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Spring Branch Education Foundation aims for success and honors students

February 8, 2017, 12:32 pm
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Take aim for SBEF Event
Doug Goodson and Rob Stewart, co-chairs of SBEF’s fifth annual Sporting Clay Tournament, are challenging more than 48 teams to win top prizes on Monday, February 20 at the Greater Houston Gun Club. 

Besides bragging rights and prizes, the men are promising great weather, good food and fun fellowship. 

Visit https://sbef.ejoinme.org/sportingclayto register your team of four or join our stellar list of sponsors: Wright Asphalt Product Co., IBI Group – Houston, J. Carter Breed Properties, Lime Instruments, Inc., Stewart Title Houston and Asphalt Transport Inc.

Your neighbors are joining Doug and Rob to plan the day: Debra Aitken, J. Carter Breed, Bill Drennen, Kirk Guilanshah, David Pruitt, Debbie Slack, Warren Sloan and Pat Zadow, along with SBEF Executive Director Cece Thompson and Administrative Assistant Jessica Fogelman.

The tournament raises funds for grants and scholarships for SBISD’s 35,000 students.

Mark your calendar for these events too:

·        April 8 – Golf Classic
·        May 6 – Running for the Arts 5K & ArtFest – Moving to the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum!
·        May 20 – Cookin’ for a Cause

Honor your graduates and support future students
SBEF has the perfect solution for honoring your 5th, 8th and 12th grade graduates. Make a donation in his or her honor to the Fund for the Future Endowment Legacy 2017 program. 

Your Legacy 2017 gift reaches far beyond one student. It assures that all SBISD students, regardless of economic, social or cultural circumstances, will have an opportunity for outstanding education – and that benefits our community, state and nation.

Based on the donation level you choose, your honoree will be recognized in the SBEF annual report, on the SBISD website or on a plaque displayed at your student’s school.

Legacy 2017 recognizes today’s graduates while it funds programs for generations of SBISD students. Fund for the Future Endowment donations are wisely invested, and interest income funds district and campus grants that enhance our students’ quality of education. 

Donations to SBEF’s endowment are not diverted outside our district or used for any purpose other than to enrich education.

To honor your graduates in Legacy 2017, visit https://sbef.ejoinme.org/Legacycampaign by April 13.




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“Pre-3s” Program Pilots at Panda Path

February 10, 2017, 7:56 am
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Teacher Myrna DeLeon’s classroom looks no different than others at Panda Path School for Early Learning, one of SBISD’s prekindergarten centers.

Chairs and tables seem impossibly close to the floor. Shelves are filled with books, toys and lots of bright colors.

Groups of children play at different stations. An aide helps a couple of girls use handprints to decorate valentines, while DeLeon helps several students don aprons for a water-based activity. It’s a scene that’s repeated daily not only at Panda Path but at SBISD’s other preK centers.

But DeLeon’s classroom is not like the others in one fundamental way – her 18 students this afternoon are half of SBISD’s first class of 3-year-olds, part of an SBISD pilot project that puts the younger students in a structured setting to help launch them on their academic careers and future successes.

The first-year teacher couldn’t be happier.

“This is what I love,” she said, looking around her classroom. “I’ve found my dream job.”

The “Pre-3” program launched on Jan. 4 – the first day back from winter break – after being conceived, planned and executed over the fall semester.

Responding to weak enrollment in the 4-year-old program – the traditional starting point for preK – Panda Path Director Sara Hannes and others first went to work trying to round up 4-year-olds for the program, among other methods going door-to-door to physically look for the children.

Panda Path serves primarily the apartment “super block” along Pitner Road between Hollister and Hempstead Highway, where some 16,000 people live in 1,700 or so apartment units. Occupancy rates were strong – 90 percent or better – with no crime waves or other outside disruptions.

But the students weren’t there, puzzling administrators. Executive Director Ricardo Barnes and Laura Abrams of the Spring Branch Family Development Center, which houses Panda Path, found some research suggesting a dip in the birth rate starting in 2011 – a national trend, Barnes said, but one that appears to be stronger among immigrant women and one that he expects will continue.

“There are macro reasons,” Abrams said, “why enrollment is down.”

In SBISD anyway, that’s opened the door for 3-year-olds.

“We’d never had room for both 3- and 4-year-olds,” said Hannes. “Now we do. We turned a negative into a positive.”

The differences in a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old program are subtle but very real, Hannes said. The younger students generally don’t come from a day-care environment and considerable time is spent on “soft skills,” such as sharing with strangers, learning how to ask for things, and routines and procedures they’ll encounter in a classroom.

Using language appropriately is also a focus in the 3-year-old program, Hannes said. Children come from an environment where language is largely “directive” – come here, sit down, listen – and have to learn to hear and use language instructively.

Administrators have something of an advantage finding students through Family U, a program run by the Spring Branch Family Development Center for parents of children ages 0-3, where they learn to more effectively parent. Many of the 3-year-olds attend Family U in the mornings with parents then the afternoon class at Panda Path.

With 35 students now enrolled in the 3-year-old program – 17 in the morning; 18 in the afternoon – and a waiting list of 34, chances are good that a new class will be formed, and soon. And with some 70 students enrolled in the 3-year-old program and around 100 in the 4-year-old program, Panda Path will have 170 students, pushing its all-time peak enrollment of 174 students.

The “Pre-3s” may be piloting at Panda Path but the program might expand to SBISD’s other preK centers this fall, said Sheree Cantrell, SBISD’s Director of Early Childhood.

“I don’t think it’s are a one-year thing,” said Cantrell. “Demographic projections show that (the trend) will continue,” said Cantrell.

Barnes said that SBISD has very innovative in its approach to preK.

“The district was visionary and innovative to capture these students,” he said, “and to do it mid-year, and then expand mid-year. It really speaks well to Spring Branch (ISD).”

SBISD has long operated full-day preK for its 4-year-olds while being reimbursed by the state only for half-day. Cantrell said that the state says districts “must” provide programs for 4-year-olds but “may” provide for 3-year-olds.

The state reimburses for the 3-year-old program, Cantrell said, because it’s a half-day program.

Research consistently shows that early exposure to language increases a child’s ability to read on grade level, which leads to greater academic and post-secondary success. SBISD’s T-2-4 goal is that students complete a technical certificate, military training or a two- or four-year degree.

Cantrell and Hannes wrote the curriculum for the 3-year-old program and helped coordinate support from a number of SBISD departments to make the program ready when students returned to school on Jan. 4, after winter break.

“We met with everybody,” said Cantrell. “This is something that (the district) has always wanted to do … now we can get these kids in here and start closing gaps.”

She said getting 3-year-olds into a structured program will speed up identification of students who need interventions and services such as speech or hearing. “It gives the threes an early start,” Cantrell said.

Hannes especially praised the Panda Path staff for going above and beyond during the planning and opening of the 3-year-old program – from teacher aides volunteering to come in early to receive students to the extra enrollment push to adjusting lunch times slightly to get the required minutes in a school day.

“It’s getting the right people on the bus,” she said. “(Staff was) willing to come in early or stay late … to do what needs to be done.”

Barnes puts it another way.

“Talk about customized supports,” he said, referring to one of the four pillars of SBISD’s strategic plan, The Learner’s Journey. “The school community knew what could be done to make this seamless … everyone here sees what happens when you get behind something and work towards a goal.”

Customized Supports is defined in The Learner’s Journey as “the people, places, partners, programs and processes that provide students, families and staff with personalized resources.”

A vital piece of Spring Branch Family Development Center’s services continuum, Panda Path – and Family U – help build community for the families on Pitner Road.

“The perception is that everyone in the (Pitner) apartments are all friends – but they’re not, and they find each other here,” said Barnes. “Give people some space and purpose, and (community) starts building.”

By Rusty Graham

russell.graham@springbranchisd.com
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Food Drive Illustrates #CollectiveGreatness

February 10, 2017, 8:08 am
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Students Prep Community Campaign Materials for Food Drive


As the city of Houston prepared to host the 2017 Super Bowl Game, three SBISD schools participated in another very important community experience: the Souper Bowl of Caring.

