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Family Sax Finds Home with A Cornerstone Student

December 8, 2017, 9:04 am
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Cornerstone Academy seventh-grader Jocelyn Munguia applied for a local music scholarship last spring valued at several hundred dollars.

Today, the charter school seventh-grader is the proud owner of a gently used, professional Yamaha alto saxophone through a family instrument donation made by an official with the local Houston Masonic Library and Museum Foundation and Freemason Authors.

Chris Martin, whose group hosts the scholarship, presented the saxophone to Jocelyn at Cornerstone Academy earlier this fall. He was joined at the Spring Valley school campus by James Passamano, who is chairman with the Mozart Hammond Music Scholarship.

Jocelyn originally applied for the Mozart Hammond Scholarship with help from her music instructor, Stephen Bundrick. As a district charter campus with its own operating rules, the Cornerstone Academy music program is neither funded nor supported through the district’s Fine Arts Department.

As a consequence, Bundrick often visits eBay and local pawn shops so his music students like Jocelyn have adequate quality instruments for practice and performance.

In her scholarship application, Jocelyn said the $300 grant would help her buy her own personal saxophone. She played on one of Bundrick’s older instruments before the special donation.

The Mozart Hammond Music Scholarship Awards are awarded through the Masonic Library and Museum Foundation to elementary and middle school students. The scholarship funds are linked to past founding of the Houston Conservatory of Music in 1917. Today, the Spring Branch-Memorial Rotary Club is also a chief sponsor of the scholarship.

Jocelyn was named a scholarship winner with 14 other students, but wasn’t able to attend the initial award ceremony earlier this fall.

When music instructor Bundrick emailed Passamano about her absence, the scholarship chair replied that the group wanted to give Jocelyn a high quality saxophone, not a $300 donation. On Oct. 24, Passamano and Martin presented the Martin family’s sax to a deeply thankful Jocelyn.

Martin said that he wanted to “lovingly pass this on to Jocelyn to help her continue her musical endeavors,” Bundrick reports.

In separate but related news, recent voter approval of the 2017 Bond will help replace aged student musical instruments and uniforms for campus programs.

For more information, visit Mozart Hammond Music Scholarship Award.
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SBEF Harvey Relief Fund Continues to Grow Past $1 Million Mark

December 13, 2017, 10:33 am
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A modest idea blossoms into help for more than 1,000 Spring Branch ISD families

When Spring Branch ISD Superintendent Scott Muri began assessing the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey, he found more than he ever expected. Surprisingly, the SBISD buildings suffered very little damage; however, SBISD staff and student families told a different story.

It was a story of resilience. He talked with staff members who had seemingly lost everything—home, cars, possessions—but showed concern for how he and others weathered the storm. He heard from student families who were displaced and sheltering out of district, but making travel arrangements to keep their children in their home schools.

For every story he heard, he knew there were many more. He felt that by working with the district’s leadership team and the Spring Branch Education Foundation, the community could help.

While the water was still high and first responders were still housed at the district’s Darrell Tully Stadium, he explored the idea of a relief fund. He approached SBEF Executive Director Cece Thompson and challenged the Foundation to raise $20,000. Thompson and the SBEF board of directors created the SBEF Harvey Relief Fund.

Three months later, the Fund had collected $1,027,536 and was helping 1,083 SBISD families.

“When the Spring Branch Education Foundation launched the Harvey Relief Fund,” Muri said, “we could never have imagined how swiftly and how generously our community and many others across the globe would respond. With more than $1 million raised, families of more than 1,000 SBISD students and employees have received much-needed resources and support. We are grateful beyond measure to SBEF and the many donors whose #CollectiveGreatness has made this critical financial assistance possible at this unprecedented time of great need.”

“I’ve always known the generosity of this community,” Thompson said. “For more than two decades, it has funded grants and scholarships that enhance education for SBISD students. The outpouring of support in the wake of Harvey, surpassed anything I would have imagined. A community member called to say her family wanted to donate $100,000, and that was just the first of our surprises.”

Donations came from near and far. SBISD students got busy: Memorial Markettes shared proceeds from its fall fundraiser, and Cornerstone Academy pledged funds from its December fun run. The Wilchester Men’s Club contributed $9,000. Waterous Energy Fund, a Canadian company with an SBISD parent on its executive team, donated $100,000.

Gifts arrived from Muri’s former colleagues and acquaintances—and from strangers who saw his Twitter appeal. The Discovery Channel donated $25,000. A Kentucky native who met Muri at her daughter’s church sent $500. The Fund received gifts from student fundraisers from schools as far away as Pittsburgh, PA; Avon, IN; and Barrington, IL.

The largest gift came from the Greater Houston Community Foundation to the tune of $500,000. SBEF was one of only three education organizations to receive a grant from GHCF’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

“The grant felt like an affirmation of our efforts,” Thompson said. “As far as we know, the SBEF Harvey Relief Fund is the only one that specifically helps families in Spring Branch ISD. Our gifts help families fill gaps not met by other local and federal efforts. Since the Fund is managed by SBEF staff, there are no administrative costs. Every dollar goes directly to SBISD student and staff families.”

SBISD staff members who were displaced by Harvey and are receiving help from the SBEF Harvey Relief Fund are grateful. Thank you notes have poured in to the SBEF office.

