Quantcast
Channel: The School Zone
Viewing all 1166 articles
Browse latest View live

It’s Time Texas Challenge

$
0
0
Take the pledge! Make a Staff Shout Out! Post a Healthy Selfie!

Those are just a few of the healthy living activities connected with this year’s It’s Time Texas Community Challenge, supported by H-E-B and already under way through the Spring Branch ISD Health Fitness department.

There’s a reason why SBISD employees will want to join a new year’s commitment to living healthier, beyond the obvious personal rewards. The winning community in each separate competition level, or category size, can win a $1,800 grant to use for future health efforts.

That’s in addition to the trophy, school district banner, Texas Governor’s certificate, web banner and badge, and free registrations to a 2017 Summit celebration that the winning community receives. Let’s be the healthiest school district ever!

The 2017 Community Challenge began Jan. 9 and it remains open through March 31. There is plenty of time yet to get fit, shed pounds and get started on a new you – and a new SBISD!

SBISD Advanced Movers Coordinator Samuel Karns reports that the district this year picked the name “Piney Point Village” for registration and competition use. “We do have six villages, and so last year we decided to go with one village when registering so that Spring Branch ISD was not competing against itself,” he said. SBISD earns 1,000 points for each participant that registers.

There are a number of ways to earn points once you register. “There are different entities for participation, and these include individuals, schools, mayors and city council, businesses and other organizations, and faith based organizations,” Karns said.

SBISD campuses and employees can earn Challenge points for the following:

·        School Staff Shout Out (100 points per Shout Out)
·        Organize a Healthy Staff Activity (200 points Activity)
·        Implement a Teach Healthier™ Activity (500 points per Activity)
·        Take the Pledge – Superintendent (2,000 points); District Health & Wellness Coordinator (1,000 points); District School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) member (500 points); Principal Pledge (500 points); Parent Teach Association Member (250 points); Teacher (200 points)

To sign up and register:

Watch the video for the 2017 It's Time Texas Community Challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT5j-UaSAPI&t=1s

Frequently Asked Questions:

In separate but related SBISD Health-Fitness news, results are in for the 2016-2017 SBISD Fitness Challenge, which was conducted during the fall semester.

Announced winners include:

Team Crunchers – 1stPlace, 77,906 points
SBISD Administration staff members Tera Harris, Daysi Valencia, Diane Ache and Cristie Stewart

Team IT – 2nd Place, 39,984 points
Allen Guzman, Sylvia Quintanilla, Christian Castellon and Carmen Aguilera

Retired Cheer Coaches – 3rd Place, 39,617 points
Jennifer Kauffman, Jacqueline Marshall

Special awards will be presented to winning teams soon. “We hope all participants saw an increase in productivity and stress relief from participating in the fitness challenge,” Karns noted. 

To view all fall challenge fitness standings, please visit:

Karns also said, “We do hope that all of you will continue your lifestyle change for living a healthier life by competing in the statewide fitness challenge, the It’s Time Texas Community Challenge, and help Spring Branch ISD becoming the healthiest community in the state.”


For questions, email Samuel Karns at samuel.karns@springbranchisd.com.

Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics Conference

$
0
0
The 25th annual conference for young women in grades 6, 7 and 8 and their teachers, parents and counselors will be held
Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Spring Forest Middle School
14240 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77079


Registration & brochure >>
Website >>

Registration for the 25th Expanding Your Horizons Conference is NOW OPEN!
Expanding Your Horizonsa day-long conference sponsored by the West Harris County branch of the American Association of University Women, provides career information and role models for middle school girls. Professional women share their enthusiasm, education requirements and remuneration working in scientific, technical and financial careers with more than 400 girls, their parents and teachers.  These creative people don’t lecture the kids but involve them in various ways to create hands-on experiences in every one of the workshops.  The message is that there are both personal and monetary rewards for taking math and science in middle and high school. 

Expanding Your Horizons wins Mayor’s 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award! 
In recognition of EYH’s impact on the community, the Expanding Your Horizons steering committee – and all the volunteers, teachers and contributors who make EYH possible – were honored at the Volunteer Houston banquet on May 6, 2008.

Student Comments:
  • “I will remember this. I want to learn more.
  • I never thought that I would feel this energy rushing through me as I built the bridge.
  • I liked it a lot because it was hands on.
  • Very, very interesting – I have always wanted to learn about these things.
  • I loved doing the experiments. I had so much fun learning how it really works in labs.
  • It got me really interested in being this when I grow up.
  • It showed me many things I didn’t know and inspired me to think about my future.
  • Cool! Awesome! Amazing! Fun! Exciting! I loved it! I will be back!

Sponsor Support:
“Never has it been more important to promote STEM-related education and careers, and your organization has been a true leader in the local effort.  We appreciate the great work of AAUW each year in planning and carrying out an event that makes a real difference for the career aspirations of young women.  CenterPoint Energy is delighted to play a small part in supporting this important work."

Lucretia Ahrens
CenterPoint EnergyManager, Corporate Community Relations

EYH is a volunteer effort.  Only required school personnel are paid for services. Volunteers include:
  • Professional women representing career fields that use math and science in their daily activities donate their time to present workshops for the girls and their parents and teachers. 
  • Facilitators from AAUW aid the presenters in the classroom.
  • Steering Committee members, working throughout the year, plan and execute the conference.
  • Many additional AAUW workers assist with registration, crowd control and distribution of meals on the day of the conference.
  • High School Students assist in getting the presenters’ workshop materials into and out of the classrooms as well as assisting where needed.

Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees Election Set for May 6

$
0
0
The next election for two positions on the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled for Saturday, May 6.  Ballot candidate applications will be accepted through Feb. 17 during normal business hours at SBISD’s Schaper Leadership Center, 955 Campbell Road. 

The Trustee positions for the upcoming election are Position 1, currently held by incumbent Josef D. Klam, and Position 2, which is held by incumbent Chris Gonzalez. As of this report, Klam and Gonzalez have filed for re-election.

Candidates may file applications through 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, in Room 128 of the Wayne F. Schaper, Sr. Leadership Center (SBISD Administration Building). The district office at 955 Campbell Road 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.


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:

Diane Dickens
SBISD Administrative Assistant
713-251-2217

SBISD Human Resources Department Hosts Winter Support Staff Job Fair

$
0
0
Employment Opportunities / Oportunidades para empleo

Thursday, January 26, 2017/ Jueves 26 de Enero, 2017
4:00‐6:30 p.m.
Don Coleman Coliseum
1050 Dairy Ashford
Houston, Texas 77079


SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS / BUSCANDO EMPLEADOS PARA:

  • Teaching Assistants/Asistente de Maestro
  • Mechanics/Mecánicos
  • Administrative Staff/Secretarias
  • Electricians/Electricistas
  • Campus Support Staff/Personal de oficina
  • Crossing Guards/Cruzador de peatones
  • Bus Drivers/Chofers de autobús
  • Plumbers/Plomeros
  • Custodian/Personal para el mantenimiento y limpieza
  • Child Nutrition Services:  Cafeteria Workers, Managers, Payroll Clerk, Purchasing Clerk, Field Supervisors/Depto de Nutrición: Ayuda en cafetería, Jefe de Cafeteria, Contador de Nomina, Contador de Compras, Supervisor de Cafeterias
    FOR MORE INFORMATION/PARA MAS INFORMACION,
    CALL HUMAN RESOURCES/LLAME A RECURSOS HUMANOS: 713‐251‐2341
    OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE/O VISITE NUESTRA PAGINA DE WEB:  www.springbranchisd.com

    Download flyer >>

    Teacher Turned Philanthropist Connects With Former School

    $
    0
    0
    Former Spring Branch Elementary teacher Sybil Roos (left) points out a detail to Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri on the hallway terrazzo at Spring Branch Elementary. Looking on are Community Relations Officer Linda Buchman and Roos’ niece, Sonia Soto, of Crime Stoppers of Houston.
    Sybil Roos’ face lights up as she enters a first-grade classroom at Spring Branch Elementary.

    “A reading circle!” Roos said, zeroing in on a patterned rug that’s sectioned off from the rest of the room with bookcases.

    The nonagenarian former first-grade teacher at Spring Branch Elementary was on a school tour with SBISD Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri and SBE Principal Lynn Austin, soaking in the freshness and 21st century look and feel of the campus, rebuilt as part of the 2007 $597.1 million bond program.

    Brenda Stardig, District A Houston City Council member, joins former teacher Sybil Roos as she enters a classroom recently at Spring Branch Elementary. Roos taught at SBE from 1975-85, in the building that was demolished after completion of the new building in 2011.
    She was accompanied by District A Houston Council Member Brenda Stardig (who attended Spring Branch Elementary), her daughter, Betsy Garlinger, and her niece, Sonia Soto of Crime Stoppers of Houston.

    Roos, a noted philanthropist whose support of the arts in Houston is ongoing and well-documented, taught at Spring Branch Elementary from 1975-1985 after moving here from Louisiana with her husband, Henry. Roos taught special education in Shreveport but first grade in Spring Branch.

    She fondly recalled her time at Spring Branch Elementary, serving under then-principal Dorothy Greer.

    “I just loved my time here,” Roos said, remembering also that when she left in 1985, there was “much going on (in SBISD).” That “much going on” was declining enrollment and the closure of two high schools – Westchester High School and Spring Branch High School.

    The rebuilt Spring Branch Elementary opened in 2011, on the same historic site as the original building but just to the north and east. The original Spring Branch Elementary opened in 1939, and before that a one-room school sat on the site.

    Nodding to that history, Bay Architects designed history timelines of both Houston and Spring Branch into the terrazzo of the school’s hallways, providing a unique look at key moments in the area’s past.

    Roos enjoyed studying and discussing the timelines, but especially came to life upon entering the classroom.

    While she recognized the reading circle and other components of the classroom, much was different. An ActiveBoard is mounted where a chalkboard might have been in the past. No rows of desks for students – seating is portable and reconfigurable.

    But although today’s students learn in different ways, nothing has changed about the bond between a student and a teacher.

    Roos recounted having lunch one day at a local steakhouse when this “big ole man” came over to her table.

    “You were my first grade teacher,” the man told Roos.

    A few years later while out she was approached by first a female former student, then another, then yet another. To the third girl she said, “I’ve had two other girls approach me today.”

    “I know,” the third girl replied. “One of them was my sister.”

    Roos beams a little more as she delivers the punchline: “I got both of them.”

    by Rusty Graham

    #SBProud: Super Kids, Super Sharing

    $
    0
    0


    SBISD schools teamed up with the National Football League, the Houston Texans, the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee, Verizon, the Houston Texans YMCA and dozens of Houston-area public and private schools for a Super Bowl community initiative called Super Kids Super Sharing

    Wilchester Elementary and Northbrook Middle schools held donation drives this fall to collect new or gently used sports equipment, school supplies, books and games. On Thursday, January 19, all schools gathered to compile their donations at the Houston Texans YMCA – totaling more than 22,000 items to be distributed to schools and community centers serving low-income students. 