Every year since 1990, the Souper Bowl of Caring has encouraged youth and communities to come together around the time of the big game to help those in need. Students at Bunker Hill, Hunter’s Creek and Shadow Oaks Elementary schools heeded the call this year and challenged their schools and communities to collect food items and donations in the fight against hunger.

Since 2007, SBISD schools have collected over 16,200 food items and 750 pounds of food for the program. While the mission of the Souper Bowl of Caring is a simple one, the experience and lasting impact of the program are complex and powerful.

“Our students selected poverty as a topic they wanted to learn more about and explore ways to be active in supporting those in need,” said Hunters Creek fifth-grade teacher Jessica Murphy.

“My students discovered that poverty is the cause for hunger, homelessness, and job insecurity. They decided to tackle hunger first when the opportunity to participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring was presented,” she recalled.

And tackle it they did. Her students created a full-fledged communications campaign to spread the word and mobilize their peers. The intentional outreach was impactful and impressive.

“Fifth grade created posters, flyers for weekly folders, taught lessons to the younger grades, and went on the announcements to raise awareness about people in a hunger.  We asked for the school’s help so we could help others,” said fifth-grader Morgan Matherne.

With can collections growing on campus, students had tangible proof that initiative and hard work yield results.

“Students learned that if you want to change something you have to go for it. It is important for students to engage in community activities like this because in this world there are people who really need help and it's our job to help them,” said student Isabella Allon.

For Hunters Creek, those results were a total collection of 2,101 items of canned food, a collection exceeding their original goal by 101 canned items. Donations went to East Spring Branch Food Pantry, a food pantry in their school’s attendance zone and a donation likely to directly impact their community.

When asked why making a local impact was important, Hayden Haas was clear it was about driving change.

“We signed up this year for Souper Bowl of Caring because we wanted to make a change for our community,” he said. “The change was to make sure that people have enough healthy food to reach their needs."

Helping students develop this empowered insight and deeper understanding of others and the world is a critical lesson with far-reaching impact in achieving career and life goals from Murphy’s perspective.

“Many hardworking Americans are having a hard time. I think that was the biggest surprise for many of them,” she noted. 

Another lesson learned in this experience? No matter who you are, you can make a difference. “Souper Bowl of Caring is an amazing program. I have learned so much and my school has helped a lot of family's meet their food needs. From fifth grade to kinder, we all can help,” said student Olivia Mafrige.

The combined impact of these students is a testament to #collectivegreatness, one of the school district's Core Values.

“Anytime you give the control over to the students, you learn that they are more compassionate and more capable than we give them credit for. They have done a great job of being advocates for others in our community,” said Murphy as she proudly reflect on her students’ achievement and the power of working together.

For more information about the Souper Bowl of Caring, visit https://souperbowl.org. 


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Art Students Win Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Honors

February 10, 2017, 1:18 pm
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Memorial High School art award winners images

Works of art by 14 Spring Branch ISD elementary, middle and high school students will be displayed soon inside the public Hayloft Gallery at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Last month, SBISD hosted its annual K-12 Rodeo Art Exhibit at the Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum. The district student art exhibit attracted hundreds of students and families for viewing periods, which also included a Rodeo judging session.

SBISD art students awarded Best of Show, Gold Medal or Special Merit by Rodeo judges will have their works displayed in the Hayloft Gallery at NRG Park from March 7-26.

During the Rodeo, several dozen student artworks from across the region will be chosen for Grand Prix judging, a famed art auction which can result in substantial student scholarships.


Left to right:  Memorial High art teacher Marilyn Guerinot, Best in Show award winner Joy Chung, her elementary art teacher Maggi Cummings and her middle school art teacher Ingrid Hooker


District prize winners now headed to the Houston Rodeo for display include:

Best of Show
  • Elementary – Sophia Keith, 2nd grade, Nottingham Elementary, “Rodeo Rockstar”
  • Middle School – Kunyang Li, 8th grade, Memorial Middle, “Checkin’ Out the Truck”
  • High School – Joy Chung, 9th grade, Memorial High, “Morning Drink,” Mixed Medium
Gold Medal
  • Elementary – Lucille Thevoux-Chabuel, 5th grade, “Rearing Horse”
  • Middle School – Alex Choi, 6th grade, “A Day on the Ranch”
  • High School – Chris Song, 11th grade, “All a Girl Needs,” Painting
  • High School – Amy Womac, 12th grade, “The New and the Old,” Colored Drawing
Special MeritAll Special Merits are High School entries
  • Julia Delaney, 12th grade, Memorial High, “Pearls and Goats,” Monochromatic Drawing
  • Ashley Park, 12th grade, Memorial High, “Every Second Counts,” Painting
  • Juwon Yoo, 12th grade, Stratford High, “Beginner’s Luck,” Colored Drawing
  • Azelia Lau, 11th grade, Stratford High, “Kicking Up Dust,” Painting
  • Giboom Park, 11th grade, Stratford High, “Circle of Life,” Colored Drawing
  • Caroline Kroger, 10th grade, Memorial High, “Tio,” Colored Drawing
  • Bokung Jeon, 9th grade, Stratford High, “Striding Through the Water,” Colored Drawing
SBISD art instructors include the following teachers: Jennifer Clouse, Crystal Fiocchi, Beth Garison, Marilyn Guerinot, Lynn Ludlam, Felicia Marshall, Lindsay Ripley and Jane Salinas.
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Best Superintendent-Level Communications Award

February 15, 2017, 10:29 am
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Scott R. Muri, Ed.D.
Spring Branch ISD Superintendent of Schools Scott R. Muri has been named recipient of the 2017 Communication Technology Award for Superintendents by a national school professionals group and a leading technology and educational services firm. The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and Blackboard announced the special national award in partnership on Feb. 14 in an e-newsletter distributed to more than a thousand community relations professionals active and involved in the practice of school public relations and communications across the United States.

The Communication Technology Award for Superintendents recognizes a school leader in a K-12 school system or related function who redefines, upgrades and integrates cutting-edge community technology to improve and expand outreach and engagements with education stakeholders – both internal and external. Congratulations, Dr. Muri!
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Reimagining Classrooms

February 20, 2017, 2:23 pm
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Spring Branch Middle School’s core design team of campus leaders includes (left to right) Associate Superintendent for Academic Performance and Support Tyler Ream, Coordinator of Personalization Patricia Kassir, Spring Branch Middle Principal Bryan Williams and Associate Superintendent for Research and Design Elliott Witney.

Take a moment to think deeply about three crucial education questions:
  • What if all students were prepared to finish high school and inspired to reach their highest ambitions, dreams and goals?
  • What if teaching and learning were tailored especially to fit a student’s individual needs and interests?
  • How might schools and classrooms be redesigned to meet future career and job needs in a high paced, quickly changing world?
At Spring Branch Middle School, an energized group of parents, teachers and administrators have been asking these types of questions and beginning to envision what great educational experiences for students might be.

They’ve been researching, gathering data, formulating and trying out new ideas, and learning from the results. 

Spring Branch ISD is one of only 10 educational organizations across the nation chosen to be a part of an initial group of districts and schools supported in “human-centered design thinking” work by The Collaborative, a school redesign process organization.

The Collaborative is led by the nonprofit Transcend Education organization and the NewSchools Venture Fund (NSVF). Schools joining SBISD and Spring Branch Middle in redesign planning also include KIPP Houston, YES Prep, Tulsa, Okla., and District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) public schools, among others.  

Spring Branch Middle School’s core design team of campus leaders, teachers and parents is about half way through a highly detailed and deeply resourced effort that might result in a classroom-level pilot program or project in the months ahead.

The SBISD middle school joined The Collaborative’s initial choices for review and development of new school models or program. Spring Branch Middle was joined by KIPP Houston, Yes Prep, Tulsa and District of Columbia (D.C.) public schools, among others named in the first-year focus and redesign efforts being conducted nationwide.

