In this week’s I am HISD, which features district students, graduates, employees, and other team members, Henry Middle School Assistant Principal Terese Pollard talks about how her history with the district began in utero, what’s next for her professionally, and the best piece of advice she ever received.
I understand you were almost literally born on an HISD campus. Can you explain?
Terese Pollard
It’s true. My mother was overdue with me while still teaching, and I grew up running around the halls of Hamilton Middle School, where my mother often worked late nights. We lived near Madison High School, and we all got up at 4 a.m. every morning to catch the bus. We caught two buses to Hamilton, then my brother and I would catch our school bus to Travis.
You said you’re a product of HISD schools, too, correct? So you’ve pretty much been here your entire life.
Yes. I attended Travis Elementary and Hamilton Middle schools, then graduated from the High School for the Engineering Professions located on the campus of Booker T. Washington in 2001. I even worked for the district in after-school programs at Field Elementary and Grady Middle schools while in college. Upon graduating from the University of Houston with an English degree, I went immediately into the classroom that fall.
So you taught for a while and then you became an administrator. How did that transition come about?
I taught English Language Arts to seventh-graders at both Grady and Hamilton Middle schools, and then I was recruited to come out of the classroom. I’m now starting my sixth year as an administrator, and I’m proud to tell my students that I was an HISD student, too. I especially love telling them that I learned Spanish while in middle school.
Why is it so important for your kids to hear that you learned another language at that age?
I want my kids to have evidence that I actually use the knowledge I learned while in middle school. I want them to believe that what they are learning right now matters, and it will be useful to them in the future. Knowing Spanish has really opened doors for me, and I’m thankful to Señora Lago, my public education, and HISD for giving this gift to me.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
One of my former dean partners at Hamilton, Christy Coats, once told me that no matter the circumstance, I must be myself. I can be a pretty private, business-oriented person, so this can be tough as a leader, especially when you are always in the public eye. But she told me that people would get to know me through my work, my work ethic, and my actions, and I have come to rely upon this advice. I try to make sure that my actions always show I come to work for the kids, and that I do what is best for them.
So what’s next on your list of goals? Do you aspire to be a principal some day?
Yes! I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to be a principal in the district that bred me. I want to positively impact as many HISD kids as possible. I want them to know that despite life’s circumstances, they can still be successful. I also plan on pursuing my doctorate of education in the next three to five years. There is always more to learn.
| If you know a graduate, student, employee, or another member of Team HISD who should be featured here, please email us at info@houstonisd.org. |
Herman Stanley
When Herman Stanley first joined Team HISD in 1988, he was a helper in the Warehouse. Now, he leads his own team in that department, supervising the transfer of furniture and other equipment into and out of district facilities.
Stanley says that while he does enjoy working with people, his favorite part of the job is getting to travel to different locations around Houston every week. “You get a chance to see the whole city going from campus to campus,” he said. “It’s good, making sure the kids have what they need to get a proper education.”
