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See Shakespeare in Hedwig Park

April 18, 2018, 1:02 pm
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The words of William Shakespeare will be heard in a local park soon.

Memorial High School theater students are in rehearsal to present a first-time, free outdoor park performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest with the audience playing a role in a moving, 45-minute dramatic experience.

A condensed version of The Tempest will be performed at 3 p.m. on May 12, in the Hedwig Village Park, 930½ Corbindale Road, adjacent to Spring Branch-Memorial Library. 

If successful, Memorial High theater director H.R. Bradford believes that a district Shakespeare Festival might one day unite high schools and Spring Branch ISD theater students, as well as the greater local community.

Bradford’s not a dreamer. A veteran of the Houston Shakespeare Festival, he believes that Shakespeare is best performed outdoors. He gained local permission for an edited version of the upcoming park performance, which employs a roving audience format.

The Tempest, one of Shakespeare’s later plays, is set on a remote island. It features the sorcerer Prospero, who uses both illusion and manipulation to conjure up a storm, or tempest, and to restore daughter Miranda’s royal prospects through marriage to King Alonso’s son, Ferdinand.

In a reversal on the practice in Shakespeare’s time to have young men play female roles, the sorcerer Prospero will become a female role, Prospera, in this park production.

Director Bradford holds a theater master’s degree from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, now known as the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. His deep love of Shakespeare was nourished there.

“When I lived in Scotland, they did Shakespeare in the Park at Glasgow’s Botanical Gardens and it was a wonderful experience as the audience is led to different locations in the park where actors perform scenes,” he said.

In Hedwig Park, the high school cast will use the park’s monkey bars and playground equipment, and related park areas for the rolling production’s scenes.

Rain tubes and metal thunder sheets will provide sound effects. Student actors will appear in costume and theatrical makeup.

“I want my kids to be exposed to Shakespeare, to languish in the language and face the challenge of demanding movement and articulation, and most important, experience these marvelous characters,” Bradford said.

A bachelor of fine arts graduate of Abilene Christian University, Bradford is well known in local theater. In addition his work with Houston Shakespeare Festival, he has performed with Stages Repertory Theatre, Houston Grand Opera and the Horse Head Theatre Company, among other groups.

His career has even included Space Center Houston, where he was a mission briefing officer updating visitors about the International Space Station.

But nurturing Shakespeare at Memorial High and across SBISD is a main goal for Bradford. He has bright hopes for the first park performance.

“My hope is that this type of production will be picked up by other schools so that in the future we can have a full-fledged Shakespeare Festival,” he said. But for now, the Bard will be heard in Hedwig Park soon.

Student Cast for The Tempest

Prospera: Grace Klam
Miranda: Collette Hickman
Ariel: Payton Hill
Caliban: Micheal Clulow
Stephano: Grace Hamilton
Trinculo: Sid Menon
King Alonso: Micheal Boyd
Gonzalo: Morgan Fu
Sebastian: Brandon Reger
Antonio: Lydia Bryant
Boatswain: Katherine Maykopet
Iris/Adrian: Gina Busha
Ceres/Fransisco: Frances Hamilton
Juno: Aubrie Grosbeck
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SBISD Grateful for Barbara Bush’s Literacy Focus

April 20, 2018, 11:14 am
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Nottingham Elementary students receive books at Nottingham’s My Home Library event last fall.

SBISD has been the great beneficiary of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s (BBHLF) mission to improve the quality of life for Houstonians through the power of literacy.

Three years ago, SBISD and the BBHLF joined forces as part of an international attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the number of students read to in a 24-hour period. On Oct. 19, 2015, hundreds of volunteers filled nearly every SBISD elementary school classroom. They did what former First Lady Barbara Bush often did best: read to a classroom full of students because of a steadfast belief about the critical importance of literacy.

Since then, the partnership between SBISD and BBHLF has bestowed Mrs. Bush’ literacy legacy upon hundreds of SBISD students.

In the 2016-17 school year, Treasure Forest Elementary School served as a pilot site for the Foundation’s My Home Library Project, an initiative aimed at providing children of low-income families an opportunity to have the essential tools that are necessary for reading success – books.



That year, more than 700 Treasure Forest Elementary students went home for the summer with a personal home library of six new books, each chosen off of the child’s wish list and sponsored by a district or Foundation partner.

In addition to putting books in the hands of our students, the BBHLF’s Young Professionals Group established a Literacy Mentoring Program at Treasure Forest Elementary. The volunteers dedicate their time and share their own love of literacy with district students, reading weekly with small groups to help increase literacy levels.

This year, in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the BBHLF came to the aid of several hundred more SBISD students. The My Home Library Project provided home libraries for all students on six SBISD elementary campuses, helping these students have access to the academic resources needed to regain a sense of normalcy in their lives. In many cases, the new books replaced those that had been damaged or destroyed by flood waters.

SBISD mourns the loss of former First Lady Barbara Bush and is deeply grateful for the support the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation provides across our city and in our schools. Mrs. Bush believed, “If you help a person to read, then their opportunities in life will be endless.”

Thanks to the ongoing support of the BBHLF, hundreds of SBISD students are seeing those opportunities unfold before their eyes.

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West U Rotary Club Honors SBISD Art Teacher

April 20, 2018, 2:32 pm
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Spring Woods High School visual arts instructor Rebekah Tee, center, receives the Rotary Club of West U Teacher of the Year Award on April 19 at Pico’s Mexican Restaurant on Kirby Drive. Joining Tee were education advocate Ann Johnson; Clyde Hays, Rotary Club president-elect; Curry Duffey, Houston Ballet principal bassist; and Fritz Beich, Rotary Club vocational service award chair.

It’s a bit of a hike from Spring Branch to West University, but one area Rotary group thought so highly of a local art teacher distance wasn’t even a factor in awarding its $1,000 annual cash teaching award.

Rebekah Tee, a visual arts instructor at Spring Woods High School, joined Principal Jennifer Collier and others April 19 during a breakfast meeting of the West U Rotary Club at Pico’s Mexican Restaurant on Kirby Drive.

The Club Foundation presented Tee with its Teacher of the Year vocational award during a check presentation event conducted during a weekly meeting at the restaurant.

Tee, a first-year teacher at Spring Woods High, has taught athletics, music and visual arts for 20 years. Her career path has included development of special art programs and new courses in several public school districts.

In addition to SBISD, she has worked in Clear Creek and Aldine ISDs, as well as at KIPP Houston High School where she founded the art program. She was the founder and director of the KIPP Houston Art School, too.

“This could not have been a nicer surprise,” Tee said after learning that she had been renominated by a Club member and then won the West U Rotary Club award. “This says to me, ‘This is what you’re supposed to be doing.’ I told them that this also makes them part of my village,” Tee said.

She is no stranger to educational recognitions. In addition to this honor, Tee has won KIPP’s Esse Quam Videri Award, Clear Creek ISD’s Hopes and Heroes Teacher Award, and a Kinder Foundation award for teaching excellence.

Tee has also served as a Region 4 East VASE director. Her students have won local, regional, state, national and international contests and awards.

She also enjoys street painting and likes to create art by working alongside her students.

Tee said the West U cash prize would likely help her pay a property tax bill. Yes, artists and art instructors pay taxes, too!
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CTE Awards Scholarships at Annual Luncheon

May 7, 2018, 7:55 am
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CTE scholarship recipients at the annual luncheon at the Guthrie Center. Front row (from left): Stefany Camacho, Emma Holland, Stacy Hoang and Maria Gutierrez. Back row: Sydney Lawrence, Azelia Lau, Gustavo Gomez and Jennifer Cox.
Eight SBISD seniors were awarded scholarships at the recent CTE (Career and Technical Education) scholarship luncheon at the Guthrie Center, where recipients and their guests enjoyed a gourmet meal prepared by culinary students.

Students awarded scholarships are generally members of the Academy of Finance, Academy of Hospitality or students in health science courses at the Guthrie Center.

First Community Credit Union Outstanding Student Award ($2,000)

Sydney Lawrence of Stratford High School was awarded the $2,000 scholarship. Combining her passion for long-distance running with strong accounting skills, Sydney created her own internship with the Houston Marathon Committee. She’ll attend the University of Texas next year, as she sets out to be a CPA.

First Community Credit Union ($1,000)

Three $1,000 scholarships were awarded in honor of Marie Farrar, a tax partner from PricewaterhouseCoopers and who served as keynote speaker at the Academy of Finance/Academy of Hospitality induction ceremony last fall.