Transcend Education helps provide design and implementation support. This group’s work at Spring Branch Middle is part of a broader effort across the district to reimagine and redesign the traditional classroom through innovation.

Innovation examples across SBISD include two Vanguard teaching cohorts, Summit Schools classrooms at two campuses, possible implementation of the Teach-to-One Math platform at three middle schools, and ongoing, targeted work to improve our academic performance and teacher development.



As indicated in the district’s Strategic Plan, SBISD has a goal to strategically and intentionally support its schools as they move toward a more personalized learning approach for students.

Through a generous NSVF financial gift, Spring Branch Middle Principal Bryan Williams and several SBISD leaders took part in learning visits last year to a variety of innovative schools across the country.

Led by Transcend team members, the Spring Branch leaders studied compelling and effective approaches to learning and gained ideas about school design. Rob Strain, who was a founding Transcend team member, works closely today with Spring Branch Middle’s redesign team as a “thought partner.”

“As educators, we all read about these ideas in theory, but it’s being applied today, and schools across the country are already doing things for kids focused on personalized learning,” Principal Williams said after his September 2016 tour of redesigned schools. “My take away from the trip was, ‘Wow! All this theory is real work that is being done with students today.’”

At the heart of the “design thinking” and school redesign movement reflected in this work is an understanding and belief that the current model of schools is the legacy of a system created for addressing the shift from an agrarian system to an industrial society, or what is often described as the “factory model” of schooling – teachers up front and center, students sitting in desks.

While an industrial model of education has worked for some students, not all students under an industrial model have reached their fullest potential. Our rapidly changing world is creating new economic opportunities, and we know that the job market of the future will look quite different from today’s working environment.

In education, models of learning throughout the nation are trying to reimagine their design and function so that they develop students who not only reach their highest ambitions, but also are able to compete in this predicted world of rapid change. 

“Spring Branch Middle School represents our district at large: We have a rich history, incredible educators, and a lot of powerful learning for students,” Principal Williams told his parents early this school year. “We also have a real distance to go to truly serve every student and to ensure that our graduates are set up for a rapidly changing future. I see this opportunity as one that invites us to understand the nuances of that need and really think boldly about what is possible right here on our campus and, more broadly, in our district.”

Last September, Spring Branch Middle formed a Core Design Team that included five teachers, three parents and campus administrators. During October and November, the group reviewed and discussed student and family aspirations as well as current practices and experiences. The group also reflected on student needs for future success in academics and life, and conducted student interviews to help shed light on needs and aspirations.

“Our first charge as a group was to deeply listen – to spend time with different members of our community, in particular our students, to better understand aspirations as well as their current reality,” Principal Williams said.

Insights gained through this interview and listening process were used to zero in on and to think about and “imagine” solutions involving possible classroom or program redesigns. In short, how might current reality evolve to better develop student aspirations?

“I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to reimagine what the school day could look like for our students,” said parent and Transcend team member Suzanne Stiles, who now serves as SBISD PTA Council president.

“Rob Strain with Transcend and Principal Williams have done a fabulous job leading us through the process. At the beginning, it seemed like we were trying to tackle this huge unknown thing. As each meeting has gone by, we really see the progress that has been made,” she said.

Stiles is former PTA president at Spring Branch Middle. She also serves on the executive board of the Spring Branch Education Foundation.

Teachers have provided amazing insights and are dedicated to the project and process, Stiles adds, ranging from huge meeting time requirements to testing new ideas in their classrooms. “We really do have great teachers at Spring Branch Middle School!” she exclaims.

Stiles and middle school educator Michelle Easto, a team member, said that the process takes pride in its inclusiveness, listening skills, and ability to think about the wants and needs of all.

“The redesign process has provided us a new way to look at change,” Easto said. “I appreciate the fact that it begins with empathy, a genuine way to gain input from all stakeholders. It has provided us a way to focus in on the needs of our students in a logical and a well-thought out manner. What we hope to gain from the experience could result in great change for students, and I’m excited to be a part of that change!”

Students, parents and faculty are constantly updated and queried, Stiles said. The process has seemed difficult at times “because this kind of thinking forces you to imagine what you have been taught to not imagine.”

“We are not trying to change everything, but trying to reimagine what is already taking place. That means from the time kids arrive at school – Where do they go? What do they do? Could we have better areas for them to socialize in? – to what does lunch look like, how might such time be better used, what do students want to do with that time?” Stiles said rhetorically.

Teacher time and collaboration are among other weighty design process topics the group has tackled, alongside student needs. 

In recent months, the group has focused on solving key student needs and researching designs that might be applied to a Spring Branch Middle pilot project. The design group is expecting an initial prototype, or pilot, to be defined and perhaps tested on a small scale later this spring. In the “design thinking” environment, prototype ideas are often shared and adjusted, or iterated, over a short period of time to help drive positive results and create the best outcome possible.

“There are so many opportunities. It is really exciting and so positive for Spring Branch Middle School and for SBISD,” Stiles said. “I have really loved being on this design team, and there are so many super smart people on the team. We are very blessed in SBISD!”

Principal Williams praises the Transcend Education model of aiming high on educational goals and solutions, and asking a piercing question: “With no parameters or restraints, what kind of school would we want to design for our kids?”

At Spring Branch Middle, one answer to that question may be shared soon.

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Young Professionals Group Supports Literacy at Treasure Forest Elementary

February 23, 2017, 10:57 am
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Earlier this month, 100 Treasure Forest third- graders joined members of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Young Professionals Group (YPG) to celebrate the start of a new partnership designed to support literacy initiatives at the school.

In their introductions to the Treasure Forest students, YPG members spoke about their excitement to work with students inside their classrooms, at school-wide events and in literacy mentoring relationships to help foster a lifelong love of reading.

YPG members delivered an interactive read aloud of the book Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, encouraging student participation in sound effects that corresponded with the storyline. The YPG culminated the morning by delivering boxes of school supplies and books with individualized bookmarks they had created for each third-grade student.

The YPG is a part of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for Houstonians of all ages through the power of literacy. The group, formed in 2014 to engage the next generation of Houston’s leaders in the literacy cause, is comprised of a community of individuals who are service-minded and eager to make an impact in our city, especially through youth literacy.

Treasure Forest Principal Aaron Dominguez thanked the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and the YPG for their commitment to his students, noting the “beginning of what will be a life changing partnership for our community. When we provide an exceptional education to our scholars, it not only impacts their lives but the lives of our scholars’ parents and future children,” Dominguez said.
  
Sarah Miorin, YPG Partnerships Chair, is grateful for the opportunity for their members to become a part of the TFE community. "We are so thankful that Spring Branch ISD and Principal Domginuez have given us the opportunity to join the Treasure Forest Elementary community in supporting their students' literacy endeavors. As a YPG, our mission is to read, lead and serve in the Houston community and we look forward to sharing our passion for literacy with these incredible students who we will get to read and spend time with through this exciting partnership."

In March, the YPG will return to Treasure Forest to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and National Read Aloud month by serving as guest readers in third- grade classrooms. Other planned partnership initiatives include a literacy mentoring program, efforts to build home libraries for students and volunteer support of various campus-wide events, such as the school’s April carnival. 
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Calling all artists for Running for the Arts 5K & ArtFest

February 23, 2017, 11:03 am
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Artists and artisans, no matter your age or media, Spring Branch Education Foundation wants you to be part of Running for the Arts 5K & (inaugural) ArtFest. You’re invited to be part of an art auction and display or sell your work as a vendor on Saturday, May 6, at 901 Yorkchester. More than 2,000 runners and hundreds of families are expected to participate in the event.

“It might sound unusual to use the terms inaugural and 25th anniversary for the same event,” says Cece Thompson, executive director of Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF), which has hosted Running for the Arts since its inception. “RFA has been an anticipated community event for more than two decades. Now, working closely with the museum, for the first time, we are growing it into an art festival as well.”

In addition to the 5k run, 5k walk and Kids 1K, the event will include a silent art auction, art and artisan vendors, live entertainment, games, street painting and food trucks. More than 100 vendors are expected to take part.