From an employee, “I was just called to the front office to pick up some ‘mail,’ and I received the generous donation from SBEF. All I could do was laugh and then cry. We literally lost everything in the flood and have two small babies at home. What a perfect time to receive this gift/blessing. I’m so blessed to work for this district and want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is a huge undertaking on your part, and I know it’s probably been a very difficult task. You have no idea how much this means to my family and how far this will go for us. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I PROMISE to continue to pay this forward once we get back on our feet. Thank you so much.”

A parent wrote, “Thank you so much for providing the very generous Target gift card for our family. We have two boys…a freshman and a senior, and we feel so fortunate to have such a supportive school district. Having our downstairs destroyed by five feet of water for two weeks, losing all our cars and being displaced has been so very hard for us. I know there are many other families in the same situation as well. As a parent, the hardest thing has been that my senior will not be able to celebrate this Christmas (the one before he goes to college next year) in our family home. That is heart breaking. A big thank you for reaching out to us and providing support, as this is a long, tiring process! We will always remember your kindness.”

SBEF has distributed Target and Walmart gift cards to help families meet their most pressing needs, whether it’s food, clothing or supplies. The Foundation has awarded grants of $50,000 to Community In Schools – Houston (CIS), which identifies specific needs. CIS provides vouchers to families to assist with rent, utilities and other necessities.

Hurricane Harvey dumped 51 inches of rain on Houston, but the SBEF Harvey Relief Fund, which started with a dream, is an example of the community’s support and resilience.

A note sent to SBEF: “I have been an SBISD teacher for 37 years and have always felt supported and respected in my professional career. After losing my home, contents and cars to Hurricane Harvey, I have been overwhelmed by love and support in my personal life.”

A parent wrote about her family’s rescue via boat. “In the days that followed, so many kind friends, colleagues and good Samaritans…like you came forward to help us…. We want you to know you will forever be a part of our family and thank you so much for your kindness and love.”

Community members who wish to donate to the SBEF Harvey Relief Fund may visit www.springbrancheducationfoundation.com.

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Trustees Amend, Extend T-2-4 goal

December 13, 2017, 2:11 pm
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SBISD Trustees have proposed an amendment to update the language of the district’s T-2-4 goal, which aims for the doubling of the number of students who attain post-secondary success.

First written in 2012, the goal remains the same but the wording in board policy meant the goal would have expired at the end of 2017. The new proposed wording emphasizes that “every SBISD graduate” will attain post-secondary success and extends the original goal of 72 percent for five years, through 2022.

As proposed, the T-2-4 goal would read:

Every SBISD Graduate will attain a technical certificate, military training, or a two-year degree, or four-year degree. This goal will be referred to as “Spring Branch T-2-4.” The District will pursue the SBISD T-2-4 goal by increasing the number of students who complete a technical certificate, military training, or a two-year or four-year degree from 44% to 72% by 2022.

The rewritten goal and policy proposal is available for comment at the Board’s policy website. The policy will be considered on fourth reading after compiling public comment.

Board Policy Website

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New Vanguard Fellows Teaching Cohort Named

December 13, 2017, 2:19 pm
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Twenty-one Spring Branch ISD educators learned this week that they have been named as Cohort III members in the Vanguard Fellows teacher corps. They join 46 district educators picked as innovative Vanguard Fellows over the past several years.

The 67-member Vanguard Fellows group now represents 30 campuses in SBISD, ranging from prekindergarten to high school. Teachers expressing interest in the Vanguard Fellowship complete an online application. Corps candidates then interview with current Vanguard Fellows for final selection.

Vanguard teachers represent SBISD’s continuing effort to both encourage and support new methods of instruction and learning through smart use of technology integration and refocused curriculum design.

“We’re so excited to welcome the 21 new educators who have joined our Vanguard Fellowship, and we look forward to walking alongside them on their learning journey!” Karen Justl, district educational technology director, said in announcing the new cohort.

The 21 teachers represent 16 schools, with Edgewood, Pine Shadows and Wilchester elementaries represented for the first time.

“The Vanguard Fellowship creates a network for teachers who are excited about technology and who understand how to leverage it to empower learners,” Justl also said. “We bring personalized professional learning to our Fellows through a great deal of choice in how and where they learn. Ultimately, the Fellows will then share their learning across a variety of platforms to engage and empower others.”

Earlier this week, new Fellows received personal posters proclaiming “I’m IN” by mail. Many will be tweeting out poster-based selfies in the days and weeks ahead. The 21 teachers will first meet as a group on Jan. 19 at the Technology Training Center.

