In the news:
Nominations sought for 2008
Distinguished Citizen Award

In the news:
Pearland partners with Pasadena in annual basketball tournament

In the news:
Annual tournament to bring in top sponsors

Written by Lyndsey Kees

In the news:
GT students 'go green' and more in summer camp

Written by Lyndsey Kees

In the news:
Three Pasadena schools receive 'A+' with BP grants

In the news:
Tournament officials seek volunteers for annual event

In the news:
Paving the way: Jacobs employees lead Dobie students to careers in engineering

Written by Lyndsey Kees

In the news:
McDonald's manager, employees mentor in HOSTS program

For Rick Garza, serving as a mentor in Pasadena ISD's HOSTS program isn't just beneficial for the students he tutors-it's beneficial for him and his employees, too.

HOSTS (Helping One Student to Succeed) is a highly-structured one-on-one mentoring program designed to help students improve reading, writing and problem-solving skills.  Garza, a 1998 South Houston High School graduate and owner of the McDonald's on Richey, is a mentor in the program at South Houston Elementary and recruited five of his employees to participate as well.

"This program has helped me understand the foundation our teachers are trying to lay for our students to succeed," he said. "It helps me know what is going on in the schools, and it allows me to better help my children at home with their school work. It has helped my employees see how important and valuable it is to read to a child even if it's just for one hour."

The five employees participating in HOSTS are John Maldonado, Carl Smith, Olga Cuevas, Maria Silva and Odilia Foseca.

"We want to show the community we're not just here to make money but to help invest in the local communities with our children as well," Garza said. "We want to build a bridge between the community and our schools."

Not only do Garza and his employees mentor in the HOSTS program, but they also provided breakfast for mentors and students every Wednesday throughout the year and happy meals for students once they reached their reading goals.

"We want the kids we mentor to understand that working for McDonald's is not just about selling hamburgers and fries," Garza said. "We can do so much more as long as everyone is willing to help with every opportunity that becomes available."

Garza has also provided appreciation coupons for teachers' birthdays and bag stuffers for school carnivals and events.

"Since our participation in this program, we have seen more of the South Houston locals visiting some of our events at the store," he said. "It's been great."

Garza and his employees also help with the Head Start program, DECA, the cosmetology program at Pasadena High School, the Mini Grand Prix, Strawberry Festival, Taste of Town and the Space Race.

In the news:
Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees named
Region 4 Outstanding School Board

In the news:
Kruse Elementary's Rosie Prusz recognized
as nominee for National Distinguished Principal

In the news:
Workshop shows teachers how to launch
the 'high-tech' classroom

In the news:
New technology provides valuable
tool in keeping schools safe

In the news:
Rayburn JROTC takes part in
camp at Sam Houston State

In the news:
Pasadena's deputy superintendent receives
organization's top individual honor

Pasadena ISD Deputy Superintendent Vicki Thomas was recently presented with the International Center for Leadership in Education's Ben Kruse Award - the organization's top individual honor.

Thomas received the award at the International Center for Leadership in Education's 16th Annual Conference in Orlando, Fla. The award is given to an individual who works behind the scenes in helping to increase the levels of student achievement.

"This is a great honor for Vicki and for Pasadena ISD," said Dr. Kirk Lewis, Pasadena ISD superintendent. "Her strength in the area of curriculum has helped us transform the way we approach instruction through the Expectation Graduation initiative."

Thomas has served as Deputy Superintendent since 2001, after serving as an associate superintendent for campus development for six years. She was principal at Thompson Intermediate School from 1989-1994 and served as the top administrator for a year at the Tegeler Career Center before moving to central office.

In helping to implement the Expectation Graduation plan, Thomas has worked closely with campus teams and administrators and the International Center for Leadership in Education. Much of the emphasis of the initiative is focusing instruction around relationships, students' interests, learning styles, and aptitudes through a variety of small learning community approaches.

"Working together, this plan will lift our schools from good to great," she said. "Through implementing the Expecation Graduation program is has helped our curriculum to be even better aligned and, more rigorous and more relevant. It gives students an even greater path toward success."

In the news:
Local professionals help Miller students 'gear up' for the future

In the news:
Board honors individuals for contributions to district

In the news:
Hollywood spotlight shines bright on
1999 Dobie graduate Audi Resendez

In the news:
State funding holding 'harmful' for Pasadena, other districts

In the news:
Dell family foundation awards three Dobie students with $20,000 scholarships

In the news:
HOSTS program seeks financial help for annual event

In the news:
Southmore band captures awards at SplashTown event

In the news:
Students participate in national taste test

In the news:
Bondy student selected for
Lone Star Leadership Academy

In the news:
Sam Rayburn JROTC cadets
participate in leadership camp

In the news:
PHS swim coach appointed to commissioner's
post for United States Scholar-Athlete games

In the news:
School starting, dismissal times to change

Because of the number of middle schools that will be operational in the 2008-09 school year, school starting and dismissal times will change for Pasadena ISD elementary, intermediate and middle schools to allow appropriate time for transportation.  

The times for the 2008-09 school year are as follows:

In the news:
Wal-Mart shows appreciation of Gardens teachers

Wal-Mart managers visited Gardens Elementary recently to show teachers their appreciation. They gave each teacher, support personnel and paraprofessionals tote bags with teacher supplies. They also provided cake and drinks for the staff and a drawing for a $50 Wal-Mart gift card. The school also received a gift of $1,500 in support of Gardens' Family Literacy Project.

In the news:
Keller staff hosts Parent Night, staff development

The staff of Keller Middle School held a meeting with parents recently at San Jacinto Intermediate School. In addition to the presentation, school T-shirts were sold at the event. Also, in preparation for next school year, new Keller staff members participated in several staff development workshops.

In the news:
Freeman students hold concert

From 1950s tunes to hip-hop music, students at Freeman Elementary School entertained their fellow classmates and faculty at the school's "Destination America" concert.

In the news:
Matthys students' collection of caring
will benefit troops overseas

A popsicle party was more than enough incentive for the students at Matthys Elementary to collect pennies for a great cause. After two weeks of vigorous collecting and motivating, the students and teachers have collected over 37,000 pennies for care packages sent to military personnel overseas.

As one would expect, the first week's collection of 11,096 pennies was sure to be the most successful week of the drive. However, the following week, the piggybank was bursting with 26,096 pennies and other coins, surpassing all expectations. Each day, the school's Safety Patrol would travel the halls collecting the pennies from each class. "Walking around and collecting pennies from the classes was lots of fun," student Alexis Rodriguez said.

In cooperation with Operation Interdependence, Norma Rodriguez-Garcia, Matthys' peer facilitator, worked with Chaplin Paul R. Renfro of Operation Interdependence to ensure the success of the care packages. For many students, filling the bags with various items such as toothpaste, snacks, and soap in an assembly line fashion was their favorite part of the project. "Putting the packages together in a structured assembly line taught the students organization as well as teamwork," Rodriguez-Garcia said.

Fourth grade students had much to say about the project. Marcelo Treviño, one of the leading penny collectors, said "putting the bags together and delivering them to Renfro" was definitely his best experience. Danny Cruz and Ivan Lopez enjoyed filling the bags and writing the thank you letters to the troops that were also placed inside the care packages. Irma Gutierrez was especially excited about "sending the troops good snacks" because she currently has a family member stationed overseas. Gabriel Ledesma felt good about "being able to help others through the project."

Members of the safety patrol credit much of their success to the parents and faculty for getting so involved. Surpassing all expectations the project benefited not only the soldiers but the students as well. To Rodriguez-Garcia, "this is an experience the kids will never forget."

In the news:
PHS holds annual 'Real People, Real Careers' event

As the "real world" quickly approaches the high school graduates of 2008, Pasadena High School alumni played their role in preparing the community's future leaders for life after high school as guest speakers at the school's third annual "Real People, Real Careers" event.

Pasadena High students recently had the opportunity to listen to 10 alumni talk about their journeys of success from high school to where they are now. PHS librarian Jane Golenko initiated the project, and she said it is designed to meet the more practical needs of the students as they identify with former PHS students.

"The students have immediate connections with these speakers because they 'walked the same halls' before they went on to life after high school," she said.

PHS 1988 graduate Ted Gleason is the Terminal Operations Manager of North America for TETRA Technologies, which is an oil and gas group that produces and sells calcium chloride for agricultural and industrial uses, and his message to the students was to always remember where they came from.

"When I say to remember where you come from it should encompass family, friends, city, organizations, jobs and experiences along the way," he said. "Every day you should be hungry to learn. These kids are in the position they are in today because they worked hard and because of the help others provided, and they need to be aware of that as they move forward."

After his high school graduation, Gleason received his bachelor's degree from the University of Houston-Downtown, and he said he thinks it's important for students to see the success endured by their school's alumni.

"Although the dynamics or demographics of the student body have changed since I attended PHS, the struggles, challenges and set-backs are unfortunately a constant no matter who you are," he said. "Although things can get tough, always remember you don't have to fight through the obstacles alone. Be willing to accept guidance, but most importantly, remember to pay it back."

For PHS 1990 graduate Lucy Podmore, a librarian at Jefferson Middle School in San Antonio, participating in the event was just a small way for her to give back to the school that played an important role in her life.

"I have such wonderful memories of PHS and the staff that it felt like a family reunion when I was there," she said. "It speaks volumes of the PHS community that so many staff members spent their entire teaching careers there and that many of them care enough to share the stories of the past and continue on the great traditions of our school."

But a reunion with her former teachers and a trip down memory lane weren't the only items on Podmore's agenda. As a former Eagle Escort and student council member, Podmore knew she could relate to the students sitting in front of her and was in hope her presentation would show them success is attainable regardless of where they come from.

"They need to know that they don't need a head start like a wealthy family, a brand new school with brand new equipment or a college scholarship to get somewhere-they just need to take the first step and keep going," she said. "They shouldn't ever let whatever labels that may have fit them in high school stay with them forever. Go out and try new things, never stop learning, and above all, seek a career that involves something you love."

Podmore also used her time with the students to sell the profession as a school librarian as well as to tell them success doesn't come without hard work.

"Being a librarian isn't what it was years and years ago, and it keeps changing," said Podmore. "I wanted to share with the students that this career is full of opportunities that don't involve a typical library setting. Also, I wanted the students to understand that success is not without pain, hard work and sacrifice. There are no easy answers or shortcuts, and I think that is sometimes what makes success so sweet-you earn it."

Brian McTaggart, 1988 PHS graduate and senior sports writer for the Houston Chronicle, said he thinks the most important thing for the students to understand as they leave high school is that nothing is easy and they only have one shot at life.

"If they leave high school and don't take their career goals seriously, life can sneak up on them and it becomes even harder," he said. "It's going to take hard work, making some opportunities and taking advantages of those opportunities when they are there. Yes, it's hard. But if it were easy, then everyone would be doing it."

While a student at PHS, McTaggart was a member of the Eagle Alliance, the jazz band, the orchestra and the Latin club, and he said he hopes the students realize they can do whatever they put their mind to.

"I grew up just a few miles from the school and we didn't have that many luxuries at home or money for college, and I want these kids to know that's okay," he said. "There are other ways. If you work hard, be patient, stay dedicated and get practical experience in your chosen field, you can succeed. You just have to want it."

Other guest speakers included 1997 graduate and Spanish teacher Roel Saldivar; 1977 graduate and Pasadena Fire Chief Lanny Armstrong; 1985 graduate and human resources director Curt Bludworth; 1986 graduate and business owner Edward Salazar; 1988 graduate and flight attendant Allyson Parker-Lauck; 1978 graduate and neuron-oncologist Morris Groves; and 1951 graduate and business owner Dan Fischer.

All of the speakers travel at their own expense and make adjustments in their schedules to attend the event, and Golenko said they are all true role models for the students.

"The speakers are honest when they speak to the students and even admit sometimes that they were not perfect students either when they were here," she said. "You can't find a better role model than that-one who admits they wish they had done better when they were here. And their stories are compelling because many of them speak with candor about obstacles they had to overcome in the face of adversity."

More than 1,220 students and 59 classes were impacted by the project, and Golenko said that the value of the advice and information given to the students is priceless.

"We certainly hope the students take away interesting information about careers that might never have sounded realistic to them," she said. "But more than that, we hope they take away connections and ideas about life, which are motivational and inspirational."

In the news:
Pasadena community members are 'champions' for children

Pasadena ISD high school students aren't the only ones graduating this week as Pasadena community members and business leaders recently graduated from the district's Champions for Children program.

Champions for Children is a leadership program implemented this year by Pasadena ISD Superintendent Kirk Lewis and is designed to improve the understanding of the school district throughout the community. Community members from local groups including the chambers of commerce and city councils of Pasadena, South Belt and South Houston, hospitals, companies, refineries, media sources and various civic organizations were invited to be a part of this year's program.

"The community plays a vital role in the overall success of our students, and we want its members to be properly educated on how Pasadena ISD operates," Lewis said. "When community members know more about the district, they can share their understanding with those around them."

Only half of the overall participants were able to attend the last session and graduation ceremony, but the program was supported by more than 20 participants from throughout Pasadena. Lewis said the number of participants in the first year shows the commitment the community has to its youth.

"Our community is extremely supportive of the district-its students and staff," he said. "We are excited about the number of individuals who gave their time to be part of this program during its first year. We are also excited about the potential for the program in years to come as we build upon the current base of individuals and give others the opportunity to join."

The program began in September and participants met monthly with district administrators, campus principals and other staff members on topics including expectation graduation, career and technical education, advanced academics, finance, instructional technology, special programs and human resources. Tours of the district's facilities were also a part of the program agenda.

"We want every taxpayer to have the information that he or she needs to know where to get information and how they can be involved," Lewis said. "We also learn from the questions program members ask and the recommendations they give so we can make improvements."

The last session, which was held this month, was a meeting with members of the district's Board of Trustees. Program participants listened to board members Nelda Sullivan, Frank Braden, Vickie Morgan and board president Marshall Kendrick speak about their duties and goals as board members.

"First things first, and kids are always first in every decision we make," said Kendrick. "We are always looking for people who can serve and those people are those who are strong and can come in with the right attitude and no personal agendas."

Ashley Wright, a program participant, said meeting with the board for the last session was "icing on the cake."

"They were amazing to listen to, and I was fascinated about the inner workings of the meetings and relationship between the board members and the superintendent," she said. "I feel blessed to have seen the passion in Dr. Lewis as he spoke about the children, especially since I have a child that directly benefits from that passion at Turner Elementary."

After serving the district in numerous administrative capacities for 33 years, Braden joined the board eight years ago, and he thanked the graduates for their interest in the school district.

"You're here today because of a desire for us to include you in our decisions, and I think that's wonderful," he said. "We need the community to be involved so that we can make the best informed decisions we possibly can for our students."

Another program participant, Pat Bland, said the knowledge she has gained from the program has benefited her in her own work and she thanked the board members for the opportunity to be a part of the program.

"This year has been so wonderful to learn more about the district," she said. "There are some kids who come from low socioeconomic situations and some that don't, and this district treats them equally. I really appreciate that and all of the programs the district has available for its students and staff."

Wright said she too gained a greater foundation of knowledge about the district and that she will use what she learned in this program to share with the community not only as a business leader but as a parent.

"My conversations regarding the school system will be much more factual now that I know more," she said. "I feel that I have a deeper heart for the school district than I had before. Seeing the compassion and true love for children the employees' posses certainly is inspiring and provides a sense of hope for our kids. These are our future leaders-our future employees. To have this knowledge of the district is priceless."

Board member Vickie Morgan, who has served on the board for 22 years, said she encourages community members to become involved in next year's program because it will be an opportunity for them to see how education has changed for the better.

"If you haven't been in a classroom in the last five years, you will be shocked at how much education has changed," she said. "It's amazing. The teachers, the students and the curriculum have changed-lecture is no more. Everything is hands-on. I encourage you to visit our classrooms."

Lewis said he is looking forward to starting the program at the beginning of next school year and to sharing the district's knowledge with the community.

"There are so many excellent things going on in Pasadena ISD, and the more we can share this information, the better our entire community is," he said. "We have found that, as individuals learn more, they want to be more involved whether on committees or as some other type of volunteer, and I'm looking forward to what this program will do for our district and our community."

For more information on becoming involved in the 2008-09 Champions for Children program, please contact Pasadena ISD Associate Superintendent of Communications Candace Ahlfinger at 713-740-0247.

In the news:
GM Goodwrench scholarships help Pasadena ISD students tune up for the future

For Pasadena Memorial High School senior Bryan Day and Pasadena High School senior Daniel Garcia, working on cars has always been a favorite hobby. But now they are both using their passion of cars to rev up for their future as they are both recipients of the 2008 General Motors Goodwrench Educational Scholarship.

Day and Garcia are two of 15 AYES (Automotive Youth Educational Systems) students nationwide to receive the scholarships. AYES is a two-year program designed to prepare high school students for careers in retail automotive repair service. The GM Goodwrench Educational Scholarship Program was developed by the GM Service and Parts Operations division to provide scholarship opportunities to AYES graduates allowing them to continue their education in automotive technology through the GM Automotive Service Educational Program (GM ASEP). The scholarships are for $7,000 each and will be awarded in two payments of $3,500.

Day and Garcia are enrolled in Pasadena ISD's AYES program, and Garcia's automotive technology instructor James Jackson said he is glad to see a deserving student such as Garcia receive this scholarship.

"Daniel has the intellect to do anything he wants to do," he said. "He is an overachiever. His documentation for his daily activity is the best I've ever seen. If you ask him to meet a standard, he will exceed it. I'm glad he has chosen to enter the auto service industry, and I'm very proud of him."

Day's instructor and the district's AYES coordinator Chris Wasson said Day is an exceptional student and he is glad he has the opportunity to further his education in this field because he knows he will do great things in the automotive industry.

"Bryan went on his own to secure employment this school year," Wasson said. "If anything, he is an example of dedication and self-motivation."

Pasadena ISD's director of career and technology Sarah Wrobleski said Day and Garcia serve as role models as students in the AYES program and that she is honored to have two Pasadena ISD students be scholarship recipients.

"We are honored to have an opportunity to work with great students like Daniel and Bryan," she said. "They both work very hard to reach and exceed their goals. When looking at the odds of having two of the 15 recipients in Pasadena, we are very pleased with the success of the teachers and students."

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be graduates of the AYES program, possess a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale, demonstrate both academic excellence and outstanding community service, be employed at a GM dealership and must intend to complete the degree in a two-year timeframe. This year, 420 interns were eligible to receive the scholarship.

Garcia said he feels honored to have received this scholarship.

"This is an accomplishment that makes me feel proud of myself and very grateful to the people who made this possible," he said.

The GM ASEP process streamlines the path to becoming a certified service technician to only two years, and students alternate between formal classroom training and hands-on work experience at GM dealerships. Scholarship recipients can choose which GM ASEP college from anywhere in the nation they want to attend. Both Day and Garcia will be attending San Jacinto College in Pasadena.

"This scholarship will help me out in a big way," said Day. "It will get me into the GM ASEP program at San Jacinto, and when I finish with the program, I will be a step closer to being a technician at Monument Chevrolet."

As part of the AYES program, students intern at local dealerships such as Monument Chevrolet to receive hands-on training. They work on a full-time basis during the summer at the end of their junior year and continue to work part-time during their senior year. Day and Garcia both work at Monument Chevrolet, which has been a part of the district's AYES program since 2000.

"The goal of AYES is to provide career entry through internship opportunities," Wasson said. "It gives students the chance to test drive their career while they still have time to change their minds. I think it's important for students to have these opportunities to help them decide what direction they want to take their career."

Day said he has received a great deal of valuable experience from the AYES program with the help of his auto technology instructors and his mentors at Monument Chevrolet.

"I have learned more than I ever imagined I could about cars," he said. "I started off working on big medium duty trucks, moved to drive train, and now I'm learning the interior electrical section of a car, which I really enjoy. My mentors have taught me a lot, and I'm still learning. I appreciate this opportunity and everyone supporting me in furthering my automotive career."

Garcia said he has benefited from AYES and his internship because it has allowed him to develop valuable skills.

"This program has provided me with skills that will be of great importance to my future," he said. "Through my internship, I've learned what the automotive field is all about. When I finish school, I hope to be one of the top graduates of the GM ASEP program and receive a full-time job at Monument Chevrolet."

Pasadena ISD was the first district in Texas to offer AYES to its students, and the program is NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) certified. The L.P. Card Skill Center became certified in January 2000, and Dobie and Pasadena high schools became certified in September 2003. After completing the required number of classroom and work experience requirements, AYES students are eligible to test to become ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, which will allow them to obtain jobs as professional automotive service technicians.

This year, 135 students were enrolled in the district's Auto and Collision courses districtwide and 20 of those students have been placed as interns for next school year. Seven interns will graduate from the program this week and several of them will pursue their studies at San Jacinto College, University Technical Institute in Arizona and WyoTech after graduation.

"Pasadena ISD is committed to helping our students become productive members of the community," Wrobleski said. "The district and community are very supportive of the AYES program in our schools. This program stresses the importance of our students being both career and college ready."

In the news:
South Houston, Kruse receive $6,000 library grant

Kruse and South Houston elementary schools will be expanding their school library collection with the help of a $6,000 grant from The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries.

