FREEMAN ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: Composing, Constructing and Creating Conscious Choices. Writers: Ilsa Garcia, Peggy Jordon, Susan Wadlington, Elaine Wright, Olivia Garza, Billie Ellis, Magda Alvarez, Melanie Nowlin, Katy Gump, Heather Suder. Amount: $4,999. Sponsor: Liberty Source LP. 

GARDENS ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: Loving Leveled Literacy. Writers: Andrea Luna, Norma Jimenez, Liliana Garza. Amount: $4,965. Sponsor: ABC Dental.


Mini-grant name: Action Based Learning Lab. Writers: Danielle Amaya, Sharon Akers. Amount: $1,000. Sponsor: San Jacinto Harley Davidson.

GARFIELD ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: Building Better Readers. Writers: Orlando Cruz, Irving Peralta, Leigh Ann Billing, Judith Hernandez, Maria Sanchez, Lilliana Monita, Mary Jaime, Shelby Davis, Tiffaney Carr. Amount: $4,643. Sponsor: Crump Insurance Services.

GENOA ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: Touch to Learn -- iPads. Writers: Amanda Khan, Debra Rice, Veronica August. Amount: $4,680. Sponsor: Collier Construction. 

JENSEN ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: PAWS (Parents Assisting With Student Success) Reading. Writers: Krysti Martinez, Joey Hernandez, Jessica Owens, Weston Clark. Amount: $4,999. Sponsor: Pinnacle AIS.  


Mini-grant name: Big Brainz. Writers: Ilsse Mills, Nallely Carmona. Amount: $4,950. Sponsor: Savannah Cafe and Bakery  
 
L.F. SMITH ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: Creating School Family for Optimal Learning. Writers: Cathy Danna, Araceli Rodriguez, Jason Fossati, Melissa Capuchina. Amount: $4,979. Sponsor: SBWV Architects. 

MEADOR ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: iLearn in ABLE & PPCD. Writer: Karl Keown. Amount: $2,282. Sponsor: Buffalo Marine Services.

MOORE ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: Chess For All. Writers: Maury Klann, Kathy Young, Paula Carter, Jill Lacamu, Angelica Perez. Amount: $2,969. Sponsor: In memory of Denny Delafield. 

PARKS ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: Conscious, Mindful Adults. Writers: Yesenia Benites, Frances Burley, Brooke Casey, Megan Fox, Lindsay Clark, Perla Tovar, Mindy Galvan, Pam Massey, Melanie Garcia. Amount: $4,929. Sponsor: Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union. 

RED BLUFF ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: Building Character Through Conflict and Self-Regulation Using Conscious Dicipline. Writers: Irma Cortes, Ericelda Covarrubias, Rachel Watson, Alberto Zerpa, Julie Brownfiel, Deborah Matusek, Kathy Byrd. Amount: $4,614. Sponsor: Pasadena Rotary Foundation. 

STUCHBERY ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: I've Got You Covered. Writer: Johanna Guettler. Amount: $975. Sponsor: R&K Commercial Aquatic Services. 

TURNER ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: Heart Adventure Challenge Course. Writers: Jackie Caver, Lisa Wood. Amount: $4,990. Sponsor: Community Bank of Texas.

WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: GT: STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathmatics) Lab. Writers: Benjamin Jimenez, Lidia Hernandez, Jana McDougall, Mauricio Amaya, Angie Long, Jackie Radley, Tobi White, Oscar Torres, Jennifer Sampson. Amount: $4,000. Sponsor: Brady, Chapman, Holland and Associates.


Mini-grant name: Kinderactive Classroom. Writers: Jason Watson, Annette Stubbs, Benjamin Jimenez, Guadelupe Suquet, Marisela Gomez, Lucia Pena, Glenda Sears, Tara Tharp. Amount: $1,190. Sponsor: Mizuni, Inc.

YOUNG ELEMENTARY

Mini-grant name: Reading Success Begins in Kindergarten. Writers: Misty Ruth, Paula Del Toro, Maria Hilda Lopez, Marcy Young. Amount: $4,711. Sponsor: Darrell Morrison.

SPRING PRIZE PARADE: OTHER CAMPUSES

JACKSON INTERMEDIATE
Mini-grant name: Math Learning Labs. Writers: Sarah Evans, Suzanne Smith, Amy Moak, Jillian Goldman. Amount: $5,000. Sponsors: LyondellBasell Houston Refining.

MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

Mini-grant name: Operation Saturate. Writers: Debra Purdy, Donna Hawkins. Amount: $4,807. Sponsor: Shell Deer Park (in memory of Andy Jones).

SPECIAL PROGRAMS HOMEBOUND

Mini-grant name: iHOMEBOUND. Writers: Lorrie Eignus, Patty Watkins, Carolyn Preston, Stephanie Almendarez, Jamelia Bouie, Marianna Eggers, Andrea Beard, Ana Aguilar, Sarah Mains. Amount: $4,977. Sponsor: New Dimensions Home Healthcare.

