Inside Aldine - Aldine Independent School District

Spring
2007
Vol. 29, No. 3
Inside Aldine
Discover News, Information and More about Aldine ISD’s Schools
AISD FFA students eclipse $120,000 mark at 48th Annual Livestock Show
Nimitz High School’s Amanda Ruscher shows off her grand champion
steer at the 48th annual Aldine ISD FFA Livestock Show and Country
Fair. First Construction Group purchased the steer for a record-setting
$18,000. For the second consecutive year, a new sales record was established
at the 48th annual Livestock Show and Country Fair, held Feb. 9
at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. Members of the Aldine community
pledged $120,400 for various projects, eclipsing last year’s mark
of $100,000. Read the story on page 3
2007-08
school year calendar
The Aldine ISD Board of Education
approved the following
school calendar for the 2007-08
school year during the Jan. 23
board meeting:
• Aug. 16-17 (Thur.-Fri.)
staff development days
• Aug. 20-24 (Monday-Friday)
staff development days
• Aug. 27 (Monday)
first day of instruction
• Sept. 3 (Monday)
Labor Day holiday
• Nov. 21-23 (Wed.-Fri.)
Thanksgiving holiday
• Dec. 20-Jan. 2 (Thur.-Wed.)
– Midwinter Break
• Jan. 17 (Thursday)
end of first semester
(90 instructional days)
• Jan. 18 (Friday)
staff development day
(student holiday)
• Jan. 21 (Monday)
Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
• Jan. 22 (Tuesday)
beginning of second semester
• March 17-21 (Mon.-Fri.)
Spring break
• March 24 (Monday)
staff development day
(student holiday)
• May 26 (Monday)
Memorial Day holiday
• May 30 – (Friday)
end of second semester
(87 instructional days)
• May 30 – (Friday)
last day of instruction
• June 2 (Monday)
staff development day
Should inclement weather force
school to be canceled during the
2007-08 school year, those days
would be made up Nov. 21, Dec.
20, March 24 and June 2.
NONPROFIT ORG.
CARRIER ROUTE PRESORT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
HOUSTON, TX
PERMIT NO. 5194
ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
14910 ALDINE WESTFIELD ROAD
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77032-3099
Aldine ISD Board approves
schoolhouse bond referendum
The Aldine ISD Board of Education unanimously passed an order to hold an election
on Saturday, May 12, to seek voter authorization for the sale of schoolhouse bonds.
A needs assessment committee of
parents and community partners
recommended the projects to the
school board after reviewing a district
needs assessment in the fall
of 2006. The board studied the
committee’s recommendation for
two months before taking action
at the Feb. 20 meeting.
The amount of the bond proposal is
$365 million and includes the construction
of new schools, renovations,
replacements and other projects
to meet the needs of the school
district over the next 10 years.
“Our district continues to grow. In
the last six years alone, we have
welcomed 6,000 new students to
Aldine ISD and our student population
has reached nearly 59,000
students,” said Superintendent
Nadine Kujawa. “In order to meet
the needs of our students, and the
growth in the district, and to provide
them with the best possible
environment to attain academic
success, our community came together
to study the needs assessments
of this district and recommend
to our board that a bond
referendum be called.
“The growth Aldine is experiencing
has forced the district to teach approximately
6,050 of its students in
121 temporary buildings throughout
the district. The 10,265 new
homes planned, or under construction,
in the district will add another
5,671 new students over the
next five years, which means new
schools and additional facilities will
be needed to accommodate the
projected growth,” Kujawa said.
If approved by voters, the bond
proposal would pay for the construction
of 12 new schools.
Additionally, the bond referendum
would provide for the construction
of a school bus transportation facility,
renovation of several facilities including
magnet schools, cafeterias,
science labs, band and choir halls,
and art classrooms; replacing air
conditioner chillers, roofs and cabinets,
purchasing air conditioned
buses and more than $7.1 million in
safety and security improvements.
If voters approve the bond proposal,
the district will sell bonds as
needed for the construction of new
schools, renovations, purchases,
replacements and improvements
that are outlined in the proposal. As
schoolhouse bonds are sold, the interest
and sinking (I&S) portion of
the total tax rate will increase. If the
schoolhouse bond proposal is approved,
AISD plans to sell $60 million
in bonds
in 2007 for
an I&S rate
increase of
four cents.
The maximum
I&S rate
increase is 20
cents based
on the sale
of the schoolhouse
bonds
totaling $365
million. By
the year 2015,
the I&S rate
will begin to
gradually decrease
over
the 25-year
life of the
schoolhouse
bonds. The
tax increase
Proposed
Construction Projects
4 EC/PK Centers .......... (August ‘08 and ‘09)
2 Elementary Schools ...... (August ‘08 and ‘09)
2 Intermediate Schools ..... (August ‘09 and ‘10)
2 Middle Schools ......... (August ‘09 and ‘11)*
1 Ninth Grade School. ........... (August ‘13)*
1 High School ................. (August ‘12)*
1 Transportation Facility
* projected, based on student needs
for the average homeowner (the average
value of a home in Aldine ISD
is $93,000) in AISD under the bond
proposal would range from $2.62
per month to a projected maximum
of $15 per month, depending on the
total amount of schoolhouse bonds
sold in a given year.
If approved, the schoolhouse bond
proposal will not increase property
taxes of homeowners who are 65
years old and older or disabled.
AISD scheduled a series of community
informational meetings held
throughout the district beginning in
April and running through May 3.
Early voting was scheduled from
April 30-May 8 at several locations
(see table) from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
On Saturday, May 12, polls will be
open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at
your Precinct location (see table).
Early Voting Dates (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Mon., April 30-Sat., May 5 and Mon., May 7- Tues., May 8
Central Office, 14910 Aldine Westfield Rd.
Monday, April 30
Aldine Senior High School, 11101 Airline Drive
Tuesday, May 1
Carver Senior High School, 2100 South Victory Drive
Wednesday, May 2
Eisenhower Sr. High School, 7922 Antoine Drive
Thursday, May 3
MacArthur Sr. High School, 4400 Aldine Mail Route
Friday, May 4
Nimitz Sr. High School, 2005 W.W. Thorne Drive
Voting Locations for May 12
(open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Precinct A
Aldine Middle School, 14908 Aldine Westfield Road
Precinct B
Worsham Elementary School, 3007 Hartwick
Precinct C
MacArthur Senior High School, 4400 Aldine Mail Route
Precinct D
Stovall Middle School, 11201 Airline Drive
Precinct E
Drew Academy, 1910 West Little York
Precinct F
Smith Academy, 5815 West Little York
Precinct G
Shotwell Middle School, 6515 Trail Valley Way
Precinct H
Magrill Elementary School, 21701 Rayford Road
Dr. Wanda Bamberg
to succeed Kujawa
During the Jan. 23 Board
of Education meeting,
AISD Trustees unanimously
voted to name Dr. Wanda
Bamberg as Aldine’s
next superintendent to
succeed Nadine Kujawa,
who will retire on May 31,
2007.