“We are thrilled to work with SBEF to host Running for the Arts 5K & ArtFest,” says Leann Newton, co-curator of the museum. “Our community is home to so many wonderful artists. This is an opportunity for them to show and sell their works in a fun community setting.”

As part of the celebration, AYAM will host an art auction the week prior to the run and culminate at the event. Local artists who donate to the auction will showcase their works to the public within the museum setting. All media of quality art and design are welcome. Submission and release forms are available by emailing leann.ayam@yahoo.com. 

Forms must be submitted by March 31, and all items must be delivered to the museum by April 7.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the museum. Art donations are made through Spring Branch Education Foundation and are tax deductible.

Criteria for donated art work:
  • Quality hand-crafted work
  • School-age appropriate subject matter
  • Presentation ready (matted, framed, finished, clean, sturdy)
  • Display props labeled and reclaimed after auction
  • Sturdy enough to handle and move
  • Running for the Arts5K & ArtFest documentation and release form attached
  • Donations become the property of AYAM/SBISD and will not be returned
Artists, artisans and art-related vendors are invited to participate in the ArtFest vendor marketplace. Visit www.runningforthearts.comto learn more about the juried show and to download a vendor application.

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

At a glance:
To donate to the art auction, email leann.ayam@yahoo.com.
To register for the run/walk or as a vendor, visit www.runningforthearts.com.

SBEF reschedules Sporting Clay Tournament

Spring Branch Education Foundation has rescheduled its fifth annual Sporting Clay Tournament to Monday, May 8.

“We had hoped for a sunny day on Feb. 20, our original date. We got a steady rain instead,” says SBEF Executive Director Cece Thompson. “But there’s a bright side for the community. We have a few team spots available. Weather permitting, we can promise a great day!”

Sporting Clay co-chairs Doug Goodson and Rob Stewart are anticipating 48 teams at the Greater Houston Gun Club. 

Visit https://sbef.ejoinme.org/sportingclayto register a team of four. The event raises funds for grants and scholarships for Spring Branch ISD’s 35,000 students. 


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District Pushing School Finance Reform, Accountability at Legislature

February 23, 2017, 12:49 pm
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As the 85th Texas Legislature approaches the two-month mark of its biennial 140-day session, the SBISD community is actively engaged in keeping its priorities in front of key lawmakers.  SBISD continues to push for reform of the state’s school finance system, which penalizes property-wealthy districts both through recapture and by withholding state funding as property wealth increases. Trustees and community members are active helping legislators understand the significant financial situation in SBISD and the challenges the district will face if nothing is done.


Trustees are also concerned about the state’s A-F rating system for districts and schools. SBISD “wholeheartedly believes in accountability,” says Superintendent Dr. Scott R. Muri, but accountability based not on a single measure but on multiple measures. And as one of the first districts in the state to become a District of Innovation, SBISD is working to protect the opportunities the DoI designation affords.

Media Spotlight: Superintendent's Message (2/2017)



Click here to view this message on our video channel. (SBISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Scott Muri, discussing A-F ratings and the work taking place in Austin impacting public education in Texas.)


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Clemens Urges SWHS Athletes to Stay Strong Mentally

February 23, 2017, 2:11 pm
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Roger Clemens knows about being physical.

The seven-time Cy Young award winner intimidated batters throughout his 24-year major league career, winning a couple of World Series along the way.

But the 1980 Spring Woods High School graduate told athletes at his alma mater last week that it’s the mental part of a game that separates elite athletes from the rest.

“There are only 650 players in the world who can compete at that level,” Clemens said of Major League Baseball. “If you can’t retain information, you’ll be out of the league.”

Or as the late great Yogi Berra once put it: “Ninety percent of the game is 50 percent mental.”

Clemens said that as an athlete you need to work on your strengths, but you have to work harder on your weaknesses. “It doesn’t take any talent to hustle,” he said.

Long known as a workout warrior, Clemens could often be found in the training room, either making himself stronger physically or getting himself ready for his next start. But even more important, he said, is the mind game of professional sports.

“Mentally, I got you,” he said. “Most people can’t handle the high rate of failure in professional athletics. You’re going to fail a lot as a professional athlete.”

Another part of the mental game is keeping your emotions in check; he said he lost control about five times over his 24-year career. “I’m embarrassed … but I care (about teammates and winning),” he said.

Wearing a gold baseball cap emblazoned with a script “SW” logo on the front (“Let’s do this right,” he’d said while donning the cap before walking on stage), Clemens spoke and took questions for about 45 minutes on Friday, Feb. 17.

He was brought back to Spring Woods by the PTA, which constantly looks for ways to build parent networks between the PTA and the Athletic Booster Club, said Spring Woods High PTA President Theresa Rivera.

“Roger Clemens, a graduate of Spring Woods, has a heartwarming story coming from a single-parent home that many of our students can relate to,” Rivera said. “Who better than him to come and speak to our athletes about his journey that started at Spring Woods High School?”

Clemens played for longtime Spring Woods baseball skipper Charlie Maiorana, who Clemens said was a “great coach but a better teacher.” He added Wayne Graham, Rice University baseball coach who was Clemens’ coach at San Jacinto College, and Cliff Gustafson at the University of Texas as important male figures in his life.

His dad died of a heart attack when he was 9, he said, and his mother worked three jobs so he could have nice equipment while pursuing athletics. He was a three-sport letterman at Spring Woods, playing football, baseball and basketball.

Jimmy McNeil, one of Clemen’s football coaches at Spring Woods, said he thought Clemens was a better at football than baseball in those days. Clemens himself admitted that he might have been better at football but he “always thought I had a shot” at baseball.

Clemens played baseball at San Jacinto College then the University of Texas after leaving Spring Woods, foregoing a professional contract until drafted 19th overall by the Boston Red Sox in 1983. He played for the Red Sox, the Toronto Blue Jays, the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros over the course of his professional career. He played in six World Series, winning two with the Yankees in 1999 and 2000.

He told Spring Woods students that his life and fame as a professional baseball player has afforded him financial security and has given him access to any number of celebrities. He’s been friends with former president George H. W. Bush since his Spring Woods days. He’s appeared in several movies, in several episodes of the television show “Arliss” and in television commercials (“I was zestfully clean for a couple of years,” he said).

But other than his family, Clemens said the highlight of his life was being asked to go to the Middle East to support U.S. troops prior to the invasion of Iraq.

“I was blown away,” he told the Spring Woods students. “Those men and women weren’t much older that you guys … the last group, about 4,000 or so, were going into battle first. “I couldn’t believe the energy they had.”

“Out of all the celebrities I’ve met, it pales when going to the Middle East and seeing our troops,” he said. “I have total respect for those guys.” He implored students to always thank military members, law enforcement and firefighters when presented the opportunity.

Clemens said there will be plenty of days when you’re tired, or having relationship problems, or family or money issues, but set those aside and keep working hard.

“We’ve all got (problems,” he said. “You just have to deal with (them). Talk with teachers or other caring adults. Get to know them.”

And do your school work, he said.

“Get your work done in the classroom,” Clemens said, “so you can represent the Tigers well.”

By Rusty Graham

russell.graham@springbranchisd.com
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SBISD Principals of the Year Named

February 24, 2017, 6:08 am
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Elementary Principal of the Year - Sherwood Elementary Principal Stefanie Spencer

Secondary Principal of the Year  - Spring Branch Middle Principal Bryan Williams
Sherwood Elementary Principal Stefanie Spencer and Spring Branch Middle Principal Bryan Williams have been named Spring Branch ISD’s Elementary and Secondary Principals of the Year. The two leader recognitions were revealed during surprise visits by district leaders.

Principal Spencer was surprised early Monday morning, Feb. 13, at her local campus. At Spring Branch Middle School, Superintendent Scott R. Muri, Ed.D., shared the good news about their principal with students and staff during morning announcements. Joining Dr. Muri were senior staff from the nearby district administration building.

Both SBISD principals will be honored soon during the Principal Recognition Dinner sponsored by the Region 4 Education Service Center. The principals will also be honored at SBISD Service Awards, which will be celebrated in early May. District Teachers of the Year are named at the Service Awards, too.

