North East School District GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVING THE SAN ANTONIO COMMUNITY 1955-2005 Its history is its people 2 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE MESSAGE FROM THE 50TH k ANNIVERSARY CHAIRMAN parents, volunteers, supporters, tax- “Honoring the past, payers, and employees of the past, as k well as today. Our history is our peo- embracing the future” ple, and I want to say thank you to each of you. We’re not resting Dear Friend, I look forward to showing you When some San Antonians think my appreciation through the various on our laurels of northeast San Antonio, they often upcoming celebrations. If you have think of new development, highways, questions concerning the 50th Friends of the School District: and shopping centers. But consider Anniversary, contact Twain Tharp, It has been an exciting and fulfill- that in 1900, settlers lived along the 50th Anniversary Chairman, at 804- ing opportunity to be the chairman of Salado Creek, creating a need for 7131. the 50th Anniversary activities for the schools. Single room schoolhouses district. My 32 years as an employee called Blanco Common School, Sincerely, of the school district has enabled me to Salado Valley Common School and Richard A. Middleton have a historical and inside view of the Coker Common School cropped up. many wonderful people who have Other schools followed, and by 1949, made this district great. Those I did there were almost 800 students. On opportunity to contribute to our suc- not personally get to serve with are March 4, 1955, citizens voted to form cess in a new and different way. We early 'legends' in the development of as an independent school district, sig- are a dynamic and diverse district that campuses have held activities and our great district. naling the birth of North East, as we values its history but has no intention events throughout the year. The people of this district are our know it today. of resting on its laurels. We honor During the past 50 years, NEISD history and they are our most impor- I mention this to show how our and revere those who have historically has grown to almost 58,000 students tant resource. As members of the history is our people. We would not be contributed to our success while nur- and 8,000 employees with almost half North East Family we are proud to be who we are today if citizens had not turing and encouraging those who will of them teachers. In the 2003-2004 part of a district that values our contri- come together to vote for a change, lead us in the future. We are a family school year alone, 87 percent of North bution and recognizes the importance and we would not have 50 strong years that "Cherishes the Past and Embraces East graduates were college bound and of the staff to the success of our stu- behind us without the help and support the Future". more than 1,000 students graduated dents. As an award-winning school of people like you. Our 50th with honors. We have a lot to be proud district we value our parents and Anniversary theme is “Honoring the Sincerely, of this year. And we owe our success patrons who support and enhance our Past and Embracing the Future.” To Twain O. Tharp in meeting the growing challenges of success. We are partners with the PTA commemorate this golden occasion, LOGO DESIGN BY LYNN BELISLE education to our people: the students, and depend on the support of the vari- ous members of our community, advi- sory groups, and booster clubs. NOTES FROM THE EDITOR As a district, our constant focus k on the success of all students has seen us through our most difficult hours As the coordinator of the Jerry Comalander Becky and our brightest days. Every genera- Anniversary Newspaper and as a new Diane Schumacher Stoughton tion of district employees has the employee it has been a great pleasure Joseph Johnson Dr. Alicia and learning experience for me to Pat Zimlich Thomas work with so many people who have Herb Hernandez Kay Stotts made this project a reality. Joan Abbott Davis Hanna The cover of this Newspaper Mary Ellen Glaze Suzanne states NEISD's history is its people. Shirley Kearns Westermann As I have talked and met with people Frnaces Evans Shirley to collect information, I have found Hazel Richter Hastings this statement to be true. Dr. Brian Gottardy Barbara Hooper This project would not have been Nolan Anderson Glennie Lecocke possible if the following individuals Cindy Holtz Kathy Dorr and their staff had not put in so much Francene Tharp Meg Domas hard work and dedication. A special Fran Everidge Pat Sanford "Thank You" goes to each of them. Chrissie Kolb Mary Alice Smallbone -Mark Menjivar Victor Garcia Arline Patterson Dwayne Feuerbacher Twain Tharp Carlos Elizondo Ed Leal Theresa Miller Peggy Turner Dillie Harrison June Holder Elizabeth Platt

TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEEK North East schools will celebrate March 7-11 Plans for things to come...Stanley Clayton, far right, superintendent at North This year’s theme: Every Reason to Succeed East School District in 1955, helps drive the first stake signaling the beginning of construction at a new school. NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 3 THE COMMON SCHOOLS Common Schools came together to form North East Rural District

At the turn of the 20th century, the area that now makes up the North East Independent School District was mostly brush, rocks, rattlesnakes, and prickly pear. A few hardy pioneers had already settled the area along Salado Creek and other areas where there was an abundance of water. Where people gathered in the region, there was a need for schools. Several single-room In 1924, Coker School moved to this two-room brick building houses cropped up in the area. They were called the Blanco Common School, Salado Valley Common School and Coker Common School. An early photo of the Salado Valley student body. Others would follow in the years to come, and in 1949 seven common schools joined together with a total of 756 scholastics to become the North East Rural School District. As the district of 135 square miles continued to grow in student population, the governing board of officials voted, on March 4, 1955, to become the North East Independent School District and to operate directly under the jurisdiction of the State Education Agency.

Salado Valley School

served as NEISD’s Coker student body, circa 1920. first central office red Coker School located on San In 1954, the New Coker School was Pedro Avenue. Between 1904 and completed at its present site, and since According to The San Antonio 1905, a two-story school was built and that time, it has undergone many Light newspaper records, the Salado The original Salado Valley School was located on Bitters Road. Its children were primarily children of farmers. the old red Coker School became the important changes. Valley School, located eight miles out teacher's residence. When both build- After all these years, Coker's stu- on Bitters Road, was first constructed High School District served students taught in different parts of the commu- ings burned to the ground in 1924, a dent population continues to grow as in 1901 on land donated by Ferdinand as an educational venue until the North nity in order to equalize the distance tent was erected so the children could young families take advantage of the Krueger. East Independent School District was children had to travel to get to school. finish the term. excellent educational opportunities In 1938, Salado Valley would be formed. Students used slates and bought their In 1925, a two-room brick and offered through its educational pro- upgraded into a modern facility for its In 1955, the old schoolhouse own books. Parents paid a two dollar hollow tile school was built and later grams. day, with aid from WPA funds, a transformed into the first central office tuition to cover the teacher's salary, expanded to include the library and $4,000 bond issue and with members for district administrators and contin- and when a child was absent, a certain CONTINUED PAGE 4 indoor plumbing. Gradually, as more of the school board assisting in the ued to do so until 1958 when the build- amount was deducted from his/her and more families moved into the construction. Even though considered ing was razed for progress. In its tuition. Coker community, additions were modern, the school lacked indoor place, a new administrative building Between 1861 and 1904, Mr. J. made and expansions undertaken to plumbing and a cafeteria. was constructed and functioned as Coker donated the land to build the old COKER accommodate the growing population. For lunch, most students provid- central office from 1959-1972. ed their own or traveled back home, PRINCIPALS either by walking or riding bicycles. COKER STUDENT POPULATION Ms. Gladys Sirdevan, 1950-1958 These rural students, rich in German Mr. Norman Whisenant, 1958-1962 and Hispanic heritage, living in the Coker School was in 1936 80 1974-1975 880 northeast county region on nearby Mr. O.K. Harris, 1962-1973 dairy farms, would attend Salado operation prior to the 1942 140 1976-1977 1040 Mr. David Dague, 1973-1976 Valley Common School for grades 1-8. 1961-1962 534 1977-1978 1177 Mr. Rand Dyer, 1976-1979 After the eighth grade, students Civil War 1962-1963 728 1978-1979 1216 Ms. Kay Johnson, 1979-1991 completed their education at the near- Early settlers and past records by Alamo Heights High School or indicate that school was taught in the 1963-1964 548 2000-2001 763 Ms. Betty Moseley, 1991-1997 some other high school. This rural Coker Community prior to 1861. 1965-1966 642 2003-2004 776 Ms. Glennie Lecocke, 1997-2005 school, operated through the Rural In the early days, school was 4 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY

recite from memory, and skits were put on at various times. Parents would attend these for a small fee to raise money for the school. Interscholastic Contests were held twice a year. Volleyball and baseball accuracy, as well as music and art memory were tested. In 1938 , the original Seay Common School was sold to a family who turned it into a home adding a garage and shed, along with a porch. The class picture shows the children with their school wall in the background. The children had no special clothes for picture day and overalls and bare feet were perfectly acceptable. The Ignacio F. Serna family When the Seay Common School was sold, a new one was constructed Seay Common School student body, 1935, above, 1937, below. off Higgins Road and Stahl. This school building of one room was later moved to MacArthur to be used as a band hall or auxiliary building on the campus, when the Common Schools became part of the North East Independent School District in 1955. -By Susan Westerman Serna namesake dreamed of an education for every child Serna Elementary Staff, 1962 ------ Highway intersection. Many students Serna Elementary closed for a period Today, school stands as a attended there and have fond memo- of six years. Students living in the area ries and stories to tell about the Serna were transferred to Northwood School. That property now has the U- Elementary. as a library. symbol of Ignacio Serna’s Haul store on it. The District tried unsuccessfully Former student Hazel A bucket would be lowered into dedication to education The population exploded and in to sell the property during the time the the well outside the little schoolhouse, 1953 a new school, Serna Elementary, school was closed; however, the popu- Richter recalls the early and a tin cup would be placed beside it Mr. Ignacio Felix Serna (1840- was built to accommodate the growth. lation began to grow in the area and in for sharing drinks throughout the day. 1912) lived a very interesting life. He days at Seay School The growth continued until the late 1992 Serna Elementary was re-opened There were two swings, which was born in Chihuahua, Mexico and 1970s and early 1980s. In May 1984, and remains open to the present date. Ms. Wietzel, teacher of the Seay hung from tall telephone poles, and grew up on a sheep farm. Common School, began her day very two seesaws that served the children at While tending sheep, in February early. She had to drive over several recess. Each child had an assigned seat of 1847, he was captured by the roads from Sommerset to Wetmore to of a wooden desk with a folding seat. Buffalo Hump tribe of the Southern her little one room schoolhouse just The top of the desk had a space for the Comanche Indians. off of Jung Road near the railroad ink bottle and a carved out space for In the summer of 1848, he was tracks. their pen points on wooden handles ransomed by an Indian agent, Major R. The year is 1934 and her 33 stu- and their pencils. S. Nabors. Major Nabors and his wife Do You Remember? dents in grades one through eight The schedule would be written on raised Ignacio Serna as their own son. would be looking for her as she made the blackboard the first day of school, After serving in the Confederate her way to school. Her car had wide and they would keep that schedule. Army, Ignacio Serna married Frances We are looking for more information running boards on either side, and as There were usually three or four chil- Virginia Hines and the couple had concerning all of the common schools that she made their way to the school, stu- dren in each grade, so their instruction three sons: Robert Angelo, Leon C. dents would jump on the running time for reading, writing and arith- and Albert Ignacius. formed the beginning of North East Independent boards and hang on for a ride to metic would be scheduled in 15- Since there was no public school School District. These schools were: Seay com- school. There was no bus service, and minute periods throughout the day. in the area, Mr. Serna hired a lady to the children came by bicycle, horse, The children were from families come to their home to educate their mon School Blanco Common School, Olmos and foot. in the area, or migrant workers making sons. One of the most remarkable Common School, Lookout Valley Common School, Once at the school, she would their yearly visit to the families to help aspects of Mr. Serna's vision was his unlock the door and start filling the big with the planting or harvesting. Most desire for all children to be educated, Serna Common School, Salado Valley Common iron stove with wood. The kerosene of the families were of German her- especially considering he had no for- School, and Coker Common School. If you have lantern may have to be lit if it were a itage. mal education. cloudy or dark day. No electricity ran Everyone knew everyone else, On November 14, 1876, Mr. information on any of these schools, please call through the small community at this and the families made their own enter- Serna gave a tract of land to Bexar Twain Tharp in Special Programs at 804-7131. time, as well as, no phone service, or tainment visiting with one another or County to be used for a school. The indoor plumbing. A school nurse came meeting at the school for a game of school was established in 1877 near twice a year, and a book mobile served Bunco. The children had to learn to the current Perrin-Beitel and Austin NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 5 FOOD SERVICE Even the mayo and ketchup were made from scratch in the early days

------------Today’s meals are designed for a more sophiscated palate

School Food Service in NEISD has, like all things, changed as the dis- Cafeteria staffat Krueger Middle School, 1962. Roosevelt High School cafeteria staff, in the early years. trict has changed. The early school lunch program was quite different offerings only consisted of canned from what it is today. While there was fruit, fresh was not available. a designated federal pattern to follow, it was developed based on the nutrition Fried Rice, Black Beans research available at the time as well as available foods. and Focaccia Bread For example, the lunches that Today, the student menu is devel- were available to the students required oped to address the student that eats a serving of butter, only offered whole out and has had more exposure to a milk and students had no choice but to variety of foods. It is also developed take all that was offered to them. to meet nutritional requirements. Today's typical lunch offers three Menu items today consist of such different types of milk, all 1%, stu- items as Chicken Nuggets and chicken dents are not required to take items teriyaki, fried rice, black beans, focca- that they do not like or do not intend to cia bread, yogurt plates and deli sand- eat and menus are evaluated to not wiches for example. High school stu- exceed 30% of the calories from fat. dents can choose from a variety of If you were a food service menu items each day. Students as employee in the ’50s and ’60s your job young as elementary also have options The USDA provided recipes for school lunches in 1955 would be much different than today. on what to eat for breakfast or lunch. their lunch on a tray, but disposable home. The food was prepared in the Few convenience foods were used at Some items remain constant items are widely used. Milk is in a school by the cafeteria staff and There were no shortcuts in the early that time. though. Wednesday is still designated carton now, but there are a variety of brought to his home where the teach- days. Everything, including the bread, Employees made everything from as Mexican Food Day and Pizza is still beverages available. Depending on ers were served out on the patio was made from scratch. their own mayonnaise and catsup to an all-time favorite! At one time in the grade level, students can have a large Wages for food service employ- hamburger and hot dog buns. Friday early ’80s, Mexican food was removed It's all about money! portion of milk, juice, fruit drinks or ees have changed as well. Cafeteria was dedicated to making homemade from the Wednesday service day only even coffee drinks. A student in North East at one managers received a set pay of donuts. Other menu items offered to be met with negative comments time only had to pay 25 cents for lunch $67/month, regardless of how long consisted of Meatloaf, Salisbury steak, from the community so it was quickly Baby, how you and 5 cents for a carton of milk. Today they worked each day. roast beef and fish every Friday. reinstated. lunch is $1.75 and milk is 30 cents. Student vegetable selections included Students in the ’50s got their have changed! the usual green beans and corn but also lunch on trays and milk came in glass Employees in the '50s and '60s black eyed peas and white beans. Fruit bottles. Today's student might have came to work in a school cafeteria if their neighbor or friend called asking for their help. White dresses were the attire. They collected money from stu- dents using coin boxes and meal tick- ets with a hole puncher. Today, after employees have completed an application and passed a background check, they come to work. Internet and computer skills are as important today as cooking skills. Colorful aprons are worn during serv- ing. Students have meal accounts that are accessed with a PIN number or a photo on a computer screen. Food service work extended beyond the school day. When new teachers were hired each year during There’s good eating ahead Dr. Blossom's tenure as superinten- with Butter Krust Bread The food service worker’s creed. dent, he would have dinner in his 6 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY ROTC JROTC, like its senior counterpart, came into NATIONAL DRILL TEAM being with the passage CHAMPIONSHIP of the National Defense CHURCHILL Act of 1916 • Winston Churchill "Black Watch" Armed Drill Team is a ------------4 time National Champion Its mission remains 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and to motivate youth National Runner-Up three to be better citizens times in 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2004. ------------• Winston Churchill "Queens Motto: You Look Good Guard" Unarmed Drill Team was National Runner-Up twice At its inception, the JROTC in 1995 and 1999. course consisted of three hours of mil- • All Army National Runner-Up itary instruction per week for a period 2004. of three years. Members of Lee High School’s Junior ROTC program in 1971. A Department of the Army order issued in 1968 created the Any JROTC graduate who com- JROTC programs at Churchill, MacArthur and Roosevelt high schools. ROOSEVELT pleted this course of military instruc- • Theodore Roosevelt's tion was authorized a certificate of eli- "Riderette" Unarmed Drill Team gibility for a reserve commission to be is a 9 time National Champion honored at age 21 (although the provi- 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, sion was allowed to lapse after W.W. I 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001 as the need for reserve officers and National Runner-Up in declined). 2000. Over the years, JROTC evolved • Theodore Roosevelt "San Juan into a citizenship program devoted to Guard" Armed Drill Team is a 4 uplifting American youth morally, time National Champion 1993, physically and educationally. 1994, 1995, 1997 and Although the program retained its mil- National Runner-Up four times 1992, 1996, 1998, 1999. itary structure and the resultant ability to infuse in its students a sense of dis- MACARTHUR cipline and order, it shed most of its • Douglas MacArthur "Blue military content. Angels" Unarmed Drill Team The study of ethics, citizenship, was National Runner-Up in communications, science, technology, 1997 and 2004. life skills and other subjects designed • Douglas MacArthur "Blue to prepare young men and women to Guard" Armed Drill Team tied take their place in adult society for National Runner-Up in replaced instruction in military skills 2002. as the core of the program. JROTC was established in the North East Lt. Gen. Harry H. Critz poses with JROTC cadets from Lee High School, in early khaki uniforms. REAGAN Independent School District by • Ronald Reagan All Army Department of the Army General National Runner-Up, 2004. Order No. 6, effective 1 April 1968. The general order authorized pro- grams at Winston Churchill, Robert E. Lee, Douglas MacArthur and Theodore Roosevelt Senior High Schools. Subsequently, the program at James Madison Senior High School was authorized effective 1 April 1983 for school year 83/84. At the end of the 1997-98 school DIRECTORS year, JROTC celebrated its 30th Lt. Col. (R) Joseph P. Lydon Anniversary in North East July 1968 - June 1976 Independent School District. Our pro- gram expanded further in school year Lt. Col. (R) Glenn W. Metcalf 1999/2000 when Ronald Reagan July 1976 - June 1982 opened as a National Defense Cadet Col. (R) William F. Coad Corps and subsequently received July 1982 - July 1994 recognition as a cost-shared JROTC Col. (R) Patrick D. Zimlich program effective 1 July. Col. Pat Zimlich, with Battalion Commanders (Left to Right): Jennifer Rohn, MacArthur; Dustin Stahlnecker, Roosevelt; August 1994 - Present Matt Neel, Reagan; Michael Krusinsky, Madison; Kimberly Schultz, Lee; Steve Carlson, Churchill. NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 7 TEACHERS

