Anahuac Independent School District The Slate October, 2016
Grant Pending for School-Based Health Clinic For the past five years, Anahuac ISD and the Anahuac community have enjoyed the School Based Health Clinic (SBHC). The SBHC has been conveniently located at the Anahuac Elementary School, serving students and staff of all campuses. In addition to receiving primary medical care, students and staff of Anahuac ISD have been able to receive well-child examinations, sports physicals, vision and hearing screenings, and behavioral health/counseling services through the School Based Health Clinic. “The SBHC is an example of the great partnership between Chambers Health and Anahuac ISD,” said Chambers Health CEO Steven Gularte. The SBHC was funded by a five-year grant. That grant is now expired, and a new grant has been submitted for approval. “We are hopeful that later this fall, we will receive favorable word that the grant has been renewed,” said Kaley Smith, Chambers Health Executive Director for the clinics. In the meantime, Anahuac ISD Superintendent James Hopper said that school nurse JoEllen Webb, RN is still manning her office on campus for student needs. “But the full-service SBHC will not be back in operation unless and until we receive word that the grant has been renewed,” he added. “We are obviously hoping that this will happen.”
ANB Continues Support of AISD Anahuac National Bank recently gave a $1,000 donation to the Anahuac ISD Education Foundation. The donation was the culmination of a new offer at ANB for Value Checking that benefitted the Foundation. “Thanks to the overwhelming response from our community, we are pleased to present this check in the amount of $1,000 to the Anahuac ISD Education Foundation,” said ANB President and CEO Ken Moore. “It was our pleasure to welcome many new customers to our bank who responded to our Value Checking offer of a $25 donation to the Anahuac ISD Education Foundation with every new account opened.” "This campaign was a tremendously creative way to tie in the community, Anahuac ISD and one of our most consistent supporters, Anahuac National Bank!" said AISD Supt. James Hopper. Anahuac National Bank also served AISD staff a back-to-school lunch of fajitas, rice, beans and all the trimmings a few weeks ago.
Ken Moore, President and CEO of Anahuac National Bank hands a $1,000 check to AISD Education Foundation Treasurer Mike Manders. Also pictured is AISD Superintendent James Hopper.
Plans Under Way for Homecoming Parade The Anahuac High School Homecoming Parade will be held October 12 and will begin at 5:30 p.m. sharp. Line-up begins at 4 p.m. on Willcox Street in front of the high school. There is a charge of $5 an entry/float. The proceeds will benefit AHS student council for homecoming. Checks are to be payable to Anahuac ISD and may be brought to the high school office before the parade. Checks brought to school the day of the parade can be given to teachers Mrs. Green or Mrs. Broomas,
or to student Jonathan O’Banion. Those who are paying are reminded to get a receipt to present at the parade line-up. There will be no set order in the parade entries except for the parade marshal first, the band second, and the horses last. "Be sure to come with your group all together to ensure you are in the order of your choosing," said organizer Rebecca Green. Please contact Mrs. Green for questions and entries 409-267-2013 or
[email protected].
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Athletic Projects Under Design Architect Richard Crump with Claycomb & Associates told the Anahuac ISD Board September13 that design of the new athletic structures continue to be finalized as staff members give their input. An upcoming meeting between the Board, architects and construction manager at-risk company will include the construction/demolition schedule as well as budget for the $15 million in projects. Bids for the computer servers to boost district technology will be approved at another upcoming meeting. In other matters, the Board recognized teachers and students for outstanding performance in various areas. Anahuac Elementary Math teacher RosalInda Campbell was recognized for her being chosen as Elementary Teacher of the Year. “Not only does RosalInda teach Math, but she teaches character ed, as well,” said AES Principal Mitzi Higginbotham. “It is a privilege to have her on our campus.” Anahuac Middle School Math teacher Melissa Means was recognized for her having been named Secondary Teacher of the Year. “Whatever she does works,” said AMS Principal Tammy Duhon. “We are very fortunate to have her.” Sixth grader Paighton Counts was recognized for her honesty when she recently found money on the floor at school and turned
it in. The money belonged to another student who needed the money for lunch. Seventh grader Levi Langham was recognized for his role in helping a new Vietnamese student. Mrs. Duhon said Levi works to help and communicate with the student despite the language barrier. Each AISD campus received a boost to their budgets with the donation of $500 each from Trinity Episcopal Church, a total of $1,500. AMS teacher Loy Garvey, representing the church, told the Board she knows what it is like to operate on a tight budget in the classroom and hoped the amount on each campus would be a help. The District student enrollment totals were given with 364 students at AHS, 296 students at AMS, 652 students at AES and four students enrolled in the Discipline Alternative Education Program. The student numbers have been creeping up since the aftermath of Hurricane Ike caused so many families to leave the area. The Board approved the newest members to the School Health Advisory Committee and District Education Improvement Committee. The committees are made up of parents, teachers, students and citizens.
