Winter 2015 2-3 Superintendent’S Message District News 4-5 Campus News

Winter 2015 2-3 Superintendent’s Message District News 4-5 Campus News

6-7 Photo Gallery

8-9 Campus News

10-11 Community Partners Education Foundation 12 Communication Corner Dates to Remember 2 the District News Superintendent’s Message Finding our niche Our newsletter is aptly titled “The Progress” given the spectacular accomplishments of our students and staff in 2014. For example, in December, District, schools rank among area’s best in a national school district rating service proclaimed Pearland ISD as the No. 2 district in the greater Houston area and the 17th best district in Texas (out academics, public opinion of more than 1,000 such districts). And there’s more. Among the top 20 best Pearland ISD and 11 campuses middle and junior high schools in greater Houston, all eight of ours are listed. made top-20 spots in the Houston All factors considered We continue to have our high schools named as among the 500 best in the metro area for excellent academics U.S. by still other publications. Our College Board Advanced Placement courses, and student culture according to What goes into a high Niche participation figures and test results continue to skyrocket -- as do our SAT and 2015 Niche ratings. rating? Niche ranks districts and ACT scores. In addition, the number of our students earning dual credit doubled schools based on these factors: in 2014 compared to four years ago. Now in its second year, Turner College and Career High School deserves The district not only ranked No. 2 in the area but also landed in the No. 17 much of the credit -- and gets rave reviews from parents and community members. • Academics spot in Texas. The accomplishments in the fine arts area as well as in career and technical education are regularly • Health and safety Niche uses government/public pictured in our local newspapers. With both bands (PHS and DHS) earning trips to the state marching finals, • Student culture and diversity our dramas/musicals winning awards in both Houston and Austin and students winning unprecedented data and parent and student surveys • Parent and student surveys ribbons and medals, the “trophy hardware” coming back to Pearland is impressive. to rank districts and schools. • Teachers Our financial picture is strong despite recession and state funding cuts experienced over the past four All Pearland ISD middle and junior • Resources and facilities years. During that same timespan, the Texas Comptroller’s Office rated school districts on a combination of high schools made the list of top • Extracurricular and activities financial efficiency and student achievement. We received some of the highest marks in Texas, again placing schools in the Houston area. us among the top dozen school districts (out of over 1,000). The district recently sold $30 million worth of • Sports and fitness In the school district category, school bonds made available through an election back in 2007. Through wise long-term stewardship by our • District overall experience board, the sale of those bonds was accomplished without raising the tax rate. Niche ranked 8,738 districts I’d also like to mention the group of really dedicated community members who helped launch the Pearland nationwide based on key statistics ISD Education Foundation this past year -- already netting teacher grants for innovative ideas/projects. There and 4.6 million opinions from are many other such fundraising groups in our district, ranging from booster clubs to PTAs and robotic club 280,000 students and parents. enthusiasts. All go substantially beyond the “call of duty.” For the full district and campus Perhaps the Grit Initiative launched over the past two years is a good way to describe the accomplishments ratings, visit www.niche.com. of our children and staff. Essentially, that district-wide effort proclaims to all the benefits of hard work, perseverance and a “growth mindset.” Great things lie ahead for those who put the time and effort into the accomplishments they desire. Those lesson plans, themes and reminders have now received attention from Gourmet feast fit for a trustee places as far away as London and Egypt. School districts in Texas have come our way to learn about what we’re doing here -- and have had us present at statewide conferences. Our goal is nothing short of becoming “world-class” in what we do. The effort is gaining momentum. . . .

John P. Kelly, Ph.D.