SEE LINKS BELOW FOR CAMPUS DWTP PHOTO ALBUMS

THE WINNERS

GRAND PRIZE: Enrique Macias and Erica Ordogne, Jessup Elementary.

Macias and Ordogne accept their Grand Prize trophy.

JUDGES CHOICE AWARD (tie): Roberto Cavazos and Becky Vargas, Matthys Elementary.

JUDGES CHOICE AWARD (tie): Golden Acres Elementary.

TOP FUNDRAISER AWARD: Nicole Hicks and Tony Davila, San Jacinto Intermediate.

THE CONTESTANTS

YOUNG ELEMENTARY: Shirlyn Ross and staff.

SAN JACINTO INTERMEDIATE: Tony Davila and Nicole Hicks.

SOUTHMORE INTERMEDIATE: J. Kirby Anderson and Jon Anderson.

PARK VIEW INTERMEDIATE: Aldred Padron and Keely Coufal.

PARKS ELEMENTARY: Derral and Becky Vargas.

SOUTH HOUSTON INTERMEDIATE: Staff

JESSUP ELEMENTARY: Enrique Macias and Erica Ordogne.

GARDENS ELEMENTARY: Vicki Lenio and Steve Cote.  

MATTHYS ELEMENTARY: Becky Vargas and Roberto Cavazos. 

GOLDEN ACRES ELEMENTARY: Lisa Haws and staff.

EXHIBITION DANCERS

Dr. Kirk Lewis, Pasadena ISD Superintendent of Schools, with Gail Ward, peer facilitator at South Houston Intermediate.

Diane Phelan, Keller Middle School principal, with Marshall Kendrick, President of the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees.

Renea Ivy Sims, Associate Superintendent for Communications and Community Relations, with Marshall Bennett, Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union.

LINKS TO INDIVIDUAL ALBUMS

Young Elementary

San Jacinto Intermediate

Southmore Intermediate

Park View Intermediate

Parks Elementary

South Houston Intermediate

Jessup Elementary

Gardens Elementary

Matthys Elementary

Golden Acres Elementary

Exhibition Dances

Festivity Photos

SPOTLIGHT DANCE
Dr. Kirk Lewis, Pasadena ISD Superintendent of Schools
Gail Ward, Peer Facilitator, South Houston Intermediate

EXHIBITION DANCE
Marshall Kendrick, President, Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees
Diane Phelan, Principal, Keller Middle School

EXHIBITION DANCE
Marshall Bennett, Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union
Renea Ivy-Sims, Associate Superintendent of Communications and Community Relations, Pasadena ISD

THE WINNERS

TOP FUNDRAISER AWARD: Nicole Hicks and Tony Davila, San Jacinto Intermediate

JUDGES' CHOICE AWARD (tie): Fanny Montan, Lisa Haws, Wendy Sullivan, Lorena Carrasco, Kim McCord, Wendi Tarver / Golden Acres Elementary

JUDGES' CHOICE AWARD: Roberto Cavazos and Becky Vargas, Matthys Elementary

GRAND PRIZE: Enrique Macias and Erica Ordogne / Jessup Elementary

 Over 1,000 Pasadena ISD students recently received free comprehensive eye exams and corrective lenses thanks to the district's partnership with See to Succeed.
  The See to Succeed program is part of an initiative with the Houston Department of Health and Human Services that is now in its second year partnering with area school districts. Partners include San Jacinto College, Wal-Mart, the University of Houston College of Optometry, Berkley Eye Center, Eye Care for Kids and dozens of volunteers who make the event possible.
  The program provides free eye care services for students including eye examinations, screenings and fittings, and assist in detecting undiagnosed vision problems. After the eye screening process is completed, students are invited to select from dozens of frames and styles to fit their need.
  Jamel Vaughn, a fourth-year optometry student at the University of Houston, said he could see what kind of impact he program had on the students almost immediately after performing the vision exams.
  "It's all for a good cause," Vaughn said. "When I was a kid I needed glasses, but I didn't know that until it was picked up by a screening. By detecting eye related problems and correcting them at an early age, we are giving these students and opportunity to do better in school and that's our goal."
  Event photos follow.

