engaging, personally challenging, and relevant experiences that i nspi r e le a r ni ng for li fe .
“Character is like a tree and
reputation like a shadow.
The shadow is what
we keep thinking of; but
the tree is the real thing.”
- Abraham Lincoln
a confident, compassionate citizen with impeccable character and a global perspective through
2012 Annual Performance Report
Alamo Heights ISD
The deep-rooted Tradition and Future of Excellence
whose passion is excellence, will educate and empower every student to excel academically and as
O u R M i s s i o n : The Alamo Heights Independent School District, the heart of our community
HOW TO REACH US
Write: Alamo Heights Independent School District
7101 Broadway
San Antonio, Texas 78209
Call: 210-824-2483
Fax: 210-822-2221
Email: [email protected]
Surf: www.ahisd.net
“Once there was a tree....
and she loved a little boy.
And everyday the boy would come
and he would gather her leaves
and make them into crowns
and play king of the forest....”
– Shel Silverstein
VISIT AHISD
Take a look at Alamo Heights Independent School District by arranging a visit to one of our
campuses. Our administrative offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. year-round to assist you. Visitors are encouraged to call two weeks in advance to
schedule appointments.
VISIT AHISD ONLINE
The Alamo Heights website allows you to personalize your surfing experience! You
can check out the latest news stories and events occurring in our classrooms, schools,
auditoriums and playing fields, review profiles and program information that is tailored to
meet your individual interests at www.ahisd.net
AHISD is blue and gold,
AND we are also “green.”
This report is printed on FSC certified paper. Clear Visions, the print shop that printed this
report, has been certified by SmartWood as a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-ofCustody printer. Certification of paper mills and forests is an important step in furthering
protection of the environment and protecting it for the future. Chain-of-Custody certification
is the process of tracking and recording possession and transfer of wood and fiber from the
forests of origin, through different stages of production, and delivery to the end user.
When you are finished reading this report, please consider recycling it in the paper collection
bins outside of our AHISD campuses. These recycle bins serve as a fund raising mechanism
for AHISD schools.
AHISD Images
The image of the tree on the front cover was taken from one of the live oak trees saved
and transplanted during construction.
OUR MOTTO: Live Honorably. Act Humbly. Model Dignity.
District Leadership:
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
District Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2
Mike Morell, President
Superintendent’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Melissa Vaughan, Vice President
Lott McIlhenny, Secretary
Joseph Dubrof, Assistant Secretary
Randall Pollock
Lynn S. Thompson
Academic Achievements
Advanced Placement Scores. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Advanced Placement Scholars. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
SAT/ACT Scores. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
TAKS Test Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
Bonnie Giddens
Academic Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
ADMINISTRATION
Duke Talent Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9
Dr. Kevin Brown, Superintendent
Fine Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10
Dr. Dana Bashara, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education
Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11
Dr. Frank Alfaro, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education
Mike Hagar, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance
Dr. Dick Smith, Director of Human Resources & Communications
Jennifer Faulkner, Director of Instructional
& Information Technology
Personnel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12
The Strategic Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
FOUNDATION at Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20
Photo by Mark Humphries
Kris Holliday, Director of Special Education & Pupil Services
Gene Phillips, Director of Athletics
Sarah Evans, Director of Nutrition Services
CAMPUS ADMINISTRATORS
High School
Dr. Linda Foster, Principal
Terri Duncan, Academic Dean
Norm Collins, Assistant Principal
Frank Padilla, Assistant Principal
Junior School
Dr. Cordell Jones, Principal
Max Flores, Assistant Principal
Lizzy Perez, Assistant Principal
Woodridge Elementary School
Debbie Garinger, Principal
David MacRoberts, Assistant Principal
Cambridge Elementary School
Laurel Babb, Principal
Jennifer Flores, Assistant Principal
Howard Early Childhood Center
Stephanie Kershner, Principal
The Alamo Heights ISD Board of Trustees consists of a
group of extraordinary people who voluntarily accept the role of
governing the school district. They have made it a priority to share
their vision and voice regarding the future of our Alamo Heights
school children, and have collectively served now for 30 years, a
number that depicts stability and continuity. Board of Trustees
(l-r front) Bonnie Giddens, Trustee; Mike Morell, President;
Melissa Vaughan, Vice President; (l-r back) Lott McIlhenny,
Secretary; Joseph Dubrof, Assistant Secretary; Randall Pollock,
Trustee; Lynn Thompson, Trustee and Dr. Kevin Brown,
Superintendent of Schools.
Sylvia Rodriguez, Assistant Principal
www.ahisd.net
PAGE 1
District Profile
AHISD Attendance Boundaries
Geographically, AHISD is one of the smallest
school districts in the state, covering only 9.4
square miles. The district serves students from
the communities of Alamo Heights, Terrell
Hills, Olmos Park, and a portion of North San
Antonio.
AHISD Budget & Taxes
Expenditures, Maintenance
& Operations
Instruction and Rel Serv..................$24,785,004
Instruction and School Ldrshp.......... $2,880,692
Support Services-Students . .............. $3,616,870
Admin Support Services..................... $1,650,465
Support Services-Non Student......... $4, 535,671
Total District Expenditures..........$35,818,237
State Recapture (Robin Hood).......$23,885,270
AHISD Tax Rate......................................... $1.06
Int & Sinking Tax / $1000 valuation:..........$0.158
Total Taxible Property Value........$5,320,647,692
Assessed Value per Student.................. $1,108,930
Levy from AHISD Prop. Tax Rate (est.).............
............................................................... $60,123,184
Current Bond Indebt........................$105,363,242
Per Pupil Expenditure, M&O.................$7,465
(based on enrollment)
TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY (TEA)
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY RATING
SYSTEM OF TEXAS (FIRST):
Superior Achievement Rating
AHISD PROGRAM ENROLLMENT
State
%
Alamo Heights
%
4.9%
16.3%
237
Career / Technology
21.5%
5.0%
238
Gifted / Talented
7.7%
15.6%
746
Special Education
8.6%
5.8%
278
AHISD SCHOOLS AND ENROLLMENT
Howard Early Childhood Center
(PK and K)....................................398
Woodridge Elementary.................934
Cambridge Elementary.................852
Junior School (6-8)....................1108
High School (9-12).....................1499
Total Enrollment.........................4791
“The creation of a
thousand forests
is in one acorn.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS
African American....................... 1.9%
Hispanic.................................... 37.7%
White........................................ 55.8%
Asian/Pacific Isl.......................... 2.6%
Native American........................ 0.4%
Economically Disadvantaged.....21.4%
College-bound............................. 92%
Dropout Rate............................. 0.5%
Attendance Rate....................... 95.6%
Limited English Proficient......... 4.8%
AVERAGE YEARS
TEACHER EXPERIENCE
District
Years of Experience
State............................................ 11.4
Northside ISD............................ 11.4
North East ISD.......................... 11.6
Friendswood ISD...................... 14.0
Highland Park ISD................... 14.0
Pine Tree (Longview)................ 13.5
Alamo Heights ISD................. 14.7
TEACHERS BY YEARS OF SERVICE
Numbers in AHISD
AHISD %
3.0
0.9%
4.6%
1-5 years
58.9
18.1%
28.7%
6-10 Years
64.5
19.8%
22.3%
11-20 years
112.8
34.6%
26.6%
21.9%
PAGE 2
2012 AHISD Report
State %
Beginning Teachers
PERCENT OF TEACHERS WITH ADVANCED DEGREE
State Pine Tree Friendswood Northside North East
AHISD
ISD ISD ISD ISD ISD Unplugging their phones and electronic devices is the last
thing a teenager is willing to do, but these AHHS students did
just that as part of the Thanksgiving Unplugged initiative.
#
Bilingual
15.6%
30.1%
33.3%
31.5%
53.3%
Highland Park ISD
67.1%
Several STUDENT ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
MESSAGE FROM THE
SUPERINTENDENT
Alamo Heights High School
Photo by Mary Candee
The past 12 months
have been exciting in
AHISD. Our students
continue to amaze me.
Whether they were
setting a record for the
number of AP Exams
taken and passed,
designing the most
successful rocket launch in the nation, winning a state
championship in soccer, going to state in basketball,
winning a 6th national championship in JROTC,
winning Destination ImagiNation and UIL academic
competitions, or demonstrating their strong character
through service to others, our students remind me
time and time again that they are talented and hard
working. They have a very promising future, and
therefore, we as a community do as well.
Alamo Heights ISD provides an exemplary academic
experience for students, recognized nationally as one
of the top 1% of high schools in the nation for college
preparation. However, it is the overall experience,
including clubs, athletics, fine arts, JROTC,
leadership opportunities, and community service that
I think adds to the academic experience to ensure
our students are well-rounded people. AHHS placed
4th in the state (out of 249 schools) in the Lone Star
Cup, a competition in all UIL activities, including
sports, fine arts, and academic competitions. When
I walk around our schools, I see students learning in
an enriching environment, where they are treated as
individuals. Our aim is to customize an experience
for each student in a manner that honors their unique
needs and talents. Regardless of where those interests
and talents lie, we want to have a superior program in
which to participate.
AHHS Soccer
4A STATE CHAMPIONS, REGIONAL CHAMPIONS, DISTRICT
CHAMPIONS
NEW SCHOOL RECORD: AHHS Soccer Team, Most Victories in Regular
Season & Most Victories in a Season
ALAMO HEIGHTS INVITATIONAL SOCCER TOURNAMENT: AHHS
Soccer Team, 2nd Place
GULF COAST CLASSIC SOCCER TOURNAMENT, GOLD DIVISION:
AHHS Soccer Team, Champions
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS RANKINGS: AHHS Soccer Team, #1
Team in San Antonio Area; Boy’s Team of the Year for All Sports
NATIONAL SOCCER COACHES ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA: AHHS
Soccer Team, Ranked #3 in Region III and #10 in the Nation
(more on page 12)
Photo by Mark Humphries
Photo by Mark Humphries
This annual report shares many of the
accomplishments of our students and staff. It
represents our best efforts at providing an exemplary
educational experience overall for the children of
our community. Our mission statement says that
we are “the heart of our community whose passion
is excellence.” It is evident to me that our children
are the heart of our community, and that the heart
you put into them and our schools makes all the
difference in their lives.