because he respects our views and Teachers: The doesn't look down on us." "If my teacher were a book, she would Strength of our be on the top sellers list and be given first prize in the Children's Choice District and our Awards."

"Knowing that these teachers are going Nation to be there every day teaching me new ------------things puts a smile on my face." "To be a teacher is to forever "My teacher means a lot to me because be an optimist,for every day she will help everyone. She doesn't we are in the presence of the play favorites, and she lets us share enormous potential that each things with the class." child holds." -Michael Forman "When I was pregnant, my teacher Miss Davis taught Spanish at North helped me get back into school and East High School in 1955 2001 National Teacher since I have been back here she has He helps us with our words and letters. of the Year made a big impact on my life. She has He helps us realize and understand helped move me to succeed in life and ------------how communities work." 1961 Teacher of the Year school. She has made me want to grad- Teacher! These seven little letters uate for my child." "My teacher is a very nice teacher cators do every day. They also counsel, represent the future for our families, because she gives us jelly beans when coach, inspire, lead and give hugs. our cities, our country and our world. "He has been through a lot and has we write paragraphs. She lets us have They serve as hall monitors and park- Most teachers dedicate their lives to never given up. I look up to him for free reading time. I like the homework ing lot attendants. They plan and mod- educating and nurturing other people's that and that helps me to never give up. she gives us. If I color her a picture, ify, enrich and collaborate--all in hopes children without ever knowing what He is an inspiration to keep going and she would love it no matter what. She of providing that spark that challenges impact they have made. teaches us to look for the best in treats me the way I want to be treated." a student to follow his dreams and There are no medals or trophies or things." reach for the stars. gold watches at the end of most teach- "She always does fun activities with Our teachers hold the future in ers' careers, only memories. Not "While it is my parents and my family our class. She gives you fun art proj- their hands. To touch the life of a sin- everyone has what it takes to teach. who have formed the backbone of who ects and books to make. Sometimes she gle student is to shape the future of our But North East teachers have what it I am today, it is my teachers who have drops things and says "whoops--but- world. It is in school where they learn takes. given me tools that I need to be the per- terfingers." She likes to play "duck to be good citizens. It is in school As the district celebrates its 50th son that I strive to become. I have the duck goose" and eat Popsicles with our where they learn about freedom and North East High School physical edu- anniversary, it is a celebration of the fondest memories of the teachers who class." democracy and taking care of the plan- cation teacher, Miss Jacobs, 1955. true heart of our district, our teachers. have touched my life thus far. From the et. It is in school where they learn to These extraordinary educators work alphabet to multiplication, from the for the contribution that they have "I will never forget my kindergarten respect diversity of culture and tirelessly, inspire love of learning, United States Senate to the scientific made and are continuing to make to our teacher. She was humble, creative and thought. Teachers light the torch of believe in the bright hope of every method and from art compositions to individual lives and to our country. she always thought of fun ways to teach hope for a brighter tomorrow. child and help create exemplary citi- musical masterpieces, it has been my In a Teacher of the Year Award the little ones if they were having a Today as we celebrate the 50th zens. These professionals are making a teachers who have inspired my thirst Ceremony, First Lady Laura Bush, hard time learning. But the thing I Anniversary of the North East difference in the lives of our youth. for knowledge and who have shared in praises teachers: "All teachers deserve think is the greatest about her is that Independent School District, and every Certainly this is a fitting time to the joy of my accomplishments." to be recognized for the contributions she had two sides, that when put day, we say thank you to our teachers they make to our classrooms and to our tell our dedicated, our very special edu- together, create the perfect ingredients "If we are good and polite, we get a country. Teaching is the absolute pro- cators — thank you. And who better to for the perfect teacher: one side soft sticker. He helps us with our spelling. fession — the one that makes all the thank them than the students they and a mother, and one side intelligent serve. Trinity Prize Winners others possible." and…an educator." If the teaching profession is one Region 20 Teachers The following six teachers were the profession that makes all others possi- Statements from students "My coach has really helped me grow recipients of the Trinity Prize for ble, what is teaching all about? Ivan of the Year as a person throughout middle school. who were asked how they feel Excellence in Teaching awarded by Welton Fitzwater eloquently answers 1994 Victor Herrera, Elementary He is a great listener and helps anyone Trinity University: the question with this inspiring quote: about their teachers: who needs it." "The future of the world is in my 2000 Lyn Belisle, High School, "She makes learning fun. And always 1984-1985 Mary Jo McLaughlin classroom today, a future with the ACE "All teachers are special and all of has stories to tell. She makes sure that English , MacArthur potential for good or bad…Several we learn and have fun at the same them are greatly appreciated. They future presidents are learning from me 2003 Virginia Alford, High School time." opened the doors of learning and made 1988-1989 Laura Jean Niland today; so are the great writers of the MacArthur it more wonderful than I had thought it Mathematics, MacArthur next decades, and so are all the so- "Coming out of third grade, I didn't ever could be. Thank you!" called ordinary people who will make 2004 Geraldine Waller,Middle 1997-1998 Marcia Kay Kemble know how to multiply even simple the decisions in a democracy. I must School, Driscoll Biology, Churchill problems such as 5x5. She spent 15 Students are not the only ones never forget these same young people minutes after school for a week, and I who recognize exceptional teachers. 2000-2001Thomas O. Anderson could be the thieves and murders of the Region 20 Administrator of the had memorized all my facts." In the 50 year history of the North East Environmental Science, Churchill future. Only a teacher? Thank God I Year Independent School District, teachers have a calling to the greatest profession 2003 Cindy Kosub 2001-2002 Lyn Belisle "The one reason he is my favorite have been acknowledged and appreci- of all! I must be vigilant every day, lest Art and Technology, ACE teacher is that he helps me with the one ated by their colleagues, the district, I lost one fragile opportunity to Finalists for Teachers of the Year: thing I am worst at, math!" universities, Region 20 and the state of 2003-2004 Frances Fair improve tomorrow." 2000 Lyn Belisle, Art and Texas. Mathematics, ACE "We never feel uncomfortable or stupid Teaching is only part of what edu- 8 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY

ATHLETICS NEISD athletics among best in the state Our athletic programs continue to win state championships North East Independent School vided financial contributions to our District has one of the most storied and school district in the hundreds of thou- successful histories of any school dis- sands of dollars. trict in the state of Texas. Beginning This funding has saved the dis- University Interscholastic League trict a tremendous amount of money competition in 1955 there has been and has been beneficial to the develop- consistent success in all sports. ment of athletes as well as the safety of The athletic programs of North the athletes. This district owes a debt East have produced state champion of gratitude to the many parents and teams and state champion individuals community members who have given and continue to do so today. The indi- freely of their time and finances to help viduals who have been participants in provide quality athletic programs. these programs have gone on to It should also be noted that the receive college scholarships and many athletic programs of North East ISD have been very successful at the pro- have been an integral part of the edu- fessional level. cational process of our students. An A trademark of North East athlet- opportunity to be part of an athletic ics has also been the support of the program has been an incentive for stu- school communities for athletics. dents to pass their academic assign- Stadiums have been filled for contests ments, which is necessary for partici- Robert E. Lee High School’s golf team won the state championship in 1966. throughout the many years of competi- pation. Our athletic programs have tion. Athletic booster clubs have been been a win - win for our students and important in fan support and have pro- our schools NEISD schools have always produced title-winning athletes The first state title won by a Winston Churchill won the state title Churchill has won three state titles with THE EARLY YEARS North East boy's team was at Robert E. with a record of 15-0. three different coaches - Don Nelson, ------------Lee High School in 1966. Tom Mosely Jerry Comalander was the head Larry Schaefer, and Steve Zimmerman. was the coach of the golf team who coach and all state players were Mark Madison girls have won two state titles Facilities may not have been as lavish then, but the captured the state title. Coach Mosely Harrelson, David Darr and Robert under coach Audrey Ambrose. later became the principal of Roosevelt "Buzzy" Nelson. The most recent foot- Another notable effort involves the bonds formed were just as strong as they are today High School. ball title was in 1995 when Theodore Reagan girl's swimming which won the North East High School produced the athletic program during these years He coached with a philosophy Roosevelt won the championship with state title in the first year of the school many successful teams and athletes in were Jake Cherry, Tex Tomasini, that "the best way to teach these a record of 16-0. The head coach was in 2000 under coach Mark Jedeau. youngsters to handle the pressure and Brian Dausin and Dwayne Missouri It should also be noted that the the early years. North East High Warren George, Johnny Thurmond, avoid choking in golf was to expose was an all-state player. Churchill girl's golf team set a record School, which was located on the site Charley Vela, Harlan Heitkamp, Eddie them to as much good competition as Through the years there have for consecutive state titles in any sport where Douglas MacArthur High Parsley and Stanley Clayton who was possible". The team competed against been many state titles won at North when they won five in a row beginning School now sits had successful teams the superintendent's son. Some of the many college freshmen teams and trav- East high schools. The Churchill boy's in 1996. The head coaches were Tom in several sports. The early years when early coaches were R.E.Windham, eled all over the state. Practices were basketball team added a state champi- Lessner, Tommy Walling and Mike North East was a rural school district Damon Hollingsworth, Jeanette also set up to create a good competitive onship in 1982 when Bobby Murphy Martin. And finally, beginning in found the school with only one coach. Riddle, and Dorothy Munson. atmosphere. was the head coach. Al Marks of 1995 there was a state team title won His name was Harry Orem. In 1951 A new addition to the campus The first girl's state title was won Churchill has been the head coach of by a North East school for nine consec- by the MacArthur girl's swimming four state titles in swimming. utive years. there were no football games played was a football stadium although many team in 1967. This team also repeated The boy's soccer team at against other schools. There was a sources indicate that it really was sim- as state champions in 1968. The coach team and they scrimmaged several ply a field that had been upgraded with for that first state title team was Marla other schools. There was also no foot- grass and a few bleachers so that the McCarty. ball stadium and for several years all school could play its home football In 1967 the Lee High School games were played at the other school's games on the campus. boy's basketball team won the state stadium. The Brahmas finally played foot- title which was the first title in a sport In 1953 the head coach was John ball at North East High School. that produced tremendous crowds to watch the games. The Volunteer's sea- Albers. His assistants were Charley Individuals such as Jake Cherry and son record was 31 victories and only Riley and John Taylor. Dorothy Eddie Parsley talk about the great times one loss. Steve Niles was an all-state Landers had been the girl's coach but they had in athletics and the friendships player on that team. she left and was replaced by Miss that remain today that were formed on North East is also the only multi Pittman. the fields and in the gyms. school district in Texas to have three of Over the next few years the "The biggest changes in today's its high schools win state football titles school experienced most of its athletic athletic programs are in the training of in the largest UIL classification. success in basketball. In 1956 the bas- athletes, more coaches, and improved Robert E. Lee was the first in 1971 when John Ferrara was the head ketball team went to the regional finals. facilities" say Eddie Parsley and Jake coach. All state players on that team Ernie Sena was an all-state player and Cherry. However, they also emphasize were Tommy Kramer, Richard other notables on the team were that the bonds formed in the early days Osborne and Steve Harmon. Ronald and Donald Wright, Cecil were just as strong as they are today The Volunteers finished the year Bragg, and Don Payne. Other students and the impact of the programs is just with a record of 14-0-1. In 1976 The 1967 MacArthur girls’ swim team. who made significant contributions to as important. NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 9