Every year, the foundation gives more than $1 million in grants to school libraries nationwide, and 190 school libraries received grants this year.

"I'm very excited that I am able to help the school and especially the children with this grant," said South Houston Elementary librarian Jackie Burch.

Richey and Parks elementary schools were grant recipients in 2007, and Parks librarian Catherine Pleasants said her students have benefited greatly from the books she was able to purchase.

"Occasionally, we have budget cuts due to increased expenses in other areas or due to reduced funding in our district, so any opportunity to expand our collection is important," she said. "Our students were able to access books we would not have been able to purchase with our regular annual budget. It's especially rewarding to be able to provide books to our students that they enjoy reading."

The foundation states that because funds are limited and because research shows that children in low income families are least likely to have access to books, the grants target the nation's neediest schools that have a high percentage of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. More than 90 percent of both Kruse and South Houston students qualify for free and reduced lunch.

"Our students have limited resources for having books in their homes or attending public libraries due to a lack of transportation," said South Houston principal Karen Holt. "In addition, they have limited experiences resulting in limited oral language development or in one or both languages. Sometimes, there isn't anyone at home who can help them practice reading in English or Spanish."

Burch said students with such limited resources also have large gaps in their background experiences.

"We feel that if we have quality, up to date books in our library, then we will be able to supply experiences which these children lack," she said.

The grants will allow both schools to purchase anywhere between 300 to 350 books for their libraries. Kruse principal Rosie Prusz said the focus of the grant for her school was for non-fiction books.

"At Kruse, we have a need to provide high interest non-fiction texts that can help students with their reading and writing skills," she said. "We seek grants to be able to supplement our regular school budget and provide additional materials and resources for our students, and this grant is helping us do that."

More than 60 percent of South Houston students qualify for bilingual education, and Burch said they are in need of low level Spanish books.

"We did not previously have enough of these books in our library to meet the needs of the students or the teachers," she said. "It's important to purchase books that inform and entertain the students as well as correlate with the curriculum."

Kruse's librarian Mary Escobedo said an updated collection of books is crucial to the success of any library.

"School libraries are a gift to the community and society as a whole because it's a place where students can explore the world and develop their reading and research skills, allowing them to become well-rounded educated members of our society," she said. "By adding to the collection, it allows students to become aware of the different writers and topics that may peak their interest."

Because many of these children don't even have books to read at home, Burch said it's the responsibility of the school to provide a library of books that students can continuously learn from and find interest in.

"The more a child reads, the more varied his or her interests will become," Burch said. "We hope to be able to supply some of the experiences which our children lack through experiences with quality books. Our children are very proud of our school library, and they love when we receive new books, so this grant is a great way to help us foster that love for reading among our students."

In the news:
Richey Elementary retiree leads effort
to see gazebo built on campus

After 20 years of faithful service to Pasadena ISD, Richey Elementary teacher Linda Dsouza will be retiring at the end of this semester. However, instead of participating in retirement parties and farewell celebrations, Dsouza has decided to give back to the school and is asking for donations to have a gazebo constructed on the campus for students and teachers to enjoy.

"I want the gazebo to be a place where students can be rewarded for good choices. It will be a place where the teacher can treat a student to lunch," Dsouza said. "The list is endless and is only limited by the teacher's imagination."

This dedicated teacher of 27 years hopes the gazebo will bring joy and pride for everyone at Richey Elementary.

"My children used to come home and tell me about how thrilled they were to have the honor to eat lunch with a friend or their teacher in the gazebo at their grade school," she said.

The gazebo will be located on the back side of the school outside of the library. This will be the perfect location for the students and teachers to mingle as well as a place for study and work.

"The gazebo will be a place where teachers can meet on a nice day for their team meeting and a place for students to read and do science," said Dsouza.

Not only will the gazebo provide endless amounts of socialization and quality time among teachers and students, but it will also allow for a place to sit when it is time for the students to spend time outside.

"Every time we took students out for a reward, with the new building, there was no place to sit, so we sat on the grass or sidewalk," she said.

Dsouza has always known she had a special place for teaching in her heart and wants to give back to what she loves once more before retirement.

"I wanted to make a difference for future children," she said. "I will take with me a belief that all things are possible, and we have the power as teachers to really change the future."

For Dsouza, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is having students come back as "successful and wonderful adults." With the new gazebo in the making, teachers will also be able to reminisce with their past students and share part of her dream.

If you would like to donate to this venture, please send all contributions to Mary Majumdar at Richey Elementary or call 713-740-0712 to contact Mrs. Majumdar. All checks should be made out to Richey Elementary with Dsouza in the memo line.

In the news:
After-school intermediate soccer programs
help students to be 'goal-oriented'

Koy Severino and the coaches of the after-school intermediate soccer programs in Pasadena ISD want their student-athletes to keep their eyes on the goal. And that's not just on the soccer field, but in life.

Severino, the peer facilitator at Southmore Intermediate, formed the first intermediate soccer program in 1994 as part of an after-school initiative. Today, the program has grown to include seven Pasadena ISD intermediate schools that field both boys and girls teams. Schools participating in the program include Jackson, South Houston, San Jacinto, Miller, Bondy, Park View and Southmore.

"As a young teen, many of my friends and I did not speak the same language, but we played the same game and soccer became our mode of communication and a vehicle of cross-cultural understanding," he said.

The Southmore Soccer Club began as an extra-curricular after-school incentive program. Severino said during its first year, the only other schools he could find to play against were private schools in Houston, who had had soccer as part of their regular curriculum for years.

"The private schools were so impressed by our players and the quality of their play that we would be invited every year since then to their annual tournaments, facing such soccer powerhouses as St. John's, River Oaks Baptist and Kinkaid," he said.

This year, Southmore won the championship of the prestigious Kinkaid Tournament, where they faced the British School of Houston in the semi-final and KIPP Academy in the final.
 
After Southmore's first year, other intermediate schools in the district began showing interest in fielding after-school soccer clubs and then the growth of the program began.

"The mission of our program is to provide an opportunity for our students to strengthen their spiritual, personal and intellectual growth through participation in a global athletic endeavor integrating cognitive and physical challenges within a community of peers," Severino said. "I think that the most critical aspect of the intermediate soccer program is that the students engage in a cognitive activity under the guidance of a positive adult role model - their coaches. Soccer gives students another incentive to perform well in school, and the lessons they learn from both the game and their relationships with their coaches and each other are lifelong."

Although it is an after-school club sport, the programs follow the same eligibility requirements of the University Interscholastic League. "Students must pass their classes in order to be eligible to play. We apply these standards very tightly," Severino said.

This spring, the intermediate soccer program reached a milestone as the seven participating intermediate schools helped the third annual Pasadena Intermediate Cup become the largest intermediate soccer competition in the greater Houston area, with 24 matches being played over a span of three weeks at Veterans' Memorial Stadium. San Jacinto Intermediate took the boys tournament title, while the Park View girls won their division.

The intermediate after-school soccer program is quickly becoming a pipeline for high school soccer talent.

"The high school coaches absolutely love our program," Severino said. "They come out to the games to scout their future players, donate equipment, host games on their grounds, invite our players to their summer training camps and even volunteer occasionally as referees. Many players who have gone through the intermediate programs go on to stellar high school careers and are recruited by colleges around the country."

Severino touted the success of several former intermediate school players. Former Bondy player Isaac Yanez plays for Memorial High School and earned All-District honors as a freshman. One of the Southmore players, seventh grade student Derick Gonzalez, recently made it into the Houston Dynamo youth development system.

Some of the former players even come back to coach. Erica Reyna, who played for Southmore during the first year of the girls program, went on to play at Rayburn and San Jacinto College. Now, she coaches the Southmore girls' team.

Severino credits the work of the many coaches and volunteers in the schools for the programs' success, including South Houston's Brenda Villarreal and Terrance Maldonado, Miller Intermediate's Antonio Bernabe and John Hardy, San Jacinto's Amanda Gaeth and Misty Riggenbach, Park View's Wilfredo Puente and Donna Rossino, Bondy's Ian Birch, Cindy Zaid and Sara Henderson, Jackson's Joe Garza and parent Hector Ramirez , and Southmore's Eric Ortega and Erica Reyna.

"In order for an intermediate soccer program to succeed in the district, it takes some very dedicated teachers, who not only are willing to commit their spare time, expend extra energy and even spend some of their own money for their students, but who also have a deep understanding and belief in the game and what it can do," Severino said. "When you find that very special teacher, your program will succeed. And that is what we have done in Pasadena. 

"It is and always has been my hope that the players we produce are inspired by their coaches and their experience of playing soccer at the intermediate level to live a life of integrity and compassion, transcending cultural barriers to develop a deeper global understanding of humanity, and dedicate themselves to the development of their community, much in the same way their coaches did for them," he added. "Whenever I see evidence of this, I know that all of our hard work has been worth it."

In the news:
Still plenty of time to register for
Gifted/Talented Summer Camps

With summer right around the corner, the time has come for this year's Gifted/Talented Summer Exploration Camps.  Each summer, students enjoy the opportunity to learn, create, and explore different areas of interest in a fun-filled and exciting way. 

The camps have been planned for the month of June and are sure to be a big hit yet again.  Young Elementary School will be buzzing with eager students June 11-12, 16-19, and 23-26. Each camp will run from 8:15-11:45 a.m. and bus transportation will be available upon request. Walk in registration is available from 8-4:30 p.m. at the Administration Building until the day of camp. The payment of $60 must be made in cash. No checks will be accepted.

Three camps have been set up to provide students of different ages with the chance to uncover certain aspects of our world that are not only educational, but intriguing for the young minds as well. 

Primary Campers (Grades K-2) will enjoy diving in to explore the world deep beneath the ocean's surface.  By discovering the colorful creatures and fascinating landscape beneath, students will share their adventures in a multi-media presentation.

Elementary Campers (Grades 3-4) are "going green" this summer.  With the environment changing rapidly, students will be given the chance to see what is really happening in the environment.  Projects through art and technology will enhance and demonstrate the knowledge obtained about the eco-system.  The camp will conclude with a presentation of the environmental discoveries for family and friends.

G/T has "Gone to Texas" during the Intermediate Camp (Grades 5-7).  Students will create and construct a variety of Texas' historical projects.  The camp will conclude with a celebration of Texas history with family and friends. 

For more information or to register, call 713-740-0103.

In the news:
Chevron Phillips donates $5,000
to Gardens reading program

 When it comes to helping children develop a lifelong love for literacy, Gardens Elementary and Chevron Phillips are helping these students open new chapters in their lives.

For the 14^th year, Chevron Phillips donated $5,000 toward the reading programs at Gardens. The company was recognized for their donation at a special program hosted by the students and staff at the school.

"We believe strongly in our partnership with Gardens," said Van Long, Chevron Phillips plant manager. "We want to do our part to help these students toward a bright future."

The donation will be used to purchase books, other materials and reading resources.

In addition to the donation, several Chevron Phillips employees are involved in a variety of school activities, including the Helping One Student to Succeed (HOSTS) program.

"Reading helps kids to open their minds and broaden their knowledge. It is a skill that they will use for the rest of their life," said Gardens Principal Celia Layton. "We appreciate Chevron Phillips for everything they do. They've always been very supportive and always willing to go the extra mile to help our kids."

In the news:
Mae Smythe hosts Memorial Day celebration

Sounds of patriotic music and words of thanks were shared with military personnel at Mae Smythe Elementary School's Memorial Day celebration. Students sang patriotic songs, viewed a slide show and were able to personally thank the military veterans and current service personnel.
 

In the news:
1985 graduate awards four PHS seniors with laptops

As a 1985 Pasadena High School graduate and successful businessman, Curt Bludworth is familiar with the history and success that his alma mater breeds. And to help jump-start the success of Pasadena High's graduating class of 2008, Bludworth recently presented four seniors with HP laptops.

"A computer allows students to access, use and analyze information in a way that affords them tremendous opportunities to make informed decisions," Bludworth said who is the Director of Human Resources for Global Information Technology for Hewlett-Packard. "Knowledge is essential to making good decisions, and a laptop provides a portal to the world of knowledge. We live in a global world and our graduates need to be equipped to interact in it so they can stay competitive."

Bludworth created an essay contest for Pasadena High seniors called "Curt Bludworth and Friends Essay Contest." Through the contest, Bludworth challenged participating students to reflect on their years at Pasadena High and write an essay explaining what it means to be a PHS graduate and how they will use the values and ideas they learned to help them forge the path to their future. Seniors Brittany Zick, Oscar Guerra, Kristy Vargas and Tanner Trimm were chosen as the winners and received the laptops.

"I know we have a lot of smart, hard-working seniors at Pasadena and I wanted to provide a few of these students a great tool they can use to capitalize on all the opportunity that awaits them after graduation," Bludworth said.

Guerra said receiving the laptop means much more to him than being able to surf the web and chat with friends.

"This means an opportunity to better myself in college," he said. "It means knowing there will always be kind and generous people willing to stretch out a hand to help, no matter how tough it may be. Most of all, it's knowing that in the road of life, there are some who choose to be passengers and some who choose be drivers-but there is only one Curt Bludworth who chooses to be a driver and make things happen."

Bludworth said he chose the essay topic that he did because he thinks it's important for students to reflect on their time during high school and to put on paper what road they want to take into their future.

"Everyone at PHS is blessed to be a part of the rich and deep history of our high school," he said. "To better prepare for the future, you have to appreciate how much our history has helped prepare us to interact with what's ahead. I wanted the students to really think about PHS and what it means to be an Eagle and to realize once they move on, they too become a part of this school's history-the very history that has helped make them who they are today."

Only three essay winners were supposed to be chosen, but Bludworth said he reviewed each of the final 10 papers at least six times before deciding on four winners.

"All of the papers were phenomenal, but I had to choose the four clear winners," Bludworth said. "They each struck a chord with me, but what ultimately put the four winners over the finish line was that each of their papers exhibited integrity, honesty, pride, respect and passion for their future."

Bludworth described Trimm's essay as a "compelling story" and he commented on how "real and very talented" Zick was in her story. Bludworth also admired Guerra's essay saying it was the "most interesting and edgy." Vargas' poem received Bludworth's praise on her "originality" as well as for being able to tell a story through a poem that could be easily understood.

"It was really cool what these kids did with this challenge," Bludworth said. "I was amazed at what all of them had to say, and I enjoyed reading all of their essays."

Pasadena High School librarian and contest facilitator Jane Golenko offered her congratulations to the students.

"We are so proud of these students and what they have accomplished not only in this essay contest but in their time here at Pasadena High," she said. "They are outstanding students, and I know they will find great use for these laptops."

Each laptop was equipped with Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition, a web camera, a laptop cleaning kit, Wi-Fi and a carrying case.

Trimm said Bludworth is a PHS graduate who truly demonstrates what it is to have Eagle Pride and that he can't thank him enough for the laptop.

"To be honored by someone who graduated from my school and has become so successful is a great feeling," he said. "The laptop is a tremendous help to me for my future. I hope that some day I, too, can come back to PHS and be as generous to students as he has been in helping me with my future."

Bludworth said it feels great to help the students in this way.

"I just want these kids to go out there and contribute," he said. "I want them to contribute to their families, friends, jobs, communities and their spirituality. I'll feel really good if one day one of these kids comes back to Pasadena High School to give something back to the next generation-that's what it's all about."

In the news:
Sam Rayburn students get connected with future careers

More than 100 Sam Rayburn High School students connected with their futures recently at the school's Career Connection, which showcased a myriad of business professionals for students to speak with.

Students visited with an artist, an aviation mechanic, real estate agent, hotel manager, insurance agent, attorney and representatives from different military branches. Students were placed on committees and helped with the publicity, food and decorations for the event.

"It was exciting to see students and their parents involved in such an endeavor," said Sam Rayburn junior English teacher Donna Cox. "The greatest benefit of all the hard work is that the students had the opportunity to interface with people in the marketplace. The students felt a sense of accomplishment as well as a sense of hope and direction for their future."

Sam Rayburn junior Maria De Leon said her favorite guest was Ron Jungman, an aviation mechanic for Southwest Airlines.

"He told me about how it was more exciting to work on planes than being an auto mechanic because in the sky you can't just stop and get someone to help you, so you have to be really careful," she said.

Another junior Chad Kelly said the Career Connection was a great opportunity for him.

"Being able to speak with people from different career backgrounds inspired me to expand my possibilities and unlock doors to my future," he said.

Career Connection was the culminating event of a program called Project Breakthrough that was implemented at the school through a $5,000 grant from the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation.

Project Breakthrough allowed 400 Sam Rayburn students to complete The Birkman Method questionnaire by Birkman International, an online personality assessment questionnaire and a series of related report sets that facilitate team building, executive coaching leadership development, career counseling and interpersonal conflict resolution.

"Project Breakthrough has proven to be an effective, innovative approach to career counseling because it provides an online interactive and self-interpretive report that can be accessed not only by the student, but by the student's parents and teachers as well," said Cox who was the grant coordinator. "By working with the students on this level, I have been able to create a strong bond of trust and enrich the overall classroom environment."

Birkman provided the 400 questionnaires for Sam Rayburn students, normally $300 per person, at $10 each. Birkman also provided the week-long training and certification for Cox so she could consult with students after they took the questionnaire and covered the cost of printing the reports. The grant will also allow an additional 130 students to take the assessment.

"It has been said that as many as 60 percent of students who graduate from high school do not have a specific career focus," Cox said. "This causes students who pursue a college education to make faulty academic course choices and spend additional time and financial resources in pursuit of their college degree. Students who choose not to pursue a college degree bounce from job to job and eventually gravitate to a career with little fulfillment of financial reward."

The 298-question assessment combines motivational, behavioral and interest evaluations into one single assessment reviewing each student on an individual basis rather than clumping them into a career category. The questionnaire includes five major perspectives of usual behavior, underlying needs, stress behaviors, interests and organizational focus.

"The teacher-guided career feedback made it possible for students to make a career choice based on knowledge rather than on a whim or a shallow career assessment," Cox said. "Through this project, we hope to increase the number of students who graduate and find a fulfilling college major of a fulfilling career. We can't thank the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation and Birkman International enough for their generosity."

In the news:
Miller, Dobie students cut locks of love

More than 55 intermediate school students, high school students, elementary-aged youngsters and even mothers all received shorter hairstyles recently courtesy of Dobie High School's cosmetology students.

Their shorter styles might have been different, but their cause was the same-they cut their locks out of love.

The cutting frenzy was a part of the Miller Intermediate School Teen Leadership program and the Dobie Cosmetology Department's sixth annual Locks of Love project.

"I was proud of my students for doing such a selfless act of kindness," said Miller Intermediate teen leadership sponsor Rachael Manraj. "It's a great project because they get to see the various areas of the community working together to make it all happen. It teaches them the act of giving without expecting anything in return."

Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides high quality hairpieces of financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. Many recipients have lost their hair due to an auto-immune condition known as alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. Others have suffered severe burns, radiation treatment or any number of dermatological conditions resulting in long term or permanent hair loss.

For the last six years, the two schools have partnered to include the community in these efforts and have collected several hundred hair pieces for the cause.

"I hope my students realize how lucky they are to have hair and to be healthy," Manraj said. "Their participation just shows how generous they can be. They are thoughtful and concerned about others."

Donated hair must be 10 inches or longer to be used for a wig, and Miller Intermediate seventh grader Laura Sosa said she grew her hair out for over a year so she could participate in this year's event.

"I decide to cut my hair because I wanted to give it to kids that need it because they can't grow more due to their illness," Sosa said. "It felt good because I have never done something like this or given others something of mine."

Six to 10 ponytails make one wig, and the Locks of Love crew exceeded their average of 65 pieces this year.

"This is a good project for us to participate in because we are doing something good for someone to help them have a better life and for them to be happy," said Miller Intermediate eighth grader Rosalinda Garza. "I've never had a feeling like the one I got when my hair was cut for this cause, and it feels so good doing something good like that."

In the news:
Pasadena ISD named National Model School District

The Pasadena Independent School District has been named the National Model School District for 2008 by the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE).

The ICLE recognized the district for its ongoing effort to reform the educational program in Pasadena ISD to reflect higher standards and greater rigor in its instruction throughout the system, which is the intent of the district's Expectation Graduation initiative. The International Center cited as evidence of its achievement significant improvement on TAKS over the past four years, the decrease in high school failure rates, its decrease in dropout rates and its increase in student attendance after only one full year of implementation.

"This is a huge award and wonderful national recognition for Pasadena ISD," said Dr. Kirk Lewis, Pasadena ISD superintendent. "The gains we have made are a tribute to the teachers, principals and support staff who worked so hard to change the delivery of instruction and add greater rigor and relevance to the curriculum from pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade."

The district will be recognized at the ICLE's Model Schools Conference in Orlando, Fla., in June. The Model Schools Conference is the largest national forum for K-12 educational reform.

Dr. William R. Daggett, president of the ICLE, shared his words of praise about Pasadena ISD's programs.

"We are delighted that this exceptional district will be sharing its best practices, which mirror the International Center's mission of providing a rigorous and relevant education for all students," Daggett said.

This is the first national recognition the entire district has received since the 1970s when Pasadena ISD was recognized by the nationally-syndicated Parade Magazine for moving to the intermediate school concept.