Jennifer Cox of Memorial High School was awarded one of the $1,000 scholarships. She plans to attend Oklahoma University in the fall to study finance.

Emma Holland of Stratford High School was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. She plans to attend the University of Texas and participate in the business honors program.

Gustavo Gomez of Stratford High School was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. He plans to attend Lone Star College and the University of Houston, and major in business.

Village Family Practice ($2,500)

Azelia Lau of Stratford High School was awarded a $2,500 scholarship. A Stratford valedictorian, she plays varsity tennis and is an active community and church volunteer.

Maria Gutierrez of Northbrook High School was awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Her nomination describes her as a “vibrant young woman who will achieve every goal she sets out to achieve.”

Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club ($1,000)

Stefany Comacho of Northbrook High School was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Stefany has shadowed a variety of health care professionals at Memorial Hermann Memorial City and will pursue a career in radiology.

Excellence in Career and Technical Education ($1,000)

Stacy Hoang of Northbrook High School was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Stacy is a third-year student in health sciences and plans to become a registered nurse.

CUTLINE: CTE scholarship recipients at the annual luncheon at the Guthrie Center. Front row (from left): Stefany Camacho, Emma Holland, Stacy Hoang and Maria Gutierrez. Back row: Sydney Lawrence, Azelia Lau, Gustavo Gomez and Jennifer Cox.

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Undefeated State Soccer Champions

May 7, 2018, 10:08 am
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Memorial High School Girls Soccer Coach Lindley Amarantos describes the historic season that ended April 21 with a 3-0 state championship win over Lewisville Marcus as something out of a fairy tale – like magic. In reality, it was the first state soccer win ever for a district team.

After that recent Saturday game, The Mustang girls carried the championship trophy home from Georgetown to Spring Branch ISD for the first time ever, and for only the seventh time ever for a team in the Houston region. “To coach these girls in this historic season has been magical, to say the least,” Coach Amarantos said in a special email after the history making win.

“Many of you know how difficult of an endeavor this is (Memorial Tennis is old pros at it), but to win 7 post-season games and to win a state championship is not an easy feat,” she stated. “These girls went 28-0-1 through the season. And here is a  brief list of the team’s accomplishments: Spring Branch Tournament Champions; I-10 Shoot-Out Tournament Champions; 15-6A District Champs (allowing only 1 goal), and Bi-District, Area, Regional Quarterfinals, Regional Semifinals, Regional Finals, State Semifinals, and State CHAMPIONS! They outscored their opponents 119 to 8.”

“I can write about what they've accomplished and the awards they have received until I am blue in the face, but what most don't see is the work they've put in during our off-season,  during the summer, in the weight room, and in practices. These girls have pushed themselves harder than they thought possible. Last year after defeat in play-offs, they envisioned a push to State this year. They are a true testament to what it looks like to  believe in a goal and work hard towards achieving it. We are so proud of them and hope you are as well!”

The coach gave her deepest appreciation to others involved in the season and state victory, including Coach Gilberto Velez, JV B Coach Mikel Collins and former Coach Craig Cripps, Boys Soccer Coach Jason Zimmerman, math teacher Andi Owens, Melissa Macha and Beth Gammill, as well as so many others.



Memorial High Girls Soccer State Champions:
Seniors: Grace Yochum, Bella Killgore, Addie Gaetano, Mary Grace Sullivan, Berkeley Prewett, Madi Quine, Meg Espey, Geraldine Blanco, Suzanna Jinks
Juniors: Grace Collins, Maddie Dichiara, Alina Khan, Chandler Maloney, Emily Ridge, Kate Jones
Sophomores: Kelsey Hranicky, Callie Hurley, Reagan Goodwine, Paulina Carles, Gillian Holloway, Blakeley Buckingham
Freshman: Juliann Kidd, Ashley Arbour, Maddie Dukes

The Houston Chronicle newspaper’s report on the April 21 State Championship, written by sports reporter Adam Coleman, is posted below:

Memorial blanks Lewisville Marcus to win state soccer title
By Adam Coleman, Houston Chronicle

GEORGETOWN – Memorial has its saving graces to thank again for capping off a landmark season.

An opening goal from Grace Yochum and Grace Collins' double helped Memorial bounce Lewisville Marcus 3-0 to win the Class 6A girls soccer title Saturday at Birkelbach Field.

Memorial is a state champion for the first time and it does so undefeated at 28-0-1.

"We've been dreaming about this ever since last year when we lost in the second round and we've been working hard," said the junior Collins, who was named the game's MVP. "Just to achieve this just feels absolutely amazing."

Collins' left-footed blast was the exclamation point two minutes into the second half. Collins just missed a hat trick with 13 minutes left in regulation when her 30-yard strike narrowly sailed over the goal.

Yochum said scoring in 38 seconds again was a bit much to ask for but her early goal leading to the avalanche of offense was the perfect recipe again.

"It's crucial to get a win and to kind of just be like 'All right, we got this.'" Yochum said. "Get the nerves off. I'm more than happy to do it for my team because they deserve it."

It is a rare win in girls soccer for the Houston area. The Mustangs are the third state champion from the city since 2006 and just the seventh all-time. The sport's history under the University Interscholastic League dates back to 1983.

The fact that it's Memorial is a twist, too. The Mustangs had never been to a regional tournament until this year. The third round was always the hump too high to get past.

And Region II-6A had its pitfalls. There was defending state champion Pflugerville Hendrickson in the area round again. Top-ranked The Woodlands awaited in the regional semifinals.

Memorial passed both tests. Yochum said the team wouldn't have it any other way, feeling like it had to beat the best to make history.

Memorial coach Lindley Amarantos was hoping it'd be Cinco Ranch on the other side for even more history in an all-Houston final. The Cougars fell to Marcus via penalty kicks in Friday's semifinal.

But Memorial still made sure the city didn't leave empty-handed again.

"Had a lot of different teams from around Houston tweeting 'We're rooting for y'all. Bring it back home.'" Amarantos said. "What a year we've had with the Astros and Hurricane Harvey and the fact that we can bring a soccer state title back means so much."
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SBISD’s 2018 Teachers of the Year Announced

May 7, 2018, 12:39 pm
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An elementary school librarian and a high school journalism and yearbook instructor were named as Spring Branch ISD’s Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year during a special district recognition event held Tuesday, April 24.

Librarian Heather Bothe of Frostwood Elementary School and Memorial High’s Holly Hartman, who teaches journalism and oversees both a student newspaper and yearbook, are 2018’s top district educators.

The winning teachers were announced publicly on the field at Minute Maid Park before Tuesday evening’s Houston Astros-Los Angeles Angels game, the site of the annual SBISD Service Awards for a second year. In unusual final results for World Series champions, the Astros fell 8-7 to the Angels.

As top teachers, Hartman and Bothe received a trophy-style Golden Apple award, a $1,000 cash prize made possible through the ongoing support of Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital and the First Community Credit Union, and a $2,000 professional growth stipend from the school district.

Tuesday’s Service Awards attracted more than 1,300 employees and guests to Minute Maid Park. The celebration event included a fun, pre-game reception in Union Station. Attendees received game tickets and individual food vouchers.

SBISD Superintendent Scott Muri, Ed.D., presented the Golden Apples to Bothe and Hartman during a brief, on-field announcement that displayed larger than life on a Jumbo Tron screen located above the third baseline where the ceremony occurred.

Teacher of the Year finalists were joined on the ballfield by Principal of the Year Chris Winstead of Pine Shadows Elementary, SBISD retirees, district Board of Trustees President Karen Peck, Trustee Carter Breed and Trustee Josef Klam.

SBISD Secondary Principal of the Year Sarah Guerrero did not attend. She gave birth April 26 to a healthy baby boy, a great life celebration all its own.


Frostwood Elementary Librarian Heather Bothe


Elementary Teacher of the Year Heather Bothe, a 19-year Texas educator, has been the librarian at Frostwood Elementary for the past two years. She has also worked in Houston ISD, and was a Stewart Title automation coordinator in her early career.

She earned a bachelor of business administration degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and then later earned alternative certification through the University of St. Thomas. She was awarded a master’s degree in library science from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville in 2017.

Congratulations from the greater Frostwood community flowed in after her Teacher of the Year award was announced. By the next morning, her well-wishers ranged from students with hand-made cards to adult library volunteers.

Frostwood’s librarian was just happy she did not faint on field, and says she followed the advice of Trustee Klam who told the finalists never to lock their knees while standing on field, one way to “faint” after being named a winner.