Cohort III Vanguard Fellows (December 2017)

Rebecca Thompson, Edgewood Elementary, 4th Grade, Math & Science
Sarah Starling, Meadow Wood Elementary, 4th Grade
Headiyeh Matthews, Pine Shadows Elementary, Multi Classroom Leader
Josephine Stringer, Pine Shadows Elementary, Librarian
Casey Poche, Wilchester Elementary, 2nd Grade
Joan Lloyd, Wilchester Elementary, 1st Grade
Kimberly Keefe, Hollibrook Elementary, 5th Grade
Sarah Chu, Nottingham Elementary, 5th Grade
Claudia Meza, Westwood Elementary, 5th Grade
Angela Stamps, Cedar Brook Elementary, 4th Grade
Carla Pace, Spring Branch Middle, 6th Grade Science, Endeavor Program
Christine Jackson, Spring Oaks Middle, 6th Grade, Science
Alissandre Robbins, Spring Forest Middle, 6th Grade, Science
Karen Nickel, Landrum Middle, 6th Grade, Science
Amanda Campos, Landrum Middle, 7th Grade, Science
Kelli Bolen, Stratford High, 10th-11th Grade, English Language Arts (ELA)
Matthew Barnett, Northbrook High, 10th Grade, World History & Athletics
Kimberly Abdul, Northbrook High, 9th Grade, Algebra
Seda Dawson, Westchester Academy, 7th Grade
Rachel Rose, Westchester Academy, 7th Grade, Language Arts & Social Studies (LASS)
Rebecca Jungklaus, Memorial High, American Sign Language (ASL)
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C.A.M.P. Aggie Mentors Surprise Students with Bicycle Donations

December 14, 2017, 7:06 am
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Treasure Forest Elementary students received an inspired gift from C.A.M.P. (Caring Aggies Mentoring Program) Aggie mentors this week – 26 shiny new bicycles and a lesson in the power of living your values. 

For Principal Celeste Barretto, the impact of the C.A.M.P. mentoring program at her school is obvious – that program’s motto of selfless giving is benefiting school culture and outcomes for kids. “I am excited to have the mentors here today. They’ve offered programming support and new bicycles for the kids,” Barretto said during the Tuesday bike distribution. 
Camp Aggie at Treasure Forest Elementary from SBISD on Vimeo.

“We nurture our mentees from third-grade all the way to college,” said Freddie Wong, co-founder of the mentoring program. “We help create experiences that build connections and open doors to opportunities for students. Part of that is living our C.A.M.P. values of selfless giving.”

The C.A.M.P. inspires students to pursue higher education by reinforcing excellent academic standards, building confidence and leadership skills, providing fun, life-enriching experiences, and modeling qualities of success. 

An additional surprise for the students was the appearance of one extra bicycle. Wong explained it as a gift for a student not yet a member of the mentoring program – someone who exemplifies the character and values the mentoring program and the school collectively aspires to. 

Along with this important life lesson, students witness a real-time example of the C.A.M.P. value of selfless giving – Wong performing his role of mentor without hesitation – which delivered a timely message about collective impact to the celebration’s attendees.

“I can’t thank these mentors enough for their work,” said Barretto. “It’s just amazing.”

Learn more about C.A.M.P. Aggie at: houstonags.org/camp/
Watch a video spotlight from this event here.

#collectiveGreatness
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SBISD Part of Academic Accountability Pilot

December 15, 2017, 1:13 pm
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Texas Education Agency Press Releases 

Update: 20 School Systems Part of Local Academic Accountability System Pilot 

(AUSTIN) – Commissioner of Education Mike Morath announced today that 20 school systems will participate in a pilot to develop its own local academic accountability system. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will oversee a small-scale pilot program in the 2017–2018 academic year. 

Established by House Bill 22 and passed during the 85th Texas Legislature earlier this year, the local accountability system program allows an independent school district (ISD) or public school charter to develop plans locally that evaluate its campuses. 

The 20 systems participating in the 2017-2018 pilot are: Alief ISD; Austin ISD; Bullard ISD; Canadian ISD; Clear Creek ISD; Dallas ISD; El Paso ISD; Humble ISD; Jonesboro ISD; Lyford ISD; Midland ISD; Point Isabel ISD; Premier High Schools; Richland Collegiate High School; San Saba ISD; Sharyland ISD; Snyder ISD; Spring Branch ISD; Sunnyvale ISD; and Waco ISD. 

Participating districts will be required to attend four monthly meetings hosted by TEA in the spring of 2018 as part of the local plan development. Once a plan receives TEA approval, districts and charter schools may use locally developed domains and indicators in conjunction with the three state-mandated domains to assign overall A–F ratings for each of its campuses. 

Approved local accountability systems will be available for use beginning with the 2018–2019 school year. For more information about the local accountability systems established by House Bill 22, visit the TEA website at https://tea.texas.gov/las.aspx.
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Trustees Approve Bond Oversight Committee

January 11, 2018, 12:24 pm
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SBISD trustees on Monday, Jan. 8, unanimously approved membership for a community-based Bond Oversight Committee to monitor progress of the 2017 bond program.

Co-chaired by Lewis Gissel and Kathy Goss, the 18-member committee is charged with several tasks but primarily will ensure that “bond projects remain faithful to the priorities identified in the 2017 bond plan … .” The charge was approved at the regular meeting on Nov. 27, 2017.

Gissel served with David Slattery as co-chair of the 2017 Bond Advisory Committee. Goss served on the 2007 Bond Oversight Committee and was a member of the 2017 Bond Advisory Committee.

District voters on Nov. 7, 2017, by 80 percent approved the $898.4 million bond package, which includes the rebuild of nine elementary schools and one middle school, along with technology, safety and security, fine arts and athletic upgrades.

