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CONNECTIONSCONNECTIONS SummerSummer 2021 2018 AA Publication Publication from from Hillsboro Hillsboro Independent Independent School School District District AccoladesAccolades Edition Edition Congratulations, Class of 2021!

this issue

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR • PAGE 3

GRADUATION • PAGE 6

AROUND THE DISTRICT • PAGE 10 2 CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 Food Truck Face-off Athletics Department prepares students for has excellent real-life scenarios seasons all around tudents at Hillsboro High School (HHS) got a or a group of athletes that did not get to taste of what it would be like to own and compete full seasons - or even in a game - last Soperate a food truck during their culinary arts Fyear, Hillsboro ISD Athletics had an incredible class. spring season. For the entirety of their six weeks, students created “We had a great year in athletics,” Steve Hale, their own food truck idea as a group, explored recipes Athletic Director, said. “I was so proud of our to create a set menu, designed a food truck that would athletes and coaches for being positive and be used as their cash box, and figured out a business flexible with all the changes in regards to Covid. We plan. Finally, they battled it out with their peers for were successful in finishing all of our their first day of operation. seasons. I am thankful for all the support from our Other students visited the food truck alley and were administration and parents during this time.” given monopoly money to purchase food items from a Girls track had a great season with Kloe peer. Each truck measured success by how many items Benson, Mallorie Sexton, Kennedy Styron, Sandra were bought and how much they earned. Grimaldo, and Delta Johnson advancing to regionals On the day of the face off, students had in the 4x4 and shotput, respectively. The mile relay approximately 20 minutes to prepare one item from got 3rd place in the regional meet with Levi Bontke, their prepared menu and plate 16 servings. Once the Luke Bontke, Ronald Harden, and Frankie Montoya. food trucks were ‘open’, they had to attract their peers Ronald Harden finished 3rd in the 800m. to come purchase their items. With a variety of food went to the first round of playoffs, but and beverages, the groups measured their success lost in three games to North High School. based on how many servings they had left and how The team won the bi-district championship much money they made. against Pinkston High School. They lost the next “Each year the ideas get more creative and teams round to Melissa High School. become more competitive.” Amy Ballentine, HHS Powerlifter Trent Tidwell set a personal Culinary Arts teacher, said. “I enjoy this project also record with a squat of 630 pounds at the state meet. because it’s success requires all the attributes of The girls team finished 14th out of 35 schools. Hillsboro ISD’s Portrait of a Learner: Communication, Individuals that placed at state are as follows: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity.” Bene Martinez - 2nd place Jaedyn Campos - 5th place and Overall Best Bench Press Annette Castaneda - 9th place Catalina Ramirez - 9th place Salma Ramirez - 9th place Ailiani Gonzalez - 10th place Allie Hale - 10th place Teresa Antunez - 11th place Jackelin Cuevas - 11th place Congratulations to these athletes and their achievements this season! CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 3 HISD Teachers of the

