Inside Aldine - Aldine Independent School District
Inside Aldine - Aldine Independent School District
Inside Aldine - Aldine Independent School District
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Spring<br />
2007<br />
Vol. 29, No. 3<br />
<strong>Inside</strong> <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Discover News, Information and More about <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD’s <strong>School</strong>s<br />
AISD FFA students eclipse $120,000 mark at 48th Annual Livestock Show<br />
Nimitz High <strong>School</strong>’s Amanda Ruscher shows off her grand champion<br />
steer at the 48th annual <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD FFA Livestock Show and Country<br />
Fair. First Construction Group purchased the steer for a record-setting<br />
$18,000. For the second consecutive year, a new sales record was established<br />
at the 48th annual Livestock Show and Country Fair, held Feb. 9<br />
at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. Members of the <strong>Aldine</strong> community<br />
pledged $120,400 for various projects, eclipsing last year’s mark<br />
of $100,000. Read the story on page 3<br />
2007-08<br />
school year calendar<br />
The <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD Board of Education<br />
approved the following<br />
school calendar for the 2007-08<br />
school year during the Jan. 23<br />
board meeting:<br />
• Aug. 16-17 (Thur.-Fri.)<br />
staff development days<br />
• Aug. 20-24 (Monday-Friday)<br />
staff development days<br />
• Aug. 27 (Monday)<br />
first day of instruction<br />
• Sept. 3 (Monday)<br />
Labor Day holiday<br />
• Nov. 21-23 (Wed.-Fri.)<br />
Thanksgiving holiday<br />
• Dec. 20-Jan. 2 (Thur.-Wed.)<br />
– Midwinter Break<br />
• Jan. 17 (Thursday)<br />
end of first semester<br />
(90 instructional days)<br />
• Jan. 18 (Friday)<br />
staff development day<br />
(student holiday)<br />
• Jan. 21 (Monday)<br />
Martin Luther King Jr. holiday<br />
• Jan. 22 (Tuesday)<br />
beginning of second semester<br />
• March 17-21 (Mon.-Fri.)<br />
Spring break<br />
• March 24 (Monday)<br />
staff development day<br />
(student holiday)<br />
• May 26 (Monday)<br />
Memorial Day holiday<br />
• May 30 – (Friday)<br />
end of second semester<br />
(87 instructional days)<br />
• May 30 – (Friday)<br />
last day of instruction<br />
• June 2 (Monday)<br />
staff development day<br />
Should inclement weather force<br />
school to be canceled during the<br />
2007-08 school year, those days<br />
would be made up Nov. 21, Dec.<br />
20, March 24 and June 2.<br />
NONPROFIT ORG.<br />
CARRIER ROUTE PRESORT<br />
U.S. POSTAGE PAID<br />
HOUSTON, TX<br />
PERMIT NO. 5194<br />
ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT<br />
14910 ALDINE WESTFIELD ROAD<br />
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77032-3099<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD Board approves<br />
schoolhouse bond referendum<br />
The <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD Board of Education unanimously passed an order to hold an election<br />
on Saturday, May 12, to seek voter authorization for the sale of schoolhouse bonds.<br />
A needs assessment committee of<br />
parents and community partners<br />
recommended the projects to the<br />
school board after reviewing a district<br />
needs assessment in the fall<br />
of 2006. The board studied the<br />
committee’s recommendation for<br />
two months before taking action<br />
at the Feb. 20 meeting.<br />
The amount of the bond proposal is<br />
$365 million and includes the construction<br />
of new schools, renovations,<br />
replacements and other projects<br />
to meet the needs of the school<br />
district over the next 10 years.<br />
“Our district continues to grow. In<br />
the last six years alone, we have<br />
welcomed 6,000 new students to<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD and our student population<br />
has reached nearly 59,000<br />
students,” said Superintendent<br />
Nadine Kujawa. “In order to meet<br />
the needs of our students, and the<br />
growth in the district, and to provide<br />
them with the best possible<br />
environment to attain academic<br />
success, our community came together<br />
to study the needs assessments<br />
of this district and recommend<br />
to our board that a bond<br />
referendum be called.<br />
“The growth <strong>Aldine</strong> is experiencing<br />
has forced the district to teach approximately<br />
6,050 of its students in<br />
121 temporary buildings throughout<br />
the district. The 10,265 new<br />
homes planned, or under construction,<br />
in the district will add another<br />
5,671 new students over the<br />
next five years, which means new<br />
schools and additional facilities will<br />
be needed to accommodate the<br />
projected growth,” Kujawa said.<br />
If approved by voters, the bond<br />
proposal would pay for the construction<br />
of 12 new schools.<br />
Additionally, the bond referendum<br />
would provide for the construction<br />
of a school bus transportation facility,<br />
renovation of several facilities including<br />
magnet schools, cafeterias,<br />
science labs, band and choir halls,<br />
and art classrooms; replacing air<br />
conditioner chillers, roofs and cabinets,<br />
purchasing air conditioned<br />
buses and more than $7.1 million in<br />
safety and security improvements.<br />
If voters approve the bond proposal,<br />
the district will sell bonds as<br />
needed for the construction of new<br />
schools, renovations, purchases,<br />
replacements and improvements<br />
that are outlined in the proposal. As<br />
schoolhouse bonds are sold, the interest<br />
and sinking (I&S) portion of<br />
the total tax rate will increase. If the<br />
schoolhouse bond proposal is approved,<br />
AISD plans to sell $60 million<br />
in bonds<br />
in 2007 for<br />
an I&S rate<br />
increase of<br />
four cents.<br />
The maximum<br />
I&S rate<br />
increase is 20<br />
cents based<br />
on the sale<br />
of the schoolhouse<br />
bonds<br />
totaling $365<br />
million. By<br />
the year 2015,<br />
the I&S rate<br />
will begin to<br />
gradually decrease<br />
over<br />
the 25-year<br />
life of the<br />
schoolhouse<br />
bonds. The<br />
tax increase<br />
Proposed<br />
Construction Projects<br />
4 EC/PK Centers .......... (August ‘08 and ‘09)<br />
2 Elementary <strong>School</strong>s ...... (August ‘08 and ‘09)<br />
2 Intermediate <strong>School</strong>s ..... (August ‘09 and ‘10)<br />
2 Middle <strong>School</strong>s ......... (August ‘09 and ‘11)*<br />
1 Ninth Grade <strong>School</strong>. ........... (August ‘13)*<br />
1 High <strong>School</strong> ................. (August ‘12)*<br />
1 Transportation Facility<br />
* projected, based on student needs<br />
for the average homeowner (the average<br />
value of a home in <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD<br />
is $93,000) in AISD under the bond<br />
proposal would range from $2.62<br />
per month to a projected maximum<br />
of $15 per month, depending on the<br />
total amount of schoolhouse bonds<br />
sold in a given year.<br />
If approved, the schoolhouse bond<br />
proposal will not increase property<br />
taxes of homeowners who are 65<br />
years old and older or disabled.<br />
AISD scheduled a series of community<br />
informational meetings held<br />
throughout the district beginning in<br />
April and running through May 3.<br />
Early voting was scheduled from<br />
April 30-May 8 at several locations<br />
(see table) from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.<br />
On Saturday, May 12, polls will be<br />
open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at<br />
your Precinct location (see table).<br />
Early Voting Dates (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)<br />
Mon., April 30-Sat., May 5 and Mon., May 7- Tues., May 8<br />
Central Office, 14910 <strong>Aldine</strong> Westfield Rd.<br />
Monday, April 30<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Senior High <strong>School</strong>, 11101 Airline Drive<br />
Tuesday, May 1<br />
Carver Senior High <strong>School</strong>, 2100 South Victory Drive<br />
Wednesday, May 2<br />
Eisenhower Sr. High <strong>School</strong>, 7922 Antoine Drive<br />
Thursday, May 3<br />
MacArthur Sr. High <strong>School</strong>, 4400 <strong>Aldine</strong> Mail Route<br />
Friday, May 4<br />
Nimitz Sr. High <strong>School</strong>, 2005 W.W. Thorne Drive<br />
Voting Locations for May 12<br />
(open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)<br />
Precinct A<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Middle <strong>School</strong>, 14908 <strong>Aldine</strong> Westfield Road<br />
Precinct B<br />
Worsham Elementary <strong>School</strong>, 3007 Hartwick<br />
Precinct C<br />
MacArthur Senior High <strong>School</strong>, 4400 <strong>Aldine</strong> Mail Route<br />
Precinct D<br />
Stovall Middle <strong>School</strong>, 11201 Airline Drive<br />
Precinct E<br />
Drew Academy, 1910 West Little York<br />
Precinct F<br />
Smith Academy, 5815 West Little York<br />
Precinct G<br />
Shotwell Middle <strong>School</strong>, 6515 Trail Valley Way<br />
Precinct H<br />
Magrill Elementary <strong>School</strong>, 21701 Rayford Road<br />
Dr. Wanda Bamberg<br />
to succeed Kujawa<br />
During the Jan. 23 Board<br />
of Education meeting,<br />
AISD Trustees unanimously<br />
voted to name Dr. Wanda<br />
Bamberg as <strong>Aldine</strong>’s<br />
next superintendent to<br />
succeed Nadine Kujawa,<br />
who will retire on May 31,<br />
2007.<br />
Dr. Bamberg received her bachelor’s<br />
degree in English from the<br />
University of Alabama in 1977, and<br />
her master’s degree in secondary<br />
education from the same university<br />
in 1979. She received her doctorate<br />
in educational leadership from Sam<br />
Houston State University in 2004.<br />
Dr. Bamberg is certified as a superintendent.<br />
She began her teaching career in the<br />
Tuscaloosa County <strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong><br />
in 1977 where she was assigned to<br />
teach English at Boteler Junior High<br />
<strong>School</strong>. In 1981, she transferred to<br />
Hillcrest High <strong>School</strong> where she<br />
continued to teach English. In 1982,<br />
Dr. Bamberg moved to the Houston<br />
area and joined <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD. She was<br />
assigned to teach English and reading<br />
at Hoffman Middle <strong>School</strong>. In<br />
1987, she was named the program<br />
director of middle school language<br />
arts and in January, 1997, she was<br />
promoted to the position of director<br />
of curriculum and instruction.<br />
In 1998, she was named executive<br />
director of curriculum and instruction<br />
and in July 2001, she moved<br />
into her present position as assistant<br />
superintendent of curriculum<br />
and instruction.<br />
Dr. Bamberg has 29 years of experience<br />
in the field of education and<br />
she has spent 25 of those years in<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD. Dr. Bamberg and her<br />
husband David have a son, who is a<br />
sophomore in high school.