  Tickets are still available for "Dancing with the Principals," an annual dinner gala that benefits the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation. The event, which features ballroom-style dancing by Pasadena ISD personnel, is set for Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Pasadena Convention Center.
  The deadline for buying tickets or reserving tables is Friday, Jan.18.
  Individual tickets are $50. A table for eight is $500. A $1,000 event sponsorship includes a table for eight, recognition in the "Dancing with the Principals" program, a free DVD of the event and 100 votes in the balloting for best performance.
  Table placement is based on a first come-first serve basis.
  "We have a great mix of dance styles this year - a little hip hop, a little samba and even some freestyle," said Cindy Parmer, the district's director of community relations. "Our attendees can also expect a few surprises thrown their way, including two exhibition dances by members of our Board of Trustees and Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union."
  All proceeds go to the Education Foundation to fund teacher mini-grants and other foundation projects. The event starts at 6:30 p.m.
  The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 7902 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77507. After-five attire for the event is preferred.
  Reservations can be made by contacting Parmer at 713-740-0288, or by email at cparmer@pasadenaisd.org.
  The tentative lineup of dancers:

• Young Elementary - Shirlyn Ross, Rita Via, Eliana Garcia, Silvia Sandoval and Barbara Berry

• San Jacinto Intermediate - Tony Davila and Nicole Hicks

• Southmore Intermediate - J. Kirby Anderson and Jon Anderson

• Park View Intermediate - Keely Coufal and Alfred Padron

• Parks Elementary - Irma Parkin and Derral Parkin

• South Houston Intermediate - Gail Ward, Melissa Garza, Evelyn Banks-Bradley, Ishmael Muhammad, Emmitt Drumgoole and Ivory Rogers

• Jessup Elementary - Erica Ordogne and Enrique Macias

• Gardens Elementary - Vicki Lenio and Steve Cote

• Matthys Elementary - Becky Vargas and Roberto Cavazos

• Golden Acres Elementary - Lisa Haws, Lorena Carrasco, Kim McCord, Fanny Montan, Wendy Sullivan and Wendi Tarver
  

Purchase Tickets Now

  Teresa Moreno, a student volunteer from Dobie High, who has volunteered in the Frazier Elementary library every afternoon for the past six months, was recognized as the district's Secondary Student Volunteer of the year at Tuesday night's board meeting. Moreno helps younger students locate, check out and read books, and assists students with their research projects.  
  Citlaly Hernandez, a third-grade student at Pomeroy Elementary, was recognized as the district's Elementary Student Volunteer of the Year. Hernandez assists an elderly person in her neighborhood on a weekly basis and volunteers in her classroom without hesitation. Her teachers described her as a kind and self-empowered student.
  Nominated by the staff at Keller Middle School, the City of Pasadena Parks and Recreation Department and the Community Services Division of the Pasadena Police Department were selected as the district's Organization Volunteer of the Year. From their assistance with the school's annual health fair, to speaking at career day, both partnerships have donated time and resources to help students far beyond the regular school hours.
  Rick Guerrero was named recipient of the district's Secondary Volunteer of the Year award. He has been a vital part of the ACE afterschool program at Queens Intermediate and volunteers his time in the library every week. Guerrero has gone above and beyond to help with campus needs, and has applied for grants from companies on behalf of the soccer program, the library and the ACE program.
  Cheryl Compean was nominated by Matthys Elementary for her 15-year dedication to volunteering on campus. Compean has dedicated thousands of hours to the school, ranging from sewing and decorating, to serving as a special events photographer on campus. Compean was selected as the district's Elementary Volunteer of the Year.
  Bluewillow Bookshop, was selected as the recipient for the Small Business Volunteer of the Year award. A small business and independent bookseller serving the greater Houston area, Bluewillow Bookshop was nominated by Shaw Middle School for their assistance in bringing authors to the school and organizing the Tweens Read Book Festival. Although their volunteerism began at Shaw Middle School, it now extends to other schools throughout the district.
  Joe Resendez has represented Walgreens as a HOSTS mentor at Gardens Elementary for the past 11 years. As a dedicated volunteer, he has donated countless hours to the Spanish HOSTS program. Not only does he give of his time, he also donates school supplies, Christmas gifts and anything he can to enrich the lives of students. His dedication, enthusiasm and mentoring skills have helped him be recognized as the recipient of the district's Company Volunteer of the Year.

A complete list of all volunteer nominees follows.

  A little rain didn't damper the spirits of the local business and community members who participated in the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation's first annual McDonald's Texas Invitational Golf Classic tournament at the Timber Creek Golf Club on Tuesday.   
  Proceeds from the golf tournament will be used to enhance student learning and fund school mini grants.    
  "This was our first time holding a golf tournament and we hope to continue the tradition each year," said Cindy Parmer, the Foundation's executive director. "Everything we do is all for the kids, so we are always looking for more volunteers and sponsors.
  This year's Gold Sponsor was CIMA Concrete Construction, L.P.  
  Awards were presented to the top three places and for closest to the pin and longest drive. 
  To see how you can get involved in next year's event, contact Cindy Parmer at 713-740-0288 or CParmer@pasadenaisd.org.
  For additional photos, view our event gallery links below.

Team Gallery

Winners Gallery

Sponsor Sign Gallery

"

text.

