Inside March 2003

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
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r
Eisenhowe first place Speech
,
Le
.
M
as
evor
Thom
in Music; Tr w,
ce
la
p
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ir
tervie
and th
place in In
Jones, first in Speech, Language
s
second place , and Written Quiz
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tu
ra
and Lite
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place in O t place
and third
firs
t Martinez,
Quiz; Skarle a Muhammed, first
mal
in Music; So c, Art, and Written
si
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place in
d second pla e and
an
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Q
ag
Super
gu
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mics and La
Essay, Econo ica Crowl, first place
ss
Literature; Je place in Oral Super
d
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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
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ca
A
s
Harri
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their categori
and third in six-member team
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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
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Victoria
The team
ey Tarleton,
Mayes, Sydn Gonzalez, Maribel
ie
Eng, Stephan ary Hester.
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ac
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d
an
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Saen
first in
iddle placed
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tion
the Improvisa had its team, The
te
ia
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first.
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Team, place ker
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te
ar
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Hambrick M School, MacArthur
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Senior High nced to the State
va
ad
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contest at
Imagination
n
io
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D
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r High Schoo
Nimitz Senio
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ing Assistaz Health Science
it
All 11 Nim rse Aide students
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am.
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at
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nniqu
passed
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B
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ar
M
Car
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n
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is
h
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ed fo
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t
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r
b
le
Ce
test
poetry con
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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
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Texas Stat
Contest
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enior partic
(Eisenhower S
ers
Native speak stening: Adriana
Li
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3
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,
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Advanced Vo
in
ce
la
P
st
1
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lary: Fátima in Advanced Gramce
la
2nd P
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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
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vi
Li
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Noche
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the contest’s
g
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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
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•
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
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test in Austin
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ALDINE
Page 5
IL Region 9
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the State Hig xas at
lass: 2: 1
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Austin.
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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.