Athletic programs grow as new schools, better facilities are added By 1958 the rapid growth of the school district called for the citizens to build a second high school. Old North East became the Douglas MacArthur Brahmas and the new school was the Robert E. Lee FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Volunteers. An upscale gymnasium The Roosevelt Rough Riders were the 1995 state champions. ------------with permanent seating on both sides was a trademark of the new athletic facilities at Robert E. Lee. First athletic complex named after Shortly thereafter Kelly Horn was hired from Trinity University to become the new athletic director for beloved Supterintendent Virgil T. Blossom the school district. Mr. Horn served in this capacity until 1968. As a result of a 1960 bond a cen- grass on the field. It had become obvi- Both MacArthur and Lee had tralized athletic complex was begun ous that it was impossible to maintain a many highly ranked teams in football with the purchase of fifty-six acres and quality football field with natural grass and basketball over the next few years. The Robert E. Lee Volunteers won the state championship in 1971 the construction of a football stadium for six high schools. The bond also This was a time of rapid growth in the with a track. This complex was included the construction of a state of athletic program. Programs that were designed to serve the students of the the art swimming pool next to the available for the boys outnumbered the future and has grown to a multi stadi- existing pool. This pool was designed girls but strong interest was develop- Our hats off to all the atheletes and coaches um facility. for high level competition and includes ing in both areas. who represented our schools so well The 10,000-seat football stadium some 1500 seats for spectators. Early girl's sports centered opened in 1962 and the first football In 2004 the baseball stadium ren- around volleyball, track, swimming Since the first team title in 1967 swimmer from Churchill who went on game was between Robert E. Lee High ovations were completed and included and tennis. The boys continued to there have also been many individual to win three gold medals in the 2000 School and Fort Worth Paschal. The new turf and dugouts as well as the have some success in football, basket- titles too numerous to list. However, it Olympics. Jerry Grote was an all- game was won with a score of 21 - 14 addition of new bleachers. Later in ball, baseball and track. by Lee. In 1963 an Olympic size 2004, lights were added to the second is necessary to mention Josh Davis, a stater in baseball at MacArthur who swimming pool opened at Blossom soccer field and a new design has given went on to be a Major League baseball Athletic Center. This pool was North East two of the finest soccer star. enclosed with removable sidewalls for fields in the state. NORTH EAST ATHLETIC DIRECTORS Tommy Kramer and Linus Baer summer ventilation. The final stage of the 1998 bond were both all-state in football at Lee. In 1966 an air-conditioned field funds for athletics will be completed Kramer was an All-Pro football star house was opened that would seat with the addition of a fourteenth tennis Kelly Horn ...... 1958 - 1968 and Baer is remembered for his role in 3,000 in permanent bleachers and court, renovating all remaining courts, another 1500 in pullout type seats. At a new tennis building and renovations Joe Bill Fox ...... 1968 - 1975 the famous Lee-Brackenridge football the time of construction it was the sec- to the Piper-Bass Memorial Student Jimmy Littleton ...... 1975 - 1988 game in 1963. Ivan Wagner was a state ond in size behind the Astrodome as Center. Blossom Athletic Center is champion in the high jump who also the largest air-conditioned facility of its now one of the finest of its type in the Jerry Comalander ...... 1988 - 2005 won the NCAA title and Brock Stratton kind in south Texas. The field house state of Texas. had the distinction of winning back-to- was built for $14.50 a square foot and back state titles in wrestling with a became the headquarters for the North two-year match record of 74-0. East athletic department. A baseball Facility names now honor great coaches, athletes Our hats are off to all the many stadium was also added to the original Athletics expand fifty-six acre site. At a special ceremo- A central athletic facility was is the Piper-Bass Memorial Student individual state champions, the all- ny in March of 1967 the entire athletic built on fifty-six acres that included a Center named for graduates of state athletes, and to those who repre- complex was named Blossom Athletic football stadium and track. Additional MacArthur and Churchill High with school growth sented our high schools in coaches Center after the late superintendent, stadiums were added over the years Schools who lost their lives in the association all-star games. Virgil T. Blossom. and the facility became known as Desert Storm conflict. The first high school in North East athletics is in good Blossom Athletic Center after superin- The football stadium is Jerry Over the next fifteen years thir- University Interscholastic League hands today with outstanding athletes tendent Virgil T. Blossom. Comalander Stadium after the coach teen tennis courts and two soccer fields competition was North East High and coaches at all high schools. This is were added to Blossom Athletic Center In 1963 an Olympic size pool who was the head coach of a state School beginning in 1955. Robert E. was added and in 1966 a new gymna- champion football team at Churchill true due to the support of the school (BAC). The fields at BAC still remain Lee was built in 1958 and then in 1966 sium was constructed at a cost of High School in 1976 and became the board, the superintendent and staff, the as the only lighted fields in North East both Winston Churchill and Theodore ISD. Almost all varsity competition is $14.50 a square foot. Today this facil- athletic director in 1988 and continues campus administration and certainly staged at this complex in all sports and ity, as described earlier, is the home to serve in that role today. Roosevelt opened. James Madison the community of North East. In clos- many middle school and sub-varsity site for varsity competition in all sports was built in 1975 and most recently we ing it must be said that there have been contests are played as well. for North East schools. The North East opened Ronald Reagan High School in thousands of student athletes both male Many improvements have been school board has chosen to rename 1999. Plans are currently under way to and female who have contributed sig- made to Blossom Athletic Center over many of the facilities such as the pools have the seventh high open in about nificantly to the North East athletic the years. However, in 1998 a bond being named for Josh Davis, an 2008. was passed that made athletic improve- programs. You have served as team Olympic gold medal winner and grad- All North East high schools cur- ments at the six high schools and to uate of Churchill High School and Bill members, student managers and stu- rently participate in class 5-A of the BAC. All weather tracks were built at Walker who served as the district's dent trainers and your dedicated com- each of the six high schools and at aquatic coordinator for many years. UIL, which is the largest enrollment mitment to your chosen sport has given about the same time two softball stadi- The gymnasium is now Jimmy classification of the league. There are the people of North East ISD many ums were added at a school district Littleton Gymnasium for the man who currently 10 sports offered for boys thrills. Thanks to all of you who have owned site next to Wood Middle won a state basketball title at Lee High and 10 sports for girls with established contributed as team members and School. School in 1967 and served as the dis- seasons of the year for each sport. coaches over the last fifty years. You The football stadium was reno- trict's athletic director for fourteen The pool facilities have been named North East high schools field teams in have truly made this a celebration of vated with the addition of a new press after Churchill’s Olympic medalist years. The student activities building all UIL sports. "50 YEARS OF NORTH EAST ATH- box and artificial turf replaced the Josh Davis 10 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY FINANCE

MORE CHAMPIONS Since the beginning, NEISD Finance Department has been recognized for excellence Churchill High School State Championship team, 1966-67. ------------Despite phenomenal growth, the budget has always been George Johnson, CPA, was the first director of accounting for NEISD. well managed Bradstreet to incorporate the account- $450.9M in 2004. The average growth North East Rural High School ing systems in 1995. The Dun & over those years was 12%. The Office District #9 was established in 1949 as Bradstreet system eliminated the need of Grant Administration was devel- a county school district with an enroll- for paper documents by providing a oped with Mary Alex C.P.A. as the ment of 756 students. In 1955, the way to receive goods electronically director in 2002. Board voted to amend the name to online. Student growth has averaged North East Independent School One of the biggest challenges fac- 4.5% over the past 50 years. The District. Between the years of 1949 ing the Finance Department has been Finance Department has successfully and 1960, North East was the fastest funding. Revenue has continued to managed the budget, keeping the focus growing district in San Antonio, with grow even though the District has on our children. Administrative enrollment growing to 14,316 stu- received reduced financial support expenses made up 5% of the budget in North East High School’s 1955 girls basketball team dents. from the government. Between the 1958, and during 2004 administrative The District's enrollment years of 1958 and 2004, State and expenses decreased to only 2.9%. increased to 56,396 students in 2004. Federal revenue dropped from 61% to Instruction related expenses made up NORTH EAST STATE CHAMPION Challenges and changes accompany 28% of the budget. 75% of the budget in 1958, with that growth. The Finance Department at Total revenue, on the other hand, amount changing slightly to 76% in TEAMS AND COACHES North East has undergone numerous has grown from $2.1M in 1958 to 2004. changes during the past 50 years. Robert E. Lee ...... Golf ...... 1966 ...... Tom Mosely In 1955, Rodgers, Chorpening & Robert E. Lee ...... Basketball ...... 1967 ...... Jimmy Littleton Jungman prepared the District's audit Douglas MacArthur . . . . .Girl's Swimming ...... 1967 ...... Marla McCarty statements. In 1958, one of the earliest achievements for the Finance Robert E. Lee ...... Football ...... 1971 ...... John Ferrara Department was to receive the CAFR Winston Churchill ...... Football ...... 1976 ...... Jerry Comalander (Comprehensive Annual Financial Winston Churchill ...... Volleyball ...... 1978 ...... Wanda Bingham Report) Award. Winston Churchill ...... Boy's Basketball ...... 1982 ...... Bobby Murphy George Johnson C.P.A. was the first Director of Accounting for DRIVE INN Winston Churchill ...... Volleyball ...... 1985 ...... Wanda Bingham NEISD. During his time as director, Winston Churchill ...... Team Tennis ...... 1985 ...... John Peterson the Finance Department received the Chacoal broiled Hamburgers Winston Churchill ...... Boy's Soccer ...... 1989 ...... Don Nelson first GFOA (Government Finance Winston Churchill ...... Boy's Swimming ...... 1989 ...... Al Marks Officers Association) Award in 1987. Winston Churchill ...... Boy's Swimming ...... 1990 ...... Al Marks Currently, Dr. James Terry C.P.A is the Executive Director of Finance and James Madison ...... Girl's Soccer ...... 1991 ...... Audrey Ambrose Accounting Services. James Madison ...... Girl's Soccer ...... 1993 ...... Audrey Ambrose Tax Collection and Assessment Winston Churchill ...... Girl's Golf ...... 1996 ...... Tom Lessner was initially part of the accounting Winston Churchill ...... Girl's Golf ...... 1997 ...... Tom Lessner department. Ernie Dunnagan served as the last District tax collector. In Winston Churchill ...... Boy's Golf ...... 1997 ...... Tom Lessner 1993, the Bexar County Tax Assessor's Winston Churchill ...... Boy's Golf ...... 1998 ...... Tom Lessner office assumed tax collection for the Winston Churchill ...... Girl's Golf ...... 1998 ...... Tom Lessner District. Winston Churchill ...... Girl's Golf ...... 1999 ...... Tommy Walling Over the years, the Finance Winston Churchill ...... Girl's Swimming ...... 1999 ...... Al Marks Department has taken on many new responsibilities and has made great Winston Churchill ...... Girl's Golf ...... 2000 ...... Mike Martin progress in the areas of organization Winston Churchill ...... Boy's Swimming ...... 2000 ...... Al Marks and technology. During 1986, Ronald Reagan ...... Girl's Swimming ...... 2000 ...... Mark Jedeau Employee Benefits relocated from Ronald Reagan ...... Girl's Swimming ...... 2001 ...... Mark Jedeau Human Resources to the area now known as the Finance Division. Terry 3715 broadway Winston Churchill ...... Boy's Soccer ...... 2001 ...... Larry Schaefer Richardson became the first Benefits Ronald Reagan ...... Boy's Soccer ...... 2002 ...... Walter Rule Manager. The Treasury Office was Ronald Reagan ...... Girl's Swimming ...... 2002 ...... Mark Jedeau formed in 1987 with James Terry Winston Churchill ...... Boy's Soccer ...... 2003 ...... Steve Zimmerman C.P.A. as the first director. The District implemented Dun & NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 11 HEALTH SERVICES Celebrating 50 nurses were available to the secondary established. years of health education and prevention

------------Sometimes school nurses provide the only healthcare many children receive For the Last 50 Years school nurses have been the mainstay of Nurses have always played a vital role in helping us to keep children healthy and health in the educational system. In In the 1950s, the head nurse cared for students at several schools. safe. some instances they are the only source of health care that a child schools on an as needed basis. 1990s To 2000s receives. In others, students' lives • Equipment was shared among • School Nurses were hired for every have been saved because a nurse was schools. campus. on school premises. The school nurse • Hearing and vision screenings were • Computers were added to each is a vital necessity in keeping our chil- initiated before being required by state school clinic in order to facilitate the dren healthy and safe. regulations. documentation of required student • Policies and procedures began to be health information. 1950s To 1960s developed to guide the delivery of • Clinics were renovated to meet the • Viola Tyler, RN, MSN, was the first health care to students. increasing healthcare needs of stu- school nurse in the district. She was dents. known as "Head Nurse" and cared for 1970s To 1980s • Spinal screenings were mandated as students in several schools. Ms. Tyler • After the retirement of Viola Tyler, a state requirement. developed the prototype of the cumu- Vincy Dunn became "Head Nurse," lative student health record that is still which later evolved into the position 2000 To 2005 used today. She set the standard for of Director of Health Services. • Vincy Dunn retired at the end of 2002 excellence in school health services • There were approximately twelve with more than 30 years of exception- before state mandates existed. Her nurses in the district during this time. al service in NEISD. Under Ms. vision and high standards were the • Congress passed the Individuals with Dunn's guidance and leadership, foundation for early, but progressive, Disabilities Education Act, which NEISD Health Services continues to student healthcare in schools. In her mainstreamed students with severe be recognized throughout the state as commitment to provide students with medical conditions into regular class- one of the premier districts. Numerous the most comprehensive care avail- rooms. The school nurse role awards and honors have been received able, Ms. Tyler required nurses to have increased to provide care for these from agencies such as the Department a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. This children. of State Health Services for Excellence standard continues to be in effect in • Immunizations became state mandat- in School Health. NEISD school nurs- 2005. ed as a requirement for school atten- es have been recognized locally, dance. statewide and nationally for their out- • Other school nurses in the forma- For many children, the eye exams were only visions tests many children received. tive/early years were Peggy Wright, • Clinic Assistants were added to ele- standing contributions. Mildred Lussky, Mary Williams, mentary schools in order to assist with • State and federal laws continue to Dottie Trenton, Dot De Coste, Pat increasing clerical and record keeping assure that every child has access to Halett, Joan Thompson and Rosemary requirements. health services provided by a school Goodyear. nurse. • Duties included basic first aid and 1980s To 1990s • The role of the state mandated School emergency care. • With the awareness of immune sys- Health Advisory Council is expanded • There were no state mandates for stu- tem deficiencies and diseases associat- to include comprehensive school dent health services. ed with transmission of blood and health education. • Health Services was under the direc- body fluids, strict protocols were • Student visits to the school clinics tion of the Special Education developed to protect students and staff. have risen annually to almost 500,000 Department. This had a major impact on the deliver visits. Medications administered total yof healthcare. over 250,000 annually and over 1960s To 1970s • AIDS education became a compo- 40,000 special procedures are com- • During the decade, nurses Helen nent of the maturation and sex educa- pleted annually. McKay, Elva Morris, Beryl Boerner tion classes. • Automated External Defibrillators and Vincy Dunn joined the Health • The district adopted a growth plan (AEDs) are placed district-wide to Services Team. during this decade to include nurses at make NEISD a heart-safe facility. • School nurse duties were expanded every school. CPR/AED Training is offered district- to include health education and the • HEALS (Health, Education, wide for students and employees. development of school safety pro- Awareness, Learning and Services) grams in order to provide optimum was established with the PTA. health for school children. • Vision and Hearing Screenings were • Each nurse had a minimum of three mandated as state requirements. Children’s hearing is tested with an audiometer. Hearing and vision screening to five elementary schools. These • Medical Advisory Committee was was initiated at North East before being required by state regulations. 12 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Huddleston would supervise the Association and the Charles Stewart Northwood program. Training at Texas Mott Foundation. The spring 1993 NORTH EAST Continuing A & M University in community edu- brochure introduced the current catalog cation took the program into a more format. The Kids' Involvement COMMUNITY Adult Education comprehensive concept. Surveys of Network expanded from just middle EDUCATION the community and additional course schools to include two elementary offerings at more schools became the sites. Thousand Oaks became the first DIRECTORS department started norm, as well as a public relations out- tuition-based program and Walzem reach. Supervisors assisted with devel- became part of the partnership with the C.W. Snowden oping courses for children and people City of San Antonio's Challenge After 1978 - 1983 with a few of all ages in their communities and School programs. Eleven advisory supervising classes in the evenings. councils involved many business and Weldon W. Whisenot In 1985 the name was changed to organization leaders and guided the 1983 - 1985 vocational classes Community Education and the first programs. Community Education multi-page brochure was produced. moved to its current location at 10333 ------------The Fall brochure was 14 pages and Broadway in 1993, and at that time was Edward L. Thomas Today the program offers 294 classes were offered including serving more than 25,000 people annu- 1985 - 1986 Graphic Design & Communication, ally. more than 1,000 courses to Intro to Computer Use (Apple, The Fall 1995 brochure offered Arline Patterson Commodore & TRS-80), Using the 627 classes including Toastmasters' 1986 - 1995 nearly 20,000 students Food Processor and High School SpeechCraft, Surfs Up! Learn to Surf Credit courses. That year also includ- the Internet, and Printmaking and Loretta Huddleston By Becky Stoughton ed a move for the department from introduced Loretta Huddleston as 1995 - 2001 Director, Community Education MacArthur High School to 2923 Community Education Director. In Bitters, or the "little house" as staff 1998, North East Community Becky Stoughton Community Education has been referred to it. Education became one of the first cadre 2001 - Present an integral part of the North East of programs nationwide to be awarded school district's 50 year history. In the Bulk mailing a 21st Century Community Learning late 1960s a few vocational classes the brochure Centers grant through the US were offered in the evenings through a Department of Education for school, 2003 Texas Education Agency After- Arline Patterson became Community program that would evolve into community and after-school activities School Initiative grant enabled the KIN Education Director in 1986. Up until Community Education. By 1971 the at Nimitz Academy. program to focus on mathematics and this time, the Community Education department was known as the In 2001 Becky Stoughton was character development in eight middle brochure was distributed through the Continuing Adult Education Program named Director. The Department schools. During the 2003 - 2004 school schools. One of the most significant and offered 25 classes through its first received a second 21st Century year more than 1,000 Community changes initiated by Director Patterson brochure. These classes were coordi- Their first brochure in 1971 proudly Community Learning Centers grant to Education classes were offered to near- was bulk mailing of the brochure to nated and supervised after hours in the provide activities at Colonial Hills, ly 20,000 students. North East every home and many businesses in the boasted 25 vocation courses. high schools usually by vocational Ridgeview and Wilshire elementary Community Education has received district (more than 150,000), the first directors, such as Jim Oppelt, schools. In 2003 the KIN program state and national awards for its busi- outreach of its kind by North East ISD. state competency exams, were popular. Included in the offerings in 1971 expanded to 42 elementary and middle Patterson took steps to receive direct Kaye Fenn, current Wood Middle were Office Machines, Decoupage, and school sites that currently serve more CONTINUED PAGE 19 funding for adult basic education and School Principal, joined the Black and White Television Repair. than 3000 students after school. A Community Education Staff in 1989 as Adult Basic Education classes were established more classes and sites for the Teen Parent Coordinator. A learn- also offered with instructor Jay Adult Literacy, Workforce Literacy, ing center at Central Park Mall, was Mulkey. Dr. Mulkey continues to teach GED preparation, and English as a heralded as a first in the country. Later, adult education in 2005. A staff mem- Second Language in addition to creat- the learning center at Windsor Park ber for the Continuing Adult ing the first GED Test Site in the dis- Mall was established and is currently Education Program included Loretta trict. offering classes. Huddleston who taught bookkeeping Many district programs had their and more than 20 years later went on to start through Community Education lead the department as Director. through grants and other initiatives. In Kids’ Involvement As the program continued to 1987 both the Single Parent/Dropout Network Program, Workforce Training and the address the needs of the district and the In 1990 another major first for both the Volunteer Programs were initiated. community at large, class offerings department and the district occurred. Additionally a Community School became larger and more diverse and The Kids' Involvement Network was Involvement Project was awarded to were truly representative of the times. developed to serve sixth graders at Ed Community Education by the Texas Spring 1976 saw 52 classes offered White and Wood middle schools, Education Agency and Maria Ferrier including Auto Repair, Air becoming the first after-school pro- coordinated the project at Nimitz Conditioning and Refrigeration, Bridge gram for middle school students in the Middle School. Ferrier went on to and Welding. The program was housed state. Summer programs for children serve in the United States Department at MacArthur High School in a small were developed with district teachers of Education under President George office in the vocational building. The for enrichment classes and to address H. Bush and George W. Bush. first full time Director, C.W. Snowden, the needs of working parents. The fall The first mentoring program was was named in 1978. brochure offered 544 classes including begun at Nimitz. Tutorial Centers were In the Fall of 1980 North East Fabric Painting, DOS Basics, Lotus 1- set up in 1988 at Coker, Larkspur, received state funding to open two 2-3, and Bird Taming. In 1991, an Northern Hills, West Avenue, Wilshire, community schools: at Windcrest innovative grant awarded to and Regency Place elementary schools. Elementary and Northwood Community Education initiated the Tutoring services for middle school Elementary, and the districtwide pro- Academy of Creative Education and high school students were avail- gram was changed to Adult- (ACE). able at Tutorial Centers established at Community Education. Arline In 1992 North East Community Lee, Madison, Roosevelt, Churchill, Patterson was hired as the half time Education was selected as a Model and MacArthur high schools. SAT This year’s spring brochures is distributed to every NEISD home and includes community education supervisor at Community Education Program by the Prep classes, as well as preparation Windcrest, and later Loretta National Community Education more than 1,000 course offerings. classes for teachers required to take NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 13 CURRICULUM