For 14 years, McMasters Elementary has been actively involved with the HOSTS program. Every year, the school reaches out to the community for volunteers, and every year these volunteers help students to succeed.
  The HOSTS program, now well into its 19th year has helped young students improve their reading, writing and problem solving skills.
  "Our students really enjoy working with mentors," said Vicki Gonzalez, the school's bilingual peer facilitator. "These volunteers take 30 minutes from their busy schedules to come and work with our students."
  And sometimes, it's the little things that go a long way.
  Longtime company volunteer BASF recently planted a tree on the school's grounds for a more inviting outside atmosphere. Little did they know the tree and donated bench would serve as the picture-perfect spot for teachers and students to practice reading and listening skills.
  "We are always in search for more volunteers," said Gonzalez. "You don't have to have a degree or work for a company, all we ask is that our volunteers enjoy working with children."
  From ice cream socials and school supply giveaways, to a recent $1,000 donation for the purchase of science equipment, the BASF volunteers show the flexibility and range of volunteer opportunities available within a campus.
  "In the end, it's all about the kids," said Gonzalez. "It's a great experience working with a student knowing that you made a difference in their life."
  The time that volunteers spend with students in the Pasadena ISD is an important investment that can lead to a future of rewards.
  To get involved with HOSTS, contact Ginger Lay at 713-740-0051 or via email at glay@pasadenaisd.org.

  A year ago, Memorial High teacher Tara Evans realized her high school students needed help transitioning in to the college mindset.
  That's when she decided to take action.
  Her idea was to use teachers at the high school as college resources for students. It was a simple idea really, but that simple idea would soon blossom into a mega mentoring program for thousands of students.
  Mentoring is one of the key components of the GEAR UP program offered to students, so it was only logical to merge the two programs into the powerhouse program now known as Maverick University.
  The school decided to host its first meet and greet just a few days after the program's launch. It was the typical layout you would see at any college fair: banners, booths and wandering students looking for a good excuse to get out of class (and get information, of course).
  But there was a strong sense of familiarity that you wouldn't see elsewhere. Students were more inclined to ask questions and sign up for mentoring hours when they realized their mentors were graduates from the colleges they were representing.
  From application deadlines and degree programs to financial aid and resumes, these mentors continue to help juniors and seniors gear up for college.
  Maverick University currently has over 38 mentors and over 80 students enrolled in the program. The school also hopes to open the program to all high school students in an effort to encourage college ready skills.
  For more information on the Maverick University program, or how you can get
involved contact Laurie Etnyre at letnyre@pasadenaisd.org.

  Contestants: Bob Gebhard, Pasadena ISD Education Foundation board member and Rotary Club District Governor-elect; and Rhonda Walls-Kerby, Rotary Club District Governor.
  Song: Old Time Rock and Roll. 
  Dance: West Coast Swing. 

Pasadena Convention Center
January 21, 2012

  Tickets are still available for "Dancing with the Principals," an annual dinner gala that benefits the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation. The event, which features ballroom-style dancing by Pasadena ISD personnel, is set for Jan. 21 at the Pasadena Convention Center.
  The deadline for buying tickets or reserving tables is Monday, Jan.16.
  Individual tickets are $50. A table for eight is $500. A $1,000 event sponsorship includes a table for eight, recognition in the "Dancing with the Principals" program, a free DVD of the event and 100 votes in the balloting for best performance.
  Table placement is based on a first come-first serve basis.
  "We have an array of dance styles hitting the floor -- from swing and hip hop, to jazz and cha-cha," said Cindy Parmer, the district's director of community relations. "Our attendees can also expect a few surprises thrown their way."
  Last year's the event produced a record of $100,000 in total contributions. All proceeds go to the Education Foundation to fund teacher mini-grants and other foundation projects.
  The event starts at 6:30 p.m. The Pasadena Convention Center is located at 7902 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77507. After-five attire for the event is preferred.
  Reservations can be made by contacting Parmer at 713-740-0288, or by email at cparmer@pasadenaisd.org.
  Click here to pay online with a credit card.  

 The tentative lineup of dancers are: 

• Rob Hasson and Jackie Sweet -- Park View Intermediate
• Bob Gebhard and Rhonda Walls -- Rotary Club of Pasadena
• Erica Ordogne and Rolando Merchan -- Bush Elementary
• Rita Via and Shirlyn Ross -- Young Elementary
• Melissa Messenger and Johnny Daniels -- San Jacinto Intermediate
• Courtney Merilatt and Martin Moffett -- Garfield Elementary
• Jay Forrest and Shelby Smith -- Lomax Middle School
• Vicki Lenio and Arnold Adair -- Gardens Elementary
• Kristin Still and Justin LeBlanc -- South Houston Intermediate
• Chris Bui, Diane Wheeler, Maria Padilla, Patricia Jackson, Erin Provost and    Guy Mitchell -- Melillo Middle School
• Lisa Haws, Wendy Sullivan, Lorena Carrasco, Kim McCord, Rochelle Jerla,Sabrina Pyke, Tammy Burback, and Wendi Tarver -- Golden Acres Elementary

SEE BELOW FOR SCHOOL-BY-SCHOOL MINI-GRANT LINKS

Teague Elementary music teacher Jamie Homberg hears a symphony of cash as she accepts a check from Pasadena ISD Education Foundation representative Randy Drake on Thursday.

