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A Salud America! Spotlight on Westwood Elementary Educator Samuel Karns

February 10, 2014, 7:11 am
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Westwood health fitness instructor and coach Samuel Karns is an educator who believes the opportunity to learn and empower one's self doesn't end with the close of the school day. The results of this belief?  A series of afterschool fitness clubs, an afterschool intermural sports program, a student-led school health advisory council (K-SHAC) for elementary-school students, an action based learning lab and a one-of-a-kind district-wide initiative to bring physical activity to sixth-graders are now in place for students in Spring Branch.

Recently, Salud! America, did a spotlight on Karns' innovative approach to introducing more exercise and sport related activities to keep his students moving after school. Click here to read the full story published by Salud! America >>

Salud America! The RWJF Research Network to Prevent Obesity Among Latino Children is a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The program aims to educate researchers, decision-makers, community leaders, and the public in contributing toward healthier Latino communities and seeking environmental and policy solutions to the epidemic of Latino childhood obesity. The network is directed by the Institute for Health Promotion Research at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

For more information, visit http://www.salud-america.org.
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SBISD's Meet and Greet

February 10, 2014, 7:28 am
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Who: All educators interested in Spring Branch ISD or current educators looking to transfer within SBISD
What: To provide an opportunity for teachers interested in Spring Branch ISD to meet with Spring Branch Administrators and/or Campus Representatives.
When: Tuesday, March 25th from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Don Coleman Coliseum; 1050 Dairy Ashford, 77079
How: Register online at www.springbranchisd.com, under the “Careers” link

Contact: Katie Kavanagh: 713-251-2347; katie.kavanagh@springbranchisd.com
Karen Cossey: 713-251-2355; betty.cossey@springbranchisd.com

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Apply Today to be a Jason National Argonaut

February 11, 2014, 3:10 pm
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Join the JASON National Argonaut Team! Application Deadline is Friday, March 7, 2014.


JASON Learning is seeking a diverse, creative, and adventurous group of students and educators to venture into the field with JASON researchers.

If you think you are up to the challenge, apply today! As a JASON National Argonaut, you will embark on a life-changing journey, spending approximately 7 days in the field during the summer or fall of 2014. JASON will pay for all travel, lodging, food (meals and snacks), and programming/equipment costs related to JASON Argonaut activities.

Who Should Apply

Student Argonauts must be 14 or 15 years old by June 1, 2014, and have participated in the JASON Learning program in their science class. Student applicants also must have a committed sponsor to assist them through the Argonaut application experience.

Educator Argonauts should have at least five years of experience working with students, have plans to continue as an educator in the 2014-2015 school year and should have used the JASON Learning program in an educational setting.

How to Apply

To apply to be a JASON National Argonaut, please complete and email the Argonaut Information Form by Friday, March 7, 2014 and mail the Application Materials to JASON postmarked by Friday, March 7, 2014.

The selection process will follow the time line below:

March 7 – Deadline for submitting completed National Argonaut Applications
April – National Student and Educator Argonauts selected; all applicants notified of their status by the end of April.

All parts of the Application Process are found at http://www.jason.org/2014-argo-applications-now-online

Please refer to the Application Guidelines and Instructions document for more detailed instructions. Contact Ro Luecken at rojana.luecken@springbranchisd if you have any questions regarding the application process.
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Tracking Sea Changes

February 12, 2014, 7:36 am
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Hundreds of Spring Branch ISD students and interested district residents heard recently about the latest work in climate research and global ocean observation. A federal researcher hosted by the JASON science program held a public forum on Jan. 15.

Diane Stanitski, Ed.D., a climatologist and program manager with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shared personal career insights and science research with 800 students at three schools. She also spoke during an evening community presentation held at Spring Woods High School.

Dr. Stanitski spoke to students as a visiting school host researcher through JASON Learning, a nonprofit group managed by Sea Research Inc. in partnership with the National Geographic Society.

She spoke to students at Westchester Academy for International Studies, Memorial High School and Spring Woods Middle School about real-world science research and careers.

Dr. Stanitski is based in Silver Spring, Md., with NOAA. She coordinates the NOAA Adopt a Drifter Program, which gives schools and students an opportunity to adopt sea buoys that are now deployed as part of a global observation system to record and measure changes in the oceans and Earth climate.

By adopting a buoy, schools can make direct observations, collect and analyze data, and apply what is learned to current information about Earth’s climate and rapid changes that have been measured scientifically.

The Global Drifter Program began in 2004. Since then, the program has placed roughly 1,000 drifters, or buoys, in the oceans.

During her evening public talk at the high school, Dr. Stanitski described her path into research and a career at NOAA. Beginning with family trips, she developed an interest in the outdoors and climate. Since earning advanced degrees in geography and climatology, she has conducted atmospheric research and study in Greenland, Alaska, the Grand Canyon and on the world’s oceans.

She taught climate science at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania for 16 years, and she recently taught at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Direct science observations suggest that Earth’s climate is changing rather dramatically, she told the audience. These direct, scientific observations include:

  • Carbon dioxide readings at Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Observatory have increased during the past 50 years from 320 to 400 parts per million.
  • Ice melt occurred across 97 percent of the Greenland Ice Sheet in 2012; and 
  • Global sea rise has been measured at 3.2 millimeters per year

The mechanisms behind all these recorded changes are not understood in a perfect way. “We really do know a lot about our world, but we don’t know a lot about many things, and this is where we need new people to come into these areas and work in these fields,” she told the public gathering of interested adults and students.

Dr. Stanitski currently serves as a physical scientist in the NOAA Climate Observation Division.

Learn more about the JASON Project http://cms.springbranchisd.com/jasonproject/TheJasonProject/tabid/27245/Default.aspx

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Board of Trustees Election Scheduled May 10

February 12, 2014, 8:03 am
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The next election for two positions on the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled for Saturday, May 10.  Ballot candidate applications will be accepted through Feb. 28 at the SBISD Administration Building, 955 Campbell.

The Trustee positions for the upcoming election are Position 1, which is currently held by incumbent Wayne F. Schaper Sr., and Position 2, which is held by incumbent Chris Gonzalez. Both of these Trustees have filed officially for re-election to new, three-year terms.

Candidates may file applications through 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 in Room 128 of the SBISD Administration Building. The district office at 955 Campbell is located one block south of Interstate 10 on Campbell Road. The SBISD Administration Building is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candidate applications are available at the district Administration Building, and completed applications will be accepted in the building during regular business hours.

All registered voters who reside in SBISD are eligible to vote in SBISD Board of Trustees Elections. For more information, please call SBISD Administrative Assistant Diane Dickens at 713-464-2217.

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Monday, Feb. 17 is a Student Holiday

February 13, 2014, 6:46 am
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Reminder: Monday is a student holiday in Spring Branch ISD.  District staff and educators will report to work as scheduled.  Click here see the complete 2013-14 SBISD Academic Calendar. Students will resume classes on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
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GIANT Garage Sale!

February 13, 2014, 6:48 am
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Stratford High School invites you to a …… GIANT Garage Sale!