    Buffalo Creek, Ridgecrest and Spring Shadows Elementary schools were among the recipients of the donated goods, bringing back boxes filled with donated equipment and supplies to their students. #SBISDProud

    Click hereto watch a video on this event.


    Sparking Sparks for Student Success

    $
    0
    0


    At a recent Mentor U, SBISD’s mentor continued education program, district mentors witnessed how hope, guidance, and having a champion can positively spark change.

    Tristan Love, whose story of transformation from gang life to his current role as the youngest Assistant Principal in HISD, powerfully illustrated the impact his mentor, Pat Rosenberg, had on his personal journey. The event’s atmosphere was one filled with inspiration and pride. Love’s mentor, Pat Rosenberg, was on hand to discuss her role as his mentor and the positive impact mentoring can have on mentees, mentors, and the collective community.

    Ms. Rosenberg’s shared how she was to see ‘the spark’ in Tristan before he could even see if for himself. Her ability to recognize his hidden potential and expand that energy into a positive direction has been a pillar of Love’s and Rosenberg’s sustained, positive relationships. 

    The theme of the Mentor U, Sparking Sparks, focused on giving SBISD mentors the tools needed to help mentees find their spark. From starting conversions about things that inspire students to get up in the morning, enjoy some activities more than others, and even channeling and transform actions like stubbornness into a spark of determination, mentors left the meeting with a range of ideas to generate conversation and positive action with their mentees.

    Also, mentors received a check list of the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, research-based building blocks all young people need to develop into healthy, caring and responsible adults. Mentors will be able to use the checklist to guide conversations with their mentees to help discover their sparks. 

    Mr. Love stressed the importance of expanding the discussions about how certain ‘sparks’ can lead to career options, and how mentors can help mentees connect with people who are currently doing those jobs so the students willget a vision of where they can grow and go.

    Feedback following the event was outstanding, with mentors noting a deeper understanding of their own sparks, and the knowledge to guide the same discovery for mentees.

    Thank you to Mr. Love and Ms. Rosenberg for sharing their story with SBISD Mentors! If you’re interested in learning more about SBISD’s Mentor U events or would like to apply to be a mentor, click here.

    Read more about Mr. Love and his inspirational journey here.

    Approved Calendar for the 2017-18 School Year

    $
    0
    0
    SBISD Board of Trustees approved the 2017-2018 Academic Calendar during their monthly board meeting in January.

    The approved calendar can be viewed here.

    The SBISD District Improvement Team served as the calendar committee, and SBISD thanks these teachers, administrators, parents, students and community members for their months of work on the calendar development process. This team modeled Collaborative Spirit at the highest levels.

    SBISD would also like to thank the thousands of staff and parents who weighed in on our two calendar surveys in this transition year as the Board of Trustees concurrently worked through the process to approve a District of Innovation First Day of School Rule exemption. With this exemption now firmly in place, we look forward to a more streamlined approach to calendar development in the future.



    Spring Branch Education Foundation introduces Running for the Arts 5K and ArtFest in 2017

    $
    0
    0
    After 24 years, Running for the Arts is on the move. It’s not only changing locations, it also has a new name.

    On May 3, 2017, when runners of all ages gather to enjoy an invigorating 5K and the opportunity to support fine arts field trips for SBISD students, they’ll be waiting for the starting pistol at the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum. Spring Branch Education Foundation, Running for the Arts’ host, thinks that’s a fitting way to celebrate the event’s 25th anniversary.

    “For more than two decades, Running for the Arts has raised money for our students to travel throughout Houston to enjoy world-class performing and visual arts,” said Cece Thompson, SBEF executive director. “This year, we’re also celebrating the fine arts within our school district and community. We’re moving to the museum and changing the name to Running for the Arts 5K and ArtFest.

    “The museum is a gem, and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase it. Running for the Arts has always been a community festival, now it will also be an arts festival. All the district’s fine arts programs – visual arts, music, theater and dance – will participate. You might even see our culinary arts students.”

    Community artists and artisans will be involved too.

    “We are proud of our art and artifacts from around the world and the local flavor our art students and local artists offer,” said Leann Newton, co-curator of the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum. “We’re excited to work with SBEF to create a true arts festival. We invite artists and artisans to join us. We expect lots of booths where artists will display and sell their works, and we encourage them to donate to the silent auction that will ultimately benefit SBISD students.”

    A silent auction will include artwork from students, teachers and local artists. The art will be displayed in the museum’s galleries the week before Running for the Arts 5K and ArtFest and culminate at the event.

    So what can the community expect?

    All the traditional favorites: a competitive 5K, a 5K walk, a Kids 1K, awards in all categories, lots of student and family participation, kids activities, performances throughout the morning and opportunities for sponsorships. And plenty of new features: food trucks offering breakfast, brunch and lunch; local artists and artisans displaying their works for participants to ooh, ahh and buy; performances by garage bands. All in all, a community festival that’s growing into an arts festival.

    “Community members are going to have a great time,” Thompson said. “Save the date! Come out to support the arts and enjoy the morning.”

    Running for the Arts 5K and ArtFest is Saturday, May 6, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. All events, including packet pickup, will take place at the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum, 901 Yorkchester, on the campus of Westchester Academy for International Studies.