Pictured on the cover are (clockwise, from top left) Sablatura Middle School’s Megan Campos, Pearland High School’s Drew Bezner, Shadycrest Elementary’s Emma Merritt, Rogers Middle School’s During School Board Recognition Month in January, Dawson High School culinary art students, under Makenzie Bowman and Kennedi Walker and Rustic Oak Elementary’s Peyton McBride, Nicholas Lara- the leadership of Chef Sean Dunn, prepared a five-course meal to honor trustees. Afterward, the board Winter and Eric Ramirez. members were treated to a sneak preview of DHS’s “Beauty and the Beast” spring musical. Mark your calendars: Board election is May 9 Positions 3 and 4 will be on the March 4 (5 p.m.): Deadline for 281.485.3203 www.pearlandisd.org ballot for the Pearland ISD Board of candidate to withdraw from election Trustees election on May 9. April 9: Last day to register to vote Board of Trustees Administration If you plan to vote or run for office, April 27 - May 5: Early voting be aware of these important dates. May 9: Election Day (polls open 7 Rusty DeBorde, President Dr. John P. Kelly, Superintendent Pam Boegler, Vice President Nanette Weimer, Deputy Superintendent Election Calendar a.m. - 7 p.m.) Rebecca Decker, Secretary Don Marshall, CPA, Chief Financial Officer Feb. 27 (5 p.m.): For more information, visit www. Lance Botkin, Member Cary Partin, Sr. Assistant Superintendent • Deadline for candidates to file pearlandisd.org » Board of Trustees » Virgil Gant, Member Sonia Serrano, Sr. Assistant Superintendent application for place on ballot Election Information. Charles Gooden Jr., Member Dr. Brenda Waters, Sr. Assistant Superintendent • Deadline for write-in candidate Andrew Solomon, Member Dr. Nyla Watson, Sr. Assistant Superintendent to file for trustee election • Drawing for place on ballot pearland isd winter 2015 District News the 3 District ranks as FAST success How does Pearland ISD measure up? Consistency is the key for Pearland ISD, now celebrating yet According to the new FAST rankings, Pearland ISD continues to outperform another high rating from the Texas Comptroller for academic success the state in academics and college readiness*: combined with fiscal responsibility. “We are fortunate to have administrators and board members who Students passing any STAAR test: keep student success at the forefront in the most economical manner,” • Pearland ISD - 87 percent Superintendent Dr. John Kelly said. • Texas - 77 percent Released in December, the Financial Allocation Study for Texas gave Students with advanced performance on STAAR: Pearland ISD 4.5 out of 5 stars for “very low” spending compared to • Pearland ISD - 22 percent its fiscal peers and for academic progress in the top 25 percent of • Texas - 13 percent all Texas districts. The state has approximately 1,140 public school Graduates meeting college-readiness criteria in language arts and math: districts. • Pearland ISD - 64 percent The district has earned high marks each year since the FAST program • Texas - 57 percent *Academic data not from current school year began in 2010. Want to learn more about FAST? Visit www.FASTexas.org. Sweet success: Lesmeister, Gigee earn state kudos Moody takes on new role; Advanced Academics director Palombo comes to PACE Margo Gigee also earned a spot Pearland ISD announced two changes in among the state’s best with the Texas command this school year -- in its Human Resource Association for the Gifted & Talented Services Department and at PACE Center. Gulf Coast Area Administrator of the In January, former Dawson High School principal Gifted Award. David Moody took over as Gigee numbers among the top five HRS executive director. gifted administrators statewide. Moody led DHS since it Her passion is researching best opened in 2007. During his practices for gifted education and time there, he built a solid seeking new ways to meet the needs team of administrators of every student seeking advanced and teachers and a strong coursework. family atmosphere while Leading the fostering award-winning Advanced athletic, fine arts and Academics academic programs. David Moody Department Pearland ISD is working since 2006, As a Texas Teacher of the Year finalist, Dawson High School’s Mark Lesmeister to ensure a smooth transition for DHS students, (right) received a case of his favorite Blue Bell ice cream delivered to his classroom. Gigee has faculty and staff, with associate principal Kelly Holt helped Massey serving as interim principal. Pearland ISD has more reason to be proud of its Ranch Elementary The district has begun the search/selection own: two individuals have been recognized at the become authorized process for the new principal and intends to select state level this fall. as an International the best candidate by summer, if not earlier. For the first time, the district claimed a Texas Baccalaureate World This August, PACE Center Teacher of the Year finalist. School and open the GT Margo Gigee welcomed John Palombo Dawson High School teacher Mark Lesmeister Academy for grades 5-8. as its new leader. advanced to the state competition after winning She has also encouraged complete open Palombo has six years the Region 4 Secondary Teacher of the Year enrollment in advanced, pre-AP and AP courses of campus administrative Award. He ranked as one of the top educators in for grades 5-12 as well as SAT elective courses at experience and a the Houston area. all high schools. master’s degree in mid- The former Marine officer has taught pre- “It is the responsibility of all educators to management. Advanced Placement and AP physics for eight nurture their students’ love of learning, set high As leader of PACE -- the years in Pearland ISD and considers his favorite expectations and provide a stimulating learning district’s nontraditional part of the job to be getting students who don’t environment for all children,” Gigee said. campus -- he strives to John Palombo “do science” excited in his class. create an environment “As teachers, we should always remember that where students see beyond earning a high school our small actions can have big consequences diploma to leading a fulfilling career and life. -- that what we do every day could impact a life Previously, he served as an assistant principal and forever,” Lesmeister said. math teacher in Clear Creek ISD and Lafayette. pearland isd winter 2015 4 the Campus News Early Kindergarten Enrollment Patriotism runs high on Veterans Day Sam Jamison Middle School student Save time. Enroll online. Hailey Beck celebrates Veterans Day with her brother Matthew Adams (U.S. Beginning March 30, Pearland ISD is offering parents Marines), principal Sharon Bradley the option to begin early kindergarten enrollment online. (second from left) and assistant principal (Pre-K enrollment is available in August.) Martha Beaman. Check the zoned campus webpage to begin the enrollment process. Everyone -- whether enrolling online or in person -- must bring the required documents to the A theme of red, white and blue campus on the dates below. linked schools district-wide as students celebrated Veterans Day. Kinder Enrollment at Campus: Honoring veterans has been a April 6-9: 8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. tradition for Pearland ISD students each November. April 7 (late night): 5-7 p.m. From walls of honor displaying photos of family heroes past and present to patriotic programs and assemblies, students paid tribute to veterans who have sacrificed to promote freedom. At Dawson High School, veterans as far back as World War II regaled students with stories about their wartime service. Despite rain, Turner College and Career High School students filled the bleachers for a flagpole dedication ceremony in memory of a fallen Air Force veteran from Pearland. Magnolia Elementary students marched for freedom, waving U.S. flags, while Sam Jamison Middle School students ate breakfast with veteran family members. www.pearlandisd.org At all grade levels, students paused to remember the selfless service of thousands of Information » Parent Information » Kindergarten/PreK Enrollment Americans protecting our nation and freedoms.

