Humble ISD Honors 2010-11 Teachers of the Year

News and notes from and about our family of Humble ISD Employees Vol. 9 No. 7 A Gold Star Award Winning Publication April-May 2011 Humble ISD honors 2010-11 Teachers of the Year

Humble ISD honored 2010-11 Teachers of the Year at a luncheon at Raffa’s Waterfront Grill. Dr. Sconzo, Board President Keith Lapeze and Andrew Landry of Candlewood Suites welcomed guests. Student speakers included Hum- ble High Junior Mario Bernal and Quest Junior Brandynne Cintado. Music was provided by Atascocita High School Orchestra, directed by Colin Catoe. Raffa’s owner Tony Raffa opened the restaurant exclusively for the luncheon, and general manager Paul Griffin and executive chef David Welch, husband of BBE teacher Te- resa Welch, created a superb meal. With beautiful music and beautiful surroundings and scenery, it was a delightful experience. The best teachers teach from the heart.... Teachers of the Year for 2011-2012

Congratulations to Humble ISD’s Teachers of the Penny Graham, RELA...... Timberwood Middle Year! Sally Wagner, an English and AVID teacher at Edna Preston, 8th Grade Math...... Woodcreek Middle Atascocita High School, will represent Humble ISD as the Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2011-2012. Robin Rob- Karri Bergeron, Math Coach ...... Atascocita Springs inson, a special education teacher at Elm Grove Matthew Vybiral, Instructional Tech...... Bear Branch Elementary School, will represent Humble ISD Kim Kijewski, 3rd Grade...... Deerwood as the Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2011- 2012. Natalie Herron, 1st Grade...... Eagle Springs Robin Robinson, Special Education...... Elm Grove Secondary Finalists: Regina Eakin, 1st Grade...... Fall Creek Amy Martinez, Atascocita Middle, ESL Leslie Leslie, Special Education...... Foster Emily Bird, Creekwood Middle, RELA Amanda Price, Pre-K Special Education ...... Lakeshore Pamela Love, Humble Middle, ESL Penny Graham, Timberwood Middle, RELA Donna Juarez, 3rd Grade...... Greentree Jane Tragesser, Speech Therapist...... Hidden Hollow Elementary Finalists Carolina Moreno, 1st Grade Bilingual...... Humble Karri Bergeron, Atascocita Springs, Math Instructional Coach Kelly Atkins, 5th Grade Math/ Science. . . . . Jack Fields Jane Tragesser, Hidden Hollow, Speech Therapist Richarria Benton, 1st Grade...... Lakeland Kelly Atkins, Jack Fields Sr., Fifth Grade Math/Science Heather Feagins, Shadow Forest, Fourth Grade Michelle Canlas, Science Coach...... Maplebrook Catherine Olano, Summerwood, Fifth Grade Mary Purdy, Academic Coach ...... North Belt, Mary Kay Villarreal, Oaks, PPCD/STEPS Tiffany Curtis, 5th Grade ...... Oak Forest Wrynn Homann, Park Lakes, Reading Mary Kay Villarreal, PPCD/ STEPS...... Oaks Teachers of the Year by Campus Wrynn Homann, Reading...... Park Lakes Robbin Burger, Kindergarten...... Pine Forest Sally Wagner, English/AVID...... Atascocita High Lisa Rocha, 3rd Grade Bilingual...... River Pines John O'Brien, English ...... Humble High Heather Feagins, 4th Grade...... Shadow Forest Pam Lard, Health Science Technology . . . . Kingwood High Catherine Olano, 5th Grade ...... Summerwood James Park, Choir ...... Kingwood Park Kristi Campbell, 3rd Grade...... Timbers Kathy Moss, Algebra I/ Pre Calculus ...... Quest ECHS Ashley Bechtel, Special Education ...... Whispering Pines Wendy Bethany, ESL ...... Summer Creek Jeremy Traughber, Special Education...... Willow Creek Roni Jo Frazier, MOSAIC Program . . . Cambridge School Lorrie Ogletree, 4th Grade...... Woodland Hills Gail Burleson, CNA/ Pharmacy Tech...... CATE Amy Martinez, ESL ...... Atascocita Middle Schools choose a Teacher of the Year for the campus. Emily Bird, RELA ...... Creekwood Middle District Finalists and the District Teachers of the Year are chosen by a district selection committee based upon essays Pam Love, ESL ...... Humble Middle and interviews. Larkin LeSueur, Tech. Ed...... Kingwood Middle Matt Pearce, Social Studies/Coach...... Riverwood Middle Pam Trahan, Health...... Ross Sterling Middle Congratulations to our newly elected The Humble ISD Pub- Stupendous! Board of Trustee members . lic Information Office won Position 1–Robert Sitton (will serve a nine awards—including two one year term as he replaces Dan Huberty, Best of Category Awards-- who was elected to the Texas House of Representatives) in a statewide communica- Position 6–Dave Martin (incumbent, unopposed) tions contest sponsored by Position 7–Robert Scarfo (incumbent) the Texas School Public Re- lations Association . School districts from across Texas entered more than 1,000 en- tries in this year’s contest . Humble ISD was awarded Best of Category in Pro- grams for the District Spelling Bee Program that was designed by staff member Robin McAdams. Humble ISD also received a Best of Category Award in Published News Sitton Martin Scarfo or Feature for the “Humble ISD Committed to Service Learning” article that was written by staff member Jamie Pine Forest fifth grade teacher Kellie Hemingway an- Mount. nounces the May 14 graduation of her twin daughters from Additionally, Humble ISD received Gold Star Awards The University of Oklahoma–Price College of Business . in the categories of External Newsletter for the “Your Both girls will earn a BA in Energy Management, and both Schools” community newsletter; Electronic Newsletter for were varsity athletes for OU . Sara Hemingway was on the “Family Album News;” Internal Newsletter for the Humble women’s golf team for four years and was on the All Big ISD Education Foundation’s newsletter; Writing for the 12: Academic Team for Women’s Golf; Lindsay Heming- “10 Years, 10 Stories” campaign; Programs for the District way was on the women’s rowing team for two years . Sara Spelling Bee Program; and Published News or Feature for and Lindsay are 2007 graduates of KHS . “Humble ISD Committed to Service Learning ”. Humble ISD also received a Silver Star Award in the category of Pine Forest and Lakeshore teachers Becky Nor- Computerized Presentation for “A Tour of Humble ISD ”. ris, Janelle Wiggin, Duny Dominguez, Karen Nypaver, Humble ISD Public Information Office staff includes Kelly Cahill, Rachelle Hall, Sandra Longhofer, and Karen Collier, executive director; Jamie Mount, assistant family honored the memory of Karen Nypaver’s daughter, director; Robin McAdams, media coordinator; Charlotte Kim Hansen, who lost her battle to colon cancer . The “Live Hoya, webmaster; and Michelle Cole, office professional. Sassy” team completed the Get Your Rear in Gear 5k in The awards were announced Feb . 24 during the associa- San Antonio, Texas, on March 27 . This race is dedicated to tion’s annual conference . research to find a cure for colon cancer. Seretha Augus- tine, assistant principal at Woodcreek Middle School, was honored recently by the Ivy League Educational & Charities Foundation (ILECF) as one of sixteen “Kings and Queens” of education . These educators can best be described as Dreamers . individuals. with vision; Believers . leaders. with faith; and Achievers . activists. who take action . MORE Accomplishments and Honors