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Stratford High School Cafeteria
Dairy Ashford and Fern – Enter from the South side of building

Special Preview Shopping Time:  7 am – 9 am
Bring your SBISD Badge* and come shop early to get the best goodies!!

Open to public: 9 am – 6 pm

*SBISD employee plus one adult admit free or $20 to enter

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Amended Academic Calendar: Make-Up Days

February 13, 2014, 12:40 pm
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Dear SBISD Parents and Students,

At their Workshop Meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to approve an Amended Academic Calendar for the 2013-14 school year to address two recent bad weather days. Students will be required to make up one of these two days missed.

The make-up day will be Thursday, June 5, 2014. Friday, April 18, and Monday, May 26, remain as student and staff holidays on the Amended Academic Calendar. Please also note that February 17 remains a student holiday.

Our middle and high schools will communicate directly about changes in exam schedules and early release days. Click on the links below to view the Amended Academic Calendar. This make up day does not apply for graduating seniors.

Download: ENGLISH / SPANISH

Sincerely,
SBISD Community Relations

Please note that this Board-approved make up day plan is contingent upon approval of a staff development waiver from the Texas Education Agency.
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REEP Business Fellowship for School Leaders

February 17, 2014, 6:30 am
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Four principals and three assistant principals from Spring Branch ISD have joined the yearlong Rice University Education Entrepreneurship Program (REEP) Business Fellowship for School Leaders.

The REEP Business Fellowship is offered through the Jones Graduate School of Business to better equip principals with the leadership tools in areas ranging from innovation and organization to marketing and staff management to be a successful campus CEO, or principal.

The four SBISD principals who have joined the 2014 REEP class are Lynn Austin of Thornwood Elementary; Jennifer Parker of Spring Woods High School; Stefanie Spencer of Sherwood Elementary; and Bryan Williams of Spring Branch Middle.

The nonprofit, educational advocacy group Raise Your Hand Texas is sponsoring the four SBISD principals, in addition to 22 other principals from Houston-area school districts, at a cost of about $8,000 per participant.

“A great principal can drive swift, meaningful results on a school campus through strategic instructional leadership, operational management, and community relations,” said Raise Your Hand CEO David Anthony, Ed.D., said in a prepared news release.

“Raise Your Hand Texas invests in principals through the REEP program to help accomplished educators transform into more effective CEOs of their schools,” he adds.

Three SBISD assistant principals year are also attending the REEP Business Fellowship this year. They are Dave Parker of Memorial High; Brenda De La Rosa of Landrum Middle School; and Mike Stokebrand of Memorial Middle School.

The REEP program at Rice University was recently named the 2013 winner of the MBA Roundtable Innovator Award, which is given to acknowledge creative initiatives in Master’s of Business Administration education and higher education institutions that are driving change in the field.

Principals in the 2014 REEP Business Fellowship for School Leaders Class:

Lynn Austin

Lynn Austin has been principal at Thornwood Elementary School for the past three years. A native of New York, she has worked for 23 years in SBISD. She was a special education teacher and assistant principal at Spring Forest Middle School for nine years, and then served 11 years as an assistant principal at Spring Branch Middle and Spring Woods High. Her two sons are district graduates.

She earned a bachelor of science degree in rehabilitation from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., and then a master’s degree in education from the University of St. Thomas. In addition to Superintendent Certification, she has been awarded PTA Honorary Life Membership and the Anti-Defamation League Teacher Excellence Award.

“I applied to REEP to continue to grow professionally. I’m interested in attending a world-class business training program with educational-minded entrepreneurship values. I’m excited to connect with other school leaders in the area, and in networking to share ideas,” Principal Austin says.

Prior to joining SBISD, she was director of the Lighthouse Houston, which works with adults who are visually and hearing impaired.

Jennifer Parker

Jennifer Parker, the principal at Spring Woods High School, has 23 years in Texas education, including 17 years in campus leadership and teaching in Spring Branch schools.

Principal Parker earned her bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, and she earned a master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas. She taught social studies at Spring Oaks Middle and Northbrook High schools.

Beginning in 1996, she worked in SBISD as a middle school principal, associate and assistant principal, including two years as the administrative principal at Spring Woods High. She served as Landrum Middle School principal from 2004 until 2007.

She also served six years as the coordinating principal at Hastings High School in Alief ISD. During her career there, the campus earned Recognized status through the Texas Education Agency in 2009-10, and the school was awarded a $40,000 grant through the Houson A+ Challenge educational nonprofit.

“I believe in continuously creating and maintaining diverse opportunities for all learners so that strong academic foundations and achievements will be achieved,” she said of her return to leadership at Spring Woods High.

Stefanie Spencer

Stefanie Spencer has been Sherwood Elementary principal for five years. She has served 18 total years in Texas education.

She earned a bachelor’s degree with emphasis in reading instruction from Texas A&M University, and then a master’s degree in educational administration also from Texas A&M. Her college distinctions include women’s swimming team, Dean’s List honors, and a scholarship earned during graduate school.

“I applied to REEP after hearing about the extraordinary learning and networking experiences that other SBISD administrators had experienced in the program,” Principal Spencer says. “Knowing that this program pulls experts from different fields intrigued me. My husband earned an MBA, and his perspective on developing people and structures to serve people has been useful. Learning this firsthand could only serve to grow me that much more!”

Bryan Williams

Bryan Williams has been principal at Spring Branch Middle School for three years, and he has served eight years in the district. He has worked 16 years in education.

Principal Williams earned a bachelor’s degree from Park University, and then earned a master’s degree and educational specialist degree in educational administration from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He also holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Houston, as well as both Principal and Superintendent area certifications.
“I applied to the REEP program to enhance my leadership skills, to grow professionally and to model continuous lifelong learning,” Principal Williams says.

New REEP Business Fellowship for School Leaders Class assistant principals include:

Brenda De La Rosa

A native of Houston’s East End and a graduate of Houston ISD, Brenda De La Rosa graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) and then returned to her neighborhood as a second-grade bilingual teacher. She served as a reading specialist, literacy coach and dean of instruction while earning a master’s degree in education administration at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.

As Landrum Middle School Assistant Principal, Brenda is committed to SBISD’s T-2-4 goal of ensuring high levels of instructional content and programming while making sure that “every staff member cares for every child.”

“I am excited to have the support from SBISD to participate in Rice University’s Education Entrepreneur Program in an effort to find cutting-edge solutions to current issues that educators are faced with. Not only is this a professional investment, but a personal one, too. My family now resides in Spring Branch. Our ‘work’ is part of my own children’s educational journey,” Assistant Principal De La Rosa said.

James Parker

James Parker has served as an assistant principal and teacher for 14 years in SBISD, including 10 years as an assistant principal at Memorial High and four years teaching at Stratford High. In all, he has served 16 years in Texas education.

Principal Parker earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Nicholls State University. He also holds a master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Houston, and Principal Certification.

“I applied to the REEP program as part of my commitment to continued professional and personal growth,” he says. “I am excited to have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with school leaders that represent nine Houston area school districts while simultaneously acquiring new strategies and exploring new educational innovations through Rice’s highly-rated Jones Graduate Business School.