Eighth grade Math teacher Melissa Means, below, was recognized by the Board for being named Secondary Teacher of the Year. She is shown with Board member Chris Jircik and AMS Principal Tammy Duhon.
Loy Garvey, representing Trinity Episcopal Church, gives a $1,500 donation to Anahuac ISD campuses. Also shown is AISD Superintendent James Hopper and Board member Lane Bertrand.
AES Math teacher Rosalinda Campbell was chosen as AES Teacher of the Year. She is pictured with Board member Kate Hampton and AES Principal Mitzi Higginbotham.
Seventh grader Levi Langham was recognized for his efforts in helping a new student feel welcome at AMS. Also shown is Board member Kate Hampton and AMS Principal Tammy Duhon. Sixth grader Paighton Counts was recognized for her honesty. She is shown with Board member Chris Jircik and AMS Principal Tammy Duhon.
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HOW THE DRILL PLAYED OUT
‘Tornado’ Hits Anahuac High School The following scenario played out at Anahuac High School September 7 during a mock disaster drill: It was a typical morning at AHS until disaster struck around 9 a.m. when a tornado struck the school. Hardest hit was the A hallway where several students and a teacher were struck down by chairs and other debris flying about from the tornadic winds. About 12 students were injured, some more critically than others. AHS teacher Karla Dean, tragically, was killed during the disaster when a ruler pierced her heart. The drill continued to play out as EMS and VFD members from across Chambers County converged on the scene to give help. AISD nurses Joellen Webb and Jolyn Sullivan were already there, assessing the injured. Students with mock minor injuries were taken to the AHS Library to be treated there while the more seriously injured were transported to Bayside Hospital by area EMS ambulances. Some students were life-flighted to Houston hospitals, depending on their injuries. Parents of the injured students were notified as the remaining AHS students were evacuated by bus to First Baptist Church. The students waited there with their teachers until parents were notified to pick up their children. The Tornado and Mass Casualty Drill was coordinated by Chambers County Emergency Management, involving several emergency services and law enforcement departments from across Chambers County. Chambers County’s Mobile Command Center was stationed outside the high school as it oversaw the “emergency” response. “I am so pleased with the coordinated efforts of the Chambers County Emergency Operations, Chambers Health, Trinity Bay EMS, Anahuac EMS, Anahuac Volunteer Fire Department, and Chambers County Sheriff’s Department,” said AISD Superintendent James Hopper. “We were able to practice our drill procedures, communication system and evacuation/reunification procedures in a coordinated effort, as it would be in a real situation. The attention to detail and the per-
formance by each of these entities provides optimism in the case for actual emergencies. “This was a mass-casualty drill following a natural disaster,” Supt. Hopper added. “These events are by definition, crisis situations. Things will never go exactly according to plan, because the plan has to have built-in flexibility. Anahuac ISD Principal Eric Humphrey captained a campus whose faculty and staff were well prepared. Transportation Director Rosie Womack and Director Willis Cormier set the wheels in motion by evacuating the entire student body of Anahuac High School to a reunification site, where parent volunteers simulated the process of picking their children up, postemergency. “The drill accomplished a great deal of what we had hoped it would. It affirmed areas of preparedness, and exposed some areas where we can improve. A very special THANK YOU to all those who worked to make this drill a success,” added Supt Hopper. Chambers County Emergency Management puts on a full-scale mass casualty drill every three years, with the 2013 event held at East Chambers High School. Lori Sims, Safety Coordinator with Chambers County Emergency Management, said last week’s drill was very successful. “There was great cooperation amongst responding agencies including law enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, Fire and Rescue, the hospital, County Public Health and the County Office of Emergency Management,” added Chambers County Emergency Management Coordinator Kim Turner. “A critique was conducted afterward to discuss what went well and what could be improved.” The drill would not have been possible without the cooperation of many local agencies who participated: Chambers County Office of Emergency Management, Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, Anahuac EMS, Winnie EMS, Trinity Bay EMS, Winnie Volunteer Fire Department, Anahuac Volunteer Fire Department, Bayside Hospital, Chambers Health and Anahuac High School students and faculty.