– Dr. Kevin Brown
www.ahisd.net
PAGE 3
Photo by Mark Humphries
NATIONAL ROCKET LAUNCH, Only
Team in Nation to Successfully Launch
High Altitude Rocket: David Birkey,
Robert Casseb, Blake Duckers,
Drew Gaiennie, Tynan Guerra,
Stephan Hough, Greyson Kale, Sean
Looney, Robert Low, Joey Ortega,
Joe Soules, William Swinny, Justin
Trevino and Zach Jones
Photo by Mary Candee
GRADUATION PROFILE
2012 Graduating Class................................... 379
Attending Four-Year College/University........266
Attending Two-Year College............................ 80
Attending College Out-of-State....................... 96
Undecided............................................................ 2
Entering Workforce.......................................... 24
Military Service................................................... 7
AP & GRADUATION PROFILES
ADVANCE PLACEMENT (AP) SCORE COMPARISON, 2000-2012
YEAR
Total Tests Taken
Number of AH Testers Number of AP Tests that
AH Students Scored 3 or Better
2012
1113
604
722
2011
994
567
660
2010
957
508
697
2009
875
458
630
2008
913
486
601
2007
831
398
599
2006
671
287
536
2005
587
250
487
2004
491
222
383
2003
492
208
400
2002
403
194
321
2001
234
131
176
2000
235
131
162
AP® SCHOLAR AWARDS
It is particularly noteworthy that 174 students at Alamo Heights High School
have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition
of their exceptional achievement on college-level Advanced Placement Program®
(AP) Exams all of whom took and passed at least three AP exams. High school
students took AP exams in May 2012 after completing challenging college-level
courses at the high school. While Alamo Heights HS has always performed well
on these tests, the most recent results are the best ever. At Alamo Heights HS:
Number in 2012 graduating class does not account for
summer graduates
Photo by Mark Humphries
(1) 13 students qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an
average grade of 4 or higher on a 5-point scale on all AP exams taken and
grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.
(2) 66 students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning
an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or
higher on five or more of these exams.
(3) 23 students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning
an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or
higher on four or more of these exams.
(4) 72 students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or
more AP exams, with grades of 3 or higher
– Ilan Shanir
PAGE 4
2012 AHISD Report
Photo by Mary Candee
“Advice From a Tree:
- Stand Tall and Proud
- Go Out on a Limb
- Remember Your Roots
- Drink Plenty of Water
- Be Content with Your Natural Beauty
- Enjoy the View ”
SCORES CONTINUE TO SOAR: SAT/ACT
Over the past 20 years, Alamo Heights SAT scores have increased significantly
in spite of the fact that a greater percentage of students take the SAT. The
SAT scores are important to students for college admissions and the fact that
such a large number of AHHS students take the exams and score very high is
outstanding. Admissions offices throughout the nation know that an AHISD
graduate has had an excellent preparation for college work. Recently, a writing
component was added to the SAT and those scores are now included in an
overall score. Similarly, ACT scores have increased over the years in spite of the
fact that almost twice as many students take the test today than in 1992.
SAT MEAN SCORES
Year Critical Reading Math
2012
544
565
Writing
535
AHHS Avg
1644
ACT MEAN COMPOSITE SCORES
Year
Texas Avg AHHS Avg
2012
20.8
23.9
Natl Avg # Tested (AH)
1498
318
Natl Avg
20.8
# Tested AH
195
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
ALAMO HEIGHTS HIGH
Finalists:................................................ 6
SCHOOL NATIONAL MERIT
Semi Finalists:...................................... 6
STUDENTS: Alamo Heights
Commended:....................................... 17
High School students who were
recognized and honored for their National Hispanic Students:................ 4
academic achievements by the
National Merit Scholarship Program include:
National Merit Semi-Finalists: Anne Adams, Grace Carlin,
Nathan Engel, Benjamin Giddens, Nathaniel Guney, Erik Russell
National Merit Commended: Georgia Budjenska, Tyler Freed,
Calvin Giddens, Elizabeth Gilbert, Austin Henderson, Emily Huber,
Emily Jacobson, Elisa Kurzban, Haley Kuykendall, Megan Lane, Helen
Liljenwall, Colleen O’Gorman, Marlene Renz, Lauren Shaffer, Zach
Shaffer, Karis Stubblefield, Hannah Wilson
National Hispanic Scholars: Jaqueline Cabello, Leah De Leon,
Nicholas Uretsky, Victoria Young
Total Scholarships Offered to 2012
AHHS Graduates: $6,743,446, a figure that
significantly increased from the previous year
Some Universities attended by 2012 Graduates:
Auburn University
Baylor University
Blinn Community College
Boston College
Brown University
College of Charleston
Colorado State University
Columbia University
Drake University
George Washington University
Lewis and Clark University
Louisiana State University
Middlebury College
Midwestern University
Mount Holyoke College
Norwich University
Oklahoma State University
Princeton University
Rhodes College
Rice University
St. Mary’s University
St. Phillips College
San Antonio Community College
Schreiner University
Sewanee: The University of the South
Southern Methodist University
Southwestern University
Stephen F. Austin College
Syracuse University
Texas Tech University
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
Texas State University
Trinity University
United States Military Academy—West Point
University of Incarnate Word
University of Alabama
University of Colorado
University of Georgia
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
University of Mississippi
University of Oklahoma
University of Texas in Austin
University of Texas in San Antonio
Washington & Lee University
Western State College of Colorado
www.ahisd.net
PAGE 5
2012 IS A STAAR TRANSITION YEAR
2012 STAAR END OF COURSE RESULTS
No. of Students
Percent
Tested Passed
English I
343
84%
English I Writing
343
80%
Algebra I
157
88%
Geometry
179
99%
Biology
322
93%
World Geography
342
91%
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) has replaced
the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), which is the criterionreference assessment program that has been in place since 2003. STAAR includes
the 12 end-of-course (EOC) assessments mandated by SB 1031 in 2007 and the
new grade 3-8 assessments mandated by HB 3 in 2009. The following new tests
were implemented in the 2011-2012 school year:
Grade 3-8
High School Course*
Reading – Gr.3-8
MathEnglishScienceSoc. Studies
Math – Gr.3-8
Algebra IEng IBiology
World Geography
Writing – Gr.3-8GeometryEng IIChemistry World History
Science – Gr.3-8
Algebra IIEng IIIPhysicsU.S. History
Soc. Studies – Gr.3-8
*The high school STAAR Tests are COURSE tests, NOT grade level tests
This year has been a transition year as teachers and students shifted from TAKS
to STAAR assessment testing. Since this is the first year of STAAR, districts have
not received results of 2012 testing except Grade 10 and Grade 11 End of Course
results as indicated here due to in-depth State analysis and norming. As a result,
there are also no Commended Comparisons to report as has been reported in
previous years.
CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP INITIATIVE
Elementary Reading
AHISD is one of the top performing school districts in America. One challenge we face though
is eliminating the achievement gap of our low income students who often face many obstacles
outside of school that impact learning. The gap in achievement nationally that separates
economically disadvantaged students from non-economically disadvantaged students has been the
focus of discussion and research for decades. While the gap nationwide narrowed some over that
time, it is still a national issue.
In AHISD, our approach is to identify under-achieving students early and aggressively accelerate
their learning through targeted interventions, thereby closing the gap between these students and
their higher achieving peers. The district, though, is committed to leveling students up rather than
leveling down. Students who are not struggling academically must also be provided a challenging
program that helps them to thrive. The district
does not support one-dimensional, high-stakes state
AHJS English & Reading Classes
assessments as the sole criterion for analyzing the gaps
100%_ ____________________________
in achievement. Instead, we also track and analyze gaps
90%_ ____________________________
from multiple perspectives every nine weeks during the
80%_ ____________________________
school year. Presented here in abbreviated format is a
70%_ ____________________________
portion of that analysis.
60%_ ____________________________
Principals and Directors have met throughout the
year to collect and analyze data on various student
groups to plan for instructional interventions. These
conversations will continue as instruction is aligned to
best meet the needs of all AHISD students to further
eliminate this gap in learning. To the right are examples
of collected data from the elementary and secondary
levels that demonstrate the gap between student groups
of low socioeconomic status and non-low socioeconomic
students. Non-low income students in AHISD are
performing at exceptionally high levels as are many low
income students. While we are closing the achievement
gap in elementary reading, high school English and
math; the District still has work to do to close the
achievement gap.
“You haven’t seen a tree until you’ve
seen its shadow from the sky.”
– Amelia Earhart
PAGE 6
2012 AHISD Report
50%_ ____________________________
40%_ ____________________________
30%_ ____________________________
20%_ ____________________________
1st Semester
2nd Semester
100%_ ____________________________
90%_ ____________________________
80%_ ____________________________
70%_ ____________________________
60%_ ____________________________
50%_ ____________________________
40%_ ____________________________
30%_ ____________________________
20%_ ____________________________
1st Semester
2nd Semester
AHJS Math Classes
100%_ ____________________________
90%_ ____________________________
80%_ ____________________________
70%_ ____________________________
60%_ ____________________________
50%_ ____________________________
40%_ ____________________________
30%_ ____________________________
20%_ ____________________________
1st Semester
2nd Semester
AHHS English Classes
AHHS Math Classes
100%_ ____________________________
90%_ ____________________________
80%_ ____________________________
70%_ ____________________________
60%_ ____________________________
50%_ ____________________________
40%_ ____________________________
30%_ ____________________________
20%_ ____________________________
1st Semester
2nd Semester
NonLowSES
Low SES
100%_ ____________________________
90%_ ____________________________
80%_ ____________________________
70%_ ____________________________
60%_ ____________________________
50%_ ____________________________
40%_ ____________________________
30%_ ____________________________
20%_ ____________________________
1st Semester
2nd Semester
% of Student Groups Earning a Passing Grade
Student Academic ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Students enrolled in the innovative new
Foundations in Interdisciplinary Learning
(FIL) in Class at AHHS had an opportunity
to learn about overcoming obstacles and facing
unique challenges from 2012 Survivor winner
and San Antonio entrepreneur Kim Spradlin.
Spradlin shared with the group of students,
“Do not be afraid of failing and taking risks.”
Alamo Heights Junior School
DUKE TALENT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
(TIP) Jacqueline D. Gunter, Grand (National)
Recognition; Elizabeth Barry, Samuel Becvar,
Jack M. Callahan, Issac Castro, Marisol P. De
La Garza, Kaitlyn N. Dubrof, Jack Englehardt,
Theodore J. Gleinser, Emory C. Gordon,
Jacqueline D. Gunter, William E. Krenger, Benita
Lee, Gavin Manasco, Ellen McFarland, Logan R.
Miller, Shawn R. Peake, Sterling T. Rios, Kate
A. Russell, William J.
Rymer, Helen A. Stephens,
Diana E. Truumees, James
Warman, Ethan S. Weiss,
and Andrew Yockey, State
Recognition
Jacqueline D. Gunter, Grand
(National) Recognition
TEXAS STATE JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE
COMPETITION TOP 5: Andrew Butts, Murphy
Grossett and Chase Miller
NATIONAL LATIN EXAM, Gold Medalists:
Chase Miller and James Liljenwall Silver
Medalists: Murphy Grossett, Will Entrekin
and Clint Kershner
NATIONAL FRENCH EXAM & LAURÉAT
NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: Tom Pheulpin, 4th
Place, Level 1 and Elle Lindsey, 10th Place, Level 1
Photo by Kristin Cade
Alamo Heights High School
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS (names featured in special section on page 5)
Semifinalists (6), Commended Students (17), and Hispanic Recognition
Program (5). Earning the top honors are Semifinalists: Anne B.