Humble High Student Council, under the direction of Courtney Solomon and Britany Wheeler, received three awards at the Texas Association of Student Councils state The Summer Creek High School Combined Wom- convention in Arlington, Texas . They were recognized for en’s Choir and the Men’s Choir each earned a sweepstakes the hard work they have done this year leading the school trophy at the annual UIL Concert and Sight Reading Con- and planning and executing events . The three awards were test. This is the first such award for the recently opened Pride and Patriotism, Community Service and Outstanding Summer Creek High School, and this is the highest honor Student Council . Mary Sowell, sponsor of the HHS Pride a choir can receive at this very rigorous competition . SCHS and Patriotism organization, also accompanied the students choir director Amanda Robison is very proud of her stu- to Arlington . dents and is impressed with their work ethic, drive, and Whispering Pines first grader heart . Robison says, “It was an amazing experience mak- Anh Pham and her art teacher Keri ing music with these students . They were well prepared and Pye show off artwork that was chosen gave everything they had on stage . It paid off!” for display at the Museum of Fine Art’s SCHS is in it’s second year, but it is showing that it Glassel Junior School . The Texas Art can hold it’s own . The Women’s Choir also competed at the Education Association also selected Alamo Showcase of Music Choral Festival in San Antonio . Anh’s work among 45 pieces that will They received a Superior (I) rating and Best in Class . The travel to different locations around choirs competed as non-varsity Houston for the next 12 months . this year, but now that they have earned sweepstakes, they Humble High School International will be competing as var- Baccalaureate science teacher Lauren sity next year . The 2011-2012 Shapiro has been accepted into the Mi- school year will be the first chael J . Ahearn 25th Annual Summer year that Summer Creek has Workshop for High School Science Educa- seniors . At right, choir director tors at MD Anderson Cancer Center . Amanda Robison and princi- The workshop happens during the pal Trey Kraemer show off final two weeks of The Carl B. & Florence the UIL trophies . E . King Foundation Program in Biomedi- cal Sciences for outstanding high school A self portrait by Rebecca graduates . This allows educators to interact Reinhardt from Kingwood High with King Foundation program participants involved in a School was chosen for display at wide spectrum of ongoing research projects at the labora- the Museum of Fine Art’s Glassel tory bench level . During the two weeks educators will be- Junior School . The Texas Art Edu- come well-versed in the science and laboratory technology cation Association also selected of these and other research projects . Rebecca’s work among 45 pieces Lauren is a Texas A&M honor graduate with a degree that will travel to different loca- in biology . After graduation, she worked in cancer research tions around Houston for the next labs at Baylor and MD Anderson . 12 months . ...and MORE Accomplishments and Honors

Fields Elementary support team member Molly Machemehl will graduate from Houston Baptist Univer- sity on May 14 with a Master of Arts in Psychology degree with the goal of becoming licensed to work with students in education.

Timberwood Middle School students were winners in the George Bush Presidential Library Essay Contest. These seventh and eighth graders did research analyzing the historical or economic impact of American medical or scientific endeavors. There have been many pioneering in- novations with leaders in health fields helping to improve the lives of humankind. The students analyzed how an American innovation has been beneficial to lives of people either locally, nation- ally, or globally. The students used their research to analyze the topic and then present their view point. All students Timberwood Middle School 8th graders in Michelle used the technology in the computer lab. Neyrey’s US History class hone their research and writing First place winner Grant McFarland was given the skills by participating in many essay contests throughout opportunity to have a photograph taken with Mrs. Bar- the school year. bara Bush at the awards ceremony held at the George Bush In the spring they worked on an essay for the United Presidential Library. Second place winner Khale Hollomon Daughters of the Confederacy Magnolia Rangers Chapter placed first last year in the essay contest. 2544. The students were able to choose between the two topics Jeb Stuart or the Day in the Life of Women and Chil- dren during the Civil War. These students were not only chosen as winners from the local chapter but they won at the state level as well. Chelsea Rea placed 1st, Spencer Qui placed 2nd and Robert Tripple placed 3rd. Pictured at the May 16 award ceremony are Chelsea Rea, Melissa Meaux, Spencer Qui, Darryl Schroeder, Mia Sosa and Mrs. Neyrey. Students Brent McFar- land and Grant McFarland participated in the national John Stossel Essay Contest. These students were to use TMS essay winners are, from left, Albert Truong, An- videos from John Stossel and esthesia’s Global Effect–Honorable Mention; Khale Hollo- their research to write their man, Medical Pioneers –2nd Place; Darryl Schroeder, essay. They answered the Jonathan’s Arm–3rd Place; Sean Castleman-Ames, CPR, following questions: What Life Saving Every Day–3rd Place; Grant McFarland, MD qualities make America a Anderson: The Man Behind Hope–1st Place; Brandon great nation. Are the criticisms of America discussed in Vaughn, The Artificial Heart–3rd Place; Jordan Lawrence, the video valid? Does the video successfully counter these The Pacemaker–Honorable Mention; and Hannah McAlis- charges? They are sill awaiting contest results. ter, Diabetes–Honorable Mention ...and MORE Accomplishments and Honors