"Our students, teachers and staff have made this happen through their tireless and focused efforts," Lewis said. "While we recognize that we still have a long way to go to reach our final goals within Expectation Graduation, this honor is a significant achievement worth celebrating."

In the news:
Summer food service program
to be offered at 24 schools

The Pasadena Independent School District has announced the sponsorship of their Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided at 24 schools in the district.

Schools offering the program include the following:

Elementary Schools
Dates: June 10-13 (Tuesday-Friday) and June 16-July 3 (Monday-Thursday)
Times: Breakfast 7-8 a.m., Lunch 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Kruse Elementary, 400 Main St.
Meador Elementary, 10701 Seaford, Houston
Fisher Elementary, 2920 Watters
Bailey Elementary, 2707 Lafferty
Parks Elementary, 3302 San Augustine
McMasters Elementary, 1011 Bennett
Garfield Elementary, 10301 Hartsook, Houston
Jensen Elementary, 3514 Tulip
Williams Elementary, 1522 Scarborough
Matthys Elementary, 1500 Main, South Houston
South Houston Elementary, 900 Main, South Houston
Jessup Elementary, 9301 Almeda Genoa, Houston
Pomeroy Elementary, 920 Burke
* Pomeroy Elementary's serving times will be 7:30-8-10 a.m. for breakfast and 11-11:40 a.m. for lunch

Middle and Intermediate Schools
Dates: June 11-July 2 (Monday-Friday)
Times: Breakfast 7:30-8:30 a.m., Lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Park View Intermediate, 3003 Dabney
Queens Intermediate, 1112 Queens
South Houston Intermediate, 900 College Ave., South Houston
Milstead Middle School, 338 Gilpin, Houston
Carter Lomax Middle School, 1519 Genoa Red-Bluff

Intermediate Schools: Special Programs
Jackson Intermediate, 1020 E. Thomas - 8-9 a.m (breakfast), 12-12:30 p.m. (lunch), June 16-July 31

Miller Intermediate, 1002 Fairmont Parkway - 8-9 a.m (breakfast), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (lunch), June 16-26

Southmore Intermediate, 1200 E. Houston - 7:30-8:30 a.m (breakfast), 12:30-1:30 p.m. (lunch), June 9-July 3

High Schools
Sam Rayburn High School, 2121 Cherrybrook - 7:30-8:30 a.m (breakfast), 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (lunch), June 16-July 10

South Houston High School, 3820 South Shaver - 7-8:30 a.m (breakfast), 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (lunch), June 16-July 10

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY).

For more information contact Mary Harryman at 713-740-0146

In the news:
Miller Intermediate's Tony Garcia
captures third place at State Science Fair

Snails, slime and flatworms sounds like an odd combination, but for Miller Intermediate eighth grader student Tony Garcia it created for a perfect trio as he took third place in the State Science Fair recently.

Garcia's project, titled "Slimey Healing" captured the bronze medal in the Zoology category. He advanced to the state competition after a first place finish at the regional contest. Miller Intermediate has had students compete at the regional event for the past 14 years.

The objective of Garcia's experiments was to see if snail secretions would make a planarian (flatworm) grow faster when it was cut in half. "I got the idea from a commercial that I saw that said it helped regenerate skin tone," he said. "The lotion had 40 percent snail secretions in it. I thought it was a challenging theory and I decided to pursue it."

More than 60 flatworms were cut in half and some of them were placed into containers that contained the snail secretions. After four weeks, Garcia's testing concluded that the secretions did help the planarian to grow at a more rapid rate.

"I'm very proud of Tony," said Miller science teacher Cindy Bagwill. "This project required an intense amount of higher-level thinking and experimentation. He put in a lot of time and effort into his analysis."

Bagwill said the project caught the judges' attention, but they were even more impressed with his oral presentation.

"Tony is a great speaker and he is one of our student leaders on campus," Bagwill said. "He was able to take what is a complicated project to explain and put it into terms where anyone could easily understand. You could really tell that he knew his subject matter inside and out - and explained it all with ease."

In addition to being an award-winning science student, Garcia is involved in several organizations on campus including the Robotics team and PALS (Peer Assistant Leaders).

Garcia will attend Pasadena Memorial High School next year. He said he wants to join the Pasadena ISD Robotics Team. He added that his future goals are to attend Rice University and pursue studies in robotics.

In the news:
Sam Rayburn students receive sobering teenage message

The alcohol related car accident resulting in the death of two Sam Rayburn High School students may have not been real-but the tears shed by their friends and families were.

The families and friends of Sam Rayburn senior Kris Ferrell and junior Mariana Martinez wept recently at mock memorial services for the students as they considered the thought of losing them to an accident that could have been prevented.

"We used to be a happy family of four, and now we're an unhappy family of three," said Martinez's younger brother at the service. "I miss my sister and my best friend."

The memorial service for Ferrell and Martinez was the second part of "Shattered Dreams," an educational drinking and driving prevention program coordinated and presented at high schools statewide by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. This two-day comprehensive program held before prom or spring break brings to light the dangers associated with drinking and driving while showing young adults the consequences of their actions. The school held the event for the first time in 2006.

On the first day of the program, Ferrell and Martinez were made up as crash victims for the dramatic demonstration of a two-car, alcohol-related fatality accident that was staged near the school. Sounds of the accident, the call to 911, voices of law enforcement and emergency responders were played over the school's public address system, signaling the juniors and seniors to assemble near the crash scene, which was realistic with Pasadena's EMS, police, fire and funeral home responders enacting the rescue of Ferrell and Martinez.

Martinez and Ferrell were passengers of the vehicle hit by the drunk driver. Martinez was removed from the car and was taken immediately to Bayshore Hospital by Life-Flight where she later died, and Ferrell died at the scene of the accident.

"It's hard to describe how it felt pretending to be dead," Ferrell said. "It's weird. But I did this because I wanted to show my friends that this can happen to anyone. Presenting it in a real-life situation will stick with them longer."

Sam Rayburn junior Sarah Roelse saw the program as a freshman and said she knew she wanted to be a part of it as a junior. In this year's event, Roelse was selected to play the role of the drunk driver and was arrested by Pasadena Police Sgt. Josh Bruegger at the scene. She was taken to the Pasadena police station, put in an orange jumpsuit, fingerprinted and had her mug shot taken.

"It wasn't easy being the drunk driver because I knew how my friends and classmates would feel about me after learning that Mariana and Kris died in the accident," Roelse said. "I just hope this shows my friends that they need to think before they make the decision to drink or to drink and drive. If this affects even just one person out of our entire student body, then we did our job. We did what we came to do."

Senior Samantha Samuel was Roelse's passenger and was paralyzed from the waist down as a result of the accident. She also saw the program as a sophomore and said that she wanted her friends to feel how she felt when she watched it two years ago.

"We have to realize that actions have good and bad consequences and those consequences don't only affect us but the people we love as well," she said. "We have to pay close attention to the people we associate with. One bad decision can have life-changing results."

To symbolize how many people are killed in a day from drunk driving accidents, a heartbeat sounded throughout the school every fifteen minutes signaling the Grim Reaper to pick students from class to become the "Living Dead." The students chosen attended classes but were not allowed to converse with their friends or teachers. Guardian Angels assisted the Living Dead throughout the day.

Sam Rayburn teacher and project coordinator Jane Sidwell said she thinks it's important to have a dramatic representation of what can happen when drinking is involved with driving.

"If lectures and statistics worked, Americans would not be faced with the drinking problem we have today," she said. "Houston and Harris County lead the way in the unfortunate statistics of the most drinking related traffic fatalities. The program is about our students, their friends, their families and their classmates. They live in a visual world, so we need to show them exactly what can happen."

And visuals are what the students got. Besides the realistic scene of the accident, a casket provided by Rosewood Funeral Home in Pasadena was carried in by Sam Rayburn football players for the memorial services of Ferrell and Martinez.

"When they see that casket, the students visualize someone they know lying in there, even if they only know them from passing them in the halls, and it becomes very real for them," Sidwell said. "They can no longer think that something like this can't happen to them."

During the memorial services, the parents of Martinez and Ferrell also read letters they wrote to their children as though they were really gone.

"You could hear a pin drop as the students listened intently to these parents emotionally sharing their 'memories' of their son and daughter," Sidwell said. "We think the collaboration of all these events really makes the kids stop and think, and we think they are getting the message."

On the first day of the program, the accident victims, the Living Dead and the Guardian Angels attended an overnight retreat at Bayshore Medical Center where they participated in team building activities as well as spoke with doctors who treat victims of drunk driving. The students also visited the Pasadena Police Academy and attempted to drive a golf cart through a course while wearing goggles that portrayed the visual impairment one would have if under the influence of alcohol.

"The activities helped to build relationships and get a point across at the same time," said Lori Ford, Sam Rayburn's Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) sponsor who also helped with fundraising for the project. "The students were allowed and encouraged to share experiences and ask questions. It was evident that students began the connection of the effects of their decisions in life on themselves and others."

Sidwell said she hopes all high schools present "Shattered Dreams" for their students because it is a great way for students to see the lifelong trauma wrong decisions can have on themselves, family, friends and their community.

"We hope the students understand that happiness can not be found in a bottle," Sidwell said. "We also hope to empower them to understand how strong and resourceful they are and to develop strong dreams and goals for the future. Once they have a plan they are confident in and goals to work toward, they are less likely to be sidetracked with harmful activities such as binge drinking for 'fun.'"

In the news:
Pasadena ISD to hold pre-registration for summer preschool program

Pasadena ISD is offering a free Summer Preschool Program and pre-registration is open from Wednesday, May 21 to Friday, June 6.

Students who may sign up for the program must be eligible for admission to kindergarten or first grade in August 2008 and must qualify as limited English proficient. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged for parents to ensure a place in the program for their children.

Late registration will be held at the summer school sites on the first day of class Tuesday, June 10. The four-week program will be offered at Bailey, Kruse, Matthys, Meador, Parks, Pomeroy, South Houston and Williams elementary schools.

"This program is designed to provide an opportunity to limited English proficient students to receive special instruction that will prepare them to be successful in kindergarten and first grade," said Pasadena ISD bilingual instructional specialist for pre-kindergarten to second grade Martha Andrade. "The instruction will focus on language development and essential knowledge and skills appropriate to the level of the student."

To register their students, parents need to present a birth certificate or adoption documents issued by the court stating the legal name of the child, immunization records, proof of residency, a social security number if the child has one, and records from a previous preschool in the state of Texas if the child attended one.

All supplies and materials will be provided free of charge, but students must attend regularly and complete the work assigned by the teacher. Transportation must be provided by the parent as no busing will be provided by the school district.

"This program will focus on literacy, mathematics and English oral language development," said Andrade. "Students will be involved in hands-on interactive learning that will help maintain and enhance the skills they learned throughout the year."

For more information, please call the office of the child's home school through June 6. After that date, call the summer school site. Campus phone numbers can be found on the district website at www.pasadenaisd.org.

In the news:
Barmores receive annual Pasadena ISD education foundation community award

For the last five years, the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation/Dell Shining Stars Gala has served as a night when the stars come out. From the top 50 students in academics districtwide to the annual table sponsors, the event has become a night to remember for all-and this year was no exception.

The gala honors the top 10 seniors from Sam Rayburn, South Houston, Dobie, Pasadena and Pasadena Memorial high schools along with Pasadena ISD educators they selected as those who inspired them the most. Each educator and student received a plaque for their recognition, and each student received a Dell laptop and case. Dell has served as a partner with the district for more than 10 years, and representative Mark Horan said it is a privilege to be able to help the students.

"We're honored to serve as a sponsor for this event," Horan said. "We appreciate the partnership we have with Pasadena ISD."

Among some of the stars that were recognized at the annual event were 1969 and 1973 Pasadena High School graduates Mike and Bill Barmore. The brothers are president and vice president of Barmore Insurance Agency, Inc. in Pasadena and were given this year's Shining Stars Gala Community Shining Star Award for their contributions to the school district over the years. The award was created three years ago with the first two recipients being Ben and Janice Meador of Meador Staffing Services and Mel Cowart.

"We're honored to have received this award," said Mike Barmore. "Our roots run deep in Pasadena, and we have a deep appreciation from what we learned here-not only in education but in life."

The duo have made numerous financial contributions to the Education Foundation including two $25,000 donations during the last two years, with $5,000 of each donation designated for the annual McDonald's Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament. Barmore is also a table sponsor every year at the gala and has donated $20,000 through its sponsorship at the event.

"Mike and Billy Barmore are the type of business leaders that make a community great," said Pasadena ISD Education Foundation's past-president Randy Perry. "They know how important it is to give back to a community where they have attained success. They are models for what the Community Shining Star Award is all about."

Mike Barmore graduated from Texas Christian University and attended Williams Elementary and Jackson Intermediate before his graduation from Pasadena High. He began his business career as a Certified Public Accountant and obtained his Certified Insurance Counselor designation after entering the industry. Mike serves in leadership roles in the community and the insurance industry including national, regional and state agent's council positions with various insurance companies.

Bill Barmore joined the firm following his graduation from the University of Texas. He also attended Williams Elementary and Queens Intermediate before his graduation from Pasadena. He obtained his Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 1980 and serves in leadership roles in various church, school and civic organizations.

Barmore was founded in 1952 by William C. Barmore, Sr. as a life insurance agency and later expanded to a property and casualty insurance agency serving the greater Houston area. The company has continuously maintained offices in the Pasadena ISD area and has grown to become one of the leading independent insurance agencies in the Houston area.

"The Barmores, starting with their father, have served as an asset to the community for over 50 years through service organizations and direct contributions to community organizations," Perry said. "We are happy they have made their career here, and we are proud to honor them for their efforts."

In the news:
Pasadena ISD education foundation receives $100,000 donation from PHS graduate

Founder and managing partner of Williams Kherkher law firm and Pasadena High School 1972 graduate John Eddie Williams, Jr. is known for making history.

As one of the lawyers representing the State of Texas in its infamous lawsuit against the tobacco industry, Williams went into the history books for being a part of the largest settlement ever made in U.S. history. As an alumni giving back to the community that provided him with his education, Williams recently made history in Pasadena ISD for giving the largest individual donation to the district's Education Foundation that has ever been made.

At the sixth annual Pasadena ISD Education Foundation/Dell Shining Stars Gala, which honors the top 10 seniors from all five Pasadena ISD high schools along with Pasadena ISD educators the students selected as those who inspired them the most, Williams and his wife Sheridan announced their individual donation of $100,000 to the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation.

"It is really something special to receive that level of contribution from a Pasadena ISD graduate," said the Education Foundation's past-president Randy Perry. "John Eddie remembers the teachers and administrators in this district that made a difference in his life."

And now Williams is helping to make a difference in the lives of future Pasadena ISD graduates. He and his wife's $100,000 contribution is equal to the amount the foundation has awarded in grants every year for the last few years. The foundation awards grants of up to $5,000 bi-annually to educators districtwide to help provide innovative instruction in the classroom.

"This one contribution equals one full year of grants," Perry said. "It makes it possible for us to expand the amount of grants we give to deserving programs in a year."

Before announcing his donation, Williams served as the guest speaker at the gala. He told the students about his childhood and growing up as the son of a longshoreman in a union family. Perry said Williams serves as a representation of what the foundation tries to achieve for its students through grants.

"John Eddie referred to education several times in his speech at the gala," he said. "He owes all of his success to education. The son of a longshoreman, he was destined to be one as well. But through education, he has attained a higher level of success that has allowed him to give back to his former school district that gave him the foundation of his education."

Attending Baylor University on a football scholarship, Williams graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and graduated first in his class from Baylor School of Law. Williams said he owes his success to hard work.

"I wasn't the smartest in my class, but I worked harder than anyone else," he told the students. "I only knew one thing to do and that was to work hard. As long as you stay focused and work hard, too, the sky is unlimited."

Williams also congratulated the parents present at the gala saying that if it weren't for his parents, he would not have pursued the education he did.

"There will be distractions, but it's up to you to keep your eye on the ball," he advised the future graduates. "Be passionate about your education. Persevere and never give up."

Williams served as editor-in-chief of The Baylor Law Review and was the 2002 recipient of Baylor's "Lawyer of the Year" award. He is the past-president of the Texas Trial Lawyers and Houston Trial Lawyers associations and of the Houston Trial Lawyers Foundation. He was also selected by practicing attorneys throughout Texas as a Super Lawyer from 2004-2007.

Staying true to his roots, Williams based his 25-year practice on representing workers and organized labor and specializes in representing plaintiffs in mass tort cases involving asbestos, silicosis, benzene, fen-phen, welding rod fumes and toxic waste exposure.

"We have always prided ourselves on being on the forefront of helping our clients regardless of changes in the law or the world around us," Williams said. "We have fought hard for each of our clients, ensuring that every person's right to a fair trial is preserved. Giving our clients the very best legal representation is important to us, but conducting ourselves morally and ethically is even more important."

In the news:
Pasadena ISD police officers honored for national police week

The week of May 9-16 is marked annually as National Police Officers' Week. Nationwide, it's a time to honor those who serve and protect their communities and to remember those who have lost their lives because of it-and Pasadena ISD's very own finest didn't go unnoticed. The 35 police officers were honored recently at a reception at the district's Administration Building.

"Along with student achievement, student safety is our top priority," said Pasadena ISD Superintendent Kirk Lewis. "The officers of the Pasadena ISD Police Department are committed to making our students and staff feel safe and secure."

The Pasadena ISD Police Department is responsible for keeping each student, parent, faculty member and guests safe on each of the schools campuses and buses and to ensure a positive learning environment free of crime, violence and the threat of violence. The department's assistant chief Troy Harrison said it's important to honor officers during this time.

"I believe that honoring these officers once a year is a privilege for each community," he said. "Police officers work in a very complex field and fill many roles such as counselor, mediator, nurse, bouncer and even preacher at times. They can go from the simplest of calls to the most extreme of circumstances. It's important for communities to recognize and honor their efforts."

Pasadena ISD, a school district encompassing nearly 90 square miles with more than 60 schools and home of more than 50,000 students and 7,000 employees, leaves room for crime to take place-but the Pasadena ISD Police Department works around the clock to make safety a priority.

"Our responsibilities are taken very seriously by the members of this department and a great deal of training and commitment are needed to assure safety in all the areas," Harrison said. "We want parents, students and staff to feel safe on campus and to know that we are here for them. We consider ourselves lucky to live and work in a community such as ours where family values are still present."

Along with its police officers, the department is also made up of 8 civilian support personnel, 75 crossing guards and two K-9 units. Among the 35 sworn officers, several are specialized in K-9, bikes, CNT hostage negotiators, SWAT, Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) and detectives. Each member of the department is a member of the Emergency Response team and is trained to respond to a threat with one officer if needed and to protect the lives of the students and faculty.

The K-9 officers provide narcotic and explosive ordinance detection and the program is highly rated, consistently performing well in the certification process. Detectives are responsible for detailed and/or involved criminal investigations, and the CNT and SWAT officers serve with City of Pasadena tactical units. The Bike Division Officers patrol all district facilities and special events.

 The department's ICAC Unit, responsible for responding to online child exploitation in Texas, was created under a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Pasadena ISD is the only school district police force in the nation that has been awarded the grant, and the department has made over 20 arrests for internet crimes against children in the past year.

"One of the goals of this task force is to give presentations to principals, students, parents and community members," said Pasadena ISD Detective Matthew Gray. "By knowing the dangers and how these predators attempt to manipulate the system, it is an extra resource for the safety of our young people."

Every Pasadena ISD police officer receives a minimum of 100 hours of training annually. In addition to state required training, officers receive specialized training in areas such as interview techniques, handwriting analysis, active shooter resolution and a wide array of force-on-force scenarios using the latest Simunition pistols and rifles.

"Having our own department assures continuity in safety and response no matter what city or county an incident occurs in," Harrison said. "Having officers on duty who are specially trained in emergency response to active shooters, chemical leaks, bomb detection and other high profile incidents is paramount. The response time to these type incidents is very quick due to the officers being on duty during the school day."

While safety always comes first for Pasadena ISD police officers, the department is also instrumental in educating students and parents through a variety of programs such as Safe and Drug Free Schools, GASP (Games Adolescents Shouldn't Play), Tobacco Prevention, DARE, Gang Awareness and Beat the Heat, which educates youth about the problems of illegal drug and alcohol use. In addition, officers are active participants in the Texas Police Olympics, Red Ribbon Week and Law Enforcement Day.

The Pasadena ISD Police Officers Association is also a valued asset of the department and school district. The members have donated about $30,000 in time to cut costs associated with the annual McDonald's Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament, which is an annual fundraiser for the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation. The Association also holds various fundraisers throughout the year including its annual golf tournament allowing it to provide more than $15,000 in local scholarships to 20 students in the last few years.

"The men and women of the association work tirelessly to help the youth they serve to become productive citizens in our society by providing not only positive role models, but a means of furthering their education in a career field of their choice," Harrison said.

Funds from the association have also been used to assist local families devastated by fire or other disaster throughout the year as well as to injured district employees.

"Our officers are always taking the extra steps needed to ensure safety and academic achievement on our campuses and instill values in our students needed to live safe and healthy lives," Lewis said. "They do their jobs with a high level of professionalism and integrity, and I am extremely proud of the job they do on a daily basis."
 

