The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on Sat. June 1, 2013, and weather experts are already predicting a more active season than usual. If you are not yet ready, don’t wait until a storm is bearing down on the Texas coast to assemble your supplies. Check the National Hurricane Center‘s website frequently for the latest updates on any developing tropical disturbances, and Ready.gov for tips on how to prepare, including what to include in an emergency kit, how to formulate an emergency plan for natural disasters, and much more.
Here are some other dates you might want to mark on your calendar:
- June 1: Hurricane season begins
- June 6: Last day of school (students)
- June 7–11(.pdf): Graduation ceremonies
- June 10–Aug. 2: Summer Schedule in effect
- June 11: Summer School begins*
- June 11–July 18: Summer Meals program
- June 13: Board meeting (regular)
- June 20: Board meeting (budget)
- July 11: Board meeting
- July 15-19 & Aug. 5-9: HMNS Summer Energy Workshops
- August 26: First day of school (students)
This week’s Shout Out goes to Melissa Lopez (left) and Suzanne Mihaloglou in the Parent Community Assistance office from Grace Sauls, a 1974 graduate of Jones High School.
Sauls said she was “beyond frustrated” at being transferred multiple times after calling the district to obtain a code she needed to qualify for college financial aid, but “Ms. Lopez calmed me down.”
“She exemplified a professional, congenial, and empathetic tone,” said Sauls, in an email to the district, “(so) it did not surprise me her efforts to remedy my dilemma were successful. I am truly grateful to her for devoting time above the norm to acquire the information I needed. (She is) a gem and an asset to HISD. Thumbs up, Ms. Lopez!”
“Ms. Lopez and Ms. Mihaloglou are true professionals who consistently go above and beyond to serve our parents and community,” added HISD School Services Officer Lupita Hinojosa.
| 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. |
The last day of the regular academic year is right around the corner, and that means summer school is not far behind.
To help teachers get ready to deliver concentrated doses of reading instruction, HISD’s Professional Support & Development and Multilingual Programs co-hosted an Everyday ExcELLence Expo on May 18.
More than HISD 200 teachers in grades 3–12 gathered at Hartman Middle School for the mini-conference, where they practiced Everyday ExcELLence literacy routines and shared their approaches to developing language and literacy, particularly for English Language Learners (ELLs). They also attended a series of teacher-led sessions that highlighted successful implementations of sheltered instruction practices and Everyday ExcELLence literacy routines as part of an end-of-year expo.
Teachers left the event with ideas and instructional materials to help them bring the eight excELLence literacy routines to life during summer school and the upcoming academic year.
To learn more about the Everyday ExcELLence routines, please visit the PSD website at http://houstonisdpsd.org/literacy-routines.html.
Jacquelyn Booker
Jacquelyn Booker has been serving Houston’s children since the spring of 1973, but even after four decades, the Austin High School counselor still describes herself as “passionate” about her job.
“I think the outside world’s influences bring about a lot of changes, but children are still the same,” she said. “And whether it’s teaching or counseling, I love helping students decide what to do.”
Booker, who marked her official anniversary with the district on May 30, has served as a school counselor for the past 24 years, about nine of those at Austin. Before that, she was a teacher for 16 years, and she has also worked at Holden Elementary, Jackson Middle, and Madison High schools. She plans to retire this July.
A number of other HISD employees are also marking milestones this week (May 26–31)—see if you know anyone on this list:
20 years
- Tomas Zavaleta, carpenter, Construction & Facilities Services
15 years
- Gloria Britt, teacher, Browning Elementary
5 years
- Maria Alonso, attendant, Food Services
- Stephan Arredondo, Sr HVAC Repairer, Construction & Facilities Services
- Nathalie Cascante, counselor, Benefits
- Delroy Harrow, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Robert Johnson, imaging technician, Administrative Services
- Pablo Relampagos IV, computer operator, IT Infrastructure
- Tony Sharpe, bus driver, Transportation Services
- Terrance Watson, custodian, MacGregor Elementary
- Jerry Whitmore, imaging technician, Administrative Services
| Check back next Friday for some June Milestones. Leave a comment below if you’d like to congratulate any of the above employees. |
- Houston’s problems intensify as population becomes more diverse
- Democrats stand firm on $3.9 billion for education
- Do new exams produce better teachers?
- Texas curriculum dropped after complaints from lawmakers
- Schools add to test load, just to assess the questions
- For public schools, Twitter is no longer optional
For Thuy Le-Thai, education is not just her job, it’s her passion.