  A year ago, Patrick McCoy guided the South Houston High boys basketball team to a rare district championship in his first season as the Trojans' head coach. On Thursday, he led the school to the top of the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation mini-grant heap.
  South Houston emerged as the only school to land three Foundation mini-grants, 22 of which were awarded during the Foundation's fall Prize Parade Thursday morning. Applications by McCoy accounted for two of South Houston's three awards.
  McCoy landed a $950 mini-grant for a proposal to use playback technology to analyze his team's game efforts and to make clips available to parents, fans and future players at South Houston's feeder schools.
  He authored another successful application, this one for $1,250, to launch a fitness program aimed at fighting obesity in children and teenagers.
  Prize Parade representatives caught up with McCoy during his team's Thursday practice. Ben Meador, who sponsored one of the mini-grants along with wife Janice, immediately pointed out South Houston's recent participation in the McDonald's Texas Invitational Tournament, the source of most of the revenue used to fund the mini-grants.
  Teague Elementary was the only other school to win multiple mini-grants, and Teague music teacher Jamie Homburg played a role in writing both proposals. The Teague proposals -- one, to turn the school's stage into high-tech learning platform; the other, to launch a new literacy program -- totaled $9,991.
  The 22 mini-grants awarded on Thursday went to 19 schools and totaled $79,303.
  Since the program's inception in 2004, Prize Parade recipients have received $1,182,533.
  The Foundation's next Prize Parade is set for May.

South Houston High basketball coach Patrick McCoy draws applause from his players as Education Foundation representatives interrupt his practice to present him with a pair of mini-grant checks.

Elizabeth Newton, Terri Jones  and Melissa Romell -- all social studies teachers at De Zavala Middle School -- admire their $5,000 mini-grant check.

Shaw Middle School teachers Claudia Valadez, Sherry Nilles, Stacy Williams and Amanda Hughes show off their mini-grant check.

BAILEY ELEMENTARY LINK...

BURNETT ELEMENTARY LINK...

GARFIELD ELEMENTARY LINK...

GENOA ELEMENTARY LINK...

MAE SMYTHE ELEMENTARY LINK...

MATTHYS ELEMENTARY LINK...

MOORE ELEMENTARY LINK...

PARKS ELEMENTARY LINK...

SPARKS ELEMENTARY LINK...

TEAGUE ELEMENTARY LINK...

WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY LINK...

YOUNG ELEMENTARY LINK...

DE ZAVALA MIDDLE SCHOOL LINK...

SHAW MIDDLE SCHOOL LINK...

DOBIE HIGH SCHOOL LINK...

PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL LINK...

SAM RAYBURN HIGH SCHOOL LINK...

SOUTH HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL LINK...  

THE SUMMIT LINK...  

  A motivated group of South Houston High students set the pace as volunteers from across the district participated in the annual bike-building marathon sponsored by ABC Dental. The program provides hundreds of bicycles to children in Pasadena.
  The South Houston group, named Nexus of Zenith, built over 200 bikes in a two-hour span, more than any other assembly group. The group also organized a warehouse full of assembled bikes.

Left: South Houston student Jonathan Hernandez puts the finishing touches on his 12th bike of the day. Right: Joaquin Reyes works on his first bike.

Left: Sponsor Matthew Koska celebrates the group's first completed bike. Right: Nexus of Zenith members join Koska in cheering a full day of hard work.

  Thank you for making this year's Cornerstone Club Competition a huge success!
  Because of the generosity of over 1400 Pasadena ISD employees, the Education Foundation will earn approximately $86,000 annually towards the mini-grant program.
  These funds go directly back to the classrooms to help enhance student learning.
 Fifty Cornerstone Club members were also randomly selected to win a gift card to an area merchant donated by Pasadena ISD Education Foundation Board Members.
  Seven schools have surpassed 50 percent membership participation.
  Also this year, 111 employees in Administration and Support signed on to make a difference in schools throughout the district.   

  The following campuses are winners for the competition this year and will earn a $500 grant for their school: 

  Elementary/Alternative Campuses Highest % of new members -
  LP Card Career and Technology Center (37%)
  Highest % of total members - Mae Smythe Elem. (100%)

  Intermediate/Middle School Campuses Highest % of new members -
  Jackson Intermediate (7%)
  Highest % of total members - Queens Intermediate (68%)

  High Schools Highest % of new members -
  Pasadena Memorial High School (5%)
  Highest % of total members - Pasadena Memorial High School (15%)

 

Judge Holly Williamson, an Education Foundation member; Cindy Parmer, the Pasadena ISD's Director of Community Relations; and Judge Williamson's guest, attorney Cari Brownlee.

