Fort Bend ISD salutes its 2013 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

FORT BEND ISD - Fort Bend ISD is proud to announce the names of the 22 high school students who earned the distinct honor of being named the 2013 FBISD valedictorians and salutatorians. These top scholars earned the two highest rankings among their graduating classes after years of hard work and commitment to their academic careers. We congratulate them on their accomplishments and wish them continued success along their school and career pathways.

The FBISD 2013 valedictorians and salutatorians are:

Austin High School

Valedictorian: Oscar Dao (left) and Salutatorian: Yash Tarkunde (right)

Bush High School

Valedictorian: Kelly Medrano (left) and Salutatorian: Sheree Henry (right)

Clements High School

Valedictorian: Lilly Shen (left) and Salutatorian: Benjamin Tu (right)

Dulles High School

Valedictorian: Robert Shen (left) and Salutatorian: Michael Chen (right)

Elkins High School

Valedictorian: Samuel Konstanty (left) and Salutatorian: Milan Doshie (right)

Hightower High School

Valedictorian: Dhrumil Patel (left) and Salutatorian: Alwin Somasundaram (right)

Kempner High School

Valedictorian: Dainah Pham (left) and Salutatorian: Brittany Irizarry (right)

Marshall High School

Valedictorian: Nishat Momin (left) and Salutatorian: Christopher Stein (right)

Ridge Point High School

Valedictorian: Duff Dean (left) and Salutatorian: Alyson Miranda (right)

Travis High School

Valedictorian: Shreeya Patel (left) and Salutatorian: Swathi Ariyapadi (right)

Willowridge High School

Valedictorian: Dave Cachero (left) and Salutatorian: Bethany Easterling (right)

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Fort Bend ISD Board Elects 2013-2014 Officers, New Trustees Sworn In

FORT BEND ISD – Two Fort Bend ISD Trustees were re-elected on May 11 and were sworn in at the May 20 Board meeting.  Jim Rice and Dave Rosenthal will serve three-year terms for Position 3 and Position 7, respectively.

The Board also elected officers for 2013-2014 to include: Jim Rice, president; Susan Hohnbaum, vice-president; Bruce Albright, secretary; and Grayle James, assistant secretary.

The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees official May 11 Election results are:

Trustee Position 3

Vanesia Johnson    1,456 (29.62%)
Jim Rice                3,460 (70.38%)

Trustee Position 7

Keciana Enaohwo          149 (2.94%)
Cynthia Lenton-Gary   1,871 (36.87%)
Rodrigo Carreon           184 (3.63%)
Dave Rosenthal          2,871 (56.57%)

For complete election results for the May 11 Board of Trustees Election, go to Fort Bend County Election Results.    

Pictured from left:  Dave Rosenthal and Jim Rice

The Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition encourages Families to Play it Safe during Seasonal Celebrations

Help spread awareness of underage drinking and the consequences of social hosting

FORT BEND ISD -The end of the school year brings several opportunities for families and friends to celebrate our youth. Many families are eager to host after-prom parties, graduation celebrations and Memorial weekend get-a-ways to welcome in the summer. While these celebrations make for great memories and family fun, they can also cause concern for those who worry about the availability of alcoholic beverages to their underage youth.

As a friendly reminder to the community, the Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition encourages families to play it safe and avoid social hosting during celebrations. Social hosting, also known as “The Cool Mom Law,” is when adults knowingly allow a minor (who is not their own child) to consume alcohol or use other drugs within their private residence, land or secured property. Social hosting can also take place when adults are not on the premises and did not provide the alcohol, but allowed the party to take place.

While it may be common practice for some individuals to provide youth with access to alcohol, underage drinking is against the law. It's also against the law to make alcohol available to a person younger than 21 (other than your child or spouse) even in your own home and with their parent's permission. If you break the law, you face a maximum penalty of one year in jail, a $4,000 fine, and an automatic suspension of your driver's license for 180 days upon conviction.

See the effects of underage drinking

View the video, The Unconscious Truth, created by the Texas Young Lawyers Association to educate students and parents on the signs of alcohol poisoning and the legal and physical consequences associated with binge drinking. The video is inspired by actual events that took place at a house party.

The Facts

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that more than 80 percent of children say parents are the leading influence in their decision to drink or not. Most six-year-olds know that alcohol is only for adults, but between the ages of 9 and 13, children start to think differently about alcohol. Many children begin to think underage drinking is acceptable, and some even start to experiment at an early age.

What you can do:

• Talk to your children about underage drinking.
• Refuse to supply alcohol to youth.
• Supervise your youth parties.
• Make sure that alcohol is not brought into your home on onto your property by your child’s friends.
• Create alcohol-free activities in your home.
• Report underage drinking by calling the anonymous, toll-free hotline at 1-888-THE-TABC (1-888-843-8222).

“I am excited to see the Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition spreading awareness on the issue of social hosting and advocating real solutions on what can be viewed as ‘private’ issues,” said Deputy Jerome Ellis, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. “A cool mom doesn’t break the law, but is engaged with her youth and demonstrates productive decision making when it comes to youth.”