Mike Stokebrand

Mike Stokebrand has served four years as assistant principal at Memorial Middle School. He began teaching and coaching in 1992 at Spring Woods High where he taught algebra, geometry and drafting. He also coached basketball, football, track and golf.

He also taught and coached in Houston ISD from 1986-1992. Mike earned a bachelor of science degree in education from the University of Nebraska. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University.

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National Signing Day

February 17, 2014, 6:35 am
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Six exceptional high school student athletes from Spring Branch ISD, including a senior who will play football for Harvard University, signed letters of intent to play at major colleges and universities across the nation in the year ahead.

National Signing Day, as it is known, was conducted Feb. 5 to celebrate and honor talented high school athletes headed to play sports at the college level.

Zach Miller of Stratford High School signed his national letter of intent to play football in the D1-AA Ivy League Conference for Harvard University. The 18-year-old has played safety during all four years of his school career at Stratford.


Miller helped get the Stratford High football team to UIL 4A State-Semi Finals this past season and, aside from his athletic ability, he’s noted for both his tremendous community involvement and academic success.

“I am thrilled to be playing for Harvard this coming fall. You know I never dreamed I could go to such an incredible school, but football has given me that opportunity. In short, I am getting to play the sport that I love while also attending a great school so I couldn’t be more pumped,” Zach said.

Zach Miller was one of six high school students from Spring Branch that signed national letters of intent on Feb. 5. Two other SBISD seniors committed to play college sports earlier this year. Eight signed athletes are listed below:

Memorial High

Ashley Pilcher – George Washington University (Softball)
Matt Collins – Texas A&M University (Baseball)
Olivia Brook – The University of Texas at Austin (Soccer)
Leslie Bonner – Texas Christian University (Soccer)

Spring Woods High

Samantha Sevier – Trinity  Valley Community College (Softball)

Stratford High

Kaylin Kruseman – St. Mary’s University (Tennis)
Zach Miller – Harvard University (Football)
Terrance Peters – Houston Baptist University (Football)

Stratford High student intern Kali Venable compiled this report and took Stratford High photographs. Luke Sneed of Memorial High took photos at the Memorial signing event. 

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Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

February 17, 2014, 9:12 am
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Fifty-seven students in Spring Branch ISD received 64 awards recently from the annual Scholastic Art & Writing regional contest in both the art and writing divisions.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recognizes creative teens across the United States through this prestigious program, which is also a source of student scholarships.

Beginning each fall, area schools and districts submit students’ best artwork and writing samples to compete at the regional level.  Entries are judged by panels of highly qualified professionals who select Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention recipients in a multitude of categories.

The Gold Key winners go on to compete at the national level. More than 1,500 students receive national awards each year. Some notable past National Scholastic Art & Writing winners include artist Andy Warhol, poet Sylvia Plath, and youth writers Truman Capote and Robert Redford.

Student district awards include the following:

Scholastic Writing Categories 

Gold Key:
Memorial High
Brian Lin (personal essay) “My Bike And I”

Spring Branch Middle 
Collette Hickman (science fiction) “Synced”
Aidan Shine (poetry) “Contrasting”

Silver Key:
Memorial High
Sabina Mehdi (poetry) “Innocence”

Spring Branch Middle
Laney Shelander (poetry) “I Don’t Paint Like You”

Honorable Mention:
Memorial High
Sabina Mehdi “Untitled”

Spring Branch Middle
Desiree Fisch (poetry) “Love to bind, War, Rain, Wonder Trees”
Isha Tharpar (poetry) “The True Meaning of Death” and “Perfection is For the Preferred”


Scholastic Art Categories
Gold Key:
Memorial High
Anna Cho (mixed media) “Daydreaming” and (drawing) “Omnipresence”
Inchan Hwang (drawing) “Why Suffering”
Hyeyun Jeong (portfolio) “My Portfolio” and (drawing) “Flame and Ice”
Seo Woo Jong (painting) “Talking in Time” and (painting) “Time Station”
Seotoung Kim (painting) “Gift from the, the Wind”
Erica Kim (drawing) “Daydream”
Maurine Westmoreland (drawing) “Countdown to Catharsis”          

Spring Woods High
Lorelei Shannon (drawing) “The Owl Family” and (comic art) “Spacedout”

Stratford High
Erica Jeon (drawing) “Dip of Faith”

Sliver Key:
Memorial Middle
Jun-Yong Kim (drawing) “Myselfie”
Emily Ward (printmaking) “Many Me’s”

Memorial High
Seo Woo Jong (portfolio) “My Silver Key”
Jennifer Kim (painting) “At East”
Seoyoung Kim (drawing) “Lighting Up the Old West”
Nayae Kwon (drawing) “Swimming at the Dog Park”
Anna Lai (portfolio) “Musings of an Open Mind”
Joy Lu (drawing) “An Apple a Day”
Jose Molina (drawing) “Lights Out” and (painting) “Mellow Reflections”
Bethany Ochs (portfolio) “Heart of the Storm May”
Sami Palermo (mixed media) “Hate Fire”
Aubrey Siller (photography) “The Village”
Xin Yu Xiao (drawing) “Teddy”

Spring Woods High
Colton Brooks (portfolio) “The Amazing Oddmotical Body Part”
Roy Villegas (drawing) “Scratch Bird”

Stratford High
Ha Bee Lee (portfolio) “Spirited”

Honorable Mention:
Memorial Middle
Arturo Morales (printmaking) “Trufa”

Memorial High
Hank Clinch (portfolio) “2013”
Ryan Cowell (portfolio) “Vignettes”
Molly Csorba (photography) “One Leaping Lady”
Sima Daneshvar (photography) “Electric Surge”
Andrew Eberhart (photography) “Church of Darkness”
Paige Fargerson (drawing) “Orange Spider”
Halina Haiider (photography) “Aurora”
Hyeyun Jeong (drawing) “Can’t Live Without”
Brian Lin (painting) “Lucky”
Jose Molina (portfolio) “Perceptions and Reflections”
Michelle Oh (portfolio) “Biproducts of a Sleepless Senior Year”
Erin Pisters (printmaking) “Ocean Token”
Lucas Sneed (photography) “Run Water, Run”
Marlee Tarwater (photography) “Bottle Cap Alley”
Flora Thevoux (painting) “Those Desperate Souls” and (sculpture) “Truth at Last”
Kiersten Underhill (photography) “Aja”
Maurine Westmoreland (drawing) “Countdown to Catharsis”

Spring Woods High 
Janette Leon (drawing) “Glitter Party”
Annie Lui (drawing) “Companion”
Cesar Manzanares (drawing) “Esmeralda”
Selena Quintanilla (mixed media) “Tiger Country”

Stratford High
Rachel McCleary (portfolio) “Bloom”
Bing Tng (photography) “Night Lights In the Island-state”

Communications Intern Kali Venable compiled this report. 
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Pulling Strings for Students

February 17, 2014, 12:08 pm
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Thanks to a generous grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Rummel Creek Elementary PTA, students at elementary school were treated recently to a puppet show performed by the famous Carranza Puppets.