  The Pasadena ISD Education Foundation kicked off its "Foundation Awareness Month" last week with a Board Appreciation Luncheon at the Administration Building.
  Education Foundation board members brought guests to hear a presentation from Memorial High teacher Ele Manry, recipient of one of the dozens of teacher mini-grants awarded each year by the foundation.
  Also sharing news about the foundation were board members Chris Bezdek and Terry Brotherton.
  Wayne Adams gave a presentation on the foundation's involvement in the McDonald's Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament, to be played Nov. 17-19.
  District employees will have the opportunity to partner with the foundation during Cornerstone Club Competition Week, Oct. 24-28. The Cornerstone Club is a way for district employees to donate to the Foundation through payroll deductions.

Chris Bezdek (right), the Education Foundation's president-elect, and his guest, Roli Blanco, representing Lyondell Bassell.

Linda Lukaszewski, an Education Foundation board member and CEO of Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, and Sherry Trainer, an Education Foundation board member and CEO of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.

Terry Brotherton along with Bill Morris of William Morris E nterprises and guest of Bill Barmore, president of the Education Foundation.

Memorial High teacher Ele Manry briefs the Foundation on what her students have reaped from the benefits of her mini-grant award.

Chris Bezdek addresses the group. On the right are Education Foundation member Wayne Adams and luncheon guest Rob Edmonds of the Edmonds & Nolte Law Firm.

Foundation member Wayne Adams briefs luncheon attendees on what lies ahead for the McDonald's Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament.

Pasadena ISD Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis thanks Foundation members for their many contributions to the district's academic success.

Patti Bodkins of the Education Foundation and her guest, Christina Burt of CBeyond.

Foundation members Herman Williams and Dana Philibert head for the parking lot after another successful Foundation kickoff.

  A massive giveaway of school supplies, provided by ABC Dental, will continue over the next three weeks. 
  The process is part of ABC Dental's "Hope & Education for Our New Generation" back-to-school campaign, planned as an annual event. The program is providing 6,000 pre-packaged sets of school supplies to area students as well as backpacks for students in grade levels K-5.
  Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  To receive a voucher for supplies, a student must be present to register at one of the remaining registration events (see flyers below).
  The student must provide a report card, and a parent or guardian must be present and provide an identification document, such as a drivers license.
  Supplies will distributed to voucher holders on Aug. 20 at the Pasadena Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students must again be present and must present the original voucher to receive the supplies.
  The full schedule of remaining registration dates can be referenced on the flyers below, one in English and one in Spanish.

South Houston High senior Kenneth Fuentes (center) clasps hands with SHHS math teacher Motee Abunima in a triumphant salute as he receives his Shining Stars plaque. Presenting the awards were (left) Jeanne Newberry of Dell Computers, (second from right) Melissa Buell of Dell and (far right) Bill Barmore, president of the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation.

 

Dobie High School

Memorial High School

South Houston High School

Sam Rayburn High School

Bill Barmore, president of the Education Foundation presents an plaque of appreciation to LyondellBasell-Houston Refining, represented by community relations director Denise Jennings and plant manager Todd Monette.
  
Barmore presents a plaque to Dell Computers, represented by Jeanne Newberry and Melissa Buell, as a gesture of appreciation for the company's support of the Shining Stars galas

Linda Lukaszewski, an Education Foundation board member, presents the Community Shining Star Award to local architect Calvin Powitzky.


Mel Cowart (second from right) welcomes his guests to his sponsorship table: (from the left) Keesha Harrell, Michael Smarrella, Steven and Charlotte Smarrella and Rick Guerrero. Cowart is a Platinum Level partner of the Education Foundation.  

Dr. Iraj Jabbary of ABC Dental welcomes guest to his sponsorship table: (clockwise, lower left) Carolina Turrubiates, Josh Moreno, Brenda Gallegos, Lisa Moreno, Monique Vargas, Albert Martinez, Roberta Leal, Kevin Rodriguez and Mirna Rodriguez. Standing with Dr. Iraj Jabbary is Cindy Parmer, Director of Community Relations for the Pasadena ISD.  

Todd Monette dines with guests at his LyondellBasell-Houston Refining table: (clockwise, lower left) Bruce Grissom, Denise Jennings, Roli Blanco, Ricardo Munoz, Francisca Munoz, Ricardo S. Munoz, Juliana Munoz and Kellye Hollins.  

Members of the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation join with school district officials and corporate sponsors Tuesday morning to celebrate hitting the $1 million mark in mini-grant funds awarded to district teachers since 2003.

Pasadena ISD Education Foundation President Bill Barmore (left) accepts a check for $145,000 from Ben Meador, chairman of the McDonald's Texas Invitational Tournament.

