INSIDE A review of events and achievements in Aldine ISD schools ALDINE Vol. 25, No. 3, Spring 2003 Inside This Issue 1 ➜ The wait was well worth it for Jake Cook ➜ Aldine ISD third graders exceed TAKS expectations ➜ Aldine ISD honors former Superintendent Donaldson The wait was well Aldine ISD third graders worth it for Jake Cook exceed TAKS expectations Eighty-eight percent of Aldine ISD third graders passed the English reading portion of the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test, while 91 percent passed the Spanish version of the test, exceeding passing rates expected by the Texas Education Agency. 2 ➜ Superintendent’s Message ➜ AISD Board names new school after long-time employee Jewell Simpson Houston ➜ AISD Board names school after long-time board member Doug Bussey ➜ Aldine ISD holds annual State of the District Breakfast 3 ➜ ASF Star Luncheon to honor W.W. Thorne ➜ 2003-04 school calendar ➜ Business Partner Profiles 4 ➜ Student Achievements 5 ➜ Former Ambassador brings history and knowledge to the classroom ➜ Raymond Academy earns third Magnet Award 6 ➜ Sixteen AISD football players earn scholarships ➜ AISD sends four teams to basketball playoffs ➜ Voice of Aldine athletics lends his talents to Houston Bowl 7 ➜ Golf tournament set to benefit Aldine Council of PTA ➜ Aldine ISD hosts 7th annual Teen Summit ➜ Conley Elementary partners with NHC to offer ESL, computer training for adults ➜ Aldine’s public information office wins 13 awards ➜ Health information available to the Spanishspeaking community ➜ Información sobre la salud estará disponible a los hispanohablantes 8 ➜ Aldine ISD trustees call 14910 ALDINE WESTFIELD ROAD HOUSTON, TEXAS 77032-3099 ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NONPROFIT ORG. CARRIER ROUTE PRESORT U.S. POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 5194 school board election ➜ Neil Bush visits Aldine ➜ Aldine ISD FFA students earn more than $78,000 at 44th Annual Project Show A special graduation ceremony was held to award a diploma to Jake Cook, center, in March. Cook left Aldine High School in October of 1943 to serve in World War II and never returned to high school. In May of 2001, Gov. Rick Perry signed legislation which gave school districts in Texas the ability to award high school diplomas to World War II veterans who were honorably discharged from the military. On hand to make the presentation were Vernon Lewis, right, assistant superintendent of administration, and Aldine Senior High School principal Ron Galindo. Story on Page 3 The TAKS test is the new accountability test mandated by the state, and replaces the TAAS (Texas Assessment of Academic Skills). TAKS is a more comprehensive test which will require more subjects and more students to be tested. The TAKS will be administered to students in grades 3-11. Aldine ISD Superintendent Nadine Kujawa said she was pleased with and proud of the results. “I am very excited about these results and proud of what our students have learned and achieved this year,” Mrs. Kujawa said. “These passing rates reflect the leadership of our school board which sets the expectations, our principals who set the course for instruction, our teachers who make learning possible in the classroom daily, and our educators and staff who support learning in a variety of ways.” Commissioner of Education Dr. Felipe Alanis credited the state’s reading initiative with playing a huge role in the students’ success with passing the test. This year’s third graders must pass the reading portion of TAKS to move on to fourth grade. Third graders will be given three opportunities to pass the reading portion of the test. Third graders will have a second Continued on Page 3 Aldine ISD honors former Superintendent Donaldson Aldine ISD superintendents from the past and present, along with numerous friends and family members, gathered to honor former Aldine ISD Superintendent M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson at a dedication ceremony held in his honor on Sunday, March 2 at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. Aldine ISD honored Donaldson, who served as the district’s superintendent from 1986 until his retirement in June of 2001, by naming four administration buildings in the district after him. Those buildings are the Central Office, the Human Resources/Special Education Building, the Resource Center (all located on Aldine Westfield Road) and the Aldine Annex (located on Lauder Road). A.W. Jones, assistant secretary of the Board of Education, added that all future administration buildings would also be named after the long-time superintendent. In addition to members of the board who attended the ceremony, former Superintendents W.W. Thorne and M.O. Campbell, along with current Superintendent Nadine Kujawa, were also in attendance, as well as numerous friends, former co-workers and community members. During Donaldson’s tenure, the district grew from 37,800 students to 52,500. Under Donaldson’s leadership, Aldine ISD earned a Recognized rating from the Texas Educa- tion Agency for five consecutive years and for two of those years it was the largest school district in the state to earn that distinction. Additionally, the visionary educator established intermediate campuses for fifth and sixth graders, ninth grade campuses for high school freshman and Aldine was the first school district in the Houston area to create a student financial aid specialist to help students and parents find funding for a college education. Also during his tenure, Donaldson reorganized the district in 1994 adding four area superintendents (a fifth was added in 1999) and in 1995, he oversaw the implementation of Magnet schools in the district. As a result of Donaldson’s leadership, innovation and pursuit of academic excellence, he was named Administrator of the Year by the Texas Educational Secretaries Association and in the summer of 1994 and 1995 he was named Superintendent of the Year for Region IV, which serves 57 school districts in the greater Houston area. He was also a two-time finalist Graduation: Dates, Times and Locations Aldine ISD students excell, talents shine • Lane School Friday, May 23 at 6 p.m. • Nimitz High Friday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. • Aldine High Saturday, May 24 at 8 a.m. • Carver High Saturday, May 24 at 10:30 a.m. • Eisenhower High Saturday, May 24 at 12:30 p.m. • MacArthur High Saturday, May 24 at 3:30 p.m. Pictured with Donaldson are, (l-r): former Superintendents M.O. Campbell, W.W. Thorne, and current Superintendent Nadine Kujawa. (1994 and 1995) for Texas Superintendent of the Year. In 1998, he was named Educator of the Month by Texas School Business magazine. Board President Emmett W. Hill said Donaldson’s vision and tireless work ethic were key factors in seeing to it that all children in Aldine received a quality education. The two first met in 1977 when Donaldson was named principal at Aldine Senior High School and Hill served on his staff as an assistant principal. “He developed the principle that all children can learn, no mat- ter where they came from,” said Hill. “He brought about some ideas that had not been tried in the Houston area. We have seen the results of his dedicated push for academic excellence with our children. Sonny has done a great and tremendous job for Aldine and he will be remembered for many, many years.” Jones, who made the formal dedication, said Donaldson was the right man to lead the district as it underwent numerous changes in the 1990s. Former Ambassador brings history and knowledge to the classroom Aldine ISD trustees call school board election Continued on Page 3 VOTE! MAY 3 Get a glimpse of the tremendous talent and achievement of students from throughout the district. Former Ambassador Walker ponders a question posed by a student during his visit to Ike Senior. Read on page 4. Read on page 5. The Aldine ISD Board of Education approved an election call during its Feb. 25 meeting. Read on page 8. Page 2 INSIDE A review of events and achievements in Aldine ISD schools. ALDINE Spring 2003 Aldine ISD Board names new school after long-time employee During the Jan. 14 Aldine ISD Board of Education meeting, trustees unanimously approved the naming of the new intermediate school in the Carver area after Jewell Simpson Houston. Board Vice President Dr. Viola M. Garcia, who chairs the board’s school naming committee, said the committee reviewed several names that were submitted by the community and decided on naming the school after Mrs. Houston because of the more than 50 years she served the district and the Acres Homes community. The school will be named Jewell Simpson Houston Academy and will serve fifth and sixth grade students. Superintendent’s Message First of all, thank you Aldine staff, parents, and residents of the Aldine community. Amid so much concern about the safety of our nation before and after the declaration of war, you have all responded with such wonderful support of our school district’s efforts to keep our students safe, healthy, and learning. I am so pleased to inform you that our combined efforts are really paying off. Let me explain. The results of the much anticipated third-grade TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test in reading are in, and Aldine’s students did very, very well. Eighty-eight percent of the third-graders tested met or exceeded this year’s passing standard. The ongoing focus on achievement and safety that we have all maintained during these challenging times has helped to make a significant difference for our children. Secondly, I want to assure you that we in Aldine have taken and will continue to take prudent steps to keep our children safe. We are reviewing and updating our emergency plans with the safety of students and staff at the heart of everything we do. We have also created a new position, director of safe and secure schools, to help us make the best and safest plans possible. Should any conditions or events occur which require Aldine to lock down or seal off a campus, please know that we will take care of your children until conditions become safer. As a parent myself, I know that your first concern is for your children. Most importantly, I want you to know that none of us can control all of the events that happen in our lives. However, we can certainly make plans for how we will react to them. In Aldine, we are reviewing our emergency plans (see page 8), practicing them, and strengthening them in order to make sure that our number one priority continues to be the education of students in a safe and secure environment. Sincerely, Nadine Kujawa, Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Houston began her teaching career in 1951 as a teacher at Carver Elementary School. In 1966, she served as a counselor at Carver High School where she guided hundreds of students over the course of eight years until 1974 when she accepted a counseling position at Eisenhower High School. She remained at Eisenhower until her retirement in June