Canvas and beyond From rodeo art to choir, students celebrate fine arts success Pearland ISD’s canvas displays many bright winner in the Mark of Excellence/National splashes this school year. Wind Honors Project in both 5A and “New From art to music, students are making their mark Music” classifications. in fine arts competitions. In the Mark of Excellence/National Choral After judging on Jan. 14, seven students will Honors Project, the PHS Chamber Choir was display their art at the Houston Livestock Show also named a national winner. and Rodeo, where approximately 60 pieces go to The top 224 music ensembles nationwide auction: competed by submitting performance Best of Show: recordings to the Foundation for Music • Andy Liu (Dawson High School) Education, with only the top 25 percent • Helen Wang (Pearland Junior High West) chosen as national winners. • Joe Fleming (Shadycrest Elementary) Gold Medal: Above: Pearland • Priya Kass (DHS) Junior High West’s • Matthew Wu (DHS) Helen Wang won • Jennifer Li (PJH West) Is art your thing? best of show for “Joe’s Boots.” • Michelle Moeller (C.J. Harris Elementary) Competing in the same University Interscholastic Pearland ISD will host its sixth League class for the first time ever, both DHS and annual Youth Art Month Art Walk, PHS bands advanced to the 6A UIL State Marching as well as select special exhibitions, Left: C.J. Harris Elementary’s Michelle Band Contest in November. March 1-31. Our young Picassos will display their work in local Moeller won a gold Both bands finished among the top 20 in the state medal for “Looking for in their class. businesses and other areas. For a New Valley to Call This fall, the Foundation for Music Education updates, check the district website! Home.” designated the PHS Wind Ensemble as a national pearland isd winter 2015 Campus News the 5 Faces of cheer Holiday generosity abounds Pearland ISD students and staff look for opportunities What does holiday year-round to give back to the community, but the generosity look like? holiday season especially shines the spotlight on their Students put on their most heart for helping others. cheerful faces to bring joy Sablatura Middle School students turned the page for a good cause. Gathering pledges for minutes of reading, to nursing home residents students read books to collect clothes and household throughout Pearland. items for Forgotten Angels Resale Shop, which benefits individuals with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities. Gifted and Talented Academy students organized the “Big Cheer” project, with help from National Honor Society students from all three high schools and Pearland Junior High West. Armed with wrapping paper and Above: From left, Pearland bows, the students spread holiday cheer by decorating High School’s Leah Phillips and GT Academy students residents’ doors at Windsong Village assisted living facility. Ashley Dinh, Abigail Dawson High School Eagles football players assembled Smaistrla, Jacob Phillips Christmas stockings for Colonial Oaks Assisted Living, and Nicholas Johnson then performed carols for the residents as Coach Eric participate in the “Big Left: Dawson Wells played the piano. Cheer” project. Eagles football Instead of exchanging gifts with each other, Shadycrest players stuff Elementary faculty and staff brought pet food and stockings with treats. supplies to their annual campus Christmas party and donated all the items to Pearland Animal Control.