In the news:
Pearl Hall choir takes centerfield at Astros game

For Pearl Hall Elementary School fourth graders Daisy Milan and Estephanie Torres, seeing Minute Maid Park for the first time was an amazing experience-especially from centerfield.

The two youngsters along with 85 of their other fourth and third grade peers, sang the National Anthem from centerfield in front of thousands of Houston Astros fans prior to the team's 4-3 win over the Washington Nationals Wednesday.

Although they were nervous, the duo said performing at the game was exciting.

"We felt like stars," the girls said. "It was really exciting to see all the fans cheering for us. We think we sang really well even though we were nervous."

The young choir is a Houston Astros National Anthem Choir and has sung at one of the team's home games every year for the last six years. This is the first year third graders attended the performance, and Pearl Hall music specialist Pat Surface said she couldn't be more proud.

"Our choir performed exceptionally at the Astros game," she said. "Many of our parents came to us proudly stating that people all around them throughout the stadium were commenting on how beautifully they sang. We were very proud to stand back and hear the results of their preparation and dedication to produce their musical best."

Anyone can audition for consideration to sing the national anthem at one of the Astros games by submitting a video of their group performing the anthem A Cappella. A committee reviews all recordings that are submitted and then selects those appropriate for one of the home games.

Pearl Hall music specialist Seth Fewell said performing on a scale as large as this will help the students become better performers and said that a greater sense of self confidence is developed.

"Learning to control one's emotions and gaining experience and success in high pressure situations can only lead to a better and more confident performance next time," he said. "It does get a bit easier each time the more often you place yourself in front of an audience and are able to perform a high quality presentation."

While the choir begins practicing the anthem months before their performance at a game, the training to become a great musical performer starts with kindergarteners at Pearl Hall.

"The preparation begins with developing great listening skills for learning and listening," Surface said. "We are very detailed in how we speak and how we sing with our youngest learners at Pearl Hall and this pays great dividends as they mature through the years."

Jami Lupold, Pearl Hall music specialist who conducted this year's anthem choir, said these skills help the children overall become better students.

"These skills develop a wonderful sense of self-confidence which carries over into other areas of academia, including reading and communication skills with teachers, guests of our international programs and with other students who may speak different languages," she said.

Lupold said singing the national anthem from centerfield is a great experience for students to have because they need to feel a part of their community beyond the walls of their school.

"Participation in performances such as this one is a fantastic way for young people to support their community through their musical skills other than being on stage for a concert or competition," she said. "They become part of the Major League Baseball experience and feel valued as a member of society even though they are only eight or nine years old."

While the experience is a good learning one, some young singers still get overwhelmed with performing in front of such a large audience. But Lupold said the support of parents, teachers, peers and administrators helps the performers work through their nerves.

"While a mild case of the butterflies can sharpen your attention, there are times when it becomes overwhelming, which is why it's always good to have great support from other educators and administrators at our school," she said. "They are a super team of teachers to work with, and we loved having everyone at the ballpark to share in the excitement of the kids' success."

In addition to their performance, the choir also received hot dogs and nachos prior to the performance as well as watched the game from behind home plate. Only about 15 percent of the choir had been to Minute Maid Park before Wendesday's game.

Surface, Sewell and Lupold all said they hope their students enjoyed the experience.

"We hope they learned that dedication to obtaining excellence is worth the effort and time involved," they said. "It was a performance that lasted only 90 seconds, but it's an experience that these children will remember and cherish for a lifetime."

In the news:
Morgan, Kendrick re-elected to Board of Trustees

Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees Marshall Kendrick and Vickie Morgan were both re-elected to their positions on election day, May 10.

Morgan, who holds the Position 7 spot, was opposed by Randy Clay Smith. She received 1,029 votes over Smith's 322. Kendrick ran unopposed for his Position 6 seat and received 1,092 votes. Morgan and Kendrick will both serve three-year terms.

Kendrick has served 19 years on the board. He is the retired director and general manager of Maleic Anhydride Business for Bayer Corporation. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. He and wife Denie have two children, both graduates of Sam Rayburn High School. Kendrick is a deacon, Sunday School teacher and member of the finance committee of South Main Baptist Church.

Morgan is the mother of three children, two who graduated from Pasadena schools and one currently enrolled at Bondy Intermediate. She has served on the Pasadena ISD Board for 22 years. She has been honored with two Texas Life Memberships (1982, 1988), a National Life Membership (1989), and an Extended Life Membership (1991) from the PTA, was named Leader of the Year by the Girl Scouts of America (1984) and Outstanding Young Woman of America (1983). She currently serves as secretary to a city-appointed Board of Directors for the Pasadena Second Century Corporation, which is a non-profit industrial development corporation. Morgan is actively involved in the Girl Scouts of America, the Parent Teacher Association, and is an active member of South Main Baptist Church, where she serves as Sunday School and Vacation Bible School director and greeter

In the news:
Pavone, Jamail named Pasadena ISD's
Region 4 Principals of the Year

Pearl Hall Elementary principal Marilyn Pavone and Dobie High School principal Steve Jamail were named as Pasadena ISD's 2008 Region 4 Principals of the Year recently.

Every year, districts throughout Texas select an elementary and secondary principal for this honor. Region 4 will honor Pavone and Jamail along with the other statewide honorees at a principal recognition banquet on June 4.

The principals were selected based on demonstrated excellence in concern for all students and staff and the capability to inspire them, ability and willingness to work cooperatively with all staff and administrative colleagues, implementation of strategies for continuous improvement in student performance, continuous personal and professional growth and for meaningful contributions to education.

Under Pavone's leadership, Pearl Hall has been consecutively named an Exemplary or Recognized campus by the Texas Education Agency and as a Just For Kids Honor Roll school. Pasadena ISD Deputy Superintendent Vicki Thomas said Pavone was selected because of her proven track record in establishing a school of excellence.

"Marilyn encourages innovative practices such as regularly providing students the opportunity to have live video conferences with NASA Astronauts while they are in space," Thomas said. "Her passion for excellence and devotion to students is unmatched. She truly serves as a model to all."

Thomas said Jamail was selected because of his outstanding ability to build a positive school culture and climate aimed at excellence for all.

"Steve truly believes in and supports his students," she said. "He is highly visible on the campus and is an ardent supporter of student activities and the events in which they participate. He encourages innovation in the classroom."

Jamail said he was surprised and honored and to have been named secondary principal of the year and said Dobie's success wouldn't be possible without the support of staff, administration, the community and parents.

"I feel extremely honored to receive this recognition knowing there are so many deserving principals in our school district," he said. "You are only as good as the people around you. I am surrounded by some incredible teachers, administrators, counselors and staff who work hard to have a successful school. We have fantastic support form the district, which provides us with the training and tools that are necessary, and our parents and community are very supportive. I feel very blessed."

Jamail has overseen the implementation of academic teaming at the 9^th and 10^th grade levels to help ensure increased graduation rates and initiated a freshman first day back program to aid with the transition into high school. The school is also currently involved in a project where students use cooking oil from the cafeteria to turn into diesel fuel.

"This type of rigorous and relevant instruction helps to foster student interest and engagement," Thomas said. "Steve has fostered a wonderful educational setting for students to learn and grow."

In the news:
13 Pasadena High students selected
as semi-finalists for scholarships

Thirteen Pasadena High School students were selected as scholarship semi-finalists for the Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund. These students interviewed with the selection committee recently, and scholarship winners will be notified on May 16.

The Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund provides college scholarships, support and guidance for high school students in need of financial assistance. Sophomore and junior high school students from selected area school districts with a GPA of 2.0 or above who are planning to attend a college or university in the fall after their high school graduations are eligible for the award.

"I am thrilled to have 13 of my students chosen as semi-finalists," said Pasadena High math instructor Linda Puckett. "To be chosen as semi-finalists is a great honor for these young men and women. It's an indication of how well they have represented themselves through the essays they submitted with the application."

Pasadena High sophomore Angela Johnson and juniors Kimberly Leal, Jason Davila, Sony Perez, Lindsy Rice, Jorge Vargas, Lily Rodriguez, Lucy Rodriguez, Andy Garcia, Anali Gomez, Robert Nunez and Elizabeth Moore were 13 of 261 semi-finalists chosen from 1,100 applicants throughout Harris and Fort Bend counties.

Scholarships are awarded to anywhere between 12 and 15 students and each scholarship is worth $15,000. But the scholarship is more than just a monetary award-it is the start of a two-way partnership between the scholarship recipient and the Scholarship Fund. Each winner is assigned a mentor that will work with them until they graduate from college. New scholarship recipients are also required to attend a series of seminars during their junior and/or senior year to help them prepare for college.

"This scholarship can be a life-changing opportunity," said Puckett. "The winners will meet other students from around Houston as well as come in contact with Houston-area businessmen and women. The scholarship is just the first of many of the doors that will be opened for the winners."

Recipients will also receive a laptop and the fund will work with the community to provide quality internships and jobs for scholarship recipients.

Puckett said she required her students to apply for the scholarship as part of their grade and that she hopes this is the first of many scholarships for years to come.

"I required the project so my students could learn the process and type of information necessary for their college and scholarship applications," she said. "Too many of our students go on to attend community colleges because they do not understand how much money universities and companies have available to assist in the rising cost of tuition. Finances should never hold any student back from attaining an education."

Puckett said she hopes some of the scholarship winners will be her own students so they have the opportunity to take full advantage of the benefits of this scholarship.

"If some of my students do win this scholarship, I hope they look forward to the new experiences and learn as much as they can but never forget where they came from," she said. "Their past is a part of who they are and they take their experiences with them wherever they go. They will be role models for their siblings and peers."

While she hopes all of her students receive the scholarship, Puckett knows there is a chance that some won't and said for them to always keep trying.

"This is not the only scholarship available to them and this is just the first step," she said. "They need to keep applying for all the scholarships they can find. It is disappointing to not be chosen, but they cannot allow that to keep them from aiming for the top."

In the news:
South Houston High School
student heads to MIT

Although her high school graduation is still a year away, South Houston High School junior Nicole Neveu will be living the college life this summer as a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston.

Neveu is one of 40 applicants from a pool of the top eleventh grade female math and science students nationwide admitted into MIT's Women's Technology Program in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (WTP-EECS). She applied for financial help and was admitted into the program free of charge.

"It truly does feel like a dream," said Neveu. "Not only did I get accepted, but they are waiving the $3,000 fee and paying for my transportation. It doesn't get much better than that."

WTP is a four-week summer academic and residential experience where female high school students explore engineering through hands-on classes, labs and team-based projects in the summer after 11^th grade. Students eligible for the program are expected to have taken the most advanced classes in math and science appropriate for their grade level in their schools, have standardized math test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT) in the 80^th percentile or higher and be able to handle college-level material at a rapid pace.

Neveu's AP science teacher Jim Preston encouraged her to apply for the program and said that he knows she is prepared to handle it.

"I am very proud of Nicole," he said. "She has all the qualities of a great student. She is bright, she is inquisitive, she works hard, she is not afraid to make a mistake, she leads but does not lord over those she is leading, and most important, with all her skills and talents, she is humble. I don't know if she will be an engineer or a computer scientist, I only know she will be successful, under any definition used."

Neveu said applying for the program wouldn't have been easy without the support of her teacher and her family.

"Mr. Preston especially encouraged me to shoot for this experience, and my family also backed me generously," she said. "My mom was just as anxious to check the mail every day as I was. It's nice to have that support system. It makes going after your dreams seem even just a little easier. This has turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made."

While her academic credentials meeting program requirements are what got her into the WTP program, Neveu's interests in attending MIT go beyond that-she loves math and science.

"They explain just about anything," she said. "They basically make the world make sense. I love the way you can calculate or predict something with uncanny accuracy. It interests me to know that there is so much we can understand through math and science, yet there is so much more to learn."

WTP works to spark the interest of young women in the future study of engineering and computer science, and Neveu said she thinks it's important for young women to venture into such promising careers.

"It's a career field that's busy," she said. "Technology is rapidly improving with great thanks to engineers, and there is always a new project around the corner. With an ever-changing job, monotony is not exactly a problem. I think it's a great job for people who like to learn, and women are not excluded."

The WTP-EECS curriculum introduces students to computer science, electrical engineering and mathematics topics. The 40 students will be divided into two groups of 20 and will all attend each of the three classes daily. The students will learn to think like computer scientists, be provided with college-level material covering both digital and analog electronics, and use discrete mathematics curriculum to cover a range of subjects that directly apply to electrical engineering and computer science.

Neveu said she knows the course load will be challenging but that it's part of the excitement of the program.

"I am positive the work load is going to be heavy," she said. "I know there is plenty I can learn and tons they plan to teach me. Overcoming the obstacles will just mean that I have to study, work, study, and try to sleep somewhere in between. I know it's going to be hard work, but I'm willing to do it for my future."

The courses will be taught by female graduate students from the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The instructors are assisted by female MIT undergraduate students.

"I think it will be awesome to meet and learn from other girls and women who share common goals with me," Neveu said. "I have no doubt the instructors will be great role models for my peers and me. Knowing them will definitely make me feel more comfortable not only in my abilities but in knowing there is a place for women in the classroom and out in the field as well."

While she doesn't have a great deal of experience in the engineering field, Neveu said her interests in it originated with her stepfather who is a technician that works at Ellington Field and does electrical repairs on the jets astronauts practice in. Neveu said she couldn't contain herself when he took her to the hanger one day.

"To see planes gutted and chaotic wires was incredible," she said. "The realization that someone, my stepdad, holds the knowledge to fix something so complex enticed me. It set the standard high for me, and I want to reach a level of education where I can one day fix the problems that will help the world go round, at least in some small way."

But her stepfather wasn't her only inspiration as Neveu said Preston is the teacher that got her excited about engineering.

"Since I didn't know much about the field, I decided to go asking around," she said. "Mr. Preston answered most of any questions I could throw at him. He really shed light on what it meant to be an engineer. After he started teaching electricity in chemistry, I knew I was sold." 

When she's not preparing herself academically, Neveu is involved in the school's student council and the National Honor Society. During football season, she marches as lead trumpet and plays first for the school's concert band. She also volunteers in Pasadena's infamous Big 225 Band.

Neveu attended Pearl Hall Elementary, DeZavala Fifth Grade Center and Miller Intermediate School before heading to South Houston, and she said she owes much of her success to her teachers.

"I could give a laundry list of the teachers that have helped me get to where I am today," she said. "They all deserve thanks."

Preston offered his student some words of advice before her real world experience and said he couldn't wait to hear about it upon her return.

"I want her to just remember who she is and where she comes from and get all she can from this time in Boston," he said. "When she returns, she'll be better for it and can use the experience as she prepares for college and beyond. But most importantly, I told her to have fun."

In the news:
Voting in Board of Trustees election
is Saturday, May 10

For Precinct Polling Places list -- click here

Voting in the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees election will be held Saturday, May 10. Polls will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Positions up for election this year are seats held by incumbents Marshall Kendrick (position 6) and Vickie Morgan (position 7). Morgan is being opposed by Randy Clay Smith, while Kendrick is running unopposed. Polling places are based on the voters' Harris County voting precinct numbers rather than Pasadena ISD attendance boundaries. For a list of polling precincts and places, refer to the link at the top of this release.

For more information, call 713-740-0027.

In the news:
Dobie, Miller students to participate
in sixth annual Locks for Love

In the news:
'Shattered Dreams' will provide Rayburn
students with sobering teenage message

Prom poses many difficult decisions for high school students that go beyond what shoes to wear with what dress or what girl the guy should ask for the perfect prom date.

Unfortunately for today's teens, this time of celebration has also become a time when they are faced with the temptation of making alcohol part of the post-prom festivities.

To ensure its students are educated about the dangers of underage drinking and drinking and driving before their prom on May 17, Sam Rayburn High School is holding its bi-annual "Shattered Dreams" event on May 12 and 13.

"Shattered Dreams" is an educational drinking and driving prevention program coordinated and presented at high schools statewide by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. This two-day comprehensive program brings to light the dangers associated with drinking and driving while showing young adults the consequences of their actions. The school held the event for the first time in 2006.

On Monday, May 12, a dramatic demonstration of a two-car, alcohol-related fatality accident will be staged near the school at the corner of Cherrybrook and Burke around 8 a.m. Sounds of the accident, the call to 911, voices of law enforcement and emergency responders will be played over the school's public address system, signaling the juniors and seniors to assemble near the crash scene.

The scene will be realistic with Pasadena's EMS, police, fire and funeral home responders enacting the rescue of student volunteers who are made up as crash victims and the mock arrest of the drunk driver. The Jaws of Life will be used to save the volunteer victims from one vehicle while Life-Flight will mock-land to rush another volunteer victim to the hospital. All activities will be as realistic as possible while ensuring the safety of all participants.

"We believe it is necessary to have Shattered Dreams right before prom because the images of the mock crash and memorial will be in the students' minds as they make their own decisions on prom night," said project co-coordinator and special education teacher Jennifer Edwards. "We want our students to stop and think about how their actions carry consequences beyond themselves."

To symbolize how many people are killed in a day from drunk driving accidents, a heartbeat will sound throughout the school every fifteen minutes signaling the Grim Reaper to pick students from class to become the "Living Dead." The students chosen will attend classes but are not allowed to converse with their friends or teachers. They will have Guardian Angels to assist them from class to class. The accident victims, the Living Dead and the Guardian Angels will all attend a retreat at Bayshore Medical Center on Monday night to participate in team building activities as well as speak with doctors who treat victims of drunk driving.

On Tuesday, May 13, mock memorial services with coffins provided by Rosewood Funeral Home will be held for the student volunteers who died in the staged car accident. Students and parents will read eulogies and letters written to the students who died.

"This is a very in-depth look at alcohol and drugs and the role both play in a teenager's decision," said Edwards. "It shows our students what life would be like for them not to see and speak to their friends for a day. When they hear the heartbeat throughout the day and know that someone else is dying due to an alcohol-related accident and hear the memorial speakers, they really stop and listen because it is coming from their peers."

In the news:
Gardens, Turner elementary students
raise 'pennies for pasta'

Giving a little is never too much for Gardens and Turner elementary school students.

For the last three weeks, the students have been turning out their pockets and emptying their piggy banks for the school's annual Pasta for Pennies fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This is the third year both schools have participated in the fundraiser, and the students collaboratively raised more than $8,800.

Every year, Gardens' student council made up of 10 fourth graders heads up the school's project, and student council sponsor Andrea Luna said it is a project the students have come to look forward to.

"Even though I have a new group of student council members every year, they now expect us to participate in this fundraiser because they have helped contribute to it in their previous classrooms the past few years," she said. "It makes them feel like they are doing something that is very important, and they realize that even a little bit of money eventually adds up to help those who truly need it."

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. Pasta for Pennies is one of the many fundraisers the society has through its School and Youth programs.

Turner Elementary third grade reading and science teacher Dana Babineaux said it is a wonderful feeling to know that students give their savings and allowances to help with this project every year.

"It shows their compassion for others who are in need," she said. "It's important for students to be involved in fundraisers like this because it teaches them about teamwork and lets them know when they work together they can make a difference. It also teaches them about the gift of giving."

At Gardens, the student council members are responsible for advertising for the fundraiser and for collecting money every week. Gardens student council treasurer Valerie Galvan said she enjoys preparing for and organizing the fundraiser because it helps others.

"I feel excited raising money because we are helping people who have Leukemia," she said. "It's important for us to help others so those with Leukemia will be able to get more medicine to help them get better."

The classes compete for the cause by raising the most money. The winning class from each school receives a pasta party from Olive Garden.

"Being involved in a project like this allows our students to see that not everyone has the same kind of life," said Babineaux. "It helps teach students to be appreciative of what positive things they do have, such as their health."

Luna said the project has served as a continuous learning experience for her students because it allows them to do something good that doesn't involve their own personal needs and wants.

"It's important for students at this age to participate in fundraisers like this to help them think about others who are in need and the simple things they can do to make those lives better and easier," she said. "It allows them to realize there are people in our community their age and older that deal with having cancer and what they have to do and experience on a daily basis."

Student council member Jon Ramirez said this project has shown him that the kids at his school do truly care about others.

"It feels good to do this because I know I'm helping someone," he said. "It's important to help so that those who are sick can have the chance to live a longer and healthier life."

In the news:
Memorial's Corrington to experience
summer at Stanford University

In the news:
Dobie High School student plays his way to Juilliard

From his home in Houston to the heart of New York City, Dobie High School senior John Potter is following his passion of music to The Juilliard School after his high school graduation in June.

With only four years experience on the organ, Potter was recently accepted into Juilliard after a rigorous audition process where he had to perform a prelude and fugue for organ by Bach, an organ composition by a 19th century composer and an organ composition by a representative 20th century composer. Out of 14 auditioning, Potter was one of two individuals selected for the program. Potter will pursue a Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance under the direction of world-renowned organist Paul Jacobs.

Potter said he began showing interest in music when he was seven-years-old. After mastering the recorder at Burnett Elementary, Potter said Michael Schoen, his sixth grade orchestra instructor at Thompson Intermediate, introduced him to the violin. He has dreamed of attending Juilliard ever since.

"To have been accepted to Juilliard is a dream come true, and I owe much of my inspiration to music to Mr. Schoen," said Potter. "I have always known I wanted to become a student at Juilliard. I just didn't know I would be attending as an organist."