of 1985. She served the district for 34 years. In addition to her years working in Aldine, Mrs. Houston has also served on numerous state and civic associations including the Houston League of Professional and Business Clubs, the Ferguson Street Civic Club and on the board of the Acres Homes Multi-service Center. She has been honored at the local, state and national levels for the significant impact she has made in the lives of children. Aldine ISD graduate and former U.S. Rep. Floyd Flakes once honored her on the House floor by saying, “I rise to pay tribute to a woman who has spent the greater part of her life working to mold the lives of young people through her unselfish and tireless work as a teacher, counselor, community, and church worker, and friend.” Mrs. Houston, who received a standing ovation from the board and Jewell Simpson Houston, center, received a bouquet of roses from family members and friends after the Aldine ISD Board of Education named a new intermediate school in her honor. members of the audience, said she was thrilled to have a school named after her. “I am proud, and I am thankful, because this is quite an honor,” she said. “Tonight I am excited about what Aldine ISD has become.” Mrs. Houston said she hopes to be on hand when the doors of Jewell Simpson Houston Academy open on the first day of the 2003-04 school year. “I hope when my school opens that the children will just come excited every day. Let it be a school that glows,” she said. The board also named the new elementary located on Bammel North Houston Road, Aldine Elementary School. Both schools, along with another elementary school on Airline Drive, will open at the beginning of the 2003-04 school year. AISD board names school after long-time board member Doug Bussey Doug Bussey, who served on the Aldine ISD Board of Education for more than two decades, was honored by the men and women with whom he served during the Feb. 25 board meeting. Aldine trustees unanimously voted to name the district’s newest elementary school after Bussey, who served on the board for 21 years. Doug B. Bussey Elementary School will open at the beginning of the 2003-04 school year and will be located at 11555 Airline Drive. Bussey retired in November of 2001 when he and his wife Nita moved out of Aldine. The board invited him to the February 25 meeting to present him with a plaque to signify his years of service to the district. Needless to say, the naming of the school in his honor came as a total surprise to the long-time Aldine resident. “This is truly an honor,” Bussey said. “It was a pleasure to serve with this team. I thank the board and I wish the district continued success.” Board President Emmett W. Hill said Bussey was most deserving of the honor. “The Board of Education and the staff and students of Aldine gratefully acknowledge and appreciate your service, dedication and leadership,” Hill said. Board Vice-president Dr. Viola M. Garcia, who chairs the board’s school naming committee, said the committee reviewed several names that were submitted by the community and concluded that Bussey should be honored for the years he dedicated to the students and staff of Aldine ISD. Bussey was appointed to the board on May 20, 1980 to fill the unexpired term of Clifford Dunn. He was elected to Position 1 in January Board President Emmett W. Hill, right, and the AISD Board of Education honored former Aldine ISD board member Doug Bussey. of 1981. During his tenure on the board, he held all four board offices and chaired numerous committees. His three children all graduated from Aldine Senior High School. In addition to his years of devoted service to AISD, Bussey and his wife Nita have been active members of their church, Memorial Baptist, for the last 36 years. During that time he has served as a deacon and teller, and he has served on numerous committees, in- cluding the personnel committee and the building and usage committee. Bussey said he enjoyed working with his fellow board members during his time on the board, and taking part in yearly graduation exercises. “I would have to say my proudest moments in Aldine were handing out diplomas to the graduates,” Bussey said. “I handed out several thousand and it always made me proud to be a part of that.” Aldine ISD holds annual State of the District Breakfast Aldine ISD recently held its annual State of the District Breakfast as Superintendent Nadine Kujawa looked back at accomplishments from the 2001-02 school year and looked ahead to challenges the district, and public schools throughout the state, will face in the near future. • Increase and improve stakeholder The breakfast was held at the partnerships. Sheraton North Houston Hotel. Kujawa shared data with the Kujawa began her address by audience to support the district’s informing the crowd of the district’s objectives. mission, which is to “produce the She made the case for demonnation’s best students.” She added strating sustained growth in student that it was also important for students achievement by pointing to the fact who graduate from AISD to be critithat Aldine ISD has earned a Recogcal thinkers, problem solvers and nized rating from the Texas Education responsible citizens. Kujawa said if Agency for six consecutive years. She those goals are met, AISD graduates also pointed out that in the 2001-02 have a better chance of securing colschool year, 13 AISD schools earned lege scholarships, and landing better Exemplary ratings, up from seven the paying jobs. previous school year. Kujawa also Her address centered on four pointed out that AISD students scored objectives, which were: above the state average in all three • Demonstrate sustained growth in sections of the TAAS (Texas Assessstudent achievement; ment of Academic Skills) test. • Recruit, employ and retain a qualThe district’s dropout rate was ity teaching, administrative and also lower than the state’s, (Aldine’s support staff to attain excellence was 0.6 percent, while the state’s was in student performance; 1.0 percent in the 2001-02 school • Allocate resources to maximize year) she added. excellence and; Kujawa then looked at the job of recruiting and retaining a quality teaching and administrative staff. She said that when the 2002-03 school year began, AISD had a vacancy rate of 0.8 percent, which was an improvement from the 1.2 vacancy rate from August of 2001. In order to retain a quality staff, Aldine offers a competitive salary for teachers. First-year teachers begin at $35,000, which is one of the highest among school districts in Harris County. She also shared with the audience how Aldine ISD allocates its resources to maximize excellence in the classroom. Kujawa explained how school districts acquire revenue from the local, state and federal levels and added that Aldine allocates a majority of its budget for instruction ($3,590 per student during the 2001-02 school year, as opposed to $162 for administrative costs). Kujawa also pointed out that the district has continued to meet the needs of its 55,000-plus students and at the same time has been able to maintain the second lowest tax rate in Harris County. She concluded her address by looking ahead to the challenges that public education will face this year and in the future. Kujawa reminded the audience that the state of Texas has implemented a more rigorous accountability test this spring with the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test. “We will be ready for this challenge,” she said. “Our teachers and staff have been gearing up for this.” Perhaps the biggest challenge that lies ahead for Aldine, and all public schools in Texas, is the funding of public schools. Kujawa said school districts throughout the state are seeing their state funding shrink due to the fact the state is running at a deficit. “This is a very serious situation,” Kujawa said. “We need the people in Austin to realize the gravity of this. It’s something that is out there and must be addressed.” INSIDE Spring 2003 ASF Star Luncheon to honor W.W. Thorne The Aldine Scholarship Foundation (ASF) will honor former AISD Superintendent W.W. Thorne with the Community Star Award on Tuesday, May 13 at 11:30 a.m. Thorne will be presented the award during a luncheon at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. Tickets are $50. For information on table sponsorships and prices, call (281) 618-5440. Checks should be made out to the Aldine Scholarship Foundation and mailed to: North Harris College, LB 109, 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, Houston, TX 77073. All money raised from the luncheon will go to ASF, which will provide scholarships to deserving Aldine ISD graduates to attend any NHMCCD school. Aldine ISD honors former Superintendent Donaldson Continues from page 1 “It was a remarkable course that “Sonny” navigated during his 34 years in this school district,” Jones said. “He took on the job as superintendent when only a small percentage of students in Aldine were economically disadvantaged. By the time “Sonny” retired, however, 73 percent of our students were economically disadvantaged. “As the district changed, “Sonny” was determined to make sure that the change was for the better. He insisted that every student would receive a quality education and that Aldine would become a school district known for its academic achievement. During his time as superintendent, “Sonny” made sure that his team of superintendents, directors, principals, teachers, bus drivers and custodians were all on the same page, and that they understood clearly that the main thing was to keep the main thing the main thing.” Donaldson said he was flattered and honored to have the four buildings named after him, but he was quick to point out the success he enjoyed in Aldine was a team effort. “Without the work of a whole lot of people, we would not have been able to do all that we did,” he said. “So many things have been accomplished in Aldine over the years, not by one person, but because of a group of people who were committed to our goals. It’s been a great ride.” Donaldson spent his entire 34 years in education in Aldine ISD. His career began in 1967 as a teacher and coach at Aldine Senior High School. He also served the district as an assistant principal, principal, director of athletics and assistant superintendent of administration before being named superintendent of schools in 1986. Kujawa also thanked Donaldson for his years of service to the district, and former superintendents Thorne and Campbell for their leadership. “I’ve been very fortunate to work with the three former superintendents who are with us today,” she said. “Just look at the imprint they have made on this school district. Mr. Donaldson pointed the way toward academic achievement. Many of the benefits our employees have today are due to “Sonny” Donaldson. He has left his mark on this school district and we will never forget him and what he did for Aldine ISD.” A review of events and achievements in Aldine ISD schools. ALDINE The wait was well worth