<strong>Inside</strong> <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Spring 2007<br />
Page 2<br />
<strong>School</strong>s & Community<br />
The Prairie View<br />
Trail Riders passed<br />
by Reece Academy<br />
on their way to<br />
Memorial Park on<br />
Go Texan Day.<br />
Dear Parents:<br />
Twelve years ago, former Superintendent<br />
M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson established<br />
a mantra that this school district<br />
follows to this day: “The main thing<br />
is to keep the main thing the main<br />
thing!” Over the last 12 years, we have<br />
stayed true to that mantra, making the<br />
academic achievement of our students<br />
our number one concern, while adding<br />
a little lagniappe (an extra or unexpected<br />
gift or benefit) along the way.<br />
We stayed the course, saw it through,<br />
and just did it, never wavering in our<br />
belief that <strong>Aldine</strong> students can and will<br />
learn. Our focus has always been keeping<br />
the main thing the main thing.<br />
As long as we stay true to that core<br />
belief, <strong>Aldine</strong> children will continue to<br />
learn, exceed expectations and be successful<br />
in and out of the classroom.<br />
As many of you know, I will be retiring<br />
in May after 42 years of service to<br />
this school district: a product of <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
ISD and a proud graduate of <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Senior High <strong>School</strong>. <strong>Aldine</strong> has been<br />
my home my entire professional career<br />
and I am proud of the success this<br />
school district has accomplished. I am<br />
confident that success will continue as<br />
Dr. Wanda Bamberg succeeds me as<br />
superintendent on June 1.<br />
Dr. Bamberg brings a wealth of skills<br />
and expertise to this very important<br />
leadership position. The superintendent<br />
is the chief instructional officer<br />
of the district and she has been instrumental<br />
in the development of <strong>Aldine</strong>’s<br />
instructional program. She has<br />
worked diligently to align our teaching<br />
strategies and curriculum with the<br />
state’s standards to give our students<br />
the best opportunities to learn and<br />
demonstrate mastery learning on state<br />
tests. In welcoming input from teachers,<br />
she has also led our curriculum<br />
department in charting the direction<br />
of professional training to ensure that<br />
we meet the needs of students and<br />
provide the tools necessary to increase<br />
student achievement.<br />
Additionally, Dr. Bamberg has been<br />
deeply involved in the strategic planning<br />
of the district for the past six<br />
years. Her knowledge and understanding<br />
of process management, the planning<br />
process, strategic action plans<br />
and scorecards are unequaled. She has<br />
provided the leadership in improving<br />
the way we plan for the future, and we<br />
have seen student achievement rise as<br />
schools throughout the district have<br />
put these plans to work. Finally, Dr.<br />
Bamberg has worked with the Vertical<br />
Education Advisory Committee, a<br />
group of 300 staff members who serve<br />
to advise the superintendent as the district<br />
plans for the future. This group is<br />
an effective collaborative body, which<br />
takes its responsibilities as a positive<br />
force in the district very seriously.<br />
I trust that you, our parents and community,<br />
have now become a little more<br />
acquainted with Wanda Bamberg. Our<br />
board of education conducted a thorough<br />
and detailed search in naming<br />
my successor, and they believe in her<br />
ability to serve as a strong leader. She<br />
recognizes the value of considering<br />
many points of view, using data, and<br />
weighing the consequences of decisions<br />
to be made. Without question,<br />
she can lead this district and will be a<br />
strong leader for years to come.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Nadine Kujawa,<br />
Superintendent of <strong>School</strong>s<br />
Stevens, Hempy named <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD’s top teachers<br />
MaryElla Neeley Stevens of Carter Academy and Evelyn Hempy of Stovall Middle<br />
<strong>School</strong> were named <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD Teachers of the Year during the district’s annual Teacher<br />
of the Year Breakfast, held Friday, March 23, at the Greenspoint Wyndham Hotel.<br />
Stevens was named AISD’s Elementary/Intermediate<br />
Teacher of the<br />
Year, while Hempy was named the<br />
district’s Middle <strong>School</strong>/High <strong>School</strong><br />
Teacher of the Year.<br />
Stevens and Hempy were selected<br />
from six finalists chosen for the<br />
prestigious award by a committee of<br />
fellow teachers, administrators and<br />
community members.<br />
The four other finalists were Cindy<br />
Bartos of Hill Intermediate <strong>School</strong>,<br />
Caroline Fonseca of Magrill Elementary,<br />
Todd Gonion of Carver High<br />
<strong>School</strong> and Jeffrey Brush of Eisenhower<br />
Senior High <strong>School</strong>.<br />
Stevens, Hempy, the four finalists and<br />
the campus Teachers of the Year, were<br />
also honored by a number of North<br />
Houston/Greenspoint area businesses<br />
that donated gifts to them.<br />
Continental Airlines presented Stevens<br />
and Hempy each with a firstclass<br />
round-trip ticket to anywhere<br />
Continental Airlines flies in the<br />
continental United States. Halliburton<br />
presented the two winners with<br />
$500 each, while InvesTex Credit<br />
Union presented the two winners<br />
with $200 each. North Houston<br />
Bank provided Stevens and Hempy<br />
each with a $100 Macy’s gift card,<br />
while Greenspoint Mall provided<br />
each winner with a $50 gift card.<br />
The Houston Astros presented the<br />
two winners with a collector’s edition<br />
lunch box, which included an<br />
official autographed baseball from<br />
the team and other nice mementos.<br />
Splashtown awarded Stevens and<br />
Hempy a Splashtown family of four<br />
season pass, and Splashtown, along<br />
with the Downtown Tomball Merchants<br />
Association presented each<br />
winner with a $25 gift certificate.<br />
Additionally, each winner received<br />
two tickets to a Houston Rockets<br />
game and the Holiday Inn Intercontinental<br />
Airport presented Stevens<br />
and Hempy with an overnight stay<br />
and breakfast.<br />
The four finalists each received a<br />
$100 Macy’s gift card courtesy of<br />
North Houston Bank, a $50 gift<br />
card to Pappa’s and a Brookside<br />
Mug from Brookside Funeral Home,<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong>’s Campus Teachers of the Year<br />
Jonathan Alan Bain<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Elementary<br />
Linda Davis Durant<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Middle <strong>School</strong><br />
Leslie Mike<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Ninth Grade <strong>School</strong><br />
Walter Lane<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Senior High <strong>School</strong><br />
Lilia Quinterro<br />
Anderson Academy<br />
Sherry Maze<br />
Bethune Academy<br />
Susan G. Gower<br />
Black Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Noralba G. Pulido<br />
Bussey Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Sheryl Hays<br />
Calvert Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Joyce Murray<br />
Caraway Intermediate <strong>School</strong><br />
Oscar G. Verduzco<br />
Carmichael Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Juan Ceccato<br />
Carroll Academy<br />
Pictured are (from left to right) <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD Superintendent Nadine<br />
Kujawa, <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD’s Elementary/Intermediate Teacher of<br />
the Year MaryElla Neeley Stevens, the district’s Middle <strong>School</strong>/<br />
High <strong>School</strong> Teacher of the Year Evelyn Hempy, and Board of<br />
Education President Marine Jones.<br />
another $50 Pappa’s gift card courtesy<br />