Riverwood Middle School was among just two middle schools in Texas that qualified to compete in National Science Olympiad competition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison fea- turing the top 60 teams from around the country. The team of 21 RMS students brought home national medals in six categories. RMS students finish- ing in the Top 10 at national contest were Shane Davitt and Richard Luo, 1st place national champions in Solar Sys- tem; Susan Xu and Kenan Nerad, 3rd place in Can't Judge a Powder; Susan Xu and Colleen Averill, 4th place in Com- pute This; Mark Merola and McKenzie Chen, 7th place in Shock Value; Colleen Averill and Cayley Kent, 8th place in Bottle Rockets; Hayes Beathard and Susan Xu,10th place in Humble ISD is pleased to announce the winners of Anatomy. The team is sponsored by RMS science teacher our Fourth Annual Elementary Math Tournament. The Joe Watson and won Texas State Science Olympiad Cham- tournament was the culmination of over five months of pionship at Texas A&M earlier this month to advance to preparation, as math clubs in 20 elementary schools around nationals. the district met weekly to learn important principles of mathematics, explore reasoning and creativity, and practice using their ingenuity. Elementary math coordinator Wendy Gustafson explained that the top five scorers from each school qualified for the district tournament. “We are so proud of each student who made it to the Olympiad Tournament. They de- voted time each week, staying after school to learn and talk about math.” The tournament was sponsored by the Humble ISD Academics Department.

Dawn Riggins, AP secretary at KHS, has recently been hospitalized and is recovering from surgery.

Michelle Walker, special education teacher at KHS, fractured her ankle in a fall.

Lindsey Norton, PFE third grade teacher, recently Pine Forest Elementary math team took first place had knee surgery. in the district Math Olympiad Tournament. Team members are, from left, coaches Amy Netardus, Erica Gru- Maintenance office professional Chrissie Shideler’s ber, Kellie Hemingway and students Emily Bailey, Eliana granddaughter, Adriana, arrived prematurely. She weighs Marchall, Hunter Trambaugh, Logan Angone and Harper only 2 lbs., 13 oz., but is breathing on her own. Lallier. CNA Step-a-Thon winners Wedding Bells The Humble Child Nutrition Association’s 6th Annual Maplebrook 2nd grade teacher Step-a-Thon was a success, allowing CNS to donate $298.71 Abbie James announces her March 19 to FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center in Humble. marriage to Travis Setterbo.

Bear Branch 1st grade teacher Ashley Baker announces her engagement to Roby Fitzhenry.

Susan Phillips, Special Education teacher at Foster, announces the March 26 marriage of her son, Josh Phillips, to Amy Ginnett. Josh is a ‘99 graduate of Humble High School.