it for Jake Cook Jake Cook has lived a successful and full life. He’s a World War II veteran, a former fire chief of the City of Houston and a successful businessman, but for 60 years he was missing one thing that he deeply cherished, his high school diploma. Thanks to the efforts of a number of friends and family members, Cook now has that diploma. Cook left Aldine High School in November, 1942 to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Little did the Navy know that Cook was not of age to enlist, but thanks to a little “creative writing” Cook was able to sign up. The young man’s rightful age was discovered in February of 1943 when he came down with the measles and the Navy sent him home. Rather than enroll back in school, knowing that he would re-enlist as soon as he was eligible, Cook waited until his 18th birthday on Oct. 11, 1943, and again enlisted in the Navy. He served his country proudly until November of 1945, when he was honorably discharged. When he returned to Houston, Cook joined the Houston Fire Department and served until 1976. From 1968-73, Cook served as the city’s fire chief. Becoming a fireman was a lifelong dream of Cook’s. “I know it sounds corny and I know people think it’s some kind of line, but it never occurred to me to do anything else,” Cook said. “I was raised in the West End and there were eight of us. Every Christmas, the firemen gave shoes to needy kids and if it hadn’t been for those firemen, I would not have had shoes. Since then, I never wanted to be anything but a fireman. I figured if they could help me, I’d like to help them some day.” Cook has spent his adult life helping others, and recently, friends, family members and co-workers at the International Center for Entrepreneurial Development paid him back in a big way. They held a graduation luncheon in his honor and watched as Cook was presented with his high school diploma. On hand representing Aldine ISD were Vernon Lewis, assistant superintendent of administration, and Ron Galindo, principal of Aldine Senior High School. In May of 2001, Gov. Rick Perry signed legislation which gave school districts in Texas the ability to issue high school diplomas to World War II veterans who were scheduled to graduate from high school after 1940 and before 1951 and who were honorably discharged from the military. Cook more than qualified. Lewis said the district was proud that Aldine ISD was able to play a role in Cook’s big day. “The Legislature felt it was important to recognize the contributions our veterans made for our freedom,” Lewis said. “We’re very proud of those gentlemen for their contributions.” Lewis also lauded Cook for his work in helping make Houston one of the greatest cities in the nation. “This city would not be what it is today without the contributions of men like Jake Cook,” Lewis said. “These men made this city what it is. He (Jake) gave of himself at an early age to his country, and when he returned to Houston, he gave of himself to his community.” Following Lewis’ remarks, Galindo presented Cook with his diploma. “I’ve handed out a lot of diplomas in the last five years, some to athletes who have gone on to the NFL and others to young men and women who are doing great things, but this is a very special presentation I’m about to make. We are so proud of you, sir, and thank you for your years of service to our country and city.” Needless to say, Cook was touched by the presentation and the effort that was put forth on his behalf. “I have to say ‘thank you’ to a lot of good people,” he said. “I do understand the need for formal education. I’ve been fortunate to live a good life and I wouldn’t change a thing.” And after 60 years, Jake Cook has another chapter to add to his storied life. 2003-04 school calendar During the March 18 board meeting, trustees approved the 2003-04 school calendar. The first day of instruction will be Monday, Aug. 18. The 2003-04 school year will start a week later than it did the 2002-03 school year due to the fact Aldine ISD will open three new Aug. 11-15 Aug. 18 Sept. 1 Oct. 10 Oct. 13 Nov. 26-28 Dec. 18 Dec. 19 Dec. 22-Jan. 2 Jan. 5 Jan. 19 Feb. 16 March 15-19 April 9 April 12 May 27 May 28 April 12 & June 1 schools. District officials wanted to ensure that all three facilities would be up and running when students return to school. District/Building Staff Development Days First Day of Instruction Labor Day Holiday Building Staff Development Day (Student Holiday) Columbus Day Holiday Thanksgiving Holidays End of first semester (83 instructional days) Building Staff Development Day (Student Holiday) Midwinter Break District Staff Development Day (Student Holiday) Martin Luther King Holiday Presidents’ Day Holiday Spring Break Good Friday Holiday Building Staff Development Day (Student Holiday) End of second semester (94 instructional days) Last Day of Instruction Building Staff Development Day Inclement weather days Page 3 Aldine ISD Business Partner Profiles Aldine ISD is fortunate to have a number of business partners who give of their time and resources for the betterment of the district’s students and staff. Continuing with this edition of Inside Aldine, we will profile various business partners in each issue as a way of showing how school districts and businesses can work together to prepare students for the future. Halliburton Halliburton, one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the oil and gas industries, is one of Aldine ISD’s larger business partners. The North Houston/Greenspoint area is home to Halliburton’s Energy Services division, located at 3000 North Sam Houston Parkway East. Jay Kinch, strategic commodity manager for maintenance and procurement, said the Greenspoint office serves as a design and manufacturing facility. “At this location, we design and manufacture high tech tools and equipment used in the drilling process,” Kinch said. “We’re basically a service company for people who are drilling for oil. We provide answers and solutions to any problems they may have in the (drilling) process.” The Greenspoint campus employs 1,500 people, Kinch said. Being located so near one of the Houston area’s larger school districts, Kinch said his company believes it is important to have a solid working relationship with Aldine ISD. He said Halliburton employees are involved in Junior Achievement and support the district when called upon. “I think our company feels it’s important for business and the community to work hand-in-hand to be successful,” he said. Toward that end, Kinch offered some advice to Aldine ISD students who are seeking a career in engineering. “I think it’s imperative that they (students) have a solid college preparatory program in place,” he said. “It’s essential that they are solid students in math, engineering and the sciences.” He added that the more exposure a student can have to the business at an early age would benefit them down the road. “Any engagement a student can have, be it in technology fair, Destination Imagination or any other special interest program geared towards engineering or the sciences would be awesome ways to build skills.” Kinch added students should also take advantage of internships or shadowing programs to learn more about the engineering field. “Kids need exposure to a real work environment be it on the manufacturing floor or at a drafting table,” he said. “Kids have to have access to the real world. The closer visibility they have to the work place, the better off they will be to make decisions concerning their future.” North Houston Bank North Houston Bank has been a neighbor of Aldine ISD since it opened its doors in 1964. Bank vice president Audrey Warren has been with the bank since 1966 and has seen it and the district grow together. Along with serving the North Houston community (the bank is located at 3945 Little York Road), Warren said the bank considers its partnership with Aldine ISD important for both entities. “The children Aldine ISD serves are the future of this country and we feel it’s important that we support it through donations and giving of our time. Over the years, we’ve (the bank) been involved with the FFA (Future Farmers of America), Project Prom and we’ve worked closely with a number of the schools near our bank, especially Mendel Elementary and MacArthur High School.” In addition to her duties at the bank, Warren is a member of the Aldine Noon Optimist Club. Each year, the Optimist Club helps to sponsor the Special Olympics track and field meet, held in March at Aldine ISD’s Auxiliary Stadium. “We support the Optimist Club because they feel the same way as we do about helping out in the area where there is a need,” she said. Being a community bank, Warren said a majority of the staff resides in the community the bank serves. Over the years, Aldine ISD students who have an interest in banking have worked there during the summer. She added there are also full-time employees who are Aldine products. For current AISD students who are thinking of a career in banking, Warren has some words of advice. “Education is extremely important,” she said. “Computer knowledge is crucial these days. It’s very difficult to get into this business without computer knowledge. Everything these days is so connected with the computer, from bookkeeping to customer service.” Warren said the bank is proud of its partnership with Aldine ISD because it (the bank) likes being associated with professional and successful organizations. “Aldine ISD has a great interest in children. There is a lot of opportunity there (in the district),” she said. “It’s a well-managed district and its teachers are devoted to the kids, which is what it’s all about. I know if I ever need help with a community service project, all I have to do is call MacArthur or one of the other schools near us. They are always willing to help.” Gallery Furniture Jim “Mattress Mac” McIngvale has become famous for his sales pitch that he will save people money when they shop at Gallery Furniture, but he’s also very generous with his money when it comes to assisting Aldine ISD. McIngvale has volunteered his time and resources for more than two decades to help Aldine ISD students and staff members. Whenever he is called, he has always been willing to lend a hand, make a speech or provide give-aways at events like the Teacher of the Year Breakfast, the new teacher luncheon and the State of the District Breakfast. At last year’s new teacher luncheon, McIngvale took time out of his busy schedule to address the district’s new educators, but he didn’t stop there. He provided them with hats, tote bags and T-shirts to welcome the new teachers to Houston and Aldine ISD. “I believe teachers perform such a vital role in our society and I think they should be recognized for their efforts,” McIngvale said. McIngvale became associated with Aldine ISD through his friendship with former Aldine ISD Superintendent M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson. Over the last 20 years, McIngvale has talked to AISD students about the