O ROB TICS

Students apply science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Above: For their current competition season, GT education and problem- Academy students in the NXT Robotics Club designed solving skills to complete LEGO robots to solve challenges similar to those faced by independent food growers. Pictured are (from left) real-world challenges Amar Sehgal, Jared Byars, Ryan Le and Josh Enos. through after-school robotics clubs

Above: Comprising students from all three high schools, the new Pearadox Robotics Club is preparing to compete against other teams nationwide at the Lone Star Regional in April. United Safety presented a trailer and $5,000 donation to help launch the team into competition season. Pictured in hard hats are (from left) Jared Reeves (TCCHS), Zach Wallace (DHS), Bharath Balabaskar (DHS) and Alex De Jesus (TCCHS). pearland isd winter 2015 6 the Photo Gallery the 7

Pictured are (clockwise, from top left) Dawson High School’s Emily Xiong and Poonum Mehta; Pearland Junior High East’s Cydnee Davis, Rachel Burton and Piper Stewart; Sablatura Middle School’s Noelle Dalida; PACE Center’s Brandon Espericueta; Silverlake Elementary’s Ethan Nyabadza; C.J. Harris Elementary’s Abigail Kim, Nadalyn Ortiz, Taylor Nguyen, Crystianna Coleman, Avery Varga and Daisy Nguyen; and Channel 2 meteorologist Anthony Yanez reading to Massey Ranch Elementary students.

