Anahuac Independent School District The Slate April, 2015
FFA Members Going to State Competition The Anahuac FFA Area IX Career Development Events was held April 9 at Sam Houston State University. The Horse Judging Team consisting of Jenna Turner, Traci Alexander, AnneMarie Henry and Kailee Richey placed 3 rd and advanced to State. Traci placed in the top 10 individuals. The Livestock Judging Team consisting of Austin Nauman, Colin Willcox, Katrina Swope, and Kaitlyn Bennett placed 2 nd and advanced to State. Austin and Kaitlyn placed in the top 10 individuals.
The Poultry Judging team consisting of Brianna Humphrey, Zack Rose, Armando Netro, and Kaitlynn Innerarity placed in the top 10. On April 8, the Vet Tech team consisting of Traci Alexander, Cara Hooper, and Emma Swonke competed at Tarleton State University and placed in the top 10. Congratulations to all of these hard working students. (Photos on Page 10)
AHS UIL Participants Recognized by the Board The Anahuac High School University Interscholastic League programs were recognized during the April 14 AISD board meeting. Shown above with the students are their sponsors, Board President Calvin Hill and AHS Principal Eric Humphrey. The UIL article is on Page 3.
AMS Students Get Inspiration From Kayak Trip
Tyna Schultz’s Art students recently had the opportunity to learn more about a variety of environmental surroundings during a field trip to Lake Charlotte. Students learned about kayak handling before taking off in the vessels to explore the lake area and its significance on the environment. The trip was sponsored by Artist Boat, a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness and preservation of marine environment, at no cost to AISD.
Students conducted water testing and gathered data about the estuarine ecology and wetlands ecosystem. Students then created watercolor paintings that interpreted the environment and their experience on and along Lake Charlotte.
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AISD Board Approves Full-day Pre-Kindergarten The AISD Board of Trustees approved an extended PreKindergarten program April 16, going from two half-day classes to four full-day classes next school year. Anahuac Elementary Principal Mitzi Higginbotham said she has the space for the additional classrooms for the expected 60-70 students. Superintendent James Hopper said that the extended program should cost an additional $75,000-$100,000 per year. “We would actually save about $20,000 on the discontinuation of the mid-day Pre-K bus route,” Supt. Hopper said. “The projected cost does not take into consideration the fact that there are several bills currently in the legislature to increase funding for Pre-K. Although increased funding is likely, we did not want to project figures that have not been finalized,” he added. Supt. Hopper said the program will serve all those who qualify for free enrollment. The remaining spots would be filled with those who would pay tuition. The first priority would be children of faculty and staff, then all others who do not qualify for free enrollment, until classes are filled. Details of this program will be presented at an upcoming parent meeting on Thursday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Anahuac Elementary. On a related note, the board hired Tish Powell as a Pre-K teacher. The board also hired Yadira Rivera as Anahuac High School Spanish Teacher.
Shown above are members of the AMS Contest Band with board member Chris Jircik, AMS Principal Tammy Duhon, Band Director Michael Brodowski and Assistant Director Brittany Gaedchens.
In other matters, the board recognized Anahuac Elementary’s newly-organized National Elementary Honor Society. The NEHS contains 14 charter members and stays busy with service and leadership activities. AES teacher Mary Coward is the group advisor. Mrs. Coward was also recognized by AES Principal Mitzi Higginbotham for her service with the NEHS and in her fifth grade classroom. The AMS Contest Band was also recognized. AMS Principal Tammy Duhon spoke of the success of the band and how it prepares students for the Varsity Panthers Band. AHS Principal Eric Humphrey commended AHS National Honor Society advisor Mario Garza and the students for their leadership and service. The Board also reviewed plans for 2015 AHS graduation. The commencement ceremony will be held June 5, 7:30 p.m., at White Park arena. The Board also revised the 2015-16 school calendar to have Spring Break the week of March 14 instead of the previously approved week of March 7. The board heard a report on property tax collections from tax attorney Michael Darlow. Curriculum Director Patti Nauman gave a report on the Response to Intervention program.
Shown above are members of the NEHS with AES Principal Mitzi Higginbotham, advisor Mary Coward and board member Dr. John Redman.
Shown at left are members of the Anahuac High School National Honor Society with board member Ken McGraw, advisor Mario Garza and AHS Principal Eric Humphrey.
