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1st Saturday Family Event This Weekend!

February 28, 2014, 6:45 am
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This Saturday March 1st
Sessions begin at
10:00, 11:00 and 12:00

Join us as two of SBISD's amazing art teachers lead us in two fun projects.

After looking at the animals exhibited throughout the museum's artifacts, you will take that inspiration to sculpt your own unique animal.

After you design your animal you will design a human!

Using your creative skills you will decorate and adorn your own human mannequin.

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BIG ART DAY - Just one week away!

February 28, 2014, 7:07 am
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Hey TAEA!  We are one week away from Big Art Day!  There are excellent events happening across our state - it is not too late for you to participate.  Go to taea.org or bigartday.org and get your event registered.

Excellent events can be found at: http://bigartday.org/BigArtDay/big-art-day-events.asp

Be part of putting art education front and center in your community on March 6, 2014.  Be Visual!
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Community Celebrates Inaugural Legacies of Spring Branch Gala

February 28, 2014, 7:49 am
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Spring Branch Education Foundation Hosts New Event

Chairs Katherine and Lane Dawson welcomed more than 500 community members to the first Legacy of Spring Branch Gala, hosted by Spring Branch Education Foundation on Feb. 21, 2014.

In honor of its 20th anniversary, SBEF recognized three community leaders who have championed education and are legacies of Spring Branch Independent School District. 


Doug Foshee, a graduate of Spring Branch High School, received the Spring Branch Independent School District Distinguished Alumni Award. Barry Abrams, a Westchester High School alum, was honored with the Spring Branch Education Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. Andrea White, who graduated from Memorial High School, accepted the Susan & Larry Kellner Champion for Education Award.

“These recipients personify the awards’ emphasis of learning, achieving and sharing,” said Katherine Dawson. The event raised $160,000; all proceeds benefit Spring Branch Education Foundation and will be used for programs or scholarships that enhance the education for every SBISD student. 

The evening’s Raise the Paddle event added $6700 to the Foundation’s Fund for the Future Endowment. About Spring Branch Education Foundation The Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of education for every student in SBISD.

Founded in 1993, SBEF provides donors with a vehicle for making tax-deductible gifts to the district. The Foundation has raised almost $8 million and received the Houston Business Promise Award from the Greater Houston Partnership.

Related Media/Video Spotlights:

Visit the SBEF website for more details and information on how you can support our students and programming!
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Spring Branch ISD Earns Top Crystal Commendation

February 28, 2014, 7:59 am
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Each year, the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) honors and recognizes exceptional work and superior effort by Texas school public relations professionals at its annual conference. This year, Spring Branch ISD earned state-level honors for nine separate, recently produced and submitted works.

The SBISD Community Relations and Communications departments received the 2013 Crystal Commendation trophy for its Good Neighbor Program special event celebration. This successful program encourages and recognizes the many efforts of hundreds of individuals, businesses, governmental entities and area community groups who actively support district schools and students.

The Crystal Commendation is the most prestigious award of its kind issued for a school district or association special event or celebration. It was awarded in front of hundreds of Texas school public relations officials, and it represents a “Best in Texas” distinction for SBISD.

This highly coveted honor and others were awarded Feb. 19 in Austin at TSPRA’s yearly Star Awards Celebration during a combined dinner and awards program.

In addition to a high-level Crystal Commendation, SBISD’s Communications and Community Relations staff won eight separate TSPRA awards. They include two Best of Category Gold Medals, one Gold Star award, four Silver Star Awards and one Bronze Star award for excellence in school communications.

Among other superior achievements, Stratford High School senior Kali Venable, a two-year Communications Dept. intern, earned a Best of Category Gold Medal for her published feature, titled “Student Spotlight.” This fall, Kali plans to enter the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y.

SBISD competes in the More Than 30,000 Student division, which includes state and local school districts with much larger student populations and representative community relations and communications staffs.

2013 Crystal Commendation – District/Association Special Event/Celebration
“SBISD Good Neighbor Program,” Community Relations Officer Linda Buchman and SBISD Community Relations and Communications team members. This team includes staff members Steve Brunsman, Paul Bryant, Amy Byrom, Amanda Caro, Monica Creixell, Betty Head, Pat Waldrop, Abby Walker, Melissa Wiland and Becky Wuerth.