of Pioneer-Stonehedge Homes,<br />
a one-day admission for two from<br />
Splashtown and tickets for two to<br />
a Rockets game from the Houston<br />
Rockets.<br />
All of the campus Teachers of the Year<br />
received discounted meals for two<br />
courtesy of Splashtown and Sweet Tomatoes<br />
Restaurant at Willowbrook, a<br />
giant gift bag full of mementos from<br />
Trader’s Village, Global Company<br />
Real Estate in Tomball and Splashtown,<br />
admission for two to the Laff<br />
Stop courtesy of Reggie Gray and the<br />
North Houston Greenspoint Chamber<br />
of Commerce and a $5 Starbucks<br />
gift card from GIF Management Services,<br />
which manages all of City View’s<br />
properties. Additionally, each campus<br />
Teacher of the Year received a gift certificate<br />
good for two tickets to a show<br />
of their choice at the Houston Family<br />
Arts Center courtesy of Jenna Burns<br />
and the Houston Family Arts Center.<br />
Stevens said her goal as a teacher is<br />
to create lifelong learners.<br />
“A teacher transfers knowledge and<br />
creates lifelong learners,” she said.<br />
“A teacher is fair, firm, and patient.<br />
A teacher meets the obstacles and<br />
delights in the ‘ah-ha’ moments.<br />
And a teacher approaches students’<br />
discovery by presenting material<br />
and concepts in a variety of contexts<br />
and by having students perform the<br />
Tammany Ryals<br />
COMPASS<br />
Richard Gabriel Woods<br />
Conley Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Julie Mata<br />
de Santiago EC/PK Center<br />
Hannah B. Walker<br />
Drew Academy<br />
Nancy Priest<br />
Dunn Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Christine June Davis<br />
Eckert Intermediate <strong>School</strong><br />
Mitchell J. Briant<br />
Eisenhower Ninth Grade <strong>School</strong><br />
Reta R. Johnson<br />
Ermel Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Suzie M. Tyson<br />
Escamilla Intermediate <strong>School</strong><br />
Sheron Q. Williams<br />
Francis Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Julie Hooper Settlage<br />
Goodman Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
John A. Rodak<br />
Grantham Academy<br />
Bridgett Wofford<br />
Gray Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Anette Brines<br />
Hall High <strong>School</strong><br />
Valerie Cherise Sutton<br />
Hambrick Middle <strong>School</strong><br />
Antoinette Hart<br />
Harris Academy<br />
Ethel Hernández<br />
Hinojosa EC/PK Center<br />
Vy T. Do<br />
Hoffman Middle <strong>School</strong><br />
Ravonne D. French<br />
Simpson Houston Academy<br />
Cindy Aispuro<br />
Johnson Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Norma Lucio<br />
Keeble EC/PK Center<br />
Ramona Harris<br />
Lane <strong>School</strong>/GAP<br />
Ronshon Jeffery<br />
MacArthur Ninth Grade <strong>School</strong><br />
Roy Sanders<br />
MacArthur High <strong>School</strong><br />
knowledge acquired.”<br />
Hempy said she believes teachers<br />
can have a great impact on the lives<br />
of the children they teach.<br />
“Good teachers impact the lives of<br />
their students,” she said. While I<br />
could seek a position as a principal,<br />
I have chosen not to leave the classroom.<br />
I believe that I have a greater<br />
impact in the classroom. I love to<br />
be close to my students. I earn their<br />
respect because I am able to teach<br />
them math and I feel I am teaching<br />
my students to be prepared for life.”<br />
Prior to announcing the six finalists,<br />
each of the district’s campus Teachers<br />
of the Year were introduced by<br />
their principals.<br />
Lisa Edwards, Title 1 program director,<br />
chaired the Teacher of the Year<br />
Committee. The committee consisted<br />
of Carrie Durley, executive director<br />
of human resources, Mike Hall of<br />
MacArthur Senior High <strong>School</strong>, Amy<br />
Paradise of Hall Center for Education,<br />
Michelle Martin of Keeble EC/<br />
PK Center, Tami Kozelsky of Wilson<br />
Academy, Carolyn Jaggers a Behavior<br />
Intervention Specialist, and parent<br />
representative Dawn Lara.<br />
Ross Enterprises, Boullion Graphics,<br />
Hawes Hill Calderon, North Harris<br />
College, Magoo’s PrintShop, State<br />
Farm Insurance and Power Procurement<br />
Specialists underwrote the<br />
Teacher of the Year Breakfast.<br />
Kasha Reese<br />
Mendel Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
LaTreshia Williams<br />
Nimitz Ninth Grade <strong>School</strong><br />
Charles Nichols<br />
Nimitz Senior High <strong>School</strong><br />
Sharmekia Dansby<br />
Odom Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Kristin Smith<br />
Oleson Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Cynthia “Cyndy” S. Davis<br />
Orange Grove Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Ray Tietze<br />
Parker Intermediate <strong>School</strong><br />
André L. Smith<br />
Plummer Middle <strong>School</strong><br />
Linda Fleming<br />
Raymond Academy<br />
Wykenia Smith<br />
Reece Academy<br />
Cedric B. Stewart<br />
Reed Academy<br />
Henry D. King<br />
Sammons Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Nimitz students earn<br />
TMEA all-state honors<br />
Four Nimitz Senior High<br />
<strong>School</strong> students recently<br />
earned Texas Music Educators<br />
Association (TMEA)<br />
all-state honors.<br />
Band students Cameron Wolfe and<br />
JerMarcus McGowen, both seniors,<br />
earned all-state honors, as did choir<br />
students Juan Polanco, a senior, and<br />
Nick Szoeke, a freshman.<br />
The band students are under the<br />
direction of Stephen Jones and Jeff<br />
Tienor, while the choir students are<br />
under the direction of Scott Surface<br />
and Dana Gibson.<br />
Seven qualify<br />
as Dell Scholars<br />
semifinalists<br />
The Eisenhower High<br />
<strong>School</strong> seniors have qualified<br />
as semifinalists as<br />
Dell Scholars, a $20,000<br />
scholarship from the Dell<br />
Foundation awarded to<br />
students who have participated<br />
in a college readiness<br />
program.<br />
All of the students have participated<br />
in AVID (Advancement Via Individual<br />
Determination), a nationally<br />
known college readiness program<br />
implemented in the Eisenhower<br />
vertical feeder system.<br />
The seven students are: Idzel James,<br />
Chantrell Earnest, Waldir Portillo,<br />
Ivan Frías, Courtney Williams, Daisy<br />
Miranda, and Pedro Bueno.<br />
Last year, the Dell Foundation<br />
awarded 160 scholarships nationwide.<br />
Eisenhower High produced<br />
two scholarship recipients in 2005<br />
and two more in 2006. Eisenhower’s<br />
AVID site coordinator is Camille<br />
Hall. The Dell Scholars program is a<br />
need-based scholarship that recognizes<br />
academic potential in underserved<br />
and low-income students.<br />
The application for the 2008 class<br />
will open in the fall of 2007.<br />
Charlotte D. Davis<br />
Shotwell Middle <strong>School</strong><br />
Laura K. Ijaz<br />
Smith Academy<br />
Dawn Samuel<br />
Spence Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Roshanda S. Griffin<br />
Stehlik Intermediate <strong>School</strong><br />
David Dalton<br />
Stephens Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Charlotte Susan Kerr<br />
Stovall Academy<br />
Emily Darlene McGowen<br />
Teague Middle <strong>School</strong><br />
Patricia D. Randle<br />
Thompson Elementary <strong>School</strong><br />
Lisa D. Rogers<br />
Vines EC/PK Center<br />
Katherine Sells<br />
Wilson Intermediate <strong>School</strong><br />
Carmen Indelicato<br />
Worsham Elementary <strong>School</strong>
<strong>Inside</strong> <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Spring 2007<br />
Page 3<br />
<strong>School</strong>s & Community<br />
Changson Ren with<br />
the Consulate of<br />
Education of China<br />
visited Keeble<br />
EC/PK during its<br />
International Parade.<br />
State and <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD<br />
graduation and<br />
promotion requirements<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD wants to make sure<br />
parents and guardians are kept<br />
informed of what is required of<br />
their children to graduate and be<br />