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AHS Academic Competitors Headed to Regionals The Anahuac High School Academic Team competed this past week in the UIL District Meet hosted by East Chambers. On March 24, all the writing events took place. The Anahuac Number Sense Team and Current Events team both won first place. Both teams are coached by US History teacher Mario Garza. The Number Sense team was led by senior Toan Huynh who finished in first place, Mason Duhon, Jacob Jackson, and Scott Golleher make up the team and all will advance to Regionals. Junior Carlos Chavez finished in first place to help the Current Events team to advance to Regionals, other members include Kaitlynn Innerarity, Luciano Palacios and Carlee Rose. Garza also coaches the Ready Writing team which swept district. Winning 1st was junior Madalyn Orozco, 2nd junior Addison Hemphill, and 3rd sophomore Hailey Jircik. The Calculator Applications team coached by Irma Moulton finished in 2nd place. Dante Nguyen was District Champ and will advance to Regionals. The team includes Cara Hooper, Ali Kontominas and Edgar Razo.
Shown above are Anthony Capili, Tyler Hunter and Tia Cormier Next on the top right are Ali Kontominas and Dante Nguyen. At far right is Ana Gonzalez. At lower right are Toan Huynh, Jacob Jackson and Scott Golleher,
Tyler Hunter will advance to Regionals in Computer Applications, finishing in 3rd place. Also competing in this event were Tia Cormier, and Anthony Capili. Anahuac participants and events: Spelling: Maricela Hernandez, Garrett Nelson, Tyler Hunter and Imani Wooding. Accounting: Ty Bergeron, Carlos Chavez, Dante Nguyen and Jacob Jackson. Science: Austin Hodges, Ali Kontominas – 6th place, Carlee Rose and Tyrique Smith. Literary Criticism: Armando Netro, Tony Netro and Ximena Valencia - 4th place Journalism: Kaitlynn Bennett, AnneMarie Henry and Madalyn Orozco. Social Studies: Carlos Chavez - 4th place, William Orozco, Tyler Hunter and Imani Wooding. Mathematics: Mason Duhon, Jacob Jackson - 6th place, Tony Netro and Dante Nguyen. On March 26, the Poetry and Prose Speakers and Informative Speech participated in their District Meet. Senior Sarah Robicheaux competed in Prose and Camryn Jackson in Poetry — neither stu-
dent advanced to finals. In Informative Speech, junior Ana Gonzalez finished in 2nd place to earn a trip to Brenham for the Regional Meet. All of these students and others have practiced and competed in many invitational meets over the last three months. Fourteen students will be traveling to Brenham for the Regional Meet on April 25. These students, along with their coaches, should be congratulated for their efforts. The following is a list of coaches who help these students reach their goals: Mario Garza - Number Sense, Current Events, Ready Writing and Social Studies. Kim Sherman - Spelling and Vocabulary. Candy Berry - Literary Criticism and Poetry and Prose. Ramona Dearing - Computer Science. Rebecca Green - Science, Journalism. Irma Moulton - Computer Application, Mathematics, and Accounting. Vicki Vardell - Informative Speech. “Thanks to all of these coaches for all that they do to help this program to continue to improve, and be a success,” said advisor Vicki Vardell.
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We have some very dedicated students to wade out into the bay on a chilly April day and plant Smooth Cord Grass. The Environmental Science classes and the Roots and Shoots Club have been growing Cord grass since last August to replant in the local bays to prevent erosion. Hurricane Ike had taken out several of the natural barriers that protected our area from erosion and since the hurricane, six feet of shoreline per year has been lost in some areas. At the beginning of the project, the students started with one plant per pot with 50 pots sitting in swimming pools full of water. Students have been monitoring pH, salt levels, temperature, and scooped algae from the pools. By the time April arrived, there was an average of four to six plants per pot totaling over 1400 plants! The students planted all of these plants near the Oak Island area. After planting the plants, the Galveston Bay Foundation had the students look at the different biodiversity of species in the bay and had several little education games and activities. “All in all, I would say this was a successful project,” said Biology Science teacher Corena Fitzgerald. “This year the students have to make brochures and power points describing their activities and presenting them to the Galveston Bay Foundation in May.”
Students Replant Grass
I Believe I Can Fly!
Callie Rice’s first graders have been discussing plant and animal life cycles in Science. She ordered a “caterpillar to butterfly kit” and it arrived March 27 . She and the students observed the caterpillars eat, grow and change until they formed cocoons. They patiently waited for the cocoons to hatch and when students returned to school on Monday from Easter weekend, there were four beautiful butterflies waiting for the children. “We observed the butterflies all week and released them April 10 near the playground!” said Ms. Rice.