pearland isd winter 2015 pearland isd winter 2015 6 the Photo Gallery the 7

pearland isd winter 2015 pearland isd winter 2015 8 the Campus News Making Pearland proud: Livestock Show & Career Expo 2014 Athletes set bar high Skills on display from arena to kitchen, canvas Pearland ISD athletes continued to stand out in Whether baking, painting or corralling athletics this fall. livestock, Pearland ISD students are skilled in For the first time in school history, the Dawson multiple arenas. High School tennis team won the team tennis This September, the district’s third annual district championship and advanced to regionals. Livestock Show & Career Expo proved student Both high school football teams advanced to skill has grabbed the community’s attention, playoffs, with the Pearland Oilers making the area with the expo raising its highest auction total round and the Dawson Eagles the regional round. yet -- $150,000. DHS advanced two repeat state contenders to Students exhibited culinary, livestock and art the University Interscholastic League state 6A cross skills during the three-day event at the district’s country meet in November. Abbie Harrelson Richard L. Wagoner Agricultural Facility. finished third at regionals, and Matthew Murray fifth In addition to auction sales, the event raised at regionals to advance to state. $8,500 for scholarships. In volleyball, several players earned some of the Grand and reserve champion winners highest honors statewide and nationwide for their included. . . . excellence on and off the court. Dawson High School’s Daniel Newcomb (far right) won grand Pearland High School’s Amanda Chapa was champion steer at the Pearland ISD Livestock Show & Career Expo. named to the Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Team Honorable Mention, while Brooke Livestock Botkin made the TSWA 1st Team All-State and 6A Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State Team. • Daniel Newcomb (DHS): Grand Champion Steer Cassidy Nussman, another PHS volleyball player, • Payton Albright (PHS): Reserve Champion Steer made the TSWA 2nd Team All-State, 6A TGCA All- • Samantha Lucas (PHS): Grand Champion Swine • Caitlyn Salmons (PHS): Reserve Champion Swine State Team, TGCA Academic All-State Team and TGCA • Brady Morgan (TCCHS): Grand Champion Lamb All-Star Blue Team for 5A/6A. • Aimee Campos (PHS): Reserve Champion Lamb Art In addition, Nussman was named to the American • Alexis Wagoner (TCCHS): Grand Champion Goat Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour • Casey Hunt (PHS): Reserve Champion Goat • Sijia Song (DHS): Visual Art Grand Honorable Mention All-America Team. Champion DHS’s Siena Condon made the 2014 TGCA • Latisha Salsman (DHS): Visual Art Academic All-State Team. Reserve Champion In athletic training, four DHS students won the Showmanship Texas State Athletic Trainers’ Association Academic Culinary • Anna Woodruff (PHS): Open Cattle All-State Award: Joseph Eberhardt, Lane Jackson, • Elizabeth Greer (TCCHS): Culinary Showmanship Champion Grand Champion Alexis Enriquez and Madison Mize. • Payton Long (TCCHS): Swine Showmanship • Daniel Ridgway (DHS): Culinary Champion Reserve Champion • Caitlyn Massey (PHS): Sheep Showmanship Giving back Champion • Casey Hunt (PHS): Goat Showmanship Champion • Brent Garner (TCCHS): Steer Showmanship Champion

Awards are fair game for FFA students Pearland FFA students had a High South’s Jayce Morgan. strong showing at the Brazoria Reserve champions included County Fair in October, bringing TCCHS’s Alexis Wagoner and home championship titles. Michelle Youngblood, PHS’s Anna Grand champions included Woodruff and Berry Miller Junior Pearland ISD’s 2014 Texas Volleyball Invitational -- the largest Turner College and Career High High’s Jaden Cole. high school volleyball tournament in the nation -- raised $20,800 for the J.J. Watt Foundation. Pictured with John and Connie Watt School’s Rachel Golla (also won a is Pearland High School head volleyball coach John Turner (far reserve championship), Pearland Turner College and Career High School’s right). (Photo courtesy of J.J. Watt Foundation) High School’s Payton Albright and Elizabeth Greer, Brazoria County Fair Queen Sealy Peveto and Pearland Junior first runner-up pearland isd winter 2015 High schools makeHigh schools grade inSAT, ACT, APresults Campus News Campus these seniors! Scholarship, NationalAchievementScholarship andNationalHispanicRecognition programs. Congratulations to This schoolyearmarked thefirsttimeforall three Pearland ISD highschools inNationalMerit to claim students Celebrating classof2015:National scholarshiphonorees take bow years (from 491to 765students). percent increase inSAT test-takers over thelastfive 5 points statewide and1point worldwide. scores climbed62points, ascompared to adrop of September, Pearland ISDstudents’ average SAT scores. culture ledto studentshigherSAT earning andACT advanced classesandcreating acollege-minded scaled to heights even inacademicsuccess. loftier students prove once againthat theycan. Similarly, scores ACT reached anall-timehighof scores climbeddespite addition,district a156 In According to College Board data released in Pearland ISD’s strategic focus onincreasing SAT/ACT 2014-15,PearlandIn ISDhighschoolstudents When improving onexcellence seemsimpossible, grit. persistence. dedication. Cordero Solano Joshua Feuless Alexis Enriquez High School: Dawson Kelleyeanne Kelley Turner CCCHS: WilliamsDwayne Pearland High School: Tyler Davis Naomi Andu HighSchool: Dawson Semifinalists National Achievement Adhvaith Ram Jinglei Peng Sharon Li Laroche Robert Khan Imran Elizabeth Huang FuertesMadeleine Siena Condon Cheng Katherine Cody Bahr HighSchool: Dawson Recognition Scholars National Hispanic National Commended Merit Students Catherine Wu Sijia Song Catherine Snow Ketan Sinha Adam Shohet Kylie Sanderson Salvady Karun Laura Salvador Rhodes Michelle Ethan Martinez Pearland HighSchool: Andrea Garza ElizondoAndrea Garza Turner CCHS: Nneoma Oradiegwu Nneoma Turner CCHS: Alyah Scott Elizabeth Asonye HighSchool: Dawson Participants Outstanding National Achievement AP exam takers. Scholars, whorank amongthetop 1percent ofall exams, whichare scored scale. onafive-point onthe achievement basedontheirperformance awards. and Career highschoolstudents boasted 411 percent award. anAPScholar earned took APexams in2014,andofthose, only23 achievement ontherigorous APexam. overall increase Awards inAPScholar for student 22.5, compared to astate average of20.9. Justin Kwak Kelleyeanne Kelley Turner CCHS: Dwayne WilliamsDwayne WatsonZachary Gautney Micah Pearland HighSchool: This year Pearland ISDboasted 27National AP Students may qualifyfor four different levels of Collectively, Dawson, Pearland and Turner College Approximately 2.3millionstudents worldwide This fall, Pearland ISDcelebrated a15percent AwardsAP Scholar Rachel Nguyen Rachel Qiwei Li Angela Feng Daniel Rachel Naomi Andu HighSchool: Dawson Fiona Flynn Ethan Arnold Pearland HighSchool: National Semifinalists Merit Matthew WuMatthew Meredith Spradlin Joshua Rasband Rao Nakul Nathalie Podder Intentionality iskey to higherSAT, ACT andAPscores: establish acollege-minded culture leading Pearland ISDhas taken intentional steps to • • • • • •