2013 Best of Category Gold Medal – Communication Plan 
“Communications Plan 2013-18,” Melissa Wiland and Communications Team

2013 Best of Category Gold Medal – Published News Release, Edited
“Student Spotlight: Fernando Trujano,” Stratford High Student Intern Kali Venable

2013 Gold Star Award – Published News or Feature Story/Article
“Rummel Creek Celebrates 50th Anniversary!” Steve Brunsman and Paul Bryant

2013 Silver Star Award – External Newsletter
“Back to School 2012-13/Regreso a la Escuela 2012-13,” Communications Team and Linda Buchman

2013 Silver Star Award – Video: News/Information
“”Rummel Creek Educator Rocks Instruction,” Melissa Wiland and Paul Bryant

2013 Silver Star Award – Video: Special Interest/Feature Series
“Stratford High School Robotics Team: Welcome to the Sharc Tank,” Melissa Wiland and Paul Bryant

2013 Silver Star Award – Video: Promotional/Marketing
“Science is Cool!” Melissa Wiland and Paul Bryant

2013 Silver Star Award – Annual Report
“The Gift of Time, Talent & Treasure: The SpringBoard Mentoring Program Celebrates 10 Years,” Linda Buchman, Melissa Wiland and the Community Relations Team
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Spring Break Holiday: March 17 - 21

March 3, 2014, 5:59 am
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Reminder: Spring Break in SBISD will be March 17-21.  All campuses will be closed.  Classes will resume on Monday, March 24.  For a look at the complete SBISD Academic Calendar for the 2013-14 Year, click here.  (En Espanol)
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Superintendent's Message - February 2014

March 4, 2014, 3:18 pm
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What Happens in Austin Impacts SBISD Students: School Financing and HB5 Update
Visit the Superintendent's website for a complete listing of videocasts.
 
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Campus Teachers of the Year

March 5, 2014, 12:48 pm
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All 46 campuses in Spring Branch ISD have named instructors as their campus nominees for the 2014 Teacher of the Year title.
 
The district’s Teacher of the Year Committee will review nomination materials and then select three elementary and three secondary finalists for a Teacher of the Year honor in each teaching category.
 
Superintendent of Schools Duncan F. Klussmann, Ed.D., will announce the district finalists and both the Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year at the Service Awards dinner celebration, which will be held May 7 at the Omni Houston Hotel Westside.
 
SBISD Teachers of the Year will represent the district in regional competition. If successful, the Teachers of the Year will compete for the state’s highest honor – Texas Teacher of the Year.
 
As district winners, SBISD’s two Teachers of the Year will receive a trophy-style Golden Apple Award and stipends.
 
This year’s SBISD Teacher of the Year nominees are:
 
Elementary Schools
 
Bendwood Campus, Brooke Christopherson
Buffalo Creek Elementary, Delfin Guillen
Bunker Hill Elementary, Ashley Cernosek
Cedar Brook Elementary, Claudia Perez
Edgewood Elementary, Ramon Cruz-Lima
Frostwood Elementary, Barbara Perry
Hollibrook Elementary, Melina Galeana
Housman Elementary, Adelina Phucas
Hunters Creek Elementary, Naomi Ford
Meadow Wood Elementary, Jessica Brand
Memorial Drive Elementary, Sandy Gonzales
Nottingham Elementary, Lori Davis
Pine Shadows Elementary, Irma Garner
Ridgecrest Elementary, Lorenza Garay
Rummel Creek Elementary, Katherine Smith
Shadow Oaks Elementary, Caroline Ortiz
Sherwood Elementary, Kelly Schuler
Spring Branch Elementary, Noemi Gomez de Alonso
Spring Shadows Elementary, Joanne Thomas
Terrace Elementary, Carla Neal
The Bear Boulevard School, Kiersten Caballero
The Lion Lane School, Sharon Mahabir
The Panda Path School, Omayra Hernandez
The Tiger Trail School, Kinsey Hoover
The Wildcat Way School, Amber Mlcak
Thornwood Elementary, Stacy Hoover
Treasure Forest Elementary, Vivian Urrutia
Valley Oaks Elementary, Patrick Toomey
Westwood Elementary, Kathleen Jones
Wilchester Elementary, Lynn Sermons
Woodview Elementary, Daniel Edmunds
 
Secondary Schools
 
Academy of Choice, Nicole Harris
Cornerstone Academy, Haylee Carroll
Landrum Middle, Abigayl Flores
Memorial High, Cathy Bottoms
Memorial Middle, Stephanie Aguirre
Northbrook High, Claudia Castillo
Northbrook Middle, Katie Gentry
Spring Branch Middle, Lauren Hauver
Spring Forest Middle, Javier Torres
Spring Oaks Middle, Farkhunda Azeem
Spring Woods High, Charles Reed
Spring Woods Middle, Joseph Maurer
Stratford High, Karl Poetzl
The Guthrie Center, Jane Primrose
Westchester Academy, Kristin Thompson
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Two Schools, One Goal