Stanley officially marked his 25th anniversary with the district on Aug. 15, but several other employees are also marking theirs this week (Aug. 11–17). See if you know anyone on this list:
25 years
- Rhonda Rodgers-Miles, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Carl Slagley, teacher, Chavez HS
20 years
- Gloria Ajuzie, associate teacher
- Ann O’Dell, teacher, Ashford ES
- Juanita Perez, bus driver, Transportation Services
15 years
- Philomena Agu, teacher, Barbara Jordan HS
- Santiago Alfaro, teacher, Bonner ES
- Loretta Alpough, teacher, Windsor Village ES
- Elizabeth Anderson, teacher, Bellaire HS
- Cornelius Andrus, crossing guard, Wesley ES
- Crystal Ardoin, instructional coordinator, Black MS
- Lisa Arledge, dean of students, Johnston MS
- Edrina Baker, teacher, Robinson ES
- Elizabeth Benton, teacher, Lovett ES
- Jennifer Berglund, teacher, Golfcrest ES
- Stephanie Blow, teacher, Wesley ES
- Maria Bonilla, custodian, Barrick ES
- Chandel Bonner-Hancock, Magnet coordinator, Marshall MS
- Abigail Brown, teacher specialist, Scarborough ES
- Sharon Brown, counselor, Furr HS
- Tamara Brown, teacher, Frost ES
- Yvonne Brown, nurse, De Zavala ES
- Sandra Carpentieri, teacher, Ketelsen ES School
- Obdulia Carranza, custodian, HSLECJ
- Shawna Clouser, teacher development specialist, Professional Development
- Anthony Cobbs, teacher, Brookline ES
- Cary Cooper, assistant principal, Lanier MS
- Monica Cordones, teacher, Gregory-Lincoln MS
- Crook Dameion, principal, YMCPA
- Curtis Tonya, dean of instruction, Yates HS
- Mark Cwenar, teacher, Scarborough ES
- Dailey Yolanda, teacher, Law ES
- Ann Daniels, clerk, Food Services
- Lisa Davis, teacher, Black MS
- Tanya Davis, teacher, Poe ES
- Veronica Davis, teacher, Atherton ES
- Naomi DeBono, instructional coordinator, Barrick ES
- Ron Doak, teacher, Hartman MS
- Susan Espinoza-Sandel, teacher, Looscan ES
- Jerome Flanagan, teacher, Pershing MS
- Avis Fletcher, attendant, Food Services
- Norma Frederiksen, teacher, Lewis ES
- Anna Garcia, teacher, Revere MS
- Kelvin Gipson, teaching assistant, Windsor Village ES
- Todd Gisler, teacher, Stevenson MS
- Maria Gonzalez, custodian, Durkee ES
- James Goodnight, teacher, Milby HS
- Lorena Gorena, teacher, Tijerina ES
- Rita Graves, principal, Roberts ES
- Edward Grigassy, teacher, Bellaire HS
- Sharon Grimm, teacher, Kolter ES
- Prince Hall, teacher, Port Houston ES
- Linda Halliman, teacher, Cornelius ES
- Lisa Harrington, teacher, Travis ES
- Nicole Harris, teacher, Sam Houston MSTC
- Marilyn Hartley, teacher, DeBakey HS
- Beverly Hawkins-Rector, teacher, Sinclair ES
- Willow Hearn, teacher, Cunningham ES
- Cheryl Heller, teacher, Herod ES
- Shelley Henshaw, teacher, Askew ES
- Julia Hernandez, custodian, Lee HS
- Hernandez Rosa, attendant, Food Services
- Michele Herod, teacher development specialist, Professional Development
- Franz Hill, teacher, Lanier MS
- Carla Hillje, teacher, McNamara ES
- Lydia Igo, teacher, Waltrip HS
- Catherine James, teacher, Cornelius ES
- Sheryl James, attendant, Food Services
- Deborah Jaques, teacher, Chavez HS
- Beverly Jarreau, teacher, Garden Oaks ES
- Judy Jasko, teacher, Franklin ES
- Laquisia Jones, nurse, Health and Medical Services
- King Valerie, team lead, Food Services
- Aubry Knight, teaching assistant, Oak Forest ES
- Nikki Lahana, instructional coordinator, Piney Point ES
- Denise Lazard, attendant, Food Services
- Donna Leblanc, teacher, Scarborough ES
- Dorothy Ledet, teacher, Cook ES
- Ping-Hsiu Lee, teacher, Reagan HS
- Gina Lerma-Avila, program specialist, Multilingual Services
- Mario Lira, teacher, Ashford ES
- Isabel Lucio, plant operator, Dogan ES
- Cheryl Lyles, teacher, Ross ES
- Casie Mair-Miley, nurse, Field ES
- Lisa Mangum, teacher, Pershing MS
- Donna Mann, teacher, Peck ES
- Nicole Marker, teacher, Scarborough ES
- Melissa Martinez, teacher, C. Martinez ES
- Ann Mayfield, assistant principal, Chavez HS
- Allison McCraw, teacher, Milne ES
- Cornelius McFarland, teacher, Wheatley HS