Dr. Bamberg received her bachelor’s
degree in English from the
University of Alabama in 1977, and
her master’s degree in secondary
education from the same university
in 1979. She received her doctorate
in educational leadership from Sam
Houston State University in 2004.
Dr. Bamberg is certified as a superintendent.
She began her teaching career in the
Tuscaloosa County School District
in 1977 where she was assigned to
teach English at Boteler Junior High
School. In 1981, she transferred to
Hillcrest High School where she
continued to teach English. In 1982,
Dr. Bamberg moved to the Houston
area and joined Aldine ISD. She was
assigned to teach English and reading
at Hoffman Middle School. In
1987, she was named the program
director of middle school language
arts and in January, 1997, she was
promoted to the position of director
of curriculum and instruction.
In 1998, she was named executive
director of curriculum and instruction
and in July 2001, she moved
into her present position as assistant
superintendent of curriculum
and instruction.
Dr. Bamberg has 29 years of experience
in the field of education and
she has spent 25 of those years in
Aldine ISD. Dr. Bamberg and her
husband David have a son, who is a
sophomore in high school.

Inside Aldine
Spring 2007
Page 2
Schools & Community
The Prairie View
Trail Riders passed
by Reece Academy
on their way to
Memorial Park on
Go Texan Day.
Dear Parents:
Twelve years ago, former Superintendent
M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson established
a mantra that this school district
follows to this day: “The main thing
is to keep the main thing the main
thing!” Over the last 12 years, we have
stayed true to that mantra, making the
academic achievement of our students
our number one concern, while adding
a little lagniappe (an extra or unexpected
gift or benefit) along the way.
We stayed the course, saw it through,
and just did it, never wavering in our
belief that Aldine students can and will
learn. Our focus has always been keeping
the main thing the main thing.
As long as we stay true to that core
belief, Aldine children will continue to
learn, exceed expectations and be successful
in and out of the classroom.
As many of you know, I will be retiring
in May after 42 years of service to
this school district: a product of Aldine
ISD and a proud graduate of Aldine
Senior High School. Aldine has been
my home my entire professional career
and I am proud of the success this
school district has accomplished. I am
confident that success will continue as
Dr. Wanda Bamberg succeeds me as
superintendent on June 1.
Dr. Bamberg brings a wealth of skills
and expertise to this very important
leadership position. The superintendent
is the chief instructional officer
of the district and she has been instrumental
in the development of Aldine’s
instructional program. She has
worked diligently to align our teaching
strategies and curriculum with the
state’s standards to give our students
the best opportunities to learn and
demonstrate mastery learning on state
tests. In welcoming input from teachers,
she has also led our curriculum
department in charting the direction
of professional training to ensure that
we meet the needs of students and
provide the tools necessary to increase
student achievement.
Additionally, Dr. Bamberg has been
deeply involved in the strategic planning
of the district for the past six
years. Her knowledge and understanding
of process management, the planning
process, strategic action plans
and scorecards are unequaled. She has
provided the leadership in improving
the way we plan for the future, and we
have seen student achievement rise as
schools throughout the district have
put these plans to work. Finally, Dr.
Bamberg has worked with the Vertical
Education Advisory Committee, a
group of 300 staff members who serve
to advise the superintendent as the district
plans for the future. This group is
an effective collaborative body, which
takes its responsibilities as a positive
force in the district very seriously.
I trust that you, our parents and community,
have now become a little more
acquainted with Wanda Bamberg. Our
board of education conducted a thorough
and detailed search in naming
my successor, and they believe in her
ability to serve as a strong leader. She
recognizes the value of considering
many points of view, using data, and
weighing the consequences of decisions
to be made. Without question,
she can lead this district and will be a
strong leader for years to come.
Sincerely,
Nadine Kujawa,
Superintendent of Schools
Stevens, Hempy named Aldine ISD’s top teachers
MaryElla Neeley Stevens of Carter Academy and Evelyn Hempy of Stovall Middle
School were named Aldine ISD Teachers of the Year during the district’s annual Teacher
of the Year Breakfast, held Friday, March 23, at the Greenspoint Wyndham Hotel.
Stevens was named AISD’s Elementary/Intermediate
Teacher of the
Year, while Hempy was named the
district’s Middle School/High School
Teacher of the Year.
Stevens and Hempy were selected
from six finalists chosen for the
prestigious award by a committee of
fellow teachers, administrators and
community members.
The four other finalists were Cindy
Bartos of Hill Intermediate School,
Caroline Fonseca of Magrill Elementary,
Todd Gonion of Carver High
School and Jeffrey Brush of Eisenhower
Senior High School.
Stevens, Hempy, the four finalists and
the campus Teachers of the Year, were
also honored by a number of North
Houston/Greenspoint area businesses
that donated gifts to them.
Continental Airlines presented Stevens
and Hempy each with a firstclass
round-trip ticket to anywhere
Continental Airlines flies in the
continental United States. Halliburton
presented the two winners with
$500 each, while InvesTex Credit
Union presented the two winners
with $200 each. North Houston
Bank provided Stevens and Hempy
each with a $100 Macy’s gift card,
while Greenspoint Mall provided
each winner with a $50 gift card.
The Houston Astros presented the
two winners with a collector’s edition
lunch box, which included an
official autographed baseball from
the team and other nice mementos.
Splashtown awarded Stevens and
Hempy a Splashtown family of four
season pass, and Splashtown, along
with the Downtown Tomball Merchants
Association presented each
winner with a $25 gift certificate.
Additionally, each winner received
two tickets to a Houston Rockets
game and the Holiday Inn Intercontinental
Airport presented Stevens
and Hempy with an overnight stay
and breakfast.