Adams, Grace E. Carlin, Nathan Engel, Benjamin K. Giddens, Nathaniel
R. Guney, and Erik B. Russell. Commended students included:
Georgia R. Budjenska, Tyler M. Freed, Calvin Giddens, Elizabeth A.
Gilbert, Austin D. Henderson, Emily L. Huber, Emily M. Jacobson, Elisa
R. Kurzban, Haley M. Kuykendall, Megan E. Lane, Helen Liljenwall,
Colleen G. O’Gorman, Marlene K. Renz, Lauren R. Shaffer, Zach Shaffer,
Karis Stubblefield, and Hannah P. Wilson. Students in the National
Hispanic Recognition Program included: Jaqueline Cabello,
Leah DeLeon, Elisa R. Kurzban, Nicholas Uretsky, and Victoria Young
TOP ACT SCORE: Erik Russell, Earned a Perfect Composite Score of 36
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT COUNCILS, National Gold Council
of Excellence Award: AHHS Student Council
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT COUNCILS, Outstanding Pride and
Patriotism Program, Outstanding Energy and Environment Program, Outstanding
Drugs, Alcohol, Safety and Health Program, Outstanding Community Service and
Outstanding Student Council, AHHS Student Council
YEARBOOK AWARD (Olmos) Balfour Publishing’s National Yearbook Yearbook
Award and Texas UIL Award of Distinguished Merit
NEWSPAPER AWARD (The Hoof Print), Texas UIL Award of Achievement
2012 4A UIL STATE ACADEMIC HONORS: Lees Romano, Qualifier
2012 4A UIL REGIONAL ACADEMIC HONORS: Lees Romano, 1st Place,
Headline Writing; Hattie Bush, Riley Harrell, and Sarah Grace Patton, Qualifiers
2012 4A UIL DISTRICT ACADEMIC HONORS: AHHS Journalism Team, 1st
Place; Lees Romano, 1st Place, Headline Writing; Hattie Bush, 2nd Place,
Headline Writing, 4th Place, News Writing and 1st Place, Feature Writing; Riley
Harrell, 1st Place, News Writing; Sarah Grace Patton, 2nd Place, Editorial
Writing and Abbey Forney, 5th Place, Feature Writing; Jacob Roth, Ernest
Brown and Richard Toback, 2nd Place, Computer Science
NCTE EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT LITERARY MAGAZINES, The Jabberwocky,
Excellent Ranking
HUFFINGTON POST PUBLISHED EDITORIAL: Connor Pfeiffer, Stricter Gun
Laws Remain an Ineffective Way to Address Crime
CHANNEL ONE NEWS, Student Campaign Reporter: Connor Pfeiffer
SIEMENS MATH, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY COMPETITION: Brittany
Hardy, Semifinalist
TEXAS COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION ROBOTICS: Cullen
Guglielmo, Jack Nowacek and Luke Donnally, 1st Place, Regionals; Jacob
Roth, William Swiney and Vanessa Weidman, 3rd Place, Regionals
NATIONAL ROCKET LAUNCH, (See Page 3.)
TEXAS STATE JUNIOR CLASSICAL
LEAGUE COMPETITION TOP 5: Kara
Bag, Bonnie Berkley, Christopher
Castellanos, Jackson DeFreest, Kylie
Leung, James Nicholson, Patrick
Palmer, Zack Schaffer, Lindsay Shoup,
Chandler Wahrmund, Emmy Walters and
Catherine Zachry
TEXAS COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION
ASSOCIATION ROBOTICS: Cullen Guglielmo,
Jack Nowacek and Luke Donnally, 1st Place,
Regionals; Jacob Roth, William Swiney and
Vanessa Weidman, 3rd Place, Regionals
ACADEMIC UIL: More than 100 Top Ten Honors
at local meets in multiple areas to include; 1st
Place Sweepstakes Team Trophies; 2nd Place
Sweepstakes Team Trophies; 4A Regional 1stPlace
Science Team; 4A Regional 1st Place Math Team;
4A Regional 2ndPlace Number Sense Team; 4A
Regional 2nd Place Calculator Team; 4ARegional
2nd Place Science Bowl Team; 20 students
advanced to Texas Math & Science Coaches
Association State Championship Meet; 1st Place
Regional Science Olympiad Team and 18th Place
State Science Olympiad Team. Jacob Roth, Ernest
Brown and Richard Toback, 2nd Place, District
UIL Computer Science
www.ahisd.net
PAGE 7
Student Academic ACCOMPLISHMENTS
AHHS student,
Erik Russell, accomplished
what less than one-tenth
of 1 percent of students can
achieve: a perfect composite
score of 36 on the ACT test.
Alamo Heights High School (Cont.)
NATIONAL LATIN EXAM, Gold Medalists: Joshua Armstrong, Emily
Burnett, Alexandra Gurwitz, Brittany Hardy, James Nicholson, Virginia
Noble, Gabriela Sagun, and Jasmine Tata Silver Medalists: Christian
Dunham, Gabrielle Gonzalez, Kendall Hardy, True McManis, Mary Louise
Randolph, Erik Russell and Colin Stone
NATIONAL FRENCH EXAM & LAURÉAT NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: Michela
Caffrey, 6th Place, Level 2, Mary Catherine O’Gorman, 6th Place, Level 2, Benedikt
Scheifele, 7th Place, Level 3, Laura Kutcheon, 9th Place, Level 1, Devon Lagueux,
9th Place, Level 2 and Averie Bartlett, 10th Place, Level 3
NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM, Gold Medalists: Ashley Vasquez, Level
4; Silver Medalists: Tyler Freed and Karla Morales, Level 4; Margaret
Fitch, Level 3; Bronze Medalists: Samuel Navarro, Mariano Ravelo and
Jennifer Zachry, Level 4; and, Andrew Palmer, Level 3
In 2012, students took the initiative to found the AHHS chapter
of the National French Honor Society. Founding officers include
Averie Bartlett, President, Hattie Bush, Vice President,
Taylor Puhl, Secretary and Gretta Kershner, Treasurer.
There are 15 charter members who will work to implement new
academic, social and charitable programs for the coming years.
AP SCHOLARS: James Altamirano, Maggie Armendariz, Jeffrey Bailey, West
Bakke, Bruce Bartlett, Avva Bassiri, Kara Beadle, Bonnie Berkley, Kyler Bibb,
Truman Biggs, Audrey Billups, Summre Blakely, Spencer Bobbitt, Zoe Bragg,
Zoe Brand, Charlotte Burney, Eric Cabello, Jacqueline Cabello, Grace Carlin,
Clayton Comeaux, Chloe Conner, Alyssa Cuda, Stephanie Dingle, Luke Donnelly,
Flor Dunn, Sunny Eklund, Sloan Evans, Anne Ferguson, Carlos Fuentes, Amanda
Garza, Calvin Giddens, Elizabeth Gilbert, Jamie Gonzales, Teresa Hamilton,
Sean Hammer, Riley Harrell, Timothy Hernandez, Tanner Hickey, Morgan
Hiser, Lawrence Irvin, Zachary Jones, Kathleen Keahey, Laura Kutchen, Luke
Loftus, Carter Long, Ruby Martinez-Berrie, Christopher Mathews, Doris Mauze,
Merium Morell, Marielle Morris, Morgan Mueller, Samuel Noble, Samuel Noe,
Olivia Noel, Megan Noronha, Hernando Ortega, Sapphire Peace, Kara Pyle,
John Rascoe, Abigail Reed, Jacob Roth, Alexander Rubin, Raushan Shaipulova,
Alexandra Strange, Thomas Tobin, Brady Vanham, Ashley Vazquez, Lillian
Wallace, Mary Walters, Will Westerman, Rachael Woodard and Catherine Zachry
AP SCHOLARS WITH HONOR: Anne Adams, Stephen Archer, William
Dawley, Nathan Engel, Hannah Gibson, Nathaniel Guney, Andrew Harris,
Anna Heinemeyer, Ryan Kenne, Jemma Miller, Nicole Nations, Colleen
O’Gorman, Patrick Palmer, Derek Patterson, Meghan Peoples, Sydney
Sepulveda, Jasmine Tata, Justin Trevino, Shelby Valero, Chandler Wahrmund,
Garrett Werner, Hannah Wilson and James Yancy
AHJS students tour Rackspace, gathering new inspiration
from “Rackers” who shared the importance of being part of
a team. It’s that same teamwork and fanatical support that
allowed Rackspace to become so successful!
CAMBRIDGE & WOODRIDGE
ELEMENTARIES
TEXAS CAVALIERS ART WINNER FOR
DISTRICT 10: Mia Marsico, Woodridge
Elementary, Earned $1,000 for Woodridge Art
Program
CHILD SAFE ART CONTEST: Georgia Stone
and Pearl Wilson, Woodridge Elementary
YOUNG WRITERS OF AMERICA, Winning
Poem: Sarah Solis, 4th Grader, Cambridge
Elementary
WOODRIDGE DESTINATION IMAGINATION
TEAM: The Lumber Lunatics Team: Josie
McGarraugh, Hayes Ulm, Jack Seger,
Matthew Markette, McCoy Patterson, Caleb
Young and Adam Parker, 8th Place at Global
Competition and 3rd Place at State Competition
PAGE 8
2012 AHISD Report
AP SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTION: Emily Arnim, Kara Bagg, Robert
Benedikt, Julian Berdegue, Katelyn Best-Richmond, Georgia Budjenska, Emily
Burnett, Gabriella Campagna, Jace Canty, Josephine Cochran, Cecilia Contreras,
Enrique Corona Gonzalez, Zachary Deeds, Blake Duckers, Madeline Flores, Tyler
Freed, Ashby Gatens, Benjamin Giddens, Marie Gleichauf, Katherine Grohe,
Joel Guerra, Sara Hall, Rachel Halvorson, Brittany Hardy, Austin Henderson,
Ferdinand Herff, Luis Hernandez, Stephen Hough, Gabrielle Hutchinson,
Andrew Jacobson, Emily Jacobson, Greyson Kale, Mitchell Katona, Elisa
Kurzban, Alexandra Lammers, Megan Lane, Shelby Lane, Albert Lee, Frederick
Lemaistre, Hunter Lepold, Helen Liljenwall, Isaac Luna, Samuel McAllister,
Mathew Miller, Laura Moreno-Vasquez, James Nicholson, Mary Catherine
O’Gorman, Peyton Perry, Marlene Renz, Alejandro Rodriguez, Luisa Rodriguez,
Erik Russell, James Ryan, Lauren
Shaffer, Zachary Shaffer, Lindsay
Shoup, Helen Smith, Douglas Soto,
Joe Soules, Karis Stubblefield,
Sidonie Sturrock, Michael Vizza,
Samuel White, Emily Wright,
Victoria Young and Jennifer Zachry
NATIONAL AP SCHOLARS: Katelyn
Best-Richmond, Emily Burnett,
Gabriella Campagna, Blake
Duckers, Marie Gleichauf, Greyson
Kale, Mitchell Katona, Isaac
Luna, Mary Catherine O’Gormon,
James Ryan, Helen Smith, Sidonie
Sturrock and Michael Vizza
DESTINATION IMAGINATION, Project
Outreach: Annie Daubert, Cally Decherd,
Lauren Hampton, Caspin Jones and Ellery
Vaughan, 8th Place, State; 1st Place, Region
Fine Arts
“I hear the wind among the trees
Playing the celestial symphonies;
I see the branches downward bent,
Like keys of some great instrument.”