Rummel Creek Elementary students of every age clapped, laughed, oohed and awed during the music-filled “Beauty and the Beast” pupp
et show. This much-loved fairy tale was first published in 1740 in France. It was written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve.

The husband-and-wife team of David and Carol Carranza has traveled across Texas for 36 years delighting children by bringing literature to life through the puppetry arts.

Submitted by Rummel Creek Elementary PTA 

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National Science Teachers Association Awards

February 18, 2014, 12:17 pm
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Three secondary science teachers in Spring Branch ISD have been named as fellows in the 2013-14 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) New Science Teacher Academy. Forty-nine of the 200 science teachers chosen this year are Texas educators.

Selected as NSTA New Science Teacher Academy Fellows are Sheena Guevara of Northbrook Middle School; Grant Nunneley of Stratford High School; and Kaleb Underwood of Spring Woods High.

SBISD’s teachers were chosen from more than 1,000 teacher applications nationwide. As New Science Teacher Academy Fellows, they will take part in a host of science-related activities and professional learning opportunities designed to promote teaching and instruction, enhance excellence, and improve science content knowledge.

They were selected on the basis of criteria that included strong evidence of a solid science background and deep interest in growing as a professional science educator.

The NSTA is the largest professional group of its kind in the world, representing 55,000 science educators. It promotes excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning. For these awards, NSTA collaborated with The Dow Chemical Co.; Lockheed Martin; as well as the American Honda Foundation and Bayer USA Foundation.

“The National Science Teachers Association congratulates the new science teachers who will join the Academy this year,” said Dr. David Evans, NSTA executive director, in a press release. “The Academy Fellows are making a long-term commitment to give their very best to their students – and to society – as they inspire the scientists and citizens of tomorrow.”

Sheena Guevara 

Sheena Guevara, a native of Stephenville, Texas, attended Tolar ISD schools. After graduating in 2010 from the University of Houston in Victoria, she joined Northbrook Middle as a sixth-grade science teacher. In 2012, she was named to head up the campus Science Department.

Sheena is well known in SBISD after being chosen as a National Teacher Argonaut by The JASON Project to study with Dr. Bob Ballard and two SBISD students aboard the Nautilus sea research vessel in the waters off the coast of Turkey.

Since that 2012 trip, Sheena has helped guide, inform and train district teachers and students in the use of the The JASON Project’s hands-on curriculum. She is also a national trainer for Jason Learning and serves on district textbook adoption and curriculum committees.

“I enjoy getting to know my kids and watching them learn about their world through science,” Sheena says. “Being able to see students get excited about learning and set goals for a successful future encourages me. By seeing their needs, I want to keep learning so I can be the best teacher I can be for them.”

She also said, “I want them to see me excited about learning and continuing my education. If there are ways I can improve my teaching, then I want to find out what they are so I can help my students be successful.”

Sheena is a member of NSTA, the National Earth Science Teachers Association, and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership organization.

Grant Nunneley 

 A Texas A&M University graduate, Grant Nunneley began his teaching career at Sam Houston High School in San Antonio. In his second year of teaching, he joined a small team of teachers at that school who worked together to develop project-based lesson plans and instruction.

At Stratford High, Grant teaches grade-level Physics and Advanced Placement Physics B. He also serves as the sponsor for the school’s popular student robotics club, which is known as SHARC.

“I was very excited to learn that I had been accepted as an NSTA fellow,” he says. “I know that I will soon have access to a large scope of instructional materials and methods that I can use to improve my classroom, and being able to attend the NSTA conference in Boston also sounds like a great opportunity.”

His short-term goals include integrating project-based learning techniques and real world connections into Stratford High classes. Grant is also currently working on student curriculum for a potential future robotics class.

Over the long term, he is interested in pursuing a doctorate focused on the research side of science education or administrative duties leading to a principalship.

Kaleb Underwood 

Kaleb Underwood, a Spring Woods High chemistry teacher, graduated in 2008 from Memorial High School. The May 2012 President’s Honor Roll graduate of Rice University was also a biochemistry teaching assistant leading undergraduate student labs. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in history at Rice.

Kaleb was a 2012 Corps member with Teach for America in Houston. Before joining Spring Woods High, he was a reading teacher at KIPP: Polaris Academy for Boys. At Spring Woods, he has created an online course website, coaches the UIL Science Team, and sponsors Student Council and Class of 2014.

He has high goals for himself and students, and is honored to be recognized as a NSTA fellow. “In the short term, my goal is to ensure my students are successful in chemistry . . . so that they may be prepared to enter the T-2-4 (technical, two- or four-year degree) career of their choosing upon graduation, a goal that I am excited to help them achieve,” he says.

“Professionally, I plan to pursue graduate degrees in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership and public policy. I plan on spending my career working to ensure all students have an excellent education regardless of their background or neighborhood context,” he adds.

Kaleb is undecided about his long-term goals, which may include administration, policy or teaching. 

For a full list of the 2013-14 NSTA Fellows or to learn more about the professional group, please visit www.nsta.org/academy
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Spelling Bee Goes to Two-Time Winner

February 19, 2014, 7:56 am
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For the second year in a row, 9-year-old Emily Madaras of Wilchester Elementary School, a fifth-grader, was the last student standing in the 2013-2014 SBISD Annual Spelling Bee. She’s now won the crown for spelling twice.

The Spelling Bee, held Feb. 12 in the mini-auditorium at Spring Woods High School, drew more than 40 elementary or middle school students. All the students had been named either winner or runner-up in school spelling contests. The Spelling Bee was the district’s biggest competition ever, and it ran for 18 separate rounds.

Finishing second was McKenna Tanner, a sixth-grader at Cornerstone Academy. Two brothers, Carson Foster of Bunker Hill Elementary and Kendrick Foster of Memorial Middle School, rounded out the final four spellers left on the mini-auditorium stage after 15 rounds of words and student eliminations.

Emily’s path to victory included and official appeal to the judges, which kept the smart speller in play on stage in front of the judges and microphone. The words “marsupial” and “permeability” helped pick Emily as the winner.

After claiming the top position, Emily joined her younger sister and parents. She was hungry, and ready for a really good restaurant for her celebration lunch. “Americas!” she exclaimed.

Her parents, John and Karen Madaras, said that Emily began reading at age 2 and was spelling words out loud as a 4-year-old. She learns words, but mostly reads voraciously.

“Mostly, Emily is the one reading books in the corner at home. That’s how she studies,” her father said. Her first prize included a huge dictionary.

The official pronouncer for the recent annual Spelling Bee was Mary Grace Landrum, a former SBISD Board of Trustees member.

Joining her as event judges were Bendwood Principal Jana Bassett; Lynette Breedlove, Ed.D., district director of Advanced Academic Studies; and Jennifer Cobb, district director of program evaluation and research.

Spelling Bee sponsor was Amy Ellingson, a teacher on assignment in the Advanced Academic Studies Dept. Special thanks were extended to local volunteer Roberta Smiley and Blue Willow Bookstore.