7th Grade Lady Cubs Compete The Anahuac Lady Cubs 7th grade track team ran in the District track meet March 23 in Deweyville. Jessey Staner placed 5th in the 2400 meter run with a time of 11:15. Also running were Karissa Jircik and Ana Chavez. In the 4x100 relay, the team consisting of Emily Till, Brylie Dillard, Maci Bennett and Bree’anna Anderson ran their best time of the season of 58.06 to take 3rd place. In the 4x200, Ashley Bennett, Maci Bennett, Cecilia Palacios and Bree’anna Anderson took 7th. Cecilia Palacios placed 6th in the 800 meter run. In the 100 meter hurdles, Maci Bennett, Ashley Bennett, and Morgan Rose all ran personal best times, with Maci taking 2nd place and Ashley taking 4th. Bree’anna Anderson placed 4th in the 100 meter dash. In the long jump, Bree’anna Anderson placed 1st with a jump of 13’ 3”, and Maci Bennett took 2nd with a jump of 13’. Although they did not place in the 400 meter dash, Emily Magana, Traci Ly, and Morgan Rose all had their best times of the season. Also running a personal best in the 300 meter hurdles was Brooke Ellis, and in the 200 meter dash Ashley Bennett and Raven Sanchez had their fastest times of the season. Also participating in the meet were: Emily Till (100m dash, high jump), Reagan Briggs (100m dash, 200m dash, 4x400), and Madison Sherman (Shot put, triple jump). The young ladies worked very hard this season, giving up free time in the afternoons to work on their respective events. They represented their school and community with pride, and we congratulate them on their successes.
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Golfer Advances to Regionals The District Golf Tournament was held April 6 at the Chambers County Golf Course. Ali Kontominas and Rebecca DeFusto competed for the Anahuac Lady Panthers. Senior Ali Kontominas scored a personal best to win the Individual Title of District Champion. Kontominas scored a tournament low of 91 to beat the other 21 players for the title and advance to the Regional Meet. This is her fourth year to advance to Regional competition. Congratulations to her on a job well done.
8th Grade Lady Cubs Compete in District
The Anahuac Lady Cubs 8th grade track team ran in the District track meet March 23 at Deweyville. The team had a successful meet finishing in 3rd place with many of the participants bringing home ribbons. Olivia Sierra finished the 2400 meter run in 12:56 a personal best this season, to capture 5th place, Destiny Stephenson, and Jacy Norris competed in the Discus and Shot. Jai’laia Landry placed 6th in the
Long Jump. The 4X100 and 4X200 were run by Marlee Neill, Martina Cadoree, Kaila Thomas, and Jai’laia Landry. They won both races, improving their times from the previous meet. The girls finished the sprint relay in 52.9 and the 4 X 200 in 1:55.22. Samantha Lopez placed 6th in the 800 Run with a time of 3:08.51, Joanna Guia finished the 100mHurdles in 6th place with a time of 19.91. In the 100m run, Jai’laia Landry finished in first place with a time of 13.69, Kaila Thomas followed in 3rd place with a time of 13.84. Joanna Guia finished in 6th place for the 400 M Dash. Ta’Shaila Dunn finished 5th in the 200m run The mile relay ran by Kate Hankamer, Samantha Lopez, Joanna Guia and Martina Cadoree finished in 5th place with a time of 5:04.
OAP Competes Anahuac High School’s One Act Play company competed March 28 at East Chambers High School. There were seven other schools competing for the three open spots for the next level of competition. Despite giving one of their best performances, AHS was ranked 5th among their competitors and did not advance to the next level. However, our students did receive the following awards: Cameron Lieck - All Star Cast Cassidy Berry - Honorable Mention Eduardo Alvarado - All Star Crew. The OAP cast and crew would like to thank the administration, staff, and parents for their continued support.
Sophomore Rebecca DeFusto did not advance this year, but with some hard work and determination she will continue to improve. She is a power-hitter and when she makes good contact, she can drive the ball over 200 yards.
Other participants included Ashlyn Wilcox, 200m and 100 hurdles, Kailey Tilton 800m and 400m, and Kodi Abshier long jump and 200m. The girls worked very hard this track season, they represented Anahuac ISD and the community very well. Please congratulate each of them on their success.
Shown above are runners Jai’laia Landry, Kaila Thomas, Martina Cadoree and Marlee Neill.
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Culinary Students Take Behind-the-Scenes Look at Chili’s Anahuac High School culinary students, along with their instructor, Geraldine Brown, were recently provided a behind-the-scene look at the Chili’s corporation. Three managers, Dean Starkey, Jason Sexton, and James Reese, along with their General Manager Tum Dugan, took time from their daily routine to offer three very informative sessions to the students. The sessions were held at Chili’s in the Channelview area, Liberty and Baytown and included interviewing practices, marketing strategies, and the functions of the back of the house. After the sessions, the students were treated to gourmet hamburgers and totally awesome desserts. The students enjoyed the restaurant experience and hand-wrote thank you notes to each of the location managers.