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Photo by Mary Candee
AHHS BAND
CAPITOL CITY MARCHING FESTIVAL: AHHS Marching Band, 4th Place per
classification; 10th Place overall
TEXAS LONESTAR CLASSIC: AHHS Drumline & Front Ensemble, 15th Place
UIL CONCERT & SIGHT READING CONTEST: AHHS Wind Ensemble,
Superior Rating & 1st Division, Sight Reading; AHHS Symphonic Band,
Superior Rating & Straight 1st Divisions in Sight Reading and Concert
SASI DRUM MAJOR CAMP, University of
Houston: AHHS Drum Majors; Jack Roberts,
Cameron Kauffman, Jason Castro
TEXAS BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION,
Student Leadership Day: AHHS Marching Band,
Drum Majors and Section Leaders
BANDS OF AMERICA NATIONAL HONOR BAND:
Lauren Hampton, AHHS, Drumline-Bass Drum.
National Honor Band is a 300-plus-member band composed
of students from across the nation. Hampton is one of the
only eight-member bass drum line. The band performed in the
Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2013.
AUSTIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & LONG
AHHS band student, Lauren
CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Hampton, auditioned and earned
TEXAS YOUNG COMPOSERS COMPETITION:
a place as a member of the Bands
of America National Honor Band. Jack Roberts, AHHS, “Into the West” composition
selected one of only nine featured in Texas Young
She marched with this band in the
Composers Concert
Tournament of Roses Parade on
REGION 12 TMEA BAND & ORCHESTRA: Area
January 1, 2013. Hampton plays
bass drum, one of only eight bass
Band, Michela Caffrey, Katy Roberts, Sarah
drum line members for BOA. This Berton, Bea Johnson, Olivia Noel and J.P.
300-plus-member band is composed Hawk; Regional Band: Michela Caffrey, Katy
of students from all over the
Roberts, Megan Gomez, Sarah Berton, Bea
nation. Hampton is pictured here,
Johnson, Claire Torres, Samantha Hill, Emma
performing at the BOA Grand
Jarvis, Michelle Kalbaugh, Olivia Noel, Jack
Nationals at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Roberts, Naomi Pringle, Cameron Kauffman,
Alex Maher, Carter Richardson, Leo Garcia,
Adam Skoff, J.P. Hawk, Anne Ferguson and Lauren Hampton; District
Band: Lial Baki, Laura Sauter, Marielle Morris, Sedona Limon, John Park,
Carly Rotzler, Joe Slagle, Chris Madrid, Alexandra Gates, Karolina Duran,
Kevin Lyons and Hunter Ortega
Alamo Heights High School Marching Band takes to the field!
The Austin Symphony
Orchestra premiered
Jack Roberts’ orchestral
composition at the prestigious
Texas Young Composers
Concert. Roberts’ “Into the
West” was one of only nine
compositions chosen for
this concert.
AHHS STRINGS
UIL ORCHESTERA CONCERT & SIGHTREADING CONTEST: Varsity Full
Orchestra, Varsity Strings, Junior Varsity Strings, Superior Ratings: Freshmen
Strings, Excellent Ratings
TEXAS STATE SOLO & ENSEMBLE CONTEST: Rachel Halvorson,
Outstanding Performer & Superior Ranking
TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION 2012 ALL STATE SYMPHONY:
Rachel Halvorson, One of Top 16 Violists in Texas
AHHS CHoir
AMERICAN CHORAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL HONOR
CHOIR: Sarah DeLay, National Women’s Choir; Amanda Garza, National
Mixed Choir
TEXAS STATE SOLO & ENSEMBLE CONTEST: Zach Ivy, Amanda Garza,
Cita Dunn and Zane Witherspoon, 1st Division Medal; Amanda Garza,
Lucy Stevens, Kerry Wiegand, Olivia Garcia, Grace Carlin, Phil Cox, Josh
Hutchinson, Zach Ivy and Josh Torres, 1st Division Medal for Madrigal; Phil
Cox, Josh Hutchinson, Olivia Garcia, Grace Carlin, Sarah DeLay and Tivi
Kaminski, 2nd Division Medal
TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION ALL REGION CHOIR: Grace
Carlin, Cita Dunn, Griffin Gaedke, Olivia Garcia, Tivi Kaminski, Bella
Paolucci, Allie Rushing, Brenna Santos, Joe Whitenton and Zane Witherspoon
TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION ALL STATE MEN’S CHOIR:
Zach Ivy and Joe Whitenton
TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION ALL REGION TREBLE
CHOIR: Cita Dunn, Bella Paolucci, Alexandra Rushing and Brenna Santos
Earning a spot on the All Region Treble Choir: Allie
Rushing, Cita Dunn, Brenna Santos and Bella Paolucci.
Auditioning against singers
from across the U.S., Sarah
DeLay earned a spot in
the National Women’s
Choir and Amanda Garza
secured a place in the
National Mixed Choir.
This is a prestigious
accomplishment for both
students and for Alamo
Heights High School.
www.ahisd.net
PAGE 9
Fine Arts
Photo by Mark Humphries
AHHS CHoir (Cont.)
TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION ALL REGION MIXED
CHOIR: Grace Carlin, Griffin Gaedke, Olivia Garcia, Tivi Kaminski, Joe
Whitenton, and Zane Witherspoon
TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION PRE AREA & AREA CHOIR:
Griffin Gaedke and Joe Whitenton
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AUSTIN LONGHORN HONOR CHOIR: Grace
Carlin, Phil Cox, Marky Estrada, Olivia Garcia, Audrey Oswalt, Bella
Paolucci, Josh Torres, Zane Witherspoon and Joe Whitenton
AHHS ART
ART FROM THE HEART CHARITY AUCTION & GALA: Gabrielle
Hutchinson & Gabi Campagna, Artwork helped raise over $60,000 for
ChildSafe
AHJS BAND
PEAK MUSIC FESTIVAL: Honors Band, First Division, Best in Class, Best
Band of the Day; Symphonic Winds, First Division, Best in Class; Symphonic
Band, Superior Rating; Jazz Band, Superior Rating
UIL CONCERT & SIGHT READING CONTEST: Honors Band, Sweepstakes
Award; Symphonic Winds, Sweepstakes Award
REGIONAL BAND: Sarah Berton and Sarah Hicks
WEST ZONE REGIONAL BAND: Katy Roberts, Eliza Mills, Samantha Hill,
Bea Johnson, Savannah Zars, Katherine Madigan, Christian Madrid, Hondo
Bozzo, Ricky Tamez, Leo Garcia, Thomas Redmond and Noah Perloff
AHJS STRINGS
UIL ORCHESTRA CONTEST & SIGHTREADING CONTEST: 8th Grade
Orchestra, Superior Rating; 7th Grade Orchestra, Superior Rating
“For in the true nature of things,
if we rightly consider,
every green tree is far more glorious
than if it were made of gold and silver.”
– Martin Luther
JROTC
ALL-SERVICE NATIONAL JROTC COLOR
GUARD DRILL COMPETITION: 1st in Nation,
JROTC Color Guard Team of Jenessy Jasso,
Briann Martinez, Jessica Nicholson, Luz Diaz
and Melinda Herrera, 8th in Nation, JROTC Color
Guard Team of Phillip Lewis, Marcos Zertuche,
Nicholas Rehberg, Landon Jones and Dylan Yates
PAGE 10
2012 AHISD Report
AHJS THEATER
HEART OF THE HILLS ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL: AHJS Advanced
Theater Arts, Excellent Rating; Solen Cowley, All Star Cast and Will Judson,
Honorable Mention Cast
AHISD Elementary Schools
TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION, Featured Performers:
Woodridge Elementary, Ritmo!, Music and Movement Performance Ensemble
Athletics
AHHS FOOTBALL
ALL STATE SELECTIONS, District 27 4A: Nick Uretsky, 1st Team; Daniel
McCarty, 2nd Team
ALL AREA SELECTIONS, District 27 4A: Nick Uretsky and Daniel McCarty,
1st Team; Blake Klumpp, 2nd Team
TRI-DISTRICT CHAMPIONS
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS ALL DISTRICT: District 27-4A, Superlatives:
Nick Uretsky, Defensive MVP; Kalen Brockwell, Byron Proctor, Tommy Barrow,
Cole Bailey and Daniel McCarty, First-Team Offense; Carter Poore, Blake Klumpp,
Aaron Rogers, Matt Kelley and Blake Rosenthal, First-Team Defense; Christian
Biedenharn, Alexander Thomas and Danny Garza, Second-Team Offense; Colton
Bibb, Jay Hargrove, Ben Bass and Matthew Kelley, Second-Team Defense
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION (THSCA) STATE ALL-STAR
FOOTBALL GAME: Invitation to Play: Skylar Nelson
SAN ANTONIO ALL STAR FOOTBALL GAME, Invitation to Play: Andy Brooks
and Skylar Nelson
AHHS BOYS BASKETBALL
NEW AHHS SCHOOL RECORD: Best Season in School History; 34-3
UIL STATE TOURNAMENT: Alamo Heights High School Varsity Team,
State Semifinalists
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BASKETBALL COACHES (TABC) ALL STATE
SELECTION: Ben Lammers and Jeffrey Rodewald
Photo by Mary Candee
Photo by Mary Candee
Photo by Mary Candee
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS ALL-AREA: District 27-4A, Superlatives:
Jeffrey Rodewald, MVP; Ben Lammers, Defensive Player of the Year; Shelby
Lane, First Team; Dylan Lieck, Second Team
AHHS GIRLS BASKETBALL
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS ALL-AREA: District 27-4A: Sally Stecher and
Jackie Cabello, First Team
AHHS BASEBALL
ALL DISTRICT SELECTIONS, District 27 4A: Brandon Garwood, Carl Stephens,
Garrett Werner, Garrett Iverson and Blake Klumpp, 1st Team; Sam Peacock and
Cameron Mineo, 2nd Team; Kalen Brockwell, Honorable Mention
ACADEMIC ALL DISTRICT SELECTIONS, District 27 4A: Cole Bailey, Kalen
Brockwell, Greyson Kale, Blake Klumpp, Jacob Maloy, Cameron Mineo, Sam
Peacock, Robert Schuler and Garrett Werner
REGIONAL QUARTERFINALIST, AREA CHAMPS, BI-DISTRICT CHAMPS, 2nd
PLACE DISTRICT
THSBCA ALL STATE, 3rd Team Catcher: Blake Klumpp
THSBCA ACADEMIC ALL STATE: Greyson Kale and Garrett Werner
Photo by Mary Candee
AHHS BOYS SOCCER
(see Page 3 for more AHHS Boys Soccer Accolades.)