Bothe dedicated her award to the school community for enduring a difficult year, with so many campus families impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

“This means a lot to the Frostwood community. We have all gone through so much with Harvey and flooding. I do believe that this was Frostwood’s year for an award because the community and the volunteers here are so incredibly amazing,” Bothe said.

She thanked the community on Facebook, too. “I would like to thank all of my colleagues, Frostwood families and students who make me the best librarian possible,” she wrote. “I am humbled by this honor and so thankful to be a part of such an amazing and supportive community. This is for all of you!”

Bothe also gave thanks to her family and friends “who fill in for me when I’m giving my all to a community I love.”

In addition to her library role, Bothe serves Frostwood as a webmaster and social media manager, campus technology representative, team leader and Campus Improvement Team member.

Some related community credentials include the National Charity League, Junior League of Houston, and the Memorial High School PTA. She has been a Girl Scout co-leader for more than 15 years, too.

Bothe is a recipient of the SBISD School Bell Award and is a PTA Lifetime Achievement Award winner. A campus Teacher of the Year winner, she is also a five-time HISD campus Teacher of the Year nominee.


Memorial High Journalism Adviser Holly Hartman


Memorial High’s Holly Hartman has her own story about Hurricane Harvey as a social media volunteer coordinator who helped coordinate the rescue of many flooded-out families and individuals by working alone from her home.

She first shared her incredible volunteer role with the Houston Chronicle newspaper, which rated it the paper’s most read online account of 2017. Her article will be published in the May edition of The Reader’s Digest.

Hartman, a 23-year Texas educator, has taught 12 years at Memorial High School. She wears several instructional hats, teaching journalism and also serving as student newspaper and yearbook adviser.

As Media Dept. chair, Hartman manages curriculum, planning and budgets for all broadcast and photo journalism, newspaper and yearbook classes.

The Memorial student yearbook, Reata, has published a 568-page edition. Today, the student newspaper, The Anvil, is a 28-page color magazine with a six-times-a-year publishing calendar.

Both student-run publications have won numerous awards under Hartman, who moved to the high school after teaching English at Spring Branch Middle School and advising students on the yearbook there.

Among many notable awards, Memorial’s students have brought home the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Gold Crown Award, first of its kind in SBISD, and the National Scholastic Press Association’s (NSPA) Pacemaker Award, also a first-ever award in SBISD.

Hartman estimates that she spends 50 or more hours per month outside of the regular teaching day to make sure students are supported and meet all publishing deadlines for newspaper and yearbook.

For all her accomplishments, Hartman was humbled by the on-field award presentation at Minute Maid Park.

“Getting to go on the field at the Astros game was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget,” she said. “I’m so appreciative to everyone involved in organizing the event and making all the honored teachers feel so valued.”

“It is humbling to be selected as the district’s Teacher of the Year, as I know there are so many qualified, outstanding teachers in this district who are just as worthy of this recognition as I am,” Hartman also said. “I’ve loved my 20 years in SBISD and am proud to represent the district. I really do feel like I have the greatest teaching job in the state.”

In addition to Memorial High and Spring Branch Middle, Hartman served as education director for one year at the Holocaust Museum Houston. She has also taught in the Hayes and Burnet Consolidated ISDs.

She earned a bachelor of science degree in speech communications at the University of Texas at Austin. She also received certifications in elementary education and language arts, English as a Second Language (ESL), and in journalism.

A recent highlight for Hartman has been summer teacher-chaperone trips through National Geographic Student Photography program expeditions to such diverse destinations as Africa, Iceland, Italy and Greece, and Fiji.

During a 2015 Fiji trip, Hartman became close to a 12-year-old village girl, Janet Rokotuitai, and her mother while staying in the village for five days.

Keeping in touch, Hartman helped Janet make her first visit to the United States recently, flying to Los Angeles to meet the teenager and fly back to
Houston. She will stay with Hartman and her relatives for several weeks.

Janet saw the Memorial High journalism teacher win the top district award at Minute Maid Park. The young Fijian traveled 25 hours by boat, then flew 11 hours just to get to Los Angeles.

“It’s been so fun watching her experience so many new things here. Janet lives on a remote island and has never been outside Fiji,” Hartman said.

As Teachers of the Year, Hartman and Bothe will represent the district in regional competition. If successful, they will compete at the state and the national level.

During its history, SBISD has had four teachers named regional and Texas Teachers of the Year. Many more district educators have been recognized as regional-level finalists, or they have won separate awards and honors.


Teachers of the Year Prepare for Regionals


Campus Teacher of the Year candidates are first nominated by the district’s students, parents, teachers and interested community members.

More than 1,400 individual nominations were received this year. In all, 871 teachers were nominated.

Members of the SBISD Teacher of the Year Committee read and reviewed all campus Teacher of the Year applications, including videos submitted by candidates. The committee then rank voted and named six finalists.

In addition to Bothe and Hartman, this year’s Teacher of the Year finalists included Kate Zuelke of Edgewood Elementary and Stephanie Chambers at Bendwood School. At the secondary level, finalists included Ryan Beeler of Spring Woods and Janice Cummons of Stratford high schools.

Recognized earlier as this year’s SBISD Principals of the Year were Chris Winstead of Pine Shadows Elementary and Sarah Guerrero of Northbrook Middle School.

The district this year is also planning to honor about 80 retirees, who will be recognized publicly at May’s regular meeting of the Board of Trustees. That meeting will be held at Memorial High School due to crowd capacity needs. Together, retiring educators represent hundreds of years of service to local students and families.

The Service Awards reception at Union Station and the Astros Game event were coordinated by the SBISD Community Relations and Communications teams, with planning led by Community Relations Specialist Becky Wuerth.
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Class of 2018 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

May 9, 2018, 1:38 pm
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Spring Branch ISD’s five high schools have announced valedictorians and salutatorians for the graduating Class of 2018.

Four SBISD campuses will host graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 26, and one high school will conduct its graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 29.

Stratford High names 51 co-valedictorians and 6 co-salutatorians
Stratford High School has named 51 co-valedictorians and six co-salutatorians to represent the Class of 2018.

Graduating Stratford High seniors will receive their diplomas at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, at Don Coleman Coliseum.

The Class of 2018’s co-valedictorians include Avery Caroline Agosto, Zachary Peter Angeles, Geoffrey Owen Baring, Addison Elizabeth Barrett, Madison Ellice Bigler, Fahad Riaz Butt, Jasmine Sumin Choi, Elizabeth Grace Cole, Erin Marie Collins, Sean Patrick Daly, Deepsikha Das, Amy Catherine Deaton, Jack Newman Diamond, Wilber Ernesto Dominguez Cabrera, Victoria Anne Dowdy, Grace Megan Elphingstone, Maia Fageria, Elizabeth Kate Gex, Kyle Edward Goodson, Madeline Nicole Harms, Caroline Elizabeth Hastings, Veronica Madeleine Herrero-Velarde, Emma Campbell Holland, Benjamin Parker Howell, Thomas Campbell Howell and Audrey Susanne Hudson.

Stratford High co-valedictorians also include Andrea Danielle Humphries, Paul Gihun Kim, Alexis Katherine Kohnke, Benjamin David Kuhn, Cassidy Mako Kurita, Azelia Chi Shiuan Lau, Sydney Marie Lawrence, Seungho Lee, Sung Won Lee, Ellie Patricia Miller, Mary Katherine Mouton, Mark Leigh Murdock III, GiBoom Park, Catherine Dallas Parnell, Brad Michael Perkins, Caston James Peter, Malia Keikilani Reed, Perry Cullen Shepard, Christopher Bo-Min Song, Sanja Stojcic, Samantha Rachel Weed, Rachel Marie Williamson, Abby Christina Work, Gavin Hughes Young and Carolyn Xinyi Zhang.

This year’s co-salutatorians at Stratford High are Josh Blake Flynn II, Marye Stuart Greer, Alexandra Valerie Rincon, Lila Raine Weber, Amanda Leigh Williams and Meredith Ann Williams.

Nortbrook High School names 2 co-valedictorians and a salutatorian

Nortbrook High School has named two co-valedictorians and a salutatorian to represent the Class of 2018.

Graduating Northbrook High seniors will receive their diplomas at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, at Don Coleman Coliseum.

The Class of 2018’s co-valedictorians are Sergio Octavio Espinoza Torres and Asiana Lee Torres. Salutatorian this year is Jessica Uriostigui.

Memorial High names 30 co-valedictorians and 9 co-salutatorians

Memorial High School has named 30 co-valedictorians and 9 co-salutatorians to represent the Class of 208.