At left are some of the “injured” students being treated by local EMS members. At top is poor teacher Karla Dean, downed by a ruler through her heart. The “injured” were taken by ambulance to Bayside Hospital.
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Your AISD Education Foundation In Action Anahuac ISD Education Foundation was born in 2012 with a mission - to generate and distribute resources to the Anahuac Independent School District to enrich, maintain, and expand programs needed to meet the District’s stated mission of excellence in education – and through the years, this mission has been accomplished many times. The AISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt philanthropic organization of citizens who share a vision to enhance education in Anahuac public schools. The Foundation solicits and receives funding through many avenues: local businesses, other civic organizations and, most often, through individual donations from citizens. Since 2014, many grants have been given out to educators for innovative program to enhance learning. Below is a listing, per year, of the grants given out by the Foundation: 2014: AHS Band - $5,000, AES Music $2,500, K-2nd Grade Math Dept. $3,500, AHS Robotics - $1,000, and 6th Grade Math - $3,000. Total: $15,000. 2015: AHS Band - $5,000, AHS Rocket Club - $5,000, Digital-Performing Arts and $2,200, Science Field Trips - $1,000. Total: $13,200.
2016: AES Science To Go - $1,200, AES STEMscopes Science Kits $3,902.40, AMS Blended Learning $5,000, AHS Microscope Tablet Technology - $5,000, AHS Electrophoresis $1,000, AHS 3D Printing - $2,500, and AHS/AMS Library e-book collection $5,000. Cherry Morris’s second graders have begun enjoying their Science kits from a recent award. “We have them inventoried and are processing supplies that are needed for our physical properties units,” she said. “The mealworms, ladybugs and caterpillars have certainly stirred interest in our second graders. Students have definitely got an introduction into observation, collecting data, recording data, and journaling. The investigating is developing young scientists.” In addition to grants, the Foundation has established a scholarship program. In 2016, the Anahuac ISD Education Foundation proudly introduced its student scholarship program, providing both financial assistance to students in need and recognition for our students’ academic achievements. The Foundation is gearing up for another school year and is excited about the
prospects of giving more funds to departments on each campus. The Foundation Kick-off Event is not a football game, but a Golf Tournament, set for October 14 this year at Chambers County Golf Course. In addition to the tournament, the Foundation board is selling tickets for a monthly gun drawing. For more information on these events, call Rick at 409-277-2011. A Fundraising Campaign is also in full swing, to individually invite local citizens to consider participating in the Foundation grant program by donating funds. Donations are accepted in any amount, with rewards, such as golf tournament hole sponsors and grants in contributors’ names, for those donating at a higher level. A donor form is on Page 5 — feel free to fill it out and send in with your donation — again, any donation is welcomed. So, as the 2016-17 school year begins, please consider the importance of having the right supplies in the hands of the teachers who work diligently for all of us in educating our children, preparing them for their future.
Shown here are just some of the many awards given to teachers in the last two years.
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Anahuac FFA Students Compete at TRF Anahuac FFA competed in a number of events at Texas Rice Festival in Winnie. Marshall Bess placed 8th overall individual in the Rice Judging Contest and received an award. The Rice Judging Team placed rd 3 . “This is our first year to compete in Rice Judging in a long time,” said FFA advisor Hilary Otto. “We are proud of the young men who competed at the contest.” Landon Thompson placed 5th overall individual in Welding Contest and ACE Contest. The team consisting of Landon Thompson, Marshall Bess, Chance Stephenson and Andrew Maddox placed 7 th during the ACE contest. Katrina Swope won Grand Champion AOB Heifer during the Cattle Show. “We had many students who won 1st to 3rd place in their class,” said Otto. Saturday at the Livestock Judging contest Katrina Swope placed 3 rd overall individual in the Livestock Judging Contest and the team of Katrina Swope, Maci Bennett, Ashley Bennett, and Jack Hampton placed 1 st overall.
Roots and Shoots Help Out at Gatorfest Roots and Shoots sent 18 volunteers to Gatorfest to help with over 20 hours of service. Students helped at the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge booth making art with kids, passing out flyers, and helping at the 4-H watershed booth. Roots and Shoots member Joseph Cormier even took over teaching the watershed 4-H booth for about three hours. He was teaching about erosion and how to prevent it on our local water sources.