and dedication to NEISD. became the district Secondary Math Curriculum Everyone's goal has always been Consultant and Ethel Nunn the to make every student’s learning expe- Elementary Math Consultant. Bobbie staff has kept rience one that prepares the student to Hunt followed Ethel as elementary meet the future, strong in knowledge math consultant until the late 80's North East on and able to make wise and creative when LuAnn Weynand became the decisions. To meet students' needs Secondary Math Coordinator, which today, the original curriculum depart- later turned into K-12 math. the cutting edge ment has grown to two departments: These leaders created a math Curriculum Compliance and School program for NEISD that truly focuses of teaching Improvement. on how math is learned and provides ------------The '60s were a time for NEISD students with strong opportunities to Today, curriculum is to create district leaders in Central be successful. Durene Morgan Office positions to further the growth became the English Consultant fol- handled by two and depth of many different special- lowed by Fran Everidge, Dianna ized areas of learning. Billy Reagan, Crocker, & the current Language Arts departments Bernie Faller, Bob Wood, Mary Ellen Coordinator, Jenny Guerro. These Glaze, Don Dalton and Carol Harle individuals created a strong English Curriculum in North East, the have all served as Directors of program with a writing emphasis. At backbone of all learning, has from the Instruction. the same time Al West was named Bernard Faller, director of elementary education; Henry Coers, principal of beginning been forward thinking and Two supervisors, Zella Lovell Science Consultant followed by Regency Place Elementary; Anthony Constanzo, assistant superintendent for innovative. Many people have played and Velma Potts (followed by Jane Charles McGibbon. For a time the dis- administration & instruction; and Mary Jo Biediger, Region XX consultant in a key roles in keeping North East on the King) began the task of overseeing trict had science specialists without a classroom visit. (1970s photo) cutting edge of knowledge and proven elementary curriculum. Margaret Ivy coordinator until Patti Castellano teaching techniques. Although there became the K-12 Art Consultant. became Science Coordinator in the are too many to mention by name, we Katherine Lennard was the Music early '00. These people created the thank them all for their contributions Consultant K-12. John Veltman state of the art science curriculum and lab facilities NEISD students enjoy today. Sandy Allen was named Elementary Social Studies Consultant and Bob Rock was named the Secondary Social Studies Consultant. They were followed by Carl Hansen for Secondary and Bobbie Hunt for Elementary. Today Eric McGarrah is Social Studies Coordinator K-12. Kay Scruggs was in charge of Title 1, which brought the district additional funds to supplement mainstream cur- riculum through strict federal guide- lines. She was followed by Ruth Ball, Sue Moran, and Don Dalton, the cur- rent coordinator. Mary Ellen Glaze, coordinator of the district’s gifted/talented program working The Southern Association added with teachers Jan Elliot and Randa Hollon and national GT consultant Dr. Roger Members of the curriculum staff at a 1972 breakfast meeting. From left, librarians to the mix, just the begin- Taylor. Together they established a timeline for program implementation. Katherine Lennard, elementary music coordinator and founder of the North East ning of the incredible library services (1980s photo) Strings program; Mary Ellen Glaze, elementary consultant; Bernard Faller, offered to students and teachers today. Glaze creating the first steps for National Merit Scholars. We piloted director of elementary education.; Barbara Wagner-Elementary Consultant, Bob '69 saw a major philosophical change today's subject coordinators and spe- Bilingual/ESL classes before state Wood-Director of Secondary Education. Standing-Millie Harvey, Curriculum when NEISD changed the grades 7-8 cialists that focus on effective teacher mandate in '75-'76. Today over 2,000 Secretary. junior high school to a grades 6-8 mid- training and cutting edge teaching students are served in this program. dle school, a plan to better meet the techniques. The first full time Bilingual physical and psychological needs of “Strings” Coordinator was Irma Garza followed student learning. The beginning of a "Strings" by Noemi Garcia, Rudy Rodriquez, program after school with a handful of Ruth Ball, Elmosa Herrera, and today, Experimental students in '71 has led to a Strings pro- Alicia Garcia, Bilingual/ESL gram today of approximately 3,000 Coordinator. Jan Booth and Joyce Programs students. In the early '70's after two Smith were the first ESL Secondary The 1970s saw NEISD creating years of study and preparation, gifted Coordinators. many new experimental programs to classes K-3 were created. Each year The Agri-Science Magnet on the meet the needs of all children. Even the next grade level was added until Madison campus, coordinated by John though there was no state mandate, in gifted classes were available K-12 and Mack, started in '76. With over 400 '70-'71 NEISD piloted half-day NESA, a gifted performing arts high students today, it offers six majors Kindergarten via a special TEA grant. school, was established in '97. Mary through FFA. At the time, the district was criticized Ellen Glaze, considered the mother of The '80's set in place the core as doing something unnecessary and NEISD G/T, created a foundation so subject area coordinators and added too costly. Now NEISD has full day intense with depth and complexity that the first Reading Consultant, Kay Kindergarten classes as well as half its original concepts still prevail. G/T Scuggs, followed by Bobbie Hunt, day Pre-K classes. Coordinators to follow were Carol Debe Palmer, & today Nancy The following Coordinators Mendenhall- secondary G/T English, Brischke. Doris Kays became the dis- have led Kindergarten and Pre-K Doris Meier-Elementary G/T and Kay trict Foreign Language Coordinator teachers through many curriculum Stotts, who is G/T Coordinator K-12 and still holds that job today along changes: Barbara Wagner, Janet Bell today. with being the district Curriculum & Bobbie Hunt. It was in '71 that 2 Now more than 4,000 NEISD Compliance Director. consultants, Mary Penn-primary and students participate in gifted classes The 80's also saw the creation of Elementary consultants mary Ellen Glaze and Barbara Wagner advertise for Barbara Wagner-intermediate were and have become many of our district's CONTINUED PAGE 26 pre-registration of first-graders. (1972 photo) joined by resource teacher Mary Ellen 14 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES District. It must have taken a lot of North East has courage to be one of the first Rural School Districts to understand the always had a importance of official affiliation with the Texas State Education Agency. In 1955, community leaders and capable, dedicated staff were confronted with unprece- dented growth. The major priority fac- board of trustees ing the Board of Trustees at that time North East Independent School District’s current board members are, from left, President- Mrs. Sandy Hughey, Vice------------was determining how we would President- Mrs. Beth Plummer, Secretary- Mrs. Molly Pruitt, Member- Mr. Bruce Bennett, Member- Mrs. Brigitte Today the program offers remain a first class district in light of Perkins, Member- Mr. Gabe Quintanilla, Member- Mr. Edd White. our growth. Because of the tireless the time it opened it was the 2nd more than 1,000 courses to work of members of the North East largest air conditioned structure of its family, we have remained true to the kind in Texas, second only to the nearly 20,000 students ideals of our early leaders and vision- Houston AstroDome. Critics said it What is the most important com- aries and have continued to offer all would never be filled to capacity. For ponent of a Successful School students a quality education in up-to- some time it has not been large enough District? The district staff, the stu- date facilities. to support our current district events in dents and parents, or the Board of In 1956 the now North East all areas of need. Trustees? You might as well ask, Independent School district had 5 Recent members of the Board of "What is the Most Important Leg of a modern school plants in operation, Trustees have received similar criti- 3 Legged Stool"? One is not more with 3 more under construction. Still cism for their commitment to new dis- important than the other…..they are all more school plants were being planned trict facilities. The district facilities important. An Exemplary and Award to meet the educational needs of 6,556 supported and approved by the Board Winning District like North East has scholastics now in the District as well are expected to serve the patrons not always had a strong staff, supportive as the predicted growth. just for the next few years but for students and parents and a capable and future generations, just as founding dedicated Board. Progressive district Board Members chose to do. We owe a debt of gratitude to Serving on the Board of Trustees is a those who led us in the early years. Thinkers volunteer job that requires being elect- In 1949, the North East Rural Members of the North East Board of ed by district citizens. It can be The 1955 Board of Trustees included, from left, Victor O. Heck; Walter Meckel; High School District was born by the trustees have always been progressive rewarding to guide the future of a Clarence L. Camp, president; Walter Zettner, secretary; and Leslie Steubing. union of seven common school dis- thinkers. They have successfully vibrant and diverse school district but maintain a standard of excellence in and with a fundamental interest in trict within the limits of leadership dis- trict. At that time the district had no the job does require sensitivity and excellent educational advantages for played and the financial resources modern school facilities and was very the selection of a superintendent, the commitment to the taxpayers of the support of instructional programs, all children. The type of leadership available to them. sparsely settled, with fewer than 600 district. they have exhibited has resulted in an 3. Make both legislative and judicial scholastics (school children). From quality facilities, and the thoughtful consideration of the desires and con- award winning and forward thinking decisions. that time until the late 1970's the dis- Integrity, courage, school district. 4. Formulate plans (School Facilities, trict was the fastest growing district in cerns of the parents and patrons of the district. As the policy-making body of the Finances, Curriculum, and metropolitan San Antonio. and vision district, they: Recruitment of Personnel). Being a progress school board Members of the North East The Board of Trustees decided on 5. Prepare the annual school budget has not always been easy. In 1966 Board of Trustees are capable, hard- March 4, 1955 to join the Texas 1. Act only as a Board in session at and categorize expenditures. with the construction of the gym at working men and women. They have Education Agency and Change the regular or called meetings. 6. Exercise the judgment and control Blossom Athletic Center there was consistently demonstrated integrity, name of the district from North East 2. Determine the direction as to quali- required to provide the necessary criticism from citizen and media about courage, and vision, along with the Rural High School District to the ty and quantity of educational opportu- direction of the school system. the size and grandeur of the facility. At highest type of fiscal responsibility, North East Independent School nity available to students of the dis-

This 1970s photo, exemplifying the cultural diversity found in NEISD schools, hung in the NEISD Board Room for many years. (Sarah Harris photo) NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 15 PTA