able to participate (walk) in their<br />
respective graduation ceremonies.<br />
Additionally, parents also<br />
need to be informed of promotion<br />
requirements from one grade<br />
level to the next.<br />
With that in mind, <strong>Inside</strong> <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
will publish those requirements<br />
in each edition beginning with the<br />
Back To <strong>School</strong> edition.<br />
High <strong>School</strong> Level<br />
Below are the state and district requirements<br />
an AISD senior must<br />
meet to graduate and participate<br />
(walk) in graduation ceremonies.<br />
To receive a diploma in <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
ISD, a student must:<br />
• complete all the necessary<br />
coursework for graduation,<br />
• earn the required number of<br />
credits,<br />
• and pass ALL parts of the exit<br />
level Texas Assessment of<br />
Knowledge and Skills (TAKS)<br />
test.<br />
The exit level TAKS includes four<br />
subject areas: English language<br />
arts, math, science and social studies.<br />
The exit level TAKS test is given<br />
in the spring of the student’s junior<br />
year (11th grade) of high school.<br />
If a student passes all parts of the<br />
test on his/her first try, he/she will<br />
have fulfilled his/her testing requirement<br />
for graduation (walking).<br />
A complete list of graduation<br />
requirements can be found in the<br />
High <strong>School</strong> Planning Guide or in<br />
the counseling office at the student’s<br />
high school campus.<br />
Elementary Level<br />
In order for students to be promoted<br />
at the elementary level,<br />
students must achieve an overall<br />
average of 70 or better in reading<br />
and math.<br />
Additionally, third-grade students<br />
must pass the TAKS reading test in<br />
order to be eligible for promotion<br />
to the fourth grade.<br />
Intermediate Level<br />
In order for students to be promoted<br />
from one grade to another<br />
in intermediate school, students<br />
must achieve an overall average<br />
of 70 or better in each of the following<br />
courses: English, reading,<br />
math, science and social studies.<br />
Additionally, fifth-grade students<br />
must pass the TAKS reading and<br />
math tests to be eligible to be promoted<br />
to sixth grade.<br />
Middle <strong>School</strong> Level<br />
In order for students to be promoted<br />
from one grade to another<br />
in middle school, students must<br />
achieve an overall average of 70<br />
or better in each of the following<br />
courses: English, reading, math,<br />
science and social studies.<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong>’s Vision<br />
Produce the Nation’s Best<br />
Our Mission<br />
We exist to prepare each student<br />
academically and socially to be a:<br />
• critical thinker;<br />
• problem solver; and<br />
• responsible and productive<br />
citizen.<br />
MacArthur Jazz Ensemble wows the<br />
crowd at Midwest Clinic in Chicago<br />
Over the last 15 years, the MacArthur Jazz Ensemble has had the privilege to<br />
perform four times at the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra<br />
Clinic in Chicago and after its most recent performance in December, even director<br />
José Díaz came away impressed.<br />
“I know I am biased, but I have<br />
to say the Jazz Ensemble’s performance<br />
was the highlight of the<br />
conference,” said Díaz, who has<br />
directed the group at its three<br />
prior trips to the Windy City. “I’ve<br />
had the pleasure of presenting at<br />
the Midwest Clinic three previous<br />
times and I can honestly say this<br />
year’s performance was the best<br />
ever. This is the most talented jazz<br />
ensemble I’ve had the pleasure of<br />
directing in all of my years at Mac-<br />
Arthur Senior High.”<br />
The Jazz Ensemble performed in<br />
front of 2,500 music educators from<br />
around the world and had to first<br />
pass a rigorous audition (musical<br />
groups are allowed to audition every<br />
four years to land a spot at the<br />
clinic) in order to earn an invitation<br />
to the clinic. According to Díaz, by<br />
earning a spot at the 2006 conference,<br />
held at the Chicago Hilton,<br />
the MacArthur Jazz Ensemble became<br />
the only high school group<br />
to ever be invited to perform four<br />
times in the last 15 years.<br />
During their performance, the Jazz<br />
Ensemble had the distinct honor to<br />
work with Grammy nominated artists<br />
Patrice Rushen and Jon Faddis.<br />
The Ensemble consists of: David<br />
Adame, Jordan Donald, Wesley<br />
Livingston, Joshua Membreno<br />
and Lauren Reyes (saxophones);<br />
Tony Holman, Luis Olguín, Stephen<br />
Ramírez and John St. Julian<br />
(trumpets), Ryan Cano, Edmundo<br />
Castillo, Luis González and Willie<br />
Russell (trombones), Calvin Brantley,<br />
David Cutright, Catrell Gray,<br />
Jabari Johnson, Nicholas Johnson,<br />
Yvette Mata, Jermaine Smith and<br />
Ana Toledo (rhythm section) and<br />
Julio Palacios (vocals).<br />
Due to their impressive showing in<br />
Chicago, the Jazz Ensemble received<br />
an invitation to perform at the prestigious<br />
Western International band<br />
Clinic in Seattle, set for Nov. 15-19.<br />
“The exposure the MacArthur students<br />
received was significant, not<br />
only for them, but for our entire<br />
district,” said Dr. Jeff Laird, director<br />
of secondary performing arts education.<br />
“Their strong performance has<br />
definitely kept <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD’s name in<br />
the forefront nationally. In addition,<br />
this performance was the highlight of<br />
these young students’ musical lives<br />
to this point. This was a very big deal<br />
for the ensemble and our district.”<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD’s PIO department garners numerous TSPRA honors<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD’s public information department earned six Gold Star and two Silver<br />
Star awards at the 45th annual Texas <strong>School</strong> Public Relations Association (TSPRA)<br />
Conference, held Feb. 21-22 in Austin.<br />
The six Gold Star Awards were won<br />
in the following categories: external<br />
newsletter (<strong>Inside</strong> <strong>Aldine</strong>),<br />
flyer (<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD Map and Information<br />
Guide), brochure (<strong>Aldine</strong><br />
New Teacher Induction Academy),<br />
brochure (You’ll find it in <strong>Aldine</strong>),<br />
booklet (Umbrella), and calendar/<br />
planner (<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD 2006-07 Calendar<br />
of Events).<br />
Continued from page 1<br />
“We want to thank the community<br />
and our own employees for their<br />
generous support of the <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD<br />
Livestock Show,” said Franklin Higgins,<br />
director of career and technology<br />
education. “We had another<br />
successful show because so many<br />
people and groups made a special<br />
effort to support our students as<br />
buyers.”<br />
The money raised by the students<br />
is theirs to use for college scholarships<br />
or to fund future FFA projects<br />
during the 2007-08 school year.<br />
Grand Champion<br />
Reserve Grand Champion<br />
The Silver Star Awards were won<br />
in the following categories: annual<br />
report (<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD’s 2004-05<br />
Annual Performance Report) and<br />
booklet (TAPE Brochure).<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD’s public information office<br />
consists of Ben Wilson, assistant<br />
superintendent of community<br />
and governmental relations; Mike<br />
Keeney, director of public information;<br />
Leticia Fehling, assistant<br />
director of public information;<br />
Chris Labod, graphic artist; and<br />
Lisa Serna, PIO secretary.<br />
Also during the 2007 TSPRA conference,<br />
Keeney was installed on to<br />
the TSPRA Executive Board, where<br />
he will serve a second term as regional<br />
vice-president of the Houston<br />