Year Announced CONNECTIONS Amanda McCreery

Elementary Teacher of the year Connections is published by manda McCreery knew she wanted to be a The Hillsboro Reporter as a courtesy to the Hillsboro teacher after spending time in her mom’s Independent School District. For additional copies of A classroom as a child. Connections, please contact The Hillsboro Reporter at She was born in California and graduated from (254) 582-3431. Western Governors University. She joined the military Hillsboro Independent School and served as a military police officer in Afghanistan, District 121 E. Franklin St. her company (545 MP Company) being the first to utilize Hillsboro, TX 76645 women on the front line. Since she joined the Franklin Phone: (254) 582-8585 Fax: (254) 582-4165 Elementary School campus three years ago, she has www.hillsboroisd.org been a pillar of strength, determination, and inspiration. Superintendent: Vicki Adams “I love seeing a student gain confidence in themselves [email protected] as they learn,” McCreery said. In her seven years of teaching, with three being at Hillsboro High School HISD, she has taught 1st grade and pre-k classes. 1600 Abbott Ave. Hillsboro, TX 76645 No stranger to facing challenges, McCreery tackled teaching 4-year-olds digitally and Phone: (254) 582-4100 www.hhs.hillsboroisd.org spent her spare time making sure her students and fellow teachers were able to Principal: Greg Gummelt navigate the challenges and uniqueness of the school year. She has been a pertinent [email protected] part of the campus and district planning teams where her valuable input and ideas Hillsboro Junior High School 210 E. Walnut St. have enhanced the district for all stakeholders. Hillsboro, TX 76645 Phone: (254) 582-4120 “Mrs. McCreery has been such a blessing to HISD,” Michelle Steele, Pre-K www.hjhs.hillsboroisd.org Coordinator, said. “She has a heart-felt interest in the students and staff. She is a true Principal: Patrick Harvell [email protected] hero and it has been an honor to work with her.” Hillsboro Intermediate School Tammy Fry 1000 Old Bynum Rd. Hillsboro, TX 76645 Secondary Teacher of the year Phone: (254) 582-4170 hough Tammy Fry was born in Omaha, Nebraska, www.his.hillsboroisd.org Principal: Stephanie Tucker she moved to the area when she was four years [email protected] T old. Hillsboro Elementary School 115 Jane Lane Education was not her first career, but she started Hillsboro, TX 76645 Phone: (254) 582-4140 substituting at Hillsboro ISD in 2001, subbing and www.hes.hillsboroisd.org working as an aide until deciding to enroll in Tarleton Principal: Robin Ralston State University to obtain her degree in education and [email protected] become a teacher in 2010. After graduating in 2011, she Franklin Elementary School 103 Country Club Dr. spent the spring semester at Hillsboro High School Hillsboro, TX 76645 Phone: (254) 582-4130 before moving to her current position in 8th grade www.fes.hillsboroisd.org science that fall. Pre-K Coordinator/Daycare Director: Michelle Steele “Mrs. Fry has two characteristics that are most important in an exemplary teacher,” [email protected] Patrick Harvell, HJHS Principal, said. “She has a passion for her students well-being and the drive to make sure that every student is successful in her class.”

When students enter her classroom, she recognizes that they come to her from Connections is created by different backgrounds and abilities but works tirelessly to meet them where they are Cami Steele, Designer/Writer/ and provides them with the necessary push to achieve excellence in her classroom. Photographer Lised Cruz, Practicum With virtual learning, she worked tirelessly to make the child sitting at home feel Student, Designer/Writer/ just as much a part of her class as the one sitting in the front row. She is a leader and Photographer a mentor to her colleagues as well as to her students. She coaches robotics and is the cheerleader sponsor, but is the first to sign up to help others with duty coverage or to sponsor other activities to ensure that students get to participate. “I believe that it was definitely God’s plan to end up in education,” Fry said. “It’s always been about the kids for me. Everything I do is for them.” 4 CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 HISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION HONORS TOP 10% GRADUATES

he Hillsboro ISD Education Foundation honored 13 graduating Hillsboro High School seniors representing the top 10 percent of students in academic achievement. The students were honored at the Eagle Legacy TAwards Banquet on May 15th. The distinguished students, their honored HISD employee, parents, and virtual guests enjoyed a catered dinner from R&K Cafe. In addition to the recognition of the students’ achievements, each senior recognized and thanked an educator or HISD employee who served as a mentor and was an integral part of their academic success. The students were surprised with a parade and rewarded for their accomplishments with all receiving a $500 scholarship. “The Hillsboro ISD Education Foundation wants to congratulate the Class of 2021 and the students in the top 10% of the class,” Deb Hanson, Director of the Education Foundation, said. “The dedication to your academics that have been exhibited by you and your teachers during this time have been truly admirable. It is our honor, with the help of our donors, to celebrate your achievements and we cannot wait to see what each of your futures hold.” CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 35

allen alvarado

Balderas Graduate: Zyeir Allen Graduate: Cailyn Alvarado Bodovsky College: Dallas Baptist University College: Abilene Christian University Distinguished Educator: Mackenzie Adams Distinguished Educator: Michael Chirhart

Graduate: Jayden Balderas Graduate: Laena Bodovsky College: A&M University College: University of Texas Distinguished Educator: Dana Marshall Distinguished Educator: Terri Curry

Graduate: Juliana Busby Graduate: Skylar Cheek College: Texas State Technical College College: Texas A&M university Distinguished Educator: Alyssa Stringer Distinguished Educator: Marilyn Hill Busby Cheek Graduate: Lised Cruz Graduate: Samantha Fitch College: University of Texas College: Texas A&M university Distinguished Educator: Kyle Bodeker Distinguished Educator: Karen Schroeder

Graduate: Kilyana Hughes Graduate: Jacqueline Pineda College: University of North Texas College: Hill College Distinguished Educator: Luke Steele Distinguished Educator: Michael Chirhart