March 5, 2014, 2:08 pm
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It isn’t too often that fifth-graders’ find themselves publishing and reading their own work in print. But that is the case at Thornwood Elementary where 10 graduating students have started what may be the first student-run, elementary school newsletter in Spring Branch ISD.
Eager to learn about the field of journalism, the Thornwood staff walked over to Stratford High School on Feb.12 to spend a day working with Stratford newspaper and yearbook staffs. In addition, the students had the opportunity to speak with and interview Houston sports journalist Jerome Solomon. 
As a columnist for the Houston Chronicle and ESPN radio show host, Solomon has won numerous awards for his columns, feature stories and investigative journalism. Solomon graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor of science degree in engineering, but later decided that the field wasn’t “spontaneous” enough for him.
Sponsored by The Houston Chronicle, ESPN, Asian American Network (ANN) and Scholtsky’s deli, the day started with three rotating sessions, one for each main category of journalism offered at Stratford: newspaper, photography and yearbook.
Speaking with various Stratford staff members, Thornwood students asked questions about finding compelling stories, editing photos, designing layouts and developing innovative ideas. They also learned about the publishing process for the Stratford newspaper and yearbook.
When rotations were completed, both Thornwood and Stratford students gathered to learn how to properly interview sources and develop good questions to ask Jerome Solomon. Kali Venable, who is an editor-in-chief of “The Oracle” newspaper, led this session.
Solomon shared with the students how he got started in the field and answered their interview questions in a conversational manner. He also gave students advice on entering the journalism industry through anecdotes of his personal experience as a professional journalist.
“Journalism is very important to me. It is my passion, my job and what some people think I do very well. I came to this event because I think it is crucial that young people see how promising this field can be,” Solomon said.
Chris Kwon of ConocoPhillips Asian American Network (AAN), one of SBISD’s recently formed mentor partnerships, organized the event. Kwon heard about the Thornwood newsletter at a Thornwood Elementary Campus Improvement Team (CIT) monthly meeting and was immediately drawn to the newsletter staff.
“I was inspired by the story of 10 kids starting a newsletter at such a young age, and I really wanted help make a relationship between the Thornwood students and the Stratford journalism department because both groups share many of the same passions,” Kwon said.
“Going forward I think that these students can continue to learn from each other and build upon this relationship. I hope that hearing someone like Jerome speak has put the field into perspective for students here today.”
The Thornwood newsletter staff is planning on meeting again with Stratford’s student journalists in the near future.
Thornwood newsletter staff members include Rocio Amaro, Daniel Francis, Sierra Hayes, Tyler Harris, Katy Leon, Jillian McLarrin, Jazybel PazMartines, Rome Proffitt and Julianne Rovira.To visit the Thornwood newsletter click here. 
Stratford senior and Communications Dept. Intern Kali Venable wrote this story. 
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Passion + Purpose = Student Success

March 6, 2014, 6:40 am
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The University of Texas’ Engineering College opened its doors to 40 Westwood Elementary School fifth-graders recently as part of the Austin college's "Girls in Engineering Day at UT-Austin."

The fifth-graders explored the college campus on Feb. 22 and explored the STEM areas of science, technology, engineering and math as potential areas of study and for future career opportunities. UT-Austin engineering professors and students organized rotating activities as part of the special interest day.

These included college classroom demonstrations and a variety of student activities. Women remain underrepresented in STEM profession fields and careers.

The student and educator response to this amazing experience reminded many that when passion is combined with purpose, anything can be achieved. "I know that I liked science and math before, but now I really like it!" one Westwood Elementary fifth-grader was heard to exclaim.

Fifth-grade science teacher Joanne Lim summed it up with these words:"Those teachable and memorable moments help inspire us, as teachers, to engage them (students) even more with added fervor and purpose."

Trip underwriters for Austin travel trip were ExxonMobil, AMEC Paragon, and The ACE Program at Westwood. Trip chaperones included school i-Coach Olga Miles, fifth-grade science teachers Joanne Lim and Nelda Delarosa, administrative assistants Celia Silva and Cynthia Sanchez, and Westwood parent Edilsa Garcia.

We're on the road to achieving Spring Branch T-2-4! #DreamBig#AchieveBig
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Campus Teachers of the Year

March 6, 2014, 7:59 am
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All 46 campuses in Spring Branch ISD have named instructors as their campus nominees for the 2014 Teacher of the Year title.

The district’s Teacher of the Year Committee will review nomination materials and then select three elementary and three secondary finalists for a Teacher of the Year honor in each teaching category.

Superintendent of Schools Duncan F. Klussmann, Ed.D., will announce the district finalists and both the Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year at the Service Awards dinner celebration, which will be held May 7 at the Omni Houston Hotel Westside.

SBISD Teachers of the Year will represent the district in regional competition. If successful, the Teachers of the Year will compete for the state’s highest honor – Texas Teacher of the Year.

As district winners, SBISD’s two Teachers of the Year will receive a trophy-style Golden Apple Award and stipends.