Open enrollmentinpre-APandAP Increased dualcreditenrollment Embedded SAT/ACT skillsandstrategies SAT prepclassaselective After-school SAT prepclass PSAT available to allhighschoolstudents the classes, beginninginfifthgrade in standardcurriculumforallgrades during schoolday pearland isdwinterpearland 2015 9 10 the Community Partners Mountain of backpacks, notebooks Pearland ISD receptionist Martha Stanley equals well-supplied students (left) helps Texas First Bank’s Carmen What totaled $61,000 and ensured that Pearland ISD students started Shepherd unload Angel Tree gifts for the school year prepared to learn? Back-to-school donations for 2014-15! students in need during the holidays. Pearland ISD extends a big thank-you to these local organizations, businesses and individuals who generously donated school supplies to kick off the new school year. During YMCA Operation Backpack, Vic Coppinger Family YMCA collected approximately 1,000 filled backpacks and three pallets of school supplies, with help from title sponsor H-E-B. Holly, jolly Christmas David L. Smith Realty donated 28 filled backpacks. Community rolls out generosity during holiday season HOPE Church Pearland More than 490 students in need • Pearland Lions Club partnered with Wal-Mart to celebrated a holly, jolly Christmas • Shadycrest Baptist Church collect five carts filled with thanks to generous Angel Tree donors. • Texas First Bank school supplies. In addition, For Pearland ISD’s second annual • Tia Artisst the church donated 250 Angel Tree, approximately 75 sponsors Pearland ISD also thanks these filled backpacks. 10th Annual YMCA Operation Backpack adopted students for Christmas, buying community groups for donating St. Andrew’s Episcopal gifts tailored to students’ interests and to students in need: Gulf Coast Church donated approximately 13 large boxes of general and specific delivering them to schools. Educators Federal Credit Union for a school supplies and school clothes to Lawhon Elementary. Thank you to these major Angel Tree $500 donation and New Life Lutheran Texas First Bank donated more than 240 school supplies and backpacks. donors: Church for $490 worth of gift cards. Vineyard Church Pearland donated 205 supply packages and • Access Church In addition, for the 17th consecutive individual school supplies to Pearland ISD students. • Christian Helping Hands year, South Park Funeral Home Wal-Mart (288) donated approximately 150 school supplies to • HOPE Church Pearland decked the halls, delivering a Challenger Elementary. • Methodist Children’s Program Christmas tree to every campus.

