Ceremony Photos | October 2007
Crisis Management
Quick Response
Our campuses often face many problems and situations that, if not handled properly, could escalate into chaotic crises. Instead, our fine staff and volunteers work hard to alleviate crisis situations and find resolutions with students, parents, and staff.
The the following individuals responded to a critical emergency involving a Redland Oaks Elementary School student who was not breathing:
From Redland Oaks: Mary Longloy and Mary Solis
From the San Antonio Fire Department: Roger Dennis, Terry Eaton, Guillermo Esparza, Robert Givens, Ryan Hartman, Gilbert Hunt, Alfred Noriega, Dean Pearson, Gary Polk and Arlene Willis.
Recognizing that the student was not breathing and did not have a pulse, Mary Solis quickly began performing CPR on the student. Mary Longloy immediately called EMS and retrieved the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for Ms. Solis. Ms. Longloy worked hard to console and meet the needs of the student’s mother who was at the school. Ms. Solis began using the AED on the student and then delivered rescue breathing until the emergency team arrived. Upon arriving to the school, the emergency team raced to intubate the student and continue CPR. The emergency team continued using their medical skills to safely transport the student to the hospital. Without the quick response and heroic acts of Ms. Solis, Ms. Longloy, and the emergency team, this student would not have made a full recovery from the incident.
Preparation
Student safety is a top priority for the district. The following individuals were honored for improving the Critical Incident Response Plan at their Redland Oaks Elementary School: Daphne Terrell, Bonnie George and Kay Davidson.
Daphne developed a new "Zoning" procedure that enables the entire Redland Oaks staff to work more effectively as a team during a crisis. This procedure ensures that every child is accounted for in an emergency evacuation situation. To enhance this procedure, Kay and Bonnie developed a class list and student sign-out procedure for each teacher.
These individuals' care and dedication to the well-being of our children exemplifies the district's commitment to ensure the safety of every student in our school.
Innovation
Employees who take time to develop new programs and activities exhibit true passion for enhancing the lives of their students. The following individuals were recognized for their innovative efforts: Audrey Ambrose, Kay Angrove and Lindsey Perret.
Every student at NEISD is unique and has different interests, and many of our teachers adapt programs to fit their needs. Audrey Ambrose recognizes and welcomes varying student interests. This year, Audrey added a twist to the Physical Education program at Madison: Outdoor Adventure. This program teaches students outdoor activities, such as building a camp fire, outdoor survival skills, fishing, building shelters, and more. This new program has rekindled interest in the physical education program.
Kay Angrove starts early at Roosevelt to prepare students for college. One of her assignments for her freshman class is to learn how to apply for scholarships. Last year, one of her students received a $1,000 scholarship and another was recognized in an essay writing scholarship. Kay has found an innovative method to encourage her students to start believing they are college-bound from day one.
Two years ago, Lindsey Perret traveled to Denver, Colorado with five ISA freshman students to Peace Jam. This trip sparked leadership skills that are continued today. At the Peace Jam, Lindsey and her students met several Nobel Peace Prize winners and learned about issues related to conflict resolution locally and globally. The students came back energized to make a positive impact on their community. Last month, the students sponsored a campus-wide "Read-in" on International Literacy Day. These students also invited Nobel Peace Prize winner Jody Williams to speak at the school. This student leadership was made possible by the work of Lindsey.
Finance
Just as every student matters, so too does every penny. NEISD works meticulously to make certain that finances are managed properly and effectively. The following individuals from the Accounts Payable department were recognized: Janet Betts, Janette Cumpian, Joy DeCleene, Michelle Ferrara, Lori Garrison, Carrie Gomez, Karen Mocygemba, Debora Packard, Peggy Scheidker and Janie Villarreal.
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The Accounting Department was found to have Superior Disbursement Control by Disbursement Review, LLC. The department consistently monitors the district's payments and vendor accounts and promptly addresses issues as they arise. This is evidenced by a lower recovery average than other K-12 districts. The average is $0.90 per enrolled student, but NEISD recoveries were less than $0.05 per enrolled student. The Accounting Department works very hard to accurately pay the district's invoices.
Event Planning
Events help strengthen the relationship between the school and its community, making the community more aware and appreciative. Planning events takes not just time and effort, but also dedication and passion. The following individuals were recognized for their event planning efforts: Ana Alvarado, Rose Garcia, Melissa Gonzalez, Kelley Anderson, Sharon Scott, Analisa Brewer and Kristen Williams.