CORPUS CHRISTI GULF COAST CLASSIC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM: Carlos
Garcia, Alek Strimple and Zack Jones; Zack Jones, MVP
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS 4A MVP: Zack Jones
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS AREA
SUPER TEAM: Zack Jones
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS ALL AREA
TEAM: Zack Jones, Alek Strimple and
Matthew Struble
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS PLAYER
OF THE WEEK: Matthew Struble
SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ALLTOURNAMENT TEAM: Christian Garcia,
Zack Jones, Alek Strimple and Matthew
Struble; Zach Jones, MVP
FOX SPORTS PLAYER OF THE GAME IN
THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Alek Strimple
DISTRICT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Zack Jones
FIRST TEAM ALL-DISTRICT: Zack Jones, Alek Strimple, Matthew Struble,
Carlos Garcia and Jesus Espin
SECOND TEAM ALL-DISTRICT: Diego Hernandez, Joey Ortega, Christian
Garcia and Robert Weigel
HONORABLE MENTION ALL-DISTRICT: Will Westerman, Miguel Guerra,
Luke Donnelly and Mitch Katona
ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT: Robert Carter, Carlos Garcia, Mitch Katona,
Michael Ellis, Jay Hargrove, Alek Strimple, Jesus Espin, Zack Jones and
Matthew Struble
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SOCCER COACHES FIRST TEAM ALL REGION:
Jesus Espin, Zack Jones, Alek Strimple and Matthew Struble
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SOCCER COACHES FIRST TEAM ALL STATE: Jesus
Espin, Zack Jones, Alek Strimple and Matthew Struble
AHHS SWIMMING & DIVING
STATE UIL COMPETITION: Ian Lemaistre, Gold
Medal, Set State Record in Free; Hannelore Strash,
Gold Medal, 100 Butterfly; Finn Scribbick, Gold
Medal, 1 Meter Diving; Aidan Scribbick, Silver
Medal, 1 Meter Diving (First time in history of Texas
State Swimming/Diving Championships that siblings
won Gold and Silver medals); Ian Lemaistre, Spencer
Aickes, Christopher Spears and Travis Lipscomb,
Gold Medal, 400 Free Relay; Ian Lemaistre, Bronze
Medal, Set School Record in 100 Backstroke;
Anelise Diener, Alyssa Cuda, Lauren Cuda and
Hannelore Strash, 5th Place, Set School Record in
400 Free Relay; Erin Deleon, Lauren Cuda, Georgia
Budjenska and Anelise Diener, 6th Place, School
Record in 200 Medley Relay; Ian Lemaistre, Michael
Ryan, Christopher Spears and Austin Frey, Set
School Record in 200 Medley
US OLYMPIC DIVING TRIALS: Finn Scribbick
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS ALL AREA TEAM:
Austin Frey, 50 Freestyle; Travis Lipscomb, 100
Freestyle; Ian Lemaistre, 200 Freestyle; Andrew
Cotton, 500 Freestyle; Ian Lemaistre, 100 Backstroke;
Finn Scribbick, 1 Meter Diving; Anelise Diener,
50 Freestyle; Maggie Mayer-Oakes, 100 Freestyle;
Hannelore Strash, 200 Freestyle, Lauren Cuda, 500
Freestyle, Hannelore Strash, 100 Butterfly, Georgia
Budjenska, 200 IM; Doris Mauze, 1 Meter Diving
WATER POLO
REGION IV CHAMPIONS: Girls Water Polo Team
(Fourth Consecutive Year); Boys Water Polo Team (Three
out of Last Four Years)
REGION IV TOURNAMENT MVP: Alyssa Cuda and
Colin Stone
ALL STATE TEAM: Alyssa Cuda and Colin Stone,
2nd Team
AHHS BOYS GOLF
1st PLACE DISTRICT, 4th PLACE REGIONALS
AHHS Girls GOLF
2nd PLACE DISTRICT, 7th PLACE REGIONALS
www.ahisd.net
PAGE 11
AHHS GIRLS SOCCER
REGIONAL QUARTERFINALISTS,
DISTRICT CHAMPS, CORPUS CHRISTI
GULF COAST CLASSIC RUNNER-UP
REGION 4A COACH OF THE YEAR:
Chris Sharp
ALL STATE 2nd TEAM: Karey Tylman,
Elisabeth Uhl, Sarah Beth Krenger and
Emma Russell
ALL REGION 1ST TEAM: Karey Tylman, Elisabeth Uhl, Sarah Beth Krenger
and Emma Russell
ACADEMIC ALL STATE & ALL DISTRICT: Ruby Martinez-Berrier and
Catherine Zachry
DISTRICT 53 OFFENSIVE MVP: Elisabeth Uhl
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS SUPER TEAM: Karey Tylman
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS All AREA TEAM: Elisabeth Uhl
ALL-DISTRICT, 1st Team: Karey Tylman, Elisabeth Uhl, Sarah Beth Krenger,
Milla Brusenhan, Christa Bunce; 2nd Team: Emma Russell
CORPUS CHRISTI GULF COAST CLASSIC, MVP: Milla Brusenhan; Defensive
Player of Game: Emma Russell
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS ALL AREA TEAM: Elisabeth Uhl, Super Team;
Karey Tylman
AHHS VOLLEYBALL
AREA FINALISTS
ALL STATE: Smantha Scherrer
and McKay Kyle
ACADEMIC ALL STATE: Sloan
Evans, Samantha Scherrer,
Elizabeth Stich, Lauren Brockwell
and Jackie Cabello
1ST TEAM ALL DISTRICT: Jackie
Cabello, Samantha Scherrer and McKay Kyle
2ND TEAM ALL DISTRICT: Lauren Brockwell, Sloan Evans and Julia Hogan
HONORABLE MENTION ALL DISTRICT: Sarah Peoples, Kelsey Mantz and
Devon Sadosky
Photo by Mary Candee
2012 AHISD Report
Photo by Mary Candee
PAGE 12
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SOCCER COACHES ACADEMIC ALL STATE:
Luke Donnelly, Jesus Espin, Zack Jones, Mitch Katona, Joey Ortega, Alek
Strimple and Will Westerman
Texas High School Coaches Association Academic All-State: Mitch
Katona, Elite Team (Only 5 players in the State Selected to this Team); Zack Jones and Alek
Strimple, First Team; Luke Donnelly, Second Team
NATIONAL SOCCER COACHES ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ALL
SOUTHWEST REGION: Zach Jones (Only 10 Players Selected from Texas, Louisiana,
Oklahoma and Arkansas)
REGION IV 4A COACH OF THE YEAR: Bruce Fink
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SOCCER COACHES SENIOR SHOWCASE: Bruce
Fink, Selected to Coach Region IV Game
REGION IV 4A ASSISTANT COACH OF
THE YEAR: Sergio Alcala
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS COACH
OF THE YEAR: Bruce Fink
Photo by Mary Candee
AHHS TENNIS
2012 UIL 4A STATE TEAM TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS:
AHHS Varsity Tennis Team, 2nd Place
UIL Region IV 4A Tennis Team Championships:
Marie Lutz and June Wright, 3rd Place, Girls’
Doubles; John King and Kerry Wiegand, 3rd Place,
Mixed Doubles
Region IV 4A All Region Tennis Team: Marie
Lutz, June Wright, John King and Kerry Wiegand
DISTRICT 27-4A CHAMPIONSHIPS: AHHS Varsity
Boys’ Tennis Team, 1st Place, Boys’ Division; AHHS
Varsity Girls’ Tennis Team, 1st Place, Girls’ Division;
AHHS Varsity Tennis Team, 1st Place, Combined Boys’
& Girls’ Division; Enrique Corona and Liam Crawley,
1st Place, Boys’ Doubles; Marie Lutz and June Wright
1st Place, Girls’ Doubles; John King and Kerry
Wiegand 1st Place, Mixed Doubles; Jonah Candelario,
2nd Place, Boys’ Singles; Robert Benedikt and Virginia
Seal, 2nd Place, Mixed Doubles; Ashby Gatens,
3rd Place, Girls’ Singles; Blake Batha and Mariano
Ravelo 3rd Place, Boys’ Doubles; Helen Liljenwall and
Hannah Wilson 3rd Place, Girls’ Doubles
All the above players were named to the District 27-4A AllDistrict Tennis Team. All the above players who placed 1st or 2nd
qualified for the UIL Region IV-4A Tennis Championships.