ACU of Texas M.D. Anderson Children’s Art Project Adult Reading Center Memorial Hermann Community Partners American Federation of Teachers Mike Graves Awards of Distinction Ministry in Motion Bible Study/Pastor Keith Suchsland Pearland ISD thanks these community partners AXA Advisors New Life Lutheran Church Beazer Homes Papa Murphy’s whose generous support helps create the best Berkeley Eye Center Pearland Medical Center learning environment possible for our students. Brazoria County Fair Association Pearland Pediatric Dentistry These groups and individuals have given in-kind Buffalo Wild Wings Queen Bling Carl’s Jr. Radius at Shadow Creek Ranch donations, financial support and/or student and Carter Freeman South Park Funeral Home staff incentives during the 2014-15 school year. Casa Ole Sport Clips Chic Esthetiq Med Spa & Laser Center Spring Creek Barbeque Chick-fil-A St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Chocolate Bayou Federal Credit Union Texas Classroom Teachers Association Classic Auto Group Galveston Texas First Bank David L. Smith Realty/Susan Lenamon Texas Roadhouse Become a Community Partner Frost Bank Texas Teachers Fun City Skate Total Body Work Chiropractic The district’s Partners in Education program Golden Corral Tutoring Club of Pearland provides an avenue for corporate sponsors, civic Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union UHCL-Pearland leaders and community members to become an Hatch Mott MacDonald UHCL-Pearland School of Education H-E-B Vic Coppinger Family YMCA integral part of the classroom. HOPE Church Pearland Vineyard Church iT’Z Family Food & Fun Wal-Mart (288) For more information, contact Tyson McMullen KB Homes Wal-Mart (Dixie Farm) Koza’s Whataburger at 832.736.6179 or [email protected]. La Madeleine Zio’s Italian Kitchen Marco’s Pizza Maurice’s pearland isd winter 2015 Education Foundation the 11 Help us reach $150K by Feb. 28 Founding Donors Still interested in becoming a founding donor of the Pearland Thank you to these founding donors! You still ISD Education Foundation? have a chance to be a founding donor. Join the You still have time, but the opportunity ends soon! Founders’ Campaign by Feb. 28 with a donation Running through Feb. 28, the Founders’ Campaign seeks to of $1,000 or more to be recognized for the life raise $150,000 for the foundation through donations of at least of the foundation! $1,000. Donors of this amount or more will be recognized for the life of the foundation. Gold Pear ($5,000 or more) The foundation has raised more than 68 percent and has less Bludworth Marine, LLC/Sheila & Richard Bludworth Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union than $48,000 (as of Jan. 21) to go to reach the campaign goal. Home Town Bank You can be a part of enriching Meador Staffing Services teaching and inspiring learning in Drew & Traci Pelter Pearland ISD by supporting innovative Thompson & Horton, LLP teaching grants and other educational Silver Pear ($2,500 or more) opportunities. Brett & Katie Cordes For credit card donations, click on the The Freeman Agency PayPal link on the foundation web page. Bronze Pear ($1,000 or more) For more information, contact Natalie www.pearlandisd.org/foundation A&A Cleaning Services | ACU of Texas | Erin Asprec | Clogston at [email protected]. Nicholas & Marina Bludworth | Tony & Crystal Carbone | Charles D. Gooden Consulting Engineers | Challenge Office Products/The Barbosa Family | C.J. Harris Elementary Beeline for success PTA | Cockrell Elementary PTO | Coppinger Family YMCA | Crain Group, LLC | Linda, Nick, Adriana & Mark Dunk | Lisa Grown-Up Spelling Bee raises A. Brown & Scott Durfee | Bill & Janice Eisen | Frost Bank | Julie and Juan Garza, Jr. | Dennis & Daphne Haskin | Phylis more than $22,000 Hazel | Greg & Amy Hill | Lawhon Elementary PTA | Jason & Bonnie Bludworth Lemcke | Massey Ranch Elementary The Pearland ISD Education Foundation’s first PTA | Russ & Lori Montgomery | Tommy Kirk Morrow | The fundraiser -- the Grown-Up Spelling Bee on Nov. 13 Ordeneaux Family | Pearland Lions Club | John Powell III, -- was an un-bee-lievable success! PC | Shadycrest Elementary PTA | Sheri Roberts | Sablatura This evening of crazy costumes, wacky words Middle School PTA | Sam’s Club Pearland | Dr. Bob & Dorothy and ruthless rivalry raised more than $22,000, with Ragsdale | Fredi & Butch Seeker | Ruby Lee & George Sandars 19 teams competing for the bragging right of best | Silvercrest Elementary PTA | Steve & Jennifer Stephens | “Modified Spellers,” championship team spellers in Pearland. Buck Stevens | Rep. Ed Thompson | Tutoring Club Pearland | But only one team could claim the championship • Crain Group Warfield Electric | Kathye Warfield | Kristin & Patrick Zadow trophy . . . “Modified Spellers” from the Pearland ISD • David L. Smith Realty Special Programs Department! The runner-up team • First Choice Emergency Room was the Pearland City Council “CHOMS” team. • Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union Welcome to new coordinator Major bee sponsors included. . . • Memorial Hermann The Pearland ISD Education Queen Bee ($3,000): • Science, Math, and Technology Center of Foundation welcomed Natalie • PBK Architects Excellence Clogston as its full-time Honey Bee ($1,000): • Thompson & Horton, LLP coordinator Feb. 2. • A&A Cleaning Services Clogston formerly served as a career specialist in the district’s Career and Technical Education Department. Makeover by With more than 10 years of Brown Interiors experience in public schools, Natalie Clogston higher education and industry, she looks forward to facilitating a This fall, Brown Interiors worked with the positive network between the community and district. Pearland ISD Education Foundation to “Great things are happening in Pearland ISD! I am donate $15,000 worth of fine furniture excited about the opportunity to share this with and décor for the Transition Center, a home-like environment where Life Skills community members and business partners and to serve students learn skills for independent living. as a connection between our district’s needs and our community’s generosity,” she said. Contact Clogston at [email protected]. pearland isd winter 2015 12 the Communication Corner NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Pearland, Texas 77588 P.O. Box 7 Pearland, Texas 77588 281.485.3203 www.pearlandisd.org Permit No. 26