Gulf Coast area.<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD’s 48th annual livestock show<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Kristi Bielamowicz Goat W.G. Burchfield & Bro. $4,000<br />
Kristi Bielamowicz Lamb <strong>Aldine</strong> Buyer’s Group $4,000<br />
Blake Clement Turkey Hen <strong>Aldine</strong> Vertical Group $2,250<br />
Joel Hickman Fryer Rabbit UBS Financial Services $2,500<br />
Kristi Bielamowicz Horticulture Nimitz Vertical Group $2,000<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> FFA Cake <strong>Aldine</strong> Vertical Group $1,000<br />
Nimitz<br />
Amanda Ruscher Steer First Construction Group $18,000<br />
Ebony Bouldin Pig Retirement Benefit Group $6,000<br />
Jennifer Weikel Turkey Tom First Southwest $2,500<br />
Ashlee Palermo Broilers Texas Southwest $3,000<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Jonathan Willis Goat Retirement Benefit Group $3,250<br />
Blake Clement Lamb Eisenhower Vertical Group $3,000<br />
Eisenhower<br />
Eisenhower FFA Cake North Houston Bank $700<br />
MacArthur<br />
Katie Sullivan Horticulture MacArthur Area Group $2,100<br />
Nimitz<br />
Ashlee Palermo Steer First Construction Group $9,500<br />
Derek Lloyd Pig <strong>Aldine</strong> Buyer’s Group $4,000<br />
Stephon Tillis Turkey Tom Nimitz Vertical Group $2,250<br />
Ebony Bouldin Turkey Hen Beasley Tire Service $2,250<br />
Jennifer Weikel Broilers Republic Central Realty, Inc. $2,250<br />
Willis Tillis Fryer Rabbit Superintendent’s Group $2,250<br />
Questions and Answers<br />
We hope you enjoy this edition<br />
of <strong>Inside</strong> <strong>Aldine</strong>. If you have<br />
questions or comments about<br />
information included in this issue,<br />
our schools or operations,<br />
please call 713-756-7855 or visit<br />
www.aldine.k12.tx.us/feedback/.<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> High spelling<br />
team earns district title<br />
The <strong>Aldine</strong> Senior High <strong>School</strong><br />
spelling and vocabulary team took<br />
first place at the <strong>District</strong> 19-5A meet,<br />
held recently at Eisenhower Senior<br />
High <strong>School</strong>. <strong>Aldine</strong> finished with<br />
258 points to ease to the title.<br />
Violetta Krol led <strong>Aldine</strong> High to the victory<br />
with 92 points (out of a possible<br />
100), while Lilibeth Martínez helped<br />
the cause with 90 points and Perla Villanueva<br />
chipped in with 76 points.<br />
The team will next compete at the<br />
regional meet.<br />
The team is under the direction of<br />
Brad Schneider.<br />
Important Events<br />
April<br />
17 <strong>School</strong> Board Meeting<br />
21 Children’s Music Festival<br />
28 Magnet <strong>School</strong> Lottery, MOC<br />
May<br />
12 <strong>School</strong>house Bond Election<br />
15 <strong>School</strong> Board Meeting<br />
24 Last Day of <strong>School</strong><br />
25 Graduation Ceremonies:<br />
Lane <strong>School</strong>, 5:30 p.m.<br />
Nimitz Sr. High, 7:30 p.m.<br />
26 Graduation Ceremonies:<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Sr. High, 8 a.m.<br />
Carver High, 10:30 a.m.<br />
Eisenhower Sr. High, 12:30<br />
p.m.<br />
Hall Night High, 3 p.m.<br />
MacArthur Sr. High, 5 p.m.<br />
28 Memorial Day Holiday<br />
June<br />
12 <strong>School</strong> Board Meeting<br />
The <strong>Aldine</strong> <strong>Independent</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong> offers<br />
career and technology education in agriculture<br />
science, business education, career orientation,<br />
family and consumer science, health science<br />
technology, hospitality services, marketing education,<br />
technology education and trade and<br />
industrial technology. Admission to these programs<br />
is based on ability, aptitude, interest, grade<br />
level and class size. It is the policy of the <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Indepen dent <strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong> not to discriminate<br />
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,<br />
or handicap in its vocational programs, services,<br />
or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil<br />
Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the<br />
Education Amendments of 1972; and Section<br />
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.<br />
It is the policy of the <strong>Aldine</strong> Indepen dent<br />
<strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong> not to discriminate on the basis<br />
of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap,<br />
or age in its employment practices as required<br />
by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as<br />
amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments<br />
of 1972; the Age Dis crimination Act of 1975, as<br />
amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation<br />
Act of 1973, as amended. <strong>Aldine</strong> <strong>Independent</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong> will take steps to ensure that lack<br />
of English language skills will not be a barrier to<br />
admission and participation in all educational<br />
and vocational programs.<br />
For information about your rights or grievance<br />
procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator,<br />
Dr. Wanda Bamberg, assistant superintendent<br />
of curriculum and instruction, 14910 <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
West field Road, at (281) 985-6318, and/or<br />
the Section 504 Coordinator, Charlotte J. Davis,<br />
director of guidance and counseling and at-risk<br />
students, 14909 <strong>Aldine</strong> Westfield Road, at (281)<br />
985-6403.<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> <strong>Independent</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong> does not discriminate<br />
against persons because of race, creed,<br />
national origin, age, sex, disabilities, economic<br />
status or language disability in employment,<br />
promotion or educational programming.<br />
Any complaints or grievances that cannot be<br />
solved at the campus level through the principal<br />
may be submitted in writing to Dr. Wanda<br />
Bamberg, assistant super in ten dent of curriculum<br />
and instruction, 14910 <strong>Aldine</strong> Westfield Rd.,<br />
Houston, TX 77032.<br />
<strong>Inside</strong> <strong>Aldine</strong> / Noticias de <strong>Aldine</strong>, August 5, 2005,<br />
is published quarterly by <strong>Aldine</strong> <strong>Independent</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
<strong>District</strong>, 14910 <strong>Aldine</strong> Westfield Road, Houston, TX<br />
77032-3099, Issue Vol. 28, No. 1, Spring 2005.
<strong>Inside</strong> <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Spring 2007<br />
Page 4<br />
<strong>School</strong>s & Community<br />
Eisenhower HS<br />
Pictured are Eisenhower Senior High football players who signed<br />
national letters of intent: Broderique Banks, Nick Cannon,<br />
Deon Cooper, Tyrell Gaddies, Major Latin, Mike Love, Brandon<br />
Myers, Reggie Rice, Joshua Ross, Julius Smith, Bryce Taylor, Melvin<br />
Thomas and DeAndre West. Six other Eisenhower Senior<br />
High football players signed national letters of intent earlier<br />
this spring. They were Matt Smith, Rushawn Stewart, Ahkeen<br />
Starks, Belton Hector, Deon Senegal and Germarus Smith.<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> HS<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Senior High’s Curtis Thomas signed a national letter of<br />
intent with the University of Minnesota on Feb. 7. Joining him<br />
at the signing ceremony were his grandmother, Lela Hutchison,<br />
left, head football coach Bob Jones and Thomas’ mother Regina<br />
Thomas.<br />
MacArthur HS<br />
MacArthur Senior High head football coach Jerry Drones poses<br />
with Halston Higgins, left, and Joseph Nailor Jr., right. The two<br />
signed national letters of intent with Washington State University<br />
and West Texas A&M University.<br />
Nimitz HS<br />
Nimitz Senior High’s Trentel Bottley signed a national letter of<br />
intent with Coffeyville Community College on Wednesday, Feb.<br />
7. Pictured with him are his mother Cheryl Johnson and Nimitz<br />