- Elisabet Molina, teacher, J. R. Harris ES
- Jose Morales, after school program specialist, Long Academy
- Elena Moreno, attendant, Food Services
- George Morrison, teacher, Chavez HS
- Typhanie Moses, teacher, Scroggins ES
- David Munoz, teacher, Lamar HS
- Linda Myer, attendant, Food Services
- Ondruch Pamela, assistant principal, Poe ES
- Julieta Ortiz, Magnet coordinator, Wharton ES
- Ruth Ortiz, counselor, Northline ES
- Delon Palmer, teacher specialist Cornelius ES
- Brian Paradis, teacher, HSLECJ
- Perkins Pamela, teacher, Austin HS
- Paula Pierre, assistant principal, Burbank MS
- Ida Platt, instructional coordinator, Sharpstown Intl. School
- Reba Powell, teacher, Washington HS
- Theodore Randle, teacher, Attucks MS
- Evonnu Rasmus, teacher, Robinson ES
- Vindhya Reddy, teacher, De Chaumes ES
- Billy Richardson, plant operator, Construction & Facility Services
- Deirdre Ricketts, teacher, Stevens ES
- Ana Rivera-Perez, teacher, DeAnda ES
- Carol Rivers-Ibrahim, teacher, Roberts ES
- Marcia Roberts, teacher, Pershing MS
- Denise Rodriguez, data entry clerk, Twain ES
- Norma Romero, teacher, Whittier ES
- Micheal Rosales, teaching assistant, Mistral ECC
- Rosales Ysidoro -Motola, teacher, Sharpstown HS
- Tanyell Roseway, teacher, McReynolds MS
- Aileen Salas, teacher, Fonville MS
- Gloria Saldana, teacher, Burbank ES
- Joanne Sanchez, teacher, Browning ES
- Allen Scarrow, IT Customer Service Rep., Pershing MS
- Shaugnessa Scott, teacher, Pleasantville ES
- Jamie Sheets, teacher, West University ES
- Leticia Shide, teacher, Benavidez ES
- Deborah Silber, principal, Berry ES
- Auretta Smith, teacher, N. Q. Henderson ES
- Daisy Smith, teaching assistant, T. H. Rogers MS
- Rebecca Smith, teacher, Walnut Bend ES
- Dalila Soto de Martinez, custodian, Bruce ES
- Tiara Stenson, teacher, Westbury HS
- Kay Stephenson, Magnet coordinator, Bruce ES
- Sheryl Stephenson, teacher, Westbury HS
- Lynne Sustala, teacher, Love ES
- Lyndia Tarkington, team lead, Food Service
- James Taylor, associate teachers
- Thelma Taylor, teaching assistant, Atherton ES
- Norman Thomas, teacher, Hobby ES
- Susan Tomlinson, teacher, Condit ES
- Gilda Torres, IT Customer Service Rep., North Houston Early College HS
- Susan Vistein, teacher, West University ES
- Tim Warren, teacher, Welch MS
- Kathy Warren-Ramirez, assistant principal, Benavidez ES
- Tasharna Washington, teacher, Daily ES
- James Watson, teacher, Bush ES
- Alma Webber, college access coordinator, Challenge Early College HS
- Brian Webber, teacher, Bell ES
- Melanie White, teacher, Jefferson ES
- Valissa Whited-Johnson, teacher, Emerson ES
- Lawanda Williams, teacher specialist, Cook ES
- Mary Williams, teacher, Austin HS
- Kimberly Wilson, attendant, Food Services
- Kimberly Winston, teacher, Walnut Bend ES
- Boyd Wisniewski, teacher, Lanier MS
- Lisette Yates, teacher, Revere MS
10 years
- Elizabeth Achar, teacher, Waltrip HS
- Rebecca Alvarado, teacher, Valley West ES
- Cesar Alvarez, assistant principal, Dowling MS
- Marta Alvarez-Blanco, dean of students, Sam Houston MSTC
- Stacey Ardoin, teacher, Pershing MS
- Jorge Argaez, teacher, Benavidez ES
- Patricia Armstrong, crossing guard, Cook ES
- Maria Arrieta, teacher, Coop ES
- Myriam Arvizu, teacher, Ortiz MS
- Katherine Augustine, counselor, Furr HS
- Carole Bagley, teacher, Bellaire HS
- Alisca Bailey, teacher, West University ES
- Elizabeth Baker, teacher, Clifton MS
- Lawanda Baker, attendant, Transportation Services
- Dianna Balderas, teacher, De Zavala ES
- Lorene Banks, teacher, Horn ES
- Randolph Bannis, repairer, Construction & Facility Services
- Juan Barrio, teacher, Rodriguez ES
- Heather Barrow, teacher, Westside HS
- Vilma Bass, teacher, Reagan HS
- Sherry Batke, librarian, Horn ES
- Alecia Bell, assistant principal, Hartman MS
- Gloria Benton, teacher, Grissom ES
- Matausha Blake, counselor, Key MS
- Jacqueline Bradley, teacher, Dowling MS