ATPE elects new officers

Humble ATPE’s newly elected officers include presi- Timbers Elementary, pictured with team captain dent Stacey Ward, Timbers Elementary; vice president Marisa Maxey, won the traveling trophy for “Most Steps Yvonne Waggoner, retired from Riverwood Middle School; Taken.” Their total combined steps for the four week period secretary Gayle Sampley, Community Learning Center; was 11,952,863 with 44 participants. treasurer Allan Griffin, Transportation Department; mem- Willow Creek Elemen- bership chairman Gloria Reidlinger, Deerwood Elemen- tary team captain, Carol tary; and parliamentarian Brenda Rider, Maplebrook Casto and Cheryl Sloan Elementary. Humble ATPE’s Executive Committee was won the traveling trophy for elected by membership to serve from August 1 to July 31. “Most Average Steps Tak- With 113,000 members, the Association of Texas en.” Their total combined Professional Educators is the largest educators’ group in average steps for the four Texas and the largest non-union group nationwide. ATPE week period was 448,834 is a member-owner, member-governed professional associa- with only two participants. tion. Membership consists primarily of classroom teach- These trophies remain ers but also include para-educators, administrators, college on display at each winning students, and retired educators. ATPE is committed to school for one year. CNS advocating for better benefits for all educators, promoting congratulations and thanks both schools for a “steppin job a collaborative work environment, protecting the right of well done.” educators to choose the association they feel represents their interests, and providing the best education possible for all KHS author Texas children. Humble ATPE has 1,912 members. Dr. Donnita Rogers AMS tennis court facelift visited Kingwood High School to read, discuss and Atascocita Middle held a ribbon-cutting ceremony autograph her new novel, April 8 to celebrate refurbishment of the tennis courts. Har- Faces In The Fire. Dr. Rog- ris County Municipal Utility District (MUD) 153 contrib- ers taught at KHS, Univer- uted $14,850 to fund the project, which benefits both school sity of Houston, Lone Star and community. Tennis is taught in PE, and the community College and the University of Minnesota before retiring in uses the courts when school is not in session. The courts 2001. Pictured are Harpist Miriam Freiter, author Dee Rog- were resurfaced and lines were repainted for tennis and bas- ers, KHS students Aerron Ellisor, Callum Kurkoski, Cory ketball, new backboards and additional fencing. Wyborney, Alex King. Child Nutrition director Robin KHS Latin teacher Emily Deben- Young announces the March 26 ham announces the March 24 birth of Seraphina Paige Lillian Eleanor Young Debenham birth of her first grandchild, Lillian her daughter, Seraphina Paige Deben- Eleanor Young. She weighed 5 lbs., 6 oz. and was 18 inches ham. She weighed 8 lbs., 1 oz. and was 20 inches long. Jonlynn Blake Yager long. River Pines 3rd grade teacher Elm Grove 2nd grade teacher Ashley Kieffer an- Lisa Rocha announces the April 10 nounces the March 23 birth of her son, Cole. He weighed 7 birth of her son, Connor Alexander lbs., 7 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. Rocha. He weighed 6 lbs., 5 oz. and Connor Alexander Rocha was 19 ½ inches long. Elm Grove paraprofessional Whit- ney Wright announces the March 17 birth of her daughter, Delilah Jayne. She Hidden Hollow 5th Grade teach- weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz. and was 18 inches er and literacy coach Casee Fetzer long. announces the April 18 birth of her daughter, Caroline Elizabeth Fetzer. Delilah Jane Wright Elm Grove 3rd grade teacher She weighed 6 lbs., 10 oz. Caroline Elizabeth Fetzer Meghan Robertson announces the May 1 birth of her daughter, Elaine Christine. She weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz. and KHS English teacher and cross was 19 1/4 inches long. country coach Christie Burleson announces the April 22 birth of her son, Elm Grove 1st grade teacher Kristen Miller announc- Lucas Wade Burleson. He weighed es the May 1 birth of her son, Miles Clayton. He arrived a 7 lbs., 3 oz. and is 20 inches long. month early, weighing 6 lbs., 19 oz. Proud Grandpa is KHS coach and for- Lucas Wade Burleson mer athletics director Zoe Simpson. Both Kristen and Meghan, at EGE, not only gave birth on the same day but they were in rooms next to each Humble Elementary applied skills other and the arrivals were an hour apart. The Elm Grove teacher Jen West announces the April family had seven births this year. 3 birth of her son, Kayson Everett West. He weighed 7 lbs., 4 oz. and was River Pines 2nd grade 20 inches long. teacher Eneida Elizondo an- Kayson Everett West nounces the March 24 birth of her son, Ben Iker Elizondo. He PLE math coach Katie Smith weighed 7 lbs., 14 oz. and was 21 announces the April 22 birth of her 1/2 inches long. Ben Elizondo daughter, Caroline Jane Smith. She weighed 7 lbs., 12 oz. and was 19 General Counsel’s office professional Linda Cooney inches long. Caroline Jane Smith announces the April 6 birth of her fifth grandchild, Sophie Elizabeth Stepp. She weighed 8 lbs., 9 oz., and was 19.5 Maintenance office profes- inches long. Her great-grandmother came for the birth, sional Chrissie Shideler announces the May 23 birth of bringing 4 generations together. her granddaughter, Adriana Marie Shideler. She weighed Quest ECHS library assistant 2 lbs., 13 oz., is 15 1/2 inches Rosie Trevino announces the March long, and is breathing on her 22 birth of her 4th grandchild, Ad- own. Please keep Adriana dison Rose McDaniel. She weighed 6 and family in your thoughts lbs., 9 oz. and prayers. Adriana Marie Shideler Addison Rose McDaneil Bright Idea at PFE

Humble ISD attendance offi- cer Ann Lund announces the May 25 birth of her seventh grandchild, Kirsten Sophia Lund. Dad, Josh Kirsten Sophia Lund Lund, is a ‘98 HHS graduate.

Summer Creek science teacher Tracy Samuel announces the April 15 birth of her son, Kingston Howard Galo. He weighed 6 lbs., 11 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Summer Creek criminal justice teacher and coach Dwight Smith announces the May 5 birth of his grandson, Montrel Kayson Randolph. He weighed 6 lbs., 12 oz.

Summer Creek PE teacher and Golf Coach Mike Tarver announces the May 20 birth of his daughter, Raynie Kay. She weighed 6 lbs., 10 oz. Proud grandma is Shelia Pine Forest Elementary's Leadership Team per- O’Neill, secretary at Atascocita Springs Elementary. formed a "TAKS Rappin' Pep Rally" for 3rd - 5th Summer Creek math teacher Erica Tucker announc- graders. Along with the es the May 23 birth of her daughter, Alani Janese. She AMS cheerleaders and weighed 8 lbs., 1 oz. and was 21 inches long. mascot, the Leadership Team sang and danced to Grants Awarded! help motivate the students to do their very best on the test. Six Humble ISD teachers were recently notified that they are recipients of a Fund for Teachers grant. Fund for Teachers awards summer fellow- Zach Jones Scholarships ships for self-designed professional growth opportunities for teachers. The Zach Amanda Dennard of AHS will travel to Paris to at- Jones Memorial tend the International Business and Marketing Conference Fund recently to enhance her knowledge of business trends and the influ- awarded $26,000 ence of the global marketplace. in college schol- Linda Swank of KPHS will travel to Spain and attend arships to six classes of Spanish Culture, Literature and Syntax at the Humble ISD se- University of Salamanca, Spain to enhance instruction. niors. D’Andre Lacy, Atascocita High; Mandi Houseworth, Silas DuFrene and Caleb Cannon of ESE will travel Kingwood Park High; Dawnchae Jiles, Humble High; Ben to England, France and Poland to gain a richer understand- Parva, Kingwood High; Tori Gamage, Quest High, all re- ing of the soldiers who battled in WWII. ceived $5,000 scholarships. Congratulations also to Ryan Sara Williams of AHS and Lynn Williams of EGE Ward, Atascocita High, who received the $1,000 Zach Jones will explore, research and photograph the South African Fighting Heart Award. In addition to providing scholar- wilderness in order to bring conservation, social action and ships, the Zach Jones Memorial Fund gives monies to rabies photography to life for their students. education, awareness and research. The Zach Jones Memo- Congratulations to these teachers for putting forth the rial Fund was established to remember, celebrate, and give time and effort to pursue this fellowship. What an exciting thanks for the extraordinary life of Zachary Ross Jones, an summer awaits them! Atascocita High School honors student and athlete. Honoring our Top Ten from across Humble ISD