Frank and Pat Braden are recognized as the tournament's Volunteers of the Year by Ben Meador and Darla Haygood, the tournament's coordinator of volunteers.

Dr. Kirk Lewis, superintendent of the Pasadena ISD, thanks everyone involved in the tournament for their efforts and their generosity.

Dance partners Johnny Daniels and Dianna Walker from San Jacinto Intermediate perform a cha-cha routine during "Dancing With The Principals."

Contributions for Third-Annual Gala Hit $100,000 Level

  Nine dance numbers, three dance judges and an audience of nearly 600 added up to a record-setting, six-figure evening at the Pasadena ISD's third annual "Dancing With The Principals" gala at the Houston Hobby Marriott on Saturday night.
  The event ended, as has become tradition, with an audience dance party that carried close to the witching hour and with an announcement that event raked in - for the first time -- $100,000 in total contributions.
  "Dancing With The Principals" debuted in 2009 as a cooperative effort of the Pasadena ISD and the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation. Proceeds go to the Education Foundation to fund teacher grants and other foundation projects.
  The gathering attracted dignitaries from the spheres of local government, business and education.
  The top vote-getter among competing dance teams was the Keller Middle School tandem of Diane Phelan, principal at Keller, and Mark Buratti, a coach at the school.
Buratti parodied a senior citizen who gets his dancing legs back as Phelan coaxes him into a swing routine, performed to "Your Moma Don't Dance."
  The judges' award for best performance went to Memorial High Principal Dr. Angela Stallings and her chorus line of six assistant principals. The Maverick contingent performed a hip-hop routine to the song "Dynamite G6."
  Supporting assistant principals were Steve Fleming, Kevin Blain, Roneka Lee, Derek Moody, Jeremy Richardson and Tish Eubanks.
  The award for top fundraiser went to the San Jacinto Intermediate tandem of Dianna Walker, the school's principal, and Johnny Daniels, who coaches at San Jacinto.
  Judges for the event were Ron and LeeAnn Smith, the owners of Time Dance Studio, and Gerald Morris, the owner of Texas 2-Steppers.
  Emcees were Candace Ahlfinger, the district's Associate Superintendent for Communications, and Nolan Allen, president of the Pasadena Rotary Club.
  Education Foundation President Calvin Powitzky provided the welcome. And Dr. Kirk Lewis, superintendent for the Pasadena ISD, delivered emotional closing comments in which he thanked teachers, staff and supporters for their contributions to the gala and other district endeavors.
  Photo collections of all nine dance performances can be accessed by clicking on the links below.

Lisa Haws and Melissa Chamberlain, Golden Acres Elementary

Linda Garrett and Terry Webb, South Houston Intermediate

Mike Van Loenen and Cynthia Pena, Lomax Middle School

Shirlyn Ross and Dan Ross, Young Elementary

Marsha Jones and Jamelle Settles, Schneider Middle School

Dianna Walker and Johnny Daniels, San Jacinto Intermediate

Dr. Angela Stallings and staff, Memorial High School

Diane Phelan and Mark Buratti, Keller Middle School

Sandra Jobe Buckner and Ken Phelps, Kruse Elementary 

Board of Trustees member Nelda Sullivan (second from right) presents a mini-grant check for $1,500 to Golden Acres P.E. teachers Mary Sullivan (left) and Lorena Carrasco (far right). Also attending was Sullivan's son, Johnnie Sullivan (far left). The mini-grant is named in honor of Sullivan's late husband, Charles Sullivan.

  Like Santas descending 20 chimneys,
officials with the Pasadena ISD and the Education Foundation dropped in on a score of district campuses on Wednesday to hand out over $100,000 in mini-grants to fund various educational proposals.    
  Loaded up in four vans, officials made surprise visits as part of the district's annual "Prize Parade." Checks were handed out at 13 elementary schools, one middle school, two intermediates, three high schools and one alternative campus. 
  Emotions ran high at Golden Acres Elementary where Board of Trustees member Nelda Sullivan presented a check for $1,500 in memory of her late husband, Charles Sullivan. Receiving the check were the grant writers, faculty members Lorena Carrasco and Mary Sullivan, daughter-in-law to Nelda Sullivan. 
  This year each mini-grant was named after the funding sponsor. The Charles Sullivan Memorial Mini-Grant will fund a program to promote outdoor physical activity among students and members of the Golden Acres community. 
  Two of the mini-grants are to be spread among multiple campuses in various ways.
The LyondellBassell-Houston Refining Mini-Grant of $5,000 will provided funding for college visits for all sixth-grade students in the district through the district's Kids2College program. The $5,000 will be divided evenly among the 10 district campuses where the sixth-grade curriculum is provided. 
  All five district high schools will benefit from the $5,000 McDonald's Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament Mini-Grant. Funds will provide anatomy models for schools' sports medicine programs. 
  A total of 26 mini-grants were awarded with a total value of $107,611.99. 
  Links at the bottom of this page lead to descriptions, by campus, of other mini-grant awards, along with Prize Parade photos.