Association. Civil Defense and Home and Family. volunteer. At times, it has had to face gloves to their meetings. They would First district The women wore hats and gloves The general meetings for the topics which are difficult to discuss. also prefer you use their own names and referred to themselves formally by Council were held on the fourth All of the changes have helped and not their spouse's name when refer- their husbands' names. Their purpose Tuesday of each month at 9:30 am. A strengthen the partnership that exists ring to them. However, each of these PTA Council was "to unify and strengthen the indi- tradition that continues today. The pro- between the North East School District community volunteers feels a connec- vidual associations comprising this grams presented at their meetings and the parent volunteers. tion to those that came before them and established council." At that time, there were two would be of interest to our current Current Council President Joan are grateful for the tradition that they high schools, one junior high school, Council Delegates. Special Education, Abbott and the Council officers and began. and nine elementary schools; each with curriculum, health and music education board members never wear hats and in 1960 their own PTA. were among the topics discussed. ------------Mrs. W. F Thurmond was elected That year they produced the first as the first president of North East yearbook with a budget of thirty-five Their motto: ‘For the Council. She, along with seven other dollars. It included much of the same Welfare of Children elected officers, met the next month information that you can find in the and formed the first Executive Board. current yearbook: contact information and Youth’ The committees formed included for officers and committee chairmen of On March 16, 1960, 63 interested some of those that we are still familiar the Council and for all the local units, community volunteers met at Castle with today such as Budget and budget and bylaws, meeting times and Hills Elementary School and founded Finance, Lunch Room, Yearbook, programs. the North East Independent School Safety, Membership, and Legislation. A contribution of $140 was made District Council of the Parent-Teacher There were also some that represented to the Council and with that contribu- the times that they lived in, such as tion the officers began the North East Council Scholarship. They were able to award two $100 scholarships that first year, one to Susan White from Lee and a second to Linda West from MacArthur. Later, this scholarship 2004-2005 NEISD PTA Executive Council pose with Twain Tharp, Executive became known as the Virgil T. Blossom Director of Special Programs, and Mark Menjivar, District Volunteer Scholarship. Over the years, there have Coordinator, as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration. 189 recipients of this award. Today, the scholarship is worth $2,600 over 4 years and each year is awarded to six NEISD graduates (one from each high school) who will be studying educa- PAST PRESIDENTS tion in college. This award is more than 10 times NORTH EAST COUNCIL OF PTAS the first budget approved by Council Founders’ Day Luncheon in 1966. whose modest expenses totaled $227.32. There is no income section to Mrs. W. F. (Alice) Thurmond ...... 1960-61 their published budget, but there is ref- Mrs. Wayne (Ella) Bull* ...... 1961-63 erence to a fruit cake sale that raised Mrs. Alfred R. (Jewel) Rowe, Jr...... 1963-64 $78.25. They also collected annual dues from each local unit in the amount Mrs. Stanley (Madelaine) Metcalfe* ...... 1964-65 of 5 cents per member "not to exceed Mrs. Louis F. (Cleo) Bohls* ...... 1965-67 $10.00." Mrs. William F. (Dorothy) Bryan ...... 1967-69 Mrs. E. P. Fox volunteered to be the first Founders' Day chairman. The Mrs. R. L. (Patricia) Patterson, Jr.* ...... 1969-71 event was held at the Ramada Inn on Mrs. John R. (Gay) Barton ...... 1971-73 February 28, 1961. Superintendent Virgil T. Blossom was honored with a Mrs. Jack P. (Alice) Thomas ...... 1974-75 National Life Membership and Mrs. Mrs. M. M. (Flo) Saunders ...... 1975-77 Thurmond was honored with a contri- Mrs. Stephen (Nancy) Sherman ...... 1977-79 bution to the scholarship fund. Entertainment was provided by the Mrs. Basil A. (Molly) Pruitt, Jr...... 1979-81 MacArthur Stage Band. Mrs. John F. (Delight) Wardashki ...... 1981-83 Dr. and Mrs. Virgil Blossom's Breakfast at State Convention in Fort Worth in The ladies that formed the North Mrs. Roland H. (Edith) Caldwell* ...... 1983-85 November, 1962 East Council that year were pioneers. They started an organization that has Mrs. David E. (Toni) Shacklett ...... 1985-86 grown today to represent PTA's from Mrs. William W. (Willa Jo) Beuhler, Jr...... 1986-88 55 local units. They did so with the motto which remains important to par- Mrs. Frank (Jan) Ramert ...... 1988-90 ents today - "For the welfare of child- Mrs. Charles E. (Ruthie) Brady, III ...... 1990-92 hood and youth." The topics of today's Mrs. Joseph (Janice) Theis ...... 1992-94 modern Council meetings reflect many of the same issues that these parents Mrs. Louis (Lynn) Barnett ...... 1994-96 confronted. Mrs. Richard (Helen) Kret ...... 1996-97 While present day Council must Mrs. William (Gail) Gray ...... 1997-98 credit these women laying the founda- tion of our organization, North East Mrs. P. K. (Diana) Roberts ...... 1998-00 Council has changed with the times. It Mrs. David (Diana) Deininger ...... 2000-02 has changed with the technology utiliz- ing email to facilitate communication Mrs. Ron (Susan) Achterberg ...... 2002-04 among the local units. It has adapted to Mrs. Ray (Joan) Abbott ...... 2004- two parent working families, encourag- North East Council Meeting-First Year Home & Family Chair-Mrs. Sam Sigoloff ing fathers to participate and breaking *deceased Associate Superintendent-Mr. Joe Wood, Dorothy Hilker, and Bill Reagan down jobs so that working women can 16 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY TRANSPORTATION ‘Blood, Sweat and Tears’ have made transportation department a success

A fledgling District of four schools officially started in 1955 with a meager 22 buses, tasked to transport a portion of its initial 4,467 student enrollment within a 144 square mile border. Since its inception, our Transportation Department has evolved into one of the most integral support functions to ensure and enhance the quality of services in edu- cating NEISD students. Over the years, the department Students prepare to board a bus in the 1960s. Those who have served the department for at least 25 years include, from right, has grown to a level of being one of Denise Troutt, Wayne Sibley, Esther Mungia, David St. Clair and Elvira Zuniga the recognized and well-managed At that time, Mr. Ken Roberts Gottardy, became more advanced rela- departments in the state, having pro- was added to the staff as the supervisor tive to incorporation of various com- functionality and applications of the agement of all operational and fleet fessional affiliation with the Texas of bus maintenance and assistant to the puterized management systems, while current pupil transportation theorems maintenance functions in support of Association for Pupil Transportation director. Shortly after Roberts still contending with rapid growth. At and techniques have evolved into pri- the District's and department's mission (TAPT). This achievement did not assumed his duties, the District started the time Dr. Gottardy assumed his marily three (3) major components: requirements in providing pupil trans- happen overnight, but it did occur purchasing diesel buses. duties as the executive director, the Administration, Operations Manage- portation services. through a lot of "blood-sweat-and In the late 70's John Wells was department had evolved to the level of ment (Routing) and Fleet Main-ten- This 50th Anniversary Celebra- tears", dedication and leadership of selected as the new director and even- serving 17,247 of 49,392 students over ance. Here's what has culminated over tion in the Transportation Department many. The department currently meets tually became an associate superinten- approximately 318 routes. the years, to date. would not be complete unless a special thousands more challenges versus the dent. His successors were Bill Evans, Dr. Gottardy has advanced and The Administration component recognition is extended to several early days. Let's see how it happened. Tom Youngman (deceased) and now serves as the District's Associate consists of functions to manage and employees who have rendered at least As the District continued grow- Wesley Davis. Superintendent for the Auxiliary supervise approximately 450 individu- 25 years of service to the District as of ing, so did the Transportation Services Division, comprised of Food May, 2004. These devoted profession- Department under the leadership of Services, Facilities Maintenance and als are: John Redding who was selected as the Improvements and Transportation Transportation Director during the departments. Replacing Dr. Gottardy Esther Munguia - Driver, 25 years year of 1967. His office was located in and starting his tenure as the executive Denise Troutt - Assistant, 25 years the old central office and the depart- director this past October is Nolan Chuck Pusateri- Records Manager, ment's secretary was a Mrs. Jones. Anderson. 28 years The bus fleet was gasoline pow- When Ken Roberts assumed Elvira Zuniga - Dispatcher, 29 years ered with manual transmissions. All directorship in 1989, O.C. Haley was Wayne Sibley - Technician, 30 years buses were then parked in the area that selected as the first bonafide assistant David St. Clair - Driver, Retired with is now the maintenance line. At that director. Mr. Haley joined the 35 years of service (Returned to drive time there were no dispatchers or Transportation staff having served the 2004-05 school year) supervisors, just Mr. Redding and Mrs. District as the Drivers Education John Pomykal - Teacher/Driver, 37 Jones. All the drivers were either Coordinator since 1969. In 2002, years teachers or firemen or policemen with Christopher O'Connor followed Haley Operation Management is the exception of one female driver, a Mrs. upon his retirement where upon a later nucleus and primary functional ele- Zurbe. Some of the maintenance tech- date, the position title was changed ment of the department. nicians drove buses in their time-off or About 27 office support person- Chuck Pusateri has been records from assistant director to director. John Pomykal has been a served as a spare (substitute) driver manager for 28 years. The directors could not conduct nel, 287 drivers and 103 bus assistants teacher/driver in the district for 37 work each regular workday and some when someone was absent. Each driv- the executive affairs of the department years er had two runs…one being for the ele- without the qualified and professional Saturdays to ensure students are safely mentary students and the other was With the unexpected death of Mr. assistance of the secretary. Following als working at various echelons transported to school and to extra-cur- designed to handle both middle and Youngman (1989), Ken Roberts the tenure of Mrs. Jones came services throughout the department. The exec- ricular activities. The department has high school students. became the director for a short period of Joan Bond, Lena Mae Vogel (1990), utive section is composed of five (5) two operating locations where the of time before Mr. Davis assumed his Billie Hoggatt (1990-1993) and cur- individuals - executive director and buses are dispatched. One of the facil- Thank heavens for duties. During the year of 1993, Don rently Sharon Koehler (1993 to pres- secretary; a director and secretary and ities is the Central Terminal located at automatic transmissions, Paull became the next director and ent). receptionist to handle a myriad of Broadway and Wetmore where most of power steering served through 1998 at which time the administrative duties. Some of the the functions and vehicles are located. After several years, new buses began operation had grown to a multi-route Multi-faceted duties include managing the registra- The other facility primarily provides arriving with automatic transmissions operation of approximately 265 regu- department tion documents for all district vehicles parking space for buses that is located and power steering. About the time lar foundation routes, serving 16,865 Today, the Transportation Department (370 buses; 269 general-purpose vehi- at the Blossom Athletic Center. the second central office was con- (39%) of 43, 598 students with 300 is a highly multifaceted, computerized cles); budget management; consulta- Presently there are 278 buses support- structed further down Broadway, a buses. Succeeding Mr. Paull were operation that works in high gear from tion/resolution of bus and route issues ing regular routes while 92 service new garage was also built and Mr. Mike McClung (1998-1999) and Brian as early as 5:30 a.m. through 11:30 with district/non-district constituents Special Needs routes handling approx- Redding moved his office into the Gottardy (1999-2004). p.m. or after the last bus comes in dur- and entities (federal, state and local) imately 900 students. The District building where the parts room is cur- The department, especially under ing the week and for certain functions that govern program guidelines; and CONTINUED PAGE 26 rently located. the direction and leadership of Dr. over the weekends, as required. The provide overall supervision and man- NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 17 FINE ARTS kMUSIC THEN Music program started with a band and a small choir In 1955, Mr. Melvin Camp served as band director of the North East Brahma Band. Under Mr. Camp’s direction, the band performed at foot- ball games, local parades and city events in San Antonio. Roy Balter was The North East Brahma Band performed at games and in parades. By the drum major. The Pep Squad also 1958, it had grown to 85 members had a drum and bugle corps called the Over 200 students are enrolled in ing squad, a forty-two- member pep “Lassies”. the secondary North East choral pro- squad and a seventy-two-member drill The North East High School grams. In the district’s elementary squad. choir was called the “Songsters” and schools, students have the opportunity had approximately 30 members (most- to participate in music classes where ly young ladies). By 1957, the Choir they are introduced to reading music, grew to 62 members and had a female NOW listening to the music of master com- quintet called the “The Co-Eds”. posers, creating personal music experi- Cheerleading has By 1958, the band grew to 85 (1958) A couple of Brahmadores help sell programs before the big ences, and evaluating musical per- members with 5 majorettes and game. formances. evolved into received new uniforms. a competitive sport CHEER/PEP Over 1,500 students are enrolled NOW in the NEISD Dance, Drill, SQUAD/DRILL Cheerleading and Pep Squad pro- More than 6,000 k grams. Cheerleading, over the years, students participate has evolved into a competitive sport, THEN requiring the strength and skill of an in music programs athlete. Squads compete in divisions 18 girls formed that range in size from 10 to 30 cheer- The NEISD Music Department the Brahmadores leaders. Dance and drill teams, as well consists of four main areas: Band 6th- as pep squads, often numbering 100 to 12th grade: Choir 6th-12th grade: In 1955, Miss Jacobs was the 150 girls, also compete in contests Orchestra: 5th-12th grade and judged on choreography, precision and Elementary Music: K-5th grade. Cheerleading and Pep Squad sponsor. The three-year-old Pep Squad consist- dance ability. NEISD cheerleaders and Approximately 6,700 students are dance teams have garnered State and (1955) The North East Cheerleaders help boost school spirits through- enrolled in middle school band, choir, ed of fifty-two members and three flag out the year. bearers. The following year, the National titles in recent years. The and orchestra. These students perform programs, of course, are still a must for “Lassies” bugle core performed at junior high Press Club also made con- 50 years. 3-5 concerts per year, and participate half time entertainment and have pub- local parades. The demands for half- tributions to the newspaper. Using UIL in UIL Concert and Sight Reading lic performances on a regular basis. time entertainment were growing, so manual typewriters for articles and a competitions. Annual events include: the North East Competition Mr. Camp, the band director, selected broom closet for a darkroom, students The high school marching bands Pep Squad Summer Camp, the district eighteen girls to form the found creating a yearbook a tedious k perform at all football games and com- wide dance showcase, “One Singular “Brahmadores” drill team in 1957. process. pete at UIL Marching Band events. In Sensation”, and campus spring shows. THEN the fall of 2004, Reagan and Churchill The junior high school programs bands were finalists in the UIL Texas were very active in 1958. The junior Slide Rule, high boasted a five member cheerlead- NOW State Marching Contest. JOURNALISM Students use latest Stenography, k software, digital Typing among THEN equipment competitive events Broom closets, 1,200 NEISD high school North East High School had a manual typewriters students enjoy using state-of-the-art very active UIL Academic team. equipment to create school newspa- Students participated in events that no made things tedious pers and yearbooks. Students are chal- longer exist such as: Slide Rule, lenged with learning the latest soft- Typing, Stenography and Declamation. Mrs. Lucile Todd was In 1955, students were kept ware products and digital equipment. Yearbooks are produced in color the speech teacher and sponsored three informed by the Brahma Tales, the UIL events. In 1957, North East com- and often with CD inserts. Consistent school’s newspaper. The journalism peted in Journalism for the first time. with the past, our journalism programs department grew in 1957 and added a The Junior High started offering clubs continue to participate in the (1955) The North East Songsters keep the school's vocal talents in photography club that consisted of to attract students to the different aca- International League Press perfect pitch. thirty-six members. In 1958 the forty-eight-member Conference, as they have for the past CONTINUED PAGE 18 18 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY

demic events and prepare them for the Coordinator. Talented art students high school competition. DRAMA started gaining public attention with the projects they entered in local and k state competitions as well as annual NOW exhibitions. Schools now THEN produce champions Interest in dramatic NOW in spelling, prose, arts grew gradually Schools still poetry In 1955, the North East One Act play produce champions consisted of a seven member all girl Over 500 middle school students cast. The drama department enter- More than 2,000 students are compete in various academic events tained the school in 1957 with such enrolled in middle school art classes, throughout the year including the plays as The Curious Savage and This over 3,000 in high school art classes, District tournament at the end of the Way to Heaven. Interest in the dra- and 90 in the North East School of the Arts. The programs participate in sev- year. matic arts consistently grew each year eral events and organizations such as: For the past three years NEISD and eventually reached the younger Reflections, Night Gallery Art Exhibit, middle schools have hosted three prac- students. The junior high dramatic tice meets to encourage interest in aca- SHARE (Students Help Art Reach club grew to thirty-seven members by demics. The high school programs also Everyone) and VASE (Visual Art 1958. have grown in recent years. All six Scholastic Event). high schools have teams traveling to Every year 2,500 NEISD elemen- practice meets throughout the year, NOW tary students participate in the Young preparing for the UIL District, Masters exhibit where they show the Regional and State Tournaments at the NESA attracts artists budding talents of new artists. end of the year. from throughout In recent years, NEISD has had (1958) The newspaper staff works hard to make the deadline for the lat- the county Caption: (1962) Lee artists work on school Regional champions and indi- Over 2,000 middle school stu- est edition of the Brahma Tales. their latest masterpieces. vidual State champions in poetry, dents and 1,500 high school students theatre programs. The middle school more of seven majors: Cinema, prose, and spelling. are currently enrolled in the NEISD programs compete in a UIL District Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental One-Act Play contest as well as per- Music, Musical Theatre, Technical forming in campus productions. Theatre and Visual Arts. Speech & High schools present two main stage productions and a musical or Debate children’s play each year. In addition, Art k they compete in the UIL One-Act play k contest in District 26AAAAA, with the THEN possibility of advancing to the Area, THEN Region and State contest. At least one Program started NEISD high school has advanced to Art programs with two debate the State One-Act play competition in had modest ten of the past eleven years. teams In 1996, NEISD opened the North beginnings In 1955, Mr. Alfred Buxton spon- East School of the Arts (NESA), a sored the National Forensic Society, an magnet program dedicated to the NEISD art programs had a mod- organization that focused on public advancement of student learning in est beginning in the 1950s. By the speaking and debate. The organization visual and performing arts. Students 1960s, art programs began blossoming started with only four students, which North East High School’s UIL Spelling team takes time from learning from the greater Bexar County area throughout the district with the help of made two debate teams that competed new words to pose for a picture. (1955) may audition for acceptance into one or Mrs. Margaret Ivy, the district's Art in the UIL District Meet. The organi- zation quickly grew and by 1957 the North East Speech Club had thirty members. NOW Every high school, middle school offers speech program There are currently 400 middle school students and 300 high school students enrolled in NEISD speech programs. Seven middle schools offer a debate course and all eleven middle schools offer speech programs. Each high school program competes in Texas Forensic Association (TFA), National Forensic League (NFL), University of Kentucky’s Tournament of Champions (TOC) and University (1958) North East thespians shine in the school’s production of This Way to Lee High School artists working on ;their masterpieces, circa 1962. Heaven. Interscholastic League meets. NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 19 SPECIAL EDUCATION Developing pioneering Special Education programs required a leap of faith ------------Today, programs serve as statewide models