Graduating Memorial High seniors will receive their diplomas at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, at Don Coleman Coliseum.

The Class of 2018’s co-valedictorians include Troy Gregory Austin, Bryan Tyler Berry, Claire Nicole Bingamon, Meredith Cyann Bullock, Justin Bennett Callahan, Kristine Jie-Yi Chin, Sarah York Cowan, Kaylee Kathleen Farber, Kendrick Neal Foster, Connor Makay Gartner, Allison Claire Gentry, Nathan Riley Graber, Doyle Alex Graham III, Kyra Margaret Halbert-Elliott and Cade Everett Hudson. 

Memorial High co-valedictorians also include Malek Mortada Ibrahim, Madeline Lindsey Jones, Natalie Rei Ling, Kedian Luo, Grace Catherine Mineo, Pierce Luat Lee Nguyen, Pablo Pedro-Javier Noyola, Emily YingYing Qin, William Andrew Rowe, Chloe Falconer Sands, Ronald Martin Weber III, Amanda Louise Wright, Nicole Michele Wright, Karen Xie and Lan Zheng.

This year’s co-salutatorians at Memorial High are Hannah Julie An, Nathan Keith Botros, Claire Syna Cheng, Sasha Vijay Daswani, Alice Gee, Grant Dean Nunley, Phuongnhi Binh Pham, Berkeley Elizabeth Prewett and Madeline Grace Tucker.


Spring Woods High School names 2 co-valedictorians and 2 co-salutatorians

Spring Woods High School has named two co-valedictorians and two co-salutatorians.

Graduating seniors at this SBISD high school will receive their diplomas at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, at Don Coleman Coliseum.

The Class of 2018’s co-valedictorians are Julia Isabella Klein and Julianna Noel Trapp. Co-salutatorians this year are Kristen Grace McDermott and Trish Trang Nguyen.

Westchester Academy names 4 co-valedictorians and a salutatorian

Westchester Academy for International Studies has named four co-valedictorians and one salutatorian to represent the Class of 2018.

Graduating seniors at Westchester Academy will receive their diplomas at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, at Don Coleman Coliseum.

The Class of 2018’s co-valedictorians are Morgan Leigh Howell, Maria Fernanda Luna Villanueva, Catalina Elizabeth Row and Charlie Austin Zong. Salutatorian this year is Austin Reed Armstrong.

For the safety and security of all graduates and families, no backpacks or oversized bags will be allowed in the Coliseum. Restricted items for inside the coliseum include flowers, gifts, food and drinks, signs, balloons and all noisemakers.

Don Coleman Coliseum is located at 1050 Dairy Ashford, adjacent to the Stratford High School campus.

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Woodview Elementary Sets SPARK Park Dedication

May 11, 2018, 6:49 am
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If it takes a village to raise a child, then it requires a campus, school district and several well-known regional foundations to build a new SPARK park designed for those who are underserved by parks and playgrounds.

A dedication event and ribbon cutting for the district’s latest SPARK will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 31, at Woodview Elementary School, 9749 Cedardale. The public is invited and a reception is also planned.

This elementary school-based park earned $100,000 in major funding as a “park desert” solution from both the Kinder and Powell foundations, as well as the local Houston Endowment. The Woodview park will help fulfill an ambitious goal to establish a park within a 10-minute walk, or one-half mile distance, from all Houston residents.

The new playground and park is a joint venture of Spring Branch ISD and Woodview Elementary parents and students. SPARK program Executive Director Kathleen Ownby helped plan the dedication and ribbon cutting.

In addition to remarks by Principal Becky Hagan, SBISD Superintendent of Schools Scott R. Muri, Ed.D., and Board of Trustees President Karen Peck will speak. The dedication will include musical selections by the Woodview Elementary Choir.

The park includes two gaga pits to play a modern, foam ball version of the dodge ball game, baseball backstops, shade-providing structure, exercise equipment, mushroom steppers, crawl tubes and a bike rack.

Under the direction of art teacher Kathleen Firth, students worked with a local artist, Rose Toro, to create tiles placed in serpentine concrete seat walls and in entry columns to the park.

The school mascot, a beagle, is included in a metal arch joining two park mosaic columns. Artist Toro also created mosaic murals mounted on the school building facing the park.

PBK Architects designed the new school park. The project contractor was C.A. Walker Construction. The local park’s total cost was $125,000.

Woodview Elementary parents, staff and students raised $12,000 of park costs through fundraising efforts that included a penny drive, a Fun Run with sister school Hunter’s Creek Elementary, PDQ meal cards, engraved brick sales and donations through Network for Good. SBISD gave $5,000 toward the project.

Significant outside funding sources for this park include: Spring Branch Management District, $12,000; Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle’s office, $5,000; and Kinder Foundation, Houston Endowment and Powell Foundation, $100,000 for SPARK “park desert” funding.

During the upcoming dedication, local Congressman Ted Poe’s office will present a U.S. flag that flew over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. A Texas flag that flew over the Capitol in Austin will be presented to school officials through State Rep. Dwayne Bohac’s office. A certificate will also be given to the school by Texas State Sen. John Whitmire’s office.

Special guests expected include the SPARK program executive director, Kathleen Ownby; Houston City Council District A Member Brenda Stardig; Houston City Council At Large Member Mike Knox; SBISD Trustee and SPARK Board member Chris Gonzalez; Max Buja, PBK Architects; and SBISD Construction and Facilities’ Travis Stanford and Kris Drosche.

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Mentorship Success

May 14, 2018, 9:43 am
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A perfect fit. That’s how May graduate Evangelina Covarrubias and her Collegiate Challenge mentor, Melinda Van Paasschen, see their yearlong-plus partnership at Spring Woods High School.

Just days ago, this successful match resulted in big Spring Woods Tiger news – Evangelina received a Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Scholarship, valued at more than $20,000.

Evangelina was paired her junior year with Ms. Van Paasschen, a former educator. The SBISD Collegiate Challenge program helps match interested area adults with high school juniors and seniors.

Together, students and adult volunteers work through career interests, college or university applications and essays, and scholarship opportunities. So far, program students have all gained college entry and most have attended their college picks after graduation. Collegiate Challenge operates at four SBISD high schools.

It worked for Evangelina. “We are both perfectionists. It was so great that I found someone who matched my outlook and effort to be the best I could possibly be,” the Class of 2018 graduate said recently.

She ranked among the top 15 of all Spring Woods seniors, loved performing in the varsity choir, and volunteered in the community after Hurricane Harvey’s flooding aftermath.

Evangelina will study at Sam Houston State University this fall with two majors in mind – criminal justice and psychology. Her mentor guided her to the two areas.

She knew about law enforcement – her mom, dad, uncle and a grandfather were police officers – but a high school forensic science course made her think about a career combining law enforcement and psychology studies.

Evangelina and Ms. Van Paasschen evaluated her interests. “By doing research with my mentor, I came to realize that criminal justice is something that I want to do,” Evangelina said.

The two also worked together on her essays and how the Tiger senior might present herself to colleges and scholarship officials. She has received small scholarships, too, and is still waiting to hear back on other scholarship bids.

“Evangelina is a self-starter,” said Ms. Van Paasschen, a 16-year educator who taught English at Spring Woods High. “We worked well together, and it’s been a good fit. We tweaked her essays, bit by bit, each time boosting them up.”

“I do love writing so this is a great volunteer job for me, and I do believe that it is important to help students who may not have help from an adult at home. If you are truly interested in having an impact on a young person’s life, then Collegiate Challenge is the right thing to try.”

To learn more about SBISD’s plentiful opportunities to volunteer or mentor, call SBISD Community Relations at 713-251-2286.

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Stratford High Grad Loves Hamilton Roles

May 15, 2018, 6:54 am
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Dorcas Leung spoke with Stratford Playhouse students and faculty and performed two song selections during a special visit to the Stratford auditorium.

Fans of a recent Stratford graduate performing in the hip-hop musical Hamilton, now on national tour in Houston, had plenty of questions for Dorcas Leung during a Friday special visit to the SBISD high school.

Fresh off a Broadway debut as Gigi Van Tranh in Miss Saigon, Leung is a much-in-demand standby for three Hamilton female characters – Angelica Schuyler, Eliza Hamilton and Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds.

The 2011 SBISD grad spoke with Stratford Playhouse students and faculty and performed two song selections during a special visit to the auditorium.

Leung first began performing in a church choir, but traces her passion with theater to a seventh grade production at Memorial Middle School. A school crush on a boy led her to try out. She fell in love with performing.

Her first student musical at Stratford High was Barnum. Featured in many Stratford High productions, she earned numerous Tommy Tune Award nominations.