    Proceeds will benefit the SBISD Fine Arts Department for fine arts field trips, the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum and the Health Fitness Teachers Association, whose members help organize the run.

    To register for the run, to get involved as an artist or to volunteer, visit www.springbrancheducationfoundation.combeginning Feb. 3.







    Animals Help FFA Students Find Confidence, Passion

    $
    0
    0
    Annual Show & Sale Set for Feb. 10-11

    Spring Branch FFA President Abby Cline (left), Vice President Kate Sparenberg, Emily Valicek, and Jamie O’Quinn, a Spring Woods High School senior, in a barn with Cline’s steer, Joe DiMooggio.
    Abby Cline and Kate Sparenberg found Future Farmers of America at different points in their lives, but the difference FFA has made in their lives is palpable.

    Cline, a Memorial High School senior and president of the Spring Branch FFA, has a family tradition of FFA and first got involved as a junior member as an eighth-grader at Memorial Middle School.

    Sparenberg, vice president and also an MHS senior, discovered FFA as a sophomore while taking agriculture classes at the Guthrie Center, SBISD’s career and technical education facility. She’s since learned that her grandfather and his brothers were involved in FFA.

    Cline, Sparenberg and some 80 or so of their FFA peers are busy preparing animals for the upcoming 39th Annual Spring Branch FFA Show & Sale, set this year for Feb. 10-11, at the FFA’s Ag Farm at 1905 Brittmoore, just north of Hammerly.
    The main barn at the Spring Branch ISD Ag Farm at the 2016 Show & Sale.


    Students show their animals for judging on Friday, Feb. 10, beginning at 2 p.m. The sale kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, with buyer check-in and the opening of the silent auction, which includes student food, photography and creative arts projects, as well as gift certificates and other items from local merchants.

    The main event is the live auction, which begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11. The auction has been described as similar to an auction at the Houston Livestock Show but on a smaller scale – including a smaller crowd and easier parking.

    Excitement permeates the show floor and bleachers on both days as FFA students whoop it up and encourage one another – and buyers too.

    “I like to be around members when they show,” Cline said. “It’s such a nice vibe with all this support … all the support in the bleachers is very nice.”

    FFA is a national organization that develops student potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The Spring Branch FFA Chapter, housed at Guthrie but operating for more than 50 years at the 17-acre farm on Brittmoore, includes students from Memorial, Northbrook, Spring Woods and Stratford high school, and Westchester Academy for International Studies.
    Spring Branch FFA officers address the Board of Trustees at the November meeting.

    The local chapter is sponsored by teachers Bobby Terry and Katie Thompson.

    Organizers invite everyone to the Show & Sale, whether buying an animal or not. Animal buyers can keep their purchase (processors are available on-site) or donate it back for resale. Students received 90 percent of the sale proceeds – the additional 10 percent supports other educational opportunities, helps underwrite the Show & Sale, and provides scholarships. The Show & Sale is sponsored by the Spring Branch FFA Alumni Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and all purchases and contributions are tax deductible.

    The event raised more than $210,000 last year, with Grand Champions selling for between $1,200 and $9,000, depending on breed. All livestock projects are sold, no matter their placement in the competition.

    Buyers’ Committee Chair Kristin Valicek said she’s invited more than 1,200 potential buyers, including the 360 or so from last year. Buyers can register up till the day of the sale.

    Valicek’s three children are involved in FFA – son Alex is the local chapter’s sentienl – a natural progression from seven years of participation in 4-H. Valicek is a believer in the power of FFA.

    “Truly, anything a student wants to do can … generally FFA can accommodate,” she said. For instance, her daughter Emily, a third-grader at a local private school and a junior member of the Spring Branch FFA (residency in the district is the only requirement) will have three projects in the show this year – a hanging basket, an apple pie and a drawing.

    Walking around the different barns and pens at the Ag Farm, it’s evident that Cline is a key piece of that support. She takes on the role of big sister with Buyer Chair Valicek’s daughter Emily. Before entering “Ham Heaven” – where pigs are stalled, she’s approached by several students who ask different questions, which she happily answers.

    Moving from barn to barn, Cline checks in with students who are working on their animals, asking questions and offering support and encouragement. There’s little doubt that she’s one who’s looked up to.

    And that’s part of the FFA experience. Both she and Sparenberg cite confidence as a one of the biggest takeaways from the program.

    “Honestly, it’s kind of my life,” said Cline, who spends several hours of each class day at the Ag Farm and a significant portion of her free time as well. “It’s given me confidence and a sense of belonging. I love being out here.”

    Sparenberg said that while not as obvious, she has gained confidence in herself through FFA. She said she was “kind of shy” before getting involved with FFA, and that it was raising animals for show that really helped her take off.

    “You’re out here twice a day (when raising an animal) – you get to know other people,” she said. That confidence propelled her to run for office (she’s vice president), and she said that she “wouldn’t have gotten as many friends” without her involvement in FFA.

    She also found her best friend through FFA – she and Cline will room together at Texas A&M in the fall. Sparenberg wants to be a veterinarian. Cline said she thought she wanted to become a veterinarian but after taking a couple of veterinary medicine classes has discovered that it’s “not her passion.” She’ll major in something agriculture-related but is undecided right now.

    Naturally. Both students credit the animals for stimulating and holding their interest in FFA.

    “I mostly joined because of the animals,” Sparenberg said. “The animals are a great incentive.”