2017 Bond Oversight Committee Charge and Composition
2017 Bond Oversight Committee Membership

Members:
Melanie Bash
Patricia Cabrerra
Matt Daniel
Carin Domann
Jennifer Espy
Pamela Forworn
Kathy Goss*
Lewis Gissel*
Bill Jensen
Gina Keith
Jacob Lipp
Scott LeMarie
John Murphy
Jeanine Piskurich
Geri Powell
Chuck Russell
Wayne Schaper Sr.
Jay Sutherland
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Filing Opens for May 5 Trustee Election

January 11, 2018, 12:34 pm
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The next election for two positions on the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled for Saturday, May 5.  Ballot candidate applications will be accepted beginning Wednesday, Jan. 17, through Friday, Feb. 16, during normal business hours at SBISD’s Schaper Leadership Center, 955 Campbell Road.

Trustee positions for the upcoming election are Position 3, which is currently held by incumbent Katherine Dawson, and Position 4, which is held by incumbent Chris Vierra.

Candidates may file applications through 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, in Room 128 of the Wayne F. Schaper, Sr. Leadership Center (SBISD Administration Building). The district office at 955 Campbell Road is located one block south of Interstate 10 on Campbell Road. The Schaper Leadership Center is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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

All registered voters who reside in SBISD are eligible to vote in SBISD Board of Trustees Elections. For more information, please call:

Diane Dickens
SBISD Administrative Assistant
713-251-2217
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SBISD Winter Support Staff Job Fair

January 18, 2018, 2:23 pm
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Employment Opportunities / Oportunidades para empleo

Who:• Teaching Assistants/Asistente de Maestro
• Administrative Assistants/Secretarias
• Campus Support Staff/Personal de apoyo a las escuelas
• Bus Driver Assistants/Asistentes de chofer de autobus
• Bus Drivers/Choferes de autobús
• Custodian/Limpieza y Mantenimiento
• Electrician II/Electicista II
• Crossing Guards/Cruzador de peatones
• Roofer II/Techero II
• Carpenter Glazier/Carpintero
• Herbacide- Pesticide Applicator/Aplicador de pesticidas
• Production Assistants/empleados para la cosina
When:Thursday, Jan.25, 2018
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where:Don Coleman Coliseum
1050 Dairy Ashford
Houston, TX 77079

Download flyer
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Finding the Limitless Potential in #EveryChild

January 26, 2018, 7:52 am
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If the color red represents the heart, then it's no coincidence that student-athletes from SBISD's Special Olympics and Memorial High School's Memorial Mustang Outreach Bunch (MMOB) Volunteers were surrounded by the color at their recent meet up for bowling practice at Bowlmor.

The practice was part of SBISD's Special Olympics programming that’s coordinated by SBISD Special Education coaches around the district.

The Special Olympics program offers individuals with disabilities the ability to discover new strengths, skills and success through the power of sports. 

It’s just one of the many ways SBISD educators provide support and enrichment to students, their families and the area community.

Participating athletes find fulfillment – on the playing field and in life – while inspiring members of the community to open their hearts to human talent and potential. 

Volunteers like those from Memorial High School’s MMOB, a student volunteer organization with more than 850 members and that provides quality volunteer work for numerous organizations in the area, work in collaboration with SBISD educators to support Special Education event activities.

This partnership between educators, student volunteers and student-athletes is critical in developing what’s probably the most important outcome of the experience – interpersonal connections and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

“Just thinking that we help make these guys happy and enjoy life – it makes me really, really happy,” said MMOB Special Education Chair Dahyun Kim. 

“For my major for college, I want to do Engineering that will help others in this community,” he said. “It’s changed my way of thinking.”

Listening to SBISD parent Dennis Smith talk about his daughter, a student-athlete, it’s obvious it’s changed his daughter’s way of thinking too.

“Before, she didn’t have an interest in participating,” Smith said. “Now, after being part of this program and having the ability to meet other students and expand her circle of friends, she’s excited and motivated to participate. It’s a big change, one that I am thankful for.”

As the thunder of pins fills the air and the scoreboards flicker new scores, students cheer each other on with high-fives and words of encouragement. A soft neon red glow envelopes the bowlers and volunteers, hinting at what lies behind their shared smiles – hearts unbound and open to the limitless potential of the shared human condition.

Thank you to the partners who support student programming in Spring Branch ISD. Thank you to our outstanding educators, parents and student volunteers.

For more information about SBISD’s Special Education programming, click here. For information about Memorial’s MMOB Volunteer Program, click here.

Watch video >>

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Students Meet Surgical Robots

January 26, 2018, 8:43 am
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Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center hosts special program

Need a knee replacement? Let a surgeon guide a robot to do that repair.

Students from three middle and high school robotics teams recently got an up close look at two surgical robots being used at the Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center.

Students from both Westchester Academy’s middle and high school and Memorial High met at the area medical complex on Jan. 19 to hear about developments and advances in robotic technology.

The students also received hands-on experience and basic training on the newest robot assistant at Memorial Hermann, known as the da Vinci Xi, as well as the Mako surgical robot.

Robots in the operating room mean that surgeons and other trained experts will be nearby programming and supervising steely advanced machines.