The four finalists each received a
$100 Macy’s gift card courtesy of
North Houston Bank, a $50 gift
card to Pappa’s and a Brookside
Mug from Brookside Funeral Home,
Aldine’s Campus Teachers of the Year
Jonathan Alan Bain
Aldine Elementary
Linda Davis Durant
Aldine Middle School
Leslie Mike
Aldine Ninth Grade School
Walter Lane
Aldine Senior High School
Lilia Quinterro
Anderson Academy
Sherry Maze
Bethune Academy
Susan G. Gower
Black Elementary School
Noralba G. Pulido
Bussey Elementary School
Sheryl Hays
Calvert Elementary School
Joyce Murray
Caraway Intermediate School
Oscar G. Verduzco
Carmichael Elementary School
Juan Ceccato
Carroll Academy
Pictured are (from left to right) Aldine ISD Superintendent Nadine
Kujawa, Aldine ISD’s Elementary/Intermediate Teacher of
the Year MaryElla Neeley Stevens, the district’s Middle School/
High School Teacher of the Year Evelyn Hempy, and Board of
Education President Marine Jones.
another $50 Pappa’s gift card courtesy
of Pioneer-Stonehedge Homes,
a one-day admission for two from
Splashtown and tickets for two to
a Rockets game from the Houston
Rockets.
All of the campus Teachers of the Year
received discounted meals for two
courtesy of Splashtown and Sweet Tomatoes
Restaurant at Willowbrook, a
giant gift bag full of mementos from
Trader’s Village, Global Company
Real Estate in Tomball and Splashtown,
admission for two to the Laff
Stop courtesy of Reggie Gray and the
North Houston Greenspoint Chamber
of Commerce and a $5 Starbucks
gift card from GIF Management Services,
which manages all of City View’s
properties. Additionally, each campus
Teacher of the Year received a gift certificate
good for two tickets to a show
of their choice at the Houston Family
Arts Center courtesy of Jenna Burns
and the Houston Family Arts Center.
Stevens said her goal as a teacher is
to create lifelong learners.
“A teacher transfers knowledge and
creates lifelong learners,” she said.
“A teacher is fair, firm, and patient.
A teacher meets the obstacles and
delights in the ‘ah-ha’ moments.
And a teacher approaches students’
discovery by presenting material
and concepts in a variety of contexts
and by having students perform the
Tammany Ryals
COMPASS
Richard Gabriel Woods
Conley Elementary School
Julie Mata
de Santiago EC/PK Center
Hannah B. Walker
Drew Academy
Nancy Priest
Dunn Elementary School
Christine June Davis
Eckert Intermediate School
Mitchell J. Briant
Eisenhower Ninth Grade School
Reta R. Johnson
Ermel Elementary School
Suzie M. Tyson
Escamilla Intermediate School
Sheron Q. Williams
Francis Elementary School
Julie Hooper Settlage
Goodman Elementary School
John A. Rodak
Grantham Academy
Bridgett Wofford
Gray Elementary School
Anette Brines
Hall High School
Valerie Cherise Sutton
Hambrick Middle School
Antoinette Hart
Harris Academy
Ethel Hernández
Hinojosa EC/PK Center
Vy T. Do
Hoffman Middle School
Ravonne D. French
Simpson Houston Academy
Cindy Aispuro
Johnson Elementary School
Norma Lucio
Keeble EC/PK Center
Ramona Harris
Lane School/GAP
Ronshon Jeffery
MacArthur Ninth Grade School
Roy Sanders
MacArthur High School
knowledge acquired.”
Hempy said she believes teachers
can have a great impact on the lives
of the children they teach.
“Good teachers impact the lives of
their students,” she said. While I
could seek a position as a principal,
I have chosen not to leave the classroom.
I believe that I have a greater
impact in the classroom. I love to
be close to my students. I earn their
respect because I am able to teach
them math and I feel I am teaching
my students to be prepared for life.”
Prior to announcing the six finalists,
each of the district’s campus Teachers
of the Year were introduced by
their principals.
Lisa Edwards, Title 1 program director,
chaired the Teacher of the Year
Committee. The committee consisted
of Carrie Durley, executive director
of human resources, Mike Hall of
MacArthur Senior High School, Amy
Paradise of Hall Center for Education,
Michelle Martin of Keeble EC/
PK Center, Tami Kozelsky of Wilson
Academy, Carolyn Jaggers a Behavior
Intervention Specialist, and parent
representative Dawn Lara.
Ross Enterprises, Boullion Graphics,
Hawes Hill Calderon, North Harris
College, Magoo’s PrintShop, State
Farm Insurance and Power Procurement
Specialists underwrote the
Teacher of the Year Breakfast.
Kasha Reese
Mendel Elementary School
LaTreshia Williams
Nimitz Ninth Grade School
Charles Nichols
Nimitz Senior High School
Sharmekia Dansby
Odom Elementary School
Kristin Smith
Oleson Elementary School
Cynthia “Cyndy” S. Davis
Orange Grove Elementary School
Ray Tietze
Parker Intermediate School
André L. Smith
Plummer Middle School
Linda Fleming
Raymond Academy
Wykenia Smith
Reece Academy
Cedric B. Stewart
Reed Academy
Henry D. King
Sammons Elementary School
Nimitz students earn
TMEA all-state honors
Four Nimitz Senior High
School students recently
earned Texas Music Educators
Association (TMEA)
all-state honors.
Band students Cameron Wolfe and
JerMarcus McGowen, both seniors,
earned all-state honors, as did choir
students Juan Polanco, a senior, and
Nick Szoeke, a freshman.
The band students are under the
direction of Stephen Jones and Jeff
Tienor, while the choir students are
under the direction of Scott Surface
and Dana Gibson.
Seven qualify
as Dell Scholars
semifinalists
The Eisenhower High
School seniors have qualified
as semifinalists as
Dell Scholars, a $20,000
scholarship from the Dell
Foundation awarded to
students who have participated
in a college readiness
program.
All of the students have participated
in AVID (Advancement Via Individual
Determination), a nationally
known college readiness program
implemented in the Eisenhower
vertical feeder system.
The seven students are: Idzel James,
Chantrell Earnest, Waldir Portillo,
Ivan Frías, Courtney Williams, Daisy
Miranda, and Pedro Bueno.
Last year, the Dell Foundation
awarded 160 scholarships nationwide.
Eisenhower High produced
two scholarship recipients in 2005
and two more in 2006. Eisenhower’s
AVID site coordinator is Camille
Hall. The Dell Scholars program is a
need-based scholarship that recognizes
academic potential in underserved
and low-income students.
The application for the 2008 class
will open in the fall of 2007.
Charlotte D. Davis
Shotwell Middle School
Laura K. Ijaz
Smith Academy
Dawn Samuel
Spence Elementary School
Roshanda S. Griffin
Stehlik Intermediate School
David Dalton
Stephens Elementary School
Charlotte Susan Kerr
Stovall Academy
Emily Darlene McGowen
Teague Middle School
Patricia D. Randle
Thompson Elementary School
Lisa D. Rogers
Vines EC/PK Center
Katherine Sells
Wilson Intermediate School
Carmen Indelicato
Worsham Elementary School

Inside Aldine
Spring 2007
Page 3
Schools & Community
Changson Ren with
the Consulate of
Education of China
visited Keeble
EC/PK during its
International Parade.