dangers of drugs, been a strong supporter of the district’s FFA (Future Farmers of America) program and the ASF (Aldine Scholarship Foundation). Last year, McIngvale donated $20,000 to ASF at the second annual ASF Community Star Award, held in his honor. ASF provides scholarships to Aldine ISD graduates to attend any one of the colleges in the North Harris Montgomery Community College District. Without ASF’s assistance, those students would probably not be able to attend college, which is why supporting the foundation is important to McIngvale. “ASF is a wonderful organization,” he said. “What it’s all about is helping young people.” McIngvale not only supports the district financially, but he also employs a number of AISD students. He definitely proudly gives back to the community which has been so good to him. “It’s important to us at Gallery Furniture to be a part of this community,” he said. “Aldine ISD is a good partner and we really cherish the relationship we have with it.” INSIDE Page 4 A review of events and achievements in Aldine ISD schools. ALDINE Spring 2003 s t n e m e v e i h c A t n e d u t S cademic Regional A ontest C DecathlonSenior r Eisenhowe first place Speech , Le . M as evor Thom in Music; Tr w, ce la p d ir tervie and th place in In Jones, first in Speech, Language s second place , and Written Quiz re tu ra and Lite ral Super place in O t place and third firs t Martinez, Quiz; Skarle a Muhammed, first mal in Music; So c, Art, and Written si u M ces in place in d second pla e and an iz u Q ag Super gu n mics and La Essay, Econo ica Crowl, first place ss Literature; Je place in Oral Super d n ics; Carin Art, seco ce in Econom guage la p d n Quiz, thir La ird place in men Mora, th and Martin Nguyen, ; and Literature ritten Super Quiz. W in ced third place Senior pla am te Eisenhower e rg ll in the la second overa Somala Muhammed division with d place honors for n earning seco ll performance. ra ve o individual ior n e S z in EsNimit in, first place Summer Kle eed , third place ton Sn say; and Ash ce n ie in Social Sc stination District De Contest n Imaginationior High School, MacArthur Se r High School, Senio Eisenhower ediate School and rm te In second Parker y finished Harem d ca A s Harri es. their categori and third in six-member team y’s ris Academ the Video Adventure in d ir Creative placed th d received a Award. an ge n Challe ci in lving DaV Problem So nsisted of Dimitri co Victoria The team ey Tarleton, Mayes, Sydn Gonzalez, Maribel ie Eng, Stephan ary Hester. h ac Z d an z Saen first in iddle placed Hambrick M Category. Parker tion the Improvisa had its team, The te ia ed first. Interm Team, place ker ts ar Sm r te ar Thea l, P iddle Schoo Hambrick M School, MacArthur Intermediate hool, and Bethune Sc Senior High nced to the State va ad y em d Aca contest at Imagination n io at n ti es D l. r High Schoo Nimitz Senio ed NursState Certifi t n ing Assistaz Health Science it All 11 Nim rse Aide students Nu III gy am. Technolo rtification ex a ce e at st e th nniqu passed deras, Ro olina al B cy ar M Car ura Cruz, Coleman, La Escobedo, Sandra id Elizondo, Dav nifer Moreno, Shy n Je , ez akisha Martin Simpson, N ly el Sh , ei Nwaj rreal osanna Villa Smith, and R Coca-Cola 2002-2003 ogram r Scholars P imitz Senior is y of N Cooper Carle i-finalists advancm se 0 0 was one of 2,0 gnition. He 00 co re is th r ,0 0 0 1 ing fo an more th selected from across the U.S. He m o applicants fr p 2 percent who apto is among the He was commend. ar ye is vements plied th ership, achie ad le is h r ed fo . and potential of Poets, n io t a r b le Ce test poetry con y sponsored b unications m m o C e Creativ below dents listed The six stu le had their work Midd from Aldine fall anthology. a in hristina published r You” by C fo l fu te “Gra rs” by Fernandez from Daughte “To Mothers nes Carinecia Jo My Dark emories in M l u ef “Hat iam Trejo Hole” by Mir Father” by John“Heavenly ams ei n shia Willi by Efrain us Jewel” o ci re “A P s Viney Sanchez u” by Charle Yo to p U t’s “I an Student Pan Americ Antonio Forum-San Spanish e Texas Stat Contest ipated) enior partic (Eisenhower S ers Native speak stening: Adriana Li in ce la 1st P 3 l ve le , cabuGarza Advanced Vo in ce la P st 1 Ochoa lary: Fátima in Advanced Gramce la 2nd P érez mar: Aarón P Advanced Listening: in ce la P 4th pez and Jéssica Ló Edwin Reyes eakers Non-Native Sp dvanced Culture: A 1st Place in er Tran Natasia Walk Culture: Tu ce 2nd Pla in Phan, level 3 Advanced Culture: 3rd Place in n Martin Nguye Senior isenhower Nineteen E dents also made b stu Spanish Clu ith their skit entitled w it as finalists d,” which they perea D g n vi Li e h Noche “T the contest’s g n ri formed du celebration. a Panamerican ngineerNational E ture City u ing Week F n Competitio el Award: ter Mod Best Compu mprised of Tomco am Maximus Te smin Hudson, AunJa , es mie Grim Rodriguez and Ruben dre Wesley Academy of Grantham l Excellence Award: ra Architectu prised of Team com y it C ar St ick Curtis man, Dener Tommy Ger nson of Grantham h and Sean Jo y em Acad asers Crowd Ple lveston a Houston-G Showcase ol igh Scho (MacArthur H participated) s won three fficer • Team o ds for three rouawar Sweepstakes Class Officer Pom t es B d tines an . d ar Aw e n per ti Rou won the Su ss am te la C • The in Award, Best Sweepstakes ary and Team Hip ilit in Team M Award. es n ti u o R tings. Hop Division I ra lo So t h ig E • uston District Ho elling Sp Chronicle rs Bee Winne ser of Austin Glam Champion: y Drew Academ mily Rhodes of BetE : ce la P d n 2 y hune Academ d to the Regional n va Both ad ce le Spelling Bee in nic Houston Chro ston. u o H n w to down ingual District Bil Winners e Spelling Bea Ortiz of North- lg Champion: O te ia west Intermed Luisa Quinones of : 2nd Place rmediate Caraway Inte d to the Regional Both advance g Bee Event on ellin Bilingual Sp e University. Ortiz ic R in the May 17 at r to placing nting ge n ra st o n se is pre ling Bee, re District Spel y, she placed third in Carter Academ st. te the 2001 con German petition State Com MacArthur and (Carver High ated) ip Senior partic 1st Place: : Branden Taylor ry Prose Memo vel 3 le , h ig H r ve dairo of Car Le’Janae Fa h, g: in ct A et u H D ver ig Mize of Car i il sh A d an level 1 2nd Place: Branden Taylor Duet Acting: ons of Carver Simm and Joseph 3 l High, leve 3rd Place: Valerie Gutierrez g: Sight Readin r, level 1 nio Se r of MacArthu ing: Valerie Gutierd ea R Poetry vel 1 hur Senior, le rez of MacArt : Kathleen Santos of Photo Essay Carver High ing: Evette Rios of Prose Read l 3 leve Carver High, ory: Laura Moyer of em M ry Poet level 1 Anna Carver High, Moyer and Poster: Laura igh rH Davis of Carve : ce la P bull, 4th : Larry Turn and w o Sh et p p Pu erez na, Cassy P Shaun Tijeri es of MacArthur al Marcos Per Senior 5th Place: rehension: Kathmp Reading Co ver High, level 3 Car f o leen Santos ry: Joseph Simmons o em M Prose h, level 3 of Carver Hig g: Laura Moyer of Prose Readin l 1 leve Carver High, ’Janae Fadairo of : ar Gramm Le l 1 leve Carver High, Doll Costume: Tina in ce la P 5th ver High Trang of Car PSAT and ion it AP Recogninary Scholas- m PSAT (Preli t Test)/NMSQT n e m ve ie ch rship tic A rit Schola e M l a n o ti a (N Test) mala Qualifying Scholars: So d em Comm ed enhower Senior, of Eis Muhammed MacArthur Senior, of Chuck Yee wa of Nimitz Senior So and Melanie ievement Scholars: A al Nation ch Robert Ross of and Jon Gentry ior n Se r u h rt A ment) Mac ced Place va AP (Ad n : ChrisExams h Distinction Scholars wit ldine Senior and of A tine Nguyen f Eisenhower Senior o Elaine Cheng ith Honor: Tra-My w Scholars f Aldine Rodriguez o Dinh and Eli and Suzanne Le of Le Senior, Bao nior; and Tiffany Se er w o h Nelson Eisen ine Beas and el u cq Ja , en r ll A io acArthur Sen Morales of M mantha DeHaro, Scholars: Sa d Hoa Phan of el an Alvarez, Lilian Mogu r; Patricia io n Se e in Ald Dan Tran ammed and Somala Muh Senior; and Rocio er of Eisenhow aisy Rodriguez of D d an a Garci ior n Se r u h rt A Mac Art Month State Youth l Show o State CapitISD students had e Three Aldin sen to hang in the o ch rk their artwo r the Show: George fo l o it cademy, State Cap Anderson A Quintero of f MacArthur Senior, o Mayra Yanez wl of Eisenhower Cro a ic ss Je d of the an formed part Senior. They artwork collection t 100 studen e state displayed in th ss ro ac from . ch Mar Houston rs Contest Showmake rticipated) r pa (Nimitz Senio ds: ision Awar Officer Div s Award, Out, Judge Sweepstakes ography (Lyrical, ore standing Ch lty), and Showmanve Jazz and No z and Novelty) az ship Award (J ds: ision Awar Team Div dges Award, , Ju Sweepstakes oreography (Pom), h C g Hop Oustandin Award (Hip ory ip sh eg at Showman C , and Best in and Lyrical) (Lyrical) solo earned 13 all The team sm r u tings and fo Divion I ra ion I ratings. is ensemble Div est H.T.E. Cont partici- School (Aldine High pated) owome the foll kh The team too ers Sweepstakes, ic ff O ilitary, ing awards: Class for M op, in t es B er ic ff ip O H H in Class for Officer Best hy. ap and Choreogr Star ntest Makers Co followk home the The team too er Sweepstakes, Offic ing awards: in Military, Officer Officer Gold n, Officer Bronze der Silver in Mo am Super SweepTe , p o , Team in Hip H Gold in Pom Gold am Te stakes, am itary, and Te Gold in Mil in Jazz. estock Houston Liv odeo R Show and inners W School Art Best of Show ivision: Dennise D Elementary ll Academy ro ar C z, el Orta, Gutierre iv D ision: Isra Junior High te edia Eckert Interm Divison: Olga Valdeh ig Senior H Senior spino, Aldine ores of s: Daisy Fl an of al ed M ld o G g Tr r and Quan Aldine Senio r Nimitz Senio : Thanh Lam, Patriit er M l ia ez of Spec manda Sanch ega A d an a er iv cia R la Ort r and Priscil Aldine Senio r of Hall Cente ists for had 35 final recAldine ISD al ed M and Gold Best of Show 47 first place Blue 1 ognition and nts. Best of Show, ie p ci l Merit Ribbon re and Specia Gold medal nts advance to pie award reci Houston Livestock e th compete in . Their artwork was eo d o Show & R ft Gallery the new Haylo exhibited in eliant Center. eR located in th Scholastic t r A l a u is V VASE) Art Event ( d Area Final- ing an Superior Rat Lucia ists oang Do and Division 1: H enhower Senior, of Eis High, Hernandez s of Carver nior, to n Sa en le Kath itz Se amos of Nim Emmanuel R rreal of MacArthur la and Juan Vil of Senior ecca Ramirez eb R : 2 n io is Div Carver High Andrew Rodriguez Division 3: ; Marcoby Huff, High Santana of Carver er and Davis d Luis rv Ta a Barbar an r; er Senio of Eisenhow Yamilet Salazar of d Gonzalez an ior n MacArthur Se arbara Kierewicz of B : 4 n io Divis nes of d Jermael Jo an h ig H r Carve r Nimitz Senio rk also udent artwo Aldine ISD st r ratings in Diviperio earned 30 Su Division III, 16 in in sion IV, 19 d 27 in Division I. an Division II, ists will advance to al n fi held at The area contest to be Clear SE VA e at the Stat n o ty of Houst the Universi 2. -1 1 1 Lake April nal 2003 Regio rt & A Scholastic rds a Writing