a variety of reasons. Two such reasons include first-generation college students and first-time registering students at the HCC-Spring Branch campus. Such young adults are often called “summer melt” students. Without an ambitious outreach, they might never enroll or pursue post-graduation training or education.

Volunteer Victoria Chen and Student Support Services summer intern Phuong Ta were two of several volunteers who were placed on site to assist those who attended the Aug. 16 session at HCC-Spring Branch. HCC was chosen as a centralized site for the districtwide gathering. Text message invitations were distributed to recent SBISD graduates before the event.

“I was interested and it helped me see what I can do to keep up with my goals,” reported Brenda Jimenez Lopez, a May Spring Woods High graduate. “Also, I came to get everything set up, and I got my application finished with the help of a great volunteer. He took me through every step until we got to the end.”

Anthony Alvarado, another Spring Woods High graduate, followed up on the text message. Both his parents want him to succeed and do well in life, he said.

“After not getting into the military, I believe HCC-Spring Branch is my next best move. I came to HCC and I met Victoria, who helped me make a checklist that made enrolling fun,” Alvarado said. He wasn’t Victoria’s only Alumni Night fan.

Alberto Betancourt needed help to finish applying and with his financial aid application. “When I got here, I met Victoria who helped me figure out what I needed to do. She gave me a ‘dope’ checklist! Now, I’m excited to be a college student,” said Betancourt, also a Class of 2016 grad.

The district’s college transition facilitator, Erika Delgado Scott, reports that volunteers were able to provide career advising and financial aid assistance, among other needs, in one-on-one student advising sessions. In addition, students were provided timely handouts and personal packets of test scores and key planning checklists.

“The students truly enjoyed their experience. They appreciated all the work they accomplished at this event, and we look forward to continuing to support our alumni,” Scott said. SBISD Alumni Night sessions are planned in the future.