SBISD Principals of the Year are selected by their peers based on the following criteria:
  • Concern for all staff and students and the ability to inspire both of these groups
  • Ability and willingness to work cooperatively with all staff and administrators
  • Proven drive to initiate and implement effective strategies supporting continuous improvement in student performance
  • Ability to work with diverse community groups and all district stakeholders
  • Proven desire for continuous personal and professional growth
  • Ability and willingness to make meaningful contributions to education
Among other accomplishments, both Principals Spencer and Williams were participants in the 2015 Rice Educational Entrepreneurship Program (REEP) Business Fellowship. REEP provides a comprehensive management and entrepreneurship experience to area education leaders that improves the delivery of education and student outcomes.




Stefanie Spencer, Sherwood Elementary School

“I am just so honored and shocked,” said Principal Spencer after her surprise recognition. “The elementary principal group in SBISD is such a fantastic group of lead learners. To even work or be employed with them is an honor. I learn something from one of my colleagues every single day.”

The Principal of the Year award, she added, “really honors the relationships and support we give one and another.” It is essential to share her honor with Sherwood Elementary family –students, teachers, parents and community, she also said.

Sherwood Elementary principal since 2009, Principal Spencer has served in public education for 21 years, including more than a dozen years as an administrator. She earned both a bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University in College Station.

Among other career honors, Principal Spencer served in 2000 as an intern for National Teacher of the Year, Terry Dozier, at the U.S. Department of Education based in Washington, D.C. Dozier headed up the National Teacher Quality Initiative, which studied teacher training, certification, retention and preparation among the 50 states, and later presented findings to then-Secretary of Education Richard Riley. Spencer communicated with each state’s education agency to help gather and prepare those findings.

In addition to her SBISD service and leadership, Principal Spencer was employed as an assistant principal in Pearland and Alief ISD, and served as a principal in Goose Creek ISD.

She attributes her Sherwood success to a strong network of support within SBISD in the form of parent and community partnerships with Klotz Associates, Family Point Resources, Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM), and Pines Presbyterian, Chapelwood United Methodist and Christ Community area churches. In addition, the Sherwood Elementary PTA is always thinking of new ways to provide support and energy the community, as does Sherwood’s Council of PTAs Sister School, Rummel Creek Elementary.

Sherwood Elementary is one of several SBISD schools located in neighborhoods that are rapidly redeveloping and adding potential new families with students. 

Her elementary school can’t be defined by a single, state-issued letter grade, or by a one-time measure, Principal Spencer said. More than ever, everyone – teachers, principals, families and communities – must be advocates for positive education growth and change, she adds.

“At Sherwood,” she said, “I define success by multiple measures – the engagement of our community, the kindness and leadership my students are learning to employ within our school community and beyond, their academic gains as measured by a variety of metrics, and the increased collaboration and risk taking I am seeing my staff demonstrate in their own professional learning. All these pieces are critical attributes of a successful school.”

“We will need to be better in our work, each and every day . . .  the good news is that educators are better at their work than they’ve ever been. Be brave about the work ahead, resilient in facing the challenges, and never stop advocating for those you represent,” she said.

Principal Spencer has big hopes for SBISD’s strategic plan, known as The Learner’s Journey, and its goal of personalization for all students. Personalized learning requires “a ton of work and a ton of mind shifting,” but she believes “it is moving the needle that much further toward doing what is right by kids.”

Bryan Williams, Spring Branch Middle

Spring Branch Middle Principal Bryan Williams said he is honored that his colleagues selected him to represent SBISD as its secondary Principal of the Year. “I feel humbled, I feel surprised, and I am in awe,” he said after Dr. Muri announced his latest honor during Feb. 13’s morning student announcements.

He credits his recent success to the entire Spring Branch Middle School team – teachers, staff, parents and community partners.

“I have been taught and firmly believe that there is no ‘I’ in team,” he said. “I define success as having a positive impact on student learning and student achievement, and ensuring that all of our students are prepared academically, socially and emotionally.”

“I also define success as inspiring our teachers to believe that what they do really matters and the work they do – day in and day out – really makes a difference in the lives of students they touch,” he also said.

In 2016, Principal Williams was recognized by the Austin-based educational partnership, Raise Your Hand Texas, after being chosen as one of 95 principals from across Texas for a leadership program sponsored by the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

He attended the weeklong National Institute for Urban School Leaders held at the Cambridge-, Mass., based graduate school last June. He was chosen after a rigorous, months-long interview process.

Earlier this year, Spring Branch Middle was selected as one of only 10 educational sites across the nation to join a first-year effort to rethink and reimagine what the form and content of the current classroom might be. “I’m excited about the work our school’s design team is exploring to create positive outcomes for all students,” the principal said.

As part of “human-centered design thinking” work sponsored by a redesign group called The Collaborative, Spring Branch Middle may test new options for the classroom, or pilot student programs, later this spring. The design process is supported through nonprofit funding.

Spring Branch Middle leader for six years now, Principal Williams was also an assistant principal at Spring Oaks Middle School. He has taught in Aldine ISD and Kansas City, Mo., schools, and he has also worked in his career as a family support specialist and coordinator.

He earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Houston, and received his master’s degree in educational administration and an educational specialist degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Park University, located in Parkville, Mo.

A big-time believer in the Golden Rule’s “Treat others the way you would like to be treated,” he is an optimist, especially when it comes to all things Spring Branch Middle School. “I continue to look forward to creating a positive and healthy school culture and climate where all students at Spring Branch Middle experience success,” he said.

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Trustee Election Set for Saturday, May 6

February 24, 2017, 7:19 am
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The next election for two positions on the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled for Saturday, May 6. 

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.

Klam, 43, is a pastor and is unopposed for Position 1. Klam was appointed to the seat in June of last year after the resignation of Wayne Schaper Sr.

Gonzalez, 41, who lists her occupation as director, will face Mary Curry Mettenbrink, 37, a non-profit executive, for Position 2. Gonzalez was appointed in 2011 after the resignation of Mary Grace Landrum and has twice been elected to the seat.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, May 6. 

Voters cast ballots at their zoned middle school. 

Click below for a list of polling place. 
https://cms.springbranchisd.com/trustees/Home/Elections

Click below if you’re unsure of your polling place. 
https://www.springbranchisd.com/pdfs/sbisd_voting_locations_2016.pdf

Early voting will be open on April 24 and run through May 2. 

Click below for early voting locations. 
https://cms.springbranchisd.com/trustees/Home/Elections

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
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Spring Branch Middle Student Named Finalist in People's Choice Art Contest

February 24, 2017, 7:36 am
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Congratulations to Spring Branch Middle School eighth-grader Kellen Kroger on being named a finalist in the Bayou City Art Festival’s 2017 Direct Energy Middle School Art Competition People’s Choice Awards! 

We’re #SBProud that one of our own Spring Branch Bears was among the 30 finalists! This year’s competition was fierce with over 320 student entries.

“I am always amazed at Kellen’s dedication to her projects. She is a risk-taker and challenges herself to create authentic pieces of art," said her art teacher Elisa Barry. 

"Seeing her honored and recognized for her talent is so gratifying. I’m so proud of her,” said Barry.

Kellen’s artwork, along with the other 29 finalists, will be on display at the Bayou City Art Festival in Memorial Park on March 24-26. Make sure to mark your calendar for the celebration. 

Between now and then, go online and show your #SBPride by voting for Kellen’s artwork. One winner will be named the People’s Choice Winner on March 26 at the festival. 

Online voting is active through March 15, 2017.

The student art competition is supported in partnership by the Art Colony Association and Bayou City Art Festival. Spring Street Studios held a viewing of all 320 pieces of student artwork. 

Photos can be viewed from the link below: 

Thank you to Direct Energy, the Art Colony Association, and the Bayou City Art Festival for supporting our students. We look forward to seeing everyone at the festival next month!