Aw(writing): Amelia Gold Award Senior hur Ruiz, MacArt (art): Chelsea Corod Gold Awar avis, Jesards), Niki D rewicz aw o w (t o ad ie n n, Barbara K sica Donaldso n of Carver High ye and Mike Ngu s (writing): Cheuck d ar Aw er lv Si Daniel Ingram and and la ee m Je e, Ye nior; MacArthur Se Gonzales of Grantham Academy of Violetta Krol s (art): Laura Moyd ar Aw er lv Si Conklin n and Brad ye gu N im K er, h of Carver Hig to the ers advance ting n in w ey K ld Go Wri olastic Art & National Sch in New York. st Awards Conte cation EPA Certifihad five CATE air r Aldine Senio dents earn Enviu st g in cercondition ction Agency ija te ro P l ta Le ra ronmen d n nses. Aleja tification lice ntesinos passed all o M and Walter e test to earn an th f o sus Gil, sections l License. Je EPA Universa and Johnny Garcia al Alonso Magey Type III License. PA E an ed earn INSIDE Spring 2003 A review of events and achievements in Aldine ISD schools. istory Fa Regional H ners only) place win ir (1st and 2nd dred, y Chelsea Kin b ” an M ed ior nd God Creat 1st Place mentary - “A iana Rocha of Nimitz Sen a, Rachel Mecu o D p u ro G D autist and Senior Ricky Patel, Slew Goliath” by Ranell B itz Senior a, d n ra b Li d of Nim avid Edwar p Exhibit - “D er Tran and Melissa Tran : Handover of Hong u ro G r io n Se Red , Pet ower Ninth ng the Town tel Saludares jorada, Shan p Performance - “Painti Le and Ly Pham of Eisenh mala MuSenior Grou g, Crystal Cho, Rebecca e of the Sword” by So Chen er Sid Kong” by Eva rical Paper - “ On Eith ” m Apartheid Senior Histo hower Senior frica Free fro A th u So g en n is ti hammed of E idual Documentary - “Set f Eisenrah Shurer o Senior Indiv f MacArthur Senior Sa y b y” it al co o Neutr by Fallon Del idual Exhibit - “Armed iv d : A Cultural In r io Sen ding Schools ar o B n ia d n r hower Senio idual Performance - “I er Senior mser and Senior Indiv tin Nguyen of Eisenhow Pox Age” by Austin Gla all y Mar Genocide” b p Documentary - “The Sm y u ro e Country” b G r Junio cademy ove About th A M w to re D ee f o Fr Ernesto Reyes p Exhibit - “You Are Now and Brithelsea Davis Junior Grou f Parker Intermediate C y b e” ic st ks o the Ju Stephanie Hic Performance - “You Be p u ger of Hoffro te G ia r Junio y Travis Gran Intermed b er ” k ce ar P an f al o B en of tani McCutch rical Paper - “In Search Parker to is H r io n atie Bride of K Ju y b s” am len Dre man Middle idual Documentary - “Sto iel Ehrlich iv d In r Junio 1894” by Dan f o e k ri St man Intermediate idual Exhibit - “The Pull e Oriv d In r io he Story of th n T : Ju k ac Tr t te h the Rig termedia of Parker In idual Performance - “On dle id iv M d e In u f Teag Junior mily Hutto o E y b s” n ai phan Tr Changed the Nine: They rrato and ck o R le tt Li Jesus Se 2nd Place Documentary - “The iel Moguel, n o n O p u , ro Le G g Senior y Tri Dun hool Day” b ” by Tiffany World One Sc Aldine Senior w Journalism of Eiseno ll Ye f o es Li f an Dina Urena o p Exhibit - “Through the guyen and Catherine Tr N u a ro n G Ti r , io Le n Se han ia Elder, Garza, Jonat me” by Kesh ior Ti Dinh, Vanessa ig B to e m r Tea Ti ur Sen hower Senio p Performance - “From egino Perez of MacArth itz Senior R u d im ro N G an f r o n o io Sen Patters a Herber n th o n an m an Sa Sh y , Compton b l ez Maria D. Lop cal Paper - “Red Hunting” Chicago Boys” by Danie Senior Histori al Documentary - “Port idu r” by Brad Senior Indiv cation Cente o el R in ta n u Mo th of Aldine Nin idual Exhibit - “The Heart by Pamela iv d In r io n Se Great Man...” ry h ve ig E H d r in ve eh ar Conklin of C idual Performance - “B e Middle ollins of Teagu y Chris Senior Indiv ower Senior C ip h C y b ” , Fire le” b isenh Vasquez of E Documentary - “Ready, Aim ethu: Power to the Peop rmediate p w te u ga In ro N G er r la k d io an Jun f Par Exhibit - “Am d Matthew Rodriguez o ation” by Destiny p u ro G r io n gr an Ju es Inte Worthy of ella Gabrielid e Bridge to Button, Gabri p Performamce - “Th , Ariel Riley and Raven Junior Grou ronet, Christina Ramirez ity” by Rani lie D Aguirre, Car rmediate r Responsibil u O t, h ig R ’ rs te Northwest In rical Paper - “The Soldie Smith of s” by Bryan Junior Histo iddle an ic er m A ue M terned Watts of Teag idual Documentary - “In iv Moines” by d In r Junio nker vs. Des Ti t: en te m ia d ed en Parker Interm idual Exhibit - “First Am seph Action” by Jo in Junior Indiv Stovall Middle er w o P t n of onviole Daniel Varner idual Performance - “N t iv d In r ” All 28 firs Junio termediate ponsibilities. Day ConIn es er R k d ar P an f ts o h Brown eme is “Rig pete at the State History istory Fair th m This year’s H entries will go on to co ce la p d n and seco May 9-10. test in Austin ts pair studen tion a ance and re n c te ican ifi ai t r m e r te C ensive certif mpu A+ 13 CATE co he compreh s. T well as r had Aldine Senio tion for computer system software installation as chnoland tifica nal te earn A+ Cer l apsects of hardware stest growing instructio ere Luis w al fa e ts es th en lv d is vo u n st catio The tion in w Keene, g. A+ Certifi gnized internationally. n re ti d o n o A , sh ez le it b u en B co tro l re ae is af R d ion an mie Lopez, Molina, ogy qualificat on Kent, Luis Lazo, John oberts, Vincent Gomez, Ja R d Renteria, Bra tor Nelson, John “Mike” ic V , d d La Johne . d Juan Rivas Ray Losoya an 9 UIL Region ir o h C l o o High Sch mble Contest School e s ower High h n n E e is & E lo So Ratings n 1st Divisio Ensembles Solos : 22 0 Class 1 6 Class 1: 1 : 5 Class 3 Class 2: 2 Class 3: h School Nimitz Hig atings l nR High Schoo 1st Divisio Ensembles MacArthur atings s 2 lo R So n io is Class 1: 2 1st Div Ensemble 8 ss 1: 29 la C : 2 ss la Solo : 1 25 C 1 ss : 2 la C 6 ss la C : Class 1: 4 6 Class 3 Class 3: 1 h School the State Hig ustin. to d ce n va ad of Texas at A ision rating g a First Div st May 26 at the University in rn ea ts en d Stu le Conte lo & Ensemb Choir UIL So School Aldine High atings R n 1st Divisio Solos Class 1: 1 Class 2: 1 ALDINE Page 5 IL Region 9 U d n a B l o High Scho mble Contest h School e Carver Hig atings Solo & Ens ool Division R Sch 1st Aldine High atings R Solos n io is iv D 1st 3 Ensembles Class 1: 9 Solos 1 2 : 1 ss : Cla Class 2 Class 1: 23 4 2: 11 : ss : 3 la C Class Class 2: 14 School h ig ldine H A Class 3: 2 ol n Ratings 1st Divisio r High Scho Ensembles Eisenhowe atings s 6 lo R So n : io is 1st Div 5 Class 1 1: Ensembles 1 ss la C : 2 ss Solos 2 Cla :9 1 ss : 2 la C ss la C Class 1: 20 Class 2: 2 h School Nimitz Hig atings nR 1st Divisio Ensembles Solos Class 1: 3 h School Class 1: 5 the State Hig xas at lass: 2: 1 to C d ce n 2 va : ad Class 2 niversity of Te ision rating g a First Div test on May 26 at the U in rn ea ts en d n Stu le Co lo & Ensemb Band UIL So Austin. y amily, Regional F mmunity o Career & C merica A Leaders of Contest ur h r and MacArt io n e S e in ld (A ipated) Senior partic ns: 2nd Place Communicatio Interpersonal Audette Anderson mos, Dominique A uez of Aldine Senior zq Va ia d rguand Clau ams: Juan A a gr ro P al n io Nat Tawan Jackson and eta, Britney Senior e Wiltz of Aldin hildren: Ashly NicaC n o Focus and KimRichardson Senior sio, Cindy r u of MacArth berly Abbott 3rd Place case: Cory Fonw Chapter Sho vin and Theresa Ir a ek an Sh tenot, in ld e Senior Sanchez of A chnology: Khemile Applied Te rera and Davey i Her Baca, Naom nior Se e in ld HarSeth of A e: Chauncee ria ic rv Se r te Chap Victo y Jones and rison, Tiffan ur Senior rth Lee of MacA ce la Dalila 6th P Jose Garcia, Culinary Arts: a, Diana Murillo, Mat Juarez, Kim r and Fabiana Serza la Rosendo Sa hur Senior rt A ac rano of M ners xth place win n si gh u ro th t Firs mpetitio the state co to d ce n va ad h May 7-9. in Fort Wort l Team Meet Tomball Drilhur Senior High h The MacArt in Armed Drill t rs fi n o Drill JROTC w d Un-Armed d an n io is iv ce la p Team d p u o n. The gr Team divisio r Guard Division. lo second in Co n EspiTeam: Christia Armed Drill ns, Jorge Mendez, Eva noza, Donald Dominic Sanders, a, Trino Garci iel Rodriguez, Ruth Dan Lynn Bailey, Peralez, Jaime Bravo, s co ar Chavez, M mora d Diego Zam elissa an n so Ja Ricky : rill Team M Un-Armed D astres, Lakresha in B Urias, Krist itriss Harold, Olem D ez, Ana Williams, Dulces Sanch ica Es, o id ivia Ove ss Je ina Hall, Ramirez, Reg a Galareza ic ss parza and Je : Topacio Celis, Gad ar u Color G Patterson, les, Shannon briela Gonza , Mayra Espinoza, nez Nicole Marti Erick Ledezma, Joel , ez er P a in , Brian Krist ael Sanchez h ic M , to er u P rdy homas McCu Garcia, and T nsic AsTexas Fore ate Meet t sociation S , Adam Powell son Crystal John s of Aldine Senior am illi and Irene W for the state meet. d ie if al u q e hav y Technolog Winners Rall ly) (first place on School Division: h ite Wings Hig Wh Grade f Nimitz Ninth Chris Sharp o iddle School Division: White Wings M ntham Middle of Gra Mark William ool Diviss High Sch Eisenre St Bridge o Zendajas f sion: Abraham r hower Senio ss Middle School Bridge Stre ancey of Aldine ott N Division: Sc ManuMiddle puter-Aided ion: m o C l il M C CN Divis igh School facturing H ro of Carver High te Rogelio Quin puter-Aided Manum o C l il ion: CNC M School Divis le d id M g n iddle facturi of Shotwell M ming jo an ar N s lo am Car anual Progr CNC Mill M ivision: Richard l D High Schoo z Ninth Grade it im N f o ming Brewe ual Program is an M l il M C CN : Genes ool Division h Sc le d id M otwell Middle DeLeon of Sh fety Posters High Manual Sa Korderal Ware of ion: School Divis de Gra Nimitz Ninth ty Posters Middle Sa Manual fe Melissa Espinoza ion: School Divis dle id M l el tw puter) of Sho ster (Com iseno P ty fe Sa E Tri Thoi of High School: r r) Midhower Senio er (Compute les of st o P ty Safe za n o Stephanie G dle School: le Teague Midd lving High School Problem So ce Williams of laren Division: C r io n Se z School Nimit ing Middle and lv So m le b ro P an usuf Chauch Division: Y uez of Shotwell q Miguel Mar do of Middle hool: Eric Pra Sc h ig H s en P anda Nimitz Ninth School: Am Pens Middle e Middle Aldin Longoria of ign High School Dies D ar C 2 CO f Aldine l Gonzales o ie k ze E : n o visi School Senior ign Middle CO2 Car Des tinez of Hoffman Mar Level: Juan School Middle acing High CO2 Car R l Griffin of Nimitz hae Division: Mic School Ninth ing Middle ac R ar C 2 O C ngton of aquel Carri R : n io is iv D dle Hoffman Mid ill Drafting Contest Sk d an d Spee mothy Division: Ti l o o h Sc r High hower Senio Lewis of Eisen ill Drafting Contest Speed and Sk ivision: Jonathon ol D Middle Scho ntham Middle ra G f o za o FinEspin School Team h ig H ll ra ve O inth Grade ish: Nimitz N le School Team FinOverall Midd dle Mid ish: Shotwell Former Ambassador brings history and knowledge to the classroom Former Ambassador Lannon Walker visited with more than 50 Eisenhower Senior High history students in February. The former ambassador spoke about the history, culture, and struggle for power and leadership in Nigeria. This proved to be of great interest to many of the advanced placement (AP) history students