Campus Winners and Runners-Up:

Elementary Schools

Bunker Hill– Naman Mehndiratta, Winner; Carson Foster, Runner-Up
Cedar Brook– Kevin Ho, Winner; Isabella Luu, Runner-Up
Edgewood– Kenny Nguyen, Winner; Carlos Reyes Guzman, Runner-Up
Frostwood– Catherine Lu, Winner; Jaden Yi, Runner-Up
Housman– Martha Moreno, Winner; Lucia Romo, Runner-Up
Hunters Creek– Natalie Boquist, Winner; Zachary Gould, Runner-Up
Memorial Drive– Hannah Krenz, Winner; Max Lasco, Runner-Up
Ridgecrest– Binh Tran, Winner; Jonathan Castro, Runner-Up
Shadow Oaks– Lucas Donnelly, Winner; Alicia Balbuena, Runner-Up
Spring Branch– Jorge Salayes Quinonez, Winner; Jonathan Rosales
Terrace– Macy Hempe, Winner; Kiera Yetiv, Runner-Up
Valley Oaks– Drew Schachel, Winner; Lucas Williams, Runner-Up
Westwood– Kiana Padilla, Winner; Lissett Campoverde, Runner-Up

Middle Schools

Cornerstone Academy
McKenna Tanner, Winner; Chloe Gordon, Runner-Up

Landrum Middle
Brandon Baltazar, Winner; Natalie Garcia, Runner-Up

Memorial Middle
Kendrick Foster, Winner; Alexandra Freytes, Runner-Up

Spring Branch Middle
Isha Thapar, Winner; Roberto-Eduard (Edy) Lipianu, Runner-Up

Spring Forest Middle
Clare Gibennus, Winner; Emily Gladstone, Runner-Up

Spring Oaks Middle
Thania Garcia, Winner; Nicolas Hardin, Runner-Up

Westchester Academy
Dash Jacobs, Winner; Shahir Ali, Runner-Up

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Bookworm Festival

February 20, 2014, 6:49 am
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More than 300 children and parents gathered at Pine Shadows Elementary School on a Saturday morning recently to inaugurate the district’s first ever Bookworm Festival for all young readers.

Families from more than 20 prekindergarten and elementary schools in Spring Branch ISD took part in the Feb. 8 Festival, which included speaker panels and question-and-answer sessions with six children’s authors and illustrators.

Through a partnership with Blue Willow Bookstore, which arranged for the well-known authors, young readers and aspiring writers were able to meet, talk with or even have books signed by their favorite writers. Authors who attended included Judith Viorst, Bob Shea, Adam Rubin, Gwyndolyn Zepeda, Harper Paris and Daniel Salmieri.

The first-time literary festival drew visitors from area private schools and neighboring public school districts, including 32 visitors who came from as far as Sheldon ISD.

Melanie Scales, who is a librarian at Spring Shadows Elementary School, chaired the Bookworm Festival committee and many volunteers. The Houston and Harris County public library systems also supported the event.

The festival’s keynote speech was delivered by Judith Viorst, a national children’s and adult author. She is best known in children’s literature for the much praised “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day.” Her current series is “Lulu.”

In her keynote address, Viorst said that writing for adults and children is not really that different. “Many of us struggle with the same feelings. Adults often worry. Children will worry, too. . . .  And all of us, even adults, have wicked, naughty and not good feelings and thoughts.”

Writers for children treat them with utmost respect, she adds. “We don’t condescend (to children),” she said. Viorst noted in a panel later that she sometimes takes up to a week to decide on the correct exact word for a particular children’s book passage.

A few observations from other children’s writers:

Bob Shea, who has written and illustrated more than a dozen picture books including the “Dinosaur vs. Bedtime” series, said this about writing: “If you want to write a book, read a lot of books. If you like to draw, look at a lot of pictures and draw.”

Daniel Solmieri, an illustrator, joked about stress and deadlines in writing: “Take what you are doing incredibly seriously. Focus. Think about what will happen to your family tonight if you don’t write or you don’t draw.”

Women authors said that their favorite books growing up ranged from “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” and “Alice in Wonderland” to the Japanese-style comics known as manga. For male writers, the “Encyclopedia Brown” series and horror and science fiction were the “brain food” they grew up on.

At the end of the Saturday morning program, Blue Willow  Bookstores hosted author book signings with interested families.

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Frostwood Elementary Grand Opening

February 26, 2014, 7:55 am
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Hundreds of campus supporters filled the modern cafeteria at the new Frostwood Elementary School for a Feb. 13 Grand Opening Celebration that was highly anticipated and warmly embraced by the entire school community.

The newly built Frostwood Elementary, located at 12214 Memorial Drive, is the latest in almost a dozen Spring Branch ISD campuses that have been rebuilt under the district’s $597 million 2007 Bond Plan.

This high visibility campus on the northeast corner of Memorial Drive and Gessner is the 11th elementary school to be rebuilt and opened in SBISD. Plans are now under way to rebuild two remaining elementaries – Valley Oaks and Rummel Creek – for a total of 13 school rebuilding projects.

Frostwood’s new facility is a contemporary, two-story building of about 110,000 square feet. The building’s exterior facade of Texas limestone and brick is complemented by a warm, light-filled interior with large classroom windows. Additional school highlights include a grand main corridor, high-ceilinged art and music rooms, a central-positioned library “hub,” and classrooms equipped with technology learning tools.

Benefits from the 2007 Bond Plan include maintenance and renovation of air-conditioning and heating systems, upgrades to campus security and the purchase of new buses.

If each campus has its own notable feature, Superintendent of Schools Duncan F. Klussmann, Ed.D., said that the new Frostwood was a “showcase” campus along Memorial and Gessner. “It’s a showcase school on one of the most visible corners in the district. I do thank the community for that,” he said.

School and district leadership, Frostwood’s parents and Bunker Hill Village leaders all helped shape the final design plan through joint planning, discussion and decision-making, including improvements on the site’s largely unseen drainage needs.

“I’m a huge believer in cities and villages, and counties, and school districts working together,“ the Superintendent said in reference to the Frostwood project.

The Feb. 13 Grand Opening Event attracted a big gathering. In addition to current and former Board of Trustees members and district administrators, the grand opening drew the following officials and representatives:

  • Deanna Harrington, representing Texas Rep. Jim Murphy, Dist. 133
  • Houston City Council Member Oliver Pennington, Dist. 133
  • Houston City Council Member at Large Jack Christie
  • Several Bunker Hill Village officials, including Mayor Jay Williams; former Mayor Derry Essary; and Village Council Members Susan Schwartz, Keith Brown and Jay Janacek

The Frostwood Elementary Fifth-Grade Chorus was an event highlight. The fifth-graders filled the entire stage and performed a patriotic song medley, which included “American Dream,” “America the Beautiful,” and “We are the Future of America.” The group also performed the school song, “Frostwood Family.” The choir was directed by Julie Sykes. Retired music teacher Judy Luthy was the accompanist on piano.

Board of Trustees Vice President Chris Vierra, speaking on behalf of the Board, thanked all the Frostwood community, teachers, staff, students and PTA for their support and commitment to the 2007 Bond program.