Graduate: Thomas Pratt Graduate: Elideth Salvador College: Southern Methodist University College: Texas A&M university Cruz Distinguished Educator: Josh Stepp Distinguished Educator: Damaris Nuuanu Fitch

Graduate: Gabriella Walker College: Texas A&M university Distinguished Educator: Jennifer Faulknor

Hughes 20 Pineda Pratt 21Salvador Walker 6 CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 Congratulations, Class of 2021! “Go forth and set the world on fire.” - St. Ignatius of Loyola tudents, families, administrators, teachers and other distinguished guests gathered to honor the achievements of the Hillsboro High School Class of 2021 on May 28th at the HHS Gymnasium. S Throughout the evening, honor graduates led the ceremony, and the crowd enjoyed the thoughts shared by valedictorian Skylar Cheek and salutatorian Lised Cruz. Once the graduates were announced by Superintendent Vicki Adams and were presented with their diplomas, they turned their tassels and class rings before doing the traditional cap toss. “I am so proud of the diligence the Class of 2021 has shown,” Greg Gummelt, HHS Principal, said. “We have all learned a lesson that sometimes life is frustrating and sometimes we can’t control things. While your senior year was much different than any of us expected, we persevered and made it through. The Hillsboro High School Class of 2021 has shown their willingness to adapt to get where they want to be, which also indicates they are set to be successful in life after high school.”

Plans after graduation? 46% 34% 9% 8% 3%

Four-Year community technical College college career undecided college 7 CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 3 | Skylar Cheek | Valedictorian | kylar Alyse Cheek, the daughter of Amie and Thomas Cheek, has Sattended Hillsboro ISD since pre-k. Cheek has been on the A-Honor Roll all four years of high school and has been concurrently enrolled at Hill College the last two years. She played all four years of high school, ran track freshman and sophomore years, and was a member of the National Honor Society, most recently serving as president. She was a member of FFA and Student Council her freshman and sophomore years and participated in FCCLA sophomore through senior year. She was also a member of the Junior Sesame Club throughout high school. “My most memorable moment in high school was winning the volleyball bi-district championship my senior year,” Cheek said. “Hillsboro had never won a volleyball title before and making school history was surreal. The moment lives on with me, and I am humble to have been a part of such a historical event.” Skylar will be attending Texas A&M University and will major in Agricultural Communications and Journalism. | Lised Cruz | Salutatorian | ised Arami Olguin Cruz is the daughter of Pablo Cruz and Camelia Olguin Land began her education at Hillsboro ISD in pre-k. During high school, Cruz ran track and cross country, played , was a member of the marching band, served on Student Council, participated in UIL, and SkillsUSA, and was a member of the Spanish Club. She was a member of the yearbook staff and worked with the Hillsboro ISD Communications Department with a graphic design internship, helping with Connections. She was named the Rotary Club Girl for the Class of 2021. Her most memorable moment in high school was getting to go to Israel and running a cross country event in Cowtown, where she tripped and got mud all over her. “Going to Israel was such an amazing experience,” Cruz said. “I was able to see the natural beauty, experience their culture, and learn about their unbeatable history.” Lised will be attending the University of Texas at Austin and major in Psychology. What is your fondest memory from HHS?

Plans after graduation? 8 CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 Thank you for your years of service!

Dodd Carmichael Jan Cole Paula Cox Cheryl Montes 29 Years 28 Years 27 Years 24 Years

