Ceremony Photos | January 2008
The following individuals were recognized for their participation in the Nimitz Middle School History Fair: Katey Beighley, Laura Bosquez, Sandra Brown, Irma Daniel, Darla Dunn, Diana Esquivel, Joyce Estes, Mary Flores, Myrna Gonzalez, Ramaun Gutierrez-Montenegro, Sylvia Holguin, David Jimenez, Brandon Kallies, Paul Lane, Victor Limon, Erin Marcella, Adan Martinez, Lauren Morales-Davenport, Christine Polensky, Christine Rios, Guadalupe Rodriguez, Jamie Rogers, Rosanna Ruiz, Joseph Scutti, Lester Spradley, Mary Stewart, Teresa Villalobos, Pam Wanieck, Randy Wanieck,
Elaine Wilson and Sammy Young.
(Photos 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5)
This campus-wide event, showcasing more than 200 exhibits, 45 web site entries and nine documentaries, relies on a large number of faculty, staff and volunteers. These individuals were instrumental to the wonderful execution of this event—clearly showing their commitment to student success.
Innovation
Finding new opportunities to instill student pride takes innovation and creative thinking.
Dan Blankenhorn planned and organized Wood Middle School's first Beautification Clean Up. Due to Dan's efforts, 63 students, parents and staff participated. Participants trimmed shrubs, replaced landscape timbers, planted winter flower beds and new shrubs, weeded existing beds and picked up litter. This spring, Dan will lead the Science Club to complete Phase II of the campus beautification project.
This school year, Jennifer Stone started a new club at MacArthur High School called "Honor Guard." This club gives many students an opportunity to participate at football games and show school spirit while taking care of the Brahma Bull mascot.
Leadership
Developing new programs and opportunities lays the foundation for this district.
To improve wellness and the environment at Camelot, Cecelia Valencia partnered with the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) to start the region's first Green Patrol. Green Patrol students wear green jerseys and carry signs reminding parents to turn off their vehicle engines. The signs either read: "No Idle Zone" or "Be a Star, Turn Off Your Car."
This program doesn't just stop at the curb. All Camelot parents received a pledge card and informational letter detailing the importance of idle reduction. Classes returning 80 percent of pledge cards received an Air Action Party from AACOG. Cecelia also scheduled time for presentations to be made to faculty, the Safety Patrol and PTA.
Upon evaluation, AACOG found that Camelot parents reduced their idling by more than 60 percent. On December 5, 2007, AACOG awarded Camelot with an Environmental Stewardship Award Honorable Mention for its Green Patrol program.
Cecelia took this initiative after hearing about the program from an AACOG presentation during a summer school nurse staff meeting. She wanted to bring this program to her school to increase awareness of the relationship between childhood asthma and air pollution.
Ingenuity
While sometimes challenging, finding new ways to teach students reaps great rewards for the district as a whole.
Anne Dickson and Trisha Hedman worked together to co-author a new social studies curriculum at Northwood Elementary School. These women developed a dynamic and engaging resource for teachers of fourth-grade Texas history. Anne and Trisha conducted various professional development sessions for teachers across the district. Their efforts provided North East teachers with quality instruction for our children.
Pedrina Duncan is a CATCH—Coordinated Approach to Child Health—Team Member at Harmony Hills Elementary School. She has promoted healthy food choices in the cafeteria, and worked to educate students about "Go, Slow and Whoa" foods.
Recently, Pedrina submitted a CATCH idea to the national CATCH newsletter, which was published in October. In addition to being published, Pedrina was also awarded a $100 gift certificate to Flaghouse. Pedrina will purchase items to further the school’s CATCH program efforts.
Dedication
Dedicated employees and volunteers often give personal time to chaperone students on various events—even if the events take them across the Pacific Ocean.
Donald Horadam, Linda Higgins and her husband Bob Higgins all accompanied the Special Olympics Basketball team to China this past fall. As a coach, Linda made extensive plans for the team to compete in the World Games. Both Donald and Linda helped coach the students during these games. The Team won silver medals at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
Event Planning
Events take extensive time, effort and planning to be successful. The following individuals were recognized for their efforts in recent events involving NEISD: David Haddad, Ronald Hernandez, Lori Stillings, Brandon Williams, Pam Braha, Mike Drahl, Toni Keith, Joe Montagna and Art Veliz.