NEISD INVITATIONAL: AHHS Varsity Tennis Team,
2nd Place
DISTRIT 27-4A TEAM TENNIS MEET: AHHS Varsity
Tennis Team, 1st Place
REGION IV-4A TEAM TENNIS MEET: AHHS Varsity
Tennis Team, 1st Place
ROUND ROCK WESTWOOD INVITATIONAL: Marie
Lutz and June Wright, 1st Place, Girls’ A Doubles;
Liam Crawley, 3rd Place, Boys’ A Singles; John King
and Kerry Wiegand, 3rd Place, A Mixed Doubles;
Ashby Gatens, 3rd Place, Girls’ B Singles
AUSTIN WESTLAKE’S CHAP/MAROON
INVITATIONAL: Jonah Candelario, 1st Place, Boys’
A Singles; Helen Liljenwall and Hannah Wilson, 1st
Place, Girls’ B Doubles; Robert Benedikt and Hays
Cochran, 2nd Place, B Mixed Doubles
NEW BRAUNFELS UNICORN INVITATIONAL:
Enrique Corona and Liam Crawley, 3rd Place, Boys’
Doubles; Marie Lutz and June Wright, 3rd Place,
Girls’ Doubles; John King and Kerry Wiegand, 3rd
Place, Mixed Doubles
NEISD/NISD INVITATIONAL: John King, 1st Place,
Boys’ A Singles; Jonah Candelario, 2nd Place, Boys’
A Singles; June Wright, 2nd Place, Girls’ A Singles;
Helen Liljenwall and Hannah Wilson, 2nd Place,
Girls’ A Doubles; Mariano Ravelo and Marie Lutz, 3rd
Place, A Mixed Doubles
NEISD INVITATIONAL: AHHS Varsity Tennis Team,
3rd Place; June Wright, 2nd Place, Girls’ Singles; John
King and Kerry Wiegand, 2nd Place, Mixed Doubles
Photo by Mary Candee
AHHS DANCE TEAM
TEXAS STATE COMPETITION: Sweepstakes 90 & Above in All Routines,
Judges Award, Showmanship, Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding
Precision; Overall Best in Class: 3rd Place, Line of Champions; Best in Category:
Contemporary, 3rd Place; Open Clog, 1st Place; Pom, 3rd Place
SHOWMAKERS OF AMERICA COMPETITION, Officer Camp Team Awards:
Sweepstakes 90 & Above in All Routines, Special Recognition in Home Routine
& Choreography Routine, Superior Performance in Final Day Routine and
Grand Champion Award; Individual Awards: Kathleen Keahey, Miss Show
Maker Superlative and Gabrielle Hutchinson, Miss Show Maker Superlative &
Miss Show Maker Runner-Up
SHOWMAKERS OF AMERICA COMPETITION, Line Camp Team Awards:
Sweepstakes 90 & Above in All Routines, Most Disciplined, Most Outstanding
Home Routine, Most Outstanding Camp Dance; Show Maker Superlatives:
Gabrielle Hutchinson,
Kathleen Keahey, Leah
Lawrence, Sarah Howie,
SaraBeth DeLay, Allison
Calder, Rosalia O’Brian;
Individual Awards:
Gabrielle Hutchinson, Miss
Leaps 1st Runner Up and
Miss Turns 1st Runner Up,
Miss High Kick 1st Place
VOLLEYBALL
DISTRICT CHAMPS:
8th Grade White Team
Photo by Mary Candee
CHEERLEADING
UCA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
CHEERLEADERS CHAMPIONSHIP: Junior
Varsity Cheerleaders, 9th Place in the Nation
UCA SOUTHWEST REGIONAL
CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP: Varsity
Cheerleaders, 1st Place; Junior Varsity
Cheerleaders, 2nd Place
UCA STATE HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS
CHAMPIONSHIP: Varsity Cheerleaders, 1st Place
CHEER STAR COMPETITION: Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders, 1st Place
CHEERLEADING CAMP HONORS: Traditions Award, Leadership Award, 1st &
2nd Place Varsity Extreme Routine, 1st Place Junior Varsity, 2nd Place Varsity,
Spirit Sticks Earned by Entire Squad and All-Americans Nominations
AHJS Athletics
MIMS AWARD: Abigail Gray and Clint Kershner
Photo by Mary Candee
AHHS GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
REGIONAL QUALIFIERS: Haile Bradley, 4th Place, 100 Meter Hurdles;
Tivi Kaminski, 300 Meter Hurdles; Shelby Shed, Shot Put; Annie Feste, 200
Meter Dash; Hannah Wilson, Annie Feste, Gretta
Kershner and Haile Bradley, 4x200 Meter Relay
Photo by Mary Candee
AHHS Boys TRACK & FIELD
REGIONAL QUALIFIERS: David
Favorite, High Jump; Josh Torres,
2-Mile Run; Austin Frey, Triple
Jump; Garrett Iverson, Andy
Brooks, Robert Low and Nick
Uretsky, 4 X 100 Relay
REGIONAL CROSS COUNTRY
TOURNAMENT: Josh Torres, 14th Place
DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY TOURNAMENT: AHHS Cross Country Team, 2nd Place
NEW AHHS SCHOOL RECORD: Josh Torres, 2-Mile Run and Cross Country
Photo by Mary Candee
ACADEMIC ALL DISTRICT: Lauren Brockwell, Sloan Evans, Elizabeth Stich,
Jackie Cabello, Samantha Scherrer, Susi Whitten, Amy McIntyre, Kelsey
Mantz, Hayley Colvard, Sarah Peoples, McKay Kyle, Devon Sadosky, and
Jessica Wellford
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS ALL-AREA: District 27-4A: Jackie Cabello,
Samantha Scherrer and McKay Kyle, First Team; Sloan Evans and Lauren
Brockwell, Second Team
COACH’S AWARDS: Susi Whitten, Mule Pride; McKay Kyle, New Mule; Samantha
Scherrer, Hustler; Sloan Evans, Offensive Player; and, Jackie Cabello, MVP
GIRLS BASKETBALL
DISTRICT CHAMPS:
8th Grade White Team
and 7th Grade White
Team
DIVISION II
CHAMPS: 7th Grade
Blue Team
TOURNAMENT HONORS: 8th Grade Gold Team,
Pre-Season Tournament Winners and 8th Grade Blue
Team, Post-Season Tournament, 3rd Place
GIRLS TRACK
MEET OF CHAMPS: 8th Grade Girls Track Team, 1st
Place (Finished 2nd Place in District)
NEW AHJS SCHOOL RECORD: Hannah Schaeffer,
Millie Garcia, Caroline Herbold and Jordyn
Caruso, 800 Meter-Dash; Abigail Gray, Mile Run;
Jenna Frey, Tied Pole Vault Record
“The clearest way into the Universe
is through a forest wilderness.”
– John Muir
www.ahisd.net
PAGE 13
Personnel ACCOLADES
SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE
Shawn Simpson, January 2012; Mary Ellen
Cook, February 2012; Andrew Brewer, April
2012; Santiago Bosquez, May 2012; Albert Cruz,
June 2012; Alfredo Olazaba, September 2012;
Tracy Maxwell, October 2012; Noel Murphy,
November 2012; Ana Campos, December 2012
CHILDREN OF UGANDA, Partnership featured a presentation sharing
global perspectives of diverse cultures, only school in Texas selected for this
honor: Cambridge Elementary
WASHINGTON POST TOP 1% OF HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE NATION:
Alamo Heights High School
Webmaster: Tricia Corey
NATIONAL SCHOOL PUBLIC RELATIONS
ASSOCIATION (NSPRA) GOLDEN
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Web Forward:
The Redesign of AHISD’s Website; Team
Members included: Tricia Corey, Rose Bradley,
Ann Carter, Catherine Berkeley-Jones, Juan
Guerrero, Ruth Jungman, Jennifer Faulkner,
Dr. Dick Smith, Laura Humphries and
Patti Pawlik-Perales
COLLEGE BOARD ADVISOR, AP Spanish Language & Culture Exam
Development Committee: Ann Mar, Alamo Heights High School
Shawn Simpson with students
Dr. Dick Smith and Mary Ellen Cook
HEB TEXAS EXCELLENCE IN
EDUCATION, Elementary Rising
Star Award: Dr. Lesley Balido-Dean,
Woodridge Elementary, earning $5,000
for her school and $5,000 for herself.
HEB EXCELLENCE IN
EDUCATION, Finalists:
Elementary Rising Star, Dr. Lesley
Balido-Dean, Woodridge Elementary,
earning $1,000 for her school and
$1,000 for herself; Elementary
Principal, Dr. Cordell Jones,
Woodridge Elementary, earning $2,500
for his school and $1,000 for himself
Dr. Lesley Balido-Dean
TEXAS ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS
AND SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION
(TEPSA), District 20 President-Elect:
Dr. Dana Bashara
Dr. Dana Bashara and Carol Fenley
TEXAS SCHOOL PUBLIC
RELATIONS ASSOCIATION
(TSPRA), President-Elect: Patti
Pawlik-Perales
Check presentation to Dr. Cordell
Jones and Dr. Lesley Balido-Dean
REGION IV 4A BOYS SOCCER COACH OF
THE YEAR: Bruce Fink
REGION IV 4A GIRLS SOCCER COACH OF
THE YEAR: Chris Sharp
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS COACH OF
THE YEAR: Bruce Fink
Linda Neville
Colin Lang and Dr Dick Smith
REGION IV 4A ASSISTANT COACH OF THE
YEAR: Sergio Alcala
SPOTLIGHT ON ENGAGEMENT
Colin Lang, “Launching Learning,” February 2012;
Carol Fenley, “Tools of the Trade,” April 2012;
Summer Enrichment Team: Hilda Hernandez,
Mary Reynolds, Ann Veazey, Jimmie Walker and
Cynthia Zaldivar, “A Lesson in Summer Learning,”
October 2012; Mike Norment, Brent Ostos and
Liz Swayze, “Living On Your Own,” December
2012 (Videos are featured on iTunes U)
PAGE 14
2012 AHISD Report
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SOCCER COACHES
SENIOR SHOWCASE: Bruce Fink, Selected to
Coach Region IV Game
TRINITY PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN
TEACHING NOMINEE & AHISD TEACHER OF
THE YEAR: Linda Neville, Woodridge Elementary
KENS 5 & SACU GOLDEN APPLE AWARD:
Lara Prevost, Cambridge Elementary
Lara Prevost
SAN ANTONIO MAYORAL AND COUNTY JUDGE OUTSTANDING
SCIENCE AND MATH TEACHER AWARD: Elizabeth Kreager, Alamo
Heights High School
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS (TASSP), Region 20
Outstanding High School Assistant Principal: Terri
Duncan
REGION 20 DUAL LANGUAGE TEACHER
OF THE YEAR: Carly Leech, Woodridge
Elementary
Dr Dana Bashara and
Carly Leech
CHILDREN AT RISK GREATER SAN
ANTONIO TOP HIGH SCHOOL: Alamo Heights
High School
2012 CITY OF SAN ANTONIO GREEN
BUILDING AWARDS, Bill Sinkin Solar Award:
Alamo Heights ISD, Dr. Kevin Brown, Mike
Hagar and Lowell Tacker
Howard Early Childhood Center
Holly Ballew, Lee Bibb, Marianne DiSabato,
Ashley Forrester, Karen McCulloch, Debra
Moczygemba, Jimmie Walker and Emily Toffoli
Cambridge Elementary
Cammie Blake, Elizabeth Cantu, Heather Craig,
Carol Espensen, Rebecca Gibbens, Betsy Hanzel,
Gabby Joseph and Stephanie Tiner
ROTARY TEACHER OF EXCELLENCE: Amy
Lagueux, February 2012; Ronald Malasky,
May 2012
AMERICAN WILDERNESS LEADERSHIP
SCHOOL, Scholarship Recipient: Julie Emke,
Cambridge Elementary
ALAMO HEIGHTS SCHOOL FOUNDATION
2012-2013 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Dr. Smith and Amy Lagueux
AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL
RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (AERA),
Presenter: Shannon Blady, Woodridge
Elementary
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE
HUMANITIES, Grant to attend the
American Skyscraper: Transforming
Dr. Brown, Ronald Malasky
Chicago and the Nation training
and Dr Linda Foster
sponsored by the Chicago Architecture
Foundation, Ann Veazey, Cambridge Elementary
KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS OF AMERICA, Presenters: Lee Bibb, Dan St.