armichael ole graduated ox is a ‘Yankee by ontes grew up in C graduated from C from Hillsboro Cbirth, but a Texan by MAlbuquerque, New Whitney High School High School in 1981. choice’. Mexico. She attended the and attained his She started her career She started her career University of Associates of Arts in in education in 1994 as in education here at Albuquerque, Pre-Engineering. He Hillsboro ISD 27 years Technical Vocational a paraprofessional. continued his ago. Originally a Institute, and Santa Fe After her graduation education at the substitute , she began at Business College. After University of Texas from Texas A&M Hillsboro Elementary getting married in 1990, at Arlington for his Commerce in 2011, she School, Hillsboro she and her husband undergraduate degree became a special Intermediate School, and moved to Whitney where finally spending the latter and was awarded his education resource they had Vincent and part of her career Masters of Science in teacher. Evah. downtown at the Economics from Baylor She spent all 28 of Administration Office. She has spent the past University. her years in education Her fondest memory 24 years working at He worked at Merrill here in Hillsboro and is creating a sweater Hillsboro Junior High Lynch and School, most recently as raised her children vest for PaineWebber before the secretary. Some of here. When she was then-superintendent Buck beginning his career Gilcrease and talking him her fondest memories are growing up, she told in education at Baylor into wearing it the day when the administration University as a lecturer her teacher that she of the annual Christmas hosted a Christmas in economics. He spent wanted to work with luncheon. luncheon. special needs kids. 15 years in Hillsboro as Nancy Divin was an “The administration a teacher and coach. Her fondest memory integral part of her office is always decorated His fondest memory is is cooking with the life moving to new positions so festive and it’s lively,” when he and his son skills classes at the throughout the district. Montes said. “It’s always got to coach the Eagles high school. “Nancy was a great such a good time with together in the leader,” Cox said. “I’m so Retirement can’t keep my coworkers.” playoffs. glad I came on board to Cole away from the Reading and spending He and his wife, work with her.” school, though; she endless time moments Sonda, have three She plans to work with with her grandchildren plans to spend the Boys and Girls Club, children. He is excited are at the top of her to-do retirement substitute enjoy her grandchildren, to manage and grow list. WildNGrazy Farm and teaching and spending and sleep in during travel in his retirement. time with her family. retirement. CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 39 legislation changes how teachers teach across the state tudents aren’t the only ones learning in schools across the state. During the 86th Texas S Legislature, House Bill 3 was passed in June of 2019 which requires all kindergarten through third grade teachers and principals to attend a “teacher literacy achievement academy” by the 2022-2023 school year. The goal is for teachers to increase their knowledge and implementation of evidence-based practices to positively impact student literacy achievement, per the (TEA). In May 2021, over 50 Hillsboro ISD teachers and administrators, through a hybrid face-to-face and online learning cohort, completed the 11-month 60-hour academy led by Sheila Bowman, Hillsboro ISD’s Executive Director of Literacy and Learning. “The Texas Reading Academy provides in-depth knowledge and resources that align to the Science of Teaching Reading and K-3 foundational literacy standards. Teachers and administrators who have just completed the academy have an important role in ensuring that the literacy practices presented in the academy are embedded in the way we teach and assess reading, writing, spelling, and oral language,” said Bowman. “The Reading Academy has opened my eyes to helping my students in new ways,” Courtney Robinson, Hillsboro Intermediate School teacher, said. “It has been a good refresher and presented brand new ideas that have greatly impacted my classroom. Although it is a lot of work, I think it is truly beneficial for all teachers to see the ways that reading impacts our learners in all that they do. Together, we can target their needs with the strategies presented and truly help students!” HB 3 Texas Reading Academy is the largest learning initiative in the nation with over 30,000 teachers and administrators in 640 cohorts participating this year. It is expected that over 121,000 participants will complete the academy by 2023. The self-paced program requires at least 60 hours of work, but Bowman saw some of HISD’s participants spending more than 300 hours in the online course taking in-depth notes and absorbing the information. HISD is looking forward to the next cohort and seeing the program being implemeted in classrooms around the district. Education Foundation awards campus grant for indoor slide he Hillsboro ISD Education Foundation (HISDEF) awarded Hillsboro Intermediate School (HIS) a $5,000 campus grant. The project, #havealotofFUN, will be for a tube slide to be installed parallel to the foyer stairway. T The slide for students will be used for celebrating improvements and accomplishments, birthdays, and going above and beyond as a scholar or friend. Teachers of all content areas will design and implement lessons and activities that relate to the slide. For example, math classes will be able to use measurements, geometry, and fractions in activities that relate to the slide. “We believe that the engagement level of our students will skyrocket as their work includes the slide as a concrete example and part of their studies,” Stephanie Tucker, HIS Principal, said. Students will be able to celebrate with their peers and teachers there to cheer them on. The slide, which will have a locked door for safety, will be a platform that will strengthen educational experiences and allow for students to have another incentive to strive for excellence. HIS has fostered a theme of ‘have a lot of fun’ the past few years and this slide will weave the theme together,” Deb Hanson, HISDEF Director, said. “The slide will be a treat for the students and HISDEF is excited to be a part of the fun thanks to our generous donors.”

The HISDEF awarded the Top 10% of the Class of 2021 with a scholarship for their academic achievements, over $13,000 in classroom grants, and two scholarships to teachers who are continuing their education earlier this year. 10 CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 AROUND THE DISTRICT CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 113 AROUND THE DISTRICT What are your future plans?

The Class of 2021 was awarded over $350,000 in scholarships!