- Cheryl Byrd-Williams, dean of students, Westside HS
- George Caldwell, teacher, McReynolds MS
- Maria Caro, teacher, Piney Point ES
- Roger Castillo, teacher, R. P. Harris ES
- Brenda Cavazos, teacher, Wharton ES
- Maria Cavazos, nurse, Almeda ES
- Samantha Cayton, teacher, Bonner ES
- Helen Charles, crossing guard, Travis ES
- Linda Chess, Magnet coordinator, Windsor Village ES
- Polly Chevalier, teacher, Sam Houston MSTC
- Elyssa Cimino, teacher, Scarborough ES
- Graciela Clouse, compliance analyst, Lamar HS
- Dannie Coleman, nurse, Henry MS
- Diane Collazo, teacher, Oates ES
- Tremeka Collins, assistant principal, Kashmere Gardens ES
- Schandra Comeaux-Pollard, teacher, Westside HS
- Patricia Cooksey, teacher, Stevenson MS
- Antrina Cooper, teacher, McGowen ES
- Stacy Custard, attendant, Transportation Services
- Martha Daniel, teacher, Kolter ES
- Anita Darby, teacher specialist, Sam Houston MSTC
- Earl David, associate teacher
- Cornelia Davis, teacher, Westbury HS
- Freddie Davis, nurse, N. Q. Henderson ES
- Tamay Davis, teacher, McGowen ES
- Christian DeLaRiva, principal, DeAnda ES
- Jessica DeValentino, teacher specialist, T. H. Rogers MS
- Patricia Delay, nurse, Black MS
- Erin Diaz, teacher, Twain ES
- Laura Diaz-Rodriguez, teacher, Roosevelt ES
- Karen Dixon, teacher, Williams MS
- Martha Donatti, teacher, Neff Early Learning Center
- Mark Dostert, teacher, HAIS
- Lori Dunklin, teacher, YWCPA
- LaChawn Dupre, teacher, Codwell ES
- Kenneth Eaton, Customer Service Rep, IT
- Jayne Edwards, teacher, Longfellow ES
- Shanice Evans, teacher, Grissom ES
- Edmonia Everett, teacher, Community Services
- Roxane Exezidis, teacher, Lamar HS
- Alice Falaiye, teacher, Poe ES
- Collin Fearon, teacher, Austin HS
- Beverly Fisher, student information rep. Askew ES
- Melina Flores, librarian, Herrera ES
- Sonia Flores, teacher, Patterson ES
- Pierrette Follins, teaching assistant, Gross ES
- Gil Fontanilla, teacher, Milby HS
- Claire Frazier, teacher, Kolter ES
- Ronnie Freeman, teacher, Burbank ES
- Carmen Garcia, teacher, Pin Oak MS
- Esther Garcia, teacher, Petersen ES
- Inge Garibaldi, principal, Welch MS
- Claudia Gattis, Special Education chair, Chavez HS
- Gerrod George, librarian, Furr HS
- Benjamin Gibbs, teacher, Henry MS
- Tasheena Gibson, teacher, Osborne ES
- Stephanie Goellner, teacher, Milby HS
- Inez Gomez, plant operator, Piney Point ES
- Valentina Gomez, teacher, Herod ES
- Letty Gonzales, teacher, Sanchez ES
- Annalisa Gonzales-Lamas, teacher, ES
- Alma Gonzalez, teacher, Roosevelt ES
- Marbella Gonzalez, teacher, J. R. Harris ES
- Patricia Gonzalez, teacher, Cunningham ES
- Cecelia Green, teacher, Lamar HS
- Heather Green-Harris, teacher, Osborne ES
- Amy Gremillion, teacher, Bellaire HS
- Cara Grossman, teacher, Red ES
- Alma Guerra, teacher, Bruce ES
- Faustino Guerrero, custodian, Garden Oaks ES
- Luis Guevara, business partner, Human Resources
- Frances Guilfoyle, teacher, Challenge HS
- Steven Gutierrez, School Support Officer
- Angelica Halphen, teacher, Braeburn ES
- Angela Harrison, teacher, Browning ES
- Monique Harrison, teacher, Highland Heights ES
- Joyce Helfman, teacher, Johnston MS
- Veronica Heredia, teacher, Windsor Village ES
- Maria Hernandez, teacher, Wharton ES
- Felix Hollin, teacher, Milby HS
- Michael Holton, teacher, De Chaumes ES
- Tameka Hornsby, teacher, Tijerina ES
- Karen Hunter, teacher, Westside HS
- Ryan Hutchings, dean of students, Sam Houston MSTC
- Maria Iglesias, teacher, Northline ES
- Annette Jackson, teacher, Welch MS
- Donald Jackson, teacher, Foster ES
- Marla Jackson, Special Education chair, Stevenson MS
- Quentina Jackson, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Natalie James, teacher, Long Academy
- Maria Jaramillo, teacher, Chavez HS
- Jawgiel Teresa, clerk, Westside HS
- Raymond Jefferson, telecoms repairer, Construction & Facility Services
- Mary Jensen, teacher, Bush ES
- Mythesia Johnson, assistant principal, Bruce ES