present. Nigeria is one of the countries on the AP exam this year. Walker began his diplomatic career with the State Department in 1961 when he was assigned to Morocco. While working for the department, he served in various posts in Africa: Algeria, Libya, Cameroon and Zaire. Walker also served in Vietnam. In 1985, he was appointed as the United States Ambassador to Senegal before being named Ambassador to Nigeria and the Ivory Coast. Retired now from diplomatic life, Walker still keeps close ties with various African nations through his consulting firm Africa Strategy Corp. He currently resides in the south of France. Evident that the students were engrossed by Walker’s expertise and experience, more than 20 in-depth questions were posed to the former ambassador. This caused the program to run over the set time, but the guest speaker went on to answer each student’s question. Walker’s passion for diplomacy churned over when he encouraged the students to pursue it as a career. As soon as he made this statement, students immediately raised their hands to inquire about the requirements to be a foreign diplomat. Even at the end of the program, students surrounded the ambassador wanting to know more about his career and experiences. The World Affairs Council of Houston made the former ambassador’s visit possible. Raymond Academy earns third MSA Award For a third consecutive year, Raymond Academy has been honored by Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the national Magnet Schools organization. It was once again the recipient of the prestigious Magnet School of Excellence Award. The award is designed to promote excellence among Magnet Schools. School recognition is based on a number of components: proposal format, demographic profile, program overview, innovative instructional strategies, student assessment, parent and community involvement, and awards and achievements. All award level winners will be recognized April 5-10 at the 21st Annual MSA Conference hosted by Long Beach Unified School District in Long Beach, CA. Raymond Academy and other Magnet School of Excellence Award winners will vie to be the recipient of the Dr. Ronald Simpson Distinguished Merit Award, which includes a cash prize of $5,000 provided by Phale D. Hale Education Consulting, Inc. Page 6 INSIDE A review of events and achievements in Aldine ISD schools. ALDINE Spring 2003 Sixteen AISD football players earn scholarships Sixteen Aldine ISD senior football players saw their years of hard work and dedication in the classroom and on the field rewarded on Feb. 5 when they signed national letters of intent. Eisenhower High and Nimitz High led the way as six players at both schools earned college scholarships. MacArthur High had two players sign, while Aldine High had one. Eisenhower High head football coach Richard Carson told a group of happy parents and players who gathered on signing day that this was a day they should never forget. “It’s a very special deal to be able to sign. All of you guys are special to us and we are proud of you for the hard work you put in to get here,” Carson said. “But remember, not too many guys make it to the NFL, so use this opportunity you’ve been handed to get a college education. That’s the most important thing you have in front of you. You’ve also got a job to be ambassadors for Eisenhower High School.” Eagles who signed scholarships on National Signing Day were defensive tackle Martin Thompson, who inked with Stephen F. Austin State University, offensive lineman Elijah Simon, who signed with Sam Houston State University and defensive end Oscar Scott and linebacker Kevin Blackshire, who both signed with Moorehouse College in Atlanta, GA. Also signing scholarships were offensive lineman Billy Foster and wide receiver Michael Glover, who signed with Blinn College. Carson said he hopes to have three to four more players sign at a later date. Nimitz High head football coach Randy Rowe said the six Cougars who signed had reached an important milestone in their lives. “This is a very special milestone in the lives of these six young men, who have worked hard academically and athletically year round to reach this goal of having their college education provided for them,” Rowe said. “I know they will continue to work hard and make us and their families proud.” The Nimitz players who signed were offensive tackle Joseph Joseph, who signed with Louisiana Monroe, offensive tackle Josh Bass, who signed with McNeese State, and wide receiver DeWayne Bloodsaw, defensive tackle LaMonte Johnson, and defensive end Mack McCray, who all signed with Texas Southern University. Defensive back Julius Clebourne has a number of offers on the table, but has yet to make his final choice. MacArthur High had two players sign, as defensive back Jamal Mosley signed with Sam Houston State University and fellow defensive back Chris Ellis signed on with Texas Southern University. Aldine High had one player sign, as quarterback/defensive back Brandon Green signed with Blinn College. MacArthur High School senior football players Chris Ellis, left, and Jamal Mosley, right, signed national letters of intent on Feb. 5. Pictured with the duo is MacArthur High head football coach Jerry Drones. The 2002-03 high school basketball season was a successful one for Aldine ISD teams. Six Nimitz High School seniors signed national letters of intent on Feb. 5 to continue their football careers. The six were, (l-r): Joseph Joseph, Josh Bass, DeWayne Bloodsaw, LaMonte Johnson, Julius Clebourne and Mack McCray. Pictured with the group is Nimitz High head football coach Randy Rowe. Eisenhower High School football players who earned scholarships on Feb. 5 were, front row (l-r): Kevin Blackshire and Michael Glover. Back row (l-r): Corey Roberts, Elijah Simon, Oscar Scott, Billy Foster and Martin Thompson. Pictured with the group is head football coach Richard Carson. Aldine High School senior football player Brandon Green received a football scholarship from Blinn College on Feb. 5. Pictured with Green is Aldine High head football coach Bill Smith. Voice of Aldine athletics lends his talents to Houston Bowl Bob Allen’s voice is a familiar one to Aldine ISD athletic enthusiasts. For more than three decades Allen has been “the voice” of Aldine athletics, serving as the public address announcer for football, basketball and baseball games. His booming voice has informed and entertained fans for many years, but Aldine isn’t the only place where sports fans can hear Allen’s voice. For the past two years, the veteran educator has served as the public address announcer for the Houston Bowl (formerly the Gallery Furniture.com Bowl), a job he has cherished. The 2002 game pitted Oklahoma State University (OSU) against Southern Mississippi. Over the years, Allen has also called high school playoff games in the Reliant Astrodome, but getting the opportunity to call a NCAA Division I bowl game was a dream come true. “I’ve been doing high school playoff games for more than 20 years, but doing a college bowl game is a little more exciting, especially considering that it’s nationally televised on ESPN,” Allen said. “I was chosen to do the game the last two years by Darrell Simon, who is the events coordinator at Reliant Park. Darrell is my boss for the high school games I announce, and when the position came open for the bowl game, Darrell simply slotted me into the spot.” A wise move by Simon because anyone who knows Allen knows he’s a consummate professional who is detail oriented. The veteran announcer has years of experience behind the mike, but working the bowl game was a bit of a challenge due to the demands from the television network. The day before the game, Allen attended a meeting with officials from OSU and Southern Mississippi, an NCAA representative, game officials, ESPN personnel, bowl officials and other concerned parties. On the day of the game, Allen arrived bright and early at 9 a.m., three hours before the noon kickoff. Allen said he felt it was important to get an early start on the day. AISD sends four teams to basketball playoffs “That gave me plenty of time to get my player roster and check the pronunciations of the players’ and coaches’ names,” Allen said. “I then read over all the commercial announcements (32 different ones) that I would read during the game.” With so much to take care of during the game, Allen needed a little help in the booth and he had a familiar face spotting for him during the Houston Bowl, his wife, Dixie. “Dixie was no stranger to the job, having served in the same capacity for last year’s bowl game. For many years she has also spotted for me during playoff games at the ‘Dome.” Allen said announcing the bowl game was much like announcing on Friday or Saturday night at Thorne Stadium, with one notable exception. “Probably the hardest thing of all is trying to stay coordinated with the television network broadcast. The networks run on a very tight schedule—I mean in fractions of seconds, not whole minutes and the schedule is theirs to dictate. We must follow them, not the other way around. When I announce at Thorne Stadium, everything seems to happen according to my pace until the game starts. If we start a few minutes early or late, it’s no big deal. But with TV you do it according to their schedule. Trying to synchronize all of the play-by-play, commercials and all of the other things to their schedule is very difficult and can really wear you out.” Continued on Page 7 Four teams (two girls and two boys) qualified for the playoffs as the Aldine High School Lady Mustangs won the District 21-5A girls’ title and the Nimitz High Cougars captured the 21-5A boys’ title. The Eisenhower High Lady Eagles represented AISD in the playoffs by finishing second in the league, while the MacArthur High Generals also qualified for the playoffs with a second-place finish. The Lady Mustangs finished the season with a 30-7 record (12-2 in district) and won three playoff games to reach the Region III Tournament, where Patricia Beal’s team lost to Dulles. Leading the way for Beal’s team was junior Kristee Wallace, who was named the 21-5A MVP. Wallace averaged 17.1 points per game and led the league and the Houston area in steals with six per game. Other top performers for AHS were senior Tawanna Stephens (4.7 steals per game), Theresa Caldwell, Danielle Applin (14.3 points per game), Sarah Felder and Telheree Hurd. “The girls represented Aldine ISD with class and style, while putting together one of the most successful seasons in Aldine High School history,” Beal said. “It isn’t very often that a coach is able to attain 30 wins (in a season), but I was blessed with a team full of drive and character.” Eisenhower’s Lady Eagles finished the season 23-10 (10-4 in district) under first-year head coach Anthony Watkins, who shared cocoach of the year honors with Beal. Leading the way for the Lady Eagles were Teshay Winfrey (11.5 points per game), Ashley Davis (9.8 points per game), Tayunn Taylor (6.6 points per game) and Taneisha