“I am a product of HISD, so I believe in the public education system,” said the newly named principal of Sharpstown International School, who officially celebrates her 25th anniversary with the district this week. “I was one of the Vietnamese boat people when I came here in 1980. I was almost 19 and spoke no English, but my teachers believed in me, and I graduated from Sharpstown High School in 1983.”
The veteran educator spent a good portion of her time in HISD at White Elementary School, where she started out as a teacher and left as the principal. But she has also served as a federal funds supervisor, a teacher trainer, a Title I coordinator, and for the past two years, as a school support officer.
“I want to give back to the system that gave me the education of a lifetime,” she said. “It was the springboard I needed to be successful.”
A few other HISD employees are also marking milestones this week (May 19–25)—see if you know anyone on this list:
25 years
- Inocencia Gonzales, magnet coordinator, Bell ES
15 years
- Mark Allen, manager of eligibility, Food Services
10 years
- Tomasa Acosta, custodian, Lanier MS
5 years
- Patricia Cantu, security guard, Police Department
- Sean Ricks, evaluation specialist, Child Study
HISD has been moving full steam ahead in bringing effective leaders to our campuses. Please join us in welcoming the following school principals and school support officers to their new posts.
New School Principals
- Max Pope (Almeda ES)—Pope currently serves as principal of Pilot Elementary School in Guilford County, NC. Prior to his experience there, Pope was recognized as Kentucky’s Principal of the Year. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from Gardner-Webb College and master of arts degree in school administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
- Kristy Love (Codwell ES)—Love is currently the dean of students at Woodson K-8 Leadership Academy. She boasts more than 11 years of experience at both the elementary and middle school levels, and has served as both a science teacher at Hogg Middle School and an assistant principal at Burbank Middle School. Kristy received her bachelor of science in biology from Alcorn State University and her master of education in educational administration from Prairie View A&M University.
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Angel Kirby
Angel Kirby (Cook ES)—Kirby is a graduate of HISD’s own Madison High School. She is currently the assistant principal at Braeburn Elementary School, but she has also served in other leadership positions, including instructional coordinator, dean of students, and dean of instruction.
- Patricia Palacios (Durkee ES)—A 17-year HISD veteran, Palacios most recently served as a team lead for the English language arts teacher development specialists. She began her career as a teacher at Tijerina Elementary School and has also served as a campus literacy coach and curriculum specialist. Palacios earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and language arts from Saint Thomas University and her master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University.
Patricia Palacios
- Yolanda Rodriguez (Roosevelt ES)—Rodriguez has been a part of Team HISD for 19 years. She has served for the last three as principal of De Zavala Elementary School, which earned exemplary status in 2011, TBEC Honor Roll in 2011, and recognition from the National Center for Educational Achievement in 2011. Before becoming a principal, Rodriguez interned with HISD’s API program at Scarborough High School. She began her teaching career at Roosevelt ES, but she has also served as an instructional coordinator and an assistant principal. Rodriguez earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Houston. She is a proud graduate of Davis High School.
Monique Lewis
- Monique Lewis (Fondren MS)—Lewis began her career in education 14 years ago as an alternative high school teacher in Central Texas, and most recently served as one of the assistant principals at Fondren. A native Houstonian, she attended Texas State University in San Marcos, where she received her bachelor of arts degree in journalism and mass communications. She went on to earn her master’s of arts in education leadership from Columbia University.
Eric Tingle
- Eric Tingle (Foster ES)—Tingle currently serves as the assistant principal of Law Elementary School, where he was instrumental in developing the new dual language program. Prior to joining Team HISD, Eric served in Alief ISD as a math and reading interventionist and a corps member advisor for Teach For America. Tingle received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in elementary education and his master’s degree from the University of Houston Clear Lake in educational management. He is currently working on his doctoral degree from the University of Houston Clear Lake in educational leadership.
- Alecia Bell (Hartsfield ES)—Bell started her career at HISD in 2003 as a reading teacher at Cullen Middle School. In 2008, she left the classroom to complete an internship at Hartman Middle School through the inaugural cohort of Houston A+ Regional Principal Leadership Academy. After working as a principal intern at Hartman, she subsequently became the dean of instruction. Bell has also served as dean of students at Johnston Middle School and assistant principal in charge of the magnet program at Yates High School. Bell earned her bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A&M University in industrial engineering technology with a minor in computer science. She also holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Capella University.
- Torrye Hooper (Hines-Caldwell ES)—Hooper first came to HISD in 2007 as a science content specialist. She is currently serving as an assistant principal at Cullen Middle School, but she also taught biology in Aldine ISD and worked overseas preparing educators to teach in the United States. Hooper earned her bachelor’s of science degree from Texas Southern University and her master’s degree in school administration from the University of Houston Clear Lake. She is also a 2012 graduate of HISD’s New and Emerging Leader Institute.