State and Aldine ISD
graduation and
promotion requirements
Aldine ISD wants to make sure
parents and guardians are kept
informed of what is required of
their children to graduate and be
able to participate (walk) in their
respective graduation ceremonies.
Additionally, parents also
need to be informed of promotion
requirements from one grade
level to the next.
With that in mind, Inside Aldine
will publish those requirements
in each edition beginning with the
Back To School edition.
High School Level
Below are the state and district requirements
an AISD senior must
meet to graduate and participate
(walk) in graduation ceremonies.
To receive a diploma in Aldine
ISD, a student must:
• complete all the necessary
coursework for graduation,
• earn the required number of
credits,
• and pass ALL parts of the exit
level Texas Assessment of
Knowledge and Skills (TAKS)
test.
The exit level TAKS includes four
subject areas: English language
arts, math, science and social studies.
The exit level TAKS test is given
in the spring of the student’s junior
year (11th grade) of high school.
If a student passes all parts of the
test on his/her first try, he/she will
have fulfilled his/her testing requirement
for graduation (walking).
A complete list of graduation
requirements can be found in the
High School Planning Guide or in
the counseling office at the student’s
high school campus.
Elementary Level
In order for students to be promoted
at the elementary level,
students must achieve an overall
average of 70 or better in reading
and math.
Additionally, third-grade students
must pass the TAKS reading test in
order to be eligible for promotion
to the fourth grade.
Intermediate Level
In order for students to be promoted
from one grade to another
in intermediate school, students
must achieve an overall average
of 70 or better in each of the following
courses: English, reading,
math, science and social studies.
Additionally, fifth-grade students
must pass the TAKS reading and
math tests to be eligible to be promoted
to sixth grade.
Middle School Level
In order for students to be promoted
from one grade to another
in middle school, students must
achieve an overall average of 70
or better in each of the following
courses: English, reading, math,
science and social studies.
Aldine’s Vision
Produce the Nation’s Best
Our Mission
We exist to prepare each student
academically and socially to be a:
• critical thinker;
• problem solver; and
• responsible and productive
citizen.
MacArthur Jazz Ensemble wows the
crowd at Midwest Clinic in Chicago
Over the last 15 years, the MacArthur Jazz Ensemble has had the privilege to
perform four times at the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra
Clinic in Chicago and after its most recent performance in December, even director
José Díaz came away impressed.
“I know I am biased, but I have
to say the Jazz Ensemble’s performance
was the highlight of the
conference,” said Díaz, who has
directed the group at its three
prior trips to the Windy City. “I’ve
had the pleasure of presenting at
the Midwest Clinic three previous
times and I can honestly say this
year’s performance was the best
ever. This is the most talented jazz
ensemble I’ve had the pleasure of
directing in all of my years at Mac-
Arthur Senior High.”
The Jazz Ensemble performed in
front of 2,500 music educators from
around the world and had to first
pass a rigorous audition (musical
groups are allowed to audition every
four years to land a spot at the
clinic) in order to earn an invitation
to the clinic. According to Díaz, by
earning a spot at the 2006 conference,
held at the Chicago Hilton,
the MacArthur Jazz Ensemble became
the only high school group
to ever be invited to perform four
times in the last 15 years.
During their performance, the Jazz
Ensemble had the distinct honor to
work with Grammy nominated artists
Patrice Rushen and Jon Faddis.
The Ensemble consists of: David
Adame, Jordan Donald, Wesley
Livingston, Joshua Membreno
and Lauren Reyes (saxophones);
Tony Holman, Luis Olguín, Stephen
Ramírez and John St. Julian
(trumpets), Ryan Cano, Edmundo
Castillo, Luis González and Willie
Russell (trombones), Calvin Brantley,
David Cutright, Catrell Gray,
Jabari Johnson, Nicholas Johnson,
Yvette Mata, Jermaine Smith and
Ana Toledo (rhythm section) and
Julio Palacios (vocals).
Due to their impressive showing in
Chicago, the Jazz Ensemble received
an invitation to perform at the prestigious
Western International band
Clinic in Seattle, set for Nov. 15-19.
“The exposure the MacArthur students
received was significant, not
only for them, but for our entire
district,” said Dr. Jeff Laird, director
of secondary performing arts education.
“Their strong performance has
definitely kept Aldine ISD’s name in
the forefront nationally. In addition,
this performance was the highlight of
these young students’ musical lives
to this point. This was a very big deal
for the ensemble and our district.”
Aldine ISD’s PIO department garners numerous TSPRA honors
Aldine ISD’s public information department earned six Gold Star and two Silver
Star awards at the 45th annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA)
Conference, held Feb. 21-22 in Austin.
The six Gold Star Awards were won
in the following categories: external
newsletter (Inside Aldine),
flyer (Aldine ISD Map and Information
Guide), brochure (Aldine
New Teacher Induction Academy),
brochure (You’ll find it in Aldine),
booklet (Umbrella), and calendar/
planner (Aldine ISD 2006-07 Calendar
of Events).
Continued from page 1
“We want to thank the community
and our own employees for their
generous support of the Aldine ISD
Livestock Show,” said Franklin Higgins,
director of career and technology
education. “We had another
successful show because so many
people and groups made a special
effort to support our students as
buyers.”
The money raised by the students
is theirs to use for college scholarships
or to fund future FFA projects
during the 2007-08 school year.
Grand Champion
Reserve Grand Champion
The Silver Star Awards were won
in the following categories: annual
report (Aldine ISD’s 2004-05
Annual Performance Report) and
booklet (TAPE Brochure).
Aldine ISD’s public information office
consists of Ben Wilson, assistant
superintendent of community
and governmental relations; Mike
Keeney, director of public information;
Leticia Fehling, assistant
director of public information;
Chris Labod, graphic artist; and
Lisa Serna, PIO secretary.
Also during the 2007 TSPRA conference,
Keeney was installed on to
the TSPRA Executive Board, where
he will serve a second term as regional
vice-president of the Houston
Gulf Coast area.