    Cline agrees.

    “I really love the animals,” she said. “They’re the biggest part of what I do.

    “They’ve helped me find my passion.”


    #BeLimitless

    $
    0
    0
    Finding your passion is a big part of Molly Nipper’s STEM classes at the Bendwood School. Ms. Nipper recently had NASA Mission Specialist Dr. Emmanuel Urquieta (uhr-KITT-ah) in her classroom to talk about passion, and the places your passion can take you. 

    A medical doctor with a Master’s in aerospace medicine, Urquieta told students that if you follow your passion, then you’ll be the best that you can be, whatever that passion is. Teacher Nipper knows about passion – she’ll “pay forward” her passion for teaching STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – by collaborating with other teachers on STEM curriculum. Great things happen when passion meets collaboration.

    Here’s the video:

    Be Limitless from SBISD on Vimeo.

    Painting a BIGGER Picture with Data

    $
    0
    0
    In a growing seismic shift in education, learning organizations are valuing, combining and applying dynamic data to better understand and serve their students and meet their unique learning needs.

    SBISD leaders are increasingly focused on the power and promise data can play in delivering personalized learning experiences that prepare Every Child for T-2-4 success. Spring Branch T-2-4 is the district’s goal to double the number of students who complete a technical certificate, military training, two-year degree, or four-year degree. 

    “We need both quantitative and qualitative data. There are things we need to know, things that impact student learning. Data helps us respond reasonably, rationally and appropriately,” said Melissa Stadtfeld of SBISD’s Research and Design Team.

    From allocation of resources, to balancing autonomy and accountability, to program evaluation, every aspect of data use in this landscape of nuance and understanding is critical in creating the best outcome for the individual learner.

    “When we look at data we have to remember every data point is a kid,” said Jennifer Collier, principal of Spring Woods High School.

    “When we think about Every Child, that data has names. When we get our state test back – and we talk about kids that didn’t pass – that data has a name. Names of students. That’s why it’s so important to have an understanding of the data and a plan for how to best use it.”

    Where does this plan begin? By asking the right questions.

    Campuses and leaders at all levels are asking critical questions to enhance effective data use. Why are we doing the work? What do we want kids to know? How will we know if they know it? What will we do if they do get it? What will we do if they don’t get it?

    Listening to Spring Woods High School Principal Jennifer Collier talk about how data has influenced action at her campus. It reveals that the ongoing investment in understanding and planning have already yielded positive results both big and small.

    “We have about 600 out of 2,200 kids that are engaged in extracurricular activities,” said Collier. “We started looking at data for the 1,800 kids not in the sports programs. When we looked at the data – attendance, discipline, college-going rate – we recognized challenges,” said Collier.

    Research shows that students involved in one or more extracurricular activities do better academically.

    “We’re asking ourselves what we can do to create connections to the school for all kids. What can we do differently so that they feel empowered and driven to be part of the school community? If they come to school, we can teach and connect with them.”

    Collier’s campus is diving deep into the details by collaborating with key system leaders to develop strategies for data use. Working in tandem with district Academic Performance and Support and Research and Design staffers, Collier and principals around the system are conducting in-depth explorations of how to use data once they have it.

    “Our analysis of data led us to create an intramural sports program. We did a two-week pilot and in that two-week period attendance for this group was higher, reported incidents of discipline were lower, and kids were coming to school excited. All the things we were trying to solve took care of themselves,” she said.

    “That’s just one way we used a little piece of data. We hope to use and see this kind of innovation happen in other ways on campus. Bottom line, it’s about knowing your kids and making the best decisions for the greatest possible outcomes,” said Collier.

    In addition to strategies like the ones Collier uses, more than a dozen leaders throughout the system are leveraging the norm-referenced Measures of Academic Progress, or MAP, assessment to drive and shape their instruction.

    “The thing about MAP is that it adapts to determine skills and shows you what students do know, instead of just what they don’t. Normal standardized testing leaves you simply knowing what students don’t know. With MAP you can actually identify gaps and see a detailed picture of where the student is,” noted Northbrook Middle School Principal Sarah Guerrero.

    “Our primary use of MAP data is focused on supporting literacy and student achievement in reading. We’re using one-on-one student monitoring in conjunction with MAP. MAP helps us test our monitoring and check what we’re on target and serving actual student need.”

    This deeper use of data is having a powerful influence on the student learning experience; it’s creating pride of achievement and a level of empowerment that didn’t exist before.

    “It’s motivating for the kids. I’ve had kids tell me their best class is reading. These are kids that have faced challenges in reading historically. For them to say this lets us know it’s working and empowering for them,” said Guerrero.

    With this increased insight comes increased capacity for educators and students to transform data into action, to collaborate, to learn and to empower each other in the work of supporting growth and achievement.

    “Our job as educators is to effectively respond to that (student) story. It’s all about painting that big picture,” said Collier. “We need to paint our picture using data that is valid, strong, authentic and connected.

    That’s where Stadtfeld’s support as a facilitator in this process is so critical in turning data into action.

    “If we don’t address all of the pieces of the story, then we’re not going to be able to help them to achieve their fullest potential,” she said.

    Principal Collier agrees.

    “As a system, we must have multiple measures to define student growth and student success,” she said. “When we talk about multiple measures, it’s about overlaying data from the day-to-day assessment with those snapshot assessment (STAAR) moments. This combination provides us the ability to analyze the need and develop real solutions.”