- Jones Genee, teacher, Rice MS
- Kelly Raquel, teacher, Osborne ES
- Kennedy Cheryl, teacher, Reagan HS
- Kujawa Stephen, teacher, Chavez HS
- Catherine Landua, teacher, Revere MS
- Lankford Ebony, teacher, Bastian ES
- Adilia Largaespada, student information rep., Valley West ES
- Cecilia Lasane, teacher, Bush ES
- Michele LeBlanc, teacher, Askew ES
- Dorothy Leahy, teacher, Pin Oak MS
- Leal Leticia, teacher, Southmayd ES
- Leiva Jorge, teacher, Askew ES
- Lewis Carolyn, teacher, Barbara Jordan HS
- Renee Lieber, teacher, River Oaks ES
- Kimberly Lillich, teacher, Durham ES
- Elva Lopez, student information rep., Bonner ES
- Gabriel Lopez, teacher, West Briar MS
- Lucas Anna, teacher, Windsor Village ES
- Lynn Ludtke, teacher, Lantrip ES
- Robert MacGregor, teacher, Westside HS
- Maria Machuca, teacher, Northline ES
- Minnie Madison, teacher, Benavidez ES
- Patricia Magilke, counselor, Bellaire HS
- Nora Marroquin, teacher, Bellfort ECC
- Amanda Martinez, secretary, High Schools Office
- Elsy Martinez, teacher, Eliot ES
- Martinez Maria, custodian, Roberts ES
- Juan Mayorca, teacher, Bonham ES
- Raven McAlister, teacher, Bastian ES
- Yolande McCall, teacher, Westside HS
- Maurice McGowan, associate teacher
- Delayne McIlveen, teacher, Parker ES
- Jenise McLean-Davis, speech therapist, Child Study
- James McMains, teacher, Burbank MS
- Medrano Dalinda, teacher, Franklin ES
- Cesar Melchor, teacher, Frost ES
- Marco Mendez, teacher, Durkee ES
- Carmen Mendoza, teacher, Early Learning Center
- Milam Lissette, teacher, Red ES
- Jacqueline Miller, teacher, Henry MS
- Barbara Millspaugh, teacher, Davis HS
- Mione Erin, teacher, Johnston MS
- Mitchell Lemond, teacher, Burnet ES
- Jessica Molina, teacher, Bonner ES
- James Moore, teacher, Chavez HS
- Cynthia Morales-Santiago, clerk, Burbank MS
- Robert Munoz, teacher, T. H. Rogers MS
- Paul Murphy, teaching assistant, Attucks MS
- Myers Marjorie, teacher, Rice MS
- Carlos Navarrete, teacher, ES
- Alissa Nelson, Special Education chair, Washington HS
- Amy Newell, teacher, Waltrip HS
- Reuben Nicholas, teacher, Wheatley HS
- Nocca Kathryn, teacher, Bellaire HS
- Amanda O’Leary, Magnet coordinator, Bellaire HS
- LaCresia O’Neal, secretary, Recruitment and Selection
- Monica Orozco, teacher, Patterson ES
- Maxim Ostrovsky, teacher, DeBakey HS
- Overhouse Mary, teacher, Longfellow ES
- Overton Christie, teacher, Vision Programs
- Ozuna Nick, teacher, Bellaire HS
- Sally Parish, teacher, West University ES
- Alvin Parker, crossing guard, Red ES
- Crystal Parliament, teacher, Holland MS
- Donna Pecsenye, librarian, Sharpstown HS
- Esperanza Penaloza, teacher, Grissom ES
- Tiffani Pender, teacher, Burrus ES
- Oscar Perez, teacher, HSPVA
- Claudia Pineda, teacher, Field ES
- Francisca Pizana, teacher, Davila ES
- Maria Puente, teacher, Berry ES
- Amy Quinn, teacher, K Smith ES
- Michelangelo Quinones, teacher, Bonner ES
- Russell Rach, teacher, Bellaire HS
- Fausta Ramirez, clerk, Braeburn ES
- Ivette Ramirez, teaching assistant, T. H. Rogers MS
- Mirella Ramos, teacher, Burnet ES
- Patricia Randall, teacher, Fleming MS
- Rayford Barbara, teacher, Grissom ES
- Willie Mae Robertson, teacher, Burbank ES
- Jorge Rodriguez, teacher, Bonner ES
- Montra Rogers, curriculum specialist, Secondary Curriculum & Instruction
- Martha Rojas, teacher, Golfcrest ES
- Denise Romero, clerk, Scarborough HS
- Juan Romero, teacher, Project Chrysalis MS
- Norma Rosales, crossing guard, Bonner ES
- Lora Ruddy, teacher, Pershing MS
- Fernando Ruiz, teacher, Rucker ES
- Luis Sabillon, teacher, Brookline ES
- Mamade Sacko, teacher, Lee HS
- Patricia Salazar, teacher, Rucker ES
- Lilliana Salcedo, teacher, Stevenson MS
- Lana Samuel, registrar, Furr HS
- Diana Sanchez, teacher, Burnet ES
- Liliana Sanchez, teacher, Kennedy ES
- Luis Sanchez, teacher, Milby HS
- Matias Scoppa, teacher, Braeburn ES
- Farhan Shah, teacher, Chavez HS
- Adrienne Shetsky, teacher, Horn ES