head football coach David Suggs.<br />
AISD boys, girls basketball teams enjoy successful seasons<br />
Four of <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD’s varsity basketball teams flexed their muscles during the 2006-07<br />
season by securing four of <strong>District</strong> 19-5A’s eight playoff spots.<br />
In boys’ play, <strong>Aldine</strong> Senior High<br />
and Nimitz Senior High earned<br />
playoff berths, while in girls’ play,<br />
Eisenhower Senior High and Nimitz<br />
Senior High secured postseason<br />
spots.<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> High, under the direction of<br />
head coach Zeke Smith, produced<br />
the best season in the history of the<br />
school by recording 32 victories,<br />
which included the <strong>District</strong> 19-5A<br />
title (14-0 record in district play)<br />
and first-place finishes in the Beaumont<br />
Tournament, the Academy<br />
Invitational (Texas Division) and a<br />
second-place finish in the <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
ISD Tournament. <strong>Aldine</strong> defeated<br />
Chávez and Cypress Creek in the<br />
playoffs before being eliminated in<br />
the third round by Madison. Senior<br />
forward Gary Johnson, considered<br />
one of the top players in the nation,<br />
led the team by averaging 30 points<br />
per game (tops in the Houston<br />
area), 12 rebounds per game and<br />
four blocks per game. Johnson was<br />
Chicago Bear visits<br />
Eisenhower HS<br />
Former Eisenhower High<br />
<strong>School</strong> standout and current<br />
Chicago Bears offensive lineman<br />
Fred Miller, seated,<br />
recently visited the Men of<br />
Valor and Excellence (MOVE)<br />
at MacArthur Senior High<br />
<strong>School</strong>. Miller encouraged<br />
the students to set goals and<br />
work hard to achieve them.<br />
He shared with the students<br />
some personal stories and<br />
how he goes about preparing<br />
each offseason to maintain<br />
his spot in the starting lineup<br />
for the NFC champion Bears.<br />
Miller is an 11-year veteran<br />
who won a Super Bowl ring<br />
with the St. Louis Rams following<br />
the 1999 season. He has<br />
also played for the Tennessee<br />
Titans.<br />
also named the Most Valuable Player<br />
of <strong>District</strong> 19-5A. In November, he<br />
signed a national letter of intent<br />
with the University of Texas. Other<br />
top hands included Brandon Williams<br />
and Donald Boston.<br />
Nimitz High, under the direction of<br />
head coach Randy Gilmer, finished<br />
25-10 on the season and 10-4 in<br />
district play. The Cougars defeated<br />
Westside High in bi-district play<br />
before being ousted in the second<br />
round of the playoffs. Key contributors<br />
to the Cougars were Willie Holmes,<br />
Tray Carmouch, Jasen Williams<br />
(who signed with Rice University),<br />
Quinston Reggins, Justin Griggs,<br />
Keith Wright, Branton Bartley, Dailon<br />
Wilson, Damien Bass, Gary Cox<br />
and Raynard Dennis.<br />
Coach Anthony Watkins’ Lady Eagles<br />
had another successful season<br />
as they won their third straight 19-<br />
5A title with a 13-1 league record<br />
and finished 32-6 overall for the<br />
season. The 32 victories were the<br />
most in the history of Eisenhower<br />
High. The Lady Eagles defeated Lamar<br />
in bi-district and Elsik in the<br />
area round before falling to Cy-Fair<br />
in the third round of the playoffs.<br />
Top players for the Lady Eagles<br />
were Cobilyn Hill (who signed<br />
with the University of Houston),<br />
Clarissa Moore, Chynna Turner,<br />
Anjelica Markray, Kenisia LaGrone<br />
and Ueronica Cleveland.<br />
The Lady Cougars, under the direction<br />
of head coach Debbie Jackson,<br />
finished 28-6 on the season and<br />
13-1 in league play to finish in a tie<br />
with Eisenhower atop the district<br />
standings. Nimitz defeated Madison<br />
in bi-district play before falling to<br />
Cinco Ranch in the area round of<br />
the playoffs. Key players for the Lady<br />
Cougars were Britnie Griner, who<br />
was named the 19-5A Most Valuable<br />
Player, Jessica Diamond, Samone<br />
Ballard, Ashlyn Holmes, Kyiandra<br />
Hardy, Sheila Reece, Rachelle Harris<br />
and Teryni Buckner.<br />
Samuel named AISD’s new athletic director<br />
The <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD Board of Education named Deon Samuel director of athletics during<br />
its March 20 board meeting.<br />
Samuel, who previously served as<br />
the district’s director of athletic services,<br />
succeeds Daryl Wade, who left<br />
AISD in December to become the<br />
athletic director of the Houston <strong>Independent</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong>.<br />
Samuel will assume his new duties<br />
immediately.<br />
Samuel received his bachelor’s degree<br />
in health and human performance<br />
in 1992 and his master’s degree<br />
in administration and physical<br />
education in 1994 from Prairie View<br />
A&M University.<br />
Samuel began his teaching career<br />
in <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD in 1994 and was assigned<br />
to teach physical education<br />
and coach at Shotwell Middle<br />
<strong>School</strong>. In 2002, he transferred to<br />
Eisenhower Ninth Grade <strong>School</strong> as<br />
a physical education teacher and<br />
coach. He moved into the position<br />
as director of athletic services in<br />
2004. Samuel has 13 years of experience<br />
in the field of education and<br />
he has spent all 13 of those years in<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD.<br />
Samuel said he was honored to be<br />
chosen to succeed Wade.<br />
“I appreciate the board’s and administration’s<br />
confidence in me to<br />
put me in this position,” Samuel<br />
said. “<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD is a great school<br />
district with a strong athletic tradition<br />
and I will do everything in my<br />
power to see that we continue to be<br />
successful and meet the needs of<br />
our student athletes.<br />
“<strong>Aldine</strong> is the only school district I<br />
have worked for and I hope to be<br />
here for many years helping to continue<br />
to produce a well-rounded<br />
athletic department for both young<br />
men and young women.”<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD’s new athletic<br />
director, Deon Samuel. He is a<br />
13-year veteran with <strong>Aldine</strong>.
<strong>Inside</strong> <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Spring 2007<br />
Page 5<br />
Business Partnerships<br />
Education<br />
is Everyone’s Business<br />
Join our current<br />
business partners<br />
99 Cents Store<br />
A&L Postal Service<br />
Abitibi Recycling Corp<br />
Academy Sports & Outdoors<br />
Acosta’s Auto Center, Inc.<br />
Acres Home Public Library<br />
AIG VALIC<br />
Airline Skate<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Benders Auto<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Youth<br />
Alicia Villarreal<br />
Insurance Services<br />
ALL STAR VENDING<br />
Al’s Handy Hardware<br />
Ashley Harlan<br />
Augustin Garcia<br />
AXA Advisors<br />
AXA Equitable<br />
Baker Hughes<br />
Barnes and Noble<br />
Be an Angel Fund, Inc.<br />
Beautiful Savior<br />
Lutheran Church<br />
Beltran Bros.<br />
Best Buy<br />
Blackie’s Machine Shop<br />
Books Are Fun<br />
Boy Scouts of America<br />
Brentwood Baptist<br />
Church<br />
Brookside<br />
Funeral Home<br />
Burger King<br />
Cajun Town<br />
Caldwell<br />
Watson<br />
Real<br />
Estate<br />
Group, Inc.<br />
CASE<br />
Cathedral of<br />
Saint Mattew<br />
Catholic<br />
Charities<br />
CC Express<br />
Airport<br />
Century<br />
Limousine<br />
Service<br />
Ceramic<br />
Workshop<br />
Chase Bank<br />
CHI Title Group<br />
Chic-Fil-A of<br />
Deerbrrok Mall<br />
Children’s Museum<br />
of Houston<br />
Chili’s<br />
Restaurant<br />
Chuck E Cheese<br />
Nadine Kujawa<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD<br />
Superintendent of <strong>School</strong>s<br />
Becoming a<br />
Business Partner<br />