Atascocita High School’s Top 10 Graduates of 2011 are (pictured in rank order, bottom row, from left) Adam Bowling, Anai Navarro, Shyam Bhakta, Kristie Garza, Jonathan Hastings (top row, from left) Alexander Ventura, Kingwood High School’s Top 10 Graduates of 2011 Kevin Gregory, Mahvish Danka, Matthew Thompson and are (front row, from left, ranked 1-5) Xinran “Lilly” Liu, Ryan Zisman. Weijie Lin, Trace David Russell, Valerie Ann Sorge, Caro- line Andrea Werlang, (back row, from left, ranked 6-10) Lisa Joyce Swank, Rachel Anne Redondo, Divya Unni, Ngoc-Anh Huynh and Sara Joy Walton.

Humble High School’s Top 10 Graduates of 2011 are (font row, from left) number nine Jennifer Montgom- ery, number seven Andrea Paez, number five Rachel Evans, number three Christina Ramsey and valedictorian Ayesha Kingwood Park High School’s Top 10 Graduates of Mahmood, (back row, from left) number 10 Mario Bernal, 2011 are (front row, from left, ranked 1-5) Victoria Brooks, number eight Kevin Ringeisen, number seven Natalie Mad- David Zinsitz, Angela Morisette, Thomas Warnack, John rigal - Perez, number four Albrenea Johnson and salutato- Easton III, (back row, from left, ranked 6-10) Nicola Loo- rian Reagan McCaffrey. Not pictured is number six Michael ney, Jacob Pekarek, Christina Watson, Caitlin Orman and Baillio. Adam Vogt. Fifth Grade Honor Choir

The talented voices of Humble ISD's fifth grade honor choir held their annual Spring Concert at Christ the King Lutheran Church on April 14. The choir is an auditioned group with students from throughout the district, rehearsing after school, that allows students to explore their interest in music. The choir is led by Amanda Robison, director, Deb- bie McKinney, ED. D., elementary music facilitator, and Camille Ditusa, accompanist. Announcements of those who are leaving our family of educators

• Deanie Allen – Oaks Elementary, 5 years in Humble ISD, 26 • Yvonne Centanni – Ross Sterling Middle School, 26 years in years in education. Humble ISD, 30 years in education.

• Kendra Andrews – Lakeland Elementary, 11 years in Humble • Ruth Clark – Woodland Hills Elementary, 16 years in ISD, 34 years in education. Humble ISD, 19 years in education.

• Marilyn Ashby – Willow Creek Basic Skills/ESL, 29 years 3 • Mark Conrad – Child Nutrition Services, 25 years in Humble months in district, previously at Greentree and Deerwood. ISD

• Linda Avina – Humble Elementary Librarian, 42 years in • Jesse Copeland – Kingwood High School Building Trades district Teacher, Taught at KHS 26 years.

• Donna Bell – Lakeland Elementary custodian, 31 years in • Patricia Corres – Kingwood High School French Teacher, Humble ISD. taught at KHS 20 years.

• Pamela Black – Riverwood Middle School Assistant Prin- • Malcom Cox – Humble High School, 19 years in Humble cipal, 18 years in district, previously worked at Humble and ISD, 26 years in education. Lakeland Elementaries. 23 years in education. • Josephine Deal – Transportation, 8 years in Humble ISD • Vicki Y. Blair – Elm Grove 3rd Grade Teacher, 20 years in district, previously taught Special Ed., Self Contained K-3 at • Eileen Debo – Humble Elementary Kindergarten Teacher, 34 Foster. Taught in Dallas for 11 years for a total of 31 years. years in district.

• Mary Bohm – Willow Creek Elementary, 16 years in Humble • Jane Dudley – Human Resources Department, 30 years in ISD Humble ISD

• Marty Bragg – Oak Forest Elementary Principal, 39 years in • Valerie Ellefson – Elm Grove Elementary, 28 years in district. Humble ISD

• Diana Broussard – Kingwood High School Instructional • Lee Smith Engelhardt – Pine Forest Educational Diagnosti- Coach for English. Taught at KHS 14 years, served 20 years in cian. Served 33 years in Humble ISD, 40 years total in educa- education. tion.

• Lynette Busceme – Academics Department, 19 years in • Juanita Escontrias – Atascocita High School, 9 years in Humble ISD, 23 years in education. Humble ISD, 18 years in education.