(More Photos: 1 | 2)
David, Ronald, Lori and Brandon helped carry out Geographic Information System Day 2007 this past November. Hosted at the Community Learning Center, the event included more than 500 students, 120 teachers, 100 volunteers and 15 corporate sponsors from the greater San Antonio Area. The success of this event is directly attributable to the efforts and professionalism of these individuals. One teacher, who has attended all four GIS Days, commented: "Of the four sites, this was the best."
Volunteers Pam, Mike, Toni, Joe and Art graciously gave their time to the success of the 12th Annual Model United Nations of San Antonio. Pam and Toni organized and hosted the sponsor hospitality room. They also solicited donations from local businesses, which provided meals for the visiting sponsors from Mexico, New York, North Carolina and San Antonio.
Mike and Art personally delivered six truck loads of water to the Municipal Auditorium in support of the three-day event. Joe, as president of the Oak Hills Rotary Club, organized drivers for the World Affairs Council luncheons.
Heroism
It is widely stated that teachers touch lives. However, it is rare when they literally save a life.
In what was a life and death situation for one student, White Middle School teachers Lauren Pelaez and Kristi Ryan demonstrated the highest degree of professionalism. At the same time, they both showed tremendous compassion in attending to this student during this medical emergency. Both teachers remained calm in the midst of chaos, putting the needs of the affected student and others in the class foremost in their minds and actions.
The student was sent to the hospital, recovered and has since returned to school.
Contribution
December brought many opportunities to give to those less fortunate. Whether giving time, money, gifts or food—those in need are always appreciative. The following individuals were recognized for their efforts in the McKinney "Homeless" Holiday Drive 2007: Lt. Col. Amador Cano, 1st Sgt. Steven Chavan, Patsy Cover, Rachel Dominguez, Lt. Col. Robert Foutz, Beth Fox, Suellen Foxhall, Debra Gayle, Speedy Gonzales, Adriana Hernandez, Mona Kemper, Karen Kirby, Tiffany Klepper-Vasquez, Sgt. Maj. Ramon Lara, Lt. Col. Paul Loveless, Christine Masten, Tim Miller, Felichia Moreno, Lt. Col. Jerry Murgia, Jennifer Paz, Maria Perez, Kari Phillips, Misty Ptasnik, Master Sgt. Xavier Sandoval, Zelvia Saucedo, Debbie Sifuentez, Michelle Swisher, Mary Thompson and Peggy Turner.
(Photos: 1 | 2 | 3)
The McKinney "Homeless" Holiday Drive 2007 received many contributions throughout the district, making the project a success. All homeless NEISD students received gifts, food and warm clothing for the holidays. These individuals helped both collect and deliver donated items to the homeless families.
Volunteers
The follwoing volunteers from throughout the district were recognized: Mark Cirinna, Rusty Riley, Charmain Sanchez and James Silva.
Mark is a member of the Academy of Creative Education's Advisory Corporate Council and Endowment / Fund-raising Committee. Mark is also the Vice President of the Marketing Chain Supply for Valero Energy Corporation, and a proud NEISD parent. As a member of the Committee, Mark was instrumental in securing a $10,000 grant from Valero’s Texas Open charity fund-raiser. Funds will be used to assist students in need who are pursuing advanced education beyond the academy and for various needs, such as food or clothing.
Rusty, with the North Central Rotary Club, supported Harmony Hills PTA by funding wristbands for "National Drug Awareness Week." He also obtained money to fund summer school scholarships and organized a Xeriscaping project to beautify the school.
At Roosevelt High School, Charmain helps ensure that Rough Rider Pride never dies. To improve school pride at football games, Charmain and the Sports Booster Club refurbished and introduced a new and improved "Big Stick." The "Big Stick" is carried across the field by JROTC students each time the team scores.
Madison High School student James Silva takes his responsibilities as a PAL sincerely as he mentors a student at Northern Hills Elementary School. He attended his PAL's PTA performance and gave him football tickets. The Northern Hills teachers report improved performance as a result of James' relationship with the elementary student.