Potter said his Algebra instructor at Dobie Sarah Young has also served as a great inspiration to him.

"Ms. Young has always told me to never give up because she saw that I was persistent to get what I desired, and she proved to me that when you work hard enough, things will work out in your favor," he said.

Young said she couldn't be more proud of her student and that her first thought was that he had made his own dreams come true.

"This young man is extremely deserving of this honor," she said. "He loves his music, and he is a unique person who will be on top in his career field. Juilliard is lucky to have him and his talent, and Dobie is very proud to have him represent our music program."

Some of Potter's recent musical achievements include first place in the American Guild of Organists (AGO) Quimby Chapter Level competition in San Antonio, second place in the Oklahoma City International Organ Competition, and a tie for second place in the AGO/Quimby Regional Competition at the Dallas Regional Convention.

"My inspiration to pursue music as a profession is the wonderful feeling I get inside when I play the music," he said. "It is a joy to play and see how much other people appreciate it."

Currently, Potter also plays violin and piano as well as sings bass in his church choir. For the last two years, Potter has served as a student under St. Martin's Episcopal Church Organist and Director of Music Dr. George Mims. Mims said he was thrilled Potter was accepted into Juilliard.

"To learn John was going to Juilliard moved me personally, and I couldn't be more proud of him," Mims said. "He has a great sense of humor, and he really listens to what people say to him."

Because Juilliard seeks to educate individuals with exceptional talent, disciplined practice and a serious commitment to music training, Mims said he feels Juilliard is the perfect place for Potter to be.

"As I began working with John, I was fascinated at how fast he could absorb, learn and play the music," Mims said. "He's an excellent student. He is willing to learn, he concentrates, he follows instructions and he puts his time to good use. John is music-it's in his bones."

Holding a job as an organist while attending Juilliard is imperative, and Potter is well on his way to learning the ropes as a professional organist. As part of the cooperative program at Dobie, Potter is an organ scholar under Mims' direction at St. Martin's for 30 hours a week. He works with Mims in preparing concerts, practicing with the church choir and musicians and other duties assigned to him.

Potter's music abilities have also served him well in his academics at Dobie. He is the chief artistic and performance advisor in Dobie and Memorial High School's digital pipe organ project. The project recently received a grant from BP, and Potter has been invited to perform on the student-made organ at the regional award ceremony for the 2008 grant winners.

Project coordinator and Memorial AP physics instructor Scott Graham said Potter has provided invaluable insight and advice into the project and the organ's construction and that it wouldn't have been possible without him.

"John's input has been essential to the project as he has helped us set up sound parameters for the organ and given us much technical advice, especially in making the organ more performance friendly," said Graham. "He has shared his vision for excellent organ music as well as his passion for performing. He serves as inspiration to us all, and we are very proud of him."

Graham said he hopes to take Potter, as part of the project, to the Philippines next spring to perform at the annual bamboo organ festival.

"John is a visionary musician who is extremely dedicated to tradition while simultaneously having the creativity to express his own style," Graham said. "John will be an asset to Juilliard's commitment to excellence and its long legacy of producing truly great performing artists."

Upon his graduation from Juilliard, Potter said he wishes to pursue a graduate degree in Organ and Sacred Music from Yale University as well as his doctoral of musical arts degree from another university.

Potter said he plans to return to Pasadena ISD during his years at Juilliard to perform on the organ and to promote the project to raise interest in young people in organ music. For his younger peers, Potter has some last words of advice.

"I feel it is important for young people to find their special talent because it can lead to a possible career that they would enjoy," he said. "They should never let anyone tell them that they can't do something. If they put forth the effort and the knowledge, anything is possible."

In the news:
Garfield principal named District 4 TEPSAN of Year

In the news:
Pasadena ISD named one of nation's
'best communities' for music education

For the second consecutive year, Pasadena ISD's music programs were named among the nation's best in the NAMM Foundation's "Best Communities for Music Education" survey. 

"We are absolutely thrilled with this news," said Linda Fletcher, Pasadena ISD's director of fine arts. "It is wonderful to see the hard work of our students and teachers recognized. This honor is a true reflection of their dedication and work." 

The survey included 110 school districts across the United States. The designated programs exemplify community commitment to include music education as part of a quality education for all children. The NAMM Foundation and its music education advocacy efforts work to ensure that all children have access to quality music education programs that encourage lifelong participation in music making.

This year's roster of musical schools represents 29 states with New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia representing the most districts.

Hundreds of teachers, school and district administrators, school board members, parents and community leaders, representing communities in all 50 states, participated in the Web-based survey. The districts were measured across a variety of program support, curricular and programmatic criteria. Furthermore, the results were measured proportionally, so that communities of different sizes were compared equally.

Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, enrollment, student/teacher ratios, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, private music lesson participation, and other relevant factors in their communities' music education programs. The responses were verified with district officials, and the sponsoring organizations reviewed the data.

"We commend these school districts for their commitment to assuring that music is part of a complete education for children," said Mary Luehrsen, executive director, NAMM Foundation. "It takes the commitment of an entire community to assure that music is part of the core curriculum. Children engaged in music will be the innovation leaders of tomorrow, and there is no better way to build life-long participation in music than with a solid base of music education."

Luehrsen also noted that throughout the survey's eight years several districts have reported that making the "Best Communities" list has had a tangible effect on their ability to preserve music for their students. This year, recipients cited increased enrollment in music programs and more support from parents and community members as they realize the physical, mental and emotional value music education brings to students.

The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry. For more information, visit www.nammfoundation.org .

In the news:
Early voting underway for Board of Trustees

For Precinct Polling Places list -- click here

Early voting in the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees election is underway through May 6. Voters may cast their ballot at all five Pasadena ISD high schools. Early voting will take place on weekdays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on April 28-May 2 and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on May 5-6.

In addition, voters may cast their votes early at South Houston City Hall, 1018 Dallas from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 28-30 and May 5-6, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. May 1-2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., May 3 and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. May 4.

Positions up for election this year are seats held by incumbents Marshall Kendrick (position 6) and Vickie Morgan (position 7). Morgan is being opposed by Randy Clay Smith, while Kendrick is running unopposed.

Polls will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on election day, May 10. Polling places are based on the voters' Harris County voting precinct numbers rather than Pasadena ISD attendance boundaries. For a list of polling precincts and places, refer to the link at the top of this release.

For more information, call 713-740-0027.

In the news:
Pasadena ISD awarded $1 million
American History teaching grant

The Pasadena Independent School District has been awarded a three-year federal $949,434 Teaching American History grant designed to raise student achievement by providing teachers with in-depth, professional development in American history.

This year, the Teaching American History program will award 121 new grants worth $114.7 million to schools districts in 40 states nationwide.

Fifty-three percent of students who attend Pasadena Independent School District are limited English proficient or bilingual and, therefore, have limited or no generational knowledge of American history. To remedy the knowledge gap, the "From Kings to Presidents" project will provide quality American history content and intense training that improves teacher instruction. Through collaboration with various organizations and Texas A&M University, 170 teachers will receive interactive, high quality American history content training.

The Teaching American History grant program is designed to improve student achievement by enhancing teachers' knowledge of traditional American history through intensive ongoing professional development in both content and research-based teaching strategies. Grants fund projects for up to five years, and grantees must partner with one or more organizations that have extensive knowledge of American history, including libraries, museums, nonprofit history or humanities organizations and higher education institutions.

History is one of the core academic subjects under the No Child Left Behind Act. The most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), commonly known as the "Nation's Report Card," shows some overall improvement in history performance at all three grade levels, however, less than one-quarter of America's students in grades 4, 8 and 12 are performing at the highest, or proficient level, in American history.

More information about the Teaching American History Grant program is available at: http://www.ed.gov/programs/teachinghistory/index.html.

In the news:
SHI students experience life as college students

For five South Houston Intermediate School eighth graders, the journey to college has already begun as they recently spent an entire weekend as college students at the University of Houston-Downtown.

Jose Alvarez, Pedro Isidro, Idalia Martinez, Carlos Trevino, Olga Trevino and Anthony Gonzalez lived the college life for a weekend recently as part of the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) and the University of Houston-Downtown Scholar Weekends program.

Scholar Weekends is an opportunity for students in grades 8-11 to take short college courses during weekend long programs at the university. Eligible students must have been recognized in the Duke University TIP, which is a non-profit organization that recognizes academically qualified students and invites them to complete college entrance exams (SAT or ACT) alongside high school students. Students are recognized for their test scores, provided with detailed information about their abilities and introduced to a network of academic opportunities through the program.

"It is very important to capture the interest of students on their future post-secondary goals at an early age," said South Houston's GEAR UP coordinator Neitzy Retta. "Career oriented workshops such as the Scholar Weekends provide the students with hands-on experience and education on several careers."

The students were able to choose to attend one of five courses during the Scholar Weekend. Alvarez and Isidro chose the "Extreme Engineering: A Design Challenge" course in which they learned first-hand how engineers succeed while working under constraints. They were presented with a "MacGyver" design challenge where they only had a limited supply of every day materials available to solve their problem. While solving their problem, the students were able to investigate real-life examples of "extreme" design challenges from many engineering discipline and learned how engineers use their proficiency in math, science and creativity.

"Having the opportunity to take a course such as the extreme engineering one provides accelerated enrichment for students on topics they can't typically take courses in at this age," said Pasadena ISD's GEAR UP coordinator Karen McCarley. "It allows them to explore a topic and make connections between that topic, the education required to study that topic and the future careers related to it."

Martinez, Gonzalez, and Carlos and Olga Trevino enrolled in "The Super Bowl Commercial Phenomenon" course where they were able to create self-produced commercials on gum product called Gumza.

"I wanted to learn about media," said Martinez. "We invented and advertised for a product called Gumza. It was really fun and interesting to make the commercial."

The students learned techniques for effective commercial writing by hearing about the inside stories behind great Super Bowl commercials and analyzing the ideas and key points that resulted in their success. They judged commercials for their effectiveness using a remote polling device and then wrote the storyboard for their own $2.6 million commercial. 

"We learned a lot about cameras and the editing process," said Olga. "It's hard work but a lot of fun." 

But the Scholar Weekend wasn't all about taking classes. The soon-to-be college scholars also stayed the night in a university dorm, ate university food and toured the campus during their stay.  

"It was fun experiencing the college life," said Gonzalez. "I got to see what real college students do almost every day, and I can't wait to be able to really live that way." 

Other courses the students could have chosen included "Is There a Doctor in the House?," "Detective with a Syringe," "Decision 2008: Presidential Campaigns and Elections," "Out of the Box: Writing Creatively," and "Criminal Trial Advocacy." 

Along with having fun as a college student, Retta said this experience helped prepare her students for college by providing them with the information needed to start making decisions. 

"Programs like this one prepare students with a pathway to their future," she said. "It gives them guidance on what classes are recommended to take in high school and what colleges are popular for that particular career. Students can start researching universities offering that major and start planning out their post-secondary education." 

Retta also said the Scholar Weekend will push her students ahead of their peers and that she hopes it motivated them to be excited about and involved in their education. 

"When you provide students with this type of experience, you provide them with a purpose as to why they are in school," she said. "We expect students to perform well in school, but we also need to show them what they can become if they do. When students are exposed to college and obtain knowledge of careers, they start thinking big."

In the news:
25 high school students honored
for community service efforts

In the news:
Genoa, Young receive 'We the People' bookshelves

In the news:
Pasadena High students head
 to state academic competition

In the news:
Gardens Elementary students camp it out for TAKS

In the news:
District's Robotics team motors
to success at nationals again

In the news:
CATCH wellness program honors
Pasadena ISD's efforts

Pasadena ISD Assistant Director for Athletics, Health and Physical Education Pam Tevis was named the Outstanding District Coordinator for the Steps Consortium (CATCH Project) for Harris County. In addition, Williams Elementary was named the consortium's outstanding school.

The district has been involved in the CATCH program since 2005, led by Tevis' efforts. CATCH is an evidence-based Coordinated School Health Program designed to promote physical activity and healthy food choices, and prevent tobacco use in elementary school-aged children. By teaching children that eating healthy and being physically active every day can be fun, the CATCH Program has proven that establishing healthy habits in childhood can promote behavior changes that can last a lifetime.

As part of the program, Tevis has taken an active role in encouraging parents and students to lead healthy lifestyles. This year, she coordinated the School Health Advisory Committee, comprised of parents and community members. The group has provided advice to the district on coordinated school health programming and its impact on student health and learning.

Williams Elementary was only one of two schools in Harris County to be named a CATCH Outstanding School. The school received the award because of educating students in the proper food groups and the wellness opportunities the school offers students, teachers and parents. Physical Education teacher Oscar Torres leads the program at the school.

Some of the activities offered at Williams include a Turkey Trot race, a running club, a bicycling club,and teachers fitness room. A bike ride for students and parents is planned for sometime in May.

In the news:
Frazier after-school students
 take the ice at Aeros game

In the news:
Pasadena ISD offers online
staff development for employees

In the news:
Registration to begin for Summer GEAR UP Camps

In the news:
Dobie's Talton named to All-State Academic
basketball team

In the news:
Three Pasadena ISD choirs to perform
with Bay Area Chorus

Choir students from Turner Elementary School, Lomax Middle School and Schneider Middle School will share the stage with the renowned Bay Area Chorus in the 43rd season of its Awakening performances Sunday, April 20 at 3 p.m. at Pasadena Memorial High School located at 4410 Crenshaw in Pasadena.

"I am honored and excited for the Bay Area Chorus to be performing in our area and to have invited three of our choirs to perform for their pre-concert," said Pasadena ISD's director of fine arts Linda Fletcher. "This is a well deserved recognition of the work being done in our district's elementary and middle school choral programs."

The Bay Area Chorus is one of Houston's oldest non-profit groups bringing musical performances to the Houston and Galveston Bay areas. More than 60 singers comprise the all-volunteer chorus.

Sunday's performance is titled "On the Move: Spotlight on Young Voices," and the Pasadena ISD choirs and Bay Area Chorus will be singing songs about different modes of transportation in different times and places.

Fletcher said the Turner, Lomax and Schneider choirs in unison with the Bay Area Chorus will have a lot to offer the audience.

"The audience will experience the inspiration that comes from witnessing the result of a disciplined, systematic approach to developing musical understanding and singing skills," she said. "This will be a powerfully expressive performance uniting singers of diverse abilities in the common goal of sharing their music with the audience."

Keith Dixon is the musical director for the Bay Area Chorus. Deborah Oakes is the director of Turner Elementary's choir; Jennifer Robbins directs Lomax Middle School's choir and Sharnell Jones and Lori Muirhead serve as directors of Schneider Middle School's choir.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $6. At the door, adults can purchase tickets for $8 and students and senior citizens (65 or older) can purchase them for $7. Order tickets by phone at 713-684-6030 or e-mail at info@bayareachorus.org. Door sales begin 30 minutes prior to the concert.

Fletcher said she encourages the community to attend the event to support Pasadena ISD students and the Bay Area Chorus.

"This is a great opportunity for the community to see singers from age nine to 70 unite to present a program that offers a wide spectrum of musical styles," she said. "The audience will be able to sing-along with the choir in songs about travel, and most importantly, they will show their support for the Bay Area Chorus and the school district."

In the news:
Pasadena High School students honored for
performance on college readiness benchmarks

Eight Pasadena High School students received the "Texas Student Achievement Award" from the Texas ACT Council for their performance on the PLAN (Pre-ACT) Assessment. These students are on target to meet or exceed ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks by graduation.

The Pasadena High School students honored were Crysal Suarez, Magie Annab, Denise Gonzalez, Omar Rodriguez, Vicente Garza, Humayn Jafar, Adrian Hernandez and John Carinhas. The students took the assessment as sophomores last year.

ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks are empirically-based and identify the level of achievement necessary in English, mathematics, reading and science to have a successful college freshman experience. Only 17 percent of Texas PLAN tested students received this award for this level of proficiency.

The Texas ACT Council is made up of secondary and postsecondary educators who advise ACT, Inc. on the utilization of ACT programs and services in Texas schools and colleges. ACT, Inc. is the not-for-profit organization that provides assessment, research, information and program management services in the broad areas of education and workforce development and the publisher of the ACT Assessment. The ACT Assessment is the college admissions test that is accepted by all colleges nationwide.

According to Karen Pennell, ACT Assistant Vice President and Southwest Regional Manager, "The Texas ACT Council recognizes those students who are making significant strides to prepare themselves for college by taking rigorous courses and meeting the PLAN (Pre-ACT) College Readiness Benchmarks. We also want to recognize that student PLAN (Pre-ACT) achievement is the result of a strong commitment by Pasasdena High School teachers, staff, administrators and parents to increase college readiness for all students."

In the news:
Not just a 'pipe' dream: Digital organ project
nets Memorial $10,000 Toyota physics grant

Pasadena Memorial High School's "Switched-On Physics" project is switching on the interest of business leaders as the project recently received one of Toyota's $10,000 TAPESTRY grants.

"This is the greatest honor an educator can receive," said Memorial's AP physics instructor and project director Scott Graham. "Toyota projects are instrumental in making educational opportunities available to students. The Tapestry program is magnificent and is the 'brass ring' of educational grants."

Toyota TAPESTRY recognizes outstanding educators who are making a difference by demonstrating excellence and creativity in science teaching. This year, 50 large grants of up to $10,000 each and 20-32 mini-grants of up to $2,500 were awarded to K-12 science teachers in the United States. The categories include Physical Science, Environmental Education, and Integrating Literacy and Science.

"It's extremely rewarding to support educators who bring quality science to our children," said Michael Rouse, corporate manager, philanthropy and community affairs at Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. "TAPESTRY was designed to directly impact the children and improve science learning opportunities and over the past 18 years, we've truly had the opportunity to do just that."

The National Science Teachers Association partners with Toyota in the program and the association's assistant director of corporate partnerships Eric Crossley said the judges thought the "Switched-On Physics" project was a unique one worthy of the $10,000 grant.

"The purpose of this grant is to help fund innovative, community-based science projects in K-12 schools nationwide and to provide teachers with the opportunity to implement projects that would otherwise not take place," said Crossley. "I think this is an unusual and exciting community-based project, and we hope to see more about it soon."

The digital pipe organ project is a dynamic, multifaceted combination of physics, music, engineering, ecological science, performing arts and mathematics and is designed to generate the participation of students of all interests. Graham also works with Dobie High School science instructor Mary Obenauf and Memorial AP Physics instructor David White on the project, and one mobile digital pipe organ has already been created from previous grants.

Graham said the TAPESTRY grant will assist in purchasing more organ components, computer hardware and sound equipment to help the students further the organ project.

"We plan to focus on the alternative energy aspects of the organ systems," Graham said. "We plan to take the organ to district elementary, middle and high schools to involve students in science and to let them see what types of technology and science projects they can participate in if they enter Pre-AP and AP physics courses in high school."

Graham also said an immobile organ that will be housed in Memorial's dining hall is planned to be built with the funds. The project also allows students to study wave phenomena, alternative energy, related wave topics such as tsunamis and electromagnetic radiation, and wave propagation.

"We hope to encourage an interest in engineering by allowing students to design and build the fully functional organ powered exclusively by alternative energy so the students will conceive, design, build, test and operate the organ," Graham said.

Each year, the engineering and physics students will design and build a new mechanical rank of organ pipes from different materials such as recycled Coke bottles and PVC pipes.

Graham said the continued success of this project would not be possible without the support of grants such as this one, and he and his team and students are grateful for the support of the community.

"Toyota and other contributors who rely on us to provide their future workforce pool understand that by involving students in science, they will ultimately benefit by having a trained and adequate number of candidates for their positions," Graham said. "Increasing participation in the academics and careers of science, technology and engineering has too many benefits to list, and the benefits of the projects they invest in will pay huge dividends in the future."

In the news:
Gardens Elementary to host Family Literacy Night

In the news:
Tex-Anns take national title at dance competition

In the news:
Online meal account system
aims to make life easier for parents

In the news:
Pearl Hall Elementary celebrates
new era at school dedication

In the news:
De Zavala bilingual students visit
Houston Museum of Natural Science

From the Superintendent:
Inaccuracies in Children At Risk ratings addressed

Dear Parents and Community Members: 

First, let me apologize for the length of this message. Since we all have a stake in the reputation of our district, I believe the information is important for you to know and to share with others. Please take the time to read it. 

The Children at Risk organization released its annual report on high school rankings in the Houston area published in the Houston Chronicle last Sunday. I know many of you saw it and were as distressed as I was to see where our schools had been ranked compared to others on the list. If you remember, there were issues on the same rankings list last year that ranked our schools lower than they should have been ranked. We have problems again and I thought you would want to know the rest of the story.  