• Pat Buttermore – Woodland Hills Elementary principal, 27 • Norma Fawcette – North Belt Elementary Teacher, 11 years years in Humble ISD, 38 years in education. in district. Taught Reading Recovery and 1st grade, as well as Literacy Coach. • Lynn Byars – Bear Branch Elementary 4th Grade Teacher, 32 years in district, previously taught at Lakeland Elementary. • Sharon Finley – Atascocita High School, 23 years in Humble ISD • Vickie Cargill – Benefits Department, 20 years in Humble ISD. • Karen Fitzsimmons – Timberwood Middle-6th Grade Math, • Nancy Carrier – North Belt Elementary teacher, 36 years in 32 years in district. Previously taught at Kingwood High district–ALL at North Belt! Taught grades 2, 3 and 4 as well as School, Creekwood, Humble and Timberwood middle schools. Basic Skills. More

Announcements of those who are leaving our family of educators

• Chris Fox – Timberwood Middle School principal, 20 years • Jane Marvin – Hidden Hollow Elementary, 20 years in in district, at Whispering Pines Elementary, Atascocita, Humble ISD Humble, and Timberwood middle schools. Previously taught 9 years in Oklahoma at all levels, and 5 years in Iowa at middle, • Christine Masters – Kingwood High School Instructional high and university level. Coach for Social Studies, 25 years in district. 20 years at KHS, previously taught at HHS for 5 years. • Beverly Germann – Elm Grove Extended Learning teacher for 25 years, taught G/T for 23 of those years. • Michael Masters – Kingwood Park High School, 31 years in Humble ISD, 35 years in education. • Linda Herring – Community Learning Center Pregnancy Related Services Specialist, 17 years in Humble ISD, 34 years • Cathy Meave – Oaks Elementary Pre K teacher, 16 years in in education. the district, previously taught at Woodland Hills, and Timbers elementaries. • Martha Hendricks – Jack Fields Sr. Elementary Reading Recovery/Literacy Coach K-1, 20 years in district, 5 years at • Sharon Meurer – Jack Fields, Sr. Elementary Reading Re- HHS as physical science teacher and Wildcatdettes drill team covery coach. 24 years in district, 6 years at JFE, previously a director. Previously, taught at C.E. King and Huffman high classroom teacher at the Oaks Elementary for 18 years. schools. • Kimberly Miller – Eagle Springs Elementary, 22 years in • Susan Hinson – Lakeshore Elementary Principal's Secretary, Humble ISD, 28 years in education. 20 years in district, previously worked at Pine Forest Elemen- tary. • Eunice Munoz – Humble Middle School, 9 years in Humble ISD. • Charlotte Hoya – Public Information Department, 26 years in Humble ISD • Cynthia Nix – Humble Elementary 1st grade teacher, 19 1/2 years in district. • Maureen Humes – Oaks Elementary nurse for 16 years. • Karen Nypaver – Pine Forest Elementary speech therapist, 22 • Kimberly Huseman – Quest High School, 26 years in years in Humble ISD, 33 years total in education. Humble ISD, 31 years in education. • Robbie O'Brien – Whispering Pines Elementary, 4 years in • Judy Janak – Educational Support Services, 32 years in Humble ISD, 23 years in education. Humble ISD • Gladys Oten – Transportation, 13 years in Humble ISD • Susan Kamenoff – Elm Grove Elementary, 24 years in Humble ISD, 29 years in education. • Maudie Pallan – Community Learning Center-PACE Pro- gram teacher, 6 years in District, 41 years total teaching. • Katye Kole – CLC-DAEP Math Teacher, 14 years at CLC, 24 years total teaching. • Clare Perkins – Oaks Elementary, 21 years in Humble ISD, 31 years in education. • Ronny Landrum – Whispering Pines Elementary, 7 years in Humble ISD • Carol Poe – Eagle Springs Elementary, 5 years in Humble ISD, 30 years in education. • Ann Lund – District Police Department, 23 years in Humble ISD Still more

Announcements of those who are leaving our family of educators • Kay Pruitt – Bear Branch Elementary Principal, 31 years in • Gary Teneyck – Kingwood High School Science Teacher, district, previously worked at Foster Elementary. taught at KHS for 30 years. Served a total of 37 years in education. • Nola Pruitt – Creekwood Middle School, 32 years in Humble ISD, 35 years in education. • Budd Todd – Community Learning Center-DAEP Director of Camp 180, 21 years in district, 40 years total in education. • Cheryl Reid – Kingwood Middle School, 18 years in Humble ISD, 26 years in education. • Theresa Thompson – Humble Middle School Science/Health teacher, 40 years teaching, 26 years in district. • Ariosto Reyes – Custodial Department, 16 years in Humble ISD • Jan Willis – GTE School Nurse, 20 years in district

• Shelley Ricks – Riverwood Middle teacher, 25 years teaching: • Margaret Wyatt – Maplebrook Elementary, 19 years in 5 years at RMS, 10 years PTA at WHE and KMS, 12 years Humble ISD, 29 years in education. teaching resource English and Reading/LA at Aldine ISD, 8 years Pre-K teacher at Holy Comforter Lutheran Preschool. • Mary Zelnick – Community Learning Center, 19 years in Humble ISD, 29 years in education. • Mary Ann Sandstrum – Lakeshore Elementary Intervention- ist, 30 years in district, previously worked at Pine Forest and North Belt. Moving On