Aldine ISD’s 48th annual livestock show
Aldine
Kristi Bielamowicz Goat W.G. Burchfield & Bro. $4,000
Kristi Bielamowicz Lamb Aldine Buyer’s Group $4,000
Blake Clement Turkey Hen Aldine Vertical Group $2,250
Joel Hickman Fryer Rabbit UBS Financial Services $2,500
Kristi Bielamowicz Horticulture Nimitz Vertical Group $2,000
Aldine FFA Cake Aldine Vertical Group $1,000
Nimitz
Amanda Ruscher Steer First Construction Group $18,000
Ebony Bouldin Pig Retirement Benefit Group $6,000
Jennifer Weikel Turkey Tom First Southwest $2,500
Ashlee Palermo Broilers Texas Southwest $3,000
Aldine
Jonathan Willis Goat Retirement Benefit Group $3,250
Blake Clement Lamb Eisenhower Vertical Group $3,000
Eisenhower
Eisenhower FFA Cake North Houston Bank $700
MacArthur
Katie Sullivan Horticulture MacArthur Area Group $2,100
Nimitz
Ashlee Palermo Steer First Construction Group $9,500
Derek Lloyd Pig Aldine Buyer’s Group $4,000
Stephon Tillis Turkey Tom Nimitz Vertical Group $2,250
Ebony Bouldin Turkey Hen Beasley Tire Service $2,250
Jennifer Weikel Broilers Republic Central Realty, Inc. $2,250
Willis Tillis Fryer Rabbit Superintendent’s Group $2,250
Questions and Answers
We hope you enjoy this edition
of Inside Aldine. If you have
questions or comments about
information included in this issue,
our schools or operations,
please call 713-756-7855 or visit
www.aldine.k12.tx.us/feedback/.
Aldine High spelling
team earns district title
The Aldine Senior High School
spelling and vocabulary team took
first place at the District 19-5A meet,
held recently at Eisenhower Senior
High School. Aldine finished with
258 points to ease to the title.
Violetta Krol led Aldine High to the victory
with 92 points (out of a possible
100), while Lilibeth Martínez helped
the cause with 90 points and Perla Villanueva
chipped in with 76 points.
The team will next compete at the
regional meet.
The team is under the direction of
Brad Schneider.
Important Events
April
17 School Board Meeting
21 Children’s Music Festival
28 Magnet School Lottery, MOC
May
12 Schoolhouse Bond Election
15 School Board Meeting
24 Last Day of School
25 Graduation Ceremonies:
Lane School, 5:30 p.m.
Nimitz Sr. High, 7:30 p.m.
26 Graduation Ceremonies:
Aldine Sr. High, 8 a.m.
Carver High, 10:30 a.m.
Eisenhower Sr. High, 12:30
p.m.
Hall Night High, 3 p.m.
MacArthur Sr. High, 5 p.m.
28 Memorial Day Holiday
June
12 School Board Meeting
The Aldine Independent School District offers
career and technology education in agriculture
science, business education, career orientation,
family and consumer science, health science
technology, hospitality services, marketing education,
technology education and trade and
industrial technology. Admission to these programs
is based on ability, aptitude, interest, grade
level and class size. It is the policy of the Aldine
Indepen dent School District not to discriminate
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
or handicap in its vocational programs, services,
or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972; and Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
It is the policy of the Aldine Indepen dent
School District not to discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap,
or age in its employment practices as required
by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as
amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972; the Age Dis crimination Act of 1975, as
amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, as amended. Aldine Independent
School District will take steps to ensure that lack
of English language skills will not be a barrier to
admission and participation in all educational
and vocational programs.
For information about your rights or grievance
procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator,
Dr. Wanda Bamberg, assistant superintendent
of curriculum and instruction, 14910 Aldine
West field Road, at (281) 985-6318, and/or
the Section 504 Coordinator, Charlotte J. Davis,
director of guidance and counseling and at-risk
students, 14909 Aldine Westfield Road, at (281)
985-6403.
Aldine Independent School District does not discriminate
against persons because of race, creed,
national origin, age, sex, disabilities, economic
status or language disability in employment,
promotion or educational programming.
Any complaints or grievances that cannot be
solved at the campus level through the principal
may be submitted in writing to Dr. Wanda
Bamberg, assistant super in ten dent of curriculum
and instruction, 14910 Aldine Westfield Rd.,
Houston, TX 77032.
Inside Aldine / Noticias de Aldine, August 5, 2005,
is published quarterly by Aldine Independent School
District, 14910 Aldine Westfield Road, Houston, TX
77032-3099, Issue Vol. 28, No. 1, Spring 2005.

Inside Aldine
Spring 2007
Page 4
Schools & Community
Eisenhower HS
Pictured are Eisenhower Senior High football players who signed
national letters of intent: Broderique Banks, Nick Cannon,
Deon Cooper, Tyrell Gaddies, Major Latin, Mike Love, Brandon
Myers, Reggie Rice, Joshua Ross, Julius Smith, Bryce Taylor, Melvin
Thomas and DeAndre West. Six other Eisenhower Senior
High football players signed national letters of intent earlier
this spring. They were Matt Smith, Rushawn Stewart, Ahkeen
Starks, Belton Hector, Deon Senegal and Germarus Smith.
Aldine HS
Aldine Senior High’s Curtis Thomas signed a national letter of
intent with the University of Minnesota on Feb. 7. Joining him
at the signing ceremony were his grandmother, Lela Hutchison,
left, head football coach Bob Jones and Thomas’ mother Regina
Thomas.
MacArthur HS
MacArthur Senior High head football coach Jerry Drones poses
with Halston Higgins, left, and Joseph Nailor Jr., right. The two
signed national letters of intent with Washington State University
and West Texas A&M University.
Nimitz HS
Nimitz Senior High’s Trentel Bottley signed a national letter of
intent with Coffeyville Community College on Wednesday, Feb.
7. Pictured with him are his mother Cheryl Johnson and Nimitz
head football coach David Suggs.
AISD boys, girls basketball teams enjoy successful seasons
Four of Aldine ISD’s varsity basketball teams flexed their muscles during the 2006-07
season by securing four of District 19-5A’s eight playoff spots.
In boys’ play, Aldine Senior High
and Nimitz Senior High earned
playoff berths, while in girls’ play,
Eisenhower Senior High and Nimitz
Senior High secured postseason
spots.
Aldine High, under the direction of
head coach Zeke Smith, produced
the best season in the history of the
school by recording 32 victories,
which included the District 19-5A
title (14-0 record in district play)
and first-place finishes in the Beaumont
Tournament, the Academy
Invitational (Texas Division) and a
second-place finish in the Aldine
ISD Tournament. Aldine defeated
Chávez and Cypress Creek in the
playoffs before being eliminated in
the third round by Madison. Senior
forward Gary Johnson, considered
one of the top players in the nation,
led the team by averaging 30 points
per game (tops in the Houston
area), 12 rebounds per game and
four blocks per game. Johnson was
Chicago Bear visits
Eisenhower HS
Former Eisenhower High
School standout and current
Chicago Bears offensive lineman
Fred Miller, seated,
recently visited the Men of
Valor and Excellence (MOVE)
at MacArthur Senior High
School. Miller encouraged
the students to set goals and
work hard to achieve them.