“Ever since I saw the designs for this school, I knew it would be one of our most beautiful campuses, and it does not disappoint,” she said. “How amazing for the students, teachers and staff to learn and work in this beautiful, new, state-of-the-art facility.” (Read full statement below.)

Frostwood PTA President Tracey Rogan thanked the Trustees and Superintendent, the district’s Project Manager David Vesling, and community members and voters for the new building.

“It has been an honor to be involved in the building process and, through my involvement, I can attest to the thoughtfulness that went into the design and construction of our campus,” she said.

“The collaboration of parents, community members and teachers, along with design team, has resulted in the amazing building you see before you,” she also said. (Read full statement below.)

School Principal Ellen Green welcomed all to “the new Frostwood 2.0,” and she explained how parents, teachers and students supported the transition away from the old building and then back to the new Frostwood with great ideas. Community really does count, she said.

“The teachers of the original Frostwood Elementary School would be so proud of what has been made and maintained in this community that celebrates great ideas, nurtures children, and values education,” she said. (Read full statement below.)

Fifth-grader Zane Prumudji stole many hearts as he explained in his own words exactly how awesome the new school was for him and other students. He shared special memories of the old school, transition site and new building.

“It is awesome. Man, I love every aspect of it,” he said, describing the “new, humongous playground,” baseball and soccer fields, a huge library, and even the elevator and new restrooms.

“I especially love the modern toilets. I’m so glad that I don’t have to share toilets with the kindergartners and sit on those tiny toilet seats anymore!” he explained.

State Rep. Murphy’s representative Deanna Harrington presented the school with a flag flown over the state Capitol in Austin.

Houston City Council Member Jack Christie spoke directly to students, using the fifth-grade choir seated on the stage steps as a sounding board. The former Texas State Board of Education chair once helped a national television crew film in a Frostwood classroom many years ago for a special report on modern technology and student learning.

The film crew was impressed with what they observed at Frostwood. “They said to me, ‘These children are lucky.’ So, I say to you students, ‘Listen to your teachers!’”

Frostwood parent and volunteer Patty Busmire, who is also a member of the district’s Bond Oversight Committee, presented several special recognitions.

One recognition was given to volunteer Ann Tidwell for the many contributions to the school by her and the late Jim Tidwell. The engraved Frostwood Tiger mascot set off in gold leaf on the building’s east exterior, a special project, will be named Tidwell in Ann and Jim’s honor.

Busmire also honored volunteer Peter Gilmore with a gift clock for his “sacrifice of time” for his contributions. “We all owe Peter Gilmore a debt of gratitude,” she said. Patty’s own volunteering and work on behalf of Frostwood Elementary has been recognized. The new school’s playground has been named “Patty’s Playground” in her honor.

The Frostwood Grand Opening attracted many former students, staff and principals. Some guests included former student Patti Pace, who is now SBISD’s Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning; former Principal Roddie Ray; and former teachers and staff including Mary Pozzi, Linda Crowl, Patty Blyskal, Cindy Stone, Kelly Strange and Patty Faltisek.

Board of Trustees Vice President Chris Vierra statement:

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for joining us for this long anticipated Grand Opening of Frostwood Elementary. I want to thank the Frostwood Community; Frostwood teachers and staff; the Frostwood PTA and task force; all our amazing students; and, of course, the SBISD community for their continue support of and commitment to the 2007 Bond Program.

“Ever since I saw the designs for this school, I knew it would be one of our best campuses. And it does not disappoint! How amazing for the students, teachers and staff to learn and work in this beautiful, new, state-of-the-art facility.

“I especially love the thoughtful touches: For example, the new art room with its stunning light and outdoor learning area; the cafeteria, a beautiful meeting place for kids and events; and, of course, the Frostwood Tiger.

“Tigers happen to be my favorite animal – they are widely respected for both their strength and beauty. It is the perfect symbol for Frostwood Elementary whose strength can be seen every day in its – committed teachers, willing students, strong leadership, and amazing community of parents and neighbors that support the learning that happens here. And now Frostwood is known for its beauty as well.

“A great deal of planning and preparation has gone into today, and I want to thank every single one of you who invested time, energy and resources to make this day a reality. Thank you all for coming out today to celebrate the new Frostwood!”

PTA President Tracey Rogan’s remarks:

“It’s hard to believe that this day is finally here! I’ve had the pleasure of being a Frostwood parent for the past eight years, and at last count I have at least six more years to go! Not only do I have a vested interest in Frostwood as President of the PTA, but also as a parent of four children!

“It has been an honor to be involved in the building process and through my involvement, I can attest to the thoughtfulness that went into the design and construction of our campus. The collaboration of parents, community members and teachers, along with the design team, has resulted in the amazing building you see before you. Our teachers, staff and parents have made the move away and back again as seamless as possible.”

“On behalf of the Frostwood Elementary PTA, I’d like to thank the SBISD Board of Trustees, Dr. Klussmann, our Project Manager David Vesling, and all the community members and voters who made this building possible for our children.

“I’d also especially like to thank Principal Green for her endless time and dedication to Frostwood. She jumped on board and hit the ground running, and has been a wonderful leader on our campus throughout the construction process.”

Frostwood Elementary Principal Ellen Green’s remarks:

“I believe the famous movie quote is, ‘If you build it, they will come,’ and here you are! . . . We, the lucky and proud inhabitants of Planet Frostwood, want to welcome you to the new Frostwood 2.0!

“In a few minutes you are going to hear from our highly esteemed fifth- grade student, Zane Pramuji, about life as a student at Frostwood Elementary. Let me tell you a little about living the good life as principal of Frostwood Elementary. I have found that when you are principal in the Frostwood community you mainly take on the role of ‘receiver of other people’s good ideas’. And look at what other people’s good ideas have done!

“When I arrived at Frostwood a little over two years ago, the Frostwood design team had already envisioned and put to paper a beautiful building, but as it arose so did the inspiration of the community and their ideas and input added to the persona and uniqueness that became Frostwood 2.0.

“Parents, who are gracious and generous with their time and treasure, networked globally and shared their findings and suddenly there is an emerging organic garden; a green school that recycles and saves water and energy; and a salad bar supporting our healthy living initiatives.

“Our teachers, who are educational entrepreneurs, continually dream of and implement evermore exciting opportunities for our students that keep the enthusiasm vortex growing.

“Even our students have great ideas. The other day a student told me that if we had more patrols at drop off and pick up things would work a lot better. So we are doing that as fast as we can.
“The founders of the original Frostwood would be so proud of what has been made and maintained in this community that celebrates ideas, nurtures children, values education.

“The Frostwood family is extremely grateful to the SBISD Board of Trustees, Dr. Duncan Klussmann, our PTA and all the community members and voters who made this possible. I want to extend a special thank you to Pfluger Architects and Durotech Construction. We believe they are the finest in the business and their shared concern and dedication to the Frostwood community, faculty and students has made them the best fit for our dream project.”

Speech excerpts by fifth-grader Zane Pramudji:

“I would like to start off by sharing with you my thoughts when I was in kindergarten. I can still remember on one snowy day when all of the kindergarten teachers let all of the kindergarteners play on the old wooden deck outside the classrooms. That was fun!