This year’s SBISD Teacher of the Year nominees are:

Elementary Schools

Bendwood Campus, Brooke Christopherson
Buffalo Creek Elementary, Delfin Guillen
Bunker Hill Elementary, Ashley Cernosek
Cedar Brook Elementary, Claudia Perez
Edgewood Elementary, Ramon Cruz-Lima
Frostwood Elementary, Barbara Perry
Hollibrook Elementary, Melina Galeana
Housman Elementary, Adelina Phucas
Hunters Creek Elementary, Naomi Ford
Meadow Wood Elementary, Jessica Brand
Memorial Drive Elementary, Sandy Gonzales
Nottingham Elementary, Lori Davis
Pine Shadows Elementary, Irma Garner
Ridgecrest Elementary, Lorenza Garay
Rummel Creek Elementary, Katherine Smith
Shadow Oaks Elementary, Caroline Ortiz
Sherwood Elementary, Kelly Schuler
Spring Branch Elementary, Noemi Gomez de Alonso
Spring Shadows Elementary, Joanne Thomas
Terrace Elementary, Carla Neal
The Bear Boulevard School, Kiersten Caballero
The Lion Lane School, Sharon Mahabir
The Panda Path School, Omayra Hernandez
The Tiger Trail School, Kinsey Hoover
The Wildcat Way School, Amber Mlcak
Thornwood Elementary, Stacy Hoover
Treasure Forest Elementary, Vivian Urrutia
Valley Oaks Elementary, Patrick Toomey
Westwood Elementary, Kathleen Jones
Wilchester Elementary, Lynn Sermons
Woodview Elementary, Daniel Edmunds

Secondary Schools

Academy of Choice, Nicole Harris
Cornerstone Academy, Haylee Carroll
Landrum Middle, Abigayl Flores
Memorial High, Cathy Bottoms
Memorial Middle, Stephanie Aguirre
Northbrook High, Claudia Castillo
Northbrook Middle, Katie Gentry
Spring Branch Middle, Lauren Hauver
Spring Forest Middle, Javier Torres
Spring Oaks Middle, Farkhunda Azeem
Spring Woods High, Charles Reed
Spring Woods Middle, Joseph Maurer
Stratford High, Karl Poetzl
The Guthrie Center, Jane Primrose
Westchester Academy, Kristin Thompson

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Girls in Engineering Day

March 7, 2014, 6:19 am
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The University of Texas’ Engineering College opened its doors to 40 Westwood Elementary School fifth-graders recently as part of the Austin college's "Girls in Engineering Day at UT-Austin."

The fifth-graders explored the college campus on Feb. 22 and explored the STEM areas of science, technology, engineering and math as potential areas of study and for future career opportunities.

UT-Austin engineering professors and students organized rotating activities as part of the special interest day. These included college classroom demonstrations and a variety of student activities. Women remain underrepresented in STEM profession fields and careers.

The student and educator response to this amazing experience reminded many that when passion is combined with purpose, anything can be achieved.

"I know that I liked science and math before, but now I really like it!" one Westwood Elementary fifth-grader was heard to exclaim.

Fifth-grade science teacher Joanne Lim stated: "Hearing those kind of comments from the girls validated our reason to attend those kind of events.”

Westwood Elementary fifth-graders who attended the recent Saturday program included Emily Aguilera, Trinity Martinez, Kayla Bunton, Sarah Herrera, Lissett Campoverde, Jaden Ortega, Ebeny Palacios, Xiomara Rodriguez, Brittney Tipaz, Darena Chioreanu, Valeria Lopez, Kiana Padilla, Lorna Roschal, Cynthia Bejarno, Angelina Bulnes, Emily Felipe-Garcia, Thy Ho, Nydia Martinez, Alma Limas, Fernanda Garcia and Frida Madrigal-Martinez.

Fifth-grade girls who also traveled to the UT-Austin engineering program included Westwood’s Melanie Contreras, Guadalupe Patino, Dominique Ortega, Lizbeth Hernandez, Lessley Zometa, Jisel Alvarado, Cynthia Sanchez-Hidalgo, Viviann Comacho, Deniz Cazun, Esmeralda Figueroa, Jasmine Lopez, Veronica Montenegro, Janet Sanchez and Marissa Lara.

Trip underwriters for Austin travel trip were ExxonMobil, AMEC Paragon, and The ACE Program at Westwood.

Trip chaperones included campus i-Coach Olga Miles, fifth-grade science teachers Joanne Lim and Nelda Delarosa, administrative assistants Celia Silva and Cynthia Sanchez, and Westwood parent Edilsa Garcia.

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New SAT: Essay will be optional

March 7, 2014, 6:24 am
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From Associated Press reports

WASHINGTON — Essay optional. No penalties for wrong answers. The SAT college entrance exam is undergoing sweeping revisions.

Changes in the annual test that millions of students take will also do away with some vocabulary words such as "prevaricator" and "sagacious" in favor of words more commonly used in school and on the job.

College Board officials said Wednesday the update — the first since 2005 — is needed to make the exam better representative of what students study in high school and the skills they need to succeed in college and afterward.

The test should offer "worthy challenges, not artificial obstacles," said College Board President David Coleman in remarks prepared for delivery at an event in Austin, Texas.