- Andrew Shreffler, teacher, Westbury HS
- Alma Sifuentes, teacher, Wharton ES
- Benjamin Sifuentes, teacher, Lanier MS
- Craig Sikkema, teacher, Westside HS
- Jeffrey Silk, teacher, Kolter ES
- Gail Silver, teacher, Bellaire HS
- Rubie Simon, Title I coordinator, Patterson ES
- Ceaser Smith, teacher, Hartman MS
- Lora Smith, teacher, Sharpstown Intl. School
- Patricia Smith, teacher, Hartman MS
- Shaquana Smith, Special Education chair, Williams MS
- Guillermina Solis, custodian, Garden Oaks ES
- Kathryn Spates, teacher, Jordan HS
- Fanita Spears-Mogro, teacher, Herrera ES
- Cynthia Stange, teacher, Ashford ES
- Luticia Starks, teacher, Cornelius ES
- Adam Stephens, principal, School at St. George Place
- David Stigant, teacher, DeBakey HS
- Maria Symington, teacher, Parker ES
- Randy Takaoka, teacher, T H Rogers MS
- Sandra Tantillo, associate teacher
- Adrienne Tappen, teacher, Rice MS
- Ter Sonja Harkel, teacher, Gregory-Lincoln MS
- Delia Thibodeaux, teacher, Westside HS
- Stephanie Thompson, associate teacher
- Steven Treistman, teacher, Rice MS
- Yvonne Trevino, teaching assistant, Pin Oak MS
- Monica Trotter, teaching assistant, Codwell ES
- Daniel Turknett, teacher, Osborne ES
- Darrell Turner, project manager, Construction & Facility Services
- Hugo Urquiola, teacher, Bruce ES
- Trevor Van Auken, teacher, Longfellow ES
- Angela Vicencio, clerk, Hamilton MS
- Cynthia Villalovos, assistant principal, Waltrip HS
- Dolores Vivas, teacher, Pilgrim Academy
- Misty Wagers, teacher, Pin Oak MS
- Desere Walker, teacher, Woodson ES
- Karyn Wallace, teacher, N. Q. Henderson ES
- Del Shon Waller, teacher, Ryan MS
- Priscilla Watkins, teacher, Scarborough HS
- Rashida Weaver, audiologist, Deaf Campus
- Kenneth Webster, assistant principal, Project Chrysalis MS
- Weinstein Eileen, teacher, Briscoe ES
- Tigist Wiggins, teacher, Bastian ES
- Tiffany Williams, teacher, Bonham ES
- Willie Williams, crossing guard, Mitchell ES
- Alan Wilson, teacher, Bush ES
- Isabel Wilson, teacher, Pugh ES
- Amanda Wingard, instructional specialist, Neff ES School
- Kristin Wingenroth, teacher, Bellaire HS
- Christopher Wise, teacher, Reagan HS
- Lynn Wittkamp, teacher, Chavez HS
- Jimmie Woods, teacher, Madison HS
- Lydia Zamora, teacher, Austin HS
- Qian Zhang, teacher, DeBakey HS
- Jennifer Zieg, teacher, Rice MS
5 years
- Annie-Claire Achintih, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Martin Alcorn, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Michael Alexander, teacher, Scarborough HS
- Ruby Allen, attendant, Transportation Services
- Raymond Austin, crossing guard, Garden Villas ES
- Tanaya Baker, attendant, Transportation Services
- Leslie Baldwin, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Baly Loraine, attendant, Transportation Services
- Janice Banks, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Barone Nicol, teacher, Jefferson ES
- Anna Bass, teacher, Davis HS
- Cecilia Baylon, teacher, Poe ES
- Martha Berrones, parent engagement representative, Whittier ES
- Hadassah Bilbo, crossing guard, Mading ES
- Erik Bonilla, officer, Police Department
- Antoinette Bordelon, program specialist, Curriculum and Instruction
- Sharyn Bronstein, associate teachers
- Corey Brooks, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Sylvia Casas, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Ernest Chandler, crossing guard, Bell ES
- Donna Choice, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Fred Cooper, crossing guard, Wilson Montessori
- Sharon Cooper, attendant, Transportation Services
- Patricia Daniels, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Annie Davis, associate teacher
- Lurlean Dixon, teacher, Furr HS
- Ainhoa Donat-Mas, teacher, Kennedy ES
- Everhart Veronica, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Makesha Foster, attendant, Transportation Services
- Joan Gentry, teacher, Ashford ES
- Lucila Hernandez, clerk, Medicaid/Property Mgmt.