“In the first grade, I recall dancing around the old cafetorium in a bug suit with all of my classmates. I was dressed up as a glowing firefly. In second grade, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Frostwood.

“Two years ago, our lovely music teacher led our class in singing for the groundbreaking ceremony. And it was just last year when we had to get used to long bus rides, smaller classrooms and a very small playground.

“Now, we are at this new school. We finally have this new campus that matches the best teachers and the best education in the district. It is awesome. Man, how I love every aspect of it!

“My favorite thing is that we have a huge library. We have more furniture, more books and more computers. It even has a café where you can bring your lunch. The classrooms are awesome! All the equipment is new. We now have a huge ActivBoard that the teachers can use.

“We also have a new humongous playground! We have more equipment there and every little piece has multiple uses. We also have our own baseball field and a soccer field, and a nice new hardtop (play surface) so that we can use it when it rains.

“My friends and I think that the new elevator is especially cool. In fact, we are coming up with a plan for how we can take turns breaking our legs so that we get use to it. The new water fountains are also pretty neat, especially the water bottle filler.

“I especially love the modern toilets. I’m so glad that I don’t have to share toilets with the kindergartners and sit those tiny toilets anymore.”
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Founders Day Celebration

February 26, 2014, 8:31 am
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A Memorial High School engineering teacher and three longtime volunteers in Spring Branch ISD earned special recognitions during the annual Founders Day Dinner and Celebration held Feb. 6 at Meadow Wood Elementary School.

During the annual dinner, dozens of volunteers who serve on campus PTAs won special honors. In addition, the Spring Branch Education Foundation presented a donation for more than $6,000 to support student and teacher scholarships.

Founders Day is held each year in recognition of the February 1897 meeting in Washington, D.C., where the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in the United States held its first meeting.

Today, SBISD Council of PTAs has a membership of more than 10,000 parents.

The dinner included remarks by Superintendent of Schools Duncan F. Klussmann, Ed.D., plus several key PTA Award presentations.

Honorees included Shelly Tornquist of Memorial High School, who earned the top School Bell Award, and volunteers Misty Ellis, Warren Matthews and Iris Story, all of whom received the Council PTA Life Award for their deep commitment and service to SBISD children.

In his remarks, Superintendent Klussmann noted that he was raised in Brenham, a small community, and later Huntsville. He never dreamed that Houston would be part of his future. The city seemed too big to him back then.

“Spring Branch offers the small-town quality that you can’t get anywhere else,” he said. Nothing is guaranteed forever, but SBISD and its Council of PTAs makes the Spring Branch area highly desirable as a place for family life and public education, the Superintendent said.

“The conversation that I hear is that if you want your child to go to public schools, then go to Spring Branch. That is a very powerful statement about our schools and about the strength of our PTAs,” Dr. Klussmann said.

Memorial High’s Shelly Tornquist won this year’s School Bell Award. A graduate of SBISD, she leads Memorial High’s Academy of Engineering program. Shelly is a Master Teacher in SBISD and with the science and engineering-related, national Project Lead The Way program. She is also an Autodesk Certified Instructor.

The Council of PTAs presents this award each year to an outstanding educator who promotes the organization’s objectives and is an advocate for all children. Winners receive an engraved brass school bell. Shelly also received a $250 cash award from the local Patriot Bank.

“I am a product of Spring Branch, having been born on Longpoint at the Spring Branch Memorial Hospital and graduating from Northbrook Senior High School in 1980,” she said.

Her parents chose SBISD for its nationally ranked schools. “It was clear to me from my earliest memories that I was in a great place. I still, in fact, know my kindergarten teacher – the best teacher in the whole world – Dorothy Greer. I can name most of the teachers I have had, and can never recall one that I did not love in some way,” she told the audience.

“People may say I did not get very far, but I would say I they are wrong. Before teaching, I worked with Shell Oil, and once crossing over into teaching 24 years ago I could never imagine living or working anywhere else. When I came to the district many of my teachers were still here, and they helped me find my inner courage and my heart for teaching,” Shelly also said.
Honored with this year’s Council PTA Life Awards were Misty Ellis, Warren Matthews and Iris Story. Council of PTAs President Dmel Tatum introduced each honoree and included testimonials from SBISD students and graduates about how volunteers like them had touched and improved student lives.

Misty Ellis was recognized for her fearless resolve to improve opportunities for all SBISD children. Her lengthy PTA service includes committee and leadership posts at Frostwood Elementary School and on the Council of PTAs, where she served as Council President for two years. She’s Choir Booster Club President for Memorial High today.

Warren Matthews has led the Spring Branch Education Foundation as Chairman, and he remains an Executive Committee Member there. For the past 10 years, he has selflessly led and built up the Council of PTA’s Scholarship Program, which includes the presentation of student biographies during annual programs. Last May, he honored more than 80 SBISD scholarship recipients and described their life goals and objectives.

Iris Story is known throughout SBISD for her dedication and bold enthusiasm for the student-centered Odyssey of the Mind program, as well as her work with PTA and campus booster groups. Under her leadership, Odyssey of the Mind grew and offered life-affirming lessons in innovation and teamwork to hundreds of students across SBISD. Odysseysof the Mind teams have won regional, state, national and international honors.

PTA President Dmel Tatum said that Misty, Warren and Iris all served in separate areas, but they shared several traits in common.

“All three are passionate about their commitment to service, and they each strive diligently to serve not only their individual campuses, but the SBISD community at large. None of them are self-promoting nor do they define themselves by their acts of service. Rather, their service is an outpouring of who they intrinsically are. Their service is their character. And finally, all three remain involved in programs and opportunities that have had, and continue to have, a long lasting impact on our SBISD community,” the PTA President said.

Founder’s Day Dinner co-chairs this year were Caroline Bennett and Jodi Vogan.

The Founders Day dinner and complimentary favors were provided by Brio Tuscan Grille in City Centre. Sarah’s Florist provided floral arrangements and decorations.