North East Special Education employees were early pioneers in the education of children with disabilities. They maintained a belief that all chil- Special education staff includes, from left, Marcia Narveson, Lynn Matherne, North East School District’s Special Education support staff gathers together at dren, regardless of disability, should Karen Cantrell, Dr. Murray Worsham, and Chris Condren. a recent fete. have access to the public schools. They believed that as a society we would be richer and more humanitari- Law 94-142 (Education of All beginning the district became a model an if district students were educated in Handicapped Children Act), now codi- for all programs in Texas. Some of the The next generation and around children with handicaps. fied as IDEA (Individuals with many individuals who led this pioneer- As these pioneers retired they In the late '60s and early '70s this Disabilities Education Act). In order ing spirit where Preston Stephens, Bob made way for many district special required a giant leap of faith for both to receive federal funds, states must Tipton, LaVern Jopling, Ed Miles, education teachers and others to take Special Education educators and parents. Fear and a lack develop and implement policies that Patti Beard, Madeline Magers, Twain their place. The next generation of of understanding have always been Directors assure a free appropriate public educa- Tharp, Sarah Villarreal, Rosa Lee special education experts included barriers to progress. State institutions tion to all children with disabilities. Clary, and Linda Jennings. The Margie Ball, Lindy Burgess, Chris Lelia Treptow 1961-1963 were filled with children who were age State plans have to be consistent with appraisal staff was led by Dr. Elizabeth Condren, Betty Foster, Elise Frizzell, Claude Cheek 1963-1965 appropriate to participate in school but the federal statute. Lende along with state legends like Cindy Hogue, Janet James, Yvonne Preston Stephens 1965-1981 who had no opportunity to attend our Lewis Scott, James Bode, Karen Johnson, Carol McClendon, Johnnie Bob Tipton 1981-1983 public schools. North East, like most The pioneers Cantrell, Jerome Ciarrocchi, Peggy Median, Marcia Narveson, Phyllis Twain Tharp 1983-1990 other school districts, had no financial Karen Cantrell 1990-2002 With the promise of federal Faglie, Mary Fordyce, Dorothy Jones, Gela Rabon, Otilia Vidaurri, Dr. resources to provide for these children Judith Higgins 2002-present money, North East became a pioneer Hollimon, Maxine Sabol, Margaret Murray Worsham, and Laura and no staff to work with them. in special education. From the very Stowe, and Margie Wetzel. Yzaguirre. In 1975, Congress passed Public

activities at Colonial Hills, Ridgeview and COMMUNITY ED., Wilshire and additionally to provide after school and summer activities at Dellview and FROM PAGE 12 Walzem elementary schools. KIN registra- tion is available on-line and the department looks forward to offering class registration ness partnerships, mentoring, after-school on-line in the near future. programs and class offerings. The Kids' The program that began with three Involvement Network has been recognized by employees has grown to include 23 employ- the National Community Education ees in the Broadway office with another 240 Association and USA Today as an employees at the 42 KIN sites, 19 adult edu- Outstanding After School Program. Adult cation teachers and more than 200 instructors Education classes (English as a Second for Community Education classes. Language, Pre GED and GED Preparation) Community involvement remains an impor- are offered at nine locations and the depart- tant factor in the community education ment looks forward to a new partnership with process at North East and the department the City of San Antonio in the Ferrari receives input from 4 Advisory Councils - the Learning Center, currently under construction Adult Education Advisory Council, the Kids' by the city at the North East Alternative Involvement Network Advisory Council, the Center located on Rampart. The Adult 21st Century Community Learning Centers Education program, through its advisory Advisory Council and a District-wide council and community partners awarded Advisory Council. The Department contin- $5000 in scholarships to 10 students at the ues to meet its mission of addressing the 2004 GED Graduation ceremony. The most needs of the District and the North East com- recent Community Education brochure offers 4533 Blanco Road PE 55233 munity through a diverse variety of programs 634 classes at 20 district and 29 community while remaining self-sufficient in funding. A.W. ZIPP, Owner locations with an additional 345 classes avail- North East Community Education - The able on-line. It is mailed to 160,000 homes. Prescriptions - Toiletries - Fountain Possibilities are Endless! Another 21st Century Community Learning We Deliver Centers grant has been awarded to extend 20 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY SECSS

STAN Dreams. Student, STAN was another cutting edge Ms. Dolly Adams became the component of the original Drug-Free Drug-Free Schools Coordinator in Employee and Schools program. Dr. Jacobson said, January 1997. She had been with "STAN grew out of the obvious need Education Service Center, Region 20 Community (the PAL kids really helped me see it) (ESC-20) for five years and brought a for additional specialized adults in strong background in special educa- Support Services each high school who were trained in tion, professional development, and ------------drug intervention and prevention, and direct classroom instruction to meet Creating and were available for that sole purpose." the challenges of providing prevention Maintaining Safe, Bobbie Turnbo was the first to students in North East. STAN Specialist at Churchill. She In 1998, the Principles of Drug-Free School implemented the complete Core Team Effectiveness were published requir- Environments Where process including administrators, and ing schools to conduct needs assess- teachers who met weekly for a staffing ment of drug and violence problems, All Students Can addressing student needs. Ms. Turnbo establish measurable goals, implement Learn and Be said, "It did not take me long to realize research-based or promising approach- Successful that I had no idea of the magnitude of es and programs and assess progress problems facing our students. It is toward meeting goals in order to address the issue of increasing Educating all of our students is alarming what these children must accountability and decreasing funding. what North East ISD is all about. cope with while trying to get an educa- Creating and maintaining a safe, disci- tion." In 1992, the North East STAN SAFE AND DRUG-FREE MacArthur PAL with his buddies at Oak Grove Elementary School. in 1991. plined, drug-free environment where SCHOOLS students can learn and be successful is program received national recognition Locally, In September 1999, Ms. what Student, Employee and as an Outstanding Student Assistance Pat Sanford joined the district as Community Support Services is all Program. Representing North East Coordinator of Safe and Drug-Free about. It is no accident that these pur- were Katrina Turek (Jacobson), STAN Schools. Ms. Sanford had worked with poses are closely aligned. In fact, since Specialists Bobbie Turnbo, Churchill; both previous coordinators in her role 1986, the federal government has been Linda Eichman, Roosevelt; Beth Ann as Educational Specialist at ESC-20. taking action to ensure that all students Kelm, Mac Arthur; and Claudia Ms. Sanford's background includes will be educated in learning environ- Robichaux, Madison. education and public health. She ments that are safe, drug-free and, con- Today's STAN Counselors are brought a systematic approach to pre- ducive to learning. Master's level professionals with a vention efforts in North East by creat- In 1986 the Drug-Free Schools degree in school counseling and addi- ing Standards and Benchmarks for ele- and Communities Act (DFSCA) was tional training in substance abuse pre- mentary, middle and high school that signed into law. In effect, every super- vention, violence prevention and well- provided the program with strength intendent in the country signed a letter ness and prevention. and stability. from the United States Department of STAN Counselors for 2004-2005 Education stating that their district are: Churchill, Beth Fox; Lee, Karla Bolton; MacArthur, Rolla Bradley; PAL middle school would implement a drug prevention program grows program. Funds were made available Madison, Cindy Suarez; Reagan, Jim In the past five years, the middle to governors of each state and to state Gabbard; and Roosevelt, Mary Duran. school PAL program has grown from education agencies. STAN Counselors continue to five to all eleven schools. The high Locally, North East Superinten- provide responsive counseling and school PAL program now has two dent Dr. Arnold Oates signed the letter support to students individually and in Roosevelt PALS conduct team-building activities at the annual high school PALS classes at each traditional high school of commitment and Katrina Turek group settings. They are members of retreat at Moe Ranch. the school Leadership Team, provide with one class each at ISA and Center (now Dr. Katrina Jacobson) was resources. We added a district classroom lessons, coordinate media- School. The North East PAL program named Coordinator of Drug-Free Mediation Coordinator and two tion programs, conduct student and is considered to be the leading PAL SDFSCA Schools. She created a comprehensive In 2002, SDFSCA was reauthorized as Experiential Learning Facilitators to faculty training, and sponsor student program in the state of Texas, perhaps program containing curriculum, Peer Title IV, Part A of the No Child Left our team, going from SDFS to SECSS. activities such as the Unity Club, in the nation, according to the state Assistance and Leadership (PAL) and Behind Act of 2001: 21st Century SECSS includes Safe and Drug-Free Winners Circle, SADD, and school- peer assistance organization, Youth- Student Teacher Assistance Network Schools - Safe and Drug-Free Schools Schools, PAL, STAN, Leadership wide projects such as Shattered Launch in Austin. (STAN). and Communities. The Act increases Development, Mediation, Experiential PAL was founded in Texas by Dr. accountability and flexibility for states Learning and Character Education." Grant Thomas in 1986 on the philoso- Middle School PAL High School PAL to transfer funds among a specified list Mary Alice Smallbone, a former phy that "Students are a resource and of programs incorporated in the Act. school administrator and SDFS spe- the contributions they make are valu- Teachers for 2004-2005 Locally and nationally, accounta- cialist at TEA, is the district Mediation able." Jacque Christal, Lee; Sharon Teachers for 2004-2005 Center School ...... Carol Wood bility with NCLB rose at the same time Coordinator. In the year and one half Andrews, Madison; and Laureen Bradley ...... Lisa Fromelt Churchill ...... Dawn Wales resources all over the country were that Ms. Smallbone has been with the Rushing, Mac Arthur, helped develop Bush ...... Donna Hengst Chris Pelletier declining. Using resources to get the district she has trained students and the program. PAL is an integral part of Driscoll ...... Cindy Horgan ISA ...... Lydia Valdes greatest outcome has become more faculty on 30 NEISD campuses. She prevention at each high school and Eisenhower ...... Carrie Fraser Lee ...... Jennifer Schaefer important than ever before. says of the program, "The position of middle school. There are more than Garner ...... Laura McDermitt Doug Dexter In the spring of 2003, the SDFS district Mediation Coordinator is 500 PALs, 300 plus at high school and Jackson ...... Susanna Timm Mac Arthur . . . .Laureen Rushing program became Student, Employee unprecedented in Texas and speaks to 200 plus at middle school. PALS tutor, Krueger ...... Becky Cardenas Madison ...... Sharon Andrews and Community Support Services the insight that NEISD has in being Nimitz ...... Dr. Jo Ann Ponce mentor, mediate, are role models, and Donna Tripp (SECSS). As Director of SECSS, Ms. proactive." Mr. Pete O'Connor and Ms Tejeda ...... Jana Baxter Reagan ...... Susan Stanford provide school and community serv- Sanford said that "because of changing Barbara Hooper are the two ice. PAL students contributed more White ...... Sally Germanaro Suellen Foxhall Wood ...... Carole Stonaker times and society, program change was Experiential Learning Facilitators. than 27,000 hours of service in 2003- Roosevelt . . . . .Lauren Anderson needed. We chose to look at district CONTINUED PAGE 26 2004. needs and make creative use of NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 21 GUIDANCE & COUNSELING

NDEA, funding was provided to train programs remained largely undefined, Birth of NASA counselors and soon the "teacher coun- and counselors generally served two selors' were replaced by trained coun- student populations, those who selors with the purpose of identifying excelled and those whose behavior created a need and guiding "scientifically talented" was problematic. Not all students students and to make the college received guidance services and many for guidance bound student a priority. of us, who attended school during this As a result of the NDEA, the time, cannot remember who, or even, counseling role transformed from one if there was a guidance counselor in counselors of solely "vocational" guidance to that the school; and, if we were aware of a of "educational" guidance. The school counselor, it was seldom that we had in schools counselor took advantage of the many any contact. new aptitude and achievement assess------------ments to find those students whose ‘90s brought Today, counselors’ strengths were in the math and sci- ences and encouraged them to pursue major changes roles have evolved and higher education rather than move The 1990s brought major form an integral part directly from school to work as with changes to the scope of guidance pro- the remaining students in the school. grams across the country as accounta- of education From the 1960's to the 1990's, bility became the buzzword in the edu- In the 1950's, something spectac- school counseling continued to evolve cation field. Guidance programs began to transition from services pro- Between them they represent decades of service to North East School District’s ular happened that changed the world based on the needs of the nation, both Guidance and Counseling Department. Top Row, from left: Bill Fish, Lynn Camp, and the school counseling profession from an economics and social stand- vided to some students to the realiza- tion that all students were in need of Cynthia Monaco, Maqrtha Salmon.. Seated, from left, Shirley Kearns, John forever. When Russia launched SPUT- point. Economically, the needs of the Kleiman, Jeannie McDaniel, Carol Churchill. (1980s photo) NIK, the first artificial satellite, it labor force were quickly changing as counseling and guidance support. marked the start of the space age and globalization of industry got under- Where the guidance program was once the United States and Soviet space way. Students began to exhibit behav- an "ancillary" support service, it has race. As a result, NASA was created iors in school that mirrored their rapid- transformed into a comprehensive pro- but the United States soon learned ly changing and sometimes confusing gram that is an integral part of the edu- there was a shortage of scientists and world. Social problems, such as sub- cational system. Every counselor from mathematicians. stance abuse, violence in schools, the early beginnings, in the 1920's, has A major piece of legislation, The mental health issues, and changes in contributed to the evolution of the National Defense Educational Act, the family structure, all contributed to comprehensive developmental guid- was passed in 1958 and substantially re-defining the role of the counselor, ance programs of today. made an impact on the purpose of and the scope of the guidance pro- In North East, guidance and counselors in the schools. Until the gram, from one solely focused on counseling evolved in much the same NDEA, guidance and counseling was vocational and educational issues to way as all other school districts. As largely provided by "teacher coun- one that also included helping students the needs of the nation surfaced during selors" with little, if any, education in with personal and social difficulties. different historical times, NEISD counseling and guidance. Through the Up until the 1990's, guidance counselors met the challenges and pro- vided the finest counseling and guid- ance services known at the time. In visits (she had a great dolphin 1953, before North East actually puppet named Doso). became an independent school district, North East High School employed She was there for me during my school counselors. early years and I felt so special In the early years, the secondary when I was selected to take her pet schools usually had one or two coun- hamster home for the weekend! selors. The elementary schools were More importantly, she listened served by "guidance consultants" from without passing judgment and was central office that regularly visited the Now and then: Theresa Miller, current director of Guidance, with the district’s first always looking out for my best elementary campuses, and were on call guidance coordinator, Roy Balter. (2005 photo) Margaret Matthews, retired interests. when the principal or teacher might Counselor, Castle Hills Elem. Not only was Mrs. Matthews need additional resources. Some of the ices, homebound program, and coordi- years as guidance coordinator (1968- Amy Ferrell, Counselor, Oak my favorite grownup throughout early counselors were Bob Brauchle nated the new teacher reception and 1982), he saw many changes take and Frederick Lane Finch. Meadow Elementary/Serna Elem. elementary school, but she also testing. To hear him tell the story, he place in the world of counseling. As Until the late 1960's, secondary inspired me to become a counselor. even stepped in as "head nurse" until a North East school district grew, and school counselors were under the replacement was found for the retired the world changed, so did the needs of I currently work in NEISD as an SCHOOL COUNSELORS direction of the school principal. "head nurse." the students and the role of the coun- elementary counselor and have had Usually at the high school, two coun- During the early years of Roy's selor. The elementary guidance con- MAKING A DIFFERENCE the extraordinary opportunity to selors looked after the students, while tenure as Guidance Coordinator, North sultants were replaced by elementary give back to the district that gave at the middle schools, one counselor East employed four elementary guid- counselors at each school. When "Growing up in NEISD me so much. I am now in the posi- was assigned. From 1965 until 1967, ance consultants for 20 schools. Mona asked what he thought the biggest schools provided me the opportuni- tion to touch the lives of youngsters Virgil Wadsack supervised the guid- Frost, Grace Green, Mary Jo Willings, challenge was during his tenure, he ty to observe many positive role in the same way in which Mrs. ance services department of the school and Jerome Ciarrocchi were each cited that there was not a clear defini- models. As an eight year old, I Matthews influenced mine. She district. In the 1967-1968 school year, assigned five schools, and visits to the tion of the counselor's role and, as a Roy Balter (North East High School, remember one compassionate lady truly proved that listening is often campuses were arranged by the day of result, many counselors found them- Class of 1956) became the first Central who left a life-long impression on the best thing you can do for a per- the week. Each day meant a call on a selves in quasi-administrative roles, me. She was patient and gentle, Office Guidance Coordinator, with different campus. At the secondary limiting the amount of student-coun- son." two years of counseling experience understanding and kind. level, each middle school had two selor contact time. from Churchill High School. Preston counselors and each high school had Following Roy Balter as guid- Mrs. Margaret Matthews was - Amy Ferrell, Counselor Stephens, Director of Special Services, three counselors and a "vocational" ance coordinator was Carol Churchill, my elementary school counselor Oak Meadow Elementary supervised Roy and assigned a variety counselor to serve those students who came to Central Office having Serna Elementary School and I always looked forward to her of jobs other than guiding the district's going directly from graduating high been a counselor at Garner Middle counselors. He was also in charge of school into the work force. CONTINUED PAGE 26 the pupil appraisal center, health serv- During Roy Balter's thirteen 22 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY MAINTENANCE