The da Vinci Xi® Surgical System is used in a variety of settings, including colon, rectal, urological and bariatric surgeries, as well as general surgery. The Mako robot is best known for providing a robotic-arm assist during joint replacement surgery.

In general, this robot system extends the reach of a surgeon’s own hands, allowing him or her to perform precise, complex surgeries through a few, tiny incisions.

During a robotic operation, the surgeon often sits at a console and makes the robot system perform somewhat like a video game operates.

Memorial Hermann physicians Adam Freehand, M.D., Lucrecia StaAna, M.D., and Cameron Ruttman, M.D., spoke to students and then led them through hands-on experiences. Area private schools sent students to the special robot field trip experience, too.

‘Science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, careers are intricately connected with the medical field,” said Paul O’Sullivan, CEO and vice president of Memorial Hermann Memorial City.

“While a student may not be interested in becoming a physician or other health care provider, there are so many other opportunities to help advance the medical field. We hope giving students hands-on access to some of the latest technology implemented at the hospital will spark a lifelong interest in a STEM career,” O’Sullivan also said.

Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center now uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology in a variety of fields, including minimally invasive and robotic procedures.

SBISD teachers and students were impressed with what they observed and the medical technology insights they gained.

“The field trip was well organized. The students were very interested to see how the two surgical robots worked both for minimally invasive surgery and for knee-hip replacement,” said H. Noel Bayabord, who teaches computer engineering at Memorial High.

Memorial senior Daniel Park was impressed. “Getting to see a surgical robot up close and getting to control it was useful for us to understand how programming and construction come together to create a complex but easy to manage tool,” he said, also hoping that more visits could be arranged.

“I learned about how robots are getting very advanced to the point that a person could be using the medical machine in one room and be controlling it in a separate office,” said Charles Huard, also a Memorial senior.

“I learned a really cool way to do surgery on people, and I might want to study more in the medical field,” reports back Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS) eighth-grader Miguel Rios Hernandez.

WAIS senior Austin Armstrong found the session enriching. “Seeing and using technology that I thought only existed in science fiction novels was mind-blowing, and I can’t even wait to see how much this can improve in the future,” he said after the field trip.

The local hospital and center has 1,100 affiliated medical staff physicians and 1,800 employees. It repeatedly ranks in the top 5 percent of U.S. hospitals, and has won multiple awards for patient safety and exemplary clinical quality.

This report was compiled with assistance from Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center’s marketing department.
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Spring Branch FFA Show & Sale

January 26, 2018, 9:12 am
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The Spring Branch community is invited to the 40th annual Spring Branch FFA Show and Sale on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2-3. All student events will be held at the Spring Branch Ag Farm located at 1905 Brittmoore.

Sponsored through the Spring Branch FFA Alumni Association, the student show features both livestock and non-livestock entries on Feb. 2. Sales are held Feb. 3, for all livestock and champion non-livestock student projects.

Last year, sale proceeds exceeded $300,000. This year, the Spring Branch FFA Alumni Association is proud to introduce the “100 Club,” an alternative way for area residents, friends and families to invest $100 toward purchase of a student-raised animal during the Spring Branch FFA Sale, or Livestock Auction, without being physically present to bid at the live auction.

The “100 Club” donors will be represented by an experienced sale bidder and certified auctioneer who will bid on behalf of the Club. At auction’s end, each $100 investor has a chance to win an animal project. Winners have two options – donate the animal for resale with funds going to the chapter, or accept the animal and processing cost.

“Our goal is to reach buyers who would not typically participate in the sale. This provides these Spring Branch FFA Alumni friends an opportunity to invest a minimum amount of money, have a chance to win a livestock project, and make a big impact on our sale,” said Kristin Valicek, who is with the Spring Branch FFA Alumni association.

40th Annual Spring Branch FFA Show & Sale
Livestock Show: 2-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2
Sale Registration & Silent Auction: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3
Live Auction: 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3
Spring Branch Ag Farm
1905 Brittmoore

For more details, visit Spring Branch FFA.

Spring Branch FFA Show & Sale flyer
Spring Branch FFA Alumni “100 Club” Membership Form

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Rodeo Picks 13 Student Artists for Top Awards

January 26, 2018, 2:02 pm
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Matthew Day, 3rd grade, Frostwood Elementary, Rain Cloud Kachina
Alex Choi, 7th grade, Memorial Middle, The Outing
Art by 13 district elementary, middle and high school students has been chosen for public display during the upcoming Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, which will be held from Feb. 27 through March 18 this year. Their winning works will be displayed in the Hayloft Gallery at NRG Park.

In separate but related news, five Memorial High students were selected recently for the 2018 Quick Draw Contest, another Rodeo related event.

Reproductive images of these and other rodeo-themed images will be on display Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 5-7 p.m. during the annual Spring Branch ISD K-12 Rodeo Art Exhibit. The special exhibit is located at Westchester Academy-AYAM Art Museum located at 901 Yorkchester.

Artwork by other district students of all ages has also been mounted there for public viewing. Hundreds of student submissions related to the annual rodeo were judged Jan. 4-5 by a three-person panel of artists and experts, with 25 high school, five middle and five elementary finalists picked for the final judging held at the Livestock Show and Rodeo’s NRG Park offices.

The Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum will also be open for public viewing on these days and times for the same display:
  • Jan. 22, 24, 26 and 29, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
  • Jan. 23, 25 and 30, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
SBISD’s 13 winning student art picks will be displayed in NRG’s Hayloft Gallery during the upcoming Rodeo. Students who are awarded Best of Show, Gold Medal and Special Merit win the right to show their works.

During the Rodeo, student artworks from across the region will be chosen for Grand Prix judging and the Rodeo’s annual art auction, which gives an opportunity for young artists like these to win tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships and ongoing learning.

District winners headed to the Houston Rodeo for public display include:
Best of Show
  • Elementary – Matthew Day, 3rd grade, Frostwood Elementary, Rain Cloud Kachina
  • Middle School – Alex Choi, 7th grade, Memorial Middle, The Outing
  • High School – Sharon Han, 10th grade, Memorial High, Showtime
Gold Medal
  • Elementary – Sandra Birkhoff, 2nd grade, Hunters Creek Elementary, Rainbow Cactus
  • Middle School – Cindy Fu, 7th grade, Memorial Middle, Serenity
  • High School – Sarai Centeno, 9th grade, Memoria High, Sweet Pea
  • High School – Bokyoung Jeon, 10th grade, Stratford High, The Apprentice’s Work
High School Special Merit
  • Kunong Li, 9th grade, Memorial High, Purple Knight
  • Ann Yoo, 9th grade, Stratford High, Admiration
  • Isabella Mejia, 11th grade, Stratford High, Saddled Up Patience
  • Annabel Shen, 10th grade, Memorial High, Hats Off to Cowgirl
  • Madeline Harms, 12th grade, Stratford High, All Together Now
  • Chris Song, 12th grade, Memorial High, Weaving Generations
Five Memorial High students were chosen separately for the 2018 Quick Draw Contest, a Rodeo event that requires fast speed and skill. Like the barrel races in the Rodeo arena, the Quick Draw Contest pits finalists against the clock. Contestants are given only 50 minutes to sketch a masterpiece on piece of paper measuring 11-by-14 inches.

High school artists may choose portrait or full-figure images. Memorial High students picked as Quick Draw finalists include 12th-graders Eleanor Green, Mingyang Li and Tara Schmidtke; 11th-grader Caroline Kroger; and 10th-grader Jacqueline Morris.
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Humility Reigns as District Recognizes National Mentoring Month

January 26, 2018, 2:51 pm
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From left, Board President Karen Peck, Becky Wuerth, Leticia Rodriguez, Beverly Martin, Sylvia Urteaga, Steve Schlabach, Patty Cordrey. Kerwin Paniagua, Roger Ethridge and Dr. Muri.

The common denominator is humility.  To a person, the individuals honored by the SBISD Board of Trustees in January could not imagine why THEY were being recognized for their support and dedication to the mentor programs in the district during National Mentoring Month. “So many other people are more deserving,” was a common comment when informed about their #IAMSBISD awards for embodying the core value of #EveryChild.

Roger Ethridge was recognized for his 10 years of service as a SpringBoard mentor with other mentors from Chapelwood United Methodist Church. Over this time he has mentored seven young men at Academy of Choice and Valley Oaks Elementary, several all the way through high school graduation.

“I am truly humbled by the prospective honor of being recognized as a leading supporter of mentoring in SBISD schools,” said Ethridge. “My wife, who is a former SBISD employee, encouraged me to get involved since she could see a great need for male mentors.”

Ethridge currently is mentoring two students, one in high school and one and in elementary. Ethridge’s younger mentee, Kerwin Paniagua, attended the meeting with his mother, and with pride and a huge smile, presented a bouquet to his mentor. His mother was smiling as well, knowing her son is so fortunate to have this caring adult in his life. Research shows that young people need three or more caring adults in their lives as key ingredients to growing up in to successful adults.

Patty Cordrey was recognized by the Board for her service as a Collegiate Challenge mentor and the partner mentor coordinator at Northbrook High School. A mentoring program for juniors and seniors, Collegiate Challenge helps high school juniors and seniors with college exploration and applications.  Chapelwood UMC is also the program partner at Northbrook High School, and individuals from the church serve as mentors on a weekly basis during the school year.

Cordrey, too, was hesitant to be singled out for the #IAMSBISD recognition.

“While I know that mentoring is a hugely important endeavor that I wholeheartedly support,” said Cordrey, “it is definitely a group effort.  There were many mentors that came before me (most in the form of teachers or other family members) for these students, and, usually, some that come after. My work with them is only a piece of the long trajectory leading students toward a successful future. Most of the hard work the students have to do on their own, and my job then becomes cheerleader and appreciator of their efforts.”

Cordrey’s mentees have a friend for life. She keeps up with those who have gone on to college and moved into the workforce, and checks in with them regularly to see how they are faring.

The team that takes care of the 42 mentor-mentee pairs at Westchester Academy are like a well-oiled machine. Counselors Stephen Schlabach (Lower School) and Beverly Martin (Upper School) attend all the mentor recruitment trainings, host mentor appreciation events, and know all their mentors and mentees by name. They offer a truly personalized approach.