• Nancy Sandstrum – Oaks Elementary Assistant Principal, 18 • Joan Parker – Community Learning Center School Nurse , 7 years in the district, previously taught at Deerwood. 26 years years. Leaving to be full-time daughter, wife and grandmother. in education. • Meghan Wood Robertson – Elm Grove Elementary teacher • Pam Shoultz – Atascocita High School Secretary, 21 years for 7 years. Meghan is staying at home with her newborn! in district, previously at Oaks Elementary and Oak Forest Elementary. • Becky Swerdloff – Hidden Hollow Elementary teacher for 4 years. Becky is moving out of state. • Libby Sievertson – Timbers Elementary, 20 years in district. • Sara Slamp – Woodcreek Middle School, 5 years in Humble New Faces and Places ISD, 13 years in education. • Ken Buck will be the new principal at Timberwood. He is cur- • Gregory Solether – Atascocita High School, 20 years in rently the AP at that campus. Humble ISD. • Henry Phipps will the new principal at Oak Forest. He is cur- • Letha Solether – Timberwood Middle School-6th Grade rently the AP there. Math, 20 years in district. Previously taught at Northbelt and Oaks Elementary. Also taught at Columbus Jr. High in Colum- • Cheryl Fennell will be the new principal at Oaks. She is cur- bus, Texas and Marion Middle School and Krueger Elemen- rently the AP at Woodcreek Middle. tary in Marion, Texas. 31 years in public education. • Deborah Beard will be the principal at Woodland Hills. She is • Judy Spears – Special Education Department, 23 years in currently the AP at WHE. Humble ISD • Kathryn Palmer will be the new principal at Bear Branch. • Judy Stuckey – Humble Middle School PE/Girl's Athletics, She is currently the AP at BBE. 11 years in district. Condolences to the KHS and KMS Sympathy to Matthew Vybiral, families on the April 5 loss of Karen computer teacher at Bear Branch, on the Johnson, who worked as principal’s secre- loss of his grandmother. tary at Kingwood High School and King- wood Middle School for many years. Condolences to Gretchen Lyons, Child Nutrition supervisor, on the loss of her father. Sympathy to Shanna James, instructional tech- nologist in the Technology Department on the loss of her Sympathy to Dolly Smith, Timbers Elementary coun- Mother. selor, on the May 14 loss of her mother following a brief battle with cancer. Condolences to Vickie Rodriguez, Child Nutrition specialist at AHS, on the loss of her husband. Condolences to Autumn Jackson, Atascocita Springs 1st grade teacher, on the loss of her grandmother. Sympathy to PACE Program teacher and former HHS teacher Tina Ewing on the loss of her mother, Barbara Sympathy to Annie Castle, Whispering Pines PE Jones. Barbara was also the grandmother of TMS student teacher, on the May 10 loss of her mother. Jacob Thorp. Condolences to Layla Morrone, Whisper- Condolences to Alice Winn, PFE second ing Pines 5th grade teacher, on the May 11 loss of grade teacher, on the loss of her grandmother, Ima her mother. Cook. Sympathy to Fred McGrew, KHS special Sympathy to the Humble High family on ed teacher, and Courtney McGrew, ISC, on the the loss of Cynthia Johnson-Oliver, Life Skills unexpected April 7 loss of Fred’s sister, Suzy Lo- aide, due to an aneurysm. raine McGrew Gregory.

Condolences to Monica Brown, Maplebrook 3rd Condolences to Rene Slade, Humble Middle grade teacher, on the loss of her sister, Robbie, following a School nurse, on the loss of her mother-in-law, Montanez lengthy illness. Slade.

Sympathy to the Structured Learning Center family Condolences to Robin McAdams, Humble ISD media on the loss of Bob Pearce, who worked in the Long Term coordinator, on the May 11 loss of her mother, Syble Simon. Discipline Program for many years. She was 91 years old.

Condolences to Cindy Barker, ELAR intervention Sympathy to Sabrina Tarver, bus aide, on the May 4 facilitator at ISC, on the loss of her grandmother in March loss of her father, Henry Lewis. He was 67 years old. and her father in April. Condolences to Ray Young, bus driver, on the May Sympathy to Monica Brown, third 24 loss of his grandson, Brandon Colosko. He was 16 years grade teacher at Maplebrook, on the May old. 2 loss of her sister, Robbie Bishop. Sympathy to Tanya Condolences to Lis Frye, teacher at Cook, Timberwood Special Pine Forest, Karen Frye, AHS teacher, Ed. para educator, on the loss and Melissa Frye, AHS teacher, on the loss of Donny Frye of her mother following a long III. Donny was the husband of Liz, the son of Karen and the battle with cancer. brother of Melissa.

Linda Currie shares her passion for butterflies

By Janice Johnson, Woodland Hills 4th grade teacher Linda volunteers at least 40 By day Linda Currie works as a Technology Ser- hours yearly to teach others in the vices network administrator, by night she is a Texas Master Houston area about nature topics and Naturalist who specializes in Monarch butterflies and their Monarch butterflies. She continues annual migration through Texas. The Monarch migration is to work on Monarch science projects, experimenting on threatened due to habitat destruction, pesticides and drought growing Texas native milkweed in addition to commercially along the flyway. Linda is working to raise awareness and grown tropical milkweed. She not only helps at WHE, but restore Monarch habitats. offers her expertise in several nature centers I met Linda in 2009 when she invited my and school gardens. She also keeps the ISC class at Woodland Hills to join the Monarchs building beautiful with a butterfly garden. in Space Program. She came to our classroom Linda credits Technology Services with Monarch caterpillars and we watched their director Mike Drachenberg for introducing development as well as the developing caterpil- her to the Monarch as a teaching tool. Mike lars on the space station. The students learned shared stories about his wife using the Mon- about the life cycle of Monarchs, and Linda and arch butterfly to teach the life cycle to her kin- I became fast friends. dergarten students. As Linda went through the Last summer Linda was invited to the Texas Master Naturalist certification training, North American Monarch Institute at the Uni- she determined the Monarch butterfly would versity of Minnesota, sponsored by Monarchs be her subject of interest to teach others about in the Classroom and the U.S. Forestry Depart- protecting nature. ment. She asked me to come along and I quickly Linda Currie There is one certified Monarch way sta- accepted. We spent three intense days studying tion in Humble ISD. Linda envisions having monarchs, learned about outdoor education including other all elementary schools house Monarch way stations. No insects and conducting experiments with students. Included other school district is doing this. She is working toward in our Houston group was Dr. Nancy Grieg, director of the her dream one school at a time, starting with WHE. Chip Cockrell Butterfly Museum. Taylor of Monarch Watch said that at least 10,000 Monarch We came back and planted a but- way stations are needed to support the continuation of the terfly garden at Woodland Hills to ac- Monarch migration. commodate the southern migration of For more information about Monarchs check out these the Monarch. We found several cater- websites: pillars in our garden and every child www.txmm.org – Texas Master Naturalist at WHE got to watch the wonder of www.journeynorth.com – report Monarch sightings metamorphosis. Linda and I sponsored www.monarch.org – Monarch way stations and Bring Back the Monarchs a field trip for the Gifted/Talented stu- www.mlmp.org – Monarch Larva and Monitoring Project dents to the Cockrell Butterfly Museum. Twitter: TexasMonarch for tweets and web links Dr. Grieg provided a behind-the-scenes tour. The students watched butterflies emerge from their pupas and also met many species of insects from around the world. As the garden went dormant and the Monarchs were wintering in Mexico, Linda and I wrote a grant to Mon- archs in The Classroom and won $600 to continue work in the gardens and purchase tools to keep the flowers growing and the Monarchs glowing. My students kept me busy in the gardens. We had enough caterpillars last spring for each fourth grade class to raise one to adulthood. Butterfly metamorphosis is in the Janice Johnson and class at their butterfly garden science TEKS for fourth grade. Bringing history to life at Summer Creek High School