For more information, visit the Art Colony Association’s Education page on their website: http://www.artcolonyassociation.org/education




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Founders Day Honors Middle School Social Worker

February 24, 2017, 8:28 am
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Left to right:  Suzanne Stiles, president of Spring Branch ISD Council of PTAs, and School Bell award winner Lourdes Jimenez
A Spring Forest Middle School staff member who is employed with Communities in Schools (CIS) was named recently as the School Bell Award winner during the annual Founders Day Dinner. The year’s celebration was held Feb. 16 at Rummel Creek Elementary School.

School Bell award winner Lourdes Jimenez, a social worker with Communities in Schools at Spring Forest Middle, wears blue jeans and has worn a purple streak in her hair. Kids flock to Ms. Jimenez and her aura of calmness and acceptance.

“Lourdes Jimenez does whatever it takes, regardless of time, resources and money, to help children and families in our community. She truly has the biggest heart of any person you have ever encountered, and she is described by parents, teachers, community members and administrators alike as an angel,” her nomination states.

“Ms. Jimenez goes above and beyond to find and reach any child that needs help, whether the issue is emotional, social or academic,” it also states. 

Sponsored by the Spring Branch ISD Council of PTAs, the annual Founders Day dinner honors and recognizes parent volunteers who serve on campus or district PTA organizations, parents who have served campus PTAs for many years, and local educators who are nominated for the top School Bell Award.



The SBISD Council of PTAs represents more than 10,000 parents locally. It is an active and key grassroots group supporting the ongoing excellence and vitality of SBISD schools.

Founders Day is celebrated in memory of a February 1897 meeting in Washington, D.C., marking the first meeting of the Parent Teacher Association ever held in the United States.

The Feb. 16 dinner included keynote remarks by Superintendent of Schools Scott R. Muri, Ed.D. The Rummel Creek Elementary Choir and Fiddlers also provided special event entertainment.

SBISD Council of PTAs leaders who provided program support included Suzanne Stiles, president; Susan Wienert, vice president, programs; and Tammy Hampton, awards chair.

The Founders Day Dinner was made possible through support from campus and local business groups: Rummel Creek Elementary; Caliente Restaurant; Nothing Bundt Cake; Hudella Real Estate; Bel’s Bakes; First Community Credit Union; Randall’s Grocery Store; and Hand and Stone Massage.

2016-2017 School Bell Nominees

School Bell Award nominees represent outstanding SBISD staff members who promote the purposes of the PTA and advocate for all children.

Wendy Franco, Bendwood Elementary
Claudia Puente, Bunker Hill Elementary
Tobey Unrath, Buffalo Creek Elementary
Sarah Warren, Cedar Brook Elementary
Bill Burger, Cornerstone Academy
Laura Whitnel, Frostwood Elementary
Delia Dunavin, Hunters Creek Elementary
Jessica Leonard, Meadow Wood Elementary
Gianina Dixon, Memorial Drive Elementary
Rebecca New, Memorial High School
Liz Rushing, Memorial Middle School
Stacey Zubair, Nottingham Elementary
Dominga Herrera-Fernandez, Northbrook Middle
Sharon Cates, Pine Shadows Elementary
Erin Hiner, Rummel Creek Elementary
Carmen Cordova, Sherwood Elementary
Marta Petraglia, Spring Branch Middle School
Lourdes Jimenez, Spring Forest Middle School
Maria Luna, Spring Shadows Elementary
Horacio Fernandez, Spring Woods High School
Max Ayala, Spring Woods Middle School
Carol Salva, Stratford High School
Rosie Jones, Terrace Elementary
Tuoi Robichaux, Tiger Trail School for Early Learning
Erin Mills, Valley Oaks Elementary
Eliana Razo, Westchester Academy for International Studies
Jennifer Franson, Wilchester Elementary
Deneen Stanfield, Woodview Elementary

2015-2016 Texas PTA Lifetime Members

Lifetime Member Award recipients are selected by school PTAs and represent outstanding volunteers or educators who give generously of their time, expertise and enthusiasm.

The Council of PTAs’ Honorary Life Member Awards are given to all outstanding volunteers who work to improve the lives of all SBISD students by involvement in the PTA council.

Elementary Schools

Bendwood Campus: Delyar Pace

Bunker Hill Elementary: Kelly Basham, Shannon Childress, Amanda Davison, Rebecca Howard, Lori Maddox, Katie Moses, Sheila Smith, Adam Stiles, Suzanne Stiles, Megan Uzick

Cornerstone Academy: Danielle Allen, Linda Baker, Melinda Feeney, Katie Fitzpatrick, Robin Tompkins

Frostwood Elementary: Dayna Beardsley, Suzanne Farrow, Lisa Lauter, Kristi Robishaw, Janice Teske, Christy Engvall, Rick Carr, Dean Lane

Hollibrook Elementary: Laura Flores, Veronica Flores, Marisela Gonzalez, Maria Torres

Hunters Creek Elementary: Nan Chandler, Kimberly Conrad, Allyson Glass, Michelle Kelley, Jill Oliver, Pamela Thompson, Katie Wall

Meadow Wood Elementary: Frederick Belledin, Patricia Belledin, Melissa Endicott, Katie Fitzpatrick, Larry Maple

Memorial Drive Elementary: Ginger Butler (Extended Service Award), Toni Listengart, Ricardo Montano (Extended Service Award), Melissa Moss, Monica Muschalik, Roslyn Pittsford

Memorial High School: Susan Hilder, Gary Koch, Lisa Larberg (Extended Service Award), Darla Shirley, Jim Stones (Extended Service Award), Emily Waltman

Memorial Middle School: Cathy Blundell, Ave Duran, Dulce Segovia, Lauren Simpson, Mickie Strait, Stephanie Tippitt, Francine Todes

Nottingham Elementary: Mary Hoffman, Nancy Lancaster, Michelle Pendleton, Maria Thurow

Pine Shadows Elementary: Ashley Harlan, Michelle Morford, Natalie Plavney, Sarah Pollicove

Rummel Creek Elementary: Kris Burk, Mary Kerr, Amy Mahood, Shannon Otermat, Karen Ross (Extended Service Award), Jill Terrell, Francine Todes, Marnie Vandenburg, Pam Wichmann

Sherwood Elementary: Heather Camfield, Kelly Schuler

Spring Branch Middle School: Cathleen Ezanidis, Margaret Sanders, Suzanne Stiles, Merrie Watkins

Spring Forest Middle School: Lori Brown, Susi Hagedon, Kelly Harkins, Kenneth Jones

Spring Woods High School: Theresa Rivera

Stratford High School: Diane Fishman, Scott Kennedy, Gene Rutland, Robin Udstuen, Amy Watkins, Lauren Yonkin

Valley Oaks Elementary: Bruce Burgner, Kim Graham, Lyn Greenwood, Rebecca Kim, Connie Pike, Mary Kay Schuessler, Winnie Youngblood

Wilchester Elementary: Elizabeth Elliott, Leigh Fowler, Christine Gentil, Mimi Hamilton, LaJeana Hardig

SBISD Council of PTAs: Wayne Schafer Sr., Dmel Tatum

Secondary Schools

Academy of Choice, Vutheary Lazo
Cornerstone Academy, Linda Bosworth
District Alternative Education Program (DAEP), Ricardo Concepcion
Guthrie Center for Excellence, Erin Land
Landrum Middle School, Maricela Olivarez
Memorial High School, Stephanie Mosley
Memorial Middle School, Pilar Rivera
Northbrook High School, Jonathan Claydon
Northbrook Middle School, Crystal Nicholas
Spring Branch Middle School, George Ochoa
Spring Forest Middle School, Alissandre Robbins
Spring Oaks Middle School, Edith Lewis
Spring Woods High School, Alicia Maples
Spring Woods Middle School, Anthony Bergstrom
Stratford High School, Suza Sharp
Westchester Academy for International Studies, Daniel Robison

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Thank you for sharing your voice!

February 24, 2017, 9:22 am
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During the month of February, the SBISD Communications team conducted its first communication audit in nearly a decade. The findings will provide actionable data, perceptions and insights into stakeholder satisfaction with the quality of our communications. The findings will inform identified opportunities for continual improvement.