One of the indicators used in the rankings is the high school graduation rate for the Class of 2006. (These reports are always a year behind.) After analyzing the formula they used and talking with the director of the organization, he admits an error in their calculation that impacted Pasadena ISD schools.  Essentially, the formula used by the organization to compute its high school rankings failed to take into account the opening of Memorial High School and the impact that event had on the size of the ninth grade and subsequent graduating classes at Pasadena, Rayburn and South Houston. As a result, 422 graduates from Memorial who would have graduated from one of the other three schools did not get counted in the calculation. Therefore, the graduation rates for Pasadena, Rayburn and South Houston were incorrectly calculated and artificially lower than they should have been using their formula. In fact, the organization listed graduation rates at Rayburn and South Houston, for instance, at less than 40%. We know that's not true. Had they calculated the rate accounting for the loss in enrollment caused by opening Memorial, the three schools would have seen graduation rates more comparable to districts higher in the rankings. I also believe Dobie's ranking was negatively impacted to a degree by the double digit enrollment growth they experienced during the four years Children at Risk used to estimate the freshman cohort, based on what I understand of their formula. Memorial was again not included in the Children at Risk report because it did not open until 2003-04.  

How to accurately calculate graduation rates has been heavily debated across the country. Children at Risk uses a variation of an extremely conservative approach used by the Manhattan Institute in New York which estimates…let me say that again…which estimates the size of the freshman cohort (including repeat freshmen) by averaging four years of ninth grade enrollment, ultimately inflating the denominator in its formula. On the other hand, the graduation rate computed by the state of Texas actually tracks each individual student and counts them as a dropout if they are not enrolled in a school somewhere the following year. If they are "no shows" they count against our graduation rate. According to the state data for the Class of 2006 (the most recent class available in the AEIS Report), the graduation rates for our five high schools are as follows:

Dobie 80.4

Pasadena 68.8

Memorial   74.3

Rayburn 69.0

South Houston  69.5 

These are numbers I've shared with the community in some of my presentations. The completion rates as computed by TEA, a figure that includes repeat freshmen and those who stay around for their fifth year of high school in order to graduate, are as follows: 

Dobie    89.0

Pasadena  83.1

Memorial   85.3

Rayburn  81.4

South Houston  80.0 

While better than Children at Risk estimated and reported, our graduate rates are still too low. We all know that. We must keep pushing for more and more of our students to graduate and graduate on time. That's one of the primary reasons we are so heavily engaged in Expectation Graduation. Remember, the Class of 2006 was not a class that experienced any of our Expectation Graduation initiatives. Progress is being made, but we have a long way to go. I just felt you needed the rest of the story so you could share with your friends and neighbors the facts and the errors in assumptions made in the Children At Risk report. 

I'm sorry this message is so long, but I felt it was critical that you knew the rest of the story. I hurt for the staff and students who have such pride in their campus. It's unfortunate that one news article can taint the excellent work that is being done on each of our campuses and the reputation they have worked so hard to build.

Kirk Lewis
Superintendent

In the news:
Memorial principal presented with award

In the news:
Pearl Hall Elementary School
dedication set for April 8

A formal dedication of the new Pearl Hall Elementary School will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday April 8 at the campus, 1504 Ninth Street in South Houston.

The newer, larger building opened to students at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year. Construction of the campus was funded through a $299 million bond package approved by voters in November 2004. The old building stood for more than 50 years behind South Houston High School near Edgebrook and was demolished in August.

The school is named after well-respected school administrator Pearl Hall. She was principal of South Houston Elementary School from 1935-1953 and headed Queens Elementary School from 1954-1962.

In the news:
Lady Maverick player, manager
named to All-Star team

Basketball has been a part of Quinisha Cipriani's life since she was young. And now the Pasadena Memorial High School Lady Maverick senior post will play her last game of high school basketball as a Greater Houston Area Girl's Basketball Association All-Star.

Cipriani was recently selected by the association as one of the top 44 senior basketball players in the Greater Houston Area to participate in its All-Star game Saturday, March 29 at 5 p.m. at the Wheeler Field House in Sugar Land. Cipriani is the first female athlete in Memorial's history to play in an All-Star game.

"I feel really happy to have been selected for this honor," Cipriani said. "Basketball is one of the sports that have made me who I am today, and this is a great opportunity for me to represent my school one last time as a basketball player."

The Greater Houston Area Girl's Basketball Association was founded in 2001 to bring attention to girl's basketball by creating opportunities and promoting area talent. The organization provides scholarships for players and a forum for setting up games between Houston area high schools as well as an annual clinic and All-Star game.

While she said she knows her time with the Lady Maverick team has prepared her for this game, Cipriani said she is still nervous because of the talent that will be on the court.

"I'll be playing with and against the best and most successful players in the Houston area," she said. "I'm nervous, but I'm also very excited and can't wait to play with these girls. It's going to be a great experience to be on the court with so many great players. This will be a memory I will never forget."

Lady Maverick coach Barbara Leon said her advice to Cipriani as she prepares for the game is to relax, have fun and "take the ball to the hole."

"This is the last time Quinisha will represent the Lady Maverick Basketball program and Memorial on the basketball court and she needs to enjoy it," Leon said. "She will be playing with 43 other fantastic basketball players, something that may never happen to her again, so she needs to absorb it all and enjoy this memorable experience."

Outside of basketball, Cipriani has also played volleyball for four years and track and field for three years and has been involved in the FCA, FCCLA, the Teal and Black Gala and community service. After graduation, Cipriani said she plans to attend college and medical school to become a pediatrician.

Cipriani won't be attending the game alone as senior basketball manager Erin Tollett has also been selected as one of eight managers to be honored at the All-Star game.

"Quinisha and Erin are deserving of this award because they are hard workers committed to our program and have been instrumental in the development of Lady Maverick Basketball," Leon said. "I feel honored and humbled they were selected because they are both fantastic young ladies."

Tollett has served as the program's manager for four years providing assistance in keeping score, filming games, running the clock for freshman home games, making sure all needed equipment was ready for games and any other duties that facilitate the process.

"It makes me feel great and appreciated to be selected as a manager for the All-Star game," said Tollett. "This opportunity means a lot to me, and it's a great way to finish the four years that I was involved with Lady Maverick basketball."

Along with being involved in basketball for four years, Tollett is also involved in the Ready, Set, Teach program, FCCLA and softball.

"Hopefully this experience will be a memorable one for Quinisha and Erin as they conclude their high school careers," Leon said. "It should leave them both with feelings of accomplishment, satisfaction, pride and with no regrets for having participated in the Lady Maverick Basketball program and giving so much of their time, sweat and tears."

In the news:
Don Lazenby presented
national budget excellence award

Don Lazenby has a knack for making sense of the numbers in his job as Pasadena ISD's director of budget.

For the sixth year in a row, Lazenby was given the Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International at the March regular board meeting. Lazenby has served as the district's director of budget since 1992.

The award is given for excellence in the preparation and issuance of school system annual budgets and for districts exceeding standard budget development criteria.

The Meritorious Budget Awards program was designed by ASBO International and school business management professionals to enable school business administration to achieve a standard of excellence in budget preparation. The program helps school systems in the skills of developing, analyzing and presenting a budget.

According to ASBO International, the award is only given to school districts that have gone above and beyond normal standards in budget planning and preparation.

In the news:
Grant approved for Matthys SPARK Park project

In the news:
New Sparks Elementary principal,
two assistant principals named

The Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees approved the appointment of a new principal for Sparks Elementary School and filled two assistant principal positions at its March regular meeting.

Sherri Means was named the new principal at Sparks, replacing longtime principal Gayle Holder, who will retire at the end of the school year.Means came to the school in 1990 and has served as assistant principal since 1994. She began her career as a third grade teacher at Gardens Elementary in 1989. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Houston and her master's in educational management from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Sherri Means

J.P. Rodriguez was named assistant principal at Pomeroy Elementary School. He has served as counselor at Morris Fifth Grade Center since 2004. He began his career in 1997 as a bilingual teacher at Morales Elementary and has also worked as a bilingual peer facilitator at De Zavala Fifth Grade Center.

Cindy Owens is now one of the new assistant principals at De Zavala Fifth Grade Center. She has served as the school's peer facilitator since 2002. She has also worked as a fifth grade reading teacher at Morales Elementary and at Richey Elementary in her 17-year career.

In the news:
Two Pasadena ISD students compete in
Houston Chronicle Spelling Bee

In the news:
Filing for write-in candidates March 17

In the news:
Dobie, South Houston students among elite
group to participate in international physics project

Physics and journalism students from Dobie and South Houston high schools are among only five groups in the nation that were invited to participate in an international project to learn and report about a new super-collider project in Geneva, Switzerland.

CERN, an international physics consortium, is unveiling its new particle physics experiment - the Atlas Project. The consortium, the National Science Foundation and Quarknet, a national organization of universities, physics laboratories and high school teachers, have invited the students to Geneva to observe, learn and produce news reports on the project.

Dobie and South Houston will send a physics student, a journalism student, a student videographer and a physics teacher overseas to Geneva to participate in the project. Dobie students participating are Preston Andrews, Kelsey Kaiser, Hong Thai and science teacher Susan Fontanilla. South Houston students Nicole Neveu, Cindy Le, Jose Bermudez and physics teacher Jim Preston will also participate in the educational sessions.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these students," said Alena Grinstead, Pasadena ISD science instructional specialist. "They will be able to learn from some of the world's top physicists and then share what they have learned with their classmates."

The students from the two Pasadena ISD schools will act as news reporters to students in the community and across the nation and will chronicle the project through blogs, websites and videos.

The experiments will occur during CERN's "Open Days" event, scheduled for April 5-6. During this time, the public will be able to view the Atlas experiment. The particle physics experiments are designed to examine the fundamental nature of matter and the basic forces that have shaped the universe. As part of the experiment, scientists are searching for the collisions of high-energy protons.

Students will visit the Atlas Project's Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which is a gigantic scientific instrument near Geneva that spans the border underground between Switzerland and France. The LHC is a particle accelerator used by physicists to study the smallest known particles - the fundamental building blocks of all things. Physicists will use the LHC to recreate the conditions just after the Big Bang, by colliding the two beams head-on at very high energy.

"This is a great honor for the students at both of these schools," said Pasadena ISD Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis. "This is going to be an outstanding learning opportunity that they will remember for the rest of their lives."

In the news:
San Jacinto Intermediate academic team
in the hunt for national title

In the news:
Gardens students learn about space

In the news:
Winners announced in District Spelling Bee

In the news:
Dobie student headed to national DECA competition

In the news:
Mae Smythe students celebrate
Dr. Seuss birthday in nationwide event

In the news:
Classrooms receive emergency preparedness buckets

In the news:
All-American Football League players
visit Pasadena ISD students

In the news:
Board approves the names of three schools

In the news:
Guidance Center to hold parent meeting
on 'choking game'

In the news:
Daughters of the American Revolution
to honor Bondy Intermediate teacher

Annette Hill, eighth grade Social Studies teacher at Bondy Intermediate School, was a second place winner in the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution's American History contest.

Hill was nominated by Pasadena's Jane Long Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She will be honored at the organization's state conference in Dallas on March 15 and will be presented with a check for $500 and a certificate.

Hill is a member of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The organization exhibits their patriotism through service to schools, active duty military and veterans, historical commemoration, and volunteering in their communities.

In the news:
Tex-Anns to hold annual dinner, show

In the news:
Jensen Elementary spelling bee winners

Linda Rodriguez, left, was first runner-up and Samantha Long was the winner of the Jensen Elementary spelling bee. Long will now participate in the district spelling bee.

In the news:
Juilliard professor plays student-made pipe organ

In the news:
"100 Day" activities at Laura Bush Elementary

In the news:
Jim Smith named Distinguished Alumnus

In the news:
McDonald's Texas Invitational makes
$100,000 donation to Education Foundation

In the news:
Mae Smythe Chorale, Morris Band entertain
members at annual TSPRA conference

In the news:
Sam Rayburn students meet Nobel Peace Prize winner

In the news:
Pasadena ISD communications staff
wins top awards at state contest

For its excellence in communications, the Pasadena ISD Communications Department recently received five Best of Category Awards, a Crystal Award and six Gold Star Awards at the annual Texas Schools Public Relations Association (TSPRA) convention in Houston.

Award entries were made in 35 categories with three divisions including districts and organizations with less than 10,000 students or members, 10,000 to 30,000 students or members, and more than 30,000 students or members. More than 900 award entries were submitted for this year's Star Awards.

Pasadena ISD Communications Specialist Mark Kramer and Pasadena ISD Graphic Coordinator Bruce Stone received a best of category for their work on the 2007 Service Awards Program. Kramer has been a member of TSPRA for nine years and has served in several capacities for the organization including Vice-President At-Large from 2005-2007.

"We are excited about the wonderful recognition we've received from TSPRA," Kramer said. "It is always a great feeling when you are honored by your peers who are outstanding and talented professionals in school communications."

Stone also received a best of category for his Rick Schneider Middle School invitations for the school's dedication, and he and the district's director of community relations Cindy Parmer received a best of category on the booklet they published for last year's Pasadena ISD Education Foundation/Dell Shining Stars Gala. Stone joined the communications team in October 2006.

"We always do our work with the students and employees of the district in mind," Stone said. "We want to deliver materials for them that illustrate the hard work they do on a daily basis within our classrooms and that illustrate the mission of this district. I'm truly honored to have received these awards."

Pasadena ISD Graphic Designer LaVonna Alexander-Carew joined TSPRA in January 2006 when she began working for the district, and she earned a best of category for the logo she created for Earnesteen Milstead Middle School. This was her first year to attend a TSPRA conference.

"It is an honor for me to be recognized through such a wonderful organization," said Alexander-Carew. "In designing on a daily basis, I never considered receiving accolades for my work. When I created the Milstead, logo I was thinking of the student who would be carrying the backpack or wearing the t-shirt with the logo, and I wanted to create something they would be proud of. This award reinforces that I did just that."

Pasadena ISD Communications Assistant Ashley Holt received a best of category for her published feature "A Dream Fulfilled" about Beverly Hills Intermediate School's former orchestra instructor Leigh Ledford who led her students to perform at the national Midwest Clinic in Chicago before losing her battle with cancer.

"It is absolutely amazing to be recognized among our peers in this way," Holt said. "Our department works year-round to promote Pasadena ISD and to serve its employees and students, and it is truly an honor to have our success recognized. We couldn't do it without the leadership within our district and department, the support of our print shop employees or the dedication of our teachers and students."

Holt has been a member of TSPRA for more than two years and has attended three conferences. This is her second best of category since her membership, and she was also named as the organization's 2007 Rookie of the Year. She also presented twice at this year's conference for the first time and has served on several conference committees.

The department also received a Crystal Award, which one is given in seven different categories for a multifaceted promotional campaign employing a variety of media occurring over a period of time and encompassing well-defined goals, strategies or activities. The department submitted last year's marketing campaign "Join us Under the Big Top" in the staff and student recognition category.

"I am extremely proud of our communications and printing department for their hard work," said Pasadena ISD Associate Superintendent of Communications Candace Ahlfinger. "They are creative and detail oriented, and their positive teamwork is reflected in these awards and in what they do on a daily basis."

Ahlfinger joined Pasadena ISD in August 2006 and has been a member of TSPRA for 14 years. She is a past-president and has served the organization in a variety of ways.

The employees of the printing department helped make the success possible through their daily efforts. Print shop employees include Mike Kravetz, Maria Alcala, Rachel Arevalo, Rosie Lopez, Christine Luis, Gwen Nguyen, Cody O'Quinn, Joan Stanley and Van Thu To.

"Our printing department is vital to our communications team," said Kramer. "They handle every task with extreme care and detail and are a main source of service and support to our campuses."

Gold Star Awards were also given to Kramer, Holt, Ahlfinger and Stone for the district's external newsletter "Pinnacle;" Alexander-Carew for Laura Bush Elementary School dedication invitations; and Stone and Holt for their Pasadena Virtual School poster.

Holt also received Gold Star Awards for her article "Going the Extra Mile" about the districts fundraising efforts for the Komen Houston Race for the Cure and for her article "Engineering Design Students Step into the Real World" on Dobie High School students' mentoring program with Jacobs Engineering. The department also received a Gold Star Award for its image and identity package "Under the Big Top of Pasadena ISD." Kramer received a Silver Star Award for photography.

"These awards are a tribute to the hard work of our communications staff," Kramer said. "At the heart of any project, it is the mission of our staff to promote what's right in public education and spreading that good news to the public."

TSPRA is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications with more than 850 members comprised primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. The membership also includes superintendents, principals and other school administrators. TSPRA is an award-winning chapter of the National School Public Relations Association chartered in 1962.

In the news:
Laura Bush Elementary holds science night

In the news:
Building Cultural Bridges program to be
highlighted by Bay Area Chorus

Awake to the vibrant connections from country to country, continent to continent and culture to culture as, through music, we discover and share our common bonds.  The Bay Area Chorus will perform spirituals and pieces by American composers Charles Ives and Alice Parker and will welcome two guest choirs who will provide an authentic international flavor.

The 105-voice United National Association International Choir has members from more than twenty-five nations and focuses on singing music of all genres and historical periods in the original language .  Formed in 1989, the Clear Lake Chinese Chorus is a group of music lovers from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong who reside in the Clear Lake area. 

Hear special guests from NASA and the Houston Symphony share how the Building Cultural Bridges Program has brought the world to Pearl Hall  Elementary School through the music and literature of the International Space Station Countries.  Highlights will include a solo performance by Russian violinist Sergei Galperin, a member of the Houston Symphony Orchestra, and video shot from the International Space Station.

Magdy and Sonia Kotb, owner of the Mediterraneo Restaurant and Cafe, 18033 Upper Bay Road, are providing hot and cold hors d'oevres for a post-concert reception for the performers and audience.  This event is being underwritten by Mitchell Dale of McRee Ford, 2800 Gulf Freeway in Dickinson and Daniel B. O'Neill, M.D., NASA Bone and Joint Specialists, 2020 NASA Parkway.

When: 7:30 p.m., Monday, February 25

Where:   Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

  18220 Upper Bay Road

  Nassau Bay, TX77058

Tickets:   $7 in advance

  Adults $10; Students/65+ $8 at the door

  (door sales begin 30 minutes prior to the concert)

Order tickets by phone:  713.684-6030 or email info@bayareachorus.org

In the news:
Laura Bush Elementary spelling bee winners

In the news:
Pasadena ISD students win big in 'shoot-out'

In Pasadena ISD's recent annual Big Shoot-Out, 24 students took the top three prizes in the third through sixth grade boys' and girls' divisions.

The Big Shoot-Out is a basketball skills contest open to all girls and boys in grades three through six. One boy and one girl from each campus in each grade level compete in the districtwide event.

Pasadena ISD's assistant director of health and physical education Pam Tevis said this event helps contribute to the overall education of students.

"This gives students an opportunity to push themselves past what they think they can accomplish," she said. "It teaches them what the expectations are in the intermediate school athletic programs and that behavior and attitude are more important than the skill level."

The contest consists of two parts in which students shoot from numbered "hotspots" for one minute and "dribble, weave, pass," which is run against time. Scores from the two parts of the contests are added together to determine the winners.

All campus champions were invited to participate in the Elk's Club Hoop Shoot and received t-shirts. The first, second and third place winners received trophies.

"This event gives students who excel in basketball an opportunity to compete against other students who are very skilled," said Tevis. "All students who excel at something should be given an opportunity to shine on a districtwide level."

The following students are the winners of the 2008 Big Shoot-Out:

3rd Grade Girls
1st Place Charli Mobley/Golden Acres
2nd Place Taylor Sheppard/Turner
3rd Place Amaya Martin/Frazier

3rd Grade Boys
1st Place Oseas Rodriguez/Matthys
2nd Place Christien Lake/Stuchberry
3rd Place Jacob Garza/Golden Acres

4th Grade Girls
1st Place Toraya Bass/Bush
2nd Place Miranda Green/Teague
3rd Place Aileen Garcia/Moore

4th Grade Boys
1st Place Daniel Cabreja/Meador
2nd Place Roberto Vasquez/McMasters
3rd Place Robert Tamayo/Williams

5th Grade Girls
1st Place Emily Wolfe/Morris
2nd Place Jackie Martinez/Parks
3rd Place Amanda Horstman/Lomax

5th Grade Boys
1st Place Hugo Mercado/DeZavala
2nd Place Enrique Callado/Bailey
3rd Place JonAlek Harrison/Milstead

6th Grade Girls
1st Place Britney Lamb/Schneider
2nd Place Tabitha Barrett/Lomax
3rd Place Sydney Graham/Lomax

6th Grade Boys
1st Place Ruben Guevara/Schneider (new record)
2nd Place Jesus Gutierrez/Jackson
3rd Place Devin Cruz/Park View

In the news:
Filing begins in Pasadena ISD board elections

The candidate filing and voting dates have been set for the Pasadena Independent School District's Board of Trustee election.

The Board election will be held jointly with the City of South Houston elections on May 10. This situation occurred because of House Bill 1 (2006 Leg. Session, ending in May 2006) that contains a provision requiring school districts to hold their school board elections jointly with either the county or city during the year in which the county or city elected officers.

"We appreciate the generosity of the City of South Houston for working with us in this matter," said Kirk Lewis, Pasadena ISD superintendent. By being able to partner with South Houston, the Board members will remain on three-year terms.

Candidate filing dates for the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees election will be Feb. 11-March 10. Candidates may begin filing on Monday, Feb. 11. Positions up for election this year are seats held by incumbents Marshall Kendrick (position 6) and Vickie Morgan (position 7).