- Tamara Hill, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Barbara James, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Aubrey Jeter, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Lorie Johnson, attendant, Transportation Services
- Dorothy Leflore, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Clara Lewis, crossing guard, Browning ES
- Corina Loo, teacher, Clifton MS
- Rodolfo Loredo-Cruz, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Taunya Malone, officer, Police Department
- Chassie Matthews, attendant, Transportation Services
- Sherry McCall, attendant, Transportation Services
- Miguel Mendoza, grounds worker, Construction & Facility Services
- Robert Mickleberry, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Jacquelyn Mimms, associate teachers
- Fiordaliza Minyety, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Andres Monroy, teacher, Shearn ES
- Doris Oaks, associate teacher
- Gregory Pace, officer, Police Department
- Rosalva Puente, teacher, J. P. Henderson ES
- Charlie Reed, mailroom attendant, Transportation Services
- Rich Mario, bus driver, Transportation Services
- John Robertson Jr, plant operator, Foerster ES
- Veronica Rodriguez, clerk, Hogg MS
- Junette Scott, attendant, Transportation Services
- Yolanda Smith, attendant, Transportation Services
- Agnes Speech, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Frances Spradlin, teacher, Bush ES
- Rosalyn Stevenson, attendant, Transportation Services
- John Sullivan, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Tridung Tran, officer, Police Department
- Lauren Urdiales, student worker, Garcia ES
- Knowlton White, teacher, Deady MS
- Sharon Whiting, teacher, Pin Oak MS
- Jean Williams, clerk, Madison HS
- Billy Woodard II, bus driver, Transportation Services
| Check back next Friday for more August Milestones. Leave a comment below if you’d like to congratulate any of the above employees. |
If your school’s teachers’ lounge is in serious need of some TLC, maybe you can help it get the attention it deserves.Two local radio personalities have joined forces with Crave Cupcakes to host a “Sweeten Your Teachers’ Lounge” contest.
To nominate a school, just visit the KRBE website, complete the application, and tune in between 6 and 10 a.m. on Mon., Aug. 26, 2013, to hear the winner announced. The grand prize is a $2,000 makeover, courtesy of Crave Cupcakes and the Roula and Ryan Show.
The deadline to nominate a school is 10 a.m. on Thurs., Aug. 22. Official contest rules are here (.pdf).
Houston Arts Partners Conference Sept. 13 & 14
The third annual Houston Arts Partners Conference will be taking place on Sept. 13 and 14, 2013, at the Houston Ballet Center for Dance (601 Preston St., 77002), and educators are invited.
This year’s theme is “Arts Work: How the Arts Benefit the Individual, the Classroom, the Community, and the Economy,” and attendees can earn up to 15 CPE credit hours.
For complete details, please visit the conference website.
George Ranch to host Open House for Educators on Sept. 7
The historic George Ranch will be hosting an Open House for Educators on Sat., Sept. 7, 2013, and all HISD history teachers are invited!
Come take a journey through our state’s history by following four generations of one Texas family dating back to the 1830’s.
For complete details, please see this related posting.
Mobile mammograms return to HISD Sept. 9
Each year, The Rose offers on-site screening mammograms to female HISD employees who meet certain criteria.
Seven dates have been added for this fall, starting on Sept. 9 at Lee High School and extending through Oct. 30 at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center.
Interested women are encouraged to act quickly, as only a limited number of mammograms can be performed each day.
Please see the attached flyer (.pdf) for complete details.
Discount offer to Aug. 31 Texas Kickoff Classic
The Houston Texans, HISD’s longtime community partner, is offering district employees a savings of about 15 percent off of the regular price of tickets for a new fall tradition.
The inaugural Texas Kickoff Classic is coming to Reliant Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, and district employees can get a family value pack of four tickets, four hot dogs, and four soft drinks for prices starting at $120.
