Williams students, faculty and Pasadena ISD Education Foundation members celebrate the school's mini-grant awards.

  PASADENA ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION MINI-GRANTS 
  Applicant: Norma Rodriguez-Garcia
  Mini-Grant Name: Books vs. Bullies
  Abstract: Williams has taken up the task of teaching our students about different types of bullying.  For students to become more knowledgeable about this problem, they must not only learn about bullying in the classroom but also about it independently through books.  Books vs. Bullies is a project aimed at adding a collection of non-fiction books to our school library that instills good values and thoroughly explains the complications caused by bullying. With this collection the Williams library will continue to support this school-wide incentive as well as support the Pasadena ISD in keeping our students safe.
  Amount: $745 
  Sponsor: Post Oak Bank

  Applicants: Amber Morris, Jessica Sanchez, Alicia Smith, Lisa Patterson
  Mini-Grant Name: Getting "Activ" in the Classroom
  Abstract: Our campus is fortunate to be equipped with Promethean Boards, supporting software and a limited number of ActiveExpressions. Our administrators fully support the use of technology. ActivExpressions has the ability to span across all areas of curriculum while also providing endless and engaging ways for students to interact with learning objectives.  Students truly connect to this text-based response system.  It's similar to what they know and use every day on various mobile devices.  From our growing student population rises the need for more materials.  We are seeking funds to better accommodate our student population by purchasing more ActiveExpressions.
  Amount: $3,927 
  Sponsor: Refractory Construction Services

Williams library assistant Veronica Contreras (green shirt) and school librarian Norma Rodriguez-Garcia (blue shirt) pose with well-wishers Mel Capelo, principal of Williams; Maureen Singleton, Thompson & Horton Attorneys; Tom Hancock, Pasadena ISD Education Foundation; Anthony Truong, AXA Network LLC; Jay Bain, American General Insurance; Sherry Bufkin, Post Oak Bank; and Chris Bezdek, president of the Education Foundation.

Maureen Singleton of Thompson & Horton Attorneys presents a check to Williams fifth-grade teachers Chelsea Kowalski, Jessica Sanchez and Amber Morris.

On Friday, hundreds of third through fifth-graders gathered for a special "Mime and Matter" presentation. Mick Corley and Karen Schlag, pictured below, fused science and fun for the students. The miming duo hilariously integrated everyday uses of the scientific method with comedy sketches. Event photo follows.

Williams faculty members Norma Rodriguez-Garcia, Rosemary Brynston, Veronica Conteras and Rosanna Deutsch huddle around their mini-grant check. Offering congratulations are (from the left) Williams assistant principal Michael Weinman, Board of Trustees President J ack Bailey, Pasadena ISD Education Foundation representatives Rudy Ayles, Charles Welsh, Tom Hancock, Cammie Farooq and Erica Juarez; Pasadena ISD Associate Superintendent for Instructional Leadership Rosie Prusz; and Foundation representative Pat Gregory.

  PASADENA ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION MINI-GRANT 
  Applicant: Norman Rodriguez Garcia
  Mini-Grant Name: Listen to Learn
  Abstract: "Listening to Learn" is a proposal to add Weston-Woods Self-playing MP3 Books to the Williams library as a way to become a 21st Century technology school. Reading comprehension, listening comprehension, phonological awareness, and patterns of language, as well as test scores, can be improved when reading and listening is combined. Using MP3 books to listen to award-winning books will aid struggling readers and students with disabilities, as well as English-language learners, by strengthening their reading and listening skills.
  Amount: $2,073
  Sponsor: Marshall and Denie Kendrick

Williams Elementary student Arturo Martinez took home one of the two silver medals in a recent chess tournament hosted at Mellilo Middle School. Students from the Williams chess team are coached by Renee Matthews, Jana MacDougall and Reggie Mayes. Event photos follow.

Williams Elementary P.E. department hosted a Turkey Trot walk/run on Saturday, Nov. 8. All Participants walked and ran for a total of 45 minutes. Winners of a raffle took home a turkey for Thanksgiving. Event photos follow.

The Williams faculty softball team won the District Softball League Championship in a recent 12-11 victory against Lomax. Event photo follows.