Easter Bunny Visits AES The Easter Bunny visited the youngsters at Anahuac Elementary April 2 during the Easter parties. The kids were excited to see him. Pictured in the top photo are Jose and Reyna Villalpando. Pictured in the bottom photo are Emily Cao, Jace Smiley and Kutter McKey.
Easter Art Students in AMS Art classes made watercolor Easter cards and Easter baskets for residents of the Arboretum nursing home in Winnie.
YEARBOOK! YEARBOOK! YEARBOOK! The 2015 Anahuac High School yearbook is now on sale! The cost is $40. Order online at jostensyearbooks.com or come by room 214 at AHS.
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Culinary Arts Students Cook Their Way to Victory Students enrolled in Anahuac High school’s Advanced or second-year Culinary Arts classes participated in the first-ever “Canned” Culinary competition held at East Chambers High School.
The students competed with students from Kountze, Hardin-Jefferson, and East Chambers. They were given a mystery basket containing various food items and had 60 minutes to create and plate their creation for three judges. One of the two teams from Anahuac received First Place with its creation of a creamed pork soup. Team members were Jamie Reily and Brianna Humphrey. They are shown working on their meal and also with their certificates. The other team from Anahuac was made up of Jamus Lotz and Tony Netro.
Never Give Up! The NED show came to do a performance for AES February 6 to encourage kids to “Never give up, Encourage others & Do your Best!” The national program is promotes character education during its performances. The NED representative performed many yoyo tricks and asked some questions to some of the students, choosing Kaden Fountain as the winner of an autographed yoyo. They are shown at right. Because NED is a Pay It Forward program, AES had to sell at least $1200 worth of yoyos so another school could have the show come to their school. After the show, AES sold yoyos for two weeks and sold $2792 worth of yoyos, making it possible for another school to have the NED show come to them. AES also received a gift certificate for $280 to purchase NED gear for classrooms.
Super Bashes Cars? No, Supt. Hopper is not bashing a student’s illegally parked car at AHS! It was all part of the fun March 20 at the Anahuac Elementary Fun Fair. Mr. Hopper DID, however, attack the old car with relish as he bought many tickets for the opportunity to take out the grill and headlights.
NJHS Members Help with AES Fun Fair Anahuac Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society members assisted with the Anahuac Elementary Fun Fair March 20. The students conducted most of the games for the crowds of children who attended the festivities.
The Slate 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 following district staff members have been designated to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements:
AHS Art Students Earn Ribbons Anahuac High School art students received winning ribbons at the South Texas State Fair for their excellent pencil drawings. The artwork was displayed at the South Texas State Fair in Beaumont. Alberto Cabrera received a 1st place blue ribbon for his pencil drawing, “El Cabalo”. Arturo Mares received a 2nd place red ribbon for his artwork, “The Bull in the Stable.” Also, Bridgette Sherman received 3rd place for her pencil drawing, “The Country Life” and Francisco Cabrera received a 4th place for his drawing, “The 90’s Store.” “The art students are to be commended for their impressive talents shown at the Fair,” said Art instructor Annette Lee.
· Title IX Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of sex: James Hopper 409-267-2001.
Pictured left to right are Alberto Cabrera, Arturo Mares, Bridgette Sherman and Francisco Cabrera.
· Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability: Cindy Bertrand 409-2672017.
The Slate Is published by Anahuac Independent School District P. O. Box 369 Anahuac, Tx. 77514 Superintendent James Hopper Board of Trustees Calvin Hill …………...…. President Ken McGraw ………..…. Vice President Kate Hampton …………. Secretary Chris Jircik Dr. John Redman Lane Bertrand Cris Stephenson Sue Hawthorne Editor
Important AISD Dates To Remember: April 24: End of fifth six weeks. May 5: Spring Band Concert, 6 p.m. in the Auditorium. May 6: 6th Grade Bring Your Parent to School Day. May 7: 7th Grade Bring Your Parent to School Day. May 8: 8th Grade Bring Your Parent to School Day. May 12: AISD Board Meeting, 6 p.m., in the Admin. Building. Public invited to attend. May 26: Ag Banquet, 6 p.m., White’s Park. May 28: Athletic Boosters Award Banquet, 6 p.m., White’s Park. May 29: Band Banquet, 6 p.m., AHS Cafeteria.
FFA Winners! Shown at right are the members of the Vet Tech team who competed at the State level. Below are the FFA members who competed at the Area competition, with many advancing to State. Full article is on the front page.