www.pearlandisd.org

“The Progress” is published biannually by the Pearland ISD Communications Department to inform the community about district news, events and accomplishments. “The Progress” is a Texas School Public Relations Association Best of Category and Gold Star winner. To make suggestions or comments, contact Communications Director Kim Hocott at 281.485.3203. Get Connected www.pearlandisd.org www.facebook.com/pearlandisd Departments » Communications » 1. Campus/District Newsletters 2. www.twitter.com/pearlandisd Subscribe to newsletters & board The Partners in Education program provides an avenue meeting agendas (scan QR code or 3. click button on www.pearlandisd.org). for the Pearland community to become an integral part of the education process for a mutually beneficial and rewarding relationship. dates to This collaborative effort connects students and remember classroom teachers with. . . Feb. 16...... Staff Development (No School) Feb. 25...... Progress Reports • Corporate sponsors March 16-20...... Spring Break • Civic and government leaders March 25...... Report Cards • Volunteers and mentors April 3...... Good Friday (No School) April 15...... Progress Reports Partnerships enrich and support Pearland ISD student April 27- May 5...... Early Voting (Board of Trustees Election) learning and achievement. From contributions that May 9...... Board of Trustees Election promote educational excellence to classroom lectures May 13...... Progress Reports given by business professionals, partnerships enhance May 25...... Memorial Day (Holiday) the educational experience and promote student success June 4...... Last Day of School/Early Release district-wide. June 4...... Report Cards (Grades PK-4) June 5...... Staff Workday Want to learn more about partnerships? Contact June 5...... Pearland HS Graduation (10 a.m.) Tyson McMullen at [email protected] or June 5...... Dawson HS Graduation (1 p.m.) 832.736.6179 June 5...... Turner CCHS Graduation (4 p.m.) June 15...... Report Cards Mailed (Grades 5-12)