Veselka, principals recognized for bond efforts
This week’s Shout-Out goes to Ronnie Veselka, a longtime district administrator who was pulled out of retirement to help HISD with its 2012 Bond Proposition. Voters approved the bond measure by a margin of more than 2-1 on Nov. 6, and Superintendent of Schools Terry Grier recognized Veselka with a Team HISD hat at the Nov. 7 principals’ meeting (left), noting “this is what he looked like before the bond” (right).
Dr. Grier also gave a special Shout-Out to all principals across the district, noting that every single one of them would receive a Team HISD hat at the next meeting. He thanked them all for their hard work leading up to the vote, noting that they were a huge reason the bond passed. “It is absolutely … a testament to your leadership,” Dr. Grier said. “I’ve never been around a team where I felt like every single member worked towards a common goal the way all of you and our central staff did.”
Other Shout-Outs this week go to:
- Food Services Warehouser Johnny Chenier: Johnny is the epitome of what a warehouseman is all about. His attendance could be a model for our entire organization. When a task is thrown his way, he carries out the assignment without any fanfare. About two years ago, Johnny was entrusted with delivering orders to the production department. He has since developed a terrific relationship with personnel there and has really strengthened our interaction and collaboration. —Food Services Director of Communications Julie Spreckelmeyer
- Manager of Health and Medical Services Gwen Johnson: She organized the mass vision screening in September, through which 14,103 students at 38 campuses were assessed for vision problems. She also coordinated the schools, principals, nurses, bus routes, and schedules for the Vision Partnership in September, through which more than 1,400 students will receive new glasses. —Lisa Blackmon-Jones, RN
- Sharpstown HS Coach Dallas Blacklock: Coach Blacklock guided his teen leadership classes to plan and implement schoolwide forums and debate on issues in the presidential election and school bond vote. Students provided the lesson plans for teachers to implement in an extended advocacy period, and a mock debate in the school auditorium allowed them to discuss and debate issues which are relevant to their lives. At the end of the forums, a schoolwide mock election was held. —Principal Rob Gasparello
| Know someone who deserves a shout-out? Send an email to info@houstonisd.org with the subject line “Shout Out for eNews!” and tell us why. |