He shared with the students
some personal stories and
how he goes about preparing
each offseason to maintain
his spot in the starting lineup
for the NFC champion Bears.
Miller is an 11-year veteran
who won a Super Bowl ring
with the St. Louis Rams following
the 1999 season. He has
also played for the Tennessee
Titans.
also named the Most Valuable Player
of District 19-5A. In November, he
signed a national letter of intent
with the University of Texas. Other
top hands included Brandon Williams
and Donald Boston.
Nimitz High, under the direction of
head coach Randy Gilmer, finished
25-10 on the season and 10-4 in
district play. The Cougars defeated
Westside High in bi-district play
before being ousted in the second
round of the playoffs. Key contributors
to the Cougars were Willie Holmes,
Tray Carmouch, Jasen Williams
(who signed with Rice University),
Quinston Reggins, Justin Griggs,
Keith Wright, Branton Bartley, Dailon
Wilson, Damien Bass, Gary Cox
and Raynard Dennis.
Coach Anthony Watkins’ Lady Eagles
had another successful season
as they won their third straight 19-
5A title with a 13-1 league record
and finished 32-6 overall for the
season. The 32 victories were the
most in the history of Eisenhower
High. The Lady Eagles defeated Lamar
in bi-district and Elsik in the
area round before falling to Cy-Fair
in the third round of the playoffs.
Top players for the Lady Eagles
were Cobilyn Hill (who signed
with the University of Houston),
Clarissa Moore, Chynna Turner,
Anjelica Markray, Kenisia LaGrone
and Ueronica Cleveland.
The Lady Cougars, under the direction
of head coach Debbie Jackson,
finished 28-6 on the season and
13-1 in league play to finish in a tie
with Eisenhower atop the district
standings. Nimitz defeated Madison
in bi-district play before falling to
Cinco Ranch in the area round of
the playoffs. Key players for the Lady
Cougars were Britnie Griner, who
was named the 19-5A Most Valuable
Player, Jessica Diamond, Samone
Ballard, Ashlyn Holmes, Kyiandra
Hardy, Sheila Reece, Rachelle Harris
and Teryni Buckner.
Samuel named AISD’s new athletic director
The Aldine ISD Board of Education named Deon Samuel director of athletics during
its March 20 board meeting.
Samuel, who previously served as
the district’s director of athletic services,
succeeds Daryl Wade, who left
AISD in December to become the
athletic director of the Houston Independent
School District.
Samuel will assume his new duties
immediately.
Samuel received his bachelor’s degree
in health and human performance
in 1992 and his master’s degree
in administration and physical
education in 1994 from Prairie View
A&M University.
Samuel began his teaching career
in Aldine ISD in 1994 and was assigned
to teach physical education
and coach at Shotwell Middle
School. In 2002, he transferred to
Eisenhower Ninth Grade School as
a physical education teacher and
coach. He moved into the position
as director of athletic services in
2004. Samuel has 13 years of experience
in the field of education and
he has spent all 13 of those years in
Aldine ISD.
Samuel said he was honored to be
chosen to succeed Wade.
“I appreciate the board’s and administration’s
confidence in me to
put me in this position,” Samuel
said. “Aldine ISD is a great school
district with a strong athletic tradition
and I will do everything in my
power to see that we continue to be
successful and meet the needs of
our student athletes.
“Aldine is the only school district I
have worked for and I hope to be
here for many years helping to continue
to produce a well-rounded
athletic department for both young
men and young women.”
Aldine ISD’s new athletic
director, Deon Samuel. He is a
13-year veteran with Aldine.

Inside Aldine
Spring 2007
Page 5
Business Partnerships
Education
is Everyone’s Business
Join our current
business partners
99 Cents Store
A&L Postal Service
Abitibi Recycling Corp
Academy Sports & Outdoors
Acosta’s Auto Center, Inc.
Acres Home Public Library
AIG VALIC
Airline Skate
Aldine Benders Auto
Aldine Youth
Alicia Villarreal
Insurance Services
ALL STAR VENDING
Al’s Handy Hardware
Ashley Harlan
Augustin Garcia
AXA Advisors
AXA Equitable
Baker Hughes
Barnes and Noble
Be an Angel Fund, Inc.
Beautiful Savior
Lutheran Church
Beltran Bros.
Best Buy
Blackie’s Machine Shop
Books Are Fun
Boy Scouts of America
Brentwood Baptist
Church
Brookside
Funeral Home
Burger King
Cajun Town
Caldwell
Watson
Real
Estate
Group, Inc.
CASE
Cathedral of
Saint Mattew
Catholic
Charities
CC Express
Airport
Century
Limousine
Service
Ceramic
Workshop
Chase Bank
CHI Title Group
Chic-Fil-A of
Deerbrrok Mall
Children’s Museum
of Houston
Chili’s
Restaurant
Chuck E Cheese
Nadine Kujawa
Aldine ISD
Superintendent of Schools
Becoming a
Business Partner
Tell me about Aldine ISD.
Aldine ISD has approximately 56,000 students. Seventy-seven
percent are economically disadvantaged and 24 percent (mobility
rate) move from one campus to another or to another district
during the course of the school year.
Tell me about the quality of Aldine’s education
program.
Aldine has earned seven Recognized ratings for academic
achievement from the Texas Education Agency, and
was one of five national finalists for the Broad Prize for
Urban Education in 2004 and 2005.
Considering the demographics and quality of
Aldine’s educational program, is there a need
for business partnerships?
Absolutely. Aldine needs additional assistance to help all of
our students perform at the same academic levels as students
from more affluent communities. Business partners
help Aldine neutralize the impact of poverty and mobility.
From Aldine’s point of view, education is everyone’s business.
How can businesses help Aldine ISD remain a
high performing school district and continue
to improve in the delivery of educational services?
Many campuses express the need for mentors, tutors, assistance
with special projects, Texas Scholars and Career Day
presenters, and assistance with school supplies.
How can our company get involved?
Contact any principal or Ben G. Wilson, assistant superintendent
of community and governmental relations, at 281-985-
6202 or send an E-mail to bwilson@aldine.k12.tx.us.
Church’s Chicken
Cindy Butler
City View
Cleveland Regional
Medical Center
College Book Store
Component
Sale & Service
Continental Airlines
Cracker Barrel
Crystal Inn & suites
Dairy Queen
Deskco
Discount Tire
DOMINOS
Doubletree hotel
Intercontinental airport
Dream Starters
Dress Barn
ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil Development Co.