The audit, conducted by national experts in the field of school public relations, included three main components - a secret shopper experience across the school system, a community-wide online survey for internal and external stakeholders, and numerous face-to-face stakeholder feedback sessions.  

The SCOPE® survey tool used in the audit aligns with the National School Public Relations Rubrics of Practice and Suggested Measures and will enable SBISD to benchmark our results against national standards.  

SBISD thanks the 994 employees, 951 parents and 450 community members who responded to the survey, and the more than 100 staff, parents and community members who participated in one-hour focus groups.

Findings of the audit will be presented to the Superintendent, senior staff and SBISD Communications team in early April. 


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H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards Finalist!

February 24, 2017, 10:22 am
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Spring Woods High School chemistry teacher Jamie Flint (left) has been named as a finalist in the 2017 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards competition. Photo courtesy of H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.
Spring Woods High School chemistry teacher Jamie Flint has been named as a finalist in the 2017 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards competition, earning well deserved recognition as one of the best educators in Texas.

On Thursday, Feb. 24, the Spring Woods High teacher was surprised inside her classroom by a team from H-E-B. She is a finalist for H-E-B’s Leadership Award, secondary level, which honors teachers with 10 to 20 years in the classroom.

She was presented with a personal check for $1,000; a separate $1,000 check was given to the high school. H-E-B representatives also presented Flint with balloons, flowers and a specially decorated cake.

Photo courtesy of H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.


Flint, who was the 2012 Secondary Teacher of the Year in Spring Branch ISD, is now in competition on a statewide level for cash awards totaling $430,000 that will be issued to top teachers and principals. Flint and other finalists are invited May 6-7 to Austin to learn if they are big H-E-B winners.

H-E-B’s Excellence in Education is the largest monetary awards program open to educators in Texas, and among the largest such programs in the nation. Teacher nominations are open to H-E-B customers, employees and community members.

Applications must be submitted by nominees, and a team of judges narrows the field for final review. A final judging panel that includes former award winners, administrators, and community and university leaders unaffiliated with teacher and principal finalists, makes final choices on winners.

A 2004 graduate of Texas A&M University at College Station, Flint has taught at Spring Woods High since graduation. In addition to teaching the three levels of chemistry – academic, Pre-Advanced Placement (AP) and AP – she is department co-team leader, a TAKS chemistry tutorial teacher, and an ACTIVboard trainer at the high school.

She has presented at the region, state and national level on her topics of interest in chemistry, teaching and technology, and was in a first cohort of SBISD teachers to “flip” instruction through the use of digital devices and video lectures.

“I like to see success in all my students,” Flint says. “Effective teachers radiate their passion and tell their students that failure is not an option and, if they try hard enough, they will prevail. Every student needs cheering for them.”

Learn more about Jamie Flint >>

To tweet about the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, tag @HEB and use the hashtag #HEBEeducation. You can also find the awards on Facebook.
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Northbrook High School Firefighter Cadets Find Calling, Passion

February 24, 2017, 10:23 am
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Daniel Rodriguez likes helping people.

The Northbrook High School senior likes helping people so much, in fact, that he spent his entire winter break at the Jersey Village Fire Department (JVFD), riding along on emergency calls and helping out where he could.

OK – he didn’t really spend his entire winter break at the fire station. He did go home for four hours on Christmas Day to spend some time with his family.

But Rodriguez and several of his Northbrook High colleagues are serious about firefighting as a career, and are in training at Northbrook High and JVFD. Students – instructor Ken Dies calls them cadets – who successfully complete the academic and practical work and then pass state certification tests will be eligible to hired as firefighters – right out of high school.

“I don’t even look at them as high school kids,” Dies said. “They have to show they’re upping their game.”




Dies, a retired firefighter who wrote the curriculum for the high school fire academy, was hired at Northbrook several years ago to teach engineering. He and SBISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director Joe Kolenda had talked about the possibility of a fire academy.

They got with Northbrook High Principal Randolph Adami, who carved out some space near the woodworking area and started the program in the fall of 2015.

Dies needed a department to partner with and found Jersey Village Fire Department, which already had a Junior Firefighter program and that mirrored what Dies wanted to do.

“It’s a small enough department … but large enough to accommodate our students,” Dies said. “Chief (Mark) Bitz really went above and beyond.”

Bitz said that he thinks its “awesome” working with the high school cadets.

“We help kids who are disadvantaged … to get a job in a career” like firefighting, Bitz said. “It’s just a great program, for them and us.”

Principal Adami agrees.

“(The academy) provides students with an excellent opportunity for a career right out of high school,” he said, referencing SBISD’s T-2-4 goal, which looks for every SBISD students to complete a technical certificate, military training or a two- or four-year degree. “It’s a great option for someone that a traditional four-year school isn’t right for.”

Students have to maintain standards just like any fire cadet, and also must keep up their grades to participate in the academy.

“It’s ‘no pass no play’,” said Bitz. “That’s part of the rules.”



Back at Northbrook High, Rodriguez and fellow cadets Roland Royce, Gerardo Espinoza and Stephanie Luna have just finished a timed “bunker” drill, where they dress out in protective gear and breathing apparatus. Standing outside the shop area, they talk about their passion and dedication to firefighting.

Luna became interested in firefighting after watching firefighters work a fire at her apartment complex and saw only one female. “I thought ‘they’re needs to be more females’” in the fire service, she said.

Royce likes firefighting because he can be financially secure and help people at the same time.

“Every time the alarm goes off, somebody’s having a bad day,” he said.

Espinoza appreciates that the academy offers both classroom training and hands-on experience. “A lot of people don’t have both,” he said.

Espinoza, who said he’s been on more than 300 calls with Jersey Village firefighters, tells a visitor that he’s found his passion.

“Man, I love this job.”

By Rusty Graham

russell.graham@springbranchisd.com
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Spring Branch ISD FFA Pavilion Dedication

February 24, 2017, 12:53 pm
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This year’s yearly Spring Branch ISD FFA Show and Sale had a pre-event ceremony that spotlighted a two-year community project led by district FFA graduate Ben Johnson.

Johnson, now a Texas A&M sophomore majoring in agricultural leadership and development, hosted a celebration marking the completion of an open-air, covered learning pavilion at the district Ag Center, located at 1905 Brittmoore.

Several dozen special guests gathered Feb. 11 at the 30-foot by 60-foot pavilion built next to the FFA show center and chapter garden for the dedication.

Johnson’s project, which included raising funds and construction, was part of the ambitious project commitment the young FFA student made after being selected in high school as a Texas FFA Ford Scholars Program member. That program was supported by the Texas Ford Dealers Association and the Ford Motor Co.

“From my own perspective, the leadership training we received through the Ford Leadership Scholars program was invaluable,” Johnson said. “The decisions I make now are based on the core values of vision, action, relationships, awareness, character and continuous improvement that I learned through this program.”

Johnson was one of 10 Texas students who earned Ford program membership as a district FFA member.

Representatives attending the pavilion dedication included Aaron Alejandro, who is Texas FFA Foundation executive director; Mitchell Dale and Larry Gach with the Ford dealers association and Ford Motor Co., respectively; and Joel Cowley, president of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and Johnson’s FFA mentor.

SBISD representatives included Jane Primrose, assistant principal at The Guthrie Center and Johnson’s former ag instructor, and Board of Trustees members J. Carter Breed and Pam Goodson. Former U.S. Congressman Bill Sarpalius also attended.

Texas FFA’s Aaron Alejandro said he had known Johnson since childhood and was proud of the young adult’s accomplishments.

“The investment you have made is not here in this building, but in leadership. You dreamed a big dream, and made it come true,” he said.

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo President Joel Cowley noted that Johnson had a “richness” in thinking about his project that is also present in the Ford Leadership Scholars program. As a mentor, he helped Johnson choose the pavilion over other project options.

“I’m responsible for this two-year odyssey,” Cowley quipped. “Ben balanced this work project with his academics at A&M . . . and I believe that young people will use this facility for decades to come.”