Teague Elementary teachers Stacey Redwine, Mindy Harding and Teddi Cochrane are mobbed by enthuiastic students after the announcement they have been awarded a mini-grant to start a video studio for campus news broadcasts. Presenting the check, on the far left, were Jay Bain and Chris Bezdek.  

Queens counselors Andrea Lynn (center of check) and Dana Bradshaw (third from right) accept a mini-grant check for $5,000 on behalf of all sixth-grade curriculum campuses in the district. Presenters are Pasadena ISD Foundation representatives Patti Bodkins and Randy Drake; Board of Trustees member Jack Bailey; Foundation member Sandy Brown; LyondellBassell-Houston representative Denise Jennings; Foundation member Ken Brown; Queens Principal Troy Jones; Foundation member Elizabeth Harris-Lindberg; and Chevron-Phillips representative Sophia Allison.

BAILEY ELEMENTARY LINK

FRAZIER ELEMENTARY LINK

FREEMAN ELEMENTARY LINK 

GARDENS ELEMENTARY LINK

GARFIELD ELEMENTARY LINK 

GOLDEN ACRES ELEMENTARY LINK

KRUSE ELEMENTARY LINK 

MATTHYS ELEMENTARY LINK 

MORALES ELEMENTARY LINK 

RICHEY ELEMENTARY LINK

SOUTH SHAVER ELEMENTARY LINK 

TEAGUE ELEMENTARY LINK

WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY LINK

SHAW MIDDLE SCHOOL LINK 

QUEENS INTERMEDIATE LINK

THOMPSON INTERMEDIATE LINK 

DOBIE HIGH SCHOOL LINK 

PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL LINK

SAM RAYBURN HIGH SCHOOL LINK 

L.P. CARD CENTER LINK 

  Southmore cheerleaders display welcome signs for schools set to play at their school on thursday. (Back row, left to right) Estefhane Garcia, Evelyn Ibanez, Alexandra Olivares, Amanda Garcia, mascot Gladys Galvan, Jennifer Vargas, Michelle Estrada, Kassandra Hernandez, Brendaly Benavides and Ruby Delao; (front) Marisa Nino, Marisol Gomez, Nallely Rodriguez, Yesenia Rodriguez, Taylor Rodriguez and Nicole Bautista. 

Jerry Speer (left), President of the Pasadena ISD's Board of Trustees, presents Bill Barmore with a plaque honoring him as the district's 2010 Distinguished Citizen. A replica plaque (below right) will be placed on permanent display in front of the Administration Building.

'Better Than Baseball Hall of Fame,'
1973 Pasadena High Grad Says of Honor

Praised for his generous contributions "of time, money and passion," Pasadena businessman William R. "Bill" Barmore was honored as the Pasadena ISD's 2010 Distinguished Citizen on Tuesday night during a reception and plaque dedication at the Administration Building.

"Bill is truly the embodiment of the kind of person for whom this award was intended," said Dr. Kirk Lewis, Pasadena ISD Superintendent. "What he has done for our district he did with servant's heart and a servant's spirit."

Barmore, the vice president of Barmore Insurance Agency in Pasadena, gave thanks to his family and friends and spoke most glowingly of his parents.

"They taught me to appreciate what's been given to me and where I've come from," he said.

Jerry Speer, president of the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees, noted Barmore's deep love of baseball and compared Barmore's contributions to the community to those of a self-sacrificing ball player.

"If you were to compile a box score of all that our school district has accomplished the past three decades, Bill's name would definitely be in the lineup," Speer said.

"He's the guy who, looking back, laid down the bunt. The guy who moved the runner over with a well-placed ground ball. The guy who made the throw from right field. The guy who provided the big assist, who started the double play and enabled his team to get the job done. Tonight we invite him to take a home-run trot. He is our MVP."

"I can't think of a bigger honor," Barmore said. "This is better than being in the Baseball Hall of Fame."

Barmore also serves as a board member for the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation and is president-elect of that organization.

He was born and raised in Pasadena, graduating from Pasadena High School in 1973 after attending Williams Elementary School and Queens Intermediate School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Since returning to Pasadena more than three decades ago, Barmore has been a prolific and generous sponsor and supporter of district activities, including a career day event for students at his alma mater, Pasadena High.

His generous donations of time and money to the Education Foundation, and to the Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament, have earned Barmore frequent expressions of praise and appreciation from district officials.

"He has touched the lives of literally thousands of students," Dr. Lewis said. "And he has done in a way that he expects nothing in return. That's a pretty rare quality."

"I've always been a supporter of the Pasadena school district," Barmore said. "And I always will be."