Tell me about <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD.<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> ISD has approximately 56,000 students. Seventy-seven<br />
percent are economically disadvantaged and 24 percent (mobility<br />
rate) move from one campus to another or to another district<br />
during the course of the school year.<br />
Tell me about the quality of <strong>Aldine</strong>’s education<br />
program.<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> has earned seven Recognized ratings for academic<br />
achievement from the Texas Education Agency, and<br />
was one of five national finalists for the Broad Prize for<br />
Urban Education in 2004 and 2005.<br />
Considering the demographics and quality of<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong>’s educational program, is there a need<br />
for business partnerships?<br />
Absolutely. <strong>Aldine</strong> needs additional assistance to help all of<br />
our students perform at the same academic levels as students<br />
from more affluent communities. Business partners<br />
help <strong>Aldine</strong> neutralize the impact of poverty and mobility.<br />
From <strong>Aldine</strong>’s point of view, education is everyone’s business.<br />
How can businesses help <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD remain a<br />
high performing school district and continue<br />
to improve in the delivery of educational services?<br />
Many campuses express the need for mentors, tutors, assistance<br />
with special projects, Texas Scholars and Career Day<br />
presenters, and assistance with school supplies.<br />
How can our company get involved?<br />
Contact any principal or Ben G. Wilson, assistant superintendent<br />
of community and governmental relations, at 281-985-<br />
6202 or send an E-mail to bwilson@aldine.k12.tx.us.<br />
Church’s Chicken<br />
Cindy Butler<br />
City View<br />
Cleveland Regional<br />
Medical Center<br />
College Book Store<br />
Component<br />
Sale & Service<br />
Continental Airlines<br />
Cracker Barrel<br />
Crystal Inn & suites<br />
Dairy Queen<br />
Deskco<br />
Discount Tire<br />
DOMINOS<br />
Doubletree hotel<br />
Intercontinental airport<br />
Dream Starters<br />
Dress Barn<br />
ExxonMobil<br />
ExxonMobil Development Co.<br />
Farmers Insurrance<br />
Fiesta<br />
Firestone Tire<br />
First Service Credit Union<br />
Fisher Health Care<br />
Fitness Connection Greenspoint<br />
Flowers Baking Co.<br />
Friedkin Business Services<br />
Friendly Mart<br />
Fry’s 10241<br />
G&G Demolition<br />
Gallery Furniture<br />
Gallup Organization<br />
Gayla Corp.<br />
Girl Scouts of<br />
San Jacinto Council<br />
Gotcha Kovered<br />
Grady Butler<br />
Great Commission<br />
Great Time Skate<br />
Greater Greenspoint<br />
Management <strong>District</strong><br />
Greenspoint Florist<br />
Greenspoint Mall<br />
Gulshan Enterprises Inc.<br />
Hairston Photography<br />
Halliburton<br />
Harris County<br />
Sheriff’s Department<br />
Harris County Utility <strong>District</strong> #15<br />
Harrris County Public Library<br />
- <strong>Aldine</strong> Branch<br />
HAS<br />
Hasta LaPasta<br />
Hawes Hill & Associates, L.L.P.<br />
HCDE<br />
HEB<br />
Hewlett Packard
<strong>Inside</strong> <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Spring 2007<br />
Page 6<br />
Business Partnerships<br />
For more information<br />
on student internship<br />
programs, call Franklin<br />
Higgins Director of<br />
career and technology<br />
education, at 281-985-<br />
6650.<br />
High’s Flowers<br />
Holiday Inn Intercontinental<br />
Home Depot<br />
Home Fragrance Holdings<br />
Hotel Sofitel<br />
Houston Airport System<br />
HOUSTON AREA URBAN LEAGUE<br />
Houston Assoc. of<br />
Professional Landmen<br />
Houston Fire Dept.<br />
Houston Marriott North @<br />
Greenspoint<br />
Houston TaeKwonDo Academy<br />
Humble Family Skate Center<br />
IBM<br />
International Airport Systems,<br />
City of Houston<br />
Investex Credit Union<br />
Inwood Forest Country Club<br />
J&B Technologies<br />
J&F Almendarez Ceramic Tile<br />
J&R Construction<br />
James A. Wise, CPA<br />
JC Office Solutions<br />
Jed’s Ace Hardware<br />
Joni Weir<br />
Jump Bunch Sports and Fitness<br />
Kardia-Logistics<br />
Kentucky Fried Chicken<br />
Kids Foot Locker<br />
Kingwood Medical Center<br />
Komputer World<br />
Kroger<br />
Kroger Gift Services<br />
Lain Brown<br />
Laser Quest<br />
LD Fundraising<br />
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society<br />
Liberty Tax Serivce<br />
LIFE Impact Gospel<br />
Lifetouch<br />
Linda Ward<br />
Lisa Courtnage<br />
Litma King<br />
Lloyd’s Martial Arts<br />
LMS Auto Finishes<br />
LMS Group<br />
M M Sales - CNC Machining<br />
M&M Auto Supply<br />
Maloney’s Steakhouse &<br />
Piano Bar<br />
Mario Ledesma Roofing<br />
McCauley Lumber Co.<br />
McDonald’s<br />
Me N’My Pal Portraits<br />
Melvin Melcon Vending<br />
Message Envy<br />
Mine Beads and Monogram<br />
Monterey’s Little Mexico<br />
1st Annual Beautification<br />
Project at Conley Elementary<br />
Students, parents, and community members joined the<br />
staff of Conley Elementary in their 1st Annual Beautification<br />
Project on Saturday, March 3rd.<br />
The local Communication Worker of<br />
America chapter and the Neighborhood<br />
Protection Corps of the Houston<br />
Police Department also joined the<br />
effort. Some of the projects included<br />
planting flowers in the courtyards,<br />
trees in the field, painting murals,<br />
and cleaning up the school. Principal<br />
Katie Roede said: “It was a very successful<br />
day and we hope to continue<br />
this project in the future.”<br />
Kristan Walker and Dawn-<br />
Daley prepare flower pots to<br />
decorate the center courtyard<br />
at Conley Elementary.<br />
Dejah Patterson and students<br />
plant flowers at Conley<br />
during the school’s first<br />
annual Beautification Day.<br />
Mexican Institute<br />
and MacArthur HS<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Academy PTA<br />
Student volunteers join Principal<br />
Katy Roede in welcoming<br />
the “Keep Houston Beautiful<br />
Mascot” to their school.<br />
Conley volunteers Richard<br />
Bell and Richard Woods work<br />
on building a track at Conley<br />
Elementary.<br />
Conley faculty members Stefanie<br />
Hall, Danica O’Gilive<br />
and Nadia Stafford prime the<br />
wall for the gym mural.<br />
MacArthur Senior High<br />
<strong>School</strong> parent liaison Luis<br />
Lucio, third from left, poses<br />
with Juan Guel, Tammi García<br />
and Rosa Estala Moltalván<br />
following a PC class held<br />
in Spanish for MacArthur<br />
parents. The classes are offered<br />
through a parternship<br />
between MacArthur and the<br />
Mexican Institute of Houston.<br />
Guel serves as the teacher,<br />
García represents the MIH<br />
and Moltalván is a parent<br />
who took part in the class.<br />
Shelsie Quinilla and Jimmy Hernández were the attendance<br />
winners for the fourth six weeks at <strong>Aldine</strong> Academy. The <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Academy PTA donated the bikes.<br />
Eagle Global Logistics and<br />
Worsham Academy<br />
Eagle Global Logistics employee April Shelton volunteers in a<br />
first grade classroom at Worsham Elementary <strong>School</strong>. Shelton<br />
discussed the differences between “needs” and “wants” during<br />
this volunteer session.<br />
Worsham Elementary first-grader Belinda Clayborne and Eagle<br />
Global Logistics volunteer Diana Wilson share a moment during<br />
a recent visit by Wilson. Wilson provided insights about economics<br />
to the Worsham kindergarten class .<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Elementary<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Academy recently held its annual science night. More<br />
than 100 parents attended the event where they learned about<br />
science and took part in experiments with their children.<br />
<strong>Aldine</strong> Academy recently held its Partner Collaborative in conjunction<br />
with the Museum of Fine Arts, the Alley Theater, Writers<br />
in the <strong>School</strong>s and Museum of Cultural Arts of Houston. The<br />
collaborative group has created a new approach in sharing field<br />
experiences.
