Robyn Ruiz, a new chemistry teacher at South Houston High, takes a spin at the Whataburger Wheel.

  Cookies, cosmetics, caricatures and the always-popular cash booth greeted about 500 newcomers to the Pasadena ISD's faculty ranks on Wednesday during the annual New Teacher Welcome at Memorial High School.
  District Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis delivered a formal welcome following a presentation of colors by the Sam Rayburn High JROTC.
  Teachers begin their first duty days on Monday. Classes for high school freshmen begin on Aug. 27. Classes for all other students begin on Aug. 28.

Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis welcomes the new teachers to the district.

Angela Cavender (right) of Memorial High looks over supply materials provided by Gateway Printing's Bill Raymond (left).

Lori Wiltz, a new teacher and coach at Pasadena High, nervously awaits the completion of her free caricature drawing.

South Houston High's Kirsten Wiley and Park View Intermediate's Jennifer Wiggins stop for a chat with Texas State Teachers Association representatives.

Sam Rayburn High's JROTC presents the colors.

New district teachers take a break from booth-browsing to listen to Dr. Lewis's welcome address.

Cris Bocanegra, a new addition to the Beverly Hills Intermediate faculty, and Gloria Benitez, new to Matthys Elementary, stop by the cookie table.