Romain, Jyl Barnabee and Carol Fenley, Howard ECC
TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION (TMEA), Featured Performers:
Heather Klossner and Christina Urbancyzk, Woodridge Elementary
TEXAS CHOIR DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION (TCDA), Presenter: Heather
Klossner, Woodridge Elementary
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF LITERACY EDUCATION (TALE), Presenter:
Roxanna Montes-Bazaldua, Woodridge Elementary
TEXAS COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, Certifications:
Michelle Candland, Campus Technology Specialist Certification, Alamo
Heights High School; Catherine Berkeley-Jones, Instructional Technology
Director Certification, Alamo Heights High School; Lora Lane and Laura
Lopez, Instructional Technology Director Certification, Alamo Heights
Junior School
AP WORKSHOPS & INSTITUTES, Editor for Curriculum Module El arte:
ventana y espejo: Ann Mar, Alamo Heights High School
Woodridge Elementary
Dr. Lesley BalidoDean, Teri Bohlsen,
Adrianna Carrillo,
Charlotte Dolat,
Brenda Gaston, Karen
Huber, Roxanna
Montes-Bazaldua,
Suzanne Rea, Amy
Soupiset, Stephanie
Tennis and Cynthia
Zaldivar
Alamo Heights Junior
School
Kim Brady, Hyacinth
Burt, Darlene
Carbajal, Bob Haak, Jeanmarie O’Brien, Stefanie
Persyn, Lauren Rizzoli, Rachel Sadosky, John
Sheppard, Michael Snell and Jeff Wheatcraft
Alamo Heights High School
Eric Atkins, Jeanette Branchizio, Xandra
Garanzuay, Colin Lang, Ann Mar, Suzanne Neff,
Ivette Nienstedt, LTC Jose Perez, Mindy Perez
and Susan Thomas
Robbins Academy
Dr. Shaun Hedgepeth
EDC
Kris Holliday
Total GRANTS TO EDUCATORS:.... $100,000
“If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed,
in in terms of ten years, plant trees:
if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.”
– Confucius
www.ahisd.net
PAGE 15
STRATEGIC PLANNING: Ensuring the Tradition of Excellence for the Next 100 Years
During the 2008-2009 school year, our community, parents, staff and students developed the AHISD Strategic Plan. The plan
contains 52 initiatives. Each year, new initiatives are being implemented while the progress on previously completed actions is
being reviewed to ensure achievement of intended goals. The following pages showcase our most recent initiatives.
STRATEGY ONE: We will demand all learning
be engaging, personally challenging and relevant.
Require foreign (or other) language instruction for all
AHISD students ensuring that every graduating student is
proficient in English and at least one other language.
ACTION PLAN LEADERS: Dr. Dana Bashara
and Jennifer Faulkner
• The team has brainstormed the definition of proficiency
and initial discussions about the direction and implications
of this initiative.
Flying Aces promote
8 keys at AHHS
Students and teachers joined
together and developed a
means to create job training
at the campus and promote
responsibility by creating
a business model selling
snow cones twice a month.
When it’s cold, students keep
customers warm with hot chocolate sales.
• Small research teams are formed to make recommendations
about best practices evident in
other schools.
Create authentic opportunities
for students to engage in
learning outside of the traditional
classroom experience.
ACTION PLAN LEADERS:
Lesley Balido-Dean and
Roxanna Montes-Bazaldua
(2012 Administrative Interns)
• The Team has brainstormed ways to work with high
school administrators to recruit community stakeholders to
support apprenticeships and job mentoring opportunities.
STRATEGY TWO: We will aggressively confront the
social and emotional issues of our community.
• Additional considerations include investigating
partnerships with a variety of community resources with
the intent of creating vocational/specialized training
leading to licensure.
Conduct voluntary drug testing of students, whose parents
have consented, in order to facilitate appropriate interventions.
ACTION PLAN LEADER: Gene Phillips
• Program guidelines from two school districts with
successful drug testing programs have been reviewed with
discussions concerning lessons learned based on their
experience.
• The committee is developing a program to include effectively
communicating the new program to parents and students.
“Someone can sit in the shade today because
someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
– Warren Buffett
PAGE 16
2012 AHISD Report
STRATEGY THREE: We will close the achievement gap.
Establish a district-wide student mentoring program
targeting defined groups.
STRATEGY FOUR: We will create an environment
where impeccable character is modeled by and expected
of each individual.
ACTION PLAN LEADERS: Lesley Balido-Dean and
Roxanna Montes-Bazaldua (2012 Administrative Interns)
Communicate with our community to reinforce our character
development initiative.
• The committee has gathered information from outside
sources on possible ideas for a district-wide student
mentoring program development.
ACTION PLAN LEADER: Dan St. Romain
• Currently members are becoming associated with local
area resources.
• The goal is for each campus is to develop one specific goaloriented project with each business.
Differentiate instruction in the core curriculum to address the
needs of the defined groups.
• Monthly updates regarding status of community
partnerships are shared at District meetings.
ACTION PLAN LEADERS: Jimmie Walker and Howard
Wilen (2012 Administrative Interns)
• Select campuses are piloting male mentor programs by
which community members (specifically fathers) are
mentoring students.
• A committee of teachers from each campus has been
established to investigate opportunities for supporting
the implementation of Differentiated Instruction on each
campus in Alamo Heights ISD.
• Each campus is working to secure partnerships with local
businesses.
Evaluate campus efforts annually to measure the
effectiveness of the character education initiative.
ACTION PLAN LEADER: Dan St. Romain
• The committee will follow
the design process to create
an overarching design for
supporting Differentiated
Instruction in the district.
• The District committee is
using the Eleven Principles
of Character, as outlined by
the Character Education
Partnership (CEP), to
assess progress in the area
of character education. This
framework outlines a national
standard for assessment of
district character education
efforts.
• Action team leaders will
accomplish the planning
aspects and resources
necessary to implement
the curriculum.
Incorporate instruction for
students in Grades 5-9 that would
include study/organizational
skills, problem-solving, decisionmaking and leadership
development components
ACTION PLAN LEADERS:
Jimmie Walker and Howard
Wilen (2012 Administrative
Interns)
• A committee is being formed
with an aggressive schedule in
the Spring semester to design
curriculum in support of the
initiatives.
• The committee will include
representatives from each
campus, students, and parents.
AHISD Flipped the Switch on Solar Power at
Woodridge & AHHS, 4-11-12
Partnering for Power, Alamo Heights ISD and CPS
Energy, “Flipped the Switch” in April 2012, celebrating
the solartricity initiative. With the installation of solar
panels complete at both Alamo Heights High School and
Woodridge Elementary, the district began harnessing the
energy of the sun to produce electrical power, which the
district has begun selling back
to CPS at $.27 per kilowatthour. This provides additional
income to the district’s
operational fund, estimated
at $235,000 annually over
the next 20 years, revenue
that will stay in AHISD. As
a result of this initiative, the
district earned the prestigious
Bill Sinkin Solar Award in
conjunction with the 2012
City of San Antonio Green
Building Awards.
• Each campus is conducting
a monthly meeting to target
areas of improvement and
report back progress and
needs assessment to the
District committee.
• An evaluation of the progress
on District efforts will
formulate additional initiatives
to enhance achievement.
www.ahisd.net
PAGE 17
STRATEGY FIVE: We will ensure a
high-performing faculty and staff to
accomplish our mission.
Implement an Induction Program for
teachers new-to-the-profession.
Establish district-wide professional
development targeted at
developing leadership capacity
in classroom teachers.
• Committee of a principal, assistant
principals, and director of athletics met
twice a month since January 2012.
ACTION PLAN LEADER: Dr. Dick Smith
• A new-to-the profession five-year
Teacher Induction Plan has been
developed which includes: ethics
training; Performance-based Academic
Coaching Teams (PACT) support;
district training; after-business hour
focus trainings; and supporting campus
seminar discussion groups.
ACTION PLAN LEADER:
Dr. Dana Bashara
• Four interns have monthly learning
meetings designed around predetermined leadership topics
supported by guest presenters from
AHISD administrative ranks.
• Committee feels strongly that the
after-business hour focus trainings
should be on-line video presentations.
Currently investigating the feasibility
of developing and producing ten video
training segments.
• In pairs, administrative interns are
leading a total of four action plans
from the Strategic Plan.
• Interns are coached once every two
weeks to consult about their action plans
and facilitate individual learning goals
identified early-on to support their leadership development.
• Experienced teachers who are new to the district may
enter into a “Personalized Education Plan” on selected
induction items of interest and attend with concurrence of
campus principal.
• 2012 Administrative Interns: Roxanna Montes-Bazaldua,
Lesley Balido-Dean, Jimmie Walker, Howard Wilen
ACTION PLAN LEADER:
Norm Collins
• Last year, the committee
determined that a portfolio
with a rubric accomplished
our needs as set forth by the strategic plan.
• The year culminated with a rubric that we presented
to the district administration and the original strategic
plan committee.
• In response to that presentation, the committee provided
more details and clarification. The original rubric has been
edited and the process explained more thoroughly to better
understand the concept.
• Teachers reported that the process was a learning
experience and feel that the self-reflection will cause them
to be better teachers as they will be more purposeful.
• Administrators will receive training for implementation
throughout the Spring semester.
PAGE 18
2012 AHISD Report
Photo by Mark Humphries
Include a reflective evaluation
piece (on a phase-in basis) to
supplement the current PDAS
tool to evaluate teacher growth
and effectiveness that includes
input from parents and students.
Implement a standardized mentorship program for teachers
new to the district.
ACTION PLAN LEADER: Dr. Dick Smith
• The committee of assistant principals, athletic director
and teachers designed a mentor program which included
standardized listings of required topics to be covered by
central office officials, campus administration, technology
department, campus special staff (nurse, guidance services,
special education, library services, and instructional
technology specialists), and athletic department.
• The program also included mentor training which included:
responsibilities of the mentor, categories of mentoring
support (personal and professional), and a calendar of
sequenced events to discuss throughout the school year.
• The program was approved by the Board of Trustees in
February 2012.
Implement curricula in Career
and Technology Education that
create educational paths to
specific post-secondary training
and opportunities.
ACTION PLAN LEADERS: Dr.
Frank Alfaro and
Terri Duncan
Woodridge Garden Growing Strong
The Woodridge garden is providing plenty of growth for plants
and students alike! With materials and supplies provided by
the Woodridge PTO and
seeds and plants donated by
the Texas A&M Agricultural
Extension Service and
the Bexar County Master
Gardeners, teachers have
had the opportunity to
enrich curriculum by
providing real-world
experiences. The learning
continues after the bell rings
with the implementation of
a Garden Club. In 2012,
the campus received a
500-gallon Water Collection
Tank, made possible
through a grant from the
Earth Day Network.
• Meetings have been held
with high school Career and
Technology Education (CTE)
teachers to provide an overview of what we currently
provide as well as the requirements to expand the program—
certification to teach certain classes, institute 8th grade
career interest inventory, and marketing existing courses to
generate information and interest in current offerings.