Martin and Schlabach are superbly assisted by Sylvia Urteaga and Leticia Rodriguez, who welcome the mentors each week, prepare special name tags for them, send passes to the students on the days their mentors visit and keep the match records up-to-date. All four were genuinely surprised to be selected for the #IAMSBISD recognition. They do this important work without expectation of any recognition because of their dedication to their students’ well-being. Big smiles belied the team’s humility as family members and Westchester colleagues cheered for them at the Board meeting.

Also recognized with #IAMSBISD – as a surprise – was SBISD community relations specialist Becky Wuerth. Community Relations Officer Linda Buchman said that Wuerth, who manages the district’s mentor and volunteer programs, is an “unsung hero” working behind the scenes to make things happen.

Team members from both SBISD mentor programs felt that all the #IAMSBISD awardees were well-deserving of the recognitions. With humility, they represented more than 500 mentors in SBISD, and the “best of the best” mentor program teams during National Mentoring Month.

The #IAMSBISD award recognizes individuals or teams who embody one or more of SBISD’s core values of #CollborativeSpirit, #CollectiveGreatness, #EveryChild, #LimitlessCuriosity and #MoralCompass.

Those interested in becoming part of the SBISD mentor “family” should call 713-251-2468 for more information.
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Books are the Best Gifts Ever

January 26, 2018, 3:40 pm
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Second-grade students at Westwood Elementary got the best gift possible right before the holiday break when area Shell volunteers hosted a holiday party and distributed two books to every student.

Ten Shell volunteers showed up on Dec. 13 after collecting about 100 age-appropriate books for students. A holiday party with cookie decorating was also held. Each student unwrapped their books at the party.

Each Westwood second-grade classroom was visited by a pair of Shell volunteers, who talked to the students about their jobs and careers, and how they chose their individual paths through training, study and college decisions.

“This was such a special event for our Shell community partners as they got to interact with our second-grade students. The kids were all so very excited when they got to unwrap their books,” said Betsabeth Beyk, the Communities in Schools (CIS) project manager at Westwood.

Jennifer Tracy, an analyst at Shell, helped organize the one-time volunteer event. She was applauded by district officials for Shell’s outreach to groups impacted by Hurricane Harvey and related issues.

“It was a delight to see the second-graders at Westwood Elementary decorating cookies with big smiles on their faces,” said Pat Waldrop, who helps manage and coordinate CIS in SBISD schools.

“Thanks so much to your team of amazing folks who took part and made this moment happen. The students were equally thrilled with their new books,” Waldrop told Shell’s Tracy.

Waldrop said that the Shell group had “made the holidays better for many, and for that we are all grateful.”

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Spring Woods High Senior Earns Posse Scholar

February 1, 2018, 1:35 pm
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Spring Woods High School senior Sabina Garibovic has been accepted as a class of 2022 Posse Scholar. She will attend Colby College, a private, liberal arts college in Waterville, Maine.

Founded in 1989, Posse identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes. Posse extends to these students the opportunity to pursue personal and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams—Posses—of 10 students.

Posse partner colleges and universities award Posse Scholars four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships. A student is nominated for the program by their high school or a local community leader.

Garibovic attributes this achievement her involvement in Speech and Debate. She has been in the program for three years, and has repeatedly qualified for state for both of her events: Original Oratory and Informative Speaking.

“I wouldn’t have been able to succeed for Posse had it not been for Debate,” she said. “I’ve learned to come out of my shell, present myself in a professional manner, and immediately connect with new people I meet. Debate has helped me exponentially grow as a person, which has lead me to a bright future with both Posse and beyond!”

She encourages every new student to join Speech and Debate, as she knows it will open many new doors for opportunity and could create future Posse Scholars in the process.
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Register for SBISD Meet and Greet

February 8, 2018, 2:45 pm
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The Meet and Greet provides an opportunity for teachers (classroom, special education, counselors and librarians) interested in Spring Branch ISD to meet with Spring Branch Administrators and/or Campus Representatives.

Who:Teachers (classroom, special education, counselors and librarians) 
When:Thursday, March 22, 2018
4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Where:Don Coleman Coliseum
1050 Dairy Ashford
Houston, TX 77079

Register for event


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50 Candles for Sherwood Elementary

February 16, 2018, 9:33 am
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Sherwood Elementary School will celebrate its 50th anniversary during the weekend of March 2-3. The school is located at 1700 Sherwood Forest St.

Anniversary activities will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 2, and include a brief presentation, a tour of the building, and opportunity to “Soar Through the Decades” in the library. The celebration will also include food trucks and an evening school Carnival.

Due to local interest in this upcoming event, overflow parking has been arranged. Eventgoers may park in the northside parking lot at Westchester Academy for International Studies, 901 Yorkchester. Two school buses will shuttle visitors every half hour between Westchester and Sherwood. Buses will begin running at 5 p.m. and continue through 8 p.m. on Friday evening.

On Saturday, March 3, the anniversary will continue beginning with “Tacos and Tours” at 9 a.m. and student-led school tours. The Sherwood Library will present its “Soaring Through the Decades” program until 11 a.m. that morning.

“We are eager and excited for a reunion and celebration with all current and former Sherwood Eagles, including students, parents, volunteers, teachers and staff,” anniversary organizers report.