Come launch the college football season by watching the Mississippi State Bulldogs take on Oklahoma State Cowboys for less.
To take advantage of this special offer, please contact Warren Caguioa at 832-667-2319 or warren.caguioa@houstontexans.com. A downloadable flyer (.pdf) is available for reference.
All processing charges, taxes, and fees will be waived.
The Retirement Storefront at HISD will be hosting retirement seminars from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on the following dates this fall:
- Wed., Sept. 18
- Tues., Oct. 22
- Wed., Nov. 6
- Wed., Dec. 4
All district employees are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about their Teacher Retirement System (TRS) benefits.
Employees must register through e-TRAIN to attend, and select course code #BN0200.
Questions may be directed to V. Janene English at 713-695-5561 ext. 343.
HISD’s office of Onboarding and Organizational Development will be offering employees two chances to improve their communication skills at a pair of professional development seminars on Wed., Aug. 28, 2013.
The three-hour sessions will be offered at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., and both will take place in room 3C12 at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th St, 77092).
For details, please see this related flyer (.pdf). To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HISDcommunicate.
HISD’s Supplemental Sick Leave Bank (SSLB) program offers participants up to 30 additional paid leave days in the event of a catastrophic illness or injury resulting in an extended absence from work.
Enrollment forms and plan details are available on the SSLB webpage and will be emailed to eligible employees during the week of Aug. 19, 2013. Eligible employees may enroll or cancel plan membership at any time between Aug. 19 and Sept. 3. This will be the last opportunity for employees to cancel their membership for the 2013–2014 SSLB plan year.
Current SSLB participants and employees who enrolled in May need not reapply. Another opportunity to enroll (not cancel) will be offered in November.
Please contact Employee Support Services at 713-695-5561 with any questions.
In a recent eNews survey, we asked teachers which aspect of the district’s support structure has proven the most meaningful to them, and almost 43 percent said it was the advice and feedback they received from their mentors.
The second most-popular answer was a tie between “guidance provided by teacher development specialists” and “performance-based incentives (ASPIRE awards).”
“Feedback received through regular assessments” and “video exemplars of highly effective teaching” were in a tie for third.
Beverly Breaux
This week’s Shout Out goes to Beverly Breaux, a plant operator with the Construction and Facility Services department, from Shearn Elementary School Principal Bill Buck.
“She has really stepped up to the plate,” said Buck. “Even with all the construction going on, she has managed to make some great improvements on campus. She had her staff power washing and cleaning the skirts (or protective flaps along the edges of the temporary buildings to keep kids and animals out from under them), which really provided positive ascetics for our campus. And I know she will only get better as she learns our systems and routines.”
“She’s just doing an awesome job,” added Custodial Team Lead Jorge Valdivia.
| 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. |
Twelve HISD history teachers were in the 2013 cohort of the Humanities Texas' summer professional development institute.
More than 600 history teachers from across the state applied to “America at War in the Twentieth Century,” a professional development institute sponsored by Humanities Texas, the University of Houston, and the University of Texas at San Antonio, and of the 150 who were chosen, almost one in ten were from HISD schools.
The district had 12 teachers selected to participate. They received training in June from leading scholars in the field of humanities, such as Charles Flanagan, director of educational programs at the National Archives and Records Administration, and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy of Stanford University.
“The institute helped me broaden my (subject) knowledge by showing me alternative ways to present information to my students,” said Lisa Williams, a Texas history teacher from Jackson Middle School. “We were given a great amount of material to make our subject and classroom experience more interesting and challenging, such as different websites we can turn to for visual effects of certain aspects of history.”
Other HISD teachers who participated in the institute were: Danielle Arriola (Fleming MS), Kristin Clarke (Clifton MS), Kevin Frei (Madison HS), Barbara Massoud (Revere MS), David McBride (Burbank MS), Jared Mosley (Burbank MS), Tri Nguyen (Jackson MS), Pearl Perez (Fleming MS), Annemarie Potts (Lee HS), Niv Regev (Pershing MS), and Kelsey Sexton (Scarborough HS).
Congratulations also go out this week to:
- Chávez High School teacher Carolyn (Schupp) Teas, who was named the “Top Cycle 6 Site Coordinator for the State of Texas” at the Texas Education Agency’s recent Afterschool Center on Education (ACE) Conference. ACE is a 21st Century Community Learning Centers program funded by the United States Department of Education.
| If you know someone who should be featured in Accolades, please email us at info@houstonisd.org and tell us why. |