The new exam will be rolled out in 2016, so this year's ninth-graders will be the first to take it, in their junior year. The new SAT will continue to test reading, writing and math skills, with an emphasis on analysis.

Scoring will be on a 1,600-point scale, with a separate score for the optional essay.

Students will have the option of taking the test on a computer.

One of the biggest changes is that the extra penalty for wrong answers, which discouraged guessing, will be eliminated. And some vocabulary words will be replaced with words such as "synthesis" and "empirical" that are used more widely in classrooms and in work settings.

For future updates on this topic, please visit Spring Branch ISD’s student portal site, My Digital Counselor, College Board websites:

My Digital Counselor: 
http://mydigitalcounselor.blogspot.com/

College Board: 
https://www.collegeboard.org/
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PTA Reflections State Results

March 7, 2014, 6:26 am
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Eight Spring Branch ISD students recently received recognition for their State PTA Reflections Contest submissions under the theme, “Believe, Dream, Inspire.”

More than 100,000 students submitted entries to the district reflections contests, and only 1,500 entries advanced to the state level where 400 were honored. SBISD had 22 separate student entries make it to the state level.

The PTA Reflections competition is a long-standing art competition sponsored by the national PTA. In this contest, students in preschool through grade 12 may create and submit original works of art in six separate categories that include dance choreography, literature, musical composition, photography, film production and visual arts.

Student entries are judged in five separate categories: primary (preschool-grade 2); intermediate (grades 3-5); middle school (grades 6-8); senior (grades 9-12); and a special artist’s category that includes all grade levels.

Recognized state entries can be awarded one of four awards – Honorable Mention, Award of Merit, Award of Excellence or Overall Award of Excellence.

Of the eight students recognized, one received the highest level of recognition which qualifies their pieces for the National PTA Reflections judging. Memorial High student Sabina Mehdi won this recognition in literature.

All state award winners will be honored during a special awards ceremony April 12 in downtown Austin. PTA National Reflection winners are expected to be announced in June.

PTA State Reflection Winners:

Honorable Mention
Charlotte Hardig, Literature, Frostwood Elementary
Savera Karia, Photography, Wilchester Elementary
Brisa Gawlikowski, Music Composition, Hunters Creek Elementary
Paul Brastrom, Film Production, Stratford High School

Award of Excellence
Alice Ma, Dance Choreography, Frostwood Elementary
Inchan Hwang, Visual Arts, Memorial High School
Christopher Ramey, Music Composition, Stratford High School

Overall Award of Excellence
Sabina Mehdi, Literature, Memorial High School
Stratford High senior and Communications Dept. Intern Kali Venable compiled this report.

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Board of Trustees Election Update

March 7, 2014, 7:04 am
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The Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees is expected to take action soon to officially cancel the May 10 election for two Trustee positions after no candidates filed to oppose Trustees Wayne F. Schaper Sr. and Chris Gonzalez for new, three-year terms.

After a Feb. 28 deadline for candidate filings had passed for Positions No. 1 and No. 2, SBISD Elections Secretary Diane Dickens certified that Schaper and Gonzalez were unopposed for election on May 10. An official certificate was signed March 5 by Secretary Dickens and sent to the Board of Trustees for action.

At its monthly meeting on March 24, the Board of Trustees is expected to adopt an order declaring that the May 10 election is cancelled, and unopposed candidates be elected.

If elected as expected, Wayne Schaper Sr. will begin serving his fourth, three-year term in May. He worked as an administrator, principal, coach and teacher for four decades in SBISD. He has served as a Trustee since 2002.

Chris Gonzalez will begin her second term on the Board in May. In 2012, she won election to serve the unexpired portion of her first term after being appointed to the position held by former Trustee Mary Grace Landrum, who had resigned.

If the Board action occurs, a copy of the Order Cancelling Election will be posted at each polling place that would have been used for the election if it had occurred.

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SBISD Principals of the Year Named

March 6, 2014, 8:15 am
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Two campus leaders were named recently by their district peers as Spring Branch ISD’s 2014 Elementary and Secondary Principals of the Year.

Rummel Creek Elementary School Principal Nancy Harn and Stratford High School Principal Chris Juntti won this year’s honors in SBISD’s ninth annual recognition of school leadership.

Principals of the Year are nominated by their peers and must demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Concern for all staff and students and the ability to inspire both of these groups
  • Ability and willingness to work cooperatively with all staff and administrators
  • Proven drive to initiate and implement effective strategies supporting continuous improvement in student performance
  • Ability to work with diverse community groups and all district stakeholders
  • Proven desire for continuous personal and professional growth
  • Ability and willingness to make meaningful contributions to education

Rummel Creek Elementary Principal Nancy Harn

Principal Harn has been school leader since 2006 at Rummel Creek Elementary, 625 Brittmoore. Before that, she was principal at Meadow Wood Elementary for five years. She has 25 years in Texas education, including 12 years in SBISD.