A few responses from her Friday afternoon question-and-answer session:

Stratford Playhouse’s impact on her career: “Stratford is a huge part of my success. I loved summer rehearsals. Learning new parts with friends, and learning how to learn together, that is something I really hold onto.”




She works out of two suitcases and a trunk for the Hamilton tour. “We joke that this is the princess of all tours. Hamilton sits in a tour city for at least a month so you can really get to know the city. You learn about the food and restaurants. We can sit and hang out.”

Performing is work, but not the type of work one complains about. “Touring can be hard. You would like to stay longer and see way more of the Grand Canyon, but you have to do Hamilton. But that’s not bad!”

How to be ready for the next big break? “Make sure that you are prepared and ready to perform when you get that call.” Good advice for all of us.

Her thoughts on playing multiple standby roles in Hamilton as a woman of color, and interest in other Broadway roles. “I do like to pick work that I can identify with, and being in both productions (Hamilton and Miss Saigon) has really opened my eyes on how important it is for us to tell these stories.”

One reason stage work is safer than TV or film: “If you make a mistake, it’s live musical theater so you just go forward and go on. We say, no one dies in theater!”

On Hamilton’s ongoing popularity and the difficulty in obtaining tickets, then and now: “I joke that I never got to see Hamilton before I got on the touring show, and now I get to see the show as much as I want. If I am not performing, I will watch the show and study performances.”

During the Houston show’s stop, Leung sang the national anthem at Minute Maid Park before an Astros game.

Hamilton performances end May 20 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St. For details, www.houston.broadway.com.
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Girls Soccer Player Named Region’s Best

May 15, 2018, 9:03 am
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Memorial's Grace Yochum is the Chronicle's All-Greater Houston Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle

Memorial High’s Grace Yochum has been named the Houston Chronicle’s All-Greater Houston Soccer Player of the Year. This top honor follows the Mustang girls soccer team’s recent postseason victories leading up to the first-ever state soccer championship for a SBISD team.

Here’s what the Chronicle wrote recently after interviewing Grace Yochum:


Memorial's Grace Yochum is All-Greater Houston girls' soccer player of year

Story written by Jason McDaniel

Memorial's girls experienced plenty of regular-season success during Grace Yochum's four years on varsity, securing three district championships, but they didn't take off in the postseason until this year – with Yochum leading them all the way to the Class 6A girls soccer state championship.

The Mustangs ousted defending state champ Pflugerville Hendrickson, which ended their season last year, in the area playoffs, rolled Round Rock Westwood to make their first regional semifinal, survived a showdown with The Woodlands, then beat Round Rock for their first state appearance.

They didn't stop there.

With their senior midfielder supplying early goals in the 6A semifinals and championship match, the Mustangs captured the first girls soccer state title for a Houston-area team since The Woodlands' in 2010.

The Oklahoma State signee racked up 22 goals and 16 assists, despite missing five games while playing basketball, making her an easy choice for the Chronicle's All-Greater Houston Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

"She is the ultimate competitor and a natural leader," coach Lindley Amarantos said. "She has the ability to dictate the tempo of a game with her amazing technical skills and vision of the field. Grace is as comfortable scoring as she is setting up others for goals. She's a great teammate and wonderful person."

Q: What do you love about the game? What drives you?
A:"I love the competitiveness of it. I love the camaraderie with the team, and of course you can get that with any team, any sport, but there's something about soccer. It's different. (And) it's becoming a huge girls sport, which I love, and I love helping that and making it bigger in this country."

Q: What was the mindset going into the playoffs after last year's second-round exit?
A:"Last year we had a solid team, a great chance, and we go into the second round and play Pflugerville Hendrickson, and we were the better team. We had a penalty kick in the first five minutes, didn't capitalize, and then went to PKs (tied 1-1) and lost 5-4. So, coming off that year, we knew this was the year. We had the talent, we had the team, and these were the girls we were going to do it with – my best friends. We played Pflugerville Hendrickson same round, same place this year and smoked them."

Q: Making state this year was a big step for the program. Did you think you could win it all in Memorial's first trip?
A:"No. Honestly, I was worried about getting past Round 3, because the program had never been past that point before, but we blew that out of the water and kept going – and kept winning games."

Q: How were you able to manage the nerves and play so well in Georgetown?
A:"It's all my best friends. I played for them. I wanted to win this thing for them so bad and leave a legacy at Memorial. But let me tell you, I have never been more nervous for anything in my life than in those state games – and that Woodlands game."

Q: What was your reaction immediately beating after Flower Mound Marcus in the final?
A:"I didn't believe it was true, just because the second half was such a relaxed game, because we were already up 3-0. In that sense, it wasn't like, 'Oh my gosh, we did it,' like with penalty kicks, and 'Boom, we won,' because we knew from halftime we had the lead, we had the momentum and we were about to win state. But it didn't take away from the fact that, when the clock hit zero, I can't put into words how amazing that was."

Q: What's been the reception back home?
A:"We're like celebrities. We've been asked to throw out the first pitch at the Astros game (Sunday, May 20). The school has embraced us, with all our friends, classmates and teachers loving on us, so it's been amazing."

Q: What did it mean to you to give your team early leads in both state games?
A:"It's incredible. To put the team up so early, and set the tone, that's exactly what we needed. We needed an early goal. We felt like we were the underdogs in that final game, so to come out of the gate as fast as we did, and get that early goal, I'm so happy I could do that for my teammates."

Q: Memorial went undefeated this season, but there was that one, 1-1 tie with Seven Lakes. Does that bug you?
A:"It actually is incredibly annoying. I wasn't even at that game. I had a basketball game, so I didn't play in the Seven Lakes game (on Jan. 19). And we have a couple of friends on that Seven Lakes team, and they're always like 'Don't forget that one,' so it bugs us so much, but it's whatever."

Jason McDaniel is a freelance writer.
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Spring Branch ISD Offers Summer Evaluation Process for Gifted & Talented

May 15, 2018, 9:38 am
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Spring Branch ISD offers a gifted and talented evaluation process each summer for students who are newly enrolling in the district. To qualify for this screening session, students must have been identified for gifted services in their previous educational environment or come from a school or education setting with no gifted services, such as a private, homeschool, international or a related background. 

This evaluation process is designed to determine if students entering 1st through 12th grades need special educational services provided in the SBISD Gifted and Talented Program.  The Summer GT Evaluation packet may be downloaded from the district’s gifted and talented website.  The deadline to register for the process is Friday, July 20.

For students who were identified as GT in their previous districts, parents should contact the Advanced Academic Studies Department about providing documentation for review before the July 20 deadline. Qualifying data and programs may differ by school district. 

To register, parents must complete the Summer GT Evaluation packet and submit it to the Advanced Academic Studies Department.  Packets may be mailed, emailed or dropped off.  Contact information is provided in the packet.
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UIL Program Ratings & Results

May 18, 2018, 8:47 am
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Spring Branch ISD music students returned this spring from performing arts competitions with top tier state rankings and results.

SBISD student choirs, bands and orchestras completed the UIL season this year with 31 campus-based groups earning the Sweepstakes Award, which is issued for Superior rankings in concerts and sight-readings.

In addition, 4 other groups received First Division Superior rating evaluations for their stage performance and 7 more groups for sight-reading performance this year. Congratulations to all these students and their teachers.

Sweepstakes – Both Concert and Sight-reading Awards:

Landrum Middle School Varsity Choir Tenor /Bass
Memorial Middle School Varsity Choir Treble
Spring Branch Middle School Varsity Choir Treble
Spring Forest Middle School Varsity Choir Tenor/Bass
Spring Forest Middle School Non-varsity Choir Treble
Spring Forest Middle School Varsity Choir Treble
Spring Oaks Middle School Varsity Choir Treble
Memorial High School Non-varsity Choir Treble
Memorial High School Varsity Choir Treble
Memorial High School Varsity Choir Mixed
Memorial High School Non-varsity Choir Mixed
Spring Woods High School Non-varsity Choir Treble
Spring Woods High School Varsity Choir Mixed
Spring Woods High School Non-varsity Tenor Bass
Memorial Middle School Varsity Band
Spring Branch Middle School Varsity Band
Memorial High School Varsity Band
Memorial High School Non-varsity Band
Stratford High School Varsity Band
Stratford High School Non-varsity Band
Memorial Middle School Non-varsity Orchestra
Memorial Middle School Varsity Orchestra
Spring Branch Middle School Varsity Orchestra
Spring Forest Middle School Varsity Orchestra
Memorial High School Non-varsity A Orchestra
Memorial High School Non-varsity B Orchestra
Memorial High School Non-varsity C Orchestra
Memorial High School Varsity Orchestra
Stratford High School Sub-Non-Varsity Orchestra
Stratford High School Non-Varsity Orchestra
Stratford High School Varsity Orchestra

Concert Stage Only Award:

Landrum Middle School Non-varsity Choir Treble
Northbrook High School Non-varsity Choir Treble
Stratford High School Varsity Choir Treble
Spring Forest Middle School Non-varsity Orchestra

Sight-Reading Only Award:

Landrum Middle School Non-varsity Choir Treble
Spring Branch Middle School Varsity Choir Tenor/Bass
Memorial High School Non-varsity Choir Tenor/Bass
Stratford High School Varsity Choir Mixed
Stratford High School Non-varsity Choir Treble
Spring Forest Middle School Varsity Band
Spring Oaks Middle School Varsity Band

Congratulations to these fine SBISD students and instructors!