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Melissa, Ana, and Rose planned and implemented Roosevelt's first Block Walk. More than 70 teachers and students walked eight different sections of the Roosevelt attendance area distributing flyers to promote the upcoming Open House/Meet the Teacher Night. A total of 1,500 flyers were distributed. These ladies also secured donations from local businesses to ensure that all volunteers were fed and had enough water for the event. This community outreach event was a hit because of their hard work.
Sharon, Kelley, and Analisa worked together to carry out the production of "We're All in this Together: A Musical." This musical helped make Olmos Elementary's 50th Golden Jubilee a success.
Kristen coordinated the Wood Middle School Greenback Cook Out Night. As a result of Kristen soliciting various businesses for donations, Wood staff provided a meal of hot dogs, chips, and drinks to parents and students. Staff served 1,000 parents and students, making the event a great accomplishment for the school.
Customer Service
A high quality of customer service is necessary for the success of the district. Edith Broadnax was recognized for her top customer service performance.
When you step off the elevator on the sixth floor of the NEEC building, you are always greeted by her smiling face. Edith treats every caller and visitor like her best friend. She receives many callers with complaints and takes the time to listen to each one of them. Edith lets the callers know she cares about their concerns and directs them to the right person.
NEISD receives many compliments about Edith, especially from senior citizens who she helps with the Senior Star Card program.
Facility Maintenance
The NEISD Facility Maintenance staff works hard to keep campuses and buildings running properly and looking great. They provide a service that often goes unnoticed. The combined efforts of the following individuals result in campuses and district buildings running at top performance: Ron Clary, Rosalinda Perez, Diana Gallardo, Leo Gonzalez and Manuel "Manny" Sanchez III.
Both Ron and Rosalinda came to the rescue for Reagan High School over the summer. The school was short staffed and had to prepare for the upcoming Administrative Leadership in-services sessions. Ron allowed Rosalinda to step in as head custodian when she worked long days to prepare the buildings and grounds. She not only organized work crews to where they would be most effective, she also taught the school's custodians cleaning methods and the proper supplies and tools for each task.
Ron also sent large pieces of equipment and supplies to help clean the buildings and manicure the lawns. He visited every day to oversee the performance and progress of the work crews he had sent.
Without the assistance of Ron and Rosalinda, Reagan would not have been ready to greet the district's leaders in a proper way.
Diana is the head custodian at Colonial Hills. She consistently maintains a facility that is inviting to students, the community, and employees. She is a problem-solver who never says "No." She easily multi-tasks and successfully accomplishes what she sets out to do.
Leo also displays exemplary performance, particularly in his work to make Wood Middle School ready for the new school year. Leo spent a great deal of time painting the campus over the summer, adding a navy blue trim to the offices and doors. The teachers appreciated the new look, and the school looks clean and fresh.
Manny is a great asset to the NEEC building. Manny is dependable, consistently displays a positive attitude, and always stops to do the small stuff. He is always willing to come in early or work late.
It is the dedication of all Facility Maintenance staff that creates an environment where children can have a high quality learning.
Volunteers
The following volunteers from throughout the district were recognized: Cheryl Bridges, Scott Huff, Linda Ramon, Tony Ramon and David Woodard.
Cheryl had the unique opportunity of being the first PTA president for Lopez Middle School. In addition to her dedication with the PTA, she also volunteers with the band and UIL program. A teacher at Lopez described Cheryl as having "enough energy alone to power the entire school." She did a great job getting that PTA and school up and running.
It is a wonderful thing when students give back to their school. For his Eagle Scout project, Scott, a Churchill Freshman, undertook the challenge of creating an outdoor classroom at Huebner Elementary. Scott spent hours surveying the area, developing plans for the project, and designing the landscape. Under the leadership of Scott, Huebner is fortunate to have a beautifully Xeriscaped patio area, ideal for outdoor instruction. This project is even more special because Scott attended Huebner and gave a wonderful gift to his old school.
Linda and Tony actively support activities at Garner Middle School that benefit students, faculty, staff, and bus drivers. Linda and Tony provided dinner for the Garner faculty before Greenback Night and routinely give small treats and decorations in the teachers' lounge. Recently, Linda and Tony made small goodie bags for all the bus drivers servicing the school. They truly exemplify Garner spirit.
David spent countless hours over the summer to help with the General Store project at Bradley Middle School. Through David's effort, the project stayed on schedule. David's dedication and passion for this effort made this project a great success.