Under the successful 2017 Bond, Sherwood Elementary is among the next group of SBISD elementary schools scheduled to be rebuilt to serve future generations. To learn more about Sherwood’s 50th anniversary, please call 713.251.6900.

Download flyer
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SBISD Returns to Region 3, Will Compete with Cy-Fair Schools

February 16, 2018, 9:59 am
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When SBISD athletes strap on their gear next fall, they’ll be competing against a fresh set of opponents from Cy-Fair ISD in the newly aligned District 17-6A.

And those SBISD teams will be back in Region 3, making post-season travel more tolerable. The current District 15-6A, where SBISD teams compete against Klein ISD schools, is in Region 2, which stretches from North Houston west to Central Texas and north to the Dallas area. Region 3 is largely the greater Houston area.

For SBISD Executive Athletic Director Paige Hershey, none of that matters anyway.

“(After a realignment) people ask me what I think,” Hershey said. “I tell them that I think about (realignment) for about two seconds then I really don’t think about it at all – it’s time to get to work. We play who we play.”

Still, she took a little time to reflect on the change in districts.

“No doubt that it’s going to be good in a lot of regards,” she said. “It will be easier to arrange the playoffs (finding neutral sites, etc.) … and will eliminate a lot of the long travel with kids spending nights away from home.”

But she had nothing but praise for students and coaches who endured, and continue to endure – the realigned districts come into play in the fall – the long travel.

“Our teams reacted well when they had to travel,” said Hershey. “Our coaches and kids are very good at adapting.”

Memorial High School head football coach Gary Koch told the Memorial Examiner that the competition doesn’t get any easier in the new 17-6A.

"It's going to be a challenge like it always is, but that's kind of why you line up and play," Koch said. "You want a challenge. I'm happy we're in Region 3. It's easier for all of our sports in terms of postseason travel. So being in Region 3 is exciting for us."

Stratford head football coach Eliot Allen agrees about the competition and the travel.

"It'll be very competitive across all sports," Allen told the Examiner. "Region 2, your regional cross country meet is in the Dallas area, golf's in Waco. It'll be nice to have those things a little bit closer."

Cy-Fair ISD’s 12 6A high schools are spread across two districts now, which is new to them, Hershey said. Cy-Fair schools not in 17-6A will compete with Bryan and Tomball Memorial in District 14-6A – in Region 2.

Hershey said that SBISD has “great experience and understanding” of CFISD’s situation of being in multiple districts – SBISD has been there as its comprehensive high schools have periodically dropped in classification. The four schools are all 6A now.

“You have to understand what’s going on with their other district,” she said. “Cy-Fair has great athletic directors that we’ve worked with before. But they’re not used to dealing with another district. We’ve been in so many districts and have that experience.”

Hershey said that scheduling is important and will be accomplished first. The new district is nine teams, compared to the current eight, creating challenges such as bye weeks and an earlier start to some seasons to get in all the district play.

But the business of district governance is “really the thing.” The athletic directors will first work out district policies then work out policies by sport, with coaches weighing in. The ADs will take those policies to the schools’ principals, who approve the policies.

And all this is happening for the new district while finishing up with the current district, during what is the busiest time of the year in high school sports, Hershey said – the intersection of winter and spring sports. “This is our busiest time of year,” she said.

But all that work is behind the scenes, clearing the way for clean and fair competition on the athletic fields, courts, tracks and courses where Texas high school student-athletes compete.

“(Policy) is really the thing,” said Hershey. “Our kids and coaches really do adjust to the situation.”

by Rusty Graham
russell.graham@springbranchisd.com

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Bendwood Teachers Attend Space Center Conference

February 16, 2018, 10:22 am
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Two instructors at the Bendwood School were among more than 500 U.S. and international teachers who met rocket scientists, astronauts and well-known educators for hands-on learning experiences at a three-day Space Center Houston conference.

Gifted & Talented teachers Molly Nipper and Polly Osei presented a shared lesson about Mars activities and exploration to inspire educators during the Space Center Houston Feb. 1-3 Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC).

In a related news release, Nipper said that the recent gathering had helped enrich her classroom curriculum with new engaging and innovative lessons.

“I have learned so much from teacher presenters and NASA engineers and trainers over the past 11 years by attending the SEEC conference,” Nipper said. “[It] provided me with what’s next in 21st century teaching and learning.”

The three-day meeting drew participants interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) from kindergarten through high school for an immersive, professional development experience and networking.

Space Center Houston Director of Education Daniel Newmyer said that the center aims to inspire teachers with great access to industry leaders and its NASA-unique, STEM focused curricula.

The recently held conference included three keynote sessions:
  • “Scientists are Artists, too! – Engaging Students in Different Mediums,” presented by astronaut and artist Nicole Stott;
  • “Succeed like an Astronaut,” presented by astronaut Leroy Chiao; and
  • “The James Web Telescope: Our New Eyes in Space,” presented by Dr. Matthew Greenhouse.
During the conference, artist Kiel Johnson designed special art works using ordinary cardboard and paint. Educators and visitors built their own works in a live art installation called the Space Center Houston Star Fleet exhibit.

Educators also toured astronaut training facilities at NASA Johnson Space Center and learned about research and technology involved in current and future deep space missions.

For more information about educational programs, visit www.spacecenter.org/education.

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