• The Speech class has been transformed into Professional
Communications class, a CTE course to heighten
awareness of careers after college.
STRATEGY SIX: We will create a culture of
participation that ensures equitable access to academic
and extra-curricular activities.
Utilize multiple lines of communication from all district
personnel to parents and students.
ACTION PLAN LEADERS: Dr. Dick Smith
and Jennifer Faulkner
• The Web Forward initiative to update and enhance the
District and campus websites resulted in a complete
redesign of all sites. The evaluative phase was completed
in December 2012 which included a review with resultant
suggestions from administrators, parents and PTOs.
• The District researched, selected and implemented the
SchoolMessenger system to enhance communications
with parents concerning secondary absences and items
of special interest to include notification of school bad
weather cancelations and other dangerous events.
• Implemented District-wide Facebook and
Twitter communications.
“Friendship is a sheltering tree.”
– Samuel Taylor Coleridge
www.ahisd.net
PAGE 19
As part of its commitment, the Alamo Heights School Foundation has provided $250,000
to the District to bridge the funding gap created by cuts to teacher salaries and positions.
Through its endowment, the Foundation anticipates the school district’s educational future
through various endowed positions and programs such as those that are listed.
ENDOWED FUNDS
The Alamo Heights School Foundation has provided vital support
for students and teachers in the AHISD for over thirty years.
The Foundation is committed to furthering the AHISD mission
of encouraging the pursuit of excellence for all students in a
supportive, nurturing environment and maximizing individual
student potential through challenging curricula and access to the
latest technology.
Please Welcome
Dianne Hughes
On November 1, 2012,
Dianne Hughes joined
the Alamo Heights
School Foundation as its
new Executive Director,
bringing over 30 years
nonprofit experience to the
Foundation.
Working with a passionate
parent and community Board of Directors, the new
Foundation team is poised to grow broad-based
community support for its endowment to provide
consistent and meaningful investment in Alamo
Heights ISD’s academic excellence.
The Foundation’s General Endowment was created in the fall of 2002 with the
goal of obtaining long-term financial security for AHISD in support of the
District’s programs. Currently, the General Endowment provides the annual
salary for the Teacher for Academic Excellence in Science. This position
was established in 2007 to provide distinguished secondary students advanced
opportunities in science education activities such as internships in various
science laboratories, independent studies, special projects, and participation in
professional science conferences. Ron Malasky, AHHS Science Department
Chair holds this position.
Rob Boldrick Memorial Fund was established in 1991 in memory of Rob
Boldrick, 1974 Alamo Heights graduate to support teachers whose study,
training, or program development will help students with a penchant for
academic achievement; and those interested in careers in science, mathematics,
and language arts. The 2011-2012 Rob Boldrick Award funded two grants
to: Jessica Rodriguez and Elizabeth Kreager, Investigating Electricity; and
Xandra R. Garanzuay, Forensic Science Training & Laboratory Equipment
Glenn R. and Sally P. Ramsdell Fund was established through a bequest from
Miss Jacqueline Ramsdell. This endowment funds a teaching position in
English at AHHS. The Glenn R. and Sally P. Ramsdell Memorial Chair in
English is filled with a highly creative, enthusiastic person whose primary task
is to nurture excitement in literature for students at AHHS. Kay Caldwell,
AHHS English Department Chair holds this position.
Faye Langley Cowden Chair for Elementary Education was established in
1994. Mrs. Cowden, a 1930 graduate of Alamo Heights and former teacher,
established the endowment as a commitment to continued excellence in AHISD
elementary schools. Carol Espensen, a second grade teacher at Cambridge,
holds this position.
The AHISD Wellness Coordinator position was established in 2009 funded solely
through Foundation gifts in support of providing a trained professional to help
with the social and emotional issues of the community which impact all AHISD
schools. Michelli Ramon serves as the District’s Wellness Coordinator.
Reflective of her interests, The Caroline Gose Fund was established in her
memory, a 2003 Alamo Heights graduate. The fund supports a joint studentfaculty project benefiting the High School and the Alamo Heights community in
the areas of journalism, theater or community service. 2012 Recipients: Interact
Club’s Trip to the North Pole benefitting terminally ill children; Birthdays for
Hope benefitting the residents of Haven for Hope.
The Graham Ladenshohn Memorial Lecture Series was established in 1991, in
memory of Graham Ladensohn, who loved his teachers. The Graham Ladensohn
Memorial Lecture Series brings inspirational and educational speakers to the
Alamo Heights Independent School District for faculty and the community. 2012
Lecturer: Dr. Yong Zhao lectured on Designing 21st Century Schools.
The Martha Spoor Young Writers Fund was established in honor of Martha
Spoor, a 1987 graduate of AHHS and an English teacher at the Junior School
for 14 years. Her goal was to instill in young people a lifelong love of expressing
Alamo Heights School Foundation President, Anne Krause,
and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kevin Brown welcomed
Graham Ladenshohn guest lecturer, Dr. Yong Zhao.
Martha Spoor Young Writers Class of 2012
PAGE 20
2012 AHISD Report
themselves in their writing through the use of critical thinking and creativity.
The fund supports an intense summer writing workshop for AHISD 7th and
8th graders.
The Charles Urschel Guenther Theater Arts Fund was established in 2008 in
memory of Charles Guenther, a 1983 Alamo Heights graduate who loved
providing technical assistance for Alamo Heights High School dramatic
productions. The fund assists the Theater Arts Department at the High School
with its theater productions.
The Ida M. Kennedy Fund was established in memory of Mrs. Kennedy, a math
teacher at the Junior School. She was remembered for her ability to inspire
her students, individualize her curriculum, and encourage academic excellence
for her math students and the students she served by sponsoring the National
Junior Honor Society.
The Johnnie Eng Fund was established to honor the impact Mr. Eng had on his
students and colleagues. As a result of the Johnnie Eng Fund, six teachers were
selected to attend special training at the Schlechty Center as part of the AHISD
strategic plan. During the 2011-2012 academic year, this training with additional
funding was used to develop curriculum coordination and alignment for Social
Studies in Alamo Heights ISD (K-12).
Two newer funds were established in 2011: The Shine Bright Fund in memory
of Sarah Chidgey Hughes, an elementary school teacher, and in honor of her
mother, Denise Chidgey, who taught for over 30 years at Woodridge. The other
fund is the Paul A. Foerster Math Fund in honor of his 50 years of teaching at
Alamo Heights High School and in support of math teachers. When mature,
both funds will be used to support instruction and recognize teachers.
The Alamo Heights School Foundation
has its origin in the creation and
administration of academic scholarships.
For the 2011- 2012 academic year,
$27,400 was awarded in scholarships to
AHHS graduates.
2011-2012 AHSF GRANTS TO EDUCATORS
Alamo Heights High School:
Smart Board+Smart Tools+Smart
Curriculum+Smart Students..................... $2,743.00
Inquiry Based Data Collection Experimentation
..................................................................... $5,000.00
Fives on May 9 (AP Calculus Materials Assistance)...
.................................................................... $1,310.33
Texas STAAR End-of-Course Coach Workbook
........................................................................ $328.50
Alamo Heights Junior School:
From Readers to Writers.............................. $336.88
Junior School Musical.............................. $2,500.00
Lights! Camera! Action!........................... $1,275.74
Green Screen Me!......................................... $249.90
SMART Board Interactive Whiteboard...... $5,245.45
See For Yourself!.......................................... $364.55
Academic UIL/Science Olympiad Enrichment
Materials..................................................... $1,150.00
Guided Reading Room with Leveled Books............
.................................................................... $4,500.00
Libros en Espanol para Nuestra Biblioteca............
..................................................................... $4,000.00
Cambridge:
Feeding our “App”etite for Learning....... $1,000.00
Measuring Up!.............................................. $657.90
All Hands-On Science............................... $2,805.14
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Bob Ware Memorial Scholarship
awards scholarships to Alamo
Heights seniors who are involved in
extra-curricular activities at AHHS
and whose achievements are above
expectations. 2012 Recipient:
Dylan Lieck
The Foundation’s most exciting and fun event is the Prize
Posse that rides every November to award grants to AHISD
teachers for special projects, materials, books and other
instructional needs.
The Alamo Heights School Foundation
honors and supports students in their
pursuit of higher education providing
scholarships to Alamo Heights High School
deserving seniors.
The Oma E. Vordenbaum Scholarship
is also for graduating seniors who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a love
of learning, perseverance, strength of purpose, an honest and direct approach,
trustworthiness, unselfishness, neatness in work and appearance, and respect
for others. These were qualities Mrs. Vordenbaum exemplified and valued in
others. 2012 Recipients: Blake Duckers and Emmy Walters
Woodridge:
Woodridge School Store Wagon................. $500.00
The Letterheads.......................................... $1,145.00
Padres por la Educacion............................ $1,267.50
Service Learning “Si”................................. $1,070.00
Read It Your Way at the Daily CAFÉ..... $6,867.50
Growing a Generation of Readers............ $1,200.00
IXL Math for Woodridge........................$3,500.000
Howard:
Every Minute Counts Literacy Cart........ $3,500.00
Picture This!.................................................. $802.00
Starting Off on the “WRITE” Track........ $5,000.00
The W. W. and Anna May Campbell Scholarship provides scholarships for
AHHS graduates who plan to attend state or other publicly supported colleges
and universities. Recipients are selected based on scholastic ability and
financial need. 2012 Recipients: Emil Boehm, Dakota Bowen, Austin Gay,
Michelle Gonzaba, Kathleen Johnson, Gage Liesman, William McLeod,
Chelsey Monroe, Audrey Pfeil, and Audrey Stipe
Woodridge/Cambridge:
STEMscopes.............................................. $3,936.20
The Shirley Fitch English Memorial Scholarship awards an annual scholarship
to a graduating senior who has demonstrated academic effort, improvement,
and perseverance as well as demonstrated school spirit through involvement in
extracurricular activities. 2012 Recipient: Emily Meier
Robbins:
Calculators for Robbins Academy............ $1,021.80
The Jon McWilliams Memorial Award is presented to a student-athlete who,
most importantly, is a decent, honest young person, and a worthy citizen of the
school and larger community. The recipient is a good student who has shown
determination, and who, through spirit and dedication, has worked to achieve
his or her personal best in competitive athletics representing Alamo Heights
High School. 2012 Recipient: Maddie Flores
Woodridge/Cambridge/Howard:
Action Potential! Brain- Research Study Group
.................................................................... $2,138.00
Total GRANTS TO EDUCATORS:...... $65,415
“To exist as a nation, to prosper as a
state, and to live as a people, we must
have trees.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
www.ahisd.net
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ALAMO HEIGHTS ISD
7101 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 1305
San Antonio, Texas