Summer Creek High School sophomore Pre-AP classes engaged in a Socratic seminar on the French Revolution in the setting of a French salon. Students read The Declaration of Independence, The Declaration of the Right of Man, the textbook and some of John Locke’s work in preparation for comparing and contrasting the American and French Revolu- tions. Historic discussion of the En- lightenment and revolution occurred in many French Salons. This setting was the brainchild of history teachers Sam Pollard and Leslie Sproat.

Famous science author Seymore Simon visits Humble ISD

At left, Seymour Simon, called the dean of children’s science writers by the New York Times, signs a book for Eagle Springs third grader Natalie Pereira. Simon, who is the author of more than 250 highly acclaimed science books for children, spoke at several Humble ISD elementary schools recently. Elm Grove 4th graders explore 1890’s Ellis Island

Fourth graders at Elm Grove experienced arriving in a brave new world via Ellis Island in the 1890’s. Teachers Marcia Craig, Carol Embrey, Val Sammon and Jane Willard provided this awesome adventure to teach students about the immigration process. At the return of Christmas break students were asked to find out about their family heritage. For a month they wrote journals of how they would to come to Amer- ica and why. The day of their voyage, students dressed in period and cultural costumes and brought necessary sup- plies for traveling to a new country. The items varied from snacks and boat tickets to money and passports. Once aboard the boat (the fourth grade hallway) they could see the water and Lady Liberty as they approached America. On arrival they were taken through verifications to enter America, including a wellness check, passport check, math check and a detention center to prevent the spread of disease. Thanks to the EGE fourth grade team for bringing history to life and making it relevant. THANKS, Key Communicators, for sharing campus news

Administration Eagle Springs Kingwood High Operations/ Summer Creek Karen Collier Sharon Shepard Betty Wolf Grounds High School ext. 8200 ext. 3100 ext. 6901 Cristina Nava Brenda Prothe ext. 8750 ext. 5401

Administration Elm Grove Kingwood Park PACE Summerwood Robin McAdams Tina Smith Shelby Karen Cullum Tracy Bidwell ext. 8203 ext. 1700 McPherson ext. 7487 ext. 3000 ext. 6614

Atascocita Fall Creek Kingwood Park Park Lakes Timbers Springs Yvonne Stroud Irene Pounds Mariaelena Candy Zachary Sheila O’Neill ext. 3412 ext. 6697 Gutierrez ext. 2003 ext. 3601 ext. 3205

AHS Fields KMS Pine Forest TMS Mimi Buchman Lynda Miller Lisa Bollig Jennifer Diane Henley ext. 7501 ext. 2700 ext. 4212 Vandenbrook ext. 3800 ext. 2107

AMS Foster Lake Shore Police Dept. Transportation Laura Buchheit Sherri Sandvick Misti Ferguson Angela Kimmons Connie Roberts ext. 4601 ext. 1478 ext. 3506 ext. 7900 ext. 8731

Bear Branch Greentree Lakeland Quest Whispering Pines Debbie Warren Pam Baker Beth Davidson Gwen Geiser Char Easterwood ext. 1603 ext. 1901 ext. 1201 7304 ext. 2501

Cambridge Hidden Hollow Maintenance River Pines Willow Creek School Muriel Bebel Chrissie Shideler Angela Garcia Laurie Curtis Roni Jo Frazier ext. 2403 ext. 8700 ext. 3300 ext. 2307 ext. 7284

CATE HMS Maplebrook RMS Woodcreek MS Judy Browder Natahia Dawkins Jean Philpot Nancy West Marcia Sinitiere ext. 7951 ext. 4010 ext. 2910 ext. 4801 ext. 5201

Child Nutrition Humble Elem. North Belt Shadow Forest Woodland Hills Pat Ferguson Anne Parker Barbara Perrott Mary Brooks Cheryl Poris ext. 8464 ext. 1101 ext. 1301 ext. 2603 ext. 1503

CMS Humble High Oak Forest Sterling MS Thanks so much, Kathy Joseph Vera Pearson Allison Wolf Jenny Kilpatrick ext. 4413 ext. 6301 ext. 2833 ext. 6001 Key Communicators, for making this newsletter possible. You’ve Deerwood ISC Oaks Structured kept us in touch across Carla Threadgill Bianca Kathy Kargel Learning the district by shar- ext. 2212 Hadjioannou ext. 1801 Tina Webb ing news we might not ext. 8320 ext. 7376 otherwise hear about.