years, the Maintenance Department Maintenance still has also experienced a tremendous growth in order to continue providing our level of service. dedicated to its The Maintenance Department has grown from 7 technicians in 1955 to role as stewards 110 in 2005. Our truck fleet has increased from 9 trucks in 1956 to 127 in 2005. The management tasks that of NEISD facilities were handled by 1 man in 1955 now It is hard to imagine that San need 9 administrators to oversee. The Antonio has grown from a sleepy little 12 district buildings that needed to be city of 400,000 in 1950 to the sprawl- maintained in 1955 have now grown to ing metropolis of 1.2 million people by over 60. 2000. What used to be dirt roads and As every NEISD employee pastureland in the district has been knows, the growth within the district replaced with urbanized infrastructure. has been equally phenomenal. While What was Austin Highway became the number of schools and students has Interstate 35. North W.W. White North East’s maintenance fleet looking shiny and new in the late 1950s. dramatically increased over the last 50 became Loop 13 and then Loop 410. Farm to Market Road 1604 stopped at Highway 281. North West Military years of technical expertise that is uti- provides the oversight and the techni- Drive was known as the Harry lized daily in their role as stewards of cal staff provides the labor, our Wurzbach Highway. our facilities. Controllers provide the backbone of Since 1960, the Maintenance These craftsmen have a "can do" this organization. They are the first Department has had four attitude and they do. Whenever they line response to any query from the Directors/Executive Directors over- are called upon, whether it be a fix-it schools. In addition to maintaining the seeing the Department. From 1960 to item, add, install or renovate, these departmental workflow, these out- 1969 Levi R. Fenner was the Director. teams of individuals always come standing individuals process purchase Wayman Marshall came to the through. They pride themselves as orders, redirect needed manpower, Maintenance Department as Executive doing a better job than any contractor interact with the public and provide a Director in 1969 where he remained can and they always do. When any myriad of essential services to the dis- until his retirement in 1993. In 1993 emergency arises everyone in the dis- trict. Walter Scott became the Executive trict knows they can call the Many of the tasks the Mainten- Director until 2000 and is now the Maintenance Department and be ance Department performs are an District Architect in the Construction assured that a knowledgeable person expected part of life. When a person Management Department. Amador will respond. Garza became the Executive Director Currently the Maintenance enters a room and flips the switch, the of Maintenance in 2000 and still Department receives nearly 30,000 light is expected to come on. When a remains in that position to this day. computerized work orders a year from person enters a building, it is expected It has always been rewarding for the campuses. In addition to that num- to be of a comfortable temperature. people to reflect on the past to gain ber are the 11,000 preventative main- When a person pulls the handle, the perspective on their achievements. It is tenance tasks that are required by toilet is expected to flush. When a per- equally incumbent on people to recog- equipment manufacturers. These fig- son turns the knob, the door is expect- nize the Present in order to properly ures add up to a very large workload ed to open. In an educational environ- plan for a successful future. Since being balanced by our maintenance ment, these expectations are of everyone within the North East staff. extreme importance. Independent School District is contin- Another branch of the The greatest asset of the North ually focusing on the future, the cur- Maintenance family that is often over- East School District is our student rent level of growth bears review. looked is the custodial staff. These population. The dedicated employees While employees are intimately vital personnel help tremendously with of this district are our second greatest familiar with their campus buildings the orderly running of each campus. asset. The third, and most easily over- and surrounding area, it is easy to Their duties run the gamut from the looked, asset in this district is the facil- overlook the infrastructure of the sanitary upkeep of the building to rear- ities and grounds. While the success of entire district. District wide there are ranging individual classrooms. Each the students can be directly attributed over 35,000 light fixtures, over 7,000 campus has a willing Custodial staff to the teaching staff, some of the cred- toilets, over 11,000 doors, over 17,000 readily available to assist in providing it must be given to the staff that main- windows and over 8,000 air condition- the students with a proper learning tains and upgrades our facilities. ing units, all within our 120 square environment. In 1955 there were only Any bit of knowledge instilled in mile boundary. Our infrastructure 22 custodians in this district. Today we a student by one of our teachers can exceeds that of many small towns in are fortunate enough to have over 400 instantly be negated if the surrounding Texas. of these fine individuals. Without their environment is not conducive to learn- In 2005, the physical area of all diligence and hard work, the appeal of the buildings owned by NEISD will the NEISD campuses would be great- ing. As the staff members charged with exceed 7.7million square feet and will ly diminished. maintaining the learning environment sit on over 1600 acres. With the value The technical and custodial of our students, we are extremely of the property owned by North East aspect of the Maintenance Department proud when a school receives state and School District in excess of one billion would not be as effective as it is with- national recognition or one of our stu- dollars, proper maintenance to maxi- out the oversight and management of dents gain merit notoriety. mize the lifespan of our facilities is our administrative staff. In order to We know that without our dili- paramount. maintain the steady workflow and doc- gence and dedication to our work, the The daunting task to maintain and umentation needed throughout this teaching staff would not be as success- upgrade these assets falls on the shoul- department, a superb cadre of con- ful, nor would the district be as recog- ders of the 110 superb craftsmen of the trollers, schedulers and clerical staff is nized, in the quality education we pro- Maintenance Department. Combined, utilized. vide. these technicians possess over 2800 While the administrative staff NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 23 NEESPA in 1934 and organized by 96 school Support staff secretaries throughout the United States, NAEOP has also become a bands together venue to recognize achievements, a network for sharing information and to promote ideas, and a family of fellowship. Their mission is to provide profession- professionalism al growth opportunities, leadership, quality training, and service for ------------employees in education through Personal growth, specifically-designed certification pro- grams such as the Certified fellowship remain Educational Office Employee (CEOE) and the Professional Standards NEESPA hallmarks Program (PSP). Completing the PSP Program earns the CEOE certification. A group of secretaries began Currently, North East Independent meeting on a monthly basis under the School District (NEISD) pays up to a direction of Dr. Virgil T. Blossom dur- $300 annual stipend to any support ing the 1950s. With several members staff employee who holds their PSP certificate. of the group joining the Texas North East School district paraprofessionals gather at a local function. Educational Secretaries Association, Diana Bennett presents NEESPA first- they expanded and organized them- Highlights ever Golden Apple Award to Dr. selves into the North East Educational Bosses Night was held prior to Richard A. Middleton Secretaries Association (NEESA) and 1990 at the BAC Student Center, but ing that it takes team work, talent, and a means of communication. elected their very first president in outgrew it and continued to be held at today. Taking their funds a few steps time to make this organization a suc- NEESPA is an excellent organiza- February, 1960. various hotels and other locations such further, the association decided to cre- cess. tion for promoting professionalism, The bylaws of the association as the Ft. Sam Houston NCO Club and ate the "Adopt-A-Family" program in Reaching current and potential personal growth, and fellowship were later amended in 1990 to include Pedrotti's Four Winds Ranch until 1997. By providing Thanksgiving and members is vital to our organization. among support staff personnel and all categories of support staff person- 1997. They honored administrators Christmas dinners to different needy A recent restriction to school mail has remains an important part of the North nel, changing the name of the organi- who supported the organization and families in the district, NEESPA mem- limited our ability to communicate East family of exceptional tradition. zation to North East Educational recognized fellow NEESPA members bers realized that they should begin with support staff personnel. The With the continued support of admin- Support Personnel Association with service awards. A new slate of collecting presents for the children. restriction has made it difficult to dis- istration, we look forward to another (NEESPA). officers was installed and the very first With gift donations from several tribute information, but not impossi- productive year and welcome the task NEESPA's primary goal is to pro- Golden Apple Award was given to Dr. schools and departments, they began a ble. The willingness to adapt to of meeting the needs of our members. mote professionalism and personal Richard A. Middleton, Superintendent, North East holiday tradition, The change has challenged us to rely on the growth by encouraging participation in 1990 for his contributions to the “Angel Tree" project. The association internet and electronic mail system as and attendance in Staff Training for group. During the summer of that has also sponsored the local Battered Effective Management (STEM) cours- year, Dr. Middleton also received the Women's Shelter by collecting items es provided by the Texas Support Staff TESA Administrator of the Year and making financial contributions to 2005 PARAPROFESSIONAL DISTINGUISHED Association (TESA). award. their operating fund. NEESPA sponsored a TESA Area In addition to serving the commu- SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS Affiliations Workshop in 1991, 1997, and more nity, NEESPA has made numerous First organized with 68 charter recently in 2004. Many participants in donations to the TESA Lorene Roby Glenda Bass Geneva O'Neal Neely members in 1951, TESA remains the the region were invited to attend the Rogers Scholarship fund. Many sup- Carol Bedford Dolores Neumann only professional association for edu- one-day workshop as an opportunity to port staff members across the state of Anne Beere Maria Olivera cational support staff personnel in the earn points for their CEOE certifica- Texas have competed for this scholar- Diana Bennett Helen Olson tion. 1999 marked the 50th anniver- state of Texas. Membership was at a ship and several NEESPA members Lorraine Carlson Roberta Petree record- high of 150 members when sary of the TESA Fall Work have been its recipient. Conference and NEESPA proudly Billie Clark Mary Elizabeth Platt NEESPA affiliated with the organiza- Nell Crain Margie Qualls tion in 1978. What began as a one- hosted this event. More than 400 par- The Present Mae Cruz Pat Reid week work conference for educational ticipants from across the state of Texas The association conducts six gen- JoAnn Evans Ann Rollwitz secretaries fifty years ago, has now attended the three-day-work confer- eral business meetings a year while Linda Fogg Dana Roper evolved into an association with over ence. Several students from the North hosting programs that are educational, 2700 members, providing quality, pro- East School of the Arts (NESA) show- informative, fun, and innovative. Our Betty Gallaway Sylvia Whitaker Rouse fessional development programs such cased their talents by performing for members enjoy publications such as Gloria Garcia Nawasa Sallee as STEM and the Certified the members and made the 50th NEESPA News, which is published Barbara George Carolyn Sample Educational Office Professional anniversary a very special celebration. quarterly, and a yearbook that is dis- Ann Wharton Hailey Yvonne Schwartz (CEOP), area workshops, field service, Both the area workshops and work tributed annually. Qualifying mem- Cloma Harvey Nancy Sellers conference offered excellent educa- and state work conferences. Members bers who are pursuing a certification Millie Harvey Sallie Spalding currently receive legislative represen- tional opportunities, but were not pos- or an educational degree can also sible without the dedication and sup- Kathee Hixon Shirley Stone tation, four issues of their official pub- apply for an academic scholarship. Martha Hluchanek Jeanette Turner lication, the TESA Connection, a port of NEESPA members and the Membership is open to all active Cindy Holtz Nelda Van Dyke MasterCard program, and can apply cooperation of the administration. NEISD educational support personnel, Dorothy Jacobson Fran Verbal for academic scholarships. TESA is The association allocates funds to including honorary and retirees with Ruby Jureczki Ann Vickery also affiliated with the only organiza- help with registration and attendance $10 annual dues. tion in the United States to service the fees for qualifying active members Dorothy Katzer Emily Villarreal specialized needs of educational sup- who chose to attend TESA conferences Change and the Future Dean keener Lean Mae Vogel port personnel, the National and NAEOP conventions. Membership has fluctuated over Sally Kujat Mary Wallis Association of Educational Office The Community the past 45 years from a record high of Nancy Kusenberger Carmella Williams Professionals (NAEOP). 150 members to 45 active members. Billie LeStourgeon Gerry Willis In 1993, NEESPA began to focus Affiliation with NAEOP provides Along with 37 past presidents, they too Melba McCullough Nora Ybarbo its attention on giving back to the stu- NEESPA members the opportunity to had a strong belief in the purpose of Virgella Miller Beverly Young participate in nationally recognized dents of NEISD. From cookbooks, to our organization and a desire to pro- programs and promotes professional prize drawings, to yard sales, NEESPA mote it. We continually strive to unity at a nation-wide level. Founded raised money to award their first stu- improve our association by recogniz- dent scholarship, which is still given 24 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY

CAREER & TECHNOLOGY

Marketing, began at Lee and Originally called MacArthur High Schools. It was called Cooperative Education based on occupational education, the partnership between the schools and businesses. career and technology • 1961 Homemaking was introduced in the new Nimitz and Krueger Junior education has evolved High Schools at the ninth grade level. • 1965 An Area Vocational Facility for in dramatic ways over Trade and Industrial programs opened at MacArthur High School. the last 50 years Instruction was offered in welding, From a small beginning with few electrical trades, electronics, and air- programs, teachers and students in the conditioning and refrigeration. 1950s, the Career and Technology • 1966 Vocational Office Education was introduced at MacArthur High The Agriscience Magnet Program at Education Department in North East Madison High School was the first School. The first instructional comput- Independent School District has grown magnet program offered in career and to serve 13,032 students (22.3% of the er in the district was at this campus. technology education. total district population) in 2004. Students worked with punch cards. District wide, 186 certified teach- •1967 Health Occupations 'SKILLSFEST' at Blossom Gym. The ers, provide exploration and instruc- Cooperative Education was introduced event showcased the work of students tion in careers of the new century. The at MacArthur High School. enrolled in Industrial Arts and Trade next fifty years Career and Technology • 1975 Mayor of San Antonio, Lila and Industrial programs. • Education will undoubtedly bring an Cockrell, in one of her first official 1975 Churchill High School became equal or greater number of changes as acts, cut the ribbon to open the first the first comprehensive high school in technology continues to influence the Texas to offer five units of Marketing Auto mechanics was just one of the many vocational programs offered by North workforce and education for that and Distributive Education. East high schools. • workforce. LEADING THE 1976 The first agricultural program offered in the district was at Madison Methodist Hospital. at MacArthur High School and • 1993 Vocational Education became Plumbing/HVAC at Lee High School • 1951 Vocational Homemaking, now CHARGE High School. • Career and Technology Education. At become the first Apprenticeship pro- Family and Consumer Sciences, at 1977 Personal computers were intro- Directors Lee High School, the Technology grams developed in cooperation with North East High School, now duced. As computers became the 1964-1981 James Anthony Oppelt Systems modular lab was introduced. the Bureau of Apprenticeship and MacArthur High School, opened with 'norm' for instruction in office based • 1997 Automotive Technology pro- Training/U. S. Department of Labor. a total enrollment of 151 students. 1981-1993 Steve L. Foster courses, typewriters became obsolete. • gram at Roosevelt High School This was due to the dedication and •1956 - Industrial Arts programs 1993-1999 Welta Burris 1986 The North East Vocational receives NATEF certification. hard work of Perry Calloway. opened at North East High School. Education Advisory Council was rec- 1999-Present Elizabeth Platt • 1997 Agriscience Magnet Program • 2004 - The first Engineering and 'Shop' classes included woodworking, ognized as exemplary by Texas at Madison High School is the first Technologies Magnet program was drafting, and some metal working. The Other Program Leaders Governor Bill Clements and President Ronald Reagan. Magnet Program in Career and implemented at Roosevelt High name changed to Technology Becky Walker • Technology Education. Director, John School under the leadership of Bill Education and most of the 'shops' 1990 Health Occupations Clinical Barbara Wofford Mack, provides the leadership, and is Sturgis, Director. became computer based laboratories. Rotation, now Health Science backed by strong community support. • 1960 - Distributive Education, now Jeff Miller Technology, was started at Lee and MacArthur in partnership with • 2001 Electrical Systems Technology NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 25 50TH ANNIVERSARY 50th Anniversary Events 2004-2005

July 26-28, 2004: Administrative Staff Development Former Administrator and Superintendent VIP Reception

October 4, 2004: Fall Marching Festival Alumni Band, Former Band Directors Recognition

January 29-30, 2005: One Singular Sensation Alumni Recognition

February 16, 2005: Former and Current Paraprofessional Recognition and Reception

February 26, 2005: North East Foundation Gala and Anniversary Program

March 4, 2005: Annual PTA Founders Day, and 50th Anniversary Celebration- LaVillita

March 7-11, 2005: Texas Public Schools Week 50th Anniversary Campus Recognition of Former Administrators, Teachers and Staff.

Let Them Eat Cake. . ..To celebrate the 50th Anniversary, Madison High School Career & Technology April 16, 2005: Birthday Dance/Sock Hop MacArthur High School students constructed this float atop a golf cart. It made an appearance at each district football game played at Jerry Comalander Stadium this fall. This picture shows Joan Abbott and Susan Achterburg of the NEISD PTA Council enjoying a ride.

The Virgil T. Blossom Scholarship

Each year the North East Council of PTAs gives scholarships to recipients from each of the six high schools in our district. The Virgil T. Blossom Scholarship is intended for graduating seniors that plan to study teaching as a profession. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage motivated and qualified student to enter the field of education as a career. We have honored many fine young people over the years and several of them have returned to become teachers and administrators in our district.

North East Council would like to encourage the NEISD community to participate in our efforts by:

• Contributing to this fund. Your donations can used to honor or remember someone who val- ues education and supports the North East School District. I can think of no better way to honor a current teacher than saying, "I value what you do so much, that I want to encourage others to follow in your footsteps." Donation forms can be found on every North East cam- pus, in most school newsletters, and online at the MacArthur P.T.S.A. website (http://www.neisd.net/mac/ptsa/blossom_scholarships.pdf). • Encourage a student that you feel will make a great teacher to apply for the scholarship. Applications are available from NEISD high school counselors. Deadlines vary depending on which campus the student attends.

If you have any questions about the fund, please contact NEISD PTA at 804-7164.

The Leader of the Band. . .North East School District’s first director of fine arts, Al Sturchio, performs the National Anthem at the opening of the Fall Marching Festival in October, 2004. Former band direc- tors were recognized during the event. 26 NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY ble of ensuring that once individuals meet and serve (the unsung heroes) the 3. 1975-76 school year started pur- buildings. Consequently, the growth TRANSPORTATION, are trained, periodic performance mission daily in two (2) shifts (5:00 chase of lift buses also has impacted this department, as assessments and refresher courses are AM-2:30 PM; 2:30 PM-11:30 PM dur- 4.1979-80 school year started the well. And, to further maintain its effi- FROM PAGE 16 conducted to update the staff for com- ing the week) and as required during buying of diesel buses ciency, proficiency and productivity, a started using lift buses in the school pliance of vehicle operational guide- the weekends. Inventory and mainte- 5. 1980 acquired adjacent lot across few initiatives are planned to enhance year 1975-76. Routes are now derived lines. Courses of instruction include: nance data is maintained and used for Broadway the department's future operation: using various student data and geo- Time and Attendance Procedures; various managerial and state reporting 6. 1982 incorporated the use of a coding certain information using a Policies and Procedures, Emergency requirements using a computerized night shift 1. Acquire new facilities hopefully computerized route management sys- Evacuation Techniques, Breakdown management information system since 7. 1994 started installing cameras in within the next few years (Bond tem….far better than the old manual and Accident Reporting/Reactionary 2000. buses Package - 1998) methods of building routes. Integral Training, Student Management, First In order to maintain an efficient 8. 1995 started installing air condi- 2. Expand the use of the computer- functions of the operational Aid/CPR, Special Needs and Lift Bus fleet of vehicles within industry trends, tioners on Special Needs buses ized route system to the schools and element include the Operations Training, and CPI (Crisis, Prevention the district has invested millions to 9. 1995 started purchasing buses with continue enhancements for better Manager, Route Supervisor and three and Intervention) Training. In 1994 sustain the fleet from year-to-year. We electronic control diesel engines to route management efficiency (3) routers; Special Needs Section cameras were ordered and installed in are proud to share that the oldest reduce emissions and enhance fuel 3. Maintain an efficient bus/vehicle consisting of a supervisor, assistant the buses to improve surveillance of model in the bus fleet is only 15 years economy replacement/buy program supervisor and two (2) routers; three bus activities. old and with an overall average model 10. 2000 incorporated computerized 4. Enhance driver (3) transportation supervisors and four Buses and other District vehicles year of 1997. A chronology of events software for parts inventory, schedul- recruitment/retention within budget (4) dispatchers, the Training Section could not roll each day without a qual- has enhanced the advancement and ing services and retention/extrapola- constraints which includes a supervisor, seven (7) ity Fleet Maintenance program. The achievements of the past and current tion of vehicle repair services Personnel have come and gone; trainers, and three (3) camera techni- current inventory of 639 vehicles is performance and productivity levels of 11. 2004 commenced use of new old equipment has been discarded for cians and a secretary. maintained through the hard work of the department: ultra low sulfur diesel fuel to further new and computerized items and the Our driver crews, which include 26 individuals, consisting of a supervi- improve emissions demographics keep changing. The drivers and bus assistants, undergo sor, records manager and two (2) 1. 1974 added four (4) new bays to The rapid growth of the District Transportation Department has much extensive training before and during clerks; parts manager and clerk; seven the two (2) bay shop along with new continues to create new challenges, to be proud of and offers to the District early days of driving or riding a bus. (7) shop helpers and thirteen (13) fueling island such as student enrollment, new a "Happy 50th Birthday" and Training personnel also are responsi- mechanics. 2. 1975 started buying automatic schools and buildings and the renova- "Continued Excellence in Years to The Maintenance employees transmission buses tion and expansion of old schools and Come".

CURRICULUM, 2000 Shari Albright became principal Academy, housed at Roosevelt HS GUIDANCE AND counselor was defined, along with a and has continued and extended this campus and directed by Kelly Flieger, model program for all districts to unusual curriculum focus with its began offering opportunities in engi- COUNSELING, implement. FROM PAGE 13 unique student mix. neering, architecture, fashion design, FROM PAGE 21 As Guidance Director, Carol In '97, NESA-North East School interior design, graphic arts, animation, a Staff Development Department. Dr. Churchill's biggest challenge would be of the Arts, housed on the Lee HS cam- 3-D modeling, publication graphics, School. Carol began as Guidance Linda O'Neal was the first Coordinator to begin the process of education and pus had its start. It was coordinated by video game design and advanced pro- Coordinator, but soon was promoted to followed by Carol Mendenhall. These implementation of a new method of three different people for short periods gramming languages. Guidance Director, and served in that two insightful leaders brought new conducting guidance across all grade of time, Ken Rush, David Mars, & Through all these incredible capacity until retirement in 2000. thinking to Central Office Curriculum levels. In 2000, when Carol Churchill Shari Albright. Judith York has been years of growth and diversity the fol- Under Carol's watchful eye, the staff and teachers by focusing on brain retired, steps were in place toward the coordinator of the program for the lowing Associate Superintendents for North East guidance program contin- research, innovative curriculum writ- developing a comprehensive, develop- last 8 years. Two teachers, Jennifer Instruction have lead the way with ued to grow and change. Carol was ing, and new and proven ways of teach- mental guidance program. Jeannie Janak and Dena Mabry have been with insight and guidance: Billy Reagan, not only responsible for the guidance ing children. McDaniel, succeeding Carol Churchill NESA since the very beginning. It has Anthony Constanzo, George Vakey, program and school counselors, but The '90's saw the creation of as Guidance Director, continued to grown to include Cinema, Creative Lawrence Lane, Virginia Collier, also for the newly created, grant-fund- magnet schools. ACE, Academy of pursue the challenges inherent in the Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Frances Evans, Shirley Kearns and cur- ed Safe and Drug Free Schools pro- Creative Education, with Mary Jo implementation of a new guidance Musical & Technical Theater, and rently Alicia Thomas. gram, and the district-wide testing pro- McLaughlin as principal began in '91. program. In 2002, Theresa Miller fol- Visual Arts. This year will see 58 grad- Due to the strength and longevity gram. This non-traditional high school for lowed in Jeannie's footsteps continu- uating seniors many headed for schools of the curriculum department's many After almost 10 years, in 1998, recovery and credit retrieval of students ing the process of program implemen- like Juilliard, Stanford, & NYU on leaders and dedicated teachers, NEISD after careful study and planning, Texas at risk of dropping out of school has tation. scholarships. continues to focus on the important Education Agency published the very inspired and amazed us with its heart- Currently, there are more than The fall of '98 K-SAT, Krueger- issues in education. The curriculum first framework for a comprehensive, warming success stories of teenagers. 150 dedicated professional school School of Applied Technologies, department’s mission is to provide the developmental guidance program. In '94 ISA, the International counselors serving the needs of the opened its doors. Housed on the very best learning opportunities for all With the support of the Texas School of the Americas, housed on the students, parents, and staff in North Krueger Middle School campus, it students and to give them skills and Education Agency, the role of the East. Lee Campus with Chula Boyle as prin- offers a unique integration of curricu- adventures that allow themto be con- cipal had its start as a special high lum coordinated by Calvin Best. In '99 tributing, talented, responsible citizens school for international studies. In DATA, Design and Technology of the world.

group decision making and process- to meet the needs of the whole child. It SECSS, FROM PAGE ing, and improved group cooperation. is an important part of North East's Ms. Sanford said this in conclu- way of providing the 360 degree edu- 20 sion. "SECSS empowers students to cation each child needs to be fully edu- They provide multi-dimensional edu- leave a legacy of personal and profes- cated and prepared for the challenges cational experiences to PAL students, sional achievement. Our programs they meet in the real world." students in at-risk situations, faculties, help students connect to their school From the beginning, North East faculty teams, student groups and and community and provide them with has had quality leadership and excel- organizations. Mr. O'Connor and Ms. the skills they need to live healthy, lent prevention programs designed to Hooper have developed a strong class- well-balanced, productive lives." This meet the needs of students in helping room experiential learning component year district initiatives for strengthen- them grow, learn, and be successful. that can stand alone or compliment ing a climate of kindness and caring We are grateful to the visionary lead- outdoor challenge course initiatives. include Red Ribbon Week, Rachel's ership that has promoted and contin- All the activities encourage higher Challenge, the Do the Write Thing ues to support these programs. abstract thinking through group reflec- Challenge, and Random Acts of Together, we make a positive differ- tion. Benefits of experiential learning Kindness Week. ence in the lives of our students. include improved communication When he describes SECSS, Dr. No salute to NEISD’s people can be complete without a special thanks to the dis- Richard Middleton, Superintendent, trict’s custodial staff, whose dedication to their work has been apparent through- skills, greater group cohesion, individ- out the years. ual development and growth, greater says, "SECSS is designed NEISD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 27 VISION 2020 Looking into the future and facing the challenges ahead ------------Vision 2020’s goal is to meet challenges while improving quality of education

Vision 2020 will be a project to create a Strategic Plan, developed in partnership with district patrons, which will effectively guide the dis- trict in its growth and development into the year 2020. The project will consider six vital questions: Even in the 1960s, science experiments were a hands-on affair. Film libraries provided teachers with a wealth of visual aids for the classroom. 1. Why are we in business? We will focus our study on cus- tomer expectations and the mission of NEISD as defined by our Board of Trustees. Vision 2020 will be designed to fulfill this mission.

2. Where is the district now? Internally, we will gather infor- mation about our strengths and weak- nesses; its current programs; students' test scores; services provided to teach- ers, students and parents; facilities; staffing; use of technology; and avail- able financial resources. Externally, we will examine influences such as demographics, technology changes, public opinion, state and federal statutes, and the economy.

3. Where do we Before video, there were projectors and film reels. want to be? 1960s visual aids included slide shows on portable screens. Board Priorities, campus/department One of the important facets of The Vision 2020 project will priorities, and State/Federal mandates. North East's Vision 2020 will be to depend on the creative and imagina- ers of the mid 1960s; anyone with a look at trends in education. James tive thinking of our own people. Ideas laptop computer today has the comput- 5. How will we know Levin, University of Illinois, has writ- will be collected from a number of ing power equivalent to the supercom- ten, "With electronic technologies groups, such as campuses, teachers, when we have arrived? puters of the mid 1980s." today, change is the only constant. students, administrators, parents, and The photographs of classrooms in The District will monitor the Following Moore's Law, microelec- community leaders. These groups will North East ISD, past and present, established goals and outcomes to tronics has produced doubling of per- identify what we hope to accomplish show how much we have changed in determine their effectiveness and effi- formance every year and a half since (goals), what will be the end results the last two decades in terms of facili- ciency and to recommend adjustments. the mid-1960s, leading to an order-of- (outcomes), and how it will affect our ties and the use of technology. Other magnitude improvement in perform- students, teachers and community (the changes include advancement in cur- 6. What resources will ance every five years. Projecting ahead beneficiaries of our program). riculum design and staff development. over the next twenty years, this rate of be required? Vision 2020 will look into the future of change would lead to the development education and its challenges. Our pri- 4. How do we get there? The Vision 2020 Team will make of electronic technologies 10,000 The first step will be to form cam- mary goal will be to study and report recommendations for items such as times the power of today's devices. pus, department and community task on methods to meet these challenges personnel needs, curriculum adjust- Just to see what this looks like forces who will study these six ques- while expanding the quality of educa- ments, technology advances, and facil- projecting backwards to the 1960s, tions. The Vision 2020 team will then tion in North East ISD and maintain- ities improvements to the everyone wearing a digital watch has produce documents with recommenda- ing high standards of excellence over Superintendent and Board of Trustees. the computing power on their wrist tions and suggestions from these task the next 15 years. These needs will be re-examined every comparable to the mainframe comput- forces. These documents will reflect five years.