A graduate of Baylor University, Principal Harn earned a master’s degree in early childhood education from St. Thomas University. In 2012, she was a post-graduate fellow in the Rice Education Entrepreneurship Program (REEP), which trains area school leaders.

In addition, she holds certifications in the following  areas: Mid-Management Administrator (PreK-12); Elementary Self-Contained and Elementary English (1-8); Kindergarten (PreK-12); and Vocational Home Economic and Science (6-12).

Leadership highlights include two years on the SBISD Superintendent’s Cabinet, multiple presentations at the Harris County Early Childhood Winter Conference, and three-years service as a Collegiate Challenge mentor to juniors and seniors at Stratford High School.

In addition, she has been a co-sponsor for the past seven years for the fifth-grade student group, the Rockin’ Roadrunners.

“Each day I count myself blessed to have the job of principal at Rummel Creek,” Principal Harn says. “At the end of each day, I leave feeling encouraged, inspired, thankful and empowered. I am encouraged to watch children who are energetic, creative and hungry to learn. I am inspired daily by the ways that teachers creatively instruct and challenge students.

“I am thankful for a community of parents that are giving and supportive through gifts of time, talents and money. And I am empowered daily to face challenges in unique ways knowing I have the support of a stellar district.”

Principal Harn believes that the things one is passionate about are not random, but rather a person’s calling. “It is truly an honor to have been nominated by my peers for this recognition. Doing what you like is freedom, but liking what you do is happiness. I am happy to be an elementary principal in Spring Branch,” she says.

“Nancy is truly dedicated to her students, staff and community,” SBISD Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Patti Pace says. “She is a thoughtful and talented leader. We are thankful and feel fortunate to have her serving our Rummel Creek Community.”

Principal Harn leads in the district in so many ways, Hunters Creek Elementary Principal Robye Snyder says.

“She is a fountain of wisdom for fellow principals as we problem solve, celebrate and, sometimes, despair! She readily finds the silver lining in any situation and leads others to see it as well,” Principal Synder says. “Nancy is quick to appreciate the hard work and dedication of her staff and colleagues as she supports and encourages continuous growth and improvement both personally and professionally.”

"Nancy is a lifelong learner. She is constantly attending workshops or reading books and articles to learn new things that she shares with our staff," says Rummel Creek Elementary Librarian Karen Harrell. "Nancy is actively involved with everything at Rummel Creek. She makes it a point to attend any performance by a Rummel Creek group of students, whether it is choir, fiddlers, Odyssey of the Mind, or Rockin' Roadrunners."

“I have worked with Nancy for several years and have found her to be an advocate for students and teachers,” Woodview Elementary i-Coach Catherine Roth says. “Through her exceptional leadership, commitment to professional education, and high expectations for teaching and learning, Nancy proves again and again that teachers do make a difference in the lives of children.”

Stratford High School Principal Christopher Juntti

Christopher Juntti has been the building principal at Stratford High School, 14555 Fern Drive, for the past six years. He has also served as an administrative assistant principal and assistant principal at Seven Lakes and James E. Taylor high schools in Katy ISD between 1997 and 2007. Before that, he was a classroom teacher and coach for a decade.

A graduate of Michigan State University, he earned a master’s degree in administration at Sam Houston State University. Among his many leadership             highlights, Principal Juntti is a longstanding member   of the National and Texas Association of Secondary Principals.

He has presented to the Texas association on critical incident planning, and he has chaired district and region UIL committees and competitions. A Federal Bureau of Investigation Citizen’s Academy graduate, he has helped sponsor several Shattered Dreams anti-alcohol programs at the high school.

Under his leadership, Stratford High has been recognized locally and nationally as a top secondary campus. Honors and recognition for the school have included the ACT College Readiness for three years in a row, and recognition as a high ranking campus by U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek national magazines.

Principal Juntti’s tweets and blogs are popular with many staff, students and parents, and often focus on the strengths and accomplishments of “Stratford America.” He highlights students and staff rather than put the spotlight on him.

“I have always taken great pride in not winning awards. I think that I work hard to keep the focus on where it needs to be – the kids and teachers,” Principal Juntti says. “This award signifies two things to me: That our campus is doing well and our kids are successful; and that my peers, who I have great respect for, felt that I was doing a good job. Those things are meaningful to me.”

“I am honored to lead a campus like Stratford High where the community is supportive of all our efforts,” he adds. He attributes success as principal to the love and support of his wife, Cyndi, and to the understanding of the couple’s two kids, Cameron, 17, and Kathryn, 13.

“Chris is a principal that gives his heart and soul to Stratford High School,” SBISD Elementary and Secondary Executive Director Sofia Petrou says. “I fondly call him ‘Mr. Stratford.’ He is an excellent communicator among all stakeholders, and is beloved by the student body for all his campus tweets and announcements. His commitment to Stratford students and his promotion of their academic excellence and adolescent development are always a priority.”