    Even in the midst of talking about data points, use of technology, analysis, and strategy, Collier holds fast to what attracts so many great educators to the profession and what keeps her in Spring Branch.

    “I know my commitment to kids. I know my staff’s commitment to kids,” she said. “I know the level to which we’re dedicated to creating great outcomes for every child. I know data is going to help us do that. We must take the time to understand kids and paint the bigger picture to move forward in doing what’s right for kids. That is what this is all about.”

    For more information about SBISD's strategic plan, The Learner's Journey, click here.


    Edible Books Big Hits at Bookworm Festival

    $
    0
    0


    Children’s book authors and illustrators endure a lot of things while touring to support their latest works – noisy children, frigid or sweaty hot auditoriums, a carnival parade of audio or video technical glitches, just to name a few possible issues.

    But at the recent SBISD Bookworm Festival, five children’s authors/illustrators took incredible delight in finding their latest books displayed as edible cakes.

    A highlight for keynote festival speaker Adam Rex and author Varsha Bajaj were the photos they took with student decorated and frosted cakes. Exclaimed Bajaj, who hugged adults and students involved, “I love this!”

    About 50 students in first-year hospitality and tourism classes at Spring Oaks Middle School rose to the occasion after reading the books and then working through ideas and sketches to turn bookish ideas into rich, tasty messages.

    “It looks pretty good for eighth-graders. It looks cute, I think,” said Spring Oaks student Kenya Ocampo, after starting out thinking that the cake for Bajaj’s book, This is Our Baby, Born Today, might not be up to par for a big-time writer.

    Ocampo was one of about 50 students in two hospitality and tourism classes given the challenge of creating a cake to honor and represent books written by festival writers.

    The Jan. 21 book festival included keynote speaker and author-illustrator Adam Rex, who shared his newest picture book, XO, OX. He took many photographs.

    The Spring Oaks students read the books, and then selected and designed cake images that they felt could embody the authors’ works. Students worked really hard in the weeks before the book festival to make completely edible and even sculptural works using the skills they had learned. The cakes were fun, too, but also a team and class project challenge.

    “We all read the book, then we got ideas on how we wanted the cake to look. In our group, we worked together to sketch it out on a piece of paper and then get the ingredients and equipment we’d need to make it,” Ocampo said.

    “I think it’s so amazing that seventh- and eighth-graders created these,” Michele Greenawalt, the hospitality and tourism teacher, said. “Many adults do not have the patience and the problem-solving skills involved to create these cakes. All of the students wanted their cakes to be perfect. I’m really proud of all of them for being so amazing!”


    Greenawalt partnered with school librarian Kari Heitman to adopt a cake-making project to support and collaborate with the school’s literacy initiative. The school librarian was as dazzled by the cakes as the authors, parents and volunteers from across the district who visited the library display.

    Books were sold nearby in the library by staffers from Blue Willow Bookshop, a festival sponsor and longtime district partner.


    “The students did an incredible and amazing thing. In many cases, they captured and illustrated the essence of the book. They all worked hard, and then came up with such creative designs,” Heitman said.

    The morning book festival, held for a fourth year, included encouraging remarks from best-selling authors like Rex about reading, writing and illustrating.

    Rex, in his keynote talk to students and families at the festival event, noted that at 8 years old, he wrote his first original story, titled The Rat That Ate New York. That story had no outline or early drafts, which he used to illustrate how his early habit never died.

    “I still write like I did at age 8,” Rex said. “I don’t plan. I don’t outline. I still make it all up. But the difference now, at 43 years old, is I go back and re-read that story, and I may say, ‘Oh, no! This story is bad.’ So today I go back and write it again and again, and again.”

    “Now I rewrite, and I rewrite, and I rewrite, and that is the difference between me being 8 years old and being 43 years old,” he added, before confiding to the young writers that “all your favorite authors don’t know what they are doing either.”

    Other children’s writers who spoke during festival panel discussions were Adam Lehrhaupt, Heidi Schulz and Mary Sullivan.

    The festival was supported this year with a grant from the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, provided by Phillips 66, and by the Spring Branch Education Foundation. Blue Willow Bookshop provided books.



    Parent U Series - Special Speaker Jennifer Hohman

    $
    0
    0
    SBISD’s Community Relations department teamed up with local community experts and advocates recently to shed light on a growing concern in Houston: human trafficking.

    On Jan. 26, more than 125 parents and staff from across the district turned out for the second Mini Parent U event of the semester to  learn about the dangers and preventive measures families can take to curb local human trafficking. Families were also able to engage with community organizations in the Greater Houston area that focus on this issue. Jennifer Hohman, the main speaker and a grassroots human trafficking advocate, was joined by Elijah Rising and fellow advocate John Clark during the Parent U presentation.

    This special program followed a parent meeting at Memorial High School last fall where hundreds of Mustang parents filled the auditorium to learn more about this same topic. 


    More information about this issue and how families can help can be found at HoustonTexasCAN.com.   

    Spring Branch ISD Seeking Public Input for Instructional Materials

    $
    0
    0
    Spring Branch ISD is seeking public input into the recommendation for the adoption of instructional materials under Proclamation 2017.  The public is invited to view the available materials at The Guthrie Center each school day during the following dates/times:

    Monday, February 13 – Friday, February 24
    9:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.


    The major subject areas in Proclamation 2017 are Languages Other Than English and Career and Technology Education.  