Farmers Insurrance
Fiesta
Firestone Tire
First Service Credit Union
Fisher Health Care
Fitness Connection Greenspoint
Flowers Baking Co.
Friedkin Business Services
Friendly Mart
Fry’s 10241
G&G Demolition
Gallery Furniture
Gallup Organization
Gayla Corp.
Girl Scouts of
San Jacinto Council
Gotcha Kovered
Grady Butler
Great Commission
Great Time Skate
Greater Greenspoint
Management District
Greenspoint Florist
Greenspoint Mall
Gulshan Enterprises Inc.
Hairston Photography
Halliburton
Harris County
Sheriff’s Department
Harris County Utility District #15
Harrris County Public Library
- Aldine Branch
HAS
Hasta LaPasta
Hawes Hill & Associates, L.L.P.
HCDE
HEB
Hewlett Packard

Inside Aldine
Spring 2007
Page 6
Business Partnerships
For more information
on student internship
programs, call Franklin
Higgins Director of
career and technology
education, at 281-985-
6650.
High’s Flowers
Holiday Inn Intercontinental
Home Depot
Home Fragrance Holdings
Hotel Sofitel
Houston Airport System
HOUSTON AREA URBAN LEAGUE
Houston Assoc. of
Professional Landmen
Houston Fire Dept.
Houston Marriott North @
Greenspoint
Houston TaeKwonDo Academy
Humble Family Skate Center
IBM
International Airport Systems,
City of Houston
Investex Credit Union
Inwood Forest Country Club
J&B Technologies
J&F Almendarez Ceramic Tile
J&R Construction
James A. Wise, CPA
JC Office Solutions
Jed’s Ace Hardware
Joni Weir
Jump Bunch Sports and Fitness
Kardia-Logistics
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Kids Foot Locker
Kingwood Medical Center
Komputer World
Kroger
Kroger Gift Services
Lain Brown
Laser Quest
LD Fundraising
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Liberty Tax Serivce
LIFE Impact Gospel
Lifetouch
Linda Ward
Lisa Courtnage
Litma King
Lloyd’s Martial Arts
LMS Auto Finishes
LMS Group
M M Sales - CNC Machining
M&M Auto Supply
Maloney’s Steakhouse &
Piano Bar
Mario Ledesma Roofing
McCauley Lumber Co.
McDonald’s
Me N’My Pal Portraits
Melvin Melcon Vending
Message Envy
Mine Beads and Monogram
Monterey’s Little Mexico
1st Annual Beautification
Project at Conley Elementary
Students, parents, and community members joined the
staff of Conley Elementary in their 1st Annual Beautification
Project on Saturday, March 3rd.
The local Communication Worker of
America chapter and the Neighborhood
Protection Corps of the Houston
Police Department also joined the
effort. Some of the projects included
planting flowers in the courtyards,
trees in the field, painting murals,
and cleaning up the school. Principal
Katie Roede said: “It was a very successful
day and we hope to continue
this project in the future.”
Kristan Walker and Dawn-
Daley prepare flower pots to
decorate the center courtyard
at Conley Elementary.
Dejah Patterson and students
plant flowers at Conley
during the school’s first
annual Beautification Day.
Mexican Institute
and MacArthur HS
Aldine Academy PTA
Student volunteers join Principal
Katy Roede in welcoming
the “Keep Houston Beautiful
Mascot” to their school.
Conley volunteers Richard
Bell and Richard Woods work
on building a track at Conley
Elementary.
Conley faculty members Stefanie
Hall, Danica O’Gilive
and Nadia Stafford prime the
wall for the gym mural.
MacArthur Senior High
School parent liaison Luis
Lucio, third from left, poses
with Juan Guel, Tammi García
and Rosa Estala Moltalván
following a PC class held
in Spanish for MacArthur
parents. The classes are offered
through a parternship
between MacArthur and the
Mexican Institute of Houston.
Guel serves as the teacher,
García represents the MIH
and Moltalván is a parent
who took part in the class.
Shelsie Quinilla and Jimmy Hernández were the attendance
winners for the fourth six weeks at Aldine Academy. The Aldine
Academy PTA donated the bikes.
Eagle Global Logistics and
Worsham Academy
Eagle Global Logistics employee April Shelton volunteers in a
first grade classroom at Worsham Elementary School. Shelton
discussed the differences between “needs” and “wants” during
this volunteer session.
Worsham Elementary first-grader Belinda Clayborne and Eagle
Global Logistics volunteer Diana Wilson share a moment during
a recent visit by Wilson. Wilson provided insights about economics
to the Worsham kindergarten class .
Aldine Elementary
Aldine Academy recently held its annual science night. More
than 100 parents attended the event where they learned about
science and took part in experiments with their children.
Aldine Academy recently held its Partner Collaborative in conjunction
with the Museum of Fine Arts, the Alley Theater, Writers
in the Schools and Museum of Cultural Arts of Houston. The
collaborative group has created a new approach in sharing field
experiences.

Inside Aldine
Spring 2007
Page 7
Business Partnerships
Education
is Everyone’s Business
Officer Lemon and
Grey Elementary
Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Anthony Lemon paid a recent
visit to Calvert Elementary School to serve as a role model and
provide a discussion on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Officer
Lemon is a frequent visitor to Calvert to mentor young
men.
Carroll Academy and
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church graciously donated more
than 45 choir robes to the Carroll Academy Choir. The students
wore the robes during a Black History Program performance
and not only did they sound great, they looked great also!
Carroll Academy at the Capitol
The Carroll Academy Dance Team was selected to perform at
the state capitol for the Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education:
Arts Education Day at the Capitol in Austin. It was a great
honor to be selected from many of the performing and visual
arts groups to represent all of the fine arts programs in Texas.
The group is led by Benne Thomas (director) and Tangela
Griggs (codirector). The entire school community and business
partners donated funds to help the dancers get to Austin.
Carroll Academy and
the Houston Rodeo
The Old West Came Alive at Carroll Academy with A Rodeo
Day. Volunteers from the Speakers Committee of the Houston
Livestock Show and Rodeo participated in a full day of presentations
to enrich and motivate students while discussing the
rodeo and other western subjects. It was a fantastic opportunity
for students and the school district. The speakers vote on
where they will go and Carroll Academy for International Studies
was fortunate to be selected.
ExxonMobil and
Calvert Elementary
ExxonMobil volunteer Jim Blackwell reads to second-grader
Otoniel Rangel in the LMC at Calvert Elementary School.
ExxonMobil volunteer George Beggs plays a boardgame with
his SNAPP partner Eduardo Ramirez.