Stratford High Associate Principal Danny Gex has worked with Principal Juntti for 17 years. “He is committed to putting the kids first in all his decisions and supports staff in their quest to become the best through professional development. His blend of intelligence, humor and professionalism is rare, and he’s transformed Stratford into ‘Stratford America’ where we really care about one another’s well-being and success!”
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State Swimming and Diving Results

March 10, 2014, 2:03 pm
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Swimmers and divers at Memorial and Stratford high schools returned with medals recently after competing Feb. 22 in State 4A and 5A UIL championships in Austin.

In 5A state competition, Memorial High School junior Alex Buscher won the 200-yard freestyle race. She is state champion in that race for the second year in a row. In addition, she placed second statewide in the 100-yard free style race held at the Joe Jamail Complex in Austin.

In separate results, Memorial High freshman Cooper Wozencraft finished second the 100-yard backstroke, bringing home another state silver medal.

In  4A competition, Stratford High School girls finished third overall in team swimming, and the 200 girls medley relay finished second. In addition, Stratford High diver Phoebe Lamay placed second and brought home a silver medal in the state’s 4A 1-meter diving competition.

Next year, both high schools will move up one level to 6A or 5A UIL competition. 

High school team results in swimming and diving include: 

Memorial High Girls
 · Memorial High Girls team placed 8th overall
· 200 freestyle, 1st place and state champion – Alex Buscher, junior
· 100 freestyle, 2nd place – Alex Buscher, junior
· 100 breaststroke, 3rd place – Brianna Burns
· 200 medley relay, 7th place – Team of Alice Read, Brianna Burns, Alex Buscher and Nikki Denzler
· 200 freestyle relay, 10th place – Team of Alex Buscher, Ellie Tuchaai, Nikki Denzler and Brianna Burns

Memorial High Boys 
 · 100 backstroke, 2nd place – Cooper Wozencraft, freshman· 100 butterfly, 5th place – Cooper Wozencraft, freshman

Stratford High Girls

 · The girls team finished 3rd place overall in state competition
 · 200 medley relay, 2nd place – Team of Maddie Robinson, Courtney Jackson and Erin Avery, and Brittany Baerg
 · 400 freestyle relay, 3rd place – Team of Maddie Robinson, Kristen Peck,Courtney Jackson, and Erika Stephenson
· 200 freestyle relay, 4th place – Team of Maddie Robinson, Erin Avery and Kristen Peck, and Brittany Baerg
 · 1-meter Diving, 2nd place – Phoebe Lamay, junior
 · 100 breaststroke, 5th place – Brittany Baerg, freshman
· 100 backstroke, 7th place – Maddie Robinson, junior
· 100 freestyle, 11th place – Erika Stephenson, sophomore
· 200 freestyle, 10th place – Erika Stephenson, sophomore
· 50 freestyle, 12th place – Erin Avery. junior

 Stratford High Boys 

 · 50 freestyle – Nick Airola, 8th place; Sam Cordova, 12th place
· 400 freestyle relay, 9th place – Team of Brandon Hay; Taylor Nicholas and Chance Parker, and Sam Cordova
· 100 Butterfly, 12th place – Brandon Hay, junior


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Expanding the Definition of Student Success

March 12, 2014, 7:26 am
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Secondary Principal of the Year Challenges Students to Find Their Passion

What defines you? That's the question Stratford High School Principal Christopher Juntti proposed to a packed auditorium as parents and students gathered to celebrate Stratford High's Breakfast of Champions Event earlier this month. 

Principal Juntti welcomed over 600 honored students and guests to the event, taking an opportunity to talk about the definition of student success, define the impact of SBISD's transformative goal known as Spring Branch T-2-4, and task students to recognize and embrace their personal strengths and passions on their journey to a future best self.

The 588 Stratford students recognized with Champions Certificates were honored for outstanding achievement in their grades for the semester having earned all A's, all A's and a B, or all A's and two B's. While the event honored academic prowess, Juntti used the opportunity to expand the thinking of those in attendance about the true meaning of student success.

For Juntti, true success is a journey of self discovery requiring hard work and a deep understanding of one's strengths.  Success is a lifelong commitment to pursuing personal goals and beliefs that starts with knowing who you are. If you don't know who you are or what you value, how can you know what success looks like for you personally?

Juntti challenged those in attendance to reflect on their unique strengths, passions and values, while sharing a few stories about his personal and professional life to illustrate his points.

"What I do for kids defines me...and knowing how you define yourself helps you to define what your personal success looks like. What drives you? Doing what you love is your homework. Figure that out and you can figure out what success looks like for you."

Juntti, recently announced as Secondary Principal of the Year, is a champion for Spring Branch T-2-4. Recognizing and building on the strengths of each child is just one of four key beliefs that are driving change within SBISD under Spring Branch T-2-4, and Juntti's call to action underscored the importance and power of this belief for himself, his students and the SBISD system as a whole. In closing, Juntti tasked students to own their success.