Join the Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition in spreading awareness of the consequences of underage drinking and social hosting. Doing so may help save lives. For more information on Texas Underage Drinking Laws, visit the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission’s websites at www.tabc.state.tx.us/ or www.2young2drink.com/.

The Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition, formed by Fort Bend ISD’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools division and the Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Inc., is comprised of individuals and organizations that support drug-free youth. The coalition’s mission is to prevent and reduce youth substance abuse by building healthy school and community environments. Coalition members represent 12 sectors of the community, including civic or volunteer, community, business, government, healthcare, media, parent, religious, school, youth-serving, and other organizations involved in reducing substance abuse.

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Sugar Land Rotary Honors FBISD District Teachers of the Year and Finalists

FORT BEND ISD – The Sugar Land Rotary honored Fort Bend ISD’s District Teachers of the Year and other finalists during a Teacher Appreciation recognition program held at a recent Rotary meeting. The Rotary has recognized exceptional teachers through this special program for more than 17 years.

On May 8, Sugar Land Rotarians welcomed the teachers and their campus administrators to the event, expressing their gratitude to these remarkable teachers. Charles E. Dupre, Superintendent of Schools, introduced each honoree, who then shared what they enjoy most about teaching.

Honored were the FBISD District Teachers of the Year: Johnny DeJesus, Elementary Teacher of the Year from Heritage Rose Elementary; and Walter Benavides, Secondary Teacher of the Year from McAuliffe Middle School.  Also honored were finalists:  (elementary) Amanda Castro, Schiff Elementary; Amanda Levermann, Settlers Way Elementary; Amber Mann, Jones Elementary; Rosa Martinez, Parks Elementary; (secondary) Shakira Guillory, Progressive High School; John Glenn Ramon, Hightower High School; and Chelsea Waite, Bowie Middle School.  Unable to attend were Terri Court from Meadows Elementary, and Caroline Bartlett from Kempner High School.

Each teacher received a gift card from the Rotary in appreciation of their outstanding efforts as a teacher, as well as their dedication to the profession and their students.

Pictured at the Sugar Land Rotary teacher appreciation luncheon are (front row, left to right): Teacher of the Year finalists Amanda Levermann, Amber Mann, Amanda Castro, Chelsea Waite, and Shakira Guillory.  (Back row, left to right):  Charles E. Dupre, FBISD Superintendent of Schools; finalists Rosa Martinez and John Glenn Ramon;  Johnny DeJesus, Elementary Teacher of the Year; Walter Benavides, Secondary Teacher of the Year; and Ward Pendleton, Rotary Club President-Elect.

FBISD’s Extended Day Program offers Exciting Summer Camps for District Students

FORT BEND ISD - Fort Bend ISD’s Extended Day Program has exciting news for the summer. The program will host summer camps for students of various ages, including Camp PEP for preschoolers, Camp BLAST for grades K-5, and the SELF Program for students who have completed grades 5-7.

Camp PEP (preschool students)

Preschool students in Fort Bend ISD are invited to attend Camp PEP (Preschool Enrichment Program). The program will offer great enrichment, summer activities, and learning fun for eligible preschool students. The camp will be held at only one location this summer, the Ridgemont Early Childhood Center (5353 Ridge Creek Circle, Houston, 77053). To be eligible for Camp PEP, students must have turned four years old by September 1, 2013, or are entering kindergarten in the fall of 2013.

Camp BLAST (Grades K-5)

FBISD students who are completing grades K-5 are invited to attend Camp BLAST (Bringing Learning And Summer Together). The program will provide enrichment activities, field trips, and learning fun.  Students will take part in fun games and activities, explore island countries, study the water’s edge, explore art, and enjoy winter fun in the sun. Camp BLAST will be provided at 10 elementary campuses for eligible students.

SELF Program (middle school students)

The Extended Day Program also offers a summer program for FBISD students who have completed grades 5-7. The SELF (Success, Experiences, Leadership and Fun) Program provides students with project and inquiry-based activities that call on their critical thinking and collaborative skills. Students will also spend time hanging out, learning about themselves, visiting universities and improving their health and well-being. The SELF Program will be offered at the Technical Education Center, behind Dulles High School (540 Dulles Avenue, Sugar Land, 77478).

Registration at Extended Day Main Office

Parents may register for summer programs at the Extended Day Main Office (226 Lakeview Drive, Sugar Land, 77498), beginning May 20 through August 5, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Mondays through Fridays.

For information regarding Camp PEP, Camp BLAST or the SELF Program, visit the Extended Day Program website at www.fortbendisd.com/extendedday or call 281-634-4220.

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FBISD to host Substitute Cafeteria Specialist Job Fair, May 23

FORT BEND ISD - Fort Bend ISD’s Child Nutrition Department is holding a Substitute Cafeteria Specialist Job Fair on Thursday, May 23, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, at the Fort Bend ISD Distribution Center (555 Julie Rivers Drive, Sugar Land, 77478). If you have a passion for service and are interested in applying for the position of substitute cafeteria specialist, you are welcome to attend this event. For more information, call 281-634-1858 or visit the FBISD website at www.fortbendisd.com.