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Spring Branch Education Foundation awards 105 scholarships

May 21, 2018, 5:56 am
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Spring Branch ISD graduates receive $163,900

Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) awarded 105 scholarships to Spring Branch Independent School District seniors—a total of $163,900—at the SBEF 2018 Bright Stars of SBISD, Celebrating Academic Excellence awards program on May 17 at The Westin Houston, Memorial City.

The event, hosted by SBEF, honored scholarship recipients as well as 2017-18 Teachers and Principals of the Year. “We are privileged to recognize these exemplary seniors and educators who represent the many bright stars in Spring Branch ISD,” SBEF Executive Director Cece Thompson said.

“At the Bright Stars event, we publicly pay tribute to our seniors for their achievements and also to the educators and district employees who helped prepare our honorees for the next stage of their lives,” Warren Matthews, SBEF board member and Scholarship Committee chair, said.

Each scholarship application package is independently reviewed and evaluated by every member of the Scholarship Selection Committee. It’s an enormous task, and I’m very appreciative of their commitment and engagement,” he continued.

“Our honorees include campus leaders, community volunteers, students who have overcome significant challenges and obstacles, and others who helped their communities recover from tragic events, including the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. Many recipients are the first in their families to pursue higher education, and we’re happy to help them take that first step.”

Throughout the school year, Spring Branch ISD staff members contribute to the SBEF Employee Campaign, funding scholarships for SBISD graduates who are children of district employees. When employees were asked in August 2017 to contribute to SBEF’s 2017-18 Employee Campaign scholarship fund, they eagerly responded

“The response was so great we awarded a $1,250 scholarship to every applicant – 42 graduates,” Thompson said.

Employee Campaign Scholarship, $1,250

Miles Griffin, Bailey Hill, Caleb Howell, Nicorette Keykurum-Coland, Jenali Mehta, Nathan Nadarasa, Robert New – Memorial High School

Fina Leger – Northbrook High School

Hope Harlow, Addison Jacobs, Rinley Jacobs, Kenneth Thompson, Julianna Trapp, Lorena Zuniga – Spring Woods High School

Kaelen Benefield, Bailey Boane, Wyatt Branch, Caroline Bucek, Norman Bui, Gabriella Colon, Julia Davis, Victoria Gomez, Joshua Hughes, Lindsey Iler, Davis Jones, Elias Mata, Lauren Meyer, Austin Muckridge, Andrew Nash, Sydney Parisian, Alexander Parizot, Mariana Rincon, Kelby Robinson, Alfonso Vanegas, Margaret Vinyard – Stratford High School

Victoria Garza, Morgan Howell, Zeida Martinez, Kenneth Munoz, Eduardo Ruiz, Ricardo Saucedo, Destiny Trotter – Westchester Academy for International Studies

Other scholarships were presented to SBISD graduates by individuals or organizations, funded through SBEF.

Memorial City Mall Scholarship, $6,000
Julia Klein, Jonathan Loebl – Spring Woods High School

Wilchester Men’s Club Scholarship, $5,000
Geoffrey Baring, Sean Daly – Stratford High School

Newspring Butterfly Scholarship, $4,200
William Sicola – Memorial High School
Rosa Bielma – Northbrook High School

Sarah Chidgey Memorial Scholarship, $4,000
Macon Lee Boane – Stratford High School

Goldstein Altman Scholarship, $2,500
Kendrick Foster, Adriana Kelly – Memorial High School

Rummel Creek Elementary PTA Scholarship, $2,500
Elizabeth Cole, Noura Daryani – Stratford High School

Wilchester Men’s Club Scholarship, $2,500
Seungho Lee, Catherine Parnell, Brad Perkins, Christopher Song – Stratford High School

Spring Branch Education Foundation Scholarship, $2,000
Pierce Nguyen – Memorial High School
Evangelina Covarrubias – Spring Woods High School
Amy Deaton, Maia Fageria, Elizabeth Gex, Thomas Howell, Andrea Humphries, Samantha Weed – Stratford High School

Judy Weisend Memorial Scholarship, $2,000
Jessica Bustamante  – Northbrook High School

Warren Barfield Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
John Beck – Stratford High School

Andres Bautista Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
Morgan Gilmore – Spring Woods High School

Bunker Hill Elementary PTA Scholarship, $1,000
Azelia Lau – Stratford High School

CITGO STEM Scholarship, $1,000
Stephanie Walker – Memorial High School
Cristina Lopez, Emily Zuniga – Northbrook High School
Zachary Angeles, Scott Carrion, Erin Collins, Nina Elez, Grace Elphingstone, Abigail Hudson, Audrey Hudson, Paul Kim – Stratford High School

Cornerstone Academy PTA Scholarship, $1,000
Madison Graham – Spring Woods High School

Benjamin Cuellar Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
Alexis Kohnke – Stratford High School

Friends Scholarship, $1,000
Mary Mouton – Stratford High School

Frostwood Elementary PTA Scholarship, $1,000
Emily Qin – Memorial High School

Hunters Creek Elementary PTA Scholarship, $1,000
Aimee Phan-Dong – Memorial High School

Meadow Wood Elementary PTA Scholarship, $1,000
Adam Kiker – Stratford High School

Memorial Drive Elementary PTA Scholarship, $1,000
Phuongnhi Pham – Memorial High School

Memorial Middle PTA Scholarship, $1,000
Benjamin Howell – Stratford High School

Memorial Middle School Class of 2014, $1,000
Christian Bates – Stratford High School
Grant Nunley – Memorial High School

Monica Neubauer Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
Katherine Caesar, Weijia Yan – Memorial High School

Rachel Pendray Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
Jesenya Clark, Chelsey Tran, Lorena Zelaya – Spring Woods High School

Prosperity Bank Scholarship, $1,000
Rocio Sidonio – Northbrook High School

Lary Reap Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
Nancy Castro – Northbrook High School

Shadow Oaks Elementary PTA Scholarship, funded by Valley Oaks Elementary PTA, $1,000
Kristen McDermott – Spring Woods High School

Terri Sharp Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
Grace Klam – Memorial High School

Spring Forest Middle School PTA Scholarship, $1,000
Sanja Stojcic – Stratford High School

Stratford High School PTSA Scholarship, $1,000
Dillon Cockrum – Stratford High School

Stratford High School PTSA Sister School Scholarship, $1,000
Bryan Silva – Northbrook High School

Valley Oaks Elementary PTA Scholarship, $1,000
Claire Bingamon – Memorial High School

Wells Fargo & Company Scholarship, $1,000
Emma Holland - Stratford High School

Wilchester Elementary PTA Scholarship, $1,000
Sydney Lawrence – Stratford High School

Community members who wish to support scholarship programs are invited to make tax-deductible donations to the Foundation and earmark it for scholarships. 

Call 713-251-2381 or visit sbef@springbranchisd.comfor more information.

Photo: 42 SBISD seniors received $1,250 scholarships from the SBEF Employee Campaign

About Spring Branch Education Foundation:
Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting SBISD students and educators. It partners with the district and community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare students for the future. 

In 2016, Caruthers Institute ranked SBEF 42nd in the nation among 188 K-12 education foundations and in the top 10 of its division of foundations with $1 million to $1,999,999 in revenues. 

Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $11 million to the district. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.


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Superintendent Message on Sante Fe ISD Tragedy

May 21, 2018, 6:03 am
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Dear SBISD Parents,
Today’s tragic events and loss of life in Santa Fe ISD have deeply shocked and saddened all of us, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Santa Fe community and the families who have lost loved ones in this terrible school shooting so close to home.  We have reached out to our colleagues in Santa Fe to offer our support at this difficult time. 
We also are reaching out to our families, knowing that your children’s questions, fears and emotions may come forth in the aftermath of yet another school shooting. We once again share with you on the attached page tips for speaking with your children provided by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).  