Riles, Kourtney Reese, Chaunell Freeney and Lasundra Fair. “With this being my first year at Eisenhower, it took a while for the players to adjust to a new coach and a new philosophy,” Watkins said. “Our goal was to be one of the top teams in the district and make the playoffs and we accomplished both of those goals, so we felt this was a successful season and we’re ready to build on it in the future.” The Nimitz boys also had a firstyear head coach in Randy Gilmer, who led the Cougars to a 26-13 record (13-1 in district) and a spot in the Region III Tournament, where they fell to eventual state tournament participant Hightower. The Cougars had two of the top players in the Houston area in 6-7 forward Cartier Martin and 6-5 guard Blake Adams. Adams was named to the first team All-Greater Houston, while Martin was named to the second team. Other top hands for the Cougars were Derick Roberts and Aldric Reynolds. Gilmer said he was proud of the way his team improved as the year evolved, especially with the difficult schedule Nimitz played. “It was a great season,” Gilmer said. “We played 36 games and 23 of those games were against teams that made the playoffs. That’s pretty remarkable when you think about it. The kids had to learn a complete new style of offense and defense, but they worked hard and improved throughout the year.” Continued on Page 7 INSIDE Spring 2003 A review of events and achievements in Aldine ISD schools. ALDINE Page 7 Golf tournament set Aldine ISD hosts 7th annual Teen Summit to benefit Aldine Council of PTA Aldine ISD played host to more than 1,800 high school students from 85 public and private Houston-area high schools who attended the seventh annual Teen Summit on Race Relations. The summit was held Jan. 10 at Aldine ISD’s M.O. Campbell Educational Center. The M.B. Donaldson Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, May 17 at Cypresswood Golf Course. The tournament benefits the Aldine Council of PTA. The four-man scramble format will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The registration fee is $75 per person. Checks should be made payable to the Aldine Council of PTA. The tournament will also feature a closest to the hole contest and a longest drive contest. An awards ceremony will be held following the tournament. Trophies will be awarded to the top three teams. Businesses or companies can sponsor a hole for $100. Those who wish to sponsor a hole should send their check (made payable to the Aldine Council of PTA) to: David Brenek, Aldine Middle School, 14908 Aldine Westfield Road, Houston, Texas 77032. The entry deadline is Thursday, May 15. For more information, contact Brenek at Aldine Middle School at (281) 985-6580. AISD sends four teams to basketball playoffs Continued from Page 6 MacArthur High finished with a 24-9 record (9-5 in district) and defeated Humble in bi-district before falling in the area round. Head coach Rick German’s top players were Jordan Brooks (14 points per game, 10.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists), Vance Dixon (11 points per game, 4.5 rebounds), Jermaine Brooks (eight points per game) and Jamaal Mosley (seven points per game). German credited the success of the season to unselfish play. “Our team was very unselfish and played well together,” German said. “With a strong JV (junior varsity) and a strong sophomore team, which won district, we should be OK next season.” Voice of Aldine athletics lends his talents to Houston Bowl Continued from Page 6 Despite those demands, Allen said the best part of the job is calling the game itself. “That is where the announcer can really make a difference by being more excited about a big or spectacular play, or encouraging a player who has been injured, or even getting a quiet crowd more into the game,” he said. “When both teams, winner and loser, both go away happy and tired from the excitement, you know you have done your job the way it should be done. Still, you never are completely satisfied. There is always the feeling that I could have done better, and that is why I immediately start to look forward to next week or next year’s game. And the chance to provide new thrills for fans throughout Aldine and the Houston area.” Students spent the day in a variety of sessions to find ways to improve race relations in their schools and communities. They discussed topics such as scapegoating, racial profiling, segregation, bigotry and stereotyping in breakout sessions. Additionally, students used their lunch break to meet with fellow students from different schools and ethnic backgrounds. Following lunch, all 1,800 of the students gathered for a general assembly where each breakout group presented the results of their session to others. Organizers of the event were hopeful the students would return to their schools and communities and share what they learned with other students and adults. The Teen Summit was hosted by the Inter-Ethnic Forum of Houston and H.E.B. Grocery. Conley Elementary partners with NHC to offer ESL, computer training for adults Thanks to a partnership between Conley Elementary and North Harris College, a number of Spanish-speaking adults are acquiring ESL and computer training at the Aldine ISD elementary school. The training, in turn, will help the parents have the necessary communication skills and computer skills to help their children with their school work, and communicate with friends and relatives back home in Latin America. Conley principal Debra Carrington approached North Harris College and Barbara Thomason, dean of corporate and continuing education, about the idea. Carrington needed experienced instructors to teach the courses, and Thomason and NHC were more than willing to help. “The program is working extremely well,” Carrington said. “We can’t thank North Harris College enough.” The 12-week courses are funded by a 21st Century Grant, Carrington said. Part of the grant contained a parent component and after surveying the community, it was decided the ESL (English as a Second Language) and computer classes were needed in the community. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. in a computer lab at Conley. Thomason said a key portion of the program is holding the classes at Conley. “That’s important,” she said. “It’s important they get this training in their own backyard.” The program has attracted 38 adults to the ESL classes and 16 to the computer class. The computer course covers basic usage of a computer, from how to access the Internet to using e-mail. Thomason said after surveying the community, it was discovered that adults use computers to communicate with relatives in their home country. “There was a definite need for computer training. So many of these parents have computers in their homes. It made sense they have the training to use the equipment,” Thomason said. Plans call for the course to be extended next year and to customize the computer class to include spreadsheet use and word processing. Carrington said thanks to the partnership, adults are getting the training they need to not only communicate with others, but to help their children as well. “It is great to see the wonderful community support and participation,” Carrington said. “We really feel great about meeting their needs.” A group of Houston-area high school students listen as an adult facilitator led one of the many breakout sessions. Aldine’s public information office wins 13 awards Aldine ISD’s public information office won 13 awards at the 41st annual Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) convention, held Feb. 18-19 in San Antonio. The department earned one Best of Category Award in the calendar/planner category (Aldine ISD’s 2002-2003 Calendar of Events) for school districts with enrollments of more than 10,000 students. In addition, the department earned 10 Gold Star Awards and three Silver Star Awards. The Gold Star Awards were won in the following categories: calendar/ planner, annual performance report, external newsletter (Inside Aldine), brochure (Board of Trustees brochure, Aldine ISD Map and information Guide, and Aldine at a Glance), published photo (two by Leticia Fehling) and writing (two by Leticia Fehling). The Silver Star Awards were won in the following categories: computerized presentation (Aldine ISD’s Annual Performance Report), writing and published photo. T h i s marked the third straight year the department earned a Best of Category Award. Aldine ISD’s public information office consists of Ben Wilson, assistant superintendent of community and governmental relations; Mike Keeney, director of public information; Leticia Fehling, assistant director of public information; and Chris Labod, graphic design artist. School public relations professionals from across the state of Texas attended the 2003 TSPRA convention. Health information available to Información sobre la salud estará disponible a los hispanohablantes the Spanish-speaking community The Health Literacy for Family Program will offer free consumer health information for the Spanish community in the Aldine area now through July. Below is a schedule of programs Free programs will be offered with dates and locations: at two Harris County Public Libraries All programs will begin at 7 in the Aldine area—Aldine Branch p.m. Program participants will also Library and High Meadows Branch be able to apply for library cards, Library. Aldine Branch Library is take advantage of the libraries collocated at 11331 Airline Drive, while lection of Spanish language books, the High Meadows branch is located audiovisual materials and on-line at 4500 Aldine Mail Route. resources through a link to the Topics will include: healthy Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas lifestyles, obesity, tuberculosis, preMedical Center Library. ventative dental care and safety. Program Date Health Literacy for Family Program (un programa educativa sobre la salud para la familia) estará ofreciendo información gratis sobre la sanidad y consumo a los hispanohablantes en la área de Aldine desde ahora hasta julio. Ofrecerá programas gratuitos en dos Bibliotecas Públicas del Condado de Harris dentro de la área de Aldine: la Aldine Branch Library y High Meadows Branch Library. Temas del programa incluirán estilos de vida saludable, obesidad, tuberculosis (tisis), cuidado dental y bucal, y seguridad. Participantes del programa también podrán pedir un carnet de biblioteca y aprovecharse de la colección de libros en español y materiales audiovisuales. También podrán utilizar recursos electrónicos para conectarse (en línea) a la Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library (biblioteca de la Academia de Medicina del Centro Médico de Texas) para buscar información. Lo siguiente es el calendario de los programas, lugares y hora: Location Time Programa Fecha Lugar Hora Healthy Lifestyles Monday, May 12 Aldine Branch Library 11331 Airline Drive 7 p.m. Estilos de vida saludable lunes, Aldine Branch Library el 12 de mayo 11331 Airline Drive 7 p.m. Healthy Lifestyles