    Adoption Subjects include the following:
    • Spanish
    • French
    • German
    • Latin
    • American Sign Language
    • Career Development
    • Business
    • Agriculture
    • Finance
    • Health Services
    • Hospitality and Tourism
    • Audio Visual
    • Communications
    • Architecture
    • Education and Training
    • Human Services
    • Information Technology
    • Law and Public Service
    • Manufacturing
    • STEM
    • Transportation
    Community input will be shared with the Board of Trustees as they approve the recommendations from the teacher committees.  If you have questions, please contact the Textbook Office at 713-251-1100.


    Texas PTA Rally Day

    $
    0
    0
    By Texas PTA
    January 23, 2017

    February 27, 2017 -
    Rally Day

    A critical difference between PTA and other parent groups is our dedication to advocacy. Public education is our one guarantee for a brighter and better Texas.

    Each legislative session we hear about the need to improve public education, and history shows that following the conclusion of every legislative session, we all express our dissatisfaction with the results and wishing we had done more. By attending Rally Day, we are letting our PTA voices be heard and taking action while decisions are being made rather than afterwards when nothing can be done.

    Attending Rally Day is an investment of your time and resources that, frankly, Texas students cannot afford for us to overlook. See you on the South Steps!

    For more information, visit Texas PTA.

    Full #STEM Ahead with #LimitlessCuriosity

    $
    0
    0


    On a sunny Saturday morning in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD), more than 250 students, parents, educators and community members turned out to experience the power of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Education at SBISD’s Learning Lab Showcase.

    STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into real-world learning applications.

    The Learning Lab was hosted at Westchester Academy for International Studies and coordinated by District Educational Technology and Science and Math Curriculum Area staffers.

    Attendees arrived in groups and moved from station-to-station listening, engaging and participating in hands-on activities. Attendance for the day’s event peaked at more than 250. If shares to the school district’s Twitter account were an indicator, fun was had by those in attendance.

    “I participated on Saturday for several reasons,” said Hunters Creek Elementary School teacher Jessica Wright who brought her Cougar Coder students to the event.  “First, I felt it was important for the students to have the opportunity to share what they have learned with a real world audience. It makes their learning even more authentic and purposeful.”

    The idea for the Learning Lab experience was simple. Bring together learners from all ages and provide fun activities to expose children and adults alike to STEM and inspire the next generation of engineers, technologists, and scientist while hosting a collaborative space for educators to showcase and share instructional practice.

    From interactive robotics playgrounds with coding challenges to hands-on maker spaces for designing catapults and creating circuits, attendees enjoyed the excitement of designing, testing and working through challenges while experiencing firsthand the powerful combination of great teaching and engaging STEM instruction.

    “I love coding so much because of the fact that if you miss only a single letter in your code, you can break the whole thing and having to find where you messed up and fixing it is awesome because when your code finally works it feels amazing,” said fifth-grader Shepherd Scimemi.

    In addition to this range of maker spaces and playgrounds constructed for the event, dynamic poster sessions were presented by top SBISD educators and several outside organizations including industry-specific sessions from Girlstart, RICE, UofH and TAMU

    “As an educator, it was so great to see that there are so many wonderful things going on in our district. As teachers, we don’t get to celebrate and support each other enough. This kind of experience teach us new things. It’s an opportunity for us to support one another and say that your hard work has not gone unnoticed. I think that is so important,” said Wright.

    If Wright has anything to do with it, the Lab’s impact will be a lasting one.

    “Mostly I learned that I needed to step my game up! My coders spent the last two months working on codes for the Wonder League Competition,” she explained.

    “They’ve mostly used Ozobots and Dot and Dash. Today reminded me that there are so many other coding opportunities out there that we need to be taking advantage of. I can’t wait for them to get their hands on Little Bits. That, to me, will be one of the coolest experiences to create for them.”

    Over the next few weeks, she plans to work with her students to perfect their coding skills as they prepare for participation in the Wonder League.

    Student coders programming Dot and Dash Coding Robots
    Wonder, creators of the Dot and Dash coding robots, created the league competition to further encourage students to code. The Dot and Dash coding robots are used in classroom instruction, coding camps, and a wide range of instructional applications.

    From the sound of it, Wright’s students don’t need much-added encouragement to want to code.

    “I like coding because I can get a challenge and it is fun to try and solve. And I also liked doing coding with friends, because you can think of new ways to make codes,” said fifth-grader Lexy Whitefield.

    “Coding helps me to be organized. It also helps me with teamwork and to be able to ask for help, so I don’t have to struggle,” she said.

    Along with building teamwork skills and self-confidence in an increasing collaborative learning environment, coding and other hands-on STEM instruction are helping students learn that failure is an important part of problem-solving.

    Maybe the most important lesson in all this is how Cougar Coder Miles Tucker summed it up. “It helps me to learn and never give up!”

    As Tucker and the other Cougar Coders prepare for code competition with Ms. Wright, this simple statement has big implications for the future, and the coders who are heading into it at full steam with a curiosity and drive that educators in SBISD can only hope is limitless.


    February is Love the Bus Month

    $
    0
    0


    The wheels on the school bus go round thanks to some outstanding individuals know as bus drivers! SBISD is proud of our bus drivers and all they do – every day. As a way to thank this diverse and important group of individuals whose daily support ensures students start and end their school day safely, the American School Bus Council (ASBC) has designated February as Love the Bus Month.

    Love the Bus began in 2007 and is now an annual month-long celebration. Events are held at schools, school bus facilities, and other locations across the country. 