<strong>Inside</strong> <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Spring 2007<br />
Page 7<br />
Business Partnerships<br />
Education<br />
is Everyone’s Business<br />
Officer Lemon and<br />
Grey Elementary<br />
Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Anthony Lemon paid a recent<br />
visit to Calvert Elementary <strong>School</strong> to serve as a role model and<br />
provide a discussion on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Officer<br />
Lemon is a frequent visitor to Calvert to mentor young<br />
men.<br />
Carroll Academy and<br />
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church<br />
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church graciously donated more<br />
than 45 choir robes to the Carroll Academy Choir. The students<br />
wore the robes during a Black History Program performance<br />
and not only did they sound great, they looked great also!<br />
Carroll Academy at the Capitol<br />
The Carroll Academy Dance Team was selected to perform at<br />
the state capitol for the Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education:<br />
Arts Education Day at the Capitol in Austin. It was a great<br />
honor to be selected from many of the performing and visual<br />
arts groups to represent all of the fine arts programs in Texas.<br />
The group is led by Benne Thomas (director) and Tangela<br />
Griggs (codirector). The entire school community and business<br />
partners donated funds to help the dancers get to Austin.<br />
Carroll Academy and<br />
the Houston Rodeo<br />
The Old West Came Alive at Carroll Academy with A Rodeo<br />
Day. Volunteers from the Speakers Committee of the Houston<br />
Livestock Show and Rodeo participated in a full day of presentations<br />
to enrich and motivate students while discussing the<br />
rodeo and other western subjects. It was a fantastic opportunity<br />
for students and the school district. The speakers vote on<br />
where they will go and Carroll Academy for International Studies<br />
was fortunate to be selected.<br />
ExxonMobil and<br />
Calvert Elementary<br />
ExxonMobil volunteer Jim Blackwell reads to second-grader<br />
Otoniel Rangel in the LMC at Calvert Elementary <strong>School</strong>.<br />
ExxonMobil volunteer George Beggs plays a boardgame with<br />
his SNAPP partner Eduardo Ramirez.<br />
ExxonMobil volunteer Will Dacus enjoys pizza with his SNAPP<br />
partner Jeremy Hawkins.<br />
HPD and<br />
Calvert Elementary<br />
Jorge Castillo of the Houston Police Department’s Domestic<br />
Violence Unit conducts a parenting workshop entitled, “Family<br />
Unity.” Monthly parenting workshops are sponsored by the<br />
Calvert Elementary Counseling Department.<br />
Lazer Quest<br />
and Carmichael<br />
Elementary<br />
Carmichael Elementary business partner Mike Mennito of<br />
Lazer Quest is pictured with Principal Gracie Guerrero. Mennito<br />
set up and ran a free laser tag booth at the school’s carnival<br />
and donated prizes during the event.<br />
MQ Roof<br />
Ms. Laura’s Childcare<br />
Mt. Olive Baptist Church<br />
Municipal Camera<br />
Music Depot<br />
My Dee Dee’s Pie Shop<br />
My McBlessings<br />
NAPPCO<br />
Narvaez Investments<br />
Nationsgraphics<br />
Nationwide Insurance<br />
NHCC Arreola Annex<br />
North Harris Bank<br />
North Harris Community College<br />
North Harris Greenspoint<br />
Chamber of Commerce<br />
North Harris Montgomery<br />
Community College<br />
North Houston Bank<br />
Northside Karate<br />
Novo Novdisk<br />
Nuts n Bolts<br />
O.W. Mortuary<br />
Old Navy<br />
OT3 Technologies<br />
Oteco<br />
Pan Riko<br />
Panda Express<br />
Pappadeauxs<br />
Pappas Seafood House<br />
Pappasito’s Cantina<br />
Parker Music<br />
Pheido Advertising<br />
Phillip Townsend Associates<br />
Phoenix Fasteners<br />
Print Mailers<br />
Proline Marketing<br />
QSP<br />
RDS<br />
Recycle Rewards<br />
Riskbytes, Inc.<br />
RITE<br />
Robert Stewart<br />
S&M Painting<br />
Sam Houston Race Park<br />
Sam Houston State University<br />
Same Day Signs<br />
Sam’s Club<br />
SEARCH Homeless Project<br />
Shell Oil Company<br />
Sheriff’s Department<br />
Sonic<br />
Southern Sound Systems<br />
Southwest Teacher Supply<br />
Special Olympics<br />
SRA<br />
SRP Productions
<strong>Inside</strong> <strong>Aldine</strong><br />
Spring 2007<br />
Page 8<br />
Business Partnerships<br />
For more information<br />
on student internship<br />
programs, call Robert<br />
Thomas program<br />
director of business/<br />
education partnerships,<br />
at 281-985-7230.<br />
Subway<br />
Summit Dental Center<br />
Suncoast Post-Tension<br />
Sysco Food Services<br />
Talento BilIngÜe de Houston<br />
Talent Search<br />
North Harris College<br />
Taquerias Arandas<br />
Target<br />
TBH<br />
Texas A&M<br />
Texas Dep. Of Rehab. Serv.<br />
Texas Dept. of Agriculture<br />
Texas Executive Women<br />
Texas Highway Patrol Association<br />
Texas Scholars -<br />
Center Point Energy<br />
Texas Southern University<br />
The Body Shop -<br />
Deerbrook Mall<br />
The Houston Rockets<br />
The Law Offices of<br />
Mari Gianukos<br />
Thirsty’s Greenspoint Mall<br />
Time Warner Cable<br />
TIMELESS TRAVEL<br />
Tom Bailey Photography<br />
Trinity Training and Development<br />
Tuttle Development Co., Inc.<br />
U.S. Air Force<br />
U.S. Congressman Gene Green<br />
U.S. Customs & Border Protection<br />
U.S. Food Service<br />
U.S. Stone<br />
United Refrigeration<br />
Universal Essentials Gym<br />
University of Houston<br />
University of<br />
Houston Downtown<br />
Verizon Wireless<br />
Vivian Discoteca<br />
Walgreens<br />
Wal-Mart<br />
Washington Mutual<br />
Wells Fargo Bank<br />
Whataburger<br />
White Flamingo Restaurant<br />
Williams Smoke House<br />
World’s Finest Chocolate<br />
Wurth Adams<br />
Wyndham Greenspoint Hotel<br />
Xspeedia Sports Training<br />
YMCA<br />
Zero’s Sandwich Shop<br />
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority<br />
Local Business Owner Gives Back!<br />
George Mapula, owner of Me‘n My Pal Portraits, is a<br />
graduate of MacArthur High <strong>School</strong> and a longtime<br />
business partner of Hinojosa EC/PK Center.<br />
After attending Hinojosa’s community<br />
partnership luncheon in January,<br />
he was inspired to find opportunities<br />
to become more involved.<br />
Mapula is an avid cyclist and devotes<br />
much time and energy to this sport.<br />
When he heard that Peggy Fuss, his<br />
former teacher, was teaching bicycle<br />
safety to the students of Hinojosa,<br />
he volunteered his time and resources<br />
to support her.<br />
He spent two of his business days<br />
teaching students about the proper<br />
safety equipment and hand signals<br />
Parent Literacy Center<br />
at Bussey Elementary<br />
to use when riding their bikes. He<br />
also generously donated water bottles<br />
and lunch kits to the paraeduactors<br />
on campus.<br />
The following week, Mapula purchased<br />
a bicycle for the school for<br />
the staff members to participate<br />
with students in the Trike-A-Thon.<br />
The Trike-A-Thon raised $1,780.15<br />
for St. Jude Children’s Research<br />
Hospital.<br />
Mapula also volunteered another<br />
business day to ride with our students<br />
and model bicycle safety.<br />
Pictured are members of the Greater HoustonYMCA, the Greenspoint YMCA, North Harris College<br />
and <strong>Aldine</strong> ISD who recentley visited Bussey Elementary’s Parent Literacy Center. Pictured<br />
are (left to right): Clark Baker, Eduardo Rodríguez, Dr. Linda Rodríguez, José Rivera, Ruby Lizama,<br />
Wayne Brewer, Dr. Christian de los Santos, Cliff Barnes, Gloria Jackson, Lidia Maza, Ralph Wheeler<br />
and Dr. Wanda Bamberg.<br />
Groups gather<br />
to create study garden<br />
Parents, students and community volunteers gathered<br />
to build a study garden at Carter Academy in April.<br />
The undertaking was sponsored<br />
by the Cooperative for After-<strong>School</strong><br />
Enrichment (CASE) AmeriCorps<br />
program and was held in conjunction<br />
with National and Global Youth<br />
Service Day, which brought together<br />
young people in observance of the<br />
day which supports lifelong service<br />
and civic engagement of young people<br />
as community leaders. The annual<br />
service weekend was created<br />
by Youth Service America.<br />
Students, parents and community<br />
members planted native plants with<br />
hopes of attracting native birds and<br />
butterflies for students to observe.<br />
Students and community members<br />
also planted vegetation during the<br />
event.<br />
The garden also features a series of<br />
picnic tables, to be used by teachers<br />
when instructing their classes in<br />
the study garden. The tables were<br />
painted with images of topics students<br />
will study in the garden – the<br />
changing seasons, the parts and<br />
functions of plants and the stages of<br />
metamorphosis.<br />
“The purpose of National Youth<br />
Service Day was to foster a taste for<br />
civic responsibility in our youth, and<br />
to show them that they are capable<br />
of making a lasting impact on their<br />
community,” said Sarah Wisnoskie,<br />
of the Harris County Department of<br />
Education, who works with Carter<br />
Academy students in their CASE<br />
after-school program. “It was also<br />
an opportunity to show that youth<br />
and their communities are mutually<br />
dependent – the communities need<br />
and impact their youth as much as<br />
the youth need and impact their<br />
communities.”<br />
ExxonMobil and<br />
MacArthur HS<br />
Bussey Elementary parents<br />
take part in the school’s<br />
Parent Literacy Center that<br />
opened this year. The focus<br />
is to raise the literacy level<br />
of parents, increase the level<br />
of parental involvement at<br />
Bussey, provide a parent<br />
model for their children , and<br />
assist parents in learning<br />
English.<br />
Ashim Das, a volunteer with ExxonMobil and Junior Achievement,<br />
shares his knowledge about entrepreneur leadership<br />
with a group of MacArthur Senior High <strong>School</strong> students who<br />
are enrolled in the school’s Business Ownership class. The students<br />
are currently involved in an 11-week Junior Achievement<br />
class where they are taught how to develop a business plan<br />
and establish the basic foundation for operating a business.