ExxonMobil volunteer Will Dacus enjoys pizza with his SNAPP
partner Jeremy Hawkins.
HPD and
Calvert Elementary
Jorge Castillo of the Houston Police Department’s Domestic
Violence Unit conducts a parenting workshop entitled, “Family
Unity.” Monthly parenting workshops are sponsored by the
Calvert Elementary Counseling Department.
Lazer Quest
and Carmichael
Elementary
Carmichael Elementary business partner Mike Mennito of
Lazer Quest is pictured with Principal Gracie Guerrero. Mennito
set up and ran a free laser tag booth at the school’s carnival
and donated prizes during the event.
MQ Roof
Ms. Laura’s Childcare
Mt. Olive Baptist Church
Municipal Camera
Music Depot
My Dee Dee’s Pie Shop
My McBlessings
NAPPCO
Narvaez Investments
Nationsgraphics
Nationwide Insurance
NHCC Arreola Annex
North Harris Bank
North Harris Community College
North Harris Greenspoint
Chamber of Commerce
North Harris Montgomery
Community College
North Houston Bank
Northside Karate
Novo Novdisk
Nuts n Bolts
O.W. Mortuary
Old Navy
OT3 Technologies
Oteco
Pan Riko
Panda Express
Pappadeauxs
Pappas Seafood House
Pappasito’s Cantina
Parker Music
Pheido Advertising
Phillip Townsend Associates
Phoenix Fasteners
Print Mailers
Proline Marketing
QSP
RDS
Recycle Rewards
Riskbytes, Inc.
RITE
Robert Stewart
S&M Painting
Sam Houston Race Park
Sam Houston State University
Same Day Signs
Sam’s Club
SEARCH Homeless Project
Shell Oil Company
Sheriff’s Department
Sonic
Southern Sound Systems
Southwest Teacher Supply
Special Olympics
SRA
SRP Productions

Inside Aldine
Spring 2007
Page 8
Business Partnerships
For more information
on student internship
programs, call Robert
Thomas program
director of business/
education partnerships,
at 281-985-7230.
Subway
Summit Dental Center
Suncoast Post-Tension
Sysco Food Services
Talento BilIngÜe de Houston
Talent Search
North Harris College
Taquerias Arandas
Target
TBH
Texas A&M
Texas Dep. Of Rehab. Serv.
Texas Dept. of Agriculture
Texas Executive Women
Texas Highway Patrol Association
Texas Scholars -
Center Point Energy
Texas Southern University
The Body Shop -
Deerbrook Mall
The Houston Rockets
The Law Offices of
Mari Gianukos
Thirsty’s Greenspoint Mall
Time Warner Cable
TIMELESS TRAVEL
Tom Bailey Photography
Trinity Training and Development
Tuttle Development Co., Inc.
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Congressman Gene Green
U.S. Customs & Border Protection
U.S. Food Service
U.S. Stone
United Refrigeration
Universal Essentials Gym
University of Houston
University of
Houston Downtown
Verizon Wireless
Vivian Discoteca
Walgreens
Wal-Mart
Washington Mutual
Wells Fargo Bank
Whataburger
White Flamingo Restaurant
Williams Smoke House
World’s Finest Chocolate
Wurth Adams
Wyndham Greenspoint Hotel
Xspeedia Sports Training
YMCA
Zero’s Sandwich Shop
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
Local Business Owner Gives Back!
George Mapula, owner of Me‘n My Pal Portraits, is a
graduate of MacArthur High School and a longtime
business partner of Hinojosa EC/PK Center.
After attending Hinojosa’s community
partnership luncheon in January,
he was inspired to find opportunities
to become more involved.
Mapula is an avid cyclist and devotes
much time and energy to this sport.
When he heard that Peggy Fuss, his
former teacher, was teaching bicycle
safety to the students of Hinojosa,
he volunteered his time and resources
to support her.
He spent two of his business days
teaching students about the proper
safety equipment and hand signals
Parent Literacy Center
at Bussey Elementary
to use when riding their bikes. He
also generously donated water bottles
and lunch kits to the paraeduactors
on campus.
The following week, Mapula purchased
a bicycle for the school for
the staff members to participate
with students in the Trike-A-Thon.
The Trike-A-Thon raised $1,780.15
for St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital.
Mapula also volunteered another
business day to ride with our students
and model bicycle safety.
Pictured are members of the Greater HoustonYMCA, the Greenspoint YMCA, North Harris College
and Aldine ISD who recentley visited Bussey Elementary’s Parent Literacy Center. Pictured
are (left to right): Clark Baker, Eduardo Rodríguez, Dr. Linda Rodríguez, José Rivera, Ruby Lizama,
Wayne Brewer, Dr. Christian de los Santos, Cliff Barnes, Gloria Jackson, Lidia Maza, Ralph Wheeler
and Dr. Wanda Bamberg.
Groups gather
to create study garden
Parents, students and community volunteers gathered
to build a study garden at Carter Academy in April.
The undertaking was sponsored
by the Cooperative for After-School
Enrichment (CASE) AmeriCorps
program and was held in conjunction
with National and Global Youth
Service Day, which brought together
young people in observance of the
day which supports lifelong service
and civic engagement of young people
as community leaders. The annual
service weekend was created
by Youth Service America.
Students, parents and community
members planted native plants with
hopes of attracting native birds and
butterflies for students to observe.
Students and community members
also planted vegetation during the
event.
The garden also features a series of
picnic tables, to be used by teachers
when instructing their classes in
the study garden. The tables were
painted with images of topics students
will study in the garden – the
changing seasons, the parts and
functions of plants and the stages of
metamorphosis.
“The purpose of National Youth
Service Day was to foster a taste for
civic responsibility in our youth, and
to show them that they are capable
of making a lasting impact on their
community,” said Sarah Wisnoskie,
of the Harris County Department of
Education, who works with Carter
Academy students in their CASE
after-school program. “It was also
an opportunity to show that youth
and their communities are mutually
dependent – the communities need
and impact their youth as much as
the youth need and impact their
communities.”
ExxonMobil and
MacArthur HS
Bussey Elementary parents
take part in the school’s
Parent Literacy Center that
opened this year. The focus
is to raise the literacy level
of parents, increase the level
of parental involvement at
Bussey, provide a parent
model for their children , and
assist parents in learning
English.
Ashim Das, a volunteer with ExxonMobil and Junior Achievement,
shares his knowledge about entrepreneur leadership
with a group of MacArthur Senior High School students who
are enrolled in the school’s Business Ownership class. The students
are currently involved in an 11-week Junior Achievement
class where they are taught how to develop a business plan
and establish the basic foundation for operating a business.