Prospective candidates may file from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. during the filing period, except for March 10, when office hours will be extended to 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Early voting in the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees election will occur April 28-May 6. Voters may cast their ballot at all five Pasadena ISD high schools. Early voting will take place on weekdays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on April 28-May 2 and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on May 5-6. In addition, voters may cast their votes early at South Houston City Hall, 1018 Dallas from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 28-30 and May 5-6, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. May 1-2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., May 3 and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. May 4.

Polls will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on election day, May 10 at all Pasadena ISD intermediate schools, South Houston City Hall, South Houston Municipal Court and South Houston High School. Polling places are based on the voters' Harris County voting precinct numbers rather than Pasadena ISD attendance boundaries.

For more information, call 713-740-0027.

In the news:
Pasadena High School student
is accepted into NASA program

In the news:
Dobie student named National Merit Finalist

After three and a half years of hard work and dedication in high school, Dobie High School senior Samantha Rodriguez has received one of the ultimate honors as she was recently named as a National Merit Finalist.

Rodriguez was named as a National Merit Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Program after being selected as one of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the program, which is less than one percent of U.S. high school graduating seniors.

"I am thrilled to be named as a National Merit Finalist," said Rodriguez. "Receiving this title adds to my confidence concerning my future goals for college. When taking the PSAT and SAT tests, I had no idea the outcome would be this overwhelming. Nevertheless, it feels amazing to be recognized for my work throughout my high school career."
 
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). This year, the NMSC stated that more than 1.4 million juniors in nearly 21,000 high schools entered the program by taking the 2006 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semi-finalists includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.

To become a finalist, a semi-finalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the school principal and earn SAT scores that confirm the student's qualifying test performance. Rodriguez's testing scores were ranked within the top one percent of the nation.

"It's very exciting to have a student who is bright, talented and modest be recognized in this way," said Dobie senior counselor Jennifer Haynes. "Not only is Samantha representing herself, her family and her school, she is also the best of the best, and I couldn't be more proud of her."

Rodriguez said that this award serves as a strong motivator for students to be active in school while maintaining good grades. She also said this achievement has taught her that hard work and dedication pays off and she now see that her achievements not only affect her, but her school as well.

"As students, we always want our work to be acknowledged, but many students' hard work goes unnoticed at times," she said. "Striving toward a goal such as becoming a National Merit Scholar is striving toward the recognition that any hard working, dedicated student deserves. It has kept me motivated during my senior year, when it is so easy to lose focus."

Since her time at Dobie, Rodriguez has represented her peers in a variety of ways. She first served as the vice-president of her freshmen class and as an active member of student council. She remained a member of student council through her junior year when she became chairman of education and needs. As a senior, her peers elected her as Student Council/Student Body President.

Rodriguez is also a representative on Dobie's Site Based Decision Making Committee and is a member of Pasadena ISD's District Education Committee and the Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee. She was chosen to sing in Dobie's top varsity choir, JFD Singers, her junior year, which she still currently sings for. Among her highest achievements, Rodriguez was published by the Texas Folklore Society for a paper she wrote (Tattoos in Texas) about teenage Texans expressing themselves through body art. Rodriguez's paper was chosen as one of few others to be published, and she will present her paper to the society in late March along with the other selected students and professors.

Rodriguez is also an active member of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), an organization allowing students with a career interest in hospitality, finance, sales and service, business administration and/or entrepreneurship to gain training and competitive opportunities. As a member of DECA, Rodriguez is required to have a job, and she works nearly 20 hours a week at San Jacinto College South's Student Success Center tutoring college students in Composition I and II and in mathematics courses up to Finite math. Rodriguez recently competed in DECA's regional competition and advanced to the state competition, which will be held in late February. Rodriguez was also inducted into Dobie's National Honors Society at the beginning of the school year.

"Samantha has a passion for volunteer work and gives of her time behind the scenes at Dobie and in the community," Haynes said. "She is a humble, well-rounded young woman who represents her peers well through all of her activities all while working a part-time job and keeping up with her rigorous course load."

To ensure she achieves her goals, Rodriguez said it has been important for her to be involved and have good grades throughout high school.

"High school is not just a student's holding place until they go to college or get a job," she said. "High school is a place meant for intellectual expansion and growth."

Rodriguez plans to attend Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island after her graduation from Dobie in June and plans to major in Applied Mathematics and International Relations. In the next five years, Rodriguez hopes to graduate in the top five percent of her Dobie class, graduate with two undergraduate degrees from Brown and begin work on her graduate degrees.

Dobie's principal Steve Jamail said he expects to see great things from Rodriguez in the future and that she is the perfect example of "Dobie Pride."

"Samantha's positive attitude is contagious to all that come in contact with her," Jamail said. "We are so proud of her accomplishment, but the greatest thing about Samantha is the fact that she is just a great kid. We interpret 'Dobie Pride' as doing your best at whatever task you undertake and going the extra mile when no one is looking. I don't think I know anyone who exemplifies this more than Samantha. I know in the future she will be a great success, and she makes us all very proud."

In the news:
Southmore band sets new records

The Southmore Bulldog band set a new record in medals won at the Pasadena Invitational Solo and Ensemble Contest.  The band won 49 1st Division, inlcuing class three bronze medals (9th grade level music) and three 1st Division, class two medals (10th-11th grade level music). 
 
The following Southmore Band students won a superior rating, winning a bronze solo medal:
 
Noemi Chirinos -Flute
Jessica Contreras -Flute
Daisy Flores -Flute
Alyssa Calderon -Bb Clarinet
Arnoldo Castillo -Bb Clarinet
Edgar Chavez -Bb Clarinet
Nallely Gutierrez -Bb Clarinet
David Marin -Bb Clarinet
Theresa Perez -Bb Clarinet
Elizabeth Sanchez -Bb Clarinet
Kelsey Davis -Bass Clarinet
Cristina Sancez -Bass Clarinet
Luis Tamez -Bass Clarinet
Isabel Garcia -Alto Saxophone
Carolyn Woodruff -Alto Saxophone
Edgar Zarazua -Tenor Saxophone
Josue Callado -Baritone Saxophone
Terrance Ely -Bb Trumpet
Dallas Murr-Thompson -Bb Trumpet
Amanda Villarreal -Bb Trumpet
Josie Garcia -French Horn
Antonio Hernandez  -Trombone
Jesus Garza -Tuba
Jose Flores -Snare Drum
Lauren Hernandez -Snare Drum
 
The following Southmore Band students won a "superior" rating, winning a silver solo medal:
 
Lea Salmeron -Flute
Charles Pena -French Horn
Armando Moreno -Euphonium
 
The following students won a "Superior" rating, winning a bronze ensemble medal:
 
Noemi Chirinos, Jessica Contreras, and Lea Salmeron -Flute trio.
 
Arnoldo Castillo, Nallely Gutierrez, and David Marin -Clarinet trio.
 
Alyssa Calderon, Edgar Chavez, Daniela Jauregui, and Kassie Benavidez -Mixed Clarinet Quartet
 
Elizabeth Sanchez, Isel Sevilla, Luis Tamez, and Iliana Vasquez -Mixed Clarinet Quartet
 
Josue Callado, Isabel Garcia, Carolyn Woodruff and Edgar Zarazua -Saxophone Quartet
 
Jesus Garza, Antonio Hernandez, Armando Moreno, Dallas Murr-Thompson, Charles Pena, and Amanda Villarreal -Brass Sextet

In the news:
Pasadena Noon Optimist Club to sponsor
oratorical contest for students

"Why me? Why Not?…" is the topic for this year's Oratorical Contest sponsored by the Pasadena Noon Optimist Club and hosted by Park View Intermediate School. The purpose of the contest is to encourage area students to speak their minds about the prompt and qualify for an opportunity to win a $1,500 scholarship.

The Optimist Club will judge the local students' speeches based on content and presentation to determine the top winners. Winners will receive medallions for first, second, and third place in both male and female categories. The winning speeches will be sent to the zone level, and possibly the district level for the opportunity to win college scholarships. Students under the age of 16 as of December 31, 2007, are eligible to participate.

"As they prepare for their future, many of our local students need experience expressing their thoughts and opinions to an audience," Club President Rob Hasson said. "The Oratorical Contest challenges them to do just that, and also offers an opportunity for scholarships. In this way, our club hopes to bring out the best in each of them and help them achieve their goals for the future."

The Pasadena Noon Optimist Club of has been participating in the Optimist Oratorical Contest for over 50 years and has been active in the community since 1947. Other programs and service projects that the Club is involved in include Christmas Shopping with the Boys and Girls Harbor Shelter of La Porte, Texas; "Bell Ringing" for the Salvation Army; Annual POJO (Pasadena Optimist Junior Open) Tennis Tournament sponsor; sponsor for the McDonald's Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Expo participant; "Good Citizenship Award Ceremony" recognizing 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders and a distinguished educator at each of the elementary schools in Pasadena ISD; "Get Fit for Jog" sponsor; Optimist Essay Contest sponsor; Junior Optimist Club sponsor for Park View, Bondy, and South Houston Intermediate Schools; support/sponsor The Bridge and Neighborhood Center of Pasadena; and various student scholarships through club fundraising efforts.

Students wishing to participate should send copies of the speech, completed registration and birth certificate to Mr. Rob Hasson at Park View Intermediate School, located at 3003 Dabney, Pasadena, Texas 77502, by Wednesday, February 27th, 2008. The contest will be held on Monday, March 3rd at 5:00pm in the Park View Cafeteria. To obtain a copy of the registration form and contest rules, please contact Mr. Hasson by e-mail at rhasson@pasadenaisd.org, or call at 713-740-0461. Optimist International is one of the world's largest service club organizations with 120,000 adult and youth members in 3,800 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico and throughout the world. The Optimist Oratorical Contest is one of the organization's most popular programs, with more than 2,000 clubs participating annually.

In the news:
Morales Elementary students celebrate "100 Day"

Students in all grades participated in "100 day" activities at Morales Elementary to celebrate the 100th day of school. The highlight of the day was a parade around the school.

In the news:
Dobie students advance to state DECA competition

Dobie High School had two winners in the DECA district competition that are advancing to the State Conference in Corpus Christi. Jennifer Vu took first place in the Business Services Marketing category, while Samantha Rodriguez captured top honor in Marketing Management.

In the news:
Matthys announces spelling bee winners

In the news:
Jessup, Memorial students team up for Read-a-thon

In the news:
PHS students participate in
Sports and Entertainment competition

In the news:
Input sought on Proposed 2008-2009 School Calendar

In the news:
Meeting planned for parents of students
who will attend Morris Middle School

In the news:
Community meeting planned for parents
of students who will attend Melillo Middle School

In the news:
South Houston Elementary students
take top prizes in rodeo art contests

In the news:
Gardens Elementary after-school program
receives recognition

In the news:
District alerts parents about incidents

In the news:
Vietnamese election workers sought
for School Board elections

The Pasadena Independent School District wants to hire Vietnamese election workers for the Trustee Election to be conducted on Saturday, May 10, 2008.

Under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1975, jurisdictions that possess populations that meet certain criteria, such as limited English proficiency, are required to provide election materials to the voters within that jurisdiction in their appropriate language.  For many years, PISD has provided voting materials in both English and Spanish at all polling places.  In a good faith effort to accommodate voters, PISD began in 2003 to provide voting materials in Vietnamese.

In addition, the school district would like to have election clerks at several PISD polling places on election day to provide Vietnamese language assistance  to voters.  If the district is unable to recruit qualified election clerks for these polling places, the district would like to recruit one election clerk to be housed in the PISD Administration Building during the hours that the polls are open on election day to provide Vietnamese language assistance via telephone to any of the district's polling places where it may be needed.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2008.  The hourly rate of pay for election clerks is $10, and clerks will be compensated for 15 hours on election day.

Election clerks must be fluent in both oral and written English and Vietnamese.  In addition, they must be registered voters residing within the Pasadena School District.  PISD employees are not eligible to serve as election clerks.

Anyone qualified and interested in serving in the PISD Trustee Election on May 10 is asked to call the PISD Administrative Services Office at (713) 740-0027 no later than Friday, February 8.

In the news:
Pasadena ISD puts hold on questionable meat

The Texas Department of Agriculture asked area school districts, including Pasadena ISD, to put on hold a meat that it considers questionable. 

Pasadena ISD was shipped some of meat in question from 21st Century Foods which received it from Westland Meat Company. However, this meat had not been prepared or served to Pasadena ISD students. According to published and broadcast reports, it is alleged that Westland butchered weak or ill cattle. 

The Texas Department of Agriculture advised Pasadena ISD to keep the meat on hold until the district receives notification as to the further steps that should be taken. 

"We are thankful that we had not served the questionable meat to our students because the safety and well-being of our students is always our first priority," explains Candace Ahlfinger, spokesperson for the district. "We are also thankful that our parents and students do not have to worry about whether or not they ate the affected beef."

In the news:
Meeting set for Melillo Middle School parents

A parent informational meeting will be held on February 21, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Thompson Intermediate cafeteria for all fourth grade parents from Burnett, Frazier and Stuchbery elementary schools.  This meeting will be to discuss the transition for the 2008-2009 school year to Dr. Dixie Melillo Middle School. For more information, call 713-740-5260.

In the news:
Golden Acres Elementary plans
70th anniversary event

In the news:
Memorial student is finalist
in Culture Shapers art contest

Pasadena Memorial High School Roy Neely has been chosen as one of fifteen finalists out of approximately 1,300 entries in the Culture Shapers Visual Art Contest. Neely is in contention for a $5,000 Grand Prize award among other monetary and scholarship awards in the Photography category.

Culture Shapers is a group of Houston-area businessmen and women who are dedicated to serving student artists in many ways, including unique visual and performing arts contests. If students attend high school in Harris, Waller, Liberty, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, Fort Bend or Montgomery counties - they are eligible to compete for more than $100,000 in cash prizes.

In the news:
'Will Rogers Follies' set to take
stage at Sam Rayburn

In their young age, Milstead Middle School sixth graders Eduardo Cabrera and Brittany Rios, fifth grader Tristan Sanchez, and Laura Bush Elementary School first grader Aidan Sanchez, are becoming stars as they are taking center stage in Sam Rayburn High School's theater arts department's upcoming presentations of the famed Broadway musical "The Will Rogers Follies."

Milstead choir teacher Pam Goza said she suggested that the students be given roles in the show because of their talents.

"I feel like these kids have the vocal qualities and personalities the directors were looking for in casting these roles," said Goza. "They are all great choir students at Milstead, and when I found out that Tristan had a younger brother who likes to sing, too, I suggested that both he and Aidan audition."

The Will Rogers Follies is a Tony Award-winning musical focusing on the life and career of famed humorist and performer Will Rogers, using the Ziegfeld Follies as a backdrop, which he often headlined, and describes every episode in his life in the form of a big production number. This musical will be Rayburn's fourth to perform. A free preview for senior citizens will be held tonight at 6 p.m. in the school's auditorium. Show times are Thursday, Jan. 31 through Saturday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7. For more information, call the school at 713-740-0330. 

"This is a great show because it tells the audience about who Will Rogers was," said Rayburn's choir instructor Tony Tuckwiller. "His humor and comments are as relative today as they were when he was alive. Being an election year, his comments about politics and politicians will resonate with audience members."

Will and Betty Rogers were parents of four, and Tuckwiller held auditions for each of the four Rogers children's parts. Kids interested in the parts learned a part of one of the songs as well as a few steps from one of the dances and auditioned individually. Eduardo is cast as the Rogers' oldest son Will, Jr., Brittany as their daughter Mary, Tristan as son James, and Aidan as their youngest Freddy. All four students will be singing, dancing and acting.

"I think they were good selections for these roles because they love to be in the spotlight and because they all sing well and move well on stage," said Goza. "This serves as a fantastic learning experience for these children because they get to see what live theater is all about. It's a lot of hard work that really pays off in performance, and they get to experience it from a totally different perspective than most students."

Frank Sanchez, father to Aidan and Tristan and a Milstead teacher, said he is proud that his sons were selected to perform in this musical.

"I am thrilled to have such talented children," Sanchez said. "They are awesome boys, and this experience will teach them how to prepare, rehearse and love the ambience of the theatrical atmosphere. They will also learn about collaboration and teamwork."

Tristan said he his excited about his upcoming performances and that he isn't nervous.

"I'm not nervous because my parents told me not to look at the crowd," said Tristan. "It's awesome because I have never been in a play before."

Tuckwiller said the collaboration between the high school students and the younger students has been an enjoyable experience for all and that it will show on stage.

"Audiences always enjoy seeing young kids on stage, and we have the good fortune to have ones that are good singers and dancers," said Tuckwiller. "The high school students have taken the younger ones under their wings and have taken care to be sure everything goes smoothly for them. It's been great."

The performances are directed by Peggy Hinojosa, who has been the choreographer for Rayburn's previous musicals. Analie Cuadras will play Betty Rogers, and Theatre Under the Stars students Michael Carver and Storey Hinojosa will play Will's father Clem Rogers and Ziegfeld's Favorite, respectively.

Paul Driscoll, a professional magician who is a Rayburn graduate, will be appearing as part of "Texas Jack's Wild West Show" in the first act.  The two-time "Magician of the Year" honoree is a frequent headliner at the famed Magic Castle night club in Hollywood, where he recently appeared with Jason Alexander, who played the character George on the hit television comedy series "Seinfeld."

The students built a staircase over six feet tall and 40 feet wide that they will be dancing on, consisting of five walking steps and five platform steps that fills the entire stage.

"It takes hard work to put on a show, but the effort is worth it, so we encourage the community to come out at least one of the nights and enjoy the show," Tuckwiller said. "No other high schools in the area have done this recently, and it's unique because not only do the characters tell a story, but they interact with the audience as well as they tell about the life of Will Rogers."

In the news:
Beverly Hills art students turn school walls into murals

In the news:
Rohm and Haas donates $5,000
to Education Foundation

In the news:
PHS students give from the heart
to help 2-year-old cancer patient

In the news:
Memorial to present "Beauty and the Beast"

In the news:
January Junior Optimist named

South Houston Intermediate School eighth grader Kenneth Marshall was recently named as the school's January Junior Optimist of the Month.

Active in sports, Marshall was chosen as an optimist because of his attitude and drive to be successful not only in sports but in academics as well, said the school's peer facilitator Gail Ward.

"We look for students to serve as optimists who have positive attitudes and are good role models," Ward said. "Kenneth serves as a role model because he makes good grades as well as participates in a variety of activities."

Marshall said he is honored to serve as a Junior Optimist for his school.

"I feel like I won some type of lifetime award," said Marshall. "I am grateful for teachers and administrators nominating me and am glad they see me as a role model for other students."

Marshall is the school's football team's running back and quarterback, the basketball team's center and the relay team's anchor. Outside of school, Marshall volunteers at a homeless shelter in downtown Houston called "Bread of Life." He also participates in fundraisers and plays football for the Southside Cowboys, which is in the Pop Warner League.

"Kenneth always comes to class with an attitude to succeed," said science teacher Emmitt Drumgoole. "The same drive and determination he displays on the football field, he displays in my classroom."

Marshall said he is in hopes of receiving a college football scholarship after high school and ultimately wants to be a professional football player.

"The Optimist of the month is a good program," Marshall said. "It gives students a chance to express their feelings. I'm grateful for this opportunity."

In the news:
Garfield student selected to attend
state Bluebonnet Award luncheon

As one of 10 students from around the state, Garfield Elementary School fourth grader Jesse Paredes was selected to attend the Texas Library Association's (TLA) annual Texas Bluebonnet Award (TBA) luncheon in Dallas in April where he will meet the author of this year's winning Bluebonnet book.

The Texas Bluebonnet Award is a reading program established by the TLA to promote excellence in literature among children, as well as encourage them to explore a variety of current literature, develop powers of discrimination and select their favorite book. Every year, a list of 20 books determined by the TBA Committee is distributed to participating schools and public libraries. Participating students must read a minimum of five books from the current Bluebonnet book list before they may vote for their favorite title. The author of the book receiving the most votes is then recognized at the annual luncheon. Voting is still in session for this year's winner.

"I am happy and honored to have been selected to represent my school at the Texas Bluebonnet Award luncheon," said Paredes.

With more than 344 schools statewide applying for one of the 10 winning spots, the TLA chose Garfield to represent state District 8, and Garfield students interested in attending the luncheon had to write an essay on why they thought they should be chosen to attend the Bluebonnet luncheon.

After the essays were submitted, a school committee reviewed each essay. The writers of the best selected entries were asked to make an oral presentation before the committee in which committee members looked for oral presentation skills including poise, enthusiasm and confidence, as well as refined responses to general questions such as "What is your favorite Bluebonnet book and why?"

The school's librarian Diane Pine said Paredes will serve as a good representative for the school, Pasadena ISD and District 8 at the luncheon.

"Jesse loves to read, and he especially enjoys Bluebonnet books," said Pine. "In addition to loving to read, he exhibits good citizenship and respect for his teachers and other students in our school."

Paredes is only one of two Pasadena ISD students to attend the TBA luncheon in the last 13 years, and Pine said her school is proud of this honor.

"This recognition showcases our support for this program as well as the importance of reading in our school, district, city and state," Pine said. "It brings the relationship between Pasadena ISD students and the Texas Bluebonnet Award program closer. We all have a greater understanding of the magnitude of this program as our student meets with children from all over the state representing hundreds of other schools and districts."