Thursday, May 15 High Meadows Branch Library 4500 Aldine Mail Route 7 p.m. Estilos de vida saludable jueves, High Meadows Branch Library el 15 de mayo 4500 Aldine Mail Route 7 p.m. Growth and Development Monday, July 14 Aldine Branch Library 11331 Airline Drive 7 p.m. Crecimiento y Desarrollo lunes, el 14 de julio Aldine Branch Library 11331 Airline Drive 7 p.m. Growth and Development Monday, July 21 High Meadows Branch Library 4500 Aldine Mail Route 7 p.m. Crecimiento y Desarrollo lunes, el 21 de julio High Meadows Branch Library 4500 Aldine Mail Route 7 p.m. Page 8 Important Events April 8 15 18 21 Autism Parent Meeting School Board Meeting Good Friday Holiday Student Holiday May 13 ASF Star Luncheon 20 School Board Meeting 26 Memorial Day Holiday Shelter in Place The shelter in place procedure is used when the air in our immediate environment has been declared unsafe. The procedures are: • all windows and doors are locked • air conditioning is shut down • no one may enter or leave the building • students and teachers wil remain inside until the “all clear” signal is given • parents will not be able to pick up children from school • parents should shelter in place at home • parents should listen to local radio and television stations • once the “all clear” signal is given, students and teachers will return to regular activities Lockdown The lockdown procedure is used when an individual commits an act of violence or creates an unsafe enviroment in the vicinity of a school or facility in AISD. The procedures are: • all windows and doors are locked • blinds are closed • students and teachers move away from the windows • lights are turned off • no one may enter or leave the building • school personnel and parents will listen to local radio and television stations • parents should lockdown at home, if included in the unsafe enviroment • Aldine Police Department and local authorities will provide assistance, if necessary The Aldine Independent School District offers career and technology education in agriculture science, business education, career orientation, family and consumer science, health science technology, hospitality services, marketing education, technology education and trade and industrial technology. Admission to these programs is based on ability, aptitude, interest, grade level and class size. It is the policy of the Aldine Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its Career and Technology Education programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. It is the policy of the Aldine Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Aldine Independent School District will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Wanda Bamberg, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, 14910 Aldine Westfield Road, at (281) 985-6318, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator, Charlotte J. Davis, director of guidance and counseling and atrisk students, 14909 Aldine Westfield Road, at (281) 985-6403. Aldine Independent School District does not discriminate against persons because of race, creed, national origin, age, sex, disabilities, economic status or language disability in employment, promotion or educational programming. Any complaints or grievances which cannot be solved at the campus level through the principal may be submitted in writing to Wanda Bamberg, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, 14910 Aldine Westfield Rd., Houston, TX 77032. Inside Aldine, March 26, 2003, is published quarterly by Aldine Independent School District, 14910 Aldine Westfield, Houston, TX 77032-3099, Issue Vol. 25, No. 3, Spring 2003. INSIDE A review of events and achievements in Aldine ISD schools. ALDINE Spring 2003 Aldine ISD trustees call Aldine ISD third graders school board election exceed TAKS expectations The Aldine ISD Board of Education approved an election call during its Feb. 25 meeting for Position 3, Position 4 and Position 5. The election will be held on Saturday, May 3. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Leonard Marcella holds position 3, while Rick Ogden holds Position 4 and Carlos Diaz holds Position 5. All three incumbents will run for re-election. Joining Marcella, a pharmacist, in the Position 3 race is Sidney Brewer, who is self employed. Joining Ogden, a consultant, in the Position 4 race is Joseph L. Nailor, an insurance salesman. Joining Diaz, an insurance agent, in the Position 5 race are Maurice Parker, a lobbyist, Raymond Groves, who is self employed, and Steve Mead, a salesman. Individuals interested in receiving a ballot by mail may do so until April 25. Ballots by mail are available at the Central Office, located at 14910 Aldine Westfield Road, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday) in the office of Bettie Stubblefield. Early voting will take place from April 16-29 at the Central Office from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information concerning the election, contact Ralph Norman at (281) 985-6147. The second graders at Harris Academy participated in a six-week long learning activity associated around the endangered sea turtles. With the help of Carole Allen, left, and the HEART (Help Endangered Animals-Sea Turtles) and the library, the students read about, researched, and participated in raising monies to help the sea turtles. Through their fundraising efforts, the second graders collected $622.70 and presented a check to Allen and the HEART Foundation at a special assembly held at Harris. Students at Anderson Academy enjoyed a visit from author Susan Stevens Crummel. Crummel has penned several award-winning children’s books including “And the Dish Ran away with the Spoon,” “Jackaloope” and “My Big Dog.” Donning the cooking hats worn by the characters in Stevens’ (far left) book “Cook-A-DoodleDoo!” are Kerrigan Smith, Chelsea Womack, Erica Jones and Cedric Cheeves. Continues from page 1 chance to pass the exam on April 30 and a third chance on June 25. If a third grader fails the April 30 test, a grade placement committee will be created for the student. The committee will consist of the child’s parent or guardian, the school’s principal and the student’s teacher. The committee will map out the additional instruction the student will receive before the June 25 test is administered. If a student fails the exam after three tries, they will be retained in the third grade. A parent or guardian can appeal the retention to the student’s grade placement committee. All parties on the committee must unanimously agree to promote the child to the fourth grade. Third-grade students at Conley Elementary received the chance to “douse” principal Debra Carrington, foreground, and assistant principal Everett J. Taylor, background, because of the good job they did on the TAKS test. Neil Bush visits Aldine Neil Bush, center, brother of President George W. Bush, paid a visit to a seventh-grade social studies class at Aldine Middle School recently. Bush made an appearance at the school to introduce a new line of software that will assist students with their social studies work. He also took questions from the students, and expressed to the students the importance of staying in school and getting the most out of education. Aldine ISD FFA students earn more than $78,000 at 44th Annual Project Show The Aldine community showed its support for AISD FFA (Future Farmers of America) students by pledging $78,695 for various individual and group projects during the 44th Annual Project Show and Country Fair, held Jan. 29-31 at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. “We can’t thank our community grand champion lamb, which was enough for the support they showed purchased by Triple K Roofing for these students for all of their hard $700. work,” said Franklin Higgins, director The grand champion goat was of career and technology education. raised by Taylor of Nimitz High and “This year’s show saw an increase was purchased by the Aldine Optimist of close to $15,000 from the 2002 Club for $1,600, while the reserve show. That’s outstanding considergrand champion goat was raised by ing the current state of the economy. Pat Guillen of MacArthur High School But it just goes to show the wonderful and was purchased by W.G. Burchsupport Aldine ISD receives from this field & Bro. for $1,000. generous community.” The grand champion fryer rabAshley Gonzales of Eisenhower bits were raised by Candice Catino High School raised the grand chamof Nimitz High School and were purpion steer, which was purchased by chased by First Southwest Company the Aldine’s Buyer Group for $10,000. for $1,100, while the reserve grand The reserve grand champion steer champion fryer rabbits were raised was raised by Sarah Vitanza of Nimitz by Jenny Myers of Nimitz High School High School and was purchased by and were purchased by Beasley Tire Myrex Industries for $8,750. Services, Inc. for $850. The grand champion pig was The grand champion broiler raised by Kelli Taylor of Nimitz High rabbits were raised by Myers of School and was purchased by Kidd Nimitz High and were purchased by Pipeline & Specialties Inc. for $2,300, Component Sales & Services, Inc. while the reserve grand champion for $1,000, while the reserve grand pig was raised by Bryan Doswell of champion broilers were raised by Eisenhower High and was also purClayton Weikel of Nimitz High and chased by Kidd Pipeline & Specialties were purchased by Republic Central Inc for $1,000. Realty, Inc. for $750. The grand champion lamb was The grand champion turkey raised by Vitanza of Nimitz High and Tom was raised by Myers of Nimitz was purchased by W.G. Burchfield & High School and was purchased by Bro. for $1,600, while Gonzales of Big Tex Air Conditioning & Heating Eisenhower High raised the reserve for $1,000, while the reserve grand Ashley Gonzales of Eisenhower High School stands with her grand champion steer. champion turkey Tom was raised by Catino of Nimitz High School and was purchased by Triple K Roofing for $600. The grand champion turkey hen was raised by Myers of Nimitz High School and was purchased by U.S. Congressman Gene Green for $1,000, while the reserve grand champion turkey hen was raised by Catino of Nimitz High School and was purchased by the Superintendent’s Group for $650. The grand champion horticulture project was produced by Lisa Matthews of Aldine High School and was purchased by Component Sales & Services for $900, while the reserve grand champion horticulture project was produced by Connie Guillen of MacArthur High School and was also purchased by Component Sales and Services for $500. The grand champion scholarship cake was baked by Eisenhower High School and was purchased by Reeves State Farm Insurance for $500, while the reserve grand champion scholarship cake was baked by MacArthur High School and was purchased by Firesafe for $400. All of the money raised by AISD FFA students is theirs to use to either pay for college or to fund their FFA projects for the 2003-04 school year.
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