    SBISD’s Transportation Department will recognize bus drivers with a sweet treat of candy-filled buses and special certificates thanking them for their services to our students and community. Annually, school bus drivers safely transport 25 million children to and from school every day!

    So, thank your bus driver this month! Download a free postcard template and share your messages of thanks! 

    Click here to download a postcard template. When you do, share your stories, video, and photos with us @SBISD on Twitter using the hashtag #LovetheBus #SBProud!


    Thank you to all our SBISD Bus Drivers!

    Celebrating National School Counseling Week

    $
    0
    0


    Who helps students organize their class schedules? Who supports students through difficult situations, connecting them with resources and services? Who helps students recognize their potential and their passion – and helps them achieve those goals?

    Let’s hear it for counselors, especially this week – National School Counseling Week, Feb. 6-10. Sponsored by the American School Counselors Association, this nationally celebrated week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve school, career and life success.

    This year's theme – "School Counseling: Helping Students Realize Their Potential"– reminds us of the importance of highlighting the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve school, career and life success.

    What makes counselors so special? 
    For many, counselors embody what it means to be best in challenging times. They are the ultimate cheerleaders. They are persistent. They provide compassion, love, advice, guidance, resources and help to name just a few of the many gifts shared by this inspiring group of individuals. They provide critical resources, counseling, and support for all students, ensuring that each has the support needed to achieve success beyond high school graduation.

    Counselors encourage chasing dreams, choosing careers, and that giving in and giving up are not options. We applaud these individuals for their dedication and for all they do for students, families and community.

    How can you thank a counselor? 
    Why not take up the cause and honor counselors by embracing what they stand for and support? What can you do to help a student realize his or her full potential?

    No matter who you are, you can make a positive impact in the life of a student.

    Be an advocate. Donate a book to your library. Volunteer your time, talent or treasure as an SBISD Good Neighbor.

    Be an advisor. Parents, talk to your student about what he or she wants to study as a career. Read together. Go to a parent-teacher meeting on campus.

    Be a friend.Students, ask your peers if they need help with homework or advice about financial aid for college or what to expect when taking the SAT.

    No matter what you do to celebrate counselors, we hope you will join us in recognizing the powerful and important contribution they  make every day, for every child, in Spring Branch.

    Share your photos and posts on social media with SBISD all month as your celebrate your school counselor using #SBProud #SBISDcounselors.

    Thank you school counselors!


    I Got Carded - A Mentor's Tale

    $
    0
    0
    Mr. Dick Ebling got “Carded” after he retired from his profession as an Optometrist—that is, he was recruited to be a mentor by “the best mentor recruiter ever” at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Mary Card. 

    He couldn’t say “no” any longer and is so glad he and his mentee, Diego, were matched together at Spring Woods Middle School three years ago. Diego is now a sophomore at Spring Woods High School, and he and Mr. Dick meet for lunch every week.

    Mr. Ebling recalled the day he met Diego. What impressed him the most at the time was the seventh-grader's handshake. “I recall taking a class when I was in seventh grade that taught me to always have a firm handshake, not a wimpy one. 

    When I first shook hands with Diego, I was impressed, and felt like this kid has confidence.” Diego also recalls meeting Mr. Dick, and thinking “he was pretty cool.”

    “We are such good friends,” said Mr. Ebling. With a twinkle in his eye, Mr. Ebling continues, “We have not had any struggles in our relationship, although I do challenge Diego to do better in school and about how he spends his free time.” 

    Diego’s wide smile shows that he takes this “advice” in stride, and knows his mentor wants what is best for him. His mother, too, is a strong supporter of Diego’s success, and that of his four other brothers. 

    She has a goal for all her boys to go to college and has offered to take any one of them out to a fine dinner if they bring home straight A’s. Impressing his mentor has also been motivation for Diego to be more engaged in school and get better grades. “I tell him all the time to not settle for C’s and D’s," says Ebling. 

    "More opportunities in life will go your way when you have A’s and B’s on your record,” says the mentor. Diego has this goal in mind as he thinks about his future. “Mr. Dick pushes me to do better, and I want to put in extra effort to go beyond what he is asking of me,” said Diego. 

    This friendly mentee is taking a welding class that has sparked his interest in a possible career and would like to go to college, not only for himself but pleasing his mom and his mentor.

    Mr. Ebling complimented Diego on being very intelligent and a quick learner. “He can do anything when he concentrates and is focused,” said his mentor. This is often the topic of their lunchtime conversations, along with news in the headlines, and “other random topics,” said Diego. 

    Recent conversations about election results and the Super Bowl found them to be of similar opinions. Mr. Ebling volunteers as a teacher in a drug and alcohol treatment facility, which also provides conversation fodder for this duo about the dangers of getting involved in additive behaviors. 

    Diego agrees that staying away from temptation is the best plan. He stays healthy by working out to become a better football player for Spring Woods High School, and helps the pole vaulters of the school with their training.

    Advice mentor and mentee have for future participants in the Spring Board Mentoring Program?  “Just try it, and you will like it.” 

    Mr. Ebling adds, “If someone just commits to mentor for one year, they will be hooked as I am.” Diego adding, “Having someone to talk to who you can trust is great. It does help.” 

    Diego’s mom once made Mr. Ebling a t-shirt that read, “World’s Greatest Mentor.”  Diego certainly thinks so and looks forward to staying friends with Mr. Dick through to graduation and beyond. That’s what happens when you get “Carded.”

    Viewing all 1166 articles
    Browse latest View live