More is available at www.nasponline.org at and at the American Psychological Association website http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx. 
As always, our counselors and Communities in Schools staff members are prepared to support your children.   
Since the Parkland shooting in February, we have revisited our safety and security protocols, updated our safety plans and continued to conduct drills at our schools. Our central office staff has reviewed and updated our response plan in the event of an emergency. SBISD Police continue working with federal and other local law enforcement agencies to improve and enhance our security efforts. 
Please remind your children to be vigilant in sharing any concerning or suspicious information seen, heard or observed in person, on texts or on social media that may prevent harm or tragedy. If you see something, say something. This would also apply if they are being bullied or witness bullying by others. Our SBISD Administrators are trusted adults, and the SBISD Police can be reached 24-7 at 713.984.9805. 
We thank you for the trust you place in us, and we take very seriously our responsibility for the safety and security of your children.
Thank you,
Scott R. Muri, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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Parent English Learners Expect Brighter Family Futures

May 21, 2018, 1:57 pm
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More than 100 parents who reside in Spring Branch ISD, but hail from a dozen or more nations across the world, gathered at Spring Woods Middle School in early May to celebrate completion of a basic conversational English class.

For many, being able to speak casual English has the potential and the power to improve their own lives, as well as the educational prospects of their daughters and sons who now attend SBISD.

The English program is supported by SBISD. Called the Daily Dose, it is taught by volunteers with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or Mormons.

The program was offered at eight SBISD campuses this year: Northbrook, Spring Forest and Spring Woods middle schools; Ridgecrest, Spring Shadows, Treasure Forest and Woodview elementaries; and Tiger Trail School for Early Learning, a district prekindergarten.

At the May 3 ceremony and celebration, certificates were handed out in front of classmates, guests and LDS missionary teachers. Each school selected a parent to speak.

Many parents said they were grateful and excited for the future thanks to their newly acquired skills. “This program helps me for my life, for a better job, and to help my son,” said Diana Aleman, the mother of a Spring Forest Middle eighth-grader. “It is very important for all people to learn English.

It can help them provide a better opportunity for their children’s education.” SBISD offers parents like Aleman an avenue to be lifelong learners while they also support their children during their own “Learner’s Journey” in the district.

For 43-year-old Ashwaq Gheni, it was the first certificate she has ever received. Gheni has two sons at Meadow Wood Elementary. She was able to complete the course at Spring Forest Middle School, the family’s feeder pattern campus.

Learning conversational English-speaking skills also play a critical role in a child’s education because they give parents the ability and confidence to communicate with their children's teachers and school.

 “This is my first English class, and I am happy to learn a second language,” said Reina Carretillo, a native of the Mexican state of Guerrero, and mother of two. “It has helped me communicate with people, and I can help my son with his homework.”

 After all the certificates were issued and the applause had subsided, the parents headed to the back of the meeting room to enjoy lunch. Tables were lined with a variety of rice, meat dishes, tortillas and even special desserts like Coco Flan.

Parents beamed as they shared food from their homes with newfound friends in a new and wonderful country.

They believe that their possibilities are greater today after learning to speak the dominant language of their new home and nation. The Daily Dose program is supported by SBISD’s Trina Morford, located at Spring Forest Middle School.
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Hot Streak helps Stratford’s Riedel to title

May 21, 2018, 2:09 pm
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By John Harris, Houston Chronicle freelance writer 

GEORGETOWN - Stratford junior Matthew Riedel built on a strong first day to win the individual title at the UIL Class 6A boys state golf tournament Tuesday. Riedel, who made a flurry of clutch birdies in the final round, finished nine-under 135 at Legacy Hills.

Riedel opened the final round in second place one shot behind Austin Westlake's J. Holland Humphries. But he made quick work of the deficit with a string of big shots and rode an unprecedented wave of confidence while taking out a measure of revenge on the golf course.

Plano's Tommy Boone and Austin Westlake's Matthew Denton tried for second at 137. League City Clear Springs' Andre Jacobs tied for fourth at 139. "I knew I was one shot back. There were a lot of good guys behind me and one really good one in front of me," said Riedel, who shot a 67 Tuesday.

"I was 1-over through six. I made birdies on Nos. 7, and 8, made an eagle on 10 and another birdie on 15. The hole became a lot bigger, and I was really confident. I made the putts I needed to make." Riedel said his eighth place finish at last year's state tournament motivated him.

"I had a triple bogey on 17 on the second day last year, or I would have finished second. I kind of wanted some revenge on this course," Riedel said with a smile. Stratford coach Ryan Cozad couldn't stop smiling.

Not only did his top golfer win the state title, the Mustangs had a total score of 598 and tied for seventh. "I'm just thrilled for Matthew Riedel. He's one of the hardest working kids I've ever met. He absolutely sets the tone for us," Cozad said.

"It's exciting for me to see him be successful on this stage because not many people get to see how hard he works behind the scenes to be the best he can be, He spent hours and hours preparing for this.

 "We only have one senior. Four of the five are returning," Cozad added. "I'm definitely excited about the direction we're going."

Memorial, also representing Houston, captured third place with a total score of 582. Memorial would have forced a playoff with Austin Vandergrift for second place but Vanderbilt-bound junior William Moll's putt at 18 lipped out.

Westlake won the team title with a total score of 573, eight strokes better than Vandergrift and nine strokes ahead of Memorial. "I hit a good shot. I thought it was going in," said Moll, who finished sixth in the state with a score of 140 after placing second in the state last year.

"I was a little nervous. I have to try to stay calm in pressure situations and act like it's just another putt." Said Memorial coach John Noel: "Absolutely. Definitely, William is the one I would have picked to take that shot., He was runner up in the state last year. He's a heck of a player."

Clear Springs was fifth int he final team standings with a total score of 592, followed by Kingwood (594) in sixth place. Atascocita finished 11th (607).
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Girlstart STEM Program Gains Local Interest

May 21, 2018, 2:11 pm
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About 80 fourth- and fifth-grade girls from Spring Branch ISD elementary schools attended a recent Girls in STEM Conference held in Austin. Next year, Girlstart’s annual meeting will move to Houston as interest climbs in this nonprofit educational program.

Five SBISD campuses currently operate afterschool programs based on the Girlstart model of introducing girls early to the STEM career fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through professional workshops and hands-on learning led by qualified women.

SBISD’s elementary campuses with Girlstart afterschool programs include Hollibrook, Pine Shadows, Spring Shadows, Spring Branch and Woodview. These programs are made possible in SBISD through generous support by corporations, foundations, individuals and some government entities.

The March 24 Girlstart conference in Austin included sessions for both elementary and middle girls to meet and learn from women working in STEM related professional roles. Corporate sponsors ranged from the well-known like Microsoft to others like MilliporeSigma, creator of a Curiosity Cube, a retrofitted shipping container operated as a mobile science lab, which it brought to the Austin meeting.

Girls from Spring Branch and Alief ISDs made up a third of the Austin conference attendance, reports district Elementary Science Lead Terry White. He helped organize Girlstart afterschool clubs two years ago.

GirlStart was just the group Headi Matthews was looking for, having sat in on a group session held at a separate professional conference. Matthews, a Pine Shadows instructor, had 50 girls register immediately to join afterschool clubs last year, resulting in two separate student clubs of about 25 girls.

This year, Pine Shadows ran fall and spring semester club sessions for about 50 girls. “Each week, our girls are introduced to a STEM career. They learn about what it is that that particular engineer or scientist does,” Matthews said.

“The girls learn about what they have to study in school to be able to have such a career, and then the focus for the week is usually put on what that engineer or scientist does through a hands-on lesson involving STEM.

This fits in so perfectly with our SBISD mission of T-2-4.” Most well-paying STEM career positions in the United States are still held by men. “The Girlstart afterschool program allows girls a place that is just for them,” Matthews said.

“They get to have fun, be with their friends, and make new friends. They learn about STEM careers and paths for their futures that they may not have ever had exposure to. Our girls absolutely love club.” Fifteen Pine Shadows students attended the Girlstart conference in 2017.

This spring, 27 girls attended the Austin conference. This June, a weeklong Girlstart Summer Camp at Pine Shadows Elementary will focus on space exploration, and related careers.