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Armstrong Elementary School honors Volunteers at Appreciation Breakfast 

FORT BEND ISD - To celebrate the valuable contributions of its community volunteers, Armstrong Elementary School recently hosted an appreciation breakfast that welcomed members of First United Methodist Church and several parent volunteers who are actively involved at the school.

The volunteers support Armstrong faculty and staff by serving as mentors, reading buddies, field trip chaperones, and by donating reading material, school supplies and funding to support various programs and activities. Several parents also take part in educational classes provided through the school’s Parent Resource Center, which also provides additional opportunities for participants to become involved in supporting students' educational experience.

Photo 1: Armstrong staff pictured with volunteers from First United Methodist Church – Pictured (seated, from left) are: Catherine Temple, Reverend Jeremy Woodley; and (standing, from left) Belle Howle, Bill McBride, Elsa Villarreal, Parent Resource Center Coordinator; Felicia Holmes, Assistant Principal at Armstrong; Jenny Bailey, FBISD Board Member and church volunteer; Denise McCombs, and Patricia Pratt.

Photo 2: Elsa Villarreal, Parent Resource Center Coordinator (front, center) is shown with Armstrong’s “Super Moms.”

Photo 3: Jaye Campbell, Resource teacher (left) and Callie Day, Data Specialist (right) welcome parent volunteers Osvaldo Medina and Luis Chavez to the event.

Photo 4: Star Students Celeste Tunstall, Brandon Juarez and Romya Kelly, pictured with assistant principal Felicia Holmes, served as event greeters.

Photo 5: Lori Craig, Principal at Armstrong (right) welcomed Jenny Bailey, FBISD Board Member and church volunteer, to the breakfast.

Photo 6: Following the breakfast, parents visited the Parent Resource Center to take part in a learning session.

Photo 7: FBISD Board Member, Jenny Bailey, is pictured with her Armstrong reading buddy, Adrian Moreno.

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Fort Bend ISD observes National Police Week, May 13-17

FORT BEND ISD – National Police Week is observed each year in May to honor those police officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.  Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers and their family members from around the world meet in Washington, D.C., to participate in a number of events to commemorate the occasion.

Fort Bend ISD greatly appreciates our many police officers and department personnel who help ensure the safety of our staff and students on a daily basis.  Their dedicated service is vital to both the District’s security and overall student achievement. 

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Fort Bend ISD names Joe Chandler as the new principal of Willowridge High School

FORT BEND ISD ― Joe Chandler has been named as the new principal of Willowridge High School. Chandler has more than 17 years of experience as an educator. He first came to Fort Bend ISD in 2009 to serve as the Associate Principal of Willowridge. In 2011, he was promoted to be the principal of Garcia Middle School, where he has been serving until his recent appointment.

"Joe is dedicated to helping each teacher and student be their best. He has demonstrated the ability to support the development of a campus culture that is focused on effective teaching and learning, and educating the whole child,” said Charles Dupre, Fort Bend ISD Superintendent. “Joe is an engaging leader – the type of leader the District and community desire for Willowridge. I look forward to working with him in his new leadership capacity.”

Chandler began his career in 1996 as a teacher in Los Fresno CISD in Brownsville, Texas and is a fluent Spanish-speaker. He was a teacher and department chair at Alief Elsik High School for five years, before he became an Assistant Principal at Alief Hasting High School in 2005.

Chandler received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from St. Meinrad College in Indiana and his Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from University of Houston.

“Through an extensive search for a principal for Willowridge High School, we feel fortunate that the best was found in Fort Bend ISD. Joe Chandler is a strong leader and the best person to serve as the school’s principal,” said Dr. Phillys Hill, Assistant Superintendent.

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Joe Chandler

Fort Bend Education Foundation donates $312,982 to FBISD 

FORT BEND ISD - At its annual Grant Awards presentation held on May 14, the Fort Bend Education Foundation presented a $312,982 check to Fort Bend ISD to fund the Grants to Teachers and Schools, Professional Development Grants, New Teacher Grants, and other programs. Since its inception, the Education Foundation has awarded nearly $4.1 million in grants to FBISD teachers and schools. For the 2013-2014 school year, the Education Foundation awarded 161 grants for $236,482 to support the Grants to Teachers and School program. Additionally, the Foundation awarded 150 New Teacher Grants for $17,000, $20,000 for the Professional Development Grants and $39,500 in pass through grants for a total of $312,982 being awarded this year.

Photo: Pictured are Fort Bend Education Foundation Board Members (front row, from left): Brenna Smelley, Executive Director; Terri Wang, Board Member; Lynn Halford, Past President; Peggy Jackson, Board Member; Pat Houck, Current President; Charles Dupre, FBISD Superintendent of Schools; Jim Brown, Vice President of Allocations; Gary Dante, Board Member; and (back row) Dr. John Novak, Board Member; Dr. Dennis Halford, Board Member; John Wantuch, Board Member; Chris Hill, Board Member; and Kay James, Board Member.