"It's on you. We are here to support your work. That support does not end when you walk across the stage to graduate."

When his current seniors do walk this spring they will be a testament to Juntii's commitment and belief that all students be equipped with the knowledge, support and skills required for post-graduate success. Before that happens his students still have time to think about their 'homework' and find what they love to do. Juntti and educators around SBISD are hard at work ensuring they do.

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Message from SBISD Superintendent of School - Have a great Spring Break!

March 13, 2014, 7:34 am
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Topics: Updated on school finance, HB5 and looking forward in SBISD. Thank you for your hard work! It's been a great semester and we're looking forward to everyone coming back after Spring Break to continue the outstanding work!  Have a great break next week.


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We Have a Rodeo Art Grand Champion!

March 14, 2014, 7:05 am
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For the first time in district history, a Spring Branch ISD high school art student has been named as the one and only Grand Champion in the School Art Auction sponsored by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Based on recent history, the acrylic work titled “Reminiscence of Youth” painted by Memorial High School senior Seo Woo “Michelle” Jong could fetch $200,000 or more in Sunday’s live School Art Auction at the Rodeo.

It’s not her first Rodeo Art Auction experience, but it’s still incredibly surprising. “I was hoping to get into the auction,” Seo Woo said. “I was not expecting to be named the Grand Champion. It did not hit me at first what had happened when I was named the champion.”

Two years ago, a colored drawing by Seo Woo was auctioned for $37,000 at the Rodeo School Art Auction. She was also named the third-place student winner in the Portrait Class category of the Rodeo-sponsored 2014 Quick Draw Contest.

She was named Grand Champion on March 8. On that same day, it was announced that the works of eight other art students from Memorial and Stratford high schools would be auctioned to the highest bidder in other categories, too.

“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarships have meant so much to Memorial High School students over the years,” said art teacher Cathleen May, who helped many Memorial students meet the Rodeo’s requirements for school submissions.

“Seo Woo Jong’s selection as Grand Champion is a wonderful accomplishment, and a tribute to the hard work and effort of all the Memorial students who entered the Rodeo Art competition,” she also said. In all, only 62 student works out of more than 300,000 submissions were accepted into the annual Rodeo auction. SBISD high schools account for almost 15 percent of all students named to the auction this year.

In the Rodeo’s School Art Auction, students keep a portion of the final sale price; the remainder in high bid auctions supports student scholarships elsewhere. South Korea born, Seo Woo first attended fifth grade at Frostwood Elementary. She graduated from Memorial Middle School, and she will soon do the same at Memorial High.

She also attended Houston Christian High School for 1½ years during her sophomore and junior years. Her winning acrylic painting is based on a photograph of a ranch life re-enactment that she took during a Pioneer Day visit to George Ranch Historical Park, located in Richmond. She hopes to attend the highly rated Rhode Island School of Design next fall, but she’s undecided about her major or adult career and work path.

“I want to do something meaningful. Art is not generally something that serves people who are in need. I want to do something that will help other people, and helps them in a meaningful way,” Seo Woo said.

VISIT THE SBISD SMUGMUG PHOTO GALLERY TO VIEW ARTWORK >>

Memorial High students picked for the Rodeo’s School Art auction include:
• Seo Woo “Michelle” Jong, senior, “Reminiscence of Youth,’ acrylic painting
• Anna Cho, junior, “Spinning Time,” acrylic painting
• Jennifer Kim, junior, “Companion,” colored pencil
• Erica Kim, sophomore, “Mother and Child,” colored pencil
• Ashley Park, freshman, “Workmanship,” colored pencil
• Julia Delaney, freshman, “Talking Leather,” colored pencil

Sponsoring instructors are Memorial High’s Cathleen May and Marilyn Guerinot.

Stratford High students picked for the Rodeo’s School Art auction include:
• Ha Bee Lee, senior, “Guardian of One Zone,” acrylic painting
• Amy Cho, senior, “Wash Away,” colored pencil drawing
• Ju Won Yoo, freshman, “All in a Day’s Work,” colored pencil

Sponsoring instructors are Stratford High’s Jana Stiffel and Melanie Hyche.
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Create. Enter. Inspire. Win.

March 25, 2014, 8:57 am
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Navigate Your Future Art Contest

Show us how NAVIANCE is helping you to navigate your future!

ATTENTION STUDENTS GRADES 7-12:

We're looking for original, creative colorful artwork, which will illustrate the benefits of Naviance, our new web based program college and career planning tool. We want you to create original artwork about how NAVIANCE is helping you NAVIGATE YOUR FUTURE!

Remember to include a background that supports your idea. Your design could be seen all over the Spring Branch ISD, so make sure people from every grade level will be able to understand it.

Read more >>


 
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