Cross Country Runners Compete Strongly The Lady Panther and Panther Cross Country teams traveled to Liberty October 1 for the 32 nd Annual Tony Munson Invitational. Highlights of the meet included two Lady Panther athletes bringing home medals in the 4a and under Varsity division of the meet. Out of 51 runners, freshman Karissa Jircik finished 4th place with a time of 14:15 and freshman Jessey Staner followed right behind with a 6 th place finish with a time of 14:25. Top runners for the meet for Varsity boys were Joseph Cormier with a 30 th place finish with a time of 21.10 and Christian Vargas placing 35th with a time of 21:23. There were 61 runners in the Varsity boys division. “I am very proud of all athletes who competed in the race,” said Coach Ashley Skinner. Varsity Girls 4a and under division: 4th place Karissa Jircik 6th place Jessey Staner 27th place Samantha Lopez 35th place Jessica Gonzalez 51 total runners
Junior High Girls: 78th Jarelis Hernandez 17:22 84th Sandra Hernandez 18:05
Varsity Boys 4a and under division: 30th place Joseph Cormier 35th place Christian Vargas 39th place Anthony Ramirez 43rd place Jonathan O’Banion 48th place Blane Daugherty 61 total runners
JV Boys: 104th Dylan Jircik 25:31 114th Lavonte Holt
Junior High Boys Division: 29th Chase Herrington 74th Kyler Mckenzie 134 total runners
143 total runners
122 total runners
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SY@TP Observed Students gathered at the flagpole in front of Anahuac Middle School September 28 in observance of the national event, See You at the Pole. Students read Scripture and offered up prayers.
Free and Reduced Lunch
We Want to Know What You Think!
Applications Now On Line!
Attention All Anahuac ISD Parents: Please take a moment to take a brief Parent Survey to let us know how we are doing! Survey expires October 18. Thank you! Go to https://goo.gl/CSiamF
Parents now have access to complete Free and Reduced Lunch Applications on line! Go to anahuacisd.net. Log in to Skyward Parent Access and select the "Food Services" tab. Next, select the "Applications" tab and there are step by step instructions for completing the application.
Helping Out @ the Book Fair Parent volunteers Jamie Goins, Shannon Dye and Brittany Evans gave a helping hand at the recent Anahuac Middle School Book Fair. AMS is always looking for volunteers to help in various ways. If interested in helping out, call Janie Morehead at 267-4042.
AHS Students Help Clean Up Local Beach
The Slate Anahuac ISD
The Anahuac High School Roots and Shoots organization took 20 kids September 23 to help clean the one-mile radius of Chambers County Beach for the nationwide Adopt A Beach Program.
Administration Office 804 Mikhael Ricks Drive Anahuac High School 201 S. Kansas Street
"Some odd items that our students found included a Walmart shopping cart, lots of shoes, a bike, needles, and several items of clothing," said sponsor Corena Fitzgerald.
Anahuac Middle School 706 Mikhael Ricks Drive Anahuac Elementary 905 Ross Sterling District Phone: 409-267-3600 Anahuac ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
"The students worked over three hours filling a total of 36 trash bags full of garbage. The students were very thankful for our Chambers County Sheriff's Department providing transportation up and down the beach and free water and gloves."
The following district staff members have been designated to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements: · Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of sex: James Hopper 409 -267-2001. · Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability: Cindy Bertrand 409-267-2017.
AISD Teachers of the Year RosaLinda Campbell and Melissa Means were honored recently at a Region 4 event in Houston. They are shown at left with Superintendent James Hopper, AES Principal Mitzi Higginbotham and AMD Principal Tammy Duhon.
The Slate is published by Anahuac Independent School District P. O. Box 369 Anahuac, Tx. 77514 Superintendent James Hopper Board of Trustees Ken McGraw …………...…....…. President Kate Hampton ….……..…. Vice President Chris Jircik ……………………...…. Secretary Calvin Hill Dr. John Redman Lane Bertrand Cris Stephenson Sue Hawthorne, Editor
Important AISD Dates To Remember: Oct. 10: Student holiday — teacher conference day. Oct. 11: AISD Board meeting 6 p.m., Administration Building. Public welcome to attend. Oct. 12: Homecoming Parade, begins at 5:30 p.m. at AHS. Oct. 14: Homecoming game vs. La Marque 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: PRO-Active Community meeting, Hankamer Community Building, 6-7 p.m. Oct. 24: PRO-Active Community meeting, Double Bayou Community Building, 6-7 p.m. Oct. 25: PRO-Active Community meeting, Oak Island Community Building, 6-7 p.m.