As a part of the pavilion dedication, several trees were also planted nearby. Jane Primrose noted that ag students are project oriented, combining real knowledge and classroom learning with hands-on projects, which can result in many lessons.

“The things Ben has really done here are about relationships. This program today would not be possible without all the relationships involved,” she said.

Several other Ford Leadership Scholars Program award winners and Texas A&M students joined Johnson at the pavilion opening. They included Brittney Borserine of Allen, Caitlin Lakey of Kingwood, and John Derry of Bandera.

Spring Branch ISD FFA Show and Sale Results:
http://guthriecenter.springbranchisd.com/news/ffa-show-and-sale-38-results/


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Spring Branch ISD Spelling Bee Results

February 27, 2017, 10:03 am
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Sixth-grader Sarah Hwang (left) and seventh-grader Patrick LeClair (right) finished first and second, respectively, in the annual Spring Branch ISD Spelling Bee.
Sarah Hwang, a Memorial Middle School sixth-grader, and Patrick LeClair, a Spring Forest Middle School seventh-grader, finished first and second, respectively, in the annual Spring Branch ISD Spelling Bee.

The spelling competition was conducted on Feb. 22 at Westchester Academy for International Studies.

Hwang won the district winner’s trophy after spelling correctly through 10 rounds of words, and then nailing both the words “Scandinavian” and “rabble-rouser” for district judges to be crowned best in SBISD.

The final round words were dictionary choices rather than the assigned word lists where a student might be aided by memory cues and advance practice.

“I was nervous,” said Hwang, who has been a Spelling Bee participant two years in a row. “I did not know what words they might be, and I didn’t know the words but broke them down to make spelling them easier.”

The Memorial Middle sixth-grader is a big fan of reading and writing. As a Spelling Bee winner, she received a trophy and Kindle Fire tablet. Hwang will now advance to the annual Houston Public Media regional Spelling Bee later this spring.

District Runner-up Patrick LeClair had one of the spelling bee’s best presentation styles, which he attributes to Spring Forest Middle theater and choir training. He was runner-up in the middle school’s spelling bee and is also a two-year Spelling Bee participant.

Twenty-three elementary and middle schools sent winners and runner-ups to the Westchester Academy auditorium for the recent morning spell-off contest.

Roberta Smiley, a volunteer and former National Spelling Bee finalist, served as the pronouncer. She was joined by three judges – Sunny Bell-de la Garza, Gifted and Talented Program facilitator; Julie Hummel, SBISD Professional Development coordinator; and Patricia Kassir, Personalized Learning coordinator.

The Spelling Bee was sponsored by the Advanced Academic Studies Department. Amy Ellingson is department facilitator.


Campus Winners and Runners-Up

Elementary Schools

Buffalo Creek Elementary – Josefina Colato, Winner; Orle Hekimian, Runner-up
Campus Coordinator: David Rodriguez
Bunker Hill Elementary– Joshua Tolentino, Winner; Anuj Kothari, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Jill Melancon
Cedar Brook Elementary– Ariel Robles, Winner*; June Lim, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Stella Aramayo
Edgewood Elementary– Nicola Cepeda, Winner*; Emily Salgado, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Barbara Dunn
Frostwood Elementary– Winston Wu, Winner; Kristina Baltic, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Peggy Gioacchini
Hunters Creek Elementary– Natalie Jones, Winner; Kylee Pham, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Deana Ratnala and Jenny Robertson
Meadow Wood Elementary– Harrison Brooks**; Jonathan Barnes, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Kay Taylor and Leigh Ann Brooks
Memorial Drive Elementary– Cole Hartung, Winner**; Luke Jackson, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Amy Lindsay
Nottingham Elementary– Kevin Nguyen, Winner; Madisyn Chu, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Stacey Zubair
Pine Shadows Elementary– Jamil Guzman, Winner; Madeleine Blasingame, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Maria De Los Santos
Ridgecrest Elementary – Alan Caro, Winner; Pamela Ramos, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Ana Avendano
Shadow Oaks Elementary– Sara Moussa, Winner*; Anthony Murillo, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Ann Marie Thomeer
Spring Branch Elementary– Angel Mendoza, Winner; Steven Urbina, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Allison Burt
Spring Branch Academic Institute– Yousif Al-Jadir, Winner
Campus Coordinator: Becky Reese and Ashlee McCauley
Terrace Elementary– Sumit Sahoo, Winner; Mia Yetiv, Runner-Up*
Campus Coordinator: Veronica Evetts and Jackie Short
Valley Oaks Elementary– Clinton Woodmansee, Winner; Juliana Siwek, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Becky Reese
Westwood Elementary– Diego Pantoja, Winner; Kyle Doan, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: HaLam Tran
Wilchester Elementary– Sheza Khan, Winner; Haram Park, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Jean Cataldo

Middle Schools

Cornerstone Academy– Sydney Krenz, Winner; Macy Hemp, Runner-Up**
Campus Coordinator: Holly Smetek
Memorial Middle– Sarah Hwang, Winner; Mitchell Gorodetsky, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Lisa Suchart
Spring Branch Academic Institute– Srijan Velamuri, Winner**
Campus Coordinator: Becky Reese and Ashlee McCauley
Spring Branch Middle– Hannah Krenz, Winner*****; Tabitha Koch, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Sandra Hardie
Spring Forest Middle– Jillian Harris, Winner*: Patrick LeClair, Runner-Up*
Campus Coordinator: Terri Cyphers
Westchester Academy– Daniel Rampersaud, Winner**; Joshua Chin, Runner-Up
Campus Coordinator: Patty Carr

*Notes previous participation in the SBISD Spelling Bee
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SBISD Community Relations Department wins at TSPRA Awards Celebration

February 27, 2017, 11:23 am
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Spring Branch ISD’s Communications and Community Relations departments were recognized by the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) with 18 separate awards following competitive judging and public announcement during the TSPRA Star Awards Celebration held in Galveston last week. SBISD walked away from the Galveston gathering with 10 Gold Star Awards, three Silver Awards, two Bronze Awards, and three separate Best of Category wins.

The Star Awards Celebration was held Feb. 22 at the San Luis Resort and Conference Center. TSPRA members received honors from the professional association for outstanding work in education communications at the 55th annual conference of communication and public relations professionals. TSPRA is a professional nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communication.

SBISD competes in all TSPRA categories in the largest school district division, school districts with more than 30,000 students.   

Recognitions in TSPRA Best of Category, a high level recognition, included; “The Learner’s Journey” for website design, “By the Numbers” for external news publication, and “May the Force (and Coding) be With You!” for published news feature.

Gold Star Awards were earned in the following categories:
  • Annual Report, for “A Place for Every Child”
  • Image/Identity Package, for the “Learner’s Journey” brand
  • Published News Feature, for “May the Force (and Coding) be With You!”
  • Flyer, for “A Vision Lock Experience”
  • Mobile App, for the “Leadership U” App
  • External News Publication, for “By the Numbers”
  • External News Publication, for “A Celebration – Class of 2015”
  • Website, for “The Learner’s Journey”
  • Special Event, for “Every Child – Convocation 2015”
  • Poster, for “Leadership U”
Silver Star Awards were earned in the following category:
  • Website (Template), for “Superintendent Media Website”
  • Marketing Campaign, for “Thinking Bigger –Core Values in Action”
  • Brochure, for “Be proud. Be Brave. Be a Learner.”
Bronze Star Awards were earned in the following categories:
  • Video General Interest, for “May the Force (and Coding) be With You!”
  • Video General Interest, for “Read Across the Globe – Sherwood Elementary”
Community Relations Officer Linda Buchman leads the department. Communications staff members include Steve Brunsman, Paul Bryant, Rusty Graham, Melissa Wiland and Kristen Watts Cain.

Community Relations includes Monica Creixell, Victoria Graham, Pat Waldrop, Abby Walker and Becky Wuerth. Team members are supported by Betty Head, Sarah Soliz and Norma Trevino.

A full list of winners is available here on the TSPRA website.
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