Ashley Green
- Ashley Green (Jefferson ES)—Green was serving as the assistant principal at Shearn Elementary before being selected as Jefferson’s new principal. She has also worked as an academic trainer for the Apollo 20 Program at Fondren Middle School and a classroom teacher in Cleveland ISD. Green earned her bachelor’s of science degree in marketing from Baylor University and subsequently received her master of business administration from Lamar University in 2011. She also completed the Rice Educational Entrepreneurship Program Business Fellowship offered through Rice University.
Lawrence Williams
- Lawrence Williams (Mading ES)—Williams began his career in HISD as an elementary teacher in 2004. He has also served as an instructional coordinator and an assistant principal at Garcia Elementary School. Williams earned his bachelor of science degree from the University of Houston and his master’s in education from Texas Southern University. He is currently working on his doctoral degree in educational leadership from Texas Southern University.
- Daniel Hernandez (C. Martinez ES)—Hernandez has served as a teacher’s aide, a classroom teacher, and an assistant principal. Most recently, he was dean of students at Fleming Middle School. Hernandez completed a principal internship through HISD’s partnership with the Houston A+ Challenge. He graduated from the University of Houston Downtown with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. He also earned his principal certification through Region IV.
Daniel Hernandez
- Mechiel Rozas (Memorial ES)—Rozas was working as an early childhood coordinator in 2003 when she was tapped to become the new Mistral Center for Early Childhood’s first principal in 2004. She also served as the assistant director over the upper school at Westchester Academy for International Studies in Spring Branch ISD. Rozas earned her bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in bilingual elementary education with a minor in Spanish. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in instructional technology and a certification in educational administration from Houston Baptist University.
- Orlando Reyna (Deady MS)has served as an assistant principal at Thomas Middle School for the past two years. Before that, he taught chemistry, biology, and integrated physics and chemistry at the high school level and also served as an instructional coordinator and an assistant principal. At Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center, he helped increase students’ exit-level science scores 48% and also increased parental involvement rates at the nearby Ninth Grade College Preparatory Academy. Reyna received his bachelor’s degree in science from Prairie View A&M University.
Josefa Olivares
- Dr. Josefa Olivares (Dowling MS)—Dr. Olivares began her career in HISD in 2001 as a bilingual education teacher. She has also served as an assistant principal and principal intern at Holland Middle School and Chávez High School. For the past four years, she has led the turnaround effort and achieved much success as the principal of Bonner Elementary. Dr. Olivares received her bachelor of science degree in bilingual education and her master’s in educational leadership from the University of Houston. She recently completed her doctorate in educational leadership there, as well.
- Ingé Garibaldi (Welch MS)—Garibaldi currently holds the position of assistant principal at M.C. Williams Middle School. She started her career in education as a math and science teacher, but has also served in leadership roles, such as gifted and talented coordinator and magnet coordinator. Garibaldi was named the HISD Assistant Principal of the Year at the middle school level for 2013. She earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Houston and a master’s in education from Prairie View A&M University.
- Julissa Alcantar-Martinez (Davis HS)—Alcantar-Martinez comes to us from Galena Park ISD, where she was serving as the principal of both Woodland Acres elementary and Woodland Acres middle schools. Her teaching career started as an English language arts teacher at the American School in Puebla, Mexico, an IB K-12 campus. She has been a state semi-finalist for the HEB Principal of the Year award twice. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in educational administration from St. Mary’s University. She also holds a master’s in applied linguistics and is currently working on her doctorate at Lamar University.
Clarissa Giddings
- Clarissa Giddings (Twilight HS)—Giddings is currently working at the Houston Academy for International Studies as the dean of instruction. She began her HISD career 14 years ago as a teacher at Sharpstown Middle School, but she has also worked as a magnet coordinator and a math specialist. Giddings earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Houston and her master’s degree from Texas Southern University. She also participated in HISD’s Emerging Leaders Institute in the summer of 2012.
- Thuy Le-Thai (Sharpstown International School)—Le-Thai has held the role of interim principal at Sharpstown International School since February. Prior to this appointment, she served as a School Support Officer in the Elementary School Office. Le-Thai was born in Vietnam, but graduated from Sharpstown High School. She started her career in HISD at White Elementary School, where she worked her way up from a teaching position to eventually serve as its principal. Under her leadership, the school earned an exemplary rating from the Texas Education Agency. Le-Thai completed both her bachelor of arts and master of education degrees at the University of Houston.