The Council of PTAs noted that this year’s 18 School Bell Award nominees (see below) comprise an exceptional group. They include:

2013 School Bell Award Nominees


  • Susie Kneppler of Bunker Hill Elementary
  • Esmeralda Warshaw of Cedar Brook Elementary
  • Lisa Branon of Frostwood Elementary
  • Mary Sherman Willson of Hunters Creek Elementary
  • Lynne Luberger of Meadow Wood Elementary
  • Sara Cooney of Memorial Drive Elementary
  • Roy Moore of Nottingham Elementary
  • Brandy Demeris of Rummel Creek Elementary
  • Patrick Toomey of Valley Oaks Elementary
  • Denise Doherty of Wilchester Elementary
  • Lindsey Heinzman of Cornerstone Academy
  • Abigayl Flores of Landrum Middle School
  • Julio Petraglia of Memorial Middle School
  • Gaye Goff of Westchester Academy for International Studies
  • Shelly Tornquist of Memorial High School
  • Dan Nagel of Spring Woods High School
  • Jana Stiffel of Stratford High School
  • Nini Burt of Zebra Zone Early Childhood Center

2013 Texas PTA Lifetime Members

Elementary Schools

The Bendwood School: Karen Madaras

Bunker Hill Elementary: Shelly Curry, Jana and Pete DeLongchamps, Donna Jackson, Jennifer Lassiter, Mary Moll, Angel Todd, Susan Wienert

Frostwood Elementary: Jennifer Blan, Lisa Brannon, Angela Buegeler, Annabel Fonseka, Joey Gauss, Lee Anna Lackey, Hayley Stewart, Leigh Tomaski

Hunters Creek Elementary: Julie Reader Boyd, Julie Carillo, Belinda Henry, Mindy Voyles, Laurie Wendler, Laura Shelby, Liz Swan

Meadow Wood Elementary: Terry Armstrong, Linda Baker, Meredith Dixon, Mary Schleninschok, Alison White

Memorial Drive Elementary: Maggie Dietert, Jennifer Espy, John Glover, Allison McClanahan, Ricardo Moreno, Ellen Morey, Kitty Oldham, Talya Robertson, Solace Southwick, Jay Williams, Beth Woodson

Nottingham Elementary: Gina Gelber, Amy Kenney, Sylvia Wolf, Michelle Murphy

Sherwood Elementary: Elizabeth Meshkoff, Jane Watts

Valley Oaks Elementary: Debbie Autenreith, Sandra Agudelo, Karin Donovan, Lauren Hollier, Laura Hollingsworth, Amy and Joseph Klam, Sarah Lee, Danielle Price, Susan Ramsey, Heather Talbert, Tracey Tomaro-McCall

Wilchester Elementary: Mika Arend, Laura Benes, Jeff Peters, Kristina Seiler

Middle Schools

Landrum Middle: Dede Springer

Memorial Middle: Ron Heathcock, Lee Ann Lackey, Stephanie Laguarta, Bridget Stevens, Mary Moll, Pam St. Martin, Amy Greebon

Spring Branch Middle: Rebecca Highes, Joanna Johnston, Daniel Hernandez, Susan Kellner (Extended Service), Mary Smith

Spring Forest Middle: Gwen Bosco, Pam Daniel, Richard Fanning, Patty Mustacchio, Robin Sturgis, Kaye Williams

High Schools

Memorial High: Kristi Barnhill, Joe Kingsley, Renae van Zeelst, Cathy Bottoms, Patti Nommensen

Westchester Academy for International Studies: Lynne Schneider, Alberto Halos, Sangeeta Dias, Ann King
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Design your own one-of-a-kind, beautiful silk scarf

February 26, 2014, 9:45 am
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Joe Culotta, former teacher, artist and current representative for SAX school art supplies, will lead us as we create our original scarf design.

March 6, 2014 @ 6:00-8:00pm

$5 supply fee paid at door

To reserve your spot, email leann.ayam@yahoo.com or call 713-251-1987

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Cowboy Boots, Ten-Gallon Hats & Texas Pride - 2.28.14

February 27, 2014, 6:20 am
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Friday is officially Go Texan Day!  Campuses have been celebrating this Texas tradition in classrooms all week, and we hope you'll join in the fun this Friday.

Pull out your favorite cowboy boots and show your Texas pride as schools, businesses, organizations and clubs participate in this special day throughout the Houston and surrounding areas!
  
Is your campus celebrating Go Texan Day this Friday? Email your pictures to snapshots@springbranchisd.com and they could be featured on the SBISD website.

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Character Without Question Awards

February 27, 2014, 2:10 pm
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Forty-six exemplary students in kindergarten through 12th grade were honored on Feb. 24 as Character Without Question Award recipients in a public ceremony held at Northbrook High School. This year’s awards presentation, presented under the theme “Sometimes It Just Takes . . . One,” was conducted during the regular monthly meeting of the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees.

The Character Without Question Award is an SBISD specific honor given annually to students who have outstanding character, make positive decisions and are responsible citizens. Students are selected through a directed nomination and interview process. SBISD educators and campus interview teams look for nominees who exemplify seven character traits: honesty, responsibility, respect, perseverance, courage, kindness and citizenship.

SBISD Community Relations Department staff members Pat Waldrop, Paul Bryant and Amy Byrom coordinated special event preparations.

2013-2014 Character Without Question Recipients are:

Schools for Early Learning (Prekindergarten)
Bear Boulevard – Ameerah Amaya
Lion Lane – Victoria Cisneros
Panda Path – Anthony Saravia
Tiger Trail – Alexa Hernandez
Wildcat Way – Eva McGee

Elementary Campuses
Buffalo Creek – Asiah Donahue, 5th grade
Bunker Hill – Olivia Knapp, 5th grade
Cedar Brook – Raul Martiez-Cardenas, 5th grade
Edgewood – Yesenia Hernandez, 5th grade
Frostwood – Katelyn Treadwell, 5th grade
Hollibrook – Alfonso Ochoa, 5th grade
Housman – Sofia Phucas, 5th grade
Hunters Creek – Bill Chandler, 5th grade
Meadow Wood – Betty Carrion, 5th grade
Memorial Drive – Blaine Ten Wolde, 5th grade
Nottinghman – Min Koko, 5th grade
Pine Shadows – Daniel Cornejo, 5th grade
Ridgecrest – Arabella Reyna, 5th grade
Rummel Creek – Rebecca Dawson, 5th grade
Shadow Oaks – Valeria Ayala, 5th grade
Shadow Oaks Sherwood – Chelala Valentina, 4th grade
Sherwood Spring Branch – Ian Sotuyo, 2nd grade   
Spring Shadows – Emma Garner, 4th grade
Terrace – Hannah Kmiecik, 4th grade
Thornwood – Cyni Zacharie, 4th grade
Treasure Forest – Leyda Palma, 5th grade
Valley Oaks – Katherine Stewart, 5th grade
Westwood – Brittney Tipaz, 5th grade Wilchester – Caroline Dina, 5th grade
Woodview – Kaylee Baxter, 5th grade

Middle School Campuses
Cornerstone Academy – John Fitzpatrick, 8th grade
Landrum Middle – Nancy Ramirez, 8th grade
Memorial Middle – Andrew Gilbert, 8th grade
Northbrook Middle – Thomas Cruz, 8th grade
Spring Branch Middle – Ashley Read, 8th grade
Spring Forest Middle – Marissa Hormell, 8th grade
Spring Oaks Middle – Oscar Salinas, 8th grade
Spring Woods Middle – Lorena Zelaya, 8th grade
Westchester Academy – Jack Chipman, 7th grade

High School Campuses
Academy of Choice -- Joshua Enriquez, 11th grade
The Guthrie Center -- Graham Taylor, 12th grade
Memorial High -- David Van Slyke, 11th grade
Northbrook High -- Leslie Solis, 12th grade
Spring Woods High -- Christian Rice, 12th grade
Stratford High -- Jonathan Martinez, 12th grade
Westchester Academy -- Saul Lopez, 12th grade

Stratford High senior and Communications Dept. intern Kali Venable compiled this report.
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