“Some of our girls have never been on a charter bus. Some of our girls have never been out of Houston, or out of our Pine Shadows neighborhood. The [Austin] trip was such an amazing opportunity for our girls to learn about STEM from amazing women in STEM professions,” Matthews said.

The March conference attracted about 500 girls enrolled in 4th through 8th grades. Founded in Central Texas almost two decades ago, GirlStart has expanded to Houston and North Texas, with plans for more outposts across the nation.

“Girlstart’s mission is not just about teaching girls to love STEM,” Tamara Hudgins, Girlstart executive director, said in a press release. “It’s to show them what’s possible when they get to college, study in STEM fields, and graduate to STEM careers.”

To learn more, visit www.girlstart.org.
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Memorial Sophomore Leaps for a State Gold Medal

May 24, 2018, 1:25 pm
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One Memorial athlete has jumped long and high enough this year to make Texas history in two track and field events.

In one big jump, Memorial High sophomore Claire Bryant set a personal lifetime best and new high school record, and became state champion in the long jump. For first place in state, she jumped 20 feet, 4 ¾ inches.

As if that’s not enough to celebrate, she also jumped 5 feet, 8 inches, in high jump during the recent state meet, finishing third overall.

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) track & field state meet was held May 12 at the Mike Myers Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin.

It’s not totally rare, but uncommon for a high school athlete to medal in athletic areas that call for separate body type, muscle strengths or performance skills.

Her legs serve her well. At 5 feet, 7 inches, and about 125 pounds, Bryant views herself as more of a finesse high jumper than a “power” focused athlete.

Whatever she does, works. “God got me to state, and I thought that if I jumped well and stayed focused, then I could do well,” she says. “I’m the kind of person who is very invested in track. I knew my standings in long jump. I was seeded

as second (in the state) going in, and fourth in high jump.”

Bryant tied her best high jump at 5 feet, 8 inches. The competitor in her wanted second place and a silver medal. Her attempts at 5 feet, 9 inches, fell short when her ankle brushed the bar light enough for it to fall. 

Long jump, which Bryant’s mom calls her “bread and butter,” was an incredible win and achievement. Her personal record had been 20 feet, 2 inches. Her gold medal came with a long jump of 20 feet, 4 ¾ inches, a significant gain.

“It was a weird feeling,” she says, looking back. “I was crazy about getting out to 20 feet, but I wasn’t nervous (on her gold medal jump).”

Coach Vicki Bevan at Memorial High is one of many who are crazy happy about Bryant’s state jumps and her gold and silver medals.

“Claire had an extraordinary season, breaking her own long jump school record four times this year. After having a monster meet at Rice (University), she then qualified in three Texas Relays events and medaled in two,” Coach Bevan said.

The state meet in Austin was momentous, too, Coach Bevan said. “For Claire, this meet represents a new lifetime best, a new school record, and state champion – all in one leap. She is a coach’s dream to coach and all of our coaching staff is so very proud!”

Bryant’s interest in track and field dates back to fifth grade. A graduate of Spring Branch Middle School, she attended Second Baptist School for elementary years.

She combines speed, power and technique for the long jump. As one of the best high school long jumpers in the nation, she may have her pick of colleges. Bryant is thinking about a career that combines medicine and sports.

Maybe the Olympics? “Now that would be really amazing,” she says, speaking like both a competitor and true Texas state champion.

In separate but related state track and field news, Christyan Sampy of Stratford High School was a state qualifier in the pole vault.
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Spring Branch Education Foundation Announces 2018 Grants

June 1, 2018, 6:52 am
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$139,982 awarded to projects for SBISD students

At its May 24 Board meeting, Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) approved $139,982 in grants to fund innovative education-enhancing projects throughout Spring Branch Independent School District.

Each year, the Foundation calls for grant applications, up to $5,000 each, from any of its 46 school campuses. District-wide projects are eligible for larger grants. Faculty members and volunteers are encouraged to apply.

“SBEF grants provide students and staff with opportunities for innovative projects,” says Donnie Roseman, a member of the SBEF Board of Directors and chair of the Program and Assessment Committee. “Community members make the grants possible by donating to the Foundation and by supporting its fundraisers.

“We are especially pleased this year to fund every grant application. Early in the school year, we appealed to the community to help care for staff and student families who were displaced by Hurricane Harvey. In addition to contributing more than $1 million to the SBEF Harvey Relief Fund, donors generously made these grants possible.”

The Foundation awarded four district-wide grants:
  • Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum – The grant will fund Road Shows that take the museum to first-grade classrooms and Study Trips for second graders who travel to the museum. A third program, Tall Tales and Art, is a community summer reading and art experience led by SBISD art teachers. All are closely coordinated with grade-level curriculum.
  • J. Landon Short Mini-Grants for Educators – This block grant provides individual grants to SBISD educators who seek transformational ways to enrich the learning environment. The grants provide a small amount of funding to make possible big ideas in classrooms.
  • SpringBoard Mentoring Program – Almost 500 students on 36 SBISD campuses spend an hour each week with community mentors thanks to this grant. The relationships help students who are on the brink of success build self-confidence, develop communication and interpersonal skills, discover their passions and find meaningful connections between school and the future.
  • Vanguard Fellowship – Vanguard Fellows are teachers who stretch themselves as risk-takers and design-thinkers who refine their practices through job-embedded coaching. This grant will provide recognition for their efforts.
Other grants were designated for campus projects:
  • Bendwood Elementary School – SPIRAL classrooms for students in grades 3-5 will receive additional computers for individual research.
  • Bunker Hill Elementary School – Kindergartners will begin their lifelong love for reading with materials in Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project classroom library kits.
  • Cedar Brook Elementary School – Chromebooks and iPads will help teachers personalize lesson plans for students in grades 2-5.
  • Hollibrook Elementary School – Students will receive new grade-level books for their home libraries before summer and winter breaks.
  • Hunter’s Creek Elementary School – With individual Chromebooks, fourth graders will work independently, engaged in personalized learning.
  • Memorial Drive Elementary School – A field trip to the George Ranch Historical Park will help fourth graders relate to Texas pioneers of the 1820-30 period.
  • Memorial Middle School – An innovative program using VEX building kits and computers will introduce students to engineering concepts and encourage them to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs.
  • Northbrook Middle School – Incoming students will enjoy a summer bridge camp, the innovative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) Leadership Academy.
  • Nottingham Elementary School – Use of Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project study units will ensure personalized opportunities for students in grades 3-5 to pursue their interests and growth potential.
  • Pine Shadows Elementary School – All students will benefit from the redesign of interior courtyards into outdoor classrooms.
  • Ridgecrest Elementary School – Kindergartners through second graders will enjoy a STEMates Robotic Club where they will build on their budding STEM experiences.
  • Rummel Creek Elementary School – New software and technology will help fifth graders overcome reading and learning challenges caused by dyslexia and dysgraphia.
  • Sherwood Elementary School – Flexible classroom seating, from bean bags to standing desks to stability balls, will meet the needs of students who require movement without distracting other students.
  • Spring Branch Elementary School – A STEM Studio for grades 3-5 will help students learn Design Thinking: understanding a challenge and the people if affects, generating possible solutions and developing a final product.
  • Spring Branch Middle School – EVERY student will have an opportunity to learn from a field trip experience to the Holocaust Museum Houston, The Houston Museum of Natural Science, Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center or The Health Museum.
  • Spring Forest Middle School – SFMS is the district’s most diverse campus. A communication kiosk in the school’s front office will provide information in each parent’s native language to increase parent involvement and student success.
  • Spring Woods Middle School – The Learning Together Strengths Academy curriculum will build hope, resiliency and engagement for incoming sixth graders.
  • Stratford High School – All students will benefit from the computer lab revitalization, including new devices and the latest software platforms.
  • Thornwood Elementary School – A project-based STEAM library program will allow fourth graders to collaboratively work to solve problems from water crises to food production.
  • Westchester Academy for International Studies – Eighth graders will use touch screen tablets to master math skills, as teachers use formative data to assign interventions for remediation and enrichment.
“We encourage PTAs, principals and teachers to apply for grants,” said SBEF Executive Director CeceThompson. Community members who wish to support a specific program at a designated campus can make a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation and earmark it for that school. Call 713.251.2381 or visit springbrancheducationfoundation.com for more information.

About Spring Branch Education Foundation:
Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting SBISD students and educators. It partners with the district and community to fund programs that enhance education and ̅prepare students for the future. In 2016, Caruthers Institute ranked SBEF 42nd in the nation among 188 K-12 education foundations and in the top 10 of its division of foundations with $1 million to $1,999,999 in revenues. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $11 million to the district. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.
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