- Andria Schur (Waltrip HS)—Schur is currently the principal at the Jordan High School for Careers, where she has served since 2010. She also served as a teacher in Pasadena ISD and the at-risk coordinator and dean of instruction in Clear Creek ISD. Under her leadership, Jordan has seen test scores rise, career pathways expand and become more relevant, and the number of scholarship offers for seniors increase more than five-fold. Schur received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Houston. She is currently in the University of Texas’ doctoral program.
School Support Officers
- Julia Dimmitt—Dimmitt, who is currently working as school support officer for Apollo middle schools, will serve as a school support officer for the North Forest elementary and middle schools.
- Nicole Moore—Moore will be serving as a school support officer for one-half of our Apollo 20 elementary and middle schools for the next school year and several of our struggling elementary schools. Nicole is currently the principal of Key Middle School. Under her direction, Key Middle School experienced great student growth for the past three years. Prior to becoming a middle school principal, Nicole was the principal of JR Harris Elementary School.
- Ken Davis—Davis will split school support officer duties for our Apollo 20 elementary and middle schools with Nicole Moore. He will also work with several of our struggling middle schools. Currently the principal of Dowling Middle School, Davis also has experience as a school-turnaround principal, which will come in handy as he coaches and mentors schools similar to the one he is leaving. Prior to coming to HISD, Davis was an elementary school principal in the Lamar Consolidated School District, where he was named “Texas Distinguished Principal of The Year.”
Charles Foust
- Charles Foust—Foust will be joining the Middle School Office as a school support officer for the 2013–2014 school year. Currently the principal of Fondren Middle School, he will coach and mentor other district middle schools to assist them in continuing to improve student achievement. Under his leadership, Fondren has made strong improvement in student achievement and the school’s student population has grown.
Other Administrators
- Qianqian Wang (HISD Confucius Institute)—Wang will serve as the first manager of HISD’s Confucius Institute, which will be housed at Sharpstown International School. She has had extensive teaching and administrative experience in Chinese language/culture education at Harvard University, Princeton University, Columbia University, and PS 87 William T. Sherman School (New York). Throughout her teaching and administrative career, she has been heavily involved in various projects for language program development/management, including cultural and linguistic exchange programs at Princeton University and pre-service instructor training programs at Harvard University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Zhejiang University (China) and a master’s degree in organizational psychology from Columbia University. She is a PhD candidate in educational psychology at the University of Houston, and she was the recipient of the Harvard University Distinction in Teaching Award for two consecutive years.
In the April 19 edition of Friday eNews, we told you about a grant from the Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to provide free recycling bins to schools and other district work locations.
But the deadline for the district to use the money is June 30, so act quickly if you want to take advantage of this special offer. All orders for recycling bins must be received by Construction & Facility Services Accounting Manager Kim Urban by Thursday, May 30.
You can read the original article here.
Lunch ‘N Learn sessions return to HMWESC June 10–Aug. 13
If you’re one of the more than 1,000 HISD employees who offices at the district’s headquarters, then mark your calendars now, as the next series of Lunch ‘N Learn sessions is returning to the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center when the 4-10 summer schedule resumes.
The sessions will start with “estate planning, wills, and trusts” on Mon., June 10, and conclude with “getting healthy for life” on Tues., Aug. 13. The sessions will be led by representatives from HISD Benefits, the Employee Assistance Program, and associations for Alzheimer’s and diabetes. See a full schedule here (.pdf).
Register via e-TRAIN. Direct questions to the Benefits Department at 713-556-6655.
Sign up now for mandatory CPR training June 22–Aug. 8
If you are a campus-based member of Team HISD who participates, sponsors, and/or coaches any UIL-sanctioned or co-curricular activities, then the State of Texas requires you to be certified in the administration of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, Automated External Defibrillator, and First Aid (CPR/AED/FA).
Stipend payments are dependent upon this certification, so if you need the training, please sign up now for one of the available sessions between Thursday, June 22, and Thursday, August 8, to ensure that the district is in compliance with this legal requirement.
For details, including training dates, times, and locations, please see this related Academic Services Memo.
Early Bird Alert: 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.
Want to help other members of Team HISD make the most of their annual budgets?
If you are an HISD employee who is responsible for making purchases in your office or on your campus, Procurement Services needs your help. The department is conducting an on-going survey to compile a list of the district’s best suppliers, and you’re invited to participate.
Users can rate district vendors in the following areas:
- quality of product or service
- ability to deliver product or service on time
- accuracy of pricing
- quality of customer service provided
- likelihood of using them again
The top five campuses/departments to complete the most survey evaluations will be recognized by Procurement Services, and purchasers at those work locations will receive an additional door prize ticket that can be used towards the next supplier fair.
The first results will be announced at the end of October.
Questions may be directed to Procurement Services at 713-556-6515.