The five Bluebonnet books Garfield students are voting on include The Greatest Skating Race written by Louise Borden, Down Girl and Sit: On the Road written by Lucy A. Nolan, Pompeii: Lost and Found written by Mary Pope Osborne, Ballet of the Elephants written by Leda Schubert and George Crum and the Saratoga Chip written by Gaylia Taylor.

Pine said meeting an author of a book a student has read is a significant learning experience for children because it provides them with opportunities to learn from the author and allows them to find that events in their own lives are important enough to become a story.

"It is important for children to meet an author because authors explain how and why they write," said Pine. "Through interactions with authors, children discover the actual writing process and may use it as a mirror for their own writing. The authors also give first-person accounts of personal experiences in their own lives that have become their story. They learn the heart of the writing process is the creation of meaning and a sharing of their own experience."

Pine said the program serves as an asset to schools as well as to any reading program because it allows students to have a voice.

"The children are allowed to choose their favorite books to read through this program," said Pine. "This independence in book selection encourages students to reflect on their reading and evaluate their preferences as readers. That's an important skill to develop on their journey to becoming life-long readers."

In the news:
Dobie Academic Decathlon team heading to state

In the news:
CenterPoint awards district $126,000
for energy efficient building upgrades

CenterPoint Energy awarded Pasadena ISD $126,345.75 for energy efficient building upgrades implemented in 2006 through the Schools Conserving Resources (SCORE) Program. The award was presented district's regular January meeting of the Board of Trustees.

The SCORE Program is a pilot program offered through CenterPoint Energy to a limited number of school districts to help improve energy efficiency and reduce school's energy operating costs. ClearResult Consulting is implementing the program for CenterPoint Energy.

Incentives are paid by CenterPoint Energy at $185 per peak kilowatt of energy saved. The Public Utility Commission of Texas provides the mechanism for calculating energy savings achieved. The district is awarded an incentive check when projects are finished and the new equipment is inspected.

"The incentives were an encouraging factor but the actual motivation for our effort is the money we will be saving on future utility bills," said Tom Swan, Pasadena ISD's executive director of special projects.

Pasadena ISD joined the SCORE Program in June 2006. Since then, the district has made a committed effort to identify and implement energy saving measures. With assistance provided through the SCORE Program Pasadena ISD identified the district's facilities with the most
energy-saving potential. They also developed a master plan so that the best approach toward reducing the district's energy bills could be taken.

"The SCORE Program has helped our district save money and we have been able to advance our students' learning environments. We were surprised to find so many opportunities to save energy and ultimately money. We are beginning to fully recognize the importance and benefit of reducing our energy use," Pasadena ISD Associate Superintendent of Facilities and Construction
Julian Garcia said

The SCORE Program helps the district by facilitating a focused look at what it can do to use energy most efficiently. In order to achieve the incentive earning goals, the program involved administrators at all levels in the decision making process. The SCORE Program helps the district's Financial Department understand that sometimes spending more in the design and
construction phase of a project can lead to a bigger payback in the utility savings for years to come.

"This aspect of the program is important because it gives us the opportunity to calculate the lifelong cost of the equipment and helps us plan for rising energy costs," said Tom Douglas, the district's director of maintenance.

"CenterPoint is working to encourage and help our communities conserve energy. We are excited to make Pasadena ISD a part of our efforts" said Gary Shadwell, SCORE Program Manager for CenterPoint Energy.

In the news:
Pasadena High BPA students put on
good showing at regionals

In the news:
Ruth Rabago named Pomeroy principal

In a sense, Ruth Rabago is heading back "home" as the newly appointed principal of Pomeroy Elementary.

Rabago served as an assistant principal at Pomeroy from 2000-2003 under the guidance of then-principal Susan Blalock. She said she has always held a special place in her heart for the campus.

"It was my first administrative job and the relationships with the students, parents and teachers created a huge family atmosphere," she said. "As principal, it will be just like coming home again."

In Rabago's new position, she will replace Liz Ortiz, who was recently named principal of North Central Middle School, which will open next fall.

Since 2004, Rabago has served with Blalock once again as assistant principal at Morris Fifth Grade Center. Rabago credits Blalock for helping prepare her to lead her own campus. "Susan is my mentor and a great principal," she said. "I owe so much to her. I will never forget her."

Rabago began her teaching career in 1996 in the Lufkin-Nacogdoches area, before coming to Garfield Elementary as a peer facilitator in 1998. She was then promoted as assistant principal at Pomeroy in 2000 and left the district in 2003 and served a short stint as a bilingual teacher in Nacogdoches ISD. She returned to the district in November 2003 as an assistant principal at Jessup Elementary. Rabago received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Rabago and her husband Joe (assistant principal at Miller Intermediate) have three children, Emmah, 5, Ellie, 2, and Tre, 7 months.

In the news:
$250,000 grant will provide added muscle
in fighting internet crimes against children

In the news:
Sam Rayburn students help prepare
eighth graders for high school

Transitioning from eighth grade to high school isn't always an easy task for most students. But Park View Intermediate eighth graders recently gained some insight into the 'big move' from Sam Rayburn High School freshmen and seniors as part of the school's GEAR UP program.

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded six-year initiative currently serving more than 2,800 eighth graders at eight of Pasadena ISD's 10 intermediate schools. GEAR UP is designed to encourage students to attend either a college or university after their high school graduation and to prepare them for college success. Park View's GEAR UP coordinator Laurie Etnyre said holding the transitional meetings with Rayburn students have helped their program reach its goals.

"Having the opportunity to speak with high school students allowed our eighth graders to develop a better understanding of what it will be like to move into the ninth grade," Etnyre said. "Hopefully their discussions with the Rayburn students helped them understand how important it is to attend class and to always do their homework and turn it in on time, which will also ultimately better prepare them for college."

A panel of seven Rayburn students including three freshmen who attended Park View last year and four seniors discussed a variety of topics with the eighth graders including extra-curricular activities, time management, Pre-AP and AP classes, and taking the PSAT, ACT and SAT.

"I hope the students listened to what we said, and hopefully they plan to participate in school activities and keep their grades up," said Rayburn senior Julie Nguyen. "I also hope they understand that high school is a step closer to being on their own in the real world, so they can't slack off anymore if that's what they're used to doing."

Park View eighth grader Gabriel Florez said speaking with the high school students made him feel less nervous about the transition.

"I have a better perspective and understanding now of what high school is going to be like," he said.

Rayburn's freshmen counselor Sandra Henry said students will face the challenge of having to pass all their classes every year because now graduation requires 26 credits as compared to the required 24 credits in the 2005-2006 school year.

"High school is fun but there is little time or tolerance for foolishness that takes time away from academics," said Henry. "The faculty is under pressure to teach certain concepts and expect their students to continue to learn on a daily basis."

Etnyre said some other major differences between high school and eighth grade include the size of the campus, the number of students and more strict tardy rules.

"Eighth graders can start preparing for high school now by making sure they go directly to their classes instead of slowly making their way to class while they socialize, and they need to make sure they write down what their assignments are and be sure to turn them all in," she said. "They can also help themselves make a smooth transition by taking school more seriously this last semester and by doing their very best."

Henry said students can also start preparing themselves for high school by increasing the amount and level of material they read every week as well as mentally prepare themselves about coming to high school and being serious about preparing for life after high school.

"I think asking questions and listening to experienced high school kids was a good way to understand what high school expects of us," said Park View eighth grader Favian Cortez.

Etnyre said the Rayburn students offered the eighth graders good advice and that overall the transitional meetings were a success.

"The high school students did a wonderful job speaking to our eighth graders about moving into high school," said Etnyre. "They were excited about talking to them, but they were also serious when and stressed the important areas with the students. I, along with my students, were so impressed."

In the news:
Students receive martial arts lessons
through $60,000 in scholarships

To be successful in life, young people must learn the lessons of self-respect and self-discipline, which is why Kuk Sool Won of Pasadena has awarded more than $60,000 in martial arts scholarships to Pasadena ISD students.

Named in honor of one Pasadena ISD student's aunt, Kuk Sool Won began the Sylvia Harding Scholarship program for Pasadena ISD students in grades K-12 in January 2006. The scholarships hold a monetary value of $1,500, which includes testing costs, 12 calendar months of training and one uniform for each scholarship winner.

Nineteen students from 10 campuses were recently awarded including Michael Rocha and Shellsea Avina from Morales Elementary, Javier Elizondo and Estefania Zarazva from Bailey Elementary, Gaby Tovor and Amanda Mireles from De Zavala Fifth Grade Center, Celestana Rivera and Kenesha Williams from Jensen Elementary, Janette Castillo from Gardens Elementary, Jonathan Solis and Ricardo Ocha from South Houston Elementary, Stephanie Hernandez and John Harris from Parks Elementary, Gerald Gonzalez and Diamaris Sanchez from Young Elementary, Clarissa Hernandez and Jamisson Wilson from Burnett Elementary, and Brennan Guidry and Rebecca Stephens from Moore Elementary.

Kuk Sool Won co-owner Jason Franklin said the ultimate goal of the program is to have at least one student from each Pasadena school attending classes on scholarship. "Reaching out to our local schools gives us a great opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of the children in our community," he said. "As long as we are able to bring the lessons of respect, discipline and self defense to as many students as possible, then we are achieving the true idea behind this program."

Each of these scholarships were awarded to students who attended Franklin's "Honest Talks" in their schools and then wrote an essay on how they believed martial arts would improve their life. The "talks" are centered on issues present in today's schools and among young people. The two most popular topics are "Dealing with Bullies" and "The Three Selfs: Self Respect, Self Discipline and Self Defense." Each essay was endorsed by a parent or guardian as well as a faculty member before consideration.

"The primary goal of our entire program is to improve the lives of our students outside our school by what they are learning inside our school," said Franklin. "If we teach our children 'Self Respect,' we will give them the power to say 'No.' If we teach our children 'Self Discipline,' we will give them the power to say 'Yes.' If we are able to give our children both of these, they will provide the next generation with a better culture and society than we have given them."

Aside from the mental development the students are offered at Kuk Sool Won, the students are also offered physical benefits through 20 different kicks and hand strikes, seven different moving forms (each of which takes several months to learn properly), as well as 226 different situational defensive techniques.

"Regardless of what we as parents may like to believe, the world we grew up in isn't here anymore," said Franklin. "Our children have to be taught a new way to deal with the never ending barrage of situations thrown at them on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of every parent, teacher, businessman and politician to help these children thrive in the culture and society we have provided for them."

Pasadena ISD's director of school and community relations Cindy Parmer said the scholarships provided by Kuk Sool Won offer unique and valuable opportunities for Pasadena students.

"By offering these scholarships to our students, Kuk Sool Won is providing a resource beyond the academic classroom-one that reaches into the community itself," said Parmer. "The district is fortunate to have partnerships such as this one. Kuk Sool Won has truly shown they care about the youth of our community, and we are grateful for their efforts."

In the news:
Motivational speaker prepares
Jackson students for TAKS, life

In the news:
Young students present "The Shoemaker and Elvis"

In the news:
Bailey students earn Kuk Sool Won scholarhships

In the news:
Tina Knowles is special guest at Summit event

In the news:
Program helps Park View students
dodge the dangers of the Internet

Students at Park View Intermediate are learning to surf safely on the Internet in the school's Cooperative for After-School Enrichment (CASE) program.

The "Keep Kids Safe" Internet safety project is targeting middle school students enrolled in after-school programs. Students attend a teen summit where they discuss Internet safety issues. Through a compelling, interactive software program called "Missing" by Web Wise Kids, teens learn about Internet safety.

The program is being initiated by CASE and U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson and $240,000 in federal appropriations funding. Lampson recently visited Park View Intermediate to speak to students and promote the Internet safety initiative.

"While computers are wonderful tools to explore the world and learn, there may also be dangers associated with Internet usage," Park View Principal Rob Hasson said. "This has become an increasingly pressing issue, and I appreciate the efforts of CASE and Congressman Lampson and their commitment to student safety."

During Lampson's visit to Park View, students demonstrated how the Web Wise Kids program teaches them how to avoid Internet dangers.

"We hope that these students will use that knowledge as a source of empowerment to help create Internet safety training materials for younger children to use in their school districts and communities," said CASE Director Shannon Bishop.

Lampson said parents and teachers form the front line when it comes to keeping children safe, but keeping children safe is a shared responsibility. "The Web Wise Kids Program provides parents, teachers and children with information to combat child exploitation and will help make the Internet a safer place," he added.

The efforts at Park View are just one of many Internet safety initiatives taking place districtwide. Pasadena ISD offers parent Internet safety training as part of its usual safety sessions offered through the Pasadena ISD Police Department and Safe and Drug Free Schools.

In May 2007, the Educational Technology Network, a group of school district instructional technology professionals, held its first-ever Internet Safety Week and provided age-appropriate curriculum throughout the week to teach students what they need to look for and how they can become better and safer Internet users. The topics included cyber bullying, e-mail, social networking, and personal information. The topics were taught with a positive tone that encouraged computer and Internet usage while taking proper precautionary measures. Plans are in the works for this year's Internet Safety Week this May.

In the news:
Former Dobie football standout selected
to play in East-West Shrine Game

Former Dobie High School standout and University of Arizona senior defensive tackle Lionel Dotson is heading back to Houston on Jan. 18 to play in the East-West Shrine All-Star Game at Robertson Stadium on the University of Houston campus.

Dotson, who graduated from Dobie in 2003, was one of the defensive leaders for Arizona this year. He was a three-year starter and earned honorable mention All-PAC 10 honors in 2006.

After a record-setting career at Dobie as a defensive end, Dotson was touted as a top defensive recruit by the Houston Chronicle, the Dallas Morning News and the Fort Worth Star Telegram. He also received high praise by numerous regional football publications including Texas Football. During his senior year at Dobie, Dotson was nominated for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and received the U.S. Marine Corps Award for distinguished athletes.

Off of the football field, Dotson is majoring in sociology at Arizona. He is the son of Sheryl Dotson of Houston and Lionel Dotson, Sr. of Austin.

The East-West Shrine Game will be televised nationally on ESPN2. Tickets for the game may still be purchased at the University of Houston ticket office.

In the news:
Memorial running back Snelson
receives national honor

As one of the leading rushers in the Houston area, Pasadena Memorial High School running back Bo Snelson turned the heads of many onlookers. Now, he's doing it on a national level.

Snelson was recently named the Old Spice "Red Zone" Player of the Year. He was one of 50 winners nationwide and was among 2,000 players nominated for the honor. His name will be listed among the winners in the Feb. 7 edition of USA Today.

The junior tailback was the fifth leading rusher in the Houston area this year, running for 2,134 yards and averaging 7.9 yards per carry. He was also second in the area in rushing touchdowns with 31 successful trips to the end zone.

His father, John, is Memorial's head football coach. Upon hearing the announcement of his son's honor, he said, "Needless to say, I am one proud dad today."

Snelson was not only selected for the award because of his performance on the field, but for his commitment in the classroom as well. The criteria for the award included on-field performance, along with exhibiting strong academic and leadership qualities. He is enrolled in all advanced-level courses and currently ranks in the top 20 of his class.

According to his father, Snelson would like to attend the Naval Academy after graduation in May 2009.

"He's a great kid and gives 110 percent in everything he does whether it's athletically or academically," said Memorial principal Billye Smith. "We are very proud of him."

In the news:
Sam Rayburn student named semifinalist
in Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Sam Rayburn High School student Kimberly Palmer was recently selected as a semifinalist in the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.

Palmer was among 43 high school students in the Greater Houston and Southeast Texas area that were chosen as semifinalists. She is the daughter of Keith and Susan Palmer.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is one of the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship programs of its kind in the United States. The students rank with approximately 2,000 seniors who are in the running for $3 million in college scholarships that the foundation will award in spring 2008.

Students are selected as semifinalists based on their level of academic excellence, leadership and achievement demonstrated in school and community activities. As semifinalists, students must submit additional information that will be reviewed in February by a committee comprised of 30 educators from high schools and universities throughout the United States. If they advance, the students will be among a total of 250 finalists who will travel to Atlanta April 24-27 to attend the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend.

The students will then attend a final interview process that will determine whether they are designated as either a National or Regional Scholar. The 50 National Scholars will each receive a $20,000 scholarship award, while the 200 Regional Scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship.

In the news:
Gig 'em Eagles: Pasadena High students
take tour of Texas A&M campus

Pasadena High School students recently received a taste of Aggie tradition as the top 10 percent of the junior class visited the Texas A&M campus for a field trip.

Junior class counselor Connie Clark said she took the students on the field trip because many haven't visited a college campus before and she wanted the trip to serve as motivation for the students to keep their grades up.

"I want these students to walk on a university campus so they know what it feels like," Clark said. "It was such a wonderful experience, and the top 10 percent of the class are guaranteed admission if they remain in the top 10 percent."

After receiving the university's 2006 VIC (Very Important Counselor) award, Clark said she wanted the students to experience the academic excellence, tradition and courtesy that was demonstrated to her when she visited the campus.

"This was a good experience for these kids because they could see how extremely rewarding the college experience is," Clark said. "Students will never really have a clear perception of college until they tour a campus."

Among the college perks that could be seen just by walking around the campus, Clark said her students noticed there aren't any bells in college, kids were riding bikes, there isn't a dress code, students were campaigning for political and civil rights causes and students were studying intensely.

"This experience enhanced the desire for those who want to go to college because they are ready to begin the quest for goals," Clark said. "They could see there is so much more to college than what they hear about it. Many students feel as though a junior college is their only choice, but walking on a college campus helps inspire them to look at other possibilities. Students also realize that even if they do attend a two-year college, they have broader choices beyond the Houston area after they complete their basic studies."

The students were able to tour the Kyle Field Sports Museum and eat lunch at the Sbisa Dining Hall. After lunch, they walked the campus and asked their tour guide questions. They learned traditional Aggie chants and toured the Corps of Cadets hall and museum. The students also attended an admissions session in which they learned about submitting an application, degree plans, financial aid and housing.

While A&M is an excellent choice for a university, Clark said it may not be the perfect one for each individual and that each student must choose a college that will best help them achieve their goals.

"While in high school, students are greatly influenced by the opinions of others," Clark said. "They may see a brochure and immediately like a campus or listen to friends and choose a campus. But the bottom line is that a student must feel comfortable with the choice. I strongly suggest students tour as many campuses as possible and select the one that fits with their needs and/or wants."

Clark said it's important for students to start preparing for college at the start of their high school career. She said the biggest mistake most students make is taking it easy their senior year in high school. Taking Advanced Placement courses all four years, and including a math class every year are ways to help better prepare for college, Clark said.

"Students must take the highest level classes, and they must take math each year in high school," said Clark. "Many students are beginning college in remedial math because they want to have an easy senior year. One year without math is a huge deficit when beginning college, and many students get discouraged and fail or drop out because they weren't prepared for their first year of college."

Taking the PSAT and the SAT and ACT before the end of their junior is also an important way for students to be prepared for their senior year and for college. Clark said doing well on the exit TAKS exams will also help students earn exemptions on the Texas THEA or COMPASS exams.

During their trip to A&M, the students also had the opportunity to speak with a couple of recent Pasadena High graduates who are now attending the university. Clark said she hopes this experience and speaking with PHS graduates will help the students realize anything is possible.

"My goal for these students was for them to see that attending a major university is very possible for them, especially since they have excelled while in high school and have achieved the requirements for admission," Clark said. "I believe any student can go to college if he/she chooses to do so. Through this experience, I hope my kids realized that higher education is the stepping stone for achieving goals."

In the news:
San Jacinto Intermediate students
raise $1,000 for Officer Santa program

San Jacinto Intermediate School Teen Leadership classes helped hundreds of local children through the holidays as they raised $1,000 and collected 50 toys recently for the Pasadena Police Department's "Officer Santa" program.

Officer Santa helps needy children and families in the Pasadena area by providing toys, clothes and food needed or wanted for the holidays.

The school's teen leadership sponsor Tonia Reed said the classes discussed the different programs in Pasadena that reach out to people. After Pasadena Police Officer Bo Powers spoke with the students about what they could do to help the Officer Santa program, the students wrote a proposal to school administrators to allow them to hold a dance where students could pay $5 or bring a new toy to attend.

"I am completely overwhelmed at the hard work and generosity our students showed in a time of need," said Reed. "These are kids that saw a program in need and decided they wanted to be a part of it. They are selfless givers."

Some Teen Leadership concepts taught in class include how to become a better person and a societal contributor as well as how to develop leadership qualities.

"Learning to lead helps the students with their goals in life," Reed said. "This project gave them an opportunity to grow as individuals and build their confidence through helping others. They need to understand the difference they can make early in life so they can see the bigger impact later on."

Teen Leadership student Aleyda Salazar said it's important for young people to be active in the community by helping others.

"If we help in this way, people will see that we truly care about our community and the people around us," Salazar said.

Reed said the students' participation in this project will also help them build meaningful relationships and the value of helping others.

"Contributing to their community helps these kids understand that school is not just for core subjects and that there is a lot more in life they have to achieve," she said. "Some people feel as though what they have or what they look like makes them the best when really the greatness comes from within. They have to learn now they can